14551To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 19 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have been informed, that the State of Maryland, have named Mr Charmichael, Mr Johnson, Mr Williams, Mr Lloyd, and Mr Jennings, as proper Persons, out of whom they have desired, your Excellency to choose one, in order to draw out of the English Funds a Sum of Money, they have there, for which the Agent is to have two...
14552Song: “The King’s Own Regulars,” 27 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Boston Gazette , November 27, 1775. The King’s own REGULARS; And their Triumphs over the Irregulars . A New SONG , To the Tune of, An old Courtier of the Queen’s, and the Queen’s old Courtier. The song was also published in the Pa. Evening Post , March 30, 1776, and the Constitutional Gaz. , April 6, 1776; we have supplied readings of some illegible words from the former....
14553To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 20 September 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Public Record Office; also printed in The Pennsylvania Journal , September 4, 1766, Supplement, and September 11, 1766. The Publick Papers will inform you of the present distracted State of the Colonies, and the many Outrages and Riots that have been occasioned by a Dislike to the Stamp-Act; all which have been incited by the principal Men of the Colonies where they have been...
14554To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since the 23d. ult. I have been doing my best to bring our Affairs here back again to Order; or at least to be able to proceed for Philadelphia with the Ariel. The enclosed papers will best explain the circumstances of Landais’ beheaviour and of my endeavours to counteract him and his Advisers in thier schemes to defeat the Plan that you had Adopted in...
14555To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Lee, 6 November 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives The Gentleman who will deliver you this was as I understand sent by Congress to General Washington. He was to have given specimens of his abilities as Engineer and been recommended accordingly. Whether He is a great Engineer or no I cannot pretend to say, as He has had no fair opportunity of displaying his talents. The few small works He has thrown up have been in...
14556From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 21 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; draft: American Philosophical Society Inclos’d I send a Boston Newspaper in which the Sermon is advertis’d. The Speaker of the Assembly of the Massachusets, in his Letter to me says, “The Bishop’s Sermon is much liked, as it discovers a catholick Spirit, and Sentiments very favourable with regard to America.” Dr. Chauncey, an ancient Dissenting Minister of...
14557From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 6 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of Jan. 8 came duly to hand, but I have been so much engag’d during the Sitting of Parliament, that I could not correspond regularly with all my Friends, and have of course trespass’d most with those on whose Good Nature and Indulgence I could most rely. I am however asham’d of being so long silent. It is but the other Day that I enquired after...
14558Memorandum Book, 1757–1776 (Franklin Papers)
MS account book: American Philosophical Society [April 3, 1757] Before leaving for England Franklin provided his wife with a long, narrow account book in which she was to record her expenditures during his absence. She made the first entry on April 3, even before he had gone. But later, like many wives—and husbands too—she was far from meticulous in recording everything she spent. There are...
14559To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson: Three Letters, 2 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and transcript: National Archives; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 28 ultimo, while at the Texel superintending some matters relating to the Ship—equally concerned for the...
14560Franklin’s Notes for a Dispatch, [before 28 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library These jottings are beyond question an early step in formulating the dispatch below, November 30, to the committee for foreign affairs. They afford the first insight we have had into Franklin’s approach to the drafting of such a document, and also into his determination to dabble in French even when preparing notes in English. The list can be assigned...
14561On Sinecures, 28 September 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser , September 28, 1768 To the Printer of the Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser . Great complaints are every day made, that notwithstanding Great Britain has involved herself in a very heavy debt, for the defence of the American colonies in the late war, that now they refuse to pay any part of this debt. On this subject there has been a very...
14562From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 14 July 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society I am very sorry that our unexpected long Stay at Albany prevents my having the Pleasure of seeing you at this time. Mr. Peters, Mr. Norris and my self, with my Son, came ashore here about 3 aClock with Intent to get a Waggon or Horses to carry us to your House, and the Sloop was to wait for us till tomorrow Noon; but after many fruitless Attempts, Night coming...
14563To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 11 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Correspondants at Morlaix & Capt. Macatter send me a Copy of their report & of the Letters they had the Honnor to write to your Excellency. The Circumstances & great Losses attended with the abusive detaintion of the Black Princess, are a havey Strock on us, as they are not only missing the Best opportunities to make Prises & to destress the Ennemy, but...
14564From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas McKean, 24 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I heard your Letter read in Congress relating to the Disposition of the German Troops; and understanding from Col. Ross, that they are canton’d on the Island opposite to the Jersey Shore, I send you herewith some of the Resolutions of the Congress translated into their Language, as possibly you may find some Opportunity of conveying them over the Water,...
14565Puchelberg & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <L’Orient, August 26, 1778, in French: We refer to our letter of the 24th and to the arrival of the General Mifflin , Captain Daniel McNeill. McNeill wishes to sell the recaptured French ship [ Isabelle ]. Since his commission and those of his officers conform to Captain Tucker’s, it may be necessary for him to report his captures to Tucker and divide the...
14566To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 4 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’ambassadeur de LEmpereur aura grand soin de faire parvenir Le Paquet adressé a Mr d’Ingenhouse, que Monsieur Franklin Lui a fait l’honneur de lui envoÿer, il a celui de lui offrir ses hommages tres humbles. Notation: de l’Empereur. 4. Oct. 1782 The ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire, who had forwarded books and letters to Jan Ingenhousz from BF and...
14567The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 27 [i.e., 28] November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We are desired by the Ministry to inform ourselves as precisely as possible, at what Time the Vessells bound to America will be ready to Sail.—it is Said that upon a former Occasion the Convoy was obliged to wait a long Time, an Inconvenience that it is wished may be avoided upon this occasion. We beg your earliest...
14568To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bond, 6 July 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to You by Mr. Daniel Kheun, the Brother of Doct. Kheun, Professor of Materia Medica and Botany in our Colledge. He is going to Sweeden to study Divinity and proposes returning here with the pastoral Charge of some of the Swedish Congregations. His Brother thinks Doct. Franklin’s Patronage will be of particular Service to him in his...
14569To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle ——— Defay, 10 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je pars de paris pour Notre Manufacture avec la joie que me donne lEsperance de vous y recevoir Monsieur. Cette Maison Etablie depuis plus de quarantte ans sous la protection de Monseigneur le Duc dorleans En recevera un nouveau Lustre Et dont le prince protecteur qui En sera informe comme des premiers avis que vous avez bien voulue me donner vous En saura...
14570James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor of advising you the 29th. ultimo of the departure of the Raleigh and Alfred Frigates. I am now to inform you, that in consequence of your power to me dated December last, I apply’d to Mr. Gourlade of this place on the subject of it; as much from a desire of complying with your and Mr. Chaumont’s intention, as judging him worthy of that...
14571To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 23 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May this serve for an introduction with your Excellence for Capn. Moses Grinnell, who saild many years from Boston to our consignment in the employ of Colonel Isaac Sears; and now had the misfortune to fall into the Ennemy’s hands on the Coast of Schotland. He saw here both Comodor Jones and Capn. Cunningham. Your Excellencys directions to procure him or...
14572To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 12 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have been for Some time past in hopes of having the pleasure of hearing from your Excellency in answer to what I had the honour of writing to you the 17th. of last month. Since that time Mess De Neufville have totally rejected any Arbitration relative to the Settlement of their demand and have applied to Congress— Consequently my Stay here on their account...
14573To Benjamin Franklin from [Pétronille Le Roy], [September? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mils bonjour au cher et respectable papa. Sa petite famme de poche envoye savoire de cest [ses] nouvelle. Elle espere que sa chute ne l’aura pas incomode; elle luy demande par la meme ocasion se qu’il fait se soire parce que cest [ses] amis on le plus grand besoint de le voire pour calmer leur douleur il irois passe la soire avec luy car iere [hier] aux...
14574To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas Grand, 11 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Cher. Grand prie Son Excellençe Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin & Monsieur Son Fils de luy faire l’honneur de Diner chez luy Lundy prochain 16 de ce mois, avec M. Le Duc De La Vauguyon. The duc de La Vauguyon had returned to Versailles with his wife on account of her ill health: La Vauguyon to Vergennes, Nov. 8, 1782; Laurent Bérenger to Vergennes, Nov. 29,...
14575Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12[-14] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 12[-14], 1779: The States of Holland reassemble tomorrow. The French ambassador has received an express message from his court. January 13: I learn that Amsterdam will have permission to trade with the French West Indies, and I have been authorized to inform certain friendly merchant houses of this....
14576To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bell, 31 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I had the Honor to Write your Excellency, the 28: of Last Month, to Which I have not been favor’d With an Answer,— Mr. Nesbitt, has Likewise mentiond my Situation to you— I have this Day, recieved A Letter from Captn. John Kinnear, the person for Whom it was proposed I should be Exchanged, Who Engages in Case he Gets his Liberty on Parole, to Make his...
14577To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Weisheim, 10 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Cologne, February 10, 1778, in French: I have waited for a chance to convince you of my zeal for your service, and now hear that you have cordially received a young man from Aixla-Chapelle. God has endowed me with few of this world’s goods, but has trained me in jurisprudence, arithmetic and accounting; if you have any employment for me, I will furnish my...
14578To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Mouret, 3 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I depend upon your goodness to Excuse this Liberty, and to grant me the favour I am Soliciting which is the Cause that Urges me to it. Been Just arived here, from English prison where I have been Confind Since the 28 of august last, captured In a Briganting Caled the Retaliation Phylip Kolock Comd. belonging to Messrs. Moris—& Ord—in Philadelphya Bound to...
14579To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Hopkins and James Manning, 9 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): Brown University Library Influenced by your Promptitude in promoting the great Interests of Society, and especially by your predilection of Your native Country, discovered by that early and decided Part which you took in its Favour, and which has been Continued by Such unparalleled Success through a Life protracted far beyond the Common Bounds...
14580To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of making a Request which I hope will not be considered as improper, if it is I beg you will kindly tell me so & there the matter will end. If it is not your compliance will highly oblige me.— My Wifes Grandfather has written me a very kind Letter of approbation of my marriage & in it he informs of his Intention to go to Grenada to...
14581To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Edwards, 27 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The person who applied yesterday on the Subject of Establishing a Paper-hanging Manufactory in America, begs he may not be esteem’d impertinent in requesting you will please to favor him with the time when he may wait for the line of recommendation (to the proper Gentlemen) You was pleas’d to offer to Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
14582To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take this opportunity Via Amsterdam with pleasure to acquaint you, of Sally’s safe delivery of a fine boy, whom we intend calling Richard; and that she is well down Stairs again, and the Child perfectly hearty— We have no Letters from you since Barney’s arrival, we are however flattering ourselves with the pleasure of seeing you this approaching Summer;...
14583To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was yesterday honoured with your Letter of the 25 Octr 1779 being the only Letter I have been favoured with from you these two Years past. I cannot express my Gratitude & Thanks for your obliging Favour which has relieved my Mind from much Anxiety on my Father’s Account. I send you a Bill for thirty Guineas & the Bill you mention shall be paid as soon as...
14584To Benjamin Franklin from John Perkins, 17 February 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Bill by the last Post and thank you for it as I do likewise for the Pamphlets last Summer. It was a sincere pleasure to me to see good Dr. Thompson so well defended by his generous Friend Dr. Hamilton. I am much pleas’d with both these Gentlemen’s Performances. I beg’d your Plain Truth of Mrs. Mecom a few Weeks since which I had never seen...
14585From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library It is long since I have been able to afford myself the pleasure of writing to you; but I have had that of receiving several Letters from you, and I sent you in consequence a credit for 300 £ which I hope you received. I am sorry that you had been obliged to advance: The trouble you so kindly take is sufficient. I just hear from Ireland, that there are 200 of...
14586From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 25th. past. Mr. Chaumont, who continued at Versailles during his Difficulties, now appears again at Paris, having as I hear received 500,000 Remittances from America, with which he has resumed his Course of Payments. I have not yet had an Opportunity of making the Proposal to him, which you mention, relative to the Cloth, but shall...
14587Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I drew on you yesterday in favour of Messrs. Montaudouin for 3000 Livres. I have to pay for the Reparation of what arms have been hitherto purchased and being liable to some small demands I wish to keep a little sum in my desk. Agreeable to your order about making preparations for the Cloaths, I have purchased 300...
14588Report of the Royal Commission to Investigate Animal Magnetism: Résumé with Extracts, [11 August 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Rapport des commissaires chargés par le Roi, de l’examen du magnétisme animal (Paris, 1784) The commissioners of the Faculté de médecine and the Académie des sciences—with the exception of Franklin—met in Paris on Wednesday, August 11, to sign the report of their four-month investigation. Franklin, unable to travel, had signed in advance, having received the pristine manuscript in a locked box...
14589From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 8 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from [Jared Sparks, ed.,] A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), pp. 132–3. I received your kind letter of the 23d of March. I was happy to find that neither you, nor any of your family, were in the way of those murderers. I hope that before this time the town is quite freed from such dangerous and mischievous inmates. I...
14590Israel Pemberton to John Fothergill, 4 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Historical Society of Pennsylvania As I am sensible thou art well acquainted with Benja. Franklin’s Character a recommendation of him seems unnecessary, yet as I would not be deficient in respect to him and am Sincerely desirous he may succeed in the important Service he is engag’d in, I cannot but desire he may have some Share of thy Friendship and so far as his views and measures tend...
14591To Benjamin Franklin from Hilliard d’Auberteuil, 16 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je prie votre excellence de vouloir bien me renvoyer sans retard, les épreuves que j’ai pris la liberté de lui adresser, parceque le retard gêne les imprimeurs, qui n’ont pas assés de caracteres pour attendre plus longtems. J’ai l’honneur de lui envoyer les feuilles K L & M, dont j’ai deja lu de premieres épreuves. Je suis avec la consideration la plus...
14592To Benjamin Franklin from John Atwood, Jacob Vere, and Nathan Chadwick, 7 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We take Leave to write to your Honour to Let you know We are amaricans taken prisoners By the English and Endangered our Lives to get to france Expecting to get our Liberty and the people are suspicious of our Being English and we Desire the favour to Come Before your honour to answer for our Selves. We are your honours most humble and obedient Servents...
14593To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library A mon retour de L’Orient j’ai trouve une Notte de votre part, (sans datte) que me demande des Renseignements a sujet de la Pacotile que notre Ami feu Monsr. Dubourg avait confié a mon Frere—. En reponse a cette Demande J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre les Copies de 3 Lettres que J’ai ecrit—Scavoir A Monsr. Breton le 4 Août 1779 A Monsr. Dubourg le 10. 7bre. 1779 A...
14594To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Estourneau Delatouche, 10 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Touche, September 10, 1777, in French: I decided to join your army, and last December asked my nephew to get me the command of a regiment. I thought that I deserved one after having served under Marshal Saxe (who taught officers their trade) in seventeen sieges and three battles. I learned that for the present this is impossible, but see that you are...
14595Thomas Hutchinson to ——, 18 June 1768 (Franklin Papers)
As you allow me the honour of your correspondence, I may not omit acquainting you with so remarkable an event as the withdraw of the commissioners of the customs and most of the other officers under them from the town on board the Romney, with an intent to remove from thence to the castle. In the evening of the 10th a sloop belonging to Mr. Hancock, a representative for Boston, and a wealthy...
14596From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Facsimile: Reproduced in Charles Hamilton Auction No. 57 (New York; April 20, 1972), p. 28; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I take the Liberty of introducing to your Acquaintance, two of my particular Friends, members of the Royal Society of London, Mr. Jones & Mr. Paradise. You will find them men of Learning & Ingenuity, and have great Pleasure in conversing with them. I recomend them...