2101To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 18 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have for Some time been intending and wishing to write to you; and I now embrace with great pleasure the opportunity of doing this which offers itself by Mr Laurens, now in deep affliction occasioned by the loss of his Son, but happily restored in some measure to health after his long and hard and cruel confinemt: in the Tower. He is, I understand, going...
2102To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [5 November 1782 or later?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I find that I can go off with convenience very early on Thursday morning; and therefore if agreeable, should wish you to give me your letter for Mr: T: T: tomorrow evening , as it may furnish with me with a probable occasion of speaking to that gentleman about certain affairs. Mr: H:’s letter may come under cover to me by a courier.— The very moment a certain event...
2103From Benjamin Franklin to All Captains and Commanders of American Vessels, [16 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society, Biblioteca Estense of Modena, Italy To all Captains and Commanders of Vessels of War, Privateers and Letters of Marque belonging to the United States of America His most Christian Majesty having consented to the Proposition of the Court of London for renewing the Communication between Dover and Calais, and having to that Effect granted Pass-ports for a like...
2104To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 16 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Jays acquaintance with the Ct. de Rechteren who does me the honor to ask an Introduction to your Excy might preclude the necessity of the present Address, If I had not a strong desire of convincing the Count of my sense of his Civilities and of my connection with you— I might from your Long Silence conclude that he will owe much more to his own merit...
2105To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Thaddeus de Ehet and Other Consulship Seekers, [16 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
The expectation that the independence of the United States would soon be recognized by all the powers of Europe caused many to anticipate the need for agents to represent American commercial and other interests in Europe. On November 16, Johann Thaddeus de Ehet wrote in German from Augsburg, offering his services. Franklin wrote on the letter: “Mr Grand is requested to procure a Translation of...
2106To Benjamin Franklin from Luigi Pio, 16 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Pio, chargé des affaires de la Cour de Naples, a l’honneur de faire bien des complimens à Monsieur Franklin, Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-unis de l’amerique septentrionale, et de Le prier de lui dire, si dans le tems il a reçu une Lettre de Mr. Filangieri de Naples, L’Auteur de l’Essai sur la Legislation . Il en est inquiet, d’autant plus que...
2107From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 13th. Inst, and I loose no time in forwarding to your Excellency the Orders you desire for the 4 English Vessels destined to pass between Dover and Calais; tho’ I am persuaded the Passports they are furnished with from his most Christian majesty; would have been sufficient...
2108To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote this pacquet as soon as possible Because My Cousin told me that there was an opportunity of sending them and as Mama Desires it all in english I wrote them with much of dificulty by that means I hope to make some Progress in the english language. I hope you have received the picture and the letter I sent you. I shoud be very happy if I had my...
2109To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives de la Marine Je vois, Monsieur, par ce que M Le Cte. d’hector Commandant la Marine à Brest, me marque, qu’il a prevenu le Commre. des Guerres chargé des Effets des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, qu’il doit les tenir prêts a etre embarqués et qu’il lui sera fourni des moyens pour les faire passer à l’orient, et à Rochefort; mais comme M le Cte. d’hector estime qu’il est necessaire que...
2110To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have hastened, if an earlier opportunity had presented itself, to impart to you a piece of intelligence, which, I flatter myself, will give you pleasure. My profile will, I hope, have the honour of being hung up in your apartment with those of a family, whom you love and revere, and by whom you are loved and revered with the greatest cordiality. My...
2111To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I duly reced your favor of the 4th. & am much obliged to you for writing to L’Orient, from whence I have not yet heard—it gives me much Concern that our great Folks here neglect their Business so much, they did absolutely agree with me three months ago. To send away the Prisoners immediately , I have been teizing Nepean the Under Secretary to Mr Townshend,...
2112To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last post I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency in regard to Irelands being mentioned in the intended treaty between the Belligerent powers; Permit me, now, to acquaint your Excellency, that I have seen my most Worthy and respectable friend Mr John Christopher Hornbostel (Partner with Mr: Folsh, the swedish Consul) who was on former occasions & has...
2113To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Joseph Panckoucke, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Panckoucke Présente tous Ses respects à monsieur francklin, et Lui envoye La Lettre cy jointe. This is the only extant letter from Panckoucke, the leading Parisian bookseller and publisher. For a biography see George B. Watts, “Charles Joseph Panckoucke, ‘l’Atlas de la librairie française,’” Studies on Voltaire and the Eighteenth Century , LXVIII (Geneva,...
2114To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12[–13] November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I have some fears that the British Janus does not intend fair by the Kingdom of Ireland in the expected or depending Treaty of Peace, I hope Your Excellency will pardon my Zeal for my Country, by my most Earnestly entreating to Know, if Ireland is (as it ought of Right to be) particularily mentioned; if it be not, & peace should be finaly concluded, my...
2115To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 13 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have done myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency before this, but waited for my Letters, in hopes of having some Irish Politics to acquaint you of, but have not received any thing very interesting, except, that Lord Temple is more assiduous and more prodigal in offers to Corrupt the Parliament than any of his Predecessors, and the British...
2116To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 13 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur de vous prevenir M. que la Cour de Londres ayant fait proposer au Roi de consentir au retablissement de la communication entre Douvres et Calais, S.M. a fait expedier 4 passeports pour un pareil nombre de Batimens Anglois destinés à remplir cet objet. Je vous prie en consequence M. de ne pas differer à donner les...
2117To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 12 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; two copies: Virginia Historical Society I have had the Honour of receiving your Letter of the 20th. of last Month, informing me that you had accepted my several bills amounting to Forty six thousand one hundred & ninety six Livres Nineteen Sols payle. the 12th. of April next, and you add: “ I confide that you will not hazard the credit of Congress, by...
2118To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [11 November? 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Walpole has this evening appointed to go to Seve [Sevres] tomorrow, to see the Manufactory there, & to Dine with me on his return; & as I Know he would be very glad to have the pleasure of meeting you, I beg Leave to Sollicit the honour of your, & your Grandson’s Company to a plain Dinner at 3 O’Clock, if you are disengaged, if not, I shall hope for...
2119To Benjamin Franklin from Lewis R. Morris, 11 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Enclosed you have a Bill of Exchange on Monsieur Grande for the amount of your Salary from the first of July to the thirtieth September; this Bill has been purchased at the same price as those already remitted vizt. six shillings and three pence currency for five Livres— As Mr Livingston stands charged in the Treasury Books for all monies remitted for...
2120From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 10 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have examined the Captain if it might not be possible that he had left your Excellys. Letters in his Ship. He says that he certainly had no others for you than the Pacquets he delivered: But that there came with him as a Passenger, a Mr Forest, who was a Commis he thinks in the Office of the Secretary of the French Minister, and who left...
2121To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Duplan, 10 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le 11e. fevrier 1778 -, vous nous avés honoré de vôtre souscription pour un Exempl: de nôtre Enciclopedie 8° de 36 Volumes de discours & 3 vol: de planches, sur le prospectus que nous Eumes l’honeur de vous mettre sous les yeux; Vous daignattes Monsieur encourager nôtre entreprise de Vôtre aprobation, et de l’esperance que vous ne vous borneriés pas à ce...
2122To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Mr Steward informing me that he shall set out to morrow for Paris— He will be the bearer of this, & duplicates of my last Letters— Want of time will prevent my sending Mr Jay duplicates of the resolutions formerly enclosed to him, which will be the more unnecessary, as you will communicate those you receive with this,...
2123To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Trumbull, 9 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will doubtless recollect the circumstances of the first institution of the University of Dartmouth in the State of New-Hampshire. That the late venerable Dr Wheelock was indefatigable in his endeavours to civilise and chritianise the indian natives, and to promote humanity, literature, and piety, and for that end sought and obtained benefactions in...
2124From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 8 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress The Congress disregarding the Proposals made by Sir Guy Carleton, and determined to continue the War with Vigour, ‘till a Peace can be obtained, satisfactory as well to the King as to themselves; (as will appear by their Resolves hereto annex’d) but being disabled by the great Deficiency in their Taxes arising from...
2125To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 8 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I beg leave to recommend to your attention the enclosed case of Mr James Nassau Colleton. I do it the more readily because it seems to me to be an equitable claim and because I think every example of compliance on any side with claims of equity and justice will at some time or other emerge in the general account of benevolence & conciliation. Mrs Margaret Colleton...
2126To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 8 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je Suis chargé d’ecrire l’Eloge de feu M Pringle pour être Lu dans notre Prochaine séance Publique; sachant que Vous etiez l’ami de cet illustre Médecin, Je Vous prie de Vouloir bien me faire part des Anecdotes intéressantes dont Vous pourriez avoir connaissance relativement à sa Vie, afin de me mettre à portée de Louer sa mémoire le plus dignement qu’il me...
2127Preliminary Articles of Peace: Second Draft Treaty, [4–7 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
D and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; two D and copy: Public Record Office; transcript: National Archives As new American and British negotiators were converging on Paris, Franklin’s isolation in Passy posed certain inconveniences. John Adams arrived on October 26 but, as he initially refused to call on Franklin, the latter was evidently unaware of his arrival until Matthew Ridley...
2128The American Peace Commissioners to Richard Oswald, 7 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and three copies: Public Record Office; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society (three), National Archives, North Carolina State Division of Archives and History; press copy of copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives In answer to the letter you did us the honor to write...
2129From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 7 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives The Baron de Kermelin, a Swedish Gentleman of Distinction, recommended strongly to me by his Excellency the Ambassador of that Nation to this Court , as a Person highly esteemed in his own , purposes a Journey thro’ North America, to view its natural Productions, acquaint himself with its Commerce, and acquire such Information as may be useful to his...
2130To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de La Blancherie, 7 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. De la Blancherie arrivant d’hollande accablé d’occupations, n’a que le tems de faire présenter son respect á Monsieur Le Docteur franklin, et de le supplier de vouloir bien lui faire procurer l’Extrait mortuaire de M. De Troye, Lieutenant dans la Légion de Palaski mort à Charles-Town (dans la lettre de sa famille on écrit Chartouin ) à l’hôpital de la d....
2131The American Peace Commissioners to Henry Strachey, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and three copies: Public Record Office; copies: National Archives (three), Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society, William L. Clements Library; transcript: National Archives We have been honoured with your Favor of the 5th. Instant, and as our Answer to a Letter We recieved from Mr. Oswald on the same subject contains our unanimous Sentiments respecting it, We take...
2132From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Library of Congress I wonder much that your Excellency has received no Letters by our Packet Boat. There were some for M. De Castries & M. de Segur. I enclose what News I have which is not in the News papers. Those will have informed you of the Unhappy Loss of the Eagle, and saving of the Money &ca. I am with great Respect Sir,...
2133To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, October [i.e., 6 November] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Capn. Barney has the honor of assuring his Excelly. Doctr. Franklin of his most respectfull Comps. & wth. pleasure accepts his polite invitation to dinner on Saturday next Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Le Doctr. Franklin / ministre Plenipotentiare / des Etats Units de / L’Amerique en / son hotel / a Passy The day after Barney arrived in Paris with...
2134To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Bayard, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai Lhonneur de vous prier de faire mettre votre Légalisation au bas de la Procuration cy incluse, elle a pour objet la Suite des malheureuses expeditions que j’ai fait d’aprês mon traitté avec les Etats de Georgie, on m’assure Monsieur que cette Procuration pourroit être contestée en Amerique Si vous n’aviéz La bonté d’y Donner cette Sanction; Comme...
2135To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut and Arnoux, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux ont lhonneur d’assurer Monsieur franklin de leur attachement respectueux, et de lui demander s’il n’y auroit point d’indiscretion de le prier de leur preter les deux premiers Volumes des memoires de la Chine. Si leur respectable ami peut leur rendre ce Service, les deux abbés Le prient de le leur faire sçavoir, et ils feront...
2136To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Nous avons L’honneur de vous remettre Sous ce ply Les procedures de lamirauté de nôtre ville, des deux prises anglaises les deux freres, & Larundell, faites par Le corsaire ameriquain La Révolution, nous vous Suplions de vouloir Bien nous honorer de leur Condamnation le plutôt quil vous Sera possible, pour de suitte acceleree La vente. Nous Sommes avec...
2137Henry Strachey to the American Peace Commissioners, 5 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and three copies: Public Record Office; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two) Knowing the Expectation of the King’s Ministers, that a full Indemnity shall be provided for the whole Body of Refugees, either by a Restitution of their Property, or by some stipulated Compensation for their Losses, and being confident, as...
2138To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ségur, 5 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress M de Ségur a L’honneur de faire à Monsieur franklin ses Remerciments du soin quil a bien voulu prendre de Lui faire adresser Les depeches de L’amerique septle. qui lui sont parvenues pour Lui; il le prie en même tems dagréer ses sinceres Compliments./. These had been brought by Capt. Joshua Barney of the packet General Washington; he arrived in Paris on Nov. 5: Barney...
2139From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Townshend, 4 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress (three), Public Record Office (three), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me by Mr Strachey, and am much pleas’d with the Opportunity it has given me of renewing and encreasing my Acquaintance with a Gentleman of so amiable and deserving a Character. I...
2140Richard Oswald to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and five copies: Public Record Office; LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: William L. Clements Library (two), Library of Congress, National Archives (two), North Carolina State Division of Archives and History; press copy of copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives You may remember that from the very beginning of our Negotiation for Settling a Peace between Great...
2141Philip Mazzei to the American Peace Commissioners, 2 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania What I am going to mention to your Excellencies will, I hope, apologize for the liberty I take of addressing myself to you. In January 79. I was appointed by the Government of Virginia to go to Europe to transact there some business of importance for the State. I was taken prisoner in coming, & did not recover my liberty ’till Novr. the same year. I...
2142To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 22 October [i.e., 2 November] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society As it may be proper you shou’d be acquainted with the contents of the enclosed letter to Mr: Morris, I take the liberty to send it to you open, and to request you, after you have read it, to close it and to forward it by the earliest opportunity. I am, Sir, with much respect and esteem, your most obedient humble Servant A letterbook copy in Dana’s hand....
2143To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society John Adams arrived in Paris on the evening of Saturday, October 26, after a ten-day journey from The Hague. The first person he sought out the following morning was Matthew Ridley. Ridley gave him general information on the state of the negotiations, and filled him in on Franklin’s health: the Doctor was still weak and had ceased his custom of...
2144To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are honour’d with your Letter of 26th. October Covering Mr. Hodgsons Letter and Captn. Houstons Bill on us for Ten Guineas.— We shall procure the information Mr. Hodgson desires, for the next post.— We return you Captn. Houstons Bill accepted by us payable at Mr. Vincens Banquer in Paris.— Captns. Cain and Josiah are out of Town but shall deliver your...
2145To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I arrived here last evening, with Mrs Williams, she is not well enough to be left immediately or I should have paid my Duty to you in Person. I beg Billy will let me know by a Line how you are, & I hope in a few days to be able to see you, in the mean time I remain as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /...
2146To Benjamin Franklin from John Barry, 31 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress Having nothing to Communicate to your Excellency of any consequence but my Arrival here, and that Mr. Barclay promised me he would anounce— I therefore thought it would be only Troubling your Excellency to write, as I was at that time in Expectation of being to Sea before an Answer Could Come from Paris— some Necessaries being...
2147To Benjamin Franklin from Maxwell Garthshore, 31 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having formerly the honour to be a little known to you, I presume to address you in the Cause of Humanity.— The eldest Son & Heir of the late Mr. Pollhill Member for Southwark, who had the honour to be known to you, is with His Lady now in this Hotel, on His way to Nice, for the recovery of His Health, which the Climate of Paris seems very unfavourable...
2148To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I am very sorry to hear of your illness, but I hope that one of your Complaints the Gout will after you have paid off the Score give you a renewed lease of health and strength. As to the Gravel I presume you know very well that the Sope boiler’s ley (wch must be nearly the same in all Countries) is a specific. It is so likewise for the Stone but that is a very...
2149To Benjamin Franklin from James Pearce, 29 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I call’d on Mrs Stevenson and Mrs. Hewson at Kensington this Day— Mrs. Stevenson is in so poor a way that they dont think she will live long. Mrs. Hewson informed me that you had been so kind as to enquire after me in the last letter that she received from you— I am very sorry to send you the melancholy news of my Dear Wife’s Death. She died 22 Oct 1781 and...
2150To Benjamin Franklin from Ezekiel Edwards, 28 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sometime to morrow Morning I expect to set off for Nantes, and will have the pleasure to wait on your Excellency for any dispatches you may wish to Have forwarded— There is a Schooner at that place ready for Sea with the first wind, bound to Virginia— I am most respectfully Your Excellency’s Obedt. Hhble. Servt. A Philadelphia merchant who was a...