2101From Benjamin Franklin to Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bibliothèque de Genève Reflecting with Pleasure on the agreable and instructive Conversation you favour’d me with, when I had the Happiness of seeing you in London, I embrace this Opportunity of recalling myself to your Remembrance, & of requesting your Acceptance of a Copy of the American Constitutions. With great and sincere Esteem I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient and...
2102From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, [30 April 1754?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania It was late in the Evening when I came home last Night, or I should have sent you Mr. Smith’s Letters, concerning which I shall be glad to talk with you when you have a little Leisure. If you are at liberty to dine where you please to day, I shall be glad of your Company; my Dame being from home, and I quite Master of the House. Your humble Servant...
2103To Benjamin Franklin from F.R. Granger, 28 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Supliant à l’honneur de vous represantée quétant prisonniee à bord du Vaissaux Anglais le Blenheim il y fut conduit quelques prisonniee ameriquain prévenant du Corsaire Ameriquain le Prince-Noir pris dans une prise, ces gans avait été tous dépouliee et avait besoin de tout je les soulaga autant qu’il fut dans mon pouvoir et il me Donnerent ce pouvoir qui...
2104From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carter, 18 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Anderson Galleries, Sales Catalogue No. 800 (January 18, 1910), item 90. Please to pay Mr. Robert Dade or Order Thirty-one Pennyweight of Gold, and charge it to Account of, Sir Your humble Servant Col. Charles Carter (1707–1764), of Cleve, King George Co., Va.; son of Robert “King” Carter of Corotoman and uncle of Robert Carter of Nomini Hall, the Councillor. Va....
2105To Benjamin Franklin from Wulffen, [c. 25 June 1780] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Bien vivement penétré Des Soins, que Votre exellence, a pris La peine de Se Donner a mon occasion; je Serois bien enchanté que vous Daignassiéz reçevoir L’etendue de ma vive reconnoissance, qui egaleroit Les biens faits Signalés, que j’ai eprouvés de votre Bonté et qui ne Sortira jamais de ma mémoire. L’objet qui m’intéresse, est le Certificat que vous à...
2106From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 5 June 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Maine Historical Society Inclos’d is an Invoice of the Books shipp’d for the Library Company by Mr. Strahan. I happen’d to be in the Country when they were pack’d up, so had not an Opportunity of seeing them. But if you find any Mistake he will rectify it. I wish them safe to hand. Upon Enquiry, I find that to purchase all the Transactions of the several Philosophical Societies in Europe...
2107To Benjamin Franklin from Anne Farrow, 8 January 1759 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I hope you will not think it bold though I Present you with a few Lines being So near a Relation. Hearing you was not gone out of England I thought I could do no less When I was informed in Summer you was come over into England to see all your Relations I fanced my Self with great Pleasures of seeing you and your offspring. Which Pleasure would have...
2108To 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....
2109From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 25 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society The above is a Copy of my last. I hope you have receiv’d a Bill for £75 Sterling. I sent you the 1st per in mine of the 27th of August last, when I wrote for one of Mr. Smeaton’s New Air Pumps for the Academy. I now send another Bill for £30 Sterling on the same Account together with a List of some Philosophical Implements that will be wanted towards our...
2110To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 3 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr. Gibbs full of Respect for your Character has not only the very natural Ambition of being introduced to your venerable Person but cherishes the Hope of obtaining your sage Counsel and your Patronage upon his Arrival in France with an Intention to establish himself there at least for some years. Your Philanthropy alone secures that Patronage to...
2111To Benjamin Franklin from James Theobald, 4 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the Honour to write You a Letter abt. November 1777 to acquaint Yo. with the melancholy Event of the Death of that Worthy Good Woman Mrs. Bache of Preston and at the same time to Enquire after Yr own Health & that of Yr Son in Law M R B & his son Benjamin— I also took the Liberty of requesting the Favour of a Line from You directed under Cover...
2112From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington: Two Letters, 19 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS and copy: Library of Congress; (II) copy: Library of Congress I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency’s Acquaintance & Civilities, Monsr. le Chevalier De Chastelleux; Major General in the French Troops, now about to embark for America, whom I have long known and esteem’d highly in his several Characters of a Soldier, a Gentleman, & a Man of Letters. His excellent Book on Publick...
2113To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [18 July? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letter which had the Pleasure of Receiving gave me great Pleasure as it gave me a fresh Proff of your own Dear Self, and being once more on the Same Land with us. Your Dear good Sister Grew Very impatient till She heard from you and began to fear you was not Come. She was kind enough to Shew me her letter and you are fear full She will be trouble Some...
2114To Benjamin Franklin from George Mercer, 4 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the Liberty to wait on you to consult you upon some Quaeries which were sent me from the Stamp Office, which I confess myself incapable to answer. As I would wish to have the Matter properly represented, and am convinced Sir there is no one so capable to instruct me as yourself, I must beg you’ll give me Leave to wait on you to morrow Morning at any...
2115Extracts from the Gazette, 1736 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 6 to December 30, 1736. [ Advertisement ] This is to certify, that I Robert Jesson, late Merchant of Philadelphia, having been afflicted with a Dropsey, insomuch that my Life was despaired of, am now effectualy cured by an Elixir which Mr. Edward Jones of this City, Gent. has the Secret of making. In Gratitude for the Favour, and for the Benefit of...
2116To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Girault de Kéroudou, 25 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre excellence verra que L’ouvrage Cy joint â été imprimé par ordre du Bureau d’administration du College de Louis Legrand; C’est à Ce titre que Je prends La Liberté de vous L’adresser pour La societé de Philadelphie, persuadé de son utilité pour L’education publique dans Les etats Americains Comme dans La france; dumoins M. Le President Rolland, autheur...
2117To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 30 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Since my last the Irish Brigantine the Three Friends from Bordeaux taken by the Alliance has sunk at her Anchors in this Road. This unfortunate Accident happened about Eleven in the fore noon the Day before yesterday, and the Prize Master and People declare that the Vessel made no...
2118To Benjamin Franklin from John Mervin Nooth, [before 22 April 1773]: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: printed in the Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions …, LXIII (1773), part I , 333–9. It must undoubtedly appear extraordinary, that, in the present age, when the study of electricity is become so general, and the advances that have been made in the science are so very considerable, I should attempt to recall your attention to the structure of the electrical machine. But I believe...
2119To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Livezey, 18 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ I have not the happyness of an Intimate Acquaintance with thee, yet time I hope will alter that Circumstance, and bring us better acquainted; I only know thee from Some of thy Writings, the Author of which I Greatly Esteem. As thou art one of the Agents for this Province in Great Britan, I Sent a Dozen of American wine by Caaptn. Falconer, the Last...
2120From Benjamin Franklin to William Smith, 19 April 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of the 11th Instant, with your new Piece on Education, which I shall carefully peruse; and give you my Sentiments of it as you desire, per next Post. I believe the young Gentlemen, your Pupils, may be entertain’d and instructed here in Mathematics and Philosophy to Satisfaction. Mr. Allison (who was educated at Edinburgh, or...
2121To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [after 22 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. De Veymerange demeure rüe neuve des maturins— Jai fait Ecrire chez lui monsieur Franklin ainsy que moy, cest Sans doutte par un retour de Politesse qu’il est venu icy. Mr Grand prie monsieur Franklin fils de vouloir bien lui envoyer Les Etats des payements quil a Laissé hier Sur son Bureau. Il à besoin de faire un nouveau travail dessus. See the...
2122The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Haverford College Library; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have the pleasure of inclosing to you the copy of a letter from General Gates containing the circumstances of a Victory gained over General Burgoyne on the 7th. This event must defeat the main views of General Clinton in proceeding up Hudsons River. He has, it is true, got...
2123From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Nationalbibliothek, Vienna I wrote to you per Packet, and also by Mr. Ayres, who goes in Sparks. But I must send you a Line per Capt. Falkener, and another per Capt. Story, if ’tis only to say over again that I am well, and to acknowledge the Receipt of your kind Letters and Presents of Meal, Apples, Nuts, Cranberries &c. I have written to Sally too by Mr. Ayres, My Love to her and all...
2124To Benjamin Franklin from Harvard College: Degree of Master of Arts, 25 July 1753 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Franklin’s first academic honor was from Harvard. On July 23, 1753, the President and Fellows recommended him to the Overseers for the degree of master of arts, citing his “great Improvements in Philosophic Learning, and particularly with Respect to Electricity, Whereby his Repute hath been greatly advanc’d in the learned World, not only in Great-Britain,...
2125To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 27 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I embrace the opportunity, by Mr: Bingham, to enclose to your Excellency, Copy of a Letter from Mr: Jefferson, by which it appears that we are joined in some affairs which will give me the Occasion to visit Paris once more, and reside there for some little time at least. As Mr: Jefferson will not probably arrive before the latter End of August, and...
2126From Benjamin Franklin to the Judges of the Admiralty of Dunkirk, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress By the Declaration and report to me made by the honble. Captain Cottineau de Kerloguen who commanded the Pallas frigatte in the late Cruise of the American Squadron under the Orders of the honble. Commodore John Paul Jones Esqre, Commissioned by the Congress of the United States of America, a Copy of which Declaration, verified by the said commodore, I here with send...
2127The Commissioners to Canada to John Hancock, 1 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives After some difficulty and delay in getting thro’ the ice of Lake George, we arrived here on monday last and were very politely received by General Arnold who at present commands in this Post. It is impossible to give you a just idea of the lowness of the Continental credit here from the want of hard money, and the prejudice it is to our affairs. Not the most trifling...
2128The Mother Country. A Song, [1765–1772?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Cornell University Library This song occupies one side of a single sheet, at the bottom of which Jared Sparks wrote “(Franklin’s hand-writing) J. S.” The present editors agree with his identification. Nothing has been found to indicate whether Franklin composed these verses himself or merely copied them from another source because they amused and pleased him. They probably date from the...
2129From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 16 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives It was intended by the Commissioners to write a joint Letter to Congress, but I am afraid the Opportunity may be missed. This may serve to inform that Propositions of treating have been made by us to all the Powers of Europe, according to our Instructions, and we are waiting for their Answers. There are Apprehensions here of a War between the Emperor and Holland:...
2130To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 29 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived at Rochfort Two Days since after Forty Three Days passage from York in Virginia, and came here last Evening to Visit a Friend. The length of Our passage, has prevented my being the Bearer of any News from America, later than what you are already acquainted with, for which Reason I shall take Nantes in my way and pass a few Days there with Mr....
2131To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 19 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The first time I wrote you Since you have been in France was in the greatest hurry with my Bunnet on Just going a Journey. Which is the only one I Can ever hear you have Received which incorages me to imbrace a nother moment in allmost as great a hurry Just to tell you we are well Spoues and Family and Friends. Except our Dear mrs Mecom Who for a fortnight...
2132The American Commissioners: Receipt for an Installment of a French Loan, 3 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons reçu de Monsieur d’harveley Garde du Trésor Royal sept cent cinquante mille Livres The third quarterly installment of a 3,000,000 l.t. loan extended by the French government the preceding November ( XXV , 207–8). The previous payments were made on February 28 and May 19: account XII (described in XXV , 3). Joseph Micault d’Harvelay, keeper of the...
2133To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 15 November 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): British Museum I wrote you the 6. Inst. acknowledging the Receit. of your very obliging Packet of June 8th. and mentioning the Use I have made of your Letter &c among some of the leading Men in our H. of Represent. in whom I could confide. They agreed with me that your Principles were incontestible, your reasoning clear and conclusive, and supported by History and Fact. The King...
2134To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 6 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My last to you was by the Mercury, Capt. Robinson, in which I promised to remit you by the next Vessel; and accordingly, you have inclosed the first Copy of a Bill of Exchange for One Hundred pounds Sterling, (the second Copy of which I have sent by Capt. Troy Via Dublin) the Exchange as you will see by the Bill 64, The Receipt of which you will...
2135Wine Cellar Inventory, [1–30 September 1782] (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Etat du vin au 1er. Sept. 1782 Nombre des Bouteilles [ Total consumed ] Bierre de Paris { 83 20 18 vin de Champ. mouss. 24 Cidre 138 Eau de Vie d’andaye 24 Vin ordinaire
2136From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 27th past, enclosing the Resolve of Congress relative to Mr T. Morris’s Papers. The Trunk said to contain them was deposited with me by W Lee Esqr. on Acct of his going to Germany. One of the Seals you mention was broken in bringing it to my House, and I got him to put on his own Seal instead of it. In this State it remains,...
2137Franklin’s Account of His Audience with Hillsborough, 16 January 1771 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Almost exactly three years earlier, on January 20, 1768, Lord Hillsborough had become Secretary of State for the American Colonies. Franklin’s initial attitude toward the new office and the man who filled it had been favorable, but disillusionment had soon set in. Hillsborough had ordered troops to Boston, had opposed total repeal of the Townshend Acts, and...
2138From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 3 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress M. Gontier de Biran, who will have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is strongly recommended to me by Persons of Merit and Distinction at this Court, as a Gentleman of Family, and of excellent Character for his Morals, Prudence, and Attention to the Duties of his Profession as a Soldier. He is desirous of improving himself in that Profession, under...
2139To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collyer, 31 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have had the Honor already to apply for a Commission of War as explain’d in the obligation here annex’d. My ship being Just ready to be launch’d, I hope you will be pleas’d to transmit it immediately after the Receipt of this; directed to the Care of Mr. Penet. Could my services prove in any line acceptable both to you and the Public, Please to Command,...
2140To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, Baron de l’Aulne, 17 [December?] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Turgot accepte avec grand plaisir la proposition que lui a fait faire Mr. Franklin par Mr. Quesnai de St. Germain de le dedommager Samedi du plaisir dont les engagemens de Mr. Franklin le privent pour Vendredi. Toutes les occasions de voir Mr. Franklin luy sont precieuses, et il est impatient de temoigner aux amis de la liberté sa joye de leurs succès....
2141From Benjamin Franklin to John Torris, 26 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Herewith you have the Judgments on the Prizes the Peter and the Friendship: as to the Betsey, taken in December last, I do not find that Proofs have yet been sent me of her being English Property: and whatever good Opinion I may have of the Uprightness of your Captains, it is not regular that I Should condemn without Proofs. The Instructions require not only the...
2142From Benjamin Franklin to the Continental Congress, 9 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library From the Knowledge I have of Mr Young, by his Conduct while in my Family, writing in the Secretary’s Office, and waiting the Arrival of Mr. Lawrens then expected here; I esteem him a Person of Virtue and Merit, and I recommend him and his Account to the Consideration of Congress, not thinking myself authorised to discharge it without their Order; tho’ to assist him...
2143To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Branche, 12 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monseigneur le comte de Vergennes m’a autorisé a réclamer vos bontés, et à me présenter à vous, à l’effet d’être chargé de faire les Médailles, sçeaux, Cachets, Timbres etc. pour la nouvelle République des Etats-unis de l’Amérique; Ce Ministre veut bien être mon protecteur auprès de vous, Monsieur, il a eu la bonté de me faire espérer qu’il vous en...
2144To 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...
2145To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 22 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This wil inform you of my Arrival here again, after a short Cruize of 18 days, during which time I have taken two Prizes—the one a Brigantine from Newfoundland Loaden with dry Codd Fish—The other a Dutch Dogger from Barcalona Loaden with Nutts—bound for London. Notwithstanding the Dutch Captain first Possitive Declaration when I took him on Board the Ship...
2146To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There being at this Port many American Seamen and officers lately arrived from England and other Parts have engaged us to purchase a fast Sailing Brig at this Port of which we have given the Command to Captain James Tucker. I request the favor that you will please to send me by return of Post a Commission for the said Brig as I intend to Arm her as a Letter...
2147Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In Consequence of your letter of 12th: Instant we have acquainted Mr. Beaumarchais we were ready to account with him for the whole Proceeds of the Cargo of the amphitrite of which we have already remitted to him part of the amount and Shall continue. If our accounts of disbursements for the two frigattes have exceeded your expectations you cannot with any...
2148To Benjamin Franklin from J[ohn] C[arroll], 18 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you allow your fellow traveller to and from Canada to take the opportunity of a vessel sailing from his neighbourhood to renew his assurances of esteem and respects, and to congratulate you on the recovery of your health, which I have the pleasure to hear is now in a good state, after all your labours and fatigues? It is a great pleasure to me to...
2149To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Girault de Kéroudou, 12 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dans Le recueil de M. Le President Rolland, que J’ay eû L’honneur d’envoyer à votre Excellence, il Se trouve une dissertation sur L’emplois de La Langue française dans Les inscriptions, Les traités, &c. L’autheur desirant y faire Les Changements et Les additions Convenables, me Charge de recourrir à vos Lumieres pour Sçavoir si Les delibérations de votre...
2150To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Milet l’aîné, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, and Other Applicants for Emigration … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Beginning in March, 1784, Franklin was able to send would-be emigrants copies of his “Information to Those Who Would Remove to America,” which he had printed in English and French versions. The draft reply to Milet l’aîné, which he wrote at the top of Milet’s letter and presumably gave to L’Air de Lamotte to translate, is our earliest evidence of his having...