1From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 20 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
A few days since—by the Chevr De Chatteleaux I had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th of March introductory of him, and thank you for bringing me acquainted with a Gentleman of his merit, knowledge, and agreeable manners. I spent several days very happily with him at our Camp near the Great Falls of Passaic in New Jersey before the Army removed to its places of Cantonment the...
2From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 23 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
The affectionate congratulations on the recovery of my health—and the warm expressions of personal friendship which were contained in your favor of the 16th instt, claim my gratitude. And the consideration that it was written when you were afflicted with a painful malady, greatly increases my obligation for it. Would to God, my dear Sir, that I could congratulate you upon the removal of that...
3From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of addressing this letter to you by Colonel Laurens, one of my Aid De Camps, whom Congress has been pleased to Commission for particular purposes to the Court of Versailles. Justice to the character of this Gentleman conspiring with motives of friendship will not permit me to let him depart without testifying to you the high opinion I have of his worth as a Citizen & as a...
4From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 18 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th, and the several Inclosures contained therein, which are now return’d with my thanks for the oppertunity of perusing them —I also Inclose you a Letter from Lord Howe, sent out (with others) by a Flag in the Afternoon of yesterday. with it comes a Letter for Lieutt Barrington, who if not among those who broke their Parole, & went of for Canada,...
5From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 6 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr Tracy the bearer of this, is a Gentleman of Fortune from Massachusettsbay—on a visit to Europe. His political character, and character for benevolence & hospitality are too well established in this Country to need any other recommendation, notwithstanding I have taken the liberty of giving him this letter of introduction to you. With very great esteem and regard—I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt...
6From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 28 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis de la fayette having served with distinction as Major General in the army of the United States, two Campaigns—has been determined by the prospect of an European War to return to his native Country. It is with pleasure that I embrace the oppertunity of introducing to your personal acquaintance a Gentn whose merit cannot have left him unknown to you by reputation. The generous...
7From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honord with your favour of the 2d April by Monsieur De Cenis written in behalf of that Gentleman on the credit of Monsr Turgot’s recommendation. I should have been happy had it been in my power, in deference to your recommendation, founded upon that of so respectable a character as Monsr Turgot, to afford Mr De Cenis the encouragement, his zeal and trouble in coming to America to...
8From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 30 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Within these few days I have been favour’d with two Letters from you—the first cover’d one to Lord Howe which with equal confidence I should have sent locked under a Seal—the only difference is, that I have had an oppertunity of perusing Sentiments which cannot but be admired—the Second, recommending the scheme of to whom I have given every aid in my power to bring his project to maturity....
9From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 11 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d of Novr I had the honr of addressing your Excelly a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy. Having heard nothing from you since, I am led to apprehend a miscarriage of it, and therefore give you the trouble of a duplicate: not knowing what reply to make to Sir Edward Newe[n]ham, or what more to do in this business untill I am favoured with your answer. With the greatest respect &...
10From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 1 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Jackson has just informed me of his intention to embark next Week for Europe—Tho’ he has already had the honor to be introduced to you I could not let him depart without expressing my esteem for his character and my wish that he may experience any civilities it may be in your power to shew him. With the most respectful attachment I have the honor to be Yr Excellys Most Obt & Most Hble...