1Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Sept 8th the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Vizt. To the State of Connecticut Doll 25 Setts 12 Doll. No. 1655–1679= 300 50 18 1658–1707= 900 50 24 1658–1707= 1200
2From Benjamin Franklin to [——— d’Anglemont], 5 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Torris informs me that eight of the Prisoners formerly brought in to Dunkirque by the Black prince an american Privateer are desirous of serving under Capt. Ryan in the fearnot, and that the said Captain knowing them, and placing Confidence in them, is desirous of having them in his service; I do hereby request that you would be pleased to deliver the said Eight...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Auzoüer, 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you honour’d me with of the 21st. Instant. It is long Since I had any News of Mr. Carrol. I only know that he is a Member of the Congress; but I hear nothing of his Coming to france. Probably he was not willing to undertake so hazardous a Voyage with his family in time of war, nor to leave them behind in case he did come over.— Be pleased to...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Having sometime since heard of your Illness with great Concern, it gave me infinite Pleasure to learn this Day, from M. Chantel, (who did me the honour of a Visit) that you were so far recover’d, as to be able to make little Excursions on Horseback. I pray God that your Convalescence may be quick and perfect, and your...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Beerenbroek, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Dr. Beerenbrock and acquaints him that Dr. Ingenhausz is not yet arrived at Paris, but is expected in two or three Weeks he having written from Brussels that Such was his Intention, as soon as he arrives Mr. Franklin will acquaint Dr. Beerenbrock.
6From Benjamin Franklin to J.C. de Berger, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress All the American Armies being arranged and full of Officers, a long time Since, in so much that many who have gone thither from Europe have been obliged to return for want of Employ, I cannot give the least encouragement to you or your Cousin to go to America with the purpose of entring into our service. I can only thank you for your good will to our Cause, and wish...
Copies: National Archives, Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Columbia University Library, Library of Congress; AL (draft): Library of Congress; press copies: Library of Congress (two); transcript: National Archives I have received a Letter from M. De Chezaulx, Consul of France at Berghen in Norway, acquainting me that two Ships, viz. the Betsey and the Union, Prizes taken from the...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Charles William Blunt, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour by Mr. Luard and I am obliged to you for introducing me to the acquaintance of So agreable a Man. He has settled his affairs here, as I understand, to his satisfaction.— My services were not necessary this Court being well disposed to do what was requested. You may be assured however, that I did him no Injury.— You gave me great Pleasure in the...
9From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 14 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I request that you would enquire into the facts represented in the enclos’d Petition, and if you find them true, that you would defray the reasonable Expences of the poor Man’s sickness, and make a Present to his friend of Two Guineas as a small Acknowledgment of his Hospitality and kindness. I have the honour to be, sir, &c. From Bondfield’s reply of Feb. 25 we...
10From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 4 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 27th. past. I begin to be apprehensive with you for the Fate of the Confederacy. The only hope we have is founded on the Report of some Persons who Left philadelphia 10. Days after she Sail’d, that it was understood there, that she was to call at Charlestown before she quitted the Continent. If that was the Case, she may yet be safe,...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon: Letter and Printed Bagatelle (“The Whistle”), 10 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL : The Rosenbach Museum & Library; AL (draft) American Philosophical Society; (II) Passy, printed by Benjamin Franklin, April, 1780 For once, one of Franklin’s bagatelles has left a trail of dated evidence long enough for us to follow it from first draft to the printing press. The piece, which has come to be known as “The Whistle,” was originally penned as an answer to the twice-weekly...
12From Benjamin Franklin to Brown, Collinson & Tritton, 10 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I drew on you some time since for £70.8.0 in favour of Mr Caslon. I request a Sketch of my Account, containing all the Articles since my Arrival in France in December 1776. I am, Gentlemen, Your humble Servant The London banking firm added the third partner in 1778: F.G. Hilton Price, A Handbook of London Bankers … (New York, 1876; reprinted, 1970),...
13From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 22 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress I received with great Pleasure yours of the 25. of January, and shall write to you fully by the first good Oportunity. I cannot recollect the Name of the Correspondent you mention but I have ordered a Credit of 24000 Livres Tournois to be lodged in Madrid for M. Jay and you, which I suppose you will divide in Proportion to your Appointments. Inclosed are the...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Pierre de Chaumont, 29 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Public Record Office I beg pardon that I have not sooner written to you on the subject of the Propositions you left with my Grandson. I have been indispos’d; and I imagin’d you might possibly call on me, as mentioned in your note. We are much obliged to the Prince for his Goodwill to our Cause and Country, and for his friendly offer. But as I do not find...
15From Benjamin Franklin to De Chezaulx, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. De Chaumont having had the whole Care of equipping and paying every thing relating to The little Squadron that sent the Prizes in to Bergen, I have constantly refered to him the Letters you have done me the honour of writing to me on that subject, and I believe he has answered them. I am nevertheless extreamly sinsible of the kind Care, zeal and Activity you have...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I imagine Capt. Cunnyngham will be at Dunkerque by the time you receive this. I desire you would furnish him with what Money he may want for his comfortable Subsistance while he Stays at Dunkerque. Inclosed I Send you a Complaint I received from some of the People of the Black Prince, and request you or Mr. Torris, would ease me of Such Trouble, I having really...
17From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 16 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I wrote a Letter to meet you at Dunkirk supposing you might have gone there. This Letter was sent back to me. The Uncertainty of your Stay at the Texel after I heard of your being gone thither prevented my writing to you while there. Inclos’d I send you a Letter from your good Wife. I will inquire for your old Commission, and endeavour to get it back for you. I had...
18From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress It gave me great Pleasure to hear of your Escape, out of Prison, which I first learnt from 6. of the men who broke out with you, and came to france in a Boat. I was then Anxious lest you should be retaken, and I am very glad indeed to hear of your safe Arrival at Amsterdam. I think it will be best for you to Stay awhile at Dunkirk till we see what becomes of the...
19From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Upon the Receipt of your Letter dated at Cudent the 11th. Instant, I immediatly apply’d to the Minister in your Behalf, who has given Orders that you Should be set at Liberty. You did not mention whether the Boat you came over in was one you hired, or that you took. If the Latter, you are at Liberty to sell the same and divide the Money among you to furnish your...
20From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 22 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 9th. Instant. Herewith you have the Order of Mr. de sartine for your Discharge. For your present Relief, and to bear your Expences to Nantes, you may draw a Bill upon me for two Hundred and forty Livres, which shal be paid here upon Sight. Be frugal and make the most of it. Your friend and servant. Sartine must have acted immediately on BF ’s...
21From Benjamin Franklin to Bernard Dehez, 29 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me, dated the 1st. Instant, relating to the Conduct of Capt. Cunningham. He is at present with Commodore Jones, on board the alliance frigate, upon a Cruise; and perhaps that ship may put in to some Port of Spain, in which Case you can apply to him directly. If she should come in to france, I will immediately...
22From Benjamin Franklin to [Pierre Delaunay?] des Landes, 23 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Not understanding well enough the french language and the technical Terms used in the Description of your Observatory, I cannot form, from the description such an Idea of its Situation and Circumstances, as might enable to me to Answer the Questions you propose to me. But as my Learned and Ingenious friend Mr. LeRoy, Member of the Academy of Sciences, is perfectly...
23From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I thank you for your favours of Oct. 8. and 12. and for the news Papers. I wrote fully to our friend Mr. B. about the Coppers. I hope you will soon be freed from the Trouble you have with the Prisoners by their Exchange, I can now only add that I am, with great Esteem Dear Sir, &c. XXX , 490–4, 490n, 525–7. Edward Bridgen had sent two samples of copper for possible...
24From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 26 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I comply’d readily with your late Recommendations, placing faith in the Declaration of the Parties, that the Transaction was bonafide intended, for the Purpose mentioned, getting home their Property. If this should be extended to cover an illicit Trade, it will when discovered effectually put a Stop to such Operations. I see by some thing in a late paper from that...
25From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have just received yours by Capt. Belt I shall Comply with his request as he is recommended by you. I have written largely to Mr Hartley by Mr. Barber and before to Mr. Hodgson about the American Prisoners and the Cartel.— I am concern’d for Capt. Manley, who is a brave and useful Officer, and desire you to supply him with Necessaries to the amount of 25. Guineas....
26From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 17 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 30th. past: I suspect that several of mine to you and Mr. H. have been stopped in the Post-Office here since the mail ceased going by Calais, for want of Being frank’d here, which I did not till lately know was necessary. I shall inclose you the next Post a Copy of one I wote to Mr. B. which by yours it seem he had not received. I sent Copies...
27From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 2 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly your favours of Jany. 9. 10. & 11. I gave Orders immediately for the Acceptance and Payment of the Bill you drew on Mr. G, and you may rely on its being done. Mr. Carmichael is not yet arrived, nor is there any News of the ship in which he sail’d. Mr. Adams is not yet arrived in Paris but daily expected. The story of his bringing propositions of Peace...
28From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 15 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress In Answer to yours relating to Capt. Cook, this may inform you that I sent Copies of the Enclos’d to all the American Cruizers then in the Ports of france and spain with orders to our Agents to communicate them to others that might touch there. I also sent it to holland to be printed in the Dutch Papers, as a means of making it more generally known to our Cruizers at...
29From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot & Co., 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your obliging favour of the 12th. Instant inclosing the journal of the Black Princess, and two paroles. You may depend on my giving prompt Dispatch in judging the Prizes as soon as the Papers come to hand.— The prisoners are by the king’s Regulation of the 27th. sept. 1778. to be kept in his Prisons till exchanged, at the Expence of the United states, to...
30From Benjamin Franklin to Patrick Dowlin, 9 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 27th. past, I congratulate you on the success you have had against our Enemies of which I had the pleasure of hearing before, by the Copy of your Journal sent me by Mr. Diot. The Prisoners you have brought in will soon procure us the Liberty of as many of our Countrymen, Who have long been confin’d in the Goals of Great Britain. It is there...
31From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis du Chilleau, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Person who proposes to have the honour of presenting this to your Excellency, is Mr. Langford Lovel, a Gentleman of Excellent Character and much respected by all that know him, and as he has some Property in the Island under your Governement, I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s favourable Notice & Protection. With great Respect I am Sir, Your...
32From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Anne and Paul Fenske, Rapid City, South Dakota (1981); copy: Library of Congress I received duly your several Favours of Oct. 18. 22. 25. 28. 29. & Nov. 2. Your Reasons for the speedy Depart of the Squadron, are good. I am glad the Affair of the Deserters is so well got over, as appears from your Extracts. I am exceedingly well satisfied with the Conduct of your Government and with the...
33From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I received yours of the 10th. Instant. I Shall be glad to learn how the taking of the Dutch Ships has been accommodated. We have yet no News of the alliance: but suppose she is cruizing. We are more in Pain for the Confederacy, who Sailed the 28th Oct. from the Capes of Deleware. There is some Hopes that She went to Charlestown to take in Mr....
34From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 15th with Letters from Commodore Jones and Capt. Conyingham. I would write to them and send to Capt. C. a Letter I have from his wife for him, but suppose the Ship has left Holland. I Send you one of our latest papers from America containing an Account of the Conquest of the Iroquois County by our army under general Sulivan, and some other...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Fleury, 26 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am sorry you were disappointed in meeting me at Versailles. In all your Billets except that of yesterday you omitted mentioning where you Lodged, otherwise I could have acquainted you that I should not be at court on the Day you Expected me. I suppose you will acquaint the Congress or General Washington with your Reasons for desiring a Prolongation of your furlow....
36From Benjamin Franklin to Fleury, 29 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Having as yet had no Medal struck here, I am not acquainted with any Artist of that sort. If you can find one, and bring him to me, I will endeavour to agree with him to get it done as soon as may be; but I cannot imagine it possible in so short a time as you mention. I cannot state any certain Sum till I have talked with the artist. I thought to enquire of Mr. Tillet...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 19 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, M, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’h. de mécrire le 15. de ce mois. Comme La distribution de celle du Congrès qui y étoit jointe, ne presente aucun inconvenient, je l’ay addressée à M le Noir, pour qu’il y mette Son permis. J’ay prié en même tems ce magistrat d’en faire le renvoy à la personne que...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Mes dernieres sont du 25, 28, 29, & 31 Oct. & 2 Nov. Celleci ira demain par voie de Rotterdam. Voici copie de la permission de mettre à terre les blessés prisonniers de la commission expediée par le Commodore en conséquence au L. Col. Wuibert; & de la convention entre les Commodores, Américain & Anglois. Notre Ami m’a...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 5 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Yr. Favour of the 29th. is just received, & the packet for the Commodore will be forwarded this very night, as were formerly yr. other Letters for the same, & for Capt. Landais without any Loss of time. The Commodore is not yet quite ready to sail. They say it will be so in the week to come; & then the day depends from the...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Th.M. Laënnec, 10 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le corsaire des états unis le prince noir a conduit au port d’audierne sous le département de l’amirauté de quimper un Brigantin anglais dont il S’etait emparé. M. Diot Dèpositaire du corsaire a du prevenir Votre excellence de cet èvenement. Mais les officiers de nôtre Siege qui ont Scellé la prise et interrogé les prisoniers aïant omis de vous adresser une...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Beccaria: résumé, 16 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society; four drafts: American Philosophical Society <Turin, December 16, 1779, in Italian: Mr. Chantel gave me your very gracious letter and told me about the audience— most gratifying to me—with which you honored him. I am sorry that for the present time I do not have the energy I could wish to thank you properly in writing. To make up for it, I shall try...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhelm Augustine von Steuben: résumé, 11 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Cüstrin, February 11, 1780, in German: I have received and thank you for your letter of November 21. I am sad to announce that my dear wife has been taken by God at age 73. Please forward the enclosed letter to my son.> Or Küstrin, on the Oder. For BF ’s letter, actually Nov. 27, see XXX , 617–18n. Mary Dorothea von Jagow (1706–80) married the senior von...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges: Two Letters, 15 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; (II) ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Bearer of this Letter, Mr Fabroni, has obligingly given me an oppertunity to send the inclosd to You.— He is a young Gentleman of distinguishd worth from Italy, and has been some time travelling with His ingenious Friend & Companion Mr Fontana. They mean to spend a few days at Paris on their return...
44To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 8 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot imagine what has prevented my hearing from you for these two month relating to the Cartel. I therefore send you a copy of a letter from the board of Sick & Hurt to me of Novr 15 1779 wch is the place where we left off & where we stick now. I wish I cd expedite things but it is not in my power. You see where the matter has been Stopt these two...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 16 [November] 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je vous assure mon bon papa que je méttrai toute mon attention a ne pas trop donnér pour les siffléts; s’ils n’ont guérre couttés a ma bourse, ils ont couttés chérs a mon coeur et votre léttre me prouve bien plus encore que mon éxpérience et mes refléctions, que j’ai souvent payés bien chérs de mauvais sifléts: j’ai cru par éxemple que lorsque j’aimois on...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour of the 22 Instant with the Judgement of the Mifflins Prize Goods, and Mr Coulougnac’s Proposals about furnishing Cloth &c. Agreeable to your desire I have conversed with him and find that he realy can furnish at good Prices, but he has no great Quantity by him at present. I have taken some Patterns...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 13. de ce mois, celle que vous avez écrite à l’agent des Etats unis à l’Orient et je me suis empressé de lui faire passer le Commissaire de la Marine dans ce port. Je doute qu’elle soit arrivée assez promptement pour que cet Agent ait remis au Capitaine du Navire Anglois...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Lee, 1 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pursuant to an Order given by you, to Mr. Jones, in consequence of a Letter I presumed to write you, I entered On board the Bon homme Richard as Secretary, to Mr. Jones, the 19th. day of March last, in which Employment, I continued ’till the 1st. day of August with an Assiduity approved by all; when Copying a Memorandum for Mr. Jones, and not having it...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Jenings, 6 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I Know not, whether your Excellency has received a Copy of the King of Great Britains Speech to his Houses of Parliament, and as it will be at least a Matter of Curiosity, I take the Liberty of inclosing One herewith.— It was brought to Ostend by a Pilot of Dover. Give me leave to inform your Excellency, that I have been in this City about two months,...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 25 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society How favourable matters stood here in regard to the American Comodor, we had the honour to mention to your Excellence; we convey however to night to Mr. Dumas a copey of the last resolution taken by the states in this respect during the Absence of the French Ambassador from the Hague; of which however we hope he will prevent the effect; it contains the same...