32051To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 12 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour à Monsieur franklin; nous avons oublié moi de lui remettre le memoire quittancé de sa Lingere, et lui de me remettre le traité original entre les fermiers generaux et moi. J’ai besoin de celuicy actuellement; ainsi je le prie de me le renvoyer par le porteur. J’ai annoncé sa visite a M. Turgot pour demain; il le...
32052To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 26 December 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [Woodbridge, N.J., December 26, 1769. Had intended this to go by Captain Davis, but he sailed before it reached New York. Has received since then the enclosed bill from Mr. Colden for £200, drawn by Watts and McEvers on Harley & Drummond, “cost 65 per Cent the Exchange at this Time.”] John Drummond (1723–74), of Drummond’s Bank, and the Hon. Thomas Harley...
32053To Benjamin Franklin from J. Torris & Wante, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 16 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons appris par Mrs. Maussallè & Bertrand L’acceuil Obligeant dont Vous les avez honnoré, et la promesse que vous Leur avoit faite de nous addresser un passeport du Nombre des cent que vous attendez de la Cour de Londres, avec une Lettre de Recommandation pour la maison de Messrs. Bache & Shée à Philadelphie, la multitude d’Armement qui Se fait Tant...
32054To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy and transcript: National Archives Congress having lately thought it adviseable to alter the arrangement of their great executive departments, & to desolve the boards & committees under whose direction they formerly were, I am to inform you that they have done me the honor to appoint me their Secretary for foreign affairs. In which capacity...
32055To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; draft: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives Jai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui intéresse des sujets de l’Empereur, et qui m’a été recommandé par le Gouvernement général des Pays bas. Je ne doute pas que vous ne vous fassiez un devoir de faire passer cette pièce au Congrez, et que...
32056To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 8 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Soon after my Eyes were open this Morning they were blest with a Letter from my dear and honour’d Friend. Mrs. Hawkesworth (for I have not seen the Doctor, but they seem to have both one Soul) bids me tell you they approve all your Scheme except that part of it which relates to me; and they shall expect to see all their Friends, who design them that...
32057To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 17 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ay Eté Bien affligée de voir hier a ma porte Le nom de Mon Cher Et Respectable Docteur, je le prie D’Estre persuadé de mes Regrets Et Du Desir que j’ay depuis Longtems de le Voir Et de le feliciter De L’heureuse paix qui Va Couronner sy heureusement Et sy Glorieusement ses Voeux Et Ses traveaux; puisqu’il Vient quelques fois a paris je puis me flatter De...
32058To Benjamin Franklin from the Continental Congress: Instructions, [14 August–16 October 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), New-York Historical Society; AL (draft): National Archives Much of Congress’ time in 1779 was spent drafting peace ultimata, a task imposed on it by Spain’s offer in April to mediate Britain’s conflicts with the Americans and French. France, which conveyed the offer, used Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, her minister in...
32059To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Cashinberry et al., [2 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Humble Petition of several of the private Men of late belonging to the Brig Cabot Sheweth That your Petitioners have now been in Captivity three years the 22nd October last in the former Part of our Captivity we were Prisoners in Ireland along with Mr. George Thayer and after being in Ireland nine Months we were brought to Mill Prison were we still...
32060To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Shippen, 8 February 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society After paying yourself for the Postage of the Inclosed Letter to Boston please to send the remainder of the Piece of 8/8 in a few [of] your best Quills (I mean English) by our Post. Some time ago I sent a six shilling bill to Doctor Shippen for some and he sent me feathers which he Sayd he had from Mr. Halls. If you can send me a few good ones you...
32061To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 14 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thank You for the Letter which You have favourd Us with by Your Grand Son, who is a Bon Enfant indeed, —a well informed, I perceive, ingenious, engaging Young Man,—whom You have reason to promise Yourself Comfort, & Ornament from, & to be of Use to His Country,— May You yet, for many Years, be a Witness to His advance in the Career of Virtue, & at last...
32062To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Tucker, 15 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope my Necesity at this time will Appologize for the Freedom I have taken In Acquainting you of my Situation, being now a Prisoner almost 27 Months being Destitute of Cloathing & Every Necessary of Life should Be Glad Your honour Would Take it into Consideration & send me some money to Releive My Real Wants. Your Honour Must understand That I Served in...
32063To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai l’Honeur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer les pieces qui m’ont été adressées par M.M. De Bellecombe et De Bongars Commandant et Intendant à St. Domingue, relativement à la prise du Bateau le St. Thomas, arrêté sous Pavillon Danois par le Corsaire Américain la Lady Gréen, dans le mois de février de l’année derniere, et conduit au Port de jérémie où il a été vendu. Les...
32064To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Montgomery, [between 1 October and 12 October 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Presuming on the aquaintance I had the Honour of having with your good Self as well as with Mr Adams at Passy in Sept 78 I Without Invitation Addressed your Eccellancy the 26th of June last Advising that I had been Confounded amongst the English houses here and put under Arrest with them having My Effects Embargoed by the Governour on the first Notice of a...
32065To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Xavier Schwediauer, 17 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Schwediauer Physician from Vienna and fellow-traveler of Dr. Ingenhousz in his last journey to England, now coming from London, presents his respectful Compliments to Dr. B. Franklin, and wishes the Satisfaction of being acquainted with the Dr., especially as he is able to communicate to him, a plan of a code of penal laws, which might be agreable to him...
32066To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Life, 26 April 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Basinghall St., April 26, 1771, a note in the third person. Sorry that he has been too rushed with important business, which had to be finished that week, to call on Franklin about the Georgia affair; will do so next Monday morning, if convenient, at eleven.> In all likelihood the preparation of a memorial to the Board of Trade, requesting that the...
32067To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Lacepède, 26 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai osé me flattér que le celebre monsieur francklin voudroit biên agrêer les memoires que j’ai l’honneur de lui envoyér sur un sujét de physique dans lequél les plus sublimes verités lui ont été devoilées: ils font partie, Monsieur, d’un ouvrage plus etendu auquêl je mets dans ce moment cy la derniere main, et que je ne manquerai pas de vous offrir aussi,...
32068To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 23 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I find a Disposition among several of my Friends to lend Money to the United States, And I am desired by One of Them, to request the Favor of you to furnish Me with the Manner, in Which the Loans must be made, and inform Me, What Interest The United States give. Mr. Thornton waits, so that I have not Time to add More, Than my hearty Congratulations On the...
32069To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Baud, 13 March 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, March 13, 1777, in French: A person now in the provinces, about whom the duc de La Rochefoucauld can tell you, has asked me to make you some proposals that I think will please you. Kindly tell me when I can discuss them with you at Passy.> Possibly the chevalier de Cambray, an engineer. La Rochefoucauld rarely supported a volunteer for service in...
32070To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have at last recieved the German American newspapers as far as august 6th. they have diverted me and many of my friends. I wish to have some more, if you have recieved some of a later date. The almanac is not arrived. I hope mr. wharton will send me soon an answer after having recieved your admonitory note, you was so good as to join to my lettre. I can...
32071To Benjamin Franklin from Roze de Chantoiseau, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Oserois-je vous offrir et vous prier de vouloir bien aggreer L’ouvrage que vous m’avés parû desirer. C’est une foible esquisse d’un Projet mieux conçu que des circonstances particulieres ne m’ont pas permis d’executer, pour me livrer tout entier au Plan bien plus important que jai eu lhonneur de vous adresser il y a environ huit jours et que d’autres...
32072To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, [before 21 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Hobarts best Respects wait upon Mr Franklin. Has sent him enclos’d a Letter from governor Pownall, & a Book. Mr Hobart has also a Paper to communicate to him from the same, which he will wait upon Mr Franklin with any Day which may be most convenient except Wednesday & Saturday in the ensuing Week. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / &c &c &c /...
32073To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte de Cheminot, 4 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Madame de cheminot presente ces civiliteé a monsieur francklin et prend la liberteé de luy mender que demain Lundy 5 d’avril elle profitera de la permission quil a bien voulu luy donner daller dejeuner chez luy elle ŷ menera messieurs le roy gudin quointin qui sont penetree de cette marque de bonte de monsieur francklin. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur...
32074To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 18 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 423–4. I cannot but in the most earnest manner and from recent circumstances, press your going early to Versailles to-morrow; and I have considerable reason to think, that your appearance there will not displease the person whom you address. I am of opinion...
32075To Benjamin Franklin from Faujas de Saint-Fond, 18 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’eu l’honneur de vous écrire pour vous engager a venir voir deux morceaux de mècanique tres intéressants et de faire l’honneur à la personne qui les à inventés et de venir dinner ches elle, que vous y trouveriés des académiciens de votre Connoissance. J’envoyai un exprés pour vous porter ma lettre, et Comme vous etiés allé à la Campagne, elle fut remise à...
32076To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 9 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): National Archives I arrived here the 26th of June, my first business was to present myself at Aranjuez where the Court then resided. I had in some measure engaged before my departure from Spain to return before the Royal Family left that residence. So far I have fulfilled my engagements— On this Acct I set off from Paris more abruptly than I...
32077To Benjamin Franklin from Pelatiah Webster, 2 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will excuse me, if I interrupt your attention for a moment to the great objects which Engross your tho’ts by advices of particular things which are objects of genl Concern & much conversation here, & tho’ Important yet may not be the subject of Publick Dispatches. The state of our Finances & Currency is the most alarming circumstance which...
32078To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 20 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I begin this as I have done several of my former Letters with Advising your Excy that I have drawn on You a bill in favor of Messrs. Estevan Drouilhet & Co. for 2400 Livres Tournois at 90 days after Date, this Sum being the ballance of the Quarters Salary for which you permitted me to draw— The Cte. de Montmorin informs me that the King has been pleased to...
32079To Benjamin Franklin from Vandenyver frères & Cie., 22 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons recu la Lettre que vous nous avés fait Lhonneur de nous ecrire le 28 may der [dernier] avec La Copie du Jugement pour le Navire La flore et Son chargement, nous avions esperès quil auroit eté plus favorable aux proprietaires du dernier, mais nous L’avons envoyés Sur le champ a Cherbourg pour le faire mettre a execution et ce n’est quen datte du...
32080From 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....
32081To Benjamin Franklin from Eyre Whalley, 16 September 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I return you my most Sincere thanks for your very kind Presents to me and my wife, which have done, and will afford very agreeable Entertainment to each of us: our acknowlegments for them Shou’d have been much earlier, had I not waited to see, if I cou’d meet with any Letter or other Composition of Mr. Thomas Franklin; in which Inquiry I have hitherto...
32082To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 6 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been long intending to write to you, and I feel ashamed that I have not done it Sooner. Your letter wch: was brot: me by Mr Bingham gave me great pleasure. It inclosed a case for an air Balloon and a print wch:, in conformity to your desire, I deliver’d to the President of the Royal Society. Soon after Mr Bingham’s arrival, Mr Daggs brot: me your...
32083To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 19 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Hearing that you was arrv’d in America and I being much Concrned for our belov’d Son, this is to desire you to Give us Some account of his Situation and Curcomstances. Poor fellow I feare he is now undon as a Merchant. We relying on the faith of General Gage packed up all his Goods in Order to remove them out of Boston, but was forbid by him out of whose Mouth...
32084To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 27 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I flatter’d myself I should have the pleasure by this Opportunity, of confirming & sending your Excellency a particular Account of the Repulse, said to have been given the British Troops at South Carolina in May last, which for some Weeks was reported & fully credited here, & led me to mention it with so much Assurance in the enclosed Letter— I now beg...
32085To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Berthon, 1 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous ette priez Monsieur, de vouloirre avoir la Bonte de fairre parvenire L’incluse a son adraisse. Vous obligerré celui a l’honneur d’ettre avec la plus hautes concideracion Monseiur votre tres humbles et tres obessant serviteur Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Frankelin / Docteur en Medecine / a Passÿ / Proche / Paris We have found no trace of him, or of...
32086To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, [13–18 October? 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have reseved all your letters down to July 3d the laste by mr. Nevese whare in you say that by the packit you shall anser all mine and your friends letters by Folkener Friend and the Packit but that is arived and no letter from you to aneybodey which is verey surpriseing to them I say that I thinke you have wrote but by sum mistake thay was not put on...
32087To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 14 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Voulez vous bien mon Illustre Docteur, que Je vous rappelle la promesse que vous avez bien voulu me faire, Lorsque je vous demandai de L’employ dans les troupes amèricaines pour M. Boys, que Je vous donne une note Sur Ses Services et Sur le grade qu’il a eu dans ces troupes me dites vous et que vous verriez ce qu’il y auroit à faire. J’ai lhonneur de vous...
32088To Benjamin Franklin from William Allcock, 6 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Comes to Enform you that I have Come from americay from Newborn [New Bern] Department in Northcarolina age 32 I further Inform you that I have servd in americay Service at the head of a company I first was a recruting Officer to the tenth Redgment at kingstown [Kinston] in Northcarolina Raised in the year 1777 Commanded by Corronal Sheperd I futher...
32089To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Sieulanne, 30 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Ste. Croix de Teneriffe, July 30, 1778, in French: Having captured and brought into Palma, one of the Canary islands, the English brigantine The Countess of Mouton , Capt. Conyngham, of the Revenge , asked me to bring her to Martinique. We settled on conditions. As I was about to sail on July 19, I was accosted by an armed sloop sent by the Governor of...
32090To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 10 October 1770 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This will be deliver’d to you by Mr. William White for whose Parents, as well as himself, I have a particular Regard. His Arrant to London is with Design to finish his Studies in Divinity, and to obtain Orders in the Church. If great Goodness and Rectitude of Heart, improved by a virtuous and liberal Education, and free from the Vices and Licentiousness...
32091To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 21 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous ecrire la presente, laquelle vous sera remise par Mr. Samuel Mansfield, Capitaine au Service des Etats unis de L’amerique; Lequel a été pris dans le brigantin Rizing States et conduit a Pool en Angletterre, d’ou il s’est Sauvé des prisons, il est arrivé ici manquant d’argent, comme il désire Retourner en sa patrie, je lui ai fourni...
32092To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum The inclosed letter for M. de Chaumont will I hope have your approbation. I wish it were possible that the first plan could be pursued—or if it is postponed, it is perhaps a delicate point, but I wish I could have some assurance that the Indien will not be put under the command of another, but...
32093To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this moment informed that a Vessel loaded & bound to the West indies is, by a sudden determination of her Owners, ordered for L’Orient. She is now down the River & ready for Sea, I therefore snatch this moment to tell you, we are all well & to send you the Dutch & English News papers— I have sent them regularly to you for some time past, also two...
32094To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 20 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd yours of the 8th Current in Answer to mine of the 29 June. I wrote you a prior Letter on the 8 May which you do not acknowledge pray let me know if it came to hand— As yet I have not heard from Mr Grand— Upon receipt of yours I immediately waited upon the Board of Sick & Hurt who informed me they had just dispatched an order to Edinburg for the...
32095To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum I by the last post gave you an account of the events here respecting Captain Landais and the Alliance, and inclosed all the necessary papers to explain circumstances.— Yesterday the Serapis was publicly sold for I think 240,000 livres.— Mr. Williams and myself have been looking after a...
32096To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, [1772?]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library <Monday evening, [1772? ], a note in the third person and in the Bishop’s hand. He and his family will call upon him with Lord and Lady Spencer tomorrow evening between seven and eight.> Our guess about the year is based on the slender clue of squirrels. DF had sent some as pets; they arrived in January, and by August were great favorites in the Shipley...
32097To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society By the earliest opportunity after the arrival of the Brig Firebrand Capn. Caleb Trowbridge from Boston in forty eight days. We have the honor of forwarding to your Excelly. the Letters we received to your address, we had not an opportunity of acknowledging with propriety the Letter we were favoured with, in date of 4 Feby. untill all the accounts relative to...
32098To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Ellison, 8 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope that my former acquaintance with you will be a Sufficient apology for the request which I have to make of you. Having an Interest which requires authentic proof of the date of the Treaty made the beginning of this Year between France and the Thirteen United States of North America I take the liberty of troubling you on that occasion. It appears by a...
32099To 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 /...
32100To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nairne, 2 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your favours. The book & prints which Mr Argand was so obliging as to deliver I have since sent to Sir Joseph Banks agreable to your request. I am very much obliged to you for your observations on the alteration of the wood of the box belonging to the magnets. Since I received your favour have been endeavouring to make as simple an instrument as...