46521From Benjamin Franklin to John Alleyne, 15 October 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society; printed in John Alleyne, The Legal Degrees of Marriage Stated and Considered, in a Series of Letters to a Friend (2nd ed., London, 1775), appendix, pp. 1–2. I have never heard upon what Principles of Policy the Law was made prohibiting the Marriage of a Man with his former Wife’s Sister, nor have I ever been able to conjecture any political...
46522Drawing and Description of a Boat for Fishing Parties on the Delaware River, [1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society The person who inspired Franklin to think about the design of small craft for use on rivers was, it seems, Julien-David Le Roy. By the early 1780s, when the architect began discussing his ideas with Franklin—including improvements to hot-air balloons—he was deeply absorbed in trying to design boats with sails, masts, and hulls that would allow for more...
46523From Benjamin Franklin to John Langdon, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Letters by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Others. Written during and after the Revolution, to John Langdon, New Hampshire (Philadelphia, 1880), pp. 81–2. I was much oblig’d by your News of Gen. Burgoyne. Accept in Return my Congratulations on the Conclusion of two Treaties with France, one of Amity and Commerce the other of Alliance: which are on the most equal Terms, leaving...
46524From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes: Two Letters, 25 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (incomplete draft) and copy: Library of Congress; (II) ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress The first of these letters represents one of Franklin’s few imprudent acts as a diplomat. His congressional instructions had ordered him to seek French help in attacking Quebec and Halifax, but here he...
46525Poor Richard, 1745 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard, 1745. An Almanack For the Year of Christ 1745 , … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by B. Franklin. (American Antiquarian Society) For the Benefit of the Publick, and my own Profit, I have performed this my thirteenth annual Labour, which I hope will be as acceptable as the former. The rising and setting of the Planets, and their Conjunctions with the...
46526From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frederic Dumas, 1 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have just time to acknowledge the Receipt of your two Packets, A and B. with the Pamphlets enclos’d, the Contents of which are very satisfactory. You will hear from me more fully in a little time. With great Esteem I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant See Cornelius Stevenson to BF above, Aug. 22, 1776....
46527To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 29 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Letter you honour’d me with of the 16th. Instant. I had written to you on the 21st. which I hope you have received, that I would accept and pay your Bills, only desiring you to furnish me a List of them with the Times of their becoming due, and that you would draw, not for the whole at once, but for the Sums as wanted, and thro’ the House of Fitzeaux & Grand. Since the receipt...
46528From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 July 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the great Pleasure of hearing from you and Sally last Night per Packet. I cannot now answer every particular of your Letters, having many to write that are to go per this Days Mail: but will per next Opportunity. Mrs. Stevenson bids me tell Sally that the striped Gown I have sent her will wash; but it must be with a light hand in a cold Lather. I am...
46529From Benjamin Franklin to Michael Hillegas, 17 March 1770 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The American Museum, or, Universal Magazine , VII (1790), 224–5. I received your favour of November 25, and have made enquiries, as you desired, concerning the copper covering of houses. It has been used here in a few instances only: and the practice does not seem to gain ground. The copper is about the thickness of a common playing card: and though a dearer metal than lead, I am...
46530From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 19 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of an ALS and copy: Library of Congress In reading over again your Favour of the * Inst, I perceive a Question which I did not before observe, and omitted to answer in mine of the 17th. viz. Whether I will pay your Disbursements for the Brigantine Active? You do not mention to what Sum they may probably amount; I have no Orders to make such Payments; and I daily expect Mr. Palfrey,...
46531From Benjamin Franklin to [Peter Templeman], 2 September 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Royal Society of Arts Furman & Co. Merchants of this Place, send by Capt. Caton, 60 Keggs of Sturgeon, which they hope will be found so well cured as to obtain the Society’s Approbation, and a Premium. They have desired me to introduce their Claim to you by a Line in its favour; but I have told them the whole will depend on the Merits of their Fish when it comes to London. I can only...
46532From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Kames, 14 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Scottish Record Office, Edinburgh Purposing to embark for America in a few Days, I cannot depart without taking Leave of my dear Lord Kaims, to whose Civilities and Friendship I have been so much oblig’d, and for whom I shall ever retain the sincerest Esteem and Affection. I congratulate you cordially on the Success of your last Work. It does you great Honour. I hear it every where well...
46533To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I received the letter you did me the Honour of writing to me by Mr. Andrews, and shall render him every Service I can in his Application. Your Books and Trunks have been lodged here by Mr. Thaxter, and will be taken care of. They are of no Inconvenience to me. We begin to be in pain for Mr. Laurens who was to have sailed 3 Days after M. Searle. If that took place, he has been out 10. or 11....
46534From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 7 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Chicago Historical Society I send you per Capt. Morton 20 Reams whited Brown Paper, and 10 of blue. Please to acquaint Mr. Langdon of it; I think that is the Gentleman’s Name who wrote to me for some of both Sorts, but I have mislaid his Letter. He wanted it for Packing Sperma-Ceti Candles. The Price of the brown you know; the blue is 1¼ Dollar per Ream. Credit my Account with the Money...
46535From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Gilpin, 18 March 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I receiv’d your Favour by the Hand of Mr. Abel James. An Accident happen’d to it in his Chest by the Breaking of a Bottle of some Liquid that obliterated part of it. I see however that it contains some good Remarks on the Advantages of Canals for internal Navigation in our Country, to which I heartily wish Success. What you tell me of the Practicability of...
46536Memorandum on Allowances for Officers’ Quarters, 20 January 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Library of Congress The Commissioners voted to allow the Officers of the King’s Forces, instead of Quarters Quarters were demanded of the City of Philadelphia for a Number of Officers of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Americans and one Independent Company. Billets were accordingly delivered out by the Mayor, on the Inns and other Publick Houses of the City, for the Number of Officers...
46537From Benjamin Franklin to the Duc de la Vrillière, [4 September 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society It was with the greatest Pleasure I received the Information your Grace has condescended to give me of my Nomination by the King to fill a Vacancy in the Academy of Sciences as Associé etranger. I have a high Sense of the great Honour thereby conferr’d on me, and beg that my grateful Acknowledgments may be presented to his Majesty. With the greatest...
46538From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Quincy, 10 December 1761 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I should sooner have answer’d your obliging Letter of Jany. 9. but that I hoped from time to time I might be able to obtain some satisfactory Answers to your Queries. As yet I have done little, that kind of Information being look’d upon as a Part of the Mysteries of Trade, which the Possessors are very shy of communicating. But I think I am now in a Train...
46539From Benjamin Franklin to Peter P. Burdett, 21 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; mutilated draft: American Philosophical Society Burdett is one of the shadowy figures who often appear on the periphery of Franklin’s circle. He lived in Derby for a time, where he was a good friend of Joseph Wright, the painter, and of John Whitehurst, the clock-maker and Franklin’s acquaintance for many years. Burdett first made a name for himself as a...
46540From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 5 September 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Returning hither from Portsmouth, I find your agreeable Favour of Augt. 19. containing your kind Invitation to Westerly, where I am sure I could pass some Days with great Pleasure; but doubt whether it will be in my Power. I perceive the Artifice of your Eloquence, which in some degree saves me from being carried away by its Force. You promise me the Communication...
46541From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 18 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society; minutebook copy: Library Company of Philadelphia I duly receiv’d your Favour of Decr. 28. and immediately order’d the Books of your Invoice to be collected. I hope they will be ready to go by one of these Ships. If not you may expect them by the next. It is said the new Edition of the Encyclopedia may be expected in about two Years. I...
46542From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Shipley, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress I imagine the good Family is by this time establish’d in London for the Winter. The Bearer Mr Alexander, will give you an Opportunity of acquainting me how they do, as he returns immediately. It is therefore I write this Line by him, which I cannot lengthen, having too Short a Notice of his Departure. It may serve at the same time to inform you, who I know...
46543From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 1 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society There is a Stile in some of your Letters, I observe it particularly in the last, whereby superior Merit is assumed to yourself in point of Care, and Attention to Business, and Blame on your Colleagues is insinuated without making yourself accountable by a direct Charge, of Negligence or Unfaithfulness, which has the Appearance of being as artful as...
46544From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 22 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress With this I have the honour of sending you all the Letters I have received from or written to England on the Subject of Peace. M. de Vergennes should have seen them sooner if I had imagined them of any Importance: for I have never had the least Desire of keeping such Correspondence secret. I was, as you will see,...
46545From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 26 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am very sensible of your Merit with the United States and wish it was in my Power to serve you under the Difficulties you represent to me in yours of the 17th. Inst. But I have no Money at Command which is not appropriated to answer Contracts we have made here or Drafts of the Congress daily arriving, and I dare not presume to hazard a Possibility of Disappointment,...
46546From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ellicott], 22 September 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library In coming thro’ New York to this Place, I made a second Enquiry after Mrs. Holland, and was assur’d there was not nor had been in that Place any such Person. As I return I shall notwithstanding cause an Advertisement to be printed in the Newspapers, if possible by that means to gain Intelligence of her. I will likewise cause another to be printed in the Virginia...
46547From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 18 February 1774: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: British Museum Some tell me that it is determined to displace you likewise, but I do not know it as certain. I only give you the hint, as an Inducement to you to delay awhile your Removal to Amboy, which in that Case woud be an expence and Trouble to no purpose. Perhaps they may expect that your Resentment of their Treatment of me, may induce you to resign, and save them the shame of...
46548From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 9 January 1749 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This just serves to cover a Bill of Exchange for £8 8 s. o d. Sterling, and to let you know we are all well. It goes via New York, our River being full of Ice. I shall write you largely per our next Vessel, particularly about Mr. Read’s Affair. I wrote to you per our two last Vessels. The Post just going, cannot add but that I am Dear Sir, Your obliged Friend and...
46549From Benjamin Franklin to John Coakley Lettsom, 6 [or 17] March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Thomas Joseph Pettigrew, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Late John Coakley Lettsom … (3 vols., London, 1817), I , 171–2 of second pagination. I received your favour of September last. It found me labouring under a painful disorder, which continued long, and put me much behind-hand in my correspondence. I thank you for the valuable publications that accompanied it,...
46550From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 15 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Albert H. Smyth, ed., The Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., New York, 1905–07), V , 405–6. I am much obliged to you for introducing me to the Knowledge of Mr. le Marquis d’Ecrammeville, who appears a very amiable Man, with an excellent Understanding. Abraham Mansword’s Advice to his Countrymen is very good. I hope they will have more of it. Pray inform me by a Line,...
46551From Benjamin Franklin to Hugh Roberts, 26 February 1761 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I think I have before acknowledg’d the Receipt of your Favour of the 15th. of the 5th. Month 1760. (I use your own Notation because I cannot tell what Month it was, without Reckoning.) I thank you for it, however, once more; I receiv’d it by the hand of your Son, and had the Pleasure withal of seeing him grown up a solid sensible young Man. You will...
46552From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 2 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress Major General du Portail, & Colonel du Gouvion, Engineers, lately returned to France, have been for five Years past employed in the Armies of the United States, and have, by their military Skill, Bravery & good Conduct done honour to their own Country and great Service to ours. Mr. Livingston, Secretary for Foreign...
46553From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 8 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Your Letter to the President of the Congress, arrived here just now by an Express from Albany, and is brought to me, the Congress being adjourn’d and all the Members out of town but my self. I have taken the Liberty of looking into it, to see if it required any Service from hence in our Power to render. I wish we had more Powder to send you as you desire:...
46554From Benjamin Franklin to Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie., 19 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Commission to three Persons here being dissolv’d by a Vote of Congress who have done me the Honor of appointing me alone their Minister here, I suppose the Loan in Holland, if it could be carried further, must no longer be in the three Names it began with. From the trial made, you can best judge whether it is worthwhile to print new Books with my Name only. I...
46555From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 2 June 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of April 7. inclosing Coningham and Nesbit’s Bill on D. Harvey & Co for £200 with which your Account is credited. In my last I acknowledged the Receipt of Christie’s renew’d Bill for £338 17 s. 2½ d. I am glad the last Years Accounts are to come by the next Packet, for then we shall have the whole settled and pass’d together, there...
46556From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris; Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Accounts: Report, 9, 15, and 19 February 1763 (Franklin Papers)
I. Draft: American Philosophical Society. II. ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania. III. Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1762–1763 (Philadelphia, 1763), pp. 28–9. On Feb. 9, 1763, Franklin drafted a letter to serve as preface to a statement of his expenses as agent of the Assembly in England (Document I). After considering the draft, however, he must have...
46557From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 27 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am much obliged to M. deshayes, Commissaire des Classes a Cherbourg, for the Care your Excellency informs me he has taken of the poor Americans that have escaped from England and arrived at that Port. I shall desire him to send me his Account of the Expence he has already been at in relieving them, that I may discharge it; and I shall request him to continue his...
46558From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 16 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress Having this Opportunity by Mr Bingham, who has the Honour of being known to you, I seize it to thank you for your excellent Book and other Favours, and to let you know that I continue well, except a little Gout, which perhaps is not more a Disease than a Remedy. Mr Petrie inform’d me of your being also well with Mrs Price lately at Brighthelmstone, which...
46559From Benjamin Franklin to the Comte de Vergennes, 4 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft) and copy. Library of Congress I beg leave to acquaint your Ecellency that the Purchases of Clothing &ca for the Troops made by Mr. Lawrens, or by his Orders in Holland, will, as I understand, amount to near a Million, which he has left for me to pay. And that in consequence of his Majesty’s late liberal Grants in Aid of the United...
46560From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 21th. and one before acquainting me with your Safe arrival, which gave me great Pleasure. You Shall have the Treaty and my few Remarks very soon. I inclose four of our latest Newspapers, which contain some Intelligence from Carolina, the Particulars of the taking of the fort at Stony Point, and the Devastations made by the Enemy in...
46561From Benjamin Franklin to William Greene, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter of Decr 10. with the Bills of Exchange for two hundred and sixteen Dollars, & with the List of Goods you would have in return. As I live far from any Seaport and am unacquainted with Merchandize, I sent the Bills, with your Order directly to my Nephew at Nantes, who will I doubt not accomplish it to your...
46562From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 12 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I have received several Letters lately which you did me the honour of writing to me, containing Receipts of escaped American Prisoners for the Sums with which you had furnish’d them. I am much oblig’d by the continued kind Care you have shown to our People on these Occasions, and shall pay the Bill you mention as soon as it appears. You will send me...
46563From Benjamin Franklin to James Partridge, 2 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Reprinted from Christie’s, Fine printed books and manuscripts including Americana (December 16, 2004), lot 384. Mr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Partridge, & begs his Care of the enclos’d Letter to Govr Pownall now at Marseilles, it relating to the Affairs of Mrs Barry. Mr F. takes the Liberty Mr Partridge was so good as to allow him of sending a Packet to his Care for Mrs...
46564From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 4 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed Passports the Grounds on which they were given. The Person to whom they were granted is apprehensive that they will not be a Sufficient Protection against French armed Vessels, & desires to have like passes from your Excellency, which if there is no impropriety, I beg may be granted to him. With great Respect, I have the...
46565From Benjamin Franklin to David Barclay, 8 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin … (3d ed., 2 vols., London, 1818), I , 123–4. I received yesterday your favor of the 27th past, which I immediately answer, as you desire to know soon my opinion respecting the publication of a certain paper. I see no objection, and leave it entirely to your discretion. I have had several letters from...
46566Note on Closing the Concert Room, 8 May 1740 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette May 8, 1740. Dancing parties and concerts by a musical club, both taking place in a room kept by the dancing-master Robert Bolton, gave pleasure to some of Philadelphia’s wealthier citizens. But to George Whitefield and his enthusiastic followers music and dancing were “devilish diversions” and, as such, should be suppressed. Accordingly his traveling...
46567From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 February 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We din’d at Bristol, and got here last Night in good time; the River was hard and firm, and we got well over. Sir John Sinclair came to us and very obligingly offer’d his Chariot and four for the rest of the Journey. This Morning we set out for Brunswic. The Thing I wanted to mention to you, but forgot, was; that in the Hurry of our Arrival from Chester I...
46568From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think...
46569From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 27 November 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and duplicate: Yale University Library I inclose you a Bill of Philip Gibbes jr. drawn on Messrs. Lascelles and Maxwell, Merchants in London, for £50 Sterling. Also a Bill of John Hutchings on Mr. James Buchanan Merchant London for £50 Sterling which I hope will be readily paid. Twelve Pounds in these Bills is what I received of Mr. Dove for Mr. Young; the remaining £88, please to carry to...
46570From Benjamin Franklin to John Kirke, 3 June 1758 (Franklin Papers)
LS : The James Monroe Memorial Foundation Yours of the 1st. of April I received, with a Bill enclos’d for £25 Sterling, which when paid I shall dispose of as the Directors of the Union Library Company desire: But it will fall far short of discharging Mr. Keith’s Account, who says the Orders he has receiv’d for Books will amount to about £100, and seem’d surpriz’d that a larger Bill was not...