52681To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, [25 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress The Marquis de la Fayette is about to depart, & wishes for a speedy answer to his Letter— The enclosed Draft of one, meets with Mr Adam’s approbation, & if it also meets with your’s, be pleased to sign a Copy of it, and send it by the Bearer— I am Dr Sir sincerely Yours & Addressed: His Exy. / Doctr. Franklin / Passy The date of Lafayette’s departure for Brest; see...
52682To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Séqueville, [25 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed announcement with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society Le Roi ne verra pas demain mardi 26 . Messieurs les Ambassadeurs et ministres Etrangers. La Cour prendra le Deuil le 27 de ce mois, à l’occasion de la mort de la Psse Charlotte Amelie, de Dannemk . Sa Majesté le portera cinq jours. Addressed: a Monsieur, / Monsieur francklin ministre / Plenipre. des Etats unis de /...
52683From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Oswald, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : William L. Clements Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), National Archives, New-York Historical Society, William L. Clements Library, Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society; transcript: National Archives You may well remember that in the Beginning of our Conferences, before the other Commissioners arriv’d, on your mentioning to me a...
52684From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Reprinted from Christie’s auction catalogue “Important Autograph Letters from the Historical Archives of Bowood House” (London, Oct. 12, 1994), p. 35. Mr Vaughan brought me some time since from your Lordship a Remedy you were so kind as to send me for my Gravel. I intended to thank you by him. He staid here much longer than I expected, and when he went it was so suddenly that I had not...
52685To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [26 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Having Waïted some time for Mr. jay, I Was told By doctor Bancroft that the two other Ministers Now Agreed With You in Opinion that After What I Had done in the Affair of Monney, it was Better for me Immediately to join the Convoy— However I Waïted once More Upon Count de Vergennes on My Passage at Versaïlles, and Had a long Conversation With Him— Let the dispatches...
52686To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress By a Letter from Mr Dundass, Lord Advocate of Scotland, dated 12th Novemr, he writes that a Nephew of his, Son of the Lord presedent of the Court of Session, Francis Dundas a Captain of the 1st Regimt of Guards is now at London a Prisoner upon his Parole, having Served in Lord Cornwallis Army. And wishes much to be discharged under any Obligations or Conditions of...
52687To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I ought in duty to have wrote before this time to express the Satisfaction I Receivd at Paris from the honour of your Acquaintance, & also to acknowledge your very many Civilitys, and If I have been guilty of an Omission in this particular, The cause arose from an apprehension of being troublesome. No Person can have a greater respect & more sincere regard...
52688The American Peace Commissioners to Lafayette, [27 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society We have recd. the Letter you did us the Honor to write on the 25th. Inst. Our Country has had early & repeated Proofs both of your Readiness and abilities to do her Service. The Prospect of an inactive Campaign in america, induced us to adopt the opinion, that you might be more useful...
52689Franklin: Order for the Release of Captain Francis Dundas, [27 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AD (draft) and press copy of DS : Library of Congress; copies: Public Record Office, National Maritime Museum A Request being made to me by his Excellency Richard Oswald Esquire, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty for treating of Peace, in favour of Captain Francis Dundas, of the first Regiment of Guards, Nephew of the Lord Advocate of...
52690To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Three Letters, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society Give me leave to introduce to you Mr. Stuart, Brother to my particular Friend Colonel Walter Stuart; this young Gentleman has resided some time in America, and has gained the esteem of all his Acquaintanc; as a Person deserving your Notice & Civilities, I therefore recommend him to you. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate Son Addressed: His...
52691To 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...
52692To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives An opportunity offering from this port to write directly to you, I do not chuse to hazard anything by the Post which carries this to Boston, particularly as I did not hear till just now that a frigate was to sail from thence, and it is uncertain whether this will arrive in time to go...
52693To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 412–13. I am so agitated with the present crisis, that I cannot help writing you, to beseech you again and again to meditate upon some mild expedient about the refugees, or to give a favourable ear, and helping hand to such as may turn up. Both sides agree...
52694To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris,...
52695From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : D.A.F.H.H. Hartley Russell (1955) on deposit in the Berkshire County Record Office I received your very kind Letters of Oct. 29, 31, & Nov. 8. I thank you much for the Receipt you send me. It may be of use hereafter, tho’ at present the Gravel has left me. I shall send the Book you desire by Mr Vaughan. And you may depend on my doing every thing in my Power to serve the Person you...
52696From Benjamin Franklin to James Jay, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : John Carter Brown Library I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 27th past. I have no direct Powers from Congress to transact Exchanges, but have taken the Liberty in your Case, to absolve the Parole of Captain Francis Dundas, of the first Regiment, now a Prisoner on Parole in London, on Condition that yours be also fully discharged. You will know whether this...
52697To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 17/28 November [i.e., 28 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote to Mr: Livingston in Augt: last: to advise Congress of a custom established at this Court by order of Her Majesty, That every Power entering into any Treaty with her, shou’d pay Six Thousand Roubles to Four of her Ministers (making in the whole Twenty four Thousand) upon the signing of the Treaty: And that if any occasion shou’d offer for me to...
52698To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Yale University Library This will be delivered you by Capt. Archd. Balneavis, Lieut Archd. MacLean, Mr. Ochiltree & Capt. Wm. Hamilton all paroled at York town the 26 Oct 1781. & taken on their Passage from NYork to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette arrived here to my address as they have pressing business in London they prefer going by land & on their way will wait...
52699Franklin’s Proposed Article 5, [29 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (five), Massachusetts Historical Society (three) The final day of negotiations was held at Jay’s residence at the Hôtel d’Orléans. In attendence were Oswald, Strachey, Fitzherbert, Franklin, Adams, Jay, and Henry Laurens (who had just arrived from London). They spent the day wrangling over...
52700From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 29 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that the Commissioners of the United States, have agreed with Mr Oswald on the Preliminary Articles of the Peace between those States & Great Britain. To-morrow I hope we shall be able to communicate to your Excellency a Copy of them. With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your...
52701To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 29 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday I was favoured with your kind lettre dated Nov. 12., which gave me the greatest satisfaction, as the defection of the colonies from their alleys is entirely Contradicted by your lettre as well as by the papers inclosed. That for some English people here so flattering news was still so much credited among them a few days ago, that a gentleman of...
52702To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Christophe Valmont de Bomare, 29 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library L’eloignement et une multitude d’affaires, m’ont empêché d’aller vous temoigner moi même, la part que j’ai prise à votre maladie et à votre retablissement— Je n’ai pû envoyer chez vous que mon domestique— Je vous supplie de ne pas douter du vif interêt que je prens à votre conservation et prosperité. Je vous prie aussi de presenter mes civilitez à...
52703Preliminary Articles of Peace, [30 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Public Record Office; copies: National Archives (six), Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), William L. Clements Library; press copies of copies: American Philosophical Society (two); transcripts: National Archives (four) Articles agreed upon, by and between Richard Oswald Esquire, the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty, for treating of Peace with the...
52704To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 30 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having this day negociated to Mr. John Augustus Byrne of this City the four Bills as undermentioned the first & second of which I have heretofore transmitted to you, & not being advisd by your Excellency of their Acceptance or payment I think it proper to mention the 1sts. of sd. Bills are accepted in your hands. Mr Byrne remitts them to his Banker Mr....
52705To Benjamin Franklin from Gilles de Lavallée and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, [c. November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
News of the peace negotiations inspires a number of merchants, manufacturers, and schemers to make offers to Franklin during the period of this volume. In November, Gilles de Lavallée outlines his plan to establish in the 13 “Colonies Unies” factories for making ribbons, yarns, and thread as well as textiles, coverlets, and sheets. His letter is published below. On September 26, Petit, a...
52706To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Golowkin, [after November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai une grace à vous demander, mon Papa, j’ai demain Jeudi une petite Course à faire à la Campagne, ma Voiture ordinaire est caseè, je me trouve dans L’embarras— N’aurès vous pas la bontè extrême pour moi de me prêter votre Diligence (rien que la Voiture sans chevaux:) J’ose vous faire cette demande parceque comme vous avès aussi une Berline il vous seras...
52707To Benjamin Franklin from John Taylor, 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The great friendship you have ever shewn me, produces a liberty which I trust you will forgive, as the subject is a matter of the utmost importance to me, and my family— I see in Freemans Philada. Journal of the 27th. february 1782 among the names of those who have forfeited their Estates, two John Taylors , and as I have not heard from my Agent Wm. West...
52708To Benjamin Franklin from George Walker, 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An old friend will excuse this familiarity of address to the Minister. I found by Mr. Wharton of Philadelphia, when he did me the honour of a visit at Calais, that I was still alive in your memory and good opinion; and that you were content with the excuses I had made you thorough him for my silence. Circumstances however seem now to be approaching, which...
52709To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library The Ship Nonesuch is just arrived in 22 Days from Philadelphia. Thinking it of great Importance that the public Dispatches should go forward with the utmost Expedition, and the Post not going out for two Days to come, I thought it my Duty to send off this Express which I hope will be agreeable. I have given the Courier...
52710To Benjamin Franklin from Filangieri, 2 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Translation from ALS in Italian: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I don’t know whether you received my previous letter in which I alluded to what I am now obliged today to explain with greater clarity. I awaited your answer with impatience; but four months have already gone by and up to now I have not had the pleasure of seeing your writing. I flatter myself that this second letter will meet...
52711To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 2 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We had the honour of Addressing your Excellcy. on the 24th. Octr. last on the subject of 4 Small Continl. Bills endors’d by Mr. Wm. Foster for The Honble. R R Livingston, on Which we have no reply. We now are to give you advice of having Endorsed 2 Continl. Bills No. 279 & 280—in date of 31st Jany. 1782 for 300 Dollrs. pble. to George putnam—which we...
52712To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The Moments we live in, are critical and may be improved, perhaps to advantage, for which purpose I beg Leave to propose to your Consideration, whether it is not proper for Us to write to Mr Dana at Petersbourg, acquaint him with the Signature of the Preliminaries, inclose to him an authentic Copy of them and advise him to...
52713From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 3 November [i.e., December] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I am perfectly of your Opinion respecting the Copy to be sent to Mr Dana, and shall have one prepared directly for that purpose. Is it not also a proper time for you to propose the Quadruple Alliance offensive and defensive, or at least defensive, which I think you once mentioned to me? For I apprehend this Peace may be so humiliating to England, that on...
52714To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this Vessel you will receive a tin and a Wooden box; both with grafts of the best new town Pippins which Mr Powell was obliging enough to procure, each of the grafts has a peice of the Old wood remaining to it, the wooden [ torn: box] was put up by him in a particular manner with wax and tallow, the other by Mr Bache according to your directions, Mr...
52715To Benjamin Franklin from George Holt, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Libty. I take in writing is, to solicit your Friendship; to gain me a pass or an exchange for me to go to England. I have done myself the honor to write to the Secretary of the Marine Department craving his generous release of me— I am from Hudsons Bay the Vessell Calld the Charlotte which circumstances you may in all Probality be well acquainted...
52716To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS, LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; ALS (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have just now recd the certificates required by Mr. Vallier, the vessel which carries my dispatches having been detained I embrace the opportunity to forward them— Nothing new since my last, except that by a Gent who left Charles town the 4th. Ult. we learn that the...
52717To Benjamin Franklin from Gurdon S. Mumford, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a letter recd. by the Ship Nonsuch in 22 days from Philadelphia, it would have been sent on by the Express but by some unaccountabe means it was left behind & Mr. Williams now desires me to forward it to your Excellency— I ask a thousand pardons for having thus long delayed acknowledging the many kindnesses your Excellency was pleased to shew me...
52718From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 4 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS , press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives We detain the Washington a little longer expecting an English Passport for her in a few Days; and as possibly some Vessel bound for North America may sail before her, I write this Line to inform you that the French Preliminaries with England are not yet signed, tho’ we hope they may be very soon. Of ours, I enclose a Copy. The Dutch &...
52719To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 4 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress To My Very Great Concern, I Have not Yet Received Your Answer to My letter, Nor the Account of What Has officially Past in Monney Matters— But Your Opinion Has Been I should Go, and I Am Pursuing an object that May I Hope prove Useful to America— Upon Your Opinion therefore, I Determine My Going— We are Under sails With 9 ships of the line, And about 6000 Men Recruits...
52720To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Percival, 4 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messrs. James and Charles Hill, are the Sons of Mr. John Hill, late a very considerable Tradesman in Manchester, and have left their Native Country in consequence of the Bankruptcy of their Father.— This testament to the identity of James and Charles Hill—brothers who were in France awaiting passage to America—was procured so that BF might write them a...
52721From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Barney, 5 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : United States Naval Academy Museum I receiv’d your Letter of the 23d. past duly by the Express. I was very glad to see the Minister’s Dispatches, as the Want of them had much delay’d our affairs. I have kept the Express hoping to have sent by him our final Letters. But the Answer of the Court being not yet obtained, & the time when we may expect it being from some present Circumstances...
52722From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 5[–14] December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives I am honoured by your several Letters No 16. 17. 18. & 19. dated Sept. 5. 13. 13. & 18. I believe the Complaints you make in some of them of my not Writing, may ere now have appear’d less necessary, as many of my Letters written before those Complaints must have since come to hand: I will nevertheless mention some of the Difficulties your Ministers meet...
52723To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 5 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Have been favord with your letter by Count Segar, which he forwarded from Philadelphia he Came to Providence with the Army we Sent for him but was gone to Newport on his Return to Providence Ray was at home and waited on him he Sat a day to Come with Count Rhoshambow but it was a heavy Rain for three days, after that the first Coll went to Boston and he...
52724To Benjamin Franklin from Ségur, 5 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M de segur a l’honneur de faire à Monsieur franklin ses sinceres remerciments de ce qu’il a bien voulu prendre le soin de lui faire parvenir un Paquet venant de nantes par un exprès; il le prie de recevoir les assurances de son parfait attachement./. Presumably dispatches from America; see JW to BF , Dec. 1.
52725From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have the honour of returning herewith the Map your Excellency sent me Yesterday. I have marked with a strong Red Line, according to your desire, the Limits of the thirteen United States, as settled in the Preliminaries between the British & American Plenipotentiarys. With great Respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble...
52726To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After Having Been two days out of the Road, a S. o. [SW] Wind Obliges us to Come Back Again, and I fear it Will Give time for Lord Howe to Embarass our Passage— No Letter from You Has Yet Come to Hand, Which I am Very sorry for, as I Impatiently Waït for Information Upon our Monney Affairs— I Have not Yet Received Your Answer to My Consulting Letter— But I...
52727To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society The College of Dartmouth in New Hampshire having suffered materialy in its funds since the war by the loss of those contributions which it till then recd. from England—Docr. Wheelock son of the worthy first founder proposes to solicit a subscription in France & Holland for its support— He flatters himself that the charity of an institution whose chief...
52728To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Day before yesterday there were a number of Letters in Town announcing a Peace. The News came from the secretary of the Duc d’orleans who ’tis said informed that the King had announced it to the Duc. Such respectable Information prevented every Doubt and I among the Rest believed it. I immediately set myself to work to get a little fast sailing Brig...
52729Parole for Lawrence Robert Campbell, [7 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society On December 6 and 7 Temple and Franklin were faced with an unusual situation: writing paroles for five British army officers who had been captured at sea. Jonathan Williams, Jr., had taken their paroles at Nantes, where they landed, and authorized them to travel to Paris, where they would have to obtain permission from Franklin to continue to England. Four...
52730To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 7 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Mr: Laurens presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and requests the honor of his Company to dinner on Wednesday next at 3 oClock. In the hand of Henry Laurens, Jr. JA attended the dinner: Butterfield, John Adams Diary , III , 95.