53511To Benjamin Franklin from the Duke of Manchester, [before 26 July 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The Duke of Manchester’s Compts to Dr: Franklin and desires the honor of his company at Dinner Saturday the 26th: inst: Addressed: Doctor Franklin / à Passy BF attended, or at least he planned to: BF to Livingston, July 22[–26]. The Duke of Manchester also sent a pair of invitations to BF and WTF , nearly identical in wording, for “Sunday next the 10th” (...
53512To Benjamin Franklin from Henri-François-de-Paule Lefèvre d’Ormesson, 26 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence a bien voulu me destiner un Exemplaire des Constitutions des Etats unis de l’Amerique. Je mets un grand prix à cet Ouvrage et a ce témoignage de l’attention de Votre Excellence; je la prie d’en agréer tous mes remercimens. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très sincere attachement, Monsieur, De Votre Excellence, Le très humble et très obéissant...
53513To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Rochambeau, 26 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Cte. de Rochambeau prie Monsieur Le Docteur francklin de vouloir bien faire passer la lettre ci-jointe à Mr. le chr. de La Luzerne par la premiere occasion The only extant letter to BF from the victor at Yorktown.
53514To Benjamin Franklin from Walterstorff, 26 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society According to Your desire I have the honour of sending You an abstract of the last ordonnance concerning the Trade of the Islands of St. Thomas & St. Johns. As to the Island of St. Croix I must observe to You, Sir, that all american Vessels are also received there, and although the Suggars of sd. Island are to be exported only to His Majesty’s Dominions in...
53515The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society The Definitive Treaties between the late beligerent Powers are none of them yet compleated. Ours has gone on slowly, owing partly to the Necessity Mr. Hartley (Successor of Mr Oswald) thinks himself under of sending every Proposition, either his own or ours, to his Court for their Approbation; and their Delay...
53516From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received lately several Letters from you, which gave me a great deal of Pleasure, as they inform’d me of your Welfare and that of the Children. Being inform’d that Benny had been ill of a Fever, and that he was dejected & pin’d at being so long absent from his Relations, I sent for him to come to me during...
53517From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; copy: Library of Congress In this letter, prompted by Banks’s overture of May 28, Franklin rejoices in the peace, muses on the folly of war, and reclaims his place in the British scientific community, as he had long wished to do. Erasing eight years of estrangement, he notes with pleasure the recent discoveries made by “our” Society. By way of reciprocation, he adds a...
53518From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I have been honoured by your Letters in the Washington, of the 3d. 11th. 13th. 19th of January, and the 26th & 31st of May. Till that Ship arriv’d, we had been totally in the dark respecting American Affairs for near 6 Months. The Correspondence may henceforth be more regular, as 5 Pacquet Boats are now ordered here, to depart from LOrient for N. York the middle...
53519To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to thank you for a number of introductory Letters received from you lately, all of which have been productive of either pleasure, or profit, or both—in consequence of your recommendations B & Shee have received very considerable consignments from Dunkirk and we have further prospects of extending our Connection. This will be handed you by Mr. Carter,...
53520To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Sotheby’s, New York (1985) I Beg leave to Return You My thanks for the Notice You Give me of An opportunity to America— But find it is too late to improve it, and My only Hope is that some letters I Have these past days sent to Paris, Have Been put on Board the Washington— Since we Could not Get Monney Here, I am Glad it Has Been found in Holland— Mr. Hartlay’s dissatisfaction, if...
53521To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [27 July 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Voici une lettre Mon Illustre Docteur que M. Cassini Le Pere ma chargé de vous remettre. Votre present a été reçu hier à lAcadémie avec beaucoup de reconnoissance et il a été ordonné au Secrétaire de vous ecrire au Nom de la Compagnie pour vous en remercier. Le Jeune Dr Home dont je vous ai parlé hier et qui va a Veinne se chargera très volontiers de votre...
53522From Benjamin Franklin to Nathaniel Falconer, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of the 18th. Capt. Barney brought us the Dispatches we so long expected. Mr Deane as you observe is lost: Dr Bancroft is I believe steady to the Interest of his Country, and will make an agreable Passenger if you can take him. You desire to know something of the State of Affairs here....
53523To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I received last post a Letter from Messrs. Schweighauser & Dobreé of Nantes under whose care the Arsnal belonging to the United States is placed, informing me that their Partner at L’Orient Messr. Puchelberg & Co., had some months ago laid an attachment on all the Arms and other Military supplies...
53524From Benjamin Franklin to [Vergennes], [on or after 28 July 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; ALS (draft): Library of Congress When the Ship Alliance belonging to the Congress was at l’Orient, under the Command of Capt. Jones, Moylan & Co Merchants there, were appointed to supply the Ship with what was necessary during her Stay. Capt. Landais taking Possession of the Ship surreptitiously in the Absence of Capt. Jones, apply’d to one...
53525To Benjamin Franklin from Gian Francesco Cigna, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Les heureuses revolutions que Votre genie sublime, Monsieur, a apporté dans la politique et dans la philosophie, qui feront a jamais epoque dans l’histoire des Nations, et dans celle de l’esprit humain ont fait ambitionner a l’Academie des Sciences de cette Capitale d’illustrer son catalogue avec le nom du plus grand Philosophe du siecle, ce qui lui a...
53526To Benjamin Franklin from Giuseppe Doria Pamphili: Letter and Note, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) L : Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; (II) Copy and transcript: National Archives; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide The independence of the United States presented the Holy See with the problem of how to minister to the needs of American...
53527To Benjamin Franklin from Isabella Strange, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg once more leave to trouble you with a Letter to my Friend Mr Hunter. I do not yet know any other way of sending a Letter to Him and all I have hitherto are on Business. Mr Strange joins with me in presenting our respectful compliments. I have the honour to be Dear Sir Your very humble Sert Addressed: His excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Paris...
53528From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Blagden, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : James M. Osborn, New Haven, Connecticut (1966) Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Dr Blagden, requests his Care of the enclos’d, and wishes him a good Journey with a happy Sight of his Friends & Country. Blagden had paid his final visit to BF on July 25. He was received in the “inner cabinet” where a “Great cover [was] laid out,” and the two men discussed the Montgolfiers’ “flying...
53529From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. Arthur Loeb, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1955) Whom I shall probably never have the Pleasure of seeing again: You some time since recommended Miss Beckwith to me; I in consequence recommended her to my Children in Philadelphia: the enclos’d will give you some Information of her present Situation. I hope you & yours continue well, as does Your affectionate Friend & humble Servant...
53530To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je joins icy, Monsieur, La permission que vous désirez pour faire retirer de La Douanne un paquet de Livres venant de Strasbourg à votre adresse. J’ai L’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre trés humble et trés Obeissant Serviteur Notation: Le Noir 29 Juillet 1783— Perhaps another book shipment from Hohlenfeld & Embser; see XXX-VIII...
53531To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Vous vous rapellez, Monsieur, que sur votre demande le Roi a ordonné la Main-levée de la saisie faite à la requête des Srs forsters, freres, de tous les deniers qui pouvoient être dus à la frégate américaine l’Alliance. Ces négociants se sont conformés aux intentions de Sa Mte. à cet égard; mais vous...
53532To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your kind Letter of the 18 Inst. and thank you for your Advice which I shall always follow. I have had a Consultation with my Creditors here which has terminated in the most favourable Manner possible. Instead of meeting men Angry from disappointment I found myself in the midst of compassionate Friends, & they unanimously offered me 2 Years...
53533To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our friend W ——, has taken his measures & has Already agreed wt most of his people at 6, 12, 18 Months & 2 Years by equal payments— He hopes he will meet no difficulty with the others but thinks that the Extension of his protection to a year (it Expires the 6 septr) woud secure his Object by preventing any troublesome Man from laying by to Catch undue...
53534To Benjamin Franklin from Cambray, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Colo. Cambray’s most Respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin. As he is going in the Country he is deprived of the honor of waiting upon him. He takes the liberty to Send him Some letters for America in consequence of the leave he has been So good as to grant him. If any letters Should arrive from America directed to him he begs they may be Sent to his...
53535To Benjamin Franklin from Staël von Holstein, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress Le Baron de Stael est passé chez Monsieur Francklin pour avoir l’honneur de lui faire part qu’il a eu le 29 du courant ses audiences comme Ministre plénipotentiaire du Roy de Suede chez leurs Majestés et la famille royale. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / en son hotel / A Passy
53536To Benjamin Franklin from Herman Heyman’s Sons, 31 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We beg leave to Refer us to our last Letter which we had the honour to write to your Exelency, by addressing you our most humble thanks for the Letters of Introduction with which you favored us, for our new established House in Nord America. Beeing convinced of the Patriotism which your Exelency bears for your Country, we hope you’ll permit us to trouble you...
53537To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 31 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; (II) LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communîqué confidentiellement, M, à M. le Ct. de Mercy la notte que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de me remettre; cet ambassadeur pense qu’il seroit convenable que vous la redigeassies d’après la notte que j’y ai mise: je me...
53538From Benjamin Franklin to Silas Deane, 31 [i.e., 1?] August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Deane Papers, 1774–90 (5 vols.; New-York Historical Society Collections , XIX-XXIII , New York, 1887–91), V , 192. I received last night the letter you did me the honor of writing to me the 20th. past, and in answer inform you that I never heard anything of the discourses or resentments you mention, either at Versailles or at Paris; that I do not think your personal safety...
53539To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Johnson, 1 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Inclosed was sent me from the General Post Office, the Postage being 4/7. I have paid and which you will be pleased to return to Mr. Ridley, It is probable that many more Letters may come for you & which must remain in the Post Office, without the Inland Postage is paid, be pleased to signify whether I may take them up or not & forward them to you. I...
53540To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Hudson de Lavau, [1 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society months, the anxiety of my mind Joined with their manner of living brought me very near my Grave, I came here about eight days ago for the recovery of my health, pardon me sir for troubling you with this account of my self, but I think it is necessary I Shoud you be made acquinted with my manner of Living since I left paris mr. hoops in form me...
53541To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Paul Marat, 1 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Marat prie Monsieur Franklin de vouloir bien lui accorder un quart d’heure d’audience lundy ou mercredy prochains dans la matinée. M. Marat desireroit Savoir l’heure de la comodité de Monsieur Franklin, au quel il à l’honneur de renouveller les assurances de Son respectueux attachement. Notation: Marat 1er. Aout 1783. To the best of our knowledge, this is...
53542To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 2 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Henry Smeathman, the bearer of this is an ingenious person, who was patronized by Dr. Fothergill and under the Doctor’s patronage he visited the coast of Africa, and in consequence of the knowledge he acquired, he seems capable of giving ample information respecting the present trade of Africa, and wishes I believe, to suggest, new sources of extending it...
53543To Benjamin Franklin from Berkenrode, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur des Etats Generaux, prie Monsieur Francklin, de Lui faire L’honneur de venir diner chez Lui, Jeudi prochain 7 du Mois./. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin. / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de / L’Amerique Septentrionale. / A passy.
53544To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Monet, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez prevenu le dessein ou j’etois d’aller vous prier, Monsieur, de me mettre à portée de mettre sous les yeux de sa majesté le roy de Pologne un exemplaire des constitutions des treize etats unis de l’amérique en m’envoyant celui dont j’ai l’honneur de vous accuser la réception et en y en joignant un pour moy. Cette attention obligeante, et la part que...
53545To Benjamin Franklin from François Steinsky, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a peu des plaisirs réélles égaux à celui, que me faisoit la recette de Vos lines; cela m’etoit un vrai soulagement dans une maladie que je souffrois alors. Je Vous remercie des louanges que Vous avez la bonté de faire de nos manufacturiers par raport a une petite chose, a la quelle hors la bonne volonté il n’y a rien qui merite d’etre regardé de Vous....
53546To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Pignatelli, [after 3 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Comte de Pignatelli a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur francklin, Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale, qu’il a eu Dimanche 3 de ce mois ses premieres audiences du Roi, de la Reine, et de la famille royale en qualité d’ambassadeur Extraordinaire de S. M. le Roi de Naples. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin /...
53547To Benjamin Franklin from William Robertson, 4 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My eldest Son will have the honour of presenting this letter to Your Excellency. He has been educated to the profession of Law here, & during the vacation of the Courts of justice, purposes to make a rapid excursion to the Continent. As he will be two or three weeks at Paris, he is ambitious of being introduced to you, & of being able to tell his children...
53548To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 5 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous addresser la copie d’un mémoire qui m’a été présenté par le Sr. Baÿard; Comme les demandes de ce particulier me semblent justes, je me fais un devoir de vous les transmettre en vous priant de les recommander en Amérique. J’ai l’Honneur d’être très sincérement,...
53549Editorial Note on the American Peace Commissioners’ Project for a Definitive Treaty of Peace, [6 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
In late July, the American peace commissioners obtained Vergennes’ reassurance that France would not sign its definitive treaty with Great Britain until the American treaty was ready. On July 31 Vergennes told this to the Duke of Manchester, who immediately informed Hartley. The following day, August 1, Hartley received a letter from Fox—the first in nearly a month—answering his mid-June...
53550To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 7 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Plaignés notre bonne Douairiere, mon respectable ami; elle part demain et n’a pu vous aller demander votre bénédiction; elle me charge de vous peindre tout le regret qu’elle a de vous quitter; mais comment y parvenir? Il est trop profond; il faudroit sentir comme elle pour le rendre: recevés de sa part les embrassements de L’amitié la plus tendre, et...
53551William Temple Franklin to Caleb Whitefoord, 7 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from W. A. S. Hewins, ed., The Whitefoord Papers … (Oxford, 1898), pp. 190–1. I have been so much taken up with Business since the rect of your Letter, inclosing me an Introduction to Mrs Hesse, that I have hitherto delay’d answering it. I have not however been deficient in complying with your request relative to that amiable and accomplish’d Lady: She has form’d with Mr Brillon not...
53552To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 8 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I beg to introduce to your kind regards one of my best respected friends, Mr Dugald Stewart, who though as yet little known out of Scotland, is one of the best known men in it. He stands in the very first class of their mathematicians & literary men. He has twice at a day’s warning taken up Dr. Adam Ferguson’s lectures in Moral Philosophy, & twice completely excelled...
53553Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society; two copies and transcript: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Availing my self of your consent & recommendation I embarked at le Havre on board the Washington & Sailed from thence the 1st. Inst. On the 2d. at 9 o’Clo. AM. we were within six Leagues of Poole in Dorsetshire. The Wind being very favorable, I quitted the Ship, went on...
53554To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society Having heard that you have been told at Paris, that Lord Shelburne had used foul play about the instructions for removing the troops from New York, I have only to state as a fact, that Genl. Gray in a letter I have in my possession addressed to Lord Keppel, requests to know on what means he may depend for removing the troops from New York, which...
53555To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have sent to Billy by this Post a Copy of my last Memoire to M de Vergennes, Supported by those of my Creditors who are of this Town & were of the Meeting, with Copies & Extracts of Several Letters I have received. I send also the originals of these Letters to prove the veracity of the Extracts. As they extend to matters foreign to the Subject and are too...
53556From Benjamin Franklin to Ann Hudson de Lavau, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Letter dated the first Instant, which I should have answered directly, but had mislaid the enclos’d Letter from your Mother which you desired might be sent you. The Bills mentioned by Mr Beall, came duly to my hands and I have received the Money, Seventy-two Dollars. I imagined you were long since gone to America, am sorry to...
53557To Benjamin Franklin from A. C. G. Deudon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lors de mon départ de Bruxelles, monsieur Bournons, de l’académie roÿale des Sciences de cette ville, m’a prié de vous faire parvenir la prèmiére partie de ses élémens de mathématiques, que voici; il m’a chargé en même-tems, de vous faire Connoître de Sa part, qu’il aura l’honneur de vous prèsenter les deux volumes Suivans, du même ouvrage, à mesure qu’ils...
53558To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress Mgr. Le Margrave rêgnant de Bâde me charge de vous prier de vouloir bien faire toutes les démarches qui dépendront de vous, pour avoir l’Extrait-Mortuaire du Sr. Adam Marggrander, né Sujet de ce Prince, et qui doit être mort noïé à Philadelphie. Ce S. Marggrander est parti pour Philadelphie, en 1774, avec un S. Gucker de Schreck, et il étoit emploïé à Philadelphie chéz...
53559To Benjamin Franklin from William Nixon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will please to call to Mind that I presumed to inclose to your Excellency a little Book, which I published, Viz. Prosody made easy . The very polite Answer, which you returned, & your unexpected Liberality at so seasonable a Time can never be forgotten by me. The Mode of paying the Debt due by me to you was such a Proof of Politeness, Liberality, &...
53560To Benjamin Franklin from Pio, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Pio a l’honneur de renouveller les assurances de son respect à monsieur franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique et de lui envoyer le 3me. volume des Oeuvres de Mr. filangieri avec une lettre du même, que Mr. de Pio a reçu hier de naples. Mr. de Pio est très flatté de pouvoir dire a Mr. franklin, qu’il y a actuellement un homme...