Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.
Passy, April 7. 1777. Sir, I left in your Excellency’s Hands, to be communicated, if you please, to your Court, a Duplicate of the Commission from the Congress, appointing me…
Passy, near Paris, April 14. 1777 Dear Son, The Bearer Mr. Guez, being well recommended to me as a skilful Surgeon, and otherwise of good Character for his Morals and…
Passy April 21. 77. Dr. Franklin presents his Respects to Mr. Fisher, with Thanks for his obliging Offer of taking Letters under his Care to the Dr.’s Friends in London:…
Passy, near Paris, April 26. 1777 My dear Friend, I find by your Favour of the 2d Inst. that my Letter to you had been stopt in the Post Office.…
Paris May 1[–27]. 1777. Sir I received your Favour of Feb. 25. by Capt. Adams. I congratulate you on his safe Arrival with others of our American Ships, it being…
Paris, May 1 1777 It was with great Pleasure I received lately the Letters of my Friends from Boston by Capt. Adams. They were the first that got to hand…
Paris, May 1 1777 Sir, I thank you for your kind Congratulations on my Arrival here, 10 and shall be happy in finding that our Negociations on this side the…
Paris, May 1. 1777 Dear Sir, I received your kind Letter of Feb. 28. which gave me great Pleasure. 3 I forwarded your Letter to Dr. Price, who was well…
Paris, May 27. 1777. Sir, The above went by Capt. Adams. Since which I received your Favour by your Son, who appears an amiable sensible young Man. 9 I have…
Paris, May 27. 1777. Dear Nephew, I was glad to understand by yours of March 29. that you and your Family continued in good Health and Spirits. You and your…
Passy, June 6. 1777. Sir, The Persons acting in France for the United States of America, had Orders from the Congress to procure and send over 4 experienc’d Engineers and…
[June 6, 1777 5 ] Madam, It would be a Pleasure to me if I could in this Instance show the Regard I have for your Recommendation. 6 My Answer…
Paris, June 11. 1777. Sir, I do every thing in my Power to discourage foreign Officers from going over to enter into our Service, knowing well how difficult it is…
Paris, June 13. 1777. Sir The Person who will have the Honour of delivering this to your Excellency, is Monsieur le Baron de Frey, who is well recommended to me…
Paris, June 21. 1777. Sir The Gentleman who will have the Honour of delivering this into your Hands, is M. de Bretigny, Captaine d’Infanterie, who has been well and strongly…
Paris June 23d. 1777 Sir I received yours of the 18th. relating to the Loss of your Captain which has given me much Concern: But I hope the Application we…
Paris, June 23 1777. Sir, I received yours of the 16th Inst. relating to the Capture of Capt. Burnel. An Application is making to Government here to have him reclaim’d,…
Paris June 23d. 1777 Gentlemen I have received your favour of the 18th inst. inclosing the Depositions relating to the taking of Capt. Burnell, for which I am obliged to…
Friday morng. June 10 [ i.e. , July 11? 6 ]. 77 Dear Sir M. Chaumont advises to equip Capt. Wickes at St. Malo, where he can be furnish’d with…
Paris, July 15. 1777. Sir, I this day received your Letter of the 5th Instant, wherein you request being sent to America in the Service of the United States, and…
Paris, July 15. 1777. Sir I received last Night yours of the 7th. Instant. From what I know of Capt. Wickes and his Carracter, I am persuaded he is not…
Passy, July 22. 1777. Sir The Bearer M. le Chevr. de Ꝃninon 5 who is desirous of going to America, is well recommended to me as a Person of Character…
Passy, Aug. 11. 1777. Sir The Equipping of armed Vessels in the Ports of France to act under Commissions from the Congress of America against the English, being contrary to…
Paris, Aug. 24. 1777. Sir M. de Knobelauch, who will have the Honour of delivering this to you, is recommended to me as an Officer of much Experience, and capable…