Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to John Calder expressing gratitude for introducing him to General Melvill and discussing Calder's potential move to Philadelphia. Franklin agrees with Calder's views on the Old Testament and explains his opposition to a constitutional clause requiring assembly members to affirm its divine inspiration, noting he helped add a provision preventing further religious tests. He also remarks on the impossibility of some parts of the Old Testament being divinely inspired.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to George Whatley expressing regret for his delayed reply and praising Whatley's book The Principles of Trade, requesting a copy to translate and distribute in America to improve economic understanding. Franklin laments the death of Whatley's namesake Maddeson and comments on the challenges Whatley faces with his charity admitting only 60 children yearly, noting the difficulties of child placement in England and the concerns about emigration.
Letter
Passy, Augt. 22. 1784 Dear Friend, When I am long without hearing from you, I please my self with re-perusing some of your former Letters. In your last of April…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to his grandson William Temple Franklin about social visits and the publication of a report that has sparked debate for its imaginative claims and potential impact on religious faith. He advises William to share copies with influential figures like the French Ambassador and comments on the persistence of credulity and deception in society. Franklin also mentions receiving newspapers regularly from New York despite personal losses.
Letter
Passy, Aug. 25. 1784. My Lord, I have had the Pleasure of seeing Lord Fitzmaurice several Times. 5 I congratulate your Lp. sincerely on your having so promising a Son.…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin introduces Count Mirabeau to Richard Price, recommending him for his character and literary talents. He notes that Mirabeau has written a well-regarded piece on hereditary nobility intended for publication in England. Franklin requests Price's kindness and advice for Mirabeau.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin introduces Count Mirabeau to Benjamin Vaughan, recommending him for assistance in publishing a work opposing hereditary nobility linked to the Order of Cincinnati in America. Franklin praises Mirabeau's writing and urges Vaughan to help find a suitable bookseller. He expresses confidence in Mirabeau's talents and values their friendship.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs Cristoforo Vincenzo Spinola that before Genoa appoints a consul in Boston, a formal treaty of amity and commerce must be negotiated to define the consul's powers and privileges. Franklin, along with Adams and Jefferson, expresses readiness to begin such negotiations on behalf of the United States. He emphasizes the importance of this treaty for facilitating free trade between the two nations.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs John Jay of his safe arrival in New York and shares recent newspapers. He mentions Mr. Hartley's recall after six months of inactivity on the Commercial Treaty and notes that Adams and Jefferson are cooperating well in Paris. Franklin sends his regards to Jay's family and promises a more detailed letter soon.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin expresses gratitude to Lorenzo Manini for sending him the American Letters and acknowledges the honor of its dedication. He mentions sending copies of the American state constitutions and two of his own writings on America, hoping they provide amusement. Franklin also conveys thanks to Mr. il Presidente Carli for his defense of America against a critical writer.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin expresses gratitude to Paolo Frisi for introducing him to the Chevalier Castiglioni and offers assistance during Castiglioni's travels in America. He welcomes Frisi's proposal to donate his works to the Philadelphia Academy, recognizing their value. Franklin concludes with respectful regards.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs William Carmichael about ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the Spanish minister, including correspondence with Count d’Aranda, and updates him on the appointment of M. Gardoqui to America. He also reports the arrest of James Hartwell by the Spanish Inquisition on charges related to religious conversion and the seizure of his tobacco cargo. Franklin expresses concern for Hartwell’s situation and promises to keep Carmichael informed.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin appeals to Count de Vergennes to intervene in a dispute involving the Admiralty at Nantes, which improperly detained an American ship and overstepped jurisdiction by adjudicating a conflict between the ship's captain and a sailor. Franklin requests the immediate release of the ship to prevent financial losses for its owners.
Letter
Passy, Nov. 10. 1784 Sir, I send you enclos’d the Characters you desire to see, cast in the new manner lately invented in England. They are first cast separately, and…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin advises C. F. d’ Inarre on his potential move to America, suggesting that while agricultural skills would allow comfortable living in Pennsylvania, the long voyage and starting anew at his age with a family may not be advisable. Franklin encloses a pamphlet to answer specific questions and wishes him well in his decision.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin expresses bitterness and disappointment to Charles Thomson over Congress's refusal to grant a personal favor, specifically the appointment of his grandson Temple to a diplomatic position, which instead goes to David Humphreys. Franklin's notes reveal a rare moment of melancholy and a sense of feeling unappreciated in late 1784. The letter responds point-by-point to Thomson's earlier correspondence, reflecting Franklin's frustration with political decisions.
Letter
Passy, Nov. 11. 1784 Dear Son, I received your Letters of the 28th. of August, and 10th of September, with the Newspapers by M. Sailly, but they were very incompleat…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs Charles Thomson about correspondence related to the Longchamps affair and diplomatic instructions he followed concerning negotiations with the Emperor. He mentions sending formal communications to Count Vergennes and awaiting satisfaction for Mr. Marbois. Franklin promises a more detailed letter in the future while enclosing relevant papers and letters exchanged with European officials.
Letter
Passy, Nov. 15. 84— M r Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to M r Adams, and enclosos a Paper left with him by the Secretary of the Portuguese Ambassador last…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to Monsieur Bra to distance himself from any disputes regarding Mesmerism, stating he does not want his name associated with the controversy except as part of the official report by the royal commissioners. He emphasizes his role as a humble and obedient servant, appointed by His Majesty to the commission.
Letter
Passy ce 23 Nov[re 1784] Je n’ai point reçu, Monsieur, le Projet dont vous faitez mention dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 15 du mois…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin discusses the common practice of seeking influence or protection to secure payment of debts, noting that creditors often petition officials before formally presenting their claims. He requests Thomas Jefferson's advice on a specific case enclosed with the letter to provide guidance to the creditor involved. Franklin aims to clarify proper procedures for debt collection and offers assistance through Jefferson's counsel.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin responds to J.-B. Marioge, clarifying that he has no authority to facilitate passage to America for establishing manufacturing. He advises caution given Marioge's family responsibilities and age, and notes that America is open to all without special incentives from Congress. Franklin encloses information on potential risks and opportunities related to Marioge's plan to emigrate.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin advises Jean-Anne Lafont against undertaking a costly and uncertain journey to a foreign country where he lacks language skills and connections. Franklin suggests Lafont consider French islands instead, where he might find better opportunities to practice medicine. He declines to provide a recommendation due to unfamiliarity with Lafont.