Letter
Benjamin Franklin thanks Benjamin Vaughan for sending books and pamphlets, including Thoughts on Executive Justice, which inspires Franklin to consider related ideas. He describes a new wax candle design by Mr. Williams that produces bright light but smokes, and expresses gratitude for castor oil that has helped him. Franklin also mentions curiosity about a passage from Kæmpfer and speculates on his son's absence due to involvement with Royalist affairs.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to William Strahan seeking his opinion to resolve a disagreement over the value of a copyright in an established newspaper with a large circulation. Franklin mentions his delayed return to England and the need to settle accounts with the family of their late mutual friend Hall. He expresses confidence that Strahan’s judgment will satisfactorily resolve the matter.
Letter
⟨The Hague, March 4, 1785, in French: The orders of the king, which I have now received, enable me to respond more fully to your last letter, 2 which I…
Letter
Josef Niclas Reichsgraf Windisch-Grätz writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1785 expressing surprise that the copies of his work he sent, in Latin and German, have not reached Franklin, suspecting the package was opened or delayed by customs. He requests Franklin to inform him if the copies arrive soon and explains his plan to publish a French version with clarifications once academic institutions agree to review his writings.
Letter
James Partridge informs Benjamin Franklin that he will personally deliver a letter to Governor Pownal regarding Mrs. Barry's affairs and expresses gratitude for Franklin's hospitality during their journey. He offers assistance with any matters in Italy and invites Franklin to send friends to Leghorn for his hospitality. Partridge conveys his respect and willingness to be of service.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin requests James Partridge to deliver an enclosed letter to Governor Pownall in Marseilles concerning Mrs. Barry's affairs. Franklin also takes the opportunity to send a packet for Mrs. Barry through Partridge's care and wishes him and Miss Partridge a successful journey.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin sends Jacques Brillon de Jouy compliments and fulfills a promise by forwarding an excerpt of a letter from Mr. Bache along with its translation. He requests Brillon to deliver these documents to Mr. Thomas. The letter reflects Franklin’s ongoing correspondence and diplomatic exchanges in 1785.
Letter
Marquis de Lafayette invites Benjamin Franklin to dine at his home in Paris on the upcoming Monday. He requests Franklin to confirm his attendance. The letter reflects Lafayette's ongoing friendship and diplomatic connection with Franklin after the American Revolution.
Letter
Lyon Le 14e fevrier 1785— Monsieur Comme plusieurs personnes m’ont proposé de n’achetter de ma fonderie que certains articles, laquelle fonderie j’ai eu l’honneur de vous offrir dans le temps,…
Letter
Jean Baptiste Joseph de Laumoy requests Benjamin Franklin to confirm receipt of new certificates for sums owed to him and Messrs. du Portail Gouvion by the Continental Congress, with interest to be paid in Paris. He seeks any updates regarding these financial documents.
Letter
Jean-Hector Montaigne offers Benjamin Franklin a plan to form a company under Congress's authority to survey and develop the uncultivated lands of the thirteen United States. He aims to provide labor and capital to enhance the nation's prosperity by mapping resources, industries, and trade potential. Montaigne positions himself as the director of this enterprise to support the young republic's growth.
Letter
Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Thulemeier informs the American Commissioners that he has presented their proposal to establish Emden and Stettin as free ports to the king and awaits his instructions. He references a counterproposal sent earlier and expresses hope for a successful resolution of their ongoing negotiations.
Letter
Pierre Vernier requests Benjamin Franklin's guidance regarding three Pennsylvania state bonds worth $1,000 each, ceded to him in 1781 but unpaid with interest due in 1783. Having received no response from Philadelphia, Vernier seeks Franklin's insight on the Congress's repayment plans. He encloses a copy of the bond transfer to clarify the matter and asks for advice on how to proceed.
Letter
Ce 10 fevrier 1785. Monsieur J’ay L’honneur de vous prier de m’indiquer Par Le Nomé dupui macçon Le moyen d’empecher La fumé de Ces nouvelles Cheminé de votre invention: 5…
Letter
Josef Niclas Reichsgraf Windisch-Grätz writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking his support to promote a written work proposing a solution to a problem, distributed in German and Latin across Europe. He requests Franklin to help disseminate the work in America and lend his endorsement to gain serious attention on both continents. Windisch-Grätz expresses deep respect for Franklin's influence and contributions to humanity.
Letter
Charles Williamos writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1785 expressing his respect and informing him of his intention to visit Franklin the following Monday. The letter serves as a formal notice of the planned meeting. Williamos emphasizes his honor and pleasure in the forthcoming visit.
Letter
American Commissioners inform Richard Henry Lee that they have forwarded a draft treaty to the Portuguese ambassador and received confirmation of its transmission to his court. They report ongoing negotiations with Prussian and Danish representatives regarding trade ports and request instructions from Congress on how to proceed. They also mention receiving but not responding to communications from Naples and Turin unless further developments occur.
Letter
Luigi Pio informs the American Commissioners that the King of Sicily welcomes a treaty of amity and commerce and has established a free port at Messina open to all nations. He assures that American merchant ships will receive friendly treatment and duty-free access, especially for tobacco, a key American export. Pio encourages prompt commercial relations while the court considers the treaty terms, noting no other nation trading with Sicily holds such an agreement.
Letter
⟨Passy, January 21, 1785: We have received your letter of December 10. 7 We assumed that the principles contained in the draft treaty, which we sent to you, would answer…
Letter
Henri & Cie Fizeaux informs Benjamin Franklin that they have received a shipment of books from Lausanne as per his instructions and are prepared to forward them to Mr. Thompson in Philadelphia unless directed otherwise. They request reimbursement from Mr. Grand for their expenses, assuming this aligns with Franklin's intentions. The letter expresses respectful deference to Franklin in his role as U.S. Minister to France.