Letter
Richard Price writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing admiration for the King of France’s new Sinking Fund edict, praising its wisdom and potential to resolve France’s debt issues through compound interest. He laments that Britain has failed to adopt similar fiscal measures despite his recommendations. Price acknowledges his limited understanding of France’s public debt details but recognizes the plan’s promise to free significant revenue within two years.
Letter
Boston Octr. 21— 1784 Dear Brother I propose to Send this by the Marquis La Fayette. He is Much Hon’d and Caress’d among us. 5 I wish I was Capeble…
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
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
Francesco Maria Venanzio d’Aquino, Prince of Caramanico and Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of Sicily, informs Benjamin Franklin of his initial audiences with Their Majesties and the Royal Family in Paris. He establishes diplomatic contact with Franklin, the United States Minister Plenipotentiary. The letter marks the beginning of formal relations between the Sicilian court and the American envoy.
Letter
Sir Edward Newenham writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing relief at finally receiving a delayed letter and concern over recent political developments in Ireland. He describes his temporary withdrawal from politics to focus on family but feels compelled to act against the King's attorney general's threats that undermine constitutional rights and restrict public meetings. Newenham reports that nearly 200 Protestant electors have gathered in response to these challenges.
Letter
Octobre 9. [1784] To his Excellency Benjam. Franklin Min. Plenip from Congress. at Passy. I put him in mind of his promiss to write me a long lettre. 6 That…
Letter
Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Thulemeier informs the American Commissioners that the king has authorized him to finalize a treaty of amity and commerce with the United States. He requests guidance on how to proceed with negotiations and asks the Americans to specify a city for merchant trade between the two nations, suggesting Prussian ports Stettin and Emden or ports in Holland and France as options.
Letter
William Temple Franklin writes to Benjamin Franklin from London in 1784, updating him on efforts to arrange financial matters through Mr. J. Alexander and expressing relief at his recovery from fever. He apologizes for brief correspondence due to social obligations and regrets missing visits with important friends, including the Bishop and Lord Shelburne, before his planned departure.
Letter
Eric Magnus, Baron de Staël de Holstein, informs the American Commissioners that he has received their letter via Mr. Humphreys and plans to forward it to the king. He proposes sending additional information about the United States' proposed treaty additions through the returning Swedish courier to expedite communication.
Letter
Alexandre-César de Genevey de Pusignan, a French artillery captain who served at the Siege of Yorktown, requests Benjamin Franklin's assistance in obtaining a cavalry decoration created by the United States for wounded officers. He emphasizes his command role in the light artillery attached to Rochambeau's army and asks Franklin to help navigate the formalities to secure this honor.
Letter
Havre de Grace 4th. October 1784 Most honored Sir It is my duty to apply to your Excellency to reclaim Your recommendation for the unjust arrest made on the American…
Letter
London 20 Sepr 1784 I venture, Dr Sir, to take the Liberty to introduce to you, my good Friend Dr Rowley, who is of the University of Oxon, & one…
Letter
Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda, as Spanish Ambassador, delivers a letter from Madrid to Benjamin Franklin, the American Minister Plenipotentiary. He uses the occasion to reaffirm his loyal attachment to Franklin. The correspondence reflects diplomatic communication between Spain and the United States in 1784.
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
Gabriel-Honoré Riquetti, comte de Mirabeau, writes to William Temple Franklin seeking assistance in finding a London bookseller willing to co-publish a French and English edition of a work, preferably sharing financial risk to avoid upfront costs. He expresses concern over the difficulty of publishing due to cautious booksellers and the expense of producing bilingual editions. Mirabeau mentions a recommendation for the bookseller De Bret in Piccadilly as a potential partner.
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
David Hartley informs the American commissioners of his recall by the British government while assuring them of Britain's continued interest in friendly trade relations. He presents excerpts from letters by British foreign secretary Carmarthen, which express goodwill toward the Americans but criticize Hartley’s delay in returning to England. Hartley’s meeting marks his final communication with the commissioners before his departure.
Letter
Ockbrook near Derby Sept. 15. 1784 Dear old friend Being at Derby on a Visit I recieve here your kind Lr. of Aug. 18 which your Grandson Left at my…
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.