Letter
Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, August 22, 1784
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…
Archive
All Letters
Browse the complete collection of historical letters, memos, and telegrams.
46,149 lettersLetter
Benjamin Franklin to George Whatley, August 21, 1784
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
Benjamin Franklin to John Calder, August 21, 1784
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 to Joseph Banks, August 21, 1784
Benjamin Franklin thanks Joseph Banks and the Royal Society for awarding him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook and expresses gratitude for receiving a copy of Cook’s voyage, despite a volume being mistakenly omitted. He recommends his grandson to Banks’s kindness and notes the ongoing experiments with balloons in England, emphasizing the need for continued trials to improve their practical use.
Letter
Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, August 13, 1784
Joseph Banks informs Benjamin Franklin that the Royal Society awards him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook, recognizing Franklin's directive to American cruisers to avoid interfering with Cook's voyages. Banks also congratulates Franklin on receiving a copy of Cook's voyage from the British Crown, acknowledging the respect and liberal conduct Franklin has shown.
Letter
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, August 12, 1784
Lahaie 12e. Aout 1784 Monsieur, Dans l’espérance que ma derniere, avec les incluses, est bien parvenue, voici No. 44 pour le Congrès, qu’il trouvera sans doute tres interessante. 3 Je…
Letter
William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, August 11, 1784
William Carmichael informs Benjamin Franklin of receiving a reply from Count de Campomanes regarding Franklin's correspondence and expresses his efforts to minimize postage costs. He conveys the high regard for Franklin in Spain, urges him to respond promptly to Campomanes in support of agricultural and scientific initiatives, and hopes Franklin will facilitate communication between the American Congress and the Spanish court amid troubling silence from Congress.
Letter
Alexander Cain to Benjamin Franklin, August 9, 1784
L’Orient 9. August 1784. Sir, We take The Liberty To address your Excellency on a Subject extremely interesting to us & many other persons concern’d in The Trade between This…
Letter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, August 9, 1784
Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin a continuation of a register and a report to be signed by commissioners and presented to the king. Bailly requests Franklin to read, sign, and return the documents promptly, noting a small space reserved for nine signatures on the report. He also mentions a note with minor changes that he has not yet shared.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin to Regents of the University of the State of New York, August 9, 1784
Benjamin Franklin declines the Regents of the University of the State of New York's request to solicit donations in Europe, citing concerns that appeals for funds could damage the young nation's credit and diplomatic standing. He emphasizes the importance of appearing financially independent and mentions his efforts to collect French books to support American education.
Letter
Luke Ryan to Benjamin Franklin, August 8, 1784
Luke Ryan thanks Benjamin Franklin for providing a letter of recommendation to the Marchal de Castries and reports delivering his petition but not yet receiving a response. He expresses urgent concern about mistreatment by his agent John Torris and requests Franklin to remind the minister of his case and send a brief note to his Paris address. Ryan hopes for justice and resolution soon after a prolonged period of confinement.
Letter
Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir to Benjamin Franklin, August 4, 1784
Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir grants Benjamin Franklin permission to have a package of books and engravings arriving from England released from customs without inspection by the guild chamber. Lenoir authorizes a designated person to retrieve the shipment directly. The letter serves as official clearance to facilitate Franklin’s receipt of the materials.
Letter
David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, August 4, 1784
David Hartley writes to Benjamin Franklin from Rue Caumartin in 1784, mentioning he has not received any letters from England but heard that the American bill has been extended. He also informs Franklin about his recent leg pain, which has confined him to bed but is now beginning to ease.
Letter
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, July 24, 1784
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas sends a dispatch to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, requesting Franklin to forward it to the Congress and to Mr. Van Berckel via the next available ship. He assures the accuracy of the report and asks William Franklin to confirm receipt and inform him of their well-being.
Letter
Jonathan Jr Williams to Benjamin Franklin, July 22, 1784
Jonathan Jr Williams requests Benjamin Franklin to send two bundles of papers concerning the ship Marquis de la Fayette, which are on Franklin’s library table, to Mr. Barclay via Colonel Franks’s servant. Williams needs these documents to clarify aspects of the ship’s business. He notes the papers were intended as materials for a memoir.
Letter
Mary (Polly) Stevenson Hewson to Benjamin Franklin, July 22, 1784
Cheam July 22 6 1784 Dear Sir I received your packets of the 26th. of April and 14th of June, with the two little books, for which I thank you.…
Letter
William B. Franklin to Benjamin Franklin, July 22, 1784
William B. Franklin writes to his father, Benjamin Franklin, expressing a desire to restore their strained relationship following the American Revolution. He explains his hesitation to correspond earlier due to their opposing political stances and concerns about potential repercussions. William also mentions waiting for a chance to meet in person, referencing rumors of Benjamin's possible visit to England.
Letter
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy to Benjamin Franklin, July 22, 1784
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy explains to Benjamin Franklin that she intended to visit him but postponed due to her children's delayed departure and her own preoccupations. She reassures him that she would never forget him and clarifies a misunderstanding about a reference to an "eel," attributing it instead to Madame Helvétius while affirming her own steadfast affection.
Letter
Richard Price to Benjamin Franklin, July 21, 1784
Richard Price introduces Mr. Lewis, a supporter of the American cause, to Benjamin Franklin and requests that Franklin extend him courtesy during his travels. Price also mentions a previous letter sent via Lord Fitzmaurice concerning a subject involving Mr. Turgot, seeking Franklin's opinion on the matter.
Letter
Pierre Du Calvet to Benjamin Franklin, July 20, 1784
Pierre Du Calvet appeals to Benjamin Franklin, praising his integrity and kindness, to seek repayment for supplies valued at over 56,000 livres tournois provided to American generals in Quebec in 1776. Du Calvet emphasizes Franklin’s reputation for fairness and hopes to gain his support in recovering these debts.