Letter
Andrew Huntington requests Benjamin Franklin's assistance regarding funds he advanced in 1778 to support destitute French prisoners released in New York and sent through Connecticut to Boston. Huntington trusted the promise of repayment from Monsieur Holker, the French consul, but now seeks Franklin's help to secure reimbursement. He emphasizes the dire condition of the prisoners and his reliance on the honor of French officials.
Letter
The Hague July 19. 1784 Sir I have the Honour of your Letters of the 27 of June and 4. July, and Should advise your Excellency to present the C.…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin advises Mason Locke Weems on the difficulties of obtaining ordination without swearing allegiance to the Archbishop of Paris or converting to Catholicism. He suggests exploring ordination through the Church of Ireland or other Protestant churches, noting the limited options if British and Irish bishops refuse. Franklin also mentions the possibility of following the example of early American Episcopalian clergy as an alternative.
Letter
Michel-Augustin Thouret sends Benjamin Franklin a copy of his research on animal magnetism, expressing respect and admiration. He presents the work as a humble token of esteem toward Franklin. The letter reflects the scientific exchange and mutual regard between Enlightenment thinkers.
Letter
Jane Mecom writes to her brother Benjamin Franklin expressing deep concern for his serious illness and reflecting on her own struggles, including frequent dizziness and mental distress. She apologizes for her delayed correspondence and shares her current living situation in Boston. Mecom conveys affection and worry, hoping for his recovery while grappling with her own fears of declining health.
Letter
Noël-Jacques Pissot informs Benjamin Franklin that he no longer has an extra copy of Cook's voyage to exchange but provides names of acquaintances who purchased it and might lend Franklin a volume. He expresses hope that one of these individuals will assist Franklin until Mr. Nicoll completes the exchange. Pissot closes with respectful regards.
Letter
Le Couteulx & Cie informs Benjamin Franklin that a shipment of tobacco from Virginia, sent by Mr. Morris as part of funds owed to the United States, has been sold to a merchant after local farmers declined to pay the asking price. They offer to prioritize farmers for any remaining tobacco if they agree on a fair price, noting the scarcity and rising price of tobacco in America.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin explains to Félix Frecon that the United States uses a mix of foreign gold and silver coins as real money, with Spanish dollars being most common, while paper currency varies in value across states. He describes the use of bills of exchange drawn on Europe and details Virginia's system of tobacco inspection and payment. Franklin also notes that weights and measures follow British standards uniformly across the states.
Letter
Boston July. 2d. 1784 Sir Governor Jefferson who sails for Europe by this Conveyance 9 will be able to afford you every necessary Intelligence relative to the State of our…
Letter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin the continuation of the register of the Commissioners of Animal Magnetism, requesting Franklin to read, sign, and return it promptly. Bailly regrets not delivering it in person due to his frequent trips to Paris but promises to visit Franklin soon to express his unwavering loyalty.
Letter
Conte Giuseppe Angelo Saluzzo di Monesiglio informs Benjamin Franklin about a new musical keyboard invention by Abbé Perno Piémontois that allows playing airs like a harpsichord and inquires if similar devices exist in Paris, London, or elsewhere. He offers to send a description and design of the mechanism and invites Franklin to contribute to the upcoming first volume of the Academy's new memoirs.
Letter
Pierre-Victor-Laurent de Chadirac, a French naval officer wounded in combat aboard L’Hermione during the American Revolutionary War, writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking recognition for his service. He requests the Croix de Cincinnatus and asks Franklin to direct him to the appropriate authority if the award is not within his power to grant. De Chadirac expresses deep respect and hopes for acknowledgment of his sacrifices.
Letter
François de Fontanges appeals to Benjamin Franklin to include his brother, the Vicomte de Fontanges, among the French officers awarded the Order of Cincinnatus by the American Congress. He details his brother’s military service, highlighting his role as major general under Comte d’Estaing during the Savannah expedition, his severe injury, and his current rank as colonel in Saint-Domingue. He requests Franklin’s favor in recognizing his brother’s sacrifices and merits.
Letter
Félix Frecon requests Benjamin Franklin's expertise to accurately describe the currencies and exchange practices between France and the United States for a treatise on international trade. He seeks detailed information on American coinage, accounting units, established exchange rates, and commercial customs to improve his work and support Franco-American economic relations. Frecon acknowledges Franklin's role in American independence and aims to aid France's integration into global commerce.
Letter
C.-J. Le Roux writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking assistance for a Swiss man of letters, formerly connected to the late Mr. De Gebelin, who has come to Paris seeking placement but remains unplaced due to De Gebelin's unexpected death. Le Roux emphasizes the man's qualifications and appeals to Franklin's reputation as a protector of honest and learned citizens.
Letter
Thomas Jefferson informs Benjamin Franklin of his planned voyage to Paris in August 1784 to join Franklin and deliver new, more detailed commissions and instructions from Congress. He mentions the appointment of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and expresses a desire to meet him before departure. Jefferson also updates Franklin on the general encouraging state of American affairs and the congressional recess arrangements.
Letter
Sarah Franklin Bache informs Benjamin Franklin that Major Du Pontier, aide to Baron Stuben, will deliver the letter and requests his attention to the young gentleman. She updates Franklin on her children’s health and their summer retreat by the Schuylkill River, mentioning her son Richard’s recent serious illness and recovery. Bache expresses affection and promises longer letters soon.
Letter
Charles Thomson informs Benjamin Franklin of Congress's recent adjournment and the appointment of a committee of states to meet during the recess. He reports the election of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the addition of Thomas Jefferson to the commercial treaty negotiation team alongside Adams and Franklin. Thomson also notes the departure of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who leaves with Congress's high regard.
Letter
Noël Le Mire presents a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette to William Temple Franklin and requests that he kindly present it to his father, Benjamin Franklin. Le Mire expresses a wish to deliver the portrait in person but is unable to do so.
Letter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly informs Benjamin Franklin that eight commissioners, including physicians and academicians, will visit him on Saturday to accept his invitation. Bailly requests Franklin's assistance in bringing additional individuals, including patients and companions, for planned scientific experiments. He also plans to meet Franklin beforehand to discuss and prepare the experimental arrangements.