Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, April 17, 1784
Passy, April 17. 1784. Dear Sir, I have received your Favours of March 28. and April 7.— I am glad that Mr Hartley’s being luckily at Bath, sav’d you the…
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46,149 lettersPassy, April 17. 1784. Dear Sir, I have received your Favours of March 28. and April 7.— I am glad that Mr Hartley’s being luckily at Bath, sav’d you the…
Benjamin Franklin writes to David Hartley expressing anticipation for his return to Paris and a desire to discuss an idea in person that could enhance friendly relations between America and Britain. Franklin introduces Colonel Harmar, an American visiting England, and requests Hartley to extend hospitality to him. The letter emphasizes Franklin's esteem and hopes for improved diplomatic ties.
[before April 17, 1784] Believing the passing of the stone to be impossible, the extraction of it unadvisable, and that no known medicine can dissolve it, I shall turn my…
Henry Laurens informs Benjamin Franklin that he has received Franklin's correspondence and will send an open letter to Charles Thompson by the next mail. Laurens mentions coordinating with Mr. Hartley regarding the ratification process and offers to assist with any necessary exchanges in America. Despite poor health, Laurens remains mentally sound and sends newspapers for Franklin's review of recent elections.
Richard Price writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing pleasure at receiving his letter and discusses recent scientific developments, including the invention of air balloons in France. He reports on internal conflicts within the Royal Society, where opposition to the President has caused heated debates and the resignation of the Secretary, Mr. Maty. Price also acknowledges Franklin's possible plans to visit London.
Joseph Dupas de Iden de Valnais informs Benjamin Franklin of the birth of his son on April 5, 1784. He conveys that both mother and child are in good health. The letter serves as a personal announcement to Franklin.
Jonathan Trumbull introduces Gerrey and Buckingham to Benjamin Franklin, seeking his advice on recovering money lost due to prematurely accepted French Bills of Exchange. He emphasizes their good reputations and requests Franklin's assistance in asserting their rights if their evidence is sufficient. Trumbull expresses gratitude in advance for Franklin's help.
Passy, April 5. 1784. Revd Sir, I have received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 27th past. It would be a pleasure to me…
Charlotte de Cheminot informs Benjamin Franklin that she will visit him for lunch on April 5, 1784, with his permission. She plans to bring guests named Messieurs Le Roy, Gudin, and Quintin, who appreciate Franklin's kindness in allowing the meeting.
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy thanks Benjamin Franklin for his letter and requests he include advice for those wishing to travel to America. She expresses concern for her husband's gout, hoping his recovery will restore their freedom, and asks Franklin to pray for him despite religious differences. She conveys deep affection and sends regards from her family, mentioning a playful grievance toward Franklin's son and a neighbor.
Jean-Antoine de Rubigny de Berteval expresses deep gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for responding to his previous letter and affirms his satisfaction with Franklin's reply. He intends to visit Franklin at the earliest opportunity to pay his respects. The letter conveys formal respect and appreciation.
Pisa 3d April 1784. My Dear Sir, After I had given Mr. Partridge a letter for you, 8 it occurred to me that we are famous at this Place for…
Mary Stevenson Hewson writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 expressing disappointment at his apparent plans to return to America without visiting England. She thanks him for his frequent letters and the educational books he sent, noting the positive impact on her children's learning. Hewson also mentions social visits and conveys warm regards from her family.
John Adams informs Benjamin Franklin that the King of Prussia agrees to model a treaty after the one with Sweden and requests a copy of that treaty for reference. Adams also discusses a petition from Boston regarding British condemnation of vessels taken after an armistice began, suggesting that Franklin and Jay clarify the legal interpretation to Congress to help affected parties seek redress in England.
Matthew Ridley thanks Benjamin Franklin for sending the final volumes of the Encyclopédie, completing his collection of 39 volumes. Ridley mentions the value of the shipment and requests Franklin to provide the subscription title if he has it. The letter is dated April 1, 1784, from Paris.
The Hague March 27. 1784 Sir I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me the 15th with the Letters Packet and Copy inclosed. I think…
John Adams informs Benjamin Franklin of two enclosed letters from Edward Browne of Ostend and Mr. De Berdt, whom Adams met in London and considers knowledgeable about local language, laws, and commerce. Adams requests Franklin to forward these letters to Congress for their consideration. The correspondence aims to provide Congress with valuable information regarding Ostend's commercial and legal environment.
David Hartley informs Benjamin Franklin that Great Britain does not find it necessary to formalize an extension for exchanging ratifications of the treaty with the United States, attributing delays to seasonal weather conditions in America. He assures prompt ratification upon receiving the American response and expresses eagerness to reunite with Franklin. Hartley also sends regards to John Adams, John Jay, and their associates.
Benjamin Franklin advises Edward Nathaniel Bancroft to continue diligent study under the guidance of his respected teacher, Mr. Rose, and to cultivate good character by being dutiful and affectionate to his mother during his father's absence. Franklin emphasizes the importance of education and moral conduct for future honor and respect. He also sends respectful regards to Bancroft’s family.
Benjamin Franklin addresses John Paul Jones regarding the financial charges related to the ships Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, clarifying that he never received authorization to settle these expenses on behalf of the captors. Franklin objects to charging American captors for the costs of maintaining prisoners in Holland, especially since prisoner exchanges did not occur as expected. He returns the documents Jones provided and expresses his respect.