Letter
Amelia Barry to Benjamin Franklin, March 24, 1784
Pisa 24th March 1784 My Dear Sir, Mr. Partridge, one of the principal Merchants at Leghorn, 6 and who is universally esteemed for his knowledge and virtue, will have the…
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46,149 lettersLetter
Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, March 23, 1784
Joseph Banks reports to Benjamin Franklin on recent discussions within the Royal Society, noting a lull in scientific innovation after intense debate. He summarizes Dr. Blagden's observations linking meteors to the magnetic meridian and Mr. Herschel's studies of Mars' polar ice caps, suggesting parallels to Earth's climate. Banks also mentions the stagnation of aerostat advancements in France.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, March 23, 1784
Benjamin Franklin requests John Paul Jones to send a copy of a letter from Mr. de Sartine concerning the settlement of charges incurred in Holland. Franklin promises to provide a clear response upon reviewing the document. The correspondence reflects ongoing financial and administrative matters following the American Revolutionary War.
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John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin, March 23, 1784
John Paul Jones requests Benjamin Franklin's support to clarify that Franklin never agreed to a proposed settlement regarding prize money for Jones's squadron, which the French Marechal de Castries believes was finalized. Jones seeks Franklin's intervention to resolve the dispute over the distribution of expenses and prize money. The letter aims to remove obstacles preventing a final settlement of the financial claims.
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Stephen Case to Benjamin Franklin, March 22, 1784
[March 22, 1784] 4 I Do hereby Certify to you that the name Signd is in the proper hand writeing of my Daughter who has Long been Desirious of writeing…
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Jane Franklin Case to Benjamin Franklin, March 22, 1784
Eight-year-old Jane Franklin Case writes to Benjamin Franklin to express admiration for him, explaining she was named partly in his honor by her parents. She encloses a written piece as a token of respect and requests confirmation that he received her letter. Jane asks Franklin to direct any reply to Colonel Thomas Palmer in Newburgh, New York.
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Thomas Mifflin to Benjamin Franklin, March 20, 1784
Thomas Mifflin informs Benjamin Franklin and John Adams of an Act of Congress dated March 16, 1784, and provides copies of related documents. He transmits these materials for their review or action. Mifflin closes with formal respect and humility.
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Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, March 9, 1784
Benjamin Franklin informs Charles Thomson about delays in sending the ratification of the Definitive Treaty due to unforeseen circumstances and severe winter weather in Europe. He updates on diplomatic exchanges, including ratifications with Sweden and the movements of American commissioners like Jay, Laurens, and Adams. Franklin also notes ongoing European political developments and the interest of Europeans wishing to settle in America.
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Samuel Vaughan to Benjamin Franklin, March 8, 1784
Samuel Vaughan congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the American Revolution and urges him to resume his scientific and intellectual pursuits. Vaughan proposes uniting the Philadelphian and Loganian Libraries under a single trusteeship with one librarian to enhance public access, seeking Franklin’s approval as the surviving trustee. He emphasizes the importance of this plan for preserving the donors' legacies and improving the libraries' utility.
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Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine to Benjamin Franklin, March 8, 1784
Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to express his deep respect and admiration, using the pretext of sending a rejected rhapsody to initiate direct communication. He contrasts the acceptance of Comus by the medical faculty with the opposition faced by Mesmer, reflecting on contemporary debates in medicine.
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Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Leveux, March 8, 1784
Benjamin Franklin thanks Jacques Leveux for retrieving goods belonging to John Jay and for caring for escaped American prisoners from England. He requests an account of expenses to reimburse Leveux and approves his refusal to assist certain self-proclaimed Americans. Franklin clarifies that consul appointments are decided by Congress, but suggests Leveux's services may favor his nomination if one is made for the city.
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Richard Bache to Benjamin Franklin, March 7, 1784
Richard Bache informs Benjamin Franklin about forwarding a packet to Dr. Cooper and describes the heavy postage costs despite Franklin's frank. He reports on the severe winter delaying navigation and expresses optimism about the growing mercantile business, especially promising connections with Trieste in the German Empire.
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Paul Strattmann to Benjamin Franklin, March 5, 1784
Paris rüe Plâtriere No. 14. ce 5. Mars. 1784. Monsieur! J’ai l’honneur, de vous envoyer le catalogue de la bibliotheque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, 5 et de…
Letter
Guy Claude, Comte de Sarsfield to Benjamin Franklin, March 5, 1784
Count Guy Claude de Sarsfield writes to Benjamin Franklin requesting a collection of small items Franklin had previously promised but forgotten to send. Sarsfield expresses impatience due to his imminent departure for The Hague. He reaffirms his sincere and devoted attachment to Franklin.
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Benjamin Franklin to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, March 5, 1784
Benjamin Franklin sends Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, the original documents proving financial arrangements with creditors as requested. He expresses gratitude for Vergennes’s attention to the matter and asks that the papers be returned to Mr. Williams after review. Franklin signs the letter with formal respect and humility.
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Benjamin Franklin to Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres, March 5, 1784
Benjamin Franklin apologizes for missing Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres during her visit and clarifies that he does not have authority to appoint consuls. He suggests that if a consul is named for Dunkirk, it will likely be Mr. Coffyn, who has selflessly aided American prisoners escaping England for seven years without compensation.
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Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin, March 4, 1784
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, responds to Benjamin Franklin regarding a request for a third suspension letter for Franklin's nephew, Mr. Williams. Vergennes expresses willingness to support the request but requires legal proof of the arrangements mentioned before presenting it to the King. He promises to report the matter to the King's Council once the documentation is received.
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Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres to Benjamin Franklin, March 4, 1784
Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 seeking a response regarding a petition she submitted on behalf of her relative, M. Morel of Dunkirk. She expresses concern over the lack of reply and requests Franklin to inform her if there is any hope for a favorable outcome. She emphasizes her respect and patience while awaiting his answer.
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Jean Rousseau to Benjamin Franklin, February 27, 1784
Jean Rousseau thanks Benjamin Franklin for sending a valuable book, expressing admiration for its content and the principles it represents. He promises to study it carefully and hopes to fulfill his obligations to Franklin when time allows. Rousseau closes by requesting Franklin's continued support and protection.
Letter
Henry Laurens to Benjamin Franklin, February 27, 1784
No. 18. Fludyer Street Westminster 28th. [ i.e., 27] 2 February 1784. Dear Sir. Accept my grateful thanks for the Contents of two Letters which you have honored me with…