Letter
Maupin presents Benjamin Franklin with a book outlining a new, simpler, and more economical method for planting and cultivating vines, along with improved techniques for wine fermentation that enhance quality and longevity. He emphasizes that these innovations benefit both Europe and America, appealing to Franklin as a statesman representing the New World. Maupin frames his work as contributing to progress in both the established Old World and the developing New World.
Letter
Jean-Jacques de Lafreté writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing personal sorrow and plans to visit him soon. He requests a letter of recommendation from Franklin for his friend Philippe Aribert, who seeks to become the American consul in a Languedoc port. Lafreté assures Franklin that Aribert is a capable and deserving candidate.
Letter
John Shaffer appeals to Benjamin Franklin for continued support in resolving his legal troubles in France, requesting Franklin to write to key officials to aid his cause. He expresses deep gratitude for Franklin's previous assistance and seeks a meeting through an intermediary to discuss the matter further. Shaffer relies on Franklin as his primary protector in navigating these difficulties.
Letter
Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac expresses deep gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his kindness and satisfaction with Bache. He assures Franklin of his lasting respect and best wishes for his happiness and honorable life. Marignac pledges to respond promptly to Franklin's latest act of kindness.
Letter
Jan Ingenhousz writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 seeking detailed information on the construction and management of air balloons, referencing recent aerial navigation developments. He mentions plans to build a balloon in Vienna and sends a young natural philosopher to Paris to learn about ballooning firsthand. Ingenhousz requests Franklin's assistance in obtaining knowledge from key figures like Montgolfier and Pilatre de Rozier to support their project.
Letter
César-François Cassini de Thury requests Benjamin Franklin to consider awarding the Order of Cincinnatus to his brother-in-law, the Vicomte de Mory, in recognition of his military service during the American Revolution. He emphasizes de Mory's participation in multiple campaigns, sieges, and battles, arguing that this honor would bring great pride to their family and strengthen ties between France and the United States.
Letter
paris 2. jv. 1784. rue des gravilliers. Monsieur Jai l’honneur de vous adresser le memoire de M. morel de dunkerque 2 duquel jai eu celui de vous parler chez M…
Letter
Bache and Shee express gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his support in protecting their mercantile interests, particularly his intervention in preventing the return of a bill drawn on Mr. Williams. They enclose drafts totaling 25,000 livres drawn on Le Couteulx & Co. in Paris, anticipating reimbursement related to an insurance claim on a lost vessel. They assure Franklin of their commitment to maintaining his confidence and prompt repayment if necessary.
Letter
Frédéric-Samuel Ostervald writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to express respect and to inquire whether Franklin's library has received the latest volumes of Ostervald's Descriptions des Arts et Métiers, which may have been delayed due to border restrictions on foreign books. Ostervald offers to send any missing volumes directly to Franklin, confident that a package addressed to him will bypass obstacles.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to Mary Stevenson Hewson on January 1, 1784, wishing her and her children health and prosperity. He encloses three small books as gifts and asks her to confirm if she has the complete year of one of the books. The letter conveys Franklin's warm personal regards and thoughtful attention to his friend's family.
Letter
Augustin-Joseph, marquis d’Haucourt, comte de Mailly, informs Benjamin Franklin that Marshal de Mailly has learned of Franklin’s interest in the plan and situation of Port-Vendre. He sends several copies of the plans, hoping they will be useful and satisfactory to Franklin. The letter aims to provide Franklin with detailed information about the port’s layout and strategic position.
Letter
Adrien-Jean-Baptiste Le Roy invites Benjamin Franklin to join him and Franklin’s grandson for afternoon tea and to watch a balloon launch, expressing regret for missing him the previous evening due to balloon preparations and bad weather. Le Roy also requests a response and conveys his deep respect and attachment to Franklin.
Letter
Jacques-Louis Joannis requests Benjamin Franklin's support to establish and lead a type foundry in America now that peace has returned following the war. He expresses his commitment to contribute his skills and character to Franklin's planned foundry, seeking protection and opportunity within the new United States. Joannis emphasizes his readiness to work diligently to earn Franklin's favor and succeed in this venture.
Letter
Jérôme-Marie Champion de Cicé writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing support for American Catholics and the Abbé de la Roche, while requesting clarification on how Catholic services are currently conducted, the source of priests' authority, and how clergy are financially supported. He seeks this information to better propose future plans for the Catholic community in America.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin acknowledges receipt of Elias Boudinot's letters and the intelligence they contain, noting communication with other American commissioners abroad. He congratulates Boudinot on his successful presidency and his honorable retirement into private life, expressing respect for the peace and dignity found in stepping away from public duties.
Letter
John Jay writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing concern about Franklin's reported illness and seeking confirmation of his health. He refrains from discussing politics, acknowledging Franklin's expertise and the divided opinions about him in America. Jay conveys respect and affection, promising to discuss political matters more openly in person.
Letter
A Versailles le 26. Xbre. 1783 Permettez-vous, Monsieur, que je vous recommande le paquet ci-joint. Je Supose que la fregate le Washington 9 n’est pas encore parti. Un de mes…
Letter
Baron de Breteuil responds to Benjamin Franklin's request on behalf of the family of a prisoner named Schaffer, detained in La Conciergerie, stating he will contact M. Lenoir to seek permission for Schaffer’s transfer to the colonies. He explains that no one is forcibly sent to the colonies anymore and that once ordinary courts handle a case, royal authority cannot intervene unless judges agree to halt proceedings.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to Benjamin Rush in 1783 to inform him about a remarkable balloon flight by Messieurs Charles and Robert near Paris, witnessed by thousands. Franklin requests Rush to translate and share the account with their philosophical society and mentions his intention to send the society valuable books, including the French Encyclopédie.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to Thomas Mifflin, congratulating him on his presidency of Congress and requesting assistance in securing a response to his repeated petition for recall from his diplomatic post due to age and infirmities. Franklin emphasizes his willingness to serve if needed but seeks resolution to arrange his personal affairs.