Letter
Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, November 7, 1783
Soho Square Nov. 7. 1783 Dear Sir Yesterday Evening I opend the Session of the Royal Society by reading to them your two Communications upon the subject of the Aerostatique…
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46,149 lettersLetter
Charles-François-Hyacinthe Esmangart to Benjamin Franklin, November 6, 1783
Charles-François-Hyacinthe Esmangart informs Benjamin Franklin about John Hammon, an Irish-born sailor detained near Caen without papers and suspected of dubious claims regarding his capture and exchange during the recent war. Esmangart describes Hammon as well-behaved and wishes to help him return to the United States, requesting Franklin's assistance in securing passage and a passport for Hammon.
Letter
William Alexander to Benjamin Franklin, November 6, 1783
William Alexander informs Benjamin Franklin of his arrival in Nantes and receipt of Franklin's letter and packets for the President of Congress. He mentions letters from a woman claiming to be a widow connected to the Sprowl estate, whom he distrusts, and requests Franklin to mention him to Mr. Morris. Alexander plans to leave Europe soon, hoping his departure benefits his family, and sends regards to Franklin's son.
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John Shaffer to Benjamin Franklin, November 5, 1783
John Shaffer requests financial assistance from Benjamin Franklin for his subsistence during confinement, promising to repay any advances before leaving France. He seeks justice for the losses totaling £5400 Livre incurred during and after his arrest, expressing hope for fair compensation. Shaffer also acknowledges Franklin's efforts to advocate on his behalf with the King's attorney.
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François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville to Benjamin Franklin, November 4, 1783
François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville informs Benjamin Franklin that he received Franklin's request to delay the judgment in the case of Mr. Scheffer, detained at the Chatelet prison, until the return of Mr. Barclay, the U.S. consul. Although the case is fully prepared, Brunville agrees to postpone his conclusions for a few days to accommodate Franklin's wishes.
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Pierre Dessin to Benjamin Franklin, November 4, 1783
Pierre Dessin informs Benjamin Franklin that he has sent a sealed package via a diligence to Paris, including a receipt for customs and an account of expenses totaling twelve francs. He mentions awaiting wheels from England and promises to forward them promptly upon arrival. Dessin expresses his respectful dedication to Franklin throughout the correspondence.
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Benjamin Franklin to Philippe-Denis Pierres, November 3, 1783
Benjamin Franklin thanks Philippe-Denis Pierres for sharing his essays and acknowledges Pierres' progress in a different, possibly superior, approach. Franklin expresses a desire to meet when Pierres has time to finalize their account. He closes with respectful regard.
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Philippe-Denis Pierres to Benjamin Franklin, November 3, 1783
Paris 3 9bre. 1783. Monsieur J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser les Essais dont je vous ai parlé & que j’avois oublié de vous faire passer par ma derniere Lettre. 8…
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Jan Ingenhousz to Benjamin Franklin, November 1, 1783
Jan Ingenhousz writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 to express deep gratitude and admiration for Franklin's scientific achievements and moral character. He acknowledges Franklin's longstanding support and friendship in his own physical research and dedicates his work under Franklin's auspices as a public tribute. Ingenhousz emphasizes the shared esteem between himself, Franklin's compatriots, and the scientific community.
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Elias Boudinot to Benjamin Franklin, November 1, 1783
Princeton 1st. November 1783 Sir My last letters to you, were on the 15th. of August and 9th. of September, 6 on the same subject, enclosing the ratification of the…
Letter
Elias Boudinot to American Peace Commissioners, November 1, 1783
Elias Boudinot informs the American Peace Commissioners of Congress's finalized instructions following their June and July correspondence and congratulates them on the signing of the definitive Treaty of Paris in September 1783. He expresses national joy over the treaty, anticipates the British evacuation of New York, and honors the commissioners' diplomatic efforts.
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David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, October 25, 1783
David Hartley informs Benjamin Franklin that he has sent the requested scarlet Welsh flannel to ensure Franklin receives it before winter. He mentions John Jay's recovery and upcoming visit to Bath, where they plan to meet. Hartley also sends regards from his family and requests Franklin to convey his compliments to John Adams and other friends.
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Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin, October 24, 1783
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, informs Benjamin Franklin of a response from Marshal de Castries regarding the seizure of arms and munitions at the Orient by Mr. Pachelberg, whose release is requested by Mr. Barclay. Vergennes asks Franklin to share the documents with Barclay so he can present counterarguments to the refusal of the release. The letter focuses on resolving the dispute over the confiscated military supplies.
Letter
Wilhelmina von Mosheim, comtesse de Golowkin to Benjamin Franklin, October 24, 1783
Wilhelmina von Mosheim, comtesse de Golowkin, writes to Benjamin Franklin from Paris requesting to borrow the latest volume of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, specifically containing Sir Hamilton's paper on the Calabria earthquake. She expresses affection and eagerness to visit him soon, while also clarifying a mix-up with the volume previously sent.
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Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard to Benjamin Franklin, October 22, 1783
Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard invites Benjamin Franklin to join her for tea on the evening of October 22, 1783. She extends a polite and friendly greeting in her brief note. The letter reflects social customs and personal connections during Franklin's time in France.
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Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, October 22, 1783
Benjamin Franklin responds to David Hartley’s letter regarding a proposed temporary convention, expressing confidence that American unity will endure despite concerns of division. He notes that reports of American discord are exaggerated and promises to consider the proposal once his colleagues return to London. Franklin also sends regards to Hartley’s family.
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Jean Baptiste Le Roy to Benjamin Franklin, October 21, 1783
Jean Baptiste Le Roy writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing regret at missing him and inquiring whether Franklin still wishes to witness an experiment with the Montgolfier balloon privately. Le Roy requests confirmation of Franklin’s availability, suggesting a meeting the following day near Franklin’s planned dinner location. He also plans to visit Franklin that evening to make up for the lost time.
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Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy to Benjamin Franklin, October 20, 1783
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing sadness about leaving and hopes he might visit her as well. She conveys affection for him and their family, asking Franklin to send news through her grandson and to give greetings to Madame Caillot on her behalf.
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Sir Edward Newenham to Benjamin Franklin, October 20, 1783
Sir Edward Newenham writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing gratitude for their acquaintance and discusses his intention to advocate for including America in the commercial treaty during the upcoming Parliament session. He laments the death of his friend Mr. Baron Burgh, a supporter of free trade, parliamentary reform, and American interests, who had recently died from illness exacerbated by poor weather. Newenham also criticizes the competency of the House of Lords in judging appeals.
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Jonathan, & Co Nesbitt to Benjamin Franklin, October 20, 1783
Jonathan & Co Nesbitt informs Benjamin Franklin about insurance arrangements for the ship Nancy, which sailed after the cessation of hostilities, affecting the applicable insurance premium rate. They report a legal dispute in Bordeaux where insurers demand the higher premium despite the ship’s delayed departure, and they seek Franklin’s attention to a letter from Richard Gallwey detailing the case.