Letter
François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville informs Benjamin Franklin that legal proceedings are underway against Jean Robert Schaffer and others accused of fraudulently operating a bank and trading house to deceive merchants. He requests permission to summon Franklin's grandson to provide testimony in the investigation. Brunville emphasizes respect for Franklin's status before proceeding with the summons.
Letter
Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de Mercy-Argenteau, transmits a letter from M. Ingenhouze received in Vienna to Benjamin Franklin. He expresses his sincere attachment and respect toward Franklin. The communication reflects ongoing diplomatic correspondence between Austrian and American representatives in 1783.
Letter
David Hartley writes to Benjamin Franklin from Bath in 1783, reporting on his discussions with British ministers about a proposed temporary trade convention limiting American ships from bringing foreign manufactures into Great Britain or trading directly with the British West Indies. He expresses hope for a specific agreement soon and envisions not only peace but a strengthened alliance between Britain and the United States. Hartley urges mutual accommodation beyond strict commercial terms.
Letter
Vienne le 23 Sept 1783. Monsieur C’est eté ces jours ci que M. de Banck ci devant Major et Aide de Camp chez Mons. General Major de Gates 2 m’inspiré…
Letter
James Bowdoin congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the peace achieved and the favorable terms for the United States, while expressing hope for the definitive treaty's completion. He informs Franklin about a letter from the Committee of Falmouth, whose inhabitants suffered destruction by Admiral Graves, seeking Franklin's assistance in appealing to the French minister for relief. Bowdoin urges Franklin to support the affected people due to his known philanthropy and influence.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to his son Richard Bache in 1783, recommending Mr. Du Trône, a well-regarded physician traveling to America with other intentions. Franklin requests that Bache introduce Du Trône to his friends and extend every possible courtesy. He also sends his love to Bache's wife Sally and their children.
Letter
Robert Pigott writes from Geneva to Benjamin Franklin in 1783, requesting Franklin's assistance in forwarding two enclosed letters to America. Pigott apologizes for imposing but explains he lacks a more reliable means of sending the correspondence.
Letter
Henry Laurens responds to Benjamin Franklin's concern about rumors that the French court opposed American claims to fisheries and territory in the Treaty of Paris. Laurens acknowledges the existence of such reports but attributes them to efforts to sow discord among American leaders and allies. He defends Franklin's consistent conduct and urges caution in accepting unverified accusations.
Letter
L’Orient 20 Septr. 1783 Gentlemen, I have the honour to acquaint you that I arrived here in the morning of the 18th Inst. and had the Mortification of finding that…
Letter
George Hobart writes to Benjamin Franklin on behalf of Governor Pownall, forwarding a memorial addressed to the American sovereigns. He inquires whether Pownall's letter and power of attorney were successfully sent to Mr. Bowdoin and Dr. Cooper, offering to resend duplicates if they were lost. Hobart also mentions difficulty locating Mr. Adams.
Letter
Peter Elmsly writes to Benjamin Franklin from Paris in 1783, offering to carry any parcels Franklin wishes to send to England and assuring their safe delivery to Mr. Pissots. He also informs Franklin that four parts of the Philosophical Transactions from Sir Joseph Banks have been sent to Mr. Pissots and will be forwarded once the bale arrives.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin writes to Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières expressing his intention to dine with her and her family despite health advice against it. He hopes her rheumatism has improved to allow her more comfort and looks forward to seeing her husband, conveying respect and affection for both. Franklin also compliments her English and modestly remarks on his own French skills.
Letter
aux Pavillons de chaillot Ce Vendredi 12. 7bre 1783 Une famille patriarchale, dont le mérite et la tendre union Vous causérent, Monsieur, il y a quelques jours un attendrissement, qui…
Letter
John Jay assures Benjamin Franklin that they share a unified commitment to securing the full boundaries and fishing rights outlined in the Treaty of 1783. He recalls their joint efforts and consistent stance against ceding territory or navigation rights, emphasizing their mutual determination to uphold American claims. Jay affirms no disagreement existed between them on these issues during the negotiations.
Letter
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas requests Benjamin Franklin to forward an enclosed letter to the Congress, preferably through trusted contacts like Mr. Thaxter or Mr. Barclai, to avoid delays or loss. He also informs Franklin about continuing to draw on his funds for his annual subsistence while awaiting Congress's approval.
Letter
Passy, Sept. 11. 1783.— My dear Friend, Mr Storer told me not long since that you complain’d of my not writing to you. 6 You had reason; for I find…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin thanks Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier for his invitation and confirms he will attend the scheduled demonstration. The letter reflects Franklin’s interest in Montgolfier’s balloon experiments during 1783.
Letter
Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier informs Benjamin Franklin of a planned hot air balloon experiment on the morning of September 12, 1783, on rue de Montreuil. He requests Franklin to attend early, as the morning offers the best conditions for the demonstration.
Letter
Jean Rousseaux writes to Benjamin Franklin requesting assistance regarding his unpaid wages and prize money from the capture of the American frigate Congress Lexington. He emphasizes his lack of resources and hopes Franklin will help him recover what he believes he has rightfully earned. Rousseaux asks for a prompt response and expresses his respectful regard.
Letter
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde appeals to Benjamin Franklin for assistance in securing the release of a French sailor unjustly imprisoned in Caen, requesting Franklin to write to the local intendant to facilitate the sailor's freedom and return to Lorient. She offers to cover any expenses if no funds are available and emphasizes the sailor's potential to continue serving America.