Browse the complete collection of historical letters, memos, and telegrams.
46,149 lettersRose-Aimée Du Buc d’Enneville informs William Temple Franklin of the marriage of their cousin, M. Du Buc-Saint-Olympe, to Madame de Longpré. She conveys this news on behalf of herself, Madame la Comtesse de Choisieul, and M. Du Buc, Intendant Général des Colonies. The letter serves as a formal announcement of the family union.
Félix Vicq d’Azyr invites Benjamin Franklin to attend a public session of the Royal Society of Medicine on August 26, 1783, where he will deliver a eulogy for the late Dr. Pringle, a mutual friend. Vicq d’Azyr expresses the society’s honor in Franklin’s presence and hopes he will accept the invitation.
Jonathan Nesbitt requests Benjamin Franklin to review and approve an outstanding account for goods shipped to Richard Bache in Philadelphia, so he can draw payment from Franklin's banker. Nesbitt also informs Franklin of his upcoming departure to L’Orient and offers to carry out any orders during his journey.
Benjamin Franklin informs Henry Laurens that no letters from him have been received and updates him on the peace negotiations with British ministers. The ministers insist on signing the Preliminary Articles as the Definitive Treaty without changes, except for a preamble and concluding paragraph confirming the agreement. Franklin anticipates the treaty will soon be finalized.
Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, vicomte de Rochambeau, sends Benjamin Franklin a book on woods authored by Monsieur Telles Dacosta. Rochambeau explains that, not being personally known to Franklin, he was asked to deliver the book on Dacosta's behalf.
Caleb Davis writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783, seeking Franklin's assistance in forwarding important information and letters to Mr. St. John, which had previously failed to reach him. Davis emphasizes the urgency and significance of the enclosed documents. He expresses respect and deference toward Franklin throughout the correspondence.
Marie-Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Condorcet expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for a valuable gift to the academy and praises Franklin's role in the American Revolution as a defense of human rights. He also recommends the skilled children of M. Fauchet, a Paris mint official, as potential workers for coin production in America, offering to provide further information on their abilities and conduct.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin that American merchants in France face difficulties due to the general effects of the peace, not individual misconduct. He endorses Mr. Grubb as an honest man seeking legal protection to manage debts fairly and recommends Mr. Harrison as a capable young man aiming to gain commercial experience.
De Gravellines Düeil writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 offering a shipment of 62 bottles of champagne, including vintages from 1775 and 1778, for Franklin to select from and potentially order in larger quantities. He expresses eagerness to serve Franklin’s interests and mentions the possibility of establishing a commercial alliance between France and Boston. Düeil also offers to facilitate payment through Mr. Dueil, director of the waterways.
Benjamin Franklin advises Samuel Cooper Johonnot to follow the guidance of his friends, expressing regret that Johonnot missed the Boston vessel due to his own delay. Franklin emphasizes the unnecessary expense caused by this decision and encourages Johonnot to be more receptive to advice until he gains more experience.
Jonathan Jr Williams introduces Mr. Grand Cannon, a young gentleman from Connecticut, to Benjamin Franklin while he travels through Paris to London. Williams vouches for Grand Cannon's character, describing him as discreet, intelligent, and worthy of esteem. He requests Franklin to extend his kind notice and support to the young man.
Luigi Pio writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 to express respect and to send the third volume of Gaetano Filangieri's works along with a letter from Filangieri. He informs Franklin that a mutual friend in Paris is translating Filangieri's works into French, with the first volume soon to be published.
William Nixon thanks Benjamin Franklin for his generous support and recalls a previous letter Franklin sent while Nixon was imprisoned in Normandy. Nixon offers Franklin a sample of educational books designed to ease learning Latin and seeks permission to dedicate the series, including his book Prosody Made Easy, to Franklin as a mark of gratitude and honor.
Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours requests Benjamin Franklin's assistance in obtaining the death certificate of Adam Marggrander, a subject of the Margrave of Baden who reportedly drowned in Philadelphia. Du Pont conveys the Margrave's gratitude in advance and expresses eagerness to discuss American commerce with Franklin. Franklin notes his intention to ask Mr. Thomson to help fulfill this request.
A. C. G. Deudon informs Benjamin Franklin of sending the first part of a mathematical work from Monsieur Bournons and promises future volumes. Deudon also recalls Franklin's armonica and describes his own improvements using damp cloth strips to produce a purer, softer, and equally intense sound.
Benjamin Franklin informs Ann Hudson de Lavau that he has received seventy-two dollars from bills sent by Mr. Beall and authorizes her to draw three hundred and sixty livres tournois on him to cover the amount. He expresses regret over her delayed journey to America and hopes the funds and Mr. Beall’s letter will help her secure passage home safely.
Jonathan Jr. Williams sends Benjamin Franklin copies and originals of letters supporting his claims to M. de Vergennes, requesting Franklin to verify the extracts' accuracy and return the originals. He expresses his ambition to honorably satisfy all his creditors and insists on fair treatment without favoring any creditor over another. Williams values Franklin's esteem and hopes his conduct will maintain their friendship despite his financial difficulties.
Benjamin Vaughan writes to Benjamin Franklin to clarify that General Gray actively sought clear instructions and resources for evacuating British troops from New York, countering claims that Lord Shelburne acted deceitfully. Vaughan emphasizes logistical challenges such as lack of transports, harsh weather, and naval threats that delayed the evacuation, supporting the argument with detailed evidence from official correspondence.
Henry Laurens informs fellow American peace commissioners of his arrival in London and his immediate efforts to communicate with British officials, including a detailed conversation with Charles James Fox. He prioritizes diplomatic negotiations over the ratification of the provisional articles, clarifying his specific mission. Laurens also updates them on the dispatch of important documents to Congress via Captain Barney.
Benjamin Vaughan introduces Dugald Stewart to Benjamin Franklin, praising Stewart as a leading Scottish mathematician and moral philosopher who has excelled in public lectures. Vaughan requests Franklin to extend his attention to Stewart and Lord Ancram, highlighting Stewart's potential to provide valuable insights into Scottish literary figures and intellectual pursuits. Vaughan notes Stewart's humility and reluctance to engage in mathematics discussions beyond his expertise.