Browse the complete collection of historical letters, memos, and telegrams.
46,149 lettersBenjamin Franklin introduces M. Thieriot, a Saxon commerce commissioner, who travels to Philadelphia to establish beneficial correspondence between Saxony and the United States. Franklin requests Robert R. Livingston to extend support and hospitality to Thieriot, emphasizing his potential official role and the friendship between their nations.
American Peace Commissioners inform Robert R. Livingston that Congress has ratified the Provisional Articles and address his concerns about the process and the Separate Article 3. They explain that British negotiator Mr. Oswald aimed to maximize British territorial claims along the Mississippi and eastern shores, influenced by British interests in retaining the Floridas. The commissioners promise a detailed explanation to clarify these complex negotiations.
Benjamin Franklin advises John Jay to postpone justifying their signing of the preliminary peace agreement, arguing that the issue is currently quiet and publicizing their defense could provoke offense and harm relations with foreign ministers. Franklin notes that Congress has not demanded an explanation or censured them, suggesting restraint to maintain good diplomatic relations.
St James’ Street No. 40 London 17 July 1783 Sir, I wrote to your Excellency from the Hague, requesting a letter to Dr Price, & the favor to be informed,…
Henry Laurens informs Benjamin Franklin of his imminent departure from Bath and plans to travel to Paris by the 24th or 25th of July 1783. He expresses eagerness to comply with Franklin's request for his return and sends respectful greetings to Franklin and his acquaintances.
The Farmers General remind Benjamin Franklin of an outstanding debt of 846,770 livres owed by the United States from a loan of one million livres, originally to be repaid in tobacco shipments. They request Franklin to settle the account now that the David lease has expired and the war has ended, suggesting the debt could be paid in tobacco as initially agreed. They emphasize the urgency of concluding this financial matter following the peace.
William Alexander asks Benjamin Franklin to consider covering bills drawn by Mr. Bache of Philadelphia if their mutual acquaintance Williams fails to do so, to prevent financial loss and dishonor. He advises Franklin to request the exact amount from Williams to understand the full extent. Alexander also mentions his travel plans and sends regards to Franklin's son.
American Peace Commissioners inform David Hartley that Congress has ratified the Provisional Articles of November 1782 and is prepared to exchange ratifications with Britain. They report that British forces have violated the treaty by carrying off American-owned enslaved people from New York and request urgent measures to address this injustice. Additionally, they raise concerns about losses suffered by British debtors in America during the war.
Benjamin Franklin recommends that the Farmers General write to Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, to request payment of the debt owed by the states and to ask for a cargo of tobacco purchased on their behalf. Franklin expresses full confidence in Morris's skill and integrity and suggests this transaction serve as a trial to determine if future debt payments should continue in this form. The Farmers General ultimately decide to address the letter to Franklin instead.
a Paris Le 15 Juillet 1783 Monsieur Mr. De marbois Secretaire de L’ambassade de france en Amerique, me mande que mr Le cher. de La Luzerne désire des Graines potageres…
John Coakley Lettsom informs Benjamin Franklin that his friend John Lister, a Quaker, is traveling to Paris and can carry any messages or items Franklin wishes to send to England. Lettsom acknowledges receiving Franklin's letter and one from Dr. Fothergill, which he returns. He briefly mentions his political ideas and hopes Franklin approves of his use of the letter.
Giacomo Francisco Crocco informs Benjamin Franklin that the Emperor of Morocco is willing to sign a Treaty of Peace and Commerce with the United States and has ordered his naval captains not to harass American vessels. Crocco requests financial support for the Moroccan ambassador's travel expenses to Europe, which the U.S. must cover, and plans to discuss the negotiations further upon arriving in Paris.
[July 5, 1783] J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 29 du Mois dernier 3 et par laquelle vous demandez, au Nom des Etats…
Benjamin Franklin communicates Congress's resolution requesting assistance from King Louis XVI, emphasizing its importance for the United States' welfare and expressing confidence in the Congress's efforts to secure necessary funds. He references prior ratifications and diplomatic efforts to reinforce the request's legitimacy and urgency. Franklin appeals to Vergennes's understanding and support despite the difficulty of the matter.
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, thanks Benjamin Franklin for his recent letter and the accompanying packages. He expresses sincere gratitude and reaffirms his loyal and unwavering commitment to their alliance. The correspondence reflects ongoing diplomatic cooperation between France and the United States in 1783.
Charles-Henri Titius writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 expressing deep gratitude for Franklin's friendship and kindness during his stay in Paris. He requests Franklin's recommendations for a merchant named Thieriot traveling to America and offers his own services in return. Additionally, Titius seeks Franklin's support regarding a local physician Oehme's medical inventions, which have been effective for over fifty years.
Le Couteulx & Cie respond to Benjamin Franklin, explaining their inability to release unpaid drafts issued by Mr. Morris on Mr. Grand without proper authorization, as they hold the funds at Morris's direction. They express willingness to pay protested drafts upon presentation if Morris's instructions allow, emphasizing their commitment to honor Morris's financial arrangements for the United States.
Fabre Dubosquet informs Benjamin Franklin about the perfected metal sheathing and varnished iron nails designed for ship hulls, originally discussed with Commodore Paul Jones. He invites Franklin to visit him in Paris to examine the samples and discuss the innovation in detail. Dubosquet also encloses letters patent and observations to support the application of this new sheathing.
Benjamin Franklin Bache informs his grandfather, Benjamin Franklin, that he has recovered from an illness and is now well enough to travel to Passy during his school vacation to visit him. He expresses gratitude for the invitation and mentions the kindness of Mr. Pigott, who helped him regain his health. Bache also sends regards to his cousin and awaits an opportunity to make the journey.
Benjamin Franklin informs Messrs Le Couteulx that Robert Morris has overdrawn on funds beyond what Franklin can supply, risking protest of bills by Mr. Grand. He urges them to honor Morris's drafts or provide funds to prevent financial embarrassment and protect the interests of the United States. Franklin requests their assistance in managing these payments promptly.