Letter
William Hodgson informs Benjamin Franklin that the British Parliament has repealed the prohibitory acts against America and is preparing further legislation to ease restrictions on American ships. He expresses hope that these measures will restore trade and mentions the anticipated visit of Mr. Hartley to negotiate a commercial treaty. Hodgson also notes a financial balance owed to Franklin related to prisoners and offers to provide details upon request.
Letter
Comte de Beaujeu thanks Benjamin Franklin for sending him a medal symbolizing American glory and European interest. He expresses regret at being unable to respond to Franklin's letter due to his lack of English comprehension. Beaujeu conveys sincere wishes for Franklin's continued prosperity and success.
Letter
Jonathan Sr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin that he has obtained a new edition of the Common Prayer Book and is sending it via a bearer. He mentions London's resemblance to home and expresses reluctance to travel to France due to the difficulty of the journey, but would consider going if accompanying Franklin. Williams also conveys greetings to Franklin’s son and anticipates Franklin’s visit to London in the summer.
Letter
Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Rochefoucauld requests Benjamin Franklin to send the treaty with Sweden or inform him of his intentions regarding it, so the printer can complete the publication of the treaties with France and Holland. He also seeks guidance on the preface and plans to visit Franklin soon.
Letter
Philippe-Henri, marquis de Ségur, acknowledges receipt of a medal sent by Benjamin Franklin on April 11, 1783. He expresses his gratitude to Franklin for this honor. The letter serves as a formal thank-you for the gift.
Letter
C. Barthélémy reports to Benjamin Franklin that the last Anglo-American ship, the Hawke, recently departed Marseille with a tobacco cargo, while French expeditions to Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are ongoing. He notes the Congress appointed Monsieur Cathalan Fils as consul in Marseille and questions whether Franklin will allow him to remind that the Congress trusts French nationals. Barthélémy also informs Franklin of an English ship for sale in port, suitable for transatlantic voyages.
Letter
Jean-Omer Joly de Fleury, former French finance minister, expresses sincere gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for sending him a medal. He acknowledges the gesture with appreciation and conveys his thanks to Franklin, then the United States' plenipotentiary minister in Passy.
Letter
Guillaume Grivel informs Benjamin Franklin that an unexpected illness prevents M. Canolle from retrieving a promised letter for London and requests Franklin to send it to him via local post in Paris. Grivel expresses hope for Canolle’s recovery and conveys respectful regards to Franklin.
Letter
Francis Coffyn informs Benjamin Franklin of his efforts to assist American prisoners recently arrived from England by securing their passage home and providing financial aid. He requests Franklin to honor drafts totaling £894.8 drawn on him to cover these expenses. Coffyn also reports dispatching vessels to North American ports, promoting trade through Dunkerque and supporting Franklin's recommended merchants in Philadelphia.
Letter
Giuseppe Bartoli expresses deep gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for a medal he received, praising its design and craftsmanship. He acknowledges Franklin’s kindness in sending it ahead of the official distribution and shares a poetic description he composed in honor of the medal. Bartoli conveys his profound respect and esteem for Franklin throughout the letter.
Letter
Mattheus Lestevenon van Berkenrode, Dutch ambassador, expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his kind attention and assures him of his sincere attachment. The letter conveys diplomatic courtesy and goodwill between the Netherlands and Franklin.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs John Adams that he has received a letter from Mr. Lawrens, including a copy of a postscript referenced in Adams’s earlier correspondence. Franklin provides this information to keep Adams updated on communications during their diplomatic efforts in 1783.
Letter
William Mackinnen Jr. writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783, expressing his admiration and regret at missing him during a brief stay in Paris. He informs Franklin that he has sent two large books of charts of the Northern American coasts, intended for Mr. Adams, and requests Franklin to notify Adams if he has received them. Mackinnen hopes for a future opportunity to meet Franklin in person.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin advises Michel Guillaume St. John de Crèvecoeur on improving transatlantic packet boat service between England and America, emphasizing the need for a fifth packet to maintain regular dispatches despite weather delays. He suggests coordinating French packet schedules to provide merchants with biweekly communication opportunities, enhancing commerce and postal revenue.
Letter
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin about a financial dispute involving Mr. A. J. Alexander and requests Franklin's understanding of his refusal to intervene, citing potential negative consequences. He also discusses reports that the French government plans to make Port Louis a free trade port, expressing concerns about the significant changes needed to transform it from a military garrison to a commercial hub. Williams advocates for free trade with America to extend beyond a single port.
Letter
Abbé Jean-Louis Giraud Soulavie thanks Benjamin Franklin for honoring his modest works and for agreeing to place a copy in the Philadelphia library, which owes its existence to Franklin and the local academy. Soulavie expresses gratitude for Franklin's protection with the Philadelphia society, despite feeling unworthy of association. He closes with deep respect and humility.
Letter
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde urges Benjamin Franklin to respond promptly to an inquiry from Monsieur de Crevecœur regarding a matter involving Monsieur de Castries. She emphasizes the importance of this reply for Crevecœur's upcoming meeting and expresses her personal interest in facilitating the communication. Additionally, she requests Franklin to send back a muff she left at his residence.
Letter
Jean-Antoine Salva warns Benjamin Franklin of the imminent danger faced by American ships departing Marseille due to secret enemies and Algerian corsairs disrupting commerce under European political complicity. He recounts his involvement in exposing attacks on imperial vessels and urges Franklin to keep this intelligence confidential while exercising prudence.
Letter
François-Félix Nogaret requests Benjamin Franklin to provide him with one of his ingenious medals and to write a brief letter endorsing Nogaret's advancement to M. Le Mis. de Serrent, who remembers Franklin's previous recommendation. Nogaret expresses gratitude for Franklin's past support and regrets missing the chance to meet him due to ill health.
Letter
The Burgomasters and Senators of Hamburg congratulate Benjamin Franklin on securing American independence through the treaty with Britain. They request Franklin's assistance in gaining the favor of the Continental Congress to establish beneficial trade relations between Hamburg merchants and the United States. They express deep respect for Franklin's wisdom and political influence in facilitating this commercial cooperation.