Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.
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.
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.
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.
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,…
Armand-Thomas Hué de Miromesnil thanks Benjamin Franklin for sending the United States Constitution in 1783. He expresses deep appreciation and intends to study the document carefully, recognizing it as an important work of public law and a testament to Franklin's virtue and patriotism.
Charles-Augustin Ferriol, comte d’Argental, acknowledges receipt of a communication from Benjamin Franklin with gratitude and satisfaction. He informs Franklin that he will send the item intended for the Infant to its destination. Argental praises Franklin’s wisdom, intelligence, and excellent administrative vision expressed in his letter.
Marie-Charlotte-Hippolyte de Campet de Saujon, comtesse de Boufflers, expresses deep gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for a valuable gift he sent. She acknowledges Franklin's esteemed reputation and admits that, despite initial restraint, she now fully embraces the widespread admiration he has inspired. The letter conveys her sincere respect and admiration for Franklin's achievements.
Luigi Pio informs Benjamin Franklin that he has received three copies of the United States Constitution, intended for the King of Sicily, Mr. Filangieri, and himself. He expresses gratitude for Franklin's personal gesture and promises to deliver the Constitution to the Sicilian monarch, assuring Franklin that he will share any official response from the Sicilian court and from Mr. Filangieri in due course.
Jean Le Rond d’Alembert expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for a generous gift he received. He conveys respectful attachment and admiration toward Franklin, acknowledging their shared intellectual connection. The letter reflects the esteem between two prominent Enlightenment figures in 1783.
Mattheus Lestevenon van Berkenrode, Dutch ambassador in Paris, expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for sending him the Constitutions of the thirteen United States of America. He conveys his humble respects and appreciation for Franklin’s gift. The letter reflects diplomatic courtesy and interest in the new American political framework in 1783.
Friedrich Melchior, Baron von Grimm, expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for a generous gift received in 1783. He conveys his respectful regards and appreciation in a formal tone. The letter reflects the courteous exchange between two prominent Enlightenment figures.
Gian Francesco Cigna writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 to inform him of his honorary appointment to the Academy of Sciences in Turin, granted by the sovereign as recognition of Franklin's contributions to politics and philosophy. Cigna expresses admiration for Franklin's achievements and conveys the Academy's esteem and gratitude for his impact on science and humanity.
Ce 28. Juillet 1783. M. Le Nonce Apostolique a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin la note ci-jointe. Il le prie de vouloir bien la faire passer au Congrès des Etats…
Isabella Strange writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 requesting assistance in delivering a letter to her friend Mr. Hunter, as she has no other means of communication with him. She mentions that her previous letters to Mr. Hunter have been strictly business-related. Isabella and Mr. Strange both send their respectful regards to Franklin.
Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir grants Benjamin Franklin permission to withdraw a package of books from customs in Strasbourg. Lenoir addresses Franklin respectfully, acknowledging his role as the United States' minister plenipotentiary. The letter facilitates Franklin's receipt of materials during his diplomatic mission in 1783.
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, informs Benjamin Franklin that the French King has lifted the seizure of funds owed to the American frigate Alliance at Franklin’s request. He urges Franklin to ensure the American Congress promptly compensates the Forsters brothers for the wrongful capture of their ship, the Trois-Amis, to prevent financial ruin. Vergennes emphasizes the fairness of their claim and the necessity of swift payment.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin that he has successfully negotiated a favorable repayment plan with his creditors in Nantes, securing a two-year extension with quarterly payments. He reports that his reputation remains intact and that his creditors recommend renewing his letters of sûreté to prevent preferential claims against him. Williams expresses hope that the Count de Vergennes will support his renewed application as before.
Paris 30 July 1783 Dear Sir Our friend W ——, 4 has taken his measures & has Already agreed wt most of his people at 6, 12, 18 Months &…
Louis-Antoine-Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de Cambray-Digny informs Benjamin Franklin that he is leaving Paris for the countryside and cannot visit him in person. He sends letters for America with Franklin, thanking him for granting permission. He also requests that any letters from America addressed to him be sent to his residence on rue St. Pierre in Montmartre.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.