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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lahaie 25 Aout 1783 Mr. Adams, après une apparition subite & courte ici, m’ayant déclaré son intention de rompre son ménage ici, 4 & averti de prendre mes mesures pour…
Matthias Ogden requests Benjamin Franklin to present him to the King of France during an upcoming ceremony at Versailles, where the Marquis de Lafayette will also be present. He also asks for the honor of accompanying Franklin in his carriage from Passy. Ogden expresses deep respect and humility in his appeal.
Philippe-Denis Pierres informs Benjamin Franklin that the Duke de la Rochefoucauld requests a dozen fine paper copies of the American Constitutions, which Pierres has prepared beyond his own allotment. Pierres asks Franklin to send the copies directly to the Duke and expresses hope for a promised meeting that has yet to occur.
Edmund Burke writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing admiration for a mutual acquaintance recently in Paris, seeking Franklin's support and introduction to this person's network. Burke conveys his high regard for Franklin and hopes to strengthen connections through this introduction.
Paris August 27. 1783 Gentlemen As I am informed that next Wednesday is appointed for the Signature of the definitive Treaties of Peace, I Suppose it will be thought proper…
John Adams informs Benjamin Franklin and John Jay of the upcoming signing of the definitive Treaties of Peace and emphasizes the urgency of sending the ratified treaties and dispatches to Congress in Philadelphia without delay. He proposes John Thaxter, a trusted and experienced young American who has served abroad, as a reliable courier for this important mission. Adams stresses the importance of prompt communication for the public interest.
Samuel Cooper Johonnot apologizes to Benjamin Franklin for a previous fault and explains his current travel plans to reach a vessel delayed by contrary winds. He expresses gratitude and esteem toward Franklin and acknowledges receipt of Franklin's recent letter. Johonnot also sends compliments to Franklin's grandsons.
Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Rochefoucauld acknowledges receiving copies of the American constitutions sent by Benjamin Franklin. He expresses regret upon hearing of Franklin's illness and intends to visit him during his first stay in Paris to check on his health.
Bath 27th August 1783. Dear Sir. My thanks are due for the justice you did me, in beleiving I had written to some one or other of my Colleagus since…
John Mehegan writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 to seek protection for seven American sailors who escaped prison in Kinsale, seized a sloop, and arrived in Brest. After the ship was declared a lawful prize by the admiralty, some sailors entrusted their interests to local agents while awaiting the resolution of prize claims and distribution of proceeds. Mehegan requests Franklin's attention to their situation as a representative of American interests in France.
Jean-François de Cailhava d’Estandoux invites Benjamin Franklin to attend the regular Thursday meetings of the Musée de Paris, now held at M. Pilatre de Rozier’s location on rue Sainte-Avoye. He specifically requests Franklin’s presence at the September 11 assembly, where a general roll call will determine the number of members. If Franklin cannot attend, Cailhava asks for a response before that date.
David Hartley informs Benjamin Franklin that the American ministers, including John Adams and John Jay, plan to meet at his lodgings in Paris to sign the treaty ending hostilities between their countries. He expresses his eagerness to see Franklin during this significant moment of reconciliation between Britain and America. Hartley hopes the meeting will not cause Franklin undue inconvenience.
The Casco Bay Committee of the Sufferers in Falmouth appeals to Benjamin Franklin for support in publicizing their distress caused by war and a specific calamity. They request Franklin's patronage to help disseminate their address throughout France and to appoint agents to collect donations for their relief. The committee emphasizes Franklin's reputation for advocating human rights and hopes he will endorse their cause.
Jean-Michel, chevalier Du Ponceau, writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 requesting assistance in delivering a letter to his brother, who works in foreign affairs in Philadelphia, as his previous letters have likely not reached him. He also expresses gratitude for Franklin's kind offer to his sister and asks Franklin to ensure the letter's safe delivery.