Letter
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde appeals to Benjamin Franklin for assistance in securing the release of a French sailor unjustly imprisoned in Caen, requesting Franklin to write to the local intendant to facilitate the sailor's freedom and return to Lorient. She offers to cover any expenses if no funds are available and emphasizes the sailor's potential to continue serving America.
Letter
Jean Rousseaux writes to Benjamin Franklin requesting assistance regarding his unpaid wages and prize money from the capture of the American frigate Congress Lexington. He emphasizes his lack of resources and hopes Franklin will help him recover what he believes he has rightfully earned. Rousseaux asks for a prompt response and expresses his respectful regard.
Letter
Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier informs Benjamin Franklin of a planned hot air balloon experiment on the morning of September 12, 1783, on rue de Montreuil. He requests Franklin to attend early, as the morning offers the best conditions for the demonstration.
Letter
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas requests Benjamin Franklin to forward an enclosed letter to the Congress, preferably through trusted contacts like Mr. Thaxter or Mr. Barclai, to avoid delays or loss. He also informs Franklin about continuing to draw on his funds for his annual subsistence while awaiting Congress's approval.
Letter
John Jay assures Benjamin Franklin that they share a unified commitment to securing the full boundaries and fishing rights outlined in the Treaty of 1783. He recalls their joint efforts and consistent stance against ceding territory or navigation rights, emphasizing their mutual determination to uphold American claims. Jay affirms no disagreement existed between them on these issues during the negotiations.
Letter
aux Pavillons de chaillot Ce Vendredi 12. 7bre 1783 Une famille patriarchale, dont le mérite et la tendre union Vous causérent, Monsieur, il y a quelques jours un attendrissement, qui…
Letter
Peter Elmsly writes to Benjamin Franklin from Paris in 1783, offering to carry any parcels Franklin wishes to send to England and assuring their safe delivery to Mr. Pissots. He also informs Franklin that four parts of the Philosophical Transactions from Sir Joseph Banks have been sent to Mr. Pissots and will be forwarded once the bale arrives.
Letter
George Hobart writes to Benjamin Franklin on behalf of Governor Pownall, forwarding a memorial addressed to the American sovereigns. He inquires whether Pownall's letter and power of attorney were successfully sent to Mr. Bowdoin and Dr. Cooper, offering to resend duplicates if they were lost. Hobart also mentions difficulty locating Mr. Adams.
Letter
Henry Laurens responds to Benjamin Franklin's concern about rumors that the French court opposed American claims to fisheries and territory in the Treaty of Paris. Laurens acknowledges the existence of such reports but attributes them to efforts to sow discord among American leaders and allies. He defends Franklin's consistent conduct and urges caution in accepting unverified accusations.
Letter
Robert Pigott writes from Geneva to Benjamin Franklin in 1783, requesting Franklin's assistance in forwarding two enclosed letters to America. Pigott apologizes for imposing but explains he lacks a more reliable means of sending the correspondence.
Letter
James Bowdoin congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the peace achieved and the favorable terms for the United States, while expressing hope for the definitive treaty's completion. He informs Franklin about a letter from the Committee of Falmouth, whose inhabitants suffered destruction by Admiral Graves, seeking Franklin's assistance in appealing to the French minister for relief. Bowdoin urges Franklin to support the affected people due to his known philanthropy and influence.
Letter
Vienne le 23 Sept 1783. Monsieur C’est eté ces jours ci que M. de Banck ci devant Major et Aide de Camp chez Mons. General Major de Gates 2 m’inspiré…
Letter
David Hartley writes to Benjamin Franklin from Bath in 1783, reporting on his discussions with British ministers about a proposed temporary trade convention limiting American ships from bringing foreign manufactures into Great Britain or trading directly with the British West Indies. He expresses hope for a specific agreement soon and envisions not only peace but a strengthened alliance between Britain and the United States. Hartley urges mutual accommodation beyond strict commercial terms.
Letter
Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de Mercy-Argenteau, transmits a letter from M. Ingenhouze received in Vienna to Benjamin Franklin. He expresses his sincere attachment and respect toward Franklin. The communication reflects ongoing diplomatic correspondence between Austrian and American representatives in 1783.
Letter
François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville informs Benjamin Franklin that legal proceedings are underway against Jean Robert Schaffer and others accused of fraudulently operating a bank and trading house to deceive merchants. He requests permission to summon Franklin's grandson to provide testimony in the investigation. Brunville emphasizes respect for Franklin's status before proceeding with the summons.
Letter
John Baynes informs Benjamin Franklin of a newly found opportunity to send a letter to England via Mr. Dagge, who will travel with the son of General Dalling the next day. Baynes expresses concern that Franklin may have already sent the letter by another means but assures that if sent to Mr. Dagge promptly, it will be forwarded. He offers his respectful assistance in ensuring the letter's delivery.
Letter
Henry Dagge informs Benjamin Franklin that he can send a letter to London the next morning through his brother, who will forward it promptly. He also expresses his hope to visit Franklin early the following week. The letter conveys Dagge's willingness to assist Franklin with urgent correspondence.
Letter
Robert Morris introduces Nathaniel Gorham and his associates, who plan to propose supplying masts and spars to the French court, and asks Benjamin Franklin to support their efforts. Morris declines to join their venture but expresses his strong personal endorsement and hopes Franklin will assist them. He also mentions that the Chevalier La Luzerne will advocate on their behalf.
Letter
Philippe-Denis Pierres informs Benjamin Franklin that he has sent fifty-three copies of the American Constitutions and that three more are being bound. He asks Franklin whether the bookbinder should deliver his bill directly to him, suggesting the binder may need payment soon. Pierres offers to coordinate the delivery date and clarifies that the brochures are his responsibility and part of his printing expenses.
Letter
à Spa çe 2 octobre 1783. Monsieur! Pardonnez la liberté que je prends de vous Ecrire sans avoir l’honneur d’être Connû de vous; je viens d’apprendre trés positivement que Messieurs…
Letter
Jacques-Joseph Ducarne de Blangy criticizes Benjamin Franklin's dismissive response to the significance of the Montgolfier brothers' balloon invention, arguing it holds great potential for military use, electricity research, and understanding lightning. He expresses surprise that more attention has not been given to the discovery since its successful demonstration. Ducarne de Blangy predicts the balloon will prove highly useful within a year or two.
Letter
Edmond-Charles-Edouard Genet acknowledges receipt of a letter from Benjamin Franklin and expresses gratitude for Franklin's recommendation. Genet assures Franklin that he has done everything possible to support Mr. de Valnais, demonstrating his respect and commitment to Franklin's interests.
Letter
Anthony Todd informs Benjamin Franklin that he has promptly forwarded Franklin's letter for the President of Congress along with Lord North's dispatches to Falmouth for immediate shipment to New York, Jamaica, and the Leeward Islands. Todd notes delays in the packet boats and assures Franklin of his careful handling of any letters entrusted to him.
Letter
Bath, October 4, 1783. My Dear Friend, I only write one line to you to let you know that I am not forgetful of you, or of our common concerns.…