Letter
David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, February 23, 1784
London, Feb. 23, 1784. My dear Friend, I have met with a report from America, that congress has come to some resolution respecting the commerce with Great Britain, which is…
Recipient
Letters to Benjamin Franklin
B. 1706 · D. 1790
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.
Source: Wikipedia
3,552 letters
Letter
Sextius-Alexandre-François Miollis to Benjamin Franklin, February 25, 1784
a aix en provence Le 25 fevrier 1784. Monsieur Venant d’etre informé par Les papiers publics des marques de decoration de l’ordre de cincinatus qui ont été accordées a quelques…
Letter
Antonin-Victor-Augustin Auberjon, comte de Murinais to Benjamin Franklin, February 25, 1784
Antonin-Victor-Augustin Auberjon, comte de Murinais, requests Benjamin Franklin to confirm the existence and good reputation of a Polish nobleman named Kosciuszko who served in the American troops. He explains that this attestation is necessary for the peace and well-being of Kosciuszko's family and offers to facilitate further communication if Franklin needs to verify details in America.
Letter
John Trumbull to Benjamin Franklin, February 25, 1784
John Trumbull informs Benjamin Franklin of the confirmed death of Dr. Cooper of Boston, a respected figure Franklin valued deeply. Trumbull expresses shared sorrow and refrains from offering consolation, acknowledging the loss of an eminent American character.
Letter
Félix Vicq d’Azyr to Benjamin Franklin, February 25, 1784
Félix Vicq d’Azyr invites Benjamin Franklin and his grandson to attend the upcoming public session of the Royal Society of Medicine on March 2, 1784, expressing regret over Franklin’s absence at the previous meeting. Vicq d’Azyr plans to deliver eulogies for Guillaume Hunter and Sanchez and seeks Franklin’s presence as a source of encouragement.
Letter
Ginet & Meirieu to Benjamin Franklin, February 26, 1784
Ginet and Meirieu inform Benjamin Franklin of a bill of exchange for 670 livres drawn by Jean Bonfield and payable to Jean David, which is approaching its due date. They request Franklin to accept and honor the bill to ensure payment, as Monsieur Grand refuses to pay without Franklin’s endorsement. The letter also conveys their respectful regards.
Letter
Daniel Roberdeau to Benjamin Franklin, February 26, 1784
Daniel Roberdeau thanks Benjamin Franklin for his assistance to Mr. Vanderhorst and his daughter and for supporting his son's training in refining near Paris. He requests more information about the new refining methods at Bercy and inquires about the possibility of his son working there temporarily. Roberdeau also informs Franklin of his departure from Gravesend and extends good wishes.
Letter
Michel-René Hilliard d’Auberteuil to Benjamin Franklin, February 27, 1784
Paris le 27e. fevrier 1784. Monsieur Permettez moi de me rapeller au Souvenir de votre excellence en lui envoyant un mémoire sur une matiere très importante, et qui ne vous…
Letter
Henry Laurens to Benjamin Franklin, February 27, 1784
No. 18. Fludyer Street Westminster 28th. [ i.e., 27] 2 February 1784. Dear Sir. Accept my grateful thanks for the Contents of two Letters which you have honored me with…
Letter
Jean Rousseau to Benjamin Franklin, February 27, 1784
Jean Rousseau thanks Benjamin Franklin for sending a valuable book, expressing admiration for its content and the principles it represents. He promises to study it carefully and hopes to fulfill his obligations to Franklin when time allows. Rousseau closes by requesting Franklin's continued support and protection.
Letter
Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres to Benjamin Franklin, March 4, 1784
Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 seeking a response regarding a petition she submitted on behalf of her relative, M. Morel of Dunkirk. She expresses concern over the lack of reply and requests Franklin to inform her if there is any hope for a favorable outcome. She emphasizes her respect and patience while awaiting his answer.
Letter
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin, March 4, 1784
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, responds to Benjamin Franklin regarding a request for a third suspension letter for Franklin's nephew, Mr. Williams. Vergennes expresses willingness to support the request but requires legal proof of the arrangements mentioned before presenting it to the King. He promises to report the matter to the King's Council once the documentation is received.
Letter
Guy Claude, Comte de Sarsfield to Benjamin Franklin, March 5, 1784
Count Guy Claude de Sarsfield writes to Benjamin Franklin requesting a collection of small items Franklin had previously promised but forgotten to send. Sarsfield expresses impatience due to his imminent departure for The Hague. He reaffirms his sincere and devoted attachment to Franklin.
Letter
Paul Strattmann to Benjamin Franklin, March 5, 1784
Paris rüe Plâtriere No. 14. ce 5. Mars. 1784. Monsieur! J’ai l’honneur, de vous envoyer le catalogue de la bibliotheque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, 5 et de…
Letter
Richard Bache to Benjamin Franklin, March 7, 1784
Richard Bache informs Benjamin Franklin about forwarding a packet to Dr. Cooper and describes the heavy postage costs despite Franklin's frank. He reports on the severe winter delaying navigation and expresses optimism about the growing mercantile business, especially promising connections with Trieste in the German Empire.
Letter
Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine to Benjamin Franklin, March 8, 1784
Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to express his deep respect and admiration, using the pretext of sending a rejected rhapsody to initiate direct communication. He contrasts the acceptance of Comus by the medical faculty with the opposition faced by Mesmer, reflecting on contemporary debates in medicine.
Letter
Samuel Vaughan to Benjamin Franklin, March 8, 1784
Samuel Vaughan congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the American Revolution and urges him to resume his scientific and intellectual pursuits. Vaughan proposes uniting the Philadelphian and Loganian Libraries under a single trusteeship with one librarian to enhance public access, seeking Franklin’s approval as the surviving trustee. He emphasizes the importance of this plan for preserving the donors' legacies and improving the libraries' utility.
Letter
Thomas Mifflin to Benjamin Franklin, March 20, 1784
Thomas Mifflin informs Benjamin Franklin and John Adams of an Act of Congress dated March 16, 1784, and provides copies of related documents. He transmits these materials for their review or action. Mifflin closes with formal respect and humility.
Letter
Jane Franklin Case to Benjamin Franklin, March 22, 1784
Eight-year-old Jane Franklin Case writes to Benjamin Franklin to express admiration for him, explaining she was named partly in his honor by her parents. She encloses a written piece as a token of respect and requests confirmation that he received her letter. Jane asks Franklin to direct any reply to Colonel Thomas Palmer in Newburgh, New York.
Letter
Stephen Case to Benjamin Franklin, March 22, 1784
[March 22, 1784] 4 I Do hereby Certify to you that the name Signd is in the proper hand writeing of my Daughter who has Long been Desirious of writeing…
Letter
John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin, March 23, 1784
John Paul Jones requests Benjamin Franklin's support to clarify that Franklin never agreed to a proposed settlement regarding prize money for Jones's squadron, which the French Marechal de Castries believes was finalized. Jones seeks Franklin's intervention to resolve the dispute over the distribution of expenses and prize money. The letter aims to remove obstacles preventing a final settlement of the financial claims.
Letter
Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, March 23, 1784
Joseph Banks reports to Benjamin Franklin on recent discussions within the Royal Society, noting a lull in scientific innovation after intense debate. He summarizes Dr. Blagden's observations linking meteors to the magnetic meridian and Mr. Herschel's studies of Mars' polar ice caps, suggesting parallels to Earth's climate. Banks also mentions the stagnation of aerostat advancements in France.
Letter
Amelia Barry to Benjamin Franklin, March 24, 1784
Pisa 24th March 1784 My Dear Sir, Mr. Partridge, one of the principal Merchants at Leghorn, 6 and who is universally esteemed for his knowledge and virtue, will have the…
Letter
David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, March 26, 1784
David Hartley informs Benjamin Franklin that Great Britain does not find it necessary to formalize an extension for exchanging ratifications of the treaty with the United States, attributing delays to seasonal weather conditions in America. He assures prompt ratification upon receiving the American response and expresses eagerness to reunite with Franklin. Hartley also sends regards to John Adams, John Jay, and their associates.