Letter
Edward Nairne to Benjamin Franklin, May 5, 1784
Lond: May 5: 1784 Dear Sir By the favor of Colonel Harman, 2 have sent you three lens’s from 40 to 49 inches focus, one of which I hope will…
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
Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, May 6, 1784
ce jeudi 6 may. [1784] Mr Bailly de L’academie des sciences presente ses respects a Monsieur Franklin. Il est chargé par mrs les commissaires de la faculté de medecine et…
Letter
David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, May 13, 1784
David Hartley requests Benjamin Franklin to send a brief message after meeting with the Minister, indicating whether a certain action is possible, so Hartley can promptly send the first part of an Address to England. He emphasizes the urgency due to the approaching parliamentary session and his tight schedule preparing letters and transcribing the Address.
Letter
Pierre-Isaac Poissonnier to Benjamin Franklin, May 13, 1784
Pierre-Isaac Poissonnier reminds Benjamin Franklin of his promise to sign the report from the Royal Society of Medicine commissioners regarding Mr. Albert's baths. Poissonnier sends the report and a copy for Franklin to review at his convenience. He also notes that Mr. Albert will personally deliver the documents.
Letter
Franz Anton Mesmer to Benjamin Franklin, May 14, 1784
Franz Anton Mesmer accuses M. d’Eslon of violating his trust and intellectual property by publicly revealing and exploiting Mesmer’s discovery of animal magnetism without permission. He contends that d’Eslon’s actions, including involving other physicians and government commissioners, constitute a serious breach of honor and legal rights. Mesmer appeals to Benjamin Franklin, head of the investigating commission, to recognize the true inventor and condemn d’Eslon’s unauthorized use.
Letter
Joseph Matthias Gérard de Rayneval (Reyneval) to Benjamin Franklin, May 15, 1784
Joseph Matthias Gérard de Rayneval introduces M. de Chateaufort, newly appointed French Consul General in Charleston, to Benjamin Franklin, requesting Franklin to receive him warmly. Rayneval expresses personal attachment to Chateaufort and conveys sincere regards to Franklin.
Letter
John Marsden Pintard to Benjamin Franklin, May 16, 1784
John Marsden Pintard informs Benjamin Franklin of his recent appointment as Commercial Agent for the United States at Madeira and Porto Santo, tasked with assisting American traders and managing relations with the Portuguese government. He expresses gratitude for the honor and offers his assistance to Franklin while on the island. Pintard also notes the death of his relative John Searle Sr., assuring that business operations continue unchanged.
Letter
—— Saimier to Benjamin Franklin, May 16, 1784
Paris 16. may 1784 Monsieur J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer la lettre du Capitaine Gardner, que vous avés bien voulu me confier et la Copie de celle de M. Texier…
Letter
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Benjamin Franklin, May 17, 1784
Marquis de Lafayette informs Benjamin Franklin that he is sending a copy of the decree establishing free ports, in case Franklin has not yet received it. The letter aims to ensure Franklin is updated on this important economic development. Lafayette expresses respect and affection in his communication.
Letter
—— Gaspard de Bebiniere to Benjamin Franklin, May 18, 1784
Gaspard de Bebiniere informs Benjamin Franklin of a demonstration scheduled for May 18, 1784, showcasing his new pump invention capable of raising over 100 feet of water in 25 seconds with less effort than traditional pumps. He invites Franklin to attend the event at the Jardin des Thuilleries before members of the Academy of Sciences.
Letter
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’ Houdetot to Benjamin Franklin, May 31, 1784
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde invites Benjamin Franklin to visit her at Sannois, arranging a comfortable yacht and boatmen to ease his journey. She requests he inform her in advance to prepare for his arrival, emphasizing her deep attachment and respect. She suggests the visit occur before July, as she plans to travel and the summer heat would make the countryside less pleasant.
Letter
David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, June 1, 1784
David Hartley informs Benjamin Franklin that the ratification of the peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States contains formal errors, including the order of parties named, the terminology used, and missing signatures and dates. He requests corrections either through a congressional declaration or a revised copy to ensure proper authentication without causing delays or prejudice.
Letter
Rear Adm. Richard, Viscount Howe to Benjamin Franklin, June 1, 1784
[June 1, 1784] Ld Howe desires with the Kings permission 3 to Present the History of the late Capt. Cooks last Voyage Printed under the direction of the admiralty To…
Letter
Thomas Thompson to Benjamin Franklin, June 2, 1784
Thomas Thompson informs Benjamin Franklin that John Jay and his family have departed on the ship Edward, but a large portrait of Marquis de Lafayette intended for General Washington could not be loaded due to space constraints. Thompson requests Franklin’s instructions on whether to send the painting to London for shipment or return it to Calais.
Letter
George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, June 2, 1784
George Washington informs Benjamin Franklin that David Humphreys has been appointed secretary of the new commercial treaty commission, a decision that dashes hopes for Franklin’s grandson, William Temple Franklin, to secure a diplomatic post. The appointment reflects political maneuvering, as supporters of John Adams opposed Temple’s selection due to his close ties to Franklin, fearing bias would hinder negotiations. This outcome signals congressional disapproval of Franklin’s influence.
Letter
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Benjamin Franklin, June 3, 1784
Marquis de Lafayette informs Benjamin Franklin of his planned departure from Paris on June 22, 1784, and expresses his intention to visit Franklin before leaving. He inquires about recent news from America, mentioning debates over the Cincinnati Society, Congress's proposed six-month adjournment with limited committee powers, and the sale of the Washington Packet. Lafayette also asks if Franklin has received any updates regarding his own initiatives.
Letter
Henry Laurens to Benjamin Franklin, June 4, 1784
London 4th. June 1784. Dear Sir. Permit me to introduce at Passy, Mr. Parker 5 a young Gentleman of an exceeding good character Son of John Parker Esquire a respectable…
Letter
John Witherspoon to Benjamin Franklin, June 15, 1784
John Witherspoon writes to Benjamin Franklin recommending William Brown, a skilled classic scholar seeking to improve his French in Paris. Witherspoon asks Franklin to consider introducing Brown or helping him find teaching opportunities in English or classical languages. The request is made on behalf of a mutual acquaintance and Witherspoon’s obligation to assist.
Letter
Félix Vicq d’Azyr to Benjamin Franklin, June 16, 1784
Félix Vicq d’Azyr informs Benjamin Franklin that he is sending copies of a medical society report previously promised and will soon deliver the third volume of the Royal Society of Medicine's collection. He expresses gratitude on behalf of the society for a paper Franklin shared by Mr. Perkins. Vicq d’Azyr respectfully conveys these materials and thanks Franklin for his contributions.
Letter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, June 16, 1784
Jean-Sylvain Bailly requests Benjamin Franklin to return the original commission register he sent last week, as it is urgently needed for copying the next morning. Bailly allows Franklin to keep it until the evening if he has not yet read it but asks for its prompt return to Chaillot.
Letter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, June 17, 1784
Jean-Sylvain Bailly informs Benjamin Franklin that eight commissioners, including physicians and academicians, will visit him on Saturday to accept his invitation. Bailly requests Franklin's assistance in bringing additional individuals, including patients and companions, for planned scientific experiments. He also plans to meet Franklin beforehand to discuss and prepare the experimental arrangements.
Letter
Charles Thomson to Benjamin Franklin, June 18, 1784
Charles Thomson informs Benjamin Franklin of Congress's recent adjournment and the appointment of a committee of states to meet during the recess. He reports the election of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the addition of Thomas Jefferson to the commercial treaty negotiation team alongside Adams and Franklin. Thomson also notes the departure of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who leaves with Congress's high regard.
Letter
Sarah Franklin Bache to Benjamin Franklin, June 18, 1784
Sarah Franklin Bache informs Benjamin Franklin that Major Du Pontier, aide to Baron Stuben, will deliver the letter and requests his attention to the young gentleman. She updates Franklin on her children’s health and their summer retreat by the Schuylkill River, mentioning her son Richard’s recent serious illness and recovery. Bache expresses affection and promises longer letters soon.
Letter
Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, June 19, 1784
Thomas Jefferson informs Benjamin Franklin of his planned voyage to Paris in August 1784 to join Franklin and deliver new, more detailed commissions and instructions from Congress. He mentions the appointment of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and expresses a desire to meet him before departure. Jefferson also updates Franklin on the general encouraging state of American affairs and the congressional recess arrangements.