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.
C.-J. Le Roux writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking assistance for a Swiss man of letters, formerly connected to the late Mr. De Gebelin, who has come to Paris seeking placement but remains unplaced due to De Gebelin's unexpected death. Le Roux emphasizes the man's qualifications and appeals to Franklin's reputation as a protector of honest and learned citizens.
Félix Frecon requests Benjamin Franklin's expertise to accurately describe the currencies and exchange practices between France and the United States for a treatise on international trade. He seeks detailed information on American coinage, accounting units, established exchange rates, and commercial customs to improve his work and support Franco-American economic relations. Frecon acknowledges Franklin's role in American independence and aims to aid France's integration into global commerce.
François de Fontanges appeals to Benjamin Franklin to include his brother, the Vicomte de Fontanges, among the French officers awarded the Order of Cincinnatus by the American Congress. He details his brother’s military service, highlighting his role as major general under Comte d’Estaing during the Savannah expedition, his severe injury, and his current rank as colonel in Saint-Domingue. He requests Franklin’s favor in recognizing his brother’s sacrifices and merits.
Pierre-Victor-Laurent de Chadirac, a French naval officer wounded in combat aboard L’Hermione during the American Revolutionary War, writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking recognition for his service. He requests the Croix de Cincinnatus and asks Franklin to direct him to the appropriate authority if the award is not within his power to grant. De Chadirac expresses deep respect and hopes for acknowledgment of his sacrifices.
Conte Giuseppe Angelo Saluzzo di Monesiglio informs Benjamin Franklin about a new musical keyboard invention by Abbé Perno Piémontois that allows playing airs like a harpsichord and inquires if similar devices exist in Paris, London, or elsewhere. He offers to send a description and design of the mechanism and invites Franklin to contribute to the upcoming first volume of the Academy's new memoirs.
Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin the continuation of the register of the Commissioners of Animal Magnetism, requesting Franklin to read, sign, and return it promptly. Bailly regrets not delivering it in person due to his frequent trips to Paris but promises to visit Franklin soon to express his unwavering loyalty.
Boston July. 2d. 1784 Sir Governor Jefferson who sails for Europe by this Conveyance 9 will be able to afford you every necessary Intelligence relative to the State of our…
Le Couteulx & Cie informs Benjamin Franklin that a shipment of tobacco from Virginia, sent by Mr. Morris as part of funds owed to the United States, has been sold to a merchant after local farmers declined to pay the asking price. They offer to prioritize farmers for any remaining tobacco if they agree on a fair price, noting the scarcity and rising price of tobacco in America.
Noël-Jacques Pissot informs Benjamin Franklin that he no longer has an extra copy of Cook's voyage to exchange but provides names of acquaintances who purchased it and might lend Franklin a volume. He expresses hope that one of these individuals will assist Franklin until Mr. Nicoll completes the exchange. Pissot closes with respectful regards.
Jane Mecom writes to her brother Benjamin Franklin expressing deep concern for his serious illness and reflecting on her own struggles, including frequent dizziness and mental distress. She apologizes for her delayed correspondence and shares her current living situation in Boston. Mecom conveys affection and worry, hoping for his recovery while grappling with her own fears of declining health.
Michel-Augustin Thouret sends Benjamin Franklin a copy of his research on animal magnetism, expressing respect and admiration. He presents the work as a humble token of esteem toward Franklin. The letter reflects the scientific exchange and mutual regard between Enlightenment thinkers.
The Hague July 19. 1784 Sir I have the Honour of your Letters of the 27 of June and 4. July, and Should advise your Excellency to present the C.…
Andrew Huntington requests Benjamin Franklin's assistance regarding funds he advanced in 1778 to support destitute French prisoners released in New York and sent through Connecticut to Boston. Huntington trusted the promise of repayment from Monsieur Holker, the French consul, but now seeks Franklin's help to secure reimbursement. He emphasizes the dire condition of the prisoners and his reliance on the honor of French officials.
Pierre Du Calvet appeals to Benjamin Franklin, praising his integrity and kindness, to seek repayment for supplies valued at over 56,000 livres tournois provided to American generals in Quebec in 1776. Du Calvet emphasizes Franklin’s reputation for fairness and hopes to gain his support in recovering these debts.
Richard Price introduces Mr. Lewis, a supporter of the American cause, to Benjamin Franklin and requests that Franklin extend him courtesy during his travels. Price also mentions a previous letter sent via Lord Fitzmaurice concerning a subject involving Mr. Turgot, seeking Franklin's opinion on the matter.
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy explains to Benjamin Franklin that she intended to visit him but postponed due to her children's delayed departure and her own preoccupations. She reassures him that she would never forget him and clarifies a misunderstanding about a reference to an "eel," attributing it instead to Madame Helvétius while affirming her own steadfast affection.
William B. Franklin writes to his father, Benjamin Franklin, expressing a desire to restore their strained relationship following the American Revolution. He explains his hesitation to correspond earlier due to their opposing political stances and concerns about potential repercussions. William also mentions waiting for a chance to meet in person, referencing rumors of Benjamin's possible visit to England.
Cheam July 22 6 1784 Dear Sir I received your packets of the 26th. of April and 14th of June, with the two little books, for which I thank you.…
Jonathan Jr Williams requests Benjamin Franklin to send two bundles of papers concerning the ship Marquis de la Fayette, which are on Franklin’s library table, to Mr. Barclay via Colonel Franks’s servant. Williams needs these documents to clarify aspects of the ship’s business. He notes the papers were intended as materials for a memoir.
Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas sends a dispatch to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, requesting Franklin to forward it to the Congress and to Mr. Van Berckel via the next available ship. He assures the accuracy of the report and asks William Franklin to confirm receipt and inform him of their well-being.
David Hartley writes to Benjamin Franklin from Rue Caumartin in 1784, mentioning he has not received any letters from England but heard that the American bill has been extended. He also informs Franklin about his recent leg pain, which has confined him to bed but is now beginning to ease.
Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir grants Benjamin Franklin permission to have a package of books and engravings arriving from England released from customs without inspection by the guild chamber. Lenoir authorizes a designated person to retrieve the shipment directly. The letter serves as official clearance to facilitate Franklin’s receipt of the materials.
Luke Ryan thanks Benjamin Franklin for providing a letter of recommendation to the Marchal de Castries and reports delivering his petition but not yet receiving a response. He expresses urgent concern about mistreatment by his agent John Torris and requests Franklin to remind the minister of his case and send a brief note to his Paris address. Ryan hopes for justice and resolution soon after a prolonged period of confinement.
Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin a continuation of a register and a report to be signed by commissioners and presented to the king. Bailly requests Franklin to read, sign, and return the documents promptly, noting a small space reserved for nine signatures on the report. He also mentions a note with minor changes that he has not yet shared.