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
Also see 1719 letters written by Benjamin Franklin →
Letter

William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, August 11, 1784

From William Carmichael
To Benjamin Franklin
August 11, 1784

William Carmichael informs Benjamin Franklin of receiving a reply from Count de Campomanes regarding Franklin's correspondence and expresses his efforts to minimize postage costs. He conveys the high regard for Franklin in Spain, urges him to respond promptly to Campomanes in support of agricultural and scientific initiatives, and hopes Franklin will facilitate communication between the American Congress and the Spanish court amid troubling silence from Congress.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, August 13, 1784

From Joseph Banks
To Benjamin Franklin
August 13, 1784

Joseph Banks informs Benjamin Franklin that the Royal Society awards him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook, recognizing Franklin's directive to American cruisers to avoid interfering with Cook's voyages. Banks also congratulates Franklin on receiving a copy of Cook's voyage from the British Crown, acknowledging the respect and liberal conduct Franklin has shown.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Jacques Donatien, Leray de Chaumont to Benjamin Franklin, August 23, 1784

From Jacques Donatien, Leray de Chaumont
To Benjamin Franklin
August 23, 1784

Jacques Donatien Leray de Chaumont asks Benjamin Franklin to request from his grandson detailed information about the best cotton spinning machinery used in England and how it is applied. He also instructs Franklin to have his grandson bring samples of spun yarns and fabrics produced with these machines.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

—— Chabaud to Benjamin Franklin, August 23, 1784

From —— Chabaud
To Benjamin Franklin
August 23, 1784

Nicolas-Louis-Guillaume Lacoudrais writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, proposing himself for the position of American consul in Honfleur, Normandy, citing his experience as a merchant and former Swedish consul. The letter is part of a series of unsolicited requests for favors and positions that Franklin receives during this period. Lacoudrais seeks official recognition to represent American interests in the region.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

James McHenry to Benjamin Franklin, August 24, 1784

From James McHenry
To Benjamin Franklin
August 24, 1784

James McHenry informs Benjamin Franklin of the warm reception Marquis de Lafayette receives during his American visit, expressing gratitude from the citizens. He also reports the near collapse of the congressional committee of the States due to members' departures, signaling a lack of effective government and uncertain communication until John Jay possibly assumes the foreign affairs role.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

William Temple Franklin to Benjamin Franklin, August 25, 1784

From William Temple Franklin
To Benjamin Franklin
August 25, 1784

William Temple Franklin reports his difficult journey to Calais, marked by a broken carriage wheel and delays, and arranges for repairs at Mr. Dessein’s expense. He plans to return to Paris in a different carriage and seeks to secure English newspapers for Benjamin Franklin at a lower cost. Franklin also mentions settling financial advances with Mr. Le Veux on Benjamin’s account.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, September 1, 1784

From William Carmichael
To Benjamin Franklin
September 1, 1784

William Carmichael writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing gratitude for Franklin's support and emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Franklin's esteem above popular opinion. He explains his limited role in diplomatic affairs due to Congress's silence and lack of instructions, despite his awareness of Spain's desire to strengthen relations. Carmichael conveys his dedication to justifying Franklin's confidence in him throughout his service.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Louis Guillaume Le Veillard to Benjamin Franklin, September 5, 1784

From Louis Guillaume Le Veillard
To Benjamin Franklin
September 5, 1784

Louis Guillaume Le Veillard informs Benjamin Franklin about the Count of Mirabeau's recent legal troubles and his departure to London. He advises Franklin to maintain his current stance while suggesting Franklin provide Mirabeau with letters of recommendation for a reputable bookseller and Dr. Price to support Mirabeau's literary efforts. Le Veillard emphasizes Mirabeau's talent and misfortune, seeking Franklin's assistance in aiding him.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Peter Ochs to Benjamin Franklin, September 6, 1784

From Peter Ochs
To Benjamin Franklin
September 6, 1784

Peter Ochs, Secretary of State of the Republic of Basel, writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing deep admiration and respect, emphasizing that their visit to Paris would be incomplete without meeting Franklin. Ochs conveys the hope that their encounter will inspire and illuminate them with Franklin's wisdom on natural principles and public happiness.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

William Temple Franklin to Benjamin Franklin, September 7, 1784

From William Temple Franklin
To Benjamin Franklin
September 7, 1784

William Temple Franklin informs his grandfather Benjamin Franklin that he has recovered from a severe fever and ague thanks to medical treatment and care. He explains his weakened state due to illness and sea sickness and requests permission to extend his stay in London to compensate for lost time. Franklin also mentions his father's postponed plans to visit the seaside because of these events.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Etienne-Marc-Antoine-Joseph, vicomte de Grasse-Limermont to Benjamin Franklin, September 14, 1784

From Etienne-Marc-Antoine-Joseph, vicomte de Grasse-Limermont
To Benjamin Franklin
September 14, 1784

Etienne de Grasse-Limermont recounts his role in protecting the American landing at Rhode Island in 1778 by diverting a British fire ship from the French frigate L’Aimable. He requests Benjamin Franklin's recommendation to the United States for recognition, hoping his service will be honored with the Cincinnati decoration.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda to Benjamin Franklin, September 20, 1784

From Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda
To Benjamin Franklin
September 20, 1784

Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda, as Spanish Ambassador, delivers a letter from Madrid to Benjamin Franklin, the American Minister Plenipotentiary. He uses the occasion to reaffirm his loyal attachment to Franklin. The correspondence reflects diplomatic communication between Spain and the United States in 1784.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Alexandre-César de Genevey de Pusignan to Benjamin Franklin, October 4, 1784

From Alexandre-César de Genevey de Pusignan
To Benjamin Franklin
October 4, 1784

Alexandre-César de Genevey de Pusignan, a French artillery captain who served at the Siege of Yorktown, requests Benjamin Franklin's assistance in obtaining a cavalry decoration created by the United States for wounded officers. He emphasizes his command role in the light artillery attached to Rochambeau's army and asks Franklin to help navigate the formalities to secure this honor.

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