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.
George Washington writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing that a postwar European tour would be appealing but is precluded by pressing domestic issues. He emphasizes that the survival of the United States depends on securing peace or financial support from its allies. Washington conveys the urgency of the military and political situation in 1780.
London Octor 10. 1780 Dr. Sir Since I wrote you the 6th. Int. no alteration has taken place with regard to Mr Laurens confinement & treatment. No person whatever has…
La Haie 10e.[–12] Oct. 1780 Monsieur Je commence cette Lettre aujourd’hui, mais vraisemblablement je ne l’enverrai qu’après demain dans l’espoir de pouvoir y ajouter quelque chose sur ce qu’on aura…
a orleans ce 10e 8bre 1780 Monsieur Nous recevons dans le moment d’envoy de mr Jn Williams de nantes pour votre Compte 6 Caisses de madere, a leur arrivées nous…
Newport Rhode Isld October. 10. 1780. Dear Sir Mechanical Inventions, and Improvements in every Branch of experimental Philosophy, are at all times so agreeable to you, that it must give…
Nantes 17 October 1780 Sir, The Nature of my Errand to Europe I had the Honor to communicate to your Excellency soon after my Arrival, 9 the Difficulties which have…
Geneve 17 8tobre 1780 Mon Cher grand papa Je vous écris cette lettre pour m’informer de vôtre santé parcequ’il y a assès longtems que je ne vous ai pas ecris…
London 17. Octo 1780 Dr. Sir It was not until the 14th. inst that any person whatever was permitted to see Mr Laurens in the Tower— Then after repeated applications…
Nantes 17 October 1780 Dear & Hond. Sir I have already mentioned to you the Arrival of the Massachusetts State Ship Mars & I suppose both Mr Austin & Capt…
Lahaie 20e. Oct. 1780. Monsieur, La vraie amitié qui caractérise si bien vos Lettres du 2 & du 9 Octob. me remplit de gratitude. Je vous promets bien saintement de…
L’Orient Octr. 20. 1780 Sir, It being represented to me by Saml. Wharton Esqr. & Captain Hall of Philadelphia, 6 Mr. Robt. Mease Merchant of Virginia and Mr. Mathew Mease…
[October 20, 1780?] 3 L’abbé Morellet Supplie Monsieur franklin de lui faire dire S’il Sait quelque chose d’un officier Suisse nommé Mr. Bedault 4 qui a quitté il y a…
L’Orient October 20th: 1780 Sir! I have the honor to inclose you Copy of a Letter which I receiv’d by the Brigantine Nesbitt from Mr. Stephen Stewart of West River,…
L’Orient 20th October 1780 Sir In some of the late Vessels, arrived from Maryland, and Pennsylvania came passengers the following Gentlemen.— Messrs. Cheston, and Captain Smith of the former; and…
A Versailles le 21. Octobre 1780. J’ai vû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous avez écrite à M. de sartine, au sujet de deux Bâtiments Américains que les Srs. de Lap,…
Madrid 25. Oct. 1780. Dear Sir, Your very agreable and friendly Letters I have recd. and shall take an early Opportunity of answering fully.— I have no Reason as yet…
Philada. Octr. 25th. 1780 Dear Sir I take the liberty to introduce an Old acquaintance of mine to your Patronage & Protection whilst he may Stay in Paris which I…
Amsterdam 25 Oct: 1780. Honourd Sir! With all reverence we take leave to lay again before Your Excellency; that we have not yett received the permission for the Acceptance of…
Boston 27th. Octobr 1780 Sir, I Beg Leave to Approach your Excellency with every sentiment of Esteem and Respect, and to Acquaint You with a very extraordinary event having taken…
St. Malo ce 29. 8bre. 1780. Monsieur Etant privés de reponse a la lettre que nous avons eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 14 de ce mois, 9 la presente…
madrid 30 Oct 1780 Dr Sir The Pleasure given me by your Letter of the 2d. Inst may more Easily be conceived than expressed. I am greatly obliged by your…
Philadelphia Octr. 30th. 1780. Dear & Hond. Sir I still remain without any Letters from you; Our Kinsman Mr. Williams wrote me some time ago, that your Letters were put…
L’Orient 30th October 1780 Sir I wrote you the 2d Inst. again troubled you with a few lines. I acquaint you that I have been unfortunate enough to loose my…
de paris ce 30 8bre 1780 Monsieur Connoissant votre bon Coeur toujours disposé à obligér et mon mari et moy nous trouvans forcés de Chercher à nous procurer quelque dedomagement…