Letter
Jean-Hector Montaigne offers Benjamin Franklin a plan to form a company under Congress's authority to survey and develop the uncultivated lands of the thirteen United States. He aims to provide labor and capital to enhance the nation's prosperity by mapping resources, industries, and trade potential. Montaigne positions himself as the director of this enterprise to support the young republic's growth.
Letter
Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Thulemeier informs the American Commissioners that he has presented their proposal to establish Emden and Stettin as free ports to the king and awaits his instructions. He references a counterproposal sent earlier and expresses hope for a successful resolution of their ongoing negotiations.
Letter
Pierre Vernier requests Benjamin Franklin's guidance regarding three Pennsylvania state bonds worth $1,000 each, ceded to him in 1781 but unpaid with interest due in 1783. Having received no response from Philadelphia, Vernier seeks Franklin's insight on the Congress's repayment plans. He encloses a copy of the bond transfer to clarify the matter and asks for advice on how to proceed.
Letter
Ce 10 fevrier 1785. Monsieur J’ay L’honneur de vous prier de m’indiquer Par Le Nomé dupui macçon Le moyen d’empecher La fumé de Ces nouvelles Cheminé de votre invention: 5…
Letter
Josef Niclas Reichsgraf Windisch-Grätz writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking his support to promote a written work proposing a solution to a problem, distributed in German and Latin across Europe. He requests Franklin to help disseminate the work in America and lend his endorsement to gain serious attention on both continents. Windisch-Grätz expresses deep respect for Franklin's influence and contributions to humanity.
Letter
Charles Williamos writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1785 expressing his respect and informing him of his intention to visit Franklin the following Monday. The letter serves as a formal notice of the planned meeting. Williamos emphasizes his honor and pleasure in the forthcoming visit.
Letter
American Commissioners inform Richard Henry Lee that they have forwarded a draft treaty to the Portuguese ambassador and received confirmation of its transmission to his court. They report ongoing negotiations with Prussian and Danish representatives regarding trade ports and request instructions from Congress on how to proceed. They also mention receiving but not responding to communications from Naples and Turin unless further developments occur.
Letter
Luigi Pio informs the American Commissioners that the King of Sicily welcomes a treaty of amity and commerce and has established a free port at Messina open to all nations. He assures that American merchant ships will receive friendly treatment and duty-free access, especially for tobacco, a key American export. Pio encourages prompt commercial relations while the court considers the treaty terms, noting no other nation trading with Sicily holds such an agreement.
Letter
⟨Passy, January 21, 1785: We have received your letter of December 10. 7 We assumed that the principles contained in the draft treaty, which we sent to you, would answer…
Letter
Henri & Cie Fizeaux informs Benjamin Franklin that they have received a shipment of books from Lausanne as per his instructions and are prepared to forward them to Mr. Thompson in Philadelphia unless directed otherwise. They request reimbursement from Mr. Grand for their expenses, assuming this aligns with Franklin's intentions. The letter expresses respectful deference to Franklin in his role as U.S. Minister to France.