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.
Havre de Grace 4th. October 1784 Most honored Sir It is my duty to apply to your Excellency to reclaim Your recommendation for the unjust arrest made on the American…
London 20 Sepr 1784 I venture, Dr Sir, to take the Liberty to introduce to you, my good Friend Dr Rowley, who is of the University of Oxon, & one…
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.
Benjamin Franklin expresses gratitude to Paolo Frisi for introducing him to the Chevalier Castiglioni and offers assistance during Castiglioni's travels in America. He welcomes Frisi's proposal to donate his works to the Philadelphia Academy, recognizing their value. Franklin concludes with respectful regards.
Gabriel-Honoré Riquetti, comte de Mirabeau, writes to William Temple Franklin seeking assistance in finding a London bookseller willing to co-publish a French and English edition of a work, preferably sharing financial risk to avoid upfront costs. He expresses concern over the difficulty of publishing due to cautious booksellers and the expense of producing bilingual editions. Mirabeau mentions a recommendation for the bookseller De Bret in Piccadilly as a potential partner.
Benjamin Franklin expresses gratitude to Lorenzo Manini for sending him the American Letters and acknowledges the honor of its dedication. He mentions sending copies of the American state constitutions and two of his own writings on America, hoping they provide amusement. Franklin also conveys thanks to Mr. il Presidente Carli for his defense of America against a critical writer.
David Hartley informs the American commissioners of his recall by the British government while assuring them of Britain's continued interest in friendly trade relations. He presents excerpts from letters by British foreign secretary Carmarthen, which express goodwill toward the Americans but criticize Hartley’s delay in returning to England. Hartley’s meeting marks his final communication with the commissioners before his departure.
Ockbrook near Derby Sept. 15. 1784 Dear old friend Being at Derby on a Visit I recieve here your kind Lr. of Aug. 18 which your Grandson Left at my…
Benjamin Franklin informs John Jay of his safe arrival in New York and shares recent newspapers. He mentions Mr. Hartley's recall after six months of inactivity on the Commercial Treaty and notes that Adams and Jefferson are cooperating well in Paris. Franklin sends his regards to Jay's family and promises a more detailed letter soon.