Topic

Letters about Diplomacy

34,295 letters
Letter

John Marsden Pintard to Benjamin Franklin, May 16, 1784

From John Marsden Pintard
To Benjamin Franklin
May 16, 1784

John Marsden Pintard informs Benjamin Franklin of his recent appointment as Commercial Agent for the United States at Madeira and Porto Santo, tasked with assisting American traders and managing relations with the Portuguese government. He expresses gratitude for the honor and offers his assistance to Franklin while on the island. Pintard also notes the death of his relative John Searle Sr., assuring that business operations continue unchanged.

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Letter

Joseph Matthias Gérard de Rayneval (Reyneval) to Benjamin Franklin, May 15, 1784

From Joseph Matthias Gérard de Rayneval (Reyneval)
To Benjamin Franklin
May 15, 1784

Joseph Matthias Gérard de Rayneval introduces M. de Chateaufort, newly appointed French Consul General in Charleston, to Benjamin Franklin, requesting Franklin to receive him warmly. Rayneval expresses personal attachment to Chateaufort and conveys sincere regards to Franklin.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Franz Anton Mesmer to Benjamin Franklin, May 14, 1784

From Franz Anton Mesmer
To Benjamin Franklin
May 14, 1784

Franz Anton Mesmer accuses M. d’Eslon of violating his trust and intellectual property by publicly revealing and exploiting Mesmer’s discovery of animal magnetism without permission. He contends that d’Eslon’s actions, including involving other physicians and government commissioners, constitute a serious breach of honor and legal rights. Mesmer appeals to Benjamin Franklin, head of the investigating commission, to recognize the true inventor and condemn d’Eslon’s unauthorized use.

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Letter

David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, May 13, 1784

From David Hartley
To Benjamin Franklin
May 13, 1784

David Hartley requests Benjamin Franklin to send a brief message after meeting with the Minister, indicating whether a certain action is possible, so Hartley can promptly send the first part of an Address to England. He emphasizes the urgency due to the approaching parliamentary session and his tight schedule preparing letters and transcribing the Address.

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Letter

Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, May 13, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To Charles Thomson
May 13, 1784

Benjamin Franklin informs Charles Thomson that the ratification of the Definitive Treaty has been exchanged, marking the successful end of the American Revolutionary War. He urges vigilance in maintaining national unity, fiscal responsibility, and military preparedness to safeguard the young nation's reputation and security against future British threats. Franklin emphasizes the importance of fidelity in treaties and warns against complacency and internal divisions.

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Letter

Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, May 13, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To Henry Laurens
May 13, 1784

Benjamin Franklin writes to Henry Laurens expressing regret over recent disappointments and updates him on the exchange of ratifications for the definitive Treaty, while noting uncertainty about a Treaty of Commerce. Franklin requests Laurens' thoughts on such a treaty and asks for assistance in securing his dismissal from his current post so he can return home. He also seeks Laurens' recommendation of his grandson as a potential successor or interim secretary, citing the grandson's experience and qualifications.

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