Thomas Mifflin informs Benjamin Franklin and John Adams of an Act of Congress dated March 16, 1784, and provides copies of related documents. He transmits these materials for their review or action. Mifflin closes with formal respect and humility.
Benjamin Franklin informs Charles Thomson about delays in sending the ratification of the Definitive Treaty due to unforeseen circumstances and severe winter weather in Europe. He updates on diplomatic exchanges, including ratifications with Sweden and the movements of American commissioners like Jay, Laurens, and Adams. Franklin also notes ongoing European political developments and the interest of Europeans wishing to settle in America.
Samuel Vaughan congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the American Revolution and urges him to resume his scientific and intellectual pursuits. Vaughan proposes uniting the Philadelphian and Loganian Libraries under a single trusteeship with one librarian to enhance public access, seeking Franklin’s approval as the surviving trustee. He emphasizes the importance of this plan for preserving the donors' legacies and improving the libraries' utility.
Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to express his deep respect and admiration, using the pretext of sending a rejected rhapsody to initiate direct communication. He contrasts the acceptance of Comus by the medical faculty with the opposition faced by Mesmer, reflecting on contemporary debates in medicine.
Benjamin Franklin thanks Jacques Leveux for retrieving goods belonging to John Jay and for caring for escaped American prisoners from England. He requests an account of expenses to reimburse Leveux and approves his refusal to assist certain self-proclaimed Americans. Franklin clarifies that consul appointments are decided by Congress, but suggests Leveux's services may favor his nomination if one is made for the city.
Richard Bache informs Benjamin Franklin about forwarding a packet to Dr. Cooper and describes the heavy postage costs despite Franklin's frank. He reports on the severe winter delaying navigation and expresses optimism about the growing mercantile business, especially promising connections with Trieste in the German Empire.
Paris rüe Plâtriere No. 14. ce 5. Mars. 1784. Monsieur! J’ai l’honneur, de vous envoyer le catalogue de la bibliotheque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, 5 et de…
Count Guy Claude de Sarsfield writes to Benjamin Franklin requesting a collection of small items Franklin had previously promised but forgotten to send. Sarsfield expresses impatience due to his imminent departure for The Hague. He reaffirms his sincere and devoted attachment to Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin sends Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, the original documents proving financial arrangements with creditors as requested. He expresses gratitude for Vergennes’s attention to the matter and asks that the papers be returned to Mr. Williams after review. Franklin signs the letter with formal respect and humility.
Benjamin Franklin apologizes for missing Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres during her visit and clarifies that he does not have authority to appoint consuls. He suggests that if a consul is named for Dunkirk, it will likely be Mr. Coffyn, who has selflessly aided American prisoners escaping England for seven years without compensation.