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.
Letter
James Erwin informs Benjamin Franklin that his vessel was seized by Moroccan forces and he is being held in Tangier despite Morocco's peaceful stance with the United States. He urges Congress to appoint an ambassador to negotiate his release and prevent similar incidents against American sailors. Erwin appeals for Franklin's intervention to resolve the matter and protect American maritime interests.
Letter
Beyer informs Benjamin Franklin that the academy has invited him to present the instrument he invented at their upcoming meeting. He anticipates Franklin’s interest in the academy’s judgment of his invention and requests continued support and protection. Beyer expresses deep respect and gratitude toward Franklin.
Letter
André de Tronquoy informs Benjamin Franklin that he has written to Bordeaux on Franklin’s behalf and includes copies of his correspondence and the reply received. He promises to send the requested remedy and accompanying instructions as soon as he obtains them, emphasizing his eagerness to assist Franklin promptly.
Letter
Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de La Rouërie, expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for America's reliable commitment to France and seeks Franklin's approval to publish a paper praising this alliance. He hopes the publication will inspire similar sentiments of respect and gratitude among the French people. La Rouërie requests Franklin to return the approved document.
Letter
Fortunato Bartolomeo de Felice critiques Abbé de Mably's observations on American constitutions, arguing they fail to address the serious issues threatening the young republic. He offers to send Benjamin Franklin a copy of his own written remarks, which openly challenge de Mably's views, and mentions ongoing work on a related publication.
Letter
Jan Ingenhousz writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing concern that political duties continue to occupy Franklin, preventing him from pursuing scientific interests as he had hoped. Ingenhousz requests confirmation that letters sent to associates like Mr. Wharton have been received and forwarded, emphasizing his personal and scientific investment in these matters. He also expresses a strong desire to hear directly from Franklin about his health and well-being.