William Alexander asks Benjamin Franklin to consider covering bills drawn by Mr. Bache of Philadelphia if their mutual acquaintance Williams fails to do so, to prevent financial loss and dishonor. He advises Franklin to request the exact amount from Williams to understand the full extent. Alexander also mentions his travel plans and sends regards to Franklin's son.
American Peace Commissioners inform David Hartley that Congress has ratified the Provisional Articles of November 1782 and is prepared to exchange ratifications with Britain. They report that British forces have violated the treaty by carrying off American-owned enslaved people from New York and request urgent measures to address this injustice. Additionally, they raise concerns about losses suffered by British debtors in America during the war.
Benjamin Franklin recommends that the Farmers General write to Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, to request payment of the debt owed by the states and to ask for a cargo of tobacco purchased on their behalf. Franklin expresses full confidence in Morris's skill and integrity and suggests this transaction serve as a trial to determine if future debt payments should continue in this form. The Farmers General ultimately decide to address the letter to Franklin instead.
a Paris Le 15 Juillet 1783 Monsieur Mr. De marbois Secretaire de L’ambassade de france en Amerique, me mande que mr Le cher. de La Luzerne désire des Graines potageres…
John Coakley Lettsom informs Benjamin Franklin that his friend John Lister, a Quaker, is traveling to Paris and can carry any messages or items Franklin wishes to send to England. Lettsom acknowledges receiving Franklin's letter and one from Dr. Fothergill, which he returns. He briefly mentions his political ideas and hopes Franklin approves of his use of the letter.
Giacomo Francisco Crocco informs Benjamin Franklin that the Emperor of Morocco is willing to sign a Treaty of Peace and Commerce with the United States and has ordered his naval captains not to harass American vessels. Crocco requests financial support for the Moroccan ambassador's travel expenses to Europe, which the U.S. must cover, and plans to discuss the negotiations further upon arriving in Paris.
[July 5, 1783] J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 29 du Mois dernier 3 et par laquelle vous demandez, au Nom des Etats…
Benjamin Franklin communicates Congress's resolution requesting assistance from King Louis XVI, emphasizing its importance for the United States' welfare and expressing confidence in the Congress's efforts to secure necessary funds. He references prior ratifications and diplomatic efforts to reinforce the request's legitimacy and urgency. Franklin appeals to Vergennes's understanding and support despite the difficulty of the matter.
Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, thanks Benjamin Franklin for his recent letter and the accompanying packages. He expresses sincere gratitude and reaffirms his loyal and unwavering commitment to their alliance. The correspondence reflects ongoing diplomatic cooperation between France and the United States in 1783.
Charles-Henri Titius writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783 expressing deep gratitude for Franklin's friendship and kindness during his stay in Paris. He requests Franklin's recommendations for a merchant named Thieriot traveling to America and offers his own services in return. Additionally, Titius seeks Franklin's support regarding a local physician Oehme's medical inventions, which have been effective for over fifty years.