Letter
Richard Price writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing admiration for the King of France’s new Sinking Fund edict, praising its wisdom and potential to resolve France’s debt issues through compound interest. He laments that Britain has failed to adopt similar fiscal measures despite his recommendations. Price acknowledges his limited understanding of France’s public debt details but recognizes the plan’s promise to free significant revenue within two years.
Letter
Boston Octr. 21— 1784 Dear Brother I propose to Send this by the Marquis La Fayette. He is Much Hon’d and Caress’d among us. 5 I wish I was Capeble…
Letter
Benjamin Franklin appeals to Count de Vergennes to intervene in a dispute involving the Admiralty at Nantes, which improperly detained an American ship and overstepped jurisdiction by adjudicating a conflict between the ship's captain and a sailor. Franklin requests the immediate release of the ship to prevent financial losses for its owners.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs William Carmichael about ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the Spanish minister, including correspondence with Count d’Aranda, and updates him on the appointment of M. Gardoqui to America. He also reports the arrest of James Hartwell by the Spanish Inquisition on charges related to religious conversion and the seizure of his tobacco cargo. Franklin expresses concern for Hartwell’s situation and promises to keep Carmichael informed.
Letter
Francesco Maria Venanzio d’Aquino, Prince of Caramanico and Ambassador Extraordinary of the King of Sicily, informs Benjamin Franklin of his initial audiences with Their Majesties and the Royal Family in Paris. He establishes diplomatic contact with Franklin, the United States Minister Plenipotentiary. The letter marks the beginning of formal relations between the Sicilian court and the American envoy.
Letter
Sir Edward Newenham writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing relief at finally receiving a delayed letter and concern over recent political developments in Ireland. He describes his temporary withdrawal from politics to focus on family but feels compelled to act against the King's attorney general's threats that undermine constitutional rights and restrict public meetings. Newenham reports that nearly 200 Protestant electors have gathered in response to these challenges.
Letter
Octobre 9. [1784] To his Excellency Benjam. Franklin Min. Plenip from Congress. at Passy. I put him in mind of his promiss to write me a long lettre. 6 That…
Letter
Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Thulemeier informs the American Commissioners that the king has authorized him to finalize a treaty of amity and commerce with the United States. He requests guidance on how to proceed with negotiations and asks the Americans to specify a city for merchant trade between the two nations, suggesting Prussian ports Stettin and Emden or ports in Holland and France as options.
Letter
William Temple Franklin writes to Benjamin Franklin from London in 1784, updating him on efforts to arrange financial matters through Mr. J. Alexander and expressing relief at his recovery from fever. He apologizes for brief correspondence due to social obligations and regrets missing visits with important friends, including the Bishop and Lord Shelburne, before his planned departure.
Letter
Eric Magnus, Baron de Staël de Holstein, informs the American Commissioners that he has received their letter via Mr. Humphreys and plans to forward it to the king. He proposes sending additional information about the United States' proposed treaty additions through the returning Swedish courier to expedite communication.