Topic

Letters about Founding Era

16,550 letters
Letter

Benjamin Franklin to George Whatley, August 21, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To George Whatley
August 21, 1784

Benjamin Franklin writes to George Whatley expressing regret for his delayed reply and praising Whatley's book The Principles of Trade, requesting a copy to translate and distribute in America to improve economic understanding. Franklin laments the death of Whatley's namesake Maddeson and comments on the challenges Whatley faces with his charity admitting only 60 children yearly, noting the difficulties of child placement in England and the concerns about emigration.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Benjamin Franklin to John Calder, August 21, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To John Calder
August 21, 1784

Benjamin Franklin writes to John Calder expressing gratitude for introducing him to General Melvill and discussing Calder's potential move to Philadelphia. Franklin agrees with Calder's views on the Old Testament and explains his opposition to a constitutional clause requiring assembly members to affirm its divine inspiration, noting he helped add a provision preventing further religious tests. He also remarks on the impossibility of some parts of the Old Testament being divinely inspired.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, August 21, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To Joseph Banks
August 21, 1784

Benjamin Franklin thanks Joseph Banks and the Royal Society for awarding him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook and expresses gratitude for receiving a copy of Cook’s voyage, despite a volume being mistakenly omitted. He recommends his grandson to Banks’s kindness and notes the ongoing experiments with balloons in England, emphasizing the need for continued trials to improve their practical use.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience
Letter

Joseph Banks to Benjamin Franklin, August 13, 1784

From Joseph Banks
To Benjamin Franklin
August 13, 1784

Joseph Banks informs Benjamin Franklin that the Royal Society awards him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook, recognizing Franklin's directive to American cruisers to avoid interfering with Cook's voyages. Banks also congratulates Franklin on receiving a copy of Cook's voyage from the British Crown, acknowledging the respect and liberal conduct Franklin has shown.

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Letter

William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, August 11, 1784

From William Carmichael
To Benjamin Franklin
August 11, 1784

William Carmichael informs Benjamin Franklin of receiving a reply from Count de Campomanes regarding Franklin's correspondence and expresses his efforts to minimize postage costs. He conveys the high regard for Franklin in Spain, urges him to respond promptly to Campomanes in support of agricultural and scientific initiatives, and hopes Franklin will facilitate communication between the American Congress and the Spanish court amid troubling silence from Congress.

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Letter

Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, August 9, 1784

From Jean-Sylvain Bailly
To Benjamin Franklin
August 9, 1784

Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin a continuation of a register and a report to be signed by commissioners and presented to the king. Bailly requests Franklin to read, sign, and return the documents promptly, noting a small space reserved for nine signatures on the report. He also mentions a note with minor changes that he has not yet shared.

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Letter

Benjamin Franklin to Regents of the University of the State of New York, August 9, 1784

From Benjamin Franklin
To Regents of the University of the State of New York
August 9, 1784

Benjamin Franklin declines the Regents of the University of the State of New York's request to solicit donations in Europe, citing concerns that appeals for funds could damage the young nation's credit and diplomatic standing. He emphasizes the importance of appearing financially independent and mentions his efforts to collect French books to support American education.

American RevolutionDiplomacyFounding EraScience