Letter
Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, June 17, 1784
Passy, June 17. 1784. Dear Sister, It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you, 7 but am glad to hear by Cousin Williams that you…
Topic
Letters about Founding Era
16,550 lettersLetter
Jean-Sylvain Bailly to Benjamin Franklin, June 16, 1784
Jean-Sylvain Bailly requests Benjamin Franklin to return the original commission register he sent last week, as it is urgently needed for copying the next morning. Bailly allows Franklin to keep it until the evening if he has not yet read it but asks for its prompt return to Chaillot.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Mifflin, June 16, 1784
Benjamin Franklin informs Thomas Mifflin that the ratifications of the Definitive Treaty have been exchanged and that British instructions on American trade negotiations are delayed due to parliamentary matters. He warns of lingering British resentment and advises vigilance in anticipating changes in European affairs that could impact American interests. Franklin refers to Mr. Jay and Mr. Laurens for more detailed updates from London.
Letter
Félix Vicq d’Azyr to Benjamin Franklin, June 16, 1784
Félix Vicq d’Azyr informs Benjamin Franklin that he is sending copies of a medical society report previously promised and will soon deliver the third volume of the Royal Society of Medicine's collection. He expresses gratitude on behalf of the society for a paper Franklin shared by Mr. Perkins. Vicq d’Azyr respectfully conveys these materials and thanks Franklin for his contributions.
Letter
John Witherspoon to Benjamin Franklin, June 15, 1784
John Witherspoon writes to Benjamin Franklin recommending William Brown, a skilled classic scholar seeking to improve his French in Paris. Witherspoon asks Franklin to consider introducing Brown or helping him find teaching opportunities in English or classical languages. The request is made on behalf of a mutual acquaintance and Witherspoon’s obligation to assist.
Letter
Henry Laurens to Benjamin Franklin, June 4, 1784
London 4th. June 1784. Dear Sir. Permit me to introduce at Passy, Mr. Parker 5 a young Gentleman of an exceeding good character Son of John Parker Esquire a respectable…
Letter
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Benjamin Franklin, June 3, 1784
Marquis de Lafayette informs Benjamin Franklin of his planned departure from Paris on June 22, 1784, and expresses his intention to visit Franklin before leaving. He inquires about recent news from America, mentioning debates over the Cincinnati Society, Congress's proposed six-month adjournment with limited committee powers, and the sale of the Washington Packet. Lafayette also asks if Franklin has received any updates regarding his own initiatives.
Letter
George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, June 2, 1784
George Washington informs Benjamin Franklin that David Humphreys has been appointed secretary of the new commercial treaty commission, a decision that dashes hopes for Franklin’s grandson, William Temple Franklin, to secure a diplomatic post. The appointment reflects political maneuvering, as supporters of John Adams opposed Temple’s selection due to his close ties to Franklin, fearing bias would hinder negotiations. This outcome signals congressional disapproval of Franklin’s influence.
Letter
Thomas Thompson to Benjamin Franklin, June 2, 1784
Thomas Thompson informs Benjamin Franklin that John Jay and his family have departed on the ship Edward, but a large portrait of Marquis de Lafayette intended for General Washington could not be loaded due to space constraints. Thompson requests Franklin’s instructions on whether to send the painting to London for shipment or return it to Calais.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, June 2, 1784
Benjamin Franklin addresses David Hartley's concerns about the phrasing and formality in the U.S. ratification of the Treaty of Paris, arguing that while the treaty itself follows the custom of naming the crowned head before the republic, the separate ratification acts are independently controlled by each party. Franklin asserts that the United States properly adheres to established diplomatic customs in the treaty text, and the ratification confirms all treaty articles.