Topic

Letters about Science

5,751 letters
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.

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.

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.

Letter

Luke Ryan to Benjamin Franklin, August 8, 1784

From Luke Ryan
To Benjamin Franklin
August 8, 1784

Luke Ryan thanks Benjamin Franklin for providing a letter of recommendation to the Marchal de Castries and reports delivering his petition but not yet receiving a response. He expresses urgent concern about mistreatment by his agent John Torris and requests Franklin to remind the minister of his case and send a brief note to his Paris address. Ryan hopes for justice and resolution soon after a prolonged period of confinement.

Letter

Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir to Benjamin Franklin, August 4, 1784

From Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir
To Benjamin Franklin
August 4, 1784

Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir grants Benjamin Franklin permission to have a package of books and engravings arriving from England released from customs without inspection by the guild chamber. Lenoir authorizes a designated person to retrieve the shipment directly. The letter serves as official clearance to facilitate Franklin’s receipt of the materials.

Letter

Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to Benjamin Franklin, July 24, 1784

From Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas
To Benjamin Franklin
July 24, 1784

Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas sends a dispatch to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, requesting Franklin to forward it to the Congress and to Mr. Van Berckel via the next available ship. He assures the accuracy of the report and asks William Franklin to confirm receipt and inform him of their well-being.

Letter

Jonathan Jr Williams to Benjamin Franklin, July 22, 1784

From Jonathan Jr Williams
To Benjamin Franklin
July 22, 1784

Jonathan Jr Williams requests Benjamin Franklin to send two bundles of papers concerning the ship Marquis de la Fayette, which are on Franklin’s library table, to Mr. Barclay via Colonel Franks’s servant. Williams needs these documents to clarify aspects of the ship’s business. He notes the papers were intended as materials for a memoir.