Le Couteulx & Cie informs Benjamin Franklin that a shipment of tobacco from Virginia, sent by Mr. Morris as part of funds owed to the United States, has been sold to a merchant after local farmers declined to pay the asking price. They offer to prioritize farmers for any remaining tobacco if they agree on a fair price, noting the scarcity and rising price of tobacco in America.
Benjamin Franklin explains to Félix Frecon that the United States uses a mix of foreign gold and silver coins as real money, with Spanish dollars being most common, while paper currency varies in value across states. He describes the use of bills of exchange drawn on Europe and details Virginia's system of tobacco inspection and payment. Franklin also notes that weights and measures follow British standards uniformly across the states.
Boston July. 2d. 1784 Sir Governor Jefferson who sails for Europe by this Conveyance 9 will be able to afford you every necessary Intelligence relative to the State of our…
Jean-Sylvain Bailly sends Benjamin Franklin the continuation of the register of the Commissioners of Animal Magnetism, requesting Franklin to read, sign, and return it promptly. Bailly regrets not delivering it in person due to his frequent trips to Paris but promises to visit Franklin soon to express his unwavering loyalty.
Conte Giuseppe Angelo Saluzzo di Monesiglio informs Benjamin Franklin about a new musical keyboard invention by Abbé Perno Piémontois that allows playing airs like a harpsichord and inquires if similar devices exist in Paris, London, or elsewhere. He offers to send a description and design of the mechanism and invites Franklin to contribute to the upcoming first volume of the Academy's new memoirs.
Pierre-Victor-Laurent de Chadirac, a French naval officer wounded in combat aboard L’Hermione during the American Revolutionary War, writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking recognition for his service. He requests the Croix de Cincinnatus and asks Franklin to direct him to the appropriate authority if the award is not within his power to grant. De Chadirac expresses deep respect and hopes for acknowledgment of his sacrifices.
François de Fontanges appeals to Benjamin Franklin to include his brother, the Vicomte de Fontanges, among the French officers awarded the Order of Cincinnatus by the American Congress. He details his brother’s military service, highlighting his role as major general under Comte d’Estaing during the Savannah expedition, his severe injury, and his current rank as colonel in Saint-Domingue. He requests Franklin’s favor in recognizing his brother’s sacrifices and merits.
Félix Frecon requests Benjamin Franklin's expertise to accurately describe the currencies and exchange practices between France and the United States for a treatise on international trade. He seeks detailed information on American coinage, accounting units, established exchange rates, and commercial customs to improve his work and support Franco-American economic relations. Frecon acknowledges Franklin's role in American independence and aims to aid France's integration into global commerce.
C.-J. Le Roux writes to Benjamin Franklin seeking assistance for a Swiss man of letters, formerly connected to the late Mr. De Gebelin, who has come to Paris seeking placement but remains unplaced due to De Gebelin's unexpected death. Le Roux emphasizes the man's qualifications and appeals to Franklin's reputation as a protector of honest and learned citizens.
Thomas Jefferson informs Benjamin Franklin of his planned voyage to Paris in August 1784 to join Franklin and deliver new, more detailed commissions and instructions from Congress. He mentions the appointment of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and expresses a desire to meet him before departure. Jefferson also updates Franklin on the general encouraging state of American affairs and the congressional recess arrangements.