Letter
Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde urges Benjamin Franklin to respond promptly to an inquiry from Monsieur de Crevecœur regarding a matter involving Monsieur de Castries. She emphasizes the importance of this reply for Crevecœur's upcoming meeting and expresses her personal interest in facilitating the communication. Additionally, she requests Franklin to send back a muff she left at his residence.
Letter
Jean-Antoine Salva warns Benjamin Franklin of the imminent danger faced by American ships departing Marseille due to secret enemies and Algerian corsairs disrupting commerce under European political complicity. He recounts his involvement in exposing attacks on imperial vessels and urges Franklin to keep this intelligence confidential while exercising prudence.
Letter
François-Félix Nogaret requests Benjamin Franklin to provide him with one of his ingenious medals and to write a brief letter endorsing Nogaret's advancement to M. Le Mis. de Serrent, who remembers Franklin's previous recommendation. Nogaret expresses gratitude for Franklin's past support and regrets missing the chance to meet him due to ill health.
Letter
The Burgomasters and Senators of Hamburg congratulate Benjamin Franklin on securing American independence through the treaty with Britain. They request Franklin's assistance in gaining the favor of the Continental Congress to establish beneficial trade relations between Hamburg merchants and the United States. They express deep respect for Franklin's wisdom and political influence in facilitating this commercial cooperation.
Letter
Abbé Morellet explains the symbolism on a medal related to Benjamin Franklin, clarifying that the medal depicts specific events rather than announcing Franklin's full political freedom. He requests Franklin to mention his interest to Mr. de Vergennes through Mr. de Reyneval and expresses warm personal regards.
Letter
David Hartley discusses a Supplemental Treaty related to American negotiations and expresses support for a principle proposed in Parliament in 1778 that he believes aligns with the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty with France. He hopes this principle will remain intact after the war and extend to all nations, emphasizing goodwill between Britain and America. Hartley also mentions sharing related parliamentary sentiments from his brother.
Letter
Giuseppe Bartoli sends Benjamin Franklin a more accurate English translation of his Italian verses predicting the success of the American War of Independence, along with a French translation by Mlle Leclerc. He entrusts M. L’Heritier, a multilingual lawyer, to deliver these documents in person and express Bartoli’s deep respect for Franklin. Bartoli acknowledges Franklin as a great philosopher and admired minister.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin Bache writes to his grandfather, Benjamin Franklin, requesting updates on his health and asking for three medals commemorating American liberty to gift to friends. He mentions beginning to paint and seeks approval for a gold watch he previously requested. Bache also inquires about the status of English books Franklin had sent, noting he has only received a few.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin invites George Fox to dine with him on Sunday, March 30, 1783, at his residence in Passy. He requests a response to confirm Fox’s attendance. The letter reflects Franklin’s social engagements during his time in France.
Letter
William Hodgson informs Benjamin Franklin about the challenges faced in passing a British bill to open trade with America, noting significant opposition and alterations to its original form. He outlines key provisions allowing Americans freer trade with the islands and equal footing in European commerce while maintaining navigation restrictions. Hodgson requests Franklin’s detailed plan for regulating commercial relations between the two countries amid uncertain British leadership.