Mattheus Lestevenon van Berkenrode, Dutch ambassador, expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his kind attention and assures him of his sincere attachment. The letter conveys diplomatic courtesy and goodwill between the Netherlands and Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin informs John Adams that he has received a letter from Mr. Lawrens, including a copy of a postscript referenced in Adams’s earlier correspondence. Franklin provides this information to keep Adams updated on communications during their diplomatic efforts in 1783.
William Mackinnen Jr. writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1783, expressing his admiration and regret at missing him during a brief stay in Paris. He informs Franklin that he has sent two large books of charts of the Northern American coasts, intended for Mr. Adams, and requests Franklin to notify Adams if he has received them. Mackinnen hopes for a future opportunity to meet Franklin in person.
Benjamin Franklin advises Michel Guillaume St. John de Crèvecoeur on improving transatlantic packet boat service between England and America, emphasizing the need for a fifth packet to maintain regular dispatches despite weather delays. He suggests coordinating French packet schedules to provide merchants with biweekly communication opportunities, enhancing commerce and postal revenue.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin about a financial dispute involving Mr. A. J. Alexander and requests Franklin's understanding of his refusal to intervene, citing potential negative consequences. He also discusses reports that the French government plans to make Port Louis a free trade port, expressing concerns about the significant changes needed to transform it from a military garrison to a commercial hub. Williams advocates for free trade with America to extend beyond a single port.
Abbé Jean-Louis Giraud Soulavie thanks Benjamin Franklin for honoring his modest works and for agreeing to place a copy in the Philadelphia library, which owes its existence to Franklin and the local academy. Soulavie expresses gratitude for Franklin's protection with the Philadelphia society, despite feeling unworthy of association. He closes with deep respect and humility.
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.
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.
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.
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.