Jacques Donatien Leray de Chaumont asks Benjamin Franklin to request from his grandson detailed information about the best cotton spinning machinery used in England and how it is applied. He also instructs Franklin to have his grandson bring samples of spun yarns and fabrics produced with these machines.
Passy, Augt. 22. 1784 Dear Friend, When I am long without hearing from you, I please my self with re-perusing some of your former Letters. In your last of April…
Benjamin Franklin writes to George Whatley expressing regret for his delayed reply and praising Whatley's book The Principles of Trade, requesting a copy to translate and distribute in America to improve economic understanding. Franklin laments the death of Whatley's namesake Maddeson and comments on the challenges Whatley faces with his charity admitting only 60 children yearly, noting the difficulties of child placement in England and the concerns about emigration.
Benjamin Franklin writes to John Calder expressing gratitude for introducing him to General Melvill and discussing Calder's potential move to Philadelphia. Franklin agrees with Calder's views on the Old Testament and explains his opposition to a constitutional clause requiring assembly members to affirm its divine inspiration, noting he helped add a provision preventing further religious tests. He also remarks on the impossibility of some parts of the Old Testament being divinely inspired.
Benjamin Franklin thanks Joseph Banks and the Royal Society for awarding him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook and expresses gratitude for receiving a copy of Cook’s voyage, despite a volume being mistakenly omitted. He recommends his grandson to Banks’s kindness and notes the ongoing experiments with balloons in England, emphasizing the need for continued trials to improve their practical use.
Joseph Banks informs Benjamin Franklin that the Royal Society awards him a gold medal honoring Captain Cook, recognizing Franklin's directive to American cruisers to avoid interfering with Cook's voyages. Banks also congratulates Franklin on receiving a copy of Cook's voyage from the British Crown, acknowledging the respect and liberal conduct Franklin has shown.
Lahaie 12e. Aout 1784 Monsieur, Dans l’espérance que ma derniere, avec les incluses, est bien parvenue, voici No. 44 pour le Congrès, qu’il trouvera sans doute tres interessante. 3 Je…
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.
L’Orient 9. August 1784. Sir, We take The Liberty To address your Excellency on a Subject extremely interesting to us & many other persons concern’d in The Trade between This…
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.