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.
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.
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.
David Hartley writes to Benjamin Franklin from Rue Caumartin in 1784, mentioning he has not received any letters from England but heard that the American bill has been extended. He also informs Franklin about his recent leg pain, which has confined him to bed but is now beginning to ease.
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.
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.
Cheam July 22 6 1784 Dear Sir I received your packets of the 26th. of April and 14th of June, with the two little books, for which I thank you.…
William B. Franklin writes to his father, Benjamin Franklin, expressing a desire to restore their strained relationship following the American Revolution. He explains his hesitation to correspond earlier due to their opposing political stances and concerns about potential repercussions. William also mentions waiting for a chance to meet in person, referencing rumors of Benjamin's possible visit to England.
Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy explains to Benjamin Franklin that she intended to visit him but postponed due to her children's delayed departure and her own preoccupations. She reassures him that she would never forget him and clarifies a misunderstanding about a reference to an "eel," attributing it instead to Madame Helvétius while affirming her own steadfast affection.
Richard Price introduces Mr. Lewis, a supporter of the American cause, to Benjamin Franklin and requests that Franklin extend him courtesy during his travels. Price also mentions a previous letter sent via Lord Fitzmaurice concerning a subject involving Mr. Turgot, seeking Franklin's opinion on the matter.