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.
Sarah Franklin Bache informs Benjamin Franklin that Major Du Pontier, aide to Baron Stuben, will deliver the letter and requests his attention to the young gentleman. She updates Franklin on her children’s health and their summer retreat by the Schuylkill River, mentioning her son Richard’s recent serious illness and recovery. Bache expresses affection and promises longer letters soon.
Charles Thomson informs Benjamin Franklin of Congress's recent adjournment and the appointment of a committee of states to meet during the recess. He reports the election of John Jay as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the addition of Thomas Jefferson to the commercial treaty negotiation team alongside Adams and Franklin. Thomson also notes the departure of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who leaves with Congress's high regard.
Noël Le Mire presents a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette to William Temple Franklin and requests that he kindly present it to his father, Benjamin Franklin. Le Mire expresses a wish to deliver the portrait in person but is unable to do so.