Letter
Benjamin Franklin addresses John Paul Jones regarding the financial charges related to the ships Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, clarifying that he never received authorization to settle these expenses on behalf of the captors. Franklin objects to charging American captors for the costs of maintaining prisoners in Holland, especially since prisoner exchanges did not occur as expected. He returns the documents Jones provided and expresses his respect.
Letter
Pisa 24th March 1784 My Dear Sir, Mr. Partridge, one of the principal Merchants at Leghorn, 6 and who is universally esteemed for his knowledge and virtue, will have the…
Letter
Joseph Banks reports to Benjamin Franklin on recent discussions within the Royal Society, noting a lull in scientific innovation after intense debate. He summarizes Dr. Blagden's observations linking meteors to the magnetic meridian and Mr. Herschel's studies of Mars' polar ice caps, suggesting parallels to Earth's climate. Banks also mentions the stagnation of aerostat advancements in France.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin requests John Paul Jones to send a copy of a letter from Mr. de Sartine concerning the settlement of charges incurred in Holland. Franklin promises to provide a clear response upon reviewing the document. The correspondence reflects ongoing financial and administrative matters following the American Revolutionary War.
Letter
John Paul Jones requests Benjamin Franklin's support to clarify that Franklin never agreed to a proposed settlement regarding prize money for Jones's squadron, which the French Marechal de Castries believes was finalized. Jones seeks Franklin's intervention to resolve the dispute over the distribution of expenses and prize money. The letter aims to remove obstacles preventing a final settlement of the financial claims.
Letter
[March 22, 1784] 4 I Do hereby Certify to you that the name Signd is in the proper hand writeing of my Daughter who has Long been Desirious of writeing…
Letter
Eight-year-old Jane Franklin Case writes to Benjamin Franklin to express admiration for him, explaining she was named partly in his honor by her parents. She encloses a written piece as a token of respect and requests confirmation that he received her letter. Jane asks Franklin to direct any reply to Colonel Thomas Palmer in Newburgh, New York.
Letter
Thomas Mifflin informs Benjamin Franklin and John Adams of an Act of Congress dated March 16, 1784, and provides copies of related documents. He transmits these materials for their review or action. Mifflin closes with formal respect and humility.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs Charles Thomson about delays in sending the ratification of the Definitive Treaty due to unforeseen circumstances and severe winter weather in Europe. He updates on diplomatic exchanges, including ratifications with Sweden and the movements of American commissioners like Jay, Laurens, and Adams. Franklin also notes ongoing European political developments and the interest of Europeans wishing to settle in America.
Letter
Samuel Vaughan congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the American Revolution and urges him to resume his scientific and intellectual pursuits. Vaughan proposes uniting the Philadelphian and Loganian Libraries under a single trusteeship with one librarian to enhance public access, seeking Franklin’s approval as the surviving trustee. He emphasizes the importance of this plan for preserving the donors' legacies and improving the libraries' utility.