Benjamin Franklin invites Daniel Lathrop Coit to dine with him on Sunday, January 18, 1784. He requests a response to confirm attendance. The letter reflects Franklin’s social engagement and polite invitation customs of the period.
Maupin presents Benjamin Franklin with a book outlining a new, simpler, and more economical method for planting and cultivating vines, along with improved techniques for wine fermentation that enhance quality and longevity. He emphasizes that these innovations benefit both Europe and America, appealing to Franklin as a statesman representing the New World. Maupin frames his work as contributing to progress in both the established Old World and the developing New World.
Jean-Jacques de Lafreté writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing personal sorrow and plans to visit him soon. He requests a letter of recommendation from Franklin for his friend Philippe Aribert, who seeks to become the American consul in a Languedoc port. Lafreté assures Franklin that Aribert is a capable and deserving candidate.
John Shaffer appeals to Benjamin Franklin for continued support in resolving his legal troubles in France, requesting Franklin to write to key officials to aid his cause. He expresses deep gratitude for Franklin's previous assistance and seeks a meeting through an intermediary to discuss the matter further. Shaffer relies on Franklin as his primary protector in navigating these difficulties.
Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac expresses deep gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his kindness and satisfaction with Bache. He assures Franklin of his lasting respect and best wishes for his happiness and honorable life. Marignac pledges to respond promptly to Franklin's latest act of kindness.
Jan Ingenhousz writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 seeking detailed information on the construction and management of air balloons, referencing recent aerial navigation developments. He mentions plans to build a balloon in Vienna and sends a young natural philosopher to Paris to learn about ballooning firsthand. Ingenhousz requests Franklin's assistance in obtaining knowledge from key figures like Montgolfier and Pilatre de Rozier to support their project.
César-François Cassini de Thury requests Benjamin Franklin to consider awarding the Order of Cincinnatus to his brother-in-law, the Vicomte de Mory, in recognition of his military service during the American Revolution. He emphasizes de Mory's participation in multiple campaigns, sieges, and battles, arguing that this honor would bring great pride to their family and strengthen ties between France and the United States.
paris 2. jv. 1784. rue des gravilliers. Monsieur Jai l’honneur de vous adresser le memoire de M. morel de dunkerque 2 duquel jai eu celui de vous parler chez M…
Bache and Shee express gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his support in protecting their mercantile interests, particularly his intervention in preventing the return of a bill drawn on Mr. Williams. They enclose drafts totaling 25,000 livres drawn on Le Couteulx & Co. in Paris, anticipating reimbursement related to an insurance claim on a lost vessel. They assure Franklin of their commitment to maintaining his confidence and prompt repayment if necessary.
Frédéric-Samuel Ostervald writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to express respect and to inquire whether Franklin's library has received the latest volumes of Ostervald's Descriptions des Arts et Métiers, which may have been delayed due to border restrictions on foreign books. Ostervald offers to send any missing volumes directly to Franklin, confident that a package addressed to him will bypass obstacles.