Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Stamitz, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 2 October 1783
From: Stamitz, Charles,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur!
            à Spa çe 2 octobre 1783.

          Pardonnez la liberté que je prends de vous Ecrire sans avoir l’honneur d’être Connû de vous; je viens d’apprendre trés positivement que Messieurs les Amériquains, voulant faire refleurir les beaux arts chez Eûx. Sont sur le point d’avoir une troupe française, dont Monsieur Clerval, ancien Comédien de Provinçe doit en être le Regiseur, qui pour cet Effect est actuéllement en Amerique.
          J’ai L’honneur de me proposer pour en être maitre de Musique. Je suis Connû dans toutes les Cours de L’Europe, par mes Ouvrages, je ne vous Cacherai pas, que je suis sur le point de me fixer dans une, mais je donnerai la préférençe à L’Amerique. Je me trouverai trop recompensé, si par les soins que je me donnerai, je puis faire des Elèves digne de grand Maitre.— Je joins à la Composition, celui de jouér du Violon, La Quinte, La Viole d’amour, et une nouvel instrument, que j’ai inventé nommée Violetton!
          J’osse me flatter Monsieur, de votre Protection après avoir pris des renseignements sur mes talents.
          J’ai L’honneur de vous offrir trois bons sujets, qui

dessireraient Comme moi de passer dans çe pays, qui sont Messrs. Laubertie Basse Taile, Villeneuve Haute Contre et julien pour les la Ruétte, çes trois sujets sont attaché au Spectacle de la Prinçipauté de Liége, et ils en font tous les Plaisirs, c’est une très bonne aquisition à faire pour Messieurs Les Ameriquains, je reponds de Leurs Talents, & de Leurs Conduites. J’osse me flatter Monsieur! que vous me ferez la graçe de me repondre à la Haÿe, où je dois me rendre au premier jour.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus profond Respect Monsieur! Votre trés hble: et trés obt: serviteur

            Charles StamitzCompositeur de Musique de laCour de Vienne, & celle de la Haÿe

            N.B. Personne mieux que Monsieur de Sartinne Ministre, ne peut vous donner de r’enseignements sur mes talents. En l’anné 1771. j’ai eû l’honneur de reçevoir une letre de remerciment de sa part, pour des Pieçes que j’ai Composé, et Executé au Concert gratuite de l’Ecole de Dessins, à Paris.

          Endorsed: That the Beaux Arts are much better encourag’d in Europe than in America where the People are not so rich. That I cannot therefore advise him to go there. That I doubt the Success of M. Clerval’s Project: our Country not being yet ripe for such Amusements.
          Notation: Stamitz 2. Oct 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Joseph Ducarne de Blangy, 3 October 1783
From: Ducarne de Blangy, Jacques-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            hirson en thierache ce 3. 8bre 1783.

          Je commence par vous avoüer que j’ai presque juré hier contre vous, en voyant La reponse que vous vous contentés de faire à ceux, ou au public qui Demande à quoi bon La Découverte

importante De m. mongolfier. C’est, Dites vous, Monsieur, un enfant qui vient de naitre, et qui peut Devenir celebre, ou rester Dans L’obscurité. Et voila Donc, Monsieur, tout ce que vous paroissez vouloir accorder aujourdhui à m. mongolfier?
          Quoique je ne sois qu’n tres petit sujet vis-avis De m. franklin, j’ose L’assurer que je vois clairement plusieurs objets importans où cette Dècouverte sera D’un tres grand service, et je ne peux m’empecher de lui avouer que je suis Dans une tres grande surprise qu’on ait pû faire cette question aujourdhui que Depuis sa pre. épreuve qui a si bien reussi on a eû Le temps dela reflexion.
          L’art De La guerre sera, selon moi, celui oú on en fera Le plus D’usage. Et si cette Decouverte eût été faîte 12. ou 15. mois plutot je ne Doute pas que gibraltar n’eut été pris, n’y eut-il eû que moi seul au monde pour Le faire prendre.
          L’electricité sera un second objet oú Les balons seront encore D’une grande utilité, et personne ne pourra mieux que vous, Monsieur, en tirer tous Les avantages possibles.
          Une Connoissance plus particulier, De La formation, De La nature et Des effets De La foudre sera un 3e. objet oú cette Decouverte sera encore D’une grande utilité.
          Enfin Monsieur, je parierois presque, qu’avant Dix oú Douze mois, on aura fait par cette voie Le trajet De calais à Douvres, ou celui de Douvres à calais.
          Si vous etiez curieux, Monsieur, de voir Les idées un peu plus étendues D’un homme qui est si peu de chose vis à vis De vous, vous pourrez Les voir Dans un mèmoire que j’ai été forcé

D’abreger beaucoup, et que j’adresse aujourdhui par Le meme ordinnaire à mrs. Les auteurs Du journal De geneve, ou j’ai vû hier, page 609. no. 39. La reponse que vous faites à ceux qui sont assez peu èclairés pour faire La question que j’y ai vû.
          J’ai crû, Monsieur, qu’il etoit De mon Devoir De vous en prevenir; j’aurois eû L’honneur De vous en envoyer Copie ci jointe si Le temps me L’eut permis.
          J’ai L’honneur D’etre avec toute L’estime respectueuse que vous meritez à tant de titres, Monsieur votre tres humble et ts. obeiss. serviteur

            Ducarne De blangÿ


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edmond-Charles-Edouard Genet, 3 October 1783
From: Genet, Edmond-Charles-Edouard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Versailles Le 3 8bre 1783

          Mr de Valnais m’a remis la lettre que vous avés pris la peine de m’écrire. J’ai été on ne peut pas plus flatté de cette marque de votre souvenir et J’ai fait tout ce qui a dépendu de moi pour donner à Mr de Valnais des preuves de l’Interêt qu’une recommandation telle que la votre devoit faire prendre à ses affaires.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

            Genet
            Mr franklin

          Notation: Genet 3 Decr. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 October 1783
From: Todd, Anthony,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            General Post Office London 3 Octr. 1783.

          This very morning I had the Pleasure to receive Your Letter of the 27th. past inclosing one for the President of Congress, which was so exactly in Time that I forwarded it along with Lord Norths Dispatches this Evening to Falmouth with Orders for the three several Packet Boats for New York Jamaica and the Lewards Islands to sail immediately. These Boats have been so much delayed from day to day that they carry the Mails of September also. I shall be very happy indeed to hear from you on the Subject of my last Letter to you, and desire to say what I have hitherto forgot that you may always depend on my Care of any Letters You inclose to me and that I am Dear Sir Yours most truly

            Anth Todd
            To B. Franklin Esq

          Addressed: To His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / &c. &c. / at Passy. / Franche S. V. P. / Antoine Todd.
          Endorsed: I wish you to write a Letter for Mr Todd, acquainting him with the Agreement I propos’d respecting the Post Office, and what pass’d between you & Mr. le Couteulx &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 4 October 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Friend,
            Bath, October 4, 1783.

          I only write one line to you to let you know that I am not forgetful of you, or of our common concerns. I have not heard any thing from the ministry yet: I believe it is a kind of vacation

with them before the meeting of parliament. I have told you of a proposition which I have had some thoughts to make as a kind of co-partnership in commerce. I send you a purposed temporary convention, which I have drawn up. You are to consider it only as one I recommend. The words underlined are grafted upon the proposition of my memorial, dated May 21, 1783. You will see the principle which I have in my thoughts to extend for the purpose of restoring our ancient co-partnership generally. I cannot tell you what event things may take, but my thoughts are always employed in endeavouring to arrange that system upon which the China Vase, lately shattered, may be cemented together, upon principles of compact and connection, instead of dependence. I have met with a sentiment in this country which gives some alarm, viz. lest the unity of government in America should be uncertain, and the States reject the authority of Congress. Some passages in General Washington’s letter have given weight to these doubts. I don’t hear of any tendency to

this opinion; that the American States will break to pieces, and then we may still conquer them. I believe all that folly is extinguished. But many serious and well disposed persons are alarmed lest this should be the ill-fated moment for relaxing the powers of the union, and annihilating the cement of confederation (vide Washington’s letter), and that Great Britain should thereby lose her best and wisest hope of being re-connected with the American States unitedly. I should for one, think it the greatest misfortune. Pray give me some opinion upon this. You see there is likewise another turn which may be given to this sentiment by intemperate and disappointed people, who may indulge a passionate revenge for their own disappointments, by endeavouring to excite general distrust, discord, and dis-union. I wish to be prepared and guarded at all points. I beg my best compliments to your colleagues; be so good as to show this letter to them. I beg particularly my condolence (and I hope congratulation) to Mr. Adams; I hear that he has been very dangerously ill, but that he is again recovered. I hope the latter part is true, and that we shall all

survive to set our hands to some future compacts of common interest, and common affection, between our two countries. Your ever affectionate,

            D. Hartley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Brand Hollis, 5 October 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hollis, Thomas Brand

            Sir
            Passy, near Paris, Octor 5th. 1783.

          I received but lately (tho’ sent in June) your most valuable present of the Memoirs of Thomas Hollis Esqr. who was truly as you describe him in your letter, a good “Citizen of the World and a faithful Friend of America.” America too is extremely sensible of his Benevolence and great Beneficence towards her, and will ever revere his Memory.—These These Volumes are a Proof of what I have sometimes had occasion to say, in Encouraging People to undertake difficult Public Services, that it is prodigious the quantity of Good that may be done by one Man, if he will make a Business of it. It is equally surprizing to think of the

very little that is done by many; for such is the general Frivolity of the Employments and Amusements of the Rank we call Gentlemen, that every Century may have seen three successions of a Set of a thousand each in every Kingdom of Europe (Gentlemen too, of equal or superior Fortune) no one of which Set in the Course of their Lives have done the good effected by this Man alone! Good, not only to his own Nation, and to his Cotemporaries, but to distant Countries, and to late Posterity: for such must be the effect of his multiplying and distributing Copies of the Works of our best English Writers on Subjects the most important to the Welfare of Society.
          I knew him personally but little. I sometimes met with him at the Royal Society and the Society of Arts, but he appeared shy of my acquaintance, tho’ he often sent me valuable Presents, such as Hamilton’s Works, Sydney’s Works, &c. which are now among the most precious Ornaments of my Library. We might possibly, if we had been more intimate, have concerted some useful Operations together; but he loved to do his good alone and secretly, and I find besides, in perusing these Memoirs, that

I was a doubtful Character with him. I do not respect him less for his Error; and I am obliged to the Editors for the Justice they have done me. They have made a little mistake in page 400. where a Letter which appeared in a London Paper, Jany: 7th. 1768, is said to have been written by Mr. Adams. It was written by me, and is reprinted in Mr. Vaughan’s Collection of my political Pieces P. 231. This Eratum is of no great importance, but may be corrected in a future Edition.
          I see Mr. Hollis had a Collection of curious Medals. If he had been still living, I should certainly have sent him one of the Medals that I have caused to be struck here. I think the countenance of my Liberty would have pleased him.— I suppose

you possess the Collection, and have the same Taste. I beg you therefore to accept of one of these Medals as a Mark of my Respect, and believe me to be with sincere esteem, &c.

            B.F.
            To Brand Hollis Esqr. on receiving from him the Memoirs of Thos. Hollis Esq


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 6 October 1783
From: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            a Sanois Le 6. 8bre. 1783.

          Je Crains que Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur n’ait pas Reçu une Lettre que j’ay Eû L’honneur De Luy Adresser il y a quelque tems au Sujet D’un Matelot Americain pour Lequel je Luy Demandais Sa protection avec Des papiers Relatifs a Cette Affaire; je Luy Rapelle aussi la promesse qu’il M’avait faitte De me Venir Voir Encore une fois Cet Automne, je Le Suplie D’En Choisir Le jour S’il me Conserve Sa Bonne Volonté, Madame Iss, m’a assurée qu’il Etait instruit De La perte que j’ay faitte. J’ay Autour De Moy quelques Amis Et la presence De Mon Aimable Et Venerable Docteur Et Celle De Son petit fils Serait une Consolation De plus pour Moy

            La Ctesse Dhoudetot

          Notation: La Cesse. d’Houdetot 6 Oct. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 6 October 1783
From: Montgomery, Dorcas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris, Octr. 6th: 1783—

          Mrs. Montgomery & Son, will have the Honor of Dining with Doctr. Franklin, on Friday next.—

          Addressed: A Son Excellence. / Monsieur Franklin / en Son Hotel / A Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 8 October 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

            My dear Friend,
            Passy, Oct. 8. 1783.

          I received your favour of the 24th past, and rejoice that you have a reasonable Prospect of the Recovery of your dear Sister in time.

          I join with you most cordially in “Wishes to forward, not only the Continuance of Peace between the two Countries, but the Improvement of Reconciliation”; and I “presume” as much as I can that the same “Friendly Dispositions” are in your Ministers, tho’ their Dilatoriness respecting the Treaty of Commerce & the Evacuations of New York, &c: sometimes occasion Doubts.— Our Commission is not yet arriv’d, but we expect it daily. Mr Jay, who will deliver this Line to you, goes to England on some particular Business of his own: I am sure you will render him any Service he may have occasion for. My best Wishes attend you, being ever, with sincerest Esteem, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

            B Franklin
            D. Hartley Esqr


Title: Franklin: Proposed Plan of Agreement for Packet Boat Service, [before 9 October 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

            [before October 9, 1783]

          Plan of Agreement
          The Packet Boats from England to America & from France to America, both departing once a Month, the English in the Beginning & the French in the Middle of each Month, afford Opportunities to the Merchants of each Nation of Writing every Fortnight; and this it is thought will induce the English to write often by the French Pacquet Boats, and the French by the English Boats.

          For the more convenient Receipt of the respective Postages it is proposed in England
          That all Letters from any Part of the Continent of Europe for North America, intended to go by the English Pacquet Boat, should be sent by the Writers under Cover to their Friends in London.
          In like manner it may be required that all Letters from any Part of Great Britain or Ireland intended to go by the French Pacquet Boats, should be sent by the Writers under Cover to their Friends in Paris.
          Thus these Letters will have no Postage to be demanded on them when they arrive in America but the Pacquet Postage only.
          It is supposed that a similar Regulation will take place in America, and that the Postages from different Parts of that Continent being all paid to New York, there will be only the Pacquet Postage charg’d upon them when they arrive at London or Paris—
          As there may probably arrive a Number of Letters for England by the French Pacquet Boats, nearly equal to that of Letters for France by the English Pacquet Boats, it is proposed to exchange them without Account, leaving the respective Offices in France & England to charge & receive the Pacquet Postage together with the Postage between London & Paris.
          Or Accounts may be kept of the Letters so exchanged, and the Ballance paid quarterly as it shall become due.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Jay, 9 October 1783
From: Jay, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris Octobr. 9. 1783.

          I expect to set out for England in a day or two, and propose to go by the way of Calais. I beg therefore you will send me a passport sometime to morrow by the petit Post. I have the honour, Sir, to be, Your Most Obt: & hble: Servt:

            James Jay
            Hotel de Chatillon Rue du Petit Bourbon prés St: Sulpice.—
            His Excelly. Benjn: Franklin

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats Unis / de L’Amerique &c.— / a / Passy
          Notation: James Jay. Oct. 9. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lorenzo Manini: Résumé, 9 October 1783
From: Manini, Lorenzo
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          ⟨Cremona, October 9, 1783, in Italian: The illustrious name of Doctor Franklin is venerated and held in the highest esteem throughout Italy and especially in Lombardy. In testimony of this admiration, I have dedicated to you a fine work I just printed, the Lettere Americane by the famous President Carli.

I humbly submit to you by post two copies of this book and beg you to accept them as a sincere tribute.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, [9 October 1783?]
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Sir
              [October 9, 1783?]

            As an unfortunate Countryman I take the liberty onst more to adress my Self to you Knowing That you have a heart that Sincerly feals the Sorrow of anothers boosom, the Judges of my

affair Demands that I prove that I am a Native of Amerique if your Exelency will be Kind Enough as you Know I am Realy a Native of Philadelphia to Certify that I am from Philaa. and belong to a good honest fameley and Suported in that Country a good Carracter as you Know I wallways have Done, you will Rilive me from the greatest Pain in Life if your Exelency Should Refuse me this feavour I am Lost Lost for Ever—this is the most unhappest affair in Life I do Not Know for what I am arrested the accused me of being a Partner of a Certain Saintyver but as I have Proved to the Conturrary they Know Say I am an imposter and that I never was in that Country that if I Realy was that my ambasedeuer would Not Refuse me to Certify that I am from that Country my liberty Depends upon the Goodness of your Exelency in Righting those few fowloing Lines— Sir you have arrested a Subject of the united Stats of amereca Named John Shaffer a Son of David Shaffer a good honest famely and who allways Suported a good Carracter in that Country I beg that you will Render him the Justis that he merets—you See by my Request the inosance of my Cause.
            If you Do Not Clame me in this unhappe affair I am Loost for Ever, I am very senceble that I do Not Merite your Protection owing to my bad Conduct but hope you will Pardon me for my Past Conduct, thinck of my good honest fameley my God what I have brought my Self to by my imprudence if it is only for the Sake of my famely Do Not Refuse me the feavour I ask and beleve me I Ever Shall look upon you as my Salvateur and acnoledge my Self to be with Respect Sir your Most obedent and very humble Servant

              J Schaffer

            The few Lines that you will be Kind Enough to Right in my feavour, one to Monr. Gude Consillier au Chattlet one to Monr. Bachois Lieutenant Criminel, and the other to the Procureur du Roy it will be sufecent to give me my liberty, for Heaven Sake

Donot Refuse me this feavour I therw my Self Down upon my Knees before you and Pray you will Not abandon me. I am sick in bed and am without the Lest Reserve if you would only be Kind Enough to Send me a Small Sum of money as I have Not a farthing to Subsist—enclose I Send you a Small bill upon my father who will pay it at Sight if your Exelency will be Kind Enough to put this Small bill into the hands of Mr Barclay As he Knoes my famely he will procure you the amount by the first opertunety I have Still a Small bill of your acceptation but is Since with all my affairs I owe a Small Sum to Mr Balon, the governeur of the Prison if I Do Not Pay him he will turn me upon the Straw my god waht an unhappe Situation the letter that you will be Kind Enough to Right I beg you will Send them by the bearrer as I have No time to loose I have the honour to be Your Exelency Most obedent and very humble Servant

              J. Schaffer
              His Exelency Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Brühl, 10 October 1783
From: Brühl, Hans Moritz Graf von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Petwirth Oct: 10th. 1783.

          I was very much flattered with the Letter I had the pleasure to receive from your Excellency by the Means of the ingenious Mr de Kempelen’s Arrival in this Country. The favourable Opinion you entertain of his talents is alone sufficient to convince me of their Intent & usefullness. I cannot find Words to express the gratitude I feel for the honour of your Remembrance. I shall therefore only beg Leave to assure you that it will be the pride of my Life to have been noticed by one of the most distinguished

Characters of the Age & that I shall endeavour upon all occasions to contribute my small mite of admiration to the universal Applause your eminent qualities as a Philosopher & a Politician are so well entitled to. I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant.

            The Count de Brühl

          Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr. Franklin, Ministre Plenipoten / tiary of the United States of North / America to His Most Christian / Majesty, / Passy
          Endorsed: From the Minister of the Elector of Saxony to the Court of Great Britain.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 October 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            London October 11 1783

          I beg leave to introduce to you by this letter the Revd Dr Scrope a Gentleman of a very respectable character & family in Wiltshire bordering upon Glo’stershire. He has likewise the honour of being one of his Majesty’s Chaplains. He is in an infirm state of health and is going in to France for change of climate. The State of his health makes it uncertain at what time he may be able to avail himself of an introduction to you. In these circumstances he has desired me to make him known to you. The very polite attention wch you always show to every English Gentleman makes it unnecessary for me to do any thing farther than to present to you the name and character of Dr Scrope & his request.
          I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect Your Most obedt humble Servt.

            D Hartley
            To Dr Franklin &c. &c. &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Morel Dufaux, 11 October 1783
From: Dufaux, Benjamin Morel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Lord.
            Dunkirk the 11 8br 1783

          For a while past Messieurs Veuve Dque. Morel & Self had the honor of writing to your Highness. Tho’ not honoured with an answer, yet I make it bold Humbly to beg of your Highness to accept my petition with regard to obtaining a prefference for the Consular office in Dunkirk. Thro’ the Channel of Mr Grand Banker in Paris we had occasion to render Important Services to the Americans in the most Critical times. Those Services I have related in my petition, they seem to Justiffy my Claims. I am favored with M Thos Barclay’s protection, & shall Esteem myself happy to be honored with that of your Highness. Shou’d I not be Sufficiently Known, I flatter myself I might yet merit Authentical Certifficates of a good Conduct & shou’d furnish them when Needfull.
          I Remain with Sincere Respect of Your Highness The most Humble & most Obedient Servant

            Morel Dufaux
            My Lord


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Schönfeld, 13 October 1783
From: Schönfeld, Johann Hilmar Adolf Graf von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            ce Lundy 13. d’Octobre 1783

          Le Baron de Schönfeld a l’honneur d’assurer de ses hommages Monsieur Franklin et de Le prier de vouloir bien faire passer par son Paquet à Philadelphie, la lettre ci jointe pour le Sr. Thieriot. Il Le prie d’agréer ses excuses et ses remercimens.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Albert, 14 October 1783
From: Albert, Nicolas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 14 8bre. 1783

          Vous m’avez fait L’honneur de me faire Entrévoir que l’appartement audessus de mes Bains pouroit Vous Convenir; si Je pouvois compter être assès hureux de Vous avoir dans ma

maison, n’importe dans quelque tems que ce fut, Je me hâterai de le mêtre en Etât de Vous recevoir.
          J’ai L’honneur dêtre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et trés Obeissant Serviteur

            Albert


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Dessin, 14 October 1783
From: Dessin, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Calais le 14 8bre. 1783

          Conformement à la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré le 9 court: [courrant] J’ai pris note de la paire de roues de Carosse qui doivent me venir de Londres sous votre adresse pour vous les expédier du moment de leur arrivée. En vous priant de vous reposer entierement sur mes soins à cet Egard, Permettés moi de vous faire mon remerciment de la confiance dont vous daignés m’honorer; C’est avec le desir de la mériter de plus en plus, que J’aime à me protester avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble & très dévoué serviteur

            PIERRE DESSIN

          Notation: Dessein 14 Oct. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [on or after 14 October 1783]
From:
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            [on or after October 14, 1783]

          Je crois devoir vous prévenir que Confiér les affaires de Mr Chaffert a de Baumont C’est a proprement dire donner la

Brebis a garder au Loup ce dernier ayant fait cent Coquinneries dont quatre l’ont conduit en prison la derniére a la fin de juillet sans compter le courant Et notament des billets quil s’est fait faire par Chaffert soit disant pour Nouriture.
          Mr le procureur de Roy du chatellet en expliquera davantage.
          Je suis avec Respect


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, [15 October 1783]
From: Baynes, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hôtel de Luxembourg—Ruë des Petits Augustins.Wedn. Morning. [October 15, 1783]
            Sir

          I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that I shall sett off for England either tomorrow Evening or Friday. Not having my own servant with me just now, I send this by a Messenger who will either wait for any letters with which you may wish to favor me, or will call for them tomorrow, as shall be most agreeable. If you have been able to procure the list of books, I will request the favor to send it at the same time.
          Having lent Grays Poems sometime ago to a gentleman in this town, I have not yet been able to get them returned, but will leave such directions as may ensure their being forwarded to Passy: I have however sent Mr. Masons poem—& I send it with a firm confidence that it will be read with pleasure, when you are informed that the author is an independent man & a sincere friend to civil & religious liberty.
          Permit me now to make my sincere acknowlegemts. for the great honor done me by Your Excellency in condescending to declare your sentiments so freely upon so many interesting subjects to one in every respect so little intitled to that attention as myself. The great distance between your Excellency & myself in age, rank, ability & consideration, make me feel so forcibly the favor I have received that I am at a loss how to express my

sentiments. I can only say that I value the instruction & pleasure I have received from your Excellency’s conversation at too high a rate ever to forget the obligation conferred in permitting me to enjoy it. Wishing that your Excellency may enjoy many years of health and happiness, I remain, with all respect, Your Excellencys most obedient & obliged humble Servant,

            John Baynes.

          Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 16 October 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

            My Dear friend
            Passy Oct 16 1783

          I have nothing material to write to you respecting public affairs, but I cannot let Mr Adams who will see you go without a line, to enquire after your welfare, to inform you of mine, & to assure you of my constant respect and attachment.
          I think with you that our quaker article is a good one & that men will in time have sense enough to adopt it, but I fear that time is not yet come.
          What wd you think of a proposition, if I shd make it of a family compact between England France & America? America wd be as happy as the Sabine Girls, if she cd be the means of

uniting in perpetual peace her father & her husband. (What repeated follies are these repeated Wars! You do not want to conquer & govern one another, why then shd you continually be employed in injuring & destroying one another)? How many excellent things might have been done to promote the internal welfare of each Country; What Bridges roads canals & other usefull public works, & institutions tending to the common felicity might have been made and established with the Money & Men foolishly spent during the last seven centuries by our mad wars in doing one another mischief. You are near Neighbours & each have very respectable qualities. Learn to be quiet & to respect each others rights. You are all Christians. One is the most Christian King, and the other defender of the faith. Manifest the propriety of these titles by your future conduct. By this says Christ shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye Love one another. Seek peace and ensue it.
          Adieu yours most affectely

            B Franklin
            To D Hartley Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 16 October 1783
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Octobr. 16. 1783.

          The Consul General of France kindly informing me that a Vessel was on the Point of sailing for Brest, I have only a Moment to inform you that the House of Representatives for this State have this Moment passed an Act for a Duty of 5 pr Cent on all Goods imported for paying the Interest of our National Debt, according to the Requisition of Congress. This

Measure has met with uncommon Opposition here. Congress having voted to the Officers of the Army 5 Years whole Pay after the War instead of half pay for Life, a great popular Disgust took place in the N. England States. At the Beginning of the present Session of the Genl. Court, a great Majority of the lower House were warmly determined against granting the Impost to Congress, knowing that part of it would be applied to the Payment of the Officers. Near 40 Towns in this State had expressly instructed their Representatives against such an Impost. The Senate, however, judging more wisely, were almost unanimous in Favor of it. Both Houses remained firm in their Opinion, and it was concluded Nothing could be done on this Business, at least in the present Session— At this Juncture, the Governor who had before in his Speech to both Houses at the Meeting of the Court, endeavor’d to impress them with the Importance of supporting public Credit, made a second Address to them of the same Import. It produced a Conference between both Houses, and the Effect of all has been a Decision in the House of Representatives in Favor of the Impost— The Senate will no doubt concur & the Governor give his Consent immediately. The Struggle has been hard; 75 against 68. I hope the other States will come into the same Measure, and lay a Foundation for the Support of our National Credit.
          We have yet no Account of the Conclusion of the Definitive Treaty.
          I hope my Grandson is now on his Passage to us— His Father assures me he has wrote to France and made Provision for his Return. His Affairs have been embarrassed, and I have not seen or received a Line from him for several Months— I am

anxious about my dear Boy, and most earnestly wish his immediate Return.
          The Vessel waiting for this Letter, I have only to subscribe myself most respectfully & Affectionately Your’s

            Saml: Cooper.

          His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.
          Notation: Cooper Mr. Saml. Oct. 16 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Pierre Dufourny de Villiers, 16 October 1783
From: Villiers, Louis-Pierre Dufourny de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Votre Excéllence
            A Paris le 16— 8bre 1783.

          L’Ingénieur françois qui a commandé au siége d’York-town, pour lequel je vous avois demandé audience, n’a pu profitter de la faveur que vous luy avies accordeé, les lettres par lesquelles je luy en faisois part ne luy etant point parvenües, soit qu’il m’aie mal indiqué sa demeure, soit qu’il soit parti de Paris dans le même tems, ce qui me paroit le plus vraisemblable. Je vous fais mes remerciements de l’attention que vous aves eu pour ma priére et pour l’empressement qu’avoit cet officier de satisfaire à touttes les informations que vous auries jugés convenable de prendre de luy.
          Je sollicitte encor aujourdhuy vos bontés, pour un Négotiant en draps, établi à Paris, lequel muni des Passeports et lettres de

notre Gouvernement, se prépare à faire un voyage à Philadelphie, tant pour speculer sur diverses branches de son commerçe que pour compter avec un correspondant. Ce Negotiant qui doit avoir L’honneur de vous remettre la présente, sentant tout le prix de votre protection, désire vivement qu’apres l’exposé qu’il aura l’honneur de vous faire de ses motifs, vous luy accordies tout l’appuy que votre caractére public et la vénération que l’on vous porte peuvent luy assurer dans toutte l’etendue du térritoire des Etats-unis. Je vous supplie d’avoir égard à sa priére. Je suis avec le plus profond respect Votre Excellence Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

            Dufourny de Villiers


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 16 October 1783
From: Hope & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Amsterdam the 16 October 1783—

          We presume on the Strength of the personal Acquaintance we have the honour of & the Sentiments of Esteem inseperable from this advantage to present to You our estimable friend William French Esqr., prior of the Firm of French Crawford & Co. one of the most opulent & respectable Houses at Glasgow, who with Peter Spiers Esqr. a Young Gentlemen of Family there are on a tour to Paris, the former to Join his Son lately

returned from India & farther with the View of Soliciting your powerfull Assistance & Protection in a matter Depending in America which he will crave leave to lay before you. We Shall esteem ourselves particularly happy if our Recommendation of Mr. French be an additional Motive to your Attention to his Concerns from the Interest we take in what regards him & from the flattering proof it will afford that we retain a place in Your remembrance.—
          We Shall be proud on every Occasion of your Commands here to convince you of the particular and respectful Sentiments of Esteem & Attachment with which we have the honour to be.— Sir.— Your most Obedient humble Servants

            Hope & Co:
            The Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr.—

          Endorsements: Mr James French / Mercht at Petersburg / James River Virginia / Lands in Prince Edward / Property

of Alexr Spears, John Bowman & Compa.— // Hotel de York


Title: Le Veillard to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1783
From: Le Veillard, Louis-Guillaume
To: Franklin, William Temple

              Dreux 16 8bre 1783

            Sérieusement, Monsieur, vous avez cru que jallois faire imprimer ces nottes comme elles sont? Sans doute il faut les etendre et les mettre en style, mais ce n’est pas mon affaire, cette besogne regarde mr. de Villars amy de mr. de Condorcét qui ma vivement sollicité pour avoir ces renseignements; mon intention est d’éxiger qu’il ne fasse rien imprimer sans nous l’avoir communiqué j’en causerai avéc Le Grand pere de monsieur W. T. franklin et avéc monsieur W. T. franklin luymeme s’il veut bien avoir cette complaisance. Je retourne par cet éffet a Passy ou je compte les embrasser tous deux dimanche

              Le Veillard

            Voules vous bien dire a monsieur Benjamin autre petit fils de monsieur franklin que je le verrai avéc grand plaisir Le Lundy 20 le matin.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur William Temple / franklin secretaire de la commission / pour la paix ches monsieur / son grand pere / A Passy près Paris
          Notation: Le Veillard Dreux 16 8bre 83


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, 17 October 1783
From: Baynes, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir—
            Paris Octr. 17th. 1783.

          I waited on M. l’Abbé Morellet both yesterday & today, but he was in the country—therefore I cod. not get the list which your Excellency was so kind as to write to him about—perhaps he will be obliging enough to favor me with it by the post to England.
          I shall certainly with great pleasure on my arrival in London communicate your message to the bishop of St Asaph. Every friend to liberty & humanity must venerate his character.
          A gentleman who sets off on Monday from the hôtel de Luxembourg for England has promised to bring any letters left there for me. If your Excellency have any letters, they will certainly arrive safe, if sent thither on Sunday Night, under cover to me at Greys Inn, by favor of Mr. Smith.
          I have only one more favor to ask—which is that your Excellency will honor me so much as to keep the two books (Masons English Garden & Greys Poems) as a small testimony of the regard, with which I am, Sir, Your Excellencys most obedt. & obliged humble Servant,

            John Baynes.

          Notation: Baynes Mr. John Oct. 17 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Ann Davies, 17 October 1783
From: Davies, Mary Ann
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir.
            Florence Octbr the 17th. 1783.

          I took the liberty of writing You a Letter last April to enquire after your Health. At the same time (not doubting the continuation of your friendship) I made so free as to trouble You with some account of my present Situation, entreating your Advice, but I am so unfortunate as never to have had any Answer. I have been and am still in the greatest Anxiety imaginable on this account and can only conclude that either the said Letter or your Answer must have miscarried: for surely had You received it, you would have favour’d me with a Line before now. I am doubly unhappy about this affair, between the disapointment of not hearing from You, and the fear of my Letter having fallen into other Hands. If You receive this as I hope you will, I beg most earnestly you will not retard writing that I may know as soon as possible if my former Letter went safe: and You will oblige me much by informing me if I have directed this quite right. I have thought of a method by which it appears to me I cannot fail receiving Yours, which is, if you will be so obliging to enclose your Letter (Seal’d and Directed for me) in a Blank Cover with the underwritten Direction on it. Excuse Dear Sir my being so troublesome and believe me to be with the greatest Gratitude and Respect Your most oblig’d & most humble Servant

            Mary Ann Davies
            A MonsieurMonsieur FilippoMingoniFirenzeToscana.

            PS— My Sister does not know of this Letter no more than of that I troubled You with last April for the Reason I explain’d in the said Letter: therefore I must beg you will not mention to any one in Paris having heard from me.

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des / Etats-unis de l’Amérique / Septentrionale prés S.M.T.Ch. / A Paris. / per la Francia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 17 October 1783
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            General Post Office October 17th. 1783

          I received on Tuesday Night last at 12. the Letter you were pleased to write me the 9th: Instant, and consequently too late to thank you for it by that Post.
          My Lord Foley and Mr Carteret are both in the Country at present, but I have not a doubt of their approving the plan d’Arrangement which you have put into French, exactly as you have drawn it out, and yet perhaps the latter part of it after the Words, sans tenir de Comptes, may be as well omitted, and I have added a few Words to the proposed Advertisement from this Office, that Letters from hence for North America are to be put under Cover to Paris, which must of course be approved,

and that you may the easier comprehend these small Alterations I inclose a Copy of both the Plan d’Arrangement and of the Advertisement as now proposed, and should be obliged to you for your Approbation of the Advertisement as soon as it may be in your Power, to be circulated in these Kingdoms in time for the November Mail from hence.
          The Entrepreneur of the French Packet Boats seems very much to mistake the two Points upon which your Grand Son has had a Conversation with him; That of Persons interested in the respective Packet Boats writing viâ France or viâ England upon the Letters for Europe, which Letters can fall into no Hands except the Postmaster of New York and of other Places of the United States, but I cannot have an Idea of any thing so corrupt in them, and am however sure that nobody is or can be interested at New York in the postage of Letters for these Kingdoms, and therefore that Matter must stand as I have put it, without which almost half the Letters both for France and for England will be sent through the Channels they were not intended.
          With respect to our Proposal, that it did not stipulate for Letters directed out of France and England, as for Hamburgh &ca. we can by our Situation have nothing to do with any such Letters, they must all belong to the French Conveyance, unless such as are put under Cover to London in both going and coming to or from Hamburgh and all such Places, for no Letter comes hither from thence nor goes from hence thither, for which we do not each way from the Situation pay a certain rate per Letter to the Post Offices of either Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris, all which is so perfectly well understood by the Baron D’Ogny, that if you should have an Opportunity to converse with him upon the Subject, you will be perfectly satisfied therewith, and that France by her Situation avails herself of this, which we cannot.
          I shall be happy to hear your Indisposition is removed, for with true Respect, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.

            Anth Todd Secy
            His Excellency Dr. Franklin at Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Nairne, 18 October 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Nairne, Edward

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Oct. 18, 1783.

          I received your favor of August 14, by Mr. Sykes, with the book of directions for using your patent electric machine. The machine itself is also come to hand in good order, after some delay on the road; and I think it very ingeniously contrived indeed: I wish your success in the sale may be equal to its merits. The experiments in your pamphlet gave me pleasure, and I shall be glad to see the account you mention of the shortening of wires by lightning.
          What you have heard of the eyes of sheep forced out by a stroke of lightning which killed them, puts me in mind of having formerly seen at Philadelphia six horses all killed lightning in a stable, every one of whom appeared to have bled at the eyes, nose, and mouth; though I do not recollect that any of their eyes were out.
          You are so good as to consider how much my time has been and is taken up, and to excuse on that account my being a bad correspondent. Near three years ago I began a letter to you on the subject of hygrometers. I had written three folio pages of it when I was interrupted by some business; and before I had time to finish it I had mislaid it. I have now found it, and having added what I suppose I had intended to add, I enclose it. You can judge better than myself whether my idea of such an instrument is practicable and may be useful.
          If you favor me with another line, let me know how Mrs. Nairne does, and your amiable children. With great esteem, &c. I am,

            B. Franklin

Edward Nairne’s Patent Electrical Machine


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 19 October 1783
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            ce 19 8bre. 1783

          M. le lieutenant Général de Police fera mercredi 22 l’Installation du traitement Electrique, au couvent des célestins, près l’arsenal. Je l’ai flatté du plaisir de S’y rencontrer avec vous, et ce magistrat Jouira de la double Satisfaction de réunir la cause et les effets c’est a dire l’auteur immortel de la découverte de l’Electricité et les Infortunés qui lui doivent le bonheur de leur Existence.
          En conséquence Permettés, monsieur, que Je vous propose le rendès vous pour mercredi 22 à 11 heures très précises aux celestins près l’arsenal. Le magistrat S’y rendra à cette heure là et il est communement fort èxact. De là nous irons à la halle au blé. Les architectes Sont prévenus et placeront le model et les dessins; de là nous reviendrons diner chès moi, et Si M. de

Montgolfier à qui J’en Ecris peut disposer Sa machine, nous irons apres midi.
          Je Suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

            Cadet de VauxRue des Gravilliers No 16


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 19 October 1783
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            London Octr. 19th: 1783

          I am informed by Col Wadsworth, and others lately from Paris, that it was currently reported of Me that I was intimate with Genl Arnold, and that a Pamphlet, lately published by Lord Sheffeild, owed to Me most of the Facts and Observations contained in it. I have found by experience that from the Moment a Man becomes unpopular, every report which any way tends to his prejudice, is but too readily credited without the least examination, or proof, and that for him to attempt to contradict them in public is like An Attack on the hydra, for every falsehood detected, and calumny obviated, several new ones of the same Family come forward, this has well nigh rendered Me callous to the Attacks made on Me in this Way, yet it is impossible for Me, not To wish to stand fair

in the Opinion, of those with whom I formerly acted, and with whose confidence, and Freindship, I have been more particulary honored, and this occasions my troubling You with this Letter. Though You have condemned Me of having been guilty of great imprudence, (and that justly) yet I have the satisfaction to know that You are still convinced of my Integrity, and fidelity whilst in The service of my Country, and whilst I had the honor of being Your Colleague; and I wish to remove from Your Mind, if possible, every Idea of my having acted an unfreindly part, Toward the Interest of my Country, or of my having countenanced so notorious an Enemy as Genl Arnold by Associating with him, since my Arrival in this City. The next day after my being in London when I had no reason to suspect, that any one knew any thing of Me, save those, to whom I had sent Notice, of my being in Town, and of my Lodgings, I was surprized to find Genl. Arnold introduced into my Chamber, without being announced, by my Landlord untill he opened the Door, (my Circumstances, do not permit Me to keep a Servant.) Several Gentlemen were with Me, and among others Mr. Hodge of Philada., I can most sincerely say, that I never was more embarrassed, and after a few questions on either part, and as cold a civility as I could use, consistent with common decency he took his leave, You well know, that he is one, who never wanted for Assurance, or address, and as if We had been on Our former footing, he urged Me at parting to dine with him, which I civilly declined. The next Day I changed my Lodgings, and received from him, repeatedly, Cards of Invitation to his House, which I declined Accepting and in a few Days, he again called on Me, at my New Lodgings, in the same unceremonious manner as before, a Gentleman from America was then with Me, and remained in my Chamber, untill he left Me, on my parting with him on the stairs I told him very freely, that his Visits were disagreeable to Me, and could be of no service to him, that

I could not return them, except that I might call with Mr Sebor, some Evening to pay Our respects to Mrs Arnold, from whom I had received, so many Civilities, in Philada., This We did, a few Evenings after, and from that Time, now more than five Months since, I have not seen him, except in his Carriage passing Me in the street.— I accidentally became acquainted with Lord Sheffeild, a few Days after my being in Town, I had no previous knowledge of his political Character, nor was I interested, To enquire what it was, I had no knowledge of his intention, (if in reality he then had any,) of writing on American Commerce, and of course I answered his queries, on the Subject, without reserve, there could be no ground for any, for the Answers which I gave, afforded no kind of information, not to be had from Thousands of Persons, as well or better informed on the subject, or even from the Custom house Books; I had but little acquaintance with any one in London and his Lordships polite Attention to Me, a stranger, naturally led Me to Visit him often, and without ceremony, and to form an intimate Acquaintance, in his Family, when he informed Me, of his design of writing, on the Subject. We had many Conversations on it, & in presence of Persons of Note, particularly of Sir Robt. Herries, who with his Lordship, can testify, what my sentiments and mode of Reasoning was, & that I differed materially from those contained in the Pamphlet, yet such has been my Fate, that simply from my Acquaintance, and known Intimacy, with his Lordship, I have had Those Arguments, & principles, which I opposed, attributed To Me; his Object is, to secure to this Country the Carrying Trade, & to preserve the Navigation Act, from being in any degree altered, my Arguments have been to shew, that the Carrying Trade, beyond a certain degree, cannot be retained by this Country, that it is in Fact, already in great part, irrecoverably gone into other hands, and that the Navigation Act, though wisely formed for The Period, when it passed, wants many alterations, to adapt it to the present Times, and that like all other Acts, which respect Commerce, that it ought To be made Conformable, to the present Circumstances. This Sir, is a true state, of every thing that gives the least foundation, for those

Reports, and I have been the more particular that You, from a knowledge of the whole, may judge if I have merited the censures past on Me on their Account. I know none of the Ministers of this Country, unless it be by sight, I have not, or ever had any Connection with any of them, yet the Papers have mentioned My frequenting their Levies, dining with Them, &c it would be endless To take notice of every report, of this kind, and therefore I let them pass, but whenever a Report to my disadantage, is likely to make an impression on one for whose good Opinion, I am so sollicitous, as for Yours, & one whom I think disposed, to do Me Justice, it becomes a duty to him, as well as to Myself, to place the whole in its True point of Light. I most sincerely thank You, for Your Wishes that my conduct may in future, be such as To regain That Esteem, and Confidence, of my Countrymen, which I once enjoyed. But such new, & groundless Reports, daily arising, and so easily gaining Credit, make me almost despair of it, but of this You may be assured, that Nothing shall ever force Me, to be what these Reports would represent Me, to be, unfreindly to The Interests & prosperity of my Country. You will excuse the Length of this Letter; by Col Wadsworth on his return to France, I hope to put every objection to the Settlement of my Accts., out of the Way, and To obtain a final Settlement, in the meantime I have the honor to be, with great Respect Sir Your Most Obedt Huml Sert

            S Deane
            His Excelly. Benja: Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [19 October 1783?]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [October 19?, 1783]

          J’ai lhonneur de vous souhaiter le bon Jour mon Illustre Docteur et de vous demander votre Ultimatum et celui de Monsieur votre

petit-Fils au sujet de Lexperience de M De Montgolfier. Le tems ne s’annonce pas d’une manière trop favorable mais comme Le Brouillard tombe il pourra faire beau vers les midy. Si Monsieur votre petit fils vous mene il faudra partir à trois heures Car c’est encore plus loin que M. De Montalembert.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadet de Vaux, 20 October 1783
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            ce 20 8bre 1783

          Monsieur Brunier premier Médecin de Monseigneur le dauphin est Venu avec M. Cadet de Vaux pour Se procurer l’honneur de Voir Monsieur franklin. M. Brunier desirant connaitre la maniere d’Electriser de M. Comus Se dispose à y Venir Mercredi. Je lui ai proposé d’accompagner Monsieur franklin, dans le cas où cet arrangement pourait lui convenir.
          En consequence M. Brunier qui est actuellement à la muette Envoyera Savoir demain mardi, Sil peut venir prendre Monsieur franklin Mercredi Sur les 10 heures du matin./.
          M. Cadet de Vaux présente l’assurance de Son très humble respect a Monsieur franklin.

          Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis / à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 20 October 1783
From: Childs, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Honored Sir.
            New York October 20th 1783—

          In addition to that Happiness which resulted from being honored with a Letter from Mr. Jay was that of perceiving myself

noticed by you— Permit me to return you my most sincere thanks for your generosity shewn to me—
          I feel a pleasure in informing you that by application of Col. Smith to Sir Guy Carleton the Press alluded to in Mr. Jay’s Letter—your property, is now in my possession— I shall endeavour to make use of it in such manner as shall convince you that your condescending to favor me is not unmeritted— My ambition to shew myself as grateful as I sincerely am will always prompt me to make every return in my power—

          Be pleased to accept together with my best respects—my most Sincere Wishes for your Happiness— I am Honored Sir, Your Most obliged, & Obedient Humble Servant

            Francis Child—
            Benj. Franklin Esqr.

          Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Paris—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, [20 October 1783]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My dear Sir
            Paris Monday Morning [October 20, 1783]

          The famous William Pitt is just Arrived in Paris, and is just Returning to London— He Has Expressed a warm desire to Get Acquainted with You, and As I Hoped You would Come to day to the American dinner, I Have invited Him together with Lord Camden’s, duke of Grafton’s Sons, and two other of His friends—it is Possible You will be Glad to know a Young Man Whose Abilities and Circumstances are So Uncommon— So that, Unless the Going Very Gently in a Carriage Hurts you, You will do me an extreme pleasure to dine with us, as You are the Center Upon Which Moves the Whole Party— Butt I

would not Have You do Yourself Any Harm on that Account—Most Respectfully and Affectionately Yours

            Lafayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt & Co., 20 October 1783
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan, & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            L’Orient. 20 October 1783—

          In consequence of orders received last winter from Philadelphia we desired our Correspondents at Nantes Messrs. David Gallwey & Co. to make Insurance on the Ship Nancy: Capt. Shewell to the Amount of One hundred and Seventy thousand Livres. They not being able to compleat the whole Sum, gave orders to Mr. Richard Gallwey of Brodeaux to Insure the residue, which he effected: to the amount of Fifty one thousand Eight hundred Livres a 25 ¼ per Ct. “in case she sailed before the Cessation of Hostilities & 5 ¼. per Ct. only if after, or with passports.” Capt Shewell was detained in the Delaware by the frost & contrary winds until the 20th March at which time he sailed and arrived here the 1st May. We wrote immediately after his arrival to our Correspondents both at Nantes & Bordeaux informing them that as the Nancy did not sail until fifteen days

after the cessation of hostilities, the Underwriters were entitled to 5 ¼ per Ct. only. Thus the matter lay until the latter end of last month when the Insurers at Bordeaux brought their Action on the Court of Admiralty against Mr. Richard Gallwey for the full premium of 25 ¼. per Ct. who was cast immediately without being allowed time to make a proper defence, or the adverse party producing any papers whatever in support of their claim, as you will perceive by the inclosed copy of Mr. Richard Gallwey’s Letter on that subject, to which we request your attention, as it sets that matter, in our opinion in a very clear & proper light— We should be sorry to trouble your Excellency in trivial matters but this we apprehend is an affair of consequence, not only to the persons in America by whose orders we made the Insurance (who if the cause is finally determined against us will lose unjustly about Forty thousand Livres) but to the Americans in general residing in this Kingdom against whom the Courts of Justice in all causes whatever are too ready to decide with great precipitation & in our opinion with some degree of partiality; but when it is quite evident that the Sentence when given must be in their favor, the Adverse party may train the cause to Eternity, a proof of which we have in the Court of Admiralty of Dunkirk, where a Cause of Insurance of the utmost consequence to us has been depending for upwards of Six Months, and our friend there writes us that he finds it impossible to obtain a sentence.— Thus cruelly situated it is to your Excellency alone that we can apply for redress; which no doubt we shall obtain immediately on your application to the Comte de Vergennes, before whom we request you will lay Mr Gallwey’s letter. We took the liberty to write him the 29. Ulto. requesting an explanation of the

22nd. article of the preliminary treaty between France & Great Britain but have not yet been honored with an answer. We beg that in your first conference with him you will point out the necessity of his granting a Certificate similar to that which you gave to Mr. J. Williams, which in our opinion will at once settle the dispute subsisting between us & the Insurers at Bordeaux relative to the Nancy. We have the honor to remain with sentiments of the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedt humb servts.

            Jonatn: Nesbitt & Co:

            P.S. Perhaps your Excellency may think it improper to lay the latter part of Mr Gallwey’s letter before the Comte de Vergennes

          His Excellency Benj: Franklin Esqr.
          Addressed: Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin Ecuyer ministre / plénipotentiaire des Etats Unis de L’Amerique / à La Cour de France, à Son hôtel / à Passy—
          Endorsed: Mr Nesbit’s Affair respecting Capture after the Peace—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 20 October 1783
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            20th October 1783

          Every hour of my Life induces me most Gratefully to commemorate the Æra, that first made me acquainted with the Virtuous Heir of ancient Roman Patriotism; this day I had the honor of your Excellencys of the 2d Inst: at the same time that I

had one from Philadelphia, mentioning a hope that this Independant Kingdom would be included in the Commercial Treaty—
          I had determined on the first day of the meeting of our Parliament to have introduced that Subject, but a dangerous disorder in my bowels has Obliged me to Keep my room untill this day, when I ventured down stairs; the late rains have been so incessant, & the air so damp & foggy, that this disorder in the Bowels has Carried off great Numbers, particularily my ever to be lamented friend Mr Baron Burgh; He was the mover of the Amendment—a Free Trade—he was my Second in Stopping more troops being sent to America—he was a warm friend to a Parliament Reform, & he would have proved a Valuable acquisition to the house of Lords, as Appeals are now to be tried before them; for I am Sorry to Say, we have not ten Lords fit, competent or proper to Judge Appeals; I would rather (if our Constitution could permit it) have our appeals tried in any Country than this,—Mr Burgh pleaded my Cause against the Crown for 8 years & finaly cast them, but never accepted of a fee—he first encouraged the Cotton Manufacture, which is now well Established—he died, almost a Pauper—but Parliament have recommended his Orphan Children to Government; he was a faithfull friend & a Virtuous Citizen; Pardon this digression!—

          Our Linnens have had a Quicker & better sale than last year, & Larger returns in Specie; and a good deal have been sent to Different parts of america; our Manufacturers are more carefull and more Exact in their work, than formerly; but the Trade of this City in Woollens is very Low, many hundreds are starving, & thousands out of Employment; as the Shops are overstocked; however I hope a very Short Time will releive them; I shall move a Clubb that I am in, to give a grand Maskqued Ball to 5 or 600 persons; this will circulate 2 or 3000 pound; a Number are gone and others going to America, but they complain very much of the Cruelty of the Captains of the Ships; this hinders some of the Better Sort of People from going; In Leiu of those we are getting some Germans & some Genevans—
          Should the Roman Catholics obtain Votes here, Even those worth £50 a year, they would out-poll the Protestants by such considerable Majorities, that no Protestant Candidate could Carry a Single County or free City in Ireland, & Should they have a parlement of their own, they would soon revise the acts of Settlements & forfeitures; they would serve us, as the Scotch & American Rebels intended to have served the friends of Liberty in america, had Tyranny prevaild over Virtue— In Some Counties the Papists of £100 a year, outnumber all ranks of Protestant Electors; they have every other Freedom; however, this Important Subject has not been publickly agitated; nor will it untill the Grand Convention meets on the 10th, when I think it will be warmly & Closely contested, but if it should pass there, I do not think it will pass Either house of Parliament, as the Commons will not readily pass a Law to prevent their Heirs from Sitting in Parliament;—we have a new Sight here—a Bishop preaching in favour of Popery—Clad in Military array—& accepting of a Commission as General & Delegate—his address to his Corps is bad English & very poor; I Expected something

Grand & sensible from him, but alass, Parturiunt Montes nascetur ridiculus mus—one Earl of Bristol was Vice-roy, & this Bishop wants to succeed his Brother—
          I find my Daughter, at Marsailles, is near having a French Newenham; the Consulship would be Very acceptable to that house— She intends to pay us a Visit in the Spring, & to pass through Paris—
          Permit me most Earnestly (as a friend to the Welfare of Ireland which I am convinced you are) to Entreat you will give me any Instructions for the benefit of the Irish Trade that may occur to you—and also, that you will (if the treaty is not finaly concluded) acquaint the Ministers who are to Sign, that I have assured you, that Measure will be mentioned in the Irish Parliament on the 27th Instant, & therefore hope they will wait the result of it; I mean to agitate it myself; the Issue of which I shall immediatly have the Honor of communicating to your Excellency— Permit me also to Enquire if it is not necessary, that we should have Consuls in some one or two Towns in America, & whether it is not intended that the United states should have one or more in Ireland? because I would wish to have that done by us before the Adjournment of this Session; a Friend of Mine at Philadelphia urged this matter to me.
          Lady Newenham, with Every sentiment of the warmest respect & Esteem, most thankfully acknowledges your obliging

remembrance of her; and entreats your Acceptance of her sincere wishes for your perfect Enjoyment of Every happiness; I may possibly be partial, but I must say, I adore her as a friend & Companion—all my family join me in respects to your Excellency, & best wishes to your Grandson—
          I have the Honor, to be, with due Respect your Excellencys most Obliged & most obt Hble: Servt

            Edward Newenham

            PS: we are anxious for the Treasure of THE Bust— Galway Election has lasted 50 days, 500 has polled for 2 Candidates & 400 for the other two. Such an Election was never heard of—

          Addressed: His Excellency B: Franklin / Passy / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, [after 20 October 1783?]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            ce lundi avant de partir [after October 20, 1783?]

          Adieu mon bon papa, en Vérité il m’en coutte presqu’autant d’aller á paris que d’aller a Nice; pourtant je viendrai vous voir, le coeur me dit que vous pourrés venir aussi; pourqu’oi donc estre si beste? C’est que j’aime beaucoup le bon papa et que quand on aime Si fort, on est toujours un peu beste au moment de se quittés:
          Mille tendrésses de tous les miens; amitiés aussi pour le petit fils qui n’ayant pas la goutte est instamant priés de venir nous donner des nouvélles de la vostre le plus souvent qu’il pourra:
          Le bon papa veut il se chargér d’embrassér la jolie mde caillot pour lui et pour moi, toutes les fois qu’il la vérra:

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / [In another hand:] A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard, 22 October 1783
From: Le Veillard, Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            mercredy 22 8bre 1783

          Me. Le Veillard souhaite le bonjour a monsieur franklin et le prie de venir ce soir prendre le Thé avéc elle.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Golowkin: Two Letters, [after 23 October 1783]
From: Golowkin, Wilhelmina von Mosheim, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [after October 23, 1783]

            I.

              à Paris, rue Basse du Rempart. Nro. 15.

            Je ne suis arriveè à Paris, mon cher et bon Papa, qu’avant hier au soir, j’ai fait un sèjour de trois Semaines à St. Germain, ou je me suis plû extremement, nous avons bien parlè de vous, mon Papa, et vous avès là, comme partout ailleurs de bons amis, et de Zêlès

admirateurs. Au premier jour, vous me verrès arriver chez vous, en Globe, à moins que je ne prefère de marcher sur la rivière, sans me mouiller les Souliers, c’est le Siècle des miracles, il ne faut plus douter de rien.
            Je vous suplie, mon cher Papa, de vouloir bien me prêter pour 24 heures, le dernier Volume des Transactions Philosophiques, de l’academie de Londres, ou il y à le Mèmoire du Chevalier Hamilton sur le tremblement de Terre, de la Calabre, je vous en aurai la plus grande obligation, et vous le rapport[erai] tout de suite, car je compte au plutôt venir vous embrasser et [vous] dire que je vous aime [avec(?)] tout mon Coeur.

              La [torn]

            Addressed: à Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Francklin / à Passÿ

            II.
            Vous êtes bien aimable, mon cher Papa et je vous remercie un million de fois de vos bontès, vous voÿès mon exactitude à vous renvoÿer le Livre, malheureusement ce n’est point celui que je dèsire d’avoir, et que je vous suplie mon bon Papa, de vouloir bien me renvoÿer en place de celui ci; c’est à dire
            Philoso: Trans: Vol. LXXIII. for the Year 1783. Part. 1.
            Aÿès la bontè mon aimable et cher Papa de faire remettre le susdit Volume, à la personne qui rapporte celui ci— Je suis bien impatiante d’aller vous embrasser et de vous dire que je vous aime bien tendrement.

              C. Golofkin

          Addressed: à Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Francklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 October 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear friend
            Golden Square Oct 25 1783

          As short days & winter weather approach I have sent you the 12 yards of Scarlet Welsh flannel wch you requested me to bring

with me at my return, because as the meeting of Parlt. is now so near at hand, I imagine that my return to Paris will be postponed till after that time. I wd not make you wait during Cold weather for the confortable scarlet waistcoat. Mr Jay is arrived, and is now very well, he has been a little out of order but is entirely recovered. I am going to Bath again to see my Dear Sister who goes on very well, and I expect Mr Jay to go likewise to Bath, and then we shall be very sociable together. My Brother & Sister desire to be kindly remembered to you. Pray give my best compts to Mr Adams & all friends in your own house particularly. Your ever affecte friend

            D Hartley

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsr Franklin / M P des E U A / á Passy / proche Paris / France
          Endorsed: D Hartley to B F. Oct 25. 83


Title: Elias Boudinot to the American Peace Commissioners, 27 October 1783[–3 November 1783]
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen
            Princetown Oct. 27th[–November 3,] 1783

          Previous to my leaving the Chair of Congress, I take the liberty again to address you, merely as an individual that you may not be left totally without Information until the Choice of a Minister for foreign Affairs shall take place. I have pressed Congress much on this subject, and am fully convinced of the difficult Situation you must be in for want of Information from this important Office— I have the honor of acknowledging the rect of your several favours of the ——— My last addressed to you, was on the 15th of July giving you a minute account of the Mutiny of the Soldiers in Philadelphia and of our subsequent removal to this Place—since which we have remained here tho. in but indifferent Circumstances of accommodation— Congress lately have determined to fix their place of Residence at the Head of the Delaware over the Falls of Trenton— They take in contemplation to fix another place the Falls of Potomack near Georgetown and to sit alternately at each Place year about— They have also determined to adjourn on the 8th Novr to Annapolis for their temporary residence— They have also

passed several important Acts lately, which you will see by the several Proclamations contained in the Newspapers which I do myself the honor of transmitting herewith from the month of Sept 2d— Congress have not yet taken the Appointment of a minister for foreign Affairs under Consideration, as their Time is principally taken up with previous measures of a Peace arrangement both Civil & Military— It will now be put off till the removal to Annapolis— I shall add to this Letter (I believe) several Acts of Congress. In consequence of a Report on your last Official Letter we have been most Anxiously (looking(?)) for the Definitive Treaty which is really a matter of much more importance in this Country than it is in Europe— The States at best cannot be convinced that Peace is made to any Purpose without this welcome Act, and the Conduct of the British in these States has confirmed them in the Opinion— We lately sent Baron Steuben to Canada to settle with Genl Waldenson the Time and manner of delivering up & receiving the Posts and fortifications on the Frontiers whenever that Genl should be ready so to do— He was refused even a conference on the subject— Genl Waldenson declaring that he knew of no Peace between Britain and America, that his orders were to cease Hostilities which he had carefully done but could go no further— The Baron thinks they are planning their schemes in Canada for holding the Frontier Posts for a year or two longer which would prove ruinous to these States rendition of them must be urged without delay. The Minister from Holland is arrived and to receive his public Audience on Friday next.

          The Effects of the Mutiny in Philadelphia are all done away—The Sergeants who were condemned to die, recd Pardon from Congress in the very last moment of despair this has had a good Effect and the Army have been disbanded without any bad consequences but unhappily without Money.
          Nov. 1st—Yesterday we gave public audience to Mr Van Berckel—Just before the Ceremony began Col Ogden arrived with the News of the completion of the Definitive Treaty, this gave a large addition to the general Joy that was already great on the occasion of the Day—Mr Van Berckel appears to be a person very much suited to the Manners of our People and I am very much mistaken if he does not do great honor to his Commission—I shall endeavour to enclose his address and our answer— Novr 3d—This Morning Congress met & made choice of a new President for the ensuing Year. General Mifflin was unanimously chosen, tho’ absent I suppose he will take the Chair in a day or two— I feel myself very happy in having filled up my year and that after having devoted myself altogether to the Public Service for near eight years, I am like

to retire to private Life under the blessings of so glorious a Peace—My Presidentship has also been honored by the Signature of both Preliminary Articles & Definitive Treaty which has greatly compensated for all my other Sacrifices.

            E B.

          To The Honble Commissioners
          Commissioners Private


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt & Co., 27 October 1783
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan, & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            L’Orient. 27 Octob: 1783

          We took the liberty to write your Excellency the 20th. Inst: relative to the Insurance on the Ship Nancy Capt Shewell, & the Sentence given by the court of Admiralty of Bordeaux in that affair, since which we have received an answer from the Comte de Vergennes of which we have the honor to annex you a Copy.— We must confess ourselves extremely surprised to find his sentiments regarding the 22nd. Article of the Preliminary Treaty so diametrically opposite to those of your Excellency; & it appears likewise that they do not in any manner correspond with those of the British Ministry, for it is well known that many Vessels taken on the Coast of the United States during the month of March were released without difficulty— The Importance of the present affair we hope will plead our excuse for the trouble we have already given your Excellency, & requesting that you will further Interest yourself in our behalf by speaking to the Comte De Vergennes on the Subject, who perhaps has not maturely considered the matter; if he persists in his opinion it will be most prudent in us to give up the dispute with the Underwriters rather than incur further Expence.— We have the honor to remain with the greatest Respect.— Your Excellencys most Obedt. humble Servts.—

            Jonatn: Nesbitt & Co:
            His Excelly. Benjn. Franklin Esqr—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Birckel, 28 October 1783
From: Birckel, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            strasbourg ce 28. 8bre. 1783.

          Dans la lettre, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire vous parles d’une metode. C’este metode est gravé dans votre ame, et dans l’ame du meilleur patriote en france, en angletere, et en amerique. Reclaméz les degrés de bonté, et les degrés de forces d’ames, que vous trouverez dans ces trois cabinets, l’union de ces ames sensibles se soumettant a l’intantion du tres haut ces trois cabinets feront le bonheur de l’univers.
          Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur, votres tres humble et tres obeïssent serviteur

            Birckelchev: au m: militaire

          Notation: Birkel— 28 Oct: 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 28 October 1783
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Sir
              Dublin 28 octr: 1783

            Your Excellency will see by the Enclosed how delicately I mentioned the affair of the treaty; the Very post that brought me your Letter brought me several from America; I MOST Earnestly entreat you will inform me by RETURN OF THE POST whether Ireland is mentiond, & if it is, at what Period; it is incumbent on me, to be precise in that point, as I have pledged myself to the House, to state, from Time to Time, the progress of that Treaty—the Public Expectations are high, & this City is in a state of the Greatest anxiety—do, my Dear & much respected friend, assist my Country as I & my friends assisted Virtue when oppressed by the hand of Power—all in this affair depends on your Excellency— Parliament seems determined to Support me in any motion, that may appear requisite; my Object is the Honor of Ireland, & that the states of North America & Ireland may Ever be friends to Each other— I am in the Strictest Sence of the word, a Citizen of the world— I adore Virtue where ever I find it—whether on this or the other side of the Atlantic—
            By the Secretarys reply, he seems to think that the Treaty will not Speedily be concluded; You have now the public Debates of the Irish Parliament to warrant your Excellency in demanding of M Hartly whether Ireland is to be included by Name or

Not—the British Ministry will find various ways of evading this buisiness, if they Can— Your Excellency will see, that in pursuance of my agitating the Question, Mr: Forster one of the Ministry, moved for a Bill to facilitate the Commercial interscourse between Ireland & America, I wish I had a Copy of the British treaty, as far as it is gone, that I might take Care to have Matters rightly Settled on the discussing of Mr: Forsters Bill—
            The Protecting Duties as taken up by Mr Gardiner will occasion much contest, we call them Protecting Duties, Government stiles them prohibitory Duties, & therefore will Support the English Woollen & silken Trade—and the English Breweries—
            I Know not how to apologize for this trouble; it is in your own breast I claim my pardon.—
            Lady Newenham, still anxious for the Bust, desires her best & Sincerest respects to your Excellency & your Grandson—
            I have the Honor, to be, with the most perfect respect & Esteem your Excellencys Most Obt: & Most Humble sert

              Edward Newenham

            Mr Flood & Mr Grattan have had a most Violent Altercation—it is imagined they cannot part untill one falls; I shall send

the result next post—they are not half full in the present publication—

          Addressed: His Excellency B: Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the United States / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 29 October 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Todd, Anthony

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Oct. 29. 1783—

          I have been in hopes of being able to answer sooner yours of the 17th. but am at last inform’d that tho’ M. D’Ogny is come to Town, he can enter into no Agreement till he has receiv’d his Instructions, which he cannot have till after the Return of the Court from Fontainbleau to Versailles. So I can only say at present, that the Reasonings in your Letter appear to me clear, and such as should be satisfactory to this Office. I approve likewise of the Advertisement as you have drawn it, proposing only that in the last Paragraph but one, you would add, if you think fit, after the Word corresponding, the Words, with each other; and change the Word them, for the Words, their Letters: these Alterations are not very necessary, but may serve methinks to make the Sense more immediately clear, and prevent a Person on the Continent of North America who would correspond with his Friend in Yorkshire, from imagining that he is to inclose his Letter to a Friend in London.— The Word North also, in the last Paragraph, may if you please be omitted, as it is not used in the Title of the United States.—

          With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            Anthy Todd Esqr


Title: Continental Congress to the American Peace Commissioners: Instructions, 29 October 1783
From: Continental Congress
To: American Peace Commissioners

            October 29th. 1783.

            By The United States in Congress Assembled
            To the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of Versailles empowered to negociate a Peace or to any one or more of them.
            First. You are instructed and authorised to announce to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany or to his Ministers the high sense which the United States in Congress Assembled entertain of his exalted character and eminent virtues

and their earnest desire to cultivate his friendship and to enter into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce for the mutual advantage of the Subjects of his Imperial Majesty & the Citizens of these United States.
            Secondly. You are instructed to meet the advances and encourage the disposition of the other Commercial Powers of Europe for entering into Treaties of Amity and Commerce with these United States. In negociations on this subject you will lay it down as a principle in no case to be deviated from that they shall respectively have for their basis the mutual advantage of the contracting Parties on terms of the most perfect equality and reciprocity and not to be repugnant to any of the Treaties already entered into by the United States with France and other Foreign Powers. That such Treaties shall in the first instance be proposed for a term not exceeding fifteen Years, and shall not be finally conclusive until they shall respectively have been transmitted to the United States in Congress Assembled for their examination and final direction; and that with the draughts or propositions for such Treaties shall be transmitted all the information which shall come within the knowledge of the said Ministers respecting the same and their observations after the most mature enquiry on the probable advantages or disadvantages & effects of such Treaties respectively.
            Thirdly. You are instructed to continue to press upon the Ministers of his Danish Majesty the justice of causing satisfaction to be made for the value of the Ships and Goods Captured by the Alliance Frigate and sent into Bergen, and how essentially it concerns the honor of the United States that their gallant Citizens should not be deprived of any part of those Prizes, which they had so justly acquired by their valour. That as far as Congress have been informed, the estimate of those Prizes at fifty thousand pounds sterling is not immoderate; that no more however is desired than their true value, after every deduction which shall be thought equitable. That Congress have a sincere disposition to cultivate the friendship of his Danish Majesty and to promote a commercial intercourse between his Subjects and the Citizens of the United States on terms which shall promise

mutual advantage to both Nations. That it is therefore the wish of Congress that this claim should still be referred to the equitable disposition of his Danish Majesty in full confidence that the reasonable expectations of the Parties interested will be fully answered; accordingly you are fully authorised and directed after exerting your best endeavours to enforce the said claim to the extent it shall appear to you to be well founded, to make abatements if necessary and ultimately to accept such compensation as his Danish Majesty can be prevailed on to grant.
            Fourthly. You are further instructed to enquire and report to Congress the reasons why the expedition of the Alliance and Bon homme Richard and the Squadron which accompanied them was carried on at the expence and on account of the Court of France? Whether any part of the profit arising therefrom accrued to the United States; or any of the expence thereof hath been placed to their Account? Whether the proceeds of any of the Prizes taken in that expedition and which is due to the American Officers and Seamen employed therein is deposited in Europe, and what amount; where; and in whose hands?
            Fifthly. The acquisition of support to the Independence of the United States having been the primary object of the instructions to our Ministers respecting the Convention of the neutral Maritime Powers for maintaining the freedom of Commerce, You will observe that the necessity of such support is superceded by the Treaties lately entered into for restoring peace. And although Congress approve of the principles of that Convention as it was founded on the liberal basis of maintainance of the rights of neutral nations and of the Privileges of Commerce; yet they are unwilling at this juncture to become a party to a Confederacy which may hereafter too far complicate the interests of the United States with the Politics of Europe; and therefore if such a progress is not already made in this

business as may render it dishonorable to recede, it is the desire of Congress and their instruction to each of the Ministers of the United States at the respective Courts in Europe, that no further measures be taken at present towards the admission of the United States into that Confederacy.
            Sixthly. The Ministers of these United States for negociating a Peace with Great Britain are hereby instructed, authorised & directed to urge forward the definitive Treaty to a speedy conclusion and unless there shall be an immediate prospect of obtaining Articles or explanations beneficial to the United States in addition to the provisional Articles, that they shall agree to adopt the provisional Articles as the substance of a definitive Treaty of Peace.
            Seventhly. The Minister or Ministers of these United States for negociating a Peace are hereby instructed to negociate an explanation of the following paragraph of the declaration acceded to by them on the 20th. of January 1783 relative to Captures Viz: “That the term should be one month from the Channel and North Sea as far as the Canary Islands inclusively whether in the Ocean or the Mediterranean.”
            Eighthly. Mr. Jay is hereby authorised to direct Mr.

Carmichael to repair to Paris should Mr. Jay be of opinion that the interest of the United States at the Court of Madrid may not be injured by Mr. Carmichael’s absence; and that Mr. Carmichael carry with him the Books and Vouchers necessary to make a final and compleat settlement of the account of public monies which have passed through the hands of Mr. Jay and himself and that Mr. Barclay attend Mr. Jay and Mr. Carmichael to adjust those Accounts.
            Ninthly. Mr. Jay has leave to go to Bath should he find it necessary for the benefit of his health.

              Cha Thomsonsecy.

          Endorsements: [in John Adams’ hand:] Instructions / [in Franklin’s hand:] Oct. 29. 83—
          Notation: For the Ministers plenipo &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 29 October 1783
From: Caffiéri, Jean-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 29 octobre 1783

          En Lisant La Gazette Dernier j’ay vû que Les Etats Unis de Lamerique etoit dans Lintention de faire Elevé une Statue au General De Wanchinton et quel Doit se faire a Paris. Si La chose est vraie je vous prie Monsieur de vouloir bien vous Resouvenire de moy, j’ay quel que Droit pour obtenire votre chois, L’ancienté sur Les personnes qui peuve vous faire La même Demende, votre Portrait et Le tombeau De Montgomerie, vous ons du prouver mon zele et mon Savoire.
          Je sui avec Respet Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

            Caffieri


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 30 October 1783
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris ce 30 8bre 83

          My avocat informed me that you have the Goodness for me, to imploy Mr Barclay to do what will be Nessesary to Render me justis. When I was arrested the inspecter of the Polize Put a gardien in to my house to garde my goods and gard de Robe, two days ago I was informed that the Person Stole all that was left in to his Care but Very fortunate we have got him arrested and is in the Same Prison hear.
          My Avocat will Explain to you the unjust maner in wich I am Treated the Robe me of What I have got and do Not Know what maner to Recover my Property—if your Exelency will Not interrest your Self for me to Procure my liberty I hope you will Not Refuse to Render me Justis in order to Prosecute the Villen who has Stole my Cloths and goods or Pay me for them if you will be So Kind as to Right a few lines to the Lt Creminel in order that he may Render me Justis it will be an adition upon the many obligations Confered upon your Exelencys Most Obedent and Very humble Servant

            J. Schaffer
            His Exelency Docter Frankline


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bernard Rufin and Moritz Chretien Meyer, 31 October 1783
From: Rufin, Bernard,Meyer, Moritz Chretien
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Passi le 31 8bre 1783

          Deux Etrangers, Allemands de nation, L’un Prussien, et Interprete des langues Allemande, Francoise, Italienne, et parlant un peu d’anglais, en Outre Officier de Cuisine, et d’office, capable de Gouverner le detail d’une Maison telles Consequentes qu’elles Soient, et à même d’en donner des preuves dès que vous l’ordonnerez; L’autre Saxon de Nation, et Compositeur des Lettres, Connaissant à fond L’imprimerie, et Capable d’être Censeur de la langue francoise, et latine, Suplient instament Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire du Congrés de l’amerique d’avoir la bonté de leurs indiquer les Moyens dont on pourrait se Servir pour Captivér l’honneur de votre Bienvaillance, et pour offrir leurs faibles Talens au Continent de l’amerique. Encouragés par vos Soins paternels, et se flattant d’avance de pouvoir un jour Augmenter le nombre des Illustrès déffenseur de votre Patrie, ils ne manqueront pas de faire des Progrès rapides, Surtout si l’on Seconde leurs Envies, et ils ont l’honneur d’être avec la Soumission, et la reconnaissance la plus parfaite, Monsieur, Vos très, humbles Serviteurs

            Bernard Rufin, Prussien Moritz Chretien Meyer, Saxon

            P.S. Les deux Etrangers, se sont presentés chez vous, Monsieur, il y à environ deux heures; mais privés de l’honneur de vous Voir, ils sont au Grand Vainquer où ils attendent une réponse de votre part, fut-elle même Verbale

          Notation: Meyer, & Rufin. 31 Oct. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Vaughan, 31 October 1783
From: Vaughan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            London Oct 31 1783

          From the friendly concern with which you have so frequently interested yourself respecting our family, it will give you some pleasure to learn of their safe arrival at Phia— My father landed severely afflicted with the Gout, the rest of the family were all well and experiencing Mrs. Beache’s hospitality. They had been under her roof for some days, but were in a day or two to remove to their own habitation. My sisters write me that Mrs. Beache’s maners & spirits resembled very much Mrs. Priestleys and were their conversation committed to writing that Dr. P. would be sometimes puzzled to find which was not his wife. I shall feel now an additional pleasure whenever I pay Birmingham a visit.
          I have been favored with a line from Miss Beckworth which I have been remiss in not communicating sooner to you it is dated July 26th. “If you write to Dr. Franklin I beg my compts. I have two of his grand daughters here tho too young to be on any other footing than as my guests.” She had then fourteen young ladies under her care, and expected to compleat her numbers before winter.
          My letters from Philadelphia of 14 Sepr advise that “our late proclomation of July 2d has given much displeasure, but the supposed injury will be to ourselves.” The history of that Proclomation is well known, and I lament that the Coalition here has given a check to that system which would have followed the peace had the same Administration continued: France seems to have adopted a more liberal policy with respect to her islands.

Could we in England overcome our narrow ideas on Commerce and open our doors by taking off those fetters to industry we shod: have little to fear from rivalship or petty jealousies. Payne I think says time makes more converts than reason.
          I duly recd Mr W. T. Franklins letter of 26 Sepr. the bill I remitted was intended to have been at Sight had not a mistake been committed by the person who negociated the bill. My brother Saml still continues in Germany. Benj: is well and about expecting an addition to his family.
          It is with pleasure I inform you that Dr Price yesterday communicated your description of the Air Balloons to the Club who hope one day or other to see you amongst them again. I am to give him a meeting with Mr Jay & Mr Adams. I wish I could form the compleat body of the Corps diplomatique; but as we cannot have your company in person we must be contented with your Portrait as our President. Beleive me with the greatest respect & esteem to be Dear Sir Your sincere & obedient humble Servant

            Wm Vaughan

          Addressed: Dr. B. Franklin / Passy / Paris
          Notation: Vaughan Oct. 31. 1783