Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 15 June 1784
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
15 Juin 1784

J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer le Rapport de Mrs. Andry & Thouret Sur les Aimans de M. L’abbé Le Noble, conformément a la Demande que vous avez bienvoulu m’en faire le 24 du mois dernier.— La Société R. de Médecine, à laquelle j’ai présentéce Billet que Vous m’avez adressé à ce Sujet, a été on-ne-peut-pas-plus flattée du Désir que Vous témoignez avoir de recevoir la Collection de Ses Volumes. Je m’empresse donc de vous prévenir qu’Elle Se fera un Devoir de vous faire parvenir ceux qui Sont déjà imprimés, & qu’elle Sera enchantée si vous voulez bien les accueuillir.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de respect, Monsieur, Votre trés humble & trés obéïssant Serviteur

Vicq d’azyr
M. franklin, à Passy.

Notation: Vicq-d’azir 15 Juin 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 15 June 1784
From: Witherspoon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London June 15. 1784

The Bearer Mr William Brown has been a Teacher here & is strongly recommended to me as an excellent Classic Scholar he goes to Paris to finish his Knowledge & Pronounciation of the french Language & is desirous of being introduced to you & if you Should know of any Opportunity of directing him where he might teach either the english or learned Languages so as to enable him to continue the longer for his own Improvement it would be a great favour.
I am wholly uncertain whether you can or would chuse to do any Thing of this Kind but he is so ambitious of being introduced to You & it has been requested of me so earnestly by a Gentleman here to whom I am much obliged that I could not refuse him this Line.
I am Sir your most obedt humble Servant

Jno Witherspoon
Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Paris / Mr W. Brown
Notation: [crossed out: Jona. Williams] June 15 1784—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Mifflin, 16 June 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir,
Passy, June 16. 1784

My Letter by Mr Jay acquainted your Excellency that the Ratifications of the Definitive Treaty were exchanged. A Copy of the British Part was also sent by him.
Mr Hartley remained here expecting Instructions to treat with us on the Subject of Commerce. The Bustle attending a new Election & Meeting of Parliament he imagined might occasion the long Delay of those Instructions. He now thinks that

the Affair of American Trade being under the Consideration of Parliament, it is probable, no Treaty will be propos’d till the Result is known.— Mr Jay who sail’d for America the 1st Inst. from Dover and who saw there several of our Friends from London before his Departure, and Mr Laurens who left London the 6th. to go in the Falmouth Packet, will be able to give you more perfect Informations than I can, of what may be expected as the Determination of the British Government respecting our Intercourse with their Islands; and therefore I omit my Conjectures; only mentioning that from various Circumstances there seems to be some lurking Remains of ill-Humour there, and of Resentment against us, which only wants a favourable Opportunity to manifest itself.— This makes it more necessary for us to be upon our guard & prepared for Events that a Change in the Affairs of Europe may produce, its Tranquility depending perhaps on the Life of one Man, and it being impossible to foresee in what Situation a new Arrangement of its various Interests may place us.— Ours will be respected in proportion to the apparent Solidity of our Government, the Support of our Credit, the Maintenance of a good Understanding with our Friends, and our Readiness for Defence. All which I persuade myself will be taken care of.
Inclose I send a Copy of a Letter from Mr Hartley to me, respecting some suppos’d Defects in the Ratification, together with my Answer which he has transmitted to London. The Objections appear’d to me trivial, and absurd; but I thought it prudent to treat them with as much Decency as I could, lest the ill Temper should be augmented, which might be particularly inconvenient while the Commerce was under Consideration.— There has not yet been time for Mr Hartley to hear whether my Answer has been satisfactory, or whether the Ministers will still insist on my sending for an amended Copy from America as they proposed.—
I do not perceive the least Diminution in the good Disposition of this Court towards us; and I hope care will be taken to preserve it.

The Marquis de la Fayette who will have the honour of delivering this to you, has ever since his Arrival in Europe been very industrious in his Endeavours to serve us and promote our Interests, and has been of great Use on several Occasions. I should wish the Congress might think fit to express in some proper Manner their Sense of his Merit.
My Malady prevents my going to Versailles, as I cannot bear a Carriage upon Pavement; but my Grandson, goes regularly on Court days to supply my Place, and is well receiv’d there.
The last Letters I have had the honour of receiving from you are of the 14th of January.—
With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s

His Excellency Thos Mifflin Esqr President of Congress


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [before 19 June 1784]
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
[before June 19, 1784]

This will be handed to you by Major Du Pontier, Aid of your Friend Baron Stuben’s, who I shall thank you for your attention to, we have found him a very amiable young Gentleman, he will tell you how the Children all look, and what a delightful retreat I have brought them to, till a few days ago I flattered myself you would have been with us on Schuilkill Banks this Summer, I shall in a few days write you a long letter, one to my Nephew and another to my Son they must now be contented with my Love at present, I have been very busy nursing little Richard who has been at the point of death but is now getting quite well and lovely came here but yesterday, and the Major has been polite enough tho going tomorow to come out to see us and take this, so that I could not request him to stay till I wrote all I have

to say, I beg therefore Temple will take this as an introduction of the Gentleman to him as well as to you as much as if I wrote. Mr B: is well I expect to see him at dinner.
I am as ever your dutiful and afectionate Daughter

S Bache

Addressed: Dr: Franklin / Passy / [Maj?] Depontiere


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles (C.-J.) Le Roux, 19 June 1784
From: Le Roux, C.-J.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 19. Juin 1784.

Depuis quelques années que je n’ai eû l’honneur ni de vous voir ni de vous écrire, peut-être m’avez vous perdu de vue. Mr. De Gebelin que la Société et les Lettres ont perdu trop tôt m’honoroit de son estimé et de son amitié. Il connoissoit mes ouvrages et particulierement Mon Journal d’Education que j’ai fait autrefois par ordre du Gouvernement pour l’institution de notre Monarque. Je tenois pension au College Royal de Boncourt, montagne ste. Genevieve, maintenant je Dirige une maison d’Education avec le sr. Le cœur chez qui a demeuré mr. votre petit fils, quand ce maître demeuroit à Passi.
Le Porteur de la presente, du pays de feu mr. De Gebelin, est un homme de lettres Suisse qui est fort éclairé, il venoit a Paris pour y être placé par l’entremise de m. de Gebelin mais sa mort prêmaturée et inattendue est cause que ce brave étranger n’est point placé. Vous êtes, Monsieur, l’ami des hommes et surtout le protecteur des citoyens honnêtes et savans, je vous suplie

d’honnorer de votre bonté le monsieur qui vous remettra cette Lettre. Il est propre à bien des choses et il peut vous être utile ou a vos connoissances.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

Le Roux instituteurà Chaillot, rue des batailles. même Maison de m. Le cœur

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi.
Notation: Le Roux 19 Juin 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Morellet, [19 June 1784]
From: Morellet, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The “fragment” that Morellet enclosed with the present letter was probably an early version of what became a fifty-nine-page manuscript titled “Apologie des papiers de credit etablis par les etats unis.” The first half recounted the introduction, circulation, and depreciation of paper money in the colonies. The second half defended Congress’ resort to paper money during the war. It rebutted at length arguments that the Continental money’s devaluation amounted to bankruptcy and that Congress needed to compensate all or some holders of paper currency. Morellet adopted and elaborated on the argument made by Thomas Paine, in his Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, that the initial stipulated value of the congressional paper money in specie was much less than its nominal dollar value. Moreover, the bills’ depreciation had been accepted by the American people as a substitute for paying taxes to fund their national war. Morellet contended that the number of foreigners owning paper money was very small and their losses modest. Depreciation of paper money had to be considered a predictable risk of doing business during wartime.

Redemption at the paper’s original nominal value was not only impossible, but also unjust.
On the manuscript’s cover page, beneath the title, Morellet signed his name to the following note: “J’ai soumis cette discussion au jugement de mr. Franklin avant son depart pour l’amerique. Il en a ete content. Les petites notes au crayon sont de sa main.” Franklin wrote very few comments on the manuscript. In several places, he drew a line next to a passage or added a word or phrase, perhaps to mark it for discussion with Morellet.
Franklin’s one substantive correction was on page three. Morellet observed that two types of bills of credit circulated in the colonies before Congress issued its first emission. The first, he wrote, were called “Paper-bills bills of credit, Paper currency.” Franklin corrected this, interlining “The whole was called indifferently” before the terms. Morellet, writing over the comment in pen, translated it as: “On a donné à tous indifféremment le nom de Paper-bills bills of credit, on peut cependant les séparer en deux classes.” Franklin himself drafted a sentence in French on the blank facing page: “Nous designerons le premiere espece par le nom de Paper Currency ou Billets monnoie, & le seconde par le nome de Province Bills, Billets de Province.” Morellet adopted this description. Franklin also noted that the two kinds of paper money were distinguished “by the manner in which they were issued,” a phrase that Morellet translated literally and added at the place Franklin had indicated.

Monsieur
Samedi [June 19, 1784]

Je vous ai parlé d’un travail que j’ai entrepris relatif aux colonies de l’amerique qui peut vous interesser par son objet en voila un fragment. Je vous supplie de le lire a vos momens perdus. Si

vous en etes content je vous en donnerai le reste. L’ouvrage seroit considerable je ne me determinerois á le publier que d’après votre suffrage s’il peut m’etre favorable en voilà un echantillon. Juges le. Je compte aller passer la semaine prochaine avec ma famille auprès de choisi le roi. A mon retour j’irai vous demander le resultat de votre lecture. Vous saves combien je vous suis tendrement et respectueusement devoué.

l’abbé Morellet

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des etats / unis de l’amerique / A Passy
Notation: L’abbé Morellet


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [on or before 20 June 1784]
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The Cliffts, on the banks of Schuylkill[on or before June 20, 1784]
Honoured Sir

By Major Depontiere I wrote you a short Letter the other day, it was at the very instant of my moveing, I had neither pen or wafer, I hope you will excuse the appearance it made, I thought you would be happy to hear I was well even if it were wrote in Greek Characters. My little Richard is most amaizingly recovered since we came out here and the whole little Family in such spirits that tis’ impossible to find a quiet moment for reflection or writing, they are now all jumping and dancing about me, and to add to the sprightlyness of the Scene Willy has brought out two young Friends to dine with him, he will write as soon as they leave him. The Minister will give you a

decription of the delightful Place we are at, as he was particularly pleased with it, but no one can paint the disapointment I have met with in your not coming this Summer, I am now sorry I ever flattered myself with the thought, nothing but the size of my Family prevents my making you a visit in France, we are much indepted to the Chavilear De La Lucerne for many polite attentions to us, ever since he first came, and part with him with regret, wishing it had been more in our power to have added to his happiness during his stay at Philad. I do not think we shall ever have a Person in his Station that will do greater honor to it, or leave behind more Friends, both to himself and to his Nation, he very politely called here the other day to take leave and offer to take any thing for you, I am sorry it is at such a Season that there is nothing to send, I cannot think of one thing that would be acceptable. Mr Marbois was married on thursday last to Miss Moore, we had an invitation to Breakfast at the Ministers and see the Cerimony, it was no small mortification to me that it was not in my power to go, Mr B: [Bache] was there, I shall endeavour to get to town to wait on the Bride.
I shall write both to my Nephew and Son, and if possible to Mrs Barckly and Montgomery, and another to you as I promised Dr Bancroft I would, I am with great afection your Dutiful Daughter

S Bache

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 20[–21] June 1784
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
The Cliffts Sunday 20[—21] June 1784

In full expectation of Dr Bancrofts calling on me before he embarks I write again tho I have just finished one for you, I did expect he would dine with us tomorrow and am disapointed to hear he cannot, for I love every one you love, and the Dr is so agreable and sensible, that every one must think favorably of him and like his Company, for his own sake, so that he was allways doubly welcome to us, he goes with our very best wishes for his safe arrival, and speedy passage, I wish him much to see this place before he goes, as I think there is not a more beautiful prospect on the Schuylkill banks, tis very healthy too, the Children look like different Creatures since they came out and have gain’d an adittional stock of spirits little Deborah this instant ran to me and beg’d me to write her a letter, I told her I was writing to her Grand papa, and ask’d her what I should say to him, say to him says she why Grandpa is not in this room, prety well for a little Girl between two and three, she is a great mimic, Dr Bancroft can tell you how well she can take off an Owl which the Children have for a pet, I should not forget to mention that while I stay in the Country and the house in town is painting, we have put Willy to board with a Mr Gamble one of the Masters at the University, a man remarkably attentive to the morals as well as the learning of the boys, and is as mindful

of them out of School as in, he would else have ran riot as his Father is mostly at the Store when in town, and out here every leasure moment, Willy comes out on Saturday and goes in on Monday Morn early. Monday. When Mr Jeferson went I was in great distress and tho I intended it could not write. Mrs Shee one of my best Friends lay dead, and till the funeral was over had four daughters of hers with me, beside the direction of every thing, lay on Mr Bache and me, Dr Bancroft call’d while I was writing this Letter but could not stay with us long, I shall send this to town to him to day, and leave it to Mr Bache to seal and direct, & put the day of the Month for I realy do not know it, I have been so much taken up with domestic Matters since I have been here, that I have not had time for any other Idea, I am now a little setled and shall be more at leasure, my little Fellows illness and at the same time a change of servants had quite deranged the Family.
You have heard no doubt of the death of your good old Friend’s Dr Bond Mr Roads and Anthony Benezet, it was thought this hard winter affected them much, they were greatly lamented. Mr Roads died very suddenly, Mrs Ashmead was nursing me, they sent for her but he was dead before she got there. She is in as good health as ever you saw her and as useful as ever, when I saw her last she desired to be remembered to you very particularly, Mr Bache writes, the Children are all well and love you very much as does your affectionate Daughter

S Bache


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 20 June 1784
From: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 20 juin 1784.

J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un Projet de repartition des Prises faites par l’Escadre aux ordres du Commodore Paul Jones dont les liquidations ont été arrettées à la somme de 386,682 l.t.-8–2 d. sauf la déduction de quelques depenses générales de peu de conséquence, et dont mr. le Rey de Chaumont doit justifier.
Le Roi a decidé que la répartition de la portion de la masse revenant à chaque Batiment preneur seroit repartie, entre les Equipages, conformement à l’ordonnance du 28 mars 1778 concernant les Prises faites par les Batimens de sa majesté; et qu’à l’egard du Commandant et des capitaines seulement ils seroient traités selon les loix americaines auxqu’elles ils se sont soumis par le concordat qu’ils ont fait entr’eux.
Je vous serai obligé, en conséquence, de me faire connoitre, officiellement, les Parts qui doivent étre attribuees à Mr. Jones et aux capitaines de chaque Batiment.
Il paroit par un Extrait qui m’a été adresse par ce commodore qu’il doit avoir un Vingtieme du Produit de toutes les Prises et que les capitaines doivent partager entr’eux les deux Vingtiemes; mais mr. Jones demande, en outre, les deux Vingtiemes sur la Portion qui revient au Vaisseau le Bonhomme Richard, et pretend que les deux Vingtiemes attribués aux capitaines ne doivent point etre prélevés sur la masse totale du produit des Prises; mais sur la Portion de chaque Batiment, de maniere que

le capitaine de la fregate l’alliance n’auroit que les deux Vingtiemes de la somme de 114,990 l.t., ainsi des autres.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la consideration la plus distinguée, Monsieur, Votre trés humble et trés obeïssant serviteur.

le Mal. de Castries

Mr. franklin ministre des Etats Unis de l’amerique.
Prises.
Envoi du Projet de répartition des Prises du Commodore Paul Jones.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Brand Hollis, 21 June 1784
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bruton Street June 21. 1784.

The loss of a young person of fine dispositions and excellent principles, & in whose education I greatly interested my self, as intending him to be my son & heir, has prevented me attending to matters which at another time would have engaged my

thoughts; was it not for this, I should justly incur the imputation of negligence, as it is some time since I received from you a medal to commemorate the glorious events of the Independency of America & the total Subjugation of their enemies— events which I rejoice at as I have always detested and abhorred the principle of enslaving mankind and depriving them of the rights of human nature, under any pretence whatsoever.
The medal I esteem on all accounts is a great honor from the donor. It is a most valuable addition to my friends collection of Liberty coins as he used to call his cabinet.
The head of your Liberty would have pleased him. It is simple & noble the execution is good but I could have wished the names & dates of your victories had been wrote in capitals & also the date of your independence that every part might be intelligible.
There is a mistake in the word Juil: which might yet be altered.
Indeed Sir, the three noble subjects united in your medal claim each a distinct medal and had I the honor to be an American it should be done; for never in the Annals of mankind such events have had such glorious consequences. The divine rights of human nature are declared & established against all the Arts of Priests & Tyrants & there is now an Asylum for the injured & oppressed.
I hope the coinage of America will be attended too at proper time to be decimal on account change as the present roman coin is, and the copper currency to perpetuate Historical events as mentioned by Addison in the Spectator which might be done with small expence.
To me it is matter of surprize, after having considered it &

which I cannot sufficiently understand how the Romans struck their medals, as it is known they were often struck in the camp & of emperors who lived but three days and perhaps there are not two of the same Dye of any one Emperor. I rejoice you esteem my friends labors for the Publick. There never was a man who having the means indulged less & spent his whole time in publick services. Candor to the publick obliged the compilers of the Memoirs not to conceal any sentiment of my late friends. His anxiety for the publick weal made him suspicious of Characters eminently great but which by their strenous exertions, have demonstrated to the world how much they are superior to detraction.
The mistake about your letter attributed to Mr Adams shall be rectified in a future Edition.
The first opportunity I will convey to you Milton’s tractate on education which I could not induce the Booksellers, tho at my expence, to print with Johnson’s poets as it always accompanied his Poeticks, tho Cowleys Proposition is published with his Poems—such is the fear of Johnson with the Booksellers who unwillingly sell The remarks on Milton’s Life.
May you like Timoleon, long enjoy the glorious satisfaction of having emancipated your country and established Freedom on the broad basis of equal Laws, and beleive me to be with the greatest esteem and respect for your worth & excellence Sir your much obliged humble Servant

T Brand Hollis.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 22 June 1784
From: Bridgen, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
London June 22 1784

Our Mutual Friend Mr Hollis has just left this with me to send to your Excellency which I inclose in a packett to Monsr: Genet and dare say that you will receive it safe.
I did myself the honour to send you through the hands of Mr Hartley Mr Champions observations on Lord Sheffields book, which I hope you received safe & in a few days I shall convey by the same Channel a Tract which Mr Hollis mentions in his Letter sending you.
Mr Astle moved the other day in the Council of the royal Society that your Excellency might have the Gold Medal which was Struck on Acct: of the Protection given by the King of France and the Empress of Russia to Capt: Cook, and it was carried; and I suppose it will be soon sent you if not already done.

May every blessing attend your Excellency is the hearty prayer of Dr Sir Yr: faithful & Obliged

Edwd: Bridgen

Your Worthy Collegue is still detained at Falmouth but in good Spirits.

His Excellency Benj: Franklin

Addressed: A Son Exellence / Benjn: Franklin / a Passy
Notation: E. Bridgen. 22 June 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 22 June 1784
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Yale College June 22 1784.

Colo. Humphrys needs not as some others Letters of Recommendation, being himself his own Epistle to every one who would take Knowledge of real Worth & singular Merit. He was educated in this College, of which he was formerly elected a Tutor or Professor. He has distinguished himself in our Army through the War, and Gen. Washington has taken him into his particular Friendship and Family as one of his Aids de Camp.— Congress has finally honored him with particular Respect, by appointing him Secretary to the illustrious Triumvirate of Ambassadors or Ministers plenipotentiary for negotiating Commercial Treaties with foreign Powers. I doubt not the Colonel will avail himself of the high Advantage & opportunity this will give him of entering into the Views & perhaps the Cabinet Councils of the several Courts in Europe, which may qualify him for still higher Service to his Country & Mankind. Your Sagacity & Discernment will instantly shew you, to what a share in your Communications whether Literary or Political

your Benevolence shall admit him. You take Pleasure in forming & patronizing younger Merit for mature Usefulness & Glory. I could wish that hereafter it might be among your other Honors said, This Gentleman, as perhaps a future Plenipotentiary, was formed by the Councils & hoary Wisdom of Dr Franklin. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient very humble servt.

Ezra Stiles
Dr Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esq LL.D. / Minister plenipotentiary from the / United States to the Court of / Versailles / Honored by / Mr Secry. Humphrys


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wadsworth & Church, 24 June 1784
From: Wadsworth & Church
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday June 24 1784

Messrs Wadsworth & Church present their respectfull Compliments to Doctr Franklin—they much regret that it is not in their power to wait on the Doctr as they leave Paris early tomorrow Morning. If the Doctr has any commands for London they will be happy to obey them

Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctr Franklin / Passy
Notation: Wathworth & Church 24 June 1784


Title: Loose Thoughts on a Universal Fluid, [25 June 1784]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

In this series of speculations, Franklin tried to combine into one theory his long-held beliefs about light, heat, and fire. The concept he used to link these phenomena—the subtle fluid—had become an integral part of physics in the second half of the eighteenth century. Subtle, or “imponderable,” fluids possessed and could pass on measurable physical properties, but were themselves invisible, immaterial, and weightless, and they did not cause any changes in mass in the objects they acted on. The effects of subtle fluids were believed to be observable and quantifiable in the workings of electricity, heat, gravity, light, and magnetism.
Franklin had sketched out the basic ideas for this paper in a letter to Benjamin Vaughan of April 29 (above), written just as he and other court-appointed scientists were beginning to investigate the so-called magnetic fluid that Franz Mesmer termed animal magnetism. By June 25, when this piece was finished, he and his fellow commissioners had proved that Mesmer’s animal magnetism did not exist. Their conclusions did not negate the concept of subtle fluids, however, and Franklin clearly supposed that his ideas on the subject would be of general interest.

Franklin had his grandson Benny Bache make copies of this piece in both English and French. One of the English copies was sent to Benjamin Vaughan, who in turn made his own copy.
As for the French translation (the draft of which does not survive), Benny made an initial copy which Franklin corrected, and that text was then copied by Morellet’s secretary, Poullard. Poullard’s copy was then reviewed by Franklin and Cabanis, who refined the wording. A fair copy of that final French translation was made by the abbé de la Roche. From there, the trail grows cold; if the piece sparked a conversation within the Parisian scientific community, it does not appear to have resulted in a publication.
Before leaving France, Franklin sent this essay to Jan Ingenhousz, who had requested it. Once home, he offered it and other scientific papers to James Bowdoin for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Receiving neither an acceptance nor a rejection, in 1788 he sent the papers to the American Philosophical Society. By that time he had made a few changes to his original draft (noted in the text below), including the addition of a final sentence. He also squeezed in the following line at the top of the first page: “For the Consideration of my Dear Friend David Rittenhouse Esqr.” The paper was read to the American Philosophical Society on June 20, 1788. When it appeared in the society’s next volume of Transactions (1793), it bore the title “A new and curious Theory of Light and Heat; in a letter from Dr. B. Franklin to David Rittenhouse, Esq.”

[June 25, 1784]

Universal Space, as far as we know of it, seems to be fill’d with a subtil Fluid, whose Motion, or Vibration; is called Light.
This Fluid may possibly be the same with that which being attracted by and entring into other more solid Matter, dilates the Substance, by separating the constituent Particles, and so rendering some Solids fluid, and maintaining the Fluidity of others: of which Fluid when our Bodies are totally depriv’d, they are said to be frozen; when they have a proper Quantity, they are in Health and fit to perform all their Functions; it is then called natural Heat; when too much it is called Fever; and when forc’d into the Body in too great a Quantity from without, it gives Pain by separating and destroying the Flesh & is then called burning,—and the Fluid so entring & acting is called Fire.
While organiz’d Bodies animal or vegetable are augmenting in Growth, or are supplying their continual Waste, is not this done by attracting and consolidating this Fluid, called Fire, so as to form of it a Part of their Substance; and is it not a Separation of the Parts of such Substance which dissolving its solid State, sets that subtil Fluid at Liberty, when it again makes its appearance as Fire.
For the Power of Man relative to Matter, seems limited to the dividing it, or to mixing the various kinds of it, or changing its Form and Appearance by different Compositions of it, but does not extend to the making or creating of new Matter, or annihilating the old: Thus if Fire be an original Element or kind of Matter its Quantity is fix’d and permanent in the Universe. We cannot destroy any Part of it, or make addition to it. We can only separate it from that which confines it & so set it at Liberty, as when we put Wood in a Situation to be burnt; or transfer it from one Solid to another, as when we make Lime by burning Stone, a Part of the Fire dislodg’d from the Wood being left in the Stone.

May not this Fluid when at Liberty be capable of penetrating & entring into all Bodies organiz’d or not: quitting easily in totality those not organiz’d, and quitting easily in part those which are; the part assum’d and fix’d remaining till the Body is dissolv’d.—
Is it not this Fluid which keeps asunder the Particles of Air, permitting them to approach or separating them more in Proportion as its Quantity is diminish’d or augmented?
Is it not the greater Gravity of the Particles of Air, which forces the Particles of this Fluid to mount with the Matter to which it is attach’d as Smoke or Vapour?
Does it not seem to have a great Affinity with Water, since it will quit a Solid to unite with that Fluid, & go off with it in Vapour, leaving the Solid cold to the Touch, & the degree measurable by the Thermometer?—
The Vapour rises attach’d to this Fluid but at a certain height they separate, and the Vapour descends in Rain retaining but little of it, in Snow or Hail less. What becomes of that Fluid? Does it rise above our Atmosphere and mix with the universal Mass of the same kind?
Or does a Spherical Stratum of it, denser or less mix’d with Air, attracted by this Globe, & repell’d or push’d up only to a certain height from its Surface by the greater Weight of Air remain there, surrounding the Globe and proceeding with it round the Sun.
In such case, as there may be a Continuity or Communication of this Fluid thro’ the Air quite down to the Earth, is it not by the Vibrations given to it by the Sun that Light appears to us; and may it not be, that every one of the infinitely small Vibrations, striking common Matter with a certain Force, enters its Substance, is held there by Attraction, and augmented by succeeding Vibrations, till the Matter has receiv’d as much as their Force can drive into it?—
Is it not thus that the Surface of this Globe is continually heated by such repeated Vibrations in the Day, & cooled by the

Escape of the Heat when those Vibrations are discontinu’d in the Night, or intercepted & reflected by Clouds?
Is it not thus that Fire is amass’d in and makes the greatest Part of the Substance of combustible Bodies?
Perhaps when this Globe was first form’d and its original Particles took their Place at certain Distances from the Centre in proportion to their greater or less Gravity the Fluid Fire attracted towards that Center might in great Part be oblig’d as lightest to take place above the rest, and thus form the Sphere of Fire above suppos’d Which would afterwards be continually diminishing by the Substance it afforded to organiz’d Bodies, and the Quantity restor’d to it again by the Burning or other Separating of the Parts of those Bodies?
Is not the natural Heat of Animals thus produc’d, by separating in digestion the Parts of Food, and setting their Fire at Liberty?—
Is it not this Sphere of Fire which kindles the wandring Globes that sometimes pass thro’ it in our Course round the Sun, have their Surface kindled by it, and burst when their included Air is greatly rarified by the Heat on their burning Surfaces?—
May it not have been from such Considerations that the antient Philosophers suppos’d a Sphere of Fire to exist above the Air of our Atmosphere?


Title: Franklin’s Journal, [26 June 1784–27 July 1784]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[June 26–July 27, 1784]
⟨1784Passy June 26.

Mr. Waltersdorff called on me, and acquainted me with a Duel that had been fought yesterday Morg between a French

Officer, and a Swedish Gentleman of that Kings Suite, in which the latter was killed on the Spot, and the other dangerously wounded:— That the King does not resent it, as he thinks his Subject was in the Wrong.

He asked me if I had seen the King of Sweeden?— I had not yet had that Honor.— He said his Behavior here was not liked: that he took little Notice of his own Ambassador, who being acquainted with the Usages of this Court, was capable of advising him, but was not consulted. That he was always talking of himself, and vainly boasting of his Revolution, tho’ it was known to have been the Work of M. De Vergennes.— That they began to be tired of him here, and wish’d him gone: but he propos’d staying ’till the 12th. July.— That he had now laid aside his Project of invading Norway, as he found Denmark had made Preparations to receive him. That he pretended

the Danes, had designed to invade Sweden, tho’ it was a known Fact, that the Danes had made no Military Preparations, even for Defence, ’till Six Months after his began. I asked if it was clear that he had had an Intention to invade Norway? He said that the marching & disposition of his Troops and the Fortifications he had erected, indicated it very plainly. He added that Sweden was at present greatly distress’d for Provisions, that many People had died of Hunger!— That it was reported the King came here to borrow Money, and to offer to sell Gottenburgh to France; a Thing not very probable.
M. Dussaulx call’d, and said, it is reported there is an Alliance treating between the Emperor of Austria, Russia, & England; the Purpose not known; and that a Counter-Alliance is propopos’d between France, Prussia and Holland, in which it is suppos’d Spain will join. He added that Changes in the Ministry are talked of; that there are Cabals against M. De Vergennes, that M. De Calonne is to be Garde des Sceaux, with some other Rumours fabricated perhaps at the Palais Royal.
June 29. Mr. Hammond, Secy to Mr. Hartley, called to tell me that Mr. Hartley had not received any Orders by the last Courier, either to stay or return, which he had expected; and that he thought it occasioned by their Uncertainty what Terms of Commerce to propose, ’till the Report of the Committee of Council was laid before Parliment, and its Opinion known; and that he looked on the Delay of writing to him as a sign of their intending to do something.
He told me it was reported that the King of Sweden had granted the free Use of Gottenburg as a Port for France, which allarmed the neighbouring Powers. That in time of War, the Northern Coast of England might be much endanger’d by it.

June 30th. M. Dupont, Inspector of Commerce, came to talk with me about the free Port of L’Orient, and some Difficulties respecting it, I referr’d him to Mr. Barclay, an American Agent, and as he said he did not well understand English when spoken, and Mr. Barclay did not speak French, I offer’d my Grandson to accompany him as Interpreter, which he accepted.
I asked him whether the Spaniards from the Continent of America, did not trade to the french Sugar Islands? He said not. The only Commerce with the Spaniards was for Cattle between them and the French at St. Domingo. I had been told the Spaniards brought Flour to the French Islands from the Continent. He had not heard of it. If we can find that such a Trade is allow’d (perhaps from the Missisipi) have we not a Claim by Treaty to the same Privilege?

July 1st. The Nuncio called and acquainted me that the Pope had, on my Recommendation, appointed Mr. John Carrol, Superior of the Catholic Clergy in America, with many of the Powers of a Bishop; and that probably he would be made a Bishop in partibus before the End of the Year. He asked me which would be most convenient for him to come to France, or go to St. Domingo for Ordination by another Bishop, which was necessary.— I mentioned Quebec as more convenient than either. He asked whether, as that was an English Province, our Government might not take Offence at his going there? I thought not unless the Ordination by that Bishop, should give him some Authority over our Bishop: He said not in the least: that when a Bishop was once ordained, he would be independent of the others, and even of the Pope, which I did not clearly

understand. He said the Congregation de Propaganda Fidei had agreed to receive & maintain and instruct two young Americans in the Languages and Sciences at Rome: He had formerly told me that more would be educated gratis in France. He tells me they write from America that there are 20 Priests, but they are not sufficient; some new Settlements going on near the Missisipi having need of some.
The Nuncio said we should find that the Catholics were not so intollerant, as they had been represented; that the Inquisition in Rome had not now so much Power as that in Spain; and that in Spain it was used chiefly as a Prison of State for the Use of Government. That the Congregation would have undertaken the Education of more American Youths, and may hereafter, but that at present they are overburthen’d, having some from all Parts of the World: Spoke lightly of their new Convert, Thayers (of Boston) Conversion: That he had advised him not to go to America, but settle in France. That he wanted to go to convert his Countrymen; but he knew nothing yet of his new Religion himself. &ca.
Recd. a Letter from Mr. Bridgen of London, dated the 22 past, acquainting me that the Council of the Royal Society had voted me a Gold Medal, on Acct of my Letter in favor of Capt.

Cook.— Lord Howe had sent me his Journal 3. Vols. 4to with a large Volume of Engravings on the same Acct. and as he writes, “with the Kings Approbation.”
July 3. Mr. Smeathman comes & brings two English or Scotch Gentlemen: one a Chevalier of some Order, the other a Physician who had lived long in Russia. Much Conversation. Putrid Fevers common in Russia, and in Winter much more than in Summer: therefore suppos’d to be owing to their Hot Rooms. In⟩ a Gentleman’s House there are sometimes 100 Domestics; these have not Beds, but sleep 20 or 30 in a close Room warm’d by a Stove, lying on the Floor & on Benches. The Stoves are heated by Wood. As soon as it is burnt to Coals, the Chimney is stopt, to prevent the Escape of hot [Air?]—& Entry of cold Air.— So they breathe the same Air over & over again all night.— These Fevers he cur’d by wrapping the Patients in Linnen wet with Vinegar, and making them breathe the Vapour of Vinegar thrown on hot Bricks.— The Russians have the Art of distilling Spirits from Milk.— To prepare it for Distillation it must, when beginning to sour, be kept in continual Motion or Agitation for 12 Hours. It then becomes an uniform vinous Liquor, the Cream, Curd and aqueous Part or Whey, all intimately mixt. Excellent in this State for restoring emaciated Bodies.— This Operation on Milk discover’d long since by the Tartars, who in their rambling Life often carry Milk in Leather

Bags on their Horses, and the Motion produc’d the Effect. It may be try’d with us by attaching a large Cag of Milk to some part of one of our Mills.—
[July 4] [one to three lines missing] of seeing me.— M. Bougon in the Evening another.— Wrote [again?] [several words missing].
July 5.— Madame la Duchesse d’Enville did me the honour of a Visit, bringing a [Gen]tleman with her. Some Republican Conversation. Much pleas’d with the Americans for their Disapprobation of the Cincinati Project, which she thinks must have been that of some Frenchman. Thinks we should never admi of Noblesse.
July 6. Directed WTF. who goes to Court, to mention 3 Things at the Request of M. Barclay. The Main Levé of the arrested Goods. The Port of L’Orient, & the Consular Convention which he did. The Port is fix’d & the Convention preparing. Sent to Mr Barclay the Letter of Ms. de Castries on Capt. Jones’s Affair, & the Minutes of Congress relative to the Division of Prize Money, and desir’d his Opinion.— Hear that Gottenburgh is to be a Free Port for France where they may assemble Northern Stores, &c. Receiv’d a Letter from M. de Vernet, the Painter, by two Young Persons, who propose to m[arry and go?] to America, if I would assure him of some Place there. Discourag’d them.
Mr Hammond came and din’d with me. He acquaints m⟨e from Mr.⟩ Hartley, that no Instructions are yet come from England. Mr Hartley [word or words missing] lame.—

July 7. A very hot Day. Receiv’d a Visit from the Secretary ⟨of the⟩ King of Sueden M. Frank accompanied by the Secretary of the ⟨Embassy.⟩
July 8. Went to Mr Grand’s to talk with him concerning the C[onsul of?] Barbary he had mention’d to me; & show’d his former L[etter?]. He told me the Gentn. was to call upon him about Noon [word or words missing] to come with him to me. He knows nothing of the Ge[ntleman’s] Character. I told him what had been written to me fo[rmerly?] about him by M. Reyneval—
The King of Sweden’s Secretary, dines with me, ⟨in⟩ Company with Mad. Helvetius, Abbé de la Roche, M⟨. Caba⟩nis, and an American Captain Le Roy of Lorrain. ⟨The King of Sweden⟩ does not go to England.— The Consul did not come.
July 9 Receiv’d Mr Barclay’s Opinion relative to Capt. J[ones] [one to three lines missing]
⟨July⟩ 10. Mr Grand came to propose my dining with the Suedish Court at his House which is next door, and I consented. While he was with me the Consul came. We talk’d about the Barbary Powers; they are four, Morocco, Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli. He inform’d me that Salee, the principal Port belonging to the Emperor of Morocco, had formerly been famous for Corsairs. That this Prince had discourag’d them, & in 1768 publish’d an

Edict declaring himself in Peace with all the World, and forbid their cruising any more appointing him Consul for those Christian States who had none in his Country— That Denmark pays him 25,000 Piastres fortes yearly in Money; Sweden is engag’d to send an Ambassador every two Years with Presents: And the other Powers buy their Peace in the same Manner except Spain and the Italian States with whom they have constant War.— That he is Consul for Sardinia & Prussia, for whom he procur’d Treaties of Peace. That he propos’d a Peace for Russia; but that the Emperor having heard that Russia was going to War with his Brother the Grand Seignior he refused it. Mr. Audibert Caille (the Consul) thinks it shameful for Christendom to pay Tribute to such Canaille, and proposes two Ways of reducing the Barbarians to Peace with all Europe, & obliging them to quit their piratical Practices. They have need of many Articles from Europe, and of a Vent for their superfluous Commodities. If therefore all Europe would agree to refuse any Commerce with them but on condition of their quitting Piracy, and such an Agreement could be faithfully observ’d on our Part it would have its Effect upon them. But if any one Power would continue the Trade with them, it would defeat the whole. There was another Method he had projected, & communicated in a Memorial to the Court here by Mr Rayneval, which was, that France should undertake to suppress their Piracies and give Peace to all Europe, by means of its Influence with the Porte. For all the People of these States being oblig’d by their Religion to go at times in Caravans to Mecca, and to pass thro’ the Grand Seignior’s Dominions, who gives them Escorts of Troops thro’ the Desert, to prevent their being plundered & perhaps massacred by the Arabs, he could refuse them Passage & Protection but on Condition of their living Peaceably with the Europeans, &c.—

He spoke of Montgomery’s Transaction, and of Crocco, whom he understands was authoriz’d by the Court. The Barbarians he observ’d having no Commercial Ships at Sea had vastly the Advantage of the Europeans; for one could not make Reprisals on their Trade. And it has long been my Opinion, that if the European Nations who are powerful at Sea, were to make War upon us; it would be better for us to renounce Commerce in our own Bottoms, & convert them all into Cruisers.— Other Nations would furnish us with what we wanted, and take off our Produce.— He promis’d me a Note of the Commerce of Barbary. & we are to see each other again, as he is to stay here a Month—
Din’d at Mr Grand’s with the Swedish Gentlemen. They were Mr Rosenstein Secretary of the Ambassy, and [blank] with whom I had a good deal of Conversation relating to the Commerce possible between our two Countries. I found they had seen the Pretender at Rome: They spoke of his Situation as very hard; that France who had formerly allow’d him a Pension, had withdrawn it, and that he sometimes wanted Bread. The King talks of going on Thursday.—
Sunday, July 11. Mr Walterstorff call’d to enquire if we had receiv’d any News yet from America relating to our Treaty. Finding I had none, which he thought strange, he acquainted me that he would take a Trip to Holland on some private Affairs, and return by Spa, where he might stay a few Days: And he wish’d me to write for him at Spa that I had receiv’d Advices from America; that I need not write more, in case I receiv’d any; and he would return from thence immediately. He hears that the Agreement with Sueden respecting the Port of Gottenburg is

not likely to be concluded. That Su⟨eden⟩ wanted an Island in the West Indies, in exchange. I think ⟨She⟩ is better without it.
M. de Cornick who had been kind to our People at Morlaix, came with Mr de Chaumont, to see from my Windows the great Ballon of Abbé Miolan. It was unskilfully manag’d, The disappointed [five to six lines missing] and gave it him to carry.
—13. Messrs Mirabeau & Champfort came and read their Translation of Mr Burke’s Pamphlet against the Cincinnati which they have much enlarg’d, intending it as a Cover’d Satyr against Noblesse in general. It is well done. There are also Remarks on the last Letter of Gen Washington on that Subject.—

They say Gen. W. miss’d a beau Moment when he accepted that Order.— The same of the M. de F.—
It is said that M. d’Aguesseau being dead, there is much Movement at Court respecting his Places—
14.— Mr Hammond calls to acquaint me that Mr Hartley is still without any Instructions relating to the Treaty of Commerce; and supposes it occasion’d by their Attention to the India Bill.— I said to him, Your Court & this seem to be waiting for one another with respect to the American Trade with your Islands. You are both afraid of doing too much for us, and yet each wishes to do a little more than the other. You had better have accepted our generous Proposal at first, to put us both on the same Footing of free Intercourse that existed before

the War. You will make some narrow ⟨Regulations, and then France will go beyond you in Generosity. You never see your Follies ’till too late to mend them.— He said, Lord Sheffield was continually exasperating the house against America. He had lately been publishing an Account of Loyalists murder’d there, &ca— Probably invented.—⟩
Thursday, July 15. The Duke de Chartres’s Ballon went off this Morning from St. Cloud, himself & three others in the Gallery. It was foggy, & they were soon out of sight.— But the Machine being disorder’d, so that the Trap or Valve could not be opened to let out the expanding Air, & fearing that the Balloon would burst, they cut a Hole in it which ripp’d larger, and they fell rapidly, but receiv’d no Harm. They had been a vast height, met with a Cloud of Snow, & a Tornado which frighten’d them. Mr Arbuthnot dines with me.
Friday, 16. Receiv’d a Letter from 2 young Gentleman in London who are come from America for Orders, and complain that they have been delay’d there a Year, and that the Archbishop

will not permit them to be ordain’d unless they will take the Oath of Allegiance & desiring to know if they may be ordain’d here. Enquir’d and learnt that if ordain’d here they must vow Obedience to the Archbishop of Paris.— Directed my Grand-Son to ask the Nuncio if their Bishop in America might not be instructed to do it liberally.
Saturday. 17. The Nuncio says the Thing is impossible unless the Gentlemen become Roman Catholicks.— Wrote them an Answer.—
Sunday 18. A good Abbé brings me a large Manuscript contain[ing] a Scheme of Reformation of all Churches & States, Religion, Commerce, Laws, &c. which he has plann’d in his Closet, without much Knowledge of the World. I have promis’d to look it over, and he is to call next Thursday— It is amazing the Number of Legislators that kindly bring me new Plans for governing the United States.—
Monday July 19. The Americans at Dinner with Mr White and Mr Arbuthnot from England.— The latter was an Officer at Gibraltar during the late Siege. He says the Spaniards might have taken it.— And that it is now a Place of no Value to England. That its suppos’d Use as a Port for a Fleet to prevent the Junction of the Brest & Toulon Squadrons is chimerical. That while the Spaniards are in Possession of Algazires [Algeciras], they can with their Gun-Boats, in the use of which they are grown very expert, make it impossible for any Fleet to lie there.— Hear that a Packet is arriv’d, and hope for Letters.—
Tuesday 20.— My Grandson goes to Court. No News there, except that the Spanish Fleet against Algiers is sailed. Receive only one American Letter by the Packet, which is from

the College of Rhodeisland, desiring me to solicit Benefactions of the King, which I cannot do for reasons which I shall give them.— It is inconceivable why I have no Letters from Congress. The Treaties with Denmark, Portugal, &c all neglected!— Mr Hartley makes the same Complaint. He is still without Orders. Mr Hammond call’d and din’d with me; says Mr Pitt begins to lose his Popularity: His new Taxes & Project about the Navy Bills give great Discontent. He has been burnt in Effigy at York. His East-India Bill not likely to go down; and it is thought he cannot stand long. Mr Hammond is a Friend of Mr Fox;—whose Friends that have lost their Places, are called Fox’s Martyrs.
Wednesday July 21. Count de Haga, sends his Card to take Leave.— Mr Grand tells me he has bought here my Bust with that of Mr D’Alembert or Diderot to take with him to Sueden. He set out last Night.—
Thursday 22.— Comtesse de Forbach & Mad. Helvetius & Comtesse d’Andelot [d’Andlau] dine with me & M. Keralio.
Lord Fitzmaurice, Son of Lord Shelburne arrives, brought me Sundry Letters & Papers—
He thinks Mr Pitt in danger of losing his Majority in the House of Commons, tho’ great at present; for he will not have wherewithal to pay them.— I said that Governing by a Parliament which must be bribed, was employing a very expensive Machine and that the People of England would in time find out, tho’ they had not yet, that since the Parliament must always do the Will of the Minister, and be paid for doing it, and the People must find the Money to pay them, it would be the same thing in Effect, but much cheaper, to be govern’d by the Minister at first hand, without a Parliament. Those present seem’d to think

the Reasoning clear.— Lord Fitz M. appears a sensible amiable young Man.—
Friday 23.
Saturday 24. Breakfast with Mad. B.
Sunday 25. Dine with Mad. Roger at Mad. Saurin’s.—
Monday 26. Mr Walterstorff being return’d call’d to see me. He is impatient that we have yet no News from Congress respecting the Treaty. He confirms what I had heard that France had ceded St. Bartholomew to Sweden. I acquain[ted] him with the Advice I had receiv’d that Mr Jefferson was on his way hither to join Mr Adams and me, and that by him I expected to have our Instructions respecting the Treaty. Wrote a Letter to Count Mercy the Emperor’s Ambassador communicating a former Instruction of Congress, respecting a Treaty with his Impl Majesty, which ha[d] for various Reasons been delay’d, one the not receiving the C[ongress?] [one line missing].
Tuesday, 27. Lord Fitzmaurice call’d to see me. His Father having requested that I would give him such instructive Hints as might be useful to him, I occasionally mention’d the old Story of Demosthenes’ Answer to one who demanded what was the first Point of Oratory?— Action. The second? Action. The third? Action. which I said had been generally understood to mean the Action of an Orator with his Hands &c. in Speaking: But that I thought another kind of Action of more Importance to an Orator, who would persuade People to follow his Advice, viz. such a Course of Action in the Conduct of Life as would impress them with an Opinion of his Integrity as well as of his Understanding. That this Opinion once establish’d, all the Difficulties, Delays & Oppositions, usually occasion’d by Doubts and Suspicions, were prevented; and such a Man tho’ a very imperfect Speaker, would almost always carry his Points against the most flourishing Orator, who had not the Character of Sincerity. To express my Sense of the Importance of a good private Character in public Affairs more strongly, I said the Advantage of having it, & the disadvantage of not having it were so great,

that I even believ’d if George III had had a bad private Character, and John Wilkes a good one, the latter might have turn’d the former out of his Kingdom.— Lord S. the Father of Lord Fitzmaurice has unfortunately the Character of being insincere, and it has hurt much his Usefulness, tho’ in all my Concerns with him I never saw any Instance of that kind.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 27 June 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, June 27. 1784.

Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free Ports recommended to us, has been sometime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.—
I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the President is the only one I have receiv’d since that of Jan. 14. which accompanied the Ratification.—
With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

B. Franklin
His Excellency John Adams, Esqr

Endorsed: Dr Franklin 27 June


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, 28 June 1784
From: Lafayette, Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

paris ce 28 Juin 1784

Mr De La fayette, monsieur, m’ecrit de Lorient ou Les vents Le retenoient mardy dernier, et ou il [sera?] encore retenu selon toute apparence. Il me mande qu’il a trouvé a Lorient, des arrivans damerique qui Lui ont annoncé des paquets de Lettres, qui devoient etre arrivés a paris, par la poste Dimanche 20. Je n’ai point entendu parler de ces Lettres je ne puis comprendre ce qu’elles sont devenues, elles peuvent etre interessantes pour mr De La fayette, et il desiroit vivement que Les vents ne devinssent bons, qu’aprés qu’il Les auroit recues. Mandés moy, je vous conjure monsieur si vous en saves quelque chose, ou si vous avés connoissance de quelque americain arrivé depuis une quinzaine de jours qui put Les avoir, ou me faire decouvrir ou elles sont. Mr Barclay que je viens de voir, ne ma pu donner aucune Lumiere sur cet objet. J’ai recours a votre bonté, qui mest connue, et cest avec une grande confiance. Repondes moy je vous prie tout de suite, ou monsieur votre petit fils, mais s’il est possible faites moy trouver un moyen de trouver Les Lettres de mr De La fayette ou de scavoir si elles Lui ont ete envoyées.
Pardonnés, monsieur, mon importunite avec votre indulgence ordinaire et agrées Lassurance et lhommage des sentimens avec

Lesquels j’ai Lhonneur d’être votre trés humble et très obeissante servante

noailles De la fayette

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de / Lamerique / A Passy
Notation: Mde. De La Fayette 28 Juin 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire de Gimel, [28 June 1784]
From: Le Maire de Gimel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Vôtre Excellence.
[June 28, 1784]

Je sens combien je Vous fatigue par mes demandes réitérées, mais comme dans tous les tems Vous avez eu des bontés pour moi, j’espere que Vous Voudrez bien encore m’apostiller ce memoire, l’etourderie du copiste m’ayant rendu inutile celui que Vous eutes la bonté de m’apostiller le 30 Maÿ dernier. Le ministre nattend plus qu’après cela pour prononcer sur ce qui fait l’objet de mès desirs. Jattend de Vous cette grace Voulant repasser de suite En amérique. Jaurois eu L’honneur d’aller, moi

même Vous rendre mes devoirs sans une incommodité qui m’en empéche.
Je suis avec un profond Respect. Votre Excellence Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur./.

Col. Le Maire

Notation: Le Maire


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Frecon, 29 June 1784
From: Frecon, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lyon le 29e. Juin 1784.

Pardonnez la Liberté que je prends de vous écrire; Auteur d’un traitté des changes de toutes le places qui négocient ou peuvent négocier avec la france, il manque á mon ouvrage de faire Connoitre au public la maniere dont la france pourrait changer avec les principales Villes des Etats unis de L’Amérique.
Cette république, Monsieur, doit aux éfforts de votre Génie sa Liberté et Ses Loix. C’est par vous quelle doit entrer bientot avec avantage dans la Balance Générale du Commerce; vous avez enrichi notre Siécle d’une foule de Découverte qui exciteront L’admiration et la reconnoissance de la postérite; daignez ajouter á tant de bienfaits celui de me communiquer les instructions necessaires pour rendre mon ouvrage plus utile au public en Général et particulierement á la france et a ses nouveaux alliés.
J’ose donc vous demander,
1°. le nom, la description, le poids, mis en rapport avec celui de marc de france, le titre exprimé en fraction Générale, et la valeur, de chacune des Monnoyes réelles qui sont en usage dans les principaux endroits de L’amérique.

2°. le nom, et la Division des monnoyes fictives ou réelles dont on se sert pour tenir les comptes des Négocians, Marchands et autres, de quelle maniere on les y employe et si cette maniere est générale.
3°. s’il y a eu des changes ouverts et établis avec londres, ou quelques autres places, et de quelle maniere on les traittoit.
4°. quels sont les usages Généraux et particuliers, soit dans les achats, et ventes de Marchandises, en gros et en details en égard aux monnoyes soit fictives, soit réelles; et dans les prets d’argent &ca., savoir quels sont les termes accordés pour le crédit, si pour titre de Créance on fait des promesses, Billets, Lettres de changes á ordre, ou non, et si aprés les Echéances fixées, il y a encore des Jours de Grace.
Voila sans doute Beaucoup de choses, mais vous Jugez Monsieur, que pour être exact il faut être instruit; car je préférerois Laisser cet objet a traitter plutot que d’induire en erreur le public. Mon ouvrage s’achevoit au moment ou j’ai Songé á cet article éssentiel; c’est pourquoi je me uis enhardy a vous demander cette Grace à Laquelle je vous prie d’ajouter celle de me faire L’honneur d’accepter un ou deux exemplaires de mon Traitté, ainsi que de me permettre de me dire avec un profond Respect. Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

Felix FreconMathématicien place des Terreaux à Lyon

Notation: Felix Frecon 29 Juin 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [François de Fontanges], 30 June 1784
From: Fontanges, François de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A nancy Le 30 juin 1784.

Le Vicomte de fontanges mon frere, Monsieur L’ambassadeur, Vient de m’ecrire touts Ses regrets de n’avoir pas été Compris

dans La liste des officiers français auquels Le Congrés a accorde L’ordre de Cincinnatus. Comme il est a St domingue il n’a pas pu Vous exposer Les titres quil avoit pour demender Cette faveur. Permettes moi de Vous Les detailler en peu de mots. Il a été major general de Larmée de mr Le Comte D’estaing dans Lexpedition De savannah. Ce general Voudra Bien Vous dire quil a Servi pendant Cette Campagne avec quelque Distinction. A la fin du siege il a été Blessé tres grievement, de maniere a S’en ressentir toute sa vie. Il a Le Brevet de Colonel depuis pres de cinq ans et il est a present Colonel titulaire du regiment du Cap a St domingue. Je pense, Monsieur Lambassadeur, que Vous trouverez qu’il reunit toutes les Conditions que Vous avez demandé dans Les officiers français que Vous avez honnoré de [illegible] americaine; et j’espere, de Vos Bontés, que Vous Voudrez Bien procurer a mon frere un honneur quil ne Croira pas avoir trop payé dune partie de son sang.
J’ay lhonneur detre avec des Sentiments respectueux Monsieur L’ambassadeur de Votre excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

† FR. [W.?] DE NANCY


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Chadirac, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 1 July 1784
From: Chadirac, Pierre-Victor-Laurent, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 1er Juillet 1784.

Attaché au Service de France, j’ay eu L’avantage de Consacrer mes jours à la défense des côtes de votre pays dans cette derniere guerre; je me suis trouvé à tous les Combats qu’essuia L’hermione Commandée par M Delatouche, entr’autres à celui qu’elle Soutint contre l’Iris, où j’eus Le malheur de perdre le bras droit. Arrivé à Paris depuis peu, je n’ai rien de plus a cœur que d’avoir des preuves de mes Services; et je suis on ne peut pas plus jaloux d’obtenir La croix de Cincinatus: Si cette recompense militaire depend de vous, vôtre justice me la fait esperer, Sinon, veuilléz avoir La bonté, Monsieur de m’informer, dans vôtre reponse, a qui il faut S’adresser pour cet objet.
J’ay L’honneur d’être avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

DE CHADIRACEnseigne de vaissx à l’hôtel de gastonrue traversiere St honoré
M. Franklin

Endorsed: Answer. That the Order of Cincinnatus is established only by private Agreement among the Officers, and not by Authority of the American Government. That I have therefore no Concern in it whatsoever. That M. de la Fayette acted for that

Society when here, but he is gone & and I have not heard that there is any other left in his Place.— With Complimts. &c
Notation: Chadirac 1er. Juillet 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Conte Saluzzo di Monesiglio, 1 July 1784
From: Saluzzo di Monesiglio, Conte Giuseppe Angelo
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Turin le 1er. juillet 1784

L’abbé Perno Piémontois ayant réüssi à appliquer un clavier à l’harmonique de manière à pouvoir jouer des airs comme l’on feroit avec le clavecin, je m’empresse d’en faire part à vôtre Excellence et de vous prier de nous apprendre si on n’a pas encore exécuté un pareil méchanisme à Paris, à Londres ou ailleurs, car la chose étant neuve, je me ferois un véritable plaisir de vous en faire passer la description et le dessein dont l’auteur seroit très charmé de vous faire hommage.

Je profite De cette même occasion pour vous annoncer la determination qu’a prise L’Académie de mettre bientôt sous presse le premier volume de ses nouveaux mémoires, espérant que vous voudrés y contribuer par quelqu’un de vos ouvrages, et en vous priant d’agréer les assurances des sentimens de ma plus sincère vénération pour la supériorité de vos lumières; j’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus parfait respect De vôtre Excellence Monsieur Vôtre trés humble Et très obéïssant Serviteur et Confrere

LE Cte. De Saluces


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 2 July 1784
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston July. 2d. 1784

Governor Jefferson who sails for Europe by this Conveyance will be able to afford you every necessary Intelligence relative to the State of our affairs in America, it will therefore be needless for me to say any thing upon that Subject.—
I beg leave to Introduce The Honble Nathll. Tracy to your Acquaintance, a Gentleman of good Sense & who has for some time past been largely concerned in Trade & carried it on with great Reputation; He was a member of the Senate the last year, but at the close of it was oblidged to obtain leave to retire from that Bussiness, as his affairs required him to Prepare for a Voyage to Europe, you will find him a very Agreable Gentleman, I reccommend him your friendly notice, any civility you may shew him shall be gratefully Acknowledged. I wish you much Health and Happiness & that your negotiations may Issue to your own satisfaction & contribute to the lasting welfare & happiness of your Constituents.
I remain with great Respect Your most humble Servant

Thomas Cushing
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Frecon, 3 July 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Frecon, Félix

Sir,
Passy, July 3. 1784.

The following is the best Answer I can give to your Letter of the 29th. past.
I am, Sir, your humble Servant.

B. Franklin

The real Money us’d in the United States is French, Spanish, Portuguese and English Coins, Gold & Silver. The most common is Spanish mill’d Dollars, worth 5 Livres 5 Sols tournois.
The nominal Money is generally Paper, reckoned in Pounds, Shillings & Pence, of different Value in the different States when compared with real Money, and that value often changing, so that nothing certain can be said of it. But every where the Accounts are kept in the nominal Pounds, Shillings & Pence, the Pound containing twenty Shillings & the Shillings twelve Pence, whatever may be the real Value.
Bills of Exchange are frequently drawn on Europe, the rate of Exchange differing in different States, & fluctuating in the same State, occasioned by the greater or less Plenty of Bills or of Demand for them. They are commonly drawn at 30 Days Sight.
The Usages in Buying & Selling Merchandizes, are much the same [as] in Europe, except that in Virginia the Planter carries his Tobacco to Magazines, where it is inspected by officers, who ascertain its Quality and give Receipts expressing the Quantity. The Merchants receive these Receipts in Payment for Goods, and afterwards draw the Tobacco out of the Magazines for Exportation.
Weights and Measures are uniform in all the States, following the Standard of Great Britain.

Money is lent either upon Bond, or on Mortgage, payable in a Year with Interest. The Interest differs in the different States from 5 to 7 per Ct.
Goods are generally imported on 18 Months Credit from Europe, sold in the Country at 12 Months Credit.
Billets or Promisory Notes payable to the Creditor or Order are in use and demandable, when due, as well as accepted Bills of Exchange; without any Days of Grace but by particular Favour.—

M. Felix Frecon.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 3 July 1784
From: Le Couteulx & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris July 3 de 1784.

In Answer to the Letter you favoured us with yesterday, we will say, that the Ship arrived at Nantes from Virginia with Tobacco is sent to our order by Mr. Morris as Part of Funds which he was to have made to us for Amount of 300,000 l.t. which we have paid a Month Ago for Acct. of the United States, having remain’d with Pleasure in Advance to testify our Zeal for the American Government. As to giving the farmers, the Preference for the Purchase of that Tobacco, that Step has been already done by us, thro’ our Friend M. Le Normand Receiver of Finances, and we have been offered only 45 l.t. we, then

thought proper to advise them of the Prices at L’orient of 50 l.t. & at Dunkerque of 60 to 70 l.t. but they did not chuse to pay more than 47 l.t. & in Consequence thereof we sold it immediately to the House of Berard at L’Orient at the Price of 50 l.t. with an Intent, We believe of sending it out of the Kingdom. We suppose that Part of the Cargo is already sold again by Sd. Gentleman, however, if you desire it, & the Farmers should be willing to treat at a regular Price, We shall engage Mr. Berard to prefer them for whatever is still existing.
We remain with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedt. hble. Servts.

(signed) Le Couteulx & Co.

P.S.. You know without doubt that the Crop has been very scarce in America & that the Price of Tobacco has increased very much.—

M. Benjn. Franklin. Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Noël-Jacques] Pissot, 3 July 1784
From: Pissot, Noël-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris Le 3 Juillet 1784.

Vous ne devez point douter que s’il me fut resté un exe. du voyage de Cook je me Serois fait un devoir de vous echanger le volume que vous avez reçu double. Je vous envoy, Selon vos desirs, le nom des personnes de connoissance à qui j’en ai vendu. J’ose me flater que l’un de ces Messieurs se feront un vrai plaisir

de vous prêter le vol. dont vous avez besoin en attendant que Mr. Nicoll vous l’ait échangé.
Mr. Le Duc De Chaulnes, rue de Bondi.
Mr. Suard, de l’acad. françoise, rue Louis-Le Grand.
Mr. Panchaud, Banquier, rue st honoré proche st. Roch.
Mr. Panckoucke, Libraire, rue des Poitevins.
Je ne connois point les autres personnes qui m’en ont acheté.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec respect Monsieur, Vôtre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

Pissot

Notation: Pissot 3 Juillet 1784


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 4 July 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, July 4. 1784

I have received the Letter your Excelly. did me the Honour of writing to me the 29th past.
The Annunciation directed by the Instruction you mention has not yet been made; some Circumstances and Considerations, not necessary to particularize at present, occasioned the Delay here; but it may now be done immediately by your Excellency, if you think proper, to the Imperial Minister at the Hague; or I will do it to Count Mercy, by presenting him a Copy of the Instruction itself.—
I hope the Report that Mr Jay is appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs will prove true.— Such an Officer has long been wanted, and he will make a good one. It is said here that Mr Jefferson was talk’d of to succeed me, of which I shall be glad on all Accounts; but I have no Letter, nor the least Hint from any one of the Congress relating to these Matters. I wrote to you a few Days since, and sent you Copy of the last Dispatch, and the only one I have received since January.— Mr Hartley who has been here more than two Months, is in a similar Situation.

He has expected Instructions by every late Courier to treat with us on commercial Points; but they do not arrive. He thinks the Delay occasion’d by the Report of the Committee of Council on the Subject not having been ready to lay before Parliament. The Moment he is ready to treat, I shall acquaint your Excellency with it; for I make no doubt of its being “the Design and Expectation of Congress that we should join” in that Transaction.
Montgomery of Alicant appears to have acted very imprudently in writing to Morocco without the least Authority from Congress or any of their Ministers.— It might be well however to treat with that Prince if we were provided with the proper & necessary Presents; in which Case this Court would assist our Negociations, agreable to their Treaty with Congress.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

B. Franklin
His Excellency John Adams Esqr

Endorsed: Dr Franklin 4. July. 1784. ansd. 19. July


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 4 July 1784
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Brother
Boston July 4. 1784

I often Recolect the Advice you wonce Gave won of my Sons to do the right thing with Spirit & not to Spend time in makeing Excuses for not Doing it & I ought to have profited by it, but I have So long Delayed writing to you that I am hardly capeble of makeing any Excuse at all, & now have no time to Atempt it. I have Removed From Cambridge with my Son-in-Law Collas & his wife & Live in your House at the North-End

& Mr Collas being Absent Sildom See any won to Inform us How the world goes, am now at Cousen Williams where I am Informed a Ship is to Sail this Day with a Gentileman in it who goes Directly to you, I can’t Remember Ither His Name or office by which you will see what a confused State my mind is in for I Just Heard it below, I am often Afflected with grat Dizenes & Expect or fear if I live much Longer to be in such Circumstances as Dean Swift was, If it Pleases God to hear my Prayer Death will be much Preferable, but who am I to Prescribe to the Allmighty the Anguish of mind I have undergone on your acount Since I heard of the Greveous malady you are Exercised with has made me consider which of the two cases I Should Prefer & I think yours bad as it is, dont think by this that I dont feal all for you that the Intimate knolige of Such cases, all the Tendernes & Affection that is Due to won who has been as a Father, Husband, & all ways the best of Brothers deserves, but your Retaining your Intlectual Faculties & such Fortitude to bare up under it must be Preferable to a Senslis Stupidetie.
But O that After you have Spent your whol Life in the service of the Publick & have Atained So Glorious A conclution as I thought as would now Premit you to come home & Spend (as you Used to say) the Evening with you Friends in Ease & Quiete, that now Such a dreadfull maledy should Atact you; my Hart is Reddy to burst with Greaf at the thought.—
How many Hours have I Laid awake on nights thinking what Excruciating Pains you might then be Incountering while I a Poor Useles, & wrothles worm, was Premitted to be at Ease; oh that it was In my Power to mitigate or Aleviate the Anguish I know you must Endure—
I have been Flattered all the Spring & Sumer that you were

coming home, I know your wisdom will Direct to Emprove all circumstances that will be most comodeious for the desiered End but I fear if you take Ship for Philadelphia I Shall never See you, traveling will be so Incomodous to you that when you are got home you will not Prevail with your Self to See New-England but If you come hear first you can go mostly if not Altogather by water as you know & it may not Be so trying to you. God grant I may See you again hear but if not that we may Spend an happy Eternity togather In His Presence.
Mr Williams has tould me he has Informed you Perticularly about my Affairs but I did not think that would Jestifie me in not writing my Self but I have now nither Leters nor Papers nor time to say any thing more than that I am your most obliged & affectionat Sister

Jane Mecom

If wind or wither should detain the Ship I will writ again at Present Pray forgive the very bad Spelling & Every other defect & dont let it mortifie you that such a Scraw came from your Sister.
Mr williams says My Love to the Docter mine to your Grand son.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / In / Passy / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Etienne d’Audibert Caille, 6 July 1784
From: Caille, Etienne d’Audibert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 6. juillet 1784.

J’eus l’honneur de vous écrire en 1778. Pour vous informer que L’Empéreur de Maroc, m’ayant nommé Consul de Paix pour les Puissances Maritimes Chrétiénnes qui n’avoïent point de Répresentant dans Ses Etats & Médiateur entre lui & celles de ces Puissances qui voudroïent avoir la paix avec S. M. Maroccaine, j’offrois en cette qualité mes Services aux Etats Unis de L’Amérique Septentrionale. Je vous adressai ensuite, Monsieur, une Dépêche pour le Congrés par laquelle je lui rendois compte de mes bons offices auprés L’Empéreur de Maroc pour que Ses Corsaires n’eussent causé aucun tort aux navires Sous pavillon des Etats Unis. En 1780., par voye de Mr. Jay que j’eus l’honneur de connoitre à Madrid, je rendis nouvellément compte au Congrés de ce qui pouvoit l’intéresser à Maroc; par celle de Mr. Carmichaer de Madrid & de Mr. Harrisson de Cadiz, j’eus encore le même Soin jusques à ce qu’il me parût dévoir m’en dispenser. Me trouvant icy de passage, je Sérois

infiniment flaté Si vous voulés bien, Monsieur, me permêttre de vous aller présenter mes dévoirs le jour & l’heure qu’il vous plairra m’indiquer.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la considération la plus distinguée, Monsieur Vôtre trés humble & trés obeissant Serviteur

D’audibert CailleConsul de Paix & Consul Général de Prusse &de Sardaigne auprés L’Empéreur de MarocHôtel d’Artois, ruë Richelieu—

Notation: D’audibert Caille 6. Juillet 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Colson, 6 July 1784
From: Colson, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Paris, ce mardi 6 Juillet 1784

JE suis chargé par la Maison Philantropique, de vous rappeller que c’est Vendredi prochain le jour de son Assemblée, à

5 heures & demie précises, Hôtel du Musée, rue Dauphine. On y fera lecture de ce qui a été arrêté sur les Réglemens: vous voudrez bien vous souvenir qu’on paye, á cette époque, la Cotisation du sémestre de Juillet.
Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur,

Colsonagent de la Société.

Le scrutin se fera Pour M.M. Le Mis. de Chabrillant, Lieutenant Gal. des armées, Commandt. des Carabiniers
hérault de séchelles, ier. avocat du Roi au Chatelet
et Mony, Notaire sécretaire du Roi.

Admission de la dernière Assemblée.
MM.
D’aguesseau de fresne
D’harvelay

Le Baron de staal
De Biré
De st. Mart
et Pia

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiare des / Etats Unis de l’amérique / a Passy / Colson
Notation: Colson 6 Juillet 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Joseph Vernet, 6 July 1784
From: Vernet, Claude-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris mardy 6e. juillet 1784

Vous allez voir qu’on me croit un grand saint auprés de vous, puisque des amis de versailles m’onts prié de vous Recommander

Mr. Fossard premier huissier audiancier a La Prevôté de L’hôtel, qui desireroit passer en Amerique; luy meme vous expliqueroit ses intentions, et ses desirs; cela occationneroit un mariage entres Luy et Madlle. de Montauville; L’un et L’autre auront L’honneur de se presenter a vous si vous voullez bien Les Recevoir; je vous sçauray un gré infiny, Monsieur, si vous avéz La bonté de Les bien acceuïllir, Les honorer de vôtre Protection et de vos conseils.
Je voudrois bien avoir des occations ou je pût vous faire connôitre La veneration et Le Tres Respectueux attachement avec Lequel je suis. Monsieur Votre Tres humble et Tres obeïssant serviteur

VernetPeintre du Roy aux galleries du Louvre

Notation: Vernet 6 Juillet 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bertrand Du Fresne, 8 July 1784
From: Fresne, Bertrand Du
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 8 Juillet 1784.

M le Maréchal de Castries me charge d’avoir l’honneur de rappeler à Monsieur Franklin le projèt de répartition des Prises faites par le Commodore Paul Jones, qu’il lui a communiqué par sa lettre du 20 du mois dernier.
On lui montre tous les Jours beaucoup d’empressement sur cette affaire, et il desireroit que Monsieur Franklin eut la bonté de répondre à ce qu’il lui a demandé.

J’ai l’honneur de présenter à monsieur franklin l’hommage de mon respect.

Du FresneIntendant gal. des fonds de la marine
Prises.
Mr. Franklin Ministre des Etats Unis de l’Amerique.

Notation: Du Fresne 8 Juillet 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 9 July 1784
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Madrid 9th. July 1784

I arrived here the 26th of June, my first business was to present myself at Aranjuez where the Court then resided. I had in some measure engaged before my departure from Spain to return before the Royal Family left that residence. So far I have fulfilled my engagements— On this Acct I set off from Paris more abruptly than I wished to do— I do not know as yet whether I may not have given more Offence to my personal friends there by the precipitation with which I left them than I have given satisfaction to my political ones here by the desire which I have manifested to return agreable to my promise— I have however the consolation to find that I have been recived individually in a manner that is highly flattering to me— I have delayed writing to your Excy. because I expected to have an Answer to send you to the Letter which you wrote to the Ct de Campomanes by me. I have the honor to inform you that you are chosen a member of the Royal Academy of history here & that I shall have that of inclosing you the Diploma & the Answer of the Ct de Campomanes to your Exy’s. Letter by the next Post. The Little works you gave me will soon appear in a spanish Dress— If they lose by the change of costume I can assure you that it will not be the fault of the Translator who wishes to preserve

the true sense spirit & simplicity of the Original— I have taken the Liberty to draw upon your Excy. in favor of Messrs. Etienne Drouilhet & Company for 4000 Livres Tournois at 15 days after date for my Salary since the first of April. It will be impossible for Me to submit longer to the Inconvenience of remaining ten months without receiving my appointments. I draw also in favor of Mr Jonathan Williams for two thousand Livres; I have spent on this mission more than nine hundred pounds Sterling of my own property which I destined for other purposes & unless I can receive regularly my Salary in future I shall be reduced to the necessity, (as I have been) to be Injust to Others & Myself, which I am determined not to be a year longer, if I am obliged even to retire beyond the Allegany Mountains, After having sold my little property in Maryland to pay Debts contracted entirely since I have engaged in the carreer in which I find myself at present—
I have no idea that your Excy will be permitted to return to America, on the Contrary, I think you can never finish your life so gloriously or so usefully as in spending the rest of it in establishing our Other European Connections on the Same footing that you have already arranged them with the Nations with which you have treated— You Owe this to the confidence reposed in you by your Country, to its Interests, to yourself & to those whom I love in proportion to the love & respect which I entertain for your Excy—
In a few days, as I hope to have more Leisure, I shall have the honor of writing you more explicitly— You seem to be a prophet on more than one occasion, for I shall have an immediate opportunity of suggesting the Idea that you gave me with respect to China— In the meantime I beg your Excellency to mention me in the proper Manner to your grandson & to all those who do me the honor to remember me & to beleive me with the highest respect and the most sincere Affection Your Excy’s. Obliged & Most humble Sert

Wm. Carmichael


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mason Locke Weems and Edward Gantt, Jr., 9 July 1784
From: Weems, Mason Locke,Gantt, Edward Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

No 170 Strand. July 9th. 1784

Not having the honour to be known to Your Excellency we should preface this with an Apology, but as it relates to a Subject of public & Important Concern, we hope your Excellency will excuse form & Ceremony.
We are Natives of America & Students of Divinity, having no form of Episcopal Ordination in our own Country we Came to England more than a twelvemonth ago for Orders and have been all that time Soliciting the Arch Bishop but in vain. His Grace will not ordain us unless we will consent to take the Oath of Allegiance. Mr Chase a Friend of ours advised us to

write to your Excellency and acquaint you with the Deplorable Condition of our Church. Waving all Pathetic Description, permit us to assure Your Excellency that of Sixty Churches in our State (Maryland) there are upwards of thirty vacant.—
Romish Orders are Good.— We shall take it as a great favour done to ourselves & State if your Excellency will inform us as soon as possible whether we can take Orders in France.
Be pleased to Let us know very particularly what Oaths we must take and What Tenets we must subscribe. If the Arch Bishop of Paris will ordain Us we will come over most Chearfully. Your Excellency will add to the Obligation by giving us a Speedy Reply. Mr Adams has invited us to go over to Denmark, but the Orders from Denmark are not so Good as we wish them to be—

We have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt humble—Servts.

Mason WeemsEdward GantNo 170 Strand

Notation: Edd. Gant July 9. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-René Hilliard d’Auberteuil, [c. 11 July 1784]
From: Hilliard d’Auberteuil, Michel-René
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[c. July 11, 1784]

J’envoye a votre excellence un petit ouvrage auquel je n’attache aucune pretention, mais qui peut être trouvera grace à vos yeux parcequ’il vous rapellera des lieux ou l’on ne prononce votre nom qu’avec reconnaissance et ou vous avez commencé d’acquerir une gloire immortelle.
Je saisis avec beaucoup de plaisir cette occasion de vous reiterer l’assurance de mon attachement et de mon respect

hilliard D’auberteuil

comme j’ai cedé le manuscrit à un libraire forain vous trouverez beaucoup de fautes d’impression mais il vous sera facile d’y supleer.

Notation: Hilliard D’auberteuil


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 12 July 1784
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newington Green July 12th: 1784

I request your acceptance of the pamphlet which accompanies this letter. It is intended entirely for America, and you are one of the first persons to whom it has been communicated. Most of the few copies which I have printed will be convey’d to America; and I hope the united States will forgive my presumption in Supposing myself qualified to advise them. Indeed I almost feel myself ashamed of what I have done but the consciousness wch I have that it is well-intended, and that my address to them is the effusion of a heart that wishes to Serve the best interests of Society, helps to reconcile me to myself in this instance, and it will, I hope, engage the candour of others.
The letter from M. Turgot which you will receive with this Stands at present in the Press, and will Stand there till I Shall be made acquainted with your opinion concerning the propriety of making it public by conveying it to the united States with my own Pamphlet. The reason of my doubts about this

is the charge of Secrecy with which it concludes, and which you will find written in the margin. In compliance with this charge I have hitherto kept this letter private; but lately I have consider’d that probably it was only Some apprehension of personal inconvenience that led him to give this charge, and that consequently the obligation to comply with it ceased with his life. Dreading, however, every thing that might be reckon’d a breach of confidence, my Scruples are continually returning upon me; and I feel them the more, when I think that possibly he may have left a family which may Suffer in France when it appears there that he was so much a friend to liberty as this letter will Shew him to be. In this State of mind I cannot make myself easy in any other way than by determining to request the favour of your judgment and to abide by it. Should you think that no ill consequences can result from publishing this letter to any family that M. Turgot may have left, and that his death has free’d me from any obligation to keep it Secret, I will order it to be printed off and Send it to America with my pamphlet. Should you think the contrary, it Shall be Suppress’d and I Shall depend on your being so good as to destroy the copy now Sent you. You will add much to the obligation I am under to you for all your friendship by giving me a few lines on this Subject as soon as may be convenient to you. Should you think it improper to write by the post, a letter or any parcel you may wish to convey to London, may be Sent by Miss Wilkes who is on a visit

with the Dutchess de la Valliere at Paris and will return the 2d: of August.
I writ to you by the Post about three months ago, and hope you received my letter. I have heard lately with pleasure that you are pretty well. May your health and life and usefulness be continued as long as the course of nature will admit. Are we never to have the Satisfaction of Seeing you again in London? I have lately been at Birmingham to visit Dr Priestley. He is very happy there and going on Successfully with his experimts:.
Mrs Price desires to be respectfully remember’d to you. She is in a very weak and low State, but not worse than She has been for Some time. We are thinking of Spending the next month at Brighthelmston. Wishing you every blessing I am, my Dear Friend, with the greatest regard ever Yours

Richd: Price

Perhaps Some passages may occur to you in M. Turgot’s letter wch: might be best omitted, Should you approve of publishing it. I have marked one in P. 91 and another in P. 102.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esq: / a / Passy / Near Paris
Notation: Richd. Price 12 July 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Morellet and Drago, 13 July 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morellet, ——,Drago, ——

Passy, le 13. Juillet 1784.—

Notte en reponse à celle des Negociants Morellet et Drago.
Dans tous et chacun des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique, Il y a des Tribunaux de Justice établis, qui sont également ouverts aux Citoyens

des dits Etats, et aux Etrangers qui pourroient étre dans le Cas d’y avoir Recours. Les Affaires s’y decident, legalement et promptement.
On conseille aux Sieurs Morellet et Drago, après s’etre assurés dans quel Etat le sieur Wahrendorff fils fait sa Residence, (ce dont M. Franklin ne sauroit les instruire) d’envoyer une Procuration duement légalisée, et des Instructions detaillées, à quelque Maison Danoise etablie dans le dit Etat, ou faute d’icelle, au Vice Consul de France; le quel par ce Moyen, seroit dans le Cas d’agir en tout pour les dits Sieurs, comme s’ils etoient eux mêmes personellement presents.
M. Franklin ignore les Loix que les divers Etats ont faites a l’egard des Personnes qui pourroient s’y refugier pour Raison de Dettes contractées dans un Pays etranger. Mais les Personnes que les Srs. Morrellet et Drago chargeront de leur Procuration, pourront les en instruire.
M. Franklin se chargera volontiers de faire passer les Lettres des dits Srs., et contribuera en tout ce qui dependra de lui, à seconder leurs Vues.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Grubb, 13 July 1784
From: Grubb, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantes, 13th. July 1784

Being on the point of forming a matrimonial Union, with a young Lady of this City, some obstacles arise relative to the difference of Religion which with the Clergy of this Country are insurmountable, unless a Man will undertake to renounce the Tenets he was brought up in, which Circumstance

is repugnant to the principles of a Man of Honor; but, as these difficulties may be removed, by means of a Permission from His Majesty for said Mariage, which will prevent any trouble to the Children about inheriting, after the decease of their Parents, who were different persuations, as some Merchants of this City & other parts of the Kingdom have, under similar Circumstances, obtaind (by means of their Friends at Court) a like permission from Mr De Vergennes, and as Our Union may be a means of individually adding Links to the great Chain you have form’d between America & this Country, I flatter myself you will honor me with your protection to obtain Our Request, and the Offspring of our Union shall be taught to revere your name with as much admiration as does Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

J: Grubb
His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr.
Notation: Grubb 13 July 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 July 1784
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Paris 16 July 1784.

Looking over some old Papers I found the inclosed Note from our good Friend Mr Hutton. I do not remember to have seen the same Verses under your Portrait,—I think them better expressed than those in print, tho’ the Idea is the same. Our good Friend labours to distinguish between Tyranny & ministereal Influence. You will judge of his Success.— I send

you Mr Eulers Book, I think his Theory of Magnetism very ingenious, but not convincing, that may be because I do not understand it.—
I am as ever most dutifully & affecy Yours.

J Williams J

When you have done with the Book please to give it to my Brother in Law who will send it to St Germains.

Doctor Franklin.

Addressed: Dr Franklin.
Notation: Jona. Williams 6. July 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ignaz Edler von Born, 17 July 1784
From: Born, Ignaz Edler von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Vienne ce 17e Juillet 1784

Un quelqu’un qui, attaché depuis le matin jusqu’au Soir a Son bureau, et privé presque de l’usage de Ses pieds, ne connoit d’autre delassement, que celui que les etudes peuvent donner, Vous offre une petite brochure, qui peut etre pourra Vous amuser dans des moments perdus. Agrées Monsieur cet hommage d’un inconnu, qui admire vos connaissances et vos actions depuis long tems, et qui Vous Souhaite pour le progres des Sciences et pour le bien de l’humanité une vie immortelle. Monsieur Votre tres humble et trés obeissant Serviteur

Born


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Feriet, 17 July 1784
From: Feriet, ——, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 17 juillet 1784

Mr. De Feriet a L’honneur de faire mille complimens a Monsieur Franklin, et de lui apprendre que tous Les Verres sont arrivés en bon ètat. Le porteur de ce billet veut bien se charger de rapporter a versailles le Sécrétaire dans lequel L’harmonica était monté, et qu’il est nécessaire D’avoir ici pour accorder Les Verres. Dès que le tout Sera transporté ici, Mr. De feriet fera son possible pour que Monsieur franklin soit content de L’accord et du fini de L’ouvrage.

Notation: De feriet 17 Juillet 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Augustin Thouret, [c. 17 July 1784]
From: Thouret, Michel-Augustin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et trés illustre Confrere,
[c. July 17, 1784]

Permettez que jaye L’honneur de vous adresser un exemplaire de mes recherches Sur Le magnètisme animal. Je desire que

vous Le receviez comme une foible marque du respect et de la profonde Venération avec Lesquels je Suis, Monsieur et trés illustre confrere, Votre trés humble et trés obéissant Serviteur

Thouret