Title: From Antonio Francesco Salucci & fils and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 20 August 1784
From: Salucci, Antonio Francesco, & fils
To:

					Franklin continued to receive a variety of unsolicited manuscripts and proposals. Many of the schemes involved commercial ventures with America. The first of these, published here as a sample, is from Salucci & fils, a Tuscan firm that had already sent goods to the United States and wished to keep doing so.
					A memorandum in the hand of Ferdinand Grand notes a request for a letter of recommendation for “Mr Pieroux,” a French merchant, to the congressional agent in New Orleans. Pieroux plans to establish himself “chez les Natchez,” with 100,000 écus and twelve to fifteen good workers.
					A printed circular dated October 1, with a handwritten postscript of October 15, arrives from Fermin de Tastet and Thomas Squire, principals of the London mercantile firm Fermin de Tastet & Cie. It announces that the Parlement of Paris has issued a provisional arrêt in their favor, protecting them from their unfortunate liaisons with the marquis de Cavalcabò and the prince de Salm Kyrbourg. They have recovered the advances they had made to those men and are now in a position to pay their outstanding debts as well as interest. They will work ceaselessly to regain the confidence of their customers. The postscript, written and signed by Fermin de Tastet, adds that the

firm’s principal creditors have already been paid. A memoir will soon be published revealing the cruel treatment the firm received from the prince de Salm, including the imprisonment of one of its partners at Calais. They hope for a just final verdict from the Parlement.
					On December 4, Dessous, in Paris, informs Franklin that a friend in Genoa has instructed him to advertise commercial ventures that would benefit America and France. Before doing so, he wishes to get Franklin’s opinion. Could he have a brief audience to present a memoir that will introduce the ventures?
					Two letters propose to establish a manufacture in the United States. Johann Caspar Weinlandt, a master tailor from Roömhild near Coburg, writes in German on September 23 with a proposition that he wishes to keep confidential. He will form a company of workers for a mirror and plate-glass factory, provided that the raw materials are available in America and that Congress agrees to four conditions: to provide them with a suitable glasshouse; to give preference for work to the emigrants’ children and to continue to employ them in case of their parents’ death; to pay the company’s passage; and to employ whichever workers the company may subsequently hire to join them in America. The workers he has in mind have a good reputation; one of them is currently employed at one of the premier manufacturers of this kind in Europe.

					Lavoiepierre, a Paris merchant on the rue St. Honoré, announces his desire to establish a factory in America to produce wine from “matières sucrées” and other local produce. Wine made from sugar is as good as any vin ordinaire made from grapes, and costs half the price. If desired, he could also make wine from raisins sent to him from France, Spain, and Portugal; though slightly more expensive, it still would cost less than ten sols in America. He will gladly submit his methods to the examination of doctors and chemists. It would be foolish to embark on such an expensive enterprise without Franklin’s approval, and he will be glad to send further details.
					Five other correspondents submit ideas, goods, or written works. On October 20, Dubost, an architect in Lyon, observes that his city suffered an earthquake five days earlier, on the second day of the new moon. He offers a theory: might earthquakes not have the same cause as ocean tides, with molten matter inside the earth rising and falling with the phases of the moon, leading to violent tremors? He hopes to write again in a few days with further hypotheses, and apologizes in advance if his ideas have already been raised and refuted.
					Baron Löwenhardt writes on October 28 from Triel-sur-Seine, as he has not the means to come to Paris. He once spoke to Franklin about metal sheathing for ships and a varnish that protects iron, particularly nails, from rust. The sheathing is also suitable for houses; in fact, seven thousand sheets have just been sent to cover the château of the marquis de Falendre in Normandy. Löwenhardt gives the dimensions, weight, and prices of standard-size sheathing. The metal is much improved, he writes, and the sample previously given to Franklin is inferior to the kind used now. He would be happy to answer any further questions.

					On October 29, the comte de la Platière sends a prospectus for what he calls the Galerie universelle, to which the royal family and most of the foreign ministers have subscribed. He encloses a subscription receipt.
					Monsieur de Legall, writing from Paris on January 11, reminds Franklin that about three years earlier he sent him a manuscript titled “Discours Sur cette question, Quel est le Meilleur des Gouvernemens,” which Franklin seemed inclined to have printed and present to Congress. Now, after the event described in an “impromptu” printed in the Journal, it occurs to him to compare Franklin to Tarquin. Legall wrote a paper about this incident which, though handwritten, he inserted in the newspapers at the Café Mécanique in the Palais-Royal. He includes a copy with the present letter. Has Franklin yet done anything with his discourse? If not, he would like it returned.
					Benoist, a former secretary of the prince de Montbarey, writes from Paris on February 22, enclosing a verse that he composed to be placed under a portrait of Lafayette. Being of such poor quality, it was never published. He sends it now, knowing of Franklin’s affection for the general.

						Sir
						Leghorn 20th. August 1784

					We have had the honour of paying you our Respects before informing you of our wishes to extend a flourishing Commerce between our Tuscan State and your united States of America, in fact since our first expedition (of which your Excellency was inform’d) we have dispatch’d three more Ships Two of Six Hundred Tons each & a Brig of 150 Tons with Cargoes of the different articles of our Tuscan growth all entirely our own property and which Ships and Cargoes are now in America and hope will turn out to our advantage as well as that of America, certain it is no State in Europe is better calculated for a flourishing Trade to America than this as we have almost every article Europe furnishes and can take off in Return every American produce, such as Wheat, Tobacco, Flour, Indian Corn Codfish, Indigo, Wax &c &c— In short our Views ever since the peace have been to promote and extend an advantageous & flourishing Commerce between the Two States and we in particular have greatly enlarged as you will perceive by the abovemention’d Expeditions which are of no small Consequence, this however is only a beginning of what we mean to do as our utmost wishes is to Continue this Commerce which promises to prove so advantageous to both. We Know of only one thing that can prove prejudicial & be of the least Check to the Trade from America, we mean the Barbary States which must Render your Colours exposed to their depredations, however the danger is not so great as is immagin’d. Our Tuscan Vessels Run the same Risk yet they Navigate & thank God we very seldom hear of any being taken & in fact our Ships have always gone safe, nevertheless we hope your Wise Administration will endeavour to Remove this obstacle so necessary for the preservation of their Navigation &

Commerce to these Seas. A hint from your Excellency to Congress may answer the desired effect and be the means of rendering a most extensive & permanent Trade between the Two Countries.— We strongly Recommend our wishes to your Excellencys attention and have the honour to Subscribe ourselves with all due Respect Your Excellencys Most obedient and most humble Servants—

							Anty Frans. Salucci & son

						His excellency benjn. Francklin esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [John Calder], 21 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Calder, John

					Dear Sir
					Passy, Augt. 21. 1784

				Understanding that my Letter intended for you by General Melvill was lost at the Hotel d’Espagne I take this Opportunity by my Grandson to give you the purport of it, as well as I can recollect. I thank’d you for the Pleasure you had procur’d me of the General’s Conversation, whom I found a judicious, sensible, and amiable Man. I was glad to hear that you possess’d a comfortable Retirement, and more so that you had Thoughts of removing to Philadelphia, for that it would make me very happy to have you there. Your Companions would be very acceptable to the Library, but I hoped you would long live to enjoy their Company yourself. I agreed with you in Sentiments concerning the Old Testament, and thought the Clause in our Constitutions, which required the Members of Assembly to declare their belief that the whole of it was given by divine Inspiration,

had better have been omitted. That I had opposed the Clause; but being overpower’d by Numbers, and fearing more might in future times be grafted on [it, I pre]vailed to have the additional Clause, that no fu[rther or more] extended Profession of Faith should Ever [be exacted. I ob]serv’d to you, too, that the Evil of it [was the less, as no In]habitant, nor any Officer of Government, except the Members of Assembly, were oblig’d to make that Declaration. So much for that Letter. To which I may now add that there [are] several Things in the old Testament impossible to be given by divine Inspiration, such as the Approbation ascrib’d to the Angel of the Lord, of that abominably wicked and detestable Action of Jael the Wife of Heber the Kenite. If the rest of the Book were like that, I should rather suppose it given by Inspiration from another Quarter, and renounce the whole.
				By the way how goes on the Unitarian Church in Essex Street? and the honest Minister of it, is he comfortably supported? Your old Colleague, Mr Radcliffe, is he living? And what became of Mr Denham? My Grandson, who will have the honour of delivering this to you, may bring me a Line from you and I hope will bring me an Account of your continuing well and happy.

				I jogg on still, with as much Health and as few of the Infirmities of old Age as I have any Reason to expect. But whatever is impair’d in my Constitution, my Regard for my old Friends remains firm and intire. You will always have a good Share of it, for I am ever, with great & sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

					B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Whatley, 21 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Whatley, George

					My dear old Friend,
					Passy, near Paris, Aug. 21, 1784.

				I received your kind letter of May 3, 1783. I am ashamed that it has been so long unanswered. The indolence of old age, frequent indisposition, and too much business, are my only excuses. I had great pleasure in reading it, as it informed me of your welfare.

				Your excellent little work, “The Principles of Trade,” is too little known. I wish you would send me a copy of it by the bearer, my grandson and secretary whom I beg leave to recommend to your civilities. I would get it translated and printed here, and if your bookseller has any quantity of them left, I should be glad he would send them to America. The ideas of our people there, though rather better than those that prevail in Europe, are not so good as they should be: and that piece might be of service among them.
				Since and soon after the date of your letter, we lost unaccountably as well as unfortunately, that worthy, valuable young man you mention, your namesake Maddeson. He was infinitely regretted by all that knew him.
				I am sorry your favourite charity does not go on as you could wish it. It is shrunk indeed by your admitting only 60 children in a year. What you have told your brethren respecting America is true. If you find it difficult to dispose of your children in England, it looks as if you had too many people. And yet you are afraid of emigration. A subscription is lately set on foot here to encourage and assist mothers in nursing their infants themselves at home; the practice of sending them to the Enfans Trouvés, having risen here to a monstrous excess, as by the annual bills it appears they amount to near one third of the children born in Paris. This subscription is likely to succeed, and may do a

great deal of good, though it cannot answer all the purposes of a Foundling Hospital.
				Your eyes must continue very good, since you are able to write so small a hand without spectacles. I cannot distinguish a letter even of large print, but am happy in the invention of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes as useful to me as ever they were. If all the other defects and infirmities of old age could be as easily and cheaply remedied, it would be worth while, my friend, to live a good deal longer. But I look upon death to be as necessary to our constitutions as sleep. We shall rise refreshed in the morning.— Adieu and believe me ever, Your’s most affectionately,

					B. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 22 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

					Dear Friend,
					Passy, Augt. 22. 1784

				When I am long without hearing from you, I please my self with re-perusing some of your former Letters. In your last of April 24. 83. you mention the Departure of Anna Maria with her Husband for Bengal. I hope you have since heard

often of their Welfare there. When you next favour me with a Line, please to be particular in letting me know how they do. My Grandson, a good Young Man, (who as a Son makes up to me my Loss by the Estrangement of his Father,) will have the Honour of delivering you this Line, and will bring me I trust good Accounts of your Health and that of the rest of the Family. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities and Counsels.— As to my self I am at present well and hearty, the Stone excepted, which however gives me but little Pain and not often, its chief Inconvenience being that it prevents my using a Carriage on the Pavement; but I can take some Exercise in Walking, am chearful & enjoy my Friends as usual. God be thanked!—
				Your kind Invitation to spend some time at Twyford with the Family I love, affects me sensibly. Nothing would make me happier. I have solicited the Congress to discharge me, but they have sent me another Commission, that will employ me another Year at least; and it seems my Fate, constantly to wish for Repose, and never to obtain it.
				With the greatest and most sincere Esteem and Respect, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

					B Franklin
					Ld. Bishop of St. Asaph


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, [before 23 August 1784?]
From: Chaumont, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					[before August 23, 1784?]

				Chaumont prie S. Ex. Monsieur franklin de demander a Son petit fils, tous Les Renseignements qu’il poura prendre Sur les Meilleures Mecaniques employées en angleterre a la filature du Cotton et Sur Le Cas qu’on en fait. Et Le Charger en mesme tems d’apporter avec luy quelques échantillons de filatures et d’etoffes fabriquees avec.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 24 August 1784
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear Sir
					Philadelphia 24 August 1784—

				I beg Leave to introduce to your friendly Notice the Bearer of this Letter Mr. John Rucker who is one of the acting Partners in a Commercial House which I have lately established in New York. Your Countenance Protection and Assistance to this Gentleman will very much oblige Dr Sir your most obedient & humble Servant

						Robt Morris

					His Excellency—Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 25 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

					My dear Child,
					Passy, Augt. 25. 1784 Wednesday.—

				Nothing very material has happen’d since you left us. The D. [Duke] of Dorset call’d yesterday, and enquir’d if I had heard

from you, supposing you had been gone a Week. Mr Adams & Family, Made D’andelot and other Friends have visited me, & Made Saurin who is return’d from England. We din’d with her yesterday. She says Made. D’hauteville will be glad to see you in England, wishes you would call upon her, and has given me her Address, which I enclose.— We dine, Ben & I, today with M. de Chaumont, & Saturday with Mr Adams.
				The Report is publish’d and makes a great deal of Talk. Every body agrees that it is well written; but many wonder at the Force of Imagination describ’d in it, as occasioning Convulsions, &c. and some fear that Consequences may be drawn from it by Infidels to weaken our Faith in some of the Miracles of the New Testament. I send you two more Copies. You would do well to give one to the French Ambassador, if he has not had it.— Some think it will put an End to Mesmerism. But there is a wonderful deal of Credulity in the World, and Deceptions as absurd, have supported themselves for Ages.

				I send you a few more Letters, and am Your affectionate Grandfather

					B. Franklin

					P.S. Mrs Holt, Printer to the State in N York, is punctual since her Husband’s Death, in sending me News Papers by every Packet. At the Entrance of the Exchange is a little Shop where they sell all the London Newspapers. I would have you buy a few of the latest and send to her, and let her know it is by my Order. You will find a Bag up in the New York Coffee-House, in which you can put the Packet directed to her.

						W. T. Franklin

				Addressed: Wm. T. Franklin, Esqr / London
				Notation: B. Franklin Augt. 25. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 25 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shelburne, William Petty, Earl of

					My Lord,
					Passy, Aug. 25. 1784.

				I have had the Pleasure of seeing Lord Fitzmaurice several Times. I congratulate your Lp. sincerely on your having so

promising a Son. He will I am persuaded make a valuable Man, and be a Comfort and Honour to you in your Old Age.
				The Bearer, Wm. Temple Franklin, is my Grandson and Secretary. He is to stay in London but a short time, is a good young Man, and will be very sensible of any Civility your Lordship may think fit to show him.
				Please to accept the enclos’d Pamphlet, curious for the Subject, a pretended Magnetisme animale, by which a Charlatan has made a great Fortune here in a short time.
				With great & sincere Respect, I am, Your Lordship’s most obedient & most humble Servant

					B. Franklin
					Lord Shelburne


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 26 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carmichael, William

						Dear Friend,
						Passy, Augt. 26. 1784.

					I have received your kind Letter of the 11th. Inst. with one from the Cte. de Campomanes enclos’d, wch. I shall answer in a few Days. Your Namesake is gone to England; but I think he wrote to you before he went. I expect him back in

4 or 5 Weeks.— I suppose he acquainted you that Mr. Jefferson is arrived. He has brought Commissions joining him with Mr Adams and myself, for treating with several European Powers. Mr. Adams too is arrived here, and has taken a House near me at Auteuil. In a Day or two I suppose we shall enter upon Business. We have not yet consider’d in what manner we are to notify the Intentions of Congress to the several Courts, but I should suppose that what relates to Spain will naturally be thro’ you. I have long complain’d as well as you of the Silence of Congress. Mr Jefferson tells me that it is merely owing to the Want of a Secretary for Foreign Affairs; it being almost impossible for the Congress as a Body to write and answer Letters; they have sometimes attempted it by appointing Committees: But when the Committees brought in Drafts of the intended Letters, there were so many propos’d Changes, so much Disputing and Voting, that much Time was devour’d and nothing well done at last. This Evil will now be remedy’d if Mr Jay accepts that Office, which they have voted him.— I accepted your Bill: Your Appointments ought always to be regularly paid; but it would not be amiss for you to consider whether it is not possible for you to retrench your Expences: For the Congress are become parsimonious, and have curtail’d the Salaries of all their Servants, no less than 500 Louis a Year from that of each Minister Plenipoy. at Foreign Courts, and possibly small as your Allowance is, it may be curtail’d among the rest. As Money is not my Object,

being near my Journey’s End, and having enough to pay the remaining Turnpikes and Post Chaises, I shall stick to the Service as long as the Congress requires it of me, tho’ they were to give me nothing. My Colleagues perhaps may feel this Abridgement more sensibly.— The Malady I complain’d of when you was here, gives me now very little Trouble, and I have hopes of getting free of it, at least of rendring it tolerable. I wish you perfect Health and Happiness, being ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

						B. Franklin

					I send you enclos’d a Resolution of Congress of May 3. 1784, as it appertains to your Office, tho’ perhaps you may have receiv’d it before by more direct Conveyances.—

						Wm Carmichael, Esqr

				Endorsed: His Excellency B. Franklin Passy 26th Augt 1784 Recd. 13th. Septr 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 26 August 1784
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear Sir
					London August 26. 1784.

				This will be delivered into your Hands by my worthy Friend and Neighbour, Mr Berdmore the celebrated Dentist, who is just setting out for Paris on a little Jaunt of Pleasure for a few Days, and who being desirous of the Honour of being known to you, I have therefore troubled you with this Line to introduce him.— If you have leisure to have any Conversation with him, you will find him a sensible, manly, and most agreeable Man.

				The Governor spent a Day with me lately. He is quite well, and tells me he had just writ to you, which I am glad of; for there is surely now nothing to interrupt your Correspondence.
				I hope you have got the better of every Scruple you ever had to revisit England. I heartily wish you may, and that want of bodily Health may not stand in your Way.— I wish this on many Accounts, which I cannot now enumerate. In the mean time let me, I beseech you, have the Satisfaction of hearing by Mr. Berdmore, who returns here in a few Days, that you are neither unable nor unwilling to undertake the Journey I have so long and so earnestly solicited.
				I have no particular News to communicate just now. My last to you was of April last by Mr. Mackenzie who told me he had the Pleasure of seeing you more than once, he hopd in perfect Health.
				I remain, with wonted Esteem and Respect, My dear Sir Your obliged, obedient, and faithful humble Servant

						Will. Strahan

				Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Passy / near Paris / By Favour of Mr. Berdmore
				Endorsed: Hotel de York
				Notation: Weld Shaham Augt. 26 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 27 August 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					My dearest Sir,
					Calais, Friday 27. Augt. 1784

				Fearing least you should be uneasy about me, as the Weather has been very Stormy; I think it well to inform you, that we are still kept here by contrary Winds:— There is Hopes of our

sailing at high Water this Afternoon, but there is no certainty: The Weather is become fair—& the Wind much abated but still contrary.— The Post is near setting off, & this Place furnishes nothing worth communicating.
				Believe me ever, with sincere Respect & Affection, Your most dutiful Grandson

					W. T. Franklin
					B. Franklin Esqr—

				Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin, / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des E. U. de l’Amerique / près S. M. T. C.— / a Passy—près Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 27 August 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					A Versailles le 27: Août 1784.

				Vous m’avez fait remettre, Monsieur, un Extrait des Instructions que le Congres vous a addressées le 11e. Mai dernier; Elles portent qu’en aucun Cas les Etats Unis ne traiteront aucune Nation, relativement au Commerce plus avantageusement que la Nation Françoise; cette Disposition est d’autant plus sage,

qu’elle previent les Mésentendus qui auroient pu resulter des Termes équivoques dans lesquels est conçu l’Article IIe. du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce signé le 6 Fevrier 1778. Mais pour que la Resolution du Congrès a cet Egard soit bien constatée, il conviendroit, Monsieur, que vous me la transmissiez par le Moyen d’une Déclaration, ou aumoins par celui d’une Notte ministérielle que vous signeriez. Je ne doute pas, Monsieur, que vous n’adoptiez sans difficulté l’une de ces deux Formes. J’ai l’Honneur d’être, &c:

					(signé) De Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 27 August 1784
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur et trés illustre Confrére

						27 Aoust 1784

				La société Royale de medécine me charge de Vous envoier des Billets pour sa séance publique prochaine, dont elle Vous prie de disposer. Elle présume avec peine que Votre incommodité ne Vous permettra pas d’y assiter. Je ne manquerai pas de Vous adresser les pieces qui y auront été distribuées.
				J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et très obeissant serviteur.

						Vicq dazyr

					M franklin.

				Notation: Vicq-d’azir 27 Août 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 August 1784
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & Hond. Sir
					Philada. 28h. August 1784

				Your favor of 17 June last, is now before me, and having just heard of a Vessel for L’Orient which goes in a few hours; I take up my pen to let you know, in the first place that the family is well—they are yet in the Country, but I purpose bringing them to Town in a few days— We are sorry to hear of the Malady that afflicts you, and that it is so grievous as to prevent your using a Carriage— I cannot help concluding from this circumstance that we shall be deprived of the pleasure, with which we have been flattering ourselves, of seeing you once more with your family— Your Draft in favor of M. Malide never appeared, if it should, shall agreeable to your request refuse payment of it— Mr. Thomas of Paris shall have his Account Sales, & Balance if any be due to him as soon as we can compleat it— B & S. have remitted him 3000 l.t., his Invoice only amounted to 2500 l.t., & this remittance was made before they were in Cash on his Acct.—he has no right to complain— The Roromantine Manufacturer, who has also troubled you with our affairs, has as little cause to complain— We sent him an order for superfine Cloths (wishing to promote the French Manufactures) instead of complying with our orders, he sent us midling Cloths, some of which were remnants of old Shopkeepers, & Moth eaten, they came without an Invoice, so that in order to settle the duties & freight, we were obliged to have them valued; they were valued by impartial Judges at 1700 l.t.—some time afterwards we recd. the Invoice, which amounted to 2800 l.t., upon this rather than have any disputes we remitted him 2400 l.t., and wrote him the particulars of the transaction; in short the Goods never sold for

that sum & the Charges— We therefore conceive we have done him ample justice, but we mean to send him certificats of the valuation &c. With love to Benny I remain ever Dear sir Yours affectionately

						Rich Bache

				Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: from the / United States of No. America / at / Passy— / Via L’Orient


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 28 August 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & Hond: Sir.
					Dover, Saturday 28, Augt 1784

				After a very disagreable Passage, which lasted from 8 last Night to 8. this Morning, we arrived here safe. I was sick the whole Passage—& I think more so than in either going or returning from America.— Mais comme en toutes Choses, “il faut toujours regarder la Belle Jambe”.— I flatter myself with the Notion that it will prove a Crise salutaire, as Mesmers stiles it;—& which you Doctors have decided as fatale, or very near it.— I am now however pretty well recover’d, having been to Bed for a few Hours—& made a Hearty Dinner on Beef Steaks & Potatoes—with which I have with great Pleasure renew’d acquaintance.— I am just now starting for London—but as there is no occasion for hurrying or fatiguing myself, I shall sleep at Cantorberry to Night, & make an easy Day’s Journey of it tomorrow by getting to London.
				I told you in a former Letter, that I had hopes of making some Arrangement, by which you would receive the English Papers cheaper than hitherto per Post:— I now think I have compleated it, & in a very advantageous manner, by means of Mr. Thompson here;—who will receive them from London free of any Charges of Postage or Carriage, & will put them

first under Cover to you, & then under one to Dessein, who has promised me to forward them to you in the most expeditious & east expensive manner possible;—either by the Stage Coaches, the B. Minister’s Couriers, or private Travellers.— The Papers I have directed, (but which I can Change if you think proper) are Woodfall’s Morg. Chronicle—& the London Do.— You will probably begin to receive them in a fortnight; it will therefore be well to countermand your others: Write me your Intentions thereon.— I can pay Mr. Pott’s his Advances, which I fancy must be considerable, if you have not already reimbursed him in part.— I have also settled with Mr: Thompson concerg the Family Picture of the Marquis de la Fayette. He will immediately forward it to Mr. Johnson, with the Amount of his Expences thereon, to whom I shall reimburse the whole of the Charges in sending it to America. This I think was what you wished. By the Bye, this Mr. Thompson is a sensible & obliging Man, and very willing to render us any Service. He is in the Wine Way here,—& is Father to the Young Thompson you saw at Passy, in his Way to or from Mr Williams’s at Nantes.—
				The Horses are to— I must take my leave of you till I get settled in London.—
				With the sincerest affection and Gratitude, I am ever, Hond Sir, Your dutiful Grandson

					W. T. Franklin

					P.S. My Love to Ben—& best Compts. where necessary.—
					If you shew this Letter to Ben—it will convince him of the Advantage he has over me in Penmanship & perhaps in Style.— I hope you will excuse it, when you consider how I am situated,—my Hurry, & my Instruments.—

						B. Franklin Esqr—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Harrison, 28 August 1784
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear Sir
					Virginia, Richmond Augt 28. 84

				This will introduce to you Mr William Short, a Gentleman of my particular acquaintance, and a member of the Council of this State; you will find him the agreeable Gentleman, a man of considerable abilities, and in every respect worthy your civilities at [and] attentions, to which I most earnestly recommend him. He goes to France to join his intimate friend Mr Jefferson, in whose place I request you to stand, if his business should have called him from Paris, before Mr Shorts arrival. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most Perfect esteem and regard your most Obedient Hble Servant

						Benja Harrison


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Shewell, 29 August 1784
From: Shewell, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Sir
					Philadelphia Augst: 29. 1784

				I have presumed to forward you the resolve of Congress respecting the seizure of the Brig L’amiable Elizabeth at St. John’s Newfoundland by Nicholas Gill Esquire judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty at that place, with sundry other papers.

				The Honble Charles Thomson Esquire secretary to Congress writes by this oppertunity requesting you’ll be so obliging to do your endeavour to procure me redress.
				I have wrote my friend Mr. John Warder Merchant of London to enter into any stipulations or give such security as may be necessary to carry on the prosecution against Mr. Gill.
				Your Excellency’s condescension in writing to Mr. Warder on the subject, should it be deemed necessary will confer a lasting obligation on Sir. Your most Obedient and very humble servant

						Rot Shewell

					His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire

				Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Minister Plenipotentiary from / The United States of America / Versailles / Honor’d by Wm. Macarty Esqr.
				Notation: Schewell 29 Augt. 1784.


Title: Lists of Names and Quantities, [August 1784?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

					[August, 1784?]

						Mr Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
						x

						M. de Chaumont . . . . . . . . . 6
						x

						& . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						M Dally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
						x

						& . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						Abbé de la Roche . . . . . . . . . 6

						& . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						M. le Veillard . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
						x

						& . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						M. Brillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
						x

						Duke of Dorset . . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						Made. de D’Andelot. . . . .
							1
						x

						Comtesse do . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
						x

						Comte Castilioni. . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						M. Frisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						M. Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						Abbés Chaillot . . . . . . . . . . . .7
						x

						Mad. Saurin . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
						x

						62

						Mr Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						Lamotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
						x

						Alexandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
						x

						Mr Jefferson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						Mably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						x

						74

						WF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
						75

						Bondfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

						Hartley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

						 74

						 59

						 31

						 38

						105

						 97


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Roussille, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, [c. 1 September 1784]
From: Roussille, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						[c. September 1, 1784]

					Le Sr. prre. Roussille natif, & habitant a Bordeaux a l’honneur de vous exposer humblement qu’il S’embarqu’a le 22 mai 1778.

en qualité de volontaire Sur la frégate des Etats unis de l’amerique Septentrionale nommée la Boston, Commandée par le Capitaine Tucker, armee en Guerre, et faisant course Sur l’ennemi. Ils firent le 19 juin de la même année la prise d’un Navire anglais venant d’Espagne. Le Sr. Exposant fut choisi au nombre de ceux destines a conduire Cette prise au port de Boston, mais faisant leur route ils eurent le malheur du rencontre de la frégate anglaise la Porcupine qui les reprit, et les conduisit prisonniers à Port-mouth, ou ils arriverent le 8 juillet 1778, et y furent detenus usques au 26 fevrier 1780. ce qui fait prés de deux années que l’exposant a resté prisonnier en angleterre Sans avoir reçu pas une nouvelle de la frégate Sur la qu’elle il etoit embarqué.
					A Son retour en france, l’exposant apprit que la frégate des Etats unis avoitété assés heureuse de faire plusieurs prises qui furent vendues à Nantes, et le net produit remis dans les mains du Capitaine Tucker, ainsi qu’il est prouvé par une lettre en datte de Nantes le 19. 7bre. 1780, Signée des Sieurs Schweighauser, et Dobrée, qui avoient été les Commissionnaires chargés de la vente de ces prises.
					L’exposant etoit en droit Sans doute de réclamer la part qui lui revenoit de Ses prises quoi que faites en Son absence de la frégate, et pendant Sa détantion dans les prisons D’angleterre, avec d’autant plus de raison que cetoit une convention expresse, et une promesse particulliere faite par le Capitaine Tucker, au moment que l’exposant passa Sur la prise qu’ils avoient faite l’as-surant que Soit qu’ils Se rendissent à Boston, Soit qu’ils eussent le malheur d’etre repris, ils Seroient toujours compris à la repartition des parts de prises, qu’ils pourroient faire; cette promesse doit donc etre Executée; et le merite d’autant plus qu’i est juste d’avoir égard a une Captivité de pres de deux ans, et que Sans doute le Capitaine Tucker ainsi que l’amirauté des Etats unis de l’amerique Seront portés a reconnoitre le zéle, & l’affection d’un français qui S’etoit voué a leur Service.

					L’exposant n’a rien négligé pour découvrir, et récévoir quelques nouvelles du Capne. Tucker. Il lui a ecrit ainsi qu’a l’amirauté des Etats unis de l’amerique Sans qu’il ait été possible de jamais recevoir pas une espéce de reponse, malgré qu’il Soit vrai que les réclamations du Sr. Exposant Soient parvenues, tant au Capne. Tucker à Boston qu’a l’amirauté et le Silence de l’un, et de l’autre annoncent une mauvaise volonté que Vôtre justice Monsieur, ne Sauroit approuver. Et c’est dans cette circonstance que l’exposant implore les Secours de Vôtre puissante récommandation auprés de l’amirauté des Etats unis de l’amerique aux fins que Ce Consideré il lui plaise ordonner le paiement de la part des prises, et Sallaires qui Sont dûs au Sr. Exposant en sa qualite de volontaire Sur la frégate le Boston commandée par le Capne. Tucker, lui en faire passer le montant a Son adresse à Bordeaux. Cette demande toute juste en elle même ne Souffrira plus aucun retard dans Sa decision. Si vous daignés Monsieur, l’honorer de vôtre protection il ne cessera Ses vœux pour vôtre Santé, et prosperité./.

						P. Rgussille

					Mon adresse est....chez Mr. Cazameau Courtier ruë Causserouge a Bordeaux./—
					A Monsieur, franklin ministre des Etats unis de l’amerique.

				Endorsed: That the Payment of Wages & Prizement is always in the Country where the Ships of War were fitted out. That the Application to me in France, who cannot know any thing either of the Value of the Prizes or of the Persons who may have a Right to Shares in them, is very improper. That it should be made in America by the Claimant himself or some Person authoriz’d by him; Advise him to send over his Demand & the Proofs to the Consul of France at Philadelphia
				Notation: Roussille.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ernst Frederik von Walterstorff, 2 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederik von

					On August 30 the three ministers newly commissioned by Congress to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with foreign powers held their first formal meeting at Franklin’s residence in Passy. Thomas Jefferson, recently arrived from America, was by that time settled in Paris. John Adams, now joined by his family, had rented a mansion in Auteuil, just one mile from Franklin’s Hôtel de Valentinois. David Humphreys, Congress’ choice to be secretary of the commission, was the last to arrive in France, reaching Paris by August 18. The commissioners agreed to meet at Franklin’s residence in consideration of how painful it was for him to travel.
					The first three meetings were summarized by David Humphreys in his official letterbook. On August 30 the commissioners read their

instructions and agreed to meet daily at Passy “until the objects of the Commissions shall be properly arranged and put as far may be into the best train of execution.” They resolved that John Paul Jones should apply for compensation from Denmark for the American prizes turned over to Britain, and that Jones should try to obtain the support of the French court for that appeal. On August 31 they agreed to “announce officially to the Court of Versailles the object of their Mission as early as possible.” They also met with David Hartley to inform him of their commission to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with Britain. On September 1 the commissioners discussed Charles Thomson’s letter to them of July 16, 1784, and its enclosures, regarding the affair of the French merchant ship Aimable Elizabeth. They instructed Temple, as secretary of the legation, to write to Thomas Barclay for more information about the ship. Finally, they decided to ask Walterstorff for a meeting, which Franklin requested with the present document.

						Passy, Sept. 2. ’84.—

					Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Mr. Walterstorff, and has the honour to acquaint him, that the American Ministers for Treaties of Commerce, &c. will meet on Saturday next at 12 aClock, at Mr Franklin’s, when they will be glad to see and converse with Mr Walterstorff, on the Subject of the Treaty with Denmark, if agreable to him.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 2 September 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & hond Sir,
					London, Thursday, 2 Sepr. 1784.

				Little did I imagine, when I wrote you from Dover, of the Inconveniences I had experienced on the Passage, and of the Uneasiness I then felt, & which I supposed was caused by the Sea Sickness, that the Result would be, a fever and Ague! But Alas! it is too true.— That very Night on my Arrival at Cantorberry I was seized with a shivering; it did not however prevent me continuing my Journey hither the next Day, where I arrived early in the Evening: I was not well enough however to wait on my Father that Night, & went to Bed at the Hotel where I had stopt at: I pass’d a very bad Night—and was little better the next Morg— I made shift however to get to my Father’s, whence I have not been able to stir since, and indeed it is lucky he was here, or I should not have known what to do with myself in the situation I am in.— He is exceedingly attentive to me, as is the Lady of the House where he lodges,— We have had the best Advice—& I have complied very minutely with what has been advised me. The Dr has hopes that I shall not have another Access.— Yesterday’s was most Violent— I never in my Life suffer’d so much.— This is my well day,—& if I have no Return of the Fever tomorrow, I shall in a few Days be able to go

about.— As yet I have deliverd none of my Recommendatory Letters—the others I have forwarded, together with the Watch for Mr Magellan—& the Packet of the Comes. Rapport, to Sr. Jos. Banks.— Pray inform M. Le Roy of this & remember me to him & my other Friends in the most affectionate manner.
				I just received your Letter of the 25 Augt. through Mr. Vaughan; It was brought me by Le Fevre, who enquired much after you.— Lord Shelburne is not in London but is expected shortly: By the Way you only enclose me a Letter for him, tho’ you mention more.— I shall do what you recommend relative to Mrs. Holt—and shall certainly call on Mde d’Hauteville. My Father had great Pleasure in receiving your Letter—& will answer it particularly as soon as he can hear from Mr. Galloway, who is in Wales.
				I have taken a very pretty Lodging just by—whither I intend to repair as soon as the fever leaves me; it is on the Skirts of the Town in an excellent Air—& commands an agreable Prospect of the Country. It is situated where Mary-le bone Gardens where formally. This will in some Measure give you an Idea of the prodigious increase of Houses in this City: Its Inhabitants are I suppose much the same in Number.
				Farewell, my dearest Sir, I fatigue myself and you too. My Father joins me in most dutiful & cordial Affection—

					W. T. Franklin
					Remember me to my worthy Friend & fellow-Sufferer—Mr. LeVeillard.—B. Franklin Esq.—

				Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des / Etats-Unis de l’Amerique près / S. M. très Chrètienne.— / à Passy / près Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Léger Moutard, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 2 September 1784
From: Moutard, Nicolas Léger
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Paris Le 2 7bre 1784

				Moutard a L’honneur d’assurer M. franklin de son respect et a celui de lui faire hommage de 12 Exemplaire des Rapports sur le magnetisme de L’edition in 8°./.

					M franklin

				Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A Passy
				Endorsed: Present my Compliments thankful Acknowledgements & Acceptance of the Favour &c
				Notation: Moutard 2 Sept. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 3 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

					Sir,
					Passy, Sept. 3. 1784

				I have the Honour to transmit to your Excellency by Order of Congress a Resolution of theirs, dated the 11th. of May last, which is in the Words following, Viz,
				“Resolved, That Doctor Franklin be instructed to express to the Court of France the constant Desire of Congress to meet their Wishes; That these States are about to form a general System of Commerce by Treaties with other Nations: That at this

Time they cannot foresee what Claim might be given to those Nations by the explanatory Propositions from the Count de Vergennes on the 2d. & 3d. Articles of our Treaty of Amity & Commerce with His most Christian Majesty; but that he may be assured it will be our constant Care to place no People on more advantageous Ground than the Subjects of his Majesty.”
				With great Respect I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.

					B. Franklin
					His Exy. the Count de Vergennes.

				Notation: rep le 9. 7bre.
				Endorsed: M. De R.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Huet de La Valinière, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 September 1784
From: La Valinière, Pierre Huet de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					A la Chapelle St Sauveurpar Ingrande sur loire ce 3. 7bre 1784
					Votre Excellence

				Me permetra de vous dire que depuis le moment, ou j’ai eu l’honneur de vous presenter mes respects en votre Hotel a Passy, je n’ai cessé de travailler pour votre peïs & le Canada; si je n’ai pas reüssi, ce n’est pas ma faute. Je suis ce Prêtre qui, aprés avoir

passé 26. ans en Canada, ai eu le malheur d’en être exilé a raison de suspicion: ensorte que plus que demi ruiné par vos enemis & les miens, plus maltraité encor par la mer laquélle a englouti le vaisseau qui portoit mon Coffre; puis injustement depouillé d’un heritage que je devois trouver en France je me trouve peu en etat de contribuer a l’aggrandissement du magnifique peïs dont vous menagez les interêts a la Cour de France: Cependent je voudrois employer le peu qui me reste a procurer des secours a ceux qui ont été persecutés comme moi: en consequence je vous prie de me dire 1°. Si la Relligion Catholique et Romaine pouroit trouver un azile aussi libre que les autres Relligions, tant dans le nouvel etat de Vermont qu’en tout autre etat sur les confins du Canada. 2° Si tous ceux qui ont souffert dans ledt. Canada, ainsi que moi, pour votre cause, ou même les Français qui voudroient m’y tenir compagnie, pouroient, par la bienveillance du Congrés, trouver le long de quelque riviere, un terrain suffisant, gratis pour s’y etablir, en se conformant toutefois aux lois et aux coutumes etablis dans l’endroit. 3°. Si les Evesques dont il est parlé dans le Mercure No. 45. de l’année derniere, font leur etablissement bien loin du Canada & quelle est leur addresse.
				Je sai que plusieurs Canadiens gemissent sous la Tyrannie de ceux qui font leur cour au Gouverneur au depens de leurs freres: la seule Relligion les retient lá, mais Comme les Anglais ne veulent pas leur permettre de faire venir des Prêtres de France, s’ils avoient cette permission chez vous ils y viendroient tous: j’ai vu de mes yeux maltraiter tres fort ceux que ces malheureux Courtisans declaroient avoir pris parti pour vous: le nombre en

est tres grand & il n’y pas de paroisse qui n’en ait beaucoup, ce sont même les plus honêtes gens qui ont le coeur percé pour vous. J’espere donc que la bonte de votre coeur vous fera faire quelque demarche en leur faveur et en la mienne. Voici le Roi d’Espagne qui envoit des vaisseaux pour prendre 4 ou 5 milles Accadiens qui ont demandé un etablissement a la Louisianne, cependent les Accadiens n’ont point souffert pour le Roi d’Espagne; la seule charité pour eux & l’envie d’aggrandir son Royaume le fait agir: ors si j’avois les moyens, c’est-a dire des vaisseaux & des vivres pour transporter gratis ceux qui de France voudroient passer chez vous, ainsi que des terrains & la liberté de construire des moulins & des Eglises, pour les Canadiens qui ont souffert pour vous. Cette Charité paroitroît plus naturel e que celle du Roi d’Espagne parcequ’elle y joindroit le merite de la reconnoissance. Faites moi, je vous prie, l’honneur de me repondre & si vous ne pouvez ecrire au Congrés a ce sujet, faites moi du moins la grace de m’envoyer quelque lettres de recommendation pour les Messieurs du Congrés a qui je pourrois m’adresser pour cette affaire. J’ai l’honneur d’être en attendant celui de votre reponse, avec le plus sincere & le plus respectueux attachement, de votre Excellence, le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

					De la Valiniereancien Curé en Canada.
					A son Exce. Mr. le Docteur franklin.

				Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Ambassadeur des Etats-unis / de l’Amerique en france / [In another hand:] a Pasis pres paris a Paris
				Endorsed: That the Catholic Religion is tolerated in all the States. That Lands are not given gratis in any of them, but Sold

at a low Price. That I know nothing of the establishment of Bishops he mentions. That there is a Bishop in Canada, and a Suffragan in Maryland. That no Provision is made for transporting Strangers into America, & under such Obligations as we are to the King of France, it would not become us to intreat his Subjects to quit his Dominions.
				Notation: De La Valiniere. 3. 7be. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 4 September 1784
From: Bridgen, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					London Sepr 4 1784

				Will you my Dear Sir excuse the liberty I hereby take to introduce to yr: Excellency the bearer Mr Canning as a particular friend of mine and of Liberty he being very desirous of paying his respects to so eminent a person and any civillities you may have the goodness to shew him I shall esteem as personally done to Yr: Excellency’s much obliged & Obedt Servant

						Edwd: Bridgen

				Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States of No: America / Passy / by favour of Stratford Canning Esqr
				Notation: Edwd. Bridgen Sept. 4 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard, 5 September 1784
From: Le Veillard, Louis-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						5 7bre 1784

				Je viens, mon cher amy, de recevoir une lettre du comte de Mirabeau dattée de Londre; il a perdu ici au conseil un procès contre sa femme, et, comme a l’occasion de cette affaire il a eu des querelles tres vives avec mr. le garde des Sceaux, on luy a donné avis, a ce qu’il me mande, qu’on l’avoit laissé tranquille a cause de son procès prest a estre jugé, mais qu’étant fini, mr. le garde des Sceaux pourroit bien se vanger; je crois que c’est une terreur panique, mais comme il a deja été échaudé, il est parti; il trouve le parti que vous avez pris bien dur, cependant je vous conseille pour mille raisons d’y persister; il est a Londre, il peut y faire son affaire luy même; c’est son projét; mais comme il craint d’estre trompé par les imprimeurs et libraires de Londre, il desireroit avoir de vous quelqu’avis sur cet objet, et que vous luy donnassiez un mot de recommandation pour le Docteur Price; je n’y vois pas d’inconvenient et cet homme malheureux mérite éffectivement de l’interest; si vous estes de mon avis, mon cher amy, envoyez moy, une ou deux lettres de recommandation pour un libraire honête, et pour le Docteur Price ou telle autre personne que vous jugerez la plus capable d’estre utile a mr. de Mirabeau, que ces lettres portent qu’il a beaucoup de talent,

qu’il est tres malheureux et que son ouvrage a été trouvé ici par tres bon, par vous et par des gens de grand mérite.
				Adieu, mon cher amy, je crois que je serai bientot assez fort pour vous aller voir et certainement je le serai toujours suffisament pour vous aimer de tout mon cœur.

				Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / des états unis de l’amerique / septentrionnale / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-Michel Guiard, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, and Other Offerers of Remedies for the Stone, 6 September 1784
From: Guiard, Julien-Michel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Since 1782, when he suffered his first attack of his bladder stone, Franklin had been receiving remedies and advice from individuals throughout France and England. Most of this was unsolicited, sent by friends and strangers who were eager to offer anything that might ease the pain if not cure the affliction. In the spring of 1784, when the jostle of a carriage was again so painful that Franklin sought the advice of a British specialist, reports of his illness inspired a new wave of unsolicited offerings. The present document, from a priest who was distributing a printed remedy, is one of them. We summarize here two others that date from the period covered by this volume, both written in French.

					Jeudy de Lhoumaud writes on December 10, sending a remedy for the stone that Franklin had discussed with “M. Péérés ami de M. [blank].” The recipe, written on a separate sheet, is for an infusion made from the boiled roots of asparagus, butcher’s broom, and saxifrage, mixed with a small amount of powdered stony sponge. The person who provided the recipe has not suffered the slightest discomfort in the past fifteen years.
					Bremontier, a Rouen merchant visiting Paris, writes on February 23. At a dinner party the previous day, he heard Franklin’s ailment being discussed. Having just seen evidence of a simple and effective treatment, he hastens to inform Franklin of the following story. A friend of his, who suffers from the stone, had heard that a certain Fonteneau, maître d’hôtel to the Cardinal de la Rochefoucauld, was trying Guiard’s remedy. This friend, knowing that the cardinal was in Paris and that Brémontier would soon be visiting that city, asked him to call on Fonteneau and see firsthand whether the treatment was effective. Brémontier learned from Fonteneau that after he had followed the regimen for 46 days he had passed his stones and was sleeping well, eating well, and going about his duties. If Franklin wishes, Brémontier will ask Fonteneau to call on Franklin and explain the treatment in person. He himself is no doctor, and is motivated only by the desire to provide a degree of comfort to one whose existence is so precious. He is staying at the Hôtel de Notre Dame, rue de la Verrerie.
					At the top of this letter, Franklin drafted the following note for a reply:

						That I am extremely obliged by his kind Attention to my Misfortune and his Desire of relieving it. & pray him to accept my thankful Acknowledgments. That I have had so many different Solvents of the Stone recommended to me which have proved ineffectual, that I have little Hopes or Expectations left of that kind. Nevertheless if Mr Fonteneau will be so obliging as to come and see me, since I cannot go to him, I shall be glad to receive from him any Information relating to his Case, and shall be much obliged to him.

					Fonteneau did visit, it seems, bringing three long letters he had received from Guiard that were filled with detailed medical

information. They included a copy of the famous remedy and assurances of its efficacy in nearly one hundred cases. Even though Franklin had already received a copy of the remedy from Guiard himself with the letter published below, he had L’Air de Lamotte copy these letters in their entirety.

						Monsieur
						du mans le 6. 7bre. 1784.

					D’aprez plusieurs expériences touttes suiviës du meilleur succez, je me suis déterminé pour le bien de l’humanité, à faire imprimer un Remede qui dissoût dans la vessie la pierre, sans causer la moindre impression dans l’interieur du corps. Il à été trouvé en 1777. par les phisiciens, et mis en uzage par le docteur nathanaël hulme ainsi que j’en fais mention; je prens la liberté de vous l’envoÿer pour votre propre uzage; vous etes plus que moy dans le cas de le discuter; mais j’ay l’uzage; je puis dire plus que personne, car je fus assailly de touttes les partiés du Royaume pour le communiquer, et ce que je fais toujours avec succez. C’est monsieur dubourg apoticaire au mans et mon voisin qui me l’a demendé pour vous. Je souhaite que vous en uziez, qu’il vous guérisse, et d’aprendre que vous serez absolument délivré de ce tourment; je vous prië du moins de croire, Monsieur que c’est l’interêt que je prens à votre santé et à votre Conservation (eh! qui pourroit ne pas penser comme moy) qui ma fait prendre la liberté de vous l’offrir. Je me trouveray bien honoré si vous avez pour agréable de m’en faire donner des nouvelles. J’ay

lhonneur d’être avec un profond Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeisant serviteur

						Guiardptre. gd. chaplainau chapitre de st. pierre du mans.

				Endorsed: That I am much oblig’d to him & to M. du Bourg for the Communication of the Remedy, & pray them to accept my thankful Acknowledgements. That I have not yet resolv’d on making Use of any Remedy, the Malady being hitherto tolerable; if it grows worse and I should make use of this, I will acquaint him with the Success.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Ochs, 6 September 1784
From: Ochs, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					ce Lundi 6 Septembre 1784.

				A votre porte attendent dans un humble Silence un Suisse & sa femme, l’inestimable bonheur de païer le tribut de leur hommage et de leur admiration au Génie de Franklin. Ils n’auront rien vû à Paris, s’ils ne vous ont vû, Monsieur. La seule question que leur feront à leur retour leurs Concitoyens, Sera de leur demander, s’ils ont été puiser dans vos regards une etincelle de ce flambeau bienfaisant, qui éclaira les Savans Sur les vrais principes de la nature, & les peuples Sur ceux de la félicité publique.

				C’est dans ces sentimens que j’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur.

					Pierre OxSécretaire d’Etat de la République de Bâle en Suisse.

				Notation: Ox 6. Sept. 1784—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 7 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

					Dear Friend,
					Passy, Sept. 7. 1784

				The Bearer, Count Mirabeau, who much respects your Character, has desired a Line of Introduction to you. He is Son to the Marquis de Mirabeau, Author of L’Ami des Hommes; is himself an excellent Writer, and has prepared for the Press a small Piece, much admired by the best Judges here, on the Subject of hereditary Nobility, which he proposes to get printed in England. I recommend him to your Civilities and Counsels, and am with sincerest Esteem and Respect, my ever dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

					B. Franklin
					Reverend Dr Price

				Endorsed: A letter from Dr Franklin datd Sept 7th: 1784


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 7 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

					My dear Friend
					Passy. Sept. 7. 1784

				This will be delivered to you by Count Mirabeau Son of the Marquis of that Name; Author of LAmi des Hommes. This Gentleman is esteemed here, and I recommend him to your Civilities and Counsels, particularly with respect to the Printing of a Piece he has written on the subject of hereditary Nobility, on occasion of the Order of Cincinnati lately attempted to be established in America, which cannot be printed here. I find that some of the best Judges think it extremely well written, with great Clearness, Force and Elegance. If you can recommend him to an honest reasonable Bookseller that will undertake it, you will do him Service, and perhaps some to mankind, who are too much bigotted in many Countries, to that kind of Imposition.— I had formerly almost resolved to trouble you with no more letters of Recommendation: but I think you will find this Gentleman to possess Talents, that may render his acquaintance agreeable. With sincere Esteem, I am ever my dear Friend Yours most affectionately

					B. F.
					To B: Vaughan Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Chapel, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 7 September 1784
From: Chapel, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Excellence
					Valenciennes 7 Septembre 1784

				Je me propose d’aller Incessemment a Londres pour L’avantage de mon commerce en Batistes, J’ose encore reclamer les bontés de Votre Excellence Sous L’appui de la Lettre que J’eus

l’honneur de lui Remettre de la part de Monsieur le Marechal de Castries, pour la Supplier de Vouloir Bien m’en donner une de Recommandation pour Son excellence Monsieur Le Ministre Americain qui S’y Trouve Actuellement, avec quelques Instances de Votre part de Vouloir Bien m’aider à connoitre les maisons de ditte contrée les plus à creditées; Votre Excellence en m’accordant cette nouvelle grace ajoutera un nouveau Motif a la reconnoissance que Je lui dois deja.
				J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un Profond Respect Excellence. Votre Très humble & Très obeissant Serviteur.

						Jacqs. Chapel

				Endorsed: That there is yet no American Minister at London, & that having been long absent I know too little of the present Houses in Commerce there to be able to give Characters of them.
				Notation: Chapel, Valenciennes 7. 7be. 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 7 September 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Dear and Hond Sir,
						London, Tuesday, 7. Sepr. 1784

					I have now the Pleasure of informing you, (and indeed it is a great one) that I have got the better of that stubborn Monster the Fever & Ague. I thought myself exceedingly unfortunate when I was taken with it,—but I esteem myself fortunate to a much greater Degree in being so soon quit of it. It is to the excellent Advice of Dr. Jefferies, the constant & kind Attention of Mrs. D’Elvin [D’Evelin] & my Father, and to the red Peruvian Bark, that I am indebted for this almost immediate Relief.— I am hower still in a very weak State; The Sea Sickness together with the Fever have brought me very low.— I still continue taking

the Bark twice a day together with the Tincture of the same and shall continue so doing ’till I return home, for fear of certain periodical Returns which it is said this Disease sometimes has.— I am thus particular, knowing from a long Experience, how much you interest yourself in my Welfare. The Detentions I met with in getting here, and the Time I necessarily lost by my sickness, have eat up so great a part of that allotted for my Absence, that I hope, if you have no immediate occasion for my Presence you will permit me to make up for it by continuing here a few Weeks longer than was first intended.— My Father was about going to the Sea side, to bathe &ca. when he heard of my coming hither— This prevented him then, & my Malady since: But he is still anxious of going as necessary to his Health; and in order to see me as much as possible during my short stay, wishes to take me with him: it is but a days Journey & his stay will not be longer than ten or twelve Days: this has almost tempted me to accompany him, tho’ I have not positively determined, fearing least you would not prolong my Congé.— Pray drop me a Line on this head by return of Post, in all probability it will get hither time enough to prevent my going, if it should be contrary to your Wishes.—
					London never was so empty, there is hardly any of the Nobility or Gentry in it,—all are either at their Country Seats or at the Sea Side for the benefit of bathing, which is reckon’d necessary once a Year to the English Habit: for they are all more or less affected with the Scurvy.— Lord Shelburne is at present one of the Bathers, but is expected in Town in two or three Days, I shall make it a point to pay my Respects to him immediately on his Arrival. He has already made me some Compliments through our friend Vaughan, who came several times to

see me during my Illness, and with whom I shall spend Saturday and Sunday next in the Country & Monday Evening, or rather Night, at Mr. Herchalls. Yesterday was the first Day I ventur’d to go out, and I made use of it in making several Visits—and in negotiating with Nicol the Bookseller who packed up Cook’s Voyages, the Affair of your 1st. Vol.— He has promised to let me have it this Week as also the 2d Voyage & other Books you wanted.— I was obliged to take this Business upon myself, Sir Jos Banks being 200 Miles from London. But you may rely on its being compleated. The 1st. Ed. of this last Voyage is now expended—& they sell at 15 and 20 Guineas a Sett—and cannot be got for that at a Booksellers.— They are busy in repairing the Plates & printing a new Edition,—which it is thought will be as eagerly sought after—but will not be equal in Beauty to the first. I have seen Dr. Blagden—who has been very polite to

me—& invited me to all the Scientifical Clubs, at which I shall attend once at least.— I drank tea t’other Day with Paradise & Family—they are exceedingly grateful for the Services you have renderd them.
					I sent Yesterday to Mrs. Blunt to know if Mrs. Hewson was got back to Cheam: She return’d me for Ansr that she was but that she expected her every hour at Kensington; as she had promised to come & spend a few Days with her.— Mrs. B. gave me at the same time a very polite Invitation to call on her— So I purpose going thither this Afternoon.—
					Adieu, my Dearest Sir, my Father waits for me for Breakfast, & I must leave you—tho’ not without telling you that I recd last Night your Letter of the 29 Augt—it gave me infinite Pleasure as it informed me of your getting better—& of your Prowess in going & returning from Auteuil in a Carriage—& of your not having suffer’d for your Temerity:— May you continue improving is the most earnest Desire of your ever dutiful & affectionate Grandson

						W. T. Franklin

					No 5. Devonshire Street—Portland Road, is where I now live; it is very near my Fathers, and in a very airy Situation.— Letters may now be directed here.—

						P.S. I have been to Kensington seen &c Mrs. Blount—& Mrs. Barwell who happen’d to be there: they both inquired very affecly after you, & would make you a Visit, could they speak French.—
						Mrs. Hewson had changed her Mind—& does not come to Town. So I shall go to Cheam on Friday, with Mr. Whiteford.—
						On my Return, I called on Hutton but he is, as every body, in the Country— I left your Letter.—

				Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipo-tentiaire / à la Cour de France / à Passy / près Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 8 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

						My dear Child,
						Passy, Sept. 8. 1784—

					I have receiv’d no Line from you since that from Dover. I continue as well as when you left me. M. le Veillard is much better but still weak and cannot yet go abroad.— The rest of our Friends are well, and often enquire after you. I intended to have sent you some more Letters; but my Time has been all devour’d by Business and Visitors. The inclos’d Pacquet is from M. le Veillard. I have promis’d him that you will take care of it and deliver it immediately. It contains two Letters of Recommendation wch. I have given the Count at M. V’s Request, one to Dr. Price, the other to our Friend Vaughan. If it should be in your way to show him any Civilities, I would have you do it. He is a Man of Talents, and his Father was obliging to me when I was formerly in France. I have three Invitations to dine out to day, with Mesdames Brillon & Helvetius, & M. de Chaumont. But it is so excessively hot, that I shall stay at home.— We proceed gently with our Business. The Newspapers begin to come from Dover, so I would have you stop & pay off the others.— Thank Mr Thomson in my Behalf when you return. I am ever Your affectionate Grandfather

						B. Franklin

						P.S. Mesmer has complain’d to the Parliament of our Report, and requested that they would appoint Commissaries, to whom he might submit the Examination of—not his Theory and Practice, but—un Plan qui renfermera les seuls moyens possibles, de constater infailliblement l’existence & l’utilité de sa découverte. The Petition was printed. Many thought the

Parliament would do nothing in it. But they have laid hold of it to clinch Mesmer, and oblige him to expose all directly. So that it must soon be seen whether there is any difference between his Art & Deslon’s. Voici leur

						Arret du 6 7bre 1784—

					La Cour ordonne que par devant quatre Docteurs de la Faculte de Medecine, deux Chirurgiens, & deux Maitres en Pharmacie, Mesmer sera tenu d’exposer la Doctrine dont il annonce avoir fait la Decouverte & les procédés qu’il pretend devoir etre suivis & pratiqués pour en faire L’Application; dont sera dressé Procés verbal, pour icelui communiqué à M. le Procureur General, et rapporté en la Cour étre ordonné ce qu’il appartiendra.

						W. T. Franklin

				Notation: B. Franklin Sept. 8 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Sylvain Bailly, 8 September 1784
From: Bailly, Jean-Sylvain
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					a chaillot ce 8 7bre 1784.

				Comme mrs les commissaires doivent aller voir demain jeudi Mr Franklin, mr Bailly a l’honneur de lui envoier le registre original qui doit etre signé demain; afin que Monsieur Franklin

puisse en prendre lecture, et signer aussi demain avec les autres commissaires.
				Il suffit qu’il lise depuis la pag 87 ou sa derniere signature est placée. Quoiqu’il n’y ait plus de secret relativement au travail de la commission, Mr Franklin est prié de le serrer et de ne le pas laisser voir à cause de certain article sur lequel la commission n’a pas jugé a propos de s’expliquer.
				Monsieur Franklin voudra bien bruler ce billet et recevoir l’assurance du respectueux attachement d’un de ses plus devoues serviteurs

				Notation: Bally 8. 7bre. 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cristoforo Vincenzo Spinola, 9 September 1784
From: Spinola, Cristoforo Vincenzo
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					A Paris le 9. 7bre. 1784.

				Le Serenissime Gouvernement de Gênes desirant favoriser autant qu’il lui est possible le Commerce que ses Sujets font dans les Provinces et Ports des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale que vous avez l’honneur de representer, est entré dans la Determination d’envoyer à Boston un Consul ou Agent pour qu’il puisse dans tous les Cas et circonstances possibles proteger et favoriser les intérêts des Nationnaux Gênois qui se trouvent dans les dits Etats; Mais Jaloux en même tems d’observer les egards que les Princes se doivent les uns aux Autres, me charge, Monsieur, d’avoir l’honneur de vous interpeller pour scavoir prealablement de vous, si vous Croyez que cette Determination puisse etre agreable aux Etats Unis.
				Je suis tres flatté, Monsieur, que cette Commission me fournisse l’occassion de vous entretenir sur un Objet qui ne peut etre que trés avantageux aux Sujets des deux Cours que nous avons l’honneur de Servir.
				J’ai celui d’etre avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Vôtre tres Humble, trés obbeissant Serviteur

						Spinola

				Notation: Paris 9 Septr. 1784 from The Marquis Spinola Ministr of Genoa


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 9 September 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					A Versailles le 9e: Septembre 1784.

				J’ai recu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’Honneur de m’écrire le 3e. de ce Mois: vous y declarez, au Nom du Congrès, que les Etats Unis auront Soin de ne traiter aucun Nation, relativement au Commerce, plus avantageusement que la Nation Françoise. Cette Declaration fondée sur le Traité du 6e: Fevrier 1778 a été très agréable au Roi, et vous pourrez, Monsieur, assurez le Congrès que les Etats-Unis éprouveront constamment une parfaite Reciprocité en France.
				J’ai l’Honneur d’être &c.

					(signé) De Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John and Abigail Adams, 11 September 1784
From: Adams, John,Adams, Abigail
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Saturday Morning Sept 11. 1784

				Mr and Mrs Adams present their Compliments to Dr Franklin and hope to have the Honour of his Company to day at Dinner, with his Grandson Mr Bache. They also beg the Favour of him to lend them the Assistance of one of his servants this morning if he can without Inconvenience as they are so unlucky as to

have both their Men servants confined to their Chambers by very serious Sickness.

				Addressed: His Excellency Dr Franklin / en son Hotel / a Passy
				Notation: Adams 11. Sept. 1784—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Jacques-Louis?] Besnard, 12 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Besnard, [Jacques-Louis?]

					Passy ce 12. Septembre 1784.

				J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 30 du Mois dernier. Les Personnes qui vous ont dit que Je desirois trouver quelqu’un en état de decouvrir et d’exploiter des Mines de Fer se sont trompées et vous ont mal informé. On connoit partout en Amerique des Mines de ce precieux Metal; et les Habitans de ce Pays connoissent les moyens de les decouvrir et sont verses dans l’Art de les mêttre en œuvre. Je ne puis par consequent vous conseiller de quitter votre Patrie pour aller dans un Pays où vous vous trouveriez trompé dans vos Esperances. Je suis néanmoins sensible à vos offres obligeantes et vous prie d’en recevoir mes Remercimens.

				J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur./

					B Franklin
					M. Bernard.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chapel, 12 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chapel, Jacques

					Passy ce 12. Septembre 1784

				J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre dont vous m’avez honoré le 7 du courant. Je ne puis vous donner la Lettre de Recommandation que vous desirez pour le Ministre Américain à Londres, puisque nous n’avons point encore de Ministre dans cette Ville; et il y a trop long temps que J’en suis absent pour être en état de vous faire connoitre les Maisons de Commerce les plus accreditées de ce Pays.
				J’ai l’honneur d’etre trés parfaitement, Monsieur, votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur./.

					B. Franklin
					M. Jacqs. Chapel.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Guiard, 12 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Guiard, Julien-Michel

					Passy ce 12 Septembre 1784.

				J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 8 de ce Mois. Je suis bien sensible à l’Intérêt que vous voulez bien prendre à ma Santé, et Je vous suis infiniment obligé, ainsi qu’à M. Dubourg, de la Communication de votre Reméde contre la Pierre et la Gravelle. Ma Maladie ayant été [assez?] supportable jusqu’à ce Jour, Je ne me suis point encore déterminé à faire usage d’aucun Médicament. Si le Mal augmentoit par la suite et que Je me visse obligé d’avoir recours à votre Recette, Je me ferai un Devoir de vous faire part du Succès. Agrèez, Je vous

prie, mes sinceres Remercimens et les Sentimens d’estime et de Reconnoissance avec les quels J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur.

					B. Franklin
					à M. Guiard.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-François Proth, 12 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Proth, Jean-François

					Passy ce 12. 7bre. 1784

				J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 30 du Mois dernier, par la quelle vous me faitez part du Desir que vous avez de passer en Amérique, et me priez en consequence de m’interesser en votre faveur. Dans le Cas même où le Traité qui subsiste entre la France et les Etats Unis me permettroit de favoriser les Emigrations dans ce Pays icy, l’Intérêt que Je prendrois à votre Sort ne pourroit vous être d’aucune Utilité. Il est bien vrai que la Religion Catholique est tolerée parmi nous; mais le Gouvernement ne se méle en aucune maniere de placer les Prêtres, et laisse entierement le Soin de leur Nomination à leurs Supérieurs Eclésiastiques. D’après cela vous concevez aisément que toute Recommandation de ma part seroit non seulement deplaceé, mais inutile à vos Projets. Je vous

suis néanmoins très obligé de votre bonne volonté pour les Etats Unis et Je vous prie d’en recevoir mes Remercimens.
				J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, votre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur./.

					B. Franklin
					à Mr. Proth


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Roussille, 12 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Roussille, Pierre

					Passy ce 12. Septembre 1784.

				J’ai reçu, Monsieur, votre Memoire concernant les Parts qui peuvent vous étre dues sur le Produit des Prises faites par le Corsaire le Boston. Le Payement des Gages et la Repartition du Produit des Prises se faisant toujours dans le Pays ou l’Armement du Vaisseau de Guerre a eu lieu, la Réclamation que vous en faites en France me paroit deplacée, surtout en vous adressant a moi qui ne peut connoitre ni la Valeur de ces Prises, ni ceux qui peuvent avoir des Droits au Partage qui a du en être fait. C’est donc en Amerique que vous devez faire cette Reclamation et vous n’avez point besoin de ma Recommandation à cet effet. C’est pourquoi vous ferez bien d’envoyer votre Demande et les Preuves au soutien au Consul de France à Philadelphie, qui est plus à portée que moi de faire valoir les Droits que vous pouvez avoir et de vous en rendre Raison.

				J’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur, Votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur.

					B Franklin
					à M. P. Roussille.


Title: [Jacques Charbonnier de la Robole]: Memorandum, [before 13 September 1784]
From: Charbonnier de la Robole, Jacques
To:

					[before September 13, 1784]

				Le Sieur Mouret Avocat en Parlement et secretaire du Parquet du Parlement de Provence se trouvant Le Pere d’environ douze Enfants et La modicité de sa fortune exigeant qu’il fit embrasser a ses Enfants des Etats utiles en a fait Elever d’euxs dans La Profession de La Librairie et deuxs dans L’imprimerie.
				Dans Le nombre des deuxs destines a L’imprimerie L’un a formé un Etablissement Considerable d’imprimerie a aix en Provence. L’autre appellé Prosper Mouret habile pour La Casse La Presse et très en etat d’etre a La ête d’une imprimerie soit en chef soit en second ayant appris que dans Les treize Provinces des Etats unis de L’amerique on y avoit besoin de quelques sujets Capables et experts en imprimerie desireroit avec ardeur de trouver L’occasion et Les moyens d’aller et se transporter dans telle des d. Provinces ou L’on pourroit juger ses services plus utiles avec L’assurance néanmoins de trouver dès son

arrivée une occupation utile et fructueuse Parceque ses moyens ne sçauroient Lui Permettre d’y vivre et de s’y entretenir sans Le secours assuré de travail.
				Le d. Prosper Mouret est un jeune homme né de Parents très honnêtes et dont La reputation est solidement et avantageusement etablie. M Le Blanc de Castillon Procureur general du Roi au Parlement d’aix en Provence se faira un vrai plaisir de rendre, si la chose est desireé, touts les temoignages les plus interessants du jeune homme et de sa famille./.

				Notation: Mouret—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Charbonnier de la Robole], [13 September 1784]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Charbonnier de la Robole, Jacques

					[September 13, 1784]

				Mr Franklin sends the Recommendatory Letters desired, but cannot advise Mr. Mouret to go to North America in Expectation

of Employment in a Country of which he does not understand the Language, and thinks that if he will leave France he had better go to the French Islands St. Domingo, Martinique or Guadalupe, where there are Printing Houses, and where French is the Language of the Country.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 13 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

						My dear Child,
						Passy, Sept. 13. 1784

					I received last Night yours of the 7th. & am glad to hear you are quit of your Fever. You are well advis’d to continue taking the Bark. There is an English Proverb that says, An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure. It is particularly true with regard to the Bark and an Intermittent.—
					I consent to your going with your Father, and to your Stay in England till the Middle of October.—
					Don’t omit writing to me by every Post. The uncertain State of your Health makes me more anxious to hear from you.
					I wrote to you that I had not suffer’d by going in a Carriage to Auteuil. I afterwards had reason to think Otherwise, tho’ it was not much. It has however discourag’d my repeating the Experiment. The Swedish Ambassador has press’d me much to dine this day with him & Prince Henry, but I

thought myself oblig’d to refuse him.— I walk’d however to Auteuil on Saturday to dine with Mr A. &c. with whom I go on comfortably.—
					I have procur’d a Sauf Conduit for B. and he leaves us tomorrow. Mr Ws. will supply his Place.
					Your Room-Floor was all taken up, the Timbers being found so rotten that one might crumble them between the Fingers. New ones are laid in Mortar, and the whole left open to dry before the Boards are replac’d. As your Stay will be longer, we may give more time for the Drying, to prevent your being incommoded with any remaining Dampness.
					Get me a Book call’d Miscellanies by Daines Barrington, Esqr.
					Give my Love to your Father.
					Remember me affectionately to all enquiring Friends.
					I am ever your loving Grandfather

						B. Franklin

					M. & Made. Brillon with whom I am to Breakfast this Morning, have charg’d me with mille choses to say to you on their Behalf.— Ben sends his Love, & his Duty to his Uncle.—
					Mr le Veillard still continues low & weak.—

				Addressed: To / Wm. T. Franklin, Esqr / No 5. Devonshire Street / Portland Road / London
				Notation: B. Franklin Sept. 13. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Hall & Sellers, 13 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hall & Sellers

					Gentlemen,
					Passy, Sept. 13. 1784.

				The Bearer M. Prosper Mouret is recommended to me by Persons of Consideration here as a good Workman in the Printing Business and of honest Character. He goes to America with Views of living there by his Profession. If you can conveniently give him Employment in your Printing House, or put him in a way to obtain it in some other, you will oblige, Gentlemen, Your Wellwisher & most humble Servant

					B. Franklin
					Messrs. Hall & Sellers.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 13 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

					Dear Friend,
					Passy, Sept. 13. 1784.

				You have a kind of Right to receive from me every thing that appears here on the Subject of Finance. I therefore send you herewith the late Edict for establishing a new Sinking Fund, which seems to give great Satisfaction to the Public Creditors here.— No one is better if so well qualified as your self to

make a sound Judgment of it, and at some leisure Moment I could wish you would drop me a few Lines of your Opinion. I wrote to you lately by my Grandson. I hope you continue well, being ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

					B. Franklin
					Revd Dr Price


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Spinola, 13 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Spinola, Cristoforo Vincenzo

					Sir
					Passy, Septr. 13. 1784.

				I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 9th inst. respecting the appointment of a Consul to reside at Boston on the part of your State, to protect the interests of your commerce & people in America. On consideration I thought it right to communicate the same to my Colleagues now here, Mr Adams & Mr Jefferson, they being with me commissioned to make Treaties of commerce with such maritime Nations as may be desirous of trading with our States. We are sensible of the delicacy with which your most serene Government has proceeded in the proposition, and we are persuaded that on all occasions equal respect will be shown by the Congress. But being of opinion that previous to the appointment of a Consul, some convention will be necessary that may ascertain his powers, previleges &c, and that such a convention will most naturally follow a Treaty of Amity & Commerce; we take this occasion to inform you of our having full powers for making such Treaties: and that we are willing & ready to enter into a negotiation for that purpose with the Most serene Government of Genoa, whenever it shall be to them agreeable.

				The Copy I have the honour of enclosing to you of some late Resolutions of Congress, will show the utility & necessity of such a Treaty to the freedom of Trade between our Countries.
				I am with great & sincere respect, Sir Your Most humble & most obedient Servant

					B Franklin
					A M le Marquis de Spinola Ministre Plenipotentiaire de Genes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 13 August [i.e., September] 1784
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					St. Ildefonso 13th Augt. [i.e., September]
						1784
					Dear Sir

				I had the honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 26th Ulto. this day & knowing that a Spanish Courier extraordinary is to set off this Evening for Paris I avail myself of the occasion to thank your Excy for the information contained therein as well as for those proofs of Amity which appear in the whole tenor of the Letter I have just received; Beleive me when I Assure your Excellency that I regard the continuance of your countenance & protection as infinitely superior to all popular favor & that if you think well of me to the last moment of your existence I shall have no dread of what others may think of me, because I shall always have too strong a desire to justify your good opinion of me to fear that I shall fall into any error so considerable, as may

render me unworthy of that esteem which has at once been my protection & consolation— Mr Jeffersons acct of the silence of Congress to their Servants is perfectly satisfactory to me who know the nature of that Body, But I should be sorry to enter into such details as a vindication of their Silence to the Court at which I have the honor to reside. I know for more than a year the desire of this court to cultivate our Friendship I have made known this desire to Congress & I have no answer to my communications— I have not been authorized or Instructed to do service, I have therefore had but one Object in view & that has been to act in such a manner as not to do ill by adding to prejudices which possibly might be entertained from apparent neglect or insinuations from persons interested to continue jealousies & distrust that ought never to have existed & which can only be removed by generous & mutual Confidence— I shall write to the Commission at Large, it is highly necessary to speak a friendly an open & generous as well as firm Language to this Country, may I venture to add a very respectfull Language as proper to the feelings of a Sovereign who is fully capable of distinguishing what is due to a second Branch of the house of Bourbon which tho’ not immediately eventually contributed to our Independance— We have, I presume, nothing to do with resentments, I have Mr Adams Authority for this Assertion— Pardon me If I venture to speak freely to your Excellency; I have known for some time the appointment of commissioners mentioned by your Excy. I have had thoughts of addressing myself by Letter to that Commission, But as I could never have an Idea that the Gentlemen named therein would make any communication,

except thro my Channel to this Court, I rather have chosen to wait for their instructions, than by addressing them immediately, give them to understand that I doubted that they would not have a proper feeling of my character & Situation— I beg your Exy. to reflect before you give your consent to any communication to this Country that is not in perfect unison to this manner of thinking— Your Excellency [better?] than Anyone, all things considered, will feel the propriety of what I have the honor to remark to you.— I have recd & with much real satisfaction a Letter from My Namesake & I have answered it, I am ready to live & die with your family, because I know & feel that I cannot live or die more honorably, But for this purpose it is necessary that I know what are the views of Your Grandson— You have mentioned œonomy to me. If I Consulted the price of Turnpikes & Post Chaises without consulting for what purposes, I am obligd to pay honorably the one & the Other, I should be an economist— I am not, I live to please Others to be usefull to Others & not to Myself. If I have not your Approbation I shall have your pity & having that I am happy in being authorized to subscribe Myself Your Excys. Most Obliged & Most Affectionate Humble Sert.

						Wm. Carmichael


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre du Calvet, 14 September 1784
From: Calvet, Pierre du
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					a londres le 14e. Septembre 1784.No. 9, Cannon-Street, near general poste office.—
					Monsieur L’Ambassadeur,

				J’ai eu l’honneur il y [a] Six Semaines d’envoyer á vôtre Excellence, par la voie de Mr. L’ambassadeur de france, un

exemplaire imprimé de mon appel á la justice de l’êtat, (l’angleterre), c’est l’histoire lamentable de la tirannie la plus horrible, déployeé contre moi, par le général haldimand, parce qu’il me, Soupgonnoit un ami des americains. L’humanité, la justice Se récrient vivement contre de pareilles horreurs et en reclament la vengeance. Ces Sentimens Semblent á titre personel, devoir être ceux des etats unis, personnellement intéressés dans l’injustice et dans l’insulte. Le moment d’en avoir justice Semble être Sur le point d’arriver. Forcé par les cris publics notre ministre á rappellé le général haldimand, comme la voix publique l’annonce de toute part. La justice des loix va avoir Son cours: mais en angleterre les loix n’administrent la justice qu’au poids de l’or, ma fortune avoit été bien entamée par les violences de quebec; la connivance de londres, en multipliant mes dépenses, la encore bien affoiblie. Dans cette extremité, je n’ai d’autre recours, que dans le payement de la dette, dont les etats unis me Sont redevables, pour les fournitures, prises dans mes Magazins á Montreal par leurs généraux en 1775 et 1776, d’ont j’eus l’honneur de remettre le 17 et le 20 de Septembre de l’anneé derniere les copies des réconnoissances A votre Excellence dans les deux audiences qu’elle m’accorda a passy. Elle me promit ôbligeamment Sa protection auprés du congrés. Je ne doute pas qu’elle n’ait reussi. De ce Succés dépend célui que j’attend de la judicature d’angleterre. Le payement Si non en totalité du moins en partie peut Seul me mettre en etat de fournir aux fraix. Je ne crois pas les etats capables de refuser cette justice, Surtout dans une circonstance, ou ce refus aboutiroit á faire triompher avec impunité un tiran qui ne persécutoit que parce qu’il avoit en horreur le nom Américain et françois. J’ai intéressé en ma faveur la Médiation de Mr. le Comte de vergennes, et la récommandation de l’Ambassadeur de france, Mr. le Comte d’Adhemar; je ne puis que me promettre d’apprendre bientot de votre excellence, le Succés de ces demarches, Surtout quand je Considere, que je les fais auprés de Mr. le docteur franklin, c’est á dire

á un ambassadeur vertueux, l’ami des hommes, le protecteur né des opprimés, consequemment le plus grand ennemi des tirans. Le porteur de cette lettre est un ancien officier françois, établi depuis long tems dans une partie du canada, cédeé par le dernier traité de paix aux états unis. Il révient d’amérique; il pourra donner a vôtre excellence des informations particulieres Sur le pays ou il étoit établi. Je demande pardon a vôtre excellence de la vivacité de mes instances; la nécessité la plus indispensable m’en dicte la loi; et d’ailleurs j’ecris a un grand vertueux, á qui le cœur en dira plus en faveur des opprimés que je ne Saurois lui en écrire.
				J’ai l’honneur d’étre avec le respect le plus profond. De vôtre Excellence Monsieur l’Ambassadeur, Vôtre trés hûmble et tres ôbéïsst. Servitr.

						Pierre du Calvet

					P.S. Je Supplie vôtre Excellence de M’honorer d’un mot de Reponse par la voye de Mr. l’ambassadeur de france de Mr. le Comte d’Adhemar—

						Pierre du Calvet

				Notation: Pierre Du Calvet 14 Sept. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 15 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

						Dear Sir,
						Passy, Sept. 15. 1784

					I have just seen in the English Newspapers that you and your Family are safe arrived in New York, which gives me great Pleasure. I send you herewith some of our latest News Papers. Mr Hartley is at length recall’d, having remain’d here Six Months without doing or proposing any thing towards the Commercial Treaty. Messrs. Adams & Jefferson are here, and we go on together very well. Permit me to say my Love to Mrs Jay and my young Friend. I am ever Yours most affectionately

						B Franklin

					I shall write you fully per next Packet

						Honble. John Jay Esqr

				Endorsed: Dr Franklin 15 Sep. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 15 September 1784
From: Hutton, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Dear old friend
						Ockbrook near Derby Sept. 15. 1784

					Being at Derby on a Visit I recieve here your kind Lr. of Aug. 18 which your Grandson Left at my House, Pimlico, & my Servant sent after me. I should be glad to see him & shew him that Respect every one related to you has a right to claim from me. The best News, in your Letter, for me is that your malady is tolerable and I wish it may never be long otherwise. I claim a Share in whatever relates to your Person, your kindnesses to me and mine have made me happy in the midst of a sad set of Circumstances which are now over. We send every year a Vessel still to Labradore to carry Provisions & Cloathing to our people settled on 3 Different Parts of the Coast, the Country being as yet utterly incapable of Cultivation. Our great concern last year was, that some English settled on a Fishing Plan more to the South, had enticed some hundred of the Eskimaux to go & visit them, to the great Loss of their time & damage to their beginning moral good behaviour, and hindrance in their providing by fishing & hunting their winter food by that Loss of time at the English Settlements, and I have reason to fear many of them have perished by famine on that occasion. Another bad thing in these courses is that they get Fire arms from those English, & take it ill of us that we will never put arms into their hands, of no real use to them.
					I send this in a Frank to your Grandson & hope it will find him in Town.
					I beg my Comps. at Passy & am Dear old Friend your most obliged & most obedient & affectionate

							Hutton

					I suppose I shall be in Town again in the first week in October.

				Addressed: Dr Franklin / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lorenzo Manini, 19 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Manini, Lorenzo

					Sir,
					Passy, Sept. 19. 1784

				You did me a very great Pleasure when you sent me the American Letters, and gave me an Opportunity of reading that excellent Work, not less replete with sound Judgement and good Sense than with variety of Learning & Science; and I beg you

to accept my thankful Acknowledgements. I am also extremely sensible of the honour of your Dedication.
				I sometime since put into the hands of Count Castiglioni a Book for you, which he kindly undertook to forward. It is the Constitutions of our American States which I caused to be translated and printed here, & which I imagined might possibly be agreable to you, or to the Author of the Letters. I now send enclos’d two little Pieces of my writing concerning America, hoping that they also may afford you some little Amusement. I pray you to present my Respects to Mr. il Presidente Carli, and my Thanks for his fine Defence of America, against the Attacks of that ill-informed and ill natured Writer who indeed speaks well of no-body without instantly repenting of it, & detracting the next minute. With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Brother Printer, & most Obedient Servant

					B. Franklin
					Sigr Manini


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Paolo Frisi, 20 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Frisi, Paolo

					Sir,
					Passy, Sept. 20. 1784.

				I received with great Pleasure the Line you were pleased to write to me by the Chevalier Castiglioni, and am oblig’d to you for making me acquainted with a Gentleman so intelligent and so amiable.— If in his American Travels I can be of any Service to him, he may command me, on his own Account as well as in respect to your Recommendation.— The Present you

propose to make of your Works to our Academy at Philadelphia, will be very acceptable, for they must be useful.— With great Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

					B Franklin
					P. Frisi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Conde de Aranda, 20 September 1784
From: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Paris ce 20. 7re. 1784

				L’Ambassadeur d’Espagne a l’honneur de remettre à Monsieur Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale la Léttre ci-jointe, qu’il vient de recevoir de Madrid, et il saisit cette occasion pour lui reiterer les assurances de son fidele attachement.