Title: Franklin’s Remarks on Judge Foster’s Argument in Favor of the Right of Impressing Seamen, [before 17 September 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Sir Michael Foster (1689–1763) was one of the most respected jurists of the eighteenth century. In 1743 he was recorder for the city of Bristol, a judicial post that required him to prosecute criminal cases such as the one which led to his discussion of the Royal Navy’s right to impress or forcibly recruit sailors. On April 25, 1743, Alexander Broadfoot, a seaman on the merchant ship Bremen Factor, killed a member of the press gang sent aboard his ship to press sailors for the sloop of war H.M.S. Mortar. Foster, concluding that the press gang was illegally constituted (it lacked the presence of an officer), prosecuted Broadfoot not for murder but for manslaughter. In presenting his case, however, Foster wrote a comprehensive defense of the practice of impressment, arguing that although not authorized by a specific statute, it was sanctioned by lengthy precedent and hence was part of common law. Foster published his argument as a pamphlet (Oxford, 1758). He later included it in a compilation of his court cases (Oxford, 1762). At some time, on the now-missing pages of one of those two publications, Franklin countered Foster’s arguments in extensive marginalia.
The last person that we know actually saw those marginalia was William Jones, the lawyer and oriental scholar who visited Passy in the spring of 1779. During that visit, in which their political discussions evidently touched on impressment, Franklin authorized Jones to retrieve his copy of “Sir Michael Foster’s little book,” which was in the keeping of a British friend. Jones had obtained the book by September 17, 1781, when he thanked Franklin (below). Because we cannot be sure when the marginalia were composed — the record is strangely silent on the subject — we publish them in association with Jones’s acknowledgment. We assume, however, that they were written during Franklin’s second mission to England (1764–1775), when the question of whether Americans were liable to impressment was highly controversial, and when Franklin compared the practice to slavery in a 1770 newspaper article.
What we print below is the sole surviving manuscript version of Franklin’s remarks, produced under his direction and preserved by his grandson Temple. It is based on the original marginalia but dates from a later period, and tells a complicated story. Franklin obviously decided, at a later date, to publish his comments. Using the 1762 edition of Foster’s cases, he excerpted the relevant passages from the twenty-five pages of text, underlined key phrases, inserted capital letters as the equivalent of footnote markers, and wrote his remarks (introduced by the corresponding capital letters) on separate sheets. All this was copied by a secretary whose hand we do not recognize, and returned to Franklin. He corrected that fair copy, added the title above the text excerpts, and also added a heading at the top of the first sheet of his notes: “Remarks, or Notes upon the foregoing Extracts.” This much was prepared by the beginning of 1788, when these notes by themselves (keyed only to page numbers in Foster’s work) appeared embedded in a letter to the editor of The Repository, a London magazine.
After this fair copy had been produced, Franklin added several pages’ worth of new remarks. He drafted them on separate sheets and indicated in various ways where they were to be inserted in the text (rarely using capital letters, but more often keying them to page numbers or simply repeating phrases from the text). In some cases, he lined out preexisting notes. We have found no indication that this expanded and emended manuscript was published during Franklin’s lifetime. William Temple Franklin, however, included it in his edition, complete with Franklin’s title and the excerpts from Foster’s text.
Although, as we have explained, Franklin originally intended to present Foster’s text excerpts in a block, followed by his commentary, his later additions were quotes or paraphrases of Foster’s work followed directly by his own remarks. To avoid needless confusion, we have decided to print the entire text according to that latter method. Where Franklin inserted capital letters, we show them. Where he did not, we reproduce his indications of where the notes belong.

  [before September 17, 1781]
  Some Remarks written by B. F. with a Pencil on the Margin of a Report of Judge Forster, containing that Judge’s Argument in favour of the Right of Impressing Seamen.
Extract from the Report, Page 157. 158. Edition 1762.

“The only Question at present is, Whether Mariners, Persons who have freely chosen a Sea-fareing life, Persons whose Education and Employment have fitted them for the Service, and inured them to it, Whether such Persons may not be legally Pressed into the Service of the Crown, whenever the Publick Safety requireth it, Ne quid detrimenti Respublica capiat.
“For my part I think they May. I think the Crown hath a Right to Command the Service of these People, whenever the public Safety calleth for it. The same Right that it hath to require the* personal Service of every ManA able to bear Arms in case of a sudden Invasion or formidable Insurrection. The Right in both cases is founded on one and the same Principle, the Necessity of the Case in Order to the Preservation of the Whole.—”
A The Conclusion here from the Whole to a Part does not seem to be good Logic. Where the Personal Service of every Man is call’d for, there the Burthen is equal. Not so where the Service of a Part is call’d for, and others excus’d. If the Alphabet should say, Let us all fight for the Defence of the whole, that is equal and may therefore be just. But if they should say, Let A.B.C. and D. go out and fight for us, while we stay at home and sleep in whole Skins; that is not equal and therefore cannot be just.
“It would be time very ill spent to go about to prove that this Nation can never be long in a state of Safety, our Coast defended and our Trade protected, without a Naval Force equal to all the Emergencies that may happen. And how can We be secure of such a Force? The keeping up the Same Naval Force in time of Peace, which will be absolutely necessary for our Security in time of War, would be an absurd, a fruitless, and a ruinous Expence.
“The only Course then left, is for the Crown to employB upon Emergent Occasions the Mariners bred up in the Merchants Service.—”

B. Employ, if you please. The Word signifies, engaging a Man to work for me by offering him such Wages as are sufficient to induce him to prefer my Service. This is very different from compelling him to work for me on such Terms as I think proper.
“And as for the Mariner himself, He when taken into the Service of the Crown only changeth Masters for a time: His Service and employmentC continue the very same, with this Advantage, that the Dangers of the Sea and Enemy are not so great in the Service of the Crown, as in that of the Merchant.”
C His Service and Employment continue the very same, &c. These are false Facts. His Service and Employment are not the same. Under the Merchant he goes in an un-arm’d Vessel not obliged to fight, but only to transport Merchandize. In the King’s Service he is oblig’d to fight, and to Hazard all the Dangers of Battle. Sickness on board King’s Ships, is also more common and more Mortal. The Merchant’s Service too he can quit at the End of a Voyage, not the King’s. Also the Merchant’s wages are much higher.
“I am very sensibleD of the Hardship the Sailor suffereth from an Impress in some particular Cases, especially if Pressed Homeward-bound after a long Voyage. But the Merchants who hear Me know, that an Impress on Outward-bound Vessels would be attended with much greater Inconveniencies to the Trade of the Kingdom; and yet That too is sometimes Necessary. But where two Evils present, a wise Administration, if there be room for an Option, will choose the Least.”D2
D I am very sensible &c. Here are two things put in Comparison that are not comparable, viz. Injury to Seamen, and Inconvenience to Trade. Inconvenience to the whole Trade of a Nation will not justify Injustice to a single Seaman. If the Trade would suffer without his Service, it is able and ought to be willing to offer him such Wages as may induce him to afford his Service voluntarily.
D2 The least. The least Evil in case seamen are wanted, is to give them such wages as will induce them to inlist voluntarily. Let this Evil be divided among the whole Nation, by an Equal Tax to pay such Wages.

Page 159.
“War itself is a great Evil, but it is chosen to avoid a greater. The Practice of Pressing is one of the Mischiefs War bringeth with it. But it is a Maxim in Law, and good Policy too, that all private Mischiefs must be borne with Patience for preventing a National Calamity.E And as no greater Calamity can befall Us than to be weak and defenceless at Sea in a time of War, so I do not know that the Wisdom of the Nation hath hitherto found out any Method of Manning our Navy, less InconvenientE2 than Pressing; and at the same time, equally Sure and Effectual.”
E Where is this Maxim in Law and good Policy to be found? And how came that to be a Maxim which is not consistent with Common Sense. If the Maxim had been that private Mischiefs which prevent a National Calamity ought to be generously compensated by that Nation, one might have understood it. But that such private Mischiefs are only to be borne with Patience is absurd.
E2 Less inconvenient. Less inconvenient to whom? To the Rich indeed, who ought to be taxed. No Mischief more inconvenient to poor Seamen could possibly be contrived.
“The Expedient of a Voluntary Register which was attempted in King William’s time, had no Effect.
“And some late Schemes I have seen appear to Me more inconvenient to the Mariner and more inconsistent with the Principles of Liberty, than the Practice of Pressing: and, what is still worse, they are in my Opinion totally Impracticable.”F
F Twenty ineffectual or inconvenient Schemes will not justify one [torn: that is?] unjust.
“Thus much I thought proper to say upon the Foot of Reason and publick Utility, before I come to speak directly to the Point of Law.”

Text, Page 159
The Crown’s Right of Impressing Seamen is grounded upon Common Law.
If impressing Seamen is of Right by Common Law, in Britain, Slavery is then of Right by Common Law; there being no Slavery worse than that Sailors are subjected to.
Ibid. The Result of evident Necessity.
Impressing not so, if the End might be answered by giving higher Wages.
Page 160
There are many Precedents of Writs for Pressing.
“Some are for Pressing Ships.
“Others for Pressing Mariners.
“And others for Pressing Ships and Mariners.
“This general View will be sufficient to let us into the Nature of these Precedents. And though the Affair of Pressing Ships is not now before Me, yet I could not well avoid mentioning it; because many of the Precedents I have met with and must cite, go as well to That, as to the business of Pressing Mariners. And taken together, they serve to shew the Power the Crown hath constantly exercised over the whole Naval Force of the Kingdom as well Shipping as Mariners, whenever the Publick Service required it.
“This however must be observed, that no Man served the Crown in either Case at his own Expence. Masters and Mariners received full Wages,H and Owners were constantly paid a full Freight.”
H Probably the same they received in the Merchts. Service. Full Wages for a Seaman in time of War, are the Wages he has in the Merchant’s Service in War-Time. But half such Wages is not given in the King’s Ships to impress’d Seamen.
Text. page 173.
“Do not these Things incontestably presuppose the Expediency, the Necessity, and the Legality of an Impress in general. If they do not, one must entertain an Opinion of the Legislature acting and speaking in this manner which it will not be decent for Me to mention in this Place.”
I will risk that Indecency, and mention it. They were not honest Men; they acted unjustly by the Seamen (who have no Vote in Elections, or being abroad cannot use them if they have them) to save their own Purses and those of their Constituents. Former Parliaments acted the same Injustice towards the Labouring People, who had not forty Shillings a Year in Lands; after depriving them wickedly of their Right to Vote in Elections, they limited their Wages, and compell’d them to work at such limited Rates, on Penalty of being sent to Houses of Correction. See 8H6, chap. 7 & 8.
Page 174.
“I readily admit that an Impress is a Restraint upon the Natural Liberty of those who are liable to it. But it must likewise be admitted on the other Hand, that every Restraint upon Natural Liberty is not Eo Nomine illegal, or at all inconsistent with the Principles of Civil Liberty. And if the Restraint be it to what Degree soever, appeareth to be necessary to the Good and Welfare of the Whole, and to be warranted by Statute-Law, as well as immemorial Usage, it cannot be complained of otherwise than as a private Mischief: which as I said at the beginning, must under all Governments whatsoever, be submitted to for avoiding a publick Inconvenience.”I
I When the Author speaks of Impressing Page 158. he diminishes the Horror of the Practice, as much as possible, by presenting to the Mind one Sailor only suffering a Hardship, as he tenderly calls it, in some Particular Cases only; and he places against this private Mischief the Inconvenience to the Trade of the Kingdom.— But if, as I suppose is often the Case, the Sailor who is press’d and oblig’d to serve for the Defence of this Trade at the Rate of 25 s. a Month, could have had £3.15. s. in the Merchant’s Service, you take from him 50 s. a Month: and if you have 100,000 in your Service, you rob that honest industrious part of Society, and their poor Families, of £250,000 per Month or £3,000,000 a Year, and at the same time oblige them to hazard their Lives in fighting for the Defence of your Trade; to the Defence of which all ought indeed to contribute, (and Sailors among the rest) in proportion to their Profits by it; but this £3,000,000 is more than their Share if they did not pay with their Persons; and when you force that, methinks you should excuse the other.
But it may be said, to give the King’s Seamen Merchant’s Wages would cost the Nation too much, and call for more Taxes. The Question then will amount to this; Whether it be just in a Community, that the Richer Part should compell the Poorer, to fight for them and their Properties, for such Wages as they think fit to allow, and punish them if they refuse? Our Author tells us it is legal. I have not Law enough to dispute his Authorities, but I cannot persuade myself that it is equitable. I will however own for the present that Pressing may be Lawful when necessary; but then I contend that it may be us’d so as to produce the same good Effect, the publick Security, without doing so much horrible Injustice as attends the Impressing common Seamen. In order to be better understood I would premise two things 1st: That Voluntary Seamen might be had for the Service, if they were sufficiently paid. The Proof of this is, that to serve in the same Ships, and incurr the same Dangers, you have no Occasion to Impress Captains, Lieutenants, Second Lieutenants, Midshipmen, Pursers, nor any other Officers. Why but that the Profits of their Places, or the Emoluments expected, are sufficient Inducements. The Business then is to find Money by Impressing, sufficient to make the Sailors all Volunteers as well as their Officers: and this without any fresh Burthen upon Trade: The second of my Premises is, that 25 s. a Month with his Share of the Salt Beef, Pork and Peaspudding, being found sufficient for the Subsistence of a hard working Seamen, it will certainly be so for a sedentary Scholar or Gentleman. I would then propose to form a Treasury, out of which Encouragements to Seamen should be paid. To fill this Treasury, I would Impress a Number of Civil Officers, who at present have great Salaries, oblige them to serve in their respective Offices for 25 s. per Month, with their Share of the Mess Provisions, and throw the rest of their Salaries into the Seaman’s Treasury. If such a Press Warrant was give me to execute, the first thing I would press should be a Recorder of Bristol or a Mr. Justice Forster, because I might have need of his edifying Example to show how such Impressing ought to be borne with; for he would certainly find that tho’ to be reduced to 25 s. per Month might be a private Mischief, yet that agreable to his Maxim of Law and good Policy, it ought to be borne with Patience, for preventing a National Calamity. Then I would press the rest of the Judges; and opening the Red Book, I would press every civil Officer of Government from £50. a year up to £50,000 which would throw an immense Sum into our Treasury; and these Gentlemen could not well complain, since they would receive their 25 s. a Month and their Rations, and that too without being oblig’d to fight. Lastly I think I would Impress the King, and confiscate his Salary; but from an ancient Prejudice I have in favour of that Title, I would allow the Gentleman Merchants Pay. I could not well go farther in his Favour; for to say the Truth, I am not quite satisfied of the Necessity or Utility of that Office in Great Britain, as I see many flourishing States in the World governed well and happily without it.

Page 174.
“It cannot be complained of otherwise than as a private Mischief, which must be submitted to for avoiding a public Inconvenience.”
I do not see the Propriety of this must. The private Mischief is the Loss of Liberty and Hazard of Life with only half Wages, to a great Number of honest Men. The public Inconvenience is merely a higher Rate of Seamen’s Wages. He who thinks such private Injustice must be done to avoid public Inconvenience may understand Law, but seems imperfect in his Knowledge of Equity.— Let us apply this Author’s Doctrine to his own Case. It is for the public Service that Courts should be held and Judges appointed to administer the Laws. The Judges should be bred to the Law, and skilful in it, but their great Salaries are a public Inconvenience. To remove the Inconvenience, Let Press Warrants issue to arrest and apprehend the best Lawyers, and compel them to serve as Judges for half the Money they would have made at the Bar. Then tell them, that tho’ this is to them a private Mischief, it must be submitted to for avoiding a public Inconvenience. Would the learned Judge approve such Use of his Doctrine?
Text, page 177.
“For I freely declare, that ancient Precedents alone, unless supported by modern Practice, weigh very little with me in Questions of this Nature.”
The modern Practice supported by antient Precedents weighs as little with me. Both the one and the other only show that the Constitution is yet Imperfect, since in so general a Case it doth not secure Liberty but destroys it; and the Parliaments are unjust, conniving at Oppression of the Poor, where the Rich are to be Gainers or Savers by such Oppression.
Text, page 179.
“I make no Apology for the Length of my Argument, because I hope the Importance of the Question will be thought a sufficient Excuse for me in that respect.”

The Author could not well have made his Argument shorter. It required a long Discourse to throw Dust in the Eyes of Common Sense, confound all our Ideas of Right and Wrong, make Black seem White, and the worse appear the better Opinion.

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Impress’d Men


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville Lafreté, 17 September 1781
From: Lafreté, Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris ce lundi 17. 7bre. 1781.
Madme. Lafreté a l’honneur de faire mille Complimens à Monsieur francklin et de le prévenir, que la personne de Bayonne dont elle lui a parlé pour le consulat des Etats unis de l’amérique se nomme Mr. Galart desgraux; elle le recommande à sa Protection.
Madme. Lafreté va faire un petit voyage en normandie; elle espere avoir a son retour le plaisir de voir son bon ami Monsieur francklin a qui Mr. Lafreté a l’honneur de présenter ses devoirs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 17 September 1781
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir/
L’Orient Septr: 17th: 1781
Mr. Stephen Willson, a young Gentleman lately arrivd from America will have the honor to deliver you this Letter. He is recommended to me by my friends in Philadelphia in the warmest manner, & doubt not but he will prove himself entirely worthy of your Excellencys favor & protection—
I have the honor to remain wth. Sentiments of the greatest respect Sir Your most Obedient hble Servt.
Jonatn: Nesbitt

Addressed: The hon: Dr: B: Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary from / the United States of America at / the Court of Versailles. / a Passy / pres Paris
Notation: Nesbit L’orient 7bre. 17. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Du Mourier with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 18 September 1781
From: Du Mourier, ——,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Cherbourg le 18. 7bre. 1781
J’etais dejà penetré depuis longtems de veneration pour vos connaissances, votre patriotisme & vos vertus. Mr. Nixon Eclesiastique vient de me confier sa position & votre generosité, je luy ay payé sur le champ la lettre de Change qu’il tire sur vous. Mr. Le Mis. de Clarac qui se trouvait chez moy vous la remettra, & recevra de vous le comptant, il a voulu emporter la traduction de votre Lettre, qui est une Leçon d’humanité, comme votre procedé en est un Exemple.

Je me trouve heureux que mon cœur se trouve d’accord avec mon esprit pour estimer & admirer le même homme. Ce sont les sentiments avec lesquels j’ay l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur
Du Mourier

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des / Etats unis de l’Amerique / A Passy
Endorsed: That I am oblig’d by his Readiness to advance the Money to Mr Nixon, that the Bill was but lately presented to me, and that I paid it immediately &c.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Palteau de Veimerange, 20 September 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Palteau de Veimerange, Gabriel-Claude

Sir,
Passy, Sept. 20. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of Writing to me the 17th Instant, together with a State of the Effects & Merchandizes which you are collecting at Brest in order to be sent to America. As we have no Agent at Brest, and I have the fullest Confidence in a principal Commissary employed under your Orders, I think it best to continue the Inspection of the Goods, and the Care of embarquing them, &c. in the same Direction that was fix’d by Col. Laurens, and therefore do not propose to make any new Appointment for those purposes, unless you should insist on it as absolutely necessary.

It would be most convenient for our Army to have the Goods landed at Philadelphia where the Board of War would receive and take Charge of them: But as the Risque is greater on that Coast than on that of Massachusetts Bay, it seems to me best to order them to Boston; in which case they will be received by the Agent of the Congress there, who will give the proper Certificates.
I thank you for the Information respecting the Rusé, which I had not before received. I shall make Application for replacing the Goods lost in her as soon as possible.
I am extreamly oblig’d by the Care & Zeal with which you have had the Goodness to forward these Supplies, and beg you to accept my thankful Acknowledgements.
With great Esteem I have the honour to be Sir,
M. Veimerange


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 20 September 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

   LS: American Philosophical Society

May it please your Excellency
Amsterdam 20th. Sepr. 1781.
We were honor’d with your ever esteem’d favor’s of 31st. Ulto. and 4th. instt., the first with one inclosed for his Excellency Mr. Adams to whom we deliver’d it of Course and the latter in reply to that with Which we troubled you in date of the 30th of last month.
We are extremely Sorry that we Cannot yet acquaint you with the perfect re’establishment of the aforesaid Gentleman’s health, Which although much better, his Spirits are still so low as not to permit his being applyd to on Business Which was one of the Motives of our requesting your Excellency’s advice on a Matter we Judged requird every dilligence. We regret that you could not interfere therein. What concerns us with respect to the Commission of the Business we can assure your Excelly. we have Strictly adherd to orders, in the execution of Which we have been particularly watchfull to the interest of Congress; Wch. we shall ever be, our greatest Ambition being to merit it’s favor, as we shall always be sollicitous of deserving yours, having the Honor of being With the highest Regard, Your Excellencys Most Obedient Hble. Servts:
John DE Neufville Son
His Excellency Doctr. B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 21 September 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’

Passy Sept. 21. 1781.
It has been a great Mortification to me that I have not been able this last Summer to pay my Respects to my Respectable and dear Friend at Sanois. The Journey has been often talk’d of among us at Madam Helvetius’s, but some obstruction or other has always interfer’d and occasion’d it to be delay’d: I have from time to time enquired concerning your Welfare, and had the Pleasure of learning that it continues. I do not recollect to have as yet seen or heard any thing of Mr. Crevecœur. It will be a Pleasure to me if by any thing in my Power to do for him, I shall have an Opportunity of showing my Regard for your Recommendation. I have indeed lately received two Letters from Caen in Normandy written by a French Gentleman, who acquaints me that he has lived 27. Years in America, and who calls himself St. Jean, in which Letters he refers me to you for his Character. Please to inform if it is the same Person you mention, but under a different Name; And if it is another I shall be glad to know your Opinion of him.— With great & sincere Esteem & affection, I have the honour to be, dear Madam, Your &c.
La Lettre cy dessus a été envoyée en François.Made la Comtesse d’oubetot.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 21 [September 1781]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce vendredi soir 21 [September, 1781]
Adieu mon bon ami mon aimable papa, je pars je vous quitte pour bien longtems, mais je ne puis croire que mon áme entiére me suive, une portion voltigera sans césse autour de vous— adieu aimés moi, écrivés moi souvent que vous m’aimés, et croyés que rien n’égallera le regrét que j’ai de vous quittér, que le plaisir que j’aurai a vous revoir:/:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / à Passy
Endorsed: recd Sept. 22. 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Cornell et al., 21 September 1781
From: Cornell, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Porten New Prison Corvrin-Brest Septr. 21th. 1781
We your humble Pertationers do Desire your Assistence. We are put here by Capt. Hardwine Commander of the Black Egal Luggar privateteer and for whot we cannot tell for we Shipt with him in Dunkark to Sarv Six Weeks at Sea Which we have Faithfully perform:d and taken A Number of prises. Since We have been here he has Sent offers for Some us to go With him Again But we Want to make the Best of our Way to America Where Some [of] us have Wives and Children and have been taken by the Engluish in American Vessels and have got to France—
I Joseph Cornell have Faithfully Served my Country upward of Four Year as follows. Viz. in Capt. John Earls Corny. Three Months A Vollenteer in Capt. William Bartons Comy. one year in Capt. Gideon Wescotts Comy. of Artilirey one year as Serjeant and then I had A Commission in Colonel Christopher Greenes Regt. for Two year as Ensign and got my Discharge from Majr. Genl. Gates the 20th. June 1779. I Was born in Portsmouth in the State of Rhode Island Where my Parants Lived When I Came Away.
I Saild From Boston the 11th. May 1780 in the Brigg Fame Capt. Joseph Corstin Commander From thence to Gordalupa in the West Indias there tuck in A Load of Sugar and Saild for Amsterdam the 19th. of June 1780— Where we Arivd the 29th. August. We Lay their til the Six of October following we Saild for Boston the 17th. of Nover. We Spied A Sail Bairing W. by N from us Which proved to be the Diana Frigit Which tuck us and Card. us in to Cork. I Run Away and got to Ostend and from thence I Came to Dunkark Where I Shipd. onboard the Black Egal Luggar Capt. Hardwine Commander Which I servd. the Cruse as before Menchened—
My Five Ship Mates is put in the Same Way as I was for Whot we Cannot Tell— The Said Capt. Hardwine Came onboard one Day Since we Came in to Brest and Told us that we must go on Shore the Next Day With him to the Commisary and he Would get A pass for us to go to Dunkark— We Did accordingly and he Sent us directly to Prison—
We Take the Liberty of Writeing to Your Honour Hopeing that Your Honour will healp us to our Country America Which we will Defend While Life Last So praying Your Honour to Assist us we Remain Yr. Honours Humble Servents
Jos. CornellWilliam JohnsonJoseph BanterJames HaresMarthaw JordinJohn Cook

Addressed: To— / Benjamin Francklin / Esqr. / American Embassindor / to the / Court of France at Paris
Notation: Cornell, Septr. 21. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 21 September 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet Paris 21th Sepr 1781.
I am Now in a Strang Country & 4000 Miles from home. No frends to Vindicate me in my unhappy setuation Not with standing theire is Every Proof of my Inosance I am now fully Perswaded that without the Asestance of your Exelency will Not be releved of Preson. I Hope your Exelency will do Every thing that Lais in your Power to releve me of my Destrest Setuation. The Letnt Criminal is convinced of my Inosance & has referd my Affair to Parlement. If your Exelency be So Oblideging to right A few lines to the Gentelman Apointed by Parlement to Examine in to the Affair— As you are Perfectly Noing my Inosance am fully Perswaded will be relived of my Confinment.
I have the honour to be your Exelencys most obedient & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Dacter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, Jr., [after 21 September 1781]
From: Bradford, John Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond Sir,
Boston, Septembr [after September 21, 1781]
When I inform you that I am an American, and have been favour’d with an academical Education, you will conclude that I am not unacquainted with your political or literary Character. You will not therefore expect that I should attempt to add to the Encomiums which are resounded over every part of Europe, as it would surpass the power of human Invention to find out a Term of Respect which has not already been applied— Shall I then inform you that I have taken the Liberty of requesting a Letter of Recommendation to any Gentleman in France or Holland. Having been concern’d with my Father, who servd the public as Continental Agent, and receiv’d the Honor only of his Employment for his Services, the Government having taken the Profit by his Taxes, I am desirous of redeeming in a private Capacity, what was lost by a public one— You will be kind eno’ to remember in extenuation of my presumption in this request, the pitiable Figure a Man makes in this life, with the bare Appellation of a Gentleman; for his Support, for tho Glory makes us live after we are dead, in this World it is but miserable Fare—
Tho I do not suppose the chief End of Man is to make himself a Machine for getting Money, yet it is prudent to pay an early attention to procuring the Means of devoting the principal part of life to intellectual Improvements.
I am not impudent eno. to request this Letter of Recommendation without producing sufficient vouchers, if I find my Request is admissible I will send Letters from any person you may name in this place. By this opportunity I could have inclos’d a Letter in my Behalf from one of your Correspondents but declin’d it Judging it improper to give you the Pain of denying to a Friend what you might have wish’d to grant: my Design in this is to learn whether the Request is admissible, if I am happy enough to find this I hope to Produce sufficient Vouchers. As a Degree of Ridicule forever attends unsuccesful Pursuits you will be kind eno. to conceal the Contents of this Letter— I can only add my sincere Wishes for the Continuance of your present Felicity, as nothing can be added to your Glory except your being enroll’d among the Gods, which Honor, as it never has been confer’d till after Death, I sincerely wish you may not for many years to come obtain.
I am with the greatest Respect yours &c
John Bradford Jun


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 22 September 1781
From: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 22 7bre. [1781?]
M de Castries a l’honneur de faire passer a Monsieur un Paquet et deux Lettres qui viennent de lui parvenir à son addresse.
M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Green, 23 September 1781
From: Green, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Mill Prison Septr 23d 1781—
On the Seventh of this presant Septr. Captn John Manley now In Mill Prison in the presence of Captn John F Williams & Captn Gideon Hanfield Boath Captive did heare Captn Manley prepose his Selling his turn of gowing in the Furst Carteel to me or anney outher person that Would purtches it of him for the Sum of twenty one Shilling paid him—for he was sure a Carteel would not Be hear this Waur—in presence of the Above Gintelmen I gave him the Sum he Requird and he was Contented & Fulley Sattisfied—for the throuth of the above I Begg Lave to Refer your Exelanecy to the Agent whome may Come at the throuth By Enquiring of the Gentelmen of our Mess Whome are Willing to Make Testemaney to the Throuth hearoff— this day Mr Sorrey of Plimouth Resd a Letter from Mr Wm. Hodgeson Desireing him mr Sorrey to Inform Captn John Manley that a British Maior now at paris Stood Readey for an Exchange and that he had Wroght your Excelancey the Exchange for Captn Manley— I hope your Excelenecy Will take it Into Consideratisun and Should you pamitt of an Exchange that it may be for me in the Roome of Captn J Manley whome Stands By the Laus of houner and Agreement in my Roome of Exchange and By Everrey thing thats fair and Eaquell I am to admitt him to My turn— I Should have Wroght your Excelencey Sinse my Being Braught into this plase but had Notthing of Momment to Communicate & Must Begg your Exelensey pardon for theus Giveing you Troubl Which I ope you will Excuse & you Will oblidge your Dovoded Humble Srvt
Mr Beniamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Philibert Lombard: Letter and Memoir, 23 September 1781
From: Lombard, Claude-Philibert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Monsieur
Ce dim. 23. 7bre 1781
Vous trouverez cy joint un memoire dans l’affaire de M. shaffer—si vous vous interessez reellement a lui comme il me l’assuré et comme je crois qu’il le merite, il seroit bon que vous vous donniez la peine de voir demain lundi sur les 7. heures du soir M. Lefevre d’ammecourt conseiller au Parlement demeurant rue de l’université au coin de la rue du Bacq.
Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeisst. Serviteur
Lombardavocat et Procur. au Parlem.rue du Cimetiere st. andré des arcs.

II.

  [September 23, 1781]
  Memoire

M. shaffer a vendû conjointement avec un s Morice, se qualiffiant d’officier ameriquain et ce par le ministere d’un sr Edeline fondé de procuration dud. s Morice, un navire nommé le hazard, au sr dautun negt. a Paris.
Il est dit dans l’acte que ce Navire est armé en guerre, propre pour la course et complet suivant l’etat annexé a l’acte.
Il est dit que les srs shaffer et Morice completteront L’armement d’après la visite que le s Dautun en feroit faire lors de sa prise de possession.
Le prix 60000. l.t que Le s shaffer et Le fondé de procuration de Morice reconnoissent avoir recû du Sr. d’autun.
Le sr d’autun est allé prendre possession du navire et s’etant appercû qu’il manquoit beaucoup de chose a l’armement il a fait faire visite et constater le deficit qui s’est trouvé evalué a 28.000 lt.
Le sr D’autun revenû a Paris a rendu plainte en escroquerie contre le sr shaffer, qui, dit-il, lui a vendû des choses qui n’existoit pas.
Sur la plainte le sr Morice a été entendu ainsi que le sr Edeline et sur leurs depositions le sr shaffer a été decreté de prise de corps.
Aujourdhui le s shaffer demande son enlargissement provisoire fondé sur ce que l’on ne pouvoit l’attaquer au criminel dans une affaire purement civile.
Les parties ont contractées par actes devant notaires c’est a dire civilement; les vendeurs les srs shaffer et Morice se sont soumis civilement a completter ce qui s’en defaudroit de l’armement du navire; pour les y obliger il n’y a que la voie civile.
Le s d’autun ne peut pas dire, Jay pris la voie criminelle parcequ’etant etranger le s shaffer pouvoit se soustraire aux loix civiles, mais on repond, que dès que le s Dautun a traité avec le s shaffer, il a suivi sa foi, il savoit que le s shaffer etoit etranger c’etoit a lui a en connoitre les consequences.
Un autre vice dans la procedure criminelle c’est que l’on a decreté le s shaffer sur la deposition du sr. Morice son covendeur et du sr. Edeline fondé de la procuration de ce covendeur qui, s’il y avoit un crime dans le fait du sr. shaffer seroient aussi coupables que lui et qu’ils n’ont pû le charger de leur propre fait.
Comme homme on appercoit bien que M. shaffer a été trompé qu’on lui a fait souscrire un acte dans lequel Il reconnoit avoir recû 60000 l.t. avec le sr. Morice, d’un navire qui n’en valloit pas moitié, on voit que M. shaffer n’a pas recû lad. somme mais la foi est due aux actes et aux yeux des Juges on verra qu’il a recû les 60.000 l.t.. Cependant comme le s Dautun est un homme qui a fait faillite, les Juges doivent prendre cette circonstance en consideration; d’un autre cotè les Juges doivent considerer la bonne foi de M. shaffer qui pour completter la suretè du s d’autun a remis de confiance en mains du notaire la grosse en parchemin d’un contract d’acquisition qu’il a faitte d’un bien a 20 Lieues de Philadelphie en 1780 qui vaut plus de 13000 livres Sterling.
Le soussigné pense que l’affaire est purement civile, que la qualité d’etranger peut nuire dans la circonstance a M. shaffer, mais que cette qualité ne sera point prejudiciable si Monsieur franklin veut bien l’appuyer de sa protection.
Lombard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 24 September 1781
From: Johonnot, Samuel Cooper
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Sir
Lyons Monday 24 sept 1781
This will inform you of my safe Arrival at Lyons & of my Departure for Geneva tomorrow; I have taken the Liberty of addressing these two Letters to you which I shall request you to forward as soon as possible. M’r Jaume to whom I was recommended by Mess’rs Abbés & Chalus & Arnaud has treated me more like his son than like a person who is recommended to him.—
Receive sir my sincere Thanks for all your kind & good Behaviour towards me & please to accept my hearty Wishes for every Blessing this World can afford. I must conclude this Line in subscribing myself Your most humble servant
S. Cooper Johonnot.

Addressed: To / His Excellency B. Franklin Esq’r / at / Paris
Notation: Cooper Johonnot 24 Sept. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Turgot, 25 September 1781
From: Turgot
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
au Chateau de Bons prés falaise ce 25 7bre. 1781.
Un Gentilhomme Normand qui est depuis 27. ans établi a pensilvanie et qui de la permission du congrés est venu voir sa famille, veut bien se charger de me procurer des grainnes de L’amerique Septemtrionnale pour assurer Le succès de Ses Soins il seroit necessaire d’avoir une recommandation auprés de Monsieur hancock pour qu’il veulle bien permettre qu’on remette Chez lui les differentes caisses ou barils de grainnes ou d’arbres, pour qu’il veulle bien les faire embarquer sur des navires Américains destinés pour Nantes ou Lorient et recommander Expressément aux Capitaines de les placer dans les lieux les moins humides et Les moins chaux du vaisseau, precaution absoluement necessaire pour La conservation des grainnes pendant la traversée. Je ne doute pas Monsieur que L’illustre president du Congrés ne veulle bien avoir la bonté que Je vous prie de demander pour Monsieur de crevecöeur et pour moi, Si vous voulez bien L’instruire que Je Suis frere d’un ministre a qui la liberté americainne étoit chere et que Je ne Suis pas moins zêlé que lui pour La cause des états unis. Je vous Suplie de vouloir bien m’adresser ici la lettre par triplicata, la guerre rendant cette précaution indispensable, Je vous prirai de faire Contresigner Le paquet, dans quelque bureau des affaires étrangeres: Je remettrai vos Lettres a Mr. de Crévecöeur qui se chargera de les faire passer en Amerique; il a été étonne de la belle vegetation de plusieurs arbres de ce païs que Je cultive chez moi.
J’ai L’honneur d’être avec respect Monsieur Votre Trés humble et trés obeïssant Serviteur
Le Mquis. Turgot

Notation: Le Mis. Turgot 25. 7bre. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 26 September 1781
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear friend
Margate Sept 26 1781
Having an opportunity of a conveyance to you, I write one short line (as my notice is very sudden and short) just to tell you how happy I shd have been to have had an opportunity of seeing and Conversing with you. I fear that pleasure must be delayed, but it wd make me infinitely happy to look forward to that pleasure upon some future occasion.— At present the particular occasion of this letter, is to suggest to you a plan, of preventing the horrid consequences of fire in opera houses & play houses. I mean as far as relates to the lives & safety of the spectators. The general idea is this, viz to have a screen of fire plates where the green curtain hangs, to shut like a common scene, upon any alarm of fire—to put fire plates under the floor of the parterre & boxes, if hollow underneath; and likewise over the cieling and sounding board. The other three sides of that space wch contains the spectators, are of course built of brick or stone, & impenetrable to fire. This is the plan in general. I will send you drawings & a farther detail, & thro your means to Monsr Le Comte D’Angivilliers. I will only add that I have tried the security of the firescreen at least an hundred times, with the most intense fires, and have always found them proof. The Canvass, and oil, & woodden frames, & all the combustibles of a play house, can never be made fire proof, but all lives may be saved— verbum sapiente—So much for the present I am always your affecte
D H

Addressed: To Dr Franklin / &c. &c. &c. à / Passy autour / Paris—
Notation: D Hartley sept 26. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 26 September 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet Sepr. 26 1781
My Interpreter & Attorney has Just Left me he Sais it is absolutly nessesry to Offir Securety Alltho he is Sure it will Not be Asked— I am Sure and Evry Body Agrees that I can ruin Dotun the moment the seals are broke & bring him in for Great Damadgus Besedes Recovering the 15200 Livers I Lost on the sale of the luggar— I have No other Securaty to offer but the Deed wich I left in the hands of the Notary At Paris wich is in reaality worth more the ten times the sum of I was Even Cast— but aim sure Dotun will come an settle with me on aney terms I will Ask the utmost of my wishes is to Clear my reputation So that I may Not be Exoosed [Exposed] to be upbraided hearafter for having A Creminel Prosess that is my reason for breaking the warrent— Or I would have Stood out my Trial.— The Deed of Land is Acnoledged before a Justis At Philae. and is a good title. As for aney uther Securety it is out of my Power my attorny & Interpreter is Very Sure that your only ofring Securety will be Suficent & will Not be asked therefore I hope your Exelency will do Every thing that luise in your Powr to relive me of my unhappy Setuation.
I have the Honour to be your Exelencys Most Obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon with a Note from André-Noël Pagin, 27 September 1781
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt,Pagin, André-Noël
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 27 Séptembre [1781] a villeneuve le roy
Je ne suis encore qu’a trente lieuës de paris mon bon papa, j’habitte une maison charmante d’ou j’appérçois de mes fenéstres des prairies arrosées par une riviére et bornées de cotteaux couvérts de vignes et d’arbres fruittiérs, le vilain tems m’a empêché d’allér arpenter ce joli pays; je suis ici chés d’anciens et bons amis qui me soignent comme leur enfant, malgré cela mon áme est triste; je songe a vous mon ami, a ma société de passy, je pense que deux cent lieuës qui me réstent a faire vont encore nous séparér davantage; je suis fatiguée, la force paroist avoir fait un divorce avec moi qui me fait craindre une longue routte, je voudrois déja estre a nice, et mon coeur voudroit ne plus s’éloigner; tout dans le sentiment paroist inconséquence et tout dans le sentiment tient a la mesme cause qui fait désirér, craindre, esperér en mesme tems; la raison veut elle discourir, le sentiment agit et elle se taît, je les laisse se battre et m’en tient a bien sentir et a beaucoup aimér, a beaucoup aimér surtout le meilleur des hommes et des amis:/:

Reçevés les souvenirs de mon mari et de mes filles, et ne nous oubliés pas auprés de mr. votre fils, et de nos bons voisins auxquels je pense aussi sans césse:/:
Mon camarade de voyage Pagin veut aussi causér avec vous:/:

Le pere Pagin prie Monsieur le Docteur d’agréer Les assurances de son inviolable attachement, et tous les voeux qu’il fait pour sa Conservation et son plus parfait bonheur!

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / ambassadeur des Etats unis de / L’amerique / à Passy près Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 27 September 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet Paris 27 Sepr 1781
I recved your favour where you Desire to see the Dee [Deed] of my land my Attorney has made A report to Parlement that I left the Deed in the Notarys Hands for Securety of Dotuns therefore it is out of my power my Attorney Sais to withdraw my deed untill the warrent is broke But if your Exelency will do your self the Pain to send Some Person to see the title I should be Very Happy if posible this morning As he is genarly out in the Afternoon. The land is Setuated on Scoolkill 65 Mils from Philaa. & has Timber Enough to Suply the Hole Navy of france for this many years to come. Theire are masts on this land for the first rate Ships of war & is worth a very large sum of money to the Corart of france my Attorny only makes it a matter of form to have the Securety in Case he should be asked to Answer but is sure theire will be No Ocation for it—
The Notary lives At the Cloitre st Opertune At Paris. Gibert is his Name who has got the deed— I asure your Exelency that that theire will b No Defeculty in the world to bring Dotun to any settlement I Please the Moment I have the warrent broke, in Case theire should be securety Asked There will be [no risk] in the world As I will [Not stay] in this Country to Prosess with him but settle with him on the best terms I can.
I Have the honour to be Your Exelencys most obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer

P.S. I hope your Exelency will do Evry thing in Your Powr to bring this matter to an End
  His Exelency Docter Franklin

Addressed: H Exelency / Docter Franklin / At Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Shaffer, 27 September 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shaffer, John

Sir,
Passy, Sept. 27. 1781.
My Grandson is ill and I have nobody to send to see your Deed that understands such Things. I am obliged to go out of Town this Morning & cannot go myself to look at it till to morrow. But if you have already made it over to Mr. D’Autun, my seeing it will be of no Use. I imagin’d that having that Land as a Counter Security some of your Friends on my Recommendation might have been prevail’d on to be Security for you. In my Station it is not proper for me to become your Bail; and to offer to be so, on a Supposition that the offer would be Sufficient without my really becoming your Bail as you imagine & propose would be absurd. The Moment I offer it I should be engag’d & would not go back. I hope you are as you say innocent, I do not see then why you are against being try’d, as an Acquittal after a fear [fair] Trial would be more to your Honour than to have the Warrant broke and the Charge suppressed thro’ Favour or Interest. I am Sir, Your humble Servant &c.
Mr. Shaffer.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 27 September 1781 [i.e., 28 September 1781]
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Sir
Grand Chatlet Paris 27 Sept. 81 [i.e., September 28, 1781]
I recved your favour of yesterday and am very much in dsposed at Present you menchen in your letter that you would go to the Notary but as I have allready Geving it to Dotun for Securety it would be of No us as I only put it in to the hand of the Notary to Convince Dotun that it was my Intenshion to Deal Honourably with him it is Not menchened in the Contract that he is to have it for his securety but only left as a Pledge with the Notary to be geving to me At the return of Dotun, there is 1200 Ackers of the Best land in that Country—
I am Now in A strang Country & No frends to fly to for asistance, Notwith standing I Posess a Hansom fortune in dependent of the world in my own Country—
I Pray your Exelency will think of my unhappy Setuation As I Have No other Person to Adress my self to but you if you can Call on the Notary you will find the Deed will answer my description.
You recomend to stand my trial as Creminel in the first place the Swead [Swede’s?] Evidence Cannot be taken till the warrent is broke & I shall for Ever be ruened— When I was arrested they took all my money & Efects So that I am Not Even able to Carry on the Cremenel Prosess & must lay in Prison till that Villen Dotun thinks Proper to take me out. I menchen in my last letter that Your offring Securety would be Suficent. I meant that when Dotun finds that I can bring the Swead for an Evidence that he will be Cast and will settle with me on aney terms I Please, then theire would be No ocation of securety and as for my Inosance God and the world kows it. Dotuns only reason was for making this a Cremenel Prosecution was that I could Not bring in my Evedence till my trial Comes on—Knowing the Swead will go Soon to Philaa. but as soon as it is broke Can have his Deposition taken and three other Gentelman if your Exelency will only asure my attorney that I shall Not leave Paris till I settle with Dotun will be Suficent Securety for him As you are Parfectly Safe for I will leave my Deed in your hands— I beg your Exelency will Not refuse reting to my attorney or get some of other person to do it So that I can have my affair Judged to morrow— The settelment with Dotun is in case Dotun should Persue me in the Cevel way He can allways have my Person for I will Never leave Paris till I arange with Dotun and the securety will be Nothing when he is got my Person. I hope your Exelency will Excuse my letters my head is turened upside down in my destress setuation.
I have the Honour to be your Excelencys most Obedend & Very Humble Servt
Shaffer
His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [29 September 1781]
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher grand papa.
[September 29, 1781]
Je vous écris ce petit mot pour vous dire combien L’arrivée de Mr Cooper Johonnot m’a fait de plaisir et je vous assure que quand vous m’enverrès des americains cela me fera on ne peut pas plus de plaisir. Je me perfectionerai dans peu de temps dans l’anglois il me parle deja beaucoup et je lui reponds comme je peux je me porte très bien.
Je suis toujours mon cher grand papa, Votre très humble, et très obeisant fils
BF Bache


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 29 September 1781
From: Johonnot, Samuel Cooper
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hon’d Sir
Geneva 29 Sept 1781
This to inform you of my safe Arrival at Geneva the 28th Inst. Mons Marignac has treated me with much Kindness as well as Mad Marignac, with Regard to Benny he seems to use his utmost Efforts to please me. I shall do the same with Regard to him.
Accept of my sincere Thanks for all your Goodness to me, I shall observe & conserve the Remembrance of them for ever. Excuse my bad Chirography as my Hands are numb’d by the Cold.

Believe me to be with the most profound Respect Your most humble & obedient Servant
Sam’l Cooper Johonnot

Addressed: A Son Exellence / M’r Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare / des Etats Unis de l’Amerique / en son Hotel / A Passy.
Notation: S.C. Johonnot B.F. Bache & Mr. Marignac to Dr. Franklin, Geneva Sep. 29. 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 29 September 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet 29 Sep 81
Mr Fox Called on me he Sais in behalf of your Exelency to Inform me that you thought it much the best to sittle with Dotun, this is what I proposed to him As soon As he Arested me, On the same terms you Menchen—But He Knowing the profit he has gained on the Purchas will Not— my Attorney Informs me that He is Very Sure that Dotun will sittle with me for aney terms As soon As I am at liberty and have it in my power to prosecute him for falts Impresinment—& desires me Not to make Aney propesitions to Dotun untill then— Dotun Now Knows that I Have Applyd to Parlement & Now making a propusition to him he would take it for Granted I could do Nothing him—So that would be in posible to do any thing with him untill I am Cleared by Parlement— Mr Fox asked me the Value of my land— I asure your Exelency that I Gave 12 or 13 thousand pounds Pensilvainia Currency wich I Paid in loan offis certuficts wich drew Intrest upon France and where Not more then 17—for one or 2 At furtherest— I Have allso 2. 3 Storey brick Houses that bring me £135 per Annum that are Situated At the Corner of raze & 4 Street In Philaa— wich belong to me & have the Deeds Recorded in the Offis & left in the hands of my father wich I will allso Give To the Gentel[man] Who becomes my securety.
As there is No other way to sittle this unhappy affair I Pray your Exelency will indeavour to Get me A securety. You may depend I will Not Prosess with the Villin but will reconcile my self to my fate & will sittle with him on the best terms I can. If I am Not soon relived I shall Not Even have the Nesesarys of life As I have Observed in my last. The letnt Cremenel Has got all my money & Efects— it is Very true your Exelency does Not Know Me but belive me I am Not An adventurer.
I Have the Honour to be Your Exelencys most obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Docter Franklin

Addressed: H Exelency / Docter Franklin / Minnester Plenapoteniary A the / Cort of France / At Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from P.M. Porquet, 30 September 1781
From: Porquet, P.M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Calais le 30 septembre 1781.
Il à été remit au Commissaire de La marine du port de Calais, par le Capitaine Thomas Cavin Commandant le Navire de Cartel le Draper de Belfast, arrivé au port dudit Calais le 28 7bre. 1781. avec des Prisonniers francois, differentes Lettres ouvertes dont la destination est pour L’amerique.
On pense que Monsieur franklin pourroit avoir des Occasions de faire parvenir ces Lettres a leurs adresses, cest pourquoi le dit Commissaire prend la liberté de les lui addresser
Porquet

Notation: Porquet sept 30. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Grand, [September 1781?]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce Samedy [September, 1781?]
Mr Grand presente Son Respect à monsieur franklin & le prie de Vouloir bien mettre Sa Signature en Blanc au dos de cette traitte. Le porteur en la rapportant pourra lui donner des nouvelles de la Santé de Mr. franklin le fils.

Addressed: a monsieur / monsieur Franklin / à Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 1 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

ce 1e Octobre 81 [1781]
J’ai reçu votre petite chere Epitre, ma bonne fille, datté a Villeneuve le 27 passée. Vous parlez des bons Amis qui vous soignent bien, des belles Vues que vous avez par vos fenétres, &c. Tout cela me fait du plaisir à entendre; mais je pense continuellement des Fatigues que vous devez souffrir dans une si longue voyage; des mauvaises Auberges, mauvaises lits, mauvais Cuisines, &c. & je crains pour votre tendre & delicat Fabrique: ces Idées me font de la peine. Je suis faché que je ne suis pas l’Ange Gabriel avec des grandes Ailes; car si cela étoit, je pouvois vous epargner tous ces Inconveniens, en vous prenant comme ma Chapeau-bras, & vous plaçant en une demi-heure doucement dans votre Apartement à Nice.
Voilà une grande Vide pour moi à Passy! Point de vous Accueils amicales & riantes; point de votre Musique charmant; point de vos aimables Enfants courrants a m’embrasser! Vos bons Voisins tachent de remplir ce Vide autant qu’ils pouvoient, mais il s’en faut beaucoup.
Mon jeun homme est bien sensible a vos Souvenirs. Il a été malade depuis le jour de vôtre depart; d’une Jaunisse: mais il est mieux actuellement, & presente ses Respects.
La Duchesse de Polignac est allée; la Reine est allée; & ma chere Amie est allée. Voila Passy un Desert! Mais c’est de vous que je me plains principalement, qu’avec & comme le Soleil, vous allez durement nous quitter pendant l’Hyver, quand nous aurons plus de besoin de tous les deux.
Dites a tous le bon Compagnie que je les aime tous tendrement. Je ne dis pas que je vous aime: c’est une Expression, il me semble, trop foible pour marquer ce que je sens. Mes Remerciments au bon Pere Pagin pour sa petite Ligne. Soignez vous bien les uns les autres, afin que vous serez tous restitués à moi en bon Santé, pour me faire heureux l’année prochaine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 1 October 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Grand Chatlet 1st Octr 81
In consequence of the report of my Interpreter I found my self under the Nesesity to make A propesetion to Dotun wich is to Give him the tract of land for his securety untill he can Asertain the defecancy if there be Aney. Your Exelency will be So Oblidging to Inform Mr Dotun about the Land As you Know the tittle is Good for wich I shall Greatfully Acnoledge my self to be Your Exelencys Most Obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 2 October 1781[–21 June 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingenhousz, Jan

Passy, Oct. 2. 1781[–June 21, 1782].
It is a long time, my dear Friend, since I have had the Pleasure of writing to you. I have postpon’d it too often, from a Desire of writing a good deal on various Subjects, which I could not find sufficient time to think of properly: Your Experiments on the Conducting of Heat was one Subject; the finishing my Remarks on the Stroke of lightning in Italy was another; then I was taken ill with a severe Fit of the Gout soon after you left us, which held me near three Months, and put my Business & Correspondence so far behind-hand, that I was long in getting it up again. Add to this, that I find Indolence increases with age, and that I have not near the Activity I formerly had. But I cannot afford to lose your Correspondence in which I always found so much Pleasure & Instruction, I now force myself to write, & I fancy this Letter will be long.
I have now before me your several Favours of Dec. 5. 1780 Feb. 7. April 7. May 23. & Aug. 29. 1781. I was glad to find by the first, that you enjoy’d a good State of Health, and that you had Leisure to pursue your Philosophical Enquiries. I wish you that continued Success which so much Industry, Sagacity & Exactness in making Experiments, have a Right to expect. You will have much Pleasure immediate by that Success, & in time great Reputation. But for the present, the Reputation will be given grudgingly & in as small a Quantity as possible, mix’d too with some Mortification. One would think that a Man so labouring disinterestedly for the Good of his Fellow-Creatures, could not possibly by such means make himself Enemies; but there are Minds who cannot bear that another should distinguish himself even by greater usefulness; and tho’ he demands no Profit, nor any thing in Return but the Good Will of those he is serving, they will endeavour to deprive him of that, first by disputing the Truth of his Experiments, then their Utility, & being defeated there, they finally dispute his Right to them, and would give the Credit of them to a Man that liv’d 3000 Years ago, or at 3000 Leagues distance, rather than to a Neighbour or even a Friend. Go on, however, & never be discouraged. Others have met with the same Treatment before you, and will after you. And whatever some may think & say, it is worth while to do Men Good, for the Self Satisfaction one has in the Reflection.
Your Account of the Experiments you made with the Wires, gave me a great deal of Pleasure: I have shown it to several Persons here who think it exceedingly curious. If you should ever repeat those Experiments, I wish your Attention to one Circumstance. I think it is possible, that in dipping them into the Wax & taking them out suddenly, the Metal which attracts Heat most readily, may chill & draw out with it a thicker Coat of Wax; and this thicker Coat might in the Progress of the Experiment, be longer in melting. They should therefore be kept so long in the Wax, as to be all well and equally heated. Perhaps you may thus find the Progress of Heat in the Silver quicker and greater. I think also that if the hot Oil in which you dipt the Ends was not stagnant but in Motion, the Experiment would be more compleat: because the Wire wch. quickest diminishes the Heat of the Oil next to it, finds soonest the Difficulty of getting more Heat from the Oil farther distant, which depends on the Nature of Oil as a Conductor of Heat, that which is already cooled interfering between the hotter Oil & the Wire.— In reversing the Experiment also, to try which of the Metals cools the fastest, I think the Wires should be dipt in running cold Water; for when stagnant, the hot Wires by communicating Heat to the Water that is near them, will make it less capable of receiving more Heat; and as the Metals which communicate their Heat most freely & readily will soonest warm the Water round them, the Operation of such Metals may therefore soonest stop,—not because they naturally longer withhold their Heat, but because the Water near them is not in a State to receive it.— I do not know that these Hints are founded, I suggest them only as meriting a little Consideration.— Every one is surprized that the Progress of the Heat seems to have no Connection with the Gravity or the Levity of the Metals.—
Those whom I have heard speak of your Book, speak well of it. But I think it has not been so much talkd of as might have been expected. This however is a Matter that is subject to accidents. The Death of a Prince, a Battle, or any other important Event happening just on the Publication of a new Book, tho’ a very good one, occasion it to be little spoken of, and for sometime almost forgotten. We Printers & Booksellers are well acquainted with this.
You ask for News from America, and particularly what Effects attended the Defection of Arnold, and what were his Motives. He tried to draw others after him, but in vain; not a Man followed him. We discover’d his Motive by an intercepted Letter. It was a Bribe of five thousand Pounds Sterling. This he received in Bills of Exchange on London, where the Money was put into the Funds on his Account. He lives cover’d with Infamy, and despis’d even by those who expected to be serv’d by his Treachery. You will see by a German Almanack which I send you, how his Effigies was treated at Philadelphia. And since you ask for American Newspapers, I will send you some German Ones. We have three in that Language published Weekly at Philadelphia and Germantown, by which you may judge that the People with us who speak it are very numerous; and now that England can no longer monopolize our Commerce, the ancient Connections of those People with their Mother Country will be a means of opening a considerable American Trade with Germany by the North Seas, & the Mediterranean.
Never were Wars more unjustly and causelessly begun than those England is now engag’d in with your Country & mine. If she persists in them she is ruined; as she deserves to be. These Wars were evidently Wars of Rapine; they had no Provocation but the Hopes of Plunder. I think you us’d to have a better Opinion of that Nation than it deserv’d. It is extremely corrupted.
Mr. le Begue de Presle is much out of Town, so that I wish you had among the French a Correspondent, who resides constantly at Paris. I imagine M. le Roy would suit you. Tho’ M. de Presle I believe will do what he can about your Publications. I shall be glad to see your Piece on the Electrophore when it is printed in English or French. I do not so easily read the German.—
I have never received a Line from Mr Wharton since his Arrival in America, and know nothing of his Affairs. I have desired Dr Bancroft who corresponds with him, to write to you about him.

Jan. 20. 1782.
Not having yet finish’d my Letter, begun so long since I have receiv’d yours of Dec. 8. I am sorry the Publication of your Book has been kept back for want of hearing from me: I did propose to finish my Paper relating to the Weathercock of Pere Barletti, but had mislaid his Book & what I had written. I will now endeavour to do it; but my Thoughts are so employ’d in Matters of a different kind, that I cannot easily fix them on philosophical Subjects.— The Experiments you mention of the dazzling Brightness of a certain Smoke, and the Burning of a wire Cord are extreamly curious. I wish to be better acquainted with them.
I grieve with you for the unhappy Situation of our Friend Sir John Pringle.—

June 21. 1782.
I have not till this Day had time to finish the little Paper above mentioned, which I now send you enclos’d. The Imperial Ambassador has had the Goodness two or three times to offer the Conveyance of Letters to you: and I have as often promis’d to make Use of that Conveyance, & fully intended it; but something or other has always prevented it. I wonder at your Goodness that you continue Writing to so bad a Correspondent. I have a few days since receiv’d your Favour of April 24. thro’ the Hands of Mr Fave, who is so kind as to promise taking care of the Answer, & it is to his Care that I propose committing this.— He has also delivered to me the German Edition of your Opuscule. There are several Pieces in it which I much desired to read; but I will wait for the French, as that will be easier for me, having for these many Years been but little accustomed to the German.—I again regret that the Publication should have been delay’d on my Account. I am sorry that any Misunderstanding should arise between you & Dr Priestly. The Indiscretions of Friends on both sides often occasion such Misunderstandings. When they produce public Altercation, the Ignorant are diverted at the Expense of the Learned. I hope therefore that you will omit the polemic Piece in your French Edition, and take no public Notice of the improper Behaviour of your Friend; but go on with your excellent Experiments, produce Facts, improve Science & do good to Mankind. Reputation will follow, and the little Injustices of contemporary Labourers will be forgotten. My Example may encourage you, or else I should not mention it. You know that when my Papers were first published, the Abbé Nollet, then high in Repute, attack’d them in a Book of Letters. An Answer was expected from me, but I made none, to that Book nor to any other. They are now all neglected, and the Truth seems to be established. You can always employ your time better than in Polemics. I have not yet seen Dr Priestly’s 5th Vol. The Review is not worth your Notice.
I wonder Dr Bancroft has not yet written to you about your affair with Mr Wharton. I will again press him to do it. I know not what to think of Wharton’s Conduct towards you. He never writes to me; but as you say he has made some Remittance to Mr Coffyn, I hope you will not lose the Money you intrusted him with.— I will take care to forward your Letter to him, & will withal give him some Admonition on your Account.—
Mr Lavoisier, the other Day show’d an Experiment at the Academy of Sciences to the Comte du Nord, that is said to be curious. He kindled a hollow Charcoal, and blew into it a Stream of dephlogisticated Air. In this Focus, which is said to be the hottest Fire human Art has yet been able to produce, he melted Platina in a few Minutes.
Our American Affairs wear a better Aspect now than at any time heretofore. Our Councils are perfectly united. Our People all arm’d and disciplined. Much and frequent Service as Militia has indeed made them all Soldiers. Our Enemies are much diminish’d, and reduc’d to two or three Garrisons: Our Commerce & agriculture flourish. England at length sees the Difficulty of conquering us, & no longer demands Submission, but asks for Peace. She would now think herself happy to obtain a federal Union with us, & will endeavour it. But perhaps will be disappointed, as it is the Interest of all Europe to prevent it. I last Year requested of Congress to release me from this Service, that I might spend the Evening of Life more agreably in philosophic Leisure. But I was refused. If I had succeeded, it was my Intention to make the Tour of Italy with my Grand son, pass into Germany and spend some time happily with you, whom I have always loved, ever since I knew you, with uninterrupted Affection. We have lost our common Friend, the excellent Pringle! How many pleasing Hours you and I have pass’d together in his Company! I must soon follow him, being now in my 77th Year; but you have yet a Prospect of many Years of usefulness still before you, which I hope you will fully enjoy; and I am persuaded you will ever kindly remember your truly affectionate Friend
B Franklin
Dr Ingenhauss.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 3 October 1781
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir/
Philada. Octr. 3d. 1781—
Unwilling to engage too much of your Attention I write but seldom, & yet have been unlucky in the few Instances wherein I have endeavour’d to amuse you & gratify myself. My Letters have for the most part miscarried. I wrote pretty fully by Mr. President Lawrence, who you know was taken with his Papers— My Bagatelles were no Doubt paraded in great Form on Lord G: Germain’s or Ld. Norths Tables— & much Good may they do them.
I again enclose you a few of my Performances, comic & serious.— The Oratorial Affair, is I confess not very elegant Poetry but the Entertainment consisted in the Music, & went off very well— In short the Musician crampt the Poet.

This will be delivered to you by my good friend Mr. Thomas Barclay who is to reside in France as Consul for the United States; he is a Gentleman who will recommend himself on Acquaintance more effectually than I can do in a Letter; he has a particular Esteem for you; & will be much gratified in your Notice; and particularly obliged by your friendly Advice & Assistance, in his Department.
I write no News— Mr. Barclay will give you a full Account of our Situation— I will only say that a very few Weeks will leave the British very little Strength or Hold in America.
Sincerely wishing you Health and Happiness I am ever Your affectionate
F Hopkinson

Write to me when you can & inform me of Philosophical Discoveries & Improvements.

Addressed: Honble. / Dr. Franklin
Endorsed: F. Hopkinson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Lombard, 3 October 1781
From: Lombard, Claude-Philibert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 3. 8bre 81
J’attends la reponse necessaire pour l’affaire de M Shaffer n’atil donc pas assès de crédit pour trouver la caution demandée; dans ce cas sa position est malheureuse et il peut rester longtems en prison; fautil que j’aie l’honneur de vous aller voir? Je serai a vos ordres vendredi après midi.
Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeisst serviteur
Lombard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 3 October 1781
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir
Philada. Octr. 3d. 1781.
The Bearer Mr. Gibbs full of Respect for your Character has not only the very natural Ambition of being introduced to your venerable Person but cherishes the Hope of obtaining your sage Counsel and your Patronage upon his Arrival in France with an Intention to establish himself there at least for some years. Your Philanthropy alone secures that Patronage to him provided his Character puts him upon the Level of a common Claim; But, Sir, I introduce him to you as a young Man of uncommon Sobriety, and yet such as one would naturally expect, if Virtue was hereditable, in a Son of Judge Gibbs, and the Grandson of that good Secretary Willard known by you formerly in Boston. You know Sir the Nobility of New England men non Atavis editi Regibus, sed piis nati parentibus. This young Gentleman can in that Way make the first Boasts.

I am with much Respect Sir Your most humble Servant
James Lovell
Honble. Doctor Franklin

Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin / minister plenipotentiary / &c / France / favd by Mr. Gibbs


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean-Frédéric?] Perregaux, 3 October 1781
From: Perregaux, Jean-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rue st sauveur 3d. Octr 1781
Mr. Perregaux has the honour to Convey the enclosed letter to Doctor Franklin which Came under his cover.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 4 October 1781
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia October 4th. 1781.
I hope this will be handed you by my very particular & worthy Friend Mr. Thomas Barclay, who being appointed Consul General to the United States, goes with his Family to reside in France— I wish to recommend him, not only to your Acquaintance and Civilities, but to your Friendship & Esteem, being well assured, you will find him deserving of them, and this I can venture to assert, from the long & affectionate Intimacy I have had with him— Should he or his Family require your Advice or Assistance at any time, I am well convinced of your friendly Disposition to communicate them— I shall be particularly happy in hearing of his safe Arrival, and am Dear Sir Your ever affectionate & Obedt. Son
Rich Bache
Dr. Franklin

II.
Dear & Hond: Sir
Philadelphia Octr. 4th. 1781.
I have wrote a few Lines to you of this date recommending my good Friend Mr. Barclay to your Friendship & Civilities; the obligations I and my Family are under to him, demand my warmest Friendship;— when we fled from Town in the latter end of the year Seventy seven, he received us under his hospitable Roof, where we staid upwards of two Months; I have never had it in my power to make him a suitable return;— But abstract from this Obligation he has lain me under, I introduce him to you as a deserving, honest Man, much beloved here, and a Man sure of making Friends where ever he goes— He takes his Wife & three Children with him— a valuable charge these perilous Times— Sally would have wrote you by Mrs. Barclay whom she dearly loves, but she is prevented by being confined to her Bed; and I have the happiness to tell You that on the 1st. of this Instant she was safely delivered of a fine Girl, and that she & the child are both doing well, We intend to name the Child Deborah, as a token of our remembrance of the worthy character that bore that name— When Sally last wrote to you, which was per Ship Franklin about a Month ago, I was confined to my bed, & had been so for some time, from a dangerous wound I received on my breast, from the horn of a Cow, she broke two of my Ribs, & laid my breast open upwards of two Inches; I am now so well recovered as to be able to go abroad, and I find my self growg stronger every day— The Accident happened in the Night, within a few paces of the door of the house— Some strange Cow had got into the yard, my dog run & barked at her, & she run at me; the Night was so dark, that I did not see her ’till I felt her, she knocked me down & run over me, but did not return to the charge; I scrambled to the door as well as I could, and made myself heard so as to be let in, my apprehensions were excited on account of Sally’s situation, but she excersised on the occasion great fortitude, and thank God is now happily laid in Bed. Collonel Lawrence handed us your Letter of the 14th. May, he had a long passage home, we were made happy by the Letters respecting Benny— Mr. Morris has concluded upon sending his two Eldest Sons to Geneva, they will take their departure soon, by them Benny will hear both from his father & Mother. I expect he will not be a little pleased to see two of his Philadelphia Acquaintance— As Congress have I am told arranged matters so as to ease your shoulders of a heavy Weight of Business, I suppose you will still continue your Ministry I hope the arrival of a Consul will ease your labours a little, especially after he has got properly into his Geers—With the joint Love & Duty of the Family to Yourself, Temple & Ben I remain ever Dear sir Your affectionate & Obedt. Son
Rich. Bache

As a new System is about to take place in the post Office here, respecting the abolishing of Franks, I know not whether the Officers of the departmts. may not have to pay for their Letters, it is hinted that they will, the Congress have it now under consideration,
  Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 4 October 1781
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Corunna 4 Octr 1781
Your Excellency knows so well all my Occurrences in Holland, particularly my Contract with Lieutt. Colonell Laurens, that I need say but little about Major Jackson, whom I early acquainted that on the Troops coming on board I found there was but little room left. Ships were Chartered, and I got out to Sea as soon as I was ready. Cruizing Eighteen days on a dangerous Coast, without a Pilot, waiting for them: when by the dangers we escaped, particularly the violent Gale of the 20th & 21st of August, my Officers repeatedly applied to me by Letters, to quit that dangerous Coast, ere all our Provisions were expended, which was done after a variety of attempts to get the Ships out. Contrary Winds frustrated our Intent of getting Home as soon as possible, and by a Council held, we deemed it best to push into any Port in France or Spain, to procure a Supply of Provisions, which we could readily have had here, and every other aid: had not Lieut: Colonell Searle, and Captain Jackson, acted more the parts of disappointed Violent Men, than of Americans: by trying to Retard the Ship. The residue of the Bills Accepted by Your Excellency, I did not receive till the 19th August at Night, Some of which I now offered here as payment for Provisions, deeming them the State’s property: but Captain Jackson has decry’d their Validity, wherefore, I must dispose of the Articles Onboard, of the State of South Carolina’s: And am now getting ready, so as to Sail for the first Harbour in one of The United States of North America, I can get, to be ready to Answer to those, who only have authority to examine my Conduct. I shall, ere I depart, trouble your Excellency with a clear Account of this Violent Youth’s Rash & Imprudent Conduct, also of Lieutenant Colonell Searle of the Militia, his distress of mind on his being disapointed in not succeeding in aiding Capt: Jackson, And in dread of his £2000 Sterling of Goods on board here accompanying him to France instead of America.—
Till Your Excellency receives my full advices of my Situation, I am sure you will not encourage any measure that can prejudice a Ship, in the service of The State of South Carolina, And under whose Banner She now rides Here. In the Name & behalf of The State of South Carolina, I then crave Your Excellency’s suspension of opinion in this curious business. My Officers & Men, tho’ somewhat agitated by those Gentlemen, are restored to their former subordination. Thus all is going on well.
With every Respect I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & hble Servt.
A. GillonCome of the Navyof the State of So Carolina

I did not Reply to your Excellency’s Letter of the   because I found the Money was still in possession of Messrs. Fizeaux Grand & Co
  His Exy. B Franklin Esqe Passe

Addressed: francia / His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqre / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the United States of No America / at the Court of Versailles / Passé


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard, 4 October 1781
From: Le Veillard, Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dimanche 4 8bre. 1781
Madame Le Veillard souhaite le bonjour a Monsieur franklin, elle a recu avis des lettres de change qu’il a sur sa personne, mais elle a lhoneur de l’avertir qu’elle ne les payera qua condition qu’il viendra demain Lundy avéc monsieur son petit fils diner avéc elle.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de Lamerique / septentronnale / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 4 October 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam 4th. Octr. 1781
We are without any of Your Excellency’s Favors Since we had the honor of writing in date of the 20th. Ulto. The inclosed are particularly recommended to our Care, and came to hand yesterday per the Brigg Firebrand, Captn. Trowbridge from Newhaven Which place he left about the 20th. of Augt.— when hopes were high in America on Accot. of the expected arival of Monsr. De Grasse on that Coast! may the most sanguine that can reasonably be formed be realized.
We are happy to say His Excy. Mr: Adams’s health is almost perfectly recover’d. With the Highest regard we have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obed Hble. Servts.
John DE Neufville Son

P.S. The Navarre, Captn. Keiller for philadelpa. being still in our Roads, we hope, will still receive in time, the Book entrusted to the Care of our Mr. Comte, With a Letter for Mr. de Brettigny.
  His Excellency Doctr. Benjn. Franklin Minister plenipo. of the United States of America Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 4 October 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Octr 4th 81
Mr Dotun calld upon me and has made a propesetion—that He would buy the Hole trackt of land On condetions that Your Exelency will Give him a Certefacte that he bought the land of me At Paris That in case of deth he May Not meet with Aney deficcultes in Obtainning it in America After proving his deed— I Hope your Exelency will Not refuse him the Certefacete. if it is Consertante with your station As my liberty depends Intierly theiron.
I Have the Honour to be your Exelenceys Most Obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Dacter Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 October 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy Oct 5. 1781
I congratulate your Excellency on your Recovery. I hope this Seasoning will be the means of securing your future Health, by accommodating your Constitution to the Air of that Country.
Here are Advices from Admiral de Grasse, which left him the 13th of August coming out of Straits of Bahama, with 28 Sail, of the Line; bound to Chesapeak Bay: unless he should meet at Sea a call to N. York from General Washington. He took with him from the Islands 3,600 Land Troops, which with his Marines make near 6,000 Men capable of acting either against Cornwallis or in the Siege of New York: and the 8 Sail under M. de Barras at Boston joining him will make a Sea Force superior to any expected of the Enemy in those Seas, so that we may hope for some good News from that Quarter.
Since the Letter your Excellency honour’d me with of the 25 of August, I have learnt nothing new of the Mediation. It seems to be at present in a State of Stagnation. Any farther Proceedings in it that may come to my Knowledge shall be immediately communicated to you. This Court appears attentive not only to the Interest of the United States, but to their Honour. England seems not yet tired enough of the War to think seriously of an Accomodation, and till then our new Commission will hardly afford us much Employment, or make it necessary for us to appoint a Secretary in its Service: I send however enclosed a Copy of the Minute of Congress relating to that Appointment. I have not heard of M. Dana’s Arrival at Petersburg: If your Excelly has receiv’d any communicable Advices from him, I shall be glad to see them, and to know whether he is likely to continue there. Enclosed is a Letter for him, and another for yourself: they appear to me to have been opened; but they are in the State I received them under Cover from M. Nesbitt of L’Orient.
A Letter from America that has been shown me, mentions a Resolution of Congress to exchange General Burgoyne for Mr. Laurens; but I have never seen that Resolution. Do you know any thing of it? I have a Letter from Mr Burke on the Subject of that General, which I am at a loss to answer.—
I received Mr. Thaxter’s Letter relating to the Mast-Contracts, and communicated it to Mr. de Vergennes, who I suppose will write about that Affair to M. de la Luzerne. Is it possible that a Project of supplying England with that Article from any of the United States can be executed? I have no Conception of the Means.
I am glad to hear that the Loan from Holland is likely to succeed: for without it, those obtain’d here for our Service will not afford Payment of the List shown me the other Day by M. Grand, of your Acceptations falling due in Novr. December, January and February next, amounting to Bo. 217,932. ⅔. It is a Demand I had no previous Knowledge of, and therefore I hope it is not expected of me to answer it. I have accepted the Bills mentioned in yours of the 24th past as drawn by you upon me on that day: But the great Sum abovementioned it will be out of my Power to accept if you should draw for it, no Provision being made for it in our last Grants.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. J. Adams Esqr.

Notation: Dr. Franlin 5. [of?] Octr. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 6 October 1781
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 6 octobre a lyon [1781]
J’esperois mon bon papa recevoir de vos nouvélles ici; lorsque mon mari reçut son pacquét de léttres le coeur me battit et je dis óh surement mon ami m’aura écrit un petit mot; mon éspérançe a été déçuë; j’ai pourtant écrit a tous mes amis de passy; a vous mon chér papa de villeneuve le roy, au grand voisin de villeneuve le roy et de dijon, et ce grand voisin qui m’aime, qui n’est point malade comme moi, n’y ambassadeur des états unis comme vous ne m’a point écrit non plus sur qui donc et sur qu’oi compter—je pars de cette grande et belle ville dans deux ou trois jours pour allér a Avignon, nous irons si le vent est propice en 24 heures cela m’avancera vérs le but; je trouve déja du changement dans la temperature nous mangeons ici d’éxçéllentes fraises et le soleil y est chaud; mais partout partout mes bons et fidéls amis de passy me manquent; mes yeux les chérchent et mon coeur les demandent; les mercredis et samedis surtout rien ne me distrait rien ne m’amuse óh mon ami j’ai déja vu bien des choses, et de bélles choses, mais le moment ou je vous retrouvérai ou je me réunirai a vous sera le plus beau de ma vie:/:
Reçevés mon bon papa, l’hommage de mes enfants, de mon mari, de mes camarades de voyages; nous nous rappellons au souvenir de monsieur votre fils:/:
Voulés vous bien faire reméttre la léttre cy jointe a mde le veillard:/:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / ambasadeur des Etats / unis de L’amerique:/: / à Passy prèz Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 7 October 1781
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
Warwick Octobr the 7th 1781
Will you believe I grow Very Jealous of you. I fear the french Ladies have taken you intirely from us for we dont have a Single line from you this long Very long time the last letter I had was Recommending the two French Gentleman have wrote you of them hope that good Lady injoys health will long Continue a Blessing to all arround her. Yr good Sister has been Very unhappy in not Receiving a line from you in So long a time but She is now gone to Boston to get a little Comfort for She thinks Mr Willms has heard from you Certainly.
There is an application to me from a Lady in Newport to write you that one of your Brother James Grand Sons Mr Isaac Allin is a Prisoner in England he belongd to the Ship morning Star was taken and Caried to Charlstown 3 months then Carried to New york 5 month a Prisoner then Carried to England they Doubt not yr assistance indeavoring to get him Releast if you Could know where he was I believe he is a Worthy Character he is much lamented by his freinds. We have Pleasing accounts  from the Southward that Admiral Baras has Given the English fleet a good Banging and that lord Cornwallis and his army is taken tis not Confirmd by Charls Thomson yet but expeckt it every moment. We are all well and Join in our Best wishes that health and happiness may attend you and that you May Return in Safety to america. Spoues is allways inguag’d in Publick matters he would write you Some times our affairs but there is So many Chances of the letters being taken and think that you have all our accounts from authority that he does not love too. Love to yr Dear Children they Say Ray is a good Scholar. I write in a great hurry as the Person waits and tis a Very Cold morning this from yr affectionate friend
Caty Greene

the French going from Newport is Very grievous for they was much belovd by the inhabitants

Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Passey near / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 7 October 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet 7th Octr 81
Mr DAutun Call’d upon me to settle this Afair with me but Has Ocation for some money As he has Expended a large sum— it is imposible to finnish if I do Not Give him some Money or bills for one half Of the Defesinsis & Expences Attending this Matter—
Thererfore I hope your Exelency will Not refuse to indorse my bills in Order to finnish this unhappy Affair for wich I shall Acnoladge my self to be Your Exelencys Most obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer
His Exelency Dacter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Woodmason, 8 October 1781
From: Woodmason, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Leadenhall-Street, 8 Octr 1781
As you have bought one of the Patent Copying Machines, I beg leave to acquaint you, that the Proprietors have invented a Method of keeping the Copying Paper ready damped for Use, by laying the Paper in a Box, which Method I think answers the Purpose.—The Price of a Folio and Quarto Box is 15s.
If you are desirous of having a Pair, or are in want of any prepared Copying Paper, or Copying Ink, please to acquaint me, and I will send you either. I am, Sir your hble Servt
James Woodmason

Addressed: Dr. Franklen / Paris
Notation: Woodmason.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, 9 October 1781
From: Nogaret, François-Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Mardi 9 octbre. 1781
Je profite du moment où je puis vous faire remettre facilement mon allegorie en l’honneur de feue Marie Thereze. Je vous prie de L’accepter, et d’être bien persuadé que c’est un très grand plaisir pour moi d’avoir cette legere occasion de vous prouver mon attachement respectueux. J’aurais èté vous porter cette bagatelle chez vous, Si une indisposition ne me forçait pas de garder la Chambre et même d’avaler aujourd’hui des aposemes. Je vous envoye ma fille avec Sa Bonne, parce que la petite parle toujours de vous et trouve du plaisir à vous voir souvent, comme si déja elle etait d’âge à juger de votre merite par votre modestie et votre Simplicité. Si vous croyés que les enfans Sont des Peroquets, tant-mieux: en ce cas vous devés penser que ce qui sort de la bouche de l’Enfant est le fruit des conversations du Pere et de la mere. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec ces Sentimens inalterables Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
FELIX-Nogaret

Je vous fais porter à Passy ce que je vous envoyais hier chez M Le Comte de Vergennes où vous n’avés pas paru. Nous Craignons que vous ne Soyés malade.
  M franklin chez M Le Comte de Vergennes.

Notation: Felix Nogaret Octr 9 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 9 October 1781
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Grand Chatlet 9th october 81
This will be handed to you by Mr Dotun Who has declared that it was in consequence of the declearaton of Benard that in dused him to Prosacute me in the manner in wich he did, but Now is convenced of my inosance & looks upon Benard As the Villin— in consequence of this declaration I Have made this propesetion— wich is to Give him my land for securety untill we can Asertain th Defesisis I will have to make Good As I am bound for Benard, Mr Dotun was Informed that I intinted to leave Pariss in a few days—therefore Cannot other ways but Justify Dotun in what he has done As Benard was Emeadeatly Concerned with me & upon Oath declared that it allways was my intention to Rong Dotun & go of. Therefore if your Exelency will be so oblidging As to Inform Mr Dotun that the tittle of my land is Good As you know it to be So for wich I shall Acnoladge my self to be Your Exelencys Most Obedent & Very Humble Servant
J Shaffer

P.S. I value my tract of land At 12000 Louis
  His Exelency Docter Franklin