Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 March 1783
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond Sir.Nantes March 23. 1783.
I recd your Favour of the 9 Inst some days since, and beg your Pardon for the delay of my Answer which the hurry of Business has occasioned. I thank you for espousing my Cause with Mr de Fleury, but I find the minister will not grant the Exception requested.
The packet was sent by our admiralty without my knowledge, they never consult me on these occasions, but it is not just you should pay the Postage I will therefore give you credit for it & charge the prizes.— The two Cheezes advised from Orleans are not from me unless sent a long time ago as I do not remember sending any lately. I sent to Orleans in January a variety of Articles as follow.

J Jay

a pipe Madeira.
for Mr Jay.

MW

an Anchor do.
for Mrs Williams

BF
N 1.
a do of old jamaica Rum
for yourself.

do.
  2
a Bl of Sugar
do.

do.
  3
a Case of 80 Bottles of Porter.
do.

MM

a do.
Mrs Montgommery

MR

a do.
Mr Ridley

J Jay

a do.
Mr Jay.

It may be that two Cheezes were added & a note omitted to be taken, but I cannot at present tell. If you find them good the better way is to eat them & leave the matter to be settled when the Owner appears, as they may otherwise in the mean time be spoiled.
I thank you for your kind Attention to my Father & Mrs Williams and am as ever most dutifully & Affectionately Yours.
Jona Williams J
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Mr Franklin / en son Hotel / a / Passy / pres Paris
Notation: Jona. Williams March 23. 1783.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 24 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Passy ce 24 mars 1783
Je desirerois, Monsieur le Comte, faire imprimer la Traduction du Livre des Constitutions des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique publié en 1781 à Philadephie par Ordre du Congrès Général; plusieurs de ces Constitutions ont dèja paru dans le Journal des Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amerique, d’autres ont déja paru ailleurs, mais il n’en existe pas encore de Traduction complette, celle dont j’ai l’honneur de parler à votre Excellence, qui formera un Volume in octavo, renferme les diverses Constitutions des Etats-Unis, leur Traité avec la France, et ne contient aucunes matieres étrangeres; J’ai pris pour cet objet des arrangemens avec le Sr. Pierres qui est prêt à commencer l’Impression, J’esper que Votre Excellence voudra bien donner son Agrément à cette Publication.
Le Sr. Pierres a besoin d’une Permission de M. le Garde des Sceaux pour imprimer et pour debiter ensuite cet Ouvrage, lorsqu’il m’aura livré le Nombre d’Exemplaires convenu; comme J’aurois lieu de souhaiter que cette Traduction pût paroître sous peu de tems, je serai très obligé à votre Excellence si elle veut bien engager M. le Garde de Sceaux à faire expedier promptement son ordre et même dans le Cas où les Formalités requises pour cette Expédition exigeroient un certain tems, de l’engager à autoriser par une Lettre le Sr. Pierre à commencer l’Impression.

J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une respectueuse Consideration, de Votre Excellence, Le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
B Franklin
[Son] Exce. le Comte de Vergennes.

Endorsements: Envoyé copie à M. le Garde des Sceaux le 30. Mars 1783. / M. franklin / M. de R [Rayneval]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Penn, 24 March 1783
From: Penn, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel d’Espagne March 24th:— 83.
Mr. Penn presents his Compts: to Mr. Franklin & has sent his Servt: for the Letters He did Him the honor to promise him. He means to leave Paris as soon as the Bearer returns.—


Title: Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 25 March 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

On the morning of March 12 Congress learned from the hand of Joshua Barney, captain of the packet General Washington, that the American peace commissioners had signed conditional preliminary articles with Great Britain on November 30, 1782. In addition to delivering the provisional peace agreement itself, Barney also presented Congress with a wealth of explanatory material from the commissioners including Franklin’s letters of December 4, December 5[–14], and December 24[–25]; the commissioners’ joint letter of December 14; and Franklin’s journal of the peace negotiations.
Congress’ elation at the terms of the agreement was tempered, as Livingston writes here, by distress at learning that the commissioners had settled the agreement without consultation with the French, and that they had agreed to a secret and, in Congress’ view, dangerous separate article concerning the boundary with West Florida that they had deliberately withheld from Vergennes. The delegates spent the next two weeks vigorously debating whether the American commissioners had disobeyed their instructions, whether they ought to be censured, and what Congress should communicate to the French minister in Philadelphia. As James Madison wrote, “the dilemma to which Congress are reduced is infinitely perplexing.” To collude in the secrecy and risk, irreparably alienating France before that country had signed its own treaty with Britain, struck Congress as a grave issue of national security as well as a matter of national honor. Livingston submitted his views in a letter of March 18; Congress’ debate over his recommendations dominated the session of Saturday, March 22. The following Monday, March 24, they received news that the Anglo-French preliminary treaty had been signed on January 20, thereby eliminating the conditional nature of the Anglo-American agreement. The debate over what to tell the American commissioners evaporated. Livingston, eager to respond to the commissioners, wrote the present letter without Congress’ agreement on what it should include, choosing instead to enclose evidence of the discussions.
One of James Madison’s first reactions to the dispatches brought by Barney was admiration for Franklin. Writing to Edmund Randolph on March 12, Madison described the preliminary articles and then added: “Franklin’s correspondence on this occasion denotes a vigor of intellect, which is astonishing at his age. A letter to the British Minister on the case of the Tories in particular is remarkable for strength of reasoning, of sentiment & of expression.” (He was referring to Franklin’s November 26, 1782, letter to Richard Oswald, which Jay had forwarded.) Madison went on to describe Franklin’s poignant request to be relieved of his duties, “being in his 78th year.” Randolph answered that Madison’s letter was an antidote to one he had just received from Arthur Lee, criticizing Franklin for having kept Congress “utterly in the dark as to the progress of the negotiations at Paris,” and insinuating that this would have grave consequences. Madison replied: “The extract from [Lee]’s letter recited in yours astonished me more than it could do you, because I must be more sensible of its contrast to truth. High as my opinion of the object of it was, the judgment & acuteness & patriotism displayed in the last despatches from him, have really enhanced it. So far are they in particular from studiously leaving us in the dark, that some of them are of as late date as any, if not later than those from several & perhaps as voluminous as all the rest put together.”

Gentlemen,Philadelphia 25th. March 1783.
I am now to acknowledge the favor of your joint Letter by the Washington, together with a Copy of the preliminary Articles— Both were laid before Congress— The Articles have met their warmest approbation, and have been generally seen by the People in the most favorable point of view.
The steadiness manifested in not treating without an express acknowledgment of your Independence previous to a Treaty, is approved; and it is not doubted but it accelerated that declaration. The Boundaries are as extensive as we have a right to expect, and we have nothing to complain of with respect to the Fisheries— My Sentiments as to English Debts you have in a former Letter, no honest Man could wish to withhold them. A little forbearance in British Creditors till People have recovered in part the losses sustained by the war will be necessary to render this Article palatable, and indeed to secure more effectually the Debt. The Article relative to the Loyalists is not quite so accurately expressed as I could wish it to have been. What, for instance, is intended by real British Subjects? It is clear to me that it will operate nothing in their favor in any State in the Union; but as you made no secret of this to the British Commissioners, they will have nothing to charge you with, and indeed the whole Clause seems rather to have been inserted to appease the clamours of these poor Wretches, than to satisfy their wants. Britain would have discovered more candour & magnanimity in paying to them three months expence of the war establishment which would have been an ample compensation for all their losses, and left no germ of dissatisfaction to bud and blow, and ripen into discontents here—another Administration may think the noncompliance of the Legislatures with the Recommendations of Congress on this subject a sufficient cause for giving themselves and us new trouble— You however were perfectly right in agreeing to the Article—the folly was theirs, who did not either insist upon more, or give up this.
But, Gentlemen, tho’ the issue of your Treaty has been successful, tho’ I am satisfied that we are much indebted to your firmness and perseverance, to your accurate knowledge of our situation, and of our wants for this success; yet I feel no little pain at the distrust manifested in the management of it, particularly in signing the Treaty without communicating it to the Court of Versailles till after the Signature, and in concealing the seperate Article from it even when signed. I have examined with the most minute attention all the reasons assigned in your several Letters to justify these Suspicions. I confess they do not appear to strike me so forcibly as they have done you, and it gives me pain that the Character for Candour and Fidelity to its Engagements, which should always characterize a great People should have been impeached thereby. The concealment was in my opinion absolutely unnecessary. For had the Court of France disapproved the terms you had made after they had been agreed upon, they could not have acted so absurdly as to counteract you at that late day, and thereby put themselves in the power of an Enemy, who would certainly betray them, and perhaps justify you in making terms for yourselves.
The secret Article is no otherwise important, than as it carries in it the Seeds of Enmity to the Court of Spain, and shews a marked preference for an open Enemy.
It would in my opinion have been much better to have fixed on the same Boundaries for West Florida into whatever hands it fell without shewing any preference, or rendering concealment necessary—since all the Arguments in favor of the Cession to England would then have operated with equal force, and nothing have been lost by it, for there can be no doubt, that whether Florida shall at the close of the War be ceded to England or to Spain, it will be ceded as it was held by Britain. The seperate Article is not I suppose by this time a Secret in Europe, it can hardly be considered as such in America. The Treaty was sent out to the General with this Article annexed by Sir Guy Carleton, without the smallest injunction of Secrecy—so that I dare say it has been pretty generally read at Head Quarters. Congress still conceal it here. I feel for the Embarrassment explanations on this subject must subject you to, when this Secret is known to your Allies.
I intended to have submitted this Letter to Congress, but I find that there is not the least prospect of obtaining any decision upon it in time to send by this conveyance, if at all. I leave you to collect their Sentiments as far as I know them from the following state of their proceedings. After your joint and seperate Letters, & the Journals had been submitted to them by me, and had been read, they were referred back to me to report, when I wrote them the inclosed Letter No. 1.— When the Letter was taken into consideration, the following Motions No. 2. 3. 4. were made and debated a whole day. After which the Letter and Motions were committed, and a Report brought in No. 5. This was under consideration two days, when the arrival of a Vessel from Cadiz with Letters from the Count d’Estaing & the Marquis de la Fayette, containing Accounts that preliminaries were signed, induced many Members to think it would be improper to proceed in the Report, and in that state it remains without any express decision. From this you will draw your own inferences. I make no Apology for the part I have taken in this business. I am satisfied you will readily acquit me for having discharged what I concieved my duty upon such a view of things as you presented to me. In declaring my Sentiments freely, I invite you to treat me with equal Candour in your Letters; and in sending original papers I guard against misrepresentations that might give you pain. Upon the whole I have the pleasure of assuring you, that the Services you have rendered your Country in bringing this business to a happy issue are very gratefully recieved by them, however we may differ in Sentiment about the mode of doing it. I am sorry that the extreme negligence of the different States has prevented, and will probably long prevent my being able to send you a State of the injury done to real property, and the Number of Slaves destroyed and carried off by the British Troops and their Allies— Tho’ no pains have been or shall be wanting on my part to urge them to it.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, with great Respect & Esteem, your most obedient hble Servant.
R. Robt. Livingston.
No. 1. 2plicate.Honable John Adams, Benja. Franklin John Jay & Henry Laurens EsquiresCopy

Notation by John Adams: Mr Livingstone. 25. March 1783. to The Ministers for Peace.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Paul von Giusti, 25 March 1783
From: Giusti, Peter Paul, Baron von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurA Milan ce 25. Mars 1783.
L’heureux Accomplissement d’une Revolution interessante pour le Bien étre général des Nations, qui forme à coûp sûr L’Epoque plus remarquable du XVIIIme. siècle, et dont Vous avez jettè, Monsieur, les fondements immortels: suffiroient pour Vous attirer l’admiration et la réconnoissance des Peuples et des Philosophes. Mais Lorsqu’à de si puissants motifs se joint le titre d’un dévouement particulier, de la connoissance personnelle, et de plusieurs marques de bontè et d’Amitiè dont on a étè honorè de Votre part, comme il m’est arrivè l’Etè de 1781. à Paris, lorsque j’y ai passè de retour de ma Commission de Chargè d’Affaires de L’Empereur à la Cour d’Espagne; il est trés-naturel de s’interesser avec autant plus d’ènergie à ce grand Evenement, et de prendre une part plus intime à la gloire qui Vous en revient, et qui garantit à Votre Nom une célebritè aussi solide qu’éternelle. Agréez donc Monsieur mes compliments trés humbles à ce sujet, et daignez me continuer les sentiments flatteurs dont Vous m’avez honorè, en Vous persuadant, que rien ne sçauroit égaler ceux du dévouement sans bornes et de la parfaite consideration, avec laquelle je suis Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés-obéissant Serviteur
Le B DE Giusti
Mr. de Franklin Ministre Plénipe. des Etats d’Amerque. à la Cour de France

Notation: De Giust 27 May 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 25 March 1783
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sirLondon 25 March 1783
I reced your kind favor of the 9th & have to return you many thanks for your advice relative to our Ship to which shall strictly conform Mr Vaughan & myself think ourselves very particularly obliged for your Recommendatory Letter to Mr Livingstone— I sent you a copy of the first draft of the intended Bill for opening a Trade to America, I thought it wou’d have met with little or no Opposition, I was grosly mistaken, we have no Ministry & every man vents his Crudities relative to American Commerce & wishes to be a Legislator, the Bill is no more what it was, as to form & yet Substantially the main points remain, viz the Americans to go freely to the Islands to carry their own produce, to bring every thing here, their own produce, to be entituled to all Bountys & Draw backs on goods outward, no Bounty inward, upon any sort of goods is intended to be continued— In short that with respect to the intermediate Trade in Europe, the Americans to be upon the same Footing with other Powers, Our Navigation act you know will not Suffer the Ship of any Country to bring into Gt Brittain other than goods the growth of the Country to which the Vessell belongs, this Regulation I understand is meant to be adhered to. There never was a Time when it wou’d be more usefull for you to favor me with your digested plan & System for regulating the Commercial Intercourse betwixt the two Countrys, I cannot tell who will be Ministers there never was before such an Interregnum such a compleat Chaos in publick Affairs, I have done every thing in my power to adopt your Ideas relative to the Prisoners—those from Plymo. [Plymouth] were gone prior to the Reception of your Letter, I waited upon the Duke of Portland to whom the premiership was generally given his Grace assured me of his readiness to do what you desired if it rested with him to advise—but assured me at the Same Time he was no Minister (this was Sunday) I waited upon Ld. Shelburne, who said he had been very ill treated for his Liberality to America & he cou’d do nothing in the Affair—at the Same Time his Lordship said he considered Congress as having broken their faith in the last agreement which he had ordered to be made with me, for they had not returned a Single Man, what excuses they set up he knew not but he said nothing in his Opinion coud justify such breach of faith— I waited upon the Commissioners of Sick & Hurt to know if they wou’d postpone the Embarkation of the Men from Forton untill the New Ministry were appointed they told me it was out of their power for they believed they were allready sailed, I hope you will believe I have done every thing in my Power to carry your Views into execution & am sorry I have not been more Succesfull—the House of Commons last night agreed to address his Majy to form an Administration— as yet I do not know his Majestys Answer if I learn it before the Time for sending this to post I will acquaint you with it— Mr Justice Jones has been knighted I am most truly Dr sr your most Obliged Friend & Hble Servant
William Hodgson

I believe that young Mr Pitt has accepted the premiership, C.F. [Charles Fox] Ld. Norths’ Coalition therefore proves abortive

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benj. Franklin Esqr
Endorsed: answerd


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 25 March 1783
From: MacMahon, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honourable sirMarch the 25th: 1783
The Lady who intends to wait upon you with this letter is Daughter to an Irish Gentleman Sir Walter Rutledge, and married to a French Officer M. le Chevalier D’Herbigny. She is related to Mr. Rutledge of America, who was, I think and perhaps is still in Congress. She wants to obtain a favour that depends upon M. le Comte De Vergennes, and begged me to introduce her to you to obtain a recommendation to the Minister. If you can render her that good Office, as a Relation to a Member of Congress, it will be rendring an essential Service to a Lady of real merit, and a very great obligation conferred upon Dear and Honourable sir your most humble and obedient Servant
J. Mac MahonMD. P.

Addressed: To / The Honourable Dr Benjamin / Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary / to the united states of North America / at Passy
Notation: Mac Mahon 25 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jules-François de Cotte, 26 March 1783
From: Cotte, Jules-François de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Paris le 26 Mars 1783
M. Dupré m’a remis, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait Lhonneur de m’ecrire, en aportant les coins que vous luy aves fait graver. Ils ont eté essaiés et pouront servir a fraper non seulement les Medailles que vous desires avoir en ce moment, mais meme un plus grand nombre, si vous en aves besoin. Les 2 d’or, 20 d’Argent et 20 de bronze, que vous aves demandé, seront demain en Etat d’etre livrées a la personne que vous chargeres de les retirer des mains du S. Roger principal Commis de la Monnoye des Medailles.
J’ay lhonneur detre avec les sentimens distingués dus a vos vertus, a vos talens et a votre Caractere, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres Obeissant serviteur
Decotte

Je crois devoir vous avertir, qu’on vient d’aporter a la Monnoye des Medailles, un lingot d’une matiere imitante l’argent, pour essayer si elle seroit propre a la fabrication des Jettons ou de la Monnoye; a l’épreuve la matiere est si cassante qu’elle ne paroit propre a rien en ce genre, et celui qui la aporté a dit l’avoir recu de Nantes et comme etant destinée a une speculation de comerce, pour les Etats unis de lAmerique. Peut etre est ce une fausse indication, mais il est toujours bon je crois que vous en soies prevenu.
M. franklin

Notation: Necotte Paris 26 Mars 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Julie Rutledge d’Herbigny, 26 March 1783
From: Rutledge d’Herbigny, Marie-Julie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Son excellencea paris ce 26 mars 1783.
Mon grand pere jacques Rutledge quitta l’irlande vue son attachement pour la maison de Stuart, mon pere Sir Walter Rutledge fut victime du meme Zele il arma à ses frais l’élizabet qui escorta le prince et la fortune de ma mere fut inglobé par une Suite de ce desastre.
Les droits d’un frere d’un premier lit acheverent notre ruine il m’estoit resté pour toute resource une Somme de dix mil livres que jai placé Sur mr le prince de guémené. Vous en connoissez les Suites.
Depuis le temp que nous Sommes en france la plus grande partie de ma famille a été attaché au Service il me reste un frere paralitéque a ma charge ainsi q’une mere dans la Situation que je viens de rendre et un autre frere chanoine de Reims dont le peu de revenu ne peut suffire a nos charges.
Je Suis femme d’un militaire qui Sert avec Zele et j’ai un enfant.
Mr. lecomte de maurepas qui connoissoit ma Situation et les particularitez cydessus estoit a la veille de sy interesser fortement alors que j’ai eu le malheur de le perdre.

Je Sollicite dans le moment les bontez de monsieur le comte de vergennes pour obtenir des graces du Roÿ soit Sur le tresor Royal Soit sur le fonds des ecossois en un mot une pension qui me rende lexistence et qui me mette a meme de Soutenir ma famille.
Lhonneur que j’ai dappartenir a un des membres de votre congrez, et d’estre peuetre la Seul en france dans ce cas me fait esperer dobtenir votre confiance et votre appuy a ce titre ainsi quaupres de Mr. le comte de vergennes.
Je joins icy le memoire que ce ministre a deja bien voulu acceuillir et que je vous prie de lui representer appostillié par vous. Si vous daignez m’accorder votre appuy j’ose tout esperer.
Je Suis avec Respect de votre excellence votre tres humble et tres obeissante Servante
Rutledge DHERBIGNYchez monsieur bart chef descadreancien gouverneur de St. dominguerue St. anne

Notation: Rutledge D’Herbigny Paris 26. Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lotbinière, 26 March 1783
From: Lotbinière, Michel-Alain Chartier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieurparis, petit hôtel de Lordat Rue de Bourgogne près la place du palais bourbon, le 26 mars 1783.—
J’ai l’honneur de vous informer que Mr. de Rayneval m’a marqué dans Sa lettre du 24, que M. le Comte de Vergennes devoit vous remettre, le premier jour que vous vous rendriez a la Cour, un Mémoire au Sujet de mes deux Seigneuries a la tête du lac Champlain. Quelque décidé que je fusse a attendre Cette justice des seuls mouvemens de Votre Excellence auprès des Etats-unis de l’Amérique, il m’a Eté aisé de sentir, lorsque j’ai Eu l’honneur de la voir a Ce Sujet, que je la mettrois beaucoup plus a son aise Sur les Services que je la voyois toute portée a me rendre, par une pareille démarche de la part du gouvernement françois.
Au moyen du Memoire Ministèriel qui doit vous Etre remis au premier instant, S’il ne l’a pas desja Eté, les papiers que j’avois Eu l’honneur de vous laisser, Monsieur, pour vous mettre particulierement au fait de la chose vous deviennent totalement inutiles, Et je vous serai infiniment obligé de vouloir bien me les renvoyer sous Couvert fermé de Votre Cachet, Etant la minute même de la majeure partie de mon travail a ce sujet.
J’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec beaucoup de Respect Monsieur Vôtre tres humble Et tres obeissant serviteur
Lotbiniere.

P.S. Si Votre Excellence a la bonté de m’indiquer un jour Et l’heure a laquelle je pourrois sans indiscretion me rendre a son hôtel j’aurois l’honneur de m’y présenter.—CL.—oserois-je la supplier de Vouloir Exprimer pour moi a Monsr. son fils, les choses les plus particulieres Et les plus gracieuses.

Notation: Lotbiniere 26 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, [27 March 1783]
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My ever dear Friend[March 27, 1783]
To be noticed by the Great is an Honour but to enjoy the Friendship of the Good is more than Honour—it is Happiness. I was much gratified by your kind Letter per Capt. Barney, & thank you for the Premiere Livraison of the Encyclopédie. But you have not informed me in what Manner I shall make Payment for them. The Sum total is larger than I could have ventur’d on at Once; but as the Publications will be in annual Portions, I suppose the Payments will be so too:—which will bring the Matter within the Compass of my Abilities: But I wish to know what is expected from the Subscribers.—
A Vessel arrived here a few Days ago Express from Cadis, with Letters from the Marquis Fayette announcing Peace to all the World. This has diffused general Joy thro’ this suffering Country. Yet there are some who, tho’ they cannot be sorry for it with a good Grace, are nevertheless sorry. I mean those who have large Quantities of Goods on hand at War Prices. But if it should never rain till it suited every Individual’s Convenience the whole World would blow away in Dust. The Terms for America are unexceptionable. The boundary Lines of the United States, liberal & permanent. I have heard no Objections— Even long-sighted Politicians of the Grumbletonian Fraternity seem satisfied.
Blessings, like Misfortunes seldom come unaccompanied. I am told you intend to return & spend the Remainder of your Days at home. This will be a most agreeable Gratification to your Friends—to none more than me— America gave you Breath, you have repaid the Obligation by being so principally instrumental in giving her Peace, Liberty & Independence. Individuals will readily acknowledge how much the Public is indebted to you for your important Services; how far the Public will be found grateful is a Problem. The least I think that can be expected is that you may enjoy the Remainder of your Days in Ease & Honour.— The Official Dispatches respecting the Peace are look’d for every Day, and great Pageantry’s are preparing for the joyful Proclamation.—
You flatter my Vanity by approving of my Piece respecting the Trees— The Law was repealed & the Innocents saved from Slaughter.
I amused myself one snowy Day with devising a new Game at Cards. I enclose you a Copy of the Rules printed on the wrapping Paper of each Pack, & also a Couple of the Cards as a Sample. They are not so well executed as I could wish, but may serve for a first Essay. My Object was to make my Children dextrous & critical in spelling, & to give them a Knowledge of the Use of Letters in the Formation of Words. These Cards are getting into great Vogue.
My good Mother is well, & retains a most respectful & affectionate Regard for you, whom she considers as almost the only one of her Husband’s friends, who has extended any Regard to his Family.—
I have written many Letters to you, which I fear have miscarried. One in particular I am anxious about, in which I gave you a narritive at length of a most unhappy Circumstance—no less than a Combination to ruin me forever by some whom from my Youth up I had esteemed as my most confidential friends, & on whom I had without Remission conferr’d such Acts of Kindness as I was capable of.— You are no Stranger to the Feelings that must occur on such an Occasion.—
Adieu & be assured I am ever Your faithful & affectionate
Fr Hopkinson

Addressed: To the Honourable / Doctor Franklin / at / Passey

Endorsed: Not dated, but suppos’d to be about the 27th March 83
Notation: F. Hopkinson 27 March 1783


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lotbinière, 28 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lotbinière, Michel-Alain Chartier de

Passy ce 28 Mars 1783
J’ai reçu, Monsieur la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 26 de ce mois. Je vous renvoye cy joint les Papiers que vous m’avez laissés. Je suis tous les Matins chèz moi Jus qu’à onze heures, excepté les mardis, et Je vous verrai avec plaisir Si vous m’honorez d’une Visite.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très parfaitement, Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur./.
B Franklin
[In Franklin’s hand:] M. de V. [Vergennes] ne m’a pas parlé encore de votre Affaire, mais je ferai tout ce que je peux.Mr. Lotbiniere


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Matthew Ridley, 28 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ridley, Matthew

Sir,Passy, 28 March 1783
I have read the Letter from Monsieur de Rayneval to you of the 20th. instant, wherein he thinks that the Representation of Mr. Putnam’s Case as stated by a Resolve of Congress of Septr 4. 1780, ought to be from me. The Multiplicity of Affairs in which I was engaged when Mr. Putnam was at Paris made me wish that some American Gentleman would undertake this Business. The Choice he made of you was quite agreable to me; and it is my Desire that you should pursue the Reclamation. Other more weighty Objects on my Mind at this Time, would render it very difficult for me to give the Attention necessary to the one in Question. And therefore I flatter myself that upon your producing this Letter to Comte de Vergennes no Difficulty will be made to your obtaining the Information you may Want & such Justice as the Nature of the Affair requires.
With great Esteem, I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Ridley.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ginette frères & Luc Laugier, 28 March 1783
From: Ginette frères & Luc Laugier
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurMarseille Le 28 mars 1783./.
Nous prenons La Liberté d’envoyer à Votre Excellence, La Copie d’un acte fait au bourg St pierre isle de La Martinique par des officiers du brigantin Les marie-therese Commandé par Le Capitaine pierre fremont qui, etant parti dudit port pour Venir à Marseille, fut pris par un Corsaire anglais Le Sept decembre dernier et repris Six heures après par la fregatte La hague Commandée par Monsieur Manley, appartenant aux Etats unis de L’amerique; Cette reprise a été envoyée à Boston.
Nos Correspondans de la Martinique n’ont point perdu de tems pour envoyer à Boston à Mr. Le Consul de france, l’extrait de la declaration dont nous envoyons Copie à Votre Excellence. Quoique nous Soyons Convaincûs que Le Congrès aura eu egard aux reclamations justes de Monsieur Le Consul, nous avons Crû devoir faire part a Votre Excellence de cet evenement et des demarches qui doivent deja avoir été faites.
Nous esperons que Votre Excellence Voudra bien appuyer notre demande et faire ensorte que la restitution de ce Brigantin ne Souffre pas de delay, Comme ayant été repris dans un terme que les loix de l’amerique et de toutes les Nations Maritimes determinent pour que La recousse retourne à Ses premiers proprietaires Sous une gratification oû portion indiquée par ces mêmes loix; l’amour de la justice qui Caracterise le Congrés, ne nous Laisse aucun doute Sur La promte decision de cette affaire, Surtout appuyée et reccommandée par Votre Excellence.
Nous Sommes avec Respect de Votre Excellence Les très humbles et très obeissants Serviteurs
GINETTE FRERES ET Luc Laugier

Jaques Seimandy chargè des pouvoirs des assureurs de Marseille

Notation: Ginette freres & Luc Langier, 28 Mars 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, Jr., 28 March 1783
From: Hunter, James, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirRichmond Virginia. 28 March 83
Mrs. Strange desires me to continue the Liberty of addressing Her to your Care, and I pray your Excuses for the Trouble.
I am most respectfully Sir Your mo Ob Sert.
James Hunter


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georges-René Pléville Le Pelley, 28 March 1783
From: Pléville le Pelley, Georges-René
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurMarseille Le 28e. mars 1783
J’ose joindre ma Supplique a celle des Negotiants cy joint pour La remise du Brigantin Les marie therese Capn. fremond, Sur Lequel Le Sr. Luc Laugier mon gendre avoit une Bonne partie de Sa fortune. Mon seul titre auprès de vous Monsieur est La connoissance de vos Bontés; je Suis un des premiers françois qui ont couru au Secours de Votre patrie; j’etois Lieutenant Sur Le Languedoc avec Mr. DEstaing: qui m’ayant chargé de Lintendance de Lescadre a Boston: Se trouvoi assommé par une Rixe d’anglais desertee de Prison avec Le chv. De St. Sauveur mon adjoint qui perit et fut inhumé dans cette ville.
Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Pleville LepelleyCapn de vsau et de Port, Commandant


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pieter Buyck, 29 March 1783
From: Buyck, Pieter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Son ExcellenceGand 29 mars 1783
J’ai L’honneur de Vous Confirmer ma dernre. du 17. feve. Sur la quelle Je me flattois de me Voir favorisé de Votre reponse, mais a mon deplaisir Je m’en trouve frustré Jusqu’a ce moment.
Puisque Je trouve que Le plus long terme, que m’a fixé monsr. Wm. Bell de Recevoir de Son Excellence La Remise des f. 6888..10..8 de change, est Échu aux environs d’un mois, Je prends de nouveau la liberté de Vous Supplier de Vouloir daigner m’honnorer de Votre chere reponse & me mander a quel term Je puis m’en prevaloir Sur Vous, ayant besoin des gros fonds pour des considrables achats de toilles Ecruës que Je dois faire.
J’ai L’honneur d’Etre avec un devouëment Le plus Respectueux De Son Excellence Le plus he. & plus obt. Serviteur
Pr. Bûyck
Son Excellence. Doctor frankelyn A Paris

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Doctor frankelyn / ministre general des Etats unis / d’amerique en france / A Paris
Notation: Buyck 29 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Pierre Dufourny de Villiers, 29 March 1783
From: Villiers, Louis-Pierre Dufourny de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Votre ExcellenceParis le 29. Mars 1783
L’Attraction qu’opére entre les hommes, la conformité de sentiments et de désirs, est sans doutte la cause qui me fait rencontrer ceux d’entre les François, qui sont les plus estimables, par leur attachement pour les Etats unis, par le zêle et les talens qu’ils ont montrés à leur serviçe, et par la vénération qu’ils ont pour votre personne. C’est à tous ces titres que je dois la demande que me fait, Monsieur De Quernay, chevalier de Saint Louis, Colonel dans le corps du Génie, lequel a commandé en chef le siège d’York-town, de sollicitter l’honneur de vous présenter ses respects. Il me conviendroit peu, de relever à vos yeux l’importance de ses services, elle vous est mieux connüe qu’a moy, et leur prix est fixé par la prise de larmée de Cornwalis, et par l’influence que ce grand événnement a eu sur l’Indépendance et sur la Paix. Si cet officier ne peut vous donner aucuns détails qui auroient échappés à vos correspondants, il vous rapellera du moins, avec le plus vif intérêt, des souvenirs toujours chers; et il trouvera dans l’aceuil que vous luy ferez, une grande partie de la récompense qui est due à sa bravoure, à son dévouement, et à ses talens. Je suis jaloux, je vous l’avoue, de la bonne fortune de ceux qui même sans avoir lhonneur de vous connoitre, ont cependant eu l’ocasion de bien méritter de vous et de votre Patrie, tandis que moy qui ai eu l’avantage d’être admis aupres de vous, les mains vuides d’oeuvres et le coeur plein de zèle et du plus sinçére attachement, je suis encor réduit aux expressions verbales du plus profond respect. Je suis De Votre Excellence Le tres humble et le tres obeissant serviteur
Dufourny DE VilliersAu petit hotel de Clugny rue des Mathurins

Notation: Du Fourny de Villiers Paris 29 Mars 1783


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Fox, [before 30 March 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Fox, George

[before March 30, 1783]
Dr. Franklin requests the honour of Mr. Fox’s Company at Dinner on Sunday the 30th Inst.
Passy, March 1783.
  The favour of an Answer is desired.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Fox / Hotel de Montgomery / Rue du Collombier.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 March 1783
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Grandpappa.Geneva March. the 30 1783—
After a long Weariness caus’d by not receiving Letters from any of my freinds. I write you to engage you or My Cousin to write me the state of your health. I have heard from Johonnot that our Good General Washington intend’s coming to France. I heard also from the Same that you have made medals for the Liberty of my Dear Country having Said Before Mr Marignac that I intended to ask one for Johonnot and one for me I thought it would Please him to have one. You would do me an extrem Pleasure to send me 3 One for Mr Marignac an other for Johonnot and an other for me.
I begin to paint and I Send you my first Landscape for to Judge of it.
I expect in the first letter I schall recieve your consent of my having a gold watch as I asked it in my last letter.
Excuse the Schortness of this But as I am a going to dine to Mr Pigott’s with my friend Johonnot who presents his respects to you as well as Mr and Me Marignac My Compliments to My Cousin and Beleive me for ever Your Most Dutiful and Obedient Grandson
B. Franklin Bache

NB. In your last letter you Mention’d your having sent Some English Books as I have not receiv’d any other than the spectator the fables the speaker and an other little book, I desire yo Would be so good as to tell me what Books and By whom You sent them.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Letter and Two Memoranda, 31 March 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
My dear Friend.March 31. 1783. London.
I send you a Paper entitled Supplemental Treaty, the Substance of which I sent you some time ago, as I read it, in part of a Speech in the H. of Commons. I have given a Copy of it to M. L [Laurens], as the Grounds upon which my Friend the D. of P: wd: have wished that any Administration in wch. he might have taken a Part should have treated with the American Ministers. All Negociations for the Formation of a Ministry in concert with the D. of P. are at an End.
The 10th. Article which is supposed to be refered to the definitive Treaty, is a Renewal of the same Proposition wch. I moved in Parlt. some Years ago, viz on the 9th. of April 1778. I see nothing inconsistent with that Proposition either in the Declaration of Independence or in the Treaty with France, let it therefore remain, & emerge after the War as a point untouch’t by the War. I assure you my Consent shd. not be wanting to extend this Principle between all the Nations upon Earth. I know full well that those Nations to wch. you and I are bound by birth and Consanguinity wd. reap the earliest fruits from it. Owing no man hate & envying no man’s hapiness, I should rejoice in the Lot of my own Country, and on her Part say to America, nos duo turba Sumus. I send you likewise enclosed with this some Sentiments respecting the Principles of some late Negociations drawn up in the Shape of Parliamentary Motions by my Brother, who joins with me in sincerest Good wishes to you for health & Happiness, and for the Peace of our respective Countries and of Mankind.
Your ever affecte.
D. H.

II.
Supplemental Treaty between Great Britainand the United States of North America
1. That the British Forces be withdrawn from the united States with all Convenient Speed.
2. That all further prosecutions of the Loyalists in America be immediately Abated, and that they be permitted to remain untill 12 Months after the definitive treaty with America, in safety And unmolested in their endeavours to obtain restitution of their Estates.
3. That all the ports shall be mutually opened for intercourse & Commerce between G. Bn. & the united States.
4. Agreed on the part of Great Britain that all prohibitory Acts shall be repealed, and that all obstructions to American Ships either entering inwards or clearing outwards shall be removed which may arise from any Acts of Parliament heretofore regulating the Commerce of the American States under the Description of British Colonies & Plantations so as to accommodate every circumstance to the reception of their Ships as the Ships of Independent States.
5. Agreed on the part of G. Bn. that all duties rights privileges & all pecuniary consideration shall remain respecting the united States of America upon the same footing as they now remain respecting the Province of Nova Scotia, or as if the aforesaid States had remained dependent upon Great Britain. All this Subject to Regulations or alterations by future Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain.
6. On the part of the States of America it is agreed that all Laws prohibiting the Commerce with G. Bn. shall be repealed.
7. Agreed on the part of the American States that all Ships and Merchandize of the British Dominions shall be admitted upon the same terms as before the War. All this Subject to future regulations or alterations by legislatures of the American States respectively.

8. That all Prisoners on both sides be immediately released.
9. The principles & Spirit of this treaty to be supported on either side by any necessary Supplemental arrangements. No tacit compliance on the part of the American States in any subordinate points to be urged at any time hereafter in derogation of their independence.
Seperate Article to be referred to the definitive treaty
10. Neither shall the independence of the united States be considered any further than as Independence absolute & unlimited in Matters of Government as well as Commerce; not into Alienation; And therefore the Subjects of his Britannick Majesty & the citizens of the united States shall mutually be considered as Natural born Subjects, & enjoy all rights & privileges as such, in the respective Dominions and territories, in the Manner heretofore accustomed.

[In David Hartley’s hand:] Supplemental Treaty
Notation by John Adams: Project of Mr Hartley

III.
  1st. That it is the Opinion of this House, that whenever Great Britain thought proper to acknowledge the Independence of America the Mode of putting it into Effect most honorably for this Country would have been to have made the Declaration of Independence previous to the Commencement of any Treaty with any other Power.—
  2d. That a Deviation from this Line of Conduct has the effect of appearing to grant the Independence of America solely to the Demands of the House of Bourbon, and not, as was the real State of the Case, from a Change in the Sentiments of this Country, as to the object and Continuance of the American War.
  3d. That when this House, by its Vote against the further Prosecution of offensive War in America, had Given up the Point of Contest and adopted a conciliatory Disposition, the pursuing those Principles by an immediate and liberal Negociation, upon the Basis of Independence, at the same time expressing a Readiness to conclude a general Peace with the Allies of America upon honorable Terms, Would have been the most likely Way to promote a mutual and beneficial Intercourse between the two Countries—to establish Peace upon a firm Foundation, & would have prevented the House of Bourbon from having a Right to claim any farther Obligations from America, as the assisters of their Independence.
  4th. That the Minister who advised the late Negociations for Peace has neglected to make use of the Advantages which the Determination of the House put him in Possession of, That, by his Delay in authorising Persons properly to negociate with the American Commissioners, he has shown a Reluctance to acting upon the liberal Principles of granting Independence to America as the Determination of Great Britain upon mature Consideration of the Question, and has by such Methods given Advantages to the Enemies of this Country to promote and confirm that Commerce & Connexion between the United States of America & themselves, which during the Contest have been turned from their natural Channel with this Country & which this Peace so concluded has not yet contributed to Restore.—

Notations by John Adams: Copy Mr Hartley’s Letter to Dr Franklin 31. March 1783. / Mr Hartley to Dr. F. 31. March 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, 1 April 1783
From: Nogaret, François-Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Très RespectableVlles. Le 1er avril 1783
Puis-je, sans indiscretion, me mettre sur les Rangs, et esperer que vous me ferez la faveur de me donner une de vos ingenieuses médailles?
J’ai des remercimens à vous faire. M. Le Mis. de Serrent à qui vous avez eu la bonté d’ecrire pour moi L’an passé, pour une place de Bibliothécaire, se Souvient très fort de votre puissante recommandation: il a dit ces jours passés à quelqu’un, que, dans un tems ou dans un autre; il se ferait un devoir de repondre à la bonne opinion que lui avaient donnée de moi Messieurs franklin et Buffon. J’entends dire que vous vous disposés à quitter notre beau païs pour retourner dans votre Patrie. Vous couronneriez L’oeuvre, et vous Seriez Sûr de laisser un heureux de plus, Si, avant de partir, vous ecriviez à M. Le Mis. de Serrent ces Seuls mots:
“Je Sçais, Monsr. que vous voulez bien penser à M. felix-nogaret que je vous ai recommandé: je vous en remercie, et vous prie avant mon départ de lui continuer cet interet à Son avancement.”
Pardon mille fois, très respectable. Je comptais jouir de la faveur de vous voir au Musée où j’avais un morceau à Lire. Ma santé derangée ne me la pas permis. J’invoque, en ma faveur, et votre utile amitié et Les droits que me donne le grand Architecte sur un coeur comme le vôtre.
J’ai la faveur d’etre—Très Respectable votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
F∴FELIX-NOGARET

Made. nogaret vous assûre de Ses respectueuses civilitès, nous vous prions L’un et l’autre de ne pas nous oublier auprès de Monsieur votre fils.

Endorsed: M. Drouet Cul de Sac Notre Dame des Champs—
Notation: Flix Nogaret 1er. avl. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean-Antoine?] Salva, 1 April 1783
From: Salva, Jean-Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,[April 1, 1783]
Le Danger éminent où se sont trouvés les Navires de votre Nation partis en mars dernier de Marseille qui ne doivent leur Salut qu’au Dieu des mers, semble devoir m’enhardir à vous le faire observer.
Des Ennemis cachés (que Je connois) ayant fait donner avis à cette Regence de ce Depart, il partit de suite 9. Corsaires pour les aller attendre sur le Cap de Palos, il est a presumer que les Americains ont passé le Detroit.
Alger est fecond en detours, et la Politique de certaines Puissances de l’Europe ne se restraint pas à payer Tribut pour Jouir de la paix, elles se servent de ces Harpies humaines pour être l’Epouvantail des Nations belligerentes, desquelles ils enchainent le Commerce au char de la piraterie Algerienne. On en a vu l’exemple, lorsque Sa Maj. Imperiale voulant affranchir son Pavillon, se servit du Firman de la sublime Porte, qu’on fit attaquer 5. prises conduites en ce Port en 1781. dont 4 en lest furent rendues en fevr. 1782. sur la Reclamation d’un Capigi Bachi de la porte, et de M. Timoni Agent imperial qui fut expulsé, et duquel Je suis le Correspondant ayant été son Secretaire à cette occasion, et ayant revélé à S.A. Mgr. le Prince Kaunitz Rietberg Ministre en Cour de Vienne, des horreurs et des Attentats qui fussent restés dans l’Impunité, s’il n’eut été ma plume.
L’Humanité seule m’engage, Monsr., à vous donner cet avis, Je vous prie de vouloir le garder sous le Secret, Votre Prudence operera à cette occasion ce qui sera nécessaire.
J’ai l’honneur de vous offrir tous les Renseignements sur cette Échelle, Je me flatte d’y reussir. Je crois d’en partir en May ou Juin prochain pr. Marseille et quiter ces Barbares Cores. [Corsaires].
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un profond Respect, Monsr., Votre &c.
(signé) Salva.

Adresse à Mrs. Pre. Siau & Co. Negts. à Marseille. Pre. [Première] Enveloppe sans écrire à ces messieurs. La Seconde à Salva à Alger.

Forces maritimes d’Alger. au pr. Avril 1783.

1.
  Caravelle Servant d’Amiral de
42.
  Canons, hors de service.

  1.
   Barque
26.

  1.
   ditto
32

  1.
   ditto
30

  1.
   ditto
22.

  1.
   ditto
24.

  1.
   Chebeck
34.

  1.
   ditto
24.

  1.
   ditto
18.

  1.
   ditto
18.

  3.
   demi-Galeres
4.

  3.
   Galiotes
4

  2.
   ditto
2.

  18.
   Corsaires

Copie d’une Lettre de M. Salva à M. Franklin, datée d’Alger le 1er. Avril 1783.—

Notation by William Temple Franklin: Letter from Algier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 2 April 1783
From: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mercredy 2. Avril 1783.
Monsieur De Crevecœur Est fort En peine Mon Cher Docteur D’une Reponse qu’il attend De Vous au Sujet De L’affaire dont il Vous a parlé Chez Vous Dernierement; Comme il Est Chargé D’En Rendre Compte a Monsieur De Castries, il Est important qu’il Recoive Cette Reponse, Et il a Crû que je pouvais Contribuer a L’accellerer. L’Estime que je fais De Sa personne Et L’Extreme interest que je prend a Luy, ne M’ont pas permis De Le Refuser; Sentant tres Bien L’Embaras ou Le Deffaut De Reponse le Mettrait avec Monsieur De Castries avec qui il a Rendez-vous Vendredy tant pour Cette affaire que pour D’autres qui Luy Sont particulieres. J’Espere toujours Mon Cher Docteur avoir Le plaisir de Vous Voir jeudy a huit heures. Vous Scavés Combien je mets De prix a Ce Rendez-vous.
La Ctesse DHOUDETOT

Voulés Vous Bien M’Envoyer par Le Comissionnaire Un Manchon que j’ay Laisse Chez Vous.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Louis Giraud Soulavie, 2 April 1783
From: Soulavie, abbé Jean-Louis Giraud
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis ce 2 avril 1783
Vous faites bien de L’honneur a mes faibles Travaux, non seulement en agreant L’hommage que je j’en ai fait au Liberateur de l’amerique, Mais en Voulant bien faire passer Sous Vos auxpices un exemplaire à La bibliotheque De philadelphie qui Vous doit Son existence est a Celle de lacademie de la meme ville qui vous doit Sa gloire. Daignés recevoir mes remercimens pour le service que vous Voulés bien me rendre en maccordant Votre protection auprès de la societé De philadelphie dont je ne suis pas digne d’etre l’assossié; mais pour laquelle je suis penetré de Veneration.
Je suis avec un profond Respect Monsieur Votre Très-humble & très obeissant serviteur
L’abbé SOULAVIE


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 April 1783
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr & Hond SirL’Orient April 2d. 1783
Mr A. J. Alexander will shew you a letter relative to some Arrests placed in the hands of Williams Moore & Co to stop Moneys Mr Alexander was to pay Messrs Barclay & Moylan through them— The Letter & papers it incloses will inform you fully— I have therefore only to beg you will believe my refusal proceeds only from a fear of future ill Consequences and as the matter is wholy in Mr Alexanders name he is the proper person to act in it— I refer you to my Uncle for further particulars.
It is reported here that Governement intend to make Port Louis a free port. I shall be obliged for what information you can consistantly give on this matter as it is of serious Consequence to my house here— Port Louis has hitherto been a Small Garrison of no more Commerce than its own Consumption, to make it a port of trade will require some Undoing and a great deal of doing— Military and Commercial Conveniences are very opposite, Forts should therefore be turned into Quays and Soldiery and Idleness must give place to Artisans & Industry as nothing can be produced without time so I think that the only thing necessary to make Port Louis a good Port; the same may be said of Painboeuf with this difference that there is nothing to undo there, and not near so much to do. For my own part I think a free trade with America Should not be Confined to one port, so far as relates to exportation all France is a great Shop and the more Encouragement she gives her Customers, by selling Cheap and exporting with facility the more she will Sell and as the nature of her productions are Fabrications the more Industry will be brought forth, her Capital turned often & her riches will increase.
It is not on the narrow Scale of immediate profit that the Commercial Interests of the nation should be managed by setting out on liberal Principles, Commerce will manage her own Affairs better than all the Regulations in the World, in short as you observe in one of your Notes to a little english Book laisser nous faire is the least thing Governement can do, So far as a place of deposit may be requisite a free port for importations will be advantageous but this should be for the productions of all the World that the Americans may find every thing by coming to France. I hear that Government mean to encourage the Importation of Teas, so as that Article may be afforded Cheaper than from any other Nation, this is a good Idea for as it is a very Saleable Article it will Serve to bring Customers who will always buy Something else at same time.

I do not mean to trouble you by giving me all the details I ask but I shall be much obliged if you will desire Billy to favour me with a full and Circumstantial letter on the Subject it will be an addition to the many kind attentions he has shewn and will highly oblige me. My Love to him I am as ever &c

P.S. Finding a Cartel here I have sent for all the Prisoners which are in Nantes to come hither to embark the Expence I suppose will fall on me but I hope the publick will reimburse me and I shall send the accot accordingly.
His Excellency Doctor Franklin Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecœur, [after 2 April 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Crèvecœur, Michel-Guillaume St. John de

Sir,[after April 2, 1783]
I have perused the foregoing Memoir, and having formerly had some Share in the Management of the Pacquet Boats between England and America, I am enabled to furnish you with some small Remarks.—
The Project is good, & if carried into Execution will certainly be very useful to Merchants immediately, and profitable to the Revenue of the Post Office at least after some time; because not only Commerce increases Correspondence, but Facility of Correspondence increases Commerce, & they go on mutually augmenting each other.

Four Packet Boats were at first thought sufficient between Falmouth and New York, so as dispatch one regularly the first Wednesday in every Month. But by Experience it was found that a fifth was necessary; as without it, the Regularity was sometimes broken by Accidents of Wind & Weather, & the Merchants disappointed & their Affairs deranged, a Matter of great Consequence in Commerce.— A fifth Packet was accordingly added.
It is probable, as you observe, that the English will keep up their Packets. In which Case I should think it adviseable to order the Dispatch of the French Packets in the intermediate times, that is on the third Wednesdays. This would give the Merchants of Europe & America Opportunities of Writing every Fortnight. And the English who had miss’d Writing by their own Packet of the first Wednesday, or have new Matter to write which they wish to send before the next Month, will forward their Letters by the Post to France to go by the French Packet, & vice versa, which will encrease the Inland Postage of both Nations.—
As these Vessels are not to be laden with Goods, their Holds may, without Inconvenience, be divided into separate Apartments after the Chinese Manner, and each of those Apartments caulked tight so as to keep out Water. In which Case if a Leak should happen in one Apartment, that only would be affected by it, & the others would be free; so that the Ship would not be so subject as others to founder & sink at Sea. This being known would be a great Encouragement to Passengers.
I send you a Copy of a Chart of the Gulph Stream which is little known by European Navigators, and yet of great Consequence; since in going to America they often get into that Stream and unknowingly stem it, whereby the Ship is much retarded & the Voyage lengthened enormously.— The directions being imperfectly translated and expressed in French, I have put them more correctly in English.

I have the honour to be &cM. St. Jean de Crevecoeur


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., 3 April 1783
From: Vaughan, Samuel Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,Paris, 3 April, 1783.
I should be much obliged if you could with convenience lend me three hundred Livres Tournois, for which, I have the honor to inclose you a Bill on my Brother William.
With respect to the 600 Livres you was so good as to advance on my note the 26 Feby: last, I have written to my Brother Ben; who says, that he has a demand upon you, for about £30, on account of money expended in pamphlets & glass, or advanced to Mrs Stewart; & that he will shortly take the liberty of troubling you with the particulars: It should, therefore, seem more proper to leave this debt unsettled, till the above particulars are received. With the utmost respect I remain, Dear Sir, Your very obliged & humble servt.,
Samuel Vaughan Junr.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, / Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats Unis &c, / a Passy, / pres de Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 April 1783
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond srLondon apl. 3d. 1783
After a plesent Journey with a very agreeable Compainion (Mr Martin) I ariv’d Safe to this great City have taken lodgings in the Strand at John Reads No 394 Opposite Cecil street. If you or Mr Wm. Should have any Commands I Should be glad to Receive & Execute them. I have seen Messrs Vaughan Hodgson & Mr Laurence have Recd great Civilities from those Gentm. in Consequence of your kind Recommendations for Which I am much Obligd to you, doubtless you will have heard of the Settlement of the new ministry the Duke of Portland the first Lord of the Treasury Lord North & Mr Fox is in & I am told the Whol is Settled we may now expect the Definitve treaty will be finish’d & the Trade opened tho’ I Cant think it possible untill all the Kings troops are taken from America & New York free’d & that I am told is a Werk of time Some months at Least.
I Went yesterday to Kensington inquird after Mrs Hewson & found that Mrs. Stivenson was dead & She Moved into the Country— there is no new abrigment of the Comm Prayer Book an Atempt was made but did not Succed.— My Love to all you Love & belive me ever Your Dutyful Nephew
Jona Williams

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Passy near / Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ewing, 4 April 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ewing, John

Revd. Sir,Passy, April 4. 1783
This Line will be put into your Hands by Mr. Redford from Ireland, who goes to America, with Views of settling there. He is strongly recommended to me by several of my Friends, as a Gentleman of excellent Character, for his Principles, his Knowledge and Abilities, such as must render him an useful Citizen of America. I beg leave to request for him your Civilities, and the Advice that as a Stranger he may occasionally require; in which you will much oblige me, who from the short Acquaintance I have had with him, feel myself much interested in his Favour, and heartily wish that our Country may be agreable to him. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd. Mr. Ewing.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, [on or before 4 April 1783]
From: Réveillon, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  [on or before April 4, 1783]
  Mémoire Pour Le Sr Réveillon

Quelques fabriques de Papiers peints et tontisses les plus considérables de celles qui sont établies en france ont conçu, depuis la paix, le projet de faire passer en Amérique quelques Envois de leurs marchandises. Les unes, en les adressant directement dans le pays à des maisons de commerce, à l’effet de vendre pour leur compte, les autres en vendant ici à des Spéculateurs connus qui ont fait entrer cet article dans leurs Spéculations avec le pays américain.
Le Sr R. qui tient aujourdhuy la manufacture la plus considérable dans ce genre de fabrique, et dont les papiers sont, sans contredit, les plus soigneusement fabriqués, ne peut pas voir ses concurrens donner cette extension à leur commerce, sans songer à faire marcher le sien d’un pas égal.
En conséquence il desireroit de deux choses. l’une. Où la recommandation de Monsieur Francklin auprès des Spéculateurs connus qui font ici le commerce avec le pays américain, à l’effet de vendre ses papiers à ceux qui jugeroient convenable de faire entrer cet article dans leurs spéculations. où les instructions nécessaires pour faire passer directement ses papiers à des maisons établies sur le lieu, qui les vendroient pour son compte, avec des recommandations pour les personnes auxquelles on pourroit les adresser.
De ces deux partis le Sr Reveillon préféreroit toujours le premier, même avec beaucoup moins d’avantage, attendu la longueur qu’entraîne ces sortes de spéculations, quand on les fait directement, l’embarras des retours, et les suites d’affaires qu’ils occasionnent, lesquelles deviennent étrangeres aux objets dont le sr. Reveillon est entièrement occupé, et dont il ne peut être distrait sans beaucoup d’inconvenient./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to François-Marie-des-Neiges-Emmanuel (Emanuel) de Rohan-Poulduc (Polduc), 6 April 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rohan-Polduc, Emmanuel Marie de, Grand Master of Malta

Monseigneur,[April 6, 1783]
J’ai l’honneur d’adresser à votre Altesse Eminentissime la Medaille que Je viens de faire frapper: C’est, Monseigneur, un Hommage de Reconnoissance du à l’Intérêt que vous avez pris à notre Cause, et nous ne le devons pas moins à vos Vertus et à la Sagesse du Gouvernement de votre Altesse Eminentissime.
Permettez, Monseigneur, que Je demande votre Protection pour ceux de nos Citoyens que les Circonstances pourront amener dans Vos Ports. J’espere que votre altesse Eminentissime voudra bien la leur accorder et recevoir avec bonté l’assurance du profond Respect avec lequel Je suis, Monseigneur, de votre altesse Eminentissime Le tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signed)B. Franklin

Copie d’une Lettre de M. B. Franklin à Son altesse Eminentissime, Monseigneur le Grand maitre de Malte, datée de Passy le 6. Avril 1783.

[In William Temple Franklin’s hand:] To the Gd. Master of Malta


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 6 March [i.e., April] 1783
From: Vaughan, Samuel Jr.,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,Paris 6 March [i.e., April], 1783.
I hope you will have the goodness to excuse my not communicating in person the following extract of a letter from my Brother Ben, which I should do with a great deal of pleasure, was it not entirely out of my power from the Business I have at present; &, as the latter part should be communicated early.
“Tell Dr Franklin, with my most affectionate respects, that I thank him for his letter, & shall observe to write him by every safe opportunity. I have ordered one of Mr Nairne’s patent machines to be put up for him, which I beg his acceptance of, & intend sending him by the same opportunity, together with his 4to bible.— Mr Williams may depend upon every attention from me.— I thank the Doctor for his letters for my friends going to America.”
“At the same time that you say these things to Dr Franklin, mention to him the Death of Dr Hunter; & the propriety of bringing Dr Priestley forward again, for the vacant seat in the Academy of Sciences.”
By a letter antecedent to the above, my Brother Ben begs I will request, your honoring Mr John Darby & Mr Grigby with some introductory letters for America. Their views are I believe commercial. Mr John Darby is established in London in the Irish linen trade; is our relation & intimate friend, & about whom the family most particularly interest themselves. Your friend Mr Jackson is giving him letters of the strongest kind.— The above two gentlemen will, in all likelihood, travel together.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Duke of Chaulnes on Friday; but being indisposed, he cannot promise any particular day, to have the honor of meeting you or Mr Franklin at Mr Hoffmann’s; I have therefore taken the liberty, by this mornings post, of appointing next Thursday, at ten oClock to meet Mr Hoffmann at his own lodgings; & the Duke of Chaulnes will have the opportunity of another day, if that does not prove convenient.
With the strongest sentiments of gratitude & respect, I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your devoted humble Servt.
Samuel Vaughan Junr.

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, / Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats / Unis &c &c, / a Passy, / pres de Paris.
Endorsed: To enquire & obtain this Package Ben’s Books
Notation: Samuel Vaughan junior Paris 6 March 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine Turner, 7 April 1783
From: Turner, Catherine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirLeigh the 7 April 1783
I Long since designd my self the Pleasure of writing to you, but Certain Circumstances prevented it you will no dout be suprize to have a Line from one you dont know but I hope you will have the Goodness to Exscuse the Liberty I have taken when I tell you that I once had the hapygness to Caul you my dear Uncel Franklin and I hope you will still promit me to caul you by that Name, I was Married to your Nephew John Mecom, I was a Long time at your House at Philadelphia with Mrs Franklin, and my dear Mrs Beache, thay ware very kind to me and I spent maney weeks at Burlinton with Governor Franklin, and his Lady, hose favours I shall never forgit, after the Death of Mr Mecom. I then Married Mr Turner, an Offecer, in the 47 Regement of Foot before this Unhappy war he was Wounded at Lexenton and at Bunkers hill, which he never recoverd, and departed this Life in June Last, he was one of the Best of Husbands and has Left me, a poor Lonly Widow. I was very happy but the Case is much Alterd, with me know, as I have not a relation, in this Country tho I have maney Friends ho has been very sivel to me, I should be very happy to return, to America and spend the remander of my Life there, for I have the rivited Affections of Nature to Struggel with, and would rather Live, in my Native Land Amongst my relations, but I Cant receve the Widows Penshon thare, and it is very Littel to Live on in this dear Country, if I Could Git a Friend, that had aney Intrest with the Secretary at War, to put me upon the Compassinate List, and endeavour, to Obtain the provision, made by that fund, for Officers Widow, I should do very well and be very happy. I saw in the papers, that you was Prepareing, to return to America, ware I am sure you, will make, thousand happy. God send you a safe Voige, and that you may spend the Eveing of your Life, in Peace and tranquillity, and have every Blessing, this World Affords, and that of Angels in the next, is the Prayers of your ever sencer and Affectionete Niec and most Obedent Humble Searvant
Catherine Turner

PS I shall be much Obligd to you to Give my duty to my Mother Mecom and all our Friends and shall asteem it as a very Great favour to have a Line from you if I should be so happy you must Direct to me at Leigh nere Worrington Lancashire

Addressed: Hon: Benjn. Franklin. / Ministir Plenepotentiary from the / United States. / Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 7 April 1783
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,London, April 7, 1783.
I have received your several late favors by Mr Jonathan Williams & Mr. Penn, with many thanks.— I cut out such parts of your newspapers as I judged proper to have published here, & was about to send them to some printer, but young Mr H. Laurens coming at the moment, I put them into his hands, as his father was well enough acquainted with the printer’s most inclined to undertake the affair; & had expressed a wish to have the papers sent him after I had finished with them.
President Laurens goes over very well inclined to our new administration, (as I am told); which gives me pleasure on several accounts, particularly as it will facilitate business. Besides, I am glad to see Americans enough attached to us, to view with favorable eyes, even the bad or suspicious men among us. But I shall nevertheless trust to their good sense, to distinguish who have been the true friends to England & to them; & I hope that they will be no losers by our frequent revolutions here, as it has lately seemed to be a rule, that every administration must at least begin with some creditable measures. Ireland will probably suffer little by the present change, and England will at first only miss ecomony & enlargement of system.— I do not judge however that a ministry which is neither relished by the people, nor relished by the king, & the parts of which do not relish each other can be very permanent; & the probability therefore is, that in three months they will either less agree, or more agree.
I am pretty indifferent about men, while I see measures going on well.
I am fully apprized of all your general reasonings about the Royalists; but if you will do me the favor to refer to my letter to you, in the last summer, respecting those gentlemen, you will find that I made very little question about the active refugees; chiefly dwelling upon the hardships shewn to the absentees, neutral persons, & persons terrified into submission, or even that chose a wrong side on fair principles.— Having however heard much on the subject of retribution in this negotiation by the Amer Commissioners, I beg to be indulged in a word of apology for my own opinions, in addition to my former letter.
You are too well acquainted with the usual course of wars & of treaties concluding those wars; to believe that justice is the general rule by which either the one or the other are made or conducted. You know, on the contrary, that power & situation generally decide this business. If England therefore should now have acted with complete justice, it is more than she is to expect to receive from other powers; & so far it is a losing principle. I would myself however for one still act upon it; & I hope when it comes to America’s turn, SHE will act upon it; & I believe, all things considered, that England has done pretty well in that line herself. But upon the footing of power & of the ordinary prejudices of states, I am well convinced that England has done very well by you; & that she has not made for herself too good a peace; but on the contrary, has given up some things to future policy; and has “omitted to avail herself of means, which might have improved her apparent, but temporary interests”.— And the terms procured from her on all sides, certainly lessened the means which her ministers then had of serving the CONNECTION between the two countries (about which I am persuaded that we are both peculiarly interested;) as well as of serving our poor unfortunate race of human kind at large.

I believe there is a circumstance in your letters which goes still more beyond my propositions than the foregoing: for I do not wish to see the royalists “rewarded;” and I do not ask that America should “do them good”. I ask only, that certain persons among them should have “justice” (to use your own principle) “exhibited in their favor.”— I think that I am not mistaken either in my facts or my principles, & I have no objection to avowing my opinions on this particular subject, for I cannot but think that the case will always sufficiently support me.
The inference which I would draw from the whole is, that America has still something to do on her side; & that in the interim, the American peace deserves to be kindly spoken of by America; the more especially, as factious people have been reprobated it in England.
I am, my dearest sir, Your ever devoted, affectionate & grateful
(signed) Benjn. Vaughan.
To Dr. Franklin at Passy.(Copy.)


Title: Crèvecœur to William Temple Franklin, [7 April? 1783]
From: Crèvecœur, Michel-Guillaume St. John de
To: Franklin, William Temple

Sir,Paris Monday 12: o:clock [April 7, 1783?]
Agreable To your Grand Father’s Promises, I beg you’d Send me by the bearer some Copies of the Interesting Map you Gave me the other Day which has been given to & has Singularly pleased the Mis. de Castries.

I Remain very Respectfully, sir, Your Very Humble Servant
St. John

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Junior / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François Bowens, 8 April 1783
From: Bowens, François-Jacques-Arnould
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ostend 8th April 1783./.
I have in Course received the honour of your Excellencies favour of the 24th. Ulto. in Consequence of which I transmitted the necessary directions to London, on the 2d Currt. to prevent your Newspapers from being sent me in future which I have no doubt will be paid proper attention to.
I am very sensible to the acknowledgements, Your Excellency, makes me on this Subject, which I must confess are highly agreeable to me, tho’ I feel they are unmerited, as the little trouble I had, was amply recompensed by the pleasure I found, in the Idea that I was of use to your Excellency— I shall be happy to find opportunities of being more so than hitherto, & of meeting frequent opportunities by which I may convince you of the perfect respect with which I have the honour to be Your Excellencies Most obedt. & devoted servant
Pr. F. BowensSchoet
His Excellency Dr. Franklin.

Addressed: Son Excellence Le Docteur Franklin / en son hotel / Passy / prés / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 8 April 1783
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear and Respectable FriendVienna in AustriaApril 8th. 1783.
As I have not heard from you this long while, I wish to know whether you have recieved my letters, one accompanying a new cast of my profil framed, an other by which I begg leave to dedicate to you my book, now under the press, at Paris, as I hope. I have not yet recieved the least intelligence from mr Wharton, nor any from mr. Coffyn; so that I remain in some degree of anxiety about the money I entrusted with such unbounded confidence in the hands of mr. Wharton— I recieved, a few days ago, a lettre from mr. Williams of Boston, dated Boston Dec. 28. 1782, by which I am informed that from the produce of 500 Pound St., which mr. Williams of Nantes layd out for me in the American trade, 7000 dollars have been put in the public loan office at Boston on my name, the 15th of march 1779. I begg the favour of acquainting me, whether I may flatter my self with the safety of that money as to its Value. Doen’t you think it advisable to leave it were it is, till every thing is in a settled situation? I begg to forward the inclosed to mr. Williams, after having perused it.
I am dayly asked, whether you will soon come here—some while ago the mr. Veinbrenner told me he had wrote a lettre to you by order of the first minister of state Prince Kaunitz, of which lettre I send the inclosed copy. He had at that time wrote to the same purpose to Count Mercy, to whom the Emperor has now given official orders to invite you at his hous, and to treat you on the footing of a minister of a souverain power. Mr. Veinbrenner inform’d me also, that the imper. Ambassadour has orders to insinuate to you, that the Emperour is ready to aknowledge the united states as a souverain and independent power as soon as you or any one authorised makes any Steps towards that purpose. Mr. Veinbrenner having not recieved any answer from you, was advised by Pr. Kaunitz and an other state secretary to speak me about it, and to request from me to press for the favour of an answer, which I told him I should doe as soon as I should write to you. This Morning that gentleman came to begg of me to write you about it, delivring me the inclosed Copy. I told him that I did not think any satisfactory answer could be given upon the demand, as you could not probably judge of the solidity of merchants in America; but, as he thinks you may perhaps be able to give some directions on that head, that I will mention of it to you. I delight highly in seing by all this, that your joung Republic begins to be Courted by old souverains, who declined, not a long while ago, her adresses— As they begged of me as a civility to endeavour to obtain an answer from you I could not refuse it; and you may easily judge, that what ever satisfactory or agreble intelligence I could communicate to the Emperour from you, would not only be very honourable to me but would also contribute to give me some degree of importance, which I apprehend is reather in a declining Way, Since I submitted with reluctance to an arrangement by which I lost near a hundred P. a year against the conditions upon which I engaged to stay here.
I think they will soon propose a commercial treaty with America, as it is their wish to get a share of that source of richess, enjoyed formerly by England alone. The articles of exportation from this Country are chiefly copper, steel, mercury and glass as fine as English. Hungarian wines begin also to be an object. From the low countries the chief exporting objects are lace and linnens.
Mr. Wharton promish’d me to send me some boston soap such as you gave me a piece of, which it may very well be he has forwarded without it has come to my hands, as I See from the lettre of mr. Williams, that he has forwarded a lettre of myn to Boston which he took under his care.
I am very respectfully Your most obedient humble Servant and affectionate Frie
J. Ingen Housz

I hear nothing of the printing of my book, nor even nothing of mr. LeBegue. Is he dead seck or absent? This vexes me not a little.
to his Exc. Benj. Franklin at Passy.

Endorsed: April 8. 83.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [9 April? 1783]
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mercredi au Soir. [April 9, 1783?]
Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld a l’honneur de faire Ses complimens à Monsieur franklyn; il a remis à l’Imprimeur le Traité d’Alliance avec la france, et celui avec la hollande pour lequel il S’est procuré la Gazette de Leyde; il prie Monsieur franklyn de vouloir bien lui envoyer le plutôt qu’il pourra le Traité avec la suede, et la Préface, s’il juge à propos d’en faire une.
L’Academie vient d’élire M. Wargentin à la place vacante par la mort de M. Margraff; l’élection à celle de M. hunter ne Se fera qu’après Pâques: le Duc de la Rochefoucauld croit que M. Priestley y aura beau jeu et quand à lui, il Se fera un grand plaisir de Seconder les vues de Monsieur franklyn pour cet homme justement celebre.

Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur franklyn Ministre des / Etats-Unis d’Amerique / A Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Mackinnen, Jr., 9 April 1783
From: Mackinnen, William, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sirruë La Jussienne Wednesday April 9th 1783
The enclosed letter I received in London from Mr Vaughn, with the flattering hope, of by this means being introduced to a Character for which I have so high a Veneration; I called at Passy last Saturday but had the mortification of not finding You at home, my stay in Paris has been so short and my knowledge of the multiplicity of Business you are engaged in, has been the cause of my not venturing a second intrusion; hoping at some future period to have the happiness of an introduction to you I have the honor to be Sir your most obed hum ser
William Mackinnen Jur

Mr Vaughn in London a few Day before I left desired me to take charge of two large Books, containing charts of the Northern coasts of America, for Mr Adams in Paris; but my not knowing Mr Adam’s Direction I took the Liberty of addressing them to You, and I now take the Liberty of desiring the favor, if you have received them, that you will acquaint Mr Adams with this circumstance.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklyn / á Passy / prés de Paris
Notation: Wm. Mackinnen Junr. Paris 9th. April 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mattheus Lestevenon van Berkenrode, 10 April 1783
From: Berkenrode, Mattheus Lestevenon heer van Hazerswoude en
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce Jeudi 10 Avril. [1783]
L’Ambassadeur de Hollande Sensible a L’attention obligeante de Monsieur Franklin, Le prie d’agreer tous Ses remercimens, et L’assurance de Son Sincere attachement.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin. / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis, a La / Cour de France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bartoli, 11 April 1783
From: Bartoli, Giuseppe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis ce 11 Avril 1783.
C’est avec la plus vive reconnoissance que je reçois le beau present dont il vous a plu de m’honorer.
Le sujet, l’invention, l’execution de la Médaille, tout merite des eloges.
La manière même très-obligeante avec laquelle Vous avez bien voulu, Monsieur, me la faire parvenir, devançant le temps de la distribution, ajoute infiniment à ma gratitude. Pénètré de Vos bontés, et de la profonde estime que je Vous dois, j’ai essayé de faire en vers une Description de ce Monument à jamais glorieux.
J’ai l’honneur de Vous la communiquer, en vous assurant en même temps du respect inviolable avec lequel je suis, Monsieur, Votre très-humble et très-obeissant Serviteur
Bartoli

Notation: Bartoli 11. avril 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from C. Barthélemy Martin fils aîné, 11 April 1783
From: Martin, C. Barthélémy, fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Calais 11e: Avril 1783.
Suivant les ordres qu’il a plu à Son Excellence de me donner j’ay L’honneur de l’informer que de tous les Vaisseaux Anglo-americains qui etoient dans les Ports de Cette et de Marseille le dernier est parti de ce port depuis une 20ne. de jours. Il s’apelloit le Hawke Captne. Bull, venant de Philadelphie avec un Chargement de Tabac d’ont la Ferme Royale fit achapt à 70 l.t. Tournois le quintal de Cent livres pezant. Deux mois avant il etoit arrivé de Philadelphie Le Navire Le General Wolf Captne: Samuel Dutter [Butler] avec une Cargaison de Tabac que les Fermiers de Piemond acheterent. On fait actuellement Cinq expeditions Francaises pour la Baye de Chesapeak, Baltimore, et Philadelphie. Il en est deja parti trois.

Le Congrés a bien voulu nommer pour Consul de la Nation à Marseille monsieur Cathalan Fils, de la même ville. Son Excellence me permettra t’elle de lui faire observer que le Congrès ne reffuse pas sa Confiance à des Français? Je la merite par les Sentimens d’admiration que Son Excellence m’a inspiré et par Ceux d’ont je suis animé pour le bien de la Nation.
Le 23. de ce mois il sera vendu dans ce Port un Superbe Navire Anglais avec sa Cargaison. Son Excellence jugera de son Etat par l’affiche detaillée que je prends la liberté de lui envoyer. Ce Navire Construit en Amerique et destinné pour en faire la navigation est très propre pour ces voyages; on pense qu’il sera Vendu aux environs de Quarante Cinq à Cinquante mille Livres Tournois. Suivant le raport du Capitaine il n’a que Cinq Ans, & il a Couté quatre Vingt mille Livres Tournois.
Un Navire de Cette portée que l’on destinneroit pour l’Amerique pour etre Chargé annuellement à Cette, en Esprit de Vin, Eau de Vie, Vins, huilles, Savons, Farines, & draperies donneroit un grand bennefice aux interessés; les retours seroient aussy avantageux, les Sucres, les Rix, et les Tabacs sont des Objets essentiels, et d’une Vente proffitable.
Sy l’avis que je m’empresse à donner à Son Excellence peut l’engager à me donner ses ordres pour en faire L’achapt pour Son Compte, ou pour Celui de Ses amis reunis; je les rempliray avec Zelle. J’ose l’assurer que, pour l’objet des Cargaisons, et ventes des retours, Ses interets ne Sauroient être en meilleures mains que dans celles de mon Pere, Martin L’ainé de Cette qu’une longue experiance, et une parfaite Connaissance du Commerce mettent à même de travailler à la satisfaction publique. Quél avantage ne resulterait il pas aussy pour moy Sy Son Excellence daignoit m’honnorer du Titre de Consul de l’Amerique? Je lui demande pardon Si j’ose faire mention de moy dans ce moment—

J’ay l’Honneur d’etre avec un Tres proffond, Respect de Son Excellence Le Tres Humble & tres Obeissant Serviteur
Barthelemy Martin Filsde Cette.

ches Monsr. Vaillant receveur du Bureau de la Ferme Royale à Calais


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ségur, 11 April 1783
From: Ségur, Philippe-Henri, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 11 avril 1783.
M de Segur a Reçu La medaille que Monsieur franklin Lui a fait L’honneur de Lui envoyer, il le prie de vouloir bien en recevoir ses Remerciments./.
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 13 April 1783
From: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles 13 avril 1783./.
M le Mis de Castries a l’honneur de prévenir Monsieur franklin que la flûte la Pintade va être Expédiée pour l’Amérique septentrionale. Il le prie de vouloir bien lui envoyer ses Paquets s’il en a qui ayent cette destination.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 13 April 1783
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach
To: Franklin, Benjamin

dimanche 13 avril [1783]
Mr delisle home tres honette tres Aimable et qui a Lhoneur de Vous conoitre mon respectable amis Mais qui Na pas encor eut Celui de diner chez Vous, sest Mis sous ma protection pour Venir Vous demander a diner aujourdhui, Comme il est tres Lies avec Nous et avec La pluspart de Vos amis jai penséz mon cher amis que Vous Ne desaprouveriez pas que je Vous L’amenne, Mais jai Crue Cependant devoir Vous en prevenir en attendent Le bonheur de Vous Voir de Vous embrasser de Vous remercier de La Medaille et de Vous renouveller Mon fidel et tendre homage
M F Douairiere DU DUC DE Deuxponts

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franclin / Ministre pleinipotentiaire / des etats unis a La Cour / de france / a passis


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Claude Palteau de Veimerange, 13 April 1783
From: Palteau de Veimerange, Gabriel-Claude
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce 13 avril 1783./.
J’ay Reçu la Médaille que son Excéllence Monsieur franklin ma fait L’honneur de menvoyer; Je Suis infiniment Sensible à Son attention et Je Supplie Son Excéllence d’en agréer mes Remerciments. J’ay L’honneur de lui renouveller en meme tems Les assurances de mon Respectueux attachement./.
Veimerange


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ernst Frederik von Walterstorff, 13 April 1783
From: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederik von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sunday morning April 13th [1783]
Mr. de Walterstorff is very sorry he cannot have the honour of dining to-day with Dr. Franklin, owing to his being previously engaged; but will have the pleasure of waiting on Dr. Franklin sometime this forenoon, if possibly he can.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 14 April 1783
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Madrid 14th April 1783
I had the honor to address your Excellency some time ago by the Baron le Fort and to advise you that I should find myself under the necessity of calling on you for the advances made by our Bankers here for the Public— After having delayed as long as possible these payments, as well to comply with the request you made Mr Jay to give you all the time in his power at the period you authorized him to draw on you for this purpose, as on acct of the loss which would have arisen from the Depretiation of the paper money & the consequent effect it had on the course of exchange, I now find myself absolutely constrained to satisfy their demands & therefore Draw upon you this day for £s. 30000 in favor of Messrs. Cabarrus & Co. & for £s. 2254. 2 s. in favor of Messrs. Drouilhet on the public Acct. I transmit herewith the accompts of these Gentlemen to your Excy. lest Mr. Jay should have left Paris. I sent to that Gentleman Mr Cabarrus Acct in the month of Novr. Last and in the letter which I wrote him on that Occasion repeated a request mentioned in a former to have Copies of the receipts he took from Mr Cabarrus for the Sums placed in his hands— For these being cheifly in paper bearing a daily Interest and the payments having been often made some days after the receipt of the Money from Others, This Circumstance creates a difference in my Entries & Mr Cabarrus’s Credits which cannot be ascertained so accurately as I desire without the receipts which that Banker gave to Mr Jay.
I have compared the bills paid by these Gentlemen with their Accts and my Books & I find their Entries thereof as accurate & as correspondent with mine as the Time of their presentation for payment (frequently irregular) permitted.
I gave Mr Jay a State of the Accts of the Marquis de Yranda & Mr Gardoqui before he left this Country. I received from him my Salary in proportion I beleive as he received his from your Excy and I expected that when he settled his private Acct with you, he would have Informed you of the Amount of what he paid me, as he has my receipts for the same— I began to draw upon you in the Month of March 1782 when there was a considerable ballance due me. The next Post you will receive my acct from that Period, for what precedes you will please to have recourse to Mr Jay.
In consequence of Advice which I have received from your Grandson I take the Liberty of Drawing upon you for 7524 £s. 10 s. 8 Drs. in favor of Messrs. Drouilhets.
Permit me to thank you for your kindness in accepting hitherto my bills. My situation otherwise would have been extremely embarrassing. The Marquis de la Fayette and others can Inform you that If I spend what Congress Allow me, It is more for their Service, than my own Pleasure.
I have waited hitherto for Mr Jay’s answer to the Count de Arandas Communication of the present Disposition of this Court to regulate my Conduct thereby, But unless I hear soon from that Gentleman, I shall request the Minister to fix a day for my presentation to the King and Royal Family as Chargé des Affaires of the United States. In every Other respect I am treated as such & have every reason to be personally satisfied with the Conduct of the Minister.
With the greatest respect and Affection I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Obliged & Humble Sert
Wm. Carmichael
His Excy Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste-Jacques Elie de Beaumont, 14 April 1783
From: Elie de Beaumont, Jean-Baptiste-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris 14 avril 1783.
J’ai l’honneur de faire tous mes remercimens a votre excellence de la bonté qu’elle a eüe de m’envoyer la belle médaille frappée pour les Etats-unis. C’est un monument du plus grand evenement qui soit dans les fastes du monde, et je ne vous dirai point en face quel est l’homme que cet evenement honore le plus. Vous avés plusieurs genres d’immortalité a la fois et Vous n’avés qu’a choisir.
La distance de nos demeures, et l’accablement de la perte cruelle que j’ai soufferte en perdant la femme la plus respectable m’ont retenu depuis longtems chès moi avec ma douleur et mon fils pour toute consolation, sans quoi je me serois fait un devoir de cultiver votre ancienne amitie. Je vous supplie de me faire dire quels sont les jours ou l’on vous trouve certainement a passy sans vous deranger j’aurois a vous entretenir de quelque chose d’interessant, mais j’ai besoin aussi de La certitude de vous trouver.
Je suis avec tout le respect que vous inspirès par vous même de votre excellence Monsieur Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Elie DE Beaumont