Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Adrien-Jean-Baptiste?] Le Roy, 29 November 1783
From: Le Roy, Adrien-Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a versailles ce 29 novembre 1783

          J’ay L’honneur de vous addresser Mr. du Trône, Jeune medecin pour Lequel vous m’avés déja donné deux Lettres de recommandation auprès de deux de vos amis à philadelphie. C’est un Jeune homme fort honnête, fort modeste, et fort instruit. Il va partir pour nos Isles, où il a de L’employ. Mais il compte profiter de Ses Loisirs pour aller chez vous jouir du Spectacle d’un peuple devenu Libre. Avant de passer dans cet autre hemisphere, il voudroit bien avoir vû celuy qui a tant contribué à cette Liberté. Je crois aussi qu’il voudroit vous entretenir de quelques vües qui pourroient être utiles à L’Amerique et à vous. Vous m’avés toujours marqué, Monsieur, tant de bonté que je n’hesite point à vous prier de vouloir bien Le recevoir comme un homme que j’estime et que j’aime beaucoup. C’est de plus une occasion de vous renouveller L’assurance des Sentiments pleins de respect, et même d’une profonde vénération avec Lesquels j’ay L’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur

            Le Roy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 30 November 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Banks, Joseph

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Nov. 30. 1783—

          I did myself the honour of writing to you the Beginning of last Week, and I sent you by the Courier, M. Faujas’s Book upon the Balloons, which I hope you have receiv’d. I did hope to have given you to day an Account of Mr Charles’s grand Balloon, which was to have gone up yesterday; but the filling it with inflammable Air having taken more time than had been calculated, it is deferr’d till to-morrow. I send you herewith a Paper in which you will see what was propos’d by Messrs. Robert who constructed the Machine; and some other Papers relative to the same Subject, the last of which is curious, as containing the Journal of the first Aerial Voyage perform’d by Men.— I purpose being present to-morrow at the Experiment, and shall give you an Acct of it by the Wednesday’s Post. With sincere & great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt humble Servt.

            B Franklin
            Sir Jos. Banks Bart.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 30 November 1783
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Forbach, le 30e. 9bre. 1783.

          L’officier qui vous remettra cette Lettre, Mon respectable ami, est Mr. de gourdon qui a Servi avec moi à L’école Militaire, et qui ainsi que moi, a pris le parti de quitter cette Maison. Actuellement établi à passy, il desire fort voir de près le grand homme que tout bon françois doit cherir et Admirer, et à ce titre avoir l’honneur de Vous présenter son hommage: j’aime à croire que Vous en serés content: il est facheux pour le bien de la chose qu’il ait abandonné la Carriere qu’il suivoit. Son ton, sa maniere d’être le rendoient très propre à Suivre et à conduire l’éducation de la jeunesse. Il ne veut pas moins à d’autres égards; en un mot c’est un françois comme Vous les aimés.
          Depuis notre Départ de paris, j’ai eu quelquefois de vos nouvelles par M. Votre petit-fils et M. Mac Mahon, et toujours elles ont fort intéressé notre digne amie qui vous fait les plus tendres amitiés; sa santé se soutient assés bien, malgré les inquiétudes qu’elle a eues à l’occasion de sa fille qu’une fievre opiniatre tourmentoit depuis plus d’un an; elle en est heureusement quitte depuis trois semaines et sa convalescence a ramené la joie dans la Colonie. Vous étes bien desiré pour en être le chef; un espoir aussi doux ne peut nous être permis; il faut vous aller retrouver, mais ce ne sera pas pour cet hiver, et peut-être l’année prochaine … éloignons l’idée d’une séparation sans doute éternelle.
          Il est bien décidé que d’ici à l’année prochaine, il ne se

pasera rien dans le levant. Voici à ce sujet ce que l’on mande de Saint-petersbourg— “on regarde toujours la guerre inévitable avec la porte; mais comme on a six mois pour y penser, il faut espérer que les fumées guerrieres se dissiperont d’ici au printemps. D’ailleurs le prince potemkin est à toute extremité; s’il meurt, il y a apparence que l’impératrice ouvrira les yeux et verra que la paix seule peut faire le bonheur de l’empire; personne n’y ignore que son favori est le seul à Souffler le feu de la guerre et en effet il est le seul qui puisse y gagner.” Cette lettre sur laquelle vous pouvés compter prouve que la nation russe est fort éloignée de la guerre: ainsi d’après ce qui s’est passé et ce qui se passe, d’après les négociations entamées, on peut conclure que l’impératrice de Russie gardera la Crimée et les deserts du cuban; que les pauvres Turcs feront quelques sacrifices en faveur de l’empereur, et que la tranquillité de l’Europe ne sera point Troublée.
          Recevés, mon Digne ami, les tendres et Respectueux hommages de toute la colonie, le chef à la tête, et vous trouverés à la queue l’homme du monde qui se fera le plus gloire d’être votre fidelle et dévoué Serviteur.

            Le chr. De Keralio

          Notation: Le Chr. de Keralio 30 Nov. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, [30 November 1783]
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan,Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van,La Lande & Fynje, De
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            [November 30, 1783]

          A Letter received of His Excellencÿ Robt. Morris Esqr. induced us to apply to your Excelly., Since we Satisfyed all the demands of Mr. Grand in consequence of the order of Said Mr. Morris, who was pleased to Say that he Should make no further disposal on us till he received our advice.
          We received a Letter of him dated 5 augt. that the armey being disbanded the occasion he had for money induced him to draw two Hundred thousand Guilders as he Expected the wants of Mr. Grand Should not be verÿ great he intended he augment his drafts till half a million of Guilders but to day we receive an other Letter of His Excellencÿ dated 1 8ber. that he had augmented his drafts to one million to be disposed of daÿlÿ desiring our acceptance and when we Should not be in Cash his Excellencÿ would make us the Needfull remittances. Abt. [About] f. 525.000— are presented alreadÿ to us and the remainder maÿ dailÿ appear whilst we are and Shall be only the Cash the produce of a Cargo of Tabacco included abt. f. 400.000— Whilst the further distribution of obligations by the Scarcitÿ of Mony and concurrency of other Loans makes it impossible to gather a Sufficient Sum in the Space of time the bills Drawn at 90/ds. [days] become due and at the Same moment impossible to expect or desire the remittances of Mr. Morris we are to Conscious not to penetrate the fatal consequences in Case we are not

able to give acceptance to Said amount of one Million of Guilders drafts as this Should not onlÿ ruin the Loan but prove verÿ detrimental to the american Credit, we desirous to prevent Such a Mis fortune accept the mentioned f. 525000— not with Standing we Can not force to be in Cash but are at the Same time in a disagreable Situation for the remainder f. 475,000— which Can daily bee presented to us and as his Excellency J Adams is in London and an other Expeditions Left to us, than your Excelly. consult abt. the matter we have resolved to Send an Express to pray your answer if Mr. Grand his cach left of the remitte. of upward two Millions of Livre we made to him Since Mr. Morris Seems to think his wants must have been Less because his Excellency Should not have drawn Such Large Sums if he had been conscious wed have been Short of Such an amount.
          And as we are not in the possibilitÿ to face all those drafts which perhaps may yet be augmented & we Should however be sorry to find Such a disapointment in the financiers direction to be occasioned we request instantly your Excelly. answer that if we accept these Drafts to the amount of a Million and when due and not in Cash (where to is no probabilitÿ) if your Excellencÿ is pleased to furnish the difficient money to us or permises [promises] on his word of honour to accept and pay for acct. of the United States our drafts at 2 or 3 use. [usages] we Shall be obliged to make on you towards the payment of the accepted Sums when due and paye [payable].
          We are too much persuaded of your Excelly. well wishes for your country that we Should have the least doubt of your readely complying in the promotion and preservation of its Credit bÿ which being animated we have applyed to your Excellency whose answer which we humbly beg in return with the Express Shall fix our resolution of accepting or not accepting the further drafts, the consequences of which not doing how fatal then Can never be imputed to us.

            To His Exclly. B Franklin Paris / Copie


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 1[–2] December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Banks, Joseph

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 1.[–2] 1783—

          In mine of yesterday, I promis’d to give you an Account of Messrs Charles & Robert’s Experiment, which was to have been made on this Day, and at which I intended to be present. Being a little indispos’d, & the Air cool, and the Ground damp, I declin’d going into the Garden of the Tuilleries where the Balloon was plac’d, not knowing how long I might be oblig’d to wait there before it was ready to depart; and chose to stay in my Carriage near the Statue of Louis XV. from whence I could well see it rise, & have an extensive View of the Region of Air thro’ which, as the Wind sat, it was likely to pass. The Morning was foggy, but about One aClock, the Air became tolerably clear, to the great Satisfaction of the Spectators, who were infinite, Notice having been given of the intended Experiment several Days before in the Papers, so that all Paris was out, either about the Tuilleries, or the Quays & Bridges, in the Fields, the Streets, at the Windows, or on the Tops of Houses, besides the Inhabitants of all the Towns & Villages of the Environs. Never before was a philosophical Experiment so magnificently attended. Some Guns were fired to give Notice, that the Departure of the great Balloon was near, and a small one was discharg’d which went to an amazing Height, there being but little Wind to make it deviate from its perpendicular Course, and, at length the Sight of it

was lost. Means were used, I am told, to prevent the great Balloon’s rising so high as might indanger its Bursting. Several Bags of Sand were taken on board before the Cord that held it down was cut; and the whole Weight being then too much to be lifted, such a Quantity was discharg’d as to permit its Rising slowly. Thus it would sooner arrive at that Region where it would be in Equilibrio with the surrounding Air, and by discharging more Sand afterwards, it might go higher if desired. Between One & Two a Clock, all Eyes were gratified with seeing it rise majestically from among the Trees, and ascend gradually above the Buildings. A most beautiful Spectacle! When it was about 200 feet high, the brave Adventurers held out and wav’d a little white Pennant, on both Sides their Carr, to salute the Spectators, who return’d loud Claps of Applause. The Wind was very little, so that the Object, tho’ moving to the Northward, continued long in View; and it was a great while before the admiring People began to disperse. The Persons embark’d were Mr Charles, Professor of Experimental Philosophy, & a zealous Promoter of that Science, and One of the Messieurs Robert, the very ingenious Constructors of the Machine. When it arriv’d at its height, which I suppose might be 3 or 400 Toises, it appear’d to have only horisontal Motion. I had a Pocket Glass, with which I follow’d it, till I lost Sight, first of the Men, then of the Car, and when I last saw the Balloon, it appear’d no bigger than a Walnut. I write this at 7 in the Evening. What became of them is not yet known here. I hope they descended by Day-light, so

as to see & avoid falling among Trees or on Houses, and that the Experiment was compleated without any mischievous Accident which the Novelty of it & the want of Experience might well occasion. I am the more anxious for the Event, because I am not well inform’d of the Means provided for letting themselves gently down, and the Loss of these very ingenious Men, would not only be a Discouragement to the Progress of the Art, but be a sensible Loss to Science & Society.
          I shall inclose one of the Tickets of Admission, on which the Globe was represented, as originally intended, but is altered by the Pen to show its real State when it went off. When the Tickets were engraved, the Car was to have been hung to the Neck of the Globe, as represented by a little Drawing I have made in the Corner A. I suppose it may have been an Apprehension of Danger in straining too much the Balloon or tearing the Silk, that induc’d the Constructors to throw a Net over it, fix’d to a Hoop which went round its Middle, and to hang the Car to that Hoop, as you see in Fig. B.—
          Tuesday Morning, Dec 2. I am reliev’d from my Anxiety, by hearing that the Adventurers descended well near l’Isle Adam, before Sunset. This Place is near 7 Leagues from Paris.— Had the Wind blown fresh, they might have gone much farther.—
          If I receive any farther Particulars of Importance I shall communicate them hereafter.
          With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin

            P.S. Tuesday Evening.
            Since writing the above, I have receiv’d the printed Paper & the Manuscript, containing some Particulars of the

Experiment, which I enclose.— I hear farther, that the Travellers had perfect Command of their Carriage, descending as they pleas’d by letting some of the inflammable Air escape, and rising again by discharging some Sand: that they descended over a Field so low as to talk with the Labourers in passing, and mounted again to pass a Hill. The little Balloon falling at Vincennes, shows that mounting higher it met with a Current of Air in a contrary Direction: An Observation that may be of use to future aerial Voyagers.—

              Sir Joseph Banks, Bart.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nairne, 2 December 1783
From: Nairne, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Sir
              Lond Decr 2: 1783

            I received your favours. The book & prints which Mr Argand was so obliging as to deliver I have since sent to Sir Joseph Banks agreable to your request. I am very much obliged to you for your observations on the alteration of the wood of the box belonging to the magnets. Since I received your favour have been endeavouring to make as simple an instrument as possible, a drawing of

which I have here sent. If you should at your leisure consider it & if you find that its not adequate to the purpose wanted should esteem it as a great favour if you’d inform me of it or if any Alterations or additions can be added to it. I was the day before yesterday at Windsor where Mr De Luc shewed me an Hygrometer it was made of a thin peice of whale bone about nine inches long was kept strait by a line fasten’d to it going over a pulley the other end of which line was fastned to a spiral spring. He observed that it was the only substance he had ever met with that would always return to the same length when soaked in water. It altered in its length about one inch from extreame Moisture to extream dryness. A Day or two ago Mrs Clark called on me. She desired her duty to you when I wrote & desired I would inform you she had lost her only Brother in the Ville de Paris.
            Mrs Nairne Polly & Fanny desire to be particularly remembred to you. Hope you enjoy a good state of health as they at present do, they were not a little flattered that you mentioned them in your letter. I sent you sometime ago the account of shortning wire by Lightning which I hope you have received. Mr Magellan under took to have it sent to you.
            I am Dear Sir Your most obliged Hble servt

              Edwd: Nairne

            The explanation of the under drawing. Fig 1 A a peice of wood about 12 Inches long & 2 inches broad cut cross wise the grain of the wood which slides freely between the two peices of wood

BB forming groves for it. C Is a screw [for adj]usting the peice of wood A so that the index [may] point to the proper division when first made. In Fig 2. a. Is a slit to admit the pin e to move [freely,] which pin by being fast in the peice of wood A moves with it as it shortens or lengthens and by pressing against the short end of the Index D causes it to move up or down according as the weather is moist or dry which is shewn on the Divided arch at the end of the instrument.

          Addressed: A Monsr / Son Excellence le Dr. F[ranklin] / a Passy / pres / Paris


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

            Dear & hond Sir.
            Nantes Decr 2. 1783.

          Mr Barclay in consequence of his Commission from Congress as Auditor General of Accounts, has applied to me for all my public Accounts to be lodged in the Consular Office. As I have already lodged with you the originals of my public Accounts from the beginning to the End of my being in the public Service, I have referred him to you for those Originals, and I doubt not you will agree to the propriety of delivering them to Mr Barclay. I have in the mean time furnished him with Copies of those Settled by Arbitration, having two by me, & one of the Receipts you gave me per quadruplicata for the Balance of two thousand & Sixty Livres one Sol & Seven deniers dated Augt 26. 1779.
          I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours.—

            Jona Williams J

          Addressed: His Excellency Doctor Franklin, / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 3 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan,Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van,La Lande & Fynje, De

            Gentlemen!
            Passy decmr. 3. 1783.

          I: Received the letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 30: past, and am very Sensible of your zeal for Supporting the Credit of the united States, and the difficulties you must be exposed to in accepting all the drafts of Mr. Morris of which you have advice. I Communicated your letter to our Banker Mr. Grand, and desired immediate Conference with him on the Subject. He has brought with him a Sketch of Mr. Morris’s Account, by which it appears that the means of assisting us are not in his hands. As to the proposition of mÿ accepting bills drawn on me at three Months, I do not See the least Probality of my having more money to command at that time than I have at present, so that the Expedient would be inëffëctual. Mr. Grand will him Self write to you on this occasion. I hope that the demand for bills in America, being for the present Supplied bÿ those Mr. Morris has already Disposed of there will not be many more issued before he is informed of the Difficiency of Funds on this Side the Water, when he will certainly hold his hand. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obediënt & most humb Servt.

            (:Signd:) B. Franklin.
            Copia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson, 3 December 1783
From: Jackson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            On board the Washington Decemr. 3rd. 1783

          Major Jackson begs leave to present his most respectful compliments to Doctor Franklin— He regrets that particular business obliges him to debark in England, as it will delay the happiness which he hopes to enjoy in the honor of renewing his acquaintance with his Excellency.
          Major Jackson presents himself with respect and affection to Mr. W. T. Franklin.
          Mr. Bache and his family were in perfect health when Major J. left Philadelphia on the 10th. of November.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 3 December 1783
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            A Versailles le 3. Xbre. 1783.

          Vous etes instruit, Monsieur, de tout ce qui est relatif à l’évocation faite au Conseil du Roy de la discution qui s’est élevée au sujet des oppositions formées sur une partie de la Cargaison de la frégate l’Alliance. M. Chardon Procureur Général du Conseil des

Prises vient de m’écrire à ce sujet une lettre que je crois devoir vous communiquer et dont je joins ici la copie. Vous y verrez, Monsieur, que c’est par le fait même du Sr. Barclay que cette affaire reste indécise. Je vous prie de vouloir bien lui transmettre toutes les réflexions détaillées dans la lettre de M. Chardon, et lui faire connoitre qu’il ne peut imputer qu’à lui même et au défaut de s’être mis en régle, si le Conseil n’a pas encore prononcé sur la mainlevée qu’il se croit fondé à réclamer. Vous voudrez bien aussi me faire part de ses intentions définitives à cet égard, afin que je puisse en informer M. Chardon.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincerement Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur

            De Vergennes
            M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lenoir, 4 December 1783
From: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris le 4. Xbre. 1783.

          Vous avés eu la bonté, Monsieur, de remettre à M. Cadet Deveaux la planche du Poele Cheminée, dont l’invention vous est due, et vous lui en avés fait esperer la Description. Je vous prie,

Monsieur, de vouloir bien la lui procurer le plutôt possible, et je me chargerai de la rendre publique. On S’occupera aussitôt de la construction d’un Poele d’aprês vos principes: M. Cadet Se flatte que vous voudrés bien en diriger l’Execution.
          J’ecris à Mrs. Perrier, pour qu’ils vous fassent parvenir du Charbon en roche. Je vous Serai três obligé de joindre à la description du Poele, celle de la grille que vous êtes dans l’intention de faire construire, pour l’Emploi de ce Combustible dans les Cheminées; détruire ainsi que vous le faites, Monsieur, la fumée du Charbon de terre et la faire tourner au profit de la chaleur:

c’est un Service éssentiel que vous avés rendu à l’Economie et c’est une véritable obligation que vous aura le Gouvernement qui S’occupe dans ce moment ci, de la perfection des moyens Faits pour Substituer le charbon de terre au bois.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, Vôtre três humble et três obeissant Serviteur./.

            Lenoir
            M. Franklin à Passy.

          Endorsed: M. Le Noir

          Franklin’s Sketches of a Fire-Grate


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Séqueville, [after 5 December 1783]
From: Séqueville, François-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [after December 5, 1783]

          La Cour prendra le Deuil le neuf de ce mois, à l’occasion de la mort de Mademoiselle.
          Sa Majesté le portera 21 jours.

            de Mauroypr Mr De séquevilleSecrétaire ordinaire du Roi, à la conduite deMrs. les Ambassadeurs.

          Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / Ministre Plenipore des Etats Unis / de l’Amerique Septentrionale / a Passy / vers Paris ./. De séqueville


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 6 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

              Dear Sir,
              Passy, Decr. 6. 1783.

            I received your kind Letter of the 28th. past, and I send you herewith the anonymous Brussels Letter, as you desire. When I had last the Pleasure of seeing you at Passy, I forgot to mention to you that Mr. Ridley soon after your Departure for the South of France, call’d upon me with a Request that I would let him see that Letter, and then that I would let him take it home with him, which I comply’d with, understanding it was to show it to Mr. Adams. Some Days after he acquainted me that the Handwriting was like that of M. de Neufville’s Clerk, and proposed to have it compar’d with some of Neufville’s Letters in my Possession, which at his Desire I lent him. When he return’d them he remark’d some Similarities, which I did not think very striking; what appeared most so to me at the time was the very long Stroke or Dash of the Pen across the Top of the small t, thus t, tho’ I did not think that conclusive; and I have since observed it to be a more general Practice in writing than I imagin’d. I indeed seldom make that marke to my t’s, except when they are double, yet I find when I do make it, it is nearly as long as in the Brussels Letter; and I see in your last that you do the same, the Dash sometimes passing over the whole Word in which the t is plac’d. I saw neither Mr. Barclay nor Mr. Adams on that occasion, but Mr. Ridley only. I suppose the Opinion you mention as pronounc’d might be by them at Auteuil. I enclose the other anonymous, and the two Letters of Neufville, that you may compare them and judge for yourself.

            We think of nothing here at present but of Flying; the Ballons engross all Conversation. Messrs. Charles and Robert, made a Trip last Monday thro’ the Air to a Place farther distant than Dover is from Calais, and would have gone much farther if there had been more Wind and Daylight. They have perfect Command of the machine, descending & rising again at pleasure. The Progress made in the Management of it has been rapid, yet I fear it will hardly become a common Carriage in my time, tho’ being the easiest of all Voitures it would be extreamly convenient to me, now that my Malady forbids the use of the old ones over a Pavement.
            The kind Enquiry made respecting me by the Person you mention, does not much surprize me. He is so unequal in his Temper & so different from himself on different Occasions, that I should not wonder if he sometimes loved me.
            The promised Commission is not yet come to my hands, nor have I any Advices from the Congress later than the 9th. of September.
            My Grandson joins me in affectionate Respects to you & Miss Laurens, and best Wishes for your Health and Prosperity. With great & sincere Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant,

              B Franklin

            [In Franklin’s hand:] I see my Clerk makes those long Dashes too. Vide the Word affectionate above.
            Be so good as to present my Compliments to Mr Chase. I shall write to him per next Post.—

          Honble. M. Laurens.
          Addressed: To his Excellency / Henry Laurens Esqr / Bath

          Endorsed: Doctr Franklin 6th. Decem 1783 Recd 14th. Answd. 3d Febry— 1784— / Doctr Franklin inclosed are his Letter of 6th. Decem 1783 together with the two anonom & two from de Neufvilles refered to in his Letter all received 14th.—
          Notation: Dr Franklin Decr 6th. recd. 14th.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir
            Passy Decr. 6th. 1783

          Being now disabled by the Stone, which in the easiest Carriage gives me Pain, wounds my Bladder & occasions me to make bloody Urine, I find I can no longer pay my Devoirs personally at Versailles, which I hope will be excused. I have yet received from Congress no Answer to my Request of being recalled. In the mean time I must beg your Excellency to receive my Respects by my Grandson, with such Matters as I may occasionally have to communicate, he being Secretary of the Legation. I am, with great and sincere Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            His Excellency Count de Vergennes

          Endorsed: M. de R
          Notation: Rep. le 11 Xbre.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Nogaret, [after 6 December 1783]
From: Nogaret, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Versailles [after December 6, 1783]

          Comme nous Sommes privés du plaisir de vous voir, je vous Suppose un mal, peutetre apocryphé, Mais qui vous va bien

dans la circonstance où vous vous derobés aux acclamations de tout Paris.

            Tu fais la Paix, tu faix la guerre!
            Un Septre est à tes piés, la foudre est dans tes mains.
            L’encens fume, pour toi, Sur le double hémisphere;
            On t’y rend les honneurs divins!
            Montre toi. Tu ne peux! Quoi! tes efforts sont vains
            Comme nos voeux et ma priere!
            Qui peut donc arrêter, qui derobe, à nos yeux,
            Ce Politique utile et ce rival des Dieux
            Que revere L’Olympe et qu’adore la Terre?
            Faibles humains!..helas! la goutte, dans Passy,
            Sert les Enfers jaloux;..et l’enchaine aujourdhuy.

            Felix Nogaret


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadet de Vaux, 8 December 1783
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Ce 8 Xbre 1783

          M. Cadet de Vaux présente l’assurance de Son très humble respect a Monsieur franklin et a l’honneur de lui Envoyer une lettre de Monsieur le lieutenant Général de Police, et deux billets que M.M. le Grand et Molinos l’ont chargé de faire accepter à Monsieur franklin./.

          Notation: Cadet de Vaux 8 Xbre 83


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 8 December 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan,Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van,La Lande & Fynje, De
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Amsterdam 8 Decbr. 1783

          We are favoured by the Express with the honour of your Excellencies esteemed Letter of the 3 inst, by whch. we are Sorry to observe the Stocks in your hands Cannot afford to your Excellencÿ the means to provide us with the necessary Sums for the amount of the drafts his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. has been pleased to furnish on us beyond, what we Can be in Cash, nor that even you have no prospect to become in Cash towards the time, our drafts at three month in rembursement of our advance on your Excellency may become due.
          The abstract your Excellency intended to inclose of Mr. Grand’s acct. has not been in the packet, however we learn by his letter, that it is also impossible for him to assist us, Since all our remittances are not only absorbed but his wants yet extended beyond that Considerable amount.
          We are on this occasion much at a loss how to prevent the final protest of the bills, when the Same become due.
          We have the honour to remain with great esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servants

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & fynje

          To his Excellency Benj. Franklin Esqr. in Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 9 December 1783
From: Banks, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Sir
              Soho Square Decr. 9 1783

            The Friendship which I have Experiencd from you in your so speedily sending me Accounts of the Progress of the new Art of

Flying which makes such rapid advances in the Countrey you now inhabit I beg to acknowledge with real gratitude. I wish I had more than gratitude something(?) to Communicate in return but times must Come when I shall be able to repay the debt which you have accumulated upon me with so much Friendly perseverance & beleive me I shall do it with a grateful pleasure.
            Charles’s Experiment seems decisive & must be performd here in its full extent. I have hitherto been of Opinion that it is unwise to struggle for the honor of an invention which is absultely(?) Effected. Practical Flying we must allow to our rivals. Theoretical Flying We claim ourselves. Bishop Wilkins in his Mechanical magic has as I am informd (for I have not yet got the book) a proposal for flying by means of a vessel filld with rarefied Air & Mr. Cavendish when he blew Soap bubbles of his Inflammable air Evidently performd the Experiment Which Carried Charles the memorable flight of the 1st. instant. When our Friends on your side of the water are coold a little however they shall see that we will visit the repositories of starrs & Meteors & try if we cannot derive as much Knowledge by application of Theory to what we find in the Armories of heaven as they can do.
            Mr. Mitchel has given us a very curious paper in which he considers light as subject to the power of gravitation, like all other bodies if so says he should there be any material difference in the magnitude of the Fixd Stars the light of the Large ones

would move more slowly & in consequence be liable to a different refraction from that of the smaller ones but no such thing being Observd with our best Telescopes we have here a right to judge them not varying from each other in any immense quantity of magnitude for was any one to be 100 times larger than another the difference would be discernable.
            A miserable Comet made his Appearance to Mr. Nathan Pigot in his Observatory at yorkshire on the 19 & the weather has been so hazy in the Evenings that it has scarce been Observd since it was on the

                Right Ascen
                North declen

                19 at 11h:15’
                41:0:0
                3°:10′

                20   10:54′
                40:0:0
                4:32

                21   it was seen in the place where it was expected

but the night was too hazy to observe it.
            It appears like a Nebula, with a diameter of About 2 minutes of a degree the nucleus faint it is seen with difficulty when the wires of the instrument are illuminated but is not visible with an opera glass.

              Mr. Pigot

            Novr. 29 it was seen near the Chin of Aries & appeard like a nebulous Star as there was some moon light it was dificult to find it.
            Decr. 1 it was removd near the preceeding Eye of Aries but conceiving other astronomers who have fixd instruments have noted its place he has not calculated the distance from any Known star.

              Mr. Herscell

            We are told that a Man has prepard Wings at a very considerable expence indeed they say £1000 that the models upon which they

are Constructed have flown & that the reality now in London but packd up in a Box should by a comparative calculation carry 150 lb. more than the man. The Machine consists of 4 wings two of which beat while the other two are drawn back some people whose opinion in Mechanics is lookd upon as Authority have said that they must succeed. Credat Judeus say I. I must see it before I beleive it.
            I am dear Sir with real gratitude & sincere thanks Yours Faithfully

              Jos: Banks

            I open this to thank you for Mr. Faujas’s book which I receivd this moment on my return home from dinner

          Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy / near / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington: Résumé, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          ⟨Philadelphia, December 9, 1783: Dr. Witherspoon, whom you know, is going to Great Britain on business and may possibly travel to France. I recommend him to your civility and attention.⟩


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 10. 1783.

          I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 5th. Instant by Commo. Jones, with the Dispatches he brought. The Packet directed to me alone, contain’d only a Letter to the Magistrates of Hambourg, and a Diploma of Doctor of Divinity from the College at Princetown for the Reverend Mr Wren: No Commission, nor any Mention of it; so that it seems to have been forgotten or dropt. Perhaps our Letter which went with the Definitive Treaty may remind the Congress of it.
          I received the Letter you mention from Messrs Willink & Compa. I immediately consulted Mr Grand, who brought me a Sketch of his Account with Mr Morris, by which it appeared that it was not in our Power to give Relief. I hope your Presence in Holland may be of Service.
          With great Respect I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

            B Franklin
            Honble John Adams Esqe


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from J. Nebon, 10 December 1783
From: Nebon, J.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Monseigneur
              St. Malo. 10e. Xbre 1783.

            J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer ci joint à votre Excellence une lettre que Mr Le Doctr. cooper m’avoit chargé de remettre En main propre; mes [mais] mes affaires ne me permettant point de me rendre immédiatement à Paris, je crois qu’il Est nécessaire de Vous L’acheminer: aussi profitte je du premier courier.
            Jai Lhonneur d’Etre avec le plus profond Respect, Monseigneur, De Vôtre Excellence, Le plus humble & le plus humble serviteur

              J. Nebon

            J’avois, Monseigneur, apporté quelques papiers publics de Boston que je croyois pouvoir Vous Remettre mais présumant qu’ils Seroient de trop Vieille date avant que je Sois à Paris, j’ose les Expedier a vôtre Excellence, & la Supplier de croire que je les Expedie par le Courier ne trouvant de meilleure occasion./.

          Notation: J Vebon, 10 Dec. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 December 1783
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Lahaie 11e. Dec. 1783.

          L’incluse vous apprendra la suite des affaires ici. Je crois pouvoir vous dire de plus, d’avance, que cette semaine la proposition de la Gr. Br. pour finir la paix ici ou à Londres, sera rejettée aux Etats d’holle. par tous les Membres, excepté le Corps des Nobles, c’est-à-dire le Str. [Stadhouder]— Il retardera tant qu’il pourra la même résolution dans les autres Provinces; mais sans y rien gagner; au contraire.
          Quant aux voies de fait, sur les frontieres, de la part des Autrichiens, on ne s’en inquiete guere ici; & les Patriotes regardent cela comme une tentative imaginée & excitée par le parti Anglomane, pour appuyer la derniere proposition Brite. [Britannique] tendante à conclure le Traité définitif ici ou à Londres. Aussi fit-on le lendemain de l’arrivée du Courier un Vaudeville là-dessus, qui se chante partout, & dont voici une copie, avec mes complimens pour Mr. Wm. Franklin, qui pourra vous le chanter & en amuser ses amis. J’espere d’apprendre que vous jouissez d’une santé complete, & suis avec grand respect De Votre Excellence Le très-humble & très-obeissant Serviteur

            C. w. f. Dumas
            Paris à Son Exce. Mr. B. Franklin M.P.

          Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, Esqr., / Min. Plenipo: des Etats Unis / Passy./. / près Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Girault de Kéroudou, 12 December 1783
From: Girault de Kéroudou, Georges, abbé
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            au College de Louis Legrand, Ce 12. Xbre. 1783./.
            Monsieur,

          Dans Le recueil de M. Le President Rolland, que J’ay eû L’honneur d’envoyer à votre Excellence, il Se trouve une dissertation sur L’emplois de La Langue française dans Les inscriptions, Les traités, &c. L’autheur desirant y faire Les Changements et Les additions Convenables, me Charge de recourrir à vos Lumieres pour Sçavoir si Les delibérations de votre republique, et quelques unes de ses inscriptions, sont en français. Votre zele pour tout Ce qui peut-etre utile aux Sciences, aux Lettres et aux hommes, ne vous permettera pas de me refuser Cette grace. Je vous demande encore Celle d’agreer Le profond respect avec Lequel Je suis, Monsieur, Votre trés hble et obt. Serviteur

            Girault De Keroudou,grand-maitre du College de Louis Legrand.

          Notation: Girault de Keroudou 12 Decr. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Luigi Pio, 12 December 1783
From: Pio, Luigi
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Ce Vendredy 12. Xre. 1783./. Hôtel montmorencyChaussée d’Antin

          Mr. de Pio a l’honneur de presenter ses hommages à Monsieur Franklin, et de lui envoyer le IV. volume de l’Ouvrage de Mr. filangieri de Naples avec sa lettre aussi.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Menier de Saint Yver, 13 December 1783
From: Menier de Saint Yver, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 13. Xbre. 1783.

          Votre Excellence a toujours eu la bonté de promettre à M. Schaffer qu’aussitot le retour de M. Barcklay elle engageroit ce Consul a lui rendre service. Veuillés donc bien, Monsieur, puisqu’il est de retour ne pas refuser à m. Schaffer de le faire reclamer par quelqu’un qui puisse au moins nous tirer du precipice où votre silence nous a plongé; ce Service rendu a M. Schaffer est de la plus grande utilité pour moi qui me trouve lié à son Sort dans cette cruelle circonstance, et en le lui rendant vous porterés le Calme dans une famille respectable qui en conservera une eternelle reconnoissance.
          Je suis avec le plus profond respect Monsieur de Votre Excellence Le très humble et tres obeissant serviteur

            Menier De Saintyver


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 14 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir,
            Passy, 14. Decr 1783.

          Permit me to introduce to your Excellency the Bearer Mr Nesbitt a very respectable American Merchant settled at L’Orient. He will himself have the honor of communicating to you the Business he is come to Paris upon, and I request your Excellency will give him a favourable Audience & that support which the nature of his Case seems to merit.
          With great Respect & Esteem I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Sert.,

            B Franklin
            His Exy. Count de Vergennes.—

          Endorsed: M De R.
          Notations: Franklin / recommandation en faveur de M. Nesbit marchand americain


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 14 December 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            London Decr: 14th: 1783.

          The Day before Yesterday, Mr. Boudinot called upon me, with Dispatches from the President of Congress, his Brother. There were two Letters addressed to the “Ministers” and these I opened but found little or Nothing but Duplicates of Dispatches, receiv’d by you before I left Auteuil.

          There are two letters, and one large Packet addressed to you, which I have the Honour to transmit by Mr: Little page.
          Mr: Jay and I are waiting, for Advices from your Excellency if this Packet or that by Captn: Jones contains a Commission to treat with Great Britain, it will be necessary that we should return, to Paris, or that you should come to London very soon—I am also very anxious to hear whether it is possible for you to Save Mr: Morris’s Bills at Amsterdam from a Protest for Non payment. If it is not, many Individuals will be disappointed, and the Catastrophe to American Credit must come on.
          With the greatest Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedt:

          His Excellency Benjn: Franklin Esqr:


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 15 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Banks, Joseph

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 15. 1783

          You have probably had enough of my Correspondence on the Subject of the Balloons, yet I cannot forbear sending you Mr Charles’s Account of his Voyage, wch contains some Circumstances that are curious & interesting. And perhaps you may, for a Conclusion, have one more Letter from me by him, if

he makes the Flight, said to be intended the first fair Wind, from Paris to London. With great Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant

            B Franklin
            Sir Joseph Banks, Bart.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 15 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Carmichael, William

            My dear Friend,
            Passy, Dec. 15. 1783.

          I am much concern’d to find by your Letter to my Grandson, that you are hurt by my long Silence, and that you ascribe it to a suppos’d Diminution of my Friendship. Believe me, that is by no means the case; but I am too much harassed by a Variety of Correspondence together with Gout and Gravel, which induces me to postpone doing what I often fully intend to do, and particularly Writing, where the urgent Necessity of Business does not seem to require its being done immediately; my sitting too much at the Desk having already almost killed me; besides, since Mr. Jay’s Residence here, I imagin’d he might keep you fully informed of what was material for you to know, and I beg you to be assur’d of my constant and sincere Esteem and affection.

          I do not know whether you have been informed that a Mr. Montgomery, who lives at Alicant, took upon himself (for I think he had no Authority) to make Overtures last Winter, in behalf of our States, towards a Treaty with the Emperor of Marocco; In consequence of his Proceedings, I received a Letter in August, from a Person who acquainted me that he was arrived in Spain by the Emperor’s Order, and was to come to Paris, there to receive and conduct to Marocco, the Minister of Congress appointed to make that Treaty, intimating at the same time an Expectation of Money to defray his Expences. I communicated the Letter to Mr. Jay. The Conduct of Mr. Montgomery appeared to us very extraordinary and irregular; and the Idea of a Messenger from Marocco coming to Paris to meet and conduct a Minister of Congress, appearing absurd and extravagant, as well as the Demand of Money by a Person unknown, I made no answer to the Letter, and I know not whether Mr. Jay made any to Mr. Montgomery who wrote about the same time. But I have lately received another Letter from the same Person, a Copy of which I enclose, together with my Answer open for your Perusal, and it is submitted to your Discretion whether to forward it or not. The Mr. Crocco who writes to me having been as he says at Madrid, you possibly may know more of him than I can do, and judge whether he is really a Person in Credit with the Emperor and sent as he pretends to be; or not rather an Escroc, as the French call Cheats and Impostors. I would not be wanting in any thing proper for me to do, towards keeping that Prince in good humour with us, till the Pleasure of Congress is known, and therefore would answer Mr. Crocco if he be in his Employ; but am loth to commit myself in Correspondence with a Fripon. It will be strange if being at Madrid he did not address himself to you. With great & unalterable Regard I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately.

            B. Franklin
            M. Carmichael


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Crocco, 15 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Crocco, Giacomo Francisco

            Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 15. 1783

          I have just received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 25th. past. I did indeed receive your former Letter of July, but being totally a Stranger to the mentioned Proceedings of Mr. Montgomery and having no Orders from Congress on the Subject, I knew not how to give you any satisfactory answer, till I should receive farther Information; and I communicated your Letter to Mr. Jay, Minister of the United States for Spain, in whose District Mr. Montgomery is, and who is more at hand than I am for commencing that Negociation. Mr. Jay who is at present in England, has possibly written to you, tho’ his Letter may have miscarried, to acquaint you, that Mr. Montgomery had probably no Authority from Congress to take the Step he has done; and that it was not likely that they desiring to make a Treaty with the Emperor, would think of putting his Majesty to the Trouble of sending a Person to Paris to receive and conduct their Minister, since they have Ships, and could easily land him at Cadiz or present him at one of the Emperor’s Ports. We have however written to Congress, acquainting them, with what we had been informed of the good and favourable Dispositions of his Imperial Majesty to enter into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States; and we have no doubt but that as soon as their Affairs are a little settled, which by so severe a War carried on in the Bowels of their Country by one of the most powerful Nations of Europe, have necessarily been much deranged, they will readily manifest equally good Dispositions; and take all the proper Steps to cultivate and secure the Friendship of a Monarch, whose Character, I know, they have long esteemed and respected. I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            M Crocco


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Rittenhouse, 15 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rittenhouse, David

            Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 15, 1783.

          All astronomical news that I receive, I think it my duty to communicate to you. The following is just come to hand, in a letter from the President of the Royal Society, dated at London the 9th instant.
          “A miserable comet made its appearance to Mr. Nathan Pigot, in his observatory at Yorkshire, on the 19th past, and the weather has been so hazy in the evenings that it has scarce been observed since. It was on the 19th

              h.
              m.
              Right Ascen.
              North Dec.

              “at 11
              15
               41
              0
              0
               3° 10’

              “On the 20th 10
              54
               40
              0
              0
               4 32

          “On the 21st it was seen in the place where it was expected; but the night was too hazy to observe it.
          “It appears like a nebula, with a diameter of about two minutes of a degree; the nucleus faint. It is seen with difficulty when the wires of the instrument are illuminated, but is not visible with an open glass.”—Mr. Pigot.
          “Nov. 29th. It was seen near the chin of Aries, and appeared like a nebulous star: as there was some moon-light, it was difficult to find it.
          “Dec. 1st. It was removed near the preceding eye of Aries; but conceiving other astronomers who had fixed instruments,

have noted its place, he has not calculated the distance from any known star.”—Mr. Herschell.
          With great esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.

            B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir,
            Passy, Dec. 15. 1783.

          I understand that the Bishop or Spiritual Person who superintends or governs the Roman Catholic Clergy in the United States of America, resides in London, and is supposed to be under Obligations to that Court, and subject to be influenced by its Ministers. This gives me some uneasiness, and I cannot but wish that one should be appointed to that Office, who is of this Nation and who may reside here among our Friends. I beg your Excellency to think a little of this Matter, and to afford me your Counsels upon it. With the greatest Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            B Franklin

            His Excelly. the Count de Vergennes.

          Endorsed: M. de R


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Laurent-Jean-Antoine de Leutre, 15 December 1783
From: Leutre, Laurent-Jean-Antoine de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Or∴ de paris, le 15e. jour du 10e. mois,5783. [i.e., December 15, 1783]
            T∴ C∴ F∴

          L’homme justement celebre, le citoyen vertueux, le philosophe aussi humain qu’eclairé qui a donné la liberté à sa patrie, et qui voit couronner ce grand ouvrage par la paix générale, doit être le plus bel ornement d’une fête celebre à l’occasion de cette paix si desirée. Ce sont ces motifs, T.C.F. qui portent les freres de la R∴ L∴ du Contrat Social, M∴ L∴ Ec∴ à l’or∴ de paris, à vous inviter à assister au Te Deum qu’ils feront célébrer mercredi prochain, et aux travaux maçoniq∴ auxquels ils se livreront ensuite dans leur local, rue Coq-héron. Ces travaux tendroient à leur perfection si vous veniez les éclairer de vos vives lumieres.
          Nous avons la faveur d’être par l.n.m.c. et C.p.u.(?), T∴ C∴ F∴ Vos très affectionnés et devoués Serviteurs et freres les membres de la R∴ M∴ L∴ Ec∴

            DELEUTRESecretaire generalPar Mandement


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Sorin, 15 December 1783
From: Sorin, Aglaé-Marguerite Blavet du Marais
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris ce 15. xbre. 1783.

          Mde. Sorin a l’honneur de faire mille complimens à monsieur franklin et d’Envoyer savoir de Ses nouvelles. Elle lui aurait infiniment d’obligation si il pouvait lui procurer un Exemplaire du Traité de paix des Etâts unis de L’amérique avec l’angleterre et un autre de cette même puissance avec L’Espâgne.
          Mde. Sorin ainsi que Mr. et Mde. Roger prient Monsieur franklin d’assurer monsieur son petit fils de leurs civilités Et du désir qu’ils ont de le voir.

            M. franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 16 December 1783
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Auteuil 16 Decemr. 1783

          I return you the Papers relative to the Attachments laid on the property of the United States by Messrs. Forsters & Puchelberg & Co. and I beg leave to remark that as on the one hand

I never did mean to bring up a new Mode of arranging such affairs, neither on the other, have I been willing to give up a point which I look’d upon as a National Concern, by pleading it in a Foreign Court as an Affair between two Subjects— I apprehend the Custom of Countries on similar occasions must be well known, and therefore whatever it be, I suppose your Excellency will have no objection to conform to it now.
          The demands made by Messrs. Fosters and Puchelberg having arisen before my Arrival in France I need not trouble you with many remarks concerning them, I shall however observe that Congress having directed Mr. Johnson to examine Mr. Puchelberg’s account do’s not by any means establish the Debt to be due to him before it is Examin’d— My Commission superceded Mr. Johnson’s and I am ready to settle the account when ever I am call’d upon, and to Certify whatever Balance appears due, this I offer’d to do at Nantes when the Claim was made in the Name of Mr. Schweighauser but it now stands Transfer’d to that of Puchelberg and indeed I do not know which of them have the demand.— It has been said, that I defended the Cause already in the Court at L’Orient, but this I apprehend is a mistake, for I know of no defence made there, but what Mr. Moylan, who is no Agent of Congress, made in behalf of the Crew, whose property was involved in the Attachments. If any thing farther was done it was without my knowledge, and never shou’d have had my Approbation, as I always thought it a great National Concern, that an Equipment, form’d by a Sovereign Power, shou’d not be defeated by a demand, whether real or pretended, made by a Subject of another in Alliance.—

          I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt. Most Hum. servt:

            Thos Barclay
            His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 17 December 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, John Paul

              [December 17, 1783]

            To the Honorable Captain John Paul-Jones Commodore in the service of the United-States of America.
            In pursuance of a Resolution of Congress of the first of November 1783. a Copy wereof is hereunto annexed, I do hereby authorize and direct you to solicit as Agent for payment and satisfaction to the officers and crews citizens or subjects of the said states, for all Prizes taken in Europe ander your Command, and to which they are any wise intitled, and in whose hands soever the Prize-money may be detained.
            [LS]   Given at Passy this seventeenth of December 1783.

              signed B Franklin

          Minister Plenipotentiary from the United-States of America at the Court of France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Guillaume-Pierre-François Delamardelle, 17 December 1783
From: Delamardelle, Guillaume-Pierre-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 17 Xbre. 1783

          Comme je Crois que vous pouvez Etre instruit de La demeure de Mr. Barclay, Et que je desirerois de Le voir; ozeroisje vous prier de m’indiquer sa demeure. On m’a dit qu’il Etoit agent de L’Etat de virginie, Et Chargé En Cette qualité des interets de son Pays.
          J’ay L’honeur d’Etre avec La plus haute Estime Et Le plus grand Respect Monsieur de votre Excellence Et Encore plus de votre merite personel Le tres humble Et tres obeissant serviteur

            DelamardelleProcureur Général à St. Domingueactuellement Rüe du maillehotel d’angleterre.

          M. franklin ministre Plenipotre. des Etats unis de L’amerique.
          Notation: De Lamardelle 17 Dec 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Bonnefoy, 19 December 1783
From: Bonnefoy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            lyon le 19 Xbre. 1783.

          Daignez excuser La liberté que je prens de vous écrire, en faveur du motif qui m’y engage. L’univers vous doit des autels

pour votre sublime découverte des paratonnerres; l’amérique qui vous doit sa liberté aquitera cette dette, et au bas de votre statue sera gravé ce vers devenu immortel:
          Eripuit coelo fulmen, sceptrum que tyrannis
          Je vois cette nouvelle partie du monde, ayant à peine secoué les chaînes de son escalvage, élever sa tête avec majesté. Tout y dispose à une heureuse révolution; les charmes de la liberté naissante y apèlent de toute part Le comerce, les arts et les sciences dont les progrès ont une si grande influence sur la prosperité des états. Parmi les sciences il en est une que son utilité indispensable ne permet pas d’oublier, c’est La chirurgie: cultivant cette science par état et par gout, mes vœux seraient comblés si je la voyais parvenir à Son dernier degré de perfection; cependant dans l’univers entier il n’y a que la france et l’angleterre qui aient une chirurgie qui est encore bien loins du terme qu’elle doit atteindre; et combien de siècles n’a-t-il pas fallu pour en venir jusques la; combien d’obstacles à vaincre, combien de préjugés à combatre? J’ai conçu un plan dont l’execution doit porter en Douze ans la chirurgie américaine presqu’à son derniers degré de perfection, et voilà l’objet de la lettre que j’ai l’honeur de vous écrire.—
          Je suis membre du colège de chirurgie de Lyon, j’y ai soutenu pour mon agrégation une dissertation sur l’aplication de l’électricité à l’art de guérir, dont j’ai eu l’honeur de vous envoyer un exemplaire; je viens de remporter un prix à l’académie de chirurgie de paris sur l’influence des passions de l’ame dans les maladies chirurgicales; j’ai l’honeur d’être conu de MM. Louis, secrétaire de L’académie, peyrilhe auteur de l’histoire

de la chirurgie, De Sault, baudeloque, chopart, tous célèbres chirurgiens de paris et qui ont été mes professeurs; Mr De La Martinière premier chirurgien du roi, qui vient de mourir m’avait fait des ofrès aussi flateuses qu’honorables pour me fixer à paris; l’amour de ma patrie l’a emporté, et pour me déterminer à faire ce dernier sacrifice, il ne faudrait rien moins que l’espoir d’être un jour l’instaurateur de la chirurgie américaine: excusez cette espèce d’apologie, je l’ai crue nécessaire pour vous prouver que je n’etais pas un aventurier, et que les seuls motifs qui me dirigeaient etaient l’amour que j’ai pour la chirurgie, et le zèle qui m’enflâme pour ses progrès. Si vous croyez que mes idées puissent être de quelque utilité, j’aurai l’honeur de vous envoyer le détail du plan que j’ai conçu, et si je suis assez heureux pour qu’il réponde à mes intentions, l’amérique à qui vous êtes si cher à tant de titres, vous devra encore la perfection d’une des sciences les plus utiles à l’humanité.
          Daignez agréer les sentimens les plus sincères du profond respect avec lequel j’ai l’honeur d’être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur

            Bonnefoymembre du colège de chirurgiede lyon maison deMr de fétan, rue Sala[?]

          Notation: Bonnefoi 19 Decbre. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Jérôme Le Français de Lalande, 19 December 1783
From: Lalande, Joseph-Jérôme Le Français de Lalande
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            au College royal le 19 dec. 1783.
            Monsieur et illustre confrere

          J’ai reçu avec bien de la reconoissance la lettre que votre Excellence a pris la peine de m’ecrire pour m’apprendre les observations de la nouvelle comete; je les communiquerai a l’academie de votre part; mais ce qui m’est personel c’est l’obligation que je vous ai d’avoir daigné vous Souvenir de moi dans cette occasion. Celui qui fait la gloire de l’humanité dans les deux hemispheres est Sur d’exalter l’amour propre de tout autre humain quand il daigne lui donner une marque de consideration ou d’amitié.
          Je Suis avec un profond respect et p.l.n.c.d.s.m. Monsieur et tres respectable frere Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

            LaLande


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John and Rosamond Sargent, 19 December 1783
From: Sargent, John,Sargent, Rosamond
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            London 19th Decem 1783 Ormond Street

          Mr. & Mrs. Sargent present Their most affectionate Compliments to Dr. Franklin, & being acquainted by Monsr. Charettier, the Gentleman Mr. S. introduced to His Acquaintance some Time agoe, He was returning to Paris, on the Business of His Mission, could not help seizing the Opportunity to assure The Doctor of Their constant Regard & Devotion—& desiring, if He comes hither, in the Spring, or Summer ensuing, as a Friend of Dr. Price’s, flatters Him with, He would give Himself no Trouble to look out for a House, but be pleased to accept of His, which, tho’ not like His Hotel, is decent, clean, & commodious,—&

within Seven Doors of Lord Thurlows,—& by the Neighbours preferrd to His,— & is, with His County House, & Equipage, entirely at His Service—and His Wife, & He offer Him with the same bonne Voluntè, & bon Coeur as to Their Father—
          They are Both very well, & Mrs. Chambers Their Mother, & Their Children the same—Long to see Him & to embrace Him—but, shall be ashamed to converse with Him on the Subject of this Country & it’s Government, which is daily sinking deeper & deeper in Disgrace—as You will soon hear—
          Adieu Dear Sir.
          We have but a few Minutes to write This, But You will consider Us ever Your affectionate


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Vaudreuil and Other Consulship Seekers, 19 December 1783
From: Vaudreuil, Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          The number of solicitations for American consulships in European ports, sent by either the candidates themselves or people recommending them, began to diminish during the period covered by this volume. Franklin continued to explain that he had no power to grant such appointments. The question of whether foreign nationals would be permitted to serve as American consuls would not be settled until March 16, 1784, when Congress resolved to restrict such consulships to United States citizens.
          Writing from Paris on September 17, Carrèl, “ancien consul du Roy d’Espagne,” forwards a mémoire from Jean Larrouy, a merchant

in Andaye (Hendaye) who wishes to be named vice-consul there. The enclosed mémoire points out that this appointment would be especially useful if the nearby city of Bayonne should be established as a free port.
          Tournachon, the deputy from Lyon to the Conseil royal de commerce, reminds Franklin on September 26 that he had both written and visited Passy to discuss the appointment of Aimé Bonnaffons, a Lyon merchant, to be the American consul in Genoa. Franklin had been too ill to receive him when he called, but Franklin’s grandson had told him to send a memoir that could be forwarded to the United States. He encloses one.
          Thirty-year-old Franz Rudolph von Grossing, who calls himself Grossing de Leidenthal, writes from Gotha on November 10, detailing his qualifications to be named American consul for all the German principalities. Descended from a noble Hungarian family, he was named secretary to Maria Theresa three years ago and at her request was groomed for a diplomatic career by the imperial chancellor and the foreign minister. Joseph II had asked him to draft a policy on tolerance, which was adopted in large part and which von Grossing is currently translating into French. He lost his position because of an envious cabal and has written three works that express his anti-tyrannical sentiments. America could not do better than to take him into its service; he speaks many languages, including English, and is familiar with European courts. He would accept the position for 100 louis d’or per year. He currently lives at the court of the duke of Saxe-Gotha, where he is retained as a “Cavalier de conversation,” discussing literary matters for two hours a day. He has a violent, tormenting passion to go to America. In a postscript, he adds that he is enclosing a copy of

a promissory note given by Arendt, a colonel in the American service, to a certain Fritsch of Frankfort. Would Franklin or some other ambassador take charge of satisfying the debt?
          On December 15, capitaine de vaisseau Georges-René Pléville Le Pelley of Marseille writes what he says is his second letter since the peace soliciting Franklin’s help in obtaining a consulship in Marseille for his son-in-law, Luc Laugier. Le Pelley describes his own service in the war under d’Estaing and as adjutant of the French army’s intendant in Boston, during which time he was assaulted. He also describes the record of his late son, who served with him under d’Estaing on the Languedoc in 1778, became a lieutenant, and was captured by the British and released out of consideration for Le Pelley’s having saved an English ship in 1770 (for which he received a fine gift from the British nation). Within days of having returned to France after the peace, his son died of a fever. Le Pelley helps Americans whenever possible, within his limited means, and has procured work for them on French merchant ships while he helped find them passage home. An American consul in Marseille would be very useful.
          On December 16, the Paris banker Beauregard recommends to Franklin the merchant Louis Berail of Cette (Sète) in Languedoc for the position of American consul in that port. He encloses Berail’s undated petition at the candidate’s request. It explains that Berail speaks German, Dutch, Italian, and a little English, and for the past three

years has served as vice-consul for Sardinia. Franklin also receives an undated petition in excellent English from the candidate’s father, Peter Berail. Writing on behalf of Peter Berail & Cie., a firm consisting of himself and his son, he offers their services as consul or commissary at Cette. Berail père hopes that Franklin will appoint his son as American agent while they await congressional approval for the consulship. For forty years his firm has been in charge of the English and American trade, including all tobacco from Virginia, and they have served as interpreters for ship captains and for tobacco exporter Samuel Martin.
          Finally, we summarize three undated appeals that remain among Franklin’s papers but cannot be linked to any other correspondence.
          François-Barthélemy Paquet Dubellet hopes to be named the American consul in Boulogne. He is the procureur of the sénéchaussée of Boulogne-sur-Mer, and is about thirty years old. He has traveled in America and speaks good English. Franklin endorsed his mémoire “Recommendé par Made. de Dardoncelle”.
          Pierre Ferée Darcour, formerly a capitaine de vaisseau but now married and established as a merchant in Le Havre, hopes to be named consul there. During his long career at sea he sailed many times to the Americas, particularly Saint-Pierre. He knows the “Ameriquaine” language and writes it fluently.
          The baron de la Houze, French minister at Copenhagen, sends a one-sentence note asking that Touton Van Oosterom, a merchant in Bayonne, be named American consul there.

            Monsieur
            Paris le 19 Xbre. 1783

          J’ai eû l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre excellence, le 3e 9bre. dernier, deux Mémoires que M. Pacaud, interprête pour le Roi au Cap francois de l’isle de st. Domingue m’a chargé de vous remettre et par lesquels il sollicite la place de Consul des Etats

unis de l’Amérique dans cette Colonie. Je vous reitere, Monsieur, tout le bien que je vous ai dit de M. Pacaud et je vous prie de vouloir bien les faire parvenir au Congrès. Je serai très reconnoissant de ce que Votre Excellence voudra bien faire pour ce Mr. auquel je m’intéresse beaucoup et qui dans le cours de la derniere guerre a été très utile aux Americains vos Compatriotes qui ont commercé dans cette Partie des Indes occidentales.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une Respectueuse consideration De Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obeissant serviteur

            Le Mis. de vaudreuilLt. Genal. des Armées navales, Rue de Grenelle—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 20 December 1783
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris Decr. 20th. 1783

          Captain Paul Jones returns his respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin and has the honor to accept his kind Invitation for Dinner on Thursday the 25th. Instant.

          Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin Esquire &c &c / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 20 December 1783
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear sr—
            Boston Decr. 20th. 1783—

          I am honour’d with your favour of Sept 13th. Inclosing a Bill Drawn in my favr on Doctr. Cooper for 2722 Livres 16 s. 8 d.

being the Amount of What you have paid for the Education & other expences of his Grand Son, you advice to apply to the Father if in Boston, I hear he is, but he is Shut up & good for nothing, Doctr. Cooper was Sick When I recd your Letter & Still remains at the point of death, but little hope if any of his Serviveing, there has been no time Since I recd your Bill that I Could have presented it, tho’ if the Doctr Should die as I Belive he will, I hope the famley will pay it, I dont Expect that Jhnnot will or Can pay it, if I Can Obtain it, I Will place it (agreeable to your desire) on Interest for your Sister, the money I recd for your Bills on Johnnot & Warin amo £171. Stg., my Wife & Aunt Settled before I Got home by her Note of hand, On Interest, which is at present better then any trade that I know off, I offerd aunt any of my Goods at the Cost when I got hom to the amo: of the Bills £171 Stg but She refus’d, & its much the best for her that She did, I must Loose, Goods are So plenty from all parts that they will not fetch the Cost,—Aunt Who now Lives at Cambridge with her daughter Collis, adviced me that there was a Seat that was formely ownd by Mr Oliver now Own’d by mr Andrew Cabot of Beverley, to be Sold, She thinks if you Should prefer Cambridge for a residence this Seat would Suit, you may remember the house it Stands about four miles & ½ from Charlestown ferry, one Miles & ½ from the Bridge, not a mile from the Colledge, has a boutifull prospect, a Garden of rich frute Stables & other Out houses with a hundred & Seventy Acres of Land, I only mention this as Aunt mention’d it to me, I told aunt that I Should be happy to receive any

Commands from you that you please to give—my Love to your Son & all you Love, & belive me Ever Your Dutifull Nephew & most Hble Servant

            Jona. Williams

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, 21 December 1783
From: Barney, Joshua
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Havre de Grace Decr 21st. 83.

          Yesterday in Examining Sundry Packages onbd. I found one Directed to Your Excellency which I had brought onshore. It was Opened & proved [to] be Snuff & Tobacco. I really do not know who Sent it from America, but suppose you have letters respecting it it seems that there is a heavy fine of 1200 l.t. if I had been detected Bringing it onshore. It is now With me. Mr. Limozin tells me it cannot be Sent, therefore beg Your Excellys. advice in respect to it. And am Sir With due respect, your Obt. Servt.

            J Barney
            Excelly. B Franklin

          Addressed: a Son Exellence / Monsieur Le Doctr. Francklin / Ministre Plenipotentier des Treize Etats / Unis de L’Amerique a La Cour de France / en Son Hôtel / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bariatinskii, 22 December 1783
From: Bariatinskii, Ivan Sergeevich
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          Around December 14, Major Pierre-Charles L’Enfant arrived in Paris from Philadelphia on a mission from the Society of the Cincinnati. The society was a fraternal organization of Continental Army officers that had formed the previous spring as the troops were disbanding. Its aims, as stated in its institution (charter), included promoting national unity, maintaining ties of friendship, and providing financial support to members and their families. The society was open to all American officers who met particular standards of service and to generals and colonels in Rochambeau’s army. Honorary membership was to be conferred upon men whose stature and distinguished service so merited. Members would receive an “order,” initially to be a gold medal, suspended by a blue and white ribbon. In what would prove to be the most controversial provision, membership was to be hereditary, passed on to the eldest son or to worthy “collateral branches” of the family. By November, the society had established chapters in every state.
          L’Enfant, after redesigning the order to be a badge in the shape of an eagle, sailed to France to oversee its manufacture and to help organize the French branch of the organization. He carried a letter of introduction from George Washington, president general of the society. He also carried Washington’s letters to General Rochambeau, naval officers d’Estaing, de Grasse, Barras, and Destouches, former minister Gérard, and Lafayette, informing them of their election and enclosing copies of the society’s institution.
          Upon receipt of their letters, Rochambeau wrote to Minister of War Ségur, d’Estaing to Minister of the Marine Castries, and Lafayette to Vergennes, requesting them to urge the king to allow French officers to join the society. The royal council considered the matter on December 18. Louis XVI not only gave his consent, but in a highly unusual ruling that acknowledged Franco-American

friendship he granted the officers license to wear their Cincinnati badges at court. Rochambeau and his colleagues immediately began planning for the establishment of a French branch.
          The first public announcement of the society appeared on December 23 in the Gazette de France. Although it was published after the royal council had met, the article did not mention the king’s approbation. Written by Lafayette a week earlier (December 16) and sent to Vergennes for placement in the paper, the article announced L’Enfant’s arrival, stated that the association had been founded by American officers, described the badge (explaining that the “Bald-Eagle” was a species of eagle indigenous to America), and stated that General Washington had deputized Lafayette to sign up officers of the American army in Europe and had conferred upon Rochambeau and other French officers the society’s honors.
          If Bariatinskii was confused about the nature of the society— having heard, as he says here, that it had been endorsed by Congress— he was not alone. Long after the article appeared on December 23, Franklin would receive requests for assistance with applications for membership from French military officers who erroneously believed that Congress had established the Cincinnati and that Franklin was its representative in France.

            Monsieur,
            Paris ce 22. Decembre 1783.

          Les marques d’amitié et d’honnetteté, que vous m’avez données en toute occasion m’ayant habitué a avoir la plus grande confiance en votre Personne et en votre Complaisance pour moi, je prends la liberté de m’adresser à vous à l’occasion d’une nouvelle qu’on m’a dit pour certaine. Il est question d’une Resolution du Congrès, par laquelle il auroit été decidé de prier le Roy de permettre aux officiers françois, qui ont servi en Amerique d’accepter les marques d’un ordre, qui auroit été crée en memoire de la Revolution arrivée. On m’a ajouté, que cette affaire, ayant été agitée au Conseil du Roy, il y auroit été decidé d’acquiescer à la resolution du Congrès. S’il en est ainsi l’affaire va devenir incessament publique et tous les détails vont en être imprimés, et

comme je voudrois avoir la satisfaction d’en prevenir ma Cour, je vous serois bien sensiblement obligé, Monsieur, si vous me communiquiez tant la lettre du Congrès au Roy que la decision de Sa Majesté à cet égard, si elle est dejà entre vos mains, ainsi que les statuts du nouvel ordre. Je ne crois pas commettre une indiscretion en cette occasion; mais si ma demande en etoit une, je me repose sur votre amitié même, qui saura m’excuser.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les sentiments d’Estime et de considération les plus distingués Monsieur, Votre trés humble et trés obëissant serviteur,

            Pce. Ivan Bariatinskoÿ
            à Mr. le Docteur franklin à Passy.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Bariatinskii, [c. 22 December 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bariatinskii, Ivan Sergeevich

            [c. December 22, 1783]

          I have never before heard of the Resolution of Congress you mention, and I doubt much of its Existence. Nor do I know any thing of the suppos’d Decision in Council at Versailles concerning it. I understand that a Number of the American Officers have agreed to form themselves into a Society for the laudable Purpose among others of relieving their poor Widows & Orphans hereafter, and that they have made certain Rules for the Conduct of the Society; but I have no Copy of those Rules. When I have better Information, I shall communicate it to you with Pleasure.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 22 December 1783
From: Dickinson, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Philadelphia December 22d. 1783

          Mr. Vernon proposing to return from a Visit to America thro France, and earnestly desiring to have the Honor of your Acquaintance, I cannot forbear complying with the Wishes of a

Gentleman recommended by his Politeness and his favorable Dispositions towards this Country.
          I am with the sincerest Esteem Sir, your most obedient & hble servant

            John Dickinson
            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire

          Notation: John Dickinson 22 Decr. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mercy-Argenteau, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 22 December 1783
From: Mercy-Argenteau, Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            à Paris le 22. Décembre 1783.

          L’Ambassadeur de l’Empereur ayant été chargé par sa Cour de recourir à la complaisance de Monsieur Franklin relativement à l’Envoi des deux Lettres ci-jointes à l’adresse de MMrs. le Baron de Beelen et le Professeur Märter, il a l’honneur de Le prier de vouloir bien les faire passer à leur destination par la premiere occasion qui se présentera, L’Ambassadeur se flatte que Monsieur Franklin voudra bien déférer à cette demande, il Lui en aura une

obligation personnelle, et aura l’honneur d’aller lui-même Lui en faire ses remercimens./.

          Endorsed: Put this in French polite.— Mr Franklin will with Pleasure forward the Letters for Mess. Beelen & Marter, by a Packet Boat that sails from Havre the 29th. Inst. Mr F. begs leave to request M. l’Ambassadeur to permit this Pacquet for Dr Ingenhause, to go by his next Courier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Monsieur and Madame de Valnais, 22 December 1783
From: Valnais, Joseph (Jean) Dupas de Iden de,Valnais, Madame de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris Decembr. 22d. 1783./.

          Mr. & Mrs. de Valnais’s most Respectful Compliments to his Excellency Dtr. Franklin & propose to wait upon him next thursday agreable to his polite invitation—
          Mr. de Valnais Returns his thanks to Mr. Franklin Junr. for the Letter from Dtr. Cooper, he was So kind as to Send him which he Receiv’d in good order.

          Addressed: A Son Excéllence / Son Excéllence Monsieur / Franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats unis de L’amérique auprés / de la Cour de France / A Passi—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Harrison, 23 December 1783
From: Harrison, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hotel des armes de L’Empire rue D’auphin Paris.23 Xbre. 83

          Mr Harrison presents his respectful Compliments to His Excellency, is sensible of his polite Invitation at same Time is sorry

that an Indisposition that has Kept him confined since his arrival in Paris, prevents his having the Honor to wait on His Excellency on Thursday next.

            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / en Son hôtel / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Mayo, 23 December 1783
From: Mayo, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hotel de Portugal. Decr. 23. 1783—

          Mr. Mayo presents his most respectful Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and is very sorry that a late illness, of which he still feels the effects, will prevent his having the honor of dining with his Excellency on thursday next.—

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin, Ministre / Plenipotentiare des Etats unis de l’a- / mérique— / à Passy—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 23 December 1783
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris Decr: 23d: 1783—

          Mr: Nesbitts most respectful Compliments wait on Doctr Franklin & will do himself the honor to dine with him on Thursday next.— Mr Nesbitt incloses the Letter of Mr. de Vergennes relative to the 22d Article of the Preliminary Treaty—

          Notation: Nesbit, Decr. 23. 1784.