Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, [before 20 April 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

[before April 20, 1781]
Souvenez vous, ma chere Amie, que je vous ai demandé, il y a quelque tems, si M. B. vous a parlé d’une Proposition que je lui avoit faite? Vous m’aviez dit, que non. Je pensois de ne vous en parler pas, non plus; mais je suis changé d’avis, & je vas vous dire la chose. C’etoit une Marriage entre votre chere fille ainée & mon petit fils. Voici mes Motifs. J’aime, moi, tout la Famille sans exception. Je desirois de reserrer par ce moyen les tendres Liaisons de notre Amitie. Ayant quasi perdue ma Fille par la vaste Distance entre nous, j’esperois d’en trouver une en vous, & une autre en votre Fille, de soigner ma Viellesse si je restois en France, & de clorre mes paupieres quand je viens de mourir. J’ai très bonne Opinion de cette aimable Demoiselle; Je l’ai observée pendant 4 Ans de Connoissance, & je crois qu’assurement elle fera une bonne Femme. Je crois aussi que mon Fils, qui n’a point des Vices, fera un bon Mari, autrement je n’aurois pas desire de le donner à votre Fille. J’ai observai qu’ils ont d’Amitié l’un pour l’autre. J’avois parlé a lui de mes vues de la marier ici; il m’a dit qu’il n’avoit que cette Objection, que son Marriage en France peut occasioner une Separation entre nous, si je retournerois en Amerique; Mais quand je lui disois que s’il marioit Madlle Brillon je resterai jusque la fin de mes jours en France il en etoit fort content, disant que si je peux negocier cette Affaire pour lui, il seroit bien heureux.— Il est encore jeune, & peut-etre la Partialité d’un Pere, m’avoit fait penser trop avantageusement de lui, mais il me semble quil a en lui l’etoffe pour faire avec le tems un homme distingué. Voila mes Excuses pour avoir fait cette demarche. Peutetre J’aurois mieux fait si j’avois premierement pris Conseil de vous, parceque vous pouvois m’informer que cette Projet ne conviendroit pas à M. Brillon, & je lui aurois epargné la peine de le considerer. Il m’a fait aujourdhui deux Objections. L’une est la Difference de Religion. L’autre que sa Fille pourroit etre amenée en Amerique, par mon petit fils. J’avois pensé, moi, auparavant de ces deux choses. Pour la seconde, c’etoit mon intention de tacher de l’etablir en France, restant ici moi-meme pendant ma vie, & obtenant pour lui de me succeder dans mon Emploi publique, que je crois bien possible avec le tems. Pour la premiere, voici mes Idées. En chaque Religion il y a des choses essentielles, & il y a d’autres qui ne sont que des Formes & des Modes; Comme un pain de Sucre qui peut etre enveloppé en Papier brun ou blanc ou bleu, & lié avec ficelle de chanvre ou de laine, rouge ou jaune; c’est toujours le Sucre qui est la chose essentielle.— Or les Essentielles d’une bonne Religion consistent, il me semble, en ces 5 Articles viz.
1º. Qu’il y a un Dieu qui a fait le Monde; & qui le Gouverne par sa Providence.
2º. Qu’il doit étre adoré & servi.
3º. Que le meilleure Service de Dieu est de faire le bien aux hommes.
4º. Que l’ame de l’homme est immortelle, &
5º. Que dans une Vie future, sinon dans la presente, le vice sera puni, & la Vertue recompensée.
Ces Essentielles on trouve dans votre Religion & dans le notre, les Differences ne sont que Papier & Ficelle. C’est avec ces Pensées que je m’ai satisfait sur cette Sujet.— Mais comme les mêmes Raisonnemens ne sont bons pour tout le Monde, je ne pretend pas que les miens doivent etre bons pour vous, & pour M. Brillon. L’Affaire est donc fini, car peutetre il a d’autres Objections qu’il ne m’a pas données, & je ne dois pas l’importuner. Nous nous aimerons tous, neantmoins. Adieu, ma tres chere Amie. Aimez mois autant que vous pouvez.— Ce n’est pas trop.
To Mde Brillon about the propos’d Match


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, April 21. 1781.
Agreable to my Faith I have obtain’d a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the Money will come gradually into my hands, you would not draw upon me for the whole Sum at once, but for the Sums as they become demandable of you. Mr Grand will write by this Courier to the House of Fizeaux & Grand to take your Bills in that way, & furnish you with the Money. Mr Neufville has written to me about another Bill that is come into his Hands, which he desires me to accept or engage to pay. There seems to me a Risque in doing so without seeing the Bill, as our Enemies are not too honest to attempt Counterfeiting. I wish therefore that you would look at it, and if you find it good accept it.—
I must now beg you would concur with me in writing earnestly to Congress, to hazard no more Drafts where they have no Funds. I believe there is hardly another Instance in the World of a People risquing their Credit so much who unfortunately have so little, and who must by this Proceeding, if continued, soon have none at all. The Necessity of their Affairs is the only Excuse for it. This Court is our firm Friend, but the best Friends may be wearied, and worne out, by too frequent and unexpected Demands. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excellency John Adams Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Huquier, 21 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huquier, A. Benoist

Passy le 21. Avril 1781.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, les deux Lettres que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire. J’aurois repondu immediatement à la premiere si je n’avois pas cru que la seule Demande de M. Williams suffiroit pour rétirer de chèz vous les Objets que j’y avois adressés pour lui suivant ses Ordres mais comme cela ne vous paroit pas ainsi, Je vous prie par la presente de vouloir bien livrer les deux Caisses suivant la Reclamation du dit M. Williams de Nantes. Vous trouverez cy joint la Declaration de leur contenu, que vous paroissez desirer.
J’ai l’honneur d’être &c … .
Nous soussigné Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis de l’Amerique septentrionale à la Cour de France Declarons que les deux Caisses que nous avons adressées à M. A. Benot Huquier d’Orleans, et qui sont actuellement entre ses mains, pour être livrées à M. Williams de Nantes ne contiennent autre Chose, qu’une petite Presse d’une nouvelle Invention avec ses Accessoires, une Rame de papier de Soie et 4 Paquets de Poudre pour de l’Encre. à Passy le 21. Avril 1781.
M. Huquier, à Orleans.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 21 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
a Passy, April 21. 1781.
I received your favour of the 12th. Instant inclosing the Bills for 4444 Dollars. As it clearly expresses that it is drawn on public Account, and not on the private Accot. of Mr. Laurens, I have no scruple against paying it with the Approbation of his Son, tho’ not endors’d by him. I enclose that Approbation, with a little Instrument which I request you would sign for my Justification, and return to me. After which you may draw on me for the Sum payable at the Time, reckoning my Acceptance of the Bill as of the 20th. Inst. and your Bills shall be duly honoured, I will speak to M. Necker, Mr. Laurens writes about the Stores. I have the honour to be, &c
M. Schweighauser.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 21 April 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bordeaux 21 April 81
From Bilboa by a vessel arrived from Salem they have receivd advice that the L’Eveilée Capt De Thilly fell in with the Romulus of 44 Guns with a Convoy consisting of 20 Transports bound from New York to the Assistance of Arnold. The accounts differ in the Number of Troops on board some mention 6000 others five hundred, 1200 suits Cloathing, Arms, and a considerable Military Chest. Some Posts past I took the liberty to transmit you my Accounts if approved shall be obliged to you for Liberty to draw for the amount. Our Ships are arrived safe at the Cape and to a great Market. We are without any advice of the British Fleet on these Coasts— with due respect I have the Honor to be Sir your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin, / ministre plénipotentiaire des / Etats-unis / A Passy. / près de Paris.
Notation: John Bondfield Bordeaux April 21. 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, [before 24 April 1781?]
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Hotel d’Orleans. [before April 24, 1781?]
With this your Excellency will receive the Book which I mention’d this morning; and a Letter which my Friend R. Izard of S. Carolina has cautiously sent to your Excellency without Signature or Direction— I set out for Bordeaux on Saturday next, my Desire to bear any Commands which Your Excellency may have for America follows of course, and between this and the time of my Departure if I could learn from You some Facts which those of our Friends to whom I shall write in England, and those whom I hope to see on the other side of the Atlantic are anxious to hear, it will give me singular Pleasure— Whatever Hour Your Excellency may please to appoint will be made convenient to Your most obedt. Hble Servt.
John Laurens.

Addressed: His Excellency Benjn Franklin
Notation: John Lawrens


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 25 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir
Passy, April 25. 1781
I received your Favour of the 12th inclosing the Letters you mention which prove the Villainy of Digges. I have received two other Letters from him since that of which you have a Copy. I inclose Copies of these also. You will see in the last that he has the Impudence to pretend being mightily injured by my Protesting of his last Bill, and that he has requested Mr Grand to take it up & draw on him for the Sum. He talks also of his having sent me an Account of his Application of former Monies up to the 1st of January last, and of Hints I was to receive from a Friend of the Disbursements to the 1st of March; but no such Accounts or Hints are received, and I believe were never sent.— I propose sending you by this Post, if I can have it ready time enough, a Power of Attorney to recover the Monye of him. Perhaps on acquainting him privately with the Detection of his Crime, he may chuse to pay immediately rather than be expos’d by a Prosecution. If not, I must entreat to you to take this Trouble for the sake of Justice and Humanity, and apply all you can get from him to its original Purpose. By the next Post, I will endeavour to send you an Acct of what he has receiv’d of me in former Years, as well as the present.— Inclos’d is a Draft on Mr Tessier for 100£. Your Request was by no means improper, and shall not be forgotten. You may rely on my doing with pleasure what may be useful to you; being with true Esteem, Dear Sir,
Mr Hodgson


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Etienne-François, Marquis Turgot, 25 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Turgot, Etienne-François, marquis de Sousmont

Monsieur le Marquis
Passy le 25 Avril 1781.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, par le Porteur de la présente, un Livre qui appartient à la Bibliotheque de feu M. votre Frere, et qu’il a eu la bonté de me prêter.
Peu de tems avant sa Mort j’ai fait venir de Londres pour lui, une Machine d’une Nouvelle Invention pour copier des Lettres ou autres Ecrits; elle a été portée chèz lui, et posée dans la Chambre avant celle ou il couchoit. Comme je n’ai pas èté payé pour cette Machine, et qu’elle pouroit ne pas vous être utile, desirant d’ailleurs obliger un de mes Amis en la lui cedant; Je vous prie de vouloir bien donner vos Ordres pour qu’elle me soit envoyée avec ses Accessoires, chèz M. l’Abbé Morellet, Batiment neuf des Feuillants, Rue St Honoré.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur le Marquis, Votre très h. et tr. ob. serviteur
M. le Marquis Turgot

Accessoires a la Presse

Une Rame de Papier de Soie très mince.
4 Papiers huillés
4 Paquets de Poudre pour faire de l’Encre
2 Bouteilles d’Encre

Un Morceau d’Etoffe de laine verte
Plusieurs Cartons en feuille
& un petit Livre en Anglois contenant des Instructions pour se servir de la Machine.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis Turgot, 25 April 1781
From: Turgot, Etienne-François, marquis de Sousmont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris le 25 avril 1781.
Je ferai Rechercher suivant Vos intentions la machine pour Copier les lettres, ainsi que ses accessoires, je les ferai porter chez M. l’abbé morellet. On vient de me Remettre le livre que feu mon frere Vous avait prêté. J’aurais une Grace à Vous demander, ce serait de Vouloir bien me faire Connaitre la Méthode que Vous avez Employée pour Enflamer la fumée Et l’Employer utilement pour diminuer La Consommation du Bois dans une des Cheminées de Votre invention. Cette Methode ne se trouve qu’Enoncée dans La traduction que feu M. dubourg a publié de Vos lettres. Il dit que Vous ne L’avez point rendue publique parceque sa Réussite dependait D’attentions Et de soins dont la plupart des Domestiques sont incapables. J’avais pensé que peut Etre on pourait l’Employer utilement Dans nos Cheminées de Cuisine qui Consomment une quantité de Bois Enorme presqu’En pure perte.
J’ay l’honneur D’Etre Avec une Vénération Et un Respect Bien sincere, Monsieur, Votre très humble Et très obéissant serviteur
Turgot

Notation: Turgot 25. avril 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Morellet, [26 April 1781]
From: Morellet, abbé André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
jeudy matin [April 26, 1781]
J’ai en effet six volumes de mémoires de l’acad. des sciences à vous. Je les donnerai au relieur dés que vous me feres connoitre la maniere dont vous voules qu’ils soient reliés. Vous pourries envoyer le reste de vos brochures chés moi et tout se feroit en même tems. J’attendrai votre reponse ou j’irai la chercher moi même dimanche matin. Receves les assurances de mon entier devouement.
L’abbé Morellet

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Rasquin, 26 April 1781
From: Rasquin, Gérard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur,
Paris le 26. avril 1781.
Arrêtter dans son Cours une Entreprise considérable, c’est porter un préjudice Notable à un Négociant, lorsque ses fonds sont employés et distribués aux ouvriers avec lesquels il à fait des marchés; Voulant accélerer l’Entreprise, se voir constituer en prison par des faux bruits, que j’étois venu à Liége enlever les ouvriers et les Enfans, pour les conduire en Amérique; donner une amende a laquelle je fut condamnè par le Magistrat, et voir mon Epouse infirme faire ce Voyage pour me délivrer, et dépenser dans cette Circonstance Cinquante Louis, Voilá, Monseigneur, les motifs des representations que j’avois pris la liberté de vous faire dans deux Mémoires que j’ay eû l’honneur de Vous adresser; ils sont restés Sans réponse, et je ne peux croire que Vôtre Equité puisse Souffrir une pareille injustice. Je viens de Cinquante lieües vous mettre Sous les yeux, les preuves justificatives de la fidélité et de l’Exactitude avec laquelle j’ai éxécuté les ordres de Mr. Williams, dans la Commende qu’il me fit en 1777. pour lui fournir toutes sortes de pièces d’armes servans à radouber des Vieux fusils.
Daignés, Monseigneur, accorder une audience favorable à un honnête homme, qui à Sacrifié sa fortune pour le service des Etats-Unis, dont vous êtes le digne interprête. J’attend vos ordres, en vous Suppliant de recevoir les marchandises qui me Sont restées, et qui ne Sont d’aucun débit attendu qu’elles étoient propres à des anciens modêles; où bien m’accorder un dédomagement convenable aux pertes que j’ay éssuyé. J’attend cette grace de vôtre justice./.
Rasquin DE CHARLEVILLE
A Monseigneur Franklin, Ministre des Etats unis.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 27 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam April 27. 1781
I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 21. and will Send you the List of the Bills, and of the times of their becoming due according to your desire as soon as I can make it out. I will examine Mr De Neufvilles Bill, and if it is good, accept it.
From the time I received from Congress, their orders to borrow Money here, I have constantly, in my Letters, requested that no draughts might be made upon me, untill there should be News from me that I had Money to discharge them. This Request I shall repeat. But the Cries of the Army for Cloaths, induce Congress to venture upon Measures, which appear hazardous to Us.— However, by the Intelligence I have, they had grounds to expect, that the Draughts hitherto made would be honoured.
I Sometimes think, paradoxical as it may Seem, that one set of Bills protested would immediately procure Congress, a large Loan. No Bills are in better Credit than these. There is an Appetite here, for American Trade, as ravenous as that of a Shark for his Prey. And if they Saw danger of having this Trade broke up, they would do much to Save it.
I have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that I Sometime ago, received from Congress, full Powers to conclude with the States General of the United Provinces of the low Countries, a Treaty of Amity and Commerce. And that I have very lately received a Letter of Credence as Minister Plenipotentiary, to their High Mightinesses and another to his most Serene Highness, the Prince of orange. Being thus fixed to this Country for the present I have taken a House in Amsterdam, on the Keysers Gragt, near the Spiegel Straat, for the Convenience of our Countrymen who may have occasion to visit me, and of the Merchants who have Bills upon me, untill their High Mightinesses, shall have taken the necessary time to deliberate upon it, and determine to acknowledge the Independance of the United States, enter into Treaty with them and receive me at the Hague. If this should happen, I hope we should obtain a Credit here: but we never shall before.

I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant
John Adams
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq.

Notation: J. Adams. April 27. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Leendert de Neufville, 27 April 1781
From: Neufville, Leendert de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 27 April 1781.
As Mr. de Neufvilles departure frm. Paris was unexpected and on a Sudden he desired Mr. Brailsford to thank Your Excellency and his Grandson for their Kind visit, making the apologie fr. not being able to enjoy of Mr. Franklins Kind invitation to dine with him on Sunday which Mr. deneufville should have Complyed with the utmost satisfaction And Acknowledgement fr the honour if indispensabel bussiness had not hindred him.

Addressed: To / his Excellency B Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary / of the United States of / North America at / the Court of Versailles.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Laurens, 28 April 1781
From: Laurens, Martha
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
au Vigan en Cevènes April 28th. 1781.
By a Letter received from Nantes about five Weeks ago, we were informed that my Brother Col: John Laurens had passed through that Place the day before, in his way to Paris, & desired to hear from us by Letters addressed to your Care. My Uncle Mr James Laurens, whose bad state of health prevents his having the honor of writing himself to your Excellency, wrote to him directly, I wrote to him fifteen days ago, both Letters addressed according to his direction, but to our great surprize, we have not yet had the pleasure of an answer. I take the Liberty Sir as Daughter & Sister of Americans, truly attached to their Country’s Cause, to claim your Condescension, & to beg to be informed by your means, whether my Brother has been at Paris, or if he has quitted that Place, where I may direct Letters for him— My Uncle desires to be presented to your Excellency in terms of the most profound respect, & to add, that, as it is probable, he may be obliged to set out for England in about fifteen days hence, he will esteem it a particular favor, if you will get him a proper Passport from the french Minister, & let him know whatever Expence may attend the procuring it, which he will take immediate measures to repay— our family consists of four Persons. Mr & Mrs Laurens, & two Daughters of the unfortunate H Laurens Esqr. Prisoner in the Tower of London.
I plead the anxiety of near relations on account of my dear Brother, as an excuse for this intrusion on your Excellency—& I have the honor to be with respect—your Excellency’s most obedient, humble Servant
Martha Laurens.

Notation: Miss Martha Laurens April 28. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Greive: Oath, [29 April 1781]
From: Greive, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[April 29, 1781]
I do acknowledge the thirteen United States of America, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free Independent & Sovereign States; and declare that the People thereof owe no Allegiance or Obedience to George the third King of Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any Allegiance or Obedience to him. And I do Swear that I will to the utmost of my Power support, maintain, and defend the said United States, against the said George the third, King of Great Britain, and his heirs & Successors, and his and their Abettors, Assistants and Adherents.—
So help me God.—
George Greive

Sworn before me at Passy this 29th Day of April 1781 B Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of France.—

Notation: Geo. Greives Oath


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 30 April 1781
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir,
Madrid 30. April 1781.
I have this Day drawn upon Mr. Grand, in favour of the Marqs. D’Yranda for 487,320 liv. Tournois at ninety Days after Date, in order to enable me to pay Bills drawn upon me by Congress which will become due next month. I have by this Days post advised Mr. Grand of this Draft, & have desired him to carry it to your Account. The enclosed is a Copy of the Marquis Acct. You will perceive from it the Money I have actually recd. the rate of Exchange, & the Charges accompaning this Transaction. The Exchange is therein fixed at 14 l.t. 14. s. per Pistole. This [is] undubtedly the current Rate of Exchange, where the Money is paid in Specie, but it is 14£ 10.s. where the Money is paid in Paper, which is the Case in the present Instance, so that we lose four Sous on every Pistole— When I signed the Bill I presumed that this Difference would have been attended to. Mr. Carmichael on receiving the Money remarked it to the Marqs. but without Effect. As prudential Considerations, as well as the Tenor of your Letter directing the mode of drawing, rendered my acquiescence unavoidable, all I can do is to state this Matter to you, & enclose a Copy of the Account.
I have the honor to be with perfect Esteem and Regard, Your Exy’s. most obedient Servant.
(signed) John Jay.
His Excelly. Dr. Franklin.


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1781
From:
To:

During the period of this volume, Franklin was involved in reviewing his accounts with Silas Deane and Chaumont; those discussions will be covered in the course of our annotation. No new lists of expenditures were initiated. The following previously identified accounts cover these months: VI and VII (XXIII, 21); XII (XXV, 3); XVII (XXVI, 3); XIX and XXII (XXVIII, 3–4); XXIII (XXIX, 3); XXIV (XXXI, 3); XXV, XXVII, and XXVIII (XXXII, 3–4). We offer here a summary of entries which have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation but which provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life.
Account XXIII (William Temple Franklin’s Accounts, XXIX, 3) reveals various home improvements that Franklin made during this period. Baux, the tinman, did work on the bath; Brunel was paid for carpentry dating back to the previous September, as well as work specifically in the printing office; Roger whitewashed the kitchen; Foy provided upholstery; and Delbos, the plumber, was paid his bill for work completed since the previous October. Franklin bought a small pump from Charpentier, paid the mason, Dupeux, and accepted a fleur d’oranges from Chaumont’s gardener.
Franklin renewed his subscriptions to the Affiches de Paris, the Gazette de France, and the Courier de l’Europe. He also purchased a number of books. On May 1 he bought the recently published L’Art de soigner les pieds, by the King’s surgeon- chiropodist Laforest. In addition to discussing various foot problems and their remedies, Laforest argued against fashionable shoes that were too short and too high. This was one of the first systematic treatments of footcare, and it sold out quickly.
As the volumes of the Description générale … de la France were issued, Franklin purchased them: the second volume in May, the third in September. He bought two works by Joseph-Aignan Sigaud de La Fond, both published in 1781: Dictionnaire des merveilles de la nature and Précis historique et expérimental des phénomènes électriques. The “Traité sur la Construction des Vaisseaux” purchased on May 25 may have been Construction des vaisseaux du roy, et le nom de toutes les pieces qui y entrent published by Faure in 1775. He bought Brissot de Warville’s La Théorie des loix criminelles (Berlin, 1781); Essai sur l’électricité naturelle et artificielle (Paris, 1781) by the comte de La Cépède; another work on electricity by the abbé Bertholon; a pamphlet on barometers and thermometers, and one on indigo; Magné de Marolles, Essai sur la chasse au fusil (Paris, 1781); and Voyage de Suisse in two volumes, which must be Gilbert Burnet’s Voyage de Suisse, d’Italie, et de quelques endroits d’Allemagne & de France, fait des années 1685, & 1686 (first published in 1687). In addition, he purchased two sets of what Temple called “American Portraits”: the newly issued set of engravings by Benoît-Louis Prevost after drawings from nature by Pierre-Eugène du Simitière, entitled Collection des Portraits des Hommes qui se sont rendus célèbres dans la révolution des treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale.
Payments to the household staff comprise a high proportion of the entries. Campo-de-Arbe was hired as maître d’hôtel in April. He paid all the family expenses, and was reimbursed every two months. Arbelot continued to serve Franklin, accompanying him to the baths, running small errands, and serving him at table when he dined away from home. Temple’s servant, who had been called “François” until this time, suddenly signs his receipts with a last name: Garnier. This is his final appearance. The last dinner at which he attended Temple was on July 24, although he was paid through August 4. He was replaced by Bénard, whose first dinner is on August 2. Coimet, the cook, is paid his wages and wine from December 15, 1780, through June 15, 1781. Joseph Bogey, the kitchen boy, finally receives wages for the period spanning October 15 through April 15. The unnamed person who furnished ice during the summer is paid on September 27.
Mme St. Louis, Franklin’s laundress and seamstress, submits a bill for washing and for a year’s worth of shirts made and mended. For the servants, M. Aurÿ provides three hats. Cabaret supplies stationery, and Silas Deane submits a bill for items purchased from Cabaret in 1780. Fouchet, a courier from Lorient, is advanced 12 louis on September 14.
Franklin maintained his charitable contributions during these months. Augustin Auffray, “a poor Sailor who married in Boston,” received 6 l.t., while “A distress’d poet” got half that amount. And finally, a mingling of philanthropy with self-interest: 6 l.t. was dispensed to “a Poor Author, on Condition that he should not dedicate his works to BF.”
Account XVII (Franklin’s Private Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3), shows that some of the larger household bills were referred to Grand: the ongoing accounts of Lahure, the tailor, of Mlle Chaumont for rental of horses and a carriage, and of Frémont for linen. Lucien provides unspecified work for the press, and Hémery collects his salary. Le Breton is reimbursed the shipping expense of eleven boxes on July 3, and on August 6 freight charges are paid for nine boxes of printing type. Franklin pays Benjamin Franklin Bache’s schooling expenses to “Rillet,” subscribes to the new edition of a work by the abbé Raynal, lends money to Bancroft (which he repays), and negotiates a draft on a London bank for Franklin’s niece Martha Johnson.
Account XXV (Account of Postage and Errands, XXXII, 3). The records for these months were kept by a variety of people, including L’Air de Lamotte and Gurdon Mumford, and as usual indicate a volume of outgoing correspondence that exceeds what has survived. Among the sheets are bills from Berthelot the postman and a bill for duty paid on six bottles of wine entering Paris on July 20. Joseph Bogey’s cousin Lansar submits an account for errands during August, mostly to Paris.


Title: Editorial Note on Promissory Notes, 1781
From:
To:

The supply of promissory note forms that Franklin had printed in February, 1780, was depleted as of mid-April, 1781, when L’Air de Lamotte resumed writing notes by hand. On May 8, Lamotte wrote a set for “Jno” Kerlin, who signed for five louis (120 l.t.). This is the only recorded payment to a prisoner for the month of May. By June 9, a new set of forms had been printed.

Samuel Snow, Nicholas Tucker, and John Burnam presented themselves at Passy on June 9; each received three louis. Snow and Tucker, both having been in Forton prison, had been pardoned for exchange on December 11, 1779, but were still listed as inmates on May 8, 1781. John Howard, surgeon, received five louis on June 21. He had been in Mill prison since September 19, 1777.
Four men applied for assistance on July 4. Solomon Frazier, committed to Mill prison on October 14, 1780, John Hackett, who joined him on January 9, 1781, and George Curwen (Carvin), also imprisoned since January, escaped together on June 4. This was the second escape attempt for Frazier and Curwen, and Hackett’s sixth. At Dunkirk on June 27 they were aided by Francis Coffyn. Franklin gave three louis to Hackett and seven louis to both Frazier and Curwen. Capt. Gustavus Conyngham was the fourth man to sign promissory notes on July 4; see his letter to Franklin of that date, below.
Franklin dispensed five louis apiece to three prisoners in August: “Mich: Macnemara” signed a promissory note on August 1, Richard Billings on August 8, and Henry Nutter (Rutter) on August 29.
In September, the number of applicants increased. On September 17, William Granbray of North Carolina, Peleg Coffin of Boston, Thomas Kelley of North Carolina, and Jacob Milligan, of Philadelphia, each received five louis. Samuel Smedley (Franklin noted under his name, “Capt. of the Province Ship of Connecticut”) and John Hindman, of the eastern shore of Maryland, both received six louis on September 25. Smedley had been captured on October 24, 1780, while commanding the Hibernia, originally a British war sloop that had been taken by the Americans earlier in the year. He was committed to Mill prison in March, 1781, and escaped on August 25. For Hindman, see his letter of September 17, below. Franklin gave seven louis apiece to four men on September 30: Richard Honeywell, George Lehman, William Davis, and William Marshall.
On October 10, Stephen Cook of Salem was given four louis. William Coocke (Cooch) received the same amount on October 11; he had been committed to Forton on May 16, 1781. John Howland Rickard (Richard) signed notes for five louis on October 16, and Stephen Gregory received six louis on October 29.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis Turgot, 1 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Turgot, Etienne-François, marquis de Sousmont

Sir,
Passy May 1. 1781
I did intend when in London to have published a Pamphlet, describing the new Stove you mention, and for that purpose had a Plate engrav’d of which I send you an Impression. But I have since been too much engag’d in Affairs to execute that Intention. Its Principle is that of a Syphon revers’d, operating on Air in a manner somewhat similar to the Operation of the common Syphon on Water. The Funnel of the Chimney is the longer Leg, the Vase is the shorter. And As in the common Syphon, the Weight of Water in the longer Leg is greater than that in the shorter Leg, and thus in Descending permits the Water in the shorter Leg to rise, by the Pressure of the Atmosphere: So in this Aerial Syphon, the Levity of the Air in the longer Leg being greater than that in the Shorter, it rises & permits the Pressure of the Atmosphere to force that in the shorter to descend. This causes the Smoke to descend also, & in passing through burning Coals, it is kindled into Flame, thereby heating more the Passages in the Iron Box whereon the Vase which contains the Coals is plac’d and retarding at the same time the Consumption of the Coals. On the left hand of the Engraving you see the Machine put together and plac’d in a Niche built for it in a common Chimney. On the right hand the Parts (except the Vase) are shown separately. If you should desire a more particular Explanation, I will give it to you vivâ voce, whenever you please. I think with you that it is capable of being us’d to Advantage in our Kitchens, if one could overcome the Repugnance of Cooks to the using of new Instruments & new Methods. With great Respect, I have the honour to be Sir,
M. le Marquis de Turgot


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 1 May 1781
From: Dana, Francis M.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Amsterdam May 1st. 1781
The Gentleman who will have the honour of presenting to you this Letter, is Mr: Warren, Son of the Honble General Warren of Massachusetts a Member of the Continental Navy Board for the Eastern Department, &c. Mr: Warren has had the Misfortune to be taken on his passage for France, and to carried into England; and was doubtless honoured with letters of Introduction to your Excellency. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities; he has an ardent desire to see, and pay his respects to, you— If any of your friends shou’d be travelling into the Extremities of this World, I shall hope for the honour of your introducing them to me, and you may be assured I shall always be happy to show them every attention in my power. I am with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant
F M Dana
His Excellency Benja. Franklin Esqr: Minister Plenipotentiary &c

Notation: F. Dana. May. 1. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Des Watines [de Flobecq] and Other Favor Seekers, 1 May 1781
From: Flobecq, —— des Watines de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

On May 1, 1781, in the letter published below, a distressed nobleman writing from his château in Flanders is convinced that his runaway son will apply to Franklin with some kind of scheme, the details of which are given in an enclosed letter (now missing) addressed to the son. When the young man arrives, would Franklin hand over the letter and prevail upon him to return to his family?

Franklin’s reply of May 6 was reassuring. “Sir, I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the first Instant, relating to your Son, and enclosing one for him. Be assured that if he comes to me, I shall deliver him your Letter, join my Counsels with yours to persuade his Return to you, & by no Means give him the smallest Encouragement or assistance to go to America.” Since the enclosure is no longer among Franklin’s papers, it may well be that Franklin executed this charge. No other letters from the father are extant.
Forwarding letters to America is the most frequent kind of favor asked of Franklin during the period of this volume. On May 3, M. Willemain d’Abancourt encloses a letter with his request, written from the rue des Moulins in Paris. Because Franklin knows his cousin M. Duchesnoy, the writer assumes that asking this favor will not be an indiscretion. He assures Franklin of his profound veneration.
The chevalier Droüart, seigneur de Lezey, reminds Franklin on June 13 that two years earlier the bishop of St. Dié, M. de la Galaiziere, along with a Parisian woman whose name he never knew, had interceded on his behalf to ask that Franklin forward to his Philadelphia son-in-law a memoir addressed to the chevalier’s son, who might possibly be in that city. Indeed he was, and both son and father rejoiced that Franklin’s son-in-law was willing to serve as an intermediary for their correspondence. Unfortunately, although the chevalier had received some letters from his son, none of his own letters to America (forwarded to Franklin by the same bishop of St. Dié) had been delivered. He is now applying to Franklin in person: would Franklin be willing to forward the enclosure? A variety of misfortunes has landed the son in Philadelphia, ill and with no resources, and the chevalier does not know how else to communicate with him if not through this channel.
Jean Remy also believes that Franklin is the surest means of forwarding letters. He encloses one for his first cousin, Mr. Martin, who lives in Boston. Remy’s letter is dated July 24, from Dunkirk.
Having failed in his attempts to send mail to America via London, Jean Frederic Eicke writes from Clausthal, near Hanover, convinced that Franklin’s agency will prove more successful. Animated by stories of Franklin’s goodness, he requests that an enclosed letter be forwarded to General Muhlenberg or to one of the general’s brothers, priests in Philadelphia. These are his cousins, and doubtless known to Franklin. Would the American also be so good as to forward an answer, should one come? His letter is dated August 9.
Two supplicants need letters forwarded to the Baron von Steuben. One is his brother, who writes from Beerwalde in the province of Pomerania on August 15 and signs himself “B. de Steuben, ancien officier de Cavallerie au Service de sa Majesté Prussienne.” The Baron has written to their father that he knows Franklin personally, and it is on the basis of that friendship that this request is made. The second writer is Major General de Bouvinghausen, chief of the regiment of hussars of the Duke of Württemberg, who on September 29 has just learned from von Steuben’s pen that the Baron intends to make a tour of Europe and Paris during the month of January and would like news from Bouvinghausen before he leaves. Would Franklin please forward the letter?
James Falls also sends a letter for forwarding, but not to America. A friend and former business partner of Robert Montgomery in Alicante, before the dispute between Spain and England, he writes from Ostend on July 10, in English. He acknowledges his obligation to Franklin for all he has done for Montgomery. Falls cannot claim the same privilege, “being a native of Ireland, tho’ not an Enemy to your Cause.” Here his syntax breaks down, but we take him to mean that Moses Young suggested he send Franklin letters that he wanted forwarded to Montgomery in Spain. This has given him the opportunity to “make a tenter” of his services.
Finally, a Genevan requests that a letter be forwarded to an American in France. Jean-Antoine Chais writes from Versailles on June 6. He has learned that the oldest son of Mr. Laurens, formerly the president of Congress, is in France, and he takes the liberty of enclosing a letter to be delivered to him. The relationship they had in Geneva several years ago gives him hope that Laurens will accept the letter. If Laurens is not there, Franklin may throw the letter in the fire.
The Chevalier d’Ussant writes on September 3, from Marmande, near Bordeaux, asking a slightly different kind of service. The marquis de Castries has just ordered him to serve the King in America as a major of infantry, and he is only too happy for the opportunity. But he has a favor to ask, concerning his business dealings with Mr. Searle. If Franklin receives any news of Searle, or if any packets arrive from Searle addressed to the chevalier, would Franklin kindly notify him?
A number of people are concerned about family members.
A worried mother writes Franklin from Douay on July 16. She presumes that her son, an officer in the Auxonne regiment of artillery— which must by this time be in Rhode Island—will certainly need money. Would Franklin be willing to forward to him twenty-five louis? Her name is Madame Thomassin (née baronne de la Grange), widow of a maréchal de camp. In a postscript she adds that the money is in the hands of M. Jourdan, her receveur in Paris, who will deliver it as soon as he hears from her that Franklin has agreed. Franklin must have answered relatively quickly; on August 1 she sent word to Jourdan, who presented himself at Passy on August 7, but evidently did not find the minister at home. The following day he sent an agent with a letter addressed to Franklin: yesterday he had come with 600 livres tournois for the son of Madame Thomassin. Would Franklin please take charge of this money, and give the agent the letters of exchange? Jourdan signs himself “chargé d’affaires de M. de Calonne Intendant de flandre.”
A father, who would send money if only he knew where his son was, invokes a variety of Franklin’s reputed characteristics (the grandeur of his soul, the depth of his genius, the penetration of his intellect …) to elicit the minister’s sympathy on May 11. It has been six months since he has heard from his son, who is an officer in the “Régiment de Royal deux Ponts infenterie” in Rochambeau’s army, and he is desperate for news. The young man is named Le Monnier de Savignac, as is the father, who writes from Lons-le-Saunier in Franche Comté.
Henriette Dumesnil de St. Pierre had written in 1777, begging Franklin to inquire about her father, who had gone to New Bordeaux, South Carolina, to develop viticulture. The family had heard nothing from him in three years and feared the worst. Franklin evidently did make inquiries on her behalf, which finally produced results. The daughter writes a brief, formal letter on August 31 to thank Franklin for his trouble. She has finally received news from Charleston of her father’s death.
A certain ô Donnoghue, conseiller pensionnaire of Bruges, in the Austrian Netherlands, seeks news of a different kind on October 8. He has just met a cleric and his son, born in Philadelphia, who bear his same surname. They claimed that the son was a former governor of Philadelphia, intendant of the marine, inspector of troops, and, moreover, a particular friend of Franklin’s. The writer begs to know whether all this is true: whether the ô Donnaghue family, from Ireland, is indeed known to Franklin, whether they have risen to prominence in America, and in what province they might now reside. His father, Jean ô Donnoghue of Ganflesk, left Ireland during the last troubles, was raised in the court of St. Germain, went to Austria, and died in 1744 when serving as counsellor to the queen. Their relatives have scattered, many became protestant, and the thread of their correspondence has been broken. He longs to be able to complete his genealogy; even an answer by Franklin’s secretary would suffice.
Several writers need Franklin’s help.
The merchant Lasseray, on the rue St. Denis, implores Franklin to find out what is preventing the marquis de Castries from issuing the orders he had promised, allowing Captain Butel to bring six sailors from St. Valéry on board as crew for his lugger, the Aimable Elizabeth. The lugger, scheduled to sail from Lorient to Philadelphia, is ready except for this one hitch, and Lasseray has been three times to see Castries without getting an explanation for the delay. Franklin will remember Captain Butel as the person to whom Lasseray recently introduced him. Franklin had given him dispatches to deliver, as did the marquise de Lafayette and Mr. Laurens. The letter is dated May 2.

M. Baron, formerly the keeper of the best hotel in Dunkirk, applies to Franklin as a last resort on May 31. He has been cheated by Gognet, René Saillot, and Colson, three officers who were serving the United States on the Pallas, a frigate that sailed in John Paul Jones’s squadron. During the time when the vessel was disarming in Dunkirk, the three men were lodged and fed at Baron’s hotel—even engaging the services of the local tailor—but fled without saying a word to anyone. Gognet escaped, but René and Colson were caught and have been in prison for the past eighteen months without making any effort to repay their debt. Baron’s own circumstances have declined. All he asks, in order to have the men released, is that their armateurs promise to repay him as soon as the primary creditors are reimbursed. Would Franklin use his influence to help?
Franklin’s influence is also sought in the case of a man who on June 14 insists that he is falsely imprisoned in France. “Jean Manell” has evidently found someone else to write his letter: it is in the first person, in good French, and appears to be signed, although next to the name there is an “X” which we take to be the prisoner’s own mark. For three months he has been under arrest in Dunkirk by order of M. Quesnel, commissioner of the marine, who believes him to be French and ordered him to serve on a cutter now arming. The truth is that he is American, and he cannot believe that he could be required to serve in France against his will. Three years ago he embarked from Boston on the schooner “Trieme,” Captain “Youn,” bound for Bordeaux. They were taken by the “Ramley” frigate and he was thrown into Portsmouth jail. After a year he escaped, made his way to France, and sailed for three months on the Dunkirk cutter Sans Peur. The British took all his papers, so he is without proof of citizenship. He was born in Winchester, near Boston; his father (now dead) was “Bill Manell,” and his mother (still living, as far as he knows) is “Marie Pallet.” Would Franklin send him a passport that would set him free?
On June 24, writing from “Saint Leger de bourdeaux,” a M. Varon pleads the case of two French officers who embarked on the Marquis de Lafayette when she left Bordeaux for Lorient enroute to Philadelphia. One was Captain Larendoutte, who was put in charge of the Minerva, one of the two prizes the Lafayette took early in the voyage. A strong wind came up, the ships were separated, and Larendoutte was captured by a British corsair. The two officers—the other one is an unnamed seventeen-year-old lieutenant, Varon’s Bordeauxborn nephew—suffered great hardships and landed at Le Havre. Varon is taking care of them now, and trying to get the means to send them to Paris where Chaumont, the armateur of their ship, might be able to help them.
The comte de Choiseul-Gouffier wants a commission for the privateer he has recently built and armed. His letter, undated, must be before September 13, the date on which he signed a bond to the United States Treasury and presumably received his commission. The bond for 20,000 Spanish milled dollars includes details not given in his letter: his brigantine Scanderberg, commanded by Capt. Cloupet, carries eighteen guns and is manned by a crew of seventy.
A merchant from Reims, M. Dusantoy Lescossois, has heard that the Americans are in need of cloth. He writes on September 14 to offer his services, and wonders whether Franklin might help him with contacts in Boston or Philadelphia. He would be happy to send fabric samples and prices.
A banker named Teissier de la Tour, on the rue des Marmouzets, sends a printed circular on September 22 asking for support in a lawsuit that will go to court on the twenty-fourth of the month. He and M. Guiliet are being brought to court by the former ambassador from Venice, M. Zeno. The complicated circumstances are outlined in the enclosure, an undated memoir. Zeno owes his former mistress Mademoiselle Duvernet the sum of 64,000 l.t. It appears that the ambassador, now back in Venice, wrote a bill of exchange on Teissier de la Tour and Guiliet, which they refuse to honor because they know he has no intention of paying them, and they will be ruined. If the court rules against them, there will be nothing to stop future diplomats from likewise destroying innocent men; they therefore call on the diplomatic community to take their side in this matter.
On October 26, writing from what may be Königsberg, Anna Sophia Susanna de Bohlen née Franklin rejoices that her birth has given her the right to send regards to a man she calls “mon cher oncle.” Although she was born in Berlin and has lived her whole life in Prussia, her father (now deceased) was born in 1715 in Woodhouse, near Limerick, the eldest son of John “Francklin” and Anne Fitzgerald. At the invitation of his uncle, Colonel Thomas Fitzgerald, her father joined the Prussian troops in 1734 or 1735; in 1750 he married the widow of an officer, and Anna is the sole fruit of that marriage. Her father died in 1765, with the rank of commander of an infantry regiment, and her mother has been dead only a few years. She herself married badly and is now a widow. Happily, in 1777 the English ambassador in Warsaw procured for her a genealogical list and even some letters from her relatives still in Ireland; but they do not seem entirely satisfactory. If she is not mistaken, Franklin is the brother of her grandfather, and consequently her great-uncle, and she begs for news of her family. If her mediocre fortune were more in line with her desires, she would have made the trip to Paris long ago, to throw herself at his feet and ask his blessing. Please do not refuse to honor her with a response.
Two letters enclose bills of exchange. The first, from Jean-Jacques Lafreté on May 9, is a brief note which also communicates regards from both Lafreté and his wife. The second, on August 11, is from a Mr. Martignon, writing on behalf of Mr. Pochet, first eschevin of the city of Paris and a merchant living on the rue Grande Truanderie. Not knowing the name of Franklin’s banker, Martignon is enclosing eleven bills of exchange drawn on Franklin, totaling 390 dollars.
Two other letters are recommendations, of either the writer or another person. Pierre Laurent sends a prospectus of his work (which he refers to as “three pieces”) on August 17. The King has already honored him with a subscription; perhaps Franklin would like to do so as well. (The prospectus has not survived.)

The second recommendation was probably sent to one of Franklin’s friends, who brought it to Passy. Dated May 29, it lacks both salutation and address sheet, and refers to Franklin in the third person. The writer, Des Aranches, has just received an urgent recommendation of a “Berne Monsieur,” a mining engineer named “Gleiss” who met Franklin years earlier in London and would now like to renew the acquaintance and discuss various questions of physics. Des Aranches can do no better for Gleiss than to put him in the hands of the recipient. The engineer was undoubtedly Clais, who visited Franklin in August. See above, p. lxii.
The final letter in this group can only be considered a favor in the loosest sense: the writer asks that Franklin pay attention to his proposal. In the case of M. Fouville, “maitre en chirurgie,” this is not a trivial request. Six pages of murky French, written on July 25 from Lyon, reveal a fervent desire to conquer Gibraltar, either by blowing up the rock or by blocking the port in a variety of ways. In all of this, several machines of the author’s invention are alluded to but not described. These machines could also prevent the English from entering any river in America. Fouville, who has been railing about a Spanish blockade “en plein caffé” for two years, has just sent his ideas to the Count de Aranda—but even after sending a second letter, he has not received a reply. If Franklin judges that Fouville’s presence would help him communicate these ideas, he would consider it an honor to make the journey at his own expense.

  Monsieur
au Chateau de la tour a Mortagne ce per. may 1781
C’est avec toute la confiance qui est due a Votre excellence joint a l’Equité et aux talens Superieurs qui lui ont atiré celle de l’Europe entiere, que je prens la liberté de m’adresser directement a elle pour la Suplier très humblement de rendre Service a un pere et a une famille affligée, par les projets et la conduite inconsiderée dun jeune homme qui certainement Sadressera a Votre excellence pour etre a meme de les metre a Execution. Se Seroit abuser de ses bontés que d’entrer dans un detaille quelle trouvera dans la lettre ici incluse que je la prie remetre a Mon fils Lorsquil Se presentera chez elle. Si a cette grace j’oserois La supplier d’apuier mes raisons, je ne Saurois douter un instant quelle ne le fasse rentrer en lui meme et ne L’engage a prendre Le partie qui lui convient.
Etant probable que mon fils aura changé de noms, je le met ici bas avec Son Signalement est celui de Son laquais.
J’espere des bontés de Votre Excellence quelle Daignera m’honnorer dune reponse le plutot possible et etre persuadée des Sentimens respectueux avec lesquels j’ai L’honneur d’etre très parfaitement, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très Obeissant serviteur
Des Watines DE FLOBECQ

P.S. Louis Eugene des Watines de flobecq est agé de 21 ans, taille de 5 pieds 6 pouces Le Corps bien formés, quoy qun peut delicat Cheveux Chatain, les portant en queu ou en Cadoquan le Visage un peut alongés avec des yeux brun.
Son Laquais, qui est Sans livrée aiant Simplement sur le Corps un Surtout rouge dit ponsau est un jeune homme de 5 pieds 4 pouces assez gros de Corps Le Visage plat, fort grelé c’est a dire déffait de la petite Verolle Cheveux dun haut blond, qui naturellement frisent tres fort a peut près comme un Chien Canard, parlant mal le francais, c’est adire plat Walon il se nomme amé Baudouin n’atif d’ici, ainsi que mon fils il est agé de 19 a 20 ans.
P.S. adresse a Mr. Des Watines Seigr. de flobecq, grand panetier hereditaire du pays et comté d’hainaut a Son Chateau de la tour a Mortagne en flandre par Valenciennes a St. amand en flandre

Notation: Watinnesdolf. May 1. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé André Morellet, [before 2 May 1781]
From: Morellet, abbé André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[before May 2, 1781]
Madame Blondel francoise epouse du sr. Blondel residant à la nouvelle angletterre à Philadelphie negociant reclame en vertu  de sa dot et d’un acte passé devant notaire 800 l.t. de rente annuelle comme l’interet de sa dot. Elle n’a jamais rien recù de cette dette depuis six années que son mari a passé en amerique. Elle a entre les mains tous les documens et pieces necessaires à l’appui de sa demande. Elle sollicite la protection de Mr. Francklin pour se faire rendre justice. Elle desire surtout que mr. Franklin lui procure à philadelphie l’addresse d’une personne sure à qui on puisse confier ses titres et qui les fasse valoir auprès du tribunal auquel on pourra s’addresser. Madame la comtesse de Boufflers a addressè Made[Madame] Blondel à l’abbè Morellet en le chargeant de la présenter à Monsieur Franklin et l’abbè Morellet espere que Monsieur Franklin voudra bien dans cette occasion faire une bonne action de plus et lui donner aussi une marque de la bontè qu’il lui montre en toute occasion.
Ce mr. Blondel a demeurè quelque tems á Friderriksbourg associé avec mr. Pennet de nantes agent des Bostoniens.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 3 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Passy, May 3. 1781
Enclos’d are Copies of a Number of Publick Letters taken from the English in a late New York Pacquet, of which I have already sent Duplicates by several Conveyances.
I have the honour to be, with great Respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excellency Saml Huntington Esqr President of Congress

Notation: Letter May 3. 1781 Doctr. Franklin Recd. Sept 24.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 3 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy, May 3. 1781.
I have received your Favour of the 19th. past. It may be as you observe very reasonable that Capt. Barnes should have the Gratification he demands, and also that the Col. Armand should have the Passage paid of himself and Servants, but as I have no orders relating to such Advances, I cannot meddle with them.
I approve of your assisting Capt. Williams [and] the two other Captains, you mention with what Money they may want not exceeding 5 Guineas each; and I request you to advance the same Sum to Capt. Potts taking their Notes payable to Congress. Your Bill on me for the whole shall be immediately paid.— I shall be glad also, if they can all have Passages in the Active.
Col. Laurens has written to you, and having Goods to send in that Vessel, wants to know what Room you can spare.
I send enclos’d a Pacquet for Congress, which I request you would forward.
I have the honour to be, with much Esteem Sir,
Mr. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 4 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy, May 4. 1781.
It is so long since I heard from you, that I begin to fear you are ill. Pray write to me, and let me know the State of your Health.
I inclose Morgan’s Acct. of his Engagement with Tarleton. If he has not already received it, it may be agreable to our Friend the Gazetteer of Leiden.
Everything goes well here, and I am ever, Your Affectionate Friend & humble Servant
(signed) B. Franklin
Mr. Dumas.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 4 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, John

Dear Sir,
Friday, May 4. 81
Inclos’d is a Letter I have receiv’d for you. The Seal of the Cover being imprudently plac’d over that of the Letter, and sticking to it, occasion’d it to be almost broke open.—I want to see you about a Letter I have received from New Orleans, which proposes my Paying Drafts to the Amount of 55000 Livres, whereon I should be glad to have your Advice. I dine to day in Paris, and will call on you about 6 aClock. If you cannot then be at home, I wish you would come out & breakfast with me tomorrow Morning, because I must write to Bordeaux about those Drafts, whether I will pay them or not, by to-morrow’s Post.— With great Esteem, I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Col. Lawrens

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Colonel Laurens / hôtel d’Angleterre / Rue Richelieu
Endorsed: Doctor Franklin
Notation: Dr. Franklin Passy 4th May 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 5 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Passy, May. 5. 1781.
I have received your Favours of the 18th. and 24th. of April. It was with great Satisfaction I read Gen. Morgan’s Soldierly Account of his Engagement with Tarleton, which you so kindly sent me.
I have, with the Approbation of Col: Laurens accepted the second of a Set of Bills drawn on you for 4444 Dollars in favour of his Father, of which you will please to take Notice, lest an other of the Set should be presented to you. It is the same that was return’d by you to Mr. Schweighauser for want of Mr. Laurens’s Indorsement. As that Indorsement cannot now be easily obtain’d, & it appear’d on the face of the Bill that it belonged to the Public, being to purchase Naval Stores, and was transmitted by the Admiralty to Mr. Schweighauser for that purpose, and the vessel waiting to receive those Stores, I imagined it was right to pay it, which I hope you will approve.
I have found a Packet for you, which, if I had it before the Departure of your Courier, was unaccountably omitted to be sent by him; and I have since known of no other Opportunity but the Post. You will receive it by the next Courier of the Court.
Mr. Adams aquaints me that he is appointed M. P. to the States General, but had not yet presented his Credentials, &c.
We have here as yet no other than the English Account of the Engagement between the French & English Squadrons off the Capes of Virginia. The London Papers say that Pensacola is abandoned.
With great & sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excy. John Jay. Esqr.

Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur Jay &ca &ca / à / Madrid. / Recommandée aux soins de M. le Marquis D’Yranda.

Notations: Dr. Franklin 5 May 1781— Recd 19 Do / Recd. 19 May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 5 May 1781
From: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Paris ce 5 may 1781
Jai fait remettre, Monsieur, à m Griéve, la permission, que vous m’avez demandée, pour que les malles Contenant Ses livres, lui fussent délivrées à la douane, Sans être portées Suivant l’usage à la chambre Syndicale des Libraires, et il est sans doute actuellement en état de les faire partir pour leur destination.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Lenoir
M Franklin

Notation: Le Noir may 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Montet & Henry, 6 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Montet & Henry

Gentlemen,
Passy, May 6. 1781.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 28th. past, acquainting me that you are in possession of a Bill drawn by Mr. Pollock of New Orleans on Messrs. Delap for 4000 Dollars, which they have refused to pay, and which you have been advised in that Case to propose to me. Your Letter enclosed one from M. Pollock, who desires the same thing of me, not only for that Bill, but for sundry others amounting to near 11000 Dollars. The Letter mentions that he is confident I shall soon receive orders from Congress if such are not already come to my hands, to honour his Bills, but two Years are since elaps’d (his Letter bearing the same Date with your Bill viz April 10. 1779) and no such Orders have been sent me; and I am unacquainted with Mr. Pollock and his Affairs. For those Reasons I do not think it is proper for me to meddle with these Bills. I am nevertheless with much Consideration, Gentlemen, &c.
Messrs. Montet & henry, Negts. à Bordeaux.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 6 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Schweighauser, Jean-Daniel

Sir,
Passy, May 6. 1781
I received your respected Letter of the 28th. past and shall duly honour the Bills you mention to have drawn for the 4444 Dollars.—
I delivered your inclosed to M. Laurens, who will write to you. What Goods he intends to go in the Active are at Nantes, viz, some Chests of Arms & some Medecines, which he thinks will not be a Quantity to make the relanding of the old Arms necessary, otherwise we both agree with you in Opinion that it should be done. I have in my last requested you to furnish the four Captains, with about 5. Guineas each.
I have the honour to be, Sir, &c.
M. Schweighauser.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 6 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Passy, May. 6. 1781
The Bearer Mr. Grieve, goes to Virginia, with an Intention of settling there, where he has also some Business in which you are concern’d. I beg leave to present him to your Exlleny. as a Gentleman of Character, & who has long distinguished himself in England as a firm Friend to the Cause of America. I purpose writing to you fully by Col: Laurens, who will leave Paris in a few days.
With great & Sincere Esteem, I am ever,

Endorsed: The Honble. Dr. Franklin 6th. May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 6 May 1781
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur & T. H. F.
6e. Mai 81
J’ai reçu avec autant de reconnoissance que de plaisir le précieux present que vous venez de me faire et qui augmente mes richesses sur les Langues de l’Amerique. Je suis bien faché de n’avoir pas connu plutot cet ouvrage, j’en aurois tiré grand parti dans un Memoire que j’ai fait imprimer dans mon 8me. volume, qui va paroitre dans le courant de ce mois; ce memoire roule sur les raports des langues de l’Amerique avec celles de l’ancien Monde: j’y montre des raports immenses offerts par les Langues des Esquimaux, des Hurons, des Abenaquis, des Virginiens, Caraïbes, Galibis, Mexicains, Peruviens, Chiliens, Iles de la Mer du Sud, & Californiens: je me suis même souvent lassé de copier.
Ce Vocabulaire des Peuples apellés Delawares y auroit tenu une place remarquable, car en le parcourant j’y trouve nombre de mots communs, en voici par exemple quelques uns que vous aurez peut être deja remarqués.
Ki, Thou: c’est le pronom de tous les Orientaux
KTEE, thy Heart, c’est un mot composé de deux: de K, ton, & ÊT qui en Egyptien signifie cœur, & qui a fait le Hêtor des Grecs. Ce meme mot existe dans les Iles d’OTahitee.
Ni moi, c’est le N de tous les Peuples apliqué à la premiere personne au pluriel souvent; & souvent au singulier.
Pa-an, to Come: c’est le PA venir, d’où Pas, Passes &c. de tous les Peuples
WIK house, celui-ci est très remarquable, c’est le OIKos des Grecs, le VICus des Latins &c: commun aux Celtes
LU, est le nom de la lumiere, du feu, de la parole qu’on met au jour, c’est le LUx, LUmen, LUKos, des Grecs, latins, Celtes &c.
OOCH Pere, est le OTSe, des Esclavons, qui se prononçant OTTE, ATTa, est commun à tous les anciens Peuples
SCHWON signifie blanc, beau: brillant, c’est donc un mot Teuthon, Celte &c. dela les Européens s’apellent ici Schwonnac
AC est une terminaison plurielle.
TINDay fire, est le primitif TAN, TIN, feu, qui a donné nombre de mots à la langue angloise elle même.
TSQUALL-ac, Grenouilles: ce mot apartient à la famille primitive QUAL, CAL, crier, famille immense même en Europe & en Amerique.
M’bi. Eau: du prim. MI eaux
M’bi achk a Whale, de achk vaste, grand, dont les Anglois ont fait le nom d’OX, boeuf;
M’bi achk est donc m.à.m. l’enorme animal des Eaux.
Mais en voila assez pour vous donner une idée des avantages que je puis retirer de cet ouvrage. D’ailleurs sa forme est tout à fait contraire à la vraie maniere d’aprendre une langue: tous les elemens en sont disloqués, & epars, au point qu’on a toutes les peines du monde à les reconnoitre, et à rassembler ceux de la même nature: on n’y voit nulle analogie, nulle methode, nul ensemble.
Quels secours se pretent ces deux mots par exemple
Sa ki ma, King, Chief, & sa ki ma woa gan, royaume lorsqu’ils se trouvent separés par 50. pages, que le 1er. est à la pag. 28. & le 2d. pag. 77. Comment reconnoitre que woa gan n’est qu’une terminaison de qualité.

Quels secours se pretent encore
WIK house p. 6. WIKinge, se marier, p. 32. Wi kin di tschik, married people, p. 59. Wi kin de woa gan marriage, p. 81. etant si dispersés
En sorte que c’est un travail que de réunir tous les mots d’une meme famille, d’après un pareil arrangement: nous ne sommes gueres plus habiles non plus en Europe à cet egard.
J’ai remarqué en même tems que quoique cette Langue soit au fond la même que celle de Virginie, elle en differe cependant & par l’orthographe & par les mots: car le Pater & les X. Commandems. sont très differens de ceux qu’on voit dans la Bible de Virginie.
Vous aprendrez en même tems avec plaisir Monsieur qu’on m’a envoiè d’Amerique la copie d’un monument qui se trouve sur le Jaunston à environ 45. milles au Sud de Boston: que j’ai reconnu en lui un Monument Phenicien, en sorte que je l’ai fait graver & que je l’ai accompagné d’une Dissertation qui est egalement dans mon 8e. vol. à la suite de la Dissertation sur les Langues de l’Amerique.
Tout cela est egalement à la suite d’autres Dissertations où je fais voir que les Pheniciens faisoient le tour de l’Afrique, avoient des comptoirs à Melinde, à Madagascar &c. voyageoient dans toutes les Indes Orientales, & sans contredit dans la mer du Sud: qu’ils avoient aussi dans la mer des Indes l’usage de la boussole, & que c’est de là qu’elle nous est venue au tems des Croisades par nos liaisons avec les Arabes.
Je soupçonne que ces Carthaginois du Jaunston revenoient des Iles Cassiterides & furent jettés sur les Cotes d’Amerique par un grand vent de Nord: peut être même y allerent-ils exprès.
Si je n’eusse craint d’abuser de votre complaisance, j’aurois eu l’honneur d’aller chez vous avec ce monument & mes vues, afin de savoir ce que vous pensiez de l’un & de l’autre; & vous prier, Si ce monument vous etoit connu de l’apuier de votre propre temoignage qui auroit èté Si interessant pour le Public.
Mes Correspondans d’Amerique m’ont egalement envoié le discours prononcé à l’Ouverture de la Societé des Sciences & des Arts qu’on vient d’établir dans les Etats Rèunis & dont vous etes Membre: Cet etablissement m’a fait le plus grand plaisir: & je me propose d’etablir entre cette illustre Societé & une Societé de sciences, lettres & Arts qu’avec le secours d’une 50ne. d’hommes de lettres, dont une 20ne. de la loge des neuf soeurs, je viens d’établir ici depuis six mois, & dont la derniere assemblée tenue Jeudi dernr. a eu le plus grand succès. Plusieurs Academiciens des Sciences & de l’Acad. Fr. nous honorent constamment de leur presence: & il n’est aucun de nous qui ne fut très flatté d’avoir l’avantage de vous y voir.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une vive reconnoissance & le plus respectueux devouement Monsieur & T.H.F. Votre très h. & tr. ob. s.
Court DE Gebelin

Oserois je vous prier de faire agréer mes obeissances à M. votre Petit Fils & à vos chers Voisins.

Notation: Court de Geblin 6. May 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 6 May 1781
From: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May the 6th 1781
Your dear delightfull letter made me most exceedingly happy; particularly your account of yourself as it proves that you are in good spirits & pleased with your present situation. Your dialogue with the Gout is written with your own cheerfull pleasantry & la belle et la mauvaise jambe recalls to my mind those happy hours we once past in your society where we were never amused without learning some usefull truth, & where I first acquired a taste pour la conversation badinante et reflechie.
It is long since I have written to my ever-valued friend, but the difficulty I find in conveying my letters safe to Passy is the only motive for my silence, strange that I should be under the necessity of concealing from the world, a correspondence which it is the pride & glory of my heart to maintain.
We have spent three months in London, but leave it to morrow, that we may enjoy the beauties of a late spring at Twyford. My father grows every year fonder of that peacefull retirement, having found his endeavors to serve his Country ineffectual, he yeilds to a torrent which it is no longer in his power to oppose. I will confess, that altho: I love reading & drawing sufficiently never to want amusement in the country, yet I have some few friends in town, from whom I shall part with regret. We live very little in Public, but a great deal with small private societies— they are the charm of life.
I have enquired after Mr Small, but hitherto my enquiries have proved unsuccessfull. Sir John Pringle has left London & is gone to reside wholely in Scotland. I fear he is much streightened in his circumstances, he looks ill & is vastly changed from what you remember him. Dr Priestley is now on a short visit to his friends in town, I find he is settled much to his satisfaction at Birmingham, where he has the care of a pretty numerous congregation. Good Doctor Price calls on us often, & gives us hopes of a visit to Twyford, we value him no less on his own account, than for his steady attachement to our respectable friend.
The first opportunity we have of sending a parcel to Paris, you may expect all our shades, you flatter us vastly by desiring them as well as by every expression of esteem & affection for a family who know how to value your praise. Mr Jones has undertaken the care of this letter, I feel gratefull to him for giving me an opportunity of assuring you, how much I do & ever shall continue to love you.

Notation: Miss G. Shipley May 6. 81.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Court de Gébelin, 7 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Court de Gébelin, Antoine

Dear Sir,
Passy 7. May 1781.
I am glad the little Book prov’d acceptable.
It does not appear to me intended for a Grammar to teach the Language. It is rather what we call in English a Spelling Book, in which the only Method observ’d, is, to arrange the Words according to their Number of Syllables, placing those of one Syllable together, then those of two Syllables, and so on.— And it is to be observ’d, that Sa ki ma, for Instance is not three Words, but one Word of three Syllables; and the reason that Hyphens are not plac’d between the Syllables, is that the Printer had not enough of them.
As the Indians had no Letters, they had no Orthography. The Delaware Language being differently spelt from the Virginian, may not always arise from a Difference in the Languages; for as Strangers who learn the Language of an Indian Nation, finding no Orthography, are at Liberty in writing the Language to use such Compositions of Letters as they think will best produce the Sounds of the Words, I have observ’d that our Europeans of different Nations who learn the same Indian Language, form each his own Orthography according to the usual Sounds given to the Letters in his own Language. Thus the same Words of the Mohock Language written by an English—a French—and a German—Interpreter, often differ very much in the Spelling; and without knowing the usual Powers of the Letters in the Language of the Interpreter, one cannot come at the Pronounciation of the Indian Words. The Spelling Book in Question was I think written by a German.
You mention a Virginian Bible. Is it not the Bible of the Massachusetts Language, translated by Elliot, and printed in New England about the middle of the last Century? I know this Bible, but have never heard of one in the Virginian Language. Your Observations of the Similitude between many of the Words, and those of the ancient World are indeed very curious.
The Inscription which you find to be Phenician, is I think near Taunton (not Jannston as you write it). There is some Account of it in the old Philosophical Transactions. I have never been at the Place but shall be glad to see your Remarks on it.
The Compass appears to have been long known in China before it was known in Europe; unless we suppose it known to Homer, who makes the Prince, that lent Ships to Ulysses, boast that they had a spirit in them by whose Directions they could find their Way in a cloudy Day or the darkest Night. If any Phenicians arriv’d in America, I should rather think it was not by the Accident of a Storm, but in the Course of their long and adventurous Voyages; and that they coasted from Denmark and Norway over to Greenland, and down Southward by Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, &c. to New England, as the Danes themselves certainly did some Ages before Columbus.
Our New American Society will be happy in the Correspondence you mention; and when it is possible for me, I shall be glad to attend the Meetings of your Society, which I am sure must be very instructive.
With Great & sincere Esteem I have the honour to be &c &c
BF.
M. Court de Gebelin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy with Franklin’s Note to John Laurens and Laurens’ Response, May 7 [–on or after May 12]
From: Boy, Pierre-François de,Franklin, Benjamin,Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Paris 7[–on or after 12]. may 1781.
  May it please to your ExcellencySir

I Sent to you the Copy of the Certificate, and too that of the Some Sundry papers, from the War Office who Given to me, because I have Lost’d my Comission from the Hble. Congress, when the ennemies have Taken Brunswick, and too Besides all my things. I shall desire to Go again in your Country, if you Can Employ me, as you will please, very much oblige, to your Excellency, to Grant me my Petition, and too favour me with two Words, above this matter. I am Very Gratefully and Respectfully Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant
De Boischez M. Shuare tailleur Rue St. Denisentre la rue de La ferronnerie et celle des Lombards.

Passy 12 May 81
Dr. Franklin requests Col. Lawrens to inform him, if he is acquainted with the writer of the above.
Col. Laurens has some recollection of a french officer of the name abovementioned—but does not know the state of his services—and thinks that the general answer may be given him on the subject of his petition—

Notation: De Bois


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 7 May 1781
From: Carrollton, Charles Carroll of
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir/
Annapolis 7th May 1781
It is with pleasure I embrace the oppertunity afforded me by Mr. Ridley of renewing our correspondence, and of assuring you of the continuance of my esteem and friendship for you— I presume you are not unacquainted with Mr Ridley’s character and person: his being appointed Commercial Agent for this State is proof of his attachment to our cause and country and of the opinion publickly entertained of his ability and inclination to serve us. Your zeal and anxiety to promote the interest of these confederated States in general, will, I am persuaded, lead you to afford Mr. Ridley all the assistance, which the influence of your public & private character may enable you to give, so as to render his services to this State in particular as useful & extensive as possible. Besides this public motive, a personal regard for Mr. Ridley, when you come to be well acquainted with him, I am sure, will induce you to befriend him with your experience and advice. I have known Mr. Ridley from a boy, and his character & conduct have been always such as to intitle him to the esteem & regard of all well acquainted with him.
I refer you to Mr. Ridley for a full and particular detail of all internal concerns, the State of parties, finances, trade, agriculture, price of labour, domestic manufactures, & military operations— Every year encreases the enemies of Great Britain, yet her ministers obstinately persevere in a war which may thoroughly break the power of that nation, but from the prosecution of which they can now no longer hope to derive any national advantage: unless indeed they expect a miraculous interposition of Providence in their favor: but neither the justice of their cause, or the modes they pursue to support it, seem to afford them any rational ground for such expectation: for in proportion to the decrease of their power, their resentment and malice encrease; of this, the manner in which they carry on the war at present, is a speaking proof. They robb & murder, lay waste & burn without provocation or even the pretence of necessity. Families are stript of their apparel, their beds torn away from under them, even children are rifled of their trinkets, and dwellings burnt out of meer wantonness, or resentment.— Surely such proceedings, when generally known, will sink the character of the british Nation below that even of the Huns & Vandals, and render them justly odious to all Europe. When will that Nation regain its senses? It is high time for it to revive from its delirium— How intoxicating are wealth & power! To judge from the experience of the past, nothing can teach wisdom to, & render a wealthy, ambitious, & powerful People just & moderate, but adversity. Adversity humbled Lewis the 14th, opened his eyes, and discovered to him, too late, the folly of ambition: his arrogance and ambition, the consequences of his power & former successes leagued almost All Europe against him: England was one of the foremost to take the alarm, and was loudest in invectives against the pride & ambition of the french Monarch; this was but as yesterday, yet in spight of so recent an example, the english Monarch without the power of Lewis, and without his virtues, wh. in some degree attoned for his vices, is pursuing the same steps. Excuse this reflection— I hope you still enjoy your health & that flow of spirits, which used to make your company so agreeable to your friends and acquaintances.
I shall never forget the pleasing hours we passed together on our way to Canada. Since I have mentioned that country I can’t help expressing my wish that the Canadians were confederated with us: but perhaps this must be the work of some future day, in the mean time I hope measures will be taken in the treaty of peace to reduce Canada to much narrower bounds, than the british Parliament lately gave it, and to define with precision those bounds: I want the remainder of my days to glide on in peace; that yours may yet be long & happy is the sincere wish of Dear Sir yr. affectionate hum. Servant
Ch Carroll of Carrollton

Addressed: To / The Honorable / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel Johonnot, 7 May 1781
From: Johonnot, Gabriel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Passy. 7th. May. 81.
Colonel Johonnot & Son present their most respectfull compliments to His Excellency Doctr. Franklin. Will do themselves the Honor to dine with Him On Thursday Next, Agreeable to His kind Invitation.

Addressed: His Excellency Doctr: Franklin / at / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from La Lande & Fynje, 7 May 1781
From: La Lande & Fynje, De
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir!
Amsterdam the 7th. May 1781
The flattering ourselves, that our Name is not entirely Unknown to You as we have the pleasure to be acquainted with Mr. Adams, Mr Searl, and very intimately with Mr. Dumas emboldens us to take the Liberty of adressing ourselves directly to you on the following Subject— We have this day Received a Letter from our freinds at St. Eustatia, in which they Mention to have Sent us the undermentioned bills on the Commissioners of the United States, by the fleet that Sailed a few days ago from St. Eustatia, before the Capture of that Island, and as these Bills are undoubtedly fallen into the hands of the Enemy, We earnestly Beg of you to stop the payment of those Bills, Should our hand be Conterfeited and they presented for payment; and We further prey that as the Like may happen again; as We often Receive those bills with American Vessels, that you would be kind enough, to take Notice of our hand Writing, and also, that all the Bills We Send for payment are always Endorsed to Messrs. Sellonf & Co. Bankers at Paris.—
We Should deem ourselves happy, if We could be any Ways usefull to the American Cause to which We are Strenuously attached, and to be able to Convince You of the Sincerity the esteem and Regard, with which We Subscribe Ourselves Your Excellencÿ’s Most devoted humb Servts.
DE LA Lande & FYNJE

Notice of ten Bills drawn by F. Hopkinson Treasr. of Loans on the Commissioner or Commissioners of the United States of America at Paris, fallen into the hands of the Enemy.— All dated in Octob. Novemb. & Decemb. 1780. and endorsed to us, by Benjamine Harbeson, or Ths. Wallace & J. Smith

No. 33.
doll.
200.

121.
...
120.

122.
...
120.

173
...
60.

233
...
60.

560
...
300.

892
...
12.

944
...
18.

2477
...
30.

2721
...
  18.

Dollrs
938

DE LA Lande & FYNJE
To his Excellency Benjamin Franklin &c &c &c at Passy

Addressed: To / his Excellency / Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Court de Gébelin, [after 7 May 1781]
From: Court de Gébelin, Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[after May 7, 1781]
Je profite de l’occasion que me fournit M. de Sonnerat pour vous temoigner ma reconnoissance de la reponse dont vous m’avez honoré & que j’ai trouvé chez moi en revenant d’une Course de 250. lieues: & pour vous aprendre que je viens de recevoir enfin par M. Sewall la Grammaire Indienne d’Elliot que je cherchois depuis si longtems & où j’ai trouvè des choses très interessantes.
Si vos occupations vous permettoient d’honorer de votre presence Jeudi prochain sur les 5. heures du soir, le Musée, j’en aurois une vive satisfaction ainsi que tous nos Membres. Nous y aurons M. de Sonnerat; le Secretaire de l’Academie de Marine de Brest, M. de Langes & plusieurs Personnes de votre connoissance. M. votre digne Petit Fils voudra bien vous y accompagner. L’adresse du Musée est Rue St André des Arts en face de la Rue Gille-coeur, maison de M. Millon Conseiller au Chatelet.
Je suis avec autant de veneration que de reconnoissance Monsieur Votre très humble & très ob. Serviteur
Court DE Gebelin

Notation: Court de Geblin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 8 May 1781
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir/
London 8 May 1781
I am favored with yours of the 25th ultimo with Copies of two Letters from D. also your Power. I see that D. takes no Notice  of the receipt of your Letter of the 8th March which I forwarded him according to his own Direction— I wish there was any prospect of my being able to do any thing with this Man, but I fear all is forlorn hope as to what can be done here, he mentions in his Letter to you some untoward Circumstances that had happened to him—that I soppose must allude to his having been arrested at Bath, which I am informed was the Case very lately— If he had been in Credit & his Character not blasted, the way you propose of acquainting him privately with the detection of his Crime might have promised success, as things are now Circumstanced that mode cannot be pursued, for as I did not imagine it to be your wish that this Mans Villainy shou’d be concealed, I made no Scruple to acquaint several persons therewith particularly Mr Temple & some others with whom D used to be on a friendly footing. I judged it right to put them upon their guard—& this I did with the less reserve because in your former Letter you wished me to communicate to the Agents a Knowledge of the affair, which of course must render it publick—My Opinion is that he will not appear again in London, he owes a good deal of Money, having borrowed from several of his Friends & attempted to borrow from allmost every one with whom he had the slightest acquaintance, I apprehend that having lived rather in a genteel Stile & having no fixed Revenue his necessities must have been great & he must have been put to many Shifts, I mean not to apologize for his Crimes, but to give you a Clue to account in some measure from whence they arose, not but there are Storys told of him during his Residence in America that affect his honesty very much; In his Letter to you he mentions a Remittance made him from Maryland to the house of Messrs Bouffé & fils. You will excuse my hinting to you, that it may be very proper to enquire whether this be a fact—for if it is—I shou’d recommend it to you to make an immediate Attachment upon those Effects, in the hands of Messrs Bouffé & fils, it is what is frequently done in the way of business & you will with great ease inform yourself of the necessary Steps to be taken in such a Case.
I have seen Mr Trumbull & find that he did mention to D. his having occasion for some Money, I commiserate the Case of this young Man very much as he appears to be a worthy Character & as he was in want of a little Cash I let him have Ten Guineas, but yesterday a Gentleman called upon me to inform me that a Remittance for him had arrived at Amsterdam & he shou’d have no Occasion for the present to trouble you & that he wou’d repay me the Ten Guineas I had lent him, however as there is no probability of his being soon enlarged I cou’d wish you to Signify your Intention how I am to act shou’d he in future want assistance, Mr Jones & Mr Paradise who now belong to our Club desired me to present their respects. The former will take the first opportunity of answering your kind Letter lately recv’d— I am happy to find there was no Impropriety in my former Request—allow me only further to say that I shall chearfully pay the expence of any mode of conveyance for if what is wished for does not arrive before the common Conveyance by post it will be of no use in the way of my Business— I have recd your Bill on Mr Teissier for One hundred Pounds which shall be applied with Care I am Dr Sr Yr most Obedt Hble Servt
William Hodgson

P.S. If the allowance of s. per week is to be continued the prisoners you will perceive it will require a remittance of full £100 per Month.

Addressed: A / Monsieur Monsieur Franklin / a / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 9 May 1781
From: Committee for Foreign Affairs
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir
Philada. May 9. 1781.
Mr. Samuel Curson and his Partner Mr. Isaac Governeur junr. after St. Eustatius was taken were put on board the Vengeance Man of War Comdore. Hotham to be sent to England stripped of every Thing but their wearing Apparrell their Books Papers and Slaves having been taken from them and Mrs. Governeur with a young Infant turned out of Doors. Special Severity, it is supposed, has been shewn to them in Consequence of their acting as Agents to Congress. Doctor John Witherspoon junr. also who was Surgeon of the DeGraaf Letter of Marque taken at St. Eustatius, is sent to England in the Alcmena Man of War and very hardly treated on account of his Fathers being a member of Congress, as is supposed.
Your particular Attention to the Exchange of these Persons will tend to give a general Confidence to all who being connected specially with Congress are exposed to Captivity, and will also very particularly oblige the Relations of these Unfortunates who have requested Congress to mention these Circumstances to you. Your most humble Servant
James Lovellfor the Comte, of for. Affrs.
Honble. Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin / Minister plenipoy. / France / by Capt. Smith


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 May 1781
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Madrid 9. May 1781.
As our Salaries are payables in Sterling money, I am too much at a Loss to determine the Rate of Exchange to fix upon any at present. I remember that your former Advances on this Account were at the rate of twenty four thousand Livres for a thousand Louis, supposing a Louis to be equal to a pound sterling, Our half years Salaries would amount to seventeen hundred & fifty Louis; but as I would leave fifty in your Hands on Account of the Money you have been so good as to advance to your Grandson for my use, I have this Day drawn a Set of Bills upon you in Favor of the Marquis D’Yranda at thirty Days Sight for Forty thousand Eight hundred Livres which at the rate before mentioned is equal to seventeen hundred Louis. In Justice to the Marquis, I must inform you that he has paid the Amount of this Bill in Specie agreable to the current Rate of Exchange, & has also been so polite as not to charge either Commissions or Brokerage.
I am dear Sir, with sincere Regard Your obliged & obedient Servant
(signed) John Jay
His Excelly. B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 10 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam May 10. 1781
I have the Honour to advise your Excellency, that I have this day drawn Bills of Exchange upon you, in Favour of Messrs Fizeau Grand & Co for the amount of Seventy Seven Thousand Crowns of three Livres of which the following is a List

1000
2500
4400

  1200
2600
4500

  1220
3000
4600

1300
3500
4700

1380
4000
4900

1700
4100
5000

2000
4200
6200

2400
4300
2300

These are to make Provision for the Payment of the Sixty six Bills, drawn by Congress in favour of Mr Tracy, which become payable the fifteenth currant. I have the Honour to be
His Exy. B. Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin or William Temple Franklin from Madame F. Pechigny, 10 May 1781
From: Péchigny, Madame F.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

passy le 10 may 1781
Oserois je vous demander monsieur en quoi jai pu demeriter au près de vous et si les personnes que vous mavez fait la grace de me procurer ont eu a se plaindre de ma maison, j’apprend avec la plus vive douleur que vous mavez retiré la protection dont vous mhonoriez autrefois, en placant chés le sieur usson un pensionnaire que vous étiez le maitre de me procurer. Soyez je vous supplie assuré monsieur que linteret nentre pour rien dans ma démarche, je suis seulement vivement penetrée de ce que vous mavez retiré votre confiance et votre amitié dont personne ne sentois mieux le prix que celle qui ne Cessera jamais d’etre avec la plus grande consideration et lattachement le plus assurée
Votre très affectionnee servant
F. PECHIGNY

Les maitres darmes, de danse, de violon de musique, de mathematiques, ne sont que de 12 l.t. par mois, si vous trouviez mon pensionnat trop cher, jen aurois passé et jen passerez dans tous les tems par tout ou vous voudrez je receveray toujours la loi de vous a cet egard.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin en / son hotel / a passy
Notations in different hands: Pechigny May 10. 81 / Woodmason Caslon Stock-Buckle Razor Shoes Stockings Plated Buckles Watch Buttons


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
La haie May 11e. 1781
J’aurai l’honneur, mardi ou jeudi prochain, au plus tard, de répondre à toutes vos précédentes. J’ai été effectivement mal, depuis plusieurs semaines d’indigestions & sciatiques, qui ne m’ont pourtant pas empêché d’être actif pour le service des E.U. La glace est rompue ici, comme vous verrez par le Meme. ci-joint de S. E. Mr. Adams qui se présenta il y a aujourd’hui 8 jours chez le Président de L. h. P. lequel s’excusa de recevoir le Meme., sur ce que la Rep. n’avoit pas encore reconnu la Souveraineté Américaine; mais il promit de faire son rapport à L. H. P., du cas. Il le fit une heure après. Ce rapport fut annoté, comme de coutume; & les Deputés demanderent tous, sans exception, copie de la note pour l’envoyer à leurs Provinces respectives, où elle fera le sujet des Délibérations des Etats provinciaux. En attendant, je viens, par ordre de Mr. Adams, de publier ce Meme. en Anglois, françois & hollandois. Voici le françois, qui est de ma façon, avoué & signé de Mr. Adams. Je vous enverrai l’Anglois l’ordinaire prochain, & suis en attendant avec tout le respect inaltérable qui vous est voué, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obeissant serviteur
Dumas

Les Lettres de Petersbourg sont si bonnes pour la rep. & contre les Anglois, qu’on en cache le contenu au public, tant qu’on peut.
Il est sorti enfin du Texel une petite Escadre de 6 petits vaisseaux de guerre.

On débite ici bien maladroitement (car il falloit attendre une semaine de plus, pour laisser aux Lettres le temps d’aller en Ange. & de revenir) que la Gr. Br. menace, si Mr. Adams est admis & l’Indepce. reconnue, de faire revenir Darby du Détroit, pardonner à l’Amerique, à la fce. & à l’Esp:, & écraser la rep. de tout le poids de la Gr. Brete.
Passy à S. E. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin / Min. Plenipo: des Etats-Unis / &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Paine, [13 May 1781?]
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
[May 13, 1781?]
Since writing the enclosed, a Messenger Arrived with a letter from you for Col Laurens, who is gone to take leave—
Col Laurens in making out his arrangement of supplies as mentioned in my note to you wants some commercial information, and if Mr Williams can make it convenient to be here early to Morrow Morning it will I know, be convenient to the Col. which is the purpose of my letter to Mr. W—therefore if you do not see him to day—I should be glad you could forward it to st. Germain— I have likewise sent a line on the same purpose to Mr Alexander at his Hotel.
I am Dear sir with much Esteem your Ob. Hlbe serv
Thos. Paine

I should be glad of half an hours conversation with you as I want much to mention to you something respecting a person (whom we both know) and his very extraordinary conversation in this Country.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 14 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard,Bache, Sarah Franklin

Dear Son and Daughter,
Passy, May 14. 1781.
I received your pleasing Letters of Jan. 14. & 16. and one since of the 30th of March with the Newspapers. They gave me great Pleasure, as they inform’d of your Health and that of your dear Children. Ben is well, and writes to me pretty often. I have sent you by different Vessels a Number of his Letters. Inclos’d is a Copy of one of the late Ones. The Original has been sent you; but as that may Miscarry, I send you the Copy, that you may see his English. I send also the Roughs of my Answer to him, & a little Letter to his Tutor. If I had more Leisure, as I hope I shall, I would with Pleasure attend more nearly to his Education. But he is in good Hands. Did you receive the little Drawing of him which I sent you? I continue, Thanks to God, in good Health; but grow tired of my Trade, and long for Repose.
Mr de Marbois sent me an Account of my Daughter’s patriotic Activity in collecting for the Troops, inclosing a Paper publish’d on the Occasion, which has been translated here, & I send you a Copy.—
Mr. Bache’s Ink & Paper are too nigh of a Colour. If his writing was not itself very good, I should hardly be able to read it.
The Shilela I am afraid is lost, as it is so long since she sail’d and we hear nothing of her.
I am ever,

P.S. I have written to Congress requesting they would send somebody to supply my Place, and permit me to retire, for that I find the Business too heavy for me, and too confining, being oblig’d to perform all the Functions of Consul, Judge of Admiralty, Merchant, Banker, &c. &c. besides that of Minister. I have borne the Burthen as long as I could; but I find that Age requires Rest. Yet it is not my purpose to return immediately home, unless ordered; chusing rather to remain here till the Peace, among a People that love me & whom I love, than to hazard an English Prison. My proper Situation indeed would be in my own House, with my Daughter to take care of me & nurse me in case of Illness, and with her Children to amuse me; but as this cannot well be at present, we must manage as we can. My Friend and Neighbour M. Veillard has sent his Son to live some time in Philadelphia; he is a very deserving young Man. Do you, my Daughter be a Mother to him, and his Mother and Sister will be Daughters to me. It is a most amiable Family.
To Mrs Bache