Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 1 November 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Boudinot, Elias

            Sir,
            Passy, Nov. 1. 1783

          Inclos’d is a Copy of my last, which went by the English Pacquet. I heard after I wrote it, that the French Pacquet putting back by contrary Winds, Mr. Thaxter had an Opportunity of getting on board her and that She sail’d the 26th. of September. The mentioned new Commission is not yet come to hand. Mr. Hartley is not returned, and I hear will stay for the meeting of Parliament, which is to be the 11th. Instant, and not come hither till the Recess for the Christmas Holidays. Mr. Jay went to England about three Weeks since on some personal affairs, and Mr Adams follow’d last Week to see that Country and take some Exercise during this Vacancy of Business. This Court is now at Fontainbleau but will return to Versailles in a few Days. Its good Disposition towards us continues. The late Failure of Payment in the Caisse d’Escompte, an Institution similar to the Bank of England, occasioned partly by its having gone too far in assisting the Government with Money, and the Inability of the Government to support their Credit, tho’ extreamly desirous of doing it, is a fresh Proof that our not obtaining a farther Loan was not occasioned by want of Good will to assist us, as some have unjustly supposed, but by a real Want of the Means. Money is at present unaccountably scarce here, what is arrived and expected in Spain since the Peace, it is thought will set Things to rights. The Government has proposed a second Lottery for this Year by which they borrow 24 Millions, and is fill’d readily. This helps; and the Caisse d’Escompte goes on again with its operations, but it is said the Interest paid by the lottery Plan is near 7 per Ct.

          I have received the Duplicate of your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th. July to the Commissioners, which is very satisfactory; tho’ it came to hand but lately. The first sent, via N. York has not yet appeared. I have sent Copies of it to the Hague and Madrid. The Substance is published in several Papers.
          I have acquainted the Minister of Sweden, that I have received the Ratification of the Treaty, and he has written to me that he shall be in Town in a few Days, when he will make the Exchange. The Conclusion of the Danish Treaty waits only for the Commission & Instructions from Congress. The Ambassador of Portugal inform’d me lately, that his Court had our proposed Plan under Consideration and that we should soon hear from them. I sent it to Congress by Barney, and hear the Ship is arrived. A Commission & Instructions will be wanting for that also, should the Congress be disposed to conclude a Treaty with that Nation.
          I see by the Public Prints, that the Congress have ratified the contract I made with the Minister here respecting the Loans and Aids we had received; but the Ratification itself, tho’ directed to be sent me, has never come to hand, and I am often asked for it. I beg it may be forwarded by the first Opportunity.
          There has been with me lately Mr. Pierre du Calvet, a Merchant of Montreal, who when our Army was in Canada, furnished our Generals & Officers with many things they wanted, taking their Receipts and promisory Notes for Payment; and when the English repossess’d the Country, he was imprisoned

and his Estate seized, on Account of the Services he had rendered us. He has shown me the Originals of his Papers, which I think are genuine. He produced also a Quantity of Congress Paper which he says he receiv’d in Payment for some of the Supplies, and which appear’d to me of our first Emissions, and yet all fresh and clean, as having passed thro’ no other hands. When he was discharg’d from Prison, he could not obtain Permission to go into the United States to claim the Debt, but was allow’d to go to England; and from thence he came hither to solicit Payment from me. Having no Authority to meddle with such Debts, and the Sum being considerable, I refus’d and advised him to take Passage for America, and make his Application to Congress. He said he was grown old, much broken and weakned by near 3 Years Imprisonment, and that the Voyage from Canada to London had like to have been too much for him, he being sick all the Way; so that he could not think of another, tho’ distressed for want of his Money. He appears an honest Man, and his Case a hard one. I have therefore undertaken to forward his Papers, and I beg leave to recommend them to the speedy Consideration of Congress, To whom I request you would be pleased to present my dutiful Respects, and assure them of my most faithful Services. With great Esteem & Regard, I have the Honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            B. Franklin
            His Excelly. Elias Boudinot Esqr. President of Congress

            Duplicate.

          Notation: Letter Novr. 1 1783 Doct B. Franklin duplicate Received 5 March. 1784 Referred to Mr Gerry Mr Jefferson Mr Sherman Mr Read Mr Williamson


Title: Elias Boudinot to the American Peace Commissioners, 1 November 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            Princeton 1. Nov. 1783

          I am honored by the commands of Congress to transmit you a set of instructions in consequence of your joint and seperate letters of the months of June and July last, by Captain Barney, which I do myself the honor to enclose. These were not finished till the 29th. ult. after having undergone the most mature deliberation and fullest discussion in Congress.
          Yesterday we received from Colo. Ogden the news of the signature of the definitive Treaty on the 3d. of September, and that Mr. Thaxter was on the way with the official news. We long for his arrival tho’ we have no doubt of the fact, which is also announced by the post this day from Boston.
          I do most sincerely congratulate you, Gentlemen, on this most important and happy event, which has diffused the sincerest Joy throughout these States, and the terms of which must necessarily hand down the names of its American Negociators to Posterity with the highest possible honor. May the Gratitude of your Country ever be the fair reward of all your labours.
          New York is not yet evacuated, but Sir Guy Carleton has informed our Commander in Chief, that he shall get clear of it in all this month, tho’ I think they will not dare to stay much beyond the 15th. instant.
          Your &c.

            E B

            The Honorable The Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America Paris—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 1 November 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Princeton 1st. November 1783

          My last letters to you, were on the 15th. of August and 9th. of September, on the same subject, enclosing the ratification of the Treaty with Sweden and duplicate, with an act of Congress for your altering a few words in it—striking out the word North before America in the title of the United States; and changing the title of Delaware from the three lower Counties on Delaware to the Delaware State.
          I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favours of the 12th. of June and from the 22d to the 25th. of July, by Capt. Barney.
          By the present opportunity I forward public instructions, on the subjects of your several letters, in an official letter directed to the Commissioners jointly.
          Since the receipt of yours The Baron de Beelen Bertholf arrived here from Germany, who has given us some farther information relative to that Empire. A Mr. De Boor has also arrived from the City of Hamburgh with Credentials from the Government, who seem to wish a connection with us. I enclose our answer, which I must beg the favour of your forwarding

through the proper Channel. A copy of it you have enclosed for your information.
          The plan of the peace establishment is not yet so far digested with certainty that I can give you any answer to your request of dismission or relating to your Grandson. Of this you may however be assured, that it is the prevailing disposition of Congress to do every thing for you or your Grandson that they can, consistent with the general plan they shall establish. Tho’ perhaps you are not without your enemies, yet they are so few, that I am sure they never can prevent, or even unnecessarily delay, the gratitude of your Country, which is acknowledged your just due by even the few who are suspected to be not altogether your friends. As far as I can judge of the peace establishment, it will be to employ but two or three Ministers in Europe and those not higher in Character than Residents, or simply Ministers—The business in other places to be done by Consuls. Our Finances are so very low as to require every œconomical measure.
          I have received the additional number of Medals, which, not having any particular directions from you, I distributed among the Members of Congress; presented one to the Governor of each State, and the Ministers round Congress. The compliment to the Grand Master of Malta, I doubt not, will produce good effects, and for which the commercial interests of this Country will be much indebted to you.
          Your approbation of the Revd. Mr. Wren’s conduct has produced the enclosed vote of thanks to that Gentleman. I send for

your perusal my letter to Dr. Wren, with a Diploma I obtained for him from the University in this place, which I beg you will seal and forward.
          I shall leave the Chair of Congress next Monday and return to private life at Elizabeth Town, where however I shall always think myself honored by hearing of your health & happiness.
          I have the honor to be, with the sincerest sentiments of respect and esteem, Sir, Your most obedient & very humb. Servt.

            Elias Boudinot

            P.S. If Mr. Dana has probably left Petersburgh you will be so good as to obtain the letter addressed to him, and the large Packett only containing News Papers, I submit to your Judgment whether to send on or not—
            The Treaty with Denmark is under Consideration, but for want of 9 States could not be finished in Time for this Opportunity—

          (Private)
          The honble Benj. Franklin, Esq.
          Endorsed: From the President to B Franklin Nov. 1. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz: Dedication, 1 November 1783
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Vienne en Autriche, ce 1re de novembre 1783.

            A SON EXCELLENCEMONSIEURBENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
            Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique auprès de la Cour de France, Membre de l’Académie royale des Sciences de Paris, de la Société royale de Londres, &c. &c. Président de la Société Philosophique de Philadelphie, &c.

                Monsieur,

              En faisant paroître cet Ouvrage sous vos auspices, je m’honore de votre amitié & de votre correspondance devant le public, qui connoît vos grands talens & vos succès dans les sciences physiques, & a conçu les plus hautes idées de votre caractère moral.
              Agréez, je vous prie, Monsieur, cette preuve de la vénération singulière que je vous porte, & des sentimens d’une estime distinguée, qui me sont communs avec vos compatriotes, que vous avez si bien servi; avec les physiciens, qui vous doivent des idées, des expériences & des découvertes importantes, par lesquelles les bornes de leur science sont reculées; & j’ose dire avec la génération présente que vous illustrez. Je desire que le public voie dans cet hommage, la reconnoissance dont je suis pénétré, pour l’intérêt que vous ne cessez, depuis près de vingt ans, de prendre à mes travaux physiques, les conseils dont vous m’avez aidé dans mes recherches, & l’affection particulière que vous m’avez toujours portée, & qui vous a fait dire que vous trouviez de la satisfaction à être connu comme l’ami de l’Auteur.
              Je suis, avec la plus grande estime, de Votre Excellence, Le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur & ami,

                Jean Ingen-Housz


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 3 November 1783
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris 3 9bre. 1783.

          J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser les Essais dont je vous ai parlé & que j’avois oublié de vous faire passer par ma derniere Lettre. Vous voudrez bien les faire rendre au porteur sous envelope.
          J’y joins un Essai d’Impression en Or que je viens de faire les fêtes. Je vais faire un second Essai & j’espere que je réussirai mieux.
          Je m’empresserai de vous faire part de mes differens pas dans la Carriere que je parcours; c’est un hommage que je vous dois & que je me feroi un plaisir de vous rendre.
          Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur

            Pierres
            M. franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pierres, 3 November 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pierres, Philippe-Denis

            Monsieur,
            à Passy ce 3 Nov. 1783,

          Je vous renvoïe cy inclus les Essais que vous avez bien voulu me montrer. Je vous en remercie. J’ai vû avec plaisir le Progrès que vous avez fait, dans une maniere qui differe de la mienne, quoique peut être meilleure. Je serai bien aise de vous voir, quand vous en aurez le Loisir, afin de finir notre Compte
          Je suis avec beaucoup d’estime, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur./.

            B Franklin
            M. Pierres.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dessin, 4 November 1783
From: Dessin, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Calais le 4 Novbre. 1783.

          J’ai L’honneur de vous informer que d’ordre & d’Envoi de Mr. Hartley, Je viens de vous expédier par la Diligence qui partira demain pour arriver samedi prochain à Paris, un paquet plombé accompagné d’un acquit à Caution du Bureau en destination pour la Douane de Paris. Vous avés d’autre part la note de mes frais & débours à cette expédition, Elle porte douze francs que J’ai fait suivre, & qui vous seront demandés avec le port.
          Je n’ai point encore de nouvelles des roues qui doivent me venir D’angleterre. J’aurai grand soin de vous les acheminer citot leur arrivée, Entretems J’ai L’honneur de me protester avec le plus profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble & tres dévoué serviteur

            PIERRE DESSIN

          Notation: Dessein 4 Decbre. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Flandre de Brunville, 4 November 1783
From: Flandre de Brunville, François-Antoine de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 4. 9bre. 1783.

          J’ai reçu la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire pour me demander de retarder le Jugement de l’affaire du

S. Scheffer détenu dans les Prisons du Chatelet jusqu’à ce que M. Barclay consul des Etats unis Soit de retour de Nantes. Quoique cette affaire Soit actuellement totalement instruite, je suis trop jaloux de faire quelque chose qui puisse Vous être agreable pour ne pas differer à donner mes conclusions pendant quelques jours ainsi que Vous le desirez.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être très respectueusement Monsieur, Votre très humble, et très obeissant Serviteur

            DE FLANDRE DE Brunville
            M. franklin ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 5 November 1783
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear and Honoured Sir
            Philadelphia Nov. 5th. 1783

          Most earnestly have I wished for the Definitive Treaty to arrive, and Congress to find a resting place, that they might then

have time to recall you, and our little Family be once more joined, the Treaty I am told is come, but when Congress will settle no one can say, they have lost much of the Confidence of the People since they began to wander, your old Friend General Gates, told me they were all splitting and seperateing, that no man in the world could hoop the Barrel but you, and that you were much wanted here: Your Old Friends the Vaughans are here, and have taken a house in Our Neighbourhood, I promise myself great pleasure in their Society this Winter, the time they stay’d with us on their first coming, with your recommendation of them has made me quite their Friend, I never knew altogether a more amiable Family. The dear little Children are all perfectly well and lively, tho they suffered in the summer heat particularly the youngest, which I expect will allways be the case till I am happy enough to have a retreat for them at that Season, it is true Deby was in the Country at Miss Beckwiths, but there I could not be with her, and I look upon a Mothers care to be as necessary as the fresh air, they want a great deal of attention the two or three first Summers of their lives, and some times even that does not do. You would be much pleased with Deborah the rest you know very well by description, tho she has black eyes, her skin is remarkably Fair, she talks plainer than Louis who is four years old, and about ten times as much, she calls herself her Papa’s black eyed Boy, all this day has she been abroad, a Friend of mine that has no Children is quite in love with her, when I sent for her home this evening she was set up at the teatable with the Ladies and absolutely refused returning home, I would give a great deal that you were half an hour in Company with the dear little Soul that you might be perfectly convinced I am not partial when I say she is the loveliest little Creture in the world. To oblige Miss Beckwith and do her a service I let Betsy go with her out of town, but do not think I shall permit her to return, as I think her too young to be from under a

Mothers wing, and what she can learn now very immaterial, her temper at present I wish to attend to as the most important thing, Miss B. too has a Number of young Ladies with her and cannot Miss such a Fairy, she has already made me a shift body, and done it very well but hates reading to a great degree, and never happy without work, Will if he had good masters would make a fine Fellow, he has a quick Memory, remarkable so, tho I do not think it a retentive one but time making him more steady, would make great alteration, he never thought it a trouble to learn any thing, and seems to be without dificulty when employ’d about his exercises, he loves play to his soul, and almost kill’d himself last Summer with Swimming, in which he excells but going too frequently and in the heat he was much weakened, the holidays are now given in August, and to a Boy that is to stay in the town it is rather an injury, than an advantage, I intended only to have talked to you about Our little stranger, and have some how or other introduced almost all the party, but you will not think it tedious to hear old acquaintance talked off, and I must not forget little Louis, among the Group, he is a lovely fellow, by far the most active of them all, has a great share of drollery, and is famous for dancing, loveing Custards, and hateing a Womans School. They wish to see Benjamin much, Mr Lardner a Friend of ours goes in a few days by whom I shall again write, the Children join in duty with your Afectionate Daughter

            S Bache

          Addressed: Dr: Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 5 November 1783
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris le 5 9bre 1783

          Mr Beaumont avocat whas Kind Enough to inform me that you are disposed to make me a Small Advane from time to time for my Subsistance during My Confingment, Blive me what Ever Advance your Exelency Should be Kind Enough to make me will be Returned with Gratitude before my departure from

this Country, If I have Justis Rendered me and the Only Return to me what the have taken from me when I was arrested, and what has bean Stole from me Since I have bean Arrested amounts to £5400 Livre And, As to my falts impresinment it depends upon the Discretion of the Justis, what Sum the thinck Proper to give me, theirfore have No great hopes, I desire No More then what is Just beteen man and man—
          I am allso informed that you was Kind Enough to Right a few lines to the Kings Attorney wherin you have desired that he would Render me Justis wich I asure your Exelency is a great Consolation for wich I Ever Shall acnoladeg my Self to be with Profound Respect your Exelencys Most Obedent and Veriy humble Servant

            J. Schaffer

            P.S. the bearrer of this letter is a fidel Commisiariere

          His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François-Hyacinthe Esmangart, 6 November 1783
From: Esmangart, Charles-François-Hyacinthe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            A Paris le 6. 9bre. 1783.

          Ce n’est que depuis peu de jours que la lettre que vous m’avés fait lhonneur de m’écrire le 8. 8bre. m’est parvenue. Dès Sa réception j’ai pris, Monsieur, Sur le compte du nommé John Hammon, les éclaircissements que vous desiriés. L’Amérique n’est point la patrie de ce Matelot. Il est né en Irlande; mais en 1773 il S’est rendu à Philadelphie et a passé Successivement dans plusieurs Isles. Il prétend que, Sur la fin de la derniere guerre, il a êté pris par les Anglois et envoyé au Havre pour y être échangé; mais qu’il a perdu Ses papiers, S’est égaré en route, et n’a pu obtenir Son renvoi. Vous trouverés peutêtre, Monsieur, que cette partie de Sa déclaration laisse quelque chose de louche et de peu Satisfaisant. Aureste cet homme a êté trouvé Sans passeport et mendiant. On l’a arrêté et il a êté conduit dans la maison de force de Beaulieu près Caen. Depuis le 13 Juillet que cet homme y est détenu, personne ne l’a réclamé; mais je dois, Monsieur, vous prévenir qu’il S’y est toujours bien conduit. Il paroit qu’il est d’un caractére doux et tranquile, et il Seroit à desirer que l’on lui procurât les moyens de Se livrer à Son premier état. Son desir Seroit de retourner dans le Sein des Etats unis, et Si vous avés la bonté de vous intéresser à son Sort, et de lui procurer les moyens de Se rendre à l’Orient ou dans un autre port de mer, je lui ferai rendre l’usage de la liberté, et il recevra un passeport pour qu’il puisse Se rendre à sa destination Sans être inquiétté.
          Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur./.

            Esmangart
            M. Franklin

          Notation: Esmangare 6 Nov. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Aimée de Bourzeis, [c. 7 November 1783]
From: Bourzeis, Jacques-Aimée de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            [c. November 7, 1783]

          Des faits vrais, et simplement exposés dans cette brochure, offriront les procédes de l’art de guerir en opposition aux effets de L’Empirisme.
          Je suis avec le plus profond Respect de Votre excellence. Monsieur Le très humble et tres obeïssant serviteur.

            De Bourzeis D. M. P.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 7 November 1783
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            London Novr: 7th: 1783

          I took the Liberty a few Days since To write You on the subject of certain reports lately propagated to my disadvantage, I hope that the Letter came safe to Your hands, and I have only to add, that I have both before, & since my writing, improved every Opportunity, in my power, To serve the Commerce of Our Country, particularly to have the restraint, on Our West India Trade taken off; but my acquaintance, & influence do not extend, beyond a small private Circle, though what I have said, and wrote on that subject, may possibly have reached farther, I believe it has, and have some reason to hope, that those and some other restraints, will be removed, or moderated, whither they are, or not, I have done my duty, as a private Volunteer, in the service. I have wrote a long Letter to Mr. Barclay, and one to Col Wadsworth, on the subject of my Accts., and hope that what I have said, and the documents which I have Transmitted, will facilitate a settlement for which I am extremely impatient. I propose to send Mr sebor to Paris, if I can have any prospect of closing by that means my Accts. I have the honor To be with much respect Your most Obedt & Very huml: servt.

            S Deane

            P.S. I have taken the Liberty to enclose my Letter To Col Wadsworth to Your Care— My Compliments To Your Grandson Mr W T Franklin.

         His Excelly. Benja: Franklin Esqr.
          Addressed: His Excelly. / Benjn Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipoty. for the United / States of America in France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 9 November 1783
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            I.

              Dear & Hond: Sir
              Philadelphia Novr. 9th. 1783

            Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Rucker, who tho’ a native of England, has formerly resided in France; and having spent a few Months in this Country, I have had the pleasure of his acquaintance; and have formed a favorable opinion of him— I wish to recommend him to your notice & Civilities, as a Gentleman very deserving of them— I wrote to you & Benny per Capt. Barney who sailed this day with a fair Wind; I have put on board of him, the Seeds, Grafts, Apples & Nuts you wrote for, & wish them safe to your hands.
            I am ever Dear Sir Your affectionate Son.

              Rich: Bache
              Dr. Franklin.

            Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / at / Passy. / Favored by Mr. Rucker.

            II.

              Dear & Hond: Sir
              Philadelphia November 9th. 1783.

            This I hope will be handed you by my very particular & worthy Friend Mr. John Lardner, Son of the late Mr. Linford Lardner of this City— I take the liberty of introducing him, not

only as my particular Friend, but as a Gentleman highly deserving your notice & Esteem— Should he at any time require your advice in any matters, or your assistance in monied matters, you may rely on his faith & integrity— Your giving full Credence to this recommendation, will ever oblige Dear Sir Your affectionate Son

              Rich Bache
              Dr. Franklin

          Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / at / Passy / favored by Mr. Lardner.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marsilio Landriani: Résumé, 9 November 1783
From: Landriani, Marsilio
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          ⟨Milan, November 9, 1783, in Italian: I would fail in the commission given to me by the Imperial Court of publishing a

mémoire raisonné on the utility of conductors, in order to make their use more common among us, if before its publication I did not write to you, the illustrious and celebrated gentleman to whom we owe this great discovery. Not knowing you personally, I asked my dear friend Monsieur de Saussure to request from you all the information you have about the use of conductors and those that have been erected in the United States, because I seek to persuade a people for whom this carries more authority than all philosophical arguments. I will include at the end of my memoir a list of conductors that have been installed in different parts of Europe. To this end I have contacted friends in Germany, France, and England, etc. who have provided the relevant information.
          At present I am only lacking information regarding the United States, which I consider crucial because it is rumored that in America there have been many cases in which conductors proved dangerous. Any communication from you will be sufficient to remove this prejudice, which prevents the public from adopting conductors.
          Count di Wilzeck, who succeeded Count di Firmian as imperial commissioner and minister plenipotentiary in Austrian

Lombardy, asked me to offer you his services and assure you of his highest esteem. I lent him the Constitutions of the United States, which M. de Saussure sent me, and he would like to have a copy in English. He would have asked this himself but did not dare, not being known to you. If you can grant him this favor, please send the book to the following address [which he provides].

            P.S. I wrote to you in Italian because I know that you understand it very well. However, your reply can be in English, which I understand fairly well.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 9 November 1783
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris ce 9 9bre 1783

          As my avocat has Just informed me affter the information He has made that in Justis to my Self it will be the Shortest way to bring my Cause to a Conclution. The Partis has Even made a Proposition to arange the affair but Knowing my inosance am determend to bring on my trial as Soon as Possible in order to Convince to the world of my inosance.
          Theirfore as thiere is Seaverl trials Comming on in a few days Should be happe to be on of the first, but as your Exelency was Kind Enough to Right a few lines to the Kings atterney in order Not to bring on my trial untill the arrivel of Mr Barclay, theirfore will prevent him from Giving in his Conclutions untill he hears further from you, Mr Beaumont will Explain to you my Reason for bringing on the Conclution of my affair.
          Theirefore if your Exelency will be Kind Enough only to Right a few lines to the Kings Attoney in order to give his Conclution as Soon as Possible it will be an adetion upon the maney Obligations Confered upon your Exelenys Most Obedent & Very humble Servant

            J Schaffer
            His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 12 November 1783
From: Collinson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Southgate. Middlesex Nov. 12th— 1783—
            My dear Friend,

          At length the lenient hand of Time, hath in part effected, what was refused to Philosephy and Reason; I therefore find myself enabled to indulge my Wish of addressg. a Line to you; affectionately to inquire after your Welfare, both in Body and Mind— This I cannot well do, to so particular a Friend, without touching on my late Calamities; but as such Subjects are never agreeable; I will be as brief as possible— The Seeds of that Harvest of Sorrow, which I have lived to reap, were not sown by myself— On the Decease of my Partner and Brother in law, J B, I found, when his Papers came into my Hands; that by his easy Belief, and deficiency in those Abilities and Knowledge of Mankind, which were so conspicuous in his Father; he had involved Affairs so deeply—that tho’ I did not despair; yet I trembled, when I beheld it. The Times that succeeded were remarkably Adverse to the Banking Business— Money became very scarce—its high Value induced every Body to employ it; at large Interest in Discounts, Loans and other Governmt. Securities— Under these additional Disadvantages and Pressures; the House, consisting of myself, and my Nephew Tritton, still subsisted, and from our constant Attendance, and unremitting Exertions, we flattered ourselves, that gradually all Difficulties

would be finally surmounted—but, alas! the sudden Demands for Money, for the then New Loan—where so great; that in the [sh]ort Space of two Days; the Cash of the House sunk so rapidly—that we almost lost all Spirit and Courage. However we thought it our Duty, as well as our Interest; to continue the House if possible— Accordingly, we made one great Effort; on which we had plac’d no inconsiderable Reliance; but which was only adviseable from the suddenness of the Emergency— We convened late at Night such Bankers, as could immediately be found in the City—and made known to them our Situation— They replied; that for the Support of Publick Credit; for their own sakes, and for ours, they truly wished to support us—but, that they perceiv’d no small Sum could do us any service; and that the Times did not render it prudent to advance a very large one— This fatal Moment was decisive— All our Hopes immediately vanish’d— Therefore (that all our Connections might fare alike) we came to the afflicting Conclusion, not to open the Bank next Morning; either to receive, or pay— A Week, or even four Days, before this dreadful Night, we did not see any Reason, why we should be compelld to stop more than we had done at any other Period for a Year before. The Event, tho with Pain I contemplate it, as a Loss to many; has fallen with the most ruinous Force on myself— I have worse than fruitlessly consumed sixteen Yeats of my Life, and by coming into the House, have lost all my own private Fortune, towards Thirty Thousand Pounds, besides Twenty Thousand Pounds more the House owed me, on my Partnership Claim; so that, at five and fifty, after handling Millions; I found myself strippd of every thing—had no Provision for my Wife & Son, but what I now owe to the Humanity and Liberality of my Friends—just sufficient to enable me to live in a small but decent House in the Village from whence this is written; I mean not however to convey to my Friend an Idea, that I am destitute of every Consolation,

since I have not lost in my present Situation, those wise and virtuous Friends which form so considerable a Part of my Happiness in the midst of my apparent Prosperity; they kindly visit me here; as all the best Families do around us— This Testimony of the Worlds Discrimination between Misfortune, and intentional Evil, affords me no small Comfort; and the more so—as my own Conscience acquits me of ever forming any Design to injure any Man— Pardon this Detail; it will never be repeated.
          By residing in the Country I now sit down at the George and Vulture only as I happen to be occasionally in Town, and from having spent great part of the Summer amongst my old Banking-Connections at Bath and Bristol I am not furnished with any new philosophical Subject meriting your Notice—except one derived from your Letter to Sr Jos. Banks on the Air Balloons—which a Friend of mine had the pleasure of hearing read at the R. S last Thursday—several Experiments of the like nature are making here—tho’ they are checked a little by the cui bono?— A Consideration which (in my Opinion) ought not to have so much force, as is frequently given to it. Who for Instance, who first observ’d the Magnet attract Iron, could foresee that so simple an Effect—would lead us to discover new Worlds.
          Your friend Mitchell has I hear, succeeded at length, in his large Speculum—and I weekly expect a Letter with Particulars— Herschell has also effected one, I apprehend about 2 feet diamr. and intends proceeding from larger to larger— When I paid him a Visit and lodged at his House at Datchet last Spring, he shew’d me the Mould for casting one, I think of 38 ins. diamr, but having mislaid the Memorandum of it, am not quite

certain. By this means we may reasonably hope that a sufficient quantity of Light will be gained to sustain a distinct magnifying Power of 2. or even 3000; perhaps more—since it is possible to see with Herschell’s 6000. As several of the Stars, which I look’d at thro’ his largest Telescope, illuminated the Tube with such vivid azure, topaz, and garnet colour’d Rays; I suggested to him, whether it might not be worth while to make some Experiments on them with the Prism, and [see?] whether he could not analyze the Light of those distant Suns, [as?] we do that of ours—some new Colours perhaps might arise; [at worst?] it might be discover’d whether the Stars afford the same original Colours as our Sun—whether aranged in the like Order &— Indeed Light is of so wonderful a nature, that I have ever most earnestly wish’d to make further Discoveries; for I well recollect what you once said to me, “That there was nothing in which you was more in the Dark about; than Light”— My long Absence from Town renders me a Stranger to what Hers[chell] has done in this affair—and also whether it is settled, that the [per]iodical Occulation of Algol, is occasioned by a [large?] Spot on its Surface, or by a large Planet revolving round it. [Torn: word or words missing] his attempt to determine whether the fix’d Stars have any observable Parallax—ingenious as his Method is—it must require much Time.
          Now my worthy Friend; if such a Writer as Horace could say he sinned against the Publick-Weal by the Length of his Address to [Mae]cenas; what is to become of me?— However I cannot avoid adding, that I have had the Satisfaction of hearing of your Welfare from Time to Time by our worthy and mutual Friend D Barclay; and am likely to have further opportunities this Winter of having that Satisfaction repeated in my

morning visits to Sr Jo. Banks, who kindly lamenting to me, that my select & valuable Library, consisting of more than eight Thousand Vols. was now [Sc]atterd abroad; most genteely and liberally invited me to use his, as my own, to be equally open to me, whether he was in Town or out—
          When I consider the weighty and important Affairs that daily solicit your Attention, I can scarce venture to indulge myself in the Hope of being favourd with a Line from you—yet knowing your long & steady Friendship to my Family & to myself, I am unwilling utterly to despair; and therefore have added such an Address at Foot, as will find its way to the Habitation of your ever faithful and truly affectionate Friend—

            Thos. Collinson.

            P.S. Since our Calamities my late Partner, my Nephew Tritton, has been taken into Partnership into the very respectable House of Messrs. Barclay, Bevan & Co. Bankers in Lombard Street; and a few months since, has married our Frd. D. Barclay’s Neice, the eldest Daughter of his Brother Jno. Barclay— Therefore any Letter directed to that House, for me, will be taken all due Care of—

          Addressed: Pour son Excellence / Monr. le Docteur Franklin / a Passy / pres Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lenoir, 13 November 1783
From: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Ce 13 9bre. 1783

          J’ai L’honneur de vous Envoyer, Monsieur, la permission nécessaire, pour que la Caisse de Livres arrivée à la Douanne, Soit délivrée au S. Desaint à qui elle est adressée, ou a toute autre

personne, que vous chargerez de la retirer, Sans passer à la Chambre Syndicale.
          Je Suis avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre très Obeissant Serviteur.

            Lenoir
            M francklin.

          Notation: Le Noir 13. 9bre. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 18 November 1783
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,—
            General Post Office Novr. 18. 1783.

          I beg leave to send you inclosed a Copy of the Advertisement, which will be published in this Night’s Gazette and in all the London, Dublin and Edinburgh News Papers, relative to the Packet Boats established to support a Monthly Correspondence between Falmouth and New York, corrected according to the judicious alterations you proposed in the Letter you were pleased to write me the 29th. past.
          I shall send a few Copies of it to your old Colleague Mr. Foxcroft, for his Government, who is to remain as Agent for the Packet Boats at New York; and if you should approve of the Sketch of the Advertisement, calculated for the United States, which I submitted to your better Judgement the 19th. of September last for your Corrections or Alterations, I could wish you would send it to America for publication, either by the French Packet Boats, or ours, or both, and I shall be happy to forward it or any Letters you may have to write upon this occasion, or any other, being with true Respect, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant

            Anth Todd Secy
            His Excellency Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, 19 November 1783
From: Bancroft, Edward Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Cher Docteur
              Chiswick ce 19 Novr. 1783

            J’ai attendu longtemps à vous écrire & je pense que vous vous étes bien impatienté tout le temps que nous avons été séparés. Je vous eus écris plutôt, mais je voulois un peu connoitre l’Angleterre. Nous fumes dix jours dans notre voyage, nous nous embarquames à Dunkerque, débarquames à Chatham, & arrivames à Londres le lendemain matin tous en bonne santé, Dieu merci. Un mois & demi après notre arrivée à Londres, mon Papa partit pour Philadelphie après nous avoir mis en pension chez le Dr. Rose à Chiswick. J’aime Londres c’est une belle ville, très propre de la grandeur de Paris, on prétend même que le nombre d’habitants est égal. Je m’accoutume aux mets des Anglois dont les François ont si mauvaise opinion; leur grosse viande, leur Pudding en gateau sont excellents. Faites mes compliments à Mr Puech & a Mde Montgommery.
            Je suis avec le plus profond respect, Cher Docteur, Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur

              Edwrd. Nathl. Bancroft

            Répondez moi le plutôt qu’il vous sera possible./.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Dr. Franklin à / Passy près Paris / En France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 19 November 1783
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear friend.
              Vienna Nov. 19. 1783.

            I recieved your favour dated Passy Sept. 2. 1783, with an inclosed of Mr. Samuel Lewis Wharton, which Contained a bill of exchange of 8000 L. tournois. He refers to a lettre which mr. Sam. Wharton wrote to me on the 14 of April by the Way of France and on the 29 of may by the way of France, of which letters none came to right, which is probably owing to the want of paying the postage to the frontiers of Germany or from Holland to Frankford. As there will probably go regular paquets from America to France and Holland, you would Doe a service to your country and to all Europe now greately interested in the Correspondence with America, if you ordred to be publish’d through your Country, that all lettres directed to any place beyond France or Holland must first be payed for to Frankford and that they can not be recieved at the post office without this postage being payed, and that, for security’s Sake, such letters will be marked at the post office in America postage payed to Frankford. Without a similar precaution the most part of letters Send from America will only be thrown in the post office of the place where the ship arrives, and there they will remain for ever.
            I found in your lettre inclosed also a print of the allarm of the peasants at Goness and a copy of your lettre to Sir joseph Banks on that subject, for which both recieve my harty thanks. I was in hopes of recieving a copy of the next lettre you probably have or will write to him on that Subjects. I think the aerial ballons a object of great importance and should very much like to See one going up. I should be glad to know accurately in which way they are filled with inflammable air. As much as I can gess by the account of news papers, they only burn coals or straw in the middel of the ballon or under it, by which means the air within is become lighter by heat and mixed also with a miphitic air lighter than Common air and remaining therefor within the ballon. You would oblige me to give me some light in this

affaire— I hope you have recieved my lettre Dated Aug. 15th and one afterwards containing a bill of exchange on Amsterdam to be Send to a nursery Man or Gardener in America on account of our vice-chancelour of Bohemia. I should be glad to know, whether you forwarded it, as Count Choteck should like to know it— As to the different questions of the former letter, never mind whether you answer on all of them or only on Som— I employed the 8000 Livr. sent me by mr. Wharton in the mercantil undertaking, which is a goying on in king’s ships from france to China, for private concerns by why of actions.
            If I may trust on what mr. le Begue writes me, my book now allready two years in the press will soon come out. I have matter enough ready for a second volum of my book on Vegetables, but am at a loss how to get it printed as I am afrayed of its remaining, just as the present book, some years in the press by avarice and want of faith of the bookseller. A second Volum of the Collection of Detached opuscula, of which you have a Copy in the German language, will soon be printed here. Mr. Molitor, how [who] translated the first volum from my manuscripts, is busy with it— Mr. le Begue has sent me a pamphlet of mr. Lavoisier on heat Containing experiments made by order of the Royal academie: but I See they have nothing similar to what you will find in my book now printing— I should be proud of the honour of being made a membre of your Philosophical Society of Philadelphia. If you still keep Connection with it, as

President, I should be obliged to you to propose me— I have not seen mr. Vynbrenner and doe not know whether you forwarded to him the introductory letters you promish’d to send him for his commissary whose name I mentioned to you— I am sorry to see that your old masters, after being humbled by you more than any nation was ever before, exert the small remains of their usual pride and haughtiness against my Country, where they are now generaly hated as much as in America. I trust however, that the Dutch will no more submit their necks under the yoke of that Corrupted nation.
            I hope you will find some leasure hour to let me know Some news from you.
            I begg the favour of forwarding the inclosed packet containing M.S. for the press, to Mr. le Begue, and the others to America. Have you some fresh American news papers to spare?
            I am with the greatest estime Dear friend Your most obedient humble servant

              J. Ingen Housz

            I am informed that Mr. Sam. Wharton is in som difficulty about an immense tract of land he baught from the indians, and that the affaire is braught in Congress to be decided, and that there is good hoop of his Succeeding.

          to his Exc. Benjam. Franklin at Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Louis-Valentin Goëzmann] de Thurn, [c. 19 November 1783]
From: Goëzmann de Thurn, Louis-Valentin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [c. November 19, 1783]

            Memoire
            M. de Thurn, de la Societé Roiale de Metz, issû d’une trés ancienne famille d’Allemagne, Etablie depuis Deux siecles dans la province d’Alsace, aujourd’huy sous la domination de la france, et allie aux meilleures maisons de cette province, réclame la bienveillance et l’appui du ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats-unis de L’Amerique, pour le sucçés du projet qu’il a formé d’aller S’Etablir sous leur domination, avec le Seul Enfant qui lui reste, et d’y transporter toute sa fortune.
            Il est d’un pays, où la culture de la vigne forme une des grandes occupations des gens de la Campagne; mais comme on n’y a trouvé jusqu’à present des débouchés qu’en Suisse, une tres grande quantité de vignerons, dont la subsistence est devenue si difficile dans un pays accablé d’impots, et qui manque de Commerce, se determineroient aisément à le quitter, pour adopter une patrie plus heureuse.
            Il a le désir le plus ardent de Contribuer, suivant tous ses moiens, à la prosperité des Etats-unis en General, et de celle des Colonies en particulier, qui voudra l’adopter.
            Mais pour rassembler ces moiens, et pouvoir offrir aux Etats-unis Sa personne et Sa fortune, il a besoin de L’Entremise et de L’appui de leur ministre plenipotentiaire.
            Il ne jouit quant à present que de 4000 Liv. de pension, dont 2000 sur le trésor Roial, et 2000 sur les fonds des affaires Etrangeres, que M. Le Comte de Vergennes lui a fait accorder dernierement à son retour de Londres.

            Mais il a une créance Considerable sur le domaine d’Alsace, pour raison de la quelle, et d’un traitement dont il jouissoit cy-devant sur la finance, il lui a eté promis, de la part du Roi, une indemnité.
            C’est pour l’obtention de cette indemnité qui le mettroit à meme d’offrir aux Etats-unis Des services réelement utiles, en Cooperant de sa fortune à l’avancement de la Culture, de la population, et de L’industrie De la Colonie où il S’Etabliroit, qu’il réclame les secours et l’appui de leur ministre plenipotentiaire auprès de la Cour de france.
            Il Espere que ce ministre s’y prêtera d’autant plus facilement, qu’il ne s’agit que de l’exécution litterale Des titres les plus respectables qui existent parmi les hommes, et des promesses Contenues dans un Bon signé de la main du Roi.
            A L’Effet de quoi il a l’honneur de joindre à ce mémoire une copie Certifiée de celui Sur le quel ce Bon du Roi est intervenu, et qui fera voir au ministre des Etats-unis, que c’est pour avoir secondé leur Cause et leurs interets autant qu’il a Dépendu de lui, Durant le Guerre et dans un pays ennemi, que le Roi lui a fait ces promesses.
            Et afin de manifester dèz à present qu’il n’est occupé que de ce qui peut Contribuer au plus Grand interêt des Etats-unis, il a l’honneur de joindre ici un memoire sur un projet de Commerce de vin, qui peut promettre les plus grands avantages à la Compagnie Ameriquaine qui L’Entreprendroit.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 20 November 1783
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My dear Sir,
            Boston Novr 20th. 1783

          I never in all my Life wrote a Letter with half the Difficulty of this— Sick in my Chamber, attended by two Physicians &c. But I could not allow the Chevr. de Bonne leave without bringing to you my warmest Thanks for introducing to the Acqaintance of a Gentleman of such fine Talents & promising Abilities. You seem to speak of him as designed for the Service of his Country in America somehow in the Consular Line.
          This is an important Line indeed; and upon many Accounts. I can write no more at present, but as soon as my Health is restored I will write and do all in my Power to aid the Views of the Chevr, and His Friends who appear so very respectable, as far as Prudence will allow. Pray write me what you think proper on the Subject.
          Your’s in every Sense

            Saml. Cooper
            His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

          Endorsed: The last Letter from my dear Friend Dr Cooper, who dy’d in January following
          Notation: Saml. Cooper, Nov. 20 1783.—


Title: Franklin et al.: Procès-verbal of Montgolfier Balloon Experiment, 21 November 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

          aujourd’hui 21 novembre 1783 au chateau de la muette. L’on à procedé à une expérience de la machine aerostatique de m. de montgolfier
          Le Ciel etant Couvert de nuages dans plusieurs parties, clair dans D’autres, le vent nordouest. à midy. 8 minutte lon à tiré une Boitte, qui a Servi de Signal pour annoncer qu’on Commencoit à remplir la machine. En 8 minutte malgré le vent, elle a êté développée dans tous les points, et prette à partir m. le marquis d’arlandes, et m. pilatre de rozier etant dans la Gallerie.
          La 1ere intention etoit de faire enlever la machine et de la

retennir avec des Cordes, pour la metre à lepreuve, etudier les poids exacts quelle pouvoit porter, et voir si tout etoit Convenablement disposé pour l’expérience importante qu’on alloit tenter.
          Mais la machine poussée par le vent loin de s’èlever verticalement, s’est dirigée Sur une des allées du jardin et les Cordes qui la retennoient agissant avec trop de force ont occasionné plusieur dechirures dont une de plus de six pieds de longeur. La machine ramenée Sur lestrade, a êté rèparée en moins de deux heures.
          Ayant êté remplie de nouveau, elle est partie à une heure 54 minuttes portant les mêmes personnes. On l’a vue S’èlever de la maniere la plus majestueuse et lorsquelle a êté parvenue, a environ deux cent Cinquante pieds de hauteur, les intrepides voyageurs, Baissant leur chapeau, ont Salué les specteurs. L’on n’a pu S’empecher d’eprouver alors un espece de Sentiment, melé de crainte et d’admiration.
          Bientot les navigateurs aeriens on êté perdu de vue, mais la machine plannant sur l’horizon et étalant la plus Belle forme a monté au moins à trois mille pieds de hauteur ou elle est toujours restée visible; elle a traversé la Seine au dessous de la Bariere de la Conférence, et passant de la entre l’ecole militaire et l’hotel royal des invalides, elle a êté à portée d’etre vue de tout paris.
          Les voyageurs Satisfait de cette expérience, et ne voulant pas faire une plus grande Cource Se Sont Concerté pour descendre, mais voyant que le vent les portoit Sur les maisons de la rue de Seve fauxbourg st Germain, ils ont Conservé leur Sang froid, et developpant du gaz, ils Se Sont elevès de nouveau, et ont Continué leur route dans lair jusqu’a ce quils aient eu depassé paris.
          Ils Sont descendu alors tranquillement dans la Campagne au dela du nouveau Boulevard vis a vis le moulin de Croulebarbe Sans avoir eprouvé la plus legere incommodité, ayant encore dan leur Gallerie les deux tiers de leur approvisionement, ils pouvoient donc franchir S’ils leussent desiré une espace triple de Celui qu’ils ont parcouru.
          Leur route a êté de quatre a cinq mille toises et le tems qu’ils y employé de 20 a vingt cinq minuttes.
          Fait au chateau de la muette a Cinq heures du soir.
          Cette machine avoit 70 pieds de hauteur 46 pied de diametre,

elle Contennoit 60 000 pieds Cubes, et le poid quelle a enlevè etoit d’environ 16 a 17 Cent livres.

            Le duc de polignacD’HunaudLe D. de guinesB FranklinLe cte. de polastronLe cte. de VaudreuilFAUJAS DE SAINT FONDDelisleLe Royde L’Acad des Sciences


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron von Blome, 21 November 1783
From: Blome, Baron Otto von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              à Paris, ce 21. Novbre. 1783.

            Le Soussigné Envoyé Extraordinaire de Sa Majesté Danoise près Sa Majesté Très-Chretienne est chargé par ordre exprès de Sa Cour d’exposer à Monsieur Franklin, Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis de L’Amérique près Sa Majesté Très-Chretienne, le Fait suivant:
            Le Vaisseau Danois la Providentia, Cape. André Brun, appartenant à Erasmus Dybevad à Christiania en Norvège, avoit

été fretté à Londres en Juillet 1781, pour aller avec une Cargaison consistant en marchandises Sèches à L’Isle de Saint-Thomas en Amérique; Le 27. Octobre, étant à la hauteur de l’Isle Téneriffe, il fut rencontré par le Corsaire Américain the Henrick, Cape. Thomas Benson, ou Bentzon, portant Pavillon Anglois, qui sans aucun égard pour le Pavillon Danois S’en empara et L’envoya à Salem, où il n’est arrivé que le 7. Janvier Suivant, après avoir été mené dans cet intervalle le long des Còtes, dont il a été fort endommagé.
            Par le Jugement d’une Cour maritime tenue à Boston en Fevrier 1782, ce Batiment a été remis en liberté, en lui payant à peu près la moitié du Fret, sans aucun autre Dédommagement; et quant à la Cargaison, elle a été confisquée au profit des Capteurs, sous prétexte qu’elle étoit de propriété Angloise.
            Sans s’arrèter à ce qu’il y a eù d’irrégulier dans la Procédure, les Proprietaires et Intéressés tant du Vaisseau que de la Cargaison sont en droit de reclamer la Réstitution entiere avec une Indemnité proportionnée aux Dommages qu’ils ont soufferts par cette Saisie illégale.
            Les Piéces cy-jointes no. 6–12, contenant les Déclarations, Factures et Comptes, produits dans la forme requise, constatent que la perte pour les Proprietaires du Batiment monte

                à £726:17.

                et celle de la Cargaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                a £24567. 8. 2

                faisant en total la Somme de . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                25294: 5. 2

            Livres Sterling, qu’ils réclament justement avec les Interèts à 5. pour Cent â compter du 1r. Janvier 1782.
            La Cour de Dannemarc ne peut qu’appuyer leur Réclamation, parcequ’elle est fondée sur les principes de la Liberté et de la Sureté du Pavillon Neutre, principes que les Etats-Unis de L’Amérique ont temoigné de reconnoitre pour justes et

conformes au Droit des Nations libres et indépendantes, et qui ont été déclarés par la Convention maritime des Neutres aux Puissances Belligérantes. Les Circonstances n’avoient pas permis jusqu’ici de demander au Congrès des Etats-Unis la Satisfaction duë au Pavillon de Sa Majesté Danoise; Mais après les preuves multipliées et non équivoques que Sa Majesté lui a données de Son Amitié et de Son Affection Sincères, Elle espere avec une entiere confiance dans les Sentiments de Justice et d’Equité du Congrès, qu’Il ne se refusera pas à faire Droit à cette Demande légitime.

              de Blome

            Monsieur Franklin est prié de vouloir bien renvoyer les Pièces cy-jointes no. 6–12, aprés en avoir fait usage.

          Endorsed: Minister of Denmark


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ignaz Edler von Born, 21 November 1783
From: Born, Ignaz Edler von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur!
            Vienne ce 21 Novr 1783.

          Les bontés, avec lesquelles Vous avés accueilli Mr. le Professeur Märter pendant Son Sejour a Paris, avant Son depart pour l’Amerique Septentrionale, m’encourage a Vous prier de lui faire parvenir la lettre ci jointe. Ce Märter est mon Eleve, mon disciple, mon ami. Je l’ai proposé a l’Empereur pour le voyage en Amerique, et j’espere, que les decouvertes, qu’il fera en Histoire naturelle justifieront le choix, que j’en ai fait. Ce petit paquet contient les instructions ulterieures pour ce Märter. Il

m’interesse beaucoup qu’elles lui parviennent pendant Son Sejour a Philadelphie. La part que Vous prennés aux progrés des Sciences, qui Vous doivent tant, me fait esperer, que Vous me pardonnerés d’avoir osé m’addresser la dessus a Vous.
          S’il est flatteur aux Souverains de recevoir des hommages des peuples Sauvages, dont le nom meme leur est inconnu, je crois que Vous dont le nom regnera eternellement dans le monde politique et literaire, ne dedaignerés pas d’accepter les hommages d’un homme dont le nom ne peut jamais etre parvenu jusqu’a Vous.
          Le porteur de cette lettre est Mr. Stratmann, envoyé par S.M. l’Empereur pour acheter une partie des livres de la bibliotheque du Duc de la Valiere. Je lui envie le bonheur de Vous presenter Ses respects.
          Je suis avec la veneration et le respect le plus vrai Monsieur Votre tres humble et trés obeissant Serviteur

            Ignace Chvr. BornConseiller aulique de S.M. l’Empereur.

          Endorsed: Nov 21. 83
          Notation: Ignace Cher. Born 21 Nov 83


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, November 22–25, 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Banks, Joseph

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, Novr. 21st. [i.e., 22–25] 1783

          I received your friendly Letter of the 7th. Inst. I am glad my Letters respecting the Aerostatic Experiment were not unacceptable. But as more perfect Accounts of the Construction and Management of that Machine have been and will be published before your Transactions, and from which Extracts may be made that will be more particular and therefore more satisfactory, I think it best not to print those letters. I say this in answer to your Question: for I did not indeed write them with a view of their being inserted. Mr. Faujas de St. Fond acquainted me yesterday, that a Book on the Subject which has been long expected, will be publish’d in a few Days, and I shall send you one of them. Enclosed is a Copy of the Procés verbal taken of the Experiment made yesterday in the Garden of the Queen’s Palace la Muette, where the Dauphin now resides, which being near my House I was present. This Paper was drawn up hastily, and may in some Places appear to you obscure; therefore I shall add a few explanatory Observations.
          This Balloon was larger than that which went up from Versailles and carried the Sheep &c. Its bottom was open, and in the middle of the Opening was fixed a kind of Basket Grate in

which Faggots and Sheaves of Straw were burnt. The Air rarified in passing thro’ this Flame rose in the Balloon, swell’d out its sides and fill’d it.
          The Persons who were plac’d in the Gallery made of Wicker, and attached to the Outside near the Bottom, had each of them a Port thro’ which they could pass Sheaves of Straw into the Grate to keep up the Flame, & thereby keep the Balloon full. When it went over our Heads, we could see the Fire which was very considerable. As the Flame slackens, the rarified Air cools and condenses, the Bulk of the Balloon diminishes and it begins to descend. If those in the Gallery see it likely to descend in an improper Place, they can by throwing on more Straw, & renewing the Flame, make it rise again, and the Wind carries it farther.
          La Machine poussée par le Vent s’est dirigée sur une des Allées du Jardin. That is against the Trees of one of the Walks. The Gallery hitched among the top Boughs of those Trees which had been cut and were stiff, while the Body of the Balloon lean’d beyond and seemed likely to overset. I was then in great Pain for the Men, thinking them in danger of being thrown out, or burnt, for I expected that the Balloon being no longer upright, the Flame would have laid hold of the inside that leaned over it. But by means of some Cords that were still attach’d to it, it was soon brought upright again, made to descend, & carried back to its place. It was however much damaged.
          Planant sur l’Horizon. When they were as high as they chose to be, they made less Flame and suffered the Machine to drive Horizontally with the Wind, of which however they felt very little, as they went with it, and as fast. They say they had a charming View of Paris & its Environs, the Course of the River, &c but that they were once lost, not knowing what Part they were over, till they saw the Dome of the Invalids which rectified their Ideas. Probably while they were employed in keeping up the Fire, the Machine might turn, and by that means they were desorientés as the French call it.
          There was a vast Concourse of Gentry in the Garden, who had great Pleasure in seeing the Adventurers go off so

chearfully, & applauded them by clapping, &c. but there was at the same time a good deal of Anxiety for their Safety. Multitudes in Paris saw the Balloon passing, but did not know there were Men with it, it being then so high that they could not see them.
          Developpant du Gaz. That is, in plain English, burning more straw; for tho’ there is a little Mystery made, concerning the kind of Air with which the Balloon is filled, I conceive it to be nothing more than hot Smoke or common Air rarify’d, tho’ in this I may be mistaken.
          Aiant encore dans leur Galerie le deux tiers de leur Approvisionement. That is their Provision of Straw, of which they carried up a great Quantity. It was well that in the hurry of so hazardous an Experiment, the Flame did not happen by any accidental Mismanagement to lay hold of this Straw; tho’ each had a Bucket of Water by him, by Way of Precaution.
          One of these courageous Philosophers, the Marquis d’Arlandes, did me the honour to call upon me in the Evening after the Experiment with Mr. Montgolfier the very ingenious Inventor. I was happy to see him safe. He informed me they lit gently without the least Shock, and the Balloon was very little damaged.
          This Method of filling the Balloon with hot Air is cheap and expeditious, and it is suppos’d may be sufficient for certain purposes, such as elevating an Engineer to take a View of an Enemy’s Army, Works, &c. conveying Intelligence into, or out of a besieged Town, giving Signals to distant Places, or the like.
          The other Method of filling a Balloon with permanently elastic inflammable Air, and then closing it, is a tedious Operation, and very expensive. Yet we are to have one of that kind sent up in a few Days. It is a Globe of 26 feet diameter. The Gores that compose it are red and white Silk so that it makes a beautiful appearance. A very handsome triumphal Car will be suspended to it, in which Messrs. Robert, two Brothers, very ingenious Men, who have made it in concert with Mr. Charles, propose to go up. There is room in this Car for a little Table to be placed between them, on which they can write and keep their Journal, that is, take Notes of every thing they observe, the State of their Thermometer, Barometer, Hygrometer &c which they will have more leisure to do than the others, having no fire to

take Care of. They say they have a contrivance which will enable them to descend at Pleasure I know not what it is. But the Expence of this Machine, Filling included, will exceed it is said, 10,000 Livres.
          This Balloon of only 26 feet diameter being filled with Air ten times lighter than common Air, will carry up a greater Weight than the other, which tho’ vastly bigger was filled with an Air that could scarcely be more than twice as light— Thus the great Bulk of one of these Machines, with the short duration of its Power; & the great Expence of filling the other will prevent the Invention’s being of so much Use, as some may expect, till Chemistry can invent a cheaper light Air producible with more Expedition.
          But the Emulation between the two Parties running high; the Improvement in the Construction and Management of the Balloons has already made a rapid Progress; and one cannot say how far it may go. A few Months since the Idea of Witches riding thro’ the Air upon a Broomstick; and that of Philosophers upon a Bag of Smoke, would have appear’d equally impossible and ridiculous.
          These Machines must always be subject to be driven by the Winds. Perhaps Mechanic Art may find easy means to give them progressive Motion in a Calm, and to slant them a little in the Wind.
          I am sorry this Experiment is totally neglected in England where mechanic Genius is so strong. I wish I could see the same Emulation between the two Nations as I see between the two Parties here: Your Philosophy seems to be too bashful. In this Country we are not so much afraid of being laught at. If we do a foolish Thing, we are the first to laugh at it ourselves, and are almost as much pleased with a Bon Mot or a good Chanson, that ridicules well the Disappointment of a Project, as we might have been with its Success. It does not seem to me a good reason to decline prosecuting a new Experiment which apparently increases the Power of Man over Matter, till we can see to what

Use that Power may be applied. When we have learnt to manage it, we may hope some time or other to find Uses for it, as Men have done for Magnetism and Electricity, of which the first Experiments were mere Matters of Amusement.
          This Experiment is by no means a trifling one. It may be attended with important Consequences that no one can foresee. We should not suffer Pride to prevent our progress in Science. Beings of a Rank and Nature far Superior to ours have not disdained to amuse themselves with making and launching Balloons, otherwise we should never have enjoyed the Light of those glorious Objects that rule our Day & Night, nor have had the Pleasure of riding round the Sun ourselves upon the Balloon we now inhabit.
          With great and sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedt. & most humble Servant

            B Franklin

            P.S. Nov. 25. The Procés verbal to which this Letter relates, went by last Post. I have now got the within mentioned Book; but it being too bulky to send by Post, I shall try to get it forwarded to you by the Duke of Manchester’s Courier, who goes usually on Thursdays. I inclose one of the Plates of it, which gives a perfect Representation of the last great Balloon. You can put it in its Place when you receive the Book BF

              Sir Joseph Banks

          Addressed: To / Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. / President of the Royal Society / London.
          Endorsed: Dr. Franklin Explanation of the proces verbal./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Saint-Olympe, 24 November 1783
From: Saint-Olympe, Jean-Baptiste-César du Buc, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Monsieur L’ambassadeur
              au havre le 24. 9bre. 1783.

            Permettés que je consacre le dernier moment de mon Séjour en france a vous renouveller l’hommage de tous les Sentimens de respect, de veneration, et de reconnoissance que je vous dois a tant d’egards; vos bontés me Seront toujours presentes, et je Saisirai avec le plus vif empressement toutes les occasions qui pouront Se presenter pour vous renouveller l’hommage des sentimens avec les quels je Suis Monsieur L’ambassadeur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

              ST. OLYMPE

            Voulés vous bien permettre que Monsieur votre fils recois ici l’assurance de mon attachement. Mde. de st. olympe sera fort aise de le voir dans mon absence et à mon retour je serai fort empressé a l’aller chercher et à avoir L’honneur de vous faire ma Cour

          Notation: St. Olympe 24 9bre. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Giacomo Francisco Crocco, [25 November 1783]
From: Crocco, Giacomo Francisco
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            [November 25, 1783]

          On the 15th. July last I had the honor to acquaint your Excellency of my arrival in Europe and that I was appointed by his Majesty the Emperor of Marroco Bearer of the Answer to the Congress Sovereign of the Thirteen United States of North America and that according to my Instructions I was to meet at Paris the Ambassador that would be appointed by the Congress to Sign at the Court of Marroco the Treaty of Peace and Commerce agreable to the proposals made to his Imperial Majesty by Robert Montgomery Esqr. per his Letter dated at Alicant the 4th. January 1783. Since I have been at the Court of Madrid where I had some Commissions from the Emperor and to see the Execution of them I came to this Place from whence I intend to embark in three or four Months for Barbary, unless that in the mean while I should receive an Answer from your Excellency with orders that Richard Harrison Esqr. should give me for my traveling Charge fifteen hundred hard Dollars, although the Courts of Europe are accustom’d to allow the ministers of My Master at the rate of ten Pounds Sterling per day while they are in Europe to defray their Expences, besides Presents for their good Offices on those important Affairs. His Imperial Majesty was graciously pleased at my Sollicitation to agree at the Request of the Congress to grant them a Treaty of Peace (which other Powers in Europe could not obtain but after many Years) and my return without the full Execution of his Commands I apprehend with just Motif may forever indispose him against the United Provinces.
          I remain most truly, Sir, Your most obedient & humble Servant.

            (signed) Giacomo Franco. Crocco
            Copy of a Letter from Giacomo Franco Crocco to B. Franklin Esqr. dated Caidiz 25th. November 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Armand-Benoît-Joseph Guffroy, 25 November 1783
From: Guffroy, Armand-Benoît-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            d’arras le 25 9bre 1783.

          Demander justice à un homme juste c’est lui faire plaisir; je ne crains donc pas de vous importuner en vous adressant les reclamations fondées d’un marin qui a eté emploié en qualité De Capitaine dans la division du Commodore paul-jones.
          Le sr jean charles igonnem Chevalier De Richebourg, aiant ete emploié Dans L’escadre du Commodore paul-jones en 1779 sur le vaissaeau la vengeance Capitaine Ricot, Languit encore Depuis Ce tems après la recompense de ses services.
          Le Chevalier De Richebourg ne resta cependant pas dans L’inaction; a peine eut on Desarmé qu’il sollicita son payement; il ecrivit à Mr Ray De Chaumont, il le vit même a passy en mars 1780: Sur les observations que fit le Ch. De Richebourg, qu’il esperoit avoir au moins huit parts des prises faites par la Division De jones, Mr Ray De chaumont lui repondit qu’il devoit être mieux partagé que Cela, et il eut la Complaisance de Communiquer alors une liquidation qu’il avoit faite lui même d’après laquelle 37500 l.t. Devoient etre partagées entre 17 officiers du Rang Du sr chr De Richebourg.
          Mais alors il y avoit procès au Conseil sur les pretentions du proprietaire du vaisseau Corsaire Lagranville, il fallut attendre; et Mr De Chaumont a Cette epoque indemnisa même le sr chr De Richebourg Des Depenses De voiage et sejour, qu’il avoit eté obligè De faire a paris et a passy pour reclamer ses droits.
          En 1781 le sr chr De Richebourg fut renvoié par une lettre De Mr De chaumont, a Mr Montigny de-Monplaisir a L’orient

(Lettre du 17 janv: 1781, jointe.); il s’y adressa: celui cy repondit qu’il ne sçavoit s’il seroit chargé de cette repartition.
          Le Chr De Richebourg eut De nouveau recours à M Ray De chaumont qui assura qu’on ne pouvoit proceder a une répartition à Cause des prétentions du Corsaire Lagranville et que le Ministre n’avoit pas encore fait remettre le prix du Serapis (Lettre du 12 juillet 1781).
          En 1782 Mr Ray De Chaumont eut L’attention De Donner avis au sr. chr. De Richebourg que pour obtenir ce qui lui etoit dû il falloit qu’il s’adressa au ministre a qui il avoit rendu ses Comptes (Lettre de fev: 1782 remise depuis a Mr De chardon), et par une seconde lettre il disoit que si le ministre lui donnoit des ordres pour faire la repartition il s’empresseroit de les executer et d’en donner avis au chr De Richebourg, mais que Depuis ses Comptes il ne sçavoit ou en etoit cette affaire. (autre lettre remise a M. De chardon).
          En juillet 1782 Mr De chardon aiant eté envoié a Dunkerque pour obliger les armateurs à liquider les Comptes des marins qui avoient eté en Course, Le sr chr De Richebourg Crut pouvoir s’adresser à lui, il lui presenta un memoire avec les Deux lettres De Mr Ray De chaumont dont je viens de parler; mais ce fut encore infructueusement: Mr De chardon ne fit rendre justice ni pour ce qui concerne les droits que le sr chevalier avoit a repeter à dunkerque, ni pour L’objet qui L’oblige d’avoir recours a vous.
          Toutes ces demarches infructueuses avoient Decouragé le sr chr De Richebourg lorsque le hazard me le fit Connoitre à dunkerque au moment ou il avoit fait une requette adressée a Mr De Castries ministre De nôtre marine. J’avois quelqu’un auprès de ce Ministre a qui je L’adressai avec le mémoire explicatif.
          Ce Ministre vit le memoire et la requette, il me fit dire qu’il ne vouloit pas se mèler de ces affaires qui concernoient

L’administration des etats unis de L’amerique, qu’il falloit s’adresser a Mr Ray de chaumont, ou a vous, Monsieur.
          D’après Cette reponse, Comme Mr Ray de chaumont Connoissoit Deja les reclamations du chr De richebourg je lui ecrivis le 25 juillet Dernier, et je n’ai pas eu de reponse.
          Non seulement je me flatte que vous daignerez, Monsieur, m’honnorer De la vôtre, mais encore que vous ferez enfin rendre justice a un brave homme qui reclame ce qui lui est Si legitîmement Dû.
          J’ai la Confiance de vous adresser les requette et Memoire, qui ont eté presentés au Ministre De france, avec Copie authentique des lettres que le sr chevalier produit à L’appuy De ses Demandes.
          Je suis avec le plus profond Respect Monsieur Vôtre très humble et très obeissant serviteur

            GuffroyAvocat au conseil d’artois ancien echevindes Ville et Cité d’arras rue des agaches

          Notation: Guffroy 25. 9bre. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 25 November 1783
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Sir—
              25 Novr 1783—

            You will see by the enclosed, what has been done in the Grand National Convention; The Variety of Sentiment & Contending Interests are Objects almost unsurmountable objections to any Plan; the Speeches are not fully enserted, but the Substance is—In my private opinion—all will end in a just & Equitable place Bill, which in a few sessions will prove a real reform—and to which there cannot be so many Objections—
            I Still keep up the Idea of our entering into a Treaty Seperately

& distinctly with the united States of North America, but I cannot do it without your Excellencys Assistance & Advice; I hope, therefore, (on the part of a Nation), who always Supported the Just Claims of the United States to be honoured with your Advice; I am anxious to unite both Countries in the bonds of friendship & Commerce; America never had a more Sincere or warmer advocate & friend than I & my friends here, were—when the Very mention of our Principles were deemed Treason—
            Our Parliament is dayly sinking in the Estimation of the public; Prodigality & Profusion—Venality & its attendant consequences, direct its proceeding—the People will be Drove to Violent resolutions; Such Conduct cannot long be endured, it must—be resisted—from Vice to Vice they are dayly running, & every hour adds new distress to the People— I wish we were a thousand Leagues removed from a Selfish Wicked Ministry, whose sole View is the Slavery of the People & the Aggrandising of themselves—
            So much was their own friends ashamed of them, that the Prime [Serjeant] (who hourly expects to be made a Judge) left them on my motion for Supporting the City Petition— Leinsters Corrupted Duke, & Shannons profligacy gave way to truth, & their Squadrons joined us on that division— At 8 oClock, the house was Cleared & Kept Shut for two Days; Such violent Speeches never occurred in any Parliament; the People have been grosly insulted—

            I am obliged to make this a Short Note—but am desired to assure your Excellency & your Worthy Grandson of Lady Newenhams & my Constant wishes for your health & Prosperity; I entreat the honor of a few Lines from you—when convenient—
            I have the Honor to be with Every sentiment of Respect & Esteem your Excellencys Most Obt & Humble st

              Edwd Newenham

            you will please, when read, to Send the papers to my much respected friend, the Marquiss Le Fayette—

          Addressed: His Excellency Dr Franklin / Passy / Paris—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseau, 25 November 1783
From: Rousseau, Jean
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Londres le 25: 9bre: 1783.

          Je demande pardon à Vôtre Excellence si je viens encore l’interrompre: mais m’etant depuis peu trouvé en Compagnie de quelques Messieurs du Nord de l’Amerique; & Sur quelques questions que je pris la liberté de leur faire au Sujet de leur Pays: ils me témoignèrent qu’il y avoit quelque jalousie au Sujet de l’endroit oû Siégeroit le Congrès: tout d’un coup l’idée me vint & qui en mème tems fut ma réponse: C’est que le Congrès ne devoit point être fixe ou permanent dans un endroit; mais Siéger alternativement & Successivement dans chacune des treize Provinces unies.
          Y ayant depuis refléchi murement: je me Suis confirmé dans mon opinion, & ai cru être de mon devoir de le communiquer à Vôtre Excellence qui Sans doute y a pensé long tems avant moy. Etant un des premiers moyens de bannir la jalousie & de conserver l’union & l’egalité.

          Il me naitroit Sans doute bien d’autres idées, Si elles n’etoient pas absorbées, par l’ouvrage monotone d’un comptoir, & par une espéce de malaise Sur ma Situation future.
          Je Suis avec un profond respect Monsieur De Vôtre Excellence Le très humble & très obeissant Serviteur

            Jean Rousseau

          Notation: Rousscecault Mr. Jean 25 Nov. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 28 November 1783
From: Banks, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Soho Square Novr. 28 1783

          I am in truth much indebted to you for the favor you have done me in transmitting the Copy of the Procès verbal on Mr Montgolfiers experiment, which I have this moment receivd. The Experiment becomes now interesting in no small degree. I laught when Ballons of scarce more importance than Soap bubbles occupied the attention of France but when men Can with Safety pass & do pass more than 5 miles in the first Experiment I begin to fancy that I espy the hand of the master in the Education of the infant of Knowledge who so speedily attains such a degree of maturity & do not scruple to guess that My old Friend who usd to assist me when I was Younger has had some share in the success of this Enterprise.
          On Tuesday last a miserable Taffeta Ballon was let loose here under the direction of a Mr. Zambeccari an Italian Nobleman as I hear it was 10 feet in diameter & filld with inflammable air made from the filings of Iron & Vitriolic acid the silk was oild the seams coverd with Tar & the outside Gilt it had been shewn for several days floating about in a public room at a shilling for

the sight & half a Crown for the Admission when it should be let loose.
          The day was fine to Excess the wind a gentle breeze from the North at a few minutes after one it set out & before night fell at Grafham a small village near Pelworth in Sussex having ran over about 48 miles of Countrey the Countreyman who first saw it observd it in its descent it appeard at first small & increasing fast surprizd him so much that he ran away he returnd however & found it burst by the expansion of the Containd fluid.
          I wish I had somewhat more interesting to tell you of but I am this moment risen from the dinner which I annualy give to the auditors of the treasurers accounts. I would not delay my thanks to you and I trust you will make some allowance for the Effects of the festivity of the day which has I fear Crampd my Accuracy but I can assure You has not diminishd the real gratitude with which I declare myself Your Obligd & Faithfull Servant

            Jos: Banks

          Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy / near / Paris / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine Sproule Douglas, 28 November 1783
From: Douglas, Katherine Sproule
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Geore Street No 3 Adelphi London Novr 28th 1783
              May it Please your Excellency

            To accept my unbounded thanks for the Honor you did my freind Miss Maxwell when in Paris which I Sincerly Charge to

my acct of Gratitude! & thanks to almighty God! for puting in my Heart to presume on Such an application; which I again most Gratefully imbrace on the Permission Graciously & bountifully granted by your Excellency to miss Maxwell! which I humbly flatter myself will under almighty God Reinstate me & my Seven poor indigent Children in their Just Claims of Virginia Property; which the Herewith sent Coppies of Correspondence will authenticate to us all your Excellencys Gracious & Humane answewer will Lay an Everlasting obligation on your Devoted & obliged humble Sert

              Kath SprouleNow Douglas

            Miss Maxwell begs to be humbly remembred to your Excellency your Son Govr Frankland is well Paiys His Duty Sorry to hear you are Indisposd Hopes in God to hear you are better

          Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Knox, 28 November 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            New-York 28th Novr 1783

          I take the liberty to introduce to your acquaintance and civilities Jeremiah Platt, a gentleman of this City, who has just returned from a long exile of seven years, in which period he has in every instance approved himself a zealous and upright citizen of the republick, a warm asserter of its liberties and ever ready to contribute his full proportion for its defence. Any attentions which You may have an opportunity of affording him & Mrs Platt who accompanies him will be gratefuly ackn[owledge]d by me.
          In this auspicious moment America has the opportunity of rising to greatness and empire— The troops who have long been hostile to the liberty we have been seeking, at length are withdrawing from a country too stubborn to be conquered, & whose independence & sovereignty are acknowledged, and confirmed by solemn treaties— If in this happy conjunction of Affairs we should possess true wisdom & unbiassed Justice our natural Character will be Completely formed, and posterity will experience the good effects of their fathers virtues. Mr Platt will be able to give you the details of politicks in America which will render it unnecessary on my part. I cannot Conclude without expressing my earnest wishes that you enjoy the felicity which you have so Ardently endevored to obtain for others, and that You may return to America to receive the ineffable pleasures arising from the gratitude of a free and enlightned people.

          I have the honor to be Sir with perfect respect Your most obedient humble Servant

            H Knox

          To his Excellency Doctr Franklin 28 Novr 1783
            His Excellency Benja Franklin Esqr.
            To his Excellency Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 28 November 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            Leister Square London 28th. Novem 1783—

          This will be accompanied by a Letter of equal date accounting for my Reciepts of public Money to which I beg leave to refer.
          Since my arrival in London I have been rather too much hurried by Visits & returns to enquire minutely into News, I learn however that Mr. Fox’s (Lord North’s) Bill for changing the system of Government of East India Affairs passed a second reading last night & was committed between 4 & 5 oClock this morning—hard work—tis said an opposition will appear strong in the House of Lords, but that it will finally pass.

          Mr B Vaughan may give you an Acct. of the Moorfield’s Baloon, he could not persuade me to shove into an English Mob & I saved my Watch by staying at home.
          I find my good friend Mr. Adams strongly countenances Jenings who visits him and rides in the job Coach, altho’ he skulks away from his ancient acquaintance & they I am assured by some of themselves avoid him. Three Gentlemen have informed me Mr Adams has told them, & I doubt not he has told it to thirty others, “Mr. Laurens is wrong in all that affair, Mr. Jenings was not the writer of the anonymous Letter It was the work of a banker’s clerk in Amsterdam.” This is very pretty, Mr. A. takes two labouring Oars & has got himself into a worse hobble than Mr L was in, who had never charged Jenings with being the Writer, he had only in compliance with Jenings’s pressing desire told him, who, from circumstances he believed was; but there are charges which Mr L. has actually exhibited upon which the Chronies are hitherto silent, tho’ Jennings says an answer is soon to come forth, the labor of three Months for telling a plain tale must produce somewhat uncommonly clever—he says also there has been an inspection into the anonymous Paper in Dr. Franklin’s hands by the Doctor, Mr Barclay, Mr Ridley & a comparison made with that & the one called in question, & that the Gentlemen have pronounced Mr Jenings innocent in all appearance, this may or may not be, if it be the survey must have happened since I left Passy, but be it so, tis not of moment. You promised me that Letter dated Amsterdam having the Post Mark Bruxelles without, & amendments within I forgot to ask for it when I was coming from Passy will you be so good Sir as to send it by an early Post directed for me to the care of Wm Manning Esqr.

          The protection of Mr. Adams to his very dejected associate cannot juandice my Eye, since my friend recieved me with an open hand and kind Salute in a very large company strengthening my assurance of his sincerity, by an audible affectionate Enquiry, “how did you leave Doctor Franklin?”
          To morrow my Daughter and I go to Bath where Mr. Jay & Mr. Chace are, the young Lady joins in the most respectful Salutes to yourself & Mr. Franklin with Dear Sir, your affectionate & most obedt. Servant

            His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. Passy near Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Menier de Saint Yver, 28 November 1783
From: Menier de Saint Yver, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris ce 28. 9bre. 1783./.

          Votre Excellence en refusant sa protection au S. Schaffer, qui dans cette occasion est plus malheureux que coupable, ignore qu’en l’abandonnant elle fait le malheur d’une autre famille. La chambre assemblée a reproché a M. Schaffer qu’il n’avoit point été reclamé par vous, Monsieur, l’on a meme argué de là que vous aviés lieu de vous plaindre directement et que nous avions abusé de votre confiance, enfin j’ose le dire votre silence la fait regarder comme un vagabond et a prévalu sur la recommandation de differentes personnes de merite qui s’interessent à moi, notament de M. Delaborde fermier Général du Roy qui me connoissant depuis nombre d’années ainsi que ma famille veut bien prendre à moi le plus grand intéret. Je ne connois M. Schaffer que depuis le mois de Juin dernier et malgré le malheur dans lequel il m’entraine, je lui dois la Justice de dire qu’il est lui même la Victime de deux intrigants nommés Dautun et

Eveline qui l’ont perdu; Le premier est en quelque façon la cause du malheur dans lequel nous nous trouvons plongés. Je peux même assurer votre Excellence, que c’est lui qui a fait inscrire M Schaffer sur l’almanach Royal comme Banquier des Etats unis à son insçu, pour tromper le public sous son nom que l’on a contrefait plusieurs fois.
          J’entre dans ces differents details non pas pour etre le deffenseur de M. Schaffer, puisque j’ai moi même lieu de regretter de le connoitre, mais parceque son malheur entraine necessairement le mien et qu’il seroit intéressant pour moi que votre animosité contre lui cesse, et que si votre Excellence ne se joint a mes protections je suis un homme perdu, et un seul mot de vous Monsieur suffira pour nous tirer du precipice où votre silence nous a plongé. Veuillés donc bien, Monsieur, ne pas me refuser la grace que je vous demande, si vous ne le faites pour M. Schaffer que ce soit au moins pour ma famille. Nous ne sommes pas aussi heureux qu’en Angleterre, où le malheur n’est que personnel; Votre ame bienfaisante sentira tout le prix de ma demande et votre humanité vous portera sans doute a me l’accorder.
          Je suis avec le plus profond respect de Votre Excellence Monsieur Le tres humble et très obeissant serviteur

            Menier De Saintyver

          Notation: Mesnier De Saintyver 28 Nov. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Viny, with a Note by Mary Hewson, [after 28 November 1783]
From: Viny, John,Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              [after November 28, 1783]

            I am favourd with yours of the third of Octobr, in about ten days, the contents of which, does me the highest Honor as it is demonstrative of your desire to serve me and my Family, from the Impulse of Affection, the Evidence of which is so like your Self, most Indearingly conveyed; but no more, let it Suffice that we love, honor, and Revere you, and wait with anxious hope for that happy day when we may again injoy your Presance— As yours did not contain any discription of the particulars of the Wheels you was pleas’d to order I have sent two sets of different hight, and strength, in hopes that one of them may be applicable to your Carriage the other to be dispos’d of in the manner which your kind postscrip set forth; these wheels sent are such as I make in common, and Equal to any in point of durability for the different Carriages for which they are intended, the lighist for Post Chaise, or light Perch Charriots, the Other for Heavy Craneneck Charriots or Coach at Eight & nine guineas pr set, with an allowance of Eleven Shillings for finnishing them with paint, boxes &c but if for Traveling, as (Monsuier Duchateaus) ten guineas or as much Stronger as shall be wish’d for, from Fifteen, to twenty guineas, for Carriages of Burden, as I have now by me a pr of Cart or Waggon Wheels which by the most Competant Judges are pronounc’d to be the strongest three Inch Wheels that Ever was made; my dear Friend if my reasoning shou’d not be Value’d in your mind with regard to the not sending the Wheels with whole rims of wood, I hope you will Acquit me of any want of regard to you, I having in a

former Instance of Orders for the Prince of Condé, and others Experience’d their wish for Whole wood rims, but as that is not to be done alltogether in sets more then one in five Hundred I feard your Exhibting such would naturely be productive of such a desire, and there not being so would be risquing the favour and approbation of those for whom they may be design’d, but I will make a point of keeping them in as few piecis as possible; in answer to your wish for an Investigation of the Nature of the Subscription for my Support, its as follows; being obliged to commit an Act of Bancruptcy in order to procure a releace from Jos Jacob a Bancrupt two months before, and to give the proper claims on our Joint Cridditors, I was there by Totally divested of all property; in this state and on the day of my resignation thereof Mr. Saml Smith steptd forward and Assured me of his Assistance; accordingly he drew Up my case and opend a subcription for raising the sum of three thousand pounds, for seven Years, at one hundred Each on my bond Sml Smith, Benjn Smith, his Elder Brother, Willm Smith, S Son, Jos Nash, and Jos Goss, Nephews to B, and S. Smith, Mr. Bull [Bell], and Mr. Jon Thontin [Thornton], making together seven, with wich I went forth, and where so happy as to have the following Duke of Montague, Duke of Newcatle, Duke of Dorset, the Honbl Stewart McKenzie, the Revnd Doctr Willson, now Bishop of Bristol, his Bro Mr. Thos Willson, Gent Jno Phillimore, George Jeffery, Jno Eddows, and Danl Morgan, one of my assignees, making eighteen and on my being at a stand Mr. B Smith Vollunturyly began again with a second hundred, with which I have, with our savings been enabled to go on with pleasure and profit, and for which honor, and happiness, I hope we shall ever give testamony of a due sense by exerting all diligence [torn: and] prudence in our several capacity; my Brother [torn: at(?) Ten]terden disirted me in my difficulties, and have hardly had any intercorse with him since, but he and Family are all well, and your Bettsum is grown a Jolly and harty Young Woman, and is happy in having the honor of pening these lines to her much

Esteemd and kind friend, [Added by John Viny:] The two sets of Wheels where ship’d the 28 of Novbr on Board the Friendship for Roen and hope thay will come safe and in due time and believe me to be with Since Gratitude yours moste Affactionately

              Jno. Viny

            [In Mary Hewson’s hand:] I have begged this corner to say a few words to you my dear Sir. I wrote to you immediately upon receiving the letter and the books you favoured me with by Mr Hartley. I sent my letter by the post that you might not remain in doubt whether it would be now convenient for me to take charge of your Grandson, but as I have not heard from you since I take this opportunity of repeating that I am ready & shall be happy to receive him, and do every thing in my power for him, if you still think of sending him. I have a favour to ask of you which I hope will not give you much trouble in granting— My son’s Frenchmaster, findg: the grammars published here very defective, asked me to apply for one approved at Paris as a standard. If you can send me such a one you will oblige her who is your ever obliged and affectionate

              M. H.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy / pres de / Paris
          Notation: Viny


Title: Notes on the Journey from Boston to Philadelphia in 1723, [c. 29 November 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

          This list of days, numbers, and abbreviated words was scrawled on the verso of Ferdinand Grand’s letter of November 29. They show Franklin reconstructing his flight from Boston at the age of seventeen, which he had described in Part I of his autobiography, written in 1771. He did not have that text with him in France, but in December, 1782, he had received a copy of his outline from Abel James. Encouraged by James and others to complete the narrative, Franklin

began what he called the “Continuation of the Account of my Life” at Passy in 1784; his note at the top of that section, now known as Part II, is no more specific than that. The table published below indicates that he was already thinking about the details of his early life at the end of 1783.
          These jottings, decoded in 1980 by one of our editors, establish the date of Franklin’s entrance into Philadelphia as October 6, 1723. In the autobiography, Franklin said only that he arrived on a Sunday morning, mentioning that the month was October. The key to understanding this cryptic list lay in recognizing that the words and abbreviations in the left column were shorthand for places in a southward sequence through New Jersey to the Delaware River.
          Franklin’s journey was as follows: he fled from his brother’s shop in Boston on September 23. On September 25 he took passage on Arnout Schermerhoorn’s boat bound for New York, arriving there on the twenty-seventh. He left New York on October 1 and landed at Perth Amboy the following day. On October 3 he took a ferry across Raritan Bay and walked through New Jersey, stopping for the night in the region known as the Pines. On October 4 he got as far as Dr. John Browne’s inn at Bordentown. The following day he walked to Burlington and, finding that a small boat was sailing down the Delaware (“River D”) to Philadelphia that evening, joined the crew. Around midnight they came ashore and made camp. Setting off early the next morning, they soon landed at the Market Street wharf in Philadelphia. It was Sunday, October 6.

            [c. November 29, 1783]

              Monday Sept
              23

              T—————
              24

              W—————
              25

              T—————
              26

              F—————
              27

              S————————
              28

              Sund——————
              29

              Monday—————
              30

              Bay
              Tuesd——————
              1
              Oct

              Amboy——
              Wednes—————
              2
              Water

              Pines
              Thursd——————
              3
              Amb.

              Brown’s——
              Friday——————
              4

              River D——
              Sat———————
              5

              Philad———
              Sund——————
              6