Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Whatley, 20 September 1784
From: Whatley, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					London 20 Sepr 1784

				I venture, Dr Sir, to take the Liberty to introduce to you, my good Friend Dr Rowley, who is of the University of Oxon, & one of the Physicians of the Coledge here, to ask you how you do, & let me know.— He makes an Excursion to Paris for a few days, only to satisfy his Mind in things relating to a Work, in his own Profession, he is about to publish, in Greek & Latin.

				If the Courier de l’Europe say true, you have been desired by S. M. tres Chretienne to look into the Business of Magnetism. Who more fitting? I Shall never forget yr Rebuke, for my calling my poor gone & good Friend Ellis, one of the Conundri for laboring about the Keratophita; Coraloides: & the Lord knows what, when, hereafter, such Researches might be of Service to Mankind, as the Loadstone is understood to have been, several hundreds of Years after its Property of atracting Iron was discovered.
				I Shall be glad to learn that you are in perfect Health. I thank God I am so. Senescimus omnes: there’s no Medium; and so God help your Excellency, & yours for ever. Believe me that I ever shall be with the greatest Truth & Respect Your very devoted

						George Whatley.

					His Excellency Benjn Franklin Esqr &a &a &a

				Notation: George Whatley 20 Sept. 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 September 1784
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Sir,
					Paris September 23d. 1784

				I return you enclosed the Letter addressed to you by John Jackson Pilot of Hull, dated at Hull the 16th. of October 1780.

The Certificate joined with that Letter is (at least in substance) a Copy of the one I gave him at the Texel after his Arm had been amputated and he had recovered. It does not however I observe take notice that a second Pilot Boat came off from the Spurn immediately after that belonging to Jackson. I had occasion to detain both those Boats, and it was onboard the second that the Partner of Jackson embarked from the Bon Homme Richard before the Action with the Serapis. The Second Lieutenant of the Bon Homme Richard was, with Twenty Men, all the time of the Battle onboard Jackson’s Pilot Boat at a distance. And when I found it impossible to prevent the Bon Homme Richard from Sinking, Jackson’s Pilot Boat was of singular Service in saving the Men, particularly the Wounded; some of whom I am persuaded would have been Drowned had I been without that means of Saving them.
				Humanity and Justice require that I should earnestly recommend that unfortunate Man John Jackson for a Reward for the important Service he performed and the great loss and Suffering he sustained. I thought and I think still he merited half Pay

as a Pilot in the Service of the United States, which I believe is Six Dollars per Month.
				I have the honor, with great Esteem and Respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

					J Paul Jones
					His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Du Calvet, 24 September 1784
From: Calvet, Pierre du
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					londres le 24e. Septembre 1784—no. 9, Cannon Street near general post office.
					Monsieur L’Ambassadeur,

				J’apprends de Mr. lambert, Banquier á paris, que pour être payé de la dette dont les êtats unis me Sont redevables, depuis la retraite de leurs généraux du canada, il ne me reste plus, que la voie de m’addresser personnellement au Congrés, par l’envoi des piéces originales qui la justifient. J’ai des idées trop relevées de la probité et de la justice de Mr. franklin, pour imaginer que ce Soit lá les derniéres intentions de vôtre excellence. Il y a prés d’un an, qu’aprés avoir reconnu hautement la justice de mes demandes, elle eut la bonté de me promettre Solemnellement dans les deux audiances que j’eus avec lui à passy, d’envoyer elle même au Congrés les copies des comptes et des reconnoissances des généraux américains, et d’en appuyer le payement de Sa récommandation. L’honneur qui conduit toujours Mr. le docteur franklin, ne lui permit jamais d’appeller de Ses promesses, Surtout dans une conjoncture, ou les loix les plus Sacrées réclameroient contre cét appel. En effet S’il me falloit Solliciter moi même mon

payement auprés du congrés, vôtre excellence auroit crû devoir á Sa veracité de me l’annoncer du premier coup, Sans me faire perdre une anneé entiére d’attente, pour me ruiner tout á fait. J’avois alors á philadelphie, un beau frere, qui y avoit cherché un azile, contre les violences du despotisme, regnant dans le canada, ou il est rétourné depuis le printems dernier. J’apprends de Source certaine, que le congrés á déja payé plusieurs de ces dettes canadiennes, avec un intérest de Six pour cent pour le délai Souffert. Je n’aurois pas ete Sans doute le dernier á être Satisfait Sur tout quand il apprit par mon essai imprimé, dont j’eus l’honneur d’addresser le 20e. juillet dernier un exemplaire de chacun de mes Memoires par deux differents Battimens á Son respectable président avec un pareil nombre á Mr. le Gouverneur de New york. Que c’étoit pour le compte de l’amérique que la tirannie du général haldimand m’avoit Si cruellement opprimé á quebec, circonstance, qui Semble faire á Son honneur une loi de m’aider á en tirer une éclatante vengeance, au tribunal des loix. Cette vengeance légale me dévient aujourd’hui impossible, S’il faut que j’en Sois réduit á attendre l’effet de mes Sollicitations auprés du congrés: qu’oique je Sois encor possesseur en canada, de domaines assés considérables, la confiance, la circulation des especes, le commerce en un mot, Sont morts içi, et Sur les meilleurs fonds, on ne trouve plus rien a londres; cépendant le général haldimand est attendu incessamment dans cette capitale; je Suis même informé, quil Se prêparoit á partir de quebec, pour les êtats unis, dans la vüe d’aller y réclamer un héritage, qui lui avoit été lêgué par un ami (cidevant le général Bouquet). Si je manque l’occasion de le poursuivre, au moment de Son arriveé, il ne tardera pas á S’echaper vers la Suisse Sa patrie, et me voila ruiné. Mais comment effectuer cette poursuite Sans le remboursement d’une dette

pour laqu’elle je me Suis fondé Sur la promesse formelle de Monsr. franklin. Ce ne Seroient pas la les Seuls inconveniens, qui resulteraient contre moi, d’être aujourd’hui renvoyé au congrés. Il me vient de bonne autorité qu’il á déja nommé et deputé des commissaires pour aller en canada, examiner et régler les obligations, qu’il y á contractées dans la dernière guerre, par le canal de Ses généraux. Leurs réconnoissces. dont je Suis muni Sont á paris dans les mains de Mr. l’ambert: il me faudroit les rétirer, les envoyer aprés en canada, et chercher aprés en Amérique une personne de Confiance qui voulut Se charger de mes intérests; et durant le tems que prendroient ces diverses operations, les commissaires pourroient finir leurs enquêtes en canada, avant que je pusse y faire parvenir les titres légaux de mes demandes, c’est á dire que par les délais, occasionnés par la promesse de Mr. franklin, je Serois aujourd’hui exposé á perdre la dette même. Ce ne peuvent pas être lá les intentions d’un ambassadeur, dont la personne á été jusqu’ici, encore moins récommandable, par la dignité de Sa place, que par celle de Sa droiture et de Ses vertus. Le patriotisme de Mr. franklin ne S’accordéroit pas plus avec un tel événément. L’Amérique est l’ennemie déclarée des tirans, mais Sur tout de ceux qui l’ont été a Son occasion, et Sa gloire est et Sera toujours de S’intéresser á les faire punir. Son digne Ambassadeur ne peut qu’entrer dans de Si n’obles Sentimens. La circonstance critique et cruellement critique ou je me trouve m’impose la nécessité d’emprunter aujourd’hui la médiation de toutes mes protections pour réussir á obtenir Si non en totalité, du moins en bonne partie le payement de ma dette. C’est la raison qui m’oblige d’envoyer á Mr. le comte d’Adhémar une copie de cette lettre. Son Excellence, Madame la Comtesse de Kageneck, Ambassadrice de l’empire á la cour de londres, qui part Sous peu de jours pour paris, á la récommandation de Mr. le comte de Gÿulaÿ, mon ami, et célui de Mr. Son époux, veut bien avoir la

bonté de Se charger d’un autre copie, pour Mr. le comte de vergennes. Toutes ces protections réunies, jointes aux Sentimens justes et droits d’un Ambassadeur du caractere de Mr. franklin, ne peuvent que m’annoncer le Succés complêt de mes demandes.
				J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le respect le plus profond.— Monsieur l’Ambassadeur, De Vôtre Excellence. Le trés hûmble et trés ôbt. Servr.

						Pierre du Calvet

				Notation: Pierre du Calvet 24 Sept. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Stratford Canning, 25 September 1784
From: Canning, Stratford
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Sir
						Paris the 25th: Sept 1784.

					Yesterday Evening I had the pleasure to receive your Packet covering some Letters which shall be taken care of, I am much obliged to you for those for America for Mr Borrowes. Give me Leave to take this opportunity to thank you for your very obliging & polite Reception, and to assure you that I am with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Sir Your most obedt & very huml Servt

							Stratfd: Canning.

					I have this moment receiv’d another Packet from you which shall be deliver’d.—

				Notation: Straf & Canning 25 7bre. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marie Glier, 25 September 1784
From: Glier, Marie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					hâvre ce 25. Sbre. 1784.

				Le Nommé Thomas Dunlop, de Newyorck, agé de 30 ans, a été arrêté dans une écurie, où il s’étoit couché pour passer la nuit, n’ayant pas, de quoi payer son gîte. Cet homme, venant d’angleterre pour s’embarquer sur quelque navire américain, étoit dans la Ville depuis 12 à 15 jours, et sâns doute faute de travail il s’est trouvé dans la détresse. Comme il n’avoit aucun passeport, aucun congé, il a paru suspect; peut être n’est il que malheureux? Je le crois, puisqu’il a, Monsieur, osé vous reclamer. Ce particulier sans argent, sans vétement pour ainsi dire, ne saçhant parler francois, sans aucune ressource, dans cette saison çy auroit été exposé aux dernieres éxtrémités, par humanité je l’ai laissé en prison jusqu’ à ce qu’il se trouve quelque batiment americn qui veuille s’en charger. Si vous voulez, Monsieur, faire donner ces ordres par le Chargé des affaires du Congrès, vous subviendrez à un infortuné, qui reclame vos secours.
				Daignez, Monsieur, agréer les hommages d’un citoyen francais, qui vous admire et est pénétré de la vénération, que vous portent tous les hommes.
				Je suis avec le respect le plus profond, Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur

					GlierL. Gral du Bailliage
					Monsieur franklin Ministre des Etats unis de L’A[merique]

				Notation: Glier 25 Fevr. 1784


Title: Luigi Pio to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 26 September 1784
From: Pio, Luigi
To: American Commissioners

				⟨Paris, September 26, 1784, in French: I received the letter you had the honor to write me on the 22nd of this month, concerning a treaty of amity and commerce that the United States of America wishes to make with the king, my master, for the good of our respective subjects. I will forward it to His Sicilian Majesty and as soon as I receive a response, I will communicate it to you.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 26 September 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & Hond Sir,
					Devonshire Street, 26. Sept. 1784—

				Having just now learnt by young Mr. Alexander, that his Uncle purposes setting off for France tomorrow Morg at 5 a

Clock, I set down to acknowledge the rect of your kind Letter of the 13. Inst, and to return you my sincerest Thanks for your acquiescing so readily with my Request of a longer leave of Absence: I found hower that I should not be able to get through delivering my Letters, and the Invitations occasion’d by them, together with other Occupations of seeing some curious Cabinets here, sitting for Mr. West &ca. &ca. if I lost a Week by going to Seaford, so I e’en let my Father go alone: He return’d Yesterday—the Weather was so bad, that he could only bathe twice,—so I have rather gain’d by continuing here. I have not had the least Return of my Fever—and am otherwise very well—but meagre, notwithstanding the Turtle & other good Things I meet with almost every where.— It would be too long for a Letter to give you an Acct of my Proceedings— I shall reserve it ’till we meet,—which I shall do my utmost to make it about the time you have prescrib’d: We have here it is true fine long Morgs—but if you dine out, it is bed time when you have drank Coffee.— I have only been able to go to one Play on that Acct—& then I arriv’d at the second Act.—
				It grieves me much to learn that you suffer’d by your Attempt to go in a Carriage—pray dont try it again.
				I was present at Lunardis Expt—which was a very fine one as to the Ascension— Youll have seen Accts of it in the Papers.— Other Balloons are preparing,—& half Crown ones, by the means of Spirits of Wine, are as common at Night as the Stars. Several Accidents have already happend by them, but there is no Monsr Le Noir to put a stop to them.—

				I have sent both you & Mr. Jefferson, Pamphlets & Books by various occasions, have you recd any?— I am afraid likewise that you have not recd all my Letters: This is I think the 6th I have wrote you since I left Paris.
				Present my most respectful Compts. to Mr. Jefferson— inform him that his Press &ca. is pack’d up and will be forwarded by the first Vessel from this Port to Rouen, but unfortunately they are not frequent: what remains of the Sum he entrusted me with, shall be left as he desir’d, with Mr. Stockdale, subject to his Orders.
				Adieu—my dearest Sir, I dine to day with my Father & it’s time I should be gone.— Remember me very affectionately to all Friends—particularly the Brillon, Le Veillard & Dailly Familys, and believe me as ever—Your most dutiful & affece. Grandson

					W. T. Franklin

					PS. I could wish you would send me by the first Private Occasion, or by the Duke of Dorsets Courier—Half a dozen of your Engravings from Duplessis Picture—they can only be had of him.

					I have dined twice at Cheam, Mrs. H. has not yet said No.—I follow your Instructions, on that and every other head, very exactly.—

						B. Franklin Esq.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 26 September 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					à Versles. le 26 7bre. 1774. [i.e., 1784]

				Je joins ici, Monsieur, un memoire qui m’a été présenté par le Sr. Denevers créancier du Sr. John Williams pour une somme de 1676. l.t. 3. s. Les représentations de ce marchand vous paroîtront sûremt. d’autant mieux fondées, qu’il paroît que le Sr. Jon Williams l’a excepté dans la répartition qu’il a faite des sommes qu’il a payées à ses autres créanciers. Je ne doute pas, Monsieur, que cette conduite ne vous paroîsse irrégulière, et que vous n’engagiéz le Sr. Williams à faire cesser les plaintes que le Sr. Denevers porte contre l’arrêt de Surcéance qu’il a plû au Roi d’accorder à ce négociant Américain.

				J’ai l’honneur d’être très Sincèrement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur./.

						De Vergennes

					M. Francklin ./.


Title: Aranda to the American Commissioners: Résumé, [27 September 1784]
From: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de
To: American Commissioners

				⟨Paris, [September 27, 1784], in Spanish: I received your letter of the 22nd by the hand of Mr. Humphreys, in which you communicate the intention of the United States of America to establish with his Catholic Majesty an agreement that may be advantageous to the two nations. Certainly such principles as communicated in your letter will be pleasing to his Majesty, and I shall communicate your letter. To put his Majesty in a position to take such a step, I shall need to let him know whether one or more of you can render yourselves at Madrid to conduct and conclude the negotiation. It is the policy of this court that when treating with another government, negotiations are conducted in one of the two governments and not in a third place. When negotiating a peace between more than two powers, as we lately did, the case is different. As soon as your honors shall have acquainted me with your disposition as to this point, I shall forward your proposal to my court.⟩


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 28 September 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

					Sir.
					Passy, Sept. 28. 1784.

				I communicated immediately to Mr Williams the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of writing to me the 26th. Instant, with the Memorial of Mr Denevers which accompany’d it.— I inclose a Letter from him to your Excellency, by which it will appear that the Complaint is not well founded; and I am persuaded that Mr Williams has hitherto given no undue Preference to any of his Creditors, and that it is his fix’d purpose to pay them all in equal Proportions as fast as he shall be enabled by the Receipt of his Debts. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

					B Franklin
					His Excelly. the Count de Vergennes.

				Notation: M. De R.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 29 September 1784
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear Sir
					Belcamp 29 Sept 1784

				It is so long Since I had the honor of receiving a Line from your Excellency, or hearing of your worthy Grandsons, or your own health, although I frequently solicited that favor, that I assure you, it has been no small matter of uneasiness to me & my Family—to deprive us of that, was, indeed, depriving us of a most particular pleasure, as, I will Venture to assert, with truth & Confidence, that your Excellency has not or Ever can have a more Sincere, Respectfull, or warm friend than I Am—, nor does there exist a man, who holds you in higher Veneration than I do, & I can answer for those being the sentiments of those of

my family, that were at Passy— Let me, then, Entreat a Line acquainting me of your good health, as a Convincing proof, that I am not forgot by him, whom I never shall Cease to respect;—
				I have the pleasure of having had Colonel Wadsworths & Colonel Blagdens Company for Some days at Belcamp; both of them agreable, Sensible & Polite men; they are lately returned, I believe, to America; Colonel Blakden told me that he had purchased an Estate, which had been forfeited, near Hartford in Connecticut; I was happy to shew them Every Civility in my power— I should be ungratefull If I did not— The General Election & the long Sitting of Parliament last Spring, hindered me of taking a Trip to america, but (if in health) I intend it this Spring, should nothing of moment be intended to be brought forward in our house of Commons after the 25th of March; & I have settled every proper requisite for my Voyage, but wish to Know your opinion. I mean to see the Capitol of Each State, from Boston to Charles Town, & Visit part of the Back settlements; I take my Eldest son & a friend, with two servants; Quere—would it be more agreable & Cheaper to take 2 Saddle horses—or a pair & a post Chaise—or depend upon what horses I would get there? & I would be glad to have some Idea of the Expence of living, per head, per Day at Philadelphia, New York, or other Capitols—pardon this trouble, &, I fear,

improper Liberty; and may I further trespass on your patience by requesting Letters of Introduction, particularily to Philadelphia, New Yorke & Boston; as I shall land a STRANGER in person & Character, but not in congenial Principles, on that Land of Liberty, & your Excellencys letter of Introduction will insure me a favourable reception, as It will shew yr friends there, that I am honoured with your acquaintance; I find, by the Papers, that Mr Jay is returned to America, which Surprizes me very much, as I imagined he was appointed Minister to the Court of Spain; & had wrote to him at Madrid—
				This Kingdom will loose its Character & Liberty; administration has Succeeded in Dividing us, by terryfying the Wavering, Bribing Some, & feeding others with hopes; they have obtained the Signatures of many hundreds to addresses of the most perfect Satisfaction in the present System of Representatives & Electors; we are Numerous on the side of Right, Truth & Constitution, but there is a Strong Faction, Supported by the Treasury, against us; the Leaders of the Roman Catholics are on the side of Aristocrasy, & the Latter are bartering their Support at Public Vendue; we buy no mans Support, therefore Government can Easily Close the purchase; Virtue appeared during the Late War & for a few months after the Peace, but now it is fled— I Know not who to trust; I have Seen Such deceptions, & experienced Such Tergeversation, that I am grown weary of Public Life, & am about to retire during the remainder of my Life, except during the buisy part of the Present Parliament— Even some of my Constituents have forsaken themselves & their original principles; they have addressed against a reform—this Line of Conduct will embolden Administration to refuse Every prayer of the People, however reasonable or Just—
				Our Harvest is abundant & good, & the weather has been remarkably fine to save it, yet Cash is Scarse & Rents ill paid; our National Bank is injurious to Commercial Intercouse; & has absorbed too much of the ready Specie of this Nation; our second greatest Bank, where there is a hundred thousand pounds a year in Landed Property, has failed a second Time, owing to the partial Acts of the National Bank, yet that Bank will rize Like a Phœnix, though the Temporary Shock is great.

				I have nearly finished a Country house, four miles from Dublin, which has Cost me at Least £7000 English, as there has been Some damage done by Lightning to my Neighbours houses, I mean to save mine by a Conducter, but am ignorant of the proper mode of doing it, or how to Conduct the fire, I wish I had a grain of your Knowledge in that respect, as we are anxious to fortify the Expensive Edifice, against that powerfull acter;— The Library preserves the place originaly formed to receive the long expected & promised Bust of him, who is Equaly revered & respected by this family, as by his gratefull Countrymen in the United States; I enquire of Every Ship from Bourdeaux, but, as yet, in Vain—
				My two Sons, that went to India, have arrived Safe, as to their Lives, after being Cast away off Plymouth in the Crocodile frigate; they saild with the account of the Peace in Europe, & returned with that concluded with Heyder Ally;— I have Changed the Course of Life, I destined the young[est?] for, as he has requested to be put apprentice to a Merchant & not to continue in the Navy; Agreable to my principles, to let my Children Chuse for themselves, I have entered on a treaty with my friends at Marsailles to take him as an Apprentice, though I should prefer taking him with me to America & personaly

fixing him in Philadelphia or New-yorke, & giving an adequate Fee, as I think with a tolerable Capital, he may soon, be independant; his family Connections in this Kingdom would soon bring opulent Correspondents—
				All this Family Join in sincere Respects, the warmest Regards, & solicitude for your Excellencys health & happiness, & with our best wishes for yr Worthy Grandsons prosperity—
				I have the Honor to remain, with due Respect Yr Excellencys Most obt: & most obliged Humble Sert

						Edwd Newenham

				Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr: B: Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the united States / at Passy
				Endorsed: Sept. 29 84


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 2 October 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

					Dear Grandson,
					Passy, Oct. 2. 1784

				I have not receiv’d a Line from you since that of Sept. 7. now near a Month. I have waited with impatience the Arrival of every Post.— But not a Word.— All your Acquaintance are continually enquiring what News from you.— I have none. Judge what I must feel, what they must think, and tell me what I am to think of such Neglect. I must suppose it Neglect: for if your Fever had return’d, and you were unable to write, surely your Father, or somebody would have inform’d me of it.— I shall continue however till this Conduct of yours is clear’d up, hoping it may be explain’d to my Satisfaction, Your affectionate Grandfather

					B F.
					W T. Franklin Esqr

				Notation: B. Franklin Oct. 2. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 3 October 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Vlles le 3. 8bre 1784.

				J’ai l’honneur, M, de vous envoyer copie d’une lettre de M. le mal. de Castries avec celle des pieces dont etoit accompagnées;

vous y verrez que M. Barclay, au lieu d’attendre l’issüe de la demande qu’il avoit faite à l’administration, a traduit en justice réglée le Sr. Schweighauser. Cette démarche arrête nècessairement la décision du Roi, qui alloit prononcer; et M. Barclay ne peut plus que Suivre la marche judiciaire qu’il a lui-même adoptée pour se procurer la justice qu’il reclame.

					M francklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexandre-César de Genevey de Pusignan, 4 October 1784
From: Pusignan, Alexandre-César de Genevey de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					a Roanne en forét Ce 4e. 8bre 1784

				Si un officiér blessé au siege d’york, Comme vous le verrê par La lettre Cy joint, peut avoir des pretentions a la dêcoration de La chevallerie Crêe par les provinces unies dâmêrique;

jôse les faire valoir; quoyque pour Lors je ne fus que Le second de La batterie, rêprêsentant par la le même rang que Ceux de Lînfanterie; je Crois monsieur que Ce ne pourroit etre une exclusion, dâutant quâppres Ce siege jâi Commendê La Compagnie et La division dârtillerie légere attachêe a La Brigade de soissonnois pendant Le reste du tems quâ séjournê Lârmêe de Rochambeau En amerique. Il est possible, monsieur, que je ne suive pas les formalitées usités pour obtenir la dîtte dêcoration quoyque je Crois ne pouvoir mieux mâddresser quâ un dêputé des Etats unis; je vous prie au surplus de suppléer a Ce manque et me procurer les moyens dôbtenir La faveur que je dêsire. Je suis avec un tres profond Rêspect Monsieur Vostre tres humble et tres obêissant serviteur

					De PusignanCpte. au Rgt. dâuxonne du Corps Royal de Lârtillerie.

				Endorsed: answd—
				Notation: De Pusignan, Roanne 4 Oct. 1784—


Title: Baron Staël von Holstein to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 5 October 1784
From: Staël von Holstein, Erik Magnus
To: American Commissioners

				⟨Paris, October 5, 1784, in French: When I received your letter from Mr. Humphreys, secretary of the Commission for Treaties

of the United States of America, which I will forward to the king, I suggested that in order to save time, I also communicate some notion of what additions are being proposed by the United States. If you agree, I will send the dispatches with the Swedish courier, who is due to return here in a couple of days.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 5 October 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & hond Sir,
					London, 5. Oct. 1784—

				My last went by Mr. J. Alexander, who I suppose forwarded it from Calais, where he purposed remaining some time, to endeavor, if possible, to enter into some Arrangement with the Bank here. I understand Mr Pigott has given him some Reason to hope for success.— I wish it with all my heart, both for his sake and the amiable Family of which he is the Support.— I continue free from any Return of my Fever, in which I think I am very lucky.— My time is so taken up by the kind Invitations of the Friends I have found and made here,—that I can scarce find a Moments leisure for writing; you will therefore I hope

excuse the Scrawls I send you, and wait my Return for a more ample Account of Things here.— That Period now approaches, and I shall do my utmost to get away at the time you fix’d for my Departure; But I cannot help Regretting that I shall leave England without seeing some of your most valuable Friends. Among these, the Worthy Bishop and Family stand foremost: I inclose a Letter I have just recd from him, nothing can be kinder—or prove in stronger Terms his Respect and Attachment for you.— I could have been happy to have spent a Week in that agreable Society—but the Distance—and my approaching Departure do not permit me.— In like manner I have been obliged to refuse pressing Invitations from Lord Shelburne—& lay Aside the Project I had of visiting Birmingham. The Expence of travelling, which has considerably increased lately, has also not a little deter’d me.—
				I think I have now executed all your Commissions except that about the Press; Moore no longer exists,—& I have not yet been able to find out his successor. Mr. Caslon is endeavoring. I have seen a good deal of Ct. Mirabeau & he takes very well here. He has been very pressing for me to accompany him to Bath—& Lord Shelburnes, which is I believe in the Neighbourhood thereof.— I shall still be able to receive a Letter from you by the Return of the Courier—if you have any farther Commands for me you will let me know them.—
				I have not yet Mrs. Hewson’s Determination.—
				Adieu! my dearest Sir,—Give my love to your amiable Hosts, remember me to all Friends—and believe me ever Your most dutiful & affece Grandson

					W. T. Franklin.

					P.S. Please to make my Excuses to M. Le Veillard for my not answering his kind Letter by this Post, he may rely on my not neglecting his Commissions.—

						B. Franklin Esqr—


Title: Friedrich Wilhelm von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 8 October 1784
From: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm von
To: American Commissioners

				⟨The Hague, October 8, 1784, in French: I have notified the king without delay of the dispositions of the United States for the conclusion of a treaty of amity and commerce, contained in your letter of September 9. His majesty has furnished me with full powers to conclude this treaty, of which I am enclosing a copy. It appears unnecessary to send you a copy of the treaty negotiated by Mr. Adams and myself, as that minister undoubtedly has kept his own copy. Please inform me in which manner you want to conduct the negotiations. The king would also like the United States to indicate in which city the exchange of commerce between merchants of the two nations might take place. The Prussian ports Stettin and Emden, as well as several ports in Holland and France, could all serve this purpose equally well.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 9 October 1784
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Octobre 9. [1784]

				To his Excellency Benjam. Franklin Min. Plenip from Congress. at Passy. I put him in mind of his promiss to write me a long lettre. That I am sorry a new Commission is appointed to examine the animal magnetisme. I send him inclosed a lettre to mr. Samuel Wharton and one to his son mr. Samuel Lewis Wharton, and I ask him advise what to doe to recovre my property, that I did not chuse to send a power of atorney to force mr. Wharton by a law Suite to give an account tho mr. Coffyn insisted on it / that I am informed nothing is more common among the Americans than impose on foreighners, who entrust them with money, and than to abuse them afterwards, so that there Seems to be no justice or power in the execution of the laws / I explain him who [how] I was affected by being struck down by a charged jarr of 32 pintes, and I ask him, what were the circonstances of the two strokes he recieved, and whether he does not think such a commotion could be servicable in mad people / that I heard from mr. Home he will soon publish his theory of the new chimnies and principaly about Six causes of chimnies Smoaking / that I Can’t understand why my book is not yet publish’d tho it has been three years under the press.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Principe di Caramanico, 10 October 1784
From: Caramanico, Franceso Maria Venanzio d’Aquino, principe di
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					a Paris ce 10. octobre 1784Hotel Montmorency chaussée d’Antin./.

				Le Prince de Caramanico Ambassadeur Extraordinaire du Roy des siciles a L’honneur de faire part a Monsieur Francklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de L’Amerique, qu’il a eû ce Jourd’huy ses premieres Audiences de Leurs Majestés & de La famille Royale./.

				Notation: Le Prince Caramanico 10 Oct. 1784—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 11 October 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

					Sir,
					Passy, Oct: 11. 1784.

				I beg leave to lay before your Excellency the enclos’d Papers, complaining of the improper Proceedings of the Admiralty at Nantes, in deciding on a Cause between the Captain of an American Ship and one of his Sailors, which ought only to have been judg’d by our Consul; and moreover in arresting the said Ship just on the Point of Departing for Virginia. I make no doubt but your Excellency will see the Reasonableness of my earnest Request, that an Order of Government may immediately issue for the Discharge of the said Arrest, & Permission of Departure for the Ship, as her Detention must occasion great Charges, & Loss to the Owners. I am with great & sincere Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

					B. Franklin
					His Excellency the Count de Vergennes.—

				Endorsed: M De R.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Augustus Miles, 11 October 1784
From: Miles, William Augustus
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Sir
					à Seraing prés de Liege Oct: 11: 1784

				It is by the express desire of my friend Sir Edward Newenham that I transmit you the inclos’d printed extracts from the irish Papers. It will afford me a real pleasure to hear of them having arriv’d Safe and in the interim I have the honor to remain with the utmost respect Sir Your most obedt: & most Oblig’d Hble Servt

						Willm: Augt: Miles

					His Excellency Dr: Franklin—

				Notation: Miles Oct 11. 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Carroll, Marquise d’Auzoüer, 12 October 1784
From: Carroll, Marquise d’Auzoüer
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					a lhotel despagne rue dophinea paris ce 12 8bre 1784
					Monsieur

				Je desirerois bien me rapeller dans le Souvenir de votre Excelence, mais je ne puis me flatter davoir cet avantage, les affaires importantes que vous avez eu a traiter avec les personnes du premier rang, ne me laissent pas esperer que vous puissies vous ressouvenir de ma visite en 1778. Son objet etoit autant, pour avoir lhonneur, de pouvoir dire, que javois vu une personne du merite

de votre Excelence, que pour minformer aussi de messieurs carrolls mes proches parens en amerique, dont un a été élevé au rang de membre du congré. Ce dernier mavoit écrit plusieurs lettres pendant la guerre, mais la derniere est la seule qui me Soit parvenue. Probablement je nen recevrai plus. Jai presque la certitude quil est mort. Je Suis afligée de la perte dun homme de Son merite. Je Suis porté a croire Suivent ce quil m’ecrit, joint a ce qui m’est revenu, que son intention etoit de fair passer Son fils en france, et de me ladresser. Cet enfan me fait desirer en partie de pouvoir obtenir un heur de votre conversation. Je Suplirois aussi, votre Excelence, que dans le cas, quelle connoitroit actuelement a paris, des personnes du merilend ou dautre province de lamerique de vouloir bien me les indiquer, afin que je puisse Savoir en detail, des nouvelles de ma famille, dans cette partie du monde.
				Jespere que votre exelence voudra bien me donner Sur une carte Seulement, lheur et le jour. Dici lundi, ou je pourrai avoir lhonneur de la voir sans lincomoder. Ma reconnoissance égalera les Sentimens de veneration avec lesquels j’ai lhonneur dêtre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante Servante

						Carroll dauzoüer

				Notations in different hands: D’auzouer / Carrol d’auzouer 12. Oct. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 12 October 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear & Hond Sir,
					London, 12. Oct. 1784.—

				I this Instant receiv’d your Letter of the 2d.— It gives me inexpressible Grief to learn that you have been so long without receiving any Letter from me, & that you attribute it to my neglect! I can assure you—you wrong me,—for I have wrote, I think constantly every Week;—some of my Letters went by Private Hands, others by the Post: the former may have been long in getting to you or lost;—the latter must have reached you, if given to the Bell-man by the People here, as I directed, and which I cannot think was neglected.— I could not keep Copies of my Letters, but I wished I had taken down their several Dates,—and I will in future. To the best of my Recollection this is my 10th. Letter since I left home.— But enough of this—the Arrival of my Letters must have already justified me. Alexr indeed mentions your having recd one two days after your Letter— I wish therefore you had kept it back, it gave me great uneasiness!—but I suppose you had already sent it.
				The Abbé & Ld Fitzmaurice arrived only last Night a 12 a Clock—& they set off this Morg at 9. for Bowood;— It was not ’till Eleven that I heard of their Arrival, so that I have not been able to see them.— The Abbé wrote me a Note, with the Prints &ca—mentioning the Reason for his not calling on me,—informing me that he purpos’d returning to Paris the beginning of next Month—& wishing me to let him know my

Plan;—which I shall do,—and shall be happy if we can arrange Matters so as to return together;—tho I doubt it: for unless I receive a farther Congé from you, I shall certainly sett off much sooner than the Abbé purposes doing.—
				Mrs. Hewson has at length determined to accept your Proposal— I did not urge her to it:— The Friends she has consulted have advised her:— Mrs. Blount is the principal One; and would, I believe, herself be of the Party—did she understand French—but she does not even read it. Mrs. H. has some Arrangements to take, but we shall I believe be with you at the End of the Month—unless I receive Letters from you to detain me:— Mrs. Sargent, withom I have been spending 2 Days in the Country, hopes I shall,—& if I do, has made me promise to make her another Visit.— I never in my Life I think, on so short an Acquaintance, took so great a liking for any two Persons as for Mr. & Mrs. Sargent:— It is true I had often heard you speak of them—& their attachment for you cannot be surpass’d.— Their Sentiments for you have been imbib’d by all their Neighbourhood.— At the Houses we visited—I think I met with no less than three of your Busts—& two of your Portraits in Oil.— Lord Stanhope—& his Son Ld. Mahon, (who live at abt. 3 Miles from Mr. Sargents),—recd me very politely,—& express’d the greatest Respect for you.— I have a Book for you from Ld. Stanhope—& another for the Society at Philada.— I gave Mrs. Sargent several Pieces of your Writing, who was infinitely pleased with them, & thinks the Dialogue with Made la Goute,—ought to be publish’d for the Benefit of Mankind.—
				I have much more to tell you but must leave you for the present, it being 5 a Clock—and I am engag’d to dine at Pardises

with Dr: Blagden, & others of the Rl. Society.— Charettier setts off tomorrow for Paris,—I shall send you some Pamphlets by him, & if possible write again. Adieu for the present—& believe me as ever—my dearest Sir, Your most dutiful & affecte. Grandson

					W. T. Franklin.
					(Remember to all Friends.)B Franklin Esqr.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Prince de Ligne, 12 October 1784
From: Ligne, Charles-Joseph-François- Lamoral-Alexis, prince de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					Bruxelles Ce 12 8bre 1784.

				Sans oser Me flatter que L’admiration que vous m’avés Causée Sans cesse ait eté remarquée par vous, Je ne reclame que votre obligance; elle parai Suivre Le genie. Et les ames les plus fermes Sont toujours les plus Sensibles. C’est un Jeune gentil-homme de ce pays cy. Il S’appelle M. De vaux qui avec une fortune honnête, qui le ferait vivre icy dans l’oisiveté, voudrait l’Augmenter par le travail. Un parti aussi Considerable, Merite de l’interêt.
				Je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien le recommander Comme un excellent Sujet, qui peut etre sera utile. M. De Bordieu le Connait deja. Vous Saurés Mieux que Moi, Auprés de qui il faudra proteger M. De vaux qui Compte S’associer à La maison Scholet, pour faire un Commerce Considerable.

				Recevés Les assurances, Non de tous Les Sentimens que vous M’avés inspirés, Car Cela Serait trop long: Mais au Moins du respect, et de l’attachement avec le quel J’ai L’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés obeissant Serviteur

						Le Prince de Ligne

				Notation: Le Prince de Ligne 12 Oct. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12 October 1784
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Dear Sir
						Belcamp 12 Ocbr. 1784

					I have the Honor of sending you the MORNING POST of this day, & entreat by a Single Line, that you will, by the return of the post let me Know whether you received, as I shall thereby Judge of the regularity of our new Establishment, & shall take my measures accordingly—
					I am inclined to think the Tools of Government may take out the MORNING Post & Subsitute their own base, Lying and Corrupted Vehicle of Falshood & Misrepretation, consequently I shall impatiently hope for your Excellencys Answer—& when you have read it, you will keep it for our much respected friend on his return from America—
					As the Attorny General declared he would prosecute the Sherriffs, I Suppose he will file an Information against me— I fear him not— I have Law, Precedent & Constitution on my side— An army of Lawyers cannot Injure me—

					I have the Honor to be Dear Sir with Every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem yr: Excellencys Most obt & Very Humble Sert

							Edward Newenham

					I beg for the Honor of your Excellencys introductory Letters to yr Friends in Boston New Yorke Rhode Island, Philadelphia & Charles town, as I requested in my last of the 9 Instant—

				Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the united States / Passy / near Paris—
				Endorsed: Oct. 12, 84


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 12 October 1784
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					This letter contains the first allusion in Franklin’s papers (albeit an indirect one) to the doctor’s having hired J.-Fr. Hemery in the fall of 1784 to reactivate the dormant typefoundry at Passy and teach Benjamin Franklin Bache how to cast printing type. Pierres here reports that he has, as requested, forwarded a letter from Franklin to “hemery.” That letter has not been located.
					Benny’s journal, which he still kept exclusively in French, is our sole source of information about the beginnings and duration of his apprenticeship. On Friday, October 8, he recorded that his grandfather had brought to Passy a master typefounder who would stay the winter and teach him “a fondre les caracteres d’Imprimerie.” Hémery and Benny organized the foundry and set up the furnace on Saturday, October 9. The following Monday, October 11, they cast St.

Augustin, and Benny noted, “je compte continuer mon apprentissage pendant tout l’Hiver.” Being wholly occupied with typefounding over the next several months, he wrote only occasionally, to record particularly unusual events. Only one of those events was related to the foundry. Waking in the early morning of January 21 and assuming that it must be around seven o’clock, Benny began to dress in preparation for lighting the furnace and melting “la Matière pour former des Lettres.” Seeing that the light in his room came from a brilliant moon, he consulted his watch, learned that it was only twenty minutes after two and went back to sleep.
					The apprenticeship ended on Saturday, March 19, with what may have been a degree of relief on the part of the dutiful fifteen-year-old. “J’ai négligé mon Journal [during the time I was casting type],” Benny wrote that day, “parceque ma vie était très régulière. Je n’ay pas fait durant ces 5 Mois une seule visite mais nous avons fini au-jourdhui.” The deprivation of social life was quickly remedied. On Monday, March 21, Benny dined at the home of the Lafayettes and visited Thomas Barclay. A few days later he went on what would be the first of many excursions with Polly Hewson and her children. The following week, he accompanied Temple to Saint-Germain, where he saw “les Demoiselles Alexandre,” dined, and stayed for tea.

						Monsieur,
						Paris 12 8bre. 1784

					J’ai fait remettre hier suivant vos desirs la Lettre que vous m’avez adressée pour M. hemery. Je suis bien flatté d’avoir eu de vos nouvelles a cette occasion. Il y a longtems que je desire d’avoir l’honneur de vous aller voir en vous demandant à diner. Si J’ai ma liberté samedi prochain, j’en profiterai pour me donner cette vraie satisfaction.
					Je suis avec Autant d’attachement que de veneration, Monsieur, Votre tres humble & tres obeissant serviteur

							Pierres

						M. franklin.

				Notation: Pierres 12 Oct. 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 13 October 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Hond. Sir,
					London 13. Oct. 1784.—

				Fearing my Letters by this Conveyance might be long in reaching you, I wrote by last Nights Post. With this you will receive several Pamphlets, some of which have been given, the others purchas’d. I likewise forward you a Letter which was left here Yesterday, I know not by whom.— In the Packet from Dr. Price, is likewise a Letter from that worthy—but at present distress’d Gentleman: Mrs. Prices State of Health gives him great Uneasiness:— I have however been in his Company several Times, at Vaughan’s and elsewhere, but the Whig Club do not meet at present—so that it has not been in his Power to introduce me there, which he otherwise would have done with Pleasure.— I have however through the Medium of Dr. Blagden & Mr. Vaughan, attended two Philosophical Clubs;— one at the Crown and Anchor,—the other at the George and Vulture.— At both your Health was drank—and several of the Members were very particular in their Enquiries after your Welfare:—among these were Dr. Watson—Mr. Belchie, Mr Aubert—Mr. Russel &ca.

				Not being able to keep Copies of my Letters—I am afraid I often repeat the same things,—but you will I hope excuse it,—& consider the continual Hurry I live in here—by wishing to make the most of my Time.— I shall soon however be enabled to retain Copies of my Letters by means of a new Invented Press—on the same Principle as that we have, but so contrived as to be convenient for Travelling. The Whole forms a small writing Desk—about the same size with that given me by Mr. Lawrens—and ansrs. every purpose of the old one, and is less expensive.— Thinking that you would like the Contrivance—and that we might easily dispose of the One in the Office—I have order’d one of this new Invention—& expect it in a few Days. I could not get one ready made, they are in such great Demand.—
				Moore I informed you was dead, but I have found out his Brother or Nephew, who carries on the same Business. He has agreed to furnish the Press your Friend desires,—but the lowest Price is Eight Guineas.— He assured me he never made any for less—and that it could be but very small for that Price.— He tells me he sells a great many of them—& that they are now in almost all the Public Offices.— I have given Orders for the shipping it to Rouen as you directed;—But it will not be ready ’till the latter End of the Month.— Woodmason has also shipt to that Port—a very compleat Patent Press—with all the necessary Apparatus—& a large Quantity of Ink and Paper,

for Mr. Jefferson— I have just recd the Acct which Amounts to £17. 13sh.—so that I shall have nothing of Mr. J. left to put into Stockdales Hands;—but on the Contrary he will be my Debtor for the Books &ca. I have sent him, of which I have a regular Acct.—be pleased to read this to him, and make him my Compts.— A Box for you likewise goes by the same Conveyance:— It contains Paper, Ink &ca. for our Press—& also Cooks 2d. Voyage—& the odd Vol. of the last.
				I wait with Impatience a Letter from you, that will either hasten or retard by Departure.— By La Mottes Letters—I find my Rooms are not ready to receive me. Those for Mrs. Hewson— Daughter & Sons,—should likewise be made decent.— My Father sends his Love & Duty with that of—Hond Sir, Your most affectionate Grandson

					W. T. Franklin.

					PS. I have seen Mrs. Clarke, who I really think Clever;—and who I can assure you, would not require much Persuasion to be of the Party to Paris.—

						B. Franklin Esqr.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, [on or before 13 October 1784]
From: Shipley, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					My dear Friend
					[on or before October 13, 1784]

				A few days ago I was surprisd & delighted by a kind Letter from You transmitted to me by your Grandson now in London, & flatterd myself I should soon have seen him & been able by the Kindness I wishd to show him, to express some part of the Reverence & Affection I have allways felt for You. Mrs Shipley & her Daughters were overjoy’d with the expectation of seeing a Grandson of yours, whom We should immediately have considerd as one of the Family. But our Disappointment was great when in answer to our Invitation He told us in a very polite & affectionate Letter, that his short leave of absence would not allow us the satisfaction of seeing him; & I fear it is now much more improbable that I should ever see his Grandfather. Whether Providence has that happiness in reserve for me or not, I still rejoice that You are still bless’d with a healthy & chearful Old Age, the natural reward of your Virtue & Prudence; & that even the Stone becomes tolerable under your Temper & Management. I was allways disposd to be a Quack & cannot help mentioning that I knew the late Sr Charles Howard, who had been long torturd with the Stone & felt excruciating pain from the motion of a Carriage; but by the use of Wild Carrot Tea was so relievd as to bear a long Journey. A very able & honest Country Physician assurd me that thinking himself relievd by accidentally drinking Lemonade he continued the use of it for some years with very great benefit. Honey is a produce of Hamshire that We are proud of, & most of us think there is no better Remedy for the Stone. Forgive my Impertinence for wishing

to suggest something that may give ease & comfort to my most valuable Friend.
				For my own part I have enjoyd a tolerable share of Health & Spirits & I learn to bear the infirmities of Age by their coming on gently like the gradual approach of Cold & Winter. My great affliction for the last Year & a half has been a criminal prosecution carried on against my Son for republishing a little Dialogue concerning the Principles of Government which was writ by my Son in Law Sr Wm Jones & I think in the Neighbourhood of Passy. If You saw it, I believe You must recollect that there was nothing in it, but the fundamental truths on which every free Government is built. The Prosecutor is Mr Fitzmaurice whom I think You know. The Provocation was that Fitzmaurice a few Years ago at a publick County meeting made a labourd Speech against petitioning the Crown for redress of Grievances; My Son answerd him upon the Spot & with so manifest a

Superiority that upon a Division, which Fitzmaurice insisted upon, he was left alone. This He never forgave. This & some other parts of my Son’s Conduct for which I am sure You would applaud him, have made him an object of Ministerial Persecution! Twice they put of his Trial on the most frivolous & shameful Pretences but in truth because they did not dare to trust a Jury of the County where he livd. By some legal management they got the trial removd to Shrewsbury & sent a Judge to try him not inferior in manner or principles to Scroggs or Jeffreys But I will desire Mr Franklin to bring You the Trial.
				Adieu my ever honourd Friend

					J S A


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Viny, 13 October 1784
From: Viny, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dr Sr.
					Tenterden Octor. 13th. 1784

				It is with great sincerity I congratulate the New world on their glorious Emancipation; and my Venerable friend in particular, whom the divine providence hath sustained under incessant Toil and ancsiety, and hath Crowned his Integrity and ability, in Confederacy with the glorious Sons of liberty on the Continent of America with unexampled Success.

				May the Sons to be born to the Infant States of America, always know what it is to be free, and ever deserve to be So.
				I thank you Sr. for the kind enquiry you have at any time made after me; To be held in Esteem of good men is a Cordial to the heart; I readily own I thirst for it. I have experienced sufficiently the vicissitude of human affairs, to teach me the wisdom and necesity, of building for happiness on the base of Virtue.
				May the divine Influence aid me to sustain my Integrity, and whatever be the Tryals wisely and benevolently appointed me or mine, may we be able to Rejoice in the blessings that others may divide.
				May those nearest Your heart, thro’ the Ages of time, transmit in Succession the fairest Copies of their Great Ancestor.
				I shall Request the favor of Mr Franklin, by my Brother Viny, to Convey this letter to You. I recollect the Youth pleas’d me, and from the Acct. I have Received, I esteem the man. I have before express’d my personal Regard in my general and Ardent Wish of honor and felicity to your descendants.
				I am much concerned to know that You have to Endure so painful a Complaint as the Stone: but Rejoice to hear that You enjoy notwithstanding So good health and spirits. I rejoice to have this means of Expressing the most affectionate Veneration of Dr. Benjn. Franklin; who I please myself will accept the Tender from His unfained hue Servt.

					T Viny

					P.S. About Six years Since I had almost Completed my purpose of Emigrateg. to the Land of Liberty a most perverse Youth a Landlord in Reversion was of so much importance in the business as to defeat the Intention and so greatly are Circumstances changed since [that I?] almost despair of ever seating any of my Fam[ily in] that Good Land.
					I am Sorry to know that any of the Independant States of America, have blended Civil and Religious Legislation. a

Citizen of this world and a Citizen of Heaven have very different Sovereigns.

				Addressed: His Excellency / Dr Benjn. Franklin / By favor of Mr Franklin
				Notation: Vini 13 Oct. 1784


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: Résumé, 17 October 1784
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

				⟨Cul-de-sac Tetebout, October 17, 1784: Mr. Jefferson sends to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin drafts of the two letters to be sent

to the Duke of Dorset. One is on the separate articles. The other is on the general subject, and written in the form that they had agreed upon during their last meeting. Having reconsidered the latter, he sends a second version that explicitly notices Hartley’s positive responses; they should make a choice and he will sign whichever they agree on. P.S.: He is ready to concur in a letter or letters about “the man in the inquisition.”⟩


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

						My dear Child,
						Passy, Oct. 18. 1784

					I received yours of the 5th (just after I had sent away mine of the 2d). It inclosed one from the good Bishop to you. I have since receiv’d yours of the 12th. I am glad to hear that Mrs Hewson

resolves to come. My Love to her and her Children. I consent to your Staying till the End of the Month, on Condition however of your making a Visit to Chilbolton and bringing me Word of the Welfare of that dear Family. M. le Veillard mends,—but slowly. Our other Friends are well. We have had a Visit from the Count d’Oeills. My Love to Mr & Mrs Sargent, &c— I have lately seen in the English Papers an Advertisement of Cast Iron Tiles for Covering Houses. I wish you would bring me one as a Sample with the Price, which if I like I shall take enough to cover my House at Philadelphia, and may introduce the Use of them there. Your last is the 7th that I have receiv’d from you of the 10 you mention to have written. I am very well at present but have had some bad Turns lately. I am ever Your affectionate Grandfather

						B. Franklin

					I am charg’d by several of our Friends to say mille choses to you for them.

				Addressed: To / Wm. T. Franklin, Esqr / No. 5. Devonshire Street / Portland Road / London
				Notation: B. Franklin 18. Oct. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Pilloust, 18 October 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pilloust, ——

					Sir,
					Passy, Oct. 18. 1784

				I have this Day received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the eighth Instant, respecting the Claims of twenty Volunteers against Captain Cunningham. Some or other of these People have been continually applying to me personally or by Letter for near seven Years past; and, I have as constantly told them, that I had no Concern in the Equipment of that Privateer, that it was to Capt. Cunning-himself they ought to apply, and make their Demand of him, that I had no Power of compelling him to pay them, but that they might doubtless obtain what should be found justly due to them, if on his Refusal they would sue him either here or in America. I undertook to forward their Power of Attorney for that Purpose to a Friend in Philadelphia, and I did so, with a Recommendation of the Affair to his diligent Endeavours in their Favour; but as I never receiv’d any Answer, it is possible that my Letter miscarried, as many did during the War. Having since seen Capt. Cunningham, I mentioned the matter to him, and his Answer as near as I can recollect was to

this purpose, that nothing was in Justice due from him to those Volunteers; for that as soon as they came to Sea they mutinied on pretence that they had not receiv’d the Advance Money which they said had been promised them; that finding them bad Hands and likely to be troublesome, he agreed to discharge them and give them leave to go home; and for that purpose he gave them a Prize loaded with Wood which he had taken, which they accepted and left him: but that getting all drunk, they let the Vessel run aground on the Coast of England, and suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners in that Condition by some Fishermen. Capt. Cunningham has since resided so long in France as to build and fit out a Ship at Nantes, and he has been twice at Dunkirk: And he now uses the Trade between France & America. If they can make good their Claims against him, it is astonishing that they did not arrest him at Dunkirk. When I hear again of his Arrival in France, I will acquaint you with it, and they may then take such Steps as they shall be advis’d to. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

					B. Franklin

				[In Franklin’s hand:] Concerning Capt. Cunningham’s Volunteers


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François Chevallié, 21 October 1784
From: Chevallié, Pierre-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monseigneur
					Rochefort Le 21. 8bre. 1784./.

				Ayant fait L’acquisition au mois de mai 1777. du Vaisseau du Roy L’Hyppopotâme de 50. Canons, et La cession un mois aprés en faveur de M. de Beaumarchais je fus chargé par Luy de luy faire faire son radoub, Armément, et Expédition et de suppléer le nom du Fier Rodrigue, à celuy d’Hyppopotâme. Vous vous rappellerés aisément, Monseigneur, combien Les sollicitudes continuelles de L’Ambassadeur de Sa Majesté Britannique (:M. Stormont alors à Paris:) ont nécéssités de peines et de Soins par les précautions qu’il me fallut prendre pour parvenir à monter cette opération au grés des vuës de M. de Beaumarchais: j’ai été assés heureux pour les remplir et j’ai des Lettres de ce correspondant pleines d’éloges et de témoignages les plus flatteurs de sa satisfaction de ma conduite! Aussy m’ayant ensuite demandé à aller moi même dans le Vaisseau en qualité de Supercargue pour y gérer sa Cargaison et exécuter toutes Les opérations politiques et de Commerce, en Amérique, Je n’hésitai pas plus de vingt quatre heures à y consentir, Je m’embarquai donc sur ce Vaisseau qui appareilla des rades de L’Isle d’aix Le 7. Avril 1778. porteur d’un Duplicata du Traitté d’Union et de Commerce, entre La France et Les Etats Unis de L’Amérique, J’arrivai Le 26. May suivant au fort de Hampton à L’Embouchure des Riviéres James et d’York dans La Baye de Chésapeak. Je fus assez heureux pour avoir rempli ma mission dans deux mois vingt huit jours de

séjour au Continent (Le Vaisseau ayant appareillé de dessous Le Cap Henry le 25. aoust Suivant:) et d’accomplir ce voyage dans un terme de cinq mois vingt trois jours (:étant arrivé au Lieu de son départ dans Les Rades de L’Isle d’aix:) Le Ir. 8bre. 1778.
				Au Lieu d’avoir des témoignages satisfaisants de M. de Beaumarchais aprés mon retour de cet important voyage, il me suscita des difficultés infinies pour me priver des avantages qu’il m’avoit fait et accordé par un traitté passé entre nous avant l’epoque de mon Embarquement, il fallut en venir à un Réglément à L’amiable! Qui fut arretté en Arbitrage par trois des plus célébres Négotiants de Bordeaux qui rendirent leur Sentence Arbitrale le 20. May 1779. conforme a La copie que j’ai L’honneur de vous remettre cy joint.—
				Malgré cette division survenuë alors entre M. de Beaumarchais et moi, Je ne fus pas moins chargé par Luy du second Armément et Expédition du même Vaisseau, tout à fait en guerre! Je ne rappellerai icy à votre Excellence son combat à la prise de L’Isle de La Grénade aux Antilles sous Les ordres de M. le Comte d’Estaing vice Amiral dans lequel le Sr. Montaut L’ainé qui Le commandoit fut tué que pour prouver que je n’avois rien laissé à désirer pour que Le Vaisseau fut en êtat de combattre en Ligne ainsy que cela est arrivé, c’est aussy ce qui m’a merité de La part de M. de Beaumarchais un second temoignage de sa Satisfaction en se rendant de Luy même et de son propre mouvement à me faire donner par le Sr. de Francy son agent alors, deux Mandats ou Délégations sur L’Etat de Virginie, L’un de 5420. pounds 1. Schelling, et 6. Sols en argent réél et L’autre de 46. millers de tabac qui me revenoient pour ma Commission de trois pour cent dans Les fonds qui luy sont dûs et que j’ai été forcé par Les circonstances de laisser aprés moi, J’ai encore l’honneur de

remettre cy joint à votre Excellence les copies de ces deux Mandats et de La Lettre qui fut écrite le 9. 7bre. 1780. au Sr. Armistead Agent de L’Etat de Virginie pour luy en donner avis.—
				Et quoique M. Le Comte de Vergennes m’ait accordé aux sollicitations de M. Le Comte de La Touche Capitaine des Vaisseaux du Roy Le 26. Avril 1782. une Lettre de recommandation de mes intérests tres particuliére à M. Le Chevalier de La Luzerne notre Ministre plénipotentiaire auprés du Congrés qui s’est donneé tous les soins imaginables pour obtenir du Gouverneur et des Officiers de L’Etat de Virginie Le payément de ces deux Mandats, en à compte des sommes considérables qui sont duës a M. de Beaumarchais, mais qui ont été sans effet jusqu’a present: J’ai recours avec La plus grande confiance à La justice de votre Excellence à ce qu’il luy plaise protéger La reclamation que je fais faire de Son influence aupres des puissances de L’Etat de Virginie et du Congrés.—
				Je supplie votre Excellence de m’accorder sa bienveillance et L’appui de votre recommandation personnelle pour qu’il me soit payé sans plus de rétard en principal et Intérest toutes Les sommes qui me sont duës Le besoin que j’en ai est d’autant plus pressant que mon honneur ainsy que ma réputation en dépend et tient à Leur prompte rentree entre mes mains.—
				Le Mémoire et Le pacquet que j’ai L’honneur d’addresser cy joint à votre Excellence contenant mes Lettres particuliéres à Mrs. de Marbois, Le Mis. de Lafayette, Oster, Dominique Cabarus neveu et au Sr. Sans La mettront au fait de mes justes demandes aux uns et aux autres, et de ce que j’ai Lieu d’en attendre.—

				Je suis avec un profond Respect De vôtre Excellence Le trés humble, trés obeissant et Soumis Serviteur

						Chevallié

					Mgr. Benj: franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis á Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 21 October 1784
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Dear Brother
						Boston Octr. 21— 1784

					I propose to Send this by the Marquis La Fayette. He is Much Hon’d and Caress’d among us. I wish I was Capeble of filling it with a Subject worthy your Atention, but I can only write what throw your Affection for me will be Pleasing, I am now Pritily Settled have had two Rooms New Papered an Painted, have Procur’d Some conveniances for my own Chamber (for you know I Lost allmost every thing when the Town was Ravged)

that if I Should be confined to it I might be comfortable for I can’t say I ever feal Perfectly well; and the Similarity of my Disorder with Dean Swifts makes me often very Apprehensive; I however Recreate my Self in the best maner I can, I walk abroad often, viset my friends oftener than thay do me hopeing they will Pay the debpt in time of need. I Read as much as I Dare, but find it some times Affect my Head, I Injoy all the Agreable conversation I can come at Properly, but I find Litle, very Litle, Equal to that I have a Right to by Nature but am deprived of by Provedence which however does all things well an I Submit, as Old Jacob when He found tho he had been deprived of the comfort and company of his beloved Joseph for So Long a time Sinces it was for Such Porposes to Save much People Alive,— haveing this comforting hope which you yr Self mention in won of your Leters that we Shall meet in a more Joyous State, and a more Dureable habitation, never more to be Seperated, tho we may be keept at this Distance the Short Remainder of this mortal Life.
					I observe in won of your Leters to cousen Williams your Intention to Present to Franklin Town a number of Books as a Foundation for a Parish Library hopeing the Franklins will Prefer Sense to Sound, I can’t doubt but Such a Library will consist of some Authers on Divine Subjects. I therefor hope you will not think it too Presuming in me to Propose won, Viz Discourses on Personal Religion in two Volumes by Samuel

Stnnett [Stennett] DD Printed in London by R Hett in 1769. I borrow’d them and Read them with a grat deal of Pleasur and I think you your Self would if you could find time tho there may be many things in them not altogether Agreable to your Sentiments, which I sopose may be the Case with Every Volume you Read on any Subject.
					Mr Collas is now at home Preparing for sailing again to the French Westindies. His wife is in a beter State of Health than when I Laste wrot you.
					She Joyns in Duty and Love to the best of Benifactors with your Affectionat Sister.

							Jane Mecom

					Remember me Affectionatly to Temple I hope he is as good to you as Ever, & to Benny Bache if with you. our Friend Madam Greene allways Inquiers after you and desiers to be Remembred

				Addressed: His Excellency Benja Franklin Esqr. / Passy— / near Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 21 October 1784
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						My Dear Friend
						Newington-Green Oct 2[1] 178[4]

					I received a few days ago your letter by Mr Hartley, and think myself much obliged to you for it, and for conveying to me the King of France’s Edict for establishing a new Sinking Fund. I received soon afterwards another Copy of the Same Edict from Ld Shelburne. My curiosity has been much gratify’d by it; but at the Same time I have been mortify’d to find that our rivals are getting So much the Start of us. I admire the language and Spirit and wisdom of this Edict. Nothing but a faithful execution of the plan establish’d by it can be necessary to extricate France

from the embarrassmts: of its debts. This plan is the Same with that which I have been long writing about and recommending in this country to no purpose. It is Strange that nations Should hitherto have thought So little (particularly Since funding has been practised) of employing the powers of compound interest to liquidate debts and to make themselves rich and powerful. But we See continually that the same want of foresight, extravagance and infatuation prevail in governmts: wch: prevail among individuals.
					I am not Sufficiently acquainted with the nature of the public debts of France to understand properly the particulars in the Second Table annex’d to this Edict, but the general purport of it is obvious.
					I See that by the arrangemts: proposed and the operations of the Sinking Fund if not interrupted a revenue of Six millions Sterling per Ann will be liberated in 2 [5] years, above two millions and a half of wch. will be liberated in 13 years. This kingdom would be in less danger were any thing like this practicable here; but the nature of our debts (consisting almost entirely of perpetual annuities) does not admit of it.
					I have promised to draw-up a table, during the next Session of Parliamt:, Similar to the first in the French Edict, and marking as that does, distinctly for every year the progress of a Sinking fund in order to Shew its powers; and I have Some reason to expect that there will be a Struggle in our Parliamt: to get Such a fund establish’d, and consigned to the care of Commissioners in order to render diversions of it less practicable.
					I have inclosed a little pamphlet publish’d in April last because I am doubtful whether it has been Sent you before.
					We have at last begun to fly here. Such an ardor prevails that probably we Shall soon in this instance leave France behind us. Dr Priestley, in a letter wch: I have just received from him,

tells me that he is eager in pursuing his Experimts, and that he has discover’d a method of filling the largest Balloons with the lightest inflammable air in a very Short time and at a very Small expence.
					I Sent you a pretty long letter with a parcel of my pamphlets on the Amerin Revolution about a fortnight ago. This letter will be convey’d by a countryman of yours, Mr Jonathan Jackson who has been in London Some time, and in whose acquaintance I have been happy. I have Sent a considerable number of these pamphlets to America where I hope they will be favourably received as a well-meant tho’ weak attempt to Serve the best interests of civil Society.
					Mrs Price, I thank God, continues better. She desires to be respectfully remember’d to you. With the highest regard I am ever yours

							Richd: Price

					I have not Seen Mr Franklin lately, but I have the prospect of dining in his company in a few days. He was so good as to take the care of the parcel I Sent you.

				Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Passy / Near Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 22 October 1784
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Dear and Hond. Sir,
					London Oct. 22. 1784.—

				I am still without a Line from you in ansr to several of my Letters:— I have I hope sufficiently cleared up my apparent Neglect:— You must I think have recd four of my Letters since yours by the Abbé Morellet:— In my last I believe I mentioned that Mrs. Hewson had at length determined to accept yr. Invitation,— She had really told me so, and I had begun to make some Arrangements for our Journey; Judge then of my Surprise, when I went to see her this Morning at Cheam—to learn that she had taken a contrary Resolution: However she did not speak quite positive, and I am to see her again on the Subject; Mr. Elphinston went with me—and prevented our discussing the Matter fully:— When Persons once change, there’s no Reason for their not continuing to do so:— Tho’ I should not suspect Mrs. Hewson of this—had not her late Conduct in some measure given me cause to apprehend it.— Let what will however turn up, unless I receive any thing to the contrary from you, I shall get away as soon after Thursday next, as possible: I wait ’till that Day—Mr. Vaughans having press’d me much to dine with him—& meet Dr. Price and other of your Friends.—
				The Press, Moore has been making for you, is now compleat—and as soon as I have seen it, it will be forwarded according to your Directions.
				I continue well—and am as ever, my dearest Sir, Your most dutiful & affece. Grandson

					W. T. Franklin

					PS. My last went by M. Charettier, with Books.— Remember me to all Friends—

						B: Franklin Esqr.—

				Addressed: B. Franklin Esqr / &ca. &ca. &ca / at Passy, near / Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Charretié, 23 October 1784
From: Charretié, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Paris 23d Octr 1784

				Mr Charretier presents his respects to Mr Franklin, and sends by the bearer two parcels he brought from London.
				Mr. C was obliged to go to Versailles immediately on his arrival but will have the honor to wait upon his Excellency when he returns

				Addressed: B. Franklin Esqr / &c &c &c / at / Passy
				Notation: Charretier 23 Oct 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 24 October 1784
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur

						24 8bre. 1784.

				La société Royale de medecine me charge de Vous prévenir que Monsieur Le Comte Doels assistera à la séance qu’elle tiendra le 26 de ce mois, au Louvre. Nous n’osons pas nous flatter de l’honneur de Vous y Voir parmi nous, mais les personnes auxquelles il Vous plaira de donner des Billets Signés de Vous, seront placées le mieux qu’il sera possible.
				J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et tres Obeissant serviteur

						Vicq d’azyr

					M franklin.

				Notation: Vicq-D’azir 24. Oct. 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 25 October 1784
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					My dear Sir
					Cheam Oct. 25. 1784

				The invitation you gave me was so very alluring that I had once resolved to pass the winter with you; in consequence of which resolve I made several preparations, and caused your amiable Grandson to postpone his return, but being a little out of health my spirits failed me, and I relinquished the pleasure I had promised myself in your society. I hope you will pardon my fickleness.
				My daughter is much disappointed, for she highly enjoyed the idea of going to France, and I am sensible her being there would have proved advantageous to her; however she bears her disappointment like a philosopher, and I will endeavour to do what I can for her here to make her good and pleasing, tho’ she may not have the graces she would have acquired in France. My sons have been saved the disappointment by not anticipating the

pleasure, as I kept them in ignorance that their heads might not run upon the journey instead of their lessons. I am rather apprehensive I should have done them no good by taking them from their present studies, as by so doing I should probably have unsettled their minds, and after a relaxation in France they might not relish the discipline of Cheam School. Perhaps this consideration had more power than my trifling indisposition in keeping me here. Could I have depended upon your going to America in the Spring, and have so settled my affairs as to have accompanied you, there would have been less objection. It is indeed with reluctance I forego the satisfaction of shewing you my dear children, as you could have judged of their talents, and have assisted me in disposing of them to the best advantage. William by fancying he remembers you, and by being so kindly remembered by you, has formed such an attachment to you that he would be just wild did he know how near he was to having the pleasure of being with you.
				We are all pleased with our old Friend Temple changed into young Franklin. We see a strong resemblance of you, and indeed saw it when we did not think ourselves at liberty to say we did, as we pretended to be as ignorant as you supposed we were, or chose we should be. I believe you may have been handsomer than your Grandson is, but then you never were so genteel; and if he has a little less philosophy he has more polish. To have such a young man ready to run off with one, and yet to stay behind, argues great virtue or great stupidity. Les belles Françoises will be at no loss which to term it; my countrywomen will not marvel so much, as at forty five we are expected to be prudent. My daughter at ten is equally prudent for she resisted all your Grandson’s solicitations to go with him unless I would go too. Perhaps you will think a few years added to her age would abate her prudence, and if he should offer to take her away in a proper manner seven years hence I should say nothing against it.
				You see I have a mind to make you some amends for the want of my company by giving you some of my nonsense on paper.

				I thank you for the sight of Mrs Bache’s letter. I hope she and her family continue well. I wrote to her about a year & half ago by Mr Gilpin, who went to Philadelphia, but have not heard from her since; indeed I have no right to expect I should, as I was much longer in answering her, and she has too much upon her hands to write often.
				Believe as ever Dear Sir Your obliged & truly affectionate

						Mary Hewson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Whatley, [before 26 October]–15 November 1784
From: Whatley, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					London [before October 26—] 15 November 1784.

				My Troubling you, my Good old Friend, with a Recommendatory Letter, by & for my esteemed Dr Rowley, must have convinc’d you that I depended on the Continuance of Your Friendship. ’Tho, I owne, I felt doubts, considering Your many Months Silence about giving it to him.
				That is now all cleared, & done away, by yr Favor of yr Letter of the 21 of August last; receivd the 23 September by yr Grand Son.
				I allow yr Plea of much Business to be an Excuse for Inexactness; but Indolence of old Age not. King Alphonsus’s Saying seems to Sanctify this. I am riseing 75. I Shall ask of yr Grand

Son, when I can catch him, how much more you are. Sorry I am to learn from my Friend Rowley, that you have any thing of the Stone. The Gout is bad; but that, in my aprehension, worse. I only pray to live ’till I die, without Pain: for I am persuaded “Death, a necessary End, will come when it will come”.
				It is not impossible, but the oddity of the War wth. double Letters, may have made Persons, who only look on the Superficies of things, pronounce our Performance of the Principles of Trade to be that of a Queer Genius. You flatter my Vanity in thinking of having a Translation made of it. I have given to yr Grand Son one of them; & I Shall with Pleasure send some Copys to America.— But to whom send them? I gave half a Dozen or more to a Capn Falconer who was recommended to me by Mr Comptroller Jackson, as your Friend, going to Philadelpia. What his Capacity may have carry’d him to do wth. them, I know not; but it was upon the Principle of his being your Friend, that I gave them to him.
				You know my Idea of the Principle of our Government here; so it is needless to Say or to Sing. Folly is too prevalent.
				I Shou’d be glad to know what the Success may be of the new Institution at Paris of assisting Women, so as to suckle their own Children at home. I approve of it much: ’thoh I hold as an Axiom “That the Children of poor or dishonest Persons shou’d be taken Care of by the Public in time least instead of Serving they come to hurt the Public, either throh Distress or bad Education; if it can be done, without any Violence to the natural

Right of the Parent; as it is better to make Men good than to hang those that are bad.”
				You see the voluntary sending Children to the Foundling Hospital, takes away the thought of any Violence, to the natural Right. And to my mind, from whatever cause Parents may divest themselves of their afection for their offspring, so as to put them away; it is the Duty of the Public to interveen & take such offspring up; upon the certain Principle, that the Number of Subjects is the Riches of a State.—
				By good luck I find I have kept your original Notes on the Principles of Trade; those we agreed in; those I added to; & those I dissented to & were not published. Moreover some other Ideas you favor’d me with. This I told your Grand Son; & wish’d to confer wth him thereon: as well for his Emolument, & Improvement, as to convey to you what we differd in, & for yr Reconsideration. Whether I Shall have the Pleasure of my wish’d for Conference, seems as yet uncertain; but I have prepar’d Copys of those Notes, & Shall hope to collate them wth yr G. Son. If not so done you may depend I have faithfully copy’d them—
				I find suivant l’Etiquette that I have done wrong in not giving yr Grand Son a particular Invitation to a Dinner & then a General one. If I can See him I Shall owne my Error. Yet Shall hint to him; that thoh Ceremony may be of use, in many purposes, Yet it was not made for Such Mortals as me.—
				Death is a Concomitant of our Existence. Your Doctrine of our Riseing from it, or after it, refresh’d, in the Morning is what I do not comprehend.— I have long contemplated the Epitaph thought to be of the celebrated Mr Pope: which allow me to Send to you; together with my Paraphrase, if it may be So called:—

					“Under this Marble or under this Sill;
					or under this Turf, or e’en what they will:
					Whatever an Heir, or a Friend in his Stead,
					or any good Creature Shall lay o’er my Head:
					Lays one who ne’er car’d, & Still cares not a Pin,
					what they said, or may Say, of the Mortal within.

					But who living & dying, Serene, Still, & free,
					Trusts in God, that as well as he was he Shall be.”

				So sure as we exist so certain is our Dissolution. Whether the above Lines be written by the intelligent Mr Pope for himself & really are so, little does it signify. They Seem to convey a Certainty, so far as we possibly can conceive, either of our Preexistence, or of our after Existence.—
				When we have consider’d Things, & weigh’d them to the utmost Extent of our Facultys; we Shall not, I aprehend, be able to Say more, than that we can know nought of what we were before we existed: nor can we more certainly, or positively say, what Shall become of us on our Dissolution.
				It is therefore Submitted whether it be not greatly Satisfactory to contemplate & to trust in God that what we were we Shall be.
				It is presumd the utmost of all Religion must be the Trusting in God; consequently this Idea seems not to militate against pure Religion.
				As to the almost infinite Notions of Mankind, by which the Minds of Men are warp’d & bent; they will be found meer nothings; if from them we take, as Dean Swift says of what is call’d the Happiness of Mortal Men, their false Lights, Varnish & Tinsel.
				By way of Speculation I trouble you with a Copy of an Account I got from Paris of the Number of Foundling Children there receiv’d from 1741: the Year of our beginning here to the Year 1755. I think it was got preparatory to the opening of our

Hospital the 2 June 1756 for a general Reception to shew what was done abroad. I Shou’d be glad if you cou’d procure the Subsequent Years to 1783 inclusive. Whether it may be of any use I know not: nevertheless it wou’d please me to have it.—
				I keep tack to my purpose, of your buying all our Children, when we can maintain them no longer: and were I young enough, I wou’d engage to go, & deliver them my self in America.—
				I have spoke to Dollond about yr Invention of double Spectacles; & by all I can gather, they can only serve for particular Eyes, not in general. Dollond was to furnish me gratis wth. Spectacles 30 Years ago, in virtue of my disinterested Purchases of Telescopes &ca., for no Small Sums, for Conjurors abroad. He has now done it, as I find spectacles are of ease; ’thoh I can do without them tolerably; & part of this Letter was wrote so. They as I Said give ease, & that is what we ought to covet & Desire.—
				As Procrastination, in my Mind, merits Damnation as much as any Sin, I had set off by writing so far without seeing more than once yr G. Son. I call’d several times & lately left a Note. This brought one from him, exculpatory. On the 5 Instant I receivd a Message that he wou’d take pot luck wth. me that day, if agreable. I assur’d him it woud & I luckily got Dr. Rowley. We talk’d a good deal of you; & how much you had been pleased to honor the Doctor wth yr friendly Entertainment, & Conversation. He desired his very respectful Compliments & best Wishes for your Health. His Injunctions were for your abstaining from

Strong Forcers. Your G Son own’d, I think, you had taken some Lixivium, that afected yr Stomach greatly.—
				I long much to hear how the Philadelphia Bank goes on. If your People will be pleasd to let Justice be the Compass by which they Shall steer, they may do any thing. I think I can prove this to be for their true Interest, in every Shape. You know I lay down as a Maxim that Interest shou’d govern as well Public as private Affairs. It is all a Farce to pretend that it ought not.— I hold your Cincinnati Institution to be wrong: nor do I think those to blame who are against giving too great a Power to Congress, inconsistent with Liberty: for Men are not to be trusted wth. Power, but wth. a jealous Eye; & So guarded as that nought but the General Interest shall be the Rule of Action. If poor States, in Union wth. others, cannot, by reason of their Small Means, acquiesce in Measures judg’d to be for public Benefit so readily as the richer; these Shou’d assist, & help out those who are poor, either by Loan or Gift. I will supose all Readiness in both Rich, & Poor, to do their utmost: for if that be Wanting, there is a clear want of Justice, & consequently a Deviation from the true Interest of the whole.
				It requires a greater Extent of Information than I can possibly have; so that I can only loosely give you my Ideas. When Men can be persuaded, that their great God Interest, is what must be had in View, they will hardly beat about the Bush so much as they do; & pretend so many Falsitys to be their Rule of Action.
				I think l’abbé Raynal in some of his Writings, whether in regard to America or not, has said “Establish no legal Preference amongst the different Forms of Worship. Superstition is innocent, whenever it is neither persecuted, nor protected.”— How Such a Principle can be brought into Practice is dificult. I fear it cannot. I full well remember, what you told me long ago, of a Place in Philadelphia built for whosoever might chuse to

talk in Public. As some Persons of a particular Denomination had been refused holding forth; because they were of a certain Color. How this Doctrine may be relish’d in other Parts I know not: but if Mass has been Said in Boston, I will hope there has been some Relaxation, at least, in favor of the general Interest of the State.
				Since the above & the 12 Instant I have had the Pleasure of your G. Sons drinking Chocolate with me.— I have collated wth. him several Papers you favor’d me with, & you have Duplicates, as I have already mention’d for yr Reconsideration, shou’d you chuse to direct my Translation of the Principles of Trade. I have lost, or lent, wch. is just the Same, the Collection of your Works given me by the Marylander which I mention’d to you last Year; so I cou’d not collate them, to see what I may have added to your Remarks. This shou’d not hinder you from inserting any thing you may think proper.

				Your G. Son upon my insinuating to him you were so desireably situated as not to leave Paris tells me, you thought, you wou’d be more pleas’d, & happy in America; where you might prosecute yr. Philosophical Studys. All I can Say to this is what I have read Somewhere “Happy is he only who in Mind lives contented; & he most of all unhappy, whom nothing that he hath can content”. I am sure you cannot have more Health, Happiness, & Contentment, than I sincerely wish you: & Shall ever be happy in having oportunitys of shewing with what Respect & Regard I am Dear Sir Your very afectionate Friend & most devoted Servant

						George Whatley.

					His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr &ca &ca &ca.

				Notation: Wathley 15 Nov. 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Dickson & Co., 26 October 1784
From: Dickson, David, & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Sr
					London 26th. Octo. 1784

				From the knowledge we have of your friendship, we are induced to take the liberty, of introducing to you, our Friend

Mr. Jereh. Miller, who is gone on very urgent business to your City, which he will explain particularly, respecting our Factor, a Mr. Jno. Pirkman, from Virginia, who has eloped with a large property belonging to us, the greater part of which we find is in Bills of Excha. drawn by Mr Alexander, on Monsr. Grand. We suppose it is only three or four weeks, since he went from Dover for Paris to procure acceptance of the Bills: we shall esteem it a very particular favor, if you will grant our friend, every necessary assistance in this business, it being of the utmost consequence to our concern, as such we flatter ourselves you will aid him, in the best manner, which will be gratefully acknowledged by Sr Yr Mt Obedt Hble Servts,

					David Dickson & Co.

				Addressed: To / His Excellency Benjn. Franklin
				Notation: David Dickson & Co. 26 Oct. 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre de Saillÿ, 26 October 1784
From: Saillÿ, Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Votre Excellence
					Nantes le 26. Octobre [1784]

				Mr. Bache ma chargé pour vous d’une lettre et d’un Paquet, que Jay l’honneur de vous Envoyer; Mes affaires qui me

retiendront icy quelque tems M’empechent de vous le remettre moi même Et de vous offrir L’homage respectueux de mes sentimens de Reconnoissance.
				Mr Bache a eu la bonté de Vous parler de moi daignés vous en souvenir.
				Jay l’honneur detre avec respect Votre excellence Votre trés humble et trés obeissant Serviteur./.

						Saillÿ

				Notation: [torn] Oct. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson: Résumé, 26 October 1784
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

				⟨October 26, 1784: Mr. Joseph Norris, the second son of our friend Charles Norris, will wait on you with this letter. He goes to Europe with the intention of establishing commercial connections. He is anxious to see Paris, and wants it to be known that you are an old friend of his family. I hope you will point out to him the paths of virtue and honor.⟩


Title: Entry in Maria Theresia Paradis’ Autograph Book, 27 October 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

					Passy, Oct. 27. 1784.—

				Wherever you go, may Health and Happiness attend you.

					B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, [before 28 October 1784]
From: Shipley, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

						Dear Sir

							[before October 28, 1784]

					I was forcd by business & interruption & a desire not to lose the opportunity of answering your Letter by the return of your Grandson, whom I fear I am destind not to see, to omit telling You what You wishd to hear of my dear Daughter Lady Jones:

Before She left England She livd in the very best Society upon the very best footing. The most considerable Women in England courted her Intimacy. But her esteem for Sir William made her quit so enviable a Situation & leave her Parents & a Family where She was the Favourite, to live with him at Bengal. There, tho as well receivd as possible, She cannot help complaining that She finds a most mortifying difference between the Society She left, especially that of the Women, & that which She now lives in. Sir William is the happiest of Men. He meets with so many People to converse with in his belovd Oriental Languages, of which, in all the Specimens I have read, I never yet found one whole Page of good Common Sense; but as he searches much deeper I hope He will be more fortunate. He has instituted a Society for promoting the Study of Oriental Antiquity & pursues that strong thirst of Knowledge which, however it is directed commonly meets with something useful in its way. As a Judge he has already had opportunities of showing great Integrity & great professional knowledge. Dunning told the King that He was not only fit for the employment He was sent upon; but the only Man that was fit. Yet there is great reason to apprehend that He is to be recalld as a punishment for being the Author of the Dialogue on Government. My dear Daughter assures me her Health is in general good; hitherto her chief Complaint of the Climate is the Coldness of it; but She still speaks with a sort of terror of the hot Season that was approaching. I hear from

many quarters that She is greatly & universally likd; but the many earnest longings her Letters are full of after her Home her Friends & her Country make me suspect She is not happy. To relieve you from the disagreable impression that may arise from any thing I have said I will send You a very ill-scrawl’d Copy of a Passage in one of her Letters that describes a Strange Animal, hitherto a non-descript, which when You return to America You will probably find there. What a happiness it would have been if Providence had created a Species of Clevelands to govern the rest of the World. My pleasures & Comforts are very sensibly lessend by seeing our publick Affairs every day growing worse. I begin to fear that even I may live to see the final irrecoverable Ruin of my Country. In all situations I am ever, my dear Friend, Most faithfully & affectionately Yours

						J St Asaph

					You will soon hear from Georgiana who continues with the rest of the Family a most lively remembrance of their dear friend & a most sincere regret for the loss of his Society.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [28 October 1784?]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					[October 28?, 1784]

				Mr Morris par sa Lettre du 27 May, me marque qu’il attendoit une future occasion pour me repondre au sujet de Fonds des

Etats Unis, toutes les miennes l’ayant prevenu de mes besoins. Cette occasion s’est bien présentée, puisque J’ai reçu diverses de ses Lettres depuis, mais dans aucune il n’a été question de cet objet tout important qu’il fût, ne lui ayant point laissé ignorer qu’il ne me restoit pas de quoi faire face aux depenses courantes, et qu’il falloit en outre pour voir au payement des interest dus au Gouvernement que Mr Gojard fait monter à £ 837,599 l.t.. Cependant et malgré un silence aussi deplacé, jugeant mieux de M. Morris que les apparences ne m’y invitoient, et par une suite de mes sentiments ainsi que de mon zèle, Je n’ai pu me refuser de continuer à payer ce qui s’est présenté, Salaires, Loan Office, [&c.], persuadé que Je ne resterois pas longtems en debours de mes avances qui s’élèvent aujourd’huy à pres de 50/m. [50,000] l.t. mais bien loin de s’en occuper, il paroit au contraire qu’on n’y pense plus. J’en ai une facheuse et nouvelle preuve dans une Lettre que Je viens de recevoir de Mr Morris en datte du 12 Août, elle n’est non plus du Surintendant des finances que s’il n’avoit jamais existé ce qui m’inquiette veritablement, non pas pour mes avances actuelles mais pour les futures, aux-quelles Je serai forcé malgré moi et malgré toute ma bonne volonté de mettre des bornes si Je ne reçois pas incessamment ces fonds.
				J’ai cru devoir vous prevenir, Monsieur, de la position des choses et vous faire ces details pour ma justification dans tous les cas. Si mes sentiments souffrent d’une pareille resolution, J’aurai du moins la consolation d’avoir fait tout ce qui a été en moi, et tout ce qu’on pouvoit attendre du zéle qui m’a constamment

animé. J’espére, Monsieur, que vous vous me rendez cette justice, et que vous voudrez bien agréer les sentiments respectueux avec les quels Je suis Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

						Grand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 28 October 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Vlles le 28. 8bre 1784

				Je joins icy M. le nouveau Saufconduit que vous avez demandé en faveur du Sr. Williams par la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 18 de ce mois. Il est Sans doute instruit de la necessité de le faire enregistrer au Bureau des gardes du Commerce.

					M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de Charmois, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 29 October 1784
From: Charmois, ——, abbé de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

					Monsieur
					paris Rüe Beaubourg 29. 8bre. 1784.

				Le nommé francisque Sube, ci devant Soldat au regiment d’agenois, compagnie de peyre, á servi dans vos guerres, et á Recû plusieurs Blessures au Siege d’yorc; il est actuellement dans sa patrie à Tours, ou on lui á envoié avec son congé absolû les certificats les plus honorables.
				Ce Brave Soldat auroit envie de retourner dans vos Etats, et il le desire d’autant plus ardemmant qu’il iroit retrouver son

frere ainé, qui y est resté, qui S’y trouve Bien, et qui l’appelle. L’on m’engage fortement des deux côtés de vous supplier de vous rendre à leurs desirs, et de lui accorder son passage franc.
				Si m. le chevalier Webb etoit a paris, je me servirois de sa mediation pour obtenir cette grace; j’hazarde de vous la demender. J’irois la solliciter si j’etois plus seür d’avoir le Bonheur de vous trouver: j’irai seurement vous en remercier, et admirer le grand homme qui joüit des respects de toute la terre.
				Recevés tous ceux avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’etre monsieur vôtre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

					L’abbé De Charmois.

				Endorsed: That I have receiv’d the Letter he honoured me with the 29th past, requesting a free Passage to America for Francisque Sube. That there are no Vessels here belonging to the United States, nor will there probably be any as long as Peace continues, it is therefore not in my Power to comply with this Request.
				Notation: De Charmois 29 Oct. 1784.—