Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bache & Shee, 2 January 1784
From: Bache & Shee
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Philadelphia 2d January 1784

          Tho’ hitherto, we have not taken the liberty of addressing your Excellency; we have requested Mr. W. T. Franklin, to acknowledge how sensibly we are obliged by your attention to the interest of our house, as well as the many advantages we have derived from your friendly recommendations, a

continuance of which we flatter ourselves we shall merit, by evincing upon every occasion the utmost attention and deference— We cannot Sufficiently thank your Excellency for the recent instance of your goodness in preventing the return of the bill we drew on Mr. Williams, such circumstances being peculiarly injurious to mercantile reputation.
          We now enclose, for your reimbursment the two following drafts on Messrs. Le Couteulx & Co. Paris.

              John Browns, on said house at 20 days st.
              15,000 l.t.

              Our own draft on ditto at 30 do.
              10,000

              25,000

          making together 25000. l.t.
          We have taken the liberty of drawing on those Gentlemen before they have advised us of thier being in Cash, for us, from the circumstance of thier house in Cadiz, having made Insurance for us, on a Vessel that was lost, & as the loss became due the 3rd. of last October and we had directed our proportion of it upwards 20000 l.t. to be placed to our Credit with thier Parisian house, we cannot but conclude it has been done long ’ere this, tho’ we are yet without advice shou’d any untoward circumstance have delayed it of which no doubt we shall soon be acquainted; we will immediately replace the sum we have now drawn for; observing only, that shou’d our bill, in the

present instance, be refused, the trouble & expence of protest may be avoided. Our Mr. R B, being in the Country, from whence probably he may not return in time to write by this packet; we have the pleasure of informing of the good health of the family, subscribing ourselves with every sentiment of respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obliged hum Servts.

            Bache & Shee
            His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr

          Endorsed: Bache & Shee Jan 2. 1784—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Françoise-Dominique Brouttin Mollien de Sombres, 2 January 1784
From: Brouttin Mollien de Sombres, Marie-Françoise-Dominique
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            paris 2. jv. 1784. rue des gravilliers.

          Jai l’honneur de vous adresser le memoire de M. morel de dunkerque duquel jai eu celui de vous parler chez M Cadet de Vaux lorsque vous y vinte diner; tendant à obtenir le Consulat des états unis a dunkerque.
          M. thommas barclay a du vous en remettre aussi un pour lui? Vous y veré Monsieur quil a toujours et sa famille rendu beaucoup de Service au américains; et que cest a juste titre quil Sollicite cette place, quil attens de vos bontés. Je joins aupré de vous monsieur, mes prierres aux Siennes. C’est mon parent, je vous aurai la plus grande aubligation de ce que vous voudré bien faire pour lui, je vous assure que vous ne pouvez faire un meillêur choix.

          J’apprendrai avec [plaisir] si vous acceuillé sa demande? Jai l’honneur d’etre avec toute la veneration qui vous est due Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante

            Brouttin, Mollien de Sombres


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Dominique de Cassini fils, 2 January 1784
From: Cassini fils, Jacques-Dominique de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            ce 2 janvier 1784

          La Medaille que vous avez eu La bonté de donner au Vicomte de Mory mon beau frere en consideration de ses Services en Amerique a été pour lui la plus pretieuse recompense de ses travaux militaires.
          Ses premieres Campagnes, Ses premieres armes, ont été pour la defense de L’amerique. Cinq Campagnes, Quatre Sieges, un Combat Naval Et deux blessures, voila les premieres epoques de sa vie, Elles seront eternellement liées avec celle de la brillante revolution qu’a operé le courage de vos illustres compatriotes.
          C’est a ces titres, Monsieur, Exprimés plus au long dans le memoire cy joint que j’ose vous faire Une demande dont le

succèz feroit le bonheur et la gloire de la famille de mon beau frere, et rejailliroit même Sur la mienne.
          Si les etats unis accordant L’ordre de Cincinnatus aux generaux et Colonels de L’armée francoise, avoient La deference d’y admettre quelques autres officiers de grade inferieur, j’ose vous prier avec instance, Monsieur, de vouloir bien mettre au nombre de ceux qui seront favorisés de cette grace, Le Vicomte de Mory mon beau frere. Je ne crois pas qu’il y ait beaucoup d’officiers françois qui dans un age aussi Tendre ayent rassemblé des titres plus dignes d’être distingués.
          Je vous avoue qu’en mon particulier je mettrai le plus grand prix a cette faveur pour mon beau frere, regardant comme une nouvelle et veritable gloire pour le Nom de Cassini de pouvoir Un jour se dire lié a celui d’un defenseur des Etats unis et d’un Chevalier de l’ordre de Cincinnatus. Vous ne pouvez donc douter, Monsieur, de ma reconnoissance eternelle, ainsi que du respect et de la profonde Veneration avec lesquels je Serai toute ma vie Votre trés humble Et trés obeissant serviteur

            De Cassini filsDirecteur en Survivance de l’observatoire RoyalEt membre de L’academie Royale des Sciences

          Notation: De Cassini, 2 Janr. 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 2 January 1784
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Friend
              Vienna Jan. 2. 1784

            You will have recieved my lettre dated Nov. 19th. with a parcel to mr le Begue Containing papers for the press. Count choteck inquired again whether his bill of exchange has been forwarded by you to America. I told him you have probably had no time to write me about it, but that I make no doubt but the commission is sent to America. From the inclosed notification you will see that we are about making an air balloon if we can get a sum adequate to the expenses, and if we can get a perfect knowledge of every thing belonging to the stucture and management of the machine. The proces verbal of the first aerial

navigation, you was so good to send me, arrived one or two days before it appeared in the news papers, but unlukkely it came one day after the Emperour went to Italy.
            One of us, a young man, well versed in many branches of natural philosophy and in mechaniks, will undertake a journey to Paris in the beginning of february, on purpose to instruct him self in every article concerning the balloons and air voyages so as to be able to make one and to goe up with it— This our undertaking supposes, that at this time nothing will be kept secret about the whole affair. But, as from all the printed accounts, it is allmost impossible to get a thorough knowledge of the Construction and menagement of the balloons, you would oblige me greately, if you would inform me by a line of answer, whether Mr. Montgolfier, Pilatre the Rosier, or Charles would be willing to show the balloon, to explain its structure, and to give all necessary instructions about it, so that one can imitate the machine and goe up with it. I Should want the answer about the end of this month, as the Gentleman of our society will set out or not, according to such an answer. If they keep secrets, it would be useless to goe to Paris and return with doubts and confusion.
            I can not look upon those balloons but as one of the greatest discoveries of natural philosophy; a discovery bigg with the most important consequences and capable of giving a new turn to human Society, of overturning the whole art of conducting wars. If they can conduct the balloons in the same way as they doe ships, who could an army subsist when the ennemy can throw fire and destruction upon their stores and magazines at any time? Who can an armed fleet attack any seacoast town, when the people of the country can swarm in the clouds and then fire upon it in the middel of the night? Doe not you

think that this discovery will make an end of all wars, and thus force monarks to perpetual peace or to fight their own quarrels among themself in a duel? We may find thus the greatest tirants to be the greatest cowards, and thus reduced to the necessity of involving no more their subjects in those miseries, which are too frequently brought on them by the misconduct of their souverains. They would be punish’d themselfs by their own follies.
            The German edition of my book, now under the press these two years at Paris, is allready sold out, and the original edition is not yet publish’d. This is in the highest degree vexing. I wish I could come over to Paris next summer myself.
            I believe it is national jalousie, which make the English look upon the air balloons with so much indifference.
            I got a few days ago three parcels of american Newspapers and the pensylvania almanack, which you did send me a year and a half ago. It was kept all that time in the Custom hous at Vienna, tho I had inquired about it. I complained immediately of this misconduct to the ministry, and they gave me the satisfaction of reprimanding the custom hous officers and of establishing such new regulations as will very likely put a stop to such negligence in those transactions.
            As I suspected this misconduct to exist, I have, a long while ago, sollicited from Count Mercy to wrap a cover over each parcel directed to me, to seal it, and direct it A Monsieur de Spielman chevalier de l’ordre de Saint Etienne, conseilier aulique de cours et d’etat. This gentleman recieving first all the state papers recieves then my parcels among them, and sends them to me directly.
            It seems to me as if the air navigators conciel still their art, for mr. Charles pretens that his Globe, with which he went up, was filled with Inflammable air, which I think impossible considering the immense Capacity of the balloon. He says that when on the ground the cloath of his balloon follded together and buried

under it his compagnon. This shows that the balloon was then emptyed of air. And yet he extended it immediately again and went up at 1524 toises. He certainly had no inflammable air at hands at the place. Thus it seems to me, that he had only rarifyed the air within, either by burning spirit of wine, straw or some other combustible; and that they have endeavoured to blind fold the spectators on purpose to make them fail in their attempt to imitate them. What is your opinion about this affair?
            Pray let me have a line of answer as soon as possible.
            I am very respectfully dear friend Your most obedient humble servant

              J. Ingen Housz

            I begg to be excused to send this parcel of penny post lettres at your charge. They are about the balloon an ought to be answered immediately. You will be so good as to fill up the direction of mr. Charles, and that of mr. le Roy, who lives, I believe, Rue de Seine.

         to Benj. Franklin ministre plenipot. of the united States of America at Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 4 January 1784
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris ce 4 Janvier 84./.

          Was theire ever an Example of aney person in Life to be abandoned as I am, you may be asured it is with great Reluctance that I persist in adressing my Self to you, in my last I took the liberty of asking you what Mr Barclay had Concluded to do for me, as Mr Barclay before his departure Refered me to you for an Answer of what you had Concluded upon at your last meating with Mr Beaumont, do Not Keep me aney longer in Suspence I beg of you, if I am to Expect my Judment in Parlement that I may make my defence, my Reporteuer is Not as yet Nominated but Expect he will hourorly when I hope you will Not abandon me in the Absance Of Mr. Barclay, I have Not as yet Seen Mr Beaumont, wich Gives me Pain, as to my Situation Mr Beaumont has Certainly gave you a tableau.
          I imbrace the Opertuenety of wishng you an agreable and happe New year.
          I have the honour to be with Profound Respect your Exelencys Most Obedent and very humble Servant

            J Schaffer

            PS I am in the most Cruel situation in life and live upon the blacke bread of the Prison this 15 days

          His Excelency Docter Franklin


Title: [Thomas Mifflin] to the American Peace Commissioners, 5 January 1784
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            Annapolis Jany. 5. 1784. In Congress

          I am directed to inform you “that the definitive Treaty after a very long Passage arrived during an Adjournment of Congress from Princeton to this Place. No more than seven States are yet assembled. These are unanimously desirous to ratify the Treaty and the measure will be taken up as soon as nine States are assembled. In the mean while as the weather is severe and travelling extreamly difficult from a heavy fall of Snow, it is to be feared that the Ratification may not arrive in the time limited for the Exchange, and that inconveniences may arise unless the time for exchanging the Ratification should be extended.”
          I am with the highest Esteem & Respect Gentlemen, Your obedient humble Servt.—

            The Honorable John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay & Henry Laurens.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 7 January 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

            My Dear friend
            Passy Jan 7 1784

          I have this moment recd your favour of the 25th past acquainting me with the change in administration. I am sure that in reforming the Constitution wch is sometimes talked of, it wd not be better to make your great offices of State hereditary, than to suffer the inconvenience of such frequent & total changes. Much Faction & Cabal wd be prevented, by having a hereditary first Ld of the Treasury, a hereditary Ld Chancellor, Privy Seal President of the council, Secretary of State, first Ld of the Admiralty &c &c &c— It will not be said that the Duties of these offices being important, we cannot trust to nature for the chance of requisite talents, since we have an hereditary set of judges in the last resort, the House of Peers; an hereditary King, and in a certain German university an hereditary professor of Mathematics.— We have not yet heard of the arrival of our Express in America who carried the definitive treaty. He sailed the 26 of September. As soon as the Ratification arrives I shall immediately send you word of it.
          With great Esteem I am ever My Dear friend Yours most affectely

            B Franklin
            To D Hartley Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, 7 January 1784
From: La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, duc de La Roche-Guyon et de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris 7 jer. 1784.

          Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld fait bien des Complimens à Monsieur Franklyn et à L’honneur de lui présenter la traduction de ses remarques sur les Sauvages qu’il a cherché a rendre le moins imparfaite qui lui a été possible; il est bien faché que le mauvais tems l’empêche d’aller la lui présenter lui même et savoir de ses nouvelles dont il demande souvent à Mons. l’Abbé Rochon.
          Toute la famille lui fait bien des Complimens.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [7 January 1784]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              mercredy matin [January 7, 1784]

            Vous êtes trop bon mon Illustre Docteur de penser comme cela à moi. Lobservation que vous m’avez envoyée est vraiment Intéressante. Je Suis tout à fait honteux que vos Voeux pour moi ayent prévenus ceux que Je voulois Vous porter pour votre conservation au Comble de la gloire, où vous étes arrivé, il n’y en a point d’autres à vous faire. La rigueur de la saison et un dérangement d’estomac et de santé m’ont empêché d’aller vous voir de cette année et auparavant J’ai été Si occupé que cela ne m’a pas eté possible mais Je compte bien m’en dédommager au premier moment. J’ai toûjours votre lettre de M. Banks que J’aurai L’honneur de vous reporter.

            Argant Un Jeune homme que J’ai eu Lhonneur de vous présenter cet automne et qui est actuellement à Londres mande ici qu’au milieu de tout ce qu’il voit et qu’il entend il lui paroît que les anglois n’attachent pas une grande Importance à la découverte des ballons et que vraisemblablement ils ne S’occuperont pas beaucoup de les perfectionner. Cependant J’ai reçu il n’y a pas Longtems une lettre d’un Médecin de mes amis homme de beaucoup d’esprit qui demeure à Liverpool et qui me marque qu’on ne parle que des ballons et qu’une Société Philosophique de Manchester dont il est a fait partir un glóbe, Je crois de dix pieds de Diamètre, qui a parcouru plus de 40 milles en l’air avant de tomber. Quant au continent Je ne Sais Mon Illustre Docteur si vous avez appris que le ballon de Lyon de 100 pieds de haut sur 100 de Diamètre ne Sera prêt et ne doit partir que le 10 de ce mois c’est au moins ce que me mande un homme de mes amis qui doit etre de L’embarcation. La manière dont il sexprime mèrite d’être rapportée Le ballon ne pourra être prêt que Le 10 ainsi NE

NOUS ATTENDEZ QUE Le 14 comme Si ces Messrs avoient parole du Vent de les conduire ici directement. Au reste cette Navigation Aërienne Sera nombreuse car ils Seront dans la machine tout au moins cinq. La foule y est même pour S’embarquer mais beaucoup d’appellés peu d’Elus. Vous Savez Mon Illustre Docteur que L’Académie est chargée par Le Gouvernement de travailler à perfectionner les ballons et qu’elle a nomme des commissaires pour S’occuper particulierement de cet objet. Comme Je Suis du nombre cela m’a fait réfléchir plus profondément Sur les moyens de Les diriger et La possibilité m’en paroit aujourdhui aussi démontrée que celle de preserver les edifices de la Foudre me parut prouvée Lorsque J’eus lu votre Sublime Idée Sur les moyens d’y parvenir. Il y a plus. J’ai fait un calcul avec un homme de mes amis duquel il résulte qu’un ballon des mêmes dimensions que celui de MM Charles et Robert et rempli du même air inflammable portant deux hommes ne produit une résistance au mouvement qu’on veut lui imprimer que d’une quantite telle que ces deux hommes peuvent par leur action lui imprimer un mouvement de 3600 toi par Heure mais Je vous en dirai davantage demain matin Mon Illustre Docteur que Je

compte avoir Lhonneur de vous voir Vers les Onze heures et demie. Recevez en attendant tous mes Voeux Les plus Sincères pour votre Santé et pour votre Conservation et Les assurrances de tous les Sentimens d’attachement que Je vous ai Voués pour la vie

              Le Roy

            mille et mille complimens Je vous prie Mon Illustre Docteur a Monsieur William Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste-Charles Lucas Despeintreaux: Résumé, 9 January 1784
From: Despeintreaux, Jean-Baptiste-Charles Lucas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          ⟨Paris, January 9, 1784, in French: Until now, I had always thought I would spend the rest of my days in France, despite the negative aspects of the regime. The revolution carried out by your brave citizens has inspired me. Word of your actions and

those of your countrymen, and of your austerity and simplicity, induce me to want to live among such men. Your country’s moderate climate, fertile lands, and vast tracts in comparison to the number of inhabitants, make me hope to share in these benefits and contribute to the general prosperity. I am determined to establish myself there as soon as possible, if my means are sufficient. Knowing how busy you are, I nonetheless hope that you will grant me an audience and offer your advice.
          My name is Jean-Baptiste-Charles Lucas. I am French, twenty-five years old, and live in Pont-Audemer, Normandy, where I was born. I am a lawyer at the Royal Bailliage; my father, who died last year, was premier conseiller there for more than thirty years. I am related to the majority of bourgeois notables in my town, and both my father and mother were descended from nobles. The family inheritance is now divided between my mother, me, my four brothers, and one sister. My own share is worth about fifteen thousand francs. It is with this modest sum that I hope to live a free life in your country. I fear you will tell me that the sum is insufficient.
          I have heard that there is much uncultivated land in America which one can obtain from the government on the promise of clearing it. Having enough money to emigrate, I would like to establish myself on a small holding and cultivate enough land to sustain myself modestly, with the aid of slaves or servants. You may perhaps think this a romantic dream; it is not. Since my youth, I have spent six months of each year in the country, which I have always loved, and was sorry not to have been born the son of a laborer. I would be eager to live the rural life in your country, where there is neither dîme nor feudalism, nor the kind of scorn for countryfolk that exists here.
          If I were certain of being able to depart, I would provide you with certificates attesting to my background. I await your response, telling me whether my fortune is sufficient to emigrate

and establish myself in your country. I beg you to give me an audience; I came to Paris expressly to see you, and I cannot stay long.⟩


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 9 January 1784
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Lahaie 9e. Janv. 1784.

          La Dépeche ci-jointe étoit prête à partir pour l’Orient, sous couvert de Mrs. Barclay, Moylan & Ce. afin d’être acheminée au Congrès par le Paquebot du Port-Louis, ou autrement, lorsque la réflexion, que son contenu interessant pourroit vous être agréable, m’a fait prendre le parti de la faire passer par vos mains, avec priere de vouloir bien, après l’avoir lue, la fermer, & lui donner cours comme ci-dessus, le plutôt le mieux.
          Je saisis cette occasion de vous présenter les voeux que je fais pour votre conservation & prospérité, non seulement à l’occasion de ce renouvellement, mais tous les jours de l’année; étant pour toujours avec le plus respectueux dévouement, De Votre Excellence Le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

            C. w. f. Dumas
            Paris à Son Excellence Mr. Franklin, Min. Pl. des E.U.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, January 10–14, 1784
From: Bancroft, Edward Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Doctor,
              January. 10.[–c. 14] 1784

            I had the honour of writing you Sometime ago a few lines, which I hope you received. As I never forget my good friends, although they may be at many other parts of the world; I am glad of embracing every opportunity of enquiring after their health & happiness & as I have a very great regard for your’s, on account of the great friendship that has subsisted for many years between my dear Papa & you, who loves you as much as if you was his father. I Shall therefore have the honour & esteem for all gentlemen that are or, ever may be in his confidence & friendship & as I am Sure all those who chuses him in theirs will never repent & that they will find him that great & Sage man, although in a private Station, ever ready as far in his power lays to Serve mankind in general, & his country’s friends & to whom he has rendered many great Services & there is no doubt on it, sir, but you are better acquainted with them than I am, or that my feeble capacity or years are able to describe & though I meet with attention & kindness from every one who has the happiness of Knowing him, but I must beg pardon for intruding on your time in the worthy praises of my dear Papa & who is one of the best fathers to his Children & whose heart must ever flow with love & gratitude more & more to Such a one & as also must the hearts of those who have the happiness of the protection & friendship of so great & ingenius a man as our dear friend & country-man, Doctor Franklin, who I hope will except of my humble & best respects concluding with wishing you & also to Mr. Wilm. Franklin & other of your family this & many other happy new years with the blessing of heaven attend you all & America.
            I remain with the greatest respect & esteem Dear Doctor Your most obedient humble Servant

              Edwrd. Nathel. Bancroft

            No. 6 Duke Street. St. James’s

              P.S. Etant a la maison pour y passer les vacances avec Maman, elle m’a commandée de vous faire ses respects & de vous souhaiter une bonne & heureuse année accompagnee de plusieurs autres ainsi qu’à Mr. votre fils & elle a grand plaisir a vous informer qu’elle a eu plusieurs fois des nouvelles de son mari qui est en bonne Santé a Philadelphie & qu’il conte d’aller à Princetown dans quelques jours, & ensuite de retourner a Carolina & delà à Philadelphie & ensuite de venir en France comme il a des affaires avec Mr. le Prince de Luxembourg & il ne manquera pas d’aller voir tous ses bons amis a Paris & a Passy & marque a maman qu’il accomplira tout ça dans cinq ou Six mois & S’il plait a dieu nous aurons le bonheur de le voir içi à Londres que nous attendons impatiemment. Mon frere & mes Sœurs vous font bien leurs respects dont les dernieres sont retablis de la petite verole qu’elles ont eu tres favorablement & n’en sont point marqués du tout mais nous devons ce bonheur a l’inoculation car celle qui l’a eu la premiere naturellemant ne l’eut pas si bien que les autres & maintenant, dieu merci! ils Se portent tous bien ainsi qui ma chere Maman qu’il y a environ trois mois quelle est accouchée d’une petite fille qui paroit jouir d’une assez bonne santé. Monsieur Comme je ne vous ecris pas bien souvent Je suis bien

content de vous faire voir mes progres, depuis Six mois que nous sommes en pension, dans la langue angloise. C’est pourquoi j’ai pris la liberté de vous ecrire en ces deux langues.
              Monsr., Maman vous prie de faire Ses compliments à Mde. Jay, à Mr. & Mde. Chaumont & toute sa famille & les miens aussi, s’il vous plait.
              Vous aurez la bonté d’envoyer ce paquet de lettres aux personnes a qui elles sont adressées & vous obligerai beaucoup celle qui a l’honneur d’etre du nombre de vos amies.

                E. N. B & P. Bancroft
                To Docr. Franklin

              N.B. Mama recd. a letter from Papa the 14 insnt. who was well at Philadelphia the 28 of Novber. & was going to Set out the next morning to New york with Mr Holker to See General Washington & the Governors of that City & Jersey to Celebrate the Definive Treaty, where there was to be great joy & feasting &c &c.

          Addressed: A / Son Excellnce. Dr. Franklin / Ambassr. Des Etats unis / D’Amerique / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Julien Luce de Lancival, 11 January 1784
From: Luce de Lancival, Jean-Charles-Julien
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            paris le 11 Janvier 1784

          Quoique je n’aye l’avantage de vous connoitre que de nom, avantage dont je ne puis me prévaloir, puisqu’il m’est commun avec tous les peuples de l’Europe, je dirois presque du monde entier, je prends la liberté de vous envoyer le foible essais dune Muse encore au berceau. C’est etre temeraire, je l’avoue, et jai besoin

d’indulgence mais c’est a un grand homme que je m’adresse. . . . parmi les defauts de ma piece (car je n’ose me flatter qu’elle en soit exempte) jen reconnois un essentiel que tout le monde appercevra aisement et qui n’echapera qu a vous seul, cest que dans un Sujet ou vous avez eu tant de part, je me sois si peu etendu sur votre Eloge, mais outre qu’il n’y a personne qui ne sente qu’en louant, qu’en felicitant Les Americains c’est franklin que j’ai Loué, que j’ai felicite, qu’aurois-je pu dire qui ne fut infiniment au dessous de ce que tout le monde pense et de ce que vous meritez? L’admiration est un sentiment qu’on ne peut pas toujours exprimer. Fiere d’avoir Seulement pu prononcer une fois le nom de franklin, ce nom qui vaut seul un Eloge, ma muse s’est arreteé tout a coup et a tressailli de joie. Que seroit-ce donc si vous daigniez sourire a ses jeunes efforts? J’ose l’esperer, Monsieur, et si mon bonheur veut que l’ouvrage ne vous deplaise point, vous mettrez le comble a ma joie en communiquant un Exemplaire à votre digne Cooperateur a l’immortel Wagincsthon.
          Jai l’honneur d’etre avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur

            L’abbé Luce de Lancivalen philosophie au college de Louis le grand

          Notation: Luce de Lancival 11. Janr. 1784.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 12 January 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir,
            Passy, Jany. 12. 1784.

          I duly received the Letters your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me the 24 of Octr., and the 3d of December past, respecting the Arrest of our Arms & Ammunition by the sieur Puchelberg, accompany’d by Copies of the Letters of M. Le Marquis de Castries and M. Chardon, and a Paper of the said

Puchelberg. The long Absence of Mr Barclay, who had in his Hands some of my Papers relating to that Affair, and my Indisposition since, have occasioned the Delay in answering. I communicated the Letters as you advised to Mr Barclay, and I inclose the Letter I thereupon received from him. To which I would add a few Observations, after stating truly to your Excellency the Fact respecting the Furniture made by Puchelberg, which he has placed in false Lights & egregiously misrepresented.
          When his Majesty in 1779 was pleased to order a small Squadron to be equipped at his Expence and put under the Command of Capt. Jones, M. De Sartine, then Minister of the Marine, in a Letter to me requested that I would strengthen the Squadron by ordering the Alliance to join it; which I did immediately. She made the Cruize accordingly in which the Baltic Fleet was attacked, and the Ships that convoy’d it taken. The Ship arrived with the Squadron in Holland & afterwards at L’Orient. His Majesty was pleased to order, as M. De Chaumont informed me, that the Expences of her Relache in Holland and at L’Orient should be defray’d, and the Ship deliver’d in the same Condition fit for Sea, as she was received. Accordingly she was in the Course of receiving her daily Provisions and necessaries from Messrs. Gourlade & Moilan, whom M. de Chaumont had appointed to supply her at the Kings Expence, when Capt. Landais, who had quitted her in Holland came to L’Orient, intrigu’d with the Crew, got possession again of the Ship in the Absence of Capt. Jones, and apply’d for a Continuance of Supplies to this Puchelberg, who was a Commis or Agent

for Mr. Schweighausser, and being fond of the Business took it out of the Hands of Messrs. Gourlade & Moylan. Mr. Schweighauser who seem’d to doubt the Regularity of the Proceeding, wrote to me desiring to know if I approved of it. As soon as I was fully acquainted with the Circumstances I forbid it, by a Letter to M. Schweighauser, as bringing on us an unneccessary Expence, and I have his Letters informing me that he had accordingly order’d Puchelberg to desist but that he had nevertheless continued. The Account was afterwards sent to me by M. Schweighauser, amounting to 31,668 l.t. which I refused to pay, not only because the Articles were furnished contrary to my Orders, but because the Necessaries were furnish’d in unnecessary Quantities, and there were many Superfluities, and at extravagant Prices, so that I could not with any Face propose to the Minister of the Marine that such Supplies should be at the Expence of his Majesty. He urged a general Order he had received from the Naval Board at Boston, to supply Landais; and I therefore referr’d him to that Board for Payment. He it seems apply’d to Congress and they order’d Mr Johnson to enquire into the Claim, which he declined. I suppose that M. Schweighauser may have refused to allow the Acct. to Puchelberg, because he acted contrary to Orders, and Puchelberg hopes to obtain it, by arresting our Magazine. The United States received no particular Advantage from the Cruize of their Ship; 180 Prisoners taken as I understood by her when separate from the Squadron, were deliver’d with the rest, about 500, to the Kings Ambassador in Holland, and exchang’d for his Subjects, not a single American Prisoner in England being set at Liberty by that means as was expected. If in consideration of this, and that

Puchelberg’s Supply lessen’d the Expence at L’Orient, which his Majesty had had the Goodness to order, it should be thought proper for this Governt. still to discharge as much of his Demand as Appears just for reasonable Necessaries, I certainly can make no Objection. But I by no means propose it.—I am afraid of taking up too much of your Excellency’s Time, but I thought it necessary to justify our Government & myself from the Reflection contained in Mr. Puchelberg’s Paper, which seems to have had too much Weight with M. le Ms. De Castries. For otherwise I should only have observed in a few Words the apparent Impropriety, as it seems to me, of arresting the Goods of a State for a Debt, supposing it just, due to a Private Person, since there are many other more decent Modes of Application for Payment. If the Law admits of such a Proceeding in France, I cannot expect a Law should be dispens’d with for us on this Occasion; but I apprehend Inconveniences may arise from it. An Ally at War cannot venture to order the Purchase of Arms Ammunition or Cloathing here for their Troops, without incurring the Risque of having an Expedition perhaps ruined by Delay, since the Enemy may easily hire some petty Merchant here to arrest the Goods on Pretence of a Debt from the State, and the Season be over, before the Cause can be determined. With us I think such a Process would not have been supported. The King lately sent a Ship to America to fetch away the Cannon &ca. left by General Rochambeau. If some Merchant who had supply’d, perhaps extravagantly, the Captain of one of his Majesty’s Ships with Provisions &ca. which Captn. had gone away without paying for them, should have presum’d to attach those Military Stores and hold them ’till his Demand was comply’d with, I am certain his Action would be dismiss’d, and that he would incur Censure from the Government for his Insolence.
          There is in my Opinion still less Foundation for the Claim of the Sieurs Foster. A Ship belonging to Cork laden by them with Wine from Bordeaux was taken & brought into France by the Alliance Capt. Landais. She had two Pass-Ports, one from the King of England, the other from his Majesty. The English

Pass-port required and commanded all the Kings Officers and Commanders of armed Vessels to let the said Ship pass without Hindrance or Molestation, and requested the same of his Friends and Allies. That from the King of France was simply a Command to his own Subjects, without any Request to those of his Allies. Consequently Landais thought he had a Right to make Prize of her, and indeed he could not well have answer’d it to his Officers and Men if he had not brought her in. The American Commissioners here were likewise of Opinion that she was good Prize. Nevertheless in Respect to the Kings Pass-port, we made no Opposition to the Reclamation of the Sieurs Fosters, with which they had reason to be contented, because it was their own Fault that their Ship was brought into Port. Damages I believe are never allow’d, but for detaining a Vessel without apparent just Cause, which was not their Case. They should have taken Care to obtain a more perfect Pass-port, or have got one also from us as others did without Difficulty on showing us that they had one from the King. Many Years have past, and I do not remember to have heard of their making any such Claim, till they or their Friends had purchased a large Parcel of our Sugars, and then it was made use of to delay Payment. These Claims have indeed had that Effect greatly to our Damage. Mr. Barclay is exceedingly embarrass’d by that Delay and very uneasy that it is not hitherto removed. Thinking the Affair more particularly appertaining to him I was unwilling to meddle with it, but have been obliged to comply with his earnest Instances.
          Your Excellency may be assured that upon a proper Application of Messrs. Forster to the Congress, & of M. Puchelberg to the Naval Board of Boston by whose Orders to Mr. Schweighauser he pretended to justify his Supply of Capt. Landais, their respective Claims will be duly consider’d, and whatever Justice

may be due to them readily obtained. I therefore hope and request that their forcible Arrest of the Property of the United States will be taken off by Authority of Government, and Mr. Barclay put in Possession of it.
          With great and sincere Respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Sert.

            B. Franklin
            His Excellency Count de Vergennes.

          Endorsed: M de R


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Simon Defay-Boutheroue, 12 January 1784
From: Defay-Boutheroue, François-Simon
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            à orléans le 12 janvier 1784

          L’accueil dont votre excellence honore ceux qui cultivent les sciences, m’enhardit à vous supplier d’agréer un exemplaire d’un ouvrage de ma Composition, intitulé La nature considérée dans plusieurs de ses opérations, ou Mémoires et observations sur diverses parties de l’histoire naturelle, et d’en faire passer un autre à l’illustre sociéte de philadelphie, que vous présidés si dignement. Le bien que les ouvrages périodiques, et notamment le Mercure de france, le journal enciclopedique, et le journal de l’orléanois, viennent de dire de cet ouvrage, au commencement de ce mois,

m’a déterminé à vous supplier de m’accorder cette grace. Je ne dissimulerai point à votre excellence combien je tiendrois a honneur que la Savante Societé daignat m’associer à ses travaux, si elle trouvoit dans mon ouvrage quelque chose qui pût fixer son attention; cependant, dans le cas ou cette composition ne vous parôitroit pas mériter cet honneur, je vous supplie néanmoins de l’agréer comme un hommage de mes sentimens respectueux.
          Puis-je espérer, Monsieur, que votre excellence me fera savoir si je ne me suis pas trop flatté en espérant qu’elle daignera permettre que je lui fasse passer ces deux exemplaires?
          Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, de votre excellence Le très-humble et très-obeissant serviteur

            De faÿ de la Société Royale des Sciences de Montpellier et de la Société de phisique d’histoire naturelle et des arts d’orléans, demeurant rue Sainte Catherine à orléans

          Endorsed: Mons de Fay 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 12 January 1784
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris 12 January ’84./.

          You was Kind Enough to honour me with your Protection in Righting to Monr Breteuel to have me sent to america wich has made an Impretion upon my gratitude wich I canot Express, the last line you honoured me with you Say you will Not medle aney farther with my affairs, to Whom Sir Can I adress my self to but you who is our Protecteur Natural, Monr. Beaumont assured me that you will Not abandon me affter the letter you Rote to Mr. Breteuel, wich indusses me to take the liberty of adressing my Self to you onst more,
          It is you and Only you Sir by Righting a line to Mr Rosambo President of the Tournelle, and to Mr. Degars de Courcells my Raporteuer, wich will be Sufcient to draw me

out of the, gouffre in wich I have Plunged my self into by my inConsequence.
          Monr. Beaumont who has taken my Cause To heart desires to have a Moments interview with your Exelency, if it is agreable to Morrow morning he will do him Self the honour to wait upon you. If you Should be engaged, if Mr Temple(?) your Nevew has a moment to Spare it will answer the same End—
          I have the honour to be with Profound Respt sir your Most Obedent and Very humble servant

            J. Schaffer

            P.S. the address of my Raporteuer Rue Hautefeuille Conseiller au Parlement

          His Exelency Docter Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Lafreté, 13 January 1784
From: Lafreté, Jean-Jacques de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris le 13. janvier 1784.

          Il y à longtems, mon Cher Papa que je n’ai eû le plaisir de vous voir, Je ne suis plus de ce monde depuis la perte affreuse que j’ay faite, et J’evite autant que je peux les occasions de montrer

ma triste figure. Cependant dès que le tems sera un peu plus traittable J’irai vous faire une petite visitte à Passy.
          Voici une lettre que j’ai recû, d’un de mes amis qui est négociant à cétte en Languedoc, il est actif et intelligent. Il scait L’anglois parfaitement, et a de plus la plus grande envie d’Etre consul des américains Dans le dit Port. Si cela dépend de Mr. Lejai, comme vous me l’avéz dit autrefois, et qu’il soit encore à Nantes, vous me feriéz plaisir de m’envoyer une lettre de recommandation pour lui en faveur de Mr. Philippe Aribert. Je puis vous assûrer que vous ne scauriéz faire un meilleur choix.—
          Trouvéz bon que je fasse mille complimens à Monsieur votre fils, et que je vous présente mon cher Papa l’hommage du Respectueux attachement avec lequel je serai toute ma vie, votre Très humble et trés obeissant serviteur.

            Lafreté


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Daniel Lathrop Coit, 14 January 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coit, Daniel Lathrop

              [January 14, 1784]

            Dr. Franklin requests the honour of Mr. Coit’s Company at Dinner on Sunday the 18. Inst

              Passy, Jany. 14 1784.

            The favour of an Answer is desired.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Coit. chez / Mr. Carter / Hotel d’Angleterre / Rue des Filles St Thomas.
          Endorsed: Doctr. Franklin’s Billet to Dine


Title: Thomas Mifflin to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 January 1784
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners

              Gentlemen,
              Annapolis 14th. Jany. 1784.—

            This day, nine States being represented in Congress, Vizt: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, together with one Member from New-Hampshire, and one Member from New-Jersey, The Treaty of Peace was ratified by the unanimous Vote of the Members; This being done, Congress by an unanimous Vote, ordered a Proclamation to be issued, enjoyning the strict and faithful Observance thereof, and published an earnest Recommendation to the several States in the very Words of the 5th. Article— They have likewise resolved, that

the Ratification of the Definitive Treaty of Peace between the United States & Great Britain, be transmitted, with all possible Dispatch, under the Care of a faithful Person, to our Ministers in France, who have negotiated the Treaty; to be exchanged; and have appointed Colonel Josiah Harmar to that Service. He will have the Honor of delivering to you the Ratification; together with Copies of the Proclamation of Congress and of their Recommendation to the States conformably to the 5th. Article.
            I take the Liberty of recommending Colonel Harmar to you as a brave and deserving Officer and am, with the highest Respect & Esteem, Gentlemen, Your obedient, and most humble Servant.

              (signed) Thomas Mifflin.

            [In Franklin’s hand:] To their Excellencies John Adams, B. Franklin, John Jay, & Henry Laurens Esquires.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadet de Vaux, 14 January 1784
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          Mr Cadet De Vaux a l’honneur de presenter son respect à Monsieur Frankelin, et il le previent que la farine de Maïs est actuellement a Paris; il se propose sous le bon plaisir de Monsieur Frankelin de lui faire parvenir cette Farine a Passy par la voiture de l’homme qui apporte les eaux.

          Notation: Cadet de vaux 14 Janvr. 1784.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Eléonor Dufriche de Valazé, 14 January 1784
From: Dufriche de Valazé, Charles-Eléonor
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            à paris hotel d’orléans Rue du parc Royal Le 14 jer 1784.
            Monsieur

          J’ai l’honneur de vous demander une Entrevue, pour avoir celui de vous remettre un Exemplaire du livre intitulé loix pénales que je viens de dédier à Monsieur frere du Roi. Je vous prierai d’En faire passer un Exemplaire au Congrès d’amérique. J’ai la glorieuse Espérance de Contribuer à la perfection des loix de ce pays.
          Je suis avec un profond Respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble Et très obéissant serviteur

            Dufriche De valazé


Title: Thomas Mifflin to the American Peace Commissioners, 15 January 1784
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            Annapolis January 15th. 1784

          This day nine States being represented in Congress viz. Massachusets, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania,

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, together with one Member from New Jersey and One from New Hampshire, The Treaty of Peace was ratified by the unanimous Vote of the Members. This being done, Congress by an unanimous vote ordered a proclamation to be issued enjoyning the strict and faithful Observance thereof; and published an earnest recommendation to the several States in the very words of the fifth Article— They have likewise resolved, “That a triplicate of the ratification of the definitive Treaty be sent to our Ministers plenipotentiaries by Lieutenant Colonel David S. Franks” who has directions to proceed with all possible dispatch to Paris— We are in hope that Colonel Harmar who is charged with the first instrument of the ratification, and who left this place yesterday, in order to take his passage in the L’Orient Packet at New York, will arrive at Paris before the 3d of March or if he should not, that Colonel Franks may be so fortunate as to effect it— A Duplicate was sent last Evening to the Care of Mr. Morris at Philadelphia to be forwarded by him—

          I beg leave to recommend Colonel Franks to you as a very deserving Citizen and am with the greatest Respect and esteem. Gentlemen Your Obedient Servant

            Thomas Mifflin
            The Honorable Benjamin Franklin John Adams and John Jay Esqrs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 15 January 1784[–4 February 1784]
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Madrid 15th. Jany.[–February 4] 1784

          I recd. on the 4th instant the Letter which your Excy did me the honor to write me the 15th Ulto., The kind assurances which it contains of your constant esteem and affection have removed from my mind an uneasiness which had oppressed it for a long time— Until I was led to think that by some means or other your friendship for me was diminished, It was always a consolation for me to reflect amidst the disagreements & chagrins which I met with here or elsewhere, that I preserved the good opinion of a man whose good opinion I ever regarded as the best sheild against detraction or envy.
          I never expected regular returns from you in the way of correspondence, I knew the multiplicity of your Occupations, and therefore whenever I received a letter from your Excy. I esteemed it as a favor and an honor— Your Silence was not the first motive of my apprehension that I had lost your Confidence— In the course of the Summer I was asked by a person of high rank who has always shown a very great regard for me whether I had any cause to think that your sentiments with respect to me were changed— I replied in the negative— He then told me confidentially that he had been informed that there was a coldness on your part and advised me in a friendly manner to endeavour to remove the occasion of it, If any in reality existed. Conscious of having nothing to reproach myself with respect to Your Excy. that could deprive me of your Esteem, I

determined to leave to time and Circumstances the clearing up of my conduct, however affecting it might be to me to suffer in Silence what I considered a great Misfortune.
          When Mr Jay wrote to me to come to Paris, it was painful for me to have the reasons which I had to refuse acceeding to his proposition, because I was persuaded that I should be able in a very short conversation to reestablish myself in your good opinion— When I found that this court had determined to receive a Minister from the United States in a public Character I expected Mr Jay would have immediately come hither— The Same reasons would not then have subsisted for my residence At this Court, and I was resolved in quitting it to have quitted Also my political carreer— A Friendly expression in a Letter from your Grandson & the small hope I entertained of seeing you shortly After Mr Jays resignation, of which I recd the first information from the Cte de Florida Blanca induced me to hazard opening myself to him— I am happy that I did So, since it has procured me such obliging and Friendly Assurances from your Excy. while at the Same time it Affords me an opportunity of explaining candidly the source of what has been a great Affliction to me— I hope your Excellency will pardon the length of this Detail, It contains the only complaint I ever made against you & I am persuaded it will be the Last—
          The Mr Montgomery who occasioned your Excellency the correspondence of which you have done me the honor to send me Copies is not unknown to Mr Jay— On that Gentlemans departure from this Country, he addressed me on acct of a Law Suit he had before the council of war here, In which it was requisite that I should interfere to prove that he had taken the

Oaths of Fidelity to the United States— For this purpose he put into my hands a certificate signed by your Excellency— This rendered it my Duty to afford him all the assistance in my power— I did so, he had lost his cause before the same Tribunal, He gained it by a revision of the Sentence—
          In one of the Letters from him to which this Affair gave rise He informed me that an Ambassador from Morrocco had put into Alicant— In my answer I desired him as an American to be as usefull as he could to that Personage, because hereafter he might be of service to us— I heard no more on this subject until Several months After, when he inclosed me a copy of a very singular Letter, which he had taken the Liberty to write to the Emperor, not by the Ambassador abovementioned, but by some Other who had afterwards been in that Post, advising me at the Same time of his having transmitted to your Excy & Mr Jay a copy of this & of the Answer he had recd to it— I wrote him expressing my surprize that he should have taken such a Step without having the Smallest authority that I knew of for that purpose, I at the same time requested him to send me copies of the answers he might receive from Paris. My Letter I beleive offended him, for he hath not written to me since— In the month of July Mr Harrison advised me of the arrival of Gacomo Franco Croco at Cadiz, as also that he had applied to him for Money— I advised him to treat the man civilly, but to make no advance whatever— In Augt. last Mr Croco waited upon me at Sn. Ildefonso— I received him with Politeness, made use of

General Expressions of the Desire of the States to cultivate the Emperors Friendship, but Added that I believed they had not given the necessary powers to any one in Europe to conclude a Treaty— He told me that he had written to your Excellency from Cadiz & expected your Answer— I soon discovered that he had come to Spain on a particular commission not I beleive of a political nature, for I saw him once or twice in the Minister of State’s Antichamber & remarked that he was treated with little Attention— In public he generally appeared in Low company— He told me that he had a Letter from the Emperor to Congress which he had left at Cadiz— This circumstance appeared to me Somewhat Singular, as he had before mentioned to me his design of Proceeding to Paris when he had finished his business here & should have an answer to the Letter he had written to your Excellency. He left Sn. Ildefonso a short time Afterwards & I have not seen or heard from him since— This Sir is all that I know on the Subject. I was much hurt & vexed by the forwardness & imprudence of Mr Montgomery who in other respects is a very worthy man & has been useful to many of our Countrymen since the Commencement of the Late War—
          I find myself in a very disagreable situation here, owing to a total want of intelligence from Congress— I have recd but two public Letters in 15 months— The one dated Septr 1782 the Other in May 1783— The last advised me that my Conduct Was fully approved of— I have no cypher and therefore am constrained to employ private Conveyances for Letters which I do not wish to submit to the inspection of Others— Safe opportunities do not often occur— This causes me an apprehension of irregularity in my American Correspondence which causes me great Uneasiness— Almost all the Intelligence I receive comes thro’ the Channel of Public Prints. Thus having matters but of Little importance on which to address the Minister, I have few occasions of seeing him, for mere visits of Compliment must be tiresome to a Man, whose time is occupied by so many important Affairs— In short the Silence of Congress, the irregularity of remittances as well from the Public as from

those who have the care of my property in America have almost entirely disgusted me with my present carreer and incline me to desire to return to my Native Country— I hope that Congress hath proceeded to the Nomination of a Minister to this Court on receiving Mr Jays resignation— I informed them that the Spanish Minister plenipotentiary would not proceed to America until it was known here that one had been appointed. You will probably see at Paris Mr Musquiz— The Polite Attentions which I receive from his Father the Minister of Finance, induce me to request your Excellencys particular Notice of the Son. The Bank established by the Protection of the Ct de Florida Blanca has been conducted with such activity & prudence that it has been able to give in nine months a dividend of more than five pr. Ct. to the Accionists— The influx of Money expected soon from Spanish America begins already to lessen the Depretiation on the paper money, which will probably be on par when The Specie arrives, as your Excellency knows that this paper bears an Interest of four pr. cent, Those who keep their cash in their Coffers will prefer it to Specie— The Sum in the Latter which is expected is said to amt. to upwards of twenty million of Dollars, exclusive of the other produce of the Country— I cannot ask your Excellency to give yourself the Trouble of writing to me, but I hope if you should receive any information from America that may be interesting or usefull to me, My Namesake will supply what the multiplicity of your Occupations will not permit you to do— I beg your Excy to have the goodness to mention me in a proper Manner to all who do me the honor to remember me, I flatter myself that the Marquis de la Fayette, The Cts D Estaing & Montmorin are of the Number. Indeed if

I have their good opinion, I can promise myself the satisfaction of not being forgot by Others.
          With the highest respect & most Affectionate regard I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obliged & Humble Sert

            Wm. Carmichael

              Madrid 4th Feby 1784
              P.S.

            I have kept the preceeding letter by me in daily expectation of sending it by a Gentleman recommended Me by Mr Adams who purposed setting out Post for Paris— Finding however that he has business to terminate which may still detain him some time here— I venture it by the common conveyance— I beg you will be pleased to inform Mr Grand that I have written him twice since the Month of August & have no acknowledgement of the receipt of my Letters— By the Gentleman Above mentioned I shall have the honor to send your Excellency two Spanish productions which the Ct de Campomanes now at the head of the Council of Castile gave me for you— I wish that your Excellency would send me the French Translation of our Constitutions to present him in your name— The kind notice that this Eminent Patriot has taken of me ever since my arrival here calls for my warmest gratitude. He has placed a medal which the Ct. de Montmorin gave me, struck to commemorate our Independance in the Collection of the Medals of the Academy of history— With the highest respect & the most Affectionate regard I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obliged & Most Humble Sert

              Wm. Carmichael


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 January 1784
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            La haie 15e. Janv. 1784.

          Je n’ai qu’un instant de reste pour vous informer, que Mr. Adams est arrivé de Londres, & reparti hier pour

Amsterdam d’où je l’espere de retour dans peu de jours. J’espere aussi que l’incluse arrivera assez à temps pour être acheminée s’il se peut avec ma précédente au Congrès.
          Je suis avec mon respectueux dévouement, De votre Excellence le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur,

            C. W. f. Dumas
            A Son Excellence Mr. Franklin M.P. des E.U.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 15 January 1784
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Annapolis 15 Jany 1784

          Yesterday nine States being for the first time since October last represented, Congress immediately took up and ratified the definitive treaty with the unanimous consent not only of all the states represented but of every individual Member in Congress. And that it might reach you with the greatest dispatch they immediately sent off col J Harmar with the ratification by the way of New York, there being no vessel sailing from this bay. They also sent a duplicate to be forwarded by Mr Morris, and this day from an earnest desire that it may if possible arrive in due time they have determined to send lieut col D S. Franks with a triplicate to take the chance of a vessel from some of the eastern ports.
          I wrote a few lines by Col Harmar to inform you that I had received your favour of the 13 Sept with the papers enclosed and have taken steps to obtain the information desired. I have written to Mr R Haines respecting Mr Marggrander. And have directed enquiries to be made respecting Charles Francis D’Averton and Gabriel Vigeral. The memorial of Doct D Barry & Wife

I have communicated to the delegates of North Carolina, but apprehend if matters are as stated in their memorial they have only to send an Agent with proper powers to obtain the object of their wishes. As to the paper stating the Granville claim I have also communicated it to the North-Carolina delegates, but apprehend that is a business which must be settled with the government of the States as the claim of Mr Lotbinier must be with the government of the state where his lands lie. The demand on Baron Steuben is only proper for an Attorney at Law, and by no means a state Matter and therefore I must beg leave to decline meddling with it.—
          I have the satisfaction to inform you that a disposition begins to prevail in the states to comply with the acquisitions of Congress and to grant funds for the regular payment of the interest and discharge of the principal of the debts contracted by the war. I make no doubt but the creditors in Europe are anxious and uneasy at the backwardness of the States. But whoever consults the history of Nations will find that taxation is among the late Acts of government, that in governments which have been long established it is not without great difficulty that permanent funds are introduced and even in the oldest governments new taxes often occasion great uneasiness. Considering therefore that in the United States every thing is new and unusual instead of being surprized at the backwardness of the people in this respect, it is rather a matter of wonder that they have made so great a progress and have discovered such a facility in getting the better of that aversion to taxes which is so universally prevalent. For my own part I have a great confidence in the good

sense of my country men in general, nor can I admit a doubt but that they will speedily fall upon measures to do justice to all the public creditors. Though you and I have lived to see a great work accomplished, yet much still remains to be done to secure the happiness of this Country. May that Almighty Being who has thus far conducted us safely through many scenes of difficulty and distress inspire the people of these United States with wisdom to improve the opportunity now afforded of becoming a happy nation.—
          I need not recommend col Franks to your notice as you are already acquainted with him. He has great merit for the early part he took & the sacrifices he has made in the late controversy & for his steady adherence to our cause.
          I long for the pleasure of seeing you, but forego that pleasure with the more ease as I am sensible you are usefully employed in a work which is of great importance to our Country. I need not assure you that I am with the most perfect esteem & respect Dear Sir Your affectionate old friend

            Cha Thomson
            Doct B. Franklin

          Endorsed: Cha. Thomson Esqr to B F. Jan. 15. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Georges Treuttel, 15 January 1784
From: Treuttel, Jean-Georges
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Strasbourg le 15. Janvr. 1784.

          Votre Excellence est déjà instruite de l’Almanac Américain qui a été entrepris à Berlin: je m’empresse d’avoir l’honneur d’être le premier à Vous en présenter un & à Vous en faire hommage au nom du libraire entrepreneur le Sr. Spener qui est de mes amis. La beauté, Monsieur, dont il a exécuté ce petit ouvrage, sans enchérir sur le prix, qui n’est que de trois Livres,

mérite, ce me semble les suffrages du Public, mais si Votre Excellence daigne lui faire la grace de mettre ce petit ouvrage sous Sa protection, ce sera certainement le plus grand accueil qui pourra lui arriver, & dont l’effet pourroit pénétrer jusqu’aux vastes pays même dont la révolution étonnante a fourni la matiere.
          Etant chargé, Monsieur, du dépôt de cet Almanac pour mes environs & la france, je Suis à même de pouvoir satisfaire incessamment à Vos ordres y relatifs, & serai enchanté s’il plaira à Votre Excellence à m’en honorer. Dommage que la traduction françoise n’en a pas eu lieu, le traducteur tombé malade, en a fait lever l’entreprise après qu’il y en eut même cinq à six feuilles d’imprimées.
          Monsieur Gérard, ayant eu la bonté de m’offrir son entremise pour l’expédition de ce volume, j’en profite d’autant plus que sous la grace de Ses auspices j’ose mieux espérer d’obtenir celle de Votre approbation.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la considération la plus respectueuse Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très-humble & très-obéissant Serviteur

            TreuttelLibraire cidevant Bauer & Treuttel.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 15 January 1784
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            A Versailles le 15. Janvier 1784.

          J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer en original une lettre qui m’a été ecrite par un Sr. Schaffer qui se dit Lieutenant Colonel de la Milice des Etats Unis, et qui est actuellement détenu dans les prisons de la Conciergerie dans l’attente du Jugement d’un procès criminel qui s’instruit contre lui au Chatelet de Paris. Il paroit, Monsieur, que vous avez connoissance de cette affaire, Je ne puis que m’en remettre au jugement que vous

croirez devoir porter sur les raisons que ce particulier allégue en sa faveur. Je vous prie de vouloir bien en me renvoyant sa lettre, me faire part de ce que vous en pensez.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincerement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur

            De Vergennes
            M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 15 January 1784
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hond sr—
            Boston Janry 15th. 1784—

          I hope you Will excuse me, for the Liberty I take in adviceing you, of the Town of Franklin, & how it Came to be thus Named, a part of the people of Wrentham Wh. Town was too Large, a parish of 40 years Standing prefer’d a petition to the General Court 1778 at the Very time, that we or they, heard that you was Assassinated, in Commeration [commemoration] of Doctr Franklin the people Where Unanimous, in Nameing there Town by the Name of Franklin, Whos Name & Person they highly Esteemd, the Town or people are Now about Boulding a New Meeting House, & I find they would Bould a Stepel if they had a prospect of Gitting a Bell. I happn’d to be in Compeny with two of the most Respectable & of the Commette, they Expressd a Wish that Doctr Franklin Would present them a Bell, as it would be Recd by the Town from him in prefrence to anybody in the World— I find the house is to be, 60 foot Long, 42 foot Wide, about 26 foot high. Franklin Town is 25 Miles from Boston in the Way to providence—as

I dont know Whether you Will think proper to take Notice of this Letter therefore I Shall Say Nothing about it—
          We are all Well my Love to Billey I am as Ever Your Dutifull Nephew

            Jona Williams

            NB I am told that your Bill on the Late doctr Cooper Will be paid out of his Estate

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


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 16 January 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingenhousz, Jan

              Dear Friend,
              Passy, Jan. 16. 1784

            I have this Day received your Favour of the 2d Instant. Every Information in my Power respecting the Balloons I sent you just before Christmas, contain’d in Copies of my Letters to Sir Joseph Banks. There is no Secret in the Affair, and I make no doubt that a Person coming from you would easily obtain a Sight of the different Balloons of Mongolfier & Charles, with all the Instructions wanted; and if you undertake to make one, I think it extreamly proper and necessary to send an ingenious Man here for that purpose. Otherwise for want of Attention to some particular Circumstance, or of being acquainted with it, the Experiment might miscarry, which being in an Affair of so much public Expectation, would have bad Consequences, draw upon you a great deal of Censure, and affect your Reputation. It is a serious thing to draw out from their Affairs all the Inhabitants of a great City & its Environs, and a Disappointment makes them angry. At Bourdeaux lately, a Person who pretended to send up a Balloon & had received Money of many People, not being able to make it rise, the Populace were so exasperated that they pull’d down his House, and had like to have kill’d him.—

            It appears as you observe, to be a Discovery of great Importance; and what may possibly give a new Turn to human Affairs. Convincing Sovereigns of the Folly of Wars, may perhaps be one Effect of it: since it will be impracticable for the most potent of them to guard his Dominions. Five Thousand Balloons capable of raising two Men each, would not cost more than Five Ships of the Line: And where is the Prince who can afford so to cover his Country with Troops for its Defense, as that Ten Thousand Men descending from the Clouds, might not in many Places do an infinite deal of Mischief, before a Force could be brought together to repel them?— It is a pity that any national Jealousy, should, as you imagine it may, have prevented the English from prosecuting the Experiment, since they are such ingenious Mechanicians, that in their Hands it might have made a more rapid Progress towards Perfection, & all the Utility it is capable of affording. The Balloon of Messrs Charles & Robert, was really fill’d with inflammable Air. The Quantity being great it was expensive, & tedious in filling, requiring two or three Days & Nights constant Labour. It had a Soupape near the Top, which they could open by pulling a String and thereby let out some Air when they had a mind to descend; and they discharg’d some of their Ballast of Sand, when they would rise again. A great deal of Air must have been let out when they landed, so that the loose Part might envelope one of them; yet the Car being lightned by that one getting out of it, there was enough left to carry up the other rapidly. They had no Fire with them. That is us’d only in Messrs Mongolfier’s Globe, which is open at Bottom, and Straw constantly burnt to keep it up. This kind is sooner & cheaper fill’d; but must be much bigger to carry up the same Weight; since Air rarify’d by Heat is only twice as light as common Air, & inflammable Air ten times lighter. M. de Morveau a famous Chemist at Dijon, has found an inflammable Air that will cost only a 25th part of the Price of what is made by Oil of Vitriol pour’d on Iron Filings. They say it is made from Sea Coal. Its comparative Weight is not mentioned.—

            I dispatch’d your Letters by the petit Poste to day as soon as I receiv’d them.—
            As the Pacquet of German Papers & Almanacs were 18 Months in getting to your hands, I begin to fear for my last Packet, since it was trusted to the same Conveyance, being sent to the Ambassadors, who promis’d to take care of it. I therefore send a Copy of my Letter with this per Post, but I cannot copy the other Papers (they being too long) so as to go by this Courier.— Nor can I now add farther but that I am, as ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

              B Franklin

            I have still some Letters of yours to answer.—

          Dr. Ingenhausz
          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Dr. Ingenhauss / Medecin de Sa Majesté Imperiale / à Vienne / en Autriche.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 17 January 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir
            Passy. Jany. 17th. 1784

          I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 15th. Instant, inclosing one from a certain Schaffer, who calls himself Lieutenant Colonel of the Continental Militia, requesting that you would cause to be restored to him a Bill of Exchange for 60 Dollars, that has my Name on it, and which, with his other Papers, has been seiz’d & deposited in the Greffe criminel du Chatelet; and complaining that neither the Consul nor myself afford him any Protection; and you are pleased to desire my Sentiments on the Affair. This same Schaffer has been in Paris now about three Years; but this is the first time I have heard any mention of his military Character: He brought a little Money with him, as I understood, to purchase Goods. But he soon fell into the hands of a Set of Sharpers, and being a young Man of very weak Understanding, having neither Good Sense enough to be an honest Man, nor Wit enough for a Rogue though with a strong Inclination, they first cheated him, (as he complained to me,) and then join’d with him to cheat others. For this purpose they got his Name inserted in the

Almanack Royal of 1782, & 1783 among the Bankers, under the Title of John Schaffer & Compagnie, Commissionaires des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, rue des Fossés St. Marcel, to which Title they had not the smallest Pretence; but it served to give them some Credit with the honest but ignorant Shopkeepers of Paris, with whose Complaints of our Commissionaire’s not Paying I have been frequently troubled. It is by this running in Debt & by borrowing where he could, that he has for sometime subsisted: and I understand it that for some of these Escroqueries that he is now in Prison. When he was there the first time, about two Years ago, not having then so bad an Opinion of him, I interested myself in his Favour, endeavoured to accommodate his Affairs, & lent him some Money in his Distress; which he has never repaid; and yet on various Pretences of Sickness and Misery has obtained more from me lately; but I am now quite tired of him; as is also Mr. Barclay; and if I have refused to make Use of any Interest I may be supposed to have, to screen him from Punishment, it is because I think it prostituting the Interest of a Minister to employ it in Protection of Knaves; and I am really ashamed to appear in his favour, and afraid that my doing it would tend to lessen the weight of any Application I might hereafter have occasion to make in behalf of an honester Man. The Bill he mentions is I suppose one of the Loan-Office Interest Bills sent to him by his Brother thro’ the hands of Mr. Barclay, which I accepted, & it will be paid when presented to Mr Grand. I make no Objection to its being deliver’d up to him, tho’ the Creditors perhaps who prosecute him may, for whose Use probably his Effects have been seized.
          The Account he gives of his Riches, is, I believe altogether as fictitious, as his Characters of Lieut. Colonel, & Commissionaire des Etats Unis; but that his Father & Brother-in-law are respected Persons in Pensilvania, is true, Mr. Barclay has some Knowledge of them; for their Sakes, if the Punishment of the Carcan, which I hear is intended for him, could be commuted for one less fletrissant, a longer Banishment, or the like, I should be glad; & if your Excellency can obtain this for him without too much Trouble, I shall in their Behalf acknowledge it as a Favour. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            B. Franklin

            P.S. I return the Letter enclos’d. I take it to be written by one Beaumont his Advocate.

          His Excellency the Count de Vergennes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Charretié, 17 January 1784
From: Charretié, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Monsieur
              Londres, le 17. Janvier 1784.

            Je suplie Votre Excellence de vouloir bien recevoir mes excuses si je n’ai point eu l’honneur de vous aller faire ma cour à Passy pendant le séjour momentané que j’ai fait à Paris et à Versailles. Les ordres du Ministre ont causé mon départ précipité sans me permettre cette satisfaction dont j’etois si jaloux. A mon arrivée ici, je n’ai point manqué de faire tenir à Monsieur Sargent la lettre dont vous aviez bien voulu me charger.
            Comblé des bontés de Votre Excellence, permettez, Monsieur, que j’ose encore les implorer aujourd’hui en vous supliant de m’honorer de votre puissante recommandation auprès de M Le Maréchal de Catries. Je viens d’avoir l’honneur de faire passer à ce Ministre un Etat de mes dépenses personnelles ici pendant les trois années d’exercice de ma commission. Un modique traitement annuel de Douze Cent Livres m’a réduit à la nécessité de recourir à mes amis pour être en etat de servir mon Roi et mon païs, ce que j’ai toujours fait avec le plus vrai Zèle, mais je reste endetté d’une somme de Douze mille Livres tournois montant de ce même Etat et dont la rentrée est pour moi de la plus grande importance. Je sais combien M Le Marèchal est juste, et comme je sais aussi, Monsieur, combien il a d’estime et d’attachement pour la personne de Votre Excellence, je suis sûr qu’honoré de votre appui, mon remboursement ne souffrira aucune difficulté. Vous me rendrez un service très-essentiel et dont je conserverai, ainsi que de vos bontés passées, la plus sincère et la plus vive reconnoissance.
            Je ne crois pas avoir besoin, Monsieur, de renouveller à Votre Excellence l’offre de mes services en ce païs-ci. Puisque vous

connoissez mon cœur, vous savez que je m’estimerai toujours heureux de pouvoir vous temoigner mon Zèle.
            Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très-humble très-obéissant et très-dévoué serviteur

              Jn. CharretiéChargé de la rentrée des Prisoniersfrançois répandus en Angleterre

            Au Caffé de la Nouvelle York. Sweeting’s Alley à Londres.

          Addressed: A son Excéllence. / Monsieur Le Dr. Franklin. / Ministre Plénipotentiere des Etats / Unis de L’Amerique à La Cour de / France. / a Passy.
          Notation: Charne John, London 17 Janvr. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 January 1784
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Philada January 17th. 1784

          Colo Harmar the Bearer of this Letter is just arrived from Annapolis charged with the Definitive Treaty Ratified by Congress with which he is to proceed for Paris in order to deliver the same to the Ministers who negotiated the Treaty, that the Ratifications may be exchanged— Congress have directed me to supply Colo Harmar with Money to defray his Necessary Expences, In Consequence of this Order I have advanced him Two Hundred Spanish Dollars here and now write to Mr. Grand Requesting that he may Supply such farther sum as you shall agree may be proper & necessary for the above purpose— I suppose His Excellency the President of Congress has Recommended Colo Harmar to your Notice— He has been a brave and deserving officer which alone will procure him your favorable Attention.

          I am Your Excellencys Most obedt & very humble servt.

            Robt Morris
            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqre Minister Plenipotentiary &a. Passy

          Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqre / Minister Plenipotentiary &a / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Feriet, 21 January 1784
From: Feriet, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Versailles Le 21 janvier 1784

            Je crois, Monsieur, avoir trouvè ici Deux maisons entières qui pouraient Vous convenir; elles ont toutes deux des jardins, mais L’une rèunit a ce qu’il me semble, tous Les avantages et les agrèmens qu’il est possible de se procurer a versailles; elle est neuve, et n’a point ètè occuppèe quoiqu’elle soit bâtie depuis quelque tems; Les embellissemens ne sont pas même entierement achevés; tout est boisè, Vernissé, et Si bien appropriè, qu’il n’y faut point d’autres meubles que des fauteuils et des lits; on m’a assuré qu’on comptait y mettre pour vint mille francs de glaces, ce qui en fera un vrai bijou. Outre cela il y a un logement si ènorme, que Vous, et tout Votre monde parfaitement Logè, vous pourés encore disposer de quelques appartemens dans Le cas ou Vous auriés quelques amis a Loger. Plusieurs terrasses forment un jardin assès considèrable; il n’est sèparé que par un mur d’un terrein très grand couvert d’une plouse très agrèable pour se promener; ce terrein ètant un des plus èlevés de Versailles, on y jouit de la vue la plus agrèable qu’on puisse avoir ici; il communique au jardin de cette maison par une porte dont Vous auriès La clef, et ce serait pour Vous une promenade d’autant plus agréable, que Vous seriés sur de n’y rencontrer que ceux que Vous Voudriès bien y mener avec Vous. La maison a pour Vue, Le jardin d’un côté, et L’avenue de st. cloud de L’autre. La distance de là, au château, est un peu forte; voila le seul inconvénient que j’y trouve, mais il me parait balancè par un trop grand nombre d’avantages, pour qu’il puisse faire quelqu’ impression sur Vous; beaucoup de personnes attachèes au chateau ont des Logemens plus èloignés; dans les quartiers plus rapprochès, il serait impossible de trouver de jardins; ayant la facilité de faire de L’èxercice et de prendre L’air sans sortir de chéz Vous, Vous vous promenerés plus souvent que Si vous ètiés obligè pour cela de sortir, et de courrir les risques de rencontrer a chaque pas Une foule d’importuns dont la bonne ville de Versailles est aussi bien pourvue qu’aucune autre du royaume; vous serés habituellement dans un meilleur air, et en supposant que Vos porteurs

ne puissent pas vous porter tout d’une traite dans les endroits ou vous voudrés aller, il ne sera pas bien malheureux que dans le milieu de vos courses Les plus èloignées, ils fassent une pause d’une minute; Vous Serès plus souvent chèz Vous que dehors, et rien ne me parait plus convenable qu’un local vaste, agrèable, Sain, et bien situé. Comme je crains, Monsieur, que cette maison ne soit pas long-tems Vacante, Si vous croyés qu’elle puisse vous convenir, vous pouriés charger monsieur Votre fils d’aller La voir Lorsqu’il viendra a versailles. S’il voulait me le mander La veille, ou quelques jours avant, je L’attendrais chèz moy, et en même tems je lui ferais Voir une collection de chaises a porteur, dans le nombre desquelles il en trouverait surement une qui Vous conviendrait; il y en a de toutes les façons et de tous Les prix, parcequ’elles sont D’hazard.
            Je Desire bien, Monsieur, pouvoir Vous trouver ici ce qui vous en rendrait le sèjour agreable. Si je suis assés heureux pour ne pas Vous être tout-a-fait inutile, vous ne m’en devrés assurément aucun remerciement; ici plus qu’ailleurs Les hommes n’ont en vue que Leur intérêt personnel; Si a cet ègard je n’ay point èchappé a La corruption gènèrale, il me reste au moins assès de bonne foi pour vous avouer que je travaille a mon bonheur en cherchant a vous faciliter Les moyens de Vous fixer dans La ville que j’habite.
            Toute ma famille me charge, Monsieur, de La rappeller a votre souvenir; ne nous oubliès pas, je vous prie, prés de monsieur votre fils; puissions nous tous, vous renouveller dans vingt ans Les vœux que nous formons pour votre bonheur dans ce renouvellement d’annèe.
            Agrèés, je vous prie, Les assurance de L’attachement tendre et respectueux avec Lequel j’ay L’honneur D’être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur

              Le bon. De feriet

            Il y a huit jours que j’ay remis a Mde. La duchesse de Villeroy, quelques verres D’harmonica montés, et parlant aussi parfaitement avec des touches qu’avec les doigts.

            Je joins ici mon adresse dans le cas ou mr Votre fils l’aye perdue, parceque sans cela il trouveroit difficilement mon Logement
            rue des bourdonnois Maison de Mr. Ris, entre la rue St. honoré, et la rue royale.

          Notation: De Feriet 21 Janr. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 23[–27] January 1784
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Monsieur
              Lahaie 23e.[–27] Janvier 1784

            Dans l’espérance que vous avez bien reçu, & eu la bonté d’acheminer mes précédentes pour le Congrès, & notamment mon No. 37 du 18e. Dec. au 8e. Janv., & mon Postcrit du 15e., en voici un autre & dernier du 16e., que vous voudrez bien lire, fermer & acheminer pareillement. Je suis avec tout le respectueux dévouement qui vous est connu, De Votre Excellence Le très humble & très obéissant serviteur

              C. w. f. Dumas

            S.E. Mr. Adams est à Amsterdam. Dès que vous saurez, Monsieur, que le Traité définitif avec cette republ. a été signé, ou va l’être entre les Plénipo: hollandois & le Duc de Dorset, je vous serai fort obligé de me le faire écrire promptement par Mr. Votre Petit fils, que je prie d’agréer mes complimens, & de vouloir bien m’informer du bon état de votre santé.

              P.S. du 27e. Janv. L’arrivée de Mr. Adams, & l’honneur qu’il m’a fait de me demander pour lui tenir compagnie, est cause que cette Lettre ne peut partir qu’aujourd’hui.

                Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin M.P. des E.U.

          Endorsed: Reçu Jan. 31. 1784


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 23 January 1784
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear sir—
            London 23 Jany— 1784

          I recd your favor of the 26th Ultimo & have been endeavouring all in my Power ever Since to find out the Value of the two

Ships you mention, but hitherto I have not been able to succeed, I find these Ships were released by the Court of Denmark, but so long a Time has elapsed, that those who did the Insurance cannot easily turn to the Acc’t indeed the Union had only a trifling Sum done upon her. She belonged to Atkinson the Contractor so that she was laden as I presume for Goverment Acc’t, I have been so hostile to A— all the War, that I fear much I shall have great Difficulty in procuring the Value, but I will try every possible method— The other I hope I shall be able to procure from Liverpool to which place she belonged, I shou’d suppose these Ships from their Size & general Idea of Cargoes for such a Voyage coud not be worth less than from 10 to 15 thousand pounds per Ship— I return you my best thanks for your intended Kindness in respect to the Consulship & remain allways Dr sir Your Affectionate Friend & very Hble Servant

            William Hodgson
            To His Ex. B. Franklin Esqr

          Addressed: To / His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary from the United / States of America / a / Paris
          Notation: Wm. Hodgson— 23 Jany 1784.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine Houdon, [before 24 January 1784]
From: Houdon, Jean-Antoine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            [before January 24, 1784]

          J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir que je dois couler une statüe en bronze: Si cette opération d’un moment peut intérresser votre goût et votre curiosité; je vous prie de me faire celui de vous rendre à onze heures précises du matin 24 de ce mois au lieu indiqué par l’adresse ci-incluse.

          J’ai l’honneur d être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeïssant serviteur./.

            Houdon


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 24 January 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            The Hague Jan. 24. 1784.

          Desirous of doing all in my Power, to Save Mr Morriss Bills, I determined to go to Amsterdam, and accordingly, Sett off, the Beginning of this Month from London, in a Season too rigorous for Pleasure.— At Harwich we were obliged to wait Several Days for fair Weather, whcih when it arrived brought Us little Comfort as it was very cold And the Wind exactly against Us. The Packetts were obliged to put to Sea and I embarked in one of them. We were more than Three Days in advancing Thirty three Leagues with, So unsteady a Course, and Such a tossing Vessell that We could not keep a fire, the Weather very cold and the Passengers all very Seasick. As We could not, on Account of the great Quantities of Ice upon the Coast, reach Helvoet [Hellevoetsluis], We were put on Shore on the Island of Goree [Goeree], where We got a Boors Wagon to carry our Baggage and We walked about Six Miles to the Town of Goree. Not finding Iceboats here We were obliged to go in open Boors Waggons across the Island to Middle Harness [Middelharnis]. Here We were detained Several Days in very bad Lodgings unable to find Boats to carry Us over the Arm of the Sea to Helvoet. At Length Iceboats appeared, and We embarked amidst a Waste of Ice which passed in and out every day with the Tide, and by the Force of Oars, & Boat hooks Sometimes rowing, in the Water, and sometimes dragging on the Ice, which would now & then

break & let Us down, in the Course of the Day We got over, and thought ourselves lucky, as the last Boat which passed got stuck in the Ice and was carried out with the tide and brought in again, So that they were out from 9 in the Morning to one O Clock the next night before they reached the opposite Shore. We could not reach Helvoet, but landed on the Dyke about two Miles from it, and took Boors Waggons again for the Brille [Brielle], which We reached at Night. Next Morning We took Ice Boats again to cross another Water obstructed with Ice as before, and then a Third the Maese [Maas], which We found Sufficiently frozen to walk over on the Ice. Another Boors Waggon carried Us to Delft, and from thence a Coach to the Hague. After the Rest of a day or two I went to Amsterdam. Our Bankers had applied to the Regency, and I offered to enter into any reasonable Contract, and to pledge the Faith of the United States for the Performance of it, but all in vain. The Gentlemen of the Regency, Seemed very desirous of doing Something for Us, if they could. But as usual, they are so afraid of making a Precedent, and that other Powers, as much distressed for money as We, would take Advantage and demand the Same favour, that they dare not, and our Bankers were advised to take back their Application, to avoid a certain decision against Us.— Yesterday I returnd to the Hague.
          I Should look back with less Chagrin, upon the disagreable Passage from London, if We had Succeeded, in obtaining the Object of it, but I find I am here only to be a Witness that American Credit in this Republick is dead, never to rise again, at least untill the United States Shall all agree upon Some Plan of Revenue, and make it certain that Interest and Principal will be paid. There has Scarcely an Obligation been Sold Since the News of the Mutiny of Soldiers in Philadelphia and the diversity of Sentiments among the States about the Plan of Impost.
          I have no Information from Congress or Mr Morris, but am told by our Bankers there are Bills to the Amount of Thirteen hundred Thousand Guilders which must be Sent back, a terrible

disappointment to great Numbers of People! Some of the Bills became payable, the Beginning of March, and the Rest being much the greatest Part in May.
          At Amsterdam I recd the Honour of yours of the 3 of this Month.

          Dr Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Bird, 24 January 1784
From: Bird, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Sir
              Andely Januy. the 24. 1784

            Having the honour of your Protection to establish the fabrication of woolen Cloth in the United states of North america (and the same time I gave You the patterns of Cloth, Cazimear, Ratteen, &c which I manufactur’d in france) For the completeing of the same, and according to my promis, I take the liberty to give you a detail of what I am Capable of performing in that branch, Likwise giving you a Small account of my Life, and how I Came to be in france.
            I am a Native of England 30 Years of age, serv’d Seven Years apprentiship to learn the art of making & dressing all sorts of broad Cloth in one of the most renowned manufactures in England, For my further experience I worked in all the Counties in England remarkable for making of Cloth, Wiltshire, Yorkshire, Worstershire, Somerset Shire, Devonshire, And Gloucestershire, of whom I am a Native, I had the Conducting of Several manufactures in these Counties, & in London Likwise, where I was pressed for the Kings Service but having a natural dislike to the American war, I made my escape & Came to france (notwith Standing in geting away I was wounded in the thigh) and by the good protection of the governer of Calis I was Soon

placed In the manufacture Royal at Andely which is now five Years, the master gave me the Command of all notwithstanding I Could not speake one word of french; I got sum English tools and set to work, taking to pieces the utensiles & Changing them to my liking, & Shewing the people by Signs my manner of working. In one Years time my master told me I had Saved him 12000 Livers.
            Since I had the honour of Seeing [you] I have finished a machine to row the Cloth (that is to bring the wool on the Cloth with teasils to form the dress, in English this machine is Call’d, gigmill, and is turn’d by water) I have presented it to the Councel of paris and expects every day their answer.
            I am Capable of Constructing & Conducting this gigmill in the highest perfection, A piece of Superfine Cloth 30 Yards to Row it by hand will Cost about 1 l.t. 10 s. and by the gigmill about 3 s. and Cours Cloth in proportion the Soldiers Cloth at 9 d. the piece, this gigmill was first adopted by the English government to Clothe their Soldiers at a Less expence. I Should be Sorry to assert a thing I Could not perform, I flatter my Self capable to undertake the establishing of a manufacture for all sorts of broad Cloth. Cazimear, Ratteen &c. in the highest perfection. Can dye nearly all sorts of Colours in the wool (except woad blue). For grain Colours and Coulours Commonly dyed in the piece Can dye Scarlet, Crimsons, Roas, Cherry Coulor, Saxon greens, Saxon blues, Grays, buff Coulors, Black, the Whitening of Cloth with or without brimston. The art of Manufacturing & Preparation for the double Coulor Cloth give Instructions for the Building of the mills, and Conduct it from the Beginning to the Ending, Teaching the People the most Shortest methwood of working. Can make the Stones for Naping mills, and mak no doubt of puting them to work notwithstanding I have not undertaken as Yeat that piece of work (except the making of the Stones) I have an ernes desire to be established with my Country people, that I my be Profitable to them and my

self. And should I be so happy as to succeed, Shall rest under the greatest Obligation to Your honour.
            If the Congress will undertake it, it may be more to my Advantage & much more to my Satisfaction, if not any Gentleman or Gentlemen that will undertake it I am at their Command, by paying my passage and a Salary sufficient to Live genteelly, the place I possess is 60 pound per Year Sterling, but if I may take the Liberty I shall Leave all to Your Discretion & wise Conduct.
            From Your Most Obedient and Humble Servant

              Saml. Bird.

            Should you honour me with a Line at any time Direct
            A Monsieur
            Monsieur Bird Contre maître de La Manufacture Royale au petit Andely, aux Andelis Normande