Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

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Biography

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia's first fire department and the University of Pennsylvania.

Found in 24 Collections and/or Records:

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 784459

Mss 784459

Date(s): 1784-08-09

Abstract

In English.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 779219

Mss 779219

Date(s): 1779-3-19

Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Benjamin Franklin in Passy, France, to Jonathan Williams, discussing problems relating to fulfillment of contracts for supplies negotiated by Arthur Lee with Montieu and by Silas Deane with Beaumarchais.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 777663

Mss 777663

Date(s): 1777-12-13

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin of Passy, near Paris, to whom it may concern, certifying that M. Rolandeau of the 5th South Carolina Regiment had come to France on business, and now wishes to return to duty.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 781269

Mss 781269

Date(s): 1781-04-19

Scope and Contents

Benjamin Franklin in Passy, France supplies scientific drawings to illustrate his "Opuscule".

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 763360.1

Mss 763360.1

Date(s): 1763-06-10

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin from Woodbridge, New Jersey to Mary Stevenson in which he discussed personal matters and inquires for friend. Typed transcript laid in.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 768222.1

Mss 768222.1

Date(s): 1768-03-22

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin in London, to Benjamin Rush in Edinburgh, granting permission to dedicate his medical dissertation to him. Franklin's free-franked wrapper accompanies letter. Includes Brown's bibliographical note and typed transcript.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 772658.1

Mss 772658.1

Date(s): 1772-12-08

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin to Lord Dartmouth to give Lord Dartmouth more information about the sentiments of the American people he is forwarding a letter from Mr. Cushing. Hopes to receive an answer. Includes portrait of B. Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 775306.1

Mss 775306.1

Date(s): 1775-05-06

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin of Phildaelphia, Pennsylvania to David Hartley, commenting on the unanimity of feeling in the colonies, introduces Captain Nathaniel Falconer.

Benjamin Franklin letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 775677

Mss 775677

Date(s): 1775-12-27

Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia to M. Mazzei, informing him that he heard frorm Mr. Jefferson that he was in America and that he suspects Martinelli rather than Walpole. Speaks of foreign relations.

Benjamin Franklin poem

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 777690

Mss 777690

Date(s): 1777

Scope and Contents

Poem "Belinda", 3 stanzas, with metrical scansion of first stanza. On verso of letter from John James Doerner, probably written in December 1777, requesting letters of introduction to dignitaries in America, prepatory to launching a mercantile house in Charlestown.

Typed transcribed of first stanza of poem laid in.

Benjamin Franklin preliminary address

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 000001

Mss 000001

Date(s): undated

Abstract

In English.

François Alexandre Frédéric, duc de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 779226

Mss 779226

Date(s): 1779-03-26

Scope and Contents

Two letters from Francois Alexandre Frederic duc de Rochefoucauld-Liancourt in Paris to Mr. Franklyn [i.e. Franklin], extending an invitation from Madame Samera to dine with her.

Jean-Paul Marat letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 782201

Mss 782201

Date(s): 1782-03-01

Abstract

In English.

John Paul Jones letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 784126.1

Mss 784126.1

Date(s): 1784-01-26

Abstract

In English.

John Paul Jones letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 778659

Mss 778659

Date(s): 1778-12-09

Scope and Contents

Letter from John Paul Jones abord l'Orient to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, American plenipotetiaries at the Court of France, reporting news of American naval forces, including the intelligence that Comte Destaing had sailed on a secret mission.

M. Bradford Passport

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 780606

Mss 780606

Date(s): 1780-11-06

Scope and Contents

Passport for M. Bradford signed by Benjamin Franklin in Passy, France.

Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette letters

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 819120.1

Mss 819120.1

Date(s): 1819-01-20 to 1832-08-17

Abstract

In English.

Patrick Henry letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 779212

Mss 779212

Date(s): 1779-03-12

Scope and Contents

Letter from Patrick in Williamsburgh, Virginia to Benjamin Franklin, recommending George Mason Jr. to Franklin's attention.

Philip Mazzei letters

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 781466

Mss 781466

Date(s): 1781-08-16 to 1815-10-05

Scope and Contents

Draft of a letter to Franklin explaining the delay in the delivery of a package. Copy of a letter from Partick Henry detailing Mazzei's mission to Europe, Letter from "Citizen of Virginia" responding to criticism. Draft of a letter from Jefferson and from Mazzei.

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 779163

Mss 779163

Date(s): 1779-02-13

Scope and Contents

Letter from Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais in Paris, France to Benjamin Franklin telling him that he regrets that the machinations of Mr. Lee has caused him to diminish the performance of his duties and assures Franklin of his esteem; offers to send parcels to America on ships about to leave for Virginia.