96 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From Sam [ue]l Cooper Johonnot. 1783. August 14. Nantes. 



His arrival at Nantes; his passage to America. A. L. S. i p. 



XXIX, 82^. 



From J. Ingen Housz. 1783. August 15. Vienna, 



Acknowledging the medal and Franklin's favor of May i6th. Delay 

 in the printing of his book; acknowledging Franklin's permission to dedi- 

 cate it to him. His opinion of the biography of Sir John Pringle by 

 Dr. [Andrew] Kippis, his theological friend, who contributed to fix his 

 anxious mind upon " Socinianisme " as being, in his opinion, the most 

 rational and the only good religion. A paper he intends writing for 

 which he desires philosophical anecdotes about Franklin ; begs for a 

 description of the two electrical explosions by which Franklin was hit; 

 description of a like experience to himself;^ received a severe electric 

 shock whilst making experiments in electricity. Was rendered un- 

 conscious for ten or fifteen minutes. Highly injurious effects he felt 

 mentally and physically on first regaining consciousness. After twenty- 

 four hours experienced renewed vigor and great improvement in all 

 his mental faculties; felt much better and stronger than before the 

 shock. Thinks the insane might perhaps be restored to their mental 

 faculties by an electric shock administered to them. Would not how- 

 ever advise anyone to try it on himself. Wishes to publish Franklin's in- 

 vention of a clock with only three wheels, as well as the curiosity of the 

 globe; begs for his reflections on chimneys. Chances of a war with the 

 Turks, and the danger of having the plague ; their custom of fumigating 

 all letters from the East; this is now to be abolished; bewails this 

 criminal act. Application made to him by the Princess of Lichtenstein 

 to intercede with Franklin on behalf of Lady [Juliana] Penn. No 

 satisfactory news from Mr. [Samuel] Wharton or [Francis] Coffyn; 

 cannot believe the former is a sharper. Newspaper report that the 

 American people are unwilling to contribute anything to support the 

 public credit. A. L. S. 6 p. XXIX, 83 and LV, 59- 



^Translation in French of this account, 4 p. (In triplicate.) 



From John Jebb. 1783. August 15. 

 Introducing Mr. Baynes. A. L. S. i p. XXIX, 84. 



