Letters from Benjamin Franklin 543 



Mr. [John] Adams. The Report [on Mesmerism] makes a great deal 

 of talk. Everybody agrees that it is well written, but many wonder at 

 the force of imagination described in it as occasioning convulsions, etc., 

 and some feel that consequences may be drawn from it by infidels to 

 weaken our faith in some of the miracles of the New Testament. 

 Some think it will put an end to Mesmerism, but there is a wonderful 

 deal of credulity in the world and deceptions as absurd have supported 

 themselves for ages. A. L. S. i p. CVI, 68. 



To William Temple Franklin. 1784. September 8. Passy. 



Requests him to deliver the enclosed pacquet from M. [Louis Guil- 

 laume] Le Veillard which contains two letters of recommendation which 

 he gave the Count [Mirabeau] at M. Veillard's request, one to Dr. 

 [Richard] Price and the other to Mr. [Benjamin] Vaughan. [Fried- 

 erich Anton] Mesmer's complaint to the Parliament of their report. 

 M. Mesmer will be obliged to disclose all. A. L. S. 2 p. XLV, 185. 



Printed in Works (Smyth, IX, 270). 



To Moutard. 1784. September 12. Passy. 



Thanking him for the twelve copies of Reports on Magnetism 

 which he sent. L. in 3d P. i p. (In French. Press copy.) 



LVI(ii), 12. 



To Bernard. 1784. September 12. Passy. 



Declares report untrue that he was anxious to find some person 

 to prospect for and work iron ore mines in America. Several mines 

 have been found already and are being worked by the inhabitants. Can- 

 not advise him to leave his own country to go to America where he 

 might only meet with disappointments. L. S. I p. (In French. 

 Press copy.) LV, 76. 



To [J. F.] Proth. 1784. September 12. Passy. 



The Catholic religion is tolerated in the United States, but the 

 Government has nothing to do with appointments of priests. They 

 are entirely under the jurisdiction of their ecclesiastical superiors. 

 Could not be of any service to him in securing an appointment as his 

 recommendation would be useless to him. L. S. 2 p. (In French. 

 Press copy.) LV, 77. 



