These selected papers include correspondence concerning Franklin, Franklin's descendants, and Franklin's papers, extracts from Philadelphia newspapers on Franklin, papers used in Sparks' biography, miscellaneous entries in his diary (1830-1854) relating to his search for Franklin manuscripts, and his preparation of an edition of Franklin's writings. Correspondents include Henry Stevens, Jr.; Henry Stevens, Sr.; Benjamin Vaughan; Petty Vaughan; James Mease; H. D. Gilpin; J. Francis Fisher; Franklin Bache; and others.

The family correspondence of Richard and Sarah Franklin Bache on a variety of topics including references to Benjamin Franklin and his estate. There is also a family genealogy.

Containing over 4 linear feet of letters and documents, the Franklin-Bache Papers comprises the second largest collection of letters and documents relating to Benjamin Franklin in the APS Library. Although the scope of the collection is broad, including materials from the time of Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia to his death, the heart of the collection documents the period of Franklin's ministry in France (1776-1785) and his diplomatic efforts to win financial and military support for the revolutionary cause, as well as less intensive coverage of his ministry in England before the Revolution. Franklin's correspondence with American and French officials, financiers (personal and otherwise), and savants provides tantalizing details on the social context of Franklin's ministry in France, his intellectual life, and his growing celebrity. Much of the correspondence documents the efforts to convince French officials early in the war to support the American cause, but there is valuable material relating to the peace negotiations as well. The collection is equally rich in personal correspondence, including a rich set of letters from Mary Stevenson Hewson, Georgiana Shipley, Catherine Ray Greene, Jane Mecom, Deborah Franklin, and a number of Franklin's other relatives. The collection is arranged chronologically.