Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12–13 September 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
New-York, Sept. 12[–13]. 1769
The Packet being detain’d two or three Days on the following Occasion, tho’ I had wrote four Days ago, all that was then necessary, I could not dispence with writing again; And notwithstanding you will doubtless hear it, if I had not wrote: It pleased God to take our Governor Sir Henry Moore, Bart. out of this World, Yesterday half after 3 o’Clock in the Afternoon; he died of a Bloody Flux: and laid a great while very low, tho’ on Monday Morning he seemed better than for some Time before, but it was only a little lightning before Death. He is to be buried this Afternoon. Tis said Old Mr. Colden will administer the Government again, he is at Flushing, but expected here this Day: He is but weakly and infirm, and Judge Horsmanden, the first Councillor lies almost dying also. I had the same Flux a Fortnight ago but it is gone off in a Fit of the Gout: so that the manifold Infirmities that accompany me, induces me to think I ought to persevere in laying down the Custom-House Office, which I only Wait to hear from you.
The Government of this Colony is esteemed the most lucrative of any on the Continent, exclusive of Virginia. I Would you had Interest and Inclination to procure it for yourself: A few years in it, would be of more Emolument to you, than any Thing you have yet had. I wish for your own Sake only, that could be the Case; far be it from me, to have any other View in this Wish. And as Wishing is all the Ability I have, I can only add, that I am as ever Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.

Honoured Sir
Nyork Sept. 13. 1769
Yesterday Capt. Tingley arrived after a Passage of near 13 Weeks, by whom I’ve just received yours of June 14: I shall send it along this Day’s Post, as ordered. I had sent my Letter of Yesterday to the Office, before I received yours, and I write this short note purposely to stick into it, if I can find it again. The Governor was buried last Night—Mr. Colden is governor. I am as ever Yours
James Parker

Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Packet
Endorsed: J. Parker 1769–70


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ephraim Brown, 15 September 1769
From: Brown, Ephraim
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Sir
Oxford, Sept 15. 1769
Yours of the 13th lies before me. I am oblig’d to you for your offer of the loan of three Guineas, and have drawn on you payable to Wm. Jackson on order. I don’t know what to think of your excessive temperance in my case. I am of opinion if a hearty man get a bad cold, to drive it away by abstinance, is very right; but a person in my Condition requires many nourishing things to keep Soul and Body together. I have lived very temperately myself all the Summer, and now taste hardly any thing but Spoon Meats; nor has it been (I believe) intemperance that has brought me in this way. In my last I told you I should be glad to get to London, as soon as I got a little better that I could travel; there I think I might be much better off, as perhaps I could get into a Hospital but here there is no such thing. Pray let me have your advice in that, and I would come even in a waggon if I could get one soft loaded, if it would be of service to me. If I do come it must be very soon, for my three Guineas wont last long when my Doctor’s Bill is paid. [I forgot to mention when I wrote that I had not paid the Apothecary.] Dr. Fowlkes is reckoned a very skilful man, and they say he has performed many Cures in my way, and he tells me he has very little doubt but he will set me to rights soon. But I almost want faith. I remain your very obliged humble Servant
E Brown
N.B. I am better to-day than I have been this Week past.

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Craven-street / Strand / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 22 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

Dear Sir,
London, Sept. 22. 1769
With this you will receive some Sheets of the Piece now printing, and which I am promis’d shall be finish’d in a few Days. I am afraid it is not so correct as it should be; But as I have been advis’d not to publish it till next Month, most of our Gentry being yet out of Town, there will be time for you to send me the Errata which may be printed at the End.

I send you also Dr. Priestly’s Essay on the first Principles of Government lately published, in which you will find some [missing] and free Sentiments.
I wrote to you two or three Weeks since by M. Lettsom a Quaker Physician, recommending him to your Civilities. I can now only add, (with my best Respects to good Madame Dubourg) that I am as ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend, and most obedient humble Servant.
B Franklin
Be so good as to present my respectful Compliments to M. Beaumont, for whom I have the highest Esteem, and to Mr. Dupont. Please to acquaint the latter, that Dr. Templeman had done nothing in the Subscriptions, the Society having been in Vacance; and the good Gentleman, is, I am afraid, now dying.
M. Dubourg


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas-François Dalibard, 22 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dalibard, Thomas-François

Dear Friend
London, Sept. 22. 1769
Having this Opportunity by M. Le Roy, I embrace it to thank you most heartily for the many Civilities and Marks of Friendship I received from you and Madame Dalibard while in Paris; and to express my sincere and cordial Wishes for your Health and Prosperity: in which I am join’d by my Friend Sir John Pringle.
As I cannot soon again enjoy the Happiness of being personally in your Company, permit my Shadow to pay my Respects to you. ’Tis from a Plate my Son caus’d to be engrav’d some Years since. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr D[alibard]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 29 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister,
London, Sept. 29, 1769
When I returned lately from France, I found among other Letters for me that had been here sometime, yours of June 13.
It pleases me to hear you are at present relieved from the Weight, which lately lay so heavy on you that “all the Assistance of Reason and Religion were scarce sufficient to keep your Spirits up.” It is well you had such Aids. Our Reason would still be of more Use to us, if it could enable us to prevent the Evils it can hardly enable us to bear. But in that it is so deficient, and in other things so often misleads us, that I have sometimes been almost tempted to wish we had been furnished with a good sensible Instinct instead of it.
The Sermon which you call mine, I know nothing of. I have only heard of it: I never saw it. It was wrong to give me as the Author of it. Whether it be good or bad, I have no Right to the Reputation or the Censures it may deserve.
Mrs. Stevenson scarce ever can prevail on herself to write a Letter to any one; but she acknowledges the Receipt of yours, presents her best Respects, and holds herself always ready to serve you. My Love to Jenny, and believe me ever Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Mecom / Hanover Street / Boston / Free / BF.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 30 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Dear Sir,
London, Sept. 30 1769
Your Favour of Aug. 3 has given me great Pleasure. I have only time now to acknowledge the Receipt of it, but purpose to write fully by the next Opportunity. I am just returned from France, where I found our Dispute much attended to, several of our Pamphlets being translated and printed there, among the rest my Examination, and the Farmer’s Letters with two of my Pieces annex’d, of which last I send you a Copy. In short all Europe (except Britain) appears to be on our side the Question. But Europe has its Reasons. It fancies itself in some Danger from the Growth of British Power, and would be glad to see it divided against itself. Our Prudence will, I hope, long postpone the Satisfaction our Enemies expect from our Dissensions. With sincere and great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd Dr Cooper.

Addressed: To / The Reverend Dr Cooper / Boston / Free / BF.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 4 October 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan

Loving Cousin,
London, Oct. 4. 1769
Before I went abroad this last Summer, I left Orders with my Banker to purchase two Tickets for you, and send you the Numbers. Since my Return I understand the Orders were executed. I hope you receiv’d the Banker’s Letter; if not, this will inform you that the Numbers are 33m799 and 33m800. with which I wish you the best Success.
I think I mention’d in a former Letter, that your Wife’s youngest Sister, Martha, now the Widow Johnson, was here in England, and in a Way of doing well being settled in Business as a Shopkeeper in the Country. It has since turn’d out that her Husband’s Relations, who had drawn her into a Partnership there, were too cunning for her, and in less than a year she return’d to London, stript of the greatest Part of the Money she had receiv’d as the Arrears of her Pension, and she is now to shift as well as she can, having only the future Pension to subsist upon. I have put her Son, who seems a well-disposed Boy, upon liking to a Philada. Merchant now here; her Daughter to learn Music in which she makes great Progress, and having a fine Voice, with a good Person and pleasing Behaviour, stands a Chance of advancing herself. They have all liv’d with me for some time past.
My worthy old Friend Mr. Hughes I suppose has been in Boston before this time. In a Letter to Mr. Hubbard I recommended him to his and your Friendship.
People’s Minds at present seem in a State of Suspence concerning American Affairs. The great Officers of State are chiefly out of town, and it is not yet known what Measures will be taken when the Parliament meet. With Love to your good Wife and Children, I am, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
Jonathn Williams, Esqr

Addressed: To / Mr Jonathan Williams / Mercht. / Boston / Free / BF.
Endorsed: October 4, 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 4 October 1769
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The preceding letter from Deborah, written on August 31, suggests that she had recovered her mental powers after her previous illness. Her spelling, syntax, and punctuation (or rather lack of it) were as always sui generis, and she remarked on her “in Conneckted staet”; but the sequence of her ideas was no more confused than usual, and she talked of the christening and many virtues of Sally’s baby as any fond grandmother might. The letter below, and a later one in November, indicate a change: her capacity for logical connections was becoming so weak that her husband must have been hard put to it to grasp her meaning. Her mind did not lapse into nonsense: she knew what she wanted to say, but apparently could not always concentrate for long enough to say it. Neither could she stay with one subject until she had finished it; she flitted from one to another and back again. The result is sometimes incomprehensible, just as her writing is sometimes illegible. Where we can guess at her meaning, we do so. Where we cannot, we print what she wrote or, at times, what we believe she wrote.

My Dear child
Ocktober the 4 1769
I have mised to write from this plase so I write a gen by the packit as I see in the paper that it donte saile tell nexte Satter day. I shall write by Capt. Folkner and tell you all I Can as to what you have asked. I forget wather had inquiered aboute my Nabor Sumaines Dafter thay have not heard from her senes you let them [know?] a boute her. Poor Mr. Sumain has Laid like one near his end he has deprived of his senes have in a number of fittes it is not thoute he Can recover. I am much trubled for her. I have seen John Shippen and I have presented his drafte on his father he excepte it but ses he donte know how he shall get the money. Mr. Beach is not returnd but by the end of this week we expeckte him. Salley is gon to see an old friend of hers who was broute to bed laste night and my Dear Benj Franklin has bin a talkeing a boute you and is grone finely with in thees two weeks and is one of the beste temperd Child I ever saw and everey bodey ses he is much like you. I wish you but see him. This day Polley Standly is Cume to spend a day with her son a fine child as many munthes old as Salley[’s] is weeks and a fine childe in dead. This poste Salley had a letter he [Richard Bache] was well and will be att home this week. I send this or the poste will leve it. I heard from Burlinton thay was well and full of Componey and when thay air gon the papey and mamey and the Child and his maid is to gon. Whair is Antey Macum is expeckted if shee donte Cume sooner then shee will Come down to your house firste. Mr. Beach is in hopes and keepe her Companey. I send the Newspaper for I Cante tell aney thing a boute the publick news. My love to everey bodey as thow I had menshoned them I am sumthing better than senes the wather is Coler then it was I am my Dear child your Loveing wife
D Franklin
 Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esqr / in / Craven Street / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 5–9 October 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Nyork, Octob 5 [–9]. 1769
Ever since my last of the 11th Sept. have I been laid up, by the most excruciating Fit of the Gout, that ever I had: and I have now but scarce Ability to write a Line or two. Nothing worthy of Note has happen’d since in Relation to the Post-Office, except that Mr. Babcock has left New-Haven, and I sent a Commission to Mr. Kilby in his Stead, who has given Bond, and taken the Oath according to Law. I have received no Money or Bills since; altho’ I have hinted to Mr. Colden, who is a good deal in Arrear again, that as Bills are low now, it would be agreeable to send, but he has not regarded it. I should have been glad to have heard from you about resigning my Place in the Custom-House, as I find myself every Day less able than other to execute that Office, and I suppose it is expected that I resign this Quarter Day, which is to-morrow: for if I don’t resign, now I can’t do my Duty, it is probable they will suspend or turn me out, and should you be able to procure an Appointment for Mr. Robinson, it would not disappoint any other, so much as it would, were another actually appointed. I send the Book of Accounts, as copied exactly and examined by Mr. Robinson for the future, I keep a Day-Book, wish Heaven may give me more Health to enable me to be more exact. Mr. Foxcroft, has not given me his Direction, and I am also, so very poorly, that I hope you will make my Excuse to him, with my most respectful Complements, whilst I am Your most obliged Servant
James Parker
The Book goes by Capt. Th: Miller
PS. Octob 9. This Letter I open’d again to inclose the 2d of each of two Bills just received from Mr. Hubbart—the first of which I sent per Packet Saturday Night: one is for £105 Sterling drawn by Hays & Polock, on Mr. David Milligan of London, dated Newyork, Aug 15. 1769—the other for £15 2s. 10d. drawn by Cary Mitchel, on Samuel Blythe, dated Virginia 11 Octob. 1768. Wishing them safe to hand, not able to add more than Respect &c
JP
 Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Capt. Miller


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 6–7 October 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, October 6–7, 1769. Sent the Post Office account book with his letter of October 5. Confined to his room and can barely sit up. Has not touched Benjamin Mecom’s books, but will as soon as he is able to stir——if he ever is. Postscript of Sept. (i.e., Oct.) 7: encloses originals of Hubbart’s two bills, of which seconds went by his letter of October 5–9.]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [7 October 1769]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

[October 7, 1769]
It is very uncertain as yet what Turn American Affairs will take here on the Meeting of Parliament. The Friends of both Countries wish a reconciliation; the Enemies of either endeavour to widen the Breach, God knows how it will end.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Gilpin, 10 October 1769
From: Gilpin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This letter from Franklin’s new-found correspondent, Thomas Gilpin, is a minor but interesting contribution to the history of the canal age. The original letter has apparently been lost, and now exists only in two extracts printed a century apart. Both were edited with a sang-froid that the modern editor may envy but can scarcely emulate. We have chosen the fuller and earlier version, that of 1821, and have drawn upon the later version for words or passages (enclosed in brackets) that the original editor omitted.

Worthy Friend
Philadelphia Octr 10th 1769
By Capt. Falconer I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of 10th July. Your approbation and intention of exhibiting my machine to the Society of Arts gives me great pleasure and claims my sincere thanks and I hope it will meet with improvement and become beneficial to the public. What I am now going to add fills me with doubt whether or not it may not prove more zealous than useful while your time is so much occupied with other objects; but as my intention is to promote public benefit I now communicate a few of the outlines of the proceedings of the Committee, appointed to view the ground and investigate the practicability of a canal between the tide waters of the Chesapeake and Delaware bays.
It is found that from Duck creek on the Delaware, to the Head of Chester river on the Chesapeake, the distance is about 12 miles, the extreme elevation 33 feet, the water high and the ground easy to dig.
From Appoquinimink creek on the Delaware, to the Head of Bohemia on the Chesapeake is 5 miles; the extreme height 66 feet, the streams small and they lie low, the ground easy to dig.
From the head of Christiana on the Delaware to Perch creek a branch of Elk river is about 12 miles; the ground has not yet been viewed by the committee, but they are appointed soon to go upon it.
The first of the above communications is too low down the Chesapeake and Delaware; the second is deep for digging and is very scant of water to supply locks; the third appears the best of all, as by a side canal or feeder, the water may be brought from the higher parts of Elk river, at the distance of six or seven miles to support the locks, as high as the extreme elevation of the middle ground, and as Elk river lies at the extremity of the Chesapeake, it renders it most convenient to every part of that bay.
It is said the inhabitants of Maryland will be averse to this canal, as it may lessen the profits of the carriage across the peninsula and prevent the growth of the [small] towns [at the head of the tide waters]; but in this I apprehend they are mistaken, and would doubtless be convinced of their error by many persons who understand the subject well, for it is evident that their trade at present is divided among so many small ports, that it is rendered weak for want of great leading markets. [The inhabitants of their back country are now compelled to resort to Philadelphia at great expence;] but, if this canal were open, boats would ply across and afford an option of a market in either bay, which would attract all produce to the head of the Chesapeake, and of course into Maryland itself, where its own ports if of sufficient importance, would have the first offer, and a second would occur by the opportunity of proceeding onward, but at all events, the certainty of one or the other and the choice of both markets, would unquestionably attract all produce to that quarter, instead of going round by sea as a great part of it now does; thus the western trade as well as that of all the waters of the Chesapeake, would be drawn to one great centre at its head and a depot formed for the sale of their own produce, and supplying them with every foreign article by the easy navigation of the Chesapeake, and by the ease also with which supplies might be obtained from the two markets of Baltimore and Philadelphia; I think that these undoubted objects which would open for the landed or agricultural interest, would give a decided preference to that of being confined to the markets of their own bay, and ensure their assent to the canal.
As to the Susquehanna, as it has been found navigable for boats of four and five tons nearly to its sources, which extend over a great part of Pennsylvania, and as the navigation may doubtless be improved by a canal, to its mouth, this would draw the produce of Pennsylvania to that quarter, and afford the double advantage of a market there, or proceeding to Philadelphia at a saving of 50 per cent. on carriage even from Lancaster, and the same saving in goods going backward, as they might be sent from Philadelphia to the Chesapeake and thence to the westward, at a considerable diminution of expence.
A great deal more might be said on the subject, but I know of no one who can perceive or appreciate the advantages I have pointed out, better than Doct. Franklin, to whom I submit these remarks, for him to correct and use them as he may think most beneficial to out country, [and remain most sincerely, his friend,
Thomas Gilpin]
[P.S.] Barnet, who owns a furnace and forge on Octorara, a branch of Susquehanna, has in the driest part of this summer, when the water was remarkably low, gone with boats backward and forward from his works down the Susquehanna to the tide, and intends as I am informed, to pursue this navigation. This circumstance still further magnifies the importance of the navigation of the Susquehanna and the necessity of the canal.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Grey Cooper, 13 October 1769
From: Cooper, Sir Grey
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Kew Cape. Octr 13. 1769
I Shall come to Town on Monday next, and will [with] great pleasure carry you back with me, if you happen to be disengaged. Yours ever very truly
Grey Cooper
 Addressed: To / Dr. Francklin


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Benjamin Franklin and Richard Jackson, 17 October 1769
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jackson, Richard

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1769.
By Order of Assembly we inclose you the Resolves appointing you Agents for this Province, to transact the Affairs thereof in Great-Britain, as well as that by which we are nominated a Committee of Correspondence, to whom you will communicate from Time to Time all such Occurrences as may be necessary to be laid before the Assembly.
The present House have taken into their serious Consideration the several Instructions which you have received from their Predecessors, and nothing of immediate Importance to the Province in particular, or the Colonies in general, occurring to them, more than what has been recommended in those Instructions, to your Notice and Attention, we are directed to desire you will refer yourselves to them for the particular Matters relative to the Revenue Acts, the Laws of Trade, Change of Government, the Restraint on American Bills of Credit, and every other Thing therein mentioned, and that you would act in Pursuance of those Instructions with all that Prudence and Caution so warmly recommended by former Assemblies, and more especially while the present Administration continue to be so unfavourably disposed towards the Colonies. We are, gentlemen, Your assured Friends,

John Ross,
Joseph Galloway, Speaker

Isaac Pearson,
Joseph Fox,

James Pemberton.

To Richard Jackson, and Ben- / jamin Franklin, Esquires, / Agents for the Province of / Pennsylvania, in London.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 18 October 1769
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

General Post Office Octr. 18, 1769.
Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs the favour of his Company to Dinner on Friday next at four, to meet Mr. Foxcroft, Mr. Wharton and Major Trent. Mr. Todd will be very happy if this note should find the Dr. returned to Town.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs. Stevenson’s / Craven Street / Strand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Elwes, 22 October 1769
From: Elwes, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Plimouth Octbr: 22d: 1769
We are just this moment come on shore; from on board Capt. Friend after a passage of seven weeks, very tedious Difficult weather; having a Number of Letters under my Care for You and Mr: Wharton which should have sent off by this Day post; But was Requested to Deliver them myself. If You judge it will be necessary to have them before I arrive in London; (for which place I beleive I shall be induced to sett off for by Land) advice to that purport will make me Dispatch them by the next post after Receivall of Yours; In the Interim I Can assure You Family where well as well as Mr: Wharton as I saw each of them the Day I Left Philada; Sir Your most Humble Servant
Henry Elwes
 Addressed: For / Doctr: Benjn: Franklin Esqr: / in Craven street, in the strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of the Town of Boston, 23 October 1769
From: Committee of the Town of Boston
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston October 23d. 1769
It is with the greatest Pleasure we obey the Orders of the Town of Boston in transmitting to you their Remarks upon the Letters from Governor Bernard, the Commissioners of his Majesty’s Customs, General Gage and Commodore Hood Copies of which the Town have been furnished with by Mr. Bollan.

The Town of Boston are fully sensible of your extensive Influence and from your past Conduct have the strongest Reason to assure themselves that you will exert your great Abilities in promoting the united Interest of Great Britain and her Colonies.
The Happiness of British Subjects is founded on the Freedom of the Constitution. And in behalf of the Town of Boston we beg you would always and particularly at this Time defend this injured Town against the injurious Calumnies of those who wish the total Abolition of Liberty both in Great Britain and America. We are with strict Truth, Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servants

Thomas Cushing
R. Dana

Saml Adams
Joshua Henshaw

John Adams
Joseph Jackson

James Otis
Benja Kent

Jos Warren

Committee of theTown of Boston

Benjamin Franklin Esq (Copy)
P: S: We have wrote to Dennys DeBerdt Esq. to whom we had before transmitted Papers and Evidences respecting the Affairs of the Town and have desired him to communicate them to you, if you shall think it necessary to apply to him for the same. Have also wrote William Bollan, Thomas Pownal and Barlow Trecothick Esquires Letters of the same tenor with this.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [William?] Curtis, 23 October 1769: résumé
From: Curtis, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Monday, October 23, (1769?). An invitation to dine on Thursday in Martin’s Lane with Dr. Price, Mr. Canton, and Dr. Jeffries.]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Lind, 25 October 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lind, James

Dear Sir,
London, Oct. 25. 1769
After the many Civilities I have received from you, I am ashamed that you have not yet received from me one of my Books, which was done up to be sent you last Winter, and I thought it had gone with others to Edinburg, till a few days since it was found to have been left behind and unaccountably mislaid. Mr. Bancroft is so good as to undertake to deliver it to you; and I beg Leave at the same time to recommend him to your Civilities, as an ingenious young American, who visits Edinburgh, with a View of prosecuting his Medical Studies in your School of Physic now the most celebrated of the kind in the known World. With sincere Esteem and best Wishes for your Prosperity, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,
B Franklin
Dr Lind.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 27 October 1769
From: Tissington, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Hercules Pillars 27th Octor 1769
I got here last Wednesday Evening, am at present closely engag’d in what brought me to Town, but in a day or two, hope to wait upon you, in the Interim, let the penny Post tell me if you and Mrs. Stevenson are well.
My Wife is much recover’d, and talk’d of sending Mrs. Stevenson, a Stubble Goose by this Weeks Carrier, which I hope will get safe and sweet tomorrow. My Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson, and I am Dear Sir Your most oblig’d
Anth Tissington
Mr Franklin
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stevensons in Craven Street / Strand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 30 October 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York October 30, 1769. Is recovering after six weeks from the worst fit of gout he has ever had. Pain is gone, but he is so weak he can scarcely stand; “so have only Patience and Flannel.” Has heard nothing from Franklin, and nothing has happened in the Post Office since he last wrote.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Hawkesworth, 8 November 1769
From: Hawkesworth, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Bromley Kent Wed: night 8 Novr 1769.
These few Lines comes hopping that you may not forget your promise of putting me in the way of getting a pensylvanian Stove time enough to enjoy the benefit of it this Winter: have you spoken to the Man to whose Eyes you addressed a proof that could not reach his Understanding? Will you fix a time for him to come hither, and will you fix such a time as will be convenient for you to meet him? Perhaps he may make some part of the Machine before he comes, and so save time, which is very valueable, for time is Life. A few Lines would have come hopping on this Subject before, but I was unwilling to solicit the favour of your Company here while Miss Dolly was absent; she is probably with you now, if so remember me most affectionately to her, and consult her upon the Expedition, perhaps you and she may come together. I have just received a Line from the Virgin Mary, and I dine with her at Kensington on Fryday; I hope there will be no Jealousy in Heaven for my wife will be of the Party.
My kindest respects attend Mrs. Stevensone. I am Dear Sir Affectionately and faithfully Yours
Jno Hawkesworth
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklyn / at Mrs. Stevenson’s / Craven Street / Charing Cross,
Endorsed: Hawkesworth


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, [10 November? 1769]: résumé
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Dated merely Friday afternoon; probably November 10, 1769. A note in the third person, to send Franklin the American newspapers received that day in the New York mail. Has heard nothing by the packet; expects a letter from “his Friend” by Capt. Jeffries, who was to sail from Philadelphia on Oct. 7.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Huck, 15 November 1769: résumé
From: Huck, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[November 15, 1769. An invitation to dine with Sir John Pringle on Friday next.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel] Wharton, [16 November? 1769]
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday Morning. [November 16?, 1769]
Mr. Wharton presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and will be much obliged to Him, If He will be so good as to take an early Opportunity of explaining to Governor Pownall, Abraham Mitchel’s base Conduct; As Mr. Wharton finds the Governor and his Brother have read the Affidavit in the Gazeeteer and He is afraid, it may make an injurious Impression on Them, Unless They are soon acquainted by the Doctor, with the Falsity of it.

Mr. Wharton hopes the Doctor may yet find Mitchel’s Letters; As They are of so much Consequence to Mr. W.’s Reputation.
[In the margin:] I send the three last Boston News Papers for your Amusement.
 Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [19 November? 1769]
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sunday Noon [November 19, 1769?]
Mr. Strahan presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs to know if he is to be at home and at Leisure this Afternoon, as he wants much to have a Conference with him; If the Dr. is not engaged (which Mr. S. is afraid he is by this time) would be very glad of the favour of his Company to eat a Bit of Beef with him at ½ after two.
P.S. Intended to have waited on the Dr. this forenoon but was preventd.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [21–]22 November 1769
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Although early in 1769 Parliament had favored strong measures against the colonies, by the time the session ended in May Lord Hillsborough made a guarded promise that some of the Townshend duties would be repealed when the new session opened the following January. William Strahan, Franklin’s old friend, took much credit for the American Secretary’s change of position; but it was actually forced upon Hillsborough by his colleagues in the Cabinet, and it fell far short of the total repeal for which Franklin and other friends of America were working. The Duke of Grafton, for once, was more in agreement with the latter than with the other ministers, who voted down his proposal to repeal the Townshend duty on tea. As the year wore on, Grafton became more and more isolated in his own ministry, alienated from the King and from Chatham, and subject to assaults in the press; he had decided in May to resign as soon as opportunity offered, and the only question was when. The prospect of a new and unknown administration stimulated Franklin and Strahan to mobilize such support for repeal as they could before the old ministry broke up. Strahan accordingly composed these queries in order to elicit Franklin’s reply, which appears below under November 29. The two documents were originally intended for the eyes of Grafton and other members of the Cabinet, but copies were sent to America for private circulation.

Dear Sir
Newstreet Nov. [21–]22. 1769
In the many Conversations we have had together about our present Disputes with North America, we perfectly agree in wishing they may be brought to a speedy and happy Conclusion. How this is to be done is not so easily ascertained.

Two Objects, I humbly apprehend, his Majestys Servants have now in Contemplation. 1st. To relieve the Colonies from the Taxes complained of, which they certainly had no hand in imposing. 2dly. To preserve the Honour, the Dignity, and Supremacy of the British Legislature over all his Majestys Dominions.
As I know your Singular Knowledge of the Subject in Question, and am as fully convinced of your Attachment to his Majesty, and your sincere Desire to promote the Happiness, equally of all his Subjects, I beg you would in your own clear, brief and explicite Manner, send me an answer to the following Questions. I make this request now, because this matter is of the utmost Importance, and must very quickly be agitated. And I do it with the more freedom, as you know me and my motives to well to entertain the most remote Suspicion, that I will make an improper Use of any Information you shall thereby convey to me.
1. Will not a Repeal of all the Duties (that on Tea excepted which was before paid here on exportation, of course no new Imposition) fully satisfy the Colonists? If you answer in the Negative
2. Your Reasons for that Opinion?
3. Do you think the only efectual Way of composing present Differences, is to put the Americans precisely in the Situation they were in before the passing of the Late Stamp Act? [In Franklin’s hand: If that is your Opinion,]
4 Your Reasons for that Opinion?
5 If this last Method is deemed by the Legislature and Majisty’s Ministers, to be repugnant to their Duty as Guardians of the Just Rights of the Crown, and of their fellow Subjects, can you suggest any other Way of terminating these Disputes, consistent with the Ideas of Justice and Propriety conceived by the Kings Subjects on both Sides of the Atlantick?
6 And if this Method was actually followed, do you think it would encourage the Violent and Factious part of the Colonists to aim at Still farther Concessions from the Mother Country.
7 If they are relieved in part only, what do you, as a reasonable and dispassionate Man, and an equal Friend to both Sides imagine will be the probable Consequences?
The Answers to these Questions, I humbly concieve, will include all the information I want; and I beg you will favour me with them as soon as may be. Every Well wisher to the peace and Prosperity of the British Empire, and every Friend to our truly happy Constitution, must be desirous of seeing even the most trival Causes of Dissention amongst our Fellow-Subjects removed. Our Domestic Squabbles, in my Mind, are nothing to what I am speaking of. This you know much better than I do, and therefore I need add nothing farther to recommend this Subject to your serious Consideration. I am, with the most cordial Esteem and Attachment, Dear Sir, Your faithful and affectionate humble Servant
William Strahan.
Dr FranklinCopy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 22 November 1769
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New Street Wednesday noon Novr. 22 [1769]
I shewed the inclosed last night, after I saw you, to Mr. B. who highly approves of the Way in which I have stated the Matter, which he says is precisely as it ought to be. I hope you will therefore let me have your Answer as soon as you conveniently can. I am Ever Your most obedient
W. S.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 25 November 1769
From: Hillegas, Michael
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada: Novr. 25th. 1769
Your kind Letter to the Nova Scotia Adventurers dated the 13th. July last came safe to hand, and for which am in behalf of Self and all Concerned very much Obliged to you. Such of the Proprietors who I have from Time to Time mett with, has seen it, and are much pleased; I shall however endeavour to get them together some time this Winter, in order That they may take what Steps may be thought necessary, when perhaps they may think of Subscribing the Sum for the taking out of the Office, The Copy of the Indulgencies and ease of terms of Settlement granted to Alexr. McNutt and his Associates. As soon as this is effected you shall hear from us.
Am well satisfied that nothing in this World affords you more pleasure Than when you can render service to the Community, be it in whatsoever way Possible. Know then, That many among us have frequently been very uneasy on Account of the Roofs of our Houses, not only on Account of their short duration, but on Account of the Shingling taking Fire, and Understanding That many Houses in Europe are Covered with Copper, Should be glad to be Informed, How That mode is like to Answer, How Thick the Sheets of Copper are, and how much the Expence may amount on an Average when done, per Squard Yard or so? If you can Conveniently obtain an Account from a good hand, I no way doubt your Chearfulness of Transmitting the same hence.
Before I conclude Permitt me of reminding you of my old troublesome Commission, to wit, the Glasses for my Armonica beg you’ll send them under particular care if Possible per Capt. N. Falconer.
I have the honour of Subscribing my Self Dear Sir Your already much Obliged and most Obedient humble Servant
M Hillegas
 Addressed: To / Doctr: Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Craven Street / London / per Capt: Sparks
Endorsed: Hillegas Nov. 25. 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 November 1769
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Phila, Nov. 26, 1769.
As Capt. Sparks sails sooner than was expected, the Committee of Merchants here have not time to write to you, they have therefore desired me to enclose you a copy of their letter to the Committee of Merchants in London. As the Parliament will no doubt at their meeting take under consideration the affairs of America, it is necessary you should be fully acquainted with the temper and disposition of the Colonies.
Though the Merchants of this place and New York have agreed to confine their non-importation to the repeal of the act laying duties on tea, paper, glass, and paint: yet this does not arise from any alteration of sentiment in the minds of the people in general, nor from a conviction that this is the only act that affects the liberty of America. It was necessary therefore that the conduct of the Merchants might not affect the general cause, and prevent such a redress of grievances as would give general satisfaction, to explain those wrongs of which the people complain, and inform them of what alone can put a full and final end to the unhappy dispute which has arisen between Great Britain and the Colonies; a partial redress will little avail to allay the heats and quiet the minds of the people. The Colonies see plainly that the Ministry have adopted a settled plan to subjugate America to arbitrary power; that all the late acts made respecting them tend to this purpose. First, the Parliament claims a right to levy taxes on the Americans, without their consent; and, to shew the extent of the authority which they mean to exercise, they declare that they have a power to make laws to bind them in all cases whatever: By another act they suspend the legislative authority of an American Assembly for daring to dispute their commands, and for not implicitly obeying their dictates. Nay, to convince the Americans that no act of their legislatures, however solemnly passed and ratified, can screen them from the power of Parliament, they, by another act, order a certain sum to be paid as a fee to one of the petty Officers of the Customs, with these words annexed, “Any law, bye-law, or act of Assembly in any of the Colonies to the contrary notwithstanding.” But as the raising revenue, and taking the purse-strings into their own hands, is their main end and view, knowing that every other power must follow this, they impower the King to erect a board of Commissioners here with unlimited powers, and that the courts of common law may not obstruct them in their proceedings, they extend the jurisdiction of the Admiralty Court, and grant the Officers of the Customs, and every informer, the option of commencing every suit, relative to the revenue, in that Court. The army which was left in America after the late war, under pretence of securing and defending it, is now publicly declared to be for the purpose of enforcing obedience to the authority of Parliament. The remonstrances and petitions of the Assemblies in favour of their rights, and against these claims of Parliament, are treated as seditious; and the attempts of individuals to procure a redress of grievances, are deemed rebellion and treason: And, in order to intimidate the Colonies, an antique obsolete law is revived, and the Crown addressed to send for persons accused of treasonable practices in America, and try them in England. How much farther they may proceed, is uncertain; but, from what they have already done, the Colonies see that their property is precarious, and their liberty insecure. It is true, the impositions already laid are not very grievous; but if the principle is established, and the authority by which they are laid is admitted, there is no security for what remains. The very nature of freedom supposes that no tax can be levied on a people without their consent given personally, or by their Representatives. It was not on account of the largeness of the sum demanded by Charles I that ship money was so odious to the Commons of Britain, but because the principle upon which it was demanded left them nothing they could call their own.
The continuation of this claim of the Parliament will certainly be productive of ill consequences, as it will tend to alienate the affections of the Colonies from the Mother Country. Already it has awakened a spirit of enquiry. The people by examining have gained a fuller knowledge of their rights, and are become more attentive and watchful against the encroachments of power: at the same time they are become more sensible of the resources they have among themselves for supplying their real wants. Resentment as well as necessity will drive them to improve these to the utmost. And from the genius of the people, and the fertility of the soil, it is easy to foresee, that, in the course of a few years, they will find at home an ample supply of all their wants. In the mean while their strength, power, and numbers, are daily increasing. And as the property of land is parcelled out among the inhabitants, and almost every Farmer is a Freeholder, the spirit of liberty will be kept awake, and the love of freedom deeply rooted. And when strength and liberty combine, it is easy to foresee that a people will not long submit to arbitrary sway. Thus, by a blind infatuation and madness of politics, a weak, short-sighted Ministry, have been ruining their country, and hastening a period they seemed to dread, by the very means which they intended to prevent it.
I have often viewed, with infinite satisfaction, the prodigious growth and power of the British Empire; and have pleased myself with the hopes that in a century or two the British Colonies would overspread this immense territory added to the Crown of Britain, carrying with them the religion of Protestants, and the laws, customs, manners, and language of the country from whence they sprung; while England placed at the head of the Empire superintended the whole, and by the wisdom of her councils prevented the jarring interests of the several inferior states, united their strength for the general good, and guarded them from the attacks of foreign powers. In such a situation she might have laughed at the compacts of the Bourbon family, and defied the united powers of Europe. But alas! the folly of a weak administration has darkened the prospect. And what the issue will be must be left to Providence; while we with humble adoration pray the supreme Governor of the Universe to over-rule events for the general good.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 27 November 1769
From: Evans, Cadwalader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Dear] Doctor
Philadia Novr. 27th. 1769.
Your letters of the 8th. and 9th. of Sepr., together with the four French memoirs on the Education of Silk worms, and culture of Mulbery trees, came safe to hand; for which I cordially thank you.
As I do not read French with ease, and have not leisure enough to consult Boyer, I have got my worthy friend Mr. Odell, to take the memoirs, and make such extracts as his Judgement may dictate; which shall be published. I have wrote to Mr. Wharton, and Mr. James on this subject, which they will communicate to you, if worth your notice.
I am pleased that Messrs. Biddle, and Bayley’s, observations of the Transit of Venus, was agreeable to you.
I have not attended the Meetings of our Society for 10 months past; because I must have been a solemn witness to transactions, inconsistent with my Judgement or perpetually engaged in party, and disputation; both of which were irksome to me. On this account, I cannot of my own knowledge, give the reasons, why the other observations were not sent to you. But Dr. Bond can, and probably will; but lest something shoud prevent him I will give his state of the matter, which I beleive is very near the truth. Soon after the Transit Biddle carried his observation to the Society; but Smith and Ewing, who were, or assumed the credit of being at the head of the other observations, delayed bringing in their accompts, under colour, that many Calculations and adjustments were previously to be made. About the time they were brought in, Dr. Bond moved that a copy of all the observations shoud be transmitted to the President by the first Oppertunity. Dr. Smith opposed it for this reason—that as the papers of the Society were shortly to be printed, partial publications woud lessen the curiosity of the publick, and diminish the demand for the work. At that very time, we had great reason to beleive, he had sent all the observations to the Proprietor. So far as I know, and have been informed, all who voted for you resent very highly the impotent indignity intended; but I think the consequence will be, divesting him of his Secretaryship at next Election.
When Dr. Bond proposed to me the plan of the last Society, with Smith and Ewing for Secretaries I told him I coud not join them; because I considered the objects or purposes of the institution were enquieries after things as they really are, with the uses they are capable of being applied to, for general benefit but that such real facts, or truths coud not possibly pass thro such tainted conduits, without contracting a tang—A tang that woud so disguise them, as to deceive the world, and eventually do discredit to every member of the Society.
I was, further, of opinion, that the earnestness of some members for an union of the two Societies was only to have a greater range, for filching of reputation from the labours of others. This was obvious in the observations of the Transit. Smith, Ewing, Williamson got themselves named in the Committee’s of observation, but neither of their observations, were in the least counted upon; Nevertheless, they were named first in the Newspapers, and as professors of the Colledge, woud be thought by such as did not know them, entitled to most if not all the merit. A Pirate, and a Highwayman, I [feel?] some charity for; but a lyar and filcher of reputation, are to me, the most detestable scunks in human society.
I am in hopes you will have the pleasure of taking Mr. James by the hand, in better health than he left us. I have wrote preety fully to him and Mr. Wharton, and if anything in their letters are worth your notice, they will undoubtedly communicate it to you. Mrs. Franklin was here two days agoe, in preety good health. I was up at Burlington 2 weeks agoe, to see Chas. Read’s wife, Just before she died. The Governor and Mrs. Franklin were in high health, and as much beloved and esteemed, as your Paternal affections can desire. Adeiu, Dear Doctor, and be assured I am, most affectionately Your friend
C: Evans
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Deputy Postmaster General, for / North America in / Craven street / London / per Capt. Sparks
Endorsed: Dr. Cad. Evans Nov. 27. 1769  BF
Put in the Genl. post Without A penny


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 29 November 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

This letter, one of Franklin’s major statements on colonial affairs, was in response to the queries Strahan had sent him a week before, which are printed above under November 21–22. As explained there, the queries and the reply were not designed for publication, and were not in fact published until 1774; they were intended for private circulation, in order to mobilize support for total repeal of the Townshend Acts at the next session of Parliament. Franklin here condensed and organized some of the arguments that he had been working out for himself, in letters and in the marginalia printed at the end of this volume, and applied them to specific issues that the queries had raised—to the duty on tea, for example, which soon proved to be momentous. He dealt mildly with the dangers of partial repeal, and then left Strahan’s queries in order to prophesy about the greater, underlying danger: that repression would provoke resistance and more repression, in a vicious circle wherein both sides were caught. The effect of his letter must have been slight. Perhaps it engendered some support for partial repeal, on which he set no store at all, when that measure came before Parliament the following spring; but it certainly did nothing to deflect the government from a course that fulfilled his pessimistic prophecy.

Dear Sir,
Craven Street, Nov. 29. 69
Being just return’d to Town from a little Excursion I find yours of the 22d, containing a Number of Queries that would require a Pamphlet to answer them fully. You however desire only brief Answers, which I shall endeavour to give you. Previous to your Queries, You tell me, that “you apprehend his Majesty’s Servants have now in Contemplation; 1st. to releive the Colonists from the Taxes complained of: and 2dly to preserve the Honour, the Dignity, and the Supremacy of the British Legislature over all his Majesty’s Dominions.” I hope your Information is good, and that what you suppose to be in Contemplation will be carried into Execution, by repealing all the Laws that have been made for raising a Revenue in America by Authority of Parliament, without the consent of the People there. The Honour and Dignity of the British Legislature will not be hurt by such an Act of Justice and Wisdom: The wisest Councils are liable to be misled, especially in Matters remote from their Inspection. It is the persisting in an Error, not the Correcting it that lessens the Honour of any Man or body of Men. The Supremacy of that Legislature, I believe will be best preserv’d by making a very sparing use of it, never but for the Evident Good of the Colonies themselves, or of the whole British Empire; never for the Partial Advantage of Britain to their Prejudice; by such Prudent Conduct I imagine that Supremacy may be gradually strengthened and in time fully Established; but otherwise I apprehend it will be disputed, and lost in the Dispute. At present the Colonies consent and Submit to it for the regulation of General Commerce: But a Submission to Acts of Parliament was no part of their original Constitution. Our former Kings Governed their Colonies, as they Governed their Dominions in France, without the Participation of British Parliaments. The Parliament of England never presum’d to interfere with that prerogative till the Time of the Great Rebellion, when they usurp’d the Government of all the King’s other Dominions, Ireland, Scotland &c. The Colonies that held for the King, they conquered by Force of Arms, and Governed afterward as Conquered Countries. But New England having not oppos’d the Parliament, was considered and treated as a Sister Kingdom in Amity with England; as appears by the Journals, Mar. 10. 1642.
Your first Question is,
1. “Will not a Repeal of all the Duties (that on Tea excepted, which was before paid here on Exportation, and of Course no new Imposition) fully satisfy the Colonists?”
I think not.
“2 Your Reasons for that Opinion?”
Because it is not the Sum paid in that Duty on Tea that is Complain’d of as a Burthen, but the Principle of the Act express’d in the Preamble, viz. that those Duties were laid for the Better Support of Government and the Administration of Justice in the Colonies. This the Colonists think unnecessary, unjust, and dangerous to their Most Important Rights. Unnecessary, because in all the Colonies (two or three new ones excepted) Government and the Administration of Justice were and always had been well supported without any Charge to Britain; Unjust as it made such Colonies liable to pay such Charge for other Colonies, in which they had no Concern or Interest; dangerous, as such a Mode of raising Money for these Purposes, tended to render their Assemblies useless: For if a Revenue could be rais’d in the Colonies for all the purposes of Government, by Act of Parliament, without Grants from the People there, Governors, who do not generally love Assemblies, would never call them, they would be laid aside; and when nothing Should depend upon the People’s good will to Government, their Rights would be trampled on, they would be treated with Contempt. Another Reason why I think they would not be satisfy’d with such a partial repeal, is, that their Agreements not to import till the Repeal takes place, include the whole, which shows that they object to the whole; and those Agreements will continue binding on them if the whole is not repealed.
“3. Do you think the only effectual Way of composing the present Differences, is, to put the Americans precisely in the Situation they were in before the passing of the late Stamp Act?”
I think so.
“4. Your Reasons for that Opinion?”
Other Methods have been tryed. They have been rebuked in angry Letters. Their Petitions have been refused or rejected by Parliament. They have been threatened with the Punishments of Treason by Resolves of both Houses. Their Assemblies have been dissolv’d, and Troops have been sent among them; but all these Ways have only exasperated their Minds and widen’d the Breach; their Agreements to use no more British Manufactures have been Strengthen’d, and these Measures instead of composing Differences and promoting a good Correspondence, have almost annihilated your Commerce with those Countries, and greatly endanger’d the National Peace and general Welfare.
“5. If this last Method is deemed by the Legislature and his Majisty’s Ministers to be repugnant to their Duty as Guardians of the just Rights of the Crown, and of their Fellow Subjects, can you suggest any other Way of terminating these Disputes, consistent with the Ideas of Justice and propriety conceived by the Kings Subjects on both Sides the Atlantick?
A. I do not see how that Method can be deemed repugnant to the Rights of the Crown. If the Americans are put into their former Situation, it must be by an Act of Parliament, in the Passing of which by the King the Rights of the Crown are exercised not infringed. It is indifferent to the Crown whether the Aids received from America are Granted by Parliament here, or by the Assemblies there, provided the Quantum be the same; and it is my Opinion more will generally be Granted there Voluntarily than can ever be exacted and collected from thence by Authority of parliament. As to the rights of Fellow Subjects (I suppose you mean the People of Britain) I cannot conceive how they will be infringed by that method. They will still enjoy the Right of Granting their own money; and may still, if it pleases them, keep up their Claim to the Right of granting ours; a Right they can never exercise properly, for want of a sufficient Knowledge of us, our Circumstances and Abilities (to say nothing of the little likelihood there is that we should ever submit to it) therefore a Right that can be of no good use to them. And we shall continue to enjoy, in fact, the Right of granting our own Money; with the Opinion now universally prevailing among us that we are free Subjects of the King, and that Fellow Subjects of one Part of his Dominions are not Sovereign over Fellow Subjects in any other Part. If the Subjects on the different Sides of the Atlantic, have different and opposite Ideas of Justice or Propriety, no one Method can possibly be consistent with both. The best will be to let each enjoy their own Opinions, without disturbing them when they do not interfere with the common Good.
“6. And if this Method were actually followed do you not think it would encourage the Violent and Factious Part of the Colonists to aim at still farther Concessions from the Mother Country?”
A. I do not think it would. There may be a few among them that deserve the Name of factious and Violent, as there are in all Countries, but these would have little influence if the great Majority of Sober reasonable People were satisfy’d. If any Colony should happen to think that some of your regulations of Trade are inconvenient to the general Interest of the Empire, or prejudicial to them without being beneficial to you, they will state these Matters to the Parliament in Petitions as heretofore, but will, I believe, take no violent steps to obtain, what they may hope for in time from the Wisdom of Government here. I know of nothing else they can have in View. The Notion that prevails here of their being desirous of setting up a Kingdom or Common Wealth of their own, is to my certain Knowledge entirely groundless. I therefore think that on a total Repeal of all Duties laid expressly for the purpose of raising a Revenue on the People of America, without their Consent, the present Uneasiness would subside; the Agreements not to import would be dissolved, and the Commerce flourish as heretofore. And I am confirm’d in this Sentiment by all the Letters I have received from America, and by the Opinion of all the Sensible People who have lately come from thence, Crown Officers excepted. I know indeed that the people of Boston are grievously offended by the Quartering of Troops among them, as they think, contrary to Law; and are very angry with the Board of Commissioners to have calumniated them to Government; but as I suppose withdrawing of those Troops may be a Consequence of Reconciliating Measures taking Place; and that the Commission also will either be dissolv’d if found useless, or fill’d with more temporate and prudent Men if still deemed useful and necessary, I do not imagine these Particulars will prevent a return of the Harmony so much to be wished.
“7. If they are relieved in Part only, what [do] you, as a reasonable and dispassionate Man, and an equal Friend to both sides, imagine will be the probable Consequence?”
A. I imagine that repealing the offensive Duties in part will answer no End to this Country; the Commerce will remain obstructed, and the Americans go on with their Schemes of Frugality, Industry and Manufactures, to their own great Advantage. How much that may tend to the prejudice of Britain I cannot say; perhaps not so much as some apprehend, since she may in time find New Markets. But I think (if the Union of the two Countries continues to subsist) it will not hurt the general interest; for whatever Wealth Britain loses by the Failure of its Trade with the Colonies, America will gain; and the Crown will receive equal Aids from its Subjects upon the whole, if not greater.
And now I have answered your Questions as to what may be in my Opinion the Consequences of this or that supposed Measure, I will go a little farther, and tell you what I fear is more likely to come to pass in Reality.
I apprehend, that the Ministry, at least the American part of it, being fully persuaded of the Right of Parliament, think it ought to be enforc’d whatever may be the Consequences; and at the same time do not believe there is even now any Abatement of the Trade between the two Countries on account of these Disputes; or that if there is, it is small and cannot long Continue; they are assured by the Crown officers in America that Manufactures are impossible there; that the Discontented are few, and Persons of little Consequence; that almost all the People of Property and Importance are satisfyd, and disposed to submit quietly to the Taxing-Power of Parliament; and that if the Revenue Acts are continued, those Duties only that are called anti-commercial being repealed, and others perhaps laid in their stead, that Power will ere long be patiently submitted to, and the Agreements not to import be broken when they are found to produce no Change of Measures here. From these and similar Misinformations, which seem to be credited, I think it likely that no thorough redress of Grievances will be afforded to America this Session. This may inflame Matters still more in that Country; farther rash Measures there may create more Resentment here, that may Produce not merely ill-advis’d and useless Dissolutions of their Assemblies, as last Year; but Attempts to Dissolve their Constitutions; more Troops may be sent over, which will create more Uneasiness; to justify the Measures of Government your Ministerial Writers will revile the Americans in your Newspapers, as they have already began to do, treating them as Miscreants, Rogues, Dastards, Rebels, &c. which will tend farther to alienate the Minds of the People here from them, and diminish their Affections to this Country. Possibly too, some of their warm patriots may be distracted enough to expose themselves by some mad Action, to [be] sent for Hither, and Government here be indiscreet enough to Hang them on the Act of H. 8. Mutual Provocations will thus go on to complete the Separation; and instead of that cordial Affection that once and so long existed, and that Harmony so suitable to the Circumstances, and so Necessary to the Happiness, Strength Safety and Welfare of both Countries; an implacable Malice and Mutual Hatred, (such as we now see subsisting between the Spaniards and Portuguese, the Genoese and Corsicans, from the same Original Misconduct in the Superior Government) will take place; the Sameness of Nation, the Similarity of Religion, Manners and Language not in the least Preventing in our Case, more than it did in theirs. I hope however that this may all prove false Prophecy: And that you and I may live to see as sincere and Perfect a friendship establish’d between our respective Countries as has so many years Subsisted between Mr. Strahan and his truly affectionate Friend
B. Franklin
Copy
 Endorsed: Copy BF’s Answer to Mr Strahan’s Letter


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Seth Paddack, 29 November 1769
From: Paddack, Seth
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London November: 29th: 1769
I arivd here The 15th Inst: from Nantucket and Being an Intimate acquaintance of Capt. Timo: Folger, he Put on Board a Quintal of Salted Cod fish Cured: Directed To You But The Letter was omited: and if youll Send a Line to me with an order on Board The Yarmouth Laying off with Iron Gate or at Mrs. Fossick, The Fish is at your Service: I am Sir with Respect your’s To Serve.
Seth Paddack

P S: The Reason I Gave you No Notice Before was: I Knew Capt. Folger Sent a Letter To Mrs. Stevenson and Perhaps might advise her of the above.
S P
Mr. Franklin

 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin / Esqr. at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [29 November? 1769]
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

New Street Wednesday past 8 [November 29, 1769?]
Mr. Strahan presents his kindest Respects to Dr. Franklin, expected to have had the Pleasure of his Company to day to Dinner, and to have seen His Paper he knows of. If it is now done, he will please send it by the Bearer; if not, will be obliged to him to let him know when he may expect it.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 30 November 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Woodbridge, N.J., November 30, 1769. Has taken the journey from New York in the hope that it would help his recovery from the gout. Just back from a trip by waggon to Burlington, where the Assembly is sitting, and finds on his return Franklin’s letter of September 9 with its remarks about Mr. Robinson and Parker’s office in the customs. Is resigning that office, and so informing the Commissioners within a few days. Has pressed Mr. Colden to send a bill, first by this packet and then, when he delayed, by the next one; Colden is considerably in arrears, and if he does nothing will deserve reproof. Will send Franklin another power of attorney, but cannot tell when, because he walks little and is carried almost every where he goes. Visited the Franklin family four days ago and found every one well.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 7 December 1769
From: New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Burlington Decemr. 7th. 1769
The House of Representatives of this Colony on the 8th of last mo. unanimously chose you their Agent in London and appointed us to correspond with you on the affairs of the Colony. The Resolve of the House by which you are appointed Agent, his Excellency will transmit to you properly attested.
To a Gentleman whose inclination to serve these Colonies, we believe equal to his knowledge of their true Interests much need not be said to induce an attention to American concerns, in the ensuing Sessions of Parliament; and the confidence the House have in the assurances of his Majestys Ministers, that they will use their endeavours for the Repeal of the Revenue Acts, and that those endeavours will be successful, renders any particular direction to you on this head unnecessary, but we cou’d wish his Majesty’s faithful American Subjects to stand in their true point of light before him, that no doubt may remain of their Loyalty and firm attachment to his Royal Person and Government.
We are directed by the House to desire you will apply to the proper Offices, and sollicit his Majesty’s Assent to the Bill for Septennial Election of Representatives, and the Bill for giving the Counties of Morris, Cumberland and Sussex a right to choose Representatives in Assembly, transmitted in 1768, the Province is very sollicitous for a confirmation of these Laws, and we must desire you will use your influence to Obtain the Royal Assent to them as soon as possible, another Bill in 1765 was transmitted for amending of the practice of the Law, which the House woud rather choose shoud not have the Royal Assent, as a Bill they like better has been passed by the House this Session, which, altho’ the Governor coud not pass, yet he has, upon a message from the House, promised to ask his Majestys Permission to give his Assent at a future session.
His Excellency our Governor will transmit for his Majestys Royal approbation, An Act of Assembly, passd this Session, for making current One hundred thousand pounds in Bills of Credit, to be let on Loan at five per Cent, the particular distress of this Province for want of a Currency, and the little prospect of being able to obtain a Bill very soon, to make the Bills a legal tender, was what induced the Assembly to comply with this method; and, as the funds for the redemption of the Bills are good beyond a doubt, we are under no apprehension of any difficulty, as to the Bills obtaining a Credit and passing in lieu of money. We refer to the preamble to the Bill, and to your own knowledge of the propriety of the measure and it gives us particular pleasure to entrust to your care a matter, so generally desird by the People of this Colony, because you so well understand the subject, and can so readily answer any objections that may be made against it.

The House have orderd a sum of money to pay the expence that may attend the getting of the Royal Assent to these Bills, and we inclose a Bill of Exchange for two hundred pounds sterling for that purpose.
The House have also pass’d a Bill for lending a sum of money to the General Proprietary of the Eastern Division of this Province, and have by a Message to the Governor inform’d him, that they woud direct their Agent by a Memorial to support the claim of this Colony before his Majesty in Council. You will, from the Agents appointed by Law to manage the controversy between the Colonies, receive a state of the controversy, and every paper necessary for you to inspect before drawing your Memorial. The House have therefore directed us to inform you, that the principal motives of the House for your application to his Majesty are
  1st. That Justice may be done to individuals, as well as the Colony in general, and altho’ the House does not pretend to direct where the said Line ought to be fixed, yet, as the settlement of said Line will in its consequences affect the Colony very sensibly, especially shoud any station be fixed Southward of the line solemnly settled in the Year 1719, in consequence of which great numbers of people settled up to said Line, and have ever since done Duty and paid their Taxes in this Government, should that Line be alterd and brought Southward, many honest and bona fide purchasers will be involvd in ruin, unless his Majesty shoud think proper to interpose.
2. The Injustice to this Colony will appear very great, when its consider’d that the line of 1719 has constantly been deem’d the Line of Division between the Governments, and the Settlers and lands up to that line have ever been estimated in the Taxes; hence, shoud the line be removd Southward this Colony that has incurrd a Debt of one hundred and ninety thousand pounds in the late war, yet undischargd will be deprivd of the aid of valuable Settlements in paying off this Debt, and the Burthen increasd on the remainder of the Colony. From this Sketch of the Sentiments of the House, and the papers that will be laid before you by the Agents appointed by Law to manage the Controversy between the Colonies, you will be able to frame a memorial to his Majesty, but as no appeal is yet made and only threatend, no application from you to his Majesty will be necessary untill such appeal is actually made by the Agents for New York. We are, Sir, with great Sincerity and respect Your humble servants
Cortd. SkinnerAaron LeamingAbrm. HewlingsHenry PaxsonEbenez MillerJoseph Smith.
P.S. When you write by way of New York please to direct to Cortland Skinner Esqr. Speaker of the Assembly of New Jersey and by way of Philada. to Abraham Hewlings or Jos: Smith Esqrs at Burlington.
Bill inclosd Garrat and Geo Meade on James Dormer Esq
 Endorsed: Committee of N Jersey Assembly Dec 7. 1769.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nevil Maskelyne, 11 December 1769: résumé
From: Maskelyne, Nevil
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Greenwich, December 11, 1769. The Astronomer Royal asks Franklin, when he next writes to Philadelphia, to inquire of Owen Biddle about the exact distances between the observation points for the transit of Venus. Maskelyne cannot make Biddle’s two accounts agree with each other, or with the distances given by Mason and Dixon in their survey. He is also uncertain about the exact location of the Norriton observatory in relation to the southernmost point of the city of Philadelphia, and wants more exact data. The Pennsylvania observers will likewise send him, he hopes, their observations on the transit of Mercury on November 9, 1769, along with any other observations that will help to establish the difference of longitudes.
He cannot, until his questions are answered, transmit Biddle’s report to the Royal Society. He has transmitted the report from John Winthrop that Franklin sent him, and also Winthrop’s observation of the transit of Mercury in 1743, which had been read to the Society but for some reason was not yet in print.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jeremiah Miller, 11 December 1769
From: Miller, Jeremiah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Much respected Sir,
New London 11 Decemr. 1769.
It is not a want of the higest regard and Esteem for you (an old Friend and Auquaintance of my Dear Fathers) that is the Cause of my not troubling you with a line, but your Correspondence and Connections with the greatest men and Geniuses of the present age; and the Sense I have of your Superiour Merrit, which Induces me to think any literary Efforts of mine would be Impertinent.
Duty now Excites me (if you are not auquainted with it) to thank you on my Sons Behalf who is now in the Post Office in this Town; on Mr. Chews throwing it up, he was much urged by Most of the Gentlemen in Town to take the Care of it upon him, (if agreable to Mr. Foxcroft) and as I knew he had quite enough in the writing way on his hands, I advised him not to undertake it; but as he has done it, if agreable to you and Mr. Foxcroft would have him Continue therein, but as there is Considerable writing necessary to keep the accounts regular, and the Office rent and Fire wood &c Costs at Least £5 per annum, and the whole Profitts but about £20 per annum, whether you would not think it reasonable the Comptroller should alow him that Charge; Especially as its Impossible to avoid trusting Out the Letters Quarterly, which money can never be Seasonably Enough Collected to Pay the Post, and this he advances punctually, and I hope his Conduct will be to acceptance. I have sent two Pamphlets to Dr. Johnson on the Susquehanah disputes, and herewith Inclose you a Petition printed with types made in this Colony, they are not correct for want of proper [in margin: verte] Conveniency which the Inventor Expects to get as the Assembly have lent him some money to Carry it on. It would be a pleasure I could wish, to be able to furnish you with any American Matters that were new or Entertaining; the most of which we talk of, or know, is Transported from one End of the Continent to the Other, in the News Papers there are things you have a thorough knowledge of, (American Greiveances) and I beleive theres no American whose heart has not a most gratefull Sense of your Assiduity and Important Services in this Critical Era. That the Almighty may reward you with Unceassing Felicity hereafter is the real wish of your Most Obliged and Affectionate Humble Servant
Jer. Miller
P.S. Should have returned my thanks to Mr. Foxcroft (to whome I am unknown) for my Son, but soon after he received his Deputation I heard Mr. Foxcroft went to Maryland and thence to England, may I be allowed to do it by you. I am with Supra
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr
 Endorsed: Mr Miller New London, Decemr 11. 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Joseph Chew], 12 December 1769
From: Chew, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New London Decr. 12th. 1769
Having wrote you so many Letters without being Favoured with an Answer, I should not now have presumed to trouble you, was their not some Dispute or Reather Misunderstanding between Mr. Parker and me about the settlement of my Post office Accounts.
In the years 1755 and 1756 agreable to your directions their was a Cross Post from New London to Hartford Middletown &c, all the Letters Brought by this Post was Received into the Post Office and Every advantage by it went to the Emolument of the General Post office, I paid the Rider and never directly or indirectly had one Farthing allowed me for it.
The multiplicity of Bussiness and affairs that I transacted during the war, not only hinder’d me from having my Post office Accounts made out in due time (as you know) but prevented my looking into and taking that Care of my own Bussiness I ought to have done which has since Occasioned my having many Mallonchaly hours, together with the most Cruel and severe Reflections. To the above mentioned Cause it was owing that I omitted Charging the General Post office with the money paid the Hartford Rider as well as the Expence of Books (which were more to me then to many larger Offices as I the whole time I keep the Office followed the Instructoins by Entring every mans name who Recieved a Letter or who one Came for which may now be seen by the Books) and money paid the printers in this town for post masters bills &c. When I settled the General Account with you in Octr. 1763, I never had but one Book from the General post office which was in Octr. 1765 and Great part of the time was without post masters Bills they being omitted by Mr. Parker owing I suppose to his hurry of Bussiness. Mr. Parker says he never was allowed anything for what he paid Brooker for Riding from New Haven to Hartford. I don’t think it a similar Case, Brooker was I suppose imploy’d by him to Carry his papers at least he made use of him for that purpose, and perhaps his imployments have been such in the post office that he Can afford to loose something, which mine never were on the Contrary I lost a great deal of money which I Could make appear to you if had the pleasure of seing you.
However I have no Inclynation or will I Enter into any dispute with Mr. Parker about this affair but will leave it intirely to you sir and Can safely say I want and desire no more then the money I have paid out of my Pocket which I omitted to Charge in my Account when I made the General Settlement and for which I was Very Negligent.
Mr. Foxcroft says the Transaction was before his time and that he was Content to leave it to be settled by you to which I most Readily Consented being well assured you never in your Life desired any Person Employ’d under you to pay money for the publick service out of his own Pocket or was it Ever your Principle to take advantage of a Mistake or Omission in an Account.
To the Best of my memory I mentioned this matter to you in the year 1764 at your house in Phila. but as I had omitted to take the Account with me from N London nothing Could be done without it and as the Balance on my two Quarters Accounts were so small I then paid them to you soon after my Return to New London. Before I had Occasion to send my Next Account you went to England and so the matter has lain untill the time I quitted the post office, and I have delayed troubling you as I was told by my good friend the Governor of the Jerseys that you Expected to be at home last Spring. There is as the Matter now stands a Balance due from me to the General post office if my Account of the money paid as above is allow’d there will be one due to me, which my unfortunute situation will make Very Acceptable—be it more or Less when I Remitted you the Money from N Y [torn] which you lent me at Philadelphia there was a [torn] over which with a Little Left in your hands [torn] 36s. Pensilvania Currency. I then askt the Favor of you to [torn] to send for a pair of Cast steel Razors and a Little [torn] shaving Powder for me. This I immagine the [torn] affairs you have had on hand has Occasioned to slip your Memmory, if it is not two Much trouble I should be particularly Oblidged to you for the Razors and if the money Comes to more a Very Neat good strong knive of two Blades, and two pair of scizars for my Little woman and Daughter both of whome desire me to give their sincere Respects and best Compliments to you.
The Rhubbarb seed you were so kind as to give me Flourishes Extreemly well. I wish I knew the proper season for Digging and Curing of it. I send you a small piece by Capt. Cummins which was taken up about the first of November last, dipt in Boiling water the outside Bark or skin pealed of and then hung up in a Dry warm place I have put a few seeds with [remainder too badly torn to be intelligible]
 Endorsed: Dec. 12. 1769 answer’d by Mr Babcock


Title: Bond: William and Mary Catharine Goddard to Benjamin Franklin, 15 December 1769: résumé
From: Goddard, William,Goddard, Mary Katherine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Dated December 15, 1769. A bond in the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds, Pennsylvania currency, to be paid to Franklin or his attorney, heirs, assigns, etc. If a payment of sixty pounds, plus interest, is made on June 15, 1770, the bond will be void; otherwise it will remain in force.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 16 December 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, December 16, 1769. Crept back from Woodbridge two days ago, in order to send by packet anything of interest. Mr. Colden has applied for a bill for £200, which was promised him today; but he was disappointed because Mr. Watts, who signs the bills together with Mr. McEvers, was out of town. Will send the bill by Captain Davis, eight or ten days hence; will also send a new power of attorney, witnessed by Davis, so that Franklin can get Parker’s wages and reimburse himself for whatever he has paid or may pay on the other’s account. Weather is bad. Continues to creep about but thinks he grows stronger. Has received nothing of consequence on the Post Office accounts since he last wrote.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Smith, 19 December 1769: résumé
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Burlington, December 19, 1769. Encloses a copy of the letter from the New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence; the original was sent by way of Bristol. Also encloses a second bill for £200, Garrat and George Meade on James Dormer.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Stockton, 22 December 1769
From: Stockton, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Princeton Decr. 22. 1769
You will give me leave to congratulate you or at least the province of New Jersey, upon your late appointment to be our Agent also. Such an event cannot fail of promoting the best interests of the Colony, while it may suit you to remain on the other side of the water; and even after you retire to your native country (if that should ever happen) the connection thus formed, I doubt not, will be of service to us. The object I confess is very inconsiderable in point of advantage to yourself, but I hope the prospect of advancing the good of the Province, will not withstanding induce you to accept it. Upon this presumption, I must take the liberty of begging your particular attention to an Act of Assembly which passed in our late Sessions, intitled “A Supplementary Act to an Act entituled An Act appointing Commissioners for finally settling and determining the several rights, titles and claims to the Common Lands of the Township of Bergen, and for making partition thereof in just and equitable proportions among those who shall be adjudged by the said Commissioners to be intitled to the same.” You will have this, no doubt, with the other Acts, sent over to you, as soon as printed, with the Assembly’s directions to sollicit the royal allowance of such as require it, before they can have operation: but this Act having no suspending clause, you will not advert to the necessity of solliciting it, unless you are informed of the particular circumstances with which it is attended; whereof the Committee of Correspondence, may not perhaps sufficiently advise you. The several branches of the Legislature have the Bill much at heart, as being very necessary and important; and the Governor, with my Brethren of the Council agree in the propriety of my furnishing you with all the information in my power. You must know then, Sir, that the Freeholders of the Township of Bergen in East Jersey, in the year 1668 having been incorporated, and a much greater quantity of land included within the bounds of the Corporation than had been before granted or patented; all such excess was by the Charter directed to be divided among the Freeholders (patentees) in proportion to their allotments; that is, every person who before the Charter had become a Freeholder, within the bounds of the Corporation, and owned patented lands, should, in proportion to such patented lands, share in the other lands, now included within the said Corporation which excess or other lands, were and still are called the Commons of Bergen. In process of time, it became very difficult, and finally impossible, to make the Allotments and Dividends of the Common Lands to the various persons who became Freeholders; which induced them in the year 1763 to apply to the Legislature for an Act for that purpose. A certified Copy of the petition exhibited on that occasion, I send you herewith; from which you’ll see the state of this matter more fully. An Act was obtained, and the Commissioners therein appointed, proceeded to determine the right and make partition of the Common Lands among the owners; and did settle the whole thereof, excepting the Commons belonging to a certain tract within the Township called Sekakus—in this single instance, the Commissioners being equally divided in opinion (only six attending) no determination could be had. This made it necessary, in order to carry the design of the Act into execution, to obtain the Supplementary Act now recommended to your care. It would seem strange that any of the Freeholders, who petitioned for the first Act, should have opposed the Supplementary Act—but so it is, that Mr. William Bayard a considerable Merchant of New York and Freeholder of Bergen, whose name appears at the head of the petitioners, and by whose zeal and sollicitation, principally, the first Act was obtained having by the determination of the Commissioners under that Act recovered his full proportion of Common Lands for all the patented lands he holds; and very justly apprehending that no future Commissioners would allow him any portion of Common Lands belonging to the patented lands of Sekakus (his Ancestor having sold and conveyed all his right to that tract in the year 1676) petitioned against and violently opposed the passing of this Supplementary Act: alledging that it was proper to have a trial at Law upon the operation of his Ancestor’s Deed; that it might be determined [?] as a legal question, whether by the words thereof it did or did not convey the proportion of Common Lands which belonged to Sekakus; all of which is patented land, and which (quoad the patented Lands) he agrees did pass by this same Deed; but denies that the Commons thereunto belonging did pass. One principal design of the Legislature in passing the first Act was to put a stop to the Law-Suits which had been agitated for thirty or forty years before, about these lands (very much you’ll suppose to the loss of the inhabitants) and no sooner had the Commissioners finished what they could do, but suits were immediately recommenced respecting Sekakus, which they had unhappily left undetermined, for the prevention whereof, and that the most equitable and just determination upon the rights to the only remaining Tract might be had, this Supplementary Act was passed.
My Interest as a practising Lawyer is opposed to the Bill; but my duty as a member of the Legislature makes it proper for me to urge its establishment. Opposition from Mr. Bayard certainly comes with a very ill grace: for he not only was a principal in obtaining the first Act; but, upon the Commissioners having, in one instance, determined against Captn. Kennedy, and it seems offended him (by judging for themselves) in such a manner that he made representations to the Board of Trade against the Act, and the Governor, for having passed it, without a suspending clause; Mr. Bayard very properly stood forth on this occasion, as Captn. Kennedy’s Antagonist, and used his utmost influence on your side the water to preserve the Bill; alledging it was a most important and necessary Act, and that it might well have been passed without a suspending clause, as it was, in fact, not a private but public Bill, and affected the peace and interest of the whole province. You may perhaps recollect something of this last transaction, as I presume the Governor wrote you at that time upon the occasion; and if necessary, I presume you may be able to furnish yourself with the papers he sent over.

My letter is swelling to an undue extent, and yet all the facts which peradventure may be expedient for you to be acquainted with have not been mentioned: but upon a perusal of the former Bill; of the Supplementary Act, when it shall come to your hands; and other papers perhaps in your own hands and the plantation office; together with the Copy of the petition herewith sent, and this letter, I hope you will have facts sufficient to defeat any attempts which Mr. Bayard may make against the Bill. He is now in England—went over as he pretended, to sollicit an Adjudication of the King and Council against the late determination of the Commissioners respecting the New Jersey and New York line: but it is not doubted will, at the same time use every method in his power to get this Supplementary Act condemned.
The Council advised the Governor to pass the present Act without a suspending clause, as it was only supplementary, and the original Bill had no such clause: yet they thought it proper to give Mr. Bayard full opportunity of spending his fire against it; and therefore by a Clause which they added, the Act is not to take effect till some time next September, if I recollect right. It is probable I think that all the noise Mr. Bayard may make about it, will not induce the Lords of Trade to take the Bill into consideration, as it is only to carry into execution what remained to be done under the former Act: but if he should, I must beg you’ll please to take it very particularly under your protection, and if any extra expence shall attend your care in opposing Mr. Bayard, I engage in behalf of the proprietors of Sekakus to make full compensation.
Mrs. Stockton remembers you with great respect, and desires me to present her compliments. I am, with much esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Richd Stockton
B. Franklin Esqr;
 Endorsed: Mr Stockton Dec. 22. 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 December 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Woodbridge, December 23, 1769. Has crept back here to print the New Jersey laws. The enclosures will show (1) why the bill of exchange that Colden had promised is not sent; and (2) that Franklin has power of attorney, witnessed by the captain and mate of the ship, to recover the wages due Parker. Has written the Board of Customs Commissioners at Boston to resign from the customs house, and expects his wages only until January 6. His strength is somewhat recovered, but the weather is bitter cold; unless it warms the Delaware will soon be frozen.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 26 December 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Woodbridge, N.J., December 26, 1769. Had intended this to go by Captain Davis, but he sailed before it reached New York. Has received since then the enclosed bill from Mr. Colden for £200, drawn by Watts and McEvers on Harley & Drummond, “cost 65 per Cent the Exchange at this Time.”]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nevil Maskelyne, 27 December 1769
From: Maskelyne, Nevil
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Greenwich Dec. 27th. 1769
I think I desired the favor of you lately by letter, that when you wrote to Philadelphia you would desire Mr. Owen Biddle and Mr. Joel Bayley to take the trouble to determine the difference of meridians of Philadelphia and Norriton, in order to connect all the observations made by the three setts of observers together. I should be glad if you would also desire of your correspondents to obtain their observations of the transit of Venus &c. made at Philadelphia, in the State house square from the observers, and that they describe the telescopes made use of, and all circumstances of the observations, particularly in what manner they observed the contacts of the limbs of the Sun and Venus. I have delivered Mr. Biddle’s and Mr. Bayley’s observations to the Royal Society in your name. I am Dear Sir, Your most Obedient Servant
N. Maskelyne
Turn over for the P.S.
P.S. I shall also be obliged to you to forward a request to the Philadelphia observers, that they would favor me with their observations of the late transit of Mercury Nov. 9th. and the eclipse of the moon Dec. 12th. if they observed them. I have wrote an answer to Mr. Winthrop’s letter to me which will bring with me when I come to town, and if you have any opportunity of sending [for] it soon will beg leave to trouble you with it, otherwise will dispatch it by the usual conveyance. I have communicated Mr. Winthrop’s letter, and also his observation of the transit of Mercury in 1743, to the Royal Society.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Benj: Franklin / at Mrs. Stephensons / In Craven Street / In the Strand.
Endorsed: Mr. Maskelyne to Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 27 December 1769
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newport Dec 27. 1769
This acknowledges the Receipt of your Collection of philosophical Letters, and Dissertations in a quarto Volume which with your Letter came safe to hand last Summer. For which please to accept my Thanks. They have given me great Pleasure and Instruction.

I have desired Capt. Peck, by whom you receive this, to procure me in London
Relands Collection from the Rabbinical Writings showing the Jewish Manner of initiating Proselytes by Baptism &c. I forget the true Title of the Book.
  Zohar. With the latin Translation if to be had: else in Hebrew alone
  Acta Pilati: a Book considered as spurious by Divines and Antiquarians; but which I have a Curiosity to see.
Will you be so kind Sir as to procure them and deliver them to Peck, who will pay for them. I should not give you this Trouble, but that it may be difficult for him to find, especially the two last. The Rev. Samuel Lock of Sherburn is lately elected President of Harvard College in the Room of the late President Holyoke. Wishing you every Blessing I am Sir Your obliged Friend and most obedient Servant
Ezra Stiles
Dr. B. Franklin London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of Boston Merchants, 29 December 1769
From: Committee of Boston Merchants
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston 29th December 1769
The Merchants and Traders of the Town of Boston having on the 1st. August 1768 Enter’d into an agreement not to send for or import any Goods from Great Britain (Some few Articles except) from the 1st. January 1769 to the 1st. January 1770 and as this agreement was near expiring on the 17th. October Last they enter’d into an other agreement not to write for any Goods to be ship’d them from Great Britain untill all the revenue Acts imposing Duties for the purpose of Raising a revenue in America shou’d be totally repealed, at the Signing of which agreement it was expected that the merchants at New York, Philadelphia, and other Colonies, would Come into a Similar Agreement. They were accordingly wrote to upon the Subject, but as they had already orderd their goods to be shipp’d in Case the Act imposing Duties on Tea, Glass & ca. was repealed, for this and other reasons mention’d in their Letters declin’d Concurring with us at present, but have proposed to join us in any plan that may be thought prudent to pursue for Obtaining the repeal of the Acts of the 4th. and 6th. of George the third. The Merchants Here being fully Convinced that it is of the Utmost importance that the Traders in all the Colonies shoud act upon one and the Same plan have agreed to Conform to the Agreement enter’d into at New york and Philadelphia and to write their Correspondents that the Goods they have and may send for should be shipp’d on this Express Condition, that the Act imposing Duties on Tea, Glass paper and Colors be totally repealed and not other ways and have directed their Committee to Confer with the Committee of the other Colonies relative to their proposal abovemention’d. In the mean time as the Acts of the 4th. and 6th. George the third Contain many Greivous and unreasonable restrictions upon Trade and are by far the most Exceptionable, the Merchants here have tho’t it necessary to make some Observations upon these Acts as also upon the Conduct of the Custom House Officers here that our Friends in Parliament may be acquainted with the Difficulties the Trade labor under by means of these Acts, A number of which they now inclose you which we doubt not you will make the best improvement of. We are with Great Respect your most Obedient and humble Servants

Isaac Smith
Edward Payne

Ebenezer Storer
Wm. Phillips

Wm. Greenleaf
Joseph Waldo

Thomas Cushing
Jona. Mason

Committee of Merchants

P.S. The Pamplets are Committed to the Care of Capt. Hall.
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / At / London / per Capt: Hall
Endorsed: Boston