Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 1 August 1771
From: Whitehurst, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Derby 1 Augt. 1771
I received your favour, and have sent the Account of the Clocks underneath. The other Clock which you was so kind to order is in hand and will soon be compleated.
I found it necessary to depart from Mr. Fergusons Plans, for the sake of greater simplicity. The moons southing, and time of high water, ought to be as visible as the time pointed out by the Indixes. I believe you will agree with me in this alteration. I consulted Mr. Ferguson before I alterd his Designs. I wish you much pleasure in your Excursion, and am Sir, your most Obedient Servant
John Whitehurst

To two small Clocks at 30s.
  each
  £3
  0s.
  0d.

Box

  1s.
  6d.

  £3
  1s.
  6d.

 Addressed: To / Doctr Benj. Franklin / Craven Street the Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 3 August 1771
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father
Burlington Augst. 3d. 1771
I am just return’d from Philadelphia, where I have been for some Days with Betsy, in order to see her Brother Downes and his Wife and Daughter who arrived there last Sunday from Barbados. He is in a very bad State of Health, and we have brought him Home with us that he might be out of the Heat of Philada. On my Return I found your Letter of the 5th. of June, which gave me the Pleasure to hear you were return’d safe from your Tour through the manufactoring Towns. As the last Post which has any Chance of reaching the Packet has pass’d by, I send this by the Stage to New York just to let you know that we are well, and that Sally tells me she is resolved, if her Husband will consent to take her, to accompany him to England this Fall, where he is going on Business. I could wish, if she should, that my Mother had some clever Body to take care of her in Sally’s Absence; as her Memory has failed her much, and she becomes every Day more and more unfit to be left alone. Besides I think the Expence of such a Voyage, especially if they stay the Winter in London, will be more than will suit with Mr. B’s present Circumstances, or be consistent with Justice to his Creditors.

Enclosed is a Piece just published (and said to be written) by Goddard, with a View of prejudicing Mr. Galloway at the next Election. Betsy joins in Duty with Your ever dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr., / Depy. Postmaster General of N. America / Craven Street / London / Via New York per Packet / On His Majesty’s Service


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 5 August 1771
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Boston augt 5th. 1771
I now enclose you the first per Exchange for one Hundred Pounds Sterling Drawn by Thos. Symmes on Messrs. Gardoqué & Sons merchants in Bilboa, payable in London, I Remitted you two hundred and Ninty Pounds before this in the Whole £390 to Reimburse the money you Were So Good to advance my Sons. I Shall allways Retain a greatfull Sence of your Generosity and kindness to them.
We are all well, Aunt Mecom Dined With us a few Days ago With a Large Company Mr. Foxcroft and his Lady &c. We are uncertain Whether our Sons and Brother are in England, Soposing Jona. to be Gon to the East Indies and Josiah and his Uncle Imbarkd for Boston if thay Should be Still in England We Desire to be kindly Rememberd to them, our Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson &c. My Wife and Children Joine in Love and Duty With your Dutyfull Nephew and Humble Servant
Jona Williams
NB The enclosd Letter of advice Please to forward. J.
 Addressed: To / Doctr Benjamin Franklin / at Mrs Stivensons in Cravin Street / London / per Capt Cauzeno


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Colden, 6 August 1771
From: Colden, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
General Post Office New York Augt 6th 1771
The 2d of last Month I wrote you by the Packet in Answer to yours of the first of May. I have since made strict search for Mr. Jessers letter but can’t find it.
By order of Mr. Foxcroft Inclosed I send you the second set of those Bills, he sent last Packet. Mr. Foxcroft and Lady are both at Boston and in good health the last Letter [torn: I had from?] him.
By the Papers you will [torn: see that our?] New Governor Mr. Tryon is Arrived and taken the Administration of the Government upon him. His Aimable Disposition leaves no room to doubt we will be happy in having so worthy a Gentleman for our Governor. Lord Dunmore has sent his servants and Baggage to Virginia. When he goes to that Government not known. His Lordship at present is on a Tour to Lake Champlain.
The Lt. Governor Mrs. Colden and Familly [torn: join?] in Sincere Compliments with Dear Sir Your Very Obedient Most humble Servant
Alexr Colden


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Small, 10 August 1771
From: Small, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Birmingham 10. Aug. 1771
The reason of your having no sooner received the Quotation from Celsus is, that I wished to employ my very first leisure in looking in several other ancient books for passages to the same purpose, and to send you all together. But Mr. Keir having told me of your desire to see that immediately, you have it almost alone.
In the article de Tabe in his third book, treating of the cure He says “cavendae destillationes, ne, si quid cura levarit, exasperent; ob idem vitanda cruditas, simulque et Sol, et frigus.” Here indigestion seems to be reckoned the principal cause. If you have not attended to that particular before, you may be surprized to find Sunshine among the causes of colds, but such is the doctrine of all the Ancients. A passage about the instruments of cure in coughs may perhaps amuse you “Utilis etiam in omni tussi est peregrinatio, navigatio longa, loca maritima, natationes.”
From several things in Zenophon and in Plato, the prevailing opinion in their time seems to have been that what we now commonly call colds and catarrhs arose almost solely from excess and indolence. On this account Zenophon says that in Persia in the days of Cyrus, to spit or to blow a nose was infamous. Plato often commends simple spare diet, but in one place, he says it prevents all catarrhs. Whether he means precisely what we call catarrhs however, in that passage, may be doubted.
I do not recollect any absolutely express testimony in your favor from Hippocrates. Mucus (of the Nose) and Saliva he judges to be signs of repletion, and he maintains that persons who drink and eat sparingly are free from diseases occasioned by moisture. Abundance may be found in Galen to your purpose. A modern author, who ought to have understood this subject, for he has written so great a book about catarrhs that you had better have 20 colds than read it, is entirely of your opinion. Illa, illa, inquam cibi potusque abundanter citat catarrhos. Eosdem abigat frugalitas et labor.... Ut ex luxu et otio nascuntur catarrhi, ita horum medecina est in sobrietate, in continentia, in exercitationibus corporis, in mentis tranquillitate. Quotusquisque vero haec praecepta, has leges vivendi custodit? Homo frugi est rara avis, &c. Hinc nemo mortalium fere est sine catarrhis.
Mr. Boulton will soon present you with one of the boxes with invisible Hinges. He has astonished our rural philosophers exceedingly by calming the waves a la Franklin.
I am trying some experiments in relation to the improvement of telescopes. Should they answer you shall hear of them.
I beg you will make my most respectful Compliments to the fellow travellers who were with you here, and believe me to be with the highest regard Dear Sir Your much obliged and most obedient Servant
W. Small
 Endorsed: From Dr Small on Catching Cold


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Anna Mordaunt Shipley, 13 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Anna Mordaunt

It has been well said of this letter that “nothing in all Franklin’s writings better reveals why he was always such a favorite with young people.”

Dear Madam,
London, Aug. 12. [i.e., 13] 1771
This is just to let you know that we arriv’d safe and well in Marlborough Street about Six, where I deliver’d up my Charge.

The above seems too short for a Letter; so I will lengthen it by a little Account of our Journey. The first Stage we were rather pensive. I tried several Topics of Conversation, but none of them would hold. But after Breakfast, we began to recover Spirits, and had a good deal of Chat. Will you hear some of it? We talk’d of her Brother, and she wish’d he was married. And don’t you wish your Sisters married too? Yes. All but Emily; I would not have her married. Why? Because I can’t spare her, I can’t part with her. The rest may marry as soon as they please, so they do but get good Husbands. We then took upon us to consider for ’em what sort of Husbands would be fittest for every one of them. We began with Georgiana. She thought a Country Gentleman, that lov’d Travelling and would take her with him, that lov’d Books and would hear her read to him; I added, that had a good Estate and was a Member of Parliament and lov’d to see an Experiment now and then. This she agreed to; so we set him down for Georgiana, and went on to Betsy. Betsy, says I, seems of a sweet mild Temper, and if we should give her a Country Squire, and he should happen to be of a rough, passionate Turn, and be angry now and then, it might break her Heart. O, none of ’em must be so; for then they would not be good Husbands. To make sure of this Point, however, for Betsey, shall we give her a Bishop? O no, that won’t do. They all declare against the Church, and against the Army; not one of them will marry either a Clergyman or an Officer; that they are resolv’d upon. What can be their reason for that? Why you know, that when a Clergyman or an Officer dies, the Income goes with ’em; and then what is there to maintain the Family? there’s the Point. Then suppose we give her a good, honest, sensible City Merchant, who will love her dearly and is very rich? I don’t know but that may do. We proceeded to Emily, her dear Emily, I was afraid we should hardly find any thing good enough for Emily; but at last, after first settling that, if she did marry, Kitty was to live a good deal with her; we agreed that as Emily was very handsome we might expect an Earl for her: So having fix’d her, as I thought, a Countess, we went on to Anna-Maria. She, says Kitty, should have a rich Man that has a large Family and a great many things to take care of; for she is very good at managing, helps my Mama very much, can look over Bills, and order all sorts of Family Business. Very well; and as there is a Grace and Dignity in her Manner that would become the Station, what do you think of giving her a Duke? O no! I’ll have the Duke for Emily. You may give the Earl to Anna-Maria if you please: But Emily shall have the Duke. I contested this Matter some time; but at length was forc’d to give up the point, leave Emily in Possession of the Duke, and content myself with the Earl for Anna Maria. And now what shall we do for Kitty? We have forgot her, all this Time. Well, and what will you do for her? I suppose that tho’ the rest have resolv’d against the Army, she may not yet have made so rash a Resolution. Yes, but she has: Unless, now, an old one, an old General that has done fighting, and is rich, such a one as General Rufane; I like him a good deal; You must know I like an old Man, indeed I do: And some how or other all the old Men take to me, all that come to our House like me better than my other Sisters: I go to ’em and ask ’em how they do, and they like it mightily; and the Maids take notice of it, and say when they see an old Man come, there’s a Friend of yours, Miss Kitty. But then as you like an old General, hadn’t you better take him while he’s a young Officer, and let him grow old upon your Hands, because then, you’ll like him better and better every Year as he grows older and older. No, that won’t do. He must be an old Man of 70 or 80, and take me when I am about 30: And then you know I may be a rich young Widow. We din’d at Staines, she was Mrs. Shipley, cut up the Chicken pretty handily (with a little Direction) and help’d me in a very womanly Manner. Now, says she, when I commended her, my Father never likes to see me or Georgiana carve, because we do it, he says, so badly: But how should we learn if we never try? We drank good Papa and Mama’s Health, and the Health’s of the Dutchess, the Countess, the Merchant’s Lady, the Country Gentlewoman, and our Welsh Brother. This brought their Affairs again under Consideration. I doubt, says she, we have not done right for Betsey. I don’t think a Merchant will do for her. She is much inclin’d to be a fine Gentlewoman; and is indeed already more of the fine Gentlewoman, I think, than any of my other Sisters; and therefore she shall be a Vice Countess.
Thus we chatted on, and she was very entertaining quite to Town.
I have now made my Letter as much too long as it was at first too short. The Bishop would think it too trifling, therefore don’t show it him. I am afraid too that you will think it so, and have a good mind not to send it. Only it tells you Kitty is well at School, and for that I let it go. My Love to the whole amiable Family, best Respects to the Bishop, and 1000 Thanks for all your Kindnesses, and for the happy Days I enjoy’d at Twyford. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I am, Madam, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Augt. 14. 1771
I received yours of June 29. per Packet. I am glad to hear of all your Welfares, and that the Pictures, &c. were safe arrived. You do not tell me who mounted the great one, nor where you have hung it up. Let me know whether Dr. Bond likes the new one better than the old one; if so, the old one is to be return’d hither to Mr. Wilson, the Painter. You may keep the Frame, as it may be wanted for some other Picture there.
I wrote to you the Beginning of last Month to go per Capt. Falconer, and have since been in the Country, am just come to town, and find him still here, and the Letters not gone. He goes however next Saturday. I had written to many of my Friends by him. I spent three Weeks in Hampshire at my Friend the Bishop of St. Asaph’s. The Bishop’s Lady knows what Children and Grandchildren I have, their Ages, &c. So when I was to come away on Monday the 12th. in the Morning, she insisted on my staying that one Day longer that we might together keep my Grandson’s Birthday. At Dinner, among other nice Things, we had a Floating Island, which they always particularly have on the Birth Days of any of their own Six Children; who were all but one at Table, where there was also a Clergyman’s Widow now above 100 Years old. The chief Toast of the Day was Master Benjamin Bache, which the venerable old Lady began in a Bumper of Mountain. The Bishop’s Lady politely added, and that he may be as good a Man as his  Grandfather. I said I hop’d he would be much better. The Bishop, still more complaisant than his Lady, said, We will compound the Matter; and be contented if he should not prove quite so good. This Chitchat is to yourself only, in return for some of yours about your Grandson, and must only be read to Sally, and not spoken of to any body else; for you know how People add and alter silly Stories that they hear, and make them appear ten times more silly. Just while I am writing the Post brings me the enclos’d from the good Bishop, with some Letters of Recommendation for Ireland, to see which Country I am to set out next Week with my old Friend and Fellow-Traveller Counsellor Jackson. We expect to be absent a Month or Six Weeks. The Bishop’s youngest Daughter, mention’d in his Letter is about 11 Years of Age, and came up with me in the Post Chaise to go to her School. Capt. Osborne is not yet arrived here, but is every day expected. I hope he will come before I set out, that I may hear from you by him. I desire you will push the Enquiry after the Lancaster Dutchman, and not let [it] sleep and be forgotten. I send you per Capt. Falconer a Box of Looking Glasses for the Closet Doors. [The final paragraph is torn vertically; the few remaining words of each line give no clue to the subject.]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, 15 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Canton, John

Dear Sir,
Augt. 15. 71
I have just received the enclos’d from Dr. Priestly. And as it contains an Account of a new Discovery of his, which is very curious, and, if it holds, will open a new Field of Knowledge, I send it to you immediately. Please to communicate it to Dr. Price  when he returns. I am just about taking a Trip for a few Weeks to Ireland. I hope I shall find you well at my Return. I am, with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mr Canton / at the Academy / Spital Square / Bps. Gate Street


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 15 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

My dear Lord,
London, Augt. 15. 1771
Many Thanks for your Letters to the Primate and Mr. Jackson; which I shall take care to forward if I should happen not to have an Opportunity of delivering them personally.
Your repeated kind Invitations are extreamly obliging. The Enjoyment of your Lordship’s Conversation, good Mrs. Shipley’s kind Care of me sick and well, and the ever-pleasing Countenances of the whole amiable Family towards me, make me always very happy when I am with you. But I must not abuse so much Goodness, by engrossing it. You have many other Friends, and I ought to be contented with my Turn.
I own that I do flatter my self that my Pamphlet upon Colds may be of some Use. If I can persuade People not to be afraid of their real Friend Fresh Air, and can put them more upon their guard against those insidious Enemies, full Living and Indolence, I imagine they may be somewhat happier and more healthy.
You guess’d rightly, that after my Fellow-Traveller had recover’d her Spirits, we did not want Conversation. The Story of the Noises at Hinton she did introduce, by intimating that having by Accident heard a Part, it had been thought proper to tell her  the whole; “but, says she, I do not believe any such thing, not a word of it; and I wonder that so sensible a Woman as Mrs. Rickets can be in the least uneasy about it.” I had not the smallest Suspicion of any Plot to draw the Story from me; and this Declaration, of her not at all believing any such things, was very proper to put me off my Guard, and induce me to talk freely on any of the Circumstances; so that I might have fallen into the Trap, if her knowing the whole already had not made me think it useless to mention any of them. I assure you she gave me no kind of Trouble on the Journey, behav’d in the most agreable womanly Manner all the Way, and was very entertaining.
I purpose to set out on Tuesday next for Ireland. I wish all kinds of Happiness to you all, being with the sincerest Esteem and Veneration for your Lordship, and much Affection (if that Word is permissible) for Mrs. Shipley, Your most obliged humble Servant
B Franklin
Bishop of St. Asaph


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Aug. 17. 1771
I wrote to you some time since to go by Capt. Falconer, but he is still here. I have since written to you per Packet. And now write this Line to let you know I continue pretty well, but find more Exercise necessary to preserve my Health, and therefore am about to make the Tour of Ireland with my old Friend Mr. Jackson, purposing to return thro’ Scotland, and to be in London [once?] again, God willing, before the Parliament meets, that is, in about Six Weeks.
I have received your kind Letters of June the 29th. and July 6. I would not have you send me the Receipts for the Money you pay, as they can be of no Use here, and may possibly be lost. But it would be agreable to me to see from time to time an Account of the considerable Sums.

I am glad the little Fellow continues well, and that Sally is so careful to be with him out of Town during the Hot Weather. I consider her as nursing him for me, and shall pay her handsomely for her Trouble when I return.
I receiv’d the enclos’d Letters lately from our Relations by Marriage still remaining at Birmingham. Mr. Tyler who is mention’d in them brought them to me. He has concluded to go over and settle in Philadelphia, and I have given him a Letter of Introduction to you.
I have been three Weeks at my Friend the Bishop’s, and he has made me promise to spend the Christmas Holidays with him; which I shall do if I live and am well. My Love to all enquiring Friends, from Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / per favour of / Mr Foxcroft.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 19 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

My Lord,
London, Augt. 19. 1771.
By the Southampton Coach, I have sent your Lordship the Book of State Trials, which would have been sent sooner but that I hoped to send the Northumberland Book with it. I have search’d and enquir’d among my Friends for that Book, and cannot find it. I suppose I have lent it, and do not yet recollect to whom.

I din’d on Sunday last at Sir John Pringle’s with Messrs. Banks and Solander, and learnt some farther particulars. The People of Otahitee (Georges Island) are civilized in a great degree, and live under a regular feudal Government, a supreme Lord or King, Barons holding Districts under him, but with Power of making War on each other: Farmholders under the Barons; and an Order of Working People Servants to the Farmholders. They believe a supreme God, and inferior Gods, all Spirits, with a celestial Government similar to their own. They have some Ceremonies of Adoration, but seldom used. They erect Temples for their Gods; but they are small and stuck up on a Pole in the Fields, partly to honour the Gods, and partly for their Convenience to lodge in when they happen to come down among Men: a little Temple being, they say, as commodious for a Spirit as a large one. Their Morals are very imperfect, as they do not reckon Chastity among the Virtues, nor Theft among the Vices. They have Honours and Distinctions belonging to different Ranks, but these are paid to a Father no longer when he has a Son born, they are afterwards paid only to that Son; and this keeps some from marrying who are unwilling to lose their Rank, and occasions others to kill their Children that they may resume it. They had no Idea of Kissing with the Lips, it was quite a Novelty to them, tho’ they lik’d it when they were taught it. Their affectionate and respectful Salutation is bringing their Noses near each other’s Mouths and snuffing up one another’s Breath. Their Account of the Creation is, that the Great Spirit first begot the Waters, then he begot the Earth and threw it, a great Mass, into the Waters; then not liking to see it all in one place, and a great Part of the Waters without any of it, he fastned a strong Cord to it, and drew it so swiftly through the  Waters that many of the loose Parts broke off from it and remain in the Sea, being the Islands they are acquainted with. They believe the great Mass is still in being somewhere, tho’ they know not where; and they ask’d our People if they did not come from it. They have a considerable Knowledge of the Stars, sail by them, and make Voyages of three Months westward among the Islands. Notwithstanding all the Advantages our People could show we had from our Arts, &c. they were of Opinion after much Consideration that their Condition was preferable to ours.
The Inhabitants of New Zealand were found to be a brave and sensible People, and seem’d to have a fine Country. The Inhabitants of New Holland seem’d to our People a stupid Race, for they would accept none of our Presents. Whatever we gave them, they would look at a while, then lay it down and walk away. Finding 4 Children in a Hut on one Part of the Coast, and seeing some People at a distance who were shy and would not be spoke with, we adorn’d the Children with Ribbands and Beads, and left with them a Number of little Trinkets and some useful Things; then retiring to a Distance, gave Opportunity to the People to fetch away their Children, supposing the Gifts might conciliate them: But coming afterwards to the Hut, we found all we had left, the Finery we had put upon the Children among the Rest. We call this Stupidity. But if we were dispos’d to compliment them, we might say, Behold a Nation of Philosophers! such as him whom we celebrate for saying as he went thro’ a Fair, How many things there are in the World that I don’t want!
Please to present my best Respects to good Mrs. Shipley. Her kind Letter has reliev’d me from an Uneasiness I was under lest by some Sottise or other in my long hasty scrawl I might have given Offence. My Love to all the young Ladies accompanies the sincere and great Esteem and Respect with which I am, My Lord,  Your Lordship’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Our Journey is postpon’d to Saturday next.


Title: William Hunter’s Stipulations in Regard to William Hewson, 23 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Hunter, William
To: Hewson, William

[Aug. 23, 1771]
Dr. Hunter expects Mr. Hewson should go on with his Business as usual during the Remainder of the Term they are to continue together; and during that time should make Preparations, at Dr. Hunter’s Expence, such as the Dr. should direct to be made, and others, so that those directed are not neglected or omitted: That all the Preparations are to be the Doctor’s sole Property, and at his absolute Disposal, so that if he afterwards should give any of them to any Person (which he would not be understood to promise) such Gift is to be considered as the sole Effect of his Goodwill.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Sr.

Dear Cousin,
London, 25 August, 1771.
I have received yours of July 8th and 12th, with the bills, which  are carried to your credit. I hope your son Jonathan may be with you by this time. Josiah is well, and sticks close to his business.
I have not time to add more, being this minute setting out on a short trip to Ireland, to visit some American friends, or rather friends to America, and take that portion of exercise and fresh air, which is every year necessary to my health. My love to your spouse and children. I am sincerely Your affectionate uncle,
B. Franklin


Title: Introduction to a Plan for Benefiting the New Zealanders, 29 August 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

In July, 1771, James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour returned from a three-year voyage around the world. They had spent six months on the coasts of New Zealand, and had carefully examined the islands for the first time; the inhabitants, they reported, were “a brave and generous race, who are destitute of Corn, Fowls, and all Quadrupeds except Dogs.” A group of men, including Franklin and Alexander Dalrymple, discussed this report; and the suggestion was made that the British  had a duty to bring the amenities of their civilization to the newly discovered people. Franklin took up the suggestion, and said that “He would with all his heart subscribe to a voyage intended to communicate in general, those benefits which we enjoy to Countries destitute of them, in the remote parts of the Globe.” The company warmly agreed. Dalrymple consented to take command of such an expedition, and to draw up a prospectus in the hope of eliciting subscriptions. The purpose of the scheme he sketched was to carry out livestock, corn, iron, etc., and to bring back whatever flora could be advantageously grown in England; the estimated cost of a 350-ton ship and a crew of sixty, and of wages for three years, was £15,000. When the prospectus was printed for circulation, Franklin contributed the foreword below. It was not enough to arouse public enthusiasm, for the expedition never took place.

August 29, 1771.
Britain is said to have produced originally nothing but Sloes. What vast advantages have been communicated to her by the Fruits, Seeds, Roots, Herbage, Animals, and Arts of other Countries! We are by their means become a wealthy and a mighty Nation, abounding in all good Things. Does not some Duty hence arise from us towards other Countries still remaining in our former State?
Britain is now the first Maritime Power in the world. Her Ships are innumerable, capable by their Form, Size, and Strength, of  sailing all Seas. Her Seamen are equally bold, skilful, and hardy; dexterous in exploring the remotest regions, and ready to engage in Voyages to unknown Countries, tho’ attended with the greatest dangers. The Inhabitants of those Countries, our Fellow-Men, have Canoes only; not knowing Iron, they cannot build Ships: They have little Astronomy, and no knowledge of the Compass to guide them; they cannot therefore come to us, or obtain any of our advantages. From these circumstances, does not some duty seem to arise from us to them? Does not Providence, by these distinguishing Favours, seem to call on us, to do something ourselves for the common Interests of Humanity?
Those who think it their Duty to ask Bread and other Blessings daily from Heaven, should they not think it equally a duty to communicate of those blessings when they have received them; and show their Gratitude to their Great Benefactor, by the only means in their power, promoting the happiness of his other Children?
Ceres is said to have made a Journey thro’ many Countries, to teach the use of Corn, and the art of raising it. For this single benefit, the grateful Nations deified her. How much more may Englishmen deserve such Honour, by communicating the knowledge and use, not of Corn only, but of all the other enjoyments Earth can produce, and which they are now in possession of. Communiter bona profundere, Deum est.
Many Voyages have been undertaken with views of profit or of plunder, or to gratify resentment; to procure some advantage to ourselves, or do some mischief to others: but a voyage is now proposed, to visit a distant people on the other side the Globe; not to cheat them, not to rob them, not to seize their lands, or enslave their persons; but merely to do them good, and enable them as far as in our power lies, to live as comfortably as ourselves.
It seems a laudable wish, that all the Nations of the Earth were connected by a knowledge of each other, and a mutual exchange of benefits: But a Commercial Nation particularly should wish for a general Civilization of Mankind, since Trade is always carried on to much greater extent with People who have the Arts and Conveniencies of Life, than it can be with naked Savages. We may therefore hope, in this undertaking, to be of some service to  our Country, as well as to those poor people, who, however distant from us, are in truth related to us, and whose Interests do, in some degree, concern every one who can say, Homo sum, &C.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [3 September? 1771]: incomplete
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[September 3?, 1771]
[Beginning lost:] Allen and Turner procured any Information to be given me, that the People would rise and destroy all their Iron Works in New-Jersey; that Mr. Turner had mentioned the Matter to him, and that upon his telling Turner that it was a Machine not within the Law, he laugh’d, and said that he knew very well what it was, and that if it was not strictly within the Letter, yet it certainly was within the Meaning, and that it was a poor Evasion, &c. Mr. Ogden added, that if it should even appear to be actually such an One as the Law prohibited, yet I could not cause it to be abated till it should be judg’d so by a legal Process, in which case the Owners would be subject to a Penalty of £200 Sterling, besides having their Work destroyed.
I have acquainted you with these Particulars that you may be enabled to represent the Matter in its true Light, should you hear  any thing further concerning it. I think to inform the Ministry of all that I know of the Affair by the next Pacquet, as I doubt not it will be convey’d to them by Allen or Penn in some Way or other. My Opinion of the Act in Question is much the same with yours, but I think that all Laws until they are repealed ought to be obeyed and that it is the Duty of those who are entrusted with the executive Part of Government to see that they are so. The Americans ought at least before they attempt to evade it, use all their Endeavors to obtain a Repeal, and I believe it would be for the Interest of both Countries that all partial Acts of that Nature were abolished.
I am glad that you preferr’d the short Letter, as his L.P. seems to be coming about, and inclined to be a little more complaisant, which you will perceive by his last Letter (No. 31) a Copy of which is enclosed. I likewise send you an Extract of a Letter from him and the Board of Trade dated June 21, respecting the Agency, which seems well calculated to lead me into another Squabble with the Assembly, for it is a Point they will never give up, and if I refuse to pass the Support Act with the Words objected to in it, I, and all the other Officers of Government must go without our Salaries. This brings to my Mind, that your Friends Mr. Read and Mr. Smith desired me lately to mention to you that it would be proper for you to empower some Person here as your Attorney to receive the Warrants for your Salary, and the Money of the Treasurer, (as was done by all the former Agents) in which Case your Warrants would be drawn every Quarter for your Salary with those of the other Officers of Government. The Money remitted  to you by the Committee of Correspondence was not, it seems, intended to be appropriated to your Salary, but to defray such Expences in Soliciting, &c. as might be from Time to Time incurr’d. I think it would be best if you were to write to Mr. Joseph Smith, one of the Committee, to receive it for you; a Letter will be a sufficient Power. Betsy sends her Duty. I am as ever, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin
P.S. I have begun a Letter to you on the Subject of our Account, which I shall finish so as to send by the next Opportunity.


Title: Questions about Ireland, [September? 1771]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

These questions reveal Franklin as the thoughtful tourist. He had long been interested in Ireland, but primarily in its relationship with the  empire; on his first visit he clearly intended to examine its internal economy, which he viewed from a physiocratic, anti-mercantilist standpoint. His memorandum seems to be guidelines for his curiosity. The fact that he began it as questions relating to, and endorsed it as queries in, Ireland strengthens our belief that he had it with him on his travels, and hence that he wrote it shortly before or after he reached the island in September. We are assigning it, tentatively and perhaps arbitrarily, to that month.

[September?, 1771]
Questions relating to Ireland
Can the Farmers find a Ready Money Market and a good Living Price for the Produce of their Lands?
Or do they raise less than they might do, if the Demand was greater and the Price better?
If their Rents were lower would or could they improve their Lands to a greater degree and so produce more from them?
Does the Increase of Manufacturers occasion a greater Consumption of Corn within the Kingdom?
Is Ireland much in Debt to England or any Foreign Country for Goods or Merchandize consum’d in it?
Is any other Country much indebted to Ireland for its Produce or Manufactures?
Are the Sums remitted to Absentees transacted in real Money, or done by Bills, founded on the Produce and Manufactures of Ireland sold in other Countries?
Is Ireland in general in a State of progressive Improvement, or the contrary?
Are all Rents paid in Ready money? or are some paid in kind?
Is it easy or difficult in Ireland to borrow Money at legal Interest, on good Land Security?

Is it easy or difficult to find a Purchaser who will pay ready Money and a reasonable Price for a Landed Estate to be sold?
If the Ballance be on the whole, yearly against Ireland, how is it accounted for that any Money remains in it?
Would not more Money remain if there were no Paper passing as Money?
Is there any great Quantity of Goods such as Woollens or Wool smuggled out of the Kingdom, so that no Account can be taken of it among the Customhouse Accounts?
 Endorsed: Queries in Ireland


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 2 October 1771
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Boston, Octr. 2. 1771
This will be handed you by William Storey Esqr. who will deliver you the Votes of the last sessions of the General Court. He goes home to sollicit for releif from the Difficulty under which he at present labours; Natha. Wheelwright Esqr. during Mr. Storeys being Deputy Register in the Court of Admiralty had a Vessell and Cargo Seized and Condemned in said Court from which judgement he appealed; However the Vessell and Cargo were Sold at Public Auction at which Mr. Wheelwright was a Considerable  purchaser. Mr. Temple the surveyer General, with a View of favouring Mr. Wheelwright as much as possible directed Mr. Storey, as he Informs me, to take Mr. Wheelwrights note of hand, in lieu of the Money, p[er?] amount of such goods as he purchased payable [as] soon as the affair of the appeal was fully determined. After some Time Mr. Wheelwright failed and has never been able to Discharge his Note. The Kings Advocate has sued Mr. Storey for the Money. Mr. Storey thinks [torn: it would be unreaso?]nable and unjust to oblidge him to pay it, [torn: when he?] Acted in Consequence of orders received from the Surveyer General. He has applied to the Commissioners of the Customs here, but as it was a Matter transacted before their appointment they can do nothing about it, he therefore has undertaken this Voyage in order to apply for releif to the Commissioners at home. Any assistance you may afford him by your Advise or thro your Influence with those before whom this matter may lie I shall esteem as a favor. I would just mention that Mr. Storey was a Considerable Sufferer in the time of the Stamp Act by having his House and Furniture much Damaged by the Mob, who distroyed most of his Books and Papers amoung which there were some relative to the Seizure above mentioned, and for want of which he is fearfull he shall be a great Sufferer. He had some Compensation made him by our General Court but as all the rest of the Sufferers at that time excepting Mr. Storey, have been Consider’d and in some way or another Compensated by the Government at home he hopes he shall have the more favourable hearing relative to this Matter. I conclude with great respect your most obedient humble Servant
T Cushing
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Holt, 2 October 1771
From: Holt, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New York 2nd. October 1771
An unhappy Difference has taken place between my Neighbour Mr. Hugh Hughs (a Man I greatly esteem from my Experience of the real Goodness of his Character) and his Brother John, and as I am perfectly acquainted with the whole Cause and Process of that Difference, and know that my Neighbour is desirous you should have a right Knowledge of it, as he highly regards your Opinion of him, I thought it my Duty as a Neighbour, who has on sundry Occasions, received good Offices from him, to give you an Account of what I know to be true concerning the Difference between the two Brothers.
When the News of the Stamp Act had spread a general Alarm all over the British colonies, Mr. Hugh Hughs was one who from the first, warmly interested himself against it. There had till then subsisted the greatest Cordiality between the two Brothers, of which I was a Witness, as I was shewn many of the Letters that passed between them. And it was with the greatest Concern that my Neighbour Hugh informed me of the Report he had heard, that his Brother was a Promoter of the Stamp Act. Several Letters passed between them on that Occasion, which on one Side proceeded from an affectionate Concern for the Rectitude of his Brothers Conduct, and on the other from a much less commendable Motive. On one Side the Letters were argumentative, persuasive and affectionate; on the other, much in the dictatorial Stile, destitute of Argument, mixt with Reproach, and tinctured with that overbearing Haughtiness, assumed by fancied Superiority, not only of Fortune, but Intellects, over those in less happy Circumstances; but with an inflexible Obstinacy of Perseverance, that would admit of no Expostulation. This Intercourse ended in a Breach between them, that seems to be irreperable. Before this, soon after Mr. Hughs had acquainted me with the Report concerning his Brother in Philadelphia, I had written him a Letter,  tho’ I had but little personal acquaintance with him. My Reasons for writing I mention’d, which were, not only my Friendship for his Brother, who I knew would be deeply affected by the part he should Act, but on Account of the Cause itself. I mention’d a few of the most striking Arguments against the Act. The Importance of uniting the american Interest in Opposition [to it.] The Certainty of Success in Case of such Union, which had a[lready] so far taken place, that there was no Probability that the Act [could] ever be carried into Execution. I therefore earnestly advised [him] for his own Sake, for his Brother’s Sake, and for the Sake of his [Coun]try that he would not favour, but join in Opposition to this most [hat]ed Act, calculated to enslave his Country, and which would certainly produce nothing but Misfortune, Uneasiness of Mind [and] everlasting Imfamy to all concerned in its Contrivance or Pro[curement?].
Such was the Substance of what I wrote and sent away without the Privity or Knowledge of Mr. Hughs, or any other Person—or the least intimation to any One, of my having such a Design. Nor did I know at that Time, that any Letters upon the Subject, had passed between the Brothers. It unluckily happen’d, that I sent my Letter by Mr. Bradford, who was here, just setting out for Philadelphia. And he, it seems, tho’ I then knew nothing of the Matter, was one of a Party in Philadelphia, who had warmly opposed Mr. Hughs. My Letter being directed by the Hands of Mr. Bradford, Mr. Hughs concluded, that his Brother in New York, and Mr. Bradford, were Privy to the Contents of my Letter, and that it was written in Consequence of a concerted Plan of the Party who opposed him: My Letter therefore had an Effect quite contrary to what I intended; and not only irritated Mr. Hughs against his Brother in New York, but against me also, whom he considered as the Tool of a Party, with whom I had not the least Correspondence or Acquaintance. I received no Answer to my Letter—but I find he has bestow’d on me a good deal of unmeritted Abuse, in his Letters to his Brother, and to other People, which having been communicated to me, I should before now have made a Proper Return to, if I had not been engaged in Matters of more Consequence.

I believe you know something of the unhappy Situation of Mr. Hugh Hughs’s Affairs. By being Security he became insolvent; and tho’ the Principal, has found Means to get discharged, yet Mr. Hughs remains still liable as Security, without Possibility of recovering of the Principal And to avoid an Arrest, has, for many years past, made himself a voluntary Prisoner in his own House, where he has supported a numerous Family of Children, by teaching School, given his Children a very good Education, and greatly improved his own Knowledge; his, being much the best, as well as most considerable English School in Town. Yet his Income is but a bare Sufficiency for the Support of so large a Family, and a Life so sedentary for so long a Time, has greatly impaired his Health and Constitution: So that he seems at Present, with some Anxiety, to be looking out for the Means of extricating himself, or of falling into some other Course of Life for a Support. But I cannot find he has any probable Prospect of either—and if you could advise or assist him, it would be conferring a Benefit upon a Man very worthy to receive it.
His Brother had often intimated his Intention of doing something to relieve and assist him, which Design, after the Difference before mention’d, seem’d for sometime to be suspended. But at last, by a [line?] in the same imperious Stile he had lately adopted, he signified his Willingness, notwithstanding the Difference, to give the Assistance before proposed; but mention’d such Terms, and in such a Manner that the Acceptance was immediately declined, and I think with the greatest Reason. I do not now recollect Particulars, but I remember they were such, that I believe no Man of Spirit or Sense could accept. I remember the Method proposed was such as implied distrust of his Brother’s Honesty and Integrity, was I believe impracticable, was vague and uncertain with Regard to himself, and so humiliating to his Brother that any Assistance he should receive, would have been at the Price of his Freedom and Independency. I did not hear of the Proposal til after Mr. Hughs had declined the Acceptance, but I heartily approved his Refusal. If I remember right, it was proposed that he should deliver an exact Account on Oath, of all his Debts and Effects, and then his lordly Brother, would consider what could be done for him,  and what he should think proper to do, would be done purely on his own self Motion, uninfluenced by any other Person. Here again he mention’d me, in Terms of disrespect. All which shows him to be a haughty imperious Man, sour’d in his Temper, hasty and often unjust in his Conclusions, positive in his Purpose as well in the wrong as right, and such a person as no Man of Sense and Spirit would choose to be dependant upon, if he could live, or die without it.
I have written this Epistle purely to give you this Information, the Truth of which I will answer to the Face of the Man of whom I write, and am Dear Sir your well wisher and Humble Servant
John Holt.
 Addressed: To / Doctr. Benjamin Franklin / In / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 October 1771: résumé
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Boston, October 3, 1771. Wrote a few days ago to enclose the third set of bills for 1,754 guilders.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Clay, 4 October 1771
From: Clay, Ann
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured sir
Newcastle Octobr: 4 1771
This comes with a letter from my son. I hope you will pardon the liberty I take in recommending his request to your notice; And shou’d he succeed I have no doubt of his good behavior, as the partiality of a parent wou’d not induce me to say that he is a sober discreet young Man did he not really merit it.

I have now been a widow four years and am in such circumstance as Ager prayed for when he says give me neither poverty nor riches, wisely judging that state the most likely to produce happiness. I have eleven Children and have as yet thank God reason to look upon that as an addition to my happiness.
He has beged the favor of you if there shou’d be a necessity for it to advance 200 guineas, for the payment of which I will be his security.
I have nothing more to add but wishing you a great deal of happiness, I conclude sir, your sincere friend and very humble servant
Ann Clay
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esquire


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly: Account of an Experiment, 7 October 1771
From: Henly, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The experiment described below was part of a series that Henly undertook in 1771–72 to test Franklin’s theory about the path of the lightning discharge. The theory was under attack from Benjamin Wilson, who held that the discharge, given several alternative routes to ground, takes a single one, that which has the fewest surfaces to break through, is the shortest, and in which the property of the material provides the greatest conducting power. Franklin, on the other hand, seems to have held that any available conductor receives some part of the charge, although conducting power is a major factor in determining how much. Years earlier he had suggested that that factor varies in conductors, and he had recently proposed to Priestley and others that they determine the variation by exposing wires of the same thickness and different metals to equal and increasing charges until each wire was visibly affected. Henly developed the suggestion, and the experiment below enabled him to disprove Wilson’s hypothesis. This line of experimentation was a prelude, we believe, to the later theory of resistance.

Octr: 7. 1771.
   I made the following experiment, having placed a very large Jar in contact with my prime conductor, I fixed to the outer coating of it an Iron Chain 10 or 12 Inches long which I also connected with a plate of Metal on which I intended to make the discharge, with my discharging Rod. This done I hooked another chain much longer and of Brass to the side of the Jar, and brought the end of it within 8½ Inches of the Metal plate. In contact with this end I laid a small Oak-stick 8 Inches long which I cover’d with Sawdust of Fir wood. On making the discharge upon the plate, both the chains were luminous through their whole lengths, as was also the sawdust which was cover’d by a streak of Light near an Inch diameter making a very pleasing appearance. I repeated the experiment several times. Perhaps if I had used a Bar of Iron instead of the Chain (first spoken of,) there might have been no appearance of light in the second Chain or upon the sawdust; especially as the electricity had full ½ Inch of air to pass through, before it reached the point of the stick. But from this experiment may I think be inferred the necessity of making the Conductors erected as a security to Buildings from the damage of Lightning, both of the best materials, and of a very sufficient substance; and, for this purpose, perhaps nothing will be found so proper as lead, which will remain in the earth many centuries without any considerable decay; and the tops of chimneys being covered with it, and furnished with a long, sharp-pointed rod of copper, or iron pointed with copper, which I think should extend at least five, or six feet, above the top of the chimney, or highest part of the building; a communication should be made from it by plates of lead, eight, or ten inches broad, with the lead, on the ridges, and gutters, and with the pipes which carry down the rain-water; which pipes should be continued to the bottom of the building, and there made to communicate, by means of other leaden pipe, or a plate of it, as before-mentioned, with the water in a well, the moist earth, or the main pipe which serves the house with water.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 12 October 1771
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Trevose Bucks Octr. 12. 1771
By an Express from Philada. I hear that Sparks sails To Morrow, and being unwilling to let slip this Opportunity as I have done too many this Summer by being in the Country, I take up my Pen to inform you that I have your Certificate for £500 Sterling your Salary, and wo’d have remitted you the Money, had any Provision been made for the Payment of it. There being no Governor at the last Meeting of the House this cou’d not be done. In January I imagine Provision will be made for the Public Debts, when I shall remit it.
The Express waiting I have only Time to assure you that you shall hear fully from me in a few Days and that I am unalterably your very Sincere and Affectionate Friend
J. Galloway


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 16 October 1771
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Philada: Octr: 16th. 1771.
By Order of the House we inclose their Resolves appointing us their Committee of Correspondence, and you their Agent to transact the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain for the ensuing Year.
The House have Nothing to add to the Instructions sent by former Assemblies except that as they observe from your Letter to the Speaker of the 29th of July, that there is a Disposition in Government to promote, at the next Session of Parliament, such Measures as may tend to conciliate the unhappy Differences subsisting between the Mother Country and her Colonies, They desire that you will be attentive and Exert your utmost Endeavours in Opposition to whatever may affect the general Liberties of America and the rights of this Province, particularly to any Plan that may be proposed for an American Representation in Parliament. We are Your assured Friends
Jos. Galloway SpeakerJos. FoxSaml RhoadsAbel JamesWm. RodmanIsa. Pearson
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Agent for the Province of Pennsylvania / at / London / per Favr. / Capt. Sparks


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Timothy, 20 October 1771
From: Timothy, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Charles Town October 20th, 1771.
I wrote you on the 28th past, but the Pilot having neglected to put my Letter on board the last Packet-Boat, it accompanies this.
The Assembly have continued sitting longer than I thought they would have done. Last Week all the Patriots and principal Speakers, made themselves sure of carrying the £1500 into the Estimate, under the Expedient of including the same in the Treasurer’s Accounts: But were surprized, in putting the Question, to see all the young Members rise against it, and vote for the other, “that it should be inserted in the Schedule in the very Words it had formerly stood.” It was then generally apprehended an immediate Dissolution would take Place; but that not happening, this Week the Members for the Expedient have (after a good deal of private Conference with the Members in Opposition) proved that the Vote was irregular, and carried the Question their own Way. Now the Bill is to go before the Council. If they scrutinize too narrowly, they must reject it: if they do not, the Governor will not (I believe) withhold his Assent—and thus public Credit may be restored, and universal Harmony revive.
I am very sorry to tell you, that I believe you will not hear from your Friend Mr. Hughes by this Packet. I assure you, my good Friend, I begin to be under very serious Apprehensions about his doing well. Within this Fortnight his Cough has encreased, his Strength and Spirits failed, and he is scarce at any Time now without a Fever. He is sensible of his dangerous Situation, yet flatters himself that the Winter will restore him but he appears to me to be too far gone. I should not be among those who would regret him the least, for I should lose a most agreeable, sensible and engaging Companion, I think I may add Friend. If he holds out till the beginning of December, I shall then have Hopes that changing his Climate in the Spring may prolong his Days—but really he appears far gone.
We have had Abundance of Rain for this Week past, which I believe has done some Damage to late Crops, yet we may calculate the Rice made this Season at 100 Thousand Tierces, and Indigo at about 400 Thousand Weight.
I hope you enjoy perfect Health, wish you its Continuance, and every Thing desirable, and am, with the greatest Regard Dear Sir Your most affectionate obliged and obedient humble Servant
Pet. Timothy.
P.S. Doct. Haly having surrendered him self his Trial will come on Tuesday or Wednesday. I never knew a Man have so many potent Friends start up to him as he has; and I suppose he will be found guilty of Manslaughter. If ever a Man was compelled to fight contrary to his Inclination he was; if I had Time to relate Particulars, you would be of that Opinion.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 31 October 1771
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Broad Street Oct. 31. 1771
Welcome! my dear and honour’d Friend! Welcome once more to our Island! The Wind may blow now without making our Hearts ake. You were constantly in our Thoughts during the late stormy Weather. I have pray’d for you at Midnight when I have been suckling my little Boy and heard the Window Sashes rattle. I thank God you are safe. The same merciful Being has preserv’d us all in Health and Happiness. Mr. Hewson says “don’t forget to mention the little Boy[,] Molly.” An Insinuation that I could not write without saying a great deal about him. But I shall not tell you what a fine Child he is grown, I hope you will see him soon.

My Mother receiv’d both your Letters Yesterday. She says there is a deal of Reading for you when you come Home; so much that you must shut yourself up for a fortnight and be invisible. A packet arriv’d this Week from our worthy Friend Jonathan, which my Mother, knowing the Seal, took the Liberty to open. It containd Letters to Josiah, therefore she was glad she did open it. He is well and all his Friends.
Mr. Bache is at Preston, where he will wait with the pleasing Expectation of seeing you in your Return. We are all very much pleas’d with him.
My Mother is much oblig’d to you for your kind Services. I hope her honest Trade will be successful.
Lady Barwell desires her best Respects to you: She and my Mother have been chattering all the Time I have been writing.
I omitted telling you that two of your Packets are directed to be forwarded to you from the first Port.
I really cannot write any more; and I believe I have nothing material to add. So with the Love of this Family, offer’d with respectful Sincerity, I conclude my Letter. I am Dear Sir your faithful
Mary Hewson

My Mother says, “You have not sent my Love.” I told her I consider’d her as the Head of this Family. But she is not satisfied with hers being in the same Lump, therefore I make up this separate Parcel.

 Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / at / Edinburgh


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, [late October? 1771]
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Friday Night [late October, 1771?]
My Mother desires me to tell you that there are two Letters from New York and one from Philadelphia and three Packets of News Papers but she is afraid to send them as you have not receiv’d that Mr. Hewson sent you. I write in great Haste. We are all well. Yours affectionately
M H


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 2 November 1771
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Broad Street Novr. 2. 1771
My Mother orders me to set down to answer all your Hows. The Hewsons young and old are well and thank you for your kind Enquiry. Your Dolly is well. I had a Letter from her to day from Bromley. Lady Barwell is well. Josiah when we heard of him, and Sally, and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, I met them last Week at Barwell’s. All well. My Mother herself is grown quite young, and continues her Regimen. She can make no Enquiry about her Merchandize, not knowing the Name of the Vessel it was sent in.

I have read the foregoing to my Mother who finds great Fault, in the first Place she reprov’d me for not telling you about Lady Barwell’s Negociation, now, really I can tell you nothing but that she continues to negociate. Then she cast her Eye over my Paper and discover’d the Blot and bade me write all over again upon a fresh Sheet; I could not obey, because I have no more than this. My Husband knows I was given to scribbling before I married, and thinking that Scribblers do not make good Housewives he wisely locks up the Paper. Perhaps if I ask’d him he would trust me with the Key upon my telling him to whom I was writing, but he was busy in the Kitchen with Paint and Grease. My Mother insisted upon my making this Apology.
We all wish for you in London. I want you to see my little Boy. He resembles you in many particulars. He is generally serious, no great Talker, but sometimes laughs very hearty; he is very fond of being in his Birthday Suit, and has not the least apprehension of catching cold in it; he is never troubled with the Airophobia, but always seems delighted with fresh Air. The good Mrs. Wakefield gave us some American Biscuits to feed him with, and we tried them two days, but we found he was not so well as when he liv’d entirely upon Milk, so we return’d to our old Method and he continues well and has cut three Teeth. A fine long Paragraph he has furnished! I hope you will not seriously think it too long; you are welcome to laugh at it and your affectionate
Mary Hewson

My Mother sends Love. Sally her Duty. Mr. and Miss Hewson respectful Compliments. Mr. Bache is at Preston; I had a Letter from him to day in which he tells me that one I enclos’d to him was from his dear Sally of 2d of Sepr. All well at Philadelphia.

 Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / at / Edinburgh


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Balfour, 5 November 1771
From: Balfour, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Edinr: Novr: 5th 1771
The friendship you showd me in transacting the Debt that was due to me by Benjamin Mecom (for which I reckon myself much oblidgd to you) embol[dens me] to ask the favour, that with your Convenience you will also tr[ansact the] debt due to me, by Mr. James Parker of New York lately deceasd. [Torn.] I send you the Accompt, by which there is a ballance due to [torn] 14s. 8d. also three of his Letters to me, wherein he homologates [the Accompt?] but complains of great losses he sustaind by a Friend of [torn] afterwards by one Mr. Holt. I dare say this is very true, but I apprehend that I am not liable for any of his transactions without my knowledge, with any other person. In one of his Letters to me he takes notice that he receivd the Books as sent upon your Recommendation, in this he is mistaken, for it was upon Mr. Strahans, unless perhaps he means that it was you, that recommended him to Mr. Strahan.
As I am very much persuaded that Mr. Parker was a very honest man, and really hurt by the persons mentiond above, I shoud be very well pleasd to compromise the matter upon easy terms, and if you will be so good as take this trouble for me, I shall be greatly oblidgd to you, and give you full power to act as you shall see proper, and to do every thing, as if the debt were intirely your own, and I shall be perfectly well satisfied with whatever you, being perfectly assurd that you will do the best for my Interest. If it is necessary to get the Account sworn to before a Magistrate, let me know, and it shall be done. You will see by his letters, that he seems to acknowledge, that in strict Law he is liable for the Accompt, but setting this aside, I woud have the matter transacted intirely upon the footing of equity, and as you shall see circumstances consider [?]. Whatever you may [effect I will?] look upon my self as entirely oblidgd to you for it. I am with [the great]est Esteem and Respect Dear Sir [your] most Obedient Servant
John Balfour

P S Besides the 3 letters of Mr. Parker [torn] I have also sent you another of his, dated March 4th. 1769.

 Addressed: To / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Edinburgh


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 5 November 1771
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Boston Novr. 5 1771
I thank you for the Copy of the Instructions from the Committee of Plantations to Mr. Randolph inclosed in the last Letter [dated Feby. 5. 1771] with which you honoured me. His Answer to the Enquiries he was directed to make (if to be had) and compared with the present State of this Province, would probably shew in the Articles enumerated the Increase since that time. In the present Year, pursuant to a late Act of the Genl. Court for enquiring into the rateable Estate of the Province, Lists of the Poles and other Rateables have been taken in each Town, which at the next Session of the Court will be laid before the House of Representatives in order to the setling the Proportion each Town is to bear of future Province Taxes. As this may be a matter of curiosity to you, and may serve (compared with prior Lists) to confirm your conjecture with regard to the Increase of the Colonists, I will endeavour to procure the sums total of the rateables and send to you but when this can be done is quite uncertain, as it is uncertain when the Genl. Ct. will meet: the meeting of which, at least till the next May (which is the Charter) Session, seems to depend on Instructions not known to be yet received. With regard to Instructions, it is obvious from such as have been lately operated that there’s a plan for annihilating the Charter by them in a silent piecemeal manner: which if persisted in will be as effectual for that Purpose as if done by Act of Parliament, as was lately intended by the ministry. Through the same influence the Grants that have been made to you and Mr. Bollan by the two Houses failed: and ’tis not expected that any future Grants will pass till the Agents in their appointment are subjected to the Influence of Instructions. I have understood that in several of the Colonies particularly in Virginia the Two Houses have each a seperate Agent, independent of the Governor who without any difficulty pases the Grants that from time to time are made them; and that those Agents are acknowledged as such by the Ministry. But in this matter I have not been able to come at certainty.
I heartily join with you in hoping that “in time Harmony will be restored between the two Countries, by leaving us in the full possession of our Rights.”
I am much obliged to you for your kind expressions with regard to my son: to whom I have recommended it to put himself under the Instruction of Dr. Priestly at Warrington on the plan pointed out in his Essay on Education for Civil and active life. I think this will be no unsuitable introduction to the study of the Law: the Profession of which he prefers to any other. As I understand you are well acquainted with Dr. Priestly, I shall be much obliged if you’ll favor him with a few lines to the Doctor: I purpose he should return to N England in about 12 Months with his Uncle Mr. George Erving, who does me the favour to be the Bearer of this Letter. I beg to recommend Mr. Erving to you as a sensible worthy Gentleman who will be able to give you full information with regard to the affairs and Transactions in this Country.
I have repeatedly had great pleasure from the Perusal of the last Edition of the Excellent Letters which you did me the honour to send me. I have already thanked you for the Book and now thank you for that pleasure. I wish it was in my power to execute in this Instance the Lex Talionis: in which case you should receive as high a degree of pleasure as you have communicated: and if all the Readers of your Book could carry the same law into execution, you would be the happiest man existing. I wish the few letters which bear my Signature in the same Volume were more worthy the honour you have done them. I am with the Sincerest Esteem, in which Mrs. B joins me Dear Sir your most obedient humble Servant.
James Bowdoin
To Benja. Franklin Esq.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 5 November 1771
From: Foxcroft, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Novr. 5th. 1771 I was favour’d by my Brother with a few Lines from you, just Acquainting me with your Intentions of taking a Trip to Ireland. I hope this will find you safe return’d and in Good health.
I expect two Casks of Flour up every tide Manufactured by the same Man who I had the other two off, if they get up by Friday they will come in Falconer if not it will be too late, and they will come by the next Vessel. Mrs. F joins me in best Compliments to your self Mrs. Stevenson and Family. I am &c.
John Foxcroft

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / at Mrs. Stevensons / in Craven Street Strand / London / J. Free Foxcroft


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Penuel Bowen, 6 November 1771
From: Bowen, Penuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston 6th Novr 1771
The honor you have done me, by the present I lately receivd thro’ the hands of Mr. Saml. Franklin of this Town, emboldens me to give you this trouble.
Please to accept Sir, my most sincere and hearty thanks for your high favor.
I account myself and my house signally honor’d by the picture of a gentleman, whom I have always hear’d spoken of, and for whom I have conceiv’d the highest opinion—As the distinguish’d genius of America, the Patron of Philosophy and Literature, a friend to his Country and of mankind. May heaven long preserve a life in various great stations, of the first importance; And eminently so to England and the British Colonies.
Sir I esteem it a singular happiness to have this opportunity of letting you know, with what high sentiments of honor and gratitude, In common with my Countrymen, I am Much respected Sir Your greatly obliged Friend And most Obedient Humble Servant
Penuel Bowen
Doct: Franklin
 Addressed: For / Benja Franklin Esqr. / L.L.D. F.R.S. / In London.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Franklin, 8 November 1771
From: Franklin, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear kinsman
Boston 8th November 1771.
With pleasure I Embrace this oppertunity of informing you that I and my wife and my four Daughters thro Gods goodness are all well and Desire kindly to be remember’d to you hopeing that these may find you and Coz Sally in the Same good health. I am Sir much oblidged to you upon my own part for the prints you sent me for Mr. Bowen. I had it Neatly fram’d, and Guilt and Sent it to him. Who return’d for answer that it did honour to him and to his house and that he was greatly oblidged to you for the present—he has enclosed in mine a few Lines. I am verry Glad that them books of my Grandfathers fell into your hands and Should be verry Glad to have a sight of one of them at Least when you Can Spare it. I and my family Shall be glad to have you Come once more amongst us and still Continue hopeing that it Will not be Long first. Your sister and all frends here are well. I Remain after my kind Love to you your Loving kinsman
Samuel Franklin
PS My kind Love to Coz. Sally
 Addressed: To Dr / Benjamin Franklin / In London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Managers of the Philadelphia Silk Filature to Franklin and John Fothergill, 8 November 1771
From: Managers of the Philadelphia Silk Filature
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Fothergill, John

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia 8th. November 1771.
The Subscribers Managers of the Contributions for promoting the Culture of silk in Pennsylvania, having purchased in the course of the last Season and procured to be reeled at the Filature erected here such a quantity of Cocoons as have produced about 155 lbs. of raw Silk proper for Exportation, are encouraged from your known Partiality to the productions of this Province, and Disposition to promote whatever may advance its Interest or Reputation to commit this first Adventure to your Care and Disposal, requesting that the undermentioned Parcels may be presented as directed in such respectful manner as your good Understanding shall point out, and that the remainder be sold at either public or private Sale as you may think most conducive to the Benefit of the Institution. Inclosed is the Certificate required by Act of Parliament for obtaining the Bounty.
From the want of more Experience in this new Manufacture, we are not competent Judges of the Quality or Value; but upon comparing our own with the Samples of Silk we have received from other Parts of the World we apprehend some of it is not much inferior to them. If Persons of more skill with you should be of the same Opinion, we have little Doubt that the raising of Silk will soon become an Object of general Attention in this Province, and probably in time a considerable Remittance to our Mother Country; an Event in which we should have great pleasure; as a mutual Advantage to both.
We flatter ourselves that it is unnecessary to apologize for giving you this Trouble when we consider that benevolent Minds are never more agreeably exercised than in the Promotion of Public Good. We are, Gentlemen, with the highest Esteem, Your assured Friends and very humble Servants,

Edwd: Penington
Fra: Alison
Chas. Moore
C: Evans
Isaac Bartram
Tho Clifford
  Wm Smith  Broker
R Strettell Jones
Abel James
Jos: Pemberton
Benjn. Morgan

No.
16 lbs.
for
the Queen

2 4 ”
”
Lady Juliana Penn

3
4 ”

the Relict of the late Honble Richd. Penn Esqr. deceased

4
4 ”

the Lady of the Honble. John Penn Esqr.

Drs Franklin and Fothergill


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Hunt, 12 November 1771
From: Hunt, Isaac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honored Sir,
Philadelphia November 12th: 1771
As the Letter I wrote to you by the Packet might not get safe to Hand, I take the Liberty, by this opportunity, to acquaint you, that the Attorney General of Bermudas is dead; and to sollicit your good offices to procure me, if possible, that Law-Department.
The great Number of our Profession at present in Philadelphia, and the Scarcity of Business, arising from the Non-Importation Agreement, make my Application for an Appointment to that Station absolutely necessary at this Time; and as I am sensible you delight in Acts of Beneficence, I entertain the pleasing Hopes of being favored in this Business with your Interest and Patronage. Mrs. Hunt joins me in Respects to you, and I am, as I have ever been, since I had the Honor of knowing you, With Esteem Your real and obliged Friend
Isaac Hunt.
 Addressed: To / Benja. Franklin Esqr. LLD. FRS / London / per favor of / Capt. Falconer


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of Philadelphia Tradesmen, 13 November 1771
From: Committee of Philadelphia Tradesmen
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir Philadelphia Novr 13th 1771
We received your Favour of July 29th with a Copy of Yours dated Augst 28th 1770 as also the Pamphlet, by the Hands of our faithful Friend Capt. Falconer. We still regret the Loss of the Original of Augst 28th in due Time; for notwithstanding the Honest and sincere Endeavours of the Tradesmen &c. could not possibly withstand the Torrent of Corruption, and self Interest then Predominant; we really believe your just and spirited Sentiments communicated to us, would have been a means of inspiring Us, and some of our Noble and Patriotic Friends amongst the Merchants with fresh Courage, to have held out (at least) a few Months longer; which possibly might have had the desired Effect. We are happy however in reflecting that our Attempts though unsuccessful, have met with your Approbation: and though the Mechanic’s are Censured and Despised for attempting to judge or intermeddle in any Public Affairs; Yet we are determined to pursue One steady Plan, of embracing every Opportunity of doing real Service, to our most Gracious Sovereign, and our fellow Subjects; and with [all the] Prudence and Moderation we are capable off, to [resist ev]ery Attempt made to Oppress us, or Violate our [rights and liber]ties. We are much Obliged to You for the [torn: service you?] have done Us in Writing your Sentiments so [candidly? We as]sure You that we shall be always ready to [torn] and that no part of your Letters shall [be allowed out?] of our Hands.
The Pamphlet you have been pleased to favour us with is much esteemed and we have taken the Liberty of committing it to the Press here without giving the Printer the least hint from whom it came being convinc’d it will be of infinite Service in the American Colonies. We pray that you may long live the Illustrious Patriot of America and that your Strenuous Endeavours for the Service of Your Country may be Crowned with immortal Success. We remain Sir Your most Respectful and faithful Friends and Well Wishers
The Committee of Tradesmen &cSign’d by Order of the Committee Joseph [Stiles]
P.S Wm. Masters being indispos’d Capt. Jos Stiles Plac’d in the Chair Willm Thorne Secy

 Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin Esqr / London / per Favour of / Capt Falkner.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson with a Postscript to Dorothea Blunt, 25 November 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson,Blunt, Dorothea

Dear Friend,
Preston, Nov. 25. 1771.
I came to this Place on Saturday night right well and untir’d with a 70 miles Journey that day. I met with your and my Dolly’s joint Letter which would have refresh’d me with its Kindness if I had been ever so weary. The Account you give of a certain Lady’s having entertain’d a new Gallant in my Absence, did not surprize me: For I have been us’d to Rivals; and scarce ever had a Friend or a Mistress in my whole Life that other People did not like as well as myself. And therefore I did not wonder when I read in the Newspapers some Weeks since, that “the Duke of C.” (that general Lover) “had made many Visits of late to an old Lady not many Miles from Craven Street.” I only wonder’d, considering the Dislike she us’d to have for the Family, that she would receive his Visits: But as I saw soon after, that Prince Charles had left Rome and was gone a long Journey nobody knew whither, I made no doubt but the News Writers had mistaken the Person, and that it was he who had taken the Opportunity of my Absence to solace himself with his old Friend. I thank you for your Intelligence about my Godson. I believe you are sincere when you say you think him as fine a Child as you wish to see. He had cut two Teeth, and three in another Letter make five; for I know you never write Tautologies. If I have over reckon’d, the Number will be right by this time. His being like me in so many Particulars pleases me prodigiously; and I am persuaded there is another which you have omitted tho’ it must have occurr’d to you while you were putting them down. Pray let him have every thing he likes; I think it of great Consequence while the Features of the Countenance are forming. It gives them a pleasant Air, and that being once become natural, and fix’d by Habit, the Face is ever after the handsomer for it, and on that much of a Person’s good Fortune and Success in Life may depend. Had I been cross’d as much in my Infant Likings and Inclinations as you know I have been of late Years, I should have been, I was going to say not near so handsome, but as the Vanity of that Expression would offend other Folks Vanity, I change it out of Regard to them, and say, a great deal more homely. I rejoice that your good Mother’s new Regimen succeeds so well with her. We are to set out, my Son and I, tomorrow for London, where I hope to be by the End of the Week, and to find her and you and all yours, well and happy. My Love to them all. They tell me Dinner is coming in, and I have yet said nothing to Dolly, but must nevertheless conclude, my dear Friend, Yours ever most affectionately
B Franklin
I am very happy here in the pleasant Family of Mr. Bache’s Mother and Sisters.
Mrs Hewson.

Dear Dolly
I love you more than you can imagine. Yours most sincerely,
B Franklin
To Miss Dorothea Blunt.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Bache, 3 December 1771
From: Bache, Mary
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Preston Decr: 3 [1771]
What extreme pleasure did my Dear Brothers letter give Me and Mine, to hear you had so greeable a Journey and that our Dear Sons Leg was so little worse for his Confinement in the Chaise, we shall all rejoice to hear it is quite recover’d. I was no little happy that My Dear Daughter, your good Lady and our Dear little Boy was well when you heard from philedelphia, pray God grant a continuence of it.
We are Much please’d at the hopes you give us of injoying your good and agreeable Company again at my house, you likewise Make us happy by Nameing a Longer Stay. I hope Nothing will intervene to prevent us that Much Wish’d for happyness. Our best respects to good Mrs. Stevenson tell her we are Much oblige’d to her for Nursing my Dear Sons Leg tis’ kind indeed we being at so great a distance. Dear Sally would thank her too did she know it but tis well she is ignorant of it.
The day after you left us we was agreeabley Surpris’d by two Gentlemen that Comes from North America the one your fellow traveller, they spent the Evening with us we strove to be as Cheerfull as we Could after the loss we Sustain’d.
I can assure my Dear Brother I am no little happy in having it in my power to style my self your affectionate Sister and humble Servant
Mary Bache
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / at Mrs. Stevensons / Craven Street   Strand / London


Title: Richard Bache to Deborah Franklin, 3 December 1771
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Deborah

Dear and honored Madam,
London, 3d December, 1771.
This is a pleasure I have not done myself, since my arrival in England; I have waited for an event, which, I know, as it is interesting to me is so to you—I mean the reception I should meet with from my father. I can now, with great satisfaction tell you, that he received me with open arms, and with a degree of affection that I did not expect to be made sensible of at our first meeting. We met at Preston, and I thought this a lucky circumstance, as it was amongst my friends and relations. He stayed two days at my mother’s house, and from thence we came up to London together. We were made happy upon our arrival here, by letters from you and Sally, informing us you were all well the 16th October. I am under many obligations to good Mrs. Stevenson and Mrs. Hewson her daughter, for the favourable impressions they have endeavoured to make on him in my behalf by their several letters to him, during the time he was in Ireland and Scotland. Besides, I shall ever honor and esteem the good old Lady for the kind and friendly reception she gave me on my coming first to England: had I been her son, she could not have received me with more cordiality, or treated me with more kindness. I must now say something to you about her grandson, who is a great favorite with us all; I often nurse him, and entertain him as I used to entertain Ben; and I really think the lower part of his face something like Ben’s: It is not difficult, when I have him on my knee, to imagine I have got Ben, for he is a fine, lusty, lively fellow, and seems very fond of me. At Preston one of my sisters took my profile, which was hung up in the parlour: several of my friends coming in were asked whom they thought it like, one and all agreed it was like my father, and was generally thought to be intended for his: this circumstance confirms your opinion of my being like him, and is not a little pleasing to me, for I should be glad to be like him in any respect.

My mother and sisters desire to be affectionately remembered to you; they really love you as does, dear Madam, your dutiful and affectionate son and very humble servant
Richd Bache.
 Addressed: To Mrs. Franklin / Philadelphia.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, 6 December 1771: résumé
From: Pringle, Sir John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Friday, December 6, [1771], a note in the third person. Requests Franklin’s company at dinner next Sunday to meet Mlle. Biheron and Dr. Ingenhousz before the latter’s departure.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bollan, 7 December 1771
From: Bollan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Southamptn. street Saturday, Dec. 7th. [1771]
Mr. Bollan presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires to see him this afternoon about five, if convenient, upon a matter which chiefly relates to himself, and will not admit of much delay.
 Addressed: For / Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 10 December 1771
From: Shipley, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Twyford Dec: 10th. [1771]
Taking it for granted, that You are at last returnd from your Travels and settled in Craven Street, I can not help reminding You in the name of Mrs. Shipley and my Girls, as well as my own, of the Hopes You flatter’d us with; that You would spend your Christmas at Twyford. I can promise You the same Ease and Liberty, the same hearty Welcome, and every thing but the same fine Weather, which You met here before. We should have made interest with You before now for a little more of your Company, which all of Us I assure You, know how to value, if We had not been almost constantly engagd in Parties abroad, or with Company at home. Next Friday We go to Mr. Wilmot’s at Farnborough Place and return the Tuesday following. His House stands close by the Road, six Miles on this side Bagshot, and is well known to the Postillions. If You could set out for Twyford on that day, We should have the pleasure of accompanying You the greatest part of your Journey. If You write on Wednesday I shall recieve your Letter here on Thursday; if afterwards I beg You will direct to me at H. Wilmots Esq. at Farnborough Place near Bagshot Surry. I have nothing to add but the kind Compliments of the Family and our hearty Wishes that no Philosophical or American Business may oblige You to write that You can not come. I am, Dear Sir, with the greatest Esteem, Your obligd and affectionate humble Servant
J. St. Asaph


Title: Action of the New Jersey House, Council, and Governor Appointing Benjamin Franklin as Agent, 11–20 December 1771
From: Smith, Richard,Pettit, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hillsborough, as mentioned before, was insisting that colonial agents be appointed by the governor and both houses of the legislature. On this basis he had denied Franklin’s credentials from Massachusetts in January, and in June had forbidden the Governor of New Jersey to assent to any support bill that asserted the Assembly’s sole right to appoint an agent. William Franklin privately deplored this challenge, which would jeopardize the salaries of all public officials by plunging him into a squabble with the Assembly. Publicly he promised to do his best, but pointed out that the lower house had long exercised the right of appointment in New Jersey and most of the other colonies. Assemblymen assured him that he had no chance of persuading them to delete the offending clause; yet somehow, by working behind the scenes, he managed to do it. In December he reported his success to Whitehall in a tone of some surprise: a support bill had been passed in acceptable form. All that remained was to appoint an agent in the same form, which was done in the resolutions below. In his agency for New Jersey, Benjamin Franklin’s position was now above reproach.

New Jersey. House of Representatives, Wednesday Dec. 11th. 1771.
Resolved That Doctor Benjamin Franklin be, and he is hereby appointed, Agent of this Colony.
A true Extract from the Votes,
Richd. Smith Clerk of Assembly.

  New Jersey Council Chamber, Wednesday December 11th. 1771.
The House taking into Consideration the Necessity of having an Agent for this Colony in Great Britain,
Resolved That Doctor Benjamin Franklin be, and he is hereby appointed Agent for transacting the Affairs of this Colony in Great Britain.
A true Extract from the Votes.
Cha. Pettit,  D Clk of the Council

New Jersey At a Council held at Burlington on Friday December 20th. 1771.

  Present

    His Excellency the Governor
    James Parker Esqr.

  Charles Read Esqr.
  Stephen Skinner Esqr.

  John Stevens Esqr.
  Daniel Coxe Esqr.

  Samuel Smith Esqr.
    John Lawrence Esqr.

The Resolves of the Council, and House of Assembly of the 11th. Instant, appointing Doctr. Benjamin Franklin Agent for this Colony, being laid before the Board, His Excellency, with the Advice of the Council, was pleased to give his Concurrence to the said Resolves.
A true Copy from the Minutes of the Privy Council.
Cha. Pettit D Clk of the Council


Title: Deed to Benjamin Franklin from Samuel and Hannah Parker, 13 December 1771: résumé
From: Parker, Samuel,Parker, Hannah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<December 13, 1771. In 1741 Christopher and Mary Thompson deeded to Franklin a lot, with the reservation of an annual ground rent of £3 17s. In 1759 Thompson bequeathed his real property to his daughter Sarah, wife of Alexander Parker, and upon her death to her four children in equal shares. In January, 1771, the four divided the real estate among themselves by quadripartite indenture, whereby the ground rent on the Franklin lot came to Samuel Parker, brass-founder. He and his wife Hannah, in return for a payment from Franklin of £64 3s. 4d. in Pennsylvania money, now discharge him and his heirs and assigns from all future ground rent. Signed by Samuel and Hannah Parker and witnessed by Matthew and Mary Clarkson. Followed by Samuel Parker’s receipt for the payment from Franklin, and separate acknowledgments of the deed by him and his wife before Matthew Clarkson, justice of the peace. Recorded March 10, 1812. >


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Grace Williams, 13 December 1771
From: Williams, Grace
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honered and Dear Sir
Boston Decer 13 1771
I had the Pleasuer of your favor with my son Blesed be God we Reeved him in good Helth and I hope Uncurrupted in his Morrals. In this my Prayers is answerd. I am obligd to his Frinds that advisd his Return tho he mant never Git a East India fortune he may do verry well and In my oppnion Great Richees never made the Poeseser a greater Wiser nor Haper man he Seams to Enter into Bussiness with the Gratest Dilegence and Cherfulness tho the town is ful of goods he hath no reason as yet to be discouragd. I Shall take Pleasure in asisting him all in my Power and I doubt not with Gods Blesing but he will be abele to do justes to his Crideters.
Sir knowing you was allways fond of Fish I have Sent you by Capt. Acworth two half Barrells of Cod Sounds and Toungs wich I beg your acceptance as a Small token of my Grattitude for the Great kindness you were Pleast to treat my Sons. I must Still beg you to Continue your Perternal care of that helpless Unfortunate youth my Dear Son Josiah I know it was best for him to Stay til he had accomplished the Design of his going but knowen his helpless Situation I cannot but be thoughtful and concernd for him tho I know he is in the Care of Such worthy Frinds wich will do all in thear Power for him.
I am very Hapey to hear that his Boy is of the Franklins lyne, I flatter my Self he will be teacheable and Honeast and fathful to his Master if So he will never want a frind at least while I live. The Toyngs and Sounds must be Seockt [soaked] in warm water about one Houre then Peal of the black Skin Shift the water and Boyl them abought as Long as tha Wold Boyl an Egg Eat them with Melted Buter. I have the Honer to Subcrib my Self your Duteful Neas
G Williams
Aunt Mecm was hear yesterday and Sends her love to you and Mrs. Stvenson.
Benjaman Frnklin Esqr
 Addressed: To / Doctr Benjamin Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson Cravenstreet / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [13 December? 1771]
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir
[December 13?, 1771]
The Bearer hereof Mr. John Milliquet, is my esteemed Friend and Intimate, and being particularly acquainted with Josiah, he will be happy to see him in London. Therefore hope you will pardon the Liberty I take of introducing him to You.
Any Civilities shewn him will be esteemed a great Addition to the Obligation I am already under. I am Your dutifull and Affectionate Kinsman
J Williams JUNR
To Benja Franklin Esq
 Addressed: To / Doct Benja Franklin / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 14 December 1771
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

London, Dec. 14. 1771.
Hearing that your Lordship had called in Cravenstreet during my Absence, I went next Day to your House hoping to find the Family there, but was mortified with the Information of your being still at Twyford. I should have thank’d you before for your kind Letters in my favour to the Primate and Mr. Jackson. The Primate was at Armagh, and did not come to Dublin ’till just as I was leaving it. He was however exceedingly polite, and condescended to honour me with his particular Notice in the House of Lords and at the Lord Lieutenant’s; but I could not accept his hospitable Invitations, being fully engag’d for the little time I had to stay, and my Fellow-traveller impatient to be gone on Account of pressing Business. In my Life I never saw People more earnestly desirous of obliging a Stranger, or more anxiously intent on showing Respect to a Recommendation, than the Jacksons and their Brother (a worthy Man) Mr. Philips. Yet I could but once afford myself the Pleasure of Dining with that agreable Family, being entangled with numerous Engagements in Town, and they live in the Country about 7 Miles from Dublin. It is a handsome Seat, the Gardens and Fields belonging to the House very beautiful, as well as the surrounding Prospects. The House is well built, copied, one would think, from yours at Twyford, so similar is the Disposition of the Rooms, Stairs, Chimneys, &c. I will tell you more Particulars when I am happy in being with you, which is not likely to happen so soon as I wish’d and you kindly propose; for having been absent twice as long as I intended, I find my Business so accumulated, and such Heaps of Letters to answer, that it will be scarce possible for me, with the greatest Diligence to get through before the Meeting of Parliament. Be so good as to accept my best Wishes of every kind of Felicity to you and yours, and believe me ever, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obliged humble Servant,
B Franklin

I had the Pleasure of hearing an exceeding good Character of your Lordship Mrs. Shipley, and the younger Ladies, from an old Man and Woman that keep your House at St. Asaph.
Please to present my Respects to Mr. Wilmot.

Lord Bp. of St. Asaph.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, 16 December 1771: résumé
From: Pringle, Sir John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<December 16, [1771], a note in the third person. Requests the company of Franklin and Mr. “Beech” at dinner next Wednesday at half past three. >


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 21 December 1771
From: New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Burlington Decemr. 21st. 1771.
Your Letter of the 12th Feby has been received and laid before the House of Assembly who were of Opinion it would be proper not to push the farther Consideration of the Septennial Act until you see a favourable Opportunity to get it allowed. Respecting this Law as well as others that may hereafter come under Consideration of his Majestys Ministers we must Confide entirely in you as to the time most proper to sollicit a Confirmation of them, and make no doubt of your Exerting your Abilities and influence to bring them to a favourable determination and as Speedily as may be.

His Majesty having thought proper to Disallow the Act to erect Courts for the trial of Causes of Ten pounds and under, the Prosecution of Suits for the recovery of Debts were become so various that it necessarially became an Object of the attention of the Legislature; and when it was considered, that to Six pounds the mode of recovery was before Single Magistrates, from that Sum to Ten pounds a tedious and Expensive Mode by the Practice of Common Law from ten pounds to Fifty another Mode, and from thence by the Old and usual manner of recovery. The Assembly endeavour’d to remidy this, by bringing the determination of Causes, from Six to Ten pounds before the Justices in the County Court in a Short speedy and less expensive way which They hope will have the Effect designd, and be a Plan of making a Law more consonant to the Constitution upon the Expiration of the Six pounds Law than perhaps that or the Fifty pound Law are. By this Law the house apprehend that the Objections made against the late £10 Law, will be removed as they all rested on the first objection—To wit, The Erecting New Courts which by being Vested in a single Magistrate with power to hold them as often as he thought proper, was Dangerous as well as unconstitutional. And thereupon[?] most of the Objections Assigned by Mr. Jackson were founded. This Induced the House to fall upon a mode by which His and every reasonable Objection might be removed. Providing therefore against the first, by bringing Causes of Six pounds and under Ten, before known and Constitutional Courts, only, Rendering the Practice simple Cheap and Expeditious, they hope will obviate his first Objection, and every other drawn from it, and Induce his Majestys Ministers to approve of their Conduct and Advise the Confirmation of a Law so Salutary and necessary, or Permit it to Continue during its Limitation. When you consider the Objections made by Mr. Jackson the Expensive manner of recovering such small Debts, which this Law provides against; as well as the Intentions of the Legislature in passing it, your better Judgement will suggest to you Every argument in support of the Intentions and wishes of the House, and hope Mr. Jackson will, when he has this Law under his Consideration, be induced to give it a favourable report. The Law to enable persons not Naturalized to hold Lands &c. we dont find has met with his Majestys Approbation, and as you are Silent about it we beg you will use your endeavours to have it passed. It is similar to One of New York to which the Royal Assent has been given, and Therefore we hope that the Royal favour will be extended also to those of his Subjects in this Colony that are in the same situation; many of them in the reign of Queen Ann settled in this Country during the War with France from the Palatine and being Ignorant of the Laws of England neglected to procure a Naturalization, and having acquired Estates: the same have descended to their Children, and have been Sold to Denizens who having never enquired wether such foreigners were Naturalized are in danger of loosing their Purchases. These reasons Induced the Assembly to pass the Law and they hope his Majesty will approve whenever the Equitable motives of the Legislature are Laid before him. We desire you will endeavour it and enforce your Application by Every Argument your good Judgment will suggest. As to the Fifty pounds Law we are of Opinion that if his Majestys Ministers do not take it up, it will be best not to push it, but let it sleep in peace if possible.
We with pleasure inform you that the differences that have some time Subsisted between the House and Government touching the Subsistance of the Troops lately Quartered in the Colony, have been at this Session happily Settled. The Assembly have paid the Quartering of the Troops and as they are removed we hope all occasion of dispute on this Head will be removed for the future.

At the same time that we apologize for not writing to you for so long a time occasion’d by our distance from one another we are directed to return you the thanks of the House as well for your attention to the Concerns of the Colony as for your present to the House of the Senators Remembrancer. We are, Sir with respect and Esteem Your most humble Servants
Cortd: SkinnerAaron LeamingAbrm. Hewlings

Be pleased to Direct to C. Skinner or Jos. Smith. Thy Respectful Friend Jos Smith
As soon as the Votes and Laws are printed they shall be duly forwarded.

Doctr. Franklin