Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 8 September 1776
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Kensington Sepr. 8. 1776
As I was yesterday informed that my letter of thursday was not then gone I sit down now to make a little addition, fancying that I have not said all I have to say, for I wrote in haste. I think I gave you my family history pretty fully, as to public concerns, I know nothing, nor should I write of them to you if I knew anything, so I will give you some account of some friends of whom you may not hear by other means; tho’ as my mother has written you a long letter she probably has given you all the intelligence that I shall.
Dolly is now upon a tour in Wales with Mrs. Scott, who (if I may say it) is a warm friend of the Americans; she declares were she a man she would go to America, to serve the country and exalt her character. I hope this jaunt will be of service to Dolly by amusing her mind which was much depressed by her long and close attendance upon her dying sister; and the unexpected distribution of her fortune almost overset her, for Mrs. C. B. left all to her except £100 to each of her brothers and £300 to one of her nieces who was her god-daughter. Mrs. Hawkesworth and I with some difficulty prevailed on Dolly not to give up the fortune her sister bequeathed her; she really was hardly in her senses for some time after her sister’s death.

The W[ilkses] are in the same situation in which you left them, if one can call that the same which must have been every day growing worse; however they are still in the House in Yorkbuildings–upon recollection, I believe you were gone before they came to it. Poor woman! She supports her spirits amazingly, and he is not more gloomy than he used to be. Some of her friends have proposed her keeping a boarding house in London; others have proposed her setting up a school at Durham where they say a good one is wanted. He is inclined to the London scheme; she would like the other better, and in my opinion it is most eligible, but no step is yet taken for either. Fanny is much improved, and may be called a fine young woman.
When I mentioned Dolly’s accession of fortune I forgot to tell you one instance of kindness it has enabled her to perform. She lent £50 to James Pearce with which he has furnished his house so as to let it in lodgings which will make him stand rent free at least. Do you not think Mrs. C B’s fortune is in good hands, and better disposed than if it had been parcelled out in shares to her brothers? The Pearces have a little girl, they are very industrious, and I believe succeed very well at Richmond.
I sold my aunt’s goods and moved out of Church Lane last spring, and have now a house in the Square at 30 guineas a year, the other was forty, so I save something, and have nearly the same accommodation. I have taken the house but for one year, and I hope before that term expires my affairs will be so settled that I may fix upon some other spot to sit down in with my little folks where I can bring them up in the manner I like and give them an education that shall be of future advantage to them. Mr. Elphinston has given up his school, but he continues his house, which he means to let out in apartments, and has just published A finishing plan of education, which is a proposal for taking pupils at 100 guineas a year. Mr. Williams perhaps you may have heard has opened a chapple in Margarette Street Cavendish Square. I have not yet been there, but I intend to satisfy my curiosity some day.
My letters are a kind of private newspaper, I give the articles just as they happen to occur without regard to order or connection. I fancy this kind will be most pleasing to you, as it will not require an answer, and will make you feel somewhat like having your English friends about you.
If the Congress and the Ministry will agree you shall have some of those friends really with you; but we must wait on this side the water till those mighty powers determine our lot.
As I do not chuse my labour should be lost I send you with this the letter I wrote you last year, it may divert you to read it when you have nothing else to do.
My mother came hither last night, she is just now gone to bed and desired me to give her love to you, wishing you a good night. I hope you will be able to recollect how you slept on the 8th of Sepr. Tho’ I fancy there is no night on which her good wishes do not rise for you. In those good wishes she is most heartily joined by your faithful and affectionate
Mary Hewson


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 10 September 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear Grandson,
Brunswick, Sept. 10. 1776
It is possible that a Line from Lord Howe may be left for me at your good Mother’s, as I have appointed to be there to morrow Morning, in order to meet a Notice from his Lordship relating to the Time and Place of a proposed Interview. If it should come there to night, or very early in the Morning I could wish you would set out with it on horseback so as to meet us on the Road not far from hence, that if NYork should be the Place, we may not go so far out of our way as Amboy would be. Besides I should be glad to see you. My Love to your Mother. Mr. Adams and Mr. Rutledge are with me. If Amboy or the House opposite to it on Staten Island is to be the Place of Meeting, we shall want private Lodgings there. I am as ever, Your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin

If no Letter is come to your House enquire at Headquarters if any for me is come there: but do not mention from whom, or the Occasion.
Master W. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, 10 September 1776
From: Howe, Rear Adm. Richard, Viscount
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Eagle off Bedlows Island Sepr. 10: 1776.
Lord Howe presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and according to the tenor of his favour of the 8th. will attend to have the pleasure of meeting him and Messrs. Adams and Rutledge tomorrow morning at the house on Staten Island opposite to Amboy, as early as the few conveniencies for travelling by land on Staten Island will admit. Lord Howe upon his arrival at the place appointed, will send a boat (if he can procure it in time) with a flag of truce over to Amboy. And requests the Dr. and the other gentlemen will postpone their intended favour of passing over to meet him untill they are informed as above of his arrival to attend them there.
In case the weather should prove unfavourable for Lord Howe to pass in his boat to Staten Island tomorrow as from the present appearance there is some reason to suspect, he will take the next earliest opportunity that offers for that purpose. In this intention he may be farther retarded, having been an invalid lately; but will certainly give the most timely notice of that inability. He however flatters himself he shall not have occasion to make farther excuses on that account.


Title: The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 17 September 1776
From: Committee of Conference
To: Congress

The committee returned to Philadelphia on the morning of September 13. On the same day it gave an oral report to Congress, and was asked for a written one as soon as possible. The latter was presented on the 17th, and the same committee was ordered to publish it with other documents relating to the negotiations. The report needs no annotation of its substance; the background of the meeting is discussed in earlier headnotes, and the most complete account of what took place is above, September 11, 1776.

Sept 17. [1776]
In Obedience to the order of Congress we have had a meeting with Lord Howe. It was on Wednesday last upon Staten island opposite to Amboy where his lordship received and entertained us with the utmost politeness.
His Lordship opened the Conversation by acquainting us that though he could not treat with us as a committee of Congress yet as his powers enabled him to confer and consult with any private gentlemen of influence in the colonies on the means of restoring peace between the two countries he was glad of this opportunity of conferring with us on that subject, if we thought ourselves at liberty to enter into a conference with him in that character.

We observed to his lordship that as our business was to hear he might consider us in what light he pleased and communicate to us any propositions he might be authorised to make for the purpose mentioned; but that we could consider ourselves in no other character than that in which we were placed by the order of Congress.
His lordship then entered into a discourse of considerable length which contained no explicit proposition of peace except one viz. That the colonies should return to their allegiance and obedience to the government of great Britain. The rest consisted principally of assurances that there was an exceeding good disposition in the King and his ministers to make that government easy to us, with intimations that in case of our submission, they would cause the offensive acts of parliament to be revised and the instructions to Governors to be reconsidered, that so if any just causes of complaint were found in the acts or any errors in government were perceived to have crept into the instructions they might be amended or withdrawn.
We gave it as our opinion to his lordship that a return to the domination of great Britain was not now to be expected. We mentioned the repeated humble petitions of the colonies to the King and parliament, which had been treated with contempt and answered only by additional injuries, the unexampled patience we had shewn under their tyrannical government and that it was not till the last act of parliament, which denounced war against us and put us out of the King’s protection that we declared our independance. That this declaration had been called for by the people of the colonies in general; that every colony had approved of it when made and all now considered themselves as independant states and were settling or had settled their governments accordingly, so that it was not in the power of Congress to agree for them that they should return to their former dependant state. That there was no doubt of their inclination to peace and their willingness to enter into a treaty with Britain, that might be advantageous to both countries. That though his lordship had at present no power to treat with them as independant states, he might, if there was the same good disposition in Britain, much sooner obtain fresh powers from thence for that purpose than powers could be obtained by Congress from the several colonies to consent to a submission. His lordship then saying that he was sorry to find that no accommodation was like to take place put an end to the conference.
Upon the whole it did not appear to your committee, that his lordship’s commission contained any other authority of importance than what is expressed in the act of parliament, viz. that of granting pardons with such exceptions as the commissioners shall think proper to make and of declaring America or any part of it to be in the King’s peace upon submission. For as to the power of enquiring into the state of America, which his lordship mentioned to us and of conferring and consulting with any persons the commissioners might think proper and representing the result of such conversations to the Ministry, who, provided the colonies would subject themselves, might after all, or might not, at their pleasure, make any alterations in the former instructions to governors or propose in parliament any amendments of the acts complained of, we apprehended any expectation from the effect of such a power would have been too uncertain and precarious to be relyed on by America, had she still continued in her state of dependance.
Ordered that the above be published.
  Extract from the minutes.Chas Thomson secy.
    By order of CongressJohn Hancock Presidt.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 17 September 1776
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Boston N.E 17 Septr 1776.
I cannot forbear expressing to you the Pleasure I receivd from hearing you were appointed by Congress with others to confer with Lord and Genl. Howe. The Subject of this Conference we do not as yet certainly know, but suppose it was desird on their Part for something more than settling an Exchange of Prisoners. I am not sorry our Enemies appear so eager for Negotiating. It looks as if they were not quite certain of their first grand Object, the Subduing us by Arms; and must give us Spirits. I suspect their Accounts from Europe are not the most favorable, and that France has made some Motion that alarms Britain. I doubt not however, we shall be cautious of their Designs, and that you will shew the World we have Negotiators as well as Soldiers. I can most chearfully trust the important Affairs of America at this critical Season in such Hands. We have Nothing new here except Captures from the British Trade, which are likely to increase. Our own Navigation is almost wholly turn’d into Privateering, so that their Cruizers can take little or Nothing from us but empty Hulls, while their Ships come fast to us richly laden’d. It is regretted among us that the American Fleet is not in greater Forwardness. We have two fine Frigates built at Newbury and Portsmouth, but after so long a Time, not yet ready to put to Sea: Many are the more uneasy at this, as two Frigates of the Enemy have had the undisturb’d Range of our Bay for five or six Weeks past, retaken some valuable Prizes; and greatly prevented the Coasters from coming in with Supplies to this Town. Whether there be any Fault in this or where it lies, I am unable to determine. I expect Mr. Austin, a worthy Gentleman, and Select Man of this Town will call for this Letter, and deliver it to you. I am Sir, With very great Esteem and Affection, Your obedient humble Servant
Sam Cooper

[In the margin:] I wrote an Answer to your’s enclosing your Correspondence with L. Howe immediately after receiving it.
Dr. Franklin.

Addressed: To / The Honorable / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. L.L.D. F.R.S. / Member of the American Congress / Philadelphia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Hubbart Partridge, 17 September 1776
From: Partridge, Elizabeth Hubbart
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Ever Honoured Uncle
Boston Septr: 17 1776
Would my Vanity permitt me to think, my long Silence Requier’d an Apology, I might justly Plead ill Health, and want of Spirets, (not want of affection) has deprived me of the Honor and Pleasure, of writing to you before this Time, but I now take up my Pen, to beg the Favour of your kind assistance to the two Gentlemen Messrs: Austen, and Barrett, they are Our Friends, and come with this, on Bussiness to the Congress in which We are Interested; Viz. when Genl: How left this Town, he took a large Quantity of Goods, from Us and others; which was taken from him, on their Passage to Hallifax, by some of the Arm’d Vessels belonging to the United States; an Carri’d into Portsmouth where they ware Libeled, Tryed, and Acquited, but the Capturs have Appealed to Congress. The Gentlemen will Acquant you with the perticulars, and if you can Render them any Servis in this affair, it will be Greatfully Acknowledged by Us.
Pleas to present Our affectionate Regards to Aunt Mecome, to Mr. and Mrs. Beach, and their Little ones, to Our good Friends Mr. and Mrs. Green if they are still with you, and Our Sincere Congratulations if they have got well through the Small Pox.
Mr. Partridge and Our Daughter joyn in Duty to you. May Heaven Smile on your Endeavours to Save your Country from Ruin, and that Every Blessing here and hear after may be your Reward is the Ardent Prayer of Your affectionate Neice
Eliza Partridge


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from N[icholas] Barker, 18 September 1776
From: Barker, Nicholas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Rotterdam the 18th. of Septr. 1776
I take the liberty to recommend the bearer of this letter Mr. Chas. Fred. Bedaulx a Swiss gentleman who was Lieutenant of Grenadiers in the service of this country, to your notice as an officer of merit. He could have found employment in the Royal Army, but this being inconsistent with his principles, he rather chose to hazard a voyage at his own expence to the Continent of America, in hopes an Opportunity may be given him to use his sword in the cause of Liberty. Born in a country where this Blessing is religiously maintained, he knows how to value it and seems determined not to serve in any Army of Oppressors. I, tho’ an Englishman, cannot but applaud his ardour and wish him success.
I hope, Sir, you will pardon the liberty I take. You will not, I believe, recollect my Name, but I beg leave to put you in mind that I had the honour to dine with you and Sir John Pringle, some years ago at the house of Mr. Davidson, whose partner I am.
My little, tho’ best endeavours have been used to inspire my country-men with a better sense of Justice and their own Interest. Unknown to any gentleman in America, my pen has been employed, so far as my other occupations would permit, in the cause of Civil Liberty and against the violent measures of our ministry, while I thought it was not yet too late for reconciliation. It was all I could do at this distance. Others have reasoned on this Subject in a very Masterly manner, but all in vain. The same measures were still pursued. A Separation, the natural result, has taken place, and the curse denounced, is fallen on our own guilty heads! I have the honour to be, with great veneration, Sir Your most humble and Most obedient Servant
N: Barker
The Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notations: W. Barker  18. Sept. 1776.  M. Bedaulx


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 19 September 1776
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored Sir
Sept. 19. 1776.
I am happy to convey to you two Letters which I think must give you pleasure because they come from your old Friends. I wish I could convey to you as many more as (if it was thought they would arrive safe) your other Friends wish to write. I know of no material alteration among them, all I have lately seen are well. The good Bishop with his amiable Family are gone into Wales. Mr. A. with his lovely Daughters are in France, I believe I have before told you he was liberated tho’ the affairs are not yet brought to a Conclusion, but he seems very confident that they will at last happily terminate. Mrs. DB is journeying about the Country for her amusement with a party consisting wholly of Ladies, they set off upon an unconfined plan or rather no plan at all, for they go to one place without determining how long to stay or where to go next ’till they arrive there, and then they follow their Inclinations and Convenience according as Circumstances happen.
I am in the same Situation but am just upon the Eve of entering into a considerable Scene of Business, which as yet seems to promise well.
I have had several Letters from your French Translator, he seems in good Spirits and speaks of you with great affection.
The Son of your philosophic Friend whose House we were at in Wanstead, is about publishing an Edition of your political Works, it is under the Inspection of two Gentlemen of your intimate acquaintance who will take Care that nothing shall appear that you can object to. I have added your albany plan with Reasons and Motives to the Collection, which I found among the provincial papers, and consulted the Bishop and several other of your Friends upon the Occasion, who unanimously were of Opinion that you would not be displeased with me for it. Your Reputation is the only Object with any of us, so we hope that it will meet with your approbation.
I beg Sir that you will take the earliest Opportunity of informing my Friends about me, and if it be possible favour me with a Letter and some account of them. I am as ever with the greatest Respect most affectionately Yours &c.
This and the other Letters comes under Cover to Mr Bache.

Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Philadelphia


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 21 September[– 1 October 1776]
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Bingham, William

Sir
Philadelphia September 21st [-October 1] 1776
Your several letters of the 4th. 15th. and 26th August to this Committee have been duely received with the several enclosures and the whole have been laid before the Congress. We can therefore communicate that satisfaction which we dare say it must afford you to know that you have so far obtained the approbation of that August Body. It is not necessary that we should enter into minute replys to the Contents of your letters, therefore we shall only notice such parts as seem to require it.
Captain Wickes behaviour meets the approbation of his country and fortune seems to have had an Eye to his merit when she conducted his three prizes safely in. You made a very proper use of his engagement, by your question to the General and it is extreamly satisfactory, that our prizes may be carried into and protected in the French ports, but hitherto the Congress have not thought proper to intrust blank Commissions beyond Seas. Neither can their Resolve for bringing prizes into some of these States for Condemnation be dispensed with; these matters are now under consideration of a Committee and should any alteration take place you shall be informed of it. We are bound to return thanks to his Excellency the General for the information he authorized you to give us as mentioned in your letter of the 4th and particularly for his disposition to Favour our Commerce in Port and protect it at sea and likewise for that concern he expressed at not having it in his power to assist us with the Arms and Powder we requested. You will therefore signify to His Excellency that this Committee entertain the warmest sentiments of esteem and respect for his person and character, and of gratitude for His Favourable attention to the concerns of our much injured Country, that we request the continuance of his Friendship and hope during your residence at Martinico there will be many opportunities of benefiting by His Favourable disposition, particularly in countenancing you in the purchase and exportation of Arms, ammunition and Clothing.
We are not surprized that Admiral Young’s letter shou’d alter the Generals sentiments respecting Convoys, but we esteem much his spirited answer to the Admiral which may probably be productive of some alteration. We like well your proposal for a Constant intercourse by Packets, and the Sloop Independance Capt. Young is now sent on that service in which we hope she will be successfull and continue. More of the like kind shall follow and probably this may be found the best method of supporting our intercourse with Europe, and as these Vessels are properly Commissioned we cannot see any impropriety in fitting out Tenders with Coppies of their Commissions provided the Commanding officer of those Tenders are really officers belonging to the Vessel whose Commissions they bear, but the prizes must be sent to America for condemnation (unless the Cargoes are perishable) and in such case if properly certifyed it might be best to make sale of them.
We thank you for Mr. Prices Pamphlet and wish you woud write to Mr. Deane and Mr. Morris to contrive you a Constant and ample Supply of the English, Irish, and French Newspapers Political publications &c. We send you by this opportunity the Journals of Congress as far as published and the News Papers to this time. We received the Arms and Powder by the Reprisal they came seasonably, and we wish there had been more of them. The Secret Committee will supply you with Funds for the payments for these and more.
Since the arrival of Ld: Howe and Gen: Howe in the Neighbourhood of New York with their Forces, they have been rather too Strong for our people to cope with, and consequently have succeeded in their interprizes, which however have not been of that importance that they will probably [seem?] to the World. They have been ten or twelve weeks with a powerfull Fleet and a [i.e., are] well provided and appointed with every thing necessary and what have they done? They have got possession of three small Islands on the Coast of America, these were hardly disputed with them and yet if every Acre of American teritory is to cost them in the same proportion the Conquest woud ruin all Europe. Our Army are now collected to a point and are strongly entrenched on New York Island and at Kingsbridge, so that in fact Mr. Howe is hemmed in as he was at Boston, except that he has more Elbow Room and a powerfull Fleet commanding an extensive Inland Navigation. Our Northern Army are Strongly posted at Tyconderago and expect they will be able to keep Mr. Burgoyne from crossing the Lakes this Campaigne.
We are worse off for Woolen Cloathing for our Army than any other matter, and you must exert your utmost industry to buy and send us every thing of that kind you can meet with in Martinico or any of the Neighbouring Islands. We have gone into this detail of our present situation that you may have a just Idea of it and be able to make proper representations to the General and inhabitants of Martinico.
We recommended the French officers that came with Captain Wickes to Congress, and the board of War have provided for them to their Satisfaction, on this subject your remarks have been very proper. Officers unacquainted with our Language cannot be Usefull, therefore we do not wish to encourage such to come amongst us, at the same time Men of Merit and abilities will always meet with suitable encouragement. You must therefore pursue the line you set out in, give general discouragement to those that apply and recommend none but such as the General will pledge his word for, and you May even intimate to him that if too many come over the Congress will not know what to do with them.
We are now at the 1st of October and have heard from Mr. Deane after his arrival at Bourdeaux, his last letter is dated the 23d June when he was just setting out for Paris. We have later than his. In consequence of which we desire you to enquire of the General and Governor whither they have received any Arms or ammunition from Monsr. Hortalez with directions to deliver the same to any person properly authorized by Congress to receive them. If they have we hereby authorize you to receive the same giving you receipts on behalf of the United States of America. If none such are arrived, enquire if they have any advice of such and request they will make known to you when they do arrive.
We desire you to make the like application to the Governor of st. Eustatia, but proceed cautiously in this bussiness. We think you should go there yourself in a French Vessel or if that might be unsafe or make a noise, get Mr. Richard Harrison or some person in whose prudence you can confide. Let the first question be, whether His Excellency has received any advices from Monsr. Hortalez. If the answer be in the negative, tell him he will receive letters from such a person and that those advices have reference to you therefore request the Favour of being immediately made acquainted when they come to hand when you will wait on him or send a proper person in your stead. If the answer be in the affirmative then enquire if His Excellency has received any thing beside advice from Monsr. Hortalez and if he has, inform him you are empowered to receive the same from him agreeable to the directions sent with the Goods. We belive you had best proceed in the same cautious manner at Martinico and open no more of this bussiness than circumstances shall make absolutely necessary. We also enjoin you to the stricktest secrecy and herewith enclose you two seperate letters as your proper authority for receiving any goods or money Mr. Hortalez our Agent in Europe may Remit. It was intended that Capt. Young should deliver you this letter but as we have some important dispatches to send to Mr. Deane, we have concluded to send Mr. Wm. Hodge junr. the bearer hereof with the same in order that he may deliver them with his own hands. You’l please to shew Mr. Hodge proper attention and assist him to the utmost of your power in procuring him a passage immediately from Martinico to France in a good ship. If any Men of War or packet should be going, make application to the General to recommend Mr. Hodge to the Commander, also to the Governor or commander of the port where he goes to in France, to give him support and assistance from thence to Paris with the best dispatch. If Mr. Hodge should want money for his expences supply him and transmit us his Receipts for the same. You will serve your Country by forwarding Mr. Hodge without delay, but you need not mention to the General how urgent we are on this point unless you find it will promote his dispatch.
We learn from many quarters that a Fleet of twenty sail of the line are fitting out at Brest and Toulon. Shou’d they come out to the West Indies and be destined to commit Hostilities against the British Trade or Territorys, they have a fair opportunity to strike a Capital Stroke at New york where they have upwards of 400 Sail of Ships Guarded only by two Sixty four Gun Ships, two fiftys and Six Fortys the rest are all Frigates &c: Twenty Sail of the line wou’d take their whole Fleet with ease, and then we cou’d as easily manage their Army.
We had Ommitted above to desire that you should send back in the Sloop Independance Captain Young a proportion of the Arms, ammunition Money or other Stores you May receive either at Martinico or st. Eustatia from Monsr. Hortalez, taking bills of loading for the same, deliverable to us or our order and if the quantity you receive should be considerable you may send by Captain Young about the value of Three or four Thousand pounds Sterling observing that we want muskets and woolen Cloathing most immediately. We shall send more armed vessels after Capt. Young to bring away the Remainder of what you may receive or buy, and are, Sir Your Obedient humble Servants
B FranklinRobt Morris
William Bingham Esqr.

Notations: Committee of Secret Correspondence September 21 1776 No 4 / Committee of S C Septr 21st 1776


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 21 September 1776
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
Perth-Amboy Septr: 21st: 1776
I am very sorry to find, that my intended visit to my Father, does not meet with your approbation; and it likewise makes my Mother very uneasy; as she will not now be able to communicate the situation of her Family concerns, nor get that advice she is desirous of having, and without which she knows not how to act.
The method you mention of encloseing her Letters seal’d to Govr. Trumbull, she has tried with Col. Hamlen in her two last Letters, but has had no account of their being receiv’d, either open’d or unopened, tho’ there has been sufficient time for that purpose: she likewise knows not how to take the Liberty of encloseing a Letter to a Gentleman, with whom she is totally unacquainted, and who has not shewn any favour to her husband during his Imprisonment, but on the contrary, has rather been severe.
In my going, you might perhaps imagine, I should give such intelligence to my Father, as would not be thought proper for him to know, but I can assure you sir, that I am entirely ignorant of every thing relating to Publick Affairs, except the petty News, which is talk’d of by every body, and is in all the Publick Prints.
In my Fathers last Letter to my mother he leaves it to her, concerning my return to Philadelphia, while she continues in the same situation, that she is in now, and I believe she will keep me, unless she can hear from my Father, concerning her removal, as she will not be able to effect it without the assistance of Thomas; and as I mention’d before the Winter is approaching so fast, and the present troubles not likely to end, that there is no time to be lost.
Mr. Bache did not favour us with a call as he went along, but I suppose he will on his return.
My mother joins me in Duty to you and Aunt Mecome, and in desireing to be affectionately remember’d to Mrs. Bache and the Children. I am Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Grandson
W. T. Franklin

Addressed: To / Dr: Franklin / Philadelphia / per Post


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 22 September 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear Grandson,
Philada. Sept. 22. 1776
You are mistaken in imagining that I am apprehensive of your carrying dangerous Intelligence to your Father; for while he remains where he is, he could make no use of it were you to know and acquaint him with all that passes. You would have been more in the right if you could have suspected me of a little tender Concern for your Welfare, on Account of the Length of the Journey, your Youth and Inexperience, the Number of Sick returning on that Road with the Infectious Camp Distemper, which makes the Beds unsafe, together with the Loss of Time in your Studies, of which I fear you begin to grow tired. To send you on such a Journey merely to avoid the being oblig’d to Govr. Trumbull for so small a Favour as the forwarding a Letter, seems to me inconsistent with your Mothers usual Prudence. I rather think the Project takes its rise from your own Inclination to a Ramble, and Disinclination for Returning to College, join’d with a Desire I do not blame of seeing a Father you have so much Reason to love. They send to me from the Office for my Letter, so I cannot add more than to acquaint you, I shall by next post if desired send several Frank’d Covers directed to Govr. Trumbull, for Mrs. F. to use as she has occasion. I write to him in the first now sent, to introduce her Request. She may desire her Husband to send his Letters to her under Cover to me: It will make but 2 Days odds. The Family is well and join in Love to her and you. Your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin

Addressed: Free / To / Mr William Temple Franklin / at Mrs Franklin’s / Perth Amboy / B Free Franklin
Notation: B. Franklin Esqr to his Grand child. Philada Sepr. 22d 1776


Title: Patrick Anderson to the Pennsylvania Convention, 22 September 1776: résumé
From: Anderson, Patrick
To: Pennsylvania Convention

<Camp above Kingsbridge, September 22, 1776: My zeal for the cause, my difficulties, “our present shattered condition,” and the lack of orders from the convention or council of safety compel me to trouble you with the following account.
After our defeat on Long Island the command of the musketry battalion devolved on me. About 200 men remained fit for duty, but had lost most of their baggage and some of their arms and accoutrements. No field officers were left, and I applied for advice to Lieut. Col. Brodhead, who soon afterward told me that he had been ordered to annex my battalion to the rifle regiment, and had so informed you; I complied while awaiting your further instructions. “Want of Necessarys Sowered the men’s minds.” Shortage of rations and unpunctual pay have increased their discontent, and so many have deserted that scarcely eighty-three remain. They believe that, if captured, they will not be exchanged while any continental prisoners are still in enemy hands.
I have, with Col. Brodhead’s permission, sent Lieut. Lang after the deserters. I have confidence in him, and he can inform you fully of our situation. Capt. Dehuff will tell you more when he arrives. I will await your further orders and cheerfully obey them. If the battalion is to be recruited I will recommend several for promotion, of whose good behavior and courage on Long Island and elsewhere I have proof. Addressed to Franklin as president of the convention.>


Title: Sketch of Propositions for a Peace, [after 26 September 1776 and before 25 October 1776]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

This document, in an unidentified hand, was among the papers that Franklin left to his grandson and editor. When William Temple Franklin eventually published it, he gave two possible explanations of it. The first was that his grandfather thought it advisable to carry with him propositions for peace with Great Britain, and therefore drew up these and submitted them to the “secret committee,” presumably the committee of secret correspondence; Congress may or may not have acted upon them. The second was that the committee provided Franklin with these or similar proposals in case he were captured at sea. The first explanation, that he wrote them himself, is by far the more plausible. The idea of securing the United States by expanding its borders was consonant with his thinking, the offer of an annual subsidy to Great Britain for the next century was one that he had already suggested in another context, and the economic arguments advanced here are ones that might be expected of him; “He thinks,” furthermore, that his visiting England would be useful. These signs all suggest that the proposals were his, but if so he seems to have discarded them. No evidence has come to light that they were discussed in Congress, or that he took them with him on his voyage.

[After September 26 and before October 25, 1776.]
Sketch of Propositions for a peace 1776.
There shall be a perpetual peace between Great Britain and the United States of America on the following conditions.
Great Britain shall renounce and disclaim all pretence of right or authority to govern in any of the United States of America.
To prevent those occasions of misunderstanding which are apt to arise where the territories of different powers border on each other through the bad conduct of frontier inhabitants on both sides, Britain shall cede to the United states the provinces or Colonies of Quebec, St. John’s, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, East and West Florida, and the Bahama islands, with all their adjoining and intermediate territories now claimed by her.
In return for this Cession, the United States shall pay to Great Britain the sum of [blank in MS] Sterling in annual payments that is to say [blank] per annum for and during the term of [blank] years.
And shall moreover grant a free trade to all British subjects throughout the United States and the ceeded Colonies And shall guarantee to Great Britain the Possession of her islands in the West Indies.

Motives for proposing a peace at this time.
  1. The having such propositions in charge, will by the Law of nations be some protection to the Commissioners or Ambassadors if they should be taken.
  2. As the news of our declared independence will tend to unite in Britain all parties against us; so our offering peace with commerce and payments of money, will tend to divide them again. For peace is as necessary to them as to us: our commerce is wanted by their merchants and manufacturers, who will therefore incline to the accommodation, even though the monopoly is not continued, since it can be easily made appear their share of our growing trade, will soon be greater than the whole has been heretofore. Then for the landed interest, who wish an alleviation of taxes, it is demonstrable by figures that if we should agree to pay suppose ten millions in one hundred years, viz. £100,000 per annum for that term, it would being faithfully employed [as] a sinking fund more than pay off all their present national debt. It is besides a prevailing opinion in England, that they must in the nature of things sooner or later lose the Colonies, and may think they had better be without the government of them, so that the Proposition will on that account have more supporters and fewer opposers.
  3. As the having such propositions to make; or any powers to treat of peace, will furnish a pretence for BF’s going to England, where he has many friends and acquaintance, particularly among the best writers and ablest speakers in both Houses of Parliament, he thinks he shall be able when there if the terms are not accepted, to work up such a division of sentiments in the nation as greatly to weaken its exertions against the United States and lessen its credit in foreign countries.
  4. The knowledge of there being powers given to the Commissioners to treat with England, may have some effect in facilitating and expediting the proposed treaty with France.
  5. It is worth our while to offer such a sum for the countries to be ceded, since the vacant lands will in time sell for a great part of what we shall give, if not more; and if we are to obtain them by conquest, after perhaps a long war, they will probably cost us more than that sum. It is absolutely necessary for us to have them for our own security, and though the sum may seem large to the present generation, in less than half the term, it will be to the whole United States, a mere trifle.


Title: The Secret Committee to John Ross, 27 September 1776: résumé
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Ross, John

<Philadelphia, September 27, 1776: Several vessels bringing clothing have been captured. Please purchase on the best possible terms 10,000 striped blankets, 30,000 yards of blue and brown broadcloth at 3s. to 6s. the yard, 3,000 yards of different colors for facings at about 4s., and 1,000 pieces of Duffields or the equivalent at about 90s. Use either funds on hand or credit; we are buying rice, indigo, tobacco, etc., for immediate export, and the season will give us a fair opportunity of getting them to market, whereas enemy cruisers have hampered us this summer. Get the cloth wherever it can be most quickly procured, except in Great Britain or Ireland; if need be charter a foreign ship to carry it, and we will promptly return her loaded. If you cannot send directly to America, consign the goods to William Bingham at Martinique, Cornelius Stevenson at St. Eustatius, Isaac Gouverneur at Curaçao, or Stephen Ceronio at Cap François, with orders to forward them at once. Signed by Franklin, Robert Morris, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lewis, and Philip Livingston.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 28 September 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear Tempe
Philada. Sept. 28. 1776
I hope you will return hither immediately, and that your Mother will make no Objection to it, something offering here that will be much to your Advantage if you are not out of the Way. I am so hurried that I can only add Ever your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin
My Love to her.

Addressed: To / Mr William Temple Franklin / at Mrs Franklins / Perth Amboy / B Free Franklin
Notation: B. Franklin Esqr to his Grand child. Phila Sepr. 28th. 1776


Title: The Continental Congress: Letter of Credence to Franklin, Silas Deane, and Thomas Jefferson as Commissioners to France, [30 September 1776]
From: Continental Congress
To:

[September 30, 1776]
The Delegates of the united States of New-hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode-island, Connecticut, New-york, New-jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-carolina, South-carolina and Georgia to all who shall see these presents greeting.
Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most Christian Majesty the king of France and the people of these states will be beneficial to both nations, Know ye therefore that we confiding in the prudence and integrity of Benjamin Franklin one of the delegates in Congress from the state of Pensylvania and president of the Convention of the said state &c. Silas Deane late a delegate from the state of Connecticut, now in France, and Thomas Jefferson a delegate from the state of Virginia have appointed and deputed and by these presents do appoint and depute them the said Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Thomas Jefferson our Commissioners, giving and granting to them the said Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Thomas Jefferson or to any two of them and in case of the death, absence or disability of any two, to any one of them full power to communicate, treat, agree and conclude with his most Christian Majesty the king of France, or with such person or persons as shall by him be for that purpose authorised, of and upon a true and sincere friendship and a firm, inviolable and universal peace for the defence protection and safety of the navigation and mutual commerce of the subjects of his most Christian Majesty and the people of the united states, and to do all other things which may conduce to those desirable ends, and promising in good faith to ratify whatsoever our said commissioners shall transact in the premisses. Done in Congress at Philadelphia the thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and seventy six. In testimony whereof the president by order of the said Congress hath hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal.
John Hancock Presid’t
Attest Cha Thomson secy


Title: Vote of Thanks from Harvard College, 30 September 1776: résumé
From: Harvard College
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Sept. 30, [1776]: The President and Fellows vote their thanks to Franklin for the gift, transmitted by James Bowdoin, of Vattel’s Droit des gens, and ask Bowdoin to present him with a copy of their vote.>


Title: Report of Thomas Story to the Committee of Secret Correspondence and the Committee’s Memorandum upon It, [1 October 1776]
From: Story, Thomas
To: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas

[October 1, 1776]
“On my leaving London Arthur Lee Esqr. requested me to inform the Committee of Correspondence, that he had several conferences with the French Embassador who had communicated the same to the French Court, that in consequence thereof the Duke De Vergennes had sent a gentleman to Mr. Lee, [who informed] him that the French Court could not think of entering into a War with England, but that they would assist America by sending from Holland this Fall £200,000 Sterling worth of Arms and Ammunition to St. Eustatius, Martinico or Cape Francois, that application was to be made to the Governors or Commandants of those Places, by enquiring for Monsr. Hortalez and that on applying Persons properly authorised, the above articles would be delivered to them.”

Philada. October 1st. 1776. The above intelligence was Communicated to the Subscribers being the only two Members of the Committee of Secret Correspondence now in this City, and on considering the Nature and importance of it, We agree in opinion that it is our indispensable duty to keep it Secret, even from Congress for the following reasons.
First. Shou’d it get to the ears of our Enemies at New York they wou’d undoubtedly take measures to intercept the Supplies and thereby deprive us not only of these succours but of others expected by the same route.
Second. As the Court of France have taken Measures to Negotiate this loan and succour in the most cautious and Secret Manner, shou’d we divulge it immediately, we may not only loose the present benefit, but also render that Court Cautious of any further Connection with such unguarded People and prevent their granting other Loans and assistance that we stand in need of, and have directed Mr. Deane to ask of them, for it appears from all our Intelligence they are not disposed to Enter into an immediate War with Britain altho disposed to support us in our Contest with them, we therefore think it our duty to Cultivate their favourable disposition toward us, draw from them all the support we can and in the end their private Aid must assist us to establish Peace or inevitably draw them in as Parties to the War.
Third. We find by Fatal Experience the Congress Consists of too many Members to keep Secrets, as none cou’d be more strongly enjoined than the present Embassy to France, notwithstanding which Mr. Morris was this day asked by Mr. Reese Meredith whether Doctor Franklin and others were really going Ambassadors to France, which plainly proves, that this Committee ought to keep this Secret if Secrecy is required.
Fourthly We are also of opinion that it is unnecessary to inform Congress of this Intelligence at present because Mr. Morris belongs to all the Committees that can properly be employed in receiving and Importing the expected supplys from Martinico, St. Eustatia or Cape Francois and will immediately influence the necessary measures for that purpose. Indeed we have already authorized Wm. Bingham Esqr. to apply at Martinico and St. Eustatia for what comes there and remit part by the Armed Sloop Independance Capt. Young promising to send others for the rest. Mr. Morris will apply to the Marine Committee to send other armed Vessells after her and also to Cape Francois (without Communicating this advice) in Consequence private Intelligence lately recd that Arms, Ammunition and Cloathing can now be procured at those places.
But shou’d any unexpected misfortune befall the States of America so as to depress the spirits of the Congress, it is our opinion that on any event of that kind, Mr. Morris (if Doctr. Franklin shou’d be absent) shou’d communicate this Important matter to Congress. Otherwise keep it untill part of or the whole supplys arrive, unless other events happen to render the Communication of it more proper than it appears to be at this time.
B FranklinRobt Morris

Endorsements: Communicated to me the 11th October 1776 and I concur heartily in the measure.
Richard Henry Lee

Communicated to me the 10th of October 1776 and I do also sincerely approve of the Measure.
Wm Hooper


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 1 October 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Bingham, William

Sir
Philada. October 1st 1776
Having received advice that our Agent Monsr. Hortalez is dispatching Sundry Articles wanted for the Service of the United States of America to Martinico recommended to the care of his Excellency the General or the Governor and Intendant there, to be by them delivered to whoever Shall be properly authorized by Congress to receive the Same, We hereby request that you will make application for all Arms, ammunition Money cloathing or other Articles, that may arrive in Martinico with the above directions, and you are hereby empowered to receive and Grant Receipts for the Same on behalf of the United States of America, or to Sign Certificates or any other writing that may be required purporting the delivery thereof to you as Agent for the Congress. We are sir Your most humble Servants
B FranklinRobt Morris

Notation: C of Secret Correspondence October 1 177[6]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 1 October 1776
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
Warwick Octr the 1st 1776
You will be Glad to hear of our geting home Safe which we did Friday night being 9½ Days on our Journey 10 on the Rhode layd by one throw a Careless trick of Catharines but as Dont Choose to Leson her in your esteem Shall not tell the Particuliars. I wrote you from New Rochell after we had Past the troubled Waters which hope you have Receivd. After that had nothing Remarkable except at the Publick houses. Wonderful accounts from N. york Such as was Never there Supposd. We Come from Newhaven to Harford and then to Windham and then to Providence where we Deliverd our treasure Meeting with no other trouble with it then the Bulk and heft. We there heard of Celias haveing the Small Pox finely at Medfield and was expeckted to be out in a day or two. Calld upon a few friends and Came home where we was So Joyfully Receivd as was worth takeing the Journey for had we had no other Pleasure. They had all been Very Clever and Sayd there had been but one or two Disagreeable things had happend which Desird not to hear of. Comeing from your house at first I hardly knew whether to be Glad or Sorry you was not at home as the Parting from those we love is Sorrow, but when I Pleasd my Self with the Wish you had to Run away from hurry and Come to New England I was Sorry as I Wanted you to Strengthen the hope but not without you Could Pass the North River with great Safety and you Could be made Very Comfortable on the Rhode and then I Could wish you to take your Dear Sister with you whoes Heart is So Divided between So good a Brother and a Distrest Daugter that though She appears Chearfull is Very un happy and for fear of makeing her friends So keeps all to her Self. She is a Dear good Woman and in whatever would Contribute to her happines, Should do it Willingly. Our Best Regard to Mr. and Mrs. Beach Beney and Dear little Willy. All of you I long to feast with us on fine Peaches and Pares and Bakt Sweet apples all which we have in great Plenty. Uncle Philip is here the Person you Visited with me and adds his love as does Jenny Phebe and Ray who is a good Boy as is Samey and other Children. I am with Due Respect and as much love as you wish, your friend
Caty Greene

Be kind enough to give our love to Mr. Elery and mention our geting home well. Mr. Greene would have wrote but has Company.

We feasted upon you a great deal Since we left your house for all there is but Such a Morsal of you left. Poor Doctr. Babcock with Mr. Collins the Gentleman that was to Come to us was at New york at the time the City was given up the Doctr. Run and Lost his horse for a time. Mr. Collins got over the Jersey Side and left both his horses but the Doctr. got his again one of our officers had Rhode it off.
I askt Genll. Greene if there was any Prospect of our Prisoners being Releast from Quebeck he Sayd it lay with the Congress. Do my Dear Friend if there is any exchangeing them let it be done for they have Past throw Such ameseing hardships [torn a]s makes it Nessary for there Country to [torn th]em Selves in there Cause.
When I Say or write too free Pray tel me.

Addressed: To / Doctr Franklin / Philadelphia


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Silas Deane, 2 October 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Deane, Silas

Sir
Philada. October 2d. 1776
We have this day received from the Honorable Congress of Delegates of the United States of America the important papers that accompany this letter being,

first, a Treaty of Commerce and Alliance between the Court of France and these States.
  second, Instructions to their Commissioners relative to the said Treaty.
  lastly, A Commission, whereby you will see that Doctr. Franklin, The Honorable Thos. Jefferson Esqr. and yourself are appointed Commissioners for Negotiating said Treaty at the Court of France.

These papers speak for themselves and need no Strictures or remarks from us, neither is it our business to make any. You will observe, that in case of the absence or disability of any one or two of the Commissioners the other has full Power to Act.
We therefore think it proper to inform you that Doctr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson will take Passage with all Speed but it is necessary that their appointment on this business remain a profound Secret and we do not choose even to trust this paper with their rout. Suffice it therefore, that you expect them soon after this reaches your hands, but by different conveyances. And If you do not see some evident advantage will arise by Communicating this Commission to the French Ministry immediately, We give it as our opinion You had best suspend it, untill the arrival of one or both these Gentlemen, because You will then benefit of each others advice and abilities, and we apprehend their arrival will give additional Importance to the Embassy.
But should you be of opinion that delay will be in the least degree injurious to our Country or its Cause you must by all means use your own discretion in this matter, wherein we are not authorised to instruct or advise; we only offer our own thoughts on the Subject. Shou’d you think proper to disclose this Commission to the Ministers of France, enjoin the Stricktest Secrecy respecting the Names, or rather insist that it be not made known to any persons, but those whose office and employments entitle them to the communication that any others are joined with you in it because if that Circumstance reaches England before their arrival it will evidently endanger their Persons. The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to lodge Ten thousand Pounds Sterling in France subject to the drafts or orders of the Commissioners for their support, and you may depend that remittances will be made for that purpose with all possible dilligence. We can also inform you, that you may expect instructions for forming Treaties with other Nations. Consequently you will Cultivate a good understanding with all the Foreign Ministers.
We have Committed these Important dispatches to the care of Mr. Wm. Hodge junr. who we hope will in due time have the pleasure to deliver them in person, he knows nothing more of their Contents, than that they are Important and in case of Capture his orders are to sink them in the Sea. This Young Gentlemans Character, Family, and alertness in the Publick Service, all entitle him to your Notice. He is also charged with some business from the Secret Committee wherein your Countenance and assistance may be usefull. You will no doubt extend it to him and also engage Mr. Morris’s exertions therein.
You will please to advance Mr. Hodge the Value of One hundred and fifty pounds Sterling for his Expences and transmit us his receipt for the same. We most fervently pray for a successfull negotiation and are with the utmost attention and regard Dear Sir Your affectionate Friends and Obedient humble Servants
B FranklinRobt Morris

PS Mr. Hodge has some instructions from the Secret Committee which he will lay before you and if the Negotiation of Monsr. Hortalez respecting Arms and Ammunition has been Conducted with success it will be needless for Mr. Hodge to make Contracts for those Articles. You will know how that matter is and direct Mr. Hodge accordingly, and if you shoud think it of more Consequence to send him immediately back here with dispatches than to employ him in the business that Committee have proposed he will obey your orders and Mr. Morris may do the other.
To The Honorable Silas Deane Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Wayne, 3 October 1776
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Tyconderoga, 3rd Octr: 1776
I shou’d have acknowledged the Rect. of your favour of the 28th of Augt. sooner but for want of time; I am glad to find that unanimity prevails in Congress. Whilst that Continues I am under no Apprehension but that we shall rise Superior to every Dificulty. The Settling the boundaries of the Respective States is an event that has given the highest Satisfaction to every thinking Gentn. in this Army and is truly worthy of Congress.

I am also pleased to hear that the Convention is engaged in framing a new Government, a Government which I hope will be permanent; but as I am not well acquainted with the present Current of Politicks, I shall wave the Subject, and like unkle Toby, ride my own hobby.
We are not a little Surprized at the Avacuation of Long Island, the Surrender of that was Opening the door to the Island of New York. Our people can’t possibly hold that place, when the North and East Rivers are free for the Enemies fleet, as by that means they can at anytime land troops on the back of our Posts, a Circumstance which I fear has not been sufficiently guarded against. In Order to Gain time for that purpose, the Sacrafice of four, five, or even ten thousand men (in my humble Opinion) ought to have been Risqued, rather than give up Ground, that will not only Supply the Enemy with every Necessary, but reduce us to the hard Necessity of making a Winter Campaign in the open field, to watch their motion, whilst they have a good Cover in the City of New York.
In this Quarter we have had greatly the Advantage of the Enemy in point of time and Materials for the purpose of building a fleet, which we have so well Improved that at this juncture we have on lake Champlain three Schooners, a Sloop Eight Gondolas and three fine Row Galley’s the last of which sail’d yesterday so that Unless Burgoyne can prevail over that force, he can’t come here this Season. However they have not been Idle on their part as our Accounts generally agree that they have two Schooners Mounting each twelve Gun’s and a Vessel odly riged mounting twenty eighteen Pounders together with a number of Gondola’s. The Number of Cannon we have on the lake I believe is nearly about Ninety, which is no Contemptible force and I believe, will not be redely Subdued; but shou’d they prevail by Water, on the land side our lines are so Strengthen’d by Redouts, that they can not be Carri’d by storm, and the Season is too far Advanced for a Regular Approach. The former I hope will be their Choice, when I rest Assured that their Impetuosity and eagerness to form a Junction at New York will prove fatal to them. Our people are in high Spirits at the Idea of the Enemies Advancing, and their minds are prepared for the Worst event.
The Situation of our Brigade woud not be very pleasing to some; to us its become familiar, and I trust we shall meet Death or Glory with a fortitude becoming Americans.
A Strong Garrisson must at all events be Statened here during the Winter, Composed of Troops engaged during the War. The sooner they are sent the Better, as the time of these now on the Ground, will all expire in January. The first Pennsa. and two New Jersey Regiments are only Engaged for three Weeks after this date, all the New England Militia until the last of next Month; you therefore see that no time is to be lost.
I also think it would Conduce greatly to the Publick service, if those Regiments raised in Pennsa. last Jany. were call’d home (as soon as the safety of this post will Admit) In Order to Recruit, under the present Encouragement given by Congress; were they brought home paid Off and a little refreshed from their hard Fatague, I verily believe that every man would Inlist again. They have gone thro’ every Dificulty with chearfulness, and without Murmour, add to this that they are Second to none in point of Decipline and real Bravery, Seasoned and Inured to hardship and a Soldiers life, Consequently far Superior to any New Recruits.
Present my best Compliments to Genl. Hancock and tell Col. Wilson that he has my sincere friendship. Interim I am with the highest Esteem Dear sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Anty. Wayne
Doct. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexandre Pochard, 11 October 1776
From: Pochard, Alexandre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Montreal Le 11 8bre. 1776.
  Cette Lettre ne vous parviendra que lorsque des tems plus calmes et plus heureux auront ramené a paix en Canada, et ouvert une communication libre de cette province aux vôtres. J’espere et je souhaitte encore plus que cette communication soit le fruit de vos genereux efforts pour le maintien de la liberté; actuellement on ne prononce ici ce nom qu’avec horreur. Tout le monde les prêtres, et quelques gentillâtres à la tête se prosterne lâchement devant l’Idole de la tyrannie. Le peu d’honnêtes-gens qui soupirent pour le retour de vos troupes sont persecutés. L’Imprimeur M. Mesplet, ses ouvriers et moi avons ressenti les coups de la vengeance des Suppôts du Roi. On nous a trainé en prison comme des coupables, on nous y a retenu 26 jours sans nous interroger, pendant ce tems L’Imprimerie et nos effets ont été a la Disposition d’une soldatesque qui ne cherche qu’à piller, et a la discretion de la justice de Sa Majesté, qui ne differe de l’injustice que par le nom.
  M. Mesplet S’est consolé des ses malheurs dans la vue que le Corps respectable qui l’a engagé dans ces embarras saura quelque jour le dédommager des pertes quil a faittes. Je ne demande pour la reparation des torts que jai endurés en mon particulier que la Continuation de vos bontés pour mon ami. Si vous croyez Monsieur que ma bonne volonté et mes malheurs soient quelque chose qui meritent l’attention du Congrès que cette attention se tourne sur cet ami; on fera mon bonheur en concourant au sien.
  Les troubles m’obligent de quitter L’amerique, je vais hyverner à Londres ou j’ai quelque raison d’Interêt à dêmeler. Je laisse entre les mains de M. Mesplet une traduction du Sens commun, et une lettre sur les affaires du tems de ma façon. Ces productions ressemblent à ces enfans des hébreux que leurs parens cachoient avec soin pour les soustraire aux fureurs du tyran de l’Egipte. J’ai dépensé l’encre pour votre parti, j’aurais versé mon sang si je l’avois cru necessaire au succès des enfans de la vertu et de la Liberté.
  Puisse-je à mon retour vous retrouver paisibles et triomphans. Puisse-je travailler de concert avec M. Mesplet à persuader au Canadiens que leurs vainqueurs sont leurs plus grands amis. Jouissez M., d’une sante egale à vos vertus la posterité placera votre nom a côte [de] ceux des Pompée des Brutus et des Catons. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble tres obéissant serviteur
Pochard

Addressed: To / Dr. frankelin, / Philadelphia


Title: Discharge of the Mortgage of Mary Pitts, 14 October 1776: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pitts, Mary

<October 14, 1776: Appeared before me, William Parr, recorder of deeds, Benjamin Franklin, the mortgagee, who has received from the representative of Mary Pitts, the mortgagor, the money and interest due for the discharge of the mortgage. Signed by Franklin and attested by Parr.>


Title: Testimony in a Prize Case, [14 October 1776]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Seth Jenkins, to whose character Franklin was testifying, was a Nantucket relative and sea captain who had visited him in London in 1773. Jenkins was again in town in March, 1775, when he appeared before the House of Lords. In October of the same year he and some fellow Nantucketers arrived once more in London, and began the adventure that eventually brought them before a Philadelphia prize court. They purchased a ship, the brig Richmond, in which to get home; unnamed “friends of America” gave them letters to Franklin, Hancock, and others explaining British designs against the colonies, and the Richmond also carried, for reasons unknown, some £20,000. She sailed under false registry for the West Indies, cleared there for Halifax (but actually bound for Nantucket), and was captured by an American privateer, John Craig. He considered her a legitimate prize because of her clearance, and sent her to Philadelphia and her owners to the Bahamas; they eventually found their way home and contested the seizure. Litigation followed in the Philadelphia admiralty court, punctuated by appeals to Congress. The owners, although they won their case, apparently failed to recover their property.

[October 14, 1776]
Doctor Benjamin Franklin being examined declared that he remembered hearing Seth Jenkins examined in the House of Lords on the Prohibitory Bill . . . that the Testimony he gave in the Course of his Examination was in Favour of the Merchants’ Petition and such as shewed the said Jenkins to be a Friend to America.
[In the margin:] Evid. of Doct. Franklyn.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Fraser, 15 October 1776
From: Fraser, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Reading 15th 8br 1776
I received your favor of the 28. Ulto. and I am exceedingly obliged to you for the trouble you have been at on my account, I am only unelucky in having got my Second leave for Canada when I can not make use of it. I have been very much indisposed these three weeks and I am yet too weak to undertake the journey, as soon as my health will permit, I’ll go to Philada. to take the benefit of the indulgence of the Congress and then will take the opportunity of thanking you for your good Offices. I Remain sincerely Sir your most Obedient and humble servant
John Fraser
Benjamin Franklin Esqre

Endorsed: From J Fraiser


Title: The Attempt to Settle Franklin’s Post Office Account, [18–21 October 1776]
From: Dashwood, Francis,Foxcroft, John,Franklin, Benjamin
To:

In the period between Franklin’s dismissal as deputy postmaster general in January, 1774, and his departure from England in March, 1775, he tried to settle his indebtedness to the General Post Office. The account that he submitted in December, 1774, showed a balance due from him of £973 0s. 5d.; he offered to pay, as he says here, and was told to settle in America. His final effort to do so is described in these documents. Again he failed, and the whole matter was open when he sailed for France. On his return in 1785 it was still open. At some point thereafter he achieved a settlement, for his own private satisfaction, by composing an account against the King for losses (including house rent) resulting from the British occupation of Philadelphia.

I.
Philada. Oct. 18. 1776
We the Subscriber’s Deputy Postmaster General and Secretary of the Post Office in America, appointed by the Postmaster General of Great Britain, do hereby certify, that Benjamin Franklin, late in the same Office, did this Day exhibit to us his Accounts, which we have examined and compared with the Comptrollers Books, and with Receipts of the Receiver-General produc’d to us, and do find the same to agree, some small additional Charges excepted for Horns and Stamps; and that there is remaining in his Hands due to the said Office the Sum of Nine Hundred and seventy three Pounds and Fivepence Sterling, which Ballance he tendred to us in Currency; but we having no Authority or Orders to settle the said Account and receive the Ballance, did refuse the same. Witness our Hands.
John FoxcroftFr. Dashwood.

II.

[October 18–21, 1776.]
Memorandum, Philada Oct. 18. 1776. that I this Day got Messrs. Foxcroft and Dashwood to compare this Acct. with the Comptroller’s Books and the Receiver-General’s Receipts with other Vouchers, and obtain’d from them a Certificate that they found the Accounts to agree, and the above Ballance to be right, with an Acknowledgement that I tendred them the said Ballance in Currency which they could not receive for want of Orders.
B Franklin

  See the Certificate fix’d with Wafers at the End of this Book. Note, the said Ballance, and more, as appears by the opposite Page, was received by me in Currency, and the Exchange generally estimated at 166 ⅔, at which Rate I would have repaid it. While in England I offer’d the Ballance in Sterling at the Office, but was referr’d here for a Settlement with Mr. Foxcroft, for which I have never till now had an Opportunity. BF. At the Exchange of 166 ⅔ the Sum of £973 0s. 3¼d. comes to £1621 13s. 9¼d. which I offered to pay.

Memorandum Oct. 21, 1776 This day obtained from Mr. Amos Strettell an Acct. of Cash paid by Mrs. Franklin in my Absence in Discharge of Interest due on Mortgages of some Post Office Land, amounting to £36 Pensilva Currency, which must be deducted from the above Ballance, being Sterling £21 12s.
BF.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Amos Strettell: Statement of Account, 21 October 1776: résumé
From: Strettell, Amos
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Monday, October 21, 1776: George McCleave gave mortgages, dated respectively May 13 and December 18, 1762, to the executors of Robert Strettell’s estate. On the first mortgage McCleave paid one year’s interest, £3 12s., and on the second none. Between November 27, 1765, and May 17, 1768, Mrs. Franklin paid £36 for interest on both mortgages, and in 1772 John Foxcroft paid £33 19s. The balance due for the four years thereafter is £28 16s.
Amos Strettell hopes that this “Scetch” will answer Franklin’s purposes, and inquires of him whether he, or the late partnership of Franklin & Hall, has a claim on the estate of Robert Strettell, or on the late partnership of Robert and Amos Strettell, or on the latter alone.>


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Stephen Ceronio, 23 October 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Ceronio, Stephen

In Committee of Secret Correspondence Philada.
Sir
October 23 1776
  The Inclosed letter was wrote and signed before we had an opportunity to transmit it and having now so good a conveyance as the Brigantine Lexington we transmit the Same to you as an official Letter from the Committee of Secret Correspondence which you’l observe is distinct from the Secret Committee with whom you also Correspond, by this letter you’l find we expect Some Arms, ammunition Money or Cloathing may be sent out by Our Agent Monsr. Hortalez to the Governor at Cape François, with orders for the delivery of them to whoever may be properly empowered by Congress to recieve the same, that power is granted to you, and you’l please to apply to the Governor with our respectfull Compliments, desire to know if he has received Such supply, if he has produce the letter to him if he has not, then request he will inform you when such Supplies do Arrive or any advice respecting them. When you receive the Goods in consequence of this appointment, Ship a quantity of them by the Lexington if they are ready, if not you may Charter suitable French Vessels to bring them here dividing them into many Bottoms and Sending an Assortment consisting of part of every Article you recieve. In short you must transmit the Whole to us in the Safest and most expeditious manner you can Contrive, Consigning to this Committee for the Use and on Acct. of the United States of America. We are sir your Obedient servants
B F. R M
Mr. Stephen Ceronio


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee, 23 October 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: Lee, Arthur

Sir
Philadelphia October 23rd 1776
By this conveyance we transmit to Silas Deane Esq. a Resolve of the Honble. the continental congress of Delegates from the Thirteen United States of America, whereby you are appointed one of their Commissioners for negotiationg a treaty of alliance, Amity and Commerce with the Court of France, and also for negotiating Treaties with other Nations agreeable to certain plans and instructions of Congress, which we have transmitted by various conveyances to Mr. Deane another of the Commissioners. We have requested him to give you immediate notice to join him, and on your Meeting to deliver this letter and lay before you all the Papers and instructions, also to deliver you the Resolve whereby you are appointed. We flatter ourselves from the assurances of your Freinds here, that you will chearfully undertake this important bussiness and that our Country will greatly benefit of those abilities and that attachment you have already manifested in sundry important services, which at a proper period, shall be made known to those you woud wish.
This Committee will think it proper to address all their dispatches unto Mr. Deane untill they have certain advice that his Colleagues have joined him, but the communication of them will be the same as if addressed to the whole. We remain with much Esteem and regard Sir Your most Obedient humble Servants
Rob MorrisB Franklin
Arthur Lee Esqr.

Notation: 1776. Letter from Morriss & Co. Philada. 23. Octor. No. 1.


Title: The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners to France, 24 October 1776
From: Committee of Secret Correspondence,Franklin, Benjamin,Dickinson, John,Harrison, Benjamin,Jay, John,Johnson, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
Philada. October 24th 1776
The Congress having Committed to our Charge and Management their Ship of War called the Reprisal, Commanded by Lambert Wickes Esqr. carrying sixteen Six pounders and about one hundred and twenty Men, We have allotted her to carry Doctor Franklin to France and directed Capt. Wickes to proceed for the Port of Nantes where the Doctor will land and from thence proceed to Paris, and he will either carry with him or send forward this letter by express as to him may then appear best. The Reprisal is a fast sailing Ship and Capt. Wickes has already done honor in Action to the American Flagg. We have therefore ordered him to land at Nantes some Indico he has onboard take in any Refreshments, Stores, Provisions or other necessarys he may want and immediately to proceed on a Cruize against our Enemies, and we think he will not be long before he meets with a sufficient Number of Prizes. We have directed him to send them into such of the French Ports as are most Convenient addressing them at Dunkirk to Messrs. P. Stival & Son, at Havre de Grace to Mr. Andw Limozin, at Bourdeaux to Messrs. Saml & J H Delap at Nantes to Messrs. Pliarne, Penet & Company and at any other Ports in France to such persons as you may appoint to receive them, when he finishes his Cruize he will call in at Nantes, Bourdeaux or Brest for your orders and advices which we beg you will have ready for him lodged at those places. In Consequence of this plan for the Reprisals Cruize we desire you to make immediate application to the Court of France to Grant the Protection of their Ports to American Men of War and their Prizes, shew them that British Men of War under Sanction of an act of Parliament are daily Capturing American Ships and Cargoes. Shew them the Resolves of Congress for making Reprisals on British and West India property and that our Continental Men of War and Numerous private Ships of War are most successfully employed in executing those Resolutions of the Congress. Shew them the Justice and equity of this proceeding and surely they cannot, they will not refuse the protection of their Ports to American Ships of War, Privateers and their Prizes. If your application on this head is crowned with success, try another which it is their interest to grant. That is to obtain leave to make Sale of those Prizes and their Cargoes or any part thereof that may be suitable for that Country. If you succeed in this also, you must appoint some person to Act as judge of the Admiralty who shoud give the Bond prescribed for those Judges to determine in all Cases agreable to the Rules and Regulations of Congress and for this purpose we will Report to Congress some Resolves Vesting you with Authority to make such appointment and Authorizing such judge to Condemn without a jury as required here. If these Resolves are agreed to by Congress they shall be immediately transmitted to you. If they are not that plan must drop and the Prizes must all proceed for America for Condemnation. You can in the mean time consult the Ministers whether they will permit such Courts in France and in the French West India Islands. If protection is granted to our Cruizers and their Prizes you will immediately procure proper orders to be sent to the Officers of all their Ports on this subject, and write yourselves to those House’s we have named at the several Ports that the Prizes are to remain for Capt. Wickes’s further orders, also lodge such orders with proper persons at the other Ports in France. On the Contrary if The Prizes are not to be protected in their Ports then give immediate Notice to all those Houses and proper persons at the other Ports to furnish the Prizes that Capt. Wickes of the Reprisal may send into their port with any Necessarys the Prize master may judge they stand in need of and to order him immediately to make the best of his way with the Prize to the first safe Port he can make in the United States of America lodge advice also for Cap. Wickes at Bourdeaux Brest and Nantes whether his Prizes are to be protected in Port or not and whether or not any sales will be permitted. If they are protected he can take his own time to Collect and bring them Home under his own Convoy, if any sale is permitted he can sell perishable Commodities and Vessels unfit for so long a Voyage as to this Coast. If no protection for Prizes they will be come away by your orders and need not stay for his, and If they deny Protection to our Cruizers themselves, he will only remain in Port for your advices and to obtain such supplys as may be necessary. We have recommended Cap. Wickes to take onboard his own Ship as many Valuable Commodities as he can if he is successfull but shou’d he be unsuccessfull in Cruizing then Messrs. Pliarne & Co. may put some Goods onboard when he is coming away. You will readily see the Tendancy these measures have, and as their consequences may be very important so we hope your attention to them will be immediate and Constant whilst necessary. Capt. Wickes is a Worthy Man as such we recommend him and shou’d he have the misfortune to be taken or meet with any other misfortune we hope you will adopt measures for his relief. He will treat Prisoners with Humanity and we are Convinced his Conduct will do honor to his appointment. We have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most obedient and Most humble Servants
Robt MorrisRichard Henry LeeJno WitherspoonWill Hooper

To The Commissioners of the United States of America at the Court of France

Notation: 1776 Letter from Morriss Lee & Co Philadelphia 24 Octor. To Commissioners


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Noble Wimberly Jones], 25 October 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, Noble Wimberly

Sir
Philada. Oct. 25. 1776
Being just about to embark for Europe, I take the Liberty of troubling you with my Acct. and requesting you would be so good as to procure an Adjustment of it from your Government, and remit the Sum you receive to my Son-in-law Richard Bache, Secretary of the General Post Office Residing in this Place, whose Rect. shall be a Discharge.
I congratulate you on the Success against the Cherokees; I hope it will tend to the Security of your Frontiers. I hope your Health is re-establish’d. If on the other side the Water I can in anything render you either Service or Pleasure, be so good as to command freely, Dear Sir, Your obliged Friend and most obedient Servant
B Franklin


Title: Notes for Books Borrowed from the Library Company of Philadelphia, [1775–76?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

These two notes for borrowers from the Library Company demarcated the sheep from the goats. The sheep, who were the members, promised to pay for books not returned on time and in good condition; the goats put down a refundable deposit. The requirement of a promissory note from a member went back at least to 1732, and a note to accompany a nonmember’s deposit was in use by 1763; but the printed forms themselves have not survived. The earliest promissory note extant in the Company is dated 1780; another, undated and signed by Franklin, is among his papers in the American Philosophical Society. The two differ slightly in wording, and both refer to the Company instead of leaving a blank, as in these texts, for the Librarian’s name. The forms that Franklin here seems to be copying, doubtless in answer to some query, were dated for use in the 1770’s; and he would have been unlikely to have had them with him, or to have received an inquiry about them, during his years in England or later in France. Hence our guess is that he copied them during his months in Philadelphia.

Forms of Notes, used in the publick Library at Philadelphia
I promise to pay to [blank in MS] the Sum of [blank] within [blank] Weeks from the Date hereof, being for Value receiv’d. Nevertheless if at or before the Expiration of the said Term, I return undefac’d to the said [blank] a Book entitled [blank] which I have this Day borrowed of him, this Note is to be void, otherwise of full force and effect. Witness my hand, the [blank] Day of [blank] 177[.].

[In the margin:] Note given by a Member
  I acknowledge to have this Day borrowed of [blank] a Book entitled[blank] belonging to the Library Compy. of Philadelphia, and have deposited in his Hands the Sum of [blank] as a Security for returning the said Book undefac’d within [blank] Weeks from the Date hereof; which if I fail to do, I hereby agree that the said Sum be forfeited to the Use of the Library. Witness my Hand this [blank] Day of [blank] 177[.].
  [In the margin:] Note [given] by a [Nonmem?]ber
  Notation: Hand writing of B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Lee, 6 November 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Camp at Philipsburg. Novr. the 6th 1776
The Gentleman who will deliver you this was as I understand sent by Congress to General Washington. He was to have given specimens of his abilities as Engineer and been recommended accordingly. Whether He is a great Engineer or no I cannot pretend to say, as He has had no fair opportunity of displaying his talents. The few small works He has thrown up have been in haste, at the same time labouring under the disadvantage of not being able to explain himself to the workmen. From the little I can judge of him He is a Man of capacity and knowledge, and I am told by his Countrymen that his Fort lies in surveying Georgraphically and military a Country. I know not any kind of Officer more wanted in America than a Military Surveyor of those parts which are likely to be the scene of action. General Washington and Myself have therefore concurr’d in opinion that He shoud begin with the Jerseys and if He gives satisfactory proofs of his talents in this line, to recommend him to Congress for this important Office. I must beg leave to recommend him to your Protection and Patronage and request that you will furnish him with the necessary instruments. And as I am so well acquainted with your liberal way of thinking and manners it will be unnecessary to desire you to show him all possible personal civilities. So far for Monsr. Imbert. You will naturally expect something from me on our present situation. We have by proper positions brought Mr. Howe to his ne plus ultra. He has therefore apparently given all hopes of taking us Prisoners as, I believe, He lately sanguinely promised himself. Monsr. Imbert, as you know French, will be able to explain the circumstances of both Armies. The spirit of our present Troops is upon the whole good, and if America is lost, it is not in my opinion owing to want of courage in your Soldiers, but pardon me, to want of prudence, in your High Mightiness’s. Adieu, God bless you, My Dear Sir, live long and make your Country and Frinds as happy, as you have render’d yourself admirable in the eyes of all good and sensible Men. Yours most sincerely
Charles Lee

Addressed: To Dr Benjamin Franklin / Member of the Continental / Congress. / from Camp wth / General Washington
Endorsed: 1776 Novr 6th. General Lee by a Monsr. Imbert
Notation: Letter[?] from Gen. Lee to Benjamin Franklin Nov 6. 1776.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 15 November 1776
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear friend.
Vienna in Austria Nov. 15. 1776
Since I received your kind lettre dated Marsch 18, 1774, great things have happened, of which your country is the theatre. That country is become the seat of horror and bloodshed, which I took to be the seat of tranquillity and happiness, and which I was formerly much inclined to chuse as a quiet retreat in an approaching old age. This sceme has often had more wight upon my mind, than I trusted to communicate even to the best of my friends. My plan was to settle there in the mean time some children of my brother. Not long ago I was asked advice by a very sensible man about his purchassing a little estate in the Neighbourhood of Philadelphia worth £2000, which he thought could be acquired for a thousand Pound St. during these troubles, which he expected would soon been setled. But it seems he is very much mistaken. What dismal scene of confusion anarchy and bloodshed exhibits this once happy climate! which did seem to be destined by the Author of Nature for the abode of tranquillity, the asilum for those who are persecuted for religious principles, and the only seat of undisturbed human felicity. A natural inclination, warmed by a sense of gratitude make me take a freindly share in every thing which befalls great Brittain and the colonies. I considered them as one country, the only, where men enjoyed in full all those liberties which they derive from nature, and which are consistent with a well regulated society. You made me consider them as one nation, tho divided thro different climates, which aught to have one common interest, as it is or aught to be gouverned by the same laws and to have one common seat of gouverment, which you thaught should better remain, where it allways was, than to be transferred within the colonies. You told me more than once that no more distinction should be made between a man residing in England and one residing in North America, than between the inhabitans of London and cheffield. Knowing from your own mouth this to be your principles, I found myself often obliged to defend your conduct before the most Respectable Persons, who were verry willing to adscribe in a great great measur to you this unhappy contest and all the bloodshed of which it has been allready and may be still the cause. Will this dreadfull storm at last subside and end in a calm, as human affairs commonly do? or will it end in a total subversion of things? Will all the industrious labour of your ancestors employed in changing those wildernisses in the happyest abode for civilised men, at once been rendered useless, and their so newly erected cities converted again into uninhabited deserts? I shudder at the very thaught of such horrid catastrophes, of which no exemple has ever happened upon the surface of the earth.
Whatever may be your chief business at present I hope you have not entirely forgot your old friends. If he, how [who] is the most respectfully and sincerely attached to you, may claim some preference, I may expect the favour of a few lines and be informed of the state of your health, and of that degree of happiness or unhappiness which may at that period of time have befallen your country; that I may be qualify’d to give some satisfactory answer to those illustrious persons, who very often inquire about you, and ask whether and what news I got from you, which [with] whom they know I have been so many years intimately acquainted. I should be very glad to know at the same time, who [how] your Nephew does our fellow traveller with Mr. Canton, and what is become of your son the governour of New Jersey. You promised me to send me a copy of your apology, but I have heard nothing about it since.
Sir John Pringle and some of our other English friends let me sometimes hear from them. I expect the same kindness of you, tho separated from you by a great deal more land and sea. If I could expect that in the middel of the horrors of a civil warr you reserved some hours to philosophical poursuits, I should intertain you with some experiments upon air and other matters, which I made some time ago, some of which, I hear, are to be publish’d in the philosophical trans.
The Second volum of Priestley upon air is full of new matter and seems to open a large field to philosophers. Electricity is dayly advancing everywhere. Mr. Walsh has at last found out the method of making an Electric spark visible from a Gymnotus of Surinam. The new electrical machine, called by the discoverer, one mr. Volta, an Italien gentleman, Electrophorus perpetuus affords much matter of speculation. Some Electricians, thinking that the phenomena of this machine do not consist with your principles, have attempted to establish new ones; but I think them in the wrong. As the present troubles may possibly have prevented you getting some knowledge of this discovery, I think it may [my] duty to give you a Slight idea of its nature. It consists of two plates of metal, or wood, past-board or other matter covered with metal. One of them is covered with a thin coat of Rosin mixed with some wax and turpentin (for to make it less brittel) about one or 2 lines thick. The oter has a glas tube, stick of sealing wax, or silk strings fastened to its upper surface for to insulate it. The plate covered with rosin is put upon a table with the Rosin upwards and rubbed with a dry hand, a piece of leather or a hair skin. The other plate is put upon the rosin and touched with the finger, a spark issues out of it, and if the under plate is touched at the same time, a shock is felt. The upper plate being lifted up prouves to be strongly electrical positively, and the under plate negatively (if placed upon an electric stand) the upper plate, after a spark has been taken out, being let down again upon the rosin and touched as before becomes again electrical, and thus the electric force once excited may be kept a life years togeather. If a charged fial is slided over the surface of the rosin by taking it by the nob the electricity is very much increased. If insteat of one plate coated with rosin you take two, and slide the upper plate alternately over the surface of them, taking allways the spark from it when it is placed upon the rosin, both under plates become very strongly electrical the one communicating to the insulated plate a positive, the other a negative electricity, so strong, that at last the insulated plate being lifted up discharges it self with a crakeling noice upon the metal of the under plate (which last experiment is not yet published). Some years ago I contrived a very strong electrical machine. It consisted of a disk of pastboard 4 feet diameter thoroughly dryed then impregnated and covered with linzeet oil varnish, and whirled round verticaly, and rubbed by hair skins in the way my flat machines are rubbed. The sparks from the surface of such a pasteboard were about 2 feet long, and when collected upon a metal prime conductor of 6 or 7 feet long, they were allmost unsufferable, tho they were but a few inches long. By placing several such disks one after an other and cushions between them, wirled round upon the same axis, the electricity was much increased.
You will be surprized to hear that I am maried with a Dutch Lady, the sister of Mr. Jacquin professor of botany and chemistry in this University, and well known in the learned world by his various botanical and chemical Works. But you will perhaps not approuve that I took one, who is but 5 years younger than I. However, after a great deal of reflexions I thaught that such a wife did suit me bettre at my age than a young girl. This changement in my life will not prevent me from visiting my friends in England.
I enjoye sometimes the company of one Mr. Kauffman from Philadelphia, who studies physic here, and intends to settle in his native country.

As your unhappy contest with the mother country is not yet setled, I find a great difficulty to forward this lettre to you. I thaught it advisable to send two copies of it, as it is more than probable that one of them will be lost. I will venture to send one by England, if sometimes it may be taken with the Males of New York, where to all appearance the king’s troops will keep their winter quarters. I will send the other over Amsterdam to S. Eustatius. It will not be so difficult for you to direct lettres to me, either by the way of England, where they may best be delivred to the Imperial Ambassadour, or over S. Eustatius, or directely to Amsterdam to the care of Mr. Hermanus Volkmar, who will have the care of this lettre.
I hope your first news will be that of peace being restored, for I fear, that, if things are not soon be brought to an end, other powers will meddle in the affair and embroil whole the globe of the earth; which then will be the third warr one after an other, original from North America. How glorious would it be to you to be the chief means of stopping the streams of human blood, which are likely to flow still from these terrible misunderstandings. I am most sincerely Dear friend Your most obedient humble Servant and affectionat friend
J. Ingen Housz

Addressed in another hand: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / at / Philadelphia
Notation: Ingenhouss Nov. 15. 1776.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 28 November 1776
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Aux galeries du Louvre a paris ce 28 9bre 1776
Les occasions de vous assurer de mes sentiments invariables pour vous Monsieur et cher confrere, me sont toujour infiniment pretieuses. Je profite en consequence et avec empressement du depart de M. le chevalier de Preudhomme de Borre pour avoir l’honneur de vous ecrire et pour vous dire combien j’aÿ eté enchanté d’apprendre qu’au milieu de tout le poid immense des affaires de l’amerique votre santé se soutienne toujour aussÿ bonne. M. le chevalier de Borre qui vous remettra cette lettre, est un homme de qualité du pais de Liege qui sert depuis 36 ans dans nos Troupes qui a fait quatorze campagnes de guerre etant depuis vingt ans lieutenant colonel d’infanterie et sur le point d’etre fait brigadier, en outre il ÿ a 32 ans qu’il a la commission de capitaine de cavalerie. Enfin pendant toute la guerre derniere, il a eu sous son commandement deux bataillons. M. le comte d’herouville qui etoit le bras droit du Marechal de Saxe et un de nos meilleurs lieutenants generaux et des plus distingués, m’a parlé de M. le chevalier de Borre comme d’un tres bon militaire et qui entend particulierement la composition et la formation des corps. J’aÿ eté bien aise de vous prevenir de ses talens pour que vos generaux l’emploient comme il doit l’etre, il est essentiel que vous aiez des officiers qui entendent bien a discipliner des corps a les faire manoeuvrer et a les bien mener a la guerre et selon M. d’herouville vous trouverez tout cela dans M. le chevalier de Borre. J’aÿ l’honneur de vous le recommander d’ailleurs comme un galant homme qui sur le recit que je luÿ ai fait de vous sera enchanté d’avoir l’honneur de vous connoitre. Adieu Monsieur et cher confrere, conservez toujour je vous prie quelque amitié pour un homme de l’autre monde qui vous sera attaché par les sentiments les plus sincers jusqu’a son dernier soupir. Signé
Le Roÿ
Copie d’une lettre ecrite a M. francklin, addressée au Congrés a philadelphie