Title: William Whately’s Chancery Suit: III. Exceptions to Franklin’s Answer, [after 19 April 1774 and before 28 June 1774]: résumé
From: Whately, William,Madocks, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Sayer, Charles

The plaintiff’s exceptions are, to the best of our knowledge, the last extant pleadings in the case; and the copy breaks off in the middle. Madocks, Whately’s counsel, entered the exceptions later than the rules of the court permitted; on that ground Sayer, acting for Franklin, argued that they were inadmissible. The court overruled the argument on June 28, and three days later referred the case to Robert Pratt, a Master in Chancery, to determine whether the defendant’s answer was sufficient in the points to which the plaintiff took exception. On July 13 Pratt reported that nine of the exceptions were valid; others were not. The incomplete document summarized below may have been a copy either of the original exceptions or of the nine that the Master allowed.
Sayer took exception to the report, and argument was ordered before the Lord Chancellor but did not take place until after the defendant sailed for home. His departure, because it precluded any further answer from him if so ordered, exposed him to arrest for contempt of court should he return to England, as he hoped to do at the time he left. To postpone this threat, and stay process in Chancery, Thomas Life planned an appeal to the House of Lords; but his client realized soon after reaching America that return was out of the question, and ordered the appeal dropped. Meanwhile on May 13, 1775, eight days after Franklin’s landing in Philadelphia, Chancery ordered the Sheriff of Middlesex to arrest him. A month later the Chancellor reduced the plaintiff’s allowable exceptions from nine to three, and this apparently ended the manoeuverings in court. Warrants for arrest were issued intermittently until June 6, 1776, when the sergeant at arms reported to the Chancellor that “I have made diligent Search and Enquiry after the said Defendant But he doth so abscond and secrete himself that he is not to be found.” The following July the court ordered the sequestration of his personal estate and all income from his real estate. At this point, as far as we know, the proceedings died of inanition.

<After April 19 and before June 28, 1774. Chancery, William Whately plaintiff and Benjamin Franklin defendant. Exceptions taken by the plaintiff to the defendant’s answer to his bill:
That the defendant has not set forth, according to the best of his knowledge and belief,

First, for how many years before Thomas Whately’s death a correspondence was carried on between him and Thomas Hutchinson and Andrew Oliver.
Second, in whose custody, at the time of Thomas Whately’s death, were the six letters from Hutchinson and the four letters from Oliver mentioned in the bill.
Third, from whom the defendant received the ten letters, and whether they were given to him with the knowledge or consent of the plaintiff.
Fourth, whether the defendant or any other person, and if so who, had the letters published without the consent of the plaintiff or Hutchinson or Oliver or any or them.
Fifth, whether some or all of the letters were addressed to Thomas Whately and whether the address was removed, and if so when, by whom, and for what purpose.
Sixth, whether the defendant transmitted such letters to friends or agents in Boston or elsewhere in America, and if so to whom, for the purpose of publication or for what other purpose, and whether or not many copies were printed there.
Seventh, whether the defendant corresponded about the letters with divers persons in Boston or elsewhere, and if so with whom, and whether he gave instructions “concerning the produce of them” and that they should be concealed from certain persons, and if so from whom. Remainder missing.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 21 April 1774
From: Pownall, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Whitehall April 21. 1774.
Mr. Pownall presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs to be informed, whether he has any authority, and what to act as Agent for the province of Pennsylvania.

Addressed: To Dr. Benjamin Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Pownall, [on or after 21 April 1774]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pownall, John

[On or after April 21, 1774.]
Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Pownall and acquaints him, that he was appointed Agent of the Province of Pensilvania for the current Year, by a Vote of the present Assembly, a Copy of which follows, viz.

Oct. 15. 1773 P.M.
Resolved, That Benja Franklin Esqr be, and he is hereby appointed Agent of the Province for the ensuing Year, to solicit and transact the Affairs thereof in Great Britain.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Buchan, 22 April 1774
From: Buchan, David Steuart Erskine, Earl of
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Kirkhill, West Lothian April 22d. 1774.
Will you permit an Old acquaintance to reccomend to your Attention in the American Literary Line, a Gentleman of this Country who intends to cross the Attlantic next Spring, in Search of a Settlement in the department of a Teacher? His Abilities have been put to the Test for 9 or 10 years as a private and public teacher. He is an Honest Farmers Son and I have reason to think, he would be a good recruit over the Water, but he does not in prudence Choose to throw himself out at large; if you can point out any Situation for a Young Man in that line in any of the N: American Seminaries it will oblige your most Obedient and with great Esteem Your very Humble Servant
Buchan

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 26 April 1774
From: Pownall, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Plan: Office. April. 26. 1774.
Mr. Pownall presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin. There are some Laws of Pensylvania now under the Consideration of the Lords of trade, but Mr. Pownall has not received any directions from their Lordships to require Dr. Franklin’s Attendance.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street
Endorsed: Secry Pownall  Octr. 1774


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 28 April 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, April 28. 1774
I have written several Letters to you lately by different Conveyances, and sent you the Bills pass’d and about to be pass’d relating to our Province. I now send the Report of the Committee of the Lords, which seems hard upon us, as every thing written by any Officer of Government is taken for undoubted Truth. I can now only add, that I am, as ever, with great Respect, to the House and yourself, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble Thos Cushing Esqr Speaker

Addressed: To / The honble Thomas Cushing Esqr / Boston
Endorsed: Dr Franklin  April 28. 1774


Title: Franklin’s Account with the Province of Georgia, [2 May 1774]: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

<London, May 2, 1774. The first entry is June 1, 1769, and the last April 30, 1774. The charges are for three years’ salary at £100 per annum, £107 12s. 9d. for a mace and gowns, £16 1s. 2d. for the legal services of Thomas Life, and £15 12s. for miscellaneous expenses, a total of £439 5s. 11d. The receipts are three bills of exchange for £220 in all, leaving a balance due of £219 5s. 11d. The document is endorsed, in an unidentifiable hand, “Dr. Franklin’s acct. 1774.”>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 3 May 1774
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Philad. May 3d. 1774
This is to let you know that Betsy and I are here on a Visit to my Mother, who, with all the Family are in good Health. I have recd. your letter of the 18th. of Febry. by Capt. All, and a Packet containing Mauduit’s Pamphlet, and some Letters to you, by Capt. Faulkner. But none of us had a Line from you by the March Packet, which is just arrived. I have it not in my Power to write particularly to you by this Opportunity, as the Mail will be made up in less than half an Hour, and I am surrounded by Visitants. It seems your Popularity in this Country, whatever it may be on the other Side, is greatly beyond whatever it was. It is said the People propose burning, this Day, in Effigy, a certain Counsellor with whom they are highly irritated; however of this I am not certain. But you may depend, when you return here, on being received with every Mark of Regard and Affection. Your Friends in Boston, as I am told, before they heard of your running any Risk of a Dismission, were encouraging Goddard in his new Post Office, which, if successful, must have deprived you of your Salary as Postmaster General even if you had not been deprived of your Office. I have had a kind Letter from Major Skene, informing me of Lord D’s Sentiments respecting my Conduct, which has made me easy as to my Office; and I am determined not to give any just Cause of Complaint, so that if after all I should receive any Injury from that Quarter, I shall be at no Loss what to do. Betsy joins me in Duty. I am ever Honoured Sir Your ever dutiful Son
W. F.

Addressed: To / Dr. Benj Franklin / Craven Street / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Le Despencer, 3 May 1774
From: Le Despencer, Francis Dashwood, Baron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The general purport of this letter is clear. Le Despencer was having a new stove constructed, or an old one converted to Franklin’s new design; the fact that it was a “Vase Stove” indicates that it was a replica of the one that the American had developed for his own use in 1771. The puzzles that remain in the text can be solved, if at all, only by conjecture. Ours is that Franklin had recommended Mr. Jackson, about whom we know nothing, and that the Baron wished in fairness to his friend to explain his dissatisfaction with the work. About the wording of some items in the bill, and the “unfair” charge of £1 6s., we cannot even conjecture.

Dear Doctor.
Hanover Square May 3d 1774
I send you an extract from Mr. Jacksons bill for the Vase Stove.

A vase Stove with about nine &c 1
£14
0s.
0d.

Barrs to Chimney

3s.
0d.

To Strong iron pipe &c again
£1
14s.
0d.

To bricklayers time and materials
£2
10s.

A new head to Stove and Square pipe and to fixing Pensylvania Stove in Library.
£1
  5s.
  0d.

£19
12s.
0d.

From which he is pleased to deduct very modestly
  £7

Remains to be paid for his experiment
£12
12s.
0d.

He has charged me on another account for 13 C weight of iron square barrs at the rate of 2s. a CC which he told me was to cost 26s. so there is an unfair charge of £1 6s. 0d. in that article.
If you should meet this fair trader perhaps you will give yourself the trouble to Speak to him at least to satisfy your curiosity and so that I may at least deal fairly by you. I ask your pardon for giveing you this trouble, and remain very Sincerely Dear Sir Your faithfull Humble Servant
Le Despencer

NB I believe I have sent ten times for his bill and got it very lately.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 7 May [1774?]: extract
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

    7 May 1775 [i.e., 1774?]

  Both Bigelow and Smyth accept the date that appears on the copy, but we suggest that the copyist was wrong by a year. The point is of some importance because, if the letter was written in 1775, even this small fragment bears on the relationship between father and son when the former returned from England. Although the language is open to various interpretations, the extract as a whole is difficult to reconcile with the later date. Franklin says, for instance, that he sees no favor to himself in the Governor’s continuing in office. If he meant financial favor, he might have been writing in either year; if he meant political favor, to maintain his own ties with the ministry, the idea by 1775 seems too absurd to mention. He speaks of arbitrary measures that are likely soon to alter the state of American affairs. This comment again, in 1775, seems absurd: the great alteration had occurred weeks before May 7, and Franklin recognized that in precipitating war Britain had “found means to unite us.” His mood on landing, to judge by his surviving letters, was a far cry from the placid mood of this extract. He was caught up in the rush of events, and too busy to decide on plans; but he hoped to see his son and was waiting on word from him. A discussion at that point of William’s governorship, almost in abstract terms, seems sharply out of key. If it was written a year earlier, on the other hand, the tone and the references are what might be expected: Franklin is still concerned, as he was a few months before, with his son’s being independent and living within his means, and foresees that the Governor’s position will become uncomfortable in the wake of the Coercive Acts. The extract is incongruous in the context of 1775, in short, and fits smoothly into the context of 1774.

  I dont understand it as any favour to me or to you, the being continued in an office, by which with all your Prudence, you cannot avoid running behind hand, if you live suitably to your Station. While you are in it, I know you will execute it with Fidelity to your Master, but I think Independance more honourable than any Service, and that in the State of American Affairs, which from the present arbitrary measures is likely soon to take place, you will find yourself in no comfortable Situation, and perhaps wish you had soon disengaged yourself.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Williams, 9 May 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, David

Dear Sir
Monday Eveng. May 9. –74
I had a full Purpose of coming out to you this Day, but unforeseen Hindrances have occurr’d: I should then have thank’d you and good Mrs. Williams in person, in behalf of Mrs. Hewson and Mrs. Stevenson, for your exceeding kind and friendly Offer, of which they have the most grateful Sense. Their Situation does not permit them at present to leave home; but they will, when they can, wait upon you with their thankful Acknowledgements. Make my Compliments acceptable to Mrs. Williams, and believe me, with sincere Esteem, and Affection; Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd Mr Williams

Addressed: To / The Revd. Mr Williams / Lawrence Street / Chelsea / Pryer


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, [12 May 1774]
From: Ingenhousz, Jan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[May 12, 1774]
I begg him send me soon his apology. I tell him the very words by which the Empress Queen promised me never to change any thing in my situation, and declared me quite a free man. Thus that I could reasonably expect to get leave to do what I will. I Sent a relation of my experiments upon the Torpedo to Sir John a year ago. I think the positive and negative electricity is not easily demonstrated by these fishes. A gentleman of Milan found that the circulation of juices could be seen in arundinacious plants and that there is a separate circulation between each nood.
To Dr. B. Franklin at Mrs. Stephenson Cravenstreet Strand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Smith, 13 May 1774
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Friend
Burlington 13 May 1774
The Governor lately communicated to me an extract of a Letter from thee to him, wherein thee desires I woud remit thee what money I have received on thy account; I have accordingly purchased the inclosed James & Drinkers Draughts on Pigou & Booth for £200 sterling Exchange 167 ½ is £335 Currency to thy Debit. There remains in my hands upwards of [torn] Currency which with what money I may hereafter receive shall be apply’d as thee may direct.
The Bearer hereof Wm Dillwyn of this Place a particular friend of mine, goes Passenger in this Ship. I should be much Oblig’d to thee for thy kind Notice of him, or any act of friendship it may fall in thy way to do him, Being with great Respect and Esteem Thy Ready Friend
Jos. Smith
Doctr FranklinCopy. with 2nd Bill for £200 sterling


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Humphry Marshall, 14 May 1774
From: Marshall, Humphry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Much Esteemd friend,
  West Bradford Pensilvania the 14th of 5th mo. 1774
I am Sorry to hear how Matters are Misrepresented at home Concerning us poor Americans as also for the abuse thou has recieved from the Solicitor and the Ministry for thy faithfull Service to thy Country as also to thy King. However I hope thou’ll be Wise Enough to keep Clear of their Clutches and if thou Cannot be of any More Service to thy Country by Staying in England return to us again. How Matters Will terminate I dont yet forsee Between the Mother Country and her Colinies. But I Seem of the opinion that if their Should be Men of War and ridgements of men Sent over to Boston New York and philadelphia, as is threatened and they Should use any Hostile Measures, that there is a Set of people in New England, that before they Would lose their priviledges Would oppose force by force and Numbers, through all the Colonies I Concieve Would Join them, its true a few men of War and frigates Might Come over and Batter Down our Cities and towns, But What of all that, if the Inhabitants Should fly Back in the Country and resolve on defence I humbly Concieve it Would not be in the power of Great Brittain to Spare men Enough, or at Least I think the Dare not Do it, for fear of an Enemy at home to Suppress or bring the Americans under. But I would feign Hope that if our Good Sovereign King George Would take Councils of Some of his Antient Cool Headded Wise men, Such as the Earl of Chatham and others that I trust there is Yet Left, that have not Imbibed that haughty Spirit of oppression over their fellow Creatures, that Matters might be Yet Easily accomodated Between Brittain and her Colonies. Let the parliment only take the Duty of the tea, and rest Contented Without using any Coercive Measures to obtain any Satisfaction for the Loss of it and Never turn their thoughts on Laying any more Duties on any article Imported here, nor of taxing us, in future, But When the Crown Wants any aid or assistance from her Colonies Let the Good old mode be pursued of Writing by the Secrataries to the Several Governors to Call upon their Assemblies to raise men and money in their own Way for their Kings use Which I make no Doubt Will be Cheerfully Done, as heretofore; and then a harmony between the mother and her Children Will Subsist, the Children Will acknowledge the Benevolence of the parent, And the parent I make no Doubt Will be pleased With the Gratitude of her Children, and then all murmuring will Cease. For I would feign hope there is Yet Some wise men Left in England that Can foresee that the Consequences, of opression is revolting, has it not been the Consequence in ages Past that the Greatest of Empires by opressing their Colonies have Caused them to revolt? But I dont at this time recollect one Instance of Lenitive Measures Being Detremental to any Empire. Now as to my observations on the Spots on the Sun, I Continued them Some parts of the Winter With the utmost Accurecy But Cannot Say that I have Ever observed a Spot that went of on the West Side to appear again on the Eastern Limb in 12 or 13 days or at Least in the Same position or form. I have also Endeavoured to observe Each Spot that had a border or Circle round them Which Every Circular Spot almost Seems to have, yet I Cannot Quite agree With Dr. Wilson in his hypothesis. But being so much Engaged in other Business Such as tending the press for Striking our money and Emmitting It at present and for this above two months past that I have Scarcly time [to] think much about these Matters and more Especially [to] write my Sentiments fully on the Subject. [I? so]me What admire that We have had no farther account of our money bill. I was In hopes thou Would have favoured me With a few Lines by All, or Falconer, as I think I desired it Last fall. With Great respect and Esteem I am thy real Well Wisher
Humpy. Marshall
P.S. If thou remains in England please to favour me with a few line from thee by the first opportunityTo Benjn Franklin

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin / at / London / Per favour / of Captain / Falconer


Title: A Method of Humbling Rebellious American Vassals, 21 May 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

To the Printer of the Public Advertiser.
Sir,
Permit me, thro’ the Channel of your Paper, to convey to the Premier, by him to be laid before his Mercenaries, our Constituents, my own Opinion, and that of many of my Brethren, Freeholders of this imperial Kingdom of the most feasible Method of humbling our rebellious Vassals of North America. As we have declared by our Representatives that we are the supreme Lords of their Persons and Property, and their occupying our Territory at such a remote Distance without a proper Controul from us, except at a very great Expence, encourages a mutinous Disposition, and may, if not timely prevented, dispose them in perhaps less than a Century to deny our Authority, slip their Necks out of the Collar, and from being Slaves set up for Masters, more especially when it is considered that they are a robust, hardy People, encourage early Marriages, and their Women being amazingly prolific, they must of consequence in 100 Years be very numerous, and of course be able to set us at Defiance. Effectually to prevent which, as we have an undoubted Right to do, it is humbly proposed, and we do hereby give it as Part of our Instructions to our Representatives, that a Bill be brought in and passed, and Orders immediately transmitted to G——l G——e, our Commander in Chief in North America, in consequence of it, that all the Males there be c—st—ed. He may make a Progress thro’ the several Towns of North America at the Head of five Battalions, which we hear our experienced Generals, who have been consulted, think sufficient to subdue America if they were in open Rebellion; for who can resist the intrepid Sons of Britain, the Terror of France and Spain, and the Conquerors of America in Germany. Let a Company of Sow-gelders, consisting of 100 Men, accompany the Army. On their Arrival at any Town or Village, let Orders be given that on the blowing of the Horn all the Males be assembled in the Market Place. If the Corps are Men of Skill and Ability in their Profession, they will make great Dispatch, and retard but very little the Progress of the Army. There may be a Clause in the Bill to be left at the Discretion of the General, whose Powers ought to be very extensive, that the most notorious Offenders, such as Hancock, Adams, &c. who have been the Ringleaders in the Rebellion of our Servants, should be shaved quite close. But that none of the Offenders may escape in the Town of Boston, let all the Males there suffer the latter Operation, as it will be conformable to the modern Maxim that is now generally adopted by our worthy Constituents, that it is better that ten innocent Persons should suffer than that one guilty should escape. It is true, Blood will be shed, but probably not many Lives lost. Bleeding to a certain Degree is salutary. The English, whose Humanity is celebrated by all the World, but particularly by themselves, do not desire the Death of the Delinquent, but his Reformation. The Advantages arising from this Scheme being carried into Execution are obvious. In the Course of fifty Years it is probable we shall not have one rebellious Subject in North America. This will be laying the Axe to the Root of the Tree. In the mean time a considerable Expence may be saved to the Managers of the Opera, and our Nobility and Gentry be entertained at a cheaper Rate by the fine Voices of our own C—st—i, and the Specie remain in the Kingdom, which now, to an enormous Amount, is carried every Year to Italy. It might likewise be of Service to our Levant Trade, as we could supply the Grand Signor’s Seraglio, and the Harams of the Grandees of the Turkish Dominions with Cargos of Eunuchs, as also with handsome Women, for which America is as famous as Circassia. I could enumerate many other Advantages. I shall mention but one: It would effectually put a Stop to the Emigrations from this Country now grown so very fashionable.
No Doubt you will esteem it expedient that this useful Project shall have an early Insertion, that no Time may be lost in carrying it into Execution. I am, Mr. Printer, (For myself, and in Behalf of a Number of independent Freeholders of Great Britain) Your humble Servant,
A Freeholder of Old Sarum.


Title: Note on Marginalia in Benjamin Wilson, Further Observations upon Lightning, [after 25 May 1774]
From:
To:

[After May 25, 1774]
Wilson’s attack on Franklin in 1773, in Observations upon Lightning, had produced a rebuttal from William Henly before the Royal Society. Wilson counterattacked and, when the Society declined to publish his paper, printed it as a second pamphlet, Further Observations upon Lightning; Together with Some Experiments … (London, 1774). He sent Franklin a presentation copy, dated on the title page May 25, 1774. Franklin read it with the same care that he had given its predecessor, marking passages and adding a few marginal notes. Wilson argued at one point that the electrical fluid behaved differently in two different kinds of conductors and might, when moving through the air as lightning, behave still differently. “Similar,” Franklin replied, “bec[ause] both depend on Quantity” (p. 11). Soon afterward Wilson argued that the quantity of charge in a cloud would determine the distance from the earth that a lightning stroke would cover. “Striking Distance is relative,” Franklin commented. “No one ever pretended it to be a certain Measure” (p. 13). A thunderstorm may last for hours. Wilson continued, and occasion a multitude of explosions that move toward the horizon without diminishing; these were, Franklin remarked, “Repetitions of the same Matter exploding” (p. 16). Henly’s experiment that most interested Wilson demonstrated that, when two chain conductors ending respectively in a knob and a point were exposed in the dark to a discharge, the first chain glowed and the other did not; this proved, according to Wilson, that the point received nothing and was no protection. “No time,” Franklin commented, “for the Point to act” (p. 17). Wilson concluded that the electrical fluid was produced differently by a machine and by lightning, and was governed by different laws. Franklin’s final remark at that point (p. 18) may serve as his verdict on the other’s theories: “Not at all.”


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, [after 25 May 1774?]
From: Henly, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[After May 25?, 1774]
[Missing] ourselves without making Mr. W—s experiment. But to be serious; unluckily for that Gentleman I have drawn no conclusion from his favourite experiment, except it be this, that a point will not invite a stroke of lightning upon it, at 12 times the distance of a knob. The chains happen’d to be both of the same wire, and length. Whoever doubts whether the ends of the bars at St. Pauls pass through the pavement, may please to take a walk to the stone gallery and see. Mr. Gould did not discover the amazing smell of sulphur till the next day after the stroke. He keeps a snuff shop.
[He] told Mr. Bell he was of opinion St. Pauls had not [been stru]ck, I am Dear Sir most cordially yours
W Henly


Title: Note on Franklin’s Contributions to a Pamphlet by Arthur Lee, [before 30 May 1774]
From:
To:

The report of the House of Lords that castigated the rebellious attitude of Massachusetts was published on April 20. Arthur Lee, before leaving on his European tour, composed an answer, which was announced in the Public Advertiser on May 30. Franklin subsidized the pamphlet, entitled A True State of the Proceedings in the Parliament of Great Britain, and in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Relative to the Giving and Granting the Money of the People of That Province … [London, 1774], and made minor contributions to it. In Lee’s incomplete manuscript what appeared in print as the first two paragraphs on page five are in Franklin’s hand. The first paragraph quotes a resolution by the House of Commons, April 30, 1759, authorizing the crown to reimburse the colonies to a maximum of £200,000 for expenses incurred in the war. The second paragraph reads: “Similar Resolutions followed yearly every Message. And though this Compensation did not exceed One Fourth Part of what they expended, they were satisfied with these most honourable of all Testimonies, that they had not been backward in contributing their Share towards the general Defence of the Empire.”
The other additions in Franklin’s hand that Lee adopted are two footnotes. The first, on page ten of the printed text, deals with Governor Bernard’s complaints in 1766 that the Massachusetts House of Representatives addressed the King, remonstrated to the Secretary of State, and employed a separate agent: “The House had employed a separate Agent some Years before, and Governor Bernard had given his Assent to a Bill for paying his Salary. What he calls addressing the King, was a Petition; and remonstrating, was writing a Letter.” The second note, on page twelve, merely gives the vote in the House in 1768 on sending its circular letter to the other colonial assemblies. Franklin provided in addition the sources of direct and indirect quotations, in notes which Lee ignored, and may have interpolated other passages in pages of the manuscript that have since been lost.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Harvard College, 31 May 1774
From: Harvard College
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Att a Meeting of the Corporation of Harvard College31st May 1774.
Dr. Franklin having presented to our Library a French Translation of his Philosophical Works in two Vols 4to a Copy which we receive with particular Pleasure, as it is a Testimony of the Sense Forreigners have of the Merit of those Writings, which must do honor to the Country that gave him Birth; as well as to Every literary Society he is related to. Voted that the Thanks of this Board be given to Dr. Franklin for this valuable Present, and that Dr. Cooper do transmit him a Copy of this Vote.
A true Copy attest’d per Nathll Appleton Senr Fellow of the Corporation

Endorsed: Boston


Title: Note on Franklin’s Final Account with the General Post Office, [May 1774]
From:
To:

[May, 1774.]
Among Franklin’s papers in the American Philosophical Society are two copies, one in his hand, of his account with the Post Office from 1769 to 1774. The last items he mentions were for May, 1774, and he noted on his copy that he delivered the account on Dec. 5, 1774. On the debtor side are payments to Robert Trevor, receiver general of the Post Office, totaling £5431 19s. 10d. A charge for post horns of £1 1s. in 1770 is supplemented by another of £10 18s. 3d. that had been omitted in March, 1764. One Ann Pennock received £6 12s. 6d. in 1771 for stamps, presumably for postmarking. Protested bills and charges for them came to £640 6s. 6d. Franklin’s annual salary was £300 for four and a half years from Oct. 5, 1769, or £1350. A balance remained of £973 0s. 5d. On the creditor side are remittances from Alexander Colden, the American comptroller, for the five years beginning in May, 1769, £7371 12s. 10¼d., and a total payment to Deborah Franklin from the Philadelphia post office, Sept. 28, 1769, to March 26, 1774, of £1042 5s. 7¾d.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 1 June 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, June 1 1774
I received your respected Favour of March 31. with another of the same Date from the Committee. The latest of my Letters which had then come to your Hands was of Jany. 7. since which I have written several, viz. of Feb. 2 to yourself, and one of the same Date to the Committee. Of Feb. 15. containing a full Account of the Hearing on the Petition. Of March 22. with some Account of the intended Acts against our Province. Of April 2. with an Account of the Petitions presented by the Natives of America residing here. Of April 16. containing an Account of the Appointment of General Gage as Governor, and more Particulars of the intended Acts. And in the Course of last Month I sent you by various Conveyances, under Covers with only a Line or two, Copies of the Acts themselves, and other publick Papers and Pamphlets. I mention these Dates and Particulars that you may know if any of my Letters are missing. With this I inclose a List of your new Council, the Quebec Bill, an Abstract of the Resolutions for laying Duties in that Province, and some Newspapers containing the two Protests of the Lords, and a List of those who have voted against the Bills. Lord Chatham being ill at the time could not be present, or he would probably have voted on the same Side. He has since appeared in the House, and delivered his Sentiments fully on the American Measures: blam’d us for destroying the Tea, and for our Declarations of Independence on the Parliament; but condemn’d strongly the Measures taking here in consequence; and spoke honourably of our Province and People, and of their Conduct in the late War.
Mr. Lee is gone to make the Tour of France and Italy, and probably will be absent near a Year. Just before his Departure he drew up at my Instance a kind of Answer to the Lords Committees Report, for which I furnished him with most of the Materials. I send a Copy of it. I had resign’d your Agency to him, expecting to leave England about the End of this Month; but on his Departure he has return’d me all the Papers, and I feel myself now under a kind of Necessity of continuing till you can be acquainted with this Circumstance, and have Time to give farther Orders.
I shall apply to Lord Dartmouth agreable to the Directions of the honourable Committee, and write to them fully as soon as I have his Lordship’s Answer.
Your friendly Concern on my Account lest the Project for a Subscription Post Office in America should prove prejudicial to me, is very obliging; but you must have learnt before this time, that it was, when you wrote, superfluous, my Place having been taken from me the 31st of January preceding. As the Salary I received in that Office is now ceas’d, and I have been lately at near £200 Expence on the Province Account in various Ways, I am now oblig’d to request that some Means may be fallen upon of making me a Remittance here; for I have little Expectation that the Instruction will be recall’d on my Application. With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

Be pleased to present my Respects to the honourable House, and to the Gentlemen of the Committee.
Honourable Thomas Cushing Esqr

Notation: Benja Franklin Esqr  London June. 1. 1774


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gros, 21 June 1774
From: Gros, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The writer of this letter thought, no doubt correctly, that the recipient would need a reminder of who he was, and provided one that may have been a help to Franklin but is none whatever to us. Gros is a common enough French name, and the letter is in French of a sort; but some of the bizarre spellings (“hobliger,” “hobergiste,” “st. hannes”) sound like a Cockney wrestling with the language. Gros had asked some favor for his brother and, thanks apparently to Franklin’s response or responses, came at once to regard him as a second father—and then let nineteen months pass in silence. The little else that he tells about himself merely raises questions. He says he is not a sculptor; does that imply that his brother is? He wants advice on emigrating to South Carolina, where he believes he can use his gifts as a wine-maker: does this suggest some connection with John Huske’s protégé, the Chevalier O’Gorman, who dreamed of viticulture in America? Or is the connection through “Mr. favre,” with whom Gros is lodging in London and who could be Lewis Fevre, Franklin’s French clerk for the past two years and more? Fevre himself is veiled in obscurity; and his friend, if friend Gros was, is the shadow of a shade.

Monsieur
A Londres Ce 21 Juin 1774.
Comme vous m’avez honnoré d’une Reponse en dattes du Vingt novembre 1772 par laqu’elle le Carracterre d’un perre des infortunés Etait peint des plus Vive Couleurs; je Suis arrivés de Ce Soir a Londres pour en Solliciter les Effets. Je n’ai point voulu vous interrompre par une letre qui auroit dues preceder mon arrivée parcequ’independament des frais la letre dont vous m’aviez honnoré en faveur de mon frere m’assuroit assez de Votre Zêle a hobliger. J’aurai l’honneur de Vous rendre Compte demain ou aprés demain matin des motifs qui lui ont Empeche d’en proffitter, si je puis avoir l’honneur de Vous Entretenir. Comme je ne suis point sculpteur Et que je desirerois m’Etablir dans un Climat plus doux que la Pensilvanie je me destinnerois volontiers pour port Royal dans la Caroline Meridional; Cependant Comme je prend la liberté de m’authoriser a vous regarder Comme un Second Pere je ne me suis Resolu pour aucun Endroit qu’aprés que j’aurai Consulté votre sagesse Et votre Bonté paternel; Si je desire Et Si j’ai quelques predilections pour la Carolinne meridional; Cest que je juge le Climat plus analogue a la Culturre de la Vigne dans lequel talent, je Suis assez versé pour l’Entreprendre Si Jamais j’en avois le pouvoir Et les moyens; que pas un autre Endroit de toute l’amerique anglaise.
Pour vous metre dans le Ressouvenir Celui qui a l’honneur de vous Ecrire je m’appelle Gros Et l’addresse par laquelle vous vous Etes servi pour m’honorer de votre hobligeante Reponce en dattes du 12 9bre. 1772 Chez le sieur Roussel hobergiste Rue du four a paris. Je suis Logé ycy a Londres Chez Mr. favre au Coin de moor stretes st. hannes sohoo. Jay l’honneur d’Etre avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et tres Obeisseant Servitteur
Gros

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin deputés / des Colonie Septentrionale de / l’amerique anglaise au parlement / D’angleterre / A Londres / [In another hand:] Try Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Percival, 21 June 1774
From: Percival, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Manchester June 21. 1774.
A few Weeks since I received a Packet of Papers on the American Affairs, which I presume came from you, as the direction seemed to be your hand Writing. I thank you for this mark of your Esteem; and have distributed the Pamphlets amongst Persons of the first consequence in this Town and Neighbourhood. They have already circulated through a considerable number of hands, and cannot fail of making some useful impressions. But I am sorry to say that the rights and liberties of our Countrymen in America are much less dear to us than they ought to be. Indeed the principles of Despotism in our Governors, and of Passive Obedience in the People seem to be advancing by an equal, and most alarming progression.
I have inclosed a little Paper, which completes the account of the number of People in the Town, Township, and Parish of Manchester. It is extracted from a long Memoir which I shall soon send to Dr. Price, for the Royal Society, and which will at present conclude the Observations which have occurred to me on this interesting Subject. I have printed this little Extract, to oblige those Gentlemen who have generously contributed towards the Expence of our Enumerations. When you see Dr. Price you will oblige me by presenting my most friendly respects to him. I am with the highest Esteem Dear Sir Your most faithful and most affectionate humble Servant
Tho. Percival.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall, 26 June 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marshall, Humphry

Dear Sir,
London, June 26. 1774
I received and am obliged by your Favour of May 14, in which you express so fully your just Sentiments of the present Disputes between the two Countries, as to give me great Satisfaction. Here is at present great Enquiry after News from America: Our Friends wishing to hear of our Steadiness, and our Enemies fearing it: For if these their violent Measures do not succeed, they must quit their Places to Men of more Moderation and Wisdom. And we have reason to hope they will not succeed in making us submit to be taxed from hence; for if they once get that settled, they will fix our Fetters for ever, making us pay the Charge of the Iron: that is, we must maintain the Soldiers necessary to compell the Payment of those Taxes, and a Train of Placemen and Pensioners besides to harass and oppress us. Nothing will, as you observe, restore Harmony, but the good old Way of Requisition from the Crown and voluntary Grants from the People.
Your Remarks on the Spots in the Sun were well-receiv’d by the Royal Society, and are taken Notice of in the Transactions. I do not enlarge, as I hope soon to have the Pleasure of conversing with you; being with much Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Humphrey Marshall Esqr

Addressed: To / Humphry Marshall Esqr / Chester County / Pennsylvania


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 30 June 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, June 30. 1774
I receiv’d your Favour of April 30. By the next Boston Ship I shall send you all the perfected Acts lately pass’d relating to our Province, of which I sent you Copies while in the State of Bills: ’Till then I defer any Remarks on them. At present I only send Copies of two more Letters of Mr. Hutchinson’s. The Chancery Suit goes on against me on Account of the former. With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Thos. Cushing Esqr

  Endorsed: Dr Franklin  June 30   1774   and answer in September


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [3 July 1774]
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, July 3, 1774]
[First part missing] there is no foreseeing the Consequences which may result from such a Congress as is now intended in America, chosen by the Assemblies, or by Committees from all the several Counties in each of the Provinces.”
I cannot but think it very extraordinary that neither the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay nor the Town of Boston have so much as intimated any Intention or Desire of making Satisfaction to the E. India Company and the Officers of the Customs when by doing those two Things, which are consistent with strict Justice, and by declaring that they will not hereafter attempt to hinder the Landing at Boston any Goods legally imported they might get their Port opened in a few Months. But if they are to wait for this until the Congress meets, and until the grand Question is settled between the two Countries, they may as well never have their Port opened, for by that Time their Trade will have got into another Channel, and most of their Merchants and Artificers be either ruined or removed. Besides they ought first to do Justice before they ask it of others, and the Business of the Congress may be carried on as well after the Port is opened as it can be when it is shut. Their making Reparation to those whom they have injured would besides give greater Weight to their Representations and do Credit to their Cause.

The May Packet is not yet arrived, but I hear that Mrs. Gage arrived last Night. I am under a Necessity of setting out early in the Morning on my Journey. I am to dine to Day with General Haldimand, and have just Time to add that the Family were all well when I left Burlington, where Mrs. Bache [and] her Children were, and that I am ever Your dutiful Son
Wm. Franklin
I have not Time to copy this.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 July 1774
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured sir
Lancaster July 20. 1774
I arrived here last Evening just in time to see the last of the Races, and to go to a brilliant Assembly. This is not the Business of my Journey, but it may not be amiss to mix a little. We sett of this afternoon, and shall not stop ’till we arrive at Glasgow, from thence we shall go to Edinburgh and come home through Yorkshire. That you may not think I am squandering my time to no purpose, I must inform you what I have done. At Liverpool I have made myself acquainted with 3 Houses, Rawlinsons & Chorley, Jno. Roberts & Co, and Mr. Hugh Pringle, whose correspondence I can engage at any future day, and who will give me the preference in the Commission Way, for what Business they may have at Boston. At Warrington I have a Credit with Saml Gaskall & Co for what Canvass I may want, whenever I shall pl[ease to?] order. At Manchester I have a credit with Mr. Radcliff, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Hamilton, for all kinds of Manchester Goods when ever I have a mind. I must not here omit mentioning Mr. Radcliff’s civility, which exceeded common [demand?], this Gentleman has given me (unask’d) the genteelest reccommendations to Glasgow. At Lancaster where I now am, I have met with Mr. Hornby, who is largely in the manufacture of Canvass, this Gentleman offers to consign me a q[uanti]ty on Commission, and desires me to inform him when I go out. In short every thing goes on favourably without an obstacle. In addition to this good fortune, I have the pleasure to find that tho’ I have been absent a fortnight, I have not expended more than I allow’d for a week. I take care to make no engagements that shall embarrass me, and not to be so elated with success, as to be too much affected at the reverse. I think I could bear a disappointment with a tolerable degree of philosophy. I hope you will not leave London before I return, but shall be glad to receive a Letter from you at Edinburgh and if you can conveniently lodge an introduction you will highly oblige me. It is to you I owe all the pleasure I now feel, for the honor of your alliance gives me this consequence, tho I assure you I do not immodestly boast of it, and I hope no part of my conduct will merit [your] displeasure. I have not room to mention my Friends [torn: but ask you?] to remember me to all. I am your dutiful Kinsman
J Williams Junr
[In the margin:] Mr. Boyd desires his best Compliments.

Addressed: To / Doctr Benja Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons / In Craven Street / Strand / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
London, July 22. 1774
I hear by Mr. Dillwyn that you were all well: But had no Line from you either by him or the Packet.

Capt. Falconer tells me the Casks of Types were put into his Cellar, he not knowing who they were for. You will get them there, and store them with the rest. I believe I wrote to this purpose before. I am very hearty, Thanks to God. My Love to Sally and the Children, from Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
Mr Bache


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Coombe, Jr., 22 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coombe, Thomas, Jr.

Dear Friend
London, July 22. 1[774]
I received with great Pleasure you[rs of] May 15. as it inform’d me of your Hea[lth, and Hap]piness. I thank you for your Sermons [which I] read with Satisfaction: I am glad that [of my good] Bishop’s pleas’d you. I enclose a Speech [of his,] on the same Subject. It is deem’d here a [Master-piece] of Eloquence. I send also the last Editi[on of some] Lines of your Friend Goldsmith, with the Ad[dition of my] Friend Whitefoord’s Epitaph, whom you [may remem]ber. Also the Heroic Postscript, the Author [of which] is yet unknown. He may be fond of F[ame, as a Poet, but if] he is, his Prudence predominates. That w[hich you] are acquiring as an Orator, gives me Pleas[ure as your] Friend; and it will give [you] yourself the most solid [Satisfaction,] if you find that by your Eloquence you can t[urn many] to Righteousness: Without that Effect, the Pre[acher, or the] Priest, in my Opinion, is not merely sounding [Brass, or a] tinkling Cymbal, which are innocent Things; [he is ra]ther like the Cunning-man in the Old Baily, [who conjures,] and tells Folks their Fortunes, to cheat them [of their] Money.
Mrs. Stevenson and Mrs. Hewson return your Compliments with their best Wishes. We have lost Mr. Hewson, and a great Loss it is. Mrs. Tickell too is lately dead.
My Respects to your good Father. Adieu, my dear Friend, and believe me, ever, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Revd Mr Coombe


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 22 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, July 22, 1774
I have had no Line from you by several late Opportunities: I flatter myself it is owing not to Indisposition, but to the Opinion of my having left England, which indeed I hope soon to do.
Mr. Dillwyn tells me he never saw so fine a Child as your youngest Grandson: Has he eclips’d poor Benjamin of whose pretty History I us’d to receive so many folio Pages in your Letters?

I enclose a Letter I have just receiv’d from your God-Daughter Amelia Evans that was, (now Barry.) I wrote to you before that she had marry’d the Captain of a Ship in the Levant Trade. She is now again at Tunis where you will see she has lately lain in of her third Child. Her Father you know was a Geographer, and his Daughter has now some Connection I think with the whole Globe; being born herself in America, and having her first Child in Asia, her second in Europe, and now her third in Africa.
Mrs. Stevenson presents her best Respects. She too is very happy in her two Grandsons. Her Daughter our poor Polly, who lately lost her good Husband, is now become rich by the Death of her Aunt. I am ever, my dear Debby Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 22 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London, July 22. 1774
I received your Favour of May 14. with the very ingenious Oration you deliver’d at the Society, for which I thank you. The Bookseller you had likewise sent it to (Mr. Dilly) being desirous of Dr. Huck’s Opinion and mine as to its Publication, we had, after separately reading it, a little Consultation upon it; the Result of which was, that tho’ the Piece had in many Respects a great deal of Merit, yet as there were some Particulars that would be excepted to by the medical People here, many of whom are in the Royal Society and have great Weight there; and as the Society generally is of late grown more difficult in the Admission of new Members, several Candidates being this last Year rejected; and any Criticism to the Disadvantage of your Piece in the Reviews or otherways might prejudice some Votes against you; we thought it best the Publication should be postpon’d till after the Ballot for your Election; it being intended by us to put you up as a Candidate at the next Meeting of the Society, which will be in November, and we were unwilling to hazard your being refus’d, as it would be better not to propose you than to do it without a moral Certainty of Success. We therefore advis’d the Bookseller not to print it till Winter, which he the more readily agreed to, as that is the best Season for publishing. You compliment me too highly in supposing a Preface of mine would be of any Advantage to it.
Your Brother Chymists are now every where in Europe, busy in working upon Fix’d Air: And Dr. Priestly’s Book has put many of our Gentry upon making, by the help of such Air, their own Pyrmont Water. Dr. Nooth has invented a nice Apparatus for this purpose, of which a great Number have been sold. It consists of three Glass Vessels one above another, and fitting airtight into each other, but easily separable. The Chalk with ½ a pint of Water, and a Spoonful or two of Oil of Vitriol, are put into the lowest: The middle one, fill’d with the Water to be medicated, is immediately fix’d in its Neck, that the produc’d Air may rise thro’ the Water: The upper Glass receives the surplus Water forc’d up into it by the Air which takes place in the upper part of the middle Glass. A Figure tho’ not well-drawn, may help a little to explain my imperfect Description.

  A   The Bottom Glass containing the Chalk and Oil of Vitriol in some Water, to produce the Fix’d Air.
  B   A Glass Plug, ground into the Bottom of the middle Glass, having within it many small capillary spiral Passages (like the Stem of some Drinking Glasses) thro’ which the Air produc’d forces itself up by its Elasticity, and prevents Water descending.
  C   The Water in the Middle-Glass, with the Air rising thro’ it, which being got above it, presses on its Surface at D, and forces some of it through the crooked Pipe up to E, in the Upper Glass.
The Stopper of the Upper Glass has a little perpendicular Groove in one of its Sides, to let out the superfluous Air, otherwise the Glasses would burst.
Three or four new Nails lying at the Bottom of the middle Glass, communicate Iron enough to give the Water a strong ferruginous Taste, and make it turn purple with Green Tea. In 4 or 5 Hours the Water is fit to drink.
The Water in E preserves a Pressure between the Fix’d Air and Water at D, which promotes the Imbibition.
This artificial Pyrmont Water, like the artificial Magnet, is preferr’d to the natural, and for the same Reason, because it is cheaper, may be made stronger, and can be refresh’d at any time with additional Virtue.
I transmitted to our Friend Dubourg at Paris what you transmitted to me for him. I have not heard from him lately, but suppose he is well. Wishing you all sorts of Happiness, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Dr Rush

Addressed: To / Dr Rush / Philadelphia / per Capt Falconer
Endorsed: Dr. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Carlo Giuseppe Campi, 24 July 1774
From: Campi, Carlo Giuseppe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
24 Juillet 1774 Milan dans la Lombardie
Voici 4 exemplairs du mon choix. Si je ne me flatte d’avoir fait une traduction elegante, j’espere du moins d’avoir rendu néttement le sens des vos Lettres, et des vos opusculs. On m’assure qu’une nouvelle edition de vos œuvres est sur Le point de paroitre, si je ne me trompe, a Cambridge. Je vous prie, Monsieur, de m’assurer par le moyen de M. Songa, si dans cette edition il y a quelque chose qui n’a paru dans les precedentes; car je brule d’envie de traduire en italien quelques autres morceaux philosophiques de vôtre façon. L’utilité, la nouveauté, la clarté brillent trop dans vos ecrits pour que je ne puisse en être charmé, et faire en sort de mon coté, que tout Le Monde en jouisse. J’ose de vous renouveller tres-humblement mes prieres sur le sujet des opusculs, dont j’ai dit un mot dans ma Lettre précedente, qui à cette heure, assurément, vous aura été rémise. Le douce caractere de votre ame qui m’a été peint plus d’une fois par Mr. Fromond sçaura bien excuser l’importunité avec La quelle je me suis adressé a vous deux fois en peu de jours. Plein de ce profond respect, dont doit être saisi quiconque a lu vos œuvres, et connoit vos vértus, je suis Votre tres humble serviteur
Charles Joseph Campi

P.S.  J’ai usé d’un Langage étranger, parceque j’ignore si vous entendez l’italien.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / London
Endorsed: Sigr. Campi


Title: Extract of a Purported Letter from London, 25 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

This extract, published under the London date line of July 25, was soon reprinted in three Massachusetts papers, which added to the heading “said to be wrote by Dr. Franklin,” and in one Virginia paper without that ascription. In January, 1775, a slightly amended version appeared in London, again with a hint that it was by Franklin. Verner Crane concluded that it was, and published it under the title “Advice to the Continental Congress.” In his introduction and notes he argued persuasively for Franklin’s authorship, partly by citing indirect evidence of the existence of such a letter and partly by showing parallel phrases and ideas in Franklin’s correspondence that summer. We are not fully persuaded by this argument, but neither can we dismiss it. We can only reprint the text, explain our reasons for doubting its authenticity, and leave the reader to decide.
The importance of the extract, if genuine, is self-evident: it is the only proof we have that Franklin advised the Congress. Nowhere else, in any document that is unquestionably his or addressed to him, is there a hint that he communicated with the delegates as delegates. Nowhere else, though he harped on the need for maintaining unity and firmness and for meeting the Coercive Acts with an economic embargo, did he state precisely what measures he hoped would come out of Philadelphia, or argue that nonexportation was a necessary concomitant of nonimportation. Here the author is both precise and detailed. If the extract is Franklin’s it stands by itself; hence the reasons for and against attributing it to him must be carefully weighed. It advocates, in his style, some measures that he had previously supported, such as a bill of rights and a ban on imports; and officials in London believed that he was advising the Congress on both these points. His not advising at that critical juncture, it may be argued, would have been out of character, so that the burden of proof rests on whoever denies that he did.
We have no proof, only doubts. Any one familiar with his style and views could have imitated the one and reworked the other into the form found here; the comments of British officials, though suggestive, have no bearing on this particular document. Another essay printed below, which is also among Crane’s attributions and the body of which we believe was written in the summer of 1774, is even more Franklinian in style and content, yet advances an argument diametrically opposed to this one. Last but far from least, we have found nothing to indicate that any advice from Franklin ever circulated among the delegates. If it had, it would have been news indeed; and some record of it might be expected in diaries if not in the press. None has come to light.
The letter contains some puzzling statements, noted below, which raise doubts about whether the author could have been writing from London in late July. A further puzzle is the place and date of publication: the recipient would seem to have been a Bostonian (the writer speaks of the government’s altering “your” charter), and might have been expected to receive a July letter by early September; why did this excerpt appear so long after that and so far away? Perhaps because it was written to Cushing and taken with him to Philadelphia to use when the right moment came; October 12, while the delegates were discussing the Continental Association, would have been such a moment. But if Cushing did use it why have we found no mention of it? Although these objections vary in weight, when taken together they make us skeptical of Crane’s argument.

July 25, 1774
This being the time of recess from publick business; little is stirring in the political hemisphere, but to show that your friends here are not idle, a pamphlet is inclosed, which is now circulating in this kingdom. The spirit which has appeared in all America, has given much uneasiness to our wicked Ministers, and I conjecture they will by their Emissaries try every expedient to bring about a disunion among you, when the Congress meets; therefore with much circumspection you should watch their motions, and take all possible precaution to defeat their attempts. It appears to me the greatest stake that ever was played for, no less than, whether the Americans, and their endless generations shall enjoy the common rights of mankind, or be worse than eastern slaves; the trial must now come to issue, as open war is declared by the Boston Port Act, the others for altering your Charter, and licensing the Soldiery and Custom-house Officers in murder and bloodshed, and above all by the Quebec Bill. These are the fruits of the seeds that have been sowing ever since 1764, therefore it will be necessary in your bill of rights, which it appears the Congress means to draw up, to specifie every oppressive Act of Parliament since that period, and if this is done with decency and manly firmness, I think Lord Chatham and his friends will support it, though it is by no means prudent to rely over much on any support on this side the water; your chief confidence must be in your own virtue, unanimity and steadiness; temper and resolution must be joined.
When your bill of rights is agreed on, the great consideration will be, how to get it confirmed here. Was the Congress composed of Deputies regularly authorised by the Assemblies of each province, it might be proper to have it presented to the King, by a Deputy, as an Ambassador from every Colony, but as the Congress will not be so constituted, your bill will not be received through such a medium, therefore suppose it must go through the old channel of the Agents: But this I would have you rely on as a thing of absolute certainty, that, your bill or petition, will not be in the least regarded, unless you can compel the merchants, manufacturers and people of England to join you. For this end I know of no possible means, but immediately to stop all commerce with this country both exports and imports, which plan must be steadily and with the strictest faith adhered to, until you have obtained redress. The want of American naval stores, particularly, pitch, tar and turpentine would be most sensibly felt here immediately, and tobacco alone yields above £500,000, to the revenue, which deficiency it would puzzle the Ministers in the extreme to make good. Your province will surely be wise and prudent enough, not to enter into any violent measures, without the strictest concert with the other Colonies, particularly Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas, because on them depend the whole effect of the American non-exportation. The northern Colonies have all the European markets almost for their exports; but those Colonies, have hardly any but the English markets for their chief exports, which are tobacco and naval stores, therefore it will require your greatest address to get them to join in the nonexportation as well as the non-importation, for I am well convincedthat the latter without the former will not avail, nor indeed will they both do, unless put in immediate practice; for if you loose the present crisis, the new House of Commons will be modelled in a years time to the ministerial mould and General Carlton will have forwarded the plan of the Quebec bill, so that any resistance you can make then, will be fruitless; whereas if all commerce is immediately stopped, the intelligence will be known over the whole kingdom in the winter, when we are in the height of a general election, and then will be the best time that can be wished, for the people at large to convince the candidates to serve in Parliament of the necessity there is, to do you justice by repealing all the late wicked Acts; and I think it more than probable, that in such an event, it would be made a stipulation with the candidates, that they should use their utmost efforts to obtain a total repeal of all the oppressive Acts that you complain of. You must make the merchants feel, before they will stir for you, as their conduct respecting the Boston Port Bill, sufficiently evinces.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 26 July 1774
From: New Jersey Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
July 26 1774 Burlington
We are desired by the House to request your Attention, to the Several Acts of Assembly Passed at the last Session, so as to Obtain the Royal Allowance, to as many as can be had. Your Endeavours to do this, for the Act to Institute a Suit against the late Treasurer of the Eastern division, and to the Act for the Emission of Bills of Creditt on Loan, will, we believe, be Particularly agreeable to the House.
The first hath already occasioned a good deal of Uneasiness in the Colony and has Unhappily been the cause of a Difference between the Governor and many of his real Friends in Our House but this we have the Pleasure to inform you is now settled, and if the royal Assent coud be Spedily had to this Law It woud leave no Room for further disputes which we shoud be glad to Prevent.
We shoud have wrote to you before, but the Intelligence we had of your Intentions to embark for America prevented us. We have heard of your late difficultys with great Concern. With the rest of America we look upon ourselves to be interested in your Wellfare and we can with great Truth Assure you that it woud give us great Pleasure to Contribute to the Alleviation of them. With great respect we are

Your friends
Your Most humble Servants

  Henry Paxson
    Saml Tucker

    J Kinsey
    Robt Frd Price

    John Mehelm


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the New Jersey Assembly Standing Committee of Correspondence and Inquiry, 26 July 1774
From: New Jersey Assembly Standing Committee of Correspondence and Inquiry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
July 26 1774 Burlington
At the Last Session of Assembly we were appointed a Committee to obtain amongst other things the most Early and Authentick Intelligence of all Acts and Resolutions of the Parliment of Great Britain or the Proceedings of Administration that may have Relation to or any ways Affect the Liberties and Priviledges of America.
We know of no Person so Proper to make Application to on this Occasion as to you our Agent and we shoud be glad you woud favour us with any that shoud come to your knowledge or that you wou’d point out any more proper mode to enable us more Effectually to answer the Purpose for which we are Appointed.
We are Sensible of the difficulties which an Attention to your Trust has already laid you under and it will give us great Pleasure to find you rise Superior to all the late Attempts to do you Prejudice; Perhaps the request we make may be Attended with an impropriety which escapes our Attention. If it does, be pleased to favour us with your Sentiments they will be received with great respect on this or on any other Occasion, for with great truth we can Assure you that we shoud be glad of all Opportunitys to shew the high Esteem we Entertain of your Integity as well as of your Abilitys. We are Your Most humble Servants

Saml Tucker

John Mehelm

Robt Frd Price

and friends
Henry Paxson

J Kinsey


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 27 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, July 27. 1774
The last Line I have been favour’d with from you, is of the 30th of April. I have since written to you several times. I hope our Correspondence is not intercepted.
This serves to cover a Pamphlet or two just published here; of which I shall send you a Number, as I think it may be of Use in America to see what Sentiments are entertain’d here: And believing they maybe of Use here, I have been at some Expence in promoting the Publication. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

Addressed: To / The honble. Thos. Cushing, Esqr / Boston
Endorsed: Benja Franklin Esq  London July 27. 1774


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 July 1774
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir
Glasgow 27th July 1774
I am fearfull you will be tired with my scribblings but I am so fond of writing, (especially to you) that I venture to intrude on your patience, tho’ I am sensible my letters are of no importance. You I hope will excuse me. I endeavour to gain as much advantage from my travels as I can, and if I should reap no pecuniary benifit, I think I shall gain knowledge and experience, which nothing can deprive me of, and I am still further pleased, that our expences do not amount to near the Sum we allowed ourselves. I find they give 15 months credit in this place, and ship the goods at the original price, free of commission or any other charge. This makes a great difference between purchasing of the manufacturers, and the merchants, in the manufacture of garters Tapes &c, the Merchant has 2½ Per Cent discount from the price, 3 Per Cent Commisions 6 months longer credit, equal to 2½ Per Cent more, 7½ Per Cent discount for ready money, which is 2½ Per Cent more than the interest he allows so that even in this triffling article, he gains 10 Per Cent when he proffesses to gain but 3. In many other kinds of goods, he gains much more, and as I shall now have a credit in these different places, I shall at any time be able to procure Goods at least 10 Per Cent cheaper than I have hitherto been obliged to pay. I greatly depend on the pleasure of hearing from you at Edinburg. I shall carefully attend to whatever advice you may kindly bestow on me, and where you percive I act wrong, I shall be obliged by your admonitions, which shall never fail of their effect.
My best regards to Mrs. Stevenson, I have been in such a continual round of confusion that I am quite fatigued, and long for a calm hour in Craven Street, in her company. I begin to think of London as my home, and shall be almost as happy on my return there, as on my arrival in Boston. I hope Mrs. Hewson is well, please to remember me most affectionately to her, and Miss Hewson, as also to Mrs. Barwell Mrs. Blunt master Temple and all enquiring Friends. I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
J Williams Junr

I beg sir you will let me know by a Line at Leeds, whether you expect to go out this fall, and how long first, as I shall be very unhappy if I miss seeing you again in London.

Addressed: To / Doctr Benja Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons In / Craven Street / Strand / London / (postpaid)


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 28 July 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister
London July 28. 1774
I received your kind Letters of May the 1st and 18th. I rejoice to hear that you and yours continue in Health; as I do, Thanks to God.
The Report you mention that I offer’d to desert my Constituents, and banish myself if I might continue in Place, is an infamous Falshood, as you supposed. And as ridiculous as false, since it implies that I have not Arithmetic enough to calculate the Difference between 300 and 1000. They are every now and then reporting here, that I am using Means to get again into Office. Perhaps they wish I would. But they may expect it ’till Doomsday. For God knows my Heart, I would not accept the best Office the King has to bestow, while such Tyrannic Measures are taking against my Country. Be assured I shall do nothing that will prejudice me in your Opinion, or be inconsistent with the honest Public Character I have hitherto maintained. I kept my former Post indeed till it was taken from me, because I did not receive it as a Favour from Government, but rose to it in the Course of Office from Seniority join’d with Merit; I therefore thought I had a right to it; and I did not chuse to compliment them with a Resignation, rather liking that they should take upon themselves the Shame of depriving me. They have done me honour by turning me out, and I will take care they shall not disgrace me by putting me in again.
All this to yourself. To the World such Declarations might seem incredible, and a meer puffing of ones own Character: therefore, my dear Sister, show this to no body: I write it meerly for your Satisfaction; and that you may not be disturb’d by such Idle Reports. I am ever, Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin

The enclos’d Pamphlets were encourag’d by me, being written by Friends of mine, and printed at my Expence.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Wolrich, 1 August 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wolrich, Thomas

Dear Sir,
London, Augt. 1. 1774
The Bearer, Mr. Jona. Williams, once partook with me of your Hospitality at Leeds, but it being near 4 Years since, he apprehends you may have forgot him, and has therefore requested a Line from me to re-introduce him to you. He has been ever since you saw him, settled in Business in America as a Merchant, and acquits himself with Reputation for his Industry, Integrity, Punctuality and Correctness. He is now on a Tour thro’ the manufacturing Parts of the Island with Views of extending his Correspondence, when Matters shall be settled between the two Countries. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities, as I have myself a great Regard for him, not merely as my Nephew, but on Account of his real Merit. With great Esteem, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Woolrich

Addressed: To / Mr Woolrich / at / Leeds
Endorsed: B Franklin 1st. Augt. 1774.
Notation: the Benjamin Franklin of Electricity fame.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Foulger, 1 August 1774
From: Foulger, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
London Augt 1. 1774
I have been so unhappy with the rest of my Friends to come to town in your Absence, we have made some Inquirey which I leave the Bearer to Inform you off, which I hope you will give him your Oppinion shall be very glad to recieve a Line from you when it is Convenient Especily before you Leave the Country. I am with the Greatest Esteem your Most Oblig’d Humble Servant
Tho Foulger

Addressed: Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Caraven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Potts, 1 August 1774
From: Potts, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Pottsgrove August: 1st: 1774
I have often recollected your kind farewell and kindness when you last left Chester when you desired I might make use of your Assisstance in any Matter I had to doe in London. I have also reflected that the old friendship still continues on your Part by the enquiries you made of my Two Brothers who saw you in London at Diffirent times and several years distant. I mentioned to my Mother Mrs. Grace my intention of writing to you she shook her head and said she was afraid she would never see you again but desired however to give my kind love to him in which my Wife also joins.
My friend Mr. Duffield’s son Ben is going to Edenbourough to improve himself in his profession of Phisick by whom I write this and he promises to send by some friend from there. If he should ever have the pleasure of seeing you in London you will easyly discover Merit in him. Good Mr. Philip Syng has retired into the Country about ten miles from the Cyty where I frequently see him. During our twenty years acquaintance and of later years very intimately he has told me much concerning your and his acquaintance in your younger years when you were a Philadelphian. He was saying the other day that we come upon this stage to do all the good we can. When I asked him wheather if in the decline of life nothing was due to self he smiled and said I wish Doctor Franklin had more of what I term’d self love. I am not used to writing which you will observe therefore must begg you will Excuse any thing amiss and at the same time begg a favour. Mr. Joseph Brewer has a Father Thos. Brewer Merchant at Haslingden and an Uncle Edward Brewer, Whitebirk near Blackburn. His frinds has given him to understand that if he can give them an assuriance of his Present good conduct and good Character of his Wife who he has lately Married they will remit him something considerable. If enquirey should be made of you please to tell them that he has lived here at Pottstown ever since his arrival in America and I can testafie that his conduct has been such a merits their best affections. Neither ought the choice he has made in a wife lessin their regard in any respect unless her want of Fortunse is a fault. Its a Pity his friends were not assured of these facts. I am Dear Sir your much obliged Friend
Thos: Potts

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqure


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from J. Moody, 5 August 1774
From: Moody, J.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
oxford street No. 52. Fry—Augt. 5th 1774
At a time when the strongest professions of Friendship are but cautiously to be depended upon, a meer declaration of my Regard for Docr. Franklin, doth not well Enough satisfy me. I have therefore taken the Liberty to beg, that he will be pleased to accept of a small Essay of my own Manufactory; perhaps it may help to lead to something like a confirmation of my Esteem for him, whose Character and abilities command respect and Admiration from every body but a Villain. I have the honor to be most sincerely Your Humble Servant
J Moody

Addressed: To / Doctr Franklin


Title: Four Letters of Introduction for Joseph Priestley, 20–21 August 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques,Hahn, Johann David,Allamand, Jean-Nicolas-Sébastien,Bicker, Lambertus

In late August Joseph Priestley left with his patron, Lord Shelburne, for a Continental tour. It included the Low Countries and the Rhineland and ended in October in Paris, where Priestley demonstrated some of his experiments with gases and discussed them with Lavoisier in the first meeting between those two giants of chemistry. Franklin gave Priestley introductions to Dubourg, two Dutch academics of his acquaintance, and the secretary of the Batavian Society of Experimental Science, of which he had been a member since 1771. Some of the notes were more concerned with Franklin’s own affairs than with his friend, but all were intended to pave the way for him; we therefore print them together.

I. To Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg
Dear Friend,
London, Augt. 20. 1774
This Line will be put into your Hands by my excellent Friend Dr. Priestly, whose Character in the learned World is not unknown to you. His Name alone is a sufficient Recommendation to those Civilities you have so much Pleasure in showing to Strangers of Merit. My best Respects to the good Ladies and believe me ever, My dear Friend Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mons. Dubourg

II. To Johann David Hahn
Sir,
[August 20 or 21, 1774]
I am much oblig’d by your valuable Present of several Tracts which I received thro’ the Hands of our common Friend Sir John Pringle; particularly for that on Fix’d Air, a Subject which of late engages much the Attention of our Philosophers here, and in which no one has more distinguish’d himself than Dr. Priestly, who puts this Letter into your Hands. His Character in the Republick of Letters you must be well acquainted with, and I am sure you will be pleas’d with the Opportunity of conversing with him. I beg your Acceptance of the enclos’d Pamphlet, and am with the greatest Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B F
M. Hahn,

III. To Jean-Nicolas-Sébastien Allamand
Sir,
London Aug 21. 1774
I was much obliged by the Readiness with which you gratified me, by sending me a Copy of the Letter relating to the smoothing of the Sea by Oil. You will see that I have in the enclos’d, of which I beg your Acceptance, made some Use of that Letter.
  Dr. Priestly, so celebrated thro’out Europe for his philosophical Writings, does me the Honour to present this Line to your Hands. His Character alone will be a sufficient Recommendation to your Civilities, and I am sure you will be pleas’d with an  Opportunity of conversing with him. I am ever, with the greatest Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

Please to present my respectful Compliments with the other Copy to his Excy. Count Bentinck
Professor Allemand,

IV. To Lambertus Bicker
Sir
London Aug 21. 1774
I order’d from Paris a Copy of the Translation into French of my Philosophical Works, to be sent to the Batavian Society at Rotterdam, as a Mark of my great Respect for that Society. I wish to know whether it came to hand.
Having this Opportunity by my excellent Friend Dr. Priestly, (with whose Character as a Philosopher you must be acquainted) I send to the Society another Trifle of mine; of which I beg their Acceptance.
If the Society have published any of their Transactions, I should be glad to have them, and will readily pay the Charge. I am very respectfully Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F
Mr. Secry of the Batavian Society   Rotterdam


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 3 September 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, Sept. 3. 1774
It is a long time since I have been favoured by a Line from you. I suppose you thought me on my Return to America, and that your Letters would probably not reach me here. But I have been advised by our Friends to stay till the Result of your Congress should arrive. The Coolness, Temper, and Firmness of the American Proceedings; the Unanimity of all the Colonies, in the same Sentiments of their Rights, and of the Injustice offered to Boston; and the Patience with which those Injuries are at present borne, without the least Appearance of Submission; have a good deal surprized and disappointed our Enemies, and the Tone of publick Conversation, which has been violently against us, begins evidently to turn; so that I make no doubt that before the Meeting of Parliament it will be as general in our favour. All who know well the State of Things here, agree, that if the Non Consumption Agreement should become general, and be firmly adhered to, this Ministry must be ruined, and our Friends succeed them, from whom we may hope a great Constitutional Charter to be confirm’d by King Lords and Commons, whereby our Liberties shall be recogniz’d and establish’d, as the only sure Foundation of that Union so necessary for our Common Welfare. You will see a stronger Opposition in our Favour at the next Meeting of Parliament than appear’d in the last. But, as I have said in former Letters, we should depend chiefly upon our selves. The Uncertainty of safe Conveyance prevents my being more particular, or adding more at present than that I am, with the sincerest Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Thos Cushing Esqr

  Endorsed: Benja Franklin Esqr, London  Sept. 3. 1774


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 3 September 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister,
London, Sept. 3. 1774
Hearing just now of this Opportunity, I write a Line to acquaint you that I am well and hearty, Thanks to God, as I hope you are.
It seems likely now that I shall stay here another Winter; you will therefore be kind in continuing to write to me. My Love to Jenney, &c. I am ever, Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 7 September 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Foxcroft, John

Dear Friend,
London, Sept. 7. 1774
Mr. Todd call’d to see me yesterday. I perceive there is a good deal of Uneasiness at the Office concerning the Delay of the Accounts. He sent me, in the Evening, to read and return to him a Letter he has written to you for this Mail. Friendship requires me to urge earnestly your Attention to the Contents, if you value the Continuance of your Appointment; for these are times of Uncertainty, and I think it not unlikely that there is some Person in view ready to step into your Shoes if a tolerable reason could be given for dismissing you. Mr. Todd is undoubtedly your Friend. But every thing is not always done as he would have it. This to yourself; and I confide that you will take it as I mean it, for your Good.
Several Packets are arriv’d since I have had a Line from you: But I had the Pleasure of seeing by yours to Mr. Todd, that you and Mrs. Foxcroft with your little Girl, are all in good Health, which I pray may continue. I am ever, my dear old Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr Foxcroft


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Parker, 7 September 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Parker, James

Sir,
London, Sept. 7. 1774
I received the Honour of yours, dated July 5. relating to the Act for establishing the Division Line.
It was by a Letter from J. Kinsey, and J. P. Hewlings Esqrs. that I was directed to solicit the Royal Confirmation of that Act: Accordingly when it was obtain’d I sent the two authenticated Copies to those Gentlemen; one by the February Packet, the other by a Ship to Philadelphia; and having since heard that Mr. Kinsey has certainly received one of the Duplicates, and probably the other, I imagine they must be, before this time, communicated to you, so as to make it unnecessary to obtain another Copy, the Expence too being considerable, the former having cost together near £30.
If nevertheless you should find it necessary to have another Copy, I will, upon Intimation immediately procure and send you one. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
James Parker Esqr

Addressed: To / James Parker Esqr / Perth-Amboy / New Jersey / viâ N York / per Packet.
  Endorsed: London Septemr. 7th: 1774  Doctor Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Timothy, 7 September 1774
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Timothy, Peter

Dear Sir,
London, Sept. 7. 1774
I received your Favour of May 26. and am much oblig’d by your kind Invitation to your House, which I should certainly accept with Pleasure, if I should ever go to Carolina.
You wish me to correspond with you on publick Affairs. Those relating to America have been and still continue in so disagreable a Situation, that I cannot write upon them with Pleasure. Much depends on yourselves. If at the intended Congress your Deputies are nearly unanimous in Declaring your Rights; and in Resolving firmly against all Importations from hence till those Rights are acknowledged here; you cannot well fail of carrying your Point: This Ministry must go out, and give Place to Men of juster and more generous Principles.

If you divide you are lost.
I believe I shall Stay here another Winter, and shall be glad to hear of the Welfare of you and yours. My Love and Blessing to my little Namesake: If you send me any of your papers per Packet I shall receive them free of Expence; for tho’ I now pay for my Letters, they do not charge me for Newspapers. I am ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant
B Franklin

A War with Spain begins seriously to be apprehended.
You will much oblige me by sending what Information you can obtain relating to the enclos’d Letter.
Mr Peter Timothy


Title: Note on the Fourth and Fifth Editions of Experiments and Observations, [9 September 1774]
From:
To:

Our predecessors announced early in this series their intention of discussing each edition in its chronological place. They did discuss the three parts of the first edition but not the second or third, no doubt because the differences were minimal. We neglected to fulfill their promise by pointing out the numerous new documents that were added to the fourth edition, as we should have done under its publication date of December 5, 1768, and therefore list them here in a single note on it and the final edition.
The additions introduced in 1768 more than tripled the length of the volume, which grew from 154 pages in the third edition to 496 in the fourth. Franklin had intended to revise and amplify this material, but could not find the time and eventually let it be published in its original form. “There are not many philosophical writers … who can suffer so little,” a reviewer commented, “by appearing in an undress before the public. …” The letters and papers that first appeared in undress are noted below, together with their locations in the volume and in the present edition.
Letter I. To Peter Collinson, March 28, 1747 (extract), pp. [1]–2. [Above, III, 118–19.]
Guillaume Mazéas to Stephen Hales, May 20, 1752, pp. 106–7. [Above, IV, 315–17.]
William Watson to the Royal Society, December 20, 1752, pp. 108–10. [Above, IV, 390–2.]
Electrical Experiments, March 14, 1755, pp. 155–60. [Above, V, 516–19.]
To Mon. Dalibard, June 29, 1755 (extract), pp. 161–4. [Above, VI, 98–101.]
Letter XIII. To Peter Collinson, November 23, 1753, p. 165. [Above, V, 115–16.]
From James Bowdoin, December 21, 1751 (extract), pp. 166–72. [Above, IV, 216–21.]

Letter XIV. To James Bowdoin, January 24, 1752, pp. 173–7. [Above, IV, 256–9.]
Letter XV. From James Bowdoin, March 2, 1752 (extract), pp. 178–81. [Above, IV, 269–72.]
Physical and Meteorological Observations, Conjectures, and Suppositions, [1751?], pp. 182–92. [Above, IV, 235–43.]
Letter XVI. From John Perkins, August 3, 1752, pp. 193–4. [Above, IV, 336–8.]
Letter XVII. To John Perkins, August 13, 1752, pp. 195–6. [Above, IV, 340–1.]
Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, &c., 1751, pp. 197–206. [Above, IV, 227–34.]
Letter XVIII. From John Perkins, October 16, 1752 (extract), 207–9. [Above, IV, 359–60.]
Letter XIX. From John Perkins, October 23, 1752, pp. 209–15. [Above, IV, 369–73.]
Letter XX. To John Perkins, February 4, 1753, pp. 216–33. [Above, IV, 429–42.]
Letter XXI. From William Mercer, November 11, 1752, pp. 234–5. [Above, IV, 378–9.]
Letter XXII. From John Perkins, May 14, 1753, pp. 236–7. [Above, IV, 488–9.]
John Perkins: Causes of Water Spouts, [1753?], pp. 238–46. [Above, IV, 489–95.]
Jonathan Todd to Jared Eliot, March 6, 1753 (extract), pp. 247–50. [Above, IV, 452–4.]
To Jared Eliot, May 3, 1753 (extract), pp. 251–4. [Above, IV, 472–4.]
Cadwallader Colden’s observations enclosed in his letter to Franklin, November 29, 1753, pp. 254–8. [Above, V, 124–6.]
Franklin’s answer enclosed in his letter to Colden, December 6, 1753, pp. 258–61. [Above, V, 145–7.]
Letter XXIII. To Cadwallader Colden, April 23, 1752, pp. 262–7. [Above, IV, 297–301.]
William Dampier: Accounts of Water Spouts, pp. 268–72. [Above, IV, 442–5.]
From James Bowdoin, November 12, 1753 (extract), pp. 273–6. [Above, V, 113–15.]
From Cadwallader Colden, April 2, 1754, pp. 276–9. [Above, V, 256–8.]
From James Alexander, [1753?], pp. 280–1. [Above, V, 178–9.]
To James Alexander, [1753?], pp. 282–3. [Above, V, 179–80.]
An Account of the New-Invented Fire-Places, [1744], pp. 284–318. [Above, II, 421–45.]

Letter XXIV. To John Lining, March 18, 1755, pp. 319–28. [Above, V, 521–7.]
Letter XXV. From Richard Jackson, [June 17, 1755], pp. 329–41. [Above, VI, 75–82.]
Letter XXVI. To John Lining, April 14, 1757 (extract), pp. 341–9. [Above, VII, 184–9.]
Letter XXVII. To Peter Collinson, [1752?], pp. 350–4. [Above, IV, 393–6, 397.]
Letter XXVIII. To Peter Collinson, [1752?], pp. 354–6. [Above, IV, 399–400, 401.]
Letter XXIX. To Peter Collinson, August 25, 1755, pp. 356–9. [Above, VI, 167–8.]
Letter XXX. To John Pringle, December 21, 1757, pp. 359–61. [Above, VII, 298–300.]
Letter XXXI. To John Pringle, January 6, 1758, p. 362. [Above, VII, 357.]
Letter XXXII. To John Lining, June 17, 1758, pp. 363–8. [Above, VIII, 108–12.]
Letter XXXIII. To James Bowdoin, December 2, 1758, pp. 369–74. [Above, VIII, 195–8.]
Letter XXXIV. To William Heberden, June 7, 1759 (extract), pp. 375–8. [Above, VIII, 394–6.]
Letter XXXV. To Peter Franklin, May 7, 1760, pp. 379–80. [Above, IX, 106–7.]
Letter XXXVI. To Alexander Small, May 12, 1760, pp. 381–3. [Above, IX, 110–12.]
Letter XXXVII. From Ebenezer Kinnersley, March 12, 1761, pp. 384–97. [Above, IX, 282–93.]
Letter XXXVIII. To Ebenezer Kinnersley, February 20, 1762, pp. 397–417 of first pagination. [Above, X, 37–53.]
Letters XXXIX and XL. Accounts from Carolina, November 1 and August 28, 1760, pp. 416–25 of second pagination. [Above, X, 53–9.]
Letter XLI. Experiments on Amber, July 3, 1762, pp. 425–7. [Above, X, 111–12.]
Letter XLII. To Giambatista Beccaria, July 13, 1762, pp. 427–33. [Above, X, 126–30.]
Letter XLIII. From John Winthrop, September 29, 1762, p. 434. [Above, X, 150.]
Letter XLIV. To [Oliver Neave], July 20, 1762, pp. 435–7. [Above, X, 130–2.]

Letter XLV. To John Pringle, December 1, 1762, pp. 438–40. [Above, X, 158–60.]
Letter XLVI. From [Alexander Small, c. 1764], pp. 440–1. [Above, XI, 544–5.]
Letter XLVII. To Peter Franklin, [1762?–1764], pp. 441–3. [Above, X, 183–4.]
Letter XLVIII. To Mary Stevenson, May 17, 1760, pp. 444–5. [Above, IX, 117.]
Letter XLIX. To Mary Stevenson, June 11, 1760, pp. 445–8. [Above, IX, 119–22.]
Letter L. To Mary Stevenson, September 13, 1760, pp. 449–56. [Above, IX, 212–17.]
Letter LI. To Mary Stevenson, March 30, 1761 (extract), pp. 456–8. [Above, IX, 296–7.]
Letter LII. To Mary Stevenson, August 10, 1761 (extract), pp. 458–60. [Above, IX, 338–9.]
Letter LIII. To Mary Stevenson, March 22, 1762 (extract), pp. 460–1. [Above, X, 67.]
Letter LIV. To Mary Stevenson, [1759] (extract), pp. 461–3. [Above, VIII, 455–7.]
Letter LV. To O[liver] N[eave, before 1769], pp. 463–6 of first and 467–8 of second pagination. [Above, XV, 295–8.]
Letter LVI. To Mary Stevenson, [November? 1760], pp. 469–72 of first, and 465–6 of second pagination. [Above, IX, 247–52.]
Letter LVII. To Lord Kames, June 2, 1765 (extract), pp. 467–72 of second pagination. [Above, XII, 162–4.]
Letter LVI [i.e., LVIII]. To Peter Franklin, [before 1765], pp. 473–8 of second pagination. [Above, XI, 539–43.]
Letter LIX. Of Lightning, and the Method (Now Used in America) of Securing Buildings and Persons from Its Mischievous Effects, September, 1767, pp. 479–85. [Above, XIV, 261–4.]
Letter LX. From John Winthrop, January 6, 1768 (extract), p. 485. [Above, XV, 14.]
To John Winthrop, July 2, 1768 (extract), pp. 486–92. [Above, XV, 168–71.]
Letter LXI. To John Pringle, May 10, 1768, pp. 492–6. [Above, XV, 115–18.]
The differences between the fourth and fifth editions were minimal. Two footnotes were added to the latter, but the only new document was Dalibard’s report of his experiment with lightning in 1752; this was reprinted, with insignificant changes, in the shortened form in which it had appeared in 1773 in Dubourg’s Œuvres de M. Franklin. The Public Advertiser of September 9, 1774, announced the publication of this final edition of Experiments and Observations.