Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, [December 1771?]: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Canton, John

[December, 1771?]
<An undated note in the third person. Business prevents Franklin from visiting him that afternoon as expected; Mr. Collinson, who was to have come with him, is out of town. They will call instead next week. >


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

[Late 1771?]
Voltaire in his Questions sur l’Encyclopedie, which I have been reading this Morning, gives Translations of several Greek Epigrams into French, to show that the latter Language was as capable of Correctness as the former. I had a mind to try if [I could] not render them more concisely in English, [but have] not succeeded; but you (or some of our bouts-rimés) may, if you please to try; for I am confi[dent that the ]English Language is denser than the French, else wh[at shall we make?] of Rosscommon’s Assertion,

The Weighty Bullion of one Sterling Line
Drawn to French Wire would through whole Pages shine?

So I send them for your Amusement at Bro[mley. You may] communicate them to Dolly if you write to h[er. Living in the?] Country she may want Amusement if you don’t.
 Addressed: Mrs Hewson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Reinhold Forster, [late 1771?]
From: Forster, Johann Reinhold
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
No 2. Sommerset house Stable Yard [late 1771?]
Having lately translated Prof: Kalm’s travels through North America, Bossu’s travels through Louisiana, and published a Catalogue of North-American Animals, with another of American plants, and a Centuria of new Insects, not described by Dr. Linnaeus, many of which are Americans; and flattering myself that these publications contain materials not altogether unworthy of the Attention of the learned and curious in America: I take the liberty by Your means, to present the Society for promoting useful knowledge established at Philadelphia in Pensilvania with a Set of the abovementioned works; hoping the Society will be pleased to consider them as a small token of the esteem and due regard with which I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
John Reinhold Forster.
 Addressed: To Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / President of the Philosophical / Society for promoting useful / knowledge established in / Pensylvania / in Craven-Street / Strand
Endorsed: John Reinhold Forster
  Donations Transn. Kalms Travels N A Do Bossu’s—Do Louisiana American Plants  Centuria of Insects  no


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 6 January 1772
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father,
Burlington Janry 6, 1772
The Session of the Assembly which ended the 21st. Ulto. and the Xmas Holidays since, have so engrossed my Time, that I have not been able to write you fully as I intended. At present I have taken up the Pen principally to acquaint you that I have had a very amicable Session, contrary to the Expectation of every Body, and indeed contrary to the Intention of most of the Members of the Assembly. I have carried two Points of great Difficulty, with which I suppose the M[inistr]y will not be a little p[leased.] One is the Supply for the Troops, and the other is, leaving out those Words in the Support Bill, which the Board of T. look’d upon as meant to establish the Assembly’s Claim of the sole Right of appointing an Agent. This last, however, I suppose you [will] not be altogether pleas’d with. However, it really (inter nos) makes no kind of Difference, and yet will satisfy the M[inistr]y as it will appear to be a Point gained. I will explain this in a future Letter.
I send you by this Opp[ortunit]y your Appointment duely certified, and the rough Draft of some Mes[sages] which I sent the Assembly, and Copies of their Answers. Further Particulars of the Session I must refer to my [next,] which shall be soon.
Messrs. Galloway and Foxcroft have informed me that they have wrote to you, Mr. Jackson, [and] Mr. Todd, fully with respect to the Grants said [to] have been made by the Government of Virginia, of Lands which will fall in the proposed New Colony. If the Accounts which those Gentlemen have received are just, we shall have very little worth our Attention unless the Bounds are considerably enlarged. But I can hardly believe that Lord Botetourt had any Authority to grant Land on the other side of the Allegany Mountains. The King’s Proclamation of the 7th. of Octr. 1763 prohibited all such Grants. It also seems improbable to me, that the Crown should, thro’ Lord Botetourt, give the Virginians Leave to purchase of the southern Indians the very Land which the Crown had before purchased of the Six Nations, and vest them with a Right to the Lands so purchased, at the very Time there was a Negotiation on Foot for the Disposal of them to a Company in England. I have several more Things to mention to you on this Head, but my Time will not permit.
Betsy joins me in wishing you many happy new Years. I am, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin

Our Love to Mr. Bache, to whom I intend writing in a few Days. His dear Boy I have just heard is well, and quite free from all Apprehensions of the Small Pox. Please to forward the enclosed to the C. Justice with my Comp[liment]s and let him know that I receiv’d his Letter and shall write to him by the next Packet.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dick, Sir Alexander

Dear Sir,
London, Jan. 11. 1772
My last Expedition convinc’d me that I grow too old for Rambling, and that ’twas probable I should never make such another Journey. ’Tis an uncomfortable Thing, the Parting with Friends one hardly expects ever again to see. This, with some occasional Hindrances, prevented my calling at Preston Fields after my Return from Glasgow: But my Heart was with you and your dear Family, and my best Wishes attended you all. Sir John Pringle rejoic’d with me on the Account I gave him of the Recovery of your Health, which I pray God may long continue. Pray present my respectful Compliments to Lady Dick, and to Miss Dick. Many happy New Years to you and all yours. I am, with the sincerest Esteem, Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Sir Alexr Dick, Bart.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Agatha Drummond, 11 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Drummond, Agatha

Madam,
London, Jan. 11. 1772
I have lately received, in exceeding good Order, the valuable Present you have honoured me with, of Penn’s Picture. Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgments for the very great Favour, and for the abundant Civilities and Kindnesses receiv’d by me and my Friend during our pleasant Residence under your hospitable Roof at Blair Drummond. My best Respects to Lord Kames and Mr. Drummond. With sincerest Esteem and Regard, I have the honour to be Madam, Your much obliged and obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mrs Drummond


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Babcock, Joshua

Dear Sir,
London, Jan. 13. 1772
It was with great Pleasure I learnt by Mr. Marchant, that you and Mrs. Babcock and all your good Family continue well and happy. I hope I shall find you all in the same State when I next come your Way, and take Shelter as often heretofore under your hospitable Roof. The Colonel, I am told, continues an active and able Farmer, the most honourable of all Employments, in my Opinion as being the most useful in itself, and rendring the Man most independent. My Namesake, his Son, will soon I hope be able to drive the Plough for him.

I have lately made a Tour thro’ Ireland and Scotland. In these Countries a small Part of the Society are Landlords, great Noblemen and Gentlemen, extreamly opulent, living in the highest Affluence and Magnificence: The Bulk of the People Tenants, extreamly poor, living in the most sordid Wretchedness in dirty Hovels of Mud and Straw, and cloathed only in Rags. I thought often of the Happiness of New England, where every Man is a Freeholder, has a Vote in publick Affairs, lives in a tidy warm House, has plenty of good Food and Fewel, with whole Cloaths from Head to Foot, the Manufactury perhaps of his own Family. Long may they continue in this Situation! But if they should ever envy the Trade of these Countries, I can put them in a Way to obtain a Share of it. Let them with three fourths of the People of Ireland, live the Year round on Potatoes and Butter milk, without Shirts, then may their Merchants export Beef, Butter and Linnen. Let them with the Generality of the Common People of Scotland go Barefoot, then may they make large Exports in Shoes and Stockings: And if they will be content to wear Rags like the Spinners and Weavers of England, they may make Cloths and Stuffs for all Parts of the World. Farther, if my Countrymen should ever wish for the Honour of having among them a Gentry enormously wealthy, let them sell their Farms and pay rack’d Rents; the Scale of the Landlords will rise as that of the Tenants is depress’d who will soon become poor, tattered, dirty, and abject in Spirit. Had I never been in the American Colonies, but was to form my Judgment of Civil Society by what I have lately seen, I should never advise a Nation of Savages to admit of Civilisation: For I assure you, that in the Possession and Enjoyment of the various Comforts of Life, compar’d to these People every Indian is a Gentleman: And the Effect of this kind of Civil Society seems only to be, the depressing Multitudes below the Savage State that a few may be rais’d above it. My best Wishes attend you and yours, being ever with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B F
Dr Babcock


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir,
London, Jany. 13. 1772
I am now return’d again to London from a Journey of some Months in Ireland and Scotland. Though my Constitution, and too great Confinement to Business during the Winter, seem to require the Air and Exercise of a long Journey once a Year, which I have now practiced for more than 20 Years past, yet I should not have been out so long this time, but that I was well assured the Parliament would not meet till towards the End of January, before which Meeting few of the principal People would be in Town, and no Business of Importance likely to be agitated relating to America.
I have now before me your esteemed Favours of July 9, Sept.25. and Oct. 2. In the first you mention that the General Assembly was still held out of its ancient and only convenient Seat the Townhouse of Boston; and by the latest Papers from thence I see that it was prorogu’d, again to meet in Cambridge, which I [a] little wonder at when I recollect a Question ask’d me by Lord Hillsborough in Ireland, viz. Whether I had heard from New-England lately, since the General Court was return’d to Boston? From this I concluded Orders had been transmitted by his Lordship for that Removal: Perhaps such may have been sent, to be used discretionally. I think I have before mentioned to you one of the Articles of Impeachment brought against an evil Administration here in former Times, that the Parliament had been caused to sit in Villibus et remotis partibus Regni, where few People, propter defectum hospitii et victualium could attend, thereby to force illos paucos qui remanebunt de Communitate Regni, concedere Regi quamvis pessima. Lord Clarendon too was impeach’d for endeavouring to introduce arbitrary Government into the Colonies. Lord H. seems by the late Instructions, to have been treading in the Paths that lead to the same unhappy Situation, if the Parliament here should ever again feel for America. As there is something curious in our Interview in Ireland, I must give you an Account of it. I met with him accidentally at the Lord Lieutenant’s, who happened to invite us to dine, with a large Company, on the same Day. He was surprizingly civil, and urg’d my Fellow-traveller and me to call at his House in our intended Journey Northwards, where we might be sure of better Accommodations than the Inns could afford us. He press’d us so politely that it was not easy to refuse without apparent Rudeness, as we must pass through his Town of Hillsborough and by his Door; and as it might afford an Opportunity of saying something on American Affairs, I concluded to comply with his Invitation. His Lordship went home some time before we left Dublin; we call’d upon him, and were detain’d at his House four Days, during which time he entertain’d us with great Civility, and a particular Attention to me that appear’d the more extraordinary as I knew that but just before I left London he had express’d himself concerning me in very angry Terms, calling me a Republican, a factious mischievous Fellow, and the like. In our Conversations he first show’d himself a good Irishman, blaming England for its Narrowness towards that Country, in restraining its Commerce, discouraging its Woollen Manufactury, &c. and when I apply’d his Observations to America, he said he had always been of Opinion that the People in every Part of the King’s Dominions had a natural Right to make the best Use they could of the Productions of their Country: and that America ought not to be restrain’d in manufacturing any thing she could manufacture to Advantage; that he suppos’d she at present found generally more Profit in Agriculture; but whenever she found that less profitable, or a particular Manufacture more so, he had no objection to her persuing it; and he censur’d Lord Chatham for asserting in his Speech that the Parliament had a Right or ought to restrain Manufactures in the Colonies; adding, that as he knew the English were apt to be jealous on that head, he avoided every thing that might inflame that Jealousy; and therefore tho’ the Commons had requested the Crown to order the Governors to send over, annually, Accounts of such Manufactures as were undertaken in the Colonies, yet as they had not ordered such Accounts to be annually laid before them, he should never produce them ’till they were call’d for. Then he gave me to understand that the Bounty on Silk raised in America was a Child of his, which he hoped would prove of great Advantage to that Country; and that he wish’d to know in what Manner a Bounty on Raising Wine there might be contrived so as to operate effectually for that purpose, desiring me to turn it in my Thoughts as he should be glad of my Opinion and Advice. Then he inform’d me that Newfoundland was grown too populous to be left any longer without a regular Government, but there were great Difficulties in the forming such a kind of Government as would be suitable to the particular Circumstances of that Country, which he wish’d me likewise to consider, and that I would favour him with my Sentiments. He seem’d attentive to every thing that might make my Stay in his House agreable to me, and put his eldest Son, Lord Kilwarling, into his Phaeton with me, to drive me a Round of Forty Miles, that I might see the Country, the Seats, Manufactures, &c. covering me with his own Cloak lest I should take Cold: and, in short, seem’d in every thing extreamly solicitous to impress me, and the Colonies through me, with a good Opinion of him: All which I could not but wonder at, knowing that he likes neither them nor me; and I thought it inexplicable but on the Supposition that he apprehended an approaching Storm, and was desirous of lessening beforehand the Number of Enemies he had so imprudently created. But if he takes no Step towards withdrawing the Troops, repealing the Duties, restoring the Castle, or recalling the offensive Instructions, I shall think all the plausible Behaviour I have describ’d, and the Discourse related, concerning Manufactures, &c. as meant only, by patting and stroaking the Horse to make him more patient while the Reins are drawn tighter and the Spurs set deeper into his Sides. Before I leave Ireland I must mention that being desirous of seeing the principal Patriots there, I staid till the Opening of their Parliament. I found them dispos’d to be Friends of America, in which Disposition I endeavoured to confirm them, with the Expectation that our growing Weight might in time be thrown into their Scale, and, by joining our Interest with theirs, might be obtained for them as well as for us, a more equitable Treatment from this Nation. There are many brave Spirits among them, the Gentry are a very sensible, polite and friendly People. Their Parliament makes a most respectable Figure, with a Number of very good Speakers in both Parties, and able Men of Business. And I ought not to omit acquainting you, that it being a standing Rule to admit Members of the English Parliament to sit (tho’ they do not vote) in the House among the Members, while others are only admitted into the Gallery, my Fellow-Traveller being an English Member was accordingly admitted as such, but I supposed I must have gone to the Gallery, when the Speaker having been spoken to by some of the Members, stood up and acquainted the House, that there was in Town an American Gentleman of Character, a Member or Delegate of some of the Parliaments of that Country, who was desirous of being present at the Debates of this House; that there was a standing Rule of the House for admitting Members of the English Parliament; that he did suppose the House would consider the American Assemblies as English Parliaments; but this being the first Instance he had chosen not to give any Order in it without receiving their Directions. On the Question, the whole House gave a loud unanimous Aye, when two Members came to me without the Bar, where I was standing, led me in and placed me very honourably. This I am the more particular in to you, as I esteem’d it a Mark of Respect for our Country, and a Piece of Politeness in which I hope our Parliaments will not fall behind theirs, whenever an Occasion shall offer. Ireland is itself a fine Country, and Dublin a magnificent City; but the Appearances of general extreme Poverty among the lower People, are amazing: They live in wretched Hovels of Mud and Straw, are clothed in Rags, and subsist chiefly on Potatoes. Our New England Farmers of the poorest Sort, in regard to the Enjoyment of all the Comforts of Life, are Princes when compar’d to them. Such is the Effect of the Discouragements of Industry, the Non-Residence not only of Pensioners but of many original Landlords who lease their Lands in Gross to Undertakers that rack the Tenants, and fleece them Skin and all, to make Estates to themselves, while the first Rents, as well as most of the Pensions are spent out of the Country. An English Gentleman there said to me, that by what he had heard of the good Grazing in North-America, and by what he saw of the Plenty of Flaxseed imported in Ireland from thence, he could not understand why we did not rival Ireland in the Beef and Butter Trade to the West Indies, and share with it in its Linen Trade. But he was satisfy’d when I told him, that I suppos’d the Reason might be, Our People eat Beef and Butter every Day, and wear Shirts themselves. In short the chief Exports of Ireland seem to be pinch’d off the Backs and out of the Bellies of the miserable Inhabitants. But Schemes are now under Consideration among the humane Gentry, to provide some Means of mending if possible their present wretched Condition.
I am much obliged by the very particular Account you have favoured me with of the general Sentiments of People in our Province on the present State of Affairs between the two Countries. They are for the most part the same with my own. I think the Revenue Acts should be repealed, as not constitutionally founded; that the Commission of the Customs should be dissolved; that the Troops (Foreigners to us, as much as Hanoverians would be in England, since they are not introduc’d with the Consent of our Legislature) ought to be withdrawn, and the Castle restor’d to its rightful Owners, the Government of the Province that built it; and that the General Court should be return’d to its ancient Seat, and the Governor’s Salary put upon its ancient footing. But it is also my Opinion, that while the present American Minister continues, there is very little Likelyhood that any Change will be made in any of those particulars, that of returning the Court perhaps excepted: And yet I am also of Opinion that no farther Duties are intended, and that altho’ the American Minister might wish to increase that Fund for Corruption, the other Ministers are not dispos’d to humour him in it, and would not consent to it. I may be deceiv’d in this Opinion, but I have Grounds for it. However, I think we should be as much on our Guard, and use the same defensive Measures and Endeavours as if we saw new Duties intended in the ensuing Session. And nothing can more effectually discourage new Duties, than the Diminution of the Revenue produc’d by Duties, from this most justifiable Measure, a resolute steady Refusal to consume the dutyable Commodities.
In complyance with your respected Recommendation, I introduc’d Mr. Story to a Secretary of the Treasury, who forwarded his Memorial; and he tells me he has obtain’d his Request relating to the Affair of Mr. Wheelwright’s Debt. He now seems to wish for some Appointment in consideration of his Sufferings from the Mob. But I doubt whether it may be worth his while to attend here the Solicitation and Expectation of such Reward, those Attendances being often drawn out into an inconceivable Length, and the Expence of course enormous. With the greatest Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Thos. Cushing, Esqr

Private
Endorsed: Benja Franklin London Jany 13 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Samuel

Dear Cousin,
London Jan. 13. 1772
I received your kind Letter of Nov. 8. and rejoice to hear of the continued Welfare of you and your good Wife and four Daughters: I hope they will all get good Husbands. I dare say they will be educated so as to deserve them. I knew a wise old Man, who us’d to advise his young Friends to chuse Wives out of a Bunch; for where there were many Daughters, he said they improv’d each other, and from Emulation acquir’d more Accomplishments, knew more, could do more, and were not spoil’d by parental Fondness like single Children. Yours have my best Wishes, and Blessing if that can be of any Value. I receiv’d a very polite Letter from Mr. Bowen relating to the Print. Please to present him my respectful Compliments. I am just return’d from as long a Journey as a Man can well make in these Islands, thro’ Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the Northern Parts of England; and I find my Health much improv’d by it. I shall soon take some good Opportunity of letting you see one of the Books that were collected by your good Grandfather. Sally Franklin presents her Duty to you and Mrs. Franklin, and Love to her Kinswomen. I am, Dear Kinsman, Yours very affectionately
B Franklin
S. FranklinPer Meyrick


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Greene, [13 January? 1772]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Greene, Catharine

[January 13?, 1772]
[First part missing:] I Send you a Copy of the Receipt, hoping that you may be a means of introducing so valuable a Manufacture into your Country; the more valuable, as the Cream is saved, and thence the Farm affords more Butter; at the same time that the Cheese is of so much greater Value. The principal Cause of its Goodness is perhaps the Heating of the Milk, which I understand is not usual in our Method. After some Experiments I think you will succeed in it. Remember not to be discouraged by a few Disappointments at the Beginning. I send you a Piece of right Parmesan, that you may be acquainted with it, and know when you have hit it.

Present my respectful Compliments to Mr. Greene and kiss the Girls for me. My best Wishes attend you all. Believe me ever Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee of Correspondence, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Massachusetts House Committee of Correspondence

Gentlemen,
London, 13 January, 1772.
On my return from a late tour through Ireland and Scotland, for the establishment of my health, I found your respected letter of June 25th, with the papers therein referred to, relating to the townships settled eastward of Penobscot River. I immediately waited on Mr. Bollan to consult with him, agreeably to your instructions, who informed me, that, in my absence, he had by himself thoroughly considered the same, having formerly had occasion to be acquainted with the whole affair, and he suggested to his constituents, the Council, a plan of accommodation to be proposed to government here, if they should approve of it; and that he hoped by the meeting of Parliament (before which, little public business is done here, so many of the Lords of the Council being out of town,) he might have their answer; and it would otherwise be to little purpose to attempt any thing sooner. I make no doubt but the proposal has been communicated to the House of Representatives, if they have since had a meeting, and that we may soon receive their further instructions thereon.

The town now begins to fill with members of Parliament, and great officers of state coming in daily to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, and be present at the opening of the session, which is fixed for next Tuesday. It is given out, that nothing relating to America is likely to be agitated this session; that is, there is no purpose either to abrogate the old duties or lay new ones. For the first, I am sorry, believing as I do, that no harmony can be restored between the two countries, while these duties are continued. This, with the other aggrievances mentioned in your letters of June 29th and July 13th, your agents will constantly attend to, and take every step possible in their present situation, unacknowledged as they are here, to obtain the redress, that is so justly your due, and which it would be so prudent in government here to grant.
In yours of July 9th it is mentioned, that the House desire I would annually send an account of the expense I am at, in carrying on the affairs of the province. Having business to do for several colonies, almost every time I go to the public offices, and to the ministers, I have found it troublesome to keep an account of small expenses, such as coach and chair hire, stationery, &c., and difficult to divide them justly. Therefore I have some time since omitted keeping any account, or making any charge of them, but content myself with such salaries, grants, and allowances, as have been made me. Where considerable sums have been disbursed, as in fees to counsel, payment of solicitors’ bills, and the like, those I charge. But as yet I have made no such disbursements on the account of your province. Please to present my duty to the House of Representatives, and believe me to be, with great esteem and respect, Gentlemen, &c.
B. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

My dear Sister,
London, Jan. 13. 1772
I received your kind Letters of Sept. 12. and Nov. 9. I have now been some Weeks returned from my Journey thro’ Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and the North of England, which besides being an agreable Tour with a pleasant Companion, has contributed to the Establishment of my Health; and this is the first Ship I have heard of by which I could write to you. I thank you for the Receipts; they are as full and particular as one could wish; but can easily be practis’d only in America, no Bayberry-wax, nor any Brasiletto being here to be had, at least to my Knowledge. I am glad however that those useful Arts that have so long been in our Family, are now put down in Writing. Some future Branch may be the better for it. It gives me Pleasure that those little Things sent by Jonathan, prov’d agreable to you. I write now to Cousin Williams to press the Payment of the Bond: There has been Forbearance enough on my Part; seven Years or more without receiving any Principal or Interest. It seems as if the Debtor was like a whimsical Man in Pennsylvania, of whom it was said that it being against his Principle to pay Interest, and against his Interest to pay the Principal, he paid neither one nor t’other. I doubt you have taken too old a Pair of Glasses, being tempted by their magnifying greatly. But People in chusing should only aim at remedying the Defect. The Glasses that enable them to see as well, at the same Distance they used to hold their Book or Work, while their Eyes were good, are those they should chuse, not such as make them see better, for such contribute to hasten the Time when still older Glasses will become necessary. All who have seen my Grandson, agree with you in their Accounts of his being an uncommonly fine Boy, which brings often afresh to my Mind the Idea of my Son Franky, tho’ now dead 36 Years, whom I have seldom since seen equal’d in every thing, and whom to this Day I cannot think of without a Sigh. Mr. Bache is here: I found him at Preston in Lancashire with his Mother and Sisters, very agreable People, and I brought him to London with me. I very much like his Behaviour. He returns in the next Ship to Philadelphia. The Gentleman who brought your last Letter, Mr. Fox, staid but a few Minutes with me, and has not since call’d as I desired him to do. I shall endeavour to get the Arms you desire for Cousin Coffin. Having many Letters to write, I can now only add my Love to Cousin Jenny, and that I am as ever Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin
Sally Franklin presents her Duty. Mrs. Stephenson desires to be affectionately remember’d.

PS. No Arms of the Folgers are to be found in the Herald’s Office. I am persuaded it was originally a Flemish Family, which came over with many others from that Country in Qu. Elizabeth’s Time, flying from the Persecution then raging there.

Notation by William Duane: B Franklin to Jane Mecom, his sister London Jan. 1772.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stiles, Ezra

Dear Sir,
London, Jany. 13. 1772
I receiv’d your Favour by Mr. Marchant, who appears a very worthy Gentleman, and I shall not fail to render him every Service in my Power.
There is lately published in Paris, a Work intitled Zend-avesta, or the Writings of Zoroaster, containing the Theological, Philosophical and Moral Ideas of that Legislator, and the Ceremonies of Religious Worship that he establish’d. Translated from the original Zend. In two Vols. 4to. Near half the Work is an Account of the Translator’s Travels in India, and his Residence among the Parses during several Years to learn their Languages. I have cast my Eye over the Religious Part; it seems to contain a nice Morality, mix’d with abundance of Prayers, Ceremonies, and Observations. If you desire to have it, I will procure it for you. They say there is no doubt of its being a genuine Translation of the Books at present deem’d sacred as the Writings of Zoroaster by his Followers; but perhaps some of them are of later Date tho’ ascrib’d to him: For to me there seems too great a Quantity and Variety of Ceremonies and Prayers to be directed at once by one Man. In the Romish Church they have increas’d gradually in a Course of Ages to their present Bulk. Those who added new Ones from time to time found it necessary to give them Authority by Pretences of their Antiquity. The Books of Moses, indeed, if all written by him, which some doubt, are an Exception to this Observation. With great Esteem, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin

PS. Since writing the above, Mr. Marchant, understanding you are curious on the Subject of the Eastern ancient Religions, concludes to send you the Book.
Revd Dr Stiles

 Addressed: To / The Reverend Dr. Stiles / at / Newport / Rhode-island
Endorsed: Recd. Apr. 11. 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Ward, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ward, Samuel

Dear Sir,
London, Jan. 13. 1772
I thank you for recommending Mr. Marchant to me. I have had the Pleasure of a good deal of his Company in Scotland, and shall do every thing in my Power to serve him.
I condole with you on the Loss of your amiable Partner. It must be a heavy one and hard to bear. I hope you will find Comfort in your Children. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F.
Mr Ward, Govr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Sr.

Loving Cousin,
London, Jan. 13. 1772
Since my last, which I think was by Jonathan, I have receiv’d yours of July 8, and 12. Aug. 5, Sept. 19. and Oct. 3. My not answering sooner was owing to my Absence in Ireland and Scotland on a Tour of between 3 and 4 Months, by which my Health was much benefited: And since my Return this is the first Ship to Boston that I have heard of.
In yours of July 8. was the first Bill of Wheatly on Thornton for £100 which is pass’d to your Credit. In that of July 12 was Lemmer’s Bill for 1000 Gilders or £90 which is likewise carried to your Credit. In that of Augt. 5. was Symmes’s Bill on Bilboa (Gardoqui & Sons) for £100 with which you are likewise credited. In that of Sept. 19. were two more Dutch Bills, one for 975 Gilders, the other for 779 Gilders making £160 16s. 8d. [credited?] but not yet paid. When I have received this last Sum your Account with me will stand thus:

Ball. due to me at Settlement
£282
11s.
10½d.
By Bill
100
0s.
0d.

Jonathan had more
26
5s.
0d.
Do
100
0s.
0d.

  Josiah
6
6s.
0d.
Do
90
0s.
0d.

  more
21
0s.
0d.
2 Do
  160
  16s.
  8d.

  more
10
10s.
0d.

  more
21
0s.
0d.

Paid Mr. Warren per Order of Jona.
83
  3s.
  9½d.

£450
16s.
8d.

£450
16s.
8d.

Since which Josiah has had of me Forty Guineas more; and I shall continue to supply him with what he may have Occasion for during his Stay. He keeps his Health and Spirits, and I see him frequently.
I am sorry to understand that the Bond is not paid. I wish you to take all possible Methods to recover it speedily. There has been Forbearance enough on my part, it being now more than 7 Years.
It gives me Pleasure to hear that Jonathan is enter’d into Business, and has promising Prospects. I never had any Doubt of his Success, Accidents of Fire, &c excepted. My Love to Cousin Grace and your Children. I am, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
Jona Williams Esqr
 Addressed: To / Jonathan Williams, Esqr / Mercht / Boston
Endorsed: Jany 13. 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Jonathan,
London, Jan 13. 1772.
I received yours of Sept. [blank] and Nov. 4. It gave me great Pleasure to hear of your safe Arrival and Entring on Business with such Appearance of Success. I wish you every kind of Prosperity.
Agreable to your Request after making a rough Sketch of the Account which I now send to your Father, I paid the Ballance appearing in my Hands £83 3s. 9½d. to Mr. Warren on your Account. He had call’d on me to know what he was to expect when the Bills should be paid, so imagining he might want the Money, I paid him the full that would be in my Hands; tho’ before I paid it, Josiah had told me he should want 40 Guineas more: But this I chose to advance him on a new Account, rather than diminish so much the small Payment to Mr. Warren. Your Uncle has never said anything to me of the £149. you desired him to pay me; and I have not ask’d him, understanding that he cannot at present spare it.
All your Friends here rejoice to hear of your Welfare, and send their best Wishes. I hope you will adhere strictly to your Ready-money Plan, which in my Opinion is too good to be parted with, as leading directly to Success in your Business. I am, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mr Jonathan Williams, junior, / Mercht / Boston
Endorsed: Doctr Franklin London Janry 13—1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 13 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Winthrop, John

Dear Sir,
London, Jan. 13. 1772
I have received by Mr. Marchant the 52s. you sent by him. I hope you received the Transactions for 1770. A new Volume is expected soon, which I shall forward by the first Opportunity. The enclos’d I have just receiv’d from Dr. Price, into whose Hands I put your Paper, which he has now return’d to me. Let me know if you would have me give it to the Society. With great Esteem I am, ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr WinthropPer Meyrick


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 15 January 1772
From: Tissington, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Alfreton 15th Jan 1772.
I hope this will find you well in Craven Street, after a Summer of rambling, in which I have been so unfortunate as not to see you; in your first ramble thro’ Derbyshire I was in Scotland; in your last, at home, and sick of not seeing you.
I am my Self very well, my Wife yet poorly; wishes to hear that Mrs. Stevenson holds stout; and yesterday sent a Turkey by Clarks Wagon to the Ax in Aldermanbury; to regale you. Our best joint Complements with those of this season attend your self and Mrs. Stevenson and I am Dear Sir Yours Sincerely and affectionately
Anth Tissington
Mr Franklin

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Craven Street Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 15 January 1772
From: Walker, Hannah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Honoured Sir
Westbury Jan 15. 1772
I Humbly beg Leave to Congratulate you on the Happy return of your Birth Day and wish you a great many returns in health and Happiness to the great Comfort of all your good Family and to all those as have felt the Effects of your Benevolent Hand as I my Self think I am bound in Duty to Congratulate So good a Friend on So happy occasion. My Family joyns me in begging the acceptance of all our Humble Duties and my Continual Prayers for your long Life and Happiness in as much Pleasure and Tranquility as you can wish from your most Humble and most obdient Servant
Hannah Walker

Addressed: To / Docter Franklin / att Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sargent, Chambers and Co., 25 January 1772: résumé
From: Sargent, Chambers and Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Mincing Lane, January 25, 1772, in the third person. The firm has received instructions by Mr. Bache to withdraw Franklin’s account, which with interest amounts to £149 16s. 1d.; what does he wish to have done with the money?>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 25 January [1772–75?]: résumé
From: Shipley, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Jermyn Street, January 25, [1772–75?], in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. Invites Franklin to dinner tomorrow.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Jan. 28. 1772
I have written several short Letters to you lately just to let you know of my Welfare, and promising to write more fully by Capt. Falconer, which I now sit down to do, with a Number of your Favours before me.
I received the Box and Letter from Mr. Peter Miller, but if as you mention, Enoch Davenport brought it, I did not see him. Perhaps he might call while I was absent in Ireland. I write by this Opportunity to Mr. Miller. What he sent me is a most valuable Curiosity.
I take Notice of the considerable Sums you have paid. I would not have you send me any Receipts. I am satisfy’d with the Accounts you give.
I am much pleas’d with your little Histories of our Grandson, and happy in thinking how much Amusement he must afford you. I pray that God may continue him to us, and to his Parents. Mr. Bache is about returning. His Behaviour here has been very agreable to me. I have advis’d him to settle down to Business in Philadelphia, where I hope he will meet with Success. I mentioned to you before, that I saw his Mother and Sisters at Preston, who are genteel People, and extreamly agreable.
I receiv’d your young Neighbour Haddock’s Silk and carried it my self to her Relations, who live very well, keeping a Linnen Drapers Shop in Bishop’s Gate Street. They have a Relation in Spitalfields that is a Manufacturer who I believe will do it well. I shall honour much every young Lady that I find on my Return dress’d in Silk of their own raising.
I thank you for the Sauceboats, and am pleasd to find so good a Progress made in the China Manufactury. I wish it Success most heartily.
Mrs. Stevenson too loves to hear about your little Boy. Her own Grandson (my Godson) is a fine Child, now nine Months old. He has an attentive observing sagacious Look, as if he had a great deal of Sense, but as yet he is not enough acquainted with our Language to express it intelligibly. His Mother nurses him herself, for which I much esteem her, as it is rather unfashionable here; whence Numbers of little Innocents suffer and perish. His Name is William.
Mr. and Mrs. Strahan and their Family are well. We din’d there not long since. Yesterday Mrs. Stephenson, her Daughter Mr. Bache and my self, din’d at Mr. West’s. They are well and their fine Boy.
I am pleas’d that the Letters between me and the good Lady entertain’d you. But you ought not to have shown them to any body but Sally. Since my Return I receiv’d the enclos’d; but having too much to do, I could not accept the kind Invitation.
The Squirrels came safe and well. You will see by the enclos’d how welcome they were. A 1000 Thanks are sent you for them, and I thank you for the Readiness with which you executed the Commission.
My Love to our dear Precious, to Polley Hunt, and all our kind enquiring Friends. Mrs. Montgomery’s Health is I hope establish’d, as also that of our dear Friend Rhoads and his Family.
The Buckwheat and Indian Meal are come safe and good. They will be a great Refreshment to me this Winter. For since I cannot be in America, every thing that comes from thence comforts me a little, as being something like Home. The dry’d Peaches too are excellent, those dry’d without the Skin; the Parcel in their Skins are not so good. The Apples are the best I ever had and came with the least Damage. The Sturgeon you mention did not come: but that is not so material.
I hope our Cousin Tyler will do well among us. He seems a sober well-inclin’d Man; and when I saw him at Birmingham, he appear’d to be well respected by his Relations and Friends. An active, lively industrious Wife would be a good Thing for him.
I grieve for our Friend Bond’s heavy Loss; and am sorry for poor Dr. Kearsley’s Misfortune.
I sent you from Ireland a fine Piece of the Holland of that Country. Capt. All, whom I met with there, found a Captain that he knew who promisd to take Care of it and deliver it safe. You mention nothing of it in your Letter of Decemr 2. when in the common Course you ought to have had it before that time, which makes me fear it is lost. I wrote to you from Dublin; and from Glasgow in Scotland. I was in Ireland about 7 Weeks, in Scotland about 4 Weeks, absent from London in all more than three Months. My Tour was a very pleasant one, I received abundance of Civilities from the Gentry of both those Kingdoms, and my Health is improv’d by the Air and Exercise.
I have advis’d Mr. Bache to deal only in the Ready-Money way, tho’ he should sell less. It is the safest and the most easy Manner of carrying on Business. He may keep his Store in your little North Room, for the present. And as he will be at no Expence while the Family continues with you, I think he may, with Industry and Frugality get so forward, as at the End of his Term, to pay his Debts and be clear of the World, which I much wish to see. I have given him £200 Sterlg. to add something to his Cargo. My love to our dear Sally and to Ben concludes at present, from Your ever affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Tissington, 28 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Tissington, Anthony

Dear Sir,
London, Jan. 28 1772
I received your very kind Letter of the 15th. together with the Turkey, which prov’d exceeding fine. We regal’d a Number of our Friends with it, and drank your and Mrs. Tissington’s Health, which we wish’d sincerely. Mrs. Stevenson keeps about, but is ever ailing, like your Dame, with Rheumatic Pains that fly from Limb to Limb continually. ’Tis a most wicked Distemper, and often puts me in mind of the Saying of a Scotch Divine to some of his Brethren who were complaining that their Flocks had of late been infected with Arianism and Socinianism. Mine, says he, is infected with a worse ism than either of those. Pray, Brother, what can that be? It is, the Rheumatism!
I was a good deal mortified at not having it in my Power to call at Alfreton in my late Tours: But I hope for the Pleasure of seeing you both in London this Winter. Mrs. Stevenson and Sally Franklin join in Wishes of every kind of Prosperity to you and yours, with, Dear Sir, Your oblig’d and affectionate Humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Tissington


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Franklin Bache, 29 January 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Sarah Franklin

Dear Sally
London, Jan. 29. 1772
I received your agreable Letters of Oct. 11. and Nov. 5. I met with Mr. Bache at Preston, where I staid two or three Days, being very kindly entertained by his Mother and Sisters, whom I lik’d much. He came to town with me, and is now going home to you. I have advis’d him to settle down to Business in Philadelphia where he will always be with you. I am of Opinion that almost any Profession a Man has been educated in, is preferable to an Office held at Pleasure, as rendering him more independent, more a Freeman [and] less subject to the Caprices of Superiors. And I think that in keeping a Store, if it be where you dwell, you can be serviceable to him as your Mother was to me: For you are not deficient in Capacity, and I hope are not too proud. You might easily learn Accounts, and you can copy Letters or write them very well upon Occasion. By Industry and Frugality you may get forward in the World, being both of you yet young. And then what we may leave you at our Deaths may be a pretty Addition, tho’ of itself far from sufficient to maintain and bring up a Family. It is of the more Importance for you to think seriously of this, as you may have a Number of Children to educate. ’Till my Return you need be at no Expence for Rent, &c. as you are all welcome to continue with your Mother, and indeed it seems to be your Duty to attend her as she grows infirm, and takes much Delight in your Company and the Child’s. This Saving will be a Help in your Progress: And for your Encouragement I can assure you that there is scarce a Merchant of Opulence in your Town whom I do not remember a young Beginner with as little to go on with, and no better Prospects than Mr. Bache. That his Voyage hither might not be quite fruitless, I have given him £200 Sterling; with which I wish you good Luck. I hope you will attend to what is recommended to you in this Letter, it proceeding from sincere Affection, after due Consideration with the Knowledge I have of the World and my own Circumstances. I am much pleas’d with the Accounts I receive from all Hands of your dear little Boy. I hope he will be continu’d a Blessing to us all. Tho’ I long to see my Family I am glad you did not come over, as the Expence would have been very great, and I think I shall not continue here much longer. It is a Pleasure to me that the little Things I sent you prov’d agreable. I am ever, my dear Sally, Your affectionate Father
B Franklin


Title: Memorandum about Lord Hillsborough, [January 1772?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[January, 1772?]
When the Petition first came over, an Accident had happen’d to the Paper that made it unfit to be presented,
Therefore a Duplicate was waited for, being expected in some other Ship.
Before that arriv’d Lord Hillsborough was gone to Ireland.
On his Return B.F. waited on him 5 several times, or rather endeavoured to wait on him, but was always refus’d Admittance, or his L[ordshi]p was deny’d.
In the mean time hearing that his L[ordshi]p had declar’d the Minister who propos’d the Repeal of that Act would deserve to be hang’d, and also that his L[ordshi]p talk’d of resigning, thought it best to wait a little longer.
BF.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 3 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

Dear Son,
London, Feb. 3. 1772
This will be delivered to you by the Revd. Mr. Coombe, whom I recommend to your Friendship as a young Gentleman of great Merit, Integrity, and Abilities. He has acquir’d the Esteem of all that knew him here, not as an excellent Preacher only, but as practising the Morality he preaches. I wish him a good Settlement in his Native Country, but I think he would better have found his Interest in remaining here.
I continue in Health since my Return from my Journey, and I hope yours is fully established. The Parliament has open’d with a Calm in Party Affairs, and Peace seems about to be restor’d between the Turks and Russians. I write fully to you per Falconer who sails in a few Days. At present can only add my Love to Betsy, and that I am, as ever, Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
Per SparksMemo Wrote also per Sparks a few Lines to Mrs. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 3 February 1772
From: Hall, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Philada: February 3, 1772
Your last kind Letter to me, was dated June 11, 1770. in Answer to mine of the 17th. of March preceding. What Money I have since received on our Company Account is as follows, viz.

For the Gazette, from February 17, 1770 to Jany. 28, 1772
£358
13s.

  By Cash received for Work done, as credited in the Ledger, in the above mentioned Time
181
  17s.
  10½d.

  £540
  10s.
  10½d.

and I have paid on your Account to Mrs. Franklin the following Monies as by her Receipts and Orders will appear.

      1771

      Jany.
      25.
      For purchasing a Bill of Exchange for £30 Ster.
      £50

      Augt.
       16.
      By Cash paid Ballance of an Account from the Estate of the late Mr. William Branson against you, by Order
      7
      19s.
      7½d.

      By my Part of Eleven Years and three Quarters Gazette, discounted in Mr. Branson’s Account against you
      2
      18s.
      9d.

      Octr.
       18.
      By Cash paid Mrs. Franklin
      24

      29.
      By Ditto paid Robert Erwin by Mrs. Franklins Order
      7
      12s.

      Novr.
       29.
      By Ditto paid Mrs. Franklin for the purchasing a Lot of Ground for you of Mr. Parker
      100

      By Sundries had in the Shop
      6
      13s.
      2d.

      £199
      3s.
      6½d.

I should be glad of the Pleasure of a Letter from you soon, and to know whether you can now fix the Time of your setting out for Philadelphia. I should be glad it was quickly, as Mr. Parker is now no more, and I want much to have our Partnership settled, as far as it can be done, and to endeavour to fall upon some Method, in order to get in the outstanding Debts, which must amount to a great Deal, if it was possible to get them anything like collected. It is an Affair, I think, worthy of your looking after and taking some Pains to accomplish.
My Family, at present, all in very good Health. My Wife as well as can be expected. I did not think she would have got over the Loss of our only, and much loved, Daughter; but it has pleased God to support her under that heavy Affliction; and I really think she is better in her Health now than she has been for Some Years past. Mrs. Franklin Mrs. Bache, and Child, are all well; I suppose you will hear from them by this Packet. My Compliments to Mr. Bache. I am glad to know by those who have seen you lately, that you enjoy a good State of Health, the Continuence of which shall be always my most sincere Wish. You may beleive me to be, Dear Sir, Yours most affectionately,
David Hall.
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / At Mrs. Stevens’s in Craven Street / London / By Pennsylvania Packet / Capt. Osborne / Q.D.C.
Notation: Letter from D. Hall to B. Franklin dated Febry 3d. 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 4 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Foxcroft, John

Dear Friend,
London, Feb. 4. 1772
I have written two or three small Letters to you since my Return from Ireland and Scotland. I now have before me your Favours of Oct. 1. Nov. 5. and Nov. 13.
Mr. Todd has not yet shewn me that which you wrote to him about the New Colony, tho’ he mention’d it, and will let me see it, I suppose, when I call on him. I told you in one of mine, that he had advanced for your Share what has been paid by others, tho’ I was ready to do [it?] and shall in the whole Affair take the same Care of your Interest as of my own. You take Notice that “Mr. Wharton’s Friends will not allow me any Merit in this Transaction but insist the Whole is owing to his superior Abilities.” It is a common Error in Friends when they would extoll their Friend, to make Comparisons and depreciate the Merit of others. It was not necessary for his Friends to do so in this Case. Mr. Wharton will in Truth have a good deal of Merit in the Affair if it succeeds, he having been exceedingly active and industrious in soliciting it, and in drawing up Memorials and Papers to support the Application, remove objections, &c. But tho’ I have not been equally active (it not being thought proper that I should appear much in the Solicitation since I became a little obnoxious to the Ministry on Account of my Letters to America) yet I suppose my Advice may have been thought of some Use since it has been ask’d on every Step, and I believe that being longer and better known here than Mr. Wharton, I may have lent some Weight to his Negociations by joining in the Affair; from the greater Confidence Men are apt to place in one they know than in a Stranger. However, as I neither ask or expect any particular Consideration for any Service I may have done, and only think I ought to escape Censure, I shall not enlarge on this invidious Topic. Let us all do our Endeavours in our several Capacitys for the common Service, and if one has the Ability or Opportunity of doing more for his Friends than another, let him think that a Happiness and be satisfied. The Business is not yet quite compleated, as many Things happen between the Cup and the Lip, perhaps there may be nothing of this kind for Friends to dispute about. For if no body should receive any Benefit, there will be no Scrambling for the Honour.
Stavers is in the Wrong to talk of my promising him the Rider’s Place again. I only told him that I would, (as he requested it) recommend him to Mr. Hubbard, to be replac’d if it could be done without Impropriety or Inconveniency. This I did, and the rather as I had always understood him to have been a good honest punctual Rider. His Behaviour to you intitles him to no Favour, and I believe any Application he may make here, will be to little purpose.
In yours from N York, of July 3. You mention’d your Intention of purchasing a Bill to send hither, as soon as you return’d home from your Journey. I have not since receiv’d any from you, which I only take notice of to you, that if you have sent one you may not blame me for not acknowledging the Receipt of it.
In mine of April 20. I explain’d to you what I had before mentioned, that in settling our private Account I had paid you the Sum of £389 (or thereabouts) in my own Wrong, having before paid it for you to the General Post Office. I hope that since you have receiv’d your Books and look’d over the Accounts you are satisfy’d of this. I am anxious for your Answer upon it, the Sum being large, and what cannot prudently for you [or] me be left long without an Adjustment. My Love to my Daughter, and Compliments to your Brother. I am ever, my dear Friend Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr Foxcroft


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Bond, 5 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bond, Thomas

Dear Sir
London, Feb. 5. 1772
I received your Favour by Mr. D. Kuhn, but being then just setting out on a Tour thro’ Ireland and Scotland, I had not time to answer it, Mr. Kuhn I believe went directly to Sweden. I shall, if he returns hither while I am here, gladly render him any Service in my Power.

I suppose your Son Richard will spend some Time in London, where, by what I have heard, Physic and Surgery may be studied to as great Advantage as in any Part of the World, by attending the Anatomical Lectures and Hospitals, conversing with the most eminent Practitioners, and Reading under their Advice and Direction: And yet the general Run is at present to Edinburgh; there being at the Opening of the Schools when I was there in November last, a much greater Number of medical Students than had ever been known before. They have indeed a Set of able Professors in the several Branches, if common Opinion may be rely’d on. I who am no Judge in that Science, can only say that I found them very sensible Men, and agreable Companions. I will endeavour to obtain Sir John Pringle’s Advice in the Affair, as you desire. Every Wednesday Evening he admits young Physicians and Surgeons to a Conversation at his House, which is thought very improving to them. I will endeavour to introduce your Son there when he comes to London. And to tell you frankly my Opinion, I suspect there is more valuable Knowledge in Physic to be learnt from the honest candid Observations of an old Practitioner, who is past all Desire of more Business, having made his Fortune, who has none of the Professional Interest in keeping up a Parade of Science to draw Pupils, and who by Experience has discovered the Inefficacy of most Remedies and Modes of Practice, than from all the formal Lectures of all the Universities upon Earth. I like therefore a Physician’s breeding his Son to Medecine, and wish the Art to be continued with the Race, as thinking that must be upon the whole most for the Publick Welfare.
When I was last at your House I observed that the Paint of the Picture you had was all cracked. I complain’d of it to the Painter. He acknowledged that in that Picture, and three others, he had made Trial of a new Vernish, which had been attended with that mischievous Effect; and offer’d to make Amends, if I would sit to him again, by drawing a new Picture gratis, only on this Condition, that the old one should be return’d to him. I wrote this to Mrs. Franklin, who should have acquainted you with it, but I suppose forgot it. He was 5 or 6 Years in finishing it, having much other Business. If therefore you like the new one best, please to put the old one in a Box, and send it by the next Ship hither, as the Painter expects to have one or the other returned.
Mr. Small, an ingenious Gentleman, now gone to Jamaica, has bequeath’d to our Society some Journals of the Weather which he kept here with great Accuracy, which I shall send you as soon as they come into my Hands. With this you will receive a Circular Scheme for noting the Variations of the Barometer, and comparing them in different and distant Places, which he recommends to be used by the Members of the Society that inhabit different Provinces, as he conceives that some curious and useful Discoveries in Meterology may thence arise. I send also a Box from Mr. Ludlam, containing some Books which he presents to the Society; a Parcel with some Books presented by Mr. Forster, another with two Volumes of the Philosophical Transactions presented to our Society by the Royal Society here, in Return for the Volume you sent them. I inclose Mr. Forster’s Letter, a Letter of Thanks from the Society of Arts, and a Letter from Mr. Ludlam. Dr. Smith, in a Letter which came with the Books, gave me to expect another Box with Copies for the learned Societies abroad; and a few spare ones for my Friends; but they are not yet come to hand; and I am often ask’d by the Curious how it happens that none are to be bought here. I hope soon to receive them, and have no doubt but it will procure us the Correspondence of those Societies.

I thank you for the inaugural Dissertation, and am pleas’d to see our School of Physic begin to make a Figure. I know not why it should not soon be equal to that in Edinburgh. I am much obliged to the young Gentleman who has done me the Honour to inscribe his Performance to me. I wish him the Success his Ingenuity seems to promise him.
My Love to Mrs. Bond and your Children. I condole with you both most sincerely on the great Loss you have lately sustained. With the truest Esteem and Regard, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
The Parcels are in the Care of Mr. Bache.Dr Thomas Bond

Notation: Dr Franklin’s Letter to Dr Bond on divers Subjects Books from Ludlam  Intended presenting our 1st Vol to the Learnd Societys, as Soon as recd from Dr Smith


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rebecca Haydock, 5 February 1772: extract
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Garrigues, Rebecca Haydock

London, Feb. 5. 1772.
I received my industrious young friend’s parcel of silk, and should very willingly have taken any necessary care to see it manufactured agreeable to your directions; but your relation, Mrs. Foster, linen draper of Bishopsgate street, who appears a notable clever woman in business, called upon me for it; and informing me that she had a friend in Spitalfields a manufacturer, who would do it in the best manner, I delivered the silk with the pattern to her, and I dare say she will forward it to you by the first opportunity after it is finished. I hope it will please you as much as I shall be pleased to see any of my young country women at my return dressed in silk of their own raising. I am, my good neighbor, Your assured friend and humble servant,
B. Franklin.
My respects to your good father.Miss Haydock


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Morgan, 5 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morgan, John

Sir,
London, Feb. 5 1772
I received your Favour of July 6. just as I was about setting out on a Journey thro’ Ireland and Scotland, chiefly with a View to establish my Health by the Change of Air and daily Exercise. This prevented my Writing till now. I thank you for the inaugural Dissertations, and am pleas’d to see our College begin to make some Figure as a School of Physic, and have no doubt but in a few Years, with good Management, it may acquire a Reputation similar and equal to that in Edinburgh. I am oblig’d to Dr. Elmer for the Honour done me and my Son, by inscribing to us his ingenious Thesis: I wish him Success in his Profession, and the Reputation and Advantages attending it when judiciously practis’d.
Please to present my Respects to Mrs. Morgan, and to good Mrs. Hopkinson and her Family, of whose Welfare I am always glad to hear. With great Esteem, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Doctor Morgan / Philadelphia / per / Capt. Falconer
Endorsed: from Mr Franklin Feby. the 5: london


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Bache, 5 February 1772
From: Bache, Mary
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Dear] Brother
Preston Feby: 5 1772
I receiv’d your kind, and agreeable preasant, which gave us all great pleasure it is so like the original. You cannot imagine with what pleasure we look at it, as we can perceive in it, the likeness of my Son, as well as your Self. My daughter Marther told Mr. Atherton that Doctor Franklin was come, the Next Morning he came down, and ask’t wather the Doctor was up, and when you was produced, it made us all very Merry. You are sume times in the dineinroom, and other times in the parlor, ware we vew it with pleasure.
I think it is now time, to return my hearty thanks for it, and the oysters, you was so kind to send, they was very good and acceptable to us all.
My Daughters Joyn with me in kind love and best respects to you, my Son, and good Mrs. Stevenson. [Torn] and Mr. Atherton, desiers to be kindly [remembered?] to you from Dear Brother Your affectionate Sister and humble Servant:
Mary Bache

Addressed: To / Benjamen Franklin Esq: / Craven Street / Strand / London
Endorsed: From Mrs Bache, Preston


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 6 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Galloway, Joseph

Dear Sir,
London, Feb. 6. 1772
If I complain’d of your seldom Writing, the Case is now alter’d, and you may have more Cause to make the same Complaint of me: For I find before me your several Favours of Oct. 12, and 16. and Dec. 3. and 21. The last indeed came to hand but this Evening.
The Ohio Grant is not yet compleated, but the Completion is every Day expected. When it is, I shall, as you direct, draw on your Brother to re-imburse me what I may pay for your Share. I have already advanc’d £25 but that I shall not trouble him with at present.

Mr. Jackson has communicated to me yours of Decr. 2. with the Map and Observations. The present Ideas of the Ministry seem to be, that they have been drawn in to grant too much; they suppose it 25,000,000 of Acres. Yours is a very different Account, and may be of great Use in militating those Ideas. We are much oblig’d by your Remarks. But you have been misinform’d as to our Line from Sioto to the Allegeny Mountains. You suppose it a S.E. Line; but it is a South Line. This takes in a very large Gore of Territory that you imagine to be left out. Mr. Wharton I understand will explain the Boundaries more fully to his Brother, to which permit me to refer you. He is better acquainted with the Virginia Grants than I am, and thinks them much less, and that we shall have no Difficulty about the Purchase made by that Colony. What Addition we may be able to obtain hereafter one cannot say, but I think there is little Chance of obtaining any at present. If we were now to propose enlarging our Bounds, it would set us afloat, and we should have all the old Delays to go thro’ over again.
I think you have chang’d Governors for the better. I like the manly Plainness of your Address.
I thank you for your Admonition about Writing to the Committee and enclose a Letter for them. If they would have me write freely they must not suffer Copies to be taken of my Letters, which will probably be sent hither.
I am glad you have declin’d the Business of your Profession, as I believe you will find your Health improv’d in consequence of that Step. I wish you would now and then make long Journeys. You would find great Benefit from them. I imagine I should have fallen to pieces long since but for that Practice. The Dry Gripes are thought here to proceed always from Lead taken by some means or other into the Body. You will consider whether this can have been your Case, and avoid the Occasion. Lead us’d about the Vessels or other Instruments us’d in making Cyder, has, they say, given that cruel Disease to many. Preparations of Lead us’d to sweeten prick’d Wine have done the same.
My last Tour was thro’ Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland I had a good deal of Conversation with the Patriots; they are all on the American side of the Question in which I endeavour’d to confirm them. The lower People in that unhappy Country, are in a most wretched Situation, thro’ the Restraints on their Trade and Manufactures. Their Houses are dirty Hovels of Mud and Straw; their Clothing Rags, and their Food little beside Potatoes. Perhaps three fourths of the Inhabitants are in this Situation; and from a rough Calculation I am of Opinion, that tho’ Ireland exports an amazing Quantity of Beef and Linnen, if every Inhabitant had Flesh once a Day in his Belly, and a Shirt for his Back, they could export neither Beef nor Linnen. In Scotland things make a better Appearance, and seem on the mending Hand. Yet half the People there wear neither Shoes nor Stockings, or wear them only in Church; No wonder that Scotch Stockings are imported into America. The Gentry in both Countries live extreamly well, are a hospitable Friendly People to Strangers, and very sensible in Conversation. In many Parts of England too, the Working Poor are miserably fed, clothed and lodged. In short I see no Country of Europe where there is so much general Comfort and Happiness as in America, Holland perhaps excepted: tho’ it may be, some Parts of Germany or Switzerland which I have not seen are as well provided as Holland.
I shall willingly subscribe for Mr. Hutchins’s Map, and I think a Number of them will sell here; but People do not much care for Subscribing. With sincere Esteem and Respect, I am, my dear, Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
PrivateJos. Galloway Esqr.


Title: Summons to Benjamin Franklin, with Memorandum by Him, 6–7 February 1772
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

February 6–7, 1772
Benjamin Franklin Esqr. without Deduction being on Account of the purchase and Transportation of Forage for the Use of the forces Commanded by Genl. Braddock by Warrant dated 21st. June 1755——£1000

Sir
St. Mary Axe 6th February 1772.
The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex have process come into their hands against you for not passing your Accounts of the above Sum, to which they are to make return to the Barons of the Exchequer to morrow Morning at Westminster Hall 10. lock when you will please to Attend the Court to give a reason why the Accounts are not passed otherwise the Sheriffs will be obliged to return Issues against you. I am Sir Your most Humble Servant
Samuel Smith late Undersheriff

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esq / Craven Street / Strand
[In Franklin’s hand:] Memo. Feb. 7. 1772. This is the third Summons of this kind that I have received. After the first I went, (by Advice of my Friend Grey Cooper and using his Name) to Mr. Blyke, Deputy Auditor, and left my Accounts and Vouchers with him, he kindly undertaking to get the Business settled for me. There is a Ballance due to me on the Account of about £30. This Day I again waited upon him, finding by the Summons that the Business still remain’d undone. He took me with him to the Court of Exchequer, where I attended in Expectation of being call’d upon, but was not, and the Court adjourn’d.
B Franklin

Note, I never receiv’d any Commissions or Gratification for my Services, nor is my Balance paid, and yet I am every now and then vex’d with these Summonses.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan and Anna Mordaunt Shipley, [before 9 February 1772]: résumé
From: Shipley, Jonathan,Shipley, Anna Mordaunt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Before February 9, in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. He and his wife invite Franklin to dinner next Sunday, February 9.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 11 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

Dear Sir,
Cravenstreet, Feb. 11. 1772
Permit me to thank you, not only on my own Account for the Book itself you have so kindly sent me, but in Behalf of the Publick for Writing it. It being in my Opinion, (considering the profound Study, and steady Application of Mind that the Work required, the sound Judgment with which it is executed, and its great and important Utility to the Nation) the foremost Production of Human Understanding that this Century has afforded us. With great and sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd Dr Price

Addressed: To / The Revd. Dr Price / at / Newington Green


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, 11 February 1772
From: Alleyne, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
11 Febry 1772
Having often experiencd the Effects of your Benevolence and Friendship, I am emboldened to request the Favour of the Loan of £50 ’till Monday next. The Occasion of my troubling You is a desire to pay a Sum of Money which I cannot make up without some Assistance before Monday. If you will be so good as to send Me a Draught enclos’d in a Letter by the Bearer it will come safe, and on the other Side I have made a Draught which being presented on Monday (the Day on which it is dated) will be certainly paid. I have the Honor to be Your Friend and Servant
J Alleyne

P.S. I wo’d wait on You but am very much busied.

Addressed: Doctor B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Ronayne, 15 February 1772
From: Ronayne, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Cecil Street Feby. 15th. 1772
In conformity to the desire of some Friends, I have drawn up the foregoing Observations on atmospherical Electricity, which I beg leave to lay before you; and shall think the trouble I have had, in prosecuting the necessary Experiments, sufficiently compensated, if it shall appear to you that they contain any thing new or curious; in which case, you are at liberty to dispose of them in whatever manner you shall think proper. I am Sir, with very respectful consideration, Your most obedient Servant.
Thos. Ronayne


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 February 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Feb 18. [1772]
You will receive this Line, I hope soon by our Son Bache. I wish you Joy beforehand of his Return, to live with his Family in Philadelphia.

Supposing it would be agreable to you, as well as advantageous to our Interest in the collecting of our Debts, I have joined him in a Power of Attorney with you, for that purpose.
Mr. Bache will tell you all about my Health. I wrote fully to you by Capt. Falconer, and therefore now only add my Love to our Children and Friends, and that I am ever Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Rogers, [20 February 1772]
From: Rogers, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday Eveng [February 20, 1772]
Major Rogers presents his most respectful Compliments to Doctr. Franklin, informs him that his Petition for a Tour thro’ the North American Continent, comes on before the Committee of Council on Tuesday next, when he hopes for the Doctrs. Interest on that affair. At the same time requests the Doctr. will inform him where Govr. Pomlin lives.

Addressed: To Doctr. / Franklin / Craven / Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 28 February 1772
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father,
Burlington Febr. 28th. 1772
In your Letter of the 20th. of April last you sent me enclosed your London Account against the Estate of Mr. Parker, and requested me to assist in securing the Debt. I gave the Account soon after it came to hand to Miss Parker, who promised to deliver it to her Mother, and to let me have a Copy of her Father’s Account against you as it stood in his Books, which, however, I did not receive till lately. Enclosed is a Copy of it. I likewise apply’d to my Mother to know what Bonds she had from Parker, and what Money she had receiv’d from him; when she delivered me two Bonds, which she said was all she had, and that she had given Receipts on the back of them for all the Money she received. But I can’t yet find that she has kept any Account of the Money she has received, tho’ she says she thinks she has, and Mr. Parker charges for several Sums sent and paid to her, for which no Receipt is given on the Bonds. If, however, he intended those Sums to be in Discharge of his Bonds, I wonder much that when he was at Philadelphia a little before his Death, he did not see that there was proper Receipts given on those Bonds. The only Receipt on the Bond for £65 12s. 0d. Sterling is wrote by himself (Janry. 25, 1766) and signed by my Mother. There are but two Receipts on the Bond for £178 18s. 0d., and they are both wrote and sign’d by her. But I need not be more particular here, as I have made a Memorandum on a separate Paper of every thing that occurr’d to me as necessary to enable you to state your Account properly against his Estate, which Paper is enclosed. The sooner this is done the better, as Mrs. Parker is very infirm and leaves all to the Management of Jenny, who is about marrying, or is married to a young Fellow not of Age, and Apprentice to a Lawyer. Every Thing that I can do to assist in securing the Debt, when it is ascertained, you may be assured will not be neglected. Betsy joins in Duty with, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son
Wm. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 2 March 1772
From: Foxcroft, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. March 2d. 1772
I am favour’d with yours of Decr. 3d by the Packet which Informs me of your having just return’d from a long Journey for your Healths sake and that you find it much Strengthened by it, on which Occasion give me leave sincerely to Congratulate you.
I am extremely obliged to you for your offer of paying the £25 advanced on the Ohio affair. I wrote fully to Mr. Todd requesting him to shew it to you. I must own I was rather fearfull on hearing the many things I did after I return’d to America concerning that grant, but Mr. Todds Letter dated the 4th. of Decr. which is very full and Satisfactory hath determined me to continue one of the proprietors and have accordingly wrote him by this opportunity to continue to advance for me on that account the same as for himself, but At the same time if any thing should happen to come to my knowledge which appears to me, to clash with our Interests I shall think myself in Duty bound to advise you and Mr. Todd off it in order to lay it before the rest of the associators.
I was promised two Barrells of the best Flour which could be Mannufactored in this Province to come in Osborne from three different Houses all of which have disappointed me. I therefore Have by the advise of T. Wharton bespoken two Barrells of Mr. Reed who has great Connections in the lower Countries who has promised to put it up in a perticular Manner, and therefore you may depend on it’s coming by the first Vessel which sails for London after osborne, I am sorry you have it not by him but indeed it was not my fault, as I depended on Mr. T. Smith Mr. Jonathan Smith and Ziekiel Lewis but they told me the People who had promised them had none which they could recommend to come to England.
Yesterday we had the Little Stranger christened by the Name of Sarah. Mrs. Bache and Miss Parker Dined with us Mrs. F. pleaded the coldness of the Day. I will assure you She is a Sweet little Girl, you’ll Excuse a father’s fondness, but if you will not give me sufficient Credit, I dare say you’ll allow your Grandson to be a good Judge and to have some taste, after Tea his Mamma after placeing him on the Carpet handed little Miss into his lap and desired him to Salute Her; which after doing he Exclaimed I do now love her Mamma.
I can’t help fanceying after reading the forgoing I hear you say what an amazing alteration there is in about 18 Months in an useless half pair of Sheers. Mrs. F. and Brother joins me in sincere Compliments to yourself and Mr. Bache and all Friends. I am my Dear Sir your most obliged Friend and Affectionate humble Servant
John Foxcroft


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Huske, 10 March 1772
From: Huske, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Paris 10th. March 1772
The enclosed Letter will fully disclose to you the Plan and the views of the Gentleman, who designs himself the honor of delivering you this. They, however crude and indigested from my hurry, pruned and dressed by your judicious Pen before they are presented, and your being so obliging as to accompany Mr. O’Gormand to Lord Clare on the occasion; I cannot but pursuade myself, added to the importance of the Subject to the whole British Empire, will produce in some mode, tho’ perhaps not in ours, what every British Subject must wish to see put in train of Success.

If the plan is relished by the Ministry so far as to give this Gentleman encouragement to go to America, I have taken the liberty to assure Him that you will favor Him with your best advice on the occasion, and oblige with Letters that will be of real service to Him with your friends in Pennsylvania, N. Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
I make no apology to you for this presumption, knowing you have the subject at heart, as much as the proposer, or myself; and shall finish with a confidence that you will afford all the assistance in your power to so laudable an undertaking, and honor the Bearer with your friendship; and not the Less so because He is recommended to you by him, who has the happiness of being ambitious to approve himself, on all occasions, Dear Sir Your Most Obedient and Very Humble servant
Huske

PS Write nothing to this Country on the occasion.

Addressed: To Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Neate, 11 March 1772: résumé
From: Neate, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<St. Mary Hill, March 11, 1772, a note in the third person. Hopes Franklin will accept a dozen “New Town Pippins.”>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, M[arch?] 17, 1772
From: Alleyne, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
17 M[arch?] 1772
I am oblig’d to enquire in what Manner the People of Georgia usually transfer their Property in Lands, whether by the old mode of Conveyancing by Feoffment or by the modern Refinements of Lease and Release, Bargain and Sale &c.
As I cannot obtain this Peace of Information from any of my young Friends at the Temple, I trouble You with this Epistle, and shall think myself oblig’d by your Answer. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
J Alleyne


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Canton, 18 March 1772: résumé
From: Canton, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Wednesday evening, March 18, [1772], a note in the third person. His father, who is considerably worse than the previous Saturday, but because of laudanum in not quite so much pain, thanks Franklin for his kind inquiry.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 18 March 1772
From: Jones, Noble Wimberly
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Savannah March: 18. 1772
Emboldened by the universal good Character of the bearer of this, Mr. William Stephens an Attorney at Law, a Native of the province (Grandson of a gentleman of the same name a former President of the Council here in the Trustees time) I make free to trouble you with this and to Introduce him to your kindness, which I trust your goodness and regard for every worthy Man to excuse me for. Writs being Issued we have Elections going forward, Some over but whether they will be permitted to do business with any degree of honour to themselves cannot tell; in case they do you’l no doubt hear from them, if not I shall again make free to trouble you in the Meantime a line will highly Oblige Sir With respect Your Most Obedient And very humble Servant:
N W Jones

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Provincial Agent / for the Province of Georgia / London / per favour of / Willm Stephens Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 19 March 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, March 19. 1772
I received your kind Letters of Jany 5. and Feby. 3. and am glad to hear your Kingbird has gone thro’ his second Inoculation. Capt. Osborne is not yet arrived here. By this Ship I send the Curtains you write for. Mrs. Stevenson thought it best to have them made here. The enclos’d Letter to Sally will explain all. A new Bedstead is to be made with 4 Posts, not to fasten the Tester to the Cieling, which is never done here. The Toilet Cover, nicely drawn, is in the same [box with the?] Needles and Cotton to fill the Work. [I apprehend?] the Loss of the Ship and People, that I wrote from [Ireland by?]. My Love to Cousin All, who was in Luck [that he did?] not go in her.
I wonder that the Picture could not [have been up?] stairs. I think it would have hung [very well in the?] Passage. It might have been more [torn]
I approve of your buying the [torn] it should be thought worth so much, [torn] upon it, if I remember right, in [remainder missing]

Addressed: To / Mrs. Franklin / Philadelphia / Via N York / per Packet / B Free Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 20 March 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hall, David

Dear Friend,
London, March 20. 1772
I received your kind Letter of Feb. 3. containing a Note of the Moneys you have received on our Company Account since February 1770, and what you have paid to Mrs. Franklin. I am much obliged by your kind Attention to her in several Instances, and return you my hearty Thanks.
My Longing for home increases every Day, and you may probably see me, God willing, sooner than you imagine. Our Accounts, when we meet, may soon be adjusted. But tho’ it is of Importance to us both to get in our Debts, I have no Conception how I shall be able to forward it; for I am persuaded you have done and are doing every thing that is practicable.
I send you in a Box to Mr. Bache 6 of Dr. Priesly’s new Work on Light and Colours. They cost me as a Subscriber One Guinea each, but are now sold here in Boards at a Guinea and half. Be so kind as to endeavour to sell them for me at the usual Advance. He is going on with the History of every Part of Natural Philosophy finding great Encouragement, what he has done being much approved. These are mark’d Vol. II. his History of Electricity being reckon’d Vol. I.
Our Friend Strahan is grown a great Courtier as you may see by his Letters. But tho’ we differ in some of our political Sentiments with regard to America, we continue our old Friendship.

I rejoice to hear of the Health and Welfare of you and your Family. I sympathis’d very sincerely with you and Cousin Molly on the very great Loss you sustain’d in so amiable a Daughter. My Love to her and your Children from Your ever affectionate Friend
B Franklin
This was intended to go per Capt. Loxley.Mr D. Hall

Addressed: To / Mr David Hall / Printer / Philadelphia / via N York / per Packet /
B Free Franklin
Endorsed: Mr. Franklin, March 20, 1772.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall, 20 March 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marshall, Humphry

Sir,
London, March 20. 1772
I received your obliging Letter of Nov. 27. It was forwarded to me from Bristol by Mr. Cowper, who mention’d on the Back of it, that the Box should be forwarded also as soon as it came on shore. Not receiving it in some time, I wrote to him about it, and had for Answer that it had been sent three Weeks since, and I should find it on Enquiry at Gerrard’s Hall Basing Lane. I have enquir’d there, and they know nothing of it; so I fear it is lost, which I am the more concern’d at, as your Observations were in it, which I am now depriv’d of. I shall however make some farther Enquiry, and write to you more fully per next Opportunity. In the mean time it is both Dr. Fothergill’s Advice and mine, that you never send any thing for London by way of Bristol, that Conveyance being subject to such Accidents, but always directly hither. I am, Sir, Your obliged Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Humphry Marshal

Addressed: To / Mr Humphry Marshall / at West Bradford / Chester County / Pennsylvania / Via NYork / per Packet / B Free Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Ronayne, [27 March? 1772]
From: Ronayne, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Friday Morning. [March 27? 1772]
Mr. Ronayne, at the request of Mr. Henly, informs Doctor Franklin that Mr. Henly wishes to see the Paper he wrote, on the effects of Lightning on the Tabernacle, in order to render it more correct for publication.

Addressed: Doctr. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 2 April 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, Noble Wimberly

Dear Sir,
London, April 2. 1772
I was in Ireland when your respected Favour of July 8. arrived at my House here. On my Return, which was just before the Meeting of Parliament I by a Line or two, acknowledg’d the Receipt of it, intending to write more largely as soon as any Business should occur. I hoped the Petition relating to the controverted Lands would have been brought forward long before this time, having been assured when it was presented that it should in its Turn come under Consideration; but such has been the Croud of more important Affairs, that the Council have as yet found no time to do any thing in it: Tho’ I flatter my self, as no Solicitation is omitted, that it may be brought to a favourable Conclusion before the Season of Business is over. [Page or pages missing.]
Your Account of the Governor’s Trea[tment of] the Assembly and your self, determined me [not to?] wait upon him on his Arrival here, as [I could?] not but greatly disapprove his Conduct. [And, as?] your Mode of appointing an Agent is by [an] Ordinance to which he must give his Assent, I think it not likely that I shall be continued in that Service for your Province. I shall nevertheless continue to render it every Good Office in my Power while I remain in England, which I think will not now be much longer.
The presenting of a Speaker to the King I suppose was originnally intended that the King might know the Person from whom he was to receive the Sense of Parliament on every proper Occasion. To facilitate the Intercourse, it is probable, the Parliament might think it adviseable rather to chuse (other Qualifications being equal) a Person not justly obnoxious to the King; and then it was natural for him to compliment them by saying he approv’d their Choice. But from this it by no means follows, that without such Approbation the Speaker could not continue in his Office, as that if the House refus’d to chuse another, it would be a justifiable Use of the Prerogative therefore to dissolve them. I believe a King of England at this Day would hardly venture on such a Step; but Governors take greater Liberties, having naturally no Respect for the People, but abundance for Ministers. It is by the Arbitrary Proceedings of Governors and other Crown Officers countenanc’d by their Protectors here, that the Affections of the Americans to this Country are daily diminishing, and their Attachment to its Government in danger of being lost in the Course of a few succeeding Years. As a Disunion [would?] be as Weakening to the Empire, and of course prejudicial to [remainder missing]
Noble Wimberley Jones, Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Wheeler, 3 April 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wheeler, Richard

In November, 1771, just a year after the first sample of Pennsylvania silk had been sent to Franklin, the first consignment was dispatched to him for sale in London. But this was not his only responsibility to the Managers of the Philadelphia Filature; they also wished his help in acquiring some land in the city, presumably for their establishment. Obtaining a clear title involved prolonged negotiations in London, and for these he retained Richard Wheeler, who was doubtless a solicitor but about whom nothing else is known. The deed was to be made out to Cadwalader Evans, and Abel James was also a principal in the deal; they were acting, we believe, for their fellow Managers as well. The general outline of the negotiations is clear. A John Cook held the land, in the right of one John Stringfellow, and was offering it at a figure that more than tripled as time passed; some one named Philips, another unknown, was bidding against Evans and James. Franklin here instructed Wheeler to buy at the asking price.

Sir,
Cravenstreet, April 3. 1772
On Perusal of the Letter and Papers receiv’d yesterday from you I am of Opinion, that Cook should be agreed with. It is indeed a great Advance from £30 which he once offer’d the Right for, to £100. Sterlg. but since Dr. Evans supposes it worth £200 Currency, which is something more than £100 Sterling, I should think it adviseable to strike the Bargain, even if you find it necessary to give 10 or £15 more than Philips offers, but not to exceed 20. You will take care of the Particulars of Proof that Dr. Evans says are requisite, and any Assistance I can afford shall be ready. I am, Sir, Your very humble Servant
B Franklin
I return Dr. Evans’s Letter inclos’d.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 3 April 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: ——

Dear Sir,
Cravenstreet April 3. 72
Yesterday we tapp’d the Porter, and found it excellent. To prevent its being wasted, we have bottled it off, having a safer Place for Bottles, and imagining that in our slow Draught it might not keep so fresh. So we are enabled Herewith to return the Cask.
How bountiful a Gratuity for half a Sheet of Paper! I can only say, that ’tis pity you are not in fact as in Spirit, a Prince.
Mrs. Stevenson joins in 1000 Thanks, and in requesting your Acceptance of some Sounds and Tongues just received from America. Her Directions for Dressing them are, to let them soak an Hour in warm Water, then (after pealing off the black Skins) put them into fresh Water and boil them as long only as would serve to boil an Egg. They are to be eaten like salt Fish with melted Butter, or Egg Sauce, or Potatoes or Parsnips. That every kind of Prosperity may attend you, wishes sincerely Your much obliged humble Servant
B F


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin and Elizabeth West, [before 4 April 1772?]: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: West, Benjamin,West, Elizabeth

<Before April 4, [1772?], and in the third person. An invitation to dinner next Saturday, April 4.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 April 1772
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir
Boston April 10 1772
I am highly obliged by your Favours of the 13th and 14th Janry, with which I received the Gum, with the Amount of which please to charge my Father and I will pay him here, as it will be needless to keep open 2 Accounts when one will be sufficient. After I have made the Rubbers I will take the liberty to inform you of their Success. I am obliged by your paying the Money to Mr. Warren, tho’ I was afterwards sorry, I desired it fearing You would think I had taken too great a Liberty, but I did not intend you should have put the Money out of your hands, when you was in advance for my Brother; my Father will endeavour to remit you for him as soon as he can, with regard to my Uncles Money I only meant it should be so paid, in case he had offered it, and am glad you did not ask him for it. I am fully convinced of the Advantages as well as Necessity of adhering to the ready Money Plan, which I am determined not to vary from, for it is certainly best, and I now feel myself happy that no Failures of Merchants can hurt me, and although it can’t be expected that I should at first sell so many Goods as those who trade on Credit, I flatter myself it will in the End be more beneficial, for (as you have observed) tho’ the Profits may not seem so much at First, they will finally be more, coming without the Deductions of Bad Debts, and supposing the Goods to fetch only the first Cost, (which may reasonably be supposed,) One has it in one’s Power at any Time to pay all one’s Debts, if there should be a pressing Occasion: but when I came from England with Goods, there was an Order from my Father on the Water, of a considerable Value, which came just after I had arived, and as neither of us knew of the others Intention, the Goods were not so well assorted, there being many Things of the same kind in both Orders, therefore I have been obliged to put of as many as I could by building a Brigantine, which is the only Instance wherein I have varied from the ready money Plan, and which should not have done but for the above Reasons, but hope it will turn out as well. I shall send her as soon as possible to Champion & Dickason to be sold which if only at the first Cost, will answer very well, as I put of the Goods for her at a good Advance. I mak a Remittance with her to them as I appropriated only such Goods to the payment of her as came from them, and not any of the proceeds of the Cloths. Shipping I know is a precarious Business, which no person without a Capital of his own has a right to enter into, and which I shall have no further Concerns with than I am obliged to, therefore shall get rid of the Brig as soon as I can, and strictly adhere to the old Plan. I trouble you with these Circumstances fearing, if you should hear of this Matter without knowing the Reasons, you would think I was sporting with my Correspondents Property, and because I think myself obliged to keep nothing from You, in consequence of your kind reccommendation to Mr. Warren, whose Account is thus
Goods Received—

£799 12s. 11¼d. Dr —
Cash you paid
82
3s.
9½d.
Cr

Montagu’s Bill
100
0s.

Sergants do
100

Bowers — do
160

442
3s.
9½d.

Ballance
  357
  9s.
  1¾d.

  £799
  12s.
  11¼d.

Which Ballance I shall pay as soon as I can; the greater part of what is already paid, is before the Term of Credit is expired, and I beleive the last Bill will be but a few Days after it, but he may depend nothing but want of Ability, shall occasion Delay, which I will do my utmost endeavours to avoid.
We have had an uncommon hard Winter, by which Business has much suffered, our Streets have all the while been filled with Snow, and last Week we had as severe a Snow Storm as ever we had, near 5 foot of Snow fell and for some Days all Intercourse with the Country was prevented, at present we have fine Weather. We all expect Josiah has taken his Passage before this, therefore do not write him but please to give my love to him, if he is still with You, and tell him we are suprized that he should think my Father wished his longer Stay, as it seems so to appear by the Tenor of his Letter, it is so farr the Contrary, that we have been expecting him for some Time past, and my Father desires he would be as expeditious as possible in returning to his Friends, who are very anxious to see him. I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams
Doctr Benja Franklin

Addressed: To / Benja Franklin Esqr LLD / at Mrs Stevensons in Craven Street / Strand / London / per Calef