Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 25 November 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister,
Philada. Nov. 25. 1762
I thank you for your obliging Letter of the 12th. Instant. My Wife says she will write to you largely by next Post, being at present short of Time. As to the Promotion and Marriage you mention, I shall now only say that the Lady is of so amiable a Character, that the latter gives me more Pleasure than the former, tho’ I have no doubt but that he will make as good a Governor as Husband: for he has good Principles and good Dispositions, and I think is not deficient in good Understanding. I am as ever Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin
Our Love to Brother and your Children.
 Addressed: To / Mrs Jane Mecom / Boston / Free / B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 25 November 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan

Loving Cousin
Philada. Nov. 25. 1762.

I thank you for your kind Congratulations on my Arrival and the Promotion of my Son. I am in hopes I shall be able to see Boston the next Spring, and to have the Pleasure of finding you and my other Friends well. I congratulate you on your having such a Number of Sons. You remember the Blessing on him that has his Quiver full of them. My Love to your good Wife, and to the Children: Let me know how the eldest does, who had the Misfortune of losing his Sight. I was acquainted with Mr. Stanley in London, who is an excellent Musician, and what is stranger, plays at Cards extreamly well and readily. I should be glad to know what you have done in my Affairs relating to Sister Douse: and am, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
P.S. I thank you for your kind Invitation to your House, but doubt I should incommode you too much.
 Addressed: To / Mr Jonathan Williams / Mercht / Boston / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: Novr 25 1762 B Franklin. Novr 25 1762


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Hughes, 29 November 1762
From: Hughes, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The lands which Hughes proposed to buy in this letter had a tangled history. On Jan. 26, 1705, Col. Thomas Byerly purchased from Robert Squibb, Jr., about 21,000 acres in present-day Hunterdon and Warren counties in western New Jersey and something less than 20,000 acres in other parts of the province. By his will, dated May 26, 1725, Byerly “conveyed his lands in trust to his executors, Joseph Murray and John Kinsey, with the instructions that one half or moiety was to be sold and the other was to go to Robert Barker of Gray’s Inn, Middlesex, England.” Barker’s grandson, Robert, eventually inherited the lands in western New Jersey, which had been reduced, however, to about 10,000 acres by sales to William Allen and Joseph Turner of Philadelphia and by a sale to satisfy a claim of George Clarke, lieutenant governor of New York, against Byerly’s estate. Hughes’s efforts to buy Barker’s lands occasioned a considerable correspondence between Franklin and Richard Jackson, who tried to arrange the sale in England. Far from being willing to sell, however, Barker began to take steps in 1764 to realize a profit from his estates by appointing an agent to collect rents from squatters. In 1790, after a prolonged legal battle about the validity of Barker’s title, his agent, James Parker, sold his lands to Philip Grandin for £4500 sterling.

Sir
Philada. Novembr 29th 1762.
The Best Information I can Give of the Land I want Your Assistance in purchasing is that one Byerley of London Somtime about the Year 1713 or 14 took up a Large Tract of Land in New Jersey on Delaware and Musonecunk Rivers in partnership with One Barker of London a Brother in Law of his. And that many Year’s Afterwards the said Byerley was in America and Dyed here I believe Insolvent however a writ of partition was Ishued by John Kinsey and Division made in the Tracts (as it was in 2 or 3 parcels). And Mr. Byerleys part Sold at publick Sale to Messrs. Allen and Turner for £3600 Currency which is about £2000 Sterling which Sum I am willing to Give for the Other half altho, it is Much Injured by being all Settled, and Cut to pieces and Thousands of Cords of wood Sold off of it, besides the Greatest part of the best Land is very Much wore by Constant Tillage. I am also willing to pay Your friend Satisfactorily for his Trouble and if he Succeeds will Give 60 Guineas as a present. I am Sir Yours
Jon Hughes
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr

 Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr
Endorsed: Philad Nov. 29th. 1762 from John Hughes To Benj Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 2 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 2. 1762
I arrived here well on the 1st. ultimo and had the Pleasure to find all false that Dr. Smith had reported about the Diminution of my Friends. My House has been fill’d with a Succession of them from Morning to Night almost ever since I landed to congratulate me on my Return; and I never experienc’d greater Cordiality among them. The new Assembly had met and adjourn’d before my Arrival; but expecting me, had omitted nominating a new Agent till they could have my Opinion and Advice as the Speaker tells me. I was also unanimously chosen at the October Elections a Member for the City as heretofore; and am to take my Place in the House in the January Sitting, after which you may soon expect to hear from me on the Affair I mention’d to you. I purpose writing to you more fully per Capt. Friend, who is to sail in a few Days. This goes per N York Packet, and I have only time to add, that I am, with the greatest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
My best Respects to your good Father and Sisters, and to Mr. Bridges.
 Addressed: To / Richard Jackson Esqr / Counsellor at Law / King’s Bench Walks / Temple / London
Endorsed: Philad. Decr. 2d. 1762 B. Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 2 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Straney,
Philada. Dec. 2. 1762
As good Dr. Hawkesworth calls you, to whom my best Respects. I got home well the 1st. of November, and had the Happiness to find my little Family perfectly well; and that Dr. Smith’s Reports of the Diminution of my Friends were all false. My House has been full of a Succession of them from Morning to Night ever since my Arrival, congratulating me on my Return with the utmost Cordiality and Affection. My Fellow Citizens while I was on the Sea, had, at the annual Election, chosen me unanimously, as they had done every Year while I was in England, to be their Representative in Assembly; and would, they say, if I had not disappointed them by coming privately to Town before they heard of my Landing, have met me with 500 Horse. Excuse my Vanity in writing this to you, who know what has provok’d me to it. My Love to good Mrs. Strahan, and your Children, particularly my little Wife. I shall write more fully per next Opportunity, having now only time to add, that I am, with unchangeable Affection, my Dear Friend, Yours sincerely
B Franklin

Mrs. Franklin and Sally desire their Compliments and Thanks to you all for your Kindness to me while in England.
 Addressed: To / Mr William Strahan / Printer / New Street Square / Shoe Lane / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 6 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 6. 1762
I have already wrote to you via New York, but hear my Letter did not reach the Pacquet; so this may come first to hand. I arrived the 1st. of November, after a long but pleasant Passage, having in general fair Winds and good Weather; but being in a Convoy could sail no faster than the slowest. I had the Happiness to find my little Family well, and my Friends as hearty and more numberous than ever, notwithstanding Dr. Smith’s Reports to the contrary. I had been unanimously chosen a Representative for the City at the October Election; but the House had met and was adjourn’d before I arriv’d. They omitted the Nomination of an Agent, usual at the first Meeting, that they might, as the Speaker tells me, have my Advice in the Choice. They meet again in January, after which I shall write to you farther.
I would give you some Account of Madeira, where we stopt three Days, but that I suspect you know it better than I do. I shall only mention that it produces not only the Fruits of the hot Countries, as Oranges, Lemons, Plantains, Bananas, &c. but those of the cold also, as Apples, Pears and Peaches in great Perfection. The Mountains are excessively high, and rise suddenly from the Town, which affords the Inhabitants a singular Conveniency, that of getting soon out of its Heat after they have done their Business, and of ascending to what Climate or Degree of Coolness they are pleased to chuse, the Sides of the Mountains being fill’d with their Country Boxes at different Heights. They pretend to have ninety Thousand Souls on the Island, but I did not hear of any actual Numeration, and I suppose that the Account is exaggerated. They raise Wheat enough for their Consumption one Third Part of the Year; and I was told, that the Husbandry of Corn increases, and that of the Vine diminishes among them, from the Opinion of greater, more certain and more speedy Profit.
My Friend Mr. Hughes has given me the enclos’d Memorandum. I apprehend the Barker mention’d was one Dr. Barker now deceas’d, a Man of Character for universal Knowledge, and a most agreable Companion. I heard when in London that he us’d to talk of Lands he had in America. By Enquiry of Mr. Barclay, who purchas’d Byerly’s Part for Mr. Allen, I understood that Barker’s Heir is an Ensign in the East India Service. I should be glad if you could find Means to make this Purchase for Mr. Hughes.
My best Respects to your good Fa[ther and to your] Sisters and Brother Bridges. I hope [to have fre]quently the Pleasure of hearing that [you are] all well. Please to present my res[pectful Com]pliments also to the Speaker, and all the [good Brothers] of that truly estimable Family; al[so to Mr.] Blackbourn and Mr. Cooper when you [see them.] You procur’d me such a numerous [Acquaintance] it would be endless to name them [particularly,] but I shall always retain a grateful [Sense of] your Friendship and their Civilities. With the greatest Esteem, I [am,] Dear Sir Your oblig’d and [most] obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
P.S. Suffer me to remind you of the useful and necessary Piece you proposed to write, and to beg you would not defer it.
I forwarded your Letters to Connecticut and Boston.

[The Memorandum mention’d in the above Letter was concerning a Tract of Land in the Jerseys formerly belonging jointly to two Persons, Barker and Byerly, both living in England. Byerly’s Part was purchas’d for Mr. Allen: Barker’s remain’d unsold, and Mr. Hughes would purchase it of his Heirs if they can be found. In the Memorandum he nam’d a Sum he was willing to give for it, and another to you for your Trouble in purchasing, but he is out of town, and I have forgot those Sums, and have no Copy of the memorandum.

[P.S. Since the above I have seen Mr. Hughes. The Sum he would give for the Land is £2000 Sterling. What he offer’d for your Trouble was 60 Guineas. Mr. H. thinks some others are now endeavouring to purchase, so requests you would make Enquiry as soon as possible.]

 Addressed: To / Richard Jackson Esqr / Counsellor at Law / Temple / London / Per the Carolina / Capt. Friend
Endorsed: Philad. [?] Decr. 6 1762 Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 7 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Collinson, Peter

Dear Friend,
Philada. Dec. 7. 1762
I arrived here the first of last Month, and had the great Happiness, after so long Absence, to find my little Family well, and my Friends as cordial and more numerous than ever.
Mr. Bartram I suppose writes to you concerning the great Bones at the Ohio. I have delivered to him and to the Library Company what you sent by me.

There is great Complaint here of the last Summer’s Drought. It has occasion’d a great Scarcity of Hay, and if the Winter proves hard the Creatures must greatly suffer. Apples too have generally fail’d this Year.
Accept my sincerest Thanks for all your Kindness to me and my Son while in England, and my best Wishes of Long Life Health and Happiness to you and yours.
With the greatest Esteem and Attachment I am, Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr Collinson
 Addressed: To / Peter Collinson, Esq / Gracechurch street / London / Per the Carolina / Capt. Friend


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 7 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Friend,
Philada. Dec. 7. 1762
I wrote you some time since to acquaint you with my Arrival, and the kind Reception I met with from my old and many new Friends, notwithstanding Dr. Smith’s false Reports in London of my Interest, as declining here. I could not wish for a more hearty Welcome, and I never experienc’d greater Cordiality.
We had a long Passage, near ten Weeks from Portsmouth to this Place, but it was a pleasant one; for we had ten Sail in Company and a Man of War to protect us. It was the Scarborough, Capt. Stott, who took the greatest Care of his little Convoy that can be imagined, and brought us all safely to our several Ports. I wish you would mention this to his Honour in your Paper. We had pleasant Weather and fair Winds, and frequently visited and dined from Ship to Ship; we call’d too at the delightful Island of Madeira, by way of half-way House, where we replenish’d our Stores, and took in many Refreshments. It was the time of their Vintage, and we hung the Cieling of the Cabin with Bunches of fine Grapes, which serv’d as a Disert at Dinner for some Weeks afterwards. The Reason of our being so long at Sea, was, that sailing with a Convoy, we could none of us go faster than the slowest, being oblig’d every day to shorten Sail or lay by till they came up; this was the only Inconvenience of our having Company, which was abundantly made up to us by the Sense of greater Safety, the mutual good Offices daily exchanged, and the other Pleasures of Society.
I have no Line from you yet, but I hope there is a Letter on its way to me.
My Son is not arrived, and I begin to think he will spend the Winter with you. Mr. Hall I suppose writes by this Ship. I mention’d what you desir’d in your Letter to me at Portsmouth; he informs me he has made some Remittances since I left England, and shall as fast as possible clear the Account. He blames himself for ordering so large a Cargo at once, and will keep more within Bounds hereafter.
Mr. Hall sends you I believe, for Sale, some Poetic Pieces of our young Geniuses; it would encourage them greatly if their Performances could obtain any favourable Reception in England; I wish therefore you would take the proper Steps to get them recommended to the Notice of the Publick as far at least as you may find they deserve. I know that no one can do this better than your self.
You have doubtless long since done Rejoicing on the Conquest of the Havana. It is indeed a Conquest of great Importance; but it has cost us dear, extreamly dear, when we consider the Havock made in our little brave Army by Sickness. I hope it will, in the Making of Peace, procure us some Advantages in Commerce or Possession that may in time countervail the heavy Loss we have sustained in that Enterprize.
I must joyn with David in petitioning that you would write us all the Politicks; you have an Opportunity of hearing them all, and no one that is not quite in the Secret of Affairs can judge better of them. I hope the crazy Heads that have been so long raving about Scotchmen and Scotland, are by this time either broke or mended.

My Dear Love to Mrs. Strahan, and bid her be well for all our sakes. Remember me affectionately to Rachey and my little Wife, and to your promising Sons, my young Friends Billy, George and Andrew. God bless you and let me find you well and happy when I come again to England; happy England! My Respects to Mr. Johnson; I hope he has got the Armonica in order before this time, and that Rachey plays daily with more and more Boldness and Grace, to the absolute charming of all her Acquaintance.
In two Years at farthest I hope to settle all my Affairs in such a Manner, as that I may then conveniently remove to England, provided we can persuade the good Woman to cross the Seas. That will be the great Difficulty: but you can help me a little in removing it.
Present my Compliments to all enquiring Friends, and believe me ever, My Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mr Strahan / Printer / Newstreet, Shoe Lane / London / per Capt. Friend


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Nairne, 8 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Nairne, Edward

Mr. Nairne,
Philada. Dec. 8, 1762
I forget whether I paid you for the Magnet. Let me know.
If you can make a Thermometer agreable to the enclos’d Directions, please send it me. Mrs. Stevenson where I lodg’d will pay you.
My Respects to Mr. Canton when you see him. I am &c.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Caleb Whitefoord, 9 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Whitefoord, Caleb

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 9. 1762
I thank you for your kind Congratulations on my Son’s Promotion and Marriage. If he makes a good Governor and a good Husband (as I hope he will, for I know he has good Principles and good Dispositions) those Events will both of them give me continual Pleasure.
The Taking of the Havanah, on which I congratulate you, is a Conquest of the greatest Importance, and will doubtless contribute a due Share of Weight in procuring us reasonable Terms of Peace; if John Bull does not get drunk with Victory, double his Fists, and bid all the World kiss his A—e; till he provokes them to drub him again into his Senses. It has been however the dearest Conquest by far that we have purchas’d this War, when we consider the terrible Havock made by Sickness in that brave Army of Veterans, now almost totally ruined!
I thank you for the humorous and sensible Print you sent me, which afforded me and several of my Friends great Pleasure. The Piece from your own Pencil is acknowledg’d to bear a strong and striking Likeness; but it is otherwise such a Picture of your Friend as Dr. Smith would have drawn, black and all black. I think you will hardly understand this Remark, but your Neighbour, good Mrs. Stevenson, can explain it.
Painting has yet scarce made her Appearance among us; but her Sister Art, Poetry, has some Votaries. I send you a few Blossoms of American Verse, the Lispings of our young Muses; which I hope your Motherly Critics will treat with some Indulgence.
I shall never touch the sweet Strings of the British Harp without remembring my British Friends, and particularly the kind Giver of the Instrument, who has my best Wishes of Happiness—for himself,—and for his Wife and his Children, against it shall please God to send him any. I am, Dear Sir, with the sincerest Esteem Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
  My Compliments to Count Brown. Will is not yet arriv’d. Perhaps he winters once more in your Happy Island!
Mr. Whitefoord


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, Junior, [11 December 1762]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Boudinot, Elias, Jr.

[December 11, 1762]
I thank you for your kind congratulations on my return to my family and country. It gives me great pleasure to hear that you are married and well-settled and your brother and sister also. … I hope your good father’s indisposition will be of no long continuance. …
[B. Franklin]
[Mr. Boudenot]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jared Ingersoll, 11 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingersoll, Jared

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 11. 1762
I thank you for your kind Congratulations. It gives me Pleasure to hear from an old Friend, it will give me much more to see him. I hope therefore nothing will prevent the Journey you propose for next Summer, and the Favour you intend me of a Visit. I believe I must make a Journey early in the Spring, to Virginia, but purpose being back again before the hot Weather. You will be kind enough to let me know beforehand what time you expect to be here, that I may not be out of the way; for that would mortify me exceedingly.
I should be glad to know what it is that distinguishes Connecticut Religion from common Religion: Communicate, if you please, some of those particulars that you think will amuse me as a Virtuoso. When I travelled in Flanders I thought of your excessively strict Observation of Sunday; and that a Man could hardly travel on that day among you upon his lawful Occasions, without Hazard of Punishment; while where I was, every on[e] travell’d, if he pleas’d, or diverted himself any other way; and in the Afternoon both high and low went to the Play or the Opera, where there was plenty of Singing, Fiddling and Dancing. I look’d round for God’s Judgments but saw no Signs of them. The Cities were well built and full of Inhabitants, the Markets fill’d with Plenty, the People well favour’d and well clothed; the Fields well till’d; the Cattle fat and strong; the Fences, Houses and Windows all in Repair; and no Old Tenor anywhere in the Country; which would almost make one suspect, that the Deity is not so angry at that Offence as a New England Justice.
I left our Friend Mr. Jackson well. And I had the great Happiness of finding my little Family well when I came home; and my Friends as cordial and more numerous than ever. May every Prosperity attend you and yours. I am Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin
 Endorsed: Benj: Franklin Esqr, Letter Decembr. 11 1762.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 15 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bowdoin, James

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 15. 1762
I have read with great Pleasure the College Poems you were so kind as to send me: I think, and I hope it is not merely my American Vanity that makes me think, some of them exceed in Beauty and Elegance those produced by the Mother Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, on the same Occasion. In return, please to accept some Poetical Blossoms of our young Seminary.
I rejoice at this Renewal of our Correspondence. If any thing new in the Philosophical Way has occur’d among you in my long Absence, be so good as to communicate it to Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
J. Bowdoin Esqr.
 Endorsed: Doct. Benja. Franklin’s Letter Decr. 15. 1762 [In another hand:] acknowledgd the Rect. of the College Poems. wth. his compliments,
[At the foot of the inside page:] Boston. 19 Octr. 1860. Presented to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales with the best respects of Robt. C. Winthrop.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 16 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Babcock, Joshua

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 16. 1762.
I thank you most cordially for your kind Congratulations on my Arrival, which I have the more Pleasure in, as among my other Friends, I find you and yours alive and well: I rejoice with you likewise in the safe Return of your two valuable Sons, to whom, on Account of their own Merit as well as the Obligations I am under to you, I wish it had been in my Power to have been any way serviceable. Be so good as to assure them of my best Respects and Wishes, which also attend Mrs. Babcock and the other Branches of your good Family. I hope to have the Pleasure next Summer of seeing you all once more, in a Journey I purpose to Boston. I shall ever retain a grateful Remembrance of your Hospitality, and of the pleasing Hours I have pass’d in your Conversation and with your most agreable Family; and I long for a Repetition of that delightful Entertainment. Please to remember me affectionately to the good Samaritans; and do me the Justice to believe me ever, with the sincerest Esteem and Respect, Dear Sir, Your most obliged and most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble Joshua Babcock Esqr
 Endorsed: Ben Franklin Esq Decr. 16. 1762 recd. 6 Jany 1763


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 19 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stiles, Ezra

Dear Sir,
Philada. Decr. 19. 1762
This Line is just to salute you, and acquaint you with my Return to America, Thanks to God, well and hearty. I hope you are so. With this you will receive a Thermometer which craves your Acceptance. With the greatest Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd Mr. Stiles


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 23 December 1762
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Winthrop, John

Sir,
Philad. Dec. 23, 1762.
Mr. Short’s Remarks were only in a Letter of his to me. I now send you the Original. You will observe that the Perallax [Parallax] mentioned in this, differs from that I sent you; But this was in the Beginning of February, the other he gave me in August; and I suppose had been corrected by Accounts received in the mean time from more Observers. I believe the Astronomers are still desirous that Provision should be made to observe the next Transit.
I thank you for your kind Congratulations; and for the College Poems which I hope my Son will have received before his Leaving of London. I send you in return some Poetical Blossoms of our young Seminary.
Inclos’d is another Letter I receiv’d from a Friend while at Portsmouth, containing an Account of what was transacted at a late Board of Longitude. When you have read it, please to return it.
With great Esteem, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,
B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Hughes and Co.: Directions for Making a Musical Instrument, [1762]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hughes & Co.

In an advertisement for the armonica in the London Chronicle, June 17–19, 1762, addressed “To the Nobility, Gentry, &c., ”Charles James of Purpool Lane, near Gray’s Inn, called himself “The Maker [who] has been employed by the Gentleman who is the real Inventor, in the First ever made in England, and continues to be honoured with his Approbation.” In 1770 Franklin confirmed this claim to the extent of saying that James was “the only Workman here acquainted with such Matters.” He was, however, “a very negligent, dilatory Man,” and was now unable to supply one of Franklin’s friends because “at length he died suddenly.”
It is evident, however, that at some period Franklin employed another glassblower. Writing to Polly Stevenson, March 25, 1763, he expressed his regret that James had been “dilatory” in making an armonica for another person and then commented: “I was unlucky in both the Workmen that I permitted to undertake making those Instruments. The first was fanciful, and never could work to the purpose, because he was ever conceiving some new Improvement that answer’d no End: the other [James], I doubt, is absolutely idle. I have recommended a Number to him from hence, but must stop my hand.” The “fanciful” workman was probably the “Mr. Barnes” of the firm of Hughes and Co. at the “Cockpit Glasshouse” to which the following directions were addressed. The document is undated, but is placed here at the end of 1762 because that was the year in which Franklin first described his musical invention, and it seems helpful to print the two papers in the same volume.

[1762]
Messrs. Hughes and Co. at the Cockpit Glasshouse, opposite St. Paul’s.
A Set of musical Glasses, such as Mr. Franklin had, of the following Dimensions

6 of 2½ Inches diam.
}
  The Form of the Glasses

6 of 3

6 of 3½

6 of 4

6 of 4½

6 of 5

6 of 5½

The Sides to be as near as may be upright. The Necks of all an Inch deep; and in the smallest ¾ of an Inch Diameter; in the largest an Inch and half Diameter; the others in Proportion.

6 of 6

6 of 6½

6 of 7

6 of 7½

6 of 8.

The upright of the Sides to be in the smallest ¾ of an Inch, adding a ¼ of an Inch to every larger Size, so that the upright of the largest will be 3½ Inches.
Mr. Barnes is desired to take Notice, that the Glasses are not to be made hollowing up, like those Mr. Franklin had last, but like those he had first with Bottoms nearly even.
  To fix them I us’d a Frame like the Figure in the Margin with an upright Iron Rod, on which was a Screw from End to End; The Rod turn’d on it’s Point.
The Bottom Board had a Number of concentric Circles.
I had a Number of Brass female Screws, about an Inch long.
One of these was to be cemented in the Neck of each Glass.
On the Board I plac’d a round bit of Card a little bigger than the Neck of the Glass, then the female Screw upon that, then turn’d the Glass down with its Edge upon the Circles, then put the Screw Rod thro’ the Neck of the Glass and enter’d the female Screw, and drew it up with the Card till it came into the Neck of the Glass, the Card coming close to stop the Neck; then having center’d the Glass, I pour’d in the Cement. When cold, remov’d that Glass; and plac’d another. The Neck of the Glass should be a little warm’d, and the Cement not too hot.
When the Glasses were all furnish’d with Screws in their Necks; I put them on the Rod, a thin Piece of Cork between their Necks to screw them hard upon, and prevent Jarring and make each Screw water-tight.
 Endorsed: Mr. Franklins directions for making a Musical Machine Mr Franklins directions for Glasses Musical


Title: Notes on Reading an Account of Travel in China, [1762?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

These notes in Franklin’s hand appear to have been memoranda jotted down during the reading of some unidentified account of travel in the Far East. The listing of the eclipses suggests that the date was not earlier than 1762, though Franklin’s reading might well have taken place considerably later.

[1762?]
Painted Candles, of what are they made?
Vinegar of Liche, what is it?
A Silversmith and his Apprentice earn 6s. 3d. in 22 Days. Their Provisions allow’d cost 3d. per Day.
Physicians Pay, for a Visit of 4 Miles, in a Chair receives One Mace 4 Candrins. Note the 4 Candrins is for Chair hire. The Mace is 7½d. Sterling 10 Candrins is a Mace
Oct. 17. 1762 between 5 and 6 PM. an Eclipse of the Sun
Nov. 12. 1761 A total Eclipse of the Moon near Canton, between 6 and 10 aClock PM
Nov 2. 1762 An Eclipse of the Moon at 4 in the Morning
Fees paid on a Gift from the King of £200 amounted to £23 5s. 6d.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Franklin, [1762?–1764]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Peter

[1762?–1764]
You may acquaint the gentleman that desired you to enquire my opinion of the best method of securing a powder magazine from lightning, that I think they cannot do better than to erect a mast not far from it, which may reach 15 or 20 feet above the top of it, with a thick iron rod in one piece fastened to it, pointed at the highest end, and reaching down through the earth till it comes to water. Iron is a cheap metal; but if it were dearer, as this is a publick thing, the expence is insignificant; therefore I would have the rod at least an inch thick, to allow for its gradually wasting by rust; it will last as long as the mast, and may be renewed with it. The sharp point for five or six inches should be gilt.
But there is another circumstance of importance to the strength, goodness, and usefulness of the powder, which does not seem to have been enough attended to: I mean the keeping it perfectly dry. For want of a method of doing this, much is spoilt in damp magazines, and much so damaged as to become of little value. If instead of barrels it were kept in cases of bottles well cork’d; or in large tin canisters, with small covers shutting close by means of oil’d paper between, or covering the joining on the canister; or if in barrels, then the barrels lined with thin sheet lead; no moisture in either of these methods could possibly enter the powder, since glass and metals are both impervious to water.
By the latter of these means you see tea is brought dry and crisp from China to Europe, and thence to America, tho’ it comes all the way by sea in the damp hold of a ship. And by this method, grain, meal, &c. if well dry’d before ’tis put up, may be kept for ages sound and good.
There is another thing very proper to line small barrels with; it is what they call tin-foil, or leaf-tin, being tin mill’d between rollers till it becomes as thin as paper, and more pliant, at the same time that its texture is extreamly close. It may be apply’d to the wood with common paste, made with boiling water thicken’d with flour; and, so laid on, will lie very close and stick well: But I should prefer a hard sticky varnish for that purpose, made of linseed oil much boil’d. The heads might be lined separately, the tin wrapping a little round their edges. The barrel while the lining is laid on, should have the end hoops slack, so that the staves standing at a little distance from each other, may admit the head into its groove. The tin-foil should be plyed into the groove. Then one head being put in, and that end hoop’d tight, the barrel would be fit to receive the powder, and when the other head is put in and the hoops drove up, the powder would be safe from moisture even if the barrel were kept under water. This tin-foil but about 18 pence sterling a pound, and is so extreamly thin, that I imagine a pound of it would line three or four powder barrels. I am &c.
B.F.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Grey] Cooper, [1762?]
From: Cooper, Sir Grey
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Saturday [1762?]
Mr. Cooper presents his Compliments to Mr. Franclin and begs he will give Mr. Cooper leave to bring Lady Abdy and Miss Baldwyn to hear the glasses on Monday or Thursday Evening next (which is most convenient to Mr. Franclin) about seven oClock. The Ladies have heard Mr. Franclin perform once before which has only given them a greater desire to hear him again.
 Addressed: To Mr. Franclin at the bottom of / Craven Street.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Keane] Fitz Gerald and [Charles] Morton, [1759–1775?]
From: Fitzgerald, Keane,Morton, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monday even [1759–1775?]
Mr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklyn, and if it be agreable, purpose to wait upon Him on Friday even next, about 6 o’clock, with 2 Ladies.
  Addressed: To / Benjamn. Franklyn / Esqr. Dr. of Laws. / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Garrigues, [1762?]
From: Garrigues, Isaac
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Sir
New England Coffee House Thereadneedle StreetFriday Afternoon one O Clock [1762?]
You will please to Excuse my thus addressing as I am personally an intire Stranger to you and I can find nobody at present that knows me or my Family.
You have been pleased once to do a great favour for my Mother with Respect to her finding her Father the late Mr. Ralph for which you have laid us all under a lasting Obligation to you. And as my Mother is still very anxious to know many particulars concerning his death she has laid her Commands upon me upon my Arrival here to Satisfy her as far as is my power with Respect to his leaving any Children or Will at his decease and as you are the only Gentleman from America that knows any thing concerning her Father you will please to pardon my Troubling you at this time. I should be extremely thankful to you for an Answer either by writing or waiting upon you which may suit you best. And in the Interim I am Worthy Sir with the Greatest Respect your much Obliged and most Obedient Servant
Isaac Garrigues
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Frankling Esqr. / Craven Street / The Strand
Endorsed: Mr Isaac Garrigues


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on the Laws, [19 January 1763]
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee
To:

Throughout Franklin’s absence in England he had been re-elected to the Assembly from the city of Philadelphia every October. When the House met on Jan. 10, 1763, he appeared to take his place for the first time in about five and three-quarters years, and at once resumed an active part in its work. During this session, which lasted until March 4, he served on eleven committees of varying importance, most of them concerned with the drafting of bills. One of the earliest of his committee assignments came on January 14 when he and two other members were directed to examine the laws and report “such as have been found defective or are near expiring, and require to be amended or revived.” The committee submitted a written report five days later.

[January 19, 1763]
In Obedience to the Order of the House, we have inspected the Laws of this Province, and find that the Act to prevent Abuses in the Indian Trade, with its Supplement, expires in the Month of April next. We apprehend it to be a salutary Law, and submit it to the Consideration of the House, whether it may not be to continue it, with such Amendments as the Experience of the Commissioners, who have executed it, may enable them to suggest.
That the Act directing the Choice of Inspectors for the Counties of Chester, Lancaster, &c. is expired.
That the Act for regulating the nightly Watch, and enlightening the Streets of the City, with its Supplement, will expire at the End of the Sessions of Assembly next after the Fifteenth Day of September next.
That the Act to regulate Waggoners, Carters, Draymen and Porters, in the City of Philadelphia, will expire the Sixth Day of April next.

That the Act for establishing Courts of Judicature, appears to want some Alterations and Amendments.
  And your Committee are of Opinion, that if the several Acts now in Force for the Relief of the Poor were reduced into one general Law, with some Amendments, the same would be more intelligible, more easily executed, and of greater Utility to the Province.
  Submitted to the House, by
Benjamin Franklin,Samuel Rhoads,John Ross.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on the Dock, [9 February 1763]
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee
To:

“A Remonstrance and Petition from divers Inhabitants” of Philadelphia was presented to the Assembly, Jan. 24, 1763, complaining, among other things, that the public dock or creek in the southern part of the city was “in a great Measure useless, and in its present Condition a Recepticle for the Carcases of dead Dogs, and other Carrion, and Filth of various Kinds,” and had become most offensive and injurious to health. The petitioners pointed out that the dock might be rendered navigable for small craft and useful for conveying firewood, building materials, and other necessaries if properly cleaned, walled, and provided with a plank bottom. Another petition read the next day asked for a law for cleansing the dock and keeping it open under proper regulations. The Assembly considered these complaints, February 3, and appointed a committee of six members, including Franklin, to inquire into the condition of the dock, find whether there were any private claims on it, and determine what sites suitable for public landings might be available for purchase along the river front. The committee reported six days later.

[February 9, 1763]
The Committee appointed to enquire into the State of the Dock, the private Claims thereon, and whether any suitable Lots for public Landings are to be purchased, beg Leave to report to the House,
That they have enquired into the State of the Dock, and find it very necessary for the public Utility that the same be cleansed, and properly walled; and that they cannot find that any Persons have any just and legal Claims to the said Dock, or the Streets laid out adjoining thereto; and that they apprehend convenient Lots for Landings for the City of Philadelphia, may be purchased at a reasonable Price, above and below the City, on the River Delaware.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris; Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Accounts: Report, 9, 15, and 19 February 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Norris, Isaac

On Feb. 9, 1763, Franklin drafted a letter to serve as preface to a statement of his expenses as agent of the Assembly in England (Document I). After considering the draft, however, he must have felt that it gave the impression of extravagant living in London and was too personal in tone, so on February 15 he composed another letter incorporating only the first and part of the second paragraph of the previous draft and saying nothing about his manner of life in England (Document II). Isaac Norris laid “sundry Letters, Accounts, and other Papers” relating to Franklin’s disbursements on behalf of the province before the Assembly on February 16, together with other “Papers and Accounts, for incidental Expences” from Robert Charles, the other agent, and all these were referred to the Committee of Accounts. The Committee’s report of February 19 and the Assembly’s resolutions are printed as Document III.

I
Sir,
Philada. Feb. 9. 1763
It is now six Years, since, in Obedience to the Order of the House, I undertook a Voyage to England, to take care of their Affairs there.
Fifteen Hundred Pounds of the Public Money was at different Times put into my Hands, and I was instructed to keep Accounts of the Disbursements I sh[ould] make in the Publick Service.

But I soon found such Accounts were in many Instances impracticable. For example I took my Son with me, partly to assist me as a Clerk and otherways in the Publick Service, and partly to improve him by showing him the World. His Services were considerable but so intermix’d with private Services, as that I could not well attend it. I made Journies, partly for Health, and partly that I might, by Country Visits to Persons of Influence, have more convenient Opportunities of discoursing them on our publick Affairs the Expence of which Journies was not easily proportioned and separated. And being myself honour’d with Visits from Persons of Quality and Distinction, I was oblig’d (for the Credit of the [Province?]) to live in a Fashion and Expence, suitable to the Publick Character I sustain’d, and much above what I should have done if I had been considered merely as a private Person; and this Difference of Expence was not easy to distinguish, and charge in my Accounts. The long Sickness and frequent Relapses I had the first and part of the second Winter, occasioned by a Change of Climate, were many ways expensive to me, of which I could keep no Account if indeed I ought to have charg’d the Province with such Expences. The Disbursement of the following Sums I have however Accounts and Receipts to avouch, viz.

II
Sir,
Philada. Feb. 15. 1763
It is now six Years, since, in obedience to the Order of the House, I undertook a Voyage to England, to transact their Affairs there.

Fifteen Hundred Pounds of the Public Money was at different Times put into my Hands, for which I ought to account.
The following Articles are vouch’d by the Receipts inclos’d, viz.

1758
Jan.
26.
Paid Robert Charles Esqr. for the Province 26 Guineas
  }
27.
6.
0

April
20.
Paid Richard Partridge Esqr. for Ditto
}
40.
0.
0

May
2.
Paid Do. for Do.

30.
0.
0

Sept.
27.
Paid T Osborne for 3 Vols. Journals House of Commons.
}
10.
10.
0

And for Indexes to the whole

1.
1.
0

1759
Dec.
31.
Paid Accounts for Printing sundry Pieces in Defence of the Province
}
213.
13.
0

1760.
Dec.
2.
Paid the Solicitor’s Bill

470.
  8.
  8

£792.
18.
8

Deduct 1/6th of the Solicitor’s Bill it being charg’d in the Trustees Account
}
  78.
  8.
  1

£714:
10:
7

I made many other Disbursements for which I have no Receipts; such as for Postage of Letters and Pacquets, which were often very heavy, containing Bills and Duplicates, &c. under the Great Seal, brought by Post to London from the Out-Ports, which to compute moderately could not, I think, fall short of £15 per Annum. Also for customary New Year’s Gifts, and Christmas Presents to Door-keepers and Clerks of the Publick Offices, Tavern Dinners for the Lawyers and our other Friends at Hearings, Coach Hire, &c. for which I know not what to reckon, having kept no Account of such things.
I therefore can make no Claim of Allowance for them.
The House will therefore please to consider the Remainder of the £1500 put into my Hands, so unaccounted for, as now in their Disposition; for as to any Compensation for my Time and Pains in their Service, though I am conscious of having done faithfully every thing in my Power for the Publick Good, according to the best of my Abilities, yet as the House, when they appointed me their Agent at first, and afterwards from Year to Year, did not vote any particular Sum as my Salary, I am therefore not warranted to charge any thing, but do now, with the same Confidence I have ever had in the Justice and Goodness of the House, chearfully submit the same to their present Discretion.
With the greatest Respect and Esteem, I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Isaac Norris Esqr
 Endorsed: Benjamin Franklin Letter, dated in Philadelphia Febry. 15th. 1763

III

February 19, 1763.
In Obedience to the Order of the House, we have examined the Account of Benjamin Franklin, Esq; with the Vouchers to us produced in Support thereof, and do find the same Account to be just, and that he has expended, in the immediate Service of this Province, the Sum of Seven Hundred and Fourteen Pounds, Ten Shillings and Seven-pence, out of the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Pounds Sterling, to him remitted and paid, exclusive of any Allowance or Charge for his Support and Services for the Province. We have also examined the Account of Robert Charles, Esq; against this Province, and find the same is reasonable and just, except a Charge of Sixty Pounds for his Share of Commissions on the Money received from the Crown by Benjamin Franklin, Esq; which we submit to the Consideration of the House.

Joseph Fox,
John Morton,

John Hughes,
William Allen,

Samuel Rhoads,
John Ross,

John Wilkinson,
John Moor,

Isaac Pearson.

The House taking the foregoing Report of the Committee of Accounts into Consideration, and having spent some Time therein,
Resolved,
That the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling per Annum be allowed and given to Benjamin Franklin, Esq; late Agent for the Province of Pennsylvania at the Court of Great-Britain, during his Absence of Six Years from his Business and Connections, in the Service of the Public; and that the Thanks of this House be also given to the said Gentleman, by Mr. Speaker, from the Chair, as well for the faithful Discharge of his Duty to this Province in particular, as for the many and important Services done America in general, during his Residence in Great-Britain.
Resolved,
That the Account of Robert Charles, Esq; late Agent for this Province, be allowed, and discharged.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 21 February 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister
Philada. Feb. 21. 1763
I have now the Pleasure of acquainting you that my Son and Daughter are safely arriv’d at my House, and both very well. They present their Duty to Brother Mecom and you. He sets out for his Government on Wednesday.
I am greatly to blame for not sending the enclos’d sooner. It was wrote by your Sister several Weeks since, and given to me to be forwarded. I thought it was done or rather did not think of it at all till this Morning, when I found it on my Desk cover’d with some Papers. Excuse me, if you can.
Tell me how you do, and where you live, and what you would advise me to concerning Lodging when I come to Boston. As I think I shall stay two or three Months, I have half a Mind to keep House, that is, Bachelor’s Hall, in that which was Sister Douse’s. Cannot one hire Furniture for a Quarter or Half a Year? In London one may very easily. I hope to see you in May or June.
My Love to all. I am as ever Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Philip Ludwell], 22 February 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ludwell, Philip

My Dear Friend,
Philada. Feb. 22. 1763
I received your kind Congratulations on my Son’s Promotion with great Pleasure, and thank you cordially for your good Wishes concerning him. I have great Hopes of his doing well, as I know he has good Principles and good Dispositions.
I congratulate you on the glorious Peace we have made, the most advantageous to Great Britain, in my Opinion, of any our History has recorded.
I must shortly make a Journey to your Country, which I should undertake with much greater Pleasure, if I could promise my self the Happiness of meeting there with my Dear Friend, (but that is not to be expected, for I hear you are to continue this Year in England). I pray sincerely that every Blessing may attend you, wherever you are, and particularly that of Health. O that I could invent something to restore and establish yours! But we shall meet, I trust, in a better Country, and with better Constitutions, vigourous Health and everlasting Youth; and since t’will be an additional Pleasure so great in itself and so easily afforded us, I am persuaded we shall know one another. In the meantime believe me ever, my dearest Friend Yours most affectionately
BF


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 23 February 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Straney,
Philada. Feb. 23. 1763
I have only time to write one Line by this Conveyance, just to congratulate you on the glorious Peace you have made, the most advantageous for the British Nation in my Opinion, of any your Annals have recorded. The Places you have left or restor’d to the French I look upon to be so much in our Power in Case of a future War, as to be so many Hostages or Pledges of their good Behaviour. Love to Mrs. Strahan and your Children. Billy joins in every affectionate Sentiment, with, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mr William Strahan / Printer / New Street, Shoe Lane / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 February 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child
Trenton, Feb. 24. 1763
We din’d at Bristol, and got here last Night in good time; the River was hard and firm, and we got well over. Sir John Sinclair  came to us and very obligingly offer’d his Chariot and four for the rest of the Journey. This Morning we set out for Brunswic.
The Thing I wanted to mention to you, but forgot, was; that in the Hurry of our Arrival from Chester I did not see Tabb when he went away with the Chaise, and so omitted to send my Respects and Thanks to good Mrs. Masters for her Favour in lending it; pray do this for me, and make my Apology. And moreover give Tab as from the Governor, a couple of Dollars.
Billy presents his Duty to you and Love to his Sister. I know not whether he will have time to write to his Betsey. My Love to her, and believe me ever Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mrs Deborah Franklin / Philadelphia / per favour of / Mr Stevens.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Mills, 2 March 1763
From: Mills, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
London, March 2d. 1763.
Our worthy Friend, Mr. Small, is so kind as to undertake to convey to you and to Dr. Eliot, the first Volume of my Husbandry, which is at length finished at the Press, where the second Volume is now half done. But I have, unfortunately, a most dilatory, as well slovenly Printer to deal with, as you will perceive too plainly by his egregious and repeated blunders. I most heartily wish that the Book was in a condition fitter, in every respect, to be offered to you, both as to the Printer’s performance and my own: but if you will do me the honour of accepting it, such as it is, I shall esteem it an obligation added to those which you have already been pleased to confer on, Sir, Your most obedient, and most humble Servant,
John Mills.
 [Addressed:] To / Dr. Franklin


Title: Province of Pennsylvania: Account with Franklin; Isaac Norris: Certificate for Payment, 4 March 1763
From: Province of Pennsylvania,Norris, Isaac
To:

On March 4, 1763, the Pennsylvania Assembly’s Committee of Accounts, which had approved Franklin’s expenses on his English mission on February 19 (see above, p. 195), laid “before the House a State of the Account of Benjamin Franklin; Esq; with the Province,” and they having reported that the province owed Franklin £2214 10s. 7d., “a Certificate was drawn for the said Balance and signed by Mr. Speaker by Order of the House.” Document I printed below is a summary of Franklin’s account with the province, part of which appears to be in Isaac Norris’ hand. Document II is the certificate signed by Norris.

I
Province of Pennsylvania in Account with Benja. Franklin

Dr

Sterl.

1763.
To Expences in Behalf of the Province as per Account rendered the Committee
}
£714.
10.
7.

To a Compensation voted in Assembly for Six Years Service in Great Britain as Agent for the Province
}
  3000
  –
  –

£3714.
10.
7.

Cr

Sterl.

1757.
By Cash taken with him and remitted to him while in England
}
£1500.
–
–

Ballance due to B Franklin

2214.
  10.
  7.

£3714.
10.
7

a Certificate for the Ballance drawn and signed in Assembly by Order of the House March the 4th 1763
I Norris Speaker
 Endorsed: I. N. March 4th. 1763 Benjn Franklin’s Agent Acct Currt with the Province while in London from 1757. Examined The ball. of £2214. 10. 7 Sterlg. is Entd. in Bills of Excha. account, March 16. 1763. per Votes 1766.
 The other Article in Credit of the within accot. being £1500 Sterling: is charg’d the 14. June 1759.

II
In Assembly, Mar: 4th 1763.
These are to certify, That the Sum of two thousand two hundred and fourteen pounds ten Shillings and sevenpence Sterling is allowed to Benjamin Franklin, Esquire for his Service as late Agent to the Province of Pennsylvania and that the same ought to be paid out of Money raised for discharging the public Debts. Signed by Order of the House,
Isaac Norris Speaker

[In the margin:] Sterlg. £2214. 10. 7 at 72½ per Cent

Endorsed: March 9th 1763 Pay the Contents to Benjamin Franklin Esqr or Order To the Trustees of the General Loan Office
Jon Hughes

March 16th: 1763 Recd of Charles Norris the Sum of Two thousand two hundred and fourteen pounds and ten Shillgs and Seven pence Sterling being the Trustees draft on Messrs. Sargent Aufrere & Co. per
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 8 March 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir,
Philada. March 8. 1763.
The enclos’d is a Copy of my last. The Preliminaries of Peace, on which I congratulate you, are since come to hand, and are universally approved of in these Parts. While we retain our Superiority at Sea, and are suffer’d to grow numerous and strong in North America, I cannot but look on the Places left or restor’d to our Enemies on this Side the Ocean, as so many Pledges for their good Behaviour. Those Places will hereafter be so much in our Power, that the more valuable they are to the Possessors, the more cautious will they naturally be of giving us Offence. So that I think this Peace has all the Appearance of being a durable one.
Since all the Country is now ceded to us on this Side the Missisipi, is not this a good time to think of new Colonies on that River, to secure our Territory and extend our Commerce; and to separate the Indians on this side from those on the other, by intervening Settlements of English, and by that means keep them more easily in order? What think you now of asking for a Slice of Territory, to be settled in some manner like that I once propos’d? When I was about to leave England, I refer’d Mr. Sargent to you for a Plan of that nature. Did he apply to you?
I find this City greatly increas’d in Building, and they say it is so in Numbers of Inhabitants. But to me the Streets seem thinner of People, owing perhaps to my being so long accustom’d to the bustling crowded Streets of London.
The Expence of Living is greatly advanc’d in my Absence; it is more than double in most Articles; and in some ’tis treble. This is by some ascrib’d to the scarcity of Labourers and thence the Dearness of Labour; but I think the [Dearness] of Labour, as well as of other Things the Labour of which was long since perform’d, or in which Labour is not concern’d; such as Rent of old Houses, and Value of Lands, which are trebled in the last Six Years, is in great measure owing to the enormous Plenty of Money among us. The Crown, I am inform’d, has paid £800,000 Sterling in this Province only, for Provisions Carriages, and other Necessaries in the Service. Beside which, the Province has struck £5 or 600,000 great part of which is still current; and in New Jersey and New York, they have had proportionable Quantities. This is such an over Proportion of Money to the Demand for a Medium of Trade in these Countries, that it seems from Plenty to have lost much of its Value. Our Tradesmen are grown as idle, and as extravagant in their Demands when you would prevail on them to work, as so many Spaniards. But what with burning our Paper yearly, and paying our Debts to England with our Silver, we shall, ’tis to be hop’d, soon reduce the Quantity, and come again to our Senses. And this leads me to an Observation, that your Commerce is now become so profitable, and naturally brings so much Gold and Silver into your Island, that if you had not now and then some expensive foreign War, to draw it off, your Country would, like ours, have a Plethora in its Veins, productive of the same Sloth, and the same feverish Extravagance.
Our Assembly met lately, but have yet appointed no Agent: They will I believe do it at their next Sitting, which is to be in three Weeks from this Time. On settling my Accounts and considering my Services, they found themselves indebted to me £2214 10s. 7d. Sterling, which they order’d to be immediately paid me; together with the Thanks of the House by the Speaker for my Services. This I mention to you, because I hear that Mr. T. Penn has insinuated to Mr. Collinson that I had embezzled the Publick Money, and made use of it in my private Affairs in England; and possibly the same may have been intimated to you and others of my Friends.
I enclose an Estimation of the Numbers of Indians inhabiting near our present advanc’d Posts. It was made by a Person lately sent to visit those Posts. He call’d the chief Men of each Nation together, assur’d them of the Good will of the English, and that they should be well supply’d with Goods for their Peltry; but bringing no Presents for them, they were disappointed and generally disgusted. I think he was sent per Order of General Amherst, who perhaps has no Allowance for such Presents, or judges them now unnecessary; but in my Opinion, we should let the Indians feel as little as possible, the Superiority we have acquir’d, and should treat them with as much Consideration, for some time at least, as we did while the French Power in America subsisted: And as they never negotiate among themselves, or call any Meeting of another Nation or Tribe, without Presents, they ought not to have been omitted on this Occasion by us. The Indians think us so wealthy, and that we have such Plenty of every thing valuable to them, that if we omit so essential and so establish’d a Ceremony, it cannot be through Want, it must proceed from Contempt. I hope however, that this Mistake of ours, if it was one, will soon be rectified.
There are now some considerable little Towns on the Line of Communication between this Place and Fort Pitt; and the Town, under that Fort, has, they say, at least 200 Log Houses. There is a Brewery, would you think it, near the Town, that lets for £100 a Year. Smiths, Carpenters, Taylors, Shoemakers, and most other common Trades are in the Town; and the Inhabitants, on some mistaken Intelligence of a Design among the Indians to attack the Place, form’d two good Companies of Militia. Their Fuel is chiefly Stone Coal, brought from just across the Monongahela, and sold in the Town at two pence a Bushel. I cannot call it Pittcoal, because it is not dug out of Pits, but broke off the Cliff into Boats in the River; the Vein 3 feet thick. The Government, civil as well as military, is in the commanding Officer, Col. Bouquet, whose Will is the Law; and as he is a very good Man it is a very good Government. The People have Balls for Dancing, and Assemblies for Religious Worship, but as they cannot yet afford to maintain both a Clergyman and a Dancing-master, the Dancing-master reads Prayers and one of Tristram Shandy’s Sermons every Sunday. A considerable Indian Trade is now carried on there, by the Publick Store of this Province, by Sir William Johnson’s Agent (who claims I know not on what Foundation, some Right of governing the Indian Trade) and by private Traders, some of whom take Licences of Sir William’s Agent. The Province has likewise a Trading House at Fort Augusta on Susquehanah.
I am glad on many Accounts to hear you have at length got into Parliament. I hope much Good to America from your Influence there.
I wish you sincerely every kind of Happiness, and among the rest that of a good Wife when you chuse it; being as ever, with perfect Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
P.S. March 22. Since writing the above, Messrs. William and Daniel Coxe, Descendants of Dr. Daniel Coxe, formerly Proprietor of Carolana, have applied to me to recommend to them some proper Person in England to solicit their Claim to that Country, and obtain for them either a Renewal of the Grant, or a Grant of some other Territory in Lieu of it, or an equivalent Sum as a Compensation for the Expences of the Family in the Discovery and Attempts of Settlement in that Country, which were frustrated by the French, as you will see in the Journals and Papers transmitted to you. I have assur’d them that no one was more capable, or would be better dispos’d to serve them, than yourself; and I beg leave to recommend them and their Interests to you most cordially and warmly, as they are good Friends of mine, and Persons of Worth, Candour and Honour, on whose Proposals, Offers and Promises, relating to Shares in the Propriety recovered, you and your Friends, if dispos’d to engage in the Affair, may place the fullest Confidence. You know there was a Scheme between Mr. Sargent, Sir Matthew Featherstone, and myself, of obtaining a Grant in America, thro’ some Interest of theirs, in which I told you I intended you to have what Share you thought proper. I know not how that Application goes on, or if it is like to succeed; but think it rather probable that it may fail, as Sir Matthew’s Interest must have been much weakened by the Resignation of the Duke of Newcastle. In that case, if this Application of Messieurs Coxe should succeed, which, from its great Equity may I think be very reasonably expected, I would very willingly engage with you and those Gentlemen, and any others you may think proper to associate with you, and take a Fifth of the Half Messrs. Coxe offer in their Letter to you, upon the Terms there mentioned; and shall use all my Diligence and all my Interest in these Colonies to promote a speedy Settlement. As to the proper Constitution of Government to be obtain’d, and the Modes of Settling, &c. you and I have so often discours’d on these Topics, and understand one another’s Sentiments so fully, that I need not mention anything concerning them, knowing, as I do, that you will endeavour to obtain all the suitable Powers, as far as the Crown in their present Sentiments can be prevail’d on to grant. I would only request you to offer a Share to my good Friend Dr. Pringle, as, if the Affair succeeds it may be advantageous to him whom I much desire to serve, and I have reason to think he has an Interest that may greatly facilitate the Application.
I inclose you part of a New Jersey Magazine for 1758, by which you may see something of the common Opinion of a western Settlement at that time, when the French were suppos’d to retain Canada; but now that Power is reduc’d, we may suppose People are much more willing to go into those Countries. And in fact there appears every where an unaccountable Penchant in all our People to migrate westward.
March 29. Since the above I have receiv’d the two inclos’d Letters from Mr. Finley, President of the Jersey College, by which you will see, the People begin already to think of moving. Messrs. Coxe have likewise had Applications made to them. I believe we must strike while the Iron is hot, and engage a Number of Settlers while you are transacting the Affair in England. Mr. Lyon’s Plan appears very crude, yet he tells me above a hundred Families have already declared there readiness to migrate on that Scheme.
  BF.
Mr. Jackson
 Addressed: To / Richard Jackson Esqr / Counsellor at Law / Inner Temple / London / Dicks / Coffe hous
Endorsed: Philad Mar 8th 1763 B Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 11 March 1763
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Kensington March 11. 1763
It was with great pleasure I h[eard of] your safe and happy arrival at Philadelphia; and [hearti]ly congratulate you and the dear Partakers of y[our Socie]ty, but you must all forgive me if I repine [that] you are oblig’d to enjoy it at so great a d[istance] from me. My Mother receiv’d yours of [ ? ] November and another a few days ago, of a la[ter date] in which you tell her you have sent som[e ? ]presents by Capt. Friend, and have written [to me at] large by him, but the Ship being taken [those] Letters are lost that would have afforded [us great] pleasure. I need not tell you the grateful [ ? ] your particular remembrance of her; sh[e was concerned?] rather too much over your other Correspo[ndents and] began to be a little jealous. She has filled s[everal] sheets of paper to send you, but her Letter [is not] quite finish’d, therefore she bids me write [by this] opportunity. It will appear strange to you [that] I wanted to be bidden to do what I used to take so great delight in, when you are conscious I can have no reason for an alteration of sentiment. I have no alteration of sentiment towards you, my dear [Sir.] I still, and must ever, love you with filial tender[ness and] veneration; my indisposition to write is owing, [not] to the coldness of my heart, but the emptiness [of my] head, and I may add, the dejection of my spirits, [which] have not yet recover’d the shock of parting [from] my dear Pitt. She has had bad weather since she [sail]’d, but I imagine she is now clear of our coast, [and I] hope her dangers and distresses are over. God grant [her a] safe and happy voyage!
[If I h]ad more to say I should not have time to [write it] for I must send my Letter to my Mother [quick]ly. At all times, and upon all occasions, [believe me] to be Dear Sir Your grateful Friend and affectionate Servant
M Stevenson
 Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / at / Philadelphia


Title: Anthony Todd to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 12 March 1763 (I)
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Foxcroft, John

Copy
Gentlemen
General Post Office the 12th. of March 1763
His Majesty’s Post Master General having been pleased, at the same time, They have thought fit to lay down the Correspondence with His Majesty’s Islands in the West Indies, to Establish Four Packet Boats of 130 Tons each, with 18 Hands, in order to continue a Monthly Correspondence between Great Britain, and the Continent of America, in time of Peace; and until the same can be provided, to employ the Four Vessells already in that Service; I am Commanded to acquaint you thereof by this Mail, which is the first dispatched upon this new Plan, that you may immediately give Public Notice thereof, and take every other Step to extend the benefit, which this Conveyance is intended to be of, to all His Majesty’s Subjects, particularly the Trading part of them, in the American Colonies; a safe and regular Correspondence, being the Spirit and life of Commerce, and in general one of the greatest accomodations to Mankind.
I need not observe to you, that as the sole Conveyance of Letters by Land or Sea, to all His Majesty’s Dominions, is the undoubted Privelege of His Majesty’s Postmaster General, The Packet Boats are wholly under Their Direction, and are not to be put out of their Course of sailing on any Account, or to be employed in any Service foreign to their true Destination; In times of War it has indeed, now and then, been allowed for the Commander in Chief, to detain a Packet Boat, for the pressing Concerns of the State, upon his Signing a Certificate, and transmitting it to The Postmaster General, of the absolute necessity of so doing, on Account of His Majesty’s urgent Service; which by the happy Restoration of Peace can be no longer alledged; On this presumption it is The Postmaster General’s Orders, that a Mail be now dispatched from hence, and from New York, precisely on the second Saturday of every Month throughout the Year, and the Packet Boat in turn on either side, to sail therewith directly, without waiting for the Arrival of another Mail or Packet.
By your being able to give Public Notice, of this regular Monthly Period of the Packet Boats being to sail from New York, which can now be depended on, all persons throughout the extensive and flourishing Empire of America, may calculate, according to the course of the Inland Posts, at what time to Write, so that their Letters for Europe may arrive by the proper day at New York.
I am also to inform you, that this Establishment, now continued for the Benefit of His Majesty’s Subjects, and more particularly of those of America, being undertaken at a great Expence to the Revenue of this Office; The Postmaster General is willing to make a fair Tryal of its utility, and would be sorry from the inconsiderable amount of the Postage it may produce, to be under the necessity of laying it down again; They therefore recommend it to you heartily, to exert your utmost attention and abilities, that the Inland Posts of America, may be so managed and improved as to come in Aid, and support of this Service; A Country of growing Wealth and Commerce, so speedily Multiplying its Inhabitants, cannot fail to keep pace in an increase of Correspondence; especially under your Management, who are so capable of improving a Work of This kind; and you cannot exert Yourselves on any Subject, that will do you more honour, or your Native Country greater Service, than in rendering the intercourse of Letters, every day more safe and expeditious to your fellow Subjects.
It will be a Satisfaction to The Post-Master General, if, for the future, in making up your Mail for this Office, you bind up the Letters from Each Government, or Province, in seperate Bundles, marking at the same time upon each Bundle, the exact Number of Letters contained therein, and the amount of the Inland Postage paid thereon.
The Accomptant General of this Office not having finished his Observations upon the last state of your Account, I have for the present only to acquaint you, That you are hereafter to allow in your Account with Mr. Colden Deputy Postmaster of New York, the Salary of £60 per Annum, Sterling, which he has hitherto been paid from This Office, as Agent for the Packet Boats, to commence from the 5th. of January last, whereof I have this day given him Notice, as also of every matter relating to the Packet Boat Service, having sent This Letter to him open for that purpose. I am Gentlemen Yours &c.
Anth: Todd Secry.
To Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft Esqrs.Deputy PostMaster General of America


Title: Anthony Todd to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 12 March 1763 (II)
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Foxcroft, John

Copy
Gentlemen
General Post Office the 12 of March 1763
The Accomptant General of this Office, having now finished his observations (for which I prepared you in my other Letter of this date) upon the state of your Accounts, and His Majesty’s PostMaster General having adopted the same; I am Commanded to observe to you, that your last Account for about Four Years ending with August 1761, being sworn to in London in April last by Mr. Franklin, it is much to be lamented, that the Opportunity was then neglected, of entering into a full Examination of it, as well as into a clear detail of the American Posts in general; together with the Improvements lately made, or to be made, therein; as many useful Informations and Lights, might by That means, have been acquired much easier and better than by Writing.
The Sums on the Credit side of the said Account cannot be regularly traced, as they ought to be, because in the several Postmasters seperate Accounts delivered in therewith, are neither stated the respective Receipts, nor Balances of such several Postmasters.
An Account ought to be made out Quarterly with each Postmaster, and Copies thereof transmitted hither.
Every Article of Money, mentioned to have been either paid, or remitted, should stand upon the general account also, To enable you to be more distinct hereafter, I inclose you some Forms which will explain Themselves, and are modelled upon the Practice of our Deputy PostMasters General for Scotland and Ireland; who even transmit hither the original Vouchers to all material Articles.
Upon the Debtor side of your said Account there are two Sums of £32. 11s. and £59. 17s. for 31 and 57 days travelling Charges of Mr. Hunter; which The PostMaster General altogether disapprove, and think them too exceptionable to pass without Notice.
They observe on This Occasion that the Post Act requires the Chief Office to be establish’t and kept at New York; consequently the Deputy Postmaster General is understood to reside there; the absurdity is therefore the stronger that Mr. Hunter should not only have lived at a distance from his proper station, but that he should have brought a charge upon the Revenue, for passing to and from New York, where strictly speaking, he ought to have had his Residence; and now that Packet Boats are established a fresh, with a View to connect His Majesty’s North American Dominions, even in time of Peace, with These Kingdoms; New York must still continue to be the Centre of That important Correspondence.
The PostMaster General having it, as you may perceive, much at heart to improve Correspondence, and the Revenue committed to Their Care; every Thought you may have to suggest for the Benefit of America in that respect, will be particularly attended to, and if you should be of Opinion, that an able Surveyor or two could give you further Informations, and assist in laying out post Roads, as well as in instructing, and supervising your several Deputies in the regular performance of their Duty; and informing proper cheque offices, upon particular parts of Roads, where Letters ought to Turn, or go across; I am inclined to think, They would not upon your Application, refuse you an assistant so material.
For the mean time, The PostMaster General would have you, in order that They may form some Idea of the Improvements you have made, or intend making, send them one or more Maps of America, with the Post roads, Towns, Stations, and Distances, carefully marked throughout; with a Table of all the Post Towns, Postmasters Names, and their Salaries, distinguishing how much for their Office Duty, and how much for Their Riding work, These Lights and helps are grown the more necessary to Them, as They have been given to understand, that amongs’t the many National schemes of Improvement now on foot, great matters are expected of Them relating to the Posts in His Majesty’s American Dominions.
I have only to add, that you are to remit immediately to The PostMaster General the Balance of your Account with this Office, in good Bills payable to Robert Trevor Esq. Receiver General of the Revenue of the Post Office, taking care to distinguish such part thereof, as became due before the 25th of October 1760 being the day of His late Majesty’s Demise; such part as has since accrued, must be accounted for to the aggregate Fund.
You are desired to bring your next Account down to the 5th. of April 1762; and afterwards to make the same up Yearly.
It is taken for granted that no Governor of a Province, on pretence of His Majesty’s Service, or any other person, have ever been allowed to send or receive Letters free of Postage. I am Gentlemen Yours &c.
Anth: Todd Secry.
To Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft Esqrs.Deputy PostMaster General of America


Title: Anthony Todd to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 12 March 1763 (III)
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Foxcroft, John

Copy
Gentlemen.
General Post Office 12th March 1763.

Inclosed I send you, by Command of His Majesty’s PostMaster General, the Copy of a Letter just received from General Murray Governor of Quebec; as likewise the Copy of a Memorial inclosed therein from the British Merchants residing in That Government; by which they plainly appear to labour under many difficulties for the want of a safe and Speedy Conveyance of Letters; also that they are detained, Lost, and opened on the Road, with great Prejudice to their Concerns.
The Postmaster General do therefore wish, as there appears by the said Memorial and other Informations they have received, to be already a Number of His Majesty’s Subjects settled in Trade and Business at Quebec, that you might find it practicable to establish a regular Post between That Government and New York, which it is presumed here, according to a Letter from Mr. Franklin to The PostMaster General in June 1762, may be already set on foot, by way of Albany and Montreal.
Upon This Occasion I am commanded to put you again in Mind of Mr. Finlay, whom The PostMaster General, by my Letter of the 8th of January last, proposed to you as a proper person to be Postmaster of Quebec, and who intends to sail from Glasgow about the 15 Instant, with a Recommendation from The PostMaster General, to the favour and protection of General Murray, you will therefore not fail to appoint the said Mr. Finlay immediately upon his arrival at Quebec. I am Gentlemen, &c.
Anth: Todd Secry.
Benj. Franklin and Jno. Foxcroft Esqrs.Depy. Postmasrs. Genl. of No. America.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 18 March 1763
From: Whitehurst, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This letter from one of Franklin’s English scientific friends, which touches briefly on a variety of matters, is perhaps less important in the history of science than the enclosure which follows it. In the postscript Whitehurst mentions that he is sending “a short sketch of a General Theory of the Earth.” On June 27, 1763, Franklin acknowledged receiving both the letter and its enclosure. When the Franklin Papers in the American Philosophical Society Library were arranged many years ago the letter and the sketch to which it refers became separated and the authorship of the enclosure was left undetermined. This paper has now been identified, and it is here restored to its proper place immediately following the text of the letter it accompanied.
Fifteen years later, in 1778, Whitehurst published An Inquiry into the Original State and Formation of the Earth, a major treatise on which he is known to have been working for several years. Examination shows that this enclosure contains an outline or summary of the first chapter of the 1778 publication, following the same order of presentation and argument and often using the same phraseology. The sketch is much shorter and omits any reference to the illustrative diagrams and plates which are found in the book and discussed in its first chapter, but the basic ideas are the same in both.
The manuscript of this “short sketch” is unusual. It begins as a letter with the salutation “Sir,” but it carries no date line. It is written on a four-page sheet; the first two pages and part of the third are in Whitehurst’s hand; then, after the first word of a new paragraph, for some unknown reason a distinctly different handwriting appears and continues to the end, about the middle of the fourth page. In the next to last line Whitehurst inserted four words his copyist had omitted, but he failed to add the complimentary close and signature which might be expected in a paper he had begun in letter form.
Although these peculiarities remain unexplained, this document and Franklin’s acknowledgment of its receipt clearly establish that Whitehurst had begun work on his magnum opus at least fifteen years before he completed and published it.

Dear Sir
Derby 18th Mar: 1763
It was a matter of great Joy to me, to see an Account in the public papers of your safe Arrival in North America; where I hope you found your family and friends all well.
I sincerly congratulate you Sir, on Mr. Franklins Appointment to the Government of New-Jersey, where I hope he and his Lady are safely arrived.
The bearer Mr. Tunicliff, is a farmer of good Credit, from this neighbourhood. He has lived many years at Langley, a Vilage four Miles from hence. He visits North America with a Veiw of Purchasing two or three thousand Acres of uncultivated land, and bringing his family over to Settle there, having too great a Spirit to comply with the terms which farmers in general are now oblig’d to comply with at this time in England. Viz. of occup[y]ing lands at the Will of the Lord. And therefore is determined to take up his aboad in a Land of greater liberty, and to situate himself so, as to carry on some Trade with the Indians.
In the execution of this plan, I hope Sir, you will be so kind to give my friend and neighbour a little Advice. He is esteem’d an excellent Farmer, and very Active in business: hence, cannot fail of making a Valuable member of Society. I took the liberty of consulting the Governor on this occation before he left England, in regard to the probability of suceeding in such a Scheme, and he gave great incouragement to undertake it.
Doctor Darwin and Mr. Tissington send Complements, are both well. The Doctor I hope will be able to entertain you with some discoverys on Cold next winter.
The Parliament has Mr. Harri[s]ons improvem[en]t of Measureing equal time at Sea under their Consideration, and I imagin will give him a hansom reward. And the King has orderd this improvement to be made known to all his foreign Minesters. I suppose with some View of procuring a reward from those several Courts for Mr. Harrison, as well as making the discovery of General Use. This account Taylor White gives me.
Ferments amongest the In’s, and out’s, I think subside apace. The King is determin’d to persevere in every legal step that can be taken for the general good and benefit of his Subjects. Should we live but one seven years, I expect to see a great reformation in the Management of Public affairs.
My Wife desires to joyne me in our most affectionate respects and I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant
J Whitehurst
P.S. With this I [enclose?] you a short sketch of a General Theory of the Earth for your approbation.
Pray sir, do you, [keep] a journal of heat and cold. I imagin I cou’d derive some advantageous discoverys from general observations of this kind with respect to a more general theory of the earth. But Im afraid tis not to be brought about. If any thing of this sort is done amongest Your acquaintance in North America I should be extremely obligd to you for a Coppy and in return will send you an application of more observations in a general theory.
 Addressed: To / Benj: Franklin, Esqr / at / Philadelphia

[Enclosure]
Sir
I here take the liberty of presenting you with a few hints, relative to a general theory, or natural history of the earth: principally calculated to prove that fossell shells were originally the offspring of the sea.
The period of time since the Deity created the Constituent parts of the Earth, and brought them into Contact: appears too unlimited and Void of Natural evidence, to admit of a Philosophical solution. And therefore nothing can be deduced from the Antiquity of the Earth in aid of a General Theory.
But the figure of the earth being truly ascertain’d and proved beyond all contradiction to be an oblate spheroid; is a circumstance highly favorable for the establishment of a general theory: for from this fact alone, and its agreement with the general laws of Nature; many other essential truths are derived, as I presume, will appear, by the following Investigations, and will also plainly shew, that there is no other point or Datum from whence a general theory, or history of the Earth can truly flow.
Hence it was impossible, for men of the most extensive genius, to write a Consistant Theory, before our Great Philosopher had reveald those Axoims to the World.
Prop. 1st.
According to the universal law of gravitation, the constituent particles of all bodys mutually Attract each other; and therefore produce in themselves a Common center of gravity, which governs and regulates the whole, so as to cause all such as are fluid and at rest to become Spherical.
Gravitation, being a fundamental law of Nature; by which all Matter is equally and Universally govern’d: And there being no other law, or principle in Nature, from whence bodys can become spherical: it is therefore manifest, that all Spherical bodys must have been in a state of fluidity and rest, tho’ they are firm, and solid, in their present state.
Prop: 2d
The constituent particles of all bodys which turn round their own axis, acquire a Centrifugal force in proportion to their Velocities, and therefore as their distances are to each other, from their axis or center of Motion: so is their Velocities, and so is their Centrifugal force.
Hence, it is manifest, that the equilibrium of Gravitation is destroy’d in all revolving bodys. And therefore such as turn their own Axis in a state of fluidity, must become Spheroidical, and in a certain Ratio, according to their Periodical rotations.
From whence I conclude that since there is no other law or principle in nature from whence bodys can become Spheroidical it therefore follows; that all Spheroidical bodys must have turn’d round their own Axis in a state of fluidity, tho they are firm and Solid in their present state.
Now since the Equatorial diameter of the Earth, exceeds her Polar, in a certain Ratio according to the period of her diurnal rotation it is therefore evident, that she turn’d round her own Axis in a state of fluidity, tho’ she is firm and solid in her present state. And that the period of her rotation, has suffer’d no change or variation, from thence to the present period of time; but has agreeable to the Immutable laws of nature perfom’d equal rotations in equal times, thro’ all Ages of the World to the present period.
This chain of evidence Sir, appears to give as full and clear a testimony of the Earths having been in a fluid state, as any Physical Solution can well be suppos’d to do. Hence I consider the Fluidity of the Earth as a fact, and shall now inquire what effects that fluidity wou’d produce.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 28 March 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

My dear Friend
Philada. March 28. 1763
I have received your Favours of Oct. 20 and Nov. 1 by my Son, who is safely arrived with my new Daughter. I thank you for your Friendly Congratulations on his Promotion. I am just return’d from a Journey I made with him thro’ his Government, and had the Pleasure of seeing him every where receiv’d with the utmost Respect and even Affection by all Ranks of People. So that I have great Hopes of his being now comfortably settled.
As to myself, I mention’d to you in a former Letter, that I found my Friends here more numerous and as hearty as ever. It had been industriously reported, that I had lived very extravagantly in England, and wasted a considerable Sum of the Publick Money which I had received out of your Treasury for the Province; but the Assembly, when they came to examine my Accounts and allow me for my Services, found themselves Two Thousand two hundred and fourteen Pounds 10s. 7d. Sterling in my Debt; to the utter Confusion of the Propagators of that Falshood, and the Surprize of all they had made to believe it. The House accordingly order’d that Sum to be paid me, and that the Speaker should moreover present me with their Thanks for my Fidelity, &c. in transacting their Affairs.
I congratulate you on the glorious Peace your Ministry have made, the most advantageous to Britain, in my Opinion, of any your Annals have recorded. As to the Places left or restor’d to France, I conceive our Strength will now soon increase to so great a degree in North America, that in any future War we may with ease reduce them all; and therefore I look on them as so many Hostages or Pledges of good Behaviour from that perfidious Nation. Your Pamphlets and Papers therefore that are wrote against the Peace with some Plausibility, give one Pleasure, as I hope the French will read them, and be persuaded they have made an excellent Bargain.
I rejoice with you and Mrs. Strahan, on Rachey’s safe Delivery, and wish you much Happiness in your Grand Daughter. My little Family is now altogether, and join in every good Wish for you and yours. Remember me affectionately to every one of them, and particularly to my Peggy.
I do not forget any of your Reasons for my Return to England. The Hint you add in your last, is good and wise; it could not have been wiser or better if you had drank ever so much Madeira. It is however, impossible for me to execute that Resolution this ensuing Summer, having many Affairs first to arrange; but I trust I shall see you before you look much older.
In the mean time, be happy; and make me happy by often letting me hear that you are so. I shall ever be, with the utmost Esteem and Affection, My dear Friend, Yours most sincerely
B Franklin

I wrote to you per Capt. Friend soon after my Arrival and since via Bristol.
Mr. Strahan
 [Addressed:] To / Mr William Strahan / Printer / in Newstreet, Shoe Lane / London / via N York / per Pacquet


Title: Account with the Estate of James Franklin, Junior, 4 April 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, James, Jr.

Philada. April 4. 1763.
Dr Mr James Franklin Decd. Dr to B Franklin,Sterling Mo.

1758. Feb. 23.
For a Parcel of Printing Letters, for which he gave his Bond
}
94.
0.
5

Int. on Do. to Aug. 12. 1762 being 4.Y. 5.M. 20.D.
}
  25.
  4.
  1¾

119:
4:
6¾

Recd. Augt. 12. 1762 100 Dollars at 4s. 7d. Sterlg.
}
  22.
  18.
  4

96:
6.
2¾

Intr. on £96. 6s. 2¾d. to Octr. 22. 1762 being 2 Mo. 10 Days
}
  1.
  1.
  0

£97:
7:
2¾

Recd. Oct. 22. per Capt. All, 174 Dollars at 4s. 7d.
}
  39.
  17.
  6

57:
9:
8¾

Intr. On £57. 9s. 8¾d. to Mar. 31. 1763. being 5 Mo. 9 Days
}
  1.
  8.
  9¼

58:
18.
6

Recd. Mar. 31. 1763, 46 Dollars at 4s. 7d.
}
  10.
  5.
  10

48:
12:
8

1759 Mar. 1.
For a Parcel of Stationary cost

95.
5.
3

By Agreement with J.F. whatever Money I laid out for him in England he was to give his Bond and pay Intr. for, from the Time of my Disbursement. He accordingly gave his Bond for the Printing Letters, and should have done it for the Stationary, but omitted it. The Interest however ought to be paid me, as I had no Profit on the Goods; and it being 4 Years and 1
}
22.
17.
2

Mo. to April 1. 1763 is And I consign’d a Trunk of Books to him, to sell for me, on which he was to have 20 per Ct. Commissions, but never sent me any Account. Value
}
  36.
  14.
  3

£203:
9:
4

This Note £15. 1s. 1d. Pensa. Currency is Sterling at 4s. 7d. per Dollar
}
9.
  14.
  –

£213:
3:
4

Errors excepted

Sterling

B Franklin

Ja Franklin

  Dr

  Cr

32.
14.
  6
6.
18.
9

4
6
  3
13.
  2.
  6

7.
17.
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1.
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  –

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3.
  4

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12.
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7.
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  15.
  –

73
18:
  7


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, 4 April 1763
From: Jackson, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
4 Apl 1763
I received your favour by the Packet, as well as those by the Carolina, I had before the Pleasure to hear of your safe Arrival from Mr. Strahan, which was the more acceptable, because the time that had elapsed since your sailing was rather too long and gave your friends room for Apprehensions. I have before wished you Joy on Mr. Franklin’s Promotion, I doubt not, it will give as much pleasure to the Province of New Jersey as to him and your friends; I saw him a Day or two before he left London, and acquainted him with my Situation, as to a seat in Parliament. I was then pretty secure, but I shall never be sanguine again as long as I live, though I was not disappointed on this Occasion, in fact I was chose for Weymouth the Week in which the Parliament met in Nov. and have made as Prudent a Use of my Seat since that Time as I have been able. A Seat in P., in this Kingdom is (you know) usually built on Negotiations, and these Negotiations, (in the Course of which I met with some Trouble) took up most of my last Summer, so that, I could complete but the Skeleton of my work. I think however the more difficult part is finished, perhaps I might have said so, if I had only begun it. I shall certainly compleat it this Summer, though I do not mean to publish it as compleat as I make it. It will be necessary it should not be too long.
The Speaker has frequently inquired after you, in a very particular Manner, he did so when I dined with him yesterday, expressly great pleasure in hearing of your safe Arrival and insisted on my remembering to send his Compliments.
I can yet get no satisfactory Information about Mr. Barker or his family, I wish I had some Circumstances concerning his Business.
I think I collect from Charles, who you see is now Comptroller at the Post Office, that his Discontent conceived against the Assembly of Pensylvania, was upon their Refusal to abide by his and the Opinion at the Council upon the Supply Bill.
I met Mr. Penn yesterday who was very civil to me.
Though nothing could give me more pleasure than to hear of your safe Arrival and Health I had less pleasure in hearing of the Joy universally expressed at Philadelphia on the Occasion; in truth this was nothing but what I well knew before would be the Case, notwithstanding Dr. Smiths Opinion or Intelligence.
I was the better pleased with your Account of Madeira, because the Day I received your Letter, was the 2d of our sitting on a Committee to inquire into its State, in order with other facts to lay a foundation for extending the Indulgence already given to Rice (in Europe to the S[outh] of Cape Finisterre) thither. Mr. Gordon a Gentleman who resided there many years assured us, that he had seen the Numbers returned as Communicants from every Parish, by the respective Priests, into the Bishops Chamber, and that they amounted to 76000, these are all of both Sexes above 8 years. He was seemingly very cautious as well as exact in all his Evidence, and no ways interested, and if not mistaken makes the Number more than the greater mentioned to you. However I always suspect exaggeration as you do.
Upon running over your Letter again, I suppose Mr. Hughes hears nothing more of Barker, than you mention to me, if the Heir has been or is now in the East India Service, I shall easily procure intelligence of him, at the India House but if he actually was in the East Indies some years ago, it is I fear 2 to 1, he is since Dead. I will the first Day I go into the City, inquire at the India House. They have the Name of every Man in India.
I had from Mr. Moore the Clerk of Assembly, through the hands of Messrs. Sargent & Aufrere, a Manifest of Forces employed by your Province in 1760 and 1761. It came not to me till some Months after it reached London being misdirected, yet soon enough, because I fear it will be of no Use, as the Lords of the Treasury have resolved not to depart from the Generals Returns who has allowed the Province 1350 in 1760, but none in the last year. I know not the reason for this, unless he is pleased to suppose that the 265 men employed in 1761 were for the Provincial Defence only; yet they were under his Command. Perhaps it is a Mistake. I shall write by the Packet to Mr. Moore, and as the Money will not be probably distributed a great While, there will be time for the General, upon Application made to him to set this Right. I am Dear Sir with the sincerest Respects and Esteem your most Obedient faithfull humble Servant
Rd Jackson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 6 April 1763
From: Collinson, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lond Aprill 6. 1763
I can only now express the great satisfaction I have and that of Our Family to Hear by your Kind Letter of the 7 Decemr of your Safe Arrival. I have One more Wish and that Is, to Hear of your Son and Daughter. All your Friends are Well in particular Yours Sincerely
P Collinson
Mr. Canton desires his Compliments. hopes for a Letter
 Addressed: To / Benn Franklin Esqr / in / [Philadelphia] Boston


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Greenwood, 6 April 1763
From: Greenwood, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 6th of April 1763
As I knowing of you to be a gentle-man that can doe a great deal to help a poor man to his Wrights and as I am much reduced and have a large family have made bold to Beg the Assistance of soe good a Gentleman to see me rightified who has it not in my own power without applying for your Assistance in geting of me Justice don against Collo. John Armstrong who has taken an Improvement from me in the last purchase of Lands which I hope Mr. Franklin will take into Consideration and help me to my Wright as I am not able to help myself and have a Large family to maintain by my Labour which is but small as I never was brought up to it untill nesessity brought me to it for an honest lively hood and I shall in Duty Bound to pray for your wellfare. I am Sir your most Obedient humble Servant
Joseph Greenwood
 Addressed: To / Benjn. Franklin / Esqr
Endorsed: Patterson’s Complaint VS Col: Armstrong