Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 24 March 1773
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston, March: 24th: 1773
I have just received your Favor of the 2d. December last with the several papers Inclosed for which I am much oblidged to you. I have communicated them to some of the Gentlemen you mentioned. They are of opinion, that though it might be inconvenient to publish them, yet it might be expedient to have Copys taken and left on this side the water as there may be a necessity to make some use of them hereafter, however I read to them what you had wrote me upon the occasion, and told them I could by no means Consent Copys of them or any part of them should be taken without your express Leave, that I would write you upon the subject and should strictly Conform to your directions. I have also been favoured with yours of the 5th Jany. Am glad to find that Lord Dartmouth is so well disposed towards America. I think you have done me great Honor in thinking my Letter of Consequence enough to lay before his Lordship. I am perswaded what I then wrote you were the Sentiments of nine Tenths of the People, I thought it might not be amiss to let you know it for your own Government. I apprehended it was high Time the Controversy was Settled and thought that was as good a Time as any, and that any further delay would render it more difficult: I found the People were greatly disturbed at the Independency of the Governor and the Judges and at the late Act passed for securing his Majesty Dock Yards &c. I foresaw a Storm arising and the breach awidening. It is in Vain for administration to flatter themselves that the People here will rest quiet, when they find the Ministry are depriving them of their charter by peace meal and there is not a year passes without one Essential Clause or another’s being rendered null and Void. The People think they have a right upon such occasions to represent their Grievances and to Petition to his Majesty for releif and cannot conceive how their Petitions and representations can be considered by the Administration as a measure that will give fresh offence to Goverment. Neither can they possibly imagine that a Kind Parent would ever be offended with his Children for making known to him their Grievances; if the Colonists are reduced to this deplorable Situation, that every new Petition they prefer is to be Considered as a fresh offence to his Majesty, what have they left to do? to whom are they to apply for releif? will it not throw them in to State of Despair? And what the Consequence of such a state must be I leave to a Gentleman of your Good Sense to Determine. I observe you had consented that Lord Dartmouth should delay Delivering the House’s petition till you should receive fresh Orders. As by this Conveyance you will receive another Petition from the House to be laid before his Majesty, and also a Letter to Lord Dartmouth containing a full representation of our Greivances You will be able to form some judgement of the temper of the House since the change made in the American Administration and consider it as Equall to receiving fresh directions with respect to the former Petition and consequently prevail with Lrd. Dartmouth to lay all our Complaints before his Majesty at once. The House is not now Sitting so I cannot consult them upon this Matter, what directions they would give you I cannot say, but, as a private Individual I think, from their Proceedings the last sessions you may easily judge what their resolutions and directions would be in the next. I have no Authority to give any orders relative to this Matter and as there will not be another sessions till the latter End of May next, it must be left with you therefore to form a judgement what Course to take from the proceedings of the last sessions. I write in Confidence and pritty freely and therefore should not chuse to have my name mentioned upon this occasion. I conclude with great Respect Your most humble Servant
Thomas Cushing
(Private)Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr  L L D / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 25 March 1773
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
A Paris, 25 Mars 1773.
Si j’ai bien saisi vos principes, il faut que le verre qui doit servir à l’expérience de Leyde réunisse ces deux conditions: 1º. qu’il soit impénétrable au fluide électrique; 2º. qu’il ne soit pas impénétrable à l’énergie de ce fluide; ou, pour exprimer la même chose en d’autres termes, il faut que le fluide électrique ne puisse traverser d’une surface à l’autre, mais il faut que son affluence dans une des surfaces du verre puisse exciter une effluence dans la surface opposée.
Le verre réunit communément ces deux conditions, mais non pas toute sorte de verre; il se trouve même des verres que le fluide électrique traverse presqu’aussi librement qu’il court dans les métaux. C’est une propriété naturelle à quelques verres, et accidentelle à d’autres. Il paroitroit étonnant qu’aucun Physicien n’eût encore songé à rechercher les causes de toutes ces différences, si la Physique ordinaire y suffisoit; mais elle a besoin du concours de la Chymie, qui ne se refusera pas sans doute à l’éclaircissement d’un point aussi intéressant.
Je ne proposerois pas aux Chymistes de faire l’analyse des différens verres perméables ou imperméables à l’électricité; mais de chercher à les imiter, ce qui leur seroit beaucoup plus aisé.
Une terre vitrifiable pure est sans doute l’unique ingrédient du crystal de roche, qu’on peut regarder comme un véritable verre naturel; mais l’art n’est point encore parvenu à pouvoir nous procurer un verre aussi simple, et on a même très-peu d’espérance de pouvoir jamais atteindre à une telle perfection.
On ne connoit point de terre si vitrifiable qu’on n’ait besoin de quelque fondant auxiliaire pour en faciliter la vitrification. Or on distingue des fondans de trois principaux genres, qui sont les fondans salins, les fondans métalliques, et les fondans terreux; car il y a différentes especes de terres qui, quoique réfractaires chacune en particulier, se servent mutuellement de fondant les unes aux autres, comme il y a également plusieurs especes de sels, plusieurs especes de métaux qui peuvent servir de fondans aux terres vitrifiables, et qui peuvent se combiner en différentes proportions avec ces mêmes terres. On ne doit pas être plus surpris de trouver des verres plus ou moins perméables à l’électricité que d’en trouver de perméables et d’imperméables à la lumiere. Puisqu’il y a des verres transparens et des verres opaques, ou diversément colorés, pourquoi n’y auroit-il pas des verres conducteurs et non-conducteurs d’électricité?
Ce n’est pas un problême difficile à résoudre pour un Chymiste, mais ce seroit pourtant l’objet d’un assez long travail que de nous donner une série comparative de verres doués de l’une ou de l’autre de ces qualités à tous les différens degrés. Les places mêmes où viendroient se ranger tant votre verre verdâtre d’Amérique que le verre blanc de Londres indiqueroient au premier coup-d’oeil la mixtion des ingrédiens respectifs dont ils sont composés.
D’un autre côté, comme la violence de la chaleur que la matiere du verre éprouve soit dans sa cuite, soit dans sa recuite, peut causer une évaporation d’une partie de ces ingrédiens, et que cette chaleur n’est pas de la même violence dans toutes les parties du fourneau, il est peu étonnant que vous ayez trouvé une différence considérable entre plusieurs globes de verre de la même fabrique, comme vous l’annoncez, page 181.

Indépendamment des qualités naturelles de tels ou tels verres, résultantes de leur composition spécifique, il peut encore résulter de très grandes différences de la diversité de l’épaisseur de leurs masses, ne fût-ce que par cette seule considération que la chaleur n’a pu être exactement la même, ni la promptitude du refroidissement égale à beaucoup près, entre les différentes couches d’un verre fort épais; sans compter qu’il semble presqu’impossible que l’action du fluide électrique en mouvement se porte efficacement d’une surface à l’autre d’un corps trop massif.
Enfin il est également aisé de concevoir qu’un degré de chaleur considérable, en raréfiant la substance d’un verre mince, peut ouvrir son tissu au fluide électrique; mais que ce degré de chaleur doit être relatif à l’épaisseur de ce verre; et que M. Kinnersley a pu n’avoir besoin que d’une chaleur de 210 degrés (ce qui est le degré de l’eau bouillante au thermometre de Fahrenheit,) pour rendre perméable au choc électrique le verre très-mince d’un flacon de Florence, tandis que M. Cavendish a eu besoin d’une chaleur de 400 degrés pour rendre perméable au courant ordinaire un verre un peu plus épais.
Ce qui me fait desirer que quelque Chymiste veuille bien nous éclairer sur tous ces points, c’est qu’on ne sauroit avoir trop d’attention à épargner de fausses dépenses aux Amateurs de la Physique; parce que cela peut en arrêter tout-à-fait quelques-uns, et refroidir un peu le zele de beaucoup d’autres. Je suis, &c.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 27 March 1773: extract
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

Londres, 27 Mars 1773
Je compte que notre Poke-Weed est ce que les Botanistes appellent PHYTOLACCA. Cette plante porte des bayes grosses comme des pois: la peau en est noire, mais elle contient un suc cramoisi. C’étoit ce jus évaporé au soleil en consistence d’extract que l’on employoit. Il causoit beaucoup de douleurs, mais on disoit que quelques personnes en avoient été guéries. Je ne suis pas assuré des faits: tout ce que je sçais, c’est que le Docteur Colden en avoit bonne opinion.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 30 March 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste

Dear Sir
London, March 30 [1773]
You punish my delay of writing to you very properly by not writing to me. It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you: But it is my fault: and I must for my own sake write to you oftener tho’ I have little to say, or you will quite forget me.
I thank you for your Advice to send an English Copy of my Writings to the Academy, and shall do it as soon as the new Edition now in hand here is finish’d.
I am glad you see some Weight in the Experiments I sent you concerning pointed Rods. Mr. Wilson is grown angry that his Advice was not follow’d in making them blunt, for the Public Magazines of Gunpowder, and has published a Pamphlet reflecting on the R. Society, the Committee and myself, with some Asperity; and endeavouring to alarm the City with the supposed Danger of Pointed Rods drawing the Lightning into them and blowing them up. I find it is expected from me that I make some Answer to it, and I shall do so, tho’ I have an extreme Aversion to Public Altercation, on philosophic Points, and have never yet disputed with any one who thought fit to attack my Opinions. I am oblig’d to you for the Experiment of the Point and Ring.
There is no being sure of any thing before it happens; but considering the Weight of your Reputation, I think there is little Reason to doubt the Success of your Friends Endeavours to procure for our Society here the Honour of adding you to their Number at the next Election. In the mean time will you for my sake confer the same kind of Honour on my young Society at Philadelphia? When I found that our first Volume of American Transactions was favourably receiv’d in Europe, and had procur’d us some Reputation, I took the Liberty of nominating you for a Member, and you were accordingly chosen at a full Meeting in Philadelphia, on the 15th of Jany. last. I sent a Copy of that Volume to the Academy of Sciences at Paris when it first came out, but I do not remember to have heard that they ever receiv’d it. I think it was Mr. Magelhaens who undertook to convey it. If it miscarried I will send another; and by the first Opportunity one for your self.
Two Ships are now fitting out here, by the Admiralty, at the Request of the Royal Society, to make a Voyage to the North Pole, or to go as near to it as the Ice will permit. If they return safe, we shall probably obtain some new Geographical Knowledge, and some Addition to Natural History. With the greatest Esteem and Respect I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F
M LeRoy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [March? 1773]: extract
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

[March?, 1773]
J’appréhende bien de ne pouvoir trouver le tems de faire sur cette matiere toutes les recherches et les expériences qui seroient à désirer. Je me bornerai donc à faire ici quelques remarques.
La pesanteur spécifique de quelques corps humains, par comparaison avec celle de l’eau, a été examinée par M. Robertson, dans nos Transactions Philosophiques, Volume 50, page 30, pour l’année 1757.
Il prétend que les personnes grasses qui ont les os menus, sont celles qui flottent le plus aisément. …
La cloche pour les plongeurs est aussi décrite exactement dans nos Transactions. …
Dans ma jeunesse, je m’étois fait moi-même deux petites palettes ovales, chacune d’environ 10 pouces de long, sur 6 de large, avec un trou pour y passer le pouce, afin de la tenir appliquée sur la paume de ma main. Elles avoient assez l’air de palettes de peintre. En nageant, je les poussois en avant par leur tranche, et je frappois l’eau du plat de leur surface en les retirant. Je me souviens très-bien que je nageois plus vite au moyen de ces palettes, mais elles me fatiguoient les poignets. Je m’étois fait aussi des especes de semelles pour appliquer à la plante de mes pieds, mais je n’en fus pas content, parce que j’observai que le coup se donne en partie avec le côté interne des pieds et des chevilles, et non pas uniquement avec la plante des pieds. …
Nous avons ici des camisoles de nageurs, qui sont faites d’un double canevas matelassé avec de petits morceaux de liége piqués entre deux. …

Je ne connois point du tout le scaphandre de M. de la Chapelle. …
Je sais par expérience que c’est un soulagement pour un nageur, qui a beaucoup de chemin à faire, de se tourner quelquefois sur le dos, et de diversifier à d’autres égards les moyens de se procurer un mouvement progressif. …
Lorsqu’il prend une crampe dans une jambe, le moyen de la dissiper c’est de donner aux membres affectés une secousse subite, vigoureuse et violente, ce qui peut se faire dans l’air lorsqu’on nage sur le dos. …
Dans les grandes chaleurs de l’été, il n’y a aucun danger à entrer, quelque chaud que l’on ait, dans des rivieres qui ont été bien échauffées par le soleil. Mais de se jetter dans une eau de source froide lorsqu’on a le corps échauffé par l’exercice au soleil, c’est une imprudence qui peut être funeste. J’ai eu connoissance d’un exemple de quatre jeunes hommes qui, ayant travaillé à la moisson dans la chaleur du jour, se plongerent pour se rafraîchir dans une fontaine d’eau froide; il en mourut deux sur la place, un troisieme mourut le lendemain matin, et le quatrieme eut beaucoup de peine à en guérir. … Une ample boisson d’eau froide, en de semblables circonstances, a souvent produit les mêmes effets dans l’Amerique Septentrionale. …
L’exercice de la nage est le plus agréable et le plus sain qu’il soit possible de faire. … Après avoir nagé une heure ou deux le soir, on dort fraîchement toute la nuit, dans les plus grandes chaleurs de l’été. Peut-être que les pores étants néttoyés, la transpiration insensible est plus abondante, et occasionne cette fraîcheur. … Il est certain que de beaucoup nager, c’est le moyen d’arrêter un dévoiement, et même d’occasionner une constipation. A l’égard de ceux qui ne savent point nager, ou qui ont une diarrhée dans une saison qui ne permet pas d’aller nager, un bain chaud, en néttoyant et purifiant la peau, leur fait beaucoup de bien, et souvent les guérit radicalement. J’en parle d’après ma propre expérience souvent répétée, et celle des autres à qui je l’ai recommandé.
Vous trouverez bon que je termine ces remarques faites à la hâte, en vous certifiant que comme la maniere ordinaire de nager se réduit à ramer avec les bras et les jambes, et est conséquemment laborieuse et fatiguante lorsqu’on a un grand espace à parcourir, il est un moyen par lequel un nageur peut passer à de grandes distances avec beaucoup de facilité à l’aide d’une voile; c’est à quoi j’ai réussi par aventure de la maniere que je vais vous raconter.
Etant petit garçon, je m’amusois un jour à faire voler mon grand cerf-volant; et étant arrivé au bord d’un étang qui avoit près d’un mille de large, comme il faisoit très-chaud, j’attachai la ficelle à un poteau, et le cerf-volant s’éleva fort haut par dessus l’étang, tandis que j’y étois à nager. Au bout de quelques tems, voulant m’amuser avec mon cerf-volant, et jouir en même-tems du plaisir de nager, je retournai sur mes pas, et ayant détaché la ficelle du poteau avec le petit bâton auquel elle étoit attachée, je rentrai dans l’eau, où je trouvai qu’étant couché sur le dos et tenant le bâton entre mes mains, j’étois tiré au travers de l’eau fort agréablement. Alors ayant obtenu d’un autre petit garçon de transporter mes habits en tournant autour de l’étang, à un endroit que je lui indiquai de l’autre côté, je me mis à traverser l’étang avec mon cerf-volant, qui me porta tout au travers, sans la moindre fatigue et avec le plaisir le plus délicieux qu’il vous soit possible d’imaginer. Je fus seulement obligé de m’arrêter quelques fois tant soit peu pour résister à son mouvement en avant, lorsqu’il me paroissoit qu’en le suivant trop vîte j’avois trop fait baisser le cerf-volant; et en arrêtant ainsi, je le faisois relever davantage. Je n’ai point pratiqué depuis ce tems cette méthode singuliere de nager, mais j’imagine qu’un homme pourroit au besoin traverser ainsi à la nage de Douvre à Calais. … Cependant une barque vaut encore mieux.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 April 1773
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
A Paris, premier Avril 1773
Depuis six mois que je suis occupé presque sans relâche de la traduction et de l’édition de vos Oeuvres, je me suis un peu familiarisé avec l’Electricité. Il faudroit avoir l’esprit bien bouché pour ne pas devenir Electrician avec vous. Mais dans ce genre de science, comme en toutes autres, vous voulez qu’on cherche de préférence, ce qu’elles ont de plus utile, et par une admirable institution du Créateur, ce plus utile est toujours constamment le plus aisé et le moins abstrait. Mon goût naturel et la médiocrité de mes talens s’accommodent très-bien de cela.
Depuis que vous avez démontré la possibilité de tirer et de conduire le feu du tonnerre, et que la solidité de vos principes a été confirmée par l’expérience de Marly-la-Ville, et par une infinité d’ autres, le tonnerre a encore produit beaucoup de malheurs qu’il auroit été possible de prévenir.
Vous avez parfaitement dévelopé les moyens de garantir de la foudre les maisons, les églises, les vaisseaux, et spécialement les magasins à poudre. Quantité de Physiciens ont répété vos leçons de toutes parts; et cependant hors de l’Amérique, le public en a très-peu profité.
Vous avez indiqué auz personnes qui appréhendent le tonnerre, et qui se trouvent pendant un orage dans une maison dénuée de conducteurs électriques à l’extérieur, quelles sont les situations les plus favorables, et les précautions les plus sages qu’ils puissent prendre pour leur sureté en cette occasion.
On a proposé en Hollande de distribuer un certain nombre de verges électriques, de distance en distance, avec de bons conducteurs des unes aux autres, à l’entour et au travers d’une ville entiere, pour garantir généralement du tonnerre et tous ses bâtimens, et tous ses habitans. Je vous laisse à discuter l’efficacité de la méthode que l’on a proposée à cet effet; mais ne resteroit-il pas encore différens cas particuliers qui méritent quelque considération, et dont personne ne paroît s’être occupé jusqu’ici?
1°. De se faire en son particulier un asyle assuré de l’appartement même auquel on est borné dans une maison dont on ne dispose pas en entier, et où le propriétaire a négligé de prendre toutes les mesures qui seroient à desirer.
2°. Lorsqu’on voyage en voiture, savoir si, et quelles précautions l’on auroit à prendre pour la voiture, tant à l’égard de la forme que de la matiere de sa construction?

3°. Lorsqu’on est obligé de sortir a pied, soit à la ville, soit en campagne, dans des tems où les orages sont à craindre, n’y auroit-il pas quelques moyens de se garantir aussi-bien du tonnerre que de la pluie et du soleil?
Quant au premier point, il semble qu’un lit tout de bois, sans aucun métal, et dont les quatre pieds porteroient sur quatre tabourets électriques, et une table et une chaise isolées par de semblables tabourets, seroient des expédiens assurés pour manger, travailler et dormir en dépit des orages avec la plus parfaite tranquillité d’esprit. Il seroit bon cependant d’ajouter à cela la précaution de n’avoir dans l’appartement aucune sorte de métal qui ne fît portion d’une espece de cercle électrique sans interruption, aboutissant de part et d’autre en dehors.
Quant au second article, qui est celui des voitures préservatives, la théorie peut aisément s’en déduire des mêmes principes; mais le détail des différentes applications qu’on en peut faire me meneroit trop loin, et seroit déplacé ici.
3°. Enfin j’ai à vous proposer pour les voyageurs à pied, pour qui j’ai toujours pris un intérêt de prédilection, une espece de Paratonnerre, s’il est permis de s’exprimer ainsi, que je vais soumettre à votre jugement.
Cette machine ne differe presque d’un parasol, que par quelques petits accessoires, qui s’y adaptent aisément en cas d’orage.
La partie principale, qui fait le corps du Parasol, comprend
1°. un taffetas bombé à l’ordinaire en forme de dôme, mais dont l’une des coutures est recouverte en dessus d’une tresse, ou petit galon d’argent.
2°. Un bâton, ou manche d’un bois léger, d’environ 2 pieds de long.
3°. Une tringle de fer, d’un demi pouce de diametre, et de 8 à 10 pouces de long, placée en dessus à l’opposite du manche, et terminée supérieurement par un écrou.
4°. Un anneau, des baguettes et un ressort de cuivre, également placés en dessus; cet anneau glissant sur la tringle de fer, pour servir tant à plier qu’à déplier les baleines, et par leur moyen étaler le taffetas, ou le refermer.
5°. Neuf à dix baleines, chacune de deux pieces, arcboutées à l’ordinaire, mais placées au-dessus du taffetas; l’une de ces baleines, attenant le galon d’argent, armée d’un bout de cuivre terminé par un écrou.
  Les accessoires comprennent,
1°. Une verge de cuivre mince longue d’un pied, terminée supérieurement par une pointe fine, et inférieurement par une vis, qui s’adapte aisément quand on veut à l’écrou de la tringle de fer.
2°. Un gros fils de laiton d’un pied et demi de long, terminé par une petite vis, qui peut s’adapter au besoin à l’écrou du bout de cuivre, dont nous avons dit que l’une des baleines étoit armée, et pointant obliquement de-là en en bas.
4°. Un cordonnet d’argent, pendant au bout inférieur de ce fil de laiton, et terminé par une petite houpe de frange de la même matiere, trainante un peu en terre.
  Avec ce Paratonnerre bien monté, un homme peut passer sans crainte sous des nuées orageuses, ou sous des cucurbites électrisées; étant bien certain que, dès qu’il approchera de la distance du choc, la pointe de là verge supérieure attirera sur elle seule tous leurs redoubtables feux, qui seront conduits de-là innocemment tout le long de la tringle, du galon, du bout de cuivre, du fil de laiton, du cordonnet, et de la houppe, tous excellens conducteurs métalliques, jusqu’à la terre qui est le grand réservoir commun du feu électrique, dont il ne passera pas la moindre parcelle dans, ni au travers du taffetas, qui n’a aucun attrait pour lui.
Lors donc que l’on croît voir un orage imminent, ou lorsque cet orage paroît entierement dissipé, on peut en moins d’une minute joindre ou disjoindre les deux parties de cette machine, et convertir son parasol en paratonnere, ou réduire son paratonnere en l’état d’un simple parasol.
Dubourg actually had a “paratonnerre” constructed; see the final note on BF’s reply to this letter below, May 28.

Après avoir travaillé premierement pour soi-même, il convient de chercher à faire part aux autres des avantages que l’on a sçû se procurer; jouir seul de quelque bien que ce soit, c’est n’en jouir qu’à demi. J’attens de mon paratonnerre une satisfaction plus complette; je me flatte que chaque machine de cette espece, étant capable de dépouiller un petit nuage électrisé, et d’en repousser en même-tems plusieurs autres semblables, suffira pour garantir une certaine étendue à la ronde, et pour la garantir pendant un certain tems, quoique je ne puisse assigner ni les limites de l’espace, ni celles de la durée.
Pour bien concevoir ceci, supposons 1°. un grand tube de métal fortement électrisé, et une douzaine de personnes rangées de côté et d’autre presqu’à la distance du choc, c’est-à-dire, tant soit peu plus loin qu’il ne faudroit qu’elles fussent pour en tirer des étincelles. Si l’on présente la pointe d’un stylet, non-seulement à la même distance de ce tube, mais même à une distance plus grande du double, elle en attirera tous les feux sur elle et le déchargera entierement.
Supposons 2°. comme dans une de vos belles experiences, plusieurs flocons de coton peu serrés, pendants au-dessous de ce même tube, et attachés ensemble par de petits bouts de fils; plus on électrisera fortement le tube, plus ces flocons tendront à s’écarter; ils s’allongeront et se fileront pour ainsi-dire d’euxmêmes, et le dernier tombera fort bas. Dans cette position, si l’on en approche un peu la pointe d’un stylet, il tirera l’électricité du dernier flocon, qui la tirera du suivant, et ainsi de proche en proche, de sorte que tous se resserreront, se raccourciront, et remonteront vers le tube, comme si une puissance occulte leur avoit imprimé une forte impulsion de bas en haut.
Voilà quel doit être constamment l’effet de la verge d’un Paratonnerre sur de petits nuages chargés de l’électricité céleste. Elle dépouillera celui qui se trouvera le plus à sa portée, et en le faisant réagir sur les autres, elle en forcera plusieurs à se relever vers les régions supérieures de l’atmosphere.
Mais que deviendra le feu ainsi tiré? N’en soyons pas en peine, pourvû que nous lui fassions trouver de bons conducteurs pour le faire repasser au grand réservoir commun d’où il a été pompé, et où il doit aller se reperdre. Or les métaux sont les meilleurs de tous les conducteurs, l’eau vient ensuite, et les corps animaux en troisieme lieu. Ayant donc eu soin de ménager des conducteurs métalliques au feu électrique attiré par la verge du paratonnerre, on est parfaitement assuré 1º. qu’il les suivra jusqu’au bout, sans que rien soit capable de l’en écarter; 2º. qu’ils l’épancheront définitivement dans le sein même de la terre, où tout fluide électrique se remettant de lui-même en équilibre, perd sur le champ toute son activité. Tous les fils de la frange d’argent qui traine jusqu’en terre peuvent être regardés comme autant de pointes fines, et l’on sçait que les pointes ne sont pas moins propres à répandre le feu électrique qu’à le recevoir.
  Il n’en est pas d’un torrent de feu comme d’un torrent d’eau: celui-ci ne peut être que détourné, celui-là peut également être détourné, ou être tout-à-fait éteint. Le feu électrique s’allume plus rarement, et s’éteint plus promptement encore que le feu commun; il se laisse conduire plus aisément, a plus de disposition à reprendre son équilibre, et ne causa jamais d’aussi grands ravages. Donnons cependant un exemple du pouvoir de l’art pour manier même le feu commun.
Si par un beau soleil d’été l’on dirige sur une balle de plomb le foyer du grand miroir ardent imité d’Archimede par M. de Buffon, elle se mettra aussi-tôt en fusion, et sera évaporée dans un instant. Si on avoit placé cette même balle en de-çà ou au de-là du foyer, quoique dans la même direction, les mêmes rayons solaires non encore réunis dans l’un de ces cas, ou déjà éparpillés dans l’autre, n’auroient produit sur elle absolument aucun effet sensible. Voilà à-peu-près comment le changement d’une légere circonstance peut faire éclater la foudre avec la plus grande impétuosité, ou la dissiper sans le moindre fracas, en la réduisant, pour ainsi-dire, à zéro.
On pourroit, s’il en étoit besoin, confirmer par mille autres exemples cette prodigieuse différence entre les effets des mêmes élémens assemblés ou dispersés. Ainsi les caracteres d’imprimerie, suivant la différence de leurs arrangemens, peuvent donner une Bible, ou un Alcoran; mais ils peuvent également ou être à l’aventure, ou être distribués dans des casses, de maniere à ne former aucun sens quelconque; et s’il faut beaucoup de tems pour en former une Iliade, il ne faut pas une minute pour la faire rentrer dans le chaos, tant la matiere est dépendante de la forme.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 3 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Sir
London, April 3. 1773
My last was of the 9th past, since which nothing material has occurr’d relating to the Colonies. The Assembly’s Answer to Gov. Hutchinson’s Speech is not yet come over; but I find that even his Friends here are apprehensive of some ill Consequences from his forcing the Assembly into that Dispute, and begin to say it was not prudently done, tho’ they believe he meant well. I inclose two Newspapers in which it is mentioned. Lord D: the other Day express’d a good deal of Concern to me, at the growing Uneasiness in N England, wishing some Means could be fallen upon to heal the Breach. I took the Freedom to tell him, he could do much in it if he would exert himself. I think I see Signs of Relenting in some others. The Bishop of St. Asaph’s late Sermon to the Society for Propagating the Gospel, is much talk’d of for its Catholic Spirit and favourable Sentiments relating to the Colonies. I will endeavour to get a Copy to send you, tho’ it is not yet publish’d. With great Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Thos Cushing, Esqr.Private

Addressed: To / The honble. Thomas Cushing, Esqr / Boston
Endorsed: Benja Franklin London April 13. 1773 private


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan Sr.

Dear Cousin,
London, April 3. 1773.
I wrote to you on the 9th. of March. I have not since heard from Boston. This is just to let you know I am well, and to cover a Newspaper containing one of my Scribblings, which please to give to my Sister with my Love: I have not now time to write to her. Love to Cousin Grace and your Children. I am ever, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 6 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,
London, April 6. 1773.
The Bearer Mr. Robert Hare visits Philadelphia with a View of establishing himself there or at New York in the Porter-brewing Business. He bears an excellent Character among his Friends here as a very honest, ingenious, amiable Man. I therefore recommend him warmly to your Civilities; and doubt not but you will give him the best Advice and Information in your Power. My Love to Benny-boy. I am ever Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
Mr Bacheper Loxley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 6 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Sarah Franklin

Dear Sally,
London, April 6. 1773
I received your pleasing Letter of Jan. 5. I am glad you have undertaken the Care of the Housekeeping, as it will be an Ease to your Mother, especially if you can manage to her Approbation; that may perhaps be at first a Difficulty. It will be of Use to you if you get a Habit of keeping exact Accounts; and it will be some Satisfaction to me to see them. Remember, for your Encouragement in good Œconomy, that whatever a Child saves of its Parents Money, will be its own another Day. Study Poor Richard a little, and you may find some Benefit from his Instructions. I long to be with you all, and to see your Son. I pray God to bless him and you: being ever Your affectionate Father
B Franklin

Mrs. Stevenson and Daughter send their Love to you. The latter is near lying-in again. Her Boy, my Godson, is a very fine Child, and begins to talk.
per Packet


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 6 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child
London, April 6. 1773
I received yours of Dec. 28 and Jan. 6. and am glad to find you were so well.
I do not recollect the Miss Moore’s you mention, whom Ben visited before they went away. As to Mrs. Wright, I have done all I could to serve her here; but I have somehow or other, I know not which way, displeas’d her of late, so that she does not now come near me. I wish her well.

I condole with you on the Death of our good Friend Mr. Hall. My old Friends so drop off one after another, that I am afraid, when I come home, I shall find myself a Stranger in my own Country.
Your Accounts of your Kingbird please me exceedingly. I hope soon to see him and you. Last Night I was at Mr. West’s. They desire to be remember’d to you. Their youngest Boy, my Godson, is a very fine one, as is also my other Godson, young Hewson. I continue well, Thanks to God, and am ever, my dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin

P.S. Since writing the above I have receiv’d yours of March 2. per Packet. Mrs. Stevenson and Polly send their Love. Sally her Duty. She is to be married and leave us next Week.

Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / via N York / per Packet / B Free Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 6–9 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

Dear Son,
London, April 6 [-9]. 1773
I received yours of Feb. 2. with the Papers of Information that accompany it.
I know nothing of Col. Mercer’s being appointed Surveyor of the new Colony: Indeed the Proprietors, if they ever are to be such, are not yet in a Situation to appoint or promise any Places, the Grant not being compleated.
I never heard of Jones; or his Chief Justiceship in Eyre. Nor do I know any thing of General Lyman’s Project or Grants. No Proposal has been made to me of being their Agent, which indeed I should not undertake, being about to quit all Agencies, and return home to settle my own Affairs.
I have ordered a Jack for you, and will send it by the first Opportunity.
I have sent to Mr. Galloway one of the Bishop of St. Asaph’s Sermons to your Society for propagating the Gospel. I would have sent you one, but you will receive it of course as a Member. It contains such liberal and generous Sentiments relating to the Conduct of Government here towards America, that Sir J. P. says it was written in compliment to me. But from the Intimacy of Friendship in which I live with the Author, I know he has express’d nothing but what he thinks and feels; and I honour him the more, that thro’ the mere Hope of doing Good; he has hazarded the Displeasure of the Court, and of course the Prospect of farther Preferment. Possibly indeed the Ideas of the Court may change; for I think I see some Alarm at the Discontents in New-England, and some Appearance of Softening in the Disposition of Government, on the Idea that Matters have been carry’d too far there. But all depends upon Circumstances and Events. We govern from Hand to Mouth. There seems to be no wise regular Plan.
I saw Lord Dartmouth about 2 Weeks since. He mention’d nothing to me of your Application for additional Salary, nor did I to him, for I do not like it. I fear it will embroil you with your People. I told him I look’d upon Mrs. Haine to be out of her Senses, and that there was no Foundation for her Pretensions; at which he seem’d to wonder, her Story, he said, was so circumstantial. He has given a Letter to the Chief Justice, which is gone by an Attorney sent by Hayne.
While I am writing comes to hand yours of Mar. 2. My Letter by the October Packet must have been sent as usual, to the Office by the Bellman. That being, as you inform me, rubb’d open as some of yours to me have been, gives an additional Circumstance of Probability to the Conjecture made in mine of Dec. 2. For the future I shall send Letters of consequence to the Office when I use the Pacquet-Conveyance, by my Clerk.
Your Accounts of the Numbers of People, Births Burials, &c. in your Province, will be very agreable to me and particularly so to Dr. Price. Compar’d with former Accounts, they will show the Increase of your People, but not perfectly, as I think a great many have gone from N Jersey to the more Southern Colonies.
I have scarce seen Mr. Wharton twice in the last 12 mo. and know little of his Proceedings. Mr. Strahan and Mr. Todd and Mr. Walpole tell me our Business is going on, and they have good Hopes of seeing it soon compleated. But the two first know as little of Circumstances as I do; who have never ask’d a Question about it of any Minister for reasons formerly mention’d. I think however to speak of it to Lord Dartmouth next time I see him, and learn where it sticks.
The Parliament is like to sit till the End of June, as Mr. Cooper tells me. I had thoughts of returning home about that time. The Boston Assembly’s Answer to the Governor’s Speech, which I have just received, may possibly produce something here to occasion my longer Stay. I am, Your affectionate Father
B Franklin

PS. Apr. 9. Your Jack is shipt in Loxley.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 6 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Galloway, Joseph

Dear Sir,
London, April 6. 1773.
I wrote to you of the 14th Feby. and 15th of March, since which I have receiv’d no Line from you.
This just serves to cover a Sermon of my Friend the Bishop of St. Asaph. You will find it replete with very liberal Sentiments respecting America. I hope they will prevail here, and be the Foundation of a better Understanding between the two Countries. He is the more to be honour’d by us for this Instance of his Good Will, as his Censure of the late Conduct towards the Colonies, however tenderly express’d, cannot recommend him at Court, or conduce in the least to his Promotion.
The Parliament is busy about India Affairs, and as yet see no End of the Business. It is thought they will Sit till the End of June An Alliance with France and Spain is talk’d of; and a War with Prussia. But this may blow over. A war with France and Spain would be of more Advantage to American Liberty: Every Step would then be taken to conciliate our Friendship, Our Grievances would be redress’d and our Claims allow’d. And this will be the Case sooner or later. For as the House of Bourbon is most vulnerable in its American Possessions, our hearty Assistance in a War there must be of the greatest Importance.
The Affair of the Grant goes on, but slowly. I do not yet clearly see Land. I begin to be a little of the Sailors Mind when they were handing a Cable out of a Store into a Ship, and one of ’em said, ’Tis a long heavy Cable, I wish we could see the End of it. D—n me, says another, if I believe it has any End: Somebody has cut it off.
I beg leave to recommend to your Civilities Mr. Robert Hare who does me the Favour to carry this Letter. He bears an excellent Character among all that know him here, and purposes Settling in America to carry on there the Brewing Business. With the sincerest Esteem and Affection I am ever Yours,
B Franklin
Mr Gallowayper Loxley


Title: The Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 6 April 1773: résumé
From: Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Barclay, David Junior,Fothergill, John

<Pennsylvania Hospital, April 6, 1773: Notification that ten bills, nos. 23 through 32, have been drawn on Franklin, Barclay, and Fothergill, to be paid from the account of the contributors to the Hospital. The bills are: two of Feb. 6 in favor of Charles Stewart, £365 sterling in all; one of Feb. 19 and three of March 12 in favor of Joseph King, £1,500 in all; one of April 6 in favor of William Logan, £75; three in favor of King, £300 in all. The total is £2,240. Signed by Isaac Jones, Joseph Morris, Israel and James Pemberton, John Reynell, Samuel Rhoads, Daniel Roberdeau, and Thomas Wharton.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 April 1773
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[April 6, 1773]
[Beginning mutilated] I wrote you a few lines of the Mar[torn] that we were all well. We have continued so [torn] at this Time made happy by the Company of the Burlington Family who have been with us a few days, and intend making some Stay with us. Having disposed of almost all my dry Goods, and found them but a sorry Concern, I have determined to employ my Money in another Branch of Business, which few have failed in, in this Place, Vizt. the Wine and Grocery Business. I am now fitting up a Store for this Purpose, and have made a purchase of some old Wines, which I purpose selling by the Gallon or otherwise, and Sugar &c. by the small or great Quantity. To this Plan of Business, which I expect will yield me some Profit [torn] into his Place. I [torn: can not be any more?] particular as the post is just agoing. I remain with Sally and Ben’s joint Love and Duty Dear sir Your Affectionate Son
Richd. Bache
Remember me to Dr. Small and Friends in Craven Street.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 6 April 1773
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear child
Aprill the 6 1773
I did reseve yours by the laste packit dated Jan 6. I due in tend to write by Capt. All if it pies got [God] to preserve him Safe back a gen. I did in tend to say [sum]thing a boute Ben Franklin Beache but Billey told me he had mens[honed him?] to you in his letter yester day, I had thought I had bin two trubel sum [torn] as you had told me that he was two much or he was master of the house and then told me but I leve of[f] Leaste I shante due as I should say what I shold due as plese you well I know what such littel cretuers gain the afeckshon of those thay live with so the young Jentelman you wrote to of I muste leve of[f] leste I shold not due writs. Capt. All cold [could] tell you [illegible] you have bin in formed we have all our children in town. Be so kind to remember me to Dr. Small and all that remember me. Capt. orrey if remember as I am Cald on So Subscrib my Selef your afeckshonet wife
D Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 6 April 1773
From: Todd, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

General Post Office April 6th: 1773
Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and as he understands he has received his Accounts by this Days Mail he would be glad if the Accountant General could have them to examine next Wednesday that if there should be any Errors in them they may be wrote about by this Month’s Mail.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 7 April 1773: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Colden, Alexander

<London, April 7, 1773: Has just received the accounts, but has not had time to examine them. Has also received Christie on Molleson for £338 17s. 2d., and the papers for Mr. Jesser. Will write by the next packet to Colden and also to Foxcroft, to whom his affectionate respects.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Woodward, 10 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Woodward, Richard

Reverend Sir
London, April 10. 1773
Desirous of being reviv’d in your Memory, I take this Opportunity by my good Friend Mrs. Blacker, of sending you a printed Piece, and a Manuscript, both on a Subject you and I frequently convers’d upon, with similar Sentiments, when I had the Pleasure of seeing you in Dublin. I have since had the Satisfaction to learn that a Disposition to abolish Slavery prevails in North America, that many of the Pennsylvanians have set their Slaves at liberty, [and] that even the Virginia Assembly have petitioned [the] King for Permission to make a Law for preventing the Importation of more Slaves into that Colony. This Request however, will probably not [be gr]anted, [as their former laws of that kind have always been repealed,] and as the Interest of a few Merchants here has more Weight with Government than that of Thousands at a Distance. Witness a late Fact. The Goal Distemper being frequently imported and spread in Virginia, by the Ships transporting Convicts, occasioning the Death of many honest innocent People there, a Law was made to oblige those Ships arriving with that Distemper to perform a Quarantine. But the two Merchants of London, Contractors in that Business, alledging that this might increase the Expence of their Voyages, the Law was at their Instance repealed here. With great Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, Reverend Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Dean Woodward


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Deane, 11 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Deane, William

Dear Sir,
London, April 11. 1773
Miss Martin that was, now Mrs. Blacker, being about to return to Dublin, I cannot omit the Opportunity it gives me of chatting a [little] with one, whose Conversation afforded me so much pleasure and Instruction while I was there.
I know of nothing new here, worth communicating to you, unless perhaps the new Art of making Ca[rriage] W[heels,] the Fellies of one Piece bent into a Circle and sur[rounded] by a Hoop of Iron, the whole very light and strong, there being no cross’d Grain in the Wood, which [is also?] a great Saving of Timber. The Wood is first [steam]’d in the Vapour from boiling Water, and then bent by a forcible Machine, I have seen Pieces so bent of 6 Inches wide, and 3½ thick into a Circle of 4 feet diameter. These for Duration can only be exceeded by your Iron Wheels. Pray, have you compleated that ingenious Invention?
W[hat is] become of honest Mr. Kettilby? Does he go on with his Printing Schemes, or has he got into some better Employment?
Th[ey tell] us here that some Person with you has discovered a new moving Power, that may be of Use in mechanical Operations; that it consists in the Explosion of Iron Tears chill’d suddenly from the melting State in Cold Water. That Explosion I have often seen in Drops of Glass with Wonder, understanding it no more than they did in the Time of Hudibras, who makes a Simile of it, which I repeat because tis probably long since you read it,

Honour, is like that glassy Bubble,
That gives Philosophers such Trouble
Whose least part crack’d, the whole does fly,
And Wits are crack’d to find out why.

May I ask you if you know any thing of the Application of this Power, of which I have not at present the smallest Conception?

I have compleated my Stove, in which the Smoke of the Coal is all turn’d into Flame and operates as Fuel in heating the Room. I have us’d it all this Winter; and find it answer even beyond my Expectation. I purpose to print a little Description of its Use and Construction and shall send you a Copy.
I hope Billy and Jenny continue and will always continue as happy as when I knew them. My best Wishes attend them, being ever, with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble servant
B F
Wm Deane Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 11 April 1773
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

11e. avril 1773.
[Beginning lost.] M. Dalibard avoit un tableau magique tres bon, et une grande cucurbite dont il s’etoit fait une bonne bouteille de Leyde. L’un et l’autre sont devenus tout a fait conducteurs. Il en a trouvé la raison sensible dans l’alteration de la colle qui avoit servi a faire tenir l’etamure, et qui s’est trouvée aigrie et corrompue. Il seroit a desirer pour les progrès ulterieurs de l’electricité que l’on fit une bonne suite d’experiences sur les verres de differentes natures, c’est a dire, dans lesquels entrent les differentes especes de fondant tant salins que metalliques en differentes proportions; et sur chacun de ces verres a differens degrés de chaleur.
Dans ce moment il vient de me passer par la tête une idée que vous trouverez peutetre bien folle. Je pourrai cependant vous la communiquer l’ordinaire prochain; mais il faut lui donner au moins ce tems là, soit pour mûrir ou pour pourrir.
Nous avons icy le Phytolacca, je me doutois que c’etoit le Pokeweed mais il y en a au moins 3 especes. Quelle est la bonne?
Un de mes Confreres et moi sommes convenus de travailler en societé a traduire les Transactions philosophiques Americaines.
Est-il possible est-il pardonable que je ne vous aye pas encore fait le moindre remerciment pour toutes les peines que vous avez daigné prendre pour l’impression du P. C.? J’ai eté si petrifié de la trahison que j’ai eprouvée à l’occasion d’un exemplaire que j’en ai perdu le sens. Daignez en recevoir mes excuses aussi sinceres et humbles que tardives et disproportionnées à la faute. Tâchez aussi, je vous supplie, de me menager la continuation des bontés de Madame Hewson que j’honore de toute mon ame et envers qui je ne m’aquitterai pas facilement; mais je n’y negligerai rien si je puis en trouver l’occasion.
Quant a l’execution typographique de cette brochure, il est tres bien. Revoyons pourtant:
le frontispice est une page un peu uniforme.
dans l’epitre dedicatoire, Les deux Monsieur, encore un peu trop ressemblans.
preface, page 1. ligne 12. son. lisez sont.
page 13. ligne 16. leur jouissances. lisez leurs.
page 38. ligne 5. né, libre. effacez la virgule.
page 41. ligne 16. d’engrossir. separez ces deux mots d’en grossir.
page 52. La fin. effacez la.

Le caractere &c me paroit un peu trop figuré et trop saillant.
Je ne sais ce que signifient certains chiffres au bas de quelques pages: comme 9. (page 8.) 6. (page 5.) 6. (page 10.) 7. (page 17.) 5. (page 30.) 4. (page 37.) 6. (page 44).
Au reste les caracteres sont beaux, le papier assez beau, les articles bien disposés. En un mot je suis, comme je le vois penetré de vos bontés.
On reçut hier une lettre de Melle Biheron par la poste; mais celles qu’elle a ecrit par des occasions sont encore en chemin. Puissiez vous nous la ramener bientôt avec vous? Plût a Dieu. L’heure me presse de finir. Je joins icy 9 nouvelles feuilles.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec un attachment et une [torn] sans bornes, Mon cher Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, 18 April 1773
From: Henly, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

This letter poses a remarkable problem of dating, and we cannot solve it. Henly’s date is all too clear, and could not have been a slip: April 18 was a Sunday in 1773. Yet he makes a number of references that seem inapplicable to that year, and are definitely applicable to 1774. They were all related to the continuing controversy with Benjamin Wilson over lightning rods. Franklin had withdrawn from the fray in late 1772, and Henly had taken his place as chief protagonist. Developments thereafter are the background of the dating problem.

In March, 1773, Wilson published his Observations upon Lightning, which was an outgrowth of the arguments the year before about pointed versus blunt rods. He subsequently developed his idea that the quantity of charge in a cloud could not be known, and might well be greater than any rods could conduct in safety to the ground. To test this possibility he suggested constructing a giant metal ring, sharpened on the upper edge, and placing it horizontally on top of St. Paul’s, to see whether it would not draw more electricity from a thunderhead than any one dreamed the cloud could hold. He challenged whoever was skeptical-meaning Franklin-to try the experiment on a smaller scale: “I would ask the philosopher, whether he would chuse to put a crown of this kind upon his own head, and venture to walk or ride with it on, over Salisbury-plain, in the midst of a very violent thunderstorm; notwithstanding there should drag behind him a communication of metal from the crown itself to the earth, during the whole of his journey.” Wilson, as far as we know, first publicized his idea and made this jibe at Franklin, without naming him, in a paper that he says he read before the Royal Society on February 24, 1774, and that he published unaltered as a pamphlet the following May. On May 5 Henly responded, again before the Royal Society, to the wild idea of the ring by pointing out that a similar one existed, and had for more than a century without incident, on top of the Monument to the Great Fire. When he subsequently obtained and read Wilson’s pamphlet, he contented himself with scathing marginalia; the public controversy ended there.
This background suggests why the present letter is puzzling. In it Henly speaks of a paper read before the Royal Society the previous evening, April 17 (when the Society’s records do not show any meeting), and virtually says that the paper was Wilson’s and contained the jibe at Franklin. Wilson himself refers only to the later paper of February, 1774, which became his second pamphlet. Among Henly’s marginalia in that pamphlet is one, on the taunt to Franklin, that is similar to what he says here. The letter, in short, could not have been written when it was: it refers to Wilson’s argument before the Royal Society and contains some of Henly’s response; yet the paper was not presented until more than ten months later, according to its author, and Henly’s response, in his paper and his marginalia, was later still. We have two alternative explanations, both implausible. One is that the final phase of the controversy that became public in the spring of 1774 was in rehearsal a year earlier. The other is that Henly dated his letter in the grip of some aberration.

Dear Sir
Sunday Evening Apl 18. 1773
I am much pleased that I went to the Society last [night?] I am now sensible what the crown is, which Mr. [Wilson?] informed me he had prepared for you. As you [are to?] wear it on horseback on Salisbury plain, and a [chain?] is to hang dangling from behind; when you next experiment permit me to request the honour of [being] your trainbearer. I think it will add a little [to the] state with which you’l take your ride. B[ut for?] the greater pomp I could wish to recommend a person to precede you on foot, equip’d as follows. He should have a cap of metal, furnished with a pair of ears of a very considerable length standing upright, and terminated by large round balls; which besides making a handsome appearance upon the cap, would (as I learn from a curious paper read last night,) make so great a resistance to a stroke of lightning, as effectually to preserve the head (suppose Mr. W-s) within it from harm. On second thoughts I believe it will be scarce worth our while to take this trouble, for I recollect a building called the monument whose head is adorned with much such a kind of hoop as my friend W-has proposed, and the hoop is surrounded by 1000 points to represent flames of fire. The Iron twist rail (which is carried to the bottom,) may very well serve to represent your dangling chain: but this building which hath stood very near a century, happens never to have been struck by lightning at all; I think therefore we may as well content [us;] were I to conclude by inference from the experiments [I] have already made; it would be thus. Supposing such a force used as would strike the Knob in contact with the coatings at 4½ Inches from the insulated body. In that case I suspect that the point could not be struck at more than 2 Inches, for I cannot help thinking that the point lessens the force of explosion as the distance increases to a certain quantity, and after that hath no more influence than Knobs. I should imagine this experiment (which I own to me, seems demonstration,) must convince every one who repeats it (except those who are determined not to be convinced,) of the preference due to pointed Conductors, rather than those terminated by a Knob.
I beg your indulgence in the liberty I now take, and that you would believe me to be with real regard Dear Sir your obliged and obedient Servant
W Henly

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven-street / Strand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 20 April 1773
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston April 20. 1773
I wrote you in my last that the Gentlemen, to whom I had communicated the papers you Sent me under Cover of your’s of the 2d December last, were of opinion that they ought to be retained on this side the water to be hereafter improved as the Exigency of our affairs may require or at least that authenticated Copies ought to be taken before they are returned: I shall have, I find, a very difficult task properly to Conduct this matter unless you obtain leave for their being retained or Copied, I shall wait your directions upon this head and hope they will be such as will be agreable to all the Gentlemen who unanimously are of opinion that it can by no means answer any valuable purpose to send them here for the Inspection of a few persons barely to satisfy their Curiosity. I embrace this opportunity to transmit you a Pamphlet containing the Governor’s Speaches and the answers of both Houses to the same upon the Supream authority of Parliament. The Controversy has been carried on with great good temper and Calmness and on the part of the House with great reluctance. They were forced into the dispute and could not avoid it without tacitly conceding to sentiments and opinions that they held to be Erroneous and false; If this is a subject that Administration would have wished had not been Stirred at this juncture, I think, upon a reveiw of it, they must clear the House of any Blame respecting this Matter: however If it should be resented on your side the water and any high Measures should be taken with respect to this province, it ought well to be considered that this is a question that nearly and Equally affects all the Colonies and what is done by way of punishment to any particular Colony will be consider’d as if done to all and Consequently will be resented by all. It will throw us togather and as firmly unite us in measures to obtain redress as any one thing I can well conceive of. The House of Burgesses of the Government of Virginia, as you will find by the Inclosed paper, have upon this occasion passed a Number of Resolves appointing a Standing Committee of Correspondence and Enquiry to Correspond and Communicate with their Sister Colonies in America respecting the Acts and resolutions of the British Parliament and have directed their Speaker to transmitt their resolutions to the Speakers of the different assemblys thro’ the Continent and request them to appoint simular Committees. There is no doubt the Most of the Colonies, if not all, will come into the like resolutions and some imagine, if the Colonies are not soon releived, a Congress will grow out of this Measure and perhaps render a settlement of this unhappy dispute still more difficult. This Question, That the Governor has lately started and been so open and Explicit upon has arrested the attention of the whole Continent, we are continually receiving Letters from principal Gentlemen in the other Governments highly approbating the Answers of both Houses so that we have the happiness to find we are not singular in our Sentiments upon this Important Subject: I have lately seen the Governor and in the course of conversation told him that I apprehended the Instruction he had received relative to the Commissioners if not speedily withdrawn would occasion much Uneasiness and greatly Embarrass the Affairs of Government, that I beleived if he would Inform administration of the difficulties it would occasion, it was probable different Instructions might easily be obtained: he replyed that the difficulty with regard to this Instruction as also with respect to another by which he was directed not to Consent to the pay of any Agent not appointed by the whole Court might be easily removed, for if he should receive a line from Lord Dartmouth intimating that in case he should sign a Tax Act wherein the Commissioners were not Exempted from Taxation as also consent to the pay of the Agent, it would not be disagreable to Administration and that he should not thereby come under any blame; he would, (notwithstanding his Instructions were Signed by the King and were very Peremptory and Explicit,) sign such an Act and Consent to the pay of such Agents immediately. I mention this for your Government and that you may make such use of it as you may judge best, at the same time I desire my Name may not be mentioned relative to this or any other matter I have now wrote you upon. Before I conclude I would refer it to your Consideration whether, when you write me upon any affairs which it may be necessary to Communicate to the House, it would not be best to direct to me as Speaker and in my public Character and when you write in Confidence and what is to be Communicated only to a few in such Case to write to me in my private Character. I mention this at this time because in yours of the 2d December last, there were matters mentioned (particularly with regard the House’s Petition to the King relative to the Governors Independency) which you desired fresh Instructions upon and which therefore must necessaryly be Communicated to them. And in the same Letter there were Inclosed a Number of papers and your Observations upon the writers of them which I presume you by no means Intended I should communicate to the House as you laid me under the Strictest Injunctions to Communicate them only to a few. I remain with great respect Your most humble Servant
Thomas Cushing
Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 April 1773
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honored Sir
Boston April 20. 1773
I have wrote you several Letters, but have not as yet been honor’d with an answer, which I impute to the want of Time, occasioned by your more important Engagements: tho’ should have been glad if you had mentioned your opinion of my conduct with regard to Henry, as I wish to see the Boy settled; his Master still likes him and he behaves very well. I had the pleasure of seeing your good Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Bache with young Benjamin, about 6 weeks since, all of whom I left in good Health, I likewise called on the Governor and his Lady at Burlington who were also very well. I was happy to find on my return that my absence was no Injury to my Business, and by going I have settled a long Account for my Father, who finds the Phila. Trade in such a declining State, that he is about entering into the Commission Way, as at this Time of Life he is afraid of hazarding what he has acquired in the World, by any precarious Business, and his having a real Estate in the Town will make it safe for any person to trust their property in his hands: and I flatter myself, his Integrity and Capacity in Business, is undoubted by all who know him. If it should be in your power to recommend it among your Friends, in the mercantile way, to send Business to him it will greatly add to the Obligations we are already under; if It should answer in the course of some Time, he proposes to join me in a House with him, tho’ shall keep up my Cloth Trade as well as ever, as this kind of Business will not interfere with it, and I wish to employ every moment of my Time for these purposes, as my Ambition leads me to hope for advancement in this Way, tho’ do not intend my desire of increasing, should get the Better of my Caution in Transacting it.
In the papers I see that the East India Company are to be allow’d to send two Ships directly from India to America, and perhaps to this port. If so I shall be much obliged if you would recommend their Business, (as farr as is in your power) to My Father and Self. This may seem an aspiring request, but many things have been lost by being previously supposed unattainable, and I have reason to believe the Company does sometimes consign Goods to America for Sale. I hope you will not blame me, for mentioning it, as I rest it intirely on your Judgment, and if you should not think it proper, it will be sufficient to convince me we ought not to have it. I have taken the liberty to write to Mrs. Barwell, which I inclose unseal’d for your perusal, if you think it adviseable, please to deliver it, if not, please to destroy it. Please to make my best Respects to Mrs. Stevenson Mr. and Mrs. Hewson and Mrs. Blunt with Compliments to all enquiring Friends. I am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and Affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams Junr

Addressed: Doctr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 22 April 1773
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston April 22. 1773
Inclosed you have a number of the Pamphlets Containing the Governors Speaches and the Answers of the two Houses with which you may Accomodate some few of your Freinds. I conclude with great Respect your most humble Servant
Thomas Cushing
Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 23 April 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

Londres, 23 Avril 1773.
Vous verrez par le papier ci-joint du Docteur Solander, que cette herbe (Poke-Weed) dans laquelle on a trouvé un remede spécifique du cancer, est précisément l’espece la plus commune de Phytolacca (Phytolacca decandra. L.).


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, 24 April 1773
From: Hunter, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Philadelphia 24 [April, 1773]
I Received yours of the 10th of February, by which I was told to Draw upon you for eighty seven pounds ten shillings sterling, pursuant to which I have Drawn upon you, for the said sum of eighty seven pounds ten shillings sterling, and have disposed of the Bill unto James Hunter Merchant of our City on his order, to be paid on thirty Days Sight according to your order, and when the said Bill is paid it is in full for the Legacy of fifty pounds with interest for fifteen years and of all Demands. Worthy Sir it is not in my power, in my low sphere of life, to make you any restitution for your very great Kindness to us, I can only with my Wife and Daughter exert our Gratitude, in wishing you all Happiness and Success in all your Laudable purposes and undertakings and with great Humility subscribe my self Sir your Very Humble thankful and obedient Servant
James Hunter

Addressed: To / Dr / Benjamin Franklin / In London / These per Capt All


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 30 April 1773
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father,
Philadelphia April 30th. 1773
I wrote to you by Capt. All who left Town the day before Yesterday, and this morning I received a few Lines from you dated Mar. 15. by a Passenger in Sutton. I was surprized to find that it contained nothing about the Ohio Grant, as the Whartons are quite elated with the glad Tidings they have received by that Opportunity from Mr. S. Wharton. The Old Man (who has become excessively absurd) sent one of his Sons to me Yesterday to demand of me whether I would Sell my Share of the Lands on the Ohio, and to make me an offer for the Purchase of it. I did not know the young man, but told him at once upon his asking the Question that I would not. So you won’t part with it then? No, I have not any Thoughts of it at present; but pray Sir, what may be your name? He said it was Wharton, and instantly turn’d about making me a Sort of a half Bow and went away. Had I known him at first; I fancy I should have given him a somewhat different Treatment, for I could not look upon his coming in that Manner, and on that Business, as any other than an intended Insult. As I had never given out that I had any Inclination to dispose of it, he might with as much Propriety have demanded whether I would Sell my Watch or my Coach and Horses. His Brother Joe has since told Mr. Bache that he was sorry his Father had acted such a Part, but that neither he, nor his Brother Tom, had any hand in it. It was intirely owing to the Old Man’s humour who would not be persuaded to the Contrary.
Mr. Clement Biddle (I am told by Doctr. Evans) is just returned from Virginia, and he says he saw a Patent which Lord Dunmore had lately given a Man for 3,000 Acres on the Great Kanawa. He thinks it was dated in Decemr. last. Mr. Foxcroft is of Opinion that Col. Washington and the Provincials are getting the Lands they Claim under Governor Dinwiddie’s Proclamation (Viz the 200,000 Acres) all patented as fast as they can, which I think is very probable; but is it not extraordinary that Lord Dunmore should Venture to grant Patents in that Country after what he told Lord Stirling, Unless he has since received a particular Power for that Purpose; and, if he has, is not that as extraordinary?

Our good Friends Dr. Evans and Mr. Baynton are Still in a very declining State; I have but little hopes of the Doctor’s Recovery, tho’ perhaps he may be able to linger out a few Months longer.
I am glad the Pork proved good, and was so acceptable to you and our worthy Friend Mr. Sargent. I have a Letter of Thanks from him which I shall answer by Osborne.
I thought I had fully satisfied Haynes of there being no such Estate as he came in quest of. I am sure he appeared to be so, and very thankful for the Pains I took to procure him all the information that was necessary. Nor can I help thinking that he is himself quite convinced it was all a Illusion tho’ perhaps he don’t like to have it thought that he went so far on such an idle Errand.
There is a Letter from you (per Capt. All) directed to one James Johnson at Philada. for which no owner can be found. There is a man of that name (who was formerly Clerk to Mr. Norris) but on opening it he said it was not for him. Betsy joins in Duty with, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Wister, 30 April 1773
From: Wister, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear friend,
Philada: April 30th: 1773
You have undoubtedly been inform’d of my unhappy situation for three years past. I had engag’d too largely in business, contracted many bad debts, to no less amount than £30,000 which unfortunate circumstances have disabled me from satisfying those persons in England who had supplied me with Merchandise. The consequence has been, that I have been a prisoner, not in the common jail, but in my own house, only six weeks short of three years. I cannot deny but my creditors have cause of being offended, for I was influenc’d, (but when at a distance from home, far from my friends) by the Attorney of D: and J Barclay and H & Powell, to give them security in preference, and to the great injury of others to whom I was as justly indebted. But at the time I secured those two houses, I had no Idea of my not being able to satisfy every demand against me, but unhappily for me, a short time after a person, to whom I had given an unlimited credit, and of whose circumstances I was never doubtful, died, and his affairs were in so desperate a situation that I suffer’d a loss of £20,000. This added to numerous other misfortunes of the same nature, has put it out of my power to pay every man his own. I have not been able to influence my father to offer more than £1500 Sterling to my creditors, to induce them to give me a discharge. This sum, some of them will not accept, and I know my father will not add thereto, consequently I am still confin’d, and cannot have a chance of doing any thing for them. If I could procure my liberty, I have no doubt of being able to satisfy every demand against me, in a few years, for my father is very willing to put me again into business, and I hope past misfortunes will make me more circumspect for the time to come. It is impossible I can make any attempt towards paying my debts, in my present situation, my creditors give up every chance of having their demands upon me satisfied, and a continuation of my condition must inevitably destroy me: for it is well known that want of air and exercise, will undo any constitution.
The occasion of my addressing you at this time is, to request the favour of you to interceed with my creditors on my behalf. The person principally averse to receiving what my father offers, is Moses Franks Esqr: of London, whom you may possibly influence to accept the offer. If you think me worthy your friendship in my unfortunate circumstances, I shall be happy, and shall ever remember your kindness with gratitude. I have inclos’d you a list of the names of all my creditors in London, and shall be particularly obliged, if you’ll speak to them all, but as I am inform’d, none of them are so much displeas’d as the Gentleman above named. If you cannot influence them to accept my father’s proposal, I should be glad you would endeavour to get them to agree to give me a letter of licence, for any number of years which may be thought reasonable, that I may at least have a chance of becoming so fortunate in the world, as to pay every man his due. I would observe, that tho’ my father asks a discharge for me, upon his paying £1500 yet I should never look upon myself as discharg’d from the obligation I should be under of satisfying every man, if it ever should be in my power so to do.
I desire you will be kind enough to excuse my troubling you on this subject, your known willingness to assist the distressed, induc’d me to apply to you for assisstance, and in expectation thereof I am, Your real Friend
Daniel Wister
B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [End of April 1773?]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques

[End of April?, 1773.]
Vos observations sur les causes de la mort, et les expériences que vous proposez pour rappeller à la vie ceux qui paroissent tués par le tonnerre, montrent également votre sagacité et votre humanité. Il paroit que la doctrine de la vie et de la mort en général est encore peu connue.
Un crapaud enseveli dans du sable peut vivre, dit-on, jusqu’à ce que le sable soit petrifié; et se trouvant alors renfermé dans la pierre, il peut encore y vivre, on ne sçait combien de siecles. Les faits que l’on cite a l’appui de cette opinion sont trop nombreux, et trop circonstanciés pour ne pas mériter un certain degré de confiance. Parce que nous sommes accoutumés à voir tous les êtres vivans manger et boire, il nous paroit difficile de concevoir comment un crapaud peut être nourri dans ce cachot. Mais si nous faisons réflexion que le besoin de nourriture pour les animaux, dans l’état ordinaire, provient de la déperdition continuelle de leur substance emportée par la transpiration, il paroîtra moins incroyable que quelques animaux, dans un état d’engourdissement, transpirant moins parce qu’ils ne font point d’exercice, ayent moins besoin d’alimens; et que d’autres qui sont couverts d’écailles ou de coquilles qui arrêtent la transpiration, comme les tortues, les serpens, et quelques poissons, puissent vivre longtems sans nourriture quelconque. Une plante avec ses fleurs, se fane et meurt bientôt si elle est exposée à l’air, sans avoir de racines dans un sol humide, dont elle puisse pomper l’humidité pour suppléer à ce qui se dissipe de sa substance, et que l’air lui enleve continuellement. Mais peut-être que, si on l’enterroit dans du vif argent, elle pourroit conserver longtems sa vie végétale, son odeur et sa couleur. S’il en est ainsi, ce pourroit être un bon moyen pour faire venir des pays les plus éloignés des plantes délicates qui ne sçauroient soutenir l’air de la mer, ni se passer de soins et d’attentions particulieres. J’ai vu un example de mouches communes conservées par un moyen assez approchant. Elles avoient été noyées dans du vin de Madere, apparemment dans le tems qu’on le mettoit en bouteille en Virginie pour l’envoyer ici (à Londres). A l’ouverture d’une de ces bouteilles, chez un de mes amis où je me trouvois, trois mouches noyées tomberent dans le premier verre que l’on remplit. Ayant entendu dire que les mouches noyées se ranimoient au soleil, je proposai de l’essayer sur celles-là. On les exposa donc au soleil sur un tamis, au travers duquel on avoit passé le vin pour les en retirer; et en moins de trois heures, il y en eut deux qui revinrent peu-à-peu à la vie. Elles commencerent par quelques mouvemens convulsifs dans les cuisses, enfin elles s’éleverent sur leurs pieds, essuyerent leurs yeux avec leurs pattes de devant, battirent et brosserent leurs ailes avec leurs pattes de derriere, et s’envolerent à la fin, se trouvant dans l’ancienne Angleterre sans sçavoir comment elles y étoient venues. La troisieme resta morte jusqu’au soleil couché que, n’en espérant plus rien, on la jetta.
Je souhaiterois que vous pussiez déduire de-là un art d’embaumer les personnes noyées, desorte qu’on pût les rappeller à la vie quand on voudroit, au bout de tant de tems que ce fût: car ayant une extrême envie de voir et de reconnoître l’état de l’Amérique dans cent ans d’ici, je préférerois à une mort ordinaire d’être entonné avec quelques amis dans des muids de Madere jusqu’à ce tems-là, pour être alors rendu à la vie par la chaleur du soleil de ma chere patrie. Mais comme nous vivons peut-être dans un siecle trop peu avancé, trop près de l’enfance des sciences, pour espérer qu’un tel art soit porté de nos jours à sa perfection, il faut me contenter pour le présent du régal que vous avez la bonté de me proposer de la résurrection d’un poulet, ou d’un dindon. Je suis, &c.
B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 May 1773
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,A Paris, premier Mai 1773
J’étois monte sur un ton bien grave dans mes dernieres lettres; il sembloit que j’eusse respiré l’air d’Angleterre, on dira que vous m’aviez gâté l’esprit. Il est vrai que l’électricité est de tous les pays, mais c’est bien la moindre chose qu’en France on l’habille à la Françoise; tout, sans exception, y subit l’empire de la mode. On n’oseroit espérer de vous y plier tout-à-fait, mais j’attens au moins un peu d’indulgence aujourd’hui de votre part, et peutêtre n’aurez-vous pas à vous en repentir.
Je vous demande donc bien sérieusement, Monsieur, si l’on ne pourroit pas faire entrevoir à notre très-frivole nation dans les expériences électriques une utilité de luxe, qui les lui feroit accueillir avec beaucoup plus de vivacité. Si, par exemple, on pouvoit imaginer qu’un jour viendra, et qu’il n’est peut-être pas loin, où avec un appareil très-simple, et toujours sous la main, on fera en trois ou quatre minutes mortifier suffisamment les viandes des animaux fraichement tués, pour en manger sur le champ, comme si elles avoient été longtems gardées. Quel plaisir en arrivant à la campagne de n’avoir qu’à faire tuer un chapon et le mettre aussi-tôt à la broche, de n’avoir point à attendre toute une semaine un gigot de mouton, pour le trouver tendre!
Une jolie petite lettre sur une semblable matiere, pour terminer gayement le recueil de vos oeuvres le feroit voler aux nuës; nos petits-maîtres, et nos belles Dames en affolleroient pendant huit jours, et les provinces en retentiroient long-tems. Je ne sçais même combien de pays étrangers on ne pourroit pas ranger au nombre des provinces de notre frivolité. Je suis, &c.

P.S. M. Dalibard, ici arrivant, se joint à moi, pour vous demander votre avis sur cela.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Humphry Marshall, 3 May 1773: extract
From: Marshall, Humphry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

May 3, 1773
Having for some time declined making any more Observations on the dark Spots that appear on the Sun’s Disk, I now send a Copy of the Figures I drew of them, which I desire may be presented to the Royal Society. Perhaps, some one or more of the Members may be pleased with them, in which case I shall not think my Labour lost. They were viewed with a Reflecting Telescope of [blank] Inches, and their Appearances I think pretty truly delineated, both as to Magnitude and Situation. Upon the whole, I am of Opinion, that the Spots are near the Sun’s Surface (if not closely adhering thereto) for these Reasons; 1. That their Velocities are apparently greatest near the Center and gradually slower towards each Limb. 2. That the Shape of the Spots varies, according to their Position on the several Parts of the Sun’s Disk; those that appear broad and nearly round when on the middle, seeming at their first Appearance on the Eastern Limb but as Lines, and as they advance towards the Center grow oval, then round, and in their Progress to the Western Limb, appear again as Ovals and Lines. My other Remarks were, that the Spots were twelve Days and an half, and about two or three Hours, in passing. That tho’ some continued visible from one Limb to the other, a few would disappear after having been visible several Days, and others divided into parts. That scarce any Spots ever appeared beyond what may be called the Polar Circles of the Sun; and that the same Spot never appeared a second time on the eastern Limb, at least not in the same form and Position.

Notation: Extract of a Letter from Mr. Humphry Marshall, of West Bradford, in Chester County, Pensilvania, to B. Franklin, dated May 3, 1773, sent with Sketches of the Solar Spots.
Redde Febry 3d. 1773 [i.e., 1774]. To be printed.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [4] May 1773
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father,
Burlington May [4, 1773]
Enclosed is a Letter I wrote last Week at Phi[ladelphia] in order to go by Mesnard, but it happened to be too [late for] that Opportunity.

Coz. Davenport is greatly obliged to you for [torn] you sent him. As he could not make out to get a comfortable Living at Philadelphia, not having a sufficient Capital to carry on his Trade, nor able to procure any other Business for which he was qualified, I offered him two or three small Offices here, and to make him my private Secretary, which altogether might afford him a Maintenance until something better should turn up. This he accepted, and has been here ever since the first of January. It is not in my Power to make a handsome Provision for a private Secretary as the Govr. of New York, and the Governors of some other Provinces can; for all the Offices of any Value are engrossed by the Provincial Secretary. However, an Opportunity now offers of doing something for him which may afford him a lasting Support, and, with the other Offices he now has, will enable him to make a comfortable Provision for his Family. Mr. Chas. Read has proposed to resign to him the Office of Collector of the Customs for the Port of Burlington (in case he can make Interest to obtain the Commission) on Condition of his engaging to pay Mr. Read’s Son Jacob £50 Currency per Annum for 3 Years. The Salary is £30 Sterl. besides an Allowance of £9 16s. 0d. Sterling for an Office, Paper, Pens, Ink, &c. The Fees and Perquisites I think may if the Office is properly attended to, amount to about as much more; so that the Bargain is as favourable for Mr. Davenport as could reasonably be desired. Enclosed is a Letter from Mr. Read to Lord North, containing his Resignation, which you are authorized to deliver in case you find you can secure the Office for Mr. Davenport, but not otherwise. I well know your [reluc]tance to ask for any Office or Favour for any Relative [while] you continue Agent; but, if no better Method occurs [to y]ou of serving Mr. Davenport in this Matter, I think you might, as Agent, memorialize Lord North in my Name or Behalf, setting forth, That Mr. Davenport has for some Time past acted as my private Secretary, and that it is usual in the Colonies for the Govrs. to reward their Secretaries for their Services, with some Office or Offices which may be in their Gift, but that almost all the Offices which could with Propriety be executed by a private Secretary in this Province are already included in the Patent to Mr. Morgann Provincial Secretary; That the Governor’s own Income is too small to make a proper Allowance out of it to a Gentleman qualified to execute an Office of such Trust and Importance, Therefore hopes and intreats that his Lordship would gratify his Secretary with an Appointment to the Collectorship of Burlington, which the present Collector is disposed to resign in his Favour, and which, tho’ of too small Value to be worth the Acceptance of any Gentleman who does not already reside in the Province, will nevertheless be an acceptable Addition to the small Consideration he receives for his Trouble &c. &c. I only throw these out as Hints which you may, if you please, improve upon, as I doubt not but you will be as happy to be instrumental in procuring our Couzin a better Establishment in Life as, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin

P.S. I suppose our Friends Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Jackson will give you their Assistance on this Occasion.

Addressed: To / Dr: Franklin / Craven Street / London / Seal’d so to prevent pulling out at the Ends
WF


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 6 May 1773
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cushing, Thomas

Franklin’s account in this letter of his interview with Lord Dartmouth indicates how little scope was left to either of them, two years before Lexington, to further reconciliation between Massachusetts and the mother country. Both the Englishman and the American wanted an end to the quarrel, yet neither could find a political solution that lay within the art of the possible. Governor Hutchinson’s debate with his General Court had brought the constitutional issue into the open in starkest form, and it could not be concealed by wishful thinking born of good will. Franklin hoped against hope that Parliament would tacitly accept the principles that the Court had enunciated; Dartmouth hoped against hope that the Court would repudiate them. The first course was as unlikely in Westminster as the second was in Boston, and on both sides of the Atlantic time was running out. Four days after Franklin wrote his account of the interview, the fateful Tea Act became law; and within four weeks the General Court launched the attack on the Governor, based on his letters to Whately, that was intended to drive him from office.

Sir,
London, May 6. 1773.
I have received none of your Favours since that of Nov. 28. I have since written to you of the following Dates, Dec. 2; Jan. 5; March 9; and April 3. which I hope got safe to hand.
The Council and Assembly’s Answers to Govr. Hutchinson’s Speech, I caused to be printed here as soon as I received them. His Reply I see since printed also, but their Rejoinder is not yet come. If he intended by reviving that Dispute to recommend himself here, he has greatly missed his aim; for the Administration are chagrined with his Officiousness, their Intention having been to let all Contention subside, and by Degrees suffer Matters to return to the old Channel. They are now embarras’d by his Proceedings; for if they lay the Governor’s Dispatches containing the Declaration of the General Court before Parliament, they apprehend Measures may be taken that will widen the Breach; which would be more particularly inconvenient at this Time, when the disturbed State of Europe gives some Apprehensions of a general War; on the other hand, if they do not lay them before Parliament, they give Advantage to Opposition against themselves on some future Occasion, in a Charge of criminal Neglect. Some say he must be a Fool; others that thro’ some Misinformation, he certainly supposed Lord Hilsborough to be again in Office.
Yesterday I had a Conversation with Lord D. of which I think it right to give you some Account. On my saying that I had no late Advices from Boston, and asking if his Lordship had any, he said, None since the Governor’s second Speech; but what Difficulties, says he, that Gentleman has brought us all into by his Imprudence! Tho’ I suppose he meant well, yet what can now be done? It is impossible that Parliament can suffer such a Declaration of the General Assembly (asserting its Independency) to pass unnoticed. In my Opinion, says I, it would be better and more prudent to take no Notice of it. It is Words only. Acts of Parliament are still submitted to there. No Force is used to obstruct their Execution. And while that is the Case, Parliament would do well to turn a deaf Ear, and seem not to know that such Declarations had ever been made. Violent Measures against the Province will not change the Opinions of the People. Force can do no good. I do not know says he, that Force would be thought of; but perhaps an Act may pass to lay them under some Inconveniences till they rescind that Declaration. Can they not withdraw it? I wish they could be persuaded to reconsider the Matter, and do it of themselves voluntarily; and thus leave things between us on the old Footing, the Points undiscuss’d. Don’t you think (continues his Lordship) such a thing possible? No, my Lord, says I, I think it impossible. If they were even to wish Matters back in the Situation before the Governor’s Speech, and the Dispute obliterated, they cannot withdraw their Answers till he first withdraws his Speech; which methinks would be an awkward Operation, that perhaps he will hardly be directed to perform. As to an Act of Parliament laying that Country under Inconveniences, it is likely that will only put them as heretofore upon inventing some Method of incommoding this Country till the Act is repealed; and so we shall go on injuring and provoking each other, instead of cultivating that Good Will and Harmony so necessary to the general Welfare. He said, That might be, and he was sensible our Divisions must weaken the whole; for we are yet one Empire, (says he) whatever may be the Sentiments of the Massachusets Assembly; but he did not see how it could be avoided. He wondered, as the Dispute was now of publick Notoriety, Parliament had not already called for the Dispatches; and he thought he could not omit much longer the communicating them, however unwilling he was to do it, from his Apprehension of the Consequences. But what, (his Lordship was pleas’d to say) if you were in my Place, would or could you do? Would you hazard the being called to Account in some future Session by Parliament, for keeping back the Communication of Dispatches of such Importance? I said, his Lordship could best judge what in his Situation was fittest for him to do: I could only give my poor Opinion with regard to Parliament, that supposing the Dispatches laid before them, they would act most prudently in ordering them to lie on the Table, and take no farther Notice of them. For were I as much an Englishman as I am an American, and ever so desirous of establishing the Authority of Parliament, I protest to your Lordship I cannot conceive of a single Step the Parliament can take to encrease it that will not tend to diminish it; and after abundance of Mischief they must finally lose it. The loss in itself perhaps would not be of much consequence, because it is an Authority they can never well exercise for want of due Information and Knowledge, and therefore it is not worth hazarding the Mischief to preserve it. Then adding my Wishes that I could be of any Service in healing our Differences, his Lordship said, I do not see any thing of more Service than prevailing on the General Assembly, if you can do it, to withdraw their Answer to the Governor’s Speech. There is not, says I, the least Probability they will ever do that. For the Country is all of one Mind upon the Subject. Perhaps the Governor may have represented to your Lordship, that these are the Opinions of a Party only, and that great Numbers are of different Sentiments which may in time prevail. But if he does not deceive himself he deceives your Lordship: For in both Houses, notwithstanding all the Influence appertaining to his Office, there was not, in sending up those Answers, a single dissenting Voice. I do not recollect, says his Lordship, that the Governor has written any thing of that kind; but I am told, however, by Gentlemen from that Country who pretend to know it, that there are many of the Governor’s Opinion, but they dare not shew their Sentiments. I never heard, says I, that any one has suffered any Violence for siding with the Governor. Not Violence, perhaps, says his Lordship, but they are reviled and held in Contempt, and People don’t care to incur the Disesteem and Displeasure of their Neighbours. As I knew Govr. Bernard had been in with his Lordship just before me, I thought he was probably one of these Gentlemen Informants, and therefore said, People who are ingaged in any Party or have advised any Measures, are apt to magnify the Numbers of those they would have understood as approving their Measures. His Lordship said, that was natural to suppose might be the present Case; for, whoever observed the Conduct of Parties here, must have seen it a constant Practice; and he agreed with me, that tho’ a Nemine Contradicente did not prove the absolute Agreement of every Man in the Opinion voted, it at least demonstrated the great Prevalence of that Opinion.
Thus ended our Conference. I shall watch this Business till the Parliament rises, and endeavour to make People in general as sensible of the Inconveniences to this Country that may attend a Continuance of the Contest, as the Spitalfields Weavers seem already to be in their Petition to the King, which I herewith send you. I have already the pleasure to find that my friend the Bishop of St. Asaph’s Sermon is universally approved and applauded, which I take to be no bad Symptom. With sincere Esteem and Respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,
B Franklin
Honourable Thomas Cushing, Esqr(Private)Copy

Endorsed: Benja Franklin May. 6. 1773 private.
Notation: Dr. Franklin May 6th. 1773


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 6 May 1773
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston May. 6. 1773
I transmit you by this Conveyance the Votes of the House for the last Year as far as they are printed. I also send you this days paper in which you will find the Town of Boston’s Instructions to their Representatives. How the dispute between the Governor and the two Houses is relished on your side the Water we have not yet heard. In justice to the Americans, I would observe, that the Colonies from the first of this dispute Acquiesced in the distinction between Taxation and Legislation and were disposed to Confine the dispute to that of Taxation only and entirely to wave the other as a subject of too delicate a Nature but the advocates for the Supream authority of Parliament drove us into it. They Strenuously asserted that the right of Parliament to Legislate for the Colonies (which they said we did not dispute) necessarily Involved in it the right of Taxation, that if they had a right to Legislate in one case they had in all. The Colonists were sinsible if this doctrine was true, they were nothing but abject Slaves at the Absolute will and disposal of Parliament, that it never could be the Intention of our Ancestors, when they first settled this Country, to put themselves in such a Condition and that it was directly inconsistent with their Charter which Entituled them to all the rights and priviledges of British Subjects, in short they Could find no Line between the Supream Authority of Parliament in all Cases whatsoever and a state of absolute Slavery, that therefore the Doctrine must be false and Unsupportable. I have just received your Favor of the 9 March togather with Votes and Proceedings of this Town reprinted with a very judicious preface much approved on here, for which I am Oblidged to you and am glad to hear of your determination to stay in England till the sessions is over as your Tarry there may be of service to this Country. With great Respect I subscribe myself Sir Your most humble Servant
Thomas Cushing
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr LLD / In / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 May 1773
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honored sir
Boston May 6. 1773
Mrs. Walker wrote me a Letter and expressed great uneasiness about the welfare of her Son, which I have endeavoured to remove by the inclosed Answer, and as I dont know of any other way to convey it to her hands, must beg you will be so kind as to forward it. With best Respects to Mrs. Stevenson Love to Sally Franklin and all Freinds I remain as ever Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams Junr

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 13 May 1773
From: Falconer, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
Philadla May the 13. 1773
I Received yours of the 14 of Feb. by Capt. All about a week after the arrival of the London Ships the Grand Duke Gave him self some verey unbecoming aiers to me about some person that I think there Famiely are under Great obligations too. They would people hear belive that a Certain man Can Turn out pr[ime?] minnesters and put in at pleashur. Our Debate became so warm that I have sold my Right to the Family have got the money advanced and Intrest with there obligation. If you should have paid aney money on my account before the Receipt of this they are to Repay it before they have a deed maid. I am verey sorrey my Dear Sir I have been so Troublesome to you on this matter. I hope after this it will be no more Trouble as I have Sold it among them selfs. My best Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson Mrs. and Mr. Hewson Salley Franklin and master Temple. I am Dear Sir with Great Respect your Friend and Humble Servant
Nathl Falconer

Addressed: Docter Franklin / in Craven Street Strand / London