Title: Extracts from the Gazette, 1741
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

	Our River has been fast some time, And we hear from Lewes, that ’tis all Ice towards the Sea as far as Eye can reach. Tuesday and Wednesday last are thought to have been the coldest Days we have had these many Years. [January 8]

	Great Quantities of English Half-pence being Imported here, since the falling of our Exchange, to be pass’d as Pennies, some considerable Dealers were apprehensive we should be overstock’d with them, and began last Week to refuse them otherwise than at the Rate of five for four pence. Their Example being follow’d by many of the Shopkeepers, while others continued to take them for pence apiece, it occasion’d Considerable Confusion in small Dealings. And the Bakers refusing to make any more Bread ’till the Money was settled, the Mob rose on Friday Night and went round the Town breaking the Windows of several Merchants and others, and very much disturbed the City. They began to assemble again the Night following; but by the Vigilance and Resolution of some of the Magistrates, they were timely surpress’d, and the City has since remain’d quiet. [January 8]

	  [Advertisement] Very good Iron Stoves to be sold by the Printer hereof. [February 5]

	  [Advertisement] To be sold, By Anthony Morris, jun. very good Pitt and Sea Coal, at 18 pence a Bushel; at which Price ’tis allowed to be cheaper Fewel for Hearth Fireing than Wood at the present Rates. [February 5]

Just Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For January, 1741. Containing
I. Brief Historical and Chronological Notes of several Princes, States, Governments, &c.
II. Proceedings in the Parliament of Great-Britain on the Affair of Paper-Money in the American Colonies.
III. Instructions thereupon sent to the Governors of the Plantations.
IV. New-England Scheme for emitting private Notes to pass in Lieu of Money.
V. Proclamation issued in New-York, relating to the Coin.
VI. Proceedings in the Assembly of Pennsylvania.
VII. Report of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, on the last Six Pennsylvania Laws.
VIII. Report of the King’s Attorney and Sollicitor General, on one of the said Laws, viz. That relating to the Manner of Taking an Oath.
IX. Act of Parliament for Naturalizing Foreigners in the British Colonies.
X. Proceedings of Assembly in New-England.
XI. Accounts of and Extracts from New Books, Pamphlets, &c. published in the Plantations, viz. Sermon to the military Men in Boston; Querists; Answer to the Querists; Lovetruth’s Letters to Mr. Whitefield, &c.
XII. Essays on various Subjects from the American News-Papers, viz. Ovid’s Cure. Queries on original Sin and Predestination; Observations on those Queries. Effects of dwelling on the Doctrines of Grace in Preaching, &c.
XIII. Poetry, viz. Address to the Deity. A Riddle. On the War. Admiral Hosier’s Ghost. Letter from the Spanish Admiral Don Blas. On Mr. Wesley’s Sermon on Free-Grace. To a young new-married Couple in Virginia. To the King, on Governor Gooch. Difference of Preachers. To the Author of the Poor Planter’s Physician. On Hearing Mr. Whitefield.

XIV. Historical Chronicle. Prodigious Booty taken by Kouli Kan. Compendium of the News received this Month from Turky, Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Christophers, South-Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New-England and New-York. Domestic Occurrences. Number of Troops sent on the Expedition by each Colony.
XV. Exchange between the Colonies and London.
XVI. Price current in Philadelphia.
XVII. Account of the Export of Provisions from Philadelphia, Anno 1740.
Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. Price Nine Pence.
[February 19]

	  Monday last, some Guns were fired from Carpenter’s Wharff, in Honour of St. David; but one of them (being overcharg’d with Powder, and besides imprudently ramm’d with rough Stones, which were to be shot at a Cask on the Ice) burst in Pieces, by which Accident Thomas Scot, Mate of the Ship Phenix, of Leverpoole, at 20 Yards distance, had his Scull fractur’d, and died in a few Hours. [March 5]

Just Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For February, 1741. Containing
I. Proceedings of the Parliament of Great-Britain on the Bill for prohibiting the Exportation of Provisions, &c.
II. Crown of England’s Title to America prior to that of Spain; or an Account of the Welch Indians.
III. Of the Constitution of Government in Virginia.
IV. Treaty of Peace concluded by the Governor of New-York, between the Six-Nations, and all the Southern and Western Indians.
V. Order of Council in New-York against Exporting Wheat.
VI. Order of Council in Philadelphia against Exporting Provisions to the Foreign Plantations.
VII. Accounts of and Extracts from New Books, Pamphlets, &c. published in the Plantations.
VIII. Essay on Paper-Currency, proposing a new Method for fixing its Value.
IX. The Wandering Spirit.

X. Dr. Colman’s Character of Archbishop Tillotson.
XI. Letter to Mr. Gilbert Tennent, enquiring into the Motives of his late Conduct.
XII. His Answer.
XIII. Some Account of the Effect of his Preaching.
XIV. The new Manual Exercise for the Foot.
XV. Manner of the Children’s Spending their Time at the Orphan-House in Georgia.
XVI. Pieces of Poetry, viz. Orphans Hymns. Answer to Riddle in the last Magazine. Elegy on Henry Brooke, Esq; Vernon’s Answer to Admiral Hosier’s Ghost. Geraldino’s Answer to Don Blass. &c.
XVII. Historical Chronicle.
XVIII. The Number of his Majesty’s Ships, Vessels, and Bomb-Ships, now in Pay.
XIX. Price Current in Philadelphia.
XX. Account of sundry Exports from Philadelphia.
Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. Price Nine Pence.
[March 26]

	  Tuesday last Mr. William Logan, eldest Son of the Honourable James Logan Esq; was married to Mrs. Hannah Emlen, a young Lady of Beauty, Merit and Fortune. [March 26]

	  We hear from Lancaster County, that during the Continuance of the great Snow which in general was more than three Foot deep, great Numbers of the back Inhabitants suffer’d much for want of Bread; that many Families of New-Settlers for some time had little else to subsist them but the Carcases of Deer they found dead or dying in the Swamps or Runns about their Houses; and although they had given all their Grain to their Cattle, many Horses and Cows are dead, and the greatest Part of the Gangs in the Woods are dead; that the Deers which could not struggle through the Snow to the Springs are believed to be all dead, and many of those which did get into the Savannahs are also dead, ten, twelve and fifteen being found in the Compass of a few Acres of Land. The Indians fear the Winter has been so fatal to the Deer, Turkeys, &c. in these Northern Parts, that they will be scarce for many Years. We also hear that a young Woman in Derry Township, attempting to get Home (about a Mile) as soon as she came within sight of her Father’s House turned out the Horse which she had borrow’d of her Neighbour, as he directed her; but not being able to make Way through the Snow, she threw off her Cloaths, and attempted to return on the Horses Footing; but after much struggling, as appear’d by her Tracts, she froze to Death. [April 9]

The Subscribers to the Library in Philadelphia are hereby advertised, that Monday the fourth of May ensuing, at Two in the Afternoon, is the Time appointed for the Company’s Choice of Directors and a Treasurer for the succeeding Year, and for making the Ninth Annual Payment, in the Library Room belonging to the State-House.
April 16. 1741.
J. Breintnall, Secr.
	[April 16]

	  On Sunday last died the Reverend Mr. Archibald Cummings, Commissary of the Province of Pensylvania, and the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, and Minister of Christ-Church in Philadelphia. He was a zealous Assertor of the Principles of the Christian Religion, a Sincere Professor of the Doctrine of the Church of England, a faithful Pastor in his Congregation, an able and instructive Preacher, and an eminent Example of Piety and Goodness through every Step of his Life and Conversation. In short, He was a Person so Universally esteem’d in this Place for his many good Qualities, but especially for his Charity and Moderation towards all Religious Societies of differing Pursuasions, that his Death is much lamented by all Sorts of People. [April 23]

	  [Advertisement] Lent or taken by Mistake, about two Weeks ago, a Paduasoy Bonnet lin’d with black Silk. This Bonnet being the Second the Owner has lately lost, she has none now to wear: The Possessor is desired to return it soon to the Printer hereof, and shall be thankfully rewarded. [April 23]

Just Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For March, 1741. Containing
I. Continuation of Mr. Beverley’s Present State of Virginia.
II. Remainder of the New Manual Exercise.
III. Evolutions of the Foot by Col. Bland.
IV. Substance of the Bill depending in Parliment, for prohibiting the exportation of Provisions.
V. Considerations on the Bill.
VI. Order of Council in Boston, relating to the Exportation of Provisions.
VII. Governor Belcher’s Speech to the Assembly of New-Hampshire.
VIII. Governor Morris’s Letters to the Collectors of the Customs in New-Jersey.
IX. Second order of Council in Philadelphia, relating to the Exportation of Provisions.
X. New-England Manufactory- or Land-Bank Scheme.
XI. State of the late Dispute between the Upper and Lower House of Assembly in Maryland.
XII. Letter from D.B. to C.C.
XIII. Letter from Theophilus, Relating to the Divine Prescience.
XIV. Letter from Mr. Hugh Bryan, for Correcting which the Rev. Mr. Whitefield is now under Prosecution in Carolina.
XV. New Method for making excellent Mellasses of Apples.
XVI. Poetical Essays, viz. The Gardner’s Curse. Divine Psalmody. A Ballad to Admiral Vernon. On taking Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon. To the Rev. Dr. Watts, on his Divine Poems. The Raven’s colour chang’d. An irregular Ode. An Epigram. The Comparison, the Choice, and the Enjoyment.
XVII. Historical Chronicle.
XVIII. Price of Bills of Exchange.
XIX. Price Currant in Philadelphia.
Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. Price Nine Pence.
[April 30]

	  [Advertisement] Books &c. sold by B. Franklin, Bibles, several Sizes; Testaments, Psalters, Dyche, Owen’s, and Cocker’s, Spelling Books; Young Man’s Companion, Grammars, Latin and English Dictionaries, Erasmus and Cordery English and Latin; Ruddiman’s Rudiments, London Vocabularies, Cato, &c. Dyche and Bailey’s Dictionaries; Chambers’s Dictionary, Common Prayer-Books, of several Sizes and Sorts, with Companion to the Altar, Supplement, Cuts, &c. Law’s serious Call, and Christian Perfection, Erskine’s Sonnets, Whitefield’s Works compleat 6 Vol. Every Man his own Lawyer, Every Man his own Doctor, (Note, in a short time will be published, Every Man his own Priest) Family Instructor, Cole’s Dictionary, Nelson’s Justice, German Grammars, Quarles’s Emblems, Account Books, Paper, Inkpowder, Ink, Ivory-leav’d Memorandum Books, Quills, &c. &c. &c. [May 21]

Just Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For April, 1741. Containing
I. Remainder of Mr. Beverly’s Present State of Virginia.
II. The Lords Protests, I. Concerning certain Clauses proposed to be Part of the Address on the King’s Speech.
2. Concerning the Resolution upon the Orders given to Admiral Vernon.
3. On the Instructions given to Admiral Haddock.
4. On augmenting the Army by raising Regiments, rather than additional Men to Companies.
III. Two Speeches in Parliament by W. P-----y, Esq; and Sir R. W-----e.
IV. Proclamation of the Governor of New-York, enjoining a Fast.
V. Another relating to the Fires in that City.
VI. Speech of the Governor of New-York, to the Assembly of that Province.
VII. Assembly’s Answer.
VIII. Speech of the Governor of North-Carolina.
IX. Report from the Board of Trade on the Paper Currency of the Plantations.
X. Remarkable Dedication of the History of Georgia.
XI. Letters to the Rev. Mr. Whitefield from the Rev. Mr. Garden, with one of Mr. Whitefield’s in Answer.

XII. Remarks on Mr. Whitefield’s New-England Journal.
XIII. The Character of a Gentleman, from the Barbadoes Gazette.
XIV. Answer to the Wandering Spirit.
XV. Poetical Essays, viz. Solomon’s Pursuit after Content. Flavia’s Complaint. On the Death of a young Lady. On Universal Redemption. Verses dedicated to Mr. Gilbert Tennent. A Mathematical Question. The 23d Psalm. Translation of Prince Madoc’s Epitaph.
XVI. Historical Chronicle.
XVII. Price of Bills of Exchange.
XVIII. Price Currant in Philadelphia.
Printed and Sold by B. Franklin.
[May 28]

	  On the 25th of the last Month, the Presbyterian Synod opened their Session in this City; and after several Days spent in Debates on the Rights of Presbyteries, &c. a Protestation was entred into, on the first Instant, and signed by 12 Ministers and 8 Members then present, by which the Rev. Messrs. the Tennents, and their Adherents, are excluded the Synod, and declared to have forfeited their Right of sitting, and voting as Members thereof: The excluded Brethren immediately withdrew, and met by themselves in another Place. ’Tis said, that the Number of the Excluded was nearly equal to that of the Synod remaining. The Protestation, containing the Reasons of their Conduct, is now published by order of the Synod. [June 11]

	  On Sunday the 31st of last Month, the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent preached five Times, to crowded Audiences: And on the Wednesday following, he baptised, at the New-Building, Eight adult Persons, who had been of the People called Quakers, one, as is said, a Preacher. Mr. Whitefield had baptised three at the same Place, when he was last in this City. [June 11]

	  [Advertisement] Best Glaz’d Press Papers Sold by the Printer hereof. [June 11]

	  The same Day [June 24] at a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, held for the Province of Pennsylvania, at the Indian King in this City; Mr. Philip Syng was chosen Grand Master for the Year ensuing; Mr. Thomas Boude was appointed Deputy Grand Master, and Mr. Lambert Emerson and Dr. Thomas Bond Grand Wardens. [June 25]

Saturday next will be Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For May, 1741. Containing
I. The Lords Protests against Sir R. Walpole.
II. Preface to the History of Georgia.
III. Continuation of Mr. Garden’s Letters.
IV. Remainder of the Remarks on Mr. Whitefield’s New-England Journal.
V. The Governor of Maryland’s Speech to both Houses of Assembly.
VI. The Address of the Upper-House of Assembly to the Governor.
VII. The Governor’s Answer.
VIII. The Address of the Lower House of Assembly to the Governor.
IX. The Governor’s Answer.
X. Extract of the Votes of Assembly of Maryland.
XI. Proceedings of Assembly in New-England.
XII. Governor of New-England’s Brief.
XIII. Proceedings of Assembly in New-York.
XIV. Governor of New-York’s Speech to the Assembly.

XV. Martha Harward’s Letters, &c.
XVI. A Dialogue against ridiculing Personal Defects.
XVII. Answers to the Mathematical Question, &c.
XVIII. Answer [to] the Letter from Theophilus relating to divine Prescience.
XIX. Copy of Part of Sir John Randolph’s Will.
XX. Poetical Essays, viz. Translation of Mr. Addison’s Latin Poem on the Resurrection. To the Memory of Benjamin Needler, Esq; On the Rev. Mr. Tennent’s Departure from Boston.
XXI. Historical Chronicle.
XXII. Price of Bills of Exchange.
XXIII. Price Currant in Philadelphia.
Printed and Sold by B. Franklin.
[June 25]

	  [Advertisement] Lost about eight Days since, a red Leather Pocket Case, gilt Constantinople on the Back, containing a Note of hand payable to Bradley and Co. for £13 and about £5 in Money. Whoever brings it to the Printer hereof, shall have Forty Shillings Reward. [July 2]

Just Published, (To be continued Monthly) The General Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, For June, 1741. Containing,
I. The King’s Speech to the Parliament, on the 8th of April, 1741.
II. The House of Lords Address to the King.
III. The House of Commons Address to the King.
IV. Proceedings of Assembly in New-York.
V. Governor of New-York’s Proclamation.
VI. Proceedings of Assembly in Pennsylvania.
VII. Abstract of the History of Georgia.
VIII. Continuation of Mr. Garden’s Letters.
IX. Answer to Mr. Garden’s three first Letters.
X. Answer to some particulars of the Remarks on Mr. Whitefield’s New-England Journal.
XI. Reply to the foregoing Answer.
XII. Supplement to the History of the Wandring Spirit.
XIII. Of Slander and Detraction, from the Barbadoes Gazette.

XIV. On the same Subject, from the Virginia Gazette.
XV. On Politicians.
XVI. An infallible Receipt to make a new Kind of a Convert, being an approv’d Nostrum among the Friends of our great modern Mountebank.
XVII. A Letter from a Gentleman in Connecticut to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent.
XVIII. Another Answer to the Mathematical Question in our Magazine for April.
XIX. Poetical Essays, viz. Carmen Gratulatorium. A Poem to the Querists. A true Tale of a Country Squire. On Mrs. Rowe’s Friendship in Death.
XX. Historical Chronicle.
XXI. Price of Bills of Exchange.
XXII. Price Currant in Philadelphia. [July 30]

    On the 4th Instant, died Andrew Hamilton, Esq; and was the next Day inter’d at Bush-Hill, his Country Seat. His Corps was attended to the Grave by a great Number of his Friends, deeply affected with their own, but more with their Country’s Loss. He lived not without Enemies: For, as he was himself open and honest, he took pains to unmask the Hypocrite, and boldly censured the Knave, without regard to Station and Profession. Such, therefore, may exult at his Death. He steadily maintained the Cause of Liberty; and the Laws made, during the time he was Speaker of the Assembly, which was many Years, will be a lasting Monument of his Affection to the People, and of his Concern for the welfare of this Province. He was no Friend to Power, as he had observed an ill use had been frequently made of it in the Colonies; and therefore was seldom upon good Terms with Governors. This Prejudice, however, did not always determine his Conduct towards them; for where he saw they meant well, he was for supporting them honourably, and was indefatigable in endeavouring to remove the Prejudices of others. He was long at the Top of his Profession here, and had he been as griping as he was knowing and active, he might have left a much greater Fortune to his Family than he has done: But he spent more Time in hearing and reconciling Differences in Private, to the Loss of his  Fees, than he did in pleading Causes at the Bar. He was just, where he sat as a Judge; and tho’ he was stern and severe in his Manner, he was compassionate in his Nature, and very slow to punish. He was the Poor Man’s Friend, and was never known to with-hold his Purse or Service from the Indigent or Oppressed. He was a tender Husband and a fond Parent: But—these are Virtues which Fools and Knaves have sometimes in common with the Wise and the Honest. His free Manner of treating Religious Subjects, gave Offence to many, who, if a Man may judge by their Actions, were not themselves much in earnest. He feared God, loved Mercy, and did Justice: If he could not subscribe to the Creed of any particular Church, it was not for want of considering them All; for he had read much on Religious Subjects. He went through a tedious Sickness with uncommon Chearfulness, Constancy and Courage. Nothing of affected Bravery or Ostentation appeared; But such a Composure and Tranquility of Mind, as results from the Reflection of a Life spent agreeable to the best of a Man’s Judgment. He preserved his Understanding and his Regard for his Friends to the last Moment. What was given as a Rule for a Poet, upon another Occasion, may be justly apply’d to Him upon this,

—Servetur ad imum
Qualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.

[August 6]

[Advertisement] Taken away from a Back-Room of David Evans, in Market-Street, Philadelphia, on Thursday last, A Case of Drawing Instruments, About four Inches and half long: It is desired the same be return’d out of Hand to David Evans or the Printer hereof. The Owner having greater Occasion for it, than the Person that took it away; otherwise such a speedy return would not have been insisted upon.
	July 4. 1741. [August 6]

	  [Advertisement] Lent about a Month or 6 Weeks ago, two Books call’d Law’s Christian Perfection, and his Call to devout and holy Life, the Owner’s Name at length on a blank Leaf at the beginning. The Borrower is desired to return them, for the Owner has now leisure to read them. [August 6]

[Advertisement] Lent about a Month or 6 Weeks ago, two Books, call’d Law’s Christian Perfection, and his Call to a devout and holy Life; the Owner’s Name at Length on a blank Leaf at the Beginning. The Borrower is desired to return them to the Owner, which will be thankfully acknowledged by Your Humble Servant,
Deborah Franklin
[August 13]

	  This Day the Honourable Thomas Penn, Esq; one of the Proprietors of this Province, attended by a great Number of the principal Inhabitants of this City, set out for New-York, in order to embark on Board his Majesty’s Ship Squirrel, Capt. Peter Warren Commander, for Great-Britain. [August 20]

	  Just Published, The American Almanack for the Year 1742. By John Jerman, Philomath. Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. [September 24]

	  Tuesday last, Samuel Hasell, Esq; Mayor of this City, made the Customary Feast at the Expiration of the Mayoralty, when the Governor, Council, the Corporation, and a great Number of the Inhabitants were entertain’d at the Court-House in the most handsome Manner. [October 1]

	  Last Monday died after a lingring Illness Alexander Henry Keith, Esq; at the Seat of his Father-in-Law Anthony Palmer, Esq; He was for several Years Collector of his Majesty’s Customs at New-Castle on Delaware, and Son of Sir William Keith, late Lieutenant Governor of this Province, &c. The Day following he was decently interr’d. [October 8]

	  On Tuesday last Clement Plumsted, Esq; was elected Mayor of this City for the ensuing Year: When Robert Strettell, William Parsons, William Rawle, Thomas Hopkinson, Samuel Rhodes, and Andrew Hamilton, Son of Andrew Hamilton Esq; lately deceas’d, were chosen Common-Council-Men. And the following Gentlemen were promoted Aldermen, to wit, William Till, Joseph Turner, James Hamilton, and Benjamin Shoemaker. [October 8]

	  Just Published, The New Jersey Almanack for the Year 1742. By William Ball, Philomath. Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. [October 22]

	  [Advertisement] All Persons indebted to Doctor Phineas Bond, are desired to make their Payments to Thomas Bond, who is removed to the Sign of the Golden Mortar in Second-Street, a little below the Quakers Meeting-House. [October 29]

[Advertisement] John Dabney, Mathematical Instrument Maker from London, In King-Street, Boston, New-England. Makes and Mends all Sorts of Mathematical Instruments, as Theodolites, Spirit Levels, Semicircles, Circumferenters, and Protractors, Horizontal and Equinoctial Sun-Dials, Azimuth and Amplitude Compasses, Eliptical and Triangular Compasses, and all sorts of common Compasses, drawing Pens and Portagratons, Pencil-Cases and parallel Rulers, Squares and Bevils, Free-Masons Jewels, with sundry other Articles too tedious to mention.
N.B. He sets Load-Stones in Silver or Brass, after the best Manner. [November 19]

	  Next Week WILL BE Published, Poor Richard’s Almanack for the Year 1742. Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. [November 26]

	  Sunday Night last, Count Zinzendorff arrived here from New-York, attended by some of the Moravian Brethren, who are, with a considerable Number more expected in the Spring, to be settled at Nazareth on the Forks of Delaware. [December 3]

	  [Advertisement] To BE Sold at the Post-Office Philadelphia, The New Invented Iron Fire-Places; Where any Person may see some of them that are now in Use, and have the Nature and Advantages of them explain’d. [December 3]

	  Next Week WILL BE Published, The Pocket Almanack, For the Year 1742. Sold by the Printer hereof; Where may be had, Jerman’s, Ball’s, Leed’s, and Poor Richard’s Almanacks. [December 29]

Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin, Post-Master, at the New Printing-Office, near the Market.


Title: Articles of Agreement with James Parker, 20 February 1742
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Parker, James
To:

[February 20, 1741/2]
Articles of Agreement indented made the twentieth Day of February in the year of our Lord, One Thousand seven Hundred and Forty-One, Between Benjamin Franklin, of the City of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania Printer, of the One Part, and James Parker of the said City, Printer, of the other Part: Whereas the said Benjamin Franklin, and James Parker have determined to enter into a Copartnership for the Carrying on the Business of Printing in the City of New-York: It IS THEREFORE covenanted granted and agreed by and between the said Parties to these Presents; and the said Benjamin Franklin and James Parker do each of them covenant, and mutually agree each with the other of them, and to and with the Heirs, Executors and Administrators of the other of them, in Manner following, That is to say
That they, the said Benjamin Franklin and James Parker shall be Partners in carrying on the Trade and Business of Printing in New-York aforesaid, for and during the Term of Six Years from the Day on which the said James Parker shall be in Possession of a Printing-Press, Types and Materials in the City of New-York aforesaid, provided by the said Benjamin Franklin, if they the said Benjamin and James shall so long live. That the said Benjamin Franklin, shall be at the sole Charge of providing a Printing-Press with all its necessary Appurtenances, together with Four Hundred Pounds Weight of Letters (if the said James shall require so great a Quantity) and shall cause the same to be transported at his own Risque and Expence, to the City of New-York aforesaid, and to be there put into the Possession of the said James Parker. That the Business and Working Part of Printing, and of Disposing of the Work printed: shall be under the sole Management and Direction of, and performed by the said James Parker or at his Expence. That all Charges for Paper, Ink, Balls, Tympans, Wool, Oyl, and other Things necessary to Printing, together with the Charge of all common and necessary Repairs of the Press and its Appurtenances, and also the Charge of Rent for a Shop, and for so much Room as is necessary to be used in the Management of the Business of Printing aforesaid, shall be divided into three equal Parts, two of which said Parts shall be defrayed by and paid as due from the said James Parker and the remaining Third Part shall be defrayed and allowed to be paid as due from the said Benjamin Franklin, and deducted out of the Income next herein after mentioned. That as Money received or to be received for Printing, or for any Thing done or to be done relating to the Business of Printing aforesaid, by the said James Parker, either as Gratuity, Premium or Reward or Salary, from the Government, or from others, shall be divided into three equal Parts Two of which said Parts the said James Parker shall have for his Care, Management and Performance aforesaid, and the said Benjamin Franklin shall have the remaining Third Part thereof. That for the regular transacting the Affairs in Copartnership aforesaid the said James Parker shall keep fair and exact Books of Accounts of and concerning all Work done and delivered or sold by him, and of all his Receipts and Disbursements relating to the Business of Printing in Copartnership aforesaid, with the Day, Month and Year of each Entry, and submit the same to the View of the said Benjamin Franklin, his lawful Attorney, Executors or Administrators, as often as thereunto required. And that all the Accounts of the Copartners in Copartnership aforesaid, shall be drawn out plain and communicated to each other, and settled once a Quarter, to wit, at Midsummer, Michaelmas, Christmas, and Lady-Day, during the Copartnership aforesaid, or oftner, if either of them the said Copartners shall require it. And that upon such Settlement, the said James Parker shall remit the Part by this Agreement belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin, in such Wares or Merchandizes, or in Bills of Exchange or in Money, as the said Benjamin Franklin shall direct, by Letter or Order under his Hand, on board such Vessel and to such Port, or by such Person or Conveyance as the said Benjamin shall also require, by Letter or Order as aforesaid, at the proper Risque of the said Benjamin. That the said James Parker shall not work with any other Printing Materials than those belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin, nor follow any other Business but Printing, during the Continuance of the Copartnership aforesaid, occasional Buying and Selling excepted. That the Loss by bad Debts shall be divided and sustained by both Parties, in the same Proportion as the Money ought to have been divided by this Agreement, if it had been received. That neither of the said Parties shall reap any Benefit or Advantage by Survivorship, if the other of them shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the said Term of Six Years; but that if the said James Parker shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the said Term, his Executors or Administrators, shall deliver up the Press, Types, and all other Materials of Printing which have been provided by the said Benjamin Franklin, or at his Charge, to the said Benjamin, his certain Attorney, Executors or Administrators, upon Demand, in good Order and Condition, (allowing for the usual Wear and Decay of such Things) as also the Share of Money, Effects and Debts belonging to the said Benjamin by this Agreement. And if the said Benjamin Franklin shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the Term of Copartnership aforesaid, the said James Parker shall continue the Business nevertheless, paying and remitting the Part, by this Agreement belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin, unto the Executors, Administrators, or Assigns of the said Benjamin, they performing all parts of this Agreement to the said James, which the said Benjamin ought to have done, if he had lived. And [at] the Expiration of the Term of Six Years aforesaid, the said James Parker, shall have the Preference of purchasing the said Printing-Press, Types and Materials, if he shall be so disposed, at their present Value, allowing for the Wear thereof which shall be judged a reasonable Abatement, considering the Time they then have been used: But if the said James shall not be inclined to purchase them he shall transport, or cause to be transported to and delivered at Philadelphia, the said Printing-Press, Types and Materials, at his own proper Risque and Charge, to the said Benjamin Franklin, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns. And if any unusual Damage, by bad Usage or Negligence, shall have happened to them the said James shall make it good: But if the Damage be occasioned by some unavoidable Accident, the Loss shall be divided and sustained by both Parties, in the same Manner as the Loss by bad Debts is by this Agreement to be divided and sustained: Provided nevertheless, that if the said Printing Press, Materials and Types which the said Benjamin provides, shall be lost in the Conveyance to New-York, by any Accident of Water or Fire, Enemy or the like; then the Loss thereby shall be wholly sustained by the said Benjamin Franklin, and the Copartnership hereby made, shall be dissolved and abolished, unless the said Benjamin be willing to continue it, and provide another Press and Types as aforesaid, and send them at his own Risque to New-York aforesaid, there to be delivered to the said James Parker Any Thing herein before contained to the Contrary not withstanding. In Witness whereof the Parties to these Presents have interchangeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto. Dated the Day and Year first above-written.
James Parker [Seal]B Franklin [Seal]
Sealed and Deliveredin the Presence of us  Robt Grace  Lewis Evans
 Endorsed: Articles of Agreement between B. Franklin and James Parker Feby. 20. 1741, 2


Title: Library Company: Acceptance of the Charter, 3 May 1742
From: Library Company of Philadelphia
To:

The increasing property of the Library Company suggested that the time had come to incorporate it. On June 21, 1739, Rev. Richard Peters informed the Directors that the Proprietor was willing to grant a charter, and he proposed to have one drafted for their perusal. “This Discourse of Mr. Peters’s was very pleasing to the Directors present,” the minutes noted. The matter progressed slowly. The Directors approached Thomas Penn informally; they canvassed the subscribers; and, meeting with general approval, appointed a committee (its composition is not known) to draft a charter. By July 1741, however, when they were about to lay it before the Proprietor, they learned that some subscribers felt strongly that they had exceeded their authority “and were about to obtrude a disadvantageous Charter upon the Company without their [the subscribers’] Consent.” A few wanted no charter at all. The Directors called a special meeting for August 3, to explain their acts and purposes and to ask the subscribers to “determine whether in their opinion a Charter will be of Service to them, and what Method of Application shall be made Use of to obtain it.” Forty-five members appeared, several were represented by proxies, and after some debate they unanimously resolved to apply for a charter. The draft the Directors were considering was read article by article, and two changes were ordered: the Company should reserve specifically the power of making laws for its own government, and a quorum for making laws after notice given should be one fourth of the subscribers, instead of one fifth as proposed. The charter thus amended was transcribed and carried to the Proprietor. He referred it to Governor Thomas, who signed it on August 19, 1741.
When the subscribers were asked to signify their acceptance, two new objections were made: the charter did not specifically apply to the successors of the present members, and (doubtless through the scrivener’s error) the subscribers were liable not only for their annual 10s. payments but for greater sums “in lieu thereof.” The necessary change and correction were made, to the satisfaction of the dissenters; and on March 15 Samuel Rhoads showed the Directors the charter as “fairly engrossed” by Joseph Breintnall. They presented it to Governor Thomas, and he signed it on March 25, 1742. At their annual meeting on May 3 the subscribers approved it unanimously.

[May 3, 1742]
The third Day of May Anno Domini 1742 We the Subscribers Members of the Library Company of Philadelphia being met in pursuance of Notice for that purpose given do thankfully receive and accept of the Charter granted to the said Company by the honourable the Proprietaries of Pensylvania. Witness our Hands.

Jno Langdale
Saml. Hale,

  John Roberts
   by his Proxy Wm Parsons

  Isaiah Warner
  Nichs. Scull,

  Philip Syng
   by his Proxy Wm Parsons

  George Emlen Jr.
  Willm. Maugridge,

  John Jones jun.
   by his Proxy Wm Parsons

  Thos: Hopkinson 1742
Wm. Parsons

  Richard Peters
Jas: Morris

  William Peters
Joseph Stretch

   by his Proxy
Isaac Williams

   Richard Peters
   by his Proxy Henry Pratt

  Alex: Graydon
Henry Pratt

  Andrew Hamilton
Evan Morgan

  Robt Greenway
Thomas Shaw

  Saml: Morris
   by his Proxy Jacob Duché

  Saml: Coates
Jacob Duché

  Benja: Shoemaker
Charles Meredith

  Hugh Roberts
   by his Proxy Henry Pratt

  Wm: Coleman
Wm Callender

  Joseph Breintnall
Joseph King

  Saml Norris
Benja: Paschall

  B Franklin
John Paschall

  Richd Standley
Wm Plumsted

  Tench Francis
Will. Allen

  John Read
Fras. Richardson

  Anth Nicholas
Isr: Pemberton junr:

James Hamilton

Samuel Rhoads

Thos Godfrey

James Bingham

Wm Crosthwaite

        Thomas Bond
        }
        by their proxy

        Reece Lloyd
        Hugh Roberts

Samuel M’Call

John Sober


Title: Directors of Library Company to Proprietors and Reply, July 1742
From: Directors of Library Company
To:

The charter having been accepted, the Directors of the Library Company on May 10 named Franklin, Thomas Hopkinson, and William Coleman to prepare an address of thanks to the Proprietors. On June 14 a draft was presented, read, and approved; but apparently it was not engrossed and signed until July.

July 1742
To the honourable John Penn Thomas Penn and Richard Penn Esquires, true and absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania &c.

The humble Address of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, in Behalf of themselves and Others the Members of the said Company
May it please the Proprietaries,
We the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, by the Appointment and Direction of a general Meeting of the said Company, return your Honours most sincere Thanks for the Charter of Privileges to them granted. It is with the greatest Satisfaction we receive this extraordinary Mark of your Favour and Regard; and what heightens the Obligation is, that it was purely the Effect of your own Goodness and Generosity without being solicited: But we have the pleasure to observe, this is not the first Instance of your kind Concern for the Advancement of the Library, even beyond what the Company could have hoped for; And tho’ we may be wanting in Expression and suitable Acknowledgments, yet we assure your Honours we have the most grateful Sense of the Benefits received, and of the favourable Regard of our Proprietaries towards us.
The Powers and Privileges now granted us will, without Doubt, very much conduce to the Increase and Reputation of the Library; and as valuable Books come to be in more general Use and Esteem, we hope they will have very good Effects on the Minds of the People of this Province, and furnish them with the most useful kind of Knowledge, that which renders Men benevolent and helpful to one another. Our unhappy Divisions and Animosities, of late, have too much interrupted that charitable and friendly Intercourse which formerly subsisted among all Societies in this Place; but as all Parties come to understand their true Interest, we hope these Animosities will cease, and that Men of all Denominations will mutually assist in carrying on the publick Affairs in such manner as will most tend to the Peace and Welfare of the Province.

B. Franklin
Philip Syng

Hugh Roberts
Samuel Rhoads

Joseph Stretch
John Jones Jr

Thos. Hopkinson 1742
Evan Morgan

Jacob Duché
Saml: Morris

Gentlemen
As wee think it our Duty to improve every oppertunity that offers of advancing the Interest of our Province and the welfare of its Inhabitants wee could not but with great pleasure promote an undertaking calculated to form their Minds and influence them to good and Virtuous Actions. If this should be the happy Consequence of forming your Society wee shal have great reason to be highly satisfied with the Assistance wee have given you, and in order to it wee must recommend to you that ever having that design in view that you lay aside all personal dislikes and with a benevolence of disposition which is the greatest ornament of Human Nature endeavour to impress such Principles on the Minds of those who may want direction as may tend to make them easy [and] happy. Wee are well pleas’d by your Address to find these your Sentiments. While you make this your endeavour you may be assured of our ready and Chearfull Assistance.

 Endorsed: Ruff answer to Library Company


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Spicer, 20 September 1742
From: Spicer, Jacob
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mr. Franklin,
Sir,
Cape May Sepr. 20th. 1742
The difficulty I have Labour’d under Some time in the management of my Fathers affairs, for want of giving publick notice, Obliges me to desire you would Insert the advertisement Inclos’d, and for defraying the Charge thereof, I have also Inclos’d Five Shillings, if I mistake not the usual Sum that is Generally given for Services of that Kind, But if in Case it is not Sufficient then I will pay the whole of your demand; unto you or your Order upon the first Notice.
Mr. Flower Inform’d me he had agreed with you for your Gazette for one year on our Joint account, Whereof I have Received Several, and if the usual advance be behind unpaid, Let me know it and that shall be discharg’d also. I am Your Humble Servant
Jacob Spicer
 Addressed: To  Mr. Benjn. Franklin Printer  In Philadelphia  These


Title: Card to the Public, 23 September 1742
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

It being asserted in a printed Paper, directed to the Freeholders of Pennsylvania, that the Assembly had concealed the State of the publick Accounts from the People, by artfully deferring the Publication of their Minutes, in order to prevent a Detection of some suppos’d Mismanagement of the publick Money; I think I owe this Justice to that Honourable House, as to declare, that I have had the Minutes in my Hands for Publication ever since the Adjournment; that I receiv’d no Directions from the House to delay it, nor the least Intimation from any Member, that such Delay would be agreeable; that no Person has been refus’d a Sight of them, and that the sole Cause of the Delay was my Desire of first finishing the Body of Laws, the Minutes being very little enquired after.
B. Franklin


Title: Receipt Book, 1742–64
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Franklin, Deborah
To:

As a man of affairs who frequently made large cash payments, Franklin kept a book for receipts, in which he or the creditor would write out a form of acknowledgment which the creditor would sign on receiving payment. He used this book from 1742 until 1757, when he went abroad; his wife kept it until his return in 1762, when he himself resumed it. There are about 300 receipts; the first is dated December 22, 1742, and the last, October 29, 1764, less than a week before he sailed again to England. The ms has only incidental and limited usefulness to biographers and historians.
Among the persons who signed receipts in this volume are William Coats, Robert and Rebecca Grace, Thomas Smith, Christopher Thompson, Timothy Matlack, and John Wister, from each of whom Franklin held or rented property in Philadelphia; Theophilus Grew, the schoolmaster; David Hall, his journeyman and partner; Mathias Meuris, Anthony Newhouse, J. Conrad Schutz, and Thomas Wilcox, paper-makers; William Parks, printer of Williamsburg, Va.; Isaiah Warner, who composed and printed in his own shop jobs for other printers; Adolph Young, bookbinder; and several post riders. A few receipts specify the goods or services for which Franklin paid. On May 1, 1744, for example, he paid his barber George Cuningham £5 for “a light Wig”; and on August 20, 1755, he bought “a Greay wigge” for £3. A carpenter charged him £5 14s. 6d. in 1747 for “Stuff and Work of a Shaise House.” When he was building a new house in 1763–64 Franklin paid the architect Robert Smith £96 on April 6, 1763, “towards Purchasing Materials,” and on November 26 he paid Smith £80 “on Acct. of Building his House.” The plastering cost £25. According to an entry of March 28, 1757, Franklin bought a bill of exchange for £1500 sterling before departing for London as agent of the Pennsylvania Assembly. The following receipt is typical in form:
July 9, 1745. Receiv’d of Benja. Franklin at sundry Times Cash Forty four Pounds to this Day, which with my Diet, &c. to the 20th of June past Twenty-Six pounds, makes in all, Seventy Pounds, per me
  £70. 0. 0
David Hall


Title: I Sing My Plain Country Joan, 1742
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

There can be little doubt that Franklin composed these verses to his wife. They are assigned to him in two different anecdotes, which, though the incidents described are separated by forty years, are not inconsistent. The first, from the family of Franklin’s friend John Bard, relates how, at a meeting of some club, possibly the Junto, someone jokingly took exception to the practice of married men singing songs poets had written in praise of their mistresses. Next morning Dr. Bard, who had been one of the company and may have been the expostulator, received the following song from Franklin, with a request that he be ready to sing it at the next meeting. The second anecdote was conveyed to a London magazine by one John Ellis, Jr., in 1807. Franklin was one of the guests at a dinner in Paris at which each person was to compose verses in praise of a wife. When his turn came Franklin had ready this song. He subsequently gave a copy to a woman friend, and told her the circumstances; and she gave them to Ellis to publish.
Franklin himself provided further evidence of his connection with the song. Writing in playful vein to Catharine Ray, September 11, 1755, he informed her that Deborah Franklin “talks of bequeathing me to you as a Legacy; But I ought to wish you a better, and hope she will live these 100 Years; for we are grown old together, and if she has any faults, I am so us’d to ’em that I don’t perceive ’em, as the Song says,” and he quoted the stanza here inserted next to the last.

Finally, the manuscript from which the song is printed here, though not in Franklin’s hand, certainly belonged to him. It is preserved among his papers and Deborah has written on the back of one sheet a note of charges to an unknown customer at the New Printing-Office—8d. for an almanac, for example. Carl Van Doren printed the verses without assigning a date, though he mentions that Bard moved from Philadelphia in 1746. If Franklin’s “plain Country Joan” was Deborah, the reference to twelve years of marriage would fix the date of composition at about 1742.

Song[c. 1742]

Of their Chloes and Phillisses Poets may prate
I sing my plain Country Joan
Now twelve Years my Wife, still the Joy of my Life
Blest Day that I made her my own,
My dear Friends
Blest Day that I made her my own.

    2
Not a Word of her Face, her Shape, or her Eyes,
Of Flames or of Darts shall you hear;
Tho’ I Beauty admire ’tis Virtue I prize,
That fades not in seventy Years,
My dear Friends

3
In Health a Companion delightfull and dear,
Still easy, engaging, and Free,
In Sickness no less than the faithfullest Nurse
As tender as tender can be,
My dear Friends

4
In Peace and good Order, my Houshold she keeps
Right Careful to save what I gain
Yet chearfully spends, and smiles on the Friends
I’ve the Pleasures to entertain
My dear Friends

5
She defends my good Name ever where I’m to blame,
Friend firmer was ne’er to Man giv’n,
Her compassionate Breast, feels for all the Distrest,
Which draws down the Blessing from Heav’n,
My dear Friends

6
Am I laden with Care, she takes off a large Share,
That the Burthen ne’er makes [me] to reel,
Does good Fortune arrive, the Joy of my Wife,
Quite doubles the Pleasures I feel,
My dear Friends

7
In Raptures the giddy Rake talks of his Fair,
Enjoyment shall make him Despise,
I speak my cool sence, that long Experience,
And Enjoyment have chang’d in no wise,
My dear Friends

[Some Faults we have all, and so may my Joan,
But then they’re exceedingly small;
And now I’m us’d to ’em, they’re just like my own,
I scarcely can see ’em at all,
My dear Friends,
I scarcely can see them at all.]

8
Were the fairest young Princess, with Million in Purse
To be had in Exchange for my Joan,
She could not be a better Wife, mought be a Worse,
So I’d stick to my Joggy alone
My dear Friends
I’d cling to my lovely ould Joan.


Title: Articles of the Union Fire Company, 31 January 1743
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The Union Fire Company’s Articles of Agreement of January 31, 1743, are substantially the same as those of 1736 (see above, pp. 150–3), and will not be printed here in full. There are, however, three noteworthy differences. Article I increased the required equipment for each member from two leather buckets and four linen bags for salvage to six buckets, four bags, and “one convenient Fire hook.” Article VII raised the membership from 25 to 30. Article IV prescribed in considerably more detail the procedure to be followed in case of an alarm of fire, and also obligated members to respond to a fire in any part of the city, regardless of whose house was endangered. The text of this article follows:
“IV That we will all of us, upon hearing of Fire breaking out, immediately repair to the same with our Buckets, Bags and Fire hooks and there employ our best Endeavours to preserve the Goods and Effects of such of us as shall be in Danger, by packing the same in our Bags; and if more than one of us shall be in Danger at the same Time, we will divide our selves as near as may be to be equally helpful; and such of us as may be spared shall assist others. And to prevent as much as in us lies, suspicious persons from coming into, or carrying any Goods out of such Houses as may be in Danger; Two of our Number shall constantly attend at the Doors, untill all the Goods and Effects that can be saved, are packed up and carried to some safe place to be appointed by the Owner, or such of our Company as shall be present, where one or more of us shall attend them ’till they can be conveniently delivered to or secured for the Owner. And upon our first hearing the Cry of Fire in the Night-time we will immediately cause two or more Lights to be set up in our Windows; and such of our Company whose Houses may be thought in Danger shall likewise place Candles in every Room, to prevent Confusion, and that their Friends may be able to give them the more speedy and effectual Assistance. And, moreover, as this Association is intended for a general Benefit, we do further agree, that when a Fire breaks out in any part of this City, though none of our Houses Goods or Effects may be in any apparent Danger, we will nevertheless repair thither with our Buckets, Bags and Fire Hooks, and give our utmost Assistance to such of our Fellow Citizens as may stand in need of it, in the same Manner as if they belonged to this Company: And if it shall appear at the next meeting of the Company after the breaking out of any Fire in this City, that any of our Members neglected to attend, with their Buckets, Bags and Fire hooks, or set up Lights as aforesaid, every such neglecting Member shall forfeit and pay to the use of the Company the sum of Two Shillings; unless they can assign some reasonable Cause to the Satisfaction of the Company.”
The following twenty-one signers of the Articles of 1736 also signed the Articles of 1743: Samuel Coates, John Armitt, Benjamin Shoemaker, Hugh Roberts, BF, Philip Syng, William Parsons, Richard Sewell, James Morris, Stephen Armitt, William Plumsted, John Dillwyn, John Cooper, Edward Shippen, Lloyd Zachary, Samuel Powel, Jr., Thomas Lloyd, George Emlen, Thomas Lawrence, William Bell, and Joseph Turner. Others who completed the initial group of thirty signers of 1743 were: Charles Norris, Reese Meredith, Samuel Neave, William Logan, Samuel Morris, John Bard, Charles Jones, Peter Bard, and Luke Morris. As each of the original subscribers died or resigned, his name was struck through and another was elected in his place, he signing the articles as others had done, either below their names or, when that page was filled, on another page of the ms Minute Book.


Title: Distribution of the Mail, April 1743
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

This document obviously belongs to the period of Franklin’s Philadelphia postmastership, 1737–53. The date 1743 is tentatively ascribed on the basis of a marginal note that the John, Captain Mesnard, for New York arrived at Deal on February 10. Stephen Mesnard was captain of the Britannia sailing between New York and England in 1740–41, and of the Charming Hannah on the same run in 1742. The New-York Weekly Journal, Nov. 8, 1742, reports that the John, Captain S. Mesnard, has cleared New York for London; it reports May 2, 1743, that Captain Mesnard has cleared New York in the Carolina (the vessel of which he was master for the next eight or ten years). It does not report the return of the John, but unless she was lost and her captain rescued, she must have returned in April 1743, which she could have done if she was at Deal waiting to enter the Channel February 10. So while the dating of 1743 for this fragment is plausible and may even be sound, it is not conclusive. Further research on the movements of the John may provide evidence which the present editors have sought in vain.
It is only negatively relevant that other Johns, smaller than ship-size, are reported entering and clearing New York in the 1740’s; that a Captain William Mesnard was sailing between New York and the West Indies in the same decade; and that a John, which may have been Stephen Mesnard’s old command, is noted in the New-York Gazette, Nov. 5, 1750, but now under Captain Deane.
To accept the 1743 date suggests, however, that Franklin’s proposal for a more orderly distribution of ship’s mail was never adopted. At least Peter Kalm reported in 1748 how, as soon as the vessel dropped anchor, “many of the inhabitants came on board to inquire for letters. They took all those which they could carry, either for themselves or for their friends. Those which remained the captain ordered to be carried on shore and to be brought into a coffee-house, where everybody could make inquiry for them, and by this means he was rid of the trouble of delivering them himself.” Kalm, Travels, I, 16. This passage can, of course, be cited as evidence for dating the document after 1748.

Philada. April [1743]
Whereas it has been customary for Numbers of People to croud on board Vessels newly arrived in this Port, and into the Houses of the Captains, or Merchants to whom the same belong or are consigned, in quest of Letters, Packets, &c. and under Pretence of taking care of the Letters of their Acquaintance dividing the whole Bag among themselves in a disorderly Manner, and in such Hurry and Confusion that it cannot afterwards be known by whom any Letter that is missing was taken up, and evil-minded Persons have made use of such Opportunities to pocket and embezle Letters of consequence, and either destroy them or delay the Delivery a long time, to the great Damage and Injury of those to whom they were directed; And whereas there is a regular Post-Office in this Place establish’d by Act of Parliament, which is for the Benefit of Correspondence in General, and ought therefore by no Means to be discouraged; We the Subscribers hereunto taking the Premises into Consideration, and being willing that the Office should be encouraged, and that the Captains of Vessels should have the Benefit of the Bounty allowed by Law on delivering the Letters they bring into the Office, do hereby desire all Persons Masters of Vessels and others, to put all Letters they may have for us immediately into the Post Office, or deliver them to such Persons as the Postmaster shall send on board for them; and we declare that we shall not take their so doing in the least amiss, but look on our selves more oblig’d by their taking that Method than by their delivering our Letters in any other Manner whatsoever.
  [In the margin:] The John, Capt. Mesnard for N. York arrived at Deal the 10th of February.


Title: A Proposal for Promoting Useful Knowledge, 14 May 1743
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

A proposal Franklin drafted in 1743 to found an academy in Philadelphia, he wrote in his autobiography, came to nothing and was laid aside. “I succeeded better the next Year, 1744, in proposing and establishing a Philosophical Society.” Franklin did take a leading part in founding this Society, but the implications that it was his idea and that the Society flourished are not fully supported by the facts.
The botanist John Bartram seems to have been the first in Philadelphia to propose a learned society. He had been corresponding for a decade with naturalists like Gronovius, Mark Catesby, and Sir Hans Sloane in Europe and Cadwallader Colden, John Clayton, and John Mitchell in America. Of all the Philadelphia philosophers, except James Logan, he was probably the best known beyond his own city. Early in 1739 he asked Peter Collinson’s advice about the formation of a society or even an academy where “most ingenious and curious men” might communicate knowledge of “natural secrets arts and syances.” Collinson realized that there were not yet enough learned men in Philadelphia—Bartram had admitted as much—and pointed out that “to draw learned strangers to you, to teach sciences, requires salaries and good encouragement,” which were lacking. Meanwhile, he observed, the Library offered many of the advantages of an academy. Bartram, discouraged, seems to have done no more for several years, but in 1743, with Franklin, whose interest in scientific matters was growing, he took the matter up again. Franklin now wrote a proposal for a learned society which embodied both Bartram’s ideas and his own.
The immediate response was encouraging. Colden’s warm approval determined Franklin “to proceed in the Affair very soon.” The Society was organized, probably early in 1744. By March 27, when Bartram sent Colden “one of our proposals,” there had been three meetings. Several persons from neighboring provinces were elected to membership; others expressed interest; and a few, in response to the Proposal’s invitation, sent scientific papers. Only James Logan held aloof. “I tould Benjamin that I believed he [Logan] would not incourage it,” Bartram explained to Colden; “we should have been pleased with his name at the top of our List, as his person in our meetings. However we resolved that his not favouring the design should not hinder our attempt and if he would not go along with us we would Jog along without him.”
  Stout words were not enough. The first enthusiasm soon passed off. “The Members of our Society here are very idle Gentlemen,” Franklin complained to Colden, August 15, 1745; “they will take no  Pains.” Colden commented later that if some had been lazy, others were “too officious.” In October Bartram, Franklin, and Thomas Bond were talking of “carrying it on with more dilligence than ever which we may very easily do if we could but exchange the time that is spent in the Club, Chess and Coffee House for the Curious amusements of natural observations.” The Society was already moribund by the time Bartram began receiving inquiries about it from his European friends.
But Franklin did not give up easily. He jumped at Colden’s suggestion of publishing an American philosophical miscellany which would include the papers that had been submitted to the Society and others which such a periodical might be expected to attract. These plans, also, came to nothing. Franklin was still clinging to the idea of a learned society in 1751 when he solicited Collinson’s influence to get him the office of deputy postmaster general for America: one of the beneficial results of his appointment to that post, he pointed out, was that it “would enable me to execute a Scheme long since form’d, of which I send you enclos’d a Copy, and which I hope would soon produce something agreeable to you and to all Lovers of Useful Knowledge.”

A PROPOSAL for Promoting Useful Knowledge among the British Plantations in America.
Philadelphia, May 14, 1743.
The English are possess’d of a long Tract of Continent, from Nova Scotia to Georgia, extending North and South thro’ different Climates, having different Soils, producing different Plants, Mines and Minerals, and capable of different Improvements, Manufactures, &c.
The first Drudgery of Settling new Colonies, which confines the Attention of People to mere Necessaries, is now pretty well over; and there are many in every Province in Circumstances that set them at Ease, and afford Leisure to cultivate the finer Arts, and improve the common Stock of Knowledge. To such of these who are Men of Speculation, many Hints must from time to time arise, many Observations occur, which if well-examined, pursued and improved, might produce Discoveries to the Advantage of some or all of the British Plantations, or to the Benefit of Mankind in general.

But as from the Extent of the Country such Persons are widely separated, and seldom can see and converse or be acquainted with each other, so that many useful Particulars remain uncommunicated, die with the Discoverers, and are lost to Mankind; it is, to remedy this Inconvenience for the future, proposed,
That One Society be formed of Virtuosi or ingenious Men residing in the several Colonies, to be called The American Philosophical Society; who are to maintain a constant Correspondence.
That Philadelphia being the City nearest the Centre of the Continent-Colonies, communicating with all of them northward and southward by Post, and with all the Islands by Sea, and having the Advantage of a good growing Library, be the Centre of the Society.
That at Philadelphia there be always at least seven Members, viz. a Physician, a Botanist, a Mathematician, a Chemist, a Mechanician, a Geographer, and a general Natural Philosopher, besides a President, Treasurer and Secretary.
That these Members meet once a Month, or oftner, at their own Expence, to communicate to each other their Observations, Experiments, &c. to receive, read and consider such Letters, Communications, or Queries as shall be sent from distant Members; to direct the Dispersing of Copies of such Communications as are valuable, to other distant Members, in order to procure their Sentiments thereupon, &c.
That the Subjects of the Correspondence be, All new-discovered Plants, Herbs, Trees, Roots, &c. their Virtues, Uses, &c. Methods of Propagating them, and making such as are useful, but particular to some Plantations, more general. Improvements of vegetable Juices, as Cyders, Wines, &c. New Methods of Curing or Preventing Diseases. All new-discovered Fossils in different Countries, as Mines, Minerals, Quarries, &c. New and useful Improvements in any Branch of Mathematicks. New Discoveries in Chemistry, such as Improvements in Distillation, Brewing, Assaying of Ores, &c. New Mechanical Inventions for saving Labour; as Mills, Carriages, &c. and for Raising and Conveying of Water, Draining of Meadows, &c. All new Arts, Trades, Manufactures, &c. that may be proposed or thought of. Surveys, Maps and Charts of particular Parts of the Sea-coasts, or Inland Countries; Course and Junction of Rivers and great Roads, Situation of Lakes and Mountains, Nature of the Soil and Productions, &c. New Methods of Improving the Breed of useful Animals, Introducing other Sorts from foreign Countries. New Improvements in Planting, Gardening, Clearing Land, &c. And all philosophical Experiments that let Light into the Nature of Things, tend to increase the Power of Man over Matter, and multiply the Conveniencies or Pleasures of Life.
That a Correspondence already begun by some intended Members, shall be kept up by this Society with the Royal Society of London, and with the Dublin Society.
That every Member shall have Abstracts sent him Quarterly, of every Thing valuable communicated to the Society’s Secretary at Philadelphia; free of all Charge except the Yearly Payment hereafter mentioned.
That by Permission of the Postmaster-General, such Communications pass between the Secretary of the Society and the Members, Postage-free.
That for defraying the Expence of such Experiments as the Society shall judge proper to cause to be made, and other contingent Charges for the common Good, every Member send a Piece of Eight per Annum to the Treasurer, at Philadelphia, to form a Common Stock, to be disburs’d by Order of the President with the Consent of the Majority of the Members that can conveniently be consulted thereupon, to such Persons and Places where and by whom the Experiments are to be made, and otherwise as there shall be Occasion; of which Disbursements an exact Account shall be kept, and communicated yearly to every Member.
That at the first Meetings of the Members at Philadelphia, such Rules be formed for Regulating their Meetings and Transactions for the General Benefit, as shall be convenient and necessary; to be afterwards changed and improv’d as there shall be Occasion, wherein due Regard is to be had to the Advice of distant Members.
That at the End of every Year, Collections be made and printed, of such Experiments, Discoveries, Improvements, &c. as may be thought of publick Advantage: And that every Member have a Copy sent him.
That the Business and Duty of the Secretary be, To receive all Letters intended for the Society, and lay them before the President and Members at their Meetings; to abstract, correct and methodize such Papers, &c. as require it, and as he shall be directed to do by the President, after they have been considered, debated and digested in the Society; to enter Copies thereof in the Society’s Books, and make out Copies for distant Members; to answer their Letters by Direction of the President, and keep Records of all material Transactions of the Society, &c.
Benjamin Franklin, the Writer of this Proposal, offers himself to serve the Society as their Secretary, ’till they shall be provided with one more capable.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 10 July 1743
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Sir
Philada. July 10. 1743
Mr. Read has communicated to me part of a Letter from you, recommending a young Man whom you would be glad to see in better Business than that of a Journeyman Printer. I have already three Printing-Houses in three different Colonies, and purpose to set up a fourth if I can meet with a proper Person to manage it, having all Materials ready for that purpose. If the young Man will venture over hither, that I may see and be acquainted with him, we can treat about the Affair, and I make no doubt but he will think my Proposals reasonable; If we should not agree, I promise him however a Twelvemonths Good Work, and to defray his Passage back if he enclines to return to England. I am Sir, Your humble Servant unknown
B Franklin
 Addressed: To  Mr Wm Strahan  London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, [October 1743]
From: Colden, Cadwallader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
[October 1743]
Ever since I had the Pleasure of a Conversation with you tho very short by our accedental Meeting on the Road I have been very desirous to engage you in a Correspondence. You was pleas’d to take some notice of a Method of Printing which I mentioned to you at that time and to think it practicable. I have no further concern for it than as it may be usefull to the publick. My reasons for thinking so you will find in the inclosed Copy of a Paper which I last year sent to Mr. Collinson in London. Perhaps my fondness for my own Conceptions may make me think more of it than it deserves and may make me Jealous that the Common Printers are willing to discourage out of private Interest any Discovery of this sort. But as you have given me reason to think you Zealous in promoting every usefull attempt you will be able absolutely to determine my Opinion of it. I long very much to hear what you have done in your scheme of erecting a society at Philadelphia for promoting of usefull Arts and Sciences in America. If you think any thing in my power whereby I can promote so usefull an undertaking I will with much pleasure receive your Instructions for that end. As my son Cadwallader bears this I thereby think my self secured of the pleasure of a Line from you by him.


Title: Bill from Alexander Annand, [December 1743]
From: Annand, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mr Benjamin Franklin to Alexr Annand Dr

To James and William Franklins Schooling from Decr 12th 1738 [to] Decr 1739
£6
00
0

To Wms Do from Decr 12th 1739 to Decr 1743
12
00
0

To firing £1 2s.
01
02
0

To Ovids Epistles 3s.
00
03
0

To Stirlings Cato 2s.
00
02
0

To Corderius 2s. 6d.
00
02
6

To Stirlings Rhetorick 1s.
00
01
0

To Ovids Metamorph: with Min: Notes
00
03
6

To Clarks Æsops Fables 2s. 6d.
00
  02
  6

£19
16
6

 Endorsed: Mr Franklins Acct 1738[?]


Title: Verses from A Pocket Almanack, 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The 1741 issue of A Pocket Almanack had proved so successful that Franklin continued for some years to publish it. Only about two inches by four in size, it sometimes appeared in red and black ink and some copies had interleaved blank pages, to make them practical memorandum books. These pocket almanacs carried astronomical data, weather forecasts, dates of courts’ sitting, fairs, Quaker meetings, and royal birthdays, but no introduction, verses, or aphorisms. An exception was the almanac of 1744, in which there were three stanzas, one or two of which were repeated in several subsequent issues.

War begets Poverty,
Poverty Peace;
Peace makes Riches flow,
(Fate ne’er doth cease.)
Riches produce Pride,
Pride is War’s Ground;
War begets Poverty, &c.
The World goes round.

  Rules for computing Expence.
Compute the Pence but of One Day’s Expence;
So many Pounds, Angels, Groats and Pence,
Are spent in one whole Year’s Circumference. Or,
One Week’s Expence in Farthings, makes appear
The Shill. & Pence expended in a Year.
Virtue was reckon’d the chief Thing of Old;
Now lies all Merit in Silver and Gold:
Virtue has lost its Regard in these Times,
While Money, like Charity, covers all Crimes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 26 February 1744
From: Logan, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My friend B. F.
Stenton, Feb. 26. 1744
I have this day read over my version of Cicero’s Cato Major in thy Print, with my Notes on it, and cannot but applaud thy care but wish thou hadst not begun in pa: 49 with Greek Letter, since thou hadst not enough of the same character to go on with it, for to this alone I must impute the failure. But without thy particular apology it may be suspected by some at least that I understood not the Language. Therefore pray take care to excuse it in the best manner. But in that very little thou hast given there is a mistake, for the word is αύτοϰρατορ with a rho or r instead of an s at last. So in the bottom of page 60 and in the beginning of pa: 61 the word is Thurium, not Thetrium, and pa: 701.7 in the note it should be Actium, not Antium, instead of “it’s palling” it should be “in palling” and pa: 94 in the first line of the notes Idea Mater should be in two words which I had forgot. Intemporate pa: 64 and “impetutous” pa: 100 thou of thyself would correct, and perhaps Grentemesnil for Grantemosnil which with the rest ought to be noted. Add also to these, that I desire the last of the five lines in rhyme pa: 24 may be expunged, yet I am somewhat indifferent in this since I actually put it there, but I am not so in having the reader informed, that on reading it over in Print, I find there are some (but very few) mistakes in the Chronology, owing to the well known disputes about the age of Rome, and the Æra of the Birth of Christ, in both which the greatest authors differ 2 or 3 years, and some more: Yet I have differed I perceive only two years in two or three places, tho’ I thought I had reduced the whole to an uniformity, but now I find myself mistaken.
Pray do not forget to mention that it was done ten years since in the 60th year of my Age, nearly the same that Cicero was in when he wrote the original, tho’ probably he was a year or two older, that it was wrote only for my own diversion and for the entertainment of a friend less skilled in the Language or the History of Rome, and far from the thought of ever seeing it in print, for I well knew there were other English Versions of it, tho’ I had then never seen one of them, having left England before I was five and twenty. But I expect to see thy Preface by the Bearer and therefore might have spared this. I am thy real friend
J. Logan


Title: Preface to Logan’s Cato Major, 29 February 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Franklin’s edition of James Logan’s translation of Cicero’s Cato Major is one of the best known issues of his press, and many have considered it also the handsomest. “I translated that piece,” Logan told a friend, “in the Winter of 1732 for my own diversion for I was exceedingly pleased with it, and added the Notes for the Use of a Friend and Neighbour that was not so well acquainted with the Roman History as I was, without any expectation it would ever be printed.” Apparently the translation circulated in manuscript among Logan’s friends for several years. After Franklin had read a copy, he “Sent to me for leave to pass it through his Press.” Logan gave assent, only making some revisions in the text and notes.
This translation was in fact the sixth or seventh that had been made into English, although Logan had seen none of his predecessors’ works until after his own was completed. Because he thought one of these versions “ludicrous” and another deficient for want of notes, Logan was “willing to venture mine abroad, and more especially on account of the Notes that illustrated it, besides that it is neatly printed, and I thought was not inferiour to the best of those that I had Seen.”
Franklin printed one thousand copies, advertising the book for sale in Philadelphia at 3s. 6d. on March 21. He sent 300 copies to Strahan, but the book met competition from other translations and sold slowly. Its worth was recognized, however, and it was reprinted in London in 1750, in Glasgow in 1751 and 1758, in Philadelphia in 1758, and in London again in 1778. Not all of these retained the printer’s address to the reader which introduced the first edition.

The Printer to the Reader
Philadelphia, Febr. 29. 1743, 4
This Version of Cicero’s Tract de Senectute, was made Ten Years since, by the Honourable and Learned Mr. Logan, of this City; undertaken partly for his own Amusement, (being then in his 60th Year, which is said to be nearly the Age of the Author when he wrote it) but principally for the Entertainment of a Neighbour then in his grand Climacteric; and the Notes were drawn up solely on that Neighbour’s Account, who was not so well acquainted as himself with the Roman History and Language: Some other Friends, however, (among whom I had the Honour to be ranked) obtained Copies of it in M.S. And, as I believed it to be in itself equal at least, if not far preferable to any other Translation of the same Piece extant in our Language, besides the Advantage it has of so many valuable Notes, which at the same time they clear up the Text, are highly instructive and entertaining; I resolved to give it an Impression, being confident that the Publick would not unfavourably receive it.
A certain Freed-man of Cicero’s is reported to have said of a medicinal Well, discovered in his Time, wonderful for the Virtue of its Waters in restoring Sight to the Aged, That it was a Gift of the bountiful Gods to Men, to the end that all might now have the Pleasure of reading his Master’s Works. As that Well, if still in being, is at too great a Distance for our Use, I have, Gentle Reader, as thou seest, printed this Piece of Cicero’s in a large and fair Character, that those who begin to think on the Subject of Old-Age, (which seldom happens till their Sight is somewhat impair’d by its Approaches) may not, in Reading, by the Pain small Letters give the Eyes, feel the Pleasure of the Mind in the least allayed.
I shall add to these few Lines my hearty Wish, that this first Translation of a Classic in this Western World, may be followed with many others, performed with equal Judgment and Success; and be a happy Omen, that Philadelphia shall become the Seat of the American Muses.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 5 April 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Colden, Cadwallader

Sir
New York, April 5. 1744
Happening to be in this City about some particular Affairs, I have the Pleasure of receiving yours of the 28th past, here. And can now acquaint you, that the Society, as far as relates to Philadelphia, is actually formed, and has had several Meetings to mutual Satisfaction; assoon as I get home, I shall send you a short Account of what has been done and propos’d at those Meetings. The Members are

Dr. Thomas Bond, as Physician

Mr. John Bartram as Botanist

Mr. Thomas Godfrey as Mathematician

Mr. Saml. Rhodes as Mechanician

Mr. Wm. Parsons as Geographer

Dr. Phineas Bond as General Nat. Philosopher

Mr. Thos. Hopkinson
President

Mr. Wm. Coleman
Treasurer

BF.
Secretary

To whom the following Members have since been added, viz. Mr. Alexander of New York. Mr. Morris (Ch. Justice of the Jerseys.) Mr. Home Secretary of Ditto. Mr. Jno. Coxe of Trenton and Mr. Martyn of the same Place. Mr. Nickolls tells me of several other Gentlemen of this City that incline to encourage the Thing. And there are a Number of others in Virginia, Maryland, Carolina, and the New England Colonies, who we expect to join us, assoon as they are acquainted that the Society has begun to form itself. I am, Sir, with much Respect Your most humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To  The Honbl. Cadwallader Colden Esqr  at  Coldengham
Endorsed: B. Frankilin


Title: Benjamin Franklin and Robert Grace to Elliott Benger: Bond, 25 April 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Grace, Robert
To: Benger, Elliott

[April 25, 1744]
Know all Men by these Presents, That We Benjamin Franklin Deputy-Postmaster of the City of Philada. in the Province of Pennsilvania, and Robert Grace of the same Place Merchant are Held and firmly Bound unto the Honourable Elliott Benger, Esqr; Sole Deputy-Postmaster General of all his Majesty’s Dominions in America, in the full Sum of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling Money, to be paid to the said Eliott Benger, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns; To the which Payment well and truly to be made, we do bind our Selves, and each of Us, our and each of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, joyntly and Severally, firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our Seals, dated this Twenty fifth Day of April in the seventeenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second King of Great Britain, &c. and in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and forty four.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden Benjamin Franklin shall and do truly and faithfully execute and perform the Office and Duty of Deputy-Postmaster of Philadelphia, so that no Damage thro’ his Neglect, Fraud, Malfeasance or Breach of Duty, do arise to the said Elliott Benger, then this present Obligation to be Void, otherwise to be and remain in full force and Vertue.
B Franklin [Seal]Robt. Grace [Seal]
  Signed Sealed and Delivered in   presence of Us    Sam: Holland    N. Holland

On the fourth Day of June 1744 Benjamin Franklin of the City of Philadelphia and Robert Grace within named both personally appeared before me the Subscriber One of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Philada. and Severally Acknowledged the within written Bond to be their Act and Deed and desired the same might be recorded. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal, the Day and date aforesaid.
Jona. Robeson [Seal]

 Docketed: Recorded the 6th Day of June 1744


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 31 July 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Sir
July 31. 1744
The above is a Copy of my last (via Corke). This encloses Bills for Twenty Pounds Thirteen Shillings Sterling, for which when receiv’d please to give my Account Credit, and send me by the first Ship a Fount of about 300 lb. weight of good new English Letter, which I shall want to compleat a little Printing house for our common Friend Mr. Hall. I send you per this Ship a Box containing 300 Copies of a Piece I have lately printed here, and purpose to send you 200 more per next Ship. I desire you to take the properest Measures for getting them sold at such a Price as they will readily fetch, and I will take Books of you in Exchange for them. This kind of Commerce may be advantageous to us both, and to Mr. Hall; since if [we] have a reasonable Sale where we live for such Things as we print, what we do over and above, and can get dispos’d of at a foreign Market, is almost so much clear Gain. I have only time to add, that I am, with sincere Regards Your obliged humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To  Mr William Strahan  Printer in  London  Per Capt. Evans  with a Box W S.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 13 September 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Colden, Cadwallader

Sir
Philada. Sept. 13. 1744
Dr. Mitchel, a Gentleman from Virginia, came to Town this Morning with Mr. Bertram, and we have been together all Day, which has hindred my Writing to you as I intended. We are to go to Mr. Logan’s tomorrow, when I shall have an Opportunity of knowing his Sentiments of your Piece on Fluxions. I am Sir Your most humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To  The Honbl Cadwalr Colden Esqr  N York  Free  BF


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 17 September 1744
From: Colden, Cadwallader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
New York 17th of Septr. 1744
I have Yours of the 13th and am glad to find by it that you have an opportunity of conversing with a Gentleman who I believe is both willing and Capable of promoting your Philosophical Design. You’l perceive by what you receive on these Sheets that I have open’d to my self a large Prospect either into Nature or into Fairyland and I have in my Imaginations made some steps into the Country but as the whole of this way of thinking is entirely new I am desirous to lay it step by step before my Friends for their remarks that thereby I may be either incouraged to go on in an amusement of this kind or be prevented in throwing away time uselessly which may be better imploy’d (in my time of life especially). What I now send is only design’d for your Perusal and Mr. Logan’s. I shall take it as the surest mark of Friendship if both or either of you will take the trouble to make your remarks [and] give your opinion on this way of thinking without reserve. I am to return home tomorrow. My humble Service to Mr. Logan and Mr. Bartram. I am
To Mr Benjn Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 2 November 1744
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Sir
Philada. Nov. 2. 1744
I have wrote to you by several Opportunities to acknowledge the Receipt of yours per Mr. Hall with the Things you sent me. I have also remitted you Bills for £20.13.0. Sterl. of which you have the fourths enclos’d. I desired you to send me a Fount of about 300 wt. English and the best Newspapers and Pamphlets constantly. I hope some of my Letters have come to hand, having no time now to copy. When the English comes I shall have a compleat little Printing House for our Friend Hall who is well, as is Mr. Read, and Your obliged humble Servant
B Franklin
P.S. I sent you a Box of Books per Evans.
 Addressed: To Mr Wm Strahan  Printer  London  Per favour of  Mr Shoemaker.