Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 8 October 1767
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Octr. 8th: 1767
Having been much engaged in the late Sitting of our Assembly and Supream Court which has continued Since the Adjournment of the House till this Time, I was fearful It woud not be in my Power to write you per this Packet. But the Subject of this Letter appears to me of so much real Importance to the Welfare of the Colonies and their future Peace that I resolved to steal a few Minutes to mention it in a Brief Manner; Indeed it is a Subject you are so fully acquainted with that I need not be very particular.
I make no Doubt, but you are well acquainted with Indian Affairs. That their Jealousies of and Discontent with the Conduct of the English towards them have not been as yet radically removed. That our People notwithstanding all the Governments can do are carrying their Settlements over the Boundaries of the Lands purchased of the Natives and that in their Journies to war against each other many of them have been killed by the White People. That to remove the like Mischiefs in future the Indians have requested that a Boundary may be settled between them and the English and have offer’d to dispose of all the Lands contiguous to our settlements on this Side the Boundary. That this Boun[dary was long since agreed on by Sir William] Johnson on the Part of His Majesty—and as long it has been impatiently expected by them, that it woud be finally ratified. The Disposition of Indians you well know, cannot brook Delays in a Matter they wish for the Consummation of—and are apt from thence to conceive Jealousies against us which often terminate in sudden Hostilities and Depredations on the Colonists. Under these Circumstances it is greatly to be dreaded That the Delay in the Settlement of this Boundary and completing the Purchase, will be attended with the most Serious and Mischievous Consequences to the Colonies, unless some speedy Measures are taken to Prevent them. Indeed I am well Informed that Sir Wm. Johnson is so much alarmed at the Disagreable Aspect which the present Disposition of the Indians have Discovered on this Occasion, that he has been Some time Since Set of[f] for the Six Nation Country And Orderd Mr. Croghan to Detroit, to endeavour to render them easy a little longer in Hope that Orders from his Majesty will Soon Arrive impowering him finally to Settle the Boundary and make the Purchase.
I presume this Important Affair among many others of National Concern, has been passed [to] the Ministry. However, it is to be hoped, Time will be taken to consider this Matter and to do some thing which will remove the Mischiefs that so apparently threaten the Colonies, and that soon otherwise it is the Opinion of those who are the best acquainted with Indian Affairs that a War with the Natives will be unavoidable. I am, Dear Sir, in great Haste, your most Obedient Humble Servant
Jos. Galloway
Benja Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 October 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Oct. 9. 1767
I return’d yesterday Evening from Paris safe and well, having had an exceeding pleasant Journey, and quite recover’d my Health. I have hardly had time to read the Letters I found here as yet, and therefore can only acknowledge not answer them by this Packet. Yours of Augt. 22 is one of them. In my next I shall give you a particular Account of my Tour. Excuse me to Mr. Foxcroft; I shall write to him next Week. I can now only add, (with my Love to Sally) that I am, my dear Debby, Your ever affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [9 October 1767]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

[October 9, 1767]
I returned last night from Paris, and just now hear that the Ilinois settlement is approved of in the Cabinet Council, so far as to be referred to the Board of Trade for their opinion, who are to consider it next week.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 9 October 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

Friday morning Oct. 9. 67
I write this Line just to acquaint our dear Polly, that I left her amiable Friend Miss Henckel well at Calais on Wednesday noon, waiting for good Weather to come over. She has been four Months at Spa. She enquir’d concerning Miss Stevenson’s Health and Welfare in the most tender and affectionate Manner; and will be disappointed in not finding you at Bromley. We got home well last Night. My respectful Compliments to Mrs. Tickell. I am, as ever, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 9 October 1767
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Philada. Octr. 9. 1767
I wrote you a few Lines yesterday per Packet.
Our Election is now over, and all the Old Members (save a few that resigned) again are returned as Representatives in Assemby: And in the stead of those who are left out, such are come in as are warm for the Change of our Government. So that I have no Doubt but you will receive from the New House further Instructions respecting that necessary and important Measure.
I have received your Favor per Mr. Neave, acknowledging the Receipt of a Bill of £250 Sterling—But none mentioning the Bills I have remitted for the Residue of your Salary, being £750. At the End of last Session the House Granted you £500 Sterling for that Year, which I now remit in the Bills following.

Henry Hills payable to Mr. Meredith and by him indorsed for
}
£255
13s.
8d.

  Dom[inic]k Joyce & Co. Do. payable to Hobart Pemberton & Bringhurst and by them Indorsed for
  }
121
6s.
4d.

  James Pembertons Do. for

100
0s.
0d.

  James Millers Do. payable to James Pemberton and by him Indorsed
  }
23
    0s.
    0d.

£500
0s.
0d.

Whether it is your Inclination that I shoud remit this Money or not I am uncertain, If I err pray Let me know as I may otherwise proceed in my Error the next Year.
I have Seen the Act of Parliament laying certain Duties on Paper &c. imported into America and appropriating those Duties to the Payment of the Governors and Judges Salaries &c.—Will not this Measure Assist us in obtaining the Change? Must Pennsylvania and Maryland raise Money for the Support of all the Royal Governments, and by far the greatest Share, and not have any Part of it appropriated towards the Support of their own Officers—If Part should be applied towards the Support of our Civil Authority will not the Crown Name the Governor, or will it pay Men Who are Named by its Subjects? I shoud imagine, if this Measure has been adopted to create a System of Influence in America dependant on the Crown, as it evidently appears to be, the Administration will never leave so great a Chasm in it, as not to include Pennsylvania Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Governments which Contain near 2/5 of the People of all the Colonies? I confess I do not like the Scheme, and wish it had never been thought of—But Since the Thing is done, and I see no Probability of undoing it—I think we shall under this Circumstance be ever unhappy till the wishd for Change takes Place—Indeed I don’t well see how the Publick Weal of this Province can be affected by it—For the Governor of this Province is already independant of the People, if the Revenues of upwards of £4000, per Annum can make him so—And as we have now no Money in the Assemblys Disposition, It will ever hereafter be in vain to Attempt to Stop the Payment of the usual Sum annually allowed him—As he will never pass a Bill for the Support of our Agents or payment of the Publick Debts without it—Besides if the Governor and Judges are to be independant of the People, as they now really are, I think it will be infinitely better that they shoud also be independant of the Proprietors, whose Interest so often Clashes with that of the People.
I write, in Haste, and have only Time to add That I am My Dear Friend, with great Truth yours most Affectionately
Jos. Galloway
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 12 October 1767
From: Pownall, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Westhorp Oct. 12 67
As I pass’d thro London to this place I called at your door—you was not come to town—I have since been on a visit to Berkshire—and return’d this last week—and am now begun upon the Revision of my Administration of the Colonies, as also preparing my mind for next Sessions—in case any thing should arise which I scarce think will. I have gott a Copy of the Commission I was seeking, it is in Latin I found it in Rymer’s foedera.
My Mind being turned to those Subjects makes me wish your company more especially—and if you have nothing better to do may I flatter myself the pleasure of your company at this place—Lady Fawkener sends her Compliments. I am Dear Sir your friend and Servant
T Pownall.
 Addressed: Benjn / Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stevenson / Craven-Street Strand / London / Free


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, [13–18 October? 1767]
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Child
[October 13–18? 1767]
I have reseved all your letters down to July 3d the laste by mr. Nevese whare in you say that by the packit you shall anser all mine and your friends letters by Folkener Friend and the Packit but that is arived and no letter from you to aneybodey which is verey surpriseing to them I say that I thinke you have wrote but by sum mistake thay was not put on borde the packit and will I hope cume by Capt. Folkener.
I have wrote a long letter and ansered all your qustens but donte send it tell I reseve yours for I shold not like aney one eles to have the reading of it not that it containes aney thing but famely a faires. I have menshoned to Naney to go backe but shee is not in Clind but I am told that shee is aire to nighn Hundreds a yeare. I raly wish it was trew. Salley writes by the packites and that is to go to morrow. I send this by our nabor mr. Rolfe. Capt. Budin and his Brother Jemey Budin asked me for letters but as I am so verey poor a writer I menshon them in this letter.
Yisterday Cosin Devenporte Come to tell me that Polley Mecume was dead. I had a Letter from [sister] laste Sunday by one Capt. Parker who was to Cole on me for Sistur Franklins Close as I had desired Sister to get one to Cole on me for them and sume of yours for poor Petter who is still a live. I shold not a disposed of aney thing of yours but the mothe is got in them for all the Caire I Cold take so now to tell you Sister wrote me word that Polley was gon to Nantuckit and shee had heard that shee was better but the Capt. of this vesill had Cold att Nantuckit and that Polley was dead. I have not seen him but shall and will inquier about it and send word as Salley writes tomorrow. I shall say no more that shee is better then shee has bin all sumer but much disopinted as was mr. Beache. You will hear by your friends how the Eleckshon is. John writes [Wright’s] widdow is Dead as is our mrs. Mockridg and Capt. Arther I have wrote in my letter that is to go after I hear. I own it will be along one. Mr. Dufell is very much plesed with his presente and beges you to excepte his beste thankes for it he his wife and Children sendes thare Love and Dutey to you. Shee has two to show you that you never saw and shee is but Jeste recoverd of a leying in of a Dead Child. mr. Galleway ses he has wrote about Polley pitts shee is heare att this time shee sendes her Dutey to you.
Be so good as to give my beste Compleymentes to good mrs. Stephenson and to our Dear Polley and to our Salley Frankelin. I love her so far as London.

Now I am to retarne you thankes for the Picktuer for the Hankescher I gave Salley al of them thay is verey hansum and for the pettey Cotes. Salley had the fineste of them I admier the negleagia verey much and the Cote is verey buteyfull the hood and hankitcher is quite fhantcy the apron all so. I have not heard from Billey senes I sente his things up but I supose he reseved them safe as Cusin Worddel and Dafter wente in the boote and I desired her to tell Billey I had sente them up.
Mr. Foxcrofes air bouth well as is our Nabor Thomsons and I have heard that mrs. Grase and Dafter and her three Dafter is well and all but mr. Potts Sener. Now I am to tell you that our Sukey Shippen is marreyed it was a sorte of a run a way afaire all thow it is to a parson. He was Cold to Boston and setteld thair and it had all moste kiled him and Sukey so after a year he come back and he apered on a satter[?] evening and on the thusday after shee lefte her fathers house and was marreyed at her Ante Willins and wente to her husbands mothers and is returned to her fathers agen but wather he has seen her I cante say but I am told that he is chosen Preseydente of Prinseton Colledg and is to be thair in a yeare but her father is so distreste abought her leveing of him for that time that he wonte let aney bodey say aney thing to him about it. I have bin over to see mrs. Shippen and comforte her as well as I can.
I have seen Cusin willkissin shee sendes her love to you as Dus Cusin Northe who I saw laste evening in my way Home from seeing Tomey Bondes wife who has bureyed her eldeste Dafter who has lefte seven children. Mrs. Bond and I air old aquintans and I took sum paines to see her. Billey Master has Bureyd his only son and his wife is as low as Can be and a live.
I have borrowed a kee and opened E Browns trunke as did the Printer sume time a go that he wrote two to take caire of his tickit butt I shold a sed that when mrs. Rakeshaw asked me to take the Cair of his trunke shee told me the kee was loste so I did not know what was in it but one day I saw in the Closit a Cote that I did not know. I asked Gorge hough it came thair he sed mrs. Rakeshaw sente it but laste evening I borrowed the kee agen that opened the trunke I found no lite Colored Clothe Cote but I send the Cote and jackit and the jackit lined with green. Thair is no pockit Book nor was thair aney when the printer and Naney looked for it before so shold a sente the No of it and of who he bought it. I shall aske young Budin to take his close now this is ocktober 19 Jemey Budin has a Cote and two Jackites in his cheste for E Brown.
D F
I have had Such a unsetld time with what did not Conserne me about roses[?] and seeing so maney straingers and poor mrs. Nelson and so on that you will reseve the letters not as I did in tend but as it falls ought but the Packit will saile the end of this weeke and this minit I hear that Capt. Egdon is to saile att a 11 o clocke. Salley send her Duty and note by J Budin I am your Afeckshonet wife
D Franklin
Philidelphey ocktober the 19 1767


Title: James Parker: Power of Attorney, 16 October 1767
From: Parker, James
To:

[October 16, 1767]
Know ALL Men by these Presents, That I James Parker, Land-Waiter in his Majesty’s Customs at New-York, in America, have made, ordained and constituted, and by these Presents, do make, ordain and constitute Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. of Craven-Street, in the City of London, and Kingdom of Great Britain my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my Name, and for my Use, to ask, demand and receive of and from the Honourable the Receiver General of his Majesty’s Customs, for the Time being, all such Sum and Sums of Money, which are or shall become due to me, on Account of my Salary, or otherwise, as Land-Waiter aforesaid. Giving and Granting unto my said Attorney, by these Presents, my full and whole Power, Strength and Authority in and about the Premisses; and upon Receipt of any such Salary, or other Sums of Money as aforesaid, Acquittances or other Discharges for me, and in my Name, to make, seal and deliver, and all and every other Act and Acts needful and necessary to be done, to execute and perform as fully and largely in every Respect, to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes as I myself might or could do, if I was personally present, or as if the Matter required more special Authority than is hereby given; and Attornies one or more under him, for the Purpose aforesaid, to make and constitute, and again at pleasure to revoke; ratifying and holding firm and effectual, all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall lawfully do, in and about the Premisses. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, the Sixteenth Day of October, in the Seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. and in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven.
James Parker.
Sealed, and Delivered in  the Presence ofThos. Miller Thos. Farmar


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October 1767
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia, October 17, 1767.
We inclose the Resolves of the Assembly, by which you are appointed Joint-Agents of this Province, for the ensuing Year, to transact the Affairs thereof in Great-Britain, with another, by which you will perceive that the House have appointed us a Committee of Correspondence, to whom you will communicate, from Time to Time, such Information as may be necessary to be laid before the House of Representatives; in doing of which, we are directed to request you will not omit to give us the earliest Intelligence of every new Measure or Regulation that shall be proposed, or intended to be proposed, in Parliament, wherein the general Liberties of America, or those of this Colony, may, in the least, be affected or concerned, that it may be communicated to the Assembly for their Consideration, and you be properly instructed either to accede to, or oppose it, as it shall appear beneficial or injurious to the Interest and Welfare of the Colonies.
The four last preceding Assemblies fully instructed you on the Subject of a Change of this Government, from Proprietary to Royal. The present House concurring in Opinion with them, and being earnestly desirous that this Measure may be accomplished with all convenient Speed, in Case all their Charter and legal Rights and Privileges may be secured and preserved, have directed us to instruct you to prosecute the Petitions for that Purpose, to an Issue, before His Majesty in Council, carefully observing, in all Things, the Instructions you have received on this Head, from the preceding Assemblies, to which we refer.
The Necessity of a Paper Currency in this and the neighbouring Colonies, and the Distress which Commerce labours under for Want of it, have been so fully mentioned in your former Instructions, that we need add Nothing further, save that this Distress is continually increasing by the sinking of our Bills of Credit and the frequent Remittances of our Gold and Silver to Britain; and that, notwithstanding your faithful Endeavours to relieve them, have hitherto proved unsuccessful, yet the House still entertain Hopes that a favourable Opportunity may present, when the Application to Parliament may be safely made, for a Repeal of the Statute restraining the American Bills of Credit from being lawful Tender in Colony Debts. The House highly approve of your Prudence in omitting to present the Petition for this Purpose while there was the least Appearance of Danger that the Assemblies in America must be deprived of the Liberty of issuing the Bills, and appropriating the Interest arising from them, as they are sensible a Measure of that Kind would greatly diminish their Importance and essentially affect their most valuable Rights and Privileges. They therefore desire that you will proceed to act on the same cautious Principles, because they are confident that it is not only their own, but the Opinion of their Constituents, that it will be much more eligible to suffer all the Mischiefs, however great, that can ensue from the Want of a Currency, than agree to give up a Point so absolutely necessary to their future Liberties.
We observe, from your Letters, that you have not succeeded in your Endeavours to procure the Liberty of shipping Wine, Fruit, and Oil, from Spain and Portugal, immediately into America, through an Opposition given by the Merchants in England trading to those Places. However, as the House continue to think that the Measure, when effected, will be equally beneficial to the Trade of the Mother Country and the Colonies, they hope you will persevere in your Attention to this Object, as well as that of obtaining Liberty to export Iron from the Colonies to foreign Markets, without which this Branch of Business must decline, and the Merchants, in some Measure, be disabled from discharging their Debts to Great-Britain.
By a late Statute, Sugars imported from the British West-Indies, into these Parts of America, are deemed French Sugars, and liable to the same Duties on Re-exportation to Great-Britain. This our Merchants conceive to be a great Hardship, and equally injurious to the Trade of both Countries, as they are hereby deprived of shipping this Commodity, formerly a considerable Remittance to the Mother Country, in Exchange for the Manufactures and Merchandize taken from thence. The House therefore request, that you will take a seasonable Opportunity of endeavouring to obtain this Duty to be taken off, upon shipping Sugars to Great-Britain from America.
We have directed the Clerk of Assembly to transmit to you the several laws passed the last Year; to the Confirmation whereof, by His Majesty in Council, we have not the least Doubt but you will give all due Attention; and we shall be glad, from Time to Time, to be particularly informed when the Laws are presented, and, if formally confirmed, to have such Confirmations duly transmitted to us.
Before we conclude this Letter, permit us to assure you, that the House of Representatives fully approve of your Conduct, and entertain the highest Sense of your faithful Endeavours to secure the Rights and promote the true Interest of this Province and the other Colonies. We are, with great Esteem, Gentlemen, Your assured Friends,

Joseph Galloway, Speaker.
James Pemberton,

Joseph Richardson,
John Ross,

Thomas Livesey,
William Rodman,

Joseph Fox,
Isaac Pearson.

    To Richard Jackson, and  Benjamin Franklin,  Esqrs, Agents for the  Province of Pennsylvania,  in London.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 22 October 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

Reverend and dear Sir,
Cravenstreet Oct. 22. 67
Supposing that the foreign literary Journals do not fall in your Way, I send you the following Account of your late Work, as given in the Bibliotheque des Sciences et des beaux Arts, for January February and March. 1767. After reciting the Title, the Authors say, “On devoit déjà a Mr. Price un excellent Traité sur les principales Questions de la Morale. L’Ouvrage dont on vient de voir le Titre, mettra le sceau à la Réputation de l’Auteur, et ne manquera sans doute pas d’être traduit en diverses Langues. On y trouve tout ce qu’une Méditation profonde, une parfaite connoissance de la Religion, un Esprit vraîment philosophique, une pieté tendre et éclairée, peuvent dicter de meilleur sur les sujets annoncés.” With sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Endorsed: 1767. Octor? Dr. Franklen, [remainder illegible.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 23 October 1767
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father
Burlington Oct. 23, 1767 Fryday
I wrote to you Yesterday in a Hurry on hearing that the Packet was to sail from New York Tomorrow but my Letter got over to Bristol too late for the Post, who it seems missed his Tuesday’s Stage and did not get into Philadelphia till Wednesday, and the Postmaster kept him till Thursday Morning and then dispatch’d him early, whereas in common he is not dispatch’d till Thursday Afternoon. I shall therefore send my Letter to Cousin Davenport, to be forwarded by some Vessel that is going to England from Philadelphia.
I forgot to mention before that I had received the Copy of the King’s Grant to you of 20,000 Acres in Nova Scotia. I have not the least doubt but something handsome might be made of it if well managed, which, if I am well informed is far from being the Case with the Lands in which you and Mr. Hughes are concerned. Mr. Jacob Hall (who keeps a Tavern at the Wheat sheaf near Frankford, and has been lately at Nova Scotia with Settlers for your Company of which he is likewise a Member) complains heavily of the narrow spiritedness and Mismanagement of Mr. Hughes and the other Members. They impowered him it seems to conduct there a Body of Settlers, and to furnish them with such Necessaries as they should have Occasion for till they could subsist themselves; but tho’ he gave them Nothing but what was indispensably [necessary] they refus’d on his Return to acc[ept his] account. This put it out of his Power to return again to Nova Scotia, he having bought Provisions, &c. there on his own Credit. By this means Numbers who had engag’d to accompany Mr. Hall, on his Return, were deterr’d from going, which has greatly retarded the Settlement. And the poor People who were left there last Fall, and who, as they were not yet able to raise any Thing for themselves rely’d on a further Support to be brought by Mr. Hall were during the whole Winter in the greatest Distress imaginable, and must infallibly have starv’d had it not been for Lieut. Gov. Franklin and Capt. Houston an old Settler in that Province, taking Compassion on them. These Gentlemen sent them Supplies from Time to Time in Confidence that the Company were Gentlemen of too much Honour not to repay them. However, I am told by Hall, (of whom I had this Intelligence about 2 Months ago) that the Company are averse to paying a Farthing, and he believes will not. Some Settlers, I understand, engag’d to transport themselves at their own Expence, but others were, on Account of their present Poverty, to be transported at the Expence of the Company, who were to be repaid as the Settlers grew able. Part of the former Sort, however, were not able to comply with their Engagements; nevertheless Mr. Hall (who seems to have very just Notions, and a proper Spirit for new Settlements) says the Company ought cheerfully to advance every Thing for the Settlers, till the Settle[ment is we]ll establish’d, and take the People’s Bonds [and Mortg]ages for the Repayment of what ought to be repaid. The People too complain on their Part that the Company have not complied with their Engagements in having the Portion of Land allotted to the Settlers survey’d to them, which was to have been done immediately after their arrival. In short it appears that the Company want a Head to contrive and conduct Matters for them, and that they are too parsimonious and compacted in their Views for such a Design. I [much] doubt if you don’t meet with Difficulty in getting repaid the Fees you have advanc’d to the Clerk of the Council in their Behalf. Mr. Hall tells me that the Lands which have fallen to your Share are very valuable [being] some of the best in the Patent. He wishes you had been present at the Meeting of the Company for then, he says, Matters would have been conducted more properly. I intend calling on him soon to learn all the Particulars. As to Mr. Hughes I never see or hear from him. I believe he lives altogether in the Country. I shall make it my Business soon to see him and hear his Account of the Matter.
I send you enclosed a Copy of a Letter Mrs. Franklin receiv’d last Night from Parson Brown of Newark, in which he gives some dark Hints of an Attempt to have me remov’d. But I have not the least Suspicion of what he alludes to as no Governor ever stood better with the People in general than I do at present. Some indeed suspect that there is a Scheme to get Lieut. Col. Skinner who has [torn] Warren to apply for the Government, which they say he would stand a good Chance of obtaining thro’ the Interest of Col. Fitzroy, his Brother-in-law, and the Duke of Grafton. But I confess I see no Reason for such Suspicions. I am at present on a very friendly Footing with Cortlandt Skinner and tho’ he might wish his Brother to be Governor here yet I hardly [think] he would be guilty of any underhand [means to have me] remov’d from this Government [unless I was to] have another in Exchange. And [I much question] whether Col. Skinner, now he is [married to so] great a Fortune and has so good a Chance [of rising] in the Army, would wish to have the Government. Mr. Brown lives near and is intimate with Capt. Arch’d. Kennedy, who without the least Cause in the World, has taken, I’m told an uncommon Prejudice against me. Perhaps he may have thrown out some Hints which may have alarm’d Mr. Brown, and induc’d him out of Regard to me to write to my Wife on the Occasion. At present it is all a Mystery to me but least any such Matter as he apprehends might be in Agitation, I thought it prudent to send you a Copy of his Letter.
[The] Introduction to your Examination by the Editor of the Gentn’s Magazine has been published in the Pensylva. Chronicle, and afterwards Hall published it in his Gazette. It gives great pleasure.
Govr. Hutchinson has just publish’d a Volume of his History which I suppose you will be able to get in London; I have just receiv’d one from N.Y. but have not read it. I am, Honr’d Sir, Your ever dutiful Son,
Wm:Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 October 1767
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,
New:York, Octob 24. 1767
By Capt. Miller, who sail’d but this Morning, I sent you my Power of Attorney, and Certificate, which I hope you will receive safe; Capt. Miller, and his Mate are the Evidences, so they can prove it there: I am told you have all that is necessary in Order to receive any Thing that is due and that its paid Quarterly. If any Thing farther is necessary, I will try to do it, on knowing what it is.
I told you in that, that I had just returned from New-Haven, where I had given my Evidence with the strictest Truth, and I thought such as would prove much of Mr. Holt’s Claim unjust: But tho’ no Judgment was ascertained when I came away, yet Mr. Ingersol and I both thought the Auditors inclined much to favour Holt, but I could say no more than I did; Mr. Ingersol said and did what he could: Holt’s chiefest Plea was the Unreasonableness that he should pay a Rider, which the Office reap’d the Benefit of, and now avail’d itself of his Scheme, by continuing the Rider at the Expence of £108. per An: I insisted that that Thursday’s Rider was little or no Benefit to the General Office (which is indeed Truth) and that I thought it would be more to the Benefit of the Office to drop that Stage: He boldly asserted he knew better, and it would not drop, &c. And the Auditors all seem’d to think he spoke Truth: Tho’ Mr. Foxcroft and I both have had some discourse on the Matter, and think it really not beneficial in general, and he is trying to find out a Substitute, which I think may be well found: Thus Things stood when I left New-Haven, and the Auditors will judge as to them seems proper. Mr. Holt told me, he designed to stay some Weeks at New Haven, in order to settle his Accounts there: Whether this was thrown out, as a Sugar-Plumb for me, or not I can’t say: but I have desired Mr. Ingersol to attach Holt’s House there at New Haven, that if any Thing should be left after the King’s Debt is paid, that I may have the Chance for it: I never could catch him here, tho’ the Writs were constantly out.
I find a Discourse in Town, that Weyman won’t print any more News papers, but that I am not quite a Believer in, tho’ I am told, by good Hands, he can’t get Paper to work on, as he owes to every Body that would trust him, and none will let him have it without Money: Tho’ I creep along in Number of Papers, I now printing about 16 Quire, yet have I not received above 40s. from the Beginning for News papers, nor does any yet pay me: This reduces me much for all I can get otherways does not support my Family: Yet I have good Hopes, if Divine providence spares my Life and Health that I shall rub through, and make both Ends meet in a While tho’ as my Strength fails me often, I have need of all the Fortitude of a better Man than I ever was: Hope still stays by me. The whole Province, and indeed all this Continent seems to be in somewhat of a Distressed Condition, and yet Provisions dear.
I sent the same Paper as I do now, by one of the London Ships, but we have no News of Importance: Whatever this Winter may produce Time will tell, but all is secret here, till the Sitting of the Assembly the 17th of next Month.
We are glad to hear you continue your Health, and as I find the Philadelphia Assembly continue you their Agent, I presume we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you till next Summer: Mean While, all our Salutations are humbly directed to be sent you by Your most obliged Servant
James Parker
P.S. I forgot to mention B. Mecom, who stays still at New Haven, much at the old Rate, but no Rent paid: The Ballance due to the Post-Office is not very large, tho’ that is not paid yet.
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / London
Endorsed: J Parker, Oct. 24 1767


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 31 October 1767
From: Millar, Andrew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Oct 31. 1767
Mr. Millars Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and begs to acquaint him he never had any Answer from Councillor Galloway in relation to Mr. James Rivington which Surprizes him greatly.
 Addressed: To / Dr Franklyn


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, [October 1767]
From: Stevenson, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[October 1767]
I have sent your Letters and no answer. Jackson Broght the watchcase, gist [just] as you was gouen out of the Street; no won cald own a Saturday or Sunday. I and my too children went to Church In the morning, the after None gave Nanny Leave [?] Miss Clarck came at half hour after forr stade tell all moste Teen; I have not har’d of Poley; this Morning Mr. Wood calld. I askt him whar he Loged he sad you know: he saw you at Paris. The Man of the Blew dey, Mr. Mead Is hear. I drink Tea thar at six a Clock this evening. I wod not goi soner, becaus of being in the way to tak missages my Self; well Mr. Sthran, came as I was going to conclud, he says what you out so soon. I sade yeas tis beten [between] Tewelf and one he has opind you to go to Mr. Whitfelds next Mondy moring. I told him I thought you had som outher Ingagem[en]t for Monday next and that is all. I am glad to har your situation is agreeabl, we ar all well. I hope to see you also at your Return that you may be happy thar and hear or whar ever—is the moste harty wish of—Dear Sir Your obliged friend
Margt Stevenson
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [October 1767–1774]
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monday 1/2 past 3. [October 1767–1774]
Mr. Strahan presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklin—hears by his Daughter that he is going into the Country tomorrow, and therefore would be glad to see him tonight if he is disengaged. If the Dr. is not going abroad; will call on him about 8. If he is, will be glad that he would call in New Street.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 3 November 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stevenson, Margaret

Dear Madam
Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Noon [1767]
I breakfasted abroad this Morning and Nanny tells me that Mr. West call’d while I was out, and left word that you did not intend to come home till Sunday next, and that you expected me then, to come and fetch you; that Mr. West also desired I would dine at his House that Day: I know not whether Nanny is right in all this, as she has but an indifferent Memory But it seems strange to me that you should think of staying so long. People [must] have great Confidence in their own Agreableness that can suppose themselves not to become tiresome Guests at the End of Three Days at farthest. I did not imagine you had been so conceited. My Advice to you is, to return with the Stage to-morrow. And if it is proposed that we dine there on Sunday, I shall wait on Mr. and Mrs. West with Pleasure on that day, taking you with me. But however I pray you not to understand that I so want you at home as not to do very well without you. Every thing goes on smoothly, and the House very quiet; and very clean too, without my saying a Word about it. I am willing to allow that the Arrangements you made before you went may have contributed something towards the good Order and Comfort in which we go on; but yet you are really mistaken in your Fancy that I should, by your Absence, become more sensible of your Usefulness to me, and the Necessity of having you always near me; for in Truth I find such a Satisfaction in being a little more my own Master, going any where and doing any thing just when and how I please without the Advice or Controul of any body’s Wisdom but my own small as it is, that I value my own Liberty above all the Advantage of others Services, and begin to think I should be still happier if Nanny and the Cat would follow their Mistress, and leave me to the Enjoyment of an empty House, in which I should never be disturb’d by Questions of Whether I intend to dine at home, and what I would have for Dinner; [or?] by a Mewing Request to be let in or let out. This Happiness however is perhaps too great to be conferr’d on any but Saints and holy Hermits. Sinners like me I might have said US, are condemn’d to live together and tease one another, so concluding you will be sentenc’d to come home tomorrow, I add no more but that I am as ever Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin
My best Compliments to Mr. and Mrs. West.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 3 November 1767
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Honoured Fa]ther
Burlington Novr. 3, 1767
I must beg Leave to recommend the Bearer, Daniel Coxe, Esqr; of Trenton, to your Civilities and good Offices; and desire you would introduce him to Mr. Jackson, and such other of our Friends as you think may any ways contribute to make his Stay in London either advantageous or agreeable. I am, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son,
Wm: Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Charles] Jackson, 4 November 1767
From: Jackson, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Genl. Post Office Novembr: 4. 1767.
Mr. Jackson presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, with many Thanks for his obliging Note; and the Order for Ten Guineas, for which he has the pleasure to send him the under written Receipt.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 12 November 1767
From: Collinson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Friend
London 12th Novr. 1767
Enclos’d we return your Letter and are much obligd by your communicating the same—as also for transmitting the other Leters. My Father desires me to ask whether you have received any Intelligence about the House at Philadelphia—Copy of the Grant of which [he] thinks he gave you—with much Esteem subscribe myself your obliged Friend
Thos Collinson
To B Franklin Esqr.
 Addressed: To / Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Craven Street


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 November 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Nov. 17. 1767
I have this minute receiv’d Letters by the Packet of October, from Billy and some other Friends, but not a Line from you. I suppose therefore you have written by some other Vessel: I long to hear of your and Sally’s Welfare from your own Hands.
I purpose writing to you fully to-morrow; but as I may be interrupted, I would not miss this Post, in hope it may reach the Packet just to let you know I am very well and hearty.
My Love to all enquiring Friends. I am my dear Debby Your ever loving Husband
B Franklin

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 17 November 1767
From: Wharton, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear friend
Philada: Novem. 17th. 1767
I wrote thee, on the 16 Ulto. since which have none of thy favours, (this Letter I delivered to John Relfe).

Some little time after arrived Capt. Falkner with whom came passengers James Hamilton &c.; the day after his Arrival, W A was extreamly fond of reading a Letter, he had receivd from T P., wherein that Gentleman Mentions; that, He had been in Company with secretary Conway, who He says could not conceive, what Doctor Franklin could be doing in England, and that, He had not seen thee for some considerable time; then T P. mentions the great regard, He bears to the Quakers, but Admires, that they will suffer a few rash young Fellows, to govern their Elections, and how the Assembly can keep thee in England at so great an Expence to the Province, with several other paragraphs, which clearly appear to Us, were calculated, to have been thrown out before our last Election, as well as to have served about the 15th of October, to facilitate thy rejection as an Agent; but the length of the passage, did deprive WA of trying what salutary Effects, such kind and Affectionate Hints, might have on Our Minds; but from what reason We know not, that Gentleman, has kept the Letter more Close since the first Day or two.
I herewith send thee a supplement to Goddards paper, in Order that thou may Early see, the steps those People in Boston Government are taking; for my part, I am realy Affraid of the Consequence, if England should Act with Her Usual Spirit, it Appears to me, as if some parts of this Continent must be in a horrid cituation, and indeed Brittain in her Commerce must be Extreamly Affected. I wish our Superiours with You could See, the true Interest of both Countries, which I am perswaded is, that, the Colonies should enjoy the Natural rights of Englishmen, and be by a proper Encouragement in their Trade, Enabled to take off and pay for, the Brittish Manufactories, by which means We should contribute more to the Ease of her present heavy burthens, then by another means in Our Power.
The Stamp Act, rais’d such a Spirit Among Us, especially to the Eastward that I fear, We shall scarce See those happy Days, We once Witness’d; for my part I most sincerely Wish those differences were Adjusted, and that the mother and her Children were mutually Advantageous to Each other. Those to the E-w-d [Eastward] who thinks themselves Cramp’d, Appears to me to have Another View, and I am informed, that Measures are taking to foment divisions in the Y—k A—y [York Assembly], in hopes, that, they may prove refractory relative to the B-ll—g [Billeting] Act.
We seem at present very Quite here, and I am satisfied, that, the Watchword Among the P—ns [Presbyterians] is Moderation; And that they are really Affronted at the late Conduct of the Court Side, respecting the Electing of Common Councill Men &c. &c.
We have at present about 150 sail of Sea Vessells in Port, yet business in general is very dull, and Must infallable grow Worse, unless We can fall on some Medium, to satisfy the pressing Necessities of the People, and will at last Center in a total Loss, of the Trade between Brittain and Us.
I have wrote by this Opportunity to my friend Thomas Crowley, to try if He can purchase for me the right which the Heirs of Jonah Smith appear to me to have, to some Land in this Province; And of the Heirs of William Royden their right to Lands, both in this province and in New Jersey, and particularly to the Island opposite this City. I find by a Survey made for said Royden the 20th of September 1681, that, that Island is included in it, and is regularly recorded in the Office at Burlington; And as it is this Spot, which will render this last purchase Valuable, shall be greatly Obliged, if thou’ll please to Assist Him, with thy Advice respecting the Conveyances, if He should purchase in Order that they may be sufficiently Expressive; In Case the purchase be made of Royden’s heirs, must Crave thy Advice how I shall Apply to his Majesty for a Confirmation respecting the Island. Our friend J G is to be Concerned in the purchase under Jonah Smiths if it be made.
This Letter will I hope be delivered thee by Our friend Enoch Story, Whom to mention to thee would be sufficient; Yet cannot help informing thee, that, through the discouragements He met with in Trade &c, He became reduced; but by the kind Assistance of James & Drinker, He obtain’d his present Station, in which I cannot doubt his doing well. He is an Honest Worthy Man, and leaves this City with as clear a Character as most Among Us. I am thy sincere and Affectionate Friend
Tho Wharton
Jonah Smith in the Year 1684 is Called of the Parish of St. Andrew hubbard London Merchant.

William Royden in April 1692, calls Himself, Citizen and Grocer of London.
Have inclos’d a Certified Copy of the return of Survey for Royden’s right.

To Benjamin Franklin Esqr
 Endorsed: Mr T. Wharton Nov. 17. 1767


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Livezey, 18 November 1767
From: Livezey, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Friend
Roxbury Township Philada. CountyNovr. 18, 1767
Tho’ I have not the happyness of an Intimate Acquaintance with thee, yet time I hope will alter that Circumstance, and bring us better acquainted; I only know thee from Some of thy Writings, the Author of which I Greatly Esteem.
As thou art one of the Agents for this Province in Great Britan, I Sent a Dozen of American wine by Caaptn. Falconer, the Last time he went from hence to London; which I am pleas’d to hear, was Safely Deliver’d, it was Made by my Self, from our Small wild Grape, which Grows in Great plenty in our Woodland. And as I have Some of the Same Sort Now on tap, which I think Rather better, I have Sent a Dozen more; with the Assistance of our Mutual friend Thomas Wharton; by the Same Honest Captain—Six bottles of which, are Somthing paler than the others—I heartely wish it may arive Safe, and warm the harts of Every one who tasts it, with a Love for America. And would it Contribute towards bringing about a Change of Government but one month Sooner, I would Gladly Send all I have.

However I do not Dispair of the Change yet, for Some of their wisdoms and Betternesses allow it will take place, at the Death of Thomas Penn, but at the Same time Say, it will not be Sooner. If this be Really the Case, I Do not know whether Some people in this province, wilnot be in the Same Condition, that, a German’s Wife in my Neighbourhood Lately was—Who Said, nobody Could Say, She wished her Husband Dead, but Said, She wished, She Could See, how he would Look when he was Dead. I honestly Confess, I do not wish him to Die against his will, but if he Could be prevail’d on, to Die for the Good of the people, it might perhaps make his Name as Immortal, as Samsons Death Did his, and Gain him more applause here, then all the acts which he has Ever done in his Life.
I hope thou will Excuse me for taking up Somuch of thy time, and permit me to add, that, I am with Great truth, and Regard, thy Sincere Friend
Thos: Livezey
To Dr. Benjamin Franklin
 Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin / Esqr / in / London
Endorsed: Mr Lievezey Nov. 18. 1767


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Morton, [19–25 November 1767]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of

My Lord
[November 19–25, 1767]
In Obedience to your Lordship’s Commands I have look’d over that Part of Dr. Priestly’s Work that contains an Account of the Experiments made by him. I find There are a great Number of them, mostly quite new, and some I think very curious and important, well deserving for that Reason and for the great Pains and Expence he has been at in making them, the Honour of the Society’s Medal. But I do not see that his Account of them can well be abridg’d, and as the Book has been long publish’d, and probably is in the Hands of all those of the Society who from their Acquaintance with the Subject are the best Judges of the Merit of such Experiments, I apprehend that any other Account is hardly necessary. I am however so engag’d at present that I could not possibly prepare any thing of the kind fit to be laid before the Council on Thursday, and hope your Lordship will [be so good] as to excuse me. With the greatest Respect, I am, My Lord, Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant
B F.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 20 November 1767
From: Evans, Cadwalader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Doctor
Philadia Novr. 20th. 1767
I received your very acceptable letter of Augst 5th., and also Doctor Baker’s ingenuous investigation of the cause of the Devonshire colic; for which he deserves the thanks of that County in particular, and of all the world, where Wine, and Cyder, are drank. Gentlemen of the faculty, too often begin where they shou’d end; and instead of writing from experience, they write in order to have opportunities of gaining it; and when that is acquired, rest satisfied with the profits, without making a compensation to the World, for the price of their knowlege, I was going to say, the blood and treasure it had cost. I am affraid this will turn out a satyr, in some degree, on myself; tho I intended a panagyric on Gentlemen, at the head of their Profession, who employ in the service of future generations, the few hours, which a hurry of bussiness, leaves to relaxation, and social enjoyments.
The Symptoms in the dry bellyach of the West Indians, and North Americans, are nearly the same with those in the colic of Poictou and Devonshire; wherefore it may be worth enquiery, whether a similar cause has not some share in producing like effects.
The climate and general way of living, in the English and French Iselands, are nearly the same, except that the latter use wine, or wine and water for common drink, and the former Rum punch. Among the French, I am informed, the Belly ach, is scarcely known; with us it is almost endemic—Now whether this difference, is caused by any admixture of lead, in the composition of Still Worms or to the well known propertys of inflameable spirits, to relax the tone of the alimentary canal, and subject it to spasms may be easily determined by Dr. Bakers experiment.
With this you will receive a catologue of the Medical Books in our Library, which are most of them Donations; and altho we have a considerable sum in the hands of the Managers of the Hospital, their Treasury is so poor, we are obliged to wait for better times. Your being pleased with our scheme is consistent with your publick spirited charector and I thank you for myself, and the other Gentlemen concerned, for the Pamphlet you sent, and the intimation you gave of seconding our design in some Degree.
You have heard that our annual Election passed without opposition, and that there is such a majority of your friends in the House, you were nominated Agent, even without any dirt being thrown at you. Indeed it is so notorious, that you exerted all your abilities in favour of the Colonies, that none now, are so hardy, as to insinuate the contrary. Even the great Giant acknowleged in the House, you had been of service.
The endeavours of many among you, to subject the Colonies, to the Government of unconstitutional Laws, we are sorely, affraid will alienate their [conn]ections from the parent Country—and on the other hand, our own imprudence by puffing in News[pap]ers about our manufactures, &c. will give a handle to our enemies, and lessen the number of our friends.
The disproportion between the price of raw or crude materials, and the manufactures made of them, is so great, as a late writer Judiciously observes, that no country more especially a Winter Country, can subsist without some manufactures. I am very confident [we] cannot in Pensylvania, and till we manufacture [much] more than we do, we shall never be able to pay [our] debts, which the English Merchants complain so much [about.]
We are indeed very blameable that we have not more earnestly endeavoured, to cooperate with the Society for the propogation of Arts &c. and rival the produce and manufactures of other Nations, rather than Great Brittain; more especially as we have climates suitable for almost all the productions of the Globe. I have often talked to my acquaintance on a scheme of this kind; all agree about its utility; and if it was generally prosecuted, by establishing societies in several parts of the Continent, it would be the most conciliating steps we could take, and by means of mutual interrests cement and bind differrent parts of the Brittish Empire, to a more distant period, than either Synods or Fleets, and Armies can do. It often gives us great pleasure, that you enjoy so good a state of Health, amidst the hurry and embarrassments you are often in. God grant it may last, to a great and happy old age, which I am sure is the prayer of great numbers on this side the water; but of none with more fervour than Your Affectionate friend
C: Evans
 Endorsed: Dr Evans. Nov. 18. 1767


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 23 November 1767
From: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Brooke Street monday 23d Novemr. 1767
Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, desires the favor of his Company to Dinner on saturday next the 28th Inst.; and that he would be so good as to come about 12 o’Clock, that there may be time for Auditing the Accounts of the Society before dinner.
 Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street / Strand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lachlin MacLeane, 24 November 1767
From: MacLeane, Lachlin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Copy of Mr. Macleane’s Note to Dr. Franklin.
Whitehall 24th Novr. 1767
Mr. Macleane presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and sends him a Paragraph of a Letter from Sir Wm. Johnson relative to the Boundary Line behind Pensylvania. Mr. Macleane will do Himself the Pleasure of waiting on the Doctor some Day this Week.
[On the same page:]
  Extract of a Letter from Sir Wm. Johnson to the Earl of Shelburne, dated
Johnson Hall 30th. May, 1767
“I am newly return’d from a Congress with the Six Nations at the German Flats which was partly convened at the Request of the Proprietaries of Pensylvania and Maryland, who were to obtain the Indians Consent to their Running the Division Line between the Governments over the Allegany Mountains, which I have at length effected, and delivered the Indians a Present from these Governments.”
 Endorsed: Whitehall Novbr. 1767 Mr. McCleans Note to Dr. Franklin and his Answer thereto.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 November 1767
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Newyork, Nov. 24. 1767.
No Packet having arrived here lately, that of August from England being the last, and this Opportunity being near I must scribble a few Lines to you.
I sent you, per Capt. Miller, a Power to get any Wages that may be due to me. My last to you was per the Duke Packet, immediately after my Return from New-Haven: since which Mr. Ingersol has wrote Mr. Foxcroft and me, that the Auditors had determined the Affair, and Judgment in their Superior Courts, whereby Holt was to pay only £48—Lawful Money, on that Suit: They having given him all the Allowance for hiring the Riders, but what they were convinced was unjust. His Main Arguments were, that as the Office now reap’d the Benifit of his Project, at the Rate of £100 per An. he ought to be allowed all he was out of Pocket, as he was permitted to make the Experiment, so he did it not at the Expence of the Office, but that then the Office ought not to have the Benefit of his Expence: I told them, I thought the Thursday’s Rider now a real Damage to the Gen. Office; and that there were Thoughts of dropping it, (and so I think yet) but he almost told me I lied; that he knew better, and that it would not drop, &c.—tho’ I think he may find himself mistaken: I said all I could with Truth and Justice, and Mr. Ingersol said what he could; but so they have determined it: He has paid the Money I hear to Mr. Ingersol: He staid 6 Weeks at New Haven, as he said to settle my Accounts; &c. but he is come down a Week ago, and I hear of no Accounts yet. I keep Writs out, and that’s all I can do.
Altho’ almost every Thing goes cross, I continue to Struggle with my adverse Fortune, and will conquer or die: I gain Ground with my Papers slowly, but I have now to print 16 Quire, which if they were all good Pay, would do; but I have little Pay yet: If I can but hold out a year or two, I don’t doubt I shall make it out. The very Elements oppose me, yet I know Dispair never pays any Debts, so I will not yield to her Dictates. I thank God, I have not had so much of the Gout as formerly, tho’ it will not leave me.
The new Duty on Paper, I see has raised Writing Paper here already: yet I don’t find the Retailer can get more for it than before: Thus the Duty falls upon the Retailer. My Abilities would not allow me to lay in a good Stock first, so I begin to buy only by the Ream: I would have desired more Paper from England, but I have so far run behind hand, that I durst not, and all I can get I would chuse to let it go towards paying you for what I have had: The new Duties I see makes an Addition to my Labour in the Station I am in, as it seems I am to attend the Landing of every Article: but I don’t regard that if I can but give Satisfaction; to my Employers: tho’ I have not heard, that the superior Officers here have found any Fault with me, yet as a new Board is now constituted, if any of them should take it in their Head, to want to beat a Dog, they can always find a Stick.
You know, I seldom trouble you with Politicks, leaving that for abler Hands: Our Assembly are now sitting, and tis said are doing Business as usual, and all Things appear easy, only hard distressing Times. Every one of the Common People complaining, and yet continuing: Weyman continues in the Publick Service: for none would attempt to remove him: and I scorn to deal underhandedly with him: Let him keep it as long as he can; for he can’t hold long, by his own Course: tho’ he lately issued a long Piece of Stuff in his Paper, tho’ I get sight of em only by Chance, yet, as he sends his Papers to the Coffee-House in London, you may possibly see his elegant Expressions. They are below my Notice, and they are not worth [illegible] as they are a Mixture of Truth and Lies, jumbled in one vile Language, But I have tired your Patience I have only to add, All Respects from Your most obliged Servant
James Parker
Nyork Nov. 30. 1767
 Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr / Craven Street / London
Endorsed: Mr. Parker Nov. 24. 1767


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 25 November 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

Dear Son,
London, Nov. 25, 1767.
I think the New Yorkers have been very discreet in forbearing to write and publish against the late Act of Parliament. I wish the Boston people had been as quiet, since Governor Bernard has sent over all their violent papers to the ministry, and wrote them word that he daily expected a rebellion. He did indeed afterwards correct this extravagance by writing again that he now understood those papers were approved but by few, and disliked by all the sober sensible people of the province. A certain noble Lord expressed himself to me with some disgust and contempt of B. on this occasion; saying he ought to have known his people better, than to impute to the whole country sentiments that perhaps are only scribbled by some madman in a garret; that he appeared to be too fond of contention and mistook the matter greatly in supposing such letters as he wrote were acceptable to the ministry. I have heard nothing of the appointment of General Clark to New York: but I know he is a friend of Lord Shelburne’s, and the same that recommended Mr. Mc. Lean to be his secretary. Perhaps it might be talked of in my absence.
The Commissioners for the American Board went hence while I was in France; you know before this time who they are and how they are received, which I want to hear. Mr. Williams, who is gone in some office with them, is brother to our cousin Williams of Boston; but I assure you I had not the least share in his appointment; having, as I told you before, carefully kept out of the way of that whole affair.
As soon as I received Mr. Galloway’s, Mr. T. Wharton’s, and Mr. Croghan’s letters on the subject of the Boundary, I communicated them immediately to Lord Shelburne. He invited me the next day to dine with him. Lord Clare was to have been there but did not come. There was nobody but Mr. Mc. Lean. My Lord knew nothing of the Boundary’s having ever been agreed on by Sir William, had sent the letters to the Board of Trade, desiring search to be made there for Sir William’s letters, and ordered Mr. Mc. Lean to search the Secretary’s office, who found nothing. We had much discourse about it and I pressed the importance of dispatching orders immediately to Sir William to complete the affair. His Lordship asked who was to make the purchase, i.e. be at the expence? I said that if the line included any lands within the grants of the Charter Colonies, they should pay the purchase money of such proportion. If any within the proprietary grants they should pay their proportion, but that what was within Royal Governments where the King granted the Lands, the Crown should pay for that proportion. His Lordship was pleased to say, he thought this reasonable. He finally desired me to go to Lord Clare as from him, and urge the business there, which I undertook to do. Among other things at this conversation, we talked of the new settlement; his Lordship told me he had himself drawn up a paper of reasons for those settlements which he laid before the King in Council, acquainting them that he did not offer them merely as his own sentiments, they were what he had collected from General Amherst, Dr. Franklin, and Mr. Jackson, three gentlemen that were allowed to be the best authorities for any thing that related to America. I think he added that the council seemed to approve of the design: I know it was referred to the Board of Trade, who I believe have not yet reported on it, and I doubt will report against it. My Lord told me one pleasant circumstance, viz. that he had shewn his paper to the Dean of Gloucester (Tucker), to hear his opinion of the matter; who very sagaciously remarked, that he was sure that paper was drawn up by Dr. Franklin, he saw him in every paragraph; adding that Dr. Franklin wanted to remove the seat of government to America; that, says he, is his constant plan.
I waited next morning upon Lord Clare, and pressed the matter of the Boundary closely upon him. He said they could not find they had ever received any letters from Sir William concerning this Boundary, but were searching farther: agreed to the necessity of settling it; but thought there would be some difficulty about who should pay the purchase money; for that this country was already so loaded it could bear no more. We then talked of the new colonies. I found he was inclined to think one near the mouth of the Ohio might be of use, in securing the country, but did not much approve that at Detroit. And as to the trade he imagined it would be of little consequence if we had all the peltry to be purchased there, but supposed our traders would sell it chiefly to the French and Spaniards, at New Orleans, as he heard they had hitherto done.
At the same time that we Americans wish not to be judged of, in the gross by particular papers written by anonymous scribblers and published in the colonies, it would be well if we could avoid falling into the same mistake in America in judging of ministers here by the libels printed against them. The inclosed is a very abusive one, in which if there is any foundation of truth, it can only be in the insinuation contained in the words “after eleven adjournments” that they are too apt to postpone business: but if they have given any occasion for this reflection there are reasons and circumstances that may be urged in their excuse.
It gives me pleasure to hear that the people of the other colonies are not insensible of the zeal with which I occasionally espouse their respective interests as well as the interests of the whole. I shall continue to do so as long as I reside here and am able.
The present ministry seem now likely to continue through this session of parliament; and perhaps if the new parliament should not differ greatly in complexion from this, they may be fixed for a number of years which I earnestly wish as we have no chance for a better.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, 27 November 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Canton, John

Dear Sir
Friday, Nov. 27 [1767]
After the Society was gone, my Lord Moreton said, (when I offer’d him the Paper) that it ought to have been deliver’d before and read to the Society: he however desir’d me to produce it to the Council. There the Reading of it was oppos’d as not being referr’d to them by the Society. But this was at last got over by Dr. Moreton’s proposing that the giving a Medal to Dr. Priestly should be taken into Consideration, and that in order to judge the better of the Propriety of that Proposal, the Paper should be read. It was accordingly read. I was then desired, as the best Judge present, to give my Opinion of the Merit of the Experiments as to the Medal; which I did in plain Terms, declaring it as my Judgment that the great Pains and Expence the Doctor had been at in making them, and the Importance of the Experiments themselves, well deserv’d that Encouragement from the Society: and that it was a Mark of Distinction justly due to so much philosophical Industry and Sagacity, &c. One that sat near me told me he was surpriz’d at the Account I had given, as he had been assur’d the Medal was intended to be bestow’d on the Doctor only for writing a History, which was thought wrong; but it now appear’d he had made many valuable new Experiments, &c. Then a Question arose how far it was proper to give a Medal for Experiments that had not been sent to the Society till they were published; and this occasioned a Search for Sir Godfrey Copley’s Will which could not be found; but an Agreement was found recorded between the Society and his Executors, that the £5 should be given for the best Experiment within the Year, proposed and directed to be made by the Society, and made in their Presence: This not having been the Practice of late Years, it began to be whisper’d that most of the Medals had been irregularly given, and that no more could be so given. A subsequent Resolution was however found, to print the Clause of Sir Godfrey’s Will in every Number of the Transactions for the Encouragement of Foreigners to endeavour obtaining the Reward, as there was Reason to fear a Failure of Experiments on the former Plan. By this Time it grew late, and it was concluded that the Books should be searched, to find all the Steps that had been taken in disposing of this Prize whether in Money or in Medals from the first Instance in 1717 to the last; with the Reasons and Grounds on which the Council had proceeded; and that a Copy of that Part of Sir Godfrey’s Will should be obtained from the Commons; when at the next Council the Matter might be re-considered, and the Medal then given to Dr. Priestly if the Council thought fit, and it should be found not contrary to the Will so to do. Thus the Business ended for that time; and how it will conclude at last seems an Uncertainty; for I think some Persons are busy in an Opposition to the Measure. But I hope it will end in favour of Merit, in which case I think our Friend cannot miss it. I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
P.S. I return the Dr.’s Letter. I imagine his Difficulty has arisen partly from his Supposition that the Electric Matter goes in a Ball with a projectile Force, which I think is not the Case; but that it is a Constant Stream from the Inside to the Outside of the Bottle thro’ the best Conductors and in such Direction as it can best pass, and in which Path strait or crooked it actually begins to pass as soon as the Conducting Wire begins to approach in order to make the Discharge, which would be done silently or with only a hissing Noise if the Conducting Wire were kept a little farther off than the striking Distance.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lachlin MacLeane, [November 1767]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: MacLeane, Lachlin

Sir
[November 1767]
Sir Wm. Johnson’s Letter of May 30, 1767 of which you have been so kind as to communicate an Extract to me, has no Relation to the propos’d Boundary Line between the English Colonies and the Indian Country. It is merely a Line of Division between the two Colonies of Pensilvania and Maryland, now running by Agreement of the two Proprietaries, and as it is to run East and West, and go across the Allegany Mountains thro’ Lands not yet purchas’d of the Indians, who are apt to be extreamly jealous and uneasy when they see Men with surveying Instruments in their Country, thinking they come to take away their Land, it was necessary to explain this Matter to them before hand, and obtain their Leave, letting them know that all the two Proprietors meant, was to mark out a Boundary, on the different Sides of which they might purchase from the Indians, without interfering with each other, when the Indians should be dispos’d to sell. I am, &c.
B.F.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 1 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Galloway, Joseph

Dear Sir,
London, Dec. 1. 1767
I duly received your Favours of Augt. 22. and Sept. 20. and Oct. 8. and, within these few Days one of Feb. 14. recommending Mr. Morgan Edwards and his Affair of the Rhodeisland College, which I shall endeavour to promote deeming the Institution one of the most catholic and generous of the kind.
I believe I before acknowledg’d the Receipt of the Bills you sent me for £250 and £750 being the Assembly’s Allowance for two Years Salary; but I cannot too often acknowledge your kind Care in forwarding that Business, among the many of greater Importance that are continually upon your Hands.
I am inclined to think with you, that the small Sum you have issued to discharge the Publick Debts only, will not be materially affected in its Credit for want of the legal Tender, considering especially the extream Want of Money in the Province. You appear to me to point out the true Cause of the general Distress, viz. the late luxurious Mode of Living introduc’d by a too great Plenty of Cash. It is indeed amazing to consider that we had a Quantity sufficient before the War began, and that the War added immensely to that Quantity by the Sums spent among us by the Crown and the Paper struck and issued in the Province; and now in so few Years all the Money spent by the Crown is gone away, and has carried with it all the Gold and Silver we had before, leaving us bare and empty, and at the same time more in debt to England than ever we were! But I am inclin’d to think that the mere making more Money will not mend our Circumstances, if we do not return to that Industry and Frugality which were the fundamental Causes of our former Prosperity. I shall nevertheless do my utmost this Winter to obtain the Repeal of the Act restraining the Legal Tender, if our Friends the Merchants think it practicable, and will heartily engage in the Cause; and in truth they have full as much Interest in the Event as we have.
The present Ministry it is now thought are like to continue, at least ’till a new Parliament; so that our Apprehensions of a Change, and that Mr. Grenville would come in again, seem over for the present. He behaves as if a little out of his Head on the Article of America, which he brings into every Debate without Rhyme or Reason, when the Matter has not the least connection with it: Thus at the Beginning of this Session on the Debate upon the King’s Speech, he tired every body, even his Friends, with a long Harangue about and against America of which there was not a Word in the Speech. Last Friday he produc’d in the House a late Boston Gazette which he said deny’d the Legislative Authority of Great Britain, was treasonable, rebellious, &c. and mov’d it might be read, and that the House would take Cognizance of it; but it being mov’d on the other hand, that the Consideration of Mr. G.’s Motion should be postpon’d to that day Six Months, it was carried without a Division: And as it is known that this Parliament will expire before that time, it was equivalent to a total Rejection of the Motion. The D. of Bedford, too, it seems, mov’d in vain for a Consideration of this Paper in the House of Lords. These are favourable Symtoms of the present Disposition of Parliament towards America, which I hope no Conduct of the Americans will give just Cause of altering.
I laid your Letter, relating to the Boundary Line between the Colonies and the Indians, before Lord Shelbourne as soon as I receiv’d it, and the next Day had a long Conference with him upon it. He told me he did not recollect having ever had any Account from Sir William that such a Line had been agreed on between him and the Indians, but had order’d Search to be made in the Office. Mr. Macleane came in, and said he could find no Letter on the Subject. My Lord agreed to the Necessity of settling it, and wish’d me to go to Lord Clare and press him upon it. Your Letter was already gone to Lord Clare’s. I waited accordingly on that Nobleman, had a good deal of Discourse with him upon it, and left him well-disposed towards it, tho’ he intimated there would be a Difficulty about the Money to be paid to the Indians for the Lands to be purchas’d. Mr. Macleane has since found something that he thinks relates to it, in a Letter of Sir William’s; but on perusal, I find it does not.
Be so good as to present my best Respects to the House, and believe me, with sincerest Esteem and Regard, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Dec. 12. Since writing the above, I have received your Favours of Oct. 9, and 22. enclosing Bills for £500. I am much obliged to you and the House for your Care in supplying me. I only wish my Services were equivalent. I am very sensible of the Honour done me by the House, in their new now unanimous Appointment of me for their Agent. They will not, however, I am persuaded, take it amiss if I come home in the Spring, as the principal Business of the Year passes in the Winter.

There is now a Talk of new Changes again, when we tho’t all was settled for this Winter at least. It is impossible to say they will not take place. But if the present Ministry should continue, there would as you observe, be good Ground to hope, that by their Influence on the new Election while they are in place, so many of their Friends might be chosen as to render their Administration more stable and permanent than those that have gone before. Which is much to be wished, as they are really well disposed towards America, and as good a Set in every Respect as we can reasonably hope for.
I am glad of the Letter to Mr. Trecothick. It will have a good Effect: P.M. Just now I have received yours of Sept. 28 and Oct. 18. relating to Proprieties in New Jersey, which I cannot now but soon will answer.
BF
[In the margin]: I left the Committee’s Letter at Mr. Jackson’s Chambers for him, but have not seen him since. We shall write to the Committee per next Packet.

Joseph Galloway, Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 1 December 1767
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear and only Brother
Boston Decr 1. 1767
I wrot to you Some time ago and Informed you of the Death of my Child and of the Helth of the Rest of my Famely. I have now a Twofold Benifit to Acknolidg and thank you for The Recipt of what you mention in yr [your] Last to me by Mr. Barrett. Mr. Winthrop come and Paid me five Giuenys and yr [your] Advancing so much for me when Capt. Freeman come I am not unsencable of the obligation you contineualy Lay me under but Realy my Spirits are so much Broken with this Last Hevey Stroak of Provedenc that I am not capeble of Expressing my self as I ought.
Oh My Brother she was Every thing to me, Every word and Every Action, was full of Duty and Respect, and I never Lookd. on Her but with Pleasur Exept when she was sick or in troble. How to make me Easey and Happy was what she had most at Heart, and Rather than Give me Pain she concealed her own Infermities and Did so much more than she was Able that it Increased Her Disorder and Hastened Her End.
But why Should I Entertain you with this maloncholy Subject when you are calld. to Rejoyce at the Settling in marage of yr Beloved Daughter to a worthy Gentleman whom she Loves and the only won that can make her Happy. I congratulate you on it and wish it may Give you a Lasting Pleasure. I am uterly at a Lose how to Expres the Sence I have of Mrs. Steevensons Goodnes in takeing such Pains to serve me and must beg of you to do it for me and Pray the contineuance of Her favour for yr sake for I am not capeble of makeing any sutable Returns.
I send all the mony I can git but it Proves a Litle unlucky for me that our People have taken it in there Heads to be so Exsesive Frugal at this Time as you will see by the News papers.
Our Blusterers must keep them selves Imployed and If they Do no wors than Perswade us to were [wear] our old Cloaths over again I cant Disaprove of that in my Hart tho I should Like to have those that do bye and can afford it should bye what Litle I have to sell and Imploy us to make it up.
I think I Desiered you to send me all the Pamphlets and Papers that have been Printed of yr writing do Gratifie me and I will contineu to be as Ever yr affectionat and most obliged sister
Jane Mecom
My Daughter Desiers her Duty.
 Addressed: To / Docr: Benjn. Franklin / at Mrs: Stevensons in Craven / Street London
Endorsed: Mrs Mecom Dec. 1. 1767


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 12 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ross, John

Dear Sir,
London, Dec. 12, 1767.
I received your kind letter of October 18. I had before seen with great pleasure your name in the papers as chosen for the city of Philadelphia.
The instruction you mention as proposed by a certain great man was really a wild one. The reasons you made use of against it were clear and strong, and could not but prevail. It will be time enough to show a dislike to the coalition when it is proposed to us. Meanwhile we have all the advantage in the agreement of taxation which our not being represented will continue to give us. I think indeed that such an event is very remote. This nation is indeed too proud to propose admitting American representatives into their parliament; and America is not so humble or so fond of the honour as to petition for it. In matrimonial matches ’tis said when one party is willing the match is half made, but where neither party is willing there is no great danger of their coming together. And to be sure such an important business would never be treated of by agents unimpowered and uninstructed; nor would government here act upon the private opinion of agents which might be disowned by their constituents.
The present ministry seem now likely to continue through this session; and this as a new election approaches, gives them the advantage of getting so many of their friends chosen as may give a stability to their administration. I heartily wish it, because they are all well disposed towards America. With sincere esteem, I am, dear sir, your affectionate friend and most obedient servant,
B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Wharton, 12 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wharton, Thomas

[Burned] his Letter to Thomas Wharton
Decr. 12 1767
[Burned] hear of the Accident to the Boat On the [burned] being fully sensible of the Truth of What you [burned] concerning Indian Affairs And the Necessity of [burned] a Boundary, I shall urge this Point very [burned] On the Ministry.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 16 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hopkinson, Francis

Dear Sir
London, Dec. 16. 1767
I received yours of Nov. 6. with the Account of your safe Arrival, which gave me and your Friends here great Pleasure.
I have sent your Letter to Mr. Morgann, and by some Discourse I have had with him I am inclin’d to think you will find it no great Difficulty to agree for the Office when you see him on the Spot; and he is now preparing for the Voyage, intending for Maryland or Virginia in the first Ship.

The Associates of Dr. Bray have lately a £1000 promis’d them for the Support of Negro Schools in America, the Money to be laid out in Ground Rents or other safe Estate in or near Philadelphia; and they have appointed you, Mr. E. Duffield and myself to make and hold the Purchase for that Use. £200 of the Money is already in their Hands, and they desire that we may immediately proceed to purchase as far as that Money will go. I wish therefore that you and Mr. Duffield would look out for such kind of Purchases, and make them, drawing on the Revd. Mr. John Waring, at Mr. Bird’s in Ave Mary Lane for the Sum you lay out. You will draw a Deed of Trust and execute it for your selves, if any thing is done in the Affair before I come over.
Mr. Sturgeon had the Care of the Negro School; but the Associates having had no Line from him, nor any Account of the School these two years past, they pray that you two would visit it, enquire into the State of it, and send them some Account of it, directed as above, by the first Opportunity. Mr. Waring is Secretary to the Associates.
I hope to be at home pretty early in the Summer, and to have the Pleasure of finding you and your good Mother well. My best Wishes attend you, being with sincere Regard Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin
Mrs. Stephenson and Miss present their Compliments I shall remember the Telemachus.
F. Hopkinson Esqr
 Endorsed: Docr. Franklin to Fras. Hopkinson Decr. 16. 1767


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 19 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

The paragraphs printed here form one of two documents William Temple Franklin printed at widely separated points in his edition of his grandfather’s writings, both of which he said were letters to William Franklin and both of which he dated Dec. 19, 1767. In neither case does a contemporary manuscript survive. The two pieces relate to distinctly different subjects: the first is entirely concerned with the Royal Society; the second deals with public business, particularly with the colonial discontent that followed the imposition of the Townshend duties. All of the second document except the short final paragraph appeared in print for the first time in Pennsylvania Chronicle, March 7–14, 1768, with the heading: “Extract of a Letter from London, dated December 29, 1767.” Thus Goddard, printing in 1768, gave it a date ten days later than Temple Franklin did when he printed it after the passage of fifty years. The two most recent general editors of Franklin’s writings, John Bigelow and Albert H. Smyth, silently combined the two documents into a single letter with the December 19th date. Some internal evidence in the second document, to be pointed out later, persuades the present editors, however, that Franklin wrote those paragraphs very close to the end of the month. Following the Chronicle dating, therefore, we have placed it as of December 29, leaving only the paragraphs relating to the Royal Society to be placed here as the surviving portion of the letter of December 19.

London, December 19, 1767.
We have had an ugly affair at the Royal Society lately. One Dacosta, a Jew, who, as our clerk, was entrusted with collecting our monies, has been so unfaithful as to embezzle near £1300 in four years. Being one of the council this year as well as the last, I have been employed all the last week in attending the enquiry into and unravelling his accounts, in order to come at a full knowledge of his frauds. His securities are bound in £1000 to the Society, which they will pay, but we are like to lose the rest. He had this year received 26 admission payments of 25 Guineas each, which he did not bring to account.
While attending this affair, I had an opportunity of looking over the old council books and journals of the Society, and having a curiosity to see how I came in, (of which I had never been informed,) I looked back for the minutes relating to it. You must know it is not usual to admit persons that have not requested to be admitted; and a recommendatory certificate in favor of the candidate, signed by at least three of the members, is by our rule to be presented to the Society, expressing that he is desirous of that honour and is so and so qualified. As I never had asked or expected the honour, I was, as I said before, curious to see how the business was managed. I found that the certificate, worded very advantageously for me, was signed by Lord Macclesfield then President, Lord Parker, and Lord Willoughby, that the election was by an unanimous vote; and the honour being voluntarily conferred by the Society unsolicited by me, it was thought wrong to demand or receive the usual fees or composition; so that my name was entered the list with a vote of council, that I was not to pay any thing. And accordingly nothing has ever been demanded of me. Those who are admitted in the common way, pay five Guineas admission fees, and two Guineas and a half yearly contribution, or twenty-five Guineas down, in lieu of it. In my case a substantial favour accompanied the honour.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, Dec. 24. 1767.
I wrote you largely by this Packet, but omitted mentioning two Things I want you to send me per first Ships, for two of my Friends here. One is, Miller’s German Newspapers for two or three Months back; and to be continued. The other a Lump of that Sort of Stone we make Steps and Cheeks of Cellar doors of, at Philadelphia. Your Care in these Particulars will greatly oblige Your ever loving Husband
B F[ranklin]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Hunt, 24 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hunt, Isaac

  Mr. HuntDear Sir
London Decem 24. 1767
I received yours of Octo. 10 and perceive with concern that you are still persecuted as a heretic in politics. It is remarkable that the objection to you as a libeller should come from that person who is himself one huge, living, walking talking libel against all the worthy characters that come in his way. You ask me my advice on the occasion. The best I can give you at this distance is to redouble your diligence in the studies pertaining to your profession till you have acquired such eminence and excellence in it, that those who now wantonly abuse you, shall when they have occasion for law be forced to solicit your assistance, and pay you well for that friendship they now take so much pains to render themselves unworthy of. Depend upon it great merit in your profession will force its way. Acquire that and every thing else will follow. Be indefatigably diligent and you will be greater than your adversaries. Be frugal and you will [be] richer. Be temperate and abstemious and you will live to walk over their graves. Be virtuous and you will be happy. This I wish you very sincerely. Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
Isaac Hunt Esq a Lawyer in Philada


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 24 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister
London, Dec. 24. 1767
I have received yours of Oct. 23. and condole with you most affectionately in the Affliction you must have suffered by the Loss of so valuable and so amiable a Child. The longer we live we are expos’d to more of these Strokes of Providence: but tho’ we consider them as such, and know it is our Duty to submit to the Divine Will, yet when it comes to our Turn to bear what so many Millions before us have borne, and so many Millions after us must bear, we are apt to think our Case particularly hard, Consolations however kindly administred seldom afford us any Relief, Natural Affections will have their Course, and Time proves our best Comforter. This I have experienc’d myself. And as I know your good Sense has suggested to you long before this time, every Argument, Motive and Circumstance that can tend in any degree to relieve your Grief, I will not by repeating them renew it. I am pleas’d to find that in your Troubles you do not overlook the Mercies of God, and that you consider as such the Children that are still spar’d to you. This is a right Temper of Mind, and must be acceptable to that beneficent Being, who is in various Ways continually showring down his Blessings upon many, that receive them as things of course, and feel no grateful Sentiments arising in their Hearts on the Enjoyment of them.

You desire me to send you all the political Pieces I have been the Author of. I have never kept them. They were most of them written occasionally for transient Purposes, and having done their Business, they die and are forgotten. I could as easily make a Collection for you of all the past Parings of my Nails. But I will send you what I write hereafter; and I now enclose you the last Piece of mine that is printed. I wrote it at a Friend’s House in the Country who is of the Treasury, if possible to do some Service to the Treasury, by putting a little out of Countenance the Practice of encouraging Smugglers in buying their Commodities. But I suppose it did very little.
Probably the Gentleman has called on you with the small Sum I mention’d; if not, I would not that you should call upon him for it; and therefore do not give you his Name.
Mrs. Stevenson is glad to learn that the Things she sent you were suitable and pleas’d. You mention that you should write for more per Capt. Freeman. We suppose you did not then know, that your People would resolve to wear no more Millenery. He is not yet arriv’d. Pray are those Resolutions like to be steadily stuck to?
My Love to Jenny, and all our Relations and Friends, and believe me ever Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 December 1767
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
NYork, Dec. 24. 1767
As no Packet has arrived here these two Months, nor any other Vessels lately from England, we have not had the Pleasure to hear from you since Sept. last.

My last to you was per Capt. Eff. Lawrence by whom I told you the Issue of the Trial of the Office vers. Holt, was by the Auditors at New Haven, so far adjudged in Holt’s Favour, that he was to pay the Office, £48—Lawful Money only: I declared the Truth there, and I thought the Auditors very partial, but I could not help it. Holt staid there 4 or 5 Weeks, said it was to settle our Accounts, but he has returned, and I hear no further of it: ’Tis said he is now bad with the Gout. I have had a bad Turn for about a Fortnight, with some Fever, some small Matter of the Gout; and a bad Cough, but I am getting up again. I continue to Struggle along, but the Prospect mends slowly:
I sent to you, per Capt. Miller, a Power to recover any Thing, that may be due to me: and I am since informed since the Arrival of Commissioners of the Customs at Boston, that whatever may be due hereafter, is to be paid by them, so that you can only receive to the 5th of October last, or some time thereabouts, this our Collector tells me; tho’ I have myself heard Nothing from the Commissioners. You will receive all that is to be paid there. Mr. Elliot told me Yesterday, the Commissioners had wrote to him to send them the Names and Ages of all the Officers in his District, he thought it odd, that they wanted the Ages of each. But we shall doubtless soon know what their Intention is. I don’t know that I have any Interest with them, so resign myself to their Will.
The Thursday’s Post, by way of Hartford to Boston not having been found to quit Cost, Mr. Foxcroft has concluded to order it Stopt, at the End of this Quarter, and a Rider to go from Hartford to New London. It is generally thought this will answer all the Ends of to’ther, and be more beneficial with less Expence; the Commerce between this and Boston being but small—much smaller than formerly—I find I shall be obliged to alter my Paper to Mondays, as the best Prospect; I now have got to 17 Quire, and every Week almost getting one or more, tho’ the Change of Day will cause something of a Revulsion, yet I am in Hopes it may not be for the Worse. I get but few Advertisements yet, which are the Life of a Paper: but every Day seems to gain some Ground. Only Health and Strength is in me deficient.
You see by the Papers the new Duties make a great Noise on this Continent, but it seems to me, much less here than elsewhere. Yet this Place complains of its Poverty, and I believe with as much Reason, as any other; Provisions dear, and yet a good deal of Luxury, and the Poor crying out. We have had a tolerable Middling temperate Fall but it seems to come on pretty severe now.
I should have mentioned Benny Mecom: He stays at New Haven yet: but I can get no Rent, And I fear he will yet fall short a little in the Post-Office also; but twill not be a great deal. As I find, he will never be able to do any Thing there as a Master, I have peremptorily told him, I must have up my Materials again. He will have had them four Year and I shall not get a Copper for their Use, Loss or Wear. I recommended him to go again to the West-Indies, but he was highly affronted even at the Proposal: I again told him, that he might possibly live in Character of a Journeyman but I thought it was acting preposterous in him to try any more to act as Master. Besides, the two Greens have been invited to New Haven, in Opposition to him, and they have set up another News paper there, which seems to be better executed than Benny’s so I am told he neither gets Money, or the Good-Will of the People. I shall expect my Tools will be returned in [torn] and as I never had the bare Interest of what that Place cost me, and the Prospect such as I never shall get any Thing; thus will end my New-Haven Adventure: Yet, Thank God, all is not gone every where, as might have been.
Our Assembly is sitting here now, but what they are doing I know not: How they or the Governor gets over the Act of Parliament I know not. Weyman continues to print for them, as I never will try to undermine him: but he is so weak, that on printing their Votes, he could not do a News-Paper, I think he declines apace, and is an Object of Pity and Contempt both: But from the Length of this Epistle, you will begin to think the latter my Desert, so with all Respects remain Your most obliged Servant
James Parker
 Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London / per Capt. Farquhar
Endorsed: Mr Parker


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 29 December 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

The paragraphs printed here form the second of two documents that William Temple Franklin printed as separate letters written by Franklin to his son William on the same date, Dec. 19, 1767. As explained in the annotation to the first group of paragraphs, above, p. 341, other editors have either followed Temple in printing the two groups as separate letters with the same date, or have silently combined both groups into a single letter of that date. All previous editors have ignored the date of Dec. 29, 1767, that the Pennsylvania Chronicle assigned to that part of the second group that it printed March 7–14, 1768, less than three months after BF could have written any part of this material. The present editors, however, believe that the surviving passages are actually parts of two different letters from Franklin to his son written ten days apart. Only the first group of paragraphs, therefore, has been placed under the December 19 date; the second group is placed here, with the December 29 date that the Chronicle used for the part it printed. Internal evidence to support the Chronicle’s dating is indicated in appropriate footnotes.

Dear Son,
London, Dec. 29, 1767.
The resolutions of the Boston people concerning trade, make a great noise here. Parliament has not yet taken notice of them, but the newspapers are in full cry against America. Colonel Onslow told me at court last Sunday, that I could not conceive how much the friends of America were run upon and hurt by them, and how much the Grenvillians triumphed. I have just written a paper for next Tuesday’s Chronicle to extenuate matters a little.

Mentioning Colonel Onslow, reminds me of something that passed at the beginning of this session in the house between him and Mr. Grenville. The latter had been raving against America, as traitorous, rebellious &c. when the former, who has always been its firm friend, stood up and gravely said, that in reading the Roman history he found it was a custom among that wise and magnanimous people, whenever the senate was informed of any discontent in the provinces, to send two or three of their body into the discontented provinces to enquire into the grievances complained of and report to the senate that mild measures might be used to remedy what was amiss, before any severe steps were taken to enforce obedience. That this example he thought worthy our imitation in the present state of our colonies, for he did so far agree with the honourable gentleman that spoke just before him, as to allow there were great discontents among them. He should therefore beg leave to move that two or three members of parliament be appointed to go over to New England on this service. And that it might not be supposed he was for imposing burthens on others what he would not be willing to share himself, he did at the same time declare his own willingness if the house should think fit to appoint them, to go over thither with that honourable gentleman. Upon this there was a great laugh which continued sometime, and was rather increased by Mr. Grenville’s asking, “will the gentleman engage that I shall be safe there? Can I be assured that I shall be allowed to come back again to make the report?” As soon as the laugh was so far subsided as that Mr. Onslow could be heard again, he added, “I cannot absolutely engage for the honourable gentleman’s safe return, but if he goes thither upon this service I am strongly of opinion the event will contribute greatly to the future quiet of both countries.” On which the laugh was renewed and redoubled.
If our people should follow the Boston example in entering into resolutions of frugality and industry full as necessary for us as for them, I hope they will among other things give this reason, that ’tis to enable them more speedily and effectually to discharge their debts to Great Britain; this will soften a little and at the same time appear honourable and like ourselves. Yours &c.
B. Franklin.