Title: Three Letters from Dorothea Blunt, [1770–75?]
From: Blunt, Dorothea
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The letters that follow we have found impossible to date. All of them, presumably, were written after Polly Stevenson’s marriage in 1770, when Dolly began to pay Franklin more attention than before “tho not more than I have always been prompted from affection to Pay.” Prior to the wedding no correspondence exists between them, or at least none that can be dated; thereafter it was considerable if sporadic. It did not end when Franklin left England, but these three letters were obviously written while he was still there. What provoked them can only be conjectured from the contents of each, and conjecture is not easy. The reader who chases Dolly’s meaning through her words is often left breathless; her pen had trouble in conveying the thoughts tumbling in her mind.

I
Odiam Nov 2d. [1770, 1772–74?]
If the epithet Dear pleas’d [me] that of Friend did all that was possible to be done it pleas’d me much. Now you [expect] me to have done my preamble and come to [the] substance. I am not clear it will [have] any yet if Truth is not and [Man has] none, the love of it, I think, [appears to] me above the love of other things, [and if] I ever utter’d one I do when I declare that your Manner of expressing it is peculiarly pleasing to me, the generality of people being too much like a school Boys piece so encompass’d with flourishes that the thing itself is not enough seen to be admir’d. I am not a good similist and tho an inhabitant of the East a very bad metaphor maker so tropes and figures apart I shall in a plain and simple manner thank you and dear Mrs. Stevenson for the friendly invitation which I shall most joyfully accept one day next week, not till after Tuesday and before Sunday. It depended not on my whim but the whim of those who ride in the machine from Winchester, the coach I must come in, that if not full are so kind as to pick up crumbs by the way. I being one must be content to return to this place and try once and again. I need not desire that our Polly may be had if possible. The sweet little woman Lady B. that you would love dearly is now at my elbow and as I have been scribbling the whole Morning I feel that I ought to devote the rest of the day to her. So good evening, good night, good all, that I can wish or you can want be unto you my good sir, and all you love-this is my benediction and with this I will depart according to my word.
D: Blunt
Remember me to Mrs. S. Mr W: and C.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Craven Street / Charing Cross / London

II

Odiham Thursday the 9 [1770–75?]
I address my letter to you because I intend you shall pay for it for I do not imagine my coming or not coming a matter of such consequence as that I ought by all means to let you know it, tho I do know that you are too polite not to let it have the appearance of some to me. Mrs. Stevenson woud not grudge any for my good [name?] any good thing, but to people who seldom pay six groats a year for spoil’d paper, [one] groat would be thought too much, and with too much reason, to pay for being disappointed. I shall not be at Craven Street this week for some Domestic reasons that prevent Sir Chas: Blunt from Coming, but as they will not subsist after this week I shall certainly be there the second day of the next. But least you should not begin yours when I do, I shall name it-on Monday-and I think by dinner time but beg Mrs. S: not to make a stranger of me. [Think?] not to eat all up and then say “dear who should think of your not having dined at this time of the day? I have nothing in the house. Well what will you have?” But I will have mercy, which few people have, that have the assurance to write with so much freedom as I permit myself to do to you.
Pray let timely notice be given of my arrival to all the Americans that frequent your house that I have the honour of being acquainted with. I like your plain [food so?] much. They like plain food a gre[at deal?] and one best[?] for us, and woud always be most agreable to us if our tastes had not been visiated by less pure food and conversation. The days almost past, and the Night being at hand in which among other works this letter is to be conveyd to you, I must take my leave but not without first bidding you a hearty farewel and adieu.
D. Blunt

Addressed: Dr Franklin / Craven Street / Charing Cross

III.

Dear Sir
Thursday night [1770–75?]
Tho a little tired and not quite well I feel that I cou’d not retire to rest with that self complacency I wish to do whenever I resign myself to it, if I did not first address myself to the Authour of My Being of my present happiness and hopes of an hereafter in a thankfulness of heart for the many many instances of his goodness to me. And now my dear friend permit me to pay that tribute you so justly deserve for the addition of your [friendship and?] likewise for the very ple[asing manner?] in which you display it [to me and all the?] friends I live with. Indeed my [dear Sir?] you are very dear to us all, [and we all?] feel ourselves more oblig’d to you [than I?] can ever find words to express. Your manner seldom fails of producing piety and a disposedness of mind to be, and to make others happy. Rejoice in the possession of such talents, which that you may live long to exercise yourself daily in the use of is the ardent wish of your affectionate friend and much obligd Humble Servant
D: Blunt

Addressed: [torn] Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, [1765?–75]
From: French, Katherine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[1765?-1775]
Mrs. French thinks it long since she had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Frankin, called at his house to desire the favor of his Company to dinner tomorrow to meet Mr. Payne to play at Chess till half an hour after 7 o’ [clock]. Will be happy to see him as [early?] in the Morning as is agreeable.

Addressed: To. Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Kinsey, 26 March 1775
From: Kinsey, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Burlington March 26 1775.
By the favor of Mr. Wister I transmitt the Votes and Laws of the last Session of Assembly, Which I hope will be delivered safely to you together with this inclosing a Duplicate of the petition to the King.

In my last I Stated Mr. Wilmotts Affair fully, hope he will see by it that the Colony has not been to blame and that he will speedily receive his Money.
It Woud give us pleasure to hear of the Approbation of the Crown to the Law for instituting a suit against the late Eastern Treasurer: If there shoud be any Opposition made pray do the Committee of Correspondence the favor to Acquaint them therewith. With great Respect I am Your Most humble Servant
J Kinsey

Addressed: To / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London
Notation by Jonathan Williams, Jr.: J Kinsey New Jersey Mar. 26. 1775 recd July 7 1775 Answd 12th & 19th July 1775


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 28 March 1775
From: Winthrop, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Cambridge New England 28 March 1775
I did my self the honor to write you, 13 Septr last, by Mr. Quincy, acknowleging the receit of several curious Pamphlets, for which am much obliged to you, and beg the favor of you to present my respectful Compliments to Sir John Pringle, and Mr. Henley, for the particular honor they have done me, in sending me their curious Productions. Since that, I have received the last Vol. of the Philosophical Transactions, for which I return you my thanks. I must confess, I was not a little mortified, when I opened the package, in not finding a line from my ever honored Friend, whose correspondence always gives me the greatest pleasure. Whether it were occasioned by the multiplicity of most important affairs, in which I know you are involved; or, whether any Letter of yours has been intercepted, I am not able to say. My suspicion of the last has been strengthned by the circumstances, in which the last Vol. of Transactions came to my hand. It was only tied up loosely in a brown paper cover, without any seal.
However the case may be, I cannot neglect so good an opportunity as now offers, of paying my respects to You. My neighbour, Francis Dana Esq, is embarking for London. He was a Gentleman of the Law in this town, while there was any Law; a modest, sensible, intelligent person, and a true Friend to Liberty. He had the firmness to oppose the address to Mr. H. when it was in agitation among the Lawyers. I need say nothing of the situation of our public affairs, as Mr. Dana will be able to give you full information. I cannot, however, forbear observing, to the honor of the people of this Province, that ever since the resignation of the Mandamus Councillors, they have been as quiet and peaceable as any Colony on the Continent, tho’ under a total suspension of government, and an accumulation of grievances. We are now in a state of the most anxious suspense, but preparing for the worst. God send better times!
I have desired Mr. Dana to deliver you 52 s. sterl. for another annual payment to the Royal Society. With sentiments of the highest respect and esteem I am Sir Your most obliged humble Servant
John Winthrop
Dr Franklin.

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esq / London / Favord by Fras Dana Esq
Notation: John Winthrop to Dr Franklin 1775.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 1 April 1775
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Boston N.E. 1 Apr. 1775.
I wrote you in Septr and Aug: last, and it is a great While indeed since I have had the Pleasure of a Line from you. The Anxiety and Distress bro’t upon us by the Port Bill and other Acts, and the Troops and Ships of War station’d here have been great; and much Art and Pains have been employ’d to dismay us, or provoke us to some rash Action, but hitherto the People have behav’d with an astonishing Calmness and Resolution. The Union and Firmness of this and the other Colonies have rather grown than diminished; and they seem prepar’d for all Events. Had I not learn’d in these Days to wonder at Nothing I should have been surpriz’d at the Inconsistency of the Manner in which the Petition from the Congress was receiv’d, and Lord Dartmouth’s circular Letter to the Governor, on that Subject. It will however have no Effect, or one directly contrary to the Views of Administration. The Colonies highly approve the Proceedings of the Congress and have voted Delegates for the new one in May. The Assembly at N. York forbore an express approbation; but have resolv’d almost all the Acts complain’d of by the Congress to be Grievances, and County Assemblies in that Province will probably by a large Majority appoint Delegates for the approaching Congress. One would have imagin’d that Ministerial Influence and Bribes would have had a much greater Effect upon that Province than has hitherto appear’d.
We have heard that the Merchants and Manufacturers in Britain are petitioning on our, or rather their own Behalf, that no more Troops are to be sent; and the Acts likely to be repeal’d: Other Accounts from your Side the Water say, that the same or similar Measures will still be pursued. The Determination here seems to be, not to abate our Vigilance, and to act as tho we expected no Favor till adequate Relief is granted. I send this by a safe hand, Mr. Dana, a Gentleman of the Law, much esteemd here, and tho a Nephew of Judg Trowbridg, a firm Friend to the Liberties of his Country. He carries with him Papers containing particular Accounts of our Affairs, and I think you may rely on his Representations: He can inform you minutely of Things that have taken place since Mr. Quincy left us, and of our present State. I hope it will not be long before my Country will find itself in a Situation to give some Testimony of it’s Sense of your great Services to it, and Sufferings, in it’s Cause. With the most respectful and warm Attachment I am Sir, Your obedient humble Servant
Saml Cooper.
Dr Franklin.

Addressed: To / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / L L D. F R S / London
Notation: From Samuel Cooper.  April 1. 1775.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 3 April 1775
From: Lee, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
London 3 Apl. 1775.
I wrote you the other day about an hundred pounds which the Constitutional Society here had orderd to be given for releif of the poor sufferers in Boston and now inclose you Mr. Olivers letter respecting that business. I presume you are fully informed from other hands of all the public transactions here since you left us. Therefore shall only beg you to believe me to be sincerely and with the highest esteem Dear Sir Your most Obliged and Obedient Humble Servant
William Lee

Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / L.L.D. / Philadelphia / via Maryland
Endorsed: W Lee Esqr April 3. 75


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Warren, 3 April 1775
From: Warren, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Boston April 3rd 1775.
Altho’ I have not the pleasure either of a personal or epistolary acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty of sending you by Mr. Dana a pamphlet which I wish was more deserving of your notice. The ability and firmness with which you have defended the Rights of Mankind and the Liberties of this Country in particular have rendered you dear to all America. May you soon see your enemies deprived of the power of injuring you and your friends in a situation to discover the grateful sense they have of your exertions in the cause of freedom. I am, Sir, with the greatest esteem and respect, your most obedient humble servant
Joseph Warren
Doctor Franklin.


Title: Observations at Sea on Temperatures of Air and Water, 10 April 1775 to 3 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

On his voyage to America Franklin was wondering about the sea around him. Soon after setting down his speculation on the speed of ships (the preceding document) he, or perhaps his grandson under his direction, began to record the temperature of the water. For the first four days it varied little, and perhaps for that reason the readings were abandoned for the next eleven days. They were resumed on the 26th, and from the 28th were made at various times of day and evening, accompanied by other observations, until the ship was at or near the mouth of the Delaware. From these data the following table was compiled. The manuscript has been lost, and the table did not appear in print until more than a decade later. Hence we do not know when the data collected on shipboard were cast in their present form, but the form has no bearing on their significance. For years Franklin had been interested in the Gulf Stream. Now for the first time he had the evidence to detect it. “Besides the gulph weed with which it is interspersed,” he wrote years later in the light of this and subsequent evidence, “I find that it is always warmer than the sea on each side of it, and that it does not sparkle in the night.”

[April 10 to May 3, 1775]
Observations of the warmth of the sea-water, &c. by Fahrenheit’s thermometer, in crossing the Gulph stream; with other remarks made on board the Pennsylvania packet, Capt. Osborne, bound from London to Philadelphia, in April and May 1775.

      Date.
      Hour
      Temp. ofAir.
      Temp. ofWat.
      Wind.
      Course.
      Distance.
      Latitude N.
      Longitude W.
      Remarks.

      April 10

      62

      11

      61

      12

      64

      13

      65

      14

      65

      °  ′
      °  ′

      26

      60
      70

      37 39
      60 38
      Much gulph weed; saw a whale.

      27

      60
      70
      S S E
      W b S

      37 13
      62 29
      Colour of water changed.

      28
      8 A.M.
      70
      64
      SW
      WNW

      37 48
      64 35
      No gulph weed.

      —
      6 P.M.
      67
      60

      34

      Sounded, no bottom.

      29
      8 A.M.
      63
      71
      N
      W
      44
      37 26
      66 0
      Much light in the water last night.

      —
      5 P.M.
      65
      72
      N E

      Water again of the usual deep sea

      —
      11 dit.
      66
      66
      N WbN
      W b s

      57

      colour, little or no light in it

      30
      8 A.M.
      64
      70
      NE
      W b N
      69

      at night.

      —
      12
      62
      70

      E b S
      24
      37 20
      68 53
      Frequent gulph weed, water continues

      —
      6 P.M.
      64
      72
      ESE
      W b N
      43

      of sea colour, little light.

      —
      10 dit.
      65
      65
      S

      25

      Much light.

      May 1
      7 A.M.
      68
      63

      60

      Much light all last night.

      —
      12
      62
      56
      S S W
      W N W
      44
      38 13
      72 23
      Colour of water changed.

      —
      4 P.M.
      64
      56

      W b N
      21

      —
      10 dit.
      64
      57
      S W
      WNW
      31

      Much light.

      2
      8 A.M.
      62
      53

      18
      38 43
      74 3
      Much light. Thunder-gust.

      —
      12
      60
      53
      WSW
      NW
      18

      —
      6 P.M.
      64
      55
      NW
      WSW
      15

      —
      10 dit.
      65
      55
      N b W
      W bN
      10

      3
      7 A.M.
      62
      54

      30
      38 30
      75 0


Title: Franklin, Thomas Walpole, Samuel Wharton, and John Sargent: Power of Attorney to William Trent, 11 April 1775: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Walpole, Thomas,Wharton, Samuel,Sargent, John
To: Trent, William

The promoters of the Walpole grant in London were becoming more and more unsure of obtaining it. Franklin’s ostensible withdrawal from their group in January, 1774, had had no perceptible effect in forwarding their cause, and their chance of success diminished as war drew nearer. They waited for over a year. Then in the spring of 1775 they apparently concluded that the immediate prospect in Whitehall was so unpromising that they would be well advised to turn their attention to America, to find out whether there might not be a market there for at least some of their vast tract. At the same time, no doubt with an eye on the need for influence in Philadelphia, they reinstated Franklin in absentia as one of their principals. At a meeting on April 11 they empowered Major William Trent, who was returning home after his years as a lobbyist in London, to be their agent in disposing of what the crown, they still purported to believe, was about to convey to them. Trent arrived in Philadelphia on June 7 and soon thereafter, presumably, secured Franklin’s signature to complete those already on his power of attorney.
The instrument on the face of it authorized him to deal in any land within the Walpole grant. A now missing letter from Thomas Walpole and John Sargent to Franklin, written in late spring or early summer, referred to “their Plan of Possessing and Leasing the Lands contracted for with Government,” which could scarcely be anything but the entire twenty million acres. The promoters were sending Trent to explore an unknown market, in a political situation that could not be foreseen, and perhaps expected him to dispose of any lands he could in any way he could. Those to which the Walpole Company had the most plausible claim were only a small part of the whole, and Samuel Wharton, at least, was particularly concerned with that part. The time had come, he wrote Franklin in a letter that Trent delivered, “to establish Titles for Lands, fairly obtained from the native Proprietors.” Those proprietors were the Indians who, at Fort Stanwix in 1768, had ceded to the “suffering traders” a tract that had subsequently been incorporated in the Walpole grant.

Trent brought with him two legal opinions, which Wharton had secured in London, that title obtained from the Indians needed no validation by the crown. Wharton and Franklin had long held this view. It justified the Company in disposing without royal consent of what it had acquired without royal intervention, in other words the traders’ grant; and the sale of that land was in fact proposed the following August. This scheme, whether or not it was what the promoters had had in mind in their power of attorney, had some color of legality; and they hoped that Congress would deepen the color by declaring that the Indians had an unconditional right to alienate. Such a declaration might be procured, Wharton suggested before the summer was out, by offering a few key delegates half-shares in the Company. The will-o’-the-wisp that the promoters had chased for six years in Whitehall now moved to Philadelphia.

< April 11, 1775: Walpole and his associates petitioned the King to be allowed to acquire, at a price and subject to conditions that might be thought reasonable, part of a tract of land on the Ohio purchased by the crown at a congress with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix on November 5, 1768. After a number of orders from the Treasury, the Board of Trade, and the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, a report by the Board of Trade on May 6, 1773, proposed the terms of the grant and a plan for establishing a government. An order in council of May 19 referred this report to the Committee of Council, which on July 3 ordered the law officers of the crown to draft an instrument, embodying the conditions set forth in the report, to be issued under the great seal. On the 16th the law officers made their report; on October 28, 1773, the Committee of Council instructed them to prepare the instrument, and transmitted to the petitioners a map of the lands in question. Those lands and others purchased at the aforesaid congress were ordered to be erected into a colony under the name of Vandalia.

Various persons and their families have taken unauthorized possession of parts of the grant to be made to the petitioners, who wish that these settlers may hold on the same terms that are to be set for the rest of the land. William Trent, one of the aforesaid associates, is about to leave for America. The signers, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, assigns, and associates, constitute him their attorney to manage their interests in the tract and to lease, at such rents and other terms as he considers most for their benefit, such parts of it as have been or may in future be settled; to make agreements with the lessees for the preemption [torn] of their leases on the same terms on which the signers, their heirs, assigns, and associates, shall sell unsettled neighboring land of the same quality and situation; and in general to act as the signers might if present in person. They ratify in advance whatever legal steps Trent may take. >

   Sealed and Delivered by the above named Thomas Walpole and John Sargent (being first duly stamp’t) in Presence ofJno DaggeWill Ross
   Sealed and delivered by the above named Benjamin Franklin in the presence of us(4) Richd. BacheJames Bryson
  (2) Thomas  Walpole Saml. Wharton(3) B Franklin J. Sargent

  Sealed and delivered by the above named Samuel Wharton in the Presence ofWill RossJohn Lilley


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Dalrymple, 17 April 1775
From: Dalrymple, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
Soho Square 17th April 1775
The Bearer Mr. William Whitchurch finding his Health much impaired by his assiduous application to his Business has been induced to make a Voyage to America; I believe you are not unacquainted with his Works as a Writing Engraver and if he finds the Climate agrees with him and that he can find suitable occupation he may remain at Philadelphia and I hope may be the means of improving this Branch of art in the Western World. You will very much oblige me by giving him your advice and Countenance. I shall leave England in a very few days having been lately appointed by the East India Company in my Standing in the Council of Fort St. George where I shall be happy to hear from You and glad of every opportunity to testify how sincerely I am My Dear sir Your most Obliged humble servant
A Dalrymple

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin LLD / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Dalrimple 17. Ap. 1775.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 19 April 1775
From: Blunt, Dorothea
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Craven Street April the 19 1775
I have not been fortunate enough to be in Craven Street when letters have been forwarding to you and now have reason to fear that it will not be without some difficulty that mine will be of the happy number that will get to you, at least it seems so to me from a note that I have just now read of Sir Huttons. However neither my small hopes, nor my great fears, shall prevent my writing this day, for if you have any feelings for me, that are but in the smallest degree in unison with mine for you, the shortest letter and the least will be farr from indifferent to you if it comes to hand; and if it should not, I shall have a self pleasing assurance of having done what you had reason to expect, and what I shall hope you will believe I had done tho you should not receive this. I have visited our valuable friend Mrs. Stevenson several times since you left us who tho she appears little different from what she did when you were here, yet gives frequent p[roof?] of weak spirits, which I am sure will be still [weak]er if your letter whenever it comes does not contain the strongest assurances of your return for I am firmly persuaded that without the animating hope of spending the remainder of Life with you, she wou’d be very wretched indeed, for tho many of your friends are also her friends, yet all of us are less to her than you. I hope you will bestow some kind epithet upon me for having said so much of another when I cou’d have said full as much of myself; but I will be just, and I will also acknowledge that Mrs. Stevenson has a prior claim to your regard and attention. Mrs. Hewson and Children I have just come from, Will recovering of the Measles, and the other two not vissibly affected. I am going for a Month to Bath with Mrs. Scott, shall return to Kensington tho not to continue long for the situation is by no means adapted to me. I am not happy nor do I think I ever shou’d be so in it. I may not be more so in another but it is natural to wish to make the trial.
My Brother and Lady Blunt are here for a few hours. I have no leisure nor shall I have before this must be sent so Adieu My Dear friend. May you who so well deserve peace and happiness not only enjoy it yourself but be the means of restoring it to others, which no one more sincerely prays for than your affectionate and oblig’d friend
D: Blunt

Addressed: Dr Franklin
Endorsed: Miss Dolly Blunt 75


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, 26 April 1775
From: Massachusetts Provincial Congress
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The second Massachusetts provincial congress, elected by the towns as the first had been, held two sessions between February 1 and April 15, 1775. It then recessed until May 10, but as a result of Lexington and Concord reconvened on April 22. By that time John Hancock had left for the second Continental Congress, and Joseph Warren succeeded him as president pro tempore. One of the first acts of the new session was to prepare an account of the events of April 19 and hurry it across the Atlantic for presentation to the British public. A narrative printed in a local paper, accompanied by supporting depositions and an address to the people of Great Britain, was sent on April 28 to Franklin as the provincial agent; the covering letter below was drafted by a committee of which Warren was a member, and was signed by him for the congress. This material arrived in London in late May, almost two weeks before Gage’s account, and Arthur Lee saw to it that the American side of the story received maximum publicity.

Sir,
  In Provincial Congress. Watertown April 26th. 1775
From the entire confidence we repose in your faithfulness and abilities, we consider it the happiness of this Colony that the important trust of Agency for it, in this day of unequalled distress, is devolved on your hands: We doubt not your attachment to the cause of the Liberties of Mankind will make every possible exertion in our behalf a pleasure to you; although our circumstances will compell us often to interrupt your repose by matters that will surely give you pain. A singular Instance hereof is the occasion of the present Letter. The contents of this packet will be our apology for troubling you with it: from these you will see how and by whom we are at last plunged into the horrors of a most unnatural War: Our Enemies, we are told, have dispatch’d to Great Britain a fallacious Account of the Tragedy they have begun: to prevent the operation of which, to the public Injury, we have engaged the Vessel that conveys this to you, as a Packet in the Service of this Colony. And we request your assistance in supplying Capt. Derby, who commands her, with such necessaries as he shall want, on the credit of your Constituents in Massachusetts Bay. But we most ardently wish that the several Papers herewith inclosed may be immediately printed and dispersed thro’ every Town in England, and especially communicated to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of London, that they may take such order thereon as they may think proper; and we are confident your fidelity will make such improvement of them as shall convince all who are not determin’d to be in everlasting blindness, that it is the united efforts of both Englands that must save either. But that whatever price our brethren in the one may be pleas’d to put on their constitutional Liberties we are authorized to assure you that the Inhabitants of the other, with the greatest unanimity, are inflexibly resolved to sell theirs only at the price of their Lives. Signed by order of Congress
Jos Warren Presdt pro tem

To Benjamin Franklin Esqr Agent for the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay now in London

Notation: Genl. Warren to Dr Franklin Watertown Congress


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 8 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Galloway, Joseph

This short letter is tantalizingly uninformative. It touches on the two personal relationships that were in crisis when Franklin returned to America, with his son and with his oldest political ally; but it throws little light on either. Its contents make clear that it was in answer to a letter now missing, in which Galloway congratulated Franklin on his election to the Congress, announced his own intention of retiring from politics, and offered to send his carriage from his country estate, Trevose, to bring his friend to their first meeting in more than a decade. In this reply Franklin neither accepts nor declines, partly because he is unsure when and where he will see his son, whom in fact he was unable to meet until some weeks later.
He apparently did go to Trevose and spend the night. In their conversation, as Galloway remembered it years afterward, the host was forthright in urging reconciliation with Britain; but the guest was guarded, and after the visit kept so much to himself that Samuel Adams suspected him of sinister designs. At a second meeting with Galloway, Franklin tried to demonstrate how stiffnecked the ministry was by reading him the journal of his peace negotiations in London; but the reading was interrupted. Some time in late May or early June William Franklin came to Philadelphia, met his father and the son whom he had not seen since babyhood, and took the boy back with him to New Jersey. The Governor, presumably during that visit and again according to Galloway’s recollection, spent a bibulous evening with the other two men; at the end of it the elder Franklin inveighed against British corruption and dissipation, assured them that the colonies would prevail, “and declared in favour of measures for attaining to Independence.” This seems to have been the moment of his open break with his friend, but precisely how and when that moment was reached remains unclear.

My dear Friend
Monday May 8. 75
I am much oblig’d by your kind Congratulations. I am concern’d at your Resolution of quitting public Life at a time when your Abilities are so much wanted. I hope you will change that Resolution. I hear my Son is to be at Burlington this day Week to meet his Assembly. I had purposed (if he could not conveniently come hither) to meet him there, and in my Return to visit you at Trevose. I shall know in a Day or two, how that will be. But being impatient to see you, I believe I shall accept the kind Offer of your Carriage, and come to you directly. If I conclude upon that, I shall let you know. At present I am so taken up with People coming in contineually, that I cannot stir, and can scarce think what is proper or practicable. I am ever, with unalterable Esteem and Affection, my Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Joseph Galloway Esq / Trevose / Bucks.
Endorsed: May 8. 1775 Dr. Franklin on his Arrival in Philadelphia


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 8 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Philada. May 8. 1775. Monday
I arrived here on Friday Evening, and the next morning was unanimously chosen by the General Assembly a Delegate for the ensuing Congress, which is to meet on Wednesday.
You will have heard before this reaches you of the Commencement of a Civil War; the End of it perhaps neither myself, nor you, who are much younger, may live to see. I find here all Ranks of People in Arms, disciplining themselves Morning and Evening, and am informed that the firmest Union prevails throughout North America; New York as hearty as any of the rest. I purpose to communicate to you from time to time the most authentic Intelligence I can collect here, and hope to hear frequently from you in the same Way. I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
David Hartley Esqr

Endorsed: D F May 8 1775


Title: The Pennsylvania Assembly: Instructions to Its Delegates in Congress, 9 May 1775
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Franklin had no more than set foot in Philadelphia before he was plunged into local as well as Congressional politics. The day after he arrived the Assembly chose him unanimously as a delegate to Congress. On June 30 he was appointed to the Pennsylvania committee of safety and three days later became its president. On August 16 he was elected, at the head of all three tickets, to the Philadelphia committee of inspection and observation, and was re-elected on February 16, 1776; in August and February he was also appointed to a district committee. On October 2, 1775, he was chosen as an Assemblyman from Philadelphia, and on the 19th reappointed to the committee of safety and on November 4 to Congress. In June, 1776, the committee of inspection named him as a delegate to the provincial conference, a predecessor of the constitutional convention; on July 8 he was elected from Philadelphia to the convention itself, on the 16th became its president, and on the 20th was reappointed as one of its delegates to Congress.
Although these many offices attest his popularity, no man could have filled them all; and Franklin did not try. He never took his seat in the Assembly. He worked hard on the committee of safety during its early months, but his attendance became sporadic as time wore on; and in February, 1776, he resigned from both the committee and the Assembly. The focus of his activities was Congress, and there he worked within the framework of the Assembly’s instructions to its delegates.
Those instructions had been under consideration for months before Franklin’s return from England. The previous December the Assembly had approved the proceedings of the first Continental Congress, selected seven delegates to the second, and appointed a committee to draft their instructions. The draft was repeatedly considered and repeatedly deferred. On March 9 the Assembly repudiated the program of Joseph Galloway and his supporters, who opposed joint action through the coming Congress and urged that Pennsylvania petition on its own for redress of grievances. On May 9 the legislature, just after it had added Franklin and two others to its delegation and had had news of Lexington, adopted the instructions below. They were little different from those to the delegates to the first Congress. The Assembly, once it had repudiated the proposal for separate action, did not commit its delegates to anything more than colonial unity and resistance.

Gentlemen,
May 9, 1775.
The Trust reposed in you, is of such a Nature, and the Modes of executing it, may be so diversified in the Course of your Deliberations, that it is scarcely possible to give you particular Instructions respecting it.
We shall therefore, in general, direct that you meet in Congress the Delegates of the several British Colonies, to be held on the Tenth Instant, to consult together on the present critical and alarming Situation and State of the Colonies, and that you exert your utmost Endeavours to agree upon, and recommend, such further Measures, as shall afford the best Prospect of obtaining Redress of American Grievances, and restoring that Union and Harmony between Great-Britain and the Colonies so essential to the Welfare and Happiness of both Countries.
You are directed to make Report of your Proceedings to this House at their next Sessions after the Meeting of the Congress. Signed by Order of the House,
John Morton, Speaker.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 14 May 1775
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Ever Dear and much Honoured Brother
Warrick 14 May 1775
God be Praised for bring you Saif back to America and soporting you throw such fatuges as I know you have sufered while the minestry have been distresing Poor New England in such a Cruil maner. Your last by Poor Quensey Advises me to keep up my Cuiridg and that foul wither does not last allways in any country. But I beleve you did not then Imagin the storm would have Arisen so high as for the General to have sent out a party to creep out in the night and slauter our Dear Brethern for Endevering to defend our own Property, but God Apear’d for us and drove them back with much Grater Lose than they are willing to own. There Countenances as well as confeshon of many of them shew they were much mistaken in the people they had to Deal with, but the distress it has ocationed is Past my discription. The Horror the Town was in when the Batle Aproch’d within Hearing Expecting they would Proceed quite in to town, the Comotion the Town was in after the batle ceas’d by the Parties coming in bringing in there wounded men caus’d such an Agetation of minde I beleve none had much sleep, since which we could have no quiet, as we understood our Bretheren without were determined to Disposes the Town of the Regelors, and the Generol shuting up the town not Leting any Pass out but throw such Grate Dificulties as were allmost insoportable. But throw the Goodnes of God I am at last Got saif Hear and kindly Recved by Mr. Green and His wife (who to my grate comfort when I had got Pac’t up what I expected to have liberty to carey out intending to seek my fourtune with hundred others not knowing whither) sent me an Invitation in a leter to Mrs. Patridg of which I gladly acepted. On the day I arived at Provedence had the unspeakable Pleasure of hearing my Dear Brother was saif arived at His own home, Blessed be God for all His mercys to me an unworthy Creature. These People seemed formed for Hospetality Apear to be Pleas’d with the vast Adition to there famely which consists of old Mr. Gough and wife, there sons wife and negro boy, Mr. Thomas Leverett’s wife 2 Children and a made, my self an Grand Daughter who I could not leve. If I had it would have been her Death, and they Expect this Day 3 more of Mr. Leveretts Chill’n young Mr. Gouge, Suckey and Mrs. Pateridg and Daughter and seem as tho there harts were open to all the world. They sent for old Mrs. Downs but dont know if she designs to come as it is so Extreemly difecult to git a line to pass to Each other. Mrs. Leveritt is trying to git a house to keep house by her self. My poor litle Delicat Nabour Mrs. Royall and Famely came out with me not knowing where she should find a Place. I left them at Cambridg in a most shocking Disagreable Place but since hear she is gone to wooster. My own Daughter had been at Board at Roxbury almost a year before but she with the famely were obliged to fly into the woods and tho they Returnd again they think themselves very unsaif and she was in grate concern what cours to take when the day before I left her she Rec’d a leter from her husband that He was saif Arived at Bedford in Dartmouth not Dareing to venture in to salem from whence they sail’d. This also was a grat Ease to my mind as she might now soon Expect her husband to take the care of her.
I am still under grate concern for Cousen williams. He was out of Town at the time of the batle and was Advised to keep out and His Poor wife slaved her self almost to Death to Pack up and secure what she could and sent away her two Daughters Intending to go to Him and behold in comes he in to town the day before I came out Imagining (as I was told for I did not see him) that was the saifest Place. I can hear nothing of Him since.
You will have seen the Gener’l leter to Conettacut and be able to Judge of the truth of His Insineuations by his fidelity to us poor bostonions.
I have wrot a grat number of leters to you the winter and spring Past but cannot Prercive by your self or Cousen Jonathan that you have recved any of them. I sent won about a month ago but as you are Return’d it is no mater if you never git it. Present my love to my Cousens Beaches and the Dear Children and Exept the same from your Ever Affectionat sister
Jane Mecom

Is Jona’n come with you? If he is remember my love to Him.
Dear Brother I am tould you will be joyn’d to the Congress and that they will Remove to Conetecut. Will you Premit me to come and see you there? Mrs. Green says she will go with me.

Addressed: To / Doctr. Franklin / of / Philadelphia
Forwarded by / Yr. most obedt. hum Servt. / Eben Hazard / New York / May 29th. 1775
Endorsed: Sister Mecom May 14. 1775


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Burke, 15 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Burke, Edmund

The background of this letter was conversations between the two men during Franklin’s last months in London. Burke’s record of their final meeting, even though not committed to paper until years later, is revealing enough to be worth extensive quotation. “As far as a man, so locked up as Dr. Franklin, could be expected to communicate his ideas, I believe he opened them to Mr. Burke. It was, I think, the very day before he set out for America, that a very long conversation passed between them, and with a greater air of openness on the Doctor’s side, than Mr. Burke had observed in him before. In this discourse Dr. Franklin lamented, and with apparent sincerity, the separation which he feared was inevitable between Great Britain and her colonies. He certainly spoke of it as an event which gave him the greatest concern. America, he said, would never again see such happy days as she had passed under the protection of England. He observed, that ours was the only instance of a great empire, in which the most distant parts and members had been as well governed as the metropolis and its vicinage: But that the Americans were going to lose the means which secured to them this rare and precious advantage. The question with them was not whether they were to remain as they had been before the troubles, for better, he allowed they could not hope to be; but whether they were to give up so happy a situation without a struggle? Mr. Burke had several other conversations with him about that time, in none of which, soured and exasperated as his mind certainly was, did he discover any other wish in favour of America than for a security to its ancient condition.”
Burke apparently did not answer this letter. The war obliged him to break off the correspondence, to his great regret, and he did not renew it until what he regarded as an emergency gave him reason to in 1781.

Dear Sir,
Philada. May 15. 75
You will see by the Papers that Gen. Gage call’d his Assembly to propose Lord North’s pacific Plan, but before they could meet drew the Sword, and began the War. His Troops made a most vigorous Retreat, 20 Miles in 3 Hours, scarce to be parallell’d in History: the feeble Americans, who pelted them all the Way, could scarce keep up with them.
All People here feel themselves much oblig’d by your Endeavours to serve them. I hear your propos’d Resolves were negativ’d by a great Majority; which was denying the most notorious Truths; and a kind of national Lying, of which they may be convicted by their own Records.
The Congress is met here, pretty full. I had not been here a Day before I was return’d a Member. We din’d together on Saturday, when your Health was among the foremost. With the sincerest Esteem, I am ever Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Edm. Burke Esqr.

Addressed: To / Edmund Burke Esqr / [illegible] Street / London / Beaconsfiel / Bucks
Endorsed: Franklin Philada. May 15 1775


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 15 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

My dear Lord,
Philada. May 15, 1775
I arrived here well the 5th. after a pleasant Passage of 6 Weeks. I met with a most cordial Reception, I should say from all Parties, but that all Parties are now extinguish’d here. Britain has found means to unite us. I had not been here a Day before I was unanimously elected by our Assembly a Delegate to the Congress, which met the 10th and is now sitting. All the Governors have been instructed by the Ministry to call their Assemblies and propose to them Lord N’s pacific Plan; Gen. Gage, call’d his; but before they could meet, drew the Sword; and a War is commenc’d, which the youngest of us may not see the End of. My Endeavours will be if possible to quench it; as I know yours will be: but the Satisfaction of endeavouring to do good, is perhaps all we can obtain or effect. Being much hurried, I can only add my best Wishes of Happiness to you and all the dear Family, with Thanks for your many Kindnesses. I am, ever, with the highest Esteem and Respect, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obliged and obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Lord Bp. St. Asaph

Addressed: To / The right reverend the Bishop of St. Asaph / Jermyn Street / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [William?] Bradford, 16 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir,
Wednesday PM. May 16. [1775]
I have just now been urged to apply to you in behalf of a Stranger who is suppos’d to have spoken some disrespectful Words of you, and who is apprehensive of the Resentment of your Company, as he is told they are exceedingly exasperated against him. He declares that the Words ascrib’d to him, are much misrepresented, and that if he had an Opportunity of giving you a true Account of them, you would be satisfy’d they were merely jocular, without the least Intention of offending you or any of your Corps. I do not presume to have any Influence with you, intitling me to mediate in any Affair that concerns you. I only beg leave to mention, that as he is a Clergyman of the Church of England, and some pains has lately been taken in England to represent the Colonies as inimical to that Church, I hope you and the Company will on Enquiry find that the Offence is not so great as to require such Marks of Resentment as may be misconstrued there, and deemed the Effects of Enmity to the Clergy; because at this Juncture it might create us some powerful Enemies, increase their number, and diminish that of our Friends. Be so good as to excuse my giving you this Trouble, and believe me to be with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Capt. Bradford

Endorsed: Benj Franklin May 16


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Joseph Priestley], 16 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Priestley, Joseph

Dear Friend,
Philadelphia, May 16, 1775.
You will have heard before this reaches you, of a march stolen by the regulars into the country by night, and of their expedition back again. They retreated 20 miles in [6] hours.
The Governor had called the Assembly to propose Lord North’s pacific plan; but before the time of their meeting, began cutting of throats; You know it was said he carried the sword in one hand, and the olive branch in the other; and it seems he chose to give them a taste of the sword first.
He is doubling his fortifications at Boston, and hopes to secure his troops till succour arrives. The place indeed is naturally so defensible, that I think them in no danger.
All America is exasperated by his conduct, and more firmly united than ever. The breach between the two countries is grown wider, and in danger of becoming irreparable.
I had a passage of six weeks; the weather constantly so moderate that a London wherry might have accompanied us all the way. I got home in the evening, and the next morning was unanimously chosen by the Assembly a delegate to the Congress, now sitting.
In coming over I made a valuable philosophical discovery, which I shall communicate to you, when I can get a little time. At present am extremely hurried. Yours most affectionately,
B. F


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 16 May 1775
From: Jones, Noble Wimberly
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Savannah 16. May 1775
The frequent accounts of your Intentions of leaving England, also unwilling to intrude on time taken up with Matters of Consiquence prevented my Writing as often as I otherwise should have done, however constrained by a real Esteem for a Gentleman so great a friend [of] Mankind in general and of American in particular will I trust plead my Excuse for thus troubling you concern’d at the loss this Pro[vince] sustain’d thro I am pretty confident thro’ the Ill conduct of our Assembly’s Nominating another Person and I am positive your feelings for America must be great. The present Sittuation is truely Alarming, by late Accounts from Boston there has been some Lives lost both on the side of the Soldiers and Americans but as you will have a more perfect Account before this can reach you I forbear mentioning our acct. Tis said the Americans had the best of it but bad is the best in Wars between Fathers, Sons Bretheren &c. as both lose let which will conquer, therefore the Vile advisers of such a Plan a[s h]as been adopted have the more to Answer for. God only know where such Matters may end especially in which our Lives Liberties and all that is dear to us depends, tho’ our Province has not appeared outwardly forward in the Ma[tter,] thro’ Influence of some Tools of Administration, yet am of oppinion a large Majority do heartily Join in sentiment with the other Colonies perhaps 9, out of ten or more. God send that our Sovereign may [dismiss?] those base Men that advise such Measures that may prove destructive to his whole Dominion, and consider his Subjects in America with the same affection as those nearer to him and that they naturally must be entitled to the like Rights and Priveledges in one part of his kindom as in the other, And then am [in m]y own mind Confident all disputes would subside. I conclude with best Respects that you may enjoy Life and Health to see these troubles all at an happy end And am Dear Sir Your Most Sincere and Obedient Humble Servant
N W Jones

Mr. Banks the Gentleman I trust you will receive this by [has] been in this Province some year’s (and probably with some [other bus]iness) goes to see his Father and other relations in England of Ch[oice?) I chose to send it by a Private Hand at this time he has promised if [he] can conveniently to deliver it himself.

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Georgia Coffe House / London / per favour of Mr Bankes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 May 1775
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir
London May 20. 1775
Since my last I have recvd from La Duchesse de Villroy the Plan of your Armonica improved, which you will receive by this Ship. The Newspapers will give you all in the political Way. I have been several Days shut up in your Room, so have not been able to gather any thing more than the Public Prints contain. You will see by the Fate of the N York and Quebec Petitions, that it is not because what came from the Congress was illegal, that their Applications did not succeed, since both have been treated alike: I think this must cure the N York Dissention if there remains any.
I have been down to Virginia Street and am in a good Way to get good Information relative to Mrs. Davys Affair. I will write again when I have obtained it.
I recvd for you a large Packet from Carolina it was so Bulky that I thot best to examine it before I sent it, and as I find nothing but Newspapers in it shall keep it here.
The Queen of Denmark is Dead ‘tis whispered that she was poisoned but without much appearance of Truth.
The inclosed is written by the Gentlemen and Ladies that did us the honor of their Company to day at Dinner. I have stolen a few minutes from them to write the above, so hope you will excuse the hurry with which it is written. I am with unfeigned affection Your dutifull Kinsman
J Williams Junr

Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Jona Williams 75


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall, 23 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marshall, Humphry

Dear Sir:
Philadelphia, May 23d. 1775.
I received your favour of the 13th inst. I think, with you, that the non-importation and non-exportation, well adhered to, will end the controversy in our favour. But, as Britain has begun to use force, it seems absolutely necessary that we should be prepared to repel force by force, which I think, united, we are well able to do.
It is a true old saying, that make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you: to which I may add another, God helps them that help themselves. With much esteem, I am, sir, Your most obedient humble servant.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 26 May 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister
Philada. May 26. 1775.
I have just now heard by Mr. Adams, that you are come out of Boston, and are at Warwick in Rhodeisland Government: I suppose it must be at good Mr. and Mrs. Green’s, to whom present my affectionate Respects. I write this Line just to let you know I am return’d well from England; that I found my Family well; but have not found the Repose I wish’d for, being the next Morning after my Arrival delegated to the Congress by our Assembly. I wish to hear from you, and to know how you have left your Affairs [in] Boston; and whether it will be inconvenient for you to come hither, or you wish rather that I should come to see you, if the Business I am engag’d in will permit. Let me know if you want any Assistance; and what is become of Cousin Williams and Family, and other Friends. Jonathan was at Paris when I left England, but to return in a Week or two. I am ever, my dear Sister Your very loving Brother
B Franklin
Send me what News you can that is true.
Sally presents her Duty to you and Love to Mr & Mrs Green.

Notation: This Letter has been three Weeks in Newport office Forwarded to Mrs. Macom by her Hble Servt A. Maxwell Wedny 10 O’Clk ante M.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oliver, 31 May 1775
From: Oliver, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London 31st May 1775
Some time since Mr. Wm Lee forwarded my letter to you advising the payment of £100 from the Constitutional Society into the hands of your Bankers Messrs. Brown Collinson & Co. towards relieving the distress’d Inhabitants of Boston.
On the 23d Inst. they voted £100 more for their relief which is also paid into the hands of the same Gentlemen on your Account and both sums wait your demand and application.
Recent accounts from America give information of an unprovoked attack by a detachment from the regular troops at Boston against the Provincials which as far as we yet know reflects as little honour on the Brittish Military as our Politicks do on the Brittish Legislature.
I entertain the best hopes that America directed by wisdom similar to your own will act with sufficient firmness to maintain the rights of free ’tho loyal subjects.
All reasonable men with whom I converse still continue fixed in opinion against the right of taxing America not represented in Parliament. I am with much respect and great Esteem Dear Sir Your very Obedient Humble Servant
Richd Oliver

Addressed: To / Dr Benjamn Franklyn / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Aldn Oliver


Title: Proposed Resolutions of Thanks, [May 1775, June 1775, or early July 1775]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The first Continental Congress had sent to London, along with its petition to the King and address to the British people, a resolution of thanks to all those in Britain who had attempted to defend the American cause. The second Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition and another address, but no resolution of thanks to any of its British friends except the City of London. At some point Franklin decided that such thanks were in order, and drafted the three resolves that follow. If he ever introduced them, no record seems to have survived; and there is neither internal nor external evidence of when he wrote them. In our opinion the most plausible bracket of time is between May, when his English friends and what they had tried to do were still fresh in memory, and July 8, when the Olive Branch Petition and address were adopted; and our practice is to assign a document to its earliest likely date.

[May, June, or early July, 1775]
Resolved
That the Thanks of this Congress, of all America, and in our Opinion, of Britain likewise, are due to the Right Honourable the Earl of Chatham, for his benevolent Endeavours to accommodate the present unhappy Differences, and particularly for the wise and excellent Plan he offer’d in the House of Lords for that purpose, which was rejected by their Lordships without Consideration, and which if it had been received and attended to, might have been the Basis of a Reconciliation and lasting Agreement.
Resolved,
That the Thanks of the Congress be presented likewise to Edmund Burke Esqr. and to David Hartley, Esq. for their generous Endeavours in the same common Service to the whole British Empire.
Resolved,
That the Thanks of this Congress be also presented to the Right Reverend the Bishop of St. Asaph, for his most excellent Sermon and Speech on American Affairs. And to all the noble Lords and Commoners in both Houses of Parliament who have been pleased to espouse the Cause of our much injured and oppressed Country.

Endorsed: Resolutions of Thanks


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Seidel, May 1775
From: Seidel, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honourd Sir
May 1775.
Your safe return from England into this Province, at so very critical a Time, has given me and my Brethren much Joy, we viewd and honor’d the Hand of God in it, hoping that your deep Knowledge and long Experience in the House of Assembly will once more be well apply’d for the good of this Country. I can therefore assure you that we thankd God for your safe Arrival and I most heartily wellcome you with this in Pensilvania.
Yet Dear Sir I have still another Reason to trouble you with these Lines and I hope you’ll excuse my Freedom. Time and Circumstances have with a deep Regard for your Person implanted into us also a particular Confidence, which makes me address you in our present Situation.
I need not inform you of the present Ferment thru’ the whole Province, which has brought us into a perplexed and distressed State here in this County and other Places. Our good Neighbours with whom we lived in the most cordial neighbourly Union and Love, seem to be quite out of Humour with the Br[ethre]n and others who can not join them in taking up Arms and do as they do.
Some good inoffensive Persons have been already ill treated on account of their religious Principles and some others are treadned with taring and feathering, ruining their Farms and burning their Houses and Barns. We know to excuse this vehement Heat, but are sore afraid of the bad consequences and the evil Effect such Excesses may have upon the Country in general.
I would therefore in the Name of the Brethren and others who conscientiously scruple to bear Arms in this and the other Provinces beg the Favour of you to be their Advocat in the present Congress and to use your undoubted influence with the Honorable Members: to give no occasion in their Resolves to the several Committees or others to attack their Neighbours and Fellow Subjects in the most tender and dearest Parts, their religious Liberties and Conscience, but that they rather recomend it to the good People of these Provinces, to keep the Peace and to let ev’ry religious Society enjoy their Priviledges fully and undisturbed, as long as they do not act against this Country.
I think none can or will withdraw themselves from the common Burden and Expence of the Province wherein they live.
We know to value the good old English Liberty, which we have enjoyd thro’ Gods Mercy so many years in this Country, we should think ourselves extream unhappy if the Strugle for Liberty should cost us our Liberty of Conscience for which we are come into America and which our Br[ethre]n now enjoy under Russia, Prussia and other Governments.
That the God of Peace may direct the Councils of the Americans and the Councils in England so, that both may meet one another in the Way of Peace is surely the Prayer of thousands. It is the constant Prayer of Honorable Sir your Humble Servant
N.S.
To Benj. Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Nathaniel Seidel, 2 June 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Seidel, Nathaniel

Reverend and dear Sir, Nathanael Seidel.
Philada June 2. 1775
I am much oblig’d by your kind Congratulations on my Return; and I rejoice to hear that the Brethren are well and prosper. I am persuaded that the Congress will give no Encouragement to any to molest your People on Account of their Religious Principles; and tho’ much is not in my Power, I shall on every Occasion exert my self to discountenance and prevent such infamous Practices. Permit me however to give a little Hint in point of Prudence. I remember that you put yourselves into a good Posture of Defence at the Beginning of the last War when I was at Bethlehem; and I then understood from my much respected Friend Bp. Spangenberg, that there were among the Brethren many who did not hold it unlawful to arm in a defensive War. If there still [are] any such among your young Men, perhaps it would not be amiss to permit them to learn the military Discipline among their Neighbours, as this might conciliate those who at present express some Resentment, and having Arms in Readiness for all who may be able and willing to use them, will be a general Means of Protection against Enemies of all kinds. But a Declaration of your Society, that tho’ they cannot in conscience compell their young Men to learn the Use of Arms, yet they do not restrain such as are so disposed, will operate in the Minds of People very greatly in your Favour. Excuse my Presumption in offering Advice, which indeed may be of little Value, but proceeds from a Heart fill’d with Affection and Respect for a Society I have long highly esteem’d, and among whom I have many valuable Friends. I am with great Regard and Veneration, Revd. Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Written in great Haste.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 7 June 1775: extract
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

William Strahan was one of the few British political correspondents whom Franklin retained after leaving England. The Scot had bought himself a seat in Parliament in 1774, and consistently supported the government’s American policy. The outbreak of war, much as he regretted it, did not shake his faith in the British position; and in his letters he tried the impossible task of converting his old friend to his views. The effect was to strain the friendship, which Franklin was at one point ready, until he had second thoughts, to break off, but which in the end proved stronger than their political disagreement; for years to come they kept in touch by letter.

London, June 7. 1775.
We begin to expect to hear of the Proceedings of the Congress soon. I hope it is composed not of headstrong violent and unreasonable Men, but of plain, honest, cool, dispassionate, and impartial Representatives of the People; more ready to heal than to spread Misunderstandings, and perfectly disposed to promote a Reconciliation with the Mother Country by every Means in their Power, consistent with the Happiness and Liberty of their Constituents. If this should luckily happen to be the Case, I expect to see You quickly return to us with the Olive Branch in Your Hand, invested with full Powers to terminate all Differences upon reasonable and solid Terms. Believe me, I think so well of this Office that I hope it is actually reserved for You, and that the successful Conclusion of so important a Treaty will crown the Operations of a Life spent in the Investigation of every useful Branch of Knowledge, and in the Service of his Country in particular. This is truly worthy of your highest Ambition, and I still hope to see it gratified in this Respect, however Appearances seem at present to be against it.
Will. Strahan.
Extract. To Dr. Franklin.

Notation: London. June 7, 1775. Extract of a Letter from William Strahan Esqr. to Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1775
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured Sir
London June 7. 1775
Agreeable to a Message from Lord Shelburn, I waited on the Prince de Masserano spanish ambassador, for a Book which his Lordship informed me was for You. After my Name was sent up, his Secretary came and asked if I spoke French, and answering in the affirmative I was immediately admitted into the Princes Chamber, where he was dressing. He then told me that the Infanta of Spain, desires his best regards to you, and requests you will accept a Volume of his Works, as a token of his affectionate Esteem. The Prince at the same Time expressed his concern at not having the honor of presenting it to you in Person, and likewise desires his Compliments. I am Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams Junr

I should have mentioned, that His Royal Highness has got the Armonica in thorough Repair, and is exceedingly pleased with it. I send the Book and some Newspapers by Capt. Miller.
Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 10 June 1775
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Craven Street June 10. 1775
My mother promis’d Lord Drummond to send a letter to you by him, she deputed Mr. Williams to write it for her, but as he has already written by this Vessel he desir’d me to do it. I pleaded being very sleepy and stupid, they said writing would rouse and enliven me, I do not find they said true, however, I will write on.
I have the pleasure to tell you that my dear little folks are all well, they have all had the measles. My mother was urging me to day to wean my little girl, I cannot tell why, for I never was in better health; I pleaded for her by saying that as she is to be your grand daughter you would be very angry if I did not let her suck a year, my mother then was silent, for absent as well as present your opinion is her Law.
The next Letter I write to you I hope to be able to tell you I have settled with Mr. Mure, for we are now ready to make our aplication to him. Mr. Alexander has very obligingly offer’d me his Assistance as a negociator.
I ask’d my mother if she had any thing to say. Only her Love, and that her patience is almost exhausted, it will not hold out above ten days longer if she does not hear from you.
Dolly is with her sister at Bromley who has been extremely ill but is now better. I do not attempt to give you any but domestic news, all the political you have from abler hands. I am as much as ever an American at heart and Dear Sir Your faithful and affectionate
Mary Hewson

Remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Bache my Son and his Brother.
[In Mrs. Stevenson’s hand: My Love to Dear Temple I Long to hear.]
I hope he will forgive my neglect, I often think of him tho’ I confess I at this time forgot he was with you.

Addressed: Dr Franklin
Endorsed: Polly Hewson


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 13 June 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

My dear Billy,
Philada. June 13. 1775
I wonder’d it was so long before I heard from you. The Packet it seems was brought down to Philadelphia, and carry’d back to Burlington before it came hither. I am glad to learn by your Letters that you are happy in your new Situation, and that tho’ you ride out sometimes, you do not neglect your Studies. You are now in that time of Life which is the properest to store your Mind with such Knowledge as is hereafter to be ornamental and useful to you. I confide that you have too much Sense to let the Season slip. The Antients painted Opportunity as an old Man with Wings to his Feet and Shoulders, a great Lock of Hair on the fore part of his Head, but bald behind; whence comes our old Saying, Take Time by the Forelock; as much as to say, when it is past, there is no means of pulling it back again; as there is no Lock behind to take hold of for that purpose.
I am sorry your Things have suffer’d so much Damage in their Way to you; and I fear if I send the Glass you write for, it may likewise be hurt in the Carriage, as I have no Convenience at present of packing it safely, and the Boatmen and Waggoners are very careless People. If you want to use a Glass, your Father has a better, which he will lend you. But a Perspective Glass is not so good as the Eye for Prospects, because it takes in too small a Field. It is only useful to discern better some particular Objects. So, as I expect you here after the Vacation, to go to the College, I think it best to keep the Glass for you till you come, when you will find it in your Desk and Book Case with your little Beginning of a Library; and I hope about the same time your Books and Things from London will be arrived.
I have received a long Letter from Mrs. Stevenson. It is a kind of Journal for a Month after our Departure, written on different Days, and of different Dates, acquainting me who has call’d, and what is done, with all the small News. In four or five Places, she sends her Love to her dear Boy, hopes he was not very sick at Sea, &c. &c. Mrs. Hewson and the Children were well. She was afraid, she says, to see some of your Friends, not knowing how to excuse your not taking leave of them.
Your Shirts will go by to-morrow’s Stage. They are in a little Trunk, and I hope will get safe to hand.
Mr. and Mrs. Bache send their Love to you. The young Gentlemen are well and pleas’d with your remembering them. Will has got a little Gun, marches with it, and whistles at the same time by way of Fife. I am ever, Your affectionate Grandfather
B Franklin

Addressed: Mr W. T. Franklin / at Govr Franklin’s / Amboy
Endorsed: Answered July 13th. 1775
Notation: B. Franklin Esqr to his grandson June 13th. 1775


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Catharine Greene], 17 June 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Greene, Catharine

My Dear Friend
Philada June 17th 1775.
I received your kind congratulations with infinite pleasure, as I learn by them that you and yours are well. I long much to see once more my native Country, and my friends there, and none more than my dear Caty and her family. Mr. Green I hope will allow an old man of 70 to say he loves his wife, it is an innocent affection. I have great Obligations to him and you, for your hospitality to my sister. It is much too long a journey for her who is no good Horsewoman, and perhaps for you, though you used to ride admirably; Otherwise I should be pleased with the flattering idea you throw out to me, of mounting your nags to make me a visit. If I possibly can find time, I purpose to be in New England this summer, and you may be assured the honest old soul as you call him, will not pass your Door, without indulging himself with the pleasure of calling to see his friends. My love to Mr. Green and the Children, and believe me ever, my dear dear Friend Yours most affectionately.
B Franklin.

Notation: Franklins letters  William Greene Esq


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 17 June 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

My dear Sister,
Philada. June 17. 1775.
I wrote to you some time since, having heard from one of the Delegates that you were at Warwick, and I supposed it must be with that good Family, so I directed my Letter to you there; I hope you receiv’d it. I have since received your kind Letter of May 14. with one from dear Mrs. Green. I sympathise most sincerely with you and the People of my native Town and Country. Your Account of the Distresses attending their Removal affects me greatly. I desired you to let me know if you wanted any thing, but have not since heard from you. I think so many People must be a great Burthen to that hospitable House; and I wish you to be other wise provided for as soon as possible, and I wish for the Pleasure of your Company, but I know not how long we may be allowed to continue in Quiet here if I stay here, nor how soon I may be ordered from hence; nor how convenient or inconvenient it may be for you to come hither, leaving your Goods as I suppose you have in Boston. My Son tells me he has invited you to Amboy. Perhaps that may be a Retreat less liable to Disturbance than this: God only knows, but you must judge. Let me know however if I can render you any Service; and in what way. You know it will give me Pleasure. I hear the Cousin Williams is at last got out with his Family: I shall be glad to hear from them, and would write if I knew where they were. I receiv’d the other Day here, a Letter I wrote to you from London the 20th of February. It has been to New England, and I suppose your being not found there, occasion’d its being forwarded to me. I am, Thanks to God, very hearty and well, as is this whole Family. The youngest Boy is the strongest and stoutest Child of his Age that I have seen: He seems an Infant Hercules. I brought over a Grandson with me, a fine Lad of about 15. His Father has taken him to Amboy. You will be pleas’d with him when you see him. Jonathan Williams was in France when I left London. Since I have been here I receiv’d a Letter he sent me there: I enclose it for your Amusement; and to show to his Father and Mother, as it may be some Satisfaction to them, if they have not lately heard from him. I am ever, my dear Sister Your affectionate Brother
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Jane Mecom / at / Mr Green’s / Warwick / Rhodeisland


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 19 June 1775
From: Williams, Jonathan Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured sir
Worcester June 19the. 1775
Hearing that you was arrv’d in America and I being much Concrned for our belov’d Son, this is to desire you to Give us Some account of his Situation and Curcomstances. Poor fellow I feare he is now undon as a Merchant. We relying on the faith of General Gage packed up all his Goods in Order to remove them out of Boston, but was forbid by him out of whose Mouth proceds blessing and cursing. They there remain with all my Estate Which was indeed Sofficient for me and all my famley though a few days before I left that once happy Town which is now become a den of theaves and robers, to Compleat ruin my Stores With all my papers and Some of my Books Were Consumed by fire. I was Oblig’d to Leave all except a few trunk of Clouths and house linnen my Sons Goods nine houses one of Which I valued at £15.000 Sterling and all its valueable furnurture, but blessed be God I have now Colected my Scater’d famley Who are all hear in this Town, in Comfortable Curcomstances at present, and rather then they Should want I will go to day Labour, though Old I have good helth (56 this day). My Greatest Concrn is to pay my debts though I have got my plate but that must if we tarrey Long in this State go to the Support of my famley. My debts that are due to me dose not follow me and was I to follow them I doobt whither I Should catch them, nor Could I as the Old Saying is make one hand Wash the other tho’ the former is five times more then the Latter. However I doobt not we Shall git through the Wilderness and on those Accounts prehaps Sooner Arive too the promis’d Land.
Our Aunt Meccom Accept’d an Invitation from Mr: Green and is well there a few days ago and happy for every one is so that thinks themselves so. My wife and Children Joines in dutyfull respects With Your Nephew and Humble Servant
J Williams

Please to direct to Worcester Which Lays in the post Rhode. Your being in the Congress will give you a better knoledge of our public State than I Can Write.

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqr / In / Philadelphia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 24 June 1775
From: Vaughan, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Montego Bay Jamaica 24 June 1775
I most sincerely congratulate you and your country, upon your safe arrival in America. After many years watchful attention to its interest and when you could render it no further service at home, You are at length arrived to the only Asylum and at the most critical juncture to take your place and to display your distinguished abilities among a sett of Worthies (whose fame will be immortal) strugling for the preservation of the small remains of British Liberty, now banished from its once happy Isle, to America, the last place of its resort. God grant you success, equal to the justice and importance of your Cause, and that it may flourish there until the end of time.
I should have fulfilled my intention of making the tour of North America with my Son, had not the sword been drawn; had I went, I could not (with my quick sensibility) have refrained taking an active part, tho’ without power to render adequate service, being unknown there, without acquaintance or natural interest to give me influence, and the certain consequence would have been, sequestration of all my property in this Island. I therefore thought it more prudent to continue here until the spring, in hopes by that time to have a more favourable prospect, for laying a plan for throwing my small mite with advantage into the public weal.
I have not had the favour of an answer from Messrs. Welleng’s, or from Mr. Yates, whose character and conduct I truly revere; their Virtue will be transmitted with its native lustre to Posterity. Should the times permit a few moments thought from more public concerns, may I hope you will bear in mind and procure if in Your power, proper settlements for my Sons John and Charles, for whom I will pledge my self, that they will not disgrace even your recommandation. My Son is at present in Hanover, or he would not have failed to have done himself the pleasure of writing You by this conveyance, as I am sure he is equally with my self, Dear Sir Your affectionate and most obedient humble Servant
Saml Vaughan
Doctor Benjn Franklin

Addressed: To / Doct[or] Benjn. Franklin / Philadel[phia]
Endorsed: S. Vaughan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Browns & Collinson, 27 June 1775
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Browns & Collinson

Gentlemen,
London, June 27. 75.
Pay the Ballance of my Account to John Sargent Esqr. whose Receipt shall be your Discharge. I am, Gentlemen Your old Friend and humble Servant
BF.
Messrs Browns & Collinson


Title: Editorial Note on the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 30 June 1775
From:
To:

On June 30, 1775, in response to a recommendation from the Philadelphia committee of inspection and observation, the Pennsylvania Assembly created a committee of safety. Twenty-five members were named, Franklin among them. The committee’s function was military: to call into service as many associators as it thought necessary, to pay them, and to supply their necessities; to encourage the manufacture of saltpetre; and, a broad rubric, to provide for defending the province against insurrection and invasion. For these purposes the committee was to draw upon the provincial treasury. At the first committee meeting, on July 3, Franklin was unanimously chosen president. For the next seven weeks he attended assiduously; out of forty-six meetings he missed only three. From late August until he left for Cambridge in early October he was present roughly half the time. The new assembly reappointed him on October 19, when some members were dropped and others added, and the next day the committee re-elected him president. But after he returned in November he attended only on rare occasions.
The various activities of the committee, as recorded in its minutes and in the fragments of its correspondence that survive, were as broad as its authorization implied. It sought out gunpowder, saltpetre, lead, and other military supplies; it organized a naval force and arranged, probably at Franklin’s instigation, for the placement of chevaux-de-frise to block the Delaware; it established regulations for the militia and recommended defensive measures to the Assembly; it interrogated suspects and disposed of prisoners of war; it negotiated with local committees and Congress about commissions in the armed forces of the province. When at the end of 1775 Congress authorized four new battalions for continental service, the selection of their officers at the committee’s meetings in early January brought out virtually all the members who had never before attended. Franklin was present on three of these occasions, and again on January 10. Thereafter he was absent, and in late February he resigned.

During his term of service the committee carried on an extensive correspondence, much of which is included in its minutes. These letters and orders may be considered to fall within our original rubric, but are so numerous that to take notice of each would clutter the volume with routine business in which Franklin could have played at most an extremely minor part. We have therefore confined ourselves to those documents that were addressed to or signed by him, and have summarized such of them as relate to relatively trivial matters. The result is a sample, wide-ranging if arbitrary, of the committee’s work.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 30 June 1775
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
La Haie 30e Juin 1775
En réponse à la Lettre toute obligeante dont vous m’avez favorisé en date du 24 Fevrier 1774, puisque j’ai eu le bonheur de rencontrer votre goût dans le choix des nouvautés que vous avez bien voulu recevoir de moi, cela m’enhardit à continuer de vous payer le tribut de mes petits travaux. Je sens combien il est chétif; mais le desir extrême et constant que j’ai de faire exister les seuls témoignages en mon pouvoir de ma grande estime pour votre personne et pour tous les braves Américains, suppléera, j’espere, à ce qui lui manque de mérite intrinseque.
On a fini d’imprimer l’hiver passé une nouvelle édition du Droit des gens de Vattel. Je n’ai pu refuser aux sollicitations de certaines gens d’en être l’Editeur. Ce qu’il y a de curieux, c’est qu’à la réserve de mes idées touchant les peines, que ces gens connoissent et approuvent, toutes les autres theses que je soutiens, tant dans mes notes que dans une Lettre que j’ai mise à la tête de l’édition, sont justement l’opposé de ce qu’on vouloit de moi; et mon histoire à cet égard ressemble fort au conte de Balaam: on s’attendoit que je maudirois des tyrans beaucoup moins odieux que ceux que l’on bénit; et j’ai fait le rebours: je doute qu’on me le pardonne; et je m’en console.
Voici donc, Monsieur, trois exemplaires de ce Vattel: un pour votre Bibliotheque, un autre pour celle de Philadelphie, et un troisieme pour telle autre Bibliotheque et Province que vous voudrez. Vous trouverez sur un feuillet blanc, à la tête de chacun, mon idée sur le Gouvernement et la Royauté. Je la crois neuve et pourtant la plus simple de toutes, et la seule juste et saine. Impraticable, et par conséquent inutile et dangereuse à discuter en Europe, j’ai cru que, semée en Amérique, elle y pourra prendre racine, germer et fructifier un jour.
J’ajoute au paquet une couple d’exemplaires d’une traduction hâtée que j’ai faite de l’Extrait des Actes de votre Congrès général dans le temps où ces pieces parurent chez nous dans leur primeur en Anglois. Il me seroit difficile de vous dire, Monsieur, combien les Pieces qu’il contient ont été goûtées et admirées généralement, et l’horreur avec laquelle on voit Saturne dévorer ses enfans.
Vous trouverez encore, Monsieur, un petit Livre dans ce paquet, les Droits de Dieu de la Nature et des gens tirés de la Défense de la nation Britannique etc. par Abbadie, avec le Discours du Jurisconsulte Noodt sur les Droits des Souverains. On a réimprimé cela chez nous; on m’a fait présent d’un Exemplaire, et j’ai cru ne pouvoir mieux en disposer, que pour la Bibliotheque de Philadelphie, où je le crois à sa place, sur-tout dans les circonstances présentes.
J’eusse voulu vous envoyer deux autres Pieces: mais elles ne sont pas encore finies d’imprimer. L’une vous intéresse, Monsieur, particulierement: on continue à Leide les recherches que vous avez commencées sur le phénomene de l’huile répandue dans l’eau; et il a paru là-dessus une brochure in 8vo en Hollandois, dont la Compagnie des Indes et l’Amirauté ont ordonné que tous les Capitaines de Vaisseaux emporteroient un Exemplaire en partant pour leurs voyages, et feroient des expériences avec l’huile. On m’a prié de mettre cela en François: ce que j’ai fait, en y ajoutant quelques notes critiques de mon cru.
L’autre Piece est un court Exposé de ce qui s’est passé entre la Cour Br. et les Colonies depuis la paix de 1763 jusqu’à présent. Cela n’est pas de moi: je ne suis pas assez instruit pour un pareil ouvrage; mais le Manuscrit m’a passé par les mains; et j’en ai conseillé la publication, en attendant que, tous ces troubles finis, quelque Tacite moderne Américain nous donne tout cela en détail. Alors ce sera l’un des morceaux de l’Histoire du monde les plus importants, les plus saillants, les plus féconds à peindre avec des traits de maître. Le beau champ pour un grand génie! Les vices aux prises avec les vertus! Le crépuscule d’une révolution totale dans le monde! Sept ou huit Etats nouveaux appellés par la Providence à nous retracer les beaux âges de l’ancienne Grece! Monumens éternels d’Admiration et de reconnoissance à ériger aux généreux défenseurs de la liberté et de la patrie, que le fer parricide a consumés, auxquels convient si bien cette belle Epitaphe des Spartiates tués aux Thermopyles: Passant, va annoncer à Lacédémone que nous sommes morts ici pour obéir à ses Loix!
Le départ du Vaisseau ne me permettant pas de mettre ces deux brochures dans le paquet, je les garderai pour une autre fois, dans l’espoir que vous voudrez bien me permettre, Monsieur, de cultiver toujours l’honneur de votre correspondance.
L’Impôt exorbitant mis en France il y a 4 ou 5 ans sur l’entrée des Livres étrangers, en rebutant les Libraires forains d’imprimer pour ce Royaume, m’avoit fait mettre de côté ma Traduction d’Anderson. L’Impôt vient d’être aboli. J’ai repris cette traduction; mais d’autres occupations ne me permettent d’avancer que lentement. Je n’aurai garde d’oublier en son temps, si Dieu m’accorde vie et santé, que vous m’avez permis, Monsieur, de la dédier à votre Province; et je ferai bien plus de cas de cet honneur, que de celui de la mettre sous les auspices (comme s’exprime l’infame et basse flatterie) de quelque Monarque que ce soit.
Soyez persuadé, Monsieur, du respect sincere et profond, qu’a pour vous et pour tous vos vertueux concitoyens Américains, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
C G F Dumas

Dieu répande sa bénédiction sur tous les justes moyens de défense que vos braves Colonies opposent à l’oppression, et les couronne de succès, et d’une paix avantageuse et solide!
Je fais bien des voeux en particulier, pour votre santé et conservation, Monsieur, et pour la prospérité de votre chere famille.
Quoique je date de La Haie, j’écris à une Campagne de la Province. J’avois commencé une autre Lettre à Lahaie, que j’oubliai d’emporter pour la finir. On vient de m’envoyer le paquet où je l’avois laissée. Souffrez Monsieur que j’en transcrive ici le contenu.
J’ai pris la liberté, Monsieur, il y a quelques semaines, de vous recommander deux François avec leurs Epouses, qui n’étoient pas en sûreté ici où ils s’étoient réfugiés, étant menacés d’être réclamés par l’Ambassadeur de France, et par conséquent livrés en vertu d’un Concordat qui subsiste entre cette Monarchie et la République. Vous verrez, Monsieur, par ma Lettre qu’ils vous présenteront de ma part, que je les ai prévenus de ne pas s’attendre à être à charge en aucune manière à qui que ce soit, mais seulement à la bonté que vous voudrez bien avoir de les diriger par vos sages avis dans les mesures quils prendront pour se former un établissement, afin quils ne risquent pas d’être dupés dans l’acquisition que leurs petits fonds leur permettront de faire. Je sens, Monsieur, que cela ne laissera pas de vous causer quelque embarras; mais votre humanité me le pardonnera.

Je vous suis très obligé, Monsieur, du présent que vous m’avez fait de vos excellents Ouvrages, surtout dans leur langage original, toujours préférable à une traduction; comme aussi des pieces exquises de politique sorties de votre plume, que j’ai lues avec une admiration égale à l’interêt que je prends non seulement à ce qui touche votre personne mais aussi les dignes Colonies dont vous êtes l’honneur et l’ornement. Les Gazettes Américaines aussi, dont vous avez eu la bonté de me ré[galer] m’ont fait passer des heures bien agréables.
Voilà donc la guerre civile déclarée. Je m’y attendois. Je craignois même qu’une trop longue patience et débonnaireté ne fût funeste, en donnant le temps aux ennemis de la liberté de se fortifier, et de semer la division parmi les Colonies alliées. Avec tout cela je fus frappé et ému à la Lecture de l’Action du 19 Avril dans nos Gazettes. Tout nécessaire qu’est devenu le mal, il ne m’en parut pas moins terrible. Puisse-t-il n’être funeste qu’aux têtes atroces et aux coeurs corrompus qui ont réduit tant de braves gens à l’affreuse extrémité de tuer leurs freres ou d’en être tués. En attendant, les yeux de toute l’Europe sont tournés sur votre Continent; et à la réserve de quelques sordides rentiers interessés dans les fonds publics des tyrans de l’Amérique, tous les voeux de l’ancien monde sont en faveur des braves habitans du nouveau.

Endorsed: M Dumas