Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Morgan, 10 October 1765
From: Morgan, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Octr: 10. 1765
I am under so many Obligations to You that I fear I shall never have it in my power to make you any due acknowledgement. If a Mind filled with esteem and regard for You could be a proper Apology for the want of a better return, I should have no difficulty to make one. Very many Instances of your readiness to oblige those of whom you have ever been pleased to entertain a good opinion, and the actual favours you have conferred upon them offer themselves to my Memory with the strongest evidence of your friendly disposition; Be assured Sir, that the many kindnesses you have shewn not only to myself but to my relations and friends have operated powerfully with me to create a lively remembrance of your Goodness which I shall carefully cherish.
The Design of this Letter is to thank You for having been pleased to advance the usual fees for me upon being admitted a fellow of the royal Society.
I am sorry I should have occasion to excuse myself for having put any friend of mine to the trouble. I confess it has an unfavourable appearance, and that I may not labour under the suspicion of a criminal Neglect I beg leave to inform You what I did in this affair before I left England.
In a Discourse with Mr. Bevan whom I commissioned to pay the fees if I should be admitted, he was sure I would not be charged for it on Account of my Non-Residence. Unwilling however to leave it to chance I engaged him to pay the fees when called upon for that purpose. He promised to speak to, and desire, Mr. Collinson to call upon him about it, which I also did myself. I suppose Mr. Collinson afterwards forgot it, and Mr. DeCosta observing Dr. Fothergills Name amongst the first in the recommendatory certificate called upon him, which no doubt surprized him, as he was not previously informed thereof. I am therefore much obliged to You for the friendly Office you have done me in advancing this sum for me, which you are so good as to acquaint me that Mr. Powel has repaid. I thank You also for your kind Congratulations on my being elected Professor of Medicine in the College. I shall by this Vessel send You a printed Copy of my Discourse which I shewed You in MS.
Before I quit this, give me leave to inform You that on the 5th Ult. I was marry’d to Miss Molly Hopkinson who is well and joins me in sincere Compliments to You. Please to present my best respects to Dr. Watson to whom I would now write but for want of liesure. I remain with great respect Sir Your much obliged Friend and most obedient humble Servant
John Morgan
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To / Doctr. Benjamin Franklin LLD. / at Mrs Stevensons / In Craven-street / Westminster / per favr of / Capt. Friend


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 10 October 1765
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Woodbridge, October 10. 1765
About a Fortnight ago, I wrote you by the Packet in Answer to yours of July 14: Since which this Packet arrived, by whom I had not the Pleasure of one Word: I therein told you, I had gone down to Mr. Foxcroft to Philadelphia, by his Order, to consult about the Table of Rates for the Post-Office, which he expected to receive a Copy of from you, but not having it, we set about one, of which I have printed a Number as per the One inclosed: But it happened to be so large, that no Press in these Parts of the World would take it, so I was obliged to do a small Piece of it by itself and paste upon the Sheet, as you will see: I think it has been as hard a Job as ever I encounter’d in the Printing Business and as I was also press’d in Point of Time, the Difficulty was the greater. I would have lessen’d it, by leaving out such Places as no Offices were established at, but Mr. Foxcroft had set off for the Eastern Shore of Maryland to establish some Offices there, so I was obliged to proceed: I endeavoured to be as correct in it as possible, seeing the Postage is now ascertained by Miles and not by Places, and those Miles only in general computed and not measured tho’ the new Act of Parliament orders them to be measured: If this should be put in Execution, I have the Perambulator or Wheel that was Capt. Jenkins’s and I would measure them as reasonably as any Body would.
By a Vessel from New York to Liverpool, I sent a Letter to you, with the last State of Accounts between you and Mr. Hall, which I hope will have come to your Hands: Being called to different Businesses on account of the present Situation of Affairs, I have neither had Time to proceed with the Accounts not finish Samuel Smith’s History: But I think assoon as I have supplied the several Offices with these Tables, about half of which I have yet to rule and send, I shall proceed with the History, and then not having even the Prospect of much other Business, I shall stick by Mr. Hall, till all be done, as far as is possible for me to do.

If you have received the two above mentioned Letters, you will then have all that is needful from me: I therein tell you, I purpose to go to New-York in the Spring, pursuant to your Directions, even whether I should execute that Office of Land-Waiter or not, upon the Presumption you continue me in the present Station of the Post-Office. Mr. Holts Lease of my Tools, expires the first of May: so does the House I have there from the present Tenant, when I can get Possession again of both: I flatter myself I shall be permitted to stay till then; but if it should be thought absolutely necessary I should go sooner; I will go, and take a Room there this Winter, tho’ I cannot carry a Family so well along: The present Possessor of that Office, being greatly displeased with me, would not act but by a new Deputation from the Surveyor General, and I shall not endeavour to molest him till I cannot help it, that is till I go there in full. As you have doubtless Letters from all your Friends about all other Matters and Concerns of your own, any Accounts, I could give must of Course be not so perfect as theirs.
I don’t know whether Mr. Foxcroft be returned yet from Maryland if he is not, you will know by his not writing this Packet: for he will undoubtedly write to you, if he is returned.
As to publick Affairs, I ought not much to intermeddle. The Papers and Politicians give you those Accounts perhaps better than I can pretend: A black Cloud seems to hang over us; but whether it will blow past, or the Thunder break in upon us all, is what he alone, who guides it, can tell: But poor America is like to bleed, if the Storm blows not over: Nay, it appears to me, that there will be an End to all Government here, if it does not: for the People are all running Mad; and say it is as good to dye by the Sword as by the Famine; and unless some Stop be put at home, dreadful Work is like to ensue. May Heaven avert all those Appearance, and make me for this Time a false Prophet!
We all desire respectfully to be remembered to you, whilst I remain Your most obliged Servant
James Parker

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / London
Endorsed: Parker


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas Waln, 11 October 1765
From: Waln, Nicholas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Friend
Philadelphia October 11th 1765
You may remember that when I waited on you last at your Lodgings you were kind enough to make Offers of your Service, otherwise I can not presume on any Merits of my own with you to sollicit your kind Offices in Case an Oppertunity should offer. From your and Mr. Jackson’s Letters I have no Doubt that you will be able to bring about a Change of Government, which with our Priviledges secured will constitute an Event, worthy the persons employed in its Negotiation. Should it be effected in all Probability there will be Offices of Proffit in the Disposition of the Crown, to any one of which I should be obliged to you for your Recommendation to, provided you think it would be proper for my Execution. I am now engaged in the Practice of the Law, my own Fortune is but small, but I can obtain [any] Security that shall be desired.
[Torn] great Success your [several lines missing] Party in Case they should procure a Majority in the House, was immediately to recall you, to revoke the Petition for a Change and to give the back Counties more Members, by which Means say they we shall always have a Majority. However thank God their Design is defeated. A few Hours ago I saw Mr. Galloway who told me he has wrote you 8 or 9 pages, in which I dare say he has very fully informed you of our Transactions. I will not detain you therefore any longer but wish you long Life and Success in your Agency. I am very sensible the Number of your Correspondents here, is already so great as to be somewhat Troublesome to you, for which Reason I would not by any Means obtrude myself upon you. I hope you will pardon the Liberty I have taken and be assured that I am with the greatest Respect Your assured Friend
Nicholas Waln

My Uncle Jacob Shoem[aker] desires me to present [torn] to you.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hugh Roberts, 12 October 1765
From: Roberts, Hugh
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend B F
Philada: 12 October 1765
I have thy favour of the 7 July and as every Sentence that I see from under thy hand gives me pleasure, the receiving your short Epistle increased the Joy, and I should have been pleased to have seen one pun in your Letter, not that I wish to be further instruct’d therein by my Original Tutor but for the reason thou mentioned that I might have been convinced thou dost not suffer thy former Vivacity of Spirits to droop rather too low—which I hope will revive a little by the Account of our late proceeding in Election—and notwithstanding our old Adversaries have made tryal of every new invented Fraud and falshood their inveterate hearts could suggest (and I must acknowledge my mistake in supposing “they had not Life remaining sufficient to convey Fire” ’tis evident they alternately Smoke and Stink then revive and flash like a dying Taper) yet they have not been able to carry one pointfor the Chester County Members remain the same
Bucks——are all our Friends
  Lancaster has turn’d out that sycophant I Saunders
  and placed a better Man in his room
and in our County we have also gained every Man and exceeded our Enemies about 500 Votes on an Average. James Pemberton was put up for a Burgess against their City Champion G Bryan and on examining the Votes they appeard Equal; the Inspectors did not undertake to reexamine but agreed to Seal up the Boxes and deliver them over to the next sitting of Assembly and I think that 6 of the late 10 Calumneating Protestors have now no right to sit in the House. I have not engaged so closely at any Election for many years past thereof.
It was much greater than any preceeding and Continued Many days; whenever I found my Spirits to droop a little, the revival of the Apprehensions of the fatal Consequences that might ensue and their determined resolution to Cast on thee all the reproach in their power Spurr’d me to the most diligent Application and I never omitted contending with the Leaders of our Enemies whenever there was any prospect of Advantage; and tho in the Course of many days proceedings we were obliged to receive uncivil treatment from their servile dependants who, in the Language of Job “we should have disdain’d to have sit with the Dogs of our Flock,” yet patients and Industry gain’d the point we aim’d at.

I need not give a more Minute Account since I know some of thy numerous Friends will transmit thee every particular relating to this and our Commotions in general.
I am sorry thou hast not been able to find an Engraver to Cut the Seal on more reasonable Terms than those thou mention’d. Had I been there I should had no dependance on Kirk but applied to some more benevolent Friend who after he had cheerfulley performed the Work would have patiently waited for Hospital pay for the Major part of it. However I leave it intirely to thy Judgment.
The remaining Members of the good old Junto adjourned during the warm and short Evenings and are now endeavouring to find a House for their and thy reception where We may sit with more satisfaction than of late.
I continue my Visits in my way, to thy Family thy Wife is well and Daughter Sally at Burlington.
If thou hast an Opportunity give my kind respects to my worthy Friend Saml Neave, he is not readily acquainted yet when known his integrity of heart would attract the regard of every honest Mind tho engaged in a different Scene of Life.
My time has been much employ’d this Summer in building a House at Richmond (alias Point no Point) and if I should ever have the happiness of enjoying thy Company there with a few of our Old honest hearted Friends twill be a full reward for the trouble I have taken in repeatedly “retireing” after the hurry of Business to which place I am just now going and at present bid the Adieu thy very Affectionate Friend
H R

Endorsed: Copy to Benja Franklin October 12th 1765 per Capt Friend


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 13 October 1765
From: Wharton, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. Octr. 13th 1765
As I am without any of your Favors, I shall proceed to give you a Relation of such Matters, as have occur’d, for some time before and since Our Election.
The proprietary Party were greatly dispirited before there was an Expectation of a Change in the Ministry. But from the Moment They received that Intelligence, until We got an Account of it’s being perfected, They were in every Part of the Province, declaring, That now you had lost all your Influence and a change of Government would never take place. In short, such was their strange Infatuation, That the Day the News reached us, of the Ministry being changed, The Chief Justice went to the Coffee House and like another Stentor proclaimed to every Man, He met with That the Change of Ministry was One of the most happy Events, in favor of America and That there was not, the least Fear of an Alteration, of our Government; for that the Proprietors, had great Weight and Interest, with the present Ministers.
The Day was spent, by the Enemys of the Province, in [blotted] Congratulations upon a Revolution, That They determind to be favorable to their Party and at night, the Bells rang, Bonfires were made and every Demonstration of Joy, given.
In the Evening, a large Mob was collected at the Coffee House and the Party declared, That your House, Mr. Hughs’s Mr. Galloways and Mine should be leveled with the Street; for that you had obtained the Stamp Act and We were warm Advocates for the carrying it, into Execution.
This Behaviour roused Our Friends. A Number of Them therefore, called upon the Magistrates to do their Duty, Whilst Others (among whom, was every Mechanick, Who rowed you from Chester to the Ship) met at the Widow Gray’s and associated for the Preservation, of the Peace of the City. Intelligence of this, being brought to the Coffee House, The Abettors to the pulling down of Our Houses, began to dread, that the same might be executed upon theirs, Therefore quietly retired to their respective Homes. When the sober Inhabitants, ordered the Watchmen to extinguish the Fires.
The next Day the Proprietary Officers and their Presbiterian Allies, began afresh, in preparataris, to the Election, basely to calumniate you, confidently urging, That you had proposed the double Stamps upon Dutch papers &c. and That unless every Friend of yours, was removed from the House, you would be continued in England and new and greater Invasions, would be made, upon Our Priviledges.
In a few Words, They industriously sounded the Alarm of Danger and pleased themselves with the Hope, That the Stamp Act might give Birth, to as much prejudice, among the Ignorant, against You As the harmless Word, Boor had done last year. They did not stop here, But to do Them Justice, They formed some tolerable Plans, to divide us, in Bucks and Chester.
In the latter, They employed some of the Quaker Justices, Who live about Downing’s Town, On Lancaster Road, To represent to their Friends in that Quarter, That the Place, where the County Town [remainder missing.]
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Franklin, 14 October 1765
From: Franklin, Sarah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d Sir
Philad. Oct. th 14. [1765]
I returnd from Burlington last night, were I have been at Mama’s very Particular desire. I left my Brother very well. Sister is very Poorly.
Cousin Laycock was found dead in her Bed, Yesterday morning without any Ilness. Your Friend Joseph Morris has passed Meeting with Samuel Mickels Daughter: She has a fine fortune. Our Neighbour Keples son is married to the greatest Fortune in Pensilvania Miss Groce of Lancaster who they used to Call the Galloon. This is all the news I have hear’d. The Subject now is the Stamp act and nothing else is talked of, the Dutch talk of the stompt ack the Negroes of the tamp, in short every body has something to say.
Capt. Ourry took a White satin to be dyed for me whatever Colour Mrs. Stevenson should chuse. I must beg of that good Lady to give directions for having it made. I now send the mesures. Nothing was ever more admired than my new Gown. The Patrens [patterns] were of great service to the good women who worked for me. I think myself much obliged for [it.]
I am going to ask my Papa for some things that I cant get here, but must beg if I am troublesome he wont send them to me. Tis some Gloves both white and morning [mourning] the last to be the [lar]gest. I have sent one that fits me best but that must be a straw’s breadth bigger in the arm, for I never had a pair in my life that [fit] me there. Some lavander from Smyth in Old Bond Street and [some] tooth Powder from Green & Rutter in Ludgate street. Sister is to have some of the two latter. I have also a request to make you [from] Cousin Deby, to get a Glass like the one inclosed in a Box which Capt. Friend will deliver to you. It belonged to somebody else and she had the misfortune to break it. Mama desired me to tell you She had not seen the Capt. to get a receipt but that she has shiped you some Aples and Cramberys.

There is not a young Lady of my Acquaintance but what has desired to be rememberd to you. I am my dear your very Dutiful Daughter
Sally Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 14 October 1765
From: Hall, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia October 14th. 1765
Since my last to you of September 6. I am favoured with Two Letters of yours by the July and August Packets, for which am much obliged. I know you have been an useful and publick spirited Member of Society, for a Number of Years past, and am sorry to find, that many, who, some Years ago, seemed to have the greatest Regard for you, are now become your bitter Enemies.
I am obliged to you (as I have wrote before) with respect to your Advice relating to the Stamp Law. I did not design to drop the Paper, without making Trial, after the Act took Place, but only expressed my Fears of most of our Customers leaving off, and which I am still the more convinced I was right in, the nearer the Time approaches of the Act’s Commencing. But, if the Law should not be put in Execution for the Want of an Officer, as you will see there is a probability of by the last Paper, we shall still be at a Loss to know what to do, after the First of November, when it should commence. For if we should go on without the Stamps, and the Penalties which are very high, can be put in Force against us, we may do more in a Quarter of an Hour, than would ruin us for the rest of our Lives; and if we cannot proceed without them, there must be a Stand of Course, as in all likelihood, there will be no Person to act, and how to manage, I shall be much at a Loss.

We Printers of News Papers here, Dutch and English, have been proposing to take the Advice of the ablest Council, how far we may, or may not, be safe in carrying on our Papers without the Stamps, which is the only Method, we think, we can take, tho’ we imagine they will not Advise us to proceed, the Risk being so great; and if they should give it as their Advice that we should not go on, we must, of Consequence, stop, till the Act becomes general, or that we hear further from England; so that whether the Law takes Place or not, the Confusion that Things will be in for some time, must be very great, and truly distressing.
To shew you that my Fears were not groundless, with respect to our Customers leaving off taking the Gazette, I am sorry Now to tell you, that we have already lost at least 500 of them, since the Resolves of the House of Commons were published relating to that Law; and if so many have dropt before, what may we not expect after the First of November?
Saturday last, in the Afternoon, your Directions for returning the Double Demy came to Hand, and on Monday Morning I applied to Captain Friend to take it on board; but he had then engaged as much Freight as would fill him; so that he could not take it, and of Course it must lie till another Opportunity Offers, which will not be before the first of November at soonest, And how our Collector may proceed then, as to clearing out Vessels without Stamp Papers, I cannot say. Your Family are all well, as well as mine.
Trade in general very dull here, and of Course a great Scarcity of Money.
The Gentlemen met at New York, from the different Colonies to remonstrate to the King and Parliament, I understand entered on Business last Monday, but have not yet heard what is done. Nothing new here, but what you will see in the Papers. I am, Dear Sir, Yours most Affectionately,
D. H
per Carolina Captain Friend
  to London
  To Benjamin Franklin Esq.
(Copy)
Sent by the Tryphena, Captain Smith, to Liverpool


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence: To Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 16 October 1765
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia, October 16. 1765.
By Order of the House of Representatives, we inform you, that you are appointed joint Agents of this Province for the ensuing Year, to transact and solicit the Affairs thereof in Great-Britain.
That they perceive, by a Letter from Richard Jackson, Esq; dated the Ninth of August last, “that on careful Enquiry, and mature Deliberation and Advice, he does not think there is any Danger of the Province losing its Privileges, civil or religious, by a Change of Government;” and being desirous, that in case all our Charter and legal Rights may be secured upon the Change, that the Measure may be accomplished as soon as may be, they do request that the Petition to the Crown, for that Purpose, be forthwith prosecuted to Effect; but at the same time they also direct and enjoin, that the Application may be proceeded in with the utmost Caution, for securing to the Inhabitants, under a Royal Government, all those Privileges, civil and religious, which by their Charters and Laws they have a Right to enjoy under the present Constitution; and that if upon further careful Enquiry, and mature Deliberation and Advice, you shall see Cause to apprehend that, in the Change proposed, there is Danger of our losing those inestimable Privileges, or any Part thereof, you are, in that Case, positively enjoined and required to suspend presenting the Petitions, now in your Hands, for the said Change, until you have acquainted the House therewith, and receive their further Directions.
You are further requested to search the Records and Proceedings of His Majesty’s Privy Council, for the Royal Confirmation of the Act of Assembly of this Province, intituled, “An Act to ascertain the Number of Members of Assembly, and to regulate Elections,” passed in the Fourth Year of the late Queen Anne; and also of all such other Acts as were passed about that Time, and, if found, to transmit Duplicates of such Confirmations to us, with all convenient Speed; the Law above particularly mentioned, being of great Importance to the Rights and Privileges of the People, the House are desirous that the Confirmation thereof may be entered on Record in this Province, for their further Security.
The last House of Assembly were pleased to transmit to you certain Instructions, relating to the general Affairs of North-America. A Congress, composed of Committees from the several Legislatures of the Colonies, is now sitting at New-York, and, it is expected, will unite in a general Address to the Crown; but as we are not yet acquainted with the Result of that Meeting, we can only at present recommend to you a due Attention to, and Compliance with, those Instructions, and to co-operate with the Agents of the other Colonies, in presenting the Address expected to be transmitted from them, in case it be formed agreeable to the Instructions to our Committee, herewith sent you.
You will perceive, by the inclosed Resolves of the House, that we are the Committee of Correspondence for the ensuing Year, to whom you will be pleased to communicate, from time to time, such Information as may be necessary to be laid before the House, during your Agency. We are, with great Regard, Gentlemen, Your assured Friends, and humble Servants,

Joseph Richardson,
Giles Knight,

Joseph Galloway,
Isaac Pearson.

Thomas Livezey,


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson: Bill, 18 October 1765
From: Stevenson, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Doctr Benjamin Franklin to Margt Stevenson Dr for Sundries Purchased for and sent to Mrs. Jane Mecom of Boston

1765

Octor
18
To Viny & Braggs Bill for Sundrys
1
£ 6
6
–

22
To ditto’s do.   do.
2
6
16
–

–
  To E Millers do.   do.
3
2
11
–

–
  To J. Thompson for Bays do.
4
–
18
–

25
  To Eliza Redmans Millenery do.
5
1
11
9
18
2
9

1767

Febry
27
To Sundries of Sage & Turner per Rect
6

  5
3
6

Augt

To Sundrys purchased of several persons as per Bills added and Inclosed in Bill No.
7
Vizt

Sage & Turners  Bill
£2
0
6

  Smiths   do.
–
10
–

  Courts   do.
–
10
6

  Teasdales do.
11
15
–

  a Block

2
6

    Boxes paper porterage

  Shiping &c  &c

8
10

15
7
4

  Cash sent per Mrs. Mecom and Recvd per Mrs. Stevenson July 28. 1767
6
13
–

8
14
4

20
To Sundry, of Sage & Turner per Bill
8
8
  4
  –
  16
  18
4

1768

Febry
22
To Sundries of ditto per Bill No.
9
£14
7
6

Silver recvd from Mrs. Mecom
}

    per Mrs. Stevenson

13
18
1½

  9
4½

Marh
3
To a Nest of Band Boxes
10

  9
  –

Novr
17
To Cash pd Viny & Bragg for 5 yds. of 6/4 Muslin

£4
4
–

Sundries
£–
9
5

    do.
3
17
–

    do.
3
1
–

Wool and Box

1
5½

7
8
10½

11
12
10½

Recvd from Mrs. Mecom per M. Stevenson

10
16
–
  –
  16
  10½

  £41
  19
10

Endorsed: Mrs Stevensons Accot of Sundries for Mrs Mecom Settled in Genl Accot Febry 28 1771—with all the Bills that relate thereto


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 20 October 1765
From: Whitehurst, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Derby 20 Oct 1765
I forwarded yesterday by the derby Stage, to the Swan with two necks, Lad-lane, a Hare, from Mr. Tunnicliff, which he desires the favor of You to accept as a gratful acknowledgment of the favors confer’d upon him.
Since Mr. Ludlams report of Mr. Harrisons Time-keeper, has been made public, I have been considering what further improvements are wanting to render such machines of more general Use and flatter myself with Some hopes of contributing towards that end.
First, by reducing the price. Secondly, by reducing the Machinery to a more easie construction, so, as to bring the Executive parts within the Compass [of] any common workman. Thirdley [torn] machine may be taken to peices [and put] together without altering the time [or?] regulation, of it. Fourthly that it shall not be liable to stop, as Mr. Ludlam observes is the Case with Mr. Harrisons. Such are the ends I propose to myself, as improvements but the event must be left to tryal to determine the reallity of them. If I shoud come to town this winter, hope you will be kind enough to spend your Judgment upon it, as I purpose bringing the machine up with me. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant
John Whitehurst
P.S. From the little knowledge I have of the Use of time keepers at Sea, I apprehend a seconds Motion needless—that a ⅓ or ¼ of Minute, will be as Small a part of time as can be of any real Use in Navigation.

Addressed: To / Benj: F[ran]klin Esqr. / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street Charing-Cross / London
Endorsed: Mr Whitehurst


Title: Casper Krible to David Deshler, John Wister, and Richard Wister, 21 October 1765
From: Krible, Casper
To: Deshler, David,Wister, John,Wister, Richard

This letter is neither by nor to Franklin and it is possible that he never even saw it, yet it is printed here because it gives some information on the attacks being made on him among the German settlers of Pennsylvania in connection with the Stamp Act and on the efforts of some friends and supporters to defend his reputation. Apparently, one of the men addressed sent the letter, or a translation of it, to James Pemberton and he forwarded the translation to Henton Brown (above, IX, 218 n) and Dr. John Fothergill (above, IV, 126 n) in London with an explanatory letter, Dec. 17, 1765.
Fothergill replied to Pemberton, Feb. 27, 1766, declaring that from his own knowledge he could aver that Franklin “did all in his power to prevent the Stamp-act from passing” and that “in a long Examination before the house of Commons within these few weeks” he had asserted American rights and privileges “with the utmost Firmness, Resolution and Capacity.” Fothergill also testified to Franklin’s diligent and judicious pursuit of the business of the agency and declared that Franklin had “been an able, usefull Advocate for America in General, the province of Pennsylvania in particular.” Pa. Gaz., May 8, 1766, printed extracts from this letter. On April 8, 1766, Brown and Fothergill wrote a joint reply to Pemberton mentioning Krible’s letter and testifying that “so far from proposing the stamp act or joining with it in any manner,” Franklin had “at all times opposed it, both in word and writing, tho’ in vain.” They believed that his testimony before the House of Commons “had considerable influence with the parliament.” His lack of success with the petition for a change in the government of the colony was due “to the singularly unfavourable position of affairs both at home and in America,” rather than to any “want of industry or address” on his part.
Franklin probably at least knew of this correspondence and perhaps believed that his friend Daniel Wister may have had a hand in initiating it. On Sept. 27, 1766, he wrote Wister thanking him and other friends “for the constant Care they have taken of my Good Name in defending it from the Slanders of my Enemies.” He particularly acknowledged “the generous Part” Wister had “always taken in that kind Work.”

Immanuel.
  Towamencin Oct. 21st. 1765.
Dearly beloved Friends David Deshler John and Richard Wister

The special Confidence we repose in You, arising from our long experience of your Sincerity and Candor encourages me to make known to you That Continued Calumny against Mr. Franklin so grevious to us; which Christopher Sowers has from time to Time Inserted in his papers; and altho we on our parts behold it and the promoters of it, as Slanderers; Yet it is undeniable That the common and more ignorant people are stired up to impricate and curse Mr. F. to all eternity. Besides a great many others who wish Mr: F. well are put in Doubt: They will not be convinced, Because such matters are published of him, particularly as to his being active in promoting the Stamp Act, which is propagated in so plausible a Manner as if their Author was agreed to be No other than Mr. Franklin.
And as we have No particular or personal knowledge ourselves of Mr. F., but always Trusted on Your recomendation, beholding him in an honest light or Character, so in truth we passed unnoticed the innumerable abuses against him, And now, no way Doubting, of his Honour, we request of You our worthy Friends amids the Confusion of Matters without undertaking to direct (and simply Not for ourselves) but in behalf of the above misled persons) That you will Take into your Consideration whether such Malicious Aspertions could not be weekened or Contradicted; If Mr. F. friends, Mesrs. Galloway, Foxe and others from the above causes would be Pleased to remind and encourage him (altho as to ourselves we no way doubt) That he will to the Utmost of his power at all Opportunities Contribute to the Repeal of the Stamp Act; And that over and above all this for the sake of his own Credit, to Solicit this and every other Necessary Matter Touching his Embassy, either by himself or some other Eminent Patrons; and that the same might be made unexceptionably to Appear here.
This or such like open and public demonstration of his Utmost endeavours for the Utility and happiness of this Province, would very likely produce good Effects, to the Confusion of all his other friends Enemies and Slanderers, and give Contentment and satisfaction even to Such who may be as Yet doubtful.
Thus Friends we have simply laid before you our sincere Mind touching Mr. F. and his abused Character, and we wish that these prejudices against him may tend to the Satisfaction of the well disposed of All parties to the exposing of Falshood, And that his enemies against their own Inclination in the end, may allow of his due Renowned Fame and reputation.
As to the rest Friends we submit this representation to your serious reflections, in Confidence That you will receive the same and put the best construction on our recit’d Uneasiness.
Lastly we recommend You to the most gracious protection of providence and am the Friend and well wisher of every Blessing.
Casper Krible

Endorsed: Translation of Caspar Krebles Letter to David Dashler and Jno. and Richd. Wister relatg to the reports concerng BF dated Towamencin Octob: 21. 1765


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 23 October 1765
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

During 1764 Ezra Stiles had taken a firm public stand against the efforts of some Rhode Islanders to bring about a revocation of the colony’s charter and the establishment of royal government. When news of the passage of the Stamp Act arrived in Newport in April 1765 he was equally firm in his objections to the measure as a matter of political principle, but he clearly urged submission and an appeal to reason in Great Britain rather than the use of force and violence in America. Nearly all the advocates of a change to royal government in Rhode Island upheld the right of Parliament to levy the tax, and one of the group, Martin Howard, Jr., had asked Franklin to get him appointed stamp distributor. The office had gone instead to Augustus Johnston, a friend though perhaps not a member of Howard’s group.
On August 28 effigies of Johnston, Howard, and Thomas Moffatt were hanged and burned in Newport. The next day a mob destroyed the houses of Howard and Moffatt and pillaged that of Johnston, then on the 29th forced him to submit an equivocal resignation of his new office. The rumor quickly spread among the victims’ sympathizers that Stiles had promoted these acts of violence. He apparently talked the matter over with Johnston and the Anglican rector, James Honeyman, and both denied any belief in his complicity.
Later Stiles heard that Johnston had written to England putting the blame on him. This report disturbed him greatly, and to put the record straight he drafted a long letter to Franklin on October 23, while on a visit to New Haven. This draft, which breaks off without a conclusion, is printed below as Number I. After his return to Newport he wrote three other much shorter drafts; these are printed below as Numbers II, III, and IV. All three are dated November 6 and there is no external evidence of the sequence in which he wrote them. They are placed in the order that phraseology and textual emendations suggest as most probable. On November 30 he wrote a note to Franklin on another matter, with which he enclosed a copy of a letter he had delivered on the 16th to a vessel bound for Falmouth. That letter may have represented one of the drafts printed here, but it is impossible to be sure because neither the original nor the copy can now be found. In view of this situation all four drafts are printed here. Taken together, they make fully evident the anxiety Stiles felt about the reports that he had instigated the Stamp Act disturbances in Newport.

I
Dear sir
New Haven 23 Octr. 1765
Instead of the Braunian Experiment or any other philosophical Disquisitions which used to be the subject of the Correspondence with which you have honored me, this Letter must contain an Address to you humbly to request your kind Assistance in the Exculpation of my Reputation from an Aspersion unjustly cast upon it. I am now on a Journey and visit to my friends in Connecticut. In Narrag[ansett] I was informed by a Friend and a Gentleman of Verity that Mr. Johnston, the Stamp Distributor for Rh[ode] Is[land] in the Letter he had written to the Lords of the Treasury, had mentioned my Name and represented me as one concerned in the Mob and Violences which deforced his Resignation. Upon which I thot necessary [to] exhibit the following Detail, and to request your kind Improvement of it in my favour if you should judge it necessary.
I have from first to last been steadily against all Violences, in opposing the Stamp Act, and had often so fully expressed myself to this Effect that I little thot to have been accused in this Manner. For several years there has been Talk of the Revocation of the Charters—and tho’ I have often expressed a high sense of the Value of Charter Liberty &c yet I often said years ago if the King and parl[iament] should dissolve them I would be still a loyal subject and submit to a Change of Gov[ernmen]t. Before the Stamp Act past, and when we first received the Resolves of the parl[iamen]t tho’ it appeared to me a heavy Grievance as it did to all America and to the London Merchants, yet in Conversation I always declared freely that if it past I would submit. After it was past, I frequently talkt against the Folly of Resistance by force and said that however others conducted, I would continue loyal and submit. These were my sentiments and purposes from the beginning. The Week before the Mob at Newport, being invited to dine with a Number of Gent[lemen] the Stamp Act being the univ[ersal] subject of Conversation, I declared my Sentiments as above, alledging these three Reasons amongst others. 1. The Impossib[ilit]y of american Resistance. 2. That however severe the present Measures, yet in Time the Parliament might become more friendly disposed. And. 3. We could not expect a more deplorable situation than Judea which in the Time of Christ was a Province under a heavy Tribute to the Roman Senate; and that as a Christian I thot it our duty to observe the Spirit of the precept of our Savior Render unto Caesar &c. All this preceded the violences and Mob in Newport of the 29th of August last, of which I had not the least Apprehension or Expectation. It is to be considered that for several years the Episcopalians in Rh[ode] Is[land] have conceived a Disgust against me on account of Ecclesiastical Matters, and have often vilified my Character. Before the Effigies were burnt at Newport, the last Effort to prevent it was [to] render it popularly obnoxious by casting it On the Presbyterians, and on that Occasion my Name was brot in. I immediately disclaimed having any Concern in that Affair. However the Episco[palians] and none else continued and propagated the popular Aspersion, especially after the Violences of the Mob, which they, but no one else in Town affected to charge to my Account. For some Days I regarded it as a Malicious Rumor that would pass off. At length however I determined to exculpate myself by waiting on the heads of the Ch[urc]h expostulating with them and declaring that their suspicions were groundless, and also to publ[ish] a Vind[icatio]n in the pub[lic] prints. I accord[ingl]y among others waited on Mr. Johnston and Mr. Honyman—after conversing with Mr. Johnston and declaring on my honor that I had no hand in either the Mob or Effigies he frankly told me that he never thot I had, nay that he knew I had not, and that he well knew who had. I then told him explicitly that I detested all Mobs, and judged all Violences in resisting the Stamp Act unlawful. The same Declara[tion] I made to Mr. Honyman, who said he did not doubt the Report would subside and die away, and advised me not to write or publish any Thing about it in the prints. I had however drawn up a Declaration to the follow[in]g Purport.

  Newport Sep. 7. 1765
  To the public
  Whereas &c——

This I shewed to sundry persons—and the Rumor subsided. Till this I had considered myself only as a private person; but when some affected to conceive that my opinion was of Some Weight, I hesitated not to declare my Sentiments freely against all Coercion of the Stamp Officers, against a proposed Burning the Stamppapers, and against all Violence in resisting the Stamp Act whether in the Colony of Rh[ode] Is[land] or the other Colonies: I had particularly in July or at least before the Mob at Boston, endeavored to dissuade a Connecticut Man then at my house against certain forceable Measures which he told me were meditated there. And during all the Month of Sept. I constantly among my People manifested my Disapprobation of the tumultuous practices all over the Continent particularly in the Concern for Mr. Ingersol. All this I had done of sober Judgment formed before the Stamp Act past, and little thought that any Complaint was formed ag[ains]t me: The first Informa[tion] of which was on the 7th. Inst. at Narrag[ansett] after I had set out on my Journey: I am the more surprized at it as Mr. Johnston told me he well knew I had no hand in those affairs unless in mental Reserva[tion] he meant I had no hand in the Effigies. But in Truth I am perfectly free of all. In my Journey of 120 Miles, I find a popular Fervor inconceivably vigorous, against which I speak freely—I have freely said that all violences and particularly the Forcing Mr. Ingersol are indefensible and unlawful and this even when I have given great Offence: as also I spake so freely at Newport long before the Mobs ag[ains]t opposing the Act as gave Offence! In short in my little sphere I have uniformly persisted from the begin[nin]g to this Time in declaring for myself my own Resolutions of not opposing this or any other Act of Par[liamen]t however grievous—and finally gave my Opinion that in Case of real and unquestionable Injuries, Resistance was unlawful till every other Method had been tried, and not even then till the Evil of the Oppression exceeded the Evil of Civil Wars. I have labored to convince my friends by a variety of arg[umen]ts that it was best not to oppose by any Violence, tho’ I deplore the fate of America. [Illegible] on our pub[lic] Thanksgiv[ing.]

II
Dear Sir
Newport Nov. 6 1765
As I understand Mr. Johnston has intimated to the Lords of the Treasury that I was so far concerned in the Mob of the 28th Augt. last as to occasion a second Demand upon him: I beg Leave to assure you and to declare that I was not either directly or indirectly any wise concerned with the Mob, but utterly detested and disapproved of the same. Before and during all the late Tumults here I have constantly given my opinion against all Mobs and Violences, all forceable Resistance of the stamp Act, all Coercion of the Crown Officers, and all attempts on the stamp papers. This I constantly did in my little sphere before I had the least notice: that Mr. Johnston had accused me; the first notice or apprehension of which I received in a late Journey into Connecticut from which I returned the 3d Inst. An unhappy Disgust conceived by the Chh. of Eng. against me as a Cong[regational] Minister is the true Reason of this malicious Aspersion on my Character. I take the Liberty to ask of you, Sir to make use of this Declaration to remove any ill Impressions which such malicious suggestions may Occasion in the Minds of their Lordships against me. I am Sir your &c.
E. S
I could easily lay open the Motives of this Artifice to vilify my Character which are all resolvable into a Disgust conceived by the Chh. of Eng. against me as a Congreg[ational] Minister; but I content myself with my own Innocence.
Dr. Franklin
[At the bottom margin of the sheet:] Or either of them

III
Sir,
Newport, Novr 6 1765
On the 7th. of Octr. I set out on a Journey into Connecticut from whence I returned 3d Inst. Novr. While on my Journey I received the first Intimation that Mr. Johnston Distributor of stamps for the Colony of Rh[ode] Isl[an]d had in a Letter to the Lords of the Treasury suggested his Suspicions that I was concerned in the Violences which deforced his Resignation. On which I beg Leave to say that before and during the present Tumults in America I have constantly and freely given my Opinion against all Force and Violence in resisting the Operation of the Stamp Act—and I do declare upon my honor that I never advised, promoted or approved or had any hand directly or indirectly in the Mob in Newport of the 28th of Augt. last, but utterly disapproved of the same —nor had any Concern or hand in the Effigies, exhibited the Day before. I have in my little sphere constantly discountenanced all Mobs and Violences, all Coercion of the Crown Officers, and the Destruction of the Stamp papers. This has been my Conduct during the whole scene of Tumults, amidst all which, tho I have deplored the Fate of my Country, I have invariably adhered to a Resolution I early formed on the first News of the stamp Act of neither exciting or being any way concerned in any forceable Oppositions, which I ever disapproved. An unhappy Disgust conceived by the Episcopal Gentlemen of this Town, against me as a Cong[regational] Minister is the true Reason of this Attack on my Reputation. I take the Liberty, to ask of you, Sir, that you would make use of this Declaration to remove any ill Apprehensions which Mr. Johnstons Suggestions may occasion in the Minds of their Lordships against Dear Sir Your obedient Servant
Ezra Stiles
Dr Franklin

IV
Dear Sir
Newport 6 Nov. 1765
On a late Journey into Connecticutt, from which after a Months Absence I returned the 2d Instant, I received the first Intimation, that Mr. Johnston Stamp Officer for the Colony of Rhode Island, in a Letter to the Lords of the Treasury, had represented that I was concerned in the Violences here which deforced his Resignation. Upon which I beg Leave to declare, that I was not concerned directly or indirectly in any of those Violences: nor was I advisory or assisting in the Effigies exhibited here; neither have I been concerned in any of the inflamatory Pieces in the public Prints: but on the contrary have ever discountenanced all Force and Violence towards the Stamp Officers and Papers—and in all my Conduct have endeavoured to demean myself in Character as a Minister of Christ, and as an obedient and loyal Subject. I could easily lay open the Motives of this Artifice to vilify my Reputation, but content myself with my own Innocence. I am sensible my Declaration is no proof: however I take the Liberty to ask the Favor of you, Sir, to make use of it, if you should judge it expedient, towards removing any ill Impressions that may be made in the Minds of their Lordships by such unjust and ungenerous Insinuations. I am, Dear Sir, with very great Respect Your most obedient and very humble servant
Ezra Stiles
Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 26 October 1765
From: Walker, Hannah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Westbury Oct th: 26: 1765
I have sent an order according to Mrs. Stevensons Letter and return you a thousand thanks for so great a Favour and my Husband and I both Humbly ask your Pardon for so greatly offending so good a friend which if we were Present ought to be on our Bended knees for such Extreme Favours and such great offences for which Dear Sir I myself Humbly beg you will Pardon me for it was sore against my will to do such a thing but my Husband promising so faithfully if I would forgive him what was Past and write to Mrs. Stevenson he would take all the Pains he could towards his Family with his solicitations and [my?] great Straights made me do the thing I was so unwilling to do and the misfortunes I labour under at this Present are Nothing through me I can safely say through any neglect of me for Sir I have done more than was fitting or Reasonable for a woman to do but I thought if I could save charge I would for Brewing and washing and mending and making for my family and but one woman to do everything sick or well. I have been force to do things when I have not been able many times Indeed Sir if you did know in everything what I have gone through in every thing ill nature by his Friends and Troubles in my Family innumerable and no body to comfort me but God alone you I am sure would Pity me very much and think no body could have gone through it but to give a full account [of it] in a Letter would be to Troublesome but [no one] as been in his [geaity?] I have been at work till [one] sometimes too or three aclock no hour has been Exempt both Early and late from nights at work and cried many a time to think I could not attain my Desires so as I would having so good a Friend and our Farmers wifes have blamed me very much for slaving myself so much and many times has caused my ill health but within this quarter of a year I have found more goodness to me and Industry in his Buisness than ever I have since we was married and I hope he now will continue it as he Promises so faithfully never to be Dilatory in his Buisness again and as for my Part Nothing Shall be wanting in me so far as my health will allow and tho it is the winters season the worse for trade yet we will strive to the uttmost of our Power for since we came from London I took courage and would take the chiefest care in the household affairs and I found my comforts seemed to appear apace till this thing Broke out which as you are so very kind to undertake and aid us out of it I hope with Gods Blessing to see more Comfort than what I have seen. Most Honoured Sir I hope at midsummer you will continue your former goodness to me in compassion to me and my Dear Children and be Pleased to Pardon these great offences which I acknowledge are very great and Humbly Implore your reconciliation to me for since I have received Mrs. Stevensons Letter I can have no Peace nor tranquility in my mind to think I have so much offended so Dear a Friend. I almost am afraid to beg the Favour of an Answer I can take no rest my mind is so uneasy and I dare say my Husband is not the Least behind me in [Concern?] for I never saw anybody worse Shock in my Life When he saw the Letter and what Shifts so ever we make we will do what lies in our Power to get rid of this Trouble for it never was my Inclination to be Dilatory in the least and that Mr. Truelove knows to be true Sir [You] would be Pleased to take me once again in to your [Favour] as I might receive that Happiness once again [to receive] a Line or too from your good hands when Business will permit I should be Easy to go about my Business which now is such a Burden my mind being so greatly oppressed with Sorrow. My cousin joyns my Husband and my self in Begging the acceptance of our Humble Dutye to you and all your good Family from your most Humble and most obidient suplicant
Hannah Walker

P S our Humble Complements to Mrs. Stevenson

Addressed: To / Benjman Franklin Esq / at Mrs Stevensons in / Craven Street near / the Strand / London
Endorsed: Mrs Walker


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Hutchinson, 27 October 1765
From: Hutchinson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Boston 27 Octr 1765
The grievous loss I have sustained in consequence of the resentment of the people against the stamp duty and the refusal of the assembly to make any compensation has obliged me to lay my case before his Majesty and to pray for relief. Indeed the loss is heavier than I am well able to bear. I hope you will think my Prayer reasonable and if you should I ask your friendship in Promoting a compensation. I cannot think I shall fail of success. No servant of the crown will have firmness enough to do his duty in the colonies if they are liable to be thus Punished for it and can have no redress. Indeed the general voice, here, has been that my [loss?] ought to be made good. Every body at first was struck with horror but my case is now stale and looked upon with more indifference. Perhaps I shall have the same fate in England if there should be any delay there or if nothing more [can be] obtained than a requisition to the government [torn] I shall always be a sufferer.
It is not safe to give you a partic[ular account] of the deplorable condition we are in [torn] that such of us as hold commissions [torn] so much need of for[titude? torn] present I am with very great [torn.]
Docto. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Morton, 29 October 1765
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morton, Charles

This letter was read at a meeting of the Council of the Royal Society, Nov. 14, 1765. At the previous meeting the Council had directed Morton to find out from Franklin the best way to communicate with the astronomers and geodetic surveyors, Charles Mason (1728–1786) and Jeremiah Dixon (1733–1779), then in America, and to send them needed instruments. They had been engaged since 1763 in running the famous boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, and the Royal Society had approved their proposal to measure a degree of longitude and a degree of latitude in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Nevil Maskelyne, the astronomer royal (above, XI, 482 n), to whom Mason and Dixon had originally submitted the proposal, sent them instructions in November 1765 and in December he sent them a clock owned by the Royal Society which he himself had used some years earlier in astronomical observations at St. Helena and Barbados. The clock helped Mason and Dixon in their work considerably.

October 29, 1765
November 14 1765

    At a Council of the Royal Society —

    Present

1
The President
7
Dr. Heberden

2
Mr. Burrow
8
Mr. Raper

3
Dr. Chandler
9
Dr. Birch
}
Secs.

4
Mr. Mauduit
10
Dr. Morton

5
Mr. Baker

6
Lord Chas. Cavendish

The minutes of the last Council were read.
Dr. Morton reported that he had executed the business he was charged with at the last Council, viz, that he had sent to Mrs. Mason and Dixon, two Copies of the resolutions relating to them, which would be forwarded by the New York Pacquet, on the second Saturday in Nov.
The three following letters to him were also read, viz, from Dr. Franklin F.R.S. from the right Honble Lord-Baltimore, and from Mr. Penn.

Dear Sir
October 29 1765
The Pacquet is the safest Conveyance, but does not sail ’till the second Saturday in November. If you send your Letter, with a Duplicate of it to me; I will take Care to forward them by different Ships, The first that leave England for North America. If the letters are directed to Messrs. Mason and Dixon at Philadelphia; It will be sufficient. I will put them under Cover to a friend, who will see them carefully delivered. The Post master General can do no more. The Rods and Thermometers should go in a Ship to Philadelphia; I will enquire, and inform you when one is expected to sail for that Port. The pacquet goes from Falmouth to New york, and therefore cannot so conveniently take those things as there would be Land carriage, first from London to Falmouth, and then in America, from New york to Philadelphia.
I am with great Esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B. Franklin
Doctor Morton


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 3 November 1765
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

November the 3 1765
The dredfull firste of November is over; and not so much disorder as was dreded I am a shamed of maney of our sittisons but I think you air informed by better handes than I am. I am to one [own] I did not write by the laste packit all thow I did in quier when it wold saile the poste Came in after darke and wente in a quator of an ower so I Cold not write as I Cante by Candel lite. I reseved thee tee by Capt. Budin and thanke you for it. I had the pleshuer to treet your old friend John Robortes his Son the Doctor from mereyland thair wifes and Dafter your verey good friend Mrs. Howel and Dafter to the Number of 13. Thay all desiered to [be] remembered to you in the moste respecktefull manner and yisterday good Mr. Rhodes and his son Thomas Franklin and wife dranke tee with us and we had the beste Buckwheat Kakes that ever I maid. Thay sed I had ought dun [outdone] my one ought doings. Our good Mr. Mockridg had sente sume of the beste of the flower that I ever saw and we had them hot thay desired thair love to you. Now my dear give me leve to sheed sume teers with you on the Deth of our Coll. Boquet. He deyed 10 dayes after he arived att Penscey Colok. He was in a poor Staite of helthe when I saw him laste a bough 3 day before he wente a way. He dranke tee with us.
I have got the Dead don and recorded but not but on the 30 of ocktober for it lay in Mr. Reyleis hands all the time all moste he was ill and he now layes dead but it is dun. Mr. Brogdon treeted me with the graites Politenes imaginabel on the ocashon the day that mrs. Sidon acknowledge the Dead. Mr. Hughes gave Bond with me to the 4 hundred pounds he dus go a brode a littel now but is but verey poorley yit. This I write to have readey if a vesill should saile before a packit.
I saw a letter from Mr. Coldin laste evening whair in he ses thay had a mobe the night be for and thair was one thretened to be that night to pull dow[n] his offis that his wife and Children was gon to the forte in ordor to askape the insultes of the mobe but I hope it will blow over with ought aney damaig as the thretnings of the tooles has dun heare. So my Dear you see hough readey we air to follow the fashon of the Inglish Folkes. I have ofen thought what a mersey it was that it is only those hear that seme disatisfied which think and Cole them selefes the better Sorte and that we Can turne ought 6 or 7 hundred hones good traidesmen to Convinse them that thay air but meer beckers [beggars.] The head of our mobe is a bought 3 parsons 2 or 3 Dockters you Countrey man S Smith who I reeley pittey as I beleve he will kill him selef with his one [own] ill nater. Mr. Tillman has bin verey acktivef and got him selef harteley dispised for which I Cante helpe being plesed in som meshuer but I donte trubel my selef as I donte live in the Same Cittey so if I stay att home I may be as hapey as possabel while you air not hear to make me quite so I hope you air not to stay longer then the Spring. You say you hope I did not a peel. I did not. I donte due aney thing to give aney bodey room to say aney thing a bought me att all I have not so much as spook to your new tenent but intend it soon. I have lefte in Mr. Thounsend whites handes 60 pounds of the money of Godmothers Legesay as I wold not have any of the Congruygashon say aney thing [indecipherable ] of you. When the offis dus what thay have to due I shall pay what remaines and get a discharge. I have reseved 5 poundes of the tenent in the house and he ses he will bring the reste verey soon. Adue god bles you. I leve of[f] tell tomorrow.

[November 7]
This is November the 7 and I was a writin you a letter when the poste Came in and I have reseved your of the 14 of September. I rejoys to hear that you was well. My beste regardes to Coll. Hunter and Ladey. Pray kiss miss for me I heard by chanse that the [packet] sailes on Satterday so I finish this letter to you as I wold not let another Packit saile with ought a letter from me to you. Mr. Rhodes Came in. I read him sum parte of your letter. He has not given me aney a Counte. He did ofer to retuern me the money but I sed I did not wante it nor did he aske me for aney. He sed that Smith the Carpenter had asked him for so much and his son lay sick att that time and Cold not doe aney buisnes so I ofred him. He Desiers his love to you. I am a looking ought for Stoveses. Mr. Robertes spooke to me for to a siste him in geting of them. This day I heard from our friends Grase and Potts thay air all well. Salley is a writing but it semes as thow all her friends wold Cume and see her to day. My love to good mrs. Stephenson. I have sed all to her in my letter which is to go by Ierland. My Compleymentes to Mr. and Mrs. Strahan and thair whole famely to all our friends and I am to tell you that numbers of your good friends desier their love to you allmoste all Philadelphia for it is but a verey few that donte like you. It is allmoste darke. I am obliged to Conclud and am your afeckshonat wife
D Franklin
  November the 7 1765
  This day makes a year sense you lefte home.

Endorsed: Mrs Franklin &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 6 November 1765
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Burlington, Nov. 6. 1765
This Moment yours of Sept. 17. I received, and as the Packet is tho’t will be discharged immediately, tho’ I have the Gout in my right Hand, the first Fit I have had since I been here, I venture to write a few Lines. The dreadful Commotions in this Country now, you will doubtless hear from abler Hands: I have almost done the Book I am about here: I have not heard lately from Mr. Hughes of New York: I was to have gone there next Week, but believe it will be a Week longer at least: I will write to him, assoon as I can, and will endeavour all the Ways in my Power to procure either the Goods you sent or the Money—And will let you know assoon as I can what I can do.
As I am to leave this Place, and Printing-House, &c. I should be glad to know what I shall do with these Materials, &c. I would have wrote a good deal, but when you know my Hand is in pain, tho’ otherways pretty well, you will excuse my Brevity. With all our respectful Salutations remain Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.

Addressed: To / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London
Endorsed: Parker


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 November 1765
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

Dear Debby,
London, Nov. 9. 1765
I received yours and Sally’s kind Letters of Sept. 22. and Brother Read’s. Also one from our good Neighbour Thomson, and one from Brother Peter; one from Mr. Hall and one from Mr. Parker: All which I pray you to acknowledge for me, with Thanks, as I find I can not have time to write to them by this Packet. I honour much the Spirit and Courage you show’d, and the prudent Preparations you made in that [Time] of Danger. The [Woman?] deserves a good [House] that [is?] determined [torn] to defend it. I hope that Mr. Hughes [recovers?] from that Illness. [Torn and illegible] and affectionately [to everyone on?] that List [that] you give me, who were so good as to visit you [that] Evening. I shall long remember their Kindn[ess. As] to that pious Presbyterian Countryman of mine [whom you] say sets the People a madding, by telling them [that I] plann’d the Stamp Act, and am endeavo[uring to] bring the Test over to America, I thank him he does not charge me (as they do their God) with having plann’d Adam’s Fall, and the Damnation of Mankind. It might be affirm’d with equal Truth and Modesty. He certainly was intended for a Wise Man; for he has the wisest Look of any Man I know; and if he would only nod and wink, and could but hold his Tongue, he might deceive an Angel. Let us pity and forget him. I am, my dear Girl, Your ever loving Husband
B Franklin
My Love to Sally. Mrs. Stevenson presents her best Respects. Remember me kindly to Nanny.

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


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 9 November 1765
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hall, David

Dear Mr. Hall
London, Nov. 9. 1765
I have only time to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of Sept. 6. and thank you for the Intelligence it contains. The Disturbances in the Colonies give me great Concern, as I fear the Event will be pernicious to America in general. But I hope the Address expected home from the Congress you mention, will be couch’d in such humble and dutiful Terms, as that the Friends of America may support it with some Prospect of Success, to the Healing of all Breaches. Assure yourself nothing can be falser than the Reports you mention that I had any even the least hand in framing the Stamp Act, or procuring any other Burthen on our Country. I am, as ever, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mr David Hall / Printer / Philadelphia / via New York / per Packet / Free B Franklin
Endorsed: Novr. 9. 1765.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 13 November 1765
From: Franklin, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Father
Burin. Novr. 13, 1765½ after 9—P.M.
Mr. James Logan has just called upon me, to let me know that there is a Vessel sails Tomorrow for Liverpool, and that he returns to Philadelphia early in the Morning in hopes of being in Time to write by her. Had I known anything of this Vessel’s being to sail before, I should have wrote you a long Letter, as I have a great deal to communicate had I Time, but at present I am obliged to write to the Lords of Trade, and acquaint them with our Situation with regard to the Stamp Act. I have had a difficult Part to manage so as to steer clear of giving any Umbrage to the People here, and of embarrassing myself with the Ministry in England. They have not given any of the Governors (as I can learn) the least Directions with regard to their Conduct on this critical Occasion; nor can we guess their Sentiments on the Affair, tho’ we have Letters from the Secretary of State so late as the 14th. of September when they must probably have heard of the Commotions on Account of the Stamp Act. It was extremely lucky for me, that the Proprietary Party published those Lies against me in the Paper read at the Lodge, as it gave me an Opportunity by a seasonable Answer to remove the Prejudices imbibed against me by the Inhabitants of this Province, occasioned by the many gross Falsehoods which the Proprietarians had got circulated. If I had not published something to refute them, I have every Reason to think that I should have been burnt in Effigy in several of the Counties, and had my Effects destroyed. But I thank God I now stand extremely well with the People in all Parts of the Province. And their Resentment is turn’d against their Speaker, whom they have burnt in Effigy in most of the Towns in E. Jersey, for not signing the Addresses at the Congress. They talk of expelling him at the next Sessions 1st. For not transmitting the Assembly’s Answer to the Letter from the Speaker of Massachusetts. 2d. for calling the Members of Assembly together by his own Authority without having first apply’d to the Governor to call them. His having Recourse to this irregular Procedure, made the People believe he had faild in getting the House called in a regular Way, and consequently confirm’d the Reports of my being averse to their Meeting. 3d. for not signing the Addresses at New York.
Mr. D[avi]d Ogden at the last Meeting of the Council moved that I should call the Assembly immediately without any Application of the Members of Assembly but I chose to avoid it, as I must have then gone to Amboy, and must have made a Speech to them on the Subject, which I would willingly guard against, as I cannot suffer myself to call the Authority of Parliament to pass such an Act in Dispute, and as I see, by what Govr. Barnard has experienced, that it can answer no good End whatever to attempt to reason with the People in their present Temper. But as it would not have been prudent to refuse calling the Assembly altogether at this Conjuncture, I put it on this Footing, that If the Speaker and 9 Members would request it the House should be called; This I find quite satisfyes the People, and will, if gone into, be an Ease to myself. For now I have Nothing to do when they let me know they are met, but to tell them that I am ready to receive anything they may have to Communicate. Govr. Barnard and Govr. Colden by an unnecessary Officioussness have made Matters much worse in their Governments than they otherwise would have been. Indeed for any Man to set himself up as an Advocate for the S[tam]p Act in the Colonies is a meer Piece of Quixotism, and can answer no good Purpose whatever. And if he is an Officer of Government he not only becomes obnoxious, but is sure to lose all the Authority belonging to his Office. It seems to me that we might legally go on with Business in the usual Way, as much as if the Stamps had never been sent, or had been lost at Sea, seeing that no Commission or Instr[uction]s have been sent to any Body to execute the Act in this Province. But the Council were afraid to advise this Measure lest it should displease the Ministry, and they were afraid to advise the not going into it lest they should irritate the People of the Province, who seem inclined to compel the Officers of Government to go into it; and will I am of Opinion do it, if our Neighbours set the Example.
Enclose [remainder missing.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Penington, 14 November 1765
From: Penington, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Friend Benja. Franklin Esqr.
Philada. Novr. 14th. 1765
It is now about four Years since I began to Correspond with Springett Penn respecting his Affairs in this Province during which time I have taken care to get the best Intelligence I could relative thereto, and have regularly Advised him of every thing material which has come to my knowledge; this I think deserves some recompence especially as I Acted a very disinterested Part in Advising him not to sell Pennsbury at a time when he desired me to do it, and thereby loosing a handsome Commission; this if he had come over and Enjoyed the Estate himself I should have been well Pleased with; but I have it from a Gentleman of Undoubted Credit that the Proprietor has been treating with him for the Purchase of the Manor and from his last letter to me there is reason to think he listens to the Proposal. I cannot say but such a sale would be very disagreeable to me not only as I should thereby loose a Commission which I think myself justly Entituled to, but I am well assured the Proprietor will never have spirit enough to offer him the worth of it. I am Informed by a Gentleman from Ireland that He has offered £4000 stg. for the Manor. I am well Assured notwithstanding Lands have fell considerably in Value it would sell at Publick Vendue for at least 6 or £7000 stg probably £8000 and the Purchaser run the risque of contending with the Proprietaries for the Overplus land which upon the whole I believe would be best as I think it would be disagreeable to Springett to be Engaged in such a Dispute.

Some time ago my Kinsman Inclosed me a letter which his Uncle Thomas Penn wrote him in which he was mean enough to say some disrespectful things of me with a View no doubt to prejudice Springett against me, however I beleive the Principal Objection he had against me was to speak in his own words “I had got Copys of many Warrants that could be of no use.”
Now a person capable of doing thus, may have done more; He may have represented me as a Person not fit to be trusted; If thee should have any reason to think that has been the case I request thou will be kind enough to stand my Friend so far as to satisfy my Kinsman in any manner he desires and I will give counter-security to any of thy Friends here for the Faithful Performance of the trust reposed in me before I begin to Act. If he Intends I should sell Pennsbury it will I think be best to Prevent disputes to send me another Power of Attorney which should be Executed before the Mayor of London or Dublin or before two Persons that are coming over here because the other Power was Executed before the Intail was broke.
I herewith Inclose a letter to Springett Penn which I request thou will be kind enough after Perusing it to forward him.
Should be glad thou would Assist him in case he lays claim to the Government of this Province which I Advised him to do about the time thee went over.
Thee has no doubt been some time since Informed how very disagreeable the Stamp Act is to People in general, Any Assistance thee may give in getting it repealed will be gratefully Acknowledged by thy Countrymen. I am very respectfully Thy Assured Friend
Edwd. Penington
Please to turn over.

I have now in my Possession two Draughts of Pennsbury, by one of which it appears there is 6543 Acres by the other only 5832 Acres. It would certainly be wrong to sell untill it is carefully surveyed, for People here are generally of opinion that Springett Penn has a right to the whole be the quantity what it may, notwithstanding the Proprietor intends to put him off with only 4000 Acres. I cannot but Observe that it is strange his Honour does not Propose to let His Nephew have 4005 or 6 Acres because the Deed from the first Proprietor says the tract contains 4000 Acres and Upwards.
It may not be Amiss to Inform thee that said Deed conveys the Capital Messuage or Dwelling House called Pennsbury with all the Land belonging thereto or that is Deemed reputed or taken to belong thereto being 4000 Acres and Upwards. Now the Draughts will shew what Lands belong to the Dwelling House, the Ancient People can Prove that it was considered only as one tract till of late Years the Proprietors Agents (by his orders) have called one Part Pennsbury, the other Pennsbury Manor the former to have 4000 Acres only, the latter what remains; but what is worthy of Observation there has not to this day been any such division made by an Actual survey. When I began this side I had no Intention of going thus far but the consideration of the Mean Artifices that has been practiced to cheat the Elder branch of the Penn Family makes it difficult to leave off when I get on the subject. Thy Assured Friend
Edwd. Penington

Addressed: To / Benja. Franklin Esqr. / in / London


Title: Joseph Galloway to William Franklin, 14 November 1765
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, William

Dear Sir
Novr. 14. 1765
Upon my Return Home, I found the City of Philadelphia in great Commotion. The Merchants having Signd an Agreement not to Send for any European Goods unless the Stamp Act was repealed, The next Measure Set on foot by the Proprietarians was to compell all the Publick Officers to do business on Common Paper. Tickets were Sent about to the Houses of the Inhabitants by Cha. Thompson inviting them to the State House to agree on this Proposal—About 200 met, many of them our Friends. But in order to divert this, which woud principally lye on the Heads of that Party, They gave out that J. Hughes must first totally and fully resign his Office, Least He should persecute the Proprietary Party with the penalties of the Act, in Case it should be enforced. This was certainly all Evasion and a Scheme of B.C. to avoid doing so indiscreet an Act—and to prevent the difficulties which the Governor and Ch. J. woud be under when they should be required to open their Offices especially the former who had taken an Oath to Execute the Law. Too many of our friends were inclind to unite with these wretches in this Measure not seeing their Design of bringing us into an Act which woud Crown all the Violent Measures which they had been long taken ag[ainst] the Power of Parliament. Our Speaker was warm for the Measure, and gave it all the Encouragement in his Power, and indiscreetly intermixed with this Mob. However they broke up without effecting any thing, as every thing they proposed was hissed or opposed by Some of the W Oaks and others of our friends who were there. I have and am taking every Step with our friends to prevent their having the least Connexion with these people who finding that they have already forfeited all favor that might be expected from a New Government shoud it take Place, are laying every Stratagem to involve us in the same degree of Guilt with themselves that they may equally Share in their Disgrace, and be entitled to no more favor.
Our Friend H. by some Presbyterian Villains was Privately hung up in Effigy on fryday last in the Jersey Market, where he remaind till Saturday Noon—Not a Single Majistrate could be found that would order it to be taken down, tho none were there to prevent it. Several came out to View the Agreable Spectacle, even the C. Justices Curiosity was so prevalent over his Discretion and his Oath, that he coud not help Sneaking to W.[Henrys?] Corner to See. I Last Night heard There was the like infernal Design against your worthy Father. Several Set up last Night to Watch the Villains and Shall every Night before Market day which will be the Time, if it be done at All—Tit for Tat, will I hope prevent it—Verbum Sapienti Sat est.
Immediately on my return I went to Mr. Hughes, who informed he Expected that Night his House woud be Destroyd—he thought it prudent to leave it, and carryd out his best furniture and Papers. But we had too many friends to Suffer it had this horrid Act been Attempted. I Spent the Evening at J. Biddles, where I had a full Opportunity of Advising our friends—and there proposed an Union for the preservation of the Peace of the City, Several of the White Oaks and Hearts of Oak were there—they all Declared they woud be ready—Since which J.H. has had a Meeting with them and they are determined to defend him to the Utmost. I find no Other Measure will secure us from Insults and the Malice of our Enemies, and I am determined if there is the Least Appearance of a Mob, to unite with our friends and tender ourselves to the Majistrates to Suppress it and [if they] do not assist to do it without their Aid. This Measure has not a little frightend them already, and I beleive will restore Peace to the City. For you may be assured we can Muster ten to their one.
Lord Colvil has given Orders to all the men of war under his Command to Seize every Vessel clear’d out after the first of Nov. without Stamp Paper. And Hawker has Declard none shall Escape him. This Gentleman at New Castle, Mr. Wharton at New York. I shall Send your Letter by the Post to him there. I am sorry for Mrs. F. indisposition. We hope for the Pleasure of her Company as soon as her Conveniency will Admit. Our best Wishes Attend you both. I am my dear friend Yours Affectionately
J. Galloway

Addressed: To / His Excellency William Franklin / Esqr / Burlington


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, [16?–28? November 1765]
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  [November 16?–28?, 1765]
  [First part missing]

Americans and remove their chief Complaint and all reasonable Cause of [Murmurs?] and Discontent, notwithstanding their present objections to it. They will naturally conceive it their Duty to obey Institutions and Laws agreed on by their own representatives; And in my Opinion This woud form the Strongest and most indissoluble Bond of Union, that can be invented, between the mother Country and her Foreign Dominions. Can Brittain, when she duly considers the Ambitious Temper of Human Nature, without this, or some theory like it, expect to retain her Sovereignty over the Colonies longer than they find themselves in a Capacity to separate from her? Shoud it not be recollected, That the first Settlers of America came over possessed of the highest Ideas of Liberty. That their Posterity have been educated in the same Notions. Several of their Governments are meerly Democratical, and Consequently very liable to discontent and Insurrections. Their Distance from their mother Country will Lessen her Awe, and the Idea of her Power, and when in a more Opulent State, and increased in Numbers, will probably prompt them to throw off their Subordination. I do not think this can possibly Happen in our Day, God Grant it never may—I am sure no good man woud wish to see it. But certainly these Considerations indicate the Prudence, if not the Necessity of Uniting the Colonies to their Mother Country by every Prudential Measure that can be devised.
It is difficult to Describe the Distress to which these distracted and Violent Measures have subjected the People of this Province and indeed all No. America. Here are Stamp Papers, But the Mob will not suffer them to be used, and the Publick Officers of Justice and of Trade, being under Obligation of their Oaths and liable to the Penalties of the Statute will not proceed in their Duties without them. A Stop is put to our Commerce and our Courts of Justice is Shut up. Our Harbours are filled with Vessels, but none of them, save those cleared out before the 2d. of November dare to Move, because neither the Governor or Collector will clear them out, and if they would the Men of War threaten to Seize them as forfeited for want of Papers agreable to the Laws of Trade. Our Debtors are Selling off their Effects before our Eyes, and removing to another Country with innumerable other Mischiefs brought on us by this fatal Conduct, from which I can see no Relief, But from an immediate repeal of the Act. As to the proceeding without the Papers our Friends seem resolved to suffer any Inconveniance rather than incur the Penalties of an Act of Parliament, or even to seem to give any opposition to it’s Execution while in Force.
The Merchants of this Port brought me on Saturday Last a rough Draught of an Address to the Merchants in England relating to their Commerce for my Correction. But it being very Violent and indiscreet throughout, denying the Power of Parliament, at the request of our Friends I drew another, every way moderate, and in decent Terms giving a just Account of the Distress of our Commerce. I warmly recommended to them Not to join in the other, and if possible to prevail with all the Merchants to Sign it, which they have promised to comply with. They also promise to send a Copy to our Agents, and direct that you be advised with on the Occasion.
I have deliverd to my good friend the Governor of Jersey the Pamphlet relating to the Change of Government in Carolina which he has undertook to send you. As to the Change of our own, we are not without Apprehensions that Occurrences may happen to retard it; But we make ourselves easy under a perfect Confidence that no Opportunity will be omitted by Mr. Jackson and yourself to effectuate that Desirable Event now so anxiously wishd for by Nine tenths of the People.
I Transmit herewith, a Copy of the Proceedings of the Congress at New York. I am sorry, their Conduct upon the whole does not promise more Success than it Seems to do. It is unfortunate that all the Legislatures did not send Committees to it, but still more unfortunate that they coud not agree to form such addresses as all Coud Sign. I mean Decent and Moderate and not negative of the Parliamentary Jurisdiction; As we have cause to think they will not be received for that Reason. Our Committee did not return till after the House adjournd. The Speaker received the Addresses from them and woud have prevailed on the Committee of Correspondence to have Transmitted them to our Agents. But as the House expected, they woud have been Sent from the Congress by that Body, and had invested you with the Power of Judging of the propriety and Decency of them, We returnd them again to the Committee, who I conclude has or will Send them to you.
Thus. I hear Since I wrote the above that the merchants have added to their Address the word unconstitutional with respect to the Stamp Act, which I was in hopes they would have Left out but as it is directed to the merchants perhaps it may not be taken amiss.

Governor Moore is lately arrived at New York, and has been obliged to deposit the Stampt Papers &c in the Hands of the Corporation with those formerly Sent over in Mr. Coldens Time.
I fear I have already tired your Patience and Philosophy with this long Letter, tho’ I know you want as little of either as most men and therefore I conclude with, my Sincerest Wishes for your Happiness, and assuring you that I am, my dear friend your very Affectionate Humble Servant
Jos. Galloway
Benj. Franklin Esq


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Balfour, 21 November 1765
From: Balfour, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Edinr: Novr: 21st 1765
I believe I forgot to mention in my last, that at your desire, I had not sent over any power of Attorney to make effectual the Debt due to us by Mr. James Parker of New York, I have had several Letters from him promissing a Remmittance, and also from one Mr. John Holt who it seems had enterd into Copartnership with him. The Debt has been long due; and was originally £116 14s. 8d. St. of which he only remitted £20 Ster. I shoud be glad the debt coud be made effectual without any prosecution and your good offices to bring about this, will be esteemd a great favour. It is due to Mr. Hamilton and me, and Mr. Hamilton has been now about [ten?] years out of trade, and therefore is anxious to have it settled. I beg pardon for this trouble, and am with great Esteem and Respect, Sir Your most Humble Servant
John Balfour
P S I hope you received my letter, incloseing Mr. Benjamin Mecoms, acknowledgeing the debt he was due to us.

Addressed: To / Doctor Francklin / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 26 November 1765
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newport Novr. 26. 1765
On the 22d Instant I received your Favor of the 5th. of July last, and the Diploma from the University of Edinburgh, with the several Letters relating to it. It is owing to you, Sir, that the University has done me this unmerited Honor, and therefore my Gratitude is due to both. To be enrolled in the highest Order of Literature, and in that Class in this Order which implies Piety as well as Erudition, would have been, could I have merited it, the Summit of my Ambition. I am not conscious of a Merit equal to such an Honor: yet am happy in receiving it from a University of the first Eminence for Religion and Literature; and in having been introduced to it by a Gentleman, whose Recommendation carries Weight with it throughout the Republic of Letters. The only addition which this Honor could possibly receive, you have given it, by the Delicacy with which you have conducted the Derivation of it, which gives Purity and a peculiar Lustre to the whole. It would give me the highest Satisfaction could my Character do the least honor to you, Sir, and to that illustrious Seat of Learning. Be pleased to accept my very grateful Acknowledgments for this unsollicited and intirely unexpected Mark of your Friendship. I shall ever entertain a filial Gratitude and profound Respect for the College of Edinburgh, and especially for the Reverend the Principal, and the other learned Gentlemen, who have honored my Diploma with their Names. Do me the favor, with my most respectful Thanks, to forward the inclosed Latin Letter to the Senatus Academicus. You will give my Compliments and Thanks to Mr. Strahan for his kind Assistance; and render the same to any other Gentlemen, to whom your Humanity may have laid me under Obligation. Dr. Robertson’s Letter to you, I will, agreeable to your desire, convey to his Excellency your Son, to be deposited with your papers. I am, my Dear Sir, Your affectionate and most Obedient Humble servant
Ezra Stiles
Doctor FranklinTo Dr. Benja. Franklin in London.

Endorsed: Rev. D. Robertson Edinb. Vera Copia Copies of Letters of Thanks to the University and to Dr. Franklin Novr. 26 1765.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, [27 November 1765]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Wednesday morng. [November 27, 1765]
Oh! my dear Friend! I never was more surpriz’d than on reading your Note. I grieve for you, for Mrs. Strahan, for Mr. Johnston, for the little ones, and your whole Family. The Loss is indeed a great one! She was every thing that one could wish, in every Relation. I do not offer you the common Topics of Consolation. I know by Experience how little they avail; that the natural Affections must have their Course; and that the best Remedy of Grief is Time. Mrs. Stevenson joins her Tears with mine. God comfort you all. Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mr. W. Strahan / Printer / Newstreet / Shoe Lane


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hugh Roberts, 27 November 1765
From: Roberts, Hugh
To: Franklin, Benjamin

BF Dear Friend
27: 11 mo: 1765
I am favoured with thy short Epistle of Augt. 9th and when I considered the lesser demand thou mentions for Cutting a Seal was ten Guineas and the little prospect there is of our fixing it for a donation again (unless that pernicious Stamp Act is Repealed or Mitigated which is likely to subvert good Neighbourhood Charity and Benevolence thro’ the Continent) I think it advisable at present to decline laying out Money for a Seal. And if it was intended by that Act that every donation should pay 40s. Sterling, which sum in these times of general scarcity of Money here; would be deem’d an acceptable Gift to our Hospital. Does it not strike blindfold at the foundation of the Only public Charitable Institution on the Continent of America.
Thy request of procuring 2 Pensylvania Fire Places cast when Robert Grace’s Moulds were good, is a little uncertain which of the sorts thou intended, whether the first impression such as P Syng and I had or that with the Sun in front and Air Box, both of which are much out of use, and tho’ many have been laid aside I find on enquiry that some parts of the plates have been apply’d for Backs or hearths of Chimneys or other Jobs, that I have not found a second hand one Compleat.
John Potts’s Family have some with the sun in front and the Smoak to pass thro a long narrow Vacancy in the lower part of the Back instead of the Bottom (without an Air Box) which may be had, one size £5 one at £6 but I shall not venture to send either this Fall and there will be time to give certain Orders before another.
In my letter to thee of Octob 12 per Capt. Friend I gave some Account of the proceedings at our late County and City Elections and the latter appearing equal in Votes occasion’d our Assembly to recomend a new City Election which caused a repetion of our former Controversies; as each party was of Opinion they could gain one Vote but on Tryal and our more than common diligence our opponents were distanced 171 Votes which has contributed to lower their Spirits and I hope will be a discouragement against a future Attempt: yet I know they will not omit to wrack their inventions to gain on the Credulity of their dependants; tho most of their falshoods prove Abortive or continue Life but a few days.
I am sorry to Observe that some of thy former intimates who really have Merit and I beleive are of Opinion with me that thou wilt never forfeit thy wonted Integrity for all the false Glory in Life yet such is their unhappiness and Connections with the Vulgar Great that influenced alternately by hopes and Fears they want fortitude of Mind to execute the dictates of their Own Consciences.
Is it possible that Men abounding with all the necessaries of Life can flatter or Cringe to gratifie little impulses of Ambition and gain imaginary Applause. No if endued with a small degree of my Spirit for I think his Condition who enjoys Affluence and releases any share his reason and honestly [sic] to purchase Fame is more contemptable than the most abject Patient in our Hospital and deserves less Pity.
I know my Native warmth has the appearance of imprudence in the View of some in high Life. Its not on those our happiness depends but in Acting consistant with our judgement in the Cool of the day, from which its a Crime to deveate when Truth and the freedom of our Country is at Stake.
My Dear Friend keep up thy Spirrits for thou hast yet a numerous set of Advocates who dare to speake their Sentiments with freedom and vindicate thy Conduct amongst whom many more capable none more sincere than thy real Friend
H R

Thy Wife and daughter Sally are well.
Please to Give my kind respects to my worthy Friend S N

Endorsed: Copy to Benja Franklin at London dated 27: 11 mo: 1765 sent per Capt Budden’s ship Sailed 16 12 1765


Title: Joseph Galloway to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 29 November 1765
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin

  Philada. Novr. 29 1765
  Messrs. Jackson and FranklinSirs

The Merchants of this City, greatly destrest with the present Circumstances of their Commerce, have transmitted to the Merchants and Manufacturers of Great Brittain, a Memorial Pointing out their Difficulties and hinting at the Remedies &c. which they Conceive will afford them the Desired Relief. They have been induced to take this Step from an Expectation, That the Brittish Merchants and Manufacturers, who are deeply interested in our Trade, and of Course in the Success of this Memorial, will Exert their Influence with the Parliament to remove the Cause of the Present Languishing State of American Commerce so very detrimental to the Interest of Brittain and her Colonies. This Memorial is attended with a Letter referring the Merchants &ca. in England to you, for such Information as they may stand in Need of, and Desiring that they will advise with you on this Important Occasion.
A Committee of the Merchants here, has Furnished the Committee of Correspondence, with a Copy of their Memorial, and requested they woud transmit it to you, which they had agreed to do; But as the Speaker and the rest of the Committee are now out of Town, I take that Task on my self and Send it herewith.
Your well known Attachment to the Interest and Welfare of America Leaves our Merchants no Room to Doubt, But that you will Afford their Friends in England all the Advice and Assistance in your Power, and fully Cooperate with them in the Measures most proper to be pursued for restoring our Commerce to its former Flourishing and Beneficial State. I am Gentlemen with the greatest Esteem and respect your most Obedient Servant
Jos. Galloway

Addressed: To / Richard Jackson and Benjamin / Franklin Esqrs. / in / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 30 November 1765
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newport 30 Novr 1765
The inclosed is the Copy of a Letter I delivered on the 16th. Inst. to be conveyed by a Vessel bound to Falmouth, which is not yet sailed, but continues at Providence. On the 22d. Inst. I received your Letter of 5th July with the Diploma from the University of Edinburgh. I have prepared the Letters in Acknowledgment of this unexpected Honor, and shall forward them to you in a Ship here Capt. Gardner expecting to sail next Week for London. This I send to New York, to be sent in the Pacquet. With sincere Gratitude, I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Very humble servant
Ezra Stiles
To Dr. Franklin London

Endorsed: Sent to New York by a Vessel which sail’d Decr 1. 1765. March 13. 1767. A Copy of


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, [4–9 December 1765]
From: Heberden, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[December 4–9, 1765]
Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on wednesday next (Decr. 11th.) at half an hour past three.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Timothy Goolding, 7 December 1765
From: Goolding, Timothy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brewer Street Decemr 7th 1765
Having been from home all day on Business prevented my waiting on you, been since inform’d that an Account of the Curtains were Immediately wanted, have therefore inclos’d it, I beg the favour of you Sir to Convey my respectful Compliments to the Governour and his Lady. With thanks for their kind Remembrance of Me, and please to mention that if the Curtains are a Little Longer then the Dimentions Given me, it is alowing for shrinkings, which these damasks are very Apt to do, if these do not ’tis Easy to turn up a little at bottom. Have likewise Sent two Cloke pins more then are Necessary incase any should be broke. Am Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servant
T Goolding

Addressed: To / —— Franklin Esqr / in Craven Street / Strand