Title: Experiments Supporting the Use of Pointed Lightning Rods, [18?] August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The following document raises its full share of editorial problems, but none of them greatly affects its substance. The bulk of the paper was unquestionably what Franklin read to the Purfleet committee, and what brought the majority of its members to accept his position. When the experiments were first published, in Dubourg’s French translation, the editor said that they were read before the committee and dated them August 27; six years later Vaughan published the English text with a note, apparently in the copy from which he was working, that said the same thing. Neither editor knew, however, that Franklin had sent another version to his Swiss friend, de Saussure, in the autumn of 1772. It was, according to him, what he had read to the committee; and he dated it August 18. It shortens the description of the sixth experiment in the printed text and omits that text’s concluding paragraph. Both documents, in other words, have Franklin’s imprimatur, one indirectly through editions that he supervised and the other in his own hand; yet the two differ in date and in substance. When did he actually read his paper to the committee, and in what form?
On August 12, the earliest meeting of which we have record, Benjamin Wilson objected to the use of pointed lightning rods at Purfleet. On the 17th the committee considered the objection and on the following day, in the light of Franklin’s arguments, rejected it and asked the American to complete the draft report. On the 21st the committee met to sign the report, Wilson dissenting; we have no evidence whatever that it met again until December. Hence August 27, despite Franklin’s imprimatur, is an impossible date for the paper. It was presumably written between the 12th, when Wilson first objected, and the 18th, when the issue was settled.
Which form Franklin used to convince the committee is impossible to say, but we are inclined to believe that it was the longer one printed here. Dubourg and Vaughan said so. In its conclusion, furthermore, which chiefly distinguishes it from the shorter version, Franklin rebuts one of Wilson’s main arguments, and in polite terms describes it as nonsense; before the committee, it seems to us, he would have been likely to attack all his opponent’s points. For these reasons we accept the printed text, but for its date we substitute that of the shortened and slightly altered version that Franklin sent to Switzerland. Why did he shorten it? Perhaps because the full argument seemed unnecessary: de Saussure was so expert in electrical matters, Franklin may have believed, that for him a conclusion arguing against nonsense would have belabored the obvious.

Aug. 27 [i.e., 18?], 1772.
Experiments, Observations, and Facts, tending to support the opinion of the utility of long pointed rods, for securing buildings from damage by strokes of lightning.
   *Read at the committee appointed to consider the erecting conductors to secure the magazines at Purfleet. Aug. 27, 1772.

Experiment I.
  The prime conductor of an electric machine, A. B. being supported about 10½ inches above the table by a wax-stand, and under it erected a pointed wire 7½ inches high and ⅕ of an inch thick, tapering to a sharp point, and communicating with the table; When the point (being uppermost) is covered by the end of a finger, the conductor may be full charged, and the electrometer c,
   †Mr. Henley’s.
 will rise to the height indicating a full charge: But the moment the point is uncovered, the ball of the electrometer drops, shewing the prime  conductor to be instantly discharged and nearly emptied of its electricity. Turn the wire its blunt end upwards, (which represents an unpointed bar,) and no such effect follows, the electrometer remaining at its usual height when the prime conductor is charged.
Observation.
What quantity of lightning, a high pointed rod well communicating with the earth may be expected to discharge from the clouds silently in a short time, is yet unknown; but I have reason from a particular fact to think it may at some times be very great. In Philadelphia I had such a rod fixed to the top of my chimney, and extending about nine feet above it. From the foot of this rod, a wire (the thickness of a goose quill) came through a covered glass tube in the roof, and down through the well of the stair-case; the lower end connected with the iron spear of a pump. On the staircase opposite to my chamber-door, the wire was divided; the ends separated about six inches, a little bell on each end; [and] between the bells a little brass ball suspended by a silk thread, to play between and strike the bells when clouds passed with electricity in them. After having frequently drawn sparks and charged bottles from the bell of the upper wire, I was one night waked by loud cracks on the stair-case. Starting up and opening the door, I perceived that the brass ball, instead of vibrating as usual between the bells, was repelled and kept at a distance from both; while the fire passed sometimes in very large quick cracks from bell to bell; and sometimes in a continued dense white stream, seemingly as large as my finger, whereby the whole stair-case was enlightened as with sunshine, so that one might see to pick up a pin.
   *Mr. De Romas saw still greater quantities of lightning brought down by the wire of his kite. He had “explosions from it, the noise of which greatly resembled that of thunder, and were heard (from without) into the heart of the city, notwithstanding the various noises there. The fire seen at the instant of the explosion had the shape of a spindle eight inches long and five lines in diameter. Yet from the time of the explosion to the end of the experiment, no lightning was seen above, nor any thunder heard. At another time the streams of fire issuing from it were observed to be an inch thick and ten feet long.” See Dr. Priestley’s History of Electricity, pages 354–6. first edition.
  And from the apparent quantity thus discharged, I cannot but conceive that a number
   *Twelve were proposed on or near the magazines at Purfleet.
 of such conductors must considerably lessen that of any approaching cloud, before it comes so near as to deliver its contents in a general stroke: An effect not to be expected from bars unpointed; if the above experiment with the blunt end of the wire is deemed pertinent to the case.
Experiment II.
  The pointed wire under the prime conductor continuing of the same height, pinch it between the thumb and finger near the top, so as just to conceal the point; then turning the globe, the electrometer will rise and mark the full charge. Slip the fingers down so as to discover about half an inch of the wire, then another half inch, and then another; at every one of these motions discovering more and more of the pointed wire; you will see the electrometer fall quick and proportionably, stopping when you stop. If you slip down the whole distance at once, the ball falls instantly down to the stem.
Observation.
  From this experiment it seems that a greater effect in drawing off the lightning from the clouds may be expected from long pointed rods, than from short ones; I mean from such as show the greatest length, above the building they are fixed on.
Experiment III.
  Instead of pinching the point between the thumb and finger, as in the last experiment, keep the thumb and finger each at near an inch distance from it, but at the same height, the point between them. In this situation, though the point is fairly exposed to the prime conductor, it has little or no effect; the electrometer rises to the height of a full charge. But the moment the fingers are taken away, the ball falls quick to the stem.
Observation.
  To explain this, it is supposed, that one reason of the sudden effect produced by a long naked pointed wire is, that ( by the repulsive power of the positive charge in the prime conductor) the natural quantity of electricity contained in the pointed wire is driven down into the earth, and the point of the wire made strongly negative; whence it attracts the electricity of the prime conductor more strongly than bodies in their natural state would do; the small quantity of common matter in the point, not being able by its attractive force to retain its natural quantity of the electric fluid, against the force of that repulsion. But the finger and thumb being substantial and blunt bodies, though as near the prime conductor, hold up better their own natural quantity against the force of that repulsion; and so, continuing nearly in the natural state, they jointly operate on the electric fluid in the point, opposing its descent, and aiding the point to retain it; contrary to the repelling power of the prime conductor, which would drive it down. And this may also serve to explain the different powers of the point in the preceding experiment, on the slipping down the finger and thumb to different distances.
Hence is collected, that a pointed rod erected between two tall chimnies, and very little higher, (an instance of which I have seen) cannot have so good an effect, as if it had been erected on one of the chimneys, its whole length above it.
Experiment IV.
  If, instead of a long pointed wire, a large solid body, (to represent a building without a point) be brought under and as near the prime conductor, when charged; the ball of the electrometer will fall a little; and on taking away the large body, will rise again.
Observation.
  Its rising again shows that the prime conductor lost little or none of its electric charge, as it had done through the point: The falling of the ball while the large body was under the conductor, therefore shows that a quantity of its atmosphere was drawn from the end where the electrometer is placed to the part immediately over the large body, and there accumulated ready to strike into it with its whole undiminished force, as soon as within the striking distance; and, were the prime conductor moveable like a cloud, it would approach the body by attraction till within that distance. The swift motion of clouds, as driven by the winds, probably prevents this happening so often as otherwise it might do; for, though parts of the cloud may stoop towards a building as they pass, in consequence of such attraction, yet they are carried forward beyond the striking distance before they could by their descending come within it.
Experiment V.
  Attach a small light lock of cotton to the underside of the prime conductor, so that it may hang down towards the pointed wire mentioned in the first experiment. Cover the point with your finger, and the globe being turned, the cotton will extend itself, stretching down towards the finger as at a; but on uncovering the point, it instantly flies up to the prime conductor, as at b, and continues there as long as the point is uncovered. The moment you cover it again, the cotton flies down again, extending itself towards the finger; and the same happens in degree, if (instead of the finger) you use, uncovered, the blunt end of the wire uppermost.
Observation.
  To explain this, it is supposed that the cotton, by its connection with the prime conductor, receives from it a quantity of its electricity; which occasions its being attracted by the finger that remains still in nearly its natural state. But when a point is opposed to the cotton, its electricity is thereby taken from it, faster than it can at a distance be supplied with a fresh quantity from the conductor. Therefore being reduced nearer to the natural state, it is attracted up to the electrified prime conductor; rather than down, as before, to the finger.
Supposing farther that the prime conductor represents a cloud charged with the electric fluid; the cotton, a ragged fragment of cloud (of which the underside of great thunder clouds are seen to have many;) the finger, a chimney or highest part of a building. We then may conceive that when such a cloud passes over a building, some one of its ragged under-hanging fragments may be drawn down by the chimney or other high part of the edifice; creating thereby a more easy communication between it and the great cloud. But a long pointed rod being presented to this fragment, may occasion its receding, like the cotton, up to the great cloud; and thereby increase, instead of lessening the distance, so as often to make it greater than the striking distance. Turning the blunt end of a wire uppermost, (which represents the unpointed bar) it appears that the same good effect is not from that to be expected. A long pointed rod it is therefore imagined, may prevent some strokes; as well as conduct others that fall upon it, when a great body of cloud comes on so heavily that the above repelling operation on fragments cannot take place.

Experiment VI.
  Opposite the side of the prime conductor place separately, isolated by wax stems, Mr. Canton’s two boxes with pith balls suspended by fine linen threads. On each box, lay a wire six inches long and ⅕ of an inch thick, tapering to a sharp point; but so laid, as that four inches of the pointed end of one wire, and an equal length of the blunt end of the other, may project beyond the ends of the boxes; and both at 18 inches distance from the prime conductor. Then charging the prime conductor by a turn or two of the globe, the balls of each pair will separate; those of the box whence the point projects most, considerably; the others less. Touch the prime conductor, and those of the box with the blunt point will collapse, and join. Those connected with the point will at the same time approach each other, till within about an inch, and there remain.
Observation.
  This seems a proof, that though the small sharpened part of the wire must have had a less natural quantity in it before the operation, than the thick blunt part; yet a greater quantity was driven down from it to the balls. Thence it is again inferred that the pointed rod is rendered more negative: and farther, that if a stroke must fall from the cloud over a building, furnished with such a rod, it is more likely to be drawn to that pointed rod, than to a blunt one; as being more strongly negative, and of course its attraction stronger. And it seems more eligible, that the lightning should fall on the point of the conductor (provided to convey it into the earth,) than on any other part of the building, thence to proceed to such conductor. Which end is also more likely to be obtained by the length and loftiness of the rod; as protecting more extensively the building under it.
It has been objected, that erecting pointed rods upon edifices, is to invite and draw the lightning into them; and therefore dangerous. Were such rods to be erected on buildings, without continuing the communication quite down into the moist earth, this objection might then have weight; but when such compleat conductors are made, the lightning is invited not into the building, but into the earth, the situation it aims at; and which it always seizes every help to obtain, even from broken partial metalline conductors.
It has also been suggested, that from such electric experiments nothing certain can be concluded as to the great operations of nature; since it is often seen that experiments, which have succeeded in small, in large have failed. It is true that in mechanics this has sometimes happened. But when it is considered that we owe our first knowledge of the nature and operations of lightning, to observations on such small experiments; and that on carefully comparing the most accurate accounts of former facts, and the exactest relations of those that have occurred since, the effects have surprizingly agreed with the theory; it is humbly conceived that in natural philosophy, in this branch of it at least, the suggestion has not so much weight; and that the farther new experiments now adduced in recommendation of long sharp-pointed rods, may have some claim to credit and consideration.
It has been urged too, that though points may have considerable effects on a small prime conductor at small distances; yet on great clouds and at great distances, nothing is to be expected from them. To this it is answered, that in those small experiments it is evident the points act at a greater than the striking distance; and in the large way, their service is only expected where there is such nearness of the cloud, as to endanger a stroke; and there, it cannot be doubted the points must have some effect. And if the quantity discharged by a single pointed rod may be so considerable as I have shown it; the quantity discharged by a number, will be proportionably greater.
But this part of the theory does not depend alone on small experiments. Since the practice of erecting pointed rods in America, (now near 20 years) five of them have been struck by lightning; viz. Mr. Raven’s and Mr. Maine’s in South Carolina; Mr. Tucker’s in Virginia; Mr. West’s and Mr. Moulder’s in Philadelphia. Possibly there may have been more that have not come to my knowledge. But in every one of these, the lightning did not fall upon the body of the house, but precisely on the several points of the rods; and, though the conductors were sometimes not sufficiently large and compleat, was conveyed into the earth, without any material damage to the buildings. Facts then in great, as far as we have them authenticated, justify the opinion that is drawn from the experiments in small as above related.
It has also been objected, that unless we knew the quantity that might possibly be discharged at one stroke from the clouds, we cannot be sure we have provided sufficient conductors; and therefore cannot depend on their conveying away all that may fall on their points. Indeed we have nothing to form a judgment by in this case but past facts; and we know of no instance where a compleat conductor to the moist earth has been insufficient, if half an inch diameter. It is probable that many strokes of lightning have been conveyed through the common leaden pipes affixed to houses to carry down the water from the roof to the ground: and there is no account of such pipes being melted and destroyed, as must sometimes have happened if they had been insufficient. We can then only judge of the dimensions proper for a conductor of lightning, as we do of those proper for a conductor of rain, by past observation. And as we think a pipe of three inches bore sufficient to carry off the rain that falls on a square of 20 feet, because we never saw such a pipe glutted by any shower; so we may judge a conductor of an inch diameter, more than sufficient for any stroke of lightning that will fall on its point. It is true that if another deluge should happen wherein the windows of heaven are to be opened, such pipes may be unequal to the falling quantity; and if God for our sins should think fit to rain fire upon us, as upon some cities of old, it is not expected that our conductors of whatever size, should secure our houses against a miracle. Probably as water drawn up into the air and there forming clouds, is disposed to fall again in rain by its natural gravity, as soon as a number of particles sufficient to make a drop can get together; so when the clouds are (by whatever means) over or undercharged [with the electric fluid] to a degree sufficient to attract them towards the earth, the equilibrium is restored, before the difference becomes great beyond that degree. Mr. Lane’s electrometer, for limiting precisely the quantity of a shock that is to be administered in a medical view, may serve to make this more easily intelligible. The discharging knob does by a screw approach the conductor to the distance intended, but there remains fixed. Whatever power there may be in the glass globe to collect the fulminating fluid, and whatever capacity of receiving and accumulating it there may be in the bottle or glass jar; yet neither the accumulation or the discharge, ever exceeds the destined quantity. Thus, were the clouds always at a certain fixed distance from the earth, all discharges would be made when the quantity accumulated was equal to the distance: But there is a circumstance which by occasionally lessening the distance, lessens the discharge; to wit, the moveableness of the clouds, and their being drawn nearer to the earth by attraction when electrified; so that discharges are thereby rendered more frequent and of course less violent. Hence whatever the quantity may be in nature, and whatever the power in the clouds of collecting it; yet an accumulation and force beyond what mankind has hitherto been acquainted with, is scarce to be expected.
B. F.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 19–22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

Dear Son,
London, August 19[–22], 1772.
I received yours of June 30. I am vexed that my letter to you, written at Glasgow, miscarried; not so much that you did not receive it, as that it is probably in other hands. It contained some accounts of what passed in Ireland, which were for you only.
As Lord Hillsborough in fact got nothing out of me, I should rather suppose he threw me away as an orange that would yield no juice, and therefore not worth more squeezing. When I had been a little while returned to London I waited on him to thank him for his civilities in Ireland, and to discourse with him on a Georgia affair. The porter told me he was not at home. I left my card, went another time, and received the same answer, though I knew he was at home, a friend of mine being with him. After intermissions of a week each, I made two more visits, and received the same answer. The last time was on a levee day, when a number of carriages were at his door. My coachman driving up, alighted and was opening the coach door, when the porter, seeing me, came out, and surlily chid the coachman for opening the door before he had enquired whether my lord was at home; and then turning to me, said, “My Lord is not at home.” I have never since been nigh him, and we have only abused one another at a distance. The contrast as you observe is very striking between his conversation with the Chief Justice, and his letter to you concerning your province. I know him to be as double and deceitful as any man I ever met with. But we have done with him, I hope, for ever. His removal has I believe been meditated ever since the death of the Princess Dowager. For I recollect that on my complaining of him about that time to a friend at Court whom you may guess, he told me, we Americans were represented by Hillsborough as an unquiet people not easily satisfied with any ministry, that however it was thought too much occasion had been given us to dislike the present: and asked me, whether, if he should be removed, I could name another likely to be more acceptable to us. I said, yes, there is Lord Dartmouth: we liked him very well when he was at the head of the Board formerly, and probably should like him again. This I heard no more of, but I am pretty sure it was reported where I could wish it, though I knew not that it had any effect.
As to my situation here nothing can be more agreeable, especially as I hope for less embarrassment from the new minister. A general respect paid me by the learned, a number of friends and acquaintance among them with whom I have a pleasing intercourse; a character of so much weight that it has protected me when some in power would have done me injury, and continued me in an office they would have deprived me of; my company so much desired that I seldom dine at home in winter, and could spend the whole summer in the country houses of inviting friends if I chose it. Learned and ingenious foreigners that come to England, almost all make a point of visiting me, for my reputation is still higher abroad than here; several of the foreign ambassadors have assiduously cultivated my acquaintance, treating me as one of their corps, partly I believe from the desire they have from time to time of hearing something of American affairs, an object become of importance in foreign courts, who begin to hope Britain’s alarming power will be diminished by the defection of her Colonies; and partly that they may have an opportunity of introducing me to the gentlemen of their country who desire it. The K. too has lately been heard to speak of me with great regard. These are flattering circumstances, but a violent longing for home sometimes seizes me, which I can no otherways subdue but by promising myself a return next spring or next fall, and so forth. As to returning hither, if I once go back, I have no thoughts of it. I am too far advanced in life to propose three voyages more. I have some important affairs to settle at home, and considering my double expences here and there, I hardly think my salaries fully compensate the disadvantages. The late change however being thrown into the balance determines me to stay another winter.

  P.S. August 22. I find I omitted congratulating you on the honour of your election in the Society for propagating the Gospel. There you match indeed my Dutch honour. But you are again behind, for last night I received a letter from Paris of which the inclosed is an extract, acquainting me that I am chosen Associé etranger (foreign member) of the Royal Academy there. There are but eight of these Associés etrangers in all Europe, and those of the most distinguished names for science. The vacancy I have the honour of filling, was made by the death of the late celebrated M. Van Swieten of Vienna. This mark of respect from the first Academy in the world, which Abbe Nolet, one of its members, took so much pains to prejudice against my doctrines, I consider as a kind of victory without ink-shed, since I never answered him. I am told he has but one of his sect now remaining in the Academy. All the rest who have in any degree acquainted themselves with electricity are as he calls them Franklinists. Yours, &c.
B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 21 August 1772
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monday. 21. Augt. 1772.
Mr. Lee’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin. The Gentleman who deliverd him the inclosd Letter, having informd him, that the Bearer of it from Mr. Cushing was under an express injunction to deliver it to Dr. Lee in the absence of Dr. Franklin, as the Contents requird immediate attention; Mr. L. took the Liberty of opening it. The Contents however appear to Mr. L. to be such, as may well wait for Dr. Franklin’s better judgment.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 21 August 1772
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New Street August 21. 1772.
As you will probably write to Philadelphia by some of the Vessels now about to sail thither, may I request the favour of you to remind Mr. Galloway of the Money due to me for Types and Newspapers sent to Mr. Goddard by his Order above four Years ago, and which, as stated in my Letter to him of the 6th. Decr. 1770. amounted then to £172 15s. 2d.? I wrote him the 7th. of August last Year to which I have had no Answer. It is surely high time this Money was repaid, which I beg your Interposition to procure me without farther Delay. It is hard I should suffer by the Madness and Ingratitude of Goddard whom I never had the least Concern with. It was Mr. Galloway’s Order that I obeyed; and to him I look for my Reimbursement.

I will do myself the Pleasure of waiting upon you in a Day or two, and in the mean time remain, with the warmest Respect and Esteem Dear Sir Your faithful and affectionate humble Servant
Will: Strahan
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bartram, John

My dear old Friend,
London, Aug. 22. 1772
I received your kind Letter of May 10. I am glad the Rhubarb Seed got safe to hand. I make no doubt of its Thriving well in our Country, where the Climate is the same with that of the Chinese Wall, just without which it grows in plenty and of the best Quality. I shall be glad to know how you find the Turnips. I ask’d Solander about the Lucern Seed you wrote for. He could give me no Account of it, nor can I learn any thing of it from others. You may rely on my Friendship in recommending your Seeds. I send all that enquire of me about American Seeds to Mr. Freeman. He should advertise them when they come. I hear nothing lately of Young, and think him not of much Consequence. With Love to Mrs. Bartram and your Children, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B F

Addressed: To / Mr John Bartram / near / Philadelphia / per Capt Falconer


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Benezet, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Benezet, Anthony

Dear Friend,
London, Augt 22. 1772
I made a little Extract from yours of April 27. of the Number of Slaves imported and perishing, with some close Remarks on the Hypocrisy of this Country which encourages such a detestable Commerce by Laws, for promoting the Guinea Trade, while it piqu’d itself on its Virtue Love of Liberty, and the Equity of its Courts in setting free a single Negro. This was inserted in the London Chronicle of the 20th of June last. I thank you for the Virginia Address, which I shall also publish with some Remarks. I am glad to hear that the Disposition against keeping Negroes grows more general in North America. Several Pieces have been lately printed here against the Practice, and I hope in time it will be taken into Consideration and suppress’d by the Legislature. Your Labours have already been attended with great Effects. I hope therefore you and your Friends will be encouraged to proceed. My hearty Wishes of Success attend you, being ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B F.
Mr Antho Benezet


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Library Company of Philadelphia

Gentlemen,
London, Augt. 22. 1772
I received your Bill on Whitmore for £125 Sterling, which is carried to the Credit of the Library Company. With this you will receive the Books, of which inclosed I send the Invoice. I hope they will come safe to hand, and please. The Journals of the House of Commons are not to be had at present under 25 Guineas, or £25, therefore I did not think it adviseable to send them, as at Auctions or Sales one has frequent Opportunities of purchasing them much lower. Besides they are Books rather to be consulted on Occasion than read, and any one having such Occasion may find them in the Assembly’s Library. I will however send them if you direct me to do it. With great Regard, I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Messrs. Robt. Strettel Jones, Saml Rhoads, and Josiah Hewes

Addressed: To / Messrs. Robt. Strettel Jones / Samll Rhoads, & Josiah / Hewes, a Commte. of the Di- / rectors of the Library Company. / Philadelphia / per Capt. Falconer
Endorsed: London August 22 1772 Letter from B Franklin per Capt. Falconer.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital

Gentlemen
London, Augt. 22. 1772.
I suppose Mr. Barclay has acquainted you from time to time with the Difficulties that have attended our obtaining the Money for the Hospital. He communicated to me the other Day the enclos’d Note left for him by the Solicitor. Dr. Fothergill is now out of Town, which we fear will prevent our being able to receive it till his Return about the End of next Month: I hope the Affair may be finished soon after to your Satisfaction. I am, very respectfully Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Messrs Reynell, Rhoads and Pemberton


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Coombe, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Coombe, Thomas

Dear Friend,
London, Augt. 22. 1772
I rejoiced to hear of your safe Arrival and happy Meeting with your Friends. I hope every other Circumstance there will prove agreable [to?] you, if you chuse to continue at Philadelphia. [The?] Letter you intended me by Loxley did not come, so I shall expect that Pleasure. Things remain here much in the State you left them. Mrs. Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. Hewson, Miss Dolly Blunt and Sally, continue to respect and Love y[ou as] does no less Your affectionate Friend and [Servant]
B Franklin
Revd Mr Coombe


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Galloway, Joseph

Dear Friend,
London, Augt 22. 1772
I acknowledged before the Receipt of your Favour of May 14, since which I have no Line from you. It will be a Pleasure to me to render any Service to Mr. Tilghman whom you recommended.

The Acts pass’d in your Winter and Spring Sessions I have not yet receiv’d, nor have I heard from Mr. Wilmot that they have been presented.
Lord Hillsborough, mortify’d by the Committee of Council’s Approbation of our Grant in Opposition to his Report, has resigned. I believe when he offer’d to do so, he had such an Opinion of his Importance that he did not think it would be accepted; and that it would be thought prudent rather to set our Grant aside than part with him. His Colleagues in the Ministry were all glad to get rid of him, and perhaps for that reason join’d more readily in giving him that Mortification. Lord Dartmouth succeeds him, who has much more favourable Dispositions towards the Colonies. He has heretofore express’d some personal Regard for me, and I hope now to find my Business with the Board more easy to transact.
Your Observations on the State of the Islands did not come to hand till after Lord Rochford had withdrawn his Petition. His Lordship and the Promoters of it were so roasted on the Occasion, that I believe another of the kind will not very soon be thought of. The Proprietor was at the Expence of the Opposition; and as I knew it would not be necessary and thought it might be inconvenient to our Affairs I did not openly engage in it, but I gave some private Assistance that I believe was not without Effect. I think too that Mr. Jackson’s opinion [was of?] Service. I would lodge a Copy of your Paper in the Plantation Office, against any similar future Application, if you approve of it. I only think the Island Holders make too great a Concession to the Crown when they suppose it may have a Right to Quitrent. It can have none, in my Opinion on the old Grants from Indians, Swedes and Dutch where none was reserved. And I think those Grants so clearly good as to need no Confirmation, to obtain which I suppose is the only Motive for offering such Quit Rent. I imagine too, that it may not be amiss to affix a Caveat in the Plantation Office, in Behalf of the Holders of Property in those Islands, against any Grant of them that may be applied for, till they have had timely Notice and an Opportunity of being fully heard. Mr. Jackson is out of Town, but I shall confer with him on the Subject as soon as he returns.
I thank you for your Care in obtaining and transmitting the Bill Willing & Morris on James Snedel for £500 which is paid. Your friendly Attention in these Affairs is extreamly obliging.
I acquainted Mr. Jackson with the Intention of the Assembly that he should receive the Votes and Laws free of Expence, and offered to reimburse him what he had paid as Postage for them. But he would not receive it as he had Money of theirs in his Hands, and said he could charge it. He tells me that you did not know of that Money. I remember the sending it when I was last in America; the Sum I forget, but think it was about £400. It must be mentioned in the Votes of 1762, 3, or 4.
I beg Leave to propose as a Member of our Philosophical Society Monsieur Jean LeRoy, Vice Directeur de l’Academie Royale des Sciences à Paris. He is a Person of great Merit, a Friend to America, and who will be pleas’d with the Honour of being chosen.
Don’t let us yet be too sanguine about Expectations of the Grant. There is a great dea[l to do?] before the Business is compleated, and many Things happen between the Cup and Lip. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Mr Galloway


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Rhoads, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rhoads, Samuel

Dear Friend,
London, Augt. 22. 1772
I think I before acknowledg’d your Favour of Feb. 29. I have since received that of May 30. I am glad my Canal Papers were agreable to you. If any Work of that kind is set on foot in America, I think it would be saving Money to engage by a handsome Salary an Engineer from hence who has been accustomed to such Business. The many Canals on foot here under different great Masters, are daily raising a number of Pupils in the Art, some of whom may want Employ hereafter; and a single Mistake thro’ Inexperience, in such important Works, may cost much more than the Expence of Salary to an ingenious young Man already well acquainted with both Principles and Practice. This the Irish have learnt at a dear Rate in the first Attempt of their great Canal, and now are endeavouring to get Smeaton to come and rectify their Errors. With regard to your Question, whether it is best to make the Skuylkill a part of the Navigation to the back Country, or whether the Difficulty, of that River, subject to all the Inconveniencies of Floods, Ice, &c will not be greater than the Expence of Digging, Locks, &c. I can only say, that here they look on the constant Practicability of a Navigation, allowing Boats to pass and repass at all Times and Seasons, without Hindrance, to be a Point of the greatest Importance, and therefore they seldom or ever use a River where it can be avoided. Locks in Rivers are subject to many more Accidents than those in still-water Canals; and the Carrying-away a few Locks by Freshes or Ice, not only creates a great Expence, but interrupts Business for a long time till Repairs are made; which may soon be destroyed again; and thus the Carrying-on a Course of Business by such a Navigation be discouraged, as subject to frequent Interruptions: The Toll too must be higher to pay for such Repairs. Rivers are ungovernable Things, especially in Hilly Countries: Canals are quiet and very manageable: Therefore they are often carried on here by the Sides of Rivers, only on Ground above the Reach of Floods, no other Use being made of the Rivers than to supply occasionally the Waste of Water in the Canals. I warmly wish Success to every Attempt for Improvement of our dear Country; and am with sincere Esteem, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

I congratulate you on the Change of our American Minister. The present has more favourable Dispositions towards us than his Predecessor.
S. Rhoads, Esqr

Addressed: To / Samuel Rhoads, Esqr / Philadelphia / per Capt. Falconer.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London, Augst 22. 1772
I am favoured with yours of June 24. and shall as it is my Duty endeavour to obtain the Royal Assent to every Act passed by our Assembly; and to that you recommend, the more particularly as I think it reasonable in itself, and connected with Liberty of Conscience a Fundamental of our Constitution. But I am doubtful of its Success when I recollect that an Act of the same kind about twenty or twenty-five Years ago was repealed here, as introducing new Modes of Swearing unknown to the English Laws. I shall however try what can be done.
I imagine I should thank you for a little Piece on preserving Health which I have read with Pleasure. I wish you all Prosperity, being, with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

I have lately heard from our Friends Dubourg and Dupont at Paris, who were well.
Dr Rush

Addressed: To / Dr Rush / Philadelphia / per Capt. Falconer
Endorsed: Benjn. Franklin August 22 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Smith, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Smith, William

Sir,
London, Augt. 22. 1772
I received yours of May 16. with the Box of Books, and have already delivered and forwarded most of them as directed. I supply’d Dr. Fothergill with the wanting Sheet. I approve much of the Letter’s being in English. I forwarded your Letter to Mr. White, Son of Taylor White, Esqr late Treasurer of the Foundling Hospital (now deceas’d) but he has not call’d for the Book. I am glad to hear of your Success at South Carolina, and that the College flourishes. I send inclos’d a Pamphlet on a new Discovery that makes some Noise here. With my best Wishes of Prosperity to the Society, and Thanks for the Number of Books they have sent me, which I shall endeavour to dispose of to their Credit, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd Dr Smith

Endorsed: To D Smith relative to 1 Vol of Transactions


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Tyler, 22 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Tyler, John

Loving Kinsman
London, Aug. 22. 1772
I received yours of May 16. and am glad to hear you are well. I hope your Nailing Scheme may answer. I was lately in Birmingham, and saw your Friends there who are well. A Box has been committed to my Care for you, which I send herewith. I should have been glad of an Opportunity of rendring any Service or Pleasure to the young Man you recommended to me, wishing as I do Success to all new Manufactures in America. I am, Your Friend and Servant
B Franklin
Mr Tyler


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Timothy, 24 August 1772
From: Timothy, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Charles-Town, Aug. 24. 1772.
It is almost sufficient to discourage any Man from continuing to write, who has sent so many Letters as I have to you since the 16th of August last Year, without receiving an Answer to any one besides the first, and that after Six Months had elapsed. But I will suppose they have miscarried: I can not believe that Doct. Franklin will withdraw his Friendship from any Man, while it may be in his Power to serve him, merely because he has been unfortunate. I have been so, but never willfully wrong’d any Man. I have suffered, by never being lukewarm in any Cause. I must be active, and I never did set that Value upon Money, which the prudent Part of the Mankind generally does: In that Respect I have been imprudent; and if I have been unjust, the World says, it is to myself and Family. You have already been made acquainted with many Particulars of my Situation, tho’ in a very confused Manner.
My natural Eyes being almost worn out, I have declined the Printing Business, and am now employed in putting my Affairs in order for a Settlement. In the mean Time I am ready for any Employment in His Majesty’s Service, that will not degrade me, which any Friend may think me fit for or can procure by his Interest. The Naval Officer’s Place here is not of any considerable Value, the Duty is easy; it is held by one Stephenson, and executed by Mr. Raper his Deputy: I could be satisfied with a Reversion of that Office. I know your Disposition from Mr. Hughes, whose Loss I shall ever lament; if you say you will serve me if you can, I am sure you will do it. The Manner must be left to you.
My Son Benjamin Franklin has just happily got thro’ the Measles, and a fine promising Boy; but as I have lost eight Sons in Teething, my Apprehension for him will not be over till he has all his Teeth.
When I began this Letter it was with an Intent to say nothing of myself—but Self, somehow or other, even in unmercenary Minds will always prevail; and I find myself as apt to wander as other Men. I took up my Pen, only to recommend to your Notice and Friendship, a very worthy and intimate Friend of mine, Capt. Elias Vanderhorst, by whom this will be handed to you—a Gentleman, who can perhaps give you as good an Account of this and the Southern Colonies as any you ever yet have met with. He is modest and sensible, of unquestionable Honour and Veracity; has enjoyed a good Fortune, but sunk it in Trade, by Ill-Usage, not Misconduct. In short, he is such a Man, that I am persuaded, when you know him, you will not regret his having been recommended by Your most affectionate oblig’d and very obedient humble Servant.
Petr. Timothy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 27 August 1772
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
New Street Thursday, Augst. 27. [1772?]
Inclosed is the Receit for the Books. They told me at the Coffeehouse yesterday, that the Captain takes his Bag away tomorrow. Please to remember your Engagement to dine with me tomorrow at 4. I am ever Dear Sir Your affectionate humble Servant
Will: Strahan

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Walsh, 27 August 1772
From: Walsh, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Paris, 27th. Augt. 1772.
I will not let this Post slip without making to You my hearty congratulations on your being elected by the French Academy of Sciences to be one of it’s eight foreign Members, a truely illustrious Society; and I will freely say it, even to You, because I think it, that Your Election does honour to the Judgement of the Academy.
On my Arrival here the 21st. I found your favour of the 28th. July, having order’d my Letters to be detained at Paris during my Journey from La Rochelle; to which I was engaged by Circumstances, that agreably arose, to give more time than I at first proposed: Among the Rest that of seeing my Nephew well settled at the Academy of Angers. The hope of seeing you soon in England, which I always entertained, and do now, is the reason you have not had a full account by Letter of my further Experiments on that wonderfull Animal the Torpedo.
I spent a compleat week at the Isle de Ré in my Experiments and had every convenience there for prosecuting them, except that I was something restricted by the Jealousy of the Governour from making them where the Animal was caught. At my Return to La Rochelle, I communicated to the Gentlemen of the Rochelle Academy and to many of the principal Inhabitants all that I had observed concerning the Torpedo, in the Intention of stirring up a Spirit of Enquiry both as to it’s Electricity and general Oeconomy, and I shall be glad to find that this has produced other effects than meer Surprize. I did hope that three days of very general Exhibition in this manner would have left me nothing more to do in France, but finding by an absurd Paragraph in the french Papers that those present are not very capable of relating of what they heard saw and felt; and being a good deal pressed by your Confreres of the Academy to communicate a Fact so interesting and singular, I shall endeavour to conquer my Indolence and Aversion to stepping forth on the publick Stage because indeed I feel that it will be ridiculous in me if I do not. You must therefore allow me to address a short Letter to You on this Subject. As the Coasts of France abound with this Animal and as it is denied to us, with your Leave I will publish the Letter here with a french Context, by either your friend LeRoy or Du Bourg. This cannot be affected entirely during my Stay here, especially as a plate must accompany the publication, therefore I shall probably be able to converse with you on this Matter, however I hope that will not prevent my hearing from you first. It is now high time for me to acquaint You with the Result of my Experiments on the Isle de Ré and I must do it in a Word if I mean to use this post. The Vigour of the fresh-taken Torpedos there was not able to force the Torpedinal Fluid across the most minute Tract of Air, not from one Link of a small Chain to another, not even thro’ a Separation made by the Edge of a Knife in a Slip of Tinfoil pasted on Sealing Wax. The Spark therefore and snapping noise attending it were denied to all our Attempts, either in the Light or compleat Darkness. I observed to you in my Last the Singularity of the Torpedo being able when insulated to give to an insulated Person a great number of successive Shocks: In this Circumstance I have taken no less than fifty Shocks from him in the Space of a Minute and half. All our Experiments confirmed that the Torpedinal fluid was concentrated in the very instant of it’s Explosion by a sudden Energy of the Animal; and as there was no gradual accumulation and Retention of this elastick fluid as in the Case of charged Glass, it is not surprizing that there should be no effect on Canton’s Balls of Attraction or Repulsion. In short the Torpedinal Shock appears to arise from a compressed elastick fluid restoring itself to it’s former State by the same Conductors as the elastick fluid compressed in charged Glass. The Skin of the Animal, bad conductor as it is, appears to be a better conductor of the Torpedinal elastick fluid than the least Tract of the likewise elastick fluid Air. Notwithstanding the weak Spring of the Torpedinal fluid I was able to convey it in the publick Exhibitions at La Rochelle thro’ two Brass Wires of twelve feet each and thro’ 4 to 8 Persons, at different times, the Wires and Persons communicating with each other by the medium of Water, in Basins placed between each. The Torpedo laid on a wet Napkin was placed on a Table six feet distant from the Table on which the Basins stood. One End of One of the Wires was wrapt in the Wet Napkin and the other End went into the first Basin in which the first Gentleman put a finger of one hand, with a finger of the other hand in the next Basin. The Circuit was in this manner continued to the last Basin. One End of the other Wire was put into this last Basin and with the other End I just touched the Back of the Fish, when all the Persons in the Circuit were affected, but I, the toucher, being out of it felt nothing. The effect in Air, on many repeated Experiments, is about four times as strong as it is in Water. I have only Room to wish you a Return of Health and to assure you that I am with the greatest Esteem and Respect Dear Sir Your obedient humble Servant
John Walsh


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 28 August 1772: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Library Company of Philadelphia

<London, August 28, 1772: Encloses a bill of lading of the books for the Library Company. Endorsed to Robert Strettell Jones, Samuel Rhoads, and Josiah Hewes.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, 28 August 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital

Gentlemen,
London, Aug 28. 1772
Mr. Barclay writes to you fully, but I cannot refuse myself the Pleasure of congratulating you on our having at last obtain’d the Money for the Hospital, viz £7634 11s. 1d. 3 per Cent Bank Annuities, with £909 1s. 4d. Interest. This Sum will be a great Help to our Institution. With my best Wishes for its Success and sincere Esteem for its benevolent Managers and Physicians, I am, Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Messrs John Reynell S. Rhoads and I Pemberton


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bowden, 29 August 1772
From: Bowden, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
St. Thomas’s Hospital 29th. August 1772
The great regard I have for my friend M Skey the bearer of this, engages me to take the liberty to introduce him to you. He wants some information with respect to the new Settlement intended at the Ohio, and as I am very sensible your opinion will be of great use, I presume to ask your favoring him with your sentiments on that head, for a guide to him in pursuing his scheme. I hope you will excuse this freedom, and believe me to be with great regard Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant
W. Bowden

Addressed: To / Dr Benjamin Franklin / In / Craven Street / Strand


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Huske, 6 September 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huske, John

Dear [Sir]
London, Sept. 6. 1772
I have deferred Writing to you agreable to the Caution you gave me, till this safe Opportunity offered. America is infinitely oblig’d to you for your continual good Wishes and Schemes for her Advantage: But I am sorry to tell you that she is here become an Object of Jealousy, and that the obtaining Money from our poor Treasury to forward such Schemes, tho’ at the same time equally beneficial to this Country, is out of all Expectation. A new Colony however is forming, where good Land may be had cheap, and where your Friend may probably find an Opportunity of serving himself and Family, while he is at the same time useful to the Publick wherein I shall be glad [to] serve him. Of this I shall write more fully when Things are riper. In [the mean] time, I am, with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
BF
Mr Huske


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Walsh, 6 September 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Walsh, John

Dear Sir,
London, Sept. 6. 1772
I am glad to find by your Favour of the 27th past, that you are return’d safe and well to Paris after your Expedition to the Sea Coast, and that you intend to publish an Account of your Experiments. Your doing it as you propose in a Letter to me I shall esteem a very great Honour. Nothing new in the philosophic way has occur’d here since my last, in which I think I mention’d Dr. Priestly’s Experiments whereby he found that growing Vegetables restore Air that has been spoilt by Putrefaction. Your Friends here expect your Return with some Impatience. I am, with sincere Esteem and Respect, Dear Sir, Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant
BF
Mr Walsh


Title: Reply to a Defender of Lord Hillsborough, [after 7 September 1772]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Defender of Lord Hillsborough

Sir,
[After September 7, 1772]
In your Paper of the 7th Instant, one M.S. attempts to defend Lord Hillsborough’s Conduct, attack’d it seems, by some preceding Piece which I have not seen. To defend a Friend is honourable but could not M.S. do this without abusing the New Englanders? If Calumny is so bad a thing when level’d at a single Man, that he ranks the Writer of it among “real Villains,” what must it be when pour’d upon a whole People, and intended to set them in a Light that must render them odious to their Sovereign? The “Principles of that Colony, he says, will never be reconciled to monarchical Government,” the People have “republican Views,” and adds, that “the Proceedings of Fanaticks and Republicans, under the Conduct of Cromwell, is so fresh in our Minds, that there is not one honest and sober thinking monarchical Englishman, but thinks the Bostonians have been governed rather by too slack than too tight a rein; and that the Administration cannot keep too vigilant an Eye over them.” To turn the Mind of a Father against his Children by false Insinuations, is wicked; because it may destroy the Peace and Happiness of a Family: But the Father’s natural Affection may operate against the malevolence of Slander: while the Anger of a Prince once excited, having no such Counterpoise, may be attended with the most fatal Consequences, to his Subjects and possibly to himself. Jealousy breeds Severity, and that destroys Affection. Thereby not only the Hands of Government but the general Force of the Empire is weakened. Detestable therefore is the Employment of either Tongue or Pen in that kind of Leasing-making as our Ancestors call’d it. With regard to that People, and their Principles, I shall speak what I know, There was never Joy greater, more universal or more sincere than theirs on the Accession of the present Family; nor a more perfect and uninterrupted Loyalty in any Subjects to all the Princes of it. A Jacobite is unknown among them. But they are Whigs, and whenever the Crown assumes Prerogatives it has not, or makes an unwarrantable Use of those it has, they will oppose as far as they are able. This Whiggism of theirs it seems is now out of Fashion, Toryism being at present here the Courtly Principle. Hence the Persecution they suffer’d during Lord Hillsborough’s Administration, and which perhaps they will still suffer; for tho’ it is easy to throw Dust in the Eyes of a good King it is not so easy to get it out again. Hence such Slanderers as M.S. were listened to, believed and caressed: and every one who distinguished himself by oppressing or abusing the New Englanders has been honoured and rewarded. Time however will convince all sound Understandings, that they are Subjects worth cherishing, and that their Friendship to this Nation is worth Securing; not by Violence, for that will destroy it; but by Justice and Kindness. And what “tighter Rein” would this “honest sober thinking monarchichal Englishman” advise our Administration to use than that which they have used? Is it not enough that upon every groundless Rumour, their Capital should be invested by a Fleet, and Regiments pour’d in to dragoon them? Is then this “sober thinking Englishman” of Opinion with that humane Lord who said, when he heard the Soldiers had killed 5 Bostonians [remainder missing]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marie Catherine Biheron, 10 September 1772
From: Biheron, Marie-Catherine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
de Paris ce 10 Septembre 1772
Je suis tres sensible à l’honneur de votre souvenir et vous remercie de votre grasieuse lettre; je saisis avec empressement l’occasion de Mr. Walsh pour vous envoyer le discours de notre Cour des Aides fait par notre Celebre Magistrat Mr. Malherbe. Jaurois souhaité qu’il fut imprimé tel qu’il est je desire qu’il vous soit agreeable. Je suis bien faché que Madame Stevenson n’ait pas encore eue son fil il a été donné au capitaine Guilbée maitre du vaisseau nommé Laigle par Madame Bosse [à] Calais. J’ay l’honneur de la remercier et la prie d’agréer mes particuliers compliments ainsy que sa chere famille elle voudra bien me pardonnée de lui adresser quelque chose [qui] poura etre à son Usage et le recevoir des mains de l’amitié [que] je vous ait voué de tout mon coeur à tous. Je ne scais si Monsieur Walsh serra content de nous mais nos savans [l’ont] tres considerée pour son merite et grande connoisance. Jay eté bien flaté de pouvoir parler de vous avec lui ayant eue l’honneur de le recevoir plusiers fois que ne puisje me procurer ce plesir plus souvant ou de vous aller reiterer de vive voix au mois de Novembre combien jay l’honneur de vous etre avec la plus grande Consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble et obeisante servante
Biheron

Ozerai’je suplier Madame Steveson de remetre le petit paquet de poudre à un marchand de toille qui doit l’aller prendre chez elle, c’est un pauvre infortunée que jay eue le bonheur de soulager d’un mal qu’il a à un oeil et jespert quil vera passablement dans quellque mois. Je connois l’exelance de votre coeur et l’amour que vous avéz pour le bien public ainsy que Madame de Stevenson c’est ce qui m’a engage à vous prier de ce service.
Madame St. Cydoin à l’honneur de vous remercier et vous presente comme à Madame Stevenson ses compliments.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 19 September 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Priestley, Joseph

In July, 1772, Lord Shelburne asked Priestley to be his librarian. The offer, although both financially and personally appealing, put the scientist into a quandary. On the one hand, the Earl was as attractive as the salary: “for ability and integrity together, the very first character in this kingdom,” a friend of dissenters and one who would be an influential patron. On the other hand, Priestley’s life in Leeds was so comfortable and productive that he had not contemplated moving, except perhaps to America. He wrestled long with the decision, and did not accept until December. Meanwhile he consulted Franklin, who suggested a solution to the problem by way of “prudential Algebra.”

Dear Sir,
London Sept. 19. 1772
In the Affair of so much Importance to you, wherein you ask my Advice, I cannot for want of sufficient Premises, advise you what to determine, but if you please I will tell you how. When these difficult Cases occur, they are difficult chiefly because while we have them under Consideration all the Reasons pro and con are not present to the Mind at the same time; but sometimes one Set present themselves, and at other times another, the first being out of Sight. Hence the various Purposes or Inclinations that alternately prevail, and the Uncertainty that perplexes us. To get over this, my Way is, to divide half a Sheet of Paper by a Line into two Columns, writing over the one Pro, and over the other Con. Then during three or four Days Consideration I put down under the different Heads short Hints of the different Motives that at different Times occur to me for or against the Measure. When I have thus got them all together in one View, I endeavour to estimate their respective Weights; and where I find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them both out: If I find a Reason pro equal to some two Reasons con, I strike out the three. If I judge some two Reasons con equal to some three Reasons pro, I strike out the five; and thus proceeding I find at length where the Ballance lies; and if after a Day or two of farther Consideration nothing new that is of Importance occurs on either side, I come to a Determination accordingly. And tho’ the Weight of Reasons cannot be taken with the Precision of Algebraic Quantities, yet when each is thus considered separately and comparatively, and the whole lies before me, I think I can judge better, and am less likely to make a rash Step; and in fact I have found great Advantage from this kind of Equation, in what may be called Moral or Prudential Algebra. Wishing sincerely that you may determine for the best, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Dr Priestly


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Shipley, 26 September 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hare-Naylor, Georgiana Shipley

Dear Miss,
London, Sept. 26. 1773 [1772]
I lament with you most sincerely the unfortunate End of poor Mungo: Few Squirrels were better accomplish’d; for he had had a good Education, had travell’d far, and seen much of the World. As he had the Honour of being for his Virtues your Favourite, he should not go like common Skuggs without an Elegy or an Epitaph. Let us give him one in the monumental Stile and Measure, which being neither Prose nor Verse, is perhaps the properest for Grief; since to use common Language would look as if we were not affected, and to make Rhimes would seem Trifling in Sorrow.

Alas! poor Mungo!
Happy wert thou, hadst thou known
Thy own Felicity!
Remote from the fierce Bald-Eagle,
Tyrant of thy native Woods,
Thou hadst nought to fear from his piercing Talons;
Nor from the murdering Gun
Of the thoughtless Sportsman.
Safe in thy wired Castle,
Grimalkin never could annoy thee.
Daily wert thou fed with the choicest Viands
By the fair Hand
Of an indulgent Mistress.
But, discontented, thou wouldst have more Freedom.
Too soon, alas! didst thou obtain it,
And, wandering,
Fell by the merciless Fangs,
Of wanton, cruel Ranger.
Learn hence, ye who blindly wish more Liberty,
Whether Subjects, Sons, Squirrels or Daughters,
That apparent Restraint may be real Protection,
Yielding Peace, Plenty, and Security.

You see how much more decent and proper this broken Stile, interrupted as it were with Sighs, is for the Occasion, than if one were to say, by way of Epitaph,

Here Skugg
Lies snug
As a Bug
In a Rug.

And yet perhaps there are People in the World of so little Feeling as to think, that would be a good-enough Epitaph for our poor Mungo!
If you wish it, I shall procure another to succeed him. But perhaps you will now chuse some other Amusement. Remember me respectfully to all the [torn] good Family; and believe me ever, Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [before 30 September? 1772]
From: Pringle, Sir John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

For some nine years William Hewson and Dr. William Hunter were partners in a course in anatomy that they gave for medical students, until Hunter dissolved the partnership. Hewson then decided to give a course of his own, and accordingly spent the winter and spring of 1772 in making anatomical preparations to be used in his lectures, which began on Sept. 30, 1772, in a theatre that he had built next to his house in Craven Street. Before then, doubtless as advance publicity, he gave a lecture on the spleen and thymus, to which he invited notables in the medical world. He also invited prominent friends before the opening of the course, to judge by the letter that follows, to view the materials that he had prepared as demonstrations.

Wednesday morning [before September 30?, 1772]
Sir John Pringle presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favour of the Doctor’s letting him know at what hour he can most conveniently meet Sir J. P. at Mr. Hewson’s this morning from 11 to 3, inclusive, Sir J. P. being engaged only till 11.
Sir J. P. presumes that Mr. Hewson has already bespoken the favour of Dr. Franklin’s company for seeing his preparations some time this day.
If 11 will answer Sir J. P. will wait at home till Dr. F. call him, as lying little out of his way.

Addressed: Dr Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Cravenstreet


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Count of Belgioioso: Two Letters, 30 September 1772
From: Belgioioso, Ludovico Barbiano, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Portmansquare Septr the 30th [1772]
The Count of Belgioioso presents His best Compliments to Dr. Franklin and would take it as a particular Favour if He’d please to inform Him where the Person lives who makes the Glasses for the Harmonica according to His Invention: as the French Embassadour who is a great Lover of Musick and is desireous of having One enquired to The Count about this said Person; but he not being able to satisfy him in this particular, has recourse to Dr. Franklin’s Goodness for an Information.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / in / Cecil Street / near the Strand

Portman Square Sepr the 30th. [1772]
The Count of Belgioioso presents His best Compliments to Dr. Franklin with many thanks for the new Token of Friendship He is pleased to give him in His obliging offer: but the French Embassador being at present in Scotland whence He will not return till the latter end of next November; the Count is obliged to differ [defer] giving Dr. Franklin a particular Answer in this Respect.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / in Craven Street / Strand


Title: William Henly: Note on the Electrical Phenomena of a Thunderstorm, 30 September 1772
From: Henly, William
To:

Wednesday Sepr. 30. 1772
At 10 Minutes past 2: p.m. I heard what I thought (but was not certain) was a Clap of Thunder. However on putting out my Rod, I observed the balls to diverge 1½ or 2 Inches. Presently I heard a very distinct and loud clap, when the Electricity which before was positive, instantly changed to negative and the balls (having first closed,) diverged to 3 Inches distance. The approach of excited wax would now nearly double the[ir distance?] of divergence, which I observed near a dozen times; and what is remarkable the end of the Rod, which I held in my hand, without the wax had the same effect when brought between the strings. This effect I also observed many times. The Electricity continued constantly negative near half an Hour, when the balls gradually closed, and all appearances thereof finally ceased.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 30 September 1772
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Newington-Green Sept 30th 1772
I have Sent you enclosed Dr. Priestley’s letter to you, together with another which I received from him last night. Indeed I don’t know whether to be glad or Sorry on account of his rejection of Lord Shelburne’s proposal. I love him and am heartily concerned for him and wish he was better provided for.
I think myself extremely obliged to you for mentioning me to Sir John Pringle. I am afraid you will both of you be disappointed in me, Should you ever honour me in the manner you propose. My principal congregation is at Hackney. I preach there every Sunday morning at the meeting in the Gravel-Pit field near the Church, beginning at half an hour after ten. In the Afternoon I preach at Newington-Green and begin at three. Next Sunday at Hackney is Sacrament day. A member of the congregation also was buried this week. This will limit me to one Subject, and therefore you would probably hear me there to more disadvantage next Sunday than on any of the following Sundays. But I refer myself entirely to Sir John Pringle’s and your candour. Both places are so distant from your end of the town that I can hardly expect to see you. I sometimes exchange with some of my brethren in the city; but I have at present no prospect of doing this soon. Dr. Kippis you are acquainted with. He is a worthy and ingenious man of very liberal principles, and preaches pretty near you, or at Long Ditch near Crown-Street in Westminster. Dr. Amory in the afternoon, and Mr. White in the morning at the Old Jewry, Dr. Jefferies at Pinners-Hall Old Broad-Street in the afternoon and Dr. Flemming in the morning; Mr. Radcliffe in the morning and Dr. Calder in the afternoon at Poor-Jewry-Lane Aldgate; Dr. Prior in Goodman’s-Fields; Mr. Palmer both parts of the day at New-Broadstreet; Mr. Pickard at Carter-Lane near St. Pauls in the morning, and Dr. Furneaux at Clapham are all likewise preachers of Christianity on the rational plan. But the congregations of many of them are very thin, partly perhaps for this very reason.

I have not yet heard when our Club is to meet. Mrs. Price sends her best respects to you. I allways think with much pleasure and gratitude of your friendship, and am, Dear Sir, with great regard your obliged humble Servant
Richd: Price

P.S. I forgot to mention Mr. Farmer who preaches in the afternoon at Salters-Hall near the Post-office. He is one of the most admired preachers we have; but he is going to leave Salters-Hall at Christmas. He is the author of a Dissertation on miracles published two years ago; and also of an Enquiry into the account of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness; and I have just read an Essay of his in manuscript on the Demoniacs the design of which is to prove that they were only Epileptics and madmen. Dr. Foredice also is well-known.
I have read the Scheme you gave me, and think it deficient; but I will consider it farther and send you a more particular account.

Endorsed: Dr Price’s Directions about Prrs.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [September 1772?]: fragment
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[September, 1772?]
[Beginning lost.] Je ne vous dirai rien de Mademoiselle Biheron qui a l’honneur de vous ecrire elle même, et qui aime autant a peu pres que moi a s’entretenir de vous. Mais je vous proteste que ma femme est si eprise de la même passion pour vous que nos Pretres, et nos Moines perdent tous les jours de leur credit sur son esprit, cecy soit pourtant dit entre nous sous le secret. Il est certain que si sa santé etoit plus ferme, elle se laisseroit volontiers mener a Londres pour vous embrasser encore une fois, aussi bien que Mr. Pringle qu’elle honore aussi tres particulierement. Pour moi je redoute le printems prochain plus que l’on n’a jamais redouté la saison des frimats; et de tems en tems je me berce de la douce esperance qu’un plus long sejour de votre part a Londres pourra etre necessaire à vos Compatriotes et qu’ils vous y retiendront, et que vous repasserez encore une fois le pas de Calais. Dieu le veuille, et me fournir l’occasion de vous temoigner efficacement combien je vous suis parfaitement et inviolablement attaché, Monsieur et cher Ami Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Smith, 1 October 1772
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Esteemed Friend
Burlington October 1. 1772
I reciev’d thy Letter of the 6. Feby. but not till after the dissolution of the late Assembly which I believe was in consequence of a request they made at the close of their last Session after they had granted the money requested for the supply of the Troops and were on good terms with the Governor, the matter in dispute being amicably settled.
The present Assembly met last month at Amboy. I understand they have continued thee Agent, but who the Committee are appointed to correspond with thee I have not heard.
I have agreeable to thy request reciev’d this day for thy use Two hundred and seventy five pounds, being two years and nine months Salary as Agent and shall follow thy directions in the application of it as soon as I have them being with great Esteem Thy Respectful Friend
Joseph Smith
Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Agent for the Colony of / New Jersey / London / via New York / per Capt Laurence


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 October 1772
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and Honoured Sir
Philadelphia 6th. October 1772
Since my last I am favored with yours of the 4th [?] 14 and 16 July by the Captain’s Osborne All and Sparks, the first dated at Preston, where I find you have been making happy by your Presence a good Old Woman and her four Daughters. Captain All told us he never saw you look better than when he left London so [that] we were pleasing ourselves with the agreeable Thoug[ht that?] your Journey had contributed greatly to your Hea[lth until?] the other day the Packet’s Arrival, brought us some accounts of your having had a fit of the Gout, attended with an intermitting Fever, but that you were getting better. I hope this will find you quite well. I purpose writing you by Capt. All, who will sail in a few days, as does [your daughter?]. We are all thank God very well at present. Ben has had the Meazles very favorably. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin who are now in Town; my Mother Sally and Ben join me in Love and Duty to you. My Love to Mrs. Stevenson and other friends. I am Dear Sir Your most Affectionate Son
Richd: Bache

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Craven-Street / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. Jesser, 7 October 1772
From: Jesser, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

College hill. 7th: October. 1772.
Mr. Jesser presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and is sorry he had not the Pleasure of finding him at home at any of the times he called.
The Governors of the London Hospital will be much obliged to the Doctor if he will write to Mr. Colden and Mr. Dixon by this day’s Mail what the Dr. thinks to be necessary on the State of the Case which Mr. Jesser left for [the] Dr. last Monday.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin.
Endorsed in Franklin’s hand: Wrote accordingly the same Day BF


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 7 October 1772: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Colden, Alexander

<London, October 7, 1772. Has acknowledged in previous letters the receipt of bills amounting to £372 10s. and another of £56 12s. 5½d.; has since received three totaling £328 2s. 3d., one of Mackie on Molleson and two of Carr on James Russell, and by the last packet, with Colden’s letter of September 3, four more: Boylstone on Lane, Son & Frazer, Hothersall on Frederick Russell, Williams on Boddington, and Godard on Todd, which add up to £545 0s. 8d. Is glad to hear that the accounts may be expected by the next packet. Inquires in a postscript about the advertising for Mrs. Holland; asks for copies of the printed advertisements, and Colden’s affidavit stating whether or not they have elicited any knowledge of her whereabouts.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Dixon, 7 October 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dixon, John

[Dear] Sir,
London, Oct. 7. 1772
I was duly favour’d with yours of March 8. 1771. accompany’d by the Gazettes containing the Advertisements relating to Eliz Holland, and the Mayor’s Affidavit; for which I am much oblig’d to your kind Care. But it seems there is still wanting an Affidavit from you expressing what you express in your Letter, that “notwithstanding all the Enquiry that has been made by means of those Advertisements, no such Person can be found or heard of in your Colony.” If you will send me such an Affidavit, certify’d by the Mayor it will add to the Obligation, and I shall take care the additional Expence be paid to your Order. My Compliments to Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Davenport, with Thanks for their kind Remembrance of me. I am glad to hear they are well. I am, with great Regard, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Dixon


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 7 October 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Foxcroft, John

Dear Sir,
London, Oct. 7. 1772
I had no Line from you by this last Packet, but find with Pleasure by yours [to] Mr. Todd that you and yours were well.
The Affair of the Patent is in good Train, and we hope, if new Difficulties unexpected do not arise, we may get thro’ it as soon as the Board meet. We are glad you made no Bargain [about] your Share, and hope none of our Partners there [will] do any such Thing; for the Report of such a Bargain here before the Business is compleated might overset the whole.
Mr. Colden has promised by this Packet that we shall certainly have the Accounts per the next. If they do not come, I think we shall be blam’d, and he will be superseded: For their Lordships our Master, are incens’d at the long Delay.
I hope you have by this time examin’d our private Account as you promis’d, and satisfy’d yourself that I did, as I certainly did, pay you that Ballance of about £389 in my own Wrong. It would relieve me of some Uneasiness to have this Matter settled between us, as it is a Sum of Importance, and in case of Death might be not so easily understood as while we are both in being. With Love to my Daughter and best Wishes of Prosperity to you both, and to the little one, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Our Friends here are easy about the Virginia Grants, Mr. W. assuring us that they are mostly out of our Bounds.
Mr Foxcroft


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 7 October 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

Dear Son,
London, Oct. 7. 1772
I received yours of Sept. 1. with one enclos’d for Mrs. Clarke, which I immediately forwarded to Bristol; but she call’d on me two Days after to enquire how you did. She returns into Oxfordshire for the present, and after some time to Bristol again.
I am glad you have satisfied Hayne that he went on a Fools Errand. There is no convincing those People here. His Wife was mad in a manner, and whoever said a Word of doubt about the Circumstances of the Story, she immediately suspected them to be concerned in the Plot with the wicked Americans to cheat her of her Right. At the same time I saw she could lie abominably for her Story at different times was quite inconsistent and Contradictory. There are certainly some Villains who go about the Country imposing upon People with these Stories of great Estates left them in America; for I have had many Applications of the sort equally groundless. And I believe the same Game is plaid in America, for we have every now and then Fools that come from thence to look for Estates in the Clouds here. The Informer always gets some little Consideration for his Trouble in coming out of his way to give the Information.
The Affair of the Grant is in Train to be compleated as soon as the Boards meet, if no sinister Accident prevents. The Board of Trade is to draw the new Articles that are to be inserted by our Proposal; such as that of our maintaining the Government, &c. I hope to hear of no Land-Jobbing among our Partners in America till the Grant [is] pass’d. It may hurt us extreamly.
I am very well. But we are moving to another House in the same Street; and I go down tomorrow to Lord LeDespencer’s to [stay a] Week till things are settled. Love to Betsey. [I am] ever Your affectionate Father
B Franklin

[In the margin:] Mr. Small presents his best Respects
Addition to W Franklin.
I am glad your Healths are restor’d, and think as you do that Amboy Air may possibly agree better with you both than that of Burlington. I would have no Consideration of my Coming home or staying, weigh with you against Considerations of Health, which are of all others the most important. If Franklin Park is as you say a fine healthy situation, and you are besides fond of Farming, I should think you would find most Happiness there, and have enough of Town Life and Company during your Sessions at Amboy and Burlington.
You ask me how we shall reconcile Lord H.’s Conduct at different times relating to the Ohio Affair. It is irreconcileable.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 7 October 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, Noble Wimberly

Sir,
London, Oct. 7. 1772.
In my last I acquainted you with the Change of Ministry in the American Department, as then expected. It has since taken Place: And from the Character of Lord Dartmouth we may hope there will be no more of those arbitrary Proceedings in America that disgrac’d the late Administration.
Inclos’d I send you a small Quantity of Upland Rice from Cochin China. It grows on dry Ground, not requiring to be overflow’d like the common Rice. I hope it will grow with you, and that it may be useful to your Country, as you already are acquainted with the manufacturing of the Article. Mr. Ellis, who imported the Seed, tells me it has been carefully and well preserved on the Voyage; and requests me to send a small Quantity to Mr. Jonathan Bryant. If he be in your Province, as I think he is, please to give him some out of your Box. I send also a few Seeds of the Chinese Tallow Tree, which will I believe grow and thrive with you. ’Tis a most useful Plant. With great Respect, I am, Sir Your most obedient and humble Servant
B Franklin
Noble W. Jones Esqr

Endorsed: Dr. B. Franklin datd. 7th. October 1772


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, 8 October 1772
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Saussure, Horace-Bénédict de

Sir,
London, Oct. 8. 1772
I was not in England when your Favour of Oct. 28. 71. arrived in London, and it was not till many Months after its Date that I receiv’d it. In the meantime, the Philosophical Transactions of our Royal Society were published, containing the Letter of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, and the Report of the Committee appointed by the Society to consider of the Means of Securing that Edifice from Lightning, which I thought would fully answer the End of your Letter, by authenticating the Fact in a fuller Manner than anything from me could do, as I knew the Transactions go to your Country. This, with a Multiplicity of Business that press’d upon me at my Return, together with a blameable Backwardness in Writing that grows upon me with Years, occasion’d me to postpone answering from time to time, till I am now asham’d you should know I am alive. But, they say, it is never too late to mend, and I will endeavour to mend this Fault if you are, as I hope you are, good enough to forgive me.
Pointed Conductors to secure Buildings from Lightning have now been in use near 20 Years in America, and are there become so common, that Numbers of them appear on private Houses in every Street of the principal Towns, besides those on Churches, Publick Buildings, Magazines of Powder, and Gentlemens Seats in the Country. Thunder Storms are much more frequent there than in Europe, and hitherto there has been no Instance of a House so guarded being damaged by Lightning: for wherever it has broke over any of them, the Point has always receiv’d it, and the Conductor has convey’d it safely into the Earth, of which we have now five authentic Instances. Here in England the Practice has made a slower Progress, Damage by Lightning being less frequent, and People of course less apprehensive of Danger from it; yet besides St. Paul’s Church, St. James’s Church, the Queen’s Palace, and Blenheim House, a number of private Gentlemen’s Seats round the Town are now provided with Conductors; and the Ships bound to the East and West Indies and the Coast of Guinea begin to supply themselves with Chains for that purpose made by Mr. Nairne, especially since the Return of Messrs. Bankes and Solander, who relate that their Ship was, as they think, saved by one of those Chains from Damage, when a Dutch Ship lying near them in the Road of Batavia was almost demolished by the Lightning.
Of late too, the Board of Ordnance here have applied to the Royal Society for their Advice how to secure the great Magazines of Gun powder at Purfleet from Lightning; the Society appointed a Committee to visit the Magazines and report their Opinion thereupon, which is done, advising the Securing them by Conductors; and you will see the Report in the next Vol. of Transactions, wherein the manner of doing it is directed. But as that Volume will not be published till next Summer, I will send you immediately a Copy of the Report if you desire it. On this Occasion I was induc’d, by a difference of Opinion in one of the Committee, to make some Experiments which I communicated to them in Writing, to show more clearly the Effect of pointed Rods, and the Advantage of making them extend as high as possible above the highest Part of the Building. Inclos’d I send a Copy of it.
I hope you have removed the Prejudices of your Fellow-Citizens relating to your Conductor, and that you have long since compleated it, so as to make the Experiments with it that you had in View. I wish to hear how it succeeded with you.
I am much oblig’d by the curious Experiments of which you gave me an Account. I suspect that the Light remaining on the Card, is common Light, which had been imbibed by it, and was conceal’d in it till driven out by the electric Fluid. Accept my best Thanks, and believe me, with sincere Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [before 9 October 1772?]
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Before Oct. 9. 1772?]
[Beginning lost.] Il est arrivé icy depuis environ un mois un Abbé qui a eté Professeur de Philosophie à Perpignan et que l’on certifie qui a gueri radicalement six paralytiques par le moyen de l’electricité. Les Magistrats l’ayant adressé a la faculté de Medecine pour constater le succès des nouvelles experiences qu’il devoit faire icy, ell’ a nommé a cet [torn: examen quelques?] membres du nombre desquels je suis. Il a commencé a [torn: électrifier des?] malades depuis 15 jours, le 1er. des trois s’en trouve tres bien et les progrès sont considerables d’un jour a l’autre. Les 2 autres n’ont qu’à s’en louer jusqu’icy mais les progrès sont lents. Nous dressons chaque jour une espece de procès verbal dont je vous ferai part à la fin, au moins si cela tourne bien. Il ne leur fait recevoir aucune sorte de commotion, il se contente de leur faire recevoir la matiere electrique par le moyen d’une chaine de fer attachée au côté sain. Il joint à cela avec un air de mystere quelques petits secours appropriés au mal. Au reste il paroit plustôt un bonhomme qu’un genie transc[endant]. Il vous honore sur votre renommée, et connoit peu vos [torn: ouvrages?] mais il va se mettre à les etudier.
Un jeune homme de merite et de talens peu communs m’a prié de vous consulter sur l’Amerique et sur un honneur rendu à Newton. Je prens la liberté de joindre icy sa petite note, et vous repons qu’il ne fera point mauvais usage de vos instructions, c’est un poete philosophe, qui a autant de goût que de feu.
[Je vais vous?] envoyer par la 1e. occasion les nouveaux volumes des [Ephémérides] du citoyen, mais il ne m’est pas possible de les inserer dans ce paquet. Je tâcherai d’y joindre quelques autres nouveautés, s’il y en a qui en vaillent la peine.
Le paquet deposé chez MM. Dilly de la part de M. Rush ne m’est point encore parvenu. J’espere cependant pouvoir l’en faire bientôt retirer par un ami, car j’ai grande impatience de le voir.
Quant aux lettres et petits paquets comme celui cy, on m’a assuré que nous pouvions moyennant l’adresse cyjointe ne nous en pas gener de part et d’autre, quelque frequente que dût etre notre correspondance; c’est a mon confrere M. Poissonier que j’ai cette obligation, et il me flatte même que nous pourrons continuer ainsi d’un hemisphere à l’autre, [avec] la même franchise.
J’ai mille complimens a vous faire de tous ceux qui ont eu l’honneur de vous connoitre icy, pour moi je ne vous en offre que pour Mr. Pringle, votre digne et respectable ami que j’honore de toute mon ame. S’il m’eût été possible de passer dans votre isle, j’aurois eu bien à coeur d’etre presenté de votre main a Mr. Maty dont vous me faites l’honneur de me parler, regrettant bien de n’avoir pas eu le plaisir de le voir lorsqu’il est venu en france. Je suis avec un sincere et respectueux attachement, Monsieur et cher Ami Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 9 October 1772
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et cher Ami
Paris ce 9e. 8br. 1772
J’arrive de la campagne ou j’ai passé deux jours, et j’ai enfin trouvé a mon arrivée le manuscrit de la traduction de vos oeuvres par M. Lesqui (le premontré) qu’il avoit depuis si longtems egarée, et pour quoi je l’avois beaucoup harcelé surtout depuis une quinzaine de jours. En consequence, vous pouvez compter que je vais dès aujourd’huy me mettre à l’ouvrage, et ne le quitterai point que je ne l’aye terminé autant bien que je le pourrai faire, soit que je puisse tirer plus ou moins de parti de ce qui est fait, soit qu’il me faille recommencer tout à neuf. J’ai pris à cette intention un jeune homme pour ecrire sous ma dictée, afin d’accelerer d’autant; et je vous ferai passer ma besogne lettre à lettre, à mesure que j’avancerai.
Il me paroit que vous avez eprouvé beaucoup plus de difficultés qu’il n’etoit naturel de prevoir pour faire imprimer avec exactitude mon petit Code en françois a Londres, et moi de mon côté j’ai decouvert qu’il m’auroit eté plus facile que [je] ne l’esperois de le faire imprimer en france, clandestinement à la verité, mais qu’importe? Si donc les memes difficultés subsistent chez vous, je vous supplie de me renvoyer mon manuscrit par la Ie. occasion (car je n’en ai point conservé de copie) et on me le fera imprimer secretement à Paris.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cyjoint le nouveau volume des Ephemerides du Citoyen, qui est appellé le 3e. de la 6e. année, parceque les auteurs se sont trop laissé arrierer pour ne pas rougir d’intituler volume de mars celui qu’ils donnent a la fin de 7bre ou au commencement d’octobre; quoique ce retard ne vienne pas de leur faute, mais plustôt des tracasseries qu’ils ont eprouvées de notre gouvernement peu commode à son ordinaire.
Melle. Biheron s’est non seulement occupée de la commission de Madame Stevenson, mais ell’a consulté sur cela les persones les plus au fait et du meilleur goût; ainsi j’espere que la commission sera bien faite quoiqu’en s’ecartant un peu des termes de la commettante; Melle. Biheron est pourtant bien aise de l’en prevenir. Elle me charge de vous assurer de ses civilités, et de toute la reconnoissance qu’elle conservera toujours de vos bontés.
Ma femme, qui me detourne souvent de toute autre sorte de travail que je voudrois entreprendre, est, et sera toujours la Iere. à m’aiguilloner à celui qui peut vous faire plaisir, et contribuer a repandre votre gloire. Elle me charge de vous faire mille amitiés pour elle. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec un inviolable attachement Monsieur et cher Ami Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Dubourg
Mes respectueux complimens a M. Pringle


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 12 October 1772
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend
Philadelphia Octr. 12. 1772.
I inclose three Bills of Exchange the Amount of your last Years

Salary drawn by
Sterlg.

John Wilcocks on Alexr. and Jas. Baillie for
£142
9s.
6½d.

    Do Do for
166
15s.
3½d.

  Daniel Roberdeau on John Trevanion Esqr.
190
  15s.
  2d.

£500
—
—

which I hope will be duly honor’d.

Our annual Election is now over, and I am again returnd to a Seat in the House, but whether with or against my Inclination I really cannot inform you. The Opposition I met with was the only Matter which gave Rise to a Wish to be elected, while my [health,] which has been long wasting in the Public Service, added to the [impossibility?] I find of pleasing an envious and discontented People by [torn] Endeavors to serve them, with an Abundance of un[torn] operated on the other side to render me [torn] situation, I gave my self no Trouble [torn] that all the reputable Part of the [torn] Election. The feeble Opposition [torn] giving me dayly [torn] State [rest of page missing] sending Men of Property and Character to the Legislative Council, and left it to be managed by the very Dregs of the People. To convince you of this I need only mention that Goddard wanted but a few Votes to constitute him a Representative for the County of Philadelphia. Mr. Fox who has served them 20 Years and Mr. James one of the most active and sensible Members the City ever had they have ungratefully rejected. Converse with the old Friends of good Order and Government and they express much Uneasiness and Alarm at the wicked and base Conduct of these mad People and yet they do not lift a finger to prevent it. Can you beleive that the Proprietary Friends principally obstructed Goddards Election while those whom we used to call ours woud not take the Trouble to walk to the State House? Indeed, my good Friend, shoud it ever be my Lot to stand in Need of Friendship, I shoud not know where to look for it among the latter, while I have a moral Assurance of meeting [it although?] unaskd among the former. Such is the [torn] since you left us!

A little Difference in [torn] Branches of the Legislature on [torn] at length given up by the [torn] has existed between [torn] Continuance [rest of page missing] by the Grantees, the Proprietors of the new Grant will receive very little Advantage from their Purchase.
This will be deliverd by my very Worthy Friend Doctor Denormandie, with whom, if I mistake not, you have some Acquaintance. He is on his Way to Geneva on Business relating to an Estate left him by a Relation. He may stand in Need of some Advice and perhaps recommendations [on?] his Travels. Any Act of Friendship which you may do him, will be esteemed as done to My Dear Friend, Yours most Affectionately
Jos. Galloway

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esquire / Deputy Post Master General of / North America in / Craven Street / London / favor’d by Doctr Denormandie


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 October 1772
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and honoured sir
Boston October 13. 1772
I received your favour dated July 22 and am very happy that my Letter gave you satisfaction: I am only concern’d that the length and frequency of them, will be tedious and troublesome to You.
I am glad to find by your Letter just received for my Father, that you are well enough recovered from the Gout to be in the N England Coffee House.
In my last I acquainted you with the Death of my Brother, and in the same Letter gave you an Account of Henry’s unfaithfulness; I have now the pleasure to acquaint You, that he is still content with his Situation, and his Master seems satisfied with him, when I recieve my Indentures and your approbation, I shall take care to fix him with every customary Advantage: as I thought best not to bind him, till I heard from You. My Father is Just returned from a Journey in the Country, and if he has time will write by this Oppertunity but as the Ship is just going to sail he may be disappointed. With my most respectfull Compliments to all enquiring Friends I remain Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
J Williams Junr

Aunt Mecom and all Friends are well, the Year 73 is now so near at hand without the prospect of seeing You, that we begin to fear you will break through your Intention of visiting every ten Years.

Addressed: To / Doctr Franklin / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 16 October 1772
From: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia Octr. 16. 1772
We transmit inclosed the Resolves of the House appointing us their Committee of Correspondence, and you their Agent to transact the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain.
The Instructions given by former Assemblies, respecting the Trade and Commerce and other general Rights, and Liberties of America, have been so full and explicit, that nothing material occurs in Addition to them. We have therefore only to desire, in case any Measures should be pursued that may by any means affect them, that you would exert your utmost Endeavours in Opposition; and that, on the Contrary, should any thing offer which may seem likely to restore that Harmony between Great Britain and her Colonies, so necessary to their mutual Safety and Happiness, that you will promote it by every mean in your Power.
We are also ordered to inform you that the House, taking into their Consideration your Salary for the ensuing Year, have resolved, that you shall be allowed at the Rate of five Hundred Pounds Sterling per Annum for the first Six Months, and afterwards at the Rate of three Hundred Pounds Sterling. We are your Assured Friends
Jos. Galloway SpeakerSaml RhoadsSl Shoemaker.Wm. RodmanIsa: Pearson
Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Endorsed: Pennsylvania Committee of Correspondence 1772 Salary reduced from £500 per Annum to £300