Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 18 August 1763
From: Strahan, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Bath August 18. 1763.
I had the favour of yours of June 28th from New York last Friday. Next Morning I set out for Salisbury, where I had a little Business, and yesterday came from thence to this place, where my Wife has been these Six Weeks for her health, and I thank God not without Effect, for I found her greatly recruited. Here I propose to stay a few days, and leave her some Weeks longer, as the Waters agree so well with her. In the mean time, as there are two Ships to sail next Week for Philadelphia I take the first Opportunity of writing to you, and telling you all the News that at present occurs to me, that you may receive all the Satisfaction that is in my power to give you.
You have seen, in general, by the public papers, what a Cry is raised against the peace, and how unpopular it has rendered Lord Bute. I wish I cou’d say, that making this peace was Lord B’s only fault, for I agree with you in thinking it a very good one. But I am sorry to tell you, that my Countryman has shewn himself altogether unequal to his high Station. Never did a Ministry, in our Memory, discover so much Weakness. They seem to have neither Spirit, Courage, Sense, nor Activity, and are a Rope of Sand. Of Course the essential Interests of the Nation are neglected. Lord Bute, with even an enthusiastic desire to promote the Glory and Prosperity of this Country, can never more take the Lead. He continues to see no body, and seems vastly pleased that he has shaken off that Burden to which his Shoulders was so unequal. But that he had any Intention of giving up, to my Certain Knowledge is not true, tho’ it was given out by his Friends: And the last Speech he made in the House of Peers, which I heard, demonstrated beyond all doubt, that he had then no Thoughts of Resigning. But that Speech appears since to have proceeded from Pride, and not from true Strength of Mind, in which he is, it seems, remarkably deficient, being subject to a very great Inequality of Spirits. From all this you may easily conceive, we are in a very unaccountable and untoward Situation. Here is a Young, virtuous, British King, who can have no Interest separate from that of his People, and who, tho’ not possessed of any striking Talents, or any great Degree of Sagacity, yet having much Good Nature, and a Disposition to please, rendered, in the beginning of his Reign, singularly unpopular; and a Minister, hating Corruption, abhorring Hypocrisy, and having the Prosperity of his Country really at heart, the Object of universal Disgust. If you ask me how this comes about? The Reason is obvious. The Number of Places, and of Candidates for them, are very unequal. Of Course, it requires great knowledge of Men in the Minister of this Country, to balance Parties, and keep things quiet. Of this Knowledge Lord Bute is totally destitute, and was his temper suitable, which it is not, it is too late for him to learn. This Ignorance of the world, with a Timidity altogether inexcusable, has encouraged the Opposition to go lengths hitherto unprecedented. You see with what a high hand Mr. Pitt carries it with his Constituents, for presuming to differ from him their Representative, in regard to the Peace. Did you ever before hear of such an Instance of Arrogance? And what are we to expect, think you, if we again come under the Dominion of this imperious Tribune of the People. His Clodius Wilkes, the most profligate of Men, is in high Spirits since the Trial of the Messengers, which I was not present at. I expected no pleasure from that Transaction, having no desire to be a Witness of that Incendiary’s temporary Triumph. In this Light only I considered it, for as to the liberty of the Press, I never thought it in any Danger, but from it’s too great Licentiousness. The Judge acted throughout the whole of these Trials, with a Partiality which I little expected from one of his Ability and Integrity. He is carried away with the Popularity this behaviour brings him; but I am much mistaken if he will not some time hence, be ashamed of the Part he has taken on this Occasion. The Damages given by the Jury were enormous, and seem intended to mark in the strongest Manner their Contempt of the Government.
The Opening of next Session of Parliament will certainly be attended with much Confusion and Embarrasment, and during the Convulsion, the Power will devolve into some other hands; probably into Mr. Pitts, if some other Leader, whom we do not now dream of, does not start up. But I believe you will agree with me in thinking it extremely dangerous to the Interest of this Country, to have Mr. Pitt, or any one Person, trusted with so unbounded a Sway, as coming in in this manner must necessarily give him; more especially Pitt, of whose honesty I entertain no good Opinion, and whom I strongly suspect to be a secret Abettor and Fomentor of the present unreasonable Discontents, and of that Contempt with which the King and his Government hath of late been treated. The Opposition are very busy gathering their Strength together and are really formidable, On Behalf of the Ministry, if it may be called one, which is entirely without form, nothing is going forward. They seem to console themselves with the Distance of the danger, and I suppose do not mean to stand their ground. In this Situation, are you not under some Apprehensions for the King, unless some able and honest Men step forth, in the critical moment, and rescue him from the Jaws of Faction? In my mind the danger is greater than most People seem to apprehend; and I wish from my heart something may interpose to divert the Storm. Unhappily for us, as well as for himself, his Majesty discovers no Talents that give us Room to hope he will ever make a shining Figure, or be able long to preserve his own Independency, amidst contending Factions, and ’tis a great Pity; for nobody can possibly mean better. To give you a Trait by the bye, of the Sagacity of Lord Bute in regard to him. T’other day, I was at Mr. Adams’s the Architect, when he shewed me his Dedication to the King to be prefacd to his Ruins of Dioclesian’s Palace, in which he praises his Majesty for his Knowledge in the art of drawing. To this I objected as a Fact very improper to tell the World, since a Prince ought certainly to be better employ’d, than in such trifling Amusements. But I was told both the King and Lord Bute had already seen it, and highly approved of it, as expressive of just praise without Flattery. Such are the Effects of a Prince being educated, under a Man who is himself ignorant of the World. Lord Bute’s Brother Mr. Stewart Mackenzie is Viceroy of Scotland, and is at present there: He too is a weak timid Man, and is suffering the Affairs of [the] Kingdom to run into the greatest Confusion, which the late Duke of Argyle used to manage with the greatest facility. John Home is made Conservator of the Scots’ Privileges in Holland, a Sinecure of £300 a Year, which gives universal Disgust, as that place was always in use to be bestowed on some eminent Merchants. Lord Bute’s Resignation has thoroughly disconcerted his Friends there, and inspired his Enemys every where with fresh Courage and can you believe it, he is more unpopular in Scotland than here. Before I have done with John Home, I wou’d just observe how very strange and singular it is, for so inconsiderable a man (and a Worthy Man too) to have had it in his power to do so much Mischief. From this Man did Lord Bute take his Opinion too frequently of Men and things. I say, from this Man, as ignorant of the World, and the ways of Business, as a new born Infant. Dr. Robertson was in Town lately. He is made Historiographer to the King, with a Salary of £200 a Year for Life. He is to quit his Church (not his Principality) and as soon as he has finished his History of Charles the Vth, is to set about writing the History of England, for doing which he is to be assisted with all the Public Records and every other help that can be procured, at the public Expence. This makes Robertsons Fortune and he deserves it, for he has much true Merit, both as a Man and a Writer.
Major General Beckwith (who is married, you know, to a Daughter of Dr. Wisharts) is now here, and tells me the Hereditary Prince, who is to have our Princess Augusta, is by far the most accomplished Gentleman of his Years, he ever saw. Beckwith is very sensible and seems to know the State of Affairs on the Continent extremely well. He tells me the King of Prussia (in whose Service you know he is) is in every Shape in a better Plight, than at the Commencement of the War, that his Army is 200,000 Strong, that his Finnances are in excellent Order, and that his own Subjects have suffered very little, his Army having all along consisted chiefly of Forreigners. He gave me a long Detail of the excellent Oeconomy of his Government, shewed me with what care he collected his Revenues by appropriating such a District, for the payment of such a Number of Troops &c., which is done almost [torn; about eight lines missing entirely] to the [torn] Life, which was usually [torn] Remonstrance against pas[sage torn] the Chancellor put the Seal [torn] the first thing Lord North [torn] of the Chancellor for so doing [torn].
Thus are our [torn] method is not speedily [torn] the Liberty and Happiness of [torn] force of all our Foreign En [torn] as well as men, to possess no Happiness without Alloy. By the Bye, has not our Constitution undergone some unperceived Alteration, when a Minister cannot keep his ground, even with a Majority of three to one, in the House of Commons? Does this arise from the great Increase of Power and Property without Doors, or from what other Cause?
I wrote to the Governor and Mr. Hall, just before I left London. Remember me most kindly to them both, and be so good as shew this to Mr. Hall, as he likes Politics, and tell him I have just now received his Letter of July 6th, by the Mary and Elizabeth Hardie, inclosing a Bill of loading for Two Thousand Dollars, which I shall answer by the next Ship. All his former letters I have already acknowledged the Receipt of.
I hope I have now made some Amends for my late Silence, as I have told you every thing I can recollect. Not an hour have I spent on Cribbige, since you left us, nor shall it cost me one till you return, which I hope you still seriously think of. If the Arguments I have formerly adduced have no Weight, I am sorry for it, for I think they are strong and unanswerable. I not only wish your own health, ease, and happiness, but that of all you are concerned in. I see with Particular Pleasure how well received your Son is in his Government the Continuance of which I am satisfied he has Sagacity enough, with your assistance, to deserve and Secure.  My Wife Joins me in most affectionate Compliments to you and Mrs. Fr: Mr. and Mrs. Hall and all Friends. I am my Dear Sir with unalterable Esteem Your most Obedient Servant
Will: Strahan
P:S: A new Indian War, is really terrible, but I hope proper measures will be taken, most effectually to extinguish it, and to prevent such dissagreable Interruptions, to the Encrease and prosperity of our Colonies for the future.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 23 August 1763
From: Collinson, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
Londn: 23d: Augst 1763
I am Just come from an Entertainment given your New Governor per our Society a Respect shown to all Governors where our Friends are Setled. Your Proprietor Thos. was there and Great Civilities pass’d on all Sides, I believe exact the Same Deputation that attended your Son who I hope is now well Setled in his Government and Sees Clearly the Coast he is to Steer. Pray when you write give my respects to Him and His Lady with my best Wishes.
Proprietor Thos. Took Mee Asside. Sayes He—I hear Mr. Franklins comeing Over to Solicit a revival of Doctor Coxs Grant for Lands on the Missisipi. Do you know any thing of It, No not I, He Seemed uneasie about It.

On the 21st: Wee lost Lord Agrement. I wish Wee may be So happy in a New appointment of an able unbiassed Man of Weight to conciliate all parties. He has fairly Bilked Champion Welks non est inventis [sic] the Suits at an End.
Wee are concerned at the new rupture of the Indians, French Emessaries may have had Some Share in it but I am afraid it is more owing to our Neglect and Misconduct.
There is Orders and In[s]tructions gone Over by the last Pacquets. I heartyly Wish they may prove Effectual to Bring about an Accomodation.
Your Friutefull Able Genius I hope will Exert it Self on this Weighty Occation. I Shall be pleased to Hear the Carolina is come Safe with the Books for thee and Library Company and J. Bartram. Our Friend Mr. Canton is conce[r]ned that he is forgott. Mr Clark Chaplain to our Ambassador Earl of Bristol has published a Modern History of Spain in 4to which I believe you would Like. In Hast I am my Dear Friend Sincerely Yours
P Collinson
If I may Judge from aperances your New Governor dos not Seem to have Strikeing abilities then He’l be the Easier govern’d per his unkle.

Our Friend Hamilton gives a great Many Thanks and His Humble Service for your In[s]tructions. He Hopes you will be tempted over by many Considerations and flatters himself with the pleasure of your Company at Pains Hill.
 Addressed: To / Benn: Franklin Esqr / Philadelphia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 30 August 1763
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Kensington August 30. 1763
I have two Letters to thank you for since I wrote to you from Bromley, which tho short gave me pleasure as they assured me of your Welfare and the continuance of your Regard for your Polly.
I now have the pleasure of returning your Friend’s Musick with the desir’d supplement. Mr. Stanley begg’d I would present his best Respects to you, and tell you how much he rejoiced at having it in his power to do anything for you; he was oblig’d he says to make some alteration in the Recitativo in order to admit the Bass. He and his Family were much pleas’d with your Remembrance of them, and desir’d me to present their best Respects to you. My Aunt and I have lately spent a week with them upon the For[?]t; they have been with us in return, and left us this morning.
I thank you my dear Sir for the part you take in my cares. I had as you hop’d heard of my Friend’s arrival at Jamaica, and I am now in daily expectation of a more circumstantial account of her from one who saw her there. My Dolly’s Health is much mended, but she has had some severe attacks of her Disorder since I was with her at Bromley. Mrs. Blunt has brought another Son.
My poor Aunt Rooke is still lame, and two days ago we were much alarm’d by her having the Gout in her stomach, but, thank, God that is remov’d. She thanks you for the tender mention you make of her.
You make many happy by the hopes you give us of your Return to England. I long for you to fix the time, but I fear your Friends in America will hold you fast. All I wish for is to have those I love near me, could I but have you and my Pitt in England I should be happy. I like visiting Acquaintance at Kensington better than that at Wanstead, and all who are called Friends will come a few miles to see us, therefore I am pleas’d with our change of habitation.
You see all are ready to follow you that can, the poor Girl who is the Bearer of this is excessively happy in accepting your invitation, and I hope good Success will attend her. Accept my Thanks for your Kindness.
My Mother often tells me when Things don’t go quite right that she wishes she had gone to Philadelphia, I don’t think you blame me for preventing her, for the advantages of such a Voyage are precarious, and if you would second me I think her circumstances might be made easy. I want you who are Master of Demonstration to convince her that I shall be happier in seeing her enjoy a comfortable Income than I could be by even a large addition to my Fortune at her Death.
I should be unfashionable if I did not wish for you here but I have a nearer concern than most; all esteem you, it is only the favour’d few that can love you as I do.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 5 September 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Babcock, Joshua

Boston, Sept. 5. 1763
Returning hither from Portsmouth, I find your agreeable Favour of Augt. 19. containing your kind Invitation to Westerly, where I am sure I could pass some Days with great Pleasure; but doubt whether it will be in my Power.
I perceive the Artifice of your Eloquence, which in some degree saves me from being carried away by its Force. You promise me the Communication of some new Philosophical Discovery. Then you pique my Pride, by challenging me at Drafts, and insinuate that I have not the Courage to meet you. Then you work upon my Fears, by your Prophecies and Auguries, threatening me with Mischief and Misfortune if I travel any other Road. All this is very good in its place; but you omit an Argument that weighs much more with me, the Happiness I should enjoy in your Conversation, and in the true, ancient, cordial Hospitality, with which you and good Mrs. Babcock always entertain your Friends. I can only wish that the more powerful Calls of Business and Duty, did not too forcibly draw me another way.
My sincere Respects and best Wishes, will however attend you and yours, while I am, Dear Doctor Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
My compliments to my young Friend the Colonel; hope his Farming succeeds to his wish.
  Addressed: To / The honble Joshua Babcock Esqr / Westerly / Rh. Island Governmt / Free B FranklinTowe [?] 7th of Sept 1763 / Fo[rwarded?] by yr Honours hum[ble] / Servant / John Case [?]
Endorsed: Benj Franklin Esq 5 Septr: 1763 of his not returning this Way.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Greene, 5 September 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Greene, Catharine

Dear Friend,
Boston, Sept. 5. 1763
On my returning hither from Portsmouth, I find your obliging Favour of the 18th past, for which I thank you.
I am almost asham’d to tell you that I have had another Fall, and put my Shoulder out. It is well reduc’d again, but is still affected with constant tho’ not very acute Pain. I am not yet able to travel rough Roads, and must lie by a While, as I can neither hold Reins, nor Whip with my right hand till it grows stronger.
Do you think after this, that even your kindest Invitations and Mr. Green’s, can prevail with me to venture my self again on such Roads? and yet it would be a great Pleasure to me to see you and yours once more.
Sally and my Sister Mecom thank you for your Remembrance of them, and present their affectionate Regards.

My best Respects to good Mr. Greene, Mrs. Ray, and Love to your little ones. I am glad to hear they are well, and that your Celia goes alone. I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 20 September 1763
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Roxbury 20 Septr. 1763
I am much obliged for yesterday’s Communications. You’ll permit me to adopt a request of Father Beccaria. “Si alia habeas [Scripta praesertim Franklini] quae a me desiderari posse putes (quid autem esse potest Franklinianarum Rerum quod non planè depeream?) quaeque verecundè peti abs me posse arbitrere, ut mittas etiam atque etiam efflagito.”
I congratulate you upon the Honors confer’d upon you. Honors so well placed reflect a Lustre on the Bestowers. I am with much esteem Sir, Your most Obedient Servant
James Bowdoin
I now return the Papers you favoured me with yesterday.
Dr. Franklin
 Addressed: Dr. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 22 September 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir,
Boston, Sept. 22. 1763
As I write in pain with a lately dislocated Arm, I can do little more than acknowledge the Receipt of you several Favours of Apr. 7. May 19. and June 18. all which I shall answer more fully when I get home, where I hope to be in about three Weeks; at the Meeting of our new Assembly; when I shall procure the Change you desire to be made in the Vote of Agency. I must have express’d my self with strange Obscurity in my Letters relating to Coxe’s Affair, or you read it with too little Attention. I certainly never meant to propose taking a Share at that Price, and run the Risque of Success in the Application. The Proposal of Messrs. Coxe was, that in case the Grant was confirm’d, or a Territory equivalent obtain’d in lieu of it, we should have one half for £5000. If the Application does not succeed, we have nothing to pay as we are to receive nothing.
The present Indian War, made upon our Western Posts and Settlements by the Chippaways and Ottawaws, French Indians, with whom we never before the Conquest of Canada had any Correspondence, was undoubtedly stirr’d up by the French Commandant in the Ilinois Country, who sent Belts among them last Fall, before the Peace. They prevail’d on the Delawares to join them, who are grown fond of Plunder since the last War. But I think when the Indians see us in Possession of the Ilinois Posts, still occupied by the French, and of all the other Posts ceded to us by France; this War will cease. I hope however that they will be well chastis’d, particularly the Delawares, before we talk of Peace to them. Or they will be continually breaking with us.
I cannot not add but that I am, with the greatest Esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Richard Jackson Esqr / Member of Parliamt. for Weymouth / Inner Temple / London
Endorsed: Boston Sept. 22d, 1763 B Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 22 September 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Friend
Boston, Sept. 22. 1763
I write in pain with an Arm lately dislocated, so can only acknowledge the Receipt of your Favours of May 3. and 10. And thank you for the Intelligence they contain concerning your publick Affairs. I am now 400 Miles from home, but hope to be there again in about 3 Weeks. The Indian War upon our Western Settlements, was undoubtedly stirr’d up by the French on the Missisipi, before they had heard of the Peace between the two Nations; and will probably cease when we are in Possession of what is there ceded to us. My Respects to Mrs. Strahan and Love to your Children. I am, Dear Friend, very affectionately Yours
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Griffith Jones, 6 October 1763
From: Jones, Griffith
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Bolt Court Fleet StreetLondon, October 6, 1763
Though I presume Mr. Cumming’s Letter, which you receive at the same time with this, informs you of the Motive which induced the Friends of the Bearer to send him to Philadelphia; yet as being the Father of the Boy, I thought it necessary for your Satisfaction, briefly to relate to you my Reasons for taking this Step; and likewise to give you some Account of the Abilities of the Lad. He has from his Infancy been brought up in the Principles and Practice of Religion; but having had from the very Beginning of his Apprenticeship too much Liberty to go out after the Business of the Day was over (an Indulgence of a very pernicious Nature for Youth in this vice-abounding Metropolis) he began to contract an Acquaintance with Boys of the like Age and Situation with himself, and to go with them to Places of Entertainment; which I luckily heard of, just at the Commencement of their Connexion; and fearing that he might run into Irregularities and Extravagancies not suitable to his Age and Station, I consulted Mr. Cumming, with whose Friendship I am honoured, who advised the sending him abroad, and pointed out the Method I have been so free as to take of assigning him over to you for the Remainder of his Time. To this his Master, who is my particular Friend, at my Request, consented: And I should think myself extremely happy, if you, Sir, a Gentleman, of whom Mr. Cumming has given the most amiable Character, and which is confirmed by the universal Voice, will be so good as to accept him; and I hope he will prove an useful, diligent, and faithful Servant to you. As to his Abilities; he is now capable of earning his Bread, having serving two Years of his Time, and can work well. He has learnt Latin and a little Greek; can speak French fluently, and translate it as well as most of his Years. His Behaviour so far as I have ever seen or heard is orderly and obliging. But as Boys of his Age have seldom Resolution to withstand Temptation, I should esteem it as a great Favour, if you would give Instructions to the Person whom you shall think proper to place him under, that he may [be] kept closely to work, and not suffer’d to ramble out after the Hours of Business; but employ himself at Leisure Times in improving himself in French, Latin, &c. The Assignment is made according to the Custom of London, but if you think it not obligatory in Philadelphia, you are at Liberty to bind him in what Manner you think proper. Not to trespass longer on your Time or Patience; permit me to conclude with assuring you, that if I can transact any Kind of Business for you here, I shall think myself highly honoured by receiving your Commands, and am with the most profound Respect, Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
G. Jones
 Addressed: To / Dr Benjam Franklin, / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Mr Cumming and Griffith Jones


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cumming, 7 October 1763
From: Cumming, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear and much esteemed Friend
London 7th. Oct. 1763.
It was a happy Opportunity I had, in Capt. Stout’s return to Philadelphia; as, unless it had been for that, I should not have been so fully convinced, of thy Readiness, to pay Regard to my Recommendations. I acknowledge myself thy Debtor; but alas, I must rely on thy Goodness, to accept of that Acknowledgment, instead of Value received! Even that Request encreases my Debt; not only so, but from thy Benevolence, which is inseparably connected with thy very Name; every where, I am emboldened, to contract a fresh Debt, which, in itself, will amount, almost, to as much as all my former put together! In short,
I was lately applied to, by a very particular Acquaintance of mine, Griffith Jones Printer in Fleet Street (who served an Apprenticeship to—Boyer whom thou knowst, I think) for my Advice, how and where abroad, to send his Son to? The Letter my Friend sends herewith, and the Indentures, &c. save me the Trouble, and thee, of adding more on that Head.
Neither thou nor any one else, who know us both, and that I have the Happiness of knowing thee, will be surprized, that thou shouldst be the first that should occur to me, and that in an Instant, on such an Occasion; even, had the Lad been mine own and only Child.
The great Distance betwixt us, will plead my Excuse, for thus precipipately throwing a Load on thy Shoulders. The Exigence of the Case required it.

It will, I make no Doubt, appear to thee, that, at least, his (the Boy’s Passage) should have been paid by his Father, here. The Father expected no other; but I frankly own, I advised the Step taken. My Reasons for doing so were these: First, it would lessen the Expence of Grief and Cash to the Parents, at parting with their beloved Son: And in Truth, it would be Cruelty not to do it, by any just Means. Secondly, I know, that a Lad of his Capacity, Qualifications and Experience in his Business, is well worth so much Money to any Master, who will take him for the Term of Years he has to serve. Thirdly, and above all, because it would convince the Boy, that he was more obliged to be obedient, diligent, &c. as a bought, than as merely, a bound, Apprentice. I therefore hope, for these Reasons, thou wilt, at least, think I meant justly and well, with Respect to all Parties. But if thou should’st be of a different Opinion, I must request, that thou wilt advance the Money, and send an Order upon me for it, and it shall be duely honoured.
Although the Boy is assigned over to thee, yet I well know, that thou wilt be no more over him, than thou art over thy other Boys at the College, and every Inhabitant of the City, who may be all looked upon as thy Children: My worthy Friend and Countryman David Hall, I hope will be immediately over him. Better, I have assured his Brother Jones, he could not wish his Son, than under him. Be that as it may, the Boy is thrown by my Means under thy sole Care, and disposal. I cannot but hope, through thee, he may turn out an useful Citizen of Philadelphia, a Credit to thee, an Honour and Blessing to his Parents, and above all (and which must follow) that his Life will redound to his own Interest and Happiness here and hereafter. If he makes as good, as ingenious and as amiable a Man as his Father, I could wish for no better from a Son, had I one of mine own.
I did not forget thy Commission, concerning my 2d. best Friend, the Earl of Shelburne. I shewed him thy Letter. But his Brother has been all this Summer in Paris, and is not yet returned. There to my Eye-Sight, at least, last June, he out shines all that Showy City, in Splendid Equipages, &c. &c. &c. Lord Shelburne was very glad (as every body is) to hear of thy Welfare, and more so in being remembered by thee. He told me, he had intended, on his being appointed first Lord of Trade, to have wrote to thee, for any Information, relating to the publick Good of thy Province, or the British Interest in general in America; and as he was then exceedingly busy with the Duties of his Office desired I would write to thee what his Request was, and that he should be greatly obliged to thee to favour him from Time to Time with thy Hints and Advice. But, the Turbulence, of an unreasonable, all-aspiring, routted Faction, occasioned, amongst other Changes, that of his chusing to resign! In short, he had a principal Hand in the K’s sending for that Man, who, when he came, wanted, proposed, no less, than to be K. himself de facto! But, my Situation is such, that they may write News of that Sort, for me, who please.
Notwithstanding L.S. has resigned, as he has been at a Board, as he still is as much the King’s Favourite as ever, as he may, soon too, again be replaced, or accept of some other high Employment, as he always must have great Interest every where, and as he desired thee to write to him, I think it would not be amiss, that thou shouldst, without taking Notice of my not writing till after his Resignation. He does not know, but that I wrote before; and therefore must expect thou wilt. Pray don’t slight him, because out. (for he was not outted.)

I can see the tender Father in every Thing thou dos’t and say’st, of the King’s Representative in the N. Jerseys. Thence, thy Wish and mine not according in Respect to his Translation. As a Friend to extensive Utility in general, and as a Well-wisher to him and his immediate Family in particular, I continue still of the same Opinion. To him, when thou first see’st, or writest I must beg, after thy best (and most deservedly best) and welbeloved Bedfellow (if she has not forgot having seen me) to be most affectionately remembered. Pray how does thy only (and once, amiable Child of a) Daughter do? I dare say she is marriageable. Is she tied? If so, and with all Consents, she must be happy. Art thou Grand Papa?
Having almost finished, and fully tired myself, it is Time I should thank thee for thy kind mentioning my Name to my Virginia Friends (many of whom I love most dearly) and for thy Intententions [sic] of shewing Civilities to honest, meritorious Capt. Stout. Had he had Friends here, equal to his Desert, he must have been now high in the List of Post Captains! Pray is my very old Acquaintance David James Dove yet living? If he be, and in your Province, I shall be obliged to thee, if thou wilt remember me to him also. I was the happy or unhappy (he knows best) Means, of his ever crossing over the Atlantick. I could almost ask after my quondam Friend Israel Pemberton but, I fancy he would not thank me if he knew it.
Last Week I told my Friends Smith and Wright, Bankers, that I intended writing to thee soon. They present their Respects, and expected to have heard from thee. They are a Couple of sensible, expert, careful young Men, are encreasing their Business daily, and promise, I think, of being soon among the first of their Profession. I am, my invaluable Friend, Thine, in all Sincerity, and Affection.
Thomas Cumming.
P.S. Lord Shelburne sends his Compliments to thee.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 11 October 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bowdoin, James

Dear Sir
Oct. 11. 63
We found we could not get quite ready to set out to-day, so have adjourn’d our Departure till to-morrow. As Company, (I know not how many) talk of going part of the Way with us, I think it will be inconvenient to breakfast with you as proposed. We shall therefore only stop at your Door to take Leave. Herewith you have the Receipt you desired. When you write to Canton and Nairne, enclose your Letter to me, and I will write with it and forward it per the Packet. Mr. Winthrop has Æpinus, and I think a Piece also of the same Author, on the Distribution of Heat. When he has done with them he will deliver them to you. I am, Dear Sir, with great Esteem Your most obedient humble Servant,
B Franklin
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin’s Letter Oct. 11. 1763. taking leave.

To make Milk Punch
Take 6 quarts of Brandy, and the Rinds of 44 Lemons pared very thin; Steep the Rinds in the Brandy 24 Hours; then strain it off. Put to it 4 Quarts of Water, 4 large Nutmegs grated, 2 quarts of Lemon Juice, 2 pound of double refined Sugar. When the Sugar is dissolv’d, boil 3 Quarts of Milk and put to the rest hot as you take it off the Fire, and stir it about. Let it stand two Hours; then run it thro’ a Jelly-bag till it is clear; then bottle it off.

 Addressed: To / James Bowdoin Esq / Roxbury
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin’s rect. to make milk punch.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 18 October 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Babcock, Joshua

Dear Sir
Newport, Tuesday Oct. 18. 1763
I hop’d to have had the Pleasure of being with you before this time, but various Remora’s have detain’d us in various Places. We are to set out this day, so as to lodge at Cases’ to night, and purpose to take a Bed under your hospitable Roof the Night, if not cast away among the dangerous Rocks of your Coast. My best Respects to Mrs. Babcock, &c. I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Doctor Babcock / Westerly / Free / B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Bernard, 30 October 1763
From: Bernard, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston Octo. 30. 1763
As you was so kind as to tell Mrs. Bernard that you would take care of my Son if he came in your way, I am encouraged to trouble you with particulars concerning him. By a letter dated Octo.9 We learn he is at Bellhaven: and as his Mony must be all spent, and he is not provided with any Papers of credit, I apprehend he may be necessarily detained there. I must therefore desire you will procure him credit and assistance to return to Philadelphia; and that you will procure him a passage by Sea from Philadelphia to Boston. If that cant be conveniently had, I must desire that you would return him home by way of New York. I should be glad that he may be concerned as little as possible in the expenditure and conduct of his journeys, that Delays and Deviations may be avoided as much as can be. Mrs. Child in third Street Philadelphia has directions from him. All charges will be thankfully paid. I am &c
Fra B

I have inclosed a Letter for him which you will be so good as to forward.
Benjm Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 31 October 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child
New York, Oct. 31. 176[3]
We arriv’d here safe [torn] this Morning about 11 aClock, [after a] very pleasant Journey, and without [the] least ill Accident. Thanks to God. We purpose to proceed homeward tomorrow, if the Weather, &c. is suitable. I have receiv’d here a Number of Letters from you for which I thank you. We must stay a Day at Woodbridge and then shall go forward so as to be at Burlington on Friday at Dinner, where if you can conveniently meet us, it will make all our Joys compleat. If not, we shall hope to be with you at home on Saturday. As Cousin Lissey has left you, I hardly know how you can leave the House, so do not advise, but leave you to your own Judgment. Sally presents her Duty, and Mr. Foxcroft his Compliments. I am Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / Free


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams: Account, October 1763
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

For several years Jonathan Williams, Senior, husband of Franklin’s niece, the former Grace Harris (C.5.3), had represented Franklin in business matters at Boston and had acted for him in looking after their less fortunate relatives in that area. Franklin in turn seems to have performed various financial services for Williams in Philadelphia or during his travels. Before Franklin left Boston in October 1763 the two men settled their accounts and found that there was a balance in favor of Franklin amounting to a little over £12 Massachusetts “lawful money.” Williams did not try to pay this debt at the time but, as was customary, he opened a new record of their running account showing this balance as a credit to Franklin.
On Dec. 24, 1774, Williams transcribed his account onto a single sheet, which he then sent to Franklin in England. Williams’ son, Jonathan Junior (C.5.3.2), who was in England with Franklin, took his father’s account, compared it with the entries in Franklin’s books, and prepared a revised balance sheet. Besides making additional entries in both parts of the record, he consolidated into a single entry about 45 separate items in his father’s statement, mostly for small sums, which related to expenditures during the last eleven years for maintenance and repairs of the house formerly belonging to Franklin’s eldest sister Elizabeth Douse. This property in Unity Street, Boston, had passed to Franklin after her death, and on Nov. 28, 1763 (below, p. 384), he instructed Williams to have it put in repair, rent it out, and pay the rents received to Jane Mecom to help her in providing care for her insane son, Peter Franklin Mecom (C.17.6).
On Feb. 29, 1776, Jonathan Williams, Senior, prepared a new account at Franklin’s request covering essentially the same period as the two earlier versions. In a letter of transmission, March 1, 1776, he told Franklin that his son’s version, of which he had received a copy, contained “some omissions,” but the two items he cited specifically as having been overlooked do in fact appear in Jonathan Junior’s account. The father admitted that he was handicapped in preparing his new account because “Some of my Old books and papers were Consumed Last may in my warehouses.”
All three of these versions survive in the American Philosophical Society Library, but the account prepared by Jonathan Williams, Junior, is chosen for printing here because it appears to be the most reliable and systematic and in general the most fully intelligible. By using both red and black ink and a special symbol of his own devising, the young man showed which entries appeared only on his father’s first account (reproduced here in roman type), which appeared in both his father’s account and Franklin’s books (reproduced in italics), and which only in Franklin’s books (in italics and with asterisks after the figures). As Jonathan Junior explained in his memorandum at the end, he had detected “some little Difference in sums which are here put right,” so that the records do not agree in all particulars; but with two exceptions mentioned in notes below, a careful comparison of the documents shows that other differences are indeed trivial and do not merit detailed notice here.
This account is given in full since it illustrates, as no summarized description could, some of the ways in which members of this closely knit, though physically scattered, family worked together for the welfare of the others.

[October 1763]
No. 1
State of the Accot: between Doctor B Franklin and Jona: Williams Senr: as it should properly stand

      Dr.
      Sterling
      Lawfull Mony

      To Sundry Expences in repairing and keeping in repair a House at the North End of Boston, the Rent of which was appropriated to the Use of Mrs. Jane Mecom from Novr: 15th: 1763 to the last charge Augt: 10th: 1774 Particulars as per Acct:
        }
      110.
      8.
      6
      £147.
      4.
      8

      1764 Mar: 9
      To Cash paid your Order to Mrs. Mecom}
      3.
      15.
      –
      5.
      –
      –

      1766 Feby 1
      To Ditto paid Mrs. Mecom by the desire of Mrs. Franklin}
      1.
      16.
      –
      2.
      8.
      –

      1768 Sept 10
      To a Box of Crown Soapbot: of Mrs. Eliza:Franklin}
      3.
      1.
      –
      4.
      1.
      4.

      To Cash paid for 2 Gowns of New Engd Manufacture for Mrs.Franklin}
      2.
      1.
      9
      2.
      15.
      8

      To Ballance of Rent due from James Reilly who proved unable to Pay it and at last was Oblig’d to quit the House by a Writ of Ejectment. This Rent was regularly paid to Mrs. Mecom}
      13.
      16.
      4
      18.
      8.
      5

      1769 Mar 12
      To a Prise Ticket in State Lottery
      20.
      –
      –
      26.
      13.
      4

      1771 July
      To a Ditto
      20.
      –
      –
      26.
      13.
      4

      1772 June
      To a Bill of Exchange Drawn by Symmes on Gardoque
      100.
      –
      –
      133.
      6.
      8

      two Dutch Bills neated
      162.
      11.
      6
      216.
      15.
      4

      One Ditto  Ditto
      92.
      4.
      –
      122.
      18.
      8

      One Ditto Wheatly
      100.
      –
      –
      133.
      6.
      8

      Decr
      To 1 Ditto Sheppard on King
      27.
      –
      –
      36.
      –
      –

      1773 Apr

            To 1 Ditto drawn by T RussellNote this Bill was for £50. but bought under Par and being remitted on Acco. of Mrs. Mecom is charg’d only as it cost, the Profit belonging to her. It is Part of the m[one]y recd of Hall and was sent home to purchase Millinary Goods for Mrs. M.}

      48.
      15.
      –
      65.
      –
      –

      May 3

          To Cash paid Neice on her Marriage
          £50.
          –
          –

          Paid Mrs. Mecom
          68.
          6.
          8

      Novr

          Ditto paid Ditto
          47.
          8.
          8

      1774 July

          Ditto paid Ditto
          16.
          19.
          6

           L M[one]y
          182.
          14.
          10

      137.
      1.
      1½
      182.
      14.
      2

      These Sums and Russells Bill were on Acco: of what was recd: and to be recd: of Hall

      Aug 10

          To Cash paid John Adams Charges for a suit against Hall}

      3.
      15.
      4½
      5.
      –
      6

      £864.
      5.
      7
      1128.
      7.
      5

      Ballce: due Dr. F
      15.
      4.
      1
      20.
      5.
      5¾

      carried to Aud[it] No 2
      £861.
      9.
      8
      1148.
      12.
      10¾

      Cr.
      Sterling
      Lawfull Mony

      1763

    Octr.
      By Ballance of Old Accot.
      £9.
      2.
      11½
      12.
      3.
      11½

      1764

      June 12
      By Cash of John Head
      3.
      12.
      –
      4.
      16.
      –

      Feby. 27
      By an Order in favr. Robbins
      28.
      19.
      2¼
      38.
      4.
      3

      “ 28
      By Cash Recd. of Govr. Bernard
      24.
      1.
      1½
      32.
      1.
      6

      Aprl 10
      By Ditto of Ditto
      7.
      11.
      2¼
      10.
      1.
      7¼

      Augt. 1
      By John Gooches Order
      3.
      12.
      –
      4.
      16.
      –

      By Over Charge in Braizers Bill in Sum for Repairs &c.}
      –
      4.
      1½
      –
      5.
      6

      1769 July
      By 2 Lottery Ticketts
      29.
      5.
      –
      39.
      –
      –

      1770 July
      By 2 Ditto
      28.
      13.
      –
      38.
      4.
      –

      1771 July
      By Cash advanced J Williams Junr
      308.
      16.
      10½
      411.
      15.
      10½

      1772 Jany
      By Ditto Paid to James Warren
      83.
      3.
      9½
      110.
      18.
      4

      By Ditto advanced to Josiah Williams 118 Guineas
      123.
      18.
      –
      165.
      4.
      –

      1773
    Jany 1

          By Cash Recd. of Hall
          133.
          6.
          8

      Novr.30

          By Ditto of do.
          47.
          8.
          8

      June

          By Ditto of do.
          11.
          –
          –

      July

          By Ditto of do.
          7.
          –
          –

      Aug

          By Ditto of do.
          4.
          –
          –

          L M[one]y
          202.
          15.
          4

      152.
      1.
      6
      202.
      15.
      4

          Mrs. M. is paid
          £65.
          –
          –

          182.
          14.
          10

          £247.
          14.
          10

      On Acct. of Halls Bond but the above is all Yet received

      The following Sums are Omitted in J Williams Accot:

      1772 May

          Paid Mr. Stanly teaching Josiah Williams Music
          £31.
          10.
          –*

      June

          Paid Ditto’s Taylor
          19.
          16.
          11*

          6 Bottles of Elastic Gum
          1.
          16.
          –*

      1773 March

          Paid for Behmens Works
          5.
          12.
          –*

      58.
      14.
      11
      78.
      6.
      7

      Memo: The Articles in red Ink are in JW’s Accot: and not in D F. Books.

       Those in black Ink, are in Doctr. Fs Books and JW’s Accot: too, except some little Difference in sums which are here put right.

       Those in Black Ink with this mark* are in D. Fs Books and not in JW’s Acct.
      £861.
      9.
      8
      1148.
      12.
      10¾

 Endorsed: Dr Franklins Aud[it] with Jona Williams Senr No 1 [and in pencil:] 1763 74 Drew up for F by Jno Wms Jr


Title: Provincial Commissioners: Orders for Payment, 8 November 1763
From: Provincial Commissioners
To:

On Oct. 22, 1763, two weeks before Franklin returned to Philadelphia, Governor Hamilton approved an Assembly bill appropriating £24,000 “for the defense and protection of this province” in the emergency created by the Indian uprising. In order to avoid controversies such as had plagued previous supply bills and had prevented the passage of a much needed measure at the end of the last Assembly’s session in September, the new act imposed no additional taxation, called for no fresh emission of bills of credit, and introduced no unacceptable new details of any sort. Half of the £24,000 was to come from available bills of credit received in connection with the transfer to the colony of its share of parliamentary grants; the remaining £12,000 was to be made up from the unexpended balances of three other, smaller funds previously established for various purposes.
Following the practice of other supply acts since the beginning of the war with France, the act of 1763 named seven provincial commissioners—two councilors and five assemblymen—who, “with the consent and approbation of the governor or commander in chief of the province for the time being and not otherwise,” were to order and direct the expenditure of the £24,000 appropriated. Franklin was one of the commissioners appointed. Thus, three days after reaching home from his long trip to New England, he found himself at a meeting of the provincial commissioners engaged in a task with which he had become thoroughly familiar during the busy months of 1756: considering and passing on applications for funds required for a military emergency.
The procedure followed seems to have remained essentially unchanged: any four or more of the commissioners might sign an order to pay a specified sum to the person who had furnished supplies or services or was about to incur expenses for provincial defense. The payee then presented the order at the General Loan Office, received the money, and receipted the order. This document then became part of the records of the Loan Office.
During the remaining weeks of 1763 the provincial commissioners issued fifteen orders, of which Franklin signed ten. Following the practice of earlier volumes these orders are listed below, showing the date, the name of the payee, a summary of the purpose, and the amount of each. The orders which BF failed to sign are indicated by an asterisk (*) following the date. Orders issued after the beginning of 1764 will be similarly listed in the next volume.

  Date
  Payee
  Purpose
  Amount

November

  £
s.
  d.

8
Robert Levers
Victualling troops
320
0
0

12*
Asher Clayton
Recruiting Capt. Nicholas Haasacre’s Co.
150
0
0

  14
Maj. Asher Clayton
Recruiting advance for Northampton Co.
50
0
0

14*
John Jennings
For bringing Moravian Indians to Philadelphia
107
18
2

16*
Joseph Fox
To support Moravian Indians at Province Island
100
0
0

16*
Timothy Horsfield
Indian expenses and expresses
78
14
5

28*
Dorcas Buchanan, Widow
Billeting soldiers
16
4
2

  29
John Bissell
47 tomahawks for new forces
5
5
9

  29
William Coleman
Pay as assistant judge
100
0
0

  29
Robert Levers
Provisions for troops in Northampton and Berks Cos.
400
0
0

  29
Phillip Shilling
Powder horns for troops in Northampton Co.
3
2
6

  29
Jeremiah Warder
Wampum, bar lead, and duffels for new troops
50
1
0

December

  7
Robert Erwin
Expence servant Benj. Roads enlisting in King’s service
11
13
4

  7
Joseph Shippen
Pay as Clerk to the Council. ordered Sept. 30, 1763
22
17
6

12*
Robert Callender
Provisions for provincial troops
3,352
10
0


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 8 November 1763
From: Sargent, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Londo. 8 Novr 1763
I have not had the Pleasure of a Line from you since that of the 8th Augt. from Boston, which I had answerd, soon after it came, by the last Packet, if I had not been prevented by my Family’s being in some Confusion by my Son’s being brought home ill from Eton. Thank God all that now is happily over, and We are all well again.
And on coming to Town to day I find Capt. Marshall on the point of taking away his Bagg. Which just affords me a few minutes to assure You of my constant Regard, and attention to every Thing that can be of the least Use to you.
It is old News to You to tell You Lord Egmont is preferrd to a higher Employ and Lord Hyde Joynt Post master General in his place. Had the former continued I had taken Measures to have done what You wished. I do not know whether the same may be necessary with Regard to his Successour, but as an honourable Mention can do no hurt, and I expect a Friend in Town this Winter who is intimate with Lord Hyde, I shall get Him to do that Justice to Your Character which I wish every one to do, and you may be sure of; where ever I have any Connection and that I am happy in doing it.
Every Thing is in Confusion with Us here. Party never ran so high and it is a Great Prejudice to the Publick Concern.
God knows how it will end! The Scene opens in Parliament next Week. Both Sides are confident of Success. The Ministry will undoubtedly carry their Point in Parliament Regarding Wilkes.

But it is much questioned whether They will in Westminster Hall; which may bring Them into great Embarassements.
And between You and I it is not clear how They stand among Themselves, Not much united it is said, but by common Danger, and most amazingly unpopular!
So much for a Sketch of the Times!
I next present You with a more pleasing one, namely that of Your account on which You will please to note, We will allow You 5 per Cent Interest for the Money in our hands, and it shall not lye without advantage to You.
I hope Your Son is well and happy in his Government. Pray present all our Compliments both to Him, and his Lady.
His Prudence and Situation equally keep Him out of the Way of Party Byasses. By which I dare say He will remain undisturbed. I shall have an Attention to Things, and should I hear or learn any Thing material to his Conduct, I will write Him.
My Wife The Collonel Mrs. Deane, and all the old Sett at Mayplace wish You Health and Happiness.
Mr. Jackson tells me He hath written to You and Mr. Coxe fully on our Project. I can add nothing to his Exactness.
Believe me ever Dear Sir Yours most affectionately
J Sargent.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 10 November 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Babcock, Joshua

Dear Friend
Philada. Nov. 10. 1763
Your Goodnature will be pleas’d to hear that your Guests went on well after they left you. We got early into New York the next Morning; staid there one Day, had a Pleasant Passage over the Bay the next Morning; spent some time with Friends in different Places of the Jerseys, and got safe and well home on Saturday Evening, where we had the additional Happiness of finding all well. Sally joins in grateful Remembrance of your many Civilities and Kindnesses to us, at your House and on the Road; and in best Wishes of every Felicity to you and yours. Our Respects to good Mrs. Babcock, the Colonel and your other Children. By next Post you will hear from Mr. Foxcroft and me; he presents his Compliments. I am, with sincerest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Joshua Babcock Esqr / Westerly / Rhodeisland / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: B. Franklin of 10 Novr. 63 of his Arrival at Philadelphia


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, 12 November 1763
From: Jackson, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
London. 12th Novr. 1763
It gives me great Concern to hear of your Misfortune. I have the Consolation however to understand that the Case when taken in Time, is seldom attended with any lasting Inconvenience and I have hopes the Cure is perfectly effected when I write this. I can assure you with great Truth there is not a Man upon Earth in whose Welfare I interest myself more, and I have the Pleasure of finding my Sentiments on this Subject those of almost all Mankind.
Your Letter informing me of your Misfortune came yesterday, by Mr. Irving whose Company I had the pleasure of having at Dinner the same Day. I must confess I have always believed that the Proposal made by Messrs. Coxes was to be understood as you understand it, that we should become Purchasers in case the Grant should be confirmed or a Territory equivalent obtained, and that both the Risk of Success, and the Costs of Obtaining were to be theirs. In fact I have acted on this Plan for though I am desirous to close with the Offer, and find Mr. Sargent so too, I have drawn £50 of the Credit Messrs. Coxe gave me on Messrs. Sargent &c. to pay the Disbursements at the Record Offices and Council where I have not yet presented a Memorial, not only because I have been disappointed in all my Searches (except that for the Grant to Sir Robert, and in some Lights I have obtained at the Board of Trade) tis because the Notions, that our settling backward has been the Occasion of the present Indian War, are infinitly too prevalent, though I flatter myself now declining. When I judge proper actually to present the Memorial, (which I have drawn by me,) I shall Employ Mr. Life as Sollicitor. As the Draught now stands, I have stated the Grant of K. William to Dr. Coxe because it is a Fact of the Utmost Importance, but I must new Model the Draught, if we have no Proof of its ever having existed. At present, after a Search made by myself as well as the proper Officers for many Hours several Successive Days among the Inrollments of Grants the Warrants for making out the Grants, which are in the same Office the Alphabets Bundles of Warrants and Memorandums, at the Signet and Privy Seal Offices, I can find no Trace of it or of any Order or Direction for making it out, nor do I yet find at the Council Office or the Plantation Office any Proof of Application for such a Grant. I have but one chance left, the Bundles of Warrants are kept at the Rolls Chappel and without Order, being of little Use, almost every Grant being inrolled; many years are confounded together. I saw all the Bundles indorsed 11W3 picked out of a Heap covered with Dust, and then examined through each Bundle, but, a Bundle might escape me in the heap and I will examine the Heap again, and perhaps go through 10th and 12th of W3. Of this Search I should have some Hopes, but that I am in a great Measure deprived of them by the Searches made at the Signet and Privy Seal Offices. I send you Mr. Rookes Certificate, he is record keeper at the Rolls and a very Diligent carefull Officer.
Having finished this Subject I will tell you the Occasion of my Doubt (for it was but Doubt) upon Messrs. Coxes Proposal. It did not arise from any Obscurity in your Letter, you referred me only to Messrs. Coxes; they write.
We engage to dispose of a Moiety &c. and go on “If this offer of ours be agreable you will be so good as to signify your Approbation to us directly and it shall be confirmed accordingly to Dr. F. as you may direct, but if not we pray the favour of you to proceed for our own particular Account and Use for which purpose we inclose you a Credit on the Messrs. Sargent &c.”
In the Offer there are no eventual words, and from the adding to it, I inferred the Expence was to be ours if we accepted the Offer and not Messrs. Coxes and did not know therefore but that the Purchase Money was intended to become due at the same time, because you observe if we accepted the Proposal, I was to proceed for the Joint Account and Use and Messrs. Coxes particular &c.
I am pressed in Time, I am just come to Town, I have a good deal of Law Business, and the Parliament meets on Tuesday, Mr. Wilkess Business will come on the first Day and the House of Commons will probably express a good deal of Resentment at the Use he has made of their Privilege. The Session is likely to be attended with great Heats and Animosities, but then Appearances often deceive one. I fear something relating to America will be done very much against my Opinion, but I shall endeavour to prevent it by all the means in my Power both in the House and out of the House. I shall write you more on this Subject next Week. At present I shall only say that though I wish the duty on foreign Molasses was but 1d. I shall not oppose a Duty of 2d. a Gallon. I have proposed 1d.½ because it seems by the best lights I can get the nearest the Measure, I judge right not as Agent for the Province of Pennsylvania, but as a Member of the British House of Commons. As such too I shall be against all Inland Duties laid by the Parliament of Britain on the Colonies, because I see a very dangerous Tendency of such Duties to the Ruin of both, but it will be to no purpose that I should oppose all Duties, for £200000 a year will infallibly be raised by Parliament on the Plantations. I wish I could contrive that a large share might fall on the West Indians. For the rest I can only say at present that it will be a great Point carried to exclude all Revenue Officers from hence, but Customhouse Officers, they are become Constitutional in North America. The Province of Pennsylvania, is excluded from all Share of the Money granted by Parliament for the Service of 1761. I think this hard and did all I could to serve them, but the General had excluded them in his Return made, of which I have many times wrote to you and Mr. Moore, and wished that Applications might have been made to the General to amend this: I have discovered that the Generals Opinion was that the Service of their Troops was provincial only. The Lords of the Treasury have long since come to a Resolution which they now invariably adhere to, to hear no Evidence against the Generals Return. I fear this is not the only Ill Office the General has done the Province, I am now employed in removing some ill Impressions received from him. I must do Mr. Penn the Justice to say I had my Intelligence from him, and that he has joined with me on this Occasion. I am Dear Sir with the greatest Truth and Esteem Affectionately yours
Rd. Jackson
My father Sisters and Mr. Bridges all beg their Compliments to you and the Governor of N J.
 Endorsed: Mr Jackson to Dec. 10. 1764


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Levi Andrew] Levy, 12 November 1763
From: Levy, Levi Andrew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

12 Novembr. [1763?]
Mr. Levys compliments to Mr. Frankling will be obliged to him if he can Answer the inclosed requisitions or any part of them.
 Addressed: To / Doctor Frankling


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Bernard, 14 November 1763
From: Bernard, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Castle William Novr. 14. 1763
A fortnight ago I took the Liberty to trouble you with a request that you would procure for My Son at Alexandria credit to return to Philadelphia, and a passage from thence to Boston. I have just now received a Letter from him at Alexandria at Mr. Sebastian, A Tavern Keeper there. Altho’ I hope, before this Comes to your hand, that my Son will be considerably advanced in his return home; yet that nothing may be wanted to accelerate it, I have thought fit to trouble you with the enclosed. If he is passed Philadelphia when you receive it, you will please to burn it. I am Sir
F B
Benjm. Franklin Esqr.


Title: Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia to John Penn and Reply, 21 November 1763
From: Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia
To: Penn, John

John Penn (above, IV, 458 n), son of Richard Penn, who owned a quarter interest in the proprietorship of Pennsylvania, and nephew of the principal proprietor Thomas Penn, arrived in Philadelphia, Sunday, Oct. 30, 1763, aboard the Philadelphia Packet, Capt. Richard Budden, to replace James Hamilton as lieutenant governor of the colony. Many of the religious and civic organizations of Pennsylvania rushed to present addresses to the new governor and the Library Company was was no exception. On Nov. 14, 1763, Franklin, Thomas Cadwalader (above, I, 209 n), and Samuel Rhoads (above, II, 406 n) were appointed a committee to prepare an address, which they submitted to the directors on November 17. The directors approved it and on November 21 ordered the secretary to sign it. They then waited on Penn, who received the address and made a suitable reply.

[November 21, 1763]
To the Honourable John Penn Esqr. Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware.
The Address of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia.
May it please your Honour!
We the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia beg leave to present our cordial Congratulations to your Honour on your Appointment to this Government, and on your safe Arrival here.
It gives us particular Pleasure to see amongst us, in the Station of Governor, a Descendant of that Family which has always favoured our Institution and promoted it by their frequent and generous Benefactions.
The Encouragements it met with in it’s Infancy have had good Effects. Many other Libraries, after our Example and on our Plan, have been erected in this and the neighbouring Provinces; whereby usefull Knowledge has been more generally diffused in these remote Corners of the World.
We therefore, flatter ourselves that it will continue to enjoy the Favour of our Honourable Proprietaries, and meet with your Honour’s Countenance and Protection during your Administration; in which we sincerely wish you all Happiness.

  Signed by Order of the BoardNovember 21st. 1763
  Francis Hopkinson, Secry.

To which the Governor was pleased to make the following Answer

Gentlemen!
I thank you for your congratulatory Address on my Appointment to this Government, and am extremely rejoiced at the Prosperity of the Library under your Direction. You may depend that I shall not fail to give it my Countenance; and I make not the least Doubt but the Proprietors will continue to favour so useful an Institution.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 25 November 1763
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Kensington Novr. 25th. 1763
I take the opportunity of writing by a Gentleman whom I wish to recommend to your Notice. His Name is Lyth, he is a Clergyman going to settle in Virginia, where he has the promise of a Living, and I hope he will meet with the Success I believe he deserves. The little I have seen of him has prejudic’d me in his favour, but I do not recommend him upon so slight authority, his being the intimate Friend of a truly worthy Man of his own profession encourages me to think he will be an equal Ornament to it.
I wrote to you a few days ago at my Mother’s request, who was made very uneasy by your supposing it possible for her to become indifferent; but she tells me there was no opportunity of sending my Letter, therefore I [will] give you the substance of it in this. You have [an] apparent tho’ not a real Cause to be offended with her, for you had great reason to expect to hear from her by Capt. Friend, and she desires me to tell you she went to his House and prevail’d with him to take the Goods on board you commission’d her to buy, and the day before he was to sail she sent a large packet of Letters to him for you by the Waterman you used to employ. In that packet was a Letter of mine, to which was added a postscript by Dr. Hawkesworth, at whose House I then was; a long Letter from my Mother, which she wrote sometime before, and, because she had not leisure to write at that time, she sent you a Letter of mine to her to let you see the reason she did not accept your Invitation; there was likewise a Letter from Mr. Small, and I believe some others. I hope you will receive the packet, but, if not, you will now retract the Charge you have laid against those who never can forget you. My Mother presents her Thanks for the Candles you were so kind to send her. They could not be legally imported, but Mr. Small gives her hopes that she shall get them smuggled. What will you say to that?
I hope you are recover’d from the bad Effects of the Accident you met with. Many must suffer when you feel pain.
My poor Aunt Rooke continues lame; she has lately been very ill, but is, thank God! recover’d. My Mother’s Health is but indifferent, and she won’t take as much care of herself as she ought to do: I wish you were in England, for you have an influence over her. I have heard of my Friend Pitt’s safe arrival in her Native Country.

My best Respects attend Mrs. and Miss Franklin. I am with the truest Esteem and Gratitude Dear Sir Your faithful and affectionate Servant
M Stevenson


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Whitefield, 28 November 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Whitefield, George

Dear Sir
Philada. Nov. 28. 1763
Inclos’d is a Packet I receiv’d under my Cover from Boston, which I thought to have deliver’d into your Hands, but am told you do not return hither from Princetown, as was expected, and are gone forward to N York, which mortifies me not a little, that I should so long omit waiting on you here, as to be at length finally depriv’d of the Pleasure of seeing you.
Wherever you are, you have the sincere Esteem and best Wishes of Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and most obedient Servant
B Franklin
To the Revd. G Whitefield
 Endorsed: Franklin Answer’d F


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 28 November 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan

Loving Kinsman,
Philada. Nov. 28. 1763
I receiv’d yours acquainting me that the Chair is shipt. It is not yet come to hand, but the Armonica is arrived safe, not a Glass hurt. I am much obliged by your Care of my little Affairs. The House, when repair’d, I would have you let to as good a Tenant and for as good a Rent as you can well get: and let me have the Account of Repairs, that it may be adjusted as soon as possible.
My Wife and Daughter join in Love to you and yours, with Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin

Mr. Foxcroft’s Compliments I am desired by him to add.
It is farther my desire and Direction, that the Rent of the House be applied to assist my Sister Mecom in the Maintanance of her unhappy Son, and I request you to pay it to her for that purpose as it arises.
B Franklin

 Addressed: To / Mr. Jonathan Williams / Mercht / Boston / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: Dr Franklin Novr 28 1763 F


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dick, Sir Alexander

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 11. 1763
I take the Opportunity of a Ship from this Place to Leith, once more to pay my Respects to my good Friend from this Side the Water, and to assure him that neither Time nor Distance have in the least weakened the Impression on my Mind, stampt there by his Kindness to me and my Son, while we were in Scotland. When I saw him last, we talk’d over the pleasant Hours we spent at Prestonfield, and he desired me, whenever I should write, to join with mine his best Respects to you and to Lady Dick, your amiable Daughter and the rest of your domestic Circle. He is very happy in his Government as well as in his Marriage.
My Daughter has been endeavouring to collect some of the Music of this Country Production, to send Miss Dick, in Return for her most acceptable Present of Scotch Songs. But Music is a new Art with us. She has only obtain’d a few Airs adapted by a young Gentleman of our Acquaintance to some old Songs, which she now desires me to enclose, and to repeat her Thanks for the Scotch Music, with which we are all much delighted. She sings the Songs to her Harpsichord, and I play some of the softest Tunes on my Armonica, with which Entertainment our People here are quite charmed, and conceive the Scottish Tunes to be the finest in the World. And indeed, there is so much simple Beauty in many of them, that it is my Opinion they will never die, but in all Ages find a Number of Admirers among those whose Taste is not debauch’d by Art.
I expected before this Time some of yours and Dr. Hope’s botanical Orders to execute, which I shall do with great Pleasure whenever they come to hand.
Be pleased to present my Respects to our Friends the Russels, when you see them; to the two Doctors Monro, Dr. Cullen, Dr. Clark, Mr. M’Gawen, and any others who may do me the Honour to enquire after me, not forgetting Pythagoras, who, from his Temperance I conclude is still living and well. I send him the Picture of a Brother Philosopher in this Country. And withal I send you a Piece of our American Husbandry, which will show you something of the State of Agriculture among us; and a Book of our Poetry too, which from so remote a Country may probably be esteem’d some Curiosity if it has no other Merit.
With the sincerest Esteem and Affection, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Sir Alexr Dick


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 12 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stiles, Ezra

In the spring of 1763 Ezra Stiles began to experiment with the raising of silkworms at his home in Newport, R.I. When Franklin visited him in early July the minister’s 3,000 worms were just beginning to cocoon, and he had just finished the strenuous task of gathering up to five bushels of mulberry leaves each day from his own and neighbors’ trees to satisfy their voracious appetites. No doubt Stiles regaled his visitor with accounts of his experience and asked for any information Franklin could supply on various stages of the production of silk.

This letter represents Franklin’s effort to help his friend. The editors have been unable to identify the prints he sent or the Chinese pictures from which they were derived. Whether they proved helpful to Stiles is unknown; in any case, as late as the following June Franklin had not heard whether Stiles had even received the prints.

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 12. 1763
According to my Promise I send you herewith the Prints copied from Chinese Pictures concerning the Produce of Silk. I fancy the Translator of the Chinese Titles, has sometimes guess’d and mistaken the Design of the Print, in his Account of what is represented in it. But of this you will better judge than I can. I have some Accounts of the Silk in Italy which I will, the first Leisure I have, transcribe and send you. I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
PS. Did I leave with you. Æpinus’s Discourse on the Distribution of Heat over the Earth? If not, I have forgot what I have done with it.
 Addressed: To / The Revd Mr Stiles / Newport / Rhodeisland / per favour of / Capt Durfey. / with a Parcel
Endorsed: Recd. 27 Dec 1763 Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Bernard, 13 December 1763
From: Bernard, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston Decr. 13. 1763
The Surveyor General having this day acquainted me that he shall to morrow send an express to Philadelphia, I take this oppurtunity to add to the trouble I have before given you on Account of my Son. By the last Post I received a letter dated Alexandria Novr. 16; by which I find he had not then been made acquainted with any orders of yours in his favor, which is well accounted for by his adding that there were then two mails due from Philadelphia.
As the Bearer of this (Mr. Wyer) is well known to me, and will go to Philadelphia to return hither immediately if my Son shall not be forwarded to me, when this Messenger arrives, I should like to have him return with him, as Wyer is quite a Master of the road, and can, I suppose, furnish him with a horse from Stage to Stage, and will take due care of him. If He should not be arrived at Philadelphia when Wyer comes, I would have Wyer (with your Approbation, as the expediency will depend upon Circumstances) go on to Alexandria, for which Journey I must be alone answerable to him: but this will depend upon the Necessity of his returning from Philadelphia immediately; of which I am not now a Judge. So that upon the whole I must beg the favour of you to order evry thing as you shall think for the best. As I think it greatly against probability that my Son will return with Wyer, as I suppose the Much greater chance will be that he is set out before, I shall not provide Wyer with Money, relying upon your goodness, if there should be occasion to furnish him with what shall be Necessary, which will be thankfully repaid whenever you shall order it.
Least my Son should suffer in your opinion by his extravagation, which you may Perceive has not been agreable to me, I will give you my real thoughts of him. He is an uncommon schollar being master of the Latin Greek and Hebrew Languages to a greater perfection than I believe allmost any of his age is of all the three. His present Misfortune is that having been worked too much (by Himself) in litteral learning, he now runs riot at the entrance of Science, altho’ abundant curiosity is among his chief faults. He is therefore impelled by a precipitate desire of hurrying into the Study of Life and manners, altho’ in my Opinion by no means qualifyed for it as yet: whereas I think it necessary that he should pass thro’ the medium of Science, before he begins to read men. This is at present or rather is to be an interesting dispute between us, which must be soon determined by his returning or not to Christ Church at Oxford of which he is a Student, an appointment equivalent to that of a fellow of another Colledge.
I informed you, when at Boston of my thoughts of Sending a Son of mine to the Colledge at Philadelphia; and desired that you would furnish me with advice concerning lodging of him and other management. He is a very good Classick Scholar for his age, which is under 14, and will be above the common pitch by next Summer, as he now remains at School beyond the usuall time of the class he is in, all of which, besides himself, according to usage, went to College last Summer. I should not choose to Spend more of his time than 3 years in Academical Exercises, which I think you told me was all that was required at Pensylvania. I should be glad to have your thought upon this Subject at your own time. I am &c.
Benjm. Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 15 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

Dear Sister
Philada. Dec. 15. 1763
I thank you for your kind Congratulations on my safe Return. Brother Peter is with me, and very well, except being touch’d a little in his Head with something of the Doctor, of which I hope to cure him. For my own Part, I find myself at present quite clear of Pain, and so have at length left off the cold Bath; there is however still some Weakness in my Shoulder, though much stronger than when I left Boston, and Mending. I am otherwise very happy in being at home, where I am allow’d to know when I have eat enough and drank enough, am warm enough, and sit in a Place that I like, &c. and no body pretends to know what I feel better than I do myself. Don’t imagine that I am a whit the less sensible of the Kindness I experienc’d among my Friends in New England, I am very thankful for it, and shall always retain a grateful Remembrance of it. Remember me affectionately to all that enquire after Dear Sister, Your loving Brother
B Franklin
My Compliments to good Mrs. Bowles. Sally writes.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Waring, 17 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Waring, John

Reverend and dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 17. 1763
Being but just return’d home from a Tour thro’ the northern Colonies, that has employ’d the whole Summer, my Time at present is so taken up that I cannot now write fully in answer to the Letters I have receiv’d from you, but purpose to do it shortly. This is chiefly to acquaint you, that I have visited the Negro School here in Company with the Revd. Mr. Sturgeon and some others; and had the Children thoroughly examin’d. They appear’d all to have made considerable Progress in Reading for the Time they had respectively been in the School, and most of them answer’d readily and well the Questions of the Catechism; they behav’d very orderly, showd a proper Respect and ready Obedience to the Mistress, and seem’d very attentive to, and a good deal affected by, a serious Exhortation with which Mr. Sturgeon concluded our Visit. I was on the whole much pleas’d, and from what I then saw, have conceiv’d a higher Opinion of the natural Capacities of the black Race, than I had ever before entertained. Their Apprehension seems as quick, their Memory as strong, and their Docility in every Respect equal to that of white Children. You will wonder perhaps that I should ever doubt it, and I will not undertake to justify all my Prejudices, nor to account for them. I immediately advanc’d the two Guineas you mention’d, for the Mistress, and Mr. Sturgeon will therefore draw on you for £7 18s. only, which makes up the half Year’s Salary of Ten Pounds. Be pleased to present my best Respects to the Associates, and believe me, with sincere Esteem Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / The Reverend Mr Waring / to be left at Mr Burd’s a / Bookseller in Ave Mary Lane / London
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin Philadelphia Decr. 17: 1763 read March: 1: 1764


Title: [Keziah Folger Coffin?]: Genealogy of the Folger Family, 18 [December] 1763
From: Coffin, Keziah Folger
To:

Franklin’s interest in his family background and connections extended throughout his life. In 1739 he had sought and received from his father information about the family name and his paternal line; in England he had visited Ecton, Banbury, and Birmingham and had looked up the records of his ancestors, met as many as possible of his and his wife’s living relatives, and laboriously prepared a genealogical chart of the Franklin family. The one branch which he had not carefully investigated was that of his mother’s relatives, the Folger family of the island of Nantucket.
The opportunity apparently came to him during his and Sally’s summer and early autumn stay in Boston, 1763, when he seems to have met one of his Nantucket relatives also visiting there, Mrs. Keziah Folger Coffin, a first cousin once removed. In that part of his papers which Franklin left to his grandson William Temple Franklin at his death and are now at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, are two ill-spelled, unsigned sheets containing genealogical information about the Nantucket Folgers, which date from late in 1763. The handwriting looks very much like surviving samples of Keziah Coffin’s, and it seems probable that when Franklin met her he asked that when she reached home she would write out and send him this information. The dating, “10 mo.,” in Quaker fashion (Quakers predominated in Nantucket at this time), might mean October or December, but in 1763 the more usual meaning was December.

Nantucket the 10mo. the 18d. 1763
John Foulger the Ancestor of our Family Came out of the City of Norwich in the County of Norfolk. He married Miriba Gibs in Great Britain and Brought Hir and His Son Petor and one Daughter to new england. The Daughter married to a Paine on Longisland and there is a numerous of Spring from Hir but for Perticlars, I know nothing. Peter married with Mary Morrils a young woman that Came from England with Hew Petors, and had two Sons, John and Eleazer and Seven Daughters namely Johanna married a Coleman Darcas married a Pratt, Barsheba married a Pope, Patiance married Harker, Bethiah married Barnard, Exsperiance married to a Swain, Abiah married Franklin. Bethiah Dyed without Issue. The Rest have Children and Grand Children to the forth Generation. John Had Six Sons and Eleazer Had three that all had Children so that there is a Great number of the name heare and until last year there was never one of the name that lived of this Island and than Shubil Foulger and his Son Beniamin Remooved to Cape Sables.
It is unsertain in what year John Foulger Came out of England or of what Age he or His Son was. As for the Lettor that I mentioned to thee it is not to be found.
[On a separate sheet in the same hand:]
John Foulger married to Mirriba Gibs in old England. By hir he had one Sone named Peter and one Daughter that married a Pain on Long Island. Peter married Mary Morrils and Settled on the Island of Nantucket. By hir he Had two Sons and Six Daughter the Sons nams John and Eleazer. Of Johns Children in the male Line there is Six named with ther Sons under neath

              Jethro who has 2 Sons Trustrum and Jethro
              Eleazers Childrin is

              Peter had 1 Son Daniel

              Jonathan has Reubin and Jonathan
              Eleazer had Urian and Elipah Charles Stephen Fredrak and Peleg. They have many Daughters and are very numerous

              Nathaniel Has Paul

              Shubil has Seth and Shubil

              Richard has David Solamon and Elisha

              Zaccheus has John James and Zaccheus
              Nathan Had Abisha and Timothy and Peter and Berzilla


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jared Ingersoll, 19 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ingersoll, Jared

Dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 19. 1763.
Mr. Holt, late of your Town, Postmaster, having fallen in Debt to the Office £320 18s. 9d. lawful Money, which seems not likely to be otherwise obtained, this is to request and impower you to endeavour the Recovery of that Sum, by attaching what you can find of his Estate in your Government. I hear he has lately made a considerable Purchase there. Mr. Green can inform you. There may possibly be other Attachments, but the above Debt being due to the Crown I apprehend is by Law entitled to Preference in Payment. The Post-Office Money is Part of the Revenue; of which Mr. John Foxcroft and myself as Deputy Post-masters General of America are authoris’d Collectors. The Action will therefore be in the King’s Name, as I suppose; but this I leave to your better Judgment. I enclose a Thirty Shilling Bill by way of Fee; and desire a Line from you with Directions if any formal Power of Attorney is necessary from us, and what Proofs are to be sent of the Account. My Daughter joins in best Respects to you and Mrs. Ingersol, with Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Endorsed: Mr Franklin Letter 19 Decembr 1763.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 19 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 19.1763
I must not let these Ships go without a Line to you, tho’ I have but little to say. I have been from home all Summer, and am but lately return’d, so know but little of our province Affairs; I suppose Mr. Moore or some of the Committee of Correspondence have communicated to you what was necessary. The present Assembly at their first Meeting renew’d their Choice of you. My Return in time to word it to your Mind, was prevented by an Accident, the Dislocation of my Shoulder, which disabled me from travelling some Weeks. I have now pretty well recovered the Use of it, tho’ not its full Strength.
I have made no Engagement with Messrs. Coxe but wish them Success, and wonder no Traces can be found of the Grant from K. William. If they had succeeded, I did encline to take a 10th. on the Terms they offer’d, imagining I could have been of Use in procuring Settlers; but begin to think myself too old to engage in new Projects that require Time to become advantageous; and since much time is like to be spent before even a Beginning can be made believe I shall decline it, unless your engaging in it should induce me to continue.
We have Advices this Day, via Fort Pitt, that the Governor of the Ilinois Country has at length sent a Belt to the Ottawaws and Chippewaes, acquainting them that a Peace is made between England and France, by the Terms of which he is obliged to deliver up his Forts and all the Territory to the English, and can no longer supply or support them; on which they have apply’d to Major Gladman, who commands at Detroit and beg’d for Peace in the most abject Terms. He has refer’d them to the General, as to a final Peace, but granted them a Cessation of Arms, which they gladly accepted; and the Garrison has taken the Opportunity of getting considerable Supplies from the Country round, which were wanted. It is thought this will draw on like Applications from the Delawares, Shawnese, and Seneca’s. I only fear we shall conclude a new Peace before those Villains have been made to smart sufficiently for their perfidious Breach of the last; and thereby make them less apprehensive of breaking with us again hereafter. And yet perhaps ’tis best to conclude the War as soon as possible; for tho’ it may be that these Colonies, if they were united in their Measures, and would exert their united Strength, could fill the Indian Country with so many and such strong Parties, as to ruin them in one Summer, and forever deter them from future Attempts against us. Yet we see and know that such Union is impracticable. The General’s Requisition is not comply’d with in any of the Colonies, because (they say) he did not make it of all; and where it was made, it was not in due Proportion, &c. Thus, tho’ strong, we are in Effect weak; and shall remain so, till you take some Measures at home to unite us.
Our Assembly met to day. I am, as far as I see, upon good Terms, personally, with our new Governor; what Disputes may arise during the Session, I know not; but fear a Money Bill will revive the old ones.
I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
R. Jackson, Esqr.
 Endorsed: Philada. Decr. 19th. 1763 Benjn. Franklin Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 19 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Straney
Philada. Dec. 19. 1763.
I have before me your Favours of July 16, and Augt. 18. which is the latest. It vexes me excessively to see that Parker and Mecom are so much in Arrear with you. What is due from Parker is safe, and will be paid, I think with Interest; for he is a Man as honest as he is industrious and frugal, and has withal some Estate: his Backwardness has been owing to his bad Partners only, of whom he is now nearly quit. But as to Mecom, he seems so dejected and spiritless, that I fear little will be got of him. He has dropt his Paper, on which he built his last Hopes. I doubt I shall lose £200 by him myself, but am taking Steps to save what I can for you; of which more fully in my next.
Now I am return’d from my long Journeys which have consum’d the whole Summer, I shall apply myself to such a Settlement of all my Affairs, as will enable me to do what your Friendship so warmly urges. I have a great Opinion of your Wisdom (Madeira apart;) and am apt enough to think that what you seem so clear in, and are so earnest about, must be right. Tho’ I own, that I sometimes suspect, my Love to England and my Friends there seduces me a little, and makes my own middling Reasons for going over; appear very good ones. We shall see in a little Time how Things will turn out.
Blessings on your Heart for the Feast of Politicks you gave me in your last. I could by no other means have obtain’d so clear a View of the present State of your public Affairs as by your Letter. Most of your Observations appear to me extreamly judicious, strikingly clear and true. I only differ from you in some of the melancholly Apprehensions you express concerning Consequences; and to comfort you (at the same time flattering my own Vanity,) let me remind you, that I have sometimes been in the right in such Cases, when you happen’d to be in the wrong; as I can prove upon you out of this very Letter of yours. Call to mind your former Fears for the King of Prussia, and remember my telling you that the Man’s Abilities were more than equal to all the Force of his Enemies, and that he would finally extricate himself, and triumph. This, by the Account you give me from Major Beckwith, is fully verified. You now fear for our virtuous young King, that the Faction forming will overpower him, and render his Reign uncomfortable. On the contrary, I am of Opinion, that his Virtue, and the Consciousness of his sincere Intentions to make his People happy, will give him Firmness and Steadiness in his Measures, and in the Support of the honest Friends he has chosen to serve him; and when that Firmness is fully perceiv’d, Faction will dissolve and be dissipated like a Morning Fog before the rising Sun, leaving the rest of the Day clear, with a Sky serene and cloudless. Such, after a few of the first Years, will be the future Course of his Majesty’s Reign, which I predict will be happy and truly glorious. Your Fears for the Nation too, appear to me as little founded. A new War I cannot yet see Reason to apprehend. The Peace I think will long continue, and your Nation be as happy as they deserve to be, that is, as happy as their moderate Share of Virtue will allow them to be: Happier than that, no outward Circumstances can make a Nation any more than a private Man. And as to their Quantity of Virtue, I think it bids fair for Increasing; if the old Saying be true, as it certainly is,

Ad Exemplum Regis, &c.
My Love to Mrs. Strahan and your Children in which my Wife and Daughter join with Your ever affectionate Friend
B Franklin

[Written in:] First under London P.S. Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia dated Decr. 19.
P.S. The western Indians about Fort Detroit now sue for Peace, having lost a great Number of their best Warriors in their vain Attempt to reduce that Fortress; and being at length assur’d by a Belt from the French Commander in the Ilinois Country, that a Peace is concluded between England and France, that he must evacuate the Country and deliver up his Forts, and can no longer supply or support them. It is thought this will draw on a general. Peace. I am only afraid it will be concluded before these Barbarians have sufficiently smarted for their perfidious breaking the last.
The Governor of Detroit, Major Gladwin, has granted them a Cessation of Arms, till the General’s Pleasure is known.
Mr Strahan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 24 December 1763
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 24. 1763
Since my last of the 19th Inst. which went per Budden, our Assembly have voted a Compliance with General Amherst’s Requisition of 1000 Men from this Province, to act offensively in the Spring against the Indians. This is the more remarkable, as this Province us’d to be reckon’d backward in such Measures, and New York and the Jersies, have just set us but an indifferent Example; Maryland was not call’d upon, the Reason I know not; and what Virginia will do is yet uncertain: We are therefore the first, as far as we know, that have comply’d fully and heartily as soon as requir’d. I doubt not but you will take care to mention this in our Favour where proper; and let us be prais’d a little by way of Encouragement to be good Boys for the future.
I enclose some of our latest Papers. I suppose Peace with the Indians will be talk’d of among you, and some Orders sent over as to the Terms. When the last Peace was made, the Indians invited our Merchants to send Goods into their Country, promising all Safety and Protection to the Traders and their Effects. In full Reliance on those Promises, great Quantities of Goods were accordingly sent among them; when they perfidiously broke the Peace, without making the least Complaint of any Injury receiv’d, or demanding Satisfaction for any pretended to be receiv’d, seiz’d the Goods and massacred the Traders in cold Blood. It will appear reasonable to all, that if a Peace is granted to them, they ought to make all the Restitution and Satisfaction in their Power: But the Goods are consum’d, and they have no Money. And yet, if they are allow’d to enjoy the whole Benefit of their Villany, without suffering any Inconvenience, they will more readily repeat it the first Opportunity. It is therefore my Opinion, that they should always on such Occasions be obliged to give up some Part of their Territory most convenient for our Settlement, which might be apply’d to the Indemnification of the Merchants. Or, where that can’t be done, given to some other Nation of Indians who have been faithful to us, and may want it. I am, with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Richd. Jackson Esqr.
 Endorsed: 24 Decr 1763 Benjn Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Bernard, 27 December 1763
From: Bernard, Francis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston, Dec 27. 1763
I have this day received a letter from my Son dated Alexandria Nov 27. in which he takes no notice of Any letter or orders from me. When I observe that your letter of Nov. 10. acknowledges the receipt of mine of mine of Oct 30, and expresses that you shall by that post write to some friend of yours to forward my Son to Philadelphia, I must conclude that your letters upon this occasion have miscarried. Whatever have been the cause of this disappointment, I must still renew my request to you as to get my Son from Alexandria to Philadelphia and forward him by the best means to Boston. He is at Mr. Johnsons in Alexandria. I wrote to you (13 inst.) upon this Subject by Wyer an express sent to Philadelphia by the surveyor general. I am &c.
B. Franklin.