Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 22–24 May 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Newyork, May 22[–24] 1769
The 12th of this Month I wrote you per Packet, and sent the first Bill of a Set for £100 Sterling of which this incloses the second of the same: to that I refer for Particulars.
You have never told me, whether you have received any of my Pay from the Custom-House. As if you have, I should be glad if you would pay Mr. Potts for two years of the Chronicle. It is possible the Want of the Pay makes him Slack in sending; for I have never but once got so late by the Packet, as other People have; perhaps when he gets the Pay, he may be willing to send the latest he can.
As we were under strong Expectations of your Return home for some time past, I have not mentioned any Thing of the Books of Mecom’s, which have now lain in Trunks and Boxes above five years. I have never open’d or meddled with them; and tho’ the place is dry where they lay, yet they may grow mouldy or worm-eaten by laying so long. There are not many of them very saleable at best, as I suppose Benny to have already sold those who were most so, and lying may make them worse. I remember some Dozen of Church of England Primers, which I have been frequently ask’d for lately, there being none here, but very little Demand for any other that I remember. I would only mention that I think, if you find yourself not likely to come home this Summer, that you should give Orders to have them open’d, and clean’d if Occasion, and if you should order them open’d for that Purpose, I would be desirous to take those Primers myself. I should not be fond of purchasing any others but if you chuse it, I would endeavour to sell them, or any of them, on Commission. I dare not involve myself further: I grow old and feeble, and I would not involve my Wife after I am gone more than Needs must; I shall not however, meddle with any Thing of them without your Orders.
I shall write again, God willing, by Mr. Robinson, who is preparing to go off for England; any Matters relating to the Post-Office I shall then treat of. Meanwhile I am with all Respect Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.

PS. May 24. Since writing the other Side, I this Day received the inclosed Bill from Mr. Courtenay for £141 6s. 11d. Sterling which I chose to send along; the 2d Bill I shall send by a Vessel going in a Day or two after this.
JP

Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Capt. Haight


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Evans, 23 May 1769
From: Evans, Amelia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Tunis 23d May 1769
Your two very obliging favors by Mr. Stuart (who arrived a few weeks ago) I have received, and most sincerely thank you for the enquiries you was so obliging to make concerning him. Mr. Traill and his Lady have charged me with their compliments and warmest acknowledgements for the favor you have done them by it. You my dear Sir, who so much delight in acts of benevolence, can form to yourself an idea of the satisfaction Mr. and Mrs. Traill must experience on having an opportunity of supplying to a fatherless friendless young man, the long lost blessings of parental care. How necessary is the extricating and restraining hand to inexperienced youth! Here permit me Sir, to mention with gratitude, the excellent advice my revered Godmama frequently favor’d me with, when I was too eagerly bent on the pursuit of new acquaintances and a life of dissipation: how often has she pointed out to me the ill consequences which would naturally result from them! And had not calamities of the heaviest kind, been my early portion, I might have experienced the truth of the dear Lady’s predictions: but they effectually put a stop to my too earnest desire of pleasures; and I have reason to believe, that I am at present happier than I should have been, had uninterrupted prosperity been my lot.
About 6 or 8 months ago I heared of Miss Franklin’s marriage, by a Gentleman from America; and I did myself the pleasure of paying her my congratulatory compliments in a letter; and give me leave dear Sir, to felicitate you on the same happy event, and to wish that you may long be bless’d with a daughter so amiably dutiful; and may the relations this alliance has given you, be all equal objects of your regard, as you of their veneration, and respect. I am Dear Sir, Your most faithful and obliged Humble Servant
Amelia Evans.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Craven Street / London
[Endorsed:] Leghorn the 16th. June 1769—Received and forwarded by Sir Your Most Obdt. Servants per [illegible] & Orr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 24 May 1769
From: Walker, Hannah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Westbury May the 24, 1769
I hope you and Mrs. Stevenson are well and that She did not Dislike my Husbands Letter tho it was wrote as Short as Possible because the time would not allow for we did not receive it till 3 o clock in the Afternoon and he wrote that we agreed to Mrs. Stevensons Proposals in Every thing as She was so good as to go as far as a hundred and fifty Pounds we would be at the rest Expence and Pay her Six Pounds a year. The Reason of our having the Letter so Late was Mr. Payne went to see if there was any for him and saw it so took it to Save us the Expence of it being Sent over on Purpose and sent it by his man on Tuesday and then my Husband had the Letter to write and Carry a Mile and half to meet the post by half an Hour after four and tho it was Short his meaning was in the same manner and mr. Payne called upon me yesterday to see if we had had any Answer for he had not but he had sent to see Every Post since Sunday because he said if we wrote by the return of the Post as you Desired he thought on Sunday he Should have an Answer. I told him we wrote Immediatly but made himself Answer again and said you might be gone out.
My Cousin Morris is Suprizingly Hearty for one of her Agge I bless God and all my Family at Present are well which Blessing I hope God continues upon you and your good Family which is my continual Prayers. My cousin Morris and we joyn in begging the acceptance of our Humble Duty to you and your good Family and all our Humble Complements to mrs. Stevenson from your most Humble and most obdient Servant
Hannah Walker.

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


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 30 May 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Newyork, May 30, 1769
You were so good a while ago, to Mention that if I chose to resign the Custom House Business you would not be displeased. While I had the Ability to do what I was taught was my Duty, I patiently Submitted to any Unpopularity or Odium that might unjustly be thrown upon me. But the Commissioners at Boston seem continually to be forming new Orders and Instructions, which if punctually followed, enslaves the Officer and renders him despicable to the Publick. I always conceived our Offices were designed to prevent illicit Trade, and not to distress the fair Traders, whereas by their new excessive Strictures the contrary will be the Case. In particular some Instructions they have lately sent me, are so hard, rigid and extraordinary, that were they but indifferently executed, my whole Time must be taken up: By them I am constantly to attend every Vessel that loads or unloads, and to render Accounts of every particular, notwithstanding there may be other Officers attending; and as such Attendance is quite inadequate to the Pay, as well creating Trouble to the Merchants, without answering any End, but to make the Officer odious, I find myself unable to perform it: and tho’ I have not had the most distant Hint of being faulted, yet being conscious I am unequal to the Task, it is ungenerous to expect Pay without doing the Duty required. While I could do Justice to the Employer, and not disgrace my Friends I was desirous to continue; for, as I at first was taught a Duty of daily walking to every Vessel in a long extended Harbour, to see that every one made suitable Entries before they loaded or unloaded, which was conducive to Health, and took up but part of the Day: I am now to be confined often to one Vessel or perhaps two at a Time for whole Days together, and that probably in a cold wet Place which is very unwholsom. I own the Post may be some Profit in the Manner my first Directions ordered it executed; which I did to the general Satisfaction, till these new Regulations took Place. But a Man may buy Gold too dear: for not even a single Man could now live in this City (the dearest I really believe on the Continent) for £50 Sterling per Annum. And as it is to take up my whole Time, how could I do any other Business, or see it be done? On these Principles, I think you will not blame me, if I throw up; but I shall Struggle along till I hear from you; Our Collector telling me, the Commissioners at Boston could not turn me out, till they heard from England, if they had a Mind to, which he thinks is not the Case, and as my Appointment was by a Treasury Warrant, he thinks with me, it is best to acquaint you of it first, that you might possibly procure it for some younger Man or single Man, that you may wish to serve or oblige. I don’t doubt but Providence will provide for me otherways; I shall nevertheless always have a thankful Remembrance of your Favour in procuring it, of the Gentleman’s Kindness who bestowed it, and of Mr. Strahan’s Goodness in being one of my Securities.
Mr. Robinson, by whom I send this, has Hopes of obtaining, by Mr. Foxcroft’s Friendship and Interest, some place in the Post-Office: If I may be permitted to give my Opinion, I would humbly observe, that no Officer appears to be wanting, unless it should be found expedient to appoint a Riding Surveyor of the Offices: I think such a One has been mentioned from home: and it might be of general Service to the Cause: but it appears to me, that such an Officer and the Comptroller’s are similar, or at least Assistant and Checks to each other. Now, I having often observed that moving about in good Weather does greatly relieve me, and conduce to my Health, so a long Confinement in one Place always impairs me, I would beg Leave to make the following Suggestions.
Suppose then, that an Officer is to be appointed to that Station, or the Comptroller’s Commission taken from me, and given to One you shall think more-fitting for it than I am, as I am at your Will and Pleasure, if so I should be willing to take that of Riding Surveyor, as reasonable as any One: and be bound to visit every Office on the Continent once a Year at least; but as there must be the Expence of a Horse also, and travelling you know is chargeable, I think it could not be done under £125 Sterling per Annum and Frugality must be used to make any Profit of that. Or, suppose such an Officer should be appointed, alternately to be Comptroller and travelling Surveyor, jointly with me, year and year about, would that be inconsistent? or would not thereby two Officers know the whole State of the Post-Office Affairs, ready to explain or set any Thing to Rights, if one of them should dye, &c. besides being a Cheque to each other? Or, if you appoint one to that Station, and let me remain as I am, I am thankful, or if I am displaced, I submit. For I would not pretend to dictate: I only mention these as Speculative Hints. The Business of the Post-Office, has greatly increased since my Time; and it is necessary I now throw up the Custom-House Business, that I may be able to do Justice to the Post-Office which I shall always endeavour to do, while I have the Honour to be continued in it.
Another Thing I would beg Leave to mention is, that if it should be thought expedient to have the Roads measured according to Act of Parliament, I have the Perambulator that was Lewis Evans’s, and I would undertake to measure all the Post Roads with it, on my Qualification at a reasonable Rate. I think about 20 or 25 Miles may be comfortably measured in a Day, when fair Weather, but there must be at least one Assistant, if not two: I would do it either at a Shilling Sterling a Mile, or a Guinea a Day, and that for two or three Hands would be not very high—but I have no Objection to another’s doing it.
As to my printing Business, my Son being entirely averse to living in this City, I don’t think it will ever rise to any great Pitch: I am not able to work as usual myself: and the Dearness of the Place and the Deadness of the Times, renders Journey work subversive of the Profits: Also, there has just set up here, a Couple of young smuggled Scots Men, who have issued out a large Paper they call the Chronicle; They are as bad Workmen as ever Bradford was, but from a large Portion of Impudence, and the National Biass of all Scotch Men in their Favour, I am told they have in three Weeks more Subscribers already than I have. Gaine has enlarged his Paper; Holt always does a Supplement, and sometimes two whole Sheets; Only I keep Steady of one Size and Course: and I think they will all run themselves aground except Gaine, who has got the Lead so far, and so much ahead, there is little Danger but he’ll overshoot us all. On printing the American Whig, I had upwards of 200 new Subscribers constantly, but many of the high Churchmen left me, to the Number of about 70—and probably now many of the Whigs will leave me, as they are stopt. I print about 30 Quire, and have not many left on Hand, and I hope so many will continue. Advertisements which are the Life of the Paper, I get a few of, about a 10th Part of what Gaine gets: and more than half of what Holt gets. Nevertheless I think to continue to push on with all the Vigour I can. I have young Hands coming up, and things may turn out better by-and-by, if it please God I live, if not His Will be done. Cloudy Weather may overshadow at present, but fair Weather may come again. Holts’ Affairs stand with me just as they did, only I think I told you, I had got his Place at New Haven, which I will dispose of when I can.
I think and fear I have been tedious in this; But the Occasion seem’d to oblige me to it. We all beg our humble Salutations may be accepted. With Respect to Mr. Foxcroft and self I am Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 31 May–10 June 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
New-York, 31 May [–June 10] 1769
The 22d and 24th Instant, I wrote you per Capt. Haight, inclosing you the 2d of a Bill for £100. Sterling and the first of a Bill from Mr. Hercules Courtenay, Post-Master of Baltimore, for £141 6s. 11d. Sterling drawn by Stevenson on Hervey of London, of which this has the 2d inclosed: Mr. Courtenay says it is the whole of the Ballance due from him. I hope this or the first will come safe to your Hands, and that it may have due Acceptance: By Mr. Foxcroft’s Orders, I wrote to Mr. Courtenay about the Allowance he expected for collecting in Mr. Robinson’s Money; he said, he should expect the usual Commissions for such Matters, but having paid in this Bill, all the Ballance due the Office, he would leave that to be settled with Mr. Foxcroft, &c.
(So far was wrote designing to go with Capt. Winn, but was told he would not sail in less than 10 Days, I waited, and now the Packet goes first.) June 10. 1769
Mr. Robinson sail’d the 2d Instant from this Port on board a Brig bound to Glasgow: by him I wrote a private Letter to you: Since that I have almost got all the Locks and Keys settled on the several Mails: tho’ the Riders in many Places don’t like it.
Mr. Luke Babcock, Post Master at New-Haven, writes me Word, he shall leave that Place in September next, recommends Mr. Christopher Kilby to succeed him. I may possibly have your Opinion or Orders on it by that Time. I am a Stranger to him; nor is there one there, I would desire to prefer to another: I have such a Conception of them and their Chicanery that were you to shake them all in a Bag together, the first that comes out would be as good as any other; but you may possibly desire it to be given to some other; therefore wish to have your Orders before I send any Commission.

By Mr. Robinson I wrote my Reasons for being desirous to throw up the Post, your Goodness procured me in the Custom-House; but I shall not do it, till I hear from you, unless I am turned out; which I don’t apprehend likely to be the Case: If it be your Pleasure to promote Mr. Robinson, either with or without any Remove of me, I entirely Submit: Or, if it shall not be thought necessary to have any Additional Officer in the Post-Office, and your Favour still continues to me, in that Office, I shall always esteem it as such: And as the Commission I have in the Custom-House, is from the Treasury, by your Interest, perhaps the same Interest, if you espouse his Cause with Mr. Foxcroft’s, might procure that Place for Mr. Robinson, as he has a very small Family, with the Help of some Clerkship, he might make a tolerable Livelihood: And indeed, the Business of the Post-Office increasing, One assistant Clerk would be advantageous to it, especially if the Letters relating to the Office Affairs are to [be] Copied; a Task I find myself almost unequal many Times to, and which I never practised till now; and even now many are sent without. I often find I want Help; but I strive with all my Powers to act uniform and right: and if he could at some times assist as such, whatever Allowance you should think proper to make would be acceptable I don’t doubt to him, and at Times he might find other Chance writing to do: But this is all humbly submitted to your better Judgment. If an Office of a general Sort in the Post-Office is established here, such a Clerk will doubtless be thought necessary. In whatever Light you may View it, I have no Pretence to direct or advise, but to offer my Opinion I hope will not be thought impertinent, tho’ it may not be agreeable or approved of.
I have endeavoured to obey Mr. Foxcroft’s Directions, since he went. I have wrote to Halifax, and sent the Commission thither as he directed. Every thing else goes on nearly as usual.
I told you, my Son lives at Woodbridge, and if any printing Work offers, he has the Materials, he may Work if he will. I have not gave them to him; I keep them under my own Command, but he may use them. He provides now for himself: If he betters himself he may do well, if not, he must suffer, while he has his Health; but he has hurt himself by his Folly, and had much Sickness. The last Intelligence that I have had of him, that he seems to reform a little; We flatter ourselves, that it may be so, but perhaps we may be deceived. I find I every Day grow less able to encounter the Roughness of the World, but I keep up a good Heart. My Body is feeble and much weaken’d by the cruel Fits of the Gout; but I am about. We all are well at present, and we shall always be pleased to hear the Continuance of yours. Little Business of any kind in the printing Way, And hard Times in general. Publick Affairs you see from the publick prints. We beg our respectful Compliments to yourself, and to good Mr. Foxcroft, if he be arrived, as I hope he is. I am Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.

Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Halifax Packet


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 June 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London, June 3. 1769
Capt. Jefferies has so long talk’d of sailing, that People began to think he would never sail; and now I am just told that he goes this Evening, so can only say that I am well, and that having receiv’d Sally’s Letter by Capt. Falkner, I rejoice to hear you so soon got over your late Indisposition, but am impatient for the next Packet which I hope will bring me that good News under your own hand. My Love to Sally and thank her for the Seeds. I shall write to her and you by the Packet that goes next Wednesday, and to all my other Friends. I am Your ever loving Husband
B Franklin
Mrs. Stevenson sends her Love talks of going with Falkner to make you a Visit. Mr. Foxcroft is arriv’d.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shippen, 3 June 1769
From: Shippen, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Most respected Sir
Skeleton-hall, St. Thos. Street, Southwarke June 3d. 1769.
If after the Perusal of the inclosed Letters from my Father you will Venture to Assist Me, by accepting a Bill on the Man so Near and dear to Me, Or in any other way you shall think more proper to Enable Me to Return to America with every requisite necessary to Accomplish my Scheme of reading Lectures on Natural History—with your hearty recommendation and Advice—I shall ever Entertain a most gratefull remembrance of it in my Mind, Esteem it a most singular favor and ever remain inviolably your most Devoted Obliged and Obedient Humble Servant
John Shippen
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street / present


Title: Committee Report on Lightning Rods for St. Paul’s Cathedral, 7 June 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: West, James

Raeport from the Committee appointed to consider of the properest means to secure the Cathedral of St. Paul’s from the Effects of Lightning. Addressed to James West, Esquire, President of the Royal Society.

Sir,
7 June, 1769.
As, in consequence of a letter addressed to the Royal Society from the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, the Society did us the honour to appoint us a Committee to examine that magnificent structure, and, as far as our experience would enable us, to prevent mischief thereto from lightning, by a properly disposed apparatus; we lay before you the following as our opinion thereupon, to be communicated, if you think proper, to the Royal Society. And here, Sir, you will permit us to take notice of, and acknowledge, the obligations we were under to Mr. Mylne, a very worthy member of this Society, who is surveyor of St. Paul’s, and attended several meetings of the Committee. This gentleman furnished us with a great variety of information, in relation to the structure of the several parts of this fabric, which, without his assistance, could not easily have been obtained.
As all metals are now known readily to conduct or transmit the electric fluid, or, which is the same thing, lightning, through them; the large quantity of lead, and some iron, disposed in different parts of St. Paul’s church, will, by having its several parts connected, where there is at present no such connection, prevent the erecting a considerable part of the apparatus, which otherwise we should judge absolutely necessary.
We are of opinion that, caeteris paribus, all buildings upon the same level are liable to be injured by lightning in proportion to their height: and that the danger is increased by crosses, weather-cocks, or pieces of metal, in any form, placed upon or near their tops, unless there is a compleat metallic communication from these to the bottom of the building, which metal should terminate either in water, or moist ground.
In St. Paul’s church, the objects of our more particular attention were the dome and its lanthern, and the two towers at the west end. The roof over the body of the church, being compleatly covered with lead, will, we conceive, prevent mischief thereto from lightning; and the more so, as the lead on the roof joins to that of the several leaden spouts, which come down the sides of the building, and terminate in the ground at a considerable depth. For our more certain information, one of these spouts was examined; and it was found to descend perpendicularly about three feet under the surface of the earth: and then, after being laid about seven feet in an inclined direction, it ended in a brick drain, which communicates with the sewer. These circumstances induce us to conclude, that what has been just now described is a sufficient metallic communication between the roof of the church and the ground.
No part of this whole fabric seems to be in so dangerous a situation of being injured by lightning, as the stone lanthern placed above the dome. This danger arises not only from its height, but from the different pieces of metal in different parts of it, being at present detached and separated from each other. This stone lanthern is supported by a truncated cone of brick-work, of no more than eighteen inches, or two bricks, thick. To the honour, however, of the architectural sagacity of Sir Christopher Wren, who was formerly our President, this support of the lanthern, which has already stood much above half a century, has not in the least given way in any of its parts. How far it would sustain the violence of a stroke of lightning will, it is to be hoped, never be tried: and what we have now to propose will, we flatter ourselves, lessen the probability of its being injured by it. The first object of our attention, therefore, was to make a compleat metallic communication between the cross, placed over this lanthern, and the leaden covering of the great dome; as from its height, if any lightning was in its neighbourhood, it would most probably affect the cross.
This cross with the ball, both composed of metal, are supported by, and connected with, seven iron rods. These descend perpendicularly through the small leaden dome, which covers the lanthern, and are inserted into and pass through a strong frame of timber, placed horizontally under that dome. The lower extremities of these iron rods are fastened to the under surface of this timber frame with iron nuts and screws.
From this timber work, several large iron bars, placed at some distance from the ends of the above-mentioned iron rods, descend obliquely, and are fixed in the stone-work of the lanthern. The upper ends of each of these oblique iron bars pass through the frame of timber before mentioned, and are fastened to its upper surface with iron nuts and screws. Between these iron bars and the leaden covering of the great dome, there is at present no metallic communication. To this arrangement, therefore, is owing the danger from lightning, which the Committee apprehends that this part of the building is liable to. To obviate which, we are of opinion, that four additional iron bars, each not less than an inch square, should be securely placed over the frame of timber before mentioned in such a manner, that one end of each of these four additional iron bars may be in contact with one of the perpendicular iron rods, and the other end of each be in contact with one of the iron nuts and screws, which fasten the obliquely descending iron bars to this frame of timber. At the bottom of these oblique iron bars, just above where they are inserted into the stone-work, the Committee recommends, that a ring, made of bar iron, of about an inch square, should be placed so as to be fastened to, and be in contact with, these iron bars.
From this proposed ring to the upper part of the lead which covers the great cupola, the distance is about forty-eight feet. In this space, we are of opinion, that four iron bars should be placed, each not less than an inch square. These should be fixed within the lanthern in such a manner, that the upper end of each should be fastened to, and in contact with, the iron ring before mentioned, and their lower ends in contact with the lead on the upper part of the cupola; from which the metallic communication is compleat to the lower end of the pipes, that discharge the water from the circular part of the great cupola, upon the floor of the stone gallery.
From the bottoms of these pipes, which terminate with a shoe of lead within half a foot of the floor of the stone gallery, the metallic communication is again interrupted to the top of the leaden pipes, which convey the water from thence. Here it is proposed, that conductors of lead, not less than four inches in breadth and half an inch in thickness, should be placed so as to be in contact with the bottom of four of the pipes that come from above, and with the top of four of those that descend. Lead is recommended to be employed here, as more readily adapting itself to the various curvatures it must meet with in the now proposed arrangement.
These last pipes, after descending below the colonnade, near the circular stair-cases, make their appearance upon the outside of the drum-part of the cupola; where they are bent at obtuse angles, and discharge their water upon the roof of the church. From these angles to the roof the distance is about five feet. Here then is another interruption to the metallic communication. This is proposed to be compleated by conductors of lead, similar to those before mentioned, which should be so placed as to be in contact both with the bottom of the pipes and the adjoining roof.
From the roof, as has already been mentioned, the leaden pipes are continued below the surface of the earth, and terminate in a drain; and thus, by the method now directed, the metallic communication will be compleated from the cross on the top of St. Paul’s church to some feet below the surface of the ground.
The Committee then turned their thoughts towards the two towers at the west end of the church; and here they beg leave to observe, that in one of these towers, between the pine apple and the leaden bell-shaped covering near it, placed at the top of each of these towers, there is no metallic communication deserving notice, till you come to the lead on the roof of the church. This distance is eighty-eight feet. To this tower, therefore, it is proposed to adapt a droor bar of iron, not less than an inch and a quarter square, in such a manner that one end of the bar should be in contact with the metal communicating with the pine apple on its top, which is of copper, and the other end with the lead on the roof of the church.
In the middle of the other tower, in which the great bell is hung, there is an iron stair-case of considerable height, which is placed in the middle of it, in order for the more conveniently coming at the clock-work. The top of this stair-case is at no great distance from the leaden covering upon the top of the tower: but from the bottom of this stair-case to the roof of the church, between which there is no metallic communication, the distance is considerable, not less than forty feet. The Committee recommend, therefore, that a bar of iron, of an inch and a quarter square, may be placed between the pine-apple, or the lead in contact with it, and the upper part of this stair-case; and that another iron bar, similar to this last, may be adjusted so, as to pass from the bottom of the stair-case to the lead on the roof of the church. The roof, as has been already mentioned, communicates with the leaden pipes, and these with the ground.
These towers, from their near situation to the cupola, which is a building so much higher, may possibly be less liable to mischiefs from lightning than if they were erected at a more considerable distance. As the direction of the lightning is, however, uncertain, from a variety of causes, as also to what extent one building will protect another, the Committee are of opinion, that this apparatus to the towers will be expedient.
It is to be remarked, that wherever iron is employed as a conductor of lightning, especial care must be taken to prevent its becoming rusty; as, from being long exposed to the moist atmosphere, it will be corroded to a considerable depth: and so much of the iron as is corroded ceases to be of use as a conductor; the Committee therefore have, in directing the size of these iron bars, made some allowance for the waste of the iron by rust.
The size, as well as number, of the iron bars recommended here by the Committee, are only to be considered as applicable to St. Paul’s, and not as a standard for any church or building of less dimensions; as in these last, conductors of a smaller size, and fewer in number, may answer the purpose as securely as the larger. But St. Paul’s church is particularly circumstanced: it is an edifice not only of great height, but its cupola, to say nothing of the lead on the body of the church, presents a large surface of metal to the clouds; on which account it is very liable to receive greater quantities of the electric fluid; and, from large quantities of such an elastic power, great mischiefs may arise to this magnificent building, in consequence of obstructions the fluid may meet with in passing through it. For these reasons we have recommended very large conductors, that it may pass through them into the ground, as readily as it enters.
These, Sir, are our sentiments in relation to the matter, referred to us by the Royal Society, upon the request of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s. If they should be acceptable to the Society, and by their means to the Dean and Chapter; and if, by being carried into execution, they should at all contribute to the preservation of that noble fabric, it will be a great satisfaction to us. We are, with very great respect, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servants,
W. Watson.B. Franklin.B. Wilson.John Canton.Edward Delaval.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 7 June 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, Noble Wimberly

Sir,
London, June 7. 1769
I did myself the Honour of Writing to you on the 3d. of the last Month, since when the Parliament has risen without repealing the Duties that have been so generally complain’d of. But we are now assured by the Ministry, that the Affairs of America have been lately considered in Council: that it was the unanimous Opinion no new Acts for the purpose of Raising a Revenue in America should be made here; and that it was the full Intention of his Majesty’s Servants to propose early in the ensuing Session the Repeal of the Duties on Glass, Paper, and Painters Colours. Believing this News would be agreable to our Friends, I take the first Opportunity of communicating it to you; and hope that nothing will happen in the mean time, to change the favourable Sentiments towards us, which apparently begin to take place in the Minds of his Majesty and his Ministers. Possibly we may not at first obtain all we desire, or all that ought to be granted to us; but the giving Ground to us in some degree has a good Aspect, and affords room to hope that gradually every Obstruction to that cordial Amity so necessary for the Welfare of the whole Empire, will be removed. Indeed I wish, as I think it would be best, that this could be done at once: But ’tis perhaps too much to expect, considering the Pride natural to so great a Nation, the Prejudices that have so universally prevail’d here with regard to the Point of Right, and the Resentment at our disputing it. I shall however remain here another Session, with a View to join in Endeavours with the other Agents, to obtain a Repeal as general as possible of all American Revenue Acts. If I can at the same time render any acceptable Service to your Province in particular, tho’ you should not think proper to continue the Appointment, it will be a very great Pleasure to me. Be pleased to present my best Respects to the Assembly, and believe me to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
N. Wimberly Jones Esqr

Endorsed: Dr. B. Franklin  7th. June 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bond, 7 June 1769
From: Bond, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Philada. June 7th 1769.
I receiv’d your Letter of the 9th of March with William Cowell’s inclosed, at which I was much surprised, as his last to Bond & Byrn was in a very different Strain, it being only dubious Whether a Bill of Three hundred Pounds then in his Hands would be paid or not. That Bill was founded on a large Estate in his Neighbourhood, and on the Drawers Sister, who was unluckily dead, and the Estate got into bad Hands. Mr. Lister a Man of considerable Property in Leeds, wrote the Drawer he would pay the Bill if ’twas accompanyed with a Power of Attorney, which was done. A Merchant of the first Note in Hallifax wrote at the same Time he would give him a Credit of Fifteen hundred Pounds on the Estate, Mr. Cowell likewise solicited the Management of his Affairs. These Bond & Byrn thought sufficient to Authorise the Drawer to renew the Bill on Lister and which they make no doubt is payed, however T. Bond junior being in Maryland I immediately sent an £100 to Harford & Powell subject to Mr. Cowells Draught and you may depend I will take Care No Man shall suffer by your Recommendation of that House. They have a respectable Opinion of Mr. Cowell but think it ungenerous in him thus to complain when from a Blunder of his, the Goods were shipped for them by the way of New York, where they lay for near 12 Months, in the Hands of Larry Read, with Orders to sell them for the first Cost, which they would not fetch, and were afterwards taken by them, at the Request of Mr. Cowell (unseasonably and Pillaged) to their real Loss so that the Disappointments have been Mutual.
Your good Mrs. Franklin was affected in the Winter with a partial Palsey in the Tongue, and a sudden Loss of Memory, which alarmed us much, but she soon recovered from them, tho her constitution in general appears impaired. These are bad Symptoms in advanced Life and Augur Danger of further Injury on the nervous System. However you may depend every Relative of yours will engage my Particular Care and Attention.
I long Meditated a Revival of our American Philosophical Society and at length I thought I saw my Way clear in doing it, but the Old party Leven split us for a Time. We are now united and with your Presence may make a Figure, but till that happy Event, I fear much will not be done. The Assembly have countenenced and encouraged us very generously, and kindly, and we are much obliged for your Care in procuring the Telliscope, which was used in the late Observations of Venus’s Transit, but the Micromiter did not move so well as it ought, from whence I fear their may be some defect in the Calculations. The Observations were made with four Glasses here, three at Norrington and one at the Cape, all which I hope to have the Pleasure of Transmiting to you in a fortnight.
The External and inturnal Contacts were taken with Accuracy. As to the other Parts I cannot form any Judgment at present, I know little of what passes out of my Own Sphere, but as far as I can Judge there is more Harmony amongst us than formerly. The Hospital flourishes much, the Old Managers stick to it steadily, the House of Employment is at present well regulated, the Colledge is as when you left it, The School of Physic, could we Streighten one or two Crooked Ribs amongst us, would soon make a considerable Figure, every Branch of Medicine is really well taught in it. There is the Appearance of a Plentiful Harvest. The Number of our Sheep Annually encrease and Manufactures of Necessity take place more and more. Maryland and Virginia both agreed to the Non Importation of all such Goods they can possibly do with out, and shew Examples of Industry and Patriotic Spirits. If a Leisure Moment offers, a line or two from you would always give the greatest Pleasure to, Dear Sir, Your most Affectionate Humble Servant
Tho Bond

Addressed: To / Doctr. Benja. Franklin / in / London / per Capt. Sparks
Endorsed: Dr Bond June 7. 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 11 June 1769
From: Evans, Cadwalader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Doctor
Philadelphia June 11th. 1769.
The late transit of Venus, has employ’d several of our Mathematicians, as well as others in several parts of the World. You will, probably, receive all the observations made by them, with full remarks; but in the mean time, I inclose those made by O: Biddle, and Joel Bayley, at Cape Henlopen. The former is a Son of John Biddle’s; and the latter a young man from the forks of Brandywine, in Chester County: who was a considerable time with Dixon & Mason, running the line between Pensylvania, and Maryland. This is a simple relation how it appeared to them, and I beleive faithfull to the best of their abilities. It was very hastily copied, which is some disadvantage.
I have not attended the meetings of the Philosophical Society, since the two were joined, and you elected. Mr. Wharton, knows why it has been so. It was my opinion then, that the eagerness, the Professors of the College shew’d for a Junction of the two Societies, was to avail themselves of the Labours of others, and filch reputation from their knowledge. Several instances have occur’d to confirm it, particularly, the order of publishing the names of the observators, in the News Papers. They agreed at the State House, that each shoud say contact, as soon as they observ’d it, and those who watch’d the time peice were immediately set down. Mr. Pryor called first, Mr. Shippen, next, in 2 seconds after. Mr. Ewing in 17 later. Dr. Williamson, without observing the agreement to call, set down for himself, and made it 2 seconds before Pryor—but as his veracity weighs little without vouchers, I am told no regard is paid to his observation. Nevertheless the Papers say, or insinuate that the observation was made by Mr. Ewing, Mr. Shippen, Dr. Williamson, Mr. Pryor &c. At Norriton, Mr. Ritt[enhouse] perceived the Transit first, Mr. Lucan, next, and Mr. Smith sometime after. Here they were at some distance fr[om one an]other, not a word spoken, but Mr. Rittenhouse, and Mr. Smith without any knowlege of each other, communicated [torn] contact, by a signal to them that watched the time peice [torn] Mr. Smith, set down for himself.
Mr. Rittenhouse’s, and Mr. Lucan’s observations very nearly coincided, and are supposed to be accurate. Yet in the News papers, the order of the Names are, The Reverend Dr. Smith Mr. Lucan, Mr. Rittenhouse, tho the latter was incompareably the best Mathematician, and used the instrument with the utmost dexterity. At Cape Henlopen, one person called out the minutes, and another the seconds and the observator set down the contact, each without the privity of the other—so much for the Transit.
Last Month was a year, I inclosed to you, at the request of Wm. Henry of Lancaster, the draft of a register he had invented to regulate the heat in fire works. I sent it by Capt. Faulkner, but have not heard whether you received it, or not.
By Capt. Sparks, I wrote to S: Wharton, that Mr. Galloway was gone to Trevose, for the recovery of his health——he returned last night, not much better——he was so imprudent, out of complaisance to his Father, to go out several hours in the heat of the day, which was very hot, to level grass for watering a Meadow. I am not apprehensive of danger but fear his recovery will be rather tedious.
Capt. Dowells Widdow, one of the Daughters of your old acquaintance Oswald Peel, goes in this Vessel, to see her late Husband’s Brother. It is probable she will go to London, and hopes to have the pleasure of seeing you.
I came from Burlington 2 days agoe, when your son and daughter were very well. Please to make my Compliments to Mr. Wharton, and Mr. Trent and pray read a lecture to the former on temperance as you know how small a quantity a man may live on, for I am affraid the Luxuries of London will make another Bright of him. I am told the Vessel is Just putting off. Adeiu. Your faithfull and Affectionate friend
C: Evans

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Deputy Post Master of North / America &c / Craven street / London / per the Chalkley / Via Bristol
Endorsed: Dr Evans June 11. and July 15 1769


Title: Notes on a Week’s Diet and Poor Health, [between 12 June 1769, and 30 July 1770]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[Between June 12, 1769, and July 30, 1770]

Monday—Din’d at Club—Beef
Tuesday—at Mr. Foxcrofts—Fish

Wednesday—Dolly’s Beefstake
Felt Symptoms of Cold Fullness
Thursday—Mr. Walker’s—Beef
Predicted it
Friday at home Mutton
Little Soreness of Throat
Saturday   Club Veal
very bad at Night Wine Whey
Sunday—no Dinner continue bad[bed?]
Monday morn. Had a good Night, am better
U[rine] has deposited a reddish fine Sand.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 13 June 1769
From: Tissington, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Alfreton 13th June 1769
After two Months of Illness and Hurry, I cannot help inquiring if you and Mrs. Stevenson are well, and if you think of visiting Dirbyshire this Summer.

For three weeks after I left London I lay Ill of its Smoak; have been since in North Wales; and about the end of this month must go into Scotland, so shall have the benefit of change of Air.
Inclosed I send you a Letter from Richard Parkin the young man who din’d with you, to which You’l be so kind as to give such answer as you think proper, to me here, or to him at Middleton Tyas near Richmond Yorkshire. If I shou’d go too, you’d soon people America: but I’ve heared nothing of the mining scheme since I left London.
My Wife is much better; can walk a mile or two; and now hopes a compleat recovery. This She desires you’l tell Mrs. Stevenson—to whom and to your Self She joins in best wishes with Dear Sir Yours very affectionately
Anth Tissington
I’m very glad to learn that the American affairs will be settled to your wish.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / in Cravenstreet——Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 18 June 1769
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Newyork, June 18. 1769.
Eight Days ago, I wrote you per Packet, inclosing the 2d Bill from Mr. Courtney of Baltimore, the first of which I sent per Capt. Haight, for £141 6s. 11d. Sterling. Last Night I received the inclosed Bill for £10 1s. 3d. Sterling from Mr. Vernon of Rhode-Island; he says, it is good, and he is trying to get more for further Remittance. This is all I have received since my last; tho’ I neglect no Methods I can think of, to press Payments from all Quarters.

When Mr. Foxcroft left us, he knows, what Work we had with Mr. Chew in canvassing Matters with him; he was then a Bankrupt, and since confirmed. Besides a small Ballance due to the Office, he has omitted paying the Rider £33 9s. Lawful, which was due to him, and which Mr. Chew should have paid him: but as Mr. Chew has intirely become insolvent, I apprehend the poor Rider must be paid, as he pleads he is hired by the Office, And indeed, it would be too hard to let him be ruined in the Service of the Office, for the Fault of one of the Officers, and as Mr. Chew makes a Plea or Pretence of the Office owing him for former Services, what can the poor Rider do? Therefore to prevent him from suffering, I have ordered Mr. Vernon to pay part of that Arrear, and shall lay the other part on some other Office. Whether I shall have done well or not, I cannot say, but I mean for the best, and hope your Approbation. The Rider says, the new Post-Master at New London has hitherto paid him punctually, and we must take Care not to let such large Arrears run on for the future. But Mr. Chew has long equivocated much.
Both by Mr. Robinson and the Packet, I wrote about the Purpose, with your Consent, of resigning the Place in the Custom-House, from a Consciousness of my being unequal to the Task, and I would not bring my Sureties in Question: tho’ I have yet had no Fault found with me, and I continue till I hear again from you; if peradventure you may either procure it for Mr. Robinson, or any one else, you may be desirous of assisting; which I leave to your own Discretion. It may possibly be in your Power, with Mr. Foxcroft, to procure it for Mr. Robinson, and I conceive, it would be of more advantage to him, than it ever could be to me, as he might possibly get promoted further in that Office, as his Capacity and youth may assist him therein: tho’ I submit all to your better Judgment.
We have had a cold backward Spring, and now come on a hot, and very dry Summer hitherto: Every Thing in the Ground suffers for want of Rain, and if we have not some e’er long, we shall all suffer. We shall perhaps be awaken’d at last, from our Sleep of Luxury and Extravagance. In general Things go on here as usual—only Times grow duller daily. We all join in our Respects to Mr. Foxcroft and self, from Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.

Addressed: For / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Capt. Winn.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 27 June 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

Dear Polley
Tuesday morng. June 27 —69
Agreable to your Orders delivered to me very punctually per Temple, I return you enclos’d Voltaire’s Verses. The Translation I think full as good as the Original. Remember that I am to have them again.
I take this Opportunity to send you also a late Paper containing a melancholy Account of the Distresses of some Seamen. You will observe in it the Advantages they receiv’d from wearing their Clothes constantly wet with Salt Water, under the total Want of Fresh Water to drink. You may remember I recommended this Practice many Years ago. Do you know Dr. Len, and did you communicate it to him? I fancy his Name is wrong spelt in this Paper, and that it should be Lind, having seen in the Reviews some Extracts from a Book on Sea Diseases published within these 2 or 3 Years, by one Dr. Lind; but I have not seen the Book, and know not whether such a Passage be in it.
I need not point out to you an Observation in favour of our Doctrine that you will make on reading this Paper, that having little to eat these poor People in wet Clothes Day and Night, caught no Cold.

My Respects to your Aunt, and Love to all that love you. Yours affectionately
B Franklin
Return the Paper as it is Part of my Set.

Addressed: To / Miss Stevenson / at / K[ensington] / Tuesday 10 A.M.
Endorsed: June 27 ——69


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 28 June 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, June 28, 1769. Encloses two bills of exchange, which he is sending by way of Bristol: one from Tuthill Hubbart of Boston for £122, drawn by Timothy Folger on Moses Allnutt of London, dated June 19; the other from Thomas Vernon, the Newport postmaster, for £15, drawn by John Mawdsley on Messrs. Lane Son & Fraser of London, dated June 16. Also encloses a second of Vernon’s bill for £10 1s. 3d., and will forward the seconds of the others by the first good opportunity. No news yet of Foxcroft’s arrival in England.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [June? 1769]
From: Pringle, Sir John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[June?, 1769]
Sir John Pringle’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs to introduce to his acquaintance the bearer Dr. Starck who has lately made the curious experiments on living on bread and water, and who wanting to make a pair of nice scales for weighing himself in this prosecution of those experiments Sir J.P. has taken this liberty to address him to Dr. F. for his advice about the construction.

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Craven Street / at Mrs Stevenson’s left hand as you go down ⅔ of the way


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Wharton and William Trent, 3 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wharton, Samuel,Trent, William

Monday July 3. 69
Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Messrs. Wharton and Trent, and acquaints them that on Thursday (or Friday) last, he had a good deal of Discourse with Mr. Mildred, and afterwards with Mr. Mildred and his Solicitor Mr. Lane, when they concluded, on his Advice, to withdraw the Petition that had [been] presented to the King in Council, on Behalf of Messrs. Warder, Mitchel, &c.

Addressed: To / Messrs Wharton and Trent
Endorsed: Dr Franklins Card July 3d. 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Elphinston: Bill for William Temple Franklin’s Education, 4 July 1769
From: Elphinston, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[July 4. 1769]
Master William Temple
July 4. 1769

One half year’s board and Education
15.
..
..

One half year’s dancing
2.
2.

Education, a poem, bound

3.
6

Copybooks, paper, pens and ink &c

6.
6

Mending of cloaths

5.
6

Haircutting, twice

2.

Money

7.
6

An Apothecary’s bill
1.
10.
.

Extra’s during ilness
1.
1.

Seat in Church

6

Servants

  5

£21.
9.
.

Received the above in full
James Elphinston

  [In another hand]: Supposed to be paid in BF’s Absence by Mrs. Stevenson

Endorsed: Master William Temple / July 4. 1769 / No 19 Elphinston’s Bill  Schooling for Mastr Temple pd July 4 1769


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Deborah

My dear Child,
London July 5. 1769
By Capt. Falconer, I shall write to you fully; this only serves to acquaint you that I am as well as I can be without my usual Journey, but I begin to feel the want of it, and shall set out in a few days, for a Tour of a few Weeks. I hope you are perfectly recovered. My Love to Sally and all Friends. I am, as ever Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson and Thomas Mifflin, 7 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Thomson, Charles,Mifflin, Thomas

Gentlemen,
London July 7th. 1769.
I received your favour of the 3d. of May, and shall send you the Books you write for per Capt. Falconer. Seeing some Time since that other Libraries were about to be united with yours, I did for that Reason forbear buying any Books but Robinson’s History, till I should have further Orders, lest I should purchase Duplicates. I think we should have, in some one of our public Libraries, all the Transactions of every Philosophical Society in Europe, vizt. The Memoirs of the Academy of Sciences at Paris; those of Petersburgh; of Haerlem in Holland; of Bononia in Italy &c. with the Continuations as they come out Yearly; and also the French Encyclopedia. They would be extremely useful to us on many Accounts, and are rather too heavy for private Collections. But as they are in different Languages, and the Majority of our Members are only acquainted with English, I have not ventured to buy them without Orders; and in general I wish to have express Directions, and that as little as possible may be left to my Judgment in laying out the Company’s Money. With great Esteem, I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and humble Servant
B Franklin
Messrs. Thomson and Mifflin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 9 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bartram, John

Dear Friend,
London July 9, 1769
It is with great Pleasure I understand by your Favour of April 10. that you continue to enjoy so good a Share of Health. I hope it will long continue. And altho’ it may not now be suitable for you [to make?] such wide Excursions as heretofore, you may yet be very useful to your Country and to Mankind, if you [sit?] down quietly at home, digest the Knowledge you [have] acquired, compile and publish the many Observations you have made, and point out the Advantages that may be drawn from the whole, in publick Undertakings or particular private Practice. It is true many People are fond of Accounts of old Buildings, Monuments, &c. but there is a Number who would be much better pleas’d with such Accounts as you could afford them: And for one I confess that if I could find in any Italian Travels a Receipt for making Parmesan Cheese, it would give me more Satisfaction than a Transcript of any Inscription from any old Stone whatever.
I suppose Mr. Michael Collinson, or Dr. Fothergill have written to you what may be necessary for your Information relating to your Affairs here. I imagine there is no doubt but the King’s Bounty to you will be continued; and that it will be proper for you to continue sending now and then a few such curious Seeds as you can procure to keep up your Claim. And now I mention Seeds, I wish you would send me a few of such as are least common, to the Value of a Guinea, which Mr. Foxcroft will pay you for me. They are for a particular Friend who is very curious. If in any thing I can serve you here, command freely Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin
P.S. Pray let me know whether you have had sent you any of the Seeds of the Rhubarb describ’d in the enclos’d Prints. It is said to be of the true kind [?]. If you have it not, I can procure some Seeds for you.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall, 9 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Marshall, Humphry

Sir,
London, July 9. 1769
I received your obliging Favour of April 13. with Specimens of the several Colours suitable for Painting which you have found in different Parts of our Country. It gives me great Pleasure to see them, and I have shown them to many Persons of Distinction, together with your Letter, which is allow’d to contain a great many sensible and shrewd Observations. There is at present an Appearance as if the Great Ones were about to change their Conduct towards us: I believe they begin to be a little sensible of their Error. It is perhaps too much to expect that they will become thoroughly wise at once. But a little Time, with a prudent steady Conduct on our side, will, I hope, set all right. I shall be oblig’d by a Continuance of your Correspondence, being, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr Humphrey Marshall

Addressed: To / Mr Humphrey Marshall / West Bradford / Chester County / Pennsylvania / B Free Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Philadelphia Merchants, 9 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Philadelphia Merchants

Gentlemen,
London, July 9, 1769.
I Received yours of the 18th of April, inclosing copies of the articles of your agreement, with respect to importation, and of your letter to the merchants here. The latter was published, and universally spoken well of, as a well-written, sensible, manly and spirited performance; and I believe the publication has been of service to our cause. You are, in my opinion, perfectly right in your supposition, that “the redress of American grievances, like to be proposed by the Ministry, will at first only be partial; and that it is intended to retain some of the Revenue Duties, in order to establish a right of Parliament to tax the colonies.” But I hope, that by persisting steadily in the measures you have so laudably entered into, you will, if back’d by the general honest resolution of the people, to buy British Goods of no others, but to manufacture for themselves, or use colony manufactures only, be the means, under God, of recovering and establishing the freedom of our country entire, and of handing it down compleat to our posterity. And in the mean time, the country will be enrich’d by its industry and frugality, those virtues will become habitual, farms will be more improved, better stock’d, and render’d more productive by the money that used to be spent in superfluities; our artificers of every kind will be enabled to carry on their business to more advantage; gold and silver will become plenty among us, and trade will revive after things shall be well settled, and become better and safer than it has lately been; for an industrious frugal people are best able to buy, and pay best for what they purchase. With great regard, I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient, And most humble Servant,
Benjamin Franklin.
To the Committee of Merchants in Philadelphia.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Grey Cooper, 11 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Sir Grey

Dear Sir,
Craven Street, Tuesday July 11. 1769
An Application being about to be made for a Grant of Lands in the Territory on the Ohio lately purchased of the Indians, I cannot omit acquainting you with it, and giving you my Opinion, that they will very soon be settled by People from the neighbouring Provinces, and be of great Advantage in a few Years to the Undertakers. As you have those fine Children, and are likely to have many more, I wish for their Sakes, you may incline to take this Opportunity of making a considerable Addition to their future Fortunes, as the Expence will be a Trifle. If therefore you will give me leave, I shall put your Name down among us for a Share (40,000 Acres). Your Neighbour Mr. Dagge will call upon you some Day and explain the Particulars more fully. I am to set out on Friday with Sir J. Pringle on a short Tour upon the Continent. Have you or Mrs. Cooper any little Commission that I can execute in France? With sincerest Esteem, and best Wishes for you and yours, I am, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Grey Cooper Esqr


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 July 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bowdoin, James

Dear Sir
London, July 13. 1769
I am honoured with yours of May 10. and agree with you perfectly in your Sentiments of publick Affairs. Government here seems now to be growing more moderate with regard to America, and I am persuaded that by a steady prudent Conduct, we shall finally obtain all our important Points, and establish American Liberty on a clearer and firmer Foundation. The Folly of the late Measures begins to be seen and understood at Court, their Promoters grow out of Credit, and the Trading Part of the Nation with the Manufacturers are become sensible how necessary it is for their Welfare to be on good Terms with us. The Petitioners of Middlesex and of London have numbered among their Grievances the unconstitutional Taxes on America, and similar Petitions are expected from all Quarters: So that I think we need only be quiet and persevere in our Schemes of Frugality and Industry, and the rest will do itself. Your Governor is recall’d, and ’tis said the Commissioners will follow soon, or be new-modell’d with some more Men of Discretion among them. I am just setting out on a Journey of 5 or 6 Weeks, and have now only time to add, that I am, with the greatest Esteem and Regard, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

  My Respects and best Wishes attend Mrs. Bowdoin, Mr. Temple and your amiable Daughter.

  Honle James Bowdoin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Smith, Wright, & Gray, [13?] July 1769
From: Smith, Wright & Gray
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Esteemed F[riend:]
[Thursday, xiii of] July, 1769
Pursuant to thy favour received yesterday afternoon we herewith send thee Forty Guineas to thy Debit in account. Shall pay our friends Freeths for the Corn Mill and forward it as directed for thy Son. Shall also buy 2 Lottery Tickets and advise the Numbers to Jonathan Williams at Boston as order’d. As thou art well known at Paris a Letter of Credit may be needless But thy drafts on us which thou’ll please advise in Course shall be honoured with the Utmost punctuallity. We wish thee an agreable Tour and Shall be glad to see thee returnd well home being with great regard and Esteem Thy Respectful Friends
Smith Wright & Gray
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: To / Dr. Benjn. Franklin Esqre / Present


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 15 July 1769
From: Evans, Cadwalader
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Philada July 15th. 1769.
By the Ship Chalkley, Capt. Volans I sent to you Owen Biddle’s, and Joel Bailey’s, observations, of the Transit of Venus, at Cape Henlopen; but as there was some error in that hasty copy, I am desired to inclose a more correct one. I have not got the observations made at the Statehouse, or at David Rittenhouse’s, but woud if I had known time enough to procure copies. I suppose the Secretarys have or will do it, if the rancour of party will permit them. It had not subsided when you were chosen President, for one of them did all in his power to prevent it. I will not say the choice can reflect any honour on you, who have had so much from the most respectable Bodies in the World; but this I am sure of, the Votes given for you, were not given from any influence employed, but from the Judgement of every voter.
I mentioned to Mr. Wharton, the spirit that seems rapidly increasing, among us, for the culture of Silk; and I think it a favourable oppertunity to make trial, whether it is worth while. A small premium given by our Legislature, for every Pound of Cocoons, woud do much. The expence might be defray’d by a Tax upon dogs, whose great number is become a nusance. I desired S: W: to send me the mean value of a pound of Cocoons, and whether the Parliment has granted us any encouragement in the middle Colonies. I am in haste as much as any body, Your Affectionate friend
C: Evans.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Deputy Post Master Genl. / for North America / in / Craven Street / London / Via Liverpool


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 17 July 1769
From: Walker, Hannah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most Honoured Sir
Westbury July th 17 1769
I Humbly beg your Pardon for giving you this Trouble but it is to let you know that I have been Extremely ill with an Intermiting Fever for about six weeks. I was fearfull I should never write again and In the Interim it afflicted my spirits very much to think of my offending you so much the Best Friend I Ever had. I hope most Honoured Sir I may once more Beg your Humble Pardon and hope their is forgiveness to be found with so good a Person for my Grief is so great to think that Least I had from your good hands I had so offended you it Lies Heavier upon my spirits some times than I am well able to bear. Sir it is with tears I most Earnestly Intreat your forgiveness for it would be so Comfortable to me to know you had forgiven me and to know that you wisht me and my Family well most Honoured Sir I take the freedom hoping you will not take it ill to let you know that my goods was restored to me again on the 24 of may only a few odd things as I never used scarce since I came to westbury but f[e]ared to lay then in by Places because we had no room in the House. I hope Sir that all your good Family in America are well and your self in good health which are my Daily Prayers for a Blessing upon you and your good Family my Children and I joyn in Begging the acceptance of all air [our] Humble Duties to you and all your Dear Family in America from your most Humble and most obdient Servant
Hannah Walker

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / att mrs Stevensons in / craven Strait near the / Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 22 July 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, July 22, 1769. Repeats the substance of his letter of June 28. Encloses a bill of exchange for £50 from Luke & Prettyjohn, Barbados, drawn on Richard Gosling of London and endorsed by Mrs. Moore of New York; bills are rising and now stand at 72½, and he bought this one for 70. Has received Franklin’s letters by the packet and by Dr. Rush. Captain Davis has arrived; he spoke Captain Falconer in the Downs on May 30, and brings word that Mr. Foxcroft has safely reached England.
Mr. McGruder has sent him the book of Mr. Scott, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; Scott owes a considerable balance, but McGruder fears none of it can be got out of him. Mr. Hubbart writes that nothing is yet done in Mr. Huske’s affair, and fears nothing will come of it. The same with Mr. Walker of Hartford, who is still in jail. Parker also despairs of the arrears of Mr. Chace of Providence, who is almost bankrupt. But a former apprentice of Parker’s, now living in Providence, is in debt, and the father has asked Parker’s help so that his son can come home to New York. The young man’s Providence creditors have agreed to take forty Spanish dollars from what Chace owes the Post Office, and the father will turn over that amount to Parker in New York. Doubts that anything more can be extracted from Chace, but will do what he can.
The summer has been dry and warm. Struggles along though feeble in body; is delighted to hear from Dr. Rush that Franklin is well. Hopes that by now Mr. Robinson has returned home, and that Franklin and Foxcroft will help him in some way that will not injure Parker; still wants to resign from the customs house.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Hutchinson, 29 July 1769
From: Hutchinson, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Boston 29 July 1769
I cannot omit my complements to you by Sir Francis Bernard who embarks in the Rippon to report to His M[ajesty] the state of the Province which he is able to do in the fullest manner and is disposed to do in the most just and candid manner. I know his esteem for you and that he will be ready to acquaint you with all our late occurences which renders it quite needless for me to do it. Only give me leave to remark upon them that the air of indecency and contempt which our publick proceedings carry with them can have no other tendency than further to provoke a power it cannot Reach. And yet I hope some allowances will be made for them. They are the artful performances of one or two designing men whose political existence depends upon keeping up a Clamour. And the greatest part of the men who vote for them see neither the design or tendency of them. I shall be much obliged to you if you will communicate any occurences relative to the Colonies which may be of use to me in my critical situation. I am with the utmost sincerity and esteem
D Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 3 August 1769
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Aug: 3. —69
I am now to acknowledg the repeated Favor of your Letters, with the Notes of Mr. P.’ Speech in Parliament, the arguments on the Dissenting Cause; and the Political Pamphlets, in which you have given me no small Entertainment. I could not forbear communicating what you wrote to some particular Friends, to whom I knew it would give great Pleasure, and to allow some Extracts to be circulated among the Merchants, which were of great Service in confirming their present truly public Spirit, tho I did not think myself at Liberty to give the Sanction of your Name. I am persuaded that the prudent and legal Measure of Non-Importation, would have had an earlier and greater Effect but for the Hopes given to Administration from this Side the Water that it would not be adher’d to. These Hopes have hitherto been delusive; the Agreement is still persisted in with great Spirit; and the vague, indeterminate Promise of a Kind of Repeal, which is generally regarded here as a Design to divide us and break this salutary Measure, has, as you will see by the Papers only serv’d to support and strengthen it. In the mean Time Industry and Manufactures are daily increasing among us: Many, even in our trading Towns, are fond of being clad in Homspun; and in the Country, People are ambitious to fabricate for themselves what they formerly bought from the Shops. Britain is not sensible what she has already lost by the late impolitic and severe Measures. Those that take only a superficial View of Things imagine the Mother Country is safe, because they do not see large Quantities of American Manufactures stor’d for Sale. They do not consider how greatly the Demand for British Goods is diminish’d, thro the Industry of Families privately supplying themselves, from what this Demand would have been from our increasing Numbers, had Mild and prudent Methods been pursu’d. I can however give a striking Instance that may be depended on, of a Manufacture that was formerly almost wholly imported, and now furnishes no inconsiderable Article of our Exportation. The single Town of Lynn, makes yearly not less than eighty thousand Pair of Womens Shoes, better and cheaper than any that we can import; and not only Supplies the maritime Towns around it with this Article, but sends large Quantities of it to the southern Colonies, and the West Indies. I could not believe this till upon particular Inquiry, I found it to be undoubtedly true.
What you predicted in your Letter is already in part verified. The greater Part of the Military, has lately been withdrawn from this Town; and it is said the Remainder will not tarry long among us; what Ground there is for this, and whether any effectual Measures will be taken to remove the Ground of our Uneasiness, and reduce Things to their old Channel, Time will discover. I suspect, from what is past, whether there is yet Wisdom and Moderation enough in the British Councils, to produce an Event so happy to both Countries.
This Letter will be deliver’d to you by Mr. William Gray, a young Gentleman who goes to London, for the Prosecution of Medical Studies. He is of a respectable Family among us. His Father was a worthy Clergyman of this Town; One of his Uncles, is of the first Character among our Merchants, and another, the Treasurer of the Province: and the young Gentleman himself has acquir’d a good Reputation. I am told you design to return to America this Year. Nothing could give greater Pleasure to me, and many Friends than to see you again in Boston. I am my dear Sir, with [rest missing]
To D. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 12 August 1769
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
[Phila]da. Augt. 12. 1769
Mr. James Adair, the Bearer of this Letter, intending to Publish Essays on the Origin, Language, Religion, Customs, Policy &c, of the American Indians, particularly of those residing to the Southward, has obtaind Subscriptions and Encouragment from many Gentlemen of this and the other Provinces in America. He thinks he can better execute his Design in England than in this Country which is the Cause of his Present Voyage. I am well assured from his long Residence among the Natives and many Observations he has already committed to writing, he is very capable of Executing his Design. But as he may stand in Need of the Assistance and Judgment of Men of Letters, I beg leave to recommend him to your Notice and Encouragment. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient humble Servant
Jos. Galloway

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Deputy Post Master General / of North America / in / Craven Street / London
Endorsed: Galloway Aug. 12 1769


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12 August 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, Aug. 12, 1769. Sent by the packet the seconds of two bills of exchange, Hubbart’s for £122 and Vernon’s for £15, and the first of a bill for £50 that Parker bought in New York; encloses the second of that, together with the first of a bill just received from Hubbart for £200, Folger upon Allnutt, of which the second will follow shortly.
Mr. Stewart, the Annapolis postmaster, raises a difficult question: Lord Botetourt of Virginia franks his own letters, but they are nevertheless charged to Stewart’s office. Governor Eden, to whom they are addressed, will not pay the postage, claiming Botetourt’s privilege as a peer. Stewart and Parker cannot contend with Eden; will Franklin please advise?
No confirmation yet of Foxcroft’s arrival in England. Parker’s own affairs much as usual; still no settlement, or likely to be, with Holt, who within a few years will be bankrupt. Will be lucky to avoid that fate himself. Can manage if his strength does not fail him, but it ebbs every day.]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 14 August 1769: résumé
From: Parker, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[New York, August 14, 1769. Repeats the substance of his letter of August 12, and encloses the second of Hubbart’s £200 bill.]


Title: Dates of Journeys Abroad, 1766–69: résumé
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[Memorandum of the dates of Franklin’s departure from and return to England on his trips to Germany in 1766 (June 15 and Aug. 13), to Paris in 1767 (Aug. 28 and Oct. 8), and to Paris in 1769 (July 14 and Aug. 24).]


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, 25 August 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Canton, John

Dear Sir
Craven street, Aug. 25. 1769
When I was at Paris about 10 Days since, I was told that a Comet was then visible with a Tail of considerable Length. If it has not been yet observed or heard of here, perhaps this little Notice may be agreable to you. I return’d but last Night, I hope you and yours are well; being very sincerely Your affectionate Friend and Servant
B Franklin
I think it was said to be in some Part of the Bull, and in its Progress towards the Sun. M. Monnier discover’d and observ’d it.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 31 August 1769
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Deareste Child
Auguste the 31 1769
I have but time to tell you that yister day our Dear littel Boy was Caireyed to Christe Church and was baptised by the Name of Benj Franklin. His Unkill and Ante stood for him Mr. Banton as procksey for you and I was well aneuef to stand for my selef. I have the pleshuer to tell you that Salley is thank to god as well as we have resen to expeckte her to be and is in a way of makeing a fine nuerse. I thinke it wold be plesed to see houghe much plesher Billey takes in him and thinkes he is a verey fine child he is. I am much hurreyed at this time but this I muste to say. Mr. Petter proformed his offis he was so verey kind to cole on us and saw Salley and is verey kinde to her. Mr. Beach had a fine tortol cume in but Sundays we dresed it to diner. The pason from Burlinton came with them. Mr. Wharton the father dined with us Mr. Banton and pason Petters. One Jentelman of Mr. Beaches maid the whole companey. Everey one semed much plesed and the younk Jentelman behaved verey well and gives everey bodey hapey that have seen him. I am in hope to write by the nexte Packit. Mr. Brenmer is a passaig[er] as is Capt. Elvess and his son is on Bord all so the two Elves have seen your son and is to tell you aboute him. I donte say as it wold not be thoute possbel he is a fine lim[b]ed child but is verey spair and dilicat some thinke he is darke eyes sume sez blaik eyed but thay is verey prittey. He is verey good and quiet and if it shold plees god to spair him I think much in pleshuer of him. Be so kind as to give my love to good mrs. Stephenson and to Polley to Mr. and Mrs. Strahan to Mr. and Mrs. Weste Capte. Orrey Mr. Gombes. I beleve all our children will write but thay air oute to dine to gather and tomorrow we air to dine tomorrow with Mr. Hopkinson if I am well aneuef to dine abrod. So I write today leste I not write to morrow you will see hough in Conneckted staet I write. Have or had you seen Mr. Foxcrofte I hope he is well supose you have seen the Commet that is seen in this plase. I have not seen it but our children have seen it. I am your afeckshonet wife
D Franklin
I shold a told you that he was dresed in his christening sute and looked verey well in them and will thanke you for them
[In Sally Bache’s Hand:] Mama desires me to tell you that yesterday, she was well enough to dine abroad with us at Mr. F: Hopkinsons——and that yesterday also she recd. a few Lines from you by Capt. Keys, and that she knew nothing of Capt. Osborns sailing.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 1 September 1769
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Margate Sept. 1. 1769
Welcome to England my dear, my honour’d Friend! Just as I began a Letter to my Mother I receiv’d the News of your Arrival. I have the same Confidence in my Parent that the Iskimaux Woman had in hers, for if my Mother did not know “I always speak Truth” I could not venture to say what she might be apt to doubt. I confess she has some Reason to complain of me; I must not complain of her; I have written to her but once since I came hither, and she—A Blank will conclude that Sentence. I have had the Satisfaction to hear of her by several of my Correspondents. I hope you will intercede for me, that I may not be severely rebuk’d. Indeed my Expedition has afforded me so little Entertainment that I could not have given her any by my Letters, and I know she is not so well affected to the Government, as to wish to increase the Revenue without some Advantage to herself. She is a very good Subject not-withstanding; and a faithful Disciple of yours in all Points but that of Tributes, there her Daughter exceeds her, for convinc’d by your Arguments I turn a deaf ear to all the Invitations to Smuggling, and in such a Place as this, it is well to have one’s Honesty guarded. As I have cast a Censure upon the Inhabitants of this Place I must for the Honour of my Landlord and his Family tell you that they condemn and avoid those illicit Practices which are too common here. Indeed the exemplary Conduct of these good people would make me join their Sect if Reason would qualify me for it, but they are happily got into the Flights of Enthusiasm, which I cannot reach. They are certainly the happiest people, and I should be glad to be like them, but my Reason will not suffer me, and my Heart prevents my playing the Hypocrite, so your Polly must remain as she is, neither in the World nor out of it. How strangely I let my Pen run on to a Philosopher! I don’t care, that Philosopher is my Friend and I may write what I please to him.
I met with a very sensible Physician yesterday, who prescribes Abstinence for the Cure of Consumption. He must be clever because he thinks as we do. I would not have you or my Mother surpris’d, if I should run off with this young man; to be sure it would be an imprudent Step at the discreet Age of Thirty but there is no saying what one should do if sollicited by a Man of an insinuating Address and good Person, tho he may be too young for one, and not yet establish’d in his Profession. He engag’d me so deeply in Conversation and I was so much pleas’d with him, that I thought it necessary to give you Warning, tho’ I assure you he has made no Proposal.
How I rattle! This Flight must be owing to this new Acquaintance or to the Joy of hearing my old one is return’d to this Country; I know which I attribute it to, for I can tell when my Spirits were enliven’d, but you may think as you please if you will believe me to be Dear Sir Your truly affectionate humble Servant
M Stevenson
Can’t you send me one little Letter directed for me at Mr. Coleman’s Margate? where I shall be some days longer.

Addressed: To Dr Franklin / Craven Street / in the Strand / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Whitefield, [before 2 September 1769]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Whitefield, George

[Before Sept. 2, 1769]
I am under continued apprehensions that we may have bad news from America. The sending soldiers to Boston always appeared to me a dangerous step; they could do no good, they might occasion mischief. When I consider the warm resentment of a people who think themselves injured and oppressed, and the common insolence of the soldiery, who are taught to consider that people as in rebellion, I cannot but fear the consequences of bringing them together. It seems like setting up a smith’s forge in a magazine of gunpowder. I see with you that our affairs are not well managed by our rulers here below; I wish I could believe with you, that they are well attended to by those above; I rather suspect, from certain circumstances, that though the general government of the universe is well administered, our particular little affairs are perhaps below notice, and left to take the chance of human prudence or imprudence, as either may happen to be uppermost. It is, however, an uncomfortable thought, and I leave it.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 2 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

Saturday Evening, Sept 2. 1769
Just come home from a Venison Feast, where I have drank more than a Philosopher ought, I find my dear Polly’s chearful chatty Letter that exhilarates me more than all the Wine.
Your good Mother says there is no Occasion for any Intercession of mine in your behalf. She is sensible that she is more in fault than her Daughter. She received an affectionate tender Letter from you, and she has not answered it, tho’ she intended to do it; but her Head, not her Heart, has been bad, and unfitted her for Writing. She owns that she is not so good a Subject as you are, and that she is more unwilling to pay Tribute to Cesar, and has less Objection to Smuggling; but ’tis not, she says, mere Selfishness or Avarice; ’tis rather an honest Resentment at the Waste of those Taxes in Pensions, Salaries, Perquisites, Contracts and other Emoluments for the Benefit of People she does not love, and who do not deserve such Advantages, because—I suppose because they are not of her Party. Present my Respects to your good Landlord and his Family: I honour them for their consciencious Aversion to illicit Trading. There are those in the World who would not wrong a Neighbour, but make no Scruple of cheating the King. The Reverse however does not hold; for whoever scruples cheating the King will certainly not wrong his Neighbour. You ought not to wish yourself an Enthusiast: They have indeed their imaginary Satisfactions and Pleasures; but those are often ballanc’d by imaginary Pains and Mortifications. You can continue to be a good Girl, and thereby lay a solid Foundation for expected future Happiness, without the Enthusiasm that may perhaps be necessary to some others. As those Beings who have a good sensible Instinct, have no need of Reason; so those who have Reason to regulate their Actions, have no Occasion for Enthusiasm. However there are certain Circumstances in Life sometimes, wherein ’tis perhaps best not to hearken to Reason. For instance; Possibly, if the Truth were known, I have Reason to be jealous of this same insinuating handsome young Physician: But as it flatters more my Vanity, and therefore gives me more Pleasure to suppose you were in Spirits on Account of my safe Return, I shall turn a deaf Ear to Reason in this Case, as I have done with Success in twenty others. But I am sure you will always give me Reason enough to continue ever Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin
Our Love to Mrs. Tickell. We all long for your Return: Your Dolly was well last Tuesday, the Girls were there on a Visit to her: I mean at Bromley. Adieu.
No Time now to give you any Account of my French Journey.

Endorsed: Sep 2 —69


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, 5 September 1769
From: Alleyne, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Worthy Sir
Septr. 5th: 1769
I should not have broken in upon your Time in this Manner, if my Health wo’d have permitted Me, to have address’d You personally, but Confin’d, as I have been, and much weaken’d by the Gout I trust your Goodness will Excuse Me, if I ask the Favor of a Line from You, in Answer to the following Questions.
A Reverend Friend of Mine had an Offer, some few Months ago, of a Living in the Island of St. John but having some Prospect, of being provided for in this Country, at that Time, he declin’d it. He has since found that his Hopes, were ill-founded, and is now desirous of going over to America, Apprehending no Danger, of [not] meeting with encouragement in that Part of the World; Having heard, of the Honor which I enjoy in being intimate with you he wish’d to have your Opinion on his Situation such as it wo’d be, was he to go over, immediately. You will therefore much Oblige Me, Sir, if you wo’d inform Me, what Encouragement, my Friend might expect—if Great Interest wo’d be necessary to procure Him an Establishment, If Merit, if great Merit wo’d not render it more easy to Him in your Rising Nation, than in his own.
Beleive Me, Sir, I do not ask this Favor in behalf of one, unworthy the Kindness of Dr. F. My Friend, is I beleive learned, Pious, and Diligent. Those who are better Judges, than myself, concur with Me in this Opinion of Him, and as He has Chosen the Sacred Office, I doubt not, but that he wo’d Answer, every Purpose, for which it was designed by a faithful Discharge of it.
You will permit Me to encroach yet fu[rther] on your Time that I may Express my hearty Sense of all Your Favors, and Join the Grateful Respects of my Wife, to my own, and beg they may be accepted by You, and that I may Assure You that I am never Happier than when I am Thought, what I really am Your much Obliged and Faithful Friend
John Alleyne

Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / at / Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street / Strand / Tuesday / Septr. 5th. 1769
Endorsed: Mr Alleyne Sept 5 1769 Budd


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop: On Observing the Transit of Venus, 6 September 1769
From: Winthrop, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The observations of the transit of Venus in 1761 had not fulfilled the widespread hope of establishing the solar parallax, and thereby the mean distance between the earth and the sun. The hope grew, however, as scientists of many countries prepared to improve and expand their observations of the transit of June, 1769. Although John Winthrop was no longer well enough to play the active part that he had in 1761, he was deeply concerned not only with the collection of data on the second transit but also with the interpretation of them. In the letter below, sent via Franklin to the Royal Society, Winthrop wrestled analogically with the problem of the relationship between three moving bodies: for the passage of light he substituted that of a cannon ball; for the sun and its two satellites, Venus and the earth, he substituted a fort and two ships under sail.

Sept. 6. 1769
Extract of a Letter from John Winthrop, Esqr. Hollisian Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, at Cambridge N. England, to B. Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S. Dated Sept. 6. 1769.
I find that Mr. Bliss and Mr. Hornsby in their calculations in the Philos. Transact. suppose the phases of the Transit of Venus to be accelerated by the equation for the observation of light, which amounts to 55″ of time. According to my idea of aberration, I should think the Transit would be retarded by it. I can very easily suppose that I am in an error; and that I may more readily be led out of it, I beg leave to lay before you the several steps by which I have been led into it. And I think it will be best to take some similar instance, rather than to consider the thing in a general abstract manner.
  1. Let the parallelogram E represent a vessel sailing in the line to R, from left hand to right; and S, a fix’d Station, e.g. a castle, discharging balls on the right line SM, perpendicular to the route of the vessel. If the vessel had been at rest, a ball arriving at the middle of it, M, would have gone right across it, to N. But as it is supposed to be sailing, the ball will not go right over from M to N, but will cross the deck obliquely, in another right line as MO, and so will be left behind toward the stern as much as the vessel had gone forward while the ball was crossing it; and MN will be to NO as the velocity of the ball to the velocity of the vessel. Thus to the people on board, the ball would seem to move obliquely across the deck, as if it came from some point T in the line OM produced, instead of coming from S. And a tube capable of receiving the ball would allow the ball to pass thro it without striking its sides, if it were inclined forward in the direction OM; which it would not do in any other situation. The angle OMN or SMT answers to the aberration; and supposing S to be the Sun; and E, the Earth, this angle is 20″; and the general effect is, to make the Sun or any fixed star to appear farther that way towards which the Earth is moving.
  2. Let us suppose another vessel V, between S and E, sailing the same way as E in a parallel direction. If both the vessels sailed with the same velocity, a ball from V coming to M, would go right across to N, just as if both of them had been at rest; because the ball, which crossing the vessel E, would be carry’d just as far to the right hand as the points M and N are. And a tube to receive it must be held in the direction MN. So here would be no aberration of the vessel V.
  3. Suppose V to move the same way, but Slower. A ball from V would now be really carry’d forward, that is, to the right hand, tho not so far as in the 2d. supposition; and therefore would be left behind in respect of the vessel E; and so, would come to the side of the vessel somewhere between O and N, but the greater its velocity towards the right, the nearer to N. So that if the velocity of V were to be continually increasing from nothing till it became equal to that of E, a tube to receive the ball must be held first in the direction OM looking forward, and afterwards, more and more inclined till it came into the perpendicular direction. From hence it is natural to conclude,
4. That if V move the same way, but swifter, a tube to receive the ball must be reclined backward. For the ball would now be carried to the right hand farther than in the 2d supposition; and therefore would come to the other side of the vessel at some point P on the right hand of N, as if it proceded from some point Q on the left hand of S.
  This last seems to be the case of the Transit, by supposing S to be the Sun, E the Earth; and V the planet Venus passing between them, from left to right, and with a greater velocity than the Earth; (greater, nearly as 24:20.). And it should seem that the aberration must make Venus appear farther to the left hand, or to the East from the Sun, and consequently retard the Transit, and make it happen later than it would otherwise do.
Thus, Sir, I have explain’d very particularly my apprehension of the matter, and I make no doubt you will immediately discover where the error lies; and shall take it as a great favor if you will please to point it out to me.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 7 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Evans, Cadwalader

Dear Sir:
London, Sept. 7, 1769.
I have now before me your Favours of June 11, and July 15, I thank you for communicating to me the Observations of the Transit made by Messrs. Biddle & Bayley. I gave them Immediately to Mr. Maskelyn, the Astronomer Royal, who will compare and digest the whole received from different Parts of the world, and report thereon to the Royal Society. They are the only ones I have received from our Society; those made by the others were sent to Mr. Penn. Being last week with Mr. Maskelyn at Flamstead House, I found he had got them. I shall send him to-day the correct account which I have since received from you via Liverpool.
I should be very sorry that any thing of Party remained in the American Philosophical Society after the Union. Here the Royal Society is of all Parties, but Party is entirely out of the Question in all our Proceedings.
It grieves me to hear that our Friend Galloway is in so bad a State of Health. He should make a long Journey, or take a Sea voyage. I wish he would come to London for the Winter.
Mr. Henry’s Register, which you communicated to me last Year, is thought a very ingenious one, and will be published here tho’ it has been long delay’d.
I have not seen Mrs. Dowell. I suppose she is not yet come to Town. At least I have not heard of her being here, tho’ possibly she might while I was in France.
Our friend W[harton], who is always complaining of a constant Fever, looks nevertheless fresh and jolly and does not fall away in the least. He was saying the other day at Richmond (where we were together dining with Govern’r Pownall) that he had been pestered with a Fever almost continually for these three years past and that it gave away to no medicines, all he had taken advis’d by different Physicians having never any Effect towards removing it. On which I ask’d him, if it was not now time to enquire whether he had really any Fever at all? He is indeed the only instance I ever knew of a Man’s growing fat upon a Fever. But I see no Occasion for reading him the Lecture you desired, for he appears to be extreamly temperate in his Eating and Drinking. His affairs here are I think in a good Train, but every thing to be transacted in our great Offices, requires time. I suppose he will be hardly able to return before the Spring.
By a ship just sailed from hence, the Captain, a Stranger whose name I have forgotten, I send you a late French Treatise on the management of Silk-worms. It is said to be the best hitherto published, being written in the Silk country by a Gentleman well acquainted with the whole affair. It seems to me to be (like many other French Writings) rather too much drawn out in Words; but some Extracts from it, of the principal Directions, might be of Use, if you would translate and publish them. I think the Bounty is offer’d for Silk from all the Colonies in general. I will send you the Act. But I believe it must be wound from the Cocoons, and sent over in Skeins. The Cocoons would Spoil on the Passage, by the dead Worm corrupting and staining the Silk. A Public Filature should be set up, for winding them there: Or every Family should learn to wind their own. In Italy they are all brought to Market, from the the neighboring Country, and bought up by those that keep the Filatures. In Sicily each Family winds its own Silk, for the sake of having the Remains to card and spin for Family use. If some Provision were made by the Assembly for promoting the growth of Mulberry Trees in all Parts of the Province, the Culture of Silk might afterwards follow easily. For the great Discouragement to breeding Worms at first, is, the Difficulty of getting Leaves, and the being obliged to go far for them. There is no doubt with me but that it might succeed in our Country. It is the happiest of all Inventions for Cloathing. Wooll uses a good deal of Land to produce it, which, if employed in raising Corn would afford much more Subsistance for Man, than the Mutton amounts to. Flax and Hemp require Land, impoverish it, and at the same time permit it to produce no Food at all. But Mulberry Trees may be planted in Hedge Rows, or Walks or Avenues, or for Shade, near a House, where nothing else is wanted to grow. The Food for the Worms which produce the Silk is in the Air, and the Ground under the Trees may still produce Grass, or some other Vegetable good for Man or Beast. Then the Wear of Silken Garments continues so much longer, from the Strength of the Materials, as to give it greatly the Preference. Hence it is that the most populous of all Countries, China, clothes its Inhabitants with Silk, while it feeds them plentifully and has besides a vast Quantity both of raw and manufactured to spare for Exportation. Raw Silk here, in Skeins well wound, sells from 20 to 25s. pr. lb. But if badly wound is not worth 5s. Well wound is where the Threads are made to cross each other every way in the Skein, and only touch where they cross. Badly wound is where they are laid parallel to each other; for so they are glu’d together, break in unwinding them, and take a vast deal of time more than the other, by losing the End every time the Thread breaks. When once you can raise plenty of Silk, you may have Manufactures enow from hence. With great Esteem, I am, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately,
B. Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 8 September 1769
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Evans, Cadwalader

Dear Doctor,
London Sept. 8. 1769
I am writing to you and all my friends by the packet that sails to morrow. This is only to cover the French work on Silk worms, said to be the best extant; which being too bulky to go per packet I send you by this ship. Some extracts may be made from it and published of the most useful directions; for it is like other French writings rather too wordy, &c. I have received yours per packet and via Liverpool, with the observations of the transit of which more in my next. I am, Yours affectionately
B. Franklin.
Please let Mrs. Franklin know I am well.
To Dr Cadwalader Evans