Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 11 November 1766
From:
To:

Honoured Sir,
New-York, Nov. 11. 1766.
Yours of Sept. 1. by Way of Philadelphia, I duly received, which is all I have been favoured with a great While: I congratulate you on your safe Return from Germany. I will do what is possible with B Mecom.

With Respect to a new Supply of Types, I should either have been more explicit at first, or wrote again about them: But amidst the Manifold Distresses, I had almost said Distractions, I am surrounded with, I know not what to say: I always imagined I had my full Share of the Troubles of Life, but all my former Life, till about 18 Months ago, has been but as Children’s Play to that which for some Time afflicts me: I have and do endeavour to put the best Side outwards, and to behave like a Man under it: Knowing that though the Potsherds of the Earth may Strive with the Potsherds thereof, yet Man is not to Strive with his Maker. Now the Hand of God is upon me, and has been so these 18 Months: Not one Thing is accompanied with even a common Blessing that I take in Hand, and the Sickness of my Family in that Time has never ceas’d: but all I get goes to the Doctor’s or for the Relief of them: I have had five at a Time down, and always one or another, I have three now, and have been so this 6 Weeks and more: My Daughter Jane is slowly mending: but my Son’s Wife and Daughter are both down. And my Son I believe to be no more: He had been taken last Winter, and continuing so poorly, was advised to go to Sea: Accordingly on the 2d of September last, he went in a small Schooner for North-Carolina, to see his Uncle, whom he had never seen: He was to return in 4 or 5 Weeks, we heard 4 Days after he went out, that he was worse, but we never heard one Syllable of either him or the Vessel afterwards, now 10 Weeks and more, and there has been much bad Weather. There is indeed a Possibility of his being alive, but very small Probability of it. I desire to submit my Will to the Will of Heaven: While all my People lays so sick, my Mind is too much overwhelmed to determine what to say or do: I was in Hopes such a long Course of Sickness would stop some Time: but it has not yet: I have received Good at the Hand of the Lord, and shall I not receive Evil! Indeed, tho’ I know I have too much of the fretful Temper you accuse me of, I have strove much to conquer it, and my constant Prayers are that Heaven would give me Wisdom to direct my Ways aright: However, I know it is easy for a Mind at Ease, to bear other’s Troubles, but like the Gout, it is easier to preach Patience to the Sufferer, than to practise it one’s self: Now amidst these Afflictions I do not desire to trouble you with my Sorrows tho’ I can’t help mentioning them: as they add Weight to the other common ill Run of Fortune or Luck, as it is called of which every Thing seems frowning and contrary: I have now been here above Six Months, in which Time have not had Five pounds worth of Work altogether, except an Almanack I did: which tho’ tis really better done and was a more noted One than some of the others: Nay, for years past Holt sold above 6000 of them, whilst the other Printers did as many as they do now, yet I have not sold one single Thousand yet whilst both Gaine and Weyman I am told are doing a second Impression of theirs, yet I have taken all proper Measures possible to publish mine, and there is more in them in Fact, than in theirs. I have not done one single Advertisement, tho’ I should ask no more than others: nor any other Job: The News papers I have printed now 4 Weeks, I have got but 26 Customers in this City and about 40 or 50 in the Jerseys, and other Parts: I don’t know that I behave worse than I use to do—nor do I take so much News from the others Papers, as they do from mine and I print them better than they do in general, and yet I can get none. Every Body will speak to me seemingly kindly enough, but if I ask any of my old Friends to take the Paper they either tell me, I had recommended them to Holt’s Paper, and they can’t leave him, or they are engaged to another Printer, and can’t leave that &c. Thus if there be Such a Thing as good or bad Fortune, I am sure of the last. Tho’ Holt and Weyman both keep close House they live better than I in many Cases; they can each drink a Glass of Wine, or somewhat like it, every Day, whereas I seldom see or taste a Glass oftener than once a Week, if then: This I do not regret: as it is all for the best perhaps at last: But amidst such a continued Run of the Displeasure of Heaven, is it a Wonder that I know not how to proceed. I have two ’Prentices and one Journeyman, but all the Money I get would not find them Victuals only, as every Necessary of Life is excessive dear in these Circumstances. I must necessarily go astern, which adds another Cross to all the rest. Now, if my Son be dead, as I think he is, and I am old and feeble I am at a Stand whether to get any New Letter or not, especially as I have no Prospect of Success. I have pretty good Letter at Woodbridge, but it is best to keep it there, to do such Jersey Work as may offer, which is generally more Profit in Proportion to the Work than any here. However, I can’t yet determine what to do: I have wrote you already in some of my former, something of my State here, and that tho’ I sue Holt, I fear he will elude all I can do, for I am not a Master in Chicanry to equal him.
I wrote you, that Lewis Jones had left me: I never went after him; but after he had been gone a Day or two, he got foul of an Humble-Pie, and wrote me a Note that he would return, if I would forgive him, so I answered I would take No Notice of his Slip: and he thereupon returned to Work again and I have never had no Words with him about it: tho’ indeed, I should not much have regretted his Loss: for the continual Misfortunes I have met with had quite absorb’d the Thoughts of any Loss by him. I could mention many other Losses of another Kind, but they are nothing to what I feel in general, and may be only called the common Afflictions of Life: And yet tho’ I am so severely corrected by Heaven, my Hope is in God, who will still mix Mercy with his Judgments.
As to any other Matters, your Friends doubtless write you the needful. Only H. Hughes, who is the Son of Liberty, as he calls himself, is very much displeased both with his Brother and you: He keeps close yet, and I visit him now-and-then; but we generally have some political Battles about you and his Brother, as I have in all I can defended you both: Hugh says your Examination is all a designed and premeditated Thing between you, and Mr. Grenville, &c. he being fully of the Mind you were a Friend to the Stamp &c.—Maugre all I can say to the contrary: But I observe, those who have little or nothing to lose, are the greatest Sons of Liberty: Holt, who is grown so elate and popular, by his Appearance against the Act, had Nothing to lose: for had he suffered for it, I should have Suffered the Loss of my Tools &c. whilst he got the Credit of it: He was really sorry, that the Act was repealed, because he was in Hopes it would have been attempted to be inforced, and he wanted to fish in troubled Waters, for he could not be worsted.
I told you, I think I cut a very insignificant or insipid Figure, in the Post-Office here; not knowing one Thing more easier to do here than at Woodbridge, unless it be spending the Wages I may get, and that can be done with vastly more Facility than there: If any Thing is needful or necessary for me to do in it here, other than there, shall wish to know it. About the other Office I wrote before, and if any Allowance according to what I before mentioned can be allowed, it would greatly help me to pay my Doctor’s Charges.
The Quebeck Post-Offices yield a pretty considerable Sum to the Revenue—at least more by far than was expected, and I believe will in all Canada, equal either New-York or Philadelphia, in net Proceeds.
A Merchant Ship sailing soon for London, shall send my News papers with that: Mean while, yet refer you to my last per the Britannia Merchantman, Capt. Jefferies, who sailed about a Week ago, for sundry Matters, and with all our Respects &c remain Your most obliged Servant
James Parker.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 11 November 1766
From:
To:

My Dear Friend.
Philada. Nov 11 1766
My last was on the 24th. Ult. since which I received thy kind Favour of the 13th. Sep. for which I thank thee. And rejoice to find the Tour thou took into Germany, proved servicable to thee; and restored the Health of One, whom many look upon, as the great Instrument in saving both our Mother-Country and this Continent from Ruin.
The kind sentiments, thou expresses relative to my little Babe, have closely affected its Parents.
Immediately on receiving thy Letter, I communicated thy Sentiments to our Friend, G. Ashbridge, which afforded him real Pleasure.
I return thee my thanks for thy kind Intentions of writing to Springet Penn: I know, that, Edward Penington is his Agent; but he hath no power to sell.
It will give me particular Pleasure to receive from thee, the Police of Amsterdam: And it must afford every true Lover of Mankind real satisfaction to find, that so large and populous a City, is govern’d, with such order, that it does not become necessary to make a Capital-Execution in 7 years! We are in great Hopes, that, the Work-House now erecting will greatly contribute to restore the Manners, and rectify the Lives of many dissolute Persons; as well as Implant in the Minds of the rising Youth, the Habit of Frugality and Industry. Our present Building is about 600 Feet in length by 44 in depth, and forms a hollow Square, with a Piaza all the way in Front, looking into the Yard.

It gives us great Pleasure, that, thou approves the Illinois Scheme; and altho’ it was at that time thought it might be prudent to take in two Persons, such as thou should approve of, yet I conceive it will by no means be disagreable to our Company should thou enlarge the Number, if a proportionable number of Acres be granted.
Our Governor, a few days past received a new Commission, which, I understand vests him with that power for three Years longer.
The Bearer hereof, John Morton, being on a visit to his aged Parents, has requested the pleasure of delivering this Letter to thee, in order that he may see a Person, whom he much respects. He is a Man of a fair Character, and one who has contributed to the Freedom of this City.

Our friend, Ross is in the Country, shall not fail of informing him of thy kind Sentiments—as soon as I have the pleasure of seeing him.
Our Friend, Galloway sent thee by the Packet, (which sailed a few days past) the Resolves of our Assembly and their Instructions relative to the Change of Government; and as he has informed thee of the additional Clause shall not trouble thee with my Sentiments.
I find by a N’York-Paper of the 10th. Inst., that, its possitively asserted, that Governor Moore has received Instructions from London to assent to Bills, which may be offered by the Assembly for the Emission of Paper-Currency.
We are informed that, Sir. Wm. Johnson has had a Treaty with Pondiac and a great number of Southern-Indians, at Oswego; and that he has settled Matters to their Satisfaction.
I know of nothing particularly new among us at this time; Therefore conclude with informing thee, that my Father desires his sincere Respects may be paid thee, and be pleased to accept the same from Thy real Friend
Tho Wharton
To Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 13 November 1766
From:
To:

  (Remainder of my letter dated November 13, [1766])
Mr. Sherwood was not removed for any offence he had given, but by the Management of the East Jersey Proprietors in the Council, who have long wanted to have the Agent they employ appointed Provincial Agent. They took Advantage of Sherwood’s Letters about the Stamp Act, which were very short and trivial, and produced some of Mr. Wilmot’s which were full and sensible. Then the Speaker, who is in the Proprietary Interest, proposed him for Agent, which the House acquiesc’d in, without any Opposition, not knowing he was the Proprietary Agent. But since they have discovered who he is, they are, I am told, much displeasd, (as it is a Thing they have always been determin’d against) and are resolved to leave him out next year, in revenge for the Trick that has been play’d them. If so, perhaps they may appoint Sherwood again, who has behaved very complaisantly on his Dismission, tho’ they are far from thinking him properly qualified. He is to be sure no ways equal to the other in Point of Abilities, tho’ he is more equal to the Pimping Salary they allow. It is only £100 Currency, and £30 Sterling for Petty Expences. If you know of any Person of Credit that would accept of that Allowance, who is capable of doing the Duty, I believe I could manage to obtain the Office for him, if you acquaint me in Time. I am told that Mr. Wilmot’s Reason for accepting of it is not only to serve the East Jersey Proprietors but as it will give him some Consideration with the Ministry.
It is now generally said to be Debert, and not Ray, who wrote that scandalous Aspersion of the Agents, printed in the New-York, and other Papers.

I really think it not at all unlikely that Mr. Allen is in some Degree out of his Senses. Upon finding that, Williamson’s Essay publish’d in Bradford’s Supplement did not take with the People, he cried out against it in the House as much as any Body. And yet at the last Session, when the Assembly were about appointing their Agents, he made that very Piece the Foundation of a great deal of Abuse he threw out against you, and spoke from it as if it had been his Brief.
I have heard nothing further about Mr. Skinner, but perhaps I may now the Duke of Grafton is again in the Ministry.
I Long to have your Copy of the Examination.
Our Friends have been a considerable Time greatly disgusted with Mr. Hall, but his late Conduct to Mr. Galloway has determin’d them to throw him off entirely. I have been above a Year fully convinced that he had a greater Attachment to Mr. Allen than to you; and as he treated me very insolently in a Letter he wrote to me on a Supposition that I was the Author of Jack Retort I have eversince dropt all kind of Intercourse with him. I wrote you a Letter at the Time, with a full Account of the whole Affair, but as I thought it would not be long before you return’d I did not send it, thinking it best not to trouble you till your Return when you would have an opportunity of hearing both Sides and enquiring into the Truth of the Accusations against him. I really had a Friendship for Mr. Hall and have frequently endeavor’d to remove the Prejudices our Friends had conceived against him; but I am now quite satisfied that he has no Friendship for you, and is as great an Enemy to your Side of the Question as ever Smith was. All the Difference is that Smith is so openly, and the other [cov]ertly—a meer Snake in the Grass. The Consequence is that your Friends (who would have set up a Press above a year ago, but that they did not know but you might chuse to be concern’d in the Printing Business on your Return) have at length engaged one Goddard, who served his Apprenticeship with Mr. Parker, to set up a Printing Office in Philadelphia and publish a News Paper. Mr. Galloway, and Mr. Thos. Wharton for his Encouragement, have entered into Partnership with him and have agreed to advance what Money may be necessary. But as their Motive for doing this is not merely for the Sake of Profit, but principally to have a Press henceforth as open and safe to them, as Hall’s and Bradford’s are to the other Party, they have put it into their Agreement as I understand, that when you return you shall have it in your Power to be concern’d, if you Chuse it, in the Place of one of them. The young Man has brought several good Founts of Letter with him, but his Press he was obliged to leave with his Mother who carries on the Business at Providence. They therefore desired me to ask my Mother to lend them the old Press which Parker used here, and they would either buy it of you, or pay you what you thought reasonable for the Hire. My Mother told me she had no Objection to my letting them have it, but she did not chuse to do it of herself lest Mr. Hall might be displeased with her for it. At the same Time she said that she should be glad that the Printer would take the old House in which it was, as it stood empty and has not brought in any Rent for a great while. I accordingly let them have the Press, and they have agreed with my Mother to take your old House in Market Street. There is a new Mahogany Press there, which they seem desirous to purchase if you incline to part with it, but I suppose they will write to you on the Subject. What I have done is for the best, and I hope it will prove agreeable to you. There is, indeed, really a Necesity for their having a Press of their own, while their publick Affairs continue in their present critical Situation for it is with great Difficulty they can get Hall, or Bradford to consent to print any Thing for them, and when they do some of the Proprietary Party are sure to have it communicated to them before it is publish’d. Hugh Roberts, and many more of your old Friends, have determined to encourage the new Printer all in their Power, and to go about the several Wards to get Subscriptions to the News-paper. The Members of Assembly will do the same in their respective Counties, and let him have all the Publick Work. So that I am in hopes that by the Time you return they will lay the Foundation of a very valuable Business, worth your while to be concern’d in, if you should think it proper or convenient. But I am likewise in hopes that when you do return you will have something far better worth your Acceptance than that can possibly be made. However, as all Things in this Life are uncertain, it may not perhaps be amiss for you to have it in your Power to engage in this Affair. I am, Honoured Sir Your dutiful Son
Wm: Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Gale, 15 November 1766
From:
To:

Dear Sir
Killingworth 15th N[ovember 1766]
Had I been apprized of your Crossing [torn] a Second time in the Service of your Country [torn; Exp]erience of past favours, and the well known [torn] temper of your Mind, I should almost have been [torn] to have Asked the favour of you, to have recom[mended] me to the notice of some Gentleman of Charecter eminent in the practice of Phisick in London, with whom You may have contracted an Acquaintance, Although I may not Flatter my self, that either the natural powers of my mind, or the advantages we enjoy in America, to obtain medical Knowledge, entitule me to the honour of such a corrispondence, yet I doubt not there are persons in Brittain as well as America, who take pleasure in rendring services to Mankind, and estimate the pleasure resulting from such kind and benevolent services, abundant satisfaction even where there is not the least prospect of returns.
But I should not at this time have diverted You, either from the Interesting and important affairs in which you are engag’d for your Country, or even presum’d to disengage you one moment from your Freind, or the many amusements of the Town, had I not been greatly Concerned for a very Valuable patient, which I have long had under my care, labouring under a dropsey, which mended a [torn], when she first put herself under my Care [torn] to be a genuine Ascites, but since [I have] been convinc’d it is a dropsey of the ovaries, by [torn] prescriptions she Hath recovered a good Appetite, and [torn] great freedom from many Complaints incident to [such] disorders, but retains her Size, the waters not being [drawn] off, either by Hydragogue Cathartics, or Diureticks.
Having lately seen in a Magazine an Account of the Effects of the Meadow Saffron, or the Colichicum Linnaei foliis planis lanceolatis erectis by Dr. Storke, Physian to the Empress Queen, and that the same had been successfully usd in one of the Hospitals in London, And as I have heard You Say, if I do not misremember, You had the pleasure of An Acquaintance with Dr. Pringle of London, I should esteem it as a very great Favour if You would be pleasd to request that Gentlemans Opinion of that Medicine, and whether it has ever been us’d in either of the Hospitals in London, and with what Success. From Long Acquaintance with Dr. Elliots Practice in the Dropsey, as well as in my own, I have never as Yet been Able to discover any one certain diuretic medicine, and should be glad to find, that even the most Deleterious poyson should have so Salutary Effect, in so deplorable a Disease. I must confess as Dr. Storke seems to lay great Stress on the most deleterious poysons for the recovery of Health, I fear there is more of Enthusiasm than reality in such prescriptions, however it must with truth be confessd, that the most powerfull Medicines, if given in undue quantities Act as poysons—if any Encouragement can be given of its success, either in the Hospitals, or by Practitioners in London, if it can be had in London and You would be pleas’d to forward me a Quantity sufficient for a full tryal in this Case, to Mr. Colden, I should gratefully Acknowledge the Favour, and most gladly pay any Expence how greatsoever it may be.

December 26 1766
Since transmitting my Dissertation to Dr. Huxham on the Subject of Inoculation, with some Historical Memoirs, which You did me the Honour to read, I have heard nothing from him, till Reading the Gentlemans Magazine for August Last, in the List of Books published in London, I found these Words, “It appears on the Authority of Dr. Huxham that Dr. Benjamin Gale of Connecticut in N England, since he has given Mercury and Antimony in preparing persons for Inoculation, has Lost only one patient out of 800 Inoculated whereas before he gave this Medicine, he usually lost one out of 100.”  By this it Appears Dr. Huxham had published, or made mention, of those Accounts which I transmitted to him, which the remarker suppos’d was the result of my own practice, while I only deduced the General ratio of Mortality in Mercurial, and Unmercurial Inoculation, from the practices of others, particularly in the Town of Boston ad 1720, 1752, and 1764, but as it now Appears from the Magazines, it must set me in a Disadvantageous light, [illegible] in the Colony of Connecticut, where it is well known I did not Inoculate more than 70 or 80 persons, before the practice was Interdicted by the Legislature of the Colony, wherefore I have wrote Dr. Huxham on that Subject, and presum’d to Inclose it to You, for a more safe Conveyance which I hope You will the more easily pardon, as it is with me an Interesting point, as my veracity may thereby be Calld into Question, requesting him to Set that matter in its just and true light, in the Next Magazine, your Favour herein will be most gratefully Acknowledged by Sir Your Most Oblidged Most Obedient Humble Servant
Benja Gale

  P.S. I have Inclosd the Letter to Dr. Huxham Unseald which please to read, if it Contains any thing that may offend, You will please to Suppress it. I hope You with Mr. Johnson will Concert some measures, to Extricate me from the disadvantages I lye under with regard to that Mistake which greatly troubles me which will in some measure I hope plead my Excuse for the Trouble It gives my freinds. Ut Sup.
B G
To Dr B. Franklin Esqr

Endorsed: Dr Gale Nov. 15. 66


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 20 November 1766
From:
To:

Dear Sir
Westrop. Novr. 20. 66
I am scarce forgiven by Lady Fawkener for not bringing you down with me to this place. She bids me say that she had flattered her with the hopes of seing you here. I have told her of your promise to come at Xmass and if you don’t keep your word I shall be ruined.
You was so good to say that you would forward the enclosed for me. Pray be so good you will much oblige me. I have not a frank and all our neighbours who belong to the house are out of the Way so that I have not a frank. I am ashamed to putt you to the Expence of a packet but do not know how to avoid it. I am Sir Your Obliged and Obedient Servant
T Pownall


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, 22 November 1766
From:
To:

[Torn] Sir
Westbury Nov: 22 1766
I rived hear Thursday Night at Ten a Clock alramd [alarmed] all the wilage Mrs. Moriss gone to Bead but got up. I cant express her Joy. I thought it wod have bin to much for her. It is a misrabl being for cold and hard Lod[g]ing. But Poor Mrs. Walker is every kind and car[e]full to keep me warm and gete me all the good [torn] she cane but how I am to geet to Luterworth I dont know they say it is near forty miles cross the Country. I beg you will wright to me by the return of the Post How you goe onn. I am goin to make Passtye and Bread for thay have one Overn and one Chimble. Saly is very well and Mrs. Moriss Mr. Walke &ct. He I think is Industrys at his work Boord and She too but its a Poor Plass to geat Bread for them Selfe and three Childen and Provition dear[er] than in London expect Butter. I live as Chipe as Possable. No Tea for what thay have I cant Drink but I get milk. The Passon [Parson] has bin to visit me and offers his vine and Sent a Math [Mat] to lay under my feat, the Sqres [Squire’s] Lady has sent for me so, my Dear Sir I am your verry humble Searvant
Margt Stevenson

Mrs. Morris and Walker &c. &c. Send thear Duty the talkeing of you fills up the time that I am rely hapey. Pray Dear Sir send a Carid [Card] that Ingravaed about the Colnies.

Addressed: To / Docter Benn: Franklin / In Craven Street / London
Endorsed: Mrs Stevenson from Westbury Nov. 66


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Associates of Dr. Bray, [4 December? 1766]
From:
To:

Sir,
Associates Office, 17 66
The Associates of Dr. Bray, for establishing Parochial Libraries, and instructing the Negroes in the British Plantations, meet on Thursday the 4 Day of December at Ten o’Clock, at their Office at the Angel and Bible, in Ave-Mary Lane.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin Near / The Strand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [John] Blair, 8 December 1766
From:
To:

Monday Decr 8th [1766]
Dr. Blair presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and has used the freedom of sending his Servant for a small parcell of the Pine Tops which he was so obliging as to say he would give him.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1766
From:
To:

My dear Child,
London, Dec. 13. 1766
Since my last I have received your kind Letters of Sept. 28. and Oct. 4. I wonder you had not heard of my Return from Germany, as I wrote by the August Packet, and by a Ship from Holland just as I was coming over.
It is not amiss that the Reverend Doctor refused that Privilege. We shall not want it. And it will be a good Reason for us to refuse him Conveniencies that incommode us. Only that his present Tenant is our good Friend Thomson, we might well object to their Back Gate opening thro’ our Lot. Allison will in time want to cut off the Tail of his Lot to build on, and to have a Passage to the Street thro’ ours: We may then remember his Civility. Now if he should change his mind and offer the Drain, I charge you not to accept of it.
Let me ask you once more if you have paid off Mr. Siddons, and got the Deeds recorded? I have several times asked this Question, and received no Answer.

I want also to know what Money you receiv’d of Brother Peter on Account of the Post Office. Pray send me the Account directly, without delay. It is necessary for me to settle rightly here the Post Office Accounts.
I have fix’d in my Mind, God willing, to return homewards in [torn]. But yet as something may happen to [detain me?] somewhat longer, I would have you continue [wr]iting as if I were to continue here. Let me know how your Tenants pay, and what Rents you receive? Whether the Wall is equally carry’d up on both sides your Ground? Whether you have insur’d the House? Whether any Use is made of the House Mrs. Broughton liv’d in? &c.
My Love to our Children and Relations, to Mr. Hughes and all Friends. I am, ever, Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 13 December 1766
From:
To:

Dear Friend,
London, Dec. 13. 1766
I congratulate you cordially on the News I see with much Pleasure in the Papers, that you are chosen Speaker of the Assembly. I foresee great Good to our Country from your being in that Station, as I know you will fill it ably and worthily.
It is long since I have heard from you; not a Line of later Date than Sept. 22. not a Word since the Election, or the Sitting of the Assembly. I wrote to you per the last Packet, and have little to add; for, ever since, there has been a Ferment at Court; every Day producing Changes or Resignations, or expected Changes; so that little else has been attended to, except the Corn Affair in Parliament, and the Act of Indemnity for those that advised the Embargo on Provisions, and acted under it. We have however got the Act thorough [through] for amending the Act of last Year, relating to the Trade to Ireland, &c. which was complain’d of in a Letter from the Committee. It is agreed to by the Lords, and will receive the Assent. Mr. Jackson intends to write if he has time, and will I suppose be more particular: But I expect to get a Copy of the Act on Monday, which I hope will not be too late for the Packet.
Lord Hillsborough is now gone from the Board of Trade to the Post-Office, and Mr. Nugent succeeds him at the Head of that Board. I know not how he will prove, whether a Friend or otherwise to America. He was indeed against us in the Affair of the Repeal: But here Men often alter. One Comfort is, that if he proves an Enemy, the Board has not the Power or Influence it had, being reduc’d to a meer Board of Reference, proposing or moving nothing of itself. I call it a Comfort, because America has rarely, for many Years past, had a Friend among them. The Standing Secretary seems to have a strong Bias against us, and to infect them one after another as they come to it. But I hear he is about to quit.
Mr. Jackson and myself, hoping since the late Changes, that the Ministry will now continue for a while, are using our best Endeavours to obtain a Repeal of the Act restraining the Emission of American Paper Money of legal Tender, which will come under Consideration after the Holidays; and also our other main Point, making all the Impressions possible wherever we can be heard, preparatory to reviving the Petition: For tho’ we have heard nothing from you or the Committee, we conclude from the Elections, and your being Speaker, that the Assembly tho’ a new one, continues of the same Mind with their Predecessors. With great and sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately
B Franklin
 Joseph Galloway Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1766
From:
To:

December the 13 1766
[First part missing] the Profile is Cume Safe and is the thing as everey one ses that has seen it I am verey much obliged to you for it everey bodey knows it that has seen it. As to the Candil sticks and Corke Screw thay will doe when you return in the Spring. Be So good as to give my love to Mrs. Stephenson and her Dafter tell me is Polley is a going to be marreyed. I think you sed sum such thing sum time a go. When Shee dus I hope it will be to one that will deserve her. It Semes a dought with me wather Salley writes by this Ship as shee is setting for her Pickter for her Brother Shee is to be playing on the Armonekey. The vesill is gon down so I muste seel this all thow I have not got aresete [a receipt] for the things. I am your a feckshonet wife
D Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 15 December 1766
From:
To:

My dear Child
London, Dec. 15: 1766
I omitted one thing in my Letter of Saturday, which I intended to mention, viz. to desire you to send me three or four young Trees of the Newtown Pippin kind, or else a few Cuttings for Grafts solder’d up in a Tin Tube to keep them from drying. Mr. Bartram or Mr. Roberts will be good enough to tell you which is best, and also the best time to send them. They are for a very good Friend here, whom I would fain oblige. I am, Your affectionate Husband [Love] to Sally
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / Via New York / per Packet. / B Free Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 15 December 1766
From:
To:

Honoured Sir
Nyork, Dec. 15. 1766
Not having received any more than one Letter from you since last May: and the Packet expected this Month not arrived, while this Opportunity offering by a Merchant-man, I take the Liberty to scribble again to you, especially as I this Post have News from Mr. Foxcroft that you consent to allow me £20, per Annum more, for which I return you my Sincere and hearty Thanks assuring you I will always endeavour to have grateful Thoughts: and I hope the Honourable Board, who has Cognizance thereof will allow it, especially if the Additional Trouble and Benefit of the three Canada Offices only be taken into Consideration, which of themselves yield to the Revenue above £500 per An. clear of all Charges to the Revenue, and are a considerable Addition to my Trouble, not to mention 6 or 8 other new Offices more than were before. The Quebeck Post-Master has hitherto sent Bills on this City, generally to the Officers of the Army, the receiving of which gives me no small Trouble, as it will not do to quarrel with those Genttry, who are not the most punctual or honourable People in the World; at least I find them so: In getting the Pay of one £60, upon one of them, I spent as much Time and Shoe-Leather, as I might have earn’d 40s. at Journeyman’s Wages only: I don’t say this, as begrudging my Trouble, but as a Truth, that might induce the Board to think the additional Allowance not inadequate. However, between that and the Custom-House Office, I find pretty full Employ; as they oblige the Waiters now to a constant and continual Duty, and me in particular. But I have wrote you already about that.
You see I have began a News-paper, and continue it yet without the least appearance of Success, I have yet, but a bare exact 30 Subscribers in this City; and about 60 more in all in the various Parts of the Country, I believe in all that I may hope for Pay near 100; I endeavour after Success, but tis not in my Power to command it: I sent you some of my Papers and now send you a few more, with one of my small Almanacks for your Observation on the following Account.
My Letter, by this Almanack, tho’ I did my best: you will see is quite gone: Mr. Holt’s Hands abused it as much as used it: both Pica, Long-Primer and Brevier are quite fit only for Old Letter: This Year I printed 3000 Almanacks only, and have the Luck not to sell one Half of them: tho’ Holt for Years past, and when I printed before, did 6000, and we never had many left on our Hands, yet I think mine is as good and as much in it as any of theirs. Now, when I was first set up I got as much Money always as enabled me to get new Letters when the Old were gone, but now tho’ I have had new twice before of some Sorts, I am left unable to purchase new: The Money that I should have had of Weyman and Holt to purchase me new Letter with, they took to purchase themselves new with. As to Weyman, tho’ he continues in this Goverments’s Service, I am assured he owes but every Body that would trust him, and that he keeps close; that Writs are out for him. I have had Writs out for Holt, these 3 Months or more, but he keeps close, and can’t be taken, yet he drives on Business somehow, and gets more News for his Paper, in his Chamber, than I can do by Scouring the Docks and trying every Vessel: So much is our Fortune’s different, I get no other Work, and yet I do not think that I am worse looked on than I was formerly, or behave worse: Nay I really try to behave as much better as possibly I can. And I want Nothing of Holt, but a Settlement, and reasonable Security: but I can not get him to any Thing: not even the Affair of Hamilton & Bellfour, which I suppose I shall be troubled about. I wrote you before something about Col. Hunter, who ought to see my first Affairs settled according to his Bond to me; tho’ Holt has used him in my Opinion as base as he has me, only Col. Hunter is far more able to bear it than I am, and his is but a two Years Matter, whilst mine is a ten Year’s Affair. If Holt could live with that Business, and I have starved upon it, whilst I had some other I leave any Man to judge what I must suffer by it, when I ought to have had Half.
As to Benny Mecom, he and I have had abundance of Altercations in Letters; he promises fair, but performs but little. I threaten to displace him and sue him: He says he will try to pay it, but if I sue him, he must go to Goal, and that will pay none: He pays one Rider pretty tollerably now and the Ballance over that is not much yearly, yet if left unpaid, it runs up: The Affair with Holt there not being yet determined, he has paid Holt no Rent, and I am told Holt threatens to distrain on him: How that will be, I don’t know, but I am really at a Loss on all sides, If he does not pay this Winter, I believe we must try to put in another Post-Master at least, tho’ I was in Hopes Holt’s Matter would have been terminated this Fall, and then I could have taken some Measures about it. Those Materials will be worn out, without my getting any Pay for them: for I will truly affirm, that I have never received one Quarter of the Money in the Whole from that Office, which I paid you for it, exclusive of all my Labour and Fatigue with it: But this is my Luck.
The Hand of God lays heavy on me, and he will remove it in his due Time: I imagine myself as one Strugling with Adversity: and I will not be cast down: but if I perish I will perish with Strugling thro’ it.
I told you about my Son: He returned alive, and much recovered of his Sickness three Days ago: but has made a Flemish Voyage as we say: His Behaviour has not been as good abroad as it should have been: He had about £30 in Money and Effects with him; has been gone three Months and ten Days, spent all he had, and came home in Debt for his Passage: I thank God it is no worse, But this is my Luck still: I will still strive: for who knows, but the Tide may Turn one Time or other.
Inclosed is An Account of what Quantity of Letter I would be glad of, if you would answer it to Caslon; I will pay you Interest for it, from the Day you pay it, thankfully. I would send for Brevier, but I durst not venture it yet: I am really more behind-hand than ever I was, but I have yet Hopes, almost against Hope itself.
Thus have I told you all that occurs at present. You will excuse the bad writing, when I tell you, it is pretty cold, and I much to write various Ways oblige me to write as fast as I possibly can. Hope to write again by the Packet which is momentarily expected: Mean while, all our humble Salutations are sent from Your obliged Humble Old Servant
James Parker

Dec. 16. 1766
Just after Sealing this, News of the Packet arrived: This Morning, I got your of Octob. 11. I shall answer it by the Packet, who I suppose will sail in a very few Days.
J.P.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 15 December 1766
From:
To:

Dear Sir
Newington-Green, Dec: 15th: 1766
I received the inclosed letter from Dr. Priestly last Saturday night. I know nothing of the list of books on Electricity mentioned in it. I believe it was not in your letter to him, which pass’d thro my hands. He is in a hurry for it, and if you have it he will be much oblig’d to you for Sending it him, or conveying it to me that I may Send it to him. I am Sorry I [torn] the pleasure of meeting you at St. Paul’s Coffee: house. I was confined by the toothach and a Swell’d face. I hope nothing will deprive me of this pleasure next thursday night. I am, Dear Sir, with great regard, Your oblig’d humble Servant
Richd: Price

Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / at Mrs Stephenson’s / Craven-Street / Strand
Endorsed: Scroog


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel] Potts, 19 December 1766
From:
To:

Genl. Post Office 19 Decr 1766
Mr. Potts presents his Compliments to Mr. Francklin and Dsires the favour of his Company to Dine on a Doe of the Postmaster Generals at the Kings Arms Tavern in Cornhill on Monday next at 3 OClock in Afternoon.

Addressed: To / Benjamin Francklin Esqr / Craven Street / Strand


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush and Jonathan Potts, 20 December 1766
From:
To:

Gentlemen,
London, Dec. 20. 1766.
With this I send you Letters for several of my Friends at Edinburgh. It will be a Pleasure to me if they prove of Use to you.
But you will be your own best Friends, if you apply diligently to your Studies, refraining from all idle useless Amusements that are apt to lessen or withdraw the Attention from your main Business. This from the Characters you bear in the Letters you brought me, I am persuaded you will do. Letters of Recommendation may serve a Stranger for a Day or two, but where he is to reside for Years, he must depend on his own Conduct, which will either increase or totally destroy the Effect of such Letters. I take the Freedom therefore of counselling you to be very circumspect and regular in your Behaviour at Edinburgh, (where the People are very shrewd and observing) that so you may bring from thence as good a Character as you carry thither, and in that respect not be inferior to any American that has been there before you. You have great Advantages in going to study at Edinburgh at this Time, where there happens to be collected a Set of as truly great Men Professors of the several Branches of Knowledge, as have ever appeared in any Age or Country. I recommend one thing particularly to you, that besides the Study of Medecine, you endeavour to obtain a thorough Knowledge of Natural Philosophy in general. You will from thence draw great Aids in judging well both of Diseases and Remedies; and avoid many Errors. I mention this, because I have observed that a number of Physicians, here as well as in America, are miserably deficient in it. I wish you all Happiness and Success in your Undertakings, And remain, Your Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. As the Packet would have been too large if all the Letters had been under one Cover, I have directed some of them under Cover to Mr. Potts.
Messrs. Rush and Potts


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Cullen, 20 December 1766
From:
To:

Sir,
[December 20, 1766]
I beg Leave to recommend to your favourable Notice two young Gentlemen the Bearers of this Letter, Messrs. Rush and Potts Sons of my Friends in Philadelphia. They are at Edinburgh to improve themselves in the Study of Physic, and from the Character they bear of Ingenuity, Industry and good Morals, I am persuaded they will improve greatly under your learned Lectures, and do Honour to your medical School. With the highest Esteem, I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Dr. Cullen


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 20 December 1766
From:
To:

Dear Sir,
[December 20, 1766]
I am heartily glad that the Information procur’d from my Son, affords any Satisfaction to your Friend Mr. Swinton.
I beg Leave to recommend to your Countenance and Protection the Bearers of this Letter, Mr. Rush and Mr. Potts, Sons of my Friends in Philadelphia, who come to study in your Medical School. They are strongly recommended to me by many of my Acquaintance, as young Gentlemen of Ingenuity, Application, and excellent Morals; and I trust will do Honour to their Instructors. Your Advice as to the Manner of prosecuting their Studies, and sage Counsels as to their Conduct in other respects, must be of great Service to them if you favour them therewith, and will highly oblige Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B F

Please to make My respectful Compliments acceptable to Lady Dick, and the rest of your amiable Family.
Sir Alexr Dick


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [William Robertson], 20 December 1766
From:
To:

Reverend and dear Sir
[December 20, 1766]
The young Gentlemen who will have the Honour of presenting you this Letter are Mr. Potts and Mr. Rush, drawn to Edinburgh by the Fame your Medical School has so justly acquired; intending there to accomplishing them selves there in the Study of Physic. They are recommended to me in the fullest and strongest Manner, by a Number of my Acquaintance in Philadelphia; and are besides Sons of my particular Friends. I beg leave therefore to recommend them to your Countenance and Protection, and request that you would be so kind as to favour them with your good Advice, and wise Counsels, which must be of great Service to them, and will highly oblige, Dear Sir, Your most


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Andrew] Cheap and from Mr. and Mrs. [Israel] Wilkes, 23 December 1766
From:
To:

These two invitations are printed together because they are written on the same sheet of paper, though in different hands, and clearly relate to each other. They were certainly written on the same day. Though December 23 fell on a Thursday in 1760 as well as in 1766, this paper and its contents are assigned to the latter year because the people mentioned seem to have been friends of Franklin’s second mission rather than his first.

Woodstock Street, near New Bond Street.[December 23, 1766]
Mr. Cheap’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin. He is afraid that he has been deprived of the Honour of his Company to Dinner by his not knowing the Situation of Woodstock Street. He therefore presumes to desire he will be so good as [to] spend the Evening with Mr. and Mrs. Barrows and some more of his Friends.

Tuesday 23d Decr. [1766]
For fear Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes should not have the pleasure of seeing Dr. Franklin this Evening in Woodstock Street, they take this Opportunity of begging the favour of his Company on Thursday next at four in Red Lyon Square to eat his Christmas dinner there with Mr. and Mrs. Barrow and Cheap.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [William Franklin], [December 1766]
From:
To:

[December 1766]
[Top part of first surviving sheet is missing.] Side the Water. But, if we [torn] late Publications in Virginia [torn] still remains a considerable Spirit [torn] and Opposition. They have been told, and [torn] must know, that tho’ the Parliament have solemnly [dec]lar’d their Right to tax America, they do not mean to exercise it in future: Our pretended Patriots however are not satisfied that the Claim should lie dormant, but seem determin’d to oblige the Parliament to renounce it, or else to occasion fresh Disturbances. For this purpose, they are taking Pains to get the Assemblies to remonstrate against it, and to pass a Bill of Rights in Opposition to that of Parliament. Some are led to this Conduct in hopes of distinguishing themselves as the Friends of their Country, others with a View of promoting their Popularity and thereby securing their Elections, others out of a mere Propensity to Mischief, and others again in [top part of verso page missing] for a Dispute with [torn] among them, who have any [torn] fail to push him on Points [torn] cannot well avoid disputing, if [torn] with his Duty. I was therefore very sorry [torn] Letter from Mr. Deberdt to the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay [torn] in the Papers, in which he mentions a Conversation with Lord S. nearly similar to that you had with him.
Many of our Friends were under a good deal of Apprehensions lest Lord S. should have a Partiality for the Proprietor on Account of the Family Connection. But I have made them very happy by acquainting them with the Sentiments his Lordship express’d to you on the Occasion. Most certainly Mr. Penn had better part with his Government if he inclines that either himself or his Posterity should be able to avoid having troublesome Contentions with the Inhabitants. Matters are now carried too far, and the [end of first surviving sheet.]
[Top part of second surviving sheet is missing.] Lordship’s Dislike to you [torn] to the latter) has lately said that [torn] how it happens, but so it is, that [torn] the Ear of Lord S. and that you are full as [torn] respected by him as ever you were by any of his [pr]edecessors in Office: For his Part, he don’t know but a Change of Government may take place some Time or other, but that the Proprietor had lately assur’d him that if he did dispose of it to the Crown, he would take Care of all his Friends there, and make it a Condition that his Nephew John Penn should have the Government during his Life, so that none of those who push’d for the Change would probably be the better for it, if it should happen.” This Alteration in Mr. Allen’s Tone, added to what Lord S. said to you, makes our Friends incline to think that the Proprietor has serious Thoughts of parting with his Government and that it may be owing in some Measure to his Lordship’s Advice [top part of verso page missing] be one there let who [torn] as Numbers of People un [torn] have an Idea of the Value of [torn] [con]tinually resorting there from all [torn] The Question therefore is, Whether it would [torn] eligible on all Accounts to have a well regu[lated?] Government established there at once, than to [wait?] till it is become the Residence of a numerous and lawless Banditti? Besides the Garrison which is now at Fort Chartres to keep Possession of that Country are oblig’d to depend on the French Inhabitants for their Provisions, who (as appears by a Journal which I have seen of an Officer just return’d from thence) only supply them from Hand to Mouth, that they may have it in their Power when they see convenient to starve them. This has occasion’d the General to send them a Quantity, last Summer, all the Way from Fort Pitt. But [end of second surviving sheet.]


Title: Passages for Priestley’s History of Electricity, [1766]
From:
To:

As other documents in this volume show, Franklin was one of several friends who read sections of Joseph Priestley’s History of Electricity while it was in preparation during 1766, offered information and suggestions, and on occasion submitted revised or expanded phraseology at various points. Among Franklin’s surviving papers are two sheets containing passages in his hand which appear largely unchanged in Priestley’s printed work. These papers contain cancellations and revisions themselves and are obviously drafts of suggested new or expanded phraseology that Franklin sent to Priestley and that the latter gratefully accepted, revised slightly, and then incorporated in the book.
The first passage appears in two parts in the History of Electricity. The first part of this passage, as far as the word “backwards,” forms a short paragraph near the bottom of page 50. The second part becomes a paragraph near the top of page 51. The second and somewhat longer passage occupies almost the whole of page 424. Notes are appended here to indicate the changes Priestley made in each of Franklin’s contributions.

[1766]
The Doctrine of two different Electricities produc’d by exciting different Substances and of their Effects on each other seems to have been dropt after Monsr. Dufay—and those Effects ascrib’d to other Causes; which is an Instance that Science sometimes goes backwards. Many Years after, Mr. Kinnersley, a Friend of Dr. Franklin’s, being at Boston in New England, made some Experiments which again show’d that Difference of Electricities. He communicated those Experiments to Dr. Franklin, who repeated and explain’d them. See Franklin’s Letters.

II
[1766]
It ought to be so on Dr. F.’s Principles. If one Side be rubbed by the Finger; it acquires from the Finger some of the Electric Fluid. This being spread on the Glass as far as the Rubbing extended, repels an equal Quantity of that contain’d in the other Side of the Glass, and drives it out on that Side, where it stands as an Atmosphere, and so both sides are found plus. If the unrubb’d Side were in Contact with a Conductor communicating with the Earth, the Electric Fluid would be carried away, and then that Side would be left apparently in the natural State. If the electric Fluid found on the unrubb’d Side was really part of that which had been communicated by and from the Finger, and so had actually perm[eated] the Glass, it might, when conducted away, be continually replac’d by fresh permeating Fluid communicated in the same Manner: But if the Effect is continually diminishing, while the suppos’d Cause repeated, continues the same, there seems reason to [doubt] the Relation between that Cause and the Effect. It appears difficult to conceive how Electric Fluid having pass’d thro’ a permeable Body, should make it more difficult for other Electric Fluid to follow, till at length none would pass thro’ at all.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [John] Hunter, [1766?]
From:
To:

Tuesday Noon [1766?]
Mr. Hunter intreats the favour of Docr. Franclin’s Company to Tea this Evening as Mr. H. is going to Bath to Morrow, and Wishes to see Mr. Franclin very much first.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Maddison, [1766–1773]6
From:
To:

[1766?–1773]
G. Maddison called to acquaint Dr. Franklin that the Packets for America do not go from the Gen. Post Office till Saturday night.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Osborne, [c. 1766]
From:
To:

[c. 1766]
Mr. Osborn’s Compliments to Dr. Francklin and If he writes to Dr. Fothergill that He woud be so kind as to recomend me to the Dr. to publish or purchase the Quakers bible and shoud be Oblidged If he woud Inform me what No. of Books might goe off in His part of the World. Mr. Bevan is my friend and will serve me.

Endorsed: Mr Osborne gave this to Mrs Stevenson when she was at Tunbridge and desired her to send the substance of it in better words to Dr Franklin. This way he is sure to have the substance.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [1766–1775]
From:
To:

Sat. Morning [1766–1775]
Sir J Pringle’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin and acquaints him that he now recollects that the gentleman from Geneva was not to call till 8 o’cl this evening and therefore begs that if Dr. F. is not engaged he would favour with his company, in order to gratify that learned gentleman.
Also, that Dr. F. would further oblige him by eating with him tomorrow his beef with a rice piloe [pilau, pilaf] after the Indian manner.

Addressed: Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, 1 January 1767
From: Heberden, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[January 1, 1767?]
Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on tuesday next (Jan. 6th.) at half an hour past three.
 Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François Willem de Monchy, 9 January 1767
From: Monchy, François Willem de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Rotterdm, the 9 Jan. 1767
I have spoken here with a man to make you a model of an Iceboat, but as it must be made in the proportion of an Inche, or perhaps less to a foot it will cost you about 10 Duc., that is between 4 and 5 guineas, and this is the reason why I ask you first if you will give so much for it, if you like it, I’ll take care it shall be made soon, and send it over directly.
In your kind letter you wrote me that the fire-Engine in York-buildings consumed 4 sh. worth of coals every hour, so it would be about £5 a day, that is £1750 a yaer, and in Dr. Disaguliers I find that the Fire-Engine at Griff don’t cost more than £150 a yaer and there fore I believe you have mistaken.
If you would be so good to answer this letter, and the questions I asked you in my first, you would do me a sensible pleasure.
When I was last in London I bought two microscopes for a Friend, of Mr. Benj. Martin in Fleet street, for which I paid him seventeen guineas. He was to send them to Ipswich before I left that place, but did not, and by the last letters from thence, I find the[y] are not yet there. Since my arrival I have wrote to Mr. Martin, Desiring him to send them to me here, but can get no answer. I should there for be obliged to you Sir, if, when you go that way you would be so kind to Speak to Mr. Martin about them and let me know what he says, as he does not care to do it him self, or if it be too much trouble for you to speak to him, be so good as to send your servant, tho a word from you would avail most.
I beg pardon for the trouble, and with my Fathers Compliments to your self, sir John Pringle, and Dr. Ingenhouse, remain Sir Your Very obliged humble Servant
F:W: DE Monchy.
Dr. Franklin

  Addressed: To / Dr. B. Franklin at / Mrs. Stevenson in Craven / Street at / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Rich, 10 January 1767
From: Rich, Mary
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  Sir Robert Rich’s, in Grosvener SquareJanry. 10th. [1767?]
If Doctor Franklin is in England Miss Rich begs the favour of him to call upon her some morning about Eleven o’clock, if it be not inconvenient to him.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 12 January 1767
From: Franklin, Deborah
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Jan the 12 1767.
laste nighte Mr. Brown Came and asked me if I had any Commans to you I sed I all ways have he sed he shold saile this day by the way of Dublin I Cold a wishe he Coud a Stayde tell the Poste had Cum in as I heard the Packit is Cume in to N Yorke. I am so impashente tell the poste cumes in I send you the 2 bills endorsed by Septeymus Robinson but the Paper will in forme you that he is no more as well as the Mattron [of the] Hospital. Salley returnd from Burlinton on thusday laste Billey and Mrs. Franklin air well Salley sends her Duty but Shee is to visit Miss Stedman by a pointemente this day so beges to be excused and will write by the Packit as I desire and as I have an old friend Cume to visit me I beg to be excused it is Thomey Bondes wife he is well and sente love to us by her. I shall write more fulley by the Packit. I hope to hear that your Salley Franklin is got well my love to good Mrs. Stephenson to our Polley to Mr. and Mrs. Strayne [Strahan]. I have deliver the Bond to young Morris and got the order from him now enother is Cum in. So I Conclud as ever your afeck fechshonat wife
D Franklin
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / in / Craven-Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Blair, 13 January 1767
From: Blair, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Princes Street Leicester fieldsTuesday Morn Jany 13th [1767]
Dr. Blairs Compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs leave to acquaint him that Lady Irwin and one or two Ladys with her propose making him a Visit next Tuesday at twelve if agreable. Mr. George Lewis Scott, and Mr. Strahan of Suffolk Street are to be of the Party.
 Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 14 January 1767
From: Galloway, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Friend—
Philada. Jany. [14, 1767]
I wrote you a Short letter a few days [ago per] Mr. Brown, nor can I write you a long one now. This is chiefly to acknowledge the receipt of your Obliging Favor of the 8th of Novr.
We have indeed been plentifully bespatterd by the Malice of our Enemies. And as you Observe our Consolation must be, that we do not Deserve it. I can assure my Friend, their Abuse gave me very little uneasiness though on the Spot, and even when I knew not its Effect. And I am sure from my Own knowledge of you, it has had the same Effect with you. Let us forgive them, if they can forgive themselves on solid and cool reflection or if you please even Let us thank them; For certain it is, that their Detraction and Slander has raised us higher up in the Esteem of our Friends than before and I believe in that of Some who knew us not.
Shoud any thing arise during this Sitting of Assembly, I shall not fail to communicate it by the next Opportunity. In the Interim Believe me My Dear Friend Yours very Affectionately
Jos. Galloway


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 20 January 1767
From: Tissington, Anthony
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Alfreton 20th. Jany 1767
My last told you of an hare; Yesterday she was returnd me hither as no Carriage could pass, and I send this to prevent you the trouble of inquiring; We have yet no passage in the Country; no post from North or South since last Wednesday, but hope for one today as roads are cutting thro’ the snow.
The Winter is now calm, the sky clear; the frost severe; and the Glass rising gradually; so that this weather seems to be Set in; and I may perhaps pay you a visit, and return hither before the frost break. I purpose to set out on Thursday, and be in Town on Saturday next if I can and am Joind by my wife in best wishes to you and Mrs. Stephenson. Dear Friend Yours all ways
Anth Tissington
Mr. Gell our Attorney dyed Suddenly last Thursday so that I come alone to be both [torn] and Attorney.
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stephensons in Craven Street in / the Strand / London


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 27 January 1767
From: Hall, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Janry 27th. 1767
I have your Favours of the 12th August, and 27th of September, now before me, which I ask Pardon for not answering sooner, but you may believe the Delay, did not proceed from Want of Respect.
As to the Contents of that, of the 26th. August, I need say nothing relating to them, as Mr. Brown, who is with you long before this can reach, will be able to inform you every thing, relating to your Sister’s Death, and the State of your Brother’s Affairs. And as to that of the 27th September, I shall only say, that Mrs. Franklin is always welcome, to any service it may be in my Power to do for her.

You will, no Doubt, know too from Mr. Brown, if you had not heard it before, that a new Printing-Office is set up by Mr. Goddard, from Rhode Island; and that a Monday’s Paper, was to be published by him, the first Number of which appeared Yesterday, under the Title of The Pennsylvania Chronicle, and Universal Advertiser. As you must have seen his Proposals in our Paper, it is needless for me, to say anything, of what he proposes, or of his Invitation and Encouragement to come to this Place. All I shall trouble you with, relating to him is, that his Printing-Office being in one of your Houses; he having (as I am told) that office, that was Mecom’s; his working with a new Press that belongs to you; your Son being the first Mover of his coming this Way, as was given out by those that took in his Subscriptions, Mr. Galloway a principal Promoter of him; and the Wharton Family, and some others connected with them, uncommonly busy in dispersing his Proposals, and getting him Customers; All this I say, makes me at no loss to know who are his Friends, Nay, it is indeed said by some (and I would fain hope, some of them, at least are not designedly my Enemies) that you are a Partner in the House; but this, I will never allow my self to believe, having still, as I always had, the highest Opinion of your Honour, and know, that you will never forget that Clause of our Agreement, by which, tho’ you are not absolutely prohibited from being any farther concerned in the Printing-Business in this Place, yet so much is plainly implied. And my real Belief is, that you would not countenance any other Printer to my Disadvantage; but would be of any Service to me in your Power; and your Friendship, you may depend upon it, I shall always value, and endeavour to deserve.
Your Son’s interesting himself in this Affair, I do not much wonder at, as he threatned me with it above a Twelve Month’s ago, and alledged many Things against me, in a Letter I received from him, which I thought were unkind, and took the Liberty of telling him so; nay, he even found fault with me, for publishing some Things, which I had your particular Desire to do; One of which, An Address to John Montgomery Esq. of Cumberland County, which no Doubt, you will remember.
However, since he, and one or two others, have carried their Resentments so far, I must even endeavour to bear the Mischief they intend me, as well as I can; having for my Comfort, that I never was guilty of doing any one thing to the Disadvantage of you, or your Family, or of doing one of the many base Things, he, in particular, laid to my Charge.
I should be exceeding glad, that the Affair of our Partnership was concluded, as you are at so great a Distance; and you, or I, or both of us may die, which might prove a great Inconvenience to me, or both of our Families. You wrote, you thought there were some considerable Mistakes in the Accounts, as settled by Mr. Parker, and that there were some Things, you did not understand.  In answer to that I desired you, to point out these Mistakes, likewise what you did not understand, and they should be rectified, and cleared up; But to this I have had no Return.
You know when you left Philadelphia, you thought you would be at Home time enough your self, to settle the Affairs of the Partnership, before the Term should expire; and yet it has been expired Twelve Months, and you are not returned; and something may happen that may keep you still longer in England than you design, and I shall not be easy, while so weighty an Affair remains unsettled; so must therefore beg, that you will let me know what the Mistakes are? You apprehend to be in the Accounts, and what it is you do not understand, with Directions to Mr. Parker how to act, that Things may be brought to a Conclusion.
As to the Outstanding Debts, they are very large, and am afraid, as I have often told you, that but a small Part of them, will ever be got in; but I shall keep a just Account of what I receive, and be accountable to you, for your Part of the Money.
Underneath I have stated the Account, as it now stands between us. Viz
  By Ballance due to me as Settled by Mr. Parker Febry. 1st. 1766       £993  11  6

1766
March 8.
By Cash paid Mrs. Franklin
as per Receipt
200
  .
  .

July 12
By Ditto
as per Ditto
  91
  .
  .

Novr. 25
By Ditto
as per Ditto
  50
  .
  .

Decr. 27
By Ditto
as per Ditto
  160
  .
  .

By Sundries had out of the Shop since 1 Febry. 1766
  1
  11
  9

  £1496
  3
  3

1767. Janry. 29.
Cash received by D. Hall belonging to the Partnership since Febry 1st. to this Date.

£637.9 2½

B.F’s part of the above
  318
  14
  7¼

Ballance due to D. Hall.
  £1177
  8
  7¾

This Sir, is the present State of our Account, supposing the settlement by Mr. Parker to be right. And I can remember nothing left out by me, excepting the Number of Historical Reviews of the Province of Pennsylvania you sent me for Sale, which quite escaped me. Also a few Books I may have sold, of those you left in a Press in the back Chamber, up one Pair of Stairs, and which you did not put down with the other Books you left in my hands, imagining as I suppose, that being unsaleable, they would fetch but little, however, they are still where you left them, except the few, as I said, may have been sold. The Number of the Reviews received, I do not just now remember, but think I have it in one of your Letters; and if I have not, you know how many you sent, the greatest Part of which, are still on hand. Your Family are all well, I am, Dear Sir Yours most affectionately
D H
To Benjamin Franklin Esq Via Dublin per Capt. Plasket (Copy) per Capt Irwin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. William Strahan, 28 January 1767
From: Strahan, William,Strahan, Margaret Penelope
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Newstreet Wednesday morn: Janr. 28th. 1767.
Mr. and Mrs. Strahan present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin and Mrs. Stevenson and desire the favour of their Company this Afternoon to drink Tea and spend the evening.
 Addressed: To / Dr / Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street


Title: Extract of a Letter from London, 2 February 1767
From:
To:

There is no certainty that Franklin wrote the letter of which this is an extract. It might have been taken from one of William Strahan’s frequent letters of political news to David Hall, except that the “us” in the final sentence seems to establish that the writer was an American—whether Franklin or someone else. Colonial agents were closely attending debates in the House of Commons at this time (though they were later barred) and the account of Townshend’s speech sounds very much like the report of a direct auditor. The possibility of Franklin’s authorship appears strong enough to warrant its inclusion here. It might have been addressed to any one of several Philadelphia friends who passed it along to Hall for printing.

London, Feb. 2, 1767.
As to the Business yet done in Parliament, there is nothing very material. An Alteration has been made in the late Act, respecting the Exportation from Dominica to the Ports North of Cape Finisterre, whereby Ireland is excepted, as well as Great-Britain. A Motion was made last Week in the House of Commons, on the Supplies for the Army, that the Revenues arising, and to arise, in America, be applied towards subsisting the Troops now there, and those other Regiments which it is proposed to send. Mr. Townsend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, among other Things, urged the Propriety of more Troops being sent to America, and of their being quartered in the large Towns. That he had a Plan preparing, which he would lay before the House, for the Raising Supplies in America. That the Legislative Authority here extended to every Colony, in every Particular. That the Distinction of internal and external Taxes was Nonsense—and that he voted for the Repeal of the Stamp-Act, not because it was not a good Act, but because, at that Time, there appeared a Propriety in repealing it. He added, that “he repeated the Sentence, that the Galleries might hear him; and that after that, he did not expect to have his Statue erected in America.” Mr. Grenville joined him fully—what they will do with us in the End, I cannot say.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Emanuel Mendes da Costa, 2 February 1767
From: Mendes da Costa, Emanuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

 By Order of the President.
 Sir,

The Committee (to whom the Consideration of the Papers communicated to the Society at their Weekly Meetings is referred, by Virtue of a Statute of the said Society, passed at a Council, held on the 26th Day of March, 1752) having been appointed to meet at the Society’s House in Crane-Court, Fleetstreet, on Thursday the 12 of february 1767 after the Meeting (the List of papers already sent) your Presence at the said Committee is then and there desired accordingly. I am Sir Your h[umble] Servant
Emanuel Mendes DA CostaCl
  From the House of the  Royal Society,  2d february 1767
 Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin LLD / p[re]sent


Title: List of Fossils Sent by George Croghan to the Earl of Shelburne and Benjamin Franklin, 7 February 1767
From: Croghan, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The earliest fully authenticated discovery of fossil vertebrates by a white man in what is now the United States was made in 1739 by Charles Le Moyne, Baron de Longueuil, near the Ohio River at a point an unknown distance above the falls that mark the site of the present Louisville, Kentucky. The fossils he recovered traveled back to France with him the next year and were eventually lodged in the natural history museum in the Jardin des Plantes. During the next decades several British settlers and traders reported finding large bones and teeth near the Ohio, the principal deposit being at a spot still called Big Bone Lick, in Boone County, three or four miles from the river.
On George Croghan’s western trip in 1765 he picked up two six-foot tusks and several other fossil bones at Big Bone Lick, but when he and his party were attacked by Indians a few days later and the survivors were taken captive, Croghan understandably lost his paleontological trophies. He returned to the region in June 1766, however, accompanied by Captain Harry Gordon of the British Army and George Morgan of the Philadelphia firm of Baynton, Wharton, and Morgan. The party revisited Big Bone Lick and Croghan and Morgan each collected a number of bones, which they succeeded in taking back with them to the East Coast.
When Croghan reached New York by sea via New Orleans and Pensacola early in January 1767, he decided to send his collection of fossils to England as gifts, partly to Lord Shelburne, secretary of state, and partly to his old friend Benjamin Franklin, and he probably wrote both men of his intention on January 16. In February, while the fossils were still in New York, not yet packed for shipment, an unidentified “G.W.” saw them and, as he later reported, “several Gentlemen, who had [had] the Opportunity of seeing Ivory Tusks in Africa, and elsewhere, pronounced these, Elephant’s Teeth.”
Franklin wrote to Croghan, Aug. 5, 1767, thanking him for the gift and commenting on it. He, like others, was puzzled at the discovery of what certainly seemed to resemble the tusks of African and Asiatic elephants in a region where the climate was much too cold for those animals to live. The finding of similar tusks in Siberia, added to this discovery near the Ohio River, led Franklin to suggest that at some earlier time the earth had “been in another position, and the climates differently placed from what they are at present.”
Franklin’s friend, Peter Collinson, delivered a paper at the Royal Society, Nov. 26, 1767, when the Croghan fossils were first exhibited. He was similarly puzzled by the problem of the North American climate, though he had a ready explanation for the very similar tusks and teeth found in Siberia. Pointing out the geographic configuration of Asia, which he identified as the native country of elephants, he suggested that at the time of the Deluge, “these great floating bodies, the carcasses of drowned elephants,” were driven to the northward “by the violent action of the winds and waves” and when the waters subsided they were “deposited where they are now found.” Collinson was also puzzled by the fact that while everyone agreed that the tusks were those of elephants, the molars or grinding teeth found with them, on the contrary, were not those of elephants, and indeed had “no resemblance to the molares, or grinding teeth, of any great animal yet known.” A little later Collinson reported that he had compared these teeth with others in a warehouse and concluded that they belonged, together with the tusks, to “another species of elephant, not yet known; or else that they are the remains of some vast animal” with tusks like an elephant, but “with large grinders peculiar to that species, being different in size and shape from any other animal yet known.” This animal, he felt sure, was not carnivorous (as Franklin had told Croghan he thought it was), but was “Wholly confined to vegetable food,” and “seemed designed for the biting and breaking off the branches of trees and shrubs for its sustenance.”
The anatomist William Hunter made a thorough study of the Croghan collection and another in the Tower of London and reported his findings to the Royal Society, Feb. 25, 1768. He concluded that the American remains did not come from elephants but from a different species, which he called for convenience “the American incognitum.” In this conclusion he, like Collinson, was correct; but, unlike Collinson, he erred in believing that the American animal was carnivorous. In stating this opinion he closed his paper, almost casually, with an expression of thankfulness for a thought that must be called truly revolutionary: that this animal’s “whole generation is probably extinct.” The idea that any species ever became extinct was revolutionary at this time, for it seemed impossible to believe that an all-powerful and all-wise Creator (or, if one preferred, “the economy of Nature”) would produce any species unable somehow to cope with its environment. Not until the end of the eighteenth century did the hypothesis become generally acceptable that particular species had in fact become extinct.
As to the identity of the animal whose fossil remains Croghan sent to Shelburne and Franklin, many years passed before the French naturalist Georges L.C.F.D. Cuvier established in a series of papers between 1796 and 1806 that fossil remains of elephant-like animals found at scattered locations in different continents did, in fact, represent several distinguishable forms of extinct creatures. To the animal represented by Croghan’s gifts of 1767 and to other allied forms Cuvier gave the vernacular name mastodontes, that has survived in both colloquial and technical form as Mastodon, distinguishing this animal from the Mammoth found in both Siberia and America. As the eminent American paleontologist, George Gaylord Simpson, has pointed out, however, the technically correct generic name for the American mastodon is Mammut, and “the legally correct and historic name” for the Croghan animal is Mammut americanum.

A List of the Teeth and Bones sent over by George Croghan, Esquire, February 7, 1767, from Philadelphia.
To Lord Shelburne.
Two of the largest tusks, or teeth, one whole and entire, above six feet long, the thickness of common elephants teeth of that length.
Several very large forked or pronged teeth; a jaw-bone, with two of them in it.
To Doctor Franklin.
Four great tusks, of different sizes.
One broken in halves, near six feet long.
One much decayed, the center looks like chalk, or lime.
A part was cut off from one of these teeth, that has all the appearance of fine white ivory.

A joint of the vertebrae.
Three of the large pronged teeth; one has four rows of fangs.
Besides the above, Captain Owry, an Officer who served in the country during the last war, now living at Hammersmith, hath a small tusk, as if of a calf elephant, the surface of a fine shining chestnut colour, and a recent look; and a great pronged tooth, larger than any of the above, which were also brought from the same licking place.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Hasenclever, 9 February 1767
From: Hasenclever, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Putnay Munday morning the 9 feby 1767
Mr. Hasenclever presents his Respects to Dr. Francklin, sends him his Carriage and hopes to have the Honnour to see him to day at Dinner, or as Soon as possible.
 Addressed: To/Dr. Benjamin Francklin Esq/Cravenstreet/Westminster


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 9 February 1767
From: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Brook Street, Monday 9th February [1767]
Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, If it will be convenient for him to look at the Chimney tomorrow forenoon Lord Morton will call upon him between 11 and 12 o Clock, as he is to be in that part of the Town however about that Hour. He will carry the Doctor to Brook Street, and afterwards set him down at home, as he has business which calls him to Fleet Street.
An answer is desired by the bearer.
 Addressed: To/Doctor Franklin/at Mrs Stevenson’s/Craven Street/Strand


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 13 February 1767
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Richard

Dear Sir
Friday Evening Feb. 13. 67
I send you the Sketch of the Bill for repealing the Act relating to the legal Tender, to be modell’d by you and brought in as propos’d.
I am doubtful the Clause relating to existing Debts will occasion Difficulties in America, and therefore wish the Bill could pass without it.

But I think a Clause limiting the Quantities each Colony may emit, would not be amiss. Suppose Pensilvania [£]200,000 Sterling and the rest in proportion. When by Experience it is found that the Limitation is too narrow they may petition for more. The Trading Interest here will always be willing and able to procure it for them, and it may prevent Excesses in some Colonies.
I send you the rough Draft of the Hints of Arguments I have drawn up for the Duke of Grafton, who I understand will support the Bill in the House of Lords. Please to return it to me to morrow.
The Packet goes to morrow Evening. I am, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To/Mr Jackson
Endorsed: 13 Febry 1767 Benjn. Franklin Esq


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [14 February 1767]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William

[February 14th, 1767]
Great changes being expected keeps men’s minds in suspense, and obstructs public affairs of every kind. It is therefore not to be wondered at, that so little progress is made in our American schemes of the Ilinois grant, and retribution for Indian losses.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 15 February 1767
From: Whitehurst, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Derby 15 Feby 1767
We experienced a much greater degree of Cold at derby, in the late Frost, than perhaps was ever observed in England, and the quick transitions, were no less remarkable.
On Sunday the 18 of last month, at 7 o Clock in the evening. My thermometer stood at 20. At half an hour after Nine, nearly one degree below 0. At seven the next Morning 30. External Air. I hope to hear by Mr. Burdett, the bearer, hereof, that you are perfectly well and purpose honouring derbyshire with another Visit before you leave England. I beg my respectfull Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson and I am Sir your most Obedient Servant
John Whitehurst
 Addressed: To/Docr. Franklin/at Mrs. Stevensons Craven/Street. Strand/London
Endorsed: No. 1