1To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 30 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is not perhaps unknown to you that soon after my Arrival in this Country from England I was induced to make several large purchases of Lands with a Veiw of soon disposeing of some of them again to Advantage; you well know the Sudden Change that took place in the Sale of Lands, Vast Quantitys of new Lands Comeing into the Market and a great Scarceity of...
2To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, M[arch?] 17, 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am oblig’d to enquire in what Manner the People of Georgia usually transfer their Property in Lands, whether by the old mode of Conveyancing by Feoffment or by the modern Refinements of Lease and Release, Bargain and Sale &c. As I cannot obtain this Peace of Information from any of my young Friends at the Temple, I trouble You with this Epistle, and...
3To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, 11 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having often experiencd the Effects of your Benevolence and Friendship, I am emboldened to request the Favour of the Loan of £50 ’till Monday next. The Occasion of my troubling You is a desire to pay a Sum of Money which I cannot make up without some Assistance before Monday. If you will be so good as to send Me a Draught enclos’d in a Letter by the...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Bache, 5 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your kind, and agreeable preasant, which gave us all great pleasure it is so like the original. You cannot imagine with what pleasure we look at it, as we can perceive in it, the likeness of my Son, as well as your Self. My daughter Marther told Mr. Atherton that Doctor Franklin was come, the Next Morning he came down, and ask’t wather the Doctor...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Bache, 14 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Oh with what joy, and pleasure [did] I receive your wellcome letter, with the acoun[t of the] Safe arival of our Dear Son, which he will [ torn ] his Dear family, to think of his, and Dear Sally [ torn ] Makes me quit So. I have been very uneas[y for this?] Month past, and this last week I was quit[e so; not?] hearing any thing of him of So long a time, I...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last I am favored with yours of the 4th [?] 14 and 16 July by the Captain’s Osborne All and Sparks, the first dated at Preston, where I find you have been making happy by your Presence a good Old Woman and her four Daughters. Captain All told us he never saw you look better than when he left London so [that] we were pleasing ourselves with the...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A few Days since per Captain Sparks I did myself the Pleasure. I have not much to say at present, more than that we are all well. These are the best Tidings I can send you at this time, I find but slow Sale for my Goods, but what I do sell, is for Cash, so that I am making no bad Debts; I have not sold enough to enable me to reimburse you per this...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, [3 November 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to acknowledge Receipt [of your letter of?] 22 August per Falconer. Captain Falconer has left his Ship, as she is going to Carolina for a Frieght of Rice, he purposes staying at Home this Winter. At the Request of Mr. Baynton, I send you an Extract of a Letter from Mr. Hooper a surveyor, to him, respecting the Western Boundary of this Province &c....
9To Benjamin Franklin from Theophylact Bache, 10 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your much esteemed favor of 19th Sepr. was handed me by Mr. Alexander Chysholm. I shall pay due attention to this stranger, and shall be happy in doing him service. He has been to Phila: and is much disappointed in his expectations of setling there. He intends waiting here until Spring, before he determines what to do: We hope to get him well fixed at...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [19 December? 1772]: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), II , 129–33; ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society The document that follows is in two parts, a printed extract and the conclusion of a letter in manuscript. The two are quite different in subject matter; neither contains any evidence of precisely when it was written, or of its belonging...
11To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [September 1772?]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost. ] Je ne vous dirai rien de Mademoiselle Biheron qui a l’honneur de vous ecrire elle même, et qui aime autant a peu pres que moi a s’entretenir de vous. Mais je vous proteste que ma femme est si eprise de la même passion pour vous que nos Pretres, et nos Moines perdent tous les jours de leur credit sur son esprit, cecy soit...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 31 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons icy beaucoup de mauvais Catholiques qui, parcequ’ils ont manqué une année a faire leurs paques, n’osent plus jamais retourner a confesse. Je ne perds pas courage si aisement, ou je vous suis plus attaché qu’ils ne le sont au st. Siege. Un morne silence de deux ans m’a sensiblement affligé, mais ne m’empechera pas de profiter de l’occasion de M M...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 9 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’arrive de la campagne ou j’ai passé deux jours, et j’ai enfin trouvé a mon arrivée le manuscrit de la traduction de vos oeuvres par M. Lesqui (le premontré) qu’il avoit depuis si longtems egarée, et pour quoi je l’avois beaucoup harcelé surtout depuis une quinzaine de jours. En consequence, vous pouvez compter que je vais dès aujourd’huy me mettre à...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je travaille autant qu’il est en moi à remplir mes engagemens, en refondant en entier la traduction de vos excellens ouvrages; mais je sens trop ce qui me manque pour esperer de rendre la copie digne de l’original. Trouvez bon que je vous demande quelques eclaircissemens à mesure que j’avancerai. Je ne trouve point dans le dictionaire le mot orreries page...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg: Dedicatory Epistle, [late 1772] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in [Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg,] Petit code de la raison humaine; ou Exposition succincte de ce que la raison dicte à tous les hommes, pour éclairer leur conduite, et assurer leur bonheur ( London, 1773 ) , pp. [ v– ] vi . Vous reconnutes dans la premiere esquisse de ce Petit Code, l’effusion simple et naïve de votre propre coeur; j’ai achevé de le developer autant que je l’ai pu, et...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [before 9 October 1772?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost. ] Il est arrivé icy depuis environ un mois un Abbé qui a eté Professeur de Philosophie à Perpignan et que l’on certifie qui a gueri radicalement six paralytiques par le moyen de l’electricité. Les Magistrats l’ayant adressé a la faculté de Medecine pour constater le succès des nouvelles experiences qu’il devoit faire icy, ell’...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu la lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en date du 12e. 9bre. avec un p.s. du 16. Je suis au moins à la moitié de ma traduction de votre in 4 o . et j’espere l’achever sur la fin de l’année, ou dans les commencemens de l’autre. Non laboratur ubi amatur , disoit st. Augustin. Vous ne sauriez douter que je ne reçoive avec plaisir, que je...
18To Benjamin Franklin from John Bartram, 11 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have here before me thy kind letter of august 22 1772. I sowed the Rhubarb seed in two places the one in the sun the other in A shady cool place. That which was in the cool place growed the leaves was as big as the palm of my hand but not palmated perhaps it may be next year. The Tarnup seed came up well growed large and tasted well and is by some...
19To Benjamin Franklin from the Count of Belgioioso: Two Letters, 30 September 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The Count of Belgioioso presents His best Compliments to Dr. Franklin and would take it as a particular Favour if He’d please to inform Him where the Person lives who makes the Glasses for the Harmonica according to His Invention: as the French Embassadour who is a great Lover of Musick and is desireous of having One enquired to The Count about this said...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Benezet, 27 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The writer of this letter has hitherto appeared only incidentally. Anthony Benezet (1713–84), philanthropist and author, was born in France and educated in England, and became a Quaker as a boy; soon afterward he moved to Philadelphia, where he was first a merchant and then a teacher. From the 1750’s until his death he labored to impress upon the world in...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Marie Catherine Biheron, 10 September 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis tres sensible à l’honneur de votre souvenir et vous remercie de votre grasieuse lettre; je saisis avec empressement l’occasion de Mr. Walsh pour vous envoyer le discours de notre Cour des Aides fait par notre Celebre Magistrat Mr. Malherbe. Jaurois souhaité qu’il fut imprimé tel qu’il est je desire qu’il vous soit agreeable. Je suis bien faché que...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 23 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho you had never done anything with a design to give me pleasure I shou’d love you for that constant disposition everyone that knows you know you feel to give pleasure to all your fellow creatures. But you have My honour’d friend often given it to me in the very Manner and thing adapted to gratify, and make truly thankful for it. The Piano Forte I ask’d...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 14 August [1772?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When and where this may find you my Dear Sir I know not, but I hope soon, and that you [may be] in good health. I fancy my fears made [me tremble?] more than I believe I ought to have [done. But?] I own I thought you much indispo[sed when last?] I saw you in Craven Street, and I a[llow that] I was conceited enough to think that I cou’d [have] precribd...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, [24 May 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I promis’d you to meet your agreable friend on Tuesday in Craven Street, and myself the pleasure of seeing both you and that Lady, but an express arriv’d this day from Odiham with the disagreable news of My Brother Walters little James being ill of a sore throat and fever. My Brother set out to go to him before I cou’d conquer some scruples that held my...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 1 May [1772?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Three of Dolly Blunt’s letters, of which this is the first, can be dated only by what may be considered extravagant guesswork; others cannot be dated at all, and will be published in a supplement at the end of BF ’s second British mission. His letters to her in this period, to which she occasionally refers, have all disappeared, and with them the clues they...
26To Benjamin Franklin from William Bowden, 29 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The great regard I have for my friend M Skey the bearer of this, engages me to take the liberty to introduce him to you. He wants some information with respect to the new Settlement intended at the Ohio, and as I am very sensible your opinion will be of great use, I presume to ask your favoring him with your sentiments on that head, for a guide to him...
27To Benjamin Franklin from William Brownrigg, 12 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this moment received a letter from Sir John Pringle, in which he is pleased to acquaint me that he shortly intends me the favour of a visit; that you accompany him to Leeds, and may possibly come with him so far as this place. I have great reason to beleive that you will not very willingly part from Sir John on this excursion, or he from you; I...
28To Benjamin Franklin from William Canton, 18 March 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Wednesday evening, March 18, [1772 ], a note in the third person. His father, who is considerably worse than the previous Saturday, but because of laudanum in not quite so much pain, thanks Franklin for his kind inquiry.> The son and subsequently the biographer of BF ’s old friend; see the DNB under John Canton. Four days before John Canton’s death. BF...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Cavendish, 4 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We have agreed to go to Purfleet on friday morning: we propose setting out a ½ an hour past 9; so that I suppose we shall be there about one at latest. I am sorry I could not send you notice sooner; but Dr. Watson was not able to fix on a day sooner. As I imagine friday is about the time you thought of coming to town, you perhaps might like to come back...
30To Benjamin Franklin from David Colden, 30 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): New-York Historical Society The attention you pay to every Invention that promises either utility or amusement to Mankind induces Me to communicate to you a very simple Machine which I have made this Year for sowing Seeds in Rows. I am happy in haveing an opportunity of addressing you upon any Thing that may be worth your Notice; If it shall prove of no real value to others, it...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Collinson, [March? 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Collinson’s very respectful Comp[limen]ts to Dr. Franklin and begs the favor of him to lay by Mr. Colden’s Essay which Mr. C. will do himself the pleasure of calling for some Morning there are also two little Volumes The Adventures of a Round headed Indian which if Dr. Franklin can without any trouble lay his hand upon Mr. C will take with him at the...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 15–23 July 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The petition from the Massachusetts House enclosed in the following letter marked another advance in the logic leading toward independence. Whitehall’s intention to pay colonial officials out of revenue drawn from America by the Townshend duties was engendering greater and greater opposition in the Bay Colony. In 1771 Hutchinson had exacerbated it by refusing to...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Erasmus Darwin, 18 July 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was unfortunate in not being able to go to Birmingham, till a Day after you left it. The apparatus you constructed with the Bladder and Funnel I took into my Pond the next Day, whilst I was bathing, and fill’d the Bladder well with unmix’d Air, that rose from the muddy Bottom, and tying it up, brought it Home, and then pricking the Bladder with a Pin, I...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 15 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This serves to acquaint you I have sent you by Captn. Sutton one barrel of Newtown Pippens, one Cask of shell Bark Hickory nutts and two Kegs of bread which I hope will come safe to hand as the ship is going a voyage that was very disagreeable to me. I have concluded to stay at home this Winter, so that I shant have the Pleasure of keeping Christmas with...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 2 September 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am Sorrey to Trouble you with aney Triflings matters of mine but as it is uncertain that I shall Return Directly to London or go Elswhere I must beg the Favor of you to Call on mr. Samuel wharton when the Grant is made for my Right for Forty Thousand acres for which he has already Received Fifty pounds Sterling of mildreed & Roberts where his order to...
36To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 2 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am favour’d with yours of Decr. 3d by the Packet which Informs me of your having just return’d from a long Journey for your Healths sake and that you find it much Strengthened by it, on which Occasion give me leave sincerely to Congratulate you. I am extremely obliged to you for your offer of paying the £25 advanced on the Ohio affair. I wrote fully...
37To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 2 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have the happiness to acquaint you that your Daughter was safely brought to Bed the 20th. Ulto. and presented me with a sweet little Girl, they are both in good spirits and are likely to do very well. I was seized with a Giddyness in my head the Day before yesterday which alarms me a good Deal as I had 20 oz. of Blood taken from me and took Physick...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Foxcroft, 16 May 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Philadelphia, May 16, 1772: Encloses the bill of lading and other papers for two barrels of “the best Burr Superfine flour.” Expects his brother back from Virginia within a few days. Has seen Mrs. Franklin yesterday; she and the family are well. His “Sister” joins in regards. Broke his arm six days ago, but hopes it will mend in three weeks.> Promised by...
39Franklin’s Conjecture on the Foregoing, [after 12 August 1772] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: the Royal Society The Aurora Boreales , tho’ visible almost every Night of clear Weather in the more Northern Regions, and very high in the Atmosphere, can scarce be visible in England but when the Atmosphere is pretty clear of Clouds for the whole Space between us and those Regions, and therefore are seldom visible here. This extensive Clearness may have been produced by a long...
40Power of Attorney to Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache, 17 February 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society <February 17, 1772. Franklin empowers Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache to request and receive payment of all debts due him in America, except those owed him by William Franklin, and to take all legal actions and whatever other lawful steps may be necessary for collecting from the debtors or their executors or administrators. Sealed, stamped, and delivered...
41From Benjamin Franklin to John Huske, 6 September 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have deferred Writing to you agreable to the Caution you gave me, till this safe Opportunity offered. America is infinitely oblig’d to you for your continual good Wishes and Schemes for her Advantage: But I am sorry to tell you that she is here become an Object of Jealousy, and that the obtaining Money from our poor Treasury to forward...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 4 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I think with you that there cannot be the least Occasion for my explaining your Method of impregnating Water with fix’d Air to Messrs. Banks and Solander, as they were present and I suppose are as well acquainted with it as my self; however I shall readily do it if they think it necessary. I am glad you intend to improve and publish the Process. You...
43From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 2 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and incomplete copy: Public Record Office; letterbook draft: Library of Congress The interview described in the first part of this letter involved Franklin further in the developing crisis in Massachusetts, and the enclosure he described in the second part inflamed that crisis and deeply affected the remainder of his English mission. The importance of the letter is obvious, and so are the...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of March 2. and am glad to hear that the Ship from Ireland is got safe into Antigua. I hope you will now get the little Token I sent you from thence. I have not receiv’d the Letter you mention to have given the young Scotsman, nor that from Mr. Craige. I am sorry for the Disorder that has fallen on our Friend Kinnersley, but hope...
45From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 2 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have received yours of Oct. 4. 8. and 13. I cannot imagine what became of my Letter of Augt. 3. from May Place. It was however of no great Importance. Mr. Denormandie is gone this Day to Geneva. I gave him a Letter of Recommendation to a Friend there. I am persuaded that your Packets were not open’d at the Office; for tho’ a Secretary of State has...
46From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of Sept. [ blank ] and Nov. 4. It gave me great Pleasure to hear of your safe Arrival and Entring on Business with such Appearance of Success. I wish you every kind of Prosperity. Agreable to your Request after making a rough Sketch of the Account which I now send to your Father, I paid the Ballance appearing in my Hands £83 3 s. 9½ d. to...
47From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 12 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum I am concern’d to understand lately that you have never been paid as I expected for the Ephemerides, and therefore I send you three Guineas by our valuable Friend M. Baudeau, requesting you will let me have the Accompt at your Leisure, and I will take care for the future that the Payment shall be more punctual. You are doing a great deal of Good to...
48From Benjamin Franklin to William Hunter, 30 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Royal College of Surgeons The partnership between Dr. William Hunter and Polly Hewson’s husband was dissolved, after much recrimination, during the winter of 1771–72. Dr. Hunter had stipulated that the “preparations,” in other words the demonstration material for the anatomy course that they had been giving jointly, should remain his sole property. But in the summer of 1772 the irascible...
49Reply to a Defender of Lord Hillsborough, [after 7 September 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AD (incomplete draft): American Philosophical Society In your Paper of the 7th Instant, one M.S. attempts to defend Lord Hillsborough’s Conduct, attack’d it seems, by some preceding Piece which I have not seen. To defend a Friend is honourable but could not M.S. do this without abusing the New Englanders? If Calumny is so bad a thing when level’d at a single Man, that he ranks the Writer of it...
50From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 2 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I am sorry to acquaint you that the Account Mr. Colden sent over from New York by the Octr Packet is look’d upon at the Office as no Account at all, the Receipts being lump’d in one Article of £5649 2 s. 3½ d. without any State of the Accounts of the several Offices to support that Article. It is therefore rejected, and I can make no Settlement till...