1To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 6 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Session of the Assembly which ended the 21st. Ulto. and the Xmas Holidays since, have so engrossed my Time, that I have not been able to write you fully as I intended. At present I have taken up the Pen principally to acquaint you that I have had a very amicable Session, contrary to the Expectation of every Body, and indeed contrary to the Intention of...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library My last Expedition convinc’d me that I grow too old for Rambling, and that ’twas probable I should never make such another Journey. ’Tis an uncomfortable Thing, the Parting with Friends one hardly expects ever again to see. This, with some occasional Hindrances, prevented my calling at Preston Fields after my Return from Glasgow: But my Heart was with you and your...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Agatha Drummond, 11 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Scottish Record Office I have lately received, in exceeding good Order, the valuable Present you have honoured me with, of Penn’s Picture. Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgments for the very great Favour, and for the abundant Civilities and Kindnesses receiv’d by me and my Friend during our pleasant Residence under your hospitable Roof at Blair Drummond. My best Respects to Lord...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society It was with great Pleasure I learnt by Mr. Marchant, that you and Mrs. Babcock and all your good Family continue well and happy. I hope I shall find you all in the same State when I next come your Way, and take Shelter as often heretofore under your hospitable Roof. The Colonel, I am told, continues an active and able Farmer, the most...
5From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: American Philosophical Society In this letter, as in others later in the month, Franklin touched on a subject of crucial importance in the developing Anglo-American quarrel, the validity of the crown’s instructions to colonial governors. The issue had underlain the wrangling the year before between Governor Hutchinson and the House of...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Museum; draft: American Philosophical Society I have now before me your several Favours of July 10, Aug. 23, and Nov. 5. A long Journey I took in the Summer and Autumn for the Establishment of my Health, prevented my answering sooner the two first. I hope the State of your Health also is mended by your Retirement into the Country, as mine has sensibly been by that Journey. You...
7From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office; incomplete draft: American Philosophical Society I am now return’d again to London from a Journey of some Months in Ireland and Scotland. Though my Constitution, and too great Confinement to Business during the Winter, seem to require the Air and Exercise of a long Journey once a Year, which I have now practiced for more than 20 Years past, yet I should not have...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of Nov. 8. and rejoice to hear of the continued Welfare of you and your good Wife and four Daughters: I hope they will all get good Husbands. I dare say they will be educated so as to deserve them. I knew a wise old Man, who us’d to advise his young Friends to chuse Wives out of a Bunch; for where there were...
9From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Greene, [13 January? 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft; incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ First part missing :] I Send you a Copy of the Receipt, hoping that you may be a means of introducing so valuable a Manufacture into your Country; the more valuable, as the Cream is saved, and thence the Farm affords more Butter; at the same time that the Cheese is of so much greater Value. The principal Cause of its Goodness...
10From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee of Correspondence, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VII , 543–5. On my return from a late tour through Ireland and Scotland, for the establishment of my health, I found your respected letter of June 25th, with the papers therein referred to, relating to the townships settled eastward of Penobscot River. I immediately waited on Mr. Bollan to consult...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Miss Louise B. Wallace, Los Angeles, California (1955); incomplete draft: American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letters of Sept. 12. and Nov. 9. I have now been some Weeks returned from my Journey thro’ Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and the North of England, which besides being an agreable Tour with a pleasant Companion, has contributed to the Establishment of my Health; and...
12From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Hubbart Partridge, 13 January 1772: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft; incomplete): American Philosophical Society I received your angry-a-little Letter by Mr. Marchant, written to me “tho’ I had suffered a preceding one to remain two Years unanswered.” If I did so, which I doubt, I was exceedingly to blame, and must desire you to excuse me in consideration of the many I have to write and the little time I have for Writing. I am sure I...
13From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Haven Colony Historical Society; draft: American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Favour by Mr. Marchant, who appears a very worthy Gentleman, and I shall not fail to render him every Service in my Power. There is lately published in Paris, a Work intitled Zend-avesta , or the Writings of Zoroaster , containing the Theological, Philosophical and Moral Ideas of that Legislator,...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Ward, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I thank you for recommending Mr. Marchant to me. I have had the Pleasure of a good deal of his Company in Scotland, and shall do every thing in my Power to serve him. I condole with you on the Loss of your amiable Partner. It must be a heavy one and hard to bear. I hope you will find Comfort in your Children. With great Esteem, I am, Dear...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last, which I think was by Jonathan, I have receiv’d yours of July 8, and 12. Aug. 5, Sept. 19. and Oct. 3. My not answering sooner was owing to my Absence in Ireland and Scotland on a Tour of between 3 and 4 Months, by which my Health was much benefited: And since my Return this is the first Ship to Boston that I have heard of. In yours of July 8....
16From 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...
17From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have received by Mr. Marchant the 52 s. you sent by him. I hope you received the Transactions for 1770. A new Volume is expected soon, which I shall forward by the first Opportunity. The enclos’d I have just receiv’d from Dr. Price, into whose Hands I put your Paper, which he has now return’d to me. Let me know if you would have me give...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 15 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope this will find you well in Craven Street, after a Summer of rambling, in which I have been so unfortunate as not to see you; in your first ramble thro’ Derbyshire I was in Scotland; in your last, at home, and sick of not seeing you. I am my Self very well, my Wife yet poorly; wishes to hear that Mrs. Stevenson holds stout; and yesterday sent a Turkey...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 15 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Humbly beg Leave to Congratulate you on the Happy return of your Birth Day and wish you a great many returns in health and Happiness to the great Comfort of all your good Family and to all those as have felt the Effects of your Benevolent Hand as I my Self think I am bound in Duty to Congratulate So good a Friend on So happy occasion. My Family joyns me...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, [16 January? 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you Monsr. D Anquetil’s Voyage, which I found reason to wish to read more attentively than I at first intended to have done. The Evident carelessness and Ignorance of the Author in many Points and his palpable Malignity against the whole English Nation, in general, notwithstanding he is obliged to confess the Civility he received from Particulars,...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Montagu, [January?] 16, [1772?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Montagu presents her compliments to Dr. Franklyn, and is afraid he will think her troublesome in desiring the favour of his company on Sunday next the 19th, as well as on this day sennight. Mr. Bolton, who has promised to dine with Mrs. Montagu on sunday, will be best rewarded for his civility by meeting Dr. Franklyn, and so great an Artist as Mr....
22To Benjamin Franklin from William Outram, 17 January 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <London, January 17, 1772: Has been commissioned by the Rev. Mr. Dunlap to take care of buying and shipping a good armonica for Dunlap’s son Benjamin, organist in his father’s church in Virginia, and to ask Franklin where such an instrument might be had; should be obliged to have the information addressed to him at the bar of the Virginia Coffee House. > A...
23Mrs. R. W. Viny to Margaret Stevenson, 17 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Editors now and then encounter a document that seems designed to train them in humility, and the one below is a case in point. The circumstances surrounding Mrs. Stevenson’s and Franklin’s projected visit to the Vinys are as obscure, thanks to the writer’s prose, as they are insignificant. But the letter does throw some light on how acquaintances of humble...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Miss Martin, 20 January 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <General Post Office, January 20, 1772; a note in the third person. Asks Franklin to accept a copy of an Irish almanac which she has received that day. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson join her in compliments.> She has not appeared before, and no other correspondence of hers with BF is extant. We have discovered little about her except that she knew him reasonably well....
25To Benjamin Franklin from John Hope, 23 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was honoured with yours of the 11th in Course of Post But defered acknowledging the Receipt of it till the box of plants arrived—which box came to hand yesterday and I hope I shall be able to save a few of them. By an odd accident the medal has not been got ready and it may be still some weeks before it is. But as soon as it is ready, it shall be...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Sargent, Chambers and Co., 25 January 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Mincing Lane, January 25, 1772, in the third person. The firm has received instructions by Mr. Bache to withdraw Franklin’s account, which with interest amounts to £149 16 s. 1 d. ; what does he wish to have done with the money? > For the mercantile firm, formerly Sargent Aufrere, see above, IX , 359 n; XIII , 295 n. The withdrawal was part of a present of...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 25 January [1772–75?]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Jermyn Street, January 25, [1772–75? ], in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. Invites Franklin to dinner tomorrow.> BF ’s acquaintance with the Bishop of St. Asaph and his family began, as far as we know, in the summer of 1771; we are therefore assigning this invitation to what seems to be the earliest likely date.
28From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have written several short Letters to you lately just to let you know of my Welfare, and promising to write more fully by Capt. Falconer, which I now sit down to do, with a Number of your Favours before me. I received the Box and Letter from Mr. Peter Miller, but if as you mention, Enoch Davenport brought it, I did not see him. Perhaps...
29From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Tissington, 28 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your very kind Letter of the 15th. together with the Turkey, which prov’d exceeding fine. We regal’d a Number of our Friends with it, and drank your and Mrs. Tissington’s Health, which we wish’d sincerely. Mrs. Stevenson keeps about, but is ever ailing, like your Dame, with Rheumatic Pains that fly from Limb to Limb continually....
30From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Franklin Bache, 29 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your agreable Letters of Oct. 11. and Nov. 5. I met with Mr. Bache at Preston, where I staid two or three Days, being very kindly entertained by his Mother and Sisters, whom I lik’d much. He came to town with me, and is now going home to you. I have advis’d him to settle down to Business in Philadelphia where he will always be...
31From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 30 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have now before me yours of July 3. Aug. 3. Sept. 3. and Nov. 5. All but the last came in my Absence, which is the Reason they were not immediately answer’d. In yours of July 3. you mention some Complaisance of Lord H’s towards you, that show’d a Disposition of being upon better Terms. His Behaviour to me in Ireland corresponds exactly....
32Memorandum about Lord Hillsborough, [January 1772?] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress When the Petition first came over, an Accident had happen’d to the Paper that made it unfit to be presented, Therefore a Duplicate was waited for, being expected in some other Ship. Before that arriv’d Lord Hillsborough was gone to Ireland. On his Return B.F. waited on him 5 several times, or rather endeavoured to wait on him, but was always refus’d Admittance,...
33To 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...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 2 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having had the pleasure for some time of a line from you, gives me great concern, lest I by any Means have given offence, which if so can with truth assure you, must be without the least knowledge or intent as there is no Gentleman, with whom have only had the pleasure of a Written Corrispondence I do esteem more. We still remain as when I last Wrote,...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written a long Letter to you, which goes per Capt. Falconer, who Sails in a few Days; but as I know you like to have a Letter by every Ship, I write this Line just to let you know I continue well, Thanks to God, as I hope this will find you and our Children. Mrs. Stevenson sends her Love to you all. Her Grandson grows a very fine Boy indeed. Mr....
36From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 3 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to you by the Revd. Mr. Coombe, whom I recommend to your Friendship as a young Gentleman of great Merit, Integrity, and Abilities. He has acquir’d the Esteem of all that knew him here, not as an excellent Preacher only, but as practising the Morality he preaches. I wish him a good Settlement in his Native Country,...
37To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 3 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your last kind Letter to me, was dated June 11, 1770. in Answer to mine of the 17th. of March preceding. What Money I have since received on our Company Account is as follows, viz. For the Gazette, from February 17, 1770 to Jany. 28, 1772 £358 13 s. By Cash received for Work done, as credited in the Ledger, in the above mentioned Time 181 17 s. 10½ d....
38From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 4 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft) and autograph extract: American Philosophical Society I have written two or three small Letters to you since my Return from Ireland and Scotland. I now have before me your Favours of Oct. 1. Nov. 5. and Nov. 13. Mr. Todd has not yet shewn me that which you wrote to him about the New Colony, tho’ he mention’d it, and will let me see it, I suppose, when I call on him. I...
39From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Bond, 5 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour by Mr. D. Kuhn, but being then just setting out on a Tour thro’ Ireland and Scotland, I had not time to answer it, Mr. Kuhn I believe went directly to Sweden. I shall, if he returns hither while I am here, gladly render him any Service in my Power. I suppose your Son Richard will spend some Time in London, where, by what I have heard,...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Rebecca Haydock, 5 February 1772: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from The Aurora , August 24, 1802 I received my industrious young friend’s parcel of silk, and should very willingly have taken any necessary care to see it manufactured agreeable to your directions; but your relation, Mrs. Foster, linen draper of Bishopsgate street, who appears a notable clever woman in business, called upon me for it; and informing me that she had a friend...
41From Benjamin Franklin to John Morgan, 5 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I received your Favour of July 6. just as I was about setting out on a Journey thro’ Ireland and Scotland, chiefly with a View to establish my Health by the Change of Air and daily Exercise. This prevented my Writing till now. I thank you for the inaugural Dissertations, and am pleas’d to see our College begin to make some Figure as a School of Physic,...
42To 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...
43From Benjamin Franklin to Stephen Crane, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library After the Recess of Parliament the great Off[icers] of State generally go into the Country, and no publick Business except what may be immediately necessary, is done or taken into Consideration till the next Session brings them together again. Being much Confind to the town by business in the Winter I Usually take the Opportunity of the recess to make a Journey of...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 3–4. The trunks of silk were detained at the customhouse till very lately; first, because of the holidays, and then waiting to get two persons, skilful in silk, to make a valuation of it, in order to ascertain the bounty. As soon as that was done, and the trunks brought to my house, I waited...
45From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library If I complain’d of your seldom Writing, the Case is now alter’d, and you may have more Cause to make the same Complaint of me: For I find before me your several Favours of Oct. 12, and 16. and Dec. 3. and 21. The last indeed came to hand but this Evening. The Ohio Grant is not yet compleated, but the Completion is every Day expected. When it is, I shall, as you...
46From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Smith, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 1452 (April 9, 1931), pp. 4–5. The Parliament has open’d with a Calm in Politics, which seems to promise a quiet Session, the Opposition appearing to be in a very Declining Way. There is not Talk of any Purpose to meddle with American Affairs, either by repealing the Present Duties or adding new ones. A Peace between the Turks and Russians is...
47Summons to Benjamin Franklin, with Memorandum by Him, 6–7 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and ADS : American Philosophical Society Benjamin Franklin Esqr. without Deduction being on Account of the purchase and Transportation of Forage for the Use of the forces Commanded by Genl. Braddock by Warrant dated 21st. June 1755 ——£1000 The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex have process come into their hands against you for not passing your Accounts of the above Sum, to which they are to...
48To Benjamin Franklin from David Hume, 7 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I was very glad to hear of your safe Arrival in London, after being expos’d to as many Perils, as St. Paul, by Land and by Water: Though to no Perils among false Brethren: For the good Wishes of all your Brother Philosophers in this place attend you heartily and sincerely, together with much Regret that your Business wou’d not allow you to pass more time among...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan and Anna Mordaunt Shipley, [before 9 February 1772]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Before February 9, in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. He and his wife invite Franklin to dinner next Sunday, February 9.> Feb. 9 fell on a Sunday during BF ’s second mission only in 1766 and 1772, and as far as we know he was not acquainted with the Shipleys until 1771.
50From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 11 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and draft: American Philosophical Society Permit me to thank you, not only on my own Account for the Book itself you have so kindly sent me, but in Behalf of the Publick for Writing it. It being in my Opinion, (considering the profound Study, and steady Application of Mind that the Work required, the sound Judgment with which it is executed, and its great and important Utility to the...