From Benjamin Franklin to [Peter Templeman], 2 September 1764
To [Peter Templeman]5
ALS: Royal Society of Arts
Philada. Sept. 2. 1764
Sir
Furman & Co. Merchants of this Place,6 send by Capt. Caton,7 60 Keggs of Sturgeon, which they hope will be found so well cured as to obtain the Society’s Approbation, and a Premium. They have desired me to introduce their Claim to you by a Line in its favour; but I have told them the whole will depend on the Merits of their Fish when it comes to London. I can only say, that what I have tasted of it here, was excellent.8 America can furnish any Quantity; but for our Encouragement methinks the foreign Duty should be taken off. With great Esteem for your self, and best Wishes for the Prosperity of the Society, I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Endorsed: Septr. 2d. 1764.
5. For Dr. Peter Templeman, secretary of the Society of Arts, see above, IX, 322 n.
6. Moore Furman (d. 1808), former postmaster at Trenton, N.J., moved to Philadelphia in 1762 and engaged in mercantile activities with various partners. He returned to N.J. in the 1770s, served as deputy quartermaster general of the state during the Revolution, and became the first mayor of Trenton under its charter of 1792. I N. J. Arch., XX, 148 n. In Pa. Gaz., June 28, 1764, the firm of Coxe & Furman advertised “Choice Pickled Sturgeon, cured in the best Manner for present Use or Exportation,” for sale at the store in Water Street or by Benjamin Yard and Jonathan Richmond in Trenton.
7. Pa. Gaz., Sept. 6, 1764, reported the clearance for London of the Myrtilla, Capt. J. Caton.
8. Alexander Small wrote Dec. 1, 1764, that the sturgeon BF had recommended to Dr. Templeman “did not give Satisfaction” and explained its defects. See below, p. 479.