From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 November 1767
To Deborah Franklin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
London, Nov. 17. 1767
My dear Child,
I have this minute receiv’d Letters by the Packet of October, from Billy and some other Friends,1 but not a Line from you. I suppose therefore you have written by some other Vessel: I long to hear of your and Sally’s Welfare from your own Hands.2
I purpose writing to you fully to-morrow;3 but as I may be interrupted, I would not miss this Post, in hope it may reach the Packet just to let you know I am very well and hearty.4
My Love to all enquiring Friends. I am my dear Debby Your ever loving Husband
B Franklin
Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / per Packet / via New York / B Free Franklin
1. BF apparently means the Duke of Cumberland packet, which sailed from New York on Oct. 11, 1767; Pa. Gaz., Oct. 22, 1767. No letters written by WF in late September or early October have been found, but several letters written by BF’s friends during this period have been; see above, pp. 255–77, passim.
2. DF had written BF in the middle of October, but obviously he had not received her letter yet; see above, pp. 278–83.
3. If BF wrote such a letter, it has not been found.
4. DF acknowledged the receipt of this letter on Jan. 21, 1768; APS.