Benjamin Franklin Papers

From Benjamin Franklin to Sir John Pringle, [before 10 May 1772]

To Sir John Pringle

AL (draft): American Philosophical Society

[Before May 10, 17723]

Dr. F. presents his respectful Compliments to Sir J. Pringle, is much oblig’d to him for the Trouble he has so kindly taken in the Affair of the Silk, and is very happy to learn that the Queen has graciously condescended to accept it with a Purpose of wearing it. Her Majesty’s Countenance so afforded to the Raisers of Silk in Pennsylvania (where her Character is highly rever’d) will give them great Encouragement to proceed in a Measure the British Parliament seems to have had much at Heart, the Procuring a Supply of that valuable Article from our Colonies, for which at present large Sums are paid yearly to France, Spain, Italy and the Indies.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

3The headnote on the preceding document explains why we believe that it should be dated before May 10, and when BF wrote it some time had elapsed since the present to the Queen. If we are right, therefore, this note on the same subject was undoubtedly written well before May 10. Pringle, who had been physician-in-ordinary to Queen Charlotte since 1761, was a natural choice as intermediary to carry her the offer of the silk and to bring her acceptance.

Index Entries