To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 14 May 1768
From James Parker
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Newyork. May 14, 1768
Honoured Sir
As I have little agreeable to say, and your Time must be much better employ’d than in reading any Thing I can say, I shall the less intrude on you.
I imagined you would be on the Return before this: but I heard there was not that Expectation, I wrote you a few Days ago per Capt. Miller. My Son is about embarking, and perhaps may sail before this for London: I durst not recommend him to any of your Regard. He must meet in the wide World such Fortune, as please Divine Providence to send him. Whether he will even wait on you or not, I can’t say:1 I wish he may find better Prospects then ever he experienced at my Hands.
If I had any Thing pleasing to write, I would add more, but lest I may give you Trouble rather I have only to add humble Respects from Your most obliged Servant
James Parker
Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London
Endorsed: Mr Parker May and June 1768
1. For Parker’s ongoing complaints about his son, Samuel Franklin (c. 1745–79), see above, XI, 416; XII, 230–1; the following document; and his letter to BF below, June 17, 1768. The only evidence of any attempt by young Parker to establish contact is his noncommittal note to BF below, July 1, 1768.