1From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 30 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 137–8. This brief note throws no light on its background. Franklin was introducing a “young man” (he was thirty-seven), recommended to him as ingenious and worthy, who at the time was completely unknown and a year and a half later was famous throughout the colonies. Thomas Paine explained...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Ralph Westley, goes to Pennsylvania to look out a proper Tract of good Land, on which to settle some able Norfolk Farmers, who are about to remove thither with their Families. One of whom, Mr. Foulger, is a Relation of mine. As the Farmers of that Country are reckoned the most skilful in England, and the comfortable Settling of these first...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 July 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I hear by Mr. Dillwyn that you were all well: But had no Line from you either by him or the Packet. Capt. Falconer tells me the Casks of Types were put into his Cellar, he not knowing who they were for. You will get them there, and store them with the rest. I believe I wrote to this purpose before. I am very hearty, Thanks to God. My Love...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 17 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Edward M. Korry, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (1976); ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I received Yours of Nov. 20, 30, Dec. 28 and Jan. 1. Before this gets to hand you will have heard that I am displaced, and consequently have it n[o longer] in my Power to assist you in your Views relating [to the Post Office and as things ar]e, I would not wish to see you [concern’d in it. For...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of July 6, by the last Packet that is arriv’d; for we have not yet [that?] of August. I had thoughts of going by this Packet, but various Considerations, some publick and some private, have occurr’d inducing me to postpone my leaving England for another Season. A Bill you drew for £27 18 s. 0 d. on Francis Roper, Mercht in London,...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 25 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I wrote to you per Capt. Osborne, and have little to add, but that I had yesterday a Line from Preston expressing their Joy on the News I had communicated to them of their new Relation, that they were all well, and should write to you in a few Days via Liverpoole. This will be delivered to you by Messrs. John Hewson and Nathaniel Norgrove, who are...
7From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have now before me yours of April 6, and 29, May 21. and June 1. I rejoice with you in the first place on the good News contain’d in your last, that Sally is safely delivered of another Son. I hope he will prove a Blessing to you both. I wish your new Shop Business to prove profitable, and do not doubt it if the Shop is closely attended. Will not...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress The Bearer Mr. Robert Hare visits Philadelphia with a View of establishing himself there or at New York in the Porter-brewing Business. He bears an excellent Character among his Friends here as a very honest, ingenious, amiable Man. I therefore recommend him warmly to your Civilities; and doubt not but you will give him the best Advice and...
9From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of Jan. 4. per Packet but none from Mrs. Franklin, whom you mention as writing at the same time. I lament the Death of my old good Friend Mr. Hall, but am glad to understand he has left a Son fit to carry on the Business, which wish he may do with as good a Character and as good Success as his Father. The Gentleman who reported that...
10From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress By Capt. All I send a Box directed to you containing a Number of Parcels for different People, which I request you to take care of that they may be carefully delivered. Among the rest there are 5 Doz Maps in a Roll with your Name on the Outside, of which you may take 6 for yourself, send Six to your Brother at Burlington, and give the rest to my...