2251To Thomas Jefferson from Mrs. Drummond, 12 March 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to say, by this Man, who is come down so late that all the valluable fruite, and flower roots, cannot be medled with, and I can procure nothing [w]orthy of the Acceptance of my Amiable freind, except four Apricot Trees, one Medler […] and some pumgranuts. I am promis’t but every thing, of the flower roots in Octbr. all freinds that I’ve applied too, declairing the roots now, wou’d...
2252To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Junior, 6 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you kindly offered me your best Services before you left Philadelphia, which, as I had then no Commands to trouble you with; I declined the Honor of accepting, I now beg Leave to make Use of the Liberty you permitted me, to request you to take Charge of the inclosed Letters. I believe you are personally acquainted with the Gentlemen to whom they are...
2253To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 22 March 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost: ] Monsieur, que vous resterez encore quelque tems en Angleterre. Ayez donc la bonté de m’apprendre si je pourrai encore vous faire tenir cela à Londres, ou si j’en chargerai l’un ou l’autre Capitaine qui fera voile de nos Ports pour Philadelphie. Il y aura aussi un Exemplaire pour la Bibliothêque. Je finirai, comme j’ai...
2254To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, [after 28 January 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society Le porteur de la présente est mon ancien et bon ami, Mr. Marc Michel Rey Libraire à Amsterdam, qui va pour ses affaires à Londres; je profite de cette occasion pour me procurer des nouvelles de votre santé, Monsieur, à laquelle je m’intéresse constamment, ainsi qu’à la liberté et prospérité de vos braves Colonies du Continent Américain, et...
2255Enclosure: Jean-Daniel Dumas to Alexandre d’Agneau Douville, 23 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
Dumas Capitaine d’infanterie Commandt—De la Belle Riviere Et ses dependances. Il Est Ordonnie au sieur douville Enseigne En second de partie à la tête d’un detachment de Cinquante sauvages pour aller observer les mouvemens des Ennemis sur les derrieres du fort Cumberlan. Il Satachera à harceler leurs Convois et tentera de Bruler leurs magazins de Canagiechuic si Cette Expédition Est...
2256To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 21, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, pp. 208–9).
2257To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 13 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 13, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter is printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (below, p. 208). Thomas Dunbar (d. 1767),...
2258To George Washington from Robert Duncanson, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Early opportunity I had of being acquainted with you, will I hope Excuse my writing you at this time in favour of my Brother who being a stranger to you, has Carry’d Recommendations from Gentlemen who have the Honour to share some part of your friendship, & I wou’d fain flatter myself that after he is known to you, youll have no Reason to blame them; Lieutent Stewart on acct of the...
2259To Benjamin Franklin from William Dunlap, [October? 1764] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I see nothing will satiate your unbounded, cruel and merciless Resentment but the entire Destruction of a poor helpless Family, no Branch of whom, I will dare to say, ever Injur’d you in Thought, Word or Deed, I have no Favor to ask at the Hands of a Man who thursts for nothing short of my Hearts Blood: Whet your Poynard Sir, and it is ready for you:...
2260Philadelphia Post Office Record Book, 1757–1764 (Franklin Papers)
MS record book: American Philosophical Society [March 30, 1757] When Franklin was preparing to leave for England his son William, who was going with him, resigned the Philadelphia postmastership, which he had held since June 1753 (see above, IV , 513). In his place Franklin appointed his wife’s nephew-in-law William Dunlap (see above, V , 199 n, and below, p. 168), who had been a printer in...
2261William Dunlap to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, [October? 1764] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter and the two that follow directly concern the settlement of accounts between the deputy postmasters general, Franklin and Foxcroft, and William Dunlap, postmaster at Philadelphia from 1757 until 1764, in which year he was replaced by Franklin’s brother, Peter. Since it is not known precisely when Peter Franklin took over the post office in...
2262To George Washington from Lord Dunmore, 24 September 1773 (Washington Papers)
I last Post received yours of the 12 instant wherein you beg to be informed whether I propose granting Patents on the Ohio to such Officers and Soldiers as Claim under His Majesties Proclamation in 8ber 1763. I do not mean to grant any Patents on the Western Waters, as I do not think I am at Present impowered so to do. I did indeed tell a poor old German Lieut. who was with me & inform’d me he...
2263To George Washington from Lord Dunmore, 18 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have reveived your letter dated the 3d Instant. The information you have received that the Patents granted for the Lands under the Proclamation of 1754 would be declared Null and Void, is founded on a report that the Surveyor who Surveyed those Lands did not qualify agreeable to the Act of Assembly directing the duty and qualification of Surveyors, if this is the Case the Patents will of...
2264To George Washington from Lord Dunmore, 3 July 1773 (Washington Papers)
I received the favour of yours of the 20th of last Month on saturday last, as I did your former in April, & most certainly should have answered it then If I had not expected to have been in your Neighbourhood before your return from the North, & I then proposed to have waited upon you at Mount Vernon, where I was in hopes we should have settled every thing for our intended journey; But I am...
2265To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 10 May 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai êté infiniment sensible à votre bonté en apprenant par Monsieur le Docteur Quesnay que vous aviez daigné me chercher et vous informer de moi pendant votre dernier séjour à Paris. Malheureusement pour moi vous n’avez vu M. Quesnay que dans les deux ou trois jours qui ont precede immediatement votre départ; Je n’en ai êté instruit que le jour même où...
2266To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Eckerling, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Brethren Israel and Gabriel Eckerling were taken by the French and Indians from the Aligany Mountains in the Month of August 1757 and some Time after sent to Rochelle in France w[h] ere I am informed they died in the Hospital. I shall esteem it a particular Favour if you will enquire wether my Information be true or not. Please to let me know by a few...
2267To George Washington from Robert Eden, 11 March 1773 (Washington Papers)
I took the Liberty, when with you last, of mentioning a Scheme Colo. Fitzhugh & I have of introducing Tom Eden into the Virginia Trade; You was so obliging as to say that altho’ you was no Tobacco Maker, yet you would be glad to do him any Service in Your Power that way. Since I saw you, I have recieved Letters from Captn Eden, informing me he will be in early in April, and is determined to...
2268To George Washington from Edward Burn & Sons, 7 May 1765 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edward Burn & Sons, 7 May 1765. On 26 June they wrote to GW : “We had the pleasure to write you the 7th Ulto.”
2269To George Washington from Edward Burn & Sons, 26 June 1765 (Washington Papers)
We had the pleasure to write you the 7th Ulto advising the state of our market relative to Corn, since which being without any of your favors will occasion brevity. We have had some refreshing showers lately, which has been of great Service to the young Crop, but all accounts agree that the harvest will not be so abundant, but that supplys will ⟨be⟩ wanted towards Winter, therefore if you are...
2270To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Edwards, 27 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The person who applied yesterday on the Subject of Establishing a Paper-hanging Manufactory in America, begs he may not be esteem’d impertinent in requesting you will please to favor him with the time when he may wait for the line of recommendation (to the proper Gentlemen) You was pleas’d to offer to Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
2271To Benjamin Franklin from Grey Elliott, 8 November 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreable to my promise I take the Liberty of inclosing a State of the Produce of the Province of Georgia: it was Compiled by a Gentleman in the Customs, and is I think done with accuracy as he was assisted in it by most of the Gentlemen in trade, and every Light in their Power given. In the Year 1758 the Exports seem triffling, compared with the former and...
2272To Benjamin Franklin from John Ellis, 8 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ellis presents his kindest respects to Doctor Franklin, he has seen Doctor Fothergill very lately, who is very urgent to have his thoughts on Coffee go to the press. Mr. Ellis hopes that Doctor Franklin will be so good accordingly to promise to send him his thoughts on the [?] Subject, considering it in a Political light of the advantages it would be to...
2273To Benjamin Franklin from John Ellis, 25 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ellis presents his respectful compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs he would return him the French Book upon Moco Coffee, as he intends to make some extracts from it. Dr. Fothergill being very desirous that the remarks upon Coffee should be speedily publishd. Hopes he will think of his kind promise of assisting therein, as it must speedily go to the...
2274To Benjamin Franklin from James Elphinston: Bill for William Temple Franklin’s Education, 4 July 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Master William Temple July 4. 1769 One half year’s board and Education 15. .. .. One half year’s dancing 2. 2. Education, a poem, bound 3. 6 Copybooks, paper, pens and ink &c 6. 6 Mending of cloaths 5. 6
2275To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Elwes, 22 October 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are just this moment come on shore; from on board Capt. Friend after a passage of seven weeks, very tedious Difficult weather; having a Number of Letters under my Care for You and Mr: Wharton which should have sent off by this Day post; But was Requested to Deliver them myself. If You judge it will be necessary to have them before I arrive in London;...
2276To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Empson, 23 April 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours by the last post—and return you a thousand thanks for the money you are so kind as to Alow me which I have Drawn on you for. I am affraid by the Manner and Shortness of your letter that you [are?] displeased with the freedom I have taken [in my writing?] to you. But alass Sir if you [were in my situation?] without friends or money you...
2277To Benjamin Franklin from Allen and Joseph England, [1757–1762] (Franklin Papers)
MS memorandum: American Philosophical Society Allen England and his Brother Joseph England are proprietors of certain Tracts of Land scituate upon Christiana Creek in the County of Newcastle, Quantity 1300 Acres their Title to which stands thus— In 1726 their Father John England advanced £500 to Sir William Keith by way of Mortgage upon the said Lands. In 1729 the said John England assigned...
2278To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Engs, 3 September 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Presuming, Sir, to Address a Gentleman of your distinguished Merit, will I doubt not be excused, from Your Well-Known principles of Humanity and Benevolence. You may possibly recollect having (some Years past) been in my Company both, at the House of my Worthy Partner Mr. Collins of Rhode Island, and at His Brother’s Mr. Ward; when you was pleased, on...
2279Bond for Marriage License, 23 December 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Jefferson and Francis Eppes are held and firmly bound to our sovereign lord the king his heirs and successors in the sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to the paiment of which, well and truly to be made we bind ourselves jointly and severally, our joint and several heirs executors and administrators in witness whereof we have hereto set...
2280Notice of Sale of Wayles Properties, 15 July 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Two Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres of land in Cumberland , commonly known by the Name of Saint Jame’s ; one Thousand four Hundred and twenty Acres in the Counties of Goochland and Cumberland , on both Sides of James River, opposite to Elk Island; and one Thousand four Hundred and eighty Acres on Herring Creek, in Charles City County. The above Tracts of Land were of the Estate of the late
2281Further Notice of Sale of Wayles Properties, 9 September 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Five Hundred and fifty Acres of land in the County of Charles City , with a convenient Dwellinghouse and other Improvements, Two Hundred and twenty Acres, in the same County, pleasantly situated on James River. Two Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres in the County of Cumberland , commonly known by the Name of Saint James’s. And one Thousand four Hundred and twenty one Acres in the Counties...
2282IV. Report of the Estate Commissioners, 5 November 1761 (Washington Papers)
We the Subscribers have pursuant to the Order of the Honble the General Court examined the Accounts of George Washington Esqr. against the Estate of Daniel Parke Custis Esqr. deceased and his Infant Children John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis to whom the said George Washington is Guardian and find the same fairly and justly stated and prooved by proper Vouchers and have therefore...
2283To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Evans, 23 May 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your two very obliging favors by Mr. Stuart (who arrived a few weeks ago) I have received, and most sincerely thank you for the enquiries you was so obliging to make concerning him. Mr. Traill and his Lady have charged me with their compliments and warmest acknowledgements for the favor you have done them by it. You my dear Sir, who so much delight in acts...
2284To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 15 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Vessel from Ireland to New York brought us the most agreeable news of your safe arrival in London the 13th. of Decemr., which occassion’d as great and general a Joy in Pensylvania, among those, whose esteem an honest man woud value most, and as much to the confusion of the rest, as ever I saw; The Bells rang, on that Account till near midnight, Libations...
2285To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 27 November 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letters of the 8th. and 9th. of Sepr., together with the four French memoirs on the Education of Silk worms, and culture of Mulbery trees, came safe to hand; for which I cordially thank you. As I do not read French with ease, and have not leisure enough to consult Boyer, I have got my worthy friend Mr. Odell, to take the memoirs, and make such extracts...
2286To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 15 July 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the Ship Chalkley, Capt. Volans I sent to you Owen Biddle’s, and Joel Bailey’s, observations, of the Transit of Venus, at Cape Henlopen; but as there was some error in that hasty copy, I am desired to inclose a more correct one. I have not got the observations made at the Statehouse, or at David Rittenhouse’s, but woud if I had known time enough to...
2287To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 4 May 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your letter by Capt. Sparks, who arrived at the Capes of Delaware, the same day Faulkner did, but by falling in with the land a little to the eastward, it was some days after, before he got into port. Your account of Mr. Walpole’s, valueation of the Sample of Silk I sent you, gave us spirits; and I am ordered to desire you to thank that...
2288To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 11 June 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The late transit of Venus, has employ’d several of our Mathematicians, as well as others in several parts of the World. You will, probably, receive all the observations made by them, with full remarks; but in the mean time, I inclose those made by O: Biddle, and Joel Bayley, at Cape Henlopen. The former is a Son of John Biddle’s; and the latter a young man...
2289To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 20 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your very acceptable letter of Augst 5th. , and also Doctor Baker’s ingenuous investigation of the cause of the Devonshire colic; for which he deserves the thanks of that County in particular, and of all the world, where Wine, and Cyder, are drank. Gentlemen of the faculty, too often begin where they shou’d end; and instead of writing from...
2290Nathaniel Evans: Verses Addressed to Benjamin Franklin, 1763 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , August 31–September 3, 1765; also printed (with modifications) in Nathaniel Evans, Poems on Several Occasions, with Some Other Compositions (Philadelphia, 1772), pp. 108–9. Precisely when Evans composed these verses cannot be established, but there seems to be no reason to disregard the statement in the subheading of the London Chronicle printing in 1765 that...
2291To Benjamin Franklin from John Ewing, 14 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your very agreeable Letter, in which you acknowledge the Receipt of our Observations of the Transit of Venus. I herewith send you a few Copies of them as they are printed in our Transactions; and I suppose in a more perfect Form than that in which they were sent before, as that was done in an Hurry and I have not a Copy of what I sent. If what...
2292To Benjamin Franklin from John Ewing, 4 January 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our Philosophical Society have at Length ordered me to draw out an Account of our Observations of the Transits of Venus and Mercury to be transmitted to you as our President thro’ whose Hands we think they may most conveniently be communicated to the learned Societies of Europe to whom you may apprehend they will be agreable. The Reason of their not coming...
2293To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Eyre: Bill and Receipt, 16 February 1760 (Franklin Papers)
DS (two copies): Historical Society of Pennsylvania On February 16 Franklin’s legal adviser Francis Eyre called upon him to receive “Instructions to sollicit the Confirmation of nineteen Pennsylvania Acts of Assembly” passed during 1758 and 1759. The Proprietors opposed eleven of the measures, including the two most important, the £100,000 Supply Act of 1759 and an act authorizing Franklin, as...
2294To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Eyre, 20 January 1761 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library Company of Philadelphia Mr. Eyre’s Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and Mr. Moore’s Act was this Day referred by the Committee of the Privy Council to the Lords of Trade. Mr. Bunce brot it in only the 15th. as he had promised Mr. Eyre sometime before. Addressed: To / Benj. / Franklyn Esq For Francis Eyre, BF ’s attorney since the beginning of 1760, see above, p. 22 n. On Sept. 27,...
2295To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Eyre: Bill and Receipt, [10 August 1761] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Library Company of Philadelphia Benjamin Franklyn Esqr For Samuel Preston Moore’s Private Act of Assembly, past in Pensilvania and confirmed by His Majesty in Council. 1761. 16. Janry. Fees at the Council Office Order referring said Act to a Committee 3: 2: 6 Copy of the Act annexed 1: –: – 20. Committee Order referring it to the Board of Trade } 2: 2:
2296To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Eyre, 24 February 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia I wrote you an Account on the 20th. of January of Mr. Moore’s Act being that Day referred to the Board of Trade. Since which the Board of Trade have referred it with several other Pensilvania Acts to their Counsell Sir Mathew Lambe, And as this is a private Act he makes a seperate Report thereon, for which I have already payd him his Fee of five Guineas,...
2297To George Washington from Littleton Eyre, 5 June 1765 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 8th ulto from Wmsburg & agreeable to your request I now send you inclosed to Mr Valentine the Will of John Custis Esqr. by which youll find he gave his dwelling House & plantation to his Son Hancock dureing his Natural life with remainder to his heirs male with a power to devide the same amongst his Male Issue & for want of such to his female &c. Hancock Custis I have been...
2298To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 15 July 1772 (Washington Papers)
I have received a Letter lately from Mr Smith wherein he makes no mention at all of the Tract of 600 Acres on Goose Creek & chattins Run; so that I may dispose of it [to] you without waiting longer for the Man he had agreed with, which it was kind in You to propose. I wish we could agree about the Land on Pohick or that on the Kittocktan for which I must take a less price still than I have...
2299To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 20 December 1770 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favor of the 14th and now inclose a copy of my Last Letter to Mrs Savage, wherein I have told her my Sentiments very freely —and if you desire we should write a joint Letter when we have the pleasure of meeting I shall be agreeable to it. I can’t conveniently go down till the middle of January so that at present I can’t appoint any place of meeting even Mr Montgomerie—I...
2300To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 15 October 1769 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to trouble You with the inclosed two Letters; the one for Mr Pendleton has a little money in it including his Fee for his late advice, which I received yesterday, and which is expressed in these Words, “I think you & Colo. Washington should not pay the money for Mrs Savage’s separate use, to any person but by a power of attorney from her, especially as her changeable temper may...