551To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 6 October 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Yours I received by the Philadelphia Packet, Captain Budden, relating to the two protested Bills of Scott and McMichael’s; but I had got them renewed, with the Damages, and sent them off, before yours came to hand; however, that does not signify much, as the last Sett, of Course, will not be presented for Payment. I am glad to find, as you will...
552To Benjamin Franklin from Seth Paddock, 21 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Was Very Well Received Here By our Kinsman and Family and a Number of Gentlemen Farmers Who Intend to Settle in Ameria I have Given Them my Best Advice of the Country Which is to land att New Yourk Which is in the Center of America and a Fine Country all Round them. I Am Prevaild upon to Stay Here and Keep Christmass. I Have addressd: Mr: Benjn: Stead for...
553To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, 24 February 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sincerely ask your pardon for the trouble I gave you with my last. The dedication was written, and sent to you, before I had taken time to reflect upon it. I shall confine myself to the inscription I first proposed, and shall be obliged to you if you will throw the dedication into the fire without showing it to any person whatever. I am, Dear Sir your...
554To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [13 December? 1771] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. John Milliquet, is my esteemed Friend and Intimate, and being particularly acquainted with Josiah, he will be happy to see him in London. Therefore hope you will pardon the Liberty I take of introducing him to You. Any Civilities shewn him will be esteemed a great Addition to the Obligation I am already under. I am Your dutifull and...
555To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 13 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am realy ashamed at my remissness in neglect of Writing after your repeated favours, And this now can only serve as an Appology the Captn: being ready to go down. Your much esteemed of the 5th. May containing the curious Seed from India I received safe, also yours of the 3d. of August and a few days since that of the 7th. of October, which repeated marks...
556To Benjamin Franklin from Sargent Aufrere & Co., 8 January 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Barclay is not come to Town yet, and it is uncertain whether we may be able to confer with him, and give you the result time enough for your writing by this packet, we will therefore take our own Resolution, and undertake to pay, ourselves, what part of the Colony’s drafts on you (by means of the deficiency of the Stock) you shall not have...
557To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 17 February 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The last post brought me yours of 11: Currant and in another packet 2 of your papers of 28: of January and 11: February and which I desire may be regularly sent me for the future. I am thankfull that you will send to Mr. Ebenezer Holmes by the first Vessel to Boston Two Pounds of the right Virginia rattle snake root not Seneka root as you call...
558To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 8 January 1750 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania If there be any convenient room left, Since my eldest Son has rejected the Offer, I am willing my name Should be inserted amongst the Collegues of your Society, tho’ very uncapable of being in any manner useful to it, yet I am very desirous to have it by all means promoted, tho’ I expect to be excused from contributing any thing to it more...
559To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 31 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am favored with yours of the 17th. Novr. by the hands of Messrs. Foulger and Rant, who with their Familys arrived here in good health the 27th. Current. Mrs. Westley and her youngest Daughter suffered much by Sea-Sickness, the rest I understand bore their Voyage very well, however, they all came asshore hearty, and I have got each family into decent,...
560To 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:
561To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 20 November 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Inclosed I have now sent you a Bill of Exchange for one Hundred Pounds Sterling; the second Copy of which I sent by the Dragon Capt. Hammit the Receipt of which you will please to acknowledge, and advise me of its being paid when you have received the Money, which will much Oblige Yours &c. This bill went in the brig Cornelia , Robert Patton,...
562To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Stockton, 23 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I came to this Town in Expectation of going [ torn ] in the Packet, but it’s very sudden Departure made [it impos]sible for me to be ready. I was favoured with several Letters from our Governour, which were sent me here yesterday by Express; and he put into my Care a large Packet as well as two Letters directed you, these I have got Mr. [Keller?] to pack up...
563To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, [October 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have sent your Letters and no answer. Jackson Broght the watchcase, gist [just] as you was gouen out of the Street; no won cald own a Saturday or Sunday. I and my too children went to Church In the morning, the after None gave Nanny Leave [?] Miss Clarck came at half hour after forr stade tell all moste Teen; I have not har’d of Poley; this Morning Mr....
564To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 3 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I must beg Leave to recommend the Bearer, Daniel Coxe, Esqr; of Trenton, to your Civilities and good Offices; and desire you would introduce him to Mr. Jackson, and such other of our Friends as you think may any ways contribute to make his Stay in London either advantageous or agreeable. I am, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son, Daniel Coxe ( c .1739–1826)...
565To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 31 October 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society In pursuance of the directions of the House of Representatives of this His Majesty’s Province, I have the pleasure to Inform you that they have made choice of you as their Agent in Great Britain for the purposes mentioned in the Vote which I now transmit you. I am directed also to acquaint you that the House will write you more fully by the next...
566To Benjamin Franklin from G. Row[se?], 21 July 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I’m informd of Some Letters from Virginia being directed for your care, if any arrived please send per Enoch Story and if any shoud Soon come to hand please to Order the Post to deliver them at my house which will much oblige Sir Your humble Ser[vant] Addressed: To Mr. Benjn. Franklin Postmaster in Philadelphia By favour Captn. West The signature is...
567To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Ray, 28 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Excues my writeing when I tell you it is the great regard I have for you will not let me be Silent, for Absence rather increasis than lesens my affections then, my not receiveing one line from you in answer to 3 of my last letters March the 3d and 31st and April the 28th gives me a Vast deal of uneasiness and occation’d many tears, for Suerly I have wrote...
568To Benjamin Franklin from the Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 16 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress We transmit inclosed the Resolves of the House appointing us their Committee of Correspondence, and you their Agent to transact the Affairs of this Province in Great Britain. The Instructions given by former Assemblies, respecting the Trade and Commerce and other general Rights, and Liberties of America, have been so full and explicit, that nothing material occurs in...
569To Benjamin Franklin from John Shippen, 3 June 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If after the Perusal of the inclosed Letters from my Father you will Venture to Assist Me, by accepting a Bill on the Man so Near and dear to Me, Or in any other way you shall think more proper to Enable Me to Return to America with every requisite necessary to Accomplish my Scheme of reading Lectures on Natural History —with your hearty recommendation and...
570To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Ronayne, 15 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : the Royal Society In conformity to the desire of some Friends, I have drawn up the foregoing Observations on atmospherical Electricity, which I beg leave to lay before you; and shall think the trouble I have had, in prosecuting the necessary Experiments, sufficiently compensated, if it shall appear to you that they contain any thing new or curious; in which case, you are at liberty to...
571To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 10 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New-York Historical Society J’etois a paris en 1752 lorsque Les experiences sur lelectricité que vous aviez communiqué a Mr. Collinson parurent traduite en nôtre langue. Je fus temoin De l’admiration qu’elles causerent dans cette Capitale. Je suivois pour lors un Cours de phisique chez Mr. L’abbé Nollet qui nous en repeta plusieures bien singulieres; comme il n’est point douteux que vos...
572To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 8 October 1759 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have been recovering slowly from a Tedious lurking Fever for some Time tho I do not venture to go much abroad. The frequent bile I have lately been subject to made me think it my Duty to request the Electors of this County to chuse some other person in my stead but tho’ I thot it very reasonable under my present Circumstances I have not...
573To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley with a Postscript from Her Father, 22 [December] 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with infinite satisfaction, I am commission’d to assure my dear Dr. Franklin, how happy we shall be to see you at Twyford; Mama has had a very bad cold and cough, and my Papa has been laid up for this last week with the Gout in both his feet, which tho not an alarming [is] a very troublesome disorder; my sister Elizas and my time, has been wholly...
574To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, 1 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on tuesday next (Jan. 6th.) at half an hour past three. Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin / Craven Street For William Heberden, one of 18th century England’s most eminent physicians, to whose pamphlet on inoculation for smallpox BF had written a preface during his...
575To Benjamin Franklin from Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, 30 May 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It was not, until last Night, We recived your kind Favor of the 9th of March, otherwise, you may [be] assured, We should have remitted you, by this Packet (which [sails] On Saturday), The thousand pounds Sterling, That [you] in the most friendly Manner, sold Us. We are very sensibly pained, That we have subjected you, to the least Inconvenience, But as We...
576To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Colden, 2 June 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <General Post Office, New York, June 2, 1773: Wrote him on May 5 and sent the accounts through April 5 last; also sent first bills of exchange, of which he now encloses seconds: John Bonfield on Quarles Harris, £80; Thomas Boylston on Champion & Dickason, £100; George Erwin on Lane, Son & Fraser, £120; Benjamin Ogles on James Anderson, £83 10 s. 3 d. ;...
577To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Collinson, 9 March 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I return the Soliloquy which is indeed in too many Places but too wickedly entertaining and Pointed at the expence of the good old Gentleman, and the Allusion to 1715 &ca with the help of the Key which in Confidence you furnished Me with is palpable enough. I am very happy, my dear Sir, that I have it just still in my Power to oblige myself by...
578To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 24 October 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Abstract: Ingenhousz letterbook, Gemeente-Archief, Breda That every body here expects his vindication but that I begin to suspect it will not be published till the American affairs are settled; that I allwas looked upon America as the abode of tranquillity. That I was much pleased with the translation of his work in Fransh. That mr. Reich Van der schoot gardiner to the Emperour has sollicited...
579To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Small, [c. 1764] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity , 1769 edition, pp. 440–1. I have just recollected that in one of our great storms of lightning, I saw an appearance, which I never observed before, nor ever heard described. I am persuaded that I saw the flash which struck St. Bride’s steeple. Sitting at my window, and looking to the north, I saw what...
580To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 2 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and is greatly distressed for want of the Clauses, and desires he would send them by the Bearer. Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin Endorsed: Mauduit agt for the Massachusetts at the olive Tree near the Sun Tavern South Side of St Pauls Pump Court No. 4 two per Staim right hand S. Meredith Anthony Todd (above,...
581To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, [5 October 1755] (Franklin Papers)
Transcript of fragment: Rosenbach Foundation Speaker Isaac Norris entered a long note on an interleaved sheet in a copy of Poor Richard improved , 1755, following the calendar for December. He first copied an advertisement from the Antigua Gazette or Public Advertiser , Aug. 12, 1755, in which George Thomas, former governor of Pennsylvania and now governor of the Leeward Islands, defended...
582To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Templeman, 27 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Templeman presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and heartily wishes Him a great deal of pleasure in his Tour. Begs the favour of Him to deliver the inclosed to Mr. Genet; he has not mentioned the place of Mr. Genet’s residence, for he imagines that He always accompanys the Court. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / in / Craven street / Strand Peter...
583To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 27 September 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote Yesterday but Joshua Howell calling to let me know he was just going to N York to take his leave of our Friend Christopher Kilby, I shall enclose this and request my old Friend C. Kilby to take the trouble of delivering it and wish him a good Voyage. I sent by way of Bristol in my above mentiond Letter a Copy of our Bill for...
584To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 27 August 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Son Josiah is determined to go to London and I Belive Will Sail in about a month. I wish he might be accomidated at Good Mrs. Stevensons if agreeable if this Cant be please to direct the unfortinate Stranger to Some Other Good place. I Shall Send his Brother to take Care off him, it may apper to you Very extrodnary for us to Consent to Such a Step but...
585To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 21 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Since the Above the Teas are all destroyed but as the Vessell is just upon sailing must refer for particulars to Dr. Williamson the Bearer of this whom I recommend to your Notice and to whom I must also refer you for a particular Account of the transactions here and the other Colonies relative to this affair. I am with great respect your most humble servant The copy...
586To Benjamin Franklin from John Read: Power of Attorney, 8 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form, with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Presents, That I John Read of the County of York in Pensilvania, one of the Waggon Masters in the late Expedition under General Braddock Have constituted, made and appointed, and by these Presents do constitute, make and appoint, my trusty and loving Friend Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia...
587To Benjamin Franklin from John Canton, 31 October 1760 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Royal Society Having procur’d some thin Glass Balls of about an Inch and a half in Diameter, with Stems, or Tubes of eight or nine Inches in length, I electrified them, some positively on the inside, and others negatively, after the manner of charging the Leyden Bottle, and sealed them hermetically. Soon after, I applied the naked Balls to my Electrometer, and could not discover the...
588To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 29 September 1762 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity (London, 1769), p. 434. There is an observation relating to electricity in the atmosphere, which seemed new to me, though perhaps it will not to you: However, I will venture to mention it. I have some points on the top of my house, and the wire where it passes within-side the house is furnished with...
589To 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...
590To Benjamin Franklin from Ebenezer Kinnersley, 3 February 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Benjamin Franklin, Supplemental Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Part II . … (London, 1753), pp. 99–101. (Yale University Library) I have the following experiments to communicate: I held in one hand a wire, which was fasten’d at the other end to the handle of a pump, in order to try whether the stroke from the prime conductor, through my arms, would be any greater, than...
591Anthony Todd to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 4 October 1768 (Franklin Papers)
MS extract: Public Record Office Extract of a Letter from Anth Todd Esqr. to Messrs. Franklin and Foxcroft Dated General Post Office October 4th. 1768. You will see by the inclosed Abstract of a Clause relating to Ship Letters what steps have been lately taken to carry the same effectually into execution, and the Honourable Commissioners of the Customs have been pleased to direct their...
592To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Gilpin, 8 June 1770: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from “Memoir of Thomas Gilpin,” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XLIX (1925), 313. As the late repeal of the acts in England more fully developes itself the singularity of its not taking effect till December next makes it appear the more as if the ministry had adopted a system of traps and decoys. But they have alarmed the game and it will require...
593To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 12 January 1750 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote to him to come up hither next first day if the weather was good Seeing while the Assembly Sits I can appoint no other day and if my Son has delivered him the Magic Squares I pray him to bring them with him. His affectionate friend “Our Benj. Franklin is certainly an Extraordinary Man in most respects,” Logan wrote Peter Collinson,...
594To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. John Sargent, 6 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Sargent present Their Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and will be glad of the Favour of his Company, if He will take a Family Dinner with Them on Sunday next. at half past Three . Addressed: To Dr. Franklin / Mrs. Stephenson’s / Craven Street / Strand John Sargent was a director of the Bank of England and at this time an M.P. for West Looe; BF had...
595To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 1 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Yours of Decr. 7th. I rec’d Yesterday Informing me of your having drawn a Bill on me, which shall meet with due honour when it appears. And I hope it will not be long before we have the pleasure of seeing you over when we can adjust our Accts. as it appears by mine that you have over drawn. However any mistakes may easyly be rectified at a future Day. I...
596To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Huck, 9 July 1768: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society [Saturday, July 9 (1768?). A dinner invitation from Dr. Huck for Friday next at four o’clock.] Richard Huck, who changed his name in 1777 to Huck-Saunders, had been an army surgeon in America during the French and Indian War. He returned to London, was appointed physician to the Middlesex Hospital in 1766 and to St. Thomas’s in 1768, and was in the medical...
597To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Smith, Jr., [before 17 May 1771] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I called at Mrs. Stevenson’s yesterday, but was so unfortunate as to find you absent. As I am told that you design for the country in a day or two, and I may perhaps lose an opportunity of seeing you, I have used, sir, the freedom of addressing you in this manner and would beg the favour of your kind advice with regard to my intended expedition to France...
598To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac All, 12 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I with great pleasure Acknowlege the Receipt of your favour of the 3d. and am very glad to hear You have such late news from your family and friends at Philada. I hope their health will be continued and yourself soon restored never more to be seperated from them. I am much better then when I wrote you but have been Oblig’d since that time to undergo a Very...
599To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 12 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Enclos’d we return your Letter and are much obligd by your communicating the same—as also for transmitting the other Leters. My Father desires me to ask whether you have received any Intelligence about the House at Philadelphia—Copy of the Grant of which [he] thinks he gave you—with much Esteem subscribe myself your obliged Friend Addressed: To / Benjn....
600To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Salt, [1765] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your’s received was glad to hear of your Safe Arivall to England. As your Stay will be for Some time hope youll take a Tower in this Country and Shall be proud to See you at Bir[ming]ham but Should with a grate dale more Plesure had I not Lost the best of friends the Dearest Companion your Relation my wife who Departed this Life the 26 of January 1764. I do...