51To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Dowse, 27 July 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Steel who got here last week desires me to write you in her behalf, to acknowledge the many kind Acts of Freindship she hath received from you and at the same time to sollicit you to let me or her know what new Matter you had received after her leaving Philadelphia to be displeased with her or her conduct as you Seem to be in a letter she received...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Cheston, 2 August 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of the 23d Ulto With Mr. Thos Fayerweathers order on Mr. Edward Scott in favour of Mr. Jeremiah Osborn Inclosed and Immediately Applyed to Mr. Edwd Scott for the Money who promised Me to pay It before the Return of our Mercury. But being Gone Down to Talbott County am afraid Shall not see him time Enough to Send It per this next...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 3 August 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society Baxters [book] was gon so much out of my memory that I could not for some time recollect any thing of it. I cannot now recollect whether I sent back your observations on it. If I have not they are among my papers which I carried to the Country and are now there. I can remember that when I lookt into that book I thought that he did not understand the subject on...
54To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 7 September 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Whiting came and [paid the] whole last Saturday Evening in Jersey Money, except 5 s. in York, of the Pay[ment] for the Postage. I don’t know any Body has any of the Spanish Paper to sell cheap. I believe 5 or 6 s. will be the lowest. I know several ask 8 s. I can yet gladly spare you 4 or 5 Bales of that I have, having got about 10 Bales yet entire. If...
55To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 21 September 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last Week I accidently met Mr. DeLancey in the Streets: I ask’d him, if he had heard any Thing about the Affair, and he said No. I ask’d him, if he were willing to take the Money? He said Yes. I ask’d him how much it was? and he said £37 principal: which is more than what you mention. However, I will pay it, let it be what it may; On which I told him, I had...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Cheston, 28 September 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am sorry to Acquaint you that with Assiduity Equal to the Want of the Gentleman In whose favour the order was Drawn I have not Been able to procure anything But Promises. I would Advise (if It meet with yours and the Gentlemans Approbation) a threatning Line or two to Mr. Edward Scott who has made Such an Assumption in favour of Mr. Osborn As may [torn]...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 28 September 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am obliged by your favour of the 24th and the Information you give. I have not heard that any of the Indian History are in this place and am very desirous to see one of them assoon at least as any other in this place may because I really do not know of what papers it consists. I sent Mr. Collinson accounts or relations on that subject at several times and...
58To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 3 December 1747 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Sparks, Works , VII , 24–7. I have expected to see thee here for several weeks, according to my son’s information, with Euclid’s title-page printed, and my Mattaire’s Lives of the Stephenses; but it is probable thy thoughts of thy new excellent project have in some measure diverted thee, to which I most heartily wish all possible success; of which, notwithstanding, I have some...
59To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 19 February 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Friend B.F. I wrote to him about the Title page of Euclid and the Lottery now fully drawn and desired his direction concluding his Affectionate friend. See above, p. 219.
60To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 9 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I received yours of 2d Instant last night and am obliged for your care of my Letters as I shall for any others [that] may come to you. I desire you to Send me your weekly news Paper at the price others give you. Sir with my Compliments to Mrs. Franklin, Your Ready Friend and humble Servant. On Belcher, see above, I , 176 n. He was appointed...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 12 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia I was very fortunate to receive both thy Curious Experiments on Electricity. I have Imparted them to the Royal Society to whome they are very acceptable and they are now in the hands of our Ingenious Friend Mr. Watson Who has promissed as soone as his accounts are printed to send them to Thee with a Letter and hopes for thy further Favours. My Letters and...
62To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 16 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was well pleased with thine of the 13th Inst. on both Accounts, that of the Guns and that also of the Militia with which Conr. Weiser was So well Satisfied that he declared at his Return hither, that he would not for Some pounds out of his own Pocket, but that Shekallemy one of the 6 Nations and his Son had Seen it, and these Indians...
63James Logan to Franklin and Hall, 7 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania As I intirely condemn your Publication in your last Gazette of J.F.’s Paper in relation to me, without my approbation which I should never have granted and impute it more as the forward Act of D. Hall than of you both together, I desire that you would publish this in your next Gazette that you may make me all the Amends that now lies in your...
64To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy (incomplete): Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have wrote a few lines to thee and D.H. as Authors of the Gazette of what you have inserted in your last in relation to me which thou may put into what Language thou pleases provided it answers my End. I impute it to D.H. and not to thy Self. But this comes to inquire particularly into the [ incomplete ]. BF ’s reply, May 10,...
65To Benjamin Franklin from George Whitefield, 27 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from A Select Collection of Letters of the Late Reverend George Whitefield, M.A . … (London, 1772), II , 141–2. Inclosed you have a letter which you may print in your weekly paper. It brings good news from this little pleasant spot. If you could print it on half a sheet of paper, to distribute among the Bermudas captains, it might perhaps be serviceable. The inhabitants...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 14 June 1748 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Bearer Mr. Kalm Is an Ingenious Man and comes over on purpose to Improve himself in all Natural Inquiries. He is a Sweed per Nation and is as I am informed Imployed by the Academy of Upsal to make Observations on your Parts of the World. I recommend Him to thy Favour and Notice—by Him I send the first Vol. of the Voyage to Discover NorWest passage....
67To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan: Power of Attorney, 2 September 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society James Read (see above, p. 39 n), Franklin’s neighbor and rival bookseller, in May received from the London printer William Strahan, whom he knew, a consignment of books valued at £131 16 s. 4 d. When three years passed without payment, Strahan gave Franklin power of attorney to collect the debt. “I have hitherto waited with...
68To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 November 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I here return thee Hen: Ellis’s Tract of his Voyage to Hudson’s Bay, which I have perused and I thank thee for the Loan of it. But I’m Sorry for the Loss of Sandin the Swedish Minister for they generally use to be a good Sort of People, their Ministers I mean. I know not what to think of Kalm. I had a Letter from Linnaeus 10 or 11 years Since...
69To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 13 February 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I return’d him the Reliquiae Bodleianae which he took out of the Library for me, blaming the Editor for not digesting the Letters according to their date, and kept Peter Kalm’s Fauna Suecica by Linnaeus taking notice of his being of Aboae in Finland which as being in that Province I wonder’d he should call their Academy Stockholmiae....
70To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 19 May 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sent him Capt. Smiths voyages or Travels to Virginia. Greg. Leti’s Sisto 5 to. 2 Voll and Marchetti’s Lucrezzio in Italian and desired him to Send me what Classics he has published by M. Mattaire. “Capt. Smiths voyages” was probably The True Travels, Adventures, and Observations of Captaine John Smith, In Europe, Asia, Affrica, and...
71To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 11 June 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Wrote to B. Franklin to come up and See my Books.
72To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Kalm, 6 August 1749 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in The Pennsylvania Gazette , October 12, 1749. I have found more learned Men in Canada, than I imagined had been in all America. The Jesuits in general excel in several Parts of Learning; and the King’s Officers also are skilful in the Arts and Sciences. The new General Governor, Monsieur Jonquiere, who was taken Prisoner by the English in the last War,...
73To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 13 September 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received thine of Yesterdays date this day about II but do not believe that discourse of Doctor Frees explains the Discourse of the Picts or as he calls them the Pyhtas as I have done for he mentions the duration of their Language. I shall cause my younger Son next Month when he is out of his time [to] copy out that discourse: Thou may...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 14 September 1749 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was unwilling to loose the Opertunity per Cap. Rice—So in 5 or 6 Days time I ordred all the Books to your Order that Could be gott together. I was so much engaged I could not go to see them before they was packed—but Hope the Bookseller has been carefull to send such as will Meet with your aprobation. What can be gott to the remainder of your Order...
75To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 6 October 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I absolutely forgot to mention what I principally intended yesterday. Thy telling me what were the most likely paper Mills to Supply me with 6 or 7 sheets or more of Pastboard of about 19 or 20 inches in length and 15 in breadth and what rolling presses were [in] town to smooth them, an exact account of which to be prepared to day and Sent in...
76To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, [November 1749] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New-York Historical Society I receiv’d by the last opportunity from New York the Proposals relating to the Education of Youth in Pensylvania. I have read it with much pleasure and heartily wish the Gentlemen success that are endeavouring to promote so usefull a Design. I have no objection to any thing in the proposals. I am pleased with every part of them. Tho I do not pretend to have...
77To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 13 December 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote to him that Lewis Evans has been here yesterday to advise of T. Godfrey’s Decease which I supposed had prevented his coming today the last he had appointed but that to morrow was a new one and that he might apply to my Son for his Charges. Some here would be pleased to see his Experiments [ two words illegible ]. That is, BF ....
78To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 17 December 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I Send him his borrowed Praeceptor. I thought to have bought that and Turnbull for my Son who is at home with me and to deliver him Those others that I had wrote for. Desire him to Send me Milton and Hutcheson dis[sertation] of Senses with the last &c. Hutcheson says there are more than 5 Senses and reckons Pain and hunger which goes the...
79To 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...
80To 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,...
81To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 5 February 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have so many Obligations to my kind Friend, that I dedicated a time to Visit all the Booksellers in London to search for foreign Electrical Books and could only find Two in French. One I take to be the same I sent for thy perusal but could not be certain which Elce [I] had not bought both for I sent it away just as I received it from France. I have many...
82To Benjamin Franklin from George Whitefield, 26 February 1750 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from A Select Collection of Letters of the Late Reverend George Whitefield, M.A . … (London, 1772), II , 335–7. Ever since I received your last kind letter, I have been endeavouring to redeem some time to answer it, but till now have not had opportunity. Indeed even now a multiplicity of business obliges me to be much more brief than otherwise I should. However, I...
83To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 25 April 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wish I have before this advised my Worthy Friend that his pacquet per Cap. Clark came at last to my Hands, with the Electrical Papers, which are now on the Press under the Inspection and Correction of our Learned and Ingenious Friend Doctor Fothergill for Wee thought it a great Pitty that the Publick should be deprived the benefit of so many Curious...
84To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Johnson, [10 May 1750] (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy (fragment): Columbia University Library [ First part missing ] Seat of London. I drew it up at first only for the use of my Son, and had no further tho’ts, but when I tho’t it necessary to take the pains to transcribe it in order for your perusal, I could not forbear having the vanity to wish it might be useful to others, for I was always very desirous if I could, to contribute...
85To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, [June 1750] (Franklin Papers)
AL (fragment): Library Company of Philadelphia [ First part missing ] Pray give my respects to Lewis Evans. I have not Time to write to Him but I putt his Mapps to Bowles one of the most noted Print and Mapp sellers near the Exchange —and He Tells Mee he has disposed of few of them the Price is so High. Thou will see by Byrd’s Letter the reason no Thermometers was done. So farewell. The Books...
86To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 3 July 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received thy Letter from the Trustees and Bill per £100 on Jno Gurnell & Company which is accepted. I was really unwilling to undertake a New affair haveing so little Time to spare and yett I was as Unwilling so Benevolent a Design should suffer for want of my Concurrence. I have therefore procured your Value of Books of Whiston who I would willingly...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 11 July 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia If I catch the Bagg before its taken away its more than I expect. Can only Acknowledge the favour of thine June 1st with Bartram and Hopkinsons. As to thine the Letter I left in the Country, I sent per Next Ship and return’d thy Sons Journal. I shall be Concern’d it Miscarried. I am in hopes it may yett Come to hand but I have so many Affairs, I can’t Keep...
88To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher: Warrant for Payment, 26 July 1750 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Huntington Library By His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr: Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Jersey and Territories thereon depending in America Chancellor and Vice Admiral in the Same &c. No. III Pay to Benjamin Franklin or Order the Sum of Thirty one pounds ten Shillings proclamation Money for printing Sundry Acts and Laws before the 14 day...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Kalm, 2 September 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Peter Kalm visited Niagara Falls in the summer of 1750. He sent a report to Franklin, asking him, if he wished to print it in the Gazette , to “turn it in better English,” as Kalm was, he confessed, “but a poor English man” and had “no Dictionary to run to for help.” Franklin accordingly published it in the issue of Sept. 20, 1750. His editorial treatment...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Johnson, [November 1750] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Smyth, Writings , III , 29–30. As I could not make a tour to Philadelphia this Fall I have lately taken a Car’g [carriage] ride to several parts of this Colony and being absent when your kind letter arrived, this must be my apology for not answering last [ illegible ]. Nobody would imagine that the draught you have made for an English education was done by a...
91To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Johnson, [14 December 1750?] (Franklin Papers)
MS notes for a letter: New York Public Library (Berg) Perhaps as the [business?] of the 2d. Class is large some account of parts of Speech and Construction might be prescribed to the first Class. As the business of the third Class seems less than the others it may be well for them to learn a Rhetoric that year and be obliged to give some Account of the Tropes and Figures. The best I know is...
92To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 22 February 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library On the other Side is the Account of the Books I now send. I next must thank thee for thine of the 27: Sepr. with our Friend Kalms observations which are very acceptable to the Curious Here. I was in hopes to send thy Work which is all printed but the Engraveing is not so may Expect it soone. Thee art under great obligations to Docr. Fothergill who has annexed a...
93To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 27 March 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am now so prodigiously Engagd as well in my publick business as on Account of our very great National loss the Death of the Prince of Wales that I can only acknowledge the Receipt of thy kind Letters with the Tracts Inclosed. I have sent per Capt. Richey in the Beulah the Magazins for Febuary. I am thy sincere friend Prince of a short Illness an...
94To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 7 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr. Warrell on his return from Philadelphia about 3 months ago acquainted me that in Answer to my request He had had a full talk with you on the matter of Electrification and that you are clear in it I may make the Experiment in moderation without any fear of Injury and that you was so kind as to offer to come hither and make the Operation on...
95Abiah Franklin to Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, 14 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did not rite to you last post but it was becase I was taken with the Stomak ake so bad all day that I coold not set up to rite on any acount. My Cozen Kesiah Coffin was hear last week and she was Sorroy that the werkes and letter was not yet printed. She bid me tell you that She Shoold be glad [to know] how soone you coold do them for She wants to have a...
96To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 28 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New-York Historical Society I had the pleasure of receiving yours with the favour of a copy of your Electrical experiments. My being in this place prevents my reading them with that attention which they deserve and which I intend to do assoon as I shall return home. My Notions on Electricity are confused and indigested. I know not wherein consists the difference between an Electric body...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 4 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received yours of the 31: of Octr. by which I find my Self obliged for your kind Intention to have made an Electrical Operation upon me at Burlington had your Affairs allowd your coming thither which I am sorry they did not for I had concieved much Satisfaction in the Experiment being made by a Gentleman of so much knowledge and practice...
98To Benjamin Franklin from John Franklin, 4 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have spoke with Turner about your seal. He thinks he cant git the Designe Compleated before the post going but will have it Ready against the next. Rogers & Foule to whoom I Red the parigraph of your Letter Relateing to your Ballence and Foul Tole me he [would] Take Care that it be paid when Billey Comes who is not yet arriv’d but suppose he will be...
99To Benjamin Franklin from John and Martha Read: Deed, 15 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society; also copy: Department of Records, Recorder of Deeds, City of Philadelphia November 15, 1751 Abstract: Sarah Read, by indenture of April 10, 1734, granted to her son John Read a messuage and lot on the south side of High Street, Philadelphia, 16½ ft. broad by 306 ft. long, bounded north by High Street, east by a messuage and lot then or lately belonging to...
100To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 18 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duly received your favour of the 14: Instant. In mine of 4: Current I inclosed you a packet to go by Capt. Child and in mine of the 11: to Mrs. Franklin another to go by Capt. Shirley and I hope they were forwarded according to their several directions. If this comes to hand time enough I shou’d be glad the Electrical Apparatus might be...