To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 18 November 1751
From Jonathan Belcher
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society
Elizabeth Town (NJ) Novr 18: 1751
Sir
I duly received your favour of the 14: Instant.5
In mine of 4: Current6 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 forwarded to Mr. Sam: Smith of Burlington7 and to desire he wou’d send it by the Waggon to Mr. Jno. Deare at Amboy.8
Since I have been here I have received none of the Pennsylvania Gazettes which I desire may be duly sent me. I know I am in Arrears with you upon that Account and will soon Order my Friend at Philadelphia to pay you.
I am sorry to give you so much Trouble and shall be glad when you can find out Opportunities for me to Retaliate it. I am Sir Your Friend and Countryman.
Mr. Franklin (post)
5. Not found.
6. See above, p. 205.
7. Samuel Smith (1721–1776), of Burlington, merchant, member of the New Jersey Assembly, author of The History of the Colony of … New Jersey, 1765, printed by James Parker, who brought his press from Woodbridge to Burlington for the purpose. Belcher unsuccessfully recommended Smith for a seat in the Council, 1751; he was finally appointed in 1763 and took his seat in 1767. Albert C. Myers, ed., Hannah Logan’s Courtship (Phila., 1904), p. 28 n. William Franklin wrote BF, June 10, 1767, “Our Friend Saml. Smith … says that he thinks all the Provinces in North America ought to join to make it worth your while to reside in England as long as you live.”
8. John Deare was, among other things, sheriff of Middlesex County at Perth Amboy.