To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 11 January 1782
From Richard Bache
ALS: Yale University Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania2
Philadelphia January 11th. 1782—
Dear & Hond: Sir,
I did myself this pleasure a few days ago per the Frigate Hermione from the Cheasapeake; It was just to let you know that we were well—3 Having answered your Letter of the 13th Sepr. (which is the last we have from you) by two different conveyances, I have at present nothing very material to communicate, save that we enjoy good health & are happy— We have innoculated little Debby, & she has got thro’ the small pox very favorably— You will herewith receive the Dutch & English Newspapers— The Apples I could not get on board either of these Vessels, should another Conveyance soon present, I will endeavor to send them— Our Winter hitherto has been very open, Our Navigation has scarcely been interrupted—4 With Sally & the Children’s joint Love & Duty I remain ever Dear & Hond. Sir Your affectionate Son
Richd Bache
Dr. Franklin
I have received Bill Lading for 2 small Boxes Tea shiped by Mr. Nesbitt of LOrient on board the Hope Frazier,5 but she is unfortunately carried into Newyork. R B.
Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Franklin
Notation: Rich. Bache Philadelphia— Jany. 11. 1782.
2. Only the first ALS bears a notation.
3. Above, Jan. 9.
4. A British squadron had just arrived off the Delaware Capes and soon began interrupting that navigation: Richard Buel, Jr., In Irons: Britain’s Naval Supremacy and the American Revolutionary Economy (New Haven and London, 1998), pp. 217–19.
5. The Hope was a Massachusetts brigantine commanded by Phoenix Frazier: Allen, Mass. Privateers, p. 180; Claghorn, Naval Officers, p. 115; Charles Henry Lincoln, comp., Naval Records of the American Revolution, 1775–1778 (Washington, D.C., 1906), p. 342.