From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 8 October 1783
To Benjamin Vaughan
ALS: Mrs. Frances V. Finletter, Philadelphia (1956)
Passy, Oct. 8. 1783.
My very dear Friend,
I cannot let this Opportunity of Mr. Jay’s going to London, pass without Dropping a Line to you, to say that I am tolerably well and love you as much as ever; and that I wish to hear from you oftner, tho’ I am so bad a Correspondent as not to deserve it.
I find I have, left, four of my Vols. on Electricity, and none of your Collection. If Mr Johnson does not think I have already had too many Copies, and will send me four more, I shall be oblig’d to him.7 Mr Jay will be kind enough to bring them.8 I am long in your Debt: when will you send me your Account?— Have you receiv’d News of your good Father & Family’s Arrival?9 My Love to your Brother William, & let me know how you, your Spouse, & Children do; for I suppose you have now more than one.1 My Grandson presents his respectful Compliments, and I am ever Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Benjn Vaughan Esqr
Endorsed: Dr. Franklin 8 Octr: 1783.
7. Joseph Johnson was the publisher of Vaughan’s edition of BF’S Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces (XXXI, 210–18). BF’S volumes on electricity presumably were the fifth edition of his Experiments and Observations on Electricity: IV, 125–30; XXI, 292–7.
8. By the time Vaughan decided to give Jay the four requested volumes, he learned that Jay had already left London: Benjamin Vaughan to John Jay, Jan. 20, 1784 (Columbia University Library).
9. The family sailed to Philadelphia in July and were staying with the Baches: xl, 175, 185, 236, 597.
1. Sarah Vaughan gave birth to their second child, William Oliver (1783–1826), on Nov. 5. Their daughter, Harriet (1782–1798), celebrated her first birthday six days later: John H. Sheppard, “Reminiscences and Genealogy of the Vaughan Family,” New England Hist. and Geneal. Register, xix (1865), 348, 355.