401The Sommersett Case and the Slave Trade, 18–20 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , June 18–20, 1772 It is said that some generous humane persons subscribed to the expence of obtaining liberty by law for Somerset the Negro. It is to be wished that the same humanity may extend itself among numbers; if not to the procuring liberty for those that remain in our Colonies, at least to obtain a law for abolishing the African commerce in Slaves, and...
402From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Maseres, 17 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress I thank you for the Pamphlet proposing to establish Life Annuities in Parishes, &c. I think it an excellent one. In compliance with your Wish, pag. 25, 26 I send it back with a few Marginal Notes (perhaps of no great Importance) made in Reading it, requesting it may be return’d to me. In page 118 of Dr. Price’s Book on Annuities, 2d Edition, you will find...
403From Benjamin Franklin to Matthew Boulton, [15 June 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Assay Office, Birmingham Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Bolton, and having heard last Night by the Marquis Grisella of Mr. B’s intended Call in Craven Street at Ten this Morning, is sorry he cannot be at home to receive him, being oblig’d to be early at Westminster Abby in order to get in. Wishes Mr. Bolton would favour him with his Company at Dinner this Day at 4, or...
404From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 15 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Albert H. Smyth, ed., The Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., New York, 1905–07), V , 405–6. I am much obliged to you for introducing me to the Knowledge of Mr. le Marquis d’Ecrammeville, who appears a very amiable Man, with an excellent Understanding. Abraham Mansword’s Advice to his Countrymen is very good. I hope they will have more of it. Pray inform me by a Line,...
405Toleration in Old and New England, 3 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Packet , June 3, 1772; incomplete draft: American Philosophical Society I Understand from the public papers, that in the debates on the bill for relieving the Dissenters in the point of subscription to the Church Articles, sundry reflections were thrown out against that people, importing, “that they themselves are of a persecuting intolerant spirit, for that when they had...
406From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 3 June 1772: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 5 n. I have at length purchased Stringfellow’s right for you, or for you and Mr. James, as you settle it between you. As it was he that immediately recommended the business to me, I have sent the writings to him by this packet. The rights cost £110, and the charges were £5 15 s. 6 d....
407From Benjamin Franklin to Abel James, 3 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Agreable to your Request when in London and what you wrote to me from Bristol relating to the Purchase of Stringfellow’s Right, I have attended to the Affair from time to time with Mr. Wheeler, who has been very assiduous in it, and taken a great deal of Pains to bring it to a Conclusion. We could not obtain the Right for less than £110 besides the Charges of...
408From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This just informs you I am well and received yours by the April Packet. I shall write fully to you and all Friends by Osborn. My Love to Sally, Mr. Bache, the Child, and all that love us. I can now only add, that I am ever Your affectionate Husband
409From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Dawson, 29 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Museum; French translation by Barbeu-Dubourg: American Philosophical Society This letter marked the start of an investigation that engaged Franklin’s attention intermittently for months to come, and embroiled him in one more dispute about the behavior of electricity. The problem was how best to protect the royal powder magazine at Purfleet against lightning. The magazine was new,...
410Accounting of Benjamin Franklin’s Share in the Walpole Company, 12 May 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <May 12, 1772: “Benjamin Franklin Esq., for his Proportion of Expences and Charges incurred from June 1769 to May 1772, on the Application to the Crown for a Grant of Lands on the River Ohio in North America.” He had paid £5 5 s. in cash on November 6, 1769, and £25 on November 27, 1771. The charge for one share at £44 3 s. 4 d. , dated May 2, 1772, left a...
411From Benjamin Franklin to the Managers of the Philadelphia Silk Filature, [before 10 May 1772]: extracts (Franklin Papers)
Extracts printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , July 29, 1772; ALS (incomplete draft): American Philosophical Society This letter, to the Managers of the Contributions for Promoting the Culture of Silk, exists in two fragmentary and undated versions. One is extracts that the Managers sent to the press; the other is a draft among Franklin’s papers in his hand, with the first page or pages...
412From Benjamin Franklin to Sir John Pringle, [before 10 May 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Dr. F. presents his respectful Compliments to Sir J. Pringle, is much oblig’d to him for the Trouble he has so kindly taken in the Affair of the Silk, and is very happy to learn that the Queen has graciously condescended to accept it with a Purpose of wearing it. Her Majesty’s Countenance so afforded to the Raisers of Silk in Pennsylvania (where her...
413From Benjamin Franklin to John Hawkesworth, 8 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Dining abroad yesterday, and not coming home till 12 at Night, I did not get your Letter in time to answer it by the Return of the Post as you desired. Dr. McBride of Dublin some time since discovered that putrid Flesh could not only be render’d sweet, but its Firmness restor’d, by immersing it in Fix’d Air; which is Air that has made part of the solid Substance...
414From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, [on or before 5 May 1772]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft; fragment): American Philosophical Society My Love to dear Mrs. Foxcroft, and to little Sally my grandaughter. My best Wishes attend you all, being as ever, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant The fragment appears in the letterbook immediately before BF to WF below, May 5, and is clearly the end of BF ’s reply to Foxcroft’s letter above, March 2, which mentioned...
415From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 5 May 1772: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 4–5 n. You write, that, besides what was sent here, fifty-four pounds had been reeled at the filature of private persons, who are getting it manufactured into mitts, stockings, and stuffs. This gives me great pleasure to hear; and I hope that practice will be rather followed, than...
416From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of March 2. and am glad to hear that the Ship from Ireland is got safe into Antigua. I hope you will now get the little Token I sent you from thence. I have not receiv’d the Letter you mention to have given the young Scotsman, nor that from Mr. Craige. I am sorry for the Disorder that has fallen on our Friend Kinnersley, but hope...
417From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 5 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society [I have rec]eived yours of Mar. 2, with the Bill in[closed] [ torn ] on the Society for £25 Sterling, which is [entered to your?] Credit. I have paid for you lately a [bill in the amount of?] £4 10 s. 6 d. to one Main’s a Shoemaker, [ torn ] by Order of Mrs. Clarke. And on [ torn ] several Sums of which I cannot [now recollect the full?]...
418From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 4 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I think with you that there cannot be the least Occasion for my explaining your Method of impregnating Water with fix’d Air to Messrs. Banks and Solander, as they were present and I suppose are as well acquainted with it as my self; however I shall readily do it if they think it necessary. I am glad you intend to improve and publish the Process. You...
419From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 20 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of March 5 per M. Dazoux, and shall be glad of any Opportunity of doing him Service. It gave me great Pleasure to learn by him, that you are well and happily married, on which I give you Joy. ’Tis after all the most natural State of Man. Mr. West our President concerning whom you make Enquiry, is esteemed as a good Antiquarian,...
420From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 13 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 7–8. I wrote to you in January last a long letter, by Meyrick, and at the same time wrote to the Committee, since which I have received no line from any one in Boston, nor has Mr. Bollan yet received the answer we wait for, respecting the eastern settlements on the crown land. The Parliament...
421From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 13 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter by Mrs. Wright, and shall do her all the Service in my Power. I think I wrote to you by Cousin Josiah, who sailed in Acworth last Week, and I hope will get safe home to his Friends. I continue well, and purpose returning this Summer, God willing, and then may hope next Year for the Pleasure of seeing you, as 1773 is my Period for...
422From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin and Elizabeth West, [before 4 April 1772?]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Yale University Library <Before April 4, [1772? ], and in the third person. An invitation to dinner next Saturday, April 4.> Between the artist’s marriage and BF ’s return to America, April 4 fell on a Saturday in 1767 and 1772. Our predecessors did not print the invitation under the earlier date, and we are therefore assigning it to the later one.
423From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Wheeler, 3 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library In November, 1771, just a year after the first sample of Pennsylvania silk had been sent to Franklin, the first consignment was dispatched to him for sale in London. But this was not his only responsibility to the Managers of the Philadelphia Filature; they also wished his help in acquiring some land in the city, presumably for their establishment. Obtaining a...
424From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 3 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Yesterday we tapp’d the Porter, and found it excellent. To prevent its being wasted, we have bottled it off, having a safer Place for Bottles, and imagining that in our slow Draught it might not keep so fresh. So we are enabled Herewith to return the Cask. How bountiful a Gratuity for half a Sheet of Paper! I can only say, that ’tis pity you are not...
425From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 2 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft; incomplete): American Philosophical Society I was in Ireland when your respected Favour of July 8. arrived at my House here. On my Return, which was just before the Meeting of Parliament I by a Line or two, acknowledg’d the Receipt of it, intending to write more largely as soon as any Business should occur. I hoped the Petition relating to the controverted Lands would...
426From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., [on or before 2 April 1772]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft; fragment): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost : sub]scribers they are now sold at a Guinea and half, and not under. You will take such an Advance on them as you can get in reason, and pay the Money to your Aunt Mecom. My Love to her. Several Ships are arrived from Boston, without bringing me a Line from any Correspondent there. Stick to the Ready Money Only...
427From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 30 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Day receiv’d your kind Letter by Mrs. Wright. She has shown me some of her Work which appears extraordinary. I shall recommend her among my Friends if she chuses to work here. I will enquire for the Books Jenny desires, and send them if I can get them. As you are so curious to know something of Mr. Fox, I will see if I can find him out in St....
428From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 20 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : text, Yale University Library; cover with address, Haverford College Library. I received your kind Letter of Feb. 3. containing a Note of the Moneys you have received on our Company Account since February 1770, and what you have paid to Mrs. Franklin. I am much obliged by your kind Attention to her in several Instances, and return you my hearty Thanks. My Longing for home increases every...
429From Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall, 20 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received your obliging Letter of Nov. 27. It was forwarded to me from Bristol by Mr. Cowper, who mention’d on the Back of it, that the Box should be forwarded also as soon as it came on shore. Not receiving it in some time, I wrote to him about it, and had for Answer that it had been sent three Weeks since, and I should find it on Enquiry at Gerrard’s Hall...
430From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 19 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letters of Jany 5. and Feby. 3. and am glad to hear your Kingbird has gone thro’ his second Inoculation. Capt. Osborne is not yet arrived here. By this Ship I send the Curtains you write for. Mrs. Stevenson thought it best to have them made here. The enclos’d Letter to Sally will explain all. A new Bedstead is to be made with...
431From Benjamin Franklin to Lancelot Cowper, 13 March 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I was favoured by your Forwarding a Letter to me the 7th of last Month, which came in Capt. Spain, with a small Box; and you were so good as to say, the Box too should be forwarded when landed; but it is not yet come to hand. If it has been sent, I beg to know by what Conveyance, that I may enquire for it. If not I must request you would forward it by the first...
432From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Franklin Library, Franklin, Massachusetts You will receive this Line, I hope soon by our Son Bache. I wish you Joy beforehand of his Return, to live with his Family in Philadelphia. Supposing it would be agreable to you, as well as advantageous to our Interest in the collecting of our Debts, I have joined him in a Power of Attorney with you, for that purpose. Mr. Bache will tell you all...
433Power of Attorney to Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache, 17 February 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society <February 17, 1772. Franklin empowers Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache to request and receive payment of all debts due him in America, except those owed him by William Franklin, and to take all legal actions and whatever other lawful steps may be necessary for collecting from the debtors or their executors or administrators. Sealed, stamped, and delivered...
434From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 11 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and draft: American Philosophical Society Permit me to thank you, not only on my own Account for the Book itself you have so kindly sent me, but in Behalf of the Publick for Writing it. It being in my Opinion, (considering the profound Study, and steady Application of Mind that the Work required, the sound Judgment with which it is executed, and its great and important Utility to the...
435From Benjamin Franklin to Stephen Crane, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library After the Recess of Parliament the great Off[icers] of State generally go into the Country, and no publick Business except what may be immediately necessary, is done or taken into Consideration till the next Session brings them together again. Being much Confind to the town by business in the Winter I Usually take the Opportunity of the recess to make a Journey of...
436From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 3–4. The trunks of silk were detained at the customhouse till very lately; first, because of the holidays, and then waiting to get two persons, skilful in silk, to make a valuation of it, in order to ascertain the bounty. As soon as that was done, and the trunks brought to my house, I waited...
437From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library If I complain’d of your seldom Writing, the Case is now alter’d, and you may have more Cause to make the same Complaint of me: For I find before me your several Favours of Oct. 12, and 16. and Dec. 3. and 21. The last indeed came to hand but this Evening. The Ohio Grant is not yet compleated, but the Completion is every Day expected. When it is, I shall, as you...
438From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Smith, 6 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 1452 (April 9, 1931), pp. 4–5. The Parliament has open’d with a Calm in Politics, which seems to promise a quiet Session, the Opposition appearing to be in a very Declining Way. There is not Talk of any Purpose to meddle with American Affairs, either by repealing the Present Duties or adding new ones. A Peace between the Turks and Russians is...
439From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Bond, 5 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour by Mr. D. Kuhn, but being then just setting out on a Tour thro’ Ireland and Scotland, I had not time to answer it, Mr. Kuhn I believe went directly to Sweden. I shall, if he returns hither while I am here, gladly render him any Service in my Power. I suppose your Son Richard will spend some Time in London, where, by what I have heard,...
440From Benjamin Franklin to Rebecca Haydock, 5 February 1772: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from The Aurora , August 24, 1802 I received my industrious young friend’s parcel of silk, and should very willingly have taken any necessary care to see it manufactured agreeable to your directions; but your relation, Mrs. Foster, linen draper of Bishopsgate street, who appears a notable clever woman in business, called upon me for it; and informing me that she had a friend...
441From Benjamin Franklin to John Morgan, 5 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I received your Favour of July 6. just as I was about setting out on a Journey thro’ Ireland and Scotland, chiefly with a View to establish my Health by the Change of Air and daily Exercise. This prevented my Writing till now. I thank you for the inaugural Dissertations, and am pleas’d to see our College begin to make some Figure as a School of Physic,...
442From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 4 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft) and autograph extract: American Philosophical Society I have written two or three small Letters to you since my Return from Ireland and Scotland. I now have before me your Favours of Oct. 1. Nov. 5. and Nov. 13. Mr. Todd has not yet shewn me that which you wrote to him about the New Colony, tho’ he mention’d it, and will let me see it, I suppose, when I call on him. I...
443From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written a long Letter to you, which goes per Capt. Falconer, who Sails in a few Days; but as I know you like to have a Letter by every Ship, I write this Line just to let you know I continue well, Thanks to God, as I hope this will find you and our Children. Mrs. Stevenson sends her Love to you all. Her Grandson grows a very fine Boy indeed. Mr....
444From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 3 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to you by the Revd. Mr. Coombe, whom I recommend to your Friendship as a young Gentleman of great Merit, Integrity, and Abilities. He has acquir’d the Esteem of all that knew him here, not as an excellent Preacher only, but as practising the Morality he preaches. I wish him a good Settlement in his Native Country,...
445From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 30 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have now before me yours of July 3. Aug. 3. Sept. 3. and Nov. 5. All but the last came in my Absence, which is the Reason they were not immediately answer’d. In yours of July 3. you mention some Complaisance of Lord H’s towards you, that show’d a Disposition of being upon better Terms. His Behaviour to me in Ireland corresponds exactly....
446From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Franklin Bache, 29 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your agreable Letters of Oct. 11. and Nov. 5. I met with Mr. Bache at Preston, where I staid two or three Days, being very kindly entertained by his Mother and Sisters, whom I lik’d much. He came to town with me, and is now going home to you. I have advis’d him to settle down to Business in Philadelphia where he will always be...
447From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have written several short Letters to you lately just to let you know of my Welfare, and promising to write more fully by Capt. Falconer, which I now sit down to do, with a Number of your Favours before me. I received the Box and Letter from Mr. Peter Miller, but if as you mention, Enoch Davenport brought it, I did not see him. Perhaps...
448From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Tissington, 28 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your very kind Letter of the 15th. together with the Turkey, which prov’d exceeding fine. We regal’d a Number of our Friends with it, and drank your and Mrs. Tissington’s Health, which we wish’d sincerely. Mrs. Stevenson keeps about, but is ever ailing, like your Dame, with Rheumatic Pains that fly from Limb to Limb continually....
449From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society It was with great Pleasure I learnt by Mr. Marchant, that you and Mrs. Babcock and all your good Family continue well and happy. I hope I shall find you all in the same State when I next come your Way, and take Shelter as often heretofore under your hospitable Roof. The Colonel, I am told, continues an active and able Farmer, the most...
450From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: American Philosophical Society In this letter, as in others later in the month, Franklin touched on a subject of crucial importance in the developing Anglo-American quarrel, the validity of the crown’s instructions to colonial governors. The issue had underlain the wrangling the year before between Governor Hutchinson and the House of...