1To Benjamin Franklin from William Shipley, 13 September 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I believe that you will be supprised to hear from one who am an entire Stranger and living at so great a distance; but as I have often heard so great a Character of your Ingenuity and extensive Publick-Spirited Benevolence I shall mention no more by way of Apology for troubling you on this occasion, than that your Plan for promoting of Useful knowledge...
2To Benjamin Franklin from William Shipley, 1 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; also copy: “Dr. Templeman’s Transactions,” Royal Society of Arts, London I am order’d to acquaint you, that the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce have unanimously elected you a Corresponding Member; and it gives the Society a singular Pleasure to place upon their List a Gentleman whose publick Spirit and uncommon Abilities...