11From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 14 August 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I have lately written two long Letters to you on the Subject of Electricity, one by the Governor’s Vessel, the other per Mesnard. On some further Experiments since, I have observ’d a Phenomenon or two that I cannot at present account for on the Principles laid down in those Letters, and am therefore become a little diffident of my Hypothesis, and asham’d that I...
12From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 27 July 1750 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Academy of Arts and Sciences Mr. Watson I believe wrote his Observations on my last Paper in Haste; without having first well considered the Experiments related in §17 *Of the third Letter. which still appear to me decisive in the Question; Whether the Accumulation of Electrical Fire be in the Electrified Glass, or in the Non-electric Matter connected with the Glass? and to...
13From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 4 August 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I did not receive my Dear Friend’s Letter of yesterday till I came home late in the Evening. I have this Morning wrote the Directions you desired, and sent them to your Friend. If you should hear that they are not quite clear in any particular, let me know that I may explain what is doubtful. My Son presents his Respects. We intend our selves the Pleasure of...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 1 January 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Original ALS not found; duplicate: Pierpont Morgan Library I wrote you yesterday a Line or two enclosing the second of a Set of Bills for £120 Sterling, drawn on Mr. William Anderson, Merchant, London, by Robert Lloyd, of Maryland I now send the first of the same Set. On the 27th past I drew on you for £50 Sterling in favour of Benjamin Mecom, which I doubt not will meet with due Honour I wish...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 19 December 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am but lately return’d from my Tour of these Northern Colonies, having been from the Southernmost Part of Virginia to the easternmost Part of New England. I think I wrote you from Boston that I had by a Fall dislocated my right Arm at the Shoulder Joint; it is now pretty well recovered, tho’ not quite so strong as before. Your obliging Favours of June 8, and 28;...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 29 July 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just return’d from Albany, where were Commissioners from seven Provinces to treat with the Indians of the Six Nations. I suppose the Treaty will be printed, and I shall send you a Copy. At present can only mention, that we brighten’d the Chain with them &c. and parted good Friends; but in my Opinion no Assistance is to be expected from them in any...
17From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 5 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library; also extract: The Royal Society The above is a Copy of my last, and I now send the two second Bills of Steevens and Ludwell. I wrote then in great Hurry, being just setting out for the Frontiers, to visit some of the Forts with the Governor; a long Journey. Since our Return, I have scarce had a Moment’s Time to write to my Friends, the Assembly sitting twice a...
18From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 9 May 1753 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: New York Public Library; also copies: Public Record Office, American Philosophical Society, and (part only) British Museum Although this is one of Franklin’s most important letters, there has been difficulty about both its date and its recipient. Moreover, it has never been printed accurately, nor can it be here, for no Franklin autograph has been found. The two fullest surviving...
19From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 1753 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Historical Society of Pennsylvania With regard to the Germans, I think Methods of great tenderness should be used, and nothing that looks like a hardship be imposed. Their fondness for their own Language and Manners is natural: It is not a Crime. When People are induced to settle a new Country by a promise of Privileges, that Promise should be bonâ fide performed, and the...
20From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 13 July 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ADS and AD enclosure: British Museum I have heard of an Account you lately received from Russia of some Discovery of an ancient Sepulchre in the Frontiers of that Country. I wish I could see that Account. In the mean time I send you a Passage I have met with in Herodotus, that most ancient Historian, concerning the Sepulchres of the Sythian Kings, which may possibly throw some Light on this...