From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Hubbart, 5 March 1756
To Elizabeth Hubbart
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Philada. March 5. 1756
Dear Betsey
Excuse my not writing to your good Mama and my other Friends. I am excessively hurried, and not very well.
I shall send a Commission to Cousin Tuthill.6 I am going shortly to Virginia if nothing hinders, and could be glad to have the State of the Office Accounts and the Ballance, that I may settle it with Mr. Hunter.
Pray desire him to put Huske’s7 Bond in Suit. Perhaps it may be recovered, as the King’s Debts always have the Preference.
The Lottery draws next Monday.8
Adieu. Love to all. I am, Your affectionate Papa B Franklin
Addressed: To / Mrs.9 Eliz Hubbard / Post Office / Boston / Free
6. Tuthill Hubbart, Elizabeth’s brother, commissioned postmaster of Boston in succession to his stepfather, John Franklin.
7. Ellis Huske, John Franklin’s predecessor in the Boston post office. See above, IV, 318.
8. See above, pp. 403–4.
9. The use of “Mrs.” for an unmarried woman, while declining, was still common.