To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, [27 July? 1771]
From Richard Jackson
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Does it suit you to go to Ireland with me in a week, a fortnight, or three weeks?5 I am sorry you leave London so soon, fearing as I do I may chance to miss seeing you. I wish much to hear from you a few of the Particulars you have heard of the Voyage of the Endeavour and of the Observations of the Passengers. I will try to see you before you leave London, but as I may chance not to be able to come to Town till Wednesday, I should take it as a great favor to receive a Word on the Subject in writing in a Letter to Southampton Buildings. I am Dear Sir yours sincerely
Rd Jackson
Addressed: To / Benjn Franklin Esq / at Mrs Stephensons / Craven Street / Strand / London / from R Jackson
3. Presumably either Headley, Surrey, or Headley, Hants.
4. The approximate time of year is established by the Endeavour’s return on July 16 from her voyage around the world. BF planned to leave for Twyford on Tuesday the 30th; see his letter to Shipley above, July 25. Jackson, doubtless because he knew of the plan, expected to miss him in town on Wednesday, and hence was probably writing on the previous Saturday night. In that case BF answered immediately: an item in a loose bill among his papers is for a letter sent to Jackson on the 28th.
5. The answer turned out to be a month: the two left for their Irish tour on Aug. 25.