From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 11 August 1772
To Jonathan Williams, Sr.
ALS: Yale University Library
London, Augt. 11. 1772
Dear Cousin
I received yours of July 4. with the Bill enclosed of £200 for your Brother,3 which I deliver’d to him accordingly. Calling in here at the N England Coffeehouse,4 and finding this Ship just upon sailing, I would not miss the Opportunity of giving you this Information, tho’ I cannot now write to my other Friends.
It grieves me to hear that poor Josiah is in so bad a State of Health.5 But being young it is to be hoped he may weather it.
My Love to my dear Sister, and to Cousin Grace and your Family.6 I shall write to Jonathan per next Opportunity. I am, Your affectionate Uncle
B Franklin
3. For John Williams, the customs official, see above, XII, 193 n.
4. At 61 Threadneedle Street, near the Bank of England.
5. Josiah was dying of tuberculosis; see Jonathan, Jr., to BF above, May 29.
6. Grace Harris Williams was actually BF’s niece; she and Jonathan had a huge family, seven sons and three daughters.