2051To Benjamin Franklin from Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 1 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library Company of Philadelphia The General Assembly of this Province, having appointed Us to be the Committee of Correspondence; And in Pursuance of their Resolves from time to time during their late Sitting; We have Caused to be made out and furnished divers Certified Copys of Resolves and Instructions to Richd. Jackson Esqr. then Sole Agent of this Province to be sent by Us [to] Mr....
2052To Benjamin Franklin from John Smith, 2 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with great pleasure, I hear of thy undertaking a voyage to London, at a time, when not only the province which has deputed thee, but all North America, wants a friend there (and could have no other that I know of) so well qualifyed to serve both the particular and General Interest. May the Divine Blessing attend thy person and Benevolent designs, and...
2053From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 3 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Case of the Armonica came home to Night, and the Spindle with all the rest of the Work seems well done. But on farther Consideration, I think it not worth while to take one of them to London to be fitted with Glasses as we intended. It will be better to send you one compleat from thence, made under my Direction, which I will take care shall be good. The...
2054To Benjamin Franklin from Baynton and Wharton, 3 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Tracts of Land, Which We mention’d to You, last Spring, are situated as follows. One of Them, “is on the East side of Lake Champlaine and on the North side of the River Messesque, including Twenty Thousand Acres.” The Other Tract “is situated on the North side of the Bay of Chaleur adjoining the Bay, including the same Quantity, as the above.” The...
2055From Benjamin Franklin to John Smith, 4 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Drayton M. Smith, Philadelphia (1959) I received your very obliging Letter. I thank you cordially for your kind good Wishes. I hope my Conduct in England will be such as not to lessen the Esteem you honour me with; and that on my Return I shall have the Pleasure of finding you and my other Burlington Friends all well and happy. I am, with sincere Respect, and Affection, Dear Sir, Your...
2056Remarks on a Late Protest, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
[Benjamin Franklin], Remarks on a Late Protest Against the Appointment of Mr. Franklin an Agent for this Province [Philadelphia, 1764] (Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Yale University Library); also printed in The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser , November 22, 1764, Supplement; draft (incomplete): American Philosophical Society. Franklin’s farewell to Pennsylvania took the form...
2057Power of Attorney to James Parker, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Bureau of Land Records, Department of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg Know ALL Men by these presents That I Benjamin Franklin of the City of Philadelphia Printer being now about to depart for England and the Time of my Return uncertain and there being long Accounts of Partnership unsettled between David Hall of the same place Printer and myself which partnership is now near expiring and the...
2058To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Eckerling, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Brethren Israel and Gabriel Eckerling were taken by the French and Indians from the Aligany Mountains in the Month of August 1757 and some Time after sent to Rochelle in France w[h] ere I am informed they died in the Hospital. I shall esteem it a particular Favour if you will enquire wether my Information be true or not. Please to let me know by a few...
2059To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Quincy, Junior, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had not deferrd doing myself the Pleasure of writing you for some time past on the Subject I mentiond to you when here, but the Loss of my Wife, besides several Avocations has prevented, nor should I have troubled you now, but to inform you that I publish’d in Edes & Gills paper last Post Day a Letter from my Bro’ Huske to the Committee of Merchants here;...
2060From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 6 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Public Record Office Col. Bouquet marched from Pittsburgh the 4th of October, with 1500 Men, down the Ohio, to attack the Shawana Towns; the Peace made by Col. Bradstreet at Presqu’isle not being confirmed. We have not since heard from either of those Armies. I am &c. Endorsed: Philadelphia Novr 6. 1764 Extract of a Letter from Mr Franklin Deputy Postmaster General of North America to...
2061To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Humphreys: Bill and Receipt, 6 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Benjamin Franklen to Benja. Humphreys Dr. £ s d To Two steel spendels For the Harmonica 4: 0: 0 Humphreys was almost certainly a Philadelphia artisan, but nothing more is known about him. See Above, p. 426.
2062From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 7 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The new Assembly at their first Sitting approv’d and resolv’d to prosecute the Measures of the last, relative to the Change of Government; and supposing that my being in London during the insuing Sessions of Parliament may moreover be of some Use in our general American Affairs, have appointed me as an Assistant Agent with you for one Year, and directed me...
2063From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Franklin, 8 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Copy or transcript: American Philosophical Society Three hundred friends and admirers accompanied Franklin from Philadelphia to Chester, where he embarked on the King of Prussia , Capt. James Robinson, on Nov. 7, 1764. As he boarded the ship, he “was saluted by a Number of Cannon, and the Huzza’s of the People; and an Anthem was sung … suitable to the Occasion.” The text of the anthem is said...
2064From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Wharton, 9 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library We are just putting to Sea, with a Wind fine and fair as can blow. My Love to my good old true Friend your Father, and all his worthy Sons; And my affectionate Regards to all enquiring Friends. I am Yours affectionately Endorsed: Benja. Franklin Cape-Henlopen Novr. 9th. 1764 So identified on the basis of Wharton’s reply of Nov. 13, 1764; see below, pp. 456–8....
2065To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 12 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society I observe by the last Papers that your Assembly have again appointed you one of their Agents in Great Britain: which without doubt, is much to the mortification of the party, whose spleen has been lately gratified by your not being returned a member of the present assembly. I am very glad the...
2066To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 13 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Thy very kind Letter of the 9th. Instant I [had the pleasure] of receiving yesterday the Contents whereof afforded Matter of real Satisf[action, and] on being shewn to my honoured Father gave Him that just Sensation, which [warms the] Breast of every true Friend. I have done myself the pleasure of visiting [thy Wife] and Daughter since thy departure; Who...
2067To Benjamin Franklin from Martin Howard, 16 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I learnt a few Days ago by the Pennsylvania Gazette that you was speedily to go for England, and being Uncertain Whether a Letter would reach you before you embarked I determined to embrace the Oppertunity to write you by a Vessel bound from hence to London, and hope it may meet you safely arrived there, and making an auspicious beginning in the Matter of...
2068To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, 17 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Charles Russel the Bearer hereof applies to me for a few Lines to Make him known to you. He is Son of the Honourable James Russel Esquire of Charlestown. Comes home to perfect His practice as a Physican, in one of the Hospotals, and being a Gentleman of good Character here I Beg Leave to recommend Him to your Civilities as a Stranger in the City of...
2069To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, 18 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nothing has given me or can [give] me more concern than the Disturbances, and Disputes in your Province, the Mischiefs and Dangers to Pennsylvania in particular and to all America in general are inconceivable to one who has not been, in England a good part of the past year; the Effects that the foresight of their Mischief and Dangers had upon me and the...
2070To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 23 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society I wrote you from New Castle, the Substance of the Address of the Lower Counties’ Assembly, In which they inform the Crown, That altho they are Governed under the Same Charter with the People of Pennsylvania, yet that their Laws are different. Will it be amiss to inform the Crown, shoud our Intended Change meet with any Obstructions from this...
2071To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When you embarked at Chester, I purposed to return that Night, but I could not: However, I got to Philadelphia next Day before Noon: I immediately applied to Dunlap’s Affair, as McCleave had arrived before me: I found all the Security Dunlap had was McCleave’s Bond, and McCleave could give no other Security. So I at last took his McCleave’s Bond for £44 15 s...
2072To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 23 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society As some Matters have occur’d, since your Departure, Which it may not be disagreable to you, to know, I borrow an Hour, from Business, to communicate Them to you. The Corporation of this City, met yesterday and agreed upon an Address to the Proprietors. What the Particulars of it, are, I have not yet been able to Obtain, But I learn generaly; That...
2073To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Johnson, [November? 1764] (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Columbia University Library It was no small Mortification to me that you passed by last Fall without giving me the pleasure for a few moments of seeing you. However I doubt not but your reasons were such as I should have allowed sufficient had I known them. It was with great [ word omitted ] that I read the Resolves of your house, and Mr. Galloways Speech, with your excellent...
2074To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Osborne, November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Osbornes Complyments to Dr. Franklyn and has taken the Liberty of sending him the 15th Vol. of Modern History, with some of his Catalogues which Mr. O. does not doubt but the Dr. will order to be distributed to the best Advantage, and it wou’d give him infinite pleasure if that intricate Account with the Gentleman who had the Disposal of the books was...
2075To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Small, 1 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having called on our Friend in Craven Street who informed me that my former Letter was not yet gone I give you this second trouble to acquaint you that the sturgeon you recommended to Dr. Templeman was examined a few days ago, and did not give Satisfaction. The Baltick Sturgeon has no Spices added to it. Capt. Blake was of Opinion that the fish was boiled...
2076To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 4 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing thee on the 20th Ulto. (via Bristol) to which please to refer. On the 28th Captn Friend left our Capes, with whom went Passengers—James Hamilton Esquire and his Nephew. Yesterday, We had the great satisfaction of receiving a Letter from Colo. Bouquet, by an Express sent forward for Gena. Gage —the substance of which is, that,...
2077William Smith: An Answer to Mr. Franklin’s Remarks, [7 December 1764] (Franklin Papers)
[William Smith], An Answer to Mr. Franklin’s Remarks, on a Late Protest. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by William Bradford, at his Book-Store, in Market-street, adjoining the London Coffee-House. 1764. (Yale University Library) On December 7, 1764, precisely one month after Franklin had left Philadelphia, the printer William Bradford published an anonymous pamphlet replying to Franklin’s...
2078From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Line is just to let you know that we have this moment come to an Anchor here, and that I am going ashore at Portsmouth, and hope to be in London on Tuesday Morning. No Father could be tenderer to a Child, than Capt. Robinson has been to me, for which I am greatly oblig’d to Messrs. James and Drinker’s but we have had terrible Weather, and I have often...
2079Journal, 1764–1776; Ledger, 1764–1776 (Franklin Papers)
MS account books: American Philosophical Society December 10, 1764 As Franklin had done when he went to England in 1757, he began a new record of his financial transactions when he started his second mission in 1764. Probably the new record consisted at first of a series of rather informal entries such as those in his “Account of Expences,” 1757–1762, described above, VII , 164–5, and cited...
2080From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, [12–16 December 1764] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have once more the Pleasure of writing a Line to my dear Polly from Cravenstreet, where I arrived on Monday Evening in about 30 Days from Philadelphia. Your good Mama was not at home, and the Maid could not tell where to find her, so I sat me down and waited her Return, when she was a good deal surpriz’d to find me in her Parlour. She has this Afternoon...
2081To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 18 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Urgency of my business which called me another way deprived me of the pleasure of waiting on you to Chester. However my best Prayers and wishes attend you, and I hope e’er now you are safe in London. The first Day of my Journey I travelled about 32 Miles up the Lancaster Road and lodged at the 19th. Tavern. This Road tis true is much frequented and on...
2082To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 18 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I received yours on the 16th. Instant with greater Joy then we Can Express to us all to think you are safe arrived in England in so short atime and were Extremely glad to hear that your good Family are all well when I read on the 10th: Instant in the Newse Paper as you was to Embark for England it was with the greatest Joy Imaginable to Read Over Such a...
2083To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 19 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I wrote you last, I must confess, I did not expect, That the Protesters would attempt to answer the Remarks , or Indeed? That they would [injure?] their Cause, so much, as to let an anonymous Reply appear, in their Behalf. The History of this Matter, as I am informed, is thus, The Protestors, at the Instigation of the Chief Justice, determined an...
2084To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 20 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ I have nothing material to say, yet as I promised to write you by every Ship from this Port to yours, choose rather to put you to a small Expence of Postage, than be altogether silent. I begin then with acquainting you, that Mrs. Franklin and Sally are well, as is your Son, who I saw the Day before Yesterday. The Papers are sent you by this Vessel, and...
2085To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 20 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Duty as well as Inclination ingage me to write you, tho’ nothing very material occurs worth communicating since your leaving us; as I am certain Numbers of your Friends have given you Intelligence of all the Minutiae passing among us (for indeed there is nothing more.) I venture these few lines only for the pleasure arising, that I may not be accounted...
2086To Benjamin Franklin from [Springett Penn], 22 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Having this Day read in the paper of your Safe Arrival in London My Mother and myself Congratulate you on your safe Arrival and hope you have left your Family and the rest of our Friends well. I the other day received a letter from Mr. Pennington who informed me you were coming over in order to Petition his Majesty to take the Government on himself and that...
2087To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 24 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and would be glad to see him any Morning to shew him the proposed Clauses for the intended Act of Parliament. Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Cravenstreet The Postal Act of 1765 (5 Geo. III, c. 25) was passed May 10, 1765. Among other provisions, it changed the rates for mail between Great...
2088From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just heard that a Ship which left London before I arriv’d is still at Portsmouth and that a Letter may reach her. I can only write a Line or two, just to let you know that I am now almost well, tho’ for 10 or 12 Days I have been severely handled by a most violent Cold, that has worried me extreamly. Those of my old Friends who were in town, have...
2089Table of Revised Postal Rates, [1764] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society On Sept. 21, 1764, Franklin and Foxcroft recommended that the proposed new postal act change the schedule of rates between colonial offices from one based chiefly on a few specified places to one stated in general terms of mileage alone, thereby eliminating several inconsistencies resulting from the earlier method. The postmasters general adopted this...
2090From Benjamin Franklin to [Grey Cooper], [1764?–1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Frank Glenn, Kansas City, Missouri (1955) I used to put two Ounces of Bark finely powdered into a Bottle of Wine, and let it stand 24 Hours, in which time it will have given to the Wine a sufficient Quantity of its Virtue, and the Powder itself will be pretty well subsided. When I had drank two or three Glasses out of the Bottle, I used to fill it up with fresh Wine, because the Bark...
2091From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Franklin, [before 1765] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments ana Observations on Electricity , 1769 edition, pp. 473–8. In its surviving printed form this letter is headed “To Mr. P. F. Newport, New England,” and since it begins “Dear Brother,” the person addressed could only have been Franklin’s brother, for many years a merchant and shipmaster in that town. Comparatively little is known of...
2092To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, [1764–1765] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I think you[r] Vindication is admirably well drawn up You make Mee Smile now and then with a keen back Stroke and then with a Home Thrust. It must Mortifie Allen for it cuts Him to the Quick. He has poisoned the Barclay Family. I wish you had one to spare to send my penny post Directed to Mr. David Barclay Junior in Cheapside. If you have them not to...
2093To Benjamin Franklin from John Greenwood, [1764–1775] (Franklin Papers)
Printed card with MS insertions: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Takes the Liberty to inform Dr. Franklin and friends that he has Three very large and Capital Pictures just arrived, and to be seen at an empty House, almost opposite the Cocoa Tree, Pall Mall , from Ten in the Morning till Three o’Clock. On John Greenwood, Boston-born painter and art dealer, who moved from Amsterdam to London...
2094To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Small, [c. 1764] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity , 1769 edition, pp. 440–1. I have just recollected that in one of our great storms of lightning, I saw an appearance, which I never observed before, nor ever heard described. I am persuaded that I saw the flash which struck St. Bride’s steeple. Sitting at my window, and looking to the north, I saw what...
2095Poor Richard Improved, 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1765 : … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) During Franklin’s first mission to England, 1757–62, he left the preparation of the annual issues of the Poor Richard almanacs to his partner, David Hall. When he returned to Philadelphia,...
2096To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 2 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and is greatly distressed for want of the Clauses, and desires he would send them by the Bearer. Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin Endorsed: Mauduit agt for the Massachusetts at the olive Tree near the Sun Tavern South Side of St Pauls Pump Court No. 4 two per Staim right hand S. Meredith Anthony Todd (above,...
2097To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 8 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I donte think the Packit will sail at the time but I write lest it shold and I shold be found wantting in my Duty and you be displesd. In the firste plase Salley is Come home Shee traveled the coldest day I ever felte or that I ever remember and staid at the ferry [?] house till the next day then walked over one halef of the river and then in the bote the...
2098From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 9 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your good Mama and myself are both of Opinion that the Christmas Gambols at Bromley last a great deal too long. We expected you three Days ago. Give my Compliments to Dr. Hawksworth, and tell him I have read three or four times, and every time with great Pleasure, his Dialogue in the Magazine between Mr. Sellaway and Friends in the Club. I call the Dialogue...
2099To Benjamin Franklin from Bernard Ogden, 9 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Though not personally acquainted yet I presume upon thy goodness to trouble thee with these few lines, to desire what Information thou may have in thy power to give relative to an Affair in Philidelphia or its Environs, the distance of which from hence, and not knowing whom to apply to, I hope will plead my excuse with thee the case as follows, One Thos...
2100John Penn and the Provincial Commissioners: Order to Pay Benjamin Franklin, 11 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Pay to Benjamin Franklin Esqr. or order the Sum of Fifty five Pounds in full of his Salary as a Commissioner appointed to dispose of and apply the late Grant from this Province of £55,000 to His Majesty’s Use. John Penn £55 — — Jos: Fox To Charles Norris } Lynford Lardner Mahlon Kirkbride Thos: Cadwalader and John Morton, Esqrs Jos . Galloway Janry 12th....