1981From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 31 March 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you pretty largely on the 14th Instant, and yesterday a small Letter enclosing a Newspaper, with the late Proceedings of the House. In the former I acquainted you, that our first Money Bill was rejected by the Governor, and that the House would prepare another, which they accordingly did, and herewith you have a Copy of it. By that, and by the...
1982To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Bernard, 9 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Harvard College Library I am favoured with yours of the 28th of March and have ordered £12 12 s. philadelphia currency to be paid to Mr. Williams for which I am obliged to you. The present state of the College here makes it more expedient to send my Son to philadelphia: but I am desirous he may be boarded where he may be under a proper restraint. I have heard that Dr. Ellison...
1983Cool Thoughts on the Present Situation of Our Public Affairs, 12 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Cool Thoughts on the Present Situation of Our Public Affairs. In a Letter to a Friend in the Country. Philadelphia: Printed by W. Dunlap. MDCCLXIV (Yale University Library). The Resolves of March 24 and the assemblymen’s immediate adjournment for seven weeks “in order to consult their Constituents” (above, pp. 123–33) brought forcefully to public attention the project for a formal appeal to...
1984From Benjamin Franklin to [Peter Collinson?], 12 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Charles E. Feinberg, Detroit, Michigan (1960) We have just now receiv’d the following Advice from Northampton County, viz. One David Owens, a Soldier belonging to the Regulars, but deserted sometime since to the Indians, came in last Week to Capt. Carns’s Post and deliver’d himself up. He brought with him a white Boy that had been taken Prisoner by the Indians last Fall, when they kill’d...
1985To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, [13 April 1764] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ First part missing ] K. William. I send you a List of Papers I found entered in Books in 1699 besides these there is a long Memorial of Dr. Coxes in 1719 I suppose just before his Death, to the B of T pressing much to have his claim insisted on at the Court of France by the Commisssary then going there on the Subject of Ste Lucie &c. This...
1986From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Bernard, 21 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Hyde Collection, Mrs. Donald F. Hyde, Somerville, N.J. (1955) Mr. Williams has acknowledg’d the Receipt of the £12 12 s. 0 d. Dr. Allison is out of Town, and not expected home these 10 Days. As soon as he returns I will speak to him, and write you his Answer. I communicated your Favour of the 1st. ult. to my Son, who desired me to return his grateful Acknowledgements for your kind...
1987From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 21 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Richard B. Duane, Locust, N.J. (1955) I have received yours of the 12th Inst. As to the Mistake I mention’d, I find on Revisal that it was not in your Account but in my Eyes, which mistook one Figure for another. I wrote to you from Burlington that I should pay your Order in favour of Robinson as soon as I return’d to Town, which I accordingly did. The Sum £47 15 s. 4 d. I should be glad...
1988Smith, Wright & Gray Account Book, 1764–1774 (Franklin Papers)
MS account book: American Philosophical Society [April 24, 1764] In the spring of 1764 Franklin opened an account with the London banking firm of Smith, Wright & Gray; he kept it at least moderately active until the summer of 1774. A record of this account, separate from his other financial books and records, survives among his papers in the form of a comparatively small volume, of which 24...
1989From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 30 April 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The British Museum I have before me your kind Notices of Feb. 3. and Feb. 10. Those you enclos’d for our Friend Bartram, were carefully deliver’d. I have not yet seen the Squib you mention against your People, in the Supplement to the Magazine; but I think it impossible they should be worse us’d there than they have lately been here; where sundry inflammatory Pamphlets are printed and...
1990A Letter from a Gentleman in Crusoe’s Island, [April? 1764] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (unfinished): Library of Congress This fragment of a projected pamphlet or newspaper article in Franklin’s hand, apparently never finished, is dated at the end of April 1764 because of its statement that John Penn, “young Cruso,” arrived in Pennsylvania with a commission as governor six months ago—Penn arrived on October 30, 1763. Though Franklin not infrequently employed the allegorical...
1991From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 1 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have receiv’d your Favours of Dec. 27. Jan. 14. Jan. 26. and Feb. 11. I wrote to you Dec. 24. Jan. 16. Feb. 11. March 8. 14. and 31. I could wish your Letters would from time to time mention which of mine come to hand. Since my last I have had a Conversation with Mr. William Coxe, on the Subject of our being at any or no Expence in the Pursuit of their...
1992From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 1 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I receiv’d your Favour of Decemr. 20. You cannot conceive the Satisfaction and Pleasure you give your Friends here by your political Letters. Your Accounts are so clear, circumstantial and compleat, that tho’ there is nothing too much, nothing is wanting to give us, as I imagine, a more perfect Knowledge of your Publick Affairs than most People have that live...
1993From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 4 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since making up my Packet for your good Mother, I have receiv’d your Favour of the 1st. of March; and have only time now to acknowledge it, the Bearer Mrs. Empson being just going to the Ship; but purpose writing to you fully per next Week’s Packet. I beg Leave to reccommend her to your Friendly Advice and Civilities, as she is a Daughter of one of my good...
1994To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Moffatt, 12 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Three days ago on my return from an excursion of pleasure I was favourd with Yours of Aprill 7th. Some years are past since I kept a register of the Barometer, Thermometer &c. and from it I find that on Decr. 31st 1751 Fahreenheits thermometer fell two lines below Cypher and next day or Janr. 1st in the morning the mercury was at the same station but before...
1995From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 24 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from [Jared Sparks, ed.,] Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin; Now for the First Time Published (Boston, 1833), p. 93. The bearer is the Reverend Mr. Rothenbuler, minister of a new Calvinist German Church, lately erected in this city. The congregation is but poor at present, being many of them new comers, and, (like other builders) deceived in...
1996To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 24 May 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Your Indulgence to me gives you a Claim to as much as you can desire from me, therefore don’t think I am so unreasonable to expect an answer to every Letter I write, I am sufficiently paid by the assurance that you receive mine with Pleasure, and when you have leisure to write me one I hope you are sensible I receive the favour with Gratitude. I was with...
1997From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 1 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My last to you was of the 1st. of May, since which I am favour’d with yours of the 13th. of February and 10th. March. We are oblig’d to you for deferring the propos’d Stamp Act. I hope, for Reasons heretofore mention’d, it will never take Place. We see in the Papers that an Act is pass’d for granting certain Duties on Goods in the British Colonies, &c. but...
1998From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Stickney, 16 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles (1959); Transcript: Harvard College Library (Sparks) I received yours of the 16th May, and am glad to hear that you and your Family are well, and that your Wife is safely delivered of another Daughter, which I hope will prove a Blessing to you both. I got home without any farther Accident, but have not yet recovered fully the former Strength of my Arm. Your...
1999From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 17 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Lehigh University Library I receiv’d your Favour per Capt. Walker, which I shall answer fully per Hammet, who sails in about ten Days. I think I am slighted lately per Mr. Becket. Pray enquire and tell me the Reason, that if I have been in fault I may amend. I left some Receipts with you for Subscription Monies to Books. I wish you to enquire about them, particularly Stewart’s Athens. My...
2000From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 18 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 13th. April, which I shall answer fully per Hammet, who is to sail in about 10 Days. By that Ship you will also receive a Letter from the Committee with the Petitions to the King, mention’d in my former Letters. I wrote you a long one via Bristol, of the 1st Instant, to which I refer, and beg you would per first Opportunity be very...
2001From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 19 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I sent you some time last Fall a Set of Chinese Prints, or rather Prints taken from Chinese Pictures, relating to the Culture of Silk in that Country. I hope they got to hand, tho” I have not heard of your Receiving them. My Brother brought me from you, Æpinus’s Pieces. I thank you for your Care in returning them. He tells me you would like to have one of the new...
2002From Benjamin Franklin to George Whitefield, 19 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of the 21st past, and of the 3d. Instant and immediately sent the inclos’d as directed. Your frequently repeated Wishes and Prayers for my Eternal as well as temporal Happiness are very obliging. I can only thank you for them, and offer you mine in return. I have my self no Doubts that I shall enjoy as much of both as is proper for...
2003From Benjamin Franklin to John Ellicott, 23 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The London Hospital Since the Receipt of your Letter of Jany. 8th. 1763. I have been twice at New York, and at York in Virginia; at both which Places I made all the Enquiry I could, in the time I was there; after the Elizabeth Holland mention’d in Capt. Holland’s Will; but not learning any thing, I desir’d Mr. Colden, Postmaster of New York, and Col. Hunter of Virginia, to make farther...
2004From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 25 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We here esteem ourselves greatly oblig’d to you for your unwearied Endeavours in and out of Parliament to prevent Measures hurtful both to the Colonies and to the Mother Country. Several Letters from People at home to their American Friends, have been printed in the Papers of the different Provinces, mentioning in the strongest Terms your Zeal for the...
2005From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 25 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I wrote a few Lines to go to you via Liverpool; but they were too late for the Ship, and now accompany this. I gave Mr. Parker a Power of Attorney to act for you and myself, with respect to Mecom’s Affairs, who has, under Oath, surrendred all he possess’d into his Hands, to be divided proportionably between us and his other Creditors, which are chiefly Rivington...
2006To Benjamin Franklin from Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee, 25 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress The House of Representatives of his Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts Bay at the Session of the General Assembly in May last, being informed of the late Act of Parliament relating to the Sugar Trade with the foreign Colonies, and the Resolutions of the House of Commons relating to the Stamp Duties and other Taxes proposed to be laid on the British Colonies, were...
2007To Benjamin Franklin from John Canton, 29 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 14th of March came to my Hands the 15th of May last, and gave me great pleasure. The first Experiment of Mr. Kinnersley’s which you mention, is, as you observe, a beautiful one to see; and I think, fully proves that the Fusion of Metals by Lightning is not a cold Fusion. I have myself, several times, melted small brass Wire by a Stroke...
2008To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 2 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Your last favor informed me that you had sent my Letter to Mr. Canton inclosed in one of your own per the Packet: for which I am much obliged. When I last saw Mr. Winthrop, I inquired of him after Æpinus: he told me he sent it to Mr. Stiles of Newport, who would convey it to you. I thank you for your Pamphlet relative to the Massacre of the...
2009Edward Shippen to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 2 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society I Received your Favour of the 29th Ulto. and had the perusal of yours to Mr: George Ross of the same Date which we answered this Morning jointly. Francis Campbel Esqr: and Mr: John Piper of Shippensburg I think I could Take the Liberty to Recommend as Honest Men and very proper Persons to under Take the Management of a Post office in that Town....
2010Post Office Accounts, [9 July 1764] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Among Franklin’s miscellaneous post-office records is a folio sheet containing a memorandum of amounts due to him and his colleague John Foxcroft for traveling expenses while on official business and a balance sheet of his account with the General Post Office with entries dated between July 9, 1764, and March 20, 1765. Both are in Franklin’s hand. Parts of...
2011Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft: Commission to James Parker, 10 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
DS : University of Pennsylvania Library Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft Esquires His Majesty’s Deputy Postmaster General of all his Majesty’s Dominions on the Continent of North America. To all to whom these Presents shall come: Greeting. Know ye That we the said Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft reposing special Trust and Confidence in James Parker of Woodbridge in New Jersey ,...
2012From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 10 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library We all condole with you most sincerely on the Death of your Daughter. She always appear’d to me of a sweet and amiable Temper, and to have many other good Qualities that must make the Loss of her more grievous for Brother and you to bear. Our only Comfort under such Afflictions is, that God knows what is best for us, and can bring Good out of what appears Evil....
2013From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 10 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard College Library I received your Favour of the 12th. past, and congratulate you on the Recovery of Mrs. Winthrop and your Children from the Small Pox. Mr. Stiles return’d Æpinus to me sometime since. I must confess I am pleas’d with his Theory of Magnetism. Perhaps I receive it the more readily on Account of the Relation he has given it to mine of Electricity. But there is one...
2014From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 12 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Capt. Hammet, who lately sail’d from hence, the Committee wrote to you, and sent you the Petition to the King. By this Conveyance they send you some other Papers. The Proprietary Party are endeavouring to stir up the Presbyterians to join in a Petition against a Change of Government: what that [Endea] vour will produce I cannot say. I hope soon to...
2015To Benjamin Franklin from John Mills, 12 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am greatly indebted to you for your most obliging favour of the 10th of March, which was safely delivered to me by Mr. Shadwell, whose channel (directing to him at the Secretary of State’s Office) will always be a sure conveyance. I thank you, Sir, most heartily, for your kindness to me in presenting to Colonel Elliot the first volume of my Husbandry. I...
2016To Benjamin Franklin from James Habersham, 14 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Georgia Historical Society Last Fall I made my two Sons at New Jersey College a Visit and at the Same time embraced the opportunity of paying my Respects to my Friends in Philadelphia, among whom I waited on Mrs. Franklin, but was deprived the Pleasure of seeing you, as she informed me, you were on your Way from Boston, and had met with an unlucky accident, which I hope you are perfectly...
2017From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 24 July 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is not in my Power to dispense with an Act of Parliament. To attempt it would hazard my Place. The Privilege of Franking my own Letters is indulg’d to me by the Act; but I have been given to understand that ’tis a Trust, which tis expected I will not violate by covering the Letters of others. Mr. Flag must therefore pay for the Letters you send him; and...
2018To Benjamin Franklin from —————, 8 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
AL (mutilated): American Philosophical Society [I am] returning you my kind thanks for your favour in lending me the Perusal of Mr. Pringles account of the Meteor seen in England &c. some time agone, which I herewith return. I have been at some Pains in geting the account of this that appear’d here the 20th Ulto. in the Evening, but a Great Deal Appears from what has been said to be Imperfect...
2019From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 9 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Two Packets successively are arriv’d without my having a Line from you: So I suppose you have been in the Country, or perhaps have wrote by the Ship Mr. Allen comes in, which is not yet arriv’d. I never more wanted to hear from you, as you must long since have heard of our Convulsions. I can now only acquaint you, that Counter Petitions to the Crown are...
2020To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Becket, 10 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just favourd with yours of the 17th. June with a Copy of yours of the 3d, (I never Received the first). Inclosing also a Bill on Mr. Brown for Twelve Pounds which is paid. It is impossible for me to express the concern I am in at receiving such a Letter from you who has been so remarkably my friend; and that I have given cause for it I cannot deny—but...
2021To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Bouquet, 10 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I am sorry that the first Letter I have the Pleasure to write you, must be upon a disagreeable Subject. The Desertion has already reduced your Two Battalions to about 750 Men, and I have too much cause to expect they will lose many more before they reach Fort Loudoun. I can not spare so considerable a Number from the diminutive Force I was to have,...
2022Preface to Joseph Galloway’s Speech, [11 August 1764] (Franklin Papers)
The Speech of Joseph Galloway, Esq; One of the Members for Philadelphia County; In Answer To the Speech of John Dickinson, Esq; Delivered in the House of Assembly, of the Province of Pennsylvania, May 24, 1764. On Occasion of a Petition drawn up by Order, and then under the Consideration of the House; praying his Majesty for a Royal, in lieu of a Proprietary Government . (Philadelphia: Printed...
2023To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, 11 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society; ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society I am just come to town, time enough before the Packet sails, or rather, I should say, before the Mail goes from London, to read your favours of the 25th together with the Dispatch brought from the Committee of Correspondence, by Mr. Hammet, to return a short Answer; I shall send a longer by a ship that Sails...
2024From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Bouquet, 16 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Museum Returning just now from the Board of Commissioners, I found your agreable Favour of the 10th Instant. We had a Meeting on Tuesday, when your Letter to the Governor was laid before us, his Honour not present, and the Board thin. I think none but myself spoke then for the measure recommended; so, to prevent its being too hastily refus’d, I moved to refer it to this Day, when...
2025James Pearson and Benjamin Franklin: Agreement for Sale, 18 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This agreement provided for the sale by James Pearson to Franklin of a lot and two buildings on Pewter Platter Alley, Philadelphia. The actual deed seems never to have been recorded, and the parchment original has disappeared. Some additional details are found, however, in two other deeds: one from Israel and Mary Pemberton to Franklin, December 13, 1775...
2026To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Bouquet (I), 22 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society Colonel Bouquet wrote two letters to Franklin on August 22, 1764, in answer to the one Franklin had written him on August 16 (above, pp. 316–19). The first of the two was a direct response to Franklin’s request that Bouquet “would take Occasion in some Letter to me to express your Sentiments of my Conduct” with regard to supporting and promoting the...
2027To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Bouquet (II), 22 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you my thanks for the continuation of your most friendly offices in the thorny affair you have so luckily carried for me. I flater myself you will not doubt that I shall chearfully embrace every opportunity to do you Justice, and convince you of my Sincere affection, having only to lament that it is not in my Power to do it effectualy. The Inclosed...
2028To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Bouquet, 27 August 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the mortification to inform you privately that Bradstreet has granted Peace at Presqu’Isle to the Delaware and Shawanese without insisting on the least satisfaction for their Murders and Insults. I flater myself that the General will not ratify Such a Scandalous Treaty; for my part I take no Notice of it, and proceed to the Ohio, fully determined to...
2029From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 1 September 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS American Philosophical Society I wrote a few Lines to you the 9th. of last Month, expressing some Impatience that I had miss’d hearing from you by two Packets. But soon after I had the Pleasure of receiving yours of June 4, and 14. the last by Mr. Allen. I am glad to learn that our Construction of the Article relating to the Proprietor’s located uncultivated Lands is not like to be...
2030From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 1 September 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I receiv’d your obliging Letter of June 5. I find by my Letter Book, that I wrote to you May 1. and June 25. I thought I had sent you one of my Narratives. You cannot conceive the Number of bitter Enemies that little Piece has rais’d me among the Irish Presbyterians. I now send you a Pamphlet that I have written since in favour of our projected Change of...