801From Benjamin Franklin to Timothy Horsfield, 24 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society Foulk with his Company March this Day to build another Fort between this and Fort Lebanon in the Forks of Shuylkill. He is to be assisted by Traxlers Company and a Detachment of Wetherhold’s, which also leaves us this day. My Son with Hay’s Company and Arndt’s Marches in a few Days to Surfass’s Place (where Trump is also Expected) to Erect another Fort...
802From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 25 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 8–9. This day week we arrived here, I wrote to you the same day, and once since. We all continue well, thanks be to God. We have been hindered with bad weather, yet our fort is in a good defensible condition, and we have every day, more convenient living. Two more are to be built, one on each side of this, at about fifteen miles distance. I hope...
803From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 25 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission We got to Hays’s the same Evening we left you and reviewed Craig’s Company by the Way. Much of the next morning was spent in exchanging the bad Arms for good, Wayne’s Company having joined us. We reachd however that night to Uplinger’s, where we got into good Quarters. Saturday morning we began to march towards Gnadenhutten and proceeded near...
804To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Powell, 25 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Barer Harts[el]l Greear, is the Man whos Wife is so afflicted by a Sore on hir Arm, of which I spoke to Mr. Franklin in Bethlehem the riting also from our Surgant is hear inclos’d. Have nothing furder to say in behalf of thees People. I belive and hear from thare Neighbours that thay are verry poor having 3 or 4 Children—our Surgant having at pressant two much...
805From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Hunter Morris, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission We left Bethlehem the 10th: Instant with Foulk’s Company, 46 Men, the Detachment of M’Laughlin’s 20, and 7 Waggons laden with Stores and Provisions. We got that night to Hays’s Quarters, where Wayne’s Company joined us from Nazareth. The next Day we marched cautiously thro’ the Gap of the Mountain, a very dangerous Pass, and got to Uplinger’s...
806From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Rhoads, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The Historical Magazine , 2d series, I (May 1867), 284–5. I am extreamly oblig’d by your kind Concern express’d for my Safety and Welfare. We march’d hither with the greatest Caution, thro’ some passes, however, in the Mountains, that were very dangerous, if the Enemy had oppos’d and we had been careless. Hitherto God has bless’d and preserved us. We have built one...
807[Benjamin Franklin?] to ———, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 29, 1756. Wednesday we were hinder’d almost all Day by Rain. Thursday most of the Stockades were set up. Friday all inclosed to the Gate, and Part of the Platform round the Inside made. Saturday the Platform was finished, and two Swivels mounted. Sunday had a Thanksgiving Sermon, hoisted the British Flag, fired three Vollies, and the...
808To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This Morning Mr. Horsfield sent 2 Waggons here for Bread and I have delivered 24 Barrels to them being as much as they could load. There is yet remaining here 8 Barrels of Bread; the Rimains of one Barrel of Pork and part of a Cask of Fish and about 25 or 30 Gallons of Rum in the Hogshead. Mr. Horsfield tells me that their Cooper has no House to work in...
809From Benjamin Franklin to Timothy Horsfield, 28 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Pleasure to inform you that the 6 Waggons are just arriv’d, and I suppose all right, tho’ I have not yet had time to examine the Contents. Here are 10 Lehi People buzzing me in both Ears while I write, so can only add my Thanks for your Care and Readiness to serve the Province, and am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant Our Compliments to Mr....
810Certificate of Nomination to the Royal Society, 29 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
DS : The Royal Society, London Franklin was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on April 29, 1756. Under the rules candidates had to be recommended in writing by three or more Fellows acquainted with him “either in person or by his Works,” the recommendation had to be approved by the Council, and the certificate publicly displayed at “ten several ordinary meetings” before balloting. (An...
811To Benjamin Franklin from Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 29 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem When I think of the Multitude of Things, which now surrounds you; I wish that God may be with you; and then surely all will go well and prosper in your Hands. As you like to keep Mr. Edmonds a little longer, he being a good Hand to you; and as he himself is very willing to assist you in what he can; it would be ungenerous of us to take him from...
812From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 30 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 10. Every other day, since we have been here, it has rained more or less, to our no small hindrance. It rained yesterday, and now again to day, which prevented our marching: so I will sit down half an hour to confer a little with you. All the things you sent me, from time to time, are safely come to hand, and our living grows every day more...
813From Benjamin Franklin to Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 30 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem I receiv’d your Favour of the 29th: relating to the unhappy Refugees at Bethlehem, with a Copy of their Address to the Commissioners. I imagine the Commissioners will refer the Matter to me, as I am in the County. And it is my Opinion, that such as are in real Necessity should be supply’d with Meal and Meat and I will pay any reasonable...
814From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 31 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , II . I wrote a line to you yesterday, and having this opportunity, write another, just to let you know that we all continue well, and much the better from the refreshments you have sent us: in short we do very well, for though there are a great number of things, besides what we have, that used to seem necessary to comfortable living, yet we have...
815To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, 4 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 66. On Sept. 29, 1755, the Assembly had authorized a committee to receive up to £10,000 by voluntary subscription “toward Furnishing of Provisions, and Blankets, or other warm Cloathing, to the Troops now at or near Crown Point.” The subscribers, the Assembly added, “ought to be...
816From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 12 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), p. 38. I condole with you on the loss of our dear brother. As our number grows less, let us love one another proportionably more. I am just returned from my military expedition, and now my time is taken up in the Assembly. Providence seems to...
817To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Hubbart, 16 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I enclose you a Catalouge of all the large and part of the small Books in my dear Papa’s Library, there are many other small but valueable Books, that I had not Time to take an Account of. They are to be sold. My Mamah desiers I would let you know, they will not be offered to Sale, till we here wheather you incline to have any, or the whole of them. You...
818From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Hubbart, 22 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The Massachusetts Magazine, or Monthly Museum of Knowledge and Rational Entertainment , I (1789), 100. I condole with you, we have lost a most dear and valuable relation, but it is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; ’tis rather an embrio state, a preparation for living; a man is not...
819Position of Troops in Northampton County, [23 February 1756] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Capt. Vanetten at Minisinks, a Lieut. and 30 Men Capt. Craig at Fort Hamilton 41 Lieut. Wetterhold at Broadhead’s 26 Ensign Sterling at Wind Gap Teet’s House 11 Capt. Orndt at Fort Norris 50 Capt. Wayne at Fort Allen 50 A Sergeant at Uplingers and 5 An Ensign of Wetterhold’s at Drucker’s Mill and
820To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Hunter Morris: Commission, 24 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks; American Philosophical Society After the bitter year-end controversy over commissioning the officers elected under the terms of the new militia law, the matter rested for a month while Governor Morris and the law’s chief proponent, Benjamin Franklin, were absent from Philadelphia. On February 12, a week after Franklin’s return to the city, he was...
821To Benjamin Franklin from Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 25 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem Mr. Nathanael Seidel, the Bearer of this, can tell you, how it goes in our Parts, especially with the Refugees, residing as yet at Bethlehem, Nazareth etc. Some of them were removed again to their Plantations, and others were upon returning tither; but when the Account came of the new Mischief, done lately by the Enemy at Allmangel; the latter...
822From Benjamin Franklin to Timothy Horsfield, 1 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Orders are gone up to relieve Capt. Wayne’s Company. I suppose he will apply here for his Pay. Capt. Arndt should make out his Muster Roll on Oath, and send his Journal &c. according to the Instructions given him, before he demands his Pay. However you may pay him Fifty Pounds in part; and let him know, that the Remainder will be paid when the Commissioners...
823From Benjamin Franklin to Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 1 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem As the Forts are built, and the Ranging Companies in Motion beyond the Mountains, to cover the Inner Parts of the Country, I think the People may now very safely stay at their Places. The Government is at a great Expence to afford them this Defence; If they have no regard to it, but run away in so shameful and cowardly a Manner every time an...
824Queries on the Plan of Association, 4 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , March 4, 1756; also printed in The Pennsylvania Journal , March 4, 1756. When Governor Morris signed Franklin’s commission as colonel of the Philadelphia City Regiment on Feb. 24, 1756, he knew very well its importance in the complex and continuing struggle over defense, which at this time centered on implementation of the Militia Act, and was conducted at...
825From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Hubbart, 5 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society 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. 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’s Bond in...
826Reply to the Plan of Association, [6 March 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Among Franklin’s papers is a draft paragraph in his hand countering the assertion in the Plan of Association of the independent companies that the Militia Act had produced few enlistments. Obviously intended as a compliment to the German volunteers in his regiment, the paragraph appears, in an almost literal translation, in the Philadelphische Zeitung ,...
827To Benjamin Franklin from Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 8 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem What you have done hitherto for the Defence of our County hath not been in Vain, but hath stopp’d our cruel Enemy from going on like a Bush-Fire in his wicked Ways. Had you not secured the Frontiers with some Forts in building of which you have ventured your own Life and taken upon you so many and various Hardship’s; the Enemy would likely not...
828From Benjamin Franklin to [Elizabeth Hubbart], [18 March 1756] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Parke-Bernet Galleries Sale Catalogue, No. 61 (November 9–10, 1938), p. 30. I forgot whose Tickets I sent you; but you can write the names of the Managers, and the Numbers sign’d by each, and the 4th Class will be sent you. … I will get your Brother’s Commission sign’d by Mr. Hunter and send it from Virginia. … See above, pp. 403–4, for the lottery and...
829From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We got here yesterday Afternoon and purpose Sailing to day, if the Wind be fair. Peter was taken ill with a Fever and Pain in his Side before I got to Newcastle; I had him blooded there, and put him into the Chair, wrapt up warm, as he could not bear the Motion of the Horse, and got him here pretty comfortably. He went immediately to bed and took some...
830From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [24 March 1756] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society Peter is now quite well. Present my Duty to Mother, and Love to the Children, and to all Friends. I shall write more particularly per Post. This goes by a Vessel to New York. I am, Dear Debby, Your loving Husband Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / via New-York Of the four surviving letters BF wrote his wife after reaching Virginia,...
831From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [25 March? 1756] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society … about 5 aClock in the Afternoon, tho’ I had been hinder’d near half a Day by Peter’s Illness. The 3d Day about 2 in the Afternoon, we sail’d, after parting with Col. Washington, who overtook us there, and proceeded on his Journey by Land. We were only Sunday Night and Monday Night on the Water, for on Tuesday Morning about 10 aClock, we arrived...
832From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 30 March 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you via New York the Day after my Arrival, acquainting you that I had a fine Journey and Passage down the Bay, being but four Days from Philadelphia to Col. Hunter’s, tho’ stopt near a Day on the Road. I have been well ever since, quite clear of the Dizziness I complain’d of, and as gay as a Bird, not beginning yet to long for home, the Worry of...
833The College of William and Mary: Degree of Master of Arts, 2 April 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS : American Philosophical Society; two copies: Yale University Library Quum in Charta regia nobis concessum et confirmatum fuit, ut eos, qui se Literis et Studiis suis praecipue ornarunt, Gradibus academicis decoremus: Quum volumus in hujusmodi Honorem imprimis evehi Virum inclytissimum, quo nobis et Juventuti Virginiensi Exemplum valde egregium proponamus; Quumque Benjaminum Franklin...
834From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [c. 5 April 1756] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society I came down here yesterday with Mr. Hunter, who, you must think, is at present pretty well, to be able to ride 35 Miles in an Afternoon. Hearing of this Vessel just sailing for New York, I write a Line to let you know I continue well. This is my Third since my Arrival here, and I hope soon to hear from you. We have almost finish’d our Business...
835To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Kelsick: Certificate as Burgess and Freeman of Norfolk, 10 April 1756 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society At THE Borough OF Norfolk the Tenth Day of April One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty six The which Day in Presence of the Worshipfull Richard Kelsick Esquire Mayor of the Borough of Norfolk, John Hutchings, Robert Tucker, Josiah Smith, John Phripp, John Tucker, Wilson Newton, Christopher Perkins, and George Abyoon, Aldermen thereof, Benjamin Franklin...
836Mutiny Act, [15 April 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Anno Regni Georgii II. Regis, Magnae Britanniae, Franciae & Hiberniae, Vigesimo Nono. At a General Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania, begun and holden at Philadelphia, the Fourteenth Day of October, Anno Domini, 1755 , … (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 267–70. On March 3, 1756, the Assembly minutes record that “A Bill for the better Regulation of such Soldiers as are or hereafter...
837Rise of the Late War, [18 May 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Ad: American Philosophical Society When and for what purpose Franklin prepared this brief chronology has not been determined; no direct connection between it and any of his other writings has been found. The words “late War” in the endorsement suggest 1763 or a subsequent year for its composition, although he may have added the endorsement some time after compiling the text. While he could not...
838To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, [27 May? 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Yale University Library I have the pleasure to tell thee how much thou art esteemed by many worthy men here: for on the Ballot for thy Election to be a Member of the Royal Society , there was not one negative Ball; an Instance of Unanimity that Lord Macclesfield told me he never before saw . So I wish thee long to enjoy that Honor deservedly and so unanimously conferred on thee. Thy...
839From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 7 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Chicago Historical Society I send you per Capt. Morton 20 Reams whited Brown Paper, and 10 of blue. Please to acquaint Mr. Langdon of it; I think that is the Gentleman’s Name who wrote to me for some of both Sorts, but I have mislaid his Letter. He wanted it for Packing Sperma-Ceti Candles. The Price of the brown you know; the blue is 1¼ Dollar per Ream. Credit my Account with the Money...
840From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 10 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We wrote to you per Capt. Morton who sailed yesterday, and sent you a few Things that may be of some Use perhaps in your Family. I hope, tho’ not of much Value, they will be acceptable. Inclos’d is an Account of Particulars, and the Captain’s Receipt, with the Key of the Trunk. Our Family is well. The Small Pox is beginning in Town by Inoculation, but has...
841From Benjamin Franklin to William Parsons, 10 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is now a long time since I had the Pleasure of a Line from you; I am now return’d from Virginia, where I was near too Months. I should be glad to learn from you the present State of the Forces in your County, and of the People. If in any Thing I can serve you, command freely your old Friend and most obedient humble Servant Governor Pownall is daily...
842From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 10 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I am concern’d that I have not for a long time heard any thing of Sister Douse. Pray inform me how she is. Brothers John, Peter and my self, agreed to contribute towards a small Pension for her Support; I should be glad to know whether it is regularly paid. Inclos’d is a Receipt for 30 Reams of Paper. I wrote to you per Morton and refer to that. My Love to...
843From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 15 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I can now only acknowledge the Receipt of your Favours of Feb. 12, 21, 24, 29, and April 1. together with two Boxes, containing Parcels for the Library and John Bartram, all safe and deliver’d. Enclos’d is a 2d Bill for £20 Sterling; the first went in March. When receiv’d please to credit my private Account with it. I send also two other Bills of £50...
844From Benjamin Franklin to William Shipley, 15 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Royal Society of Arts The above is a Copy of my Letter sent you last Year, to which having receiv’d no Answer, I imagine it by some means miscarried. I shall write to my good Friend and Correspondent Mr. Collinson to pay the 20 Guineas therein mentioned, to your Treasurer Mr. Goodchild. I am, Sir, Your most humble Servant Endorsed: Benjn. Franklin Esqr. Lre [Letter] Phil: 27. Novr. 1755...
845To Benjamin Franklin from John Hunter, 17 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have the pleasure of Advising you of the Safe Arrivall of Genl. Abercrombie, with the Transports, Except Two, who they parted with in a very Dark Night, Not a Man Sick among those that are Arrivd. The Tents &c. being all on Board the ships not Arrivd it is Said the Troops are to be Landed this Day. The German Officers Came in the Last Pacquett, and are all...
846To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 19 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Huntington Library; draft: American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 10th. Instant came safe to Hand, but I was not at Home when it came here; being over the Mountains visiting some of the Forts and Companies there. And since my Return have been very busily employed in making out the Returns of the several Companies of the first Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment, by Order of...
847Memorial to James Abercromby, 22 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Huntington Library It has been proposed to keep in constant Readiness a Number of Riders and Horses at different Parts of the Continent, viz. at New York 4, at Philadelphia 3, at in Connecticut 2, at Boston 2, and some in the intermediate Stages. These to be always ready to go at a Moment’s Warning, with Dispatches for the King’s Service. This Method will doubtless answer the End, with...
848From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 28 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received here your Letter of extravagant Thanks, which put me in mind of the Story of the Member of Parliament, who began one of his Speeches with saying, he thank’d God he was born and bred a Presbyterian; on which another took leave to observe, that the Gentleman must needs be of a most grateful Disposition, since he was thankful for such very small...
849From Benjamin Franklin to William Parsons, 28 June 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received here your Favour of the 19th Instant, with a Copy of your Remarks in Reviewing the Forts, for which I am much obliged to you; and I hope the Governor and Commissioners will immediately take the necessary Measures to remedy every thing that you found amiss. I think you hazarded your self with too small Escorts, and am glad you got safe through. It...
850From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, [July 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Drafts: American Philosophical Society Because of Franklin’s increasing involvement in the bitter political disputes in Pennsylvania during 1755–56, Thomas Penn, Governor Morris, and others tried to deprive him of his lucrative office of deputy postmaster general which he held at the Crown’s pleasure. Early in July 1756, he probably defended himself in a long letter (now lost) to his immediate...