531From Benjamin Franklin to Abiah Franklin, 16 October 1747 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 8. This has been a busy day with your daughter and she is gone to bed much fatigued and cannot write. I send you inclosed, one of our new almanacks; we print them early, because we send them to many places far distant. I send you also, a moidore inclosed, which please to accept towards chaise hire, that you may ride warm to meetings this winter....
532From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 23 August 1760 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Letters by Mr. Keene, and some others, which I shall answer fully by Capt. Faulkner, who sails in a few Days. By him I send the Eider Down Cover lid, and Bag for the Feet, which cost 12 Guineas; also the Camlet a second time for Sister Peter, to supply what was lost in Capt. House: with some other little things that I shall mention...
533To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Kames, 21 January 1769 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VII , 432 n. The letter you mention, about American affairs, never came to hand. I have an essay on the subject of your Queries, and you shall hear from me soon about our agreeing or differing. I have a great fund of political knowledge reduced into writing, far from being ripe, but fit for...
534To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 5 November 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was favour’d by my Brother with a few Lines from you, just Acquainting me with your Intentions of taking a Trip to Ireland. I hope this will find you safe return’d and in Good health. I expect two Casks of Flour up every tide Manufactured by the same Man who I had the other two off, if they get up by Friday they will come in Falconer if not it will be too...
535To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 25 April 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Some Hours after I had sent my Letter to the Office to go with this Packet, Mr. Colden’s young Man brought me the inclosed Bill of Exchange for £50 Sterling which he offered me as he had just bought it @ 62½——and it being 2½ per Cent. cheaper than any to be got, I took it drawn this Day, Henry Thompson on Messrs. Pearson & Baillie of Liverpool——on which I...
536To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Loudoun, 20 February 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Huntington Library As I have been informed by Mr. Colden, that You have been enquiring when the packet for England was to sail, in Order to Your Taking Your Passage in her, I have taken this Opportunity to acquaint You, that there will be another packet to sail as soon as I return from Philadelphia, which I suppose will be about the 25th. of March. And as I have several very material...
537From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 13 August 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Mrs. E[lizabeth] D[uane] Gillespie, A Book of Remembrance (Philadelphia and London, 1901), facsimile ALS facing pp. 22–3. I received yours of May 20, as also the preceding Letters mentioned in it. You must have been sensible that I thought the step you had taken, to engage yourself in the Charge of a Family, while your Affairs bore so unpromising an Aspect with Regard to the...
538From Benjamin Franklin to Josiah Tucker, 22 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: Library of Congress I received your Favour of yesterday. If the Substance of what you have charged me with is right, I can have but little concern about any mistakes in the Circumstances: Whether they are rectified or not will be immaterial. But knowing the Substance to be wrong, and believing that you can have no desire of continuing in an Error, prejudicial to any Man’s...
539From Benjamin Franklin to Susanna Wright, 21 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. David H. Stockton, Princeton, N.J. (1960); also transcript: John L. W. Mifflin, Middlebush, N.J. (1955) Your Guests all got well home to their Families, highly pleas’d with their Journey, and with the Hospitality of Hempfield. When I had the Pleasure of seeing you, I mention’d a new [kind of Candles very convenient] to read by, which I think you said you had not seen: I take the...
540To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Rogers, 4 May 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society During the French and Indian War Robert Rogers and his Rangers had become a byword on both sides of the Atlantic. They had raised more havoc and killed more of the enemy, Franklin wrote in 1759, than all the British regulars had. After the war Rogers fell on bad times. In the autumn of 1764 Franklin, it is said, offered to recommend him to the government;...
541From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 10 November 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Your Goodnature will be pleas’d to hear that your Guests went on well after they left you. We got early into New York the next Morning; staid there one Day, had a Pleasant Passage over the Bay the next Morning; spent some time with Friends in different Places of the Jerseys, and got safe and well home on Saturday Evening, where we had the additional Happiness of...
542From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 29 March 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my last I inform’d you that the Agreement between the Governor and Assembly was not likely long to continue. The enclos’d Paper will show you that the Breach is wider now than ever. And ’tis thought there will be a general Petition from the Inhabitants to the Crown, to take us under its immediate Government. I send you this early Notice of what is...
543To Benjamin Franklin from Seth Paddack, 29 November 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arivd here The 15th Inst: from Nantucket and Being an Intimate acquaintance of Capt. Timo: Folger, he Put on Board a Quintal of Salted Cod fish Cured: Directed To You But The Letter was omited: and if youll Send a Line to me with an order on Board The Yarmouth Laying off with Iron Gate or at Mrs. Fossick, The Fish is at your Service: I am Sir with Respect...
544From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library A happy New Year to you, and all Friends. We arrived here, all well, about two Hours ago. Capt. Coultas tells me he purposes to start early in the Morning, so as to be at Philadelphia to morrow Evening. I have only time to write this Line, just to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreable Letters, Sally’s, Dr. Bond’s, Mr. Hughes’s, &c. and to promise particular...
545To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 20 June 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you thanks for your Goodness in freeing my Letters. I Should have wrote before now but I have been quite ill and quite uncapable of all things. At Sometimes notwithstanding I Strove to keep my Spirits up but it was not in my Power. Trouble would overcome them but hope I Shall now get the Better for as my Son has wrote to me and Seems to like his...
546To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 13 September 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received thine of Yesterdays date this day about II but do not believe that discourse of Doctor Frees explains the Discourse of the Picts or as he calls them the Pyhtas as I have done for he mentions the duration of their Language. I shall cause my younger Son next Month when he is out of his time [to] copy out that discourse: Thou may...
547From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 July 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just return’d from a Journey of near a Month, which has given a new Spring to my Health and Spirits. I did not get home in time to write by Osborne, but shall fully to my Friends in general by Capt. All, who sails about the End of the Week. I was charg’d with Abundance of Love to you and Sally and Ben from our Sister Bache and her amiable Daughters. I...
548To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Potts, 6 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Letter which you left with me last Week I read to my Lord Bessborough who Orderd me to Acquaint you he desired Mackrath might be removed Directly and that you would appoint the Person Post Master at Charles Town that was recommended by Governor Littleton some time ago, I shall Acquaint the Governor on Friday next with this Nomination. I am Sir Your most...
549To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 25 June 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 52–3. The House of Representatives have lately had divers letters, signed Thomas Hutchinson, Andrew Oliver, &c., laid before them, attested copies of which, you have enclosed; and, after maturely considering their contents, they have voted as their sense, that the tendency and design of said...
550To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 10 May 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take this opertunity to write to you hoping this will find you in good helth as it lives me and samey. I hear by nancy you are aboute to leve England which I am very sorrey for as I am afraid I shante have the pleasuer of seeing you Before you goe as it will be very ill convenant [inconvenient] for me to leve my shope as I have no one I can trust to mind...
551From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 5 December 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Extracts and paraphrase: Sothebys & Co. sale catalogue, April 8–9, 1974, p. 93 <London, December 5, 1774: Introduces Mr. Bennet, “one of your Confreres of the Royal Society, a Gentleman of the most amiable Character, and my particular Friend,” who wishes to see the Académie royale des sciences. Adds that the Royal Society “met on Wednesday last, and rechose our Friend Sir John Pringle to be...
552To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Garth, [1 February 1765] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Garth presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, begs Leave to acquaint him, that the Request of the Agents for ½ an hour’s Audience to their Deputation was yesterday mention’d to Mr. Grenville, who was pleas’d to signify his Compliance therewith, and that he would send us Notice when he would choose to be attended. Addressed: To / B. Franklin Esqr. / in...
553To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 1 October 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society No doubt you will wonder I have not sent you a Power according to my Promise: The Reason is this: Mr. Colden tells me he has a Copy of the Power he sent, Which he would lend me to form one by: and he says he cannot at present recollect where it is, but will search for it, and I being desirous to have it unexceptionable, have waited in hopes he will find it:...
554From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, [October 1752] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Benjamin Franklin, Supplemental Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Part II . … (London, 1753), pp. 108–[9]. (Yale University Library) As you tell me our friend Cave is about to add some later experiments to my pamphlet, with the Errata , I send a coppy of a letter from Dr. Colden which may help to fill a few pages; also my kite experiment in the Pennsylvania Gazette: to...
555To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 28 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Yesterdy I received your Favor of 16 May ult with Relandi Analecta Rabbinica you was so obliging as to send me. For which please to accept my Thanks. One of the Tracts I wanted is contained in Relandi Hist. Hebraea. I am sorry to have given you so much Trouble. I could wish for an Answer from Mr. Dow——as I have a very great Thirst after Oriental Antiquities. With...
556To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 19 October 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My last to you by the Carolina Captain Duncan, contained the second Copy of a Bill of Exchange for £100. which I hope is come safe to hand. You have now inclosed the first Copy of one other Bill for £100. (which will make the fourth Hundred remitted you since you left Philadelphia) the Receipt of which you will please to own by the first Vessel...
557From Benjamin Franklin to Edward and Jane Mecom, 30 November 1752 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., A Collection of Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), p. 27. I congratulate you on the news of Benny’s arrival, for whom I had been some time in pain. That you may know the whole state of his mind and his affairs, and by that means be better able to advise him, I send you all the letters I have received...
558From Benjamin Franklin to John Fothergill, 8 December 1762 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society On Nov. 8, 1762, William Shippen (above, IX , 219 n), who had recently arrived in Philadelphia from London, informed the treasurer and managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital that Dr. John Fothergill had sent by the Carolina (the ship which had brought Franklin home) a present of seven cases of materials for the study of anatomy. Three contained drawings by...
559To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, [30 December 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you herewith the paper of your experiments, and shall think myself under great obligation for the addition. I am quite at a loss what to think or say about the Bell. The effects are so contrary to the notions I [had] entertained of Electricity; and yet I scarse know how to disbelieve my Friends relation, for though by his Letter he appears to be no...
560To Benjamin Franklin from John Fothergill, 19 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and extract: Library of Congress Be kind enough to take the charge of the inclosed and convey them at thy leisure. [ Deleted ] is a staunch Anti American. I have received a letter from him to day by way of Liverpool which hurts me much. Get him, Jas. Pemberton and two or three more together, and inform them, that whatever specious pretences are offerd, they are all hollow and that to get a...
561From 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...
562To Benjamin Franklin from William Dames, 16 March 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society [ Missing ] letters frequently are sent down by the westren [ missing ] post to Annapolis, which occations a [ missing ] delay, Expence, and trouble, Shall be obliged [ missing ] if you give your Young Man directions [ missing ] all my Letters for our New town, or [Chester?]town post, to be by him forwarded me. [ Missing ] Can in any shape serve...
563To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Coombe, 17 April 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your favour of the 5th January, I receiv’d per Cap. Falconer. The Book you was pleased to send me, I also received, and accept as a mark of the Authors Friendship, tho the Instances of the very extraordinary kindness shewn my Son and your Assurances of it’s continuance, together with the Pleasure you are pleased to express in my recommending him to you, are...
564From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Shippen, 29 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library The Committee have just ordered 100 Dollars into the Hands of the Governor to be sent to you for Advance Money to such Labourers as need it, going to Work on the Road. My Compliments (not now to your Fire Side, but) to your cool Parlour. With much Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant We purpose to send 60 Waggon Load of Forage next Week to the Camp....
565From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 26 February 1760 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The above is a Copy of mine per Capt. House Since which I have receiv’d your Favour of Jan. 8. but one you mention to have wrote of Dec. 2. is not come to hand. Nothing material has pass’d in our Affairs since my last, the Proprietor not having yet presented the Laws. They are at present under Consideration of our Council on both sides. You desire some Information...
566To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 22 January 1762 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Brown’s compliments to Benj. Franklin Esqr. and acquaints him that he has sold Five Thousand Pounds more of the Annuities Vizt. £3000 at 64½ 2000 at 64⅜ which was all he could do—the price is now but 63¾ and therefore before he sold the remaining five thought it proper to acquaint him with it—and Mr. Brown desires Mr. Franklin will please to send...
567To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last I am favored with yours of the 4th [?] 14 and 16 July by the Captain’s Osborne All and Sparks, the first dated at Preston, where I find you have been making happy by your Presence a good Old Woman and her four Daughters. Captain All told us he never saw you look better than when he left London so [that] we were pleasing ourselves with the...
568From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 12 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Duane, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (6 vols., Philadelphia, 1808–18), VI , 331–2. The above is a copy of my last, per packet. Inclosed is the original letter therein mentioned. His lordship continues in the country, but is expected (secretary Pownall tells me) the beginning of next month. To avoid repealing the American tea duty, and yet find a vent for tea, a...
569To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 25 July 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sent the two Clocks on Tuesday last by Clark; to the Bell in Wood Street, Directed for you in Craven Street, the Strand. I hope they will please and Come Safe to hand. I have been So much out, I could not Engrave the Plates, and therefore Chose to Send them in the State they are In rather than keep them longer. Mr. Tompson Engraver in red lyon Street...
570To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 5 February 1762 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Notwithstanding thro the Fate of War I suppose all my Letters to you have been intercepted by the Enemy, I venture again to write. You know Professor Winthrop to be a Gentleman of exellent Abilities and Acquisitions in math[ematical] Learning. And persuade myself that you, Sir, who know his Merits, cannot but think they would do honor to an Enrollment...
571From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 29 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you yesterday per Post. This is only to acquaint you, that I am determined against going in the first Pacquet. Send me the Indian Sealskin Hussiff, with all the Things that were in it. It will be an acceptable Present to a Gimcrack great Man in London, that is my Friend. In the right hand little Drawer under my Desk, is some of the Indian Lady’s...
572From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Darling and Nathan Whiting, 25 November 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I hoped to have had the Pleasure of seeing you at New Haven long before this time, but the Sickness of my Fellow Traveller Mr. Hunter, and various Accidents have hitherto prevented: I hope however to be there in three or four Weeks at farthest. I suppose you long since received the Press, Types and Stationary I ordered into your Care. My Nephews that are Printers...
573To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 1 August 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your favour, and have sent the Account of the Clocks underneath. The other Clock which you was so kind to order is in hand and will soon be compleated. I found it necessary to depart from Mr. Fergusons Plans, for the sake of greater simplicity. The moons southing, and time of high water, ought to be as visible as the time pointed out by the...
574From Benjamin Franklin to John Pownall, [on or after 21 April 1774] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Pownall and acquaints him, that he was appointed Agent of the Province of Pensilvania for the current Year, by a Vote of the present Assembly, a Copy of which follows, viz. Resolved, That Benja Franklin Esqr be, and he is hereby appointed Agent of the Province for the ensuing Year, to solicit and transact the Affairs...
575Edward 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....
576To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [March 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to beg that You would come as soon as You can to the Duke of Ancaster’s in Berkeley Square, as His Grace and the Duchess are in the greatest distress about their daughter, who has been long in a most Miserable condition with spasms and convulsions. After all that we have done the distemper remains obstinate, and therefore the Parents have...
577From Benjamin Franklin to [the Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence], 15 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Résumé printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania, Met at Philadelphia, on the Fourteenth of October, Anno Domini 1774, and Continued by Adjournments (Philadelphia, 1775), pp. 643–4. <February 15, 1775: He reports that on the previous day six provincial acts, passed in September, 1773, and July and September, 1774, were presented to the...
578From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 April 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I hoped to have been on the Sea in my Return by this time, but find I must stay a few Weeks longer, perhaps for the Summer Ships. Thanks to God I continue well and hearty, and hope to find you so when I have the Happiness once more of seeing you. Your God Daughter Amelia Evans, that was, (now Barry,) is gone again with her Husband and Children to Tunis, where she...
579From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, [8 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer is Mr. Brown of whom I spoke to you formerly. I hope you can, without Inconvenience, afford him some Employment as a Compostor. He will be with me till the Beginning of next Week. I send one of the Papers, and shall send the other in the Morning. If you see any thing in them improper for Publication in your Paper, impute it to my being (as you say) too...
580From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 4 February 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I wrote you per Capt. Budden, who sail’d the Beginning of December, and sent you a Bill of Exchange on Jonathan Gurnel & Co. for Fifty Pounds, and desired you to send me Viner’s, Bacon’s and Danvers’s Abridgments of the Law, with Wood’s and Coke’s Institutes. I have no Copy of the Letter, and forget whether I added the Compleat Attorney in 6 or 8 Vols. 8vo. the...