To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 17 February 1752
From Jonathan Belcher
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society
Eliz: Town (NJ) Febr. 17: 1752
Sir
The last post brought me yours of 11: Currant6 and in another packet 2 of your papers of 28: of January and 11: February and which I desire may be regularly sent me for the future.
I am thankfull that you will send to Mr. Ebenezer Holmes by the first Vessel to Boston Two Pounds of the right Virginia rattle snake root not Seneka root as you call it in yours7 and what ever the Charge may be I will pay when you will please to let me know it. I am Sir Your Assured Friend.
Mr. Franklin (Post)
6. Not found.
7. When Tennent spoke of rattlesnake root, many assumed he meant “Seneca rattlesnake root” (Polygala senega), as Thomas and Phineas Bond and the present editors did (see above, II, 239); but, from his likening it (in his Essay on Pleurisy) to ipecacuanha, Tennent must have meant “Virginian snakeroot” (Aristolochia serpentaria).