Benjamin Franklin Papers
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From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 April 1774

To Deborah Franklin

ALS: Yale University Library

London, April 28. 1774

My dear Love,

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 is to live some time, while her Husband who is Captain of a Ship, trades in those Seas. Inclos’d I send the affectionate sensible Letter she wrote me on taking Leave.6

My Blessing to the Children. Mrs. Hewson’s have lately had the Small Pox, the eldest in the common Way very full, the youngest by Inoculation lightly; and both are now well: But Mr. Hewson is down with a terrible Fever, and till yesterday his Life was despair’d of; we now begin to hope his Recovery.7 I shall give you another Line by the Packet of next Week, and am as ever Dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband

B. Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / per favour of / Capt. Ashmead

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6The letter is missing. BF had last seen the Barrys, as far as we know, the previous summer in their “little Box” near London: above, XX, 383–4. Amelia had spent at least three years in Tunis (above, XIII, 116–164; XVI, 134–5), and in all likelihood had met her husband there.

7The hope proved groundless; see BF to DF below, May 5.

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