111From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 29–30. Mr. Lorimer, a friend who is going over to General Abercromby, to assist him as a secretary, called on me just now, to acquaint me that he is on the point of setting out. I seize a minute or two just to let you know we are well, that is, I am well, compared to what I have been during a great part of the time since my arrival, and I hope...
112From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 28–9. I wrote a very long letter to you lately, two whole sheets full, containing answers to all yours received during my sickness. I have since received your kind favours of November 13 and November 16th. It has given me great concern that you should be so disappointed in having no letters by captain Luthwycke; you know by this time how it...
113William Strahan to Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 25–7. I will not write to you, for the future, as a stranger whom I never had the happiness of seeing, but as to one with whom I have been for some time acquainted, for having had the pleasure for several months past, to be personally known to what you will readily allow, to be your better half, you’ll permit me to fancy, I am by no means...
114From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 22 November 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (mutilated): American Philosophical Society; parts reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 20–4. During my Illness which continued near Eight Weeks, I wrote you several little Letters, as I was able; the last was by the Pacquet which sailed from Falmouth [above a week since: in that I informed you that my intermitting fever which had continued to harrass me, by frequent relapses, was gone off,...
115From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 July 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We arrived here well last Night, only a little fatigued with the last Day’s Journey, being 70 Miles. I write only this Line, not knowing of any Opportunity to send it; but Mr. Collinson will enquire for one, as he is going out. If he finds one, I shall write more largely. I have just seen Mr. Strahan, who is well with his Family. Billy is with me here at...
116From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 July 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract reprinted from WTF, Memoirs , I , 133 n. The bell ringing for church, we went thither immediately, and with hearts full of gratitude, returned sincere thanks to God for the mercies we had received: were I a Roman Catholic, perhaps I should on this occasion vow to build a chapel to some saint; but as I am not, if I were to vow at all, it should be to build a lighthouse ....
117From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 June 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just received yours of the 29th [past. I have made] fresh Enquiry about the Clothes and [Sugar but have yet to] hear a Syllable of them. The brass [Engine at length] came by itself, and was deliver’d to the [ ? ] House, with the three small Parts belonging [to it] by a tall Man whom she does not know; but no Clothes, Sugar, or anything else. There...
118From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Parker being doubtful this Morning, whether the Rain would permit his setting out to day, I had prepared no Letter to send per Sally when he took a sudden Resolution to go. Mr. Colden could not spare his Daughter, as she helps him in the Post Office, he having no Clerk. I inclose only the 4th. Bills, which you are to put up safe with my Writings; the...
119From 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...
120From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Franklin and his son left Philadelphia on Monday, April 4, but they did not reach New York until the morning of the 8th. Then began a long period of frustrating delay until the packet on which they sailed weighed anchor off Sandy Hook on June 20. The movements of members of the Franklin family during this interval appear so confusing that a chronology may...