From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 8 June 1770
To Samuel Franklin9
Reprinted from [Jared Sparks, ed.,] A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), pp. 132–3.
London, 8 June, 1770.
Loving Cousin,
I received your kind letter of the 23d of March. I was happy to find that neither you, nor any of your family, were in the way of those murderers.1 I hope that before this time the town is quite freed from such dangerous and mischievous inmates.
I rejoice to hear that you and your good wife and children continue in health. My love to them. I still enjoy a considerable share of that blessing, thanks to God, and hope once more to see Boston and my friends there before I die. I left it first in 1723. I made a visit there in 1733; another in 1743; another in 1753; another in 1763. Perhaps if I live to 1773, I may then call again and take my leave.
Our relation, Sally Franklin, is still with me here, is a very good girl, and grown up almost a woman.2 She sends her love to you and yours. I am, with sincere regard, Your affectionate cousin,
B. Franklin.
9. BF’s first cousin once removed; see above, XIV, 215 n.
1. A reference to the Boston Massacre.
2. Sarah Franklin (A.5.2.3.1.1.1) was the daughter of Thomas Franklin, who like Samuel was BF’s first cousin once removed. She had been living in Craven Street off and on since 1766.