1651Joseph Breintnall to Directors of Library Company, 8 November 1731 (Franklin Papers)
MS Minute Book: Library Company of Philadelphia The Library Company of Philadelphia was Franklin’s “first Project of a public Nature.” He drafted its plan, rules, and articles of agreement; the latter were signed July 1, 1731, naming ten directors, a secretary, and a treasurer, and announcing that the Company would be organized when fifty subscriptions were obtained. With the help of the...
1652To George Washington from Robert Brent, 19 February 1774 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of both Your Letters to Wm Brent Esqr. & Self—That you have not reciev’d an answer sooner to your first, be kind enough to admit of the following Apology. It was deliver’d to me by the Bearer on my way to Dumfries; as he had to proceed to Aquia, I desir’d him to stay till I came home; I met him early the next Morning. On his return, fearful of being detain’d...
1653To George Washington from William Brockenbrough, 29 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Parental feelings I have at the parting with a dutifull Son I hope will be some apoligie for my troubling you with this Epistle, his great inclination to go into the Army, and the friends he has got & the favours he has receiv’d made it quite agreeable to his going But I am afraid as he’s young and knowing little of the world or mankind That he’l be more lyable to Errors, But D. Sr if I...
1654To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Brooke, 27 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I embrace this first Opportunity that hath presented itself to return You my thanks for the very polite and Hospitable Entertaintment I met with from You when I was at Philadelphia last Year, and have deferrd it till now, that the only Subject of my Letter might not be an acknowledgment of Your Civilities, which, I believe You had rather perform than be...
1655Joseph Browne to John Kelly, 22 February 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Febr. 22. 1762. Agreed, nem. con. at a meeting of the Heads of Houses that Mr. Franklin, whenever He shall please to visit the University, shall be offer’d the Compliment of the Degree of D.C.L. Honoris causâ . Addressed: To / Dr. Kelly Joseph Browne ( c . 1700–1767), B.A., Oxon. (Queen’s College), 1721; B.D., 1737; D.D.,...
1656To Benjamin Franklin from Ephraim Brown, 15 September 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of the 13th lies before me. I am oblig’d to you for your offer of the loan of three Guineas, and have drawn on you payable to Wm. Jackson on order. I don’t know what to think of your excessive temperance in my case. I am of opinion if a hearty man get a bad cold, to drive it away by abstinance, is very right; but a person in my Condition requires many...
1657To Benjamin Franklin from Ephraim Brown, 12 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the greatest Respect I take the Freedom by this Packet to congratulate you on your safe arrival in England. I wrote a Line by the last Packet, which I hope you have receiv’d. His Excellency Governor Franklin and Lady, and Mr. Foxcroft, happen’d to be at Mrs. Franklin’s when your agreeable Letters came to hand. We go on well with the Post-Office, and...
1658To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Browne, 12 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Medical Observations and Inquiries (London), I (1757), 75–80. I will give you as exact a description of my sister’s case as I can. First she complained of a slow fever, and then of sudden stitches in her side; which she would compare to the prick of a pin; and would slap her side with her hand, which never failed giving her relief for some time. She then began to...
1659Henton Brown to Goldney, Smith and Co., 16 September 1760 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society My particular friend Benjamin Franklin Esqr. and his Son of Philadelphia intending in a tour they are going to take to call at Bristol I take the liberty to recommend them to your notice, whose personal merit is so well known that I need add nothing farther, but that I am with great esteem your obliged Friend—if they should have occasion for any money please...
1660To Benjamin Franklin from Henton Brown, 26 November 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I embrace this opportunity per the extra packett to acknowledge the receipt of the several letters and to transmitt a State of the account as it now Stands with us —that drawn payable to Stevenson £25—has not yet appeared. I understand Richard Jackson Esqr. here is appointed Agent to the province of Pensilvania. I shall be greatly obliged if thou will be so...
1661To Benjamin Franklin from Henton Brown, 28 November 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did not fully speak to the Proposition respecting the £3000. as I had not any discourse with my Son respecting it in which affairs we always consult and act in concert. We have now considered the proposition maturely and think it of that nature that when thou comes to reconsider it in all its parts must appear a Thing not eligible for us. First...
1662To 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...
1663To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 2 February 1762 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Brown’s Compliments to B. Franklin Esqr. and acquaints him he has sold the £5000—3 per Cents. to be transferr’d to morrow—to day being a Holliday, at 61⅞. Addressed: To / Benj. Franklin Esqr. / In Craven street / Strand See below, p. 34.
1664To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 27 November 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have sent herewith a letter of Attorney to be Executed by you before two Witnesses to empower me to transfer the Fifteen Thousand Pounds 4 per Cents. as I could not do it without, you’ll please to return it per Bearer as it must be lodg’d at the Bank this afternoon—£8000 being sold for to morrow morning and must be done then as the Persons who bought...
1665To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 14 January 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This is to acquaint you that in consequence of your directions Mr. Shervell has Sold £5000 of the 3 Per Cents. at 65¾ that is without the Dividend 64¼ —he is attending the Sale of the remainder and as any thing is done in it will keep you advis’d. I am for Father and Self most Respectfully Yours Addressed: To / Benj. Franklin Esqr. / In Craven Street /...
1666To Benjamin Franklin from William Brownrigg, 12 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this moment received a letter from Sir John Pringle, in which he is pleased to acquaint me that he shortly intends me the favour of a visit; that you accompany him to Leeds, and may possibly come with him so far as this place. I have great reason to beleive that you will not very willingly part from Sir John on this excursion, or he from you; I...
1667To Benjamin Franklin from William Brownrigg, 27 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: the Royal Society By the enclosed from an old friend, a worthy clergyman at Carlisle, whose great learning and extensive knowledge in most sciences would have more distinguished him had he been placed in a more conspicuous point of view, You will find that he had heard of your experiment on Derwent Lake, and has thrown together what he could collect on that subject; to which I have...
1668To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Buchan, 22 April 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you permit an Old acquaintance to reccomend to your Attention in the American Literary Line, a Gentleman of this Country who intends to cross the Attlantic next Spring, in Search of a Settlement in the department of a Teacher? His Abilities have been put to the Test for 9 or 10 years as a private and public teacher. He is an Honest Farmers Son and I...
1669Roll of George Washington’s Company, 28 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
No. Mens Names when Inlisted County Age Size Trade Country Description Jno. Sallard } Serjeants Sepr 1755 Richmond 25. 5′ 10″ Joiner Virginia Fair Complextion, Freckled, Hair inclining to red, genteelly made
1670To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 8 February 1771 (Washington Papers)
We are situated at so great a Distance from each other that I am obliged to take this Method to notify to you that I no longer consider the Articles entered into relative to improving the Hot Springs , in Augusta County, as binding upon me. Give me Leave to say, when the Articles were executed, I expected you would immediately proceed, as well to build and improve upon my Lands adjoining to...
1671To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 24 March 1757 (Washington Papers)
as I have not bin Troublesom to you with Cilicitations on Acct of my Brothers prefermt make free this Opertunity with Something of that sort. It may appear uncommendable for a Brother offering any thing of the Like In behalf of Another still as he was Very afficious in Recruiting for your Regt (winter was a Year) and Raised fifteen men (the promise of which, was Terms many your Officers...
1672To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt et al., 10 October 1757 (Washington Papers)
As we are well assured You take pleasure in distinguishing Merit where ever it is found. We beg leave to recommend to Your notice a Person not altogether unworthy of it[.] If we may Judge from the diligence & Fidelity he has shewn in a low Station we may still expect he will support his Characture in a higher where he will meet with frequenter Opportunities to exert himself & do Justice to Our...
1673To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 18 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Having Recd your Orders Shall Comply with them[.] As to Sending Sub[alter]ns Commands up to you I see no Hopes of doing it for I have not Recd but two Men from any of the Recruiting officers Ordered to Rendevous at Alexandria Since Capt. Wagoners Departure. Mr Triplep has Recruited One man & I am Satisfied has bin at no Small Expence[.] I have about Ten men In Town Seven Whereof I Recruited I...
1674To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 21 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
As John Waid a Soldier in my Company was Seting at the Indian Camp Eating some Victuls, one of the Cherokees Askt him for some whiskey, he not giving him a Direct Answer, pickt up his gun and shot him through the back. I immediately sent out a Command to the Camp, which place was found Avacuateed by all of them but one which was found dead with his throat Cutt from Ear to Ear by one of their...
1675To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 19 February 1757 (Washington Papers)
It is not Agreeable to my Inclinations to be Thus Troublesom as to my Repeated Letters for Leave to be Removed from this Compy and as it is much against my Inclinations the Continuing Hope you will Indulge me in this my Last Request. I have Marchd the Detacht from Fort Dinwiddie to Vases, and Shall be as Afficious as in my power for three Weeks or a month in Carrying on the Work—In which Time...
1676To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt, 24 March 1757 (Washington Papers)
I Recd yours Janry 1st wherein you was pleased to Signifie that I had not proceeded in a Regular Manner in not Laying in a formal Complaint if I was not well used by my Capt. I am not uncensible Sir—of the Difficulty an Enferiour Officer Encounters, when he Lay’s in a Compt of that Nature against one of his Superiours in Clearly proving Alligations, Especially when such Superiour as by our...
1677Deposition of Silas Burbank: 28 June 1773 (Adams Papers)
I Silas Burbanks of lawful age testify and say, that in the spring of the Year 1766, a few days before the riot at Mr. Richard Kings dwelling house, I was at the house of Mr. John Stewart, and he was talking to me about said King; he asked me if he was not a bad man, and had not done as much hurt to the people here, as Bute had done to the people at home; and afterwards, the day before the...
1678Burbank’s Release: 28 June 1773 (Adams Papers)
Whereas Richard King Esq. hath released me from Gaol where I have been sometime confined by having my body attached by a writ of Trespass in which the said Richard is Plaintiff, and John Stewart myself and others defendants at my request in consideration there of and of five shillings paid me by said Richard I do hereby release unto the said Richard all cause of action whatsoever I have or...
1679To Benjamin Franklin from Peter P. Burdett, 15 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Passage thro London and departure from England was so sudden and unexpected that I was deprived of an opportunity of Paying my respects to you as I otherwise fully intended. I am now arrived at Rastatt and have the Honor to be engaged in the service of the Margrave of Baaden whose Gracious reception and extraordinary Benevolence has placed me above...
1680The Burgh of St. Andrews: Freedom of the Burgh, 2 October 1759 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society; two copies: Yale University Library Apud Civitatem Sancti Andreae Secunda die mensis Octobris anno partus Salutiferi Millesimo Septingentesimo quinquagesimo nono. Quo Die Magistratuum illustris ordo et Honorandus Senatorum Coetus Inclitae Civitatis Sancti Andreae Indebiti amoris et affectus tesseram Erga virum valde generosum Benjaminum Franklin Armigerum...
1681To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, [ca. April] 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been labouring to prevail on Tuckers Executors to come to a Speedy trial of the Cause, but without Success. Mr. Taylor seems determined to remove it by if possible, and even Mr. Wallers advice to the Contrary Seems to have no Effect on him. I fear we must have recourse to an Injunction unless It may be your Opinion that if ever Mr. Hunt Subjects the lands we shall be able to recover...
1682To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 10 July 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at length prevailed on Mr. Taylor to answer a Bill in our Court spedily, and I here inclose you a Draught of what I purpose filing which you will please return with your remarks and Improvements. We purpose not Coming into Court untill all our papers are ready and then to set it for hearing immediately. If the Decree here be in our Favor we are to give him Security for performing it and...
1683To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 19 August 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have your Favours of June and July 20th the first dated from Albermale the last from Williamsburg. I wish I had the Pleasure of Conferring with you when you were down but my business so Interposed it was not in my Power. The case of Plume vs. Portlock was thus, A Warrent of the Peace was Obtained vs. Plume, upon hearing the Court Continued the Recognizance. Costs Consequently accrued. Plume...
1684To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 24 September 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long laboured to do something with Mr. Taylor but almost in vain. Altho the Question is undoubtly of greatest Importance to him Viz. whether Colo. Tuckers Assets shall be legally or Illegally administered there is no Possibility of awakeing him to his Danger. All I have been able to do is to get a faint Consent from him to use his Name in Obtaining the Injunction or Interpleader. I have...
1685Thomas Burke to Neil Jamieson, 28 August 1770 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received a Letter from Mr. Jefferson relative to the Suit Intended against Coll. Tucker’s Executors wherein he has Judiciously considered the several points upon which our Inquiry can properly turn in Chancery and an Abstract of his reasoning follows. “The Question whether Mr. Hunt is to be considered as a Bill of Exchange or Simple Contract Creditor is properly triable at Law and...
1686To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 3 September 1770 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of July 15th a few days past, and Immediately communicated your Sentiments and my own relative to the Suit of Tuckers Creditors vs his Executors to the persons concerned and endeavoured to enforce what you recommended which was Intirely agreeable to my own Opinion. I also recommended the Joining Creditors to undertake all the Enquiries at their common Expence and to average...
1687To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 29 April 1765 (Washington Papers)
Want of Opportunity alone has prevented me from answering your obliging letter of the 10th of Augst last sooner. Indeed we have so seldom any Ships bound from this Port to America, that I am necessitated to hasard this by a very round about way and send it first to London. Believe me it gave me real pleasure to find I was still in your remembrance, and I assure You it has recalled very...
1688To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 14 April 1761 (Washington Papers)
I should not have been so long in England without writing to You, had it not happened that I was undetermined whether I should not return to Virginia again: but as I am now come to a fixed determination to continue in these parts, I do myself the pleasure of writing this, to return You my sincerest thanks for all the favours You showed me in America, and with the hopes that You will give me...
1689To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 23 June 1760 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the 15th past, after an Agreable journey; and desire You will think me extremely Obliged to you for the favour you did me in sending me to Annapolis, and by the letters you gave me to recommend me. I had not an Opportunity of seeing Mr Sharp; but Dr Macleane has behaved with the greatest Politeness to me, introduced me to General Stanwix by Mr Doe his Aid de Camp, and contrived...
1690To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 16 December 1761 (Washington Papers)
I received the favour of Your letter dated the 27th of July, some time ago; which would have given me much greater pleasure had it brought me a better account of Your health; I hope however You are perfectly recovered, and that if You come to England, which I can assure Dear Sir would be greatly to my wish, it will be upon some much better Errand than ill health. I am much obliged to you for...
1691To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 14 December 1763 (Washington Papers)
Few things give a susceptible mind more real satisfaction, than to find Oneself remember’d by those one esteems. This satisfaction I had a few days ago by receiving a very kind letter from You dated the 14th of August past. I assure You, Nothing could flatter me more, as it was a proof to me of the continuance of Your friendship; and nothing give me greater pleasure, as it brought me an...
1692To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 4 January 1760 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday & take the first opportunity of writing to thank you & Mrs Washington for the many civilities I received at Mt Vernon. It gives me some concern when I consider the obligations I lie under in Virginia to think how I shall be able to return them: indeed I am afraid it will only be in my power to retain a proper sense of them; which I always shall do. I have the pleasure...
1693To Benjamin Franklin from Aaron Burr, 20 March 1753 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Andover-Newton Theological Seminary Your Febry. 28. with the enclos’d Letters was very acceptable. I am sorry we [are] not provid’d with Instruments to observe the approaching Transit of Mercury. But have long since been determined to be ready for Venus 1769. By Mr. Evans’s Advice I wrote to one Mr. Adams’s in London sending a Catalogue of Instruments for a philosophical...
1694To Benjamin Franklin from Mather Byles, [1765–1766] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New England Historical Genealogical Society It was with great Surprize and Pleasure, that I received your Picture, from Philadelphia. And it is with no little Pride, that when the Picture introduces talk of the Original, a Theme always pleasing to the Lovers of Learning, that I can pronounce, “ This was sent me by Dr. Franklin himself .” But my Ambition has been strangly augmentd by a...
1695To George Washington from William Byrd, 12 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Mr Duncanson was recommended to me by Capt. Stewart, to suceed a Lieutenant in his Light Horse who is desirous to resign. I applied to the Govr and he said he would write to you on the subject. Should you approve of preferring the young gentleman, I shall be much obliged to you. I wish I could entertain you with news, but we have none here. I am Dr Sir, Your affe & obd. Sert Sprague...
1696To George Washington from William Byrd, 8 July 1756 (Washington Papers)
The young Gentleman who will deliver you this Letter is the Associator I mention’d to you, when I had the Pleasure of seeing you in Williamsburgh, Shoud it be convenient for you, Sr, to give him some Commission in your Regiment, I don’t doubt but you will approve of him on Tryall. I wish for nothing more than an Opportunity to entertain you at Westover, for I assure you I am with very great...
1697[Public Men, 10 September 1730] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , September 10, 1730. Although the paragraph in the Gazette introducing this essay may be BF ’s, its entire text is taken, with unimportant excisions, from Edward Bysshe’s translation of Xenophon’s The Memorable Things of Socrates (London, 1712), pp. 107–14. Duane printed it in his edition of BF ’s writings ( Works , IV , 401–5), as did Sparks and Bigelow;...
1698To Benjamin Franklin from Caffiéri l’ainé, 6 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay l’honneur de vous donner avis que je vous Envoie par messieurs minet & fector de Douvres une Caisse Emballee Contenant Librairie marquee MF Libri que Jay recû de Paris d’Envoy de Mr. Pankouke. Vous voudrèz bien avoir la Complaisance de men accuser la reception, jay deboursè pour port de Paris à Calais passavants porteurs &c. 15 livres tournois, que jay...
1699To George Washington from William Callaway, 15 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
the Circumstances of afairs at this time Causes my Baldness in hopes To Receive Information what was the Reason of Our frend Indions as we Call them Returning Home if thay are Returnd & To Inform you how we are opresd & what has hopend Last week by several partys of Indions by Computation about 70 or 80 which Cald them selves Sumtimes Cherokees & sumtimes Shonees & has acted vilinously Robing...
1700To George Washington from Benedict Calvert, 8 April 1773 (Washington Papers)
I Received the favour of yours of the 3d Instant by Mr Custis which I feel myself highly honoured by, and am truly happy in your Approbation of that young Gentlemans future Union with my Second Daughter. I should be dead to Parental feelings, were I untouched with the polite manner in which you are pleased to compliment Nellys Qualifications; Being her father, it would illy become me to sound...