2401Israel Pemberton to John Fothergill, 4 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Historical Society of Pennsylvania As I am sensible thou art well acquainted with Benja. Franklin’s Character a recommendation of him seems unnecessary, yet as I would not be deficient in respect to him and am Sincerely desirous he may succeed in the important Service he is engag’d in, I cannot but desire he may have some Share of thy Friendship and so far as his views and measures tend...
2402From 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...
2403To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 5 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I hope by the Time this reaches Your Hands that Govr Sharpe has relieved Fort Cumberland by sending into it a Garison from his Maryland Forces, if so, this is to order You immediately to send down to Fredericksburg two hundred Men Officers included to be transported to South Carolina, under the Command of Lieut. Colo. Stephens, Captain Waggoner, Capt. Joshua Lewis, Lieuts. John Blag, John...
2404To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 7 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Clerk calls upon me to sign the Indian Trade Bill now sent down by the Governor who adheres to his Amendments and as the House after agreeing to some of the Amendments now adhere to the Bill there is an End of that salutary provision to induce the Indians to come heartily into our Interest by making it their Own. We think it a Strange...
2405William Franklin to Elizabeth Graeme, 7 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Morristown National Historical Park At this time William Franklin appears to have been deeply in love with Elizabeth Graeme of Philadelphia. Seven of his letters written to her between his leaving Philadelphia with his father and their sailing from New York survive, and one written after they reached England. Those which give information about his father’s movements and activities not...
2406To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 7 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yours of the 2d last Night & must refer You to mine of the 5th which I sent You by Express, & doubt not You will receive at Fort Loudoun; The pressing Letter from Govr Littleton makes it absolutely necessary to send 200 of our Regimt to his Assistance; & I must therefore repeat my Orders for their march to Fredericksburg, & I hope they will be there by the 20th of this Month & I am...
2407To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, 8 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have no Instruction at this time by which I Can act. I have Been at Wmsburg Latly as the Governor was not at home Nothing Could be Done. Tho. I Represented the Destresed Condition of the Frunters in as Just a manner as in my Power, I was Referd to you Sir for furder Orders. as it was Suposed you would Receive Orders from Lord Loudon. my Remaining longer here will be of no Service. I...
2408From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 11 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received the Exemplifications of the Royal Grant, Charter and Commissions at Bristol, and by the Post Copies of the two £100,000 Bills under Seal, and a Copy of the Indian Trade Bill, with Amendments, all in good Order. I am sorry the Indian Trade Bill is lost; but it is some Advantage that the iniquitous Views of the Proprietor and his Creatures of the Council...
2409From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Hazard, 11 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society Your Absence when the Business was to be done for Mr. Greeme, prevented your seeing Messrs. Stevenson’s Letter at that Time, or the Account that was afterwards carried to your House by my Son. I had however some Expectations that you would do what was desired of you by those Gentlemen, your Friends, and I readily did what seem’d immediately necessary to...
2410From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Bouquet, 14 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I thank you for the Letter you have favour’d me with to Professor Koenig. I shall take care to deliver the other to Monsr. Guinand, if I reach London. I regret much, that thro’ your Business and mine, I could enjoy so little of your Conversation at Philadelphia. How happy are the Folks in Heaven, who, ’tis said, have nothing to do, but to talk with one...
2411From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Garden, 14 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I am here waiting the Departure of the Pacquet in which I am about to embark for London, and by that means have Leisure to write a little to my Friends, which the distracted State of our Province, and the Hurry of Affairs I have been engag’d in, for some time prevented. I wish now that I had brought some of your ingenious Letters with me, that I might have...
2412From Benjamin Franklin to John Lining, 14 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library; also draft (incomplete): American Philosophical Society It is a long Time since I had the Pleasure of a Line from you. And indeed the Troubles of our Country, with the Hurry of Business, I have been engag’d in on that Account, have made me so bad a Correspondent, that I ought not to expect Punctuality in others. But being just taking Passage for England, I could...
2413From George Washington to Richard Washington, 15 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
After so long Silence it may be expected I shoud introduce this Letter with an Apology for my seeming neglect, it is necessary to urge something in my defence I own Sir, that I may satisfy you it proceeds from a very different cause than the want of Inclination, and what can be so proper as the Truth. I have been posted then for twenty Months past upon our cold and Barren Frontiers, to perform...
2414Enclosure: Invoice to Richard Washington, 15 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Sundry Goods to be Shipd by Mr Richd Washington of London for the use of G. Washington viz. A Marble Chimney piece of the Dimensions of the Inclosd (given by the Workmen) the Cost not to exceed 15 Guineas. N.B. let it be carefully packd. A Neat Landskip 3 feet by 21½ Inches—1 Inch Margin for a Chimy. 250 panes window Glass 11 by 9. Paper for 5 Rooms of the following Dimensions...
2415From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your letter by Express, of the 8th Instant I fear has fallen into the hands of the common Enemy, for I never have seen it—The other of the 7th I this day received: and being exceedingly embarrassed to come at your Honors intentions, and really at a loss to know in what manner to act, in such perplexed and difficult circumstances—I called a council of Officers to my aid; the result of their...
2416Enclosure: Council of War, 16 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Fort Cumberland April 16th 1757. Present Colo. George Washington, President Lt Colo. Adam Stephen Capt. Tho. Waggener Capt. Willm Bronaugh Capt. Joshua Lewis Capt. Chas Lewis Capt. David Bell Capt. Henry Harrison Capt. Lt John McNeill The Colonel laid before the Council a Letter which he had just received from His Honor, Governor Dinwiddie, (dated at Williamsburgh...
2417From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 17 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
You are to remain with the Garrison at this place, ’till the maryland troops shall relieve you: As soon after as possible you are to march the virginia Troops to Fort Loudoun—taking care to carry all the virginia stores to that place, except a few tools which shou’d be sent to the Branch. But, if it shou’d so happen that there do not come waggons enough to carry off the whole at once; You must...
2418From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 19 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote a few Lines to you yesterday, but omitted to answer yours relating to Sister Douse: As having their own Way , is one of the greatest Comforts of Life, to old People, I think their Friends should endeavour to accommodate them in that, as well as in any thing else. When they have long liv’d in a House, it becomes natural to them, they are almost as...
2419Enclosure I: Deposition, 20 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Copy. Baltimore County ss On the 20th Day of April 1757. Came Richard Davis Serjeant in Captain Christopher Gist’s Company in the Virginia Regiment before Me the Subscriber One of His Lordship’s Justices of the Peace for the afd County of Baltimore Who being duly Sworn on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God deposeth & saith that on or about the fifth Day of February 1756 he was enlisted in...
2420Commission to James Parker as Comptroller of the Post Office, 22 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Sometime after their appointment as joint deputy postmasters general in 1753 Franklin and Hunter had made William Franklin comptroller of the North American postal service, in addition to being postmaster of Philadelphia. The exact duties which they assigned to him in this position are not known since his commission and instructions have not been found. It...
2421Post Office Instructions to James Parker, 22 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Mr. James Parker [General Post O]ffice } April 22, 1757 Sir [in] North America As you have undertaken to execute the Office of Comptroller of the General Post Office during our Absence and that of the present Comptroller the following Instructions are necessary for your Observation viz. [1.][ Illegible ] Every Post Master on the Continent to send you a...
2422To George Washington from George Mercer, 24 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Thursday and Friday last came to Town 148 Cherokees, with Major Lewis, and yesterday I spoke to them, as they did not chuse an Interview sooner. Wauhatchee the Head Warriour, after I had told him among many other things, that I was sorry we had not timely Notice of their Coming, that the Governour would have ordered the necessary presents for them, but they might depend upon every thing they...
2423From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 25 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The List of Servants is come to hand. I suppose ’tis as compleat as it could at present be made, but it has many Blanks in it. I purpose to talk with my Lord upon it to day, as well as upon the Affair of the Indian Trade Bill, which I have always had much at heart; and shall let you know the Result. We are still waiting for my Lord’s Dispatches, and still...
2424To George Washington from George Mercer, 26 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, we have held Council after Council every day with the Indians. They seem at last pretty well satisfied, and a Party of them sett out this Day to War; the others will follow so soon as they get their Shoes made. There is a great Scarcity of Deer Skins, and I am obliged to send thro’ the whole County to provide them. Inclosed are two Letters from the Head Warriours to the...
2425Last Will and Testament, 28 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia I Benjamin Franklin of the City of Philadelphia, Printer, being in my usual Health of Body and Mind (blessed be God) do this twenty-eighth Day of April, in the Year 1757, make, publish, sign and seal, this my last Will and Testament, viz. I will that all my just Debts, if any there are at the Time of my Decease, be paid as soon as may be after that...
2426From 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...
2427From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I make use of this as a less troublesome, the most effectual, and (I think) most expeditious method of recommending certain matters relative to the Regiment, &c. to your Honors notice—and to begin: The act of Assembly which subjected the Virginia troops to Martial Law, is now expired: and when in force, was altogether ineffectual for the purpose. It is I think quite obvious, that we can...
2428Epitaph of Josiah and Abiah Franklin, [May 1757] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The New-England Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure , 1 (1758), 58. Franklin composed an epitaph for the stone which he erected on the brick monument over his parents’ grave in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. Though the exact dates of composition and placement of the stone are unknown, it is probable that he attended to the matter shortly before his departure for England, since...
2429From Benjamin Franklin to William Parsons, 3 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just time to bid you Farewell; and to acquaint you, that Mr. Nugent is at present in the Service in Ireland, but ’tis thought the Regiment he belongs to, will be one of those ordered to America with the expected Fleet. He is a Relation of Col. Bradstreet’s; who is daily expected here, and tis said can give me the best Account of Nugent. If I learn...
2430To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Junior, 6 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you kindly offered me your best Services before you left Philadelphia, which, as I had then no Commands to trouble you with; I declined the Honor of accepting, I now beg Leave to make Use of the Liberty you permitted me, to request you to take Charge of the inclosed Letters. I believe you are personally acquainted with the Gentlemen to whom they are...
2431To George Washington from William Fairfax, 6 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Gist tells Me You was unwilling to write as You could not avoid touching on a Subject that must have lately greatly afflicted Me: And indeed I have been so for near a Week, when submitting to the Apprehension of Bryan being no more in Life and reducd so by the most deplorable & shocking Case, I recd a Letter from Him dated at Annapolis certifying that He was taken up, examind and having...
2432To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 10 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society The accurate determination of longitude by a ship at sea long remained an unsolved problem. Several theoretically possible methods were advanced during the two centuries and a half after Columbus, but when put to actual test none proved both practicable and sufficiently reliable to serve the needs of mariners, especially of those embarked on long...
2433William Franklin to Elizabeth Graeme, 12 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this Moment return’d from an Excursion of four or five Days in the Jerseys. The Mail is made up and the Post just upon his Departure. I detain him just to acknowledge the Receipt of two Letters from you, which I have not Time to read thro’. This is all that I can possibly say at present; your Regard imagine the rest, for Your truely affectionate In a...
2434From George Washington to John Tulleken, 12 May 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Tulleken, 12 May 1757. On 27 Oct. 1757 Tulleken wrote to GW : “Your very Agreable letter of the 12th of May I but very lately had the pleasure of receiveing.”
2435To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 16 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
You are, so soon as you arrive at Fort Loudoun, to inform the Officers that the Assembly having consider’d the great expence the Virginia Regiment has cost The Country from the Number of Companies it consisted of, And those Companies not half compleat in proportion to the vast Charge of Officers—It is resolved, for the better Saving of expences, and establishing a proper Regulation, that The...
2436To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 16 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Whereas I have thought proper to discontinue the two pr ct Commissions (which the Country Committee have allowd you) for your trouble, Risk and loss; in receiving and Paying away the Publick Money; settling and adjusting of accounts &ca; I shall only lodge a fund of Money in your hands to answer Contingent Expences; as they shall arise from time to time in the Execution of your Command. The...
2437From Benjamin Franklin to [Peter Franklin], 21 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been now near 6 Weeks waiting for the Sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when she is like to sail. I received yours of the 7th Inst. with the Invoice and Memorandum, which I shall endeavour to comply with. As to the Pay, I expect not to meddle with your Paper Currency; for I always lose by it. With the Goods I shall send Directions about the...
2438From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Loudoun, 21 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Huntington Library Having determined not to go in the first Pacquet, I retired hither about two Weeks ago, to have Leisure for Settling some private Affairs before the Sailing of the second; which is the Reason I have not for some time been to pay my Respects to your Lordship. In your present Multiplicity of important Business, I would not be too importunate. But if your Lordship should...
2439From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 21 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., A Collection of Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Pieces of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), pp. 52–3. I received your kind letter of the 9th instant, in which you acquainted me with some of your late troubles. These are troublesome times to us all; but perhaps you have had more than you should. I am glad to hear that Peter is at a place where...
2440To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 23–27 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
This probably may be deliver’d to You by the Hon. Edmd Atkin Esqr. who has his Majesty’s Commission to transact & superintend all the Affairs with the different Tribes of Indians the back of Georgia, South & No. Ca⟨r⟩olina & this Dominion; I desire You will receive him in a genteel Manner, & on his meeting with the Indians now at Fort Cumberland, give a Grace to his Operations by having a...
2441From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 23 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Horace Howard Furness Memorial Library, University of Pennsylvania I have been waiting here near Six Weeks for the sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when that will be. From London I will send you the Account you desire of the Verification of the Meridian of France; and one of the best Thermometers I can procure. If in any thing else I can do you pleasure, signify it by a Line...
2442To George Washington from John Stanwix, 23 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
His Excellcy the Earl of Loudoun having ordd five Companys of my Battalion to serve in the back parts of the Southern Provinces and likewise that I am to be supply’d with Amunition & Military Stores from Fort Loudoun in Winchester, to prevent any dissapointmt in Carriages I have sent from this place nine Waggons which will be sufficient to bring to Lancaster the following Amunition &c. 100...
2443To George Washington from John Stanwix, 23 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
By John Stanwix Esqr. Colonel Commandt of the First Battalion of his Majestys Royl American Regiment and Commander in Chief of all the Forces &c. Pensilvania and all the Southern Provinces. Wheras his Excellcy John Earl of Loudoun has thought it for his Majestys Service to Order five Companys of the First Battalion of Royal Americans under my Command to serve in the back part’s of the Southern...
2444From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this is Sergeant Feint, a young fellow who went out with the first party of Cuttawba Indians, commanded by Captain Johny and taken near the french fort at the time we supposed and reported him to be killed, from the information which the Indians brought in. He made his escape from a small Delaware Town on a branch of Muskingum called white womans creek, in company with a Cuttawba...
2445To George Washington from William Ball, 25 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Waited on the Governour this day in Company with Capt. McNeal, on my applying to him to be paid for my Servant Man Samuel Poe, was directed to you I hope Sir you will think it Reasonable to send Me Fifteen pounds Nothing could induce Me to value Him so low only that he is in my Countrys Service & has behav’d so well as to be made a Serjeant his first cost was £30 after he had serv’d two years...
2446From George Washington to Robert Jackson, 26 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The following is a list of necessaries wanted for the public works at this place. I must beg the favour of you to send them up by the first waggon, if they are not already sent by the direction of Capt. Mercer. vizt 2 Barrels of 4d. Nails 2 Bar. of Span. Brown 1 ditto Flooring Brads 2 do spanish whiting 1 do 4d. Brads 1 do white-Lead 60 pairs of small HL Hinges 6 lb. Lampblack 40 ditto large...
2447List of Officers in the Virginia Regiment, 26 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
May 26th 1757 Ensigns Hubbard & Price appointed Lts but to rank after Dangerfield & Fleming—This List is according to the Old Regulatn I know not wt Alterations may have been made since. I am Your most humble Servant ADS , DLC:GW . Dinwiddie’s clerk, William Withers, may have enclosed this in Dinwiddie to GW, 23–27 May 1757. After the Virginia Regiment was reduced earlier this month (see...
2448From 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...
2449From George Washington to Edward Shippen, 28 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosd, is a true Copy of the Receipt which Jno. Spour has past to me, for Stores that he is to deliver you, agreeable to Colo. Stanwix Order. I am Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt ALS , PHi : Gratz Collection; LB , PPAmP : Edward Shippen Papers; LB , DLC:GW . Edward Shippen (1703–1781), the grandson of Edward Shippen (1639–1712), a speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly and president of its...
2450Enclosure: John Spour’s Receipt, 28 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Receiv’d of Colo. George Washington out of the Publick Stores at Winchester the following Particulars viz.—100 Barrls Gunpowder. 3 Tons of Lead. 100, 6 lb. Shott. and 12000 Musket-Flints to be deliver’d to Edward Shippen Esqr. at Lancaster for His Majesty’s Use, agreeable to Orders from Jno. Stanwix Esqr. Colo. Commandant of the first Battalion of the Royal American Regiment &ca. Witness my...