To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, [before 4 June 1765]
From Thomas Pownall
AL: American Philosophical Society
[Before June 4, 1765]9
Govr. Pownall presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin beggs the honor of his Company to Dinner on Tuesday the 4th of June.
The Favor of an Answer is desired.
Addressed: Craven Street
[In Franklin’s hand on address side:] Steel Pen for Mr. Strahan.1
[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]
9. Tuesday June 4 fell in both 1765 and 1771; according to editorial policy this document is placed at the earlier of the two dates.
1. While steel pens were occasionally mentioned in the eighteenth century, they seem to have been regarded chiefly as novelties; they did not come gradually into general use until the first four decades of the nineteenth century.