51Observations upon [Thomas Pownall], State of the Constitution of the Colonies, [1769?] (Franklin Papers)
MS (copy): American Philosophical Society In December, 1769, or possibly in the following month, Thomas Pownall attempted to formulate general principles of law that applied to the issues in dispute between Britain and her colonies. He composed a short document in two parts; the first set forth six principles, and the second adduced corollaries from them. This document he had printed but not...
52From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 31 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , II . I wrote a line to you yesterday, and having this opportunity, write another, just to let you know that we all continue well, and much the better from the refreshments you have sent us: in short we do very well, for though there are a great number of things, besides what we have, that used to seem necessary to comfortable living, yet we have...
53[Diary entry: 15 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
15. A Lowery cloudy Morning but clear afternoon & tolerably warm.
54[Diary entry: 23 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
23. Went up to George Town to convey Deeds to Messrs. Montgomerie Stewart & Wilson for the Marryland Tract of Land wch. was accordingly done Mrs. Colvil being carried up in my Chariot returnd to Mr. Jno. Wests at Night. As arranged at previous meetings, the three merchants today gave the Colvill executors £816 13s. 7d. in bills of exchange drawn on Glasgow firms (see “Remarks” entry for 1 and...
55[Diary entry: 12 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
12. Rid to Belvoir after Dinner to see Sir Thos. Adams who was sick there. Adams’s frigate, the Boston , returned to Hampton Roads without him, while he tried to recover his health at Belvoir. He rejoined the vessel in early September and sailed her soon afterwards to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he died in October ( Va. Gaz. , P&D, 6 Sept. and 18 Oct. 1770, and R, 1 Nov. 1770).
56[Diary entry: 8 September 1773] (Washington Papers)
8. Clear, calm, and warm.
57Franklin’s Conjecture on the Foregoing, [after 12 August 1772] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: the Royal Society The Aurora Boreales , tho’ visible almost every Night of clear Weather in the more Northern Regions, and very high in the Atmosphere, can scarce be visible in England but when the Atmosphere is pretty clear of Clouds for the whole Space between us and those Regions, and therefore are seldom visible here. This extensive Clearness may have been produced by a long...
58From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Preston Moore, 13 August 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia Inclosed I send the Account of Charges in Solliciting your Act, amounting to £36 15 s. 0 d. The Act itself with the Royal Approbation engross’d on Parchment, I sent you per Mr. Wells, and hope it will get safe to hand. I am, with great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: To / Samuel Preston Moore Esqr / Philadelphia / Per favour...
59Poor Richard, 1743 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard, 1743. An Almanack For the Year of Christ 1743 ,... By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by B. Franklin, at the New Printing-Office near the Market. (Yale University Library) Because I would have every Man make Advantage of the Blessings of Providence, and few are acquainted with the Method of making Wine of the Grapes which grow wild in our Woods, I do here...
60[Diary entry: 26 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
26. At Home all day alone.
61From James Madison to William Bradford, 20 January 1775 (Madison Papers)
Your very acceptable favours by Mr. Rutherford arrived safe but I perceived by the date, had a very tedious passage which perhaps may be attributed to the craziness of the Vessel in which you embarked them. I ought to mention in particular that I did not receive them till after I wrote my last as an apology for my not then acknowledging it I entirely acquiesce in your Opinion of our friend...
62From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, 14 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of June 7. and am glad to find by it that you are safely return’d from your Virginia Journey, having settled your Affairs there to Satisfaction, and that you found your Family well at New York. I feel for you in the Fall you had out of your Chair. I have had three of those Squelches in different Journeys, and never desire a fourth. I...
63From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 6 June 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Supposing the Catalogue of our American Ores and Minerals collected by the late Mr. Hazard, might afford you some Amusement, I send my Letter to Mr. Tissington open to you, and give you the Trouble of forwarding it to him when you have perus’d it. The Bearer of this is Mr. James Logan Son of my Learned Friend of that Name. I beg Leave to recommend him to...
64To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 2 January 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had sett this day apart to write you a long letter, but my little Will has been so much indisposed as to take up all my time and attention, he is now in a sweet Sleep, but its so late that I can only tell you how much pleasure your desire of hearing from me gave me and to asure you I will write fully and have my Letter ready for the next Opportunity. I...
65From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 26 August 1759 (Washington Papers)
I shall draw upon you in a few days to the Amount of about £150 in two Setts of Exchange: the one payable to Messrs Champe and Hunter of Virginia and the other to Mr Richd Washington of London. I did not think it amiss to give you this earliest advice (via Whitehaven) of my Intentions but should not have doubted your Acceptance of my Bills without it as I in a former of the 12th June advertisd...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Parker, 1 July 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being engaged here at Deptford, ever since I had the Pleasure of waiting on you, hindered me from delivering you my Letter, and fearing I should not be at London in three or four Days, hope you will excuse my sending it: My best Respects wait upon you, and conclude myself Your very humble Servant Addressed: For/ Benjamin Franklin, Esqr: / Craven Street/...
67Samuel Chandler to James Hamilton, William Allen, Richard Peters, Benjamin Franklin, Conrad Weiser, and William Smith … (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Horace W. Smith, Life and Correspondence of the Rev. William Smith, D.D. (Philadelphia, 1880), I , 40–2. William Smith delivered this letter to Governor Hamilton a few days after he returned from England on May 22. Hamilton communicated it at once to the others named in it. Franklin, Peters, and Weiser were about to set out to Albany, so no meeting could be held...
68[Diary entry: 22 September 1773] (Washington Papers)
22. My Brother and my self rid to my Mill & returnd to Dinner.
69[Diary entry: 8 March 1770] (Washington Papers)
8. Went to Belvoir with Mr. Magowan, dined and Returnd in the afternoon.
70[Diary entry: 25 March 1766] (Washington Papers)
25. Hard frost—afterwards warm & hazy. Wind Southwardly. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the third Stake, and at the Mill to the Second stake.
71To Benjamin Franklin from James Balfour, 1 August 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me leave to thank you for your kindness to me when in London and to wish you with unfeignd sincerity health, happiness, and Sucess in all you wish or desire. I must leave you for the news of the Country to my worthy friend Colo. Hunter. Believe me Sir, I have, and shall continue with a persevering warmth to sett forth your late services done America....
72Franklin and Hall: Accounts, 1748–1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS Account Book: American Philosophical Society This ledger, labeled “Franklin & Hall No. 1,” contains four separate lists and accounts relating to David Hall’s operation of the partnership of Franklin and Hall from 1748 to 1766. Three are lists of cash payments for printing work; the fourth is an invoice of books and stationery in Franklin’s shop when the partnership began. The amounts...
73[Diary entry: 5 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
5. Richard Talbot, one of Mr. Balls hands was absent from work. John Harvey was also absent from his ditching. Finished Planting Corn at Doeg Run Plantation this day—viz the 5th. Richd. Talbot was not at work but went up to Alexandria.
74To 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...
75[Diary entry: 13 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
13. Cloudy forenoon but, tolerably Clear afterwards without any frost. Wind Westwardly but neither Cold nor hard.
76To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 7 May 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Whitehall, May 7, 1771, a note in the third person. A warrant is signed appointing Mr. Coxe, on Governor Franklin’s recommendation, to the Council of New Jersey; wishes to know who will take charge of sending the warrant.> For Daniel Coxe see above, XIV , 300 n. WF had recommended him in January on the death of the incumbent; the recommendation was endorsed...
77[Diary entry: 2 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
2. Again very warm with a brisk westwardly breeze.
78To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 21 November 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania It is easy to perceive the Disposition of the People by the last Election under the Burthen of their heavy Taxes and several severe Losses upon particulars from the Conduct of some of the Military Gentlemen towards such as have supplied Our Western Army with Carriages, they are yet willing to bear these and every Thing else in their Power in...
79[December 1773] (Adams Papers)
Last Night 3 Cargoes of Bohea Tea were emptied into the Sea. This Morning a Man of War sails. This is the most magnificent Movement of all. There is a Dignity, a Majesty, a Sublimity, in this last Effort of the Patriots, that I greatly admire. The People should never rise, without doing something to be remembered—something notable And striking. This Destruction of the Tea is so bold, so...
80[Diary entry: 10 May 1772] (Washington Papers)
10th. Went to Pohick Church & returnd home to Dinner. Mr. Campbell Dined here.
81To John Adams from Edward Hill, 4 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a fortnight ago by Mr. Sullivan, since which almost every day has produced some new matter of joy to the friends of Liberty. The proceedings of the people at Salem Cambridge and other places —the resignation of many of the new Councillors—the behaviour of both juries at the Superior Court held here the last week; are some of the most important. I had proposed to send you a very...
82From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 30 August 1769 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (Paris, 1773), p. 314. Cette lettre vous sera remise par le Docteur Lettsom, jeune Médecin Amériquain de beaucoup de mérite, qui est de la paisible secte des Trembleurs, et que vous regarderiez conséquemment au moins comme une rareté à contempler, quand même vous auriez épousé toutes les préventions de la plupart de vos...
83To George Washington from Robert Adam, 7 January 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours and have given particular Attention to the Contents, it gives me some relief, when you say you are not, nor has been prejudiced with me. Concious I am, that to my knowledge I never did any thing to merite it. If I have not been so fortunate for some time past as I had a reasonable prosspect of my endeavours has in no respect been the Less I am Subjected to good & bad...
84[Diary entry: 28 July 1772] (Washington Papers)
28. Clear, Calm, and exceeding Hot.
85[Diary entry: 17 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
17. Very pleasant Morning, but Cloudy & blustering afterwards.
86From George Washington to John Stanwix, 10 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
To Brigadier-General Stanwix Dear Sir, Ft L[oudoun] April 10th 1758. Pe[r]mit me, at the same time I congratulate you (which I most sincerely do) upon the promotion you have met with, and justly merited; to express my Concern at the prospect of parting with you. I can truly say, it is a matter of no small regret to me! and that I shou’d have thought myself happy in serving this campaign under...
87[Diary entry: 25 October 1772] (Washington Papers)
25. Assisting Crawford with his Surveys. William Crawford had returned from the Ohio country with 13 surveys totaling 127,899 acres out of the 200,000 acres of bounty land promised in 1754 by Governor Dinwiddie to soldiers and officers of the Virginia Regiment. Crawford and GW were now preparing to enter the surveys and have patents issued to the various officers and men, or to their survivors...
88From George Washington to Alexander Boyd, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are, out of the public money in your hands, to pay off all the Troops of the Virginia Regiment to the first of this instant with what arrears are due both Officers and Soldiers. After doing that, if you do not receive a supply of cash from me; and should not have sufficient in your hands to pay the whole, this present months pay; you are, in order to keep the Soldiers quiet, only to pay...
89To George Washington from William Fairfax, 13–14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst. by Bryan Fx who I find is so well pleasd with the little military Atchievement He has experienct, that He is desirous of pursuing that Life. I have accordingly encouragd Him and to hope that You have Affection enough to give Him a Lieutenancy as no doubt there are some Vacancys and I heard the Governor tell one Matthew Bowyer (who applied for...
Gridley. Marriage is of the Law of Nations. Justinian extends it, even to the Brutes. The Court adjudgd at Worcester that a Married Woman could not call herself Spinster. Writ not abated. Kent. I shall not enter into the Right of some Men to enslave others. This Right in some Places seems established. Not indeed a Right to Life, tho this is assumed in West Indies to the shame of human Nature....
91[Diary entry: 12 September 1773] (Washington Papers)
12. Very Warm without any Wind all day.
92Cash Accounts, June 1768 (Washington Papers)
Cash June 1— To Ditto [cash] of Henry Taylor £ 0. 2.6 To Weaving of Jno. Elliot 15 yds cotton birdeye 0.18.9 To Cash of Mr Wm Triplet for Weavg 1. 6.0 20— To Ditto of Gilbt Simpson on Acct of Rent 2. 8.0 23— To Ditto for 7 M Shingles 6. 2.6 Contra June 2— By Mr [John] Stedlar for Mastr & Miss Custis 10.16.0
93From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 25 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by Colo. Stephen, since which I have been favourd with your kind and agreable Letter of Yesterday. We have advice that our Second Convoy of Seventy odd Waggons (contents you were informd of in my last) will be at the South Branch to day, where I expect they will be joind by some Waggons with Forage—the number I cant ascertain—and all proceed to this place immediately. On Friday I...
94[Diary entry: 8 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
8th. Engaged to advance by, or at the April General Court for the use of Mr. Bryan Fairfax £150, or thereabouts, to discharge the Balle. of his Bond to Doctr. Savage. Also promised, if I could, to take up a Bill of Excha. of about £160 Sterg. with Int[eres]t thereon at the same time; In consideration of which I am to have the liberty of taking any of the Tracts of which he has given me a...
95Orderly Book, 10 November 1758 (Washington Papers)
Loyall Hannon Friday Novr 10th 1758 Parole King George Field Officer for to morrow Majr Peachy. Adjutant for to morrow 1st V. Regiment. A General Court Martiall to sit Consisting of 1 Lt Colo. 2 Majors & 10 Captains to sit to morrow morning at 9 OClock at the Presidents Tents. All the Evidences to Attend. Capt. McKenzie of the H. B. Judge advocate. Lt Colo. Lloyd President. It is General...
96[Shavers and Trimmers; and To the Publick, 23 and 30 June 1743] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , June 23 and 30, 1743. The first of these pieces, to which Smyth gave the title “Shavers and Trimmers” when he reprinted both ( Writings , ii , 232–6), appeared in the Gazette , June 23, 1743. It was inspired by a barber’s advertising the week before that he intended to give up shaving and trimming to confine himself to wigmaking. The essay is a...
97[Diary entry: 28 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
28. Clear & cool forenoon. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & threatning afternoon.
98[Diary entry: 30 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
30. Mr. & Mrs. Cockburn went away. My Miller & his wife and Mr. Ball dind here. GW’s miller was William Roberts, a Pennsylvanian who had signed articles of agreement with Lund Washington 13 Oct. 1770 engaging himself to run the new mill at Mount Vernon for £80 a year plus the privilege of feeding a cow and raising domestic fowl at GW’s expense ( DLC:GW ). Roberts was highly skilled in the...
99From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 12 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours by Express—and concur in sentiments with the officers of your council: Save that I would have a Subaltern and twenty or twenty-five men sent to the upper Tract, to assist the Settlers in erecting a Fort[.] In this I presume they will give all imaginable assistance; as it is solely intended to promote their safety. If Captain Field’s militia will remain contented, it is...
100To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 April 1775 (Madison Papers)
Though the business that at present surrounds me on every side, makes writing inconvenient, yet I cannot let Mr. Hoops return without a few Lines to one I value so much. [Mr Dunlap’s paper &c] I send with this Furguson which I could not get for less than 12/ tho’ you will perceive it is somewhat soil’d. I also send the friendly address &c. & The other side of the Question. I dare not add more...