Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-22-02-0030

From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 26 May 1775

To Jane Mecom

ALS: Marietta College Library; copy: Harvard University Library

Philada. May 26. 1775.

Dear Sister

I have just now heard by Mr. Adams, that you are come out of Boston, and are at Warwick in Rhodeisland Government: I suppose it must be at good Mr. and Mrs. Green’s, to whom present my affectionate Respects.1 I write this Line just to let you know I am return’d well from England; that I found my Family well; but have not found the Repose I wish’d for, being the next Morning after my Arrival delegated to the Congress by our Assembly. I wish to hear from you, and to know how you have left your Affairs [in] Boston; and whether it will be inconvenient for you to come hither, or you wish rather that I should come to see you, if the Business I am engag’d in will permit. Let me know if you want any Assistance; and what is become of Cousin Williams and Family, and other Friends. Jonathan was at Paris when I left England, but to return in a Week or two.2 I am ever, my dear Sister Your very loving Brother

B Franklin

Send me what News you can that is true.

Sally presents her Duty to you and Love to Mr & Mrs Green.

Notation: This Letter has been three Weeks in Newport office Forwarded to Mrs. Macom by her Hble Servt A. Maxwell Wedny 10 O’Clk ante M.3

1BF had obviously not yet received his sister’s letter of May 14 with its news of the Greenes’ household. We have no way of knowing whether he learned of her whereabouts from John or Samuel Adams, both of whom arrived in Philadelphia on May 10.

2The father had fled with his family to Worcester; see his letter below, June 19, 1775. The son did not return to London until May 3; see the note on Mrs. Stevenson’s letter above, April 24.

3Missing from the ALS and supplied from the copy. Adam Maxwell, a friend of Ezra Stiles, was a Scottish-born schoolmaster in Newport, who soon afterward was instrumental in uncovering the treachery of Dr. Benjamin Church. See Richard K. Showman et al., eds., The Papers of General Nathanael Greene (2 vols. to date, Chapel Hill, 1976–), p. 14 n.

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