21From Benjamin Franklin to John Sargent, 27 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I have written to Messrs. Browns and Collinson to pay the Ballance of my Acct to you; and I beg you to take the Trouble of receiving and keeping it for me, or my Children. It may possibly soon be all I shall have left: as my American Property consists chiefly of Houses in our Seaport Towns, which your Ministry have begun to burn, and I suppose are...
22Draft of a Resolution Proposed to Congress by the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, [on or before 14 July 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Trade had bred controversy in the debates the previous autumn over the Continental Association, and controversy grew with the outbreak of war. The nonexportation agreement was to go into effect on September 19, 1775. After that date no commodities whatsoever, except rice destined for re-export, might clear for Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies....
23Proposed Resolution by Congress, [July? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society This resolution, as Paul Smith has pointed out, is impossible to date but may reasonably, if conjecturally, be ascribed to July, 1775. The preamble, cramped at the top of the page, seems to have been drafted after the resolution itself. The unexplained “as aforesaid” in both, and the note at the end, suggest that the draft was to be inserted in a...
24From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 5 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: Pierpont Morgan Library This famous letter was unquestionably not sent. The positive evidence is that the original remained with Franklin’s papers. The negative evidence is that Strahan later gave no sign that he had received such a blast: when he responded on September 6 to a letter, now lost, from Franklin two days after this one, and when he wrote again on...
25From Benjamin Franklin to [Joseph Priestley], 7 July 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in Benjamin Vaughan, ed., Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces . . . Written by Benj. Franklin . . . (London, 1779), pp. 552–4. The Congress met at a time when all minds were so exasperated by the perfidy of General Gage, and his attack on the country people, that propositions of attempting an accommodation were not much relished; and it has been with difficulty...
26From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 7 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received with great Pleasure my dear Friends very kind Letter of April 19, as it informed me of his Welfare, and that of the amiable Family in Jermyn Street. I am much obliged by the Information of what pass’d in Parliament after my departure; in return I will endeavor to give you a short Sketch of the State of Affairs here. I found at my arrival all America...
27From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 8 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I thank you for your kind Letter of April 11th. It grieves me that the present Situation of publick Affairs, makes it not eligible for you to come hither with your Family, because I am sure you would otherwise like this Country, and might provide better here for your Children, at the same time that I should be made more happy by your Neighbourhood and Company. I...
28Resolutions on Trade Submitted to Congress, [on or before 21 July 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AD : National Archives; draft: American Philosophical Society News of the second Restraining Act infuriated and alarmed Congress. On July 12, 1775, it appointed a committee, of which Franklin was a member, to formulate a program for protecting the colonies’ trade. Three days later, on Franklin’s motion, the nonexportation agreement was modified to permit paying in produce for imported war...
29Endorsement of Legal Opinions on Land Titles Obtained From the Indians, 12 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The promoters of the Walpole Company in London had decided not to wait for confirmation of their grant before putting at least part of it on the market. They had obtained two legal opinions that their title to that part, the lands that the Indians had ceded at Fort Stanwix to the “suffering traders” was a valid one. Franklin’s involvement in their...
30From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 17 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society All Trade and Business, Building, Improving, &c. being at a Stand here, and nothing thought of but Arms, I find no Convenience at present of putting out your Money in this Country, and therefore have concluded not to draw it over, but return it into your Hands; and accordingly inclose an Order for it on Messrs. John & Robert Barclay, Cheapside, with...
31Proposed Articles of Confederation, [on or before 21 July 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AD : National Archives These articles and Franklin’s “Short Hints” for uniting the northern colonies in 1754 are the two occasions when he formulated his ideas of what an intercolonial constitution should be. Both formulations were developed in ways that he could not have anticipated. He and others reworked the “Hints” into the Albany Plan. He never reworked the present articles, and they were...
32Amendment to Jefferson’s Draft of the Congressional Response to Lord North’s Conciliatory Resolution, [on or before 25 … (Franklin Papers)
AD : Library of Congress On March 3, 1775, Dartmouth transmitted to the colonial governors Lord North’s conciliatory resolution, introduced in the House of Commons on February 20 and passed on the 27th. The assemblies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia took the position that an answer must come from Congress, to which the New Jersey delegates transmitted the resolution on May 26. On...
33Address by Pennsylvania and Virginia Delegates in Congress to the Inhabitants West of Laurel Hill, 25 July 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress <Philadelphia, July 25, 1775: We are concerned about your continuing boundary disputes. We do not inquire into their origins or merits but, as representatives of two of the colonies united to defend the liberties of America, have the duty to remove if we can every obstacle that prevents Americans from co-operating to that end. This is our motive for earnestly...
34Virginia and Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress to the Inhabitants West of Laurel Hill, 25 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives us much concern to find that disturbances have arisen and still continue among you concerning the boundaries of our colonies. In the character in which we now address you, it is unnecessary to enquire into the origin of those unhappy disputes, and it would be improper for us to express our approbation or censure on either side: But as representatives of two of the colonies united,...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 2 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last Night I received with great Pleasure your kind Letter of July 14. with the most agreable Additions from Mr. and Mrs. Green. God bless those two good ones! The Congress has adjourned this Morning to the 5th of September. I have now upon my Hands the Settling a new General Post Office, and a Treaty to be held with the Indians on the Ohio, besides smaller...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Ebenezer Hazard, 3 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Application to be appointed Postmaster of New York, and have seen a Recommendation of you by your Provincial Congress, to which I shall pay due Respect by appointing you accordingly as soon as Commissions and Instructions can be printed, and things got in Readiness to carry the Post through. In the mean time I wish to receive from you an...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 8 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Your Letter to the President of the Congress, arrived here just now by an Express from Albany, and is brought to me, the Congress being adjourn’d and all the Members out of town but my self. I have taken the Liberty of looking into it, to see if it required any Service from hence in our Power to render. I wish we had more Powder to send you as you desire:...
38From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 10 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I did myself the Honour of Writing to you by the Return of your Express on the 8th Instant. Immediately after dispatching him, it occurr’d to me to endeavour the obtaining from our Committee of Safety a Permission to send you what Powder remain’d in our Hands; which tho’ it was thought scarcely safe for our selves to part with it, they, upon my Application and...
39Memorandum on the Use of Pikes, 26 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society The Pennsylvania committee of safety, almost immediately after its creation in June, 1775, began to consider arming the associators with pikes. In early July it asked to see models, and ordered a prototype made according to Franklin’s design. His memorandum was approved on August 26 and soon bore modest fruit, for on the 30th the committee distributed...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Nicholas Cooke, 27 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 15th Instant, acquainting me with the Loss of the Mail; and proposing a new Route for the Post, to prevent such Accidents hereafter. In that you will take the Advice and Direction of the principal People in your Government. The Comptroller will soon be along your Road, for the purpose of establishing all the Stages and Offices as he...
41From Benjamin Franklin to Silas Deane, 27 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am much oblig’d by your Favour of the 13th Inst. Mr. Goddard, Riding Surveyor to the Gen. Post Office is gone to the Southward, for Settling the new Post-Offices all along to Georgia. Mr. Bache, the Comptroller, is to set out next Week Northward on the same Business, who will take with him Directions from me to establish all the Officers in your...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Gurdon Saltonstall, [27 August 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Paraphrased and quoted in Saltonstall to Silas Deane, September 7, 1775: Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. I have an esteemed favor of Doctr. Franklyn’s dated 27. ulto. kindly acknowledg the receipt of mine you forwarded datd. 11th. ulto. condolg me on my misfortunes, and adds “shall be glad of any opertunity of doing what may be agreable to you. The Comptroler of the General Post...
43From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 29 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Understanding since I came hither that 4 Waggon Loads of Gunpowder for New York, which had been landed at the Neversinks, pass’d thro’ here last Friday, I have dispatch’d an Order to our Waggoner, whom I pass’d yesterday at Trenton, to return back with the Ton we spar’d, since it will not be wanted at New York, and may be wanted with us. I hope our...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Van B. Livingston, 29 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library; LS : New York State Library The Committee of Safety acquainted you by a Letter dated the 26th Instant, that we had ordered a Ton of Gunpowder to be sent you agreable to your Request. It left Philada. early on Sunday Morning, and yesterday I overtook the Waggon on the Road at Trenton, and left it proceeding on the Journey. But being informed this Morning at...
45From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Le Despencer, 3 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mr. Ben Hibbs, Philadelphia (1956) I hope my dear Friend continues well and happy, with good Mrs. Barry and the little ones. I had a short Passage hither, arrived safe, was made very welcome by my old Friends and Countryfolks, and have constantly enjoyed my usual Health and Spirits. As I flatter myself you still retain your former Regard for me, I suppose this small News concerning me,...
46From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 12 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I have this Day received your Favours per Capt. Falconer, of which more in my next. With this I send you a number of Newspapers and Pamphlets, by which you will see Things are become serious here. Your Nation must stop short, and change its Measures, or she will lose the Colonies for ever. The Burning of Towns, and firing from Men of War on defenceless Cities...
47From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I this Day receiv’d yours per Capt. Falconer, and am vastly oblig’d by your Industry in Packing and Dispatching my Things. Their Arrival makes me very happy; tho’ they are not yet come on shore. I have not before written to you, imagining you would hardly be found there; but now I find by Mr. Alexander’s Letter (to whom my best Respects) that he advises you to...
48From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 13 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I write but seldom to you, because at this time the most innocent Correspondence with me may be suspected, and attended with Inconvenience to yourself. Our united Wishes for a Reconciliation of the two Countries, are not I fear soon to be accomplished; for I hear your Ministry are determin’d to persevere in their mad Measures, and here I find the firmest...
49From Benjamin Franklin to Ebenezer Hazard, 25 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It seems the more necessary to establish speedily a Post to Albany, as we have an Army on your Frontiers. I hope you have found a Rider willing to go on more reasonable Terms than those mention’d in yours of the 6th. appear to be, compar’d with what is given to the New London Riders. But if there are Reasons why he should have more, of which you can best...
50From Benjamin Franklin to a Friend in London, [3 October? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The London Chronicle , December 5–7, 1775. Tell our good friend, Dr. P——e, not to be in any pains for us, (because I remember he had his doubts) we are all firm and united. As I know he is a great calculator, I will give him some data to work upon: ministry have made a campaign here, which has cost two millions; they have gained a mile of ground; they have lost half of it...
51From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 3 October 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in Benjamin Vaughan, ed., Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces . . . Written by Benj. Franklin . . . (London, 1779), pp. 555–6; copy: D. A. F. H. H. Hartley Russell, on deposit in the Berkshire Record Office (1955); copy: Library of Congress I wish as ardently as you can do for peace, and should rejoice exceedingly in co-operating with you to that end. But every...
52From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 3 October 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in Benjamin Vaughan, ed., Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces . . . Written by Benj. Franklin . . . (London, 1779), pp. 365–6. I am to set out to-morrow for the camp, and having but just heard of this opportunity, can only write a line to say that I am well and hearty. Tell our dear good friend . . ., who sometimes has his doubts and despondencies about our...
53From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 3 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Public Record Office Since my Arrival here I have received Four Letters from you, the last dated August 2. all filled with your Reasonings and Persuasions, and Arguments and Intimidations on the Dispute between Britain and America, which are very well written, and if you have shewn them to your Friends the Ministers, I dare say, they have done you Credit. In Answer I can only say that I...
54From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 16 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here last Night with two other Delegates of the Congress. I suppose we may stay here about a Week. In order to take you home with me, I purpose quitting their Company, purchasing a Carriage and Horses, and calling for you at good Mrs. Greene’s. But let me hear from you in the mean time, and acquaint me with any thing you would have me do or get...
55From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 19[–24] October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bristol, R.I., Historical Society We hear you have had an Alarm at Philada. I hope no ill consequences have attended it. I wonder I had no Line from you. I make no doubt of our People’s defending their City and Country bravely, on the most trying Occasions. I hear nothing yet of Mr. Goddard, but suppose he is on the Road. I suppose we shall leave this Place next Week. I shall not return...
56From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Greenleaf, 26 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I intended to have called upon you yesterday at Watertown, but was prevented by other Business. Mr. Goddard, appointed Riding Surveyor to the General Post-Office, is on his Way, settling the Post-Offices from Philadelphia Eastward. He will probably be here in a few days, and has Instructions for Regulating everything relating to them. I think it will be...
57Song: “The King’s Own Regulars,” 27 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Boston Gazette , November 27, 1775. The King’s own REGULARS; And their Triumphs over the Irregulars . A New SONG , To the Tune of, An old Courtier of the Queen’s, and the Queen’s old Courtier. The song was also published in the Pa. Evening Post , March 30, 1776, and the Constitutional Gaz. , April 6, 1776; we have supplied readings of some illegible words from the former....
58Contract between the Secret Committee and Thomas Mumford for Supplying Gunpowder, 28 November 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Owner anonymous; transcript furnished by courtesy of Dr. Joseph E. Fields, Joliet, Ill. (1957) Less than a month after the creation of the secret committee Silas Deane, one of its members, wrote his friend Thomas Mumford to suggest that he come to Philadelphia to find out what profit could be made under the committee’s aegis. The letter seems to have crossed one from Mumford, who explained...
59The Committee of Secret Correspondence to [Arthur Lee], 30 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library On November 29, 1775, Samuel Chase brought before Congress a proposal to send ambassadors to France. John Adams seconded the motion, and a vehement debate ensued. A number of alternatives were advanced, and one finally gained approval: to appoint a five-member committee of secret correspondence for the purpose of opening communication with friends of...
60From Benjamin Franklin to Israel Pemberton, 30 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Franklin presents his Respects to Mr. Pemberton, and is willing to take the Ground Rent propos’d to him; but hopes Mr. Pemberton will abate of the Price mention’d, as he hears some have lately been sold at 15 Years purchase. Notation: To Israel Pemberton Esq. Pemberton, one of the most prominent Quakers and civic leaders in Philadelphia, has appeared...
61Proposed Preamble to a Congressional Resolution on Privateering, [before 23 March 1776] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress On March 23, 1776, in response to petitions from merchants, Congress passed a set of resolutions to authorize privateering. The move was an answer to the Prohibitory Act of the previous December, which declared the colonies in rebellion and provided for confiscation of their shipping. That act was prominent among the grievances in the preamble that was actually...
62A Public Notice by Franklin and Robert Morris, 5 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , December 6, 1775. Mrs. Brodeau, from England, Takes this Method of acquainting her Friends and the Public in general, that she has opened a Boarding School, in Walnut-street, near the Corner of Fourth-street, where young Ladies will be genteely boarded, and taught to read and speak the French and English Language, the Tambour, Embroidery, and every Kind of...
63From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 9 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Port Folio , II (1802), 236–7; extracts: American Philosophical Society; Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Paris; Algemeen Rijksarchief, the Hague. I received your several favours, of May 18, June 30, and July 8, by Messrs. Vaillant and Pochard; whom, if I could serve upon your recommendation, it would give me great pleasure. Their total want of English is at...
64The Committee of Secret Correspondence to [Arthur Lee], 12 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Maine Historical Society By this Conveyance we have the Pleasure of transmitting to you sundry printed Papers, that such of them as you think proper may be immediately published in England. We have written on the Subject of American Affairs to Monsieur C. G. F. Dumas, who resides at the Hague. We recommend it to you to correspond with him, and to send through his Hands any Letters to us...
65From Benjamin Franklin to Don Gabriel Antonio de Bourbon, 12 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; letterpress copy: Yale University Library I have just received through the Hands of the Ambassador of Spain, the much esteemed present your most serene Highness hath so kindly sent me, of your excellent Version of Sallust. I am extreamly sensible of the honor done me, and beg you would accept my thankful acknowledgements. I wish I could send from hence any American...
66From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Mazzei, 27 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library It was with great Pleasure I learnt from Mr. Jefferson, that you were settled in America; and from the Letter you favour’d me with, that you like the Country, and have reason to expect Success in your laudable and meritorious Endeavours to introduce new Products. I heartily wish you all the Success you can desire, in that, and in every other Undertaking that may...
67From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, [on or after 30 December 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Morris, and not knowing what was done by the Committee with regard to the other Prisoners, requests Mr. Morris would direct what is to be done with these. Addressed: To / Robt Morris Esqr BF penciled this note at the bottom of the preceding one, then crossed out his own name on the address and penciled in Morris’. By now BF...
68Memorandum Concerning the Snow Dickinson, [January 1776] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society On December 26, 1775, the secret committee contracted with Bayard & Jackson of Philadelphia to spend $15,000 on flour and other produce to be exchanged at Nantes for gunpowder, arms, and cloth. The firm had had earlier dealings with Montaudoüins frère of Nantes, to whom it entrusted the new transaction. The ship selected was the Dickinson or Dickenson ,...
69Contract between the Secret Committee and John Brown, [before 20 January 1776]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy with DS by Nicholas Brown: John Carter Brown Library <[Before Jan. 20, 1776]: Agreed between John Brown on the one part and members of the committee on the other that a voyage or voyages will be undertaken to procure thirty-six tons of gunpowder (or, failing that, sufficient saltpetre and sulphur to make up the same amount), 1,000 stand of good arms, 1,000 gun locks, twenty tons of lead,...
70Export License from the Secret Committee, 9 January 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
DS : University of Pennsylvania Library <Philadelphia, January 9, 1776, to the New Hampshire committee of inspection: The secret committee, as empowered by the Congress, authorizes John Langdon of New Hampshire to export to the amount of $10,000 the produce of the colonies, in their service and according to the Continental Association; horned cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry are excepted....