1To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 19 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have not been fortunate enough to be in Craven Street when letters have been forwarding to you and now have reason to fear that it will not be without some difficulty that mine will be of the happy number that will get to you, at least it seems so to me from a note that I have just now read of Sir Huttons. However neither my small hopes, nor my great...
2To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, 24 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time till [ to tell] you I hope your wellcom, to Philada: welcom i am shuer you ar but I mean in good health, and safe arrived, and my Daer Temple, pray tell him too writ to Mrs. Wolford. I hope you ar ashurd I take every opportunity to send your papers, by this Shipe. I am oblig’d to Mr. Baliy for Inquiring at the Coffehous. The Bishop sent to...
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: Massachusetts Archives; copies: National Archives and Connecticut State Library The second Massachusetts provincial congress, elected by the towns as the first had been, held two sessions between February 1 and April 15, 1775. It then recessed until May 10, but as a result of Lexington and Concord reconvened on April 22. By that time John Hancock...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Seidel, May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Your safe return from England into this Province, at so very critical a Time, has given me and my Brethren much Joy, we viewd and honor’d the Hand of God in it, hoping that your deep Knowledge and long Experience in the House of Assembly will once more be well apply’d for the good of this Country. I can therefore assure you that we thankd...
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the Province of Pennsylvania . . . (6 vols., Philadelphia, 1752–76), VI , 587. Franklin had no more than set foot in Philadelphia before he was plunged into local as well as Congressional politics. The day after he arrived the Assembly chose him unanimously as a delegate to Congress. On June 30 he was appointed to the Pennsylvania committee of safety and...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [14 May 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Welcom a Hundred times Welcom to our once happy Land. Are you in Health and allow me to ask you the old question over again if you are the Same good old Soul you used to be? Your arrival gives New Spring to all have heard mention it. When Shall We See you here? Do let it be as Soon as the Congress is adjournd or dont know but your good Sister and Self Shall mount...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 14 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library God be Praised for bring you Saif back to America and soporting you throw such fatuges as I know you have sufered while the minestry have been distresing Poor New England in such a Cruil maner. Your last by Poor Quensey Advises me to keep up my Cuiridg and that foul wither does not last allways in any country. But I beleve you did not then Imagin the storm would...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 16 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Duke University Library The frequent accounts of your Intentions of leaving England, also unwilling to intrude on time taken up with Matters of Consiquence prevented my Writing as often as I otherwise should have done, however constrained by a real Esteem for a Gentleman so great a friend [of] Mankind in general and of American in particular will I trust plead my Excuse for thus...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 17 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress En attendant que j’aie l’avantage de répondre plus au long à la Lettre dont vous m’avez honoré de Londres par Mr. Rey en date du 24 fevr. 1774, Celle-ci vous sera présentée par Messieurs Giraud et Planier et leurs Epouses, quatre braves et honnêtes gens, qui pour l’amour du plus précieux de tous les biens de l’homme, pour l’amour de la liberté, ont quitté leur...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last I have recvd from La Duchesse de Villroy the Plan of your Armonica improved, which you will receive by this Ship. The Newspapers will give you all in the political Way. I have been several Days shut up in your Room, so have not been able to gather any thing more than the Public Prints contain. You will see by the Fate of the N York and Quebec...
11To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oliver, 31 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Some time since Mr. Wm Lee forwarded my letter to you advising the payment of £100 from the Constitutional Society into the hands of your Bankers Messrs. Brown Collinson & Co. towards relieving the distress’d Inhabitants of Boston. On the 23d Inst. they voted £100 more for their relief which is also paid into the hands of the same Gentlemen on your Account...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, [June 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete autograph copy: Yale University Library I would give much more than I can afford for one hours friendly Conversation with You. Writing is a tedious dilatory Business and tis impossible to enter into those Details which go to the Essence and Marrow of the Subject and enable us to judge with clearness and confidence. Since my last the face of things is grown not only alarming but...
13To Benjamin Franklin from John Jacob Friis, 2 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Here inclosed I return the Letter, which You were so complaisant and kind to let me have the Reading of. Your Answer, which You were pleased to give to it I have forwarded already. That our dear Lord may bless You and the whole Congress in all Your Deliberations and Councels is the most sincere and cordial Wish of Your devoted and most humble Servant...
14To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 7 June 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office William Strahan was one of the few British political correspondents whom Franklin retained after leaving England. The Scot had bought himself a seat in Parliament in 1774, and consistently supported the government’s American policy. The outbreak of war, much as he regretted it, did not shake his faith...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Agreeable to a Message from Lord Shelburn, I waited on the Prince de Masserano spanish ambassador, for a Book which his Lordship informed me was for You. After my Name was sent up, his Secretary came and asked if I spoke French, and answering in the affirmative I was immediately admitted into the Princes Chamber, where he was dressing. He then told me that the...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 10 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My mother promis’d Lord Drummond to send a letter to you by him, she deputed Mr. Williams to write it for her, but as he has already written by this Vessel he desir’d me to do it. I pleaded being very sleepy and stupid, they said writing would rouse and enliven me, I do not find they said true, however, I will write on. I have the pleasure to tell you that...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 19 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Hearing that you was arrv’d in America and I being much Concrned for our belov’d Son, this is to desire you to Give us Some account of his Situation and Curcomstances. Poor fellow I feare he is now undon as a Merchant. We relying on the faith of General Gage packed up all his Goods in Order to remove them out of Boston, but was forbid by him out of whose Mouth...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 24 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I most sincerely congratulate you and your country, upon your safe arrival in America. After many years watchful attention to its interest and when you could render it no further service at home, You are at length arrived to the only Asylum and at the most critical juncture to take your place and to display your distinguished abilities among a sett of...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 30 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En réponse à la Lettre toute obligeante dont vous m’avez favorisé en date du 24 Fevrier 1774, puisque j’ai eu le bonheur de rencontrer votre goût dans le choix des nouvautés que vous avez bien voulu recevoir de moi, cela m’enhardit à continuer de vous payer le tribut de mes petits travaux. Je sens combien il est chétif; mais le desir extrême et constant que...
20To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 5 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office I wrote you the 7th of last Month by the Packet, to which I beg leave to refer. I have since by the Papers and by several of your Friends, heard that you were safely arrived at Philadelphia, and unanimously voted by the Assembly then sitting, one of their Delegates to the Congress, then about to meet. I...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 6 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I write to you more to prove my remembrance of you, than for the importance of any thing I have to communicate. The two defeats near Boston seem to have made little impression on the Ministry. They still talk of great things to be expected from their Generals and Troops when united. One of your judgment will draw more information from the single word Rebels...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 14 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Concern I knew my Ever Dear Brother would be in to know what was become of me made me take the first opertunity to write to him and twice since, but did not recve a line from you till the day befor yesterday when I recd. yrs of the 17 June and this Day I have recd. the first you wrot, it had been Return’d from Cambridg and had lane 3 weeks in Newport...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [18 July? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letter which had the Pleasure of Receiving gave me great Pleasure as it gave me a fresh Proff of your own Dear Self, and being once more on the Same Land with us. Your Dear good Sister Grew Very impatient till She heard from you and began to fear you was not Come. She was kind enough to Shew me her letter and you are fear full She will be trouble Some...
24To Benjamin Franklin from [William Greene], [18 July? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Our Men have Taken [2?] Islan and brought of Eaght hundred Sheep and Catle of One an Other five hundred Sheep and Catle of the other and a Manawars barge with fore Men. Col. Robenson has Taken long Island and brught of Two hundred Sheep and Some Catle and Eaght Men and One Young Lade with out the loss of a Man. Two of the Islands was taken last Week and the...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete) and draft: American Philosophical Society Yesterday being the Day appointed by Lord Dartmouth I waited on him, but he having a greater Number of Gentlemen at Levee than he could attend to, I was desired to call again to day: which I accordingly did. On my entring he said, Mr. Williams I have only to tell you, I have delivered your Petition into the Kings hands, but Things are...
26To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 22 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I take the opportunity of writing a line to you by Capt. Read, tho. I have not any thing now to say. We seem rather on this side the water to be expecters of news and events; more especially as to the proceedings and proposals from the Congress. As to my own opinion and wishes, they continue the same. I can only wish generally for peace, and for such measures on...
27To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 31 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very glad to collect by a Phrase in the letter from the Congress to the Canadians, that they think once more of imploring the Attention of their Sovereign. I can give you no information of the State of the Ministry, I should be one of the last to be informed of their counsels. The great fear that I entertain, is, least they should make things desperate...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, [August? 1775]: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract reprinted from Horace Wemyss Smith, Life and Correspondence of the Rev. William Smith . . . (2 vols., Philadelphia, 1880), I , 519. I thank you for Dr. Smith’s excellent Sermon. If it be not impertinent, give him my most respectful compliments and thanks. I think to get it printed. The sermon that is the subject of the extract was published, as noted below, in early July. If BF...
29To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 2 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office Having wrote You April 8. June 7. and July 5. this is the Fourth Letter I have sent you since you left Us. I have in Truth Nothing new to convey to you, and only write now in Consequence of my Promise of doing so every Packet till your Return, which I still hope will be towards the Fall. It was with the...
30Bond from David Weatherby, 2 August 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with manuscript insertions: Yale University Library <August 2, 1775: Weatherby, a Philadelphia linen printer, binds himself and his heirs to pay Franklin or his assigns £ 44 in Pennsylvania currency. If £ 22 in the same, with interest, is paid within a year the obligation will be void. Sealed and delivered in the presence of Richard Bache and James Bryson. > Perhaps one of the...
31To Benjamin Franklin from “a Freeman and Associator,” [between 3 and 19 August? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania In the summer of 1775, while a subcommittee of the Pennsylvania committee of safety was wrestling with the organization of the associators, the rank and file of fledgling soldiers in Philadelphia were voicing three main concerns. Two of them, their pay and the treatment of those who refused to volunteer, are discussed in the headnote on the report of...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 4 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Colo. Harrison yesterday having informed Me that a Constitutional Post Office is now established, and that You are appointed the Head of that Department, the present Deputies I doubt not will be removed, particularly in this City and Baltimore Town. Give Me Leave to recommend Mr. York as a Rider from Philadelphia. I never heard an Imputation on his Character and...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, 7 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had lately the honour of acquainting you by Capt. Read with some particulars which I now confirm, and although but little of importance has since occurred I am induced to trouble you again with a few suggestions respecting the Title of the different Indian Tribes of America to the property and Jurisdiction of their Territories. You will doubtless remember...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Gale, 7 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter was apparently Franklin’s first news of an invention that might, given a fair trial, have affected the course of the war. Until the entrance of France, Britain had virtually complete control of the sea; the Royal Navy supplied and reinforced British armies, and moved them at will along the coast. Any challenge to the navy’s predominance would...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bromfield, 12 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With pleasure your friends received the agreable inteligence of your safe arrival and health. Inclos’d I return a Letter for you directed to our care. From different accounts I am pleased to observe, the great unanimity that prevails thr’o the Continent; your advise was never more wantd, hope it will tend to restore that invaluable blessing to which our...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Martin Howard, 12 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recieved your favour by Mr. Caswel. When I wrote and informed you that I had recieved your Money of Mr. Cooke, I did not tell you the Truth. Mr. Cook was largely indebted to me, and gave me a Mortgage of a small House which I believe is his whole Property but not equal in Value to half the Sum he owes me, I included your Debt in this Mortgage, and when I...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Tucker, 12 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The imperial crisis, long before it erupted in war, began to affect parts of the empire that were remote from the quarrel; and one of them was Bermuda. The small island, with a population of only 12,000, was in danger of being crushed between the upper and nether millstone. The embargo that the Continental Association laid on trade with other British...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Ward, 12 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia On my Return I found the People of Connecticut in Arms for sixty Miles, a Fleet of twelve Sail of Men of War and Transports had been at the Mouth of Newlondon Harbor, an Attack was expected from them but they only went to Fishers Island and got about 1000 Sheep and Lambs and 30 head of indifferent horned Cattle the only fat ones being brought off a few...
39To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 14 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you by the Stage on Thursday last since which I have not heard from you. As you were so kind as to say that you had no objection to doing any thing for me that might be in your Power respecting the Lands in the Traders Grant from the Indians, I send you enclosed a Copy of a Letter on that Subject from Mr. George Morgan, together with my Answer...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas Cooke, 15 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think it my Duty inform you that on Friday Morning last as Benjamin Mumford who rides Post from Newport to New London was crossing the Ferry to Newport he was taken by Capt. Wallace of the Ship Rose who broke open the Mails sent some of the Letters ashore and kept the Remainder in Order to send them to Boston. He detained Mumford until Yesterday. As the...
41To Benjamin Franklin from D[avid Williams], [between 16 and 31 August 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As some relief to you in your present circumstances, I wish you could have seen with what pleasure your letter to me, was read Yesterday by our friendly Society. We are removed from Slaughters T. to the Swan at Westminster bridge. We have made a valuable addition to our number in Mr. Raspe whom you have seen in Germany, and who has been here a few weeks. He...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Schuyler, 23 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives Yesterday I had the honor to receive your favor of the 15th. Instant. The powder which the Respectable Committee of your city has sent is already arrived here. You, and they, Sir, are Equally Intitled to my best thanks for this mark of attention. I shall with great pleasure order a Considerable Quantity of Lead to be conveyed to Philadelphia Immediately....
43To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 6 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope this will find you safe at Home, and that you met with no Accident on your Journey. Yesterday Evening Thomas found the Enclosed Letter for you in the Bar of one of the Taverns in this Town. Enclosed is a Copy of the Exposition of the Resolution of the House of Commons which you requested. I also send you the Minutes of the two last Sessions of the...
44To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 6 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; extract: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office I have your Favour of July 7th. acknowleging the Receit of mine of April 8th. and May 5th. and am very sorry you seem to think Matters are now gone so far as to be past all Accommodation. But as you tell me that Words and Arguments are now of no Use , I shall not...
45To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 15 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Mr. Dashwood who arrived Yesterday in the Harriott Packet Captn. Lee I rec’d a most Friendly and Polite Letter from our mutual good Friend Ld. Le Despencer wherein He approves of every step I have taken in those troublesome times, which if I mistake not will give you pleasure. I am very sorry to find by a Letter from your Son that some People has had the...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Reed, 25 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress After congratulating you upon an Appointment which is but a small Acknowledgement of the many signal Services you have rendered your Country, I beg leave to mention to you that by some Accident or Misconduct in the Offices the Generals Letters for these 2 Months past to his Family and Friends in Virginia have miscarried. Some very important Business as well respecting...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Rogers, 29 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Between Burdin Town and West Amboy in my Way to this City Unfortunately lost my Pockett Book which I cannot as yet recover tho’ have taken every the most expedient means; Amongst other papers of Consequence to myself only, Was the Copy of my Parole with the Committees permission for my going to New Hampshire or where else I had Occasion. I have...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Moore, 1 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : D. A. F. H. H. Hartley Russell, on deposit in the Berkshire Record Office (1955) Chas. Moore presents his Complements to Doctor Franklin, and sends the inclosed Papers to him by Order of the Assembly, to be transmitted by the next Packet, to Mr. Hartley, the Member for Hull, some of the Colony Agents, or such other Friends to America, as the Doctor may think most proper. Notation: Mr...
49To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 4 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office Though I have nothing new to communicate yet as this is the last regular Packett that is to sail from hence for some time at least, I do not choose to let it go without dropping you a Line. I see with Concern that you have accepted of the Place of Postmaster from the Congress, a Step of itself which...
50The Settlement with Franklin for His Massachusetts Agency, [23 October 1775] (Franklin Papers)
DS and copy: Massachusetts Archives Ever since Franklin’s appointment in 1770 as agent of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he had served his constituents without pay. They had authorized his salary time and time again, but the Governor had always refused, on instruction, to give his assent; and the agent conducted the colony’s business at his own expense. His principal outlay was...