1To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Dalrymple, 17 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr. William Whitchurch finding his Health much impaired by his assiduous application to his Business has been induced to make a Voyage to America; I believe you are not unacquainted with his Works as a Writing Engraver and if he finds the Climate agrees with him and that he can find suitable occupation he may remain at Philadelphia and I hope may...
2To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 17 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Major Trent is the Bearer of this Letter, it is the less Necessary for Me now to be very particular in my Communications. I presented, as you desired, your Respects to Lord Camden, and his Lordship requested Me to tell You, that He should have been much pleased to have seen you, before you embarked; That the Chancellor’s Decission in your Case is...
3To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 4 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your very agreable favour of the 4th. of Janry. I rec’d by the last Packet informing of your having drawn on me for the Ballance of our Acct. as it Stands in your Books a Copy of which I rec’d by a Ship Via Philada. Mr. Bache will inform you that at his desire the Bill was paid in Philadelphia when due. The Acct. as you say may be easyly rectify’d when we...
4To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the other day about an hundred pounds which the Constitutional Society here had orderd to be given for releif of the poor sufferers in Boston and now inclose you Mr. Olivers letter respecting that business. I presume you are fully informed from other hands of all the public transactions here since you left us. Therefore shall only beg you to...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Warren, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (facsimile): Massachusetts Historical Society Altho’ I have not the pleasure either of a personal or epistolary acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty of sending you by Mr. Dana a pamphlet which I wish was more deserving of your notice. The ability and firmness with which you have defended the Rights of Mankind and the Liberties of this Country in particular have rendered you dear...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 1 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: British Museum I wrote you in Septr and Aug: last, and it is a great While indeed since I have had the Pleasure of a Line from you. The Anxiety and Distress bro’t upon us by the Port Bill and other Acts, and the Troops and Ships of War station’d here have been great; and much Art and Pains have been employ’d to dismay us, or provoke us to some...
7To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 28 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I did my self the honor to write you, 13 Septr last, by Mr. Quincy, acknowleging the receit of several curious Pamphlets, for which am much obliged to you, and beg the favor of you to present my respectful Compliments to Sir John Pringle, and Mr. Henley, for the particular honor they have done me, in sending me their curious Productions. Since that, I...
8To Benjamin Franklin from James Kinsey, 26 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the favor of Mr. Wister I transmitt the Votes and Laws of the last Session of Assembly, Which I hope will be delivered safely to you together with this inclosing a Duplicate of the petition to the King. In my last I Stated Mr. Wilmotts Affair fully, hope he will see by it that the Colony has not been to blame and that he will speedily receive his Money....
9To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Quincy, Sr., 25 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society My dear Son has repeatedly acknowledged your friendly Reception and Patronage of him, since his Arrival in London: Be pleased, therefore, to accept of my gratefull Sense of your Goodness to him; with my ardent Wishes, that your united Endeavors to preserve your native Country from impending Ruin may be attended with Success. You would hardly be perswaded...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 19 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre derniere lettre m’ayant eté remise par Mr. Williams m’a fait un plaisir singulier. L’avantage qu’il a de vous appartenir de si près formoit un prejugé bien favorable pour lui, sa physiognomie ne previent pas moins en sa faveur, les qualités de son esprit et la douceur de ses moeurs y repondent parfaitement. Il se fait aimer generalement icy des hommes...
11To Benjamin Franklin from John Fothergill, 19 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and extract: Library of Congress Be kind enough to take the charge of the inclosed and convey them at thy leisure. [ Deleted ] is a staunch Anti American. I have received a letter from him to day by way of Liverpool which hurts me much. Get him, Jas. Pemberton and two or three more together, and inform them, that whatever specious pretences are offerd, they are all hollow and that to get a...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 17 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: General Post Office, London Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and sends him an extract of a Letter to Messrs. Foxcroft and Finlay of the 9th. of Decr. last concerning the Balance remaining in his Hands to which he has not as yet received an Answer, but makes no doubt when it comes it will clear up every Difficulty in settling his Accounts finally with this...
13To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, [before 16 March 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in the Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions …, LXV (1775), pp. 277–9. Presuming the mode of raising water by its momentum may be new and useful to many individuals, induces me to send you the inclosed plan and description of a work, executed in the year 1772, at Oulton, in Cheshire, the seat of Philip Egerton, Esq. for the service of a brewhouse and other offices, and is found to...
14To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 16 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D: Barclay’s respects, and acquaints Dr. Franklin, that Dr. Fothergill desires the favor of his Company Tomorrow Evening at half past 7 Clock, when D B will meet him if that Time is agreable to Dr. Franklin. Addressed: Doctr. Franklin / Cravenstreet Endorsed: March 75 The purpose of this last meeting was a sad one, to send word by BF to their American friends that the...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walpole, 16 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress Franklin’s anger at the ministry did not rob him of all circumspection. Before he sent the above memorial to Dartmouth he showed it to Thomas Walpole, who “lookt at it and at me several Times alternately, as if he apprehended me a little out of my Senses.” The American asked him to get a second opinion from Lord Camden; Walpole did so, and returned the...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Frans van Lelyveld, 11 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The foregoing is a Copy of what I had the honour to write you under the 9 Decbr. And without your Answer I take now the Liberty to send you 6 Exempl. of my Piece Concerning the pouring of oil &c. where after a translation of your Letter to Mr. Brownrigg. I hope the one and the other will be of utility for the publicq, and give inducements to exact...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, [4 March 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress Although Lord Howe recognized that negotiations had broken down, he refused to abandon hope for the future. The following note brought on a meeting with Franklin on March 7, which was their last in England, as far as we know, but not their last. The Admiral asked whether, if he were sent as commissioner to the colonies, he might count on the other’s assistance,...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Paine, 4 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just now informed by Mr. Bache of a Vessel preparing to Sail for London tomorrow, and lest I should not have an other opportunity so soon as I might wish, I have taken this, to acquaint you as laconically as I can of the Service your good favours have been to me, and my Gratitude on that account. Even thanks may be rendered troublesome, by being...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Robeson, 4 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An Opportunity offering, and the Committee not to be met with I take the Liberty of transmitting you the Letter and of signing myself your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: For / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London Endorsed: Lib. Company Mar. 4. 1775 A young Philadelphia lawyer of that name is mentioned in PMHB , LXXIV (1950), 383 n,...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Mrs. William Deane, 1 March [1771–75] (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mrs. Deane presents her Compliments to Dr. Franklin with many thanks to him, for the benefit she hopes, she has received, from the perusal of Richards Maxims , which are so Excellent they ought to be framed and hung up in every House. Mrs. Deane is much obliged to Dr. Franklin for his kind remembrance of her, and hopes he will Consider of the other...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, [28 February 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress A week passed after Howe’s discouraging note of February 20. When Franklin heard nothing from him and nothing of moment from Barclay or Fothergill, he inquired of Mrs. Howe whether he could be of any further use to her brother; if not, he would consider himself free “to take other Measures.” She forwarded this cryptic message and, in the following note, Howe’s...
22To Benjamin Franklin from John Kent, 22 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When compliments on your superior merit, as a Philosopher, are so strictly just as not to exceed the limits of honest praise, I am confident that my friend the Chevalier de Chatellux, who has joined the multitude in applauding you, would be pleased that you should read his sentiments of you, in their English dress. There is a glorious feeling of the mind...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, 20 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress By February 20 Howe’s negotiations were breaking down. Perhaps for that reason he abandoned communication through his sister, and for the first time wrote Franklin directly. Lord Hyde, he reported with delicate circumlocution, saw no point in meeting with one whose views were irreconcilable with those of the government. Franklin...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 20 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your Favor of the 12 November last; We have received the King’s Speech and the answer of Both Houses. They have made no alteration in the Sentiments of the People here they remain as firm and United as ever. The association of the Continental Congress is sacredly adhered to thro[ughout] all the Colonies. The Assembly...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 20 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my being detaind hear by Contrarey winds. I have been two Days out but obliged to put back. The Sloop manawar that has been under sailing orders Some time for Boston is Still hear wind bound as my Self and Capt. Lawrence. If you or mr. williams Should have aney occation to write by me please to Direct to me at the Fountain...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Tuthill Hubbart, 18 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This will be handed to you by Mr. Duncan Ingraham who is so kind as to take charge of three Packetts of News papers &ct. containing our Politicall Disputes, there has no Pamphletts lately been publish’d here on the Subject or should have sent them. You can better conceive than I can express the distress’t scituation, of your once happy Native Town; had it not been...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, 17 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress Mrs. Howe’s compliments to Dr. Franklin she has just received the enclosed note from Ld. Howe, and hopes it will be convenient to him to come to her either tomorrow or Sunday any hour most convenient to him, which she begs he will be so good to name. Addressed: To / Docter Franklin As with the preceding document.
28Answers to Franklin’s “Hints,” [before 4 February 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Copy (?) and copy: Library of Congress Barclay and Fothergill, after their long conference with Franklin on December 6, carried copies of his “Hints” to Lord Hyde and Lord Dartmouth respectively. For almost two months no word came from Whitehall, and the rejection of Chatham’s conciliatory plan by the House of Lords on February 1 persuaded Franklin that he would hear no more of negotiation. He...
29To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 1 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Yours of Decr. 7th. I rec’d Yesterday Informing me of your having drawn a Bill on me, which shall meet with due honour when it appears. And I hope it will not be long before we have the pleasure of seeing you over when we can adjust our Accts. as it appears by mine that you have over drawn. However any mistakes may easyly be rectified at a future Day. I...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 31 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am favored with yours of the 17th. Novr. by the hands of Messrs. Foulger and Rant, who with their Familys arrived here in good health the 27th. Current. Mrs. Westley and her youngest Daughter suffered much by Sea-Sickness, the rest I understand bore their Voyage very well, however, they all came asshore hearty, and I have got each family into decent,...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Edwards, 27 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The person who applied yesterday on the Subject of Establishing a Paper-hanging Manufactory in America, begs he may not be esteem’d impertinent in requesting you will please to favor him with the time when he may wait for the line of recommendation (to the proper Gentlemen) You was pleas’d to offer to Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
32To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 25 January [1772–75?]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Jermyn Street, January 25, [1772–75? ], in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. Invites Franklin to dinner tomorrow.> BF ’s acquaintance with the Bishop of St. Asaph and his family began, as far as we know, in the summer of 1771; we are therefore assigning this invitation to what seems to be the earliest likely date.
33To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Garth, [22 January 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Garth’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, is sorry that he can’t wait upon him to Morrow Morning at the Hour mention’d to consider of the Draft of a general Letter, he has by no Means understood that such Letter was expected, only that the Agents Letters should be wrote to the Speakers, for which heretofore he has frequently had similar Directions, when...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Stanhope, 21 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Lord Chatham, after six months of quiescence, was returning to do battle with the ministry. Franklin had furnished him with ammunition, in the form of the petition from the Continental Congress, and on December 26 had an interview with him at which Chatham mentioned the possibility of a move as soon as Parliament reconvened. On the day it met, January 19, he sent the...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 13 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Il y a longtems que je n’ai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire j’en suis honteux. Lors du depart de M[essieu]rs Magellan et Priestley, j’avois une lettre prete à fermer lorsqu’on m’annonça pour le jour meme de la part de M. Le Roy que son parent m’apporteroit les 8 Louis qu’il vous doit. Je l’attendis vainement et je passay chez M Magellan 2 heures apres son...
36To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 12 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress The merchants’ meeting that had been planned in late December was postponed to January 4, when some three or four hundred men concerned with the American trade met at the King’s Arms Tavern in Cornhill. Barclay offered two motions: that the state of the North American trade made a petition to Parliament expedient, and that a committee should be appointed to draw it up...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 12 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think as You do that the highest Pitch of human Honour is the approbation of a free and virtuous People. I have had much more of it than falls to my share but that pleasure is temperd as it ought to be with a proper sense of my own Unworthiness. But I can only be consider’d by them as a distant unconnected Well wisher. Your Name will justly be reverd by...
38To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 10 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress David Barclay presents his Respects and acquaints Dr. Franklin that if he could, without inconvenience, call on DB this Morning at Ten ’Clock his Company would be particularly acceptable. DB has been indisposed several Days past, or he should have waited on Dr. Franklin. Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Craven street Barclay probably wanted to discuss the merchants’...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Percival, 10 January 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Manchester, January 10, 1775, a note in the third person: Presents his compliments and encloses an extract from Bede’s Ecclesiastical History . The experiment of calming waves with oil was successfully performed in Manchester last week.> Undoubtedly the story of Bishop Aidan’s foretelling a storm at sea and, to calm its fury, giving the voyagers holy oil....
40To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, [7 January? 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mrs. Howe’s compliments to Dr. Franklin, he may depend upon her care. She has just now received a letter from Ld. Howe which she wishes to communicate to the Docter. Business obliges her to be out this morning till one, if it would not be inconvenient to him to call upon her after that hour any time before four, or in the afternoon betwixt 6 and 8 she shall be happy to...
41To Benjamin Franklin from William Ansell, 5 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have taken the Liberty of sending a Turkey by the Norwich Coach who Inns at the Bull Bishopgate street which I hope youll Do me the favor to Exsept. May I beg to know what time you think of Leaving England as I wish to trouble you with one hour of my Company before you sail for America. I find my Neibour Foulger Left England in fine spirits with Gods...
42To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 4 January 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract in Franklin’s hand: American Philosophical Society The Vouchers to our Accounts was forwarded by the last Packet, which I hope will enable you to make a final Settlement at the Office. See the first extract above, Nov. 2. As promised in his letter above, Dec. 7. The packet was the Harriot ; her arrival was announced in the Public Advertiser , Jan. 7, 1775.
43To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, [3 January 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mrs. Howe’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, she encloses him a Letter she received last night, and returns him many thanks for his very obliging present, which has already given her great entertainment. If the Docter has any spare time for Chess, she will be exceedingly glad to see him any morning this week, and as often as will be agreeable to him, and rejoices in having...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 3 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai reçu Monsieur et cher confrère votre lettre et le Pacquet que vous avez bien voulu m’envoyer qu’il y a quelque temps et alors J’etois un peu malade de m’être trop echauffé à travailler cet automne. Je me porte beaucoup mieux actuellement et je profite de l’Occasion de M. Wildman pour vous écrire un petit mot. Je ne doute pas que le Parlement mieux...
45To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 2 [January] 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D. Barclay presents his Respects and desires Dr. Franklin will peruse the inclosed and DB intends calling for it Tomorrow about 9 or 10 Clock. Addressed: Dr: Franklin Endorsed: Recd Jan 2. 75 Doubtless something to do with the meeting of merchants scheduled for Jan. 4, to consider a petition to Parliament; see Barclay to BF below, Jan. 12. At this time Barclay was too...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cumming, [1765–1774] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society T. Cumming presents his best respects to his worthy friend Doctor Franklin, and begs the favour of his company to eat a bit of venison (from Brislay park) at three o’Clock, with their Friend John Wright at C’s house. Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street. For Thomas Cumming, a London Quaker merchant, see above, X , 345–6. Since Cumming died on May...
47To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, [December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D. Barclay’s respects, and desires to see Dr. Franklin this Evening on particular Business. Addressed: Doctor Franklin Endorsed: recd at 7. The only clue to the date is the “particular Business,” which might have been connected with either the peace negotiations or the projected meeting of merchants to petition Parliament (see Barclay to BF above, Dec. 22). The first...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, [30 December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL (fragment): American Philosophical Society [ First page or pages missing ] their Proceedings are Contained in the public Papers [?]. I have lately been favoured with a Copy of Lord Dartmouth’s circular Letter to the Governors of the respective Colonies upon this Continent, wherein he Informs them, that His Majesty has thought fit, by his order in Council of the 19th October 1774, to...
49To Benjamin Franklin from John Fothergill, 28 [December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Fothergill presents his respects to his Friend Dr. Franklin, and would be glad of the favour of his company this evening about 5 ’o clock, if the Drs. Engagements permit. Dr. Fothergill is so much engaged the rest of the day, as to put him under the necessity of fixing an hour, which he fears may be inconvenient to his Friend but cannot avoid it....
50To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 24 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This and the following letter from William, which went on the same ship, brought Franklin the news of his wife’s death. Until her final stroke neither his son nor son-in-law had warned him that she was failing, at least in letters that survive; both had written frequently and at length but had scarcely mentioned her. Perhaps they saw no change in her...