From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1784
To William Temple Franklin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Passy, Oct. 18. 1784
My dear Child,
I received yours of the 5th (just after I had sent away mine of the 2d). It inclosed one from the good Bishop to you. I have since receiv’d yours of the 12th. I am glad to hear that Mrs Hewson resolves to come. My Love to her and her Children. I consent to your Staying till the End of the Month, on Condition however of your making a Visit to Chilbolton and bringing me Word of the Welfare of that dear Family.1 M. le Veillard mends,—but slowly.2 Our other Friends are well. We have had a Visit from the Count d’Oeills.3 My Love to Mr & Mrs Sargent, &c— I have lately seen in the English Papers an Advertisement of Cast Iron Tiles for Covering Houses. I wish you would bring me one as a Sample with the Price, which if I like I shall take enough to cover my House at Philadelphia, and may introduce the Use of them there.4 Your last is the 7th that I have receiv’d from you of the 10 you mention to have written. I am very well at present but have had some bad Turns lately. I am ever Your affectionate Grandfather
B. Franklin
I am charg’d by several of our Friends to say mille choses to you for them.
Addressed: To / Wm. T. Franklin, Esqr / No. 5. Devonshire Street / Portland Road / London
Notation: B. Franklin 18. Oct. 1784.—
1. The Shipleys.
2. Le Veillard, who was well enough to go out by early October, called at BF’s on Oct. 20 and requested that WTF bring him three dozen lead pencils. L’Air de Lamotte hardly recognized him, as he had lost so much weight: L’Air de Lamotte to WTF, Oct. 6 and 21, 1784, APS.
3. The “Count d’Oels” was the pseudonym under which Prince Henry of Prussia was traveling; see the annotation of BF to WTF, Sept. 13. The prince visited BF on Sept. 30: BFB’s journal.
4. Advertisements for Ransome & Co.’s cast-iron roofing plates had been appearing in the Morning Chron. and Daily Advertiser since May. The company had secured letters patent from the king and argued that their invention was “the most elegant and durable, as well as the cheapest metal covering, that has yet been exhibited.” The tiles were remarkably elastic, resistant to the most inclement weather, and a great saver of timber. Interested parties should apply to Mr. Delight, Surveyor, at No. 9 Ludgate Street: Morning Chron. and Daily Advertiser, May 17, 1784. WTF evidently asked Benjamin Vaughan’s help in locating the tiles. Vaughan replied on Oct. 25 that the “cast-iron coverings” were to be found at Mr. Delight’s, and provided directions. He also advised WTF on where to purchase the pistols they had discussed (APS).