751To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 7 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This opportunity presenting via Falmouth —I embrace it to inform thee, that thy Family are well; and that, thy Friends have frequent Occasion to make mention of thee with great pleasure. We now hourly look for the December-Packet, by which Vessel We do expect to hear something much to our Satisfaction; relative to the Affairs of this Province. The...
752To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Hasenclever, 9 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Hasenclever presents his Respects to Dr. Francklin, sends him his Carriage and hopes to have the Honnour to see him to day at Dinner, or as Soon as possible. Addressed: To/Dr. Benjamin Francklin Esq/Cravenstreet/Westminster Peter Hasenclever (1716–1793), Prussian-born son of an iron manufacturer, came to New York in 1764 at the head of a British company...
753To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 9 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, If it will be convenient for him to look at the Chimney tomorrow forenoon Lord Morton will call upon him between 11 and 12 o Clock, as he is to be in that part of the Town however about that Hour. He will carry the Doctor to Brook Street, and afterwards set him down at home, as he has business which calls him to...
754To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 15 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Royal Society We experienced a much greater degree of Cold at derby, in the late Frost, than perhaps was ever observed in England, and the quick transitions, were no less remarkable. On Sunday the 18 of last month, at 7 o Clock in the evening. My thermometer stood at 20. At half an hour after Nine, nearly one degree below 0. At seven the next Morning 30. External Air. I hope to hear...
755To Benjamin Franklin from Giambatista Beccaria, 20 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted and translated from Latin pamphlet: De Electricitate Vindice Joannis Baptistae Beccariae ex Scholis Piis Ad Beniaminum Franklinium Virum de Re Electrica, & Meteorologica optime meritum. Epistola . Taurini, Typis Joannis Baptistae Fontana Impressoris, & Bibliopolae in Palatio Urbis. Facultate obtenta. [1767] (Yale University Library). Beccaria’s letter is known only in...
756To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 21 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Company that were to have dined with me on Monday are so desirous that you should make one with them, that they have agreed to defer their Meeting, till Tuesday, on which Day at Four I shall expect the Pleasure of seeing you. I herewith send you some more of the Copy of the History of North America. Be so good to put it to what you had before, and when you...
757To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Some Time ago, I wrote requesting you to send me a Fount of Pica and one of Long-Primer. If this be not too late I would counter order the Pica only for this Reason: The Low Dutch Congregation here, are about having part of their Time of Worship to be English, and so got the Psalms turn’d into Verse in English to suit their Dutch Tunes: for which purpose,...
758To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [March 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to beg that You would come as soon as You can to the Duke of Ancaster’s in Berkeley Square, as His Grace and the Duchess are in the greatest distress about their daughter, who has been long in a most Miserable condition with spasms and convulsions. After all that we have done the distemper remains obstinate, and therefore the Parents have...
759To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 4 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Pownall presents his respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and shall be greatly obliged to him if he can give him any Information as to the person and [ illegible ] mentioned below. One -- Dimsdale died in the Province of Pensylvania in 1764 or 1765. possessed of a Plantation there, which he left by will in general Terms to his relations in the North...
760To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. John Sargent, 6 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Sargent present Their Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and will be glad of the Favour of his Company, if He will take a Family Dinner with Them on Sunday next. at half past Three . Addressed: To Dr. Franklin / Mrs. Stephenson’s / Craven Street / Strand John Sargent was a director of the Bank of England and at this time an M.P. for West Looe; BF had...
761To Benjamin Franklin from R[obert] A[lexander], 8 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send my [ sic ] by the Bearer the Portfolio containing my Papers the Key to which you will find here inclosed, I shall send for them back betwixt twelve and one in order to convey them to our other Friend who is so kind as to keep himself disengaged thorough [ sic ] the day in order to give them a serious Perusal. There is a Letter I received from my...
762To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Franklin, 14 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind present and am very Glad to hear you and My Daughter and Mrs. Stevenson are well and give you humble thanks for your very Great favours. I have sent this Week by Mrs. Biggs the Welford Carrier that Inns att the Windmill in St: Johns Street and Will be in London on Wensday next ten pounds of Butter a Couple of Chickins a Sage Cheese...
763To Benjamin Franklin from I. M. Luther, 16 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Complaisance que vous avez euë à me procurer une aussi jolie Perspective me fait prendre la Liberté à vous prier derechef de m’envoyer le plutôt possible encore un pareil, de même qu’un microscope simple avec des changements usités, de cuivre jeaune dans un Etuïe. Si ce microscope peut-être arrangé de façon à en faire un composé cela me fairoit d’autant...
764To Benjamin Franklin from Heinrich Ehrenfried Luther, 16 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society L’honneur de l’agréable vôtre du 9. 7bre de l’année derniere m’est bien parvenuë le 29. 8bre d’aprez aussi bien que les Limes &ce. et la Perspective pour mon fils. Mrs. Voogd Des Cotes &Ce. vous en auront remboursé et je vous fais bien des remerciments Monsieur de la peine que vous avez euë avec ces Emplettes. Je me récommande par contre, et vous prie de...
765To Benjamin Franklin from Pomeroys & Hodgkin, 18 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We inclose You the Revd. Mr. Coopers two Sermons, Our freind Mr. Nicholas Boylston sent us, which we esteem deserving the high character he gives of Mr. Cooper, which You will please to forward to Glasgow as soon as possible to procure his degree of Doctor in Divinity, what ever charges You may be at shall be repaid You with the greatest gratitude by Sir...
766To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. Walker, 20 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Walker presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and will be glad of the favour of his Company to dinner on Monday the 6th of April. This may possibly be George Walker (1734–1807), a dissenting minister and mathematician and a friend of Joseph Priestly. BF supported his nomination to the Royal Society in 1771; above, VIII , 359; DNB .
767To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, Junior, 27 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania D: Barclay Jun. presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin, with the inclosed Copy of his Remarks on Paper Currency: The Committee have several Times mett thereon, but have not yet fixed on their Answer to the Report of the Board of Trade, and as it has been intimated to them, that protracting the Affair a Week or two will be advantageous to the Cause, they...
768To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Potts, 2 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With this I send you your Commission signed by his Majestys Post Master General the Fees you will pay at your leisure. I am with great Truth and regard Dear Sir Your faithful Friend and most humble Servant The Post Office commission that was issued to BF and Foxcroft, Sept. 25, 1765, was to be valid “for and during the Term of three Years, or ’till they...
769To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 5 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of Jan. 10. I just received: am glad to hear you continue well. It is only on Account of Cheapness I would take Scotch Letter: for I confess I always gave the Preference in my Mind to Caslon’s: Last Packet I wrote that I had got a very small Fount of Caslon’s Pica by Chance, so that if Pica were not engaged, I would do without it; but if it is...
770To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Penington, 5 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received thy favour of Decr. 13th. which Inclosed a Copy of Springett Penns Will. I am very much Obliged for the same as well as the Intelligence that I was soon to receive a power of Attorney to sell the lands. The power has since come to hand and Inclosed is a letter to Ann Penn in answer to what she wrote me on the occasion which after perusing please...
771To Benjamin Franklin from John Huske, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My very long confinement with the Gout hath prevented me from the pleasure of waiting on you for part of the autumn and the whole of the winter. And at present I am so weak in the joints which have been affected with the Gout that I cannot stand or move without assistance.This being my situation and a Tax being designed to be imposed on salt in America,...
772To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (I), 11 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; He has workmen now upon the roof of his house and shou’d be glad to take this opportunity of putting up Conductors to prevent the bad effects of lightning; If the Dr. would take the trouble of coming to Brook Street for a few Minutes this morning before 12 o’Clock Lord Morton shou’d think himself much obliged....
773To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (II), [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; acquaints him that Lord Morton and the Workmen have been expecting him ever since 12 o’Clock, and hopes the Doctor has not forgot his engagement to dine with him afterwards where he will meet some of his acquaintance. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs Stephenson’s / Craven Street
774To Benjamin Franklin from [Robert] Crafton, 12 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Crafton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin has made an Appointment with Mr. Paxton of Boston, for Thursday or Friday next and desires Dr. Franklin will send Word [by the] Bearer, or to morrow, which Day will be more agreeable; that he may fix with Mr. Paxton in Conformity. Dinner at 3 o’Clock. Identified as Robert Crafton by the agreement of handwriting and...
775To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 2[0–25] April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I did reseve your Dear littel letter by the packit it gave me much pleshuer to hear that your dear armes air so much better and that our Dear littel Salley is so much better my love to her tell her I ofen have talked of her. Thank good mrs. Stephenson for takeing Cair of her. I did thinke her mother was dead as you had not sed aney thing of her poor dear...
776To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay & Sons, 21 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society David Barclay & Sons present their Respects to Dr. Franklin and acquaint him that they received yesterday a letter from Charles Read relative to treating with M: Morgan Esqr. and desire to know what has passed between them on the subject. Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: The secretaryship of New Jersey, an office under Crown appointment, became...
777To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, 22 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Mr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on wednesday next (April 22d.) at half an hour past three. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street During BF ’s second mission to England April 22 fell on a Wednesday in 1767 and 1772. In accordance with editorial policy Dr. Heberden’s invitation is...
778To Benjamin Franklin from [Israel] Wilkes, 26 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Wilkes presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklyn, and begs the favour of his Company to drink Tea, and spend the Evening, on Fryday 1st. May. Apparently not John Wilkes, who was out of the country during most of 1767, but his brother Israel (d. 1805), a London merchant, F.R.S., 1760, with whom BF was invited to eat Christmas dinner in 1766; see above,...
779To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 29 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This incloses the first of a Bill for £300 Sterl. I got this Day of Mr. Colden, at the Request of Mr. Foxcroft. It also incloses a Copy of a Letter I received from Mr. Ingersoll from New-Haven, and a Copy of an Account Mr. Holt last Week exhibited to the Auditors there, where he went in order to finish that Affair: but at Mr. Ingersols Request it was put...
780To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [May? 1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This communication in the handwriting of William Franklin, but without salutation, date, or signature, exactly fills both sides of a single sheet of paper. Because it deals with a confidential and delicate matter and concludes the last manuscript line with the admonition “Do burn this,” it seems highly likely that William sent it to his father enclosed in...
781To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 1 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This minnit Capt. Folkener Cume to bid fairwell. Salley is in her Room a writeing and I only Say Mr. [David] Potts is not Come down. I shall Send the Bill as Soon as I Can. I have maid a present of my watch to Salley and we have given Capt. Folkner the chain to have it put to write. when you See Mr. and Mrs. Strahan and your young wife my love to them to...
782To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, [2 May 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have waited for some Time past to have an Opportunity of asking honest Ferguson to spend an Evening with me. Calling on him this afternoon find he is disengaged from all Lectures &c. on Wednesday Evening next. I told him I would ask the Favour of your Company at the same Time, pray therefore let me have the Pleasure of it. Nairne I dare say will also be...
783To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 2 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This incloses the 2d Bill for £300 Sterl, the first of which was sent per Packet, who sail’d Thursday last, which I got of Mr. Colden pursuant to a Request of Mr. Foxcroft. I having been one Year in the Service of the Custom-House here, I enquired what Methods I should take to get any Pay, what Information I can get is as follows: A Power of Attorney must...
784To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 11 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Millar presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and presumes at the desire of Our Common Friend Mr. Strahan to trouble him with a Packet herewith sent to Joseph Galloway Esq. of which he knows the Contents as Mr. Strahan Thought it would be safer thro your Channal than by sending it by shiping. He hopes to have the pleasure of meeting you and Mr....
785To Benjamin Franklin from William Shippen, Junior, 14 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty to send to the Royal Society a small Box containing A very extraordinary Lusus Naturae, two female children joind firmly together from the breast bone as low as the navel, having therefore but one body; in every other respect, as well internal as external, two compleat children. I enclose an exact account of the appearance on dissection...
786To Benjamin Franklin from François Willem de Monchy, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Father joins me in compliments and thanks for the trouble you have had in procuring such accurate information concerning the Fire Engine, and also for inquiring about the microscopes which at length I have recieved. Agreeable to your desire I have send you two drawings of an Ice-boat. That without the mast is in the proportion of an Inch to a foot, and...
787To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker: Bond, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Presents, That I James Parker of the City of New-York, Printer, am Held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Franklin, of the City of Philadelphia Esqr in the Sum of Two Hundred and Thirty-One Pounds , Current Money of Great Britain To be paid to the said Benjamin Franklin or to his certain Attorney,...
788To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (mutilated): American Philosophical Society I was in some expectation of seeing you last night in Crane-Court; but not having had this Pleasure I take the liberty to write this to you to put you in [mind] of doing me a favour which I think you gave me Some [reason?] to hope for the last time I Saw you, I mean dining [ torn ] on Holy-thursday, or next thursday Sennight. [Dr. Hawk]esworth,...
789To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received a letter from Kensington to day by which I learn that my aunt will not come to Bromley to fetch me, therefore I must go home by way of Craven Street next monday. Now if it will be convenient to you to come hither on sunday or monday you will give a great deal of pleasure to several persons by doing it and I shall have a more agreeable journey to...
790To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin (I), 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hear that Capt. Sparkes is to saile to morrow or next day. I set down to chatt a littel to you, and in close a letter, which I had sente to N yorke but the vesill was gon. I wente up to see our Children att Burlinton on Satterday and Billey Come doune with me on munday and returnd yisterday and Salley wente up with him and I expeckte her down this day or...
791To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin (II), [16 May 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society on thusday I reseved yours with one inclosed to Salley with the Ring. Yours is dated March 17. You cante thing what pleshuer thees dear littel letters give to me as I know you thinke of me ofen. The Bairer of this is mr. Franses the Eldest son of your old friend mr. Franses. He has bin in quite distres senes yisterday was week on a Counte of the faileor of...
792To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Moment heard of Mr. Francis’s being to embark To morrow Morning for England. His unfortunate Connection with Mr. Hagen, a considerable Merchant in London, who has lately fail’d is the Occasion of his sudden Departure. The Distress which must be necessarily brought on him and his Family, in case Hagens’s Affairs should prove as bad as...
793To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 17 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I wrote last to you I do not remember; as I’ve been hurried about, so as Scarce to sit down since I saw you last: but remembering that you talked of leaving England this Summer; along with Mr. Paxton, who has not [ illegible ], I want to learn your Motions; that if you shou’d once more make me happy here, I may know how to govern my own, and not be...
794To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 19 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. French’s compliments to Doctor Franklin desires to know how he does; if at leisure would be very glad of the pleasure of his company this Morning to play at Chess. A number of notes from Mrs. French to BF survive in the Franklin Papers, but the editors have been able to discover little about her; for what is known, see above, XII , 96–7 n. May 19 fell...
795To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 21 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin and desires the favor of his Company at dinner on Saturday next to meet Sir John Pringle, but wishes he would come about 11 o’Clock to go through some of the Electrical Experiments with Dr. Ingen Housz, but if that Doctor should be engaged for Saturday, in such event the meeting must be put off till some other...
796To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Hogarth, 22 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mrs. Hogarth presents her Compliments to Dr. Franklin and should be much obliged to him if he would influence some of his Friend’s of the House of Common’s, to be present on Monday Next at the reading of the Artist’s Bill, to Support a Clause that is inserted in it, In her Favor. Jane Thornhill Hogarth (d. 1789) was the widow of the artist William...
797To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My last to you, was per Capt. Lawrence, by whom I received the Stationary: A few Days after he was sail’d I got yours via Philadelphia of Feb. 28. and 12 Days ago I received yours per Packet of March 14. inclosing Capt. Berton’s Bill of Lading for the Letter, which arrived about 6 Days ago: I have executed a Bond agreeable to your Order. I have not received...
798To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 26 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and duplicate: American Philosophical Society I wrote you a few Days since by the Post not expecting that the Packet wou’d be detained till now. I inclose you a Bill of Exchange drawn by Mr. Joseph Richardson on D. Barclay and Sons payable to you for £250 0 s . 0 d . Sterling, in Part of your two Years Salary amounting in the Whole to £1000, like Money agreable to a Certificate Signd by...
799To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 30 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The opera interfering [ torn ] Mrs. French to put off her Music till Saturday 6th. June When she hopes to have [the] favor of seeing Docr. Frank[lin.] May 30, fell on a Saturday in 1767 and 1772 during BF ’s second mission; according to editorial practice this note is printed here at the earlier of the two dates.
800To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 31 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have once more the Pleasure of writing to you from this delightful Place; where I thank God, I enjoy perfect Health and all the Pleasures the Country can afford. Time rolls away in the most agreeable Manner imaginable; Reading, walking, riding, Music, Drawing &ca. season the Hours with much calm and rational Pleasure; and to crown all, the good Bishop and...