I trust the following explanation of my motives in addressing you, will offer a sufficient excuse for an intrusion on your time, and your public and private engagements, which as a Stranger I should not under other circumstances ^have^ presumed on; I shall not therefore tresspass on your indulgence by any labored apology.—

A short time since I accidentally heard that some property of the late Doctr. Franklin had come to light or been received, and that no heirs or connexions of the Doctor could be found who were entitled legally to receive it. The manner in which I received this information (whether it has any foundation in fact or not) was such, that I was not able to trace it to any certain source— the gentleman who reported it being a stranger, and not known to me even by name. Under these circumstances I know no other mode of ascertaining its correctness than by applying to the Executors of Doctr Franklins Will,1 of whom you are the only Gentleman known to me, if not the only surviving one, appointed by him— The reasons of my making the enquiry are briefly these— my mother, (a native of Boston,) to whom Doctr F was great uncle, married, and has spent most part of a long life in this town; formerly in circumstances of a comfortable mediocrity. The commercial embarrassments of a few past years have reduced the property of my father, (consisting principally of Real Estate) so as to leave them, at a time of life when active exertion is not in their power,— dependent on their friends. I consider myself therefore as performing nothing more than a filial duty, in my endeavors to embrace a circumstance which might render their old age as comfortable, as their lives have been exemplary.

In regards to the report I have mentioned, I have no reason for relying on its correctness except the possibility of such an occurrence, in the variety of accidents which take place in life, and the improbability of such a circumstance being mentioned, without any foundation, by a Gentleman, who, (as far as I know) could have no possible interest in relating it. Neither do I know that my mother could be entitled to any benefit of such property, if it exists, as I am ignorant of the provisions of the will of Doctor Franklin, except of such public items, as were printed and annexed to his life. Feeling it however to be my duty to make the enquiry, would it be presuming too much to request that you would inform me by mail, whether any such circumstance as I have related in regard to Doctr Franklins Estate has come to your knowledge; and (if that should be the case) to put me in possession of the facts respecting it.—2 Such attention would confer a favor on those immediately interested, and command the sincere acknowledgement of Sir, (with the highest respect and gratitude for your public character and services) Your Obedient servant