From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 12 July 1782
To Margaret Stevenson
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Passy, July 12. 1783. [i.e., 1782]7
My dear Friend,
I had a Line lately from Mr. Theobald,8 which gave me great Pleasure, as it inform’d me that you and Polly9 had both got well thro’ the Influenza. I had been apprehensive for you particularly, as it is more dangerous to us old People. It is now very rife at Paris. I have had it rather favourably, and, Thanks to God, continue hearty, recollecting but now & then that I am grown old. I still flatter my self that we may meet once more before we die, and in that hope I embrace you both most tenderly: being with sincere Friendship and Affection, Yours ever,
B Franklin
My Love to Polly; and let me know what is become of Sally Pearce,1 &c.
Mrs Stevenson
7. Dated on the basis of Margaret Stevenson’s July 24 reply, below.
8. James Theobald was RB’s brother-in-law and a friend of the Stevensons: XXV, 143n. His note has not been found.
9. Mary Hewson.
1. Sarah Franklin Pearce, BF’s first cousin twice removed, lived intermittently with BF and the Stevensons from 1766 to 1773: I, lii; XIII, 446; XX, 145. For her recent death see Margaret Stevenson’s reply, July 24.