1From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library I received your kind Letters of July 29, and August 8. It was a great satisfaction to me to learn that my Dear Sister, was relieved from that continual Distress She had so long labour’d under.— I know not whether my Proposal with regard to Mr. Collais employing himself in making Crown Soap, is Likely to be exceuted by him to Advantage: Perhaps he may not have...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Jewish Historical Society, New York City I was glad to understand by yours of March 29. that you and your Family continued in good Health and Spirits. You and your Country are engag’d in a good Cause, which God will finally crown with Success. Let nothing discourage you. Your Son John remains at Nantes. His Brother will probably find some Business there for him. I suppose he...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress My Sister, to whom I have not now time to write, acquainted me in her last Letter, that there was some Expectation her Daughter would soon be married with her Consent. If that should take Place, my Request is, that you would lay out the Sum of fifty Pounds, lawful Money, in Bedding or such other Furniture as my Sister shall think proper, to be given...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 20 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Biblioteca Labronica The Bearer, Mr Biederman, is recommended to me by Persons of Distinction, as a Gentleman of Worth & very respectable Character, charged with the Concerns and Interest of many principal Manufacturers and Merchants in Saxony, between which Country and ours I should be glad to see a commercial Intercourse opened and established, as it might be advantageous to both. I...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote to you on the 9th. of March. I have not since heard from Boston. This is just to let you know I am well, and to cover a Newspaper containing one of my Scribblings, which please to give to my Sister with my Love: I have not now time to write to her. Love to Cousin Grace and your Children. I am ever, Your affectionate Uncle Undoubtedly the essay...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 August 1771 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin ... (Boston, 1833), p. 142. I have received yours of July 8th and 12th, with the bills, which are carried to your credit. I hope your son Jonathan may be with you by this time. Josiah is well, and sticks close to his business. I have not time to add more, being this minute...
7From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 5 March 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I suppose Jonathan has told you that the Lottery is drawn, and your two new Tickets had the same Success as the former, viz. One £20 Prize, and one Blank. Would you go on any farther? Josiah is very happy in being under the Tuition of Mr. Stanley, who very kindly undertook him at my Request tho’ he had left off Teaching. Josiah goes constantly too to...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 11 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received yours of July 4. with the Bill enclosed of £200 for your Brother, which I deliver’d to him accordingly. Calling in here at the N England Coffeehouse, and finding this Ship just upon sailing, I would not miss the Opportunity of giving you this Information, tho’ I cannot now write to my other Friends. It grieves me to hear that poor Josiah is in so bad a...
9From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 9 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received your Favour of Dec. 27. with the Cask of Sowns and Tongues, which came very opportunely at the Beginning of Lent, and are very agreable to me. Mr. Stanley and your Brother have the others. Accept my best Thanks. I received also the Bill of Exchange for £27 for which have credited your Account. And shall soon send you a State of the whole...
10From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 4 June 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have just time to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of April 15. with the £50 Bill, (Ross and Mills) part of the Money you receiv’d for me of Hall. I have purchased the Things for my Sister directed in her Invoice, and they go by this Ship. I shall do you every Service in my Power relating to the Commission Business, &c. Tell Jonathan I received his...