From Benjamin Franklin to Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 30 January 1756
To Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg
Extract: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem7
Fort Allen Janry: 30th: 1756.
Reverend Sir!
I receiv’d your Favour of the 29th:8 relating to the unhappy Refugees at Bethlehem, with a Copy of their Address to the Commissioners.
I imagine the Commissioners will refer the Matter to me, as I am in the County. And it is my Opinion, that such as are in real Necessity should be supply’d with Meal and Meat and I will pay any reasonable Accounts of yours for that Service,9 and endeavour to put the Matter on a right footing when I come to Bethlehem, which I purpose in about a Week God willing.1
I am Reverend Sir, Your most obedient Servant
Sign’d Benj: Franklin
Endorsed: Wilden-Krieg. Die refugees b[e]tr[effend]
7. This document is headed “An Extract of Letter from the honourable Benj: Franklin Esqr: to the Revd: Mr: Jos: Spangenberg,” and is endorsed in a different hand. Spangenberg was called “Brother Joseph” by the Moravians.
8. See above, p. 377.
9. See below, pp. 413, 415 n, for the expenditures for refugees.
1. BF arrived in Bethlehem on Feb. 4, 1756.