To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 June 1772
From Jonathan Williams, Jr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Boston June 13, 1772
Dear and honoured Sir
The Bearer hereof Mr. Adam Winthrop is son to Doctr Winthrop of Cambridge, who you are so well acquainted with, that I need say nothing of the Connection.6 But with regard to this Gentleman, he is an intimate acquaintance of mine, and a person for whom I have a very great Esteem, therefore beg leave to reccomend him to your Civilities.
Mr. Bancroft’s Stay here was so Short that, I had not the pleasure of his Company so long as I wished.7 I am Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams Junr
Addressed: To / Doctr Benja Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons In / Craven Street / Strand / London / favoured by / Mr Winthrop
6. Adam Winthrop (1748–74) had run away to sea in 1768 shortly after graduating from Harvard. He subsequently became the master of the Lydia, John Hancock’s brig, and died at sea soon afterward. Lawrence S. Mayo, The Winthrop Family in America (Boston, 1948), pp. 230–3.
7. This reference was our first inkling that BF’s new protégé, Edward Bancroft (above, XVI, 224 n), came to America in 1772. He crossed in company with William Story (above, XVIII, 223 n), and after a seven-week voyage landed in Boston in early June. Mass. Gaz. and Boston Weekly News-Letter, June 11, 1772. Why he came or where he went from Boston we have no idea, but he was back in England by autumn: Mary Hewson to BF below, Oct. 22.