From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 25 April 1757
To Joseph Galloway
ALS: Yale University Library
N York, April 25. 1757
Dear Sir,
The List of Servants is come to hand.3 I suppose ’tis as compleat as it could at present be made, but it has many Blanks in it. I purpose to talk with my Lord upon it to day, as well as upon the Affair of the Indian Trade Bill, which I have always had much at heart; and shall let you know the Result.4
We are still waiting for my Lord’s Dispatches, and still uncertain when we shall have them. ’Tis an uneasy Situation; but we must have Patience.
A Fleet of Transports is forming here for the Expedition,5 and the Embargo continues. No fresh News from England; except that by a Vessel into New-England, which brings Papers to the 28th of February, it is said there is an Account that the Admirals were on board, but the Fleet not sail’d.6
With great Respect and Esteem I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Galloway
Endorsed: April 25. 1757 B. Franklin’s Letter
3. The list is among Lord Loudoun’s papers; see below, p. 224–8, for it and BF’s conferences with Loudoun on compensations for indentured servants enlisted in the army.
4. See above, p. 175. Though BF conferred with the general on the 25th, Loudoun did not record any conversation about the trade bill.
5. By the end of April Loudoun had gathered 30 transports to carry his troops to Halifax where he intended to join Admiral Francis Holburne for an attack on Louisbourg. Pargellis, Lord Loudoun, pp. 236–7.
6. Holburne’s fleet sailed from Spithead on February 17, left Ireland May 8, and arrived in Halifax July 9. Ibid. Garbled news of the first of these events had reached Cape Ann, was relayed to Boston, and appeared in the N.-Y. Mercury, May 2, 1757.