2751From Benjamin Franklin to John Nourse, 13 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 965 (June 7–8, 1907), p. 15. Please to send by the Bearer, Pere Charlevoix’s History of the French Settlement in America. Yours &c. John Nourse (d. 1780), dealer in French and scientific books, and “for many years bookseller to his Majesty.” H. R. Plomer, G. H. Bushnell, E. R. McDix, A Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers Who Were at Work in...
2752To George Washington from John Stanwix, 13 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
it is with great Pleasure I own the favour of your obliging letter by Capt. Stewart and am much rejoyced to hear of your being in a fair way of recovery wch is wish’d for by all your friends both for their own sakes as well as that of your Country whose services you are known to have so much at heart. I am told from my Friends in England that his Majesty intends me an Old Regiment but whether...
2753From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 28–9. I wrote a very long letter to you lately, two whole sheets full, containing answers to all yours received during my sickness. I have since received your kind favours of November 13 and November 16th. It has given me great concern that you should be so disappointed in having no letters by captain Luthwycke; you know by this time how it...
2754From Benjamin Franklin to [Isaac Norris], 14 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Extract from Mr. Franklin’s Letter. Benjamin Franklin insisted in a Conference with the Proprietaries, that if, when Commissioners were named in a Bill, the Governor might not strike out or change them at his Pleasure, as none but his own Creatures might be admitted, and the Assembly might as well trust him with the whole, and that it was an...
2755From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 29–30. Mr. Lorimer, a friend who is going over to General Abercromby, to assist him as a secretary, called on me just now, to acquaint me that he is on the point of setting out. I seize a minute or two just to let you know we are well, that is, I am well, compared to what I have been during a great part of the time since my arrival, and I hope...
2756To George Washington from John Stanwix, 24 January 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Stanwix, 24 Jan. 1758. On 4 March 1758 GW wrote to Stanwix : “Your favours of the . . . 24th Ulto . . . was this day delivered me.”
2757To George Washington from John Blair, 25 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
We had a council here yesterday in which was considered a letter from Col. Clement Read of Lunenburg, advising his intelligence from an Indian Harbinger, that a large body of Indians to the number of 7 or 800, were on their march 5 days behind him to our assistance, and would take his house in their way to Fort Loudoun, notwithstanding the directions given by Col. Atkins for another route...
2758To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Charles: Receipt, 26 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Received from Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Twenty Six Guineas, on Account of the Province of Pensylvania for which Sum I hereby promise to be accountable. Endorsed: No. 56 Jany. 26—1758 Robt. Charles £27 6. 0 BF recorded this payment in his accounts, but Charles did not mention it in the accounting for his agency submitted on Aug. 10, 1762; he was paid for...
2759To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas and Richard Penn, 28 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania We have considered the proposal you yesterday made to us, that as Supplys will very soon be wanted for the defence of the Province, and other Publick Services, for the Current year, and as the points in difference between us, and the Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania, now under the consideration of His Majesty’s Attorney, and...
2760Enclosure: John Baylis’s Advertisement, 28 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
Whereas Alixander Woodrow under the encouragement & Imediate protection of a party of the Rigemental Subaltern Officers then at Winchester on Wednesday the 28th of December 1757 at Night did challange the subscriber to Fight a Duel. Therefore (to avoid prolixity) I take this short Method to Inform the World that I waited on the said Alixander Woodrow next Morning with my sword & Pistol’s in...
2761From George Washington to John Blair, 30 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
Hearing of the Governors’ departure for England; I think it a duty incumbent on me to inform your Honor, that I lingered a long time under an illness which obliged me to retire from my command (by the Surgeons advice, and with the Governors approbation;) and that I am yet but imperfectly recovered from it: which is the cause that detains me from my Duty. I have many accompts to settle with the...
2762To George Washington from John Baylis, 30 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
I send you here Inclosed an Advertisement such as contains fewer Lines then the other you saw & answers my purpose equally as well. I am not naturaly Inclined to expose the Foibles of mankind because many of them happen in the course of my own Actions, but in this case I am too sensibly touched to content myself without giving to my Acquaintances a circumstantial acct of the whole affair,...
2763From George Washington to John Blair, 31 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
To Mr President Blair [Fredericksburg, 31 January 1758 ] Honble Sir, I wrote to your Honor yesterday—Since which your favor of the 25th is come to hand. I am greatly distressed to know what conduct to observe with regard to the Indians that are coming to our assistance. I wou’d, notwithstanding the ill state of health I am in, go directly to Winchester, cou’d I flatter myself that the Service...
2764From George Washington to Christopher Gist, 31 January 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Christopher Gist, 31 Jan. 1758. On 3 Feb. 1758 Gist wrote to GW : “yours of the 31st Ultimo I recd.”
2765Adams’ Address and Minutes of the Argument: Supreme Court of Probate, February 1768 (Adams Papers)
Samuel Clap Testator, left a Grandson Michael Clap, Son of the Eldest Son of the Testator, whose Name was Michael Clap, deceased. William Clap, the oldest Son Living dis Sarah Randall Widow of Samuel Randal deceased who left by her, four Children, 2 Sons and 2 Daughters, the Names Samuel, Mary, Sarah and Elijah. William Clap the Eldest son living. Disinherited. Samuel Clap, the Executor, and...
2766To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas and Richard Penn, 2 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Our Letter to you of the 28th. of January was a direct and explicit answer to your own proposal made to us the Day before. Yesterday your Letter of the 31st: was left at Spring Garden, wherein you write that you had mentioned some other Matters to us; whatever might be said before the proposal last resolved upon was made, it is not in the...
2767To George Washington from Christopher Gist, 3 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
yours of the 31st Ultimo I recd this day, am very much Oblig’d to you for the Acct of the Indians being on their March, Some flying repot we had before which few Credited, your account is all we have for certain as yet. I have made up the Accts for the last year and Sent them down by Mr Cromwell with a Return of all the goods on hand to the Last day December last. very little has been Disposed...
2768To George Washington from John Blair, 5 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
Your two Letters of 30th & 31st Ult. were brought to me by yor Express, on Friday afternoon; by whom, being desirous to consult, I sent them to Mr Nelson immediatly, (his horse & he being well able, he said, to go on) but he & Mr Secretary happening to be out of Town, I did not get them back till this afternoon, with their Advice. As to your Several Reasons for leave to come hither we think...
2769To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 6 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My two last to you by the Speedwell Captain Robinson to London and Capt. Troy to Dublin; contained the first and second Copies of a Bill of Exchange for £100. Sterling, which I hope are come safe to hand, and paid long before this Reaches; but in Case of both Copies miscarrying have sent you the third. Inclosed you have also the first Copy of...
2770To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas, 6 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
I have heard of Letters from the dead, but never had the Pleasure of receiving one, ’till your agreeable Favour came to Hand the other Day. It was reported here that Colo. Washington was dead! as you are still alive, I must own myself obliged to the Author of that Report, as well because my Pleasure was greatly increased upon hearing it contradicted, as because I enjoy the additional...
2771To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas and Richard Penn, 9 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania We acknowledge that your proposal, which we assented to, was not the first, or only one, you made; but those others, were such, as we thought very unreasonable for you to expect, or for us to come into, considering the Circumstances in which, the Affair stands, at present. We have not, on the present, or any former occasion, prohibited, or...
2772To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 11 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by the last Post to which must now Cheifly Refer you, this being just to beg your Pardon for the freedom I have taken to direct a small Box to you for my Brother. this Box will be forwarded to you by Mr William Coxe of Phila. who will at the desire of Mr Robinson send you a Line acquainting you by what Oppertunity & which way it is sent, if we have any thing new I Shall take Care...
2773From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 13 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosd came to my hands this moment—Colo. Carlyle desird after I had perusd the Papers, that I woud send them to you—but as he did at the same time inform me that his Letter coverd one from Colo. Fairfax (on whose safe arrival we offer our Congratulations) I have not delayd a moment in forwarding them —When you are at leizure to favour us with a visit we shall endeavour to partake as much...
2774To George Washington from John Hall, 14 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
I have yr acceptable favr from Mt Vernon—& I sincerely rejoyce at yr beginning to master the Indisposition Mr Boyd acquaints me you have long labour’d under—I hope to meet you perfectly recover’d & I shall impatiently wish to hear of yr being at Wmsburgh. Will you excuse the Liberty of intruding a Subject not so agreable as many others—I’ve this day receivd a Lr from Col. Gage & There cite his...
2775From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 17 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received your Favour of December 5th. by Mr. Hunt; but the Papers refer’d to are not yet come to hand, being in his Chest that is still at Bristol. The Affair of obtaining a Permission to export Grain, &c. from the Colonies to the European neutral Ports, meets with Difficulty while the Parliament have the Regulating the Corn Market in England under...
2776From Benjamin Franklin to John Waring, 17 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg Pardon for not answering sooner your Favour of the 16th past. I unluckily mislaid it just after it came to hand, and was in daily Expectation of finding it. It is now before me; and I am of Opinion that for £30 a Year, Sterling, a good Master might be procur’d that would teach 40 Negro Children to read; I think he could scarce do his Duty to a greater...
2777From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 19 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society I have wrote you several long Letters lately; the last was by Mr. Relphe, and at the same time I wrote to my dear Sally. Last Night I receiv’d yours of the 1st and 6th of January, which gave me the great Pleasure of hearing that you and my little Family were well. I hope you continue so, and that I shall have the Happiness to find you so. The...
2778To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 20 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My Letter to you of the Sixth Instant, by the Packet Capt. Morris via New York contained the third Copy of a Bill of Exchange for £100. Sterling and the first Copy of another Bill for £100. Sterling more; that per Capt. Nicholl via Belfast the second Copy of the last mention’d Bill; and now you have the third Copy of the same Bill, in Case of...
2779From George Washington to John Blair, 20 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
To The President Honble Sir, Mount-Vernon, the 20th February, 1758. I set out for Williamsburgh the day after the date of my letter by Jenkins; but found I was unable to proceed, my fever and pain encreasing upon me to an high degree, and the Physicians assured me, that I might endanger my life in prosecuting the journey. In consequence of this advice, I returned back to this place again, and...
2780To George Washington from Nathaniel Thompson, 20 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry that the Lies of Majr Baylis should give much Uneasyness to You or make You look upon Officers who are Willing to abide (in Respect of that Affair) by the severest Tryal in a disadvantageous Light. Majr Baylis has falsly aspersed our Characters—but he has not prov’d it nor can he—He has sayd it but where? in Prince William, the County in which he lives where he never expects to...
2781To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 21 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Our old Inviterate Scribler has at length wrote himself into a Jail. How far this was good Policy to do him that Honour, I will not undertake to say; I know the Comittee have wrote largely upon this head, and it has cost the House a Great deal of Time in going Thro’ a formal Trial for Libelling, which is, for any thing I know, the first...
2782From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 22 February 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Salem County [New Jersey] Historical Society I have wrote you a long Letter by this Vessel, and only add this Line to inform you, that I have receiv’d of your Papers but twice since my Arrival here; and when I want to know what they contain am oblig’d to borrow them of Mr. Neate, who has them regularly. The Reason of this I do not know. I am Yours affectionately Addressed: To / Mr David...
2783To George Washington from Charles Smith, 23 February 1758 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Happiness, of Seeing the Letter you wrote, To Doctor Craig, and am Sorry to hear of your being so Much Indisposed in your Health, and I must own that I am at Present much disturbed in my mind, by Majr Baylist who Has blasted my Character in A most Cruel manner, Without the least reason, It’s true when Majr Baylist Was Last in town there was Some disturbance between Him and Mr...
2784To George Washington from Beverley Robinson, 1 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from my friend Joseph Chew of New London which he Desires me to forward to you, he has also sent me a Trunk for his Brother Coleby in your Regiment, and Desires I will forward it to some Gent. in Philadelphia who will send it from thence to your Care, as Mr Chew is noted for being a most obliging person in things of this Sort and seems Very Desirous his Brother Should get...
2785To George Washington from John Smith, 2 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from my Exile & have but a Short time to write to you (being desirous to see my Family after so long a Captivity) and therefore shall write as breif as I can. I was Sir Ordered by my Lord Louden to wait on Colo. Stannacks whose Orders is that I should Consult with you concerning the defence of this Colony and not meeting with you at Winchester desire you’l meet me at Augusta...
2786From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 4 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
Letters which I have just receivd from the President, and others from Winchester render it necessary for me to set out for Williamsburg tomorrow—If you, or any of the young Ladies have Letters to send, or other Commands that I can execute, I shoud be glad to be honourd with them, and you may depend upon my punctuality—please to accept my Compliments yourself, & offer them to the young Ladies,...
2787From George Washington to John Stanwix, 4 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 13th Jany and 24th Ulto with part of a Letter from Lord Loudoun was this day deliverd me; in the latter you condescend to ask my opinion of Major Smith: Is not his Plan a sufficient testimony of his Abilities? Can there be a better Index to the Man than his scheme for reducing the Enemy on Ohio? and his expeditious March of 1000 Men to Detroit? surely he intended to provide...
2788To George Washington from John Blair, 8 March 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Blair, 8 Mar. 1758. On 10 Mar. 1758 Blair wrote to GW : “I send you Letter of the 8. Instt.”
2789Additional Instructions to the Deputy Postmasters of North America, 10 March 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , April 20, 1758. Whereas the News-papers of the several Colonies on this Continent, heretofore permitted to be sent by Post free of Charge, are of late Years so much increased as to become extremely burthensome to the Riders, who demand additional Salaries or Allowances from the Post-Office on that Account; and it is not reasonable, that the Office, which...
2790To George Washington from John Blair, 10 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer James Holloway is a Soldier in your Regiment sent from York County & under Capt. Lewis at Patterson’s Fort, but being very infirm got a Furlow from his Captain for 3 Months, wch was continued by the Governor for 2 more. I thought of discharging him, but waited in hopes of seeing you to do it. He says he has received but 2 months pay, if so there is 6. mos. pay due to him & better....
2791To George Washington from John Stanwix, 10 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
I was on the 8th Favour’d with your Obliging and find your judgment tally wth Lord Loudouns & mine in reguard to Major Smiths wild schem. shall not trouble you with a long leter upon it but toucth upon a Theme much more interesting wch is the State of your health wch I am much concern’d to hear is in so bad a Condition as to put you upon resigning your Command wch I am very sure will not be so...
2792To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gordon, 15 March 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Leaving London the 5th. Instant I was taken ill of a Fever on the Road, which has gather’d strength and Confined me to my Bed ever since, so that I am Brought quite low and am at this time scarce able to sit up to write. How dismall Alass is my Situation; in a Strange place, without Money, without Freinds, and in a Sick and very Weak Condition. I know...
2793From George Washington to Thomas Knox, 18 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
If this reaches you in time, it is intended to prevent your purchasing the Saddle and Furniture, and two pair workd Ruffles desird in a Letter of the 30th of Decr last. and instead thereof send me 60 Ells of Sheeting at about 4/ pr Ell. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt LB , DLC:GW . The letter-book copy is in GW’s hand. Knox received this letter in time. See his Invoice, 18 Aug. 1758 ( DLC:GW ).
2794From George Washington to Richard Washington, 18 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 8 Jany I have receivd your favour of the 9th of Septr preceeding together with an Invoice and Acct Currt but the carelessness of the Captn prevented their coming to my hands till near Six Weeks after his arrival: and the Goods got home but a few days ago. I suppose I shoud not have receivd them at all, had I not been at great pains and expence myself to Send them up. So...
2795To George Washington from William Denny, 25 March 1758 (Washington Papers)
Several Accounts have been brought here during the winter, as if there was a good disposition in the western Indians to return to their old Friends the English: and as there has been little or no Mischief done on the Fronteers of this & the Neighbouring Provinces of late, it is not unlikely but the Indians are changing every day in our favour. We have as small Confirmation of the Truth of...
2796To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 30 March 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Yale University Library Just before you sailed from New York, you was so kind as to inclose me a Copy of your philosophic Letter to Dr. Lining. I returned you Thanks and Reflexions upon it in a Letter July last too long to copy, by the Brig Prince of Orange Edward Jackson Captain taken on Passage from hence to London and carried into Bayonne. It is thot that Air is absolutely necessary...
2797From George Washington to John Blair, 2 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
To The President—written on the road to Winchr Honble Sir, April 2, 1758 The Bearer, unfortunately pursuing me, insted of continuing on from Fredericksburgh (when he heard that I had passed that place in my way to Alexandria) is the cause of the enclosed being detained so long from your Honor. The business which carried me by Alexanda, was partly of a public and partly of a private nature; and...
2798From George Washington to Beverley Robinson, 5 April 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Beverley Robinson, 5 April 1758. On 16 April 1758 Robinson wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 5th Instant came to hand last Night.”
2799From George Washington to Richard Washington, 5 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
Captn Whiting is arrivd & my Letters by him are come to hand, but not the Goods: the latter I apprehend is in bad order as I understand the Captn enterd a protest immediately upon his arrival—The Locks and Hinges I fear are slight if I am to judge their Sizes & price—The Sword pr Captn Nicholson I have receivd. The Inclosd is a Bill of Excha. for £100 Sterlg 60 of wch the Cash is receivd must...
2800To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas and Richard Penn, 6 April 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania We did, as we before told you, without any delay on our parts, cause Cases to be drawn up, stating the several Matters in Dispute, and laid before the Attorney and Sollicitor General, intending to be governed by their opinions, in the answer we should give, to your heads of Complaint; We have since that several times applyed for them, and in...