From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 23 May 1757
To Ezra Stiles
ALS: Horace Howard Furness Memorial Library, University of Pennsylvania
New York, May 23. 1757
Dear Sir,
I have been waiting here near Six Weeks for the sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when that will be.7 From London I will send you the Account you desire of the Verification of the Meridian of France;8 and one of the best Thermometers I can procure. If in any thing else I can do you pleasure, signify it by a Line directed to me at the Pensilvania Coffee House in Birchin Lane. I shall always be glad to hear of your Welfare, being, with sincere Esteem and Regard, Dear Sir, Affectionately yours
B Franklin
Addressed: To / The Revd Mr Ezra Stiles / at Newport / Rhode-Island / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: Benja Franklin Esqr. May 23. 1757. Recd. 28 May 1757. Wrote to Mr. Franklin in London Mar. 30. 1758—by Capt. Gallatly.
7. WF wrote to Elizabeth Graeme on this same day: “I am just now informed, that we are likely to embark to morrow or next Day at farthest. This occasions me a great Deal of Hurry as I did not expect that the Fleet could possibly be ready till the next Week. But such Dispatch has been made by my Lord and Sir Charles that all the Forces are on Board the Transports, and most of them fell down to the Hook.” But he added a postscript: “Perhaps another Post may reach me. If it should not my Letters will be forwarded by the first Pacquet.” Darlington Memorial Library, Univ. of Pittsburgh.
8. César François Cassini de Thury, La Méridienne de l’Observatoire royale de Paris, verifiée (Paris, 1744; Suite des Mémoires de l’Académie royale des Sciences, année MDCCXL).