41001To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 24 November 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania The above is a Copy of my last. I have Since received two letters of the 23d (a Copy, the Original not Come To Hand) and 30th August. We are all extreamly well pleas’d With your Safe arrival there and the Continuence of your Health. Your Conduct I never doubted, but if it is necessary To Say any thing upon it I think you have acted With great...
41002To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Penn, 25 November 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania As I find by what you told me and by my Letters from Pennsylvania that Admiral Holborne had not Station’d a Ship in Delaware Bay in pursuance of the Resolution of the Lords of the Admiralty on our application communicated to me in January last, by Mr. Cleveland’s Letter, that I shewed you, I have applied again to that Board, and they...
41003To Benjamin Franklin from William Hunter, [30 November 1757] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If convenient, I should be oblig’d to you for three or four Hundred Pound Draughts on your Banker. My Sister wants one of Twenty Pound; for Marketting. Yours, Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin On Dec. 1, 1757, BF noted payments of £400 and £20 in accordance with Hunter’s request below. “Account of Expences,” p. 7; PMHB , LV (1931), 105. On another part of the...
41004From Benjamin Franklin to William Coleman, 8 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; abstract: Minute-Book of the Academy Trustees, Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania At a Meeting of the Trustees at the Academy March 14th 1758 Present Richard Peters Thomas White William Coleman Alexander Stedman Mr. Franklin having by a Letter to Mr. Coleman dated from London Dec. 8th 1757 requested him to inform the Trustees that he had on their Account discharged a Bill...
41005From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 9 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have yours of June 23. July 4. and 31. Sept. 14. and 30. and Oct. 19. and have receiv’d of you since I left Philadelphia, four Bills of One hundred Pounds Sterling each. I thank you for your Care in sending them, and your full Accounts of News, &c. I have been long ill. But I thank God am now pretty well recover’d, and hope to be a better Correspondent...
41006William Franklin to Elizabeth Graeme, 9 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard College Library (Sparks) No Doubt you must be much surpriz’d at so many Vessels arriving at different Parts of America from England, without so much as a single Line from the Man who has so often, and so warmly professed himself your Friend and Admirer. The Thoughts, the Suspicions, that must naturally arise in your Breast on this Occasion, my Imagination pictures in such strong...
41007From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [13 December 1757] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Library of Congress; also copy: Yale University Library; and French translation: The Rosenbach Foundation Both the date and the addressee of this letter have been subjects of much difference of opinion. Each of the three surviving manuscript versions bears a different date line. That on the draft, in Franklin’s hand, has been heavily scratched out, probably long after the letter was...
41008William Strahan to Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 25–7. I will not write to you, for the future, as a stranger whom I never had the happiness of seeing, but as to one with whom I have been for some time acquainted, for having had the pleasure for several months past, to be personally known to what you will readily allow, to be your better half, you’ll permit me to fancy, I am by no means...
41009From Benjamin Franklin to John Pringle, 21 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Royal Society The following is what I can at present recollect, relating to the Effects of Electricity in Paralytic Cases, which have fallen under my Observation. Some Years since, when the News papers made Mention of great Cures perform’d in Italy or Germany by means of Electricity, a Number of Paralytics were brought to me from different Parts of Pensilvania and the neighbouring...
41010To Benjamin Franklin from Giambatista Beccaria, 24 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
I . MS translation and MS Latin original: The Royal Society. II . MS “Note”: The Royal Society Father Beccaria, the strongest and most active supporter of Franklin’s electrical theories on the Continent, addressed this letter to him in Latin soon after learning of his arrival in England. Dr. James Parsons made an English translation which, after some delay, was read at the Royal Society, Feb....
41011To Benjamin Franklin from Giambatista Beccaria, [1757] (Franklin Papers)
Translation of extract (?) in Franklin’s hand: Yale University Library; extract (?) in Italian: American Philosophical Society; also copies of extract and translation: Yale University Library Father Beccaria thanks Mr. Franklin for his kind Remembrance; should have had a most singular Pleasure in seeing him at Turin, which he had been made to hope by his Letter to Mr. Haldiman: If he had known...
41012From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, [1757–1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL : The Royal Society Mr. Franklin’s Compliments to Mr. Canton, and requests he would procure for him two more of the long Glass Tubes such as he formerly did him the favour to procure for him. On John Canton, electrical experimenter, see above, IV , 390 n. This note might have been written at virtually any time before Canton’s death, March 22, 1772, except, of course, during one of BF ’s...
41013From Benjamin Franklin to John Fothergill, [1757–1762] (Franklin Papers)
MS Autobiography: Huntington Library The filthy streets of Philadelphia and London were a persistent challenge to Franklin’s civic conscience. He explained in the autobiography that “by talking and writing on the Subject” he had at length done something about the streets of Philadelphia. At an unstated time, perhaps before he retired from business, he “wrote and printed a Paper” (not found) on...
41014From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [1757–1775] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I have perus’d the Letters and Papers you put into my Hands, and shall, as you desire, say what occurs to me on the considering them. I do not know Mr. Murdoch personally, but have heard that he is a Person of Credit and some Note in that Country, and esteemed by the People there. I imagine that little is to be expected from a Suit of Law, to be carried on...
41015Specifications for a Dwelling House, [1757–1775] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Obviously written in England, this document cannot otherwise be certainly dated. Apparently Franklin contemplated having an English architect prepare plans for a “model home” in Philadelphia suitable for “Tradesmen and People of moderate Circumstances.” His description of the land on which it was to be built most nearly fits the lot on the north side of...
41016To Benjamin Franklin from John Apthorp, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Apthorp’s compliments to Mr. Franklyn and desires the favour of his Company to dine with him on Fry-day next ¼ past three. Addressed: Benjn Franklyn Esqr / Buckingham Street, Probably John Apthorp (d. 1772), son of the Charles Apthorp of Boston who was agent for Hanbury & Thomlinson in the northern colonies and involved in supplying specie for British...
41017To Benjamin Franklin from William Deane, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Coll: Deanes Compliments to Mr. Franklin and Son, Shall be Extreemly glad of the favor of their Company to Dinner tommorow to meet Mr. and Mrs. Sargent at half an Hour after three o Clock. Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin / Craven Street Lieut. Col. William Deane (d. 1775) of the British Army, was appointed governor of Upnor Castle before 1758, and was promoted...
41018To Benjamin Franklin from Allen and Joseph England, [1757–1762] (Franklin Papers)
MS memorandum: American Philosophical Society Allen England and his Brother Joseph England are proprietors of certain Tracts of Land scituate upon Christiana Creek in the County of Newcastle, Quantity 1300 Acres their Title to which stands thus— In 1726 their Father John England advanced £500 to Sir William Keith by way of Mortgage upon the said Lands. In 1729 the said John England assigned...
41019To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Hubbart, [1757–1762] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your tow last Favours gave me a satisfaction better felt then expressed: Indeed I have often longed to Chatt to you in some of those Happy hours you have Blessed me with but feared it was grown Disagreeable or would Interupt Business of Importance pleasing Amusements or more entertaining Conversation, but I most Heartily Accept the Apology you Condesend...
41020To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Knight, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Knight’s compliments to Mr. Franklin and Mr. William Franklin and desires the favor of their company at dinner on tuesday next the 27th. Addressed: Craven-Street Possibly Gowin Knight (1713–1772), F.R.S., whose work on magnetism BF had known and admired before going to England (see above, VI , 103, 177–8). He was appointed principal librarian of the...
41021To Benjamin Franklin from Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Morris, and Mr. Lloyd, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Lloyd Mrs. Morris and Mr. Lloyd present their Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson and Mr. Franklyns, and desire the Favour of their Company this afternoon to meet Miss Gambier. None of these persons has been identified. They may have been friends of Margaret Stevenson, BF ’s landlady. Probable terminal date established by the use of “Mr.” instead of “Dr.” for...
41022Visiting and Business Cards, [1757–1775] (Franklin Papers)
MS and printed cards: American Philosophical Society [1757–1775] Among Franklin’s surviving papers is a collection of personal visiting cards (or “visiting tickets” as they appear to have been called) and business cards of tradesmen and others. Some of the personal cards are handwritten, as is one of Franklin’s own after he received his doctorate; others are printed or engraved, and...
41023Poor Richard Improved, 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1758: … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) This is the twenty-sixth and last almanac in this series which Franklin prepared himself; thereafter David Hall assumed the responsibility. Appropriately, the contents of this almanac make it...
41024From Benjamin Franklin to John Waring, 3 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you herewith the Extract of Mr. Sturgeon’s Letter, which I mentioned to you. He is, among us, esteemed a good Man, one that makes a Conscience of the Duties of his Office, in which he is very diligent; and has behaved with so much Discretion, as to gain the general Respect and Good-will of the People. If the Associates of Dr. Bray should think fit to...
41025From Benjamin Franklin to John Pringle, 6 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity (London, 1769), p. 362. I return Mr. Mitchell’s paper on the strata of the earth with thanks. The reading of it, and perusal of the draft that accompanies it, have reconciled me to those convulsions which all naturalists agree this globe has suffered. Had the different strata of clay, gravel, marble,...
41026To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 6 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My last to you was by the Mercury, Capt. Robinson, in which I promised to remit you by the next Vessel; and accordingly, you have inclosed the first Copy of a Bill of Exchange for One Hundred pounds Sterling, (the second Copy of which I have sent by Capt. Troy Via Dublin) the Exchange as you will see by the Bill 64, The Receipt of which you will...
41027From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 11 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: The Royal Society I thank you for your Account of the Aurora. A very considerable one appear’d here the same Evening, being Saturday, Nov. 12. I did not see it, but have heard of it from several. If it was the same that you saw; it must have been very high, or very extensive, as the two Places are 1000 Leagues asunder. In BF ’s hand. Read before the Royal Society, Feb. 25, 1762, and...
41028From 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...
41029From 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...
41030From 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...
41031From 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...
41032To 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...
41033To 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...
41034From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [January 1758] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragments): American Philosophical Society good Order. I receiv’d also his Letter relating to the Aurora Borealis, it was seen here at the same time, and I shall endeavour to procure him a particular Account of it. It was an unlucky Mistake, that of putting your Letter under Cover to Mr. Colden, as it occasion’d a Week’s Delay in your receiving it. I do not find you have receiv’d a Letter...
41035To 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...
41036To 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...
41037To 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...
41038From 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...
41039From 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...
41040From 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...
41041To 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...
41042To 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...
41043From 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...
41044Additional 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...
41045To 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...
41046To 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...
41047To 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...
41048To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Partridge: Receipt, 20 April 1758 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Receiv’d of Benjamin Franklin, Esqr; the Sum of Forty Pounds, to be accounted for to the Province of Pennsylvania. [ Endorsed ] April 20, 1758 N. 82 Mr Partridge’s Receipt, £40 for the Province 1758. BF recorded in his accounts that the £40 was “to be employ’d in Feeing Council and other Expences on Smith’s Petition.” “Account of Expences,” p. 14; PMHB ,...
41049From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Sharpe, 21 April 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library I approve very much of engaging Dr. Hay. I know not whether he will chuse to appear for us before the Attorney and Sollicitor General, but before the Committee of Council perhaps he may have no Objection. If the Constitution of the Province is to be attack’d, as you intimate, the Cause is of so much greater Weight. If the Privileges of a single Englishman are of...
41050To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 24 April 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Yours of December the 9th. I receiv’d per the Packet, by which was glad to hear of your Recovery. I am sorry you can get no good Hand to send over, and bad ones are not worth having. I have sent Mr. Strahan by this opportunity a Bill of Exchange, out of which he will pay you One Hundred Pounds, which makes the Eighth Hundred sent you since you...