Benjamin Franklin Papers

From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Penington, 9 January 1762

To Edward Penington6

ALS: Massachusetts Historical Society

London, Jan. 9. 1762

Sir,

I receiv’d your Favour of Oct. 217. with one enclos’d for Mr. Penn,8 which I have deliver’d to him. I doubt he will not know of this Opportunity time enough to write to you, and therefore I may say for him that he appear’d well-pleas’d with your Letter, and dispos’d to follow your Advice of not selling the Mannor.9 The Opinion that has been long expected on his Case1 is not yet given, but will now very soon. I am now preparing to return, and propose taking Passage in the first Man of War that goes to any Part of North America in the ensuing Spring or Summer. It will be a Pleasure to me to meet with you in the Assembly, as I see by the Papers you are chosen for our County.2 I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin

Mr Pennington

Addressed: To / Mr Edwd. Pennington / Mercht / Philadelphia / Free / B Franklin

Endorsed: Jany 9th. 1762 B Franklin

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6On Edward Penington (1726–1796), Philadelphia merchant, who was acting as adviser and agent in Pa. for his relative Springett Penn, see above, IX, 315 n.

7Not found.

8Springett Penn (1739–1766), the only male descendant in the senior line of William Penn, founder of Pa.; above, IX, 260–1.

9Springettsbury Manor, in York Co., Pa., which belonged to young Springett Penn and which Thomas Penn wanted to buy; see the document cited in the first footnote to this letter.

1Probably a reference to Springett Penn’s claims to the proprietorship of Pa.

2Penington was elected to the Assembly from Philadelphia Co., Oct. 1, 1761; Pa. Gaz. and Pa. Jour., Oct. 8, 1761.

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