5221Richard Jackson: Opinion on Parliamentary Power over the Colonies, [c. 6 February 1765?] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society This undated document, in Richard Jackson’s hand, with an endorsement by Franklin, is found among Franklin’s papers. The general subject is the same as that of a speech Jackson made in the House of Commons on Feb. 6, 1765, against the bill to impose stamp duties on the colonies. As Jared Ingersoll, co-agent with Jackson for Connecticut, reported to...
5222To Benjamin Franklin from John Trusler, 6 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Engraved form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society The Literary Society desirous of extending their Scheme, and rendering it as general as possible, have presumed to enclose one of their Plans, and are induced to hope, should it meet with your Approbation, for the Honour of your Name as a Subscribing Member, and for any further Encouragement you may think proper to...
5223To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 8 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I got home extremely well last night, and met with nothing to make me uneasy but my own reflections. Before I came to pall mall I repented my acceptance of your obliging offer, for I consider’d myself as the cause of what the poor coachman suffer’d from the cold, which I might have avoided. This reflection destroy’d the tranquility which the fineness of the...
5224From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been so hurried of late, that I could not write much by this Packet. One Letter to the Speaker, and one to you, is all I shall be able to make out. Thanks to God, I am got perfectly well, my Cough quite gone. My Arms, too, continue mending, so that I can now put on and off my Cloaths, but do not practice it yet, as it still hurts me a little. John...
5225To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 10–21 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am set down to Confab a littel with my dear child as it Semes a Sorte of a hollow day for we have an ox arosteing on the river and moste pepel semes plesd with the a fair but as I partake of none of the divershons I stay at home and flatter myselef that the next packit will bring me a letter from you. By the laste packit thair was a letter from mr....
5226From Benjamin Franklin to [Thomas Pownall], [11–12 February? 1765] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I send you enclos’d the Paper you desire. You will judge of the Propriety of Publishing it as it is, or what Alterations should be made in it. If there were any Liklihood of its being adopted, I could rather wish it were presented to the Ministry, provided their present Scheme of a Stamp Act might be laid aside. Verner W. Crane, Benjamin Franklin’s Letters...
5227Scheme for Supplying the Colonies with a Paper Currency, [11–12 February? 1765] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (first part only): American Philosophical Society; remainder reprinted from Thomas Pownall, The Administration of the Colonies (4th edition, London, 1768), pp. 243–53. When Franklin first heard that Grenville had proposed an act of parliament levying stamp duties on the colonies, he wrote Richard Jackson, June 25, 1764, that he thought he “could propose a better Mode by far, both for us...
5228Thomas Pownall and Benjamin Franklin to George Grenville, 12 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library We have taken the Liberty to enclose and beg leave to submitt to your consideration a measure calculated for supplying the Colonies with a Paper Currency, become absolutely necessary to their Circumstances, by which Measure a certain and very considerable Revenue will arise to the crown. We are from our Experience and the having been employed in the Public Service...
5229To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 13 February 1765 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 13 Feb. 1765. On 20 Sept. GW wrote to them : “It cannot reasonably be imagined that I felt any pleasing Sensations upon the receipt of your Letter of the 13th of February.”
5230Invoice from Robert Cary & Company, 13 February 1765 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Costs & Charges of Goods Shipped on Board the William and Mary John Boyes Commander upon the proper Acct & risque of Colo. George Washington Virginia and to him Consigned. Theodosia Crowley Iron 6 plate Stock Locks with Bars & Screws @3/ [£] .18. 2 Extra: Iron Rimb’d Locks with pullbacks Wards Round Keys hard brass furniture & box staples &ca Compleat @10/6 1. 1. 1 Dozn Sickles...
5231From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 14 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I received your kind Letter of Decemr 19. Our Friend Peter is not dead, as you apprehended; but, Thanks to Heaven, as well as ever I knew him, hearty, brisk, and active as a Youth. I show’d him your Letter, and he told me he had wrote to you, and that you must have been long before this time put out of your Pain on his Account. I have order’d the Box of...
5232From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 February 1765 (I) (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Enclos’d is a Letter from Mrs. Stevenson, and Bill of Lading for a Chest of Goods sent you. The Pamphlets in it are to be sent up to Billy. There are some Books for Cousin Cuthbert, not all he wanted, but the rest will be sent as soon as they can be got. I wrote to you per Packet on Saturday. Love to dear Sally and all Friends. In great Haste, Your...
5233From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 February 1765 (II) (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Capt. Robinson you will receive a Case Mrs. Stevenson has sent you, with the Blankets, Bed ticks, &c. you wrote for. No new China was to be had that would match the Cup and Saucer; but a Friend who has a Set at the same time with me, spar’d me the Remains of his, which are now sent. In the Case I return Mr. Thomas Wharton’s Woollen Gown, which he was so...
5234From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 14 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your obliging Letter of Decemr. 20. with the Newspapers. I am glad to hear of Col. Bouquet’s Success, hope the deserting Hostages will be recover’d, and the Peace firmly establish’d. The French being now totally remov’d from North America, we may, I think, expect the Indians will be more manageable for the future. The Stamp Act,...
5235From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 14 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your obliging Favour of Dec. 20. and am glad to find, that tho’ so distant from them, I still live in the Remembrance of my Friends. We have been of late so much engag’d in our general American Affairs, that it was necessary to let what related particularly to our Province sleep a little for the present; but it is nevertheless working...
5236William Robertson to William Strahan, 18 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Just now Mr. Balfour delivered to me your Letter of the 14th. and as the Post sets out in half an hour I must confine myself at present to that part of it which requires an immediate answer. You may present my most respectful and affectionate compliments to Dr. Franklin and assure him that nothing can give me greater pleasure than to serve any Man of whom he...
5237To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Alexander Dick, 19 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sir Alexander Dicks most affectionate, and freindly Compliments to Doctor Franklin. and heartily wishes him Joy, upon his safe arrival again in Britain. He seizes this hasty oppertunity, (which does not allow him time [to] write a Letter) of Mr. Alexanders going unexpectedly to London, to kiss the Doctor’s hands, by this note, and to acquaint him that if...
5238To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 20 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Yale University Library If I ask too great a favor of you to forward the inclosed Letter to the Sieur Lomonosow at Petersburg, I leave it intirely with you to suppress it. I have taken the Liberty, as you see, of asking an Answer thro’ your hands; if I make too free a use of your name and Friendship, you have it in your power to prevent the Abuse....
5239Thurdsday. February 21st. 1765. (Adams Papers)
At Boston, entertained the Sodality at Blodgets. We were never in better Spirits, or more Social. We began the 13th. Title of the feudal Law De Alienatione Feudi and read three Titles. Gridley proposed that we should mark all those Passages, which are adopted by the English Law, that when we come to read Ld. Coke we may recur back upon Occasion, to the originals of our Law. The 14th. Title is...
5240To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Franklin, 21 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you about the Begining of Jany. which gave Account of the weather and wind we Had from the Time of Youre Departure to that Time, Which was Fine and Very Pleasant, Hope you Injoyed the same. Sister and Dear Salley, with a Number of your Frends Lookd for advice From you By the December Packet. But as Youre Ship Had no Business to Touch at Falmouth...
5241To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Stockton, 23 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I came to this Town in Expectation of going [ torn ] in the Packet, but it’s very sudden Departure made [it impos]sible for me to be ready. I was favoured with several Letters from our Governour, which were sent me here yesterday by Express; and he put into my Care a large Packet as well as two Letters directed you, these I have got Mr. [Keller?] to pack up...
5242Cash Accounts, March 1765 (Washington Papers)
Contra Mar. 3— By Mr Lund Washington [£]20. 0.0 5— By freight of 477 Bls of Oats from E: Shore @3d. 5.19.9 13— By Captn [William] McGachin for Sundry Goods first cost of which £4.3.6 Excha: on Do 65 prCt 2.14.3 6.17.9 16— By ferriage at Falmouth 0. 1.0 19— By Oranges 1 dozn 0. 3.0 By ferriages at falmouth 0. 1.0 23— By Exps. at Colchester
5243From Benjamin Franklin to William Robertson, 4 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library I rejoice to hear by my friend Mr. Strahan that you continue in Health and are now at the Head of the Edinburgh University. Before I leave Britain again I Promise myself the Happiness of once more seeing you and my other Friends in Scotland, having always retained a pleasing Remembrance of the time I spent in that Country, the ingenious and instructive...
5244[March 1765] (Washington Papers)
5th. March 1765. Grafted 15 English Mulberrys on wild Mulberry Stocks on the side of the Hill near the Spring Path. Note the Stocks were very Milkey. There is no species known as the English mulberry, but Morus nigra , black mulberry, was commonly grown in England for its edible fruits. It was known to eighteenth-century Virginia planters as the English mulberry. While feeding silkworms on...
5245[Diary entry: 5 March 1765] (Washington Papers)
5th. March 1765. Grafted 15 English Mulberrys on wild Mulberry Stocks on the side of the Hill near the Spring Path. Note the Stocks were very Milkey. There is no species known as the English mulberry, but Morus nigra , black mulberry, was commonly grown in England for its edible fruits. It was known to eighteenth-century Virginia planters as the English mulberry. While feeding silkworms on...
5246[Diary entry: 6 March 1765] (Washington Papers)
6th. Grafted 10 Cornation Cherrys on growing Stocks in the Garden—viz. 5 of them in and about the Mint Bed, 3 under the Marella Cherry tree 1 on a Stock in the middle of the border of the East square, and just above the 2d. fall (note this Graff is on the Northernmost fork of Do. On the Westernmost one is a Bullock Heart & on the Easternmost one is a May Cherry out of the Cherry Walk) 1 other...
5247From George Washington to Crosbies & Trafford, 6 March 1765 (Washington Papers)
Captn McCabe has prevaild on me to believe, that you will render me an agreeable Acct of Sales for a Ton of Tobacco; to try the event therefore and oblige him I now Inclose you a Bill of Loading for four Hhds, which you will please to dispose of to the best advantage. In return, I shoud be obligd to you for sending me one of the Rotheram (or Patent Plows)—If the construction of them are not...
5248From George Washington to Carlyle & Adam, 9 March 1765 (Washington Papers)
So soon as Mr Lund Washington returns from Fredk I shall cause my Wheat to be delivered at your Landing on four Miles run Creek, if Flats can get to it conveniently: but previous to this I shoud be glad to know determinately upon what terms you expect to receive it that is whether by weight or measure. I once thought I had agreed with Colo. Carlyle at 58 lbs. to the Bushel but it seems it was...
5249To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac All, 12 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I with great pleasure Acknowlege the Receipt of your favour of the 3d. and am very glad to hear You have such late news from your family and friends at Philada. I hope their health will be continued and yourself soon restored never more to be seperated from them. I am much better then when I wrote you but have been Oblig’d since that time to undergo a Very...
5250To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 15 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Vessel from Ireland to New York brought us the most agreeable news of your safe arrival in London the 13th. of Decemr., which occassion’d as great and general a Joy in Pensylvania, among those, whose esteem an honest man woud value most, and as much to the confusion of the rest, as ever I saw; The Bells rang, on that Account till near midnight, Libations...
5251To Benjamin Franklin from John Hope, 15 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was favoured with your obliging letter of the 25 feb two days ago and same day the box of seeds came to hand the assortment of which gave general satisfaction. But on examining the parcels we found several of the seeds quite spoilt particularly the acorns magnolia and honey Locust and Besides several of the seeds were all mixed so together that the...
5252[Diary entry: 15 March 1765] (Washington Papers)
15. Grafted 6 Early May duke Cherrys in the Nursery, beginng. at that end of the first Row next to the Lane—the Row next the Quarter is meant—at the end of this a stake drove in. Also Grafted joining to these in the same Row 6 of the latter May dukes—which are all the Cherrys in the Row. Also Grafted 7 Bullock Heart Cherrys in the last Row.
5253To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 22 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not one Word from you yet: No Packet since the December one arrived: But your Friends happily heard of your Arrival in England, by an Article of News brought by a Vessel to New York from Ireland. Otherwise, we should all have been in Pain and Distress about you till this Day: that News arrived 14 Days ago: I wrote you twice or thrice since your Departure...
5254Vestry Elections in Truro and Fairfax Parishes, 25–28 March 1765 (Washington Papers)
Vestry chosen for Truro Parish Vestry chosen for Fairfax Parish 25th March 1765 with the Number of Votes to each 28th March 1765 with the Number of Votes to each Mr Edward Payne 234 Colo. John West 340 Colo. George Mason 210 Mr Charles Alexander 309 Captn Daniel McCarty 181 Mr William Payne 304 Mr Thomas Wither’s Coffer 174 Captn John Dalton 281
5255To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 25 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote thee, on the 14th Instant by a Vessell bound for Hull, in which Vessell went Passengers, Capt. Hay and some other Officers, and in that Letter I inclosd thee Four depositions, relative to the Goods (designd for the treaty at Pittsburgh) being burnt and destroy’d by a Number of the Inhabitants of Cumberland County; which Depositions &c. I hope will...
5256To Benjamin Franklin from Conte Giovanni Baptista Carburi, 27 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Comte Carburi fait mille compliments à Mr. le Doc[teu]r Franklin, et lui fait savoir que le Duc de Marlborough seroit charmé de l’avoir chez lui à Marlborough house vendredi prochain, environ à midi, et de le voir faire les experiences Electriques. Ainsi le Dr. Franklin est prié de dire s’il pourra y être, et s’il à besoin de voir auparavant la machine...
5257To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 27 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. French’s compliments to Docr. Franklin desires the favor of his Company to Morrow Evening to a little Music. Several notes and letters between BF and Mrs. Katherine French survive, often brief messages written in the third person, inviting him to her home for dinner, music, or a game of chess. A few of their letters suggest her interest in books on...
5258To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 30 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received Yesterday some Letters from my Brother via N York tho’ of a prior Date to our last Intelligences from Philada. Yet I thought it would not be improper to mention the following paragraph. “I have but little News to add, save acquainting thee that our Assembly was to have met the Night before last (Janry 7th) but the Deep Snow has prevented the...
5259[Diary entry: 30 March 1765] (Washington Papers)
30. Grafted 48 Pears which stand as follows viz. in the 3d. Row beging. at the end next the Cherry Walk are 12 Spanish Pears. Next to these are 8 Early June Pears then 10 latter Burgamy—then 8 Black Pear of Worcester—and lastly 10 Early Burgamy. Note all these Pears came from Colo. Masons & between each sort a stick is drove down. The Rows are counted from the end of the Quarter. This day also...
5260Cash Accounts, April 1765 (Washington Papers)
Cash Apl 1— To Ditto [cash] of Mr Lund Washington £ 8. 0.0 25— To Ditto of Ditto 7. 0.0 Contra Apl 8— By Josias Cook 5. 0.0 By [Thomas] Bishops E[x]p[enses]s to Churchills Sale 0. 4.9 9— By Cash lent Jno. Askew 3. 0.0 24— By Mr Lund Washington 16. .0 25—
The Committee who was directed to take a Plan and make Division of the North Commons (so called) at the Meeting of the Town in March last past having proceeded on that affair and have taken a Plan thereof Excepting the following peices (viz.) about Three acres taken off by the Road at the Swamp called purgatory swamp, about four acres taken off by the Road or Towns Way between Benja. Savels...
5262To Benjamin Franklin from William Robertson, 1 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library I had the honour of your Letter of March 4th. When our Friend Mr. Strahan first wrote to me with regard to Mr. Stiles I was perfectly satisfied that a man whom you admitted to such a share in your estimation and friendship was well entitled to any academical honour we could confer upon him. I was happy to find that my Brethren were of the same sentiments when I...
5263From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 2 April 1765 (Jay Papers)
After we parted last Saturday Evening I retired to my Room, and spent the remaining part of it in reflecting upon the Transactions of the Day, particularly such of them as emediately related to our present and future Connection. I always find myself greatly embarrassed, when I attempt to speak my Sentiments on a Subject that very nearly concerns me; it was this which prevented me from saying...
5264To Benjamin Franklin from George Mercer, 4 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the Liberty to wait on you to consult you upon some Quaeries which were sent me from the Stamp Office, which I confess myself incapable to answer. As I would wish to have the Matter properly represented, and am convinced Sir there is no one so capable to instruct me as yourself, I must beg you’ll give me Leave to wait on you to morrow Morning at any...
5265To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 5 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have made Bold to Send you a turtle in the Ship hannover packet Capt. Price as also two pair of Spanish Birds Called hear patriges which are much admired hear. I have Directed them to the Care of messrs mildred and Roberts of Lond[on]. I thought not proper to Let the Capt know they whear for you as I well no how matters stand with him. I hope they will...
5266To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 7–12 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Aprill 7 this day is Cumpleet 5 munthes senes you lefte your one House. I did reseve a letter from the Capes senes that not one line. I due supose that you did write by the Jan packit but that is not arived as yit. Miss Wikeof Came and told me that you was arived and was well that her Brother had wrote her he had seen you mr. Neet has wrote that you was...
5267To Benjamin Franklin from Ephraim Brown, 12 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the greatest Respect I take the Freedom by this Packet to congratulate you on your safe arrival in England. I wrote a Line by the last Packet, which I hope you have receiv’d. His Excellency Governor Franklin and Lady, and Mr. Foxcroft, happen’d to be at Mrs. Franklin’s when your agreeable Letters came to hand. We go on well with the Post-Office, and...
5268To John Jay from Peter Jay, 15 April 1765 (Jay Papers)
On receipt of this Letter, you must immediately deliver the inclosed to M r . Auchmuty— As much noise is made in Town abo t . Jemmy’s suffering the Bills of the Govern rs . of the College to be returned protested, I send you the rough draught of my Letter to M r . Auchmuty on that head—Jemmy is indeed very remiss for ^ in ^ not sending his Reasons to them for his Proceedg s :, and so are the...
5269To Benjamin Franklin from Trevor Newland, 17 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Forc’d out of Town at an hours warning by a Gentleman who insisted upon my taking a seat in his carriage to Bath, prevented my Waiting upon you, not only for the Memorandum relative to Lecock, but to say fare well, which I hope you’ll excuse. I now find myself distant from Lecock between five and six miles, I shall have ocasion to go that road verry soon,...
5270From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Quartering British troops in America was a problem which in 1755 had not been solved to the satisfaction of either the Army or the colonists. From the Army’s point of view the principal difficulty was the colonists’ contention that those sections of the British Mutiny Act that regulated quartering did not apply to them because they had never been specifically...