931To George Washington from Horatio Sharpe, 20 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
Information having been given me in May last that certain Inhabitants of this County, called Jerrard Jordan, Joseph Broadaway, William Harrison & Robert Harrison, had committed a Riot, & spoke treasonable Words against His Majesty & his Government, which Information was supported & confirmed by several Depositions to the same purports that were transmitted me as from some Soldiers in the...
932From George Washington to James Innes, 22 September 1754 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Innes, 22 Sept. 1754. On 27 Sept. 1754 Innes wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 22d from Alexa I recd.”
933To George Washington from James Innes, 27 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 22d from Alexa. I recd & shou’d be extreamly glade to see you at Winchester, was it any way consistant with my situation to leave this without orders, with which you’ll please aquaint Major Carlyle and that he would forgive me for not writing to him for I realy have not the time without delaying the Express, if the Governr hath orderd your Regiment here it would be very...
934To George Washington from James Mackay, 28 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
About a fortneight ago I went down to Penselvania and on my Return about Three days ago I Was favourd wt yours Without a date[.] I am Sorry to faind your assambly met to So litle purposs. Govr Morris is arrivd at Philadelphia by this time he Was at New York thess ten days they are in hops of grate matters when there new assambly meets (which is to be Elected the first of Octr) as they are...
935From George Washington to John Robinson and the House of Burgesses, October 1754 (Washington Papers)
We, the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, are higly sensible of the particular Mark of Distinction, with which you have honoured Us, in returning your Thanks for our Behaviour in the late Action: and can not help testifying our grateful Acknowledgments, for your high sense, of what We shall always esteem a Duty to our Country, and to the best of Kings. Favoured with your Regard, We shall...
936Account with the Colony of Virginia, October 1754 (Washington Papers)
Dr The Country in Acct—with George Washington Cr 1754 Apl 6 To Expences of the Regimt at Edward Thompsons in Marching up 2 16 6 May 31 8 To Bacon for Do of John Vestal at Shenandoah & Ferriages over 1 9 By Cash of Majr Carlyle— 23 12 9 10 To Cash to B. Hamilton for discovering the plot of 4 Soldrs to Desert 1 4 To Cash to Mr Wood 17 6 8 By Do of the Right...
937To George Washington from Horatio Sharpe, 1 October 1754 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to learn that any Person has represented, any Expressions or Observation of mine concerning the late Engagement to You in such a light as may give You cause for the least uneasiness. indeed at seeing some things inserted in the Publick papers soon after the Action, & at hearing other Stories that were propagated, & which for want of a more timely Confutation, made an impression on...
938Scheme of the First Academy Lottery, 3 October 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , October 3, 1754. Scheme of a Lottery , for raising 3000 Pieces of Eight, for the Use of the Academy at Philadelphia. The Purchase of Ground and Buildings for the Academy, the Alterations and Improvements that were necessary to accommodate the Scholars, and the furnishing of the several Schools, having, all together, prov’d an Expence far beyond their first...
939From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 14 October 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have yours of the 4th Inst. and find the Election has turn’d out as I expected. I am glad Rutherford has refus’d to undertake the Stage; for I did not like your proposing it to him. I admire Mr. Colden was so unready; I thought every thing had been fully explain’d to him. Poor Mr. Hunter is relaps’d into his last Summer Fever; and has kept his Bed these 8 Days,...
940To George Washington from John Ridout, 14 October 1754 (Washington Papers)
The Receipt of Yours by the Express Yesterday His Excellency desires me to acknowledge; which that I do so briefly You will be kind enough to excuse & attribute to my being in some hast to make preparations for accompanying the Governor to Williamsburgh, for which place He is just about to embark, & from the Contents of Your Letter expects to have the pleasure of seeing You there also. in the...
941Invoice, 23 October 1754 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Goods Shipd by Anthony Bacon on board the Ruby Captn Edward Ogle pr Maryland, on Acct and risque, and by order of Jno. Carlyle Esqr. [£] [s] [d] s. d. Bought of 1 Gold Shoulder Knott 2. 8. Lucy Hatton. 6 Yards gold Regim Lace 10/6 3. 3. 0 £5.11. Ditto of John Towers 24 rich gold Embroidd Loops 3/3 3.18 4½ yds plated gold Vellum 16d 6 2 doz. 4 gold wyre Cô 6/ 14
942From George Washington to John Robinson, 23 October 1754 (Washington Papers)
Nothing could have given me, and the Officers under my command, greater satisfaction, than to have received the thanks of the House of Burgesses, in so particular and honourable a manner, for our Behaviour in the late unsuccessful Engagement with the French at the Great-Meadows; and we unanimously hope, that our future Conduct in the Service of our Country, may entitle us to a continuance of...
943From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 4 November 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am favoured with yours of July 31. and Augt. 5. which came to hand since my Arrival here. I hear from Mr. Parker, that the Goods for Connecticut were safe arrived at New York, and that he had sent them to Newhaven: I thank you for your Care in that Matter. Inclosed you have a second Bill for £20 Sterling drawn by Mrs. Stevens on Alexr. Grant Esqr: the first I...
944To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 4 November 1754 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Pleasure of Seeing You, I am Convinc’d by the Governour of Maryland that You may Hold Your Commission with Honour & satisfaction. In Regard to Innis he has only a Commission to be Camp Master General which will Confine him to a Seperate Duty. I shall have the Honour to Command in the Governours absence, & as I shall Act by his Particular Instructions, You may rest satisfy’d...
945From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 15 November 1754 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter, from Rousby-Hall, of the 4th Instant. It demands my best acknowledgments, for the particular marks of Esteem you have expressed therein; and for the kind assurances of his Excellency, Governour Sharp’s good wishes towards me. I also thank you, and sincerely, Sir, for your friendly intention of making my situation easy, if I return to the Service; and do not...
946To Benjamin Franklin from William Daniell, 16 November 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Receiv’d 10 Rm. of Paper for which I am Greatly Oblig’d to you for as it Came very Opportunitely. I Beg you will be Kind Enough to Send per first Oppertunity 50 Rm. More of the Like kind as Also (in persuance to my former Letters) a Sheet of Each Sort You Make, I beg Leave to Remind You once More of Sending Me the Rest of my Order as I am Realy much in...
947From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Darling and Nathan Whiting, 25 November 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I hoped to have had the Pleasure of seeing you at New Haven long before this time, but the Sickness of my Fellow Traveller Mr. Hunter, and various Accidents have hitherto prevented: I hope however to be there in three or four Weeks at farthest. I suppose you long since received the Press, Types and Stationary I ordered into your Care. My Nephews that are Printers...
948From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, [3 December 1754] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The London Chronicle , February 8, 1766. This letter and those to Shirley of December 4 and 22, printed below, were published in William Strahan’s London Chronicle , Feb. 8, 1766, while the repeal of the Stamp Act was under debate in the House of Commons. They were prefaced by a letter to the printer from “A Lover of Britain,” whom Verner W. Crane has identified as...
949From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, [4 December 1754] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: British Museum I mention’d it Yesterday to your Excellency as my Opinion, that Excluding the People of the Colonies from all Share in the Choice of the Grand Council would probably give extreme Dissatisfaction, as well as the Taxing them by Act of Parliament where they have no Representative. In Matters of General Concern to the People, and especially where Burthens are to be laid upon...
950I., 10 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum The Division of the Slaves of the late Lawrence Washington Esqr. as made pursuant to the last Will and Testament of the Said Lawrence is hereunto annexd: and that Moiety of the said Slaves, the use of which by the Will aforesaid was devis’d to the Widow of the said Law[renc]e during her Life, George Lee Esqr. of Westmoreland County who Intermarried with the said Widow doth hereby...
951II., 10 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
A Division of the Negros made, and agreed to between Colo. George Lee and the Brothers of the deceasd Majr Lawrence Washington the 10th day of December Anno Domini 1754– Colo. Lee &ca part The Estates part Old Moll £25 Phebe £35 Lawrence 60 Peter 60 Ben 40 Pharrow 40 Will 40 Abram 40 Frank
952From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 12 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received here your Favour of the 9th of Augt. and have forwarded that directed to our Friend Mr. Elliot. I thank you for your Remarks on the French Maps: We have a new Map going forward in Pensilvania, of the Western Country, or back Parts of our Province, and Virginia, and the Ohio and Lakes, &c. by Lewis Evans, who is for that purpose furnished with all...
953Lease of Mount Vernon, 17 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
This Indenture made this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord God One thousand Seven Hundred & fifty four Between George Lee of the County of westmorland and Colony of Virginia Gentleman and Ann his wife of the one part and George Washington of the County of King George and Colony aforesaid Gentleman of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Lee and Ann his wife for and...
954To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 20 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yr Letter but at prest cannot order You the Money You say due you as Adjutt[.] wn the Council meets I shall let them know Yr Demd & if they agree with me it will be pd —I am Sir Yr humble Servt LB , ViHi : Dinwiddie Papers. The letter has not been found. While he was in Williamsburg in Oct. 1754 GW received £50 for “my Salary as Adjutant” ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772....
955From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, 22 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The London Chronicle , February 8, 1766. Since the conversation your Excellency was pleased to honour me with, on the subject of uniting the Colonies more intimately with Great Britain, by allowing them Representatives in Parliament, I have something further considered that matter, and am of opinion, that such an Union would be very acceptable to the Colonies,...
956Benjamin Franklin and William Hunter: Commission to Thomas Vernon, 24 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: New York Public Library Benjamin Franklin , and William Hunter , Esquires, D. Post-Masters-General of all His Majesty’s Provinces and Dominions on the Continent of North-America . To All to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting, Know Ye , That We having received good Testimony of the Fidelity, and Loyalty to His Majesty, of Mr. Thomas Vernon of...
957From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 29 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I wrote a few Lines by a Vessel that went from hence about 2 Weeks since, acknowledging the Receipt of your several Favours of July 30. Augt. 6, and 23. and Sept. 18. Sundry Affairs have retarded my Return home, but tomorrow I purpose to set out. I am much oblig’d to you for the favourable Light you put me in, to our Proprietor, as mention’d in yours of July 30. I...
958From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 30 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Rochester Library; also transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society The enclos’d I intended to send to London but have not yet sent any Part of it. Some of the Letters being yours, I ought first to have your Permission. When you have perus’d the whole, please to send it after me per Post to Rhodeisland, where I expect to be at least 10 Days. My Compliments to Mrs. Bowdoin,...
959From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, [30 December 1754?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I return your Excellency the Papers you have been pleas’d to favour me with the Perusal of. I really can think of nothing to add on the Topics you mention’d to me; but am of Opinion that the Force and Impression of the Matters contain’d in the 5 first and 3 last Pages, would be greater, if they might be read together, and were not disjoin’d by the...
960Literary Commonplace Book, 1755 – 1756 (Adams Papers)
Harvard College(?) and Worcester, mainly compiled in 1755–1756 , with some possibly earlier entries and one (not in JA ’s hand) much later. This is a MS book ( Adams Papers , M/JA/8; Microfilms , Reel No. 187), measuring 8″ x 6″, bound in vellum and containing 182 (unnumbered) pages, including occasional blank leaves or pages and a folded sheet of four pages laid in loose at the back that may...
961[Harvard and Worcester, 1751-1755] (Adams Papers)
The two last years of my Residence at Colledge, produced a Clubb of Students, I never knew the History of the first rise of it, who invited me to become one of them. Their plan was to spend their Evenings together, in reading any new publications, or any Poetry or Dramatic Compositions, that might fall in their Way. I was as often requested to read as any other, especially Tragedies, and it...
962Poor Richard Improved, 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1755 . … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) It is a common Saying, that One Half of the World does not know how the other Half lives . To add somewhat to your Knowledge in that Particular, I gave you in a former Almanack, an Account...
963To George Washington from Adam Stephen, January–February 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is with the greatest Chearfulness that I comply with your Desire in letting the Soldiers enjoy your Gratuity mention’d to Capt. Perouny: Believe me, Sir, we well always Set a high value upon every Mark of your Esteem, and for my own part it gives me the Greatest uneasiness to have Reason to believe that I do not Enjoy the same Share of your Confidence and friendship that I once was happy...
964To Benjamin Franklin from George Whitefield, 17 January 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from A Select Collection of Letters of the late Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (London, 1772), III , 114–15. I hope that this will find you safely arrived at Philadelphia, from your northward expedition, and ready to come further southwards. This leaves me in my last Virginia stage, near the borders of North-Carolina. People as I came along have been very willing to...
965To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 27 January 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Harvard College Library (Sparks) Your collection of philosophical papers I have perused with a great deal of pleasure. I take notice that several letters of mine to you make a part of it, which gave me an additional pleasure, as it places me in some respect in a situation I should always be glad personally to be in, near my friend Franklin. There are several things in the...
966To Benjamin Franklin from William Clarke, 3 February 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Massachusetts Historical Society When you was in Boston I thought you a wise man; that you had some knowledge of humane Nature and Politicks, as well as of natural Philosophy; but if you have no greater pretensions to the latter, than you have to the former, I am afraid lest you be obliged to give up all claim to either; for it has been proved by some of our own wise men and Boys, (for...
967Ezra Stiles: Oration, 5 February 1755 (Franklin Papers)
AD and draft: Yale University Library In September 1753 Yale College conferred on Franklin the honorary degree of Master of Arts (above, p. 58), in absentia, since he was involved in Assembly business in Philadelphia. On his leisurely trip home from Boston in 1755, however, he stopped over in New Haven to visit friends, and Ezra Stiles, knowing of this plan in advance, prepared a Latin oration...
968From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Ray, [March 1755–April 1755] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society [I told him that as] I did not know her, I must refer him for Advice to his good Friends in Boston, who could better adapt it to Situations, Tempers and Circumstances. Only this I hinted in general, that I thought he would do well not to be too forward in Professions of Love, till by his Assiduities and little Services he had made some Progress in...
969From Benjamin Franklin to James Birkett, 1 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am but just returned from a long Journey, after near 6 Months Absence, and find your Favour of Sept. 29. by which I have the agreable Advice that you expect to be able to remit me something in Smith’s Affairs very soon. As to the Thickness of Wire necessary or sufficient to conduct a large Quantity of Lightning; concerning which you desire my Sentiments; you...
970To George Washington from Robert Orme, 2 March 1755 (Washington Papers)
The General having been informd that you exprest some desire to make the Campaigne, but that you declind it upon some disagreeableness that you thought might arise from the Regulation of Command, has orderd me to acquaint you that he will be very glad of your Company in his Family, by which all inconveniences of that kind will be obviated. I shall think myself very happy to form an...
971From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Ray, 4 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library Your kind Letter of January 20. is but just come to hand, and I take this first Opportunity of acknowledging the Favour. It gives me great Pleasure to hear that you got home safe and well that Day. I thought too much was hazarded, when I saw you put off to Sea in that very little Skiff, toss’d by every Wave. But the Call was strong and just, a sick Parent. I stood...
972To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 10 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New-York Historical Society J’etois a paris en 1752 lorsque Les experiences sur lelectricité que vous aviez communiqué a Mr. Collinson parurent traduite en nôtre langue. Je fus temoin De l’admiration qu’elles causerent dans cette Capitale. Je suivois pour lors un Cours de phisique chez Mr. L’abbé Nollet qui nous en repeta plusieures bien singulieres; comme il n’est point douteux que vos...
973Scheme of the Second Academy Lottery, 11 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , March 11, 1755. Before their lottery for 3000 pieces of eight (see above, p. 435) was drawn, the trustees of the Academy of Philadelphia, encouraged by the approval of a charter making their institution a college (issued on May 14), announced a second lottery, to raise 9375 pieces of eight for maintenance, scientific apparatus, and endowment of salaries....
974From Benjamin Franklin to John and Thomas Leverett, 11 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Mrs. Franklin is confident that she sent 20 Reams of the Paper I order’d for you, but has no Bill of Lading for it, and has forgot the Captain’s Name. Please to enquire of Mr. Williams, whether it came to him. If not perhaps it was sent per Dole, and Mr. Williams can tell where he usually stores the Goods he leaves in Boston. Lest you should be under any...
975To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 12 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Yale University Library This accompanies your Letters and Manuscript, which I have perused with very great Pleasure and Admiration. Please to accept my grateful Acknowledgments for them. Must ask your Pardon for not Returning them sooner — but as sundry Gentlemen here were desirous to read them, I hoped your Benevolence and Love of Communicating ingenious Discoveries to Mankind, would...
976Electrical Experiments, 14 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: The Royal Society Electrical Experiments , made in pursuance of those per Mr. Canton, dated Decr. 3[6]. 1753. With Explanations by B.F. I. Electric Atmospheres that flow round non electric Bodies, being brought near each other, do not readily mix and unite into one Atmosphere, but remain separate and repel each other. This is plainly seen in suspended Cork Balls, and other Bodies...
977From George Washington to Robert Orme, 15 March 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was not favourd with your agreeable polite Letter (of the Ins⟨t⟩ un 2d) till Yesterday; acquainting me with the notice his Excellency Genl is pleased Braddoc⟨k⟩ to honour me with, by kindly desireing my Company in inviting me to become one of his Family. the ensuing campayn It s is
978From Benjamin Franklin to John Franklin, 16 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sang, Chicago, Illinois (1959) I am pleas’d to hear you are looking out for Proofs to prosecute that Carrier. Don’t let it be neglected. Your Ambassadors are not yet arrived. Having nothing else to make a Letter of, let me complain a little of your Smith that shod our Horses. We order’d them to be sharp shod, and the Shoes steel’d. Accordingly he charg’d £8 for 16...
979From Benjamin Franklin to John Lining, 18 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity (London, 1769), pp. 319–28. I send you enclosed a paper containing some new experiments I have made, in pursuance of those by Mr. Canton that are printed with my last letters. I hope these, with my explanation of them, will afford you some entertainment. In answer to your several enquiries. The tubes...
980Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 19 March 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 71–2. On December 3, 1754, when the Pennsylvania House had reassembled, Governor Robert Hunter Morris informed them of French advances in the Ohio region and again urged them to take defensive measures. He supported his appeal with several documents, one a letter of July 5, 1754, from Sir...