From Benjamin Franklin to Timothy Horsfield, 28 January 1756
To Timothy Horsfield
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Fort Allen, Jan. 28. 1756
Dear Sir,
I have the Pleasure to inform you that the 6 Waggons are just arriv’d,5 and I suppose all right, tho’ I have not yet had time to examine the Contents. Here are 10 Lehi People buzzing me in both Ears while I write, so can only add my Thanks for your Care and Readiness to serve the Province, and am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Our Compliments to Mr. Spangenberg and to Mrs. Horsefield and all Friends. Thanks for the Beer, &c. &c.
Timo. Horsefield Esqr.
Two Rifles were sent up per the Commissioners for my Son and me. Pray let me know in your next, if they came to your Hands?6
Addressed: To / Timothy Horsefield Esqr / Bethlehem
Dear Sir
There are likewise two Guns an old one by Erwin7 and another sent by Mr. Hughs8 for me. I request the Favour of you to take Care of them. I am Sir with Respects to Mrs. Horsfield Yours
Thos. Lloyd9
Endorsed: Mr: Franklin
5. See above, pp. 367, 370.
6. The first of these two postscripts in BF’s hand is on the same page as the body of the letter; the second, like the note in Thomas Lloyd’s hand, is on the address page, apparently added after the letter had been folded and sealed. This page also carries some arithmetical calculations probably made by Horsfield.
7. Probably Robert Erwin (Irwin), who was appointed, April 12, 1756, chief wagon master and conductor of all boats and canoes for the forces under Col. William Clapham. I Pa. Arch., II, 624–5; III, 64.
8. Probably John Hughes. See above, p. 284 n.
9. On Lloyd see below, p. 380 n.