Benjamin Franklin Papers

From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 30 March 1756

To Deborah Franklin

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Williamsburg, March 30. 1756

My dear Child

I wrote to you via New York the Day after my Arrival, acquainting you that I had a fine Journey and Passage down the Bay, being but four Days from Philadelphia to Col. Hunter’s,7 tho’ stopt near a Day on the Road. I have been well ever since, quite clear of the Dizziness I complain’d of, and as gay as a Bird, not beginning yet to long for home, the Worry of perpetual Business being yet fresh in my Memory. Mr. Hunter8 is much better than I expected to find him, and we are daily employ’d in Settling our Affairs. About the End of the Week we are to take a Tour into the Country.9 Virginia is a pleasant Country, now in full Spring; the People extreamly obliging and polite. I return in the Man of War to New York, with Col. Hunter and his Lady; at least this is propos’d; but if a more convenient Opportunity offers, perhaps I may not stay so long as the End of next Month, when that Ship is to sail.1 Present my Duty to Mother, Love to Billy, Sally and the rest, not forgetting that Goody. My Respects to Mr. Masters, and all the Officers; and in short to all Philadelphia.2 Mr. Hunter presents his Compliments. I am, my dear Debby, Your loving Husband

B Franklin

P.S. Deliver Col. Hunter’s Money to Mr. Balfour.3

[On inside page:] The Prints for Mr. Hall.4

Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / per favr of / Mr Balfour

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

7John Hunter.

8William Hunter.

9BF was writing on a Tuesday; the tour would begin April 2 or 3.

1The ship was probably HMS Garland, commanded by Capt. Marriot Arbuthnot; see below, p. 432 n. The precise time and route of BF’s return to Philadelphia are not known.

2William Masters was lieutenant colonel of BF’s regiment. See above, p. 411 n, for activities which had recently given BF considerable prominence before “all Philadelphia.”

3James Balfour, who had accompanied BF down the Chesapeake, now going back to Philadelphia.

4Probably indicating that BF had also sent copies of the Virginia Gazette from which David Hall might glean news for his paper.

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