To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Loudoun, 20 February 1757
From the Earl of Loudoun
Copy: Huntington Library
New York, February 20th, 1757.
Sir
As I have been informed by Mr. Colden,4 that You have been enquiring when the packet for England was to sail, in Order to Your Taking Your Passage in her, I have taken this Opportunity to acquaint You, that there will be another packet to sail as soon as I return from Philadelphia, which I suppose will be about the 25th. of March. And as I have several very material Things to settle for the Security of Back Settlements of the Southern Provinces, I shou’d be extremely Glad if Your Affairs wou’d permit Your putting off Your Departure till the second packet sails, as I know Your Presence will be of great Use in forwarding whatever shall be found necessary to be done.5
I am, &ca.
Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. at Philadelphia.
4. Alexander Colden (above, VI, 359 n), postmaster at New York.
5. Loudoun had planned a council of war with the governors from Pennsylvania southward in Philadelphia on February 17, but subsequently postponed it to March 14. Pargellis, Lord Loudoun, p. 218. BF had already placed his sea stores on board the packet Halifax, Captain Morris, which left New York on March 15, but he agreed to stay in Philadelphia and meet Loudoun; see below, p. 143. The “second packet” with BF aboard did not sail until June 20, 1757.