From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 29 October 1761
To Mary Stevenson
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Cravenstreet, Oct. 29. 61.
My dear Polly’s good Mama bids me write two or three Lines by way of Apology for her so long omitting to write. She acknowledges the Receiving two agreable Letters lately from her beloved Daughter, enclosing one for Sally Franklin which was much approv’d (excepting one Word only) and sent as directed. The Reasons of her not Writing are; That her Time all Day is fully taken up during the Day-Light, with the Care of her Family and—laying abed in the Morning. And her Eyes are so bad, that she cannot see to write in the Evening—for Playing at Cards. So she hopes, that one who is all Goodness, will certainly forgive her, when her Excuses are so substantial. As for the Secretary, he has not a Word to say in his own Behalf, tho’ full as great an Offender, but throws himself upon Mercy; pleading only that he is with the greatest Esteem and sincerest Regard his dear Polly’s ever affectionate Friend
B Franklin
Endorsed: Oct 29–61
3. Not identified.
4. In one of the letters to her mother mentioned above, Polly seems to have said that this young man was soon coming to London. Writing to an unnamed young cousin, apparently in the army overseas, Dec. 17, 1761, Polly reported that “Your old Companion Tom White is come to England, and his brother Hugh is settled in Jamaica.” APS. “Mr. White” is not otherwise identified.