From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, 10 November 1763
To Joshua Babcock
ALS: Yale University Library
Philada. Nov. 10. 1763
Dear Friend
Your Goodnature will be pleas’d to hear that your Guests went on well after they left you. We got early into New York the next Morning;9 staid there one Day, had a Pleasant Passage over the Bay the next Morning; spent some time with Friends in different Places of the Jerseys, and got safe and well home on Saturday Evening, where we had the additional Happiness of finding all well. Sally joins in grateful Remembrance of your many Civilities and Kindnesses to us, at your House and on the Road; and in best Wishes of every Felicity to you and yours. Our Respects to good Mrs. Babcock, the Colonel and your other Children.1 By next Post you will hear from Mr. Foxcroft and me;2 he presents his Compliments. I am, with sincerest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
Addressed: To / Joshua Babcock Esqr / Westerly / Rhodeisland / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: B. Franklin of 10 Novr. 63 of his Arrival at Philadelphia
9. This statement, in conjunction with BF’s letter to Jane Mecom, November 7 (above, p. 362), makes clear that Babcock, and probably his wife, had accompanied the Franklin party from Westerly to New London and New Haven and then for another day’s journey before they separated on October 30, one night away from New York City.
1. For Babcock’s children, see above, IX, 397 n.
2. Not found; the communication probably related to Babcock’s appointment as postmaster at Westerly, presumably discussed during the visit at his home.