Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from John Smith, 2 November 1764

From John Smith9

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Burlington, 11th mo: 2d. 1764

Esteemed Friend

It is with great pleasure, I hear of thy undertaking a voyage to London, at a time, when not only the province which has deputed thee, but all North America, wants a friend there (and could have no other that I know of) so well qualifyed to serve both the particular and General Interest. May the Divine Blessing attend thy person and Benevolent designs, and Grant thee a safe return to thy family and country, is the fervent Wish of, Thy very Affectionate Friend

John Smith

Dr. Benja. Franklin

Endorsed: John Smith Esqr  Letter, Nov. 2. 1764

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

9For John Smith, a son-in-law of James Logan, a merchant in Philadelphia and Burlington, N.J., an associate of BF’s in the Pa. Hospital, the Assembly, and the Loganian Library, see above, III, 240–3 n; V, 290–330 passim, 423 n. See also Frederick B. Tolles, “A Literary Quaker: John Smith of Burlington and Philadelphia,” PMHB, LXV (1941), 300–33.

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