From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1 March 1769
To Deborah Franklin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
London, March 1. 1769
My dear Child,
I received yours of Jan. 3. per Packet, and one from Sally. I wrote to you very fully by the late Ships. This is only to let you know I am well, and particularly that my Arms, which you enquire after, have perfectly recover’d their Strength. Your Account of Mr. Coleman’s fresh Disorder, grieves me exceedingly.7 I have had a Visit from Mr. Bache’s Sister, who appears a very agreable, genteel, sensible young Woman.8 My Love to Sally and our other Children. Remember me affectionately to Mr. Rhoads, Roberts9 and other Friends. Send word to Billy that I have receiv’d his Letter of Jan. 4. which I shall answer fully per Sparks. I am as ever, my dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband
B Franklin
I received Sally’s little Letter with yours and enclose one from Miss Bache for her.
Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / via N York / per Packet / B Free Franklin
7. Judge William Coleman, BF’s old friend, had come to England in the spring of 1768 for an operation, apparently for cancer, and had returned in the autumn; he died on Jan. 11, 1769. See above, XV, 139, 174 n.
8. Richard Bache had several sisters, one of whom, Martha, was living with her mother in Preston, Lancs., a few years later: Mrs. Mary Bache to BF, Feb. 5, 1772, APS.
9. For Samuel Rhoads and Hugh Roberts see above, respectively, II, 406 n; V, 11 n.