Benjamin Franklin Papers

From Benjamin Franklin to Katherine French, 26 February 1771

To [Katherine French]

ALS: Yale University Library

Cravenstreet, Feb. 27 [26?], 1770 [1771]8

Dear Madam,

After so full an Opinion in favour of your Friend’s Work from the late learned Dr. Sharpe, my Sentiments of it seem unnecessary, as they can add no Weight. They will appear, however, by my requesting that Five Sets more may be sent me, which I intend as Presents to my Friends the Speakers of so many American Assemblies or Parliaments. These added to the Set you have favour’d me with the Perusal of, will, at the alter’d Rate in the Printed Proposals, amount to Six Guineas, which shall be paid to the Bearer, by Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant9

B Franklin

I do not recollect that any Part of the Work was shown to me before.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

8The day of the month is overwritten; the year is clearly an error, for BF is replying to the preceding document.

9BF was trusting enough to provide the money in advance. On Feb. 28 he paid the six guineas (Jour., p. 31; Ledger, p. 43); Mrs. French replied (below, March 1) that she did not yet have the additional five sets.

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