From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 January 1772
To Sir Alexander Dick5
ALS: New York Public Library
London, Jan. 11. 1772
Dear Sir,
My last Expedition6 convinc’d me that I grow too old for Rambling, and that ’twas probable I should never make such another Journey. ’Tis an uncomfortable Thing, the Parting with Friends one hardly expects ever again to see. This, with some occasional Hindrances, prevented my calling at Preston Fields after my Return from Glasgow: But my Heart was with you and your dear Family, and my best Wishes attended you all. Sir John Pringle rejoic’d with me on the Account I gave him of the Recovery of your Health, which I pray God may long continue. Pray present my respectful Compliments to Lady Dick, and to Miss Dick.7 Many happy New Years to you and all yours. I am, with the sincerest Esteem, Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Sir Alexr Dick, Bart.
5. BF’s old friend, the president of the Edinburgh College of Physicians. For him, Lady Dick, and their home that BF mentions at Prestonfield House see above, VIII, 440 n.
6. His tour of Ireland and Scotland, which had ended some weeks before.
7. Probably the eldest daughter, Janet (1749–1806); see Margaret A. Forbes, Curiosities of a Scots Charta Chest … (Edinburgh, 1897), p. 185; Scots Mag., LXVIII (1806), 488.