To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 15 November 1772
From Nathaniel Falconer
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia Novr. 15th. 1772
Dear Sir,
This serves to acquaint you I have sent you by Captn. Sutton8 one barrel of Newtown Pippens, one Cask of shell Bark Hickory nutts and two Kegs of bread which I hope will come safe to hand as the ship is going a voyage that was very disagreeable to me. I have concluded to stay at home this Winter, so that I shant have the Pleasure of keeping Christmas with you this year. I was a few days ago at Burlington, and spent some hours with your Son. He read me that part of your Letter where you mention’d receiving my Letter from the Downs for which I return you many thanks for your kind offer.9 If Mr. Wharton shoud, as I am not like to return to London, say he has not Received any mony on my account which I can hardly think he will Mr. Daniel Mildred who paid the money will at any time make it appear.1 I am very sorry Sir to give you any trouble about this matter but you know how the matter is and unless your kindness obtain it for me, it is very plain I shall neither get Land or my money back again, your son shew’d me the Claims made by the Virginia Company and his Remarks thereon if their Claime is good the remaining part of the grant will not be worth half the purchas’d money.2 My best Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. Hewson, and Miss Hewson, Sally Franklin and Master Temple. I am Dear Sir, with great Regard Your most humble Servant
Nath Falconer
Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / in / Craven Street, Strand. / London / per favor / Cap. Sutton
8. James Sutton, master of the Catherine, cleared for London a day or two later: Pa. Gaz., Nov. 18, 1772.
9. BF’s letter to WF has been lost, but it doubtless contained an assurance that he would advance Falconer money if need be, as the latter had asked when writing from the Downs (above, Sept. 2). BF repeated the assurance in replying to the present letter, but the Captain sold his right to the Whartons. See below, BF to Falconer, Feb. 14, and Falconer to BF, May 13, 1773.
1. See Falconer’s letter above, Sept. 2.
2. See WF to BF above, Oct. 13, 29.