From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 24 March 1776
To James Bowdoin
ALS: Massachusetts Historical Society
Philada. Mar. 24. 1776.
My dear Friend,
Inclos’d is an Answer to the Request from the Inhabitants of Dartmouth.9 I have comply’d with it upon your Recommendation, and ordered a Post accordingly.
I have put into Mr. Adams’s Hands directed for you, the new Edition of Vattel. When you have perus’d it, please to place it in your College Library.1
I am just setting out for Canada, and have only time to add my best Wishes of Health and Happiness to you and all yours. Permit me to say my Love to Mrs. Bowdoin, and believe me ever, with sincere and great Esteem, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
James Bowdoin Esqr
Addressed: To / The honourable / James Bowdoin, Esqr / Middleborough / Massachusetts Bay / B Free Franklin.
Endorsed: Dr. Benja. Franklin’s Letter Phila. March 24. 1776. abt a Post & Vattel.
9. Since the previous October Bowdoin had been serving as president of the executive council of Massachusetts: DAB. In that capacity he must have requested the establishment of a post office in Dartmouth, now New Bedford.
1. See above, Dumas to BF, May 17, June 30, and BF’s reply of Dec. 9. Harvard’s acknowledgment of the gift is below, Sept. 30.