Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780

From Richard Bache

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Philadelphia Decr. 20th. 1780.

Dear Sir

I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes,6 on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third.7

We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate,8 the next Post will bring his Letters, when I hope to hear from you— Sally & the Children are well, they join me in Love & Duty— I am Dear & Hond. Sir Your affectionate Son

Rich: Bache

You will herewith receive the Gazetts & Journals, the Advertiser, & Dutch papers I sent per Shelala—
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Passy / per Ship Franklin / Capt. Angus9

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6This letter never arrived because the Shelala (Sellelagh, Shellelagh) was lost at sea; Consul-designate William Palfrey was aboard: XXXIII, 474; Smith, Letters, XVII, 256. Her master was Alexander Holmes, an experienced captain: Claghorn, Naval Officers, p. 154.

7Bache was sending bills of exchange for the interest on BF’s loan office certificates; see XXIII, 280–1n; XXVII, 601; XXIX, 273–4; XXXI, 19; XXXII, 175–6; XXXIII, 474.

8The Kensington, Capt. Samuel Smith (XXXI, 461n; XXXIII, 474), arrived in Boston on Dec. 7 after a 28–day passage from France: Pennsylvania Gaz., Dec. 20.

9John Angus, a former lieutenant in the American Navy, commanded the Pa. brig Franklin, 18: Claghorn, Naval Officers, p. 6.

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