1371To Benjamin Franklin from John Bard, 18 August 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho the reluctance I have to ask favours of my Friends, Especially when there is too great a probability of its not being convenient, or in their power, to grant them; greatly discourages me in the request I am about to make. Yet while there is the most distant prospect of Success, I can not but hope your Friendship will Excuse me, as a Parent, in...
1372To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 27 August 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Son Josiah is determined to go to London and I Belive Will Sail in about a month. I wish he might be accomidated at Good Mrs. Stevensons if agreeable if this Cant be please to direct the unfortinate Stranger to Some Other Good place. I Shall Send his Brother to take Care off him, it may apper to you Very extrodnary for us to Consent to Such a Step but...
1373To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Alexander, 3 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my return to Scotland, I have been some days in the Country by which means I did not receive your Letter before yesterday. I return you a Thousand Thanks for the Trouble you have taken about the Harpsichord, the one you describe at 33 Guineas is precisely what is wanted and therefore you will please give orders to have it immediately packt up and Sent...
1374To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hopkinson, 6 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Son Thomas will have the Honor to deliver this to you; shall I beg you will condescend to advise and instruct a young Man; although honest and open hearted, yet intirely unacquainted with the world and the Dispositions of those whome it is his Interest to please. Any other Man in your place and Station I could not ask such a Favor of engaged, as you...
1375To Benjamin Franklin from John Borthwick, 8 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I used the Freedom to write you a few Lines at two times from Philadelphia. I have been here for sometime in the high part of the Town and continue to grow better. I had the pleasure of seeing the Governor his Lady, Mrs. Beache and the young Dr. at Burlington, as I passed, in good health, stayed a few days with Mr. Laurence the Mayor with whom I went and...
1376To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Fitzmaurice, 10 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I promised Dr. Hawkesworth that I w’d by this post acquaint you how eagerly we expect your arrival here, we were in hopes that possibly you might have arrived yesterday with Sir Chas. Knowles who means to make a stay of some days here. I flatter myself that you and he will meet yet; he purposes to make a very curious Experiment upon the force and direction...
1377To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Gilpin, [21] September 1770: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from “Memoir of Thomas Gilpin,” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XLIX (1925), 308–9. The silk business is in a fair way and I am convinced will be of consequence if attended to——there are also numbers of minor manufactures which would succeed if parliament would but lay on a few more duties, or as I may say bounties here, for such is the effect of their...
1378To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 23 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Thos. Hopkinson, Son of your old Friend, calling on me for a Letter of Introduction to you, it is with Pleasure that I comply with his Request as he has the Character of a very sober, ingenious and promising young Gentleman. He intends to take the Gown, tho’ I understand much against the Inclination of many of his Friends who have taken Pains to...
1379To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 25 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (torn): American Philosophical Society I have trobled my Ever Dear Brother [with] several Leters Since I have had the P[leasure of] won from Him but cannot omit Ading won more by my well Respected and much Esteemed Kinsmen whome wee all Part from with Regrett Notwithstanding we hope Ther Future Benifit and saif return will be occasion of Joy to all there Friends. Josiah says He fears...
1380To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 27 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In the Midst of Hurry, I take up my Pen to write you a few Lines. Our Sup. Court and Assembly Sitting and our Election approaching leaves me scarcly a Moments Lieusure. As to our Election, we are all in Confusion; The White Oaks and Mechanicks or many of them have left the old Ticket and tis feared will go over to the Presbyterians, and yet I believe the...