MS form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society James Read (see above, p. 39 n), Franklin’s neighbor and rival bookseller, in May received from the London printer William Strahan, whom he knew, a consignment of books valued at £131 16 s. 4 d. When three years passed without payment, Strahan gave Franklin power of attorney to collect the debt. “I have hitherto waited with...
2To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 26 August 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was favoured with yours of June 20, inclosing a Bill for £50 for the Library Company of Philadelphia, which is paid, and an Order for some Books from them, which I have sent as on the preceding Leaf, amounting to £48 9 s. 0 d. So that I remain indebted to them .£1 11 s. 0 d. I have sent every thing that could be procured, except Catesby’s Carolina...
3William Strahan to Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 25–7. I will not write to you, for the future, as a stranger whom I never had the happiness of seeing, but as to one with whom I have been for some time acquainted, for having had the pleasure for several months past, to be personally known to what you will readily allow, to be your better half, you’ll permit me to fancy, I am by no means...
4William Strahan: Bill and Receipt, 31 December 1759 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania £ s. d. 1759. Enquiry concerning the Indians, 11¾ Sheets March No. 1000 at £1 3 s. 13 16 For 23½ Reams of Paper for Do. at 13 s. 15 5 6 Working Description of the Map 7 6
5To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 27 December 1760 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Strahan’s respectful Compliments to Dr. Franklin—called to know how he does, and to reproach him (gently) for not calling in New Street to see his Wife, who he told him last Monday Sevenight was to be in Town the following Thursday—Is afraid he will, at least, do himself no good by feasting every Day, as he is informed he hath done for some time past,...
6William Strahan to David Hall, 10 August 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society (extract only printed here) The extract printed below is not in any strict sense a part of the Franklin Papers. It is included here, however, as a quite extraordinary tribute to Franklin’s personal qualities written by a British friend on the eve of his departure from England. Franklin and Strahan had carried on a business correspondence for fourteen years...
7To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 18 August 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I had the favour of yours of June 28th from New York last Friday. Next Morning I set out for Salisbury, where I had a little Business, and yesterday came from thence to this place, where my Wife has been these Six Weeks for her health, and I thank God not without Effect, for I found her greatly recruited. Here I propose to stay a few days, and leave her...
8To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Strahan presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs he would send the Letter by the Bearer. This note might have been written at any time when BF was in London after he had received his honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in February 1759. It is possible that the letter Strahan referred to was one of BF ’s communications to...
9To Benjamin Franklin from William and Margaret Strahan, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Strahan present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin and the Ladies, and conceiving it may be more agreeable and convenient for them, will not dine till three o’Clock to day. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / or / Mrs. Stevenson Apparently “the Ladies” were Mrs. Stevenson and her daughter Mary (Polly), if the note was written before the latter’s...
10To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 4 May 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Pierpont Morgan Library Mr. Strahan presents his affectionate Respects to Dr. Franklin, and begs leave, (as is now the Custom in Affairs of Importance,) to remonstrate with him upon his forgetting his Appointment to drink Tea and spend the Evening with him in New Street last Night. In full Dependance upon the Drs. Promise, Mr. S. engaged Dr. Hawkesworth to give him the Meeting, which was...