To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 29 December 1783
From Jonathan Williams, Sr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Boston Decer 29th. 1783—
Hond sr—
I Wrote you a few days ago1 adviceing that Doctr. Coopers being Sick provented my presenting your Bill, he is now dead, he die’d this Day about 12 oClock, I shall endever to git your Bill answerd, I think the famley will pay it as the Doctr. has left a good Estate for one of the Cloth we think the death of this Ameable man is not only a Loss to his famley & Church but to the public in general—
I have Cleard your huse agreeable to your Sisters desire, I expect Aunt with her Children to town Next week to take Possession & Live there Which I Conclude will be agreeable to you—2
I Entertaind Some flatering expectations of your Coming to Boston this fall, now we hope you will Come in the Spring, at our house we Shall be happy to Se you & your G Son—
My Wife Joines in duty to you & Love to Billey Belive me ever Your Dutefull Nephew & most Hble Servant—
Jona. Williams
Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at / Passy / in France
1. On Dec. 20, above.
2. The Unity Street house in Boston had formerly belonged to BF’s half sister Elizabeth Douse. As of 1763, BF arranged for Williams to let the house and forward the rent payments to Jane Mecom: X, 198n, 356–7, 384; XXXIV, 202. She moved there with her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Peter Collas, and their niece: Van Doren, Franklin-Mecom, pp. 225–6, 230.