1301To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, [after 4 May 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter poses a problem of dating that we are unable to solve. The internal evidence is as ample as it is conflicting: some of it points to 1772 and some to 1773. The whole tone of the opening paragraph suggests that the Purfleet magazine had not yet been protected by lightning rods, and that Benjamin Wilson’s “scheme” for doing so was being actively...
1302To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, [14?–]16 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society but be fore I can say aney thing I muste Stop to tell who I am writeing to I tell him to Grand papah so then he is gon so I am to tell you that this morning Capt. Loxley is arived but I have not had a letter as yit I have not a lowed my selef the libertey to make complaintes to you of aney Sorte but this has bin the moste malleycoley winter that I ever knew...
1303To Benjamin Franklin from John Hawkesworth, [15 May? 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Many, many Thanks, my dear Friend, for your obliging favour of the 8th. My Enquiry was on the behalf of a Friend who is very near and dear to me, to whom I have transcribed your Letter, and if she should be inclined to make the Experiment I will claim the kind offer which your humanity has made me. It will not bring you to Bromley, but I hope you will...
1304To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A few Days since per Captain Sparks I did myself the Pleasure. I have not much to say at present, more than that we are all well. These are the best Tidings I can send you at this time, I find but slow Sale for my Goods, but what I do sell, is for Cash, so that I am making no bad Debts; I have not sold enough to enable me to reimburse you per this...
1305A Committee of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 16 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
Minutebook copy: Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia The Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital have been expecting to hear from you by every Vessel that has arrived at this place from London within many months past, but being disappointed of that pleasure, are apprehensive some Obstacle has occasioned a delay of your receiving from the Bank, the Monies arising from the unclaimed shares of the...
1306To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Foxcroft, 16 May 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Philadelphia, May 16, 1772: Encloses the bill of lading and other papers for two barrels of “the best Burr Superfine flour.” Expects his brother back from Virginia within a few days. Has seen Mrs. Franklin yesterday; she and the family are well. His “Sister” joins in regards. Broke his arm six days ago, but hopes it will mend in three weeks.> Promised by...
1307To Benjamin Franklin from William Smith, 16 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was favoured with your obliging Letter, acknowleging the Receipt of sundry Copies of our Transactions for some learned Societies and Gentlemen in England, and informing us that you had delivered the Books accordingly. I was then preparing to embark for Carolina, where I was lucky enough to get One Thousand Guineas for our College, which is at present in...
1308To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 21 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Perceeiving you were not quite Sattisfied with the Account I gave you of the Clock I made for you, I have now made another with a round Dial. The hour hand of which performs one revolution in 24 hours. Concentric to that, is a hand to Shew the time of high and low water, the hours of flood and ebb. Under the foot of the hour 12, is wrote highwater, at 6 Low...
1309To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 23 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho you had never done anything with a design to give me pleasure I shou’d love you for that constant disposition everyone that knows you know you feel to give pleasure to all your fellow creatures. But you have My honour’d friend often given it to me in the very Manner and thing adapted to gratify, and make truly thankful for it. The Piano Forte I ask’d...
1310To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, [24 May 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I promis’d you to meet your agreable friend on Tuesday in Craven Street, and myself the pleasure of seeing both you and that Lady, but an express arriv’d this day from Odiham with the disagreable news of My Brother Walters little James being ill of a sore throat and fever. My Brother set out to go to him before I cou’d conquer some scruples that held my...