51From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 March 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I condole with you most sincerely on the Death of our good Mother; being extreamly sensible of the Distress and Affliction it must have thrown you into. Your Comfort will be, that no Care was wanting on your Part towards her, and that she had lived as long as this Life could afford her any rational Enjoyment. ’Tis, I am sure, a Satisfaction to me, that I...
52From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 February 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We din’d at Bristol, and got here last Night in good time; the River was hard and firm, and we got well over. Sir John Sinclair came to us and very obligingly offer’d his Chariot and four for the rest of the Journey. This Morning we set out for Brunswic. The Thing I wanted to mention to you, but forgot, was; that in the Hurry of our Arrival from Chester I...
53From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 June 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We left Woodbridge on Tuesday Morning and went to Eliz. Town, where I found our Children return’d from the Falls and very well: The Corporation were to have a Dinner that day at the Point for their Entertainment, and prevail’d on us to stay. There was all the principal People and a great many Ladies: after Dinner we set out and got here before dark. We...
54From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 31 October 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We arriv’d here safe [ torn ] this Morning about 11 aClock, [after a] very pleasant Journey, and without [the] least ill Accident. Thanks to God. We purpose to proceed homeward tomorrow, if the Weather, &c. is suitable. I have receiv’d here a Number of Letters from you for which I thank you. We must stay a Day at Woodbridge and then shall go forward so as...
55From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Line is just to let you know that we have this moment come to an Anchor here, and that I am going ashore at Portsmouth, and hope to be in London on Tuesday Morning. No Father could be tenderer to a Child, than Capt. Robinson has been to me, for which I am greatly oblig’d to Messrs. James and Drinker’s but we have had terrible Weather, and I have often...
56From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just heard that a Ship which left London before I arriv’d is still at Portsmouth and that a Letter may reach her. I can only write a Line or two, just to let you know that I am now almost well, tho’ for 10 or 12 Days I have been severely handled by a most violent Cold, that has worried me extreamly. Those of my old Friends who were in town, have...
57From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 February 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been so hurried of late, that I could not write much by this Packet. One Letter to the Speaker, and one to you, is all I shall be able to make out. Thanks to God, I am got perfectly well, my Cough quite gone. My Arms, too, continue mending, so that I can now put on and off my Cloaths, but do not practice it yet, as it still hurts me a little. John...
58From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 February 1765 (I) (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Enclos’d is a Letter from Mrs. Stevenson, and Bill of Lading for a Chest of Goods sent you. The Pamphlets in it are to be sent up to Billy. There are some Books for Cousin Cuthbert, not all he wanted, but the rest will be sent as soon as they can be got. I wrote to you per Packet on Saturday. Love to dear Sally and all Friends. In great Haste, Your...
59From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 14 February 1765 (II) (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Capt. Robinson you will receive a Case Mrs. Stevenson has sent you, with the Blankets, Bed ticks, &c. you wrote for. No new China was to be had that would match the Cup and Saucer; but a Friend who has a Set at the same time with me, spar’d me the Remains of his, which are now sent. In the Case I return Mr. Thomas Wharton’s Woollen Gown, which he was so...
60From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Quartering British troops in America was a problem which in 1755 had not been solved to the satisfaction of either the Army or the colonists. From the Army’s point of view the principal difficulty was the colonists’ contention that those sections of the British Mutiny Act that regulated quartering did not apply to them because they had never been specifically...
61From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 11 May 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The March Packet is not yet arriv’d. The Last I have receiv’d from you was of Feb. 26. via Ireland. All the Letters from my other Friends I answer’d per last Packet. I have generally had my Health pretty well lately, except a Fit of the Gout, which confin’d me about a Fortnight, and my Foot is still tender. I am advis’d to spend a Week or two at Bath, which...
62From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 4 June 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have now before me your Favours of April 13, 15, 17, 23, May 14, 18, 20. not so many Letters as Dates, some of them having two or three. As to the Cause concerning the Lot, I have never been in the least uneasy about it, desiring only that Justice might be done, which I do not doubt. I hope Robinson was not long missing after your Letters, as I really...
63From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 July 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the great Pleasure of hearing from you and Sally last Night per Packet. I cannot now answer every particular of your Letters, having many to write that are to go per this Days Mail: but will per next Opportunity. Mrs. Stevenson bids me tell Sally that the striped Gown I have sent her will wash; but it must be with a light hand in a cold Lather. I am...
64From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 23 August 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot let Major Small go without a Line to let you know I am well; tho’ I have wrote so much lately, that I have nothing to add. I sent you a small Box of Tea per Capt. Budden. My Love to Sally and all Friends. I wrote to always every Body by Budden, enclosing my Letters in a Packet to you. They were in the Care of Mr. Logan. Adieu my dear Debby Your...
65From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [August 1765] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragments): American Philosophical Society You should never be without Tubs sufficient in the Area to catch the Rain Water; for if it overflows there often, it may occasion the Foundation to settle, and hurt the Wall. I am sending you per Budden (or Robinson) a Copper to be set in your Kitchen, with some other Things. Let me have the Breadth of the Pier, that I may get a handsome Glass...
66From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 October 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote largely to you to go per Robinson, but Mr. Evans by whom I sent the Packet, was left behind: he will however deliver it to you with this. I sent you several Things in Robinson, of which that Letter will give you an Account. I am well, and as ever, Your affectionate Husband P S. In Mr. Evans’s Care I now send you a very handsome Pair of Tongs, and...
67From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 November 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours and Sally’s kind Letters of Sept. 22. and Brother Read’s. Also one from our good Neighbour Thomson, and one from Brother Peter; one from Mr. Hall and one from Mr. Parker: All which I pray you to acknowledge for me, with Thanks, as I find I can not have time to write to them by this Packet. I honour much the Spirit and Courage you show’d,...
68From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 December 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I can only write one Line to let you know I am well, and shall write fully to you and all my Friends as soon as [the] Parliament adjourns for the Holidays, which it will do next Week. I receiv’d [your] kind Letters per Friend and per the Packet. My Love to Sally and all Friends. I am, Your ever affectionate Husband Parliament was summoned to meet on Dec....
69From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 6 February 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Here are three Ships about to sail. I can only write to my Friends by the last of them or by the Packet, that goes to morrow Week. Yet I must write a Line to you by every one of them, tho’ it be only to tell you I am well and very busy. I have received your Letters by the December Packet and by Captain Beves. I have got the Clothes and have worn them, but...
70From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 23 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you a few days ago by Mr. Odell a young Clergyman, appointed to the Mission of Burlington, who goes by way of New York; and I purpose writing again per Capt. Egdon, who sails in a few days. As the Packet was late coming hither, I was told by the Secretary of the Post Office that she would not be dispatch’d till the second Saturday of June: But I...
71From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 June 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Falkener has just been here to bring me your Letters. I rejoice to hear that you and Sally are well. My dear Love to her. I will write to you and all my Friends per next Packet. Some Things go for you in a Case to Mr. Foxcroft from his Brother. I send you 4 Handkerchiefs, as a little Present, which please to accept. I bought a Piece and keep half of...
72From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 22 June 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Falkener is arriv’d, and came yesterday to see me, and bring my Letters. I was extreamly glad of yours, because I had none by the Packet. It seems now as if I should stay here another Winter, and therefore I must leave it to your Judgment to act in the Affair of your Daughter’s Match as shall seem best. If you think it a suitable one, I suppose the...
73From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin (I), 3 July 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With this you will receive a Box with 2 of the Petticoats quilted in the Loom; one for you, the other for Sally—also a Negligee and Petticoat for Sally, and some Snail. I shall write more fully per Pacquet next Week. I can now only add that I am, Your ever loving Husband PS. I have been ill this Week past with the epidemical Cold that every body has had, or...
74From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin (II), 3 July 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library My Friend Mr. Neave calling to acquaint me of his going, I write this Line to let you know that I am well at present, tho’ I have been all last Week so ill with the general Cold and Fever which everybody has had, that I could not hold a Pen, or I should have written fully by him to you and all my Friends as I intended. But the Packet goes next Week by which I...
75From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have now before me all your late Letters, and shall answer them Article by Article. Capt. Ourry din’d here a few Days since, and thanks you for remembering him, desiring his Respects to you and Sally—Mr. Strahan and Family the same. I received the Bill sent per Mr. Potts, and suppose it will be duly paid. You will return him the Overplus. I wish I could...
76From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 8 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I wrote you a pretty long Letter a Day or two ago, per Capt. Falkener our good Friend. I have nothing to add but that I am well, and purpose some little Excursion shortly to preserve my Health. Mr. Hopkinson is now here at our House to take Leave, going to morrow Morning: Mrs. Stevenson presents her Compliments to you and Sally, and Miss Stevenson, that is our...
77From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have staid too long in London this Summer, and now sensibly feel the Want of my usual Journey to preserve my Health. Therefore I this Morning am to set for a Trip to Paris. Sir John Pringle, the Queen’s Physician, goes with me. He has Leave for Six Weeks only, her Majesty being again pregnant. I shall write to you from thence. I receiv’d yours by Sir John...
78From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 October 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I return’d yesterday Evening from Paris safe and well, having had an exceeding pleasant Journey, and quite recover’d my Health. I have hardly had time to read the Letters I found here as yet, and therefore can only acknowledge not answer them by this Packet. Yours of Augt. 22 is one of them. In my next I shall give you a particular Account of my Tour. Excuse me to...
79From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Calling here this Evening I learn that a Ship is just going to New York, the Bag to be taken away in halfanhour. I have only time to assure you that I have been extreamly hearty and well ever since my Return from France; the Complaints I had before I went on that Tour, being entirely dissipated, and fresh Strength and Activity the Effects of Exercise and...
80From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this minute receiv’d Letters by the Packet of October, from Billy and some other Friends, but not a Line from you. I suppose therefore you have written by some other Vessel: I long to hear of your and Sally’s Welfare from your own Hands. I purpose writing to you fully to-morrow; but as I may be interrupted, I would not miss this Post, in hope it may...
81From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 December 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you largely by this Packet, but omitted mentioning two Things I want you to send me per first Ships, for two of my Friends here. One is, Miller’s German Newspapers for two or three Months back; and to be continued. The other a Lump of that Sort of Stone we make Steps and Cheeks of Cellar doors of, at Philadelphia. Your Care in these Particulars will...
82From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter per Capt. Story, of Nov. 19, and a subsequent one per Capt. Falkner without date. I have received also the Indian and Buckwheat Meal that they brought from you, with the Apples, Cranberries and Nuts, for all which I thank you. They all prove good, and the Apples were particularly welcome to me and my Friends, as there happens to...
83From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Nationalbibliothek, Vienna I wrote to you per Packet, and also by Mr. Ayres, who goes in Sparks. But I must send you a Line per Capt. Falkener, and another per Capt. Story, if ’tis only to say over again that I am well, and to acknowledge the Receipt of your kind Letters and Presents of Meal, Apples, Nuts, Cranberries &c. I have written to Sally too by Mr. Ayres, My Love to her and all...
84From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 20 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written to you lately by Packet, by Mr. Ayres, and by Capt. Falkener, and have little to add; but I know you will expect a Line by our Friend Capt. Story. I hope he will succeed in his new Employment, and indeed I make no doubt of it, for he is very obliging and seems to be much lik’d. It griev’d me to hear of the Death of that fine Child of theirs....
85From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 April 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Historical Society of Pennsylvania While I am writing, the letters by the March packet are come to hand with yours of the 9th and 12th. Amidst all the sickness and misfortunes to our friends what reason have you and I to bless God, that we at these years enjoy with our children so great a Share of health and so much happiness in other respects. Let us be thankful for what is past...
86From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 25 May 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thought Capt. Budden had been gone some Weeks since, but calling here just now, I find he is not sail’d but goes this Evening; so I write this Line to let you know that I continue well. I forget whether I told you in any preceding Letter that I have been at Bath and Bristol. At the latter Place I met Mr. Richardson, junr. who had Letters for me. I saw...
87From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 11 June 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of April 22 and 24. and rejoice to hear that you continue well notwithstanding the Fatigues you must have undergone with poor Debby. Mr. Coleman is with me. The Surgeon from whom he hoped a Cure when he came over, being gone abroad, and his Return uncertain, he has chosen upon the best Advice, to submit to have the diseased part cut out,...
88From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 August 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been in the Country for a few Days, and calling here this Morning I learn that this Ship, Capt. Ross, is to sail today for Philadelphia. I have nothing material to add to my last, but send this Line merely to let you know that I am extremely well, Thanks to God. Mr. Coleman is so far recovered that he thinks to return in Capt. Falkener, who sails...
89From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 October 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Cornell University Library It feels very strange to me to have Ships and Packets come in, and no Letters from you. But I do not complain of it, because I know the reason is, my having written to you that I was coming home. That you may not have the same disagreable Sensation, I write this Line, tho’ I have written largely by the late Ships, and therefore have little left to say. I have...
90From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 8 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Haven Colony Historical Society I write this Line in great Haste, just to let you know I am well, and to request your Care in delivering the enclosed. I am, with Love to our Children, Your affectionate Husband
91From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 December 1768 [–26 January 1769] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have now before me your Favours of Oct. 1. 18, 23, 30, and Nov. 5. which I shall answer in order. I wonder to hear that my Friends were backward in bringing you my Letters when they arrived, and think it must be a mere Imagination of yours, the Effect of some melancholy Humour you happened then to be in. I condole with you sincerely on poor Debby’s...
92From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1 March 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of Jan. 3. per Packet, and one from Sally. I wrote to you very fully by the late Ships. This is only to let you know I am well, and particularly that my Arms, which you enquire after, have perfectly recover’d their Strength. Your Account of Mr. Coleman’s fresh Disorder, grieves me exceedingly. I have had a Visit from Mr. Bache’s Sister, who...
93From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 March 1769 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society By Capt. Sparks Mrs. Stevenson sent you a large square Case, containing the Things mentioned in the inclos’d Invoice; it was marked Stores for Mrs. Franklin Philadelphia , and carried on board by our Porter, who says he deliver’d it to the Mate, but he brought back no Receipt. The Mate told him he liv’d not far from you, and knew us both. I hope there has...
94From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 June 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Jefferies has so long talk’d of sailing, that People began to think he would never sail; and now I am just told that he goes this Evening, so can only say that I am well, and that having receiv’d Sally’s Letter by Capt. Falkner, I rejoice to hear you so soon got over your late Indisposition, but am impatient for the next Packet which I hope will bring...
95From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 July 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (facsimile) in John Jay Smith, American Historical and Literary Curiosities; Consisting of Fac-Similes of Some Plates, &c. Relating to Columbus, and Original Documents of the Revolution … Second Series (New York, 1860), pl. XLVI . By Capt. Falconer, I shall write to you fully; this only serves to acquaint you that I am as well as I can be without my usual Journey, but I begin to feel the...
96From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 March 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Letters are all in Capt. Falconer, but as Capt. Sparks has just been so kind as to call and acquaint me that he sails to day, and I understand that Falconer will not sail till the 20th. I just write this Line to acquaint you that I am well. Mrs. Stevenson and Polly, join me in best Affections, &c. My Love to our Children, &c. I am, my dear Debby, Your...
97From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 20 April 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Munson-William-Proctor Institute This will be delivered to you by Miss Farquarson and Miss Smith, the one bred a Miliner, the other a Mantuamaker, who, by the Advice and Consent of their Friends, go to Philadelphia, with an Intention of following their respective Businesses there. They are Persons of good Character, and very well recommended to me; therefore I recommend them warmly to...
98From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 10 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letters of March 12 and April 24. I think you are the most punctual of all my Correspondents; and it is often a particular Satisfaction to me to hear from you, when I have no Letter from any one else. I did per Capt. Falconer answer Sally’s Letter about her Son’s being inoculated; and told her Sir John Pringle’s Opinion as to the...
99From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 19 July 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to you by our ingenious Countryman Mr. Benbridge, who has so greatly improv’d himself in Italy as a Portrait Painter, that the Connoisseurs in that Art here think few or none excel him. I hope he will meet with due Encouragement in his own Country, and that we shall not lose him as we have lost Mr. West: For if Mr. Benbridge did not...
100From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 October 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of Aug. 16. which gave me a great deal of Satisfaction. I am glad your little Grandson recovered so soon of his Illness, as I see you are quite in Love with him, and your Happiness wrapt up in his; since your whole long Letter is made up of the History of his pretty Actions. It was very prudently done of you not to interfere when...