51To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 5 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of Jan. 10. I just received: am glad to hear you continue well. It is only on Account of Cheapness I would take Scotch Letter: for I confess I always gave the Preference in my Mind to Caslon’s: Last Packet I wrote that I had got a very small Fount of Caslon’s Pica by Chance, so that if Pica were not engaged, I would do without it; but if it is...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Penington, 5 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received thy favour of Decr. 13th. which Inclosed a Copy of Springett Penns Will. I am very much Obliged for the same as well as the Intelligence that I was soon to receive a power of Attorney to sell the lands. The power has since come to hand and Inclosed is a letter to Ann Penn in answer to what she wrote me on the occasion which after perusing please...
53From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, [8 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer is Mr. Brown of whom I spoke to you formerly. I hope you can, without Inconvenience, afford him some Employment as a Compostor. He will be with me till the Beginning of next Week. I send one of the Papers, and shall send the other in the Morning. If you see any thing in them improper for Publication in your Paper, impute it to my being (as you say) too...
54Extract from a Pamphlet, [9 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , April 7–9, 1767 As the bare letter of a Governor of one of our provinces, accusing his People of rebellious intentions , is by many here thought sufficient ground for inflicting penalties on such province, unheard , without farther evidence , and without knowing what it may have to say in its justification: I wish you would give the Public the following...
55Reply to Coffee-House Orators, [9 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , April 7–9, 1767; draft (fragment): American Philosophical Society. Cinque gran nemici da pace, habitanto con esso noi; civè l’avaritia, l’ambitione, l’invidia, l’ira, et la superbia: se detti inimici si mandassero in esilio, regenerebbe senza dubio tra noi pace perpetua . Petrarch . Athens had her orators. They did her sometimes a great deal of good, at other...
56From Benjamin Franklin to ——, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in The Pennsylvania Chronicle , June 1–8, 1767. We have been very busy about the Paper Money Affair. The Merchants are to wait on Lord Clare with their Opinion in Favour of it in a Day or two. After receiving Dr. F’s Remarks on the Report of the Board of Trade, they have drawn up a new Representation on the Subject, which they have signed, and Dr. F’s Paper...
57Report on a Debate in the House of Lords, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in The Pennsylvania Chronicle , June 1–8, 1767. I attended a late Debate in the House of Lords, and it gave me great Uneasiness to find much Resentment against the Colonies in the Disputants. The Word Rebellion was frequently used. Lords T—t, T—e, S—h, and others, were against you, and Lord Sh——e, the Duke of G—n, and Lord C——n, your Friends. They said what...
58“Benevolus”: On the Propriety of Taxing America, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , April 9–11, 1767. This letter was reprinted in London in The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser , April 13, 1767, and in The Pennsylvania Chronicle , June 8, 1767. Franklin’s authorship is specifically recognized in the manuscript list of his pieces that were reprinted in the Philadelphia newspaper. The letter also appeared in Boston and Williamsburg papers...
59[To Lord Kames, 11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
One of two signed versions of a long letter from Franklin to Lord Kames is dated April 11, 1767, and previous editors have accepted that date without question. For reasons explained in an accompanying head-note the present editors believe the other version, dated Feb. 25, 1767, is closer to Franklin’s original and that the earlier date is the correct one. The letter is therefore printed above,...
60From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 11 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of Dec. 8. and Feb. 22. and thank you for the particular Accounts you send me of Affairs on your side the Water, which are very agreable to me to read. Here publick Affairs are in great Disorder; a strong Opposition against the Ministry which at the same time is thought not to be well united, and daily Apprehensions of new...
61To Benjamin Franklin from John Huske, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My very long confinement with the Gout hath prevented me from the pleasure of waiting on you for part of the autumn and the whole of the winter. And at present I am so weak in the joints which have been affected with the Gout that I cannot stand or move without assistance.This being my situation and a Tax being designed to be imposed on salt in America,...
62To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (I), 11 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; He has workmen now upon the roof of his house and shou’d be glad to take this opportunity of putting up Conductors to prevent the bad effects of lightning; If the Dr. would take the trouble of coming to Brook Street for a few Minutes this morning before 12 o’Clock Lord Morton shou’d think himself much obliged....
63To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (II), [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; acquaints him that Lord Morton and the Workmen have been expecting him ever since 12 o’Clock, and hopes the Doctor has not forgot his engagement to dine with him afterwards where he will meet some of his acquaintance. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs Stephenson’s / Craven Street
64To Benjamin Franklin from [Robert] Crafton, 12 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Crafton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin has made an Appointment with Mr. Paxton of Boston, for Thursday or Friday next and desires Dr. Franklin will send Word [by the] Bearer, or to morrow, which Day will be more agreeable; that he may fix with Mr. Paxton in Conformity. Dinner at 3 o’Clock. Identified as Robert Crafton by the agreement of handwriting and...
65From Benjamin Franklin to George Croghan, 14 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of Jany. 16. with the Copy of your Report to Sir William Johnson, and one Letter of later Date, all which I communicated to Lord Shelburne. I delivered him also your Letter that was directed to him. I wish more Attention was paid here to what is recommended by People acquainted with America, and particularly that more could be...
66From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 14 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library I have before me your Favours of Jan. 11. and 14. Feb. 20. and 21. I am glad the House thought fit to attempt a Circuit Bill. It has long been a great Hardship to the remote Counties, that they were forc’d to come to Philadelphia for Justice. Obliging the Judges to go the Circuit regularly is so reasonable a Measure, that it must in time force itself thro’ all...
67From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 14 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Salem County Historical Society, New Jersey I received your Favour of Jany. 27. by way of Ireland. I have not nor ever had the least Doubt of the Regard you express for me, and if such Assurances, after our long Acquaintance were necessary, I [ torn and illegible ] strongest that mine for you is equal. I am therefore sorry, if it is likely to hurt you, that any of my Friends should think...
68Right, Wrong, and Reasonable, [18 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser , April 18, 1767. In the March 5 and 9 issues of the Gazetteer appeared a long, unsigned article, entitled “Right, Wrong, and Reasonable, according to American Ideas, and the genuine meaning of certain manuscripts lately imported.” This article was clearly prompted by the New York merchants’ petition, Nov. 28, 1766, which was laid before the...
69To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 2[0–25] April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I did reseve your Dear littel letter by the packit it gave me much pleshuer to hear that your dear armes air so much better and that our Dear littel Salley is so much better my love to her tell her I ofen have talked of her. Thank good mrs. Stephenson for takeing Cair of her. I did thinke her mother was dead as you had not sed aney thing of her poor dear...
70To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay & Sons, 21 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society David Barclay & Sons present their Respects to Dr. Franklin and acquaint him that they received yesterday a letter from Charles Read relative to treating with M: Morgan Esqr. and desire to know what has passed between them on the subject. Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: The secretaryship of New Jersey, an office under Crown appointment, became...
71To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, 22 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Mr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on wednesday next (April 22d.) at half an hour past three. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street During BF ’s second mission to England April 22 fell on a Wednesday in 1767 and 1772. In accordance with editorial policy Dr. Heberden’s invitation is...
72To Benjamin Franklin from [Israel] Wilkes, 26 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Wilkes presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklyn, and begs the favour of his Company to drink Tea, and spend the Evening, on Fryday 1st. May. Apparently not John Wilkes, who was out of the country during most of 1767, but his brother Israel (d. 1805), a London merchant, F.R.S., 1760, with whom BF was invited to eat Christmas dinner in 1766; see above,...
73To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 29 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This incloses the first of a Bill for £300 Sterl. I got this Day of Mr. Colden, at the Request of Mr. Foxcroft. It also incloses a Copy of a Letter I received from Mr. Ingersoll from New-Haven, and a Copy of an Account Mr. Holt last Week exhibited to the Auditors there, where he went in order to finish that Affair: but at Mr. Ingersols Request it was put...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 1 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This minnit Capt. Folkener Cume to bid fairwell. Salley is in her Room a writeing and I only Say Mr. [David] Potts is not Come down. I shall Send the Bill as Soon as I Can. I have maid a present of my watch to Salley and we have given Capt. Folkner the chain to have it put to write. when you See Mr. and Mrs. Strahan and your young wife my love to them to...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, [2 May 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have waited for some Time past to have an Opportunity of asking honest Ferguson to spend an Evening with me. Calling on him this afternoon find he is disengaged from all Lectures &c. on Wednesday Evening next. I told him I would ask the Favour of your Company at the same Time, pray therefore let me have the Pleasure of it. Nairne I dare say will also be...
76To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 2 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This incloses the 2d Bill for £300 Sterl, the first of which was sent per Packet, who sail’d Thursday last, which I got of Mr. Colden pursuant to a Request of Mr. Foxcroft. I having been one Year in the Service of the Custom-House here, I enquired what Methods I should take to get any Pay, what Information I can get is as follows: A Power of Attorney must...
77To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 11 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Millar presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and presumes at the desire of Our Common Friend Mr. Strahan to trouble him with a Packet herewith sent to Joseph Galloway Esq. of which he knows the Contents as Mr. Strahan Thought it would be safer thro your Channal than by sending it by shiping. He hopes to have the pleasure of meeting you and Mr....
78Incoming Philadelphia Mail, 1767–1768 (Franklin Papers)
Printed forms with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society Among the Franklin Papers is a record of letters received in the Philadelphia Post Office by Postmaster Thomas Foxcroft between May 12, 1767, and April 21, 1768. The record consists of a group of twenty-one sheets printed on both sides in the manner prescribed for Post Office Form “C” by Benjamin Franklin and William Hunter in...
79To Benjamin Franklin from William Shippen, Junior, 14 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty to send to the Royal Society a small Box containing A very extraordinary Lusus Naturae, two female children joind firmly together from the breast bone as low as the navel, having therefore but one body; in every other respect, as well internal as external, two compleat children. I enclose an exact account of the appearance on dissection...
80To Benjamin Franklin from François Willem de Monchy, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Father joins me in compliments and thanks for the trouble you have had in procuring such accurate information concerning the Fire Engine, and also for inquiring about the microscopes which at length I have recieved. Agreeable to your desire I have send you two drawings of an Ice-boat. That without the mast is in the proportion of an Inch to a foot, and...
81To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker: Bond, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Presents, That I James Parker of the City of New-York, Printer, am Held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Franklin, of the City of Philadelphia Esqr in the Sum of Two Hundred and Thirty-One Pounds , Current Money of Great Britain To be paid to the said Benjamin Franklin or to his certain Attorney,...
82To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (mutilated): American Philosophical Society I was in some expectation of seeing you last night in Crane-Court; but not having had this Pleasure I take the liberty to write this to you to put you in [mind] of doing me a favour which I think you gave me Some [reason?] to hope for the last time I Saw you, I mean dining [ torn ] on Holy-thursday, or next thursday Sennight. [Dr. Hawk]esworth,...
83To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received a letter from Kensington to day by which I learn that my aunt will not come to Bromley to fetch me, therefore I must go home by way of Craven Street next monday. Now if it will be convenient to you to come hither on sunday or monday you will give a great deal of pleasure to several persons by doing it and I shall have a more agreeable journey to...
84From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (two letters): American Philosophical Society I am unluckily so much engag’d that I cannot have the Pleasure of being at Bromley on Sunday or Monday. present my best Respects to the good Doctor and Mrs. Hawkesworth, and to the Miss Blounts, and to Mrs. Rogers. I should rejoice in the Opportunity of making your Journey to Town more agreable than in the Stage, if I could possibly embrace it....
85From Benjamin Franklin to [William Strahan], 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I send you the Notes you desired of me. When you have dress’d them they’ll be fit to appear in Company. I send also a little Article of News for your Paper, which I wish may be inserted this Evening if you see no Objection. I mean to set the Dispute in a ridiculous Light if I could. The Act of Parliament requires the Colony to find for the Troops, Barracks,...
86To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin (I), 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hear that Capt. Sparkes is to saile to morrow or next day. I set down to chatt a littel to you, and in close a letter, which I had sente to N yorke but the vesill was gon. I wente up to see our Children att Burlinton on Satterday and Billey Come doune with me on munday and returnd yisterday and Salley wente up with him and I expeckte her down this day or...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin (II), [16 May 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society on thusday I reseved yours with one inclosed to Salley with the Ring. Yours is dated March 17. You cante thing what pleshuer thees dear littel letters give to me as I know you thinke of me ofen. The Bairer of this is mr. Franses the Eldest son of your old friend mr. Franses. He has bin in quite distres senes yisterday was week on a Counte of the faileor of...
88To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 16 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Moment heard of Mr. Francis’s being to embark To morrow Morning for England. His unfortunate Connection with Mr. Hagen, a considerable Merchant in London, who has lately fail’d is the Occasion of his sudden Departure. The Distress which must be necessarily brought on him and his Family, in case Hagens’s Affairs should prove as bad as...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 17 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I wrote last to you I do not remember; as I’ve been hurried about, so as Scarce to sit down since I saw you last: but remembering that you talked of leaving England this Summer; along with Mr. Paxton, who has not [ illegible ], I want to learn your Motions; that if you shou’d once more make me happy here, I may know how to govern my own, and not be...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 19 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. French’s compliments to Doctor Franklin desires to know how he does; if at leisure would be very glad of the pleasure of his company this Morning to play at Chess. A number of notes from Mrs. French to BF survive in the Franklin Papers, but the editors have been able to discover little about her; for what is known, see above, XII , 96–7 n. May 19 fell...
91From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 20 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library; enclosure: AD : Yale University Library I had no Line from you per last Packet. I hope you are well. We have been extreamly busy here lately in the Affair of Paper Money. Enclos’d I send you a Copy of the Report of the Merchants, obtained after many Meetings and delivered to the Ministry: But there are still great Difficulties, the Board of Trade being...
92To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 21 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Lord Morton’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin and desires the favor of his Company at dinner on Saturday next to meet Sir John Pringle, but wishes he would come about 11 o’Clock to go through some of the Electrical Experiments with Dr. Ingen Housz, but if that Doctor should be engaged for Saturday, in such event the meeting must be put off till some other...
93To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Hogarth, 22 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mrs. Hogarth presents her Compliments to Dr. Franklin and should be much obliged to him if he would influence some of his Friend’s of the House of Common’s, to be present on Monday Next at the reading of the Artist’s Bill, to Support a Clause that is inserted in it, In her Favor. Jane Thornhill Hogarth (d. 1789) was the widow of the artist William...
94From 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...
95From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 23 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I wrote to you a few days since via New York, and purpose writing again by a Ship that sails from hence in a few Days. It was intended at the Post Office, as this Packet arriv’d long after the time she was expected, to keep her till next Month; but some Reasons have suddenly alter’d that Resolution, and I have just heard that the Mail is to be dispatch’d to night....
96To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My last to you, was per Capt. Lawrence, by whom I received the Stationary: A few Days after he was sail’d I got yours via Philadelphia of Feb. 28. and 12 Days ago I received yours per Packet of March 14. inclosing Capt. Berton’s Bill of Lading for the Letter, which arrived about 6 Days ago: I have executed a Bond agreeable to your Order. I have not received...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 26 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and duplicate: American Philosophical Society I wrote you a few Days since by the Post not expecting that the Packet wou’d be detained till now. I inclose you a Bill of Exchange drawn by Mr. Joseph Richardson on D. Barclay and Sons payable to you for £250 0 s . 0 d . Sterling, in Part of your two Years Salary amounting in the Whole to £1000, like Money agreable to a Certificate Signd by...
98To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 30 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The opera interfering [ torn ] Mrs. French to put off her Music till Saturday 6th. June When she hopes to have [the] favor of seeing Docr. Frank[lin.] May 30, fell on a Saturday in 1767 and 1772 during BF ’s second mission; according to editorial practice this note is printed here at the earlier of the two dates.
99To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 31 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have once more the Pleasure of writing to you from this delightful Place; where I thank God, I enjoy perfect Health and all the Pleasures the Country can afford. Time rolls away in the most agreeable Manner imaginable; Reading, walking, riding, Music, Drawing &ca. season the Hours with much calm and rational Pleasure; and to crown all, the good Bishop and...
100To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [May? 1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This communication in the handwriting of William Franklin, but without salutation, date, or signature, exactly fills both sides of a single sheet of paper. Because it deals with a confidential and delicate matter and concludes the last manuscript line with the admonition “Do burn this,” it seems highly likely that William sent it to his father enclosed in...