To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 11 May 1767
From Andrew Millar3
AL: American Philosophical Society
Monday Morning 11 May. [17674]
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 Contents5 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. Hume6 at Mr. Strahans this day to and [sic] Fix on one when you will give him the same in Pallmall.
If it proves Inconvenient for you to forward this Packet the bearer will take it to the ship.
Addressed: To / Dr Franklyn
3. Andrew Millar (1707–1768), publisher and bookseller, good friend of William Strahan, friend and publisher of David Hume, made a fortune from the writings of such authors as James Thompson, Henry Fielding, and William Robertson. DNB.
4. During BF’s second mission May 11 fell on a Monday only in 1767 and 1772. In accordance with editorial practice this letter is placed at the earlier date, one which is supported by the reference to David Hume.
5. Perhaps part of a shipment of law books, Chronicles, and Gentleman’s Magazines Strahan told Hall, April 11, 1767, that Galloway had asked him to send for the use of William Goddard. PMHB, X (1886), 229.
6. David Hume had gone to London from Edinburgh in mid-February 1767; he remained there and in other parts of England until the middle of 1769. At the time of this letter he was under-secretary of state to Conway, secretary for the Northern Department. DNB.