To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Franklin Case, 22 March 1784
From Jane Franklin Case1
LS: American Philosophical Society
Newburgh ulster County State of Newyork
march the 22d—1784
Honourd Sir
Altho I am but a Child of Eight years of age And you Dear Sir to me Intirely unknown I make Bold to Send you these few Lines to Inform you that my Parents Informs me that I Receivd one part of my Christian Name in honour to you and to manifest their Regard for you as a friend to america my Native Country and In order to Shew the Great Regard I have for your Person and Character I Beg of you to accept of the Enclosed Piece as a token thereof it was wrote by So near a Connection to me that I would wish to Conceal his name2 So wishing you all health and Happiness Both here and Hereafter I Remain your most Loveing friend and Humble Servant
Jane Franklin Case
PS I Should be Happy to hear by a Line from your honour that you had Receivd this Letter Safely if Sir you Should Condecend to write to me please to Direct to the Care of Coll Thomas Palmer at the above Named place
J F C
To Doctor Benjamin Franklin—&c
Addressed: To Doctr / Benjamin Franklin / att / The Court of versallies / Near Paris
1. The eight-year-old daughter (b. 1777) of Stephen and Glorianna Meritt Case. Stephen, after writing this letter for his daughter, wrote his own letter to BF, immediately below. Genealogical information on the Case family was kindly provided by Barbara Wich and the Orange County Geneal. Soc.
2. Her demonstration of personal regard for BF came in the form of a 55-page pamphlet published anonymously by, and privately printed for, her father: Defensive Arms Vindicated; and the Lawfulness of the American War Made Manifest. To which Is Added, A short Receipt for a Continental Disease, &c. Dedicated to his Excellency General Washington. By A Moderate Whig ([New-Marlborough, N.Y.], 1783). Stephen Case inscribed the title page “For The Honourable Benjamin Franklin Esq”. BF’s copy is at the APS.