183201From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 24 January 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I am glad to learn by your Favour of the 21st past, that Mr. Kinnersley’s Lectures have been acceptable to the Gentlemen of Boston, and are like to prove serviceable to himself. I thank you for the Countenance and Encouragement you have so kindly afforded my Fellow-Citizen. I send you enclos’d an Extract of a Letter containing the Substance of what I...
183202To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 20 January 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote you a few lines the 18th: of last month telling you of the misfortune that had befell your Electrical Globe. I have however made some use of the rest of the Apparatus and with Mr. Burr’s assistance have been electrifyd several times but at present without any alteration in my Nervous disorder. As Mr. Burr has such another Apparatus as...
183203Pennsylvania Hospital: Law for Regulating the Elections of Managers and Treasurers, 17 January 1752 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Pennsylvania Hospital January 17, 1752 This document, drafted by Joshua Crosby, Thomas Bond, John Smith, Hugh Roberts, and Franklin, is omitted here for the reason stated above, p. 111; but is printed, with editorial annotation, in Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital , May 1754, in the next volume.
183204Poor Richard Improved, 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1751 . … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) Astrology is one of the most ancient Sciences, had in high Esteem of old, by the Wise and Great. Formerly, no Prince would make War or Peace, nor any General fight a Battle, in short, no...
183205Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in [William Clarke], Observations On the late and present Conduct of the French, with Regard to their Encroachments upon the British Colonies in North America. … To which is added, wrote by another Hand; Observations concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries,&c. Boston: Printed and Sold by S. Kneeland in Queen-Street. 1755. (Yale University Library) The “immediate...
183206Physical and Meteorological Observations, Conjectures, and Suppositions, 1751 (Franklin Papers)
AD (incomplete): American Philosophical Society; draft: Library of Congress; printed in Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions , LV (1765), 182–92; and Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity (London, 1769), pp. 182–92. This paper, read in the Royal Society on December 23, 1756, though not printed until 1765, is quite likely the one Franklin told James Bowdoin on...
183207From Benjamin Franklin to Jared Eliot, 24 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I wrote you at large per My Son, in answer to your former Favours, and sent you an Extract of Mr. Collinson’s Letter, who much admires your Tracts on Husbandry. Herewith you will receive a Manuscript of a Friend of Mr. Collinson’s, and a printed Book; which you may keep till Spring, and then return to me: I believe they will afford you Pleasure. I send you also...
183208From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Johnson, 24 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library I received your Favour of the 11th Inst. and thank you for the Hint you give of the Omission in the Idea. The Sacred Classics are read in the English School, tho’ I forgot to mention them: And I shall propose at the Meeting of the Schools after the Holidays, that the English Master begin and continue to read select Portions of them daily with the Prayers, as...
183209Deborah Franklin to Margaret Strahan, 24 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am ordored by my master to write for sum books for Salley Franklin. I am in hopes shee will be abel to write her selfe by the Spring. My Dafter Gives her Duty to Mr. Strayhon and his Lady and her Compleyments to Master Billey and all his Brothers and Sisters. My Son is Gon to Boston on a Visit to his friends. I supose Mr. Franklin will write him Selfe. Mr. and...
183210To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 21 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The Experiments Mr. Kennersley has exhibited here, have been greatly pleasing to all sorts of people, that have seen them; and I hope by the time he returns to Philadelphia, his Tour this way will turn to good account. His Experiments are very curious, and I think, prove most effectually your doctrine of Electricity: that it is a real Element annexed to,...
183211To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 18 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duly received your kind Letter of 28: of Novr. with the Directions about the Electrical Operation and the box with the Electrical Apparatus came to my hands the 16: Currant and I am sorry to Inform you that when I came to open it the Glass Globe was broke all to pieces I suppose by the rough Conveyance of it (in a Waggon) from Burlington...
183212From Benjamin Franklin to Jared Eliot, 10 December 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): Yale University Library; remainder reprinted from American Journal of Science and Arts , V (1822), 157–9. The Rector of our Academy Mr. Martin, came over into this Country on a Scheme for making Potash in the Russian Method: He promis’d me some written Directions for you, which expecting daily I delay’d writing, and now he lies dangerously ill of a kind of Quinsey: The...
183213Court Case, 3 December 1751 (Washington Papers)
3 Dec. 1751. “Ann Carrol and Mary McDaniel Servts of Fredericksburgh, being Committed to the Goal of this County by William Hunter Gent., on Suspicion of Felony, & Charged with robing the Cloaths of Mr George Washington when he was washing in the River some time last Summer, the Court having heard Severall Evidences Are of Oppinion that the said Ann Carroll be discharged, & Admitted an...
183214From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Clap, 28 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Universitätsbibliothek, Sammlung Kestner, Karl Marx Universität, Leipzig I am heartily sorry for your Disappointment in Letort; I could not have imagin’d he would have behav’d so imprudently, and let so very profitable a Jobb slip thro’ his Fingers. I have done with him. I hope you will be able to procure a Subscription to furnish your College with a compleat Apparatus for Natural...
183215To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 25 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I am obliged to you for yours of the 21: present and for your good Care of my Packets sent to London and that the Electrical Apparatus shall be sent forward as I have requested. I thank you Sir, for Mr. Peters’ ingenious Sermon upon the Education of Youth which I have re’d with much pleasure, the Christian, the Divine and the Polite Gentleman...
183216From Benjamin Franklin to Susanna Wright, 21 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. David H. Stockton, Princeton, N.J. (1960); also transcript: John L. W. Mifflin, Middlebush, N.J. (1955) Your Guests all got well home to their Families, highly pleas’d with their Journey, and with the Hospitality of Hempfield. When I had the Pleasure of seeing you, I mention’d a new [kind of Candles very convenient] to read by, which I think you said you had not seen: I take the...
183217To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 18 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duly received your favour of the 14: Instant. In mine of 4: Current I inclosed you a packet to go by Capt. Child and in mine of the 11: to Mrs. Franklin another to go by Capt. Shirley and I hope they were forwarded according to their several directions. If this comes to hand time enough I shou’d be glad the Electrical Apparatus might be...
183218To Benjamin Franklin from John and Martha Read: Deed, 15 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society; also copy: Department of Records, Recorder of Deeds, City of Philadelphia November 15, 1751 Abstract: Sarah Read, by indenture of April 10, 1734, granted to her son John Read a messuage and lot on the south side of High Street, Philadelphia, 16½ ft. broad by 306 ft. long, bounded north by High Street, east by a messuage and lot then or lately belonging to...
183219Obituary of Thomas Hopkinson, 14 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , November 14, 1751. Last Week died here the honourable Thomas Hopkinson , Esq; Judge of the Admiralty for this Province, one of the Governor’s Council, and Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, &c. A Gentleman possessed of many Virtues, without the Alloy of one single Vice; and distinguish’d for his Attachment to the...
183220Obituary of James Logan, 7 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , November 7, 1751. Thursday last, after a long Indisposition, died the honourable James Logan , Esq; in the 77th Year of his Age; and on Saturday his Remains were decently interr’d in the Friends Burying Ground, in this City, the Funeral being respectfully attended by the principal Gentlemen and Inhabitants of Philadelphia and the neighbouring Country. His...
183221[Diary entry: 5 November 1751] (Washington Papers)
5 th. —Early this morning came Dr. Hilary, an eminent physician recommended by Major Clarke, to pass his opinion on my brother’s disorder, which he did in a favorable light, giving great assurances that it was not so fixed but that a cure might be effectually made. In the cool of the evening we rode out accompanied by Mr. Carter to seek lodgings in the country, as the Doctor advised, and were...
183222To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 4 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received yours of the 31: of Octr. by which I find my Self obliged for your kind Intention to have made an Electrical Operation upon me at Burlington had your Affairs allowd your coming thither which I am sorry they did not for I had concieved much Satisfaction in the Experiment being made by a Gentleman of so much knowledge and practice...
183223To Benjamin Franklin from John Franklin, 4 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have spoke with Turner about your seal. He thinks he cant git the Designe Compleated before the post going but will have it Ready against the next. Rogers & Foule to whoom I Red the parigraph of your Letter Relateing to your Ballence and Foul Tole me he [would] Take Care that it be paid when Billey Comes who is not yet arriv’d but suppose he will be...
183224[Diary entry: 4 November 1751] (Washington Papers)
November 4 th , 1751.—This morning received a card from Major Clarke, welcoming us to Barbadoes, with an invitation to breakfast and dine with him. We went,—myself with some reluctance, as the smallpox was in his family. We were received in the most kind and friendly manner by him. Mrs. Clarke was much indisposed, insomuch that we had not the pleasure of her company, but in her place...
183225From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 31 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letter: ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; enclosure: AD : New-York Historical Society I enclose you Answers, such as my present Hurry of Business will permit me to make, to the principal Queries contain’d in your Favour of the 28th Instant, and beg Leave to refer you to the latter Piece in the printed Collection of my Papers for farther Explanation of the Difference between what are...
183226To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 28 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New-York Historical Society I had the pleasure of receiving yours with the favour of a copy of your Electrical experiments. My being in this place prevents my reading them with that attention which they deserve and which I intend to do assoon as I shall return home. My Notions on Electricity are confused and indigested. I know not wherein consists the difference between an Electric body...
183227From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 24 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), p. 21. My son waits upon you with this, whom I heartily recommend to your motherly care and advice. He is indeed a sober and discreet lad of his years, but he is young and unacquainted with the ways of your place. My compliments to my new niece,...
183228Abiah Franklin to Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, 14 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did not rite to you last post but it was becase I was taken with the Stomak ake so bad all day that I coold not set up to rite on any acount. My Cozen Kesiah Coffin was hear last week and she was Sorroy that the werkes and letter was not yet printed. She bid me tell you that She Shoold be glad [to know] how soone you coold do them for She wants to have a...
183229To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 7 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr. Warrell on his return from Philadelphia about 3 months ago acquainted me that in Answer to my request He had had a full talk with you on the matter of Electrification and that you are clear in it I may make the Experiment in moderation without any fear of Injury and that you was so kind as to offer to come hither and make the Operation on...
183230Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Matthias Koplin, 5 October 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Pennsylvania Hospital The first real estate the Pennsylvania Hospital owned was a lot in the Northern Liberties given by Matthias Koplin. A generous-spirited German, Koplin offered the land through Christopher Saur, being assured, he explained, that the Managers, unlike those of hospitals he knew in Germany, would manage the funds wisely and impartially. His letter was in German; a...
183231From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 22 September 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library My Daughter receiv’d her Books all in good Order, and thanks you for your kind Care in sending them. Enclos’d is a second Bill for £20 Sterling. The first went per Mesnard. There is a little Book on the Game of Chess, by Philip Stamma, printed for J. Brindley, 1745. If to be had, please to send it me; with the Remaining Vols. of Viner as fast as they are...
183232From Benjamin Franklin to Jared Eliot, 12 September 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I receiv’d your Favour of last Month, with the 12 Essays. Sometime since, I mention’d to you a Method of increasing Dung by Leaves; did you receive that Letter? The Collinson you mention is the same Gentleman I correspond with; he is a most benevolent worthy Man, very curious in Botany and other Branches of Natural History, and fond of Improvements in Agriculture,...
183233From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 5 September 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society As you are curious in Electricity, I take the Freedom of introducing to you, my Friend Mr. Kinnersley, who visits Boston with a compleat Apparatus for experimental Lectures on that Subject. He has given great Satisfaction to all that have heard him here, and I believe you will be pleased with his Performance. He is quite a Stranger in Boston, and as you...
183234Pennsylvania Assembly: Representation to the Proprietors, 23 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 44–6. To the Honourable Thomas Penn , and Richard Penn , Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, &c. The Representation of the General - Assembly of the said Province, met at Philadelphia, the Twenty-third Day of the Sixth Month, 1751. May it please the Proprietaries , The first...
183235Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on Expenses for Indian Affairs, 22 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1750–1751 (Philadelphia, 1751), pp. 83–5. In Pursuance of the Order of the House, we have examined the Journals of the Proceedings of the Assemblies of this Province, on what relates to the Charges of Treaties and other Affairs with the Indians, by which we find, That the Expences on these Occasions were very inconsiderable,...
183236Pennsylvania Assembly: Resolutions on Expenses for Indian Affairs, 22 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1750–1751 (Philadelphia, 1751), pp. 85–6. Resolved, N. C.D. That it is the Opinion of this House, that the Proprietaries Interest will be so greatly advanc’d by keeping up a firm Peace and friendly Correspondence with the Indians, that they ought to bear a proportionable Part of the Charges expended upon all such Treaties as...
183237Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 21 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1750–1751 (Philadelphia, 1751), p. 82. The Pennsylvania Assembly on October 19, 1750, asked that the Proprietors share the charges arising from Indian treaties. On August 16, 1751, Governor Hamilton reported their refusal. The next day a committee which included Franklin was named to prepare an answer to the governor’s message...
183238Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on a Schuylkill Bridge, 20 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1750–1751 (Philadelphia, 1751), pp. 80–1. In Obedience to the Order of the House, we have view’d the River Schuylkill, and sounded the Depths, and try’d the Bottom in several Places from Peters’s Island, near the Ford, down to John Bartram’s, below the Lower Ferry, and are of Opinion, that the most convenient Place for a Bridge...
183239Appeal for the Hospital, 8 and 15 August 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , August 8 and 15, 1751. Among all the innumerable Species of Animals which inhabit the Air, Earth and Water, so exceedingly different in their Production, their Properties, and the Manner of their Existence, and so varied in Form, that even of the same Kind, it can scarce be said there are two Individuals in all Respects alike; it is remarkable, there are...
183240From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 19 July 1751 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Bigelow, Works (Federal Edition, 1904), XII , 253. This serves to cover the enclosed and recommend the affair to your care. I have assured the gentlemen concerned that you will serve them as well and cheap as any bookseller in London. They are men of ability, and will be constant customers. We are all well, and join in the most cordial salutations to you, Mrs....
183241From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Johnson, 11 July 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (mutilated): Yale University Library I receiv’d your Favours of June [ and] July 4. I am sorry for the Faults in the I[ntroduction] and shall endeavour to be more careful. The Contents and Introduction are to be prefix’d, tho’ printed last; they shall be plac’d in the same Order as in the M.S. Perhaps a few of the Oeconomy’s might sell in your Parts by your Recommendation: If you think so...
183242Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital: Memorial to the Proprietors, 6 July 1751 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; also draft and copy in Minutes, Pennsylvania Hospital July 6, 1751 This document, drafted by Franklin and Israel Pemberton, is omitted here for the reason stated above, p. 111; but is printed, with editorial annotation, in Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital , May 1754, in the next volume.
183243From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 29 June 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: The Royal Society In Capt. Waddels Account *Ph. Tr. No. 492. p. III . of the Effects of Lightning on his Ship, I could not but take Notice of the large Comazants (as he Calls them,) that settled on the Spintles at the Topmast-Heads, and burnt like very large Torches before the Stroke. According to my Opinion, the Electrical Fire was then drawing off, as by Points , from the Cloud, the...
183244From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 28 June 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I receiv’d yours of March 26. with the Books per Smith in good Order: And your Account, which agrees with mine except in a Trifle, the Share of the Charges on Ainsworth carried to J. Read’s Account. I am concern’d at your laying so long out of your Money, and must think of some Way of making you Amends. I have wrote to Smith at Antigua to quicken him in...
183245William Watson: An Account of Franklin’s Treatise, [6 June 1751] (Franklin Papers)
MS : The Royal Society; also printed in Phil. Trans. , XLVII (1751–52), 202–11. An account of Mr. Benjamin Francklin’s treatise lately published intitled, Experiments and observations on Electricity made at Philadelphia in America, by Wm. Watson, F. R. S. Mr. Franklin’s treatise, lately presented to the royal Society, consists of four letters to his correspondent in England, and of another...
183246From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 21 May 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library Budden is arrived, and every thing you sent per him come safe to hand. Both the Library-Company and the Academy are exceedingly oblig’d to you, and would be glad of any Opportunity of serving you or any of your Friends. The Academy goes on as one could wish: We have excellent Masters, and the Boys improve surprizingly: The Number now 70 and daily encreasing. I...
183247An Act to Encourage the Establishing of an Hospital, 11 May 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in [Acts of the Pennsylvania Assembly] Anno Regni Georgii II … Vigesimo Quarto … [October 14, 1750, to May 6, 1751] (Philadelphia, 1751), pp. 155–8. May 11, 1751 This document, the original draft of which was by Franklin, is omitted here for the reason given above, p. 111; but is printed, with editorial annotation, in Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital , May 1754, in the next...
183248Felons and Rattlesnakes, 9 May 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette May 9, 1751. In the eulogy which he delivered before the French Academy of Sciences on Nov. 13, 1790, the Marquis de Condorcet noted that Franklin sometimes made a point in conversation with a fable, tale, or anecdote. “Chargé de demander l’abolition de l’usage insultant d’envoyer les malfaiteurs dans les Colonies, le Ministre lui allégait la nécessité d’en...
183249Experiments and Observations, [April 1751] (Franklin Papers)
Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and Communicated in several Letters to Mr. P. Collinson, of London, F.R.S. London: Printed and sold by E. Cave, at St. John’s Gate. 1751. (Yale University Library) Franklin’s reports on electricity had an immediate and favorable reception in England. The first account of his experiments,...
183250To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 27 March 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am now so prodigiously Engagd as well in my publick business as on Account of our very great National loss the Death of the Prince of Wales that I can only acknowledge the Receipt of thy kind Letters with the Tracts Inclosed. I have sent per Capt. Richey in the Beulah the Magazins for Febuary. I am thy sincere friend Prince of a short Illness an...