5751[Diary entry: 13 April 1766] (Washington Papers)
13. Sunday—clear & warm—wind South. On this day GW set out for the lower Tidewater, stopping at Fredericksburg to pick up Fielding Lewis. After stopping at Eltham, they crossed the James River and visited the Dismal Swamp. They then returned to spend a week at Eltham and in Williamsburg, where GW settled some accounts, including the purchase of two indentured servants. GW was back at Mount...
5752To Benjamin Franklin from George Read, 14 April 1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from William T. Read, Life and Correspondence of George Read (Philadelphia, 1870), p. 23. From your known goodness, and the knowledge you have of me and my family, I have presumed to beg the favor of you to apply to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury on my behalf, for the appointment of Collector of the Port of New Castle, made vacant by the death of Mr. William...
5753Tuesday April 15th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Went to Boston. The Superior Court adjourned again, for a fortnight. Hutchinson, Cushing and Oliver, present. What Insolence And Impudence, and Chickanery is this? Fleet of Yesterday, gives us, a Piece from Lon don Gaz ette Jany. 8th. signed Vindex Patriae. The sole Q uestion he says is, if the Americans are represented in Parliament? Colonists by Charters shall have same Priviledges, as if...
5754From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Ronayne, 20 April 1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. (Quarto edition, London, 1817–18), iii, 364–6. I received your very obliging and ingenious letter by Captain Kearney. Your observations on the Electricity of Fogs, and of the air in Ireland, and of the several circumstances attending a thunder-storm, are very...
5755To George Washington from James Gildart, 22 April 1766 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you of the 28th Novr ⅌ the Totness Capt. Barwich of whoes Arrivall In York have lately been advised that I hope you have received mine In Answer to your esteemed favour of the 20th Sept. duplicate of wc. have now before me. I gave you the best Information relating to Hemp from America I then could. Since have had a few Tons from Ra⟨ppa⟩hanock wch I sold At 27 ⅌ Ton besides the bounty...
5756To John Jay from Benjamin Kissam, 25 April 1766 (Jay Papers)
I have been strongly sollicited to take a Jaunt with Mr. Inglis to Philadelphia, and he proposes to set offon Tuesday next. I have consented to go provided my horse is well, and News of the Repeal of the Stamp Act should not arrive in the mean Time. Will You then be good enough to send my Horse down by a careful hand, if he is fit to go the Journey; and as upon the Repeal of the Stamp Act, we...
5757Saturday April 26th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
The last Thurdsdays Paper is full. The Resolves of the House of Commons, are the most interesting. The Bill which is to be brought in upon the first Resolve, and the Sixth has excited my Curiosity and Apprehensions the most. The Ist. Resolve is that K., Lds. and Commons have an undoubted Right to make Laws for the Colonies in all Cases, whatever.—I am solicitous to know whether they will lay a...
5758To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 26 April 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing thee, on the 25th. Ulto, since when We have not had the satisfaction of receiving any of thy Favours. Various have been the Reports spread through the Continent, respecting the Repeal of the Stamp-Act; and as often as they arrived sometimes in favour and other times against Us, we were acted upon, by our Fears, and different...
5759Deed from Marmaduke Norfleet, 26 April 1766 (Washington Papers)
26 April 1766 “This Indenture, made the twenty Sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Sixty Six Between Marmaduke Norflet of the County of Perquimans of the one Part, And George Washington & Feilding Lewis of the Colony of Virginia Gent. of the other Part Witnesseth, That for & in Consideration of the Sum of One thousand two hundred Pounds Current money of...
5760To John Jay from Benjamin Kissam, 26 April 1766 (Jay Papers)
We were last Night strangely deluded with a mistaken account of the Repeal of the Stamp Act; and all the Bells have been ringing since Break of Day—Upon Enquiry We find that the Intelligence amounts to no more than that the Bill had passed the House of Commons on the 28 of Feb y and so was to be sent up to the Lords on the 3 d . March. There is indeed a Letter dated at Falmouth on the 5 th ....
5761Sunday April 27th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Heard Mr. Smith. In the Evening, I had a great deal of Conversation with Ezekiel Price, Yesterday about Politicks, &c. I provoked him to speak freely by calling him an Hutchinsonian.—I swear says he I think the Lieutenant Governor an honest Man, and I think he has been most damnably abused and slandered and bely’d, &c. I know all his violent Opposers—I know them and what they are after, and...
5762Monday April 28th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
At Home.
5763From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 28 April 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received several of your kind Favours since my Arrival in England, the last by your good Brother, the Subject not in the least disagreable as you apprehend, but in Truth it has not been at all in my Power to do what you desir’d; if for no other Reasons, yet for this, that there has been no Vacancy. I congratulate you on the Repeal of that Mother of...
5764To Benjamin Franklin from James Johnson, [28 April 1766] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from George Everett Hastings, The Life and Works of Francis Hopkinson (Chicago, [1926]), p. 122. The Bishop of Worcester presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin and begs the favour of Him to let the Inclos’d to Mr. Hopkinson go in his Packet when He has an opportunity of sending to Philadelphia. For James Johnson, Bishop of Worcester, whose kinship to the Hopkinson family...
5765Tuesday April 29th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
At Boston. To this day the Superiour Court was adjourned: Hutchinson, Lynde and Cushing were present. Two of the Bar, agreed to continue an Action. Hutchinson leans over and orders Winthrop to minute an Agreement to continue. We will consider of it, says he. Another of the Bar, moved for a Continuance and no Opposition. Hutchinson orders the Clerk to enter it, a Motion for a Continuance, &c....
5766To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 30 April 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 25th. of Febry. is just come to hand. The one you mention to have sent me on the 16th. I have not receiv’d. Perhaps it was on Board that unfortunate Vessel from Bristol which was lost on our Coast. If so, and you have kept any Copy do favour me with it for I should be very loath to lose any of your Letters. You cannot conceive the...
5767Cash Accounts, May 1766 (Washington Papers)
Cash May 1— To Do [cash] from Do [John Relfe] by Mr Chs Yates £32. 5. 0 To Do of Mr Phil. W. Claiborne a yrs Intt of his Bond to Miss Custis 14. 0. 0 To Do of Ditto a yr Intt on Mr Wm Dandridges Bond 22. 0. 0 2— To a years Intt of Doctr [James] Carter for Mrs [Joanna] McKenzies Bond 0.10.16 To Cash recd from Colo. Byrd 40. 0. 0 To one Years Interest of Frans Fosters Mortgage 25. To Cash...
5768To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 1 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society In mine of the Third of March, Via Belfast, by Captain Henderson, I told you Mrs. Franklin had of me Fifty Pounds, for the Purchase of a Bill from Mrs. Stevens. On the 18th of February One Hundred Pounds, towards paying for the Purchase of the Lot; and that on the Tenth of March I was to give her One Hundred Pounds more, for the last mentioned...
5769To Benjamin Franklin from James Pemberton, 1 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Historical Society of Pennsylvania It is not with a view to add to the number of thy Correspondents, and thereby encrease thy trouble of writing; but from a motive of regard that I Send this. Conscious of thy integrity abilities and firmness to Serve thy Country I rest fully Satisfied in respect to myself but Observing with Concern every occasion however frivolous is taken to keep alive...
5770[May 1766] (Adams Papers)
Returning from Meeting this Morning I saw for the first Time, a likely young Button Wood Tree, lately planted, on the Triangle made by the Three Roads, by the House of Mr. James Brackett. The Tree is well set, well guarded, and has on it, an Inscription “The Tree of Liberty,” and “cursed is he, who cutts this Tree.”—Q. What will be the Consequences of this Thought? I never heard an Hint of it,...
5771Sunday. May 4th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Returning from Meeting this Morning I saw for the first Time, a likely young Button Wood Tree, lately planted, on the Triangle made by the Three Roads, by the House of Mr. James Brackett. The Tree is well set, well guarded, and has on it, an Inscription “The Tree of Liberty,” and “cursed is he, who cutts this Tree.”—Q. What will be the Consequences of this Thought? I never heard an Hint of it,...
5772To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 6 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to your Requisition and Opinion, in yours to me of the 11th of May, and 8th of June last, I am now come up to this City: and been accepted to the Exercise of the Place of Land-Waiter here the 3d of this Month: and an Account with the Bond executed, and a Certificate of the Matter would be sent with this Packet, but the Surveyor-General, Mr....
5773Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 8 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress When the Assembly reconvened in May after a recess of about three months, “A Member of the Committee of Correspondence,” undoubtedly Joseph Galloway, presented letters from Franklin “addressed to that Member only, and not to the said Committee, though relative to the Business of the Public.” When the letters had been read the House resolved that the Committee “do...
5774From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 9 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Samuel Hazard, ed., Hazard’s Register of Pennsylvania xvi, No. 5 (August 1, 1835), 65. I received your kind letter of March 3, and thank you for the Intelligence and Hints it contained. I wonder at the Complaint you mentioned. I always considered writing to the Speaker as writing to the Committee. But if it is more to their Satisfaction that I should write to them...
5775From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 9 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have been so busy that I have not had time to go to the Customhouse about your Salary, since mine of Feby. 26. (but will now do it soon) nor to write to you since I saw the Bishop, which was some time after he receiv’d your Letters. He express’d a Pleasure in hearing of and from his Relations, enquir’d in what manner he could send Letters to you, and...
5776From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hopkinson, 9 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dr. Myron Prinzmetal, Beverly Hills, California (1956); copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of Oct. 1. with the Order on Mr. Barclay, of which I have not yet made any Use, but shall when I next see him; Tho’ it was not necessary for you to take Notice of those small Expences till my Return. Your Acknowledgements are far beyond the Occasion, and bring me in...
5777To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 9 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing thee a few Lines per Packet. Since which our Assembly met and have this day adjourned to meet the 2d of June next. It is with great pleasure that, I acquaint thee, that the reason for this short Adjournment is, that they may take the earliest Opportunity of returning to the King, Lords and Commons their unfeigned Thanks for the...
5778From Benjamin Franklin to Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, [10 May 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from Clarence W. Alvord and Clarence E. Carter, eds., The New Régime 1765–1766 , in Collections of the Illinois Historical Library, xi (Springfield, Ill., 1916), 338. This is the first of three brief extracts from letters by Franklin, the originals of which cannot be found, expressing approval of the proposed western settlement. All three have been tentatively dated May 10,...
5779From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [10 May 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from [Jared Sparks, ed.,] A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), p. 275. I like the project of a colony in the Ilinois country, and will forward it to my utmost here. The original letter has not been found. On the relationship between this extract and those immediately above and below, see the headnote to the one...
5780From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, [10 May 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from Clarence W. Alvord and Clarence E. Carter, eds., The New Régime 1765–1766 , in Collections of the Illinois Historical Library, xi (Springfield, Ill., 1916), 338. I think that a strong Colony in the Illinois Country, is a most desirable measure. The Proposal is much listened to here. On the source and dating of this extract see the headnote and footnotes to the document...
5781George Gilmer to John Morgan, 11 May 1766 (Jefferson Papers)
Give me leave to introduce the bearer my particular friend Mr. Thomas Jefferson. I need say nothing to recommend him to your esteem, your penetrating genius will discover him to be a Gentleman emminently worthy your accquaintance. Since your departure from Edinburgh there has no incident occurd worth relating. In Medecine not one article. Our friend Cocks died of a fever in London about six...
5782Clarendon to the Boston Gazette, 12 May 1766 (Adams Papers)
Seeing a Piece in the New Hampshire Gazette of last Friday, mentioning the Composition that was made by Mr. Cockle and the G––––r some Time ago, it occur’d to me to enquire what was be come of the Money compounded for by them, for the Duties on those Cargoes of Molasses; I have heard that the G––––r received his third Part last September was twelve Months, that Mr. Cockle received his before...
5783Sunday. May 18th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Mem. to write some Speculations, upon the Union of Legislative and Executive Powers—and upon the Knot, the Junto, the Combination.
5784From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you pretty fully per the Packet, and shall write again by some of our Ships: But Capt. Cruikshanks kindly offering to carry a Letter to you, I write just to let you know I am well, as I hope you any [and] my dear Sally and all our Relations and Friends continue to be. Mrs. Stevenson is getting something to send you, and presents her Compliments....
5785To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 20 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the Year 1878 (New York, 1879), pp. 15–16; extracts: printed in The London Chronicle , Sept. 6–9, 1766. I sincerely and heartily congratulate you on the repeal of the Stamp act, and from my heart thank you for the pains you have taken to bring that happy event. Your Enemies at last began to be ashamed of their base...
5786To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Hunt, 21 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (mutilated): American Philosophical Society It is with great Reluctance that I trouble you with [ torn ] at a time when you must be busily engaged in Affairs of the [ torn ] to Great Britain and her Colonies. I hope however you will pardon [ torn ] indulge me in a Freedom which I do and ever shall esteem a great [Favour?]. One of the Medals which Mr. Sargent sent to the College [was...
5787To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 22 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing thee, on the 9th Inst. via Ireland to which please to refer. On the 19th. by a Vessel from Pool we received the truely joyous and satisfactory News of the Repeal of the Stamp-Act; which diffused such universal pleasure that, it was easily to be seen in the Countenance of every Person. On which some Friends waited on all the...
5788To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 23 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have now the inexpressible Pleasure of informing you that we have, Via Poole, the great News of the Royal Assent to the Repeal of the Stamp Act. Upon its Arrival agreable to your Advice, Our Friends exerted their utmost Endeavours to prevent any indecent Marks of Triumph and Exultation. We opposed the Intended Fire Works Illuminations, firing of Canon...
5789From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 25 May 1766 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your last by T. Nelson whom I luckily met on my road hither. Surely never did small hero experience greater misadventures than I did on the first two or three days of my travelling. Twice did my horse run away with me and greatly endanger the breaking my neck on the first day. On the second I drove two hours through as copious a rain as ever I have seen, without meeting with a...
5790Monday May 26th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
I have been very unfortunate, in running the Gauntlet, thro all the Rejoicings, for the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. Monday last at 2 O Clock, was our Town Meeting, and the same Evening, were all the Rejoicings in Boston and in Plymouth. After Meeting I mounted for Plymouth, and reached Dr. Halls of Pembroke. The only Rejoicings, I heard or saw were at Hingham, where the Bells rung, Cannons were...
5791Wednesday. May 28th. (Adams Papers)
General Election. At Boston. After Lecture, dined at Mr. Austins, the Wine Cooper, with the Revd. Messrs. Prentice of Charlestown and Amos Adams of Roxbury. Adams and Austin were the Disputants in Politicks, Prentice a Moderator. This Morning Samuel Adams was chosen Clerk, and Otis Speaker. Govr. Bernard negatived him. Cushing was chosen. In the Afternoon they proceeded to choose Councillors,...
5792Thurdsday, May 29th. (Adams Papers)
The Governor negatived Otis, Sparhawk, Dexter, Saunders, Gerrish and Bowers, and made the two Houses a most nitrous, sulphureous Speech. What will be the Consequence? This morning in Hatch’s Office, Mr. Paxton came in. “This is the lazyest Town upon the Globe—poor, proud and lazy is the Character of this Town. They wont work. If the Neutrals were gone, there would be no body to throw the Water...
5793From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 29 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; retranslated from a translation into Italian printed in Guiseppe A. F. G. Eandi, Memorie istoriche intorno gli studi del padre Giambatista Beccaria delle Scuole Pie professore difisica sperimentale nella R. Università di Torino ec . (Torino, 1783), pp. 146–8. It gives me pleasure to transmit to you herewith the thanks of our society for your most ingenious paper on electrical...
5794To Benjamin Franklin from [Henry] Hope, [June? 1766] (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library We humbly ask your pardon for not waiting on you ourselves, if it had been possible for either of us, it would not have been ommitted; That however we may enjoy the happiness of your agreable Company, we kindly begg the favour of Seing you att dinner to morrow, your cordiall acceptance will very much oblige Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servants...
5795To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, [June 1766] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ First part missing ] That the Proprietors must have lost their Interest, Otherwise Mr. F, could not have got, that Obnoxious Man, John Hughs appointed —Indeed! To do them Justice, I verily think, They believe it is all Over, with Them, for your Old Acquaintance Dr. Thomas Bond told Me last Night, They were extremely Mortified and disappointed....
5796Cash Accounts, June 1766 (Washington Papers)
Cash June 14— To Ditto [cash] from John Ward £ 1. 0.0 16— To Captn McCarty’s Acct 6. 0.0 Contra June 3— By my Brothrs Flax Dresser 0.10.0 By Peter Green 2.12.1 By Servants 0. 3.6 By Ferriages 0. 1.0 By Tax on 1250 Acres of Land in King George—pr Gerrd Banks 2.10.0 5—
5797From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Waller, 6 June 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I hear with Pleasure from Philadelphia, that Billy Hunter behaves well and improves in his Learning; but I am concern’d to hear that Mr. Royle is dead, who manag’d the Printing house jointly for his Account, and that Mr. Holt, whom I wish’d to succeed there, as one from whom a greater Care might be expected of the Child’s Interest, does not incline to leave New...
5798Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 6 June 1766 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress Our Assembly now sitting, having purposely adjourned, in May last, to this Time, have their Expectations joyfully gratified by receiving an authentic Account, in Secretary Conway’s Letter to the Governor, of the Repeal of the Stamp Act, which has been the Occasion of great Distress and Anxiety to the Colonies for Several Months past; We are ordered by the House to...
5799To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 7 June 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I transmit you, herewith, a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, inclosing An Address from the Assembly to his Majesty, agreable to the Hint you gave me, in your’s of the 27th. of February. Our Assembly adjourned yesterday to the 8th of September, after Sitting 5 Days, during which Time my Fatigue was uncommon, The Court and Assembly both requiring...
5800From Benjamin Franklin to Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, [8 June 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from Clarence W. Alvord and Clarence E. Carter, eds., The New Régime 1765–1766 , in Collections of the Illinois Historical Library, xi (Springfield, Ill., 1916), 366. I approve much of the Preposal of a strong Colony at the Illinois. It is well listned to here; But all affairs, except what immediately relate to Great Britain are laid aside, until the Season of Publick...