Miscellaneous Benjamin Franklin Collections
1710-1822
(733 items)

B F85[extension]

© American Philosophical Society
105 South Fifth Street * Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
 American Philosophical Society 105 South Fifth Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
Table of contents Abstract
Since publication of I. Minis Hays's Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in 1908, the APS Library has acquired a large number of miscellaneous letters and other documents relating to the life, mind, and work of Franklin and his immediate family. The collections listed in this finding aid consist of letters and documents to and from Franklin organized into seven groupings based upon provenance or focal point. The largest grouping consists of miscellaneous materials acquired individually or in small groups over the years, including a number of important individual items. The other collections consist largely of correspondence between Franklin and individual friends and colleagues, including his friends Mme Brillon, Mary "Polly" Stevenson Hewson, and Catherine Ray Greene, the Whig agriculturist Richard Jackson, and the printer Francis Childs.

The collections include photostats of selected materials held by other institutions or that were in private hands. These are available for reference only.

Scope and content
Since publication of I. Minis Hays's Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in 1908, the APS Library has acquired a large number of miscellaneous letters and other documents relating to the life, mind, and work of Franklin and his immediate family. The collections listed in this finding aid consist of letters and documents to and from Franklin organized into seven groupings based upon provenance or focal point. The largest grouping consists of miscellaneous materials acquired individually or in small groups over the years, including a number of important individual items. The other collections consist largely of correspondence between Franklin and individual friends and colleagues, including his friends Mme Brillon, Mary "Polly" Stevenson Hewson, and Catherine Ray Greene, the Whig agriculturist Richard Jackson, and the printer Francis Childs.

The letters to and from Benjamin Franklin in the miscellaneous collections has been or will be published by the Papers of Benjamin Franklin project. For the most part these materials arrived after I. Minis Hays undertook his project to calendar the Franklin Papers, and as a result, are not included in that calendar. The current Miscellaneous Collection is the product of the merger of three separate miscellaneous collections previously identified only by differences in call number. The items in each of these miscellaneous collections were originally catalogued in the order received and were assigned a numerical suffix to the basic call number (e.g. B F85.200 or B F85x.1). Although the collection has been rearranged into a single chronological series, we have retained the original call numbers to facilitate comparison to earlier citations.

The Library has holds reference copies of Franklin correspondence held at Abercairny House, General Registry Office, Edinburgh (correspondence with Henry Homes, Lord Kames), the J. Pierpont Morgan Library, the Harkness Collection at the New York Public Library, and the Bibliothèque Municipale, Mantes, France (duc de La Rochefoucauld). These materials may not be copied without the prior permission of the institution holding the originals.

Administrative information
Restrictions
Permission to publish letters not owned by the APS must be obtained from the holding institution.

Provenance
Acquired variously.

Preferred citation
Cite as: [Name of Collection], American Philosophical Society.

Processing information
Encoded and recatalogued, 2003.

Added entries
Subjects
  • African Americans--Education
  • American Philosophical Society
  • Cook, James, 1728-1779
  • Electricity--Early works to 1800
  • France--Foreign relations--United States
  • Great Britain--Foreign relations--United States
  • Junto
  • Pennsylvania--Politics and government--Colonial period, ca.1600-1775
  • Postal service--United States
  • Printers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
  • Stamp Act, 1765
  • United States--Foreign relations--France
  • United States--Foreign relations--Great Britain
  • United States--History--Colonial period, ca.1600-1775
  • United States--History--French and Indian War, 1755-1763
  • United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
  • United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes

    • Contributors
  • Bache, Sarah Franklin, 1743-1808
  • Bingham, William, 1752-1804
  • Brillon de Jouy, Anne Louise Boyvin d'Hardancourt, 1744-1824
  • Brillon de Jouy, Anne Louise d'Hardancourt, 1744-1824
  • Chaumont, Jacques Donatien Le Ray de, 1725-1803
  • Childs, Francis, 1763-1830?
  • Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
  • Franklin, Deborah Read, 1704?-1774
  • Franklin, William Temple, 1760-1823
  • Franklin, William, 1731-1813
  • Galloway, Joseph, ca.1731-1803
  • Genet, Edme Jacques, 1726-1781
  • Greene, Catherine Ray, 1731-1794
  • Greene, William, 1731-1809
  • Hall, David, 1714-1772
  • Hartley, David, ca.1730-1817
  • Helvetius, Anne Catherine de Ligniville d'Autricourt, 1719-1800
  • Hewson, Mary Stevenson, 1734-1795
  • Hill, Henry, 1732-1798
  • Ingersoll, Jared, 1722-1781
  • Jackson, Richard, ca.1721-1787
  • Jay, John, 1745-1829
  • Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792
  • Lee, Arthur, 1740-1792
  • LeRoy, Jean Baptiste, 1720-1800
  • Mecom, Jane Franklin, 1712-1794
  • Price, Richard, 1723-1791
  • Stevenson, Margaret, ca.1706-1763
  • Strahan, William, 1715-1785
  • Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de, 1717-1787
  • Waring, John, 1716-1794
  • Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815
  • Wistar, Caspar, 1761-1818

    		•
    Contact information
    American Philosophical Society
    105 South Fifth Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
    [http://www.amphilsoc.org/]

    ©4/2003

      Sponsor:Encoding made possible by a grant by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
    Collection overview

    		 B F85.1-437. Benjamin Franklin Miscellaneous Collection 1710-1793 531 items

    Miscellaneous manuscripts written by or to Benjamin Franklin, acquired individually or in small groups. The material spans the entirety of Franklin's public career. A few items are supplied in photocopy from originals held privately or at other institutions.

    The collection was rearranged chronologically in 2003, however the individual item numbers have been retained for reference purposes.




    		B F85.f6.1-31. Benjamin Franklin Account Books 1730-1874 33 volumes

    Thirty-three complete volumes portraying Franklin's business and personal concerns as well as his work with the Post Office in Philadelphia. These volumes also include a partial account of Franklin's estate and records maintained by Deborah Read Franklin and William Temple Franklin.




    		B F85.h. Benjamin Franklin Estate Records 1788-1797 31 items

    Two account books kept by Henry Hill (1732-1798), one of Franklin's executors and miscellaneous related material. Included are copies of Franklin's will, an inventory of the estate (copy), letters relating to claims on the estate, and recordings of receipts and disbursements made. The miscellaneous items include an interesting account with Robert Bass, Franklin's druggist, and a listing of medicine and surgery books belonging to Franklin.




    		B F85.br. Benjamin Franklin-Mme Brillon de Jouy Collection 1778-1788 19 items

    		Background note:

    A neighbor of Benjamin Franklin's when he lived at Passy, the French harpsichordist and composer Anne Louise Brillon became an intimate friend. Franklin attended the salon run by Mme Brillon and corresponded with her regularly when they were apart. Her best known composition, "Marche des Insurgents," celebrated the American victory over the British at Saratoga in 1777.


    Scope and content:

    Correspondence written by Benjamin Franklin to his French confidante, Anne Louise Boyvin d'Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy.

    		B F85.ch. Benjamin Franklin-Francis Childs Collection 1783-1795 19 items

    		Background note:

    Francis Childs established himself as a printed with the assistance of Benjamin Franklin and became a pioneer in publishing daily newspapers in both Philadelphia and New York (Daily Advertiser). Childs became the public printer in New York in 1790.


    Scope and content:

    Miscellaneous correspondence between Benjamin and William Temple Franklin and the newspaper publisher Francis Childs.

    		B F85.g. Benjamin Franklin-Catherine Greene Collection 1751-1784 27 items

    		Background note:

    A Rhode Islander, Catherine Ray Greene met Franklin in Boston in 1754 and remained a constant correspondent until his death. She became wife of William Greene, governor of Rhode Island from 1778-1786, with whom she had six children.


    Scope and content:

    Miscellaneous correspondence between Benjamin Franklin, his sister Jane Mecom, and their friend Catherine Ray Greene.

    		B F85.j. Benjamin Franklin-Richard Jackson Collection 1753-1767 41 items

    		Background note:

    A member of Parliament and colonial agent for Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, Richard Jackson met Benjamin Franklin through their mutual friend Peter Collinson. The two shared a number of interests, including scientific interests in agriculture and natural history and politics. Jackson worked with Franklin in opposing the Stamp Act.


    Scope and content:

    Letters from Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, and two letters from Samuel Finley, a minister and central figure in the Great Awakening.




    		B F85.m. Jane Mecom Collection 1728-1789 65 items

    		Background note:

    The youngest and favorite sibling of Benjamin Franklin, Jane Mecom married the Boston saddler Edward Mecom in 1727. A constant correspondent of Franklin's, Mecom lived out the revolutionary years in Rhode Island (staying with Catherine Ray Greene) and Philadelphia (staying with Richard Bache), where she kept Franklin apprised of current events and public opinion on the course of the war. Mecom bore more than her share of hardships in life. Only nine of her eight sons and four daughters survived infancy, and two of them, including her son Benjamin, went insane in later life.


    Scope and content:

    Correspondence from Benjamin Franklin to his sister Jane Mecom written throughout his life.

    Detailed inventory

    		 B F85.numeral. Benjamin Franklin Miscellaneous Collection 1710-1793 531 items

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Poems to B[enjamin] F[ranklin]     		1710 July 7, 15 Photocopy,1p. B F85.421

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Elegy on my Sister Franklin     		[ca. 1718-1722]. Photostat, 4p. B F85.174

    		Cash, Caleb.
    Will     		1732/33 January 16 DS, 1p. B F85.299

    		Witnessed: B. Franklin, Stephen Potts, Sarah Read. Certification, April 26, 1737, S: Pet[er] Evans.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Proposals and queries for the Junto     		[ca.1732]. Photo., 5p. B F85.367

    		In hand of Charles Thomson
    Location of originals: From original in the Thomson memorandum book, 1754-1774. Gratz collection, H.S.P.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, 255-259.

    See Film 476 for copy from Franklin's Commonplace book

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Lease to Sarah Read for house and lot on High Street, for 99 years     		1734 April 11 Photostat of DS, 1p. B F85.110

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Lease to Sarah Read     		1734 April 11 DS, 1p. B F85.385

    		Presented by Morris Duane; Dec.1969.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, I, 367-370.




    		Franklin, Deborah.
    Power of attorney, in the name of her husband Benjamin Franklin, to James Wilson to collect mortgage money from estate of William Maugridge     		1738 Oct. 14 D.S. 1p. B F85. x28

    		Att: Nicholas Waln [and] John Patton.

    		Coates, William.
    Indenture to William Maugridge for the lease of a plot of ground in Northern Liberties, adjacent to that of Benjamin Franklin     		1741 March 10 DS, 1p. B F85.298

    		Certification, June 27, 1776;S: Jacob Duché.

    		Edgell, Simon.
    Will     		1741 March 9 D.S. 2p. B F85.301

    		Seal Witnessed: B. Franklin et al

    		Koyle, Michael. Estate.
    Account with John Read     		1741 April 20-1743 Sept. 26; 1749 October 23 DS, 1p. B F85.290

    		Contains receipt, same date, written in B. Franklin's (executor of estate) hand S: John Read.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    [Bond in re administration of estate of Simon Edgell]     		1743 April 2 DS, 1p. B F85.295

    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Proposal for promoting useful knowledge among the British plantations in America     		1743 May 14 DS, 2p. B F85.297

    		In hand of Alexander Garden (?)
    Copy sent to the Royal Society of arts, London, by Alexander Garden; cf. William Shipley to BF, Sept. 13, 1755 - Franklin Papers I,38; also

    		Smout, Edward.
    Bond of Edward Smout, Rebecca Edgell and Benjamin Franklin in re estate of John Armstrong     		1744 April 24 DS, 1p. B F85.313

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Receipt to John Bringhurst for printing Mr. Estaugh's book, with statement of account of Elizabeth Estaugh and John Bringhurst     		1744 April 25 Photocopy,2p. B F85.378

    		Presented by Willman Spawn; 1966.
    Provenance: (from originals in Estaugh Papers, Haverford College, quaker Collection.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Cadwallader Colden     		1744 April 5 Photostat, 1p. B F85.4

    		Relative to founding of the APS.
    Location of originals: From original in possession of New-York Historical Society.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to W[illia]m Strahan     		1744 Sept. 18 ALS, 1p. Slightly mutilated. B F85.70

    		Sends books he has printed. Orders type to complete a "little Printing House for our common Friend Mr. Hall."
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, II, 416-417.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Account with [Nathaniel] Clapp (sic)     		[1744 November 3] ADS Cy, 1p. B F85.392

    		Charges for printing and binding Mather's Soul-saying gospel truths. On same page as B[enjamin] Franklin to Clapp (sic); [Nov.3, 1744,]
    Provenance: (From Bruce Gimelson, Autograph Auction No. 8, October 5, 1972.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin; 1706-1790.
    Post-master's bill; from the post-office at Philad. to the post-office at Boston;     		1745 June 13 Pr. DS, 1p. B F85.167

    		Probably a Franklin imprint
    With this is an engraving of Dr. Franklin in fur cap. Removed from frame; Feb. 1963.

    		Middleton, Mary.
    Bond of Mary Middleton, Benjamin Franklin and Jacob Duché in re estate of James Middleton     		1745 June 3 DS, 1p. B F85.312

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to James Alexander     		1745 August 15 ALS, 1p. B F85.43

    		Relative to some engraving work. Mentions [Lewis ?] Evans and [James ?] Parker.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Works, III, 32. Cannot find in print - 6/44.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Bond to Isaac Jones     		1745 December 19 Photo., 1p. B F85.361

    		Presented by Robert B. Fisher; 1961.
    Note: (see film 1052.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    [Bond in re administration of estate of Joseph Breintnall]     		1746 April 12 DS, 1p. B F85.296

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [William Strahan]     		1746 May 22 ALS, 1p. B F85.188

    		Orders maps for Assembly.
    Bibliography:
    Printed in part: Smyth 2, 297. Printed: Labaree, Works, III, 77.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Brother [Franklin]     		1747 April 2 LS Cy, 2p. B F85.236

    		On same sheet is portion of another, undated, letter from Franklin to his brother. Desires information on Admiral Warren's actions. Mentions Billy [William Franklin].
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, WorksIII,119.




    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Letter to William Strahan     		1747 June 1 ALS, 1p. B F85.284

    		Mr. Hall will advise him of their business arrangement. Purchase of books.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Works, III, 140.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to W[illia]m Strahan     		1747 November 28 ALS, 1p. B F85.69

    		Mr. Hall will order books for the shop after that date. Maps for the gallery and assembly room in the State House. Presented by Dr. Thomas S. Gates, May 1947.

    		Meuris, Matthias. Estate of.
    List of debts due sundry persons     		ca.1747 AMs, 1p. B F85.x59

    		Debt to Benjamin Franklin - £42.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Cadwalader Colden     		1748 Sept. 29 Photostat, 3p. B F85.85

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mr. Strahan     		1748 November 23 Photostat, 1p. B F85.108

    		Relative to Mr. Read's account. Mentions Dr. Mitchell and fireplaces.
    Location of originals: Presented by J. B. Nolan from original in Buffalo Historical Society, November 1948.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Works, III, 326-327.




    		Library Company of Philadelphia.
    Minutes     		1748 November 7; 1748 Dec.; 1748/9 January 9 3p. B F85.261

    		Dr. of A.D. in handwriting of Benjamin Franklin.
    On reverse of bill for books from Peter Collinson, June 16,1742-Oct. 15, 1745.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Ja[mes Logan ?]     		1749 July 4 ALS, 1p. B F85.126

    		Sends Smith's Travels and Pope's Life of Ward. Mentions N. Holland.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Works, III, 382.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [George Whitefield]     		1749 July 6 A.L. 2p. B F85.335

    		Fragment.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, II, 377-378; London Evangelical Magazine, XI, (1803), 27-8. Labaree, Works, III, 382-383.




    		Koyle, Michael, Estate of.
    Account with T. Leech and B. Franklin     		1749 Sept. 29-1751 April 24; 1751 August 6 DS. 1p. B F85.289

    		In Franklin's hand. Principally funeral expenses and taxes.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Abiah Folger Franklin]     		1749 Sept. 7 ALS, 1p. B F85.371

    		In hand of Jane Mecom.
    Provenance: Presented by Morris Duane; Dec 1962.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers,vol.3,388-89.




    		Koyle, Michael.
    Inventory of estate     		1749 October 6 D, 1p. B F85.294

    		In B. Franklin's hand.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to "Dear Elias"     		1750 June 1 Photocopy, 1p. B F85.400

    		Acknowledges receipt of the "copper and Worm" which is to be forwarded to an individual in Maryland. Mentions James Logan.
    Provenance: (From Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., Public Auction, May 21, 1974.)

    		Collinson Peter, 1694-1768.
    Letter to [Benjamin Franklin]; Lond[on]     		1750 July 10 [or 11] Photostat, 3p. B F85.x43

    		The proprietor approves the Academy. All of his electrical papers are in press under the supervision of Dr. Fothergill. Mentions John Bartram.
    Provenance: From original on Library Co.

    		Library Company of Philadelphia.
    Minutes     		1750 Sept. 10 1p. B F85.121

    		Oct. 8. A.D. in hand of B. Franklin.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [William Strahan]     		1750 December 6 ALS, 2p. B F85.251

    		Asks that he enter his son, William Franklin, as a student of law in one of the Inns; orders some books.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, vol.IV, 77f.




    		Lavers, Robert.
    Receipt to B. Franklin for certain books and magazines for the library     		1750 Dec. 22 DS, 1p. B F85.x40

    		In B. Franklin's hand.

    		Hurford, Samuel.
    Receipt to Benjamin Franklin for payment of tax for Michael Koyall's estate     		1751 June 6 DS, 1p. B F85.293

    		In B. Franklin's hand.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Peter Collinson]     		1751 July 29 (?) ALS, 2p. B F85.131

    		Comment on Albany conference from which has just returned, Finds is Beccaria's Dell'elettricismo artificiale naturale that the author has same opinion as he does that "Thunder-Storkes are sometimes upwards from the earth to the cloud."
    Contains note in Collinson's hand. Transcribed also is letter from Franklin to Collinson, May 28, 1754, in secretary's hand.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Cohen, I. B., Franklin and Newton. v.43. p. 500-501. (Extracts): Labaree, Papers, vol.V,394-396.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letters to [Cadwallader Colden]     		1751 October 31 Lithograph (?) of ALS, 2p. B F85.184

    		The Philadelphians chess society.
    Rules to be accepted by members..     		1752 April 24 Photostat, Forgery B F85.281

    		Philadelphia. Mayor, Magistrates and Wardens 1752 July 7 D.S, 9 leaves. B F85.45

    		Orders for regulating the conduct of the watch, made by the magistrates and wardens.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, vol.IV,327-332.




    		Green, Thomas.
    Mortgage from Thomas and Martha Green to Isaac Norris, Thomas Leech and Edward Warner, for parcel of land in Northern Liberties, £179.17.10;     		1752 August 4 D.S. 3p. B F85.267

    		Certification, August 21, 1752, S: B. Franklin, as justice.
    Provenance: Presented by Mr. Samuel H. Mcvitty, March 1955.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [William Strahan]     		1752 Sept. 1 ALS, 1p. B F85.323

    		Encloses second bill for £20 drawn on Alexander Grant for Mary Stevens.
    For record of first bill, see letter of Aug. 8, 1752 (Smyth, III,94). Fine impression of B.F.'s seal.
    Bibliography:
    Printed:Labaree, Papers, vol.IV, 354.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to P[eter] Collinson     		1752 October 1 Enlargement pprint of copy of L. 2p., end. B F85.196

    		Copy made by Peter Collinson.
    Provenance: Presented by I.B. Cohen, March 1952, from original owned by Royal Society.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Royal Society, Phil. Trans. v.47, 565; Smyth v.1,99 under date of October 19, 1752.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to John Franklin     		1752 December 8 Photostat, 2p. B F85.37

    		Pertains to a catheter.
    Provenance: Photostat presented by the New York Academy of Medicine which owns the original.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, v.3, 103.

    		Philadelphia. Merchants.
    Petition against patent exclusive rights of trade to Labrador;     		1752 Photostat, 2p. B F85.96

    		Also contains report of the Lords of the committee of council for plantation affairs; December 21, 1752.
    Location of originals: Original in the Colonial office of the board of trade - commercial.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Solis- Cohen, Phila's expedition to Labrador, Penne.Hict., v.19, 156-157.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to "Dear Brother" [John Franklin ?]     		1753 January 2 Photostat, 1p. B F85.216

    		Questions him about their father's estate; and about various papers on electricity etc., he sent him. On reverse is copy of letter from Franklin to his brother, Sept. 27, 1750.
    Location of originals: From original in possession of Vassar B. Carlton, who presented photostat, May 1951.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Brother [John (?) Franklin]     		1753 January 2 LS Cy, 1p. B F85.237

    		His brother's case of the stone. Questions concerning their father's estate. Inquires whether he has read his electrical papers and others sent him.

    		Hill, Richard.
    Deed, given by his attorney Samuel Preston Moore to Samuell Powell, for plot of ground about Third and Sassafras streets     		1753 March 25 2p. B F85.277

    		D. with certification S: B. Franklin, Justice. April 20,1753.

    		Norris, Isaac, 1701-1766.
    Deed to Moses Moore for land in Chester Co., Pa     		1753 May 18 DS, 1p. B F85.163

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Peter Collinson]     		1753 May 9 LS Cy, 7p. B F85.252

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to George Whitefield, Philadelphia     		1753 June 6 Photostat, 3p. B F85.9

    		Franklin's notion of good works.
    The Franklin Papers contain an autograph draft of this letter, with slight differences in wording, addressed to Joseph Huey (v.45, no.7); see also Smyth, v.3,143)
    Provenance: The original of this photostat was offered for sale to the A.P.S. by Paul Elder and Co., San Francisco, Cal., March 1940.

    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Letter to Hugh Roberts. Philadelphia     		1753 July 16 ALS, 1p. B F85.365

    		Forwards package for the Speaker. Concerning his travels and plans for return. Refers to the Junto.
    Provenance: Presented by R. Sturgis Ingersoll; July 12, 1951.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers,vol.V,11-12.




    		Library Company of Philadelphia.
    Minute of the Directors     		1753 December 10 A.D. in hand of B. Franklin 2p. B F85.265

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Edw[ar]d Shippen     		1754 February 14 ALS, 2p. B F85.46

    		Printing house in Lancaster.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, vol.V, 198-199.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [William Watson]     		1754 April 19 Photostat B F85.147

    		Electrical experiments.
    Provenance: From original consigned to A.Privat, Paris, 1949.
    Bibliography:
    Printed:Cohen, I. B. Franklin and Newton p.502-503: Labaree, Papers, V,265-6.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to President and Council of the Royal Society [ of London]     		1754 May 19 Typed c. of L. 1p. B F85.187

    		Acknowledges the honor bestowed upon him by receipt of the Copley medal for 1753.
    Provenance: Presented by I. Bernard Cohen, Sept. 1951.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Peter Collinson]     		1754 May 28 Copy of L. 3p. B F85.131

    		Proprietor's interest in the Academy. Sent paper containing his new experiments on lightning and electricity of the clouds. Capt. Swain has gone on second attempt for the N.W. passage. Acknowledges [Copley] medal and barometers through Mr. Smith. Mr. Short's improvements of his fire-hearths. Comments on relationship of the Crown and colonies with respect to the designs of the French. Albany conference.
    On same sheet with letter of July 29, 1754.
    Bibliography:
    Printed (extracts): Cohen, I. B. Franklin and Newton, pp. 499-500: Labaree, Papers, vol. V, 330-333.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to William Strahan     		1755 March 23 ALS, 1p. B F85.288

    		Letter serves to cover a Bill of exchange for 20£.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, vol.V,535.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 1755 April ca. AD, 2p. B F85.42

    		Memorandum relative to the reforms in connection with the delivery of mail.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: (under date of April [1743]) Labaree, Papers, II, 376-378.




    		Braddock, Edward, 1695-1755.
    Commission to [John] Read, as waggon master; Fort Cumberland     		1755 May 21 DS, 1p. B F85.x7b

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Pass for John Bickner and John Myfield permitting them to go to the new road in Cumberland county for clearing same     		1755 May 30 ADS, 1p. B F85.264

    		Presented by Mr. Samuel H. McVitty, March 1955.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, VI, 66-67.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Susanna Wright     		[1755? June] Monday morning Photostat, 1p. B F85.79

    		Presented by Julian P. Boyd, July 1947.
    Location of originals: From original in possession of Frank Jewett Mather.
    Bibliography:
    printed: Smyth,v.3,p.261.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Rich[ar]d Peters     		[1755 Aug.] ALS, 1p. B F85.60

    		Relative to the delivery of certain letters. "They hope the Colonel [Dunbar] does not mean to come to Philade. but only into this Province to be near the Magazine at Shippensburgh..."
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, VI, 128-129.




    		Scott, Thomas.
    Certification that wages are due to John Read for his services as wagon master during the Braddock campaign     		1755 Oct. 1 ADS, 1p. B F85.x7c

    		Scott was wagon master general.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Jona[tha]n Williams,Boston; Philad     		1755 October 16 ALS, 1p. B F85.329

    		"Free B Franklin". Sends printing paper to be sold.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, VI, 226.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to James Read     		1755 Nov.2 ALS, 5p. B F85.372

    		Presented by Morris Duane; Dec.1962.
    Bibliography:
    Printed, with slight changes, and omission of P.S.:Smyth,vol. 3, 295-6.

    Labaree, Papers, VI, 234-236.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Rich[ar]d Peters;     		1755 November 5
    		B F85.397

    		Acknowledges Peters' intentions to provide the bearers of the letter "with what Arms and immunition they have occasion for, provided the Assembly will engage to pay for them."
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, VI, pp. 236-237.




    		Parker, George, 2nd earl of Macclesfield, 1697-1764.
    Recommendation of Benjamin Franklin for election to membership in the Royal Society of London     		1756 Jan. 29 Photograph of D.S: Macclesfield. . .P. Collinson and others. 1p. B F85.x19

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Jane Mecom]     		1756 February 12 Repro. of ALS. 1p. B F85.437

    		Consolation on the death of their brother. Source of image (Batchelder Cat. #56, n.d.).
    1. Mecom. Jane, 1712-1794. I. B. Franklin chron.

    		Sober, Sarah.
    Will     		1756 February -- D.S. 1p. B F85.300

    		Seal Witnessed: Deborah Franklin, John Morgan Certification, Phila., October 3, 1757, S:William Plumsted.
    Mentions Benjamin Franklin and Richard Peters.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Miss Hubbard     		[1756 February 22] Copy of typed L. 1p. B F85.354

    		Taken from the Massachusetts Centinel, May 15, 1790. Presented by J.B.Nolan; May 1960.
    Note: (see Mass.Magazine; Feb.1789,p.100.)
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, III, 329-330.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Position of troops in Northampton Co     		[1756 February] Photostat of A.D. 1p. B F85.218

    		In Connection with this document see article by William A. Hunter, "Two 'new' Franklin manuscripts,"
    Photostat presented by Mr.Hunter, 1953.
    Provenance: From original in the Pa. State Archives, Papers of the Provincial Council, Harrisburg.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Pennsylvania Archives, under date of 1758, Ser. I,v.3,325.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Elizabeth Hubbard (sic) , dated Philadelphia     		1756 March 5 ALS, 1p. 0. B F85.5

    		shall send a commission to cousin Tuthill [Hubbart]; could be glad to have the state of the office accounts and the balance... Elizabeth Hubbart later became Elizabeth Partridge. Purchased at the Parke-Bernet sale, October 12-13, 1938, $55.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Roelker's Franklin-Greene Correspondence,p.26

    Printed: Labaree, Papers, VI, 421-422.




    		Clapham, William.
    Letter to B. F[ranklin]     		1756 Sept. 8 Photostat of extract of L. 1p. B F85.x49

    		Presented by W.A. Hunter, June 1954.
    Provenance: From original in Papers of the Provincial council, Division of Public Records, Harrisburg, Pa.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Pennsylvania archives, II,766.

    		Pennsylvania. Provincial Council.
    Minutes of Conference with Indians, held at Easton, Pa     		1756 November 15 Photostat of extract, in handwriting of Benjamin Franklin. 3p. B F85.234

    		Presented by Dr. William A. Hunter, May 1954.
    Provenance: Original in Pa. hist. and mus. com., Dept. of Public Records, Papers of the Provincial council. Text incorporated in Provincial Record, P, 89-90.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Colonial Records, 7,330. Text is substantially the same as that in treaty printed by B. Franklin, Phila. 1757; Labaree, Papers, VII, 18-21.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Betsy Hubbard     		1757 January 13 ALS, 2p. B F85.162

    		Advice for story-tellers; old age.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, VII, 95

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Earl of Loudoun; Woodbridge     		1757 May 21 Photostat, 2p. B F85.186

    		Delay in sailing of packet. Suggests that someone be appointed to enquire into the claims of the masters whose servants have been taken into service from Pa.
    From Loucoun papers, Huntington library. Press ented by E.M.Riley, August 1951.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Vol. VII, 214-5.

    		Franklin and Hall.
    Receipt to Nathaniel Moore     		1757 May 23 Ms. D. (signature in handwriting of David Hall) 1p. B F85.260

    		Subscription to the Gazette.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Jane Mecom     		1757 May 30 (?) Photostat of extract of L. Portion of p. B F85.65.

    		From extract in New England Historic Genealogical Society.
    On same sheet with extract of letter of July 1, 1789.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, v.3,404.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Invoice to the Library Company of Philadelphia;     		1757 Sept. 22-1762 July 28 Copy of A.D.S. 1p. 9x6. B F85.399

    		Hubbart, James.
    Letter to [Benjamin Franklin ?]     		1757 Oct. 16 L. 1p. B F85.x48

    		Safe arrived in Halifax. News of French and English action in and near the city. Death of Capt. Lewis.

    		Bartram, John, 1699-1777.
    Letter to B[enjamin] Franklin     		1757 Nov. 12 Typescript of L. 1p.Extract. B F85.x63

    		Concerning the Aurora Borealis.
    Presented by Francis D. West, 1953.
    Provenance: (from original in Royal Society, London.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [John] Pringle     		1757 December 21 Photostat, 4p. B F85.308

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to David Hall     		1757 December 9 ALS, 2p. B F85.17

    		Printing matters; European affairs. Purchased from W. B. Ingham, March 1941.
    Bibliography:
    Printed:Labaree, Papers, vol. VII ,237-8.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mr.[John] Waring     		1758 January 3 ALS, 3p. B F85.97

    		Proposed school for negro children in Philadelphia sponsored by the Associates of Dr.Bray. Transcribes extract of letter from Mr.Sturgeon, August 22,1757.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Paper vol. VII, p.356.

    		Franklin, Deborah Read.
    Letter to the Earl of Loudon     		1758 January 20 Photostat, 1p. B F85x

    		Loudon, Earl of.
    Letter to Deborah Read Franklin     		1758 January 24 Photostat, 1p. B F85x

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to J[ohn] Waring     		1758 February 17 ALS, 3p. B F85.98

    		Advice on establishing a school for negro children. Mr. [Henry] Wheatly's legacy for James and Mary Hunter (?).
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Labaree, Papers, vol. VII, 377-9.




    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Commission to Woodward Abraham to the post of deputy post-master at Marblehead, Mass     		1758 April 10 Printed D. filled in and S: B.Franklin, William Hunter [post-masters-general]. 1p. B F85.153

    		Seal. (Actually signed by James Parker for the post-masters general)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Joseph] Galloway     		1758 June 10 ALS, Photostat. 2p. F. B F85.8

    		Hears nothing of Mr. Hamilton's application for a charter for Phliadelphia from the Crown.
    Provenance: The original of this photostat is in the Mason Collection at Yale University Library; photostat was purchased from the Library, October 1939, $ .60.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [David] Hall, Philadelphia     		1758 June 10 L.S. 1p. B F85.345

    		Trouble with Moore and Smith affair. His confidence in Hall. Business. Strahan will forward certain articles. Concerning a printer who may remove to America. Refers to "Billy".

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to Mary [Stevenson], Tunbridge Wells     		1758 August 20 ALS, 1p. B F85.7-1

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Original draft of Benjamin Franklin's petition on behalf of the Indians, 17581758
    		ALS, 14p. B F85.102

    		Freeman Guide 969.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary] Stevenson     		1760 February 14 ALS, 1p. B F85.7-2

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Miss Stevenson     		1760 May 1 ALS, 2p. B F85.273

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to William Cullen     		1760 Sept. 17 L.S. 1p. B F85.271

    		Introduces the bearer, Mr. [William] Shippen who goes to Edinburgh for study of physick and surgery.

    		Wright, John.
    Letter to Benjamin Franklin     		1760 Nov. 22 ALS, 1p. B F85.x70

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mr. [John] Winthrop     		1761 April 8 ALS, 1p. B F85.169

    		Contains also drafts of letters from Winthrop to Franklin, Pringle, and Gov. Belcher.
    John Pringle's piece on fiery meteors Sands papers of Mr. Kennicott relating to the Hebrew Bible; inquires whether the college has any associated material.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to John Balfour     		1761 April 2 ADrS, 1p. B F85.15

    		Eefers to payment of a bill received from David Hall. Written on back of letter from Balfour to Franklin, March 26, 1761.
    Provenance: Purchased from W. B. Ingham, March 1941

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Josiah Quincy     		1761 April 8 ALS, 2p. B F85.19

    		Purchased at the sale of the Larkin collection, Kende galleries, Gimbel brothers, N.Y., May 1, 1942. No.A10.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, v.4, pp.98-100; with variations in Quincy, J. Memoir of the life of Josiah Quincy June 1825, p.473-4

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to E. Pennington (sic)     		1761 May 9 ALS, 3p. B F85.230

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary Stevenson]     		1761 July 7 ALS, 1p. B F85.7-3

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letters to Debby [Franklin]     		1761 August 7 ALS, 1p. B F85.201

    		Plans to set out in few days for Harwich; possibility of going to Holland.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [William] Cullen     		1761 October 21 L.S. 2p. B F85.275

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mary [Stevenson]     		1761 October 29 ALS, 1p. B F85.164

    		Printed almost entirely: Smyth,4,117.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Lord Bessborough     		Friday evening [ca. 1761] ALS, 3p. B F85.141

    		According to recent commission, Mr. Hunter's decease has not caused a vacancy in the American postmastership - Franklin fills entire office.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary Stevenson]     		1762 May 10 ALS, 2p. B F85.7-4

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary Stevenson]     		1762 May 24 ALS, 2p. B F85.7-5

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to J[ohn] Winthrop     		1762 December 23 ALS, 1p. B F85.14

    		Scientific and friendly news. Mentions his son.
    On same sheet are letters from Winthrop to B.Franklin; Jan 20,1763, and Winthrop to Short; June 6, 1764.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Order to Messrs. Hughes and Co., for a set of musical glasses, with directions for making     		[ca. 1762?] Photostat of A.D. 1p. Photostat of A.D. 2p. il. B F85.331

    		---- Directions for making a musical machine. Presented by Whitfield J. Bell, Jr., 1956.
    Location of originals: From originals in the Assay Office, Birmingham, England. "Not to be reproduced without permission."

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to William Strahan     		1763 March 28 Enlargement print of ALS, 2p. B F85.122

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to Mary [Stevenson], New York     		1763 June 27 ALS, 1p. B F85.7-6

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mr. [John] Waring     		1763 June 27 ALS, 3p. B F85.99

    		School for Negro children in Philadelphia; similiar institutions in New York, Williamsburgh, New York, and proposed one in Newport, R.I.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Catherine Greene]     		1763 July (sic) 23 Photostat of newsclipping. B F85.61

    		From the Boston Post, ca. Jan.10, 1850.
    The text of this letter is the same as that from Franklin to caty of Jan.23, 1763 (of. B:F85.86 and Smyth, v.4,188)
    Contains also portions of letters from Franklin to caty or William Greene Feb.15. 1764 and Feb. 28, 1778.
    Letter printed also in Littell's living age,p.80,no.308,Apr.1850.

    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Letter to [William Greene]     		1763 July 19 ALS, 1p. B F85.307

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1906-1790.
    Letter to Jared Ingersoll, New Haven     		1763 July 25 ALS, 1p., add., end. 9x7-1/4. B F85.393

    		Informs Ingersoll that "I shall ...call on my way home... about the Beginning of September." Mentions his daughter Sarah.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to [Catherine Greene]     		1763 Sept. 5 ALS, 1p. B F85.51

    		With this came a water color of the Franklin residence at Ecton, and a copy of T.B. Welch's engraving of the "thumb portrait" of Franklin owned by the APS.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, v.4, 207; Roelker's Franklin-Greene Correspondence,p.38

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Jonathan Williams [sr.]     		1763 November 28 Photostat, 1p.F. B F85.23

    		domestic affairs.
    Bibliography:
    Printed: Smyth, V.4,209.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mr. [John] Waring     		1763 December 17 ALS, 2p. B F85.100

    		Reports on school for negro children in Philadelphia. Desires to be remembered to the Associates [of Dr. Bray].

    		Eldridge, Samuel.
    Letter to Messrs Baynton, Wharton and Morgan, Philadelphia; Montreal     		1764 March 13 Photostat of L.S.: Samuel Eldridge and Will[ia]m Long. 3p., end. by B. Franklin. B F85.327

    		Concerning business affairs in Canada.
    Provenance: (from original document in Penna. Hist.and Museum comm. Public records division, Baynton,Wharton and Morgan papers.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Mary Stevenson     		1764 March 14 ALS, 2p., end. B F85.161

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Cadwalader Evans     		1764 May 18 Facsimile of ALS, 1p. 6x3-3/4. B F85.407

    		Thanks for plan of a furnace which should be published. Introduces Benjamin Rush.
    From Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. catalogue Sale no. 3813B November 25, 1975, item 359.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to Mary Stevenson, Philadelphia     		1764 May 4 ALS, 1p. B F85.7-7

    		Moore, Samuel Preston.
    Certification of sale of stock by the Phiadelphia Linen Manufactory to Charles Thomson     		1764 Aug. 13 D.S. 1p. 12x8. B F85.x3

    		This company was formed by B.F. et al.

    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Letter to [Peter Collinson]     		1764 Sept. 24 Typed L. 1p. Extract. B F85.357

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Sally [Franklin]; Reedy Island     		1764 November 8 LS Cy 3p. B F85.319

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary Stevenson]     		[1764 December] ALS, 1p. B F85.7-8

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    [Plan for an American colonial paper currency.]     		[ca. 1764.] Photostat, 1p. B F85.12

    		Photostat of document sold at the Gribbel sale on October 31, 1940; of. Parke-Bernet catalogue no. 223, item 252.
    Cf. W.R. Riddell, Benjamin Franklin and colonial money in Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, v. 54,1930,pp. 52-64.

    		Franklin, Deborak Readl. 1774.
    Letter to Benjamin Franklin     		1765 Jan. 8 ALS, 1p B F85.x23

    		Franklin, Jan. 11, 1765 Answd. (BF's hand)
    Cold weather. Work on the house [in Franklin court]. News of family and friends.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    to [Mary Stevenson]     		1765 January 9 ALS, 2p. B F85.7-9

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1786.
    Philadelphia contributionship for the insurance of houses from loss by fire     		1765 Mar. 25 D.S. 1p. B F85.x5

    		Received contents, March 29, 1765, by Franklin and Hall.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Dr.[Cadwalader] Evans     		1765 July 13 ALS, 1p. B F85.48

    		"The proceedings of those mad people on the frontier."

    		Franklin, Benjamin,1706-1790.
    Letter to [John] Morgan     		1765 July 8 ALS, 1p. B F85.58

    		Establishment of medical school in Philadelphia.
    Paid Morton's admission fee to the [Royal] Society.

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to Keziah Folger Coffin     		1765 August 29 Typed L. 1p. B F85.353

    		With copy of note by Thomas F. Wood describing the document and giving its history.
    Sends gift.
    Micr. of copy, inserted in letter from W.C.Folger to J.Sparks;July 30,1838 (see Sparks papers... ; reel 2, no.114.)

    		Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
    Letter to David Hall