[
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0001-0001", "content": "Title: Saturday March 1767.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Went with Captn. Thayer to visit Robert Peacock and his poor distressed Family. We found them, in one Chamber, which serves them for Kitchen, Cellar, dining Room, Parlour, and Bedchamber. Two Beds, in one of which lay Peacock, where he told us he had lain for 7 Weeks, without going out of it farther than the Fire. He had a little Child in his Arms. Another Bed stood on one side of the Chamber where lay 3 other Children. The Mother only was up, by a fire, made of a few Chips, not larger than my Hand. The Chamber excessive cold and dirty.\n       These are the Conveniences and ornaments of a Life of Poverty. These the Comforts of the Poor. This is Want. This is Poverty! These the Comforts of the needy. The Bliss of the Necessitous.\n       We found upon Enquiry, that the Woman and her two oldest Children had been warned out of Boston. But the Man had not, and 3 Children had been born since.\n       Upon this Discovery we waited on Coll. Jackson, the first Select Man of Boston, and acquainted him with the facts and that we must be excused from any Expence for their Support.\n       When I was in that Chamber of Distress I felt the Meltings of Commiseration. This Office of Overseer of the Poor leads a Man into scenes of Distress, and is a continual Exercise of the benevolent Principles in his Mind. His Compassion is constantly excited, and his Benevolence encreased.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0002-0001", "content": "Title: April 4th. 1767.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Suits generally Spring from Passion. Jones vs. Bigelow, Cotton and Nye arose from Ambition. Jones and Bigelow were Competitors for Elections in the Town of Weston, Cotton and Nye were Rivals at Sandwich. Such Rivals have no Friendship for each other. From such Rivalries originate Contentions, Quarrells and Suits. Actions of Defamation are the usual Fruits of such Competitions. What affection can there be between two Rival Candidates for the Confidence of a Town. The famous Action of slander at Worcester between Hopkins and Ward, of Rhode Island, Sprouted from the same Stock. There the Aim was at the Confidence of the Colony.\n       Poor Nye of Sandwich, seems dejected. I should suspect by his Concern that Cotton gained Ground vs. him. He seems to be hipp\u2019d. It fretts and worries and mortifies him. He cant sleep a Nights. His Health is infirm.\n       Cotton is insane, wild. His Proposal of giving his House and Farm at Sandwich to the Province, is a Proof of Insanity. He has Relations that are poor. Jno. Cotton is now poor enough. He has a Brother Josiah Cotton the Minister whom he procured to be removed to Woburn, and thereby to be ruin\u2019d, who is very poor, maintained by Charity. Roland was Josiahs ruin; yet he did not choose to give his Estate to Josiah. Besides his Behaviour at Boston upon that occasion, was wild. His sitting down at the Council Table with his Hat on and Calling for his Deed and a Justice to acknowledge it, when the Council was sitting.\n       Cottons Method of getting Papers Signed by Members, in order to demolish poor Nye is new. The Certificate from Murray and Foster if genuine is a mean, scandalous Thing. It was mean in Murray and Foster to sign that Paper. For one Representative to give a Constituent a Weapon to demolish another Rep., is ungentlemanlike.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0002-0002", "content": "Title: 1767 April 8th. Wednesday.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Mounted my Horse in a very Rainy Morning for Barnstable leaving my Dear Brother Cranch and his family at my House where they arrived last Night, and my Wife, all designing for Weymouth this Afternoon to Keep the fast with my father Smith and my Friend Tufts.\u2014 Arrived at Dr. Tufts\u2019s, where I found a fine Wild Goose on the Spit and Cramberries stewing in the Skillet for Dinner. Tufts as soon as he heard that Cranch was at Braintree determined to go over, and bring him and Wife and Child and my Wife and Child over to dine upon wild Goose and Cramberry Sause.\n       Proceeded without Baiting to Jacobs\u2019s where I dined. Lodged at Howlands. Rode next day, baited at Ellis\u2019s, dined at Newcombs and proceeded to Barnstable, lodged at Howes\u2019s and feel myself much better than I did when I came from Home. But I have had a very wet, cold, dirty, disagreable Journey of it.\u2014Now I am on the stage and the scene is soon to open, what Part shall I act?\u2014The People of the County I find are of opinion that Cotton will worry Nye. But Nye must come off, with flying Colours.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0002", "content": "Title: [April 1767]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Suits generally Spring from Passion. Jones vs. Bigelow, Cotton and Nye arose from Ambition. Jones and Bigelow were Competitors for Elections in the Town of Weston, Cotton and Nye were Rivals at Sandwich. Such Rivals have no Friendship for each other. From such Rivalries originate Contentions, Quarrells and Suits. Actions of Defamation are the usual Fruits of such Competitions. What affection can there be between two Rival Candidates for the Confidence of a Town. The famous Action of slander at Worcester between Hopkins and Ward, of Rhode Island, Sprouted from the same Stock. There the Aim was at the Confidence of the Colony.\n       Poor Nye of Sandwich, seems dejected. I should suspect by his Concern that Cotton gained Ground vs. him. He seems to be hipp\u2019d. It fretts and worries and mortifies him. He cant sleep a Nights. His Health is infirm.\n       Cotton is insane, wild. His Proposal of giving his House and Farm at Sandwich to the Province, is a Proof of Insanity. He has Relations that are poor. Jno. Cotton is now poor enough. He has a Brother Josiah Cotton the Minister whom he procured to be removed to Woburn, and thereby to be ruin\u2019d, who is very poor, maintained by Charity. Roland was Josiahs ruin; yet he did not choose to give his Estate to Josiah. Besides his Behaviour at Boston upon that occasion, was wild. His sitting down at the Council Table with his Hat on and Calling for his Deed and a Justice to acknowledge it, when the Council was sitting.\n       Cottons Method of getting Papers Signed by Members, in order to demolish poor Nye is new. The Certificate from Murray and Foster if genuine is a mean, scandalous Thing. It was mean in Murray and Foster to sign that Paper. For one Representative to give a Constituent a Weapon to demolish another Rep., is ungentlemanlike.\n   First regular entry in \u201cPaper book No. 14\u201d (D/JA/14), though preceded by the detached notes on legal cases which have been inserted above under date of July 1766.\n   The case of Roland Cotton v. Stephen Nye, the latter of whom had succeeded the former as representative from Sandwich in the General Court in 1761, was an action for defamation. The plaintiff was awarded damages in Barnstable Inferior Court in April. JA appealed for the defendant to the Superior Court at its Barnstable session in May but again lost; see the entries \n          May, below. Paine and Otis served as Cotton\u2019s counsel. Nye was obliged to pay \u00a37 damages and \u00a315 13s. 5d. costs. (JA, List of Cases in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable Courts, 1764\u20131767, and notes on Cotton v. Nye, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reels 184, 185; Superior Court of Judicature, Minute Book 82).\n      1767 April 8th. Wednesday.\n       Mounted my Horse in a very Rainy Morning for Barnstable leaving my Dear Brother Cranch and his family at my House where they arrived last Night, and my Wife, all designing for Weymouth this Afternoon to Keep the fast with my father Smith and my Friend Tufts.\u2014 Arrived at Dr. Tufts\u2019s, where I found a fine Wild Goose on the Spit and Cramberries stewing in the Skillet for Dinner. Tufts as soon as he heard that Cranch was at Braintree determined to go over, and bring him and Wife and Child and my Wife and Child over to dine upon wild Goose and Cramberry Sause.\n       Proceeded without Baiting to Jacobs\u2019s where I dined. Lodged at Howlands. Rode next day, baited at Ellis\u2019s, dined at Newcombs and proceeded to Barnstable, lodged at Howes\u2019s and feel myself much better than I did when I came from Home. But I have had a very wet, cold, dirty, disagreable Journey of it.\u2014Now I am on the stage and the scene is soon to open, what Part shall I act?\u2014The People of the County I find are of opinion that Cotton will worry Nye. But Nye must come off, with flying Colours.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0003-0002", "content": "Title: 1767 May [17] Sunday.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       At Plymouth, went to Mr. Robbins\u2019s Meeting in the Morning, and sat with Mr. Hovey. Dined with Coll. Warren. Went to Mr. Bacons Meeting in the Afternoon and satt with Coll. Warren. Drank Tea at my Lodgings. Robbins preached upon doing the Will of God, and Bacon on Peace, and Goodwill. Judge Cushing was also at the Upper Meeting in the Morning and at the lower, in the Afternoon. Cushing has the sly, artfull, cunning\u2014Artifice and Cunning is the reigning Characteristic in his face. The sly Sneer.\u2014My Landlady Howland gives me a melancholly History of her Husbands Lawsuit, which lasted 20 Years, and brought him to Poverty. She says that Cushings father in Law Cotton, had an House on one Lott of Land that her Husband was Heir to in Tail, and her Husband was obliged to suffer a Common Recovery of that Lot and convey it to Cotton before Cushing would give Judgment. Saltonstall kept it 5 Years depending merely for his Opinion and Cushing many Years more. So that the Case of Roland Cotton last Week at Barnstable is not the only Case in which Cushing has at all Hazards supported the Interests of the Cotton Family. The father of Judge Cushings Wife, and Mr. Cotton the Register &c. was a Man of Figure in this County, Register of Deeds, Clerk of the Court and afterwards Judge\u2014an odd, \u2018tho a sensible Man.\n       We shall see more of the cursed Cunning of this Cushing in the Case of Dumb Tom the Pauper. It was a Trick of his. The Secresy of the Removal was a Trick and Artifice of his. And he is now about to Certiorari him into Pembroke. He was first sent into Pembroke by secret Deviltry, and now is to be sent there again by open Deviltry. But Memento\u2014Three Judges at Barnstable were for dismissing an Appeal to them from Marthas Vinyard because the Plaintiff had accepted of a bad Plea or no Plea. They said it was the Plaintiffs fault that he had accepted such a Plea. Now in the Case of Scituate, was it not the Select Mens fault that they had gone to Tryal without a written Answer?\n       A Question I shall make is, whether dumb Toms gaining a Settlement, at Tiverton or Bristol, has not annihilated his Settlement at Pembroke? No Pauper has two Settlements at once\u2014a new settlement destroys an old one. He cant have a Settlement at Bristol and another at Pembroke at the same Time. Now is it not Scituates Duty to remove him to Bristol? But how can they?\u2014But another Question is whether the secresy of the Removal, the Manifest Artifice and Trick, to charge Pembroke, shall not screen Pembroke? A Collusion it was. If a Woman pregnant of a Bastard Child is sent in the Night, private secretly into a Parish on Purpose that she may be delivered there, the Parish shall not be charged\u2014for the Law will protect Parishes from such Frauds. Secresy never was more gross, nor fraud more manifest. Sent in the Night, 18 months old, by the Mother and a Negro, to a Squaws Wigwam, on purpose that it never might be suspected, but that it might be taken for an Indian. The Imposition was infinite upon the Poor Squaw.\n       Spent the Evening at Mr. Hoveys, with Deacon Foster and Dr. Thomas. The Deacon was very silent. The Dr. pretty sociable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0003-0003", "content": "Title: Monday Morning [18 May]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       A fine Sun and Air.\n       Cushing at Barnstable said to me\u2014happy is he whom other Mens Errors, render wise.\u2014Otis by getting into the general Court, has lost his Business.\u2014Felix quern faciunt aliena Pericula cautum\u2014other Mens Dangers, Errors, Miscarriages, Mistakes, Misfortunes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0011-0003", "content": "Title: [May 1767]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      May 16, 1767. Saturday Night.\n       At Howlands in Plymouth. Returned this day from Barnstable. The Case of Cotton and Nye at Sandwich is remarkable. Cotton has been driving his Interest. This driving of an Interest, seldom succeeds. Jones of Weston, by driving his, drove it all away.\u2014Where two Persons in a Town get into such a Quarrell, both must be very unhappy\u2014Reproaching each other to their faces, relating facts concerning each other, to their Neighbours. These Relations are denied, repeated, misrepresented, additional and fictitious Circumstances put to them, Passions inflamed. Malice, Hatred, Envy, Pride fear, Rage, Despair, all take their Turns.\n       Father and son, Uncle and Nephew, Neighbour and Neighbour, Friend and Friend are all set together by the Ears. My Clients have been the Sufferers in both these Representative Causes. The Court was fixed in the Sandwich Case. Cotton is not only a Tory but a Relation of some of the Judges, Cushing particularly. Cushing married a Cotton, Sister of Jno. Cotton, the Register of Deeds at Plymouth. Cushing was very bitter, he was not for my arguing to the Jury the Question whether the Words were Actionable or not. He interrupted me\u2014 stopped me short, snapd me up.\u2014\u201cKeep to the Evidence\u2014keep to the Point\u2014dont ramble all over the World to ecclesiastical Councils\u2014dont misrepresent the Evidence.\u201d This was his impartial Language. Oliver began his Speech to the Jury with\u2014\u201cA Disposition to slander and Defamation, is the most cursed Temper that ever the World was plagued with and I believe it is the Cause of the greatest Part of the Calamities that Mankind labour under.\u201d This was the fair, candid, impartial Judge. They adjudged solemnly, that I should not dispute to the Jury, whether the Words were actionable or not.\n   To this and the next two entries (which conclude D/JA/14) the editors have assigned specific days of the month because they were obviously written on successive days almost immediately following JA\u2019s unsuccessful appeal in the case of Cotton v. Nye at Barnstable Superior Court. That appeal is known to have been heard on Thursday, 14 May; see note on entry of 4 April, above.\n       At Plymouth, went to Mr. Robbins\u2019s Meeting in the Morning, and sat with Mr. Hovey. Dined with Coll. Warren. Went to Mr. Bacons Meeting in the Afternoon and satt with Coll. Warren. Drank Tea at my Lodgings. Robbins preached upon doing the Will of God, and Bacon on Peace, and Goodwill. Judge Cushing was also at the Upper Meeting in the Morning and at the lower, in the Afternoon. Cushing has the sly, artfull, cunning\u2014Artifice and Cunning is the reigning Characteristic in his face. The sly Sneer.\u2014My Landlady Howland gives me a melancholly History of her Husbands Lawsuit, which lasted 20 Years, and brought him to Poverty. She says that Cushings father in Law Cotton, had an House on one Lott of Land that her Husband was Heir to in Tail, and her Husband was obliged to suffer a Common Recovery of that Lot and convey it to Cotton before Cushing would give Judgment. Saltonstall kept it 5 Years depending merely for his Opinion and Cushing many Years more. So that the Case of Roland Cotton last Week at Barnstable is not the only Case in which Cushing has at all Hazards supported the Interests of the Cotton Family. The father of Judge Cushings Wife, and Mr. Cotton the Register &c. was a Man of Figure in this County, Register of Deeds, Clerk of the Court and afterwards Judge\u2014an odd, \u2018tho a sensible Man.\n       We shall see more of the cursed Cunning of this Cushing in the Case of Dumb Tom the Pauper. It was a Trick of his. The Secresy of the Removal was a Trick and Artifice of his. And he is now about to Certiorari him into Pembroke. He was first sent into Pembroke by secret Deviltry, and now is to be sent there again by open Deviltry. But Memento\u2014Three Judges at Barnstable were for dismissing an Appeal to them from Marthas Vinyard because the Plaintiff had accepted of a bad Plea or no Plea. They said it was the Plaintiffs fault that he had accepted such a Plea. Now in the Case of Scituate, was it not the Select Mens fault that they had gone to Tryal without a written Answer?\n       A Question I shall make is, whether dumb Toms gaining a Settlement, at Tiverton or Bristol, has not annihilated his Settlement at Pembroke? No Pauper has two Settlements at once\u2014a new settlement destroys an old one. He cant have a Settlement at Bristol and another at Pembroke at the same Time. Now is it not Scituates Duty to remove him to Bristol? But how can they?\u2014But another Question is whether the secresy of the Removal, the Manifest Artifice and Trick, to charge Pembroke, shall not screen Pembroke? A Collusion it was. If a Woman pregnant of a Bastard Child is sent in the Night, private secretly into a Parish on Purpose that she may be delivered there, the Parish shall not be charged\u2014for the Law will protect Parishes from such Frauds. Secresy never was more gross, nor fraud more manifest. Sent in the Night, 18 months old, by the Mother and a Negro, to a Squaws Wigwam, on purpose that it never might be suspected, but that it might be taken for an Indian. The Imposition was infinite upon the Poor Squaw.\n       Spent the Evening at Mr. Hoveys, with Deacon Foster and Dr. Thomas. The Deacon was very silent. The Dr. pretty sociable.\n   James Warren, representative in the General Court from Plymouth and later prominent in Revolutionary politics. Warren\u2019s wife was the former Mercy Otis, a sister of the younger James Otis and an ambitious aspirant to fame as a poet and historian. Within a few years the Adamses and the Warrens formed a very intimate circle of friends and correspondents.\n      Monday Morning 18 May\n       A fine Sun and Air.\n       Cushing at Barnstable said to me\u2014happy is he whom other Mens Errors, render wise.\u2014Otis by getting into the general Court, has lost his Business.\u2014Felix quern faciunt aliena Pericula cautum\u2014other Mens Dangers, Errors, Miscarriages, Mistakes, Misfortunes.\n   From neither the punctuation nor the substance of this paragraph is it possible to tell where Judge Cushing\u2019s direct discourse ends, but most likely it ends here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-01-02-0046", "content": "Title: Abigail and John Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 12 January 1767\nFrom: Adams, Abigail,Adams, John\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      Dear Sister\n      Braintree Jana\u2019ry 12 1767\n     Mr. Etter was so good as to come this morning and inform me that his Sons would go to Salem tomorrow. By them I gladly embrace this Opportunity of inquiring after the welfare of you and your family. It has been a very long time since I heard any thing from you; the roads have been so block\u2019d up with Snow here; that I assure you I have not been to Weymouth since mother came from Salem. They were all well to Day, father dined here, Sister Betsy had an ague in her face which has been very troublesome to her.\u2014I immagine the Winter will seem very long to you, not being able to see your Friends from this way and scarcly to hear from them. They have all round made you a visit and retierd to their abideing places waiting, hopeing and Expecting that when the Spring returns, you will return their visits. Thus I reckon Febry., March, April, May, and then I hope to see you again in this Cottage of our own, where we have heretofore sat, and had sweet\n      communion to get her. With what a painful pleasure do I recollect those hours of social chat? and how earnestly do I wish for the continuance of them? But alass where are they\u2014fled \u201cin the Dark backward, and abyss of time.\u201d\n     How does our Dear Brother, how would the Sight of his Grave, Yet chearful countenance Gladen my Heart? And my Little Betsy, how does She. How every word and action of these little creatures, twines round ones heart? All their little pranks which would seem ridiculous to relate, are pleasing to a parent. How vex\u2019d have I felt before now upon hearing parents to relate the chitt chat of little Miss, and Master said or did such and such a queer thing\u2014and this I have heard done by persons whose good Sense in other instances has not been doubted. This tho really a weakness I can now more easily forgive, but hope in company I shall not fall into the same error.\n     As for New\u2019s we have not any but what tis like you see in the publick papers, where A B and C are drawn up in Battle array against P &c. As for Domestick News, I mean such as family News, we have none, unless it would be so to tell you that we have 2 horses, 3 cows, 2 Yearlings, 20 Sheep, 1 cock and no hens. Mem\u2019 one peice and a material one I had like to have omitted, viz. that the camblet has been done these 3 weeks but how to get it to you now I know not. I shall send it to unkle Smiths as the likelyest way to find a conveyance. Dawson has damaged it something , for which I am very sorry, but if you want any thing for Strength I believe I may warrant this. Pray be so good as to write by Mr. Etters Sons how you and Brother, Betsy and all do? My good Man would send his Love to you all only he sets by reading news paper politicks, and is so taken up with them (being just come in) that he cannot think of better matters. He would\n      take it as a favour if Mr. Cranch would write to him, for at all times it delights him to hear of your Health and happiness as much as it does Your Truly affectionate Sister,\n      Abigail Adams\n      P.S. I will send my Love. What care I for News Paper Politicks?\u2014Since last May, my Heart has been at Ease. At Ease I say, and the Governor and all his Friends and Enemies together cant trouble it.\u2014What would I give to have Brother Cranch\u2019s long Visage along Side of my short one, with a Pipe in each, talking about this and that and \u2019tother?\n      da da yrs,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-01-02-0047", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 15 January 1767\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Sister\n     Your kind letter I receiv\u2019d to day and am greatly rejoiced to hear you are all so well. I was very uneasy at not hearing from you, indeed my dear Sister the Winter never seem\u2019d so tedious to me in the World. I daily count the days between this and the time I may probably see you. I could never feel so comfortable as I at present do, if I thought I should spend another Winter here. Indeed my Sister I cannot bear the thought of staying here so far from all my Friends if Mr. Cranch can do as well nigher. I would give a great deal only to know I was within Ten Miles of you if I could not see you. Our children will never seem so natural to each other as if they liv\u2019d where they could see one another oftener.\n     Mr. Cranch has been very well for him all this Winter he has not had but one ill turn since mother return\u2019d home. Betsy Dear creature longs to see her cousen, Gran-Papa and Mama, aunts and all the folks as She says. As for news as you say tis all in the papers but Ive not been able to see any but Fleets and Russels, and the latter you know is a neutarel; till the other day after a labourious inquiery, I obtain\u2019d one of Edes and Gills a Sight here rare enough to cure sore Eyes as they say. I durst not hardly smile assent to any thing against P\u2014\u2014p least I should be cudgel\u2019d. They think it consistant with good manners to affront a person even at their own tables if they offer to say one Word against his E\u2014\u2014y. I was not born to live among Slaves. Some think here that the Person Who pleads the cause of injured innocence is S\u2013w\u2013l, but We think it sounds more like a canting uncle of his in your neighbourhood.\n     As to your domestick news, I believe I know a little more of it than you do, or else you have forgot. You say you have two horses, but you are mistaken my dear. One of them is a Mare, a poor lame hip\u2019d spavell\u2019d, one eye\u2019d mare as I understand. You should have sent me word how the poor Jade did. Whither you were like to loose her or not.\n     Miss Sally Barnard and Higginson were married last Satterday night was a week. Mr. Barnard and Family, Mr. Jackson and Lady din\u2019d here last Satturday and went to Newbury a monday.\n     How does your new married Mother do. Does she begin to thrive upon it. My Love to her tell her I wish her a great deal of contentment. Im sorry to hear Sister has been so poorly I long to have keep her all Winter but I knew it was in vain to desire it and indeed I could not when I consider\u2019d mother. Im glad to hear the camblet is done. Send it to Uncle Smiths and Ill send for it. O Sister that I could but have one hours chat with you before I go to bed how glad I should be. Mr. Cranch sends Love so does my little Betsy, but wonders how I can put it into the paper. Do let me see you put it in mama She says. I cant see it. What strang Ideas they have ours is the task to fix them right, that they may surpass thire mothers in every- remainder missing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-01-02-0049", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 September 1767\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n      My Dearest Friend\n      Sunday Eveng. Weymouth Sepbr. 14 i.e. 13 1767\n     The Doctor talks of Setting out tomorrow for New Braintree. I did not know but that he might chance to see you, in his way there. I know from the tender affection you bear me, and our little one\u2019s that you will rejoice to hear that we are well, our Son is much better than when you left home, and our Daughter rock\u2019s him to Sleep, with the Song of \u201cCome pappa come home to Brother Johnny.\u201d Sunday seems a more Lonesome Day to me than any other when you are absent, For tho I may be compared to those climates which are deprived of the Sun half the Year, yet upon a Sunday you commonly afforded us your benign influence. I am now at Weymouth. My Father brought me here last night. To morrow I return home, where I hope soon to receive the Dearest of Friends and the tenderest of Husbands, with that unabated affection which has for Years past, and will whilst the vital Spark lasts, burn in the Bosom of your affectionate\n      A Adams\n      PS Poor Mr. Gridly died a thursday very suddenly, we hear and was yesterday buried.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-01-02-0050", "content": "Title: John Adams to Richard Cranch, 23 September 1767\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Cranch, Richard\n     I have but a few Moments, to congratulate you on the fresh Blessing to your Family.\u2014Another fine Child and Sister comfortable! Oh fine! I know the Feeling as well as you and in Spight of your earlier Marriage, I knew it sooner than you.\u2014Here you must own I have the Advantage of you.\u2014But what shall we do with this young Fry?\u2014In a little while Johnny must go to Colledge, and Nabby must have fine Cloaths, aye, and so must Betcy too and the other and all the rest. And very cleverly you and I shall feel when we recollect that we are hard at Work, over Watches and Lawsuits, and Johnny and Betcy at the same Time Raking and fluttering away our Profits. Aye, and there must be dancing Schools and Boarding Schools and all that, or else, you know, we shall not give them polite Educations, and they wil better not have been born you know than not have polite Educations.\u2014These Inticipations are not very charming to me, and upon the whole I think it of more\n      Consequence to have Children than to make them gay and genteel, so I conclude to proceed in my Endeavours for the former, and to lett the latter happen as it will. I am as ever your faithfull Friend & affectionate Brother,\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0003-0003-0003", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Trial: Barnstable Inferior Court, April 1767\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      Cotton vs. Nye\n       Hovey. Certificate.\n       Benja. Fessenden. Bassetts Shop. Lying Papers. Set their Names to it.\n       Deacon. Forster. Signd the Certificate, &c.\n       Dr. Smith. Cotton said in Barbers Shop that he had a Certificate from Committee to prove Nye a Lyar. Understood that it was agreed and to be destroyd.\n       John Jennings. False lying Paper, which you made yourself, and forgd their Names to it.\n       Prince Tupper. A False lying Paper. Had stolen it or forgd it. Might as well do it as to put Turners Name to it. Annual Meeting, had been reading several Papers.\n       Nathl. Bassett. Cotton said he had read a Certificate about Nyes lying.\n       Mathias Ellis. Whether he stole that, or made another just like it he could not tell.\n       Nehemiah Webb. Made out of his own Head. Had stolen it or forged it, as he did some other. Mr. Spooners Name.\n       Paine. Wherever Words tend to the slander of a Mans Reputation I shall be for maintaining an Action to preserve the Peace.\n       Court of Law a substitute in the Place of Passion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0003-0003-0006", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Argument: Barnstable Superior Court, May 1767\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Otis. Certificate of General Assembly.\n       Law very much altered of late Times.\n       To prevent Gothic Contentions and single Combats.\n       High Proceedings.\n       Strange 747. Order for Allom. Forgery at common Law.\n       Protection from a Member.\n       Possibility of Damage.\n       Reason of the Thing. Injury.\n       Paper indictable.\n       Public Record.\n       Q. If Cotton had forgd this Paper, whether he would have been liable to an Indictment for a Misdemeanor?\n       Made a false Record. Forgery of a Writ.\n       Great Slander and Defamation.\n       Court unanimous Nyes Words actionable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0003-0003-0008", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Diary: 16 May 1767\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       The Court was fixed in the Sandwich Case. Cotton is not only a Tory but a Relation of some of the Judges, Cushing particularly.... Cushing was very bitter, he was not for my arguing to the Jury the Question whether the Words were Actionable or not. He interrupted me\u2014stopped me short, snapd me up.\u2014\u201cKeep to the Evidence\u2014Keep to the Point\u2014dont ramble all over the World to ecclesiastical Councils\u2014dont misrepresent the Evidence.\u201d This was his impartial Language. Oliver began his Speech to the Jury with\u2014\u201cA Disposition to slander and Defamation, is the most Cursed Temper that ever the World was plagued with and I believe it is the Cause of the greatest Part of the Calamities that Mankind labour under.\u201d This was the fair, candid, impartial Judge. They adjudged solemnly, that I should not dispute to the Jury, whether the Words were actionable or not.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0005-0002-0003", "content": "Title: Plea: Suffolk Inferior Court, Boston, July 1767\nFrom: Fitch, Samuel\nTo: \n       And the said James comes and defends &c., and saith that the said William hath not been damnified by any demand made upon him by Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson or in any manner as the said William in his Declaration hath alledged and supposed and thereof the said James puts himself on the countrey.\n        Saml Fitch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0005-0002-0004", "content": "Title: Special Demurrer and Joinder: Suffolk Inferior Court, Boston, July 1767\nFrom: Auchmuty, Robert Jr.,Fitch, Samuel\nTo: \n       William Gardiner v. James Apthorp\n       And the said William says that the plea aforsaid pleaded by the said James in manner and form afore pleaded and the matter in the same contained are insufficient in Law and that he the said William to that plea in manner and form aforsaid pleaded hath no necessity nor is bound by the Law of the Land in any way to answer and this he is ready to verify wherefore for want of a sufficient plea in this behalf the said William prays Judgment and the damages by reason of the premises to be adjudged to him and costs.\n       And for causes of demurrer in Law in this behalf according to the form of the Statute in such case made he sets down and to the Court here expresses the causes following\n       First\n       Because the said James in his plea aforsaid hath not answered one of the breaches assigned in said declaration by said William in the words following to wit \u201cyet the said James tho requested hath not paid all the debts that were then or now due from the said company.\u201d\n       secondly\n       Because the said James in his said plea hath pleaded \u201cthat the said William hath not been damnified by any demand made upon him by Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson or in any manner as the said William in, his declaration hath alledged and supposed and thereof the said James put himself on the countrey\u201d but hath not in his said plea given any answer to the breach of covenant contained and set forth at large in the said Williams declaration against the said James for not paying all the debts that were due from the said James and William in Company\n       Because the said William in his said declaration alledges that the said James covenanted with the said William \u201cthat he the said James would pay all the debts that were then or should thereafter become due from said company to any Person or Persons whomsoever for any matter cause or thing whatsoever\u201d and the said William afterwards in his said declaration further alledges as a breach of said covenant that the said James tho requested hath not paid all the debts that were then or now (meaning at the time of making said covenant and the purchase of said writ) due from the said company and the said William further alledges in said declaration that on the twenty fifth day of January AD. 1765 there was due from said company to Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson the sum of six thousand nine hundred and forty nine pounds eleven shillings and seven pence sterling with interest from the said James and William in company as aforsaid yet the said James in his plea aforsaid hath not in any manner answered the said breach of covenant declared on in manner as aforsaid by the said William in his said declaration.\n       Because the said James in his said plea hath not alledged that he hath paid all the debts that were due from the said company and shewn in particular how and when as by Law he ought to have done\n       Because the said William in his said declaration hath alledged that the said James tho requested hath not paid all the debts that were then or now due from the said company nor hath the said James tho requested indemnified and saved harmless him the said William of and from all debts and demands that were then to wit on the first day of January AD. 1763 and are now due from the said company for that on the twenty fifth day of January AD. 1765 there was due from said company to Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson the sum of six thousand nine hundred and forty nine pounds eleven shillings and seven pence sterling with interest from the said James and William in Company as aforsaid which said sum and the interest thereof then at Boston aforsaid by the said Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson were demanded of the said William as one of the first mentioned company and the said William is still held and obliged to pay the same and never discharged or indemnified by the said James therefrom and the said James in his said plea hath pleaded that the said William hath not been damnified by any demand made upon him by Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson or in any manner as the said William in his said declaration hath alledged and supposed and thereof the said James puts himself on the countrey and so the said James in his said plea hath given a negative answer only to the aforsaid breach assigned by the said William in his said declaration which is also in the negative and therefore the said James hath not tendred to the said William any proper issue to join and yet the said James hath concluded his said plea to the countrey. Which he ought not to have done but ought to have concluded his said plea with a verification of the same and prayed Judgment if the said William ought to have and maintain said Action against him the said James whereupon the said William might have replied and shewed forth other and special damnification.\n       Because the plea of the said James is too general and argumentative and informal and not direct and certain for in said plea the said James alledges that the said William hath not been damnified by any demand made upon him by Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson or in any manner as the said William in his declaration hath alledged and supposed which is not a direct and positive negation of a demand made upon the said William by the said Messrs. Trecothick & Thomlinson as set forth in said declaration but is an argumentation and too general an answer to the said declaration because if there was not a demand made upon the said William as aforsaid then he could not be damnified thereby and if there was then the said James in his said plea traverses the damnification resulting therefrom to the said William. And the said William further says that the plea of the said James by him recorded as aforsaid is inconsistent incertain not issuable and wants form.\n        Robt. Auchmuty\n        And the said James says that the plea aforsaid by him in manner aforsaid pleaded and the matter therein contained are good and sufficient in Law to preclude him the said William from his action aforsaid against him the said James which plea the said James is ready to Verify &c. and because the said William doth not answer to that plea nor hitherto any ways deny the same he the said James prays Judgment that the said William may be precluded from his action aforsaid against him and he be allowed his Costs.\n       Saml. Fitch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0002-0001-0003", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Winslow Trial: Barnstable Inferior Court, Barnstable, December 1767\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Winslow qui tam vs. Clark\n       Hovey. 239. Page. Nusances in Rivers. Natural, usual or common Passage.\n       Wm. Robbins. Knows the Brook. Saw Clark make a Ware with sticks and stones and Boards. Saw James Clark catch Fish.\n        Thos. Snow.\n       Our Witnesses.\n       Lt. Freeman. No Water in the guzzell when Winslow Gates are down in Herring Time.\n        Tupper.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0003-0001-0002", "content": "Title: Thomas Pierce\u2019s Writ and Declaration: Middlesex Inferior Court, Charlestown, November 1767\nFrom: Pierce, Deacon Thomas\nTo: \n        To the Sheriff of Our County of Middlesex, his Under-Sheriff or Deputy, Greeting.\n       WE Command you that you summon Samuel Wright of Wilmington in our said County Yeoman (if he may be found in your Precinct) to appear before Our Justices of Our Inferior Court of Common Pleas to be holden at Charlestown within and for Our said County of Middlesex on the last Tuesday of November next, Then and there in Our said Court to answer to Thomas Peirce of Wilmington aforesaid Gentleman in a Plea of Trespass on the Case for that whereas the Said Thomas is and from his Nativity has been a Person of good Name, Fame and Reputation and free from the atrocious Crimes of false Swearing and Perjury, and by his pious and virtuous Behaviour had so far obtained the Esteem and good opinion of the Church of Christ in Wilmington aforesaid as to have been received and to have continued for the Space of fifteen years last past a Member in full Communion with the said Church and also had so far obtained their Esteem and good Opinion as that in the month of February A. Dom. 1766 he was elected and appointed one of the Deacons of the Same Church in which office he has ever since continued; Nevertheless the said Samuel, not ignorant of the Premises, but maliciously minding and contriving to injure the said Thomas in his good Name, Fame and Reputation and to deprive him of the Esteem and good opinion of the Members of the same Church and of all the other Churches of Christ throughout this and the neighbouring Provinces and thereby to deprive him of the Benefits and Comforts of the holy ordinance of the Lords Supper and also to expose the said Thomas to the Pains and Penalties by Law appointed for those who are guilty of wilfull and corrupt Perjury, did on the tenth Day of October instant at Wilmington aforesaid make and publish the following false defamatory scandalous and malicious Libel of and concerning the said Thomas, Vizt.,\n       \u201cTo the Reverend Mr. Isaac Merrill Pastor of the Church of Christ in Wilmington, please to communicate the following Complaint of me the Subscriber against our Brother Deacon Thomas Peirce a Member of the Church in this Place, Vizt: For that I heard the said Thomas Peirce when under the Solemn Oath of God administered by Mr. Justice Johnson about the middle of September last, say and solemnly declare Things contrary to Truth and contrary to his holy Profession, and as I apprehend dishonorary to God and Religion, as I understand the Matter. I also say that I have proceeded with him according to the Gospel Rule; but can obtain no Satisfaction; Wherefore I remain uneasy and dissatisfyed with our Said Brother; Therefore I desire that the Church of Christ in this Place may have an opportunity to hear and inquire further into the matter as the Gospel requires as soon as conveniently may be. Samuel Wright. Wilmington October 10th, 1767.\u201d\n       Meaning that he the said Samuel had heard the said Thomas commit wilfull and corrupt Perjury in a Tryal of a Cause wherein one Zacheus Hibberd was Plaintiff and one Jeremiah Bowen was Defendant at a Court held about the middle of September last before Josiah Johnson Esq. a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, and that he the Said Thomas had refused to make Christian Satisfaction therefor when thereto required by the said Samuel, and that therefore he the said Samuel was dissatisfied and uneasy and desired the said Church would deal with the said Thomas according to the Rules prescribed in the Gospel with all convenient Speed.\n       And the said Samuel afterwards, to wit, on the eleventh Day of October instant at Wilmington aforesaid of his further Malice had against the Plaintiff and still further intending and maliciously contriving to injure that Plaintiff did, in the Presence and hearing of diverse of our leige Subjects being members of the Church of Christ aforesaid with a loud Voice speak and publish the following Words, Vizt: \u201cI\u201d (meaning the said Samuel) \u201cmeant thereby\u201d (Speaking of and meaning the Libel aforesaid) \u201cto charge him,\u201d (meaning the said Thomas) \u201cwith Perjury.\u201d\n       By means of which Libel so made and published by the said Samuel as aforesaid, and by the Means of the Words spoken and published by the said Samuel as aforesaid the said Thomas has sustained great Injury in his good name, Fame and Reputation and has been and yet is exposed and in Danger of being deprived of the Blessings, Benefits and Comforts of Church Communion and the holy ordinance of the Lords Supper and has been and yet is exposed to the Infamy and Disgrace of being degraded from his said Office of Deacon of the Church aforesaid and of being excommunicated or Suspended from Communion with all and every of the Churches of Christ thro\u2019 the Land and has been and still is exposed to the Pains and Penalties of the Law for Perjury, from all which he has suffered grievous Pain and Anxiety of Mind and has been compelled to expend divers Sums of Money to manifest and make known his Innocence in the Premisses.\n       All which is To the Damage of the said Thomas as he saith the Sum of five hundred Pounds, which shall then and there be made to appear, with other due Damages; And have you there this Writ, with your Doings therein. Witness Samuel Danforth Esq; at Cambridge the twenty sixth Day of October In the eighth Year of Our Reign, Annoque Domini, 1767.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0003", "content": "Title: II. Humphrey Ploughjogger to Philanthrop, 5 January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Ploughjogger, Humphrey\nTo: Sewall, Jonathan,Philanthrop\n        ante 5 January 1767\n      To the learned Philanthrop\n      As It is my Design to write a good deal to you, before I have done, So I have gained favour in the Eyes of our School Master, to write out my Letters to you, for the Time to come, and to mend the Spelling a little that I may appear in public a little more handsome; tho he will not be very nice about the Matter, and will leave you now and then an opening, Pedant as you are to carp, at Spelling and pointing when you are brought to a plunge in Point of Reason.\n      This is all the Introduction and all the apology, I purpose to make, for a more particular Examination of your wicked Doctrine, in your first Treatise, vist that \u201cthe Person and office are so connected in the Minds of the greatest Part of Mankind, that a Contempt of the former, and a veneration for the latter are totally incompatible.\u201d\n      I dont care so much about Govr. Bernards Character, nor any Instances of his Conduct, to which the other Writers concernd are very able to do Justice, as I do about your general Maxims, Principles and precepts, which seem to me to be the very same that the evil Spirits would have believed and propagated, and the very same that their Missionaries have been preaching, and Scribling and trumpeting among Mankind ever since the fall of Adam. I say ever since the fall, for, from that time to this, there has been one Continued Conspiracy between the World, the Flesh and the Devil, against the Cause of Liberty, and we have Reason to fear and believe it will continue till the Fall of Antichrist, but this by the by.\n      Your Principles I say appear to me to be wicked, unsound, unorthodox, nay your Doctrine is heretical, and damnable, and your Precepts, the Precepts and Mandates of Earthly and infernal Tyranny.\n      And to prove that my apprehensions of it are not illgrounded, I crave leave to offer a few observations.\n      1st I think I see in your Doctrine \u201cthe Person and office so connected in the Minds of the greatest Part of Mankind,\u201d a Contempt of the greatest Part of Mankind. It is wonderful and lamentable to Behold the Pride and Vanity there is in the great ones of the World. A Man of Learning is sure apt to despise all that he thinks ignorant, a Man of Courage all that he thinks Cowards, a Man of Wit all who are of slower apprehension, a Man of fortune all the poor, nay a Dancing Master all whose Heels are clumsey, and a Beau all who do not dress to finely as himself.\n      Now a Court is almost often made up of the learned, rich, Courageous, witty, Dancers, and Beaus. The Consequense is, that all the rest of the World is called by them the Generality, the Herd, Rabble, Mob, common People, Vulgar and such like stuff. Scorn and Contempt and turning up of the Nose is the Consequence of this. The common People they say, are not fit for any thing, but Hewers of Wood &c,\u2014only the discerning few, the Choice Spirits, the better sort say they, are capable of any thing\u2014and they themselves are always the discerning few, the Choice Spirits and better sort. (I am going to trace out the Course of it). These Fleers, and flouts, and sneers and snubbs are often thrown out by them to the People, who being a 1000 to one of them in Number and made of as good Clay as them selves, often return their scorn, with scorn, this soon setts them outragious,\u2014and they presently grow to hate the common People instead of despising them, and Nero shall wish the People had but one Neck that he might strike it off at one blow, Caligula shall swear to tear up all remaining Virtue among the People, and Temerlane and Attilla, Shall glory that they were not Men but the Scourges of God and the Plagues of Mankind. All this hellish Temper, this blasphemous Rant, this numbrous Designs Spring Phylanthrop, from such a Contempt, as you have expressed for the Generality of Mankind.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0004", "content": "Title: III. Humphrey Ploughjogger to Philanthrop, 5 January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Ploughjogger, Humphrey\nTo: Sewall, Jonathan,Philanthrop\n        Monday, January 5, 1767\n       MessieursEdes & Gill,\n       Please to insert the following.\n       To the learned PHILANTHROP.\n      In your first Treatise, I find these Words, \u201cWhatever tends to create in the Minds of the People, a Contempt of the Persons of those who hold the highest Offices in the State, tends to induce in the Minds of the People a Belief that Subordination is not necessary, and is no essential Part of Government.\u201d Now if I understand the Meaning of your high-flown Words, for the Gizzard of me, I can\u2019t see the Truth of them. Should any one say, and in Print too, that the Steeple of Dr. Sewall\u2019s Meeting-House, was old, and decayed, and rotten, as it was the last Time I see it, and in Danger of falling on the Heads of the People in the Street, would this tend to induce in the Minds of the People, a Belief that a Steeple was not necessary to a Meeting-House, and that any Meeting House, might as well be turned topsy-turvey, and the Steeple stuck down into the Earth, instead of being erected into the Air? Again, suppose the Sweep of my Cyder-Mill was cracked and shivered, so that it had not Strength to grind an Apple, or to turn the Rolls, if one of my Neighbours should tell me of this, would this tend to create in me a Belief, that a Sweep was no necessary Part of a Cyder-Mill, and that the Sweep might as well be placed where the Rolls are, or where the Hopper is, or the Trough, as where we commonly put it? Once more, I have a Mare that is old, and lean, and hipped, and stifled, and spavined, and heavy, and botty, and has lost her Mane and Tail, and both her Ears, by the naughty Boys. Now if I should put this Jade into a Horse Cart, and lead her through the Town in the Sight of all the People, I believe they would one and all, despise my old Beast, and laugh at her too, and if any of them came near her, and she should kick \u2019em and bite \u2019em, they would hate her too; but would all this their Contempt and Laughter and Hatred, tend to induce in their Minds a Belief that a Horse was not necessary to draw a Horse Cart, and that a Cart might as well be put before a Horse, as a Horse before a Cart?\n      This now seems to be a strong Rashosination, so do you answer my Questions directly, not find Fault with my Pointing and Spelling as you served Mr. X, who our School-Master tells me is a Man of better Sense than you are, and Spells and Points better too, notwithstanding your Braggadocio airs.\n       So I remain yours to sarve,\n       H. PLOUGHJOGGER\n       P.S. I\u2019m so well known in the larned World, that I tho\u2019t it not worth while to write my Name out at length, but you may print it so if you pleas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Gazette, 19 January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Ploughjogger, Humphrey\nTo: Boston Gazette (newspaper)\n       To the PRINTERS.\n        Monday, January 19, 1767\n      I Did flatter myself, as I had got so much Credit by my Writings upon Hemp, and Stamp-Act, &c. &c. that the learned Phylanthrop would just have taken some small Notice of me. * I have enquired about the Reason why he did not. Some tell me, the poor Man\u2019s Council is always despised by the great and larned. Some say that it would be below the Dignity of Government, to take Notice of such a Man as I am\u2014and others say that my Arguments were so strong that there was no answering of them. Now for my Part I am inclined to this last way of Thinking, and so I shant advance any new Rashosinations till the old ones, are defuted\u2014and in Truth I feel concerned for poor Phylanthrop\u2014tho\u2019 he is very learned, yet 20 or 30 learned Men to one makes a dreadfull great odds \u2014and it seems to have made the poor Man a most crazey. I pitty Crazyness from the bottom of my Heart\u2014but it makes this Man behave so odd that I can\u2019t help laughing. I\u2019ve got about 3 score Sheep at Home, that I take great Pleasure in feeding with Corn. I take a Cobb every Morning, and a Basket full of Ears, and go out and shell \u2019em to the Sheep\u2014amongst the rest there is one little black Ram, a Year old, that gives me a good deal of Diversion. He is a spiteful little Thing\u2014and he rushes in among the stately Weathers to get the Kernals of Corn, in the most fierce Manner imaginable\u2014and will sometimes come behind a fine great Weather, or upon the side of him, and give him a paultry Bunt at unawares, and before the Weather can turn about to kill him, he will skulk and run away. But all the Sheep of the Flock hate him, and at Times bunt him and bang him, and bruise him most unmercifully, till the poor Beast\u2019s Flesh is almost worn off of his Bones. Now thinks I, this is certainly the learned Phylanthrop among my Sheep. His Nose, like Phylanthrop\u2019s is not clean, their Spite is alike, and their Slyness is alike, and in many other Respects they are alike. But I really think my little Ram looks cowed and sorry oftentimes that he ever picked a Quarrell with the whole Flock, and now sees that it will not do, and wishes himself out of the Scrape\u2014which puts me in Mind of a comical Thing that happened tother Day in our Town. My Neighbour Worldly had a Yoke of Oxen, that he was going to sell to a Stranger, for a fine Yoke of working Cattle, but seven Years old, but the Stranger happen\u2019d to go one side a little, and sees my Neighbour Worldley\u2019s Negro Man Toney, and asks him about them Oxen. Oh says Tony, they are as nice a Yoke of Oxen to work as ever stood under a Yoke, I have drove \u2019em myself this 12 Years, and never drove so good a Yoke as they are. Upon this the Stranger comes back to my Neighbour, told him what Tony had said, and would not have the Cattle. My Neighbour was very wroth, and after he got Home, he scolds at Tony very sadly. You told the Man that you had driven the Oxen 12 Years, and I told him they were but 7 Year old you Blockhead says my Neighbour.\u201d Oh Master says Tony, I\u2019m very sorry, I see now where I mist it. Just so I really believe Phylanthrop now sees where he mist it, and is very sorry\u2014\n       I remain your\u2019s to sarve,\n        h. ploughjogger\n       * I do think he might just have mention\u2019d me, and quoted some lines at me, or something\u2014for instance he might have said,\n        Joggs slowly on, unknowing what he sought,\n        And whistled as he went for want of thought.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Misanthrop, No. 2, January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Misanthrop\nTo: \n      During a Course of twenty Years, it has been the constant Amusement of my Life, to examine, the Secret Springs, Motives and Principles of human Actions: And I am more and more perswaded, every day, that from the Fall of Adam to this Time, Mankind in general, has been given up, to Strong Delusions, vile Affections, sordid Lusts, and brutal Appetites. The first Inquiry, that commonly arises in the Heart is, how will such a Thing affect my Humour, my Interest, my private Views and Designs? If it militates or non-conforms with these, \u2014right or wrong\u2014good or bad\u2014wise or foolish\u2014it must be discarded and renounced at once. If it coincides with these, at all hazards to others or the Public, and at any Expence of Honour, Truth or Conscience, it must be embraced and pursued. This great Point being once determined, the next Rule is to cover all this Matter up from the View of the World, in Secresy and Dissimulation, and to give out without a Blush or a Simper, that I am, in no possible Respect interested in it, or that it manifestly contradicts my Interest, and that I have no View, but to Serve God, holy Church, Religion, good Government, injured Innocence, Mankind in general or the particular Community to which I belong. And if the People will not otherwise believe me, I must boldly call God to witness that I speak, write and Act, from no other Principle or Inducement whatever, but pure Benevolence and Piety.\n      Long Practice and Experience, have given me, Some Dexterity and Sagacity, in unravelling Such Snarls, and in investigating, \u2019thro all the winding Labyrinths of Hypocrisy, Chicanery and Dissimulation, the real Springs, and original Movements in the Minds of Men.\n      An extraordinary Case, has however, now and then, happened which has puzzled all my Skill. As, I must and will fathom all such Cases to the Bottom, I have had Recourse, upon these occasions, to the occult Sciences. A little familiar Spirit attends me, whom, in Imitation of Shakespeare I have called Ariel. This little Spright, who hops about upon the Clouds and Rainbows, rides upon the Sun beams, dives down to the Center of the Earth, \u2019thro the Springs and Subterranean Canals; and indeed can circulate \u2019thro the Mass of a Mans Blood upon a Globule of Mercury, or dart \u2019thro the Pore of the Nerves in the Cerebrum or Cerebellum, upon a Particle of nervouse Juice or Animal Spirit; is of great Service to me, and never fails to unriddle the most mysterious Phaenomena, in Politicks or Ethicks.\n      A Late Writer in Fleet, has furnished one of these Cases. I could not account upon any Principles, for this Affair. Good Principles I saw at first thought could never prompt any Man to write upon that subject in that Manner. And, so excessively unpopular and odious was the Task, that no Man could well expect to serve himself by it in any scheme of Pride, Anger, Malice, Covetousness, Revenge, or Lust. After ruminating a while upon the subject without satisfaction, I calls my Ariel and bids him look out\u2014away flutters my little Ariel, and the next Morning returned with the following Information.\n      That he flitted away to Ede\u2019s Printing office, and peeped into their Books of Account and found the Number of their subscribers, and when he had that, gave the signal to the Legions of the Air, and had the same Number of his Ariel Companions, attending him in an Instant (for such is the Association of these Ethereal Inhabitants that any one of them, can at a Call have any Number he wants to attend him in any Enterprise). Each of these Companions he ordered to attend each of the Papers, where ever they should go, and to enter the Brain of every Man who should read them, and if any of them would discover the author of Phylanthrop he was to return to the office and give the Hint to Ariel.\n      Not many Minutes after, in comes a Boy for a Paper and carries it into a certain Room in Town and gives it to a Gentleman, who seizes it with great Agitation and Impatience and reads. In thro his Eye Balls, flew the little Spirit into the much ruffled Regions of his Brain and attentively observes all that passes. It was that Paper Signd A, in which such a dismal Catalogue is given of the Governors Virtues. The first Thought which the Spirit observd after he had red a little while, was an Ejaculation Good God! what shall I do? what an everlasting Task have I undertaken to unravel all these facts and Reasonings? A Man must have more Charity and Phylanthropy than I have pretended to in the Name I have assumed, to cover this Multitude of sins.\u2014I\u2014Upon this the little one had all he wanted. He darted to Ariel and both of them returned in an Instant and reentered. I shall not enumerate all the Resolutions and Irresolutions, Hopes, fears, Resentments, Conflicts, Reasonings, Ridicule, Rage, Revenge, Compunction, Conviction, self Condemnation &c which took Place in his Mind while he rambled a while about the Town and at last crossed the ferry and walkd Home.\n      After he gets home, he retires to his office and seats himself at his Desk to ruminate and scrible. Where Ariel observd and recordd the following Lucubrations. I am the most miserable of all Mortals! I was born to trouble, as the Sparks fly upwards. I am not my own Man! I am a Slave! more unhappy than the basest Negro in Town, because I have the Sentiments of Liberty, her Feelings, the most exquisite Relish of her Charms, but am past a possibility of enjoying the heavenly Goddess! In the Affair of the Cabinet disputes, I was wronged, injured, abused, and my Brother was treated with the most wicked Cruelty. I began to vindicate my self And him. But it was signifyd to me that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, would be offended, if I proceded. And I knew that I had such dependance upon them that my Hands were ty\u2019d, and I could not proceed.\n      And to go still further back. I knew and concievd in my soul, that the Legislative and Executive Powers ought to be kept asunder\u2014that all Law, and all History, and common sense are in favour of this. And that all my Brethren of the Profession were of this Mind, yet my Masters prompted me to write and encouragd me with the Hopes of Bread and so I was brought to write the Pieces signed J in which among Many Instances in which I contradicted the sentiments of my Heart and Conscience I was prevail\u2019d on to write in favor of the Judges sitting in Council.\n      And in Times of the late Stamp Act, I was fully and clearly, satisfyd, in my own Mind that the Parliament had no Authority to pass such a Law, and that Resistance to it was not only lawful but meritorious lawdable and glorious. And I was then convinced and yet remain so, that Resistance on this side the Water, and that alone saved Us, and I felt an eager affection for my Country and a strong Inclination, to write upon these subjects, and had sometimes begun and wrote but fear of grieving Mr G\u2014\u2014fe, and offending the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on whom my Bread, and my preservation from Gaol depended, always obstructed me.\n      And now, I must acknowledge within myself that this my native Country has been insulted, most arrogantly insulted, misrepresented at home, most wickedly, and maliciously misrepresented by the Governor, and schemes are now going on under his Direction, to irritate and inflame the People to some new Extravagance, that the Necessity of regular Troops, and of some new fund for independent Salaries to Crown officers, might be made to appear. Vile schemes my soul detests. But Judge Russell is gone to England, there is a Vacancy on the superiour Bench. This Vacancy haunts me. I have no rest by day, no sleep by Night.\u2014Shall I hearken to the Remonstrances of my Conscience, and write no more! Why if I should not, Mr. Gridley, who stands well with the Governor, and has helped a long Time to keep him in Countenance, and whose indisputable Learning, Genius and Merit entitle him to fill that vacancy before any Man, will I have reason to think obtain it. Besides Brigr. Ruggles, if I leave real Merit, and come to the Governors Notions of it, by his endeavours to defend the Measures of the Congress, and by his other similar faithful services, and sufferings in that Cause both before and since has deserved the Place before Mr. G\u2014f. And The Governor may be afraid of giving offence to those Gentlemen by appointing Goffe, and so may be disposed to befriend Judge Russell so much as to appoint no Body till his Return. And unless Mr Goffe is made a Judge I cannot be Attorney General. Oh Jes\u00fc! what would I do and give for that Place!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, 26 January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Winthrop, Governor\nTo: Boston Gazette (newspaper),Bradford, Governor\n        Monday, January 26, 1767\n       Messi\u2019rsEdes and Gill\n       Please to insert the following.\n      Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford\n      We have often congratulated each other, with high satisfaction, on the glory we secured in both worlds, by our favourite enterprize of planting America. We were Englishmen. We were citizens of the world. We were christians. The history of nations and of mankind was familiar to us; and we considered the species chiefly in relation to the system of great nature, and her all-perfect author. In consequence of such contemplations as these, it was the unwearied endeavour of our lives, to establish a society, on English, humane, and christian principles. This, (altho\u2019 we are never unwilling to acknowledge that the age in which we lived, the education we received, and the scorn and persecution we endured, had tinctured our minds with prejudices unworthy of our general principles and real designs,) we are conscious was our noble aim. We succeeded to the astonishment of all mankind, and our posterity, in spite of all the terrors, and temptations which have from first to last surrounded them, and endangered their very being, have been supremely happy. But what shall we say to the principles, maxims, and schemes, which have been adopted, warmly defended, and zealously propagated in America, since our departure out of it? adopted I say, and propagated, more by the descendents of some of our worthiest friends, than by any others? You and I, have been happier, in this respect, than most of our contemporaries. If our posterity, have not, without interruption maintained the principal ascendency in public affairs, they have always been virtuous and worthy, and have never departed from the principles of the Englishman, the citizen of the world, and the christian. You very well remember, the grief, we felt, for many years together, at the gradual growth and prevalence of principles opposite to ours; nor have you forgotten our mutual joy, at the very unexpected resurrection of a spirit, which contributed so much to the restoration of that temper and those maxims, which we have all along wished and pray\u2019d might be established in America. Calamities are the causticks and catharticks of the body politick. They arouse the soul. They restore original virtues. They reduce a constitution back to its first principles. And to all appearance, the iron sceptre of tyranny, which was so lately extended over all America; and which threatned to exterminate all, for which it was worth while to exist upon earth; terrified the inhabitants into a resolution and an ardor for the noble foundations of their ancestors.\n      But how soon is this ardor extinguished! In the course of a few months, they have cooled down, into such a tame, torpid state of indolence and inattention; that the missionaries of slavery, are suffered to preach their abominable doctrines, not only with impunity, but without indignation and without contempt. What will be the consequence, if that, (I will not say contemptible but abominable) writer Philanthrop, is allowed, to continue his wicked labours? I say, allowed, tho\u2019 I would not have him restrained by any thing, but the cool contempt and dispassionate abhorrence of his countrymen; because the country whose interiour character is so depraved as to be endangered from within by such a writer, is abandoned and lost. We are fully perswaded that New-England is in no danger from him; unless his endeavours should excite her enemies abroad, of whom she has many and extreamly inveterate and malicious; and enable them, in concert with others within her own bosom, whose rancour is no less malignant and venemous, to do her a mischief. With pleasure I see that gentlemen are taking measures to administer the antidote, with the poison.\n      As the sober principles of civil and ecclesiastical tyranny are so gravely inculcated, by this writer, as his artifices are so insidious, and his mis-affirmations so numerous, and egregious, you will excuse me if I should again trouble you with a letter upon these subjects, from your assured and immutable friend,\n        Winthrop", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0009", "content": "Title: VIII. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, Some Fragments, January 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Winthrop, Governor\nTo: Bradford, Governor\n      I am Sorry to find Phylanthrop, attempting to vindicate the high flying, Maxims, the arbitrary Precedents, and the Tyrannical Practices of that self sufficient Innovator that arrogant, pedantical Tyrant King James the first.\n      This Exception in the Dedimus, is laying the Ax to the Root of the Tree of Liberty. It is Hewing it down, or tearing it up, as Nero swore he would Virtue by the Roots.\n      They are so\u2014and It was a fundamental of your Politicks and mine to take away their Power and render the People capable.\n      If the Prince is remarkable for his Gluttony Drunkeness and Lust, they commended his Temperance, and Chastity, if notorious for Falshood and Deceit, they admired his noble Simplicity and Sacred Regard to Probity and Truth, if he was malicious, cruel, and revengeful they extolled his Clemency, Moderation and Condescention, and if he was infamous for Sordid Avarice and unfeeling Rapacity, they celebrated his Generosity, Humanity, Magnificence and Liberality.\n      All the Disputes that have been between Power and Priviledge, between Tyranny and Liberty, between Phylanthrop and me, may be reduced to this single Question, who shall judge? Private Judgment is the Right of Mankind, and from this all other Rights originate.\n      Now shall we allow this Right in Individuals, in the greatest Part of Mankind, and yet deny that Individuals, the greatest Part of Mankind, have a Capacity to judge? Would not this be a Contradiction and in terms and a solecism in Nature? I grant that sound and shew have too much Influence, on Mankind in general, but it is owing to such Tempers and Principles as Phylanthrops that\n      To the Printers.\n      Cassius from Bondage shall deliver Cassius.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0010", "content": "Title: IX. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, 2 February 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Winthrop, Governor\nTo: Bradford, Governor\n       ante 2 February 1767\n      Govr. W. to Govr. B.\n      I promised you, another Letter, concerning the wicked Maxims, the delusive Arts, and the false Assertions, of that devoted Writer, Phylanthrop.\n      I remember to have read in Diodorus the Sicilian, of an Institution among the ancient Aegyptians, intended to reconcile a Reverence for the Persons of their Princes, with an Endeavour to instruct and reform them. This Method was, when they were desirous of warning their Monarchs against particular Vices, they commended and extolled them for opposite Virtues. And I must confess when I read in the first Dissertation of Phylanthrop, such tryumphant possitive assertions as these, \u201cIt must, it cannot but be evident, to all who are willing to see, and judge for them selves, notwithstanding the slander of Paskalos, Scribbling in the Gazette, or Tertullus harranguing in the Senate, that we never had a Governor in the Chair, who discoverd more Mildness and Condescention in his Administration or a more uniform Steady Attention to the true Interests of this Province than G\u2014\u2014r B\u2014\u2014d has discovered,\u201d and his triumphant, Interogations Has he ever discovered the least Inclination to abridge Us of any of our constitutional Rights and Liberties? Has he ever attempted to stretch Prerogative beyond its just Bounds? &c. I was much inclined to believe that Phylanthrop was, attempting that Aegyptian Method of Reformation and Instruction. But, upon a more thorough Examination of Phylanthrops Writings I was soon convinced, he was more zealous to Shroud his Hero, from the candid Inspection, and free Examination of the public, than he was for his Amendment or Information. And upon a careful Review of all the Writings, subscribed with that Name, I should sooner believe the Author to have received his Education in the detestible society of the Gypsies, where it is said they administer an oath to every Member, on his first Admission, never to Speak one Word of Truth, than that his Attempt was an Imitation of the Custom of AEgypt.\n      Impotent, wretched, and little as Human Nature is, in Relation to Superiour Intelligences, yet you my old Friend and I know from dear bought Experience, that human Ambition is infinite. We know it because We have felt the cruel oppressions, which Sprung out of it. From this expansive allgrasping Passion, it has happened, that nothing could ever satiate the Lust of Tyrants. Alexander and Caeesar after having desolated one World, cryed for another to desolate, and having arisen gradually greatly above all Mortalls in Power, nothing would content them, but to be worshiped on Earth by their Fellow Men, as immortal Gods. That the subject, in the Eastern Monarchies may be kept in a continual Adoration of his Sovereign, and may be properly prepared, to submit thankfully to be tortured, mangled and slaughtered at his Pleasure, and that Tyrany may stalk and ravage in all his Horrors; it must be high Treason to look the Monarch in the Face.\n      This Reverence and Awe, this Dread and Terror of the Prince and his favourites has in all Ages and Nations been cultivated among their Vassalls and slaves. And indeed Usurpation would long since have been abolished in the World, if there was not a great Disposition in human Nature itself to Timidity, Staring, Astonishment and Adoration,\u2014which the Rich, the Learned, the Cunning, and the Wicked, have addresd themselves to and aval\u2019d themselves of. The very first Maxim of Tyranny, is and always was, to puzzle the Understandings and excite the Admiration of the People\u2014inspire them if possible with Religious scruples about seeing the Persons of the Magistrate or Priest, without Prostration before them, and much more about enquiring into their Conduct or Thinking about it.\n      If We go from Greece and Rome and Aegypt and Turkey and Persia, and fetch our Examples from England we shall not find them wanting. That selfsufficient Innovator, that arrogant pedantical Tyrant, King James the first the great School Master of the Kingdom as he affected to style himself, inculcated the same Maxim, upon his Pupils, the Parliament and People of England.\n      In one of his Speeches to both Houses, in which he displayd all some of his exalted Notions of Monarchy and the Authority of Princes, he expressed himself in the following Terms. \u201cI conclude then the Point, touching the Power of Kings, with this Axiom in Divinity, that as to dispute what God may do is Blasphemy, But what God wills that Divines may lawfully and do ordinarily dispute and discuss: so is it sedition in subjects to dispute what a King may do in the Height of his Power. I will not be content that my Power be disputed upon &c.\u201d\n      It is with inexpressible sorrow that I see, in a Country that has always been so dear to Us, a Writer So venal and prostituted, as gravely to transfer these awful and misterious Doctrines of Despotism, to a few small Provincial Magistrates.\n      His Words are these \u201can Attempt to destroy the established Form of Government, is the highest Crime versus the State\u2014whoever Says or does any Thing tending to destroy it, is a public Enemy. Subordination is essential to every Form of Government. What ever tends to destroy subordination tends to destroy Government. Whatever tends to induce in the Minds of the People a Belief that subordination is not essential, tends to destroy subordination. And what ever tends to create in the Minds of the People, a Contempt of the Persons of those who hold the highest offices, tends to a Belief that Subordination is not essential, because the Person and office are so connected in the Minds of the greatest Part of Mankind, that a Contempt of the Person and a Veneration of the office, are incompatible.\u201d\n      The Maxim intended to be established by this dark Train of Propositions, is to use Phylanthrops own Language is truly diabolical. In what Respect does this axiom differ from the Eastern Rule of Despotism that subjects shall never look their Princes in the Face. The Reason they give is the Same, to behold the Princes Face, will diminish his Reverence, and from thinking his Prince a God or an Angel in his Imagination, his sight will inform him, he is but a Mortal Man\u2014or in other Words for the People to look at their Prince, tends to create in their Minds a Contempt of his Person, and consequently of his office.\n      I should be glad to know if Phylanthrop will extend his Doctrine so far? Would he prohibit the People of Boston from looking at the G\u2014\u2014r \u2014 L\u2014\u2014t G\u2014\u2014r\u2014&c looking in their Faces, and observing their Air especially if the People should have Skill in Phisiognomy by discover\u00ading accidentally some malevolent Passion. The least Anger, Fear, Jealousy, or Revenge may tend to create in their Minds a Contempt of their Persons\u2014nay if they should not happen to be handsome and Genteel, Ladies and fine Gentlemen may conceive some Contempt, even from their Features and shapes, tho their Countenances should be ever so sweet and pleasant. Or would our Writer extend his Maxim, only to Speaking and Writing, or in the Language of King James, would he only, not be content to have their Power disputed upon. Would he only have it sedition, to dispute what a Governor or other Ruler may do, in the Hight of his Power! Talking and Writing about the Actions of Rulers may tend I grant, to create in the Minds of the People both a Contempt and an Hatred of them, and so thought K. James. Is every Talker and Writer about their Actions and Power a public Enemy and guilty of Sedition, or the highest Crime versus the State? Phylanthrops pretended Limitation afterwards that the Persons of Rulers are sacred no longer than they pursue the Good of the Community, is worse than Nothing; for who shall judge when they pursue that noble End or when they deviate from it\u2014shall the Rulers themselves judge or their subjects, Phylanthrop or J.?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0011", "content": "Title: X. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, 9 February 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Winthrop, Governor\nTo: Boston Gazette (newspaper),Bradford, Governor\n        Monday, February 9, 1767\n          That the Hypocrite reign not, lest the People be ensnared.\n      You have my promise of another letter, concerning the maxims, arts, and positions of Philanthrop; whose performances of the last week I shall proceed to consider, without any formal apology for departing from the plan I proposed at first.\n      The art employed by this writer, in the introduction to his account of the Concord anecdote, is worth observation; before we undertake an examination of the account itself, and his reasonings upon it. God forbid that I should trifle with religion, or blame any man for professing it publickly. But there is a decency to be observed in this. True religion is too modest and reserved to seek out the market places and corners of the streets, party news papers, and political pamphlets, to exhibit her prayers and devotions. Besides there is so much in the temper of times and manners of ages, that ostentations of this kind, may be more excusable in one century than in another. The age in which you and I lived, was religious to enthusiasm: Yet we may safely say, that canting and hypocrisy, were never carried to so shameless a pitch, even by a sir Henry Vane, an Oliver St. John, an Oliver Cromwell or an Hugh Peters, as Philanthrop in his last monday\u2019s paper has carried them. True religion, my friend Bradford, was the grand motive, with you and me, to undertake our arduous and hazardous enterprize, and to plant a religion in the world, on the large and generous principles of the bible, without teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, or any mixture of those pompous rituals, and theatrical ceremonies, which had been so successfully employed, to delude and terrify men out of all their knowledge, virtue, liberty, piety and happiness, a religion that should never be made subservient to the pride, ambition, avarice, or lust, of an aspiring priesthood, or a cruel and usurping magistracy, was our incessant aim, and unwearied endeavour. And we have now the happiness to reflect on our success: for at least we have approached nearer to such an institution, than any others have done, since the primitive ages of christianity. And altho\u2019 stiffness, formality, solemnity, grimace and cant, very common in our times, have worn off, in a great measure from New-England: yet true religion, on the plan of freedom, popular power and private judgment, remains and prospers. This we are fully perswaded is truth, tho\u2019 the deluded Philanthrop seems to be so far given up to blindness of mind, as to think that his quotations from scripture, his affected meekness, charity, benevolence and piety; his formal stiffness and hypocritical grimace, will divest his countrymen of their senses, and screen him from their jealousy, while he is tearing up, by his principles and practices, conversation and writings, the foundations of their constitution, both in church and state.\n      But it is not only by attempting to throw around himself the rays of religion, that this writer has attempted to deceive his countrymen: he has laboured to possess their minds with principles in government, utterly subversive of all freedom, tending to lull them into an indolent security and inattention. In one of his late papers he has a paragraph to this purpose, \u201ca brave and free people who are not thro\u2019 luxury, enervated and sunk to that degree of effeminate indolence, which renders them insensible to the difference, between freedom and slavery, can never fail to perceive the approaches of arbitrary power. The constitution of all free governments, especially that of the English, is of such a nature, the principles of it are so familiar, and so interwoven with the human mind, and the rulers are so circumscribed with positive laws, for the directing and controling their power, that they can never impose chains and shackles on the people, nor even attempt it, without being discovered. In such a government and among such a people, the very first act, in pursuance of a design to enslave or distress the subjects in general, must be so obvious, as to render all false colouring totally unnecessary to arouse the public attention; a simple narration of facts, supported by evidence, which can never be wanting in such a case, will be sufficient, and will be the surest means to convince the people of their danger.\u201d\n      What conclusion, shall a candid reader draw, by a fair interpretation from this wordy, cloudy passage? would he not conclude, that a free government, especially the English, was a kind of machine, calculated for perpetual motion and duration? That no dangers attended it? And that it may easily preserve and defend itself, without the anxiety or attention of the people?\n      The truth is precisely the reverse of this. Tho\u2019 a few individuals may perceive the approaches of arbitrary power, and may truly publish their perceptions to the people; yet it is well known the people are not perswaded without the utmost difficulty, to attend to facts and evidence. Those who covet such power, always have recourse to secresy and the blackness of darkness, to cover their wicked views, and have always their parties and instruments and minions at hand to disguise their first approaches, and to vilify and abuse, as turbulent destroyers of the public peace, as factious, envious, malicious pretenders to patriotism, as sowers and stirers of sedition, all those who perceive such approaches, and endeavour to inform and undeceive their neighbours. Liberty, instead of resting securely within the entrenchment of any free constitution of government, ever yet invented and reduced to practice, has always been surrounded with dangers\u2014exposed to perils by water and by fire. The world, the flesh and the devil have always maintained a confederacy against her, from the fall of Adam to this hour, and will probably continue so till the fall of Antichrist. Consider the common-wealths of Greece. Were not their liberties in continual danger? Were not the wisest of them so sensible of it, as to establish a security of liberty, I mean the ostracism, even against the virtues of their own citizens? that no individual, even by his valour, public spirit, humanity and munificence, might endear himself so much to his fellow citizens, as to be able to deceive them, and engross too much of their confidence and power. In Rome, how often were the people cheated out of their liberties, by Kings, Deumvirs, Triumvirs, and conspirators of other denominations? In the times when Roman valour, simplicity, public spirit and frugality were at the highest, tyranny, in spight of all the endeavours of her enemies, was sometimes well nigh established, and even a Tarquin, could not be expelled but by civil war. In the history of the English nation, which Philanthrop is pleased to distinguish from all others, how many arbitrary reigns do we find since the conquest? sometimes, for almost an whole century together, notwithstanding all the murmur, clamour, speeches in the senate, writings from the press, and discourses from the pulpit, of those whom Philanthrop calls turbulent destroyers of the public peace: but you and I think, the guardian angels of their countries liberties, the English nation, has trembled and groaned under tyranny.\n      For reasons like these, the spirit of liberty, is and ought to be a jealous, a watchful spirit. Obsta Principiis is her motto and maxim; knowing that her enemies are secret and cunning, making the earliest advances slowly, silently and softly, and that according to her unerring oracle Tacitus, \u201cthe first advances of tyranny are steep and perilous, but when once you are entered, parties and instruments are ready to espouse you.\u201d It is one of these early advances, these first approaches of arbitrary power, which are the most dangerous of all, and if not prevented, but suffered to steal into precedents, will leave no hope of a remedy without recourse to nature, violence, and war, that I now propose to consider.\n      And in the first place, let us see how far the court writer and his opponents are agreed in the facts. They seem to agree that two gentlemen chosen and returned as members of the house, were expressly excepted by the Governor, in the Dedimus, or power of administring the usual oaths to the members of the house. That the house, i.e. the gentlemen returned from the other towns, besides Newbury, would not receive the dedimus with this exception, i.e. refused themselves to be sworn by virtue of it. I say by the way, that Philanthrop agrees to this fact, tho\u2019 he seems to endeavour by the obscurity of his expression to disguise it, because the house itself must have considered the exception, as an infraction of their right, tho\u2019 Philanthrop only says it was so considered by some among them, otherwise the house would not have chosen a committee to remonstrate against the exception. That the governor erased the exception, or gave a new Dedimus, upon the remonstrance of the committee. That the governor however gave it up, only for that time, expresly reserving the claim of right to except members out of the commission, and told the committee he should represent the case home, for further instructions concerning it. This being the acknowledged state of facts, trifling with the instance in the reign of King James the first, is as good a proof of Philanthrop\u2019s knowledge in history and the constitution, as his shrewd suggestion that Cassius and B.B. are the same person is of his sagacity. It is with real sorrow that I now observe and propose hereafter to demonstrate, that both Philanthrop and his idol are too much enamoured with the fine examples of the Jemmys and Charleys, and too much addicted to an aukward imitation of their conduct, one example of such an imitation is this of the Dedimus at Concord, this memorable attempt to garble the house of representatives, which bears so exact a resemblance to the conduct of that self-sufficient innovator, that pedantical tyrant, that I own it seems more probable to me to have been copied designedly from it; than to have happened by accident. For the gentleman whose conduct and character Philanthrop defends cannot be denied to be well read in the reigns of the Stuarts, and therefore cannot be supposed to have been ignorant of James\u2019s conduct. That a solid judgment may be formed of the nature of the priviledge for which I contend, and whether it has been invaded or not, I shall produce a short sketch of the history of that transaction, and will then produce the opinion of writers, quite impartial, or to be sure not partial in my favour, concerning it.\n      [To be continued]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0067-0012", "content": "Title: XI. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, 16 February 1767\nFrom: Adams, John,Winthrop, Governor\nTo: Boston Gazette (newspaper),Bradford, Governor\n        Monday, February 16, 1767\n      Remainder of Governor Winthrop\u2019s second Letter to Governor Bradford, begun in our last.\n      If we go back as far as the reign of Elizabeth, we find her, on one occasion, infringing on this priviledge, of the Commons, of judging solely, of their own elections and returns. This attempt was however so warmly resented by the Commons, that they instantly voted \u201cThat it was a most perilous precedent, when two knights of a county were duly elected, if any new writ should issue out, for a second election, without order of the house itself; that the discussing and adjudging of this and such like differences, belonged only to the house; and that there should be no message sent to the Ld. Chancellor, not so much as to enquire what he had done, in the matter; because it was conceived to be a matter derogatory to the power and priviledge of the house.\u201d After this vote, which had in it something of the spirit of liberty and independency, we hear of no more disputes upon that subject, till we come to the reign of James the first, whose whole life was employed in endeavouring to demolish every popular power, in the constitution, and to establish the awful and absolute sovereignty of Kingship, that, as he express\u2019d himself to the convocation, Jack and Tom, and Dick and Will, might not meet and censure him and his Council. And in order to accomplish the important purpose of his reign, he thought that nothing could be more useful, than to wrest from the Commons, into his own hands, or those of his creature, the Chancellor, the adjudication of their elections and returns. Outlaws, whether for misdemeanours or debts, had been declared by the judges, in the reign of Henry the sixth, incapable by law of a seat in the house, where they themselves must be lawgivers. Sir Francis Goodwin was now chosen for the county of Bucks, and his return was made as usual into Chancery. The Chancellor decreed him an outlaw, vacated his seat, and issued writs for a new election. Sir John Fortesque was chosen in his room. But the first act of the house was to reverse the decree of the Chancellor, and restore Goodwin to his seat. At James\u2019s instigation the Lords desired a conference on this subject, but were absolutely refused by the Commons, as the question regarded intirely their own priviledges. They agreed however to make a remonstrance to the King, by their speaker; where they maintained that tho\u2019 the returns were by form made into chancery, yet the sole right of judging with regard to elections belonged to the house itself. James was not satisfied, and ordered a conference between the house and the judges. The Commons were in some perplexity. Their eyes were now opened, and they saw the consequences of that power, which had been assumed, and to which their predecessors had in some instances blindly submitted. This produced many free speeches in the house, \u201cBy this course, said one member, the free election of the counties is taken away, and none shall be chosen but such as shall please the King and Council. Let us therefore with fortitude, understanding and sincerity, seek to maintain our priviledges. This cannot be construed any contempt in us, but merely a maintenance of our common rights, which our ancestors have left us, and which is just and fit for us to transmit to our posterity.\u201d Another said, this may be called a quo warranto to seize all our liberties. \u201cA Chancellor, added a third, by this course may call a parliament consisting of what persons he pleases. Any suggestion by any person, may be the cause of sending a new writ. It is come to this plain question, whether the Chancery or Parliament ought to have authority.\u201d The Commons however, notwithstanding this watchful spirit of liberty, appointed a committee to confer with the judges before the King and Council. There the question began to appear a little more doubtful than the King had imagined, and to bring himself off, he proposed that Goodwin and Fortesque should both be set aside, and a writ be issued by the house, for a new election. Goodwin consented, and the Commons embraced this expedient; but in such a manner, that while they shewed their regard for the King, they secured for the future, the free possession of their seats, and the right which they claimed of judging solely of their own elections and returns. Hume who will not be suspected of prejudice against the Stuarts, and in whose words very nearly this story is related, remarks at the conclusion, \u201cPower like this, so essential to the exercise of all their other powers, themselves so essential to public liberty, cannot fairly be deemed an encroachment in the Commons, but must be regarded as an inherent priviledge, happily rescued from that ambiguity, which the negligence of former parliments had thrown upon it.\u201d Smollet concludes his account of this affair with this reflection, \u201cThus the commons secured to themselves the right of judging solely in their own elections and returns.\u201d And my Ld. Bolingbroke, whose knowledge of the constitution will not be disputed, whatever may be justly said of his religion, and his morals, remarks upon this transaction of James thus, \u201cWhether the will of the Prince becomes a law independently of parliament, or whether it is made so upon every occasion, by the concurrence of parliament, arbitrary power is alike established. The only difference lies here. Every degree of this power, which is obtained without parliament, is obtained against the forms, as well as against the spirit of the constitution; and must therefore be obtained with difficulty and possessed with danger. Whereas in the other method of obtaining and exercising this power, by and with parliament, if it can be obtained at all, the progress is easy and short, and the possession of it is so far from being dangerous, that liberty is disarmed, as well as oppressed by this method; that part of the constitution (viz. the house of commons) which was instituted to oppose the encroachments of the Crown, the maladministration of men in power, and every other grievance, being influenced to abet these encroachments, to support this mal-administration, and even to concur in opposing the grievances.\u201d\n      Now if we compare the attempt of King James, with the attempt of the Governor, who can discern a difference between them? James would have vacated the seat of Sir Francis Goodwin, because his election was against law, i.e. because Sir Francis was an outlaw; The Governor would have vacated the seats of Col. Gerrish and Capt. Little, because their election was against law, i.e. because they were both chosen and returned by a town, which by law was to choose and return but one. The King in one case, the Governor in the other, made himself judge of the legality of an election, and usurped authority to vacate the seats of members. I consider the power of the Chancellor here, which the King contended for as the power of the King, because there is no great difference in such cases, as has been very well known from the time of James to this day, between the power of the creator and that of the creature. And I say vacate the seats, because an exception from the Dedimus, is an absolute annihilation of a gentleman\u2019s seat, because by charter no man can vote or act as a representative till he has taken the oaths. It is as entire an exclusion from the house as an expulsion would be.\n      We will now if you please throw together a few reflections upon the soothing, amazing, melting solution of this arduous difficulty, with which Philanthrop has entertained the public.\n      He begins with an instruction to the Governor from his Majesty, not to consent to the division of towns. There has often been conversation during the administration of several late Governors, concerning such a royal instruction, which for any thing that I know may be a good one: but let it be good or evil, or whether there is any such or not, it has been found in experience, that when the division of a town would make way for the election of a friend, this instruction has been no impediment; and I need not go further than Concord and Newbury for two examples of this. Though I must go as far as the celebrated Berkshire for an instance of another member and favorite chosen and returned, as expressly against the instruction and law of the province, and knowingly suffered by the Governor to be sworn, without any exception in the Dedimus, and to vote for the Council, and finally left to the house, without any exception, caveat, message or hint to judge of their privilege, and vacate his seat. But to return to the instruction, is it a command to the governor to take upon himself to judge of the legality or illegality of the choice, returns or qualifications of the members of the house? No man will pretend this, or dare to throw such an infamous affront upon his Majesty or his Ministers, who perfectly know that even his Majesty himself has no right or authority whatever to judge in this matter. And that for the King himself to attempt to judge of the elections, returns or qualifications of the members of the house of Commons, or of the house of Representatives, would be an invasion of their privilege, as really as for them to coin money, or issue commissions in the militia, would be an encroachment on the Royal prerogative. If Newbury had sent ten, and Boston forty members, has the common law, or any act of parliament, or any law of the province, or this his Majesty\u2019s instruction, made the governor the judge, that those towns have not a right by law to send so many? The only question is, who shall judge? Is it the purport of that instruction, that the governor should except the forty and the ten out of the Dedimus? Would it not be as much as the King would expect of the governor, if he should give the Dedimus in the usual form, that is, to swear all the members, and leave it to the house to judge who the members were? And if the governor really supposed, as Philanthrop says he did, that the house would be jealous of the honor of their own laws, why should he have taken that jealousy away from them? Why did he not leave it to them to vindicate their own cause? If he had known any facts in this case, of which the house was not apprized, it would have been friendly and constitutional in him to have hinted it privately to some member of the house, that he might have moved it there. But there was no pretence of this, the case of Newbury being as well known to the house as to the governor. Or if he must have inserted himself in the business publickly, he might have sent the necessary information to the house in a message, recommending it to their consideration, not giving his own opinion, for this would have been an infraction of their privilege; because they are the sole judges in the matter, and ought not to be under the in\u00adfluence even of a message from his E\u2014\u2014y, expressing his opinion, in deciding so very delicate a point as elections and returns, a point on which all the peoples liberties depend. Five members chosen and returned by Boston would be an illegal election; but how should the Governor come by his knowledge, that Boston had chosen and returned five? how should the precepts and returns come into his hands? It is no part of his Excellency\u2019s duty to examine the returns which are made to the sheriff, and lodg\u2019d in the secretary\u2019s office. There can be no objection to his looking over them to satisfy his curiosity; but to judge of them belongs wholly to another department. Suppose him to have inspected them, and found five returned for Boston, would not this be as manifestly against the spirit of the instruction, and the standing law of the province, as the case of Newbury? And what pretence would he have to judge of this illegal election, any more than of any other? Suppose, for instance, it was proved to his Excellency, that twenty members returned were chosen by corruption, that is, had purchased the votes of the electors by bribery; or let it be proved that any number of the members had taken Rhode-Island or New-Hampshire bills, were out-laws, or chosen by a few inhabitants of their towns without any legal meeting, these would be equally illegal elections, equally against the instruction, and the law of the land: but shall the governor judge of these things, and vacate all such seats, by refusing them their oaths? Let it be suggested that a member is an infant, an idiot, a woman in man\u2019s cloathing, a leper, a petit-maitre, an enemy to government, a friend to the governor\u2019s enemies, a turbulent destroyer of the public peace, an envious malicious pretender to patriotism, any one of these, or a thousand other pretences, if the Governor is once allowed to judge of the legality or illegality of elections and returns, or of the qualifications or dis-qualifications of members, may soon be made sufficient to exclude any or all whom the Governor dislikes. The supposition that Boston should send forty, and all the other towns ten, is possible; but it is not less improbable that the Governor, and all others in authority, should be suddenly seized with a delirium, negative every counsellor chosen, dissolve the house, call another, dissolve that, command all the militia to muster and march to the frontiers, and a thousand other raving facts; and all that can be said is, that when such cases shall happen, the Government will be dissolved, and individuals must scramble as well as they can for themselves, there being no resource in the positive constitution for such wild cases. But surely, a negative, a right of exception in the Dedimus, would be of no service to him in such a case. So that no justification or excuse for the Governor\u2019s apprehensions or conduct, can be drawn from such supposed cases.\n      How the Governor\u2019s conduct in signing the bill for dividing Newbury came to be considered as so very friendly, and highly obliging, is not easily comprehended, unless every act of the Governor is to be considered in that light. If he signed the bill to oblige any particular friend, or in order that a friend\u2019s friend might get into the house, it was friendly and obliging no doubt to such friends: but if he signed it because he thought it for the general good, as I suppose he did, it was a part of his general duty, as governor, and no more obliging than any other act of equal importance. I suppose here that such conduct was not inconsistent with what he knew to be the intention of his instructions; for surely no man will call it friendly and obliging wilfully to break his instructions, for so small a benefit to the province as dividing a town. So that he can\u2019t be imagined to have run any risque in this case, any more than in any other instance of his duty.\n      It is asserted that the Governor had been misinformed concerning the custom of the house. How far this is true I know not. But had he been informed that they had a custom to let the Governor judge of their elections and returns! a custom to let him pick out whom he would to be sworn, and whom he would to send home! unless he had been informed of such a custom, I cannot see that any other misinformation can defend or even palliate his taking that part upon himself. But surely he had opportunity enough to have had the truest information. There were gentlemen eno\u2019 of both houses ready to acquaint him with the customs, nay the journals of the house would have informed him that the returns were all read over the first day before they proceeded to the choice of counsellors. And he ought, one would think, to have been very sure he was right, before he made so direct an onset on so fundamental a priviledge. Besides it has been, and is very credibly reported, and I believe it to be true, that he gave out, more than a week before that election, what he would do and did, and that some of his friends fearing the consequences, waited on him on purpose to diswade him from such an attempt, but without success. So that it was no sudden thought, nor inadvertency, nor rashness of passion\u2014I report this as I have before some other things, from credible information, and real belief, without calling on witnesses by name, as such evidence is lately come in fashion, and is thought alone sufficient to support narratives and depositions sent to the boards at home, charging the blackest crimes on the country, and some of the most respectable characters in it. But admitting he was misinformed of the custom, I can\u2019t see that this is of any weight at all in the dispute. Whether the house examined any returns at all the first day or not, he could have no pretence to interpose. If he thought the custom was to examine no returns till the second day, and that such a custom was wrong, and ought to be altered, he might for ought I know, unexceptionably have sent a message, recommending this matter to the consideration of the house, not dictating to them how they should decide, much less should he have decided himself without consulting them, much less should he have taken from them the opportunity of judging at all, as by excepting the gentlemen out of the Dedimus in fact he did.\n      Philanthrop makes it a problematical point, whether his E\u2014\u2014y\u2019s apprehensions or the custom of the house be most consonant to reason and our constitution. I confess myself at a loss to know from his account what his E\u2014\u2014y\u2019s apprehensions were. If he means that his E\u2014\u2014y apprehended that the house ought to change their custom, and decide upon all elections and returns before they proceed to the choice of councellors, I agree with him that such a point is immaterial to the present dispute, but if he means that his E\u2014\u2014y apprehended he had a right to except such members out of the Dedimus as he pleas\u2019d, or any members at all, he begs the question, and assumes that it is problematical whether he is or is not sole judge of elections, has or has not the same cathartic negative to administer when he thinks proper to the house, as he has to the board, which according to all the authorities I have cited before, and according to common sense, is to make it problematical whether the Governor has or has not plenary possession of arbitrary power.\n      It is asserted by our writer, that the two gentlemen were sworn and voted or might have voted. As to their being sworn, there could not possibly any harm accrue from any gentleman\u2019s taking the oaths of allegiance, subscribing the declaration, &c. and if the committee had been pleased to swear the whole country on that occasion, no damage would have been done, and from whence the Governor\u2019s dread of administering the oaths of allegiance to those gentlemen could arise, I can\u2019t conceive; from scruples of conscience it could not be, because he has often taken those oaths himself. As to the gentlemen\u2019s voting, I believe Philanthrop is mistaken, because I have been strongly assured they did not, but that they stood by, till the elections were over, as it was expected by the other members that they should. However I do not affirm this\u2014The gentlemen themselves can easily determine this matter.\n      Philanthrop is often complaining of skulking, dark insinuations, &c. but I know of no man who deals in it so much as he. Witness among a thousand others, his base insinuations about the Senate and Gazette in his first piece, and what he says in his last about such a thing, being given out from a certain quarter, from what principle he will not say, a very dark unintelligible insinuation of no body knows what, against no body knows whom, which leaves every body to fix what he will on whom he will, and tends only to amuse and mislead. And nearly of the same character is a curious expression, somewhere in the piece, calling the exception of the two gentlemen out of the Dedimus, a Caveat to the House\u2014which is about as sensible as it would be to cut off a man\u2019s legs and chain him fast to a tree, and then give him a caution, a Caveat, not to run away.\n      That the Governor did not succeed in his attempt is no proof that he did not make it. Our thanks are not due to him, but to the house, that this Dedimus was not received; all the members sworn by virtue of it, and itself lodged on file, as a precedent, to silence all envious and revengeful declaimers, both for himself and all his successors. It is equally true that King James did not succeed in his attempt, but gave it up. Yet all historians have recorded that attempt as a direct, and formidable attack on the freedom of elections, and as one proof that he aimed at demolishing the constitution, at stretching prerogative beyond its just bounds, and at abridging the constitutional rights and liberties of the nation. What should hinder but that a Governor\u2019s attempt should be recorded too? I doubt not a Bacon quibbling and canting his adulation to that Monarch in order to procure the place of Attorney General or Lord Chancellor, might celebrate his Majesty\u2019s friendly, modest, obliging behaviour in that affair: yet even the mighty genius of Bacon could never rescue his sordid soul from contempt for that very adulation, with any succeeding age.\n       WINTHROP", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0068", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 11 March 1767\nFrom: Sewall, Jonathan\nTo: Adams, John\n     11 March 1767. Enclosed in a letter from JA to Hezekiah Niles (5 Feb. 1819, LbC, Adams Papers). Sewall\u2019s letter was \u201cin answer to a letter I had written to him in which I JA had enclosed a copy of the notes I had taken of Mr. Otis\u2019s argument against writs of assistants.\u201d MS not found. Niles neither printed nor returned the original letter of Sewall which JA sent to him. See L. H. Butterfield, \u201cJohn Adams\u2019 Correspondence with Hezekiah Niles: Some Notes and a Query,\u201d Md. Hist. Mag. Maryland Historical Magazine. , 57:150\u2013154 (June 1962). JA\u2019s letter to Sewall has not been found, nor can its date be conjectured, other than that it was probably written in 1767 about the time JA and Sewall were engaged in newspaper debate (ante 9 Dec. 1766 \u2013 16 Feb. 1767, above).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0001", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, 1 January 1767\nFrom: Heberden, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDr. Heberden sends his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favor of his company at dinner on tuesday next (Jan. 6th.) at half an hour past three.\n Addressed: To / Mr. Franklin / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0002", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fran\u00e7ois Willem de Monchy, 9 January 1767\nFrom: Monchy, Fran\u00e7ois Willem de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nRotterdm, the 9 Jan. 1767\nI have spoken here with a man to make you a model of an Iceboat, but as it must be made in the proportion of an Inche, or perhaps less to a foot it will cost you about 10 Duc., that is between 4 and 5 guineas, and this is the reason why I ask you first if you will give so much for it, if you like it, I\u2019ll take care it shall be made soon, and send it over directly.\nIn your kind letter you wrote me that the fire-Engine in York-buildings consumed 4 sh. worth of coals every hour, so it would be about \u00a35 a day, that is \u00a31750 a yaer, and in Dr. Disaguliers I find that the Fire-Engine at Griff don\u2019t cost more than \u00a3150 a yaer and there fore I believe you have mistaken.\nIf you would be so good to answer this letter, and the questions I asked you in my first, you would do me a sensible pleasure.\nWhen I was last in London I bought two microscopes for a Friend, of Mr. Benj. Martin in Fleet street, for which I paid him seventeen guineas. He was to send them to Ipswich before I left that place, but did not, and by the last letters from thence, I find the[y] are not yet there. Since my arrival I have wrote to Mr. Martin, Desiring him to send them to me here, but can get no answer. I should there for be obliged to you Sir, if, when you go that way you would be so kind to Speak to Mr. Martin about them and let me know what he says, as he does not care to do it him self, or if it be too much trouble for you to speak to him, be so good as to send your servant, tho a word from you would avail most.\nI beg pardon for the trouble, and with my Fathers Compliments to your self, sir John Pringle, and Dr. Ingenhouse, remain Sir Your Very obliged humble Servant\nF:W: DE Monchy.\nDr. Franklin\n  Addressed: To / Dr. B. Franklin at / Mrs. Stevenson in Craven / Street at / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Rich, 10 January 1767\nFrom: Rich, Mary\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n  Sir Robert Rich\u2019s, in Grosvener SquareJanry. 10th. [1767?]\nIf Doctor Franklin is in England Miss Rich begs the favour of him to call upon her some morning about Eleven o\u2019clock, if it be not inconvenient to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0004", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 12 January 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nlaste nighte Mr. Brown Came and asked me if I had any Commans to you I sed I all ways have he sed he shold saile this day by the way of Dublin I Cold a wishe he Coud a Stayde tell the Poste had Cum in as I heard the Packit is Cume in to N Yorke. I am so impashente tell the poste cumes in I send you the 2 bills endorsed by Septeymus Robinson but the Paper will in forme you that he is no more as well as the Mattron [of the] Hospital. Salley returnd from Burlinton on thusday laste Billey and Mrs. Franklin air well Salley sends her Duty but Shee is to visit Miss Stedman by a pointemente this day so beges to be excused and will write by the Packit as I desire and as I have an old friend Cume to visit me I beg to be excused it is Thomey Bondes wife he is well and sente love to us by her. I shall write more fulley by the Packit. I hope to hear that your Salley Franklin is got well my love to good Mrs. Stephenson to our Polley to Mr. and Mrs. Strayne [Strahan]. I have deliver the Bond to young Morris and got the order from him now enother is Cum in. So I Conclud as ever your afeck fechshonat wife\nD Franklin\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / in / Craven-Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0005", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Blair, 13 January 1767\nFrom: Blair, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nPrinces Street Leicester fieldsTuesday Morn Jany 13th [1767]\nDr. Blairs Compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs leave to acquaint him that Lady Irwin and one or two Ladys with her propose making him a Visit next Tuesday at twelve if agreable. Mr. George Lewis Scott, and Mr. Strahan of Suffolk Street are to be of the Party.\n Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0006", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 14 January 1767\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Friend\u2014\nPhilada. Jany. [14, 1767]\nI wrote you a Short letter a few days [ago per] Mr. Brown, nor can I write you a long one now. This is chiefly to acknowledge the receipt of your Obliging Favor of the 8th of Novr.\nWe have indeed been plentifully bespatterd by the Malice of our Enemies. And as you Observe our Consolation must be, that we do not Deserve it. I can assure my Friend, their Abuse gave me very little uneasiness though on the Spot, and even when I knew not its Effect. And I am sure from my Own knowledge of you, it has had the same Effect with you. Let us forgive them, if they can forgive themselves on solid and cool reflection or if you please even Let us thank them; For certain it is, that their Detraction and Slander has raised us higher up in the Esteem of our Friends than before and I believe in that of Some who knew us not.\nShoud any thing arise during this Sitting of Assembly, I shall not fail to communicate it by the next Opportunity. In the Interim Believe me My Dear Friend Yours very Affectionately\nJos. Galloway", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 20 January 1767\nFrom: Tissington, Anthony\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nAlfreton 20th. Jany 1767\nMy last told you of an hare; Yesterday she was returnd me hither as no Carriage could pass, and I send this to prevent you the trouble of inquiring; We have yet no passage in the Country; no post from North or South since last Wednesday, but hope for one today as roads are cutting thro\u2019 the snow.\nThe Winter is now calm, the sky clear; the frost severe; and the Glass rising gradually; so that this weather seems to be Set in; and I may perhaps pay you a visit, and return hither before the frost break. I purpose to set out on Thursday, and be in Town on Saturday next if I can and am Joind by my wife in best wishes to you and Mrs. Stephenson. Dear Friend Yours all ways\nAnth Tissington\nMr. Gell our Attorney dyed Suddenly last Thursday so that I come alone to be both [torn] and Attorney.\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stephensons in Craven Street in / the Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 27 January 1767\nFrom: Hall, David\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Janry 27th. 1767\nI have your Favours of the 12th August, and 27th of September, now before me, which I ask Pardon for not answering sooner, but you may believe the Delay, did not proceed from Want of Respect.\nAs to the Contents of that, of the 26th. August, I need say nothing relating to them, as Mr. Brown, who is with you long before this can reach, will be able to inform you every thing, relating to your Sister\u2019s Death, and the State of your Brother\u2019s Affairs. And as to that of the 27th September, I shall only say, that Mrs. Franklin is always welcome, to any service it may be in my Power to do for her.\nYou will, no Doubt, know too from Mr. Brown, if you had not heard it before, that a new Printing-Office is set up by Mr. Goddard, from Rhode Island; and that a Monday\u2019s Paper, was to be published by him, the first Number of which appeared Yesterday, under the Title of The Pennsylvania Chronicle, and Universal Advertiser. As you must have seen his Proposals in our Paper, it is needless for me, to say anything, of what he proposes, or of his Invitation and Encouragement to come to this Place. All I shall trouble you with, relating to him is, that his Printing-Office being in one of your Houses; he having (as I am told) that office, that was Mecom\u2019s; his working with a new Press that belongs to you; your Son being the first Mover of his coming this Way, as was given out by those that took in his Subscriptions, Mr. Galloway a principal Promoter of him; and the Wharton Family, and some others connected with them, uncommonly busy in dispersing his Proposals, and getting him Customers; All this I say, makes me at no loss to know who are his Friends, Nay, it is indeed said by some (and I would fain hope, some of them, at least are not designedly my Enemies) that you are a Partner in the House; but this, I will never allow my self to believe, having still, as I always had, the highest Opinion of your Honour, and know, that you will never forget that Clause of our Agreement, by which, tho\u2019 you are not absolutely prohibited from being any farther concerned in the Printing-Business in this Place, yet so much is plainly implied. And my real Belief is, that you would not countenance any other Printer to my Disadvantage; but would be of any Service to me in your Power; and your Friendship, you may depend upon it, I shall always value, and endeavour to deserve.\nYour Son\u2019s interesting himself in this Affair, I do not much wonder at, as he threatned me with it above a Twelve Month\u2019s ago, and alledged many Things against me, in a Letter I received from him, which I thought were unkind, and took the Liberty of telling him so; nay, he even found fault with me, for publishing some Things, which I had your particular Desire to do; One of which, An Address to John Montgomery Esq. of Cumberland County, which no Doubt, you will remember.\nHowever, since he, and one or two others, have carried their Resentments so far, I must even endeavour to bear the Mischief they intend me, as well as I can; having for my Comfort, that I never was guilty of doing any one thing to the Disadvantage of you, or your Family, or of doing one of the many base Things, he, in particular, laid to my Charge.\nI should be exceeding glad, that the Affair of our Partnership was concluded, as you are at so great a Distance; and you, or I, or both of us may die, which might prove a great Inconvenience to me, or both of our Families. You wrote, you thought there were some considerable Mistakes in the Accounts, as settled by Mr. Parker, and that there were some Things, you did not understand.  In answer to that I desired you, to point out these Mistakes, likewise what you did not understand, and they should be rectified, and cleared up; But to this I have had no Return.\nYou know when you left Philadelphia, you thought you would be at Home time enough your self, to settle the Affairs of the Partnership, before the Term should expire; and yet it has been expired Twelve Months, and you are not returned; and something may happen that may keep you still longer in England than you design, and I shall not be easy, while so weighty an Affair remains unsettled; so must therefore beg, that you will let me know what the Mistakes are? You apprehend to be in the Accounts, and what it is you do not understand, with Directions to Mr. Parker how to act, that Things may be brought to a Conclusion.\nAs to the Outstanding Debts, they are very large, and am afraid, as I have often told you, that but a small Part of them, will ever be got in; but I shall keep a just Account of what I receive, and be accountable to you, for your Part of the Money.\nUnderneath I have stated the Account, as it now stands between us. Viz\n  By Ballance due to me as Settled by Mr. Parker Febry. 1st. 1766 \u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 \u00a3993\u2003 11\u2003 6 \nMarch 8.\nBy Cash paid Mrs. Franklin\nas per Receipt\nJuly 12\nBy Ditto\nas per Ditto\nNovr. 25\nBy Ditto\nas per Ditto\nDecr. 27\nBy Ditto\nas per Ditto\nBy Sundries had out of the Shop since 1 Febry. 1766\nCash received by D. Hall belonging to the Partnership since Febry 1st. to this Date.\nB.F\u2019s part of the above\nBallance due to D. Hall.\nThis Sir, is the present State of our Account, supposing the settlement by Mr. Parker to be right. And I can remember nothing left out by me, excepting the Number of Historical Reviews of the Province of Pennsylvania you sent me for Sale, which quite escaped me. Also a few Books I may have sold, of those you left in a Press in the back Chamber, up one Pair of Stairs, and which you did not put down with the other Books you left in my hands, imagining as I suppose, that being unsaleable, they would fetch but little, however, they are still where you left them, except the few, as I said, may have been sold. The Number of the Reviews received, I do not just now remember, but think I have it in one of your Letters; and if I have not, you know how many you sent, the greatest Part of which, are still on hand. Your Family are all well, I am, Dear Sir Yours most affectionately\nD H\nTo Benjamin Franklin Esq Via Dublin per Capt. Plasket (Copy) per Capt Irwin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0014", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. William Strahan, 28 January 1767\nFrom: Strahan, William,Strahan, Margaret Penelope\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nNewstreet Wednesday morn: Janr. 28th. 1767.\nMr. and Mrs. Strahan present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin and Mrs. Stevenson and desire the favour of their Company this Afternoon to drink Tea and spend the evening.\n Addressed: To / Dr / Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0015", "content": "Title: Extract of a Letter from London, 2 February 1767\nFrom: \nTo: \nThere is no certainty that Franklin wrote the letter of which this is an extract. It might have been taken from one of William Strahan\u2019s frequent letters of political news to David Hall, except that the \u201cus\u201d in the final sentence seems to establish that the writer was an American\u2014whether Franklin or someone else. Colonial agents were closely attending debates in the House of Commons at this time (though they were later barred) and the account of Townshend\u2019s speech sounds very much like the report of a direct auditor. The possibility of Franklin\u2019s authorship appears strong enough to warrant its inclusion here. It might have been addressed to any one of several Philadelphia friends who passed it along to Hall for printing.\nLondon, Feb. 2, 1767.\nAs to the Business yet done in Parliament, there is nothing very material. An Alteration has been made in the late Act, respecting the Exportation from Dominica to the Ports North of Cape Finisterre, whereby Ireland is excepted, as well as Great-Britain. A Motion was made last Week in the House of Commons, on the Supplies for the Army, that the Revenues arising, and to arise, in America, be applied towards subsisting the Troops now there, and those other Regiments which it is proposed to send. Mr. Townsend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, among other Things, urged the Propriety of more Troops being sent to America, and of their being quartered in the large Towns. That he had a Plan preparing, which he would lay before the House, for the Raising Supplies in America. That the Legislative Authority here extended to every Colony, in every Particular. That the Distinction of internal and external Taxes was Nonsense\u2014and that he voted for the Repeal of the Stamp-Act, not because it was not a good Act, but because, at that Time, there appeared a Propriety in repealing it. He added, that \u201che repeated the Sentence, that the Galleries might hear him; and that after that, he did not expect to have his Statue erected in America.\u201d Mr. Grenville joined him fully\u2014what they will do with us in the End, I cannot say.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0016", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Emanuel Mendes da Costa, 2 February 1767\nFrom: Mendes da Costa, Emanuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n By Order of the President.\n Sir,\nThe Committee (to whom the Consideration of the Papers communicated to the Society at their Weekly Meetings is referred, by Virtue of a Statute of the said Society, passed at a Council, held on the 26th Day of March, 1752) having been appointed to meet at the Society\u2019s House in Crane-Court, Fleetstreet, on Thursday the 12 of february 1767 after the Meeting (the List of papers already sent) your Presence at the said Committee is then and there desired accordingly. I am Sir Your h[umble] Servant\nEmanuel Mendes DA CostaCl\n  From the House of the\u2003 Royal Society,\u2003 2d february 1767\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin LLD / p[re]sent", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0019", "content": "Title: List of Fossils Sent by George Croghan to the Earl of Shelburne and Benjamin Franklin, 7 February 1767\nFrom: Croghan, George\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nThe earliest fully authenticated discovery of fossil vertebrates by a white man in what is now the United States was made in 1739 by Charles Le Moyne, Baron de Longueuil, near the Ohio River at a point an unknown distance above the falls that mark the site of the present Louisville, Kentucky. The fossils he recovered traveled back to France with him the next year and were eventually lodged in the natural history museum in the Jardin des Plantes. During the next decades several British settlers and traders reported finding large bones and teeth near the Ohio, the principal deposit being at a spot still called Big Bone Lick, in Boone County, three or four miles from the river.\nOn George Croghan\u2019s western trip in 1765 he picked up two six-foot tusks and several other fossil bones at Big Bone Lick, but when he and his party were attacked by Indians a few days later and the survivors were taken captive, Croghan understandably lost his paleontological trophies. He returned to the region in June 1766, however, accompanied by Captain Harry Gordon of the British Army and George Morgan of the Philadelphia firm of Baynton, Wharton, and Morgan. The party revisited Big Bone Lick and Croghan and Morgan each collected a number of bones, which they succeeded in taking back with them to the East Coast.\nWhen Croghan reached New York by sea via New Orleans and Pensacola early in January 1767, he decided to send his collection of fossils to England as gifts, partly to Lord Shelburne, secretary of state, and partly to his old friend Benjamin Franklin, and he probably wrote both men of his intention on January 16. In February, while the fossils were still in New York, not yet packed for shipment, an unidentified \u201cG.W.\u201d saw them and, as he later reported, \u201cseveral Gentlemen, who had [had] the Opportunity of seeing Ivory Tusks in Africa, and elsewhere, pronounced these, Elephant\u2019s Teeth.\u201d\nFranklin wrote to Croghan, Aug. 5, 1767, thanking him for the gift and commenting on it. He, like others, was puzzled at the discovery of what certainly seemed to resemble the tusks of African and Asiatic elephants in a region where the climate was much too cold for those animals to live. The finding of similar tusks in Siberia, added to this discovery near the Ohio River, led Franklin to suggest that at some earlier time the earth had \u201cbeen in another position, and the climates differently placed from what they are at present.\u201d\nFranklin\u2019s friend, Peter Collinson, delivered a paper at the Royal Society, Nov. 26, 1767, when the Croghan fossils were first exhibited. He was similarly puzzled by the problem of the North American climate, though he had a ready explanation for the very similar tusks and teeth found in Siberia. Pointing out the geographic configuration of Asia, which he identified as the native country of elephants, he suggested that at the time of the Deluge, \u201cthese great floating bodies, the carcasses of drowned elephants,\u201d were driven to the northward \u201cby the violent action of the winds and waves\u201d and when the waters subsided they were \u201cdeposited where they are now found.\u201d Collinson was also puzzled by the fact that while everyone agreed that the tusks were those of elephants, the molars or grinding teeth found with them, on the contrary, were not those of elephants, and indeed had \u201cno resemblance to the molares, or grinding teeth, of any great animal yet known.\u201d A little later Collinson reported that he had compared these teeth with others in a warehouse and concluded that they belonged, together with the tusks, to \u201canother species of elephant, not yet known; or else that they are the remains of some vast animal\u201d with tusks like an elephant, but \u201cwith large grinders peculiar to that species, being different in size and shape from any other animal yet known.\u201d This animal, he felt sure, was not carnivorous (as Franklin had told Croghan he thought it was), but was \u201cWholly confined to vegetable food,\u201d and \u201cseemed designed for the biting and breaking off the branches of trees and shrubs for its sustenance.\u201d\nThe anatomist William Hunter made a thorough study of the Croghan collection and another in the Tower of London and reported his findings to the Royal Society, Feb. 25, 1768. He concluded that the American remains did not come from elephants but from a different species, which he called for convenience \u201cthe American incognitum.\u201d In this conclusion he, like Collinson, was correct; but, unlike Collinson, he erred in believing that the American animal was carnivorous. In stating this opinion he closed his paper, almost casually, with an expression of thankfulness for a thought that must be called truly revolutionary: that this animal\u2019s \u201cwhole generation is probably extinct.\u201d The idea that any species ever became extinct was revolutionary at this time, for it seemed impossible to believe that an all-powerful and all-wise Creator (or, if one preferred, \u201cthe economy of Nature\u201d) would produce any species unable somehow to cope with its environment. Not until the end of the eighteenth century did the hypothesis become generally acceptable that particular species had in fact become extinct.\nAs to the identity of the animal whose fossil remains Croghan sent to Shelburne and Franklin, many years passed before the French naturalist Georges L.C.F.D. Cuvier established in a series of papers between 1796 and 1806 that fossil remains of elephant-like animals found at scattered locations in different continents did, in fact, represent several distinguishable forms of extinct creatures. To the animal represented by Croghan\u2019s gifts of 1767 and to other allied forms Cuvier gave the vernacular name mastodontes, that has survived in both colloquial and technical form as Mastodon, distinguishing this animal from the Mammoth found in both Siberia and America. As the eminent American paleontologist, George Gaylord Simpson, has pointed out, however, the technically correct generic name for the American mastodon is Mammut, and \u201cthe legally correct and historic name\u201d for the Croghan animal is Mammut americanum.\nA List of the Teeth and Bones sent over by George Croghan, Esquire, February 7, 1767, from Philadelphia.\nTo Lord Shelburne.\nTwo of the largest tusks, or teeth, one whole and entire, above six feet long, the thickness of common elephants teeth of that length.\nSeveral very large forked or pronged teeth; a jaw-bone, with two of them in it.\nTo Doctor Franklin.\nFour great tusks, of different sizes.\nOne broken in halves, near six feet long.\nOne much decayed, the center looks like chalk, or lime.\nA part was cut off from one of these teeth, that has all the appearance of fine white ivory.\nA joint of the vertebrae.\nThree of the large pronged teeth; one has four rows of fangs.\nBesides the above, Captain Owry, an Officer who served in the country during the last war, now living at Hammersmith, hath a small tusk, as if of a calf elephant, the surface of a fine shining chestnut colour, and a recent look; and a great pronged tooth, larger than any of the above, which were also brought from the same licking place.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0021", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Hasenclever, 9 February 1767\nFrom: Hasenclever, Peter\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nPutnay Munday morning the 9 feby 1767\nMr. Hasenclever presents his Respects to Dr. Francklin, sends him his Carriage and hopes to have the Honnour to see him to day at Dinner, or as Soon as possible.\n Addressed: To/Dr. Benjamin Francklin Esq/Cravenstreet/Westminster", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0022", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 9 February 1767\nFrom: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBrook Street, Monday 9th February [1767]\nLord Morton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, If it will be convenient for him to look at the Chimney tomorrow forenoon Lord Morton will call upon him between 11 and 12 o Clock, as he is to be in that part of the Town however about that Hour. He will carry the Doctor to Brook Street, and afterwards set him down at home, as he has business which calls him to Fleet Street.\nAn answer is desired by the bearer.\n Addressed: To/Doctor Franklin/at Mrs Stevenson\u2019s/Craven Street/Strand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0024", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 13 February 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Jackson, Richard\nDear Sir\nFriday Evening Feb. 13. 67\nI send you the Sketch of the Bill for repealing the Act relating to the legal Tender, to be modell\u2019d by you and brought in as propos\u2019d.\nI am doubtful the Clause relating to existing Debts will occasion Difficulties in America, and therefore wish the Bill could pass without it.\nBut I think a Clause limiting the Quantities each Colony may emit, would not be amiss. Suppose Pensilvania [\u00a3]200,000 Sterling and the rest in proportion. When by Experience it is found that the Limitation is too narrow they may petition for more. The Trading Interest here will always be willing and able to procure it for them, and it may prevent Excesses in some Colonies.\nI send you the rough Draft of the Hints of Arguments I have drawn up for the Duke of Grafton, who I understand will support the Bill in the House of Lords. Please to return it to me to morrow.\nThe Packet goes to morrow Evening. I am, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To/Mr Jackson\nEndorsed: 13 Febry 1767 Benjn. Franklin Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0025", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [14 February 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\n[February 14th, 1767]\nGreat changes being expected keeps men\u2019s minds in suspense, and obstructs public affairs of every kind. It is therefore not to be wondered at, that so little progress is made in our American schemes of the Ilinois grant, and retribution for Indian losses.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0026", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, 15 February 1767\nFrom: Whitehurst, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nDerby 15 Feby 1767\nWe experienced a much greater degree of Cold at derby, in the late Frost, than perhaps was ever observed in England, and the quick transitions, were no less remarkable.\nOn Sunday the 18 of last month, at 7 o Clock in the evening. My thermometer stood at 20. At half an hour after Nine, nearly one degree below 0. At seven the next Morning 30. External Air. I hope to hear by Mr. Burdett, the bearer, hereof, that you are perfectly well and purpose honouring derbyshire with another Visit before you leave England. I beg my respectfull Compliments to Mrs. Stevenson and I am Sir your most Obedient Servant\nJohn Whitehurst\n Addressed: To/Docr. Franklin/at Mrs. Stevensons Craven/Street. Strand/London\nEndorsed: No. 1", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Giambatista Beccaria, 20 February 1767\nFrom: Beccaria, Giambatista\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBeccaria\u2019s letter is known only in the form of a four-page pamphlet, quite probably printed very soon after the indicated date of the letter. It is not clear whether he actually sent a hand-written copy to Franklin, or, following a rather common practice of the time with scientific writings intended for many readers, cast the paper into the form of a letter addressed to one individual well known among students of the particular subject.\nThe text of this letter offers difficulties, both because of the somewhat cumbersome style of the Latin in which it was written and the unfamiliar terminology Beccaria employed, and also because the scientific concepts and theories that he presented and discussed have, during the last two centuries, become increasingly irrelevant to the progress of electrical science. Because of these difficulties the editors have decided to print both the Latin original and an English translation, so that possibly interested readers may use either one version or the other, or both in combination, when seeking to understand the author\u2019s presentation. Limited annotation is attached to the translation rather than to the Latin original.\nThe editors gratefully acknowledge the help they have received in preparing the translation from David O. Ross, Jr., assistant professor of Classics in Yale University, and from Alan E. Shapiro, graduate student in the Yale Department of the History of Science and Medicine. It should be made wholly clear, however, that these gentlemen have not seen the final text of the translation before its dispatch to the printer, and that the editor of this series is, here as always in the pages of these volumes, ultimately responsible personally for all errors and shortcomings in the editorial work.\n[20 Februarii 1767.]\nDe Electricitate VindiceJoannis Baptistae Beccariae ex Scholis PiisAd Beniaminum FrankliniumVirum de Re Electrica, et Meteorologica optime meritumEpistola\n1. Quod die 11. Septembris 1766. scribebam tibi, FRANKLINI clarissime: Existimare me, errare eos, qui putarent, Simmeriano experimento theoriam infirmari tuam; experimenta ea omnia, queis ego, et Pekinensis, et Simmeriani experimenti analysim eram prosequutus, et totam de electricitate vitrorum historiam auxeram, novum dumtaxat principium postulare, quod tuis adjungeretur, et cum iisdem apprime consentiret; id fusius nunc tandem demonstrare constitui, quum primum per valetudinem licet mihi.\n2. Itaque addendum principium est hujusmodi: Facies vitri post explosionem, dum denundatur, electricitatem vindicat sibi, quam habuit ante explosionem. Atque principium hoc est, cui nomen indere placet mihi, rem proxime significans Vindicem Electricitatem.\n3. De principii caussa, ipso constituto, quaeremus. Interea nonne magnam Physicae accessionem ii facere sunt censendi, qui experimenta numero longe plurima specia distractissima inveniant, a quo uno principio pendeant omnia, et mutua veluti cognatione colligari singula cum singulis demonstrent, quae disjunctissima videbantur, et quasi pugnantia? Imo vero nonne in omni demum caussarum vestigatione phaenomeno alicui est denique acquiescendum, cujur ulteriorem caussam assequi non licet? Porro principii hujus mei, quod Vindicem Electricitatem appello, caussam proximan explorari posse confido; sed eo ignorato hanc ignorari debere certum est.\n4. Id itaque agam in singulari libello, ut demonstrem: Experimenta omnia, quae protuli, Electricitatem Vindicem postulare tamquam constans phaenomenum, ad quod referantur. Hoc posito ilia explicari omnia, et reliqua vere divinari, quae, et qualia debeant existere pro infinita, quae potest occurrere, adjunctorum varietate.\n5. Sed tibi interea, Vir clarissime, si prima innuam, et ea certe necessaria principii consectaria, faciam satis abunde. Neque haec memorabo, quo doceam; sed quo facias Tu solidiora, quae natura ipsa compellit nos fundamentis superstruere a Te constitutis.\n6. Itaque, si hoc ponatur: Faciem vitri, dum denundatur post explosionem, vindicare sibi electricitatem, quam habuit ante explosionem, consectarium primum est: Eam Electricitatem praepollere debere in faciem adversam; qua voce intelligere me vides, quod est consentaneum theoriae tuae.\n7. Ex Te enim ignis extraneus, qui init in unam vitri faciem, dispellit tantumdem ignis proprii ex facie adversa; similiterque ignis proprius, qui eliciatur ex una vitri facie, tantumdem extranei facit, ut affluat in faciem adversam, cujus proprius erat veluti fulcrum. Quamobrem, si facies vitri, quae ante explosionem redundabat, dum post explosionem denudatur, vindicat sibi excessum ignis, quem habebat ante explosionem, hic excessus praepollebit in faciem adversam, quae per hypothesim ab explosione omnem amisit electricitatem; nempe tantumdem ignis nitetur dispellere ex facie adversa, adeoque excitabit in facie adversa atmosphaeram redundantem; scilicet excessus in eam immissus dicetur praepollere in faciem hanc, quatenus faciet, ut haec, quae caeteroquin non haberet nisi ignem nativum proprium, ipsa etiam redundare videatur ob partem ignis proprii, quae pellitur, et explicatur.\n8. Similiter, si facies vitri, quae ante explosionem deficiebat, dum post explosionem denundatur, vindicat sibi defectum, quem habebat ante explosionem, hic defectus praepollebit in faciem adversam, quae item per hypothesim ab explosione omnem amisit electricitatem; nempe tantumdem ignis extranei alliciet in faciem adversam; adeoque excitabit in facie adversa atmosphaeram deficientem; scilicet defectus in earn denudatione inditus dicetur praepollere in faciem hanc, quatenus faciet, ut haec, quae caetoroquin haberet ignem nativum suum, ipsa etiam deficere videatur ob partem ignis extranei, quem jam plane expostulat, atque allicit ad sese.\n9. Itaque, quo multa paucis, eaque satis perspicue omnia eloqui valeamus, nomina licebit condere aliqua, quibus has, affinesque alias in vitris electricitatum habitudines significemus: Et primo quidem summam ignis redundantis in facie una, et deficientis in facie adversa, quae explosione nullescit tota, et cui adeo proportione respondet explosionis magnitudo, appellabiums nomine, uti puto, satis consentaneo Electricitatem vitri absolutam, et veram; unde similiter totus excessus, aut totus defectus in facie una vitri, dicetur absoluta, et vera ejus faciei Electricitas.\n10. Deinde ipsam, quae intercedat aliqua, inter excessum faciei unius, et defectum alterius differentiam, Electricitatem relativam sive apparentem dicemus; quod ea sola appareat, et agat, quum vitrum aut indutum, aut exutum exploratur, quin attrectetur facies utraque simul ad explosionem ciendam.\n11. Sed haec iterum apparens electricitas distinguetur excessus adjuncto, si excessus faciei unius sit major defectu adversae, vel contra, si defectus sit major excessu; Sic si vitri facies A, excessum majorem habeat defectu adversae faciei B, in vitro inerit Electricitas apparens excessus; sin defectus faciei B sit major excessu faciei A, vitrum erit electricum defectu apparente.\n12. Atque ad singulas distinguendas in singulis faciebus electricitates hujusmodi, faciem A in primo exemplo electricam dicemus excessu determinante, et faciem B excessu determinato electricam dicemus. Contra in exemplo altero faciem B appellabimus electricam defectu determinante, faciem A electricam defectu determinato.\n13. Unde etiam universe eae voces obvenient familiares Electricitas, aut Facies determinans, et Electricitas, aut Facies determinata.\n14. Neque demum erit supervacaneum electricitatem apparentem aliam dicere solitariam, aliam conjugatam: Ceu cum facies una vitri excessum ignis habet sine ullo respondente in facie adversa defectu, aut contra facies una defectum habet sine ullo respondente in facie adversa excessu, vitrum excessu, aut defectu solitario electricum dicetur. Sin excessui majori aliquis jam respondeat in facie adversa defectus, aut majori defectui excessus aliquis: vitrum excessu, aut defectu apparente conjugato erit electricum.\n15. Quibus quidem in partitionibus non vereor, ne videar Tibi ineptire, Franklini clarissime, utpotequi videas, eas vocum differentias expostulari a differentiis rerum, ceu alterum demonstrat, quod ex constituta vindice electricitate sequitur consectarium.\n16. Scilicet: Apparens a denundatione electricitas, si coetera constent eadem, maxima sit oportet: Est enim electricitas solitaria excessus, aut defectus, qui primo existit in facie una, dum facies adversa ab explosione egnem nativum habet; prima autem, auqe init in faciem vitri electricitas, maxima est, et maximam habet vim determinandae contrariae in facie adversa electricitatis; sunt enim datae caussae effectus initiales, qui sunt semper maximi. Itaque quemadmodum (ne a re discedamus nostra) cum principio vitrum obijcimus catenae, ut fiat electricum, prima, quae in contiguam vitri faciem init scintilla, est maxima, et maxima est prima, quae a facie adversa dispellitur in solum, et scintillae consequentes decrescunt usque, et usque magis; ita prima, et solitaria, quae a denundatione vitri emicat iterum post explosionem electricitas, maxima sit oportet, et maxima vi contrariam determinet in facie adversa electricitatem.\n17. Atque hinc manifestum existit consectarium tertium: Electricitates homologas a denundatione post explosionem apparentes in utraque vitri facie vi maxima tendere ad aequalitatem. Scilicet electricitas determinans vi maxima tendit ad nihilum: intereaque facit, ut electricitas apparens determinata vi maxima nitatur abire in absolutam ipsi sibi contrariam, et aequalem. Quod abstractum consectarium singulari exemplo est omnino perspicuum: Nam, si ponas, post explosionem denundari faciem A, quae ante explosionem redundabat, ipsa vindicabit sibi vi maxima pristinum excessum, qui vi maxima partem ignis nativi pellet ex facie adversa (16); adeoque maxima erit mutua, et contraria ejus excessus in ignem hunc nativum, et ignis hujus nativi in eum excessum actio. Igitur ille excessus ab igne hoc nativo vi maxima retropelletur, ut discedat, et abeat in nihilum, atque interea ille excessus dispellet aequali vi ignem nativum, ut discedat, et defectus ita existat excessui aequalis.\n18. Exempli contrarii eadem est ratio. Phaenomena enim omnia ilia tenenda docent principia tua. I. Ignem in vitro librari utrinque cum igne nativo corporum extraneorum, quotiescumque summa ignis in vitro sit utlibet aequalis summae nativae. II. Ignem in vitro praepollere utrinque in ignem nativum corporum extraneorum, quotiescumque summa ignis in vitro sit utlibet major igne nativo. III. Ignem corporum extraneorum praepollere utrinque in ignem vitri, quotiescumque ignis in vitro sit utlibet minor igne nativo.\n19. Quare, cum post explosionem denudatur facie vitri B, quae ante explosionem igne deficiebat, ipsa a denundatione sibi vindicat pristinum defectum, quin facie adversa, quae disjuncta est a corporibus deferentibus, respondentem excessum possit comparate sibi; summa ergo ignis nativi vitro contingentis toto eo defectu erit minuta; igitur ignis extraneus praepollebit undique, et nitetur se expandere in faciem deficientem, quo defectum minuat, atque in adversam, quo excessum producat defectui aequalem, itaque nativam ignis dosim restituat vitro. Quae omnia vi contingent maxima ex allata caussa.\n20. Reenimvera, quae post explosionem a denudatione reviviscunt electricitates, signa electrica pro sua magnitudine edunt maxima omnia, scintillas, motus, auram.\n21. Quae ipsa res quartum ferme facit Electricitatis Vindicis consectarium, nempe: Si facies post explosionem denudata iterum induatur, et vitrum attrectetur, aut amittit electricitatem vindicatam, si attrecteur in facie determinante, quae suit denudata, aut absolutam acquirit, et illi contrariam, et aequalem, si attractetur in facie adversa; etenim attrectare, seu universe objicere corpus deferens corpri, cujur electricitas vi maxima tendat in nihilum, est quasi viam electricitati ipsi facere, qua evanescat; Itaque quando ex proximo consectario electricitas determinans denudatione excitata vi maxima tendit in nihilum, attrectatione facei ipsius determinantis in nihilum abibit.\n22. Similiter attrectare, seu corpus deferens objicere corpori electricitatem appetenti est viam facere, qua ipsam assequatur; sed ex proximo consectario facie vitri determinata vi maxima appetit electricitatem absolutam contrariam, et aequalem determinanti; igitur attrectatione hanc assequetur.\n23. Neque vero in sola denudatione obtinet electricitas vindex; sed adhuc magis universe decremento ipsi, quod capit electricitas dati corporis cohibentis, dum admovetur ad datam a dato corpore distantiam, electricitas respondet, quae ipsi a vi vindice restituitur, cum iterum removetur.\n24. Atque ex his paucis, quae ab uno fluunt omnia principio, quasi necessariis consectariis reliqua jam fluunt omnia, quae scribebam in specimine altero. Quemadmodum enim, denudata una facie, invalescit utrinque in vitro ejus faciei electricitas, quae obtinebat ante denudationem; Ita liquet, denudata altera, invalescere debere utrinqu\u00e9 alterius electricitatem; Unde intelligitur, quemadmodum a denudatione facierum vitri, aut vitorum plurium, quae ante et post explosionem fiat ordine eodem, electricitates ante et post explosionem appareant contrariae; quam rem primam appellabam ex explosione electritatum oscillationem; quae tamen appariturae sin eaedem, si facies vitri, aut vitrorum ante et post explosionem denudentur ordine contrario.\n25. Atque huic rei si addas Vis Vindicis constantiam, qualem experientia demonstrat, ut nempe duret dum vitra ad horas integras denundantur, et iterum induuntur; perspicua est ratio electricitatis in vitro, vel in vitris admirabiliter horas integras oscillantis ex indusii a vitro, aut vitri a vitro disjunctione, et conjunctione.\n26. Evanescit similiter omnis earum oscillationum admirabilitas, quas inveni contingere ex inversione vitri tenuioris. Quam tamen ad rem hoc facit experimentum.\n27. Duas laminas vitreas tenuem aliam, aliam crassiorem, caetera aequales singulis catenae ramis objicio singulas, ut eodem tempore vi eadem electricaefiant; Turn praehensas angulis subtraho ambas laeva unam, dextera aliam. Socius adest, qui bacillis cerae signatoriae separatos singulis singulos duos habet in promptu arcus ex metallicis virgis sinuatos in formam literae S. Continuo uno eorum arcuum communicationem insert inter facie duas unam redundantem in vitro uno, aliam in alio deficientem; Similiter alio eorum arcuum facit, ut communicent reliquae duorum vitrorum facies duae: Singulis singulorum arcuum ad vitrorum facies appulsibus scintillulae existunt, quas theoria tua postulat, atque appulsu ultimo, quo communicatio absolvitur, explosio existit. Sed turn, si digitis attrecto utrinque vitrum crassius, ipsum quidem jam nullatenus explodit; si tenujus, explosionem experior ab ipso reliquam crassitiei vitri alterius proportionalem:\n28. Quamobrem pro majore vitri crassitie major necessaria est ad inferenda electricitates contrarias in oppositas ejus facies. Quidni igitur quod tenuius est vitrum majore vi pristinam sibi a mutua, quae fiat post explosionem, interiorum facierum per disjunctionem denudatione, vindicet electricitatem? Atqui dum vitrum tenuius invertitur, interior quae fit ab inversione facie, ante explosionem electricitatem habebat illi contrariam, quae faciei contingebat antea interiori.\n29. Adde demum ultimum, quod est plane necessarium, Vis Vindicis consectarium: Electricitati primo immissae ipsam magnitudine respondere; et jam liquet, quamobrem in experimento Pekinensi longe omnium pulcherrimo, utpote primo in eo genere, abeant in contrarias electricitates inversione vitri, quod unum principio electricum factum est, non item inversione alterius, quod electricitatem accepit illius communicatione.\n30. Atque ex his, ut inquiebam, non experimenta ipsa solum, sed et experimentorum limites, atque varietates omnes facile intelliguntur. Non vereor vero ego, ne obscurior videar Tibi, dum studui esse brevior, qui paucis assueveris docere longe plurima. Vale.\nAugustae Taurinorum die 20. Februarii 1767.\n31. P. S. Quae de vitro dixi, eadem constituenda de corporibus cohibentibus omnibus, quae non transmeat electricus ignis, et analoga de aliis cohibentibus, quae transmeat, ceu sunt tibialia Simmerii, ad quae omnia latissime pertinet Electricitas Vindex, ceu necessaria vis cohibentis affectio pro ipsius vis modo, et magnitudine.\n32. Fit inde, ut etiam ante explosionem vitra, ubi jam semel sunt denudata, Vim Vindicem habeant aliquam.\n33. Ad modum vero quod attinet ejus Vis Vindicis, cum nitor ego electricum facere vitrum, vel vitra, quae calent admodum, scintillae utrinque existunt perpetuae. Ignis ergo electricus tum vel permeat, vel circuit. Experimentum habeo, quo rem plane definiam. Interea id videre videor: Electricitates in vitro, vel in vitris hujusmodi, quae admodum caleant, per explosionem neutiquam abire in contrarias, neque per inversionem.\n34. Episcopus Mutinensis vir doctissimus aeque, et spectatissimus, et Pater Troilius e Societate Jesu nuper scripserunt de lapide, qui superiore aestate observatus est Alboreti dilabi e caelo. Perspecta observationum historia, opinatus sum: Lapidem hunc a fulmine in aerem disjectum, similiter ac electrica scintilla aquae guttulam disjiciente explodere ego soleo ligneum globulum ad hexapedas duas, aut etiam quatuor. Reenimvera eo tempore fulminabat, tonabat, tonitru exauditum, observata fulguratio socia fulminis phaenomena, perspectae scintillae in facie proximi rivi. Similia fulminantis caeli adjuncta consectabantur similes lapidum lapsus, quorum historiam apte refert Troilius. Placuit opinio mea, et visa scientiam facere portenti naturae, quod summan omni aevo habuit adjunctam admirabilitatem aeque, ac vanam superstitionem. Atque, uti addit doctissimus Episcopus, id etiam perbelle congruit, solum Mutinense scatere undique proxima aqua. Quare fulmen per lapidem, qui erat metallicus, effundens se in subiectam aquam debuit disjicere hanc, efferre ilium in sublime obvolutum luce sua, ne cerneretur, nisi postmodum cum relaberetur.\n[Translation:]On Vindicating ElectricityOf Giambatista Beccaria of the Sacred SchoolsA Letter to Benjamin FranklinA Man of Great Merit in Electrical and MeteorologicalMatters\nTurin, February 20, 1767.\n1. I wrote to you, my distinguished Franklin, on September 11, 1766, that I thought they are wrong, who think your theory is invalidated by Simmer\u2019s experiment; that all those experiments (in which I followed up the analysis of the Pekin and Simmer\u2019s experiment, and furthered the whole investigation of the electricity of glasses) demand a new principle, which may be joined with yours, and which especially agrees with yours. This I have now at last decided to demonstrate more fully, when my health first allows me.\n2. Thus the principle to be added is as follows: A surface of glass after an explosion, while it is discharged, frees [vindicat] for itself the electricity which it had before the explosion. And this is the principle to which I am pleased to give the name, closely expressing the effect: Vindicating Electricity.\n3. Now that the principle has been set up, we shall seek to learn its cause. Are not they to be regarded as having made a great advance in Physics, who devise experiments, the greatest in number and most diverse in appearance, and show from what one principle all of them depend, and that separate phenomena are bound with each other as if by a mutual relationship\u2014[phenomena] which before appeared most independent and almost contrary? Indeed, in every investigation of causes, must one not be finally content with any phenomenon, the more remote cause of which one cannot pursue? Hence I trust that I am able to explore the immediate cause of my principle, which I call Vindicating Electricity; but while the principle itself remains unknown, it is certain that the cause must remain unknown.\n4. Therefore I shall do that in a special book, to demonstrate: That all the experiments that I have devised demand that we postulate Vindicating Electricity as a constant phenomenon to which the experiments may be referred; once this is posited, all those things are explained, and others truly deduced, what and of what sort ought to exist in relation to the infinite variety of adjuncts that can occur.\n5. But if in the meantime, illustrious Sir, I sketch for you my basic propositions and the really important inferences, I shall certainly have done enough.\n6. Thus, if this is posited: that a surface of glass, after an explosion, frees [vindicare] for itself the electricity it had before the explosion, the first inference is: that electricity ought to charge [praepollere] into the opposite surface\u2014by which word you see that I understand what agrees with your theory.\n7. For, according to you, the excess fire, which enters one surface of a glass, drives out from the opposite surface the same amount of fire; and likewise its own fire which is drawn out of one surface of a glass makes the same amount of excess fire flow into the opposite surface, of which its own [fire] was like a fulcrum. Wherefore, if the surface of a glass, which had an excess before the explosion, frees for itself the excess fire it had before the explosion, the excess charges into the opposite surface, which according to the hypothesis set free all its electricity with the explosion; for, of course, it will try to drive out the same amount of fire from the opposite surface, and so will produce in the opposite surface an excess atmosphere; obviously the excess sent into it will be said to charge into that surface, with the result that what would otherwise have only its own natural fire seems itself to have an excess on account of its own fire that is driven out and set free.\n8. Similarly, if the surface of a glass that was deficient before the explosion is discharged after the explosion, it frees for itself the deficiency it had before the explosion, this deficiency will charge into the opposite surface, which, likewise according to the hypothesis, has set free all its electricity with the explosion; for, of course, it will attract the same amount of fire into the opposite surface; and so will produce in the opposite surface a deficient atmosphere; of course, the deficiency imposed on it by the discharging will be said to charge into that surface, with the result that that which otherwise would have its own natural fire, seems itself even to be deficient because of the part of the excess fire it now clearly demands and attracts to itself.\n9. Therefore, to speak briefly but clearly, it will be desirable to invent some terminology by which we may signify these and other related conditions of electricity in glasses: First, even the total sum of excess fire in one surface and of deficient fire in the opposite surface, all of which is nullified by the explosion and to which the magnitude of the explosion corresponds proportionately, we shall call by a name appropriate enough, I think: the absolute and true electricity of glass; whence similarly the total excess or total deficiency in one surface of a glass will be called: the absolute and true electricity of that surface.\n10. Then the difference itself, which somehow occurs between the excess of one surface and the deficiency of the other, we shall call relative or apparent electricity, because that only appears and acts when a glass charged by excess or deficiency is tested, unless both surfaces are touched simultaneously to produce an explosion.\n11. But again this apparent electricity will be distinguished by the characteristic of excess if the excess of one surface is greater than the deficiency of the opposite one, or on the contrary, if the deficiency is greater than the excess; thus, if the surface A of the glass has a greater excess than the deficiency of the opposite surface B, there will be in the glass apparent excess electricity; but if the deficiency of surface B is greater than the excess of surface A, the glass will be electric by apparent deficiency.\n12. In order to distinguish the different electricities of this sort in each of the surfaces, we shall call surface A in the first example electric by the determining [determinante] excess, and surface B electric by the determined [determinato] excess. On the other hand, in the other example we shall call surface B electric by the determining [determinante] deficiency, and surface A electric by the determined [determinato] deficiency.\n13. Whence will come the universally familiar terms: determining Electricity or the determining surface, and determined Electricity or the determined surface.\n14. Nor finally will it be superfluous to call one apparent electricity simple [solitariam], the other conjugate [conjugatam]: just as when one surface of a glass has an excess of fire with no corresponding deficiency in the opposite surface, or on the other hand one surface has a deficiency with no corresponding excess in the opposite surface, the glass will be called electric by simple excess or deficiency. But if to a greater excess some deficiency responds on the opposite side, or to a greater deficiency some excess, then the glass will be electric by apparent conjugate excess or deficiency.\n15. In these definitions I have no fear that I might seem silly to you, illustrious Franklin, since you will see that these distinctions in terminology are demanded by real distinctions, as the other inference shows, which follow from the posited principle of vindicating electricity.\n16. Obviously, electricity arising from discharge, if other things are constant, must be the greatest; for there is simple electricity by excess or by deficiency, which exists in one surface while the opposite surface has natural fire from the explosion; the first electricity, however, which enters the surface of the glass is the greatest and has the greatest power of determining contrary electricity in the opposite surface; the initial results of a given cause are always the greatest. Thus, according to our principle (lest we depart from our present subject) in whatever way we touch the glass to the chain to make it electric, the first spark to enter the contiguous surface of the glass is the greatest, and the first to be driven out from the opposite surface into the ground is the greatest, and subsequent sparks decrease more and more; thus the first, simple electricity which flashes forth from the discharge of the glass again after the explosion must be the greatest and must determine with the greatest force the contrary electricity in the opposite surface.\n17. And from this there exists a third inference: homologous electricities arising from the discharge after an explosion tend toward equality in each surface of the glass with the greatest force. For of course determining electricity tends with the greatest force to nothing; and meanwhile it causes apparent determined electricity with the greatest force to try to pass into absolute [electricity] equal and opposite to itself. Which abstract inference is altogether clear from a single example: for, if you assume that surface A is discharged after the explosion and that before the explosion it had an excess, then it frees for itself with the greatest force its original excess, which drives with the greatest force part of the natural fire from the opposite surface (16); and thus the mutual action of its excess upon its natural fire, and of its natural fire upon its excess, will be contrary and maximum. Therefore that excess will be repelled with the greatest force by the natural fire, so that it vanishes and passes into nothing, and meanwhile that excess drives out the natural fire with an equal force, so that it vanishes, and thus a deficiency exists equal to the excess.\n18. The reason for the opposite example is the same. All these phenomena show that your principles must be maintained. I. The fire in a glass is held in balance on both sides with the natural fire of external bodies, whenever the total of the fire in the glass is equal to the natural quantity. II. The fire in a glass charges from both sides into the natural fire of external bodies, whenever the total of the fire in the glass is greater than the natural fire. III. The fire of the external bodies charges from both sides into the fire of the glass, whenever the fire in the glass is less than the natural fire.\n19. Therefore, when after the explosion the surface B of the glass is discharged, which before the explosion had a deficiency of fire, it frees for itself by the discharge the original deficiency without the opposite surface, which has been separated from conducting [deferentibus] bodies, being able to obtain for itself a corresponding excess; therefore, the quantity of natural fire touching the glass will be decreased by that total deficiency; and therefore, the excess fire will discharge everywhere and will try to expand itself into the deficient opposite surface, by which it lessens the deficiency and produces an excess equal to the deficiency, and thus restores to the glass its natural quantity of fire. All which things happen with the greatest force from the assumed cause.\n20. For indeed, the electricities which are recovered from the discharge after an explosion give all the greatest signs in proportion to their magnitude, sparks, movements, wind.\n21. Which thing itself makes the fourth inference of Vindicating Electricity, that is: If a surface discharged after an explosion is again charged by excess, and the glass is touched, either it loses the vindicating electricity, if it is touched in the determining surface that was discharged, or it acquires absolute electricity contrary to that and equal, if it is touched on the opposite surface; for to touch, or generally to present a deferent body to a body whose electricity tends with the greatest force into nothing is as it were to make a path for the electricity itself through which it vanishes; and thus since from the previous inference determining electricity excited by discharge tends with the greatest force into nothing, by the touching of the determining face itself it will pass into nothing.\n22. Likewise to touch, or to present a deferent body to a body seeking electricity, is to make a path by which it may obtain [electricity]; but from the previous inference the determined surface of the glass seeks with the greatest force absolute electricity contrary and equal to the determining electricity; therefore it follows this by the touching.\n23. Nor indeed does vindicating electricity hold in discharge, but still more generally the electricity corresponds to the decreasing of itself, which the electricity held by a given body within itself experiences, while it is moved to a given distance from a given body; and this electricity is restored to it by the vindicating force when it is again removed.\n24. And now from these few, if necessary, inferences, all of which follow from one principle, all the remaining inferences follow, which I wrote about in another publication. For just as, once one surface is discharged, the electricity of that surface, which was acquired before the discharge, grows stronger on each side of the glass, so it will follow that when the other surface is discharged the electricity of the other on each side ought to grow stronger; whence it is understood how, from the discharge of a glass, or of several glasses, which discharge came about before and after the explosion in that same order, opposite electricities appear before and after the explosion, which phenomenon I first called from the explosion oscillation of electricities; which nevertheless would appear the same, if the surface of a glass, or glasses, are denuded before and after the explosion in the opposite order.\n25. And if you add to this phenomenon the constancy of the Vindicating Force, which constancy, experiment shows, lasts for whole hours while the glasses are discharged and charged again, the reason is clear for the oscillation of the electricity in glass (it lasting surprisingly for whole hours in glasses) whether by the separation of cloth from glass or of glass from glass, or their conjunction.\n26. Likewise all the wonder of their oscillations disappears, which [oscillations] I found to happen from the inversion of a thinner glass. This is shown by this experiment:\n27. I connect two glass plates, one thinner, the other thicker, but equal in other respects, individually to separate branches of a chain, so that they become electric at the same time and with the same force. Then I remove both of them, taking them by the corners, one on the left, the other on the right. An assistant is present, who has ready two separate curved metal rods, each with a handle of sealing wax, bent into the shape of the letter S. With one of these rods he promptly establishes communication between two surfaces, one charged to excess in one glass, the other charged by deficiency in the other glass. Likewise, with the other of these rods he connects the remaining two surfaces of the glasses. From each contact of each of the curved rods sparks arise to the surfaces of the glasses, which your theory demands, and at the final contact, by which the communication is ended, an explosion takes place. But then, if I touch with my finger the thicker glass on each side, it now does not explode at all; but if I touch the thinner, I experience a subsequent explosion proportional to the thickness of the other glass.\n28. Wherefore, in proportion to the greater thickness of the glass a greater force is necessary to bring contrary electricity into its opposite surfaces. Is it not, therefore, because a thinner glass frees for itself with greater force the original electricity from the mutual discharge that occurred after the explosion of the interior surfaces through separation? Then, while a thinner glass is inserted, the surface, which becomes the inner from the inversion, had, prior to the explosion, electricity contrary to that which was previously on the inner surface.\n29. Add a final inference of Vindicating Force that is clearly necessary: The Force corresponds in magnitude to the electricity first admitted. And now one can see why in the Pekin experiment (that most splendid of all, as well as the first of its kind) electricities change into the contrary by the inversion of the glass that alone was made electric in the beginning, not similarly by the inversion of the other that receives electricity by the communication with it.\n30. And from these things, as I was saying, not only are the experiments themselves easily understood, but the boundaries of the experiments and all their variety. In truth, I do not fear that, while I am eager to be concise, I will seem to you rather obscure, you who are accustomed to teach many things in a few words. Farewell.\n31. P.S. What I have said about glass must also be established for all insulating [cohibendibus] bodies through which electric fire does not pass, and is analogous to other insulating bodies through which electric fire does not pass, just as Symmer\u2019s stockings, to all which things Vindicating Electricity most broadly pertains, as a necessary aspect of restraining force in relation to the manner and magnitude of the force itself.\n32. It happens then that once glasses are discharged they have some Vindicating Force even before an explosion.\n33. In connection with the manner of this Vindicating Force, when I try to make a very warm glass or glasses electric, continual sparks arise on both sides. Therefore the electric fire either goes through or around. I have an experiment by which I clearly define the phenomenon. Meanwhile, I seem to see this: electricities in glass or glasses of this sort, which are very warm never change into contrary electricities by an explosion or by inversion.\n34. The Bishop of Modena, a man equally learned and revered, and the Jesuit Father Troilius recently wrote about a stone which was observed last summer to fall from heaven at Alboretium. When the history of these observations is reviewed I believe that the stone was cast into the air by a thunderbolt, just as I am accustomed to explode an iron ball a distance of two or even four rods by an electric spark dispersing a drop of water. For indeed at that time it was thundering and lightning, thunder was heard, lightning (the allied phenomenon of the bolt) was observed, sparks were seen on the surface of a nearby stream. Similar effects of lightning in the sky accompanied similar falling stones, of which Troilius gives a good account. My judgment is that these sights explain the portent of nature, which in every age has excited the greatest wonder as well as vain superstition. And, as the learned bishop adds, this confirms remarkably that the soil at Modena is everywhere full of the nearby water. Wherefore the bolt, driving through the stone, which is metallic, into the water beneath should scatter the water and hurl the stone into the air while covered in its own flash, so that it be not seen until afterwards, when it falls back down.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0028", "content": "Title: Lewis Morris and Hugh Roberts: List of Apple Scions Sent to Benjamin Franklin, 21 February 1767\nFrom: Morris, Luke,Roberts, Hugh\nTo: \nThis Canister contains\nNo 1\na bundle of Cions from an Apple Tree of the best flat Newtown Pippins\na bundle do. of the Preistly-Apple, so Called, this Apple preserves its lively juices, longer than any Other; and the Tree is remarkably beautiful; for it naturally grows strong and in the form of a Cone.\na small bundle of Cions from an excellent Vandever apple Tree\nNo 4\na bundle of Newark Pippins, this Apple in the fall of the year has at least all the fragrance and excellency of Taste, that a Newtown Pippin has in the Spring. This Tree generally has feeble twigs that hang down, but if the middle Spire is not Cut off, the Tree will appear and be the better.\nApples appear fairest with us, that grow in a rich light Soil; And the Fruit is generally knotty, if in poor Land or Clay.\nThe spare twigs, put in lose, to fill up the Canister, are Newtown Pippins, the same as No 1 above.\nCarefully Collected, Sealed and Packed for Dr. Franklin by his real Friends\nL MorrisH Roberts\n Addressed: to Dr. Franklin / per L M / H R / 21: 2 mo: 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0030", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Gale, 23 February 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Gale, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\n[London, Feb. 23d, 1767]\nI receiv\u2019d your favour of Nov. 15, with a letter inclos\u2019d to Dr. Huxham, relating to a mistake in the account given of your success in inoculation, as printed in the Gentleman\u2019s Magazine of August last, which seems to give you great uneasiness. It seems you have not known that your letter to Dr. Huxham, concerning Inoculation in New England, was read at the royal society the 23d of May, 1765, and is printed at full length in their transactions, Vol. LV for that year, it there appears that you give the accounts of the success of Inoculation, without and with Mercury, viz. I in 80 or 100 without, and 1 in 800 or 1000 with Mercury, as accounts receiv\u2019d from Boston about the time of your writing, viz. in 1764, and not as accounts of your own practice, of which in the last Paragraph you expressly speak, as being so small, that it was \u201cunnecessary to mention your method, as you had not opportunity to Inoculate no more than 70 or 80 persons before Inoculation was wholly interdicted by the legislature of the colony,\u201d that you see in the Magazines are only abridg\u2019d accounts or notes of what is contained in that volume, these abridgers often make such mistakes, which nobody regards and as the account stands right, is the only authentic publication, the transactions; I think it needless to give Dr. Huxham the trouble you request him to take of contradicting the Magazine, therefore as you leave it with me, to seal and forward your letter to him or to suppress it, as I might think proper I have chosen the latter, which I hope you will approve, &c. &c.\nBen. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 February 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew-York. Feb 23. 1767\nSome Time ago, I wrote requesting you to send me a Fount of Pica and one of Long-Primer. If this be not too late I would counter order the Pica only for this Reason: The Low Dutch Congregation here, are about having part of their Time of Worship to be English, and so got the Psalms turn\u2019d into Verse in English to suit their Dutch Tunes: for which purpose, they sent to Holland for Musical Types and to England for a small Font of Pica, which came. They had partly agreed with Holt to do them, and when he began, he was Three Months before he got one Sheet, and then made so many Obstacles in it, that they sent for me, and have given me the Job, on Condition, I take that Fount of Pica in part of Pay: tho\u2019 it is rather too small for common use, and has no Italick: yet it will do for the present, and if it be not too late I would not have the other, but only Long-Primer: But if it is sent, I shall say no more.\nMy dunning B. Mecom about the Post-Office Money has occasioned him to resign his Commission, sending it back to me: he has not settled the Accounts, but says he will soon: I wrote to Mr. Ingersol to recommend one there to take the Office, and I expect to hear next Post.\nMr. Holt drives on, and yet keeps close House: My Papers do increase a Little: but have not 200 Subscribers yet\u2014However I shall continue till I hear from you: I received not one Word from you these two Packets: nor any News-papers from any Body, tho\u2019 I flatter\u2019d myself you would recommend it to somebody to send me some: as I shall expect to make \u2019em satisfaction.\nI have reason to be thankful all our Healths are restored [to us?] I had mine for some time past, till yesterday I was taken with a small Paroxysm of the Gout again and am lame to-day with it; I hope it maynt last long\u2014as I have had none all Winter before, but it always has a gloomy Attendance.\nI send you the Papers since the last Packet, and with all our respectful Salutations remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\n Addressed For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London / per Packet / Capt. Goddard\nEndorsed: J Parker Feb. 23. 67", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0032", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Kames, 25 February 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Kames, Henry Home, Lord\nThis letter appears in two forms and offers a puzzle that the editors are unable wholly to solve. One manuscript, dated Feb. 25, 1767, and marked at the top \u201cCopy,\u201d is entirely in Franklin\u2019s hand except for two of its three endorsements on the final page. The other manuscript, dated April 11, 1767, is in an unidentified hand except that the date line at the top, the signature, and the address and franking on a separate but accompanying address sheet, are in Franklin\u2019s hand. Most of the phraseology in the body of the letter is identical in the two manuscripts, but differences, generally of little importance, appear in twelve places.\nSubsequent letters from Franklin to Lord Kames dated Feb. 28, 1768, Jan. 1, 1769, and Feb. 21, 1769, all in the Scottish Record Office, establish clearly that Franklin wrote a long letter to Kames in February or early March 1767 \u201con the Subject of the Disputes with America,\u201d but that the letter apparently \u201cmiscarried,\u201d and that Kames never received it. With his letter of Feb. 21, 1769, therefore, Franklin sent \u201ca Copy of it from my Book.\u201d The editors believe that the surviving manuscript dated Feb. 25, 1767, marked \u201cCopy\u201d and wholly in Franklin\u2019s hand is the replacement Franklin made from his letterbook copy of the lost original and sent to Kames on Feb. 21, 1769.\nThe manuscript dated April 11, 1767, mostly in an unidentified hand but with date, signature, address, and frank written by Franklin, also found among Kames\u2019s papers, leaves the present editors at a loss for satisfactory identification and explanation. Several remotely plausible reconstructions of events are possible, though none seems truly satisfying. It is conceivable, for example, that on April 11, 1767, Franklin started to write a letter to one of his correspondents but was interrupted after completing only the date line. Then some unidentified helper whom he had asked to make a copy of the February letter to Kames took this sheet of paper and, without bothering to rewrite the date line, began his copying task. Later Franklin signed this copy and prepared an address sheet without noticing that the date at the top of the first page was not that of the original letter. But if some such procedure as this took place, it is hard to understand how this copy got among Kames\u2019s papers without his reading it and replying to Franklin sooner or later with lengthy comments on the political and constitutional issues his American friend had raised.\nSo far as internal evidence is concerned, Franklin could have written everything in the letter either in February or in April 1767. It is true that British displeasure with the New York Assembly\u2019s refusal to obey the Quartering Act (to which Franklin devoted considerable space in this letter) seems to have increased between February and April, but there is plenty of evidence in private letters and in newspapers that this British resentment was already strongly and openly enough expressed by the latter part of February to explain Franklin\u2019s giving the topic so much concerned attention at that time. There is nothing else in the letter that could not have been said equally well in both months.\nEver since Lord Kames\u2019s biographer first printed this letter in 1814 from the April 11 version and with the April date, other writers and editors have followed suit. The present editors, however, prefer to use the February 25 version. Its date conforms to Franklin\u2019s memory, twice expressed, as to when he first wrote the letter; this manuscript, moreover, is closer to the author: its text is entirely in his handwriting, and we have his word that he copied it from his own letterbook. The differences in phraseology between the two versions may represent errors of the scribe who wrote out the April 11, 1767, version, or changes Franklin introduced while making the copy in February 1769, or a combination of the two explanations. Whatever their sources, these differences are all pointed out in footnotes below, and the reader may accept whichever version his or her own judgment prescribes.\nMy dear Friend,\nLondon, Feb. 25. 1767.\nI Received your Favour of Jan. 19. You have kindly reliev\u2019d me from the Pain I had long been under. You are Goodness itself.\nI ought long since to have answered yours of Decr. 25. 1765. I never receiv\u2019d a Letter that contain\u2019d Sentiments more suitable to my own. It found me under much Agitation of Mind on the very important Subject it treated. It fortified me greatly in the Judgment I was inclined to form (tho\u2019 contrary to the general Vogue) on the then delicate and critical Situation of Affairs between Britain and her Colonies; and on that weighty Point their Union: You guess\u2019d aright in supposing I could not be a Mute in that Play. I was extreamly busy, attending Members of both Houses, informing, explaining, consulting, disputing, in a continual Hurry from Morning to Night till the Affair was happily ended. During the Course of it, being called before the House of Commons, I spoke my Mind pretty plainly. Inclos\u2019d I send you the imperfect Account that was taken of that Examination; you will there see how intirely we agree, except in a Point of Fact of which you could not but be mis-inform\u2019d, the Papers at that time being full of mistaken Assertions, that the Colonies had been the Cause of the War, and had ungratefully refus\u2019d to bear any part of the Expence of it. I send it you now, because I apprehend some late Incidents are likely to revive the Contest between the two Countries. I fear it will be a mischievous one. It becomes a Matter of great Importance that clear Ideas should be formed on solid Principles, both in Britain and America, of the true political Relation between them, and the mutual Duties belonging to that Relation. Till this is done, they will be often jarring. I know none whose Knowledge, Sagacity and Impartiality, qualify them so thoroughly for such a Service, as yours do you. I wish therefore you would consider it. You may thereby be the happy Instrument of great Good to the Nation, and of preventing much Mischief and Bloodshed. I am fully persuaded with you, that a consolidating Union, by a fair and equal Representation of all the Parts of this Empire in Parliament, is the only firm Basis on which its political Grandeur and Stability can be founded. Ireland once wish\u2019d it, but now rejects it. The Time has been when the Colonies might have been pleas\u2019d with it; they are now indifferent about it; and, if \u2019tis much longer delay\u2019d, they too will refuse it. But the Pride of this People cannot bear the Thoughts of it. Every Man in England seems to consider himself as a Piece of a Sovereign over America; seems to jostle himself into the Throne with the King, and talks of OUR Subjects in the Colonies. The Parliament cannot well and wisely make Laws suited to the Colonies, without being properly and truly informed of their Circumstances, Abilities, Temper, &c. This it cannot be without Representatives from thence. And yet it is fond of this Power, and averse to the only Means of duly acquiring the necessary Knowledge for exercising it, which is desiring to be omnipotent without being omniscient.\nI have mentioned that the Contest is like to be revived. It is on this Occasion. In the same Session with the Stamp Act, an Act was pass\u2019d to regulate the Quartering of Soldiers in America. When the Bill was first brought in, it contain\u2019d a Clause impowering the Officers to quarter their Soldiers in private Houses; this we warmly oppos\u2019d, and got it omitted. The Bill pass\u2019d however, with a Clause that empty Houses, Barns, &c. should be hired for them; and that the respective Provinces where they were, should pay the Expence, and furnish Firing, Bedding, Drink, and some other Articles, to the Soldiers, gratis. There is no way for any Province to do this, but by the Assembly\u2019s making a Law to raise the Money. Pensilvania Assembly has made such a Law. New York Assembly has refus\u2019d to do it. And now all the Talk here is to send a Force to compel them.\nThe Reasons given by the Assembly to the Governor for their Refusal, are, That they understand the Act to mean the furnishing such things to Soldiers only while on their March thro\u2019 the Country, and not to great Bodies of Soldiers, to be fixt as at present in the Province, the Burthen in the latter Case being greater than the Inhabitants can bear: That it would put it in the Power of the Captain General to oppress the Province at pleasure, &c. But there is suppos\u2019d to be another Reason at bottom, which they intimate, tho\u2019 they do not plainly express it; to wit, that it is of the nature of an internal Tax laid on them by Parliament, which has no Right so to do. Their Refusal is here called Rebellion, and Punishment is thought of.\nNow waiving that Point of Right, and supposing the Legislatures in America subordinate to the Legislature of Great Britain, one might conceive, I think, a Power in the superior Legislature to forbid the inferior Legislature\u2019s making particular Laws; but to enjoin it to make a particular Law, contrary to its own Judgment, seems improper, an Assembly or Parliament not being an executive Officer of Government, whose Duty it is, in Law-making, to obey Orders; but a deliberative Body, who are to consider what comes before them, its Propriety, Practicability, or Possibility, and to determine accordingly. The very Nature of a Parliament seems to be destroy\u2019d, by supposing it may be bound and compell\u2019d by a Law of a superior Parliament to make a Law contrary to its own Judgment.\nIndeed the Act of Parliament in question has not, as in other Acts, when a Duty is injoined, directed a Penalty on Neglect or Refusal, and a Mode of Recovering that Penalty. It seems therefore to the People in America as a mere Requisition, which they are at Liberty to comply with or not as it may suit or not suit the different Circumstances of different Colonies. Pensilvania has therefore voluntarily comply\u2019d. New York, as I said before, has refus\u2019d. The Ministry that made the Act, and all their Adherents, call out for Vengeance. The present Ministry are perplext, and the Measures they will finally take on the Occasion are unknown. But sure I am, that, if Force is us\u2019d, great Mischief will ensue, the Affections of the People of America to this Country will be alienated, your Commerce will be diminished, and a total Separation of Interests be the final Consequence.\nIt is a common but mistaken Notion here, that the Colonies were planted at the Expence of Parliament, and that therefore the Parliament has a Right to tax them, &c. The Truth is, they were planted at the Expence of private Adventurers, who went over there to settle with Leave of the King given by Charter. On receiving this Leave and these Charters, the Adventurers voluntarily engag\u2019d to remain the King\u2019s Subjects, though in a foreign Country, a Country which had not been conquer\u2019d by either King or Parliament, but was possess\u2019d by a free People. When our Planters arriv\u2019d, they purchas\u2019d the Lands of the Natives without putting King or Parliament to any Expence. Parliament had no hand in their Settlement, was never so much as consulted about their Constitution, and took no kind of Notice of them till many Years after they were established; never attempted to meddle with the Government of them, till that Period when it destroy\u2019d the Constitution of all Parts of the Empire, and usurp\u2019d a Power over Scotland, Ireland, Lords and King. I except only the two modern Colonies, or rather Attempts to make Colonies, (for they succeed but poorly, and as yet hardly deserve the Name of Colonies) I mean Georgia and Nova Scotia, which have been hitherto little better than Parliamentary Jobbs. Thus all the Colonies acknowledge the King as their Sovereign: His Governors there represent his Person. Laws are made by their Assemblies or little Parliaments, with the Governor\u2019s Assent, subject still to the King\u2019s Pleasure to confirm or annul them. Suits arising in the Colonies, and Differences between Colony and Colony, are not brought before your Lords of Parliament, as those within the Realm, but determined by the King in Council. In this View they seem so many separate little States, subject to the same Prince. The Sovereignty of the King is therefore easily understood. But nothing is more common here than to talk of the Sovereignty of Parliament, and the Sovereignty of this Nation over the Colonies; a kind of Sovereignty the Idea of which is not so clear, nor does it clearly appear on what Foundations it is established. On the other hand it seems necessary for the common Good of the Empire, that a Power be lodg\u2019d somewhere to regulate its general Commerce; this, as Things are at present circumstanc\u2019d, can be plac\u2019d no where so properly as in the Parliament of Great Britain; and therefore tho\u2019 that Power has in some Instances been executed with great Partiality to Britain and Prejudice to the Colonies, they have nevertheless always submitted to it. Customhouses are established in all of them by Virtue of Laws made here, and the Duties constantly paid, except by a few Smugglers, such as are here and in all Countries; but internal Taxes laid on them by Parliament are and ever will be objected to, for the Reasons that you will see in the mentioned Examination.\nUpon the whole, I have lived so great a Part of my Life in Britain, and have formed so many Friendships in it, that I love it and wish its Prosperity, and therefore wish to see that Union on which alone I think it can be secur\u2019d and establish\u2019d. As to America, the Advantages of such an Union to her are not so apparent. She may suffer at present under the arbitrary Power of this Country; she may suffer for a while in a Separation from it; but these are temporary Evils that she will outgrow. Scotland and Ireland are differently circumstanc\u2019d. Confin\u2019d by the Sea, they can scarcely increase in Numbers, Wealth and Strength so as to overbalance England. But America, an immense Territory, favour\u2019d by Nature with all Advantages of Climate, Soil, great navigable Rivers and Lakes, &c. must become a great Country, populous and mighty; and will in a less time than is generally conceiv\u2019d be able to shake off any Shackles that may be impos\u2019d on her, and perhaps place them on the Imposers. In the mean time, every Act of Oppression will sour their Tempers, lessen greatly if not annihilate the Profits of your Commerce with them, and hasten their final Revolt: For the Seeds of Liberty are universally sown there, and nothing can eradicate them. And yet there remains among that People so much Respect, Veneration and Affection for Britain, that, if cultivated prudently, with kind Usage and Tenderness for their Privileges, they might be easily govern\u2019d still for Ages, without Force or any considerable Expence. But I do not see here a sufficient Quantity of the Wisdom that is necessary to produce such a Conduct, and I lament the Want of it.\nI borrow\u2019d at Millar\u2019s the new Edition of your Principles of Equity, and have read with great Pleasure the preliminary Discourse. I have never before met with any thing so satisfactory on the Subject. While Reading it, I made a few Remarks as I went along: They are not of much Importance, but I send you the Paper.\nI know the Lady you mention, having, when in England before, met with her once or twice at Lord Bath\u2019s. I remember I then entertain\u2019d the same Opinion of her that you express. On the Strength of your kind Recommendation, I purpose soon to wait on her.\nThis is unexpectedly grown a long Letter. The Visit to Scotland, and the Art of Virtue, we will talk of hereafter. It is now time to say, that I am, with increasing Esteem and Affection, My dear Friend, Yours ever\nB Franklin\nLord Kaims\n Endorsed: [By BF:] Copy of former Letter [In another hand:] Letters from Doctor Franklin [In a third hand:] 25 Feb. 1767.\n[Address Sheet of the April 11 Version:]\nAddressed: [By BF] To / The Rt. honourable Lord Kaims / Edinburgh/B Free Franklin\n Endorsed [In two different hands:] April 11. 1767 April 11, 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0033", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, [February 1767\u2013May 1767]\nFrom: Pownall, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir.\nSunday [February\u2013May 1767]\nI come to Town on tuesday if you are not Engaged in the Ev\u2019ning I will call upon you about seven if you are Engaged or whether you  arez not, be so good to give me a Line by the Penny post to my House in Portugal Street. I find some People are Determined to decide that NA is in Rebellion, and to come to an open rupture. Your Obligd and Obedient\nT Pownall\n Addressed: To / Benj Franklin Esqr / Mrs Stevenson\u2019s / Craven Street / Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0034", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 2 March 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nDear Sister\nLondon, March 2. 1767\nI received your kind Letter of Nov. 8. for which I thank you. It rejoices me to hear that you and your Children continue well. I thank God that I too enjoy a greater Share of Health, Strength and Activity than is common with People of my Years, being now Threescore and one. You mention my Opinion of this being a good sort of World, in which you differ from me. Every one should speak as they find. Hitherto I have found it so, and I should be ungrateful to Providence if I did not own it. As to the Abuses I meet with, which you bring as an Argument against my Opinion, you must know I number them among my Honours. One cannot behave so as to obtain the Esteem of the Wise and Good, without drawing on one\u2019s self at the same time the Envy and Malice of the Foolish and Wicked, and the latter is a Testimony of the former. The best Men have always had their Share of this Treatment, and the more of it in proportion to their different and greater degrees of Merit. A Man has therefore some Reason to be asham\u2019d of himself when he meets with none of it. And the World is not to be condemn\u2019d in the Lump because some bad People live in it. Their Number is not great, the Hurt they do is but small, as real good Characters always finally surmount and are established, notwithstanding these Attempts to keep them down. And in the mean time such Enemies do a Man some good; while they think they are doing him harm, by fortifring the Character they would destroy; for when he sees how readily imaginary Faults and Crimes are laid to his Charge, he must be more apprehensive of the Danger of committing real Ones, as he can expect no Quarter, and therefore is more on his Guard to avoid or least to conceal them. So, my dear Sister, when you meet with any more such Letters as that you mention, don\u2019t let them give you the least Uneasiness; but call to mind what your Friend good Mr. Whitefield said to me once on such an Occasion; \u201cI read the Libels writ against you, says he, when I was in a remote province, where I could not be inform\u2019d of the Truth of the Facts; but they rather gave me this good Opinion of you that you continued to be useful to the Publick: For when I am on the Road, and see Boys in a Field at a Distance, pelting a Tree, though I am too far off to know what Tree it is, I conclude it has fruit on it.\u201d\nI send you per Capt. Freeman a little Box containing some few Articles of Millenery, which Mrs. Stevenson has bought for you. Her Letter enclos\u2019d will inform you what they are. Be so good as to accept them from me as the Beginning of a little Stock, which if sold to Advantage after being made up by your good Girls, may by degrees become greater\u2013for on your remitting the Produce to Mrs. Stevenson, she will always readily buy more for you, till by the repeated and accumulated Profits, the Girls grow rich. They may think it a very small beginning. But let them know \u2019tis more than I had to begin the World with; and that Industry and Frugality early practis\u2019d and long persisted in, will do Wonders. My Love to them, and to all enquiring Friends, and believe me ever My dear Sister Your affectionate Brother\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0035", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 4 March 1767\nFrom: Pownall, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMr. Pownall presents his respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and shall be greatly obliged to him if he can give him any Information as to the person and [illegible] mentioned below.\nOne -- Dimsdale died in the Province of Pensylvania in 1764 or 1765. possessed of a Plantation there, which he left by will in general Terms to his relations in the North of England.\nQ. Mr. Dimsdales Christend name and the Value of his Plantation?\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklyn / J Pownall\nEndorsed in an unknown hand: Gosset in Berwick street Soho facing the Chapell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. John Sargent, 6 March 1767\nFrom: Sargent, John,Sargent, Rosamund\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDowning Street Friday 6 March [1767]\nMr. and Mrs. Sargent present Their Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and will be glad of the Favour of his Company, if He will take a Family Dinner with Them on Sunday next. at half past Three.\n Addressed: To Dr. Franklin / Mrs. Stephenson\u2019s / Craven Street / Strand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0037", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from R[obert] A[lexander], 8 March 1767\nFrom: Alexander, Robert\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nSunday MorningLeicester Fields 8 March 1767\nI send my [sic] by the Bearer the Portfolio containing my Papers the Key to which you will find here inclosed, I shall send for them back betwixt twelve and one in order to convey them to our other Friend who is so kind as to keep himself disengaged thorough [sic] the day in order to give them a serious Perusal. There is a Letter I received from my Brother by yesterday\u2019s post of the 3 Inst. to shew you his further sentiments. I am ever most affectionately Dear Sir, your &c.\nR A\n Addressed: To / Dr Franklyn / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0038", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Robert] Willock, [9 March 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Willock, Robert\n[Monday March 9, 1767]\nDr. Franklin presents his compliments to Mr. Willock, and requests he would forward the enclos\u2019d with his respects to Dr. Lewis. Dr. F. has just received it from Germany.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0039", "content": "Title: Remarks and Facts Relative to the American Paper Money, 11 March 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nDuring January and early February 1764 the Board of Trade had held several discussions about recommending an extension to all the colonies of the act of 1751 forbidding the New England colonies to issue bills of credit that should be legal tender. Merchants trading to America, the colonial agents, and several other experienced or interested individuals were given a chance to express their views. At the end the agents asked for time to consult their constituents in America, but the Board declined to grant such a delay. On Feb. 9, 1764, therefore, the Board signed a long representation to the King that, among other matters, set forth in detail its objections to legal-tender issues in the colonies and recommended the extension of the prohibition. The result was the passage, April 19, of the Currency Act of 1764. During subsequent years Franklin and Jackson, along with other colonial agents, were under strict orders to work for the repeal or significant modification of that act.\n  As the document following this one makes clear, some of the British merchants supported the agents\u2019 efforts; to persuade them of their error the Board of Trade gave them a copy of that part of their representation of Feb. 9, 1764, which related to the currency question. At the merchants\u2019 request Franklin then prepared and gave them this point-by-point reply to the Board\u2019s arguments. He sent copies of both to Joseph Galloway, probably about the middle of March 1767 (below, pp. 123\u20134) together with another paper of his own on the same subject, believed to be the one printed above, pp. 32\u20139. Galloway, probably working in conjunction with William Franklin, arranged for the publication of the Board of Trade\u2019s representation and Franklin\u2019s reply in the Chronicle and the Gazette in Philadelphia. According to William, his father\u2019s piece won \u201cgeneral Approbation\u201d in Pennsylvania.\nLondon, March 11, 1767.\nRemarks on the Report published in our last Chronicle. By B. F. Esq; \nIn the Report of the Board of Trade, dated February 9, 1764, the following Reasons are given for restraining the Emission of Paper Bills of Credit in America, as a legal Tender.\n1. That it carries the Gold and Silver out of the Province, and so ruins the Country, as Experience has shewn in every Colony, where it has been practised in any great Degree.\n2. That the Merchants trading to America have suffered and lost by it.\n3. That the Restriction has had a beneficial Effect in New-England.\n4. That every Medium of Trade should have an intrinsic Value, which Paper Money has not. Gold and Silver are therefore the fittest for this Medium, as they are an Equivalent, which Paper never can be.\n5. That Debtors, in the Assemblies, make Paper Money with fraudulent Views.\n6. That in the Middle Colonies, where the Credit of the Paper Money has been best supported, the Bills have never kept to the nominal Value in Circulation, but have constantly depreciated to a certain Degree whenever the Quantity has been increased.\nTo consider these Reasons in their Order. The first is, That Paper Money carries the Gold and Silver out of the Province, and so ruins the Country, as Experience has shewn in every Colony where it has been practised in any great Degree. This seems to be a mere speculative Opinion, not founded on Fact in any of the Colonies. The Truth is, that the Balance of their Trade with Britain being generally against them, the Gold and Silver is drawn out to pay that Balance; and then the Necessity of some Medium of Trade has induced the making of Paper Money, which could not be carried away. Thus, if carrying out all the Gold and Silver ruins a Country, every Colony was ruined before it made Paper Money. But, far from being ruined by it, the Colonies, that have made Use of Paper Money, have been and are all in a thriving Condition. Their Debt indeed to Britain has increased, because their Numbers, and of course, their Trade, has increased; for all Trade having always a Proportion of Debt outstanding, which is paid in its Turn, while fresh Debt is contracted, that Proportion of Debt naturally increases as the Trade increases; but the Improvement and Increase of Estates in the Colonies has been in a greater Proportion than their Debt. New-England, particularly, in 1696, about the Time they began the Use of Paper Money, had in all its four Provinces but 130 Churches or Congregations, in 1760 they were 530; the Number of Farms and Buildings is increased in Proportion to the Number of People, and the Goods exported to them from England in 1750, before the Restraints took Place, were near five Times as much as before they had Paper Money. Pennsylvania, before they made any Paper Money, was totally stript of its Gold and Silver, though they had from Time to Time, like the neighbouring Colonies, agreed to take Gold and Silver Coins at higher and higher nominal Values, in Hopes of drawing Money into, and retaining it for the internal Uses of the Province. During that weak Practice, Silver got up by Degrees to 8s. 9d. an Ounce, and English Crowns were called 6, 7, and 8s. Pieces long before Paper Money was made. But this Practice of increasing the Denomination was found not to answer the End. The Balance of Trade carry\u2019d out the Gold and Silver as fast as it was brought in, the Merchants raising the Price of their Goods in Proportion to the increas\u2019d Denomination of the Money. The Difficulties for want of Cash were accordingly very great, the chief Part of the Trade being carry\u2019d on by the extreamly inconvenient Method of Barter, when in 1723 Paper Money was first made there, which gave new Life to Business, promoted greatly the Settlement of new Lands, by lending small Sums to Beginners on easy Interest, to be repaid by Installments, whereby the Province has so greatly increas\u2019d in Inhabitants, that the Export from hence thither is now more than tenfold what it then was, and by their Trade with foreign Colonies they have been able to obtain great Quantities of Gold and Silver to remit hither, in return for the Manufactures of this Country. New-York and New Jersey have also increas\u2019d and improv\u2019d greatly during the same Period, with the Use of Paper Money; so that it does not appear to be of the ruinous Nature ascrib\u2019d to it. And if the Inhabitants of those Countries are glad to have the Use of Paper among themselves, that they may thereby be enabled to spare for Remittance hither the Gold and Silver they obtain by their Commerce with Foreigners, one would expect no Objection against their Parting with it could arise here in the Country that receives it.\nThe second reason is, That the Merchants trading to America have suffered and lost by the Paper Money. This may have been the Case in particular Instances at particular Times and Places, as in South-Carolina about 50 Years since, when the Colony was thought in danger of being destroy\u2019d by the Indians and Spaniards; and the British Merchants, in fear of losing their whole Effects there, call\u2019d precipitately for Remittances; and the Inhabitants to get something lodg\u2019d in safer Countries, gave any Price in Paper Money for Bills of Exchange, whereby the Paper as compar\u2019d with Bills or with Produce or other Effects fit for Exportation, was suddenly and greatly depreciated. The unsettled State of Government for a long Time in that Province had also its Share in depreciating its Bills. But since that Danger blew over, and the Colony has been in the Hands of the Crown, their Currency became fixed, and has so remain\u2019d to this day. Also in New-England, when much greater Quantities were issued than was necessary for a Medium of Trade, to defray the Expedition against Louisbourg; and, during the last War, in Virginia and North Carolina, where great Sums were issued to pay the Colony Troops, and the War made Tobacco a poorer Remittance from the higher Price of Freight and Insurance: In these Cases the Merchants trading to those Colonies may sometimes have suffered by the sudden and unforeseen Rise of Exchange. By slow and gradual Rises they seldom suffer, the Goods being sold at proportional Prices. But War is a common Calamity in all Countries, and the Merchants that deal with them cannot expect to avoid a share of the Losses it sometimes occasions by affecting Publick Credit. It is hoped however, that the Profits of their subsequent Commerce with those Colonies may have made them some Reparation. And the Merchants trading to the Middle Colonies New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania, have never suffer\u2019d by any Rise of Exchange, it having ever been a constant Rule there to consider British Debts as payable in Britain, and not to be discharged but by as much Paper (whatever might be the Rate of Exchange) as would purchase a Bill for the full Sterling Sum. On the contrary, the Merchants have been great Gainers by the Use of Paper Money in those Colonies, as it enabled them to vend much greater Quantities of Goods, and the Purchasers to pay more punctually for them. And the People there make no Complaint of any Injury done them by Paper Money with a legal Tender; they are sensible of its Benefits and petition to have it so allowed.\nThe 3d Reason is, That the Restriction has had a beneficial Effect in New England. Particular Circumstances in the New England Colonies made Paper Money less necessary and less convenient to them. They have great and valuable Fisheries of Whale and Cod, by which large Remittances can be made. They are four distinct Governments; but having much mutual Intercourse of Dealings, the Money of each us\u2019d to pass currant in all: But the whole of this common Currency not being under one common Direction, was not so easily kept within due Bounds, the prudent Reserve of one Colony in its Emissions, being rendred useless by Excess in another. The Massachusetts therefore were not dissatisfied with the Restraint, as it restrain\u2019d their Neighbours as well as themselves, and perhaps they do not desire to have the Act repealed: They have not yet felt much Inconvenience from it; as they were enabled to abolish their Paper Currency by a large Sum paid them in Silver from Britain, to reimburse them their Expence in taking Louisburgh; which with the Gold brought from Portugal by means of their Fish, kept them supply\u2019d with a Currency till the late War furnish\u2019d them and all America with Bills of Exchange, so that little Cash was needed for Remittance. Their Fisheries too, furnish them with Remittance thro\u2019 Spain and Portugal to England which enables them the more easily to retain Gold and Silver in their Country. The Middle Colonies have not this Advantage, nor have they Tobacco, which in Virginia and Maryland answers the same Purpose. Where Colonies are so different in their Circumstances, a Regulation that is not inconvenient to one or a few may be very much so to the rest. But the Pay is now become so indifferent in New England, at least in some of its Provinces, through the Want of Currency, that the Trade thither is at present under great Discouragement.\nThe 4th. Reason is, That every Medium of Trade should have an intrinsic Value, which Paper Money has not. Gold and Silver are therefore the fittest for this Medium, as they are an Equivalent, which Paper never can be. However fit a particular Thing may be for a particular Purpose, wherever that Thing is not to be had, or not to be had in sufficient Quantity, it becomes necessary to use something else, the fittest that can be got, in lieu of it. Gold and Silver are not the Produce of North America, which has no Mines; and that which is brought thither cannot be kept there in sufficient Quantity for a Currency. Britain an independent great State, when its Inhabitants grow too fond of the expensive Luxuries of foreign Countries, that draw away its Money, can and frequently does make Laws to discourage or prohibit such Importations, and by that Means can retain its Cash. The Colonies are dependent Governments, and their People having naturally great Respect for the Sovereign Country, and being thence immoderately fond of its Modes, Manufactures and superfluities, cannot be restrain\u2019d from purchasing them by any Province Law; because such Law, if made, would immediately be repeal\u2019d here, as prejudicial to the Trade and Interest of Britain. It seems hard therefore to draw all their real Money from them, and then refuse them the poor Privilege of using Paper instead of it. Bank Bills and Banker\u2019s Notes are daily used here as a Medium of Trade, and in large Dealings perhaps the greatest Part is transacted by their Means; and yet they have no intrinsic Value, but rest on the Credit of those that issue them, as Paper Bills in the Colonies do on the Credit of the respective Governments there. Their being payable in Cash upon Sight by the Drawers is indeed a Circumstance that cannot attend the Colony Bills for the Reason just above mentioned, their Cash being drawn from them by the British Trade; but the legal Tender being substituted in its Place, is rather a greater Advantage to the Possessor, since he need not be at the Trouble of going to a particular Bank or Banker to demand his Money, finding, wherever he has occasion to lay out Money in the Province, a Person that is oblig\u2019d to take the Bills. So that even out of the Province, the Knowledge that every Man within that Province is oblig\u2019d to take its Money, gives the Bills a Credit among its Neighbours nearly equal to what they have at home. And were it not for the Laws here that restrain or prohibit as much as possible all losing Trades, the Cash of this Country would soon be exported; every Merchant who had occasion to remit it would run to the Bank with all its Bills that came into his Hands, and take out his Part of its Treasure for that purpose, so that in a short time it would be no more able to pay Bills in Money upon Sight than it is now in the Power of a Colony Treasury so to do. And if Government afterwards should have Occasion for the Credit of the Bank, it must of Necessity make its Bills a legal Tender, funding them however on Taxes by which they may in time be paid off, as has been the general Practice in the Colonies. At this very Time, even the Silver Money in England is oblig\u2019d to the legal Tender for part of its Value, that part which is the Difference between its real Weight and its Denomination. Great Part of the Shillings and Sixpences now current, are, by Wearing, become 5, 10, 20, and some of the Sixpences even 50 per Cent too light. For this Difference between the real and the nominal, you have no intrinsic Value, you have not so much as Paper, you have nothing. It is the legal Tender with the Knowledge that it can easily be re-pass\u2019d for the same Value, that makes three penny-worth of Silver pass for Six pence. Gold and Silver have undoubtedly some Properties that give them a Fitness above Paper as a Medium of Exchange; particularly their universal Estimation; especially in Cases where a Country has Occasion to carry its Money abroad, either as a Stock to trade with, or to purchase Allies and foreign Succours; otherwise that very universal Estimation is an Inconvenience which Paper Money is free from, since it tends to deprive a Country of even the Quantity of Currency that should be retain\u2019d as a necessary Instrument of its internal Commerce; and obliges it to be continually on its Guard in making and executing at a great Expence the Laws that are to prevent the Trade which exports it. Paper Money well funded has another great Advantage over Gold and Silver, its Lightness of Carriage, and the little Room that is occupied by a great Sum, whereby it is capable of being more easily, and more safely because more privately, convey\u2019d from Place to Place. Gold and Silver are not intrinsically of equal Value with Iron, a Metal in itself capable of many more beneficial Uses to Mankind. Their Value rests chiefly in the Estimation they happen to be in among the Generality of Nations, and the Credit given to the Opinion that that Estimation will continue. Otherwise a Pound of Gold would not be a real Equivalent for even a Bushel of Wheat. Any other well-founded Credit is as much an Equivalent as Gold and Silver, and in some Cases more so, or it would not be preferd by commercial People in different Countries. Not to mention again our own Bank Bills, Holland, which understands the Value of Cash as well as any People in the World, would never part with Gold and Silver for Credit (as they do when they put it into their Bank from whence little of it is ever afterwards drawn out) if they did not think and find the Credit a full Equivalent.\nThe 5th Reason is, That Debtors in the Assemblies make Paper Money with fraudulent Views. This is often said by the Adversaries of Paper Money, and if it has been the Case in any particular Colony, that Colony should, on proof of the Fact, be duly punish\u2019d. This however would be no Reason for punishing other Colonies who have not so abused their legislative Powers. To deprive all the Colonies of the Convenience of Paper Money, because it has been charg\u2019d on some of them, that they have made it an Instrument of Fraud, is as if all the India Bank and other Stocks and Trading Companies were to be abolish\u2019d, because there have been once in an Age Missisipi and South Sea Schemes and Bubbles.\nThe 6th. and last Reason is, That in the Middle Colonies, where the Paper Money has been best supported, the Bills have never kept to their nominal Value in Circulation, but have constantly depreciated to a certain Degree whenever the Quantity has been increased. If the Rising of the Value of any particular Commodity wanted for Exportation, is to be considered as a Depreciation of the Values of whatever remains in the Country, then the Rising of Silver above Paper, to that Height of additional Value which its Capability of Exportation only gave it, may be called a Depreciation of the Paper. Even here as Bullion has been wanted or not wanted for Exportation, its Price has varied from 5s. 2d. to 5s. 8d. per Ounce. This is near 10 per Cent; but was it ever said or thought on such an Occasion, that all the Bank Bills, and all the coin\u2019d Silver and all the Gold in the Kingdom were depreciated 10 per Cent? Coin\u2019d Silver is now wanted here for Change, and One per Cent is given for it by some Bankers; are Gold and Bank Notes therefore depreciated 1 per Cent? The Fact in the Middle Colonies is really this. On the Emission of the first Paper Money, a Difference soon arose between that and Silver, the latter having a Property the former had not, a Property always in Demand in the Colonies, to wit, its being fit for a Remittance. This Property having soon found its Value, by the Merchants bidding on one another for it, and a Dollar thereby coming to be rated at 8 shillings in Paper Money of New York, and at 7s. 6d. in Paper of Pensilvania, it has continued uniformly at those Rates in both Provinces now near 40 Years, without any Variation upon New Emissions; tho\u2019 in Pensilvania the Paper Currency has at Times increas\u2019d from \u00a315,000 the first Sum, to \u00a3600,000 and in New York from \u00a340,000 to \u00a3600,000 or near it. Nor has any Alteration been occasioned by the Paper Money in the Price of the Necessaries of Life when compar\u2019d with Silver: they have been for the greatest Part of the Time no higher than before it was emitted, varying only by Plenty and Scarcity according to the Seasons, or by a less or greater foreign Demand. It has indeed been usual with the Adversaries of a Paper Currency, to call every Rise of Exchange with London, a Depreciation of the Paper: But this Notion appears to be by no means just: For if the Paper purchases every thing but Bills of Exchange at the former Rates, and those Bills are not above 1/10th. of what it is employ\u2019d to purchase, then it may be more properly and truly said that the Exchange has risen, than that the Paper has depreciated. And as a Proof of this, it is a certain Fact, that whenever in those Colonies Bills of Exchange have been dearer, the Purchaser has constantly been obliged to give more in Silver as well as in Paper, for them, the Silver having gone hand in hand with the Paper at the Rate above-mentioned: And therefore it might as well have been said that the Silver was depreciated.\nThere have been several different Schemes for furnishing the Colonies with Paper Money, that should not be a legal Tender, viz.\n1. To form a Bank, in Imitation of the Bank of England, with a sufficient Stock of Cash to pay the Bills on Sight.\nThis has been often propos\u2019d, but appears impracticable under the present Circumstances of the Colony Trade, which as is said above, draws all their Cash to Britain, and would soon strip the Bank.\n2. To raise a Fund by some Yearly Tax, securely lodg\u2019d in the Bank of England as it arises, which should during the Term of Years for which the Paper Bills are to be current accumulate to a Sum sufficient to discharge them all at their original Value.\nThis has been try\u2019d in Maryland, and the Bills so funded were issued without being made a general legal Tender. The Event was, that as Notes payable in Time are naturally subject to a Discount proportion\u2019d to the Time, so these Bills fell at the Beginning of the Term so low, as that Twenty Pounds of them became worth no more than Twelve Pounds in the Bills of Pensilvania the next neighbouring Province, though both had been struck near the same time at the same nominal Value but the latter was supported by the general legal Tender. The Maryland Bills however began to rise as the Term shortned, and towards the End recover\u2019d their full Value. But as a depreciating Currency injures Creditors, this injur\u2019d Debtors; and by its continually changing Value appears unfit for the Purpose of Money, which should be as fix\u2019d as possible in its own Value, because it is to be the Measure of the Value of other Things.\n3. To make the Bills carry an Interest sufficient to support their Value.\nThis too has been try\u2019d in some of the New-England Colonies; but great Inconveniences were found to attend it. The Bills to fit them for a Currency are made of various Denominations and some very low, for the sake of Change; there are of them from \u00a310 down to 3d. When they first come abroad, they pass easily and answer the purpose well enough for a few months; but as soon as the Interest becomes worth computing, the Calculation of it on every little Bill in a Sum, between the Dealer and his Customers in Shops, Warehouses and Markets, takes up much Time to the great Hindrance of Business. This Evil however soon gave place to a worse; for the Bills were in a short time gather\u2019d up and hoarded, it being a very tempting Advantage to have Money bearing Interest, and the Principal all the while in a Man\u2019s Power, ready for Bargains that may offer, which Money out on Mortgage is not. By this Means Numbers of People became Usurers with small Sums, who could not have found Persons to take such Sums of them upon Interest, giving good Security; and would therefore not have thought of it, but would have employ\u2019d the Money in some Business, if it had been Money of the common kind. Thus Trade, instead of being increas\u2019d by such Bills, is diminished; and by their being shut up in Chests the very End of making them, viz. to furnish a Medium of Commerce, is in a great Measure if not totally defeated.\nOn the whole, no Method has hitherto been found to establish a Medium of Trade in lieu of Money, equal in all its Advantages to Bills of Credit funded on sufficient Taxes for discharging it, or on Land Security of double the Value for Repaying it at the End of the Term, and in the mean time made a general legal Tender. The Experience of now near Half a Century in the Middle Colonies has convinc\u2019d them of it among themselves, by the great Increase of their Settlements, Numbers, Buildings, Improvements, Agriculture, Shipping and Commerce. And the same Experience has satisfy\u2019d the British Merchants who trade thither, that it has been greatly useful to them, and not in a single Instance prejudicial.\nIt is therefore hoped, that Securing the full Discharge of British Debts which are payable here, and in all Justice and Reason ought to be fully discharg\u2019d here in Sterling Money, the Restraint on the legal Tender within the Colonies will be taken off, at least for those Colonies that desire it, and where the Merchants trading to them make no Objection to it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0041", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Franklin, 14 March 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nLutterworth Mar: 16. 1767\nI received your kind present and am very Glad to hear you and My Daughter and Mrs. Stevenson are well and give you humble thanks for your very Great favours. I have sent this Week by Mrs. Biggs the Welford Carrier that Inns att the Windmill in St: Johns Street and Will be in London on Wensday next ten pounds of Butter a Couple of Chickins a Sage Cheese Which I beg the favour you\u2019ll Accept. My Blessing to my Daughter and humble Service to you and Mrs. Stevenson and am Sir Your Obedient humble Servant\nThos. Franklin\n Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / att Mrs. Stevensons / in Craven Street / in the Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from I. M. Luther, 16 March 1767\nFrom: Luther, I. M.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonsieur\nfrancfort le 16. Mars 1767.\nLa Complaisance que vous avez eu\u00eb \u00e0 me procurer une aussi jolie Perspective me fait prendre la Libert\u00e9 \u00e0 vous prier derechef de m\u2019envoyer le plut\u00f4t possible encore un pareil, de m\u00eame qu\u2019un microscope simple avec des changements usit\u00e9s, de cuivre jeaune dans un Etu\u00efe. Si ce microscope peut-\u00eatre arrang\u00e9 de fa\u00e7on \u00e0 en faire un compos\u00e9 cela me fairoit d\u2019autant plus de jo\u00efe puisque je ne veux pas seulement m\u2019en servir pour mon unique plaisir, mais en faire des Observations. Vous m\u2019obligeriez donc infiniment Monsieur de bien recommander que les Lentilles ou petits verres So\u00efent de toute perfection, afin de pouvoir examiner des objets transparans et epais. Mrs. James Des Cotes & Ce. \u00e0 qui vous aurez la Bont\u00e9 de faire remettre et bien recommander tout ceoi vous en payeront le Montant. Faites moi aussi S.V.P. la grace Monsieur de me marquer le juste Prix d\u2019une Perspective arrang\u00e9e de fa\u00e7on comme celle que j\u2019ai deja re\u00e7ue de vous, qui non seulement peut servir \u00e0 l\u2019usage ordinaire, mais qui encore fait le m\u00eame Effet d\u2019un Tubus de 50. pieds. Recommandez moi aussi \u00e0 Mr. Nairne afin que je puisse en addresser \u00e0 l\u2019avenir directement \u00e0 Lui, je ne lui demanderai d\u2019ailleurs jamais rien qui ne soit pay\u00e9 sur le champ sur quoi il peut compter. Au reste Monsieur pardonnez moi la peine que je vous fais, et ne m\u2019imputez pas une impolitesse, je ne vous addresserois surement pas de pareilles Commissions si je n\u2019avois pas deja re\u00e7u des preuves do v\u00f4tre Bont\u00e9, outre que je scai que vous etes grand Connoisseur dans ce genre d\u2019Etude.\nJe serrai par contre toujours pr\u00eat \u00e0 vos ordres dans ces quartiers ci et ne demande que l\u2019Occasion a vous prouver le sinc\u00e8re attachement et la parfaite Consideration avec laquelle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, Monsieur, V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant serviteur\nI. M. LutherConseiller de S.A.S. ElectoralePalatine\nMes assurances de Respect \u00e0 Mr. John Pringle", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0043", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Heinrich Ehrenfried Luther, 16 March 1767\nFrom: Luther, Heinrich Ehrenfried\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonsieur\nfrancfort le 16. Mars. 1767.\nL\u2019honneur de l\u2019agr\u00e9able v\u00f4tre du 9. 7bre de l\u2019ann\u00e9e derniere m\u2019est bien parvenu\u00eb le 29. 8bre d\u2019aprez aussi bien que les Limes &ce. et la Perspective pour mon fils. Mrs. Voogd Des Cotes &Ce. vous en auront rembours\u00e9 et je vous fais bien des remerciments Monsieur de la peine que vous avez eu\u00eb avec ces Emplettes. Je me r\u00e9commande par contre, et vous prie de disposer \u00e0 toute occasion de moi ou vous me trouverez capable de vous rendre mes Services, je me fairai toujours un sensible plaisir de pouvoir contribuer \u00e0 tout ce que vous sera agr\u00e9able, et sacrifierai chaque fois tout ce qui d\u00e9pend de moi, pour un ami comme vous.\nVoudriez vous Monsieur avoir la Bont\u00e9 de me marquer au juste v\u00f4tre r\u00e9tour en Amerique, car je veux \u00e9crire \u00e0 Mr. Hutchinson et peut-\u00eatre aussi \u00e0 la Province nouvelle Angleterre, pour tacher d\u2019obtenir un dedomagement de l\u2019affaire connu\u00eb et puisque je ne Scaurai mieux m\u2019addresser qu\u2019\u00e0 vous Monsieur et \u00e0 Mr. Hutchinson je prend la Libert\u00e9 (dans l\u2019entiere Confiance que vous ne me le refuserez pas) \u00e0 vous prier de vous charger de cette Commission, j\u2019y joindrai une Carte blanche sur vous (cum clausula substituendi) et recommande mes Int\u00earets \u00e0 v\u00f4tre ancienne Amiti\u00e9, d\u2019agir comme il vous plaira et comme vous le jugerez \u00e0 propos pour mon avantage. Je fais bien des Compliments \u00e0 Mr. john Pringle, et vous prie Monsieur de me continuer l\u2019honneur de v\u00f4tre cher Souvenir. Dans l\u2019Esp\u00e9rance de recevoir bient\u00f4t de vos Nouvelles, je serrai toute ma vie avec un parfait Estime, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant serviteur\nLuther", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pomeroys & Hodgkin, 18 March 1767\nFrom: Pomeroys & Hodgkin\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nLondon 18 March 1767\nWe inclose You the Revd. Mr. Coopers two Sermons, Our freind Mr. Nicholas Boylston sent us, which we esteem deserving the high character he gives of Mr. Cooper, which You will please to forward to Glasgow as soon as possible to procure his degree of Doctor in Divinity, what ever charges You may be at shall be repaid You with the greatest gratitude by Sir Your most humble Servants\nPomeroys & Hodgkin\n Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Craven street / Strand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0045", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 19 March 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son\nLondon, March 19. 1767\nDining to day with Mr. Potts, I hear that Letters go by this Night\u2019s Post to Falmouth for the Chance of reaching the Packet. Therefore I write this Line just to say, that I receiv\u2019d yesterday a Line from the Treasury acquainting me that Mr. Kollock is appointed upon my Recommendation to be Collector of Lewes. I shall be more particular in my next. Your affectionate Father\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. Walker, 20 March 1767\nFrom: Walker, George (1734\u20131807)\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSt. James\u2019s Street March the 20th 1767\nMr. Walker presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and will be glad of the favour of his Company to dinner on Monday the 6th of April.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0047", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 26 March 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nMarch 26. 67\nWe want to hear how our dear Polly does after the Loss of her Two great Teeth together; whether the Jaw is easy and not swell\u2019d &c.\nSir Cha. Blount call\u2019d in Cravenstreet last Night, and we learnt with Pleasure that your Friend Dolly and all that Family were well. Dr. Hawkesworth is to spend this Evening there, and I am mortified that I cannot be with them.\nYour good Mama bade me send you the enclos\u2019d Verses, and so I scribbled this Line just to let you know we are well. Present my Compliments to Mrs. Tickel, &c. and believe me ever Your affectionate Friend\nB Franklin\nP.S. Dr. and Mrs. Hawkesworth are to drink Tea with us on Tuesday: It is said to be clever to kill two Birds with one Stone: You may make three or four more alive by one little Visit at the same time.\n Endorsed: Mar 6 - 67", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0049", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [March 1767]\nFrom: Pringle, Sir John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nBerkeley Square Friday 11 o\u2019cl [March 1767]\nI take the liberty to beg that You would come as soon as You can to the Duke of Ancaster\u2019s in Berkeley Square, as His Grace and the Duchess are in the greatest distress about their daughter, who has been long in a most Miserable condition with spasms and convulsions. After all that we have done the distemper remains obstinate, and therefore the Parents have thought of electrifying Her. I have recommended the Operation to be performed by Spence and the rather as the present spasm has shut the Young Lady\u2019s jaw and deprived Her both of speech and swallowing. I ventured to name You as the person the most proper for directing the operation, trusting to your friendship to me and humanity towards the distressed. Their Graces both join in begging this favour, and I gave them hopes that you would not refuse it. I am Dear Sir, Your most Affectionate humble Servant\nJohn Pringle\nAs the Young Lady is at Chelsea, the Duke\u2019s Coach is sent to bring You first to the Duke\u2019s house in Berkeley Square and afterwards to Chelsea.\n Addressed: Dr Franklin / Craven Street / at Mrs Stevensons / left hand 2 / 3 ds down", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0050", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Potts, 2 April 1767\nFrom: Potts, Henry\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nGenl. Post Office April 2d: 1767\nWith this I send you your Commission signed by his Majestys Post Master General the Fees you will pay at your leisure. I am with great Truth and regard Dear Sir Your faithful Friend and most humble Servant\nH Potts Sec\nBenjamin Francklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0051", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 5 April 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew-York, April 5. 1767\nYours of Jan. 10. I just received: am glad to hear you continue well. It is only on Account of Cheapness I would take Scotch Letter: for I confess I always gave the Preference in my Mind to Caslon\u2019s: Last Packet I wrote that I had got a very small Fount of Caslon\u2019s Pica by Chance, so that if Pica were not engaged, I would do without it; but if it is engaged, let it come.\nThe Stationary I hope will come safe: and will be acceptable now I being near out of those Articles: but not of the others.\nYesterday I received from Mr. Foxcroft, from Virginia, a Paper from you, called Notes of Enquiry made on examining the Post Masters Accounts Nov 15. 1766. to be examined by the Comptroller; and having immediately examined every Particular in them, (supposing you have a Copy) I make the Inclosed Notes or Answer thereto.\nHaving frequently pressed B. Mecom for his Post-Office Accounts, Pay &c. a few Weeks ago, he return\u2019d his Commission to me and resign\u2019d the Post-Office. There is a Ballance yet due from him: which he promised to pay soon: Mr. Foxcroft being gone to Virginia, I appointed Mr. Luke Babcock, who lives at New Haven, and is a Son of Col. Babcock of Westerly: I flatter myself it will be agreeable to you and Mr. Foxcroft both, and hope he will do well in it, tho\u2019 I know him not personally, yet he has a general good Name.\nI wrote to you once begging you to speak to somebody to send English Papers to me: for which I would pay them: I suppose the Chronicle to be the best but I know not whom to apply to: I have borrow\u2019d hitherto: I keep creaping on slowly that is, my Papers increase slowly. It is not in any Body to command Success, but I am sure I have try\u2019d to deserve it, ever since I have been here: Indeed I find myself sometimes almost overcome, but I am determined to struggle hard before I yield: Every One can sail the Sea in fine Weather, good Sailors are try\u2019d in a Storm. I print now about 300 Papers\u2014and I hope more will come in. I have had Writs out for Holt now above 6 Months, but he keeps close, and I can get neither Accounts nor Money of him: yet he drives on, fighting me with my own Weapons. I thank God, I have as much Health this Winter, as I have had these 5 years past or more, and am yet able to work myself and hope to make both Ends meet: But my Son, who I find I dare not trust alone at Woodbridge, is coming to live here in May: He has been at work here some Weeks, can work very well, and has recovered a good Share of his Health again: 4 or 5 of my Family, Boys and Lads are now going thro\u2019 Inoculation at Woodbridge: otherways I have Reason to be thankful we are all in a better State of Health than I have known in my Family these two years.\nApril 6 ... With the above Notes, I had Mr. Foxcroft\u2019s Letter wherein he requests me if I could get it any Way, to send you a Bill for \u00a3300\u2014or \u00a3400 Sterl: As to myself I have not any Post Office Money in my Hands, I had a Bill on London for \u00a350, from Quebeck, which I sent directly to Mr. Foxcroft, and I Suppose he will send it to you: I tried Mr. Colden this Day, but he could not assist: tho\u2019 he promised to do what he can by the next Packet, which is now every Moment expected: this having had a long Passage, as you\u2019ll see by the Papers: If I get any from any Quarter between this and the next Packet\u2019s Sailing, I will send it to you.\nMr. Colden shewed me also a Letter he had received from the Gen. Post-Office in London, relating to his being charged with unpaid Letters from London per Packet: Now, as I had no Information of unpaid Letters sent here with the Packet I have not adverted to such dead Letters as have been returned to me whether they had the Packet Postage due on them or not: tho\u2019 many Packet Letters are returned from the distant Post-Offices, which are not taken up many of which has been paid: And as many Packet Letters come here which go to the distant small Offices, many of those Officers have never adverted to their being Packet Letters, or kept any distinct Account of them when they did know: and some of them incapable of making the Distinction, and others, who think their Allowance too small already, will not be at the Trouble, but would sooner throw up, as indeed many of them can hardly be prevailed on to keep it: And as I apprehended, that all the Proceeds of the Post-Office, whether Packet Letters or others, went into one Fund, I could not apprehend that it was needful to keep any separate Accounts or note those dead Letters: However for the future, I will endeavour to do it: And will separate all returned dead Letters of the Packets from whatever Office they may come: I suppose Mr. Colden answers about it as well as he can.\nYou say you will write fuller per next Packet: shall then hope to know you are on the Return: but presume this may meet you there yet. I thank you for the Information and kind offer of negociating the Custom-House Affair, if you be there: I have never spoke one Word or heard one Word about it from any Person here: nor shall I mention it, till the Year is up.\nApril 7. A cold backward Spring in general, Nothing further worth noting: but all our humble Respects &c. from Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0052", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Penington, 5 April 1767\nFrom: Penington, Edward\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nRespected Friend Benja. Franklin Esqr.\nPhilad. April 5th. 1767\nI received thy favour of Decr. 13th. which Inclosed a Copy of Springett Penns Will. I am very much Obliged for the same as well as the Intelligence that I was soon to receive a power of Attorney to sell the lands. The power has since come to hand and Inclosed is a letter to Ann Penn in answer to what she wrote me on the occasion which after perusing please to forward to her. I am much pleased with the Unreserved manner in which she has transacted this business and shall make it my study to dispose of her Estate on the best terms. As I make no doubt but thee has been a means of procuring this power of Attorney for me, please to Accept of my sincere Acknowledgment of thy Friendship therein. I am very respectfully Thy Assured Friend\nEdwd: Penington\n Addressed: To / Benja. Franklin Esqr. / in / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0054", "content": "Title: Extract from a Pamphlet, [9 April 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle.Sir\nAs the bare letter of a Governor of one of our provinces, accusing his People of rebellious intentions, is by many here thought sufficient ground for inflicting penalties on such province, unheard, without farther evidence, and without knowing what it may have to say in its justification: I wish you would give the Public the following Extract of a Letter, in which, Accusations of the Colonies from Officers of Government residing there, are set in a light very different from that they have usually been considered in. It was written here at the time of our last year\u2019s disputes, by one who had lived long in America, knew the people and their affairs extremely well\u2014and was equally well acquainted with the temper and practices of government officers. Speaking of the opinion entertained in Britain of the Americans, he says,\n[Here appears an extract from Section 2 of Franklin\u2019s projected Stamp Act Pamphlet of 1766 beginning at \u201cMuch has been said of a virtual representation.\u201d above, XIII, 79\u201380, and ending at \u201csnubbed, curb\u2019d, shackled and plundered,\u201d above, XIII, 81. The letter to the London Chronicle then concludes:]\nThis seems a very natural, and I believe is a very true account of the matter. I am, Sir, yours, &c.\nF.B.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0055", "content": "Title: Reply to Coffee-House Orators, [9 April 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle\nCinque gran nemici da pace, habitanto con esso noi; civ\u00e8 l\u2019avaritia, l\u2019ambitione, l\u2019invidia, l\u2019ira, et la superbia: se detti inimici si mandassero in esilio, regenerebbe senza dubio tra noi pace perpetua.\nPetrarch.\nAthens had her orators. They did her sometimes a great deal of good, at other times a great deal of harm; the latter particularly when they prevailed in advising the Sicilian war; under the burthen and losses of which war that flourishing state sunk, and never again recovered itself.\nTo the haranguers of the populace among the ancients, succeed among the moderns your writers of political pamphlets and newspapers, and your coffee-house talkers.\nIt is remarkable that soldiers by profession, men truly and unquestionably brave, seldom advise war but in cases of extream necessity. While mere rhetoricians, tongue-pads and scribes, timid by nature, or from their little bodily exercise deficient in those spirits that give real courage, are ever bawling for war on the most trifling occasions, and seem the most blood-thirsty of mankind.\nAt this present juncture, when we have scarce had time to breathe, after a war the most general and the most expensive both of blood and treasure Europe was ever involv\u2019d in, we have three sets of orators, who are labouring, by exasperating us against our friends to engage us in three new wars, viz. a war with Portugal, a war with Holland, and a war with our own colonies. As to the two first of these wars, I shall not dispute the prudence or the justice of them. I suppose no Englishman can doubt, that if the Hollanders did our grandfathers an injury 150 years ago, whatever friendship there has between us since, we may, whenever we think fit, revenge it; and that if the Portuguese buy cloth cheaper of the French than they can of us, we have a right to drub them till they are willing to give us the preference. Allowing then that we are strong enough to beat both Holland and Portugal, cause or no cause, with all the friends and allies they can both muster, and all the enemies such a conduct may draw upon our hands, and that the Dutch too will probably lend us money enough to pay the expence, I wou\u2019d only humbly submit it to consideration whether there may not be some small convenience in being the mean while at peace with ourselves, and finding some other way of settling matters between our late ministers and colonists than cutting of throats.\nEvery step is now taking to enrage us against America. Pamphlets and news papers flie about, and coffee-houses ring with lying reports of its being in rebellion. Force is call\u2019d for. Fleets and troops should be sent. Those already there should be called in from the distant posts, and quartered on the capital towns. The principal people should be brought here and hang\u2019d, &c. And why?\nWhy! Do you ask why?\nYes. I beg leave to ask why?\nWhy they are going to throw off the government of this country, and set up for themselves.\nPray how does that appear?\nWhy, are they not all in arms?\nNo. They are all in peace.\nHave they not refused to make the compensation to the sufferers by the late riots, that was requir\u2019d of them by government here?\nNo. They have made ample satisfaction. Which, by the way, has not been done here to the sufferers by your own riots.\nHave they not burnt the custom-house?\nNo. That story is an absolute invented lie, without the least foundation.\nHave they not refus\u2019d to comply with an act of parliament for quartering of troops? And have they not sent a petition to government for taking off the restraint on their trade, and so to overthrow the navigation-act?\nAllowing that the assembly of one colony, New York, has refus\u2019d to comply with that act, and that some merchants of that one colony have dared to petition, and that refusing and petitioning are high treason; are five and twenty colonies to be punished for the crime of one?\nBut let us consider coolly the nature of this act, of this refusal, and of this petition.\nThe act was a production of the same administration that made the stamp-act, and was probably intended to facilitate the awing the colonies into a submission to it. For that purpose there was in the bill, when first brought in, a clause to impower the officers of the army to quarter soldiers on private houses in America. This clause being strongly oppos\u2019d, was omitted; and the act only requir\u2019d the hiring of empty houses, barns, &c. for the troops, where were to be furnish\u2019d with firing, candles, bedding, utensils to dress victuals, five pints of small beer or cyder, or half a pint of rum per man per diem, and some other articles, without paying any thing for the same, but the expence to be borne by the province.\nThere is no other way to raise money in a province, but by the assembly\u2019s making an act or law for that purpose. This is therefore to be considered as a law made here, directing that the assembly in America should make another law. The propriety of this proceeding has by some been doubted, they having been of opinion that an assembly is a kind of little parliament in America, not an executive officer of government, and as such oblig\u2019d to obey and execute orders; that it is in its nature a deliberative body; its members are to consider such matters as come before them; and when a law is proposed, they are to weigh well its utility, necessity, propriety, possibility or practicability, and determine on the whole according to their judgments. If they were oblig\u2019d to make laws right or wrong in obedience to a law made by a superior legislature they would be of no use as a parliament, their nature would be changed, their constitution destroyed. Indeed the act of parliament itself seems sensible of this; for in other acts where a duty is enjoin\u2019d to be perform\u2019d by any person, it has always been usual to appoint a penalty on neglect or refusal, and direct the mode of recovering or inflicting that penalty. But nothing of this kind is, or indeed well could be, in this act of parliament, with respect to what is required of the assemblies. It was therefore look\u2019d upon in America merely as a requisition, which the assemblies were to consider, and comply with or decline, in the whole or in part, as it might happen to suit the different circumstances and abilities of different colonies. Accordingly Pensylvania, where but few troops generally are, comply\u2019d readily with the whole. But New York, thro\u2019 which all the troops usually pass and repass between Britain and the French conquests, conceiv\u2019d the burthen of the whole would be too great for them, and therefore comply\u2019d only with a part of the requisition, and in an address to their governor gave their reasons couch\u2019d in the most decent and respectful terms.\nTo many persons, indeed, the principle of the act seems wrong. It is hard, say they, to assign a good reason why soldiers should, in any part of the King\u2019s dominions, be furnished with any thing for nothing. There is always a paymaster with them. Why should they not pay for all they have? \u2019Tis otherwise a partial burthen on the places where they happen to be, and therefore unjust. In Britain this burthen is only thrown on inn-keepers, and may be considered as a tax on that employment, which they however, can exonerate themselves of, by higher bills on their customers, and so spread the tax more equally. But one colony that happens to be so opprest, has no means of laying part of their burthen on another colony, that from its situation is generally exempted.\nOur coffee-house orators, however, would have it declared, that this refusal of full compliance with the act, is Rebellion, and to be punished accordingly. A rare proceeding this would be, to make a law requiring something to be done that is new, not expressing what the offence shall be of refusing to comply with it, or what the punishment; and after the offence is committed, then to name the one, and declare the other! The first instance, I believe, of this kind, in legislation; and would look not so much like making of laws, as making of traps for the subject. This is, besides, a new kind of Rebellion. It used to be thought that Rebellion consisted in doing something; but this is a Rebellion that consists in not doing something, or in doing nothing. If every man who neglects or refuses to comply with an act of parliament is a rebel, I am afraid we have many more rebels among us than we were aware: Among others, they that have not registered the weight of their plate, and paid the duty, are all rebels; and these, I think, are not a few: To whom may be added the acting rebels that wear French silks and cambricks.\nAs to the petition mentioned above, it is, I have been informed, from a number of private persons, Merchants of New York, stating their opinion, that several restraints in the Acts of Trade laid on the Commerce of the Colonies, are not only prejudicial to the Colonies, but to the Mother Country. They give their reasons for this opinion. Those reasons are to be judg\u2019d of here. If they are found to be good and well supported by facts, one would think that instead of censure those Merchants might deserve thanks. If otherwise, the petition may be laid aside. Petitioning is not rebellion. The very nature of a petition acknowledges the power it petitions to, and the subjection of the petitioner.\nBut, in party views, molehills are often magnify\u2019d to mountains. And when the wolf is determined on a quarrel with the lamb, up stream or down stream \u2019tis all one; pretences are easily found or made, reason and justice are out of the question.\nA Friend TO BOTH Countries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0057", "content": "Title: Report on a Debate in the House of Lords, [11 April 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nI attended a late Debate in the House of Lords, and it gave me great Uneasiness to find much Resentment against the Colonies in the Disputants. The Word Rebellion was frequently used. Lords T\u2014t, T\u2014e, S\u2014h, and others, were against you, and Lord Sh\u2014\u2014e, the Duke of G\u2014n, and Lord C\u2014\u2014n, your Friends. They said what they dared to palliate the Warmth shewn by their Opponents against America. Indeed your Friends can do nothing else but palliate a little, and delay coming to Resolutions against America, as they would, at this Time, be very violent ones.\nIt is said, that it is agreed on all Sides, that some Measures shall be taken (what they will be Time must discover) effectually to enforce the Authority of Parliament, and to carry it into actual Execution. The Act of Indemnity passed by the Boston Assembly, will undoubtedly be repealed, and there is a great Probability that a severe Censure on the Assembly will attend it. This Act is looked on as a high Infringement of the King\u2019s Prerogative. It was mentioned by several in the Debate, that Acts of Pardon and Indemnity never originate in either of the Houses, but always are sent down from the King complete and signed, and is [sic] accepted and agreed to below.\nIt is also reported, and I fear the Report is true, that a Project is on Foot, to render all the Governors and Magistrates in America independent of the annual Support they receive of their several Assemblies.\nThere are great Heats on American Affairs, and those of the India Company, how they will particularly terminate, the wisest among us, as yet, are not able to discover.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0059", "content": "Title: [To Lord Kames, 11 April 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nOne of two signed versions of a long letter from Franklin to Lord Kames is dated April 11, 1767, and previous editors have accepted that date without question. For reasons explained in an accompanying head-note the present editors believe the other version, dated Feb. 25, 1767, is closer to Franklin\u2019s original and that the earlier date is the correct one. The letter is therefore printed above, pp. 62\u201371, rather than here at the April 11 date. Notes to that text indicate the verbal differences between the two versions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0060", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 11 April 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Ross, John\nDear Sir,\nLondon, April 11. 1767\nI received your Favour of Dec. 8. and Feb. 22. and thank you for the particular Accounts you send me of Affairs on your side the Water, which are very agreable to me to read.\nHere publick Affairs are in great Disorder; a strong Opposition against the Ministry which at the same time is thought not to be well united, and daily Apprehensions of new Changes, make it extreamly difficult to get forward with Business. We must use Patience. This Satisfaction we have, that there is scarce a Man of Weight in or out of the Ministry that has not now a favourable Opinion of the propos\u2019d Change of Government in the Proprietary Colonies; but during the present violent Heats occasion\u2019d by some Conduct of the Assemblies of New York and Boston, and which the Opposition aggravate highly in order to distress the Friends of America in the present Ministry, nothing so little interesting to them as our Application can get forward.\nYour Messages on the Subject of the Circuit Bill are not yet arriv\u2019d. I much want to see them.\nI send you a little Essay of an Inscription to the Memory of my departed amiable young Friend, whose Loss I deplore with you most sincerely. If it has been long coming to your Hand, I hope that has occasion\u2019d your being furnish\u2019d with another and a better. The Stile is simple and plain, as more proper for such Things than affected ornamental Expression.\nI am looking out for a Chariot for you, which I shall send you as soon as possible. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / John Ross, Esqr / Philadelphia / per Packet / New York / B Free Franklin\n[Draft of Inscription:]\nIn Memory of Margaret,Daughter ofJohn & Ross who deceased 1766aged 19 Years Lamented by all that knew herfor all that knew her lov\u2019d her\n[In the margin:] The Delight of her Parents & Relations\n[Elsewhere on page:] Innocence & Sweetness of Manner Sincerity Benevolence of Heartrender\u2019d her", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0062", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (I), 11 April 1767\nFrom: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSaturday 11th Ap 10 o\u2019Clock. [1767]\nLord Morton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; He has workmen now upon the roof of his house and shou\u2019d be glad to take this opportunity of putting up Conductors to prevent the bad effects of lightning; If the Dr. would take the trouble of coming to Brook Street for a few Minutes this morning before 12 o\u2019Clock Lord Morton shou\u2019d think himself much obliged.\n Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0063", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton (II), [11 April 1767]\nFrom: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBrookstreet Saturday 1 o\u2019Clock [April 11, 1767]\nLord Morton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin; acquaints him that Lord Morton and the Workmen have been expecting him ever since 12 o\u2019Clock, and hopes the Doctor has not forgot his engagement to dine with him afterwards where he will meet some of his acquaintance.\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs Stephenson\u2019s / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Robert] Crafton, 12 April 1767\nFrom: Crafton, Robert\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBroad Street Buildings, Apr. 12. [1767]\nMr. Crafton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin has made an Appointment with Mr. Paxton of Boston, for Thursday or Friday next and desires Dr. Franklin will send Word [by the] Bearer, or to morrow, which Day will be more agreeable; that he may fix with Mr. Paxton in Conformity. Dinner at 3 o\u2019Clock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0065", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Croghan, 14 April 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Croghan, George\nSir\nLondon, April 14. 1767.\nI received your Favour of Jany. 16. with the Copy of your Report to Sir William Johnson, and one Letter of later Date, all which I communicated to Lord Shelburne. I delivered him also your Letter that was directed to him. I wish more Attention was paid here to what is recommended by People acquainted with America, and particularly that more could be expected in consequence of your Representations; but \u2019till our Ministry feels itself a little better settled, and has more time to spare from defending itself to think of such distant Objects, I doubt little will be done. You have doubtless render\u2019d great Service to Government by your Negociations among the Indians. I take every Opportunity of mentioning it, and I hope you may in time obtain some suitable Reward. I thank you heartily for the Information and Entertainment I received by reading your Journals, and am, with great Regard, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nCol. Geo. Croghan\n Addressed: To / Col. George Croghan / at / Philadelphia [Philadelphia struck out and Johnson Hall substituted] / via New York, / per Packet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0067", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, 14 April 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hall, David\nDear Mr. Hall\nLondon, April 14, 1767.\nI received your Favour of Jany. 27. by way of Ireland.\nI have not nor ever had the least Doubt of the Regard you express for me, and if such Assurances, after our long Acquaintance were necessary, I [torn and illegible] strongest that mine for you is equal. I am therefore sorry, if it is likely to hurt you, that any of my Friends should think it necessary for the Popular Interest to encourage another Press. I suppose this was their only Motive, and not an Inclination to do you a Mischief as you seem to imagine. I can easily conceive, that the Unwillingness you always show to the Printing of any Party Pieces in your Paper, might be ascribed by them to your being of the opposite Party, and if you have refused any of their Papers they might be more confirm\u2019d in that Opinion, and apprehend some Inconvenience in the Knowledge you must have of the Authors of those Pieces you consented to print, and feel a greater in its being altogether in your Pleasure whether they should or should not speak to the Publick in the most generally read Newspaper. For my own Part, I never thought you of any Party: and as you never blam\u2019d me for the Side I took in Public Affairs, so I never censur\u2019d you for not taking the same, believing as I do that every Man has and ought to enjoy a perfect Liberty of judging for himself in such Matters: tho\u2019 I know the common Opinion is with the old Saying, He that is not for us is against us; which I think would have been full as true a Saying if there had been a small Transposition in it, He that is not against us, is for us.\nYou are right in believing that I am not a Partner in Mr. Goddard\u2019s Printing-House. It was set on foot without my Knowledge or Participation, and the first Notice I had of it was by reading the Advertisement in your Paper. I had indeed by the same Conveyance a Letter offering me a Share in it, which I declin\u2019d accepting before my Return, not only because I did not well know the Person, but because I did not care to be again concerned in Business, unless on settling my Affairs when I get home it should appear necessary for the Support of my Family. Indeed I had not the least Idea of any Agreement between you and I, either express\u2019d or imply\u2019d as you say, in any of its Articles, by which I was \u201cprohibited from being any farther concern\u2019d in the Printing Business in Philadelphia, after the Expiration of our Partnership.\u201d I have not a Copy of our Articles with me here; but I am confident that if you examine them you will find this a Mistake. I could not possibly foresee 18 Years beforehand, that I should at the End of that Term be so rich as to live without Business. And if this did not happen, it would be obliging myself to the hard Alternative of Starving or Banishment, since Threescore is rather too late an Age to think of going \u2018Prentice to learn a new Trade, and I have no other. This I say, not to justify my engaging with Mr. Goddard, for I have not done it. And I hope I shall have no Occasion to do it. I know there must be a very great Sum due to me from our Customers, and I hope much more of it will be recovered by you for me than you seem to apprehend. When that is got in, I suppose I can use it in such a Manner, as that with my Office and the few Rents I have, my Circumstances will be sufficiently affluent, especially as I am not inclin\u2019d to much Expence. In this case I have no purpose of being again concern\u2019d in Printing. But I may lose my Office, I may receive much less of my Debts that I hope for, I may find myself going behind-hand, and I am sure you would take no Pleasure in seeing me ruined, or oblig\u2019d at my time of Life to quit my Country, Friends and Connections, to get my Bread in a strange Place, especially as my not following my Business could not hinder others from interfering with you. I am in short, so far from conceiving it possible that I should make such an Agreement tho\u2019 forgotten, that, on the contrary I believe such an Agreement was never made by any Man in his Senses.\nYou do me but Justice in believing that I shall \u201ccountenance no other Printer to your Disadvantage, but rather render you every Service in my Power.\u201d Our long amicable Connection is grown into a settled Friendship, that I think will not easily be shaken on either side. I wish all my Friends were Friends to each other; But in such a Number this is a Happiness I cannot reasonably expect. I wish however they would all be Friends to you: I really do not think any of them your Enemies; and if you could recollect by what Means their Regard for you [illegible] [you] might possibly if you thought it worth while, again recover it since a little Disagreeableness in a Man\u2019s Manner of Refusing, or even in his Manner of Granting, a Favour, is sometimes sufficient to disgust People with a Person whose Virtue ought to entitle him to their Esteem. And this Fault being but a small one, and I think your only one, you could easily correct, if you attended a little to it, and to its Consequences.\nWhat you say of the Utility of settling our [Accounts] is very just. I have somewhere a Paper of [Remarks?] I made upon them when I first perus\u2019d the [one sent] me per Mr. Parker, but cannot just now lay [my Hand] on it. I will endeavour to send it to you [at the] very next Opportunity. In the mean [time I am] with great Truth and Sincerity, Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To / Mr David Hall / Printer / Philadelphia / via N York / Packet / B Free Franklin\nEndorsed: Mr. Franklin April 14 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 2[0\u201325] April 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n  My Dear Child \nI did reseve your Dear littel letter by the packit it gave me much pleshuer to hear that your dear armes air so much better and that our Dear littel Salley is so much better my love to her tell her I ofen have talked of her. Thank good mrs. Stephenson for takeing Cair of her. I did thinke her mother was dead as you had not sed aney thing of her poor dear child hough I love her Capt. Folkener and I tolke of her when we meet. I am verey Glad you have got your close and I hope thay was properly dun up. I hope the meel proved good I did all I Cold to preserve it and I hope thee buck wheet flower proved good allso. I Cold not find one dreyd peech in the market Sense those I sente but I got sum apills and presented to Capt. Folkiner as hee semed plesed with a pey [pie] he eate parte of att our house.\nWhen I heard of Mr. Mockridges Deth it surprised and trubold me indead our nabor Thomson wente up I got him to speeke to Mrs. Drewrey shee semed to be a strainger to the afair but it Cold not be as I had talked with her abought it. I got Mr. Thomson to write to her but have not reseved one word of anser from her but Thomey Potts ses his Brother Rutter is Exceketer and he will speeke to him but the wather has bin so bad that thair is hardly aney travilin. I have shone your letter and presented the Bill. Mr. David Potts ses he shall send to his father and will Cole on me. He is much obliged to you for your kines to his Brother and Mrs. Morris is all in Rapters a bought your kines to her Son Dr. Rush who has wrote to several of his friend and told them what sivilitey he reseves from your recomendashon. He has wrote to his mother the Copey of your to himselef and that to Sir Elexander Dick. Indead it has given his friends much pleshuer and will gain you much respeckte it has dun you much Credit withoute a Compleymente and I have bin much plesed with it.\nOn Sonday which was Esterday the poste Came in and brought me a letter and Salley one. You tell her to let you find that shee ades to the number of her friends. Before this dus reach you, you will be informd of the adishon of her friends I doute not but it will make you Sereious it makes me so in dead my menshoning agen that I wold let you know in what manner I ackte as I am obliged to be father and mother. I treet him as a friend and shall while I am alone for I thinke he deserves it and was I to due other way I thinke it wold only drive her to see him sum wair eles which wold give me much uneseynes. I hope I ackte to your Satisfackshon. I due acordin to my beste Judgment. Mr. Gallaway has sumtime ago sed sum thing to me a bought it and the day befor yisterday he Came to see us. Salley dined att Mr. Rosses so we was alone he spooke to me a gin I freely told him and told him all so hough I had ackted. He sed I did write and as I shold ac[t.] Now I will tell you a bought her and her friends and I am to tell you all so to be a Governers mother and Sister brings us much friends from the Jarsey and so forthe and shee all way be have to everey bodey well, now to begin only Wednesday evening laste shee had a littel Partey att Cardes and super it Consisted of the two Miss Mores of more Hall the two Miss Frankes miss Kittey Ross and Kittey Ingles and Miss Levey the men a son of Mr. Goldins Poste master a ofiser an humbel servant of Miss Rosses Mr. Beauch and Mr. Foxcrofte. Salley was att the Laste Assembley and was Compleymented by one of Mr. Allins Sons with a seet in thair Carrag but shee choues Mr. Peens as they bouth ofred. I shold not menshon this only to tell you that Salley has friendes all a bought on everey sid. This day Pason Petters and Miss Oswell was to a dranke tee with her but shee was in Gaged on a party att the falles. Mrs. Frances and her Brothers and sister Willines their is 12 in Number Secketer Shipen and Mr. B---h and Sally the only ones under the Carackter of Brothers and Sister.\nThis minit I hear that Capt. Friend is a Coming up but as Capt. Folkener is to saile this day I muste write to go by him and as the Packit is to saile next week I shall write a gen but mabey you will be on your way home be for that Capt. Folkener is in hopes of bringing you home I shold be glad if it Cold be so as I know he wold be kind to you.\nI muste tell you that our Gardin that is to be is a fenesing of [f] but I have two Cartes a bringing durte to rais it as the desente muste Come from the wall to go to the street. In dead I raly due all I Can but that is so verey littel that I am a shamed. I paid to Mr. Smith laste week \u00a330 as I did to Mr. Ervin the Carter. I am to pay this day 6 pounds od money for the seder postes and fenes. I am if I live to go to Mr. Rodises plase next week and then we air to go to friend Bartrams.\nI have ofen wondered that you did not send us one or two of those quilted Cotes that air quilted in the Frame[?] I wish you wold. I was a going to write for sume more of the Read Stuef for two Cushins but I saw such to be sold the same Coler and I got a pees. It Coste this money \u00a37 10s. 0d. I had not a bitt to send and was told it was as cheep as I Cold get it in Ingland. It is for the two littel rooms or if we pleas for bouth roomes upstaires but I shall put them down staires. Billey dont like the Blew room at all, so it is not finished tell you cume home. I nead not menshon to you to bring sumthing for Salley when you Cume. This minit Mr. Whorton brought your letter to me by Friend and Mr. Galloway was a going up to Burlinton and I sente it to him (Billeys letter). Thay was all well ten days a go. I thinke to go up in a verey littel time to see them. I am verey glad to hear that our Dear Salley Franklin is well my love to her I love the name inded I thought her mother was dead as I had not heard her menshon. My tenderest love to her. Tell me if our Polley is like to have a clever Husband. Due you like him and Can I like him I hope to but what makes them a scorne the serey money [ceremony] it is soon sed if they like but hough I talke.\nI have bin ought to inquier a bought sending a letter to Mrs. Drewrey aboute your Book. I shall send you a Bill by the packit David Potts will get one. I hope Salley will write by this vesill if not by the packit I hope to see Capt. Folkener to day. I will send you sume No Cake if I can. I had sum sente to me from Nantucket. Our Nabours all send thair love to you. Good Hugh Evens and our Nabor Derberah spente yisterday with me. I Cante tell you hough maney pepel inquier after you. Our poor Nabor Sumain is in a verey poor way indead you will see that Jonas Green is Dead we loos by him I supose but by Packit I shall send you Mr. Ringolds letter or a Copey. Mr. Foxcroft is not Cum back yit but he was well the laste his Brother heard from him.\n[April 29]\nApril the 29 this day Mr. Whorton the Elder come and Satt with me and had sume chatt on several a Countes sume on Salleys I was so free as to tell him in what maner I had ackted and have his apprebashon.\nI send in a Judg the No Cake. It is of two Sortes. I presente sum of it to Mr. Hugh Robortes who liked it. I hope you will if you stay till it arives I hope you got the tin Tube safe with what was in it. Salley writes. I was in hopes to a sente a Bill But Mr. John Potts is verey ill and two nights ago one of his Sones Came downe for a Dr. and his Son is gon up so I muste defer it tell he Comes down which I hope will be time aneuef for the Packit. My Cusin Cash is better agen as is Cusin Northe who I thought wold a lefte us be for this time. My love ones more to good Mrs. and Miss Stephens to our Dear Salley Franklin. I wish our Friend Robertes had a shaid [shade] of yours. He dus admier this verey much but I Cante parte with it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 1 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Dear Child\nMay the 1 1767\nThis minnit Capt. Folkener Cume to bid fairwell. Salley is in her Room a writeing and I only Say Mr. [David] Potts is not Come down. I shall Send the Bill as Soon as I Can. I have maid a present of my watch to Salley and we have given Capt. Folkner the chain to have it put to write. when you See Mr. and Mrs. Strahan and your young wife my love to them to Capt. Orrey to Mr. and Mrs. West to all our dear friend [and?] God bless you and bring you over the watter to your afeckshonet wife\nD Franklin\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / In / London / per favour of / Capt. Falconer\nEndorsed: Mrs. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0075", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, [2 May 1767]\nFrom: Collinson, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy worthy Friend\nLomb St. Sat. Eveng. 2d Inst.[May 2, 1767?]\nI have waited for some Time past to have an Opportunity of asking honest Ferguson to spend an Evening with me. Calling on him this afternoon find he is disengaged from all Lectures &c. on Wednesday Evening next. I told him I would ask the Favour of your Company at the same Time, pray therefore let me have the Pleasure of it. Nairne I dare say will also be glad to give you the Meeting. Do not conclude I imagine myself a man of Science\u2014and as such invite you to spend any of your Hours with me. No I rise no higher than being a Lover of Knowledge\u2014which is in Philosophy, as in Gallantry, quite a different State from that of Possession. I shall always regard your Visits as resulting from your Friendship towards me which will ever be most acceptable to your faithful Friend\nThos Collinson\nPray let me have a Line as I will inform Ferguson accordingly.\n Addressed: To / Benjn Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0076", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 2 May 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork May 2. 1767\nThis incloses the 2d Bill for \u00a3300 Sterl, the first of which was sent per Packet, who sail\u2019d Thursday last, which I got of Mr. Colden pursuant to a Request of Mr. Foxcroft.\nI having been one Year in the Service of the Custom-House here, I enquired what Methods I should take to get any Pay, what Information I can get is as follows: A Power of Attorney must be sent by me to some Person in London, to receive the Pay due: And that such Power enables the Person to receive it, but that, unless the Person be one of the Custom-House Officers, it generally meets with Difficulties and Delays: Mr. Colden tells me, his Power is to one Mr. Stanley an Officer there, who has 2\u00bd per Cent always for receiving and paying it to his Order and he recommends this Method to me: for tho\u2019 his Friend would do it for Nothing, yet for those Obstacles, he chuses this Way, and the Money is then always paid: He thinks with me, I had better write to you, that perhaps you might chuse to recommend some other Person: for tho\u2019 I don\u2019t doubt but Mr. Strahan would do it, yet as it will be paid best, if one in the Custom-House be appointed: so it will be equal to me if Mr. Stanley or another of your Acquaintance or Friend, and Should rather chuse to give the 2\u00bd to your Friend than to a Stranger: so that now before I send any Power home, or draw for any of it, I will wait your Advice: I would send you a Power; but in as much as you are about to return it will be troublesome without answering the End.\nI sent you per Packet also a Copy of Mr. Holt\u2019s Account exhibited to the Auditors at New Haven, as also Mr. Ingersoll\u2019s Letter to me on the Subject: I sent also a Copy of the same to Mr. Foxcroft; who is expected up from Virginia in a short Time. Holt is returned to New York, and I must Still try to apprehend him: but he eludes every Thing I can do: and from his Exhibition of that Account, I begin to think him a downright Villain; for if he can swear to such an Account as that, what can I expect, but that when obliged to settle, he will trump up similar Ones against me his Chicanry with me, forebodes as much. He is but a little Man: but a very great Lump of soft tongued Deceit and Hypocrisy: God will reward him according to his Works.\nI told you the Stationary came to Hand: Shall I expect any new Letter this Summer: I would send the Money if I had it: but I don\u2019t know which way to turn myself to get it yet: I have a Job of Work, that will be something when done: tho\u2019 I shall eat part of the Calf in the Cow\u2019s Belly. But I yet hope all will do well: at least I am determined to Struggle hard and conquer or die\u2019s the Word. We all beg our Respectful Complements may be acceptable, from Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0077", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 11 May 1767\nFrom: Millar, Andrew\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonday Morning 11 May. [1767]\nMr. Millar presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and presumes at the desire of Our Common Friend Mr. Strahan to trouble him with a Packet herewith sent to Joseph Galloway Esq. of which he knows the Contents as Mr. Strahan Thought it would be safer thro your Channal than by sending it by shiping.\nHe hopes to have the pleasure of meeting you and Mr. Hume at Mr. Strahans this day to and [sic] Fix on one when you will give him the same in Pallmall.\nIf it proves Inconvenient for you to forward this Packet the bearer will take it to the ship.\n Addressed: To / Dr Franklyn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0078", "content": "Title: Incoming Philadelphia Mail, 1767\u20131768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nAmong the Franklin Papers is a record of letters received in the Philadelphia Post Office by Postmaster Thomas Foxcroft between May 12, 1767, and April 21, 1768. The record consists of a group of twenty-one sheets printed on both sides in the manner prescribed for Post Office Form \u201cC\u201d by Benjamin Franklin and William Hunter in 1753. The local official was to enter regularly on this form all letters he received from other colonial post offices or from ships; above, v, 162\u20133, 172\u20133.\nThese sheets are not a continuation of the record for the years 1764\u201367 that is described above, XI, 398\u2013402. That was a listing of the outgoing Philadelphia mail for the indicated period, prepared on Form \u201cB,\u201d while these sheets record the incoming Philadelphia mail for nearly a year in 1767\u201368. Since Form \u201cC\u201d required the postmaster to list the mail received from each other office by its weight in pennyweights and grains, not by the number of letters as Form \u201cB\u201d required, it is impossible to make any meaningful quantitative analysis of this record comparable to the sample tabulations printed for the earlier period. It may be useful, however, to point out the existence of this record and to report briefly on the post offices named in its pages. All but a few of the smallest offices listed as receiving Philadelphia mail during the 1764\u201367 period (above, XI, 400\u20132) are reported as sending mail to that city in the later period; and each of the following offices, not on the previous list, appears at least once during the months of May 1767 through April 1768: Springfield, Mass.; Bladensburg and Georgetown, Md.; Hampton, Petersburg, Suffolk, Todds, and Urbanna, Va. The appearance of so many new post offices in Maryland and Virginia, especially the latter, is noteworthy. The fact that John Foxcroft, a resident of Virginia, was actively functioning as deputy postmaster general during this period, while Franklin was not, may help to explain this apparent increase of the postal service in Foxcroft\u2019s own colony.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0079", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Shippen, Junior, 14 May 1767\nFrom: Shippen, William, Jr.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 14th. May 1767\nI take the Liberty to send to the Royal Society a small Box containing A very extraordinary Lusus Naturae, two female children joind firmly together from the breast bone as low as the navel, having therefore but one body; in every other respect, as well internal as external, two compleat children. I enclose an exact account of the appearance on dissection &c. for the Use and amusement of the curious and learned who I am in hopes from an examination of this Phoenomenon will be enabled to throw some light on that unintelligible work of Nature Generation.\nThis preparation of wax was made by a Gentlewoman who is a great tho unimproved genius in this way, Tis the exact semblance of the original which I have in spirits: Your Love of every thing curious or useful and the many favors you have formerly conferred on me convince me you will spare no pains to Make this curiosity useful to the public and excuse my giving you this Trouble. I am Dear Sir Your obliged and very humble Servant\nW. Shippen JR.\nPS Unavoidable Interruptions from business render it impossible to finish my account of the internal Structure of these children but shall send it by Capt. Friend who will sail the week after next. Your\u2019s\nW S\n Addressed: To / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / at Mrs. Stephensons in Craven / Street Strand [struck out: or in his / absence to Dr. Pringle in / Pall Mall] London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Fran\u00e7ois Willem de Monchy, 15 May 1767\nFrom: Monchy, Fran\u00e7ois Willem de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n  Dr. FranklinSir\nRotterdm 15 May 1767.\nMy Father joins me in compliments and thanks for the trouble you have had in procuring such accurate information concerning the Fire Engine, and also for inquiring about the microscopes which at length I have recieved.\nAgreeable to your desire I have send you two drawings of an Ice-boat. That without the mast is in the proportion of an Inch to a foot, and that with the mast but the half of that proportion otherwise we could not have brought it within the compass of the paper. You would have had it much sooner, had not the death of my deaer Mother prevented me from fininching my part of the drawing. The model without the mast was done by the ship-builder of the Admiralty, the other by my self under his direction. I shipped it yesterday on board the King George sloop, Capt. Harper, who lives in Queen\u2019s Court St. Katherines and promised to take great care of them. I shall give him a letter to put into the penny post, which, when you recieve you will know he is arrived and may send for the parcel, for I believe they will not send it home. I find it will be opened at the Custom house, but I don\u2019t think they can sieze it. If the[y] should you have interest enought to get it again.\nI shall be glad of a line to let me know you have recieved it, and how you like it, and if there is any think here I can further serve you in on this side the water, you may freely command Sir Your very obliged humble Servant\nF. W: DE Monchy.\nP.S. Pray give my compliments to Sir John Pringle and Dr. Ingenhuse.\n Addressed: To / Dr. Benjamin Franklin at / Mrs. Stevenson\u2019s Craven street / near Charing Cross / London.\nEndorsed: Monchy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0081", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker: Bond, 15 May 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nKnow all Men by these Presents, That    I James Parker of the City of New-York, Printer, am    Held and firmly bound unto    Benjamin Franklin, of the City of Philadelphia Esqr    in the Sum of    Two Hundred and Thirty-One Pounds,    Current Money of    Great Britain    To be paid to the said    Benjamin Franklin    or to    his    certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns: To which Payment, well and truly to be made,    I    bind    myself,    Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, firmly by these Presents. Sealed with    my    Seal: Dated the    Fifteenth    Day of    May    in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and    Sixty-seven    and in the    Seventh    Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the    Third,      by the Grace of God, King of Great-Britain, France and Ireland, &c.\nThe Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above-bounden    James Parker, or his    Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or any of them, shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid, unto the above-named    Benjamin Franklin,    or to    his    certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, the just and full Sum of    One Hundred and Sixty pounds, ten Shillings    Current Money aforesaid, on or before the    First Day of January next, with lawful Interest from the Date hereof, and that    without any Fraud, or other Delay; then this Obligation to be void, or else to remain in full, Force and Virtue.\nJames Parker\nSealed and Delivered in \u2003 the Presence ofHenry Von WagonenAnthy Carr\n  [Written in upper left corner:]\n    First Parcel\n  \u2003 Interest Do.\n  2d Parcel\n  \u2003 Interest Do.\n  3d Parcel\n  \u2003 Interest\nEndorsed: March the 10 1769 reseved of 8 peces of 8 [next words indecipherable] \u00a324\u20130\u20130\nReseved of mr Parker when he Came to town to Settel with Mr. John Foxcrofte he paid me 6 peces of gold 3 pound peces \u00a318\u20130\u20130", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0082", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 15 May 1767\nFrom: Price, Richard\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nI was in some expectation of seeing you last night in Crane-Court; but not having had this Pleasure I take the liberty to write this to you to put you in [mind] of doing me a favour which I think you gave me Some [reason?] to hope for the last time I Saw you, I mean dining [torn] on Holy-thursday, or next thursday Sennight. [Dr. Hawk]esworth, Mr. Canton and Mr. Densham are then to dine with me, and we shall be greatly disappointed should any thing happen to deprive us of your company. Our dining [time?] will be about three. We meet next thursday the last [time before?] the Summer at St. Paul\u2019s Coffee-House, and I hope then [to see?] you. I am, Dear Sir, with great respect Your most obedient and humble Servant\nRichd: Price", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0083", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 15 May 1767\nFrom: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nBromley May 15. 1767\nI received a letter from Kensington to day by which I learn that my aunt will not come to Bromley to fetch me, therefore I must go home by way of Craven Street next monday. Now if it will be convenient to you to come hither on sunday or monday you will give a great deal of pleasure to several persons by doing it and I shall have a more agreeable journey to town than in the Stage. Be so good as to write me a line tomorrow to inform me whether I may depend upon you. I write this in Miss Blunt\u2019s room, upon her paper, and she particularly desires to be remember\u2019d to you. All the family honour you and wish to see you. My hostess does the same.\nYou must excuse all the faults in this letter, for I cannot see to mend them, and when I can it will be too late. Give my duty to my mother, and love to Sally. I am Dear Sir Your faithful Servant\nM Stevenson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0084", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 16 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDear Polly\nCravenstreet, May 16. [1767]\nI am unluckily so much engag\u2019d that I cannot have the Pleasure of being at Bromley on Sunday or Monday. present my best Respects to the good Doctor and Mrs. Hawkesworth, and to the Miss Blounts, and to Mrs. Rogers. I should rejoice in the Opportunity of making your Journey to Town more agreable than in the Stage, if I could possibly embrace it. Sally is ill again of a Fever, and your good Mother much fatigu\u2019d. She sends her Love to you, and says that if you come in the Stage, you will find Nanny at the Inn ready to wait on you hither. I am as ever, my dear good Girl, Your affectionate Friend\nB Franklin\nMy dear Polly\nCravenstreet, May 16. 67 Evening\nI have just received yours of yesterday. I wish I could come to you on Sunday, to spend the Afternoon and Evening with that agreeable Family, and return with you on Monday. But I am too busy to spare two Days without great Inconvenience. On Monday between 2 and 3 you may expect me. But then you will hold yourself ready to set out homewards at 6, that we may be in Town before Night, and have time, after you have seen your Mother, to go to Kensington; for you cannot conveniently lodge here, Sally being again ill with a Fever. Tell the good Doctor and Mrs. Hawkesworth, and Miss Blount, that I love them as I ought, and as every body ought; and you may whisper Dolly that I love her a little more; I hardly know why, but one sometimes has odd Fancies. Present my respectful Compliments to your Hostess; and believe me ever Your affectionate Friend\nB Franklin\n Endorsed: May 16\u201367", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0085", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [William Strahan], 16 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Strahan, William\nDear Friend\nI send you the Notes you desired of me. When you have dress\u2019d them they\u2019ll be fit to appear in Company. I send also a little Article of News for your Paper, which I wish may be inserted this Evening if you see no Objection. I mean to set the Dispute in a ridiculous Light if I could. The Act of Parliament requires the Colony to find for the Troops, Barracks, Firing, Candles, Bedding, Utensils to dress their Victuals, Small Beer or Cyder, or Half a Pint of Rum with Salt Vinegar and Pepper. All the material Articles they have granted, and refuse only the Rum, Salt, Vinegar and Pepper. The Reasons they give are that those articles are not usually allow\u2019d in other Places, and that they cannot afford them; but the true Reason is suppos\u2019d to be, that by acting differently from the Act, it may appear that what they do is voluntary, and that they keep up their Claim of Right, to Freedom from Taxes by Act of Parliament. The End is an Allusion to one of the Tales in the Arabian Nights, wherein a Person is in great Distress, finding him self condemn\u2019d to be hang\u2019d, and could not conceive for what Offence, being charg\u2019d only with having made his Cream Tarts without Pepper. Adieu. yours, affectionately\nB Franklin\nPray lend me, and send by the Bearer, Ruffhead\u2019s Statutes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0086", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin (I), 16 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Deares Child\nI hear that Capt. Sparkes is to saile to morrow or next day. I set down to chatt a littel to you, and in close a letter, which I had sente to N yorke but the vesill was gon. I wente up to see our Children att Burlinton on Satterday and Billey Come doune with me on munday and returnd yisterday and Salley wente up with him and I expeckte her down this day or to morrow. I was the reder [readier?] to let her go as shee is not verey well and looks verey paile so as to give me much uneseynes but shee all way looks ill in summer and 2 or 3 day Changes her but I thinke shee has bin maid unesey a bought her Brother who was chalinged on Munday night. I shold not a sed one word to you but I thinke sumbudey will tell. The Chaling was sente by young Hickes brought by young Dr. Kersly verey much in drinke. Salley was verey much scaired and wold not let her Brother go withoute her. So you see this dafter of ours is a mear Champin and thinkes shee is to take Cair of us. Her Brother and shee is verey hapey togather indead but I long to see her back a gen as I Cold not live a bove another day with ought her as I am sir cumstansed [circumstanced] a mind flutered sum times glad then depresed and so on. O that you was att home but be ashuered that no littel famely ever had more hormoney in it than youres has and I truste will have.\nSenes I wrote the above I have wrote to you by Mr. Tenche Fransis and lefte this tell Capt. Friend Sailes which will be to morrow morning. If Mr. Fransis is a rived he will have told you his misforten but I hope it will end better then he thinkes att presant. I say nothing a bought Mr. Beach as he writes to you himselef. On frey day laste Salley and my Selef was asked over the river to a tortel [turtle] Billey and Mrs. Franklin and the Mair of Burlinton and his Ladey the whol Wharton famely the Ducke was my Gallant. We spente a plesant afternoon and when we talked of partin we Cold not so our Children and thair Nabors Came over with us and staid tell within this quortor of an over and as Salley is better I have given her leve to go up with them and thay air to send her down to morrow. Thay say it will be of servis to her.\nMy old friend Debbey Norris has lefte us. She was one of my first play maites and I raly Loved her. I wente to the bureyal and I desire to visit Mrs. Norris soon. With sum Dificalty I have got a Bill to send to you but I shold explain it. I did all I Cold as did young mr. Foxcroft and mr. Thomson but David Potts got it att laste. This afair has made everey bodey quite amaised and as several vesiles has sailed it was quite difical to get a Bill. I see it is for more then the money menshoned in the drafte but as I have bin so much ingaed I Cold not see mr. Potts. Due my Dear if you Can Comfort mr. Franses for he standes in nead of a friend as dus some others but I say lose of substans is not lose of repeytashon and it is sed what is is beste but what is I know I Cante helpe and so muste indever to thinke and make the Beste of it. The afaire I menshon this failer [failure] of the merchant that has hurte Mr. Franses but I truste that Same God whos marseys is over all his workes will never leve him nor aney other to suefer and be deprest. Polley Ashmaid is here and sendes her love to you.\nLaste evening Mr. Foxcrof Came to town in Companey with Governer Wantworth. I saw him and this day thay was with Billey in our Parler but I did not see him as I was not fitt to be seen.\nI supose Mr. Foxcrof writes by Friend or the Packit. My love to good Mrs. Stephenson to my Dear Salley Franklin to mr. and mrs. Strahan to Capt. Orrey and Ladey and Dafter to Mrs. Weest and I shold a sed Mr.Weest. I am in hopes Salley will be in town time eneuef to write. I wold say sumthing a bought the Ring and letter hough like your selef it is and what pleshuer it has given to maney of our friends. Mr. Ross wanted Salley to let him have it but as he Spook to me I sed thay mought send to you to get them one. I rely wish that you wold get two of your shaids dun one for Mr. Robortes and one for Billey.\nIt is all moste night I muste bid you adue and am my Dear Benney your Afeckshonat wife\nD Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0088", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 16 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Father\nBurlington May 16, 1767\nI have this Moment heard of Mr. Francis\u2019s being to embark To morrow Morning for England. His unfortunate Connection with Mr. Hagen, a considerable Merchant in London, who has lately fail\u2019d is the Occasion of his sudden Departure. The Distress which must be necessarily brought on him and his Family, in case Hagens\u2019s Affairs should prove as bad as represented, gives all his Friends and Acquaintance great Concern. I am sure that the Humanity of your Disposition will naturally prompt you to assist the Unfortunate; more especially a Gentleman who has in all his extensive Dealings as a Merchant, preserv\u2019d an unblemish\u2019d Reputation. I shall therefore only add, that if you can either by your Advice, Interest, or Influence, render Mr. Francis any Services on this unhappy Occasion, you will afford great Pleasure to several of our good Friends, and particularly to, Honoured Sir, Your dutiful Son\nWm: Franklin\nTo Benjn: Franklin, Esqr. London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0089", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Tissington, 17 May 1767\nFrom: Tissington, Anthony\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nAlfreton 17th May 1767.\nWhen I wrote last to you I do not remember; as I\u2019ve been hurried about, so as Scarce to sit down since I saw you last: but remembering that you talked of leaving England this Summer; along with Mr. Paxton, who has not [illegible], I want to learn your Motions; that if you shou\u2019d once more make me happy here, I may know how to govern my own, and not be miserable by being out of the way.\nAt your leasure let me hear, of your Health; your movements; your time of Stay in England; and how Mrs. Stephenson does; to whom, and to your self, my Wife, Who is much better, Joins me in best Wishes.\nInclos\u2019d I send you Copies of two Estimates of Fire Engines, as Erected in Derbyshire.\nI beleive we shall preserve our mineral Liberties, whole and entire; that compleated, I am determined to set down in quiet, and pursue my own favourite studies; or remove to my Farm in East-Florida, and call [upon] you in my passage, and am Dear Sir Yours Entirely and allways\nAnth Tissington\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / in Craven street Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0091", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 20 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, May 20. 1767\nI had no Line from you per last Packet. I hope you are well. We have been extreamly busy here lately in the Affair of Paper Money. Enclos\u2019d I send you a Copy of the Report of the Merchants, obtained after many Meetings and delivered to the Ministry: But there are still great Difficulties, the Board of Trade being extreamly averse to the Repeal of an Act which they were the Fathers of, and on which they have highly valued themselves. The general Rage against America, artfully work\u2019d up by the Grenville Faction, has been another Obstacle. I hope we shall get over all, the Ministry being at length prevail\u2019d on to espouse the Measure, that the Colonies may have something to give on a Requisition from the Crown, and that the Duties may increase by the Increase of Commerce. But if this Ministry should be changed before the Session ends, as there is now strong Talk that they will be, our Hopes and all our Labour will again be frustrated.\nIt is resolved to bring in a Bill to suspend all Legislation in New York, till the Act of Parliament for quartering Soldiers is complied with. Mr. Conway was against it, and would have had it reconsidered.\nI shall write you fully per Egdon. With great Esteem, I am Dear Sir, Your faithful humble Servant\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway Esqr.\n[Enclosure]\nThe Merchants of London trading to the Continent of America are of Opinion\nThat the most speedy and effectual Relief to the Colonies in respect to the present distressed State of their Commerce, for want of a Medium of Trade will be the Repeal of an Act of Parliament respecting Bills of Credit in America, passed in the 4th Year of his present Majesty; and that such Repeal cannot injure the British Merchant, provided a Clause be inserted in the Act for the said Repeal, declaring Paper Bills of Credit shall not be a legal Tender in Payment of any Sterling Debts or Contracts whatsoever already made or to be made by or with or in the name and behalf of any Person residing in the Kingdom of Great Britain.\n Endorsed: Merchants\u2019 Report to Administration for a Clause to prevent Paper Bills being a legal Tender for Sterling Debts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 23 May 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, May 23. 1767\nI wrote to you a few days since via New York, and purpose writing again by a Ship that sails from hence in a few Days. It was intended at the Post Office, as this Packet arriv\u2019d long after the time she was expected, to keep her till next Month; but some Reasons have suddenly alter\u2019d that Resolution, and I have just heard that the Mail is to be dispatch\u2019d to night. So that I have only time to say, things continue here in the same uncertain State, and Changes confidently talk\u2019d of in the Ministry, which appears not very strong, thro\u2019 Lord Chatham\u2019s Illness, and Divisions among the rest. But I hope they will continue. Tho\u2019 Yesterday in a Vote on the Massachusetts Affair in the Lords House, the Opposition were within 6 of the Ministry; and the King\u2019s Brother, the Duke of York, voted against them, which looks ill. I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway Esqr\n Endorsed: Benja. Franklin May 23 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0096", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 23 May 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew York May 23, 1767\nMy last to you, was per Capt. Lawrence, by whom I received the Stationary: A few Days after he was sail\u2019d I got yours via Philadelphia of Feb. 28. and 12 Days ago I received yours per Packet of March 14. inclosing Capt. Berton\u2019s Bill of Lading for the Letter, which arrived about 6 Days ago: I have executed a Bond agreeable to your Order.\nI have not received one Newspaper from any Person whatever: and I now don\u2019t know, if it will do to venture to send any to the Gentleman you mention per Packet, lest it put him to Charge: but I will try to send him by all private Vessels; and as I know this will come free of Charge to you I send the last, and you can send or give them to him, if you should think fit.\nI sent per Lawrence the 2d Bill of a Set for \u00a3300 also Holt\u2019s Account, of which I would send a Duplicate now, but as Mr. Foxcroft is daily expected up from Virginia, and I have sent him a Copy also, I am not able to transcribe it again just now, having been taken poorly two Days ago, and have now but just Strength enough to sit up. Tho\u2019 I have had my Health in general as well this year past, as I have had these many Years, yet I have every now and then, a hard Turn, or as I think it is, a fresh Dun from my Landlord.\nInclosed I send the first of a Bill for \u00a3200. I got of Mr. Hubbart: When I got Mr. Foxcroft\u2019s Orders, I tried every Office to get some, fearing lest we should fail: and this Mr. Hubbart sent after the Opportunity was past before: He says it cost him \u00a3280 Lawful: which is far above Par, when if he had sent the Cash to me, I could have got one then for \u00a3175\u2014as the other: which is much less than his Cost: but we did the best we could.\nI wrote you per Lawrence a little about my Allowance in the Custom House; as I never was told before, what Method or who was to pay me. And I would have sent a Power to you to get it; but as you are I suppose about to return, Mr. Colden thought it best for me to get an Attorney in the Office, as he had, and advis\u2019d me to the same Person: because he said, if one out of the Office was appointed, it was generally a great deal of Trouble to get the Money: and those in Office always expected 2\u00bd per Cent. for doing it: On those Considerations, I thought it best to have your Advice about it, before I sent any Power to any Body; because the Charge of executing One here before the Mayor, is pretty high, and to execute two would be additional Charge.\nYou see I shall creep on with my News-papers. I increase slowly every Week about one, and sometimes two: but my Antagonists are powerful. Holt drives on yet, but keeps close, I have Writs out, but he is not taken. Is it not strange, that he will sooner [be in] this precarious State and Confinement, rather than exhibit any Account to me: But his Account against the Post-Office, tho\u2019 it is in my Favour has now made me think him indeed a Villain. God knows when it will end, Tho\u2019 I fear I have nothing to hope for, but by Diligence to regain what I have lost: But my Strength fails me much. However, if I can but do every Body Justice, I shall be satisfied\u2014I have not to add, but all Respects, &c. from Your most obliged Servant\t\nJames Parker.\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Craven Street / London / per Duke of Cumberland / Packet, Goodridge", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0097", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 26 May 1767\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Friend\nPhilada. May 26. 1767.\nI wrote you a few Days since by the Post not expecting that the Packet wou\u2019d be detained till now.\nI inclose you a Bill of Exchange drawn by Mr. Joseph Richardson on D. Barclay and Sons payable to you for \u00a3250 0s. 0d. Sterling, in Part of your two Years Salary amounting in the Whole to \u00a31000, like Money agreable to a Certificate Signd by Order of the House, which I shall take up. The Residue of your Salary I shall remit by the first Opportunities, as I am requested so to do by your Worthy Son the Governor of Jersey. And as it is Possible you may have left London before this Letter Arrives, I have thought it prudent to inclose this Letter to Mr. Serjeant as your Friend, and a Gentleman with whom you have heretofore deposited your Cash, as your son informs me, desiring him, shoud you have Left England, to receive the Money on your Account. In this we have acted for the best, and if we have err\u2019d I know youl have goodness enough to forgive the Mistake.\nBeing just about to set of[f] for Chester Court I have scarcely Time to add that I am, as ever Dear Friend, yours most Affectionately\nJos. Galloway\nBenja. Franklin Esqr.\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / at Mrs. Stevensons in Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0098", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 30 May 1767\nFrom: French, Katherine\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSaturday 30th. May, [1767?]\nThe opera interfering [torn] Mrs. French to put off her Music till Saturday 6th. June When she hopes to have [the] favor of seeing Docr. Frank[lin.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0099", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 31 May 1767\nFrom: Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy dear Sir\nHartlebury Castle May 31st. 1767\nI have once more the Pleasure of writing to you from this delightful Place; where I thank God, I enjoy perfect Health and all the Pleasures the Country can afford. Time rolls away in the most agreeable Manner imaginable; Reading, walking, riding, Music, Drawing &ca. season the Hours with much calm and rational Pleasure; and to crown all, the good Bishop and Mrs. Johnson treat me with all possible Affection and Kindness. Yet, after all (such is my Partiality for dear Philadelphia and my Friends there) that I must say it is with great Delight I look forward to the Time of my Embarkation. I have not recieved a Letter from Home since Mid-Winter\u2014But a Ship is hourly expected, and, as the Winds have been favourable for some Days past, I hope it will not be long before she arrives. After I left London, I spent a Week very agreeably a[t] Bath; where I was kindly entertained by Mr. Taylor and Family. We made an Excursion to Bristol and the hot-Wells. Was I to choose a Residence in England I think I should not hesitate a Moment in giving the Preference to Bath beyond any other Place\u2014except Hartlebury Castle\u2014From Bath I took a Post Chaise to Repple, near Glocester, where I spent two or three Days with Dr. Warren, one of my good Couzins, who conducted me in his Carriage to this Place. I am very fond of riding out on Horse-back\u2014His Lordship has therefore accommodated me with a very fine little Horse and with him I have made several pleasant Excursions about the Country. Mr. Hamilton did me the Honour to write to me the other Day; he has kindly offer\u2019d to secure me proper Accommodations and Provisions for our intended Voyage, on as reasonable Terms as may be: and informs me that we are likely to have Mr. Powel a fellow Passenger. The Ship in which we propose to sail is daily expected and Messr. Barclays assure us that she will not be detained beyond the latter End of July, her Cargo being chiefly engaged.\nI hope you retain your Health and Spirits, for I shall always interest myself much in your Wellfare, having the greatest Personal Regard for my good Friend, and a lively Gratitude for all Favours. My affectionate Compliments to good Mrs. Stevenson. When I left her she was a little disordered by a Fright occasioned by a Fire in the Neighbourhood; I hope she has long e\u2019er this regain\u2019d her usual Composure and Serenity of Mind; which I wish s[he may] long enjoy. Compliments to Miss Stevenson [and] to Miss Franklin. Adieu. I am Dear Sir Yours most sincerely\nF. Hopkinson\nAddressed: To / Dr Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson\u2019s / Craven Street / London / Free / J Worcester\nEndorsed: Hopkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0100", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, [May? 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nThis communication in the handwriting of William Franklin, but without salutation, date, or signature, exactly fills both sides of a single sheet of paper. Because it deals with a confidential and delicate matter and concludes the last manuscript line with the admonition \u201cDo burn this,\u201d it seems highly likely that William sent it to his father enclosed in some letter dealing with more prosaic topics, and that he wrote it on a separate sheet so that it could be destroyed without injuring the letter it accompanied. An upper corner is torn off, causing the loss of a few words on each side.\nIn the first sentence William mentions Richard Bache\u2019s statement that he had written his prospective father-in-law \u201cof his Misfortune,\u201d and on August 5, Franklin wrote Bache acknowledging a letter of May 21 and saying that he was \u201ctruly sorry to hear of your Misfortune.\u201d Below, p. 220. It seems probable that William sent this paper a few days after May 21, so that, as soon as possible after receiving a statement of the case from Sally\u2019s young man, her father would have other information to help in forming a judgment. Hence it is placed here at the end of May, although it must be recognized that William may not have written and sent it until later in the spring or even during the first part of the summer.\nMr. B. tells me that he has [sent] you an exact Account of his Misfor[tune.]. The Bills are come back protested, a[nd] he says his Brother is bound with him for the Payment of them with Interest, the Creditors having agreed to give up their Claim to Damages, on Account of its being a particular hard Case. But I can\u2019t learn that his Brother gives him the Money to pay the Bills, but only becomes his Surety till he can contrive to get the Money to discharge them himself. But the Amount is greater than the Sum he is worth by his own Account, which Account too I am credibly inform\u2019d must be greatly exaggerated. Mr. Ross[?] told [torn] that Mr. B. had often attempted [to d]eceive him about his Circumstances but that he was well convinced he was not, before this unlucky Affair happened, worth any thing if all his Debts were paid. In short that he is a mere Fortune Hunter, who wants to better his Circumstances [by] marrying into a Family that will support him. For my Part, I dont know what to make of all the different Accounts I hear of him; but I think it evident that these Bills have involved him in a Load of Debt greatly more than he is worth, and that if Sally marries him they must both be entirely dependent on you for Subsistence. For if he should get forward in the World he must repay his Brother. Do burn this.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0101", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Des Cotes & Company, 2 June 1767\nFrom: Cotes, James des, & Co.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nTuesday 2d. June 1767.\nMessrs. James Des Cotes & Company present their Best Compliments To Mr. Franklin. They Sent Him the latter end of March last a Letter from Counsellor Luther in Franckfurth and at the Same time acquainted Him that they were ready to Receive of him and pay him for what Mr. Luther had wrote. Yesterday they Received another Letter of Said Mr. Luther In which he desires to be Informed How long Mr. Franklin proposes to stay here in Town and whether we have Received of Him the Perspective (Suppose Spying Glass). Mr. Franklin is therefore Requested to favour us with an answer That we may Report the Same to Councellor Luther.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0102", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 10 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Father\nBurln. June 10, 1767\nI have before me your two Favours of March 19, and April 11, which came by the Pacquet.\nYour Remarks on the Report of the Board of Trade have been printed, and never any thing met with more general Approbation. Even the Proprietary Party are warm in its Praises. Alexr: Houston, I am told, has acknowledg\u2019d that he did not believe that all the Writers on his Side of the Question put together could produce any Thing equal to it. Our Friend Saml. Smith of this Town says that he thinks all the Provinces in North America ought to join to make it worth your while to reside in England as long as you live. The People of this Province are much pleas\u2019d with your having mentioned New Jersey as one of the Colonies which has guarded against Excess in Paper Currency. They have no Tidings of any Thing being done by their own Agent, in this or any other American Affair; and the Assembly having some Resentment for their being surpriz\u2019d into the Appointment of him, will probably remove him at this Sessions. But who they will appoint in his Stead I cannot guess.\nThe Clamor in England against the Colonies has alarm\u2019d the People here in general. The New-York Assembly I\u2019m told, have voted \u00a33,000 for supplying the King\u2019s Troops with Necessaries, which is to be put into the Hands of Persons who are to provide the same Articles as are required by the Act of Parliament, without taking any more Notice of that Act than if it had never existed. Our Assembly, which is now sitting will, I believe, act nearly on the same Plan. They had, indeed, provided, in the last Act, all the Necessaries mention\u2019d in the Act of Parliament except Cyder, or  Rum in Lieu thereof; but they at the same Time provided some other Things which were not required by that Act; and the Officers and Soldiers quarter\u2019d in this Province have acknowledg\u2019d themselves well satisfied. There are several Letters from England which Mention Governor Moore\u2019s imprudent Letter\u2019s being read in the House of Lords, and I hear \u2019tis likely to occasion some Uneasiness between him and the People at New York. I wish, however, that the Assembly there had done at their last Sitting what they have now done, as it would have sav\u2019d their Friends in the Ministry a great deal of Trouble; and they might too have done it very consistently, if, as you say, they had considered the Act in the Light of a Requisition. As to the Boston Assembly there seems to be no Hopes of any temperate Proceedings from that Quarter, unless Governor Barnard was remov\u2019d, or Otis was to die.\nYou may depend that your Mahogany Press will not be us\u2019d, and I fancy they have avoided meddling with the Letter, but I shall enquire. When Mr. Parker comes this Way I will get him to fix a Value on that and the old Press.\nI am much obliged to you for procuring the Collectorship for my Friend Kollock. I have wrote him that it was obtain\u2019d by a Friend of mine to whom I had apply\u2019d in his Behalf; and have taken Pains to inculcate among our Friends your Aversion to engage in such Applications while you continue Agent. The Reasons you urge for its not being known that you had any Hand in the Affair are undoubtedly of great Weight; and I have contriv\u2019d it so that it is generally suspected that I obtain\u2019d it thro\u2019 Mr. Cooper, with whom, many here have heard, I was acquainted in England. The  David Hall you mention, is a Member of Assembly for Sussex, and had the Proprietary Interest to procure the Office. As the Proprietor has fail\u2019d in his Application, I suppose the Party would if they thought his Want of Success was owing to you, make such another Outcry as they did when they were disappointed in getting the Collectorship of New Castle for one Morris in whose Behalf they had greatly interested themselves. Morris\u2019s Friends and the Proprietor wrote over that you had got the Office for Walker (I think his Name is), and that they were so inform\u2019d at the Treasury. This was generally believ\u2019d to be Truth, and you were much abus\u2019d for using your Interest for a drunken Fellow, and a Stranger, when you might have got it for some Man of Character on this Side of the Water, or have let the Proprietor have procured it for some such. That your not doing this, was making a wanton Use of your Interest merely with a View of thwarting the Proprietor &c. &c. But when the Man arriv\u2019d, and heard these Reports, he declar\u2019d that he was not even known to you, and I have told many that he ow\u2019d his Place to Mr. Trecothick, as you wrote me. But the Proprietary Party, notwithstanding, persevere in declaring that you got it for him, and that they have Letters which mention it. I suppose the Proprietor had heard of the Application you made for that Office in Behalf of some Friend, and concluded, when the Appointment was made, that Walker was the Man. As to the Fees which you have paid, or may pay on Account of Mr. Kollock\u2019s Commission I will be answerable to you for them, and shall be glad you\u2019d acquaint me what they are.\nGovernor Wentworth visited me on his Journey home and lay a Night at my House. I next Morning accompanied him as far as  Trenton Falls, where we spent the Day a Fishing and supp\u2019d together. I think him a very sensible, easy, agreeable Gentleman [remainder missing.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0103", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12 June 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew-York, June 12. 1767.\nThe Bearer of this Dr. Nicholas Falck, is an Inhabitant of this City, and is a Person of a general fair Character:\u2013It is said, he having made some remarkable Discoveries in the Mathematicks and other Sciences, goes to London in order to communicate them to Advantage, and being some Acquaintance of mine, I have presumed to recommend him thus to your Notice: The Nature or Use of his Acquisitions he must inform you of himself, being persuaded that you will be a better Judge, whether they be of Utility or not, than I could pretend to: As I write per Packet I have no more to add now, than that I am with all Respects Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nTo Dr. Franklin London.\nAddressed: For / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London / per Dr Falck\nEndorsed: Parker\n[Notes on address page in BF\u2019s hand:]\nOars for a Man of War\n  A Machine to keep Acct of the Ship\u2019s Way\n  A Quadrant to observe the Sun\u2019s Altitude without a Horizon.\n  A universal Rule for extracting [illegible] with the greatest Simplicity", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0104", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [13 June 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nThe Ilinois affair goes forward but slowly. Lord Shelburne told me again last week, that he highly approved of it, but others were not of his sentiments, particularly the Board of Trade. Lyman is almost out of patience, and now talks of carrying out his settlers without leave.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0105", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 13 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, June 13. 1767.\nIn my last of May 20. I mention\u2019d my Hopes that we should at length get over all Obstructions to the Repeal of the Act restraining the legal Tender of Paper Money. But those Hopes are now greatly lessened.\nThe Ministry had agreed to the Repeal. And the Notion that had possess\u2019d them that they might make a Revenue from Paper Money in appropriating the Interest by Parliament, was pretty  well remov\u2019d by my assuring them that it was my Opinion no Colony would make Money on those Terms, and that the Benefits arising to the Commerce of this Country in America from a plentiful Currency would therefore be lost, and the Repeal answer no End, if the Assemblies were not allow\u2019d to appropriate the Interest themselves; that the Crown might get a great Share of it upon occasional Requisitions I made no doubt, by voluntary Appropriations of the Assemblies; but they would never establish such Funds as to make themselves unnecessary to Government, &c. These and other Reasons that were urged seem\u2019d to satisfy them, and we began to think all would go smoothly, and the Merchants prepar\u2019d their Petition on which the Repeal was to be founded. But, in the House, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer had gone thro\u2019 his propos\u2019d American Revenue, viz. by Duties on Glass, China Ware, Paper Pasteboard, Painters Colours, Tea, &c. Grenville stood up, and undervalued them all as Trifles, and, says he, I\u2019ll tell the honourable Gentleman of a Revenue that will produce something valuable in America: Make Paper Money for the Colonies, issue it upon Loan there; take the Interest and apply it as you think proper. Mr. Townsend, finding the House listned to this and seem\u2019d to like it, stood up again, and said, That was a Proposition of his own, which he had intended to make with the rest, but it had slipt his Memory; and the Gentleman, who must have heard of it, now unfairly would take Advantage of that Slip, and make a Merit to himself of a Proposition that was anothers; and as a Proof of this, assur\u2019d the House that a Bill was prepar\u2019d for the Purpose and would be soon laid before them. This startled all our Friends; and the Merchants concluded to keep back their Petition for a while, till things appear\u2019d a little clearer; lest their Friends in America should blame them as having furnish\u2019d a Foundation for an Act  that must have been disagreable to the Colonies. I found the rest of the Ministry did not like this Proceeding of the Chancellor\u2019s, but there was now no going on with our Scheme against his Declaration; and as he daily talk\u2019d of resigning, there being no good Agreement between him and the rest; and as we found the general Prejudice against the Colonies so strong in the House, that any thing in the Shape of a Favour to them all, was like to meet with great Opposition whether he was out or in, I propos\u2019d to Mr. Jackson the putting our Colony foremost, as at present we stood in a pretty good Light, and asking the Favour for ourselves alone. This he agreed might be proper in case the Chancellor should go out; and undertook to bring in a Bill for that purpose, provided the Philadelphia Merchants would petition for it; and he wish\u2019d to have such Petition ready to present if an Opening for it should offer: Accordingly I apply\u2019d to them, and prepar\u2019d a Draft of a Petition for them to sign, a Copy of which I send you enclos\u2019d. They seem\u2019d generally for the Measure; but apprehending the Merchants of the other Colonies, who had hitherto gone hand in hand with us in all American Affairs, might take Umbrage if we now separated from them, it was thought right to call a Meeting of the whole to consult upon this Proposal. At this Meeting I represented to them as the Ground of the Measure, that the Colonies being generally out of Favour at present, any hard Clause relating to Paper Money in the repealing Bill would more easily be receiv\u2019d in Parliament if the Bill related to all the Colonies: That Pensilvania being in some Degree of Favour, might possibly alone obtain a better Act than the whole could do, as it might by Government be thought as good Policy to show Favour where there had been Obedience as Resentment where there had been the Reverse: That a good Act obtain\u2019d by Pensilvania, might, another Year, when the Resentment against the Colonies should be abated, be made use of as a Precedent for the rest, &c, &c. But after a good deal of Debate, it was finally concluded not to precipitate Matters, it being very dangerous by any kind of Petition relating to Paper Money, to furnish the Chancellor with a Horse on which he would  put what Saddle he thought fit: The other Merchants seem\u2019d rather averse to the Pensilvania Merchants proceeding alone, but said they were certainly at Liberty to do as they thought proper. The Conclusion of the Pensilvania Merchants was, to wait awhile, holding the separate Petition ready to sign and present, if a proper Opening should appear this Session; but otherwise to reserve it to the next, when the Complexion of Ministers and Measures may probably be changed. And as this Session now draws to a Conclusion, I begin to think nothing will be farther done in it this Year.\nMentioning the Merchants puts me in mind of some Discourse I heard among them, that was by no means agreable. It was said that in the Opposition they gave the Stamp Act and their Endeavours to obtain the Repeal, they had spent at their Meetings and in Expresses to all Parts of this Country to obtain Petitions, and for a Vessel to carry the joyful News of the Repeal to North America, and in the Entertainments given our Friends of both Houses, &c. near \u00a31500. That for all this, except from the little Colony of Rhodeisland, they had not received so much as a Thank-ye. That on the contrary, the circular Letters they had written, with the best Intentions, to the Merchants of the several Colonies, containing their best and most friendly Advice, were either answered with unkind Reflections, or contemptuously left without Answer. And that the Captain of the Vessel they sent Express with the News, having met with Misfortunes that oblig\u2019d him to travel by Land through all the Colonies\u2014from New Hampshire to Pensilvania, was every where treated with Neglect and Contempt instead of Civility and Hospitality; and no where more than at Philadelphia, where tho\u2019 he delivered Letters to the Merchants that must make him and his errand known to them, no one took the least Notice of him. I own I was ashamed to hear all this, but insisted there must be some Mistake in the Account. I should not have troubled you with it, but that I think we stand in truth greatly obliged to the Merchants, who are a very respectable Body, and whose Friendship is worth preserving, as it may greatly help us on future Occasions; and therefore I wish some decent Acknowledgments or Thanks were sent them from the Assemblies of the Colonies (since their Correspondents have omitted it) if it be not now thought too late.\nI have said the less lately in my Letters concerning the Petitions, because I hoped this Summer to have an Opportunity of communicating everything viv\u00e2 voce, and there are particulars that cannot safely be trusted to Paper. Perhaps I may be more determined, as to returning, or staying another Winter, when I receive my next Letters from you.\nWe got the Chancellor to drop his Salt Duty. And the Merchants trading to Portugal and Spain (he says) have made such a Clamour about the Intention of suffering Ships to go directly with Wine, Fruit and Oil from those Countries to America, that he has dropt that Scheme; and we are, it seems to labour a little longer under the Inconveniency of the Restraint.\nIt is said the Bill to suspend the Legislatures of New-York and Georgia, till they comply with the Act of Parliament for Quartering of Soldiers, will pass this Session. I fear that Imprudencies on both Sides, may, Step by Step, bring on the most mischievous Consequences. It is imagined here that this Act will enforce an immediate Compliance; and if the People should be quiet, content themselves with the Laws they have, and let the Matter rest, till the Time shall be more in their favour, the Parliament will be greatly disappointed. I wish nothing worse may happen. It seems to me a very extraordinary Act, equally restrictive on the Prerogative of the Crown as on the Privileges of the People: For if the King should in some future War want Aids of those Provinces, he cannot obtain them, till the Act is repeal\u2019d that forbids his acting in Legislation with them.\nThe present Ministry will probably now continue thro\u2019 the Session. But their Disagreement, with the total Inability of Lord Chatham, thro\u2019 bad Health, to do any Business, must bring on some Change before next Winter. I wish it may be for the better, but fear the contrary.\nPlease to present my dutiful Respects to the Assembly, and believe me ever, Dear Sir, Yours, and the Committee\u2019s, most obedient and faithful humble Servant\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway Esqr. Speaker,\n [Enclosure]\nTo the honourable, &c.\nThe Petition of the Merchants trading to Pensilvania Humbly sheweth.\nThat by long Experience in the said Trade the Petitioners have constantly found the Increase or Diminution thereof to depend greatly on a plentiful or scanty Currency.\nThat the present Paper Currency of that Province, being now much diminish\u2019d, and soon to be extinguish\u2019d, the Commerce there already labours, and is in danger of being greatly hurt if not totally ruin\u2019d for want of it.\nThat the Petitioners understand from their Correspondents there, that the Restraint laid by a late Act of Parliament on the making Paper Money with a legal Tender, is the Reason why no more is emitted in that Province; which Act, it is understood was founded on the Supposition that such legal Tender was prejudicial to the Interest of the British Merchants.\nYour Petitioners therefore beg Leave to assure the Honourable House, that in the long Course of their Trade and Dealings with the Province of Pensilvania, they have never suffered any Loss or Inconvenience by the legal Tender of the Bills of Credit in that Province, where a Prudent Care has always been taken to issue the same on good Funds, and to keep the Quantity within due Bounds; and where, in the Courts of Justice, full Satisfaction has ever been given in Discharge of Debts due to the British Merchant, And that on the other Hand they have found the Paper Currency to be of great Use to them, in facilitating the Sale of the Goods exported thither, and rendring the Payment for the same more easy and speedy, at the same time greatly increasing the Demand and Consumption.\nYour Petitioners therefore pray, that the House would take the Premises into Consideration, and repeal the said Restraining Act so far as relates to the Province of Pennsylvania.\nAnd your Petitioners &c.\nEndorsed: Drt. of Petition for the Pensylvania Merchts. May 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0106", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 13 June 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew-York, June 13. 1767.\nThings here in general are much in the same State as they were in my last, only Mr. Foxcroft being returned from Virginia to Philadelphia; you will doubtless hear from him.\nI think I told you, I had sent the Bond for the whole I have had of you to Mrs. Franklin. The first of the inclosed Bill I sent per last Packet, I send this lest any Accident attend it.\nI continue to rub along, all uphill Work: But I don\u2019t yet despair. Is it not Strange, that Holt had rather keep close now above 8 Months, than exhibit his Accounts: He fights me with my own Money, I am concerned about the Affair of Hamilton & Belfour, of which I send inclosed to you a Letter for them, which when you have seen, please send to them. Books and Stationary in general, are grown excessive dull Articles here: Rivington being shut up, Gaine only flourishes in the Business\u2014Noel does indifferently\u2014Weyman declines in all Appearance.\nI had no Line from you for two Packets past, and several Londoners: nor one News-paper from any Body: Capt. Berton sails in a Day or two, by whom I shall send some Papers to Mr. Carter, but I suppose, my Papers will be of little Service or Use to him, and I had rather Pay some Body, that would be punctual: Mr. Potts used formerly to send Papers for Pay; does he do so no more? For if he does, there might be some Dependance.\nB. Mecom stays at New-Haven yet, but I get Nothing of him, nor I fear ever shall: His Post-Office Accounts are not very large, but the Ballance is unpaid yet.\nWe had a cold backward Spring and in Appearance a very dry hot Summer, Crops thin, and Grass very scarce.\nThank God my own Health is beyond my Expectation, or even my Hope; That of my Family is better than it has been known for some Time past: tho\u2019 I have some down now, but not bad. On the whole I have reason to be thankful. With all our humble Respects remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr / Craven Street / London / per Capt. Goddard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0107", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson: Verses on Her Birthday, 15 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nTo Miss Stevenson, on her Birthday, June 15. 1767.\nYou\u2019d have the Custom broke, you say,\nThat marks with festive Mirth your natal Day;\n\u201cBecause as one grows old,\nOne cares not to be told,\nHow many of one\u2019s Years have pass\u2019d away.\u201d\nThat Reason came not from your Heart;\n\u2019Tis given in earnest but by those,\nThe empty Belles and emptier Beaux,\nWho justly may suppose\nTheir outward Frame to be their better Part\nAnd therefore grieve that Time subjects it to Decay.\nGod, who values only Souls,\nHas given yours that outward Case,\nIn which (as Time his Seasons rolls)\nIt may, while here below improve,\nTill, fit for Heav\u2019n above,\nIt shall be brought there, to increase\nThe Happiness of the Place,\nWhere all is Joy and all is Love.\nNo hospitable Man, possess\u2019d of generous Wines,\nWhile they are in his Vaults, repines\nThat Age impairs the Casks; for well he knows\nThe heavenly Juice\nMore fit for Use\nBecomes, and still the older better grows;\nHe only keeps it there \u2019till it refines.\nThen, when the Cooper can no longer\nHold the mouldring Wood together,\n(Though he pretends with Hoops to make it stronger)\nBring, says the Master, Bottles hither:\nTime hurts not Glass: This Wine must be preserv\u2019d\nAnd at my Table serv\u2019d:\nThere thro\u2019 the Chrystal Vase it shines;\nThe chosen Guests enjoy it and extoll it;\nThe happy Company are happier made;\nThis! This is Wine indeed! Pray what d\u2019ye call it?\nO! \u2019tis my Anno Domini! he said.\nThen round and round the chearful Board it flies,\nAnd turns to Wit that never dies.\n Addressed: To / Miss Stevenson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0108", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Osgood Hanbury & Company, 15 June 1767\nFrom: Hanbury, Osgood, & Co.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nTower street 15th. June 1767\nMessrs. Hanbury\u2019s respects to Doctor Franklin and inform him, that upon Captain Bannings coming up this Evening, they find the Ship will not be ready to sail before the 24th. Instant, by which time if the Chariott can be got ready the Captain shall take particular care of it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0109", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 17 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nCravenstreet, June 17. 1767\nWe were greatly disappointed yesterday that we had not the Pleasure, promis\u2019d us, of our dear Polly\u2019s Company.\nYour good Mother would have me write a Line in Answer to your Letter. A Muse, you must know, visited me this Morning! I see you are surpriz\u2019d, as I was. I never saw one before. And shall never see another. So I took the Opportunity of her Help to put the Answer into Verse, because I was some Verse in your Debt ever since you sent me the last Pair of Garters. This Muse appear\u2019d to be no Housewife. I suppose few of them are. She was drest (if the Expression is allowable) in an Undress; a kind of slatternly Neglig\u00e9e, neither neat and clean nor well-made; and she has given the same sort of Dress to my Piece. On reviewing it I would have reform\u2019d the Lines, and made them all of a Length, as I am told Lines ought to be; but I find I can\u2019t lengthen the short ones without stretching them on the Rack, and I think it would be  equally cruel to cut off any Part of the long ones. Besides, the Superfluity of these make up for the Deficiency of those; and so, from a Principle of Justice, I leave them at full Length, that I may give you, at least in one Sense of the Word, good Measure. Adieu, my dear good Girl, and believe me ever Your affectionate faithful Friend\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To / Miss Stevenson / at Mrs. Tickell\u2019s / Church Lane / Kensington\nEndorsed: June 17\u201367", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0110", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 18 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, June 18. 1767\nWith this you will receive a Power of Attorney from Messrs. Brown and Sons, Bankers, to recover a Debt of one Mitchel, which I recommend to your Care. The Case is this, When I was in Philadelphia, this Mitchel came to England on a Scheme for Purchasing some Lands in Partnership with Mr. Hughes, who desired me to give him a Letter of Credit for any Sum he might want under a \u00a31000 Sterling. I did so, Mr. Hughes engaging under his Hand to make it good to me. Mitchel took up \u00a3360 which, with Interest now amounts to near \u00a3400. Brown\u2019s Account is against Mitchel; but he considers me as accountable if Mitchel does not pay, because he credited him upon my Letter. Mr. Hughes writes me, that Mitchel refuses to discharge the Debt to Brown; (I send his Letter): and as Mr. Hughes does not find it convenient at present to indemnify me, I may suffer if Mitchel is not brought to pay. I hope therefore I may rely on your Friendship to give this Matter the utmost Dispatch.\nI never have heard from you what was done in the Affair of Mary Pitts, which I left in your Hands.\nYou will also receive another Power of Attorney from my Friend Collinson, against a Debtor of his, which I recommend in my Friends Behalf to your Attention.\nI hope Mr. Berners will soon hear from you. With great Esteem,\nI am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway Esqr.\n Addressed: To / Joseph Galloway Esqr / Philadelphia / per favour of / The Revd Mr Magaw\nEndorsed: June 9. 1767 B. Franklin Esqr. Answd. Sept. 20. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0111", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 20 June 1767\nFrom: Sargent, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDowning street Saturday 20th June. [1767?]\nMr. Sargent presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and desires the favour of his Company to Dinner on Thursday next to meet Sir Matthew Fetherstone.\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / at Mrs. Stephenson\u2019s / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0112", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 21 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, June 21. 1767\nCapt. Falkener has just been here to bring me your Letters. I rejoice to hear that you and Sally are well. My dear Love to her. I will write to you and all my Friends per next Packet. Some Things go for you in a Case to Mr. Foxcroft from his Brother.\nI send you 4 Handkerchiefs, as a little Present, which please to accept. I bought a Piece and keep half of it. I send also the little Shade that was copied from the great one.\nI am very well, Thanks to God, whom I pray may keep and preserve you well and happy.\nI send a Book on Mr. Harrison\u2019s Watch. Present it from me to our ingenious Friend Mr. Duffeld, with my Love to them and their Children. I am, my dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0113", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 22 June 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, June 22. 1767\nCapt. Falkener is arriv\u2019d, and came yesterday to see me, and bring my Letters. I was extreamly glad of yours, because I had none by the Packet.\nIt seems now as if I should stay here another Winter, and therefore I must leave it to your Judgment to act in the Affair of your Daughter\u2019s Match as shall seem best. If you think it a suitable one, I suppose the sooner it is compleated, the better. In that case, I would only advise that you do not make an expensive feasting Wedding, but conduct every thing with Frugality and Oeconomy, which our Circumstances really now require to be observed in all our Expences; For since my Partnership with Mr. Hall is expired, a great Source of our Income is cut off; and if I should lose the Post Office, which among the many Changes here is far from being unlikely, we should be reduc\u2019d to our Rent and Interest of Money for a Subsistence, which will by no means afford the chargeable Housekeeping and Entertainments we have been used to; for my own Part I live here as frugally as possible not to be destitute of the Comforts of Life, making no Dinners for any body, and contenting my self with a single Dish when I dine at home; and yet such is the Dearness of Living here in every Article, that my Expences amaze me. I see too by the Sums you have received in my Absence, that yours are very great, and I am very sensible that your Situation naturally brings you a great many Visitors which occasion an Expence not easily to be avoided, especially when one has been long in the Practice and Habit of it: But when People\u2019s Incomes are lessened, if they cannot proportionably lessen their Outgoings, they must come to Poverty. If we were young enough to begin Business again, it might be another Matter; but I doubt we are past it; and Business not well managed ruins one faster than no Business. In short, with Frugality and prudent Care  we may subsist decently on what we have, and leave it entire to our Children: but without such Care, we shall not be able to keep it together; it will melt away like Butter in the Sunshine; and we may live long enough to feel the miserable Consequences of our Indiscretion.\nI know very little of the Gentleman or his Character, nor can I at this Distance. I hope his Expectations are not great of any Fortune to be had with our Daughter before our Death. I can only say, that if he proves a good Husband to her, and a good Son to me, he shall find me as good a Father as I can be: but at present I suppose you would agree with me that we cannot do more than fit her out handsomely in Cloaths and Furniture, not exceeding in the whole Five Hundred Pounds, of Value. For the rest, they must depend as you and I did, on their own Industry and Care: as what remains in our Hands will be barely sufficient for our Support, and not enough for them when it comes to be divided at our Decease.\nHaving lately bought a Piece of fine Pocket Handkerchiefs, I send you 4 of them, being Half the Piece; and shall look out for the Quilts you mention, that is, Mrs. Stevenson will, and for the Muff and Snail for Sally. None of the Things are yet come on shore.\nI send you the little Shade that was copied from that great one. If it will be acceptable to my good Friend Mr. Roberts, pray give it to him.\nOur Polly\u2019s Match is quite broke off. The Difference was about Money-Matters. I am not displeas\u2019d at it, as I did not much like the Man, thinking him a mean-spirited mercenary Fellow, and not worthy so valuable a Girl as she is in every Respect, Person, Fortune, Temper, and excellent Understanding.\nSally Franklin is well; her Father who had not seen her for a twelve month, came lately and took her home with him for a few Weeks to see her Friends; he is very desirous I should take her with me to America.\nI suppose the blue Room is too blue, the Wood being of the same Colour with the Paper, and so looks too dark. I would have you finish it as soon as you can, thus. Paint the Wainscot a dead white; Paper the Walls blue, and tack the gilt Border round just above the Surbase and under the Cornish. If the Paper is not equal Coloured when pasted on, let it be brush\u2019d over again with the same Colour: and let the Papier mach\u00e9e musical Figures be tack\u2019d to the middle of the Cieling; when this is done, I think it will look very well.\nWho is the Mrs. Morris you mention, as Mother to Dr. Rush[?] I am glad my Recommendations were of any Service to him.\nI am glad to hear that Sally keeps up and increases the Number of her Friends. The best Wishes of a fond Father for her Happiness always attend her. I am, my dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0114", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Payne, 25 June 1767\nFrom: Payne, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nBrackley 25 June 1767.\nThough I conclude from the long Silence of Mrs. Stevenson that she hath wholly Declin\u2019d the Intention of Purchasing the House at Wappenham I think it not Improper to enclose Mr. Cockeriles Letter that I may have her Instructions what answer to give him. I Continue in the Opinion Imparted in my last That a House of  \u00a340 or \u00a350 Purchase would be more Serviceable To Thos. Walker than A House of Six or Seven pounds a Year. The Rent of which I think would be a Difficult Matter for him to pay. My Wife Joyns me in Respect To Mrs. Stevenson, and I am Sir Your most humble Servant\nJames Payne\nP S I enclose Mrs. Walkers Draught For your Charitable Benefaction which Mrs. Stevenson will pay to my Brother.\n Addressed: For / Benj. Franklin Esqr / at Mrs. Stevensons / in Craven Street / in the Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0115", "content": "Title: King George III: Commission for Determining the New York\u2013New Jersey Boundary, 26 June 1767\nFrom: George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland\nTo: \nBy documents dated June 23 and 24, 1664, the Duke of York granted to his friends, John Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, a tract of land to be called New Ceserea or New Jersey, part of the much larger territory his brother, Charles II, had recently granted him. In these indentures the duke had defined the boundaries of the New Jersey grant in part as running along the Delaware \u201cNorthward as farre as the Northernmost Branch of the said Bay or River of Delaware which is in fourtie one degrees and fourtie Minutes of Lattitude and Crosseth over thence in a Straight Line to Hudsons River in fourty one degrees of Lattitude.\u201d\nAgain and again during the century that followed there were futile efforts to effect an agreement between the two provinces of New York and New Jersey as to precisely where the terminal points on this boundary should be established and, consequently, just where the line itself should run. Individuals occupying lands in the area involved who based their titles on grants from the government of New York or the proprietors of East Jersey were in danger of being ejected by officials from the other province; disturbances inevitably followed, and riots and other outrages were all too common.\nAt last, during the years 1762\u201364 the assemblies and governors of the two provinces passed acceptable acts for the adjudication of the boundary by a royally appointed commission. After some difficulties had been resolved concerning the commissioners to be appointed, the Privy Council committee accepted the draft commission printed below, and on June 26, 1767, the King approved it by order in council.\nApparently the inclusion of Franklin\u2019s name among the appointees was based on the assumption that he would have returned to America before the group would be ready to act. Since he remained in Great Britain until 1775, however, he took no part in the commission\u2019s activities. Actually, only six of the thirteen appointees did appear when, after further delays, the commission held its first formal meeting in July 1769. Ultimately it set the northwesterly end of the boundary line at 41 degrees, 21 minutes, and 37 seconds, north latitude, at the point where the Mackhackimack (Neversink) River flows into the Delaware, and the southeasterly end at the Hudson River at 41 degrees. Though both provinces threatened to appeal the decision to the King, they finally accepted it and passed acts approving the action of the commission. On Nov. 30, 1774, representatives of both provinces reported the completion of the survey and the erection of forty-eight numbered stone monuments at one-mile distances along the whole boundary line.\nGeorge the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. To our Trusty and well beloved John Temple Esqr. Surveyor General of the Customs for the Northern District of America Peter Randolph Esquire Surveyor General of the Customs for the Southern District of America, Charles Stewart Esquire Surveyor General of the Customs for the District of Quebec Andrew Elliot Esquire Receiver General of our Quit-Rents in the province of New York Chambers Russell Esquire Judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty for the Province of the Massachusets Bay, William Allen Esquire Chief Justice of the province of Pensylvania Samuel Holland Esquire Surveyor General of Lands for the Northern District of America William De Brahm Esquire Surveyor General of Lands for the Southern District of America Andrew Oliver Esqr. Secretary of the province of the Massachusets Bay, Charles Morris Esquire Surveyor of Lands and one of the Council of the Province of Nova Scotia, Payton Randolph Esquire Attorney General and one of the Council of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin Esquire of the Province of Pensilvania, and Jared Ingersoll Esquire of the Colony of Connecticut Greeting WhereAS the Boundary or Partition Line between our Colonies of New York and Nova Cesaria or New Jersey from the Station on Hudsons River to the Station on Delawar River hath not hitherto been duly ascertained from which unsettled State of the Boundaries of our said two Colonies not only the Extent of their respective Jurisdictions remains uncertain and the Due and Regular Administration of Government in both Colonies is by that means greatly Impeaded but also frequent and Dangerous Riots have been occasioned and are Still likely to arise as well Concerning the Extent of the respective Jurisdictions as the property of the Soil to the Great Disturbance of the publick peace and the Manifest discouragement of our Good Subjects in the settlement and Improvement of that part of our Dominion. And WhereAS our said Colonies of New York and New Jersey have by acts passed in their respective General Assemblies concurred in Submitting the property of Lands in both Colonies to such a Method of Decision as to us by our Royal Commission or otherwise should seem meet in which Acts they have made provision for defraying the Expence which may attend the Execution of this Salutary Measure and have also appointed agents therein named in behalf of each Colony to manage the said Controversy of which Acts of Assembly laid before us in our Council We have been Graciously pleased to Declare our Royal approbation Know Ye therefore that We reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Knowledge Ability and Integrity, have nominated Authorized and appointed and Do by these presents Nominate authorize and appoint You the said John Temple, Peter Randolph, Charles Stewart, Andrew Elliot Chambers Russell William Allen, Samuel Holland, William De Brahm Andrew Oliver Charles Morris Payton Randolph Benjamin Franklin and Jared Ingersoll or any five or more of You to be our Commissioners for ascertaining Settling Adjusting and Determining the Boundary aforesaid between our said two Colonys of New York and New Jersey in such manner as from sufficient Evidence produced to you shall appear Just and Equitable. Our Will AND Pleasure therefore is, that after Notice shall be given to you and each of you or left at your respective places of Abode by any two of the agents named on the part of the Colony of New York and any two of the Agents named on the part of New Jersey jointly (not seperately) for Managing the said Controversy of this our Royal Commission to you directed and of the Day by the said Agents jointly assigned and appointed for holding the first Meeting at our City of New York within our said Colony being most Conveniently Situated for that purpose at least one Calendar Month before the Day to be by them so appointed for the said first meeting You do repair to our said City on the Day so appointed and there hold Your first meeting from which Day and any future Days of Adjournment You may adjourn to such time and times Place and places as may be most Convenient to you for the furtherance of the Business committed to Your Care hereby directing that of the Commissioners present at any Meeting he who is first named in the List of Commissioners shall preside at such meeting and shall Issue out the necessary Summons for such Witnesses as either party shall require and in Case five of You shall not be present on the Day of your first Meeting or on any other Day of adjournment then such as shall be present or a Majority of them shall and may Adjourn the further Execution of this Commission in manner aforesaid And We do direct that at the first meeting at which five of you shall be present You do make Choice of one or more Clerk or Clerks to enter Your Minutes and proceedings, and also make Choice of one or more Skilful persons as Surveyors to make and prepare Draughts and plans of the Country or Boundaries as from time to time there shall be occasion and to Discover survey and mark out such River or Rivers Branch or Branches thereof Latitudes Lines or Stations as You shall think Necessary and that you do Administer to Such Clerks Surveyors and other Persons as you shall employ an oath, or (if they be of the people called Quakers) an affirmation for the due and faithful Execution of their Trusts which oath or affirmation the Commissioners presiding at your respective meetings are hereby impowered to administer And our further Will and Pleasure is, that in Case either of Our said Colonies shall neglect to send to you our said Commissioner at your first or Second Meeting where five of you shall be present a plain and full State in Writing Signed by two or more of the Agents named on each side as aforesaid of the Demand or p[r]etensions of our said Colonies respectively, Describing where and in what place the Boundaries in Question do begin or Terminate whether that Termination be by a Line or Lines Latitude or Longitude by Rivers or other Waters by Branch or Branches of Rivers and Waters by Hills or Mountains or by any other Mark or Marks whatsoever and to what other Station or Stations the said Boundaries ought to run and in what manner and how far the same ought to run and Extend (to the End that Copies thereof may be mutually Exchanged in order to prevent any unnecessary Delay and that each party may come fully prepared) and in Case either of our said Colonies shall neglect to send to you our said Commissioners at your first or second Meeting where five of you shall be present the Names and places of abode of two of the said Agents of each side residing in their respective Colonies on either of whom or at whose place of abode any Notice Summons or Final Judgment of you our said Commissioners may be served or left, that then in each or either of these Cases you our said Commissioners or any five of you do proceed Exparte in the execution of this our Commission And We do further Direct and Command that no Witness or Witnesses be admitted to give Evidence but such as shall be Sworn or being of the people called Quakers shall take a Solemn Affirmation before you in open Court which Oath or affirmation, you or any five or more of you are hereby Impowered to administer, and that all Interrogatories and Questions which shall be put to such Witnesses before you shall be set down in Writing and that the whole of what such Witnesses shall depose shall also be set down in Writing by the said Clerk or Clerks in the presence of You and of the respective Witnesses, and that the same be read over to and Signed by the respective Witnesses And that You shall appoint such time as You shall find reasonable, within which time all the Witnesses on each side shall be produced to be Examined And We do further order and Direct that Enteries be made of all Charters Grants Deeds plans and other Written proofs received by You as Evidence, and also of all your proceedings and Resolutions and that such plans Maps or Draughts of such Boundaries as shall be agreed upon by You With a full Description thereof be annexed to Your Determination And our further Will and Pleasure is that when you shall have made your final Determination and Signed the same Copies thereof shall be forthwith sent to the two Agents of each of our said respective Colonies whose Names and places of abode have been certified unto You as before mentioned together with Notice of another meeting to be held by You at the distance of two Months or at such further reasonable time not exceeding three Calendar Months as You shall appoint at which future meeting the said Colonies or either of them who shall think themselves aggrieved may by two of their Agents as aforesaid enter their appeal to Us in Our privy Council with a Declaration what parts of the Determination made by you they respectively abide by or appeal from, But if either of Our said Colonies shall not enter their respective Appeals against such Determination at such last meeting, Our Will is that then no appeal shall be afterwards received or admitted, and in Case neither of our said Colonies shall then enter any appeal the Determination of you (being Confirmed by Us in Council) shall be final and Conclusive to both our said Colonies, And further our Will is that each of our said Colonies be permitted to take out at their own respective Expence Copies of the whole or any part of your proceedings to be attested by five or more of You Our Commissioners, and that you do return this our Commission together with all your proceedings thereto annexed attested by five or more of You to Us in Council. And Lastly Our Will is that the Charge of this Commission and of Carrying it into Execution and of You Our Commissioners Your Clerks Surveyors and officers be born and paid in equal Moieties by each of our said Colonies as in the aforementioned Acts of their respective General Assemblies is Stipulated to be done and performed In Witness whereof We have Caused these our Letters to be made patent.\n Endorsed: St. James\u2019s June 26. 1767. Order in Council for appointing Commissioners to settle the Boundary between the Provinces of New York and New Jersey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0116", "content": "Title: Privy Council: Order for a Grant of Land for Benjamin Franklin, 26 June 1767\nFrom: Privy Council\nTo: \nNot content with his share in the Nova Scotia lands granted in October 1765 to Alexander McNutt and a group of Philadelphians (above, XII, 345\u201350), Franklin petitioned the Privy Council in January or February 1766 for a grant in his own name for 20,000 acres, wherever he or his agent might choose them in Nova Scotia. On Feb. 10, 1766, the Privy Council referred the application to the Board of Trade for report and recommendation; above, XIII, 123.\nThe Board seems to have been in no hurry to act, for it allowed this application and several other requests for Nova Scotia lands made during 1765\u201366 to remain unnoticed in its files until the spring of 1767. Then, after consideration on May 15 and 21, the Board submitted two reports on May 28 dealing with these applications. The Privy Council Committee considered these documents and on June 12 adopted its own reports embodying the Board\u2019s recommendations. The paper relating to the grants for Franklin and some other individuals contained several specific \u201cConditions and Reservations.\u201d When the Privy Council acted in plenary session on June 26 it incorporated these provisions almost verbatim in its order for each individual grant.\nWhereas Application hath been made to His Majesty at this Board, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. Praying for a Grant of Lands, in His Majesty\u2019s Province of Nova Scotia, in Order to make a Settlement thereupon; His Majesty this day took the same into Consideration, and having received the Opinion, of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and also of a Committee of the Lords, of His Majestys most Honourable Privy Council thereupon, is hereby pleased, with the Advice of His Privy Council, to order, that the Governor or Commander in Chief, of His Majestys Province of Nova Scotia for the time being, do immediately upon the Receipt hereof, cause twenty thousand Acres of Land to be Surveyed in one Contiguous Tract, (Conformable to the directions of His Majesty\u2019s Instructions, with regard to the Manner of laying out Grants of Land) in such part on the Continent of the said Province as the said Benjamin Franklin or his Agent shall Chuse, not already granted or Surveyed to others nor Allotted for Townships already engaged to be Settled, and not possessed or Claimed by the Indians, and that upon a return of such Survey, he do pass a Grant for the same to the said Benjamin Franklin, under the Seal of the said Province, upon the following Terms, Conditions and Reservations Vizt.\n1st. That the Grantee do Settle the Lands within ten Years from the date of the Grant, in the proportion of one person for two hundred Acres, in failure whereof, the Lands to Revert to His Majesty his Heirs and Successors.\n2d. That the Conditions of Cultivation and Improvements, be the same as those directed in His Majesty\u2019s Instructions, to the Governor of the said Province.\n3rd. That the Settlers so to be Introduced, be protestants from such parts of Europe, as are not within his Majesty\u2019s Dominions or such persons, as have resided within His Majestys Dominions in America, for two Years Antecedent to the date of the Grant.\n4th. That an Annual Quit Rent of two shillings for every hundred Acres, be reserved to His Majesty his Heirs and Successors, Payable on the Feast of St. Michael in every Year, the first Payment to Commence on the said Feast of St. Michael which shall first happen, after the Expiration of Ten Years from the date of the Grant.\n5th That there be a Reservation to His Majesty His Heirs and Successors of all those parts of the Lands, which the Surveyor shall upon the return of the Survey, Report to be proper for erecting Fortifications, Publick Wharfs and Naval Yards, or for other Military Purposes, and a Reservation of an Entire Liberty to All His Majesty\u2019s Subjects, to Fish upon the Coast of the said Tract where such Tract Abutts upon the Sea Shore.\n6th. That there be a reservation to His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, of all Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead and Coals;\n7th. That there be also a Reservation to His Majesty his Heirs and Successors, of all White or other Pine Trees, of the Growth of twenty four Inches Diameter and upwards, at twelve Inches from the Earth, and that if such Trees shall be cut or felled without Licence for so doing, either from the Surveyor General of the Woods, or his Deputy, or from the Governor of the Province for the time being, the Lot or Share of Land on which they shall be so cut, shall be forfeited and the Lands Revert to His Majesty His Heirs and Successors.\nAnd the Governor or Commander in Chief, of His Majesty\u2019s Province of Nova Scotia for the time being, and all others whom it may Concern, are required to Carry his Majesty\u2019s Commands hereby Signified into Execution.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0117", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Rich, [June\u2013August 1767]\nFrom: Rich, Mary\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nGrosvenor Square Monday [June-August 1767?]\nMiss Rich is very unwilling to trouble Mr. Franklin again about the Glass Instrument, well knowing that every moment of his time is employ\u2019d in things of much greater Consequence; but not having been well lately, She is apprehensive She May be sent suddenly to the Bath, and cannot help wishing to recieve from Him some Little Idea of the practice of it before she goes. She has just heard that Miss Davies has been performing at Roupells with great Applause.\n Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / in Craven Street / in the / Strand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0118", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Count Sarsfield, [June 1767]\nFrom: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nTuesday [June 1767]\nCount Sarsfield\u2019s compliments to Dr. Franklin and desires to know if he will be at home about Eleven, because the count can\u2019t tomorrow have the honour to Call on him for Some material business hinders him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0119", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin (I), 3 July 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, July 3. 1767.\nWith this you will receive a Box with 2 of the Petticoats quilted in the Loom; one for you, the other for Sally\u2014also a Negligee and Petticoat for Sally, and some Snail. I shall write more fully per Pacquet next Week. I can now only add that I am, Your ever loving Husband\nB Franklin\nPS. I have been ill this Week past with the epidemical Cold that every body has had, or I should have written to all my Friends by this Conveyance; but I am getting well again very fast.\n Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / per favour of / Capt. Chambers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0120", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin (II), 3 July 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, July 3. 1767.\nMy Friend Mr. Neave calling to acquaint me of his going, I write this Line to let you know that I am well at present, tho\u2019 I have been all last Week so ill with the general Cold and Fever which everybody has had, that I could not hold a Pen, or I should have written fully by him to you and all my Friends as I intended. But the Packet goes next Week by which I purpose answering the Number of Letters I have lately received by Falkner, Friend, and the Pacquet. My Love to Sally and all enquiring Friends. I am Your ever loving Husband\nB Franklin\nI recommend Mr. Neave to your Civilities.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0122", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rudolphe Erich Raspe, 6 July 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Raspe, Rudolph Erich\nDear Sir,\nLondon, July 6. 1767\nI received long since your Favours of Feb. 10. and March 3. I need not tell you I am the worst Correspondent in the World; you are convinc\u2019d of it, as is every one else that does me the Honour of writing to me. If I were younger, I might hope to mend this Fault; I wish Age, or any thing else could excuse it; I can now only confess, and hope my Friends will forgive it.\nI am not yet certain that I shall return to Pensilvania this Summer. It would really be a great Pleasure to me to have your Company thither, if I could assure you of any Employment worthy your Learning and Abilities. Sir John Pringle and myself both wish to see you here, and he frequently speaks of you to such as we imagine may have any Influence in facilitating it, but as yet without Effect. We think the Lights you would obtain among our Philosophers here, might be serviceable to your Prince and Country on your Return; and that the Prospect of this, if properly represented to those in Power, might induce them to direct your making the Journey, and provide that it should be without Expence to yourself. We have no doubt that your Merits will in time bring you into a more advantageous Situation than the present, and wish we could any way contribute to accelerate it.\nI am much oblig\u2019d to Mr. Andreae and to you for sending me those ingenious Alchemistic Letters. Pray present my Compliments to him. I forwarded the other Copy to Dr. Lewis. I shall endeavour to get and read the Essay on Lime that you mention.\nI wish, for their own sakes, as well as for yours, that the Reviewers had behaved more properly. If I had had any Influence with them, they would have done so.\nThe new Edition of my Electric Letters is not yet finish\u2019d, I purpose to send you a Copy as soon as it is ready. There is already a Translation in German of the former Edition, but there are now great Additions; tho\u2019 the Subject being now less in Vogue, I doubt whether it can be worth your while to translate them.\nI shall be glad to see Professor Meister\u2019s Account of my Armonica, as well as yours in the German Bibliotheque of Belles Lettres, in which you so kindly defend the Character and Reputation of your Friend. I wish your Artist may succeed in making the Armonica. Mr. Professor Gatzert has heard that Instrument plaid upon here by an excellent Hand, and can give you some Account of the great Sweetness of its Tones, and the fine Harmony it produces.\nWith this I send you a Copy that has been printed here of my Examination before the House of Commons upon the Affair of the Stamp Act, the Session before the last; supposing it may afford you some Amusement.\nI inclose you two Letters, one from Mr. Canton, the other from Dr. Knight, which I have had in my Hands too long, waiting for an Opportunity of sending them to you without Charge of Postage. With sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately\nB Franklin\nMr. Raspe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0123", "content": "Title: Note Respecting Trade and Manufactures, 7 July 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThis memorandum may have been intended as a newspaper article, although the editors have not discovered any printing of it in the London or Philadelphia papers. On the other hand, BF may have written it only for his own or his friends\u2019 amusement. The manuscript is badly torn along its right side, so that many words are lost. The missing words have been supplied from William Temple Franklin\u2019s printing of the document.\nLondon, July 7. 1767.\nSuppose a Country, X, with three Man[ufactures] as Cloth, Silk, Iron, supplying 3 other Co[untries,] A, B, C; but is desirous of increasing the Vent [and] raising the Price of Cloth; in favour of her own Clo[thiers.]\nIn order to this, she forbids the Importati[on of] foreign Cloth from A.\nA in return forbids Silks from X.\nThen the Silk workers complain [of a decay] of Trade.\nAnd X to content th[em, forbids silks from B.]\nB in return forbids [iron-ware from X.]\nThen the Iron workers complain of [decay.]\nAnd X forbids the Importation of Iron [from] C.\nC in return forbids Cloth from X.\nWhat is got by all these Prohibitions?\nAnswer, All four find their common Stock of Enjoyments and Conveniences of Life diminished.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0124", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 13 July 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Collinson, Peter\nDear Friend\nLondon, July 13. 1767\nI have heard of an Account you lately received from Russia of some Discovery of an ancient Sepulchre in the Frontiers of that Country. I wish I could see that Account. In the mean time I send you a Passage I have met with in Herodotus, that most ancient Historian, concerning the Sepulchres of the Sythian Kings, which may possibly throw some Light on this Discovery. The Boristhenes you know is a River that takes its Rise in the North, and empties itself into the Euxine Sea. I am, as ever, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin \n[Enclosure]\nThe Sepulchres of the Scythian Kings are in the Country of the Gerrhians, where the Borysthenes is first known to be navigable. When their King dies, they dig a great Hole in the Ground, of a quadrangular form, and having receiv\u2019d the Body cover\u2019d with Wax, they open and cleanse the Belly, filling the Space with bruis\u2019d Cypress, Incense, Seeds of Parsley, and Anis: And after they have sow\u2019d up the Belly again, they carry the Body in a Chariot to another Province; where, those who receive it imitate the Royal Scythians in the following Custom. They cut off part of one Ear; shave their Heads; wound themselves on the Arms, Forehead, and Nose; and pierce the left Hand with an Arrow. Having done thus, they accompany the Chariot to another District; and this Manner is observ\u2019d in every Province; \u2019till having carried the dead Body of the King thro\u2019 all his Dominions, they bury him in the Country of the Gerrhians, who inhabit the remotest parts of the Kingdom. Here they lay him in the Sepulchre, upon a Bed incompass\u2019d on all Sides with Spears; which they cover with Timber, and spread a Canopy over the whole Monument. In the Spaces that remain vacant, they place one of the king\u2019s Concubines strangled; with a Cup Bearer; a Cook; a Groom; a Waiter; a Messenger; certain Horses; and some of all Things necessary. To these they add Cups of Gold; because Silver and Brass are not used amongst them. This done, they throw up the Earth with great Diligence, and endeavour to raise the Mount as high as Possibly they can.\nHerodotus, Book IV.\n  Addressed: To / Peter Collinson, Esqr. / Mill Hill / To be left at No 39 in Grace church Street\nEndorsed: Pryer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0125", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Baker, 13 July 1767\nFrom: Baker, George\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonday 11 o\u2019clock 13. July, 1767\nDr. Baker waited on Dr. Franklyn, in order to shew him the inclosed paper, which is extracted from a paper which Dr. B. is to read this afternoon at the College of Physicians.\nIf Dr. Franklyn has any thing to object, or to add, Dr. B. will take it as a particular favour, if he will send his alterations to him in Jermyn-Street.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter and Michael Collinson, 14 July 1767\nFrom: Collinson, Peter,Collinson, Michael\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMill Hill Tuesday 14: July 1767\nP Collinson and Son\u2019s Respects to their Good Friend Benn: Franklin Request the favour to Enjoye His company at Mill-Hill any  Day this Week that it Suites Him: to Make his Stay more Agreeable\u2014I have by this Post requested the like favour, of Doct. Solander. I hope you Two Gentlemen will Concert Measures, to Come together, but if that can\u2019t conveniently Be; pray Come your Self. The Stage comes every Day from the Bull Inn Holbourn near St. Andrews Church.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0129", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Sherwood, 28 July 1767\nFrom: Sherwood, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n28th. July 1767\nJoseph Sherwood\u2019s respects to Benjn. Franklyn Esqr., Sherwood has Inclosed a Draught of a Case to be laid before the Attorney General, as clear as Sherwood is able to do it, with the materials he has got, Sherwood desires his Friend Franklyn will give it an Attentive Perusal and Amend it as Occasion shall require, Sherwood will call in Craven Street in a day or two.\nBenjn Franklyn Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0130", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mr. Pomeroy, 1 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Pomeroy, Mr. \u2014\u2014\nSir\nCravenstreet Augt. 1. 67\nI yesterday had the Pleasure of receiving the enclosed from Dr. Robertson, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, in answer to mine relating to Mr. Cooper, of which I send you a Copy. I feel myself happy in having been any way instrumental in procuring an Honour so justly due to that Gentleman\u2019s uncommon Merit. As soon as I receive the Diploma, I shall hand it to you for Conveyance to Boston. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nMr. Pomeroy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0131", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 1 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Price, Richard\nReverend and dear Sir,\nCravenstreet Saturday Aug 1. 67\nLast Night I received a Letter from Dr. Robertson, acquainting me that the University of Edinburgh have on my Recommendation conferr\u2019d the Degree of Dr. in Divinity upon the Revd. Mr. Cooper of Boston: an Event, that when I last had the Pleasure of seeing you, you may remember I was desirous of waiting for, before I should be concern\u2019d in any new Application of the same kind. And indeed as I have made three already, I begin to feel a little unwilling to apply again immediately to the same University in favour of another, lest they should think me troublesome; tho\u2019 they have hitherto been very obliging. And recollecting that you mention\u2019d your having a Correspondence with the Principal of the College at Glasgow, I now purpose applying to that University for Mr. Elliot\u2019s Degree, if you approve of it, and will with Mr. Radcliffe address your recommendation to the same Place, to accompany mine. Please to present my respectful Compliments to  Mrs. Price and Mrs. Barker; and believe me, with sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0132", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel] Potts, 3 August 1767\nFrom: Potts, Samuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nGenl. Post Office Augt. 3: 1767\nMr. Potts presents his Compliments to Mr. Frankland and desires the favour of his Company to dine on a Buck of the Postmaster Generals on Wednesday next at the Kings Arms in Cornhill at 3 in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 5 [August] 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Evans, Cadwalader\nDear Doctor:\nLondon, May [Aug.] 5, 1767.\nI received your obliging favour of May 16. I am always glad to hear from you when you have Leisure to write, and I expect no Apologies for your not Writing. I wish all correspondence was on the Foot of Writing and answering when one can, or when one is dispos\u2019d to it, without the compulsions of Ceremony. I am pleased with your Scheme of a medical Library, at the Hospital; and I fancy I can procure you some Donations among my medical Friends here, if you will send me a Catalogue of what Books you already have. Inclos\u2019d I send you the only Book of the kind in my Possession here, having just receiv\u2019d it as a Present from the Author. It is not yet published to be sold, and will not be for some time, till the second Part is ready to accompany it.\nI thank you for your Remarks on the Gout. They may be useful to me who have already had some Touches of that Distemper. As to Lord Chatham, it is said that his Constitution is totally destroy\u2019d and gone, partly thro\u2019 the violence of the Disease, and partly by his own continual Quacking with it. There is at present no Access to him; he is said to be not capable of receiving any more than of giving advice. But still there is such a Deference paid to him that much business is delay\u2019d on his account, that so when entered on it may have the Strength of his Concurrence, or not be liable to his Reprehension if he should recover his Ability and Activity. The ministry we at present have, has not been looked upon, either by itself or others, as settled, which is another Cause of postponing every thing not immediately necessary to be considered. New Men, and perhaps new Measures are often expected and apprehended, whence arise continual Cabals, Factions and Intrigues among the Outs and Ins, that keep every thing in Confusion. And when Affairs will mend, is very uncertain. With great Esteem I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0136", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, Augt 5. 1767\nI have now before me all your late Letters, and shall answer them Article by Article.\nCapt. Ourry din\u2019d here a few Days since, and thanks you for remembering him, desiring his Respects to you and Sally\u2014Mr. Strahan and Family the same.\nI received the Bill sent per Mr. Potts, and suppose it will be duly paid. You will return him the Overplus.\nI wish I could take my Passage this time with Capt. Falkener. I was on board the other day with Mr. and Mrs. West, Mrs. Stevenson and Mr. Hopkinson, to drink Tea. \u2019Tis a fine Ship, and I think it not unlikely that I may go with him next time, as he is a very kind good Friend whom I much respect.\nThe Nocake proves very good, and I thank you for it. I am glad you go sometimes to Burlington. The Harmony you mention in our Family and among our Children gives me great Pleasure.\nI am sorry to hear of the Death of our old Friend Debbey Norris. She was a worthy good Woman, and will be miss\u2019d.\nIf I can in any shape be of Service to Mr. Francis you may depend I shall do it, being much concern\u2019d for his Misfortune. I am told the Affair is like to turn out better for [him?] than was expected.\nI will [torn] Shades done as you desire.\n[Sally Franklin is] now in the Country with her Father. [torn] Child, and a very good Girl. I think you would like her, and her Father wishes I would take her over with me; but I object to it, as the Care of educating other People\u2019s Children is a Trust too weighty for us as we grow old. He is still a Widower, and is between 40 and 50. His Name is Thomas Franklin; how came you to call him Billy Franklin?\nI receiv\u2019d the Watch-Chain which you say you send to be put to rights. I do not see what it wants. Mrs. Stevenson says it is too old fashion\u2019d for Sally, and advises sending the Watch also, to be chang\u2019d away for a new Watch and Chain.\nIn your last Letters you say nothing concerning Mr. Bache. The Misfortune that has lately happened to his Affairs, tho\u2019 it may not lessen his Character as an honest or a prudent Man, will probably induce him to forbear entering hastily into a State that must require a great Addition to his Expence, when he will be less able to supply it. If you think that in the mean time it will be some Amusement to Sally to visit her Friends here and return with me, I should have no objection to her coming over with Capt. Falkener, provided Mrs. Falkener comes at the same time as is talk\u2019d of. I think too it might be some Improvement to her.\nI am at present meditating a Journey somewhere. Perhaps to Bath and Bristol; as I begin to find a little Giddiness in my Head, a Token that I want the Exercise I have yearly been accustomed to.\nI long to see you and be with you, being as ever, my dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband\nB Franklin\nMy Love to Sally. I shall write her by to morrow\u2019s Packet, and several other Friends shall send the Letters I intended per Capt. Falkener, as they will probably get sooner to hand.\nThere is a Muffcase for Sally on board Capt. Falkener, containing a Scarlet Muff, her Buckle mended, a Ring for Miss Ross, a Pair of Mitts, and some Pamphlets for Cousin Davenport.\nCapt. Ourry just come in, sends the enclos\u2019d.\n Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / per favour of / [Capt] Falkener", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0137", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Penington, 5 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Penington, Edward\nSir,\nLondon, Augt. 5. 1767\nI received yours of May 21. and 25. with a Letter and Papers enclos\u2019d for Mrs. Penn, which I forwarded. Yours of June 8. is since come to hand, with one for her by the Name of Durdin. She will now change neither her Name nor her Mind any more, for I hear she is dead. I have nevertheless seal\u2019d and forwarded the Letter to Ireland. They were strange fickle People, and I think you have been very ill used by them. Whether you will ever obtain any Recompence for the Trouble you have taken in their Affairs, is very uncertain. Possibly as you are now so well acquainted with all Circumstances relating to the Lands, Lots, &c. those whose Right they now are may find it their Interest to apply to and consider you. If they should, you may get some Satisfaction. I do not know Major Fell or Springett\u2019s Sister. I fancy they live in Ireland, out of my Way. I am sorry this Affair has not turned out of some Advantage to you; and hope you will excuse any Share I had in recommending you, as it was well intended tho\u2019 unsuccessful. I am, with sincere Regard, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nP.S. Augt. 8. I have just heard that Major Fell is in Town and very much at the Proprietor\u2019s.\nMr. Pennington\n Endorsed: Augt. 5th. 1767 from B Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0142", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 August 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNew York, Aug. 24. 1767.\nAll yours of April 14. May 23. and June 12. I received within a few Days of each other: I congratulate you, on the Renewal of your Commission. Thank you for all your kind Advice, and as Mr. Foxcroft has since appointed Mr. Babcock at New Haven, I am glad my Sentiments tallied with both yours.\nI have received the Chronicles by the two last Packets from Mr. Potts: I shall send him now one Guinea, and as fast as it is due,  more: By all Merchantmen I shall send Mr. Kar[r] Papers, and by the Packet both to Mr. Potts and you.\nI think you will have seen the Pieces you recommend already in my Paper, I continue to swim as it were against Tide, I make but slow Advances, yet I think I do get a-head: If I finally conquer, it will shew the surprizing Power of Diligence and Perseverance: for I have scarce had the Appearance of one fortunate Chance in common: Even not one Packet, till that by which this comes over arrived since I have been here, between Monday and Thursday, but always for the other Time: and this had been too long to bring any Thing; and yet I every Week get one or so: tho\u2019 Pay will doubtless be bad, as Times are distressing to many. However, I don\u2019t yet despair, notwithstanding, I have almost constant Sickness in my Family: My Son just recovering from a very violent Spell, Myself have had about 10 Days a smart Paroxysm of the Gout which now seems going off.\nEvery Thing sent is come safe, and I would have sent a Power to you now: but the Time is too sudden for this Packet, I shall try by the next, but I spoke to the Surveyor General some time ago, and he says, the Certificate of my being in the Office was sent some time ago to the Board, under the Broad Seal of this Place signed by the Governor; which is the standing Testimonial: Mr. Colden tells me, that is all that is needful: Nevertheless, as I took two of those Certificates, I will send you the other with the Power.\nI will pay Mr. Miller the ten Guineas you order in a few Days: I expect Mr. Foxcroft here soon; and I suppose he will go to New-Haven\u2014Mr. Ingersol appoints me to come up the Beginning of October, when the Auditors are to meet to proceed: I shall give such Evidence as is Truth, let it fall for or against me: Holt keeps close, or else our Sheriff is dishonest\u2014Our Friend Hughes keeps close still, but follows his School yet.\nA Merchantman sails in a Day or two, perhaps he may stay till my next Paper: If he does shall write again. Almost all the Vessels of late from Europe here have had long Passages.\nAll my Family; being Wife, Son and Daughter join in humble Respects with Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\nTo Dr. Franklin London\n Endorsed: J. Parker, from Aug 8 to Oct. 1. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 28 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child\nLondon, Augt. 28. 1767\nI have staid too long in London this Summer, and now sensibly feel the Want of my usual Journey to preserve my Health. Therefore I this Morning am to set for a Trip to Paris. Sir John Pringle, the Queen\u2019s Physician, goes with me. He has Leave for Six Weeks only, her Majesty being again pregnant. I shall write to you from thence. I receiv\u2019d yours by Sir John Peyton. Mrs. Stevenson will forward the Things you write for. My Love to all. I am, ever, Your affectionate Husband\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0146", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 28 August 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son,\nLondon, August 28, 1767.\nI have no letter of yours since my last, in which I answered all preceding ones.\nLast week I dined at Lord Shelburne\u2019s, and had a long conversation with him and Mr. Conway (there being no other company), on the subject of reducing American expence. They have it in contemplation to return the management of Indian affairs into the hands of the several provinces on which the nations border, that the colonies may bear the charge of treaties, &c. which they think will then be managed more frugally, the treasury being tired with the immense drafts of the superintendants, &c. I took the opportunity of urging it as one means of saving expence in supporting the out-posts, that a settlement should be made in the Illinois country; expatiated on the various advantages, viz. furnishing provisions cheaper to the garrisons, securing the country, retaining the trade, raising a strength there which on occasion of a future war, might easily be poured down the Missisippi upon the lower country, and into the Bay of Mexico, to be used against Cuba, or Mexico itself, &c. I mentioned your plan, its being approved by Sir William Johnson, the readiness and ability of the gentlemen concerned to carry the settlement into execution with very little expence to the crown, &c. &c. The Secretaries appeared finally to be fully convinced, and there remained no obstacle but the Board of Trade, which was to be brought over privately before the matter should be referred to them officially. In case of laying aside the Superintendants, a provision was thought of for Sir William Johnson, &c. We had a good deal of farther discourse on American affairs, particularly on paper money: Lord Shelburne declared himself fully convinced of the utility of taking off the restraint, by my answer to the report of the Board of Trade. General Conway had not seen it, and desired me to send it to him, which I did next morning. They gave me expectation of a repeal next session, Lord Clare being come over: but they said there was some difficulty with others at the board who had signed that report: for there was a good deal in what Soame Jenyns had laughingly said when asked to concur in some measure, I have no kind of objection to it, provided we have heretofore signed nothing to the contrary. In this conversation I did not forget our main Pennsylvania business, and I think made some farther progress, though but little. The two Secretaries seemed intent upon preparing business for next parliament, which makes me think, that the late projects of changes are now quite over, and that they expect to continue in place. But whether they will do much or little, I cannot say.\nDu Guerchy the French Ambassador is gone home, and Monsieur Durand is left Minister Plenipotentiary. He is extremely curious to inform himself in the affairs of America; pretends to have a great esteem for me, on account of the abilities shown in my examination; has desired to have all my political writings, invited me to dine with him, was very inquisitive, treated me with great civility, makes me visits, &c. I fancy that intriguing nation would like very well to meddle on occasion, and blow up the coals between Britain and her colonies; but I hope we shall give them no opportunity.\nI write this in a great hurry, being setting out in an hour on another journey with my steady good friend Sir John Pringle. We propose to visit Paris. Durand has given me letters of recommendation to the Lord knows who. I am told I shall meet with great respect there; but winds change and perhaps it will be full as well if I do not. We shall be gone about six weeks. I have a little private commission to transact of which more another time. Communicate nothing of this letter but privately to our friend Galloway. I am your affectionate father,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 1 September 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork, Sept. 1. 1767\nHaving wrote twice since 8 Days ago, I have not any Thing material to write now only that I have not been able yet to execute a proper Power: Indeed, the chief Reason is for some Weeks past, I have had the Gout wandering from Limb to Limb, and tho\u2019 none so very violent as to lay me quite up, yet so much, that I have no sooner Ease in one Part, than I have fresh pain in another, and I every Day hoping I should be better, have put it off from Day to Day, and yet the Disease hangs upon me: This is one of the greatest Discouragements I have, as I struggle continually to get the better of it, as well as of others, of which I seem to have a double Share: Nothing however, short of Death shall hinder me from striving against them all: I have had the Gout most in my Hands and Arms, my Ancle next, and my Toes least, Tho\u2019 no Part is exempted. I suppose by the Time of the next Packet Mr. Foxcroft will be here, in order to proceed to New Haven. I hope I may be well enough to go thither, as I wish that Affair finished. Mr. Chew, I have Reason to think has failed. He is in Arrear, and pleads that you promis\u2019d to allow him Pay for hiring some Riders up the River in the Years 1755 and 1756: and Mr. Foxcroft nor I know any Thing about the Matter: I suppose Mr. Foxcroft will write to you; but he thinks Mr. Chew must be displaced: The same Paper I sent you Thursday last by a Merchantman\u2014Almost all the Vessels from Europe have had long Passages this Summer. We all send our Respects whilst I am Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Craven-Street / London / per Packet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Michell, 6 September 1767\nFrom: Michell, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nNewark 6 Sept 1767\nI am just returned to Newark from an expedition into Yorkshire to see Thornhill, the place I told you I was going to remove to. In my return, I came through Sheffield, where I enquired after the Stands for small Wax Candles, with nippers, such as Mrs. Stevenson wanted; but found there were none of them made yet of the plated ware, by any of the workmen in that way. I talked however to the first person, who began that business, (and who I believe is the best man to be depended upon, though there are others, that carry on a larger manufacture in it) and he told me, he apprehended, they would come to about 14s. or 15s. apiece, and the manner, in which he talked of doing them seemed to me very judicious and such as would make them firm and good. If Mrs. Stevenson has a mind to have one or more, I will write to Sheffield about it, and I hope it will not be long before I can procure it for her, though Mr. Hancock, the person I mean to apply to, is apt to be a little dilatory in any new things, that they have not been used to make before; but as this is a very small thing, that does not want many new tools, and is likely enough to make an addition to the trade, it is probable Mr. Hancock will make no scruple of making the necessary tools immediately.\nThe house at Thornhill I found a large and good one, with a great deal of pretty good, and some very good room in it, and with a very moderate expence, I think, I can make it a very good house: the country also, I think, a very agreable one; but there is not much company nearer than within two or three miles; but I shall probably be able to give you a more exact account of Matters after I have been settled there a little while. I propose to leave Newark in about three weeks, and to remove immediately to Thornhill.\nI hope this will find yourself and all friends in London in good health. Sir J. Pringle, I see by the Papers, is gone to France; I hope it is rather a journey of pleasure and amusement, than what he thinks necessary for his health. I must beg you to present my due respects to all friends. With all good wishes, I am, Dear Sir, Your obedient Servant\nJ. Michell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0150", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Baskerville, 7 September 1767\nFrom: Baskerville, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nEasy Hill, Birmm. 7 Sepr. 1767\nAfter having obtained the Reputation of excelling in the most useful Art known to Mankind; of which I have your Testimony; Is it not to the last Degree provoking, that I cannot get even bread by it? I must starve, had I no other Dependence.\nI have offered the London Booksellers to print for them within 5 per Cent. as low as their common Currency, but can not get from them a single Jobb.\nI offered my whole Apparatus of Letter founding, printing &c. to the Court of France by the Duke de Nivernois when he was Ambassador here for \u00a38000. which was politely refused as being too large a Sum.\nMr. Godfroy, who may be heard of at Mr. Sayde\u2019s Optitian to the King, lately told our good Friend Mr. Boulton, that France wished to be possessed of my printing &c. on moderate Terms, in which I heartily join.\nThe Intention of this is therefore, to beg the Favor of you to propose and recommend this Affair, as Mr. Godfroy may point out the Way. I want only to set on Foot a Treaty; if they will not come to my Terms, I may possibly come to theirs.\nSuppose we reduce the price to \u00a36000. Lewis the 14th would have given three times that Sum, or Czar Peter. Let the Reason of my parting with it be, the Death of my Son and intended Successor, and having acquired a moderate Fortune, I wish to consult my Ease in the Afternoon of Life, as I am now turn\u2019d of 60. I am Dear Sir with the greatest Esteem your most obedient humble Servant\nJohn Baskerville\n Endorsed: Mr. Baskerville Sept. 7. 67", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Sherwood, 11 September 1767\nFrom: Sherwood, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nWarnford Court, Throgmorton Street11th. September 1767.\nJoseph Sherwood Presents his Respects to B. Franklyn Esqr. and Informs him, that Sherwood Attended at his Lodgings the beginning of the Week, with the Papers &c. ready to send to Charles Read Esqr.\n Addressed: For / Benjn. Franklyn Esqr. / at Mrs. Stephensons / Craven Street / Strand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0152", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 14 September 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDear Polly\nParis, Sept. 14. 1767\nI am always pleas\u2019d with a Letter from you, and I flatter myself you may be sometimes pleas\u2019d in receiving one from me, tho\u2019 it should be of little Importance, such as this, which is to consist of a few occasional Remarks made here and in my Journey hither.\nSoon after I left you in that agreable Society at Bromley, I took the Resolution of making a Trip with Sir John Pringle into France. We set out the 28th past. All the way to Dover we were furnished with Post Chaises hung so as to lean forward, the Top coming down over one\u2019s Eyes, like a Hood, as if to prevent one\u2019s seeing the Country, which being one of my great Pleasures, I was engag\u2019d in perpetual Disputes with the Innkeepers, Hostlers and Postillions about getting the Straps taken up a Hole or two before, and let down as much behind, they insisting that the Chaise leaning forward was an Ease to the Horses, and that the contrary would kill them. I suppose the Chaise leaning forward looks to them like a Willingness to go forward; and that its hanging back shows a Reluctance. They added other Reasons that were no Reasons at all, and made me, as upon a 100 other Occasions, almost wish that Mankind had never been endow\u2019d with a reasoning Faculty, since they know so little how to make use of it, and so often mislead  themselves by it; and that they had been furnish\u2019d with a good sensible Instinct instead of it.\nAt Dover the next Morning we embark\u2019d for Calais with a Number of Passengers who had never been before at Sea. They would previously make a hearty Breakfast, because if the Wind should fail, we might not get over till Supper-time. Doubtless they thought that when they had paid for their Breakfast they had a Right to it, and that when they had swallowed it they were sure of it. But they had scarce been out half an Hour before the Sea laid Claim to it, and they were oblig\u2019d to deliver it up. So it seems there are Uncertainties even beyond those between the Cup and the Lip. If ever you go to sea, take my Advice, and live sparingly a Day or two before hand. The Sickness, if any, will be the lighter and sooner over. We got to Calais that Evening.\nVarious Impositions we suffer\u2019d from Boat-men, Porters, &c. on both Sides the Water. I know not which are most rapacious, the English or French; but the latter have, with their Knavery the most Politeness.\nThe Roads we found equally good with ours in England, in some Places pav\u2019d with smooth Stone like our new Streets for many Miles together, and Rows of Trees on each Side and yet there are no Turnpikes. But then the poor Peasants complain\u2019d to us grievously, that they were oblig\u2019d to work upon the Roads full two Months in the Year without being paid for their Labour: Whether this is Truth, or whether, like Englishmen, they grumble Cause or no Cause, I have not yet been able fully to inform myself.\nThe Women we saw at Calais, on the Road, at Bouloigne and in the Inns and Villages, were generally of dark Complexions; but arriving at Abbeville we found a sudden Change, a Multitude both of Women and Men in that Place appearing remarkably fair. Whether this is owing to a small Colony of Spinners, Woolcombers and Weavers, &c. brought hither from Holland with the Woollen Manufacture about 60 Years ago; or to their being less expos\u2019d to the Sun than in other Places, their Business keeping them much within Doors, I know not. Perhaps as in some other Cases, different Causes may club in producing the Effect, but the Effect itself is certain. Never was I in a Place of greater Industry, Wheels and Looms going in every House. As soon as we left Abbeville the Swarthiness return\u2019d. I speak generally, for here are some fair Women at Paris, who I think are not whiten\u2019d by Art. As to Rouge, they don\u2019t pretend to imitate Nature in laying it on. There is no gradual Diminution of the Colour from the full Bloom in the Middle of the Cheek to the faint Tint near the Sides, nor does it show itself differently in different Faces. I have not had the Honour of being at any Lady\u2019s Toylette to see how it is laid on, but I fancy I can tell you how it is or may be done: Cut a Hole of 3 Inches Diameter in a Piece of Paper, place it on the Side of your Face in such a Manner as that the Top of the Hole may be just under your Eye; then with a Brush dipt in the Colour paint Face and Paper together; so when the Paper is taken off there will remain a round Patch of Red exactly the Form of the Hole. This is the Mode, from the Actresses on the Stage upwards thro\u2019 all Ranks of Ladies to the Princesses of the Blood, but it stops there, the Queen not using it, having in the Serenity, Complacence and Benignity that shine so eminently in or rather through her Countenance, sufficient Beauty, tho\u2019 now an old Woman, to do extreamly well without it.\nYou see I speak of the Queen as if I had seen her, and so I have; for you must know I have been at Court. We went to Versailles last Sunday, and had the Honour of being presented to the King, he spoke to both of us very graciously and chearfully, is a handsome Man, has a very lively Look, and appears younger than he is. In the Evening we were at the Grand Couvert, where the Family sup in Publick. The Form of their sitting at the Table was this: \n   The Table as you see was half a Hollow Square, the Service Gold. When either made a Sign for Drink, the Word was given by one of the Waiters, A boire pour le Roy, or A boire pour la Reine, &c. then two Persons within the Square approach\u2019d, one with Wine the other with Water in Caraffes, each drank a little Glass of what they brought, and then put both the Caraffes with a Glass on a Salver and presented it. Their Distance from each other was such as that other Chairs might have been plac\u2019d between any two of them. An Officer of the Court brought us up thro\u2019 the Croud of Spectators, and plac\u2019d Sir John so as to stand between the King and Madame Adelaide, and me between the Queen and Madame Victoire. The King talk\u2019d a good deal to Sir John, asking many Questions about our Royal Family; and did me too the Honour of taking some Notice of me; that\u2019s saying enough, for I would not have you think me so much pleas\u2019d with this King and Queen as to have a Whit less Regard than I us\u2019d to have for ours. No Frenchman shall go beyond me in thinking my own King and Queen the very best in the World and the most amiable.\nVersailles has had infinite Sums laid out in Building it and Supplying it with Water: Some say the Expence exceeded 80 Millions Sterling. The Range of Building is immense, the Garden Front most magnificent all of hewn Stone, the Number of Statues, Figures, Urns, &c in Marble and Bronze of exquisite Workmanship is beyond Conception. But the Waterworks are out of Repair, and so is great Part of the Front next the Town, looking with its shabby half Brick Walls and broken Windows not much better than the Houses in Durham Yard. There is, in short, both at Versailles and Paris, a prodigious Mixture of Magnificence and Negligence, with every kind of Elegance except that of Cleanliness, and what we call Tidyness. Tho\u2019 I must do Paris the Justice to say, that in two Points of Cleanliness they exceed us. The Water they drink, tho\u2019 from the River, they render as pure as that of the best Spring, by filtring it thro\u2019 Cisterns fill\u2019d with Sand; and the Streets by constant Sweeping are fit to walk in tho\u2019 there is no pav\u2019d foot Path. Accordingly many well dress\u2019d People are constantly seen walking in them. The Crouds of Coaches and Chairs for that Reason is not so great; Men as well as Women carry Umbrellas in their Hands, which they extend in case of Rain or two much Sun; and a Man with an Umbrella not taking up more than 3 foot square or 9 square feet of the Street, when if in a Coach he would take up 240 square feet, you can easily conceive that tho\u2019 the Streets here are narrower they may be much less encumber\u2019d. They are extreamly well pav\u2019d, and the Stones being generally Cubes, when worn on one Side may be turn\u2019d and become new.\nThe Civilities we every where receive give us the strongest Impressions of the French Politeness. It seems to be a Point settled here universally that Strangers are to be treated with Respect, and one has just the same Deference shewn one here by being a Stranger as in England by being a Lady. The Custom House Officers at Port St. Denis, as we enter\u2019d Paris, were about to seize 2 Doz. of excellent Bourdeaux Wine given us at Boulogne, and which we brought with us; but as soon as they found we were Strangers, it was immediately remitted on that Account. At the Church of Notre Dame, when we went to see a magnificent Illumination with Figures &c. for the deceas\u2019d Dauphiness, we found an immense Croud who were kept out by Guards; but the Officer being told that we were Strangers from England, he immediately admitted us, accompanied and show\u2019d us every thing. Why don\u2019t we practise this Urbanity to Frenchmen? Why should they be allow\u2019d to out-do us in any thing?\nHere is an Exhibition of Paintings, &c. like ours in London, to which Multitudes flock daily. I am not Connoisseur enough to judge which has most Merit. Every Night, Sundays not excepted here are Plays or Operas; and tho\u2019 the Weather has been hot, and the Houses full, one is not incommoded by the Heat so much as with us in Winter. They must have some Way of changing the Air that we are not acquainted with. I shall enquire into it.\nTravelling is one Way of lengthening Life, at least in Appearance. It is but a Fortnight since we left London; but the Variety of Scenes we have gone through makes it seem equal to Six Months living in one Place. Perhaps I have suffered a greater Change too in my own Person than I could have done in Six Years at home. I  had not been here Six Days before my Taylor and Peruquier had transform\u2019d me into a Frenchman. Only think what a Figure I make in a little Bag Wig and naked Ears! They told me I was become 20 Years younger, and look\u2019d very galante; so being in Paris where the Mode is to be sacredly follow\u2019d, I was once very near making Love to my Friend\u2019s Wife.\nThis Letter shall cost you a Shilling, and you may think it cheap when you consider that it has cost me at least 50 Guineas to get into the Situation that enables me to write it. Besides, I might, if I had staid at home, have won perhaps two shillings of you at Cribbidge. By the Way, now I mention Cards, let me tell you that Quadrille is quite out of Fashion here, and English Whisk all the Mode, at Paris and the Court.\nAnd pray look upon it as no small Matter, that surrounded as I am by the Glories of this World and Amusements of all Sorts, I remember you and Dolly and all the dear good Folks at Bromley. \u2019Tis true I can\u2019t help it, but must and ever shall remember you all with Pleasure. Need I add that I am particularly, my dear good Friend Yours most affectionately\nB Franklin\nMiss Stevenson\n Endorsed: Paris Sep 14\u201467", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 21 September 1767\nFrom: Wharton, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear friend\nPhilada. Septemr. 21st. 1767\nI wrote thee on the 8th Inst. since which have none of thy favours, as I in my last inform\u2019d thee, relative to the Affairs of Baynton Wharton & Morgan, I have now the satisfaction of saying, that, in a few Days after, they calld their Creditors together, and laid before them, a state, whereby it clearly appeared they had a Capital of \u00a328.000 and Upwards, after paying all their Creditors their full demands and deducting very largely for Doubtfull and Bad Debts, And reckoning their great Adventure to the Illinois, at only the prime Cost with Charges; this state so satisfied them that they with the greatest Chearfullness came into a Letter of Licence for 3 Years, the business to be transacted by the House, under the Councill of Eight of their Creditors, and distribution to be made rateable among them, as fast as a Sum is receiv\u2019d, on which it would be worth while; the distribution to be on the same proportion to B & Ws. Creditors as those of B.W & M; thus they are now happily at work, and their George Morgan setts off this Week for the Illinois, in order to finish their great Adventure in that country; should the Profitts continue at the rate they have hitherto sold, its not doubted, their Ballance on winding up, (which they hope will be before\u2014the termination of the 3 Years) will be much larger. I dont find they can have it in their power to write to Rd. Neave & Son or David Barclay & Sons by this Opportunity, so that, should it be convenient, thou can communicate the Contents to them.\nOur Election is near at hand, [and] we have little reason to fear a change in our Ticket; except [torn] of Our friend John Potts, who is so Ill, that his [torn] Expected. There has lately been a Change in the [torn] A Stedman left out, and John Lawrence placed in his stead, and Thomas Willing made the fourth supream Judge; Capt. James Young and Charles Jolly Judges of the Pleas &c. We are inform[ed] the Order for these Creations came from Your side; And Its expected We shall have a Number of New Common Councill Men elected shortly; These Appointments a good deal sower the New Allies as some of them expected to have been Exalted.\nThere is some reason to believe that W A will lose his Election in Cumberland County. I remain thy real and Affect[ionate] Friend\nTho Wharton\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin / Esqr / Deputy Post Master General of No. America / In / Craven Street / London. / per favour of / Capt Jefferies / Packet\nEndorsed: Mr Tho Wharton Sept. 21, 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0155", "content": "Title: Of Lightning, and the Method (Now Used in America) of Securing Buildings and Persons from Its Mischievous Effects, September 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThis paper, appearing for the first time in the 1769 edition of Franklin\u2019s important work, is headed \u201cLetter lix.\u201d The date line indicates that he wrote it during his and Pringle\u2019s visit to Paris in 1767. Unlike most of the letters printed in Experiments and Observations, however, this piece bears no subheading to indicate the individual to whom Franklin wrote it and it includes no salutation or complimentary close. Its contents show clearly that it was not intended for any expert on the subject of electricity, for it reported nothing essentially new; rather it seems to have been written to tell persons who knew virtually nothing about the subject something about the electrical nature of lightning, how it behaves in contact with substances and objects near the ground, and how they could protect their houses and themselves from injury during thunder storms.\nSince Franklin was writing while in Paris, he probably expected that the piece would be translated into French and published in some Parisian journal. His expectation was fulfilled, for the paper is listed as appearing under the title \u201cDu tonnerre, et des moyens employ\u00e9s en Am\u00e9rique pour pr\u00e9server les b\u00e2timents et les personnes de ses funestes accidents\u201d in M\u00e9moires pour l\u2019histoire des sciences et des beaux-arts, Novembre, 1767, p. 197.\nParis, Sept. 1767\nExperiments made in electricity first gave philosophers a suspicion that the matter of lightning was the same with the electric matter. Experiments afterwards made on lightning obtained from the clouds by pointed rods, received into bottles, and subjected to every trial, have since proved this suspicion to be perfectly well founded; and that whatever properties we find in electricity, are also the properties of lightning.\nThis matter of lightning, or of electricity, is an extream subtile fluid, penetrating other bodies, and subsisting in them, equally diffused.\nWhen by any operation of art or nature, there happens to be a greater proportion of this fluid in one body than in another, the body which has most, will communicate to that which has least, till the proportion becomes equal; provided the distance between them be not too great; or, if it is too great, till there be proper conductors to convey it from one to the other.\nIf the communication be through the air without any conductor, a bright light is seen between the bodies, and a sound is heard. In our small experiments we call this light and sound the electric spark and snap; but in the great operations of nature, the light is what we call lightning, and the sound (produced at the same time, tho\u2019 generally arriving later at our ears than the light does to our eyes) is, with its echoes, called thunder.\nIf the communication of this fluid is by a conductor, it may be without either light or sound, the subtle fluid passing in the substance of the conductor.\nIf the conductor be good and of sufficient bigness, the fluid passes through it without hurting it. If otherwise, it is damaged or destroyed.\nAll metals, and water, are good conductors. Other bodies may become conductors by having some quantity of water in them, as wood, and other materials used in building, but not having much water in them, they are not good conductors, and therefore are often damaged in the operation.\nGlass, wax, silk, wool, hair; feathers, and even wood, perfectly dry are non-conductors: that is, they resist instead of facilitating the passage of this suble fluid.\nWhen this fluid has an opportunity of passing through two conductors, one good, and sufficient, as of metal, the other not so good, it passes in the best, and will follow it in any direction.\nThe distance at which a body charged with this fluid will discharge itself suddenly, striking through the air into another body that is not charged, or not so highly charg\u2019d, is different according to the quantity of the fluid, the dimensions and form of the bodies themselves, and the state of the air between them. This distance, whatever it happens to be between any two bodies, is called their striking distance, as till they come within that distance of each other, no stroke will be made.\nThe clouds have often more of this fluid in proportion than the earth; in which case as soon as they come near enough (that is, within the striking distance) or meet with a conductor, the fluid quits them and strikes into the earth. A cloud fully charged with this fluid, if so high as to be beyond the striking distance from the earth, passes quietly without making noise or giving light; unless it meets with other clouds that have less.\nTall trees, and lofty buildings, as the towers and spires of churches, become sometimes conductors between the clouds and the earth; but not being good ones, that is, not conveying the fluid freely, they are often damaged.\nBuildings that have their roofs covered with lead, or other metal, and spouts of metal continued from the roof into the ground to carry off the water, are never hurt by lightning, as whenever it falls on such a building, it passes in the metals and not in the walls.\nWhen other buildings happen to be within the striking distance from such clouds, the fluid passes in the walls whether of wood, brick or stone, quitting the walls only when it can find better conductors near them, as metal rods, bolts, and hinges of windows or doors, gilding on wainscot, or frames of pictures; the silvering on the backs of looking-glasses; the wires for bells; and the bodies of animals, as containing watry fluids. And in passing thro\u2019 the house it follows the direction of these conductors, taking as many in it\u2019s way as can assist it in its passage, whether in a strait or crooked line, leaping from one to the other, if not far distant from each other, only rending the wall in the spaces where these partial good conductors are too distant from each other.\nAn iron rod being placed on the outside of a building, from the highest part continued down into the moist earth, in any direction strait or crooked, following the form of the roof or other parts of the building, will receive the lightning at its upper end, attracting it so as to prevent its striking any other part; and, affording it a good conveyance into the earth, will prevent its damaging any part of the building.\nA small quantity of metal is found able to conduct a great quantity of this fluid. A wire no bigger than a goose quill, has been known to conduct (with safety to the building as far as the wire was continued) a quantity of lightning that did prodigious damage both above and below it; and probably larger rods are not necessary, tho\u2019 it is common in America, to make them of half an inch, some of three quarters, or an inch diameter.\nThe rod may be fastened to the wall, chimney, &c. with staples of iron. The lightning will not leave the rod (a good conductor) to pass into the wall (a bad conductor), through those staples. It would rather, if any were in the wall, pass out of it into the rod to get more readily by that conductor into the earth.\nIf the building be very large and extensive, two or more rods may be placed at different parts, for greater security.\nSmall ragged parts of clouds suspended in the air between the great body of clouds and the earth (like leaf gold in electrical experiments), often serve as partial conductors for the lightning, which proceeds from one of them to another, and by their help comes within the striking distance to the earth or a building. It therefore strikes through those conductors a building that would otherwise be out of the striking distance.\nLong sharp points communicating with the earth, and presented to such parts of clouds, drawing silently from them the fluid they are charged with, they are then attracted to the cloud, and may leave the distance so great as to be beyond the reach of striking.\nIt is therefore that we elevate the upper end of the rod six or eight feet above the highest part of the building, tapering it gradually to a fine sharp point, which is gilt to prevent its rusting.\nThus the pointed rod either prevents a stroke from the cloud, or, if a stroke is made, conducts it to the earth with safety to the building.\nThe lower end of the rod should enter the earth so deep as to come at the moist part, perhaps two or three feet; and if bent when under the surface so as to go in a horizontal line six or eight feet from the wall, and then bent again downwards three or four feet, it will prevent damage to any of the stones of the foundation.\nA person apprehensive of danger from lightning, happening during the time of thunder to be in a house not so secured, will do well to avoid sitting near the chimney, near a looking glass, or any gilt pictures or wainscot; the safest place is in the middle of the room, (so it be not under a metal lustre suspended by a chain) sitting in one chair and laying the feet up in another. It is still safer to bring two or three mattrasses or beds into the middle of the room, and folding them up double, place the chair upon them; for they not being so good conductors as the walls, the lightning will not chuse an interrupted course through the air of the room and the bedding, when it can go thro\u2019 a continued better conductor the wall. But where it can be had, a hamock or swinging bed, suspended by silk cords equally distant from the walls on every side, and from the cieling and floor above and below, affords the safest situation a person can have in any room whatever; and what indeed may be deemed quite free from danger of any stroke by lightning.\nB.F.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0156", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Friedrich Hartmann, 1 October 1767\nFrom: Hartmann, Johann Friedrich\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Hanover, October 1, 1767] \nTo the highly venerable Franklin, S.p.D.\nJohann Friedrich Hartmann\nThe most enjoyable memory of that day when it was first possible to see you and converse with you has often come back to me. Believe me, I strongly regret that for reasons of time and place I could not offer for your inspection the electrical machines and experiments in a way worthy of the notice of so great and so learned a man. Do not think that any part of the blame should rest with me.\nWhen Prince Schwarzburg Rudolstadt who, because of his love of literature, carries on an exchange of letters with me, heard that you had undertaken a trip through Germany, he had no greater desire than to be granted the chance of a conversation with you: for this reason he had sent to G\u00f6ttingen a learned man, his friend, that he might greet you in his name. This man, however, only arrived in G\u00f6ttingen on the very day that you had left the town, and therefore was disappointed in his hope of seeing you.\nMeanwhile, a prince in Germany has asked me to take care of the installation of lightning rods on his estates: therefore I beseech you, with the most urgent prayers, to describe more precisely the method which you have used to this end in America. You would, that way, be most helpful to my fellow citizens and acquire the greatest prestige among them.\nMy intention is to compile a full history of electricity, as best I can. Now, since virtually nobody in this field enjoys a greater fame than you, I would like to report such experiments and inventions of yours that seem worthiest of being remembered. Indeed, I do not deny that I am quite bold in asking you this, but your humanity has always helped my timidity, and so did your favorable disposition toward me, which I would count among my highest blessings.\nIf I can be of any use to you, you shall find me prompt and fully ready. Farewell and wishes. Given in Hannover, DCCLXII, the calends of October.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0157", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 1 October 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNyork. Octob 1. 1767\nNo doubt you will wonder I have not sent you a Power according to my Promise: The Reason is this: Mr. Colden tells me  he has a Copy of the Power he sent, Which he would lend me to form one by: and he says he cannot at present recollect where it is, but will search for it, and I being desirous to have it unexceptionable, have waited in hopes he will find it: If he can\u2019t find it, by the next Packet after this, I will get some other.\nTo-morrow Morning, I set out for New Haven therefore write this at a Venture: I purpose to declare all I know truly, and leave the Issue to Providence. The July Packet you will see is come in this Afternoon; if I have any Letters or not, I can\u2019t yet say, but she has had now 10 Weeks Passage, and can bring little News.\nI don\u2019t know any Thing worthy your Attention to inform you of: I creep along yet, gain Ground a little every Week, and now print between 15 and 16 Quire of News: but the Times are dreadfully dull and hard here indeed. Yet, thank God, I believe I fare as well as some of my Neighbours: I will follow your Counsel, nor cease to Struggle till I either gain the Port, or sink for ever.\nWe all join in respectful Complements: Whilst I remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\n Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Trent, with List of Traders\u2019 Losses and Benjamin Franklin\u2019s Certificate, 1 October 1767, 26 December 1767\nFrom: Trent, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n  Benjamin Franklin Esqr.Sir\nPhiladelphia October 1st. 1767\nIn March 1766, Colonel Croghan took the liberty of inclosing you a Letter from himself to Messrs. Mildred & Roberts of London And therein desired, That they would deliver to you, All the Accounts belonging to the Indian Traders who had lost by the  Depredations of the French and Indians and also the Vouchers attending them.\nColonel Croghan has not had the pleasure of hearing whether Messrs. Mildred & Roberts have delivered these Accounts to you and therefore he requests I would inclose you the within duplicate of his Letter to those Gentlemen, for that purpose.\nI am duly constituted by Letter of substitution, the Attorney in fact, for those Indian Traders mentioned at the foot of this Letter, As Messrs. Baynton, Wharton & Morgan will inform you, Wherefore I must request, as a particular favor, That you will be pleased on Receipt hereof, to transmit to me by the first Packet, all those several Indian Traders Accounts and Vouchers, (mentioned below) or for fear of loss by Sea, That you will be so good as to hire a Clerk (The Expence whereof I will immediately pay Mrs. Franklin or to your Order) And have all those Traders Accounts and their Vouchers properly Copied, and then certified by you, to be true Copys, Which pray send to me in the Stead of the Originals.\nIt is indispensably necessary for me to have those Accounts here with all possible expedition. Wherefore I hope Sir you will be so obliging to gratify me in this my earnest Solicitation. I am very respectfully Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant\nWilliam Trent\nDoctor Franklin is earnestly requested to send by the first Packet, The following Indian Traders Accounts of Losses with the Vouchers attending them to Wm. Trent their Attorney in fact. Vidzt,\nWilliam Trent, George Croghan, Robert Callender and Michel Teaffs [Taafe\u2019s or Teaffe\u2019s] Account in Company\nWilliam Trent and George Croghan Account in Compy\nThomas McKees Account in Compy\nHugh Crawford\u2019s Account\nSamuel Chambers Account\nJames Silvers ditto\nArthur Auchmutys ditto\nAdam Terrences Accot\nJohn Frasers ditto\nThomas Kintons ditto\nJohn Grays ditto\nAlexander Stevens\u2019s ditto\nJames Rankins ditto\nJohn Galbreaths Account\n[torn]\nFrancis Campbells ditto\nJames Young and John Frasers ditto\nRobert Callender and Michel Teaffs ditto\nJames Dunings Accot\nPaul Pierces Account\nJohn Owens ditto\nWilliam Blyths ditto\nMorris Turner\u2019s ditto\nAlexander McKennets ditto\n[In Franklin\u2019s hand:]\nLondon, Dec. 26. 1767\nAgreable to the Request contained in the within Letter, I have caused to be transcribed all the Accounts therein mentioned, and the Depositions thereunto relating; and having carefully examined the Copies made thereof, and compared the same with the Originals remaining in my Hands, I do hereby certify that the said  Copies are correct and true; and as such I have connected them with this Letter and Certificate by a blue Ribband sealed with my Seal. Witness my Hand\nB Franklin\n Endorsed: Mr Trent Oct. 1. 1767 Indian Accts. w[ere] sent certify\u2019d by me", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0159", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Croghan, 2 October 1767\nFrom: Croghan, George\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nLancaster October 2d. 1767\nI was favoured with your Letter of the 18th April and I return you my sincere thanks, for the Notice you are pleased to take of my Publick Transactions; And shall think myself happy if my Conduct meets with the approbation of the Kings Ministers.\nI have been about three Months this Summer, at Sir William Johnson\u2019s, where we had several Conferences with the Six Nations and at every meeting They expressed great uneasiness that the Boundary between their Hunting Country and the midle British Colonies, was not confirmed, agreeable to the settlement of it, made above two Years agoe with Sir William Johnson, when they agreed to it, as they understood, it was desired by the King and wished for by themselves, with a view to prevent any further disputes between their Warriors and their Brethren the Kings Subjects; but at those Conferences, they said, that to their great surprise their Father the King, had taken no Notice of that Agreement, and that the English, on the Frontiers of the Colonies and in particular, on that of Virginia, have since that Agreement was formed, Made more encroachments on their Country, Than ever they had before and had killed several of their Warriors, this last Spring (which unhappily is but two true). They complained likewise of the Regulations of Trade, in their Country, and said, That the Traders will not comply with them, (which indeed cannot be denyed). Nor can the General and Sir William Johnson oblige them to conform to the intentions of Government, without a proper authority from his Majesty, for that purpose. Every thing that could with propriety be mentioned to them, was done by Sir William Johnson, but they appeared, as if they thought that all which was said to them, was intended only to amuse them and they declared plainly, That they could not believe, but if it had been the King\u2019s desire to prevent his Subjects from making Settlements, in their Country, before it was purchased or killing their People, or preventing frauds and abuses in Trade, he would have done it before now, as he made laws to rule his People by; and that they dreaded the Consequence of not confirming that Boundary, as all the Western Tribes and Senecas, were as much or more concerned in it, than themselves, and that, those were the Tribes, who had lost several of their Warriors last Spring, on the Frontiers of Virginia and who they feared, then were meditating a method of taking revenge.\nAbout the beginning of September, several Letters were brought to Sir William Johnson and myself from the out Posts, acquainting us, with the great dissatisfaction of the several Tribes to the Westward and of the Senecas and informing us, that a Conference of the Warriors of the Senecas and twelve different Tribes of the Western Indians, was to be held this Fall, in the Shawnesse Country, which left us no room to doubt, of the design of this great Council. On which Sir William determined to go himself immediately into the Six Nation Country, and for me to proceed to the Shawnesse Towns and Detroit, by way of Fort Pitt, in order to divert them and divide their Councils, if possable, for a while.\nOn my way through this Province, I have received a Letter from the Commissary of Indian Affairs at Fort Pitt, confirming the Account of this great meeting in the Shawnisse Country and that several Hundreds were already assembled there; You Sir are well acquainted with the Indians and their Customs and Manners. They are Jealous and revengefull, never forget and seldom forgive, where they think they are injured and a delay and neglect they cannot bear and often construe them, into a design against themselves. Indeed! such is their opinion, at present, respecting this Boundary and the delays of Government, in not ordering it to be confirmed, That it must inevitably produce an Indian War, early next Spring or perhaps this Winter, unless Sir William Johnson and myself, should be able to divert it; For their Intentions are, I am convinced, to do themselves justice, by force of Arms, as they say, They are agrieved and much slighted and deceived by us.\nNo doubt Sir William Johnson has wrote his Majesty\u2019s Ministers fully on this occasion, but as I know your Zeal for the good of the King\u2019s Interest, I could not let slip this opportunity, of communicating such very interesting Intelligence, to the Commerce of great Brittain and to the Peace of these Colonies.\nI set of[f] to morrow for Fort Pitt and beg leave to assure you I am with great esteem and regard Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nGeo: Croghan\nBenjamin Franklin Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0160", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 4 October 1767\nFrom: Wharton, Samuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhilad. October 4th 1767\nSince writing on the other Side, The apprehensions of Hostility\u2019s shortly commencing, unless the Indians could be quieted by the Agents, Are too soon (And too fataly for my Partners and self) confirmed.\nAn Express, yesterday brought us, the following alarming Advices.\nThat Our Factor at Fort Pitt had sent from Thence, in July last, Two large Batteaus, With Cargos to the Amount of about Three Thousand pounds Sterling And That Near to the Falls of the River Ohio, One Devereaux Smith, who was coming up That River, saw one of Them, near to the East Side of it And upon examining her, found no Person On Board, That the Cargo was mostly destroyed And part scattered, for several miles along the River Side.\nAnd from Detroit, There is also certain Intelligence, That all the Crew of those Boats, being fourteen in Number, was murdered by a party of Chippeways (One of the Western Tribes who are now meeting at the Shawanese Towns) Who had returned with the Plunder, to their Nation.\nThis Loss is very severe upon us and Especialy when added to the vast Sum, we lost the last Indian War; And no Retribution received for Them.\nAll Trade must cease from hence to the Illinois, as it will be impossible for any Persons to carry it On, Unless some speedy and efficacious Measures are taken, To pacify the Indians. No English Merchants save Ourselves, have yet ventured to send British Merchandize to the Illinois And I dare say, None will be so rash, as to do it hereafter. At best, Not until Methods are adopted, To gratify the Natives in Their Expectations. I am respectfully Dear Sir your affectionate Friend\nS Wharton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0161", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 8 October 1767\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Octr. 8th: 1767\nHaving been much engaged in the late Sitting of our Assembly and Supream Court which has continued Since the Adjournment of the House till this Time, I was fearful It woud not be in my Power to write you per this Packet. But the Subject of this Letter appears to me of so much real Importance to the Welfare of the Colonies and their future Peace that I resolved to steal a few Minutes to mention it in a Brief Manner; Indeed it is a Subject you are so fully acquainted with that I need not be very particular.\nI make no Doubt, but you are well acquainted with Indian Affairs. That their Jealousies of and Discontent with the Conduct of the English towards them have not been as yet radically removed. That our People notwithstanding all the Governments can do are carrying their Settlements over the Boundaries of the Lands purchased of the Natives and that in their Journies to war against each other many of them have been killed by the White People. That to remove the like Mischiefs in future the Indians have requested that a Boundary may be settled between them and the English and have offer\u2019d to dispose of all the Lands contiguous to our settlements on this Side the Boundary. That this Boun[dary was long since agreed on by Sir William] Johnson on the Part of His Majesty\u2014and as long it has been impatiently expected by them, that it woud be finally ratified. The Disposition of Indians you well know, cannot brook Delays in a Matter they wish for the Consummation of\u2014and are apt from thence to conceive Jealousies against us which often terminate in sudden Hostilities and Depredations on the Colonists. Under these Circumstances it is greatly to be dreaded That the Delay in the Settlement of this Boundary and completing the Purchase, will be attended with the most Serious and Mischievous Consequences to the Colonies, unless some speedy Measures are taken to Prevent them. Indeed I am well Informed that Sir Wm. Johnson is so much alarmed at the Disagreable Aspect which the present Disposition of the Indians have Discovered on this Occasion, that he has been Some time Since Set of[f] for the Six Nation Country And Orderd Mr. Croghan to Detroit, to endeavour to render them easy a little longer in Hope that Orders from his Majesty will Soon Arrive impowering him finally to Settle the Boundary and make the Purchase.\nI presume this Important Affair among many others of National Concern, has been passed [to] the Ministry. However, it is to be hoped, Time will be taken to consider this Matter and to do some thing which will remove the Mischiefs that so apparently threaten the Colonies, and that soon otherwise it is the Opinion of those who are the best acquainted with Indian Affairs that a War with the Natives will be unavoidable. I am, Dear Sir, in great Haste, your most Obedient Humble Servant\nJos. Galloway\nBenja Franklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0162", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 October 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, Oct. 9. 1767\nI return\u2019d yesterday Evening from Paris safe and well, having had an exceeding pleasant Journey, and quite recover\u2019d my Health. I have hardly had time to read the Letters I found here as yet, and therefore can only acknowledge not answer them by this Packet. Yours of Augt. 22 is one of them. In my next I shall give you a particular Account of my Tour. Excuse me to Mr. Foxcroft; I shall write to him next Week. I can now only add, (with my Love to Sally) that I am, my dear Debby, Your ever affectionate Husband\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0163", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, [9 October 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\n[October 9, 1767]\nI returned last night from Paris, and just now hear that the Ilinois settlement is approved of in the Cabinet Council, so far as to be referred to the Board of Trade for their opinion, who are to consider it next week.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0164", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 9 October 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nFriday morning Oct. 9. 67\nI write this Line just to acquaint our dear Polly, that I left her amiable Friend Miss Henckel well at Calais on Wednesday noon, waiting for good Weather to come over. She has been four Months at Spa. She enquir\u2019d concerning Miss Stevenson\u2019s Health and Welfare in the most tender and affectionate Manner; and will be disappointed in not finding you at Bromley. We got home well last Night. My respectful Compliments to Mrs. Tickell. I am, as ever, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0165", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 9 October 1767\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Friend\nPhilada. Octr. 9. 1767\nI wrote you a few Lines yesterday per Packet.\nOur Election is now over, and all the Old Members (save a few that resigned) again are returned as Representatives in Assemby: And in the stead of those who are left out, such are come in as are warm for the Change of our Government. So that I have no Doubt but you will receive from the New House further Instructions respecting that necessary and important Measure.\nI have received your Favor per Mr. Neave, acknowledging the Receipt of a Bill of \u00a3250 Sterling\u2014But none mentioning the Bills I have remitted for the Residue of your Salary, being \u00a3750. At the End of last Session the House Granted you \u00a3500 Sterling for that Year, which I now remit in the Bills following.\nHenry Hills payable to Mr. Meredith and by him indorsed for\n  Dom[inic]k Joyce & Co. Do. payable to Hobart Pemberton & Bringhurst and by them Indorsed for\n  James Pembertons Do. for\n  James Millers Do. payable to James Pemberton and by him Indorsed\nWhether it is your Inclination that I shoud remit this Money or not I am uncertain, If I err pray Let me know as I may otherwise proceed in my Error the next Year.\nI have Seen the Act of Parliament laying certain Duties on Paper &c. imported into America and appropriating those Duties to the Payment of the Governors and Judges Salaries &c.\u2014Will not this Measure Assist us in obtaining the Change? Must Pennsylvania and Maryland raise Money for the Support of all the Royal Governments, and by far the greatest Share, and not have any Part of it appropriated towards the Support of their own Officers\u2014If Part should be applied towards the Support of our Civil Authority will not the Crown Name the Governor, or will it pay Men Who are Named by its Subjects? I shoud imagine, if this Measure has been adopted to create a System of Influence in America dependant on the Crown, as it evidently appears to be, the Administration will never leave so great a Chasm in it, as not to include Pennsylvania Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Governments which Contain near 2/5 of the People of all the Colonies? I confess I do not like the Scheme, and wish it had never been thought of\u2014But Since the Thing is done, and I see no Probability of undoing it\u2014I think we shall under this Circumstance be ever unhappy till the wishd for Change takes Place\u2014Indeed I don\u2019t well see how the Publick Weal of this Province can be affected by it\u2014For the Governor of this Province is already independant of the People, if the Revenues of upwards of \u00a34000, per Annum can make him so\u2014And as we have now no Money in the Assemblys Disposition, It will ever hereafter be in vain to Attempt to Stop the Payment of the usual Sum annually allowed him\u2014As he will never pass a Bill for the Support of our Agents or payment of the Publick Debts without it\u2014Besides if the Governor and Judges are to be independant of the People, as they now really are, I think it will be infinitely better that they shoud also be independant of the Proprietors, whose Interest so often Clashes with that of the People.\nI write, in Haste, and have only Time to add That I am My Dear Friend, with great Truth yours most Affectionately\nJos. Galloway\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 12 October 1767\nFrom: Pownall, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir.\nWesthorp Oct. 12 67\nAs I pass\u2019d thro London to this place I called at your door\u2014you was not come to town\u2014I have since been on a visit to Berkshire\u2014and return\u2019d this last week\u2014and am now begun upon the Revision of my Administration of the Colonies, as also preparing my mind for next Sessions\u2014in case any thing should arise which I scarce think will. I have gott a Copy of the Commission I was seeking, it is in Latin I found it in Rymer\u2019s foedera.\nMy Mind being turned to those Subjects makes me wish your company more especially\u2014and if you have nothing better to do may I flatter myself the pleasure of your company at this place\u2014Lady Fawkener sends her Compliments. I am Dear Sir your friend and Servant\nT Pownall.\n Addressed: Benjn / Franklin Esqr / at Mrs Stevenson / Craven-Street Strand / London / Free", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, [13\u201318 October? 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Dear Child\nI have reseved all your letters down to July 3d the laste by mr. Nevese whare in you say that by the packit you shall anser all mine and your friends letters by Folkener Friend and the Packit but that is arived and no letter from you to aneybodey which is verey surpriseing to them I say that I thinke you have wrote but by sum mistake thay was not put on borde the packit and will I hope cume by Capt. Folkener.\nI have wrote a long letter and ansered all your qustens but donte send it tell I reseve yours for I shold not like aney one eles to have the reading of it not that it containes aney thing but famely a faires. I have menshoned to Naney to go backe but shee is not in Clind but I am told that shee is aire to nighn Hundreds a yeare. I raly wish it was trew. Salley writes by the packites and that is to go to morrow. I send this by our nabor mr. Rolfe. Capt. Budin and his Brother Jemey Budin asked me for letters but as I am so verey poor a writer I menshon them in this letter.\nYisterday Cosin Devenporte Come to tell me that Polley Mecume was dead. I had a Letter from [sister] laste Sunday by one Capt. Parker who was to Cole on me for Sistur Franklins Close as I had desired Sister to get one to Cole on me for them and sume of yours for poor Petter who is still a live. I shold not a disposed of aney thing of yours but the mothe is got in them for all the Caire I Cold take so now to tell you Sister wrote me word that Polley was gon to Nantuckit and shee had heard that shee was better but the Capt. of this vesill had Cold att Nantuckit and that Polley was dead. I have not seen him but shall and will inquier about it and send word as Salley writes tomorrow. I shall say no more that shee is better then shee has bin all sumer but much disopinted as was mr. Beache. You will hear by your friends how the Eleckshon is. John writes [Wright\u2019s] widdow is Dead as is our mrs. Mockridg and Capt. Arther I have wrote in my letter that is to go after I hear. I own it will be along one. Mr. Dufell is very much plesed with his presente and beges you to excepte his beste thankes for it he his wife and Children sendes thare Love and Dutey to you. Shee has two to show you that you never saw and shee is but Jeste recoverd of a leying in of a Dead Child. mr. Galleway ses he has wrote about Polley pitts shee is heare att this time shee sendes her Dutey to you.\nBe so good as to give my beste Compleymentes to good mrs. Stephenson and to our Dear Polley and to our Salley Frankelin. I love her so far as London.\nNow I am to retarne you thankes for the Picktuer for the Hankescher I gave Salley al of them thay is verey hansum and for the pettey Cotes. Salley had the fineste of them I admier the negleagia verey much and the Cote is verey buteyfull the hood and hankitcher is quite fhantcy the apron all so. I have not heard from Billey senes I sente his things up but I supose he reseved them safe as Cusin Worddel and Dafter wente in the boote and I desired her to tell Billey I had sente them up.\nMr. Foxcrofes air bouth well as is our Nabor Thomsons and I have heard that mrs. Grase and Dafter and her three Dafter is well and all but mr. Potts Sener. Now I am to tell you that our Sukey Shippen is marreyed it was a sorte of a run a way afaire all thow it is to a parson. He was Cold to Boston and setteld thair and it had all moste kiled him and Sukey so after a year he come back and he apered on a satter[?] evening and on the thusday after shee lefte her fathers house and was marreyed at her Ante Willins and wente to her husbands mothers and is returned to her fathers agen but wather he has seen her I cante say but I am told that he is chosen Preseydente of Prinseton Colledg and is to be thair in a yeare but her father is so distreste abought her leveing of him for that time that he wonte let aney bodey say aney thing to him about it. I have bin over to see mrs. Shippen and comforte her as well as I can.\nI have seen Cusin willkissin shee sendes her love to you as Dus Cusin Northe who I saw laste evening in my way Home from seeing Tomey Bondes wife who has bureyed her eldeste Dafter who has lefte seven children. Mrs. Bond and I air old aquintans and I took sum paines to see her. Billey Master has Bureyd his only son and his wife is as low as Can be and a live.\nI have borrowed a kee and opened E Browns trunke as did the Printer sume time a go that he wrote two to take caire of his tickit butt I shold a sed that when mrs. Rakeshaw asked me to take the Cair of his trunke shee told me the kee was loste so I did not know what was in it but one day I saw in the Closit a Cote that I did not know. I asked Gorge hough it came thair he sed mrs. Rakeshaw sente it but laste evening I borrowed the kee agen that opened the trunke I found no lite Colored Clothe Cote but I send the Cote and jackit and the jackit lined with green. Thair is no pockit Book nor was thair aney when the printer and Naney looked for it before so shold a sente the No of it and of who he bought it. I shall aske young Budin to take his close now this is ocktober 19 Jemey Budin has a Cote and two Jackites in his cheste for E Brown.\nD F\nI have had Such a unsetld time with what did not Conserne me about roses[?] and seeing so maney straingers and poor mrs. Nelson and so on that you will reseve the letters not as I did in tend but as it falls ought but the Packit will saile the end of this weeke and this minit I hear that Capt. Egdon is to saile att a 11 o clocke. Salley send her Duty and note by J Budin I am your Afeckshonet wife\nD Franklin\nPhilidelphey ocktober the 19 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0168", "content": "Title: James Parker: Power of Attorney, 16 October 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: \nKnow ALL Men by these Presents, That I James Parker, Land-Waiter in his Majesty\u2019s Customs at New-York, in America, have made, ordained and constituted, and by these Presents, do make, ordain and constitute Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. of Craven-Street, in the City of London, and Kingdom of Great Britain my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my Name, and for my Use, to ask, demand and receive of and from the Honourable the Receiver General of his Majesty\u2019s Customs, for the Time being, all such Sum and Sums of Money, which are or shall become due to me, on Account of my Salary, or otherwise, as Land-Waiter aforesaid. Giving and Granting unto my said Attorney, by these Presents, my full and whole Power, Strength and Authority in and about the Premisses; and upon Receipt of any such Salary, or other Sums of Money as aforesaid, Acquittances or other Discharges for me, and in my Name, to make, seal and deliver, and all and every other Act and Acts needful and necessary to be done, to execute and perform as fully and largely in every Respect, to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes as I myself might or could do, if I was personally present, or as if the Matter required more special Authority than is hereby given; and Attornies one or more under him, for the Purpose aforesaid, to make and constitute, and again at pleasure to revoke; ratifying and holding firm and effectual, all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall lawfully do, in and about the Premisses. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, the Sixteenth Day of October, in the Seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. and in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven.\nJames Parker.\nSealed, and Delivered in\u2003 the Presence ofThos. Miller Thos. Farmar", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0170", "content": "Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October 1767\nFrom: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia, October 17, 1767.\nWe inclose the Resolves of the Assembly, by which you are appointed Joint-Agents of this Province, for the ensuing Year, to transact the Affairs thereof in Great-Britain, with another, by which you will perceive that the House have appointed us a Committee of Correspondence, to whom you will communicate, from Time to Time, such Information as may be necessary to be laid before the House of Representatives; in doing of which, we are directed to request you will not omit to give us the earliest Intelligence of every new Measure or Regulation that shall be proposed, or intended to be proposed, in Parliament, wherein the general Liberties of America, or those of this Colony, may, in the least, be affected or concerned, that it may be communicated to the Assembly for their Consideration, and you be properly instructed either to accede to, or oppose it, as it shall appear beneficial or injurious to the Interest and Welfare of the Colonies.\nThe four last preceding Assemblies fully instructed you on the Subject of a Change of this Government, from Proprietary to Royal. The present House concurring in Opinion with them, and being earnestly desirous that this Measure may be accomplished with all convenient Speed, in Case all their Charter and legal Rights and Privileges may be secured and preserved, have directed us to instruct you to prosecute the Petitions for that Purpose, to an Issue, before His Majesty in Council, carefully observing, in all Things, the Instructions you have received on this Head, from the preceding Assemblies, to which we refer.\nThe Necessity of a Paper Currency in this and the neighbouring Colonies, and the Distress which Commerce labours under for Want of it, have been so fully mentioned in your former Instructions, that we need add Nothing further, save that this Distress is continually increasing by the sinking of our Bills of Credit and the frequent Remittances of our Gold and Silver to Britain; and that, notwithstanding your faithful Endeavours to relieve them, have hitherto proved unsuccessful, yet the House still entertain Hopes that a favourable Opportunity may present, when the Application to Parliament may be safely made, for a Repeal of the Statute restraining the American Bills of Credit from being lawful Tender in Colony Debts. The House highly approve of your Prudence in omitting to present the Petition for this Purpose while there was the least Appearance of Danger that the Assemblies in America must be deprived of the Liberty of issuing the Bills, and appropriating the Interest arising from them, as they are sensible a Measure of that Kind would greatly diminish their Importance and essentially affect their most valuable Rights and Privileges. They therefore desire that you will proceed to act on the same cautious Principles, because they are confident that it is not only their own, but the Opinion of their Constituents, that it will be much more eligible to suffer all the Mischiefs, however great, that can ensue from the Want of a Currency, than agree to give up a Point so absolutely necessary to their future Liberties.\nWe observe, from your Letters, that you have not succeeded in your Endeavours to procure the Liberty of shipping Wine, Fruit, and Oil, from Spain and Portugal, immediately into America, through an Opposition given by the Merchants in England trading to those Places. However, as the House continue to think that the Measure, when effected, will be equally beneficial to the Trade of the Mother Country and the Colonies, they hope you will persevere in your Attention to this Object, as well as that of obtaining Liberty to export Iron from the Colonies to foreign Markets, without which this Branch of Business must decline, and the Merchants, in some Measure, be disabled from discharging their Debts to Great-Britain.\nBy a late Statute, Sugars imported from the British West-Indies, into these Parts of America, are deemed French Sugars, and liable to the same Duties on Re-exportation to Great-Britain. This our Merchants conceive to be a great Hardship, and equally injurious to the Trade of both Countries, as they are hereby deprived of shipping this Commodity, formerly a considerable Remittance to the Mother Country, in Exchange for the Manufactures and Merchandize taken from thence. The House therefore request, that you will take a seasonable Opportunity of endeavouring to obtain this Duty to be taken off, upon shipping Sugars to Great-Britain from America.\nWe have directed the Clerk of Assembly to transmit to you the several laws passed the last Year; to the Confirmation whereof, by His Majesty in Council, we have not the least Doubt but you will give all due Attention; and we shall be glad, from Time to Time, to be particularly informed when the Laws are presented, and, if formally confirmed, to have such Confirmations duly transmitted to us.\nBefore we conclude this Letter, permit us to assure you, that the House of Representatives fully approve of your Conduct, and entertain the highest Sense of your faithful Endeavours to secure the Rights and promote the true Interest of this Province and the other Colonies. We are, with great Esteem, Gentlemen, Your assured Friends,\nJoseph Galloway, Speaker.\nJames Pemberton,\nJoseph Richardson,\nJohn Ross,\nThomas Livesey,\nWilliam Rodman,\nJoseph Fox,\nIsaac Pearson.\n    To Richard Jackson, and\u2003 Benjamin Franklin,\u2003 Esqrs, Agents for the\u2003 Province of Pennsylvania,\u2003 in London.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0172", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 22 October 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Price, Richard\nReverend and dear Sir,\nCravenstreet Oct. 22. 67\nSupposing that the foreign literary Journals do not fall in your Way, I send you the following Account of your late Work, as given in the Bibliotheque des Sciences et des beaux Arts, for January February and March. 1767. After reciting the Title, the Authors say, \u201cOn devoit d\u00e9j\u00e0 a Mr. Price un excellent Trait\u00e9 sur les principales Questions de la Morale. L\u2019Ouvrage dont on vient de voir le Titre, mettra le sceau \u00e0 la R\u00e9putation de l\u2019Auteur, et ne manquera sans doute pas d\u2019\u00eatre traduit en diverses Langues. On y trouve tout ce qu\u2019une M\u00e9ditation profonde, une parfaite connoissance de la Religion, un Esprit vra\u00eement philosophique, une piet\u00e9 tendre et \u00e9clair\u00e9e, peuvent dicter de meilleur sur les sujets annonc\u00e9s.\u201d With sincere Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\n Endorsed: 1767. Octor? Dr. Franklen, [remainder illegible.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0173", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 23 October 1767\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Father\nBurlington Oct. 23, 1767 Fryday\nI wrote to you Yesterday in a Hurry on hearing that the Packet was to sail from New York Tomorrow but my Letter got over to Bristol too late for the Post, who it seems missed his Tuesday\u2019s Stage and did not get into Philadelphia till Wednesday, and the Postmaster kept him till Thursday Morning and then dispatch\u2019d him early, whereas in common he is not dispatch\u2019d till Thursday Afternoon. I shall therefore send my Letter to Cousin Davenport, to be forwarded by some Vessel that is going to England from Philadelphia.\nI forgot to mention before that I had received the Copy of the King\u2019s Grant to you of 20,000 Acres in Nova Scotia. I have not the least doubt but something handsome might be made of it if well managed, which, if I am well informed is far from being the Case with the Lands in which you and Mr. Hughes are concerned. Mr. Jacob Hall (who keeps a Tavern at the Wheat sheaf near Frankford, and has been lately at Nova Scotia with Settlers for your Company of which he is likewise a Member) complains heavily of the narrow spiritedness and Mismanagement of Mr. Hughes and the other Members. They impowered him it seems to conduct there a Body of Settlers, and to furnish them with such Necessaries as they should have Occasion for till they could subsist themselves; but tho\u2019 he gave them Nothing but what was indispensably [necessary] they refus\u2019d on his Return to acc[ept his] account. This put it out of his Power to return again to Nova Scotia, he having bought Provisions, &c. there on his own Credit. By this means Numbers who had engag\u2019d to accompany Mr. Hall, on his Return, were deterr\u2019d from going, which has greatly retarded the Settlement. And the poor People who were left there last Fall, and who, as they were not yet able to raise any Thing for themselves rely\u2019d on a further Support to be brought by Mr. Hall were during the whole Winter in the greatest Distress imaginable, and must infallibly have starv\u2019d had it not been for Lieut. Gov. Franklin and Capt. Houston an old Settler in that Province, taking Compassion on them. These Gentlemen sent them Supplies from Time to Time in Confidence that the Company were Gentlemen of too much Honour not to repay them. However, I am told by Hall, (of whom I had this Intelligence about 2 Months ago) that the Company are averse to paying a Farthing, and he believes will not. Some Settlers, I understand, engag\u2019d to transport themselves at their own Expence, but others were, on Account of their present Poverty, to be transported at the Expence of the Company, who were to be repaid as the Settlers grew able. Part of the former Sort, however, were not able to comply with their Engagements; nevertheless Mr. Hall (who seems to have very just Notions, and a proper Spirit for new Settlements) says the Company ought cheerfully to advance every Thing for the Settlers, till the Settle[ment is we]ll establish\u2019d, and take the People\u2019s Bonds [and Mortg]ages for the Repayment of what ought to be repaid. The People too complain on their Part that the Company have not complied with their Engagements in having the Portion of Land allotted to the Settlers survey\u2019d to them, which was to have been done immediately after their arrival. In short it appears that the Company want a Head to contrive and conduct Matters for them, and that they are too parsimonious and compacted in their Views for such a Design. I [much] doubt if you don\u2019t meet with Difficulty in getting repaid the Fees you have advanc\u2019d to the Clerk of the Council in their Behalf. Mr. Hall tells me that the Lands which have fallen to your Share are very valuable [being] some of the best in the Patent. He wishes you had been present at the Meeting of the Company for then, he says, Matters would have been conducted more properly. I intend calling on him soon to learn all the Particulars. As to Mr. Hughes I never see or hear from him. I believe he lives altogether in the Country. I shall make it my Business soon to see him and hear his Account of the Matter.\nI send you enclosed a Copy of a Letter Mrs. Franklin receiv\u2019d last Night from Parson Brown of Newark, in which he gives some dark Hints of an Attempt to have me remov\u2019d. But I have not the least Suspicion of what he alludes to as no Governor ever stood better with the People in general than I do at present. Some indeed suspect that there is a Scheme to get Lieut. Col. Skinner who has [torn] Warren to apply for the Government, which they say he would stand a good Chance of obtaining thro\u2019 the Interest of Col. Fitzroy, his Brother-in-law, and the Duke of Grafton. But I confess I see no Reason for such Suspicions. I am at present on a very friendly Footing with Cortlandt Skinner and tho\u2019 he might wish his Brother to be Governor here yet I hardly [think] he would be guilty of any underhand [means to have me] remov\u2019d from this Government [unless I was to] have another in Exchange. And [I much question] whether Col. Skinner, now he is [married to so] great a Fortune and has so good a Chance [of rising] in the Army, would wish to have the Government. Mr. Brown lives near and is intimate with Capt. Arch\u2019d. Kennedy, who without the least Cause in the World, has taken, I\u2019m told an uncommon Prejudice against me. Perhaps he may have thrown out some Hints which may have alarm\u2019d Mr. Brown, and induc\u2019d him out of Regard to me to write to my Wife on the Occasion. At present it is all a Mystery to me but least any such Matter as he apprehends might be in Agitation, I thought it prudent to send you a Copy of his Letter.\n[The] Introduction to your Examination by the Editor of the Gentn\u2019s Magazine has been published in the Pensylva. Chronicle, and afterwards Hall published it in his Gazette. It gives great pleasure.\nGovr. Hutchinson has just publish\u2019d a Volume of his History which I suppose you will be able to get in London; I have just receiv\u2019d one from N.Y. but have not read it. I am, Honr\u2019d Sir, Your ever dutiful Son,\nWm:Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 October 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir,\nNew:York, Octob 24. 1767\nBy Capt. Miller, who sail\u2019d but this Morning, I sent you my Power of Attorney, and Certificate, which I hope you will receive safe; Capt. Miller, and his Mate are the Evidences, so they can prove it there: I am told you have all that is necessary in Order to receive any Thing that is due and that its paid Quarterly. If any Thing farther is necessary, I will try to do it, on knowing what it is.\nI told you in that, that I had just returned from New-Haven, where I had given my Evidence with the strictest Truth, and I thought such as would prove much of Mr. Holt\u2019s Claim unjust: But tho\u2019 no Judgment was ascertained when I came away, yet Mr. Ingersol and I both thought the Auditors inclined much to favour Holt, but I could say no more than I did; Mr. Ingersol said and did what he could: Holt\u2019s chiefest Plea was the Unreasonableness that he should pay a Rider, which the Office reap\u2019d the Benefit of, and now avail\u2019d itself of his Scheme, by continuing the Rider at the Expence of \u00a3108. per An: I insisted that that Thursday\u2019s Rider was little or no Benefit to the General Office (which is indeed Truth) and that I thought it would be more to the Benefit of the Office to drop that Stage: He boldly asserted he knew better, and it would not drop, &c. And the Auditors all seem\u2019d to think he spoke Truth: Tho\u2019 Mr. Foxcroft and I both have had some discourse on the Matter, and think it really not beneficial in general, and he is trying to find out a Substitute, which I think may be well found: Thus Things stood when I left New-Haven, and the Auditors will judge as to them seems proper. Mr. Holt told me, he designed to stay some Weeks at New Haven, in order to settle his Accounts there: Whether this was thrown out, as a Sugar-Plumb for me, or not I can\u2019t say: but I have desired Mr. Ingersol to attach Holt\u2019s House there at New Haven, that if any Thing should be left after the King\u2019s Debt is paid, that I may have the Chance for it: I never could catch him here, tho\u2019 the Writs were constantly out.\nI find a Discourse in Town, that Weyman won\u2019t print any more News papers, but that I am not quite a Believer in, tho\u2019 I am told, by good Hands, he can\u2019t get Paper to work on, as he owes to every Body that would trust him, and none will let him have it without Money: Tho\u2019 I creep along in Number of Papers, I now printing about 16 Quire, yet have I not received above 40s. from the Beginning for News papers, nor does any yet pay me: This reduces me much for all I can get otherways does not support my Family: Yet I have good Hopes, if Divine providence spares my Life and Health that I shall rub through, and make both Ends meet in a While tho\u2019 as my Strength fails me often, I have need of all the Fortitude of a better Man than I ever was: Hope still stays by me. The whole Province, and indeed all this Continent seems to be in somewhat of a Distressed Condition, and yet Provisions dear.\nI sent the same Paper as I do now, by one of the London Ships, but we have no News of Importance: Whatever this Winter may produce Time will tell, but all is secret here, till the Sitting of the Assembly the 17th of next Month.\nWe are glad to hear you continue your Health, and as I find the Philadelphia Assembly continue you their Agent, I presume we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you till next Summer: Mean While, all our Salutations are humbly directed to be sent you by Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\nP.S. I forgot to mention B. Mecom, who stays still at New Haven, much at the old Rate, but no Rent paid: The Ballance due to the Post-Office is not very large, tho\u2019 that is not paid yet.\n Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / London\nEndorsed: J Parker, Oct. 24 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0176", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Andrew Millar, 31 October 1767\nFrom: Millar, Andrew\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMr. Millars Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and begs to acquaint him he never had any Answer from Councillor Galloway in relation to Mr. James Rivington which Surprizes him greatly.\n Addressed: To / Dr Franklyn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0177", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, [October 1767]\nFrom: Stevenson, Margaret\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\n[October 1767]\nI have sent your Letters and no answer. Jackson Broght the watchcase, gist [just] as you was gouen out of the Street; no won cald own a Saturday or Sunday. I and my too children went to Church In the morning, the after None gave Nanny Leave [?] Miss Clarck came at half hour after forr stade tell all moste Teen; I have not har\u2019d of Poley; this Morning Mr. Wood calld. I askt him whar he Loged he sad you know: he saw you at Paris. The Man of the Blew dey, Mr. Mead Is hear. I drink Tea thar at six a Clock this evening. I wod not goi soner, becaus of being in the way to tak missages my Self; well Mr. Sthran, came as I was going to conclud, he says what you out so soon. I sade yeas tis beten [between] Tewelf and one he has opind you to go to Mr. Whitfelds next Mondy moring. I told him I thought you had som outher Ingagem[en]t for Monday next and that is all. I am glad to har your situation is agreeabl, we ar all well. I hope to see you also at your Return that you may be happy thar and hear or whar ever\u2014is the moste harty wish of\u2014Dear Sir Your obliged friend\nMargt Stevenson\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0178", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [October 1767\u20131774]\nFrom: Strahan, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonday 1/2 past 3. [October 1767\u20131774]\nMr. Strahan presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklin\u2014hears by his Daughter that he is going into the Country tomorrow, and therefore would be glad to see him tonight if he is disengaged. If the Dr. is not going abroad; will call on him about 8. If he is, will be glad that he would call in New Street.\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0180", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 3 November 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Stevenson, Margaret\nDear Madam\nTuesday, Nov. 3 at Noon [1767]\nI breakfasted abroad this Morning and Nanny tells me that Mr. West call\u2019d while I was out, and left word that you did not intend to come home till Sunday next, and that you expected me then, to come and fetch you; that Mr. West also desired I would dine at his House that Day: I know not whether Nanny is right in all this, as she has but an indifferent Memory But it seems strange to me that you should think of staying so long. People [must] have great Confidence in their own Agreableness that can suppose themselves not to become tiresome Guests at the End of Three Days at farthest. I did not imagine you had been so conceited. My Advice to you is, to return with the Stage to-morrow. And if it is proposed that we dine there on Sunday, I shall wait on Mr. and Mrs. West with Pleasure on that day, taking you with me. But however I pray you not to understand that I so want you at home as not to do very well without you. Every thing goes on smoothly, and the House very quiet; and very clean too, without my saying a Word about it. I am willing to allow that the Arrangements you made before you went may have contributed something towards the good Order and Comfort in which we go on; but yet you are really mistaken in your Fancy that I should, by your Absence, become more sensible of your Usefulness to me, and the Necessity of having you always near me; for in Truth I find such a Satisfaction in being a little more my own Master, going any where and doing any thing just when and how I please without the Advice or Controul of any body\u2019s Wisdom but my own small as it is, that I value my own Liberty above all the Advantage of others Services, and begin to think I should be still happier if Nanny and the Cat would follow their Mistress, and leave me to the Enjoyment of an empty House, in which I should never be disturb\u2019d by Questions of Whether I intend to dine at home, and what I would have for Dinner; [or?] by a Mewing Request to be let in or let out. This Happiness however is perhaps too great to be conferr\u2019d on any but Saints and holy Hermits. Sinners like me I might have said US, are condemn\u2019d to live together and tease one another, so concluding you will be sentenc\u2019d to come home tomorrow, I add no more but that I am as ever Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant\nB Franklin\nMy best Compliments to Mr. and Mrs. West.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0181", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 3 November 1767\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Honoured Fa]ther\nBurlington Novr. 3, 1767\nI must beg Leave to recommend the Bearer, Daniel Coxe, Esqr; of Trenton, to your Civilities and good Offices; and desire you would introduce him to Mr. Jackson, and such other of our Friends as you think may any ways contribute to make his Stay in London either advantageous or agreeable. I am, Honoured Sir, Your ever dutiful Son,\nWm: Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Charles] Jackson, 4 November 1767\nFrom: Jackson, Charles\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nGenl. Post Office Novembr: 4. 1767.\nMr. Jackson presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, with many Thanks for his obliging Note; and the Order for Ten Guineas, for which he has the pleasure to send him the under written Receipt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0183", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 12 November 1767\nFrom: Collinson, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nWorthy Friend\nLondon 12th Novr. 1767\nEnclos\u2019d we return your Letter and are much obligd by your communicating the same\u2014as also for transmitting the other Leters. My Father desires me to ask whether you have received any Intelligence about the House at Philadelphia\u2014Copy of the Grant of which [he] thinks he gave you\u2014with much Esteem subscribe myself your obliged Friend\nThos Collinson\nTo B Franklin Esqr.\n Addressed: To / Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0186", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 November 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, Nov. 17. 1767\nI have this minute receiv\u2019d Letters by the Packet of October, from Billy and some other Friends, but not a Line from you. I suppose therefore you have written by some other Vessel: I long to hear of your and Sally\u2019s Welfare from your own Hands.\nI purpose writing to you fully to-morrow; but as I may be interrupted, I would not miss this Post, in hope it may reach the Packet just to let you know I am very well and hearty.\nMy Love to all enquiring Friends. I am my dear Debby Your ever loving Husband\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / per Packet / via New York / B Free Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0187", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 17 November 1767\nFrom: Wharton, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear friend\nPhilada: Novem. 17th. 1767\nI wrote thee, on the 16 Ulto. since which have none of thy favours, (this Letter I delivered to John Relfe).\nSome little time after arrived Capt. Falkner with whom came passengers James Hamilton &c.; the day after his Arrival, W A was extreamly fond of reading a Letter, he had receivd from T P., wherein that Gentleman Mentions; that, He had been in Company with secretary Conway, who He says could not conceive, what Doctor Franklin could be doing in England, and that, He had not seen thee for some considerable time; then T P. mentions the great regard, He bears to the Quakers, but Admires, that they will suffer a few rash young Fellows, to govern their Elections, and how the Assembly can keep thee in England at so great an Expence to the Province, with several other paragraphs, which clearly appear to Us, were calculated, to have been thrown out before our last Election, as well as to have served about the 15th of October, to facilitate thy rejection as an Agent; but the length of the passage, did deprive WA of trying what salutary Effects, such kind and Affectionate Hints, might have on Our Minds; but from what reason We know not, that Gentleman, has kept the Letter more Close since the first Day or two.\nI herewith send thee a supplement to Goddards paper, in Order that thou may Early see, the steps those People in Boston Government are taking; for my part, I am realy Affraid of the Consequence, if England should Act with Her Usual Spirit, it Appears to me, as if some parts of this Continent must be in a horrid cituation, and indeed Brittain in her Commerce must be Extreamly Affected. I wish our Superiours with You could See, the true Interest of both Countries, which I am perswaded is, that, the Colonies should enjoy the Natural rights of Englishmen, and be by a proper Encouragement in their Trade, Enabled to take off and pay for, the Brittish Manufactories, by which means We should contribute more to the Ease of her present heavy burthens, then by another means in Our Power.\nThe Stamp Act, rais\u2019d such a Spirit Among Us, especially to the Eastward that I fear, We shall scarce See those happy Days, We once Witness\u2019d; for my part I most sincerely Wish those differences were Adjusted, and that the mother and her Children were mutually Advantageous to Each other. Those to the E-w-d [Eastward] who thinks themselves Cramp\u2019d, Appears to me to have Another View, and I am informed, that Measures are taking to foment divisions in the Y\u2014k A\u2014y [York Assembly], in hopes, that, they may prove refractory relative to the B-ll\u2014g [Billeting] Act.\nWe seem at present very Quite here, and I am satisfied, that, the Watchword Among the P\u2014ns [Presbyterians] is Moderation; And that they are really Affronted at the late Conduct of the Court Side, respecting the Electing of Common Councill Men &c. &c.\nWe have at present about 150 sail of Sea Vessells in Port, yet business in general is very dull, and Must infallable grow Worse, unless We can fall on some Medium, to satisfy the pressing Necessities of the People, and will at last Center in a total Loss, of the Trade between Brittain and Us.\nI have wrote by this Opportunity to my friend Thomas Crowley, to try if He can purchase for me the right which the Heirs of Jonah Smith appear to me to have, to some Land in this Province; And of the Heirs of William Royden their right to Lands, both in this province and in New Jersey, and particularly to the Island opposite this City. I find by a Survey made for said Royden the 20th of September 1681, that, that Island is included in it, and is regularly recorded in the Office at Burlington; And as it is this Spot, which will render this last purchase Valuable, shall be greatly Obliged, if thou\u2019ll please to Assist Him, with thy Advice respecting the Conveyances, if He should purchase in Order that they may be sufficiently Expressive; In Case the purchase be made of Royden\u2019s heirs, must Crave thy Advice how I shall Apply to his Majesty for a Confirmation respecting the Island. Our friend J G is to be Concerned in the purchase under Jonah Smiths if it be made.\nThis Letter will I hope be delivered thee by Our friend Enoch Story, Whom to mention to thee would be sufficient; Yet cannot help informing thee, that, through the discouragements He met with in Trade &c, He became reduced; but by the kind Assistance of James & Drinker, He obtain\u2019d his present Station, in which I cannot doubt his doing well. He is an Honest Worthy Man, and leaves this City with as clear a Character as most Among Us. I am thy sincere and Affectionate Friend\nTho Wharton\nJonah Smith in the Year 1684 is Called of the Parish of St. Andrew hubbard London Merchant.\nWilliam Royden in April 1692, calls Himself, Citizen and Grocer of London.\nHave inclos\u2019d a Certified Copy of the return of Survey for Royden\u2019s right.\nTo Benjamin Franklin Esqr\n Endorsed: Mr T. Wharton Nov. 17. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0188", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Livezey, 18 November 1767\nFrom: Livezey, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nRespected Friend\nRoxbury Township Philada. CountyNovr. 18, 1767\nTho\u2019 I have not the happyness of an Intimate Acquaintance with thee, yet time I hope will alter that Circumstance, and bring us better acquainted; I only know thee from Some of thy Writings, the Author of which I Greatly Esteem.\nAs thou art one of the Agents for this Province in Great Britan, I Sent a Dozen of American wine by Caaptn. Falconer, the Last time he went from hence to London; which I am pleas\u2019d to hear, was Safely Deliver\u2019d, it was Made by my Self, from our Small wild Grape, which Grows in Great plenty in our Woodland. And as I have Some of the Same Sort Now on tap, which I think Rather better, I have Sent a Dozen more; with the Assistance of our Mutual friend Thomas Wharton; by the Same Honest Captain\u2014Six bottles of which, are Somthing paler than the others\u2014I heartely wish it may arive Safe, and warm the harts of Every one who tasts it, with a Love for America. And would it Contribute towards bringing about a Change of Government but one month Sooner, I would Gladly Send all I have.\nHowever I do not Dispair of the Change yet, for Some of their wisdoms and Betternesses allow it will take place, at the Death of Thomas Penn, but at the Same time Say, it will not be Sooner. If this be Really the Case, I Do not know whether Some people in this province, wilnot be in the Same Condition, that, a German\u2019s Wife in my Neighbourhood Lately was\u2014Who Said, nobody Could Say, She wished her Husband Dead, but Said, She wished, She Could See, how he would Look when he was Dead. I honestly Confess, I do not wish him to Die against his will, but if he Could be prevail\u2019d on, to Die for the Good of the people, it might perhaps make his Name as Immortal, as Samsons Death Did his, and Gain him more applause here, then all the acts which he has Ever done in his Life.\nI hope thou will Excuse me for taking up Somuch of thy time, and permit me to add, that, I am with Great truth, and Regard, thy Sincere Friend\nThos: Livezey\nTo Dr. Benjamin Franklin\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin / Esqr / in / London\nEndorsed: Mr Lievezey Nov. 18. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0190", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Morton, [19\u201325 November 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nMy Lord\nIn Obedience to your Lordship\u2019s Commands I have look\u2019d over that Part of Dr. Priestly\u2019s Work that contains an Account of the Experiments made by him. I find There are a great Number of them, mostly quite new, and some I think very curious and important, well deserving for that Reason and for the great Pains and Expence he has been at in making them, the Honour of the Society\u2019s Medal. But I do not see that his Account of them can well be abridg\u2019d, and as the Book has been long publish\u2019d, and probably is in the Hands of all those of the Society who from their Acquaintance with the Subject are the best Judges of the Merit of such Experiments, I apprehend that any other Account is hardly necessary. I am however so engag\u2019d at present that I could not possibly prepare any thing of the kind fit to be laid before the Council on Thursday, and hope your Lordship will [be so good] as to excuse me. With the greatest Respect, I am, My Lord, Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant\nB F.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0191", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 20 November 1767\nFrom: Evans, Cadwalader\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Doctor\nPhiladia Novr. 20th. 1767\nI received your very acceptable letter of Augst 5th., and also Doctor Baker\u2019s ingenuous investigation of the cause of the Devonshire colic; for which he deserves the thanks of that County in particular, and of all the world, where Wine, and Cyder, are drank. Gentlemen of the faculty, too often begin where they shou\u2019d end; and instead of writing from experience, they write in order to have opportunities of gaining it; and when that is acquired, rest satisfied with the profits, without making a compensation to the World, for the price of their knowlege, I was going to say, the blood and treasure it had cost. I am affraid this will turn out a satyr, in some degree, on myself; tho I intended a panagyric on Gentlemen, at the head of their Profession, who employ in the service of future generations, the few hours, which a hurry of bussiness, leaves to relaxation, and social enjoyments.\nThe Symptoms in the dry bellyach of the West Indians, and North Americans, are nearly the same with those in the colic of Poictou and Devonshire; wherefore it may be worth enquiery, whether a similar cause has not some share in producing like effects.\nThe climate and general way of living, in the English and French Iselands, are nearly the same, except that the latter use wine, or wine and water for common drink, and the former Rum punch. Among the French, I am informed, the Belly ach, is scarcely known; with us it is almost endemic\u2014Now whether this difference, is caused by any admixture of lead, in the composition of Still Worms or to the well known propertys of inflameable spirits, to relax the tone of the alimentary canal, and subject it to spasms may be easily determined by Dr. Bakers experiment.\nWith this you will receive a catologue of the Medical Books in our Library, which are most of them Donations; and altho we have a considerable sum in the hands of the Managers of the Hospital, their Treasury is so poor, we are obliged to wait for better times. Your being pleased with our scheme is consistent with your publick spirited charector and I thank you for myself, and the other Gentlemen concerned, for the Pamphlet you sent, and the intimation you gave of seconding our design in some Degree.\nYou have heard that our annual Election passed without opposition, and that there is such a majority of your friends in the House, you were nominated Agent, even without any dirt being thrown at you. Indeed it is so notorious, that you exerted all your abilities in favour of the Colonies, that none now, are so hardy, as to insinuate the contrary. Even the great Giant acknowleged in the House, you had been of service.\nThe endeavours of many among you, to subject the Colonies, to the Government of unconstitutional Laws, we are sorely, affraid will alienate their [conn]ections from the parent Country\u2014and on the other hand, our own imprudence by puffing in News[pap]ers about our manufactures, &c. will give a handle to our enemies, and lessen the number of our friends.\nThe disproportion between the price of raw or crude materials, and the manufactures made of them, is so great, as a late writer Judiciously observes, that no country more especially a Winter Country, can subsist without some manufactures. I am very confident [we] cannot in Pensylvania, and till we manufacture [much] more than we do, we shall never be able to pay [our] debts, which the English Merchants complain so much [about.]\nWe are indeed very blameable that we have not more earnestly endeavoured, to cooperate with the Society for the propogation of Arts &c. and rival the produce and manufactures of other Nations, rather than Great Brittain; more especially as we have climates suitable for almost all the productions of the Globe. I have often talked to my acquaintance on a scheme of this kind; all agree about its utility; and if it was generally prosecuted, by establishing societies in several parts of the Continent, it would be the most conciliating steps we could take, and by means of mutual interrests cement and bind differrent parts of the Brittish Empire, to a more distant period, than either Synods or Fleets, and Armies can do. It often gives us great pleasure, that you enjoy so good a state of Health, amidst the hurry and embarrassments you are often in. God grant it may last, to a great and happy old age, which I am sure is the prayer of great numbers on this side the water; but of none with more fervour than Your Affectionate friend\nC: Evans\n Endorsed: Dr Evans. Nov. 18. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0192", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Morton, 23 November 1767\nFrom: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBrooke Street monday 23d Novemr. 1767\nLord Morton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, desires the favor of his Company to Dinner on saturday next the 28th Inst.; and that he would be so good as to come about 12 o\u2019Clock, that there may be time for Auditing the Accounts of the Society before dinner.\n Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street / Strand.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0194", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lachlin MacLeane, 24 November 1767\nFrom: MacLeane, Lachlin\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nCopy of Mr. Macleane\u2019s Note to Dr. Franklin.\nWhitehall 24th Novr. 1767\nMr. Macleane presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and sends him a Paragraph of a Letter from Sir Wm. Johnson relative to the Boundary Line behind Pensylvania. Mr. Macleane will do Himself the Pleasure of waiting on the Doctor some Day this Week.\n[On the same page:]\n  Extract of a Letter from Sir Wm. Johnson to the Earl of Shelburne, dated\nJohnson Hall 30th. May, 1767\n\u201cI am newly return\u2019d from a Congress with the Six Nations at the German Flats which was partly convened at the Request of the Proprietaries of Pensylvania and Maryland, who were to obtain the Indians Consent to their Running the Division Line between the Governments over the Allegany Mountains, which I have at length effected, and delivered the Indians a Present from these Governments.\u201d\n Endorsed: Whitehall Novbr. 1767 Mr. McCleans Note to Dr. Franklin and his Answer thereto.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0195", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 November 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork, Nov. 24. 1767.\nNo Packet having arrived here lately, that of August from England being the last, and this Opportunity being near I must scribble a few Lines to you.\nI sent you, per Capt. Miller, a Power to get any Wages that may be due to me. My last to you was per the Duke Packet, immediately after my Return from New-Haven: since which Mr. Ingersol has wrote Mr. Foxcroft and me, that the Auditors had determined the Affair, and Judgment in their Superior Courts, whereby Holt was to pay only \u00a348\u2014Lawful Money, on that Suit: They having given him all the Allowance for hiring the Riders, but what they were convinced was unjust. His Main Arguments were, that as the Office now reap\u2019d the Benifit of his Project, at the Rate of \u00a3100 per An. he ought to be allowed all he was out of Pocket, as he was permitted to make the Experiment, so he did it not at the Expence of the Office, but that then the Office ought not to have the Benefit of his Expence: I told them, I thought the Thursday\u2019s Rider now a real Damage to the Gen. Office; and that there were Thoughts of dropping it, (and so I think yet) but he almost told me I lied; that he knew better, and that it would not drop, &c.\u2014tho\u2019 I think he may find himself mistaken: I said all I could with Truth and Justice, and Mr. Ingersol said what he could; but so they have determined it: He has paid the Money I hear to Mr. Ingersol: He staid 6 Weeks at New Haven, as he said to settle my Accounts; &c. but he is come down a Week ago, and I hear of no Accounts yet. I keep Writs out, and that\u2019s all I can do.\nAltho\u2019 almost every Thing goes cross, I continue to Struggle with my adverse Fortune, and will conquer or die: I gain Ground with my Papers slowly, but I have now to print 16 Quire, which if they were all good Pay, would do; but I have little Pay yet: If I can but hold out a year or two, I don\u2019t doubt I shall make it out. The very Elements oppose me, yet I know Dispair never pays any Debts, so I will not yield to her Dictates. I thank God, I have not had so much of the Gout as formerly, tho\u2019 it will not leave me.\nThe new Duty on Paper, I see has raised Writing Paper here already: yet I don\u2019t find the Retailer can get more for it than before: Thus the Duty falls upon the Retailer. My Abilities would not allow me to lay in a good Stock first, so I begin to buy only by the Ream: I would have desired more Paper from England, but I have so far run behind hand, that I durst not, and all I can get I would chuse to let it go towards paying you for what I have had: The new Duties I see makes an Addition to my Labour in the Station I am in, as it seems I am to attend the Landing of every Article: but I don\u2019t regard that if I can but give Satisfaction; to my Employers: tho\u2019 I have not heard, that the superior Officers here have found any Fault with me, yet as a new Board is now constituted, if any of them should take it in their Head, to want to beat a Dog, they can always find a Stick.\nYou know, I seldom trouble you with Politicks, leaving that for abler Hands: Our Assembly are now sitting, and tis said are doing Business as usual, and all Things appear easy, only hard distressing Times. Every one of the Common People complaining, and yet continuing: Weyman continues in the Publick Service: for none would attempt to remove him: and I scorn to deal underhandedly with him: Let him keep it as long as he can; for he can\u2019t hold long, by his own Course: tho\u2019 he lately issued a long Piece of Stuff in his Paper, tho\u2019 I get sight of em only by Chance, yet, as he sends his Papers to the Coffee-House in London, you may possibly see his elegant Expressions. They are below my Notice, and they are not worth [illegible] as they are a Mixture of Truth and Lies, jumbled in one vile Language, But I have tired your Patience I have only to add, All Respects from Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\nNyork Nov. 30. 1767\n Addressed: For / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr / Craven Street / London\nEndorsed: Mr. Parker Nov. 24. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0196", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 25 November 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son,\nLondon, Nov. 25, 1767.\nI think the New Yorkers have been very discreet in forbearing to write and publish against the late Act of Parliament. I wish the Boston people had been as quiet, since Governor Bernard has sent over all their violent papers to the ministry, and wrote them word that he daily expected a rebellion. He did indeed afterwards correct this extravagance by writing again that he now understood those papers were approved but by few, and disliked by all the sober sensible people of the province. A certain noble Lord expressed himself to me with some disgust and contempt of B. on this occasion; saying he ought to have known his people better, than to impute to the whole country sentiments that perhaps are only scribbled by some madman in a garret; that he appeared to be too fond of contention and mistook the matter greatly in supposing such letters as he wrote were acceptable to the ministry. I have heard nothing of the appointment of General Clark to New York: but I know he is a friend of Lord Shelburne\u2019s, and the same that recommended Mr. Mc. Lean to be his secretary. Perhaps it might be talked of in my absence.\nThe Commissioners for the American Board went hence while I was in France; you know before this time who they are and how they are received, which I want to hear. Mr. Williams, who is gone in some office with them, is brother to our cousin Williams of Boston; but I assure you I had not the least share in his appointment; having, as I told you before, carefully kept out of the way of that whole affair.\nAs soon as I received Mr. Galloway\u2019s, Mr. T. Wharton\u2019s, and Mr. Croghan\u2019s letters on the subject of the Boundary, I communicated them immediately to Lord Shelburne. He invited me the next day to dine with him. Lord Clare was to have been there but did not come. There was nobody but Mr. Mc. Lean. My Lord knew nothing of the Boundary\u2019s having ever been agreed on by Sir William, had sent the letters to the Board of Trade, desiring search to be made there for Sir William\u2019s letters, and ordered Mr. Mc. Lean to search the Secretary\u2019s office, who found nothing. We had much discourse about it and I pressed the importance of dispatching orders immediately to Sir William to complete the affair. His Lordship asked who was to make the purchase, i.e. be at the expence? I said that if the line included any lands within the grants of the Charter Colonies, they should pay the purchase money of such proportion. If any within the proprietary grants they should pay their proportion, but that what was within Royal Governments where the King granted the Lands, the Crown should pay for that proportion. His Lordship was pleased to say, he thought this reasonable. He finally desired me to go to Lord Clare as from him, and urge the business there, which I undertook to do. Among other things at this conversation, we talked of the new settlement; his Lordship told me he had himself drawn up a paper of reasons for those settlements which he laid before the King in Council, acquainting them that he did not offer them merely as his own sentiments, they were what he had collected from General Amherst, Dr. Franklin, and Mr. Jackson, three gentlemen that were allowed to be the best authorities for any thing that related to America. I think he added that the council seemed to approve of the design: I know it was referred to the Board of Trade, who I believe have not yet reported on it, and I doubt will report against it. My Lord told me one pleasant circumstance, viz. that he had shewn his paper to the Dean of Gloucester (Tucker), to hear his opinion of the matter; who very sagaciously remarked, that he was sure that paper was drawn up by Dr. Franklin, he saw him in every paragraph; adding that Dr. Franklin wanted to remove the seat of government to America; that, says he, is his constant plan.\nI waited next morning upon Lord Clare, and pressed the matter of the Boundary closely upon him. He said they could not find they had ever received any letters from Sir William concerning this Boundary, but were searching farther: agreed to the necessity of settling it; but thought there would be some difficulty about who should pay the purchase money; for that this country was already so loaded it could bear no more. We then talked of the new colonies. I found he was inclined to think one near the mouth of the Ohio might be of use, in securing the country, but did not much approve that at Detroit. And as to the trade he imagined it would be of little consequence if we had all the peltry to be purchased there, but supposed our traders would sell it chiefly to the French and Spaniards, at New Orleans, as he heard they had hitherto done.\nAt the same time that we Americans wish not to be judged of, in the gross by particular papers written by anonymous scribblers and published in the colonies, it would be well if we could avoid falling into the same mistake in America in judging of ministers here by the libels printed against them. The inclosed is a very abusive one, in which if there is any foundation of truth, it can only be in the insinuation contained in the words \u201cafter eleven adjournments\u201d that they are too apt to postpone business: but if they have given any occasion for this reflection there are reasons and circumstances that may be urged in their excuse.\nIt gives me pleasure to hear that the people of the other colonies are not insensible of the zeal with which I occasionally espouse their respective interests as well as the interests of the whole. I shall continue to do so as long as I reside here and am able.\nThe present ministry seem now likely to continue through this session of parliament; and perhaps if the new parliament should not differ greatly in complexion from this, they may be fixed for a number of years which I earnestly wish as we have no chance for a better.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0197", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Canton, 27 November 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Canton, John\nDear Sir\nFriday, Nov. 27 [1767]\nAfter the Society was gone, my Lord Moreton said, (when I offer\u2019d him the Paper) that it ought to have been deliver\u2019d before and read to the Society: he however desir\u2019d me to produce it to the Council. There the Reading of it was oppos\u2019d as not being referr\u2019d to them by the Society. But this was at last got over by Dr. Moreton\u2019s proposing that the giving a Medal to Dr. Priestly should be taken into Consideration, and that in order to judge the better of the Propriety of that Proposal, the Paper should be read. It was accordingly read. I was then desired, as the best Judge present, to give my Opinion of the Merit of the Experiments as to the Medal; which I did in plain Terms, declaring it as my Judgment that the great Pains and Expence the Doctor had been at in making them, and the Importance of the Experiments themselves, well deserv\u2019d that Encouragement from the Society: and that it was a Mark of Distinction justly due to so much philosophical Industry and Sagacity, &c. One that sat near me told me he was surpriz\u2019d at the Account I had given, as he had been assur\u2019d the Medal was intended to be bestow\u2019d on the Doctor only for writing a History, which was thought wrong; but it now appear\u2019d he had made many valuable new Experiments, &c. Then a Question arose how far it was proper to give a Medal for Experiments that had not been sent to the Society till they were published; and this occasioned a Search for Sir Godfrey Copley\u2019s Will which could not be found; but an Agreement was found recorded between the Society and his Executors, that the \u00a35 should be given for the best Experiment within the Year, proposed and directed to be made by the Society, and made in their Presence: This not having been the Practice of late Years, it began to be whisper\u2019d that most of the Medals had been irregularly given, and that no more could be so given. A subsequent Resolution was however found, to print the Clause of Sir Godfrey\u2019s Will in every Number of the Transactions for the Encouragement of Foreigners to endeavour obtaining the Reward, as there was Reason to fear a Failure of Experiments on the former Plan. By this Time it grew late, and it was concluded that the Books should be searched, to find all the Steps that had been taken in disposing of this Prize whether in Money or in Medals from the first Instance in 1717 to the last; with the Reasons and Grounds on which the Council had proceeded; and that a Copy of that Part of Sir Godfrey\u2019s Will should be obtained from the Commons; when at the next Council the Matter might be re-considered, and the Medal then given to Dr. Priestly if the Council thought fit, and it should be found not contrary to the Will so to do. Thus the Business ended for that time; and how it will conclude at last seems an Uncertainty; for I think some Persons are busy in an Opposition to the Measure. But I hope it will end in favour of Merit, in which case I think our Friend cannot miss it. I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nB Franklin\nP.S. I return the Dr.\u2019s Letter. I imagine his Difficulty has arisen partly from his Supposition that the Electric Matter goes in a Ball with a projectile Force, which I think is not the Case; but that it is a Constant Stream from the Inside to the Outside of the Bottle thro\u2019 the best Conductors and in such Direction as it can best pass, and in which Path strait or crooked it actually begins to pass as soon as the Conducting Wire begins to approach in order to make the Discharge, which would be done silently or with only a hissing Noise if the Conducting Wire were kept a little farther off than the striking Distance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0198", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lachlin MacLeane, [November 1767]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: MacLeane, Lachlin\nSir\n[November 1767]\nSir Wm. Johnson\u2019s Letter of May 30, 1767 of which you have been so kind as to communicate an Extract to me, has no Relation to the propos\u2019d Boundary Line between the English Colonies and the Indian Country. It is merely a Line of Division between the two Colonies of Pensilvania and Maryland, now running by Agreement of the two Proprietaries, and as it is to run East and West, and go across the Allegany Mountains thro\u2019 Lands not yet purchas\u2019d of the Indians, who are apt to be extreamly jealous and uneasy when they see Men with surveying Instruments in their Country, thinking they come to take away their Land, it was necessary to explain this Matter to them before hand, and obtain their Leave, letting them know that all the two Proprietors meant, was to mark out a Boundary, on the different Sides of which they might purchase from the Indians, without interfering with each other, when the Indians should be dispos\u2019d to sell. I am, &c.\nB.F.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0199", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 1 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, Dec. 1. 1767\nI duly received your Favours of Augt. 22. and Sept. 20. and Oct. 8. and, within these few Days one of Feb. 14. recommending Mr. Morgan Edwards and his Affair of the Rhodeisland College, which I shall endeavour to promote deeming the Institution one of the most catholic and generous of the kind.\nI believe I before acknowledg\u2019d the Receipt of the Bills you sent me for \u00a3250 and \u00a3750 being the Assembly\u2019s Allowance for two Years Salary; but I cannot too often acknowledge your kind Care in forwarding that Business, among the many of greater Importance that are continually upon your Hands.\nI am inclined to think with you, that the small Sum you have issued to discharge the Publick Debts only, will not be materially affected in its Credit for want of the legal Tender, considering especially the extream Want of Money in the Province. You appear to me to point out the true Cause of the general Distress, viz. the late luxurious Mode of Living introduc\u2019d by a too great Plenty of Cash. It is indeed amazing to consider that we had a Quantity sufficient before the War began, and that the War added immensely to that Quantity by the Sums spent among us by the Crown and the Paper struck and issued in the Province; and now in so few Years all the Money spent by the Crown is gone away, and has carried with it all the Gold and Silver we had before, leaving us bare and empty, and at the same time more in debt to England than ever we were! But I am inclin\u2019d to think that the mere making more Money will not mend our Circumstances, if we do not return to that Industry and Frugality which were the fundamental Causes of our former Prosperity. I shall nevertheless do my utmost this Winter to obtain the Repeal of the Act restraining the Legal Tender, if our Friends the Merchants think it practicable, and will heartily engage in the Cause; and in truth they have full as much Interest in the Event as we have.\nThe present Ministry it is now thought are like to continue, at least \u2019till a new Parliament; so that our Apprehensions of a Change, and that Mr. Grenville would come in again, seem over for the present. He behaves as if a little out of his Head on the Article of America, which he brings into every Debate without Rhyme or Reason, when the Matter has not the least connection with it: Thus at the Beginning of this Session on the Debate upon the King\u2019s Speech, he tired every body, even his Friends, with a long Harangue about and against America of which there was not a Word in the Speech. Last Friday he produc\u2019d in the House a late Boston Gazette which he said deny\u2019d the Legislative Authority of Great Britain, was treasonable, rebellious, &c. and mov\u2019d it might be read, and that the House would take Cognizance of it; but it being mov\u2019d on the other hand, that the Consideration of Mr. G.\u2019s Motion should be postpon\u2019d to that day Six Months, it was carried without a Division: And as it is known that this Parliament will expire before that time, it was equivalent to a total Rejection of the Motion. The D. of Bedford, too, it seems, mov\u2019d in vain for a Consideration of this Paper in the House of Lords. These are favourable Symtoms of the present Disposition of Parliament towards America, which I hope no Conduct of the Americans will give just Cause of altering.\nI laid your Letter, relating to the Boundary Line between the Colonies and the Indians, before Lord Shelbourne as soon as I receiv\u2019d it, and the next Day had a long Conference with him upon it. He told me he did not recollect having ever had any Account from Sir William that such a Line had been agreed on between him and the Indians, but had order\u2019d Search to be made in the Office. Mr. Macleane came in, and said he could find no Letter on the Subject. My Lord agreed to the Necessity of settling it, and wish\u2019d me to go to Lord Clare and press him upon it. Your Letter was already gone to Lord Clare\u2019s. I waited accordingly on that Nobleman, had a good deal of Discourse with him upon it, and left him well-disposed towards it, tho\u2019 he intimated there would be a Difficulty about the Money to be paid to the Indians for the Lands to be purchas\u2019d. Mr. Macleane has since found something that he thinks relates to it, in a Letter of Sir William\u2019s; but on perusal, I find it does not.\nBe so good as to present my best Respects to the House, and believe me, with sincerest Esteem and Regard, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and most obedient Servant\nB Franklin\nDec. 12. Since writing the above, I have received your Favours of Oct. 9, and 22. enclosing Bills for \u00a3500. I am much obliged to you and the House for your Care in supplying me. I only wish my Services were equivalent. I am very sensible of the Honour done me by the House, in their new now unanimous Appointment of me for their Agent. They will not, however, I am persuaded, take it amiss if I come home in the Spring, as the principal Business of the Year passes in the Winter.\nThere is now a Talk of new Changes again, when we tho\u2019t all was settled for this Winter at least. It is impossible to say they will not take place. But if the present Ministry should continue, there would as you observe, be good Ground to hope, that by their Influence on the new Election while they are in place, so many of their Friends might be chosen as to render their Administration more stable and permanent than those that have gone before. Which is much to be wished, as they are really well disposed towards America, and as good a Set in every Respect as we can reasonably hope for.\nI am glad of the Letter to Mr. Trecothick. It will have a good Effect: P.M. Just now I have received yours of Sept. 28 and Oct. 18. relating to Proprieties in New Jersey, which I cannot now but soon will answer.\nBF\n[In the margin]: I left the Committee\u2019s Letter at Mr. Jackson\u2019s Chambers for him, but have not seen him since. We shall write to the Committee per next Packet.\nJoseph Galloway, Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0200", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 1 December 1767\nFrom: Mecom, Jane\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Dear and only Brother\nBoston Decr 1. 1767\nI wrot to you Some time ago and Informed you of the Death of my Child and of the Helth of the Rest of my Famely. I have now a Twofold Benifit to Acknolidg and thank you for The Recipt of what you mention in yr [your] Last to me by Mr. Barrett. Mr. Winthrop come and Paid me five Giuenys and yr [your] Advancing so much for me when Capt. Freeman come I am not unsencable of the obligation you contineualy Lay me under but Realy my Spirits are so much Broken with this Last Hevey Stroak of Provedenc that I am not capeble of Expressing my self as I ought.\nOh My Brother she was Every thing to me, Every word and Every Action, was full of Duty and Respect, and I never Lookd. on Her but with Pleasur Exept when she was sick or in troble. How to make me Easey and Happy was what she had most at Heart, and Rather than Give me Pain she concealed her own Infermities and Did so much more than she was Able that it Increased Her Disorder and Hastened Her End.\nBut why Should I Entertain you with this maloncholy Subject when you are calld. to Rejoyce at the Settling in marage of yr Beloved Daughter to a worthy Gentleman whom she Loves and the only won that can make her Happy. I congratulate you on it and wish it may Give you a Lasting Pleasure. I am uterly at a Lose how to Expres the Sence I have of Mrs. Steevensons Goodnes in takeing such Pains to serve me and must beg of you to do it for me and Pray the contineuance of Her favour for yr sake for I am not capeble of makeing any sutable Returns.\nI send all the mony I can git but it Proves a Litle unlucky for me that our People have taken it in there Heads to be so Exsesive Frugal at this Time as you will see by the News papers.\nOur Blusterers must keep them selves Imployed and If they Do no wors than Perswade us to were [wear] our old Cloaths over again I cant Disaprove of that in my Hart tho I should Like to have those that do bye and can afford it should bye what Litle I have to sell and Imploy us to make it up.\nI think I Desiered you to send me all the Pamphlets and Papers that have been Printed of yr writing do Gratifie me and I will contineu to be as Ever yr affectionat and most obliged sister\nJane Mecom\nMy Daughter Desiers her Duty.\n Addressed: To / Docr: Benjn. Franklin / at Mrs: Stevensons in Craven / Street London\nEndorsed: Mrs Mecom Dec. 1. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0201", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 12 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Ross, John\nDear Sir,\nLondon, Dec. 12, 1767.\nI received your kind letter of October 18. I had before seen with great pleasure your name in the papers as chosen for the city of Philadelphia.\nThe instruction you mention as proposed by a certain great man was really a wild one. The reasons you made use of against it were clear and strong, and could not but prevail. It will be time enough to show a dislike to the coalition when it is proposed to us. Meanwhile we have all the advantage in the agreement of taxation which our not being represented will continue to give us. I think indeed that such an event is very remote. This nation is indeed too proud to propose admitting American representatives into their parliament; and America is not so humble or so fond of the honour as to petition for it. In matrimonial matches \u2019tis said when one party is willing the match is half made, but where neither party is willing there is no great danger of their coming together. And to be sure such an important business would never be treated of by agents unimpowered and uninstructed; nor would government here act upon the private opinion of agents which might be disowned by their constituents.\nThe present ministry seem now likely to continue through this session; and this as a new election approaches, gives them the advantage of getting so many of their friends chosen as may give a stability to their administration. I heartily wish it, because they are all well disposed towards America. With sincere esteem, I am, dear sir, your affectionate friend and most obedient servant,\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0202", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Wharton, 12 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Wharton, Thomas\n[Burned] his Letter to Thomas Wharton\n[Burned] hear of the Accident to the Boat On the [burned] being fully sensible of the Truth of What you [burned] concerning Indian Affairs And the Necessity of [burned] a Boundary, I shall urge this Point very [burned] On the Ministry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0204", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 16 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hopkinson, Francis\nDear Sir\nLondon, Dec. 16. 1767\nI received yours of Nov. 6. with the Account of your safe Arrival, which gave me and your Friends here great Pleasure.\nI have sent your Letter to Mr. Morgann, and by some Discourse I have had with him I am inclin\u2019d to think you will find it no great Difficulty to agree for the Office when you see him on the Spot; and he is now preparing for the Voyage, intending for Maryland or Virginia in the first Ship.\nThe Associates of Dr. Bray have lately a \u00a31000 promis\u2019d them for the Support of Negro Schools in America, the Money to be laid out in Ground Rents or other safe Estate in or near Philadelphia; and they have appointed you, Mr. E. Duffield and myself to make and hold the Purchase for that Use. \u00a3200 of the Money is already in their Hands, and they desire that we may immediately proceed to purchase as far as that Money will go. I wish therefore that you and Mr. Duffield would look out for such kind of Purchases, and make them, drawing on the Revd. Mr. John Waring, at Mr. Bird\u2019s in Ave Mary Lane for the Sum you lay out. You will draw a Deed of Trust and execute it for your selves, if any thing is done in the Affair before I come over.\nMr. Sturgeon had the Care of the Negro School; but the Associates having had no Line from him, nor any Account of the School these two years past, they pray that you two would visit it, enquire into the State of it, and send them some Account of it, directed as above, by the first Opportunity. Mr. Waring is Secretary to the Associates.\nI hope to be at home pretty early in the Summer, and to have the Pleasure of finding you and your good Mother well. My best Wishes attend you, being with sincere Regard Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant\nB Franklin\nMrs. Stephenson and Miss present their Compliments I shall remember the Telemachus.\nF. Hopkinson Esqr\n Endorsed: Docr. Franklin to Fras. Hopkinson Decr. 16. 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0205", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 19 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nThe paragraphs printed here form one of two documents William Temple Franklin printed at widely separated points in his edition of his grandfather\u2019s writings, both of which he said were letters to William Franklin and both of which he dated Dec. 19, 1767. In neither case does a contemporary manuscript survive. The two pieces relate to distinctly different subjects: the first is entirely concerned with the Royal Society; the second deals with public business, particularly with the colonial discontent that followed the imposition of the Townshend duties. All of the second document except the short final paragraph appeared in print for the first time in Pennsylvania Chronicle, March 7\u201314, 1768, with the heading: \u201cExtract of a Letter from London, dated December 29, 1767.\u201d Thus Goddard, printing in 1768, gave it a date ten days later than Temple Franklin did when he printed it after the passage of fifty years. The two most recent general editors of Franklin\u2019s writings, John Bigelow and Albert H. Smyth, silently combined the two documents into a single letter with the December 19th date. Some internal evidence in the second document, to be pointed out later, persuades the present editors, however, that Franklin wrote those paragraphs very close to the end of the month. Following the Chronicle dating, therefore, we have placed it as of December 29, leaving only the paragraphs relating to the Royal Society to be placed here as the surviving portion of the letter of December 19.\nLondon, December 19, 1767.\nWe have had an ugly affair at the Royal Society lately. One Dacosta, a Jew, who, as our clerk, was entrusted with collecting our monies, has been so unfaithful as to embezzle near \u00a31300 in four years. Being one of the council this year as well as the last, I have been employed all the last week in attending the enquiry into and unravelling his accounts, in order to come at a full knowledge of his frauds. His securities are bound in \u00a31000 to the Society, which they will pay, but we are like to lose the rest. He had this year received 26 admission payments of 25 Guineas each, which he did not bring to account.\nWhile attending this affair, I had an opportunity of looking over the old council books and journals of the Society, and having a curiosity to see how I came in, (of which I had never been informed,) I looked back for the minutes relating to it. You must know it is not usual to admit persons that have not requested to be admitted; and a recommendatory certificate in favor of the candidate, signed by at least three of the members, is by our rule to be presented to the Society, expressing that he is desirous of that honour and is so and so qualified. As I never had asked or expected the honour, I was, as I said before, curious to see how the business was managed. I found that the certificate, worded very advantageously for me, was signed by Lord Macclesfield then President, Lord Parker, and Lord Willoughby, that the election was by an unanimous vote; and the honour being voluntarily conferred by the Society unsolicited by me, it was thought wrong to demand or receive the usual fees or composition; so that my name was entered the list with a vote of council, that I was not to pay any thing. And accordingly nothing has ever been demanded of me. Those who are admitted in the common way, pay five Guineas admission fees, and two Guineas and a half yearly contribution, or twenty-five Guineas down, in lieu of it. In my case a substantial favour accompanied the honour.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0206", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 24 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, Dec. 24. 1767.\nI wrote you largely by this Packet, but omitted mentioning two Things I want you to send me per first Ships, for two of my Friends here. One is, Miller\u2019s German Newspapers for two or three Months back; and to be continued. The other a Lump of that Sort of Stone we make Steps and Cheeks of Cellar doors of, at Philadelphia. Your Care in these Particulars will greatly oblige Your ever loving Husband\nB F[ranklin]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0207", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Hunt, 24 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hunt, Isaac\n  Mr. HuntDear Sir\nLondon Decem 24. 1767\nI received yours of Octo. 10 and perceive with concern that you are still persecuted as a heretic in politics. It is remarkable that the objection to you as a libeller should come from that person who is himself one huge, living, walking talking libel against all the worthy characters that come in his way. You ask me my advice on the occasion. The best I can give you at this distance is to redouble your diligence in the studies pertaining to your profession till you have acquired such eminence and excellence in it, that those who now wantonly abuse you, shall when they have occasion for law be forced to solicit your assistance, and pay you well for that friendship they now take so much pains to render themselves unworthy of. Depend upon it great merit in your profession will force its way. Acquire that and every thing else will follow. Be indefatigably diligent and you will be greater than your adversaries. Be frugal and you will [be] richer. Be temperate and abstemious and you will live to walk over their graves. Be virtuous and you will be happy. This I wish you very sincerely. Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant\nIsaac Hunt Esq a Lawyer in Philada", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0208", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 24 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nDear Sister\nLondon, Dec. 24. 1767\nI have received yours of Oct. 23. and condole with you most affectionately in the Affliction you must have suffered by the Loss of so valuable and so amiable a Child. The longer we live we are expos\u2019d to more of these Strokes of Providence: but tho\u2019 we consider them as such, and know it is our Duty to submit to the Divine Will, yet when it comes to our Turn to bear what so many Millions before us have borne, and so many Millions after us must bear, we are apt to think our Case particularly hard, Consolations however kindly administred seldom afford us any Relief, Natural Affections will have their Course, and Time proves our best Comforter. This I have experienc\u2019d myself. And as I know your good Sense has suggested to you long before this time, every Argument, Motive and Circumstance that can tend in any degree to relieve your Grief, I will not by repeating them renew it. I am pleas\u2019d to find that in your Troubles you do not overlook the Mercies of God, and that you consider as such the Children that are still spar\u2019d to you. This is a right Temper of Mind, and must be acceptable to that beneficent Being, who is in various Ways continually showring down his Blessings upon many, that receive them as things of course, and feel no grateful Sentiments arising in their Hearts on the Enjoyment of them.\nYou desire me to send you all the political Pieces I have been the Author of. I have never kept them. They were most of them written occasionally for transient Purposes, and having done their Business, they die and are forgotten. I could as easily make a Collection for you of all the past Parings of my Nails. But I will send you what I write hereafter; and I now enclose you the last Piece of mine that is printed. I wrote it at a Friend\u2019s House in the Country who is of the Treasury, if possible to do some Service to the Treasury, by putting a little out of Countenance the Practice of encouraging Smugglers in buying their Commodities. But I suppose it did very little.\nProbably the Gentleman has called on you with the small Sum I mention\u2019d; if not, I would not that you should call upon him for it; and therefore do not give you his Name.\nMrs. Stevenson is glad to learn that the Things she sent you were suitable and pleas\u2019d. You mention that you should write for more per Capt. Freeman. We suppose you did not then know, that your People would resolve to wear no more Millenery. He is not yet arriv\u2019d. Pray are those Resolutions like to be steadily stuck to?\nMy Love to Jenny, and all our Relations and Friends, and believe me ever Your affectionate Brother\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0209", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 December 1767\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNYork, Dec. 24. 1767\nAs no Packet has arrived here these two Months, nor any other Vessels lately from England, we have not had the Pleasure to hear from you since Sept. last.\nMy last to you was per Capt. Eff. Lawrence by whom I told you the Issue of the Trial of the Office vers. Holt, was by the Auditors at New Haven, so far adjudged in Holt\u2019s Favour, that he was to pay the Office, \u00a348\u2014Lawful Money only: I declared the Truth there, and I thought the Auditors very partial, but I could not help it. Holt staid there 4 or 5 Weeks, said it was to settle our Accounts, but he has returned, and I hear no further of it: \u2019Tis said he is now bad with the Gout. I have had a bad Turn for about a Fortnight, with some Fever, some small Matter of the Gout; and a bad Cough, but I am getting up again. I continue to Struggle along, but the Prospect mends slowly:\nI sent to you, per Capt. Miller, a Power to recover any Thing, that may be due to me: and I am since informed since the Arrival of Commissioners of the Customs at Boston, that whatever may be due hereafter, is to be paid by them, so that you can only receive to the 5th of October last, or some time thereabouts, this our Collector tells me; tho\u2019 I have myself heard Nothing from the Commissioners. You will receive all that is to be paid there. Mr. Elliot told me Yesterday, the Commissioners had wrote to him to send them the Names and Ages of all the Officers in his District, he thought it odd, that they wanted the Ages of each. But we shall doubtless soon know what their Intention is. I don\u2019t know that I have any Interest with them, so resign myself to their Will.\nThe Thursday\u2019s Post, by way of Hartford to Boston not having been found to quit Cost, Mr. Foxcroft has concluded to order it Stopt, at the End of this Quarter, and a Rider to go from Hartford to New London. It is generally thought this will answer all the Ends of to\u2019ther, and be more beneficial with less Expence; the Commerce between this and Boston being but small\u2014much smaller than formerly\u2014I find I shall be obliged to alter my Paper to Mondays, as the best Prospect; I now have got to 17 Quire, and every Week almost getting one or more, tho\u2019 the Change of Day will cause something of a Revulsion, yet I am in Hopes it may not be for the Worse. I get but few Advertisements yet, which are the Life of a Paper: but every Day seems to gain some Ground. Only Health and Strength is in me deficient.\nYou see by the Papers the new Duties make a great Noise on this Continent, but it seems to me, much less here than elsewhere. Yet this Place complains of its Poverty, and I believe with as much Reason, as any other; Provisions dear, and yet a good deal of Luxury, and the Poor crying out. We have had a tolerable Middling temperate Fall but it seems to come on pretty severe now.\nI should have mentioned Benny Mecom: He stays at New Haven yet: but I can get no Rent, And I fear he will yet fall short a little in the Post-Office also; but twill not be a great deal. As I find, he will never be able to do any Thing there as a Master, I have peremptorily told him, I must have up my Materials again. He will have had them four Year and I shall not get a Copper for their Use, Loss or Wear. I recommended him to go again to the West-Indies, but he was highly affronted even at the Proposal: I again told him, that he might possibly live in Character of a Journeyman but I thought it was acting preposterous in him to try any more to act as Master. Besides, the two Greens have been invited to New Haven, in Opposition to him, and they have set up another News paper there, which seems to be better executed than Benny\u2019s so I am told he neither gets Money, or the Good-Will of the People. I shall expect my Tools will be returned in [torn] and as I never had the bare Interest of what that Place cost me, and the Prospect such as I never shall get any Thing; thus will end my New-Haven Adventure: Yet, Thank God, all is not gone every where, as might have been.\nOur Assembly is sitting here now, but what they are doing I know not: How they or the Governor gets over the Act of Parliament I know not. Weyman continues to print for them, as I never will try to undermine him: but he is so weak, that on printing their Votes, he could not do a News-Paper, I think he declines apace, and is an Object of Pity and Contempt both: But from the Length of this Epistle, you will begin to think the latter my Desert, so with all Respects remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\n Addressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London / per Capt. Farquhar\nEndorsed: Mr Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0210", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 29 December 1767\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nThe paragraphs printed here form the second of two documents that William Temple Franklin printed as separate letters written by Franklin to his son William on the same date, Dec. 19, 1767. As explained in the annotation to the first group of paragraphs, above, p. 341, other editors have either followed Temple in printing the two groups as separate letters with the same date, or have silently combined both groups into a single letter of that date. All previous editors have ignored the date of Dec. 29, 1767, that the Pennsylvania Chronicle assigned to that part of the second group that it printed March 7\u201314, 1768, less than three months after BF could have written any part of this material. The present editors, however, believe that the surviving passages are actually parts of two different letters from Franklin to his son written ten days apart. Only the first group of paragraphs, therefore, has been placed under the December 19 date; the second group is placed here, with the December 29 date that the Chronicle used for the part it printed. Internal evidence to support the Chronicle\u2019s dating is indicated in appropriate footnotes.\nDear Son,\nLondon, Dec. 29, 1767.\nThe resolutions of the Boston people concerning trade, make a great noise here. Parliament has not yet taken notice of them, but the newspapers are in full cry against America. Colonel Onslow told me at court last Sunday, that I could not conceive how much the friends of America were run upon and hurt by them, and how much the Grenvillians triumphed. I have just written a paper for next Tuesday\u2019s Chronicle to extenuate matters a little.\nMentioning Colonel Onslow, reminds me of something that passed at the beginning of this session in the house between him and Mr. Grenville. The latter had been raving against America, as traitorous, rebellious &c. when the former, who has always been its firm friend, stood up and gravely said, that in reading the Roman history he found it was a custom among that wise and magnanimous people, whenever the senate was informed of any discontent in the provinces, to send two or three of their body into the discontented provinces to enquire into the grievances complained of and report to the senate that mild measures might be used to remedy what was amiss, before any severe steps were taken to enforce obedience. That this example he thought worthy our imitation in the present state of our colonies, for he did so far agree with the honourable gentleman that spoke just before him, as to allow there were great discontents among them. He should therefore beg leave to move that two or three members of parliament be appointed to go over to New England on this service. And that it might not be supposed he was for imposing burthens on others what he would not be willing to share himself, he did at the same time declare his own willingness if the house should think fit to appoint them, to go over thither with that honourable gentleman. Upon this there was a great laugh which continued sometime, and was rather increased by Mr. Grenville\u2019s asking, \u201cwill the gentleman engage that I shall be safe there? Can I be assured that I shall be allowed to come back again to make the report?\u201d As soon as the laugh was so far subsided as that Mr. Onslow could be heard again, he added, \u201cI cannot absolutely engage for the honourable gentleman\u2019s safe return, but if he goes thither upon this service I am strongly of opinion the event will contribute greatly to the future quiet of both countries.\u201d On which the laugh was renewed and redoubled.\nIf our people should follow the Boston example in entering into resolutions of frugality and industry full as necessary for us as for them, I hope they will among other things give this reason, that \u2019tis to enable them more speedily and effectually to discharge their debts to Great Britain; this will soften a little and at the same time appear honourable and like ourselves. Yours &c.\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0211", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cumming, 30 December 1767\nFrom: Cumming, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSurry Street, Decr. 30th. [1767]\nThos. Cumming presents his best Respects to his worthy Friend Doctor Franklin, and begs Leave to introduce to his Notice the Bearer, who is canvassing for the Place of Library-Keeper to the Royal Society. The Doctor will be presented with a Book of that Gentleman\u2019s, which if it has been already read by the Doctor, Cumming may save himself the Trouble of saying any Thing on Behalf of the Author\u2019s Learning or Integrity, &c. If the Dr. has not yet read it, C. requests he may, and then act in Regard to his Friend, as he may be thought to deserve. C. begs his best Respects to the Doctor\u2019s good Landlady.\n Addressed: To / Doctor Benjn. Franklin / Craven Street,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-14-02-0213", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, [1767\u20131770]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\n[First part missing] and a Train of various Amusements daily interfering, I as continually put off Writing till to-morrow; when I receiv\u2019d the second Letter, I propos\u2019d answering both together to-morrow; the same of the third; and now what a shameful Fault has this Procrastination led me into! a Fault which even my Polly with all her Goodnature, join\u2019d to her Regard for me can hardly excuse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-19-02-0075", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin and Elizabeth West, [before 4 April 1772?]: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: West, Benjamin,West, Elizabeth\n<Before April 4, [1772?], and in the third person. An invitation to dinner next Saturday, April 4.>", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0009", "content": "Title: Andrew Oliver to \u2014\u2014, 7 May 1767\nFrom: Oliver, Andrew\nTo: \nSir,\nBoston, 7th May 1767.\nI am indebted to you for the obliging manner in which you receiv\u2019d my recommendation of my good friend Mr. Paxton, as well as for the account you are pleased to send me of the situation of affairs in the mother country.\nI am very sorry that the colonies give you so much employment, and it is impossible to say how long it will be before things settle into quiet among us. We have some here who have been so busy in fomenting the late disturbances, that they may now think it needful for their own security to keep up the spirit. They have plumed themselves much upon the victory they have gained, and the support they have since met with; nor could any thing better shew what they would still be at, than the manner in which by their own account published in the news-papers last August they celebrated the 14th of that month, as the first anniversary commemoration of what they had done at the tree of liberty on that day the year before. Here a number of respectable gentlemen as they inform us now met, and among other toasts drank general Paoli, and the spark of liberty kindled in Spain. I am now speaking of a few individuals only, the body of the people are well disposed, yet when you come to see the journal of the house of representatives the last session, I fear you will think that the same spirit has seized our public counsels. I can however fairly say thus much in behalf of the government, that the last house was packed by means of a public proscription just before the election, of the greatest part of those who had appeared in the preceding session in the support of government: their names were published in an inflammatory news-paper, and their constituents made to believe they were about to sell them for slaves. Writs are now out for a new assembly, but I cannot answer for the choice: I hope however that the people in general are in a better temper; yet the moderate men have been so browbeaten in the house, and found themselves so insignificant there the last year, that some of them will voluntary decline coming again. I thinks this looks too much like a despair of the common-wealth, and cannot be justified on patriotic principles.\nThe election of counsellors was carried the last year as might have been expected from such an house. The officers of the crown and the judges of the superior court were excluded. And I hear that it is the design of some who expect to be returned members of the house this year to make sure work at the ensuing election of counsellors, by excluding, if they can, the gentlemen of the council (who by charter remain such \u2019till others are chosen in their room) from any share in the choice, tho\u2019 they have always had their voice in it hitherto from the first arrival of the charter. If the house do this, they will have it in their power to model the council as they please, and throw all the powers of government into the hands of the people, unless the governor should again exert his negative as he did the last year.\nYou have doubtless seen some of the curious messages from the late house to the governor, and can\u2019t but have observed with how little decency they have attacked both the governor and the lieutenant governor. They have also in effect forced the council to declare themselves parties in the quarrel they had against the latter in a matter of mere indifference. In their message to the governor of the 31st of January they have explicitly charged the lieutenant governor (a gentleman to whom they are more indebted than to any one man in the government) with \u201cambition and lust of power\u201d, merely for paying a compliment to the governor agreeable to ancient usage, by attending him to court and being present in the council-chamber when he made his speech at the opening of the session; at which time they go on to say, \u201cnone but the general court and their servants are intended to be present\u201d, still holding out to the people the servants of the crown as objects of insignificance, ranking the secretary with their door-keeper, as servants of the assembly; for the secretary with his clerks and the door-keeper are the only persons present with the assembly on these occasions.\nThe officers of the crown being thus lessen\u2019d in the eyes of the people, takes off their weight and influence, and the balance will of course turn in favor of the people, and what makes them still more insignificant is their dependance on the people for a necessary support: If something were left to the goodwill of the people, yet nature should be sure of a support. The governor\u2019s salary has for about 35 years past been pretty well understood to be a thousand pound a year sterling. When this sum was first agreed to, it was very well; but an increase of wealth since has brought along with it an increase of luxury, so that what was sufficient to keep up a proper distinction and support the dignity of a governor then, may well be supposed to be insufficient for the purpose now. The lieutenant governor has no appointments as such: the captaincy of Castle-William which may be worth \u00a3120 sterling a year is looked upon indeed as an appendage to his commission, and the late lieutenant governor enjoyed no other appointment: he lived a retired life upon his own estate in the country, and was easy. The present lieutenant governor indeed has other appointments, but the people are quarrelling with him for it, and will not suffer him to be easy unless he will retire also.\nThe secretary may have something more than \u00a3200 a year sterling, but has for the two last years been allowed \u00a360 lawful money a year less than had been usual for divers years preceding, tho\u2019 he had convinced the house by their committee that without this deduction he would have had no more than \u00a3250 sterling per annum in fees, perquisites and salary altogether, which is not the one half of his annual expence.\nThe crown did by charter reserve to itself the appointment of a governor, lieutenant governor and secretary: the design of this was without doubt to maintain some kind of balance between the powers of the crown and of the people; but if officers are not in some measure independent of the people (for it is difficult to serve two masters) they will sometimes have a hard struggle between duty to the crown and a regard to self, which must be a very disagreeable situation to them, as well as a weakening to the authority of government. The officers of the crown are very few and are therefore the more easily provided for without burdening the people: and such provision I look upon as necessary to the restoration and support of the King\u2019s authority.\nBut it may be said how can any new measures be taken without raising new disturbances? The manufacturers in England will rise again and defeat the measures of government. This game \u2019tis true has been played once and succeeded, and it has been asserted here, that it is in the power of the colonies at any time to raise a rebellion in England by refusing to send for their manufactures. For my own part I do not believe this. The merchants in England, and I don\u2019t know but those in London and Bristol only, might always govern in this matter and quiet the manufacturer. The merchant\u2019s view is always to his own interest. As the trade is now managed, the dealer here sends to the merchant in England for his goods; upon these goods the English merchant puts a profit of 10 or more probably of 15 per cent when he sends them to his employer in America. The merchant is so jealous of foregoing this profit, that an American trader cannot well purchase the goods he wants of the manufacturer; for should the merchant know that the manufacturer had supplied an American, he would take off no more of his wares. The merchants therefore having this profit in view will by one means or other secure it. They know the goods which the American market demands, and may therefore safely take them off from the manufacturer, tho\u2019 they should have no orders for shipping them this year or perhaps the next; and I dare say, it would not be longer before the Americans would clamour for a supply of goods from England, for it is vain to think they can supply themselves. The merchant might then put an advanced price upon his goods, and possibly be able to make his own terms; or if it should be thought the goods would not bear an advanced price to indemnify him, it might be worth while for the government to agree with the merchants before hand to allow them a premium equivalent to the advance of their stock, and then the game would be over.\nI have wrote with freedom in confidence of my name\u2019s not being used on the occasion. For though I have wrote nothing but what in my conscience I think an American may upon just principles advance, and what a servant of the crown ought upon all proper occasions to suggest, yet the many prejudices I have to combat with may render it unfit it should be made public.\nI communicated to governor Bernard what you mentioned concerning him, who desires me to present you his compliments, and let you know that he is obliged to you for the expressions of your regard for his injured character. I am with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,\nAndw. Oliver.\nI ask your acceptance of a journal of the last session which is put up in a box directed to the secretary of the board of trade.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0018", "content": "Title: George Rome to \u2014\u2014, 22 December 1767\nFrom: Rome, George\nTo: \nSir,\nNarraganset, 22d December 1767.\nI am now withdrawn to my little country villa, where, tho\u2019 I am more retired from the busy world, yet I am still invelop\u2019d with uneasy reflections for a turbulent, degenerate, ungrateful continent, and the opposition I have met with in my indefatigable endeavours to secure our property in this colony, but hitherto without success. The times are so corrupted and the conflict of parties so predominant, that faction is blind, or shuts her eyes to the most evident truths that cross her designs, and believes in any absurdities that assists to accomplish her purposes under the prostitution and prostration of an infatuated government. Judge then, my dear sir, in what a critical situation the fortunes of we poor Europeans must be among them.\nWe have not been able to recover our property for years past, how great soever our exigencies may have been, unless we soothed them into a compliance: We are unwilling to enter into a litiscontestation with them, because the perversion of their iniquitous courts of justice are so great, that experience has convinced us we had better loose half, to obtain the other quietly, than pursue compulsary measures: We are also afraid to apply to a British parliament for relief, as none can be effectually administered without a change of government, and a better administration of justice introduced; and was it known here, that we made such application home, not only our fortunes would be in greater jeopardy, but our lives endangered by it before any salutary regulations cou\u2019d take place. We are sensible of the goodness of the KING and PARLIAMENT, but how far, or in what space of time our grievance, as a few individuals, might weigh against the influence of a charter government, we are at a loss to determine.\nIn 1761, I arrived in America, which circumstance you probably remember well: With great industry, caution and circumspection, I have not only reduced our demands, and regulated our connections in some measure, but kept my head out of a HALTER which you had the honor to grace. (Pray Doctor how did it feel? The subject is stale, but I must be a little funny with you on the occasion.) Much still remains to be done, and after all my best endeavours, my constituents, from a moderate calculation, cannot lose less than \u00a350,000 sterling, by the baneful constitution of this colony, and the corruption of their courts of judicature. It is really a very affecting and melancholly consideration.\nUnder a deep sense of the infirmities of their constitution; the innovations which they have gradually interwoven among themselves; and stimulated by every act of forbearance, lenity and patience, we have indulged our correspondents until deluges of bankruptceys have ensued, insolvent acts liberated them from our just demands, and finally, had our indisputable accounts refused admission for our proportion of the small remains, until colony creditors were first paid, and the whole absorbed. We have had vessels made over to us for the satisfaction of debts, and after bills of sales were executed, carried off in open violence and force by Capt. Snip-snap of Mr. No body\u2019s appointment, and when we sued him for damages, recover\u2019d a louse. We have in our turn been sued in our absence, and condemned ex parte in large sums for imaginary damages, for which we can neither obtain a trial, nor redress. They refuse us an appeal to the king in council; the money must be paid when their executions become returnable; and were we to carry it home by way of complaint, it would cost us two or three hundred pounds sterling to prosecute, and after all, when his Majesty\u2019s decrees comes over in our favour, and refunding the money can no longer be evaded, I expect their effects will be secreted, their body\u2019s released by the insolvent act, and our money, both principal, interest and expences irrecoverably gone. Is not our case grievous? We have in actions founded upon notes of hand, been cast in their courts of judicature. We have appeal\u2019d to his Majesty in council for redress, got their verdicts reversed, and obtain\u2019d the King\u2019s decrees for our money, but that is all; for altho\u2019 I have had them by me twelve months, and empeen able to recover a single shilling, tho\u2019 we have danced after their courts and assembly\u2019s above THIRTY DAYS, in vain to accomplish that purpose only: Consider my dear sir, what expence, vexation, and loss of time this must be to us, and whether we have not just cause of complaint.\nWe have also in vain waited with great impatience for years past, in hopes his Majesty wou\u2019d have nominated his judges, and other executive officers in every colony in America, which wou\u2019d in a great measure remove the cause of our complaint. Nothing can be more necessary than a speedy regulation in this, and constituting it a regal government; and nothing is of such important use to a nation, as that men who excel in wisdom and virtue should be encouraged to undertake the business of government: But the iniquitous course of their courts of justice in this colony, deter such men from serving the public, or if they do so, unless patronized at home, their wisdom and virtue are turned against them with such malignity, that it is more safe to be infamous than renown\u2019d. The principal exception I have met with here, is James Helmes, Esq; who was chosen chief justice by the general assembly at last election. He accepted his appointment, distinguishes himself by capacity and application, and seems neither afraid nor ashamed to administer impartial justice to all, even to the native and residing creditors of the mother country. I have known him grant them temporary relief by writs of error, &c. when both he, and they, were overruled by the partiality of the court; and in vain, tho\u2019 with great candour and force, plead with the rest of the bench, that for the honour of the colony, and their own reputation, they ought never to pay less regard to the decrees of his Majesty in council, because the property was determined in Great Britain, than to their own. I have also heard him with resolution and firmness, when he discovered the court to be immoderately partial, order his name to be inrol\u2019d, as dissenting from the verdict. For such honesty and candour, I am persuaded he will be deposed at next election, unless they should be still in hopes of making a convert of him.\nI wish it was in my power to prevent every American from suffering for the cause of integrity, and their mother country; he, in an especial manner, should not only be protected and supported, but appear among the first promotions. Is there no gentleman of public spirit at home, that would be pleased to be an instrument of elevating a man of his principals and probity? or is it become fashionable for vice to be countenanced with impunity, and every trace of virtue past over unnoticed! God forbid.\nThe colonies have originally been wrong founded. They ought all to have been regal governments, and every executive officer appointed by the King. Until that is effected, and they are properly regulated, they will never be beneficial to themselves, nor good subjects to Great-Britain. You see with what contempt they already treat the acts of parliament for regulating their trade, and enter into the most public, illegal and affronting combinations to obtain a repeal, by again imposing upon the British merchants and manufacturers, and all under the cloak of retrenching their expences, by avoiding every unnecessary superfluity. Were that really the case, I am sure I wou\u2019d, and also every other British subject, esteem them for it; but the fact is, they obtain\u2019d a repeal of the stamp act by mercantile influence, and they are now endeavouring by the same artifice and finesse to repeal the acts of trade, and obtain a total exemption from all taxation. Were it otherways, and they sincerely disposed to stop the importation of every unnecessary superfluity, without affronting the British legislation, by their public, general, and illegal combinations, they might accomplish their purposes with much more decency, and suppress it more effectually by the acts of their own legislation, imposing such duties upon their importation here, as might either occasion a total prohibition, or confine the consumption of them to particular individuals that can afford to buy, by which measures they would also raise a considerable colony REVENUE, and ease the poorer inhabitants in the tax they now pay: But the temper of the country is exceedingly factious, and prone to sedition; they are growing more imperious, haughty, nay insolent every day, and in a short space, unless wholsome regulations take place, the spirit they have inkindled, and the conceptions of government they have imbibed, will be more grievous to the mother country than ever the ostracism was to the Athenians.\nA bridle at present, may accomplish more than a rod hereafter; for the malignant poison of the times, like a general pestilence, spreads beyond conception; and if the British parliament are too late in their regulations, neglect measures seven years, which are essentially necessary now, shou\u2019d they then be able to stifle their commotions, it will only be a temporary extinction, consequently, every hour\u2019s indulgence will answer no other purpose than enable them in a more effectual manner to sow seeds of dissension to be rekindled whenever they are in a capacity to oppose the mother country and render themselves independent of her.\nHave they not already in the most public manner shewn their opposition to the measures of parliament in the affair of the late stamp act? Don\u2019t they now with equal violence and audacity, in both public papers and conversation, declare the parliamentary regulations in their acts of trade to be illegal and a mere nullity? What further proofs do we wait for, of either their good or bad disposition? Did you ever hear of any colonies, in their infant state, teach the science of tyranny, reduced into rules, over every subject that discountenanced their measures in opposition to the mother country, in a more imperious manner than they have done these four years past? Have they not made use of every stroke of policy (in their way) to avail themselves of the dark purposes of their independence, and suffered no restraint of conscience, or fear, not even the guilt of threatening to excite a civil war, and revolt, if not indulged with an unlimited trade, without restraint; and British protection, without expence? for that is the english of it. Is this their true, or mistaken portrait? Say. If it is their true one, ought not such pernicious maxims of policy? Such wicked discipline? Such ingratitude? Such dissimulation? Such perfidy? Such violent, ruthless and sanguinary councils, where a Cleon bears rule, and an Aristides cannot be endured, to be crushed in embryo? If not, the alternative cannot avoid producing such a government, as will ere long throw the whole kingdom into the utmost confusion, endanger the life, liberty and property of every good subject, and again expose them to the merciless assassination of a rabble.\nI am sensible that in all political disputes, especially in America, a man may see some things to blame on both sides, and so much to fear, which ever faction should conquer, as to be justified in not intermedling with either; but in matters of such vast importance as the present, wherein we have suffer\u2019d so much, still deeply interested, and by which the peace and tranquility of the nation is at stake; it is difficult to conceal ones emotions from a friend, and remain a tranquil spectator on a theatre of such chicanery and colusion, as will inevitably (if not checked, and may sooner happen than is imagin\u2019d by many) chill the blood of many a true Briton.\nIt may be true policy, in some cases, to tame the fiercest spirit of popular liberty, not by blows, or by chains, but by soothing her into a willing obedience, and making her kiss the very hand that restrains her; but such policy wou\u2019d be a very unsuitable potion to cure the malady of the present times. They are too much corrupted; and already so intoxicated with their own importance, as to make a wrong use of lenient measures. They construe them into their own natural rights, and a timidity in the mother country. They consider themselves a little bigger than the frog in the fable, and that G. Britain can never long grapple with their huge territory of 1500 miles frontier, already populous, and increasing with such celerity, as to double their numbers once in twenty-five years. This is not perfectly consonant with my idea of the matter, tho\u2019 such calculation has been made; and admitting it to be erroneous, yet, as they believe it, it has the same evil effect, and possesses the imaginations of the people with such a degree of insanity and enthusiasm, as there is hardly any thing more common than to hear them boast of particular colonies that can raise on a short notice an hundred thousand fighting men, to oppose the force of Great-Britain; certain it is, that they increase in numbers by emigration &c. very fast, and are become such a body of people, with such extensive territory, as require every bud of their genius and disposition to be narrowly watched, and pruned with great judgment, otherways they may become not only troublesome to Great Britain, but enemies to themselves. Now is the critical season. They are still like some raw giddy youth just emerging into the world in a corrupt degenerate age. A parent, or a guardian, is therefore still necessary; and if well managed, they will soon arrive at such maturity as to become obedient, dutiful children; but if neglected long, the rod of chastisement will be so much longer necessary as to become too burthensome, and must be dropt with the colonies. They almost consider themselves as a separate people from Great Britain already.\nLast month while I was attending the General Assembly, the Governor sent a written message to the lower house, importing his intentions of a resignation at the next election, assigning for reasons, the fumes in the colony and party spirit were so high, and that bribery and corruption were so predominant, that neither life, liberty nor property were safe, &c. &c. &c. Now Sir, whether the Governor\u2019s intentions as exhibited in this open, public declaration, was real, or feign\u2019d to answer political purposes; it still evinces their decrepid state; the prostitution of government; and melancholly situation of every good subject: For it cannot be supposed by any candid inquisitor, that a declaration of that nature, and form, would, if not true, been deliver\u2019d by a Governor to a whole legislative body, in order to emancipate himself. If this truth is granted, and this allow\u2019d to be their unhappy situation, how much is it the duty of every good man, and what language is sufficient to paint in an effectual manner, this internal imbecility of an English colony (in many other respects favourably situated for trade and commerce, one of the safest, largest, and most commodious harbours in all America, or perhaps in all Europe, accessible at all seasons, situated in a fine climate, and abounding with fertile soil), to the maternal bowels of compassion, in order that she may seasonably, if she thinks it necessary to interpose, regulate, and wipe away their pernicious Charter, render\u2019d obnoxious by the abuse of it.\nI am afraid I have tired your patience with a subject that must give pain to every impartial friend to Great-Britain and her colonies. When I took up my pen, I only intended to have communicated the out-lines of such of my perplexities (without diping so far into political matter) as I tho\u2019t would atone for, or excuse my long silence, and excite your compassion and advice.\nOur friend Robinson is gone to Boston to join the commissioners. My compliments to Colr Stuart. May I ask the favour of you both to come and eat a xmas dinner with me at batchelor\u2019s hall, and celebrate the festivity of the season with me in Narraganset woods. A covy of partridges, or bevy of quails, will be entertainment for the colr and me, while the pike and pearch ponds amuse you. Should business or pre-ingagements prevent me that pleasure, permit me to ask the favour of your earliest intelligence of the proceedings of parliament; and of your opinion whether our case is not so great as to excite their compassion and interposition were it known. This narration, together with your own knowledge of many of the facts, and the disposition of the colonies in general, will refresh your memory, and enable you to form a judgment. Relief from home seems so tedious, especially to us who have suffered so much, like to suffer more, and unacquainted with their reasons of delay, that I am quite impatient. \nAbove twelve months ago, I received from three Gentlemen in London (in trust for several others) exemplified accounts for a balance of about twenty-six-thousand pounds sterling, mostly due from this colony, not \u00a350 of which shall I ever be able to recover without compulsive measures, and what is still worse, my lawyer advises me from all thoughts of prosecution, unless a change of government ensues. I am therefore obliged to send them his opinion (in justification of my own conduct) in lieu of money ten years due. Poor Satisfaction! Our consolation must be in a British parliament. Every other avenue is rendered impregnable by their subtilty, and degeneracy, and we can no longer depend upon a people who are so unthankful for our indulgences, and the lenity of their mother country. I wish you the compliments of the approaching season, and a succession of many happy new years. I am Sir, with much regard, Your most humble Servant,\nG. Rome.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0002", "content": "Title: [February 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n13th. Vestry to meet by 2d. appointmt.\n   Some of GW\u2019s diary entries, such as these three in February, are appointment reminders rather than a record of occurrences. The vestry of Truro Parish met on 23 Feb.\n16th. Vestry to meet at Pohick.\n26. Sale of Colo. Colvills Negroes.\n   Thomas Colvill had died in 1766, and these slaves apparently were sold to pay some of his debts. On his deathbed Colvill had persuaded GW to be one of his executors by assuring him that he would be expected only to give his good name to the administration of the will and to check occasionally on its progress, while the actual work was done by the other executors: Colvill\u2019s wife Frances (d. 1773) and John West, Jr., husband of Colvill\u2019s niece Catharine. As it happened, the estate was so troublesome and Mrs. Colvill and West proved to be so unequal to their task that GW had to take an active part in the matter, which was to plague him until 1797 (GW to Bushrod Washington, 10 Feb. 1796, DLC:GW). One difficulty was that Colvill had left legacies to English relatives who could not be easily identified and whose confusing claims were almost impossible to authenticate. A second problem was that in May 1765 Colvill, as executor for his brother John, had sold Merryland, a 6,300\u2013acre tract in Frederick County, Md., to John Semple (d. 1773) of Prince William County, Va., for \u00a32,500 sterling. That sum was to have paid John\u2019s debts, including \u00a3742 owed to Thomas, but Semple gave a bond for the \u00a32,500, which he was later unwilling or unable to honor. Thus, neither Colvill estate could be settled until some agreement could be reached with the contentious Semple (see main entry for 31 Dec. 1771; GW to William Peareth, 20 Sept. 1770, DLC:GW).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0003", "content": "Title: [The Weather] March [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1st. Soft mild, still, & pleasant. Somewhat cloudy.\n2. (No frost) Cloudy till abt. 11 Oclock then Rain & almost all Night very hard Wind at No. Et.\n3. Fine clear Morning & Warm Wind southwardly. Cloudy abt. 1 Oclock & at 3 began to Rain hard & constant.\n4. Soft morning. Clear day, & very high wind from No. West but not cold.\n5. Clear, warm & pleast. forenoon. Wind southwardly. Afterwards hazy & lowerg.\n6. Raining constantly the whole day. Wind at No. Et. but not cold.\n7. Wind in the same place & Raing. more or less all day.\n8. Flying clouds in the forenoon. Wind brisk from the No[rth]ward. Clear afternn.\n9. Lowering Morning. Clear afternoon. Wind southwardly.\n10. Fine, clear & mild day. Wind for the most part Westwardly & No. West.\n11. Turnd cold abt. 10 oclock & after spittg. snow\u2014wind hard at No. West.\n12. Ground hard froze; wind high at No. West. Often spittg. snow in the forenoon & very cold.\n13. Ground very hard froze & exceedg. Cold. Wind hard at No. West & clear.\n14. Ground exceeding hard froze & cold in the Morning but pleasant afterwards, clear. Wind Westward.\n15. Clear & tolerably pleasant. Wind westwardly. Little frost.\n16. Little frost again but exceedg. pleast. Afterwards wind at south West.\n17. Fine & Pleasant. Very warm wind at So. West.\n18. Wind at No. Et. Somewhat cool in the Morning. Cloudy in the afternoon with Thunder Lightning\u2014Hail Rain & Snow.\n19. Cloudy & cold. Wind Northwardly.\n20. Continual Rain. Wind at No. East.\n21. Constant & hard Rain till 11 Oclock. Wind Southwardly. Afterwds. Westwd. & clear.\n22. Clear. Wind westwardly & South[ward]ly.\n23. Clear Morning. Cloudy afterwds. Wind Southwardly, & eastwardly.\n24. Cloudy Morning. Abt. 11 Constant Rain & contind. till 5. Wind varying.\n25. Fine & clear. Wind Southw[ard]ly & brisk.\n26. Clear & pleasant tho cool.\n27. Clear pleast. & warm. Wind Southwardly & fresh.\n28. Clear but cool. Wind fresh from the No. Et.\u2014exceeding hard in the Evening\u2014with Rain all Night.\n29. Rain till 9 Oclock. Cloudy the remainder of the day with a brisk eastwardly Wind.\n30. Cloudy all day. Wind at No. East and cold.\n31. Cloudy, raw, & disagreeable Wind continuing at No. East.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0004", "content": "Title: April [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Sowed a little flax at Muddy hole.\n18. Sowed a little more of Do. by the Road at Ditto.\n21. Began to Plant Corn in the Neck & at the Mill.\n27. Began to Plant Ditto at Doeg Run & Muddy hole.\nSowed behind the Quarter 1320 sqr. yds. of flax with a little more than a Peck of Seed.\nSowed the same quantity of Ground along side of the flax with little more than \u00bd Bushel of Hemp Seed.\n29. Sowed more flax seed behind the quarter.\n30. Planted Irish Potatoes behind Do.\n   Solanum tuberosum, Irish potato. GW\u2019s plantings included red potatoes and white, with small and large varieties of each, grown both as a table product and a field crop. He instructed Anthony Whitting 4 Nov. 1792 to plant them early so they could be harvested before the planting of wheat on the same\nground. More commonly he planted potatoes with corn. Thomas Jefferson described GW\u2019s method in this way: \u201cHe puts them in alternate drills, 4 f. apart, so that the rows of corn are 8 f. apart, & a single stalk every 18 i. or 2 f. in the row\u201d (Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 11 Aug. 1793, DLC: Jefferson Papers).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0005-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 April 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n18. Lowering with intervening sunshine till 5 Oclock then very cloudy & hard shower of Rain for 10 or 15 Minutes & high gust of Wind from So. West where it was all day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0005-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 April 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n22. Squaly kind of a day. Wind mostly at So. West & fresh with some showers of Rain & hail & cool their falling a good deal of Rain at Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0006-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 May 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Finishd plantg. Corn at the Mill, & began to break up the field round the Overseers House. Cut 22 old Rams in the Neck & began to shear my Sheep.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0006-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 May 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n18. Sowed flax at Muddy hole by the Pond. Also began to plow Corn at Doeg Run with 3 plows. Set into plowing at Muddy hole w. 3 plows\u20141 plow has been at work a day or two there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0006-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 May 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Morris finishd plowing his first cut (Doeg Run) with 3 plows by 12 oclock.  Finishd plowg. the 5\u00bd foot cut in the Neck with 4 plows, & replanted this & the 5 foot cut there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0007-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 May 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n22. Cloudy till Noon with the Wind at No. Et. then Sunshine & somewhat warmer, afterwards cloudy with Lightning & rumbling in the No. West.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0007", "content": "Title: [The Weather] May [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Cloudy & cool in the Morning. Wind Eastwardly. Clear & warm afterwards till 5. Wind Southwardly\u2014then Eastwardly again.\n2. Cool in the Morning. Wind Eastwardly. Clear & pleasant afterwards.\n3. Cloudy. Wind at So. Et. & fresh. Rain in the Night but not much.\n4. Hard Rain early in the morning. Wind abt. So. Et. & fresh with Clouds. Afternoon Rainy with hard wind & Hail from So. West.\n5. Very cold & cloudy. Wind hard from No. West & West.\n6. Clear and cool. Wind at No. West & hard.\n7. Clear & warm. Wind southwardly till about Sunset\u2014then No. East.\n8. Still the first part of the day. Wind Eastwardly afterwards & cool\u2014with flyg. Clouds.\n9. Cloudy more or less all day. Wind at No. Et. & cool.\n10. Wind at No. East. Cool & clear.\n11. Clear. Wind Northwardly & cool.\n12. Clear. Wind Do. & warmer.\n13. Warm & still. Wind what little there is Southwardly.\n14. Very warm clear & still. Wind what there was of it Southwardly.\n15. Warm & clear. Wind brisk from abt. SS. Wt.\n16. Brisk Wind from same place in the Morning. Cloudy & still afternoon.\n17. Cloudy & lowering till the Afternoon. Wind southwardly then clear & cool wind Northwardly.\n18. Clear. Wind Southwardly in the Morning. Afternoon cloudy & likely for Rain but went of with cold No[rthw]ardly Wind.\n19. \u27e8Wind\u27e9 Southwardly, clear & some\u27e8what\u27e9 cool.\n20. Cloudy & sometimes dropping of Rain in the forenoon with the Wind Southwardly. Afterwards clear. Wd. at No. West & Cool.\n21. Very cloudy all day. Wind at No. Et. and very cool.\n22. Cloudy till Noon with the Wind at No. Et. then Sunshine & somewhat warmer, afterwards cloudy with Lightning & rumbling in the No. West.\n23. A little Rain in the Night with lightning & pretty loud thunder. Morng. Cloudy, as it was all day. Abt. 10 Oclock a fine shower fell with thunder & lightning for an hour. Wind variable but not cold.\n24. Good Rain in the Night. Cloudy & often drisling till the Afternoon when it cleard. Wind for the most part at No. Et. but not cold.\n25. Clear & pleast. Wind Southwdly. & warm.\n26. Lowering & warm, wind South.\n27. Clear\u2014cool in the morning. Wind at No. West. Afterwards very warm & still.\n28. Wind Southwardly. Warm, & cloudy in the afternoon with lightning.\n29. Rain last night, but not much, then refreshing Shower. Calm & warm in the Morning. Clear & cool afterwards. Wind at No. Wt.\n30. Clear. Wind southwardly & warm.\n31. Clear. Wind abt. So. West & warm.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0008-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 June 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n18. Drisling till abt. 9 Oclock then constt. & close Rain for abt. an hour or two\u2014this pretty genl. & wet the gd. very well. Wind abt. So. Wt. & warm.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0008", "content": "Title: [The Weather] June [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1st. Wind abt. So. West & warm. Cloudy in the afternoon & some Rain (in Fredk.).\n2. Cloudy with Rain & thunder in the Morning. Afterwards clear\u2014in Fred.\n3. Clear & warm\u2014in Fredk.\n4. Do. & very warm\u2014Do.\n5. Do.\u2014Do.\u2014travelling down.\n6. Do. & extreame Hot. Wind what little there was Southwardly.\n7. Very hot & Sultry. Wind Southwardly. Some Clouds & a little thunder in the Afternoon.\n8. Wind \u27e8at No.\u27e9 West but warm in the Evening.\n9. Wind Northwardly with much appearances of Rain in the fore noon but none near home.\n10. Very warm & Sultry but no Rain. Wind for the most part Eastwardly but little of it.\n11. Exceeding warm & but little wind wch. blew from the So[uth]ward. In the Evening a refreshing shower from the Westward for abt. 15 Minutes with severe lightning & thunder none of wch. or very little reached. either Doeg Run or the Mill.\n12. Exceeding Sultry. Little or no Wind.\n13. Very warm. In the Afternoon a fine Shower here & in the Neck but little at the Mill again, less at Doeg Run & not much at Muddy h[ole.]\n14. Very warm with some appearance of Rain but none fell hereabouts.\n15. Warm with Do. Do.\n16. Cooler wind at No. West & clear.\n17. Cool wind at No. West in the Morning. In the Afternoon at No. Et. & cloudy.\n18. Drisling till abt. 9 Oclock then constt. & close Rain for abt. an hour or two\u2014this pretty genl. & wet the gd. very well. Wind abt. So. Wt. & warm.\n19. Wind Northwardly & warm.\n20. But little Wind & variable. Warm and grewing weather.\n21. Exceeding warm & still.\n22. Warm. Wind Southwardly.\n23. Wind Southwardly & not very warm.\n24. Wind Southwardly & hot. Morng. cloudy as was the Afternoon with some thunder. In the Night a fine shower of Rain. Less at Doeg Run than elsewhe.\n25. Warm wind Southwardly, with a good shower of Rain abt. 3 Oclock.\n26. Cool & pleast. morng. Wind Northwardly afterwards, still & warm.\n27. Pleasant in the Morning, Wind Southwardly. Warm & still afterwards.\n28. Clear. Wind Eastwardly & not very warm.\n29. Clear & warm. Wind Southwardly.\n30. Wind Southwardly & exceeding hot. Little rain in the Evening wth. some thunder and a good deal of Lightning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0010", "content": "Title: July [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n14. Finishd my Wheat Harvest.\n16. Began to cut my Timothy Meadow which had stood too long.\n25. Finishd Ditto.\nSowed Turnep seed from Colo. Fairfax\u2019s in sheep pens at the House.\nSowed Winter Do. from Colo. Lees in the Neck.\n26. Waggon to be down.\n27. Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill with the early White Wheat wch. grew at Muddy hole.\n28. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole with the mixd Wheat that grew there.\nAlso began to Sow Wheat at Doeg Run of the red Chaff from Home.\nAlso sowed Summer Turnep behd. Garden.\n29. Sowed Colo. Fairfax\u2019s kind in Flax Gd. joing. sheep pens.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0011", "content": "Title: [The Weather] July [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1st. Clear and very Cool. Wind at No. West.\n2. Do. Do. Do.\n3. Do. Do. Do.\n4. Still & somewhat warmer.\n5. Winds varying. Cool & cloudy.\n6. Winds Southwardly. Cool & cloudy with a good shower of Rain in the Night.\n7. Cool & clear, wind No. West.\n8. Do. Do. Do.\n9. Clear & still but not hot.\n10. Brisk Southwest Wind with clouds & a small sprinkle of Rain in the Afternoon.\n11. Brisk southwest Wind in the forenoon. Very warm Afternoon with light Rain introduced with high Wind from No. West.\n12. Southwardly Wind & clear.\n13. Clear & pleasant. Wind northwardly in the morning.\n14. Clear and not very warm. Wind Southwardly.\n15. Clear with the Wind at South Wt.\n16. Warm & woud have been Sultry but for a pleasant breeze fm. S.W.\n17. Very warm with the Wind at So. West. In the Afternoon a fine Rain.\n18. Clear. Wind No[rth]wardly.\n19. Ditto\u2014Do. Do. and Cool.\n20. Cloudy & Cool. Wind Eastwardly with a little light Rain.\n21. Rainy & Misty all day. Wind Eastwardly. Gd. very wet.\n22. Cloudy & warm first part of the day with Rain in the Aftern.\n23. Warm and pleasant, growg. Weathr.\n24. Very warm and still.\n25. Cloudy & warm the first of the day\u2014with Rain for some hours in the Afternoon.\n26. Cloudy with Rain now & then but not hard. Wind Southwardly & warm.\n27. Warm & Clear. Also calm.\n28. Ditto\u2014Ditto in the forenoon. Afterwards Rain.\n29. Clear Warm and still.\n30. Warm & clear. Wind Southwardly.\n31. Warm & clear in the forenoon. Afterwards slight Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0012-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 August 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n9. Finishd sowing the cut of Corn on the other side at the Mill with 43 Bushels of Wheat. Finishd sowing the 4 foot cut in the Neck with Wheat viz. 45\u00bd Bushl.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0012-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 August 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 15. Finishd sowing the 39 Inch Cut of Corn in the Neck with 44\u00bd Bushl. Wheat. Finishd sowing that half of Muddy hole Corn field with Wheat round the Barn  Bushel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0012", "content": "Title: August [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n9. Finishd sowing the cut of Corn on the other side at the Mill with 43 Bushels of Wheat.\nFinishd sowing the 4 foot cut in the Neck with Wheat viz. 45\u00bd Bushl.\n15. Finishd sowing the 39 Inch Cut of Corn in the Neck with 44\u00bd Bushl. Wheat.\nFinishd sowing that half of Muddy hole Corn field with Wheat round the Barn  Bushel.\n22. Finishd sowing Wheat on this side at the Mill viz. 28 Bushels which makes in all sewed there 71 Bushls.\n25. Also finishd the 18 Inch cut at Doeg run. Sowd therein 35 Bushels of Wh. The 6 by 3 foot cut was sowed with 40\u00bd Bushels abt. the 13th.\n26. Finishd sowing the 5\u27e8\u27e9 Cut of Corn in the Neck with 53 Bushels Wheat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0014-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 September 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Finishd sowing the other half of Muddy hole field with Wheat viz.  Bushl. wch. make in all there  Bushels. Also finishd the two foot Cut at Doeg Run with 39 Bushels.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0014-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 September 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n18. Finishd Sowing the 6 by 4 feet Cut at Doeg Run with 36 Bushels. Sowed the simling Rows at Do. with 1\u00bd Bushels which makes in all there 152.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0014", "content": "Title: September [1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Finishd sowing the other half of Muddy hole field with Wheat viz.  Bushl. wch. make in all there  Bushels.\nAlso finishd the two foot Cut at Doeg Run with 39 Bushels.\n12. Finishd sowing the 5\u00bd foot cut in the Neck with Wheat viz. 51 Bushels which make in all there 194.\n18. Finishd Sowing the 6 by 4 feet Cut at Doeg Run with 36 Bushels. Sowed the simling Rows at Do. with 1\u00bd Bushels which makes in all there 152.\n   simling[?]: a conjectural reading. GW did include the cymling, or summer squash (Cucurbita pepo var. condensa), in his crop rotations. In his instructions for the operation of River Farm, 10 Dec. 1799 (DLC:GW), he directed that one quarter of field No. 2 be planted to pumpkins, \u201csimlins,\u201d turnips, and Yeatman peas.\n   The diary entries for August and early September can only be retrospective, perhaps compiled from reports submitted by GW\u2019s cousin Lund Washington. GW and Mrs. Washington set out with the George Fairfaxes for Warm Springs, now Berkeley Springs, W.Va., about 3 Aug. By the next day they were in Leesburg and by 8 Aug. were settled at the Springs in a house owned by George Mercer. The expenses for the trip are recorded in an account headed \u201cExpences in going to, from, and at the Springs [10 Sept.] 1767\u201d (DLC:GW). The family cook who accompanied the Washingtons had soon laid in a quarter each of veal and venison and such sundries as butter, eggs, squash, corn, cucumbers, watermelons, peaches, and apples. Mrs. Washington\u2019s two children, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, remained at Mount Vernon under the care of Lund, who reported in letters of 17 and 22 Aug. and 5 Sept. to GW (ViMtvL) that they were well. In his letter of\n5 Sept., Lund acknowledges GW\u2019s letter of 27 Aug., not found, and says he is glad to learn that the mineral waters have benefited Mrs. Washington. When GW and Fairfax split their expenses 10 Sept., the amount each owed was \u00a37 8s. 7d. in Virginia currency. In a later letter to Rev. Jonathan Boucher, 9 July 1771, GW mentions having spent two seasons in the Mercer house at the Springs (DLC:GW).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0002-0015", "content": "Title: [November 1767]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nNov. 20. Vestry in Truro Parish.\n   This entry is from Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 1:240; the manuscript containing the entry has been lost since Fitzpatrick used it.\n   At the vestry meeting it was resolved to replace the old frame Pohick Church in Mason\u2019s Neck. Because the church was so near the southern boundary of the parish, it was no longer in a central location convenient to all of the Pohick parishioners, many of whom by the 1760s were settled in the northern half of the area served by Pohick Church. After a warm debate over a more central location for the new Pohick building, the new majority was able, by a vote of seven to five, to locate the new church in Pohick Neck, two miles north of the old Pohick Church at a site called the Crossroads (mvarAnnual Report of the Mount Vernon Ladies\u2019 Association of the Union. Mount Vernon, Va., 1854\u2013., 1964, 22\u201325; slaughter [2]Philip Slaughter. A History of St. Mark\u2019s Parish, Culpeper County, Virginia, with Notes of Old Churches and Old Families, and Illustrations of the Manners and Customs of the Olden Time. Baltimore, 1877., 64).\nPublick Levy 1767\u2003\u20038 lbs. Tob[acco] pr. Poll\u2014No.\n                  No. of Tythables in\nDepositum\u2014in 1767\nSold & applied to the fund for giving a Bounty on Hemp\n   publick levy: These notes appear on one of the last blank pages of the 1767 almanac. Except for GW\u2019s notation of the number of tithables for 1762,\n1764, and 1766, the rest of this entry is an abstract of an act of the assembly passed in April 1767 entitled: \u201cAn act for raising a public levy\u201d (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 8:273\u201375; the 34 acts in this series are incorrectly dated by heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969. as Nov. 1766). In the act, which set the new levy at 8 pounds of tobacco per tithable (or poll), the above-named counties are listed as being in arrears for the 1764\u201366 levy period, and the respective number given for each county is the amount of arrearage in pounds of tobacco. The act provided that the income from this arrearage tobacco would be set aside as a \u201cdepositum\u201d to support the colony\u2019s bounty for growing hemp. From time to time the assembly would lay a \u201cgeneral\u201d or \u201cpublic\u201d levy colonywide on a per capita basis, which in the eighteenth century ranged between 4\u00bd and 12\u00bd pounds of tobacco per tithable. In 1767 a tithable was any white male aged 16 or over and every black and mulatto aged 16 and over, which in essence defined tithables as all adult workers. Although there was a technical difference between the terms poll and tithable, the two were commonly used interchangeably. Of the three years for which GW here notes tithable totals, the figure for 1762 is exactly the same as that reported by Governor Fauquier (greene [2]Evarts B. Greene and Virginia D. Harrington, eds. American Population before the Federal Census of 1790. New York, 1932., 141).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0327", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, January 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[January 1767]\nCash\nTo Cash upon hand viz.\nIn Virginia Paper \u00a3160.7.9\u2003English Silver 1.5.7\nDollars viz. 74\u00be @7/6\nJany 13\u2014\nTo Cash of Geo. Wm Fairfax Esqr.\nTo Ditto of Mr Relfe of Philada\nTo Ditto from Mr Gibson for 23 Bushls of Flax Seed @4/\nContra\nJany 13\u2014\nBy Jno. Askew pr Lund Washington Balle\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy Wm Carlin Taylor for myself\nBy Ditto Do for Mastr Custis\nBy Mr Gibson Store Acct\nBy Mr Charles Washington\nBy Mr [William] Rind advertising Sale of Colo. Colvills Negroes\nBy Club at Mr Weedons\nBy 1 pr of Necklace Rings\nBy Balle of Mr Roger Dixon\nBy Ferriage at Dixons till Decr 21st 1766\nBy Expences at Weedons", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0328", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Carlyle & Adam, 8 January 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carlyle & Adam\nTo: Washington, George\n Letter not found: from Carlyle & Adam, 8 Jan. 1767. On 15 Feb. GW wrote to them: \u201cYour Letter of the 8th of Jany did not reach my hands till Thursday Night.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0329", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 31 January 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 31 Jan. 1767. On 20 July GW wrote to them: \u201cYour favours of the . . . 31st of Jany and 6th of March past [are] all lying before me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0330", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, February 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[February 1767]\nContra\nFeby 1\u2014\nBy Mr Saml Washington\nBy Servants\nBy 12\u00bd Bushls of Oysters\nBy Club at Arrols\nBy Charity\nBy Sarah Harle (of Mrs Washington)\nBy Susanna Bishop laying Betty\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy Mr [Benjamin] Sebastion Balle due for reprs & Alteration of my Watch &ca", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0331", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Carlyle & Adam, 15 February 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carlyle & Adam\nGentn\nMount Vernon 15th February 1767\nYour Letter of the 8th of Jany did not reach my hands till Thursday Night (last) in replying thereto I must give you the trouble of reading one more scrawl, & this, depend, shall be the last, believing we have come to a pretty sufficient understanding of each others sentiments already, and which, in my opinion, may be summd up in a very few words.\nHad you Gentlemen been as candid in your representation of Matters as I endeavourd to be in mine, some things woud not have been advancd for Facts that have so little correspondance with truth\u2014you must excuse the freedom of the expression because I can, to a just of sensible honest Men, to yourselves, or to any body else, evidently proove the palpable error of some of your assartions, & the absurdity of others; in order thereto I may run into greater prolixity than is consistent with the bounds of a Letter, but as it is (as I before said) the last of the kind I ever purpose to give you the trouble of reading, I hope to be endulged with a patient hearing this once.\nYour Letter shall be taken from the beginning, and traced to the end, that no part may escape unnoticed. You say then \u201cIt was your fixed resolution to sell my wheat to the first saving Cash market shoud it not exceed 3/9, the truth \u27e8o\u27e9f which Mr Lund Washington can inform you of, & pay Colo. Washington to save him the trouble of writing, and ourselves of reading any more such severe Duns\u201d\u2014There needed no proof of this, I do most sincerely believe it was your Intentions to sell my wheat for Cash: A Dollar pr Bushel at Baltimore and other parts of Maryland (this I have been informd it sold at) and 4/6 at Norfolk, Williamsburg & other places which of my own knowledge I can affirm, because I was offerd it myself, & heard a Vessel load agreed for at that rate in one Afternoon at the Coffee House, and moreover was told by one Mr Lawson a Mercht at Falmouth (whose name I mention as you seem to squint at my veracity, and) who left Wmsburg 3 days later in the Oyer Court than I did, that it had risen, were powerful temptations to your selling in this way. Again, \u201cyou say you have bought as large quantities of wheat from others and lain longer in their debts than mine without paying Interest & without being threatened with a Suit\u201d\u2014This as it is a fact you can best determine yourselves I shall not take upon me to contradict, but presume I may take the liberty of remarkg, that tho. it is no Inconvenience to one Man to lay out of his money, it may be the ruin of another to do so; this then according to my conception of things is no fair way of reasoning. but to explain myself a little more fully (I thought I had done so in my last). Do you not know that the year before last I even attempted to make but very little Tobacco,\n& last year none: How then am I to make remittances for Goods to Cloath a numerous Family, Supply a House in various necessaries, & support it in all its various expences? Have I any hidden resources do you imagine, that will enable me to do this? or do you not think it more feaziable, that from the product of my Grain (Wheat & Corn) the means must be raised? Will the Merchts send me these Goods without remittances? if they do, must I not expect to pay advancd prices for them? As Merchts answer me. After keepg my Corrispondts in Engld, Madeira, or elsewhere out of the promised Remittances from this, or that Genl Court \u27e8w\u27e9d they be satisfied do you think with my writg thus\u2014Messrs Carlyle & Adam who bought my \u27e8W\u27e9heat & was to pay me upon delivery thereof, has done it but in part, & therefore you are disappointed; woud they I ask be content with this excuse? or do you conceive it reasonable that, I shoud deny myself these conveniencies, indeed for the most part absolute Necessaries because it may be attended with some difficulty to you to make the payment according to Contract, or more benificial perhaps, to apply the money to some other purposes? These Gentlemen are plain, Simple, & obvious question\u2019s meriting in my opinion different Answers than those you have been pleasd to give. But for Argument sake l\u27e8et\u27e9 us suppose that necessity was out of the question, & that I wanted my money to endulge m\u27e8y f\u27e9ancy in the purchase of any thing which pleasd my Taste, or which I conceivd I \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 (and God knows I have losses enough in Negroes to require something where with to supply their places) have I not a right to call for my own engagd to me by solemn contract without giving offence? Most assuredly I have, nor all the Logick you are Masters of shall convince me to the contrary\u2014If I have wherewith to lend\u2014freely will I lend it\u2014but not have it detaind as a right, or as a matter of ill usage (to use your own expressions) when asked for. In the next place if I can draw any meaning at all from these words \u201cThe Contract was left to yourself to write\u201d (which by the by is a mistake I drew up such articles as I proposd to Subscri\u27e8be\u27e9 to, leaving you at large to sign or reject them as it best suited your Inclinations) \u201cand really suspected no design, we signed it without examining of it so strictly as we ought to have done, (for which we ought to blush)\u201d a queer thought this\u2014\u201cnor did we see the Intention of it till we\nwere obligd to receive 54 and 55 lb. pr Bushl &ca.\u201d I say if I can extract any meaning at all from these Words it must be, that (you were either two fools, or) I was a knave employd as your Attorney (I suppose) to draw the contract & abused the Confidance; the former of these I will not presume you meant, & the latter I hope you did not, what then are the tendency of \u27e8that;\u27e9 do you imagine Gentlemen that if the best groupe of Lawyers that ever gracd our Bar h\u27e8ad\u27e9 been engagd in this work it woud have altered the Case? No: believe me it woud not\u2014I know the terms on which I proposd to engage, Nor you, nor Lawyers, coud have altered my Resolution\u27e8s\u27e9 in the most trivial Instance\u2014you had it in option I grant, to accept or reject by the Lump, there was no other alternative, for I was not so fond of the Scheme as to alter the mode; as some small confirmation of which, I was condemnd before I proceeded to draw Articles (by som\u27e8e\u27e9 of the most judicious People of this County) who thought I was contracting too low & this made me more cautious\u2014nor were you hurried into this affair with so much precipita\u27e8n\u27e9cy as you are now pleasd to think shoud raise your Blushes, you certainly had \u27e8fo\u27e9rm\u27e8d\u27e9 som\u27e8e\u27e9 Ideas of a Contract which this coud not be repugnant to. you had it to Copy\u2014you had it t\u27e8o\u27e9 Consider\u2014one of which I know was done, the other \u2019tis probable you did\u2014That the exceptionable words of \u201cas good as the year & Seasons woud generally admit of\u201d were inserted in place of \u201csound Merchantable Wheat\u201d with design, I do not hesitate a moment in ackno\u27e8w\u27e9ledging to you, & to the world, it was a fixed determination of mine to put it in the power of no person or persons whatsoever, to receive or reject my Wheat as their convenience, or caprice might dictate, or, as Custom which might be changed, because in different places varying, shoud give them an advantage, but that I ever had such a motive in view as you are pleasd to insinuate I not only absolutely deny, but can give incontestable proofs of, by Witnesses full as unexceptionable as your Miller, or any other that has been entrusted to receive my Wheat & decry its weight. I will not deny, that the first Crop you received from me was bad, it was hurt by Rust & possibly weighd but 54 pr Bushel; but pray how much was there of it? Why 257\u00bd Bls & for fear you may not choose to recollect what was done with my Bags (50 odd in number) that year, I will tell you, & can proove, that in downright violation of\ngood friendship, and the most earnest & pressing entreaties, these Bags secured the Wheat in Colo. Carlyles warehouse till some were entirely lost, other\u27e8s\u27e9 very much Rat eaten, & the whole a good deal damaged; whilst I for several Mon\u27e8ths\u27e9 underwent numberless Inconveniences for want of them\u2014add to this, that good wheat according to your own Accts, sold that year at 4/6 per Bl\u2014compare all tho\u27e8se\u27e9 things together then, & see what Injury you sustaind by allowing 3/9 for my whe\u27e8at\u27e9 for I hardly know how to say paid 3/9 for it, because in April 1764 I delivered the Wheat, in Septr following I recd my Bond which I passd for the purchase of some Lotts in Alexandria as payment; this, so far from having any objection was equally as acceptable to me as the money; but what followed? Why in or about Septr 1765 I had the money demanded of me again for the Lotts with a g\u27e8oo\u27e9d deal of Interest thereon, and was at some pains to convince Mr Jno. Alexander of the unreasonableness of paying twice for the same thing\u2014so much for the \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Crop\u2014In respect to the Second & third, I can demonstrate to you (and to the publick if the matter comes to that length) by many strong & corroborating Evidences how much you have mistaken the weights of the first, and misrepresented the Character of both those Crops: Know then, that upon some mention of the lightness of my first Wheat by Colo. Carlyle I wrote to him, that in order to avoid \u27e8an\u27e9y uneasiness which might arise from the Contract on that Score, I was \u27e8willing\u27e9 if a reasonable standed for the medium weight of Wheat coud be hit upon, to give or take for every pound under or over one penny. In answer there to I receivd the following paragraph in a Letter dated Octr the 3d 1764 and which is to be produced at any time in Mr Carlyles own hand writing. \u201cMr Adams\u2019s tells me the standed for wheat in and about Philadelphia is 58, in and near Lancaster 60 pr Bushel, we shall fix I suppose the first, & to be well cleand or otherwise we shall clean it at the Mill as we expect every thing necessary to do it from Philadelphia In our Vessell.\u201d In consequence of this Letter which I receivd just before my departure for the Octr General Court, & long Session which immediately followed, I directed Lund Washington who had just then come to live with me, to weigh the wheat of each treading, and at each Plantation, that I might form an opinion of the general weight, and be enabled to determine whether I shoud gain\nor loose in the course of my Contract at 58 pr Bushl he accordingly did so and found the weights of that Crop to run from 59 to 61 & upwards (I also caused some wheat which I made at my own House that year to be weighed in my presence by Thoms Bishop, and it greatly exceeded 60) these Facts can be proovd by more evidences than one\u2014In consequence therefore of these Experiments I acquainted you by Letter in March 1765, & to which I refer that I was willing to abide by the medium of 58; then forsooth 60 was the standda\u27e8r\u27e9d; from that hour then I gave up all thoughts of selling by weight, resolving to del\u27e8i\u27e9ver such wheat as the Weather permitted me to make\u2014How then does this Acct every tittle of which can be made manifest, corrispond with your partial weight of 57? You do not imagine that if I was even to be governd by weight, that two or 3 Bushels of the lightest is to regulate the whole? Surely not: and as to my last year\u2019s Crop, except some that was hurt by Rust, it was no ways in appearance (for weigh it I did not myself) inferior to the former, and for its cleaness I can venture to say, nay I will undertake to proove, even by your own people (the Captn of your Brig in particular) that cleaner Wheat never was made in this County, I might extend it I believe to the whole Colony. How shoud it be otherwise when not a single Bushel went less than twice, & some three times through the Fans (all of which have Sieves) and was afterward, hand riddled; a trouble few have the conveniences of doing, and fewer still the Inclination. But I have my reward in a very genteel insinuation, & shall know what use to make thereof. For your sakes Gentlemen, & for the encouragement of the trade, I coud wish that all the wheat you buy was of the heaviest sort, but if mine gets only the length of 54 I shall be at no loss to know what is to be done with it. As to the price you gave for Wheat last year, and the years preceeding it by no means serves to fix the Market. A Man who has only 40 or 50, or even a 100 Bushls to dispose of, & which perhaps is rather foisted into his Crop than becomes a principal part of it, scarce thinks it worth his while to seek a broad for purchasers; but this is not the case of those who have larger quantities, & whose Interest essentially depends upon a beneficial Sale. I know of severals that sold at 4/6 last year & I know of others which bought at that price; & I have been misinformed if you yourselves did not give Colo. Colvil & Mr Jno.\nWest more than 3/9 for wheat of the former Crop. However all this is nothing to the purpose, what this Man gets, & tother Man receives is foreign to the point; I was by Contract to get 3/9 for mine, payable on delivery of the Crop, but here you are pleasd to introduce a Remark couchd in these words \u201cWe did not expect it woud be rigidly demanded\u201d & why, because the Article of Interest was Introducd this I confess was guarding against a possible Evil\u2014but by no means applicable to the Inference you have drawn from it, for I shoud be glad to know why People put themselves to the trouble & oft times expence of particularisi\u27e8n\u27e9g agreements if they are afterwards to be disregarded; you coud not imagine that the time prefixd for payment coud be inserted merely to swell the paper\u2014on the Contrary, as you acknowledge that you had your Advantages in view, you will not I am perswaded deny me mine; point out then any one of the whole so obviously beneficial as that of regular payments: was it not incumbent upon you therefore to have considered the chances of doing this before you subscribd to the terms? The answers are most certainly plain\u2014so plain that I shall not wonder hereafter if you tell me (shoud Wheat fall to 3/ or 2/6 pr Bushl) that you expected I woud not be so rigid as to demand 3/9, as your principal aim in the Contract was to secure my Wheat in order to find employment for your Mills; excuse me when I say you may do it, in my opinion, with equal propriety; for fixing the price, and fixing the payments, are matters of equal absurdity and Intrusion if liable to dispensation. You are pleasd also to declare \u201cyou had rather be \u00a31000 in any other Gentlemans debt than the trifling sum of \u00a3100 in mine\u201d This Gentlemen does not positively give me a moments concern\u2014I have asked you for nothing but my due\u2014for nothing tha\u27e8t\u27e9 I do not need\u2014nay for nothing that I have not suffered for want of, otherwise 5 pr Ct might, as you seem to think it ought, have softend the severity of my Duns; & whatever you may think of the payments (which have been made m\u27e8e\u27e9 I again say they are trifling, except Mr Relfe\u2019s Bill which I remitted upon my own Acct (& suppose it is accepted)\u2014true it is, some accts have been dischargd; b\u27e8y\u27e9 this means, & to pay a just debt never fails to fill me with as much pleasure as to receive one; but if I had receivd money as it became due coud not all this have been done\u2014(perhaps with more convenience to myself) & have had wherewithal\nto answer some engagements which I have been obligd \u27e8to\u27e9 fail in. The consequences I drew from a mode of bartering were by no means so unnatural as you seemd to conjecture; it was from yourselves I think I receivd an information that the scarcity of Cash was such, you were obligd to take West India Commodities, Wine, and other things for your Flour; these again being sold to the Planters for Wheat &ca left me I think but too much grounds for the conclusion I drew, if the practice was continued, which I fancy was added.\nI think I have at last got through your Letter, & am as willing as you are, for the Balle to be struck, that the hardships may appear\u2014but as round assertions are not always convincing, I only intended mine as the counteract of yours, hoping they woud meet with equal credibility, but I am willing to rest the matter upon a much more enlargd and candi\u27e8d\u27e9 footing notwithstanding you are pleasd to harp upon the word candour \u27e8as\u27e9 if you thought I had abused it; I say I am willing to rest the whole matter upon a much more unexceptionable footing than bare assertion\u2019s; & tha\u27e8t\u27e9 is to let sensible and honest Men, concernd with neither party, take the Contract & judge from thence, the payments, and plain stubborn fact\u27e8s\u27e9 such as can be incontestably proovd on both sides, who is the person injured\u2014I fancy your grievances, woud not then appear so enormous, nor your Injuries cry so loudly for redress, as you seem to apprehend.\nI have as I was affraid greatly exceeded the bounds of a Letter & doubtless the limits of your patience, which was put to so hard a trya\u27e8l\u27e9 by my last but once more promising you it is the last letter of the kind I ever intend to give you the trouble of reading, I was willing to handle th\u27e8e\u27e9 matter at large this once, that Circumstances might be fully explaind, & hope your excuse for it, being Gentn Yr most Obedt Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0332", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, March 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[March 1767]\nCash\nMar. 3\u2014\nTo Cash of Captn Jos[ep]h Thompson \u00a38.4.6 St Kitts Money equal to\nTo Ditto of Mr Alexr Henderson on acct of Mr Abrahm Barnes\nTo Do of Joseph Thompson by Wm Jolliff\nTo Do of Captn David Kennedy pr Do\nContra\nMar. 3\u2014\nBy 1 Yd of Shalloon\nBy Jno. Beedy Balle of Acct\nBy James Cleveland\nBy Charity\nBy Sarah Harle\nBy Charity\nBy Servants\nBy Expences at Caroline Ct House\nBy Ditto at Hubbards\nBy Ditto at Todds Bridge\nBy Ditto at Claibornes\nBy Charity\nBy Servants 3/9\u20132 Almanacks 2/6\nBy gold leaf for Colo. Fairfax\nBy 2 bottle Sliders\nBy Servants\nBy an Apron to my Chair\nBy a Saddle Cloth to Do", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0333", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 6 March 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 6 Mar. 1767. On 20 July GW wrote to them: \u201cYour favours of the . . . 31st of Jany and 6th of March past [are] all lying before me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0336", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 30 March 1767\nFrom: Washington, Martha\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dearest\n[Mount Vernon, 30 March 1767]\nIt was with very great pleasure I see in your letter th\u27e8at\u27e9 you got safely down we are all very well at this time but it still \u27e8is\u27e9 rainney and wett I am sorry you will not be at home soon as I expe\u27e8ct\u27e9ed you I had reather my sister woud not come up so soon, as May woud be much plasenter time than april we wrote to you las\u27e8t\u27e9 post as I have nothing new to tell you I must conclude my self your most Affcetionate\nMartha Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0337", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, April 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[April 1767]\nCash\nApl 10\u2014\nTo Cash of Frans Foster by Jos. Valentine\nTo Ditto of Phil. Claiborne by Do\nTo Ditto recd from Colo. Henry Lee\nTo Mr [Hector] Ross \u00a321 in Mar. & \u00a39 this day on Acct of Robt Adam\u2019s order\nTo Cash of Messrs Carlyle & Adam\nTo Ditto of Ditto\nTo Ditto of Mrs Colvil\nContra\nApl 2d\u2014\nBy mendg my Boots\nBy Coffee at different times\nBy 1 Paper Snuff Box\nBy Washing\nBy Expences to the Dismal Swamp & back\nBy Coffee 1/\u2014Ticket to the Concert 5/\nBy Anthony Hay (Tavern) Acct\nBy Club there afterwards\nBy Colo. Fieldg Lewis my part of the first payments for Mills Riddicks Land\nBy Do being a Balle in my hand recd from Sundries of the Company\nBy Wm Godfrey Barbers Acct\nBy Shoeing my horse\nBy Mrs Campbells Acct\nBy Servants 6/. Exps. at Todds 7/6\u2014Servts 1/\nBy Expences at Sneads 3/3\u2014Ferriage at Port Royal 2/6\nBy Ferriage at Hoes 12/\u2014Servants 1/3\nBy Expences at Laidlers\nBy a Sorrel Mare bot of\u2014Steer\nBy Mr Jno. Gibson for Cumberland Wilson Duty &ca of a Butt of Wine\nBy Thomas Bishop Cash lent\nBy Doctr [William] Romney pr Rect\nBy Mr [John] Stedlar for Mastr & Miss Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0338", "content": "Title: Advertisement for Williamsburg Area Plantations, 2 April 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThe subscriber would Rent, for a term of years, two Plantations, which he holds in right of his wife, within a mile or two of the city of Williamsburg, and adjoining the Capitol bridge, whereon are all convenient houses, and from 15 to 20 hands have usually been worked. There is 1000 acres of land belonging to these places, 100 or more of which is firm hard marsh, supporting a numerous stock of cattle winter and summer; and about 10 or 12 acres of swamp, already cleared and ditched, which might at a small expense be improved into a valuable meadow. The conveniency of this land, and advantages resulting from plantations so contiguous to a ready market, are too obvious to render description necessary. A valuable Grist Mill just rebuilt, and fitted with two pair of stones, adjoining the above land, and not three miles from town, may also be rented. Possession of the whole may be had next Fall, on terms known of Mr. Joseph Valentine, living on the premises, or of the subscriber in Fairfax. Any person, or persons, inclinable to rent the above plantations, are desired to apply soon, as the subscriber would be glad to know this spring whether the hands now at work thereon are to be moved or not, that he may provide accordingly.\nGeorge Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0339", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 4 April 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nWmsburg, 4th April 1767.\nThe design of this Letter is to cover the Inclosed Bill (upon Wilkenson & Company[)] for \u00a399.9.8 which please to receive & give my Acct credit for. Boyes is not yet arrivd\u2014Johnstoun is,\nand brought my Goods in good order. I shall write you more fully in my next\u2014in the meantime remain Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0340", "content": "Title: Capel & Osgood Hanbury to John Parke Custis, 6 April 1767\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Custis, John Parke\nEsteemd Friend\nLondon Apl 6. 1767\nInclosd we send the Accot Sales of thy 12 Hhds Tobacco \u214c the Hanbury we assure thee that no care or endeavou\u27e8r\u27e9s of ours have been wanting to make the most thereof It gives us a real Concern that we are not favourd wth a larger part of thy Consignments we flatter ourselves that we can make as much of thy Crops as Carys or any other House if thee will give us the opportunity we will endeavour to demonstrate it. It will be no small satisfaction to us to partake of thy Crops by the Hanbury and are wth much Esteem Thy Assurd Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0341", "content": "Title: Guardian Accounts, 11 April 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJohn Parke Custis\nDr\nSterling\nCurrency\nJune\nTo \u27e8illegible\u27e9\nTo \u2154 of 90 lbs. of Tobo \u27e8@\u27e9 2d. (paid Secretary\u2019s fees)\nNovr 6\nTo one years dancing paid Wm McKay\nTo Sundry Toys\nMay 7\nTo Mr Stedlar\u2014teachg him Musick one year\nTo William Carlin Taylors Acct\nTo Doctr [William] Rumney\nTo Susanna Bishop\u2014Tayloring\nTo Levy and Tax for his maid for the years 1764 5 & 6\nTo \u00bd of Ditto Do the same years for his Schoolmaster\nTo \u2154 of 90 lbs. of Tobo @2d. (paid Secretarys Fees)\nSeptr 18\nTo Bryan Allison\u2014Taylors Acct\nTo John Cannon\u2014Sadlers\u2014Do\nDecr\nTo his expences in Williamsburg & elsewhere\nTo Cash given him for Pocket money\nTo a Greek grammer\nJany 19\nTo Wm Carlin Taylors Acct\nFeby 1\nTo Mr Saml Washington\u2019s Bond\nMar. 30\nTo Messrs Fieldg Lewis & Chas Washington\u2019s Ditto\nDitto\nTo Messrs Chas Washington & Fieldg Lewis\u2019s Ditto\nApril 10\nTo Balle due Jno. Parke Custis\nContra\nCr\nSterlg\nCurrency\nMay 6\nBy Balle of Acct settled with the Genl Court\nBy 6 pr Mens Gloves sold Mr Jno. Kirkpatrick\nMay\nBy 1 Years Intt of Frans Fosters Mortgage due in Novr 1765\nNovr\nBy Cash of Mr Joseph Valentine for Sundries sold of his Estate since last Settlement\nMar. 30\nBy Messrs Saml Washington & Fieldg Lewis\u2019s Bond for\nDitto\nBy Interest of Ditto since April 30th 1764 to the date bearing two years and Eleven Months\nErrors Excepted pr\nGo: Washington\nWmsburg Apl 10th 1767\nMiss Martha P. Custis\nDr\nSterling\nCurrency\nJuly\nTo \u2153 of 90 lbs. of Tobo @2d. for \u27e8Secretary\u2019s Fees\u27e9\nNovr 10\nTo Wm McKay for one yea\u27e8r\u2019s dancing\u27e9\nTo Toys &ca\nApl 23\nTo Colo. [Burwell] Bassetts Bond for \u27e8illegible\u27e9\nMay 7\nTo Mr [John] Stedlar teaching her Musick one year\nTo \u00bd of her Schoolmaster\u2019s Levy & Tax for the Years 1764 5 & 6\nTo \u2153 of 90 lbs. of Tobo @2d. for Secretary\u2019s fees\nDecr\nTo \u27e81\u27e9 Chip Bonnet of Mr [James] Hubbard\nTo Balle due Martha Parke Custis\nContra\nCr\nSterling\nCurrency\nMay 6\nBy Balle of last Acct settled with the Genl Court\nBy 22 prs of \u27e8illegible\u27e9 Kirkpatrick\nMay\nBy Intt of Philp Whitehead Claiborne\u2019s Bond\u20141 Year\nBy one years Int. of Wm Dandridge\u2019s Bond\nBy a years Int. of Mrs [Joanna] McKenzie\u2019s Ditto\nApril 20\nBy Colo. [Burwell] Bassett his \u27e8Bond\u27e9 for two years Intt due on \u00a32100 & \u00a3212 to \u27e8illegible\u27e9\nBy Cash of Ditto\nErrors Excepted pr\nGo: Washington\nWmsburg Apl 10: 1767\nThe above Accts are exact Copys of those settled before Peyton Randolph Lewis Burwell Burwell Bassett & Thomas Everard Esqrs. Comrs appointed by the Genl Court to examine, settle & state the same Apl 11th 1767", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0343", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Savage, 24 April 1767\nFrom: Savage, William\nTo: Washington, George\nGentlemen\nPrince William County Aprill 24th\u20141767\nThis shall oblige me my Executors & Admrs Jointly with the above Named Henry Lee & Daniel Payne to Save Indemnifye & keep You Harmless from all & every sort of Injury that You can or may Sustain in Consequence of the above mentioned Bond. I am Gentlemen Your most obedt hble Servt\nWm Savage", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0345", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, May 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nCash\nMay 9\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] of Mr Danl Talbot for Weavg\nTo Ditto of Mr Wm Dandridge pr Jos[ep]h Valentine Intt of his Bond\nTo Ditto of Dr James Carter pr Do Interest of Mrs [Joanna] McKenzies Bond\nTo Ditto recd for a Boat of\u2014Coats\nTo Ditto of Jno. Doulan for Weaving\nTo Ditto of George Thrift for Mr Chs Washn\nTo Ditto of Mr Wm Ellzey on Acct of Truro Parh\nContra\nMay 2\u2014\nBy my Expences to Marlborough & back\nBy Doctr Thompson for Sarah Harle\nBy James Cleveland pr Lund Washington\nBy Cards 7/\u2014Gave Mrs Washington 24/\nBy Edward Williams\nBy Mrs Lettice Corbin\nBy Jno. Prescot Balle of Acct\nBy 211 Maryland Paper Dollars retd Messrs Carlyle & Adam @6/\nBy Jno. Parke Custis\nBy Peter Gaullatt for a Plow\nBy Mr Johnstons Exrs\nBy Exps. in seeing Slight of hand performd\nBy Mr Edwd Payne on Acct of Truro Parish\nBy 1 Sturgeon\nBy Sarah Harle Balle of Acct\nBy Wm Skilling", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0346", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 17 May 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon 17th May 1767\nYour Letter & Goods by Boyes for our Plantations on York River have come safe to hand as I wish Mrs Dandridges also had done she being a good deal disappointed in having them withheld from her\u2014I must now desire that the Inclosed order may be complied with, & the Goods sent by the \u27e8fi\u27e9rst ship bound to York River (chargd to me) still hoping that they may \u27e8c\u27e9ome to hand some time this Fall.\nI have directed Mr Valentine to put all my Tobacco on York River on board of Captn Boyes as also Master Custis\u2019s (two Tonn only excepted wch has been delivered to Captn Easton this Month or more) & wish he may meet with ready dispatch but fear he will not from what I have heard.\nOur Crops on that River were very short last year and on this (Potomack) I did not make one pound of Tobacco. I shall delay writing fully till my Invoices are forwarded & am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0348", "content": "Title: Mississippi Land Company Minutes of Meeting, 22 May 1767\nFrom: Mississippi Land Company\nTo: \nAt a General meeting of the Mississippi Company at Stafford Court House in Virginia the 22d day of May 1767\nIt appearing to the Company that the Committee in compliance with the directions of the said Company given to them at a meeting held the 22d day of Nove. 1765 have written to Mr Cumming and prest him to solicit with vigor, the granting the Lands mentioned in the memorial formerly sent to him, and the Letter being read at the Board which amongst other things direct that Mr Cumming proceed to fill up the Subscriptions with only one half of the British members & the other half to remain \u2019till the next general meeting which Letter being approved of by the sd Company they have come to the following resolutions.\nThat as some gentlemen of powers, fortune & Interest wod willingly become members of our Company but may object to being limited to one Share.\nResolved that the Committee write Mr Cumming to have regard to Major Thomas Addison\u2019s recommendation to him of such persons to whom a tender of two shares shall be made, & that the Treasurer write Major Addison requesting him to inform Mr Cumming by Letter who the particular persons are to whom he may propose the acceptance of two shares.\nIt appearing from experience that a meeting of a Majority of the Members residing in Virginia & Maryland cannot easily be obtained according to the Original Articles & an obstruction to business happening in consequence thereof. Resolved that for the future every general meeting of the company shall be advertised in the Virginia & Maryland Gazetts, & if at such meeting a majority of the said members should not meet accordingly, in-that Case, if twelve or more members shall be assembled, four of which to be of the Committee, they shall have power to proceed on business and their determinations to be binding on the\nCompany any thing to the Contrary or seeming to the contrary thereof in the originall Articles notwithstanding.\nResolved that the Treasurer transmit a Copy of the last resolve to every absent member in Virginia & Maryland that they may have notice thereof.\nResolved that as Mr Wm Digges hath refused to pay his proportion of the Money as is directed by the original Articles it is determined that Mr Richard Graham on complying with the requisite payment, be admitted a member of the company in place of the said Digges, and that the Treasurer inform Mr Cumming of this alteration in the list of subscribers.\nOrdered that the Treasurer forthwith demand of the Subscribers who have not paid their quotas agreeable to the Original Articles, the Sums of Money respectively due from them.\nOrdered the Treasurer pay the Expences accrued at this meeting out of the Money in his hands.\nAgreed to by Richard Henry Lee, William Brent, Francis Lightfoot Lee, William Fitzhugh Junr, Henry Fitzhugh, Francis Thornton, Thomas Ludwell Lee, Robt Brent, Richard Parker, Thomas Bullett, John Augustine Washington, Wm Beale Junr, George Washington, Wm Booth, Wm Fitzhugh, John Riddell Executor of the deceased James Douglas, Presly Thornton, Wm Flood, Wm Brokenbrough, Benedt Calvert, Henry Rozer, Anthony Stewart, The Revd Henry Addison, Daniel Carroll.\nTest. William Lee Secretary", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0350", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 26 May 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon 26th May 1767\nThis serves to advise you of a Draft this day in favour of Mr Walter Magowan for Fifty pounds Sterling which please to pay and place to the Account\u2019s of Master and Miss Custis in equal proportion\u2019s. I am Gentn Yr Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0352", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, June 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nCash\nJune 4\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] Won at Cards\nTo Cash of Abednego Adams for Weaving &ca\nContra\nJune 4\u2014\nBy Exp[ence]s travelling to Frederick\nBy Shoeing my Horse 2/. Mr [Daniel] Sturges for Nails viz. 600 to Ch[ristophe]r Hardwick 5/5\nBy Expences on the Road from Fredk\nBy John Alton\nBy Crying Sam when offerd for Sale\nBy gave away\nBy Saml Johnson [Sr.] Balle of Acct\nBy Mr John Hough for Quitrents\nBy Charity\nBy Expences at Arrols 1/6. Counterfeit Bill 5/\nBy Mrs Simpson Layg Peg & Doll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0353", "content": "Title: Memorandum List of Tithables and Taxable Land and Property, 15 June 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nA List of Tithables in Truro Parish\u2014Fairfax County\u2014Also of Wheel Carriages\u2014given in June 15th 1767.\nGeorge Washington\nLund Washington, Walter Magowan, Wm Skilling, Thoms Davis. Ho. Servants: Breechy, Julius, Harry, Schomberg, Frank, Doll, Jenny, Betty, Moll, Sall, Phillis, Kate, Winney, Sarah, Giles. Home Plantn: Joe, Jack, Ben, Jack, Lewis, Sarah, Jenny. Tradesmen: Will, Michael, Davy, George, Sam, Ned, Jupiter, Tom, Peter, Natt. Doeg Run: Morris, Matt, Essex, Ben, Jupiter,\nRobin, Bob, Paul, Hannah, Sue, Betty, Jone, Moll. Muddy hole: Thos Bishop, Will, Adam, Will, Sam, Kate, Nan, Sarah, Ph\u0153be. Mill Plantn: John Alton, Davy, Ned, Robin, Judy, Kitt, Lucy. Miller: George. In all\u201467.\n1 Chariot 20/, 1 Chair 10/.\nTithables in Fairfax Parish\nJames Cleveland [River farm]\nFrederick, Ben, Natt, Will, Neptune, Abram, Walley, Schomberg, Ruth, Peg, Murria, Doll, Cloe, Nan, Daphne, Judy, Milly. In all\u201418.\nLands inlisted in the year 1767\nFairfax Cty\nFrederick\nKing George\nLoudoun\nHampshire\nTotal", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-07-02-0354", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Posey, 20 June 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Posey, John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Posey, 20 June 1767. On 24 June GW wrote Posey: \u201cIt is difficult for me to tell which was greatest, my Surprise, or concern, at finding by your Letter of the 20th. . . .\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0001", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Posey, 24 June 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Posey, John\nSir,\nMt Vernon 24th June 1767.\nIt is difficult for me to tell which was greatest, my Surprise, or concern, at finding by your Letter of the 20th that instead of being able with the mone\u27e8y\u27e9 I agreed to lye somewhat longer out of, to discharge your Debts, that you want\u27e8ed\u27e9 to borrow a further Sum of \u00a3500 to answer this purpose. I was in hopes, and you gave me the strongest assurances to believe, that when I lent you (& very \u27e8in\u27e9convenient it was for me to do it) the first Sum of \u00a3700 you coud therewith, \u27e8not only\u27e9 discharge all your Creditors, but in two years time sink the principal wh\u27e8ich\u27e9 was lent to effect that end; how it comes to pass then, that instead of being \u27e8pre\u27e9pared in twice two years to discharge my claim, you shoud require \u00a3500 more to satisfie others, is, as I at first said, entirely beyond my comprehension, and leaves but too much cause to apprehend, that if you coud be supplied with the further Sum required, it woud afford but temporary relief; and that at the end of any other prefixd period you woud be as unprepard and as reluctantly then, as now, part with yr effects to discharge this Debt; thinking it equally hard to be forced into compliance\u2014for permit me to say again, if you have not been able in the course of 4 Years \u27e8to\u27e9 lay up anything towards sinking even the Interest of a Sum which you said \u27e8w\u27e9ou\u27e8d\u27e9 entirely clear you of all demands, what prospect can you possibly have to exp\u27e8ect\u27e9 when \u00a3500 more (& probably this woud be insufficient) is added to the other surety of between eight and nine hundd, that you will have it in your power to effect this end, when even the Interest thereof is a pretty little Income, & woud be such a Moth in your Estate as woud inevitably destroy it, be your notions of saving & Industry extended to never so high a degree: Indeed Sir, the only purpose it coud possib\u27e8ly\u27e9 answer woud be to put the evil day of for a moment, in comparison, & then like most things swelld beyond their natural bounds, burst upon you like a torr\u27e8e\u27e9nt & redouble your distresses. Besides, you really deceive yourself greatly in \u27e8es\u27e9tim\u27e8a\u27e9ting your Effects, as you will unhappily experience; you have viewed them but on one side, considering only what they cost you, not what they will\nsell at, wh\u27e8ic\u27e9h is a delusive way of calculating; for you will find that many things which y\u27e8ou\u27e9 perhaps have lavishd large Sums in the purchase of, in order to gratify yr o\u27e8wn\u27e9 taste, will neither suit, nor probably please others; so in respect to buildi\u27e8n\u27e9gs which are rarely considered in the purchase of Lands, & principally I presu\u27e8me\u27e9 from the same causes, especially upon small bits of Land divested of Wood & Tim\u27e8be\u27e9r.\nI wish with all my Heart you may be strengthne\u27e8d\u27e9 by some able \u27e8and\u27e9 frie\u27e8nd\u27e9ly hand in such a manner as to keep your effects together; provided it may turn t\u27e8o your\u27e9 future good in enabling you to Work thr\u00f4 the load of Debt you seem to be enta\u27e8ngled\u27e9 in, but that it is intirely out of my power without selling part of my own Estate \u27e8to\u27e9 contribute further thereto you may easily be convincd of when I tell you, & affirm \u27e8it\u27e9 that I find it next to impossible to extract any part of the money which is due to \u27e8me;\u27e9 that I have struggled to the utmost of my power for two years past, unsuccessful\u27e8ly\u27e9 to raise 4 or \u00a3500 to lend a very particular friend of mine, who I know must sell part of his Estate without it\u2014& that I have not yet dischargd the Sums you Involvd me in the payment of before, having my Bond out to Mr Greens Estate for the \u00a3260 you borrowd of him & cannot raise money to discharge it, altho\u2019 I have used my true endeavours for that purpose\u2014add to these, some Engagements of my own which there is a necessity of complying with, or doing Acts of Injustice. How absurd and Idle woud it be then, under these Circumstances, to enter myself security for the payment of yr Debts, unless I foresaw some prospect of raising the money\u2014true it is some of yr Creditors might agree to wait, others tis presumeable woud not, and certain it is pay day must come to all; what then is to be done? to tell a Man who had been disappointed from time to time, and at last had waited in confidence of Receiving his money from me, that I was unprovided with the means of satisfying his demand, woud be gauling to me\u2014unjust to him\u2014& what I can by no means think of practising. the only favour therefore that is in my power to shew you, is to be easy & forbearing in my own demands, which I shall endeavour to do as long as I can with any sort of convenience to myself, notwithstanding I am in want of the money; & to point out any Person who cd \u27e8le\u27e9nd so much money even if they liked the Security, I am equally at a loss to do: but few there are I beleive, who woud choose to risque their money (unless influenced by\nmotives of compassion) upon such hazardous & perishable Articles as Negroes, Stock, & Chattels, which are to be swept of by innumerable distempers, & subject to many accidents & misfortunes; so upon the whole yo. will excuse me I hope if I am Incli[ne]d to offer yo. the same advice I wd give to my Bror were he undr the same circumstans, & that is, if you find it impracticable to keep yr Estate togethr for at least 3 or 4 Yrs till the Country, I mean the Indebted part of it, can immerge a little from the distress it must unavoidably fall into from the pressg of Creditors, & want of Cash; then to sell of immedly (I mean this fall at furthest) before Cash grows into greater demand wch it inevitably will do as our Currency is called in, & every thing of consequence sell worse; therewith dischargg all yr Debts: beging with the Sales of such things as can be best spared, & so raising to Negroes, & even Land if requisite; for if the whole shd go, there is a large Field before you\u2014an opening prospect in the back Country for Adventurers\u2014where numbers resort to\u2014& where an enterprizing Man with very little M\u27e8o\u27e9ney may lay the foundation of a Noble Estate in the New Settlemts upon Monongahela for himself and posterity. the Surplus money wch yo. might save after dischargg yr Debts, woud possibly secure yo. as much Land as in the course of 20 yrs wd sell for 5 times yr pres[en]t Estate\u2014for proof of which only look to Frederick, & see what Fortunes were made by the Hite\u2019s & first takers up of those Lands: Nay how the greatest Estates we have in this Colony were made; Was it not by taking up & purchasing at very low rates the rich back Lands which were thought nothing of in those days, but are now the most valuable Lands we possess? Undoubtedly it was, & to pursue this plan is the advice I wd offer my Br. were he in yr Situation, but to yo. I only drop it as a hint for your serious Reflectn; because I do not expect\u2014nor woud by any means wish\u2014to see you adopt any Scheme of mine without duely attending to it\u2014weighing\u2014& well cons\u27e8i\u27e9dering of it in all points & advising with your friends. I woud only ask whethr it wd be bettr to labr undr a load of Debt where you are, wch must inevitably keep yo. in continual Anxiety, & dread of yr Creditors; be selling the produce of yr labour at under value, (the never failg consequence of necessitous Circumstances) with other evils too obvious to need innumeration, & which must forever lend a helping hand to keep yo. low & distress\u27e8ed\u27e9 or to Pluck up\nResolution at once & disengage yourself of these Incumbrances & Vexations\u2014Abiding where you are if you can save your Land & have a prospect of Reaping future advantages from it, or to remove back, where there is a moral certainty of laying the found\u27e8a\u27e9tion of good Estates to yr Childn I say I woud but ask wch of these two is the best, and leave you to think of them at leizure, with this assurance on my part, that what I have propounded to you on this Subject proceeds from the utmost sincerity & Candour, And if you will have recourse to the Publick Gazettes you may perceive by the number of Estates wch are continually advertising for Sale, that you are not the only one under Misfortune, and that many good families are retiring into the Interior parts of the Country for the benefit of ther Children\u2014Some of the best Gentlemen in the Country talk of doing so, who are not drove by necessity, but adopt the Scheme from principals of Gain\u2014Whatever Resolution you may come to, I wish you success in it and am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0004", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Gildart, 16 July 1767\nFrom: Gildart, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nLeverpoole July 16th 1767.\nI have before me your esteem\u2019d favours of the 21st July & 22d Sepr the former Acknowl. the receipt of mine \u214c Roger \u27e8in\u27e9 Totness. my loss as you kindly wished by the former was not mitigated by Insurance, being so very fine a Ship I was imprud. enough to risque her, was sorry you had it not in your Power to Assist the Totness. the five hhds you Shipt me \u214c Pollard Came in most miserable order. I had the damage Settled on Landing by Surveays. who Adjusted it as youl find Cred. in the Sales to \u00a34.9.5\u00bd but it was or Could be no other than \u27e8Sumbt.\u27e9 matter as most of the Cargoe was damagd in the passage made it difficult to distingh Ship from Country damage, herewith you have Inclosed the Sales Ntt Proceeds to your Cred. \u00a326.17.3\u00bc wc. hope will be Agreeable. you have Invoice for 25 Sacks of Salt \u214c the bearer Capt. McDaniel of my Ship the Oak bound I expect to the head of Potomack for a loading of Corn If not Shipt ere She Arrives. Should it be Sent away & She not proceed up Potomack but go for Baltimo[r]e I have ordered the Master to\nContrive to Send it you by the best meanes he can. you will no doubt manage so that this little matter of Salt may not Subject us to pay any duties or fees for the Ship in Virga as we have no other goods for that Province, the last Freight I had for Hemp was Five Pounds \u214c Ton. it \u27e8desirved\u27e9 more the packa. was so very loose it took-up abund. of Room in the Ship. as to the Size of the Bales its no matter so they be closely pressed. we meet wth no difficul[t]y here in Obtaing the bounty on have from you proper Certif\u27e8e\u27e9. \u27e8&\u27e9 Whats Clean & good is worth 30 \u214c & I think wont be lower. Certainly this must be wth you a Valuable Cultiv. If as I am told a Negro will make as much in weigt of Clean hemp as he can of Tobo your Acct is D. for \u00a31.13.7\u27e8\u00be\u27e9 pd \u214c Mess[r]s Crosbies as you ordered. Capt. Mulloy Arrivd Safe in our Dock last Tuesday on board of whc. I See there is 4 hhds of the DPC of wc. be Assured Shall do the best in my Power for Master Custis\u2019s intrest: we are in expectation of Tobos Advang but they Sell so very low now in Gasgow makes me fear we cant Advance them notwithstanding the shortness of your last Crop, they have sold the French at under 2d. \u214c wc. is miserable.\nIts Said to Day we are again to have a Change of the ministry Duke of Bedford & Lord Rockingham are to be at the head these wh\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Alterations makes much \u27e8Confusion\u27e9 in the State. I most Sincerly wish you health & am respy Sir Yr Most Ob. St\nJame. Gildart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0006", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Lawrence, 20 July 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lawrence, Charles\nSir,\n[Mount Vernon] Virginia July 20th 1767.\nInclosd is a Measure for Breeches, by which please to send me a pair of black silk Knit ones\u2014I shoud be glad also to have sent me a Sartout great Coat fashionably made of good Cloth\u2014I presume you have my Meas[ur]e & therefore have sent none but in case you shoud be at a loss, make it to fit a person Six feet high and proportionably made, & you cannot go much amiss. let the Breeches have cool linings fit for Summer wear and a side pocket.\nMessrs Cary & Co. will pay the amount of the above charge as also of a fashionable Suit of Cloth Cloaths which you are desired to make for Master Custis (who is about 14 Yrs of age & tolerably well grown) and to send them along with the above things of mine. I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0007-0001", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 20 July 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon 20th July 1767\nBy this Conveyance you will receive Invoices of such Goods as we want for this and York River, & having your favours of the 19th July, 22d of August 4th of Septr, 17th Novr 31st of Jany and 6th of March past all lying before me I am enabled to answer such paragraphs as may respectively require it.\nIf the Facts then respecting the Freight of Captn Boyes\u2019s Ship last year are as he represented them to you undoubtedly he will stand excusd in the Eyes of your Corrispondants but as he is otherwise chargd his acquitting himself to the rest of his Shippers (as I shall have no oppertunity of seeing him myself before his departure) will be satisfactory to me and this if he is conscious of Innocency he certainly will attempt. Little did I expect that Relfe\u2019s Bill on Abm Hake & Co. woud come back protested what ever might befal the other I am sorry for the disappointment & must s\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 redress here. The last Wheat Riddles were such as I wishd for but for want of an oppertunity of returning the others I suppose I shall be under a necessity of keeping them useless as they are to me.\nIn Order if possible to make my Tobacco unexceptionable\u2014to avoid bruising\u2014or making it tender it was prizd so exceeding light last y\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 that the Freight & other Incident charges Swallowd up the Sales and renderd me very unprofitable returns much less so than I coud have had in the Country without risquing the hazard of a boisterous Eliment. this I am but too apprehensive will be the case again this year as Tobacco is likely to take a start here in consequence of the melancholy prospect of an ensuing Crop\u2014Permit me also to say that th\u00f4 Messrs Hanbury\u2019s out of 12 Hhds which I Shipd them (of Mastr Custis\u2019s Tobo) last year sold three at 10\u00bd, yet, the whole 12 carried \u00a3139.3.3 to his Acct Currt which is more than any of mine, or his other Tobacco Netted alth\u00f4 equal in weight and (as we though\u27e8t\u27e9 here) superior in quality to this some of which sold at 11\u00bc & 11\u00bd pr lb. but what added not a little to the raising of it to the above Sum was their prompt payment of the duties which is but little short of Three pound pr Hhd & which had you paid woud have turnd much more to his Acct than allowing him 4 pr Ct for his Money\u2014For here, before I quit this Subject\ngive me leave further to remark that observing in Mastr Custis\u2019s Acct Currt the year before last that he was credited for the Interest of his Balle I did not try at what pr Ct never doubting but he woud be allowed at the same rate that I was charged but looking over the Subsequent years Acct by Johnstoun I readil\u27e8y\u27e9 perceivd that he was credited by 4 pr Ct only (both years) when I was at th\u27e8e\u27e9 same Instt chargd five the Impropriety of which not being able to reconcile with my Ideas of Justice I am led to think it must be owing to some mistake and shoud be glad to have it either rectified or explaind for to me it must seem strange if his money is not of equal value with yours but [if] contrary to my conception it is not and that design not mistake is the caus\u27e8e\u27e9 of it, Justice to my Ward renders it indubitably necessary for me to draw it out of your hands and place it in those who will thankfully pay fi\u27e8v\u27e9e pr C\u27e8t\u27e9 for it, or have it applied to the purpose of paying the dutys on his Tobac\u27e8c\u27e9o for I can by no means stand excused in letting his money remain at 4 pr Ct when I can just as easily obtain five If from this consideration I am obligd to draw the money out of your hands, so much thereof as will discharge \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 debt to you I shall direct to be applied that way and the residue will other\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 be disposed of so soon as I receive your final answer on this Subject.\nWe have only 59 Hhds of Tobacco for Captn Boyes this year; Sixteen of which are mine, the others Master Custis\u2019s on both of which parcels you will please to have Insurance made\u2014This is all the Tobacco we made last year except 8 Hhds of Mastr Custis\u2019s which is gone to Messrs Hanbury and more I fear (by odds) than we shall make this. For if the general complaint of drought and want of plants are not most notoriously falze a shorter Crop of Tobo has not been made these 20 years than will be this; However as I live remote from the Southern parts of this Colony where the greatest quantities are made I must refer you to your Corrispondants upon James and York Rivers for further Information assuring you that this is truely the case on Potomack\u2014If there shoud be semilarity in Accts it will be unnecessary to add that by keeping up our Tobacco a favourable market may be obtaind\u2014As there are a great many Ships which use this River (Potomack) from London, I shoud receive your Letters more directly were you to write by them, instead of\nthe Vessels to the other Rivers; I shoud moreover save the postage which is extravagantly high in this Country 150 Miles of which I have to pay for all Letters which come into York, or James River\u2014By Captn John Johnstown (Mr Russels Ship) I hope to receive my Goods as usual and am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0007-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Invoice to Robert Cary & Company, 20 July 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\n20th July 1767\nInvoice of Goods to be sent by Robert Cary Esqr. & Co. for the uses of George Washington\u2014Potomack River\u2014Virginia\u2014Vizt\n6 Strong & Secret padlocks\u2014middle size\u20031\u00a0Steel Slay\u2014proper for Weaving Sale Cloth No. 3\u20031\u00a0pr Weavers pickers\u20031\u00a0pr Ditto Shears\u20034\u00a0pr Clothiers Cards\u20036\u00a0pr Course Wool Do\u20034\u00a0frying Panns\u2014viz.\u20142 large\u20141 middle Size\u2014& 1 very small\u20032\u00a0Iron Skillets\u20141 to hold 2 Quarts\u2014the other 3 Quarts\u20031\u00a0Hunting Horn\u200312\u00a0pr Dog Couples\u20032\u00a0lb. best knitting Needles sorted\u2014not to be made of Brass\u20036\u00a0pr best Sheep Shears\u20036\u00a0best brass Cocks\u2014common Size\u20034\u00a0best Carpenters broad Axes\u20034\u00a0Ditto Ditto Adzes\u20036\u00a0Do Do Clow Hammers\u20036\u00a0Do Do large & strg Compasses\u20036\u00a0two feet Rules\u20036\u00a0knots of Chalk line\n1 Sett of Iron Scures for Cooking\u20031\u00a0Larding Pin for Do\u20031\u00a0Glaziers best Diamond wt. the point Md.\u20036\u00a0M common brass Nails\u20031\u00a0Sett of pinking Irons\u20031\u00a0Tap borer\u20032\u00a0large Funnels\u20036\u00a0Quart Tinn Canns\u20031\u00a0Small Coffee Pot of block Tinn\u20032\u00a0Chocolate Do of Do 1 large the other small\u20031\u00a0Dozn Tinn Sheets\u2003200\u00a0Needles proper for Workg \u00d7 Stitch\u2003100\u00a0fathom of Deep-Sea Line\u20036\u00a0Cords of Drum Line\u200370\u00a0Yds Russia Sheetg @ 1/6 white\u20032\u00a0ps. Russia Drab for Drill\u2003200\u00a0Ells of Rolls @ 4d.\u20031\u00a0piece of Buckram\u20031\u00a0dozn fine Cambk Pockt Handfs of the Chinese sort at abt 3/6\u20032\u00a0best 8/4 flanders Bed Ticks with Boulsters & Pillows\u20032\u00a0large Mattrasses\n6 lb. best Green Tea\u20033\u00a0lb. Do Hyson Do\u20033\u00a0lb. best flour of Mustard\u200325\u00a0lb. Jordon Almonds\u200310\u00a0loaves dble refind Sugar\u200310\u00a0Do single Do\u20031\u00a0Jarr best new Raisons\u20031\u00a0Do Do Do Currts\u2003\u00bd\u00a0Gallon fine Sallid Oyl\u20034\u00a0Quart bottles of Capers\u20034\u00a0Do Do best french Olives\u200350\u00a0W best white Bisquet\u20033\u00a0dble Gloucester\nCheeses abt 60 lb.\u20031\u00a0Cheshire Do abt 40\u20031\u00a0Groce best bottled Porter\u20032\u00a0best Launcets in one case\u20036\u00a0Common Do each in sepe & Commn\u200325\u00a0lb. Antimony\u200310\u00a0lb. flour of Sulpher\u20032\u00a0Oz. Honey Water\u20033\u00a0Quarts Spirit of Turpentine\u20032\u00a0lb. best Jesuits Bark powdered\u20033\u00a0Oz. of Rhubarb Do, & put into a bottle\u20031\u00a0pint Spirit of Hartshorn\u20036\u00a0Oz. Do of Lavender\u20036\u00a0Do Do Nitre\u20031\u00a0lb. Blistering Plaister\u20034\u00a0Oz. Tincture of Castor\u20038\u00a0Do Balsam Capivi\u2003\u00bc\u00a0lb. Termerick\n 2 lb. french Indigo (or Spanish if better for dying[)]\u20036\u00a0lb. of Braziel for Do 10/ worth of gold leaf\u200310\u00a0lb. finest green Paint g[roun]d in Oil\u20033\u00a0fine painters Brushes\u20033\u00a0dozn pr plaid Hose No. 3\u20033\u00a0dozn pr Do Do No. 4\u20032\u00a0best white Woolen Cirsingles\u20033\u00a0Cruppers for Mens Saddles\u20031\u00a0ps. best Sattin Ribbon for the Hair\u2003\u00bc\u00a0lb. Cloth colourd Sewg Silk\u20032\u00a0Oz. black Do Do\u20032\u00a0lb. whited brown thread\u20034\u00a0Oz. 6d. Do\u20034\u00a0Oz. 8d. Do\u20034\u00a0Oz. 12d. Do\u20034\u00a0Oz. 2/ Do\u20033\u00a0Oz. blew Coventry thread\u20031\u00a0Oz. vert do\u20036\u00a0pieces of Bobbin\u20036\u00a0Do beggars Tape\u2003\u00bd\u00a0Groce Collr Laces\u200312\u00a0ps. Stay Tape\n3 Quire large Elephant Paper\u20036\u00a0dozn Packs Harry Cards\u20031\u00a0handsome Pocket Book (pretty large \u27e8for\u27e9 a Man) contg Scisrs Tweezrs &ca not to exd \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Introduction to Trade & business, or the Youn\u27e8g\u27e9 Merchts & Tradesmans Mag[azin]e by Wm M\u27e8cmutilated\u27e9 The 7th Volume of Museum Rusticum if \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 be published\n6 pr Womans fine Cotton Hose\u20036\u00a0pr Do Do thread Do\u20036\u00a0pr Mens large Spun Silk Do\u20033\u00a0p\u27e8r\u27e9 to be ribd & not to exd 5/ pr p[ai]r\u20036\u00a0pr Do Do W. thread Do not to ex\u27e8mutilated\u27e9\u20032\u00a0pr Stitchd Topd buck Gloves for a large hand (Mens)\u20031\u00a0pr Stoutest Buck Breeches of Susanna Coleman (pr Meas[ur]e sent) if the last be lost\u20034\u00a0Mens Castor Hatts @ 5/\u20031\u00a0do best Beaver\u200312\u00a0groce best Corks\u200325\u00a0lb. best Battle powder\u200325\u00a0lb. Do FF Ditto\u2003150\u00a0lb. drop Shott No. 2\u2003150\u00a0lb. large Bristol blew\u200325\u00a0lb. very small Mould Shott\u20036\u00a0blew & white Stone Chamber Potts\u20033\u00a0pint stone Mugs\u20036\u00a0Qu[ar]t Do Do\u20033\u00a0Pottle Do Do\u2003100\u00a0Squares best window Glass 11 by 9\u200315\u00a0lb. Putty\u200320\u00a0lb. of the best kind of Turnep Seed\u2003\u00bd\u00a0Bushel of Rape Seed\u20031\u00a0dozn Hair Sifters\nof Mr Didsbury pr Letter\u20141 pr dble Campaign Boots\u20031\u00a0pr Do Do Shoes\u20031\u00a0pr strg Calfskin Slippers\u20036\u00a0pr bla: Callima Pumps Wns.\n1 Great Coat &ca pr Lettr to Mr Lawrence\nto be bought of Mrs Shelbury\u20141 Handsome Minionet Cap propr to wear with a Sacque & Coat by a person abt 35 yrs of Age\u2014Not to be a fly Cap nor to exceed a Guinea\u20031\u00a0Do propr to wear with a Night Gown by Do & to cost only 15/\u20034\u00a0yds fine Min[ione]t Lace @ 6/ for an Apn\u20034\u00a0dble Muslin Hand. wt. borders @ 4/\u20031\u00a0Black Barcel[on]a Handkerchf\u200312\u00a0yds fashe trimg for a white Silk\u20036\u00a0Skeleton Wires\u200312\u00a0ps. fine french Tape\u20031\u00a0ps. fine Kenting @ 50/\u20032\u00a0ps. Hanover Lace @ 3d.\u20038\u00a0yds blew 3d. Ribbon\u20038\u00a0Do Green 3d. Do\u20038\u00a0Do Laylock Do\n2 Trunks exactly of the following Dimns\u2014one of them two feet 6 Inchs long\u20141 foot wide\u2014& 10 Inchs deep\u2014The other to be 2 feet 6 Inches long\u201418 Inchs wide\u2014& of the same depth\u2014Both to be made of Sealskin or strong Leather, to have strg Locks, be well secured with Straps, brass Plates, & Nails & GW markd in the middle\u2014to have Oil Cloth Covers.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0008", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 25 July 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nGentn\nMount Vernon 25th July 1767.\nSince mine of the 28th of June, last year, I have been favour\u2019d with your two Letters of the 27th of March, first of July, and 21st of October in the past, and Sixth of April in the present\nyear. Had any thing material occurd\u2014(worth giving you the trouble of a Letter)\u2014I shoud not have been silent till this time; and even now, I have but little to say.\nThe Accounts Currt transmitted by Necks were right, otherwise I shoud have noted it sooner; and by Easton you will receive two Tonns of Mr Custis\u2019s Tobacco, which when sold, you will please to carry to the credit of the Young Gentleman\u2019s Acct who falling very short in his Crops last year is the reason why Easton has only Eight Hhds of his Tobo this. From the present face of things, there appears to be an almost absolute certainty that the Crops of Tobacco this year will be shorter than has been for many past, which I mention, that if other Accts from different parts of this, and the other Tobo Colony corrispond with it you may regulate the Sales in such a manner as to obtain a good price for the Tobacco just Shipped. I coud wish that it was a practice, to render an Acct Currt of the dealings between us once a year, that if any Errors shoud arise they may be rectified while the Transactions are recent.\nUnseasonable as it may be, to take any notice of the repeal of the Stamp Act at this time, yet, I cannot help observing that a contrary measure would have Introduced very unhappy Consequences: those therefore who wisely foresaw this, and were Instrumental in procuring the repeal of it, are, in my opinion, deservedly entitled to the thanks of the well wishers to Britain and her Colonies; & must reflect with pleasure that through their means, many Scenes of confusion and distress have been avoided: Mine they accordingly have, and always shall have, for their opposition to any Act of Oppression, for that Act coud be looked upon in no other light by every person who woud view it in its proper colours. I coud wish it was in my power to congratulate you with success, in having the Commercial System of these Colonies put upon a more enlargd and extensive footing than it is because I am well satisfied that it woud, ultimately, redound to the advantages of the Mother Country so long as the Colonies pursue trade and Agriculture, and woud be an effectual Let to Manufacturing among themselves\u2014The Money therefore which they raise woud centre in Great Britain, as certain as the Needle will settle to the Poles. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0009", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, August 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[August 1767]\nContra\nAugt 2\u2014\nBy Mrs Washington 5 Dollars\nBy Jno. Houlsworth Hackling &ca\nBy Cash left with Lund Washington viz. 30 Dollars @ 6/ & 20/ paper\nBy Smith for Clamping my Wheels\nBy Charity\n[Maryland currency]\nBy Ditto at Sundry times\nBy 1 Whetstone\nBy part to an express\nBy two pair of Stockings 6/8 & 4/6\nBy Washing pr Rose Knowland\nBy Nails 5d.\u2014a Wooden Trae 2/\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy old Acct for entertaining Horses\nBy Do for bringing my Horses in\n[Virginia currency]\nBy Wm Hunt on Acct of Ditching\nBy William Skilling\nBy Captn Joseph Thompson\nBy Lund Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Capel & Osgood Hanbury to John Parke Custis, 4 August 1767\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Custis, John Parke\nEsteemd Friend\nLondon Augt 4. 1767\nWe have the pleasure to advise the safe arrival of Capt. Esten. no care shall be wanting in us to make the most of thy 8 Hhds Tobacco. it gives us concern that we are not favourd wth a larger share of thy Consignments we flatter our Selves that our Account Sales are as good as Messrs Carys & Co. by the return of Capt. Esten next Spring let us partake of an equal share & an impartial division as to quality & see who render the best Sales. We are wth esteem Thy Assurd Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0011", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 9 August 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Lund\nLetter not found: to Lund Washington, 9 Aug. 1767. On 22 Aug. Lund Washington wrote to GW: \u201cThe Sunday after you left home [3 Aug.], I lodge\u2019d a Letter in Mr Carlyle\u2019s Counting House.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0012", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 17 August 1767\nFrom: Washington, Lund\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMount Vernon August 17th 1767\nIn my last I gave you an accompt how very seasonable we were at all your plantations but that in the Neck & there last Fryday we had a very great Rain, which was the first since you left home, you may judge how much that Field has suffer\u2019d as it was much in want of Rain when you left home, but least you shoud form too bad a judgement of it, three of the Cuts I believe will be good the other (5\u00bd foot) bad, he has sew\u2019d the two Cuts next his house in wheat, & begins the 5 foot one this day. tho. \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 will do very little in it this week as Warder begins to morrow to take away the corn, I am very sorry our schooner is from home as I cou\u2019d get \u00a310. for dilivering it along side of the Ship at Alexandria.\nThe Carpenters are layg the Barn floor in the Neck they go\non but slow, the plank being much warp\u2019d by laying out so long makes it very troublesome to get the tongues in.\nThe Brick maker was to be here this day, in order to begin worck but is not yet come he cou\u2019d not attend sooner as he was oblige\u2019d to be at Loudon Court\u2014Davis has been very ill but is now so much recover\u2019d as to be at work tho. very weak & low\u2014last monday & Tuesday he had fits in which \u27e8he\u27e9 lay so long to all appearan\u27e8ce\u27e9 Dead that it was thought he \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 the Doctor\u2014The Negroes are all well\u2014Bishup has sew\u2019d half his field in wheat & made two Casks of Cyder his corn has a good colour but the Ears small\u2014Morris is now sewing the 18 Inch cut tho. not half done it, Mat: left him last tuesday, which Backwards him much\u2014I suppose you will think Morris goes on Slow, & so shou\u2019d I, if I were not present. I believe he will make a great Crop of Corn.\nAlton will finish sewing this week, I am sometimes almost tempted to believe he will mak 300 Barrils of corn.\nThe Children are very well & were Yesterday at Alexandria Church with Miss Guess who calld & carry\u2019d them up in the Charriot, let Colo. Fairfax know his family are well & he has a plenty of Rain\u2014this day with us is very Rainy. Am Sir Your most Obedient & Humble Servt\nLund Washington\nCatherine can\u2019t Spin the Blue Cotten & is now spining some very fine\u2014the rest do the work aloted them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0013", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 22 August 1767\nFrom: Washington, Lund\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMount Vernon August 22d 1767\nI Recievd two Letters from you this week one by Mr Whiteing the other Mr Carlyle. you complain I do not write to you[.] The Sunday after you left home, I lodge\u2019d a Letter in Mr Carlyle\u2019s Counting House & was assure\u2019d it shou\u2019d be forwarded by the first opportunity, Last sunday I wrote & gave the letter to Mr Jenny who promis\u2019d me it shou\u2019d be Diliver\u2019d very shortly.\nI shall now give you as true an accompt of the Sittuation of our affairs as I can. first I shall begin with Alton. he this Day finish\u2019d Sewing Wheat, his corn is good & I think will Make as much or more than we had a right to expect from the Ground. The Ditchers are got as far as the fence that devides John [Alton] from the Miss Wade\u2019s, but at present have both the Fever & Ague & not at work\u2014Morris finishes his 18 Inch Cut this day which is the second he has done the Corn in the 3 \u27e8foot\u27e9 Cut, the Ears are tolerably large & one or more on every stock, in the 18 Inch Ears small but one [on] every Stock, in the two foot-Ears something larg\u27e8er\u27e9 & one or more on every Stock, In the 4 foot on all the single Stocks good Corn, & the others not Bad, where the ground is fresh in all the Cuts the corn is very Good, & upon the whole I think he will make a good Crop. Matt is run from him & tho. he has been once or twice seen yet we cannot get him, Bishup I believe will get done sewing wheat next week, I realy don\u2019t know how to describe his Corn well, it has a good Colour, but I think the Ears in general are small.\nWe have no Brick maker at worck yet nor have I heard from him lately, he was to have been here last Monday without fail, I suppose he is sick as he is not given to disappointg people\u2014after you left home I sent the people in order to save the Timothy seed, but it was too late, for their was not a gil of seed on all\nthe straw\u2014the Lucern seed I save\u2019d\u2014Cleveland is sewing his 5 foot Cut he will not finish it these two days, when done it is the third, his corn all but the 5\u00bd foot Cut is tolerable Good\u2014we are much pestered with crab Grass in all our Fields which makes it tediouse sewing & I don\u2019t like the look\u2019s of it after its done\u2014The Carpenter finishes Clevelands Barn floor this Day, they have been long about it, but believe they cou\u2019d not help it, the plank was so much warp\u2019d that it was very difficult puting in the tongues we have had several of the Negroes lately a little sick some think [thing] like the fever & ague, I gave them a Vomit, & at present all are well, but Smith Peter who is much troubled with Boils & has been some time\u2014Alton & Bishup have both the Fever & Ague\u2014We are Dilivering Corn to Mr Warder\u2014I am told the people in the Neighbourhood begin to be very sickly My Compliments to Mrs Washington & let her know that her Children are as well as I ever saw them & have been dureing her absence. They desire their Compliments to Colo. Fairfax & his Lady, & their Love & affection to Mrs Washington & you. Am Sir your most Obedient & Humble Servt\nLund Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0014", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 27 August 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Lund\nLetter not found: to Lund Washington, 27 Aug. 1767. On 5 Sept. Lund Washington wrote to GW: \u201cI this Day receiv\u2019d yours of the 27th Augst.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0015", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, September 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[September 1767]\nCash\nSeptr 5\u2014\nTo Cash of Vale Crawford Maryld Cy 20/\nTo Do of Colo. Fairfax at Sundry times whilst at the Warm springs \u00a317.0.1 Maryld\nTo Do of Vale Crawford at Hedges 10/ Md\nTo Do recd of Lund Washington\nTo Cash recd of Jer: Warder for 1929 Bushl of Indian Corn @ 2/6\nTo Chargd Colo. [George William] Fairfax for half the Expence of taking up Horses the whole being \u00a34.10. Pensa.\nTo Cash of Robt Lindsay for Weaving\nTo Do of Thos Monroe on Acct of Do\nContra\n[Maryland currency]\nSeptr 3\u2014\nBy 1 Grey horse of Thos Wiggans\nBy 1 Bay Ditto of Phil. Wiggans\nBy 1 Grey Ditto of Jededih Higgans\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy Traes for Do\nBy looking horses\nBy a black horse of Mr Flint\nBy Jane Syllaback\nBy\u2014Brown bathman\nBy Jedh Higgans for a brown mare\nBy taking up my Stray Horses\ndeduct 25 prCt from\n[Virginia currency]\n[Virginia currency]\nBy Sundry Tinware at Leesburg\nBy Cards at different times\nBy Shoeing Horses &ca\nBy Sundry Expenses between Colo. Fx & myself in our Trip to the Springs viz. In going up\n[Maryland currency]\nFor Meats of the Butcher\nMutton 13 lb. @ 3d.\nChickens\n1 Quarter of Veal\n1 Quartr of Veneson\nChickens & Captn Lucket\n29 lb. Veal\nQr Mutton 3/9\u2014A Pig 2/\nFor Butter at Sundry times\nGreens at Do\nPotatoes Do\nBeans at Do\nCorn Do\nCucumbers Do\nSymblains at Do\nEggs Do\nMellons Do\nApples & Peaches Do\nFor Oats at Do\nFor Pasturage to Daugherty\nto White\nto Heath\nto Rawlings &ca\nFor taking up the five stray Horses\nIn returning [Virginia currency]\n[Virginia currency]\nBy James Cleveland pr Rect\nBy Ditto for 27 Bls Corn sold\nBy Henry Hinton for 1 Hhd Rum\nBy Cash paid James Boyle for carrying the Widow Chowning to Caroline [County]\nBy Putting a Crystal in Jno. P. Custis\u2019s watch\nBy Willm Carlin\u2014Taylors Acct in full\nBy\u2014Riddel for 600 \u00bd Crown Nails", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0017", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Crawford, 13 September 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Crawford, William\nLetter not found: to William Crawford, 13 Sept. 1767. On 29 Sept. Crawford wrote to GW: \u201cI was favioured, with two Letters from you, one dated the 13th, and the other the 17th instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0018", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Neale, 15 September 1767\nFrom: Neale, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nKing William Septr 15th 1767\nSometime last month Colo. Bernard Moore settled his Account with Colo. Pendleton as Admin[istrat]or of John Robinson Esqr. deced, wherein there be an Article charged to Colo. Moore, thus \u201cTo Mrs Washington October 1758 being what She agreed to lay out in the Purchase of Mrs Chamberlayne\u2019s Estate \u00a3100\u201d of this I am desired to acquaint you, as it is now a Charge with the Interest thereon by Colo. Moore agst You, the which He allowed on said Settlement, not knowing any thing of such Charge \u2019till then, I am Sir Your mo. Obedt Hble Servt\nWm Neale", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0019", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Posey, 16 September 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Posey, John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Posey, 16 Sept. 1767. On 24 Sept. GW wrote to Posey: \u201cHaving receivd your Letters of Wednesday last [16 Sept.] and today.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0021", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Armstrong, 21 September 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Armstrong, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon, 21d Septr 1767\nSince I had the pleasure of seeing you at the Warm springs I have been informd that much of the Land upon Yaughyaughgany and Monongahela which was formerly conceivd to lye within the limits of Virginia and on which many of our People have settled are take\u27e8n\u27e9 into Pensylvania by the establishd Line now running between that Provence & Maryland & that Grants may at any time be obtaind from the Proprietary for Tracts on these Waters\u2014and being moreover that the Office from whence these Rights are to Issue is kept at Carlyle it immediately occurrd from what you were telling me of the nature of your Office that I coud apply to none so properly as yourself for the truth of these reports it appearing but probable that you were the very person with whom Entrys were made.\nI have therefore taken the liberty Sir of addressing this Letter to you on the Subject of these enquiries and to request the further favour of you to advise me of the mode of proceeding in order to take up ungranted Land in your Provence. What qua\u27e8n\u27e9tity of Acres will be admitted into a Survey. Whether a Person is restricted in respect to the quantity of Land & number of Surveys. If the Surveys are requird to be laid in any particular form or optional in the taker up to lay them as the Nature & goodness of the Land and Water courses may point out to him. What the Expence of Patenting these Lands amount to pr Thousand Acres\u2014& what the annual Rents are fixed at afterwards. Together with any other useful hints which may\noccur to you for my Information & Government as I woud willingly possess some of those Lands which we have labourd & Toild so hard to conquer.\nI have desired one Mr William Crawford who lives upon Yaughyaughgany\u2014a friend of mine\u2014& I believe an Acquaintance of your\u27e8s\u27e9 as he was an Officer in my Regiment in General Forbess Campaign to look me a Tract of about 2000 acres and endeavour to secure it till he can give me advice of it. I have likewise taken the liberty of saying to him that I was fully perswaded if the Land Office was kept in Carlyle & you had any share in the management of it th\u27e8at\u27e9 you woud do me the favour of giving him any assistance in your power consistant with the Rules of Office. And for such assistance Sir after thankfully acknowledging myself your Debtor woud punctually [reimburse you] with any expence that might arise on my Account so soon as I coud be advised thereof.\nI heartily wish that Mrs Armstrong & yourself may find all the good effects from the Waters of the Frederick Springs that you coud desire. Mrs Washington makes a tender of her Compliments to your Lady & self to which please to add \u27e8those\u27e9 of Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0022", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Posey, 24 September 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Posey, John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Posey, 24 Sept. 1767. On 24 Sept. GW wrote to Posey: \u201cHaving receivd your Letters of Wednesday last and today.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0023", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Posey, 24 September 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Posey, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 24th Septr 1767\nHaving receivd your Letters of Wednesday last and today, it appear\u27e8s\u27e9 very clear to me from them, as well as from some other convincing Circumstances that you are not only reduced to the last Shifts yourself but are determined to involve me in a great deal of perplexity and distress on your Acct also. why else will you press so hard upon me to do more than I have already done, & consented to do, in waiting two years longer for my Money when it is not only inconvenient, but very disadvantageous also for me to do so and when I have informd you as every body else I suppose may also do that the Security I have upon your Lands and Slaves is only answerable for the \u00a3750 lent, and Interest. Besides when the nature of that Security is considered, & how much People may differ in their Valuation\u2019s of it, it is not to be wondered at that I shoud be unwilling to risk anythin\u27e8g\u27e9 more thereon: For in the first place I do not value your Six Acres bought of Marshall with the Improvements to any thing at all, for Reasons already known to you\u2014True it is if Mr West shoud recover from you, you may have a Remedy against Mr Marshall but in how ample a manner is in the breast of other Men to determine. In the next place, you rate the Land bought of my Brother and the Improvemts to near \u00a3700\u2014this at best is only worth what it will fetch & if it sells for half that Sum I will acknowledge myself extreamely mistaken. In the last place by the estimate you sent me sometime ago of your Estate you value the Negroes you were then possessd of to \u00a3900 & upwards. Suppose for Argument sake they are worth this, does not every body know that the Smal\u27e8l\u27e9 Pox, Goal fever, & many other Malignant disorders may sweep the greatest part of them off where then is the Security? and while I am mentiong this matter it is highly necessary to enquire what is become of Henley, Jacob, Winney, Sylvia, Lett, Sarah, Nan, & Henrietta Farthing, Negroes containd in your Bill of Sale to me but which I see nothing of in the estimate above mentiond. Thus much I have said on a Supposition that I was acting as a Money Lender only, & was looking for clear and Indisputable Surety but in Truth the prospect of gain and advantage to myself was not the motive that led me to advance you this money\u2014twas done to\nserve your family & if possible to save your estate from dispersion while there remaind a probability of doing it the same motive therefore (and depend upon it, it is a friendly one) Inclines me to ask what possible Reasons you can have for thinking that by delaying the Sale of some part of your Effects & taking up more money upon Interest will better your fortune when you are adding to the Load of Debt by accumulating Interest\u2014I shoud be glad in the next place to know if you have ever considered the consequences of borrowing money upon the terms you say Colo. Mason will lend it\u2014& surely you have not\u2014to stave of the dreadful hour of resigning part of your possessions into the hands of your Creditors engrosses too much of your thoughts. do not understand by this that I mean to cast any Reflections upon Colo. Mason\u2014No: he tells you in express terms & with candour that he is waiting for an oppertunity of making a purchase which when accomplished he must have his Money again giving you three or 4 Months notice\u2014It is As likely therefore that he may call for it in Six months as in a longer time because the distress of the Country & number of Estates which are daily advertising affords great prospect of purchasing to advantage\u2014what then is to be done in this case? one of these three things certainly\u2014either that Colo. Mason must wait till he can recover his Debt in a course of Law, by which means your own, as well as the honour of your Bondsman must suffer. Or that the Security must pay the Money out of his own Pocket which perhaps might reduce him to the utmost distress\u2014or lastly that your Negroes must be immediately exposed to Sale for ready money after short notice (whereas they might now be Sold on Credit for perhaps at least 25 pr Ct more) in order to raise this Sum and this probably in the midst of a Crop\u2014these being things wo\u27e8r\u27e9thy of consideration I woud recommend them to your serious reflection before you finally determine. Was the money to be had of those who prefer lending it on Interest to other methods of disposing of it, and you had in the first place a prospect of keeping of it for sometime, and in the next a moral certainty of raising the Sum with the Interest by the expiration of it there woud then be a propriety in your borrowing and I shoud feel pleasure in procuring it to you, but really I cannot see that you have any one good end to answer by it; on the contrary I am much misinformd if you were to get\n\u00a3300 to morrow to stop the Suits and demands that are already commenced if there woud not be \u00a3300 more wanting in less than Six Months for the same purpos\u27e8e\u27e9 so that there appears no probability of its happily ending for as to your promising, or expecting to do this & that you must give me leave to say that it is Works and not Words that People will judge from\u2014and where one Man deceives another from time to time his word being disregarded all confidance is lost.\nHowever, after having endeavourd to let you see in what light this matter appears to me & to set forth the evil consequences of taking Money upon these terms I shall conclude with telling you, that if you are absolutely determind to prefer this method to any other of procuring present relief I will become your Security to Colo. Mason for Three hundd pounds on Conditions that you do at the sametime add other thing\u27e8s\u27e9 to my present security that are under no Incumbrance to any Perso\u27e8n\u27e9 whatsoever and allow me the absolute Right and priviledge (as you yourself proposd) of disposing of them for ready money to answer Colo. Masons demand whensoever made and that some Lawyer (Mr Ellzey I woud choose) shoud draw a Bill of Sale or Instrument of Writing to this purpose without running me to any cost that it may be authentick and binding\u2014but I once more caution you agt a Measure of this kind as it may be destructive of your Estate in as much as the Money can be paid no otherwise than by an immediate Sale of your Effects (when calld for) and I can see no benefit that will result from the protraction. It is from these Reasons, & a Conviction that you will as unwilling then, as now part from your Estate that I dread the consequences of joining you in such a Bond knowing that after all I have, or can do more will still be requird & as little content given this makes me ardently wish that some person or other woud take up my Security & pay me the money that I might be entirely clear of it for I do not want to avail my self of any sort of advantages, being Sir Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. I have this Instant been informd, that you have declard you paid me all you owed me except abt \u00a320\u2014does such disengenuity as this deserve any favour at my hands? I think any body might readily answer for you No.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0028", "content": "Title: Invoice from Robert Cary & Company, 29 October 1767\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLondon 29th Octr 1767.\nInvoice of Costs & Charges of Goods Ship\u2019d on board the Lord Cambden John Johnstoun Commander for Virginia on the Acct and risque of Colo. Geo: Washington and to him Consignd\u2014Vizt\nBenja. Kenton Porter\nTo 12 dozn fine old Porter Bottled, packd, & wird @ 6/6 pr dozn\nPaid for a Cask\npaid Cartage, wharfage & Waterage\nJohn Walker Sugar\nA New Cask\nThos Johnston Turnery\nTo 6 fine Sifters\n6 Course Ditto\nA Matt\nAnn Dennis Glass\n100 Sqrs. best Crown Glass 69 feet @ 11d.\n15 lbs. of Putty\n1 Glaziers Diamond\nA Box to Pack\nWillm Maile Oil &ca\nA Keg with 10 lb. fine green Paint @ 2/6\nA Keg\nOne la. and two small Brushes grob. for Painting\n7 Books leaf gold @ 18d.\n2 lb. fine Spanh Indigo 11/\n6 lb. Gro[un]d Brazill 9d.\n10 lb. flower Brimstone 4d.\n3 lb. best flour Mustard 2/\nSquare\n2 Quarts fine Oil @ 2/6\nBottle\n4 Bottles best Capers & Bottles\n4 Bottles French Olives & Bottles\nBox\nTim. Bevan & Son App[othecar]y\nAntimony Crude 25 lb.\nHoney Water 1 Bottle\nSpt of Turpentine 6 lb.\nJesuits Bark Powdr 2 lb.\nRhubarb Powdr 3 Oz.\nSpts Hartshorn 1 lb.\n[Spts] Lavender 7 Oz.\nSpirit Sweet Nitre 8 Oz.\nTincture of Caster \u27e8na\u27e9 4 Oz.\nBlister Plaister 1 lb.\nBalsam Capivi 11 Oz.\nTurmerick powdr \u00bc lb.\nBottles, flint Stoppers, Stone Jarrs &ca\nBox & Cord\nFrans Nalder Cheese\nTo 3 dble Glostr 59\u00bc @ 6d.\n1 Chesh[ir]e 38\u00bc 5d.\nCask for Ditto\nJames Gordon Seeds\n20 lb. best Sheep Turnep\n\u00bd Bushel best Rape\n2 Bags & a box for Do\nWaltr Humphreys Pld H[os]e\n2 Bed Ticks with Bolsters and Pillows @ 25/\n2 large Hair Mattrass[e]s 42/\n3 dozn pr Pld Hose No. 3 11/6\n3 dozn pr Do Do 4 12/6\nPack cloth for a Truss\nRichd Farrer E:Ware\n3 Pint stone Mugs\n6 Quart Ditto\n3 Pottle Do\n6 blew & w: stone Chambers Pots\nCask\nA Chest, Cord, & Cordg\nRobt Cartony Tea\n3 lb. finest Hyson Tea 18/\n6 lb. fine Green Do 14/\nCannister\u2019s & Box\nJno. Bradshaw Cordage\nOne Cable laid deepsea Line 100 fathms long 18 thrds\n6 Drum Lines\nWm Hallier Tinn\n2 la. Funnels\n6 Qt Tin Cans\n1 la: 1 Sml Choco: Pot\n1 Coffee Pot best sort\n1 dozn Tin Sheets\nRichards & Co. Hatts\n4 Mens Castor Hatts @ 5/\n1 Mans fine Hatt\n6 pr Womens 4d. thrd suprfine thrd Hose @ 6/\n6 pr Do Inda Cottn Hose 7/6\n6 pr Men\u2019s strong white thread @ 2/6\nBox for the Hatts\nAndrews & Co. Grocery\nJordan Almonds 25 lb. @ 15d.\n1 Jarr Raison\u2019s 28 56/\n1 Ditto Currts 28 60/\nJarr\u2019s\nEdwd Gilbert Stati[oner]y\n3 Qu[ir]e fine la. Eleph[an]t Paper\nDennis & Co. Sadlery\n2 Very best brd Woolen Cirsingles, lind with Neat Leathr Steel Buckles brod Straps @ 2/3\n3 best Crupper\u2019s\nJane Dale Mil[liner]y\nA hand[som]e Minionet Cap for Saque\n1 Ditto for a Night Gown\n4 Yds Minionet @ 6/3\n6 Skeleton Wires\n4 dble Muslin handfs 4/3\n12 ps. fine french \u27e8tapes\u27e9\nA ps. fine Kenting\n2 ps. hanover Lace\n2 dozn Ribbon\n1 Bla. Barcela Handf\n12 yds whe fashe trimg\nRobt Harrell Wool Cds\n4 pr Clothiers Cards @ 5/\nTo 6 pr course Wool Do 16/\nPrice & Nalder Gloves\n2 pr Men\u2019s buc: Gloves Stitchd @ 48/\nSus: Coleman Breechs\n1 pr Buck Breeches\nMary Scott & Son Cutlery\n1 Huntg Horn\n1 fine red M: Lea: Pockt with Silvr Lock &ca\n6 Common Launcts 6/\n2 Town made Do 3/\n2 lb. knittg Needles 1/\nJames Bryant Trunks\nTo 1 Hide Leathr Trunk Brass plated Straps Oil cloth cover\nTo 1 Smaller Do Do\nEdwd Hunt Junr Linnen\n1 ps. Buckram 22 yds 8d.\n2 ps. Russa drab 47\u00bd yds 12d.\n2 ps. Sheeting 56/\n1 dozn 1 Chinese Hands. 3/4\n12 Ells Wrapper\nJno. Spicer Shott\n1. 2. 0 drop Bris[tol] Do 18/6\n. 1. 0 Sml Mould Do 21/6\nShipping on board\nSaml Ballamy Iron\nOn a board & Canvas\n1 Steel Slay for weavg Sail Cloth\n1 pr Weavrs Pickers\n1 pr Ditto Shears\n6 strong secret pad[loc]k 2/6\n12 pr dog couples\n6 pr best sheep shears 2/2\n4 large broad Axes 3/6\n4 Adzes 2/\n6 pr compasses 7/\n6 2 foot Rules 8/\n1 Sett Iron Scewers\n1 Larding Pin\n\u00bd dozn best la: claw Hamrs\n6 knots chalk line\n3 M brass Nails 6/\n1 Compe sett Pinkg Irons\n1 Tap borer\n6 best brass lock Cocks with Iron Keys 2/2\n4 frying Pans\n1 2 Qt Iron Skillet\n1 3 Qt Do Ditto\nSarah Bennett Bisket\nTo \u00bd C whe Bisquet\nTo Kilderkin & Literage\nJno. Didsbury Shoes\nA Box cost\n1 pr very strong dble chann. Boots\u2014double Vamps, buck straps, and Hussar Tops\n1 pr double Vamp Shoes\n1 pr strong Slippers\n6 pr Callimanca Pumps\nLardner & Co. Habery\n2 lb. whited brown thread 5/\n4 Oz. Scotch Nuns Do 6d.\n4 Oz. Do Do 8\n4 Oz. Do Do 12\n4 Oz. Do Do 2/\n1 Oz. blew Marking Ditto\n1 Oz. Ditto\n1 Oz. Ditto\n6 Pieces beggar\u2019s Tape 4d.\n1 dozn Stay Laces\n6 pieces fine thread bobbin 5d.\n6 dozn lust. 10/4 Cotton laces 9d.\n1 piece 8d. rich sattin dble ribbon\n2 Oz. black Silk\n4 Oz. Col[ore]d Ditto 2/\n200 cross stitch Needles 3/6\n6 dozn Harry Cards\nBond\nCase\nCharges of Shippg\nLeaver Legge Cloth\n3\u00bd yards best Super fine blew drab 20/\n      Chas Lawrence Taylor\nTo a rich piece of Silk for Breeches making and all materials\nTo making your blew drab riding Coat\nTo 15 Yards of bindg\nTo Sewing Silk and Stays\nTo 2\u00bd dozn Buttons\nTo Sleeve Linings & Shalloon to Pockets\nA Box\nBouchier & Co. Gunpowr\nGunpowder F \u00bc Barrell 85/\nQr Barrels\nWaterage 3/\nEntry Out, Searchers Fees & Shippg Charges\nFreight, Primage & Bills of Loading\nPremo on \u00a3140 Insurd at 2\u00bd prCt & policy\nCommission 2\u00bd pCt\nE. Excepted pr Robt Cary & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0029", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, November 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[November 1767]\nCash\nNovr 3\u2014\nTo Do [cash] of Mr Man Page for last payment of the Land bot of Mills Reddicks Exrs\nTo Do of Mr Secty [Thomas] Nelson on same Acct\nMr Wm Nelson Do\nAdmrs of Jno. Robinson Esqr. Do\nDoctr Thomas Walker\nMr Farley\nTo Cash of Mr Hectr Ross for my Tobo sold him\nTo Do from Captn Neill Jameison in discharge of a judgement agt Wager\nTo Cash of Mr Purdie of Smithfield (for Colo. [Burwell] Bassett)\nTo Ditto of Captn Lilly for Wheat sold him by Joseph Valentine\nDitto of Jos. Valentine\nDitto of Do pr Mrs Campbell\nDitto of Do pr J. Archer\nDitto of Do pr Antho. Hay\nTo a Bill of Excha. on Messrs Capel & Osgd Hanbury\u2019s in favr of Jas Gibson\nTo Ditto on Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. in favr of Jas Cocke\nTo Ditto of Colo. [George William] Fairfax\u2019s drawg on Messrs Athaws sold Mr Gibson\nExcha. a 25 prCt\nTo Burgesses Wages from Treasury\nBounty on Hemp\nAnnuity to Robt Donaldson\nTo Cash of Colo. Lewis being his difficiency of what I paid towards the Exps. of our Plantn in Carolina\nTo do Won at Cards\nTo Ditto of Mr Warnr Washington\nTo do recd from Majr Broadwater for the uses of Truro & Fairfax Parishes\nContra\nNovr 4\u2014\nBy Mr Thos Lawson in full for Plank to the date\nBy Mr [Alexander] Craig for Sundries for Chr Harness\nBy Mr [Robert Carter] Nicholas for 2 fees & Writs agt Wager\nBy Club at Hays 5/. puttg a lock to Cht Box 2/6\nBy Jno. Washington for Shingles\nBy Cash pd Colo. Lewis as pr Contra, towards the discharge of Reddicks Land \u00a396.12.0 my own proportion 17.11.4\nBy fiddle Strings for J. P. Custis\nBy Almanacks\nBy the Barber Wm Godfrey\nBy Gibson & Granbury\u2019s Acct\nBy Cash paid the Treasurer on Acct of Captn Sampson Darrell my Taxes & Captn Poseys\nBy Ditto pd Do on behalf of Colo. Fairfax for H[untin]g Creek Inspection\nBy Mrs Campbells Acct for my Board &ca\nBy Colo. [Fielding] Lewis my advance towards prosecutg our Scheme at the Augusta Springs\nBy Club at Hays\nBy Ditto a Charltons\nBy Ferriages at Claibornes &ca\nBy Expences at Todds 5/\u2014Servants 1/9\nBy Expences at Port Royal 4/. ferriage there 2/\nBy Cash pd Colo. [Burwell] Bassett (the 6th) recd of Mr Purdie\nBy Raffling for Necklace &ca\nBy Cash lent my Bror Saml on Interest\nBy ferriage &ca at Hoes 12/\u2014ferrymen 1/3\nBy Charity 5/\u2014By Wm Skilling \u00a33.0.0\nBy Exps. in Surveyg the Road from Doeg Run to Colchester\nBy Chain Carriers for the same Service\nBy Exps. at Colchester\nBy Exps. at Wests Ordy\nBy Pilots for Shewing Carters Lands\nBy Exps. at Boggess\u2019s\nBy Copy of a Patent from the Proprietors Office\nBy Servants", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0030", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Armstrong, 3 November\u201320 December 1767\nFrom: Armstrong, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCarlisle [Pa.]3d Novembr[\u201420 December] 1767\nWith particular pleasure I acknowlege the receit of your favour of the 21st Septr but know not when it may meet with a Safe conveyance, I shall detain the letter a little, and if none appear, shall risque it by the way of Winchester or Philada.\nYour Information that part of the Lands on the Yaughyaughghany & Monongahela formerly conceiv\u2019d to lie within the bounds of yr Governmt is now likely to fall within the Limits of Pensylvania may I think prove very true; but that part of it that respects the making of Entries or issuing Grants at Carlisle, is entirely vauge & without foundation, that Office being alwais restricted to Philadelphia & kept by the Proprietari\u27e8es\u27e9 Secretary (at present James Tilghman Esqr.) who in extraordinary Cases consults the Governor & Board of Property\u2014wch Board are only Assistants to the Governor he being Sole Commissioner of Property. nor is the Governor himself as yet by any\nmeans at Liberty to grant any Lands beyond the Aleghany Mountains until they are first purchas\u2019d of the Six-Nation Indians which purchase has been on foot for some time past & it\u2019s said will be concluded by Sir Wm Johnston this ensuing Spring or Summer, at which time \u2019tis also said Sir Wm will make a Purchase on behalf of the Crown, of larger extent than the limits of Pensylvania, perhaps West of Virginia, but of this I have no certainty\u2014so that at present Sir, you may firmly depend that nothing cou\u2019d be farther attempted than a distant or conditional application to Governor Penn for a Tract or two, on them Waters when the Purcha\u27e8se\u27e9 shall be confirm\u2019d, which done in your Polite manner & under good pretentions too, I\u2019m persuaded cou\u2019d give no Offence, nor easily fail of Success\u2014and if any Offices of mine either on the present or any other Occasion, may be of the least use I beg you wou\u2019d freely command them, as they are now tenderd and shall be chearfully employ\u2019d as often as you shall give me leave. and pe\u27e8r\u27e9haps on the first opportunity I have of going to Town I may take the Liberty of feelling his Honrs Pulse & at least assist the foundation for any application you may afterwards think proper to make.\nAs to the mode of taking up or having Lands granted in ou\u27e8r\u27e9 Province, it has been considerably loose\u2014the general intention of the Proprietaries has been a Competant Plantation of 2, or 300 to each settler more especially since the Government became populous; but this Rule for various reasons has not been generally adher\u2019d to, nor cou\u2019d it well be, and however just in itself as a general guide, has been much eluded especially of late when the Artifice of borrowing Names, or taking Out Warrants & Orders of Survey in the names of other People as tho\u2019 they were for their use & afterward procuring conveyances from those whos names they had made use of, has so much prevail\u2019d that many & not of the most deserving has ingross\u2019d large quantities. this occasion\u2019d some noise among the populace, has made the Governor and Agents very uneasy & indeed pr[e]vents the moderate gratification of many deserving persons to whom some distinction is due; for the cry is that we shall have no strong Settlements backward because of those ingrosers. In locating of Lands we generally describe the Spot as nearly as we can, and the Surveys are expected to be made as regular as the nature of the Land will any way admit, that is by a four\nlin\u2019d figure in order to pr[e]vent Culling, but our Mountanious Country Seldom admits a regular Survey, and the discretion of the Surveyor must take place.\nAs to the expence of Our Proprietary Lands the terms are now somewhat different from what they have been, \u00a315.10s: Currency consideration Money \u214c hundred acres & One halfpenny Sterling \u214c acre ground Rent per annum, has formerly been the price, but latterly they have fix\u2019d the Consideration money per hundred acres only at \u00a35 Sterling & the yearly Quit Rent is rais\u2019d to One penny Sterling \u214c acre\u2014what the Next purchase beyond the Mountains may be I cannot tell but immagin it will be on the terms last describ\u2019d above, as Landed people seldom come down Stairs, and indeed there are so many desirous of taking up lands, that they know very well their terms will be comply\u2019d with tho\u2019 so distant from trade & other conveniencies of life. In regard to the line now running betwixt us and Maryland\u2014it will very probably be establish\u2019d, but that in my opinion, must at least be pronounc\u2019d by the Commissioners on each Side the question, or perhaps be confirm\u2019d by the Partys on the other Side the Atlantick before it be a final boundary to these provinces, and how far that consideration may happen to retard the grant of Lands near the line may be questionable. I know a Certain Case depending near the line, where neither Province at present, seem willing to assume the Jurisdiction. I\u2019m sorry these Subjects had not happen\u2019d to occur when I last had the pleasure of seeing you\u2014but here permit a Single remark flowing from Old friendship, and it shall be on the infatuating Game of Card-playing, of which on thirty Years observation I am not able even to say so much good, as a witty person Once did of what he Censur\u2019d as a Culpable & extravagant piece of Dress that it cover\u2019d a multitude of Sins; but that game always unfriendly to Society, turns conversation out of Doors, and curtails our opportunities of mutual good. I can easily presume on your good nature to forgive this piece of unfashionable freedom, and Believe me to be with great respect Dear Sir Your Most Obedt And Most humbl. Servt\nJohn Armstrong\nP.S. Mrs Armstrong and my Self beg you\u2019ll please to present our best respects to your Lady & also to yr worthy Neighbours,\nColl Fairfax & Lady. we have both I hope been better\u2019d by the Warm Springs, except some returns of the Rheumitism that attend Mrs Armstrong, which I apprehend is so constitutional that we can scarcely expect a perfect cure.\nJ: A:\n   20th Decembr\nWe have just recd information that Genrl Gage has wrote Governor Penn, that Sir Wm Johnson apprehends the Indians will break out this ensuing Spring\u2014and that the Generals letter is conceiv\u2019d in such terms as has mov\u2019d the Governor to advise in Council whether the Assembly shou\u2019d be call\u2019d? but as they Sit early in Janry the Governor has not issu\u2019d a Summons\u2014May God avert such a Calamitous Scene; for shou\u2019d it happen a third time so near together, Our Frontier People appear to be undone. Capt. Callender has very lately recd a letter from a Trader at the lower Shawna Town, who says that them Indians are at present very quiet, but express some fears of your Government \u2019tis also said that Mr Croghan has lately had an amicable interview wth various Tribes at Detroite. these last appear to be agst Sir Wms Intelligence.\nJ: A:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0031", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 3 November 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nGentn\nWilliamsburg Novr 3d 1767\nI have just drawn upon you (of this date) for One hundred pounds Sterlg in favour of Mr James Gibson which please to pay & place to Acct of Mr Jno. Parke Custis. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0032", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 4 November 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nWilliamsburg Novr 4th 1767\nI have just drawn upon you (of this date) for Fifty pounds Sterg in favour of James Cocke Esqr. which please to pay & place to Acct of Mr Jno. Parke Custis. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt H. Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0033", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Starke, 22 November 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Starke, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Richard Starke, 22 Nov. 1767. On 14 Dec. GW wrote to Starke: \u201cYour letter of the 22d Ulto by Post did not reach my hands . . . till a few days ago.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0034", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, December 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[December 1767]\nCash\nDecr 5\u2014\nTo Do of Mr Jos. Thompson on Acct of Rent\nTo Do of Peter St Clair for weavg 9\u00be yds\nTo Do of Captn Posey by Mrs Posey\nTo Do won at Cards\nContra\nDecr 5\u2014\nBy my Brother John lent\nBy my Exps. at Snickers\nBy Ditto at Wests Ordy\nBy Lund Washington for 12 Bls Oysters bot by him\nBy Patcy Custis for Pocket Money\nBy Mr[s] Washington\nBy Servants 4/4\u00bd\u2014a pr of Mittens 1/6\nBy Cash gave my Mother \u00a310\u2014Ferriage 2/\nBy Edwd Wms lent 12/6\u2014pd Bishops wife 10/\nBy Cranburies & Fish 12/\u2014Gave Morris 50/\nBy Cash paid Jno. Alton\nBy Cash paid Colo. Fairfax Novr 15th last\nBy Balle", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0035", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Capel and Osgood Hanbury, 10 December 1767\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Washington, George\nEsteem\u2019d Friend\nLondon Decemr 10th 1767\nWe Wrote thee the 20 Octobr last \u214c Capt. Johnson to which refer since then we have not reced any of thy favours\u2014The Estates 8 Hhds Tobo \u214c the Hanbury are not yet dispos\u2019d of as the buyers do not come up to the price we think them worth, however hope that after Xmass the Market will be brisker\u2014As the Bearer Capt. Esten will in all probability be an early Ship in the Country we flatter ourselves in case our Friends give him dispatch he will Arrive here to a good Market wch is an event we much wish for as it will enable us to render such Accot sales as we make no doubt will give satisfaction\u2014Thy kind assistance to him wth some of thy own Tobacco & Friendly influence in procuring a larger share of the Estates Consignmts to us by him will be always thankfully remembred We intend to send a small Ship in the Spring to James River wch if thee can assist in the dispatch of we shall esteem a further favor conferd on us who are wth great regard & Esteem Thy Assurd Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0036", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Starke, 14 December 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Starke, Richard\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 14th Decr 1767.\nYour letter of the 22d Ulto by Post did not reach my hands (being in Frederick County) till a few days ago, and knowing of no oppertunity of conveying an answer to you soon, otherwise than by Post, you will please to receive what follows by that channel, as my further Sentiments of the Subject you wrote upon.\nThat I shoud be glad to make the place convenient to you for the sake of having it in the occupation of a good Tenant, and for the gratification of Mrs Starke who you say is pleasd with its retired situation, I do not scruple to declare; but that I shoud fall from one concession to another in order to obtain these advantages is really not to be expected\u2014Sufficient it ought to be, I think, that I have lowerd the Rent from \u00a345 to Thirty five pounds pr Ann: in order to engage your acceptance of it, and to rid myself of all further trouble about these Lotts till Master Custis comes of age\u2014and sufficient it might also be to remove any doubts of the unreasonableness of requiring you or any other Person to keep the place in such Tenantable repair as your own conveniency made necessary during that term; for certain it is the considerations of engaging a good Tenant for a length of time and easing myself of all further trouble with the Lotts were my declard motives for abating in the Rent how then it coud be a matter of doubt with you whether I was really in earnest when I insisted upon these Conditions I can not conceive the one being a consequence of the other. As to the advantages & disadvantages of the Brick House you who have examined into them must be a better judge than I who never bestowd a thought upon them, but excepting the House itself (which may be larger) I never apprehended before that it had half the conveniencies of those Lotts you now live on\u2014If they\nhave pray what may the Rent be? for this I presume should come into the Acct. However, to put an end to all further Controversy\u2014to remove every future doubt\u2014and to enable you to determine at once of the utility of going or staying\u2014I will upon condition of your keeping the place till Master Custis comes of Age Post & Rail in the Lott (next Summer) in the manner I mentioned to you some time ago, and allow any Sum not exceeding Ten pounds out of the first Rent (which is as much as you seem to think woud be requird in 7 Years an Acct of which to be renderd) towards making such other repairs as you may find necessary for the benefit & convenience of the place, after which I shall expect that the Lotts & Houses will not only be kept from the destruction they have hitherto sustaind but in such decent repair as time &ca will reasonably admit of and that Leases may pass at our first meeting expressive of these purposes.\nIf you Incline to continue longer than the year (for which you took the place) upon these terms it is well\u2014if not please to let me know that I may have time to seek out another Tenant. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0037", "content": "Title: Mississippi Land Company Minutes of Meeting, 16 December 1767\nFrom: Mississippi Land Company\nTo: \n[16 December 1767]\nAt a General Meeting of the Mississippi Company at Stafford Court House in Virginia December 16th 1767.\nPresent\nRichard Parker\nFrancis Thornton\nRichard Henry Lee\nWilliam Brent\nWilliam Fitzhugh\nJohn Augustine Washington\nFrancis Lightfoot Lee\nWilliam Fitzhugh Junr\nThomas Ludwell Lee\nWilliam Beale Junr\nGeorge Washington\nWilliam Lee\nRichard Parker Esqr chosen President this meeting\nIt is resolved that Messr Robt Brent, Richard Graham, Philip Thomas Lee, William McGachin, and George Plater be excluded from the Company for not having paid their Quota agreeable to the original Articles.\nIt is resolved that Mr Edwd Key deceased was not a member of this Company, having never signed the Original Articles or paid any money.\nIt is resolved that Majr Thomas Addison, is not a member of this Company, but that application shall be made to him to become a member.\nIt is resolved that Mr John Hite is not a Member of this Company having never signed the Articles or paid any money.\nIt is resolved that Mr Samuel Washington be admitted as a Member of this Company on complying with the Articles thereof.\nIt is resolved that Messrs John Baylor, Bernard Moore and Thomas Walker, be admitted as members of the Company on their complying with the Articles thereof.\nIt is resolved that Mr Chas Digges have full power and Authority to sell or dispose of his share in this Company to Mr Thomas Montgomer\u27e8ie\u27e9 or any other person that the Company shall hereafter approve of.\nIt is resolved that application shall be made to Mr Warner Lewis and Doctor Arthur Lee to become members of this Company.\nIt is the opinion of the Company, and so it is ordered, that the Treasurer of the Company, call a general meeting of the Company according to the Rules of the Company for that purpose, on the 21st day of March next ensuing, and if at that time a number of Members sufficient to form a general Meeting shall not be assembled, that in that Case the Comittee already appointed by the Company or the Treasurer of the Company\nbeing so directed by the Committee, shall have full power and Authority to demand and receive of each Member of the Company the Sum of \u00a313.11.0 Sterling, amounting in the whole to the Sum of \u00a354 \u27e8illegible\u27e9 Sterling, which Sum the said Committee are impowered to dispose of in employing an Agent to proceed immediately to Britain, there to solicit the Company\u2019s Grant, as fully, speedily, and effectually as the nature of the Business will admit.\nIt is resolved that Wm Lee Esqe the Treasurer, has presented his Account to this Company which is admitted.\nIt is resolved that Wm Lee Esqe be continued Treasurer to this Company.\nIt is resolved that the Treasurer pay the Expence of this meeting.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0038", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 22 December 1767 [letter not found]\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 22 Dec. 1767. On 5 May 1768 GW wrote to them: \u201cI have just time before I leave this place to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 22d of Decr by Eston, and 1st of Feby by Captn Outram.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0039", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John West, Jr., December 1767\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: West, John Jr.\nDear Sir,\n[December 1767]\nHaving Perusd the Contents of Mr Bernards Letter Inclosd, I am of Opinion that, if the scope of it is to draw an answer from us (as Executors of Colo. Colvills Will) signifying (that as we are not in Cash, and probably shall be sometime without a sufficiency to discharge the several Legacies he has left) that we will, so soon as we can with propriety, pay Mrs Bernards Fortune to him or his order I shall have no objection to giving such an assurance; because it woud be the most consistent reply we coud make to such a demand if made, and the natural consequence of his Letter; but if any thing more than this is required, I shall, from the light I view it in at present, beg leave to enter my dissent; because I do not see what better, or indeed what other Security we can give than the Testator himself already has given\u2014Or how we who are only the Exrs of another Mans Will, can adopt any Measure that may anticipate its operation, and be safe in doing so. Whenever the money is raisd it of course becomes due and payable to whomsoever has a right in Mrs Bernard to demand it; and before this I do not see what more is to be expected of Us than to raise it as fast as we can. this is the light in which the matter appears to me upon a general re-view of it, but I am open to conviction, and shall always recede from error so soon as I am convincd that I am in one. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1767", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/02-01-02-0001", "content": "Title: Memorandum Books, 1767\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n               survey  forfeited sold it to Edward Pharr for 37 lib. 10/ cash and gave him a deed &c. Payne after this expressed sadness at losing his mill but said he had rather it should be in his hands? than any other\u2019s. On which Pharr told him? if he would make up his money in a twelvemonth he would return the land. He agreed with Payne to keep the mill: Payne left the mill as there was no house over it. The hogs devoured a bag and corn. Pharr told him if he left it again he should never have it. He left it again within a month, and his custom for them. Upon which he sold her to n Dixon for 50 lib.  credit, and  pay. On this Josias Payne brings an action on the case for damages for not complying with his agreement. (Note Payne within the twelvemonth had tendered him 38 lib., but that was not Pharr\u2019s mo because besides the 37 lib. 10/ there were 2/6 for writing the deed, 8/9 for recording it and 39/6 due on an another account which they had settled.) Payne recovers 40 lib. damages agt. which Pharr desires to be relieved. (Note before Dixon purchased Payne desired him to purchase it and that he would go halves with him.) Recd. 20/. I am to employ auxiliary. Inter if not the money tendered by Payne borrowed merely  and ground his action, and if Pharr had offered \n              The King v. Tharpe and Calloway. An indictment for assaulting  Susanna Williams. To assist Pendleton. Depend principally on her character. She has declared she would not take 200 lib. for her chance. If we fail, we are to apply to Gov. for a remission. Endeavor to sever Calloway who has been joined merely to deprive pl. of his evidence, and he will prove provocation.\n              Rees v. Talford et al. and Rees v. Hayes et al. The Augusta men alledge that the Three ridge mountain, the Priest mountain, the Bald friar Mountain  Peaks of Otter form that ridge which divides the counties (perhaps it may part thus ) but others say these are only spurs making from the blue ridge and adjoining thereto, and that the waters of James river issuing from the E. side of the blue ridge run between these mountains.\n              Taliaferro v.\u2003\u2003 Coffee. William Pannel possessed of an entry of 200 acres on N. branch of Tye river, Amherst, transferred it by a note in writing for 30/ to James Glenn. Glenn afterwards sold it back to Pannel for the same which Pannel paid in presence of Thomas Pannel, but there was never any direction to the sheriff to surveior about it. Pannel having removed to Carolina, instructed Benjamin Dove who was coming into  to sell this entry for him, which he accordingly does to George Campbell, in 1765, who sells to Zachariah Taliaferro for\u2003\u2003. Coffee, looking into the surveior\u2019s books found that in the repurchase of Pannel from Glenn there had been no transfer in writing, and purchased in 1766 of Glenn, tho\u2019 he had known of Taliaferro\u2019s title above a year before. Note Taliaferro will get a transfer from Pannel in writing.\n              Fry, John ads. Hanbury mercht.\n              Hickman v. Harper & Lewis. Issue sci. fa. agt. both defs. immediately.\n              Bring an action for Micajah Chiles agt. Matthew Jordan high sher. of Albemarle for taking his horse for his Tobacco dues. Dam. 100 lib. (John Fry (Coroner).\n              Received of Abner Witt 8/6 the caveat fee in Witt v. Barnet. Memdm. enter the Caveat Octob. 18.\n              Recd. of John Ford 6/3 in Ford v. Millar. Caveat.\n              Price (Leonard) ads. Nicholson. Recd. special bail peice and orders to defend. Use all delay.\n              Robert Aldridge et ux. ads. Nicholas Grubb, infant by Bruin his next friend. Slander and\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003.\n              The same ads. Benjamin Grubb infant by Bruin his next friend. Slander. Recd. a letter from James Wood with directions to appear for defs.\n              Tharpe & Calloway ads. The King. The defs. fined 10/ each. To pay costs. Hairstone an evidence allowed only two days attendance.\n              Jefferson (George) v. Witten and John Jefferson v. \u2003. Suits to be removed from Lunenburgh to Gen. court. G. Jefferson was undersheriff to M. Marrable and did not make up his collection of dues, and also served an exn. on Mumford but let him go without the money. Witten the succeeding sheriff (by an order of court made at the instion. of M. Marrable) distrained between 20 and 30 negroes, 10 or 12 horses and other things in Sep. in midst of pulling hemp and housing tobo. Jefferson offered him Henry Delony security, but he refused to take (qu. whether he object to the sufficiency of security, or that security is not the goods of an undersheriff are not repleviable.) John Jefferson was security for George, and is def. to one action. There are two other actions, but I am not to suffer them to be removed because the subject is under 10\u00a3. Advised the parties, one of them to suffer judgmt. below; to appeal from that judgment; the appellee to confess error in G. C. and then consent that the cause may be retained in it\u2019s place and proceed to trial de novo by witnesses.\n              Dinwiddie (the Honble. Robert) agt. Lee (Richd.). To appear with the Atty. Gen. for pl.\n              Entered in the council office Caveats in Ford v. Millar, Frame v. Warwick, Witt v. Barnett, Taliaferro v. Coffee. Also a Caveat in the name of Nichs. Meriwether v. myself for my three tracts of land in Bedford. Took out summonses in the above Caveats.\n              Pd. Walthoe 28/9 for the above five Caveats.\n              Thompson v. Robertson. Petn. for 957 acres in Albemarle.\n              Benjamin Harrison v. Edwd. Pye Chamberlayne. To appear for pl. at Mr. McCaul\u2019s request. He took out writ and pd. tax. See acct. Dam. 150\u00a3 in Case.\n              Thomas Lilly v. John Riddle. Capt. Lilly was purchasing wheat at 4/ per bushel, up James river. Riddle was on same business, and in order to prevent Lilly\u2019s purchase (and to get wheat himself at 3/6) sd. to several (Colo. Carter Braxton, Phill Johnson and Ryland Randolph) \u2018that it was no matter what Lilly gave for that all his bills would come back protested, but that his Riddle\u2019s money was certain.\u2019 The consequence of this was that after Lilly had purchased and came to draw bills he could not dispose of them without an endorsemt. Lilly issued the writ. Issue a writ. Damage 2000 lib.\n              Inclosed the papers in Kypen & Co. v. Smith to Mr. Wallace.\n              David Frame (Augusta) directs me to issue writ in Scandal agt. James Burnside (Augusta). Burnside said \u2018he caught Frame (who is a married man) in bed with Elizabeth Burkin put his on Frame\u2019s \u2014\u2014\u2014 as he lay in bed with the girl and felt it wet and then put his hand on her \u2014\u2014\u2014 and felt it wet also.\u2019\n              Stockdon v. Brackenridge. Recd. 5/.\n              Matthew Read (Augusta) emplois me to defend him at the suit of Abraham Feilder (Albemarle). Feilder the father of the pl. owed Read 3\u00a3 and the pl. to Dick Woods 10\u00a3. Read goes to Feilder the father for the money, he sais he has none but his son has a hhd. of tobo. which he may have. Read sais no, but he will send it to Augusta. He will assist him to sell it. The son carries it. Dick Woods takes out a writ at the court against the son, who delvd. the tobo. his horse and saddle. Woods sets it up to publick sale. Read tells the crier to bid for him. The crier accordingly buys it for \u00a36\u201311. The son brings suit for them agt. Read.\n              Madison v. Johnson. Recd. 52/6.\n              John Archer (Augusta) directs me to defend him if an action of Slander should be brought agt. him by Elizabeth Crawford, an infant daur. of Patrick Crawford (Augusta). Archer was at Colo. Dandridge\u2019s where the girl lived, and in presence of the company asked Mrs. Dandridge whether she was child. Mrs. D. \u2018no, why do you ask?\u2019 J. A. because it is so reported in Augusta. He declares he expressed himself in such a manner as to shew the company he did not believe it, and never has mentioned it at any other time before or since. He can prove that Ralph Loftus did report this at several times in Augusta. I am to employ an auxiliary a little before the suit comes to trial.\n              Clarke v. Coffee. Pl. lives Culpepper.\n              Andrew Johnston, and Thom. Bowyer direct me on behalf of themselves and John Madison junr. to enquire if a patent has issued to Robert Patterson (\u2003\u2003) for 500 acres on Linwell\u2019s creek called the  tract (\u2003\u2003). If no patent has issued  a caveat in the name of Andrew Johnston but if patented, enter a petn. for nonpaiment of quitrents and want of cultivation and improvements. Also do the same with another a tract of 300 acres on the same creek. Mem. they are not certain of having exactly mentioned the number of acres. They have been surveied above 10 years.\n              Rutherford ads. Buchanan. Wrote to def. to know his defence and inclosed a blank spa.\n              Devire and Daniel. Wrote to pl. to come to \n              Bowan ads. Buchanan. Wrote to Bowan to get his witnesses to attend in June with a spa. to save expence. If they will not to let me know before Feb. 1. and I will get spa.\n              Harrison v. Chamberlayne. Wrote to Wm. Smith sheriff of N. Kent, to suppress 2d. writ, and discharge def. from appearance.\n              Daniel Gwinn ads. Johns Stuart. Slander. Same as other suits. Mr. Madison directs to appear for def.\n              Jno. Mills (Augusta) v.\u2003\u2003See case. Recd. 10/.\n              James McKain (Augusta) v. Charles Patteson, Thomas Patteson, Wm. Bumpas, William Farguson and John Jackson a servt. of Bumpas whose name is forgot (but must be a def. to take off his evidence). It is John Jackson. (All in Buckingham except Farguson who  Prince Edward.) These people except Charles Patteson, being sheriffs and their assistants came to serve an exn. on a waggoner of Mills\u2019s (exn. came from Bedford). The negro was touched by the sheriff as he says, but as they say he was not but McKain and Samuel Crawford stept in between the sheriff and negro, and the negro made his escape. Upon this the sheriff (who as the pl. says had not told he was sheriff, but Patteson sais he did) tied McKain, and Crawford, carried them to Charles Patteson his brother who was a justice, and who committed them immediately to close goal, where they remained in the criminal\u2019s room 8 days. Notwithstanding Israel Christian offered himself as bail, or if they would allow him a few hours, to produce 3 or 4 others sufficient, or to deliver to the justice a waggon load of goods which he had there as a security; but he refused. To bring suit for McKain.\n              Samuel Crawford (Augusta) brings suit also. Mills answers for fees.\n              Israel Christian (Augusta) v. Bumpas and the two Pattesons. The three waggoners were emploied in carrying goods for Christian  by the waggons being deserted above 50\u00a3  were stolen, and forced to hire other waggoners.\n              James Mccartey (Wmsburgh.) v. Wm. Waterson (Augusta). Debt on bond. To appear for pl. Recd. the bond.\n              Clark v. Coffee. Coffee has sold the land to John Ramsey (Augusta). Clarke thinks he can prove Ramsey knew of the petn. Coffee is gone to Caroline.\n              Jeremiah Ragan (Augusta) directs to petn. agt. Patrick Cane (Caroline) for 300 acres patented by Cane above 12 years ago, on the waters of Cook creek Augusta.\n              John Syme (Hanover) v. John Shelton (Augusta) and Patrick Henry (Hanover Louisa. Friendly petn. See paper.\n              Waterson v. Waterson & Smith. The pl. dismisses as to Smith.\n              Capt. Hog\u2019s case. He was sp. bail for a man who run away before the trial. A depon. taken de bene esse was read at the trial tho\u2019 the deponent might have been present. This error was objected but overruled and an appeal thereon, but no bond was given by the appellant. A first and second sci. fa. is come out. Oyer of the recognisance will be demanded on the second, and the question is whether it will be too late then to give bond on the appeal?\n              Wrote to John May to enter Caveats at the S. O. viz. Ford v. Millar, Frame v. Warwick & Taliaferro v. Coffee. Also to issue writs in Frame v. Burnside, Christian v. Patteson et al. and petns. in Johnston v. Patterson, Ragan v. Cane and Syme v. Shelton and Henry. Also to dismiss Waterson v. Waterson & Smith. To plead by guardian for Jer. & Andr. Talford in Rees v. Talford et al. To plead G. I. in Feilder v. Read, to let me know the sp. bail in Archer v. Dandridge, to search for and correct the summs. in Clarke v. Coffee, to send sci. fa. in Hickman v. Harper, and to suppress 2d. writ in Harrison v. Chamberlayne.\n              Wm. Robertson\u2019s case. \u2018I bequeath unto my son William Robertson 160 acres of land, but I do hereby order and allow that if my son Wm. die without male issue coming to the years of maturity that then the above sd. land shall relapse to my son Thomas Robertson and his heirs, allways provided his wife Eliz. shall enjoy the benefit of the sd. land and plantation while she remains a widow.\u2019\n              Inclosed to Taliaferro his spa. agt. Coffee with directions to fill up the blank christian name.\n              Inclosed to Fr. Thorpe, Williams\u2019s release to him. By Colo. Calloway.\n              Pd. W. Lewis for Davies for a book of arithmetic 5/.\n              Recd. from S. O. writs in Frame v. Burnside, Christian v. Patteson, the summs. in Ragan v. Cane, and Sci. fa. in Hickman v. Harper. Also 6. petns. friendly are entered in Syme v. Shelton & Henry.\n              James McKain informs be by letter that Wm. Farguson and John Jackson are to be made defs. in his suit.\n              Inclosed writ of A. Q. Damnum to Wm. Robertson for which I pd. in S. O. 5/.\n              Robert Anderson and x Samuel Woods Amherst subscribe for Rind\u2019s paper and x Chas. Lambert for the Gentleman\u2019s Magazine x also have error in spelling his name rectified.\n              Also x Thos. Ballard and x Thomas Stockdon x David Allen x Rachael Morison Amherst.\n              A. McCaul subscribes 3\u00a3 to the bridge.\n              Recd. of James McAlister Augusta 3/ and an advertisement to put into paper.\n              Bring up patent for Richard Stockdon for 400 acres on the Mechum\u2019s river Albemarle. Applied Sep. 29 but it is caveated by David Kinkead.\n              Deliver Wm. Ellet\u2019s transfer at S. O.\n              Get stays for N. Jef.\n              Grattan v. Waterson. What is attad.?\n              Ask speaker for his opinion in a case in which C. H. Harrison consulted him.\n              Get some books of Fables for Polly Randolph.\n              Recd. of Webster bill 20/ No. 2532 April 1761 which delivd. to J. Moore to return. He retd. and paid a better recd. from them.\n              Write to Nicholson for everlastg. breeches\u2014purple do.\u2014Chamois drawers.\n              Write to John May to apply to Tazewell for money, bond & copy judgmt. in Grattan v. Waterson x bond and copy judgmt. not sent to me\u2014C.D. papers in Hite v. Fairfax and Hanbury v. Claiborne\u2014C.D.\u2014to search in Bowyer v.\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003.\n              Send sp. bail in Temple v. Bowyer.\n              Dismiss Mills v. Huston at def.\u2019s cost & send bill of costs.\n              Henderson v. Anderson. Dismiss.\n              Galloway v. Burnley. Exn.\n              Hickman v. Harper. Pl. Sci. fa. Ws. retd.\n              Moore v. Hogg. Exn. for costs.\n              Wood v. Halcomb. No instructions.\n              Hughes v. Johnson. Summs.\n              Calvard v. Thompson. Summs.\n              Pleasants v. May.\n              Cuyder v. Christian. Send Sp. bail and cause of action decln.\n              Mutter & Co. v. Pasteur.\n              Handcock v. Walker. Enter caveat & Summs.\n              Carr v. Smith. Caveat & Sum.\n              Luney v. Meets. Caveat & Sum.\n              Compton v. Clarke. Petn. & Sum.\n              Mcbride v. Oneal. Do. No patt. to be found.\n              Cowden v. Brush. Caveat & Sum.\n              Greenlee v. Gray. Send Summs.\n              Smith v. Woods. Return Cap. and send Al. Cap.\n              Id. v. McDowel. Writ in TAB.\n              Write to G. W. in Buchanan v. Bowan, Hite & Fairfax, Crawford v. Archer.\n              to Rind for Almanack\u2014terms offerd.\n              to J. May further RD Frame v. Burnside. Dismiss and st. of costs.\n              Hickman v. Harper. Qu. if return. If not Pl\n              Mclure v. Smith. Id. v. McGill. What are words?\n              Stewart v. Gwinn & Heron. What words.\n              Ask at S. O. for the patent of Hierom Gaines assignee of several mesne assignments of David Willis for 125 acres. Cannot be found.\n              Collect 30/ of Daniel Banter for William Graegg, who gave me his order.\n              Send copy of works in Handcock v. Walker to Roger Thompson.\n              \u2003Johnson v. Patterson.\u2003}\u2003Return Summs.\u2003Smith v. Patteson.\n              Bowyer v. Walker. Ask date of patent & Summs. Answ. pat. Nov. 3. 1750. Summs. June 13. 1768.\n              Bowyer v. Buchanan. Enter petn. & Summs.\n              Mayo v. Lewis. Send sp. bail.\n              Witt v. Biby. Enter caveat & Summs.\n              Devire v. Daniel. Writ. Case Dam. 500\u00a3.\n              Mem. write to Francis Mcbride in Mcbride v. Oneal.\n              Greenlee v. Gray. Inclose to M. Bowyer.\n              Cowden v. Brush. Do.\n              Compton v. Clarke. Do.\n              Galloway v. Burnley. Inclose to Sh. of Orange.\n              Handcock v. Walker. Inclose to Rog. Thompson.\n              Carr v. Smith. Deliver to J. Marks.\n              Calvard v. Thompson. Inclose to Thompson Calvard.\n              Hughes v. Johnson. Inclose to Hughes.\n              Mclure\u2005v. Smith.\u2003}\u2003Inclose to Smith.v. McGill.\n              Stuart v. Heron. Inclose to J. Madison.\n              Buchanan v. Bowan. Write to M. Bowyer to give notice.\n              Richd. Durrett, senr. x Will. Lewis Ivy creek subscribe for Rind\u2019s paper x & B. Sneed, and x Joseph Hale and x Henry Mullins x T. Terry and x John Forsie x Micajah Clarke junr.\n              Mem. Stuart v. Heron is that pl. being sworn in Stuart v. Gwin not on a voire dire; def. said \u2018pl. was sworn on voire dire and swore he was not to gain or lose by the event of the cause, when he was a partner with Gwin and was to gain or lose half with him, and has since demanded \u00a311. of Gwin for half the gain.\u2019\n              Mclure v. Smith. The words are \u2018the pl. was discovered by a neighbor who had often before missed corn out of his feild together with five horses eating and destroying the corn in the said feild.\u2019 Also \u2018I saw the pl. rejected just now as a juryman and in a short time he will become so well known that he will not be admitted any where as a witness.\u2019\n              Mclure v. McGill. That the def. informed Samuel Briggs who was security for the pl. that Colo. Abr. Smith had sued pl. and before next day would sell every thing he was worth to satisfy the debt, and advised Brigg to secure himself; whereas Brigg and many other creditors sued him, and he lost his credit.\n              Enquire at S. O. for a writ of A. Q. D. which docked about 500 acres entailed on Aaron Quarles who thereon sold to Fitzgerald. The writ sent out about 20 years ago. Take down the courses the jury run and send to James Quarles.\n              Write to W. Rind for 4 quire declns. for J. Harvie.\n              Return Lambard\u2019s works & money and get patent.\n              Pay Ben Taylor\u2019s money for rights &c. \u00a33\u20131\u20132.\n              Send Andrew Wallace\u2019s advertisemt. and money 5/ to printing office. Recd. in return 1/ overplus.\n              Isaac Davies subscribes for two of Rind\u2019s papers.\n              Present petn. of Crawford & others to Governor.\n              Send Coffey\u2019s advertisemt. and money 4/ to Rind.\n              Write to McCaul for 36 ells oznabr. for 4 pr. sheets.\n              6 Dutch blankets\n              16 yds. coarse Dowlas for Jupiter.\n              broadcloth for myself.\n              black everlastg.\n              cotton stockings.\n              buck skin gloves.\n              buck handle knives and forks\n              Sum. clothes for Jupiter.\n              scarlet cloth for waistcoats.\n              linen for drawers\n                 \u00b5\u03ad\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd \u03b4\u1fbf \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9 \u03c0\u1f04\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u1f04\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u2003 no liberty, no life   \u1f00\u03bd\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03c5 \u03f0\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f00\u03c0\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03c5bonum quod honestum   in se ipso totus teres atque rotundusMacte virtute esto.   \u03bf\u1f30\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03bf\u03bd \u03f0\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f10\u03bb\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03bf\u03bdNil desperandum.   faber suae quisque fortunae.un dieu, un roy.   fari quae sentiatwhat is, is right.   ex recto decus\u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u03ad\u03b9\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u03b1\u00b5\u03bf\u1fe6   ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito \n              Send Chas. Lewis\u2019s advertisemt. to Rind.\n              Recd. of C. Lewis 5/ but Rind retd. 1/ overplus.\n              Get Greenlee\u2019s money from the treasurer on the certificate he gave me. Got it, and after paying his works retd. surplus 12/6 to him.\n              Return for him his plot, and pay rights fees &c. out of money to be recd. of treasurer.\n              Get for T. Woodson 2 quires writs 1 do. of orphan\u2019s bonds. Gave me 10/.\n              Get a copy of David Crawford\u2019s will from Sec.\u2019s office for William Ter. Lewis. No such will to be found in S. O.\n              Pd. Treasurer John Clarke\u2019s 4\u00a3 also 20/ more, the treasurer not knowing his ballance. Note if this is too much Clarke must let it be applied to credit of some other Sheriff who may repay him, as the treasurer will not alter his books to make a new entry.\n              Mem. send Thompson Mason 20 bushels of spring wheat to Fredericksburg to the care of James Mercer.\n              Inclose to G. Donald the following dimensions for Readg. desk.\n              height where highest 5.f. 4 f. 4 I.\n              breadth of lid or slope 22 I. i.e. from top of list on wch. book sits\n              Wrote toG. Donald.\n              height from top of list to the floor 4.f. 2.I. 3 f. 9\u00bd I.\n              length from end to end 5 f.\n              to have Chinese railing at the back and ends of top  \n              Wrote to Apollos Cooper at Mr. Carter\u2019s Loudon.\n              Lay in stock agt. assocn.\n              paint and oil and putty.\n              black cloth  2 \u2114 powder and 8 \u2114 shot\n              velvet\u2003 x wafers \u2003x \u00bd doz. Dutch blankets.\n              2 ps. linen\u2003linen @ 3/9 \u2003x 12 yds. Dowlas & qu. as to former.\n              8 yds. cambrick \u2003x 4 gross velvet corks.\n              4 pr. black silk stockings\n              tea \u2003x 6 \u2114 coffee \u2003x coffee cups & saucers \u2003x sugar.\n              1 ream paper\u2003\u2003Write about my books.\n              scarlet cloth for waistcoat.\n              1 doz. pewter plates \u2003x 1 doz. knives & forks.\n              1  \u2003x 32 gal. molasses & linen for G. Dudley\n              3 doz. glass tumblers \u00bd pint\n              2 looking glasses\u2003\u2003Send P. Coutt\u2019s book.\n              Tell G. Jones Everard will sell servt. He cannot shave or dress, and games a little which is cause of selling. He will take 80\u00a3. 20 years old. Sensible enough.\n              Dick v. Stewart. No such deposn. as Mclanahan\u2019s filed.\n              Send Mrs. Chiswell 7 oz. yellow silk from Charlottesville, not doubled and twisted. It is to stripe cloth, the deepest yellow half, and the other half lighter.\n              Ask for Willm. Aylett\u2019s pat. for 99 acres Augusta. Works retd. about 7 years ago. J. May sais not to be found and that he must send receipt.\n              Return Harrison\u2019s works. Did by S. Lewis.\n              Return Sheltman\u2019s, Ragan\u2019s, & Werin\u2019s works and \u00a38\u201312\u20136. Did it by Sam. Lewis.\n              Stockdon v. Brenton. A petn. entered last March. Send for new Summs. and contrive it to Hampshire by Capt. Hogg.\n              Write to clerk of Amherst for copy record in Ballow v. Wright.\n              Return Alexr. White\u2019s works and pay the money viz. \u00a33\u20131\u20132 to S. O. myself + 10/6 to Walthoe.\n              Send to Rind \u2014\u2014\u2014-\u2019s advertisement and money and write to him about Is. Davis\u2019s papers.\n              Madison v. Johnson. Carry papers to Augusta court.\n              Mills v. Huston. Do.\n              Devire v. Daniel. Send decln.\u2003x Ballow v. Wright. Copy record.\n              Jefferson v. Hanson. Send copy decln.\n              Cuningham v. Duke.\u2003x Napier v. Hulsey.\n              Ford v. Millar.\u2003x Strange v. Murril.\n              Cabell v. Lee & al.\u2003x id. v. Woodie et al.\n              Mead v. Williamson et al.\u2003x Johnston v. Walmsley \u2003Young v. Waterson.\n              Pleasants\u2005v. John May.v. Joshua May.\n              Gordon v. Broyls.\n              Handcock v. Walker.\n              Douglass v. Mousley.\n              Matthews v. Riley.\n              McCue v. Patten.\n              Spiers v. Langford.\n              Virginia cloth\n              2 suits curtains\n              4 tufted coverlids\n              1 coat and breeches of Jeans\n              2 waistcoats of dimity\n              1 coat and breeches of fustian for self.\n              1 suit do. for Jupiter\n              1 suit do. for Peter.\n              Have J. Coles appointed overseer in the room of John Fortune on the Green Mountain road from Ballenger\u2019s creek to Hardware.\n              Send Rob. Harris\u2019s advertmt. and 4/ to Rind. Did it by R. Anderson.\n              Wm. Hickman subscribes for Rind\u2019s Gazette and Charles Patrick also.\n              Return Isaiah Curry\u2019s works and 22/2.\n              Ask for Rob. Napier\u2019s pat. for 400 acres on Cary creek Albemarle. Works retd. Aug. 19. 1768. Recd. it by Mr. Moore\u2019s boy.\n              Delivd. Mrs. Chiswell\u2019s memdm. for Amherst suits to J. Harvie.\n              Ask for Richd. Stockdon\u2019s pat. for 400 acres on Mechum\u2019s river Albemarle. J. May sais not to be found and that he must send receipt.\n              Return Burger\u2019s works and 16/4.\n              Bowyer v. Moore. A caveat entered about May 23. Search if works retd. Def. sais they are. J. May sais the land is patd.\n              Return David Frame\u2019s works for 98 acres and 22/2 but enquire first if caveat entered. Also get copy order of conc. v. Warwic for 50. acres and pay 10/6 to Walthoe and 16/4 to S. O.\n              Return Hugh Devire\u2019s works and 16/4.\n              Deliver T. Lewis\u2019s 50/ to G. W.\n              Return Shannon\u2019s works and 22/2 but enquire first if caveat entered.\n              Send the patents in Mclure v. Poag to S. Matthews.\n              Robert Logan subscribes for Rind\u2019s papers.\n              J. May writes me word that Waterson took out of my letter Isaiah Curry\u2019s works and 22/2 so I have entered a friendly caveat in the name of Hugh Donaghe for it.\n              Nathan Reddy indebted to Ambrose Dowel 4\u00a3. Dowel is run away. Mem. write attamt. for him and leave at J. Walker\u2019s.\n              Get three quire attamts. and attamt. bonds for J. Walker, as many for myself.\n              Also 4 quire for R. Harvie.\n              Get a brass point for a franklin for R. Harvie.\n              Ask for Wm. Venable\u2019s patt. Works retd. 2 or 3 years ago.\n              Mem. get in Wmsburgh. 2000 tacks for putting in window glass, 500 do. for nailing on the pully lines & loops for 10 pr. window shutters to draw them open.\n              Delivd. Mr. Carr Mrs. Elizab. Chiswell\u2019s list of lands in wch. she claims dower in Albemarle. He is to charge no fee where he loses cause. A principal paper is wanting here as well as in Amherst, to wit Chiswell\u2019s deed to Robinson. I must be sure to get it from S. O. and have it at our Nov. court.\n              Ask for Henry Tilley\u2019s pat. for 400 acres Albemarle. Works retd. April 27. 1758. Got it.\n              Apply to Treasurer with Geo. Douglass\u2019s certif. for 700 \u2114 hemp and receive money. Recd. 25/. 17/6 of it burned in the house.\n              Ask for John Rodes\u2019s pat. for 50 acres on the waters of Moreman\u2019s river. Works retd. 2 or 3 years ago.\n              1 quire of attamts. and 1 quire of attamt. bonds for Chas. Lewis.\n              Return J. Madison\u2019s works for 210,  & 75 acres and \u00a36\u20137.\n              Ask Chas. Lambert when it was Mr. Ramsay got drunk with the sacrament wine going to Clairmont church.\n              Ask T. Woodson to search the records for the time when Joanna Collins (then Joanna Plummer) complained agt. Ramsay, and was sold by ord. Court.\n              Ask for Thos. Smith\u2019s pat. for 87 acres Albemarle on the head of Mechum\u2019s river. Works retd. about 3 years ago. Got certificate that is recorded in S. O.\n              Purchase Pilgrim\u2019s progr. for G. Twyman who gave me 5/9.\n              Speak to Rind about T. Carr\u2019s 12/6 for first year\u2019s gazette, which he sais he gave me to pay Rind, yet there is come up an acct. agt. him. Also pay him 12/6 for second year 10/ of which T. Carr delivd. me. Rind admits the rect.\n              Return Sam. Gay\u2019s works &c. 38/6.\n              Ask for Ezekiah Inman\u2019s patent for 393 acres in Albemarle. Works retd. Apr. 16. 1767.\n              Deliver Orlando Jones\u2019s letter and 5/ to Rind. If more wanting I am to pay it.\n              Take Jo. Hornsby\u2019s depon. in the case of Scott v. Hall left to arbitration. The point to be proved is Whether James Bray Johnston is or was good for 78\u00a3 and interest. Send it to Mr. Scott to care of Jas. .\n              Get Willoughby Pugh\u2019s pat. for 99 acres in the rich cove Albemarle. Works retd. about 1763. Got certif. that is recorded. Also get Maxwell\u2019s pat. See assmt. from Pugh.\n              Enter friendly caveat John Fitzpatrick v. Joseph Fitzpat. for 226 acres in the forks of Hardware on the head of the Walnut branch between the lands of Thos. Fitzp. and Sam Gay Albem. Note I am emploied by Wilkerson in former caveat agt. this land, so cannot do anything here but as a friend. Recd. 11/ so return 2/9 after paying tax and fee for Summs.\n              Return George Dudley\u2019s works and pay \u00a32\u201315\u20134 for him.\n              Send to Rind\u2003\u2003\u2019s (J. Scott\u2019s I believe) letter and 5/. If any more wanting I will pay it.\n              Deliver N. Lewis\u2019s 12/6 to Rind.\n              Openings for windows 4 f. 4 I. \u2013 1 inch for two rabbets by 7 f. 3\u00bd I. \u2013 \u00bd inch one rabbet.\n              Opening for sash 2 f. 10316 I. from floor.\n              Sleepers, joists &c. not to be let into wall, but laid on, and small space left between wall & end.\n              Stock bricks for outside rubbed before burnt.\n              Note. I do not find that the mouldings of the capital are ever given to the wall, but I observe that the upper mouldings of the base of the shaft, and sometimes a bare zocco only are given to the wall of the house and sometimes nothing at all, and qu. which handsomest?\n              Have hidden arches over doors and windows to prevent door and window frames from too great pressure.\n              To be pannelled on both side.\n              For no. & disposn. of panels see Pall. B. 4. Pl. 36. Must be 6. only.\n              For proportn. of panel to border see do. Pl. 72.\n              For moulding on edge of border see do. Pl. 60.\n              Bottom pannel range with pannelling of wainscoat.\n              Style of door 2\u215b I. thick. The panel may sink \u00bc inch on each side. By Saunders.\n              Style has ogee, fillet, quarter round.\n              Panel has fillet, quarter round, fillet, faint hollow, birch\n              External covering of plank put on with their ends up and down. To be tongued and planed.\n              Rafter for every joist. Joists twice their thickness apart.\n              Rafters to be supported by framed work.\n              Outside architraves locust or cedar 7 I. by 10. I.\n              6 24 peices f. 5\u00bd long + 8 four outhouses. 12. do. 8\u00bd f. long + 8 for O. H.\n              Frize solid of chesnut or cedar. 6\u00bd I. by 4\u00bc inches. 6 peices 5\u00bd f. long.\n              Cornices solid, of chesnut. 11\u00bd I. by 8\u00bd I. 6 peices 7 f. long.\n              Cap of base for bottom of window. 8 I. by 4 I. 6 peices 5\u00bd f. long + 4 for O. H.\n              Pullies to be covered by under sash.\n              Upper and under sash joined with a rabbet.\n              Upper bar of under sash to have quarter round on it\u2019s upper edge.\n              Opening in wall =\n              Chimneys. funnels 9 I. sq. to be contained in thickness of wall.\n              To be ensured from smoaking.\n              Note I have sent for architraves 7. I. broad, 2 jambs for the inside 3 f. 6 I. long, 2 f. broad, and 2 I. thick: two plinths or pedestals for the architraves 5\u00bc I. high, and 7712 I. broad: also one peice 57\u2159 by 18 I. to lay before the hearth. All these of black marble. One peice of firestone 44 I. by 26 I. for the hearth.\n              The arriere corps of the architrave 8 I. wide, which with architrave makes the jaumb 15 I. thick. Deducting from this the thickness of the marble for the jaumb, to wit, 2 I. leaves brick work 13 I. thick.\n              Brickwork of fire place open in the clear 3 f. 6 I. high, 3. f. 10 I. wide.\n              Rooms of principal house. The pedestal & entablature of each contain about 68. sq. yds.\n              The entabl. of the roof including pediment 55 sq. yds.\n                 \u200368\u00a0\u00d7\u00a0two\u00a0rooms\u00a0= \u2003136\u2005}\u2005write to Campbell for 400 lib. white lead, 50 galls. oil.   55\u00a0\u00d7\u00a04\u00a0roofs\u00a0= 220  add\u00a0for\u00a0contingencies 44  400 \n              Bricks 3, 4, and 9 inches (note Rosewell brick 2\u00bd, 4, 8\u00bd.)\n              Outhouses 18. f. sq. 10. f. to water table. 12. f. upper story.\n              To water table.\n              2 bricks thick will be 24. to the sq. foot. 24 \u00d7 684 = 16,416 bricks\n              Principal building. Wings. 18.f. sq. To water table 10. f. 1st. order 18. f.\n              To water table.\n              Thickest side 3 bricks thick will be 36. to sq. foot.\u200336 \u00d7 171 = 6,156. bricks. Qu. if not better to have this wall 3\u00bd thick.\n              First order\n              Thickest side 2\u00bd bricks thick is 30. to sq. f.\u200330 \u00d7 296 = 8,880. bricks. Qu. if not better to have this 3. bricks thick.\n              Of these must be 18,096 stock bricks for 6 sides. 85,380 place bricks.\n              In the whole 38,276 stock bricks + 126,544 place bricks = 164,820.\n              But note if two inner walls 3\u00bd thick to wat. table, and 3. to first order, it will take 5604 bricks more.\n              Send for cartridge paper to color on for room. It comes in quires. Each sheet 18 I. sq. costs 1/ a quire. 25. quire will give a dble. coat to my dining room, so send for 3 reams.\n              Verditer blue.\n              Prussian blue.\n              Spanish white.\n              Cuttings of white leather to make a size to prevent it\u2019s rubbing off.\n              Paper machee, white. It costs about 2d a foot. 250 f. do for my dining room, so send for 250.\n              Sheet lead is about 116 of an inch thick, and 2d pr. \u2114.\n              Kidd sells for 4d pr. \u2114. and can run as thin as 3 \u2114. to the foot.\n              A leaden pipe of 4 inches bore wd. be about 10d pr. foot sterl.\n              Rolls to hang paper on, yard wide, 10d sterlg. p. yd.\n              For cornice will take sheets of lead 2 f. wide 128 f. long besides the doublings of joints.\n              For cap of Attic sheets 11.I. broad 128 f. long besides doublings.\n              For cornice of 6 windows, 6 sheets 9.I. broad 6 f. long.\n              Decoration of paper machee for cieling 14 f. 4 I. sq. in compartmts. in taste of the\n              Send for Aeolian harp 3 f.\u2014refracting telescope 8 Venetian blinds\u2014case pocket instr.\u2014\u2713 15 pr. shutter rings\u2014\u2713 Back gammon tab.\u2014\u2713 Chess board & men.\u2014\u2713 pr. scales.\u2003Scotch carpet 17 f. 3 I. sq.\n              Decoration of paper machee for a ceiling 14 f. 4 I. sq.\n              Divided into 6 + 2 compartments and resembling as much as may be Gibbs\u2019 rules for drawg. pl. 58. upper figure, & Palladio B. 4. Pl. 26. fig. C.D.F.\n              From top of wat. table to floor 11.f. 4.I.\n              From do. to surface of upper level 2 f. 7 I.\n              Leaves upper fall 8 f. 9 I.\n              Breadth of kitchen below wat. table 20 f. 8.8 I.\n              Lower level 50 f. broad + 18 17 f. 6. I. basis of upper fall.\n              Left out 5\u00bd doz. bottles of beer.\n              Liquors left eodem tempore in cellar.\n              Return Galaspy\u2019s works & 16/4.\n              Return Carrigan\u2019s works & 16/4.\n              Return Galloway\u2019s works and \u00a33\u201318\u20138.\n              Return Estill\u2019s, x Bowin\u2019s, x Lewis\u2019s, x Conrad\u2019s, x Simmon\u2019s, x do.\u2019s, x McKittrick\u2019s, x Heine\u2019s, x Reash\u2019s works and \u00a313\u20134.\n              Send by James Ogilvie for x 2 pr. rising dovetail door hinges\u2014x 2 Venetian Chinese bells brass with wire and cranks\u2014x 3 bells with wire and crank\u2014x thermometer\u2014x case of bottles & canister (if acts repealed)\u2014x music for spinet and violin\u2014x strings for violoncello\u2014pullies, cord &c. for Venetian blinds\u2014x chain for a jack\u2014x canvas\u2014x glass cylinders & candlesticks\u2014x stocklocks \u2713 locks of the mortise kind.\u2014a Scotch carpet 17 f. 3 sq. \u2003Calender for pressing clothes.\n              Get 2 \u2114. stocking thread for Colonel Burwell @ 20/ the pound.\n              I have promised Mrs. F. Page the white silk I was to have of Mrs. Anderson.\n              Get Almanack of Rind.\n              Dimensions for a skyow.\n              Colo. Val. Wood subscribes toward clearing the Rivanna 3\u00a3 also T. M. Randolph 10\u00a3 more.\n              On my return home found my liquor in the cellar as follows.\n                 Loss   \u2003L.69. \u2003 221 \u00a0bottles\u2003 27 .\u00a0bottles\u2003Of these 26 of the bottles were left empty. The other 89 were carried off or broke.   M. 5 10   R. 64. 13 71   C. 14 7  \n              Send to S. O. for George Dudley\u2019s patent for 100 acres on Rackoon creek Albemarle surveied about 1752 or 1753. Qu. if the gov. entitled to a fee? and what has been pd. thereon.\n              Write to Steptoe to send Sums. in Johnston v. Hawkins for Bowyer et ux. directed to Coroner, and erase their names in those directed to sheriff.\n              Send by W. Beck for Bantam\u2014x pomegranate\u2014x nectarine from G.W.\u2014x locks &c. from Secr.\u2014x artichokes.\n              Send Rastall, Tucker\u2019s bill\u2014x G. Dudley\u2019s land\u2014\n              Enquire about Terry v. Jordan\u2014x write to Purdie to know what Colo. Lewis\u2019s books bindg. cost\u2014x also for Pilgr. progr. and \u2019s book bd.\u2014send wheat\u2014x sd. for Virga. laws\u2014x saddle\u2014x shoes\u2014x electrical points\u2014send gazettes to be bd.\u2014x boat locks\u2014x candlestick\u2014x white apples\u2014 x papers Clarke v. Fargeson\u2003x Madison v. Adams. Sum.\u2014x Sandidge v. Moore. day?\u2003gum mastic\u2014x bedstead\u2014\n              Work to be done at Hermitage Monticello.\n              Plant raspberries\u2014gooseberries\u2014currans\u2014strawberries\u2014asparagus\u2014artichokes\u2014fill up trees\u2014sow grass\u2014henhouse\u2014cherry tree\u2014Lucerne\u2014road\u2014waggoning wood and sand\u2014lop cherry trees\u2014\n              Jo. Hale is to be discontinued as a subscriber to the Virginia gazette, and I am to pay Rind for his last year\u2019s paper and charge it to Joanne Collins.\n              John Madison junr. v. Mary Adams (\u2003\u2003). Enter petn. for 340 acres Augusta same as already petned. for by Daniel Smith v. Robert Patterson. Enter a petn. and get Sum. for pl. Note as I am emploied for Smith I do not undertake this petn. They must search in the office whether the works and patents agree. Answ. they do.\n              The new canal which it will be necessary to open from my pier head down, will be 150 yds. in length and 9 f. deep (by rough measuring). If 3 f. wide at bottom and 6 f. at top it will be 675 cubical yds. of earth to dig. To continue the canal up to the falls above the landing (which would render my mill dam unnecessary) would be 450 yds., about 50. of which would be 9 f. deep, the remaining 400 wd. be 6 f. deep. If made 3. f. wide at bottom and 6 f. at top it will require 1425 cubical yds. to be dug.\n              Witt v. Biby. Get the patent. See post.\n              Ask for John Rodes (in the rect. called Bodes) pat. for 50 acres Albem. Works retd. Dec. 9. 1762. Rect. signed Wm. Tunstall. Got it & delivd.\n              Return Wm. Myass\u2019s works and 55/4 for 180 acres.\n              Madison v. Brooks and Blackwell. A suit brot. on a bond 4 or 5 years ago. Enquire why not tried and forward it. Direct a fi. fa.\n              Get Robert Young\u2019s pat. for the 137 acres of his wch. Waterson caveated. If we can get this patent it will arm Young with title and as the caveat was only agt. Patterson and the works retd. in Young\u2019s name it ought to issue.\n              Rachl. Morrison to be discontd. with Rind\u2019s paper.\n              Dispose of Mr. Lewis\u2019s negro.\n              Wrote to Mr. Lewis.\n              Enquire of R. C. Nich. wheth. the money he undertook to see pd. to the Aud. for sher. Alb. by the last of the Gen. ct. next is payd. by any of the und. sher. If nt. get of Prentis the sums payd. by the difft. und. sher. fr. 68.\u2003\u2003for N. Lewis. Write ans. by W. Beck.\n              Direct Pendleton and Wythe to oppose J. Moore\u2019s motn. for leave to clear ford.\n              Get a pr. curls for A. S. Jefferson ordered to measure.\n              Lewis v. Jones\u2019s heirs. Get a copy of bill for Mrs. Ware guardian to def. Desire J.B. to send up commn. to exam. witn. by me.\n              Get 2 bushels of timothy seed for Mr. Wythe and send next fall and Prussian fowls and pigeons.\n              Witt and Biby. The pl. must return works & copy ord. counc. Told him.\n              John Haydon. Get copy of courses of 350 acres Albem. on No. river patd. by Thos. Randolph from patent book. No such patent.\n              Enquire of Ro. C. Nich. for what suggestions he moved to have Mat. Moore struck out of the venire and Charles Lambard inserted on an indictment v. Sheetes in April 1767 or 68. He does not remember.\n              Ask J. Blair for commn. in Madison v. Adams.\n              Pay Robt. Frazier\u2019s 27/6 q. rents at Auditor\u2019s office and take rect.\n              Get scale and dividers for R. Adams. Countmdd.\n              Deliver J. May\u2019s money to Everard. Did so.\n              Bring blk. spas. in Woods v. Sandige.\n              Enter security for J. M. in Richmd. v. Sutton. Did.\n              Wm. Shelton\u2019s papers are misdirected by Rind.\n              Wm. Harris, Wm. Rocks & Richard Bruce subscribe for his gazette. Did.\n              Dun Southall for J.B.\n              Remember to enquire for Morrison\u2019s land on Rockfish to dower in which Mrs. Chiswell is entitled.\n              Sold R. Harvie 3013 \u2114. transfer tobo. for \u00a330\u20132\u20137 paiable\u2003\u2003. Note this is county tobo. wth. wch. I am to purchase books fr. court.\n              Apply with Coleman\u2019s affidavit to Capt. Hogg and Colo. Washington that his propn. of lands may be settled. Do it before Octob. 10. Delivd. to Colo. Wash. Coleman must contribute 20/.\n              George Malcomb\u2019s do. to Colo. Washington. Delivd. to Colo. Washington. He sais every com. soldier to pay 20/ xpce.\n              George Douglass senr. Enquire what was the name of a capt. of a ship who broke Gloster. jail in May or June last and carried off Douglass\u2019s servt.\n              Return Witt\u2019s works & money. Done & took rect.\n              Write to Wmsburgh. by T. West.\n              To Lew. Burwell\n              To Pelham for commns. + dedimus commn. to swear Lieutt. at Ct. muster.\n              To Steptoe. Witt\u2019s works\u2014and Jones\u2019s\u2014McCulloh\u2019s\n              Daugherty v. Buster. Writ.\n              Davis v. Cox. Ent. petn. & sd. Sum.\n              Strange v. Wooddie. Do.\n              Fretwell v. Burton. Do.\n              Reid\u2019s cases. Sum.\n              Beard v. Hogg. Hab. corp. if not sent.\n              Daugherty v. Daugherty. Writs.\n              Coles v. Coles. Spa. in Canc.\n              \u2003\u2003Lasly\u2005v. Ragland. Enter it exactly.v. Morris. Spa. ad test.\n              Mclanahan v. Hartsough. 2 petns.\n              Galaspy v. Wilson.\n              Bowyer v. Welsh. 2 petns.\n              To Alexr. for papers wantg.\n              Ask at S. O. for Samuel Clarke\u2019s patent for lands he recovd. of Coffey. He now lives in Augusta.\n              Enquire of Mr. Waller or Everard what is done to relieve H. Rose who was com. bail for G. Seaton ads. Knox\u2019s assees. The sp. bail peice ws. delivd. at S. O. by Alexr. McCaul and lost. Mr. Waller it is said promises to indemnify him.\n              Enquire what arrears are due for John Hinton\u2019s 236 as. Aug. Enq. at Aud.\u2019s office and let Hinton know. Also pay his 21/6 gov.\u2019s fee for his patent & take it out. pay them out of his 21/6. Take rects. fr. particular years. Cd. nt. fd. anything of pat. so retd. 21/6 to Ewen.\n              Speak to Atty. Gen. for Atty.\u2019s place in the new county that will be on New river and get promise for T. Madison. The atty. promises it and sais will make memm.\n              Return Mr. Jones\u2019s ord. conc. and see if I have not the works. If I have not they are in the office returned by Colo. Lewis. I shall advance this money. I have them.\n              Send to S. O. for Thos. McCulloh\u2019s pat. for 63 as. Alb. Work retd. May 1769. Nt. made out.\n              Speak to TMR for Mat. Moore who wd. undertake to shew or sell his Pittsylva. lands, can survey them &c. Does not intend to sell.\n              Return Sam Wood\u2019s works & \u00a33\u20131\u20132. Done and took receipt.\n              Get copy of Venable\u2019s patent issd. abt. 18 months ago.\n              George Campbell who holds lands out of wch. Mrs. Chiswell is entitled to dower, agrees to pay 19 viz. \u00a33\u20131 when ever a title shall be made, for which Sam Woods is security.\n              Get memm. book\u2014Glass\u2019s cookery\u2014scrubbg. brush 6 doz. strong wood screws for hinges wth. flat tops\u2014keyring\u2003curran jelly\u2014steelyard\u2014lampblack\u2014\n              Get copy ord. conc. McCue v. Patton & 2 rts.\n              Pay Rind 12/6 for Harry Mullins. Pd. to Mullins.\n              Get Farrar\u2019s hemp money 1003 \u2114. hemp. Lodgd. wth. R.C.N. money.\n              Enquire if John Gibbins tavern keeper in York is dead? Also whether has left will &c. Ben Calvert pretends right to 8 of his slaves under the gift of Jno. Butterworth gr. fath. of Calvert. The act of limns. is agt. him.\n              Madison v. Brooks. When Mercer gets judgmt. he must take out exn. fi. fa. and receive the money  and pay to Gab. Jones.\n              Lawrence v. Johnson. A petn. about 2 y. ago. Atty. empld. for pl. Qu. what has done with it, and inform Watt Mousley.\n              Sandidge et al. v. Lewis. Get copy of order ct. for N. Lewis.\n              I am to attend at Amherst C. H. on the 7th. of January to receive money for the Honble. Wm. Nelson. Give day till April on good assurance of paimt. then. All not pd. bring suits in Gn. C. Whatever money I receive, write to Mr. Nelson and if he thinks worth while he will send for it. Recd. bond &c.\n              2 fillets, 2 aigrettes for A. S. Jeff.\n              Clavichord, or clarichord. Compass from Double G. to F in alt. To be made for holding in the lap, or laying on a table, as light and portable as possible. The wood dead vineered over with the finest mahogany. The keys ivory. Flats and sharps tortoise shell. As few strings as possible for the compass, i.e. some make one string do for 2 or 3 keys, others put a string for every key, which is not so well. To be made at Hamburgh in Germany. Plenty of spare strings sorted. Every possible precaution to prevent the rattling of the keys.\n              Four good fellows, a lad & two girls of abt. 16. each in 8\u00bd hours dug in my cellar of mountain clay a place 3.f. deep, 8 f. wide & 16\u00bd f. long = 14\u2154 cubical yds. under these disadvantages, to wit: a very cold snowy day which obliged them to be very often warming; under a cover of planks, so low, that in about half the work their stroke was not more than \u2154 of a good one; they eat their breakfast in the time which one of them went to cook; they were obliged to keep one or two constantly hawling away the earth to prevent it\u2019s rolling in again. From this I think a tolerable midling hand in 12. hours (including his breakfast) would dig & haul away the earth of 4 cubical yds., in the same soil.\n              In digging my dry well, at the depth of 14 f. I observed one digger, one filler, one drawer at the windlace with a basket at each end of his rope very accurately gave one another full emploiment, but note it was a yellow rotten stone with a great many hard stones as large as a man\u2019s head and some larger, or else the digger would have had time to spare. They dug and drew out 8. cubical yds. in a day.\n              Long life, long health, long pleasures & a friend. Pope.\n              The sleepy eye that speaks the melting soul. Pope.\n              Let day improve on day, and year on year;\n              Without a pain, a trouble, or a fear. Pope.\n              Non solum nobis, sed patriae. \n              Fiat justitia, ruet coelum. \n              \u2003The breadth of this bridge is about 60 feet at narrowest. The top of it is very uneven and rocky. Many large trees growing on it. At the bottom by the waterside is a tree growing which when you are under it appears to be a tall tree, but when on the bridge you find that it scarcely reaches more than half way. On each side of The bridge is onerock of limestone. The bridge itself and each abutment seems to be solid, but a little above and below it has large cracks, and there seems to be large peices quite loose and there may be some danger. Just where the bridge joins to the precipice at g. it juts out hangs over more than common, there grows a cluster of cedars. The rock has broken away from under them to within a crust of a few feet in thickness which seems to hold to the precipice by a small peice and that cracked so that it will probably fall in it\u2019s time. The stream is so small in dry weather that it would pass thro\u2019 a hole a foot sq. where runs moderately and being very rocky it is not rapid. The precipices on the upper side continue perpendicular out of sight a considerable distance and between them you see the N. mountain at the distance of of about 5 miles. One of the precipices does the same on lower side. The other also a little way, and from that wears off more gradually and here you discern large rocks below which seem to fallen from sides. Thro these you see Blue Ridge about 5 miles distance. Water diss from sides guttatim. Spring or head about 2 miles above. Large collections of brush and logs, as also peices planks of a mill on the stream above show there are considerable floods. Stone descended in about 4 or 6 pulsations of the flood. In sides of precipice tho\u2019 rather impending wherever a little level of very few feet, perhaps 4 or 5 f. wide, there are cedars growing.\n              Recd. of W. Bowan for law fund 10/9.\u2014recd. of J. Tilleroy for do. 30/.\n              Pd. Mr. Madison for clube in punch 1/6.\n              Recd. of T. Stockdon for law fund 10/\u2014of R. Galaspy for do. 2/6.\u2014of H. Paulin do. 52/6.\n              Inclosed by Mr. Henry to Mrs. Wallace being one half the money for diaper bought of Mrs. Wood 3 lib. 10.\n              Pd. W. Cunningham for pasturage 5/.\n              Pd. Washing woman at Staunton 1/.\n              Gave servt. at T. Bowyer\u2019s 1/3.\n              Pd. at Steele\u2019s tavern 2/10.\n              Pd. at Paxton\u2019s for entertainmt. 2/6.\n              Pd. at Milam\u2019s for entertainment 5/.\n              Recd. of E. Pharr for law fund 20/.\n              Pd. Thorpe for entertainment 25/.\n              Pd. a smith for shoeing my horse 5/.\n              Pd. ferriage at Lynch\u2019s 1/3.\n              Pd. for dinner &c. at Penn\u2019s 5/.\n              Pd. at Kee\u2019s for entertainmt. 5/.\n              Pd. at Orange C. house for entertainmt. 2/6.\n              Pd. at Culpepper C. H. for do. 4/9.\n              Pd. at Painter\u2019s for do. 2/.\n              Pd. at Bruin\u2019s in Winchester 24/3.\n              Pd. at Berry\u2019s for ferriage & entertt. 8/.\n              Pd. at Fauquier C. H. for entertt. 4/.\n              Pd. at Gray\u2019s at Culpepper C. H. for do. 5/6.\n              Pd. at Bell\u2019s at Orange C. H. for do. 4/.\n              Pd. at Shepard\u2019s store for a knife 1/3.\n              Pd. a negro of N. Meriwether\u2019s for 2\u00bd qts. goose grass seed 6/4\u00bd.\n              Steward Carrol\u2019s work on the slope comes to 27/.\n              Pd. a negro of N. Meriwether\u2019s for 3. qts. Timothy seed 3/.\n              Gave B. Calvert a promisory note for lib. 2\u20137/ for taylor\u2019s work.\n              My dues in Fredericksville this year are lib. 9\u201315\u20138.\n              Pd. Squire 3/9 part of 4/. the price of a cooler.\n              Recd. of A. Witt for law fund 8/6.\n              Pd. at Rutherfords for oats 1/.\n              Recd. of J. Ford for law fund 6/3.\n              Pd. at Mrs. Cooley\u2019s for dinner 4/.\n              Pd. James Vaughan 2/.\n              Recd. of Alexr. McCaul 5\u00a3 Qu. mistake for 10\u00a3.\n              Pd. ferriage and servants at Davies\u2019s 4/.\n              Pd. Alexr. Craig for wood 6/.\u2003for work 3/3.\n              Pd. at coffee house 2/.\n              Pd. M. Orr for washing in June 21/.\n              Pd. N. Walthoe for law fund 28/9.\n              Pd. Craig in boot for buckles 10/.\n              Pd. Purdie for newspapers 12/6.\n              Recd. of Walter Cole for Garret Minor \u00a326\u20136\u20133.)\n              Pd. Mr. Carter\u2019s gardener for seeds 2/3.\n              Pd. at Duncastle\u2019s for entertt. 10/.\n              Pd. at Claiborne\u2019s ferry 5/.\n              Pd. for entertt. at K. William C. H. 4/7\u00bd.\n              Pd. ferriage at Richmond 2/6.\n              Recd. of T. Morgan for corn sold at the mill 5/.\n              Pd. for entertt. at Williams\u2019s 7/3.\n              Recd. of T. Stockdon for law fund 5/.\n              Recd. of James Gilmer to return works and pay rights and Secretary\u2019s fees for Joseph Dennis 22/6.)\n              Recd. of J. Madison for law fund 52/6.\u2003Nov. 19. Recd. of J. Mills do. 10/.\n              Pd. Hyde at Staunton for lodging 20/.\n              Pd. a shoemaker in Staunton 2/.\n              Pd. T. Bowyer for entertt. 2\u00a3\u20135.\n              Pd. for entertt. at Williams\u2019s 6/.\n              Inclosed to John May Wmsburgh. Dennis\u2019s certificate and 22/6.)\n              Gave Jupiter to pay ferriages to Wmsburgh. 2/6.\n              Recd. of W. Allegre for law fund 20/.\n              Repd. Will. Lewis money I recd. of him to purchase a book of arithmetic for one Davies 5/.\n              Pd. Will. Lewis for venison 2/6.\n              Gave T. Morgan order on R. Harvie for 20/.\n              Minor\u2019s sawyers left off work. They have sawed (as they say) 2500 pales, 220 rails, 650 f. of inch chesnut plank, and 520 of 2\u00bc inch do.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1767}
]