Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.
[March 21, 1757] A. The Assessors are yearly chosen by the People, and if there is any Complaint of unequal Taxation, (which there always will be in every Country) it…
Philada. March 24. 1757 Dear Sir I inclose you some of the Grain called Whisk Corn, or Broom Corn. 3 It must be planted in Hills like Indian Corn, 3…
Saturday Afternoon [April 2, 1757] Dear Sir The enclos’d Account was settled by the late Commissioners, on which there is due to me £26 17 s . 10 d .…
Philada. April 4. 1757 Mr. Dunlap I now appoint you Postmaster of Philadelphia, during our Absence, as it will be some present Employment for you till our Return; when I…
[April 4, 1757] Know all Men by these Presents, That I Benjamin Franklin of the City of Philadelphia Printer Have constituted, made and appointed, and by these Presents do constitute,…
Trenton, April 5. 1757 My dear Child, We found the Roads much better than we expected, and got here well before Night. My kind Friend Mr. Griffitts’s 7 Carriage appearing…
New York, April 11. 1757 Dear Sir, I received the Exemplifications of the Royal Grant, Charter and Commissions at Bristol, and by the Post Copies of the two £100,000 Bills…
Philada. April 11th. 1757 4 Sir Your Absence when the Business was to be done for Mr. Greeme, prevented your seeing Messrs. Stevenson’s Letter at that Time, or the Account…
New York April 14. 1757 Dear Sir I thank you for the Letter you have favour’d me with to Professor Koenig. 9 I shall take care to deliver the other…
New York, April 14 1757 Sir I am here waiting the Departure of the Pacquet in which I am about to embark for London, and by that means have Leisure…
New-York, April 14. 1757. Sir, It is a long Time since I had the Pleasure of a Line from you. And indeed the Troubles of our Country, with the Hurry…
New York, April 19. 1757 Dear Sister I wrote a few Lines to you yesterday, but omitted to answer yours relating to Sister Douse: 1 As having their own Way…
[April 22, 1757] Benjamin Franklin and William Hunter Esquires, His Majesty’s Deputy Post-master General of all His Majesty’s Dominions on the Continent of North America To all to whom these…
As you have undertaken to execute the Office of Comptroller of the General Post Office during our Absence and that of the present Comptroller the following Instructions are necessary for…
N York, April 25. 1757 Dear Sir, The List of Servants is come to hand. 3 I suppose ’tis as compleat as it could at present be made, but it…
New York, April 29. 1757 My dear Child I wrote to you yesterday per Post. 4 This is only to acquaint you, that I am determined against going in the…
New York, May 3. 1757 Dear Friend, I have just time to bid you Farewell; and to acquaint you, that Mr. Nugent 9 is at present in the Service in…
Woodbridge, N Jersey May 21. 1757 Dear Brother, I have been now near 6 Weeks waiting for the Sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when she is like…
Woodbridge, N. Jersey. 6 May 21. 1757 My Lord, Having determined not to go in the first Pacquet, I retired hither about two Weeks ago, to have Leisure for Settling…
Woodbridge, New Jersey, 21 May, 1757. Dear Sister, I received your kind letter of the 9th instant, 1 in which you acquainted me with some of your late troubles. These…
New York, May 23. 1757 Dear Sir, I have been waiting here near Six Weeks for the sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when that will be. 7…
New York, Friday, May 27. 57 Afternoon My dear Debby Mr. Parker being doubtful this Morning, whether the Rain would permit his setting out to day, I had prepared no…
New York, May 30, 1757. Dear Sister, I have before me yours of the 9th and 16th instant; 4 I am glad you have resolved to visit sister Dowse oftener;…
New York, May 30. 1757. Sir, After waiting here above Seven Weeks for the Sailing of the Pacquet, the Time of her Departure is no more ascertain’d now than it…