James Bowdoin to Benjamin Franklin, December 21, 1751
Boston December 21. 1751 Sir The Experiments Mr. Kennersley has exhibited here, have been greatly pleasing to all sorts of people, that have seen them; and I hope by the…
James Bowdoin II was an American politician from Boston, Massachusetts who was active during the American Revolution and the following decade. He initially gained fame and influence as a wealthy merchant. He served in both branches of the Massachusetts General Court from the 1750s to the 1770s. Although he was initially supportive of the royal governors, he opposed British colonial policy and eventually became an influential advocate of independence. He authored a highly political report on the 1770 Boston Massacre that has been described by historian Francis Walett as one of the most influential pieces of writing that shaped public opinion in the colonies.
Boston December 21. 1751 Sir The Experiments Mr. Kennersley has exhibited here, have been greatly pleasing to all sorts of people, that have seen them; and I hope by the…
Boston March 2d. 1752 Sir I have received your favour of the 24th. January past, 9 inclosing an Extract from your Letter to Mr. Collinson and Dr. Colden’s Letter to…
Boston March 16. 1752 Sir According to promise in my last, 7 I now return you Dr. Colden’s Letter, for communicating which I am greatly obliged to you. The Dr.…
Brooklyn June 8. 1752 Sir I have read the first Chapter of Dr. Colden’s piece on Gravitation which you was so good as to inclose in yours of the 14th.…
[March? 1753] By the post I received your favor, enclosing several printed letters relating to the transit of Mercury over the sun. 5 A gentleman here, who is provided with…
Boston November 12. 1753 Dear Sir I received your Favour of the 18th Ult. 1 accompanied with Dr. Brownrigg’s Treatise on Salt which I shall comunicate to the Gentlemen you…
Boston, January 27, 1755 Sir, Your collection of philosophical papers 1 I have perused with a great deal of pleasure. I take notice that several letters of mine to you…
Boston, Janry: 18. 1764 Sir I am very glad to hear you got home Safe with your Daughter and Mr. Foxcroft without any further accident; and hope your arm has…
Boston, July 2–1764 Sir Your last favor 2 informed me that you had sent my Letter to Mr. Canton inclosed in one of your own per the Packet: 3 for…
Boston Novr. 12. 1764 Sir I observe by the last Papers that your Assembly have again appointed you one of their Agents in Great Britain: 8 which without doubt, is…
Boston January 2 1771. Dear Sir I take this opportunity by my Son to express my own Pleasure, and the general Satisfaction at your appointment as Agent for the House…
Boston Septr. 6. 1774 Dear Sir I am much obliged to you for introducing me to the acquaintance of General Lee. He came hither from the Southward about a month…
Boston Augst. 19th. 1776 Dear Sir I recd. per Mr. Gerry a Packet from you containing a Russian Book on Comets, and Vattel’s Droit des Gens. The former agreable to…
Boston Jany. 11. 1781 My dear Sir Your Letter of March last I have but lately received. It was Sent by the Post, I suppose from Newport. When the Gentleman…
James Bowdoin congratulates Benjamin Franklin on the peace achieved and the favorable terms for the United States, while expressing hope for the definitive treaty's completion. He informs Franklin about a letter from the Committee of Falmouth, whose inhabitants suffered destruction by Admiral Graves, seeking Franklin's assistance in appealing to the French minister for relief. Bowdoin urges Franklin to support the affected people due to his known philanthropy and influence.
Boston Aug t. 10 th. 1785 Sir, Your removal from the Hague to London, in the character of Plenipotentiary, gives a general & great pleasure. The abilities so successfully exerted…
Boston January 12 th. 1786 sir, I am honored by your Excellency’s Letter of the 2 d. of Sept. by M r. Storer. 1 The navigation Act of Massachusetts having…
Boston March 24. 1790 Dear sir The Gentleman, by whom this will be delivered to you, is Nathaniel Appleton esq r the Commissioner of the Loan Office for the State…