Benjamin Franklin to Bethia Alexander, June 24, 1782

Passy, June 24. 1782

I am not at all displeas’d that the Thesis and Dedication with which we were threatned are blown over, for I dislike much all sorts of Mummery.— The Republic of Letters has gain’d no Reputation, whatever else it may have gain’d, by the Commerce of Dedications. I never made one, and I never desir’d that one should be made to me. When I submit[ torn: ted to?] receive this, it was from the bad Habit I have long had of doing every thing that Ladies desire me to do. There is no refusing any thing to Madame la Marck nor to you. I have been to pay my Respects to that amiable Lady, not merely because it was a Compliment due to her, but because I love her; which induces me to excuse her not letting me in; the same Reason I should have for excusing your Faults, if you had any. I have not seen your Papa since the Receipt of your pleasing Letter, so could arrange nothing with him respecting the Carriage. During seven or eight days I shall be very busy, after that you shall hear from me, and the Carriage shall be at your Service. How could you think of writing to me about Chimneys & Fires, in such Weather as this. Now is the time for the frugal Lady you mention to save her Wood, obtain plus de Chaleur , and lay it up against Winter as People do Ice against Summer. Frugality is an enriching Virtue; a Virtue I never could acquire in my self: but I was once lucky enough to find it in a Wife, who thereby became a Fortune to me. Do you possess it?— If you do, and I were 20 Years younger, I would give your Father 1000 Guineas for you. I know you would be worth more to me, as a Menagere , but I am covetous and love good Bargains.

Adieu, dear Friend, & believe me ever Yours most affectionately

My Love to Christy & to Jenny—&c 7 Miss Alexander