Benjamin Franklin to David Hall, March 28, 1760

London, March 28. 1760

Dear Mr. Hall,

I receiv’d yours of Dec. 15. with the Bill for £200 drawn by W Plumsted on Nesbit & Cheesbrook. Also yours of Feb. 8. 5

The Brevier went in Capt. Gibbon, and I hope will get safe to hand. 6 I order’d the Fount all Roman, as it will hold out better in the same Quantity of Work, having but half the Chance of Wanting Sorts, 7 that the same Weight of Rom. and Ital. would have; and the old Italic is not so much worn as the Roman, and so may serve a little longer.

I am oblig’d to Mr. Colden 8 for his useful Correspondence with you, which you mention to me.

I am amaz’d at the great Price of Wood among you, and the high Rents I hear are given for Houses. 9 The first I suppose must be owing to the Want of Hands to cut it; the last to the Encrease of Trade and Business, and Number of Inhabitants.

I think you have done very well with the Almanacks. I see there are others advertis’d: but doubt not Poor Richard will hold his Ground. 1

I begin to see a Prospect of returning home this Summer, as I think our Affairs here will now soon be brought to a Conclusion. 2 It will be a great Pleasure to me to see you and my other Friends, and to find all well.

There are abundant Rumours just now of a Peace; but it is thought it can hardly take Place till next Winter. 3

My Love to Cousin Molly and your Children. 4 I am, Yours affectionately

B Franklin