Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, January 1, 1756

Reading, Jan. 1. 1756. 5 in the Evening

My dear Child

A happy New Year to you, and all Friends.

We arrived here, all well, about two Hours ago. 8 Capt. Coultas 9 tells me he purposes to start early in the Morning, so as to be at Philadelphia to morrow Evening. I have only time to write this Line, just to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreable Letters, Sally’s, Dr. Bond’s, Mr. Hughes’s, &c. and to promise particular Answers per next Opportunity. 1 Present my affectionate Regards to those Gentlemen. I am glad you have sent me a Gown to sleep in, having lost my other Convenience. 2 My Duty to Mother, who I hope is better; and my Love to the rest of the Family. I am, Your loving Husband

B Franklin