Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, December 27, 1755

Easton, Saturday Night, Dec. 27 [1755]

My dear Child

I receiv’d yours of the 24th 3 with Pleasure [since it?] acquainted me of your and the Family’s Welfare. [I] am glad to hear that the Companies are forming in Town and chusing their Officers, 4 and hope the Example will be followed throughout the Country. We all continue well, but much harrass’d with Business; after many Difficulties and Disappointments we march’d two Companies, yesterday, over the Mountains, viz. Aston’s and Trump’s. 5 We wait here only for Shoes, Arms and Blankets, expected hourly, and then shall move towards Berks County. Our Compliments to Mr. Masters, 6 and all enquiring Friends. When you write next to me, direct to Mr. Read’s Care at Reading. 7 My Duty to Mother, and Love to the Children. I hope to find you all well at my Return. My Love to Mr. Hall; we have no fresh News here of Mischief, to be depended on. 8 Send the News papers, and my Letters to Reading: and let me have all the little News about the XYZ Proceedings, 9 Officers, &c. I am, with great Affection, Your loving Husband

B Franklin

I am oblig’d to Goody Smith 1 for kindly remembring me. My Love to her. Brother John 2 sends his Duty to Mother, Love, &c. he has receiv’d the Coat, and we the other Things.