Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, October 6, 1773

London, Oct. 6. 1773

My dear Child,

I must, I find, stay another Winter here absent from you and my Family, but positively nothing shall prevent, God willing, my Returning in the Spring.

I had no Line from you by the last Packet, but had the Satisfaction of hearing you were well. I thank God, my Health continues; but I cannot in the course of things expect it much longer, which makes me the more anxious to be where I would chuse to die—at home.

Mrs. Stevenson and Polly send their Love to you and yours. The Children are fine. The eldest now talks every thing. 4 They are carried every day to the Park; and as they live in the same Street, the eldest calls on me sometimes to tell God-Papa little Stories of what he has seen there; His pretty Prattle makes me the more long to see our own Grandchildren. God grant me that Satisfaction, and that I may find you all well and happy. Sally should give me a Line now and then, for I love to read her Letters. I am ever, My dear Debby, Your affectionate Husband

B Franklin