Benjamin Franklin to Sir Grey Cooper, June 24, 1768

Saturday June 24. 1768

Dear Sir

Inclos’d I send, for the Ladies, a Piece of the Bark Cloth with which the new-discover’d People dress themselves. It was fast together, but I have split it, as you see; and it will still split farther into its original thin Pieces like Lace.

You once express’d a little Partiality for Things of my Writing, which encourages me to send you two; one to which you have a kind of Right, it being written under your Roof in favour of the Treasury, to discountenance, among honest People , the Practice of Smuggling or using contraband Goods. The other was intended to lessen the Effect of the late numerous inflammatory Papers on the Minds of the labouring Poor. 6 They may show at least that the Writer wishes well to Government and Order.

I attended at the Duke of Graftons yesterday Morning at ½ after Ten, agreable to your kind Note. His Grace being very busy, referr’d me to Tuesday next at 12 o’Clock, to be then at the Treasury. 7 I am extreamly sensible of your Friendship, and of the Dukes Goodness in thinking of me. With sincere Esteem, I am, Yours affectionately

B Franklin