Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, February 12, 1756

Philadelphia, 12 February, 1756.

Dear Sister

I condole with you on the loss of our dear brother. 8 As our number grows less, let us love one another proportionably more.

I am just returned from my military expedition, and now my time is taken up in the Assembly. Providence seems to require various duties of me. I know not what will be next; 9 but I find the more I seek for leisure and retirement from business, the more I am engaged in it.

Benny, I understand, inclines to leave Antigua. 1 He may be in the right. I have no objection.

My love to brother, and to your children. I am, dearest sister, Your affectionate brother,

B. Franklin .