Benjamin Franklin to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, September 17, 1782

Passy, Sept. 17. 1782

Dear Sir

I continue to suffer from this cruel Gout: But in the midst of my Pain the News of Made [Madame] de la Fayette’s safe Delivery, and your Acquisition of a Daughter gives me Pleasure.

In naming our Children I think you do well to begin with the most antient State. And as we cannot have too many of so good a Race, I hope you & Me. de la Fayette will go thro’ the Thirteen. But as that may be in the [common?] Way too severe a Task for her delicate Frame, and Children of Seven Months may become as Strong as those of Nine, I consent to the Abridgement of Two Months for each; and I wish her to spend the Twenty-six Months so gained, in perfect Ease, Health & Pleasure.

While you are proceeding, I hope our States will some of them new-name themselves. Miss Virginia, Miss Carolina, & Miss Georgiana will sound prettily enough for the Girls; but Massachusetts & Connecticut, are too harsh even for the Boys, unless they were to be Savages. 1

That God may bless you in the Event of this Day as in every other, prays Your affectionate Friend & Servant

B Franklin