Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, June 15, 1756

Philada. June 15. 1756.

Dear Friend

I can now only acknowledge the Receipt of your Favours of Feb. 12, 21, 24, 29, and April 1. 6 together with two Boxes, containing Parcels for the Library and John Bartram, all safe and deliver’d. 7 Enclos’d is a 2d Bill for £20 Sterling; the first went in March. When receiv’d please to credit my private Account with it. I send also two other Bills of £50 each, one on Account of the Academy, towards the Apparatus; the other on my private Account. You have pleas’d me much with the Expectation of a new Governor: 8 All the Stiffrumps except One, that could be suspected of opposing the Service from religious Motives, have voluntarily quitted the Assembly; and ’tis proposed to chuse Churchmen in their Places. 9 These Changes in both Branches promise us some fair Weather, which I have long sigh’d for. Smith, now known to be the Writer of the Brief State, &c. still endeavours to keep up a Flame; but is become universally odious, and almost infamous, as you will see in the Papers. He will do no longer here: 1 I am just setting out for New-York, whence shall fully write you per Packet. With the utmost Esteem and Affection, I am, Dear Sir, Your obliged humble Servant

B Franklin

[ In the margin: ]

P. Collinson Esquire