Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, December 12, 1754

Boston, Dec. 12. 1754

Sir

I received here your Favour of the 9th of Augt. and have forwarded that directed to our Friend Mr. Elliot. 4 I thank you for your Remarks on the French Maps: 5 We have a new Map going forward in Pensilvania, of the Western Country, or back Parts of our Province, and Virginia, and the Ohio and Lakes, &c. by Lewis Evans, who is for that purpose furnished with all the Materials our Country affords, and the Assembly have to encourage him given £50 towards the Expence. When that is done, Dr. Mitchel’s Map may perhaps be something improv’d from it; and I suppose it will be publish’d before Spring. 6 If the Dr’s Map should afterwards be printed, I make no doubt but great Numbers would sell in America.

Inclos’d I send you some Latin Verses which I find printed here, said to be wrote with some Classic Taste and Spirit. 7 I send you also a little Sermon of Mr. Smith’s on the Death of one of his Pupils. 8

The Bearer, Mr. Edwd. Winslow, 9 is a Gentleman of one of the best Families here, and of excellent Character. He goes home to take Orders in the Church of England. As he will be a Stranger in London, I beg Leave to recommend him to your Civilities. With the greatest Esteem and Respect, I am, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin

Mr. Jackson