Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, July 20, 1762

London, 20 July, 1762.

Dear Sir:

I received your very kind letter and invitation to Bath where I am sure I could spend some days very happily with you and Mrs. Strahan, if my time would permit; 8 but the man-of-war, that is to be our convoy, 9 is under sailing orders for the 30th of this month so that ’t is impossible for me to leave London till I leave it forever, having at least twenty days’ work to do in the ten days that are only left me.

I shall send to the Angel Inn in Oxford a parcel directed to you, containing books I send as presents to some acquaintance there; which I beg you would cause to be delivered. 1 I shall write a line to one of them, as you desire. The parcel is to go by the Thursday’s coach.

I hope for the pleasure of seeing you before I set out. Billy and Mrs. Stevenson join in respects and best wishes for you and Mrs. Strahan, with, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately,

B. Franklin .

P.S. I feel here like a thing out of its place, and useless because it is out of its place. How then can I any longer be happy in England? You have great powers of persuasion, and might easily prevail on me to do any thing; but not any longer to do nothing. 2 I must go home. Adieu.