Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, July 27, 1756

New York July 27. 1756

Dear Sir,

The above is a Copy of my last. 4 Since which I have received from Philadelphia one of our Newspapers printed on the new Letter you sent us, and find that it is not a Brevier Body, but larger, and is really and truly no other than the Burgeois, No.1. of Caslon’s Specimen now lying before me, which Burgeois is mark’d by a Pen with his own Hand, Price 2 s . So that the Charging it as Brevier at 2 s . 6 d . is an Imposition of 25 per Cent. which is too much to bear, and therefore I do insist on his doing me Justice, and refunding the additional Sixpences; or he will forfeit the Character he always bore with me, that of an honest Man. I inclose you a Piece of the Newspaper for your Satisfaction. Compare it with his Specimen, and you will find what I say precisely true. The Sum to be return’d is £11 15 s . 6 d . for which when receiv’d please to give my Account Credit. 5

Lord Loudon arriv’d here last Week. I have had the Honour of several Conferences with him on our American Affairs, and am extreamly pleas’d with him. I think there cannot be a fitter Person for the Service he is engag’d in. 6

I purpose to return tomorrow to Philadelphia, where I hope things will soon be on a better Footing, as we expect a new Governor 7 of whom we hear a good Character.

My best Compliments to Mrs. Strahan and your Children; I am, Dear Friend, Yours affectionately

B Franklin

P.S. Since my last, I have a Letter from B. Mecom, who writes that he has sent you a £60 Bill. 8 I send a whole Newspaper instead of the Piece, mentioned above as there is some News in it.