Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, December 31, 1756

Philada. Dec. 31. 1756

Dear Sir

This serves only to cover a Bill of Exchange drawn by B. Mecom on you, upon a Supposition that you have receiv’d Bills he sent you from Antigua for about £120 more than the Ballance of your Account. 2 If those Bills are not come to hand or not paid, you need not be at the Trouble of Protesting this Bill; but let it lie in your Hands till you hear farther from me. If those Bills are paid, then please to carry this £100 to my Account. B. Mecom has settled honourably with me, and bought my old Printing-House that he had at Antigua. He wants some new Letter which he now writes for. Lest his Bills abovementioned should fail, I have given him a Draft on my Friend Collinson for Fifty Pounds Sterling which he now sends to you. He purposes to set up in Boston. 3 My Respects affectionately to you and yours, particularly my Son Billy. 4 It gives me great Pleasure to learn by your last that he is become so capable of Business. 5 I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant

B Franklin