Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, December 4, 1781

Passy, Dec. 4. 1781

Dear Sir

Not remembring precisely the Address of Mrs Strange, I beg leave to request you would forward the Enclos’d to her, which I receiv’d under my Cover from America. 3

I formerly sent you from Philadelphia part of an Edition of Tully on Old Age, to be sold in London; and you put the Books, if I remember right, into the Hands of Mr Becket for that purpose. Probably he may have some of them still in his Warehouse, as I never had an Account of their being sold. I shall be much oblig’d by your procuring and sending me one of them. 4

A strong Emulation exists at present between Paris and Madrid, with regard to beautiful Printing. Here a M. Didot l’ainé 5 has a Passion for the Art, & besides having procured the best Types, he has much improv’d the Press. The utmost Care is taken of his Press-work; his Ink is black, & his Paper fine and white. He has executed several charming Editions. But the Salust & the Don Quixote of Madrid are thought to excel them. 6 Didot however improves every day, and, by his Zeal & indefatigable Application, bids fair to carry the Art to a high Pitch of Perfection. I will send you a Sample of his Work, when I have an Opportunity.

I am glad to hear that you have married your Daughter happily, 7 and that your Prosperity continues. I hope it may never meet with any Interruption, having still, tho’ at present divided by public Circumstances, a Remembrance of our ancient private Friendship.

Please to present my affectionate Respects to Mrs. Strahan, and my Love to your Children.

With great Esteem & Regard, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant

B Franklin

Wm. Strahan Esqr