James Parker to Benjamin Franklin, March 8, 1770

NYork March 8. 1770

Honoured Sir

My last to you was per Packet of the 20th Feb: and Capt. Munds being not yet sail’d, I have now to add. This covers a Bill of £250, Sterling Exchange 67½ so that it rises here, Wats & McEvers on Messrs. Harley & Drummond, dated Feb. 28. 1770. Of this Bill the Sum of £135, this Money, is on Account of B. Mecom’s Books sold at Auction, and £283 15 s. , the same Money, on the Post-Office Account, the Bill having cost £418: 15 s. As soon as the Account of the Auction can be fully made out, I shall send you a particular Account of every Article: tho’ I believe there will be little more net Proceeds, when all the Charges are paid, &c. However, you will see, and if this be more than the net Proceeds, I will debit your Account for the Ballance; and if less, will debit my own Account, and credit you for it. This is all the Money I’ve yet got in. 9

Mr. Hughes last Week applied to me for the Electrical Machine you sent designed for him; he says, his Brother John’s eldest Son Hugh has spoke to him to get it, and will take it of you. I have let him open it, and he promises in his Nephew’s stead to take it. I have not got the Invoice or Account of the Cost; having only taken down the Invoice of the Stationary that was sent designed for Hughes, and made myself Debtor for them only; so that if I had the Original Account of the Electrical Machine, I know not what is become of it. Mr. Hughes says, it will be paid according to the Charge, and your Order. 1

The first of three Sets of Bills to you, go by Capt. Munds, by whom this is designed: The second of the same Sets were by the Packet of the 20th Feb. All which with these I wish safe to your Hands.

I having nothing else material to write, beg Leave to add, respectful Complements to Mr. Foxcroft, and self, from Your most obliged Servant

James Parker .