Jonathan Belcher to Benjamin Franklin, February 3, 1752

Eliz: Town (NJ) Febr. 3 1752

Sir

The 20th Ulti I returnd you my thanks for your kind respect in the service of your Electrical Apparatus and which I hope before this is got well to your hands. 4

I am again thankfull for your Respect in yours of 25th: January. 5

Mr. Samuel Smith of Burlington 6 tells me the first time he goes to Philadelphia he will pay you what I am in your debt to September last for your News Paper since which I have not had it tho’ shou’d be glad of it by every Post.

I am to ask pardon for a fresh trouble I now give you in desiring you to procure for me two Pounds of the Virginia Rattle snake root on which Dr. Tennent 7 who was some time agoe at Philadelphia printed several Dissertations and if you cou’d get me the quantity I have mentiond I shou’d take it very kindly and that we may get the right sort I desire you to advise with the worthy and ingenious Dr. Cadwalader 8 and to whom you will give my best Compliments. If you can answer my Request in this matter I pray it may be Carefully packt up and forwarded by the first Vessel to Boston there Directed to be left with my Kinsman Mr. Ebenezer Holmes 9 for my further Order and whatever may be the Cost and Charge I will thankfully pay when you will please to let me know it and am Sir Your ready Friend and Servant.

Mr. Franklin (post.)