Peter Collinson to Benjamin Franklin, January 14, 1754

Lond: Jry 14: 1753 [1754]

My Dear Friend

I am so disheartend at the Loss of Capt. Davis, that I cannot tell how to sett Penn to paper. 8 I had so amply Employed my Budget in 2 or 3 pacquetts with a Large pack and Books per M. Dalibard at Paris a Box with 6 of Bird thermometers 9 books Magazins all gone and Poor John Bartram has lost his Two Guinea Microscope and prints for Billey Seeds and Two or three Sheets all of my Scrawl.

I had writt you Largely of Mr. Smiths Affair. 1 The propretor has give Mee all the Assurance He will Support a Rectorship which will be setled when He Comes to Town. I have but a few Minites for this Scrowl so accept my best Wishes. Yours

P Collinson

I hope John Bartram will send Twelve Boxs of Seed.