William Franklin to Elizabeth Graeme, June 2, 1757

New York, June 2, 1757

My dearest Betsy

By one Accident or other we are still in N. York. But I know not how to complain of my Detention; for has it not afforded me the Pleasure of another Letter from my Betsy. A Letter for which I cannot be enough thankful. I must answer it in short; the Time of our Departure being now positively fix’d to this Afternoon. 9 The Name of our Pacquet is, The General Wall , Capt. Lutwych, Commander. 1 My Lord says she shall not be taken to Halifax, but accompany the Fleet for 3 or 4 Days only, in order to take on board Duplicates of his Dispatches sent by the Earl of Leicester , which is to sail directly for England. Capt. Bonnel, in the Harriot Pacquet is to go with the Fleet to Halifax, there to wait till they proceed upon the Expedition. I believe but few, if any, Letters sent by the Pacquet are opened. If you direct for me to the Care of Peter Colinson, Esqr. F.R.S. in London, I make no Doubt of your Letters coming safe.

My Lord, and Sir Charles, go in a 50 Gun Ship to Halifax; 2 and Genl. Abercrombie 3 in the Nightingale a 20 Gun Ship, Capt. Campbell, Commander. The whole of this Grand Armament seems at length destined for Louisbourg only!

Once more adieu. Adieu, my dearest Betsy. I need not repeat (for you must know) how much I am Your most affectionate

W. Franklin

P.S. I have not seen Mrs. Abercrombie 4 for this Week past; she having gone down to the Hook with her Husband, and intends to remain on board with him till the Sailing of the Fleet.

To Miss Graeme