16S Ongiual Letters of Dr, Franklin. 



I have had no opportunity of making the enquhy you dc-^ 

 sired, relating to Leonard, Somerset county, in Maryland, is 

 150 miles from hence, and outof the common road of trav- 

 ellers, or the post, nor have I any correspondent, or acquain- 

 tance there. But now, while I am writing, I recollect a 

 friend I have at Newtown, within 50 miles of Somerset^ 

 who has a very general knowledge of those parts, and of the 

 people, as he practices the law in all the counties on the 

 eastern shore of Maryland ; I will immediately wTite to him 

 ahout it. 



I am sorry your newspapers miscarry. It" your riders 

 are not more careful, I must order them to he changed. 



The Milchel who made the map, is our Dr. Mitchel. I 

 send you oneof Eran's new maps, which I imagine will be 

 agreeable to you. Please accept it. 



lam glad to hear your son has acquired the true art of 



making steel. I hope it will prove profitable. 



Mr. Roberts is pleased that you so kindly accept his fork 

 and rake. I suppose he will write to you ; but he is a man 

 of much business, ^nd does not love writing : I shall learn 

 once more (for he told me once, and I forgot it) how those 

 teeth are put in, and send you word ; but, perhaps, our 

 friend Bartrani can tell you. He delivers you this, and I 

 need not recommend him to you, for you are already ac- 

 quainted with his merit, though not with his face and person.— 

 You will have a great deal of pleasure in one another's con- 

 versation ; I wish I could be within hearing ; but that can- 

 not be. He is upon one of his rambles in search of knowl- 

 edge, and intends tg view both your sea-coast and back 

 country. ■ 



Remember me kindly to Mr. Tufts, and Mr. Ruggles, 

 when you see them. My respects to your good lad;f and 



family 



With the greatest esteem, I am, dear Sir, 



Your most affectionate humble serv't. 



B. FRANKLIN- 



14 Philadklphta, Sept 1, 1755- 



Ihar Sir^ 



Iw 



rote you ^^esterday, and now 1 write again. You wdi 

 say, it cant ram. but it pours. For I not only send you 



