520 DOCTOR FRANKLIN [1774. 



ances. When your Observations are returned to me, and I have 

 considered them, I shall lodge them among the papers of the society 

 and let you know their sentiments. 



As to procuring you a correspondence with some ingenious gen- 

 tleman here, who is curious, which you desire, I find many who 

 like to have a few seeds given them, but do not desire large quan- 

 tities ; most considerable gardens being now supply'd, like Doctor 

 Fothergill's, with what they choose to have ; and there being 

 nurserymen now here, who furnish what particulars are wanted, 

 without the trouble of a foreign correspondence and the vexations 

 at the custom-house. You will therefore oblige me by letting me 

 know if in any other way I can be serviceable to you. 



With great respect and esteem, I am, sir, your most obedient 

 humble servant, 



B. Franklin. 



London, June 26th, 1774. 



Dear Sir : 



I received and am obliged by your favour of May 14, in which 

 you express so fully your just sentiments of the present disputes 

 between the two countries, as to give me great satisfaction. Here 

 is at present, great inquiry after news from America, our friends 

 wishing to hear of our steadiness, and our enemies fearing it ; for 

 if these their violent measures do not succeed, they must quit their 

 places to men of more moderation and wisdom. And we have 

 reason to hope they will not succeed in making us submit to be 

 taxed from hence ; for if they once get that settled, they will fix 

 our fetters for ever, making us pay the charge of the iron ; that is, 

 we must maintain the soldiers necessary to compel the payment of 

 those taxed, and a train of placemen and pensioners besides, to 

 harass and oppress us. Nothing wilk, as you observe, restore har- 

 mony, but the good old way of requisition from the crown, and 

 voluntary grants from the people. 



Your remarks on the spots in the sun were well received by the 

 Royal Society, and are taken notice of in the Transactions. 



I do not enlarge, as I hope soon to have the pleasure of convers- 

 ing with you ; being, with much esteem, 

 Dear sir, 



Your most obedient humble servant, 



B. Franklin. 



