Letters to Benjamin Franklin 9 



From John Perkins. [Circa 1753.] Boston. 



Sends an inclosure relative to a new thought in natural philosophy. 

 A. L. S. I p. XLII, 10. 



From P[eter] Collinson. 1754. January 26. London, 



The Proprietor is ardent in promoting schools for teaching the Ger- 

 mans and solicitous about the prosperity of the Academy. A gold medal 

 to be presented to Mr. Franklin by the Royal Society for his electrical 

 discoveries. The aggressions of the French. Hearty wishes that Rev- 

 erend [William] Smith may have a safe return passage. A. L. S. 4 p. 



LXIX, 56. 



From Cadwallader Golden. 1754. February 13. Coldengham. 



Acknowledging his favors of Dec. 6th and Jan. ist. The value he 

 places on Mr. Franklin's approbation and esteem. His political opinions; 

 *his admiration for the English Constitution; thinks America in greater 

 danger from Popular Licentiousness than from any abuse in their govern- 

 ors, though some of them have been bad enough. Lord Halifax's ap- 

 proval of his conduct. Exceedingly pleased with Franklin's observations 

 on " The Increase of Mankind " ; the last paragraph being the only one 

 liable to exception, thinks it a pity it should end the discourse. Has been 

 revising his own Principles in order to challenge all opposition. His 

 son David pleased with Mr. Franklin's notice of his performance. 

 Sends Pike's book by his son, Alexander. A. L. S. 3 p. I, 23. 



From Will[iani] Smith. [1754. February. London.] 



Sent a long letter to Mr. Penn containing the scheme for Franklin's 

 Academy and the arguments for it. Mr. Penn has come into every part 

 of it and will give a yearly sum for some time, and when he comes to 

 Pennsylvania intends to give a manor to the Academy for certain pur- 

 poses. The Proprietor had a design in view of his own, of which he 

 intended to be the founder, but after argument, agreed to ingraft his 

 scheme upon Franklin's in the two foundations proposed, provided Mr. 

 Smith would be the person to execute them. To this he agreed, trusting 

 that it would be welcome to the trustees. Sees a great deal of Mr. Penn, 

 who consults him on every point that relates to literature in his country. 

 His letter laid before the Society entrusted with the moneys for the 

 Germans, and they are satisfied that the education of youth ought to be 

 their more immediate object. The management of this important trust 

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