6 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From John Perkins. 1752. August 3. Boston. 



Inquires the number that died of inoculation in Philadelphia. Pro- 

 portion of deaths much fewer than in 1730; thinks this due to the 

 purging method designed to prevent the secondary fever. Decrease in 

 inhabitants. A. L. S. 2 p. I, 16. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VI, ii8). 



From [Peter Collinson]. 1752. August 12. 



Hints on the incorporation of the Germans in Pennsylvania vv^ith the 

 English and to check the increase of their power. Diss. Ms. 2 p. 



LXIX, 54. 



From P[eter] Collinson. 1752. August 12. 



Has given Mr. Franklin's account of the Germans to Mr. Pelham and 

 Lord Halifax, with his own seven suggestions on the incorporation of 

 the Germans with the English, and Parliament will take some measures 

 to remedy the situation. French expedition to the Ohio. Mr. [Wil- 

 liam] Smith a very ingenious man ; pity that he is not more solid and 

 less flighty. Disappointed at the bad luck that attended the transit of 

 Mercury. Franklin's zeal to promote that observation is not enough to 

 be commended. Has not yet heard any account of it from any of the 

 colonies. A. L. S. 2 p. LXIX, 65. 



From P[eter] Collinson. 1752. September 27. 



Cannot understand the miscarriage of his letters. Is glad the new 

 seminary of learning is so promising. All Europe is in agitation veri- 

 fying electrical experiments on points. All commend the thought of 

 the inventor. A. L. S. 3 p. LXIX, 55. 



From John Perkins. 1752. October 16. Boston. 



Acknowledging his favor of Sept. — , containing certain observa- 

 tions. Delivered his papers on the weather to his brother [John] Frank- 

 lin; sorry for his bad state of health. Takes exception to his article on 

 the Water-Spout; hopes to hear from him on the subject. A. L. S. 2 p. 



I 17. 



Printed, for the most part, in Works (Sparks, VI, 136). ' 



