Letters to Benjamin Franklin 75 



From James Parker. 1767. September i. New York. 



An attack of gout prevented his executing a power of attorney. 



Thinks Mr. Chew has failed; his claim on Franklin for a sum expended 



in hiring riders; neither he nor Mr. Foxcroft know anything about 



this. A. L. S. I p. 11, 92. 



Fro ?« John Michell. 1767. September 6. Newark. 



Just returned to Newark from a visit to Thornhill, where he ex- 

 pects to remove in three weeks; describes the house there. Concerning 

 a kind of candle-stick desired by Mrs. Stevenson, which he thinks he 

 can procure for her. Sees by the papers that Sir John Pringle has gone 

 to France; hopes it is for his pleasure and not for his health, A. L. S. 



3 p. n, 93. 



From Thomas Wharton. 1767. September 21. Philadelphia. 



Concerning the affairs of Baynton, Wharton & Morgan; the state- 

 ment they made to their creditors. Election close at hand ; no change 

 in their ticket expected, except perphas one owing to the illness of 

 John Potts. Mentions some changes in office. Some reason to believe 

 that W[illiam] A[llen] will lose his election in Cumberland County. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. II, 94. 



From John Frederick Hartmann. 1 767. October. 



Often recalls the first time he met and spoke with Franklin; sorry 

 he was unable to show him some of his experiments in electricity. 

 Prince Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, hearing of Franklin's proposed visit 

 to Germany, was extremely anxious to see and speak with him ; with this 

 purpose in view, sent a friend to Gottingen to greet Franklin, but un- 

 fortunately arrived too late; the Prince anxious to have lightning rods 

 placed on his houses; desires Franklin to describe accurately the method 

 used in America, thereby gaining for himself honors and profit in Ger- 

 many. Contemplates writing a history of electricity, in which work he 

 wishes to print certain experiments and inventions of Franklin's; aware 

 of the audacity of this request. A. L. S. 4 p. [In Latin.] II, 95. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VII, 326, Note). 



From James Parker. 1767. October i. New York. 



Reason for not sending the power. Set out for New Haven the fol- 

 lowing morning to give his evidence. Times are dull, but " will not 

 cease to struggle until he either gains the port or sinks forever." A. 

 L. S. I p. II, 96. 



