Letters to Benjamin Franklin ' 89 



From John Bartram. 1768. November 5. [Philadelphia.] 

 Peter Collinson having died, applies to Franklin as the most inti- 

 mate and capable friend he has left, to take charge of a box, which he is 

 sending to the King, at His Majesty's request, containing some roots 

 of arums. Expects daily to hear from some one of his correspondents 

 how his afFairs stand, through whom, now, the King's bounty will come 

 to him, whether he must send annually more plants to the King, and how 

 to address them. Franklin's picture still hangs by his bed to remind 

 him of their friendship. A. L. S. i p. II, 147. 



From The Library Company of Philadelphia. 1768. November 5. 

 Enclosing two bills of exchange, respectively £50 and £100, for 

 account of the Philadelphia Library Company; the directors desire Frank- 

 lin to deduct the amount kindly advanced by him to the company, and 

 to lay out the remainder in books agreeable to the enclosed list. Asks for 

 his opinion on an expensive work entitled British Zoology, published 

 lately under the inspection of the Cymmrodorion Society. A. L. S. 

 Cha[rles] Thomson and Thomas Mifflin. 2 p. (Copy.) II, 148. 



i^ro/« Rich [ard] Bache. 1768. November 6. Philadelphia. 

 Received from Mr. Bayard of New York two exemplifications of 

 His Majesty's commission, appointing Franklin w^ith Mr. Allen and sev- 

 eral others, commissioners to settle the line between New York and 

 New Jersey ; the meeting will be held in July next ; hopes Franklin will 

 be there. Expects to make another trip to Jamaica this winter; would 

 be happy to be honored with a line from Franklin while there. A. 

 L. S. 2 p. II, 149. 



From The Merchants of Philadelphia. 

 1768. November 10. Philadelphia. 

 Have forwarded a copy of the memorial to the Merchants and Manu- 

 facturers of Great Britain. Earnestly request his aid to obtain the 

 repeal of the Revenue Acts. A. L. S. John Reynell et al. i p. 



LII, 60. 

 Fro w James Parker. 1768. November 22. New York. 

 Arrival of the Inspector-general of the Customs from Boston ; question 

 of his salary in the custom-house, by whom it will be paid, if at all; 

 what per cent, he must lose, and in his opinion the general mismanage- 

 ment of the entire matter. Enclosing a line for Mr. Strahan, on behalf 

 of his poor son. Not much hope of ease or prosperity until he rests in 

 the grave. A. L, S. 3 p. II, 150. 



