Letters to Benjamin Franklin 95 



From James Parker. 1769. March 29. New York. 



Acknowledging favors of Dec. 22d and Jan. 4th; arrival of his son, 

 who knew not of his wife's death until he came within the Hook; ac- 

 count of his son's many back-slidings; at present he has gone to Wood- 

 bridge and married again a young woman of good character, who, with 

 her sister, has a plantation worth £700, which will enable him to spend 

 his days in idleness and dissipation. Account of his brother's death, 

 leaving a wife and eight children to his care; has placed them in his 

 house at Woodbridge. Times are very distressing ; everything very dear 

 and his own ill health a drawback. The scheme to publish a New York 

 Chronicle as large as Goddard's. Describes in detail all his dealings 

 with Benny Mecom; Mrs. Franklin blames him (Parker) ; appeals to 

 Franklin to decide the matter. Concerning certain bills of exchange. 

 His affairs with Holt. Won't resign from the custom-house in spite of 

 his unpopularity. A. L. S. 4 p. II, 168. 



Fro?n John Bartram. 1769. April 10. [Philadelphia.] 



Acknowledging favor of January 9, and thanking him for his kind- 

 ness in taking care of the King's box. Has heard from Michael Collin- 

 son, his old friend's son and from Dr. Fothergill; but still at a loss to 

 know whether he must send any more plants or seeds to His Majesty 

 and whether he is pleased to continue his bounty. Sent over his journal 

 containing observations on the soils, rivers and natural vegetable pro- 

 ductions in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, with which his friend 

 Peter Collinson expressed much satisfaction. Mentions the appearance 

 of the Borealis. Much moved by Franklin's kind letter. A. L. S. i p. 



11, 169. 

 From James Parker. 1769. April 14. Philadelphia. 



Sends him the second bill of exchange. Still in poor health. A. 

 L. S. I p. II, 170. 



From M[ichae]l Hillegas. 1769. April 15. Philadelphia. 



Acknowledging favor of January 5, and thanking him for having the 

 glasses made for his ' Armonica.' Nova Scotia adventurers expecting 

 Franklin's answer to their letter. A. L. S. i p. II, 171. 



From T[homas] Coombe. 1769. April 17. Philadelphia. 



Acknowledging favor of January 5, and expressing the keenest appre- 

 ciation of Franklin's kindness to his son, and his good opinion of him. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. II, 172. 



