Letters to Benjamin Franklin 177 



From Charles Lee. 1775. December 10. Camp. 

 Concerning the publishing of his letter to Gen. Burgoyne. A good 

 deal surprised and a little shocked at the proceedings of the Assembly; 

 considers the " injunction of these gentlemen to their delegates to dissent 

 from any resolve leading to independence ill-timed, impertinent and 

 impolitic " ; bad results to be expected from such a declaration. Wishes 

 Franklin would send some man who has the reputation of being a soldier 

 to Virginia, which is the weak point; explains the prejudice of the com- 

 mon people against any man who has not seen service; cites anecdote to 

 prove their blind faith in the latter. Enlistments go on swimmingly; 

 let them but get powder and Boston shall be theirs. A. L. S. 4 p. 



IV, 75. 



Printed in Journal of Military Service Institution, July, 1903, p. 72. 



From Mary Hewson. 1775. December 12. Kensington. 

 Her mother [Mrs. Stevenson] not very well; describes the various 

 attractions of her children; her son William struggling with the diffi- 

 culties of orthography, which she begs Franklin as the future sovereign 

 and law-giver in the empire of America to render less difficult. Rails 

 against the present fashion of small waists; longs to be in America 

 where she may appear without distortion; comments on the extravagant 

 manner of dressing the hair. Concerning a number of sheep and hogs 

 which are to be sent to Boston to feed — the fishes, she hopes. Lady 

 Blunt has a son. A. L. S. 4 p. IV, 76. 



From Catharine Mead. 1775. December 16. Sun (s) bury [Penna.]. 

 Is the daughter of John Croker and was once at Franklin's house 

 when she was little ; is at least a head taller since the receipt of Frank- 

 lin's letter. A. L. S. i p. IV, 76^. 



From . 1775. December 23. London. 



Introducing Mr. Wrixon, a gentleman of character and connections 

 in Ireland, to Franklin's friendship, civility and protection ; as his late 

 publications will show, he has not been an indifferent spectator of the 

 present unhappy dispute. Dares not say a word on public affairs; he 

 will hear all about them from the bearer. L. i p. IV, 77. 



Fro?n [Edward Bancroft]. 1775. December 23. London. 

 Recomends Mr. Wrixon, a young man possessing valuable military 



