348 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From J[ohn] C[oakley] Lettsom. 1787. July 14. London. 



To the memoir of Dr. [John] Fothergill, he has annexed memoirs of 

 some of his associates; his wish to have introduced some anecdotes of 

 Franklin; the importance of such memorials. Discovery by a man, 

 called Borth, of a method of imitating paintings in oil; facsimiles of 

 famous paintings finished in a few hours; the method known only to 

 Borth and a Mr. Johnson, a rich quaker; report that he has been offered 

 £60,000 for his secret; conjectures concerning the method employed. 

 Is cultivating a plant called in France, racine de disette; no more prolific 

 vegetable known; promises to send a description with seeds. Begs 

 Franklin's kind offices on behalf of a clergyman, Mr. George Hunt, 

 who desires the honor of Doctor of Divinity from the College of Phila- 

 delphia. A. L. S. 5 p. XXXV, 92. 



From The Medical Society of London. 1787. July 16. London. 

 Certificate of membership. Portfolio. 



From Comte de Buffon. 1787. July 18. Jardin du Roi. 



Acknowledging the seeds and rare plants sent him for the King's garden. 

 Desires to hear of the progress of the [American] Philosophical Society. 

 Just finished his Histoire Naturelle de Mineraux; offers to send it to 

 the Society. Is printing a treatise on the properties and use of the 

 magnet. Desires to know what remedy Franklin found most efficacious 

 for the stone. A. L. S. 3 p. (In French.) XXXV, 93. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, X, 312; Bigelow, IX, 398). 



From Ezek[iel] Forman. 1787. July 19. Auburn. 



Sending Franklin a curious puzzle from Signor Falconi from New 

 York; explains the position of the three sticks and the adjustment 

 arranged by Falconi; promises further information, if desired. A. L. S. 

 2 p. XXXV, 94. 



From Benj[ami]n West. 1787. July 26. London. 



Arrival of Mr. [Samuel] Jennings with Franklin's letter of recom- 

 mendation ; the young gentleman's fame for painting had already pre- 

 ceded him; will give him every assistance in his power. News of his 

 family. Mr. [Caleb] Whitefoord's desire to hear from Franklin. A. 

 L. S. I p. XXXV, 95. 



