Letters to Benjamin Franklin 371 



Hygrometer, a present from Mr. [Edward] Nairne. Urges Franklin 

 to collect in book form many of his useful little papers that apply to 

 common conduct in life for the lower and middle classes. A. L. S. 

 2 p. XXXVI, 37^. 



From [Louis Guillaume] Le Veillard. 1788. April i. Passy. 



The result of the great [Constitutional] Convention in America; ob- 

 jects to certain points ; thinks the power of the President too great. News 

 of friends at Passy. His election as Syndic of his town; if his position 

 is not so brilliant as Franklin's, is surrounded by more charming 

 women. Entreats him to hasten the writing of his memoirs; false and 

 stupid anecdotes written about him by Baron de Trink and others. 

 Concerning imposts and duties. Critical and alarming condition of 

 affairs in France ; financial situation deplorable. With the exception 

 of his wife, cares more for Franklin than anyone else in the world; 

 why he cannot gratify his desire to go to Philadelphia. M. [Jacques] 

 Necker's work on the importance of religious convictions. Death of 

 [George Louis Le Clerc, Comte] du Buffon ; his successor, [Comte 

 Charles Claude La]billarderie [D'Angiviller]. A. L. S. 5 p. (In 

 French.) XXXVI, 38. 



From William Caslon. 1788. April 2. London. 



News of his family. Messages to his friend, W[illiam] T[emple] 

 Franklin. A. L. S. i p. XXXVI, 39. 



From T[lionias] Pownall. 1788. April 8. Bristol. 



Report of Franklin's death. Is the only Commissioner left of those 

 representing and acting for the several Provinces in America, who met 

 at the Congress in Albany in 1754. Political condition of the Swiss 

 Cantons. Constitution of the United States; fears the result of a four 

 years' term for the President. A. L. S. 4 p. XXXVI, 40. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, X, 342). 



From Tench Coxe. 1788. April 11. 



Glad to see that the people abroad look with desire at America, 

 in spite of the disordered situation of commerce and Government. 

 Will take a few days to turn over in his mind the letter enclosed 

 to him by Franklin; will then ask his attention to one or two points. 

 A. L. S. 2 p. XXXVI, 41. 



