44° Letters from Benjamin Franklin 



To Captain [William] Shirley. 1755. October 23. Philadelphia. 



Received his favor of the ist with discharges for Ewins and Rieger; 

 will take care to observe the directions relating to them. A. Dr. of L. S. 

 I p. XLV, lie. 



To [Peter] CoUinson. 1755. October 25. Philadelphia, 



Hopes he received the bill for £75 when he wrote for one of Mr. 

 [John] Smeaton's new air pumps for the Academy; sends a bill for 

 £30 with a list of some philosophical implements, which he begs him 

 to send, insured. News just arrived that eight families near Sha- 

 mokin were cut off last week by Indians. The people on the frontier 

 will be furnished with arms and ammunition. Hopes to be home when 

 the next Assembly meets. A. Dr. of L. S. 2 p. XLV, 12a. 



To Richard Partridge. 1755. October 25. Philadelphia. 

 Extract from preceding letter, L. i p. (Copy.) XLV, loa. 



To [Richard] Partridge. 1755, October 25. Philadelphia. 



The new Assembly chose Mr. Partridge and Mr, [Robert] Charles 

 as their agents for the ensuing year. A considerable sum is subscribed 

 for the supply of the troops, on the frontier of New York, etc., dur- 

 ing the winter, with warm waistcoats, etc. The Indians last week 

 cut off eight families; 600 arms have been purchased for the people 

 of the frontier. Heard that a petition will be sent to the King against 

 the Assembly. Hopes Parliament will establish a union of the Colonies 

 for the common defence. A. Dr. of L. S. 2 p. XLV, 10. 



Printed in Works (Smyth, III, 292). 



To Mrs. [Deborah] Franklin, Philadelphia. 

 1755. December 27. Easton, 



Glad the companies are forming in town and choosing their officers. 

 Marched Aston 's and Trump's companies over the mountains after many 

 difficulties. Waiting for supplies, A. L. S. i p. XLVI(ii), 2. 



Printed in Works (Sparks, VII, 102; Bigelow, II, 445; Smyth, III, 320). 



Address. [1755?] 



Concerning the assignment of the Dock Ward and other Militia 

 Companies. (Incomplete.) Ms. i p. L(ii), 19. 



