Lot 274
Franklin, Benjamin
Printed Books, Maps and Manuscripts
Auction: 11 July 2006 at 12:00 BST
Description
Autograph signed letter to Sir Alexander Dick of Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, dated London March 13 1775, introducing [Benjamin] Duffield, folded sheet, approx 8.5cm wide by 23cm high, address panel to verso, seal removed, some tears to folds [no losses]
Footnote
Note: Benjamin Duffield was the son of Franklin's trusted friend the Philadelphia clock-maker Edward Duffield (1720?-1801). This letter is not recorded in Labaree, L (ed) The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, 1965.
Transcript:
Sir John Dalrymple the other day inform'd me that you and your dear family were lately all well, which to hear gave me great pleasure.
Being on the point of embarking for America, I would not leave Britain without taking leave of a friend I have so much reason to esteem and love. I pray God to bless you and yours with every kind of felicity.
If at any time I can on the other side of the water render acceptable service to you or any friend of yours, it will be a pleasure to me to receive your commands.
May I take the liberty of recommending to your countenance and protection and ingenious young man, son of a friend of mine at Philadelphia, now studying Physics at Edinburg. Your kind advice may be of great use to him, and I am persuaded he will always retain a grateful sense of any favourable notice you may think fit to take of him. His name is Duffield, and he will have the honour pf presenting this to your hands.
With sincere affection & attachment,
I am ever
Dear Sir,
Your obliged and most obedient humble servant
[Signed] B Franklin
Our friend Sir J Pringle
Was well last evening