Franklin, Benjamin

Autograph letter signed ("B. Franklin"), one page (8 1/2 x 7 in.; 217 x 178 mm, sight), Philadelphia, 25 November 1762, to Catharine Greene; seal tear and a few other tears costing a few letters, closed fold separations. Matted, framed, and glazed with a portrait of Franklin and a large plaque.

Papers of Benjamin Franklin, ed. Labaree, 10:154

Shortly after returning to Philadelphia after serving, since 1757, as an agent for the colony of Pennsylvania in London, Franklin writes an affectionate letter to a young lady friend. Franklin met Catharin Ray in Boston in 1754, and they corresponded periodically until his death in 1790. While Franklin was abroad, Catharine married William Greene Jr. of Rhode Island, and he here offers his belated congratulations:

"I received your kind congratulations on my return, and thank you cordially. It gives me great pleasure to hear you are married and live happily. You are a good Girl for complying with so essential a duty, and God will bless you. Make my compliments acceptable to your spouse; and fulfil your promise of writing to me; and let me know everything that has happened to you and your friends since my Departure, for I interest myself as much as ever in whatever relates to your Happiness. My best Respects to your Brother and Sister Ward, and Compliments on his advancement to the Government of your Colony; and believe me ever, My dear Caty Your affectionate Friend and humble servant." In a postscript, Franklin adds, "My wife and Daughter join in presenting their Respects."