| 1883 |
 |
 Benjamin Franklin. Free frank "B Free
Franklin" on autograph letter signed, one page folio, datelined "London July 9, 1769" and addressed to "Mr. Humphrey Marshall, West Bradford, Chester County, Pennsylvania", some slight toning spots, small splits at corner
folds, interesting contents:"I received your obliging Favour of April 13, with Specimens of the several colours suitable for Painting which you have found in different Parts of our Country. It gives me great Pleasure to see them, and I have
shown them to many Persons of Distinction together with your Letter, which is allowed to contain a great many sensible and shrewd Observations. There is at present an Appearance as if the Great Ones were about to change their Conduct towards us: I
believe they begin to be a little sensible of their Error. It is perhaps too much to expect that they will become thoroughly wise at once, but a little Time, with a prudent steady Conduct on our side, will, I hope, set all right. I shall be obliged
by a Continuance of your Correspondence, being, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humb. Servant, B. Franklin." VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S FREE FRANK WITH AN AUTOGRAPHED LETTER SIGNED, DISCUSSING THE CONFLICT
BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE COLONIES AND REFLECTING HIS OPTIMISM THAT A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION WOULD BE FOUND. LETTERS SUCH AS THIS ARE RARELY ENCOUNTERED OUTSIDE OF ARCHIVES. Franklin letters concerning any aspects of the problems between England and
the American Colonies during this pre-Revolutionary War period are rarely encountered outside of institutional archives and collections. Franklin's optimism toward a resolution of conflicts, combined with his gentle wit in assessing the "Great Ones"
propensity to "become thoroughly wise at once", is seldom encountered in any of his letters available to the market. The comments on paint samples in the beginning of the letter relate to the building of his house in Philadelphia, begun in 1763, and
continued during his absence from America. Ex S. Hallock du Pont. (Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
E. $ 20,000-30,000
SOLD for $40,000.00
Will close during Public Auction |
