him to-morrow. I shall be glad to render the young man any service here.

We had a cold, backward spring here, and it is since the solstice that we have had what may be called a warm day. But the country now looks well with the prospect of great plenty. It is, however, the general opinion, that Britain will not for some years export much corn, great part of the arable land being now enclosed and turned to grass, to nourish the immense number of horses raised for exportation, there being a rage in France and other parts of Europe for English horses, that seems increasing every year.

I hope our friend Galloway will not decline the public service in the Assembly with his private business. Both may be too much for his health; but the first alone will be little more than an amusement. And I do not see that he can be spared from that station, without great detriment to our affairs and to the general welfare of America. I am, with sincere esteem, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

P. S. The enclosed notes were given me by Mr. Small, a leading member of the Society of Arts, with a desire that I would send them over to some member of your Philosophical Society; supposing the herbs may be of some use.

560. TO JONATHAN SHIPLEY

(A. P. S.)

July 25. 1771

I SHOULD have been happy in accompanying your Lordship on that agreable Party, or in being at Twyford instead of this dusty Town; but Business kept me here longer than I expected. I now purpose to set out on Tuesday next, if nothing

VOL. V-Z

at present unforeseen does not happen to prevent me. I hope to find the good Family well, which will add greatly to the Pleasure I promise myself in that sweet Retreat. With the greatest Respect, I am,

Your Lordship's most

obedient humble Servt

[B. FRANKLIN.]

561. TO MRS. DEBORAH FRANKLIN (A. P. S.)

MY DEAR CHILD,

London, Augt 14. 1771

I received yours of June 29, by Packet. I am glad to hear of all your Welfares, and that the Pictures &c. were safe arrived. You do not tell me who mounted the great one, nor where you have hung it up. Let me know whether Dr. Bond likes the new one better than the old one; if so, the old one is to be return'd hither to Mr. Wilson, the Painter. You may keep the Frame, as it may be wanted for some other Picture there. I wrote to you the Beginning of last Month, to go by Capt. Falconer, & have since been in the Country, am just come to town, and find him still here, and the Letters not gone. He goes however next Saturday.

I had written to many of my Friends by him. I spent three Weeks in Hampshire at my Friend the Bishop of St. Asaph's. The Bishop's Lady knows what Children and Grandchildren I have, their Ages, &c. So when I was to come away on Monday the 12th in the Morning, she insisted on my staying that one Day longer, that we might together keep my Grandson's Birthday. At Dinner, among other nice Things, we had a Floating Island, which they always particularly have

on the Birth Days of any of their own Six Children; who were all but one at Table, where there was also a Clergyman's Widow now above 100 Years old. The chief Toast of the Day was Master Benjamin Bache, which the venerable old Lady began in a Bumper of Mountain. The Bishop's Lady politely added, and that he may be as good a Man as his Grandfather. I said I hop'd he would be much better. The Bishop, still more complaisant than his Lady, said, "We will compound the Matter, and be contented if he should not prove quite so good." This Chitchat is to yourself only, in return for some of yours about your Grandson, and must only be read to Sally, and not spoken of to anybody else; for you know how People add and alter silly Stories that they hear, and make them appear ten times more silly.

Just while I am writing the Post brings me the enclos'd from the good Bishop, with some Letters of Recommendation for Ireland, to see which Country I am to set out next week with my old Friend and Fellow Traveller, Counsellor Jackson. We expect to be absent a Month or Six Weeks. The Bishop's youngest Daughter, mention'd in his Letter, is about 11 years of age, and came up with me in the PostChaise to go to her School.

II

Capt. Osborne is not yet arrived here, but is every day expected. I hope he will come before I set out, that I may hear from you by him. I desire you will push the enquiry after the Lancaster Dutchman, and not let it sleep & be forgotten. I send you by Capt. Falconer a Box of LookingGlasses for the Closet Door in the little 1

1 The remainder is mutilated. It was during this visit at the Bishop of St. Asaph's, that Dr. Franklin commenced writing the memoirs of his life, in the form of a letter to his son. — - ED.

1

562. PLAN

FOR BENEFITING DISTANT UNPROVIDED

COUNTRIES.

BY DR. FRANKLIN AND MR. DALRYMPLE.1

AUGUST 29, 1771.

THE Country, called in the maps New Zealand, has been discovered, by the Endeavour, to be two islands, together as large as Great Britain; these islands, named Acpy-nomawée and Tovy-poennammoo, are inhabited by a brave and generous race, who are destitute of corn, fowls, and all quadrupeds, except dogs.

These circumstances being mentioned lately in a company of men of liberal sentiments, it was observed, that it seemed incumbent on such a country as this, to communicate to all others the conveniences of life, which we enjoy.

Dr. Franklin, whose life has ever been directed to promote the true interest of society, said, "he would with all his heart subscribe to a voyage intended to communicate in general those benefits which we enjoy, to countries destitute of them in the remote parts of the globe." This proposition being warmly adopted by the rest of the company, Mr. Dalrymple,

1 These proposals were printed upon a sheet of paper, and distributed. The parts written by Dr. Franklin and Mr. Dalrymple are easily distinguished.-V.

The "Plan" was reprinted in" Ephemerides des Citoyen," Vol. II. Baron F. de Westerhalt, of Zutphen, read it there, and, “filled with admiration for such universal benevolence," sent four Holland ducats to Franklin, explaining that he was a poor gentleman with a large family, but he trusted that Franklin would not scorn his small contribution. See letter to F., Nov. 12, 1772 (A. P. S.). Alexander Dalrymple (1737-1808) was hydrographer to the Admiralty. - ED.

then present, was induced to offer to undertake the command in such an expedition.

On mature reflection, this scheme appears the most honourable to the national character of any which can be conceived, as it is grounded on the noblest principle of benevolence. Good intentions are often frustrated by letting them remain undigested; on this consideration, Mr. Dalrymple was induced to put the outlines on paper, which are now published, that, by an early communication, there may be a better opportunity of collecting all the hints which can conduce to execute effectually the benevolent purpose of the expedition, in case it should meet with general approbation.

On this scheme being shown to Dr. Franklin, he communicated his sentiments, by way of introduction, to the following effect;

"Britain is said to have produced originally nothing but sloes. What vast advantages have been communicated to her by the fruits, seeds, roots, herbage, animals, and arts of other countries! We are, by their means, become a wealthy and a mighty nation, abounding in all good things. Does not some duty hence arise from us towards other countries, still remaining in our former state?

"Britain is now the first maritime power in the world. Her ships are innumerable, capable, by their form, size, and strength, of sailing on all seas. Our seamen are equally bold, skilful, and hardy; dexterous in exploring the remotest regions, and ready to engage in voyages to unknown countries, though attended with the greatest dangers. The inhabitants of those countries, our fellow men, have canoes only; not knowing iron, they cannot build ships; they have little astronomy, and no knowledge of the compass to guide them;