between seventy and eighty votes, there were only my own and one other in the negative.

As to my domestic circumstances, of which you kindly desire to hear something, they are at present as happy as I could desire them. I am surrounded by my offspring, a dutiful and affectionate daughter in my house, with six grandchildren, the eldest of whom you have seen, who is now at a college in the next street, finishing the learned part of his education; the others promising, both for parts and good dispositions. What their conduct may be when they grow up and enter the important scenes of life, I shall not live to see, and I cannot foresee. I therefore enjoy among them the present hour, and leave the future to Providence.

He that raises a large family does, indeed, while he lives to observe them, stand, as Watts says, a broader mark for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too. When we launch our little fleet of barks into the ocean, bound to different ports, we hope for each a prosperous voyage; but contrary winds, hidden shoals, storms, and enemies come in for a share in the disposition of events, and though these occasion a mixture of disappointment, yet, considering the risk where we can make no insurance, we should think ourselves happy if some return with success. My son's son, Temple Franklin, whom you have also seen, having had a fine farm of six hundred acres conveyed to him by his father when we were at Southampton, has dropped for the present his views of acting in the political line, and applies himself ardently to the

study and practice of agriculture. This is much more agreeable to me, who esteem it the most useful, the most independent, and therefore the noblest of employments. His lands are on navigable water, communicating with the Delaware, and but about sixteen miles from this city. He has associated to himself a very skilful English farmer lately arrived here, who is to instruct him in the business, and partakes for a term of the profits, so that there is a great apparent probability of their success.

You will kindly expect a word or two concerning myself. My health and spirits continue, thanks to God, as when you saw me. The only complaint I then had does not grow worse, and is tolerable. I still have enjoyment in the company of my friends, and, being easy in my circumstances, have many reasons to like living. But the course of nature must soon put a period to my present mode of existence. This I shall submit to with the less regret, as, having seen during a long life a good deal of this world, I feel a growing curiosity to be acquainted with some other; and can cheerfully, with filial confidence, resign my spirit to the conduct of that great and good Parent of mankind, who created it, and who has so graciously protected and prospered me from my birth to the present hour. Wherever I am, I hope always to retain the pleasing remembrance of your friendship, being with sincere and great esteem, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN. P. S.-We all join in respects to Mrs. Shipley, and best wishes for the whole amiable family.

MCCCCV

PRINTING TYPES MADE AT PASSY

PHILADELPHIA, 25 February, 1786.

I do hereby certify to whom it may concern, that the printing types with which I have furnished Mr. Francis Child, contained in fifteen boxes, marked B. F. No. 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 38, 53, 54, 59, 60, were made in my house at Passy, by my servants for my use, and were never the property of any European letter-founder, manufacturer or merchant whatsoever.

B. FRANKLIN,

Late Minister for the United States at the Court of France.

MCCCCVI

TO MR. GRAND, THE AMSTERDAM BANKER

PHILADELPHIA, 5 March, 1786.

DEAR FRIEND:-Since my last, which was of Jan. 29th, I have had the great pleasure of receiving yours of Oct. 10, '85, by which I learned that yourself and the good family continued well. The vessel from Havre, after a long passage of about twelve weeks, arrived at last with all my things in pretty good order, and sundry parcels of books, etc., from you, when I had almost given over all hopes of seeing them ever again; so that I now find myself happily situated in my own house, surrounded by my off

spring, with all my playthings and amusements about me, and my malady not augmented, but still continuing tolerable.

I have drawn upon you lately for 1,754l. 10 tournois, in favor of Ross and Vaughan. My former drafts since my arrival here were for £200 sterling, 3,110 livres tournois, and £500 sterling. I hope now to receive soon your account completing the last year, and that you have been paid my dividend on my stock in the Funds.

I suppose my grandson will write to you by this conveyance, though he is now very busy in preparing to settle on his farm, which is a very good one, about sixteen miles from this town, water carriage to his door, very convenient for bringing his produce to market. Benjamin is at college, and applies close to his studies. He presents his respects.

I rejoice to hear that the Emperor and the Dutch have accommodated their differences. Long may the peace of Europe continue! For I am of opinion that there never was a bad peace, nor a good war. And I think your minister, who is so expert in composing quarrels and preventing wars, the great blessing of this age. The Devil must send us three or four heroes before he can get as much slaughter of mankind done as that one man has prevented.

I do not understand how Caliastro was involved in the affair of the Cardinal, and have some curiosity to know his history when it shall be developed.

The English papers, not only sent me gratis, as you observe, to Algiers, but they are sending all the United States to destruction. By their accounts you

would think we were in the utmost distress, in want of every thing, all in confusion, no government, and wishing again for that of England. Be assured, my friend, that these are all fictions, mere English wishes, not American realities. There are some few faults in our Constitutions, which is no wonder, considering the stormy season in which they were made, but those will soon be corrected. And for the rest, I never saw greater and more indubitable marks of public prosperity in any country. The produce of our agriculture bears a good price, and is all paid for in ready hard money, all the laboring people have high wages, everybody is well clothed and well lodged, the poor provided for or assisted, and all estates in town and country much increased in value. As to wishing for the English government, we should as soon wish for that of Morocco.

Be so good as to forward the letters you will receive herewith, and charge me with the expense. My love to all the good family, and believe me ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

MCCCCVII

TO M. LE VEILLARD

PHILADELPHIA, 6 March, 1786.

MY DEAR FRIEND:-I received and read with great pleasure your kind letter of October 9th. It informed me of your welfare, and that of the best of good women, and of her amiable daughter, who I think