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great comfort and mine in this war is, that we honestly and faithfully did everything amour power to prevent it. Adieu, and believe me ever, nry dear friend,

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To DR. PRIESTLEY. 10494 tad to notteutie adt barobranos arra

On true Science and its progress Reflections on the
Suds Inconveniences attending all Situations in Life. E
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DEAR SIRO) 10? tiss

Passy, February 8, 1780.

Your kind letter of September 27th, came

to hand but very lately, the bearer having staid long in

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I always rejoice to hear of your being still employed in experimental researches into nature, and of the you meet with. The rapid progress true science now makes, occasions my regretting sometimes that I was born so soon it is impossible to imagine the height to which may be carried in a thousand years, the power of man over matter; we may perhaps learn to deprive large masses of their gravity, and give them absolute levity, for the sake of easy transport. Agriculture may diminish its labour and double its produce all diseases may by sure means be prevented or cured, (not excepting even that of old age) and our lives lengthened at pleasure even beyond the antediluvian standard. O that moral science were in cassfairna dway of improvement, that men would cease to be wolves to one another, and that human beings would at length learn what they now improperly call humanity! I am glad my little paper on the Aurora Borealis pleased. If it should occasion farther inqniry, and so

produce a better hypothesis, it will not be wholly useless. I am ever, with the greatest and most sincere esteem, Dear Sir, &c. 1979 900 så B. FRANKLIN. Ą

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[Inclosed in the foregoing Letter; being an answer to a separate paper received from Dr. Priestley.]

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I have considered the situation of that person very attentively; I think that with baclittle help from the Moral Algebra, he might format better judgment than any other person can form for him. But since my opinion seems to be desired, I to the end of e it for continuing the term, under all the present disagreeable circumstances: the connection will then die a natural death. No reason will be expected to be given for the separation, and of course no offence taken at reasons given, the friendship may still subsist, and in some other way be useful. The time diminishes daily, and is usefully employed. All kumán situations have their inconveniences, we feel those that we find in the present, and we neittier feel nor see those that exist in another. Hence we make frequent and troublesome changes without amendment, and often for the worse. In my youth I was passenger in a little sloop, descending the River Delaware. There being no wind, we were obliged when the ebb was spent, to cast anchor, and wait for the next. The heat of the sun on the vessel was excessive, the company strangers to me, and not very agreeable. Near the river side I saw what I took to be a pleasant green meadow, in the middle of which was a as one ct gevłow

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See Letter to Dr. Priestley, Sept. 19. 1772, 2-5 silnyar párek mogzanne bluɔię 38 22

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large shady tree, where it struck my fancy I could sit and read, (having a book in my pocket) and pass the time agreeably till the tide turned; I therefore prevailed with the captain to put me ashore. Being landed, I found the greatest part of my meadow was really a marsh, in crossing which, to come at my tree, I was up to my knees in mire and I had not placed myself under its shade five minutes before the muskitoes in swarms found me out, attacked my legs, hands, and face, and made my reading and my rest impossible; so that I returned to the beach, and called for the boat to come and take me on board again, where I was obliged to bear the heat I had strove to quit, and also the laugh of the company. Similar cases in the affairs of life have since frequently fallen under my observation.

I have had thoughts of a college for him in America ; I know no one who might be more useful to the public in the institution of youth. But there are possible unpleasantnesses in that situation: it cannot be obtained but by a too hazardous voyage at this time for a family; and the time for experiments would be all otherwise engaged.'

The advice contained in this paper, related to Dr. Priestley himself, who had engaged to live with Lord Shelburne, as his librarian, at a salary of about 300l. per annum, for a certain number of years but before the term had expired, he became disgusted with his situation, and requested counsel from Dr. Franklin on the subject.

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Relative to the Marquis de la Fayette-Invitation to

SIR,

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visit Europe.

Passy, March 5, 1780. I have received but lately the letter your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me in recommendation of the Marquis de la Fayette. His modesty detained it long in his own hands. We became acquainted however from the time of his arrival at Paris; and his zeal for the honor of our country, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm attachment to our and to you, impressed me with the same regard and esteem for him that your Excellency's letter would have done, had it been immediately delivered to me. 6 to 2pc D.

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Should peace arrive after another campaign or two, and afford us a little leisure, I should be happy to see your Excellency in Europe, and to accompany you, if my age and strength would permit, in visiting some of its ancient and most famous kingdoms. You would on this side the sea, enjoy the great reputation you have acquired, pure and free from those little shades that the jealousy and envy of a man's countrymen and cotemporaries are ever endeavouring to cast over living merit. Here you would know, and enjoy, what posterity will say of Washington. For a thousand leagues have nearly the same effect with a thousand years. The feeble voice of those grovelling passions cannot extend so far either in time or distance. At present I enjoy that pleasure for you: as I frequently hear the old Generals of this martial country (who study the maps of America, and mark upon them all your ope

rations) speak with sincere approbation and great applause of your conduct; and join in giving you the character of one of the greatest captains of the ages et bosonitang

I must soon quit the scene, but you may live to see our country florish; as it will amazingly and rapidly after the war is over; like a field of young Indian corn, which long fair weather and sunshine had enfeebled and discolored, and which in that weak state, by a thunder gust of violent wind, hail, and rain, seemed to be threatened with absolute destruction; yet the storm being past, it recovers fresh verdure, shoots up with double vigor, and delights the eye not of its owner only, but of every observing traveller. A bas,ayısqınaɔ probro ode 10a pend Ther

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The best wishes that can be formed for your health, honor, and happiness, ever attend you, from

pls ont tous 29Your's, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

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OTO MR.LE CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE, an endTd of bezoqzs,od of songsta qua

Minister from France to the United States. wowls eins i to af os 13

arious matter. encitaquoco svitseq arious matter.

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ma Siksnovib olduq tudto ban Pussy, March, 5, 1780. teabavotórą tola received with great pleasure the letter you did me the honor of writing to me from Boston. I rejoiced to hear of your safe arrival, and that the reception you met with in my country, had been agreeable to you, I hope its air will suit you, and that while you reside in it you will enjoy constant health and happiness.

Your good brother does me sometimes the honor of calling ons nie, wand we converse in English, which he speaks very intelligibly. I suppose that by this time you do the same. Mr. De Malesherbes did me lately the same

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