particular States will undoubtedly be rectified, as their inconveniences shall by experience be made manifest. And, whatever difference of sentiment there may be among us respecting particular regulations, the enthusiastic rejoicings, with which the day of declared independence is annually celebrated, demonstrate the universal satisfaction of the people with the Revolution and its grand principles.

I enclose the vocabulary you sent me, with the words of the Shawanese and Delaware languages, which Colonel Harmar has procured for me. He is promised one more complete, which I shall send you as soon as it comes to my hands.

My grandson, whom you so kindly inquire after, is at his estate in the Jerseys, and amuses himself with cultivating his lands. I wish he would seriously make a business of it, and renounce all thoughts of public employment, for I think agriculture the most honourable, because the most independent, of all professions. But I believe he hankers a little after Paris, or some other of the polished cities of Europe, thinking the society there preferable to what he meets with in the woods of Ancocas; as it certainly is. If he was now here, he would undoubtedly join with me and the rest of my family, who are much flattered by your remembrance of them, in best wishes for your health and prosperity, and that of your whole amiable fireside. You will allow an old friend of fourscore to say he loves your wife, when he adds, and children, and prays God to bless them all. Adieu; and believe me ever yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

1679. TO JEAN-BAPTISTE LE ROY1

Philadelphia, April 18, 1787.

MY DEAR OLD FRIEND:- I believe I have not written to you since I received your kind letter of July 26,2 and October 9, 1786. Such has been my continual occupation in public and private business, having the building of three houses upon my hands, that I had no time left for philosophical correspondence. I now take up my pen with the honest resolution of paying off some of my debts.

You mention that M. de Buffon avoit des douleurs semblables aux miennes. I sympathize with him. Let me know in your next how he does. I do not understand these dispensations of Providence, though probably they are for the best. But it seems to me that if you or I had the disposition of good and evil in this world, so excellent a man would not have an hour's pain during his existence.

Your account of the progress made in the art of ballooning, by the acquisition of a tight envelope and the means of descending and rising without throwing out ballast, or letting out air, is very pleasing. I am sorry the artists at Javelle do not continue their experiments. I always thought they were in the likeliest way of making improvements, as they were remote from interruption in their experiments. I had sometimes wished I had brought with me from France a balloon sufficiently large to raise me from the ground. In my malady it would have been the most easy carriage for me,

1 From "The Complete Works of Benjamin Franklin" (Bigelow), Vol. IX, P. 377.-ED.

2 In A. P. S.- Ed.

being led by a string held by a man walking on the ground. I should be glad to have Mr. Meunier's work. Pray let Mr. Grand know where he may buy it for me.

It gives me pleasure to hear of the success attending the conductors at Brest and at Dijon. Time will bring them more into use, and of course make them more useful.

It is a curious fact, that of the death of so many pigeons by lightning without disturbing their position. Pray when you see M. de Malesherbes,' present to him my respects. He is one of the most respectable characters of this age. Believe me ever, my dear friend, with the sincerest esteem and respect, yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

1680. TO THOMAS JEFFERSON 2 (L. C.)

Philada, April 19, 1787.

DEAR SIR: I have lately received your Favour of Dec. 23. The Diplomas I hope are got to hand before this time. I am much oblig'd by your taking care of my "Encyclopedie." Mr. Hopkinson will account with you for it.

I am glad to learn that everything is quiet in Europe, and like to continue so. I hope the same will be the case here; tho' Boutdefeus are not wanting among us, who by inflammatory Writings in the Papers are perpetually endeavouring to set us together by the Ears about Taxes, and Certificates, etc. The Insurgents in the Massachusetts are quelled,

1 Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes (1721-1794), French statesman, President of the Cour des Aides. - ED.

2 A press copy of this letter is in the Stevens Collection (L. C.). original letter is in the Jefferson Papers, Vol. 33, No. 23, Series 2. — ED.

The

and I believe a great Majority of that People approve the Measures of Government in reducing them. Yet I see that in the late Election they have left out the late Governor and chosen Mr. Hancock. But he was always more popular than Mr. Bowdoin, had resign'd on Acct of his Infirmities, and his Health being mended, his Friends have taken advantage of the Offence given by Mr. Bowdoin to the Malcontents, to increase the Number of Votes against him. His refusing the Bill for reducing the governor's Salary has also, I imagine, hurt his Interest at this Election. So that upon the whole I do not think his not being chosen any Proof of general Dissatisfaction with the Measures taken to suppress the Rebellion, or with the Constitution.

Our Federal Constitution is generally thought defective, and a Convention, first propos'd by Virginia, and since recommended by Congress, is to assemble here next Month, to revise it and propose Amendments. The Delegates generally appointed, as far as I have heard of them, are Men of Character for Prudence and Ability, so that I hope Good from their Meeting. Indeed if it does not do Good it must do Harm, as it will show that we have not Wisdom enough among us to govern ourselves; and will strengthen the Opinion of some Political Writers, that popular Governments cannot long support themselves.

I am sorry for the Death of M. Peyronet on Acct of Mr. Paine, who would have been pleas'd and instructed by conferring with that ingenious and skilful Artist on the Subject of his Bridge, and it was my Intention to introduce him to M. Peyronet's Acquaintance. I have requested the Duke de Rochefoucauld to procure him a Sight of the Models and Drafts in the Repository of the Ponts et Chaussées. You

are well acquainted with Mr. Paine's Merit, and need no Request of mine to serve him in his Views, and introduce him where it may be proper, and of Advantage to him. With great and sincere Esteem I have the honour to be your Excellency's most obedient and most humble Servant, B. FRANKLIN.

1681. TO FERDINAND GRAND

(L. C.)

Philada April 22, 1787.

MY DEAR FRIEND:- I received in its time your Favour of Sept 9, and approve of your Reason for not adding the 1161 livres to the Credit of my Account. What related to the Million was also very satisfactory.

Yours of Dec. 28 and Feb. 7 are just come to hand, together with my Account for the year 1786, which appears to be right. I observe you have sold all my Actions in the caisse d'Escompte; and tho' I have no longer any concern in that Fund, I rejoice to hear of its Prosperity. The Classics and other Books are not come to hand, but Mr. Jefferson will take care to send them. Those you sent by Mr. Franks are received.

Your Mention of the Malady of M. de Vergennes afflicted me, and much more the News I since hear of his Death. So wise and so good a Man taken away from the Station he fill'd, is a great Loss not only to France, but to Europe in general, to America, and to Mankind.

Not having found the Cares of Government so burthensome as I apprehended, I consented to serve a second Year, and was chosen unanimously by the Junction of all Parties, so that there was but one Negative Voice, viz., my own, and that given,