From John Balfour
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Edinr: Novr: 21st 1765
Sir

I believe I forgot to mention in my last, that at your desire, I had not sent over any power of Attorney to make effectual the Debt due to us by Mr. James Parker of New York, I have had several Letters from him promissing a Remmittance, and also from one Mr. John Holt who it seems had enterd into Copartnership with him. The Debt has been long due; and was originally £116 14s. 8d. St. of which he only remitted £20 Ster. I shoud be glad the debt coud be made effectual without any prosecution and your good offices to bring about this, will be esteemd a great favour. It is due to Mr. Hamilton and me, and Mr. Hamilton has been now about [ten?] years out of trade, and therefore is anxious to have it settled. I beg pardon for this trouble, and am with great Esteem and Respect, Sir Your most Humble Servant

John Balfour

p s I hope you received my letter, incloseing Mr. Benjamin Mecoms, acknowledgeing the debt he was due to us.
Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / London
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