From Jonathan Williams, Sr. (unpublished)
Boston Janry 15th. 1784
Honoured Sir

I hope you will excuse me, for the Liberty I take in advising you, of the Town of Franklin, and how it Came to be thus Named, apart of the people of wrentham which Town was too Large, a parish of 40 years Standing preferd a petition to the General Court 1778 at the Very time, that we or they, heard that you was Assassinated, in Commeration of Doctr Franklin the people there unanimous, in Nameing there Town by the Name of Franklin, which Name and Person they highly Esteemd, the Town or people are Now about Boulding a New Meeting House, and I find they would Bould a Stepel if they had a prospect of Gitting a Bell. I happn’d to be in Compeny with two of the most respect abled of the Committe, they Express a wish that Doctr Franklin Would present them a Bell, as it would be received by the Town from him in prefrence to anybody in the World. I find the house is to be, 60 foot Long, 42 foot Wide, about 26 foot high. Franklin Town is 25 Miles from Boston in the Way to providence—as I dont know whether you will think proper to take Notice of this Letter therefore I Shall Say Nothing about it. We are all Well my Love to Betsey [Benny?] I am as Ever Your Dutifull Nephew

Jona Williams

nb I am told that your Bill on the Late doctr Cooper Will be paid out of his Estate
Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Eqr / at Passy / In France
640835 = 041-u241.html