Virginia, Jan. 17, 1755
My dear Mr. F[ranklin],
I hope that this will find you safely arrived
at Philadelphia, from your northward expedition, and ready to come
further southwards. This leaves me in my last Virginia stage, near
the borders of North-Carolina. People as I came along have been
very willing to attend on my feeble labours, and I hope that some
real good hath been done. If this be effected, it matters little
how the labourer himself may be sometimes fatigued.
His presence doth my pains beguile,
And makes the wilderness to smile.
Lovely delusion this! Living, dying, and after death I hope to
be possessed of it. I have seen your Epitaph. Believe on
Jesus, and get a feeling possession of
God in your heart, and you cannot possibly
be disappointed of your expected second edition finely corrected,
and infinitely amended. Verbum sapienti sat est. I could say
more, but time is short. Glad shall I be to wait on you and Mr.
H[unter] at the Orphan-house. I send you both my cordial respects,
and praying that you may have what good Colonel G[ardine]r once
wished me, “A thriving soul in a healthy body,” I subscribe myself,
my dear Sir, Your affectionate, obliged friend and ready
servant,