To Noah Webster (unpublished)
Philada. June 18. 1786.
Sir,

I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 24th past, with the Scheme enclos’d of your reform’d Alphabet. I think the Reformation not only necessary but practicable. But have so much to say to you on the Subject, that I wish to see and confer with you upon it, as that would save much Time and Writing, Sounds, till such an Alphabet is fix’d, not being easily explain’d or discours’d of clearly upon Paper, I have formerly consider’d this Matter pretty fully, and contriv’d some of the means of carrying it into Execution, so as gradually to render the Reformation general. Our Ideas are so nearly similar, that I make no doubt of our easily agreeing on the Plan, and you may depend on the best Support I may be able to give it as a Part of your Institute, of which I wish you would bring with you a compleat Copy, having as yet seen only a part of it: I shall then be better able to recommend it as you desire. Hoping to have soon the Pleasure of seeing you, I do not enlarge, but am, with sincere Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant.

B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mr Noah Webster, Jun. / at / New Haven / or / Hartford / forwd.
Endorsed: New York June 20th. 1786 forwarded by your friend and Humble servant.

P. Wetmore

  Dr Franklin June 18 1786 on reformation of Alphabet
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