To Deborah Franklin
ALS: American Philosophical Society
London, July 19. 1770
My dear Child,

This will be delivered to you by our ingenious Countryman Mr. Benbridge, who has so greatly improv’d himself in Italy as a Portrait Painter, that the Connoisseurs in that Art here think few or none excel him. I hope he will meet with due Encouragement in his own Country, and that we shall not lose him as we have lost Mr. West: For if Mr. Benbridge did not from Affection chuse to return and settle in Pensilvania, he certainly might live extreamly well in England by his Profession.

I have just received Letters from you and Mr. Bache and Sally, which I shall answer fully per next Opportunity, having now only time to add my Love to you and them, and to your dear little Boy. I am, as ever, Your affectionate Husband

B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Franklin / at / Philadelphia / per favour of / Mr Benbridge
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