From Margaret Stewart (unpublished)
London August 3d 1788

I shou’d think myself guilty of ingratitude; worthy Sir; if I mised an opportunity of thanking you for your Goodness to me; I hope by this time you have received Twelve Coppys of my Brothers work from Mr. Vaughan. I have had a veriaty of missfortunes Since I had the honor of Seeing you, but the Plates of my Brothers Work; have been providantialy, preserved. The first time I went to france I left them in the hands of a very honest man; to whom I was answerable for Twenty Pounds I was Security for a freind in distress; and he dying while I was in France; his Sister; wou’d not give them up, till I paid her, which   not able to do; at last she offered to give them up for five guineas, as soon as I found that, I applyed to Mr. Vaughan; who has got the Plates in his posession; till I pay him; but I am aorry to add altho I was in the deepest distress; and altho he promised me assistance when he got the Plates; he wou’d not advance but one guinea; for a Copy for himself; nor woud he let me have Copys for the Booksellers; the Duke of Chandos; has ordered a Set Struck of on    and I hope to have it in my Power to pay Mr. Vaughan; I now worthy Sir congratulet you on Peace; with her olive Branch God grant the continuance of it; and as you was so good to Say when Peace arrived; it woud help the Sale of my Brothers Work in america; I take the Liberty to recomend to your Notice an aimiable Youth who is the berrer; I know his freinds, here; it gave me great happiness to hear you are in good health God grant the continuance of it; for americas Sake; I hope to have the honor of an Order from you and the hear you are in good health; which will be the greatest Staisfaction to me; Please to direct for me to the care of Mrs. Murray Bookseller Prince Street Licester Feilds; Mrs Murray is Widdow with a large family; and I hope if you have any thing done in this Country; in Book binding say, her eldest Son, is Curious in that way; I beg pardon for being so troublesom to you and am Worthy Sir with the utmost Respect Your much Obliged, most humble Servant

M Stewart

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin / Esqr
Endorsed: Mrs Stewart
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