From William Hodgson (unpublished)
London 17 March 1784
Dear sir

I received yours of the 11th Instant as also a preceeding Letter inclosing Dr. Weans Diploma, which I forwarded to him immediately, as I have also that to Dr. Withering and shall discharge the Draft in his favor when presented.

Church Bells are sold by weight ½ lb or £6 13s. 8d. per Cwt. when wanted, the weight of the Tenor Bell must be given and then the weight of the Peal may be easily computed from 5 to 12—the Stocks and Wheels are separate Charges and on an Average are about £7 per Bell. The Exportation of Bells is prohibited (for what reason God knows) but leave may be obtained to export them upon application to the Treasury for a Fee of about £6—on an Average the weight of a Peal of Bells, more or less in No. is about 4 Times the weight of the Tenor, and there is no difference in the price per Cwt. if the Peal be 6 or 12. Light or heavy Bells—a Peal of 6 Bells supposing the Tenor to weigh 12 Cwt. will weigh about 48 Cwt. and the Expence according to the above will be £366 12s.

I am very sorry I have not yet had it in my Power to furnish you with the Information respecting the Ships sent into Bergen and I must fear I never shall be able to procure it, my Correspondent at Liverpool cannot learn any thing about the amount of Insurance.

I thank you for your Compliment on my Success against the Secretarys of State—it was your Information (that the paper [passes?] were delivered gratis,) that determined me to try the Cause, the Money must now all be refunded ’twill make a great saving to the Merchants, I believe more than I stated it at, for I believe more than 200 passes were exchanged, with great and Sincere respect I am Dear sir your most Obedient Humble Servant

William Hodgson

p.s. If you were to be wafted into this Country you wou’d think we were all run mad, stark staring mad for prerogative and our Loyalty and adoration for the best and most glorious of Kings, exceeds a French man’s Vive le Roi—The Ton is, Honor the King—despise Parliament—especially the Commons—and what is scarcely endible the Dissenters all most all join the Cry. I met your old Friend Dr. Price, yesterday, he has got an high a prerogative Favor upon him as the verist page of the back Stairs—in my poor Judgment they are stabbing the Constitution to the Heart.
Addressed: To / His Excellency Benj. Franklin Esqr / Passy near / Paris
Endorsed: Wm. Hodgson, 17 Mars. 1784 W. Hodgson
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