I embrace this opportunity, by Monsr: Armison, to ask your Excellency how you do before you leave Europe? As I hear that you are going to America.

I was very sorry, when Mr. Franklin, your Grandson, was over here, that I had not an opportunity of paying him that respect which was his due, owing to the then state of my Dr: Mrs. B’s health, who wished much to have paid him her respects. Now alas! She is no more, and I am deprived not of a Wife, but of a sincere judicious and Bosom Friend and Counsellor—such is the Lott of Humanity!

I should be made very happy if I knew that you enjoyed a tolerable share of health? May you Sir go gently down the Vale when you are called hence, and give Me an happy Meeting where the Wicked cease from troubling and the Weary are at Rest!

I have lately received several Letters from our Worthy Friend Lawrens who is very well, And busily employed “in collecting and arranging the Crumbs the British Troops have left him”. He having refused all honours, for the present, not that he means to decline all public business when he has brought his Affairs into a train.

Notwithstanding your Friendly interesting yourself in My Favour The State of No Carolina hath not only confiscated My Estate there but also my Debts tho: the Assembly where inclined to have left my Name out of the Confiscation list, The Senate would not, and I belive that My property will soon be sold unless some weighty interference is made which I can hardly ask of your Excellency to make.

I beg my best respects may be presented to your Grandson and be assured that I am My Dear Sir Your faithful, obliged, and Affectionate