William Caslon to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
London June 20: 1780.
Dear Sir

Your Favor came safe to hand. I have Received the Box of Pomatum, but waited Till this time before I answered your Letter in hopes of being able to procure You the 2 Pamphlets You wrote for, but have enquired of many Booksellers and cannot get them, the other Books I have bought long since, & you will Receive them from Mr: Alexander, by whom I shall send them, as also this Letter. I will enquire however of the Book Stall Keepers, and if they are to be had,I will send them to You by the first Opportunity I find of a Private Conveyance. The Difference of Purchase of yours and mine, shall be paid on Demand, by Me to whom, You give an Order to Receive it. When I know what it is, I will write You, the Particulars. I have often seen Mr. Lloyd and his Lady, who is most truly Elegant and Amiable, if they are not set off, they very soon are, for America.

Mr Woodmason and Myself, have quite lost the Order for Voltaires Works. they have behaved very far from the Character of Gentleman, or Tradesman the loss I forsay will be great to the Proprieters as, had they had my Types, & English Paper from Woodmason, the Connection we both have with the London and other Capital Booksellers, would have been the Means of selling many Coppies in England. I have an Uncle, who is one of the most Capital Booksellers in London, and I am very certain he would have taken many Copies, and encouraged the Work all in his Power, but the Contrary will now take Place, from every Quarter, every Opposition which can be, will most certainly be taken. Barkerfields Types are not in the least approved of by the Printers or Booksellers in England, they will not Print with them, and we all know English Paper is by much the best. You mention that I shall soon hear from your Grand Father, which believe Me will give me infinite Pleasure, and I beg You will assure him, that every attention in my Power shall be paid to every Order he may be Pleased to give Me. We all hope he enjoys his Health well. the Bishops Family are not in Town, when last I did myself the Honor of calling upon them. Miss Shiply told Me, she had her Father’s Picture to Paint herself, and which she should send to your good Grand father, and beged my advice how to convey it, I told her if she would inform Me when it was finished, I would use all my Skill to convey it, which I thought I could with your Books, but I have not heard from her.

All our Family desire to be kindly Remembered to your Grand father, in the Sincerest Manner, as also to Yourself. Mrs Caslon Particularly joins, as does Mr: Woodmason. I fell in Company the other Day with our old Master, Elphinston who is grown thinner than he was when we were with him, and he is very Poor. Tho he still puts a Bag to his Wig, and has that look of seeming Consequence, he always wore. Adieu! may every Blessing attend your Good Grandfather & Yourself, is believe Me, the Sincerest Wish of Your truly Affectionate Friend

William Caslon

Addressed: William Temple Franklin Esqr: / at / His Excellency Benjamin Franklin’s Esqr: / Passy / near / Paris: / Favor / Mr Alexander / June 20: 1780:
Endorsed: (Mislaid,) Ansd 15 Sep. 80—Mr W. Caslon 20 June 1780. ansd 15 Sep 80—
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