To J. M. S. Birckenstock (unpublished)
Philadelphia Feb. 15. 1788
Sir,

I received, but many Months after its Date, the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me, accompany’d with several Copies of the Monument, more durable than one of Brass, which your Genius has erected for the great Frederic. I have distributed them as you desired, and I have the Pleasure of informing you that the Piece is highly esteem’d and admired by our best Judges in Works of that kind. I am much obliged by your polite Expressions of Regard for me; and your Prayers in my Behalf. We have nothing here in the literary Way worth sending to you, so that I must forever remain your Debtor. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be Sir, Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin

M. Birckenstock Conseillor Anlique    de S. M. l’Empereur
[In the margin in another hand:] “Opera poetica der Ho    v. Berkenstock friedrich der Grosse
Endorsed: Prés: à Vienne 18. Juillet 1788.
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