FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790). Autograph letter signed (“B. Franklin”) to Henry Home, Lord Kames (1696-1782), Coventry, 27 September 1760.

FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790). Autograph letter signed (“B. Franklin”) to Henry Home, Lord Kames (1696-1782), Coventry, 27 September 1760.

Two pages, 227 x 184mm.

Franklin’s hoped-for reunion with Lord Kames is dashed by pressing business concerning the Penn family in London. Writing during a journey that he hoped would include a visit to Lord Kames in Scotland, and would “if we could have left London early in the Summer. But the Litigation between our Province and its Proprietor, in which we were engag’d, confin’d us in London until the middle of this Month. That case is indeed at length ended, and in a great degree to our Satisfaction; but by its continuing so long, we are disappointed in our Hopes of spending some more happy Days at Kaims, with you and your amiable Family.” Franklin had been involved in a lengthy case before the Privy Council Committee for Plantation Affairs regarding the taxation of proprietary estates, a point of contention in the Supply Act of 1759, the proprietors resisting taxation by the Pennsylvania assembly or by the British Parliament. In a footnote, Franklin states that he is enclosing the "chapter", referring to "Parable against Persecution". Published in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, ed. L. W. Labaree, vol. 9, pp. 231-2. Provenance: sold by the descendants of Lord Kames, Christie's, 29 June 1995, lot 505.

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY FROM THE ROGER D. JUDD COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL LETTERS, DOCUMENTS & MANUSCRIPTS