Lot 92
Franklin, Benjamin. Partial autograph letter signed ("B. Franklin"), one page, 7½ x 3¾ in. (docket in hand of 19th century editor Jared Sparks gives place and date as London, May 7, 1774). Over 60 words in Franklin's hand to his wife Deborah: "We daily expect vessels from Philadelphia, which will bring me I hope good News from you, and a little more of the history of our Grandsons, of whom I long to hear, & whom I long to See, as well as to be once more with you by our own Fireside. I am ever, my dear Debby, your affectionate Husband B. Franklin. Love to all the Baches. " Franklin never saw Debby again. She died December 19th. Benjamin and Deborah's only surviving child was Sally, who married Richard Bache and had eight children with him. Benjamin also had an illegitimate son, William, who was acknowledged and raised in the Franklin household and who was the last colonial governor of New Jersey. Father and son became estranged over the American Revolution; Franklin never forgave his son for being a Loyalist.
The Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Yale University), shows this letter as the third last letter Franklin wrote to Deborah before her death on Dec. 19, 1774. From 1757, when Franklin traveled to London as a representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, until Deborah's death, they were apart most of the time because Deborah's fear of sea travel prevented her from travelling abroad. They did not see each other for the last nine years of her life, but they corresponded extensively throughout the years they were apart.
It is of interest that The Papers of Benjamin Franklin does not have the content of this portion of Franklin's letter to Deborah. Jared Sparks, who was the editor of the writings of George Washington and pioneer collector of autographs pertaining to the American Revolution, was known for clipping signatures from documents and cutting historical letters and documents into pieces, which he gave to autograph seekers. The most egregious example is Washington's undelivered first inaugural speech, which Sparks cut into fragments and gave away as examples of George Washington's writing. We assume his reasoning was the same in fragmenting this letter of Franklin's, this being the major and signed portion of the letter.
The year 1774 was a dangerous and tumultuous year for Franklin. He was declared a "perfect enigma" to the British ministry which believed that he "possessed the coveted secret" regarding "the intentions of the defiant colonists." Additionally, there was the Hutchinson Papers brouhaha. Under the threat of arrest and a possible trial, Franklin returned to Philadelphia in May 1775. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was involved in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. When he was sent to France in 1776 as one of three commissioners, his fame as an internationally acclaimed scientist preceded him and his simple dress and demeanor added to his popularity. Ever the consumate diplomat, Franklin was primarily responsible for the financial and military aid given by France to America and without which the fledgling United States would not have won the war. Estimated Value $14,000 - 18,000
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