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FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Autograph letter signed (“B Franklin”) to Mrs. Ann Penn, London, 20 November 1766. 1 full page, folio, 322 x 200mm. (12 ¾ x 7 7/8 in.), with integral address leaf, postmarks and remnants of wax seal, partial panel addressed by Franklin to “Mrs. A. Penn, / to the care of Edward Scriven Esq. / Dawson Street, / Dublin.” Blank versos discreetly silked, otherwise in excellent condition.
CONDOLENCES FROM FRANKLIN, THE SAME YEAR HE SECURED THE REPEAL OF THE STAMP ACT. A letter written some six months after one of Franklin's greatest political victories (although the American colonies' continued their inexorable drift into rebellion): the repeal of the hated Stamp Act by Parliament. Franklin had played a conspicuous role, arguing that the tax was not only impractical, but would drive a wedge between the mother country and its colonies. Here, Franklin offers condolences to Ann Penn, a member of the Quaker family, founders of Pennsylvania colony, on the death of her son Springett from tuberculosis: "Dear Madam...I...console with you most sincerely on the loss of your Son--my amiable young Friend! It must be a heavy loss to you - For he was truly a good child...I waive the common topics of consolation used on these occasions. I know that to a person of your good understanding they must all have occurred of themselves; and I know besides, by experience, that the best remedy for grief, is time." He goes on to advise in the execution of the son's will: "I shall as you desire transmit the account and copy of the Will to Mr. Pennington. The Power of Attorney you send him must be acknowledged or proved before the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and should be drawn with an express clause enabling him to sell Lands." He offers more advice on the process, then concludes: "If in any thing there or here I can do you acceptable Service, it will be a Pleasure to receive your Commands..."
CONDOLENCES FROM FRANKLIN, THE SAME YEAR HE SECURED THE REPEAL OF THE STAMP ACT. A letter written some six months after one of Franklin's greatest political victories (although the American colonies' continued their inexorable drift into rebellion): the repeal of the hated Stamp Act by Parliament. Franklin had played a conspicuous role, arguing that the tax was not only impractical, but would drive a wedge between the mother country and its colonies. Here, Franklin offers condolences to Ann Penn, a member of the Quaker family, founders of Pennsylvania colony, on the death of her son Springett from tuberculosis: "Dear Madam...I...console with you most sincerely on the loss of your Son--my amiable young Friend! It must be a heavy loss to you - For he was truly a good child...I waive the common topics of consolation used on these occasions. I know that to a person of your good understanding they must all have occurred of themselves; and I know besides, by experience, that the best remedy for grief, is time." He goes on to advise in the execution of the son's will: "I shall as you desire transmit the account and copy of the Will to Mr. Pennington. The Power of Attorney you send him must be acknowledged or proved before the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and should be drawn with an express clause enabling him to sell Lands." He offers more advice on the process, then concludes: "If in any thing there or here I can do you acceptable Service, it will be a Pleasure to receive your Commands..."