FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790). Autograph note signed ("B Franklin"), to Col. Nathaniel Sparhawk. Philadelphia, 15 June 1748.  

1 page, 8vo, creased with minor separations and tiny losses along folds, matted and framed. Provenance: Tobias Ham Miller; by descent to Helen Pearson; acquired from her estate by Joseph W. P. Frost.

In full: "I receiv'd yours per Mr. Baynton with the Money as therein specified; and have since deliver'd it to Mr. Warren (who is now here) with Mr. Pepperill's Letter; of which please advise Mr. Pepperill. I am Sir, Your most humble Servant." Franklin writes Nathaniel Sparhawk (1715-1776), merchant at Portsmouth and Boston and son-in-law of Sir William Pepperell, regarding funds to be sent to Louisbourg on behalf of the Province of Pennsylvania, of which Franklin is the Treasurer. "Baynton" is likely Philadelphia merchant John Baynton (1726-1773), and "Mr. Pepperill" is likely Andrew Pepperrell, business partner of his father Sir William.   According to the Papers of Benjamin Franklin, "Warren" has not been identified, but a typescript note by a previous owner of the document identifies him as Admiral Sir Peter Warren, first governor of Louisbourg under English command.    

According to the previous owner's account, Tobias Ham Miller had this note attached to the first printing press in New Hampshire, which had been bought by Fowle from James Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's brother. That press was apparently the press on which Franklin received his printing apprenticeship, and the letter was obtained by Miller from the Sparhawk or Pepperrell mansion while he was minister of the Congregational Church at Kittery Point ca 1838. Published in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin.  


Property from the Frost Family Collection, New Hampshire