Читать книгу The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Volume 9 - Бенджамин Франклин - Страница 24

Passy, 21 November, 1781.

Gentlemen:—

Enclosed is the answer you desire to the letter sent me from Königsberg. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, etc.,

B. Franklin.

Passy, 21 November, 1781.

Madam:—

I received the letter you did me the honor of writing to me the 26th of last month; in answer to which I ought to inform you, that I was born in America, now near seventy-six years since, that I never was in Ireland till the year 1772, which was for a few weeks only, and I did not pass thence to America with any person of my name, but returned to England; nor had I ever any knowledge of the John Franklin you mention. I have exact accounts of every person of my family since the year 1555, when it was established in England, and am certain that none of them but myself since that time was ever in Ireland. The name of Franklin is common among the English of the two nations, but there is a number of different families who bear it, and who have no relation to each other. It would be a pleasure to me to discover a relation in Europe, possessing the amiable sentiments expressed in your letter. I assure you I should not disown the meanest. I should also be glad if I could give you a satisfactory account of your family; but I really know nothing of them. I have therefore not the honor of being related to them, but I have that of being, madam, yours, etc.,

B. Franklin.