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Benjamin Franklin Autograph Letter Signed. ...
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Description
Just months after one of his greatest political victories, the repeal of the Stamp Act, Franklin consoles a mother on the loss of her son
Benjamin Franklin Autograph Letter Signed. One page of a
bifolium with integral address leaf, 7.875 x 12.625 inches, London;
November 20, 1766. This letter was penned just months after one
of Franklin's greatest political victories, the successful repeal
of the Stamp Act before Parliament, even though the American
colonies continued drifting toward their inexorable rebellion.
While still living in England, Franklin wrote to "Mrs. A[nn]
Penn to the Care of Edw[ar]d Scriven, Esq." in
Dublin, to offer his condolences on the death of her young son, who
Franklin touchingly refers to as "my amiable young Friend!"
Docketed on the verso."I waive the common topics of consolation used on these Occasions... and I know besides, by Experience, that the best Remedy for Grief, is Time."
Franklin writes, in part: "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: - His last Will is only the last Instance of the affectionate dutiful Regard he always paid you, and of a piece with the rest. 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 occurr'd of themselves; and I know besides, by Experience, that the best Remedy for Grief, is Time. I shall as you desire transmit the Account & copy of the Will to Mr. Pennington. The Power of Attorney you send him must be acknowledg'd or prov'd before the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and should be drawn with an express Clause enabling him to sell Lands... If in any thing there or here I can do you acceptable Service, it will be a Pleasure to receive your Commands..." Signed, "B Franklin."
Ann [Vaux] Penn was a member of the prominent Quaker family and widow of William Penn the Third (1702/3-1746/7), a grandson of Pennsylvania's founder, William Penn (1644-1718). The story of William and Ann's complicated marriage is as mysterious as it is intriguing. The specifics are unknown, but after a few years of marriage and the birth of one son, Springett (1738-1766), Ann absconded from their home and William attempted to secure a divorce. Although unsuccessful, he appears to have maintained sole care of his son until his death in 1746/7. At this point, William's estate, along with the young Springett, fell under the control of his uncle, Thomas Penn, the colonial governor of Pennsylvania and long-time thorn in Franklin's side. It is not known exactly how Franklin fell in with Ann and Springett, but they appear to have appealed to him sometime in the early 1760s, requesting he intercede on their behalf after Thomas proved particularly reticent to turn over Springett's estate after he reached his majority. Franklin took up the case keenly, undoubtedly eager for any chance to help expose what he considered skullduggery on the governor's part, but the story took a tragic turn when Springett died of tuberculosis, as evidenced here, before the case was decided.
The Mr. Pennington mentioned by Franklin is presumably Edward Pennington, a Philadelphia attorney and judge managing Springett's substantial assets in America. In his will, Springett named his mother the sole beneficiary to his estate, which explains Franklin's instructions concerning a power of attorney and Mr. Pennington. However, Ann did not long outlive her son. She died just four months later, further complicating the already entangled suit, and it slowly meandered through the courts for the remainder of the eighteenth century before it was finally settled in 1800.
A touching and compassionate letter with fantastic associations, penned by Franklin at a pivotal moment in American history. It is published in The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, volume IV, on pages 466-7.
Condition: Tipped to a mounting sheet measuring 9.625" x 14.625". Neatly silked on blank pages [2] and [3]. Minor paper loss at blank intersections and marginally edgewear discreetly repaired on pages [2] and [3]. Two slight areas of loss to address leaf from seal removal upon opening filled in by silking. Some minor scattered soiling and foxing. With red wax seal remnants and pencil notation to address leaf. Tipped to the verso of the mounting sheet is a photographic copy of Franklin's manuscript epitaph.
References: Jenkins, H. M., "The Family of William Penn", The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 1898, pages 171-195; National Archives, "From Benjamin Franklin to Ann Penn, 20 November 1766", Founders Online.
Provenance: Christie's, June 11, 2015, lot 29; Christie's, December 9, 1998, lot 79; Thomas F. Madigan, 1924; Stan V. Henkels, January 17, 1924, lot 193; Frances M. F. Donnel of Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
Auction Info
2022 December 1 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6267 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2022
1st
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