Letter from Thomas Penn to William Smith, Oct. 24, 1755

Creator:

Penn, Thomas, 1702-1775 (creator)

Name:

Smith, William, 1727-1803

Date:

1755-10-24

Description:

Penn acknowledges the receipt of several letters. He is very pleased of the account given by Smith of the press of the schools. Penn approves of the Governor’s changes to the charter of the Academy and gives Smith his support as the head of the school expecting to do everything in his power to continue to promote Smith’s position. Penn further discussed the state of the German Schools. He offers his manor in Bucks County for the benefit of the College and has granted a Church Lot in accordance with Smith’s wishes. Despite his generosity Penn warns he must be careful to promote the school without jeopardizing the legacy of his children. Penn returns to the religious affairs of the Germans, in particular the Lutherans and Calvinist ministers. Penn’s relationship with Benjamin Franklin is discussed as Penn is not happy with Franklin’s role in the schools or in the Pennsylvania Assembly. Penn encourages Smith to continue to send news of Franklin’s activities. Penn is sending money to the public in hopes to quell objections to taxation and quitrents. Further discussion is given to the right to appoint a governor and the privileges granted by the charter of privileges to his father. Julianna and Thomas had another son and hope that their sons will be educated under Smith’s direction in Philadelphia.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

7 p. (4 leaves); 22 cm.

Geographic Subject:

United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia

Rights:

https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Notes:

See full finding aid at: https://archives.upenn.edu/collections/finding-aid/upt50s664/

Physical Location:

UPT50 S664 Box 1, Folder 46

Collection:

William Smith Papers (University Archives); Penn in the Age of Franklin (University of Pennsylvania)