English Library is a good one, and we have belonging to it a middling apparatus for experimental philosophy, and purpose speedily to complete it The Loganian Library, one of the best collections in America, will shortly be opened; so that neither books nor instruments will be wanting; and, as we are determined always to give good salaries, we have reason to believe we may have always an opportunity of choosing good masters; upon which, indeed, the success of the whole depends. We are obliged to you for your kind offer in this respect; and, when you are settled in England, we may occasionally make use of your friendship and judgment.] If it suits your conveniency u to visit Philadelphia before your return to Europe, I shall be extremely glad to see and converse with you here, as well as to correspond with you after your settlement in England. For an acquaintance and communication with men of learning, virtue and public spirit, is one of my greatest enjoyments. I do not know whether you ever happened to see the first proposals I made for erecting this Academy. I send them enclosed. They had, however imperfect, the desired success, being followed by a subscription of four thousand pounds towards carrying them into execution. And, as we are fond of receiving advice, and are daily improving by experience, I am in hopes, we shall, in a few years, see a perfect institution. I am, very respectfully, &c B. Franklin. In a fortnight Franklin took up his pen to write Smith further on his College of Mirania. In this case as the letter is longer than the draft, we quote it entire from Smith's Life and Correspondence, merely noting at foot the verbal changes and the point of addition. 12 Philadelphia 3 May 1753 Sir: Mr. Peters 1S has just now been with me, and we have compared notes on your new piece. We find nothing in the scheme of education, however excellent, but what is in our opinion very practicable. The great difficulty will be, to find the Aratus, and other suitable persons in New York, to carry u it into execution; but such may be had if proper encouragement be given. We have both received great pleasure in the perusal of it. For my part, I know not when I have read a piece that has more affected me; so noble and just are the sentiments, so warm and 11 The letter reads: " if it suits you to visit Philadelphia." M Smith, i. 23. 13 In a letter of this date Richard Peters writes to Thomas Penn, "I desire your acceptance of a Book on Education sent me by the Author, Mr. William Smith, Tutor to Col. Martin's children on Long Island, an acquaintance of the Archbishop of Canterbury."
14 In New York not in draft.
