An opportunity offering for a visit to England, he sailed thither in May, 1766. An affectionate tribute to his merits were given before his sailing by the Trustees, which would serve him as a special academic letter of credit in his proposed travels; before separating from the Commencement exercises of 20 May, 1766, their Minutes recite: After the Business of the Commencement was finished, it was resolved, that as Francis Hopkinson, Esqr, (who was the first Scholar entered in this Seminary and its opening, and likewise one of the first who received a Degree) was about to embark for England, and has done Honour to the Place of his Education by his abilities and good morals, as well as rendered it many substantial Services on all public occasions, the Thanks of this Institution ought to be delivered to him in the most affectionate and respectable manner. And Mr Stedman and the Provost are desired to communicate the same to Mr. Hopkinson accordingly and to wish him a safe and prosperous Voyage. In London, which he reached late in July, he expected to meet Franklin, his father's friend, but the latter was then in Germany. In intercourse with the Bishop of Worcester his relative and with Benjamin West in London, he passed many happy days 6 and remained in that city until June, 1767. He returned home in August following. Marrying in 1768 a daughter of Joseph Borden, jr., of Bordentown, he resided half of the year at that place, until his interests grew there and those in Philadelphia lessened, and in 1774 was called to a seat in the Provincial Council of New Jersey. But the current for Liberty took him along, and he threw himself into the movement for independence, and became a member from New Jersey of the new Congress, and on 2 July, 1776, voted in favor of the Resolution 6 He writes thence to Dr. Franklin from " Hartlebury Castle, May 3ist, 1767.
"My dear Sir " I have once more the Pleasure of writing to you from this delightful Place; where, I thank God, I enjoy perfect Health and all the Pleasures the Country can afford. Time rolls away in the most agreeable Manner imaginable: Reading, walking, riding, Music, Drawing, &c, season the Hours with much calm and rational Pleasure; and to crown all, the good Bishop and Mr. Johnson treat me with all possible Affection and Kindness. Yet after all (such is my Partiality for dear Philada. and my Friends there) that I must say it is with great Delight I look forward to the Time of my Embarkation." Addressed " Dr Franklin, at Mr Stevenson's Craven Street, London." MS. letter in the American Philosophical Society Collection.
