Edward Newenham to John Adams

Though I have not the honor of being personaly Known to you, I flatter myself that you will readily Excuse the Liberty of this Letter from an old & intimate friend of Dr Franklin’s—The Various paragraphs in the British & Irish papers of this day, have caused no Small uneasiness in this family, most of whom are very entimate with that great & Vertuous Man, Dr Franklin; these paragraphs, State, that the Vessel he was on Board, was wrecked on the Coast of the Island of Madeira, & that he & the whole Crew perished—I hope to have the honor of receiving better News from your Excellency by the return of the post—

I had the honor of a Letter from General Washington dated Mt. Vernon 28th July, which mentions his & Mrs. Washingtons being in good health; and that Mr Jay is very well; I am under many obligations to those respectable Characters—

Hoping for the favor of your Answer— / I have the Honor, to remain, / your Excellencys / Most obt: & Very / Humble Sert.