Auction details
9:00 AM PT - Nov 19th, 2008
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PETERS, Richard. Autograph letter signed by Peters to James Logan, asking that the bearer be given the "Minutes of Property which I forgot to take with me (& the other Books)" and tentatively arranging to come and see Logan's "new Books & the silk worms" on the following Friday. Philadelphia: 15 June 1749. 1 p., single sheet (192 x 160 mm). Docketed and annotated on the verso by Logan and others, including a listing by Logan of seven medical books. Condition: minor browning and staining, old folds. an interesting letter touching on the two most important subjects to james logan's life: the penn proprietorship and his library. Peters (1704-1776) came to Philadelphia in 1735 and began a close relationship with Logan in the remaining years of his life. Peters became the Secretary of the Land Office as well as Clerk, and later a member, of the Council. He was instrumental in founding the University of Pennsylvania with Benjamin Franklin, as well as serving as an early director of the Library Company. The reference to silk worms is interesting. Logan had sought to introduce the silk industry into Pennsylvania as early as 1725 (in a letter to the Proprietors), realizing it to be a potential financial windfall as well as easy to cultivate considering the numerous native Mulberry trees. However, it would not be until the 1770s that such an industry would develop. This reference records what appears to be the earliest known introduction of silk worms into Pennsylvania. Likely by no coincidence, Franklin's Poor Richard for 1749 includes an essay on silk worms. ImagesClick on thumbnails to see larger images: 
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