Hello All:

I was asked(PMed) regarding the Ben Franklin letter I posted whether,

1st, was it a joke, to which I reply, not on my part; it appears legitimate:

http://personal.pitnet.net/primarysources/mistress.html

2nd, to whom the letter was written, I cannot answer, as you will see if you follow any of the associated links. My suspicion being ol' Ben was being discrete in addressing the letter 'My dear Friend';

3rd, as yet I have found no indication as to whether the friend replied, but I am looking. I may write the cartaker of this site as questions are said to be encouraged.

http://personal.pitnet.net/primarysources/ is the primary source page

the Old Mistresses Apologue is found about 2/3 of the way down the page in the Ben section The first link in the Ben section: http://www.historycarper.com/resources/twobf2/contents.htm

which appears to lead to the complete writings of Franklin confirms that ol' Ben deserves some credit in the writing of the song, Older Women'.

Finally, googling, 'the Old Mistresses Apologue' will lead to all sorts of support as to its originality. Unfortunately, I haven't found any information to speak to the mysteries of questions 2 or 3.

Certainly I too would be interested if anyone has any follow up.

And David, I did follow up on your suggestion. Sadly I have found nothing that was actually conclusive, but nonetheless, the suggestion is widely supported if unconfirmed, and it made for some very interesting reading generally. Fact, or probable fact in this instance, is so often so much more curious than fiction, lol, thanks.

Montag