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The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 3 [of 3] cover

The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 3 [of 3]

Chapter 37: FOOTNOTE:
By Benjamin Franklin
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About This Book

The volume collects political essays, reports, and correspondence addressing colonial governance and defense, including proposals for intercolonial union, debates over taxation and representation, and a review of Pennsylvania's constitution. It presents papers tracing the causes and escalation of the colonial crisis, accounts of parliamentary encounters and conciliatory efforts, and commentary on military and diplomatic developments. Subsequent pieces describe settlement on the continent, relations with Indigenous peoples, and practical guidance for prospective migrants. A substantial section offers moral and economical maxims and practical advice for daily life, and the book closes with a federal convention speech and assorted letters, proposals, and short literary pieces.

Attempts of Dr. Franklin for Conciliation of Great Britain with the Colonies.[96]

London, Nov. 28, 1768.

Dear Sir,

I received your obliging favour of the 12th instant. Your sentiments of the importance of the present dispute between Great Britain and the colonies, appear to me extremely just. There is nothing I wish for more than to see it amicably and equitably settled.

But Providence will bring about its own ends by its own means; and if it intends the downfal of a nation, that nation will be so blinded by its pride, and other passions, as not to see its danger, or how its fall may be prevented.

Being born and bred in one of the countries, and having lived long and made many agreeable connexions of friendship in the other, I wish all prosperity to both: but I have talked, and written so much and so long on the subject, that my acquaintance are weary of hearing, and the public of reading any more of it, which begins to make me weary of talking and writing; especially as I do not find that I have gained any point, in either country, except that of rendering myself suspected, by my impartiality; in England, of being too much an American, and in America of being too much an Englishman. Your opinion, however, weighs with me, and encourages me to try one effort more, in a full, though concise state of facts, accompanied with arguments drawn from those facts; to be published about the meeting of parliament, after the holidays.

If any good may be done I shall rejoice; but at present I almost despair.

Have you ever seen the barometer so low as of late?

The 22d instant mine was at 28, 41, and yet the weather fine and fair.

With sincere esteem, I am, dear friend,

Yours, affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

FOOTNOTE:

[96] I cannot pretend to say what is the publication promised in this letter; unless it alludes to the one given above at p. 225; in which case there is a mistake in the date of the year. B. V.