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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 55: FOOTNOTES:
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.

State of America on Dr. Franklin's Arrival there.

Philadelphia, May 16, 1775.

Dear Friend[140],

You will have heard before this reaches you, of a march stolen by the regulars into the country by night, and of their expedition back again. They retreated 20 miles in [6] hours.

The governor had called the assembly to propose Lord North's pacific plan, but, before the time of their meeting, began cutting of throats.—You know it was said he carried the sword in one hand, and the olive branch in the other; and it seems he chose to give them a taste of the sword first.

He is doubling his fortifications at Boston, and hopes to secure his troops till succour arrives. The place indeed is naturally so defensible, that I think them in no danger.

All America is exasperated by his conduct, and more firmly united than ever. The breach between the two countries is grown wider, and in danger of becoming irreparable.

I had a passage of six weeks, the weather constantly so moderate that a London wherry might have accompanied us all the way. I got home in the evening, and the next morning was unanimously chosen by the assembly a delegate to the congress, now sitting.

In coming over, I made a valuable philosophical discovery, which I shall communicate to you when I can get a little time. At present am extremely hurried.

*             *             *             *             *             *

Yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

FOOTNOTES:

[140] I run much risque in the publication of the three following letters[141]; but I think they contain such valuable facts, and show so well the nature of Dr. Franklin's temper, that I ought to encounter some difficulty, rather than suffer them to be lost. B. V.

[141] The other two letters will be found in the order of their dates, July 7, and Oct. 3, 1775. Editor.