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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 80: 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.

TO THE EARL OF BUCHAN[161].

Concerning new Settlements in America.

Passy, March 17, 1783.

My Lord,

I received the letter your lordship did me the honour of writing to me the 18th past, and am much obliged by your kind congratulations on the return of peace, which I hope will be lasting.

With regard to the terms on which lands may be acquired in America, and the manner of beginning new settlements on them, I cannot give better information than may be found in a book lately printed at London, under some such title as—Letters from a Pensylvanian Farmer, by Hector St. John. The only encouragement we hold out to strangers are, a good climate, fertile soil, wholesome air and water, plenty of provisions and food, good pay for labour, kind neighbours, good laws, and a hearty welcome. The rest depends on a man's own industry and virtue. Lands are cheap, but they must be bought. All settlements are undertaken at private expence; the public contributes nothing but defence and justice. I have long observed of your people, that their sobriety, frugality, industry and honesty, seldom fail of success in America, and of procuring them a good establishment among us.

I do not recollect the circumstance you are pleased to mention, of my having saved a citizen at St. Andrew's by giving a turn to his disorder; and I am curious to know, what the disorder was, and what the advice I gave, that proved so salutary[162]. With great regard I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,

B. FRANKLIN.

FOOTNOTES:

[161] From the Gentleman's Magazine, for July, 1794, to which it was communicated by the nobleman to whom it is addressed. Editor.

[162] It was a fever in which the Earl of Buchan, then lord Cadross, lay sick at St. Andrew's; and the advice was, not to blister, according to the old practice and the opinion of the learned Dr. Simson, brother of the celebrated geometrician at Glasgow.     B.