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

Chapter 95: FOOTNOTE:

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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.

New Mode of Lending Money.[178]

Paris, April 22, 1784.

I send you herewith a bill for ten louis d'ors. I do not pretend to give such a sum. I only lend it to you. When you shall return to your country, you cannot fail getting into some business, that will in time enable you to pay all your debts. In that case, when you meet with another honest man in similar distress, you must pay me by lending this sum to him, enjoining him, to discharge the debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with such another opportunity. I hope it may thus go through many hands before it meet with a knave to stop its progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a good deal with a little money. I am not rich enough to afford much in good works, and so am obliged to be cunning and make the most of a little.

B. FRANKLIN.

FOOTNOTE:

[178] From the Gentleman's Magazine, for September, 1797; communicated by the gentleman who received it. Editor.