Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Partridge, [7 October 1755]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Partridge, Richard

On October 25 Franklin wrote Richard Partridge, London agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly and for other colonies, saying in the opening sentence that he was enclosing a copy of an earlier letter sent by Captain Joy (see below, p. 230). Neither the original letter sent by Joy nor the copy sent on the 25th has been found, but parts of what is believed to have been that letter survive in extracts made by Partridge for two different purposes. He quoted two sentences in a letter of November 18 to Henry Fox, secretary at war and about to become secretary of state, prefacing his quotation with “And yesterday I received a Letter from one of the Assembly of Pennsylvania of the 7th of October wherein he advises me in these words vizt.” The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 9, had reported that the ship Marlborough, Capt. Daniel Joy, had lately cleared for London. Partridge included the second extract in the argument he prepared about February 1756 for the Board of Trade on behalf of the Assembly opposing a petition to bar Quakers from service in colonial assemblies. Though the beginning of this extract is missing in the copy of the argument found among the Franklin Papers, its author is clearly identified as Franklin in the sentence that follows it. The agent also cited Franklin’s letter of November 27 (see below, p. 273), asserted that the Quaker Assembly was perfectly willing to pass necessary military legislation founded on equitable taxation, and concluded with quotations from letters by Isaac Norris and William Callender, who with Franklin composed the Assembly’s Committee of Correspondence. It cannot be definitely proved that Franklin was the author of the extract Partridge dated October 7, or that the extract he did attribute to Franklin was written on that date, but the probability is great that they are both parts of the letter he sent by Captain Joy. Their sequence in that letter cannot, of course, be certainly established.

I
[October 7, 1755]
The Account of Genl. Johnsons Progress must get to Hand before this; we now daily expect to hear of his Attack upon Crown Point, where it is thought he will be likely to meet no small Opposition, tho’ his late Success may Contribute to render it less so. …
We do not hear of any Disturbances on our Frontiers from the Enemy and every Thing hath been much more Pacific than we could have expected; the Virginians and Marylanders, suffered from the Indians, but nothing of that Kind, hath happened in our Province.

II
[Missing] if he had thought fit to pass the Bill— and a Militia, if we had one could not march or go on any Expedition without Money which is not to be had without passing the Bill; and as our People are already well acquainted with Fire Arms, being mostly Hunters and Marksmen, and the manual Exercise and Evolutions taught a Militia, are known by Experience to be of little or no Use in our Woodes it was thought that the going into such a Law at this time might be attended with fewer Advantages than Inconveniences.
These are the sentiments of a Majority which I think I have Stated fairly; tho’ for my own part, I am of Opinion a Militia, tho’ unfit to March on Expeditions or to prevent Mischiefs from Sculking Indians might be of Use in case of Invasion by any considerable Body of Forces.
Our Disputes as you will see by the Messages are Risen to a great hight; And the Governour having by his Indiscretions entirely lost the Confidence of the People, I apprehend that unless he be Changed, or other Instructions sent him, no Publick Business can hereafter well go forward here.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 7 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Sir
Philada. Oct. 7. 1755
Mr. Hall has wrote to you for a Fount of English, and a Fount with a Longprimer Face on a smaller Body for the Gazette, on my Account. Inclosed is a Bill for £109 8s. 4d. Sterling, drawn on the Revd. Mr. Saml. Chandler, which I doubt not will be readily paid. I know not well how my Account stands with you, and should be glad to see it: But suppose this Bill will leave a Ballance in your Hands, after paying for those Founts; so have taken the Freedom to draw a small Bill on you, payable to Nathll. Voogdt, and Co. Merchts. London for £2 17s. 6d. Sterling which they are to remit to Germany on a particular Occasion.
My Compliments to Mrs. Strahan, and to your promising Son, perhaps one day mine. God send our Children, however, good and suitable Matches; for I begin to feel a Parent’s Cares in that respect, and fondly wish to see them well settled before I leave them.
Adieu, my dear Friend, and believe me to be Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
P.S. The enclos’d Pamphlet is lately printed in Boston. You will find a Number of interesting Facts in it. At the End a little Piece of mine.
 Addressed: To / Mr. William Strahan / Printer / London


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Elizabeth Hubbart?], [16 October? 1755]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hubbart, Elizabeth

[October 16?, 1755]
[Missing] Altar, to be an Anvill; the two Hearts, Yours and Katy’s. And when they are welded together and made one, let that same Cupid fly with it to Your very affectionate
B Franklin
PS Mrs. Franklin happens to see this Letter before I close it, and tells me I have not rightly interpreted the Seal. She agrees that the two Hearts on the Altar represent yours and Katy’s, but the Cupid represents her Husband, and the Heart in his Hand is hers, which he takes with him where ever he goes, leaving the others for some body else. We are not like to settle this Point between us, so you must determine it.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Johnston, 16 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Johnston, William

Sir
Philada. Oct. 16. 1755
I have settled Col. Hunter’s Account and find a Ballance in my Hands of £835 0s. 3½d. Pensilvania Currency, which shall be paid to your Orders, if you find it necessary to draw on me.
I enclose you a Copy of a Letter I have just received from General Shirley, with a Copy of his Warrant to you for the Payment of such Sums to me as the Waggon Affair may require. Col. Hunter is expected here in a few Days, I suppose in his Way to meet you at New York according to his Appointment. This will delay my Journey down till he comes, as I want to see him, and fear I might miss him on the Way, not knowing on which Side of the Bay he purposes to travel. I hope when you meet, some Method will be found of transferring the Cash for Payment of these poor People, without much Trouble or Risque to him or you. I am, with much Respect, Sir, Your most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Johnston


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Ray, 16 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ray, Catharine

Dear Katy
Philadelphia Oct. 16. 1755
Your Favour of the 28th of June came to hand but the 28th of September, just 3 Months after it was written. I had, two Weeks before, wrote you a long Chat, and sent it to the Care of your Brother Ward. I hear you are now in Boston, gay and lovely as usual. Let me give you some fatherly Advice. Kill no more Pigeons than you can eat. Be a good Girl, and don’t forget your Catechise. Go constantly to Meeting—or Church—till you get a good Husband; then stay at home, and nurse the Children, and live like a Christian. Spend your spare Hours, in sober Whisk, Prayers, or learning to cypher. You must practise Addition to your Husband’s Estate, by Industry and Frugality; Subtraction of all unnecessary Expences; Multiplication (I would gladly have taught you that myself, but you thought it was time enough, and wou’dn’t learn) he will soon make you a Mistress of it. As to Division, I say with Brother Paul, Let there be no Divisions among ye. But as your good Sister Hubbard (my Love to her) is well acquainted with The Rule of Two, I hope you will become as expert in the Rule of Three; that when I have again the Pleasure of seeing you, I may find you like my Grape Vine, surrounded with Clusters, plump, juicy, blushing, pretty little rogues, like their Mama. Adieu. The Bell rings, and I must go among the Grave ones, and talk Politicks. Your affectionate Friend
B Franklin
P.S. The Plums came safe, and were so sweet from the Cause you mention’d, that I could scarce taste the Sugar.
Miss Catherine Ray.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 16 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Williams, Jonathan

Dear Cousin
Philada. Oct. 16. 1755
I sent you last Week per Capt. Dole 92 Reams of Demi Printing Paper, best, in two Cases, and 98 Ream of brown; which I hope will come safe to hand, and to a good Market. The Printing Paper to be sold at 15s. and the Brown at 6s. this Currency, the lowest. My Love to your Wife and Children. I am Your loving Uncle
B Franklin
[Crossed out:] P.S. I shall order Papers to the Ferryman you mention.
Mr. Jonan. Williams

 Addressed: To / Mr. Jonathan Williams / Mercht. / Boston / Free / B Franklin
Endorsed: Lettr: from B. Franklin Octor 16th: 1755


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Shirley, 23 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shirley, John

Sir
Philada. Oct. 23. 55
I receiv’d your Favour of the 1st Instant, with the Discharges for Ewins and Rieger. I shall take Care to observe your Directions relating to them. Please to accept my hearty Thanks for the Favour shown them. And if in any Thing I can serve you here, you will, by commanding freely, oblige yet farther, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Capt. Shirley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, 23 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shirley, William

Sir
Philada. Oct. 23. 1755.
I beg Leave to return your Excellency my sincerest and most hearty Thanks for your Letter of the 17th of September, with the Orders for Payment of the Waggon-Owners, and an Extract of your Orders to Col. Dunbar; forbidding the Enlistment of Servants and Apprentices. Acts of Justice so readily done, become great Favours, which I hope will be ever gratefully acknowledg’d by this People, in Actions as well as Words.
I have also your Favour of the 5th Instant. Govr. Morris is gone to Newcastle to meet the Assembly of the Lower Counties, so that I cannot at present see the Papers you refer me to. But I shall wait upon him in my Journey to Virginia; and if on perusing those Papers any thing seeming worth your Notice should occur to me, I shall communicate my Sentiments to you with that honest Freedom which you always approve.

This Journey, which I cannot now avoid, will deprive me of the Pleasure of Waiting on your Excellency at New-York at the Time you mention. I hear, too, that the Governor does not purpose to send any Commissioners thither but to go himself. I know not what is to be the particular Subject of your Consultations; but as I belive all your Schemes have the King’s Service (which is the Publick Good) in View, I cannot but wish them Success. Our Assembly meets the Beginning of December, when I hope to be at home again: And if any Assistance is to be required of them or of the People here, you may depend on my faithful Services, so far as my little Sphere of Influence shall extend. With the highest Esteem and Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B F
Please to accept my hearty Thanks for the Discharges of Ewins and Rieger, which I have received from Capt. Shirley.
Genll Shirley


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 25 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Collinson, Peter

Dear Sir
Philada. Oct. 25. 1755
The above is a Copy of my last. I hope you have receiv’d a Bill for £75 Sterling. I sent you the 1st per in mine of the 27th of August last, when I wrote for one of Mr. Smeaton’s New Air Pumps for the Academy. I now send another Bill for £30 Sterling on the same Account together with a List of some Philosophical Implements that will be wanted towards our Apparatus. Please to procure and send them insur’d per first Opportunity. We are already supply’d with some Instruments of this kind, but as they are borrow’d we shall be oblig’d to send for more hereafter.
Just now arriv’d in Town an Express from our Frontiers, with the bad News, that 8 Families of Pensilvanians were cut off last Week about 20 Miles above Harris’s Ferry in the new Purchase near Shamokin. Thirteen Men and Women were found scalp’d and dead; and 12 Children are missing suppos’d to be carried away. But as the People on the Frontiers have been and will be furnished with Arms and Ammunition by the Care of the Committee of Assembly, ’tis thought they will not quit their Settlements in those Parts. Some of those Indians we took for our Friends I find are suspected by their Neighbours, but, I hope, without Ground.
I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant
B F

Per Budden’s ShipMr Collinson


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Partridge, 25 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Partridge, Richard

Sir
Philada. Oct. 25. 1755
The above is a Copy of mine per Capt. Joy. Since which the new Assembly met, and chose you and Mr. Charles their Agents for the ensuing Year. The Governor offer’d nothing to the House: but they hearing occasionally that he had received some Letters of Importance relating to Indian Affairs, sent a particular Message to enquire if he had any thing of Consequence, particularly of that kind, to lay before them; and he answered that he had not. Nor did he communicate the Letters receiv’d during the preceding Session from Boston, requesting more Provisions. The House adjourned to the first of December.

In pursuance of the Vote in the September Session, a considerable Sum is subscribed here for the Supply of the Troops who are to be during the Winter on the Frontiers of N York &c. with warm Wastecoats, Stockings and Mittens as well as with Provisions; which will be speedily forwarded.
We have this Day the bad News that the Enemy have last Week surpriz’d and cut off eight Families in this Province: 13 grown Persons were killed and scalped, and 12 Children carried away. They were new Settlers at a Place called Penn’s Creek near Shamokin. This is a natural Consequence of the loose manner of Settling in these Colonies, picking here and there a good Piece of Land, and sitting down at such a distance from each other, as that a few Indians may destroy a Number of Familys one after the other, without their being even alarm’d or able to afford one another any Assistance.
The People on the Frontiers having petitioned for Arms and Ammunition for their Defence, 600 good Arms have been purchased and sent up by the Committee of Assembly with suitable Ammunition; to supply such as are without and unable to buy for themselves. And could our Bill for giving[?] £50,000 have been obtained, a great deal more might have been done for the Security of the Country in the military way, as the Disposition of the Money was by the Bill put into such Hands as have no Scruples on that head.
I hear that a Party Petition to the King against the Assembly is privately handed about to get Hands, and is to be sent over in this Ship; but I have not had a Sight of it, and can say nothing certain of the Contents. I hope the ensuing Parliament will establish an Union of the Colonies for their common Defence, which will extinguish all these uncomfortable Disputes. I am Sir, Your humble Servant
B F.
Mr. PatridgePer Budden


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 25 October 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Sir,
Philada. Oct. 25. 1755.
The above is a Copy of my last. Enclosed is the second Bill. I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Harris, 31 October 1755
From: Harris, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paxton Octor. 31st. 1755
I inclose you the Deposition of a Person the Contents you please to observe. I have not yet moved my Family, not caring to discourage others. We Expect the Enemy every hour. I have cut holes thro’ my house and kept some Men to defend the same as I had information at Shawmokin that about 40 Indians were out many days from Fort Du Quesne to destroy my House and Family and am determined to hold out to the last Extremity hoping for Protection from the Province soon. The french intend to take possession of this River soon upwards and this Body of Indians is out to burn all before them take off our Provisions &c. which if suffered will be our Ruin. It was happy I hope for us my Journey to Shamokin tho’ with much loss and fatigue for their Scheme in all probability would not have been found out till put in Execution. Our Inhabitants seem spirited up to Assist in defending themselves and if the province would take possession of this River upwards and build a strength in spite of all opposition I imagine a Number of Persons will go and Assist at their own Expence. You may depend such an Enterprize shall meet with all the Encouragement that is in the Power of Sir Your most Obedient humble servant
John Harris
P.S. I am just inform’d that Montour and some Indians will be here tomorrow with a Scalp of one of the Indians my party of Men killed the 24th Instant and that the Indians there wants a Quantity of ammunition to defend themselves but I hope if any Granted that there will be Englishmen sent to assist in using it. Sir Yours
J.H.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Read, 2 November 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Read, James

Dear Sir
Philada. [Sunday] Nov. 2. 1755. 5 aClock P.M.
I receiv’d your Letter per Mr. Tea, and one just now per Express. I am glad to hear the Arms are well got up: They are the best that we could procure, I wish they were better. But they are well fortified, will bear a good Charge, and I should imagine they may do good Service with Swan or Buck Shot, if not so fit for single Ball. I have been ill these 8 Days, confin’d to my Room and Bed most of the time, but am now getting better. I have however done what I could in sending about to purchase Arms, &c. for the Supply of the Frontiers, and can now spare you 50 more, which shall send up to-morrow, with some Flints, Lead Swan shot, and a Barrel of Gunpowder. The Arms will be under your Care and Mr. Weisers, You being Gentlemen in Commission from the Governor. Keep an Account whose Hands you put them into, let them be prudent sober and careful Men such as will not rashly hurt our Friends with them, and such as will honestly return them when Peace shall be happily restored. I sincerely commiserate the Distress of your Outsettlers. The Assembly sit to-morrow, and there is no room to doubt of their hearty Endeavours to do every necessary Thing for the Country’s Safety. I wish the same Disposition may be found in the Governor, and I hope it.
I have put off my Journey to Virginia, and you may depend on my best Services for the common Welfare, so far as my little Influence extends. I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Kinsman and humble Servant
B Franklin
My best Respects to Mr. Weiser.
900 Arms, with Ammunition have now been sent up by the Committee of Assembly to different Parts of the Frontiers.
James Read Esqr.

P.S.
Monday morng. 10 aClock
The 50 Arms now sent are all furnish’d with Staples for Sling Straps, that if the Governor should order a Troop or Company of Rangers on Horseback, the Piece may be slung at the Horseman’s Back.
  If Dogs are carried out with any Party, they should be large, strong and fierce; and every Dog led in a Slip-String, to prevent their tiring themselves by running out and in, and discovering the Party by Barking at Squirrels, &c. Only when the Party come near thick Woods and suspicious Places, they should turn out a Dog or two to search them. In Case of meeting a Party of the Enemy, the Dogs are then to be all turn’d loose and set on. They will be fresher and fiercer for having been previously confin’d, and will confound the Enemy a good deal, and be very serviceable. This was the Spanish Method.
A Party on the Scout should observe several Rules to avoid being track’d and surpriz’d in their Encampment at Night. This may be done sometimes when they come to a Creek or Run, by entering the Run, and travelling up the Stream or down the Stream in the Water a Mile or two, and then encamp. The Stream effacing the Track, and the Enemy at a loss to know whether the Party went up or down. Or suppose a Party marching from A intends to halt at B; they do not go strait to B, and stop there, but pass by at some little distance, and make a Turn which brings them thither. Then between B and C two or three Centinels are plac’d to watch the Track, and give immediate Notice at B. if they perceive any Party pass by in Pursuit, with an Account of their Number, &c. which enables the Party at B to prepare and attack them if they judge that proper, or gives them time to escape. But I add no more of this kind, recollecting that Mr. Weiser must be much better acquainted with all these things than I am. Yours, &c.
  BF.
Would it not be better for the People in each District, Township, or Neighbourhood, to collect their Families, Stock, Grain and Fodder, in some proper Place in the Neighbourhood, and make a stockado’d Enclosure, and remain there during the Winter. I say, would not this be better than leaving every thing to be destroy’d, and coming down into the thicker Settlements to beg for Subsistence?
You are to dispose of the Arms for the best Defence of the People where they are most wanted, and with the Governor’s Approbation.
½ after 12 at Noon.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, [5 November 1755]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
[November 5, 1755] Wednesday morng.
The Bearers tell me that you have promis’d to furnish them with what Arms and Ammunition they have Occasion for, provided the Assembly will engage to pay for them. If the Governor judges it for the Publick Service to spare some of the few Arms at present to be got, to a Township so far within the Settlements, (as it may be, if the People march with them to the Frontiers) I engage in behalf of the Assembly to see them paid for. Please to send me a Bill of the Quantity and Amount. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
Richd. Peters Esqr.
 Addressed: To / Richard Peters Esqr.
Endorsed: Benj Franklin 5 Novr 1755


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 11 November 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

Upon learning of Indian attacks at Penn’s Creek and other places in the Susquehanna Valley, Governor Morris summoned the Assembly for Nov. 3, 1755. He urged them to pass a militia law and provide funds for defense, although he cautioned them to “not waste your Time in offering me such Bills, as you must know … it is not in my Power to consent to.”
In the same message Morris reported that the Delawares and Shawnees had defected to the French. Assuming that ill-treatment of those Indians by Pennsylvania must be the reason they now ravaged the frontier, Quaker leaders in the Assembly secured approval of a message, November 5, asking the governor to seek the causes of the disaffection and do whatever was necessary to regain the friendship of the Indians. The same day the Assembly resolved that £60,000 be granted for the King’s use to be struck in paper bills of credit backed by a tax on all estates in the province. Franklin and five others were appointed to prepare a bill pursuant to the resolve. It was brought in the next day and was passed on November 8. The pacific message about the Indians plus the renewed effort to tax the proprietary lands sent Morris into a rage. He sent a message the same day ridiculing the Assembly for its foolish attention to grievances “of the Indians now engaged in laying waste the Country, and butchering the Inhabitants,” reproved it for passing a tax bill it knew he could not accept, and informed it that he and a quorum of his Council would leave immediately for the frontier since obviously nothing was to be gained from staying in town to deal with such a body as the Assembly. A committee which included Franklin was appointed to draft a reply, printed here.

May it please the Governor,
[November 11, 1755]
The House came together at this Time with the sincerest Dispositions to avoid, if possible, all Disputes with the Governor on any Account whatever. And being deeply affected with the present distressful Circumstances of the Frontier Counties, determined to do, for the publick Safety and Welfare, every Thing that could reasonably be expected from them, either as dutiful Subjects to the Crown, or Lovers of their Country.
Accordingly, on reading the Governor’s Message of the Third Instant, with the Papers accompanying the same, a Bill was immediately proposed for raising a large Sum for the King’s Service, and to strike the same in Paper Bills, and provide a Fund for sinking the Whole within five Years, as recommended by the Governor.
In the mean time, as this Colony had been founded on Maxims of Peace, and had hitherto maintained an uninterrupted Friendship with the Natives, by a strict Observation of Treaties, conferring Benefits on them from Time to Time, as well as doing them Justice on all Occasions, it could not but surprize us to hear, that our old Friends were on a sudden become our cruel Enemies. And as the Governor was pleased to tell us, “the French had gained the Delawares and Shawanese to their Interest, under the ensnaring Pretence of Restoring them to their Country;” it seemed natural and proper for us to enquire, on this Occasion, whether the Indians complained of any Injury from this Province, either in regard to their Lands, or on any other Account; and to express our Readiness to do them Justice (in case such Complaints were well founded) before Hostilities were returned, and the Mischief grew more extensive. For our better Information in this Matter, and without intending the least Offence to the Governor, we requested he would be pleased to lay before us the last Treaty, held with them in September. Our Message to this Effect was sent up on the second Day after our entring on Business. But the Governor vouchsafed us no Answer till now, and seems exceedingly displeased with the Application.
From the Governor’s immediate Refusal of his Assent to a Bill of so much Importance, when he had but “just received it” from us, and his saying, it is “of the same Kind with one he had before refused his Assent to,” we apprehend his Refusal arises from his not having allowed himself Time to consider it. Indeed all Bills for raising Money for Publick Use, are so far of the same Kind; but this differs greatly from every former Bill that has been offered him, and all the Amendments (of any Consequence) which he proposed to the Bill he last refused, are in this Bill admitted, save that for totally exempting the Proprietary Estate. And we being as desirous as the Governor to avoid any Dispute on that Head, have so framed the Bill as to submit it entirely to his Majesty’s Royal Determination, whether that Estate has or has not a Right to such Exemption. There is so much Time allowed by the Bill, that the King’s Pleasure may possibly be known even before the first Assessment; but it is moreover provided, that if at any Time, during the Continuance of the Act, the Crown should think fit to declare, that the Estates of the Proprietaries in this Province ought to be exempted, in such Case the Tax, tho’ assessed, shall not be levied, or if any Part has been levied, the same shall be refunded to the Proprietaries, and an additional Tax laid on the People to supply the Deficiency. We cannot conceive any Thing more fair and reasonable than this; nor could we possibly imagine that the Governor would object to it, or what he could object to it, since the Words in his Commission, which he is pleased to suppose contain an express Prohibition of his passing such a Bill as this, do not appear to us to have any such Meaning, and we presume will not to any others who may be thought more impartial. If it be one of the “just Rights of Government” that the Proprietary Estate should be exempted in a Tax for the common Defence of all Estates in the Province, those just Rights are well understood in England; the Proprietaries are there upon the Spot, and so can the more easily sollicit their own Cause, and make their Right of Exemption appear, if such a Right there be; and were they at as great a Distance as we are, they might nevertheless safely confide in his Majesty’s known Wisdom and impartial Justice, that all their just Rights would be duly preserved. The Equity of their being taxed on this Occasion for their Estate in this Province, has appeared so plain even to their best Friends here, that they entered into a voluntary Subscription to pay for them, what they supposed the Tax might amount to, being assured, as they said, that if the Proprietaries were present, it would be altogether unnecessary, and that they would freely repay what should be thus advanced for them; which Subscription was put into the Governor’s Hands for his Security. If the Proprietaries should chuse to shew their Good-will to the Service, this Bill, if passed, might give them a happy Opportunity of doing it, by generously solliciting the King’s Approbation to the Law, and refusing to petition for the Exemption. And since this Right of Exemption contended for in their Behalf, is never like to be settled here between the Governor and Assembly, the Bill puts it in the proper Train to be finally determined, and all future Disputes about it effectually prevented.
Our Assemblies have of late had so many Supply Bills, and of such different Kinds, rejected on various Pretences; Some for not complying with obsolete occasional Instructions (tho’ other Acts exactly of the same Tenor had been past since those Instructions, and received the Royal Assent;) Some for being inconsistent with the supposed Spirit of an Act of Parliament, when the Act itself did not any way affect us, being made expresly for other Colonies; Some for being, as the Governor was pleased to say, “of an extraordinary Nature,” without informing us wherein that extraordinary Nature consisted; and others for disagreeing with new discovered Meanings, and forced Constructions of a Clause in the Proprietary Commission; that we are now really at a Loss to divine what Bill can possibly pass. The Proprietary Instructions are Secrets to us; and we may spend much Time, and much of the Publick Money, in preparing and framing Bills for Supply, which, after all, must, from those Instructions, prove abortive. If we are thus to be driven from Bill to Bill, without one solid Reason afforded us; and can raise no Money for the King’s Service, and Relief or Security of our Country, till we fortunately hit on the only Bill the Governor is allowed to pass, or till we consent to make such as the Governor or Proprietaries direct us to make, we see little Use of Assemblies in this Particular; and think we might as well leave it to the Governor or Proprietaries to make for us what Supply Laws they please, and save ourselves and the Country the Expence and Trouble. All Debates and all Reasonings are vain, where Proprietary Instructions, just or unjust, right or wrong, must inviolably be observed. We have only to find out, if we can, what they are, and then submit and obey. But surely the Proprietaries Conduct, whether as Fathers of their Country, or Subjects to their King, must appear extraordinary, when it is considered that they have not only formally refused to bear any Part of our yearly heavy Expences in cultivating and maintaining Friendship with the Indians, tho’ they reap such immense Advantages by that Friendship; but they now, by their Lieutenant, refuse to contribute any Part towards resisting an Invasion of the King’s Colony, committed to their Care; or to submit their Claim of Exemption to the Decision of their Sovereign.
In fine, we have the most sensible Concern for the poor distressed Inhabitants of the Frontiers. We have taken every Step in our Power, consistent with the just Rights of the Freemen of Pennsylvania, for their Relief, and we have Reason to believe, that in the Midst of their Distresses they themselves do not wish us to go farther. Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Such as were inclined to defend themselves, but unable to purchase Arms and Ammunition, have, as we are informed, been supplied with both, as far as Arms could be procured, out of Monies given by the last Assembly for the King’s Use; and the large Supply of Money offered by this Bill, might enable the Governor to do every Thing else that should be judged necessary for their farther Security, if he shall think fit to accept it. Whether he could, as he supposes, “if his Hands had been properly strengthened, have put the Province into such a Posture of Defence, as might have prevented the present Mischiefs,” seems to us uncertain; since late Experience in our neighbouring Colony of Virginia (which had every Advantage for that Purpose that could be desired) shows clearly, that it is next to impossible to guard effectually an extended Frontier, settled by scattered single Families at two or three Miles Distance, so as to secure them from the insiduous Attacks of small Parties of skulking Murderers: But thus much is certain, that by refusing our Bills from Time to Time, by which great Sums were seasonably offered, he has rejected all the Strength that Money could afford him; and if his Hands are still weak or unable, he ought only to blame himself, or those who have tied them.
If the Governor proceeds on his Journey, and takes a Quorum of his Council with him, we hope, since he retains our Bill, that it will be seriously and duly considered by them; and that the same Regard for the Publick Welfare which induced them unanimously to advise his intended Journey, will induce them as unanimously to advise his Assent. We agree therefore to his keeping the Bill, earnestly requesting he would re-consider it attentively; and shall be ready at any Time to meet him for the Purpose of enacting it into a Law.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 11 November 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

While Morris and his Council were considering the governor’s message to the Assembly of November 8, Conrad Weiser arrived with Scaroyady and other Indians who came with pleas of action to defend the frontier lest the few still loyal Indians defect or become the victims of their armed and aroused brethren allied with the French. That afternoon the governor, his Council, the Assembly, and “several Magistrates, officers, and Citizens” met at the State House to hear the Indian demands for an alliance in arms. On November 10 Morris sent a further message urging immediate attention to the Indians since the loss of their friendship brought such certain and tragic consequences. The committee appointed to respond to the previous document was also charged with drafting the reply printed here.

May it please the Governor,
[November 11, 1755]
We have considered the Governor’s Message of Yesterday, relating to the Application and pressing Instances of the Indians, and are glad to find, that he is at length prevailed on to declare himself “ready and desirous to do any thing, consistent with his Duty to the CROWN, for the Protection and Assistance, as well as of our Allies, as of the Inhabitants of this Province in general.”  We never have, and we hope never shall, desire him to do any thing inconsistent with that Duty. He has it now in his Power to do what he may think the Exigence requires, for the Service of the Crown, the Protection of our Allies, and of the Inhabitants of the Province. As Captain-General, he has, by the Royal Charter, full Authority to raise Men; and the Bill now in his Hands, granting Sixty Thousand Pounds, will enable him to pay the Expences. We grant the Money chearfully, tho’ the Tax to sink it will be a heavy one; and we hope the Bill will receive his Assent immediately.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 12 November 1755
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Albany Novr: 12: 1755
Genl. Shirley being informed by Mr. Scott one of [the] Waggon-Masters, that he has brot with him to this place all your Original Contracts for Waggons and Horses for the Late Genl. Braddock’s Army, with the receipts of the Money advanced in part payment of them, has directed them to be sent to you, to enable you to settle that account. I now send them to Mr. P V B Livingston at New York, to be forwarded to you.
The General continues in very good health, but excessively hurry’d with Busyness, which he begs you will take in excuse for his not writeing to you at present.
Be pleased to give my Compliments to your son, and Am Sir your Very Humble servant
Wm. Alexander
 Addressed: To / Benjamen Franklin Esqr. / att / Philadelphia


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 18 November 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

Replying to the Assembly’s message of November 11 six days later, Governor Morris agreed that the dispute over exemption of proprietary lands from taxation “must in the end be determined by His Majesty.” His message dealt entirely with the manner of presenting the question to the King and with the method of assessing the proprietary estates. He proposed two separate bills, one a general tax measure exempting the proprietary properties and the other levying a proportionate tax upon them, to be assessed by commissioners mutually chosen by the governor and the Assembly. The second bill was to contain a clause suspending its execution until it received the King’s approbation. Morris returned the bill for raising £60,000 with amendments to this effect and on other, minor points.
Upon receipt of the message and the amendments, the Assembly immediately resolved to adhere to its original bill and appointed a committee of eight, including Franklin, to draft the answer printed here. The House also resolved that if Morris should persist in his rejection of the bill, it would ask the King to “cause our present Governor to be removed from this Province, or take such other Measures as may prevent the fatal Consequences that are likely to ensue from his Conduct.”

May it please the Governor,
[November 18, 1755]
We are glad to find that the Governor’s chief remaining Objections to the Bill, are only, that the Method it proposes in a particular Clause, of leaving our Dispute to the Royal Determination is unprecedented, and that “His Majesty cannot properly assent to some Parts of an Act, and reject others.” On which we beg Leave to say, That we think the Bill is not liable to either of these Objections. Conditional or alternative Clauses in Laws are far from being unprecedented, and the Clause objected to is no other: Nor is there any Necessity in the Method proposed, that the Crown should give its Assent to some Parts of the Act, and reject others. The Act will be compleat in itself, and to be carried into Execution either Way, whether His Majesty shall think fit to determine in Favour of the Proprietary Exemption or not. The Royal Approbation of the Law is one distinct Act of the Crown; the Declaration of the Royal Pleasure, that the Proprietaries have a Right to be exempted from Taxes (if such a Declaration is ever made) is another distinct Act, that may be done at any other Time, or at any Time during the Continuance of the Law; which second distinct Act of the Crown, to be done in Pursuance of the Law, is, by the Law, to be attended with certain advantageous Consequences to the Proprietaries, such as a Forbearing to levy their Tax, or a Refunding it if levied. This very Refunding the Tax if levied, is to be done, not because a Part of the Law is rejected by the Crown (for that is not the Case) but it is to be done in Execution of the Law, and by Virtue of the Law itself. Were we to go into the other Method proposed instead of this, and pass two Bills at the same time, one declaring positively that the Proprietary Estate shall not be taxed (which the present Bill declares, as it now comes down amended by the Governor) and another expresly to tax that Estate, we think we should be justly chargeable with doing what is not only unprecedented but absurd; and that the diametrical Contradiction of two Laws passed at the same Time, and as it were with the same Breath, would, so far as they relate to the same Point, infallibly destroy each other, and the End aimed at by the Governor, to wit, Exempting the Proprietaries from Taxation, be thereby infallibly secured.
As to the Governor’s Proposal of a particular Manner of chusing Commissioners to assess the Proprietary Estate, we conceive there is not the least Necessity of deviating from the common Method on this Occasion. The Assessors, yearly chosen throughout the Province, have established Characters for Probity and Discretion, which gives the People that Confidence in them that occasions their Choice. They are moreover under Oaths or solemn Affirmations to do impartial Justice, “according to the best of their Skill and Abilities, neither sparing any Person for Favour or Affection, nor grieving any for Hatred or Ill-will;” and tho’ it is possible that in the many private Estates they have to assess, some small Inequalities may at times escape their Observation, yet we think in assessing the Proprietary Estate they would be extremely careful to avoid giving any just Grounds of Complaint, and make their Uprightness in that Transaction a Point of Honour as well as Conscience; in which they would be strengthened by this Consideration, that an iniquitous unjust Assessment of that Estate, would give the best Grounds to the Proprietaries whereon to found their Application to the Crown for the Exemption claimed; and as that Application may by the Bill be made, and the Right of Exemption declared by the Crown at any Time within the four Years Continuance of the Act, the Assessors would, by one Act of Injustice, incur the Danger of losing all their Trouble in Assessing and Collecting that Tax perhaps for several Years, and losing the whole Money raised by it to the Publick; the Law obliging a Restitution to be made to the Proprietaries, whenever the Crown shall think fit to make such Declaration. So that not only from Conscience and Honour, but from a Regard to the Publick Interest, the Assessors will be induced to do Justice to that Estate, and thereby prevent all Cause of Complaining.
But to satisfy the Governor farther, that not only the Taxing of the Proprietary Estates, but the Assessing them by the common Assessors, is agreeable to the Practice at Home in taxing the Lords of Parliament, we beg Leave to refer him to the Votes of the House of Commons, an Extract of which we herewith send him, where the Peers in 1692 proposed a like Amendment to a Money Bill, viz. to appoint separate Assessors for the Lords to be nominated in the Bill; but it appears that on the Commons refusing it, their Lordships presently dropped the Proposal, and as far as we know have never since revived it.
It is, may it please the Governor, one of the most valuable Rights of British Subjects, to have their Bills granting Money to the Crown, accepted without Amendments; a Right that cannot be given up, without destroying the Constitution, and incurring greater and more lasting Mischiefs than the Grant of Money can prevent. The present Assembly, however, being a new Body, thought themselves at Liberty to consider the Twenty Amendments proposed by the Governor to the Bill of the last Assembly for granting Fifty Thousand Pounds, and without seeing the Necessity or Use of many of those Amendments, but merely as they wished and hoped thereby to avoid all Dispute, admitted every one of them that was of any Consequence into the present Bill; except that of exempting the Proprietary Estate, and that was so modified, as they imagined no farther Objection could remain. We find, however, in this Instance, how little is to be gained by such Compliance, and how endless it is to admit any Change in such Bills; for now the Governor proposes to amend his own Amendments, adds to his own Additions, and alters his own Alterations; so that tho’ we should accede to these, we are not sure of being ever the nearer to a Conclusion. In fine, as it is a Money Bill, as the whole Sum is granted to the Crown, and to be paid by Tax on the Subjects in this Province, we cannot receive any Amendment to it. And as the Passing the proposed separate Bill is equally inconsistent with the Governor’s Construction of the Prohibitory Clause in his Commission, which he seems now to have got over, and he only mentions this Mode, as in his Opinion it will “bring the Affair before His Majesty more properly and methodically;” we hope he will not, for the Sake of a mere Opinion of more Propriety or better Method in a particular Clause, any longer refuse a Bill of so great Importance at this Juncture to His Majesty’s Service, the Security of the Proprietary Estate, now going daily to Ruin, and the Relief of the poor distressed Inhabitants of the Province. The same “implicit Confidence in His Majesty’s Goodness” that “induces him to pass a Bill in any Shape for taxing the Proprietary Estate,” may encourage him to hope, that any little Impropriety (if such there should be) in the Manner of laying the Affair before His Majesty, will be graciously passed over. Though we flatter ourselves, that the Governor will, on farther Consideration, be persuaded with us, that the Manner provided in this Bill is on many Accounts the most proper, and that the Money will be raised for the present Use with the same Readiness and Dispatch.
Whether we are “equally sincere, and equally affected with the Miseries and Distresses of our bleeding Country” with the Governor, must be left to others to judge. As we are most of us Natives of the Country, and all of us have our Estates and other more valuable Connections in it, and the Governor is a Stranger among us, it should seem, we think, at least probable, that we may be even more deeply affected with its Distresses than he is; but the many Bills our Assemblies have proposed in vain for its Relief, and our earnest Endeavours to give such great Sums to that End, which the Governor has so long refused, will, we think, put that Point beyond Dispute.
Upon the Whole, the House adheres to the Bill; as being in their Judgment a reasonable one, and what they cannot deviate from consistent with the Rights of the People; and since at such a Time as this Disputes and Contentions between the different Parts of the Government, are extremely prejudicial both to the King’s Service, and the Welfare of the Country, we entreat they may henceforth be laid aside, and that the Governor, by passing this just and equitable Bill, will lay the Foundation of such an Agreement as may conduce to the general Benefit of all concerned, and prevent the Necessity we shall otherwise be under of making an immediate Application and Complaint against him to our Sovereign.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 18 November 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

After Braddock’s defeat, deteriorating relations with the Indians became one of the most troublesome and pressing concerns of the Pennsylvania authorities and an added source of conflict between the governor and the Assembly. William Penn had established the policy of fair play toward the red man, and later Quaker leaders, upholding this policy as an article of political faith, believed that continuing peace on the frontier was its result. Hence, when Indians attacked the province in cooperation with the French, the Friends were quick to see a probable cause in ill-treatment of the Indians by non-Quaker officials. Furthermore, proof that the Indians had been mistreated would shift the blame for frontier outbreaks from the pacific policies of the Assembly to the governor’s circle, and would help the House in its effort to limit the prerogatives of the Proprietors.

Morris rebuffed the Assembly’s insinuation, made in a message of November 5, about the reasons for the loss of the Delawares and Shawnee to the French, and the Assembly, hoping to quiet the discontent, sent up a bill reorganizing Indian trade under its supervision. Meanwhile, on November 8, the Oneida chief Scaroyady came to Philadelphia and in a dramatic speech heard by the Assembly demanded to know whether or not Pennsylvania intended to arm itself and its Indian friends, warning that continuance of the province’s weak measures would send the rest of the Indians to the French side. It was probably at this time that the Assembly also heard of the dissatisfaction of the Shawnee from the time of the Carlisle Treaty (1753) over the alleged fraud of the proprietary agents in connection with the payment for lands near Conedoquinet. The committee appointed to reply to the governor’s message of the 17th was also directed to draft a request for particulars on this accusation. Both replies, together with the £60,000 money bill and an inquiry about his decision on the Indian-trade bill, were sent to Morris on the 18th.

May it please the Governor,
[November 18, 1755]
We apprehend that our Message of the Fifth Instant, requesting to be informed by what Means the Delawares and Shawanese had been so alienated in their Affections from this Province, was too slightly answered by the Governor; and we now hope it will not be taken amiss if we enquire more particularly, Whether the Chiefs of the Shawanese did not, in 1753, complain to this Government, that Satisfaction had not been made to them by the Proprietaries for a large Tract of Land, Part of which was surveyed into the Proprietary Manor, on Conedoguinet; and whether they were not then promised, that Application should be immediately made to the Proprietaries in their Behalf to obtain the Satisfaction they desired? We hope, if so, that the Application has been accordingly made, and the Satisfaction obtained and given. But we desire, if the Governor pleases, to be informed of the Particulars.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 19 November 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

While the Assembly was considering his amendments to the £60,000 tax and defense bill, Governor Morris asked for emergency funds for protecting the frontier in the interval which would pass before the still-contested appropriation bill could take effect. He also pressed for a bill providing for the government of the forces to be raised, modeled on the British Mutiny Act. After two readings on November 18, another on the 19th, and “some Time spent” considering the message, eight members including Franklin were named to draft the reply printed here. It was sent to the governor the same afternoon.

May it please the Governor,
[November 19, 1755]
Our Treasury is quite exhausted by the heavy Expences lately incurred, and we know of no Way of raising Money so expeditious as that proposed by the Bill now before the Governor. It is true, the Money intended to be struck, may not be current before the Thirty-first of December; but as that is not more than six Weeks, there is no Doubt but that Labour, Service, and any Thing else that Money can purchase among us, may be had on Credit for so short a Time, if the Bill passes; and in Consideration of the Necessity of “affording timely Assistance to the distressed Inhabitants in the Back Counties,” we sincerely hope, and once more earnestly entreat, that the Governor will no longer refuse or delay his Assent to it.
The other Part of the Governor’s Message we have now under our serious Consideration, and as soon as we come to any Resolution thereon, shall immediately communicate the same to the Governor.


Title: Militia Act, [25 November 1755]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Beginning in December 1754 Governor Morris had repeatedly asked the Assembly to pass a bill providing for the establishment and discipline of a provincial military force, but the House had always either ignored the request or had evaded a definite answer. In a message of November 3 he had pointed out that, while he had been issuing commissions “to such as were willing to take them,” he had been unable, because of the lack of a militia law, “to form the People into such regular Bodies as the present Exigency requires.” Within the next few days the Assembly received several petitions, both from Philadelphia and from the exposed frontiers, asking specifically for a militia act or for forts and garrisons.
As fears of Indian attacks increased, pressure on the Assembly grew until on Wednesday, November 19, “By the Leave of the House, Benjamin Franklin, a Member of this House, brought in a Bill, entituled An Act for the better ordering and regulating the Military Force of this Province, which was read the first Time, and ordered to lie on the Table for Perusal of the Members.” This was one of the rare occasions during these years when an important bill originated with an individual member rather than with a committee. The next afternoon the measure was considered and, “after considerable Time spent therein,” was referred to a committee of six, including Franklin, “for Alteration and Amendment.” The following morning, November 21, with “an alteration made in the Title” and other unspecified amendments, the bill was again considered and in the afternoon it was passed, with four strict Quakers recording their dissent. On Saturday morning, the 22d, Governor Morris informed the House that, although it contained many things “of a very extraordinary Nature” and he was convinced it would “never answer the Purpose of defending this Province,” he was willing to assent to it rather than enter into new disputes. The formal enactment took place on Tuesday, November 25, only five legislative days after the introduction of the bill.

In view of the Assembly’s long-standing refusal to create any sort of military force for Pennsylvania, the passage of this measure was clearly something of an achievement. That it fell far short of providing a militia system the governor and his supporters considered adequate is equally clear. The change in its title emphasized the fact that its provisions were merely permissive and in no sense compulsory. In framing the bill Franklin had drawn heavily on his experience in proposing and promoting the Association of 1747. The military units contemplated in both schemes were purely voluntary and in both the officers, though commissioned by the governor, were to be elected from below, not appointed from above. The most important difference was that in 1747 the Association was a completely extra-legal body created by the volunteers themselves, while in 1755 the military units were, for the first time in Pennsylvania history, to be established by formal legislative act. And during the eleven months before news of its disallowance by the King reached the colony, the act did serve, in spite of its limitations, as a basis for raising reserve forces for provincial defense.

[November 25, 1755]
An ACT for the better Ordering and Regulating such as are willing and desirous to be united for Military Purposes within this Province.
Whereas this Province was first settled by (and a Majority of the Assemblies have ever since been) of the People called Quakers, who, though they do not, as the World is now circumstanced, condemn the Use of Arms in others, yet are principled against bearing Arms themselves; and to make any Law to compel them thereto against their Consciences, would not only be to violate a Fundamental in our Constitution, and be a direct Breach of our Charter of Privileges, but would also in Effect be to commence Persecution against all that Part of the Inhabitants of the Province: And for them by any Law to compel others to bear Arms, and exempt themselves, would be inconsistent and partial. Yet forasmuch as by the general Toleration and Equity of our Laws, great Numbers of People of other religious Denominations are come among us, who are under no such Restraint, some of whom have been disciplined in the Art of War, and conscientiously think it their Duty to fight in Defence of their Country, their Wives, their Families and Estates, and such have an equal Right to Liberty of Conscience with others. And whereas a great Number of Petitions from the several Counties of this Province have been presented to this House, setting forth, That the Petitioners are very willing to defend themselves and their Country, and desirous of being formed into regular Bodies for that Purpose, instructed and disciplined under proper Officers, with suitable and legal Authority; representing withal, that unless Measures of this Kind are taken, so as to unite them together, subject them to due Command, and thereby give them Confidence in each other, they cannot assemble to oppose the Enemy, without the utmost Danger of exposing themselves to Confusion and Destruction. And whereas the voluntary Assembling of great Bodies of armed Men, from different Parts of the Province, on any occasional Alarm, whether true or false, as of late hath happened, without Call or Authority from the Government, and without due Order and Direction among themselves, may be attended with Danger to our neighbouring Indian Friends and Allies, as well as to the internal Peace of the Province. And whereas the Governor hath frequently recommended it to the Assembly, that in preparing and passing a Law for such Purposes, they should have a due Regard to scrupulous and tender Consciences, which cannot be done where compulsive Means are used to force Men into Military Service; therefore as we represent all the People of the Province, and are composed of Members of different religious Persuasions, we do not think it reasonable that any should, through a Want of legal Powers, be in the least restrained from doing what they judge it their Duty to do for their own Security and the Publick Good; we, in Compliance with the said Petitions and Recommendations, do offer it to the Governor to be enacted, AND BE IT ENACTED by the Honourable Robert Hunter Morris, Esq; with the King’s Royal Approbation, Lieutenant-Governor, under the Honourable Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn, Esquires, true and absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, and of the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Representatives of the Freemen of the said Province in General Assembly met, and by the Authority of the same, That from and after the Publication of this Act, it shall and may be lawful for the Freemen of this Province to form themselves into Companies, as heretofore they have used in Time of War without Law, and for each Company, by Majority of Votes, in the Way of Ballot, to chuse its own Officers, to wit, a Captain, Lieutenant and Ensign, and present them to the Governor or Commander in Chief for the Time being for his Approbation; which Officers so chosen, if approved and commissioned by him, shall be the Captain, Lieutenant and Ensign of each Company respectively, according to their Commissions, and the said Companies being divided into Regiments by the Governor or Commander in Chief, it shall and may be lawful for the Officers so chosen and commissioned for the several Companies of each Regiment to meet together, and, by Majority of Votes, in the Way of Ballot, to chuse a Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, for the Regiment, and present them to the Governor or Commander in Chief for his Approbation; which Officers so chosen, if approved and commissioned by him, shall be the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel and Major of the Regiment, according to their Commissions, during the Continuance of this Act. Provided Always, That if the Governor or Commander in Chief shall not think fit to grant his Commission to any Officer so first chosen and presented, it shall and may be lawful for the Electors of such Officer to chuse two other Persons in his Stead, and present them to the Governor or Commander in Chief, one of whom, at his Pleasure, shall receive his Commission, and be the Officer as aforesaid.
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That as soon as the said Companies and Regiments are formed, and their Officers commissioned, as aforesaid, it shall and may be lawful to and for the Governor, or Commander in Chief, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, and Majors of all the Regiments, being for that Purpose by him called and convened, or by and with the Advice and Consent of a Majority of the said Officers that shall be met and present together on such Call, to form, make and establish Articles of War, for the better Government of the Forces that shall be under their Command, and for bringing Offenders against the same to Justice; and to erect and constitute Courts Martial, with Power to hear, try and determine any Crime or Offences by such Articles of War, and inflict Penalties by Sentence or Judgment of the same on those who shall be subject thereto, in any Place within this Province. Which Articles of War, when made as aforesaid, shall be printed and distributed to the Captains of the several Companies, and by them distinctly read to their respective Companies; and all and every Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, or other Freeman, who shall, after at least three Days Consideration of the said Articles, voluntarily sign the same, in the Presence of some one Justice of the Peace, acknowledging his having perused or heard the same distinctly read, and that he has well considered thereof, and is willing to be bound and governed thereby, and promises Obedience thereto, and to his Officers accordingly, shall thenceforth be deemed well and duly bound to the Observance of the said Articles, and to the Duties thereby required, and subject to the Pains, Penalties, Punishments and Forfeitures that may therein be appointed for Disobedience and other Offences.
Provided Always, That the Articles so to be made and established, shall contain nothing repugnant, but be as near as possible conformable to the military Laws of Great-Britain, and to the Articles of War made and established by his Majesty, in Pursuance of the last Act of Parliament for punishing Mutiny and Desertion; the different Circumstances of this Province compared with Great-Britain, and of a voluntary Militia of Freemen, compared with mercenary standing Troops, being duly weighed, and maturely considered.
Provided also, That nothing in this Act shall be understood or construed to give any Power or Authority to the Governor or Commander in Chief, and the said Officers, to make any Articles or Rules that shall in the least affect those of the Inhabitants of the Province who are conscientiously scrupulous of bearing Arms, either in their Liberties, Persons or Estates; nor any other Persons of what Perswasion or Denomination soever, who have not first voluntarily and freely signed the said Articles, after due Consideration as aforesaid.
Provided also, That no Youth, under the Age of Twenty-one Years, nor any bought Servant or indented Apprentice, shall be admitted to enroll himself, or be capable of being enrolled in the said Companies or Regiments, without the Consent of his or their Parents or Guardians, Masters or Mistresses, in Writing under their Hands first had and obtained.
Provided also, That no Enlistment or Enrollment of any Person, in any of the Companies or Regiments to be formed and raised as aforesaid, shall protect such Person in any Suit or civil Action brought against him by his Creditors or others, except during his being in actual Service in Field or Garrison; nor from a Prosecution for any Offence committed against the Laws of this Province.
Provided also, That no Regiment, Company, or Party of Volunteers, shall, by Virtue of this Act, be compelled or led more than three Days March beyond the inhabited Parts of the Province; nor detained longer than three Weeks in any Garrison, without an express Engagement for that Purpose first voluntarily entered into and subscribed by every Man so to march or remain in Garrison.
This Act to continue in Force until the Thirtieth Day of October next, and no longer.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Partridge, 27 November 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Partridge, Richard

Sir,
Philada. Nov. 27. 1755
By the Votes and Copies of Papers herewith sent to you and Mr. Charles, you will see the Difficulties this Province has been under by Proprietary Restraints, so that we could not obtain a Bill for raising Money for the King’s Use, till it had been sent home to England, and the Proprietary’s Leave obtain’d for Passing it; and in the meantime the King’s Service was obstructed, our Publick Affairs went into the utmost Confusion, Hundreds of Families were driven from their Habitations, and the People ripe for an Insurrection. If we cannot have a Governor of some Discretion (for this Gentleman is half a Madman) fully impower’d to do what may be necessary for the Good of the Province and the King’s Service, as Emergencies may arise, this Government will be the worst on the Continent.
The Bill for granting £60,000, pass’d yesterday, with a Clause expressing, That the Proprietaries Estate is exempted from the Tax, in Consideration of their Gift of Five Thousand Pounds to the Publick. Thus by their senseless Refusal of the first Bill granting Fifty Thousand Pounds, and mean selfish Claim of a Right to Exemption from Taxes, they have brought on themselves infinite Disgrace and the Curses of all the Continent; and after all have been terrify’d, by the apprehended Consequences of such a Dispute, to give more than their Tax would have amounted to, and acknowledge by a Law the Right of Taxing them for the future.
I hope this Conduct will be considered by your judicious Ministry, and some Measures taken to prevent such Mischievous Restraints hereafter. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant
B Franklin
R. Partridge Esqr.
 Addressed: To / Richard Partridge Esqr / Agent for the Province of Pensilvania / Mark Lane / London
Endorsed [in Partridge’s hand in various places on the cover page]: 27: Novr: 1755 from B: Franklin Novr. 27 £60,000 passd from B Franklin R 1st mo: 12 per Capt: Josiah


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 27 November 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Strahan, William

Dear Sir,
Philada. Nov. 27. 1755
I have yours of Oct. 3. Bolitho being just arriv’d, the Things not yet come on shore.
By the Account sent, I find I was then £59 4s. ½d. in your Debt. I hope you have since received the Bills I sent you per Joy and Budden for £109 8s. 4d. Sterling which will leave a Ballance in my Favour.
I do not at all approve of B. Mecom’s being so much in your Debt, and shall write to him about it. The People of those Islands expect a great deal of Credit, and when the Books are out of his hands, if he should die, half would not be collected; This I have learnt by Experience in the Case of poor Smith, whom I first settled there. I am glad therefore that you declin’d sending him the other Things he wrote for. Pray write to him for the Pay and make him keep Touch; that will oblige him to dun quick and get in his Debts; otherwise he may hurt himself, and you in the End. Remember I give you this Caution, and that you venture on your own Risque.
I shall be glad to be of any Service to you in the Affair you mention relating to the Gent. Magazines; and our Daughter, (who already trades a little to London) is willing to undertake the Distributing them per Post from this Place, hoping it may produce some Profit to herself. I will immediately cause Advertisements to be printed in the Papers here, at New York, Newhaven and Boston, recommending that Magazine, and proposing to supply all who will subscribe for them at 13s. this Currency a Year; the Subscribers paying down the Money for one Year beforehand; for otherwise there will be a considerable Loss by Bad Debts. As soon as I find what this Subscription will produce, I shall know what Number to send for. Most of those for New England must be sent to Boston. Those for New York, Connecticut, Pensilvania and Maryland, must be sent in to New York or Philadelphia, as Opportunities offer to one Place or the other. As to Virginia, I believe it will scarce be worth while to propose it there, the Gentlemen being generally furnisht with them by their Correspondents in London. Those who incline to continue, must pay for the second Year three Months before the first expires, and so on from time to time. The Postmasters in those Places to take in the Subscription Money, and distribute the Magazines, &c. These are my first Thoughts. I shall write farther. That Magazine has always been in my Opinion by far the best. I think [it] never wants Matter both entertaining and instructive, or I might now and then furnish you with some little Pieces from this Part of the World.

My Wife and Daughter join in sincerest good Wishes of Prosperity to you and all yours, with Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
My Respects to Mr. Newberry, of whom you give so amiable a Character.
Mr. Strahan
 Addressed: To / Mr. William Strahan / Printer / London


Title: Robert Hunter Morris to Thomas Penn, 28 November 1755
From: Morris, Robert Hunter
To: Penn, Thomas

Throughout the protracted controversy between the governor and the Assembly, Morris was as active as the representatives in building a case and defending a position, as his many letters to the Proprietors and to other governors show. Immediately after the passage of the Militia Act, November 25, and the £60,000 Appropriation Act, November 27, he wrote a long letter to Thomas Penn describing from his side of the dispute the events of the past few days. Penn in turn sent a copy of a major part of this dispatch, together with a number of other papers on the situation in Pennsylvania, to the secretary of state. Because this letter presents these events, in which Franklin was so directly concerned, in such a different light from that reflected in the documents originating in the Assembly or in Franklin’s own writings, and because it represents the kind of report on which the home authorities largely relied in forming their judgments of the controversy, this extract is printed here.

Sir
Novr: 28th. 1755.
Herewith I send you Duplicate of mine of the 22d. Instant, by way of Bristol, with Copies of the several Papers then sent, since which I am honoured with yours of the 19th. of September and 4th. October, the latter came by New York and brought me your order for five thousand Pounds, which came in a most critical time, as the Assembly had sat for sometime without doing anything, and the back People were very uneasy, and resolv’d to come down in a body, and force the Branches of the Legislature to provide for their defence; the poor People had too much reason to complain, and I much wonder they did not come down sooner; however on Monday Night about Seven hundred Men came to Town, and sent Six of their Leaders to me to let me know they were only humble Supplicants to the Legislature that they might be put in a condition to defend themselves, and hoped I would give them leave to wait on me next Day, which I did, and only two of their number, in a very humble manner, begg’d of me to do every thing in my power to preserve the People, for that their dependance was greatly upon me, and hoped that no unreasonable Disputes between me and the Assembly wou’d hinder us from providing for the Safety of the People. I told them I was sorry they were laid under a necessity to come down to this City to ask for what it was the Duty of the Legislature to afford without asking, that I was heartily concern’d for the unhappy People that had suffered by the hands of the Indians, and for those that were drove from their Habitations, that, had I been enabled by the Assembly, I should most gladly have prevented it, and whenever they wou’d put it in my power, I wou’d undertake any thing for their preservation, but that all the repeated calls I had made upon them to grant Money, and provide for the defence of the Country, had no other effect, than to draw upon myself, and the Proprietarys, reflections, and the worst of Language; that I was then, and always had been, willing to pass any Law consistent with my Duty and the Trust reposed in me, by the King, and Proprietarys, but that I could not nor would not betray my Trust, or exceed the Powers in my Commission. That the Proprietors were too nearly Interested in the Safety of this Country, not to do every thing in their power for it’s preservation, and had a most hearty affection for the People, as one proof of which among many others I inform’d them that immediately upon receiving from me the account of General Braddocks defeat, they had sent me an order for £5,000 as a free Gift to the Publick, to assist them in the weight of those Expences, which they were sensible that defeat would make necessary, and as great pains had been taken to persuade the People that I had raised the Money by Subscription, among the Merchants, I had your order publickly read. They were all perfectly satisfied at what I said, and desired they might go to the Assembly, upon which I recommended to them to behave in the same peaceable manner they had done to me, which they promised me they would, and thank’d me for the satisfaction I had given them. Their reception at the Assembly was not so much to their satisfaction, as they sent for a few of them only into the House, and told them they wou’d consider their Petition, they said they took greater state upon them than the Governor, tho’ they were only their Representatives, upon this Franklyn harrang’d them, telling them the Assembly had done every thing that was consistent with the Liberties and Privileges of the People, for which they, the House, were contending, some of the People answered that they did not know that their Liberties were invaded, but they were sure their Lives and Estates were, and while they were contending the Country was bleeding, and therefore hoped they would dispute no longer but send the Governor such a Bill as he could pass; His harangue had not therefore the effect he desir’d, and I suppose expected, for great pains had been taken by some of the Members, and all their numerous Emissarys to sow sedition in the minds of all these Country People, who were however proof against all their Lies, and having behaved with great decency, while they staid in Town, return’d to the Country, quite satisfied with the Conduct of the Government, but very much otherwise with that of the Assembly; this is the information I have received, and I believe is in substance true; I must own, Sir, that it is letting Government down very low, to appeal to a Mob, for such these People were, though a civil one, to judge of the rectitude of their measures, but such are the Circumstances of this Province, that it became absolutely necessary even for the preservation of Peace.
The Militia Bill that I sent you with my last, has at first view an odd appearance, but when you consider that it was not intended by the Assembly to pass, but only to raise a clamour against me, you will see it in its true light, this it certainly wou’d have done had I either refused or amended it, but as I have passed it, the clamour is in great measure turned upon them, which induced me to consent to it; for as to the Bill itself it is impossible to carry it into execution, and is therefore no more than waste Paper.

I endeavoured to form a Subscription for furnishing the poor back Inhabitants with Arms and Ammunition, and proposed on your part to begin it with one thousand Pounds, but I cou’d get no one to subscribe, so that I was drove to the necessity of buying a large quantity of Powder and Lead at my own risque, which I sent into the Frontier Counties, and distributed among the People that wanted it most; but this would have availed but little had not your order arrived in nick of time; and had I not just before passed the Militia Bill with no other view but to open the Eyes of the People.
Things being thus circumstanc’d, I resolv’d to get the best Terms I could from the Assembly, and to pass the Bill for a Tax, if it did not extend to your Estate, but that I was determin’d not to come into their way. Two Days after the People were in Town they sent me a Bill for giving Fifty five thousand Pounds to the Kings use which with your Gift made Sixty thousand, and in Consideration of that Sum they exempt your Estate, I would fain have had that expression left out, but did not think as the Province was Circmstanc’d that it was right to split with them upon it, or upon some other parts of the Bill, which appear’d to me unreasonable; the £55,000 is to be struck in Paper Money and sunk by a Tax in four years, the first Payment to be in May next, and the Surplus of the Tax is subjected to Act of General Assembly, the Money is to be disposed of by Mr. Hamilton, Norris, Franklyn, John Mifflin, Morgan, Fox and one Hughes with the consent and approbation of the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being, and not otherwise. I would willingly have added two Commissioners more vizt., Mr. Allen and Mr. Chew but they would by no means consent to it, and I yesterday gave my assent to it in form.
The points gained by this Bill are, the appropriation of the surplus by Act, the raising Money for Military purposes, and taxing the Quakers to that use, but the principal thing gained is a Provision for the defence of the Province.
I have received the Packet you sent me from Sir Thomas Robinson and immediately dispatch’d the Letter to the other Governments.


Title: Robert Hunter Morris to the Provincial Commissioners, 1 December 1755
From: Morris, Robert Hunter
To: Provincial Commissioners

Gentlemen,
Philada. 1st December 1755
Upon considering the state of our friendly Indians on the River Sasquehanna, I think it necessary that Messengers should be immediately sent to convene them to come down to Harris’s Ferry in order to concert measures with this Government upon the present Circumstances of affairs when it may be proper to communicate to them such parts of the General Plan of operations as they may assist in the execution of. I am Gentlemen Your most humble Servant
Robert Hunter Morris
To Isaac Norris, James Hamilton John Mifflin &ca. Esqrs:


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Hubbart, 1 December 1755
From: Hubbart, Elizabeth
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dearest Sir
Boston Decr. 1 1755
I imagine you now Consulting the safty, of the Poor unhappy People on your Fronteres; with all the Wisdom and Greavity, of the most Noble Romane. I almost envey you the Power of doing so much good, and what is worse, I quite dispare of being admited to the Heaven prepared for you, if as we are taught (and I think it is one of the most reasonable Doctrines we have) every one shall be rewarded according to there Merit, Consider Sir if you go on at this rate, you will have no Company there. I there fore Intreat in pittey to me, you would put your Self a littel more on a Leavel with us Mortals or Pray most Heartily, that your Woorks of Superarrogation may be added to my Account. It will be a Glorious act of Charity, and I know it needs no other Recommendation to you.
It would be doing Injustis to my Greatitude, to pretend to tell you how kindly I take your remembering me in the midest of all your hurry and fatuge (pray put on your Specticals) indeed Sir I Esteam you above all Mankind, and my greatest Happiness in this World, is Loveing you, and flattering my Self I have some shear in your affections.
My Poor Papa is sadly afflicted with his disorder, God grant the Experiment he is makeing, may afford him releif. I cant Ask for more Patience for him, for he certainly has as much, as ever came to one Mans Shear! Jobe not Excepted.
Papah was disapoint’d of the Bill he intended to have sent you, and had the promis of, but when Mr. Roach come to look over his Account, he found he could not draw, and Mr. Williams and Brother Tuthill has taken all possiable pains to get one ever sence but they are not to be had on any terms at present. My Brother says he hopes he shall get one by next Post.
May Every Blessing of Heaven to Earth attend You is the Constant Wish of Dear Sir Your most affectionate Neice
E Hubbart
PS Excuse the writing for I have got a very bad whitlow, or something worse, on the upper joynt, of the fore finger of my right Hand, which would have given me great pain, if I had been writing to any Body Else.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 3 December 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

The Assembly had requested information about an alleged Shawnee complaint, made at the Carlisle conference of 1753, of being cheated in land purchases; and Governor Morris, on November 19, had asked Council members Robert Strettell, Joseph Turner, and Thomas Cadwalader to investigate. Their report was sent to the Assembly November 22, along with a message scolding the House because its first inquiry had not been sufficiently explicit, and asserting the complete fairness of the proprietary dealings with the Indians. Both message and Council report were read in the Assembly on November 24 and again on the 29th, when James Pemberton, Franklin, and James Wright were appointed to draft a reply. It was approved December 2 and sent to the governor the next day.

May it please the Governor,
[December 3, 1755]
We have considered the Report of the Committee of the Governor’s Council, to which he is pleased to refer us for an Answer to our Enquiry, relating to a Claim of the Shawanese Indians, on the Lands near Conedoguinet. We are far from desiring to justify those Indians in their late Outrages and Murders committed against the People of this Province, in Violation of the most solemn Treaties. We believe that great Care has generally been taken to do the Indians Justice by the Proprietaries in the Purchases made of them, and in all our other publick Transactions with them: And as they have not the same Ideas of legal Property in Lands that we have, and sometimes think they have Right when in Law they have none, but yet are cheaply satisfied for their supposed as well as real Rights, we think our Proprietaries have done wisely, not only to purchase their Lands, but to “purchase them more than once,” as the Governor says they have done, rather than have any Difference with them on that Head, or give any Handle to the Enemies of the Province to exasperate those People against us. It appears indeed from the Report, that they could have but a slender Foundation for a Claim of Satisfaction for those Lands. We are however convinced, by original Minutes taken by one of the Commissioners at the Treaty of Carlisle, now lying before us, that the Shawanese Chiefs mentioned that Claim of theirs to the Lands in Question at that Time, and were promised that the Matter should be laid before the Proprietaries. It was after the Publick general Business of the Treaty was over, and was not inserted in the printed Account of the Treaty, perhaps because it was thought to relate more particularly to the Proprietary than to the Province, and one of the Commissioners being himself concerned in the Proprietaries Affairs, there was Reason to believe he would take Care to get it settled; and doubtless he would have done so, had he not, as appears by the Report, entirely forgot the whole Transaction. We are sorry it was not done, tho’ probably the Instigations, present Situation and Power of the French, might have been sufficient nevertheless to have engaged those Indians in the War against us.


Title: Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 3 December 1755
From: Pennsylvania Assembly
To:

Upon receipt of a renewed, urgent appeal from Gen. William Shirley to attend a forthcoming council in New York, Governor Morris asked the Assembly on December 2 whether it thought he should respond to the appeal, or stay in Pennsylvania to aid in the defense of the province. The next day a committee of five including Franklin was appointed to draft the reply, which was promptly approved and sent to the governor.

May it please the Governor,
[December 3, 1755]
We think the present Circumstances of this Province call strongly (as the Governor observes) for his Presence here, and for the whole Authority of the Government. But as the Necessity of his attending the Congress at New-York is best known to the Governor, who is acquainted with the Business there to be considered and concluded on, the Particulars of which are not communicated to us, and he can therefore best judge whether his Absence from that Congress or from his Province, will at this Time be most prejudicial to His Majesty’s Service in general; we must therefore leave it to his own Judgment and Prudence which Service to prefer.
But if Commissioners appointed by the Governor, can in any Degree supply his Place at that Congress, either in concluding on the Matters proposed by the Crown, or concerting Measures for a general Treaty with the Indians, and the Governor should think fit to appoint some Gentlemen to that Service, we shall have no Objection on account of any reasonable Expence that may attend it, or that may be necessary to be defrayed on the Part of this Government towards the proposed General Treaty. For as this Province always has been, so we still are, ready to join with the neighbouring Colonies in any Treaty with the Indians, that may conduce to the general Advantage of the British Interest, as well as at our own Charge to make such as tend particularly to our own Peace and Security.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Parsons, 5 December 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Parsons, William

Dear Sir
Philada. Dec. 5. 1755
I receiv’d your Favour of Nov. 25. and take this first Opportunity of acquainting you, that an Act is past granting £60,000 chiefly for the Defence of the Province, and is to be dispos’d of for that purpose by 7 Persons, viz. I. Norris, Ja. Hamilton, J. Mifflin, Jos. Fox, Evan Morgan, Jno. Hughes, and your old Friend. We meet every Day, Sundays not excepted, and have a good Agreement with the Governor. 300 Men are ordered to be immediately raised on pay, to range the Frontiers, and Blockhouses for Stages to be erected at proper Distances and garrison’d. So that I hope in a little Time to see things in a better Posture. A Militia Act is also pass’d, of which, if People are but well dispos’d, a good Use may be made, and Bodies of Men be ready on any Occasion to assist and support the Rangers. All Party laid aside, let you and I use our Influence to carry this Act into Execution.

I received also your Letter of the 27th relating the Unhappy Affair at Gnadenhüt, and desiring Arms. I have accordingly procur’d and sent up by a Waggon to one George Overpack’s, A Chest of Arms, containing 50, and 5 Loose, in all 55, of which 25 are for Eastown, and 30 to be dispos’d of to such Persons nearest Danger on the Frontiers, who are without Arms and unable to buy, as yourself, with Messrs. Atkins and Martin may judge most proper: letting all know, that the Arms are only lent, for their Defence; that they belong to the Publick and must be held forthcoming when the Government shall demand them; for which each Man should give his Note. By the same Waggon we send 35 Guns for Lehi Township, and 10 for Bethlehem to the Moravian Brethren, which make in all 100; with which goes 100 wt. of Gunpowder, and 400 lb. Lead; so there should be 1 lb. Powder and 4 lb. Lead divided to each Gun. Who brought your last Letter to me, I know not, it being left at my House. You mention sending a Waggon, and I daily expected to see the Waggoner, but he never call’d on me for an Answer. Please to let me know by a Line when you have receiv’d what is sent. I am Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant
B Franklin
 Addressed: To / Wm. Parsons Esqr / Eastown / per favour of Mr Hayes
Endorsed: Mr. Franklin. No. 1 5th. Decr. 1755 recd. 8th. do.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Parsons, 15 December 1755
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Parsons, William

Dear Friend
Philada. Dec. 15. 1755
We receiv’d yours of the 13th. You will before this time have receiv’d the Arms and Ammunition, Blankets, &c. sent up for an intended Ranging Party; They may be made Use of for the Defence of your Town till we arrive. Capt. Trump, from Upper-Dublin, marches the Day after to-morrow with 50 Men to your Assistance. The Provisions for their Use go with them; so that they will not burthen you. Orders are gone to Capts. Aston and Wayne, to march also with their Companies immediately. They will remain on your Frontier two or three Months till they can be reliev’d by others. Mr. Hamilton and myself, set out on Thursday to visit you, erect Blockhouses in proper Places, &c. Think of suitable Officers for raising and commanding Men to be kept in the Province Pay, for Mr. Hamilton does not know the People your way; nor do I know who to recommend. He will bring some blank Commissions with him. I inclose you Twenty Pounds towards buying Meal and Meat for the poor Fugitives that take Refuge with you. Be of good Courage, and God guide you. Your [Friends] will never desert you. I am Yours affectionately
B Franklin
PS. Interest on the Bill 11s. 8d. is £20 11s. 8d.
 Addressed: Wm. Parsons Esquire / Easton / per Mr Jasper Scull
Endorsed: Mr. Franklin Decr. 15. 1755


Title: William Parsons to James Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin, 15 December 1755
From: Parsons, William
To: Hamilton, James,Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sirs,
Easton December 15th: 1755
I make bold to trouble you once more, and it is not unlikely that it may be the last time. The Settlers on this side of the Mountain all along the River side are actually removed and we are now the Frontier of this part of the Country. Our poor people of this Town have quite expended their little substance and are quite wearied out with watching and were all along in hopes the Government would have taken some measures for their Relief and for the security of the Town. But now seeing themselves, as well as the Town neglected, they are moving away as fast as they can. So that if we have not help nor no orders from the Commissioners to use means to get help in a day or two, We shall every one of us be obliged to leave the Town and all we have in it to the Fury of the Enemy, who there is no reason to doubt are lurking about within sight of us. Besides the Losses which I have reason to sustain’d in this general Calamity, I have expended what little stock of Cash I had in publick Services, so that I am obliged to send this by a private hand, not being able to pay a person to go Express with it. Pray do something or give some order for our speedy relief, or the whole Country will be entirely ruined. If you had but given encouragements to some Persons, that you could have confided in, for their Employing people just for our present Defence, ’till you could have agreed upon a general Plan, all this part of the Country might have been saved which is now entirely lost and the Enemy are still perpetrating [penetrating?] further and further, and if immediate measures are not taken they will very soon be within sight of Philadelphia. This is my real opinion for all the Country is flying before them and no means are employ’d to stop them. I am Honoured Sirs Your most Obedient humble Servant
Wm. Parsons


Title: Provincial Commissioners to George Croghan, [17 December 1755]
From: Provincial Commissioners
To: Croghan, George

Sir,
[Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1755]
You are desired to proceed to Cumberland County and fix on proper Places for erecting three Stockadoes, vizt., One back of Patterson’s, One upon Kishecoquillas, and one Near Sideling Hill; Each of them Fifty feet Square, with a Block-house on two of the Corners, and a Barrack within, capable of Lodging Fifty Men. You are also desired to agree with some proper Person or Persons to oversee the Workmen at each Place, who shall be allowed such Wages as you shall agree to give, not exceeding one Dollar per Day; and the Workmen shall be allow’d at the Rate of Six Dollars per Month, and their Provisions, till the Work is finished.

B. Franklin

Jos. Fox,

Jos. Hughes,

Evan Morgan

To Capt. George Croghan

 Endorsed: Orders to George Croghan. Entd.