50 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From James Parker. 1765. November 6. Burlington. 



Acknowledging favor of Sept. 17th. Dreadful commotions in this 

 country. His visit to New York postponed. Desires to know what 

 disposition he is to make of the printing materials, when he leaves Bur- 

 lington. Has gout in his right hand, so must be brief. A. L. S. i p. 



Printed in Proc. Mass. Hist. Soc, 2d Ser., XVI, p. 202. ^> ^^^' 



From Tho[mas] "Wharton. 1765. November 7. Philadelphia. 



Acknowledging favor of 19th August. Meetings like the one rela- 

 tive to the Stamp Act, held in New York, may in future be of great 

 service to America. Refers him to his letter of the 5th ult. to see the 

 result of the elections. In the new election for the city held to deter- 

 mine whether J. Pemberton or G. Bryan was elected, the former was 

 chosen by a large majority; reasons for this. An association formed and 

 articles signed by a great number of merchants, declaring they will 

 not import from Britain any goods or merchandise until the Stamp Act 

 is repealed; thinks this method far more eligible than the imprudent 

 and unwarrantable steps taken by several Colonies. Account of the 

 populace in New York having assembled to the number of thousands, 

 burnt the Governor's coach and obliged him to give up the Stamp 

 papers, which they are determined to send back to London; seeing the 

 multitude resolved, G. Gage advised the delivery; they also destroyed 

 all the furniture belonging to Major James, who had said he would 

 enforce obedience to the Act. Hourly expect some person to call on B. 

 Chew; will then know what part he will act; he is considered as Pro- 

 bate of Wills, King's Attorney and Recorder of Philadelphia. A. L. S. 

 3 p. I, 167. 



From "William Franklin. 1765. November 13. Burlington. 



Hard pressed for time owing to a vessel's sailing early the next morn- 

 ing; is obliged to write to the Lords of Trade to acquaint them with the 

 situation as regards the Stamp Act; has found it difficult to steer safely 

 between the people in America and the Ministry in England ; none of 

 the Governors have received the least directions with regard to their 

 conduct at this critical time. Congratulates himself that the Proprie- 

 tary party published those lies against him, thereby giving him an op- 

 portunity, by a seasonable answer, to remove the prejudices of the people; 

 stands well with them now; their resentment directed against the Speaker; 

 gives reasons for this. At the last meeting of the Council, Mr. David 

 Ogden moved that he (the Governor) should call the Assembly with- 



