Letters to Benjamin Franklin 57 



Frojn Tho[mas] Wharton. 1766. April 26. Philadelphia. 



Many contradictory reports circulated until the true account arrived 

 of the Stamp Act being repealed; hopes peace will be restored. Com- 

 pares number of Presbyterian meeting-houses in America with number 

 of churches belonging to the Church of England ; ten times as many 

 of the former; disapproves of this. All trade at a standstill; neither can 

 they pay their debts unless Great Britain allows general free trade. In 

 order to relieve their distress, nearly two hundred poor women employed 

 in spinning flax in the factory. Announces the birth of a son, whom 

 they have taken the liberty to name Franklin Wharton ; hopes this proof 

 of their regard will not be disagreeable to him. A. L. S. 2 p. II, 16. 



From W[illia]m Franklin. 1766. April 30. Philadelphia. 



Acknowledging favor of Feb. 25th; fears his letter of the i6th was 

 lost at sea; begs for a copy, if he has it. Keen satisfaction afforded 

 Franklin's friends by the accounts of his examination at the bar of the 

 House of Commons; prominent part played by him in the repeal of the 

 Stamp Act; every merchant writes home as if he alone had accomplished 

 the affair. Sensible letter from the Committee of Merchants in Lon- 

 don, but all such advice is frustrated by the people's indiscretion. Is not 

 surprised at Franklin's disapproval of his speech against the Proprietary 

 officers, in answer to the Lodge paper; at such a distance, does not think 

 a right judgment can be formed; all his friends think he acted rightly; 

 Gov. Hutchinson thought the attacks on him beneath notice; the conse- 

 quence was his house and effects were destroyed and his life endangered. 

 Encloses two applications for favors from the Ministry: one from Col. 

 Croghan, the other from Mr. Geo. Reed. Account of a company formed 

 by himself and others to purchase from the French certain lands at the 

 Illinois. Does not want the Chronicle stopped. Betsy sends a cordial 

 thanks for the notice taken of her nephew. A. L. S. 4 p. II, 17. 



From James Parker. 1766. May 6. New York. 



Has arrived in New York and accepted the place of Land Waiter; his 

 state of health improved but precarious. Reasons against printing a 

 newspaper himself; his rival in the business would be Mr. Holt who 

 owes him a great sum of money and will probably pay it in time if not 

 interfered with ; Holt is aided and abetted by the Sons of Liberty, who 

 carry all before them; everyone afraid to speak against them. Must 

 take the box of goods himself, and will allow Franklin interest from the 



