74 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



Fro77i James Parker. 1767. August 8, New York. 

 Mr. Chew's claim against Franklin for a rider he hired to Hartford 

 in 1755 and 1756. Illness of his son. A letter from London to him 

 got lost through " the vile practice of calling off letters at the coffee- 

 house." A. L. S. 2 p. II, 87. 



From W[illiam] F[ranklin]. 1767. August 22. Burlington. 



Interested in perusing the few pages he received of Franklin's journal ; 

 promises to keep it an inviolable secret; Mr. G.'s^ opinion that if the 

 people did but know one half of Franklin's work in their behalf, they 

 would go near to deify him. Question of paper currency; doubtful 

 whether they will get permission to make any this year. Inadequate 

 salaries of officers ; from all his fees of office, has never made more than 

 £300 per annum. Discusses the advisability of making the Governors 

 independent of the Assemblies. Approves of the Governor's right to 

 grant Crown lands with advice of Council, but deprecates sharing that 

 power with the Assemblies. Collection of quit rents. Wishes the reso- 

 lution Franklin drew up for Governor Pownall could have appeared on 

 the minutes of the House of Commons; it must have opened their 

 eyes to the impropriety of taxing the Colonies without giving them repre- 

 sentation ; thinks everything has been done to prejudice the people in 

 America against this plan, especially by the Presbyterians ; these latter 

 in favor of an American Parliament, in order to advance their own 

 interests. A. L. S. 5 p. II, 88. 



^ [Joseph Galloway.] 



From James Parker. 1767. August 24. New York. 

 Acknowledging favors of April 14, May 23 and June 12, and con- 

 gratulating him on the renewal of his commission. In receipt of the 

 Chronicles. Makes but slow advance with his newspaper, but con- 

 tinues to swim against the tide. Illness in his family. Will send power 

 of attorney by next packet. Summoned by Mr. Ingersoll to come up 

 and give evidence the beginning of October. Holt keeps close or else 

 their sheriff is dishonest. A. L. S. i p. II, 89. 



Fro 7/z James Parker. 1767. August 27. New York. 

 Sends the day's paper which contains nothing of importance; one of 

 his best apprentices sick. A. L. S. i p. II, 91. 



From Will[iam] Strahan. [1767.] August 27. 

 Encloses a receipt for books. Reminds Franklin of his engagement to 

 dine with him. A. L. S. i p. XLIII, 229. 



