Letters to Benjamin Franklin 175 



From Will [iam] Strahan. 1775. September 6. London. 



Takes exception to Franklin's remark, — " all tends to a separation." 

 Represents the evil consequences to America of a break with England ; 

 enumerates the many past privileges enjoyed by the Colonies; terrible 

 evils of war; hopes on the reassembling of Parliament something may 

 be found to stop the progress of such an unnatural and destructive quar- 

 rel. In the Declaration of Congress he sees " that foreign assistance, if 

 necessary, Is undoubtedly attainable"; supposes this is merely a threat; 

 evils of foreign interference. Probable suffering in store for America. 

 Comments on the last petition of Congress to Great Britain. Prophesies 

 future trouble from the arming of the provincials. A. L. S. 4 p. 



IV, 67. 



Printed in Penna. Magazine of Hist, and Biog., XXVII, 165. 



From W[illia]m Franklin. 1775. September 6. Perth Amboy. 



Enclosing a copy of the exposition of the Resolution of the House of 

 Commons and also the minutes of the two last sessions of the New 

 Jersey Assembly, containing his remarks on the present unnatural dis- 

 pute between Great Britain and her colonies. A. L. S. i p. IV, 68. 



From John Foxcroft. 1775. September 15. New York. 

 Received a most friendly and polite letter from their mutual friend. 

 Lord Le Despencer, who approves of every step he (Foxcroft) has taken 

 in these troublesome times. Hears that some people have had the 

 curiosity to pry into his correspondence with Franklin. Encloses His 

 Majesty's answer to the City Address. A. L. S. i p. IV, 69. 



From The Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania. 



[1775. October 21. Philadelphia.] 

 Meeting of the Committee of Safety and of the Committee of As- 

 sembly, also of the Board at which the appointment of a commodore will 

 be considered. A. L. S. W[illia]m Govett, Secretary, i p. 



XLIII, 190. 



From Horatio Gates. 1775. November 7. Head Q'rs. 

 Giving accounts of the capture of several vessels with cargoes of wine, 

 dry goods, rum, sugar and fruit respectively; evident that "wine and 

 punch will not be wanting to the Sons of Liberty." Asks how the pulse 

 of the politicians is beating. Cannot write for interruptions ; no peace 

 possible for him until he gives the ambassador from Marblehead two 

 barrels of powder for the defense of that port. A. L. S. 2 p. IV, 70. 



