Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform

Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, February 11, 1764 - 3

up two Nights running, all Night with our Governor; and my rest so broken by Alarms on the other Nights, that the whole week seems one confus’d Space of Time without any such Distinction of Days, as that I can readily & certainly say, on such a Day such a thing happened. – At present we are pretty quiet, and I hope that Quiet will continue. – A Militia Bill is ordered by the House to be brought in, our Want of such a Law appearing on this Occasion to everybody; but whether we shall be able to frame one that will pass, is a Question – The jealousy of an Addition of Power to the Proprietary Government, which is universally dislik’d here will prevail with the House not to leave the sole Appointment of the Militia Officers in the Hands of the Governor; and he, I suppose, will insist upon it, and so the Bill will probably fall through; – which perhaps is no great Matter, as your 14 Battalions will make all Militias in American needless, as well as put them out of Countenance –

The Bearer, Mr Mifflin, is a voluble young Man, Son of a Friend of mine, and one for whom I have a great Regard. – I beg Leave to recommend him by your Civilities.

With the sincerest Esteem, & Respect, I am, Dear Sir,

Your most obedient & most humble Servant

B Franklin

Contents of this annotation: