Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, January 16, 1764 - 1
Dear Sir
I have just now receiv'd your Favour of
Nov. 12. and hear the Packet is to return directly from
New York, while I have scarce time to write a Line
before the Post goes. The House have past a Bill to
pay the other Colonies what was over-receiv'd by us; wch
Bill is now before the Governor. – We have lately had
horrid Rioting on our Frontiers. The Inhabitants
came down armed into Lancaster County, and at two
several times murdered 20 Innocent Indians, who had
been settled on Conestogoe Manor many Years, under
the Protection of this Government. 140 converted Dela-
wares who refused to engage with their Nation in this
War, and took Refuge in this Province, have been sent
by the Governor with the [illegible], he being apprehensive
he should not be able to protect them from the Murderers
who threatened them also. I hope, during your session
to hear some true political News from you. The News
papers only confound us. – I am not much alarm'd
about your Schemes of raising money on us. You will
take care for your own sakes not to lay greater Burthens
on us than we can bear; for you cannot hurt us without
hurting your selves. All our Profits center with you,
and the more you take from us, the less we can lay out with
you. – I had lodg'd some money with Mr [illegible]
repay for my Part of the [Caroana] Purchase, if we had
made is; but begin to think this will come to nothing.
I can now only add that I am, with sincerest Esteem
and Respect, Dear Friend,
Yours affectionately,
B Franklin
[Transcribed by Ethan M Reczka.]
