On the record
The very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discouraging our enemies; for it is a wise and true saying, that one sword often keeps another in the scabbard.
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gutenberg.orgBenjamin Franklin: “The very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discouraging our enemies; for it is a wise and true…”
Editor's note · Context
Franklin suggests that the reputation of strength can deter potential enemies from attacking.
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More from Benjamin Franklin
II. p. 118.--The truth is, that the Indians considered their lands as mere hunting-manors, and not as farms.
Many quarrels and wars have arisen between the colonies and Indian nations, through the bad conduct of traders, who cheat the Indians after making them drunk, &c. to the great expence of the colonies both in blood and treasure.
You are a member of that parliament, and have formed part of that majority, which has condemned my native country to destruction.
The gaining of the back Indian trade from the French, by the navigation of the lakes, &c. would of itself greatly weaken our enemies:--it being now their principal support, it seems highly probable, that in time they must be subjected to…
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