Benjamin Franklin: “You and I were long friends; you are at present my enemy, and I am yours.”

But when Britain values herself as affording us protection, we desire it may be considered, that we have followed her in all her wars, and joined with her at our own expence against all she thought fit to quarrel with.

This is a measure that will be effectual; and will not only in time pay its expence, but make as great returns as any of our present colonies do; will give a strength and unity to our dominions in North America; and give us possession of…

The establishing of new colonies westward on the Ohio and the lakes (a matter of considerable importance to the increase of British trade and power, to the breaking that of the French, and to the protection and security of our present…

But above all this, the state and circumstances of our settlements render such a measure not only proper and eligible, but absolutely necessary.