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.
Franklin emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of the colonies in Britain's military efforts.
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That compelling the colonies to pay money without their consent, would be rather like raising contributions in an enemy's country, than taxing of Englishmen for their own public benefit.
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.
But let us take a cool view of the general state of our affairs, and perhaps the prospect will appear less gloomy than has been imagined.
That the colonies have no representatives in parliament.
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