Benjamin Franklin: “It will not be destroyed: God will protect and prosper it: you will only exclude yourselves from any share in it.”

Franklin's hand, in conjunction with his brethren of the learned committee, that compound of fraud and folly was unveiled, and received its death-wound.

I wish old England were as happy in its government, but I do not see it.

Yet had I gone at 70, it would have cut off 12 of the most active years of my life, employed too in matters of the greatest importance; but whether I have been doing good or mischief, is for time to discover.

As it is in my power, as far as my testimony will be regarded, to refute this charge, I think it due to our friendship to do it.