Benjamin Franklin: “And what may we expect to be the consequence, but desertion of plantations, ruin, bloodshed and confusion!”

To strangers he was cold and reserved; but where he was intimate, no man indulged to more pleasantry and good humour.

But if I were in his place, and not otherwise instructed, I should be apt to say, Take your own time, gentlemen.

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.