Benjamin Franklin: “It will scarce be credited in Britain, that men can be as diligent with us from zeal for the public good, as with you…”

We are restrained in our trade with foreign nations; and where we could be supplied with any manufacture cheaper from them, but must buy the same dearer from Britain, the difference of price is a clear tax to Britain.

In all cases where the strength of the whole was necessary to be used against the enemy, there would be the same difficulty in degree, to bring the several unions to unite together, as now the several colonies; and consequently the same…

But it seems not of so much importance, whether the fighting be done by John or Thomas, or the tax paid by William or Charles.

Believing therefore, that it is my duty, I shall honestly speak my mind in the following paper.