To William Shirley
Drafts: American Philosophical Society
[July 1756]
Sir

It might be of use to me with my Constituents, the Postmasters General in England, to whom I understand I am misrepresented as disaffected to the King’s Service if your Excellency would be pleased to repeat, in a Letter to me, General Braddock’s Expressions which you mentioned yesterday, relating to the Service I rendered him; and add such Notice as you think proper to take, of my procuring for your Forces, the Grant of £10,000 in Provisions; and afterwards the warm Clothing. I never before claim’d any Regard on these Accounts. But in my present Situation it seems necessary to me to say, (tho’ of my self) what is really true, viz. That I personally solicited the first Affair with every leading Member, advis’d Mr. Quincy what Strings to touch in his Discourses with each of them, drew up for him his Remonstrance to the House, supported and enforc’d it in the House, and when they became willing to give, but were at a Loss where to find the Money, I contriv’d for them a new Method of gaining Credit for the Sum, and carried it into Effect. As to the Clothing, I first propos’d it to the Assembly, and obtain’d a Vote of Approbation; they had no Money but promis’d to pay when they could, if any would advance it; I set on foot a Subscription for the purpose, and my self actually subscrib’d and paid three Tenths of the whole Sum, of which I am not yet reimburs’d one Farthing. Your Excellency’s touching these Points ever so lightly in a Line to me to be made use only as above hinted, I should esteem a great Favour; but if it appears to you on any Account improper, I shall not take your declining it amiss, being with the most perfect Attachment, Your Excellencys

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