I did myself the honour some time past to address your Excellency on the Subject of Imprisonment of John Franklin in Philadelphia, and afterwards received with much satisfaction Information of the kind and humane proceedings of your Excellency and Council relative to the prisoner in consequence of my letter on that Subject.

I have now before me a letter from the same prisoner wherein he acknowledge his Situation hath been made as comfortable as close confinement could admit, both in Sickness and health, except he is unable to procure comfortable clothing: but he complains grieviously that he is still held in close confinement without being admitted to bail or the liberty of a trial for the offence wherewith he is accused.

I am also Informed that the Legislature of Pennsylvania have suspended their Act which had been past for quieting the setlers at Wyoming, and their consternation and unhappiness in consequence of the Suspension. It is presumed those transactions are well known to your Exellency and need not further explication.

As the people first settled at Wyoming under countenance of this Legislature, and for a time lived under the Exercise of the Government of this State; Government have always thougth themselves under some kind of obligation to take notice of their Complaints and distresses: which is my appology for troubling your Exellency at this time.

But considering the Irritable nature of the Susquehannah Controversy the powerful connections which the Setlers there have with a numerous class of Citicens in this State in both the ties of Interest and consanguinity, and the disagreeable consequences of wounding an old fracture when aparently almost healed: I have thought it expedient to address your Excellency on this subject without laying the Complaints above refer’d to, before the Legislature.

Let me then suggest to your Excellency whether it be consistant withe the free Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to hold any person a close prisoner from Year to Year merely upon accusations without admitting him to bail, or the liberty of a trial; when Goverment is in profound peace and full exercise.

And doth not the dignity of Goverment and the dictates of sound Policy require that the act in nature of a grant which was past for quieting the setlers at Wyoming and Securing to them their land, done with so much deliberation and notoriety, should be held sacred and Inviolate and that future disturbances, disputes and disagreeable consequences should be prevented if possible.

The prisoner above mentioned is apprehensive that the lawless and outrageous proceedings of the Banditti who carried off that worthy Gentleman Col. Pickering may opperate to his disadvantage, although as I am Informed it was done without his knowledge or apprehension.

I have only to add that I am perfectly satisfied your Sentiments and Inclinations will fully concide in all proper exertions to Alleviate the distresses and miseries of the wretched, among Individuals and in promoting harmony, mutual conciliation and good Neighbourhood, between States, and Societies, so far as may be consistant with the principals of Justice, and the honour and safety of Civil Goverment. With the highest Sentiments of Esteem and Respect, I have the honour to be your Excys humble Servant