From Charles Biddle (unpublished)
Sir

I send your Excellency a letter from Coll. Pickering, which he brought to me with the return of Magistrates from Luzerne. From the Account Mr. Pickering gives, and a letter I have from Coll. Dennisson I think we may expect peace in that County.

When Council met here on Friday we had a Number of Petitions from Bedford County requesting a writ to Issue for holding an Election for Councellor, I would wish to inform your Excellency (as you was not in Council when the Election was set a side) Council was very full, and it was the Unanimous opinion of the board that a writ should not Issue before the general Election. The people seldom attend at a Called election and it is probable if a writ should Issue we should have a man returned that would not be the wish of the County. As it was thought three months since that there was no Occassion to order a New Election, there must be less now. As the General Election is drawing near, two of the Members of the Assembly for the County signd a Petition praying there might not be a writ ordered, and Council resolved they would order one. I only wish the people of the County to have a fair opportunity of giving us the Men of their Choice. I have mentioned those circumstances to your Excellency thinking it probable a writ may be requested when there is few members in Council.

I beleave it will be Proper for Council to Address Genl Washington. Your Excellency knows best what should be done. We should make an offer of one of the rooms in the State House for the Convention. I wish your Excellency may be able to read this Scrawl. I write in a good deal of pain. With the highest respect I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Chas. Biddle

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja. Franklin Esqr.
Endorsed: 1787 May Mr. Biddle Letter from the Honble the Vice President to the President
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