From Edward Newenham (unpublished)
12d March 1786
Dear Sir

This day, I had the mortification to find that Captain Wenland of the Hartweg bound to Baltimore had left my Pacquet, for you, behind him, which I had sent to him the 8th of January last. This has realy Vexed me, as you must imagine, that I was deficient in Every point of respect and Esteem to have delayed answering your most obliging favor by the immediate return of the post. I had entirely relied upon that Captain; but I hear Captain Alcorn is to go in a day or two; I shall Endeavour to Collect our News papers, to give you, an opportunity of Knowing the state of this Country.

Government has been modest. No new Taxes, but the Infamous Pension list is much Encreased, and they are Creating new Employments without End. The Board of aldermen have become so Corrupt, as to refuse to petition for the preservation of their City Charter. If the Police Bill is Carried here, there is an End to the freedom of Election in this City. 16 out of 25 Aldermen are to be provided for in that and two other Bills. We may then say, omnia Benalia sunt in Roma.

There must be a Change in Men and Measures. Power is near overstretched. Patriotism is abashed, and spirit is fled, but all may rize at once, and freedom    its Seat.

Our late Speaker was so able the house of Lords on appeal, that he got a Decree of the Chancellors reversed by a Large Majority, though the Chancellor was Supported by all the rest of the Law Lords. Our New Speaker is one of the most Artfull Machiavels, that ever Existed. He absolutely directs the whole Machine, Vice-roy and Secretary are afraid of him.

I need not attempt to give you any foreign politicks, as you have more certain accounts that I can pretend to. Only this I shall observe that Holland is falling, and when old Frederick dies there will be an End of the Germanick Republic, the Austrian Monarch will reign, alone, without Electors. Prussia is the Key stone, remove that and the Arch falls.

We, Lady Newenham and I, hope there is a Letter from you to one of us, in its passage. She joins me in wishing that Every blessing of Heaven may attend you and your Grandson in this and the Next Life. I am my Dear and respected Friend with Every sentiment of Esteem and Respect your most affectionate Humble Servant

Edward Newenham

Addressed: For / His Excellency B: Franklin / Philadelphia / by Captain / Alcorn of the / Dublin Pacquet
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