PREFACE By the EDITOR.
The writings of Dr. Franklin need no other preface than his
character and life.— A few words therefore will explain all that
is necessary concerning this collection.
To secure the reader from the apprehension of omissions and
interpolations, the place whence each piece is taken, is generally
expressed; or, if the notes are silent on this head, an original
copy is to be understood, to which the editor still retains access.—
It was chiefly for these purposes of authentication, that
notes were originally provided: But as it was considered that
this work might be read not only by Englishmen and Americans,
but by foreigners and posterity; other notes of explanation
and anecdote were occasionally added, which will be set aside
by other editors, in proportion as they are judged superfluous
or improper.— In the miscellaneous part of the collection however,
these humbler bounds have been considerably exceeded;
the temptation for which, will appear in the places in question.
The notes in particular, following the “Conjectures on the Aurora
Borealis,” were drawn up in consequence of attacks this
paper had suffered among the editor’s private friends. How far
his zeal will justify their insertion here, is left to a candid public.
But the conjectures of great men speak a strong language. “The
matter in question,” they say “contradicts nothing within their
own knowledge, and they risque a portion of their reputation
upon its truth:” Proofs sufficient to satisfy their candor and caution,
they acknowledge to be wanting; But such hints surely
deserve study and respect.— Considerable liberties have been
taken with the pointing, italics, &c. in these papers; for most
of the copies being found imperfect or unsystematic in these
particulars, some degree of uniformity was judged allowable, if
attended with proper advertisement and apology. The editor
may not perhaps at all times have succeeded in his own intentions;
but he conceives that the public will take more exception
at his interference, than Dr. Franklin.
The times appear not ripe enough for the editor to give expression
to the affection, gratitude, and veneration, he bears to
a writer he has so intimately studied: Nor is it wanting to the
author; as history lies in wait for him, and the judgement of
mankind balances already in his favor. The editor wishes only
that other readers may reap that improvement from his productions,
which he conceives they have rendered to himself.— Yet
perhaps he may be excused for stating one opinion: He conceives
that no man ever made larger or bolder guesses than Dr.
Franklin from like materials in politics and philosophy, which,
after the scrutiny of events and of fact, have been more completely
verified. Can Englishmen read these things, and not sigh
at recollecting that the country which could produce their author,
was once without controversy their own!— Yet he who
praises Dr. Franklin for mere ability, praises him for that quality
of his mind, which stands lowest in his own esteem. Reader,
whoever you are, and how much soever you think you hate
him, know that this great man loves you enough to wish to do
you good:
His country’s friend, but more of human kind.
THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
1st DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of General Politics,
marked [G.P.] on the top of each leaf.
1. Observations on the increase of mankind, peopling of countries,
&c. p. 1 [iv, 225–34].
2. Remarks on ditto, (particularly respecting the effects which
manners have on population,) by R. J. Esq; p. 12 [vi, 75–82].
3. Plan by Messrs. Franklin and Dalrymple for benefiting distant
unprovided countries* p. 37 [xviii, 214–17].
4. Precaution in China against Famine p. 42 [xx, 442–5].
5. Positions to be examined (concerning National Wealth.) p.
44 [xvi, 107–9].
6. Political Fragments (on the subjects of industry, embargoes
on corn, poor, effect of dear provisions on manufactures, open
trade, &c. and paper-credit.) p. 48 [xxi, 169–77].
7. On the price of corn, and management of the Poor. p. 57
[xiii, 510–16].
8. On Smuggling and its various species. p. 64 [xiv, 315–19].
9. The Way to Wealth*. p. 24 [vii, 326–50].
10. Parable against Persecution. p. 72 [vi, 114–24].
11. A letter concerning Dissenters and Persecution; particularly
in America. p. 74 [xix, 163–8].
IInd DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects
before the present Troubles, marked [A. B. T.]
12. Albany Papers. p. 85 [v, 397–416].
1. Reasons and motives for the plan of union for the colonies
in 1754. p. 86
2. Reasons against partial unions. p. 89
3. Plan of union, proposed by Dr. Franklin, and unanimously
agreed to by the American commissioners at Albany. p. 91
Albany Papers continued. p. 120
13. Two Letters to Governor Shirley concerning Taxation and
Representation. p. 120 [v, 441–7].
14. A third Letter to the same concerning an union with Great
Britain. p. 129 [v, 449–51].
15. Plan for two Western Colonies in America. p. 133 [v, 456–
63].
16. Remarks on a plan for regulating Indian affairs in 1762*. p.
222 [xiii, 433–41].
17. Canada Pamphlet; or the Interest of Great Britain considered
with regard to her colonies, and the acquisitions of Canada
and Guadaloupe; p. 144 [ix, 47–98].
The Introduction; and the following topics; p. 144
1. Of Securities for being at peace; p. 148
2. Canada a security; but forts none; p. 155
3. War in America not for Colonies alone; p. 162
4. The Colonies useful to G. Britain; p. 171
5. The Colonies not dangerous to Great Britain; p. 191
6. The French dangerous in Canada; p. 195
7. Canada easily peopled; p. 200
8. Merits of Guadaloupe overvalued, &c. p. 201
18. Remarks and Facts relative to the American paper money
in 1764*. p. 206 [xiv, 76–87].
IIId DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects
during the Troubles, marked [A. D. T.]
19. Causes of the American Discontents before 1768. p. 231 [xv,
3–13].
20. Letter concerning the Gratitude of America, and the effects
of an union with Great Britain; and concerning the repeal or
suspension of the Stamp-Act. p. 246 [xiii, 23–6].
21. Letter from Governor Pownal concerning an equal communication
of rights, privileges, &c. between Great Britain and
America; p. 252.
—With Dr. Franklin’s Remarks. p. 254.
22. Examination of Dr. Franklin before the English House of
Commons, relative to the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. p. 255 [xiii,
124–59].
23. Queries from Mr. Strahan; relative to certain acts of parliament
excepted against by America, and the way of composing
the dispute; p. 302 [xvi, 233–5].
—With Dr. Franklin’s answers. p. 305 [xvi, 243–9].
24. A Prussian Edict assuming claims over Britain. p. 315 [xx,
413–18].
25. Preface to the votes and proceedings in the town of Boston
(on the subject of the Tea-Act, &c.) p. 323 [xx, 82–7].
26. Proceedings and Examination, in the case of Dr. Franklin
before the Privy Council; relative to the dismission of Governor
Hutchinson, &c. p. 329 [xx, 372–3; xxi, 19–23].
27. Account of G. Hutchinson’s Letters, &c. p. 339 [xx, 513–
16].
28. Rules for reducing a Great Empire to a small one. p. 343
[xx, 389–99].
29. Intended Vindication and Offer from Congress to Parliament,
in 1775. p. 357 [xxii, 112–20].
30. Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend in England, summing
up the events of the first campaign of the American war. p. 365
[xxii, 217–18].
31. Letter from Lord Howe to Dr. Franklin, concerning the first
commission for composing the American Troubles; p. 367
[xxii, 483–4].
—With Dr. Franklin’s Answer. p. 370 [xxii, 518–21].
32. Comparison of Great Britain and America as to Credit. p.
376 [xxiv, 508–14].
IVth DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of Provincial
Politics, marked [P. P.]
33. Report of the Committee of Aggrievances of the Assembly
in Pennsylvania, in 1757. p. 387 [vii, 136–42].
34. Letter on a proposed Militia Bill in Pensylvania. p. 396 [xi,
360–5].
35. Reply to a Protest against the appointment of Dr. Franklin
as Agent to Pensylvania. p. 403 [xi, 429–41].
36. Preface to a Speech of Mr. Galloway concerning the change
of the Proprietary into a Royal government, in Pensylvania. p.
419 [xi, 267–308].
Vth DIVISION; containing papers on Miscellaneous and Philosophical
Subjects, marked [M. P.]
37. A Reformed Mode of Spelling, with some of its uses, &c. p.
467 [xv, 175–8; 215–20].
38. On the Vis Inertiae of Matter, in a Letter to Mr. Baxter. p.
479 [iii, 84–9].
39. Experiments, &c. on the utility of long pointed rods, for
securing buildings from damage by strokes of lightning. p. 487
[xix, 244–55].
40. Conjectures concerning the Aurora Borealis. p. 504 [xxviii,
190–5].
41. Dr. Franklin’s Epitaph on himself. p. 531 [i, 109–111].
[The pieces included in the Appendix are as follows:]
Rules for a Club formerly established in Philadelphia [i, 255–9].
State of the Constitution of the Colonies, by Governor Pownall;
with Remarks by Dr. Franklin [xvi, 298–304].
Letter to an unnamed recipient, November 28, 1768 [xv, 272–
3].
Letter to [Joseph Priestley], May 16, 1775 [xxii, 44].
Letter to [Joseph Priestley], July 7, 1775 [xxii, 91].
Letter to [David Hartley], October 3, 1775 [xxii, 216–17].