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

Your Excellency knows how unhappily we in Pensilvania have been rent into Parties. One almost constant Consequence of Misunderstanding, is Misrepresentation. Of this I have, it seems, my Share. I am represented at home as an Opposer of Government, and disaffected to the King’s Service. This if credited may hurt me with my honourable Constituents, the Postmasters General.

As you are acquainted not only with what Zeal and Disinterestedness I served Gen. Braddock, but also with my Readiness to assist your Forces by effecting the Grant from our Assembly of £10,000 in Provisions, and the warm Wastecoats and Stockings for the Winter Use of your Soldiers, I beg leave to desire you would, if you think it right, take occasion as it were by the by, to mention these Things in a Letter to me, which I may be at Liberty to communicate to Sir Everard Fawkener, in order to remove or prevent any contrary Impressions to my Disadvantage without making any public and other Use of it. If this should not appear to your Excellency a Piece of Justice due to me, I would not request it; tho’ I do not know any other Man on Earth to whom I would more willingly be oblig’d for a Favour; being, with the highest and truest Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most faithful humble Servant

B F

Endorsed: Rough Draft to Gen. Shirley
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