To John Franklin, William Hooker Smith, and John Jenkins (unpublished)
Philad June 11. 1786
Gentlemen,

I received in its time your Letter of the 25th of February last, written in behalf of the People settled at Wyoming, and requesting a Protection of Government for an Agent who might be sent hither, to explain your Grievances, &c. The Request appear’d to us to be reasonable, and such a Protection would have been immediately sent, but that we were told the Gentleman who brought your Letter Captain   being in Town, and well acquainted with your Affairs, the giving him a Hearing might possibly answer your purpose as well, and spare you the Expence and Trouble of sending a special Agent. He was accordingly heard before the Council, and had an Opportunity of conversing separately with several of the Members as well as with the Members of Assembly, and gave so clear and so affecting an Account of the Situation of your People, their present Disposition, and former Sufferings, as enclin’d the Government in general to show them every kind of reasonable Favour. The Assembly accordingly took the necessary previous Steps for a Compliance with your Request respecting a separate County which will probably be compleated at their next Session. But as there may be other Matters necessary to be consider’d and discuss’d, in order to establish solid and lasting Quiet, the Council have since judged that it might still be useful if your first Proposal of sending an Agent hither were agreed to, and if one or more, chosen and appointed by the People should accordingly be here about the Beginning of the Session, which was fixt for the 22d of August next. You may therefore now acquaint the Settlers, that upon Information of such Appointment, a Passport or Safe Conduct under the great Seal, for the Person or Persons so appointed shall be sent to you, giving him or them perfect Security in coming, residing here, and returning, from all Arrests on Suits of any kind, and full Freedom and Protection from every Hindrance, Restraint or Molestation whatsoever.

Be assured, Gentlemen, that it will be a great Pleasure to the whole Council, as well as to myself in particular, if we can be instrumental by just and reasonable Measures, in promoting the Happiness of so great a Body of our People as the Settlers at Wyoming consist of. I am, Gentlemen, Your Friend and humble Servant.

B F.

In Council
Messrs John Franklin Wm Hooker Smith and John Jenkins
Endorsed: 1786 June 11th To Messieurs John Franklin William Hooker Smith and John Jenkins at Wioming Entered.
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