From the Pennsylvania General Assembly (unpublished)
To the Honorable Benjamin Franklin Esquire, L. L. D. &ca.

The Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, in the most affectionate manner congratulate you on your safe arrival in your native country after so long an absence on the most important business.

We likewise congratulate you on the firm establishment of the Independence of America, and the settlement of a general peace after the interesting struggle in which we were so long engaged.

We are confident Sir, that we speak the sentiments of this whole country when we say, that your services in the public Councils and Negociations, have not only merited the thanks of the present generation, but will be recorded in the pages of History to your immortal honor. And it is particularly pleasing to us, that while we are sitting as Members of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, we have the happiness of welcoming into the State, a person who was so greatly instrumental in forming its free and excellent Constitution. May it please God to give you a serene and peaceful enjoyment of the evening of life, and a participation of that happiness you have been so instrumental in securing to others.

Signed by order of the House.
John Bayard Speaker
Assembly Chamber Philadelphia September 15th 1785.
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