From Edward Bridgen (unpublished)
Ondon August the 2nd. 1785
My Dear and much respected Sir

I was too happy on Thursday last by seeing you so well at So.Hampton, and Spithead to suffer the pain of a formal farewel which I know you will have the goodness to excuse.

May this meet you as well in Philadelphia as you were in England?

On my return to So.Hampton I took up one Letter for you, and another for Mr. Williams which were to be returned provided, that you were sailed, which directions I obeyed, of which you will hear by this conveyance.

Whether I ought my Dear Sir to renew the Subject of the confiscation of my property in No. Carolina or not, I am not dear. The many weighty affairs you must necessarily have on your hands, may easily plead you excuse for not interfering any more in behalf of an object of such small import, tho: it is of consequence to one who has not only suffered considerably by the War, and who has spent not a small sum in behalf of the right of American and Mankind. This I should never have mentioned (tho: unblushingly I do it) had I not been obliged by the Strange conduct of the ruling powers of the State of No. Carolina.

The loss of my property is only an injury done an Individual; while the honour, justice and Credit of that State is manisfestly self-impeached; and to those who are unacquainted with the Nature of the Confederacy, it will appear as reflecting upon all the States whose conduct I am desirious to defend, but my present situation makes me very awkward in this business.

That one, or two men whould take a liking to my land, and other property, is not to be wondered at; but that a whole Legislature should deliberately enact a law to rob me; is most singular in History, and is what I can even now, hardly believe: Yet, it is!

Perhaps the framers of the Confiscation laws in that State, have overshot their mark in the mode of making out their list of names—for it is expressed only in the Names of Bridgen and Wallen, which can only apply to the debts due to the House, and by this error there still remains a plea in my favour respecting My lands and Negroes and notwithstanding the Chief Justice sees my lands are very convenient, as being contiguous to his own. This Gentleman sometime ago petitioned the Assembly for a grant thereof but, then, it was treated with the greatest contempt.

Unite, My Dear Sir, all the good wishes of your best and dearest friends, and they will comprise not more than those of your obliged, faithful and Affectionate

Edwd: Bridgen

Addressed: The Honble: Benjamin / Franklin Esqr
Endorsed: Mr Bridgen 1785
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