Edenton 16th. April 1786
In my Voyage from Europe I had the misfortune to have my
eyesight impared to that degree by a fever that, since that time I
have scarce been able to write legiably and am now forced to avail
myself of the eyes of a young Gentleman to write you a line of
congratulation on your safe arrival in your Native Land. Long may
you live to feel the good effects of your generious and Successful
exertions in the perfection of a plan of Liberty which will Secure
hereafter American freedom against the attacks of British tyrany.
I have some hopes that I shall be able one day to pay my respects
to you in person, if I should be prevented by the inform State of
my health, I beg you will be assured however that I ever am with
the most respectful regard and highest esteem Dear Sir your
Sincere friend and most affectionate and most Humble Servant
His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr. President of Pensylvania &c
John Oxly Pawnbroker of Bethnal Green was indicted for
assaulting Henry Boldsworth on the Highway, putting him in fear,
and taking from him a Silver Watch, value £5 5s. The Prisoner
pleaded that having sold the Watch to the Prosecutor who knew him
that he was not likely to pay for the same, he had only followed
him and took his Watch back again. But it appearing on the Trial,
that presuming he had not been known when he commit’d the Robbery
he had afterwards su’d the Prosecutor for the Debut on his Note of
hand. He was found guilty. Death. Sessions Paper 1747.
I chose the above Extract from the Proceedings at the Old Baily
in the Trial of Criminals, as a Motto or Text, on which to amplify
in my ensuing Discourse. But on second Thoughts haveing given it
forth, I shall after the Example of some other Preachers quit it
for the present, and leave to my Readers, if I should happen to
have any, the Task of finding out what Relation there may possibly
be between the Text and the Sermon.