Search

Recent conferences with Secretary of State, Lord Shelburne: "He was pleas'd to assure me that he was of Opinion Mr Penn ought to part with the Government voluntarily, and said he had often told him so." Remarks on a plan for a general currency in America. Reflection on a proposal Franklin suggested to [George] Grenville as an alternative to the Stamp Act: a General Loan Office in America, the interest of which would provide the government with revenue. Franklin did not promote the Loan Office plan after the repeal of the Stamp Act. "With this Bill among my Papers I find the inclos'd Draft of a Petition I gave Mr Jackson to present against the Bill for extending to Scotland the Act for transporting Felons to America" ... "he show'd it among the Members, and it occasion'd some Laughing; but it was said, the way to get the Transportation of Felons abolish'd, would be for all the Colonies to remonstrate against it."

Received a copy of a pamphlet in which Franklin and Galloway are represented as authors of the Stamp Act. "Your consolation, my Friend, and mine, under these Abuses, must be, that we do not deserve them. But what can console the Writers and Promoters of such infamously false Accusations, if they should ever come themselves to a Sense of that Malice of their Hearts, and that Stupidity of their Heads, which by these Papers they have manifested and expressed to all the World. Dunces often write Satyrs on themselves, when they think all the while that they are mocking their Neighbours. Let us, as we ever have done, uniformly endeavour the Service of our Country, recording to the best of our Judgment and Abilities, and Time will do us Justice. Dirt thrown on a Mud-Wall May stick & incorporate; but it will not long adhere to polish'd Marble."

Congratulations on Galloway's appointment as Speaker of the [Pennsylvania Provincial] Assembly. Little has happened in the Court, excepting resignations and changes in positions, "the Corn Affair," and the "Act of Indemnity for those that advised the Embargo on Provisions, and acted under it." Amendments to an act regarding trade to Ireland have gone through. Lord Hillsborough is gone from the Board of Trade to the Post Office. "I know not how he will prove, whether a Friend or otherwise to America."

Pleased to hear that the House has introduced a bill that will require Judges to regularly travel a circuit, in order to provide their services to areas outside of Philadelphia. Judges' wages. Straightening of the road to Lancaster. Payment of public debt, paper money, depreciation, and bills redeemable over time. "The Clamour has been, by Grenville's Party, with much Art and Industry, rais'd so high against America in general, that our Friends thought it not prudent to push the Matter earlier than should be necessary to have a Chance of getting it through in this Session." Political climate. "They have pledg'd themselves to Parliament for some Revenue to be rais'd from America. I have not yet learnt on what Articles, except that one is to be a Duty of 6 pence pr Bushel on all Salt imported, allowing a proportionable Drawback on Fish, Pork, and other Salt Provisions exported. We shall oppose this, as it will be a Tax on one of the Necessaries of Life, and tho' not at first very heavy May hereafter be made much moreso."

Paper money and depreciation. The Board of Trade is averse to the repeal of the Currency Act. "The general Rage against America, artfully work'd up by the Grenville Faction, has been another Obstacle. I hope we shall get over all, the Ministry being at length prevail'd on to espouse the Measure, that the Colonies May have something to give on a Requisition from the Crown, and that the Duties May increase by the Increase of Commerce." "It is resolved to bring in a Bill to suspend all Legislation in New York, till the Act of Parlt for quartering Soldiers is complied with."

Hopes for the repeal of the Currency Act are diminished. Summary of arguments for the repeal. Proposals of Grenville and Townshend. Alternate proposal, for selective repeal of the act. Meeting with merchants to discuss the matter. Overheard English merchants discussing colonial responses to their efforts to repeal the Stamp Act. Chancellor has dropped the Salt Duty; effort to permit direct shipping of wine, fruit, and oil to the colonies from Portugal and Spain has not been successful.

"The Confusion among our Great Men still continues as great as ever…" Party politics (power and profit) waste Court time that could be used to extend commerce, reduce debt, secure allies, and increase the strength and ability of the Nation "to support a future War." Party views on the American colonies. New York is providing quarters for British troops without acknowledging obedience to the Quartering Act. "Every Step is taking to render the Taxing of America a popular Measure, by continually insisting on the Topics of our Wealth and flourishing Circumstances, while this Country is loaded with Debt…" Must garner support for the American Cause in order to weaken the potential measure. Will probably not return to America until spring. Pleased that Galloway has "made a Trial of Paper Money without a legal Tender." Suggests method of supporting credit. Doesn’t believe that British merchants understand the issue of legal tender -- that the scarcity of money in the colonies will be a detriment to their business.

From letter of January 9: Boston proceedings had increased "the Clamor" against America. Change in administration. Conversation with Lord Hillsborough regarding paper currency. Hillsborough is pleased with the current disposition of the colonies toward England. Unfavorable time to press the issue of direct trade between America and foreign markets.