Search

Meeting with Lord Hillsborough, "but the Conclusion was, that we parted without agreeing on any thing." With the help of a growing party sympathetic to the American colonies, "the Repeal of the late offensive Duties" May possibly be obtained. "Military People" in London are offended by the removal of Jeffery Amherst from his offices.

Please extend his appreciation to the Assembly for his new appointment. Hopes that his telescope order will be finished "in time." Regarding Boston: "Some Indiscretion on the part of their warmer People, or of the Soldiery, I am extreamly apprehensive May occasion a Tumult; and if Blood is once drawn, there is no forseeing how far the Mischief May spread." The ministers are uncertain of how to act with America. Discussion of the Duty Acts and the sentiments of the British government. Hillsborough's speech and position on the Duty Acts. Pennsylvania's petition to the King and parliamentary responses. Distribution of a pamphlet that he believes was produced by a member of the Rockingham Party. Regarding conciliation: "Tis easy to propose a Plan; mine May be express'd in a few Words; Repeal the Laws, Renounce the Right, Recall the Troops, Refund the Money, and Return to the old Method of Requisition."

Parliamentary resolutions passed. Report and approval delayed. American supporters appear to be increasing. Merchants May attempt to bring in petitions from manufacturing towns to support the repeal. Lord Temple left the House of Lords discussions prematurely, believing that no effectual plan had been proposed to bring America to obedience. "Frugality & Industry is not, like War, a waste of Treasure, but the Means of increasing it."

Agents agreed to join a petition to repeal the Duty Act. Franklin drafted a petition. The petition was not based on a denial of Parliament's rights and so, Franklin believed that they would receive it. Agents feared that not addressing Parliament's rights would show implicit acceptance. The petition was dropped. Gov. Pownall is a "warm Friend for the Colonies in Parliament." He has privately published his speech against the resolutions. Believes that the only way to repeal the Duty Acts is a unanimous non-importation agreement.

Encloses bill of lading for the telescope [bill not present]. Lord Barrington attempted to add discreetly a clause to the American Mutiny Bill to quarter troops in private houses. The measure was disclaimed. Franklin was unable to examine the telescope, but as the best workman made it he believes that it is fine and well-packed for shipping.

Harmony will not be restored to the two countries until a constitution is agreed upon. Received a visit from a "Member of Parliament in high Station," who believes that a plan May be formed agreeable to both sides. A repeal of duties on glass, paper, and colours -- and tea -- supposed to be repealed early this session. Suspects that the repeal will be accompanied by a "severe Law" for importation of non-British goods. Supporters of America in the House of Commons. Has encouraged London merchants to present an account to Parliament, to dispel the opinion that trade continues covertly. Divisions within England May be advantageous.

The session is over and Parliament did not repeal the duty on tea. Its repeal is expected to pass in the winter session. Hears talk of a general act, which will revise trade regulations pertaining to America (including the tea duty, "with its odious Preamble") without "hurting the Honour of Parliament." Reasons for Parliament not passing the act to punish noncompliant merchants. Pownall made a speech and motion respecting the quartering of troops and standing armies during peacetime. "On the whole, there seems a general Disposition in the Nation (a particular Faction excepted) to be upon good Terms with the Colonies, and to leave us in the Enjoyment of all our Rights… There is a Malice against us in some powerful People, that discovers itself in all their Expressions when they speak of us; And Incidents May yet arise on either Side of the Water that May give them Advantage, and prevent those healing Measures that all good Men wish to take place." Mention of a failed paper money bill. R[obert] Charles' attempts to create an act for New York to make bills of credit legal tender (exempting New York from the Paper Money Act) -- and his suicide. Mr. Jackson has been appointed counsel to the Board of Trade.

Acts of the February session are now before the Board of Trade. Paper money bill. Reaction to "The Treatment of the Tea in America." Explanation of his conduct related to the acquisition and publication of the Hutchinson letters. Wedderburn's speech. "I shall soon answer it, and give this Court my Farewell." "I wish most sincerely with you that a Constitution was formed and settled for America, that we might know what we are and what we have, what our Rights and what our Duties in the Judgment of this Country as well as in our own. Till such a Constitution is settled, different Sentiments, will ever occasion Misunderstandings."

Laments the "impending Calamities" which Britain and her colonies are about to suffer-resulting from "great Imprudencies on both Sides." "I have however generally strong Hopes amounting almost to an Assurance, that tho' we May suffer much for a while, America will finaly be greatly benefited by her present Difficulties, and rise superior to them all." House of Commons rejects a plan of union, refuses to hear the merchants support their petition, American agents' support of the Congressional petition, Lord Chatham's Plan. Postscript dated February 7: troops have orders to act on the defensive-to avoid bloodshed. Their purpose is only to intimidate. Believes that the ministry will be forced to "retire" next session and points respecting America will be gained.

Franklin knows nothing of three men taken prisoner in America and now held in France. He is not aware of any circumstances "that might induce the Delegates of Virginia to desire their Detention" and has not received any related orders from Congress. Cannot oppose their parole and residence at Caen or their exchange "in pursuance of the Cartel." Also printed in John Graves Simcoe. A Journal of the Operations of the Queen's Rangers, From the End of the Year 1777 to the Conclusion of the Late American War (Exeter, 1787), Unnumbered Appendix, notes for page 183, line 20.