Alexander Spotswood to Benjamin Franklin, October 12, 1739

Germanna, Octob. 12. 1739

Sir, 5

The Part which your Predecessor, Mr. Andrew Bradford, has acted with respect to the Post-Office Accompts, is no longer to be born with . The Deputy Post-Masters in Great-Britain account every two Months with the General Post-Office there; and I am obliged every half Year to have the Accounts of the General Post-Office in America made up: But I have not been able to obtain any Account from Mr. Bradford of the Philadelphia Office, from Mid-summer 1734, notwithstanding all the pressing Demands that the Comptroller has been continually making upon him for so many Years past . Wherefore I now peremptorily direct , that, upon receipt hereof, you commence Suit against him, without hearkning any more to his trifling Excuses and fallacious Promises . 6 If he lays any Stress on the Reputation of a Man of Truth and Sincerity, he must blush upon a Trial, before his Towns-Men, to have his Letters produced, continually pleading Sickness , for his not sending his Accompts: Whereas, upon Enquiry, I am well assured, that, for these two Years past, he has appeared abroad in as good State of Health, as ever he used to be. Such an Imposition I think ought not to be passed over, without some Mark of my Resentment; and therefore I now direct , that you no longer suffer to be carried by the Post any of his News-Papers, or Letters directed to him, without his paying * the Postage thereof: Which you are to observe, until farther Orders in that Behalf, from, Sir, Your most humble Servant,

To Mr. Franklin

A. Spotswood