Benjamin Franklin to Richard H. Jackson, March 29, 1764

Philada. March 29. 1764

Dear Sir

In my last 3 I inform’d you that the Agreement between the Governor and Assembly was not likely long to continue. The enclos’d Paper 4 will show you that the Breach is wider now than ever. And ’tis thought there will be a general Petition from the Inhabitants to the Crown, to take us under its immediate Government. I send you this early Notice of what is intended that you may prepare Minds for it, as they fall in your Way. If I can have time I will send you a Copy of the Bill we last sent up, 5 and which was refused. But if it goes not by this Vessel, we shall send it via Lisbon in one that sails in a few Days.

Be assured, that we all think it impossible to go on any longer under a Proprietary Government. By the Resolves you will see, that never was greater Unanimity in any Assembly. Enclos’d I send you a Draft of what I think will be pretty nearly the Petition, that you may see the Tenor of it. 6 Note, There was an Agreement between the First Proprietor W. Penn, and the Crown, for the Sale of the Government at £11,000 of which £2,000 was paid him. 7 Note also, that the Crown has a great Sum in the Proprietaries Hands, half the Quitrents of the Lower Counties belonging to the Crown, of which the Proprietaries are Receivers, and I believe have never render’d any Account.

You will endear yourself to us forever, if you can get this Change of Government compleated.

I write in great haste; but am Dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

B Franklin

P.S. Besides the general Petitions of the Inhabitants the Assembly will present an Address to the same Purpose. 8