Samuel Finley to Benjamin Franklin, March 17, 1763

Princeton. March. 17th. 1763

Dear Sir,

I received Your Favour of the 7th Instant, 3 with the Plan of Education in the College of Glasgow, inclosed, 4 for which I most heartily Thank you. I have taken a Coppy of it, and return it inclosed according to your desire. I also delivered your Compliments, which were very acceptable.

I last night received a Letter, from a Gentleman, 5 desiring me to form a Scheme for a Settlement on the Mississipi, and communicate it to some of my Friends in London, who have Access to Men in Power. I quickly resolved, that I had not Sufficient Skill in Politics for such an Undertaking; and if I even had, yet I have no Leizure to bring it to maturity: but wishing some good Plan might be laid, and considering who cou’d prosecute the Matter most advantageously, I soon fixed on Doctor Franklin, and there did and do rest. A Settlement there seems to me necessary; and if so, the Plan shou’d be well concerted, and popular. If Monopolies and Proprietaryships are admitted, I am afraid it will hurt, if not defeat the Design. The People wou’d most willingly adventure under a Leader of their own Chusing at first, and had rather have the King himself their Proprietary than any other.

I have only Time for these half-spoken embrio-notions. If you think that forming Such a Scheme wou’d be at all to the Purpose, I doubt not you will think of one.

Please, Sir, to accept my Sincere Compliments, in which mrs. Finley 6 joins, and present the same to mrs. Franklin, and miss Sally. If his Excellency is yet with you, I wou’d, with all due Respect, beg his acceptance of the same. You will excuse my Hurry, and believe me to be, with cordial Respect, dear sir, Your most humble servant

Saml: Finley

Doctor Franklin