FO-From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 7 July 1773.md

FO-From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 7 July 1773

4 reprints from 1773-07-07 to 1862-07-01

FO-From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 7 July 1773

by Franklin, Benjamin

From unknown source

1773-07-07

His Precedents of Acts of Parliament binding the Colonies, and our tacit Consent to those Acts, are all frivolous. Shall a Guardian who has impos’d upon, cheated and plundered a Minor under his Care, who was unable to prevent it, plead those Impositions, after his Ward has discovered them, as Precedents and Authorities for continuing them? There have been Precedents, time out of mind, for Robbing on Hounslow Heath; but the Highwayman who robb’d there yesterday, does nevertheless deserve a Hanging. I am glad to see the Resolves of the

---

FO-From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 7 July 1773

by Franklin, Benjamin

From unknown source

1773-07-07

olonies. It is natural to suppose, as you do, that if the Oppressions continue, a Congress may grow out of that Correspondence. Nothing would more alarm our Ministers; but if the Colonies agree to hold a Congress, I do not see how it can be prevented.

---

From The Analectic Magazine (1813-1820)

1817-05-01 · Philadelphia

that ‘ precedents of acts of parliament, (Priv. Cor. p. 186.) binding the colonies, and our tacit consent to those acts are all frivolous. Shall a guardian who has imposed upon, cheat- ed, and plundered a minor under his care, who was unable to prevent it, plead these impositions after his ward has dis- covered them, as precedents and authorities for continuing them. There have been precedents time out of mind tor robbing on Hounslow Heath, but the highwayman who robbed there yesterday, does, nevertheless, deserve hanging.’ Noth- ing, indeed, seems to be more pointed and forcible than al

---

From The Historical Magazine, and Notes and Queries Concerning the Antiquities, History, and Biography of America (1857-1875)

1862-07-01 · Boston

London, July 7, 1773: “It is natural to suppose as you do, that if the oppressions continue, a Congress may grow out of that correspondence.” Franklin here alludes to the difference with Hutchinson. ‘ Noth- ing,” he continues, “ would more alarm our HISTORICAL 214 ministry, but if the Colonies “agree to hold | a Congress, I do not see how it can be pre- vented.”

---