154 Benjamin Franklin [1772
Company have on hand, and so have prevented their
present embarrassment, yet the honor of government
 1s supposed to forbid the repeal of the American
tea duty; while the amount of all the duties goes on
decreasing, so that the balance of this year does not
(as I have it from good authority) exceed eighty
pounds after paying the collection; not reckoning
the immense expense of guarda-costas, &c. Can an
American help smiling at these blunders? Though,
in a national light, they are truly deplorable.
With the sincerest esteem and inviolable attachment,
 I am, my dear friend, ever most affectionately
yours, B. FRANKLIN.

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