14 Benjamin Franklin [t 2
importance to this nation publicly discussed without
party views or party heat, with decency and politeness,
 and with no other warmth than what a zeal for
the honor and happiness of our King and country
may inspire; and this by writers whose understanding,
 however they may differ from each other,
appears not unequal to their candor and the uprightness
 of their intention.
But, as great abilities have not always the best
information, there are, I apprehend, in the Remarks
some opinions not well founded, and some mistakes
of so important a nature, as to render a few observations
 on them necessary for the better information
of the public.
The author of the Letter, who must be every way
best able to support his own sentiments, will, I hope,
excuse me, if I seem officiously to interfere; when he
considers, that the spirit of patriotism, like other
qualities good and bad, is catching, and that his long
silence, since the Remarks appeared, has made us
despair of seeing the subject farther discussed by his
masterly hand. The ingenious and candid Remarker,
 too, who must have been misled himself,
before he employed his skill and address to mislead
others, will certainly, since he declares he arms at no
seduction, be disposed to excuse even the weakest
effort to prevent it.
And surely, if the general opinions that possess
the minds of the people may possibly be of consequence
 in public affairs, it must be fit to set those
opinions right. If there is danger, as the Remarker
supposes, that “extravagant expectations’ may

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