Essays 77 
“ February 24th. The resolutions of the committee were 
reported by the chairman, Mr. Fuller; their seventh and last 
resolution, setting forth that it was their opinion that the 
House be moved that leave be given to bring in a bill to repeal 
the Stamp Act.” 
The account of the examination was first published in 1767, 
without the name of printer or publisher. It was translated 
into French, and widely circulated in Europe. It has been 
frequently reprinted in both the English and French languages. 
—EDITOR. 
preparation for bonfires at night, and several houses threatened to be 
pulled down. 
“Cousin Davenport came and told me that more than twenty people 
had told him it was his duty to be with us. I said I was pleased to receive 
civility from any body, so he staid with me some time. Towards night 
I said he should fetch a gun or two, as we had none. I sent to ask my 
brother to come, and bring his gun also, so we [turned] one room into a 
magazine; I ordered some sort of defence up-stairs, such as I could manage 
myself. I said when I was advised to remove, that I was very sure you 
had done nothing to anybody, nor had I given any offence to any person 
at all, nor would I be uneasy by anybody, nor would I stir or show the 
least uneasiness, but if any one came to disturb me, I should show a proper 
resentment, and I should be very much affronted with anybody. 
“Sally was gone with Miss Rose to see Captain Real’s daughter, and 
heard the report there, and came home to be with me; but I had sent her 
word not to come. I was told there were eight hundred men ready to 
assist any one that should be molested. 
“Billy [the Governor of New Jersey] came down to ask us up to Bur- 
lington. I consented to Sally’s going, but I will not stir, as I really don’t 
think it would be right for me to show the least uneasiness at all. 
“I4 is Mr. Samuel Smith that is setting the people mad by telling 
them it was you that had planned the Stamp Act, and that you are 
endeavoring to get the Test Act brought over here.” 
Such was the state of affairs in America when the subject was again 
brought before Parliament in the beginning of ’66, the Marquis of 
Rockingham having displaced Mr. Grenville. 
The new ministers resolved to recommend a repeal of the Stamp 
Act. While the question was under debate in Parliament, a motion 
which probably originated with the ministers who were not striving 
to effect a repeal of the act, was adupted, that Franklin be called be- 
fore the House, and examined respecting the state of affairs in America. 
This is the report of his examination.—EDITOR. 
766] 5