1 Benjamin Franklin [1773
knowledge, full power, and authority royal, have
made and issued this present Edict, viz.:
“Whereas it 1s well known to all the world, that
the first German settlements made in the island of
Britain were by colonies of people subject to our
renowned ducal ancestors, and drawn from their dominions,
 under the conduct of Hengist, Horsa, Hella,
Uffa, Cerdicus, Ida, and others; and that the said
colonies have flourished under the protection of our
august house for ages past; have never been emancipated
 therefrom; and yet have hitherto yielded little
profit to the same; and whereas we ourself have in
the last war fought for and defended the said colonies
against the power of France, and thereby enabled
them to make conquests for the said power in America,
 for which we have not yet received adequate
compensation; and whereas it is just and expedient
that a revenue should be raised from the said colonies
 in Britain, towards our indemnification; and
that those who are descendants of our ancient subjects,
 and thence still owe us due obedience, should
contribute to the replenishing of our royal coffers (as
they must have done, had their ancestors remained
in the territories now to us appertaining); we do
therefore hereby ordain and command that, from
and after the date of these presents, there shall be
levied and paid to our officers of the customs, on
all goods, wares, and merchandises, and on all grain
and other produce of the earth, exported from the
said island of Britain, and on all goods of whatever
kind imported into the same, a duty of four and a

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