10. Benjamin Franklin i776 
many think they had better be without the govern- 
ment of them; so that the proposition will, on that 
account, have more supporters and fewer opposers. 
3. As the having such propositions to make, or any 
powers to treat of peace, will furnish a pretence for 
B. F.’s going to England, where he has many friends 
and acquaintances, particularly among the best 
writers and ablest speakers in both Houses of Par- 
liament, he thinks he shall be able when there, if 
the terms are not accepted, to work up such a divi- 
sion of sentiments in the nation, as greatly to weaken 
its exertions against the United States, and lessen its 
credit in foreign countries. 
4. The knowledge of there being powers given to 
the commissioners to treat with England, may have 
some effect in facilitating and expediting the pro- 
posed treaty with France. 
5. It is worth our while to offer such a sum for the 
countries to be ceded, since the vacant lands will in 
time sell for a great part of what we shall give, if not 
more; and, if we are to obtain them by conquest, 
after perhaps a long war, they will probably cost us 
more than that sum. It is absolutely necessary for 
us to have them for our own security; and though 
the sum may seem large to the present generation, 
in less than half the term it will be to the whole 
United States a mere trifle. 
Q