10. Benjamin Franklin i776
many think they had better be without the government
 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 Parliament,
 he thinks he shall be able when there, if
the terms are not accepted, to work up such a division
 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 proposed
 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