4 Benjamin Franklin [1756 
be totally lost, perhaps never to be recovered; and 
therewith all the commercial and political advan- 
tages, that might have attended the continuance of 
this respect and this affection. 
In my own private judgment, I think an immediate 
repeal of the Stamp Act would be the best measure 
for this country; but a suspension of it for three years 
the best for that. The repeal would fill them with 
joy and gratitude, reéstablish their respect and vene- 
ration for Parliament, restore at once their ancient 
and natural love for this country, and their regard 
for every thing that comes from it; hence the trade 
would be renewed in all its branches; they would 
again indulge in all the expensive superfluities you 
supply them with, and their new-assumed home in- 
dustry would languish. But the suspension, though 
it might continue their fears and anxieties, would at 
the same time keep up their resolutions of industry 
and frugality; which in two or three years would 
grow into habits, to their lasting advantage. How- 
ever, as the repeal will probably not be now agreed 
to,” from what I think a mistaken opinion, that the 
honor and dignity of government is better supported 
by persisting in a wrong measure once entered into, 
than by rectifying an error as soon as it is discovered; 
we must allow the next best thing for the advantage 
of both countries is the suspension; for, as to execut- 
ing the act by force, it is madness, and will be ruin to 
the whole. 
The rest of your friend’s reasonings and proposi- 
tions appear to me truly just and judicious. I will 
1 Jt was, however, agreed to in the same year, viz, in 1766. 
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