I am griev’d to hear of Mobs and Violence, and the pulling down of Houses, which our Friends cannot justify, and which give great Advantage against us to our Enemies.

A republic... if you can keep it.

I am apprehensive…that the Government of these States, may in future times, end in a Monarchy.

History affords us many instances of the ruin of states, by the prosecution of measures ill suited to the temper and genius of their people.

The ordaining of laws in favor of one part, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy.

An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy...

(1) Do you Englishmen then pretend to censure the colonies for riots? Look at home!

(2) I have seen, within a year, riots in the country about corn; riots about elections; riots about work-houses; riots of colliers;

(3) riots of weavers; riots of coal-heavers; riots of sawyers; riots of sailors; riots of Wilkesites; riots of government chairmen;

(4) riots of smugglers, in which custom-house officers and excitement have been murdered, the King’s armed vessels and troops fired at, &c.

(5) In America, if one mob rises and breaks a few windows, or tars and feathers a single rascally informer, it is called rebellion.

(6) Here, indeed, one would think riots a part of the mode of government.

A republic... if you can keep it.

No nation was ever ruined by trade.

I thank you for your kind Words, and am, with the greatest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant B Franklin x.com/neiltyson/stat…