The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in London, who is well acquainted with America, and has been indefatigably active and assisting towards obtaining a repeal of the Stamp Act, dated February 27, 1766.

"This will inform you that the Stamp Act is in the way to be repealed; a bill is in the House for that purpose; and though every possible endeavour has been used that satanical malice, chicane, obstinacy, or fraud, can invent, yet I apprehend it will be carried through both Houses. And will you Americans look upon this as a victory gained over your mother country? If you do, you are ruined; you will lose the greatest part of your friends by such a conduct, and effectually disable the few who remain from serving you. No; consider the repeal of this act as the highest proof of moderation and equity that can be given by any government; and that if it was not your interest, it would be your honour and safeguard, to have its protection, were you totally unconnected with it by affinity, interest, or allegiance. Your friends here, in conjunction with the Ministry, are labouring to put the commerce of America on a much better footing than it has been.

Mr. Benjamin Franklin has served you greatly. He was examined at the bar of the House of Commons, and gave such clear and explicit answers to the questions proposed, and mentioned his own sentiments with so much firmness and resolution as at once did him great credit, and served your cause not a little. I believe he has left nothing undone that he imagined would serve his country."