The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

PHILADELPHIA Sept. 4.

Extracts of Letters from John Hughes, Esq; appointed Distributor of Stamps for Pennsylvania, to Benjamin Franklin, Esq; Agent for said Province, and by him laid before the Parliament.

Philadelphia, Sept. 1765.

YOU are now, from letter to letter, to suppose, I each may be last that you will receive from your old friend, as the spirit or flame of rebellion is got to a high pitch amongst the North-Americans; and it seems to me, that a sort of frenzy or madness is got such hold of the people of all ranks, that I fancy some lives, will be lost before the fire is put out. I am much perplexed what course to steer, for as I have given you reason to expect I would endeavor to put the Act in execution, and you no doubt have informed the commissioners, I cannot in point of honor go back, until something or other is done by the people to render it impossible for me to proceed. But perhaps, when a mob is on foot, my interest may fall a sacrifice to an infatuated multitude; and I know of no way to prevent it but absolutely declaring off, as all the rest have done to the eastward, but as yet I cannot prevail upon myself, notwithstanding the threats of some, and persuasions of others, to do an act that appears to me neither loyal nor reputable. I have hitherto kept matters easy, by saying, I had nothing to resign, for I have neither received any commission, or any other kind of writing from the stamp-office: but when it is known I have received my commission, I fancy I shall not escape the storm of Presbyterian rage, and as Captain Friend is expected every day, my doom will soon be known, but whether I may live to inform you, is yet in the womb of futurity. By Governor Franklin's letters, and my last, you will see that Mr. Cox has resigned the stamp-office for New-Jersey; and there is scarce a day goes over my head but many people call upon me to resign; and say I am an enemy to North-America, if I do not; but since I am now dipt. and must abide by consequences, be they what they will, I shall be exceedingly obliged to you, if it is consistent with your judgment, to recommend my son Hugh for Mr. Cox's successor. My son is married and settled in New-Jersey, has a good estate, both real and personal, and can give any security that may be required. I am the more induced to ask this favor, as I think there will be no difficulty in putting the Act in execution in that province; and if my property, and perhaps my life, may be lost in this province, my son, I hope will be the better for the office in that province, which may be some compensation for what may be lost out of the family.

Sept. 10. Our assembly met yesterday, and this day a majority of 15 against 14, were for sending a committee to New-York, to meet the committee of Boston, on the 1st of October, where they insinuate there will be men sent from every colony, in order to unite, and become as they express it, like a bundle of rods, alluding to the fable of the old man and his sons. This scheme, or plan of union, is not only begun, but is indefatigably pushed forward by the Presbyterians principally.

Sept. 12. Our clamours run very high; and I am told my house will be pulled down, and the stamps burnt; to which I give no other Answer than that I will defend my house at the risk of my life. I must say, that all the sensible Quakers behave prudently.

Sept. 16. In the evening common report threatens my house this night, as there are bonfires and rejoicings for the change of ministry. The sober and sensible part of the people are doing every thing towards being in readiness to suppress a mob, if there should be any intention of rising. I for my part am well armed with fire arms, and am determined to stand a siege. If I live till to-morrow morning I shall give you a further account; but as it is now about 8 o'clock, I am on my guard, and only write this between whiles, as every noise or bustle of the people calls me off.

9. o'clock. Several friends that patrol between my house and coffee-house, came in just now; and say the collection of rabble begins to decrease visibly in the streets, and the appearance of danger seems a good deal less than it did.

12 o'clock. There are now several hundred of our friends about the street, ready to suppress any mob if it should attempt to rise, and the rabble are dispersing.

Sept. 17, 5 in the morning. We are all yet in the land of the living, and our properties safe, thank God.