The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, February 27.

Extracts of Several letters from London.

Dec. 12. I have not seen Doctor Franklin lately, but I dare say he is usefully, and I hope successfully, employed in your service. Had his salutary advice been followed, all this uproar with you would have been avoided.

Dec. 14. I saw Doctor Franklin yesterday, and found him under deep concern for the present distracted state of America. No father can be under more anxiety for his children. I do not know what people with you think of him, but I can assure you, from my own knowledge, that some of those in power to whom he is known, and who admit, and even admire his natural sagacity, and his knowledge in American affairs, think him too partial to his own country; and yet his enemies, I am told, look upon him as a betrayer of its interests. This is truly provoking, and is enough to cool the zeal of the warmest patriot; but, if I know anything of his disposition, he is not to be diverted, by any insult or injury done to himself, from following the dictates of his conscience, which, as he possesses an understanding enlightened in no common degree, I dare say, will always prompt him to advise such measures (as far as he is consulted) as most directly tend to heal the divisions, secure the liberty, and restore the happiness, commerce, and tranquillity, of America.

Dec. 14. The colonies have been in great danger, from the resentment of some people in this country; but I hope the worst is over, and that the Parliament will act coolly. The new Ministry are well disposed towards us; and I am this evening told to be of good comfort, for that all will go well. God grant it. Upon the whole, I guess (though it is impossible to foresee with certainty) that the Stamp Act will be repealed."

The other letters from Gentlemen in London to their correspondents here, in which something is said, more or less, relating to the Stamp Act; but as the sentiments, and indeed the very words, are in general the same with some of those published under the Boston and New York heads, it is thought needless to trouble our readers with a repetition.

Let it therefore suffice to inform them that these letters seem to be wrote by men of moderation and good understanding, who are sincere friends to the colonies, and who heartily despise the contrivers and promoters of so base an attempt against the liberties and privileges of a loyal and free people.