This was a
fit Reward, as it was near at Hand and took up a little Time to give
it, but I doubt not a large Majority of People think with me, that he
deserves a Punishment much greater and more exemplary.
_December_ 1. 1733. _Pennsilvanus_.
_The Pennsylvania Gazette_, December 20, 1733
_Queries on a Pennsylvania Militia_
B. Franklin,
_Thee art desired to insert the following Queries in the_
Gazette, _for the Consideration of People_.
Whether it is not a great Disadvantage to the _French_, and a
great Discouragement to their Colonies on this Continent, that from
the Mouth of _Missisipi_ to St. _Lawrence_ they have no Ports to the
Sea, for the Benefit of Trade; but see them all in the Hands of the
_English_, for 1500 Miles; tho' they possess a fine Country back of
the same Extent?
Whether the Possession of the Governments of _N. Y. J. and P._
would not be very convenient for them, as well on Account of the
Plenty of Provisions raised here, as for our Rivers which run far
back towards their present Settlements?
Whether it is not possible for our Pilots to be compell'd to
bring armed Vessels up this River?
Whether Vessels do not oftentimes turn the Point in Sight of
this Town, before we hear of their being in the River?
Whether if this Town could be surpriz'd, there is not Plate,
Clocks, Watches and other rich Goods in it, sufficient to make it
worth their While that attempt?
Whether, considering our present Circumstances, any great
Number of Men would be necessary for such an Enterprize, or whether a
moderate Number would run any great Risque in it?
Whether they who are against fortifying their Coun try against
an Enemy, ought not, by the same Principle to be against shutting and
locking their Doors a Nights?
Whether it be not as just to shoot an Enemy who comes to
destroy my Country, and deprive the People of their Substance, Lives
and Liberties, as to sit (being either Judge or Juryman) and condemn
a Man to Death for breaking open a House, or taking a Purse?
Whether there was not formerly a People, who possessed a large
and good Land, where there was plenty of every Thing; and who lived
_after the Manner of the Zidonians, careless, quiet, and secure_?
Whether this was not an Invitation to an Enemy? And what was the
Consequence? See Judges 18.
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