I hope, therefore, that favorable allowance will be made to my worthy colleague, on account of his situation at the time, as he has long since corrected that mistake, and daily approves himself to my certain knowledge an able, faithful, active, and extremely useful servant of the public, a testimony I think it my duty to take this occasion of giving to his merit, unasked, as, considering my great age, I may probably not live to give it personally in Congress, and I perceive he has enemies.
You will see the general news in the papers in particular, I can only say at present, that our affairs go well here, and that
I am, with much respect, Sir, &c
B. FRANKLIN[5]
TO JAMES HUTTON.[6]
Passy, February 1st, 1778.
My dear old Friend,
You desired, that if I had no proposition to make, I would at least give my advice.