To the freeholders and freemen

Mss.324.F85

Date: 1727 | Size: 1 item(s)

Collection Information

Physical description

Autographed manuscript, signed.

Early American History Note

This essay, written in 1727, advocates free and open election in Philadelphia. It criticizes the recent practice of governor's appointing assessors and other officers. Instead, it argues that more power should reside in the legislature of the colony. This document is in Benjamin Franklin's hand, although it is likely that Franklin transcribed a printed pamphlet published by Andrew Bradford.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Manuscript Essays

Subject(s)

  • Colonial Politics
  • Pennsylvania History
  • Philadelphia History