Creating the United States

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Franklin Flip-Flops on Stamp Act

Franklin Flip-Flops on Stamp Act (008.02.00)

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Although Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), Pennsylvania’s agent in London, had briefly supported the Stamp Act—even soliciting the position of stamp collector for friends—he quickly switched to the opposition after hearing of the angry response in Pennsylvania. Publicly rejoicing in the repeal in this letter to Charles Thomson (1729–1824), Franklin attributed America’s success in obtaining the repeal “to what the Profane would call Luck & the Pious Providence.”

(Transcription)

“There are Claimers enow of Merit in obtaining the Repeal. But if I live to see you, I will let you know. . .”


Although Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), Pennsylvania’s agent in London, had briefly supported the Stamp Act—even soliciting the position of stamp collector for friends—he quickly switched to the opposition after hearing of the angry response in Pennsylvania. Publicly rejoicing in the repeal in this letter to Charles Thomson (1729–1824), Franklin attributed America’s success in obtaining the repeal “to what the Profane would call <u>Luck</u> & the Pious <u>Providence</u>.”