by some advised to withdraw. But I venture to stay, in
compliance with the wish of others, till the result of the
Congress arrives, since they suppose my being here might, on
that occasion, be of use. And I confide in my innocence,
that the worst that can happen to me will be an imprisonment
upon suspicion; though that is a thing I should much desire
to avoid, as it may be expensive and vexatious, as well as
dangerous to my health."

CHAPTER XII.

_The Bloodhounds of War Unleashed._

The mission of Josiah Quincy--Love of England by the
Americans--Petition to the king--Sickness and death of Mrs.
Franklin--Lord Chatham--His speech in favor of the
colonists--Lord Howe--His interview with Franklin--Firmness
of Franklin--His indignation--His mirth--Franklin's
fable--He embarks for Philadelphia--Feeble condition of the
colonies--England's expressions of contempt--Franklin's
reception at Philadelphia--His letter to Edmund
Burke--Post-office arrangements--Defection and conduct of
William Franklin--His arrest.

Young Josiah Quincy, of Boston, one of the noblest of patriots, who
was dying of consumption, visited London, with instructions to confer
with Franklin upon the posture of affairs. He wrote home, in the most
commendatory terms, of the zeal and sagacity with which Franklin was
devoting himself to the interests of his country. Tory spies were
watching his every movement, and listening to catch every word which
fell from his lips. Lord Hillsborough, in a debate in the House of
Lords, said,

"There are two men, walking in the streets of London, who ought to be
in Newgate or at Tyburn."

The duke of Richmond demanded their names, saying that if such were
the fact the ministry were severely to be blamed. Hillsborough
declined to give their names; but it was generally known that he
referred to Dr. Franklin and Josiah Quincy.

The policy of Franklin was clearly defined, and unchanging. He said
virtually, to his countrymen, "Perform no political act against the
government, utter no menace, and do no act of violence whatever. But
firmly and perseveringly unite in consuming no English goods. There is
nothing in this which any one will pronounce to be, in the slightest
degree, illegal. The sudden and total loss of the trade with America,
will, in one year, create such a clamor, from the capitalists and
industrial classes of E