[FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790)]. The Interest of Great Britain considered, with Regard to her Colonies, and the Acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe. To which are added, observations concerning the increase of mankind, peopling of countries...

[FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790)]. The Interest of Great Britain considered, with Regard to her Colonies, and the Acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe. To which are added, observations concerning the increase of mankind, peopling of countries. London: T. Becket, 1760.

First edition of the rare ‘Canada pamphlet’. Franklin anticipates a British victory in the French and Indian wars, and debates which territory is more important for Great Britain to retain: Canada or sugar-rich Guadelope. ‘In recent years Franklin's authorship has been re-established in the minds of all but a few doubters, though, as Franklin himself seems to have acknowledged, he received some help from his friend and ally [Richard] Jackson’ (The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, 1966, 9: 53). Together with the advocacy of the retention of Canada, most interesting is a passage where Franklin discusses the possibility that colonies may grow as this ‘may render them dangerous. Of this I own, I have not the least conception, when I consider that we have already fourteen separate governments ... and if we extend ... shall probably have as many more ... Those we now have, are not only under different governors, but have different forms of government, different laws, different interests, and some of them different religious persuasions and different manners’ (pp.39-40). Bound with six other pamphlets concerning Britain’s territorial ambitions and conflicts overseas. Ford 268; Howes J-26; Sabin 35450.

7 pamphlets in one volume, octavo (190 x 128mm). Franklin: includes the additional leaf at end (final leaf torn at inner margin with loss of a few letters). Late 19th-century half calf, marbled boards, red morocco lettering-piece. Provenance: contemporary author attribution on title -- index to the pamphlets started on front free endpaper -- James Maidment (19th-century armorial bookplate; Scottish collector, author and friend of Walter Scott) – Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (in his sale, 2009, lot 5).

A full listing of the other 6 pamphlets bound in this Sammelband is available upon request.

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