55. (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN) (1706 - 1790) American statesman, inventor, and author, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. An interview with Franklin as printed in The Gentleman's Magazine for July 1767, 8vo., pp. 336-383, disbound from a larger volume. The interview with Franklin was conducted upon news of the repeal of the Stamp Act. At the time, Franklin was living in London acting as an agent for the colonies of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The article is entitled "The Examination of Doctor Benjamin Franklin, relative to the Repeal of the American Stamp Act in 1767", and notes that "the reader may form a clearer and more comprehensive idea of the state and disposition of America...the questions in general are put with great subtlety and judgment, and they are answered with such deep and familiar knowledge of the subject, such precision and perspicuity, such temper and yet such sprit, as do the greatest honor to Dr. Franklin...Q. Are not the colonies, from their circumstances, very able to pay the stamp duty. A. In my opinion, there is not gold and silver enough in the colonies to pay the stamp duty for one year...Did you ever hear the authority of parliament to make laws for American questioned till lately? A. The authority of parliament was allowed to be valid in all laws, except such as should levy internal taxes. It was never disputed in laying duties to regulate commerce...". Much more fine content. Ironically, Franklin had favored the Stamp Act that Parliament passed originally, even nominating a close friend to be the agent for Pennsylvania. Light toning at margins, otherwise very good. $200-300