I was at the Chester Co. Historical Society today looking for a couple of things for a distant cousin. I found something that I thought was really neat and decided to share with the list. It was an original letter/petition written to Benjamin Franklin. I was actually able to touch the paper/parchment. Here goes: To Benjamin Franklin Esq. President: And the Supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania. The Remonstrance of a number of the Inhabitants of Chester County on behalf of themselves & others Sheweth That in the month of September Anno Domini 1781 a part of the Militia inrolled in Co. Bulls Battallion were called, some of whom not in their own neighbourhood in order to march; but the orders were countermanded and they permitted to return home after absence of a few hours, however for some of them, and performed no further Tour, and such of them who were called and did not appear have been Fined to the amount of Ten Pounds and ten Shillings per head with an additional sum of Fifteen Shillings on every houndred pounds of Taxable Property and Occupations: Which Fines are now by virtue of Warrants Issued by Robert Smith Lieutenant, of the County ? ? collecting. Which we Conceive to be a heavy & offensive Grievance, and what may excuse for our Remonstrating against the same for that the Militia Law does does not require a greater Sum or Fine to be paid than what shall be deemed adequate or equivalent to the time the Militia were out from home: Yet neverteless this enormous sum is demanded of all such who did not appear in order to march except some remittances obtained by some individuals at appeals, notwithstanding many of them are poor labouring men having little or no other Subsistence but they earn by their daily labour, and who have Families to provide for. Others there are who cannot consistent with their religious principles bear Arms nor pay any Fine for Refusing, it must therefore be taken from them by distress which will be a considerable addition to their Suffering. These considerations together with the heavy burden of Taxes (almost too heavy to bear) on the inhabitants in general, will we hope excuse for the freedom of this. Re (next page) Remonstrance, hoping that you will take the same into your Levi(?) our consideration and grant such relief in the Promises as Justice and Mercy shall dictate. And your attention shall be duly and gratefully acknowledged by (all hand written) Dan Griffiths, Esq. Jacob Smith Hazael Thomas Thos. Willson John Shanholts Owen Thomas ? Wighman ? Jurey James John Eli Evans Lanvice Tanken Stephen Jones Thomas Hamor William Loyd Jonah Stephens William Vance Davis Slapff John Knover Samuel Gookins ? Morozal John Stoneback Thomas Tinkips Thomas Loyd William Jenkins Martin Sheeles Jacob High (2nd column) Joseph Dibrumple James Hugh John Reed (X) Isaac Jones John Stephens Hugh Williams John Loyd John Williams Jospeh Davis Abraham Davis Thomas Meredith Evan Evans (X) frederick Shull James Everhart Benjamin Everhart Samuel Everhart Jacob Elles George Jacob Jacob Nailer Henry Eli? David Car? Thomas Godson John Miller Freiderick Tasdewald Philip Shafer John House John Davies ? ? Henry Christman (3rd Column) Thos. Leighton Richard Templin Isaiah Shick Borick Beholt John Moore John Roberts Jacob McCousig Thos. Templin Dean Dampmon Henry Sink Jack Winald James Miller Abner Evans Wiliam Evans Joseph Cunningham Thos. Shinney John ? Joseph Stark John Filjon JOhn Horn Daniel Samuels William James Henry Helkery Mordecai James Jefse Evans Owen Evans (X) Robert Sherwood Jacob Vance Thomas Vance Robert Petty (3rd page col.1) Ezekial Thomas David Roberts Neal Sammon Michael McKenna Hartman Kering John Kering Francis Johnson James Wynn Eneas McPhillip Joseph ?willer Christopher Fidwilber JOhn Dings William Adings John Irwin Nath. Irwin William Porter John Moore John Root James Anderson John Howell John Graft Thomas Wynn Johnathan Wynn William Sims James Hemphell William McVay Elijah Meredith John A. Smith Wm. Reed Wm. Starratt George Meliy William Starrett Junior James Starrett John Starrett ? Cowl John Finnigan Thomas Doran Henry Buckley Owen Chaney Johh Eyanfon Alexander McKee Warner ? James Dugan Gideon Wilson Jacob Mc? Borick Bechold, junior ? Mayzor Samuel Lewis Jonthan Samuel John McCord Daniel Donring Thomas ?emple Please remember this is my first transcription of this letter and the names are written in each individual's own hand. If the names appear any clearer, I'll send updates. If you feel that one of the names might be a transcription error and you think you know what it is, please email me. Its always easier to read a name if you think you know what it says. Good Luck. Jeanne Abrams Polries