Calling on the neighboring colonies for supplies, General Braddock, who was about to begin his march westward from Fort Cumberland, asked Governor Morris on May 24, 1755, to forward “with all Diligence” Pennsylvania’s share of the artillery, ammunition, stores, and provisions he would need at Fort Duquesne, when he captured it, or for another “Place of Defence,” if the French should destroy Duquesne first.7 Morris accordingly summoned his Assembly into special session on June 13, and the next day reported the substance of Braddock’s appeal but, mindful of his experience with Sir Thomas Robinson’s letters in the spring (see above, V, 527–31), did not lay the text before them. Specifically Morris asked for a grant for the needed supplies, with a guard to convoy them; for measures to protect the back country, “by establishing a Militia, or otherwise,” from French and Indian raids behind the army; and for a law regulating the wages and hire of drivers, horses, and wagons, and the price of provisions, “that his Majesty’s Service may be carried on at a reasonable and moderate Expence, and private Men not left at Liberty to impose upon the Publick.”8 The House drafted an appropriation bill and one regulating horse and carriage hire, but over the question of Braddock’s letter they immediately began an argument. They asked to see it, since Morris had cited its contents as the reason for calling them together; he, with the Council’s approval, in turn demanded prior assurance that it would not be published, though he did say he would show it to any committee the House might name for the purpose.9 The Assembly appointed Evan Morgan, Franklin, William Callender, and James Burnside to draft the Assembly’s answer, which was sent to the governor on June 16, and is printed here.

Morris replied on June 21. After asserting his right as governor (which the Assembly had not questioned) to call them into session whenever he thought proper and to make his speeches or messages sufficient grounds for action, he declared that Braddock’s letter contained “several Matters I thought improper to publish to the World,” explained why he would not trust the House with it without prior assurances — “a Promise of the House, signified by a Message, either verbal or otherwise, is what I expect — and whenever you will give it, the Letter you desire shall be laid before you.”1 Joseph Fox, Franklin, and Callender were named on June 24 to draft a rejoinder. It was read, approved, and carried to the governor on June 27.2 The House adjourned on June 28 until September 1, but because of Braddock’s defeat it was called again into special session on July 23.