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"February 26, 1776.
"SIR: I am extremely sensible of the honour done me by my fellow-citizens in choosing me their Representative in Assembly, and of that lately conferred on me by the House in appointing me one of the Committee of Safety for this Province, and a Delegate to the Congress. It would be a happiness to me if I could serve the publick duly in all those stations; but, aged as I now am, I feel myself unequal to so much business, and, on that account, think it my duty to decline a part of it. I hope, therefore, that the House will be so good as to accept my excuse for not attending as a member of the present Assembly, and, if they think fit, give orders for the election of another in my place, that the city may be more completely represented.
"I request, also, that the House would be pleased to dispense with my further attendance as one of the Committee of Safety.
"With the greatest and most sincere respect to yourself
"BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
"To the Honourable John Morton, Esq."
Letter from Benjamin Franklin to the Pennsylvania Assembly
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and the House, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,