All Property indeed, except the Savage’s temporary Cabin, his Bow, his Matchcoat, and other little Acquisitions absolutely necessary for his Subsistence, seems to me to be the Creature of public Convention. Hence the Public has the Right of Regulating Descents & all other Conveyances of Property, and even of limiting the Quantity & the Uses of it.

Authentication Score 2

Original Citation

Franklin, Benjamin. Letter to Robert Morris. 25 Dec. 1783.

Current Citation

Franklin, Benjamin."Paris, 1776-1785: Robert Morris, December 26, 1783." Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography, Poor Richard, and Later Writings, edited by J. A. Leo Lemay. Library of America, 2005.