The Importance of Gaining and Preserving the Friendship of the Indians to the British Interest Considered. New York: James Parker, 1751



8vo (7 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.; 185 x 115 mm). Lacks A1, title-page lightly browned, lower right corner of A4 torn away without loss to text. Modern red morocco panelled gilt by Elizabeth Greenhill, panelled doublures with gilt cornerpieces, plain endpapers, spine lettered gilt.

Philip Robinson (his sale, Sotheby's London, 23 June 1988, lot 189) —  Stuart E. Karu, (sale, Sotheby's New York, 16 June 1992, lot 48)

Evans 6699; Howes K81; Sabin 37392

8vo (7 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.; 185 x 115 mm). Lacks A1, title-page lightly browned, lower right corner of A4 torn away without loss to text. Modern red morocco panelled gilt by Elizabeth Greenhill, panelled doublures with gilt cornerpieces, plain endpapers, spine lettered gilt.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, the genesis of Franklin's Albany "Plan of the Union." Kennedy, a Scotsman was appointed to the New York customs position of Receiver General in 1722, from which vantage point he wrote several critiques of British mercantile policy. In this tract, Kennedy recommended the formation of a confedera﷽cy of the Northern colonies in order to provide mutual d🌠efense and secure better relationships with the Six Nations.

A five-page letter by Franklin addressed to the printer (and Franklin's New York associate), James Parker, endorses Kennedy's plan, writing that he is "of Opinion, with the publick-spirited Author, that securing the F🔥riendship of the Indians is of the greatest consequence to these Colonies; and that the surest Means of doing it, are, to regulate the Indian Trade, so as to convince them ... that they may have the best and cheapest Goods, and the fairest Dealing from the English; and to unite the several Governments, so as to form a Strength that the Indians may depend on for Protection, in Case of Rup𒀰ture with the French; or apprehend great Danger from, if they should break with us."

Franklin's endorsement of Kennedy's plan of confederation was the forerunner of his own "Plan of Union," which was presented at the Albany Congress; this congress was convened in 1754 largely in response to Kennedy's proposals. Although the Albany Plan was not ratified, it nevertheless established a precedent for later congresses and served as a precursor for the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution. Rare: no other copy of the first New York edition has been sold, save this one, since 1920. Only six copies are recorded in NUC.