On Mathematics

Tell our good friend, Dr. Price, not to be in any pains for us, (because I remember he had his doubts) we are all firm and united. As I know he is a great calculator I will give him some data to work upon: ministry [England's colonial ministry] have made a campaign here, which has cost two millions, they have gained a mile of ground; they have lost half of it back again, they have lost fifteen hundred men, and killed one hundred and fifty Yankees. In the meantime we have had betwen sixty and seventy thousand children born. Ask him how long it will take for England to conquer America?

- A Letter To A Friend in London
Benjamin Franklin, 1774