_AMERICAN PIONEERS AND PATRIOTS. _

 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 

 A PICTURE OF THE

 STRUGGLES OF OUR INFANT NATION, ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 

 BY

 JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. 

 "Print me as I am. "--CROMWELL. 

 ILLUSTRATED. 

 NEW YORK: DODD, MEAD & COMPANY. 751 BROADWAY. 

 COPYRIGHT, DODD, MEAD & COMPANY. 

 1876

PREFACE. 

Next to George Washington, we must write, upon the Catalogueof American Patriots, the name of Benjamin Franklin. He had somany virtues that there is no need of exaggerating them; so fewimperfections that they need not be concealed. The writer hasendeavored to give a perfectly accurate view of his character, and ofthat great struggle, in which he took so conspicuous a part, whichsecured the Independence of the United States. Probably there can nowhere be found, within the same limits, so vivid a picture of Life inAmerica, one hundred years ago, as the career of Franklin presents. 

This volume is the twelfth of the Library Series of Pioneers andPatriots. The series presents a graphic history of our country fromits discovery. 

1. _Christopher Columbus_ reveals to us the West Indies, and gives anarrative of wonders unsurpassed in fact or fable. 

2. _De Soto_ conducts us to Florida, and leads us through scenes ofromance, crime, blood and woe--through many Indian tribes, across thecontinent, to the Mississippi, where he finds his melancholy grave. 

3. _La Salle_, and his heroic companions, traversed thousands of milesof majestic lakes and unknown rivers, and introduces us to innumerablebarbaric tribes. There is no other writer, who, from his own personalobservation, can give one so vivid an idea of Life in the Indianvillage and wigwam. 

4. _Miles Standish_ was the Captain of the Pilgrims. He conducts us inthe May Flower, across the Atlantic, lands us at Plymouth, and tellsthe never to be forgotten story of the heroism of our fathers inlaying the foundations of this great republic. 

5. _Captain Kidd_, and the Buccaneers, reveal to us the awfulcondition of North and South America, when there was no protecting lawhere, and when pirates swept sea and land, inflicting atrocities, thenarrative of which causes the ear which hears it to tingle. 

6. _Peter Stuyvesant_ takes us by the hand, and introduces us to theDutch settlement at the mouth of the Hudson, conveys us, in hisschooner, up the solitary river, along whose forest-covered banksIndian villages were scattered; and reveals to us all the struggles, by which the Dutch New Amsterdam was converted into the English NewYork. 

7. _Benjamin Franklin_ should chronologically take his placehere. There is probably not, in the compass of all literature, abiography more full of entertainment and valuable thought, thana truthful sketch of the career of Benjamin Franklin. He leads us toPhiladelphia, one hundred and fifty years ago, and makes us perfectlyfamiliar with life there and then. He conducts us across the Atlanticto the Court of St. James, and the Court of Versailles. There is nowriter, French or English, who has given such vivid sketches of thescenes which were witnessed there, as came from the pen of BenjaminFranklin. For half a century Franklin moved amid the most stupendousevents, a graphic history of which his pen has recorded. 

8. _George Washington_ has no superior. Humanity is proud of his name. He seems to have approached as near perfection as any man who everlived. In his wonderful career we became familiar with all thestruggles of the American Revolution. With a feeble soldiery, collected from a population of less than three millions of people, hebaffled all the efforts of the fleets and armies of Great Britain, themost powerful empire upon this globe. 

9. _Daniel Boone_ was the Cowper of the wilderness; a solitary manloving the silent companionship of the woods. He leads us across theAlleghanies to the fields of Kentucky, before any white man's foothad traversed those magnificent realms. No tale of romance could eversurpass his adventures with the Indians. 

10. _Kit Carson_ was the child of the wilderness. He was by nature agentleman, and one of the most lovable of men. His weird-like lifepassed rapidly away, before the introduction of railroads andsteamboats. His strange, heroic adventures are ever read withastonishment, and they invariably secure for him the respect andaffection of all who become familiar with his name. 

11. _Paul Jones_ was one of the purest patriots, and perhaps the mostheroic naval hero, to whom any country has given birth. He has been sotraduced, by the Tory press of Great Britain, that even the Americanshave not yet done him full justice. This narrative of his astonishingachievements will, it is hoped, give him rank, in the opinion of everyreader, with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and Lafayette. 

12. _David Crockett_ was a unique man. There is no one like him. Underno institutions but ours could such a character be formed. From a loghut, more comfortless than the wigwam of the savage, and without beingable either to read or write, he enters legislative halls, takes hisseat in Congress, and makes the tour of our great cities, attractingcrowds to hear him speak. His life is a wild romance of undoubtedtruth. 

Such is the character of this little library of twelve volumes. Thewriter, who has now entered the evening of life, affectionatelycommends them to the young men of America, upon whose footsteps theirmorning sun is now rising. The life of each one, if prolonged to threescore years and ten, will surely prove a stormy scene. But it may endin a serene and tranquil evening, ushering in the glories of animmortal day. 

 JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. 

 FAIR HAVEN, CONN. 

As this is not improbably the last book I shall write, it may not beimproper for me to state that, at the age of twenty-four, I commencedthe career of an author, by writing "The Mother At Home. " I have nowattained the age of three score years and ten. In the meantime I havewritten fifty-four volumes of History or Biography. In every one ithas been my endeavor to make the inhabitants of this sad world morebrotherly, --better and happier. 

The long series is probably closed with the biography of BenjaminFranklin. Every page has been penned under this impression. A thememore full of instruction and interest could not be chosen. 

And now, in my declining years, as I feel that the battle has beenfought and, I hope, the victory won, it is an unspeakable comfort forme to reflect, that, in all these fifty-four volumes, there is not oneline which, "dying, I could wish to blot. "

CONTENTS. 

 CHAPTER I. 

 _Parentage and Early Life. _

 PAGE

 The parentage of Franklin--His parents emigrate to America--Character of his father--Abiah Folger, his mother--Birth and baptism--Influence of his Uncle Strong--Of the Whistle--Childish exploits--Uncongenial employment--Skill in swimming--Early reading--Boston at that time--An indentured apprentice--Form of Indenture--Enters a printing office--Fondness for reading--Anecdotes--Habits of study--Fondness for argument--Adopts a vegetable diet--The two creeds. 11

 CHAPTER II. 

 _Developments of Character. _

 Views of the Sabbath--Writings of Collins and Shaftsbury--The creed of Collins--Franklin at sixteen--The Courant--Denunciations of the paper--Franklin's mode of acquiring the art of composition--His success as a writer--The Editor prosecuted--Benjamin becomes Editor and Publisher--Jealousy of his brother--The runaway apprentice--The voyage to New York--Great disappointment--Eventful Journey to Philadelphia--Gloomy prospects--The dawn of brighter days. 31

 CHAPTER III. 

 _Excursion to England. _

 Attention to dress--Receives a visit from Gov. Keith--His visit to Boston--Collins returns to Philadelphia with him--Sir William Keith's aid--Excursions on the Sabbath--Difficulty with Collins--Spending Mr. Vernon's money--His three friends--Engagement with Deborah Read--Voyage to England--Keith's deceit--Ralph--Franklin enters a printing house in London. 52

 CHAPTER IV. 

 _Mental and Moral Conflicts. _

 Faithfulness to work--Neglect of Deborah Read--Treatise on Liberty and Necessity--Skill in swimming--Return to America--Marriage of Miss Read--Severe sickness--Death of Mr. Denham--Returns to Keimer's employ--The Junto--His Epitaph--Reformation of his treatise on Liberty and Necessity--Franklin's creed. 75

 CHAPTER V. 

 _The Dawn of Prosperity. _

 Franklin takes a house--His first job--His industry--Plans a Newspaper--Enters the list as a writer--Advocates a Paper currency--Purchases Keimer's paper--Character of Meredith--Struggles of the firm--Unexpected assistance--Dissolves partnership with Meredith--Franklin's energetic conduct--His courtship, and marriage--Character of Mrs. Franklin--Increase of luxury--Plans for a library--Prosperity of Pennsylvania--Customs in Philadelphia--Style of dress in 1726--Franklin's social position in Philadelphia--His success--A hard student. 101

 CHAPTER VI. 

 _Religious and Philosophic Views. _

 Studious habits--New religion--Personal habits--Church of the Free and Easy--His many accomplishments--The career of Hemphall--Birth and Death of Franklin's son--The Ministry of Whitefield--Remarkable friendship between the philosopher and the preacher--Prosperity of Franklin--His convivial habits--The defense of Philadelphia--Birth of a daughter--The Philadelphia Academy. 126

 CHAPTER VII. 

 _The Tradesman becomes a Philosopher. _

 Franklin appointed Indian commissioner--Effects of Rum--Indian logic--Accumulating honors--Benevolent enterprises--Franklin's counsel to Tennent--Efforts for city improvement--Anecdotes--Franklin appointed postmaster--Rumors of War--England enlists the Six Nations in her cause--Franklin plans a Confederacy of States--Plans rejected--Electrical experiments--Franklin's increase of income--Fearful experiments--The kite--New honors--Views of the French philosopher--Franklin's Religious views--His counsel to a young pleader--Post-office Reforms. 147

 CHAPTER VIII. 

 _The Rising Storms of War. _

 Aristocracy--Anecdote--Conflicting laws of Nations--Franklin's scheme of colonization--Proposal of the British Court--The foresight of Franklin--Braddock's campaign--Remonstrances of Franklin and Washington--Franklin's interviews with Braddock--Franklin's efficiency--Confidence of Braddock--The conflict with the Proprietaries--The non-resistant Quakers--Fate of the Moravian villages--The winter campaign--The camp of Gaudenhutton--Anecdote--Renewal of the strife with the Proprietaries--Franklin recalled to assist the Assembly--Destruction of the Fort--Claim of the Proprietaries--The great controversy. 168

 CHAPTER IX. 

 _Franklin's Mission to England. _

 New marks of respect--Lord Loudoun--Gov. Denny and Franklin--Visit the Indians--Franklin commissioner to England--His constant good nature--Loudoun's delays--Wise action of an English captain--The voyagers land at Falmouth--Journey to London--Franklin's style of living in London--His electrical experiments--He teaches the Cambridge professor--Complimentary action of St. Andrews--Gov. Denny displaced, and dark clouds arising--Franklin's successful diplomacy--His son appointed Governor of New Jersey--Great opposition--The homeward voyage--Savage horrors--Retaliating cruelties--Franklin's efforts in behalf of the Moravian Indians. 190

 CHAPTER X. 

 _Franklin's Second Mission to England. _

 Fiendish conduct of John Penn--Petition to the crown--Debt of England--Two causes of conflict--Franklin sent to England--His embarkation--Wise counsel to his daughter--The stamp act--American resolves--Edmund Burke--Examination of Franklin--Words of Lord Chatham--Dangers to English operatives--Repeal of the stamp act--Joy in America--Ross Mackay--New taxes levied--Character of George III--Accumulation of honors to Franklin--Warlike preparations--Human conscientiousness--Unpopularity of William Franklin--Marriage of Sarah Franklin--Franklin's varied investigations--Efforts to civilize the Sandwich Islands. 215

 CHAPTER XI. 

 _The Intolerance of King and Court. _

 Parties in England--Franklin the favorite of the opposition--Plans of the Tories--Christian III--Letter of Franklin--Dr. Priestley--Parisian courtesy--Louis XV--Visit to Ireland--Attempted alteration of the Prayer Book--Letter to his son--Astounding letters from America--Words of John Adams--Petition of the Assembly--Violent conspiracy against Franklin--His bearing in the court-room--Wedderburn's infamous charges--Letter of Franklin--Bitter words of Dr. Johnson--Morals of English lords--Commercial value of the Colonies--Dangers threatening Franklin. 240

 CHAPTER XII. 

 _The Bloodhounds of War Unleashed. _

 The mission of Josiah Quincy--Love of England by the Americans--Petition to the king--Sickness and death of Mrs. Franklin--Lord Chatham--His speech in favor of the colonists--Lord Howe--His interview with Franklin--Firmness of Franklin--His indignation--His mirth--Franklin's fable--He embarks for Philadelphia--Feeble condition of the colonies--England's expressions of contempt--Franklin's reception at Philadelphia--His letter to Edmund Burke--Post-office arrangements--Defection and conduct of William Franklin--His arrest. 265

 CHAPTER XIII. 

 _Progress of the War, both of Diplomacy and the Sword. _

 Letter of Henry Laurens--Franklin visits the army before Boston--Letter of Mrs. Adams--Burning of Falmouth--Franklin's journey to Montreal--The Declaration of Independence--Anecdote of the Hatter--Framing the Constitution--Lord Howe's Declaration--Franklin's reply--The Conference--Encouraging letter from France--Franklin's embassy to France--The two parties in France--The voyage--The reception in France. 292

 CHAPTER XIV. 

 _The Struggles of Diplomacy. _

 Anecdote of Gibbon--John Adams--Residence at Passy--Lafayette introduced--Cruise of the Reprisal--Paul Jones--Capture of Burgoyne--Alliance with France--Anecdote of the Cake--Excitement in England--Franklin's introduction to the king--Joy in America--Extraordinary letter of Count Wissenstein--The reply--Injustice to Paul Jones--French troops in America--Character of John Adams--Franklin's mature views of human nature--Anecdote of the Angel--Capture of Cornwallis--Its effect in England--Prejudices of Mr. Jay--Testimony of Dr. Sparks--Jealousy of Franklin--Shrewd diplomatic act--The treaty signed. 322

 CHAPTER XV. 

 _Life's Closing Scenes. _

 Advice to Thomas Paine--Scenes at Passy--Journey to the Coast--Return to America--Elected Governor of Pennsylvania--Attends the Constitutional Convention--Proposes prayers--Remarkable speech--Letter to Dr. Stiles--Christ on the Cross--Last sickness and death. 356

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 

CHAPTER I. 

_Parentage and Early Life. _

 The parentage of Franklin--His parents emigrate to America--Character of his father--Abiah Folger, his mother--Birth and baptism--Influence of his Uncle Strong--Of the Whistle--Childish exploits--Uncongenial employment--Skill in swimming. --Early reading--Boston at that time--An indentured apprentice--Form of Indenture--Enters a printing office--Fondness for reading--Anecdotes--Habits of study--Fondness for argument--Adopts a vegetable diet--The two creeds. 

About the year 1685, Josiah Franklin, with his wife and threechildren, emigrated from Banbury, England, to seek his fortune in thisnew world. He was in all respects a very worthy man, intelligent, industrious, and influenced to conduct by high moral and religiousprinciples. Several of Josiah Franklin's neighbors accompanied him inhis removal. 

Boston was then a straggling village, of five or six thousandinhabitants. In front spread out its magnificent bay, with itsbeautiful islands. In the rear the primeval forest extended, almostunbroken, through unexplored wilds to the Pacific. His trade was thatof a dyer. Finding, however, but little employment in that business, he set up as a tallow chandler and soap boiler. Four years of life'susual joys and sorrows passed away when Mrs. Franklin died, leavingsix children. The eldest was but eleven years of age. This motherlesslittle family needed a maternal guardian. Within the year, Mr. Franklin married Abiah Folger, of Nantucket. She was the youngestdaughter of Peter Folger, a man illustrious for many virtues, and ofwhom it has been well said, that "he was worthy to be the grandfatherof Benjamin Franklin. " She proved to be a noble woman, and was allthat either husband or children could wish for. Ten children were thefruit of this union. Benjamin was born on the sixth of January, (O. S. ) 1706. 

He was born in the morning of a Sabbath day. His father then resideddirectly opposite the Old South Church, in Milk street. The same day, the babe, whose renown it was then little imagined would subsequentlyfill the civilized world, was wrapped in blankets, and carried by hisfather across the street through the wintry air, to the Old SouthChurch, where he was baptized by the Rev. Dr. Willard. He was namedBenjamin, after a much beloved uncle then residing in England. Thisuncle was a man of some property, of decided literary tastes, and ofthe simple, fervent piety, which characterized the best people ofthose days. He took an ever increasing interest in Benjamin. Heeventually came over to this country, and exerted a powerful influencein moulding the character of his nephew, whose brilliant intellect heappreciated. 

Soon after the birth of Benjamin, his father removed to a humble butcomfortable dwelling at the corner of Hanover and Union streets. Herehe passed the remainder of his days. When Franklin had attained theage of five years, a terrible conflagration took place, since known asthe Great Boston Fire. Just as the cold blasts of winter began tosweep the streets, this great calamity occurred. The whole heart ofthe thriving little town was laid in ashes. Over a hundred familiesfound themselves in destitution in the streets. 

An incident took place when Franklin was about seven years of age, which left so indelible an impression upon his mind, that it cannot beomitted in any faithful record of his life. He gave the followingaccount of the event in his autobiography, written after the lapse ofsixty-six years:

 "My friends, on a holiday, filled my pockets with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a whistle that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily gave all my money for one. I then came home and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers and sisters and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me that I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure. "

This story, as published by Franklin, with his keen practicalreflections, has become as a household word in all the families ofEngland and America; and has been translated into nearly all thelanguages of modern Europe. 

From early childhood Franklin was celebrated for his physical beauty, his athletic vigor and his imperturbable good nature. His companionsinvariably recognized him as their natural leader. He was in norespect what would be called a religious boy, but in many things hehad a high sense of honor. 

There was a marsh, flooded at high tides, where the boys used to fishfor minnows. Much trampling had converted the spot into a quagmire. Aman was about to build a house near by, and had carted a largequantity of stones for the cellar. Franklin called the boys togetherand suggested that they should go in the evening, take those stones, and build a wharf upon which they could stand with dry feet. It wasdone. And under the skilful engineering of the youthful Franklin, itwas quite scientifically done. Complaints and detection followed. Josiah Franklin severely reproved Benjamin for the dishonest act, butit does not appear that the conscience of the precocious boy was muchtroubled. He argued very forcibly that the utility of the measureproved its necessity. 

At the age of eight years, Benjamin entered the Boston Grammar School. His progress was very rapid, and at the close of the year he was atthe head of his class. The father had hoped to give his promising boya liberal education; but his large family and straitened circumstancesrendered it necessary for him to abandon the plan. At the age of tenyears his school life was completed, and he was taken into hisfather's shop to run of errands, and to attend to the details ofcandle-making, cutting wicks, filling moulds, and waiting uponcustomers. He could write a good hand, could read fluently, couldexpress himself with ease on paper, but in all arithmetical studieswas very backward. 

There is scarcely any sport which has such a charm for boys asswimming. Franklin excelled all his companions. It is reported thathis skill was wonderful; and that at any time between his twelfth andsixtieth year, he could with ease have swum across the Hellespont. Inhis earliest years, in all his amusements and employments, hisinventive genius was at work in searching out expedients. Tofacilitate rapidity in swimming he formed two oval pallets, muchresembling those used by painters, about ten inches long, and sixbroad. A hole was cut for the thumb and they were bound fast to thepalm of the hand. Sandals of a somewhat similar construction werebound to the soles of the feet. With these appliances Franklin foundthat he could swim more rapidly, but his wrists soon became greatlyfatigued. The sandals also he found of little avail, as in swimming, the propelling stroke is partly given by the inside of the feet andankles, and not entirely by the soles of the feet. 

In the vicinity of Boston there was a pond a mile wide. Franklin madea large paper kite, and when the wind blew strongly across the pond, he raised it, and entering the water and throwing himself upon hisback was borne rapidly to the opposite shore. "The motion, " he says, "was exceedingly agreeable. " A boy carried his clothes around. Subsequently he wrote to M. Dubourg, "I have never since that time practiced this singular mode of swimming; though I think it not impossible to cross in this manner from Dover to Calais. The packet boat, however, is still preferable. "[1]

[Footnote 1: Sparks' Life and Works of Franklin, Vol. 6, p. 291. ]

The taste for reading of this wonderful boy was insatiable. He hadaccess, comparatively, to few books, but those he devoured with theutmost eagerness. Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress was, so to speak, hisfirst love. Having read and re-read it until his whole spirit wasincorporated with its nature, he sold the volume and purchasedBurton's Historical Collections. This consisted of quite a series ofanecdotes and adventures, written in an attractive style, andpublished at a low price. In those early years he read another bookwhich exerted a powerful influence in the formation of his character. When eighty years of age he alludes as follows to this work in aletter to Mr. Samuel Mather, who was son of the author, Cotton Mather, "When I was a boy I met with a book entitled 'Essays to do Good, ' which I think was written by your father. It had been so little regarded by a former possessor that several leaves of it were torn out; but the remainder gave me such a turn of thinking, as to have an influence on my conduct through life; for I have always set a greater value on the character of a doer of good, than on any other kind of a reputation; and if I have been, as you seem to think, a useful citizen, the public owe the advantage of it to that book. "[2]

[Footnote 2: This volume has been republished by the Mass. S. S. Society. ]

When Franklin was twelve years of age, the population of Boston hadincreased to about ten thousand. An incident is recorded of Franklinat this time, which strikingly illustrates the peculiarity of hismental structure and the want of reverence with which he graduallyaccustomed himself to regard religious things. His father's habit, inthe long graces which preceded each meal, rather wearied the temper ofhis son. The precocious young skeptic, with characteristicirreverence, ventured to say, "I think, father, that if you were to say grace over the whole cask, once for all, it would save time. "[3]

[Footnote 3: Works of Dr. Franklin by W. Temple Franklin. Vol. I, p. 447. ]

This was the remark of a boy but twelve years of age. Though it doesnot indicate a very devout spirit, it certainly gives evidence of anintellect of unusual acuteness. 

Franklin ever spoke of his boyhood as the very happy period of aremarkably happy life. His peculiar temperament enabled him to behappy under circumstances in which others would have been verymiserable. His affections in after years ever yearned toward Boston;he was accustomed to speak of it as "that beloved place. " In one ofhis letters to John Lathrop he wrote, "The Boston manner, the turn of phrase, and even tone of voice and accent in pronunciation, all please and seem to revive and refresh me. "

For two years Benjamin continued to assist his father in the businessof soap and candle making. He was continually looking for anopportunity to escape the drudgery of that employment and enter uponsome more congenial business. Like most adventurous boys, he thoughtmuch of the romance of a sea-life. An elder brother had run away, hadgone to sea, and for years had not been heard from. Benjamin's fatherbecame very anxious as he witnessed the discontent of his son. Thisanxiety was increased when an elder brother married, removed to RhodeIsland, and set up a soap and candle establishment for himself. Thisseemed to Benjamin to rivet the chains which bound him at home. Apparently his father could not spare him from the business. Thus heseemed doomed to spend the remainder of his days in employment whichproved to him increasingly uncongenial. 

The judicious father, apprehensive that his son might be luredsecretly to embark for some distant voyage, visited with his son allthe varied workshops of Boston, that he might select that trade whichto him would seem most desirable. Benjamin examined all theseworkshops with intensest interest. He selected the employment of acutler, and entered upon the business for a few days; but at that timea boy who was about to learn a trade was apprenticed to a master. As apremium for learning the business he usually had to pay about onehundred dollars. Then after a series of years, during which he workedfor nothing, he was entitled for a time to receive journeyman's wages. But his father, Josiah Franklin, was unable to settle satisfactorilythe terms of indenture, and the cutlery trade was given up. 

We have mentioned that Franklin was one of a large family of children. By the two marriages of his father, there were sixteen sons anddaughters around the family hearth. One of the sons, James, had beensent to London to learn the trade of a printer. He returned to Bostonand set up business on his own account, when Benjamin was elevenyears of age. It was decided to bind Benjamin to this business. Reluctantly Benjamin consented to place himself in such subordinationto his brother. He was, however, bound to him for a period of nineyears, from twelve to twenty-one. During the last year he was toreceive a journeyman's wages. The following extract from this form ofindenture of apprenticeship, which was in common use in the reign ofGeorge the First, will be read with interest. 

 "He shall neither buy nor sell without his master's license. Taverns, inns, or ale-houses he shall not haunt. At cards, dice, tables, or any other unlawful game he shall not play. Matrimony he shall not contract; nor from the service of his said master day nor night absent himself, but in all things, as an honest and faithful apprentice, shall and will demean and behave himself towards his said master and all his, during said term. And the said James Franklin, the master, for and in consideration of the sum of ten pounds of lawful British money to him in hand paid by the said Josiah Franklin, the father, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the said apprentice in the art of a printer which he now useth, shall teach and instruct or cause to be taught and instructed the best way and manner that he can, finding and allowing unto the said apprentice, meat, drink, washing, lodging and all other necessaries during the said term. "

Benjamin devoted himself with great assiduity to learn the trade of aprinter. The office in which he worked, stood at the corner ofFranklin avenue and Court street. For three years, Franklin was thusemployed, apparently never seeking recreation, and never having amoment of leisure save such as he could rescue from sleep or from hismeals. There were at that time several bookstores in Boston. Theeminent men of that province had brought with them to the New World, literary and scientific tastes of a high order. Even then the axe ofthe settler had been heard but at a short distance in the primevalforests, which still encircled all the large towns. Bears were notunfrequently shot from Long Wharf, as they swam from island to island, or endeavored to cross the solitary bay. It is said that at that timetwenty bears were often shot in a week. 

Benjamin Franklin, inspired by his love of reading, cultivatedfriendly relations with the clerks in the bookstores. From them heborrowed interesting volumes, which he took home in the evening withthe utmost care, and having spent most of the night in reading, wouldreturn them at an early hour in the morning, before the master of theshop had time to miss them. 

Something in the demeanor of Franklin attracted the attention of amerchant in Boston by the name of Matthew Adams. He invited him to hislibrary and loaned him books. The lad's Uncle Benjamin, in England, who was very fond of composing rhymes which he called poetry, sentmany of his effusions to his favorite nephew, and opened quite a briskcorrespondence with him. Thus Benjamin soon became a fluent rhymester, and wrote sundry ballads which were sold in the streets and becamequite popular. There was a great demand at that time for narratives ofthe exploits of pirates, the doom of murderers, and wild loveadventures. It is said that one of the Boston publishers, in the saleof ballads alone, found a very lucrative business. Benjamin, who foundit very easy to write doggerel verse, wrote one ballad called "TheLight-house Tragedy. " It was a graphic, and what would be called at thepresent day, a sensational account of a shipwreck, in which thecaptain and his two daughters perished. He wrote another which wasstill more captivating, and which in all its main features washistorically true. It was an account of the world-renowned pirate, Edward Teach, usually called Blackbeard. The reader will find a minutenarrative of the career of that monster in the volume of this seriesof Pioneers and Patriots entitled "Captain Kidd; or the early AmericanBuccaneers. " One stanza has descended to us which it is said composeda portion of this ballad, and which is certainly a fair specimen ofthe popular style then in vogue. 

 "Come all you jolly sailors You all so stout and brave, Come hearken and I'll tell you, What happened on the wave. Oh 'tis of that bloody Blackbeard I'm going now for to tell And as how by gallant Maynard He soon was sent to Hell. With a down, down, derry down. "

This was indeed wretched stuff, as Franklin afterwards admitted; butit is to be remembered he was then but a boy of fifteen. Havingcomposed the ballad and set in type and printed it, he was then sentto hawk it through the streets. This was certainly a remarkableachievement for a lad of his years. The eagerness with which both ofthe ballads were seized by the public must have greatly gratified theself-esteem of the young writer. 

Addison was a bungler in talk, but every sentence from his pen waselegant. He once said, "I carry no loose change in my pocket, but Ican draw for a thousand pounds. " Burke said of Goldsmith, "He writeslike an angel, but he talks like poor Poll. " Franklin was by no meansa bungler in his speech, but he was not fluent. He hesitated, and wasat a loss for words, but whatever he wrote had a wonderful flow ofharmony. The right word was always in the right place. Doubtless hadhe devoted as much attention to the acquirement of conversationalease, as he did to skill in writing, he would have been as successfulin the one art as in the other. From early life it was his greatambition to be not merely a fine but a forcible writer. He did notseek splendor of diction, but that perspicuity, that transparency ofexpression which would convey the thought most directly to the mind. 

An odd volume of the Spectator fell in his way. He was charmed withthe style. Selecting some interesting incident, he would read it withthe closest care; he would then close the book, endeavoring to retainthe thought only without regard to the expression. Then with pen, inhand, he would sit down and relate the anecdote or the incident in themost forceful and graphic words his vocabulary would afford. This hewould correct and re-correct, minutely attending to the capitals andthe punctuation until he had made it in all respects as perfect as itwas in his power. He then compared his narrative with that in theSpectator. Of course he usually found many faults which he hadcommitted, but occasionally he could not but admit he had improvedupon his original. This encouraged him with the hope that by longcontinued practice, he might become an able writer of the Englishlanguage. This practice he continued for months, varying it in manyways. He continued to rhyme, though he admitted that there was littlepoetry in his verse. The exercise, however, he thought useful ingiving him a mastery of language. 

Though Franklin wrote ballads, he seemed to be mainly interested inreading books of the most elevated and instructive character. Locke's"Essay on the Human Understanding, " he studied thoroughly. "The Art ofThinking, " by the Messrs. De Port Royal, engrossed all his energies. But perhaps there was no book, at that time, which produced so deepand abiding impression on his mind as the "Memorabilia of Socrates, "by Xenophon. 

Franklin was fond of arguing; he was naturally disputatious. With hiskeen intellect, he was pretty sure to come off as victor, at least inhis own judgment, in discussions with his associates. But the Socraticmethod of argumentation, so different from that in which he had beenaccustomed to indulge, at once secured his approval and admiration. Socrates was never guilty of the discourtesy of assailing an opponentwith flat contradiction or positive assertion. With a politeness whichnever failed him, and a modesty of demeanor which won the regard ofall others, he would lead his fellow disputant, by a series ofquestions, to assent to the views which he advocated. Franklinimmediately commenced practicing upon this newly discovered art. Hewas remarkably successful, and became one of the most agreeable andbeloved of companions. But ere long he became satisfied of the follyof these disputations, in which each party struggles, not fortruth, but for victory. It is simply an exercise of intellectualgladiatorship, in which the man who has the most skill and musclediscomfits his antagonist. Jefferson warned his nephew to avoiddisputation. He says, "I have never known, during my long life, anypersons' engage in a dispute in which they did not separate, each morefirmly convinced than before of the correctness of his own views. "

Franklin enjoyed marvellous health. His digestive powers were perfect. He could live upon any thing and almost upon nothing withoutexperiencing any inconvenience. A book advocating purely vegetablediet accidentally fell into his hands. It urged the pecuniary economyand the saving of time in adopting a vegetarian diet. Eagerly headopted the views presented. He could safely do so, had the authoradvocated raw onions and carrots. The stomach of Franklin would havereceived them and assimilated them without any remonstrance. Hesucceeded in inducing his brother to relinquish one half of his boardand allow him to board himself. Benjamin found that in this way, hesaved much time and much money. A handful of raisins, a roll of bread, and a glass of water afforded him a dinner. This he could dispose ofin from five to ten minutes, and have the remainder of the dinner hourfor reading. 

The hours of the night were his own. He often sat up late and roseearly, his soul all absorbed in intellectual vigils. 

There are two platforms of morality, in some respects inseparablyblended, in others quite distinctly separated from each other. The oneof these platforms constitutes the low standard of mere worldlymorality. It says, You must not kill, you must not steal, you must not lie, you must not slander your neighbor, you must not cheat him in a bargain. 

But there is another platform which not only includes all this, butwhich introduces principles of an infinitely higher grade. It is theplatform enforced by Jesus Christ as essential to a life which shallbe pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Our Saviour says, You must loveGod in whom you live and move and have your being: you must dailypray to him with gratitude for the favors you receive. In the greatconflict, raging here below, between sin and holiness, your wholeheart must yearn with the desire that God's "kingdom may come and thatHis will may be done on earth as in Heaven. " Imitating the example ofyour Saviour, who was God manifest in the flesh that by His life Hemight show men how to live, you must do everything in your power tolead your neighbors and friends to love God, to avoid everything inthought, word, or deed, which you think will be displeasing to Him;and you must do all in your power to prepare your heart for that worldof purity and love where the spirits of the just are made perfect. Noone can be blind to the fact that these principles are infinitelyabove the principles of mere worldly morality. They are not asubstitute for those principles, but an addition to them. 

At the age of sixteen, Franklin was disposed to adopt the lower ofthese creeds as his rule of life; at times affirming that it wassuperior to the teachings of Jesus Christ; while again there would bethe very clear and inconsistent avowal that, in this wicked world, something more was needed than teachings which he could plainly seeseldom, if ever influenced a lost and degraded man, to be changedfrom a Saul of Tarsus to a Paul the Apostle. No one can understand thepeculiar religious and moral character of Benjamin Franklin, withoutbearing in mind these distinctions. 

CHAPTER II. 

_Developments of Character. _

 Views of the Sabbath--Writings of Collins and Shaftsbury--The creed of Collins--Franklin at sixteen--The Courant--Denunciations of the paper--Franklin's mode of acquiring the art of composition--His success as a writer--The Editor prosecuted--Benjamin becomes Editor and Publisher--Jealousy of his brother--The runaway apprentice--The voyage to New York--Great disappointment--Eventful Journey to Philadelphia--Gloomy prospects--The dawn of brighter days. 

Franklin was never scrupulous in the observance of the Sabbath. Still, though he but occasionally attended church, he at times very earnestlyurged that duty upon his young friends. It is not probable that thepreaching he heard in those days, was calculated to interest him. While a child under the parental roof, he ordinarily accompanied hisparents, and seemed to regard it as his duty to do so. 

He now, however, with an increasing sense of independence, very muchpreferred to spend his precious hours in his chamber, reading bookswhich engrossed his most intense interest. Unfortunately manytreatises fell into his hands in which unchristian sentiments wereconveyed to his mind, by men of the highest intellectual character, and whose writings were invested with the most fascinating charms ofeloquence. 

Robert Boyle, an Irish nobleman of wealth and fervent piety, hadestablished at Oxford a lectureship, the object of which was to provethe truth of the Christian religion. These lectures had found theirway in tracts to the little library of Franklin's father. When butfifteen years of age the boy read them, with a far keener relish thanmost school-boys now read the flashy novels of the day. In order torefute the arguments of the deists, the lecturers were bound toproduce those arguments fairly and forcibly. But to this young boy'spiercing mind, the arguments against Christianity seemed stronger thanthose which were brought forward to refute them. Thus the lad became, not a positive unbeliever, but an honest doubter. He now soughtearnestly for other works upon that all-important subject. 

The two most important, influential and popular writers of that daywere perhaps Anthony Collins and the Earl of Shaftsbury. These wereboth men of fortune, of polished education, and of great rhetoricaland argumentative skill. Their influence over young minds was greatlyincreased by the courtesy and candor which pervaded all theirwritings. They ever wrote like gentlemen addressing gentlemen; andthe views they urged were presented with the modesty of men who wereearnestly seeking for the truth. 

The main attack of both of these men was directed against the miraclesof the Bible. It was very evident that, the Divine authority of theBible being overthrown, the whole structure of the Christian religionand morality must pass away. Mr. Parton, in his admirable Life ofFranklin, says, "Any one who will turn over an edition of Shaftsbury, and try to read it with the mind of this merry and receptive printer's boy, will perceive how entirely captivating it must have been to him. The raillery that was always the raillery of a gentleman; the irony so delicate as really to deceive some men who passed for acute; the fine urbanity that pervades even the passages called severe; the genuine reverence of the author for virtue; the spectacle revealed of a man uniting in himself all that is good in sense, with all that is agreeable in the man of the world, --how pleasing it must all have been to our inky apprentice as he munched his noon-day crust. "

The practical creed of Collins and Shaftsbury, so far as it can begleaned from the obscurity of their brilliant pages, consisted inthe entire renunciation of all that is deemed the spirituality ofthe Christian creed, and the simple enforcement of the ordinaryprinciples of morality in man's intercourse with his brother man. Insubstance they said, "Be truthful and honest. Do not openly oppose the institutions of Christianity, for that will render you obnoxious to your neighbors. Conform to the ordinary usages of the society in the midst of which you move; and as to creeds, let them alone as unworthy of a moment's thought. "

Franklin, at sixteen years of age, became a thorough convert to theseviews. He was virtually without any God. He had no rule of life buthis own instincts; but those instincts were of a high order, emboldening his character and restraining him from all vulgar vice. Thus he wandered for many years; though there are many indications ofan occasionally troubled mind, and though he at times struggled withgreat eagerness to obtain a higher state of moral perfection, hecertainly never developed the character of a warm-hearted and devotedfollower of Jesus. [4]

[Footnote 4: "For some years he wandered in heathenish darkness. He forsook the safe and good though narrow way of his forefathers, and of his father and mother, and his gentle Uncle Benjamin, withoutfinding better and larger ways of his own. He was in danger ofbecoming a castaway or a commonplace successful man of the world. He found in due time, after many trials, and much suffering andmany grievous errors, that the soul of a man does not thriveupon negations, and that, in very truth a man must _believe_in order that he may be saved. "--_Parton's Life of Franklin, Vol. I, p. 71. _]

James Franklin was prosperous in his business. On the 17th of August, 1721, he issued the first number of a newspaper entitled "The NewEngland Courant. " Benjamin set the type, struck off the impressionof two or three hundred, with a hand-press, and then traversedthe streets, carrying the diminutive sheet to the homes of thesubscribers. The Courant soon attracted attention. A knot of sparklingwriters began to contribute to its columns, and while the paper waswith increasing eagerness sought for, a clamor was soon raised againstit. It was denounced as radical in its political tendencies, and asspeaking contemptuously of the institutions of religion. CottonMather, even, launched one of his thunderbolts against it. He wrote, "We find a notorious, scandalous paper called 'The Courant' full freighted with nonsense, unmanliness, raillery, profaneness, immorality, arrogance, calumnies, lies, contradictions and what not, all tending to quarrels and divisions, and to debauch and corrupt the mind and manners of New England. "

Increase Mather also denounced the paper, in terms still moreemphatic. 

At this time a strong antipathy was springing up between James, andhis apprentice brother. James assumed the airs of a master, and wasarrogant and domineering, at times in his anger proceeding even toblows. Benjamin was opinionated, headstrong and very unwilling toyield to another's guidance. As Benjamin compared his own compositionswith those which were sent to the Courant, he was convinced that hecould write as well, if not better, than others. He, therefore, oneevening prepared an article, before he was sixteen years of age, which, with the greatest care, was written in pure Addisonian diction. Disguising his hand, he slipped this at night under the door of theprinting office. The next morning several contributors were chattingtogether in the editorial office, as Benjamin stood at the printingcase setting his types. The anonymous article was read and freelycommented upon. The young writer was delighted in finding it highlycommended, and in their guesses for the author, the names of the mostdistinguished men in Boston were mentioned. 

The singular nom de plume he assumed was "Silence Dogood. " Over thatsignature he wrote many articles before it was ascertained that he wasthe author. These articles attracted so much attention that youngBenjamin could not refrain from claiming their paternity. This led hisbrother and others to regard him with far more respect thanheretofore. 

But the Courant, while popular with the masses, became unpopular withthe governmental authorities and with the religious community. As aslap in the face of the government, a fictitious letter was written, professedly from Newport, stating that a piratic ship had appeared offthe coast, plundering, burning, and destroying. It was then statedthat the government of Massachusetts was fitting out an armed vesselto attack the pirate, and that, wind and weather permitting, thevessel would sail from Boston sometime during the month. 

This reflection upon the dilatoriness of government gave greatoffence. The members of the Council summoned Franklin before them toanswer for the libel. He admitted that he was the publisher of thepaper, but refused to give the name of the writer. The Council decidedthat the paragraph was a high affront to the government, and orderedhis imprisonment in the Boston jail. Here he was incarcerated for aweek. Crushed by his misfortunes he wrote a very humble letter statingthat his close confinement endangered his life, and begging that hemight enjoy the liberty of the jail-yard. His request was granted, andfor three weeks more he remained a prisoner, though with dailypermission to leave his cell. 

During this time Benjamin conducted the paper, editing it, settingthe type, printing the sheets and distributing the copies to thesubscribers. He was still but a boy of sixteen. James was eventuallyreleased from prison, but the general character of the Courantremained unchanged. Unworthy professors of Christianity wereincessantly assailed. The virtues of true Christians--of themultitudes of the disciples of Jesus, who were mothers in Israel, orwho were Israelites indeed in whom there was no guile, were forgotten;while every mean and contemptible act of hypocrites and apostates wasproclaimed with trumpet resonance. 

At length the Council declared in reference to a peculiarly obnoxiouscopy of the paper, that the Courant of that date contained manypassages perverting the Holy Scriptures, and slandering the civilgovernment, the ministers, and the good people of the land. Acommittee of three was appointed to report upon the matter. After twodays they brought in the following decision:

 "We are humbly of opinion that the tendency of said paper, is to mock religion and bring it into contempt; that the Holy Scriptures are therein profanely abused; that the revered and faithful ministers of the Gospel are ignominiously reflected on; and that His Majesty's government is affronted; and the peace and good order of His Majesty's subjects of this province disturbed by this said Courant. "

The committee, therefore, proposed that James Franklin should bestrictly forbidden to print or publish the Courant, or any other paperof the like nature, unless it were supervised by the secretary of theprovince. 

James Franklin and his friends, after this decision, met in the officeof the Courant, and adroitly decided to evade the mandate by cancelingthe indentures of apprenticeship of Benjamin, and constituting him theeditor and publisher of the journal. This precocious lad prepared hisinaugural. It contained the following sentiments:

 "Long has the press groaned in bringing forth a hateful brood of pamphlets, malicious scribbles, and billingsgate ribaldry. No generous and impartial person then can blame the present undertaking which is designed purely for the diversion and merriment of the reader. Pieces of pleasantry and mirth have a secret charm in them to allay the heats and tumults of our spirits, and to make a man forget his restless resentment. The main design of this weekly paper will be to entertain the town with the most comical and diverting incidents of human life, which in so large a place as Boston will not fail of a universal exemplification. Nor shall we be wanting to fill up these papers with a grateful interspersion of more serious morals which may be drawn from the most ludicrous and odd parts of life. "

It cannot be denied that Franklin aimed his keen shafts at many of thebest of men who were consecrating all their energies to the promotionof the physical, moral, and religious welfare of their fellowcreatures. He had a keen eye to search out their frailties; and thoughhe seldom if ever, dipped his pen in gall, he did at times succeed inmaking them the song of the drunkard, and in turning against them thederision of all the lewd fellows of the baser sort. 

Benjamin, elated by flattery and success, admits that at seventeenyears of age he became in his treatment of his brother "saucy andprovoking. " James was increasingly jealous and exacting. At length avery violent quarrel arose between them. The elder brother evenundertook to chastise his younger brother, whom he still affected toregard as his apprentice. The canceling of the terms of indenture, heregarded as a secret act, intended merely to outwit his opponent. Franklin, burning with indignation, resolved no longer to continue inhis brother's employment, and went to several other printers inBoston, hoping to enter into a new engagement. But his brother hadpreceded him, giving his own version of the story, and even declaringhis brilliant brother to be an infidel and an atheist. 

Benjamin resolved to run away; for he still felt the bindingobligation of his apprenticeship, while he tried to satisfy his mindthat the unjust conduct of James entitled him to violate theobligation. There was a vessel about to sail for New York. He soldsome of his books to pay his passage; and going on board secretly atnight, he solicited the captain to aid him in concealing him, with the_false_ statement that he had become involved in a love adventure witha young girl; that she had subsequently proved to be a bad character;that her friends insisted on his marrying her; and that his onlyrefuge was to be found in flight. 

His passage to New York was swift and pleasant. It is said that havingadopted the vegetarian diet, he doubted our right to deprive an animalof life for our own gratification in eating. The sloop was one daybecalmed off Block Island. The crew found it splendid fishing ground;the deck was soon covered with cod and haddock. Franklin denouncedcatching the fishes, as murderous, as no one could affirm that thesefishes, so happy in the water, had ever conferred any injury upontheir captors. But Benjamin was blessed with a voracious appetite. Thefrying pan was busy, and the odor from the fresh fish was exceedinglyalluring. As he watched a sailor cutting open a fish, he observed inits stomach a smaller fish, which the cod had evidently eaten. 

"Ah!" he exclaimed, "if you can eat one another, I surely have a rightto eat you. "

All his scruples vanished. He sat down with the rest to the sumptuousrepast, and never after seemed to have any hesitancy in gratifying hisappetite. 

Benjamin tells this story in his autobiography, and shrewdly adds, quoting from some one else, "So convenient a thing it is to be a _reasonable_ creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do. "

It was in the beautiful month of October, 1723, when Benjamin landedon the wharves of New York. He was not quite eighteen years of age;had but little money in his purse; and was without any letter ofrecommendation or any acquaintance in the town. The place consisted ofbut seven or eight thousand inhabitants. The streets were the crookedlanes which we still find in the vicinity of the Battery. Some of themost important were uncomfortably paved with cobble stones. Most ofthe inhabitants were Dutch, reading and speaking only the Dutchlanguage. There was at that time indeed, but little encouragement foran English printer. There was but one bookstore then in New York; andbut one printing office, which was conducted by William Bradford. 

The runaway apprentice could find no employment. But William Bradfordhad a son in Philadelphia who was also a printer. He said to Benjamin, "He may employ you, as he has recently lost an apprentice by death. "

Leaving his chest of clothes to go round by sea to Philadelphia, Benjamin took passage in a small dilapidated shore boat which creptalong the coast to Amboy. A drunken Dutchman was his only fellowpassenger. The gloom of the primeval forest overshadowed Governor'sIsland: not a single cabin as yet had been reared in its solitudes. Asquall struck the boat, split its sail, and pitched the Dutchmanoverboard. Franklin caught him by the hair and saved him fromdrowning. The sudden tempest increased into a storm, and the boat wasdriven fiercely before the gale. The surf dashed so violently upon theshore that they could not venture to land. Night approached. Exhausted, drenched and hungry, they cast anchor near the Long Islandshore, where a bend in the land afforded them slight protection whilestill they were in great danger. There were one or two log cabins inthe vicinity. Several of the men came to the shore, but could affordthem no relief. They had no provision on board excepting a singlebottle of bad rum. All night long the tempest beat upon them. In themorning the wind had so far lulled that they were enabled to repairtheir sail, and to work their way on to Amboy. 

It was late in the afternoon when they reached the port. For thirtyhours they had been without food or water. Such were the perils of apassage from New York to Philadelphia in the year 1723. 

Franklin, in the enjoyment of magnificent health, slept quietly thatnight in an humble inn, and awoke in the morning with all hisaccustomed vigor. There were still fifty miles of land travel beforehim, ere he could cross the forest covered plains of New Jersey toBurlington, on the banks of the Delaware, which were seventeen milesabove Philadelphia. There was neither railroad, stage-coach nor cartto convey him through the wilderness. Indeed it was thirty-three yearsafter this before the first line of stages across New Jersey wasestablished. There was a rude path, probably following an ancientIndian trail, along which our solitary adventurer trudged on foot. Itrained; but still Benjamin found it necessary, having so slender apurse, to press on regardless of discomfort. 

Early in the afternoon he came to a hamlet, by the roadside, where hefound himself so exhausted by the unaccustomed toil of walking, and byexposure to the rain and the miry roads, that he felt it necessary toremain until the next morning. The aspect he presented was shabby anddilapidated in the extreme; for he was in his working dress, which bythe wear and tear of travel had become greatly soiled and tattered. Hewas not a little mortified to find that the inhabitants of the cabin, while they treated him kindly, evidently regarded him with suspicionas a runaway apprentice. 

In the gloom of that night, poor Benjamin bitterly repented the stephe had taken, and earnestly wished himself back again in the homewhich he had forsaken. Clouds and darkness had gathered around hispath and he could see but little bright beyond. Early the next morninghe resumed his travels, pressing vigorously along all day. When theshades of night enveloped him he had reached a point within ten milesof Burlington. He passed the night comfortably in a settler's cabin, and early the next morning pressed on to the little village ofBurlington, from which he was informed that a boat started everySaturday, to descend the still silent and almost unfrequented shoresof the Delaware to Philadelphia. Much to his disappointment he reachedBurlington just after the regular Saturday boat had gone, and wasinformed that there was no other boat to leave until the next Tuesday. He made his united breakfast and dinner upon gingerbread, which hebought in the street of an old woman. 

Burlington was on the east side of the river, Philadelphia was on thewest. There was no road between the two places, the communicationbeing by the river only. It seemed impossible for Benjamin to toilthat distance through the pathless, tangled forest. He had but fiveshillings in his pocket. With the utmost economy that would not defrayhis expenses at Burlington, for three days, and leave a sufficient sumto pay his passage down the river. 

In his distress and perplexity, our young philosopher, whose renownfor wisdom subsequently filled all Christian lands, turned back to thepoor, aged woman of whom he had bought his gingerbread and solicitedher advice. The good old soul, not insensible to the charms of thefrank and manly looking boy, with motherly tenderness insisted on hisgoing to her own humble home. Gladly he accepted the invitation. Thedinner consisted of what is called ox-cheek; Franklin contributed apot of beer. 

Walking out early in the evening upon the banks of the river, hefound, to his great joy, a chance boat had come along, bound toPhiladelphia and containing many passengers. Eagerly Franklin joinedthem, and bidding adieu to his kind entertainer, was soon driftingslowly down the stream. The night was dark, there was no wind, and nocheerful gleam from the white man's cabin or the Indian's wigwam metthe eye. It was necessary to resort to rowing. At length, a littleafter midnight, several of the passengers insisted that they must havepassed Philadelphia without seeing it, and refused to row any farther. They therefore ran the boat into a little creek, built a rousing fire, for the night was damp and chill, and ranging themselves around itsgenial warmth awaited the dawn of the morning. The light revealed tothem Philadelphia but a few miles below them. It was Sunday morning. At nine o'clock the boat was made fast at Market street wharf, andFranklin, with one silver dollar and one shilling in copper coin inhis pocket, stepped on shore. All his copper coin he paid for hispassage. 

Such was the introduction of the future Governor of Pennsylvania tothe realm over which he was eventually to preside as Governor, and ofwhich he became its most illustrious citizen. 

He was unquestionably dressed in the peculiar and picturesque costumeof the times. He wore knee breeches of buckskin, and a voluminousovercoat, lined with pockets of astonishing capacity, which pocketswere crammed with shirts and stockings. A low, battered, broad-brimmedhat covered his clustering ringlets. His coarse woolen stockingsdisplayed to advantage the admirably moulded calves of his legs. Every article of this costume was draggled, shabby, soiled, and muchof it tattered. 

With an indescribable feeling of loneliness, exhausted with thetoilsome and sleepless night, and with the cravings of hunger, hesauntered up into the town. Coming across a baker's shop, he steppedin, and called for three pennyworth of bread. In Philadelphia, foodwas abundant and bread was cheap. To his surprise three long rollswere given to him. He took one under each arm, and in his hunger thehomeless boy walked along devouring the other. Philadelphia was then avillage widely spread out, with surrounding vegetable gardens, andcontaining a population of about seven thousand inhabitants. 

Benjamin walked listlessly along as far as Fourth street. He chancedto pass the house of a Mr. Read, whose very pretty daughter, Deborah, was standing at the front door. She was eighteen years of age, and wasmuch amused at the comical appearance which the young man presented ashe passed by. 

[Illustration]

It is not easy to imagine in these days, the state of society in theseearly settlements, hewn out from the forests on the river's banks, andwith the unexplored wilderness spreading out to unimagined regionsin the interior. At night, even from the houses of the village, thehowling of the wolves could be heard as they rushed after their prey. Bears and deers were shot in abundance. And Indian bands, painted andplumed, were ever swarming through the streets. 

Franklin walked along, devouring his rolls, and returned to the riverfor a drink of water. Such was his first breakfast in Philadelphia. Inthe boat was a poor woman with her child. Franklin gave to her the tworemaining rolls, which he could not conveniently carry about with him. 

Not knowing what to do, and led by curiosity to explore the town, hereturned to Market street, then one of the chief avenues of the city. It was a little after ten o'clock in the morning. The street wascrowded with well-dressed people, pressing along to church. There wasone important edifice called the "Great Meeting House" of the Quakers. It stood at the corner of Second and Market streets. 

Franklin joined the crowd, and took his seat with the vast assembly. He soon fell soundly asleep. The hour passed away. The congregationdispersed, and Benjamin was left still asleep. Some one then kindlyawoke the tired traveler, and he again stepped out into the streets solonely, where there was not an individual whom he knew, and wherealmost without money he could find no refuge which he could call ahome. 

As he walked toward the river, he met a young Quaker whose countenancepleased him. Of him he inquired where he could find a respectable andcomfortable lodging. The friendly Quaker led him to a tavern, nearChestnut street, called the "Crooked Billet. " Franklin ordered afrugal dinner, threw himself upon the bed, and slept till supper time, and immediately after supper went to bed and slept soundly till themorning. 

He had now been from home eleven days. His money was nearly expended. His clothes were worn; and almost the only hope remaining was the veryvisionary one that Mr. Bradford's son might possibly have someemployment for him. Early in the morning he carefully brushed histravel-worn clothes, his shoes, his hat, and making himself asrespectable in appearance as possible, went to the house of theprinter, Andrew Bradford. To his surprise and gratification he foundthe father there, who had just arrived, having traveled from New Yorkto Philadelphia on horseback. 

Benjamin met with a courteous reception, was invited to breakfast. Hewas, however, greatly disappointed in being informed that AndrewBradford had just engaged another apprentice to take the place of theone who was lost. Mr. Bradford, however, stated that there was a man, by the name of Keimer, who had recently commenced the printingbusiness in the town, and might have employment for him. The oldgentleman kindly offered to go to the office with Benjamin, andintroduce him to Keimer. 

They found Keimer a very eccentric looking individual, in a smalloffice, with an old dilapidated press, and with a few worn-out types. He asked the young man a few questions, put a composing stick into hishands, and professed himself satisfied with his work. He then toldFranklin that he could find no work for him immediately, but hethought ere long he could employ him. It seems, however, that at onceBenjamin went to work, repairing the dilapidated old press, while hecontinued to board at Mr. Bradford's, paying for his board by the workwhich he performed. 

CHAPTER III. 

_Excursion to England. _

 Attention to dress--Receives a visit from Gov. Keith--His visit to Boston--Collins returns to Philadelphia with him--Sir William Keith's aid--Excursions on the Sabbath--Difficulty with Collins--Spending Mr. Vernon's money--His three friends--Engagement with Deborah Read--Voyage to England--Keith's deceit--Ralph--Franklin enters a printing house in London. 

The eccentric Keimer soon found that Franklin was a workman whoseservices would be invaluable to him. He had no home of his own, butbecame very unwilling that Benjamin, while in his employ, should boardin the family of a rival printer. He therefore made arrangements forhim to board at Mr. Read's, whose pretty daughter, Deborah, had madeherself merry but a few days before in view of his uncouth appearance. 

Fortunately for the young man, who was never regardless of theadvantages of a genteel dress, his chest had arrived bringing hisclothing. He was thus able to present himself before the young lady inattractive costume. And his address was always that of an accomplishedgentleman. As we have mentioned, he was ever in his youth, middlelife, and old age, remarkable for his personal beauty. 

Bright and sunny days now dawned upon Franklin. His employerappreciated his varied and wonderful merits. He received good wages. The family in which he resided was highly attractive, and he therefound a home congenial with his pure and refined tastes. Severalmonths passed away before he heard from the friends he had left inBoston. The tyranny of his brother had so greatly offended him, thatfor a time he endeavored to exclude from his mind all thoughts of hishome. He heard, however, that one of his sisters had married CaptainRobert Holmes, the captain of a vessel sailing between Boston and theports on the Delaware. 

In those piratical days, when the master of a ship was compelled tosail with guns loaded to the muzzle, and with sharpened sabres, he wasdeemed a personage of great importance. No weak or ordinary man coulddischarge the responsibilities of such a post. Captain Holmes, influenced by the love of his wife, wrote to Benjamin informing him ofthe grief his departure had caused the family, entreating him toreturn, and assuring him that all the past should be forgotten. 

Benjamin, in his reply, wrote with such precision and force of logic, that Captain Holmes became satisfied that he was by no means so muchin the wrong as he had supposed. It so chanced that when the captainreceived this letter, he was in company with Sir William Keith, thenthe Governor of Pennsylvania. He read the letter to the Governor. SirWilliam was charmed with its literary and rhetorical ability; andcould scarcely believe that the writer was but eighteen years of age. 

"The Philadelphia printers, " said he, "are wretched ones. Keimer is acompound of fool and rogue. But this young man is manifestly of greatpromise and ought to be encouraged. "

One day Benjamin and his master were working together, when they sawtwo well-dressed gentlemen approaching. They proved to be the Governorof Pennsylvania, Sir William Keith, and Franklin's brother-in-law, Captain Holmes, whom he probably had never before seen. Keimer randown stairs to meet them, supposing, of course, that he must be theman who was entitled to the honor of their visit. To his surprise theyinquired for his apprentice, and went up the stairs to the printingoffice to see him. 

Benjamin was quite overwhelmed by the honors with which he wasgreeted. The Governor paid him many compliments, expressed an earnestdesire to make his acquaintance, and politely censured him fornot calling at the gubernatorial mansion upon his arrival inPhiladelphia. The interview was terminated by taking Franklin withthem to a neighboring tavern to dine. There the three met uponapparently perfect social equality, and very freely discussed manyimportant matters as they drank their wine. 

The Governor, a very plausible, unreliable man, ever lavish ofpromises without performance, proposed that Franklin, aided by fundsfrom his father, should open a printing office for himself. Hepromised to exert his influence to secure for his young protegé thepublic printing of both the provinces of Pennsylvania and Delaware. When Franklin suggested that he feared his father would be eitherunable or unwilling to furnish the needed funds, the Governor promisedto write to him with his own hand, explaining the advantages of thescheme. 

During the protracted interview, it was decided that Benjamin shouldreturn to Boston by the first vessel. He was to take with him SirWilliam's letter, and thus aided, endeavor to win over his father totheir plans. 

A week or two elapsed before there was a vessel ready to sail forBoston. At that time the social rank of a printer was decidedly abovethat of other mechanic arts. There was something sacred attached tothe employment, and it was regarded as near akin to the learnedprofessions. Franklin was frequently invited to dine with theGovernor. His perfect self-possession, his careful dress and polishedaddress, united with his wonderful conversational powers, rendered hima great favorite with all the distinguished guests whom he wasaccustomed to meet at the table of the Governor. 

The latter part of April, 1724, Franklin, then eighteen years of age, took passage in a small vessel for Boston. His friends in Philadelphiagenerally understood that he was going home merely to visit hisfriends. It was deemed expedient to throw the veil of great secrecyover the enterprise in which he was contemplating to engage. 

The voyage was exceedingly tempestuous. The vessel sprang a leak. Forsome time passengers and crew worked at the pumps night and day. Butafter being buffeted by winds and waves for fourteen dreary days, thelittle vessel cast anchor in the harbor of Boston. Franklin had thenbeen absent from home seven months. 

His sudden appearance was a great surprise to all the members of thenumerous family. It is not surprising that the young man, elated byhis brilliant prospects, assumed rather lordly airs. His dress was newand quite elegant. He had purchased a handsome watch, which he was notreluctant to display. He had in his pocket twenty-five dollars ofsilver coin. 

Franklin's brother James, from whom he had run away, was greatlyannoyed by the airs of superiority assumed by his old apprentice. Witha cold and almost scornful eye, he scanned his person from head tofoot, scarcely offering his hand in greeting, and soon coldly andsilently returned to his work. But the imperial young man was not thusto be put down. His former acquaintances gathered eagerly around himand listened with intensest interest to the narrative of hisadventures. In glowing terms, Benjamin described his new home inPhiladelphia, drew out from his pocket handfuls of silver which heexhibited to them, and with quite lordly dignity gave his formerfellow-journeymen money to go to the ale-house for a treat. 

The candid reader will make some allowances for the conduct ofBenjamin, when he remembers that but a few months before, he had runaway to escape the cudgel of his brother. He will also feel inclinedto make some allowance for James, when informed that he was inadversity, and struggling severely with pecuniary embarrassment. TheCourant, deprived of the graphic pen of Franklin, was rapidly losingits subscribers, and soon became extinct. 

Benjamin's father Josiah, who needed in his own business every dollarof the funds he could raise, silently and almost without remark, readthe letter of Sir William Keith, and listened attentively to theglowing descriptions of his son. Soon after Captain Holmes arrived. The judicious father conversed fully with him, and expressed hisopinion that Sir William Keith must be a man of but little discretionto think of setting up independently, in very responsible business, ayoung man of but eighteen years of age. 

Though Captain Holmes earnestly advocated the views of the Governor, Josiah Franklin, after mature deliberation, decisively declinedfurnishing the necessary funds. 

"Benjamin, " said he, "is too young to undertake an enterprise soimportant. I am much gratified that he has been able to secure theapprobation of the Governor of Pennsylvania, and that by his industryand fidelity he has been able to attain prosperity so remarkable. Ifhe will return to Philadelphia and work diligently until he istwenty-one, carefully laying up his surplus earnings, I will then doeverything in my power to aid him. "

The cautious Christian father then gave his son some very salutaryadvice. He entreated him to be more careful in throwing out his arrowsof satire, and to cease presenting, in the aspect of the ridiculous, so many subjects which religious men regarded with veneration. Hewrote a very courteous letter to Sir William Keith, thanking him forhis kindness to his son, and stating his reasons for declining theproposed aid. Indeed, Josiah Franklin was intellectually, morally, andin all sound judgment, immeasurably the superior of the fickle andshallow royal Governor. 

Sixty years after this visit of Franklin to his paternal home, hewrote a letter to the son of the Rev. Cotton Mather, from which wemake the following pleasing extract:

 "The last time I saw your father was in the beginning of 1724, when I visited him after my first trip to Pennsylvania. He received me in his library; and on my taking leave showed me a shorter way out of the house through a narrow passage which was crossed by a beam overhead. We were still talking as I withdrew, he accompanying me behind, and I, turning partly toward him, when he said hastily, _stoop, stoop!_ I did not understand him till I felt my head hit against the beam. He was a man that never missed any occasion of giving instruction; and upon this he said to me 'You are young and have the world before you. Stoop as you go through it, and you will miss many hard thumps. ' This advice, thus beat into my head, has frequently been of use to me. And I often think of it when I see pride mortified and misfortunes brought upon people by their carrying their heads too high. "

There was in Boston a young man by the name of Collins, a reckless, dissipated spendthrift, of very considerable personal attractions. Hehad been quite an intimate friend of Franklin; and was so pleased withhis descriptions of Philadelphia that he decided to remove there. Thisproved one of the calamities of Franklin's life. 

Franklin eventually embarked, in a sloop, for his return. It touchedat Newport. His brother John lived there, pursuing the trade of acandle-maker. Benjamin was received by him with great cordiality. AtNewport, among the other passengers, two young girls were taken onboard for New York. They were showy, voluble, gaudily dressed. Alltheir arts were exerted to secure intimate association with Franklin. 

A venerable Quaker lady on board called the inexperienced young manaside, and with motherly tenderness warned him against their wiles. Though he doubted the necessity of this caution, he was put upon hisguard. When the girls left at New York, he declined their pressinginvitation for him to visit them at their home, and he learned fromthe captain that they had undoubtedly stolen from him a silver spoon, an article then not often seen in common life, and highly prized. They were charged with the crime, convicted, and it is said that theywere publicly whipped in the market place. 

Upon Franklin's arrival at New York, Collins, the playmate of hischildhood, was one of the first to meet him. In his earlier days hehad been sober, industrious, and was highly esteemed for his mentalpowers and attainments. But he had become intemperate and a gambler, and was every day intoxicated. Reduced almost to beggary, Franklinfelt compelled to furnish him with money to save him from starvation. Penniless he had come on board the boat at New York, and Franklin paidhis passage to Philadelphia. 

William Burnett was then Governor of New York. He was very fond ofbooks and had collected a large library. Franklin also had the sametaste and had a large number of books which he was conveying toPhiladelphia. The captain informed the Governor that he had a youngman on board fond of books, and of superior literary attainments. TheGovernor begged the captain to bring young Franklin to see him. 

"I waited upon him, " wrote Franklin, "and would have taken Collinswith me had he been sober. The Governor received me with greatcivility; and we had a good deal of conversation relative to booksand authors. This was the second Governor who had done me the honor totake notice of me, and to a poor boy like me it was very pleasing. "

Upon reaching Philadelphia, Franklin presented the letter of hisfather to Sir William Keith. The Governor, upon reading the letter, said, "Your father is too prudent. There is a great difference in persons. Discretion does not always accompany years; nor is youth alwayswithout it. But since he will not set you up, I will do it myself. Give me an inventory of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able. I amresolved to have a good printer here and I am sure you must succeed. "

Franklin supposed of course, that he could rely upon the word of theGovernor. He drew up an inventory of goods to the amount of about fivehundred dollars. The strange Governor, who found it very easy to talk, ran his eye over the list and as if money were a consideration of nomoment to him, and suggested that Franklin should go to London inperson. Greatly elated at this idea, young Franklin eagerly embracedit, and the Governor directed him to be ready to embark in the LondonHope, a ship which sailed regularly between London and Philadelphia, leaving each port once a year. 

Several months would elapse before the ship would sail. Sir Williamenjoined it upon Franklin to keep their plans in the utmost secrecy. Consequently, Franklin continued to work for Keimer, not giving himthe slightest intimation that measures were in progress for theestablishment in Philadelphia, of a printing house which wouldentirely overshadow his own. This secrecy which was practiced alsoprevented any one from informing Franklin of the Governor's realcharacter, as a vain, unreliable, gasconading boaster. 

Six months passed away. They were with Franklin happy months. He was in perfect health, greatly enjoyed his own physical andintellectual attributes, was much caressed, and was engaged inlucrative employment. He was highly convivial in his tastes, veryfond of social pleasures, of the wine cup and of the song: and onSundays in particular, the enchanting forests of the Schuylkillresounded with the songs and the shouts of the merry bacchanals, led by Franklin, who was ever recognized as their chief. 

There probably never was a young man more skillful than BenjaminFranklin in plucking the rose and avoiding the thorn. In all hisfestivities he was the thoughtful philosopher. Never did he drink toexcess; no money was squandered at the gaming table. Carefully heavoided all views which he deemed vulgar and degrading; and he made itthe general rule of his life, to avoid everything which would bringpain to his body, or remorse to his soul. 

Still man is born to mourn. Even Franklin could not escape the generallot. The drunken Collins became his constant scourge. Franklin feltconstrained to lend his old friend money. He had been entrusted by afamily friend, a Mr. Vernon, to collect a debt of about fifty dollars. This money he was to retain till called for. But to meet his ownexpenses and those of his spendthrift companion, he began to drawupon it, until it all disappeared. He was then troubled with theapprehension that the money might be demanded. Bitter were thequarrels which arose between him and John Collins. His standard ofmorality which was perhaps not less elevated than that which themajority of imperfect professing Christians practice, was certainlybelow that which the religion of Jesus Christ enjoins. Had he been atrue Christian according to the doctrines and precepts of Jesus, hewould have escaped these accumulating sorrows. 

[Illustration]

This breaking in upon his friend Vernon's money, and spending it, he pronounces in his autobiography, to have been the _first greaterror_ of his life. Though it so chanced that the money was notrequired until Franklin was able to pay it, yet for several monthshe was in the endurance of intense mental anxiety and constantself-reproach. 

At length, Collins and Franklin became so antagonistic to each otheras to proceed to violence. They were on a pleasure party in a boatdown the river. Collins, as usual, was intoxicated. The wrath of themuscular Benjamin was so aroused, by some act of abuse, that he seizedthe fellow by the collar and pitched him overboard. Collins was a goodswimmer. They therefore kept him in the water till he was nearlydrowned. When pretty thoroughly humbled, and upon his most solemnpromise of good behavior, he was again taken on board. Seldom afterthis was a word exchanged between them. Collins, deeply indebted toFranklin, accepted of some business offer at Barbadoes. He sailed forthat island, and was never heard of more. 

Almost every young man has a few particular friends. The three mostintimate companions of Benjamin Franklin were young men of his ownrank and age, of very dissimilar characters, but having a common tastefor business. They were all clerks. One of these, Joseph Watson, was, according to Franklin's description, "a pious, sensible young man ofgreat integrity. " It would seem that they were all persons of veryestimable character, though some of them had imbibed Franklin'sskeptical opinions. They spent many of their Sabbaths, wandering onthe banks of the romantic Schuylkill, reading to each other theircompositions in prose and verse. 

James Ralph, who was very emphatic in his deistical views, in hisenthusiasm, decided to devote himself to the art of rhyming. Thesensible Franklin tried to dissuade him from his folly, but in vain. On one occasion they all agreed to attempt a version of the EighteenthPsalm. This sublime production of an inspired pen contains, in fiftyverses, imagery as grand and sentiments as beautiful, as perhaps cananywhere else be found, within the same compass, in any language. Itcertainly speaks well for the intellectual acumen of these young men, and for their devotional instincts, that they should have selected sonoble a theme. As their main object was to improve themselves in thecommand of language, and in the power of expression, they could nothave chosen a subject more appropriate, than the Psalmist'sdescription of the descent of God to earth. 

 "He bowed the heavens also and came down; and darkness was under his feet. And He rode upon a cherub and did fly; Yea he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place. His pavilion round about him were dark waters, thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness which was before him his thick clouds passed. Hail stones and coals of fire. "[5]

[Footnote 5: The intelligent reader will recall the glowing version ofthis Psalm, by Steinhold. 

 "The Lord descended from above, And bowed the heavens most high; And underneath his feet he cast The darkness of the sky. On cherub and on cherubim, Full royally he rode; And on the wings of mighty winds, Came flying all abroad. "]

Joseph Watson died quite young, in the arms of Franklin. CharlesOsborne acquired money and reputation, as a lawyer. Removing to theWest Indies, he died, in the prime of life. 

Franklin and Osborne entered into the agreement, which has so oftenbeen made, that whichever should first die, should, if possible, return to the other and reveal to him the secrets of the spirit land. It is hardly necessary to say that Franklin watched long in vain, fora visit from his departed companion. 

Two months before Franklin sailed for London, Mr. Read, with whom heboarded, died. With the father, mother, and very pretty and amiabledaughter, Deborah, Franklin had found a happy home. A strong affectionapparently sprang up between the two young people. She was seventeenyears of age, and Franklin eighteen. Their union would be eminentlyfitting, as in fortune and position in society, they were on the samelevel. 

Franklin, enjoying the patronage of the governor, and with, as hesupposed, very brilliant prospects before him, entered into anengagement with Deborah, and was anxious to be married before heembarked for England, designing to leave his young bride at home withher mother. But Mrs. Read, in consideration of their youth, urged thatthe nuptials should be postponed until after his return. 

Sir William Keith continued to invite Franklin to his house, andlavished commendation and promises upon him. Still he continuallypostponed giving him any letters of credit with which he couldpurchase types, paper and press. Though, as the hour for sailingapproached, Franklin called again and again to obtain the needfuldocuments, he was continually met with apologies. At length, the dayfor the ship to weigh anchor arrived. It was about the 5th ofNovember, 1724. 

At that late hour the private secretary of the Governor calledupon Franklin and informed him that Sir William would meet him atNewcastle, where the vessel was to cast anchor, and would then andthere, deliver to him all the important documents. Franklin went onboard. The ship dropped down the broad and beautiful Delaware, whose banks were brilliant with foliage in their richest autumnalbrilliance, about thirty-two miles below Philadelphia, to Newcastle. To the great disappointment of Franklin, the Governor still did notappear. He however sent his secretary, with a profusion of excuses, and professing to be pressed with business of the utmost importance, promised to send the letters to the captain before the vessel would bepermitted to sail. 

Franklin, naturally buoyant and hopeful, did not even then, considerit possible that the Governor was intending to deceive him. Neitherwas it possible to conceive of any motive which would induce SirWilliam to betray him by so deceptive a game. At length a bag from theGovernor, apparently filled with letters and dispatches, was broughton board, and again the vessel unfurled her sails. Franklin, with somesolicitude, asked for those which were directed to him. But CaptainAnnis, all engrossed with the cares of embarkation, said that he wastoo busy to examine the bag at that time, but that they would, attheir leisure, on the voyage select the letters. 

On the 10th of November, 1724, the good ship, the London Hope, pushedout from the Delaware upon the broad Atlantic. We know not whetherFranklin was surprised to find on board, as one of the passengers, hispoetical deistical friend James Ralph. This young man, who hadrenounced Christianity, in the adoption of principles, which heprofessed to believe conducive to the formation of a much higher moralcharacter, had deliberately abandoned his wife and child to seekhis fortune in London. He had deceived them by the most falserepresentation. Carefully he concealed from Franklin, his unprincipledconduct and visionary schemes. 

The voyage was long and rough, as the vessel did not reach Londonuntil the twenty-fourth of November. On the passage he very carefully, with the captain, examined the letter-bag. But no letter was foundaddressed to him. There were several, however, addressed to otherpersons, with Franklin's name upon the envelope as if they were in hiscare. As one of these was addressed to the king's printer and anotherto a stationer in London, the sanguine young man through all thedreary and protracted voyage, clung to the hope that all was right. 

Upon arriving in London, Franklin hastened first to the stationer'sand presented him with the letter, saying to him, "Here is a letterfrom Governor Keith, of Pennsylvania. " The stationer looked up withsurprise and said:

"Governor Keith! I do not know of any such person. " Then breaking theseal, and looking at the signature, he said very contemptuously, "Riddlesden. I have lately found him to be a complete rascal. I willhave nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him. "[6]

[Footnote 6: We both of us happen to know, as well as the stationer, that Riddlesden, the attorney, was a very knave. He had half ruinedMiss Read's father by persuading him to be bound for him. Byhis letter it appeared there was a secret scheme on foot to theprejudice of Mr. Hamilton; that Keith was concerned in it withRiddlesden. --Works of Franklin, by Sparks, Vol. I, p. 55. ]

So saying he thrust the letter back into Franklin's hand, and turnedaway to serve a customer. Franklin was almost stunned with thisintelligence. He immediately conferred with a Mr. Denham, a judiciousfriend whose acquaintance he had made on board the ship. Theyascertained that the infamous Governor, from motives which it isdifficult to comprehend, had not furnished Franklin with a singledocument. There was not a bill of credit or a single letter ofintroduction, commending the young adventurer to people in London. Denham then told him that no one who knew Keith had the slightestconfidence in his promises. That the idea that he would furnish himwith any letters of credit was preposterous, since Sir William had nocredit with any body. 

And thus Franklin found himself with his companion James Ralph, alonein the great world of London, without any letters of introduction, without any prospect of employment, and almost without money. Thevirtues of Franklin had exerted a restraining influence upon theunprincipled Ralph, and Franklin had not as yet become acquainted withthe true basis of his character. The two young men met together toconsult in this dilemma and to examine their finances. It appearedthat Ralph had scarcely one penny in his pocket. He had intended to bea hanger-on upon Franklin, in whose ability to take care of himselfand others he had the greatest confidence. Franklin's purse containedabout fifty dollars. 

Again he returned to consult with Mr. Denham. He very wisely advisedFranklin to seek employment in some of the printing offices in London. He encouraged him with the thought that thus with a few months' labor, he might not only pay his expenses, but also lay up a sufficient sumto defray his passage home. 

Franklin gradually perceived to his dismay, what an old man of the seahe had got upon his shoulders in the person of James Ralph. Thefollowing is his calm comment upon the atrocious conduct of Keith:

"What shall we think, " he writes, "of a governor playing such pitifultricks, and imposing so grossly upon a poor ignorant boy? It was ahabit he had acquired; he wished to please every body, and havinglittle to give, he gave expectations. He was otherwise an ingenuous, sensible man, a pretty good writer, and a good governor for thepeople, though not for his constituents the proprietaries. Several ofour best laws were of his planning, and passed during hisadministration. "

The entire absence of anger in this statement, has won for Franklingreat commendation. 

With his dependent protegé Ralph, he took humble lodgings in LittleBritain street. Ralph had remarkable powers of conversation, with muchmore than ordinary literary talent, and could, whenever he wished, make himself very agreeable and almost fascinating as a companion. Buthe was quite a child as to all ability to take care of himself. Franklin really loved him at that time. He was a very handsome youngman, graceful in his demeanor; and those who listened to his eloquentharangues would imagine that he was destined to attain to greatness. 

Franklin immediately applied for work at the great printingestablishment of Palmer in Bartholomew Close. Fifty journeymenwere here employed. He promptly entered into a contract with theproprieter for the remuneration of about six dollars a week. Ralph, characteristically hurried to the theatre to enter upon the professionof a play-actor. Being disappointed in that attempt, his next plan wasto edit a newspaper to be called the Spectator. Not being able to finda publisher, he then went the rounds of the law offices, in search ofcopying, but not even this, could he obtain. In the meantime they wereboth supported by the purse of Franklin. With fifty dollars in hispocket, and earning six dollars a week, he felt quite easy in hiscircumstances, and was quite generous in his expenditure for theirmutual enjoyment. 

CHAPTER IV. 

_Mental and Moral Conflicts. _

 Faithfulness to work--Neglect of Deborah Read--Treatise on Liberty and Necessity--Skill in swimming--Return to America--Marriage of Miss Read--Severe sickness--Death of Mr. Denham--Returns to Keimer's employ--The Junto--His Epitaph--Reformation of his treatise on Liberty and Necessity--Franklin's creed. 

Franklin and Ralph were essentially congenial in their tastes. Neitherof them were religiously inclined in the ordinary acceptation of thosewords. But the thoughtful philosophy of Franklin has by many beenregarded as the development of an instinctively religious character. They were both exceedingly fond of amusement and especially ofpleasure excursions on the Sabbath. Very seldom, did either theintellect or the heart lure them to listen to such teachings as theywould hear from the pulpit. It certainly would have been better forthem both, had they been church-going young men. There was no pulpitin all London from which they would not hear the reiterated counsel, Cease to do evil; learn to do well. 

Franklin was faithful in the highest degree to his employer. Weary with the day's toil, which with his active mind was highlyintellectual as well as mechanical, he almost invariably in theevening sought recreation with Ralph in the theatre. It is safe toinfer that the best productions of our best dramatists, were thosewhich would most interest the mind of our young philosopher. Ralph wasdaily gaining an increasing influence over his mind. It is said thatwe are prone to love more ardently those upon whom we confer favorsthan those from whom we receive them. 

To these two young men the pleasures of London seemed inexhaustible. Franklin began to forget his old home and his friends. He began tothink that London was a very pleasant place of residence, and that itwas doubtful whether he should ever return to America again. He hadconstant employment, the prospect of an increasing income, and withhis economical habits he had ample funds to relieve himself from allpecuniary embarrassment. With his friend Ralph, he was leading a veryjovial life, free from all care. 

His love for Deborah Read began to vanish away. He thought veryseldom of her: seldom could he find time to write to her; and erelong his letters ceased altogether; and she was cruelly left to theuncertainty of whether he was alive or dead. Ralph had entirelyforgotten his wife and child, and Franklin had equally forgotten hisaffianced. In subsequent years the memory of this desertion seems tohave weighed heavily on him. He wrote in his advanced life inreference to his treatment of Deborah, "This was another of the great errors of my life; which I could wish to correct were I to live it over again. "

For nearly a year, Franklin thus continued in the employment of Mr. Palmer, receiving good wages and spending them freely. A very highlyesteemed clergyman of the Church of England named Wollaston, hadwritten a book entitled, "The Religion of Nature Delineated. " It was awork which obtained much celebrity in those days and was published byMr. Palmer. It was of the general character of Butler's Analogy, andwas intended to prove that the morality enjoined by Jesus Christ, wasfounded in the very nature of man; and that the principles of thatmorality were immutable, even though deists should succeed indestroying the public faith in the divine authority of Christianity. It was eminently an amiable book, written with great charity andcandor, and without any dogmatic assumptions. 

It chanced to fall to Franklin to set up the type. As was customarywith him, he made himself thoroughly acquainted with the treatise ofwhich he thus became the compositor. His mind was in such a state inreference to the claims of that Christianity which certainly did notcommend the mode of life he was living, that it excited not onlyantagonistic but even angry emotions. So thoroughly were his feelingsaroused, that he wrote and published a pamphlet of thirty-two pages, in refutation of the theory of Mr. Wollaston. 

Franklin dedicated his work, which was entitled "A dissertationon Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain, " to James Ralph. Fortunately, the treatise has descended to us unmutilated. Hecommences with the observation:

 "I have here given you my present thoughts upon the general state of things in the universe. "

The production was certainly a very able one to come from the pen of ayoung printer of but nineteen years. Mr. Palmer, while recognizing itsability, pronounced its principles to be atrocious and demoralizing. The production of such a work, literary, philosophical and religious, by probably the youngest companion of the journeymen printers, causedthem all to open their eyes with astonishment, and he was regarded atonce as a great man among them. [7]

[Footnote 7: In this extraordinary document our young deist writes, "There is said to be a first mover, who is called God, who is allwise, all good, all powerful. If he is all good, whatsoever he doethmust be good. If he is all wise, whatever he doeth must be wise. Thatthere are things to which we give the name of _Evil_, is not to bedenied--such as theft, murder, etc. But these are not in realityevils. To suppose anything to exist or to be done contrary to the willof the Almighty is to suppose him not Almighty. There is nothing donebut God either does or permits. Though a creature may do many actions, which, by his fellow creatures, will be named evil, yet he can not actwhat will be in itself displeasing to God. 

"We will sum up the argument thus, When the Creator first designed theuniverse, either it was his will that all should exist and be in themanner they are at this time, or it was his will that they should beotherwise. To say it was His will things should be otherwise, is tosay that somewhat hath contradicted His will; which is impossible. Therefore we must allow that all things exist now in a manneragreeable to His will; and, in consequence of that, all are equallygood and therefore equally esteemed by Him. No condition of life orbeing is better or preferable to another. "

This whole treatise may be found in the appendix to the first volumeof Parton's Life of Franklin. ]

The deists of London, who had united in a club of merryfree-thinkers, holding their meetings at an ale-house, sought outFranklin and drew him into their convivial gatherings. These men hadno common principle of belief; they were united only in the negativeprinciple of unbelief in the Christian religion. Ralph had formed aconnection with a young milliner, by whom, through his manyfascinations, he was mainly supported. 

Franklin, with his increasing expenditures, was now disposed toshake off Ralph, as he needed all his money for his own convivialenjoyments. Ralph went into the country and opened a school, where heutterly failed. The unhappy milliner, ruined in character, and with alittle child, wrote to Franklin imploring aid. Her letters touched hiskindly heart. He could never see sorrow without wishing to relieve it. He furnished her with money, in small sums, to the amount of onehundred and thirty dollars; and worst of all, we regret to say that hecommenced treating her with such familiarity, that she, still faithfulto Ralph, repulsed him indignantly. [8]

[Footnote 8: Franklin writes in his autobiography, "I grew fond of hercompany, and being at that time under no religious restraint, andtaking advantage of my importance to her, I attempted to take someliberties with her, another _erratum_, which she repulsed with aproper degree of resentment. She wrote to Ralph and acquainted himwith my conduct. This occasioned a breach between us; and when hereturned to London, he let me know he considered all the obligationshe had been under to me as annulled. "--Works of Franklin, Vol. I, p. 59. ]

Franklin does not conceal these _foibles_, as he regarded them, these_sins_ as Christianity pronounces them. He declares this simply tohave been another of the great errors of his youth. She informed Ralphof his conduct. He was enraged, broke off all further communicationwith Franklin, and thirty-five years passed away before they metagain. Ralph, goaded to desperation, gained a wretched living invarious literary adventures; writing for any body, on any side, andfor any price. Indeed he eventually gained quite an ephemeralreputation. He could express himself with vivacity, and several quiteprominent politicians sought the aid of his pen. 

Franklin, thus relieved from the support of Ralph, soon after entereda more extensive printing house, at Lincoln's Inn Fields. Though hewas exceedingly fond of a sparkling glass of wine in his convivialhours, he was too much of a philosopher to stupefy his brain inguzzling beer. His habitual daily beverage was cold water. 

 "My companion at the press, " he wrote, "drank every day a pint before breakfast, a pint at breakfast with his bread and cheese, a pint between breakfast and dinner, a pint at dinner, and another when he had done his day's work. I thought it a detestable custom. But it was necessary, he supposed, to drink strong beer that he might be strong to labor. I endeavored to convince him that the bodily strength afforded by beer could only be in proportion to the grain or the barley dissolved in the water of which it was made; that there was more flour in a pennyworth of bread, and, therefore, if he could eat that with a pint of water, it would give him more strength than a quart of beer. He drank on, however, and had four or five shillings to pay, out of his wages, every Saturday night, for that vile liquor; an expense I was free from; and thus these poor devils keep themselves always under. "

Again Franklin wrote in characteristic phrase, in reference to theinfluence of his example over some of his companions, "From my example, a great many of them left their muddling breakfast of bread, beer and cheese, finding they could, with me, be supplied from a neighboring house, with a large porringer of hot water gruel, sprinkled with pepper, crumbled with bread and a bit of butter in it, for the price of a pint of beer, --three half-pence. This was a more comfortable, as well as a cheaper breakfast, and kept their heads clearer. Those who continued sotting with their beer all day, were often, by not paying, out of credit at the ale-house; and used to make interest with me to get beer; their _light_ as they phrased it being out. I watched the pay table on Saturday night, and collected what I stood engaged for them, having to pay sometimes on their account. "

Franklin's skill in swimming, as we have mentioned was veryremarkable. At one time he swam from London to Chelsea, a distance offour miles. Several of his companions he taught to swim in twolessons. His celebrity was such that he was urged to open a swimmingschool. [9] The life of self-indulgence he was now living in London, was not such as even his loose religious principles could approve. Hehad abandoned the faith of his fathers, and had adopted, for his ruleof conduct, the principle, that it was right to yield to anyindulgences to which his passions incited him. He became tired ofLondon, and probably found it necessary to break away from theinfluences and associates with which he had surrounded himself. 

[Footnote 9: "On one of these days I was, to my surprise, sent for bya great man I knew only by name, Sir William Wyndham. He had heard ofmy swimming from Chelsea to Blackfriars and of my teaching Wygate andanother young man to swim in a few hours. He had two sons about to setout on their travels. He wished to have them first taught swimming, and proposed to gratify me handsomely if I would teach them. They werenot yet come to town, and my stay was uncertain, so I could notundertake it. But from the incident I thought it likely that if I wereto remain in England and opened a swimming-school I might get a gooddeal of money. And it struck me so strongly that had the overture beenmade me sooner, probably I should not so soon have returned toAmerica. "--Autobiography, Vol. I. P. 66. ]

Mr. Denham, his companion of voyage, had decided to return toPhiladelphia, and open an extensive store. He offered Franklin twohundred and fifty dollars a year as book-keeper. Though this was lessthan the sum Franklin was then earning, as compositor, there wereprospects of his advancement. This consideration, in addition to hisdesire to escape from London, led him to accept the offer. He was nowtwenty years of age. It does not appear that he had thus far formedany deliberate plan for his life's work. He floated along as thecurrent of events drifted him. 

On the twenty-first of July, 1726, Franklin embarked on board the shipBerkshire for Philadelphia. He had been absent from America but littlemore than a year and a half. During this time he had not increased hisfortune, for he had spent his money as fast as he had earned it. Aftera voyage of eighty days, the ship cast anchor before Philadelphia. Atthat time ships were often from three to seven months effecting thepassage across the Atlantic. 

As usual Franklin kept a diary punctually during his long voyage. Itspages were replete with pithy remarks of wit and wisdom. He was veryfond of a game of checkers, and in that amusement beguiled many wearyhours. We find the following striking comments upon the diversion inhis journal:

 "It is a game I much delight in. But it requires a clear head and undisturbed. The persons playing, if they would play well, ought not much to regard the _consequences_ of the game; for that diverts and withdraws the mind from the game itself, and makes the player liable to make many false, open moves. I will venture to lay it down for an infallible rule that if two persons equal in judgment, play for a considerable sum, he that loves money most, shall lose. His anxiety for the success of the game confounds him. Courage is almost as requisite for the good conduct of this game as in a real battle; for if the player imagines himself opposed by one that is much his superior in skill, his mind is so intent on the defensive part, that an advantage passes unobserved. "

The Governor of the Isle of Wight had died, leaving the reputationof having been one of the most consummate scoundrels who everexercised despotic power. Franklin, in his treatise upon "Liberty andNecessity, " written but a few months before, had assumed that therewas no such thing as good and evil; that God ordered and controlledevery event; and that consequently every event was in accordance withHis will, and alike pleasing in His sight. But now we find thefollowing record in his journal, which most readers will recognize asinconsistent with the young philosopher's theological opinions. Hewrites:

 "At the death of this governor, it appeared that he was a great villain, and a great politician. There was no crime so damnable, which he would stick at in the execution of his designs. And yet he had the art of covering all so thick, that with almost all men in general, while he lived he passed for a saint. In short, I believe it is impossible for a man, though he has all the cunning of a devil, to live and die a villain, and yet conceal it so well as to carry the name of an honest fellow to the grave with him, but some one by some accident or other, shall discover him. Truth and sincerity have a certain distinguishing, native lustre about them, which cannot be perfectly counterfeited. They are like fire and flame that cannot be painted. "

We should infer, from some intimations in Franklin's diary, that hewas troubled by some qualms of conscience, in view of his abandonmentof Miss Read, and his irregular life in London. He has left a paper inwhich he stated that he had never formed any regular plan for thecontrol of his conduct: that he was now about to enter on a new life;and that he was resolved that henceforth he would speak the truth, beindustrious in his business, and speak ill of no man. These wererather meagre resolutions for a young man under these circumstances toadopt. 

Soon after landing at Philadelphia, Franklin chanced to meet SirWilliam Keith in the streets. The governor seemed much embarrassed, and passed by without speaking. It does not appear that theacquaintance was ever resumed. The governor lived nearly twenty-fiveyears afterward, a dishonored and ruined man, and died in the extremeof poverty. 

Poor Miss Read, heart-broken, and deeming herself forever abandoned, yielded to the importunities of her friends and married a mechanic bythe name of Rogers. He proved to be a thoroughly worthless fellow. Hisunconcealed profligacy, and unfaithfulness to his wife, compelled her, after a few months of wretchedness, to return to her mother, and toresume her maiden name. The profligate husband fled from his creditorsto the West Indies. Rumors soon reached Philadelphia of his death, leaving probably another wife. 

Franklin entered upon his duties as clerk of Mr. Denham, with hisaccustomed energy and skill. He carried into his new vocation, all hisintellectual sagacity, and speedily won not only the confidence butthe affection of his employer. He lived with Mr. Denham, and beingalways disposed to look upon the bright side of everything, even ofhis own imperfections, notwithstanding his infidelity to Miss Read, heseems to have been a very happy and even jovial young man. 

Four months after Franklin had entered upon his mercantile career, both Mr. Denham and Franklin were seized with the pleurisy. Mr. Denhamdied. Franklin, though brought near to the grave, recovered. Hewrites:

 "I suffered a great deal; gave up the point in my own mind; and was at the time rather disappointed when I found myself recovering; regretting in some degree that I must now, sometime or other, have all that disagreeable work to do over again. "

The death of Mr. Denham broke up the establishment, and Franklin wasthrown out of employment. Keimer, in whose service he had formerlybeen engaged, again made him an offer to superintend a printingoffice. Franklin accepted the proposition. There were five inefficienthands, whom Franklin was expected to transform into accomplishedprinters. With these, and a few others, he organized a literary club, called the "Junto; or the Leathern Apron Club, " as nearly every memberwas a mechanic. 

The club met every Friday evening, and the wine cup, to stimulateconviviality, passed freely among them. There were twenty-fourquestions, which were every evening read, to which answers were to bereturned by any one who could answer them. Between each question, itwas expected that each member would fill, and empty, his glass. Onewould think that the wine must have been very weak, or the heads ofthese young men very strong, to enable them to quaff twenty-fourglasses unharmed. We give a few of the questions as specimens of theirgeneral character. 

 1. "Have you met with anything in the author you last read?

 3. "Has any citizen in your knowledge failed, and have you heard the cause?

 7. "What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed?

 12. "Has any deserving stranger arrived in town since your last meeting?

 16. "Has anybody attacked your reputation lately?

 23. "Is there any difficulty which you would gladly have discussed at this time?"

Debates, declamation, and the reading of essays added to theentertainment of these gatherings. Stories were told, and bacchanalsongs sung. No man could tell a better story, and few men could sing abetter song than Benjamin Franklin. No one was deemed a suitablemember of the club, who would not contribute his full quota to theentertainment or instruction. The questions proposed by Franklin fordiscussion, developed the elevated intellectual region his thoughtswere accustomed to range. We give a few as specimens. 

 "Can any one particular form of government suit all mankind?

 "Should it be the aim of philosophy to eradicate the passions?

 "Is perfection attainable in this life?

 "What general conduct of life is most suitable for men in such circumstances as most of the members of the Junto are?"

The Junto was limited to twelve members. It soon became so popularthat applications for admission became very frequent. Six monthspassed rapidly away, when Keimer, who was an exceedingly immoral andworthless man, and was fast going to ruin, in some fit of drunkenness, or ungovernable irritation, entered the office, and assailed Franklinwith such abuse, that he took his hat, and repaired to his lodgings, resolved never to return. 

Franklin was twenty-one years of age. He had laid up no money. He wasstill but a journeyman printer. The draft which he had received fromMr. Vernon for fifty dollars had not yet been paid. He was exceedinglymortified when he allowed himself to reflect upon this delinquencywhich certainly approached dishonesty. In this emergence he conferredwith a fellow journeyman by the name of Hugh Meredith, whose fatherwas a gentleman of considerable property. Meredith proposed that theyshould enter into partnership, he furnishing the funds, and Franklinthe business capacity. 

At that time Franklin, remembering his narrow escape from the graveby the pleurisy, wrote his own epitaph which has been greatlycelebrated. It has generally been admired; but some of more sensitiveminds perceive in it a tone which is somewhat repulsive. 

 "The Body of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, _Printer_, (Like the cover of an old book, Its contents torn out, And stripped of its lettering and gilding, ) Lies here, food for worms. Yet the work itself shall not be lost, For it will, as he believed, appear once more, In a new And more beautiful edition, Corrected and amended By THE AUTHOR. "

The excellencies of Franklin did not run in the line of exquisitesensibilities. At the early age of fifteen he began to cast off therestraints of the religion of his father and mother. Nearly all hisassociates were what were called Free-thinkers. He could not be blindto their moral imperfections. Mr. Parton writes, "His old friend Collins, he remembered, was a Free-thinker, and Collins had gone astray. Ralph was a Free-thinker, and Ralph was a great sinner. Keith was a Free-thinker, and Keith was the greatest liar in Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin was a Free-thinker, and how shamefully he had behaved to Ralph's mistress, to Mr. Vernon and Miss Read, whose young life had been blighted through him. "[10]

[Footnote 10: Parton's Life of Franklin, Vol. I, p. 168. ]

Franklin's creed thus far, consisted only of negations. He had nobelief; he had only unbelief. Indeed he seems to have become quiteashamed of his treatise upon Liberty and Necessity, published inLondon, and felt constrained to write a refutation of it. [11] As thisstrange young man in his discontent looked over the religions ofthe world, he could find no one that met his views. He thereforedeliberately and thoughtfully sat down to form a religion of his own. Many such persons have appeared in the lapse of the ages, and almostinvariably they have announced their creeds with the words, "Thussaith the Lord. " But our young printer of twenty-two years, made noprofession whatever, of any divine aid. He simply said, "Thus saith mythoughts. " One would think he could not have much confidence in thosethoughts, when it is remembered that at this time he was writing arefutation of the opinions, which he had published in London but a fewmonths before. 

[Footnote 11: "My arguments perverted some others, especially Collinsand Ralph. But each of these having wronged me greatly without theleast compunction; and recollecting Keith's conduct towards me, whowas another Free-thinker, and my own towards Vernon and Miss Read, which at times gave me great trouble, I began to suspect that thisdoctrine, though it might be true, was not very useful. My Londonpamphlet, printed in 1725, and which had for its motto, "'Whatever is is right, '

and which from the attributes of God, His infinite wisdom, goodnessand power, concluded that nothing could possibly be wrong in theworld, and that vice and virtue were empty distinctions, no suchthings existing, appeared now not so clever a performance, as I oncethought it; and I doubted whether some error had not insinuated itselfunperceived into my argument. "

In the year 1779, Dr. Franklin wrote to Dr. Benjamin Vaughn respectingthis pamphlet. 

"There were only one hundred copies printed, of which I gave a few tofriends. Afterwards, disliking the piece, I burnt the rest, except onecopy. I was not nineteen years of age when it was written. In 1730, Iwrote a piece on the other side of the question, which began withlaying for its foundation that almost all men, in all ages andcountries, have at times made use of prayer. 

"Thence I reasoned that if all things are ordained, prayer must beamong the rest ordained; but as prayer can procure no change in thingsthat are ordained, praying must then be useless and an absurdity. Godwould, therefore, not ordain praying if everything else was ordained. But praying exists, therefore all other things are not ordained. Thismanuscript was never printed. The great uncertainty I found inmetaphysical reasoning disgusted me, and I quitted that kind ofreading and study for others more satisfactory. "--Autobiography, p. 76. ]

The book which Franklin thus prepared was entitled "Articles ofBelief, and Acts of Religion. " His simple creed was that there was oneSupreme God who had created many minor gods; that the supreme God wasso great that he did not desire the worship of man but was far aboveit. 

The minor gods are perhaps immortal, and perhaps after the ages lapsethey are changed, others supplying their place. Each of thesesubordinate gods has created for himself a sun with its planetarysystem, over which he presides and from the inhabitants of which heexpects adoration. He writes, "It is that particular wise and good God, who is the author and owner of our system that I propose for the object of my praise and adoration. It is to be inferred that this God is not above caring for us, is pleased with our praise, and offended when we slight him. "

He then prepares an invocation to this god of our solar system. It isfounded on the style of the Psalms, but is immeasurably inferior tomost of those sublime utterances of the Psalmist of Israel. And stillthe sentiments breathed were ennobling in their character; they provedthat Franklin was vastly superior to the thoughtless, reckless deistswho surrounded him, and that his soul was reaching forth and yearningfor higher and holier attainments. In this invocation, the whole ofwhich we cannot quote, he writes, "O Creator! O Father! I believe that thou art good; and that thou art pleased with the pleasure of thy children. Praised be thy name forever. By thy power thou hast made the glorious sun with his attending worlds. By thy wisdom thou hast formed all things. Thy wisdom, thy power, and thy goodness are everywhere clearly seen. Thou abhorrest in thy creatures treachery and deceit, malice, revenge, intemperance, and every other hurtful vice. But thou art a lover of justice and sincerity, of friendship and benevolence, and every virtue. Thou art my friend, my father, and my benefactor. Praised be thy name; O God, forever. Amen. "

The prayer which followed, doubtless giving utterance to his mostinward feelings, is beautiful. 

 "Inasmuch, " he wrote, "as by reason of our ignorance, we cannot be certain that many things, which we often hear mentioned in the petitions of men to the Deity, would prove real goods if they were in our possession, and as I have reason to hope and believe that the goodness of my Heavenly Father will not withhold from me a suitable share of temporal blessings, if by a virtuous and holy life I conciliate his favor and kindness; therefore I presume not to ask such things; but rather humbly and with a sincere heart, express my earnest desire that he would graciously assist my continual endeavors and resolutions of eschewing vice and embracing virtue, which kind of supplication will at the same time remind me in a solemn manner of my extensive duty. "

He then added the supplication that he might be preserved fromatheism, impiety and profaneness; that he might be loyal to hisprince; that he might be gracious to those below him; that he mightrefrain from calumny and detraction; that he might be sincere infriendship, just in his dealings, grateful to his benefactors, patientin affliction; that he might have tenderness for the weak, and that, rejoicing in the good of others, he might become truly virtuous andmagnanimous. 

It is very evident that some unexplained circumstances had called theattention of Franklin very earnestly to the subject of religion. Hewrote very much upon that theme, and published a new version of theLord's Prayer, and a lecture upon Providence and Predestination. He, however, admits that he very seldom attended any public worship, adding, "I had still an opinion of its propriety and its utility, when rightly conducted; and I regularly paid my annual subscription for the support of the only Presbyterian minister. "

Rumors soon reached Franklin's good father of Boston, of his son'sfree-thinking, and he wrote to his son in much alarm. In Franklin'sreply, he said, "All that should be expected from me, is to keep my mind open to conviction; to hear patiently and examine attentively whatever is offered me for that end. And if after all I continue in the same errors, I believe your usual charity will induce you rather to pity and excuse, than to blame me. In the meantime, your care and concern for me, is what I am very thankful for. My mother grieves that one of her sons is an Arian, and another an Arminian. What an Arminian or an Arian is, I cannot say that I very well know. The truth is, I make such distinctions very little my study. I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. And the Scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined what we thought but what we did. "

Franklin, having no revealed religion to guide him, and having nofoundation for his faith, but the ever-changing vagaries of his ownfantastic imagination, could have no belief to-day, of which he hadany certainty that he would hold the same to-morrow. He wascontinually abandoning one after another of the articles of hisfantastical creed, and adopting others in their place. At length hesettled down upon the following simple belief, which with veryconsiderable tenacity, but without any attempt to promulgate it, headhered to for many years. It consisted of the six following articleswhich we give in briefest language. 

 1. "There is one God. 

 2. "He governs the world. 

 3. "He ought to be worshipped. 

 4. "Doing good is the service most acceptable to him. 

 5. "Man is immortal. 

 6. "In the future world the souls of men will be dealt with justly. "

It is very evident that Franklin had no great confidence in histheological opinions. He studiously avoided all writing upon thesubject, and as far as possible all conversation. Still, with his keensense of humor, he could not refrain from occasionally plunging apretty sharp dagger's thrust into the palpable imperfections of thevarious and contending sects. 

There was very little moral power, in the creed he professed, toarrest young men, of glowing passions, and exposed to the mostdifficult temptations, in their downward career. No voice of Franklinwas heard with potency calling upon those who were thronging the broadroad. In a lecture upon Providence, to his companions of the Junto, which was subsequently published, and which reflects some considerablehonor upon the earnestness of his thoughts, he wrote, "I am especially discouraged when I reflect that you are all my intimate pot-companions, who have heard me say a thousand silly things in conversation, and therefore have not that laudable partiality and veneration for whatever I shall deliver that good people have for their spiritual guides; that you have no reverence for my habit, nor for the sanctity of my countenance; that you do not believe me inspired, nor divinely assisted; and therefore will think yourself at liberty to assert, or dissert, approve or disapprove of anything I advance, canvassing and sifting it as the private opinion of one of your acquaintance. "

Though it was Franklin's assumption that his religion was one of worksand not of faith, still it must be admitted that his life was veryinconsistent with those principles of purity, moral loveliness andgood report which the Gospel enjoins. With his remarkable honesty ofmind, in strains which we are constrained, though with regret torecord, he writes, "That hard-to-be governed passion of youth had hurried me frequently into intrigues with low women that fell in my way, which were attended with some expense and great inconvenience, besides a continual risk to my health by distemper, which of all things I dreaded, though by great luck I escaped it. "

Mr. Parton writes, "It was perhaps owing to his frequent delinquenciesin this way, that his liturgy contains no allusion to a vice, which isof all others the most alluring to a youth of Franklin's temperament. He was too sincere and logical a man to go before his God and askassistance against a fault which he had not fully resolved toovercome, and that immediately. About a year after the date of hisliturgy was born his illegitimate son William Franklin, who becameGovernor of New Jersey. If laws were as easily executed as enacted, Benjamin Franklin would have received, upon this occasion, twenty-onelashings at the public whipping-post of Philadelphia. "

CHAPTER V. 

_The Dawn of Prosperity. _

 Franklin takes a house--His first job--His industry--Plans a Newspaper--Enters the list as a writer--Advocates a Paper currency--Purchases Keimer's paper--Character of Meredith--Struggles of the firm--Unexpected assistance--Dissolves partnership with Meredith--Franklin's energetic conduct--His courtship, and marriage--Character of Mrs. Franklin--Increase of luxury--Plans for a library--Prosperity of Pennsylvania--Customs in Philadelphia--Style of dress in 1726--Franklin's social position in Philadelphia--His success--A hard student. 

Franklin had now reached the end of life as an apprentice and ajourneyman. With his friend Meredith he hired a house in the lowerpart of Market street, at the rent of about one hundred and twentydollars a year. A large portion of this house he prudently re-let toanother mechanic who was a member of the Junto. It would seem thatMeredith was disappointed in the amount of money he expected to raise. Consequently after utterly exhausting their stock of cash, they stillfound it necessary to run deeply into debt for those appurtenances ofa printing office which were absolutely necessary. 

Just as they got ready for work, quite to their delight, a countrymancame in introduced by one of the Junto, George House, who wanted afive shilling job executed. 

"This man's five shillings, " writes Franklin, "being our first fruits, and coming so seasonably, gave me more pleasure than any crown I havesince earned. And from the gratitude I felt toward House, has made meoften more ready, than perhaps I otherwise should have been, to assistyoung beginners. "

The two young men devoted themselves to their work, with assiduitywhich was a sure precursor of success. Often Franklin was founddiligently employed until eleven o'clock at night. His industry andenergy soon attracted attention. A gentleman living near the officesaid to some of his friends:

"The industry of that Franklin is superior to anything I ever saw ofthe kind. I see him still at work when I go home from the club, and heis at work again before his neighbors are out of bed. "

This statement produced such an impression upon a merchant who waspresent, that he called upon the young men and offered to supply themwith stationery on credit. Franklin's literary taste, and hisremarkable success as a writer, led him ever to cherish, as a darlingproject, the idea of the establishing of a newspaper. In a few monthshe had quite deliberately formed his plan; but in some way Keimer gotwind of it, and immediately issued a prospectus for the establishmentof a paper of his own. Though he was totally unqualified for the taskof editorship, yet his project was quite hurtful to the plans ofFranklin. 

Very much annoyed by the treachery which had revealed his plans toKeimer, and perceiving that his paper was unpopular and heavy, Franklin very wisely decided to establish his own reputation as avivacious writer, before entering upon the important undertaking ofissuing a journal in his own name. There was a small paper thenpublished in the city called "The Mercury. " He commenced writing aseries of very witty and satirical articles over the signature of"Busy Body. " The first number contained the following sentences asintimations of what was to come. 

 "It is probable that I may displease a great number of your readers who will not very well like to pay ten shillings a year for being told of their faults, but as most people delight in censure when they themselves are not the object of it, if any are offended at my publicly exposing their private vices, I promise they shall have the satisfaction in a very little time, in seeing their good friends and neighbors in the same circumstances. "

These sparkling contributions of Franklin attracted much attention, and created for him a growing literary reputation. The subject ofpaper money which agitated our country, was then being discussed inPennsylvania with intense interest. Franklin wrote a carefully studiedpamphlet entitled "A Modest Inquiry into the Nature and Necessity of aPaper Currency. "

This treatise, written by a young printer of but twenty-three years, upon one of the most difficult questions of finance, displayed greatability. Warmly he advocated a paper currency. His arguments, however, were such as would not now probably exert much influence upon thepublic mind. The main proposition he endeavored to sustain was, thatthere was not a sufficiency of gold and silver in Pennsylvania, forcarrying on the trade of the province. He therefore argued that allbranches of industry must languish unless the currency were increasedby an issue of paper. [12]

[Footnote 12: This pamphlet may be found in Sparks' "Works ofFranklin, " Vol. Ii, p. 253. ]

It has been suggested that Franklin might have been unconsciouslyinfluenced in his views, by the fact that he had been very successfulin printing paper money, and that he anticipated still moreemployment in that line. It is certain that Franklin's pamphletexerted a powerful influence at the time, and a new issue of papercurrency was ordered. Franklin thought that the effect was highlyconducive to the prosperity of the province, and he never swerved fromthe views which he had so earnestly and successfully urged in hispamphlet. 

Franklin's sun was rapidly rising. Keimer's was as rapidly sinking. After publishing thirty-nine numbers of the "Universal Instructor" andthe subscription list having dwindled to ninety, he gladly sold thepaper for a trifle to Franklin and Meredith. The genius of Franklinwas immediately displayed in the improved literary character of thepaper, and in its mechanical execution. The name was changed to the"Pennsylvania Gazette. " The first number issued by him was on Oct. 2, 1729. 

The subject of religion was almost entirely ignored. Franklin seems tohave become weary of the darkness and the fogs through which hisunillumined mind had been so long painfully floundering, withoutcoming to any results upon which he could place reliance. Christianityhe generally treated with respect, though he could not refrain fromoccasionally giving a sly thrust at those imperfections of Christianswhich were so palpable to his observant mind. And though he neverassailed that which was not inherently bad, it cannot be denied thatoccasionally his keen sarcasms brought Christianity itself intoreproach, as if it were a religion which produced no better fruits, perhaps not so good, as no religion at all. 

The business of this young firm of Franklin and Meredith, viewed inthe light of the grand printing enterprises of the present day, wasindeed trivial. The two young men did all the work themselves withouteven a boy to help them. In fact Meredith, who at the best was a poorworkman, and who fell into intemperate habits, neglected his business, frequented the ale-houses, and left all responsibility resting uponthe efficient shoulders of his partner. 

Franklin, who endeavored to be perfect in every thing he undertook, printed his paper so admirably that it is said that there is probablynot a journal now in Philadelphia which is issued in better style than"The Pennsylvania Gazette" of 1729. 

For seven years Franklin had been embarrassed by the thought of thefifty dollars which he had received from Mr. Vernon, and which had notyet been repaid. Mr. Vernon wrote him a very gentle intimation, stating that it would be very convenient for him to receive the money. Franklin returned a contrite and magnanimous letter. He made noattempt to extenuate his fault, promised immediately to strain everynerve to meet the debt, and in a few months paid the whole, principaland interest. 

Still the infant firm was struggling with adversity. The partners hadcommenced operations with scarcely any capital excepting promises. Their outfit cost about a thousand dollars. Mr. Meredith had beenunfortunate in business, and found himself unable to pay the secondinstalment promised of five hundred dollars. The stationers whofurnished paper began to be uneasy, for they could not but see thatMeredith was fast going to ruin. 

Franklin was seldom in the habit of dwelling upon his misfortunes. Inthese dark hours he wrote, "In this distress two true friends whose kindness I have never forgotten, nor ever shall forget while I can remember anything, came to me separately, unknown to each other, and without any application from me, offered each of them to advance me all the money that should be necessary to take the whole business upon myself; but they did not like my continuing in partnership with Meredith, who, as they said, was often seen drunk in the street, playing at low games in ale-houses, much to our discredit. "

Franklin generously was very reluctant to throw aside Meredith. Dissolute as the young man had become, he could not forget that hewas the son of a man who had been his friend; but after carefullypondering the question and seeing ruin stare him in the face, he saidone day to Meredith, "Perhaps your father is dissatisfied at the part you have undertakenin this affair of ours; and is unwilling to advance for you and me, what he would for you. If that is the case tell me, and I will resignthe whole to you and go about my business. "

Meredith replied, "My father has really been disappointed, and is really unable. I amunwilling to distress him further. I see this is a business I am unfitfor. I was bred a farmer and it was folly in me to come to town, andput myself at thirty years of age an apprentice to learn a new trade. Many of our Welsh people are going to settle in North Carolina whereland is cheap. I am inclined to go with them, and follow my oldemployment. If you will take the debts of the company upon you, returnto my father the hundred pounds he has advanced, pay my littlepersonal debts, and give me thirty pounds and a new saddle, I willrelinquish the partnership, and leave the whole in your hands. "

These were hard terms; but there was no other way in which Franklincould escape from the embarrassments of this untoward partnership. Heaccepted the proposal at once; borrowed the needful money of hisfriends; and became his own sole partner. 

True prosperity now began to attend his indomitable industry, frugality, and wisdom. The advance of the young man was necessarilyslow, but it was sure. Well aware that his reputation with thecommunity would be invaluable to him, he not only endeavored to beindustrious, but to let it be seen by his neighbors that he left nostone unturned to accomplish his purposes. 

He would trundle, through the streets of Philadelphia, in awheel-barrow, the paper which he purchased, by no means seekingby-streets where his more fashionable companions would not see him. Hedressed with the utmost simplicity, but always in clean garments, wellcut, and which presented his admirable form to great advantage. Neverdid he allow himself to sink to the vulgarity of a slatternlyappearance. He was ever ready, when engaged in the most busyemployments of his office, to receive without a blush, any guests, however high, who might chance to call. 

The tranquil months glided on. Franklin was prospered in business, paid his debts, and began to accumulate a little property. Our youngphilosopher was never an impassioned lover. As he would contemplate, in his increasing prosperity, removing to another more commodiousoffice, so he now thought, having reached the age of twenty-four, thatit might be expedient for him to have a home of his own, and a wife totake care of his domestic affairs. 

He had let a portion of the house which he used for his printingoffice, to a mechanic of the Junto by the name of Godfrey. Heconferred with Mrs. Godfrey upon the subject. She had a relative, avery pretty girl, Miss Godfrey, whom she highly recommended andbrought, as it were by accident, to take tea with Franklin. She wasgraceful, amiable, and a child of parents well to do in the world. Franklin was a remarkably handsome and fascinating young man. Thecourtship proceeded successfully and rapidly. 

The reader will be interested in seeing Franklin's own account of thisaffair. He writes, in his Autobiography:

 "Mrs. Godfrey projected a match with a relation's daughter, took opportunities of bringing us often together, till a serious courtship on my part ensued; the girl being, in herself, very deserving. The old folks encouraged me by continual invitations to supper, and by leaving us together, till at length it was time to explain. Mrs. Godfrey managed our little treaty. I let her know I expected as much money with their daughter as would pay off my remaining debt for the printing house; which I believe was not then above a hundred pounds. She brought me word they had no such sum to spare; I said they might mortgage their house in the loan-office. The answer to this, after some days, was, that they did not approve the match; that, on inquiry of Mr. Bradford, they had been informed the printing business was not a profitable one, the types would soon be worn out, and more wanted; that Keimer and David Harvy had failed one after the other, and I should probably soon follow them; and therefore I was forbidden the house, and the daughter was shut up. "

Occasionally Franklin had gone to the home of Mrs. Read, the mother ofthe unhappy Deborah. His conscience reproached him for his conduct tothat good girl. She was always dejected and solitary, and with abroken heart clung to her mother, her only friend. It is doubtfulwhether she were ever legally married to Rogers. It was rumored thatat the time of their marriage, he was the husband of one, if not morewives. If legally married, there was another serious obstacle in herpath. Rogers had run away to the West Indies. Rumor alone hadannounced his death. He might be still living. 

Franklin's sympathy gradually became excited in her behalf. And atlength he proposed that, regardless of all the risks, they should bemarried. It seems that he had announced to her very distinctly that hehad a living child, and very honorably he had decided that that childof dishonor was to be taken home and trained as his own. 

These were sad nuptials. The world-weary wife knew not but that shehad another husband still living, and a stigma, indelible, rested uponFranklin. The marriage took place on the first of September, 1730. Itsubsequently appears that Rogers, the potter, was really dead. Thechild was taken home and reared with all possible tenderness and care. It is a little remarkable that nothing is known of what became of themother of that child. The boy grew up to manhood, espoused the Torycause, when the Tories were hunting his father to hang him, and by hisungrateful, rebellious conduct, pierced his heart with a thousandempoisoned daggers. 

Mrs. Franklin proved in all respects an excellent woman, and anadmirable wife for her calm, philosophic and unimpassioned husband. Franklin never had a journeyman in his office who performed hisfunctions more entirely to his satisfaction, than his wife dischargedher responsible duties. She was always amiable, industrious andthrifty. 

There was a little shop attached to the printing office whichMrs. Franklin tended. She also aided her husband in folding anddistributing the papers, and with a mother's love trained, in therudiments of education, the child whose mother was lost. 

Franklin, in his characteristic, kindly appreciation of the servicesof all who were faithful in his employ, speaks in the followingcommendatory terms of the industrial excellencies of his wife. Whenfar away dazzled by the splendors, and bewildered by the flattery ofEuropean courts, he wrote to her, "It was a comfort to me to recollect that I had once been clothed, from head to foot, in woolen and linen of my wife's manufacture, and that I never was prouder of any dress in my life. "

In Franklin's Autobiography, as published by Sparks, we read, "We havean English proverb that says, 'He that would thrive, must ask hiswife. ' It was lucky for me that I had one as much disposed to industryand frugality as myself. She assisted me cheerfully in my business, folding and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, purchasing old linenrags, for the paper-makers, etc. We kept no idle servants; our tablewas plain and simple, our furniture of the cheapest. For instance, mybreakfast was, for a long time, bread and milk, (no tea) and I ate itout of a two-penny earthern porringer, with a pewter-spoon. 

"But mark how luxury will enter families, and make a progress in spiteof principle. Being called one morning to breakfast, I found it in achina bowl, with a spoon of silver. They had been bought for mewithout my knowledge, by my wife, and had cost her the enormous sum ofthree and twenty shillings; for which she had no other excuse orapology to make, but that she thought her husband deserved a silverspoon and china bowl, as well as any of his neighbors. This was thefirst appearance of plate or china in our house; which afterward, in acourse of years, as our wealth increased, augmented gradually toseveral hundred pounds in value. "[13]

[Footnote 13: Life of Franklin, by Sparks, p. 102. ]

While thus engaged he conceived the idea of establishing a publicsubscription library. His knowledge of human nature taught him that ifhe presented the enterprise as his own, feelings of jealousy might beexcited, and it might be imagined that he was influenced by personalambition. He therefore said that a number of gentlemen had adopted theplan, and had requested him to visit the lovers of books and ofreading, and solicit their subscriptions. Each subscriber was tocontribute two pounds to start the enterprise, and to pay a yearlyassessment of ten shillings. 

By the arduous labors of five months, Franklin obtained fifty names. With this the enterprise commenced. Such was the origin of thePhiladelphia Library, now one of the most important institutions ofthe kind in our land. In the year 1861, seventy thousand volumes werereported as on its shelves. 

Philadelphia contained a population of nearly ten thousand people. Pennsylvania was decidedly the central point for European emigration. Its climate was delightful; its soil fertile; and William Penn'shumane policy with the Indians had secured for the colony peace andfriendship with the native inhabitants for more than fifty years. 

The white man, on this continent, has told his own story. The Indianshave had no historians. But nothing is more clear than that in almostevery instance they were goaded to war by the unendurable wrongs whichwere inflicted upon them. [14] Until Braddock's dreadful defeat, Pennsylvania had scarcely known a single alarm. In the summer of 1749, twelve thousand Germans landed at Philadelphia. This was the averagenumber for many years. The policy of William Penn had been toestablish upon the banks of the Delaware, an extended and beautifulvillage, where every house should have its lawn and its garden forvegetables and flowers. In the year 1732, when Franklin was twenty-sixyears of age, the dwellings of this village were mostly of brick orstone, and were spread along the banks of the river for the distanceof a mile, with streets running back into the interior to the distanceof about half a mile. 

[Footnote 14: "No other British colony admits of the evidence of anIndian against a white man; nor are the complaints of Indians againstwhite men duly regarded in other colonies; whereby these poor peopleendure the most cruel treatment from the very worst of our own people, without hope of redress. And all the Indian wars in our colonies wereoccasioned by such means. "

Importance of the British Plantations in America to these Kingdoms, London. 1731. ]

The prosperity of Philadelphia, indeed of Pennsylvania, wasremarkable. Provisions and the most delicious fruits were in greatabundance. Even the pigs were fattened upon the most luscious peaches. Each family in the city kept its cow, which grazed upon the commonlands on the outskirts of the town. The Philadelphia of that periodwas a green village, beautifully shaded by trees, and presenting toevery visitor an aspect of rare attractions. Professor Peter Kalm, whopublished an exceedingly interesting account of his travels in NorthAmerica between the years 1748 and 1751, writes, "There were fine orchards all about the city. The country people in Sweden and Finland guard their turnips more carefully than the people here do the most exquisite fruits. A Philadelphian has so much liberty and abundance that he lives in his house like a king. "

The Quakers, or as they prefer to be called, the Friends, at that timecomposed about one-third of the population of Philadelphia, andone-half of the State of Pennsylvania. They were a remarkablyintelligent, industrious and worthy people. Probably a better and morethrifty community was never colonized on this globe. 

The state of society has greatly changed since that day, and customs, which were then deemed essential, have since become obsolete. Forinstance, the whipping-post, the pillory, and the stocks, wereprominent in the market-place and were in frequent use. There was apublic whipper, who, for his repulsive services, received a salary offifty dollars a year. Until as late as 1760, women were frequentlypublicly whipped. It is said that a whipping occurred on an average, twice a month. 

The dress of gentlemen was gaudy and extravagant, unsurpassed by thatof French or British courtiers. Immense wigs, with their profusion ofwaves or curls, were in use by the gentry. Very tight knee-breecheswere worn, with silk stockings, and shoes embellished with immensesilver buckles, highly polished. Their coats were richly embroidered, often of silk velvet, and their full flow reached below the knees. Ruffled shirts and ruffled wrist-bands of linen, of snowy whiteness, added to the beauty of the dress. A jewelled scabbard containing apolished sword hung by the side. A three-cornered hat completed thisshowy attire. There is not a Rocky Mountain Indian in his mostgorgeous war-dress of paint and plumes, who would attract moreattention walking down Broadway, than would Benjamin Franklin as hewas painted in 1726. 

His portrait was taken when he was in London, working as a journeymanprinter. Contrary to the general impression, Franklin was then, andthrough all his life, fully conscious of the advantages which dressconfers. When surrounded by the homage of the court of Versailles, there was no courtier in those magnificent saloons more attentive tohis attire than was Benjamin Franklin. His keen sagacity taught himthe advantage of appearing in a dress entirely different from that ofthe splendid assembly around him, and thus he attracted universalobservation. But never did he appear in the presence of these lordsand ladies but in a costly garb to which he had devoted muchattention. 

[Illustration]

Mr. Parton, speaking of the portrait which Franklin then had paintedin London, says, "The fair, full, smiling face of Franklin is surrounded in this picture by a vast and stiff horse-hair wig; and his well-developed figure shows imposingly in a voluminous and decorated coat that reaches nearly to his heels. Under his left arm he carries his cocked hat. His manly bosom heaves under snowy ruffles, and his extensive wrist-bands are exposed to view by the shortness of his coat sleeves. "

Between the years 1740 and 1775, while abundance reigned inPennsylvania, and there was peace in all her borders, a more happy andprosperous population could not perhaps be found on this globe. Inevery home there was comfort. The people generally were highly moral, and knowledge was extensively diffused. Americans, who visited Europe, were deeply impressed by the contrast. In the Old World they saweverywhere indications of poverty and suffering. Franklin wrote, aftera tour in Great Britain in 1772, "Had I never been in the American colonies, but were to form my judgment of civil society by what I have lately seen, I should never advise a nation of savages to admit of civilization. For, I assure you, that in the possession and enjoyment of the various comforts of life, compared with these people, every Indian is a gentleman; and the effect of this kind of civil society seems to be the depressing multitudes below the savage state, that a few may be raised above it. "

Yet let it not be supposed that the effects of the fall were notvisible here, or that man's inhumanity to man had ceased. There werebickerings, and heart burnings, and intense political struggles, inwhich the strong endeavored to extend their power, and the weakendeavored to throw off the shackles with which they were bound. William Penn complains of the ambitious politicians who he saidthought--"nothing taller than themselves but the trees. " John Adamsdenounced in severest terms the tricks of the petty politicians; andspeaking of the more ambitious ones who sought the positions ofgovernor or custom-house officers, he writes:

 "These seekers are actuated by a more ravenous sort of ambition and avarice. "

For twenty years Franklin continued a prosperous but uneventful life, as an active business man in Philadelphia. His integrity, hissagacity, and his prosperity, rapidly increased the esteem in which hewas held. But still he was engaged in business as a printer and ashop-keeper, which would not now give him admission into what hecalled the higher circles of society. 

He not only edited, printed and published his newspaper, but he alsokept books for sale and a small quantity of stationery, and also was abinder of books. He made and sold ink; was an extensive dealer inrags; and soap and feathers could be purchased at his shop. We find inhis advertisements the announcement of coffee and other groceries forsale. 

And still his printing office gradually became the nucleus for thegathering of the most intelligent and influential men. If anyimportant project was on foot, it was deemed essential to consultBenjamin Franklin. His Gazette proved a great success, and wasincomparably the ablest paper published in the colonies. [15]

[Footnote 15: Life and Works of John Adams, Vol. Ii, p. 165. ]

Franklin's editorials were very sparkling, and are considered as amongthe most brilliant of his intellectual efforts. He was almostinvariably good natured, and the design of all he wrote, was topromote integrity and kindly feeling. He would write an article, as iffrom a correspondent, which would give him an opportunity to return anamusing article in the next number. A complete file of the paper ispreserved in the Philadelphia Library. 

In 1732, Franklin issued the first number of the Almanac, called PoorRichard, which subsequently attained such wide renown. The popularityof the work was astonishing; for twenty-five years it averaged tenthousand copies a year. This was a wonderful sale in those times. Everybody was quoting the pithy sayings of Poor Richard. [16]

[Footnote 16: "And now after the lapse of one hundred and thirtyyears, we find persons willing to give twenty-five dollars for asingle number, and several hundred dollars for a complete set. Nay, the reading matter of several of the numbers, has been republishedwithin these few years, and that republication already begins tocommand the price of a rarity. "--_Parton's Life of Franklin_, Vol. I, p. 231. ]

Franklin was an extensive reader. He had a memory almost miraculous;and his mind was so constituted, that it eagerly grasped and retainedany sharp or witty sayings. Thus, though many of the maxims of PoorRichard originated with him, others were gleaned from the witticismsof past ages, upon which Franklin placed the imprint of his ownpeculiar genius. I give a few of those renowned maxims which soonbecame as household words, in every shop and dwelling of our land. 

 "There is no little enemy. " "Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead. " "He is no clown who drives the plough, but he that does clownish things. " "Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it. " "The noblest question in the world is, 'what good may I do in it. '" "Keep your eye wide open before marriage; half shut afterward. "

Franklin was not a poet. He could scheme easily, but even his rhymeswere poor. His sense of delicacy was quite obtuse, but perhaps notmore so, than we ought to expect from the unrefined times in which helived. [17]

[Footnote 17: "Poor Richard, at this day, would be reckoned anindecent production. All great humorists were all indecent, beforeCharles Dickens. They used certain words which are now neverpronounced by polite persons, and are never printed by respectableprinters; and they referred freely to certain subjects which arefamiliar to every living creature, but which it is now agreed amongcivilized beings, shall not be topics of conversation. In this respectPoor Richard was no worse, and not much better than other colonialperiodicals, some of which contain things incredibly obscene, as much so as the strongest passages of Sterne, Smollet and DeFoe. "--_Parton. _]

The increasing circulation of the Pennsylvania Gazette, the extensivesale of Poor Richard, and the success of many of the small books whichFranklin published, soon placed the finances of Franklin in a veryflourishing condition. This enabled him to send for every importantwork published in England. As he was never an hour in idleness, andseldom entered any place of popular amusement, he found time to studyall these solid and useful works. The superior powers with which Godhad endowed him, enabled him to glean from their pages, and store upin his memory, all that was most valuable. By these indefatigablestudies, he was rapidly becoming one of the most learned of men, andwas preparing himself for that brilliant career, in which, as astatesman and a philosopher, he stood in the first ranks of those whohad been deemed the great men of earth. 

His first entrance to public life was as Clerk to the GeneralAssembly, which was then the Legislature of the Pennsylvania Colony. This was an office of but little emolument or honor. His firstelection was unanimous. The second year, though successful, he wasopposed by an influential member. 

Franklin, who wished to have every one his friend, was anxious toconciliate him. He accomplished his purpose shrewdly--perhapscunningly, is not too strong a word to use. Having heard that thegentleman had a very rare and valuable book in his library, he wrotehim a very polite and flattering letter, soliciting the loan of it. Noman could pen such an epistle more adroitly than Franklin. 

After a few days he returned the book with one of his most exquisitenotes of thanks. The gentleman was caught in the trap. Charmed withthe urbanity Franklin displayed in the correspondence, the next timehe met the philosopher, he grasped him cordially by the hand. Thoughhe had never spoken to him before, he invited him to his house. 

Franklin, commenting upon this adventure, writes, "He ever after manifested a readiness to serve me on all occasions, so that we became great friends, and our friendship continued to his death. This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says 'He that hath once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged, ' and it shows how much more profitable it is prudently to remove than to resent, return, and continue inimical proceedings. "

There was something in this transaction, an apparent want ofsincerity, an approach to trickery, which will impress many readerspainfully. It was a shrewd manoeuvre, skillfully contrived, andsuccessfully executed. The perfect sincerity of a friendly andmagnanimous mind is the safest guide in all the emergencies of life. 

CHAPTER VI. 

_Religious and Philosophic Views. _

 Studious habits--New religion--Personal habits--Church of the Free and Easy--His many accomplishments--The career of Hemphall--Birth and Death of Franklin's son--The Ministry of Whitefield--Remarkable friendship between the philosopher and the preacher--Prosperity of Franklin--His convivial habits--The defense of Philadelphia--Birth of a daughter--The Philadelphia Academy. 

Franklin was a perservering and laborious student, for whatever heread he studied. With increasing intellectual tastes, he found timeevery day to devote many hours to his books. His reading was of themost elevated and instructive kind. It consisted almost exclusively ofscientific treatises, and of history, biography, voyages and travels. 

His mind was still struggling and floundering in the midst ofreligious and philosophical speculations. He seems, from someunexplained reason, to have been very unwilling to accept the religionof Jesus Christ; and yet he was inspired undeniably by a very nobledesire to be a good man, to attain a high position in morality. Earnestly he endeavored to frame for himself some scheme which wouldenable him to accomplish that purpose. 

At this time he wrote, "Few in public affairs act from a mere view of the good of their country, whatever they may pretend. Fewer still in public affairs act with a view to the good of mankind. There seems to me, at present, great occasion to raise a 'United Party for Virtue, ' by forming the virtuous and good of all nations into a regular body, to be governed by suitable good and wise rules, which good and wise men may probably be more unanimous in their obedience to, than common people are to common laws. I at present, think, that whoever attempts this aright, and is well qualified, cannot fail of pleasing God, and of meeting with success. "

Influenced by these exalted motives, he concentrated all the energiesof his well informed mind to the organization of a new religion. Tothis church he gave the name of "The Society of the Free and Easy. "The members were to be Free from vice, and consequently, Easy in mind. The first article of his creed was that he would have no creed. Andyet this religion, which drew an antagonistic distinction betweenfaith and works, denouncing all faith at the same time announced thatits fundamental and absolutely essential faith was that pietyconsisted in cherishing the ordinarily recognized virtues. These wereTemperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquillity, Charity andHumility. 

His ritual consisted in devoting one week to the cultivation of eachof these virtues. He had no Sabbath, no preached Gospel, noSacraments. But his creed, with its corresponding practice, certainlyexerted a very powerful influence, and in many respects beneficial, upon his own mind. 

With his list of virtues before him, this remarkable young mancommenced the effort vigorously to attain perfection. The Christianreader will not be at all surprised to read from Franklin's pen thefollowing account of the result:

 "I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined. But I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish. After a while I went through one course only in a year, and afterwards only one in several years; till at length I omitted them entirely, being employed in voyages and business abroad, with a multiplicity of affairs that interfered. "

Franklin was a very proud man. He could not but be conscious of hisgreat superiority over most of those with whom he associated. He avowsthat the virtue of humility he never could attain. The semblance ofthat virtue he could easily assume, but he says that the pride of hisheart was such that had he attained it, he would have been proud ofhis humility. He adopted the following as the ordinary routine oflife. 

He rose at five, very carefully performed his ablutions, and thenoffered a brief prayer to a being whom he called "Powerful Goodness. "Why he should have preferred that address to the more simple one of"Our Heavenly Father, " we know not. He then laid out the business ofthe day, and for a short time directed his mind to the especial virtuewhich he intended that day and week to cherish. [18]

[Footnote 18: "It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduousproject of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live withoutcommitting any fault at any time. As I knew, or thought I knew whatwas right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the oneand avoid the other. But I soon found that I had undertaken a task ofmore difficulty than I had imagined. "--Autobiography, p. 105. ]

In the freshness of all his morning energies he devoted himself to hisbooks for an hour and a half. This brought him to breakfast-time. Ateight o'clock he commenced work in his shop, to which he devotedhimself assiduously until twelve. An hour was then allowed for dinnerand rest. At one he returned to the arduous labors of his shop, laborswhich engrossed all his energies, and continued the employment untilsix. His day's hard work was then ordinarily closed. He took hissupper, received his friends, or more commonly read and studied untilten o'clock at night, when almost invariably he retired to his bed. 

His mind still for a time continued much interested in his plan forthe church of the Free and Easy. We find among his papers that hedecided that candidates for admission should, after a carefulexamination, to ascertain that their creed was, to have no creed, andthat their faith was, to abjure all faith, be subject to a probationof thirteen weeks. It seems that no candidate ever applied foradmission. There were no apostles to wander abroad proclaiming the newgospel. Increasing business absorbed Franklin's time, and the newchurch was forgotten. 

The sole motive which Franklin urged to inspire to action, wasself-interest. "You should be honest, " he would say, "because it ispolitic. You abstain from vice for the same reason that you should notdrink poison, for it will hurt you. " In the enforcement of these viewshe writes, "It was my design to explain and enforce this doctrine, _that vicious actions are not hurtful because they are forbidden, but forbidden because they are hurtful_. It was, therefore, every one's interest to be virtuous who wished to be happy in this world. And I should from this circumstance (there being always in the world a number of rich merchants, nobility, states and princes, who have need of honest instruments for the management of their affairs, and such being so rare) have endeavored to convince young persons that no qualities are so likely to make a poor man's fortune as those of probity and integrity. "

It may be doubted whether such considerations ever made a truly goodman. Virtue must be loved for its own sake. Vice must be deserted forits inherent baseness, even though it may bring a great reward. 

Franklin, in the prosecution of his studies, devoted himself toFrench, Spanish, Italian, and even to Latin. In all these he became aproficient. His mind was wonderfully prompt in the acquisition ofknowledge. He could hardly have devoted himself more assiduously andsuccessfully to these studies, had some good angel whispered in theear of the young printer the astounding intelligence, "You are yet tobe the ambassador of the United States to European courts. You are toappear in those glittering assemblages as the equal of the highestnoble; and are to enjoy the hospitalities of kings and queens. Familiarity with these languages, and the intellectual culture you arethus acquiring will be of more value to you than mines of gold. "

This remarkable man prized all branches of knowledge; and seemed toexcel in all. He devoted much attention to music. With much skill heplayed upon the harp, the guitar, the violin, and the violincello. 

In the year 1734, a young preacher by the name of Hemphall came toPhiladelphia from England. He was deemed by the orthodox clergy, veryheterodox in his opinions. Probably suspicions of his orthodoxy wereenhanced from the fact that he brought high testimonials of eloquencefrom several of the most prominent deists and free-thinkers inEngland. He was very fluent, at times very eloquent, and Franklin wascharmed with the man and his doctrines. 

Boldly denouncing all creeds, and all religious faith, he announced itas _his_ creed and _his_ faith that piety consists in conduct alone. Crowds flocked to hear him. One day, after preaching a very eloquentsermon, some one discovered that he had stolen that sermon from Dr. James Foster, the most popular preacher in London. An investigationtook place, in which he was compelled to acknowledge that he hadstolen every one of his sermons. Franklin writes, "This detection gave many of our party disgust, who accordingly abandoned his cause, and occasioned our more speedy discomfiture in the synod. I stuck by him, however. I rather approved his giving us good sermons composed by others, than bad ones of his own, though the latter was the practice of our common teachers. "

Had the young man said frankly, "I am rehearsing to you the mosteloquent sermons of the most eloquent English divines, " no one couldhave found any fault. But for him to assume that the sermons were hisown, and that he personally was entitled to the credit of whateverpower they exhibited, was certainly practicing deception. It was agross violation of Franklin's cardinal virtue of sincerity. It wasunworthy of Franklin, in his charitable regard for the offender, togloss over the real criminality of the offence. 

A year after Franklin's marriage, a son was born to him, to whomhe gave the name of Francis Folger Franklin. All accounts agreein describing the child as endowed with remarkable beauty andintelligence. Probably Franklin never loved any being as he loved thatchild. In the year 1736, when this wonderful boy was but four years ofage, he was seized with the small-pox and died. Even the philosophicFranklin was almost crushed by the terrible calamity. The cheeringviews of the Christian faith could not sustain him. He had no vividconception of his cherub boy an angel in Heaven awaiting his father'sarrival. He could only say that "I am _inclined to believe_ that mychild has not passed away into utter annihilation; but who knows? Manyof the wisest and best on earth utterly discard the idea of a futureexistence. They deem the thought the conceit of ignorance andfanaticism. "

We read the following epitaph on his little grave-stone with muchsympathy for the bereaved father. He could only write

 Francis F. Son of Benjamin and Deborah Franklin. Deceased November 12, 1736, Aged four years, one month and one day. The delight of all who knew him. 

In the year 1739, Rev. George Whitefield arrived in Philadelphia. Itis remarkable that a warm friendship should have sprung up between menso very diverse in character. But Franklin could not be insensible tothe wonderful power of this preacher, in promoting public morals, andin transforming the worst of men into valuable citizens, faithfullyperforming all the duties of life. It is surprising that this effectof the Gospel did not teach him that Christianity is the "wisdom ofGod, and the power of God to salvation. " _Love_ was emphatically themessage which Whitefield, with tearful eyes and throbbing heart, proclaimed to the wicked and the sorrowing. "God so _loved the world_, that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in himshould not perish but should have everlasting life. " Christ "came notinto the world to condemn the world, but that the world through himmight be saved. "

Such were the themes which this apostolic preacher unfolded, and whichmoved human hearts, in these new colonies as seventeen hundred yearsago they were moved by the preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, and hisdisciple Paul, upon the plains of Asia. 

Whitefield taught that _belief_ controlled conduct. As a man sincerelybelieves so will he act. Franklin, with his accustomed candor, in hisAutobiography, wrote in the following terms, the effects of thepreaching of this remarkable reformer:

 "The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous. It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world were growing religious; so that one could not walk through the town, in an evening, without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street. 

 "Mr. Whitefield, on leaving us, went preaching all the way through the colonies to Georgia. The settlement of that province had been lately begun; but instead of being made with hardy, industrious husbandmen, accustomed to labor, the only people fit for such an enterprise, it was with families of broken shop-keepers, and other insolvent debtors; many of indolent and idle habits, taken out of the jails who, being set down in the woods, unqualified for clearing land, and unable to endure the hardships of a new settlement, perished in numbers, leaving many helpless children unprovided for. 

 "The sight of their miserable situation inspired the benevolent heart of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of building an Orphan House there in which they might be supported and educated. Returning northward, he preached up this charity, and made large collections. 

 "I did not disapprove of the design; but as Georgia was then destitute of materials and workmen, and it was proposed to send them from Philadelphia at a great expense, I thought it would have been better to have built the house at Philadelphia, and brought the children to it. This I advised. But he was resolute in his first project, rejected my counsel, and I therefore refused to contribute. 

 "I happened soon after to attend one of his sermons, in the course of which I perceived he intended to finish with a collection, and I silently resolved he should get nothing from me. I had in my pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and five pistoles in gold, (about twenty-five dollars). As he proceeded I began to soften, and concluded to give the copper; another stroke of his oratory made me ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished so admirably that I emptied my pockets wholly into the collector's dish, gold and all. 

 "Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he would apply these collections to his own private emolument. But I, who was intimately acquainted with him, being employed in printing his sermons and journals, never had the least suspicion of his integrity; but am to this day decidedly of the opinion, that he was in all his conduct a perfectly honest man; and methinks my testimony ought have the more weight, as we had no religious connection. He used, indeed, sometimes to pray for my conversion, but never had the satisfaction of believing that his prayers were heard. Ours was a friendship sincere on both sides, and lasted to his death. "[19]

[Footnote 19: "Autobiography of Franklin, " as given by Sparks, p. 139. ]

At one time Franklin wrote to Whitefield, in Boston, inviting him, ashe was about to come to Philadelphia, to make his house his home. Thedevout preacher replied, "If you make this offer for Christ's sake you will not lose yourreward. "

Promptly the philosopher rejected any such motive, and rejoined, "Do not be mistaken. It was not for Christ's sake I invited you, butfor your own sake. "

In all the numerous letters, essays, and philosophical and religiousdisquisitions of Franklin, we seldom, I think, find a sentimentindicative of any high appreciation of the character of Jesus Christ;or the debt of gratitude we owe to him, either for his teaching or forhis example. As Franklin discarded all idea of the Atonement, he ofcourse could not express any gratitude for that which is, to theChristian, the crowning act even of divine love. This Saviour, tomillions who cannot be counted, has proved, even if the comfort be adelusion, in temptation, disappointment, and death, more precious thanit is in the power of words to declare. 

One article from Franklin's newspaper, published in the year 1740, gives an idea of the extraordinary interest which the preaching ofWhitefield excited. 

 "On Thursday last the Reverend Mr. Whitefield left this city, and was accompanied to Chester by about one hundred and fifty horse; and preached there to about seven thousand people. On Friday he preached twice at Willings Town to about five thousand. On Saturday, at Newcastle, to about two thousand five hundred; and the same evening at Christiana Bridge to about three thousand; on Sunday at White Clay Creek, he preached twice, resting about half an hour between the sermons, to eight thousand, of whom three thousand, it is computed, came on horseback. It rained most of the time, and yet they stood in the open air. "

The keenness of the scrutiny with which Franklin watched all theoperations of nature, led him to the discovery of the before unknownfact that the fierce north-east storms which sweep our Atlantic coastinvariably begin in the south-west, and move backwards, diminishing inviolence as they go. He also, about this time, invented the Franklinstove, which in the day when wood was the only fuel consumed hasinvested so many firesides with a rare aspect of cheerfulness. Hewrote a very ingenious pamphlet, elucidating the philosophy ofhouse-warming. 

There is great moral power in prosperity, when wisely accepted andenjoyed. Franklin was now a prosperous man. His income was constantlyincreasing. His virtues, and they were great ones, proved in allrespects promotive of his worldly welfare. His journal was theleading paper, certainly in all that region, and had not its superiorin any of the colonies. His renowned almanac, Poor Richard, attainedan unexampled sale. The work executed in his printing office was soexcellent as to bring in to him many orders even from the otherprovinces. The various books and pamphlets he had published had allbeen successful. Philadelphia had already become the chief town of theColonies. 

Notwithstanding Franklin's devotion to books, to business, and tophilosophical research, he is represented to have been at this time, ajovial man, very fond of convivial gatherings. He could not only writea good song, but he could sing it, to the acceptance of hiscompanions. One of these songs entitled "The Old Man's Wish" he sayshe sang over a thousand times. We give the concluding stanza, illustrative of its general character. 

 "With a courage undaunted, may I face the last day, And when I am gone may the better sort say, -- In the morning when sober, in the evening when mellow, He has gone and not left behind him his fellow, For he governed his passions with absolute sway. "

There was, as usual, war in Europe. Enormous armies were burningcities and villages, drenching the trampled harvest fields with blood, and filling the humble hamlets of the poor with misery. There wasevery reason to fear that these awful storms, raised by the passionsof depraved men, would reach the peaceful shores of the Delaware. Philadelphia was entirely undefended. It is said that there was not anavailable cannon in Pennsylvania. 

A well-armed privateer could at any hour, seize and sack the city. Quaker influence so far prevailed that the legislature could not beinduced to raise a battery, or purchase a gun. Franklin wrote a verypowerful pamphlet, called Plain Truth, urging the necessity ofadopting some measures of defence. He showed how the colony could, atany time, be ravaged by a few vessels from any European nation then inconflict with England. I give a few extracts from this admirablepamphlet:

 "On the first alarm, terror will spread over all. Many will seek safety by flight. Those that are reputed rich will flee, through fear of torture to make them produce more than they are able. The man that has a wife and children, will find them hanging on his neck, beseeching him to quit the city, and save his life. All will run into confusion, amid cries and lamentations, and the hurry and disorder of departures. The few that remain, will be unable to resist. 

 "Sacking the city will be the first; and burning it, in all probability, the last act of the enemy. This I believe will be the case, if you have timely notice. But what must be your condition, if suddenly surprised without previous alarm, perhaps in the night. Confined to your houses, you will have nothing to trust but the enemy's mercy. Your best fortune will be to fall under the power of commanders of king's ships, able to control the mariners, and not into the hands of licentious privateers. 

 "Who can without the utmost horror, conceive the miseries of the latter when your persons, fortunes, wives and daughters, shall be subject to the wanton and unbridled rage, rapine, and lust, of negroes, mulattoes, and others, the vilest and most abandoned of mankind?"

This warning effectually roused the community. A public meeting wassummoned, in the immense building erected to accommodate the crowdswho flocked to hear Whitefield. Here Franklin harangued the multitude. An Association of Defence was organized. Ten thousand persons enrolledtheir names. In a few days nearly every man in the province, who wasnot a Quaker, had joined some military organization. Each manpurchased for himself a weapon, and was learning how to use it. 

Eighty companies were organized and disciplined. The companies inPhiladelphia united in a regiment, and chose Franklin their colonel. Wisely he declined the office, "conceiving myself unfit, " he says. Abattery was thrown up below the town. Some cannon were sent for fromBoston. Several eighteen-pounders were obtained in New York, and morewere ordered from London. In manning the battery, Franklin took histurn of duty as a common soldier. 

There was not a little opposition to these measures, but still thestrong current of popular opinion was in their favor. Even the youngQuakers, though anxious to avoid wounding the feelings of theirparents, secretly gave their influence to these preparations ofdefence. The peace of Aix la Chapelle in 1748, terminated thesealarms. But the wisdom and energy which Franklin had displayed, causedhim to be regarded as the most prominent man in Pennsylvania. Themasses of the people regarded him with singular homage and confidence. 

In 1744, Franklin had a daughter born, to whom he gave the name ofSarah. His motherless son William, who was destined to give his fathergreat trouble, was growing up, stout, idle, and intractable. Early inthe war he had run away, and enlisted on board a privateer. With muchdifficulty his father rescued him from these engagements. Franklin wasevidently embarrassed to know what to do with the boy. He allowed him, when but sixteen years of age, to enlist as a soldier in anexpedition against Canada. 

About this time Franklin wrote to his sister Jane, whose son had alsorun away to enlist as a privateer. He wished to console her by theassurance that it was not in consequence of unkind treatment, that theboys were induced thus to act. He wrote:

 "When boys see prizes brought in, and quantities of money shared among the men, and their gay living, it fills their heads with notions that half distract them; and puts them quite out of conceit with trades and the dull ways of getting money by working. My only son left my house unknown to us all, and got on board a privateer, from whence I fetched him. No one imagined it was hard usage at home that made him do this. Every one that knows me thinks I am too indulgent a parent, as well as master. "

The father of Benjamin Franklin died in Boston, at the great age ofeighty-nine years. He had secured, in a very high degree, the respectof the people, not only by his irreproachable morals, but by hisunfeigned piety. The Boston News Letter, of January 17, 1745, in thefollowing brief obituary, chronicles his death:

 "Last night died Mr. Josiah Franklin, tallow chandler, and soap maker. By the force of steady temperance he had made a constitution, none of the strongest, last with comfort to the age of eighty-nine years. And by an entire dependence on his Redeemer, and a constant course of the strictest piety and virtue, he was enabled to die as he lived, with cheerfulness and peace, leaving a numerous posterity the honor of being descended from a person who, through a long life, supported the character of an honest man. "

In the year 1743 Franklin drew up a plan for an Academy inPhiladelphia. In consequence of the troubled times the tract was notpublished until the year 1749. It was entitled, "Proposals Relating tothe Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. " The suggestions he presentedindicated a wide acquaintance with the writings of the most eminentphilosophers. He marked out minutely, and with great wisdom, thecourse of study to be pursued. It is pleasant to read the followingstatement, in this programme. Urging the study of History, he writes, "History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a _public religion_, from its usefulness to the public; the advantages of a religious character among private persons; the mischiefs of superstition and the excellency of the _Christian religion_ above all others, ancient and modern. "

Perhaps this tribute to the excellence of Christianity ought in somedegree to modify the impression left upon the mind, by Franklin'sstudious avoidal, in all his writings, of any allusion to the name ofJesus Christ its founder. 

Twenty-five thousand dollars were speedily raised for thisinstitution. All the religious sects harmoniously united. Oneindividual from each sect was appointed, to form the corporate bodyintrusted with the funds. But almost the entire care and trouble ofrearing the building, and organizing the institution fell uponFranklin. He was found to be fully adequate to all theseresponsibilities. 

CHAPTER VII. 

_The Tradesman becomes a Philosopher. _

 Franklin appointed Indian commissioner--Effects of Rum--Indian logic--Accumulating honors--Benevolent enterprises--Franklin's counsel to Tennent--Efforts for city improvement--Anecdotes--Franklin appointed postmaster--Rumors of War--England enlists the Six Nations in her cause--Franklin plans a Confederacy of States--Plans rejected--Electrical experiments--Franklin's increase of income--Fearful experiments--The kite--New honors--Views of the French philosopher--Franklin's Religious views--His counsel to a young pleader--Post-office Reforms. 

In the year 1740, Franklin, then forty-four years of age, wasappointed on a commission to form a treaty with the Indians atCarlisle. Franklin, knowing the frenzy to which the savages wereplunged by intoxication, promised them that, if they would keepentirely sober until the treaty was concluded, they should then havean ample supply of rum. The agreement was made and faithfully kept. 

 "They then, " writes Franklin, "claimed and received the rum. This was in the afternoon. They were near one hundred men, women and children, and were lodged in temporary cabins, built in the form of a square, just without the town. In the evening, hearing a great noise among them, the commissioners walked to see what was the matter. 

 "We found that they had made a great bonfire in the middle of the square; that they were all drunk, men and women quarreling and fighting. Their dark-colored bodies, half-naked, seen only by the gloomy light of the bonfire, running after and beating one another with firebrands, accompanied by their horrid yellings, formed a scene the most resembling our ideas of hell, that could well be imagined. There was no appeasing the tumult, and we returned to our lodgings. At midnight a number of them came thundering at our door demanding more rum, of which we took no notice. 

 "The next morning they all seemed very much ashamed of the disgraceful orgies in which they had indulged. There was a law written in their own hearts, which told them that they had done wrong. Three chiefs were appointed to call upon the commissioners with an humble apology. With downcast looks they confessed their fault, and then with logic which more intelligent men sometimes use, endeavored to throw the blame upon God. In remarkable speech one of them said, "'The Great Spirit, who made all things, made everything for some use. Whatever use he designed anything for, that use it should be always put to. Now, when he made rum, he said, "Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with! and it must be so. "'"

The Governor at this time appointed Franklin a Justice of Peace. Franklin says he was much flattered by these accumulating honors. Soonhe was elected to a seat, as one of the Legislators in the Assembly. Mainly through his influence, a hospital for the sick was establishedin Philadelphia. Though the measure encountered much opposition, hecarried it; and the institution proved of incalculable benefit. 

The Rev. Gilbert Tennent solicited Franklin's aid in raising money forbuilding a Meeting House. As Franklin had been so continually engagedin asking for money for various objects of benevolence, he was afraidhe should become obnoxious to his fellow-citizens, and declined. Mr. Tennent then requested him to give him a list of the names of thoseinfluential persons upon whom it would be well for him to call. EveryChristian minister who reads this, will appreciate the nature of hisembarrassment. Franklin says that he thought it would be unbecoming inhim, after having emptied the purses of his friends, to send otherbeggars to them, with renewed importunities. This request he thereforedeclined. Mr. Tennent then urged him to give him some advice. Franklin replied, "That I will willingly do. In the first place, I advise you to applyto all those who you know will do something; next, to those who youare uncertain whether they will give anything or not, and show themthe list of those who have given; and lastly, do not neglect those whoyou are sure will give nothing, for in some of them you may bemistaken. "

Mr. Tennent laughed heartily, and declared that he would rigorouslyfollow out this advice. He did so. His success was wonderful; a muchlarger sum was raised than he had anticipated, and soon a capaciousand beautiful Meeting House rose in Arch street. 

The streets of Philadelphia, though laid out with great regularity, were unpaved, and in wet weather were almost impassable quagmires. Franklin, by talking with his friends, and by urging the subject inhis paper, at length succeeded in having a sidewalk paved with stone, upon one of the most important streets. It gave great satisfaction, but the rest of the street not being paved, the mud was thrown bypassing carriages upon it, and as the city employed no streetcleaners, the sidewalk soon ceased to afford a clean passage topedestrians. 

Franklin found an industrious man who was willing to sweep thepavement twice a week, carrying off the dirt from before all thedoors, for the sum of sixpence a month, to be paid by each house. 

The philosophic Franklin then, having started this enterprise, printedon a sheet of paper the great advantages of keeping the sidewalkclean, and sent one of these papers to each house. He urged that muchof the soiling of the interior of the houses would thus be avoided, that an attractive sidewalk would lure passengers to the shops; andthat, in windy weather, their goods would be preserved from the dust. 

After a few days he called, in person, at each house and shop to seewho would subscribe sixpence a month. It was a great success. Thecleanliness of the pavement in the important streets surrounding themarket, greatly delighted the people, and prepared the way forcarrying a bill which Franklin presented to the Assembly for pavingand lighting all the important streets of the city. 

A gentleman, by the name of John Clifton, had placed a lamp before hisdoor. This suggested the idea. Lamps were sent for from London. Globeswere furnished. They were expensive. The smoke circulated in the globeand obstructed the light. They had to be wiped clean each day. Anaccidental stroke demolished the whole globe. Franklin suggested fourflat panes. One might be broken, and easily replaced. Crevices wereleft below to admit a current of air, and a funnel to draw off thesmoke. Thus for a long time the glass remained undimmed. 

Wherever Franklin went, he carried with him this spirit ofimprovement. When in London, he found the streets wretchedly dirty. One morning he found a poor woman at his door in Craven street, sweeping the sidewalk with a wretched broom. Her pallid and exhaustedappearance touched the sympathies of Franklin. He asked who employedher. She replied:

"Nobody. I am poor and in distress. I sweeps before gentlefolks'sdoors, and hopes they will give me something. "

Franklin immediately engaged her to sweep the whole street. It wasnine o'clock in the morning. She was so languid and debilitated thathe thought it would take her nearly all day. But in three hours shecame for her shilling. Franklin thought she could not have done herwork faithfully. He sent his servant to examine. He reported that thework was thoroughly done. A new problem rose before Franklin: If thisfeeble woman could in so short a time sweep such a street, a strongman, with a suitable broom, could certainly do it in half of thetime. He therefore drew up a plan for cleaning the streets of Londonand Westminster, which was placed in the hands of one of the mostinfluential of the public-spirited men of London. 

Franklin apologizes for speaking in his autobiography of such trifles. Very truly, he says, "Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day. Thus if you teach a poor young man to shave himself and keep his razor in order, you may contribute more to the happiness of his life than in giving him a thousand guineas. This sum may be soon spent, the regret only remaining of having foolishly consumed it. But in the other case, he escapes the frequent vexation of waiting for barbers, and of their sometimes dirty fingers, offensive breath, and dull razors. He shaves when most convenient to him, and enjoys daily the pleasure of its being done with a good instrument. "

Nearly all the important offices in the colonies were filled byappointments from the British Crown. For some time, Franklin had beenemployed as an assistant to the Postmaster General, in simplifying andbringing regularity into his accounts. Upon the death of the AmericanPostmaster, Franklin, in 1753, was appointed jointly with Sir WilliamHunter to succeed him. The appointment was made by the PostmasterGeneral in England. 

The post-office department had scarcely been self-supporting. It hadnever paid anything to the crown. The salary offered to the twopostmasters was three thousand dollars a year each, if they could savethat sum from the profits of the office. Franklin writes, "To do this a variety of improvements was necessary. Some of these were inevitably, at first, expensive; so that in the first four years, the office became above nine hundred pounds in debt to us. But it soon after began to repay us. And before I was displaced by a freak of the ministers, of which I shall hereafter speak, we had brought it to yield three times as much clear revenue to the crown as the post-office of Ireland. Since that imprudent transaction, they have received from it not one farthing. "

Again there were menaces of war, insane and demoniac, to fill theworld with tears and woe. As we read the record of these horridoutrages which through all the centuries have desolated this globe, itwould seem that there must be a vein of insanity as well as ofdepravity, in the heart of fallen man. England and France were againmarshaling their armies, and accumulating their fleets, for theterrible conflict. 

It was certain that France, in Canada, and England, in her colonies, could not live in peace here, while the volcanic throes of war wereshaking the island of Great Britain, and the Continent of Europe. 

In the heart of New York, then almost an unbroken wilderness, therewere six exceedingly fierce and war-like tribes called the SixNations. Like the wolves they delighted in war. The greatness of a mandepended on the number of scalps with which he could fringe his dress. These savage warriors were ready and eager to engage as the allies ofthose who would pay them the highest price. Mercy was an attribute ofwhich they knew not even the name. 

It was not doubted that France would immediately send her emissariesfrom Canada to enlist these savages on her side. Awful would be thewoes with which these demoniac men could sweep our defencelessfrontiers; with the tomahawk and the scalping knife, exterminatingfamilies, burning villages, and loading their pack-horses withplunder. To forestall the French, and to turn these woes from our ownfrontier to the humble homes of the Canadian emigrants, the Englishgovernment appointed a commissioner to visit the chiefs of thesetribes in the year 1754. 

The all important council was to be held in Albany. Governor Hamiltonappointed four commissioners, of whom Franklin was one, to act inbehalf of Pennsylvania. They were furnished with rich gifts with whichto purchase the favor of the Indians. It was a long and tediousjourney from Philadelphia to Albany. 

Franklin, on this journey, was deeply impressed with the importance ofa union of the colonies for self-defence. He therefore drew up a planfor such union. Several gentlemen of the highest intelligence in NewYork, having examined it, gave it their cordial approval. Heaccordingly laid it before Congress. 

There were several other persons in other colonies who were impressedas deeply as Franklin with a sense of the importance of such aconfederacy, and they also sent in their suggestions. 

Congress appointed a committee of one from each province, to considerthe several plans. The committee approved of Franklin's plan, andreported accordingly. While the commissioners were conferring with theIndians in Albany, Congress was engaged in discussing the plans of aconfederacy. Franklin's plan was finally rejected. It did not meet theviews either of the Assembly, or of the British Court. And here wesee, perhaps the germs of the great conflict which soon culminated inthe cruel war of the Revolution. 

The Assembly objected to the plan as too aristocratic, conferring toomuch power upon the crown. The court emphatically rejected it as toodemocratic, investing the people with too much power. Franklin everaffirmed that his plan was the true medium. Even the royalist governorof Pennsylvania warmly commended the compromise he urged. 

In visiting Boston he was shown an electric tube, recently sent fromEngland. With this tube some very surprising electrical experimentswere performed, ushering in a new science, of which then but verylittle was known. Franklin became intensely interested in the subject. Upon his return to Philadelphia, he devoted himself, with greatassiduity, to experimenting with electric tubes. At this time he wroteto a friend, "I never was before engaged in any study that so totally engrossed my attention and my time, as this has lately done; for what with making experiments when I can be alone, and repeating them to my friends and acquaintances, who, from the novelty of the thing, come continually in crowds to see them, I have little leisure for anything else. "

This was during the winter of 1746-7. Franklin suggested that theelectricity was collected, not created by friction. He alsopropounded the theory of positive and negative electricity. He was, atthis time, comparatively a wealthy man, and consequently could affordto devote his time to philosophical investigation. It is estimatedthat his income, from his estates, amounted to about seven hundredpounds a year; this was equal to about six or seven thousand dollarsat the present time. Mr. Parton writes, "Besides this independence, Franklin was the holder of two offices, worth together perhaps one hundred and fifty pounds a year. His business, then more flourishing than ever, produced an annual profit, as before computed, of two thousand pounds; bringing up his income to the troublesome and absurd amount of nearly three thousand pounds; three times the revenue of a colonial governor. "

Under these prosperous circumstances, Franklin withdrew from activebusiness, became a silent partner in the firm, and devoted nearly allhis time to the new science. He wrote, in the autumn of 1748, to hisfriend Cadwallader Colden of New York, "I have removed to a more quiet part of the town, where I am settling my old accounts, and hope soon to be quite master of my own time, and no longer, as the song has it, 'at every one's call but my own. '

 "Thus you see I am in a fair way of having no other tasks than such as I shall like to give myself, and of enjoying what I look upon as a great happiness, leisure to read, study, make experiments, and converse at large with such ingenious and worthy men, as are pleased to honor me with their friendship or acquaintance, on such points as may produce something for the common benefit of mankind, uninterrupted by the cares and fatigues of business. "

He wrote a treatise upon thundergusts, which displayed wonderfulsagacity, and which arrested the attention of nearly all thephilosophers in Europe and America. The all-important topics of thisexceedingly important document, were the power of points to draw offelectricity, and also the similarity of electricity and lightning. Hetherefore urged that metallic rods might be attached to buildings andships, which, pushing their needle points above roofs and masts, mightdraw the electric fire harmlessly from the clouds. He confesses thathe cannot imagine why the points should possess this curious power, but urges that facts seem to demonstrate it. 

One day, for the entertainment of his friends, he had madearrangements to kill a turkey with an electric shock. Two large jarswere heavily charged. Incautiously manipulating, he took the shockhimself. In the following language, he describes the effect:

 "The flash was very great, and the crack was as loud as a pistol; yet my senses being instantly gone, I neither saw the one nor heard the other; nor did I feel the stroke on my hand, though I afterwards found it raised a round swelling where the fire entered, as big as half a pistol bullet. 

 "I then felt what I know not well how to describe, a universal blow throughout my whole body from head to foot, which seemed within as well as without; after which the first thing I took notice of was a violent, quick shaking of my body, which gradually remitting, my sense as gradually returned, and then, I thought the bottle must be discharged, but could not conceive how, till at last I perceived the chain in my hand, and recollected what I had been about to do. 

 "That part of my hand and fingers which held the chain, was left white as though the blood had been driven out; and remained so eight or ten minutes after, feeling like dead flesh; and I had numbness in my arms and the back of my neck which continued to the next morning, but wore off. "

Franklin was much mortified at his awkwardness in this experiment. Hedeclared it to be a notorious blunder, and compared it with the follyof the Irishman, who wishing to steal some gun-powder, bored a holethrough the cask with red hot iron. But notwithstanding this warning, not long afterwards, in endeavoring to give a shock to a paralyticpatient, he received the whole charge himself, and was knocked flatand senseless on the floor. 

In the spring of 1752, Franklin tried his world renowned experimentwith the kite. A June thunder cloud was rising in all its majesty. Franklin, accompanied by his son, repaired to a field secretly, beingafraid of the ridicule of the people. Here he raised the kite, made ofa large silk handkerchief. The top of the perpendicular stick waspointed with a sharp metallic rod. The string was hemp with theexception of the part held in the hand, which was silk; at the end ofthe hempen string a common key was suspended. With intense anxiety andno slight apprehension of danger, he held the line. Soon he observedthe fibres of the hempen string to rise and separate themselves, aswas the case of the hair on the head, when any one was placed on aninsulating stool. He applied his knuckle to the key, and received anunmistakable spark. As the story is generally told, with occasionallyslight contradictions, he applied his knuckle again and again to thekey with a similar result. He charged a Leyden jar with the fluid andboth he and his son took a shock. He then drew in his kite, packed uphis apparatus and returned to his laboratory probably the mostexultant and happy man in this wide world. 

Most of the English and many of the French philosophers were veryunwilling to believe that an obscure American, in what they deemed thesavage and uncultivated wilds of the New World, was outstripping themin philosophical research. They were unwilling to acknowledge thereality of his experiments; but in France, where an American wouldreceive more impartial treatment, three of the most eminentphilosophers, Count de Buffon, M. Dalibard and M. De Lor, at differentplaces, raised the apparatus Franklin had recommended to drawelectricity from the clouds. Their success was unmistakable; theresults of these experiments were proclaimed throughout Europe. 

Franklin had now obtained renown. No one could deny that he merited ahigh position among the most eminent philosophers. The experiments hehad suggested were tried by scientists in the philosophical circles ofevery country in Europe. 

Both Yale and Harvard, in this country, conferred upon him thehonorary degree of Master of Arts, and the Royal Society, in Europe, by a unanimous vote, elected him a member, remitting the usualinitiation fee of five guineas, and the annual charge of two and ahalf guineas. The next year this Society conferred upon him the Copleymedal. 

For seven years Franklin continued to devote himself almostexclusively to this science, and he became, without doubt, the mostaccomplished electrician in the world. At the same time his mind wasever active in devising new schemes for the welfare of humanity. Themost trivial events would often suggest to him measures conducive tothe most beneficial results. It is said that Franklin saw one day in aditch the fragments of a basket of yellow willow, in which someforeign commodity had been imported to this country. One of the twigshad sprouted. He planted it; and it became the parent of all theyellow willows in our country. 

Franklin was best loved where he was best known. And this was right;for he was ever conferring deeds of kindness upon his neighbors. Hisreligious views excited sorrow among his Christian friends. Others, composing perhaps a majority, cared nothing about what he believed. Inconversation he ever frankly avowed himself a deist, though generallyhe made no attempt to convert others to his views. It is notimprobable that he was in some degree influenced by the beneficialeffect produced upon the popular mind by the preaching of his friendMr. Whitefield. 

The writer was once, in Paris, conversing with one of the mostillustrious of the French philosophers. He said to the philosopher, "Iam much interested to ascertain the views of gentlemen of yourintellectual position respecting the Christian religion. " He withperfect frankness replied, "I think that there are no men of highculture in France, with a few exceptions, who believe in the divineorigin of Christianity. But there is no philanthropist who will sayso. We have been taught, by the horrors of the French Revolution, thatthe masses of the people can only be restrained from violence by thesuperstitious restraints which Christianity presents. We thereforethink that every man, who is a gentleman, will do what he can tosustain the church and the clergy. Men of culture and refinement, aregoverned by principles of honor, and they do not need thesuperstitious motives of Christianity to influence them. "

I may remark, in passing, that this gentlemanly philosopher hadabandoned his own wife, and was then living with the wife of anotherman. It is not improbable that Franklin, as he looked upon thetumultuous and passion-tossed young men of Philadelphia, did not deemit expedient to say to them, "The Bible is a fable. The Sabbath is no more sacred than any otherday. The church is merely a human club without any divine authority. Marriage is an institution which is not founded upon any decree whichGod has issued, but one of the expediency of which each individualmust judge for himself. The Sacraments of Baptism, and the Lord'sSupper, are mere human contrivances. The preaching of the Gospel hadbetter be laid aside for literary and scientific disquisitions. "

With the eye of a benevolent philosopher, Franklin, as we have seen, had watched the effect of the preaching of Mr. Whitefield, and hadcandidly acknowledged its power in reforming society. It is improbablethat, in his heart, he felt that the preaching of pure deism couldever secure such results. In 1753 he wrote to Mr. Whitefield, in replyto a communication from him upon the Christian faith:

 "The faith you mention certainly has its use in the world. I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I endeavor to lessen it in any man. "

Franklin had resolved to decline all office, that he might devotehimself to his studies. But his reputation for wisdom was such, thathe found it very difficult to persevere in this plan. Menaces of warwere continually arising. The majority of the members, in theAssembly, were Quakers. It was a small body consisting of but fortydelegates. The Quakers opposed every measure for public defence. Franklin, as we have mentioned, became a Justice of the Peace. Soonafter he was an Alderman, and then he took his seat in the GeneralAssembly. 

"I was a bad speaker, " he writes, "never eloquent; subject to muchhesitation in the choice of words; and yet I generally carried mypoint. "

He adds, in language which every young man should treasure up in hismemory, "I retained the habit of expressing myself in terms of modestdiffidence; never using, when I advanced anything that might possiblybe disputed, the words, _certainly_, _undoubtedly_, or any others thatgive the air of positiveness to an opinion; but rather, I _conceive_, or _apprehend_ a thing to be so and so. _It appears to me_, or, _Ishould not think it so for such and such reasons_, or, _I imagine itto be so_, or, _It is so if I am not mistaken_. This habit, I believe, has been of great advantage to me when I have had occasion toinculcate my opinions; and to persuade men into measures that I havebeen from time to time proposing. "

When Franklin assumed the charge of the post-office, the departmentwas in a feeble and peculiar condition. As late as the year 1757, themail-bag in Virginia was passed from planter to planter. Each one wasrequired to forward it promptly, under the penalty of forfeiting ahogshead of tobacco. Every man took, from the bag, what belonged tohis family, and sent on the rest. The line of post-offices thenextended from Boston, Mass. , to Charleston, S. C. It was twenty yearsafter this, before any governmental mail penetrated the interior. 

In the year 1753, Franklin visited every post-office excepting thatof Charleston. His wisdom introduced reforms, some of which havecontinued to the present day. A newspaper was charged nine pencea year, for a distance of fifty miles, and eighteen pence forone hundred miles or more. In the large towns a penny post wasestablished, and all letters left remaining in the office wereadvertised. 

A mail was conveyed from Philadelphia to New York once a week insummer, and once in two weeks in winter. Franklin started a mail toleave each of these cities three times a week in summer, and twice inwinter. It generally required six weeks to obtain an answer from aletter sent to Boston. Most of the roads, into the interior, consistedof narrow passages, cut through the forest, called Bridle Paths, because the pack horses were led through them, in single file by thebridle. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

_The Rising Storms of War. _

 Aristocracy--Anecdote--Conflicting laws of Nations--Franklin's scheme of colonization--Proposal of the British Court--The foresight of Franklin--Braddock's campaign--Remonstrances of Franklin and Washington--Franklin's interviews with Braddock--Franklin's efficiency--Confidence of Braddock--The conflict with the Proprietaries--The non-resistant Quakers--Fate of the Moravian villages--The winter campaign--The camp of Gaudenhutton--Anecdote--Renewal of the strife with the Proprietaries--Franklin recalled to assist the Assembly--Destruction of the Fort--Claim of the Proprietaries--The great controversy. 

With increasing wealth the spirit of aristocratic exclusiveness gainedstrength in the higher circles of Philadelphia. Some of the moreopulent families planned for a series of dancing entertainments duringthe winter. It was proposed among other rules that no mechanic, ormechanic's wife or daughter, should be invited. The rules were shownto Franklin. He glanced his eye over them and pithily remarked, "Why these rules would exclude God Almighty!"

"How so?" inquired the manager. 

"Because, " Franklin replied, "the Almighty, as all know, is thegreatest mechanic in the universe. In six days he made all things. "The obnoxious article was stricken out. 

The following incident, narrated by Franklin, illustrates a veryimportant principle in political economy, which those are apt toignore, who denounce all the elegancies and luxuries of life. 

Mrs. Franklin received some small favor from the captain of a littlecoaster, which ran between Cape May and Philadelphia. He declined toreceive any remuneration for his trifling services. Mrs. Franklin, learning that he had a pretty daughter, sent her a new-fashionedPhiladelphia cap or bonnet. Three years after, the captain calledagain at the house of Mr. Franklin. A very plain but intelligentfarmer accompanied him. The captain expressed his thanks to Mrs. Franklin for the gift she had sent his daughter, and ratherdiscourteously added, "But it proved a dear cap to our congregation. When my daughterappeared with it at meeting, it was so much admired that all the girlsresolved to get such caps from Philadelphia. And my wife and Icomputed that the whole could not have cost less than a hundredpounds. "

The farmer, with far higher intelligence, said, "This is true; butyou do not tell the whole story. I think the cap was nevertheless anadvantage to us. It was the first thing that put our girls uponknitting worsted mittens, for sale at Philadelphia, that they mighthave wherewithal to buy caps and ribbons there. And you know that thatindustry has continued and is likely to continue and increase, to amuch greater value, and answer better purposes. "

"Thus by a profitable exchange, the industrious girls at Cape May hadpretty bonnets, and the girls at Philadelphia had warm mittens. "

For seventy-five years it had been the constant design of the Britishgovernment to drive the French from North America. England claimed thewhole country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, because her ships hadfirst sailed along the Atlantic coast. It was one of the recognizedlaws of nations that a newly discovered region belonged to the nationwho had first raised upon it its flag. 

France, admitting the claim of England to the Atlantic coast, assertedher right to the great valleys of the interior, those of the Ohio andthe Mississippi, because her boatmen had first discovered thosemagnificent rivers, had explored them throughout, and had establishedupon them her trading and military posts. It was a recognized law ofnations, that the power which discovered, explored, and tookpossession of a new river, was the rightful possessor of the valleywhich that river watered. Thus the conflict of claims originated. 

To add to the intensity of the insane strife, which caused an amountof blood and misery which no tongue can tell, religious bitterness wasaroused, and the French Roman Catholic was arrayed against the BritishProtestant. 

Three wars, bloody and woful, had already ravaged this continent. Wehave before alluded to the menace of a new war in the year 1754, andto Franklin's mission to Albany to enlist the chiefs of the SixNations to become allies of the English. We have also alluded to theplan, which Franklin drew up on this journey, for the union of thecolonies, and which was rejected. The wisdom of this plan was, however, subsequently developed by the fact that it was remarkablylike that by which eventually the colonies were bound together as anation. 

Assuming that the English were right in their claim for the wholecontinent, Franklin urged the eminently wise measure of establishingstrong colonies, in villages of a hundred families each, on theluxuriant banks of the western rivers. But the haughty Britishgovernment would receive no instructions from American provincials. 

Governor Shirley, of Boston, showed Mr. Franklin a plan, drawn up inEngland, for conducting the war. It developed consummate ignorance ofthe difficulties of carrying on war in the pathless wilderness; andalso a great disregard of the political rights of the Americancitizens. According to this document, the British court was tooriginate and execute all the measures for the conduct of the war; andthe British Parliament was to assess whatever tax it deemed expedientupon the American people to defray the expenses. The Americans were tohave no representation in Parliament, and no voice whatever indeciding upon the sum which they were to pay. 

Franklin examined the document carefully, and returned it with hiswritten objections. In this remarkable paper, he anticipated thearguments which our most distinguished statesmen and logicians urgedagainst the Stamp Act--against Taxation without Representation. Abrief extract from this important paper, will give the reader someidea of its character:

 "The colonists are Englishmen. The accident of living in a colony deprives them of no right secured by Magna Charta. The people in the colonies, who are to feel the immediate mischiefs of invasion and conquest by an enemy, in the loss of their estates, lives and liberties, are likely to be better judges of the quantity of forces necessary to be raised and maintained, and supported, and of their own ability to bear the expense, than the Parliament of England, at so great a distance. Compelling the colonists to pay money without their consent, would be rather like raising contributions in an enemy's country, than taxing of Englishmen for their own public benefit. It would be treating them as a conquered people, and not as true British subjects. "

At length the brave, but self-conceited and haughty General Braddockcame with his army of British Regulars. Frenchmen, Indians, andAmericans, he alike regarded with contempt. His troops wererendezvoused at Fredericktown, in Maryland. A bridle path led throughthe wilderness to this place, from Philadelphia, a distance of ahundred and twenty miles. 

Intelligent American gentlemen were much alarmed, by the reckless andperilous measures which the ignorant British general declared hisintention to pursue. He became very angry with Pennsylvanians, becausethey were so unwilling to fall in with his plans. It was said that, inhis anger, he manifested more desire to ravage Pennsylvania than todefeat the French. 

The Assembly at Philadelphia appointed a commission, consisting ofBenjamin Franklin and his son, a resolute, insubordinate man of thirtyyears, and of the Governors of New York and Massachusetts, to visitthe arrogant British officer, and to endeavor, in some way, toinfluence him to wiser measures. It was the middle of April, abeautiful season in that climate, of swelling buds, and openingleaves. 

Each of the four gentlemen was attended by servants, as was customaryin those days. They were all finely mounted. Joyfully they rode along, seeking entertainment each night at the residence of some planter. Acourier was always sent forward to announce their coming, and theplanter, accompanied by one or two of his servants, would generallyride forward a few miles to meet them, and escort them to hishospitable home. 

Franklin was received by Gen. Braddock with the condescension withwhich, in that day, English gentlemen were ever accustomed to regardAmericans of whatever name or note. The little army, which was tomarch upon Fort Duquesne, was to traverse the dreary and pathlessridges and ravines of the Alleghany mountains, and force their waythrough a tangled wilderness, for a distance of several hundred miles. During all this march they were hourly exposed to be attacked by anoverpowering force of French and Indians. The French could easilydescend to the Ohio, in their boats from Canada, and nearly all theIndians of this vast interior, were in alliance with them. 

Braddock insisted upon encumbering his march with heavily ladenwagons, which were to penetrate savage regions through which he must, every mile, construct his road. There was a young American in the campby the name of George Washington. He was a man of the highest rank, and of commanding influence, having obtained much experience in Indianwarfare. Modestly, but warmly, he remonstrated against this folly. Henot only feared, but was fully assured that such a measure would leadto the inevitable destruction of the army. He urged that pack horsesonly should be employed, and as few of them as possible; and that thusthey should hurry along as rapidly and in as compact a mass as theycould. 

But Braddock was inexorable. He demanded his two hundred and fiftywagons, and a large train of pack horses, to be laden with sumptuousprovisions for his officers. The farmers of Maryland and Virginia werereluctant to expose the few wagons and teams they had, to suchinevitable destruction. Neither had they any confidence that theBritish Government would ever remunerate them in case of their loss. 

Four-wheeled vehicles were very scarce in the colonies. There weremany people who had never seen one. The general, after exhausting allhis efforts, could obtain but twenty-four. One day as he was givingvent to his indignation, Franklin suggested that it would probably bemuch more easy to obtain wagons in the more densely settled parts ofPennsylvania. Braddock immediately urged him to undertake theenterprise. Unwisely, we think, he consented. With his son he hastenedto Pennsylvania, and selected Lancaster, York, and Carlisle as hiscentres of operation. 

Whatever Franklin undertook, he was pretty sure to accomplish. Intwenty days he obtained one hundred and fifty four-horse wagons, andtwo hundred and fifty-nine pack-horses. He did not accomplish thisfeat however, until he had exhausted all the money which Braddock hadfurnished him, had spent over a thousand dollars of his own money, andhad given bonds for the safe return of horses and wagons, whose moneyvalue was estimated at one hundred thousand dollars. 

Braddock was lavish in his compliments. Franklin dined with him daily. The idea seemed never to have entered Braddock's mind that BritishRegulars, under his command, could ever be seriously annoyed by bandsof French and Indians. He said one day, "After taking Fort Duquesne, I shall go to Niagara. Having taken that, if the season will permit, I shall proceed to Fort Frontenac. FortDuquesne can hardly detain me more than three or four days. "

Franklin, who was well aware that Braddock was entering upon a farmore formidable campaign than he anticipated, ventured very modestlyto suggest, "To be sure, sir, if you arrive well before Duquesne with the finetroops so well provided with artillery, the fort, though completelyfortified, and assisted with a very strong garrison, can probably makebut a short resistance. The only danger I apprehend of obstruction toyour march, is of ambuscades of the Indians, who, by constantpractice, are dexterous in laying and executing them. And the slenderline, near four miles long, which your army must make, may expose itto be attacked by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a threadinto several pieces, which, from their distance, cannot come up intime to support each other. "

Braddock smiled derisively, at this ignorance of a benighted American. "These savages may indeed, " he said, "be a formidable enemy to yourraw American militia. But upon the king's regular and disciplinedtroops, it is impossible that they should make any impression. "

Colonel Washington regarded the wagons, and the long array ofpack-horses, as so many nuisances, arresting the rapidity of theirmarch, and inviting attacks which it would be impossible to repel. Atlength the army was in motion. The progress was very slow. Franklinwas continually forwarding supplies; and even advanced between six andseven thousand dollars, from his own purse, to expedite purchases. Apart of this he never received back. 

The attack upon Braddock's army, and its terrible defeat soon came. Aminute account of the conflict is given in the Life of GeorgeWashington, one of the volumes of this series. The teamsters cut thetraces of their horses, mounted the swiftest, and, in the frenzy oftheir panic, rushed for home. The other horses and the wagons, withtheir abounding supplies, were left to magnify the triumph of theexultant Indians. Disastrous as was the campaign, Franklin obtainedmuch credit for the efficient services he had rendered. 

War, with all its horrors, had now penetrated the beautiful region ofPennsylvania, which had enjoyed eighty years of peace, through theChristian philanthropy of William Penn. Nearly all of the Indians, beyond the mountains, were allies of the French. The news ofBraddock's defeat reached Philadelphia about the middle of July, 1755. Immediately a violent conflict arose between the royalist governorMorris, and the Colonial Assembly. The Legislative body voted liberaltaxes for the public defence. But very justly it was enacted thatthese taxes should be assessed impartially upon all estates alike, upon those of the wealthy Proprietaries, as well as upon thefew hundred acres which were owned by the humble farmers. TheProprietaries, consisting of two of the sons of William Penn, revoltedagainst this. The Governor, appointed by them, as their agent ofcourse, united with them in opposition. For many weeks the conflictbetween the Assembly and the Governor as agent of the Proprietaries, raged fiercely. Under these circumstances no military supplies couldbe voted, and the peril of the community was very great. 

Franklin warmly espoused and eloquently advocated the claim of theAssembly. During the months of July and August, the Indians, satiatedwith the vast plunder of Braddock's camp, made no attempt to cross theAlleghanies, in predatory excursions against the more settled portionsof Pennsylvania. But September and October ushered in scenes of horrorand carnage, too awful to be depicted. Villages were laid in ashes, cottages were burned, families tomahawked and scalped, women andchildren carried into captivity, and many poor creatures perished atthe stake, in the endurance of all the tortures which savage ingenuitycould devise. 

And still the Quakers, adhering to their principle of non-resistance, refused to contribute any money, or in any way to unite in anymilitary organization for self-defence. But in candor it must beadmitted, that had the principles of the Quakers been adopted by theBritish court, this whole disastrous war might have been avoided. Itwas a war of invasion commenced by the English. They were determined, by force of arms, to drive the French out of the magnificent valleysbeyond the mountains. In the conflict which ensued, both partiesenlisted all the savages they could, as allies. Will not England atthe judgment be held responsible for this war and its woes?

To rouse the Quakers to a sense of shame, the bodies of a wholemurdered family, mutilated and gory, were brought to Philadelphia andparaded through all its streets, in an open wagon. In November, as theIndians, often led by French officers, were sweeping the frontier inall directions, killing, burning, destroying, the antagonistic partiesin the Assembly, for a time laid aside their quarrels, and with theexception of the Quakers, adopted vigorous military measures. TheQuakers were generally the most opulent people in the State. It is notstrange that the common people should be reluctant to volunteer todefend the property of the Quakers, since they refused either toshoulder a musket, or to contribute a dollar. 

The pen of Franklin rendered wonderful service in this crisis. Withhis accustomed toleration, he could make allowance for the frailtiesof conscience-bound men. He wrote a very witty pamphlet which was verywidely read, and produced a powerful impression. Its character may beinferred from the following brief quotation:

 "'For my part, ' says A. , 'I am no coward; but hang me if I fight to save the Quakers. '

 "'That is to say, ' B. Replied, 'you will not pump the sinking ship, because it will save the rats as well as yourselves. '"

The dialogue ends with the following admirable words:

 "O! my friends, the glory of serving and saving others is superior to the advantage of being served and secured. Let us resolutely and generously unite in our country's cause, in which to die is the sweetest of all deaths; and may the God of armies bless our honest endeavors. "

The colonists of Pennsylvania now generally rushed to arms. Therewere, on the frontiers, several flourishing Moravian villages. Theywere occupied by a peculiarly industrious and religious people. Thetraveller through their quiet streets heard, morning and evening, thevoice of prayer ascending from many firesides, and the melody ofChristian hymns. Guadenhutton, perhaps the most flourishing of them, was attacked by the Indians, burned, and the inhabitants all massacredor carried into captivity. Terrible was the panic in the othervillages. They were liable at any day, to experience the same fate. 

Under these circumstances the Governor raised five hundred and fortyvolunteers, and placed them under the command of Franklin, with thetitle of General. He was to lead them, as rapidly as possible, toNorthampton county, for the protection of these people. His son, William, was his aid-de-camp. He proved an efficient and valiantsoldier. 

It was the middle of December when this heroic little band commencedits march. Snow whitened the hills. Wintry gales swept the bleakplains, and moaned through the forests. The roads were almostimpassable. Fierce storms often entirely arrested their march. Thewilderness was very thinly inhabited. It required the toil of a month, for Franklin to force his way through these many obstructions to thebase of his operations, though it was distant not more than ninetymiles. 

The troops moved very cautiously to guard against ambush. Thephilosopher, Franklin, though he had never received a militaryeducation, and was quite inexperienced in military affairs, was thelast man to be drawn into such a net as that in which the army ofBraddock was destroyed. 

Franklin, as a philosopher, could appreciate the powerful influence ofreligious motives upon the mind. Rev. Mr. Beatty was his chaplain, whose worth of character Franklin appreciated. Before commencing theirmarch, all the troops were assembled for a religious service. After anearnest exhortation to fidelity and duty, a fervent prayer wasoffered. 

The march was conducted with great regularity. First, scouts advancedin a semi-circular line, ranging the woods. Then came the advancedguard, at a few hundred paces behind. The centre followed, with allthe wagons and baggage. Then came the rear guard, with scouts on eachflank, and spies on every hill. 

Upon reaching Guadenhutton, an awful scene of desolation and carnagemet the eye. The once happy village presented now but a revoltingexpanse of blackened ruins. The mangled bodies of the dead strewed theground, mutilated alike by the savages and the howling wolves. Franklin ordered huts immediately to be reared to protect his troopsfrom the inclemency of the weather. No man knew better than he, how tomake them comfortable and cheerful with the least expense. 

A fort was promptly constructed, which he called Fort Allen, and whichcould easily repel any attack the Indians might make, unless theyapproached with formidable French artillery. There were manyindications that the Indians, in large numbers, were hovering around, watching all their movements. But the sagacity of Franklin baffledthem. They kept concealed without any attack. The savages were verycautious men; they would seldom engage in a battle, unless they weresure of victory. 

A trifling incident occurred at this time, worthy of record asillustrative of the shrewdness of General Franklin. 

The chaplain complained that the men were remiss in attending prayers. Franklin suggested that though it might not be exactly consistent withthe dignity of the chaplain to become himself the steward of the rum, still, if he would order it to be distributed immediately afterprayers, he would probably have all the men gathering around him. 

"He liked the thought, " Franklin wrote, "under took the task, andwith the help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executedit to satisfaction. Never were prayers more generally and morepunctually attended. So that I think this method preferable to thepunishment inflicted by some military laws for non-attendance ondivine worship. "

Bitter quarrels were renewed in the Assembly. The presence of Franklinwas indispensable to allay the strife. Governor Morris wroteentreating him immediately to return to Philadelphia. It so happenedat this time, that Col. Clapham, a New England soldier of experienceand high repute, visited the camp at Guadenhutton. Franklin placed himin command, and warmly commending him to the confidence of the troops, hurried home. He reached Philadelphia on the 10th of February, 1756, after two months' service in the field. Universal applause greetedhim. Several military companies, in Philadelphia, united in a regimentof about twelve hundred men. Franklin was promptly elected theircolonel, which office he accepted. 

In tracing the disasters of war, it is interesting to observe how manyof those disasters are owing to unpardonable folly. Some months afterFranklin's departure, on a cold, bleak day in November, a large partof the garrison, unmindful of danger, were skating, like school-boyson the Lehigh river. The vigilant Indians saw their opportunity. Likehowling wolves they made a rush upon the fort, entered its opengates, and killed or captured all its inmates. The skaters fled intothe woods. They were pursued. Some were killed or captured. Someperished miserably of cold and starvation. Probably a few escaped. Thetriumphant savages, having plundered the fort and the dwellings of alltheir contents, applied the torch, and again Guadenhutton was reducedto a pile of ashes. 

The controversy which arose between the Governor and the Assemblybecame acrimonious in the extreme. The principles there contended for, involved the very existence of anything like American liberty. Forfifteen years the pen and voice of Franklin were influential in thiscontroversy. He probably did more than any other man to prepare thecolonists to resist the despotism of the British court, and toproclaim their independence. 

On the 5th of January, 1681, King Charles the Second had conferredupon William Penn twenty-six million acres of the "best land in theuniverse. " This land was in the New World, and received the name ofPennsylvania. In return for this grant, Penn agreed to pay annually, at Windsor Castle, two beaver skins, and one-fifth of the gold andsilver which the province might yield. He also promised to govern theprovince in conformity with the laws of England. 

He could treat with the savages, appoint ordinary magistrates, andpardon petty crimes. But he could lay no tax, and impose no lawwithout consent of the freemen of the province, represented in theAssembly. 

Of this whole wide realm, Penn was the absolute proprietor. He refusedto sell a single acre, absolutely, but in all the sales reserved forhimself what may be called a ground-rent. Immense tracts were sold atforty shillings, about ten dollars, for one hundred acres, reserving arent of one shilling for each hundred acres. He also reserved, entirely to himself, various portions of the territory which promisedto become the site of important cities and villages. All these rightsdescended to the heirs of William Penn. 

Seventy-four years passed away, when the estate thus founded, wasestimated to be worth ten millions sterling, and popular beliefaffirmed that it produced a revenue of one hundred thousand pounds. 

Penn, when he died, bequeathed the province to his three sons, John, Thomas, and Richard. To John he gave a double part, or one-half ofPennsylvania. John died and left his half to Thomas, who thus becameproprietor of three-fourths of the province, while Richard heldone-fourth. Thus there were but two proprietors, Thomas and RichardPenn. They were both weak men; resided in England, were thoroughlyimbued with Tory principles, and, in the consciousness of their vastestates, assumed to be lords and princes. 

They ruled their province by a deputy-governor. His position wasindeed no sinecure. The two proprietaries, who appointed him, could atany time deprive him of office. The Assembly could refuse to vote hissalary, and if he displeased the king of England, he might lose, notonly his office, but his head. 

The controversy which had arisen, in consequence of these involvementsbetween the proprietaries and the people, engrossed universalattention. During the four years between 1754 and 1758, the ravagedcolony of Pennsylvania had raised the sum of two hundred and eighteenthousand pounds sterling, (over a million of dollars, ) for defendingits borders. And still the two lordly proprietaries demanded thattheir vast possessions should be entirely exempt from taxation. 

To an earnest remonstrance of the Assembly, they returned an insultinganswer, in which they said, "We are no more bound to pay taxes than any other chief governor ofthe King's colonies. Your agitation of this matter is a new trick tosecure your re-election. We advise you to show us the respect due tothe rank which the crown has been pleased to bestow upon us. Thepeople of Pennsylvania, in ordinary times, are so lightly taxed, thatthey hardly know that they are taxed. What fools you are to beagitating this dangerous topic of American taxation. It is beneath thedignity of the Assembly to make trouble about such small sums ofmoney. We do not deny that you have been at some expense in pacifyingthe Indians, but that is no affair of ours. We already give theprovince a larger sum per annum, than our share of the taxes wouldamount to. One of us, for example, sent over four hundred pounds'worth of cannon, for the defence of our city of Philadelphia. "

Such was their answer. It was conveyed in sixteen sentences which werenumbered and which were very similar to the ones we have given. Thecommunication excited great displeasure. It was considered alike falseand insolent. Even the tranquil mind of Franklin was fired withindignation. He replied to the document with a power of eloquence andlogic which carried the convictions of nearly all the colonists. 

CHAPTER IX. 

_Franklin's Mission to England. _

 New marks of respect--Lord Loudoun--Gov. Denny and Franklin--Visit the Indians--Franklin commissioner to England--His constant good nature--Loudoun's delays--Wise action of an English captain--The voyagers land at Falmouth--Journey to London--Franklin's style of living in London--His electrical experiments--He teaches the Cambridge professor--Complimentary action of St. Andrews--Gov. Denny displaced, and dark clouds arising--Franklin's successful diplomacy--His son appointed Governor of New Jersey--Great opposition--The homeward voyage--Savage horrors--Retaliating cruelties--Franklin's efforts in behalf of the Moravian Indians. 

The general impression, produced throughout the colonies, by thecontroversy with the proprietaries, was that they were very weak men. Indeed it does not appear that they were much regarded even in London. A gentleman, writing from that city, said, "They are hardly to befound in the herd of gentry; not in court, not in office, not inparliament. "

In March, Franklin left his home for a post-office tour. Some forty ofthe officers of his regiment, well mounted, and in rich uniform, without Franklin's knowledge, came to his door, to escort him out ofthe village. Franklin says, "I had not previously been made acquainted with their project, or I should have prevented it, being naturally averse to the assuming of state on any occasion. "

The proprietaries in London heard an account of this affair. They werevery much displeased, saying they had never been thus honored, andthat princes of the blood alone were entitled to such distinction. Thewar was still raging. Large bodies of troops were crossing the oceanto be united with the colonial forces. 

Lord Loudoun was appointed by the court commander-in-chief forAmerica. He was an exceedingly weak and inefficient man; scarcely asoldier in the ranks could be found more incompetent for thesituation. Governor Morris, of Pennsylvania, worn out with hisunavailing conflicts with the Assembly, was withdrawn, and theproprietaries sent out Captain William Denny as their obsequiousservant in his stead. The Philadelphians, hoping to conciliate him, received him cordially, and with a public entertainment. WilliamFranklin wrote:

 "Change of devils, according to the Scotch proverb, is blithesome. "

At the close of the feast, when most of the party were makingthemselves merry over their wine, Governor Denny took Franklin asideinto an adjoining room, and endeavored, by the most aboundingflattery, and by the bribe of rich promises, to induce him to espousethe cause of the proprietaries. But he soon learned that Franklincould not be influenced by any of his bribes. 

There was but a brief lull in the storm. Governor Denny had no powerof his own. He could only obey the peremptory instructions he hadreceived. These instructions were irreconcilably hostile to theresolves of the Assembly. Franklin was the all-powerful leader of thepopular party. There was something in his imperturbable good naturewhich it is difficult to explain. No scenes of woe seemed to depresshis cheerful spirits. No atrocities of oppression could excite hisindignation. He could thrust his keen dagger points into the vitals ofhis antagonist, with a smile upon his face and jokes upon his lipswhich would convulse both friend and foe with laughter. He was themost unrelenting antagonist of Governor Denny in the Assembly, and yethe was the only man who remained on good terms with the governor, visiting him, and dining with him. 

Governor Denny was a gentleman, and well educated, and few men couldappear to better advantage in the saloons of fashion. But he wastrammeled beyond all independent action, by the instructions he hadreceived from the proprietaries. He was right in heart, was insympathy with Franklin, and with reluctance endeavored to enforce thearbitrary measures with which he was entrusted. 

Franklin was one of the most companionable of men. His wonderfulpowers of conversation, his sweetness of temper, and his entireignoring of all aristocratic assumption, made him one of the mostfascinating of guests in every circle. He charmed alike the rich andthe poor, the learned and the ignorant. 

In November, 1756, he accompanied Governor Denny to the frontier toconfer with the chiefs of several Indian tribes. The savages, to saythe least, were as punctilious in the observance of the laws of honor, in securing the safety of the ambassadors on such an occasion, as werethe English. 

The governor and the philosopher rode side by side on horseback, accompanied by only a few body servants. The governor, familiar withthe clubs and the wits of England, entertained Franklin, in thehighest degree, with the literary gossip of London, and probablyexcited in his mind an intense desire to visit those scenes, which hehimself was so calculated to enjoy and to embellish. On the journeyhe wrote the following comic letter to his wife. He had beendisappointed in not receiving a line from her by a certain messenger. 

 "I had a good mind not to write to you by this opportunity, but I never can be ill-natured enough even when there is most occasion. I think I won't tell you that we are well, and that we expect to return about the middle of the week, nor will I send you a word of news; that's poz. My duty to mother, love to the children, and to Miss Betsy and Gracie. I am your _loving_ husband. 

 "P. S. I have _scratched out the loving words_, being writ in haste by mistake, when I forgot I was angry. "

Gov. Denny, unable to accomplish his purposes with the Assembly, resolved to make a final appeal to the king. The House promptlydecided to imitate his example. Its Speaker, Mr. Norris, and BenjaminFranklin, were appointed commissioners. The Speaker declined theoffice, and Franklin was left as sole commissioner. He probably wasnot at all reluctant to be introduced to the statesmen, thephilosophers, and the fashionable circles of the Old World. To defrayhis expenses the Assembly voted a sum of nearly eight thousanddollars. He had also wealth of his own. By correspondence, he wasquite intimately acquainted with very many of the scientific men ofEngland and France. It was very certain that he would have the_entrée_ to any circle which he might wish to honor with his presence. 

It was at that time a very serious affair to cross the Atlantic. Theocean swarmed with pirates, privateers, and men-of-war. On the fourthof April, 1757, Franklin, with his son William, set out fromPhiladelphia. His cheerfulness of spirits did not forsake him as heleft a home where he had been remarkably happy for twenty-six years. The family he left behind him consisted of his wife, his wife's agedmother, his daughter Sarah, a beautiful child of twelve years, one ortwo nieces, and an old nurse of the family. 

Franklin had written to the governor to ascertain the precise timewhen the packet would sail. The reply he received from him was, "I have given out that the ship is to sail on Saturday next. But I may let you know _entre nous_ that if you are there by Monday morning you will be in time; but do not delay any longer. "

Franklin was accompanied by a number of his friends as far as Trenton, where they spent a very joyful evening together. At one of the ferrieson this road, they were delayed by obstructions so that they could notreach the Hudson River until noon of Monday. Franklin feared that theship might sail without him; but upon reaching the river he wasrelieved by seeing the vessel still in the stream. 

Eleven weeks passed before Lord Loudoun would issue his permission forthe ship to sail. Every day this most dilatory and incompetent of menannounced that the packet would sail to-morrow. And thus the weeksrolled on while Franklin was waiting, but we do not hear a single wordof impatience or remonstrance from his lips. His philosophy taught himto be happy under all circumstances. With a smiling face he calledupon Lord Loudoun and dined with him. He endeavored, but in vain, toobtain a settlement of his claims for supplies furnished to Braddock'sarmy. 

He found much in the society of New York to entertain him. And morethan all, and above all, he was doing everything that could be donefor the accomplishment of his mission. Why, then, should he worry?

"New York, " he records, "was growing immensely rich by money broughtinto it from all quarters for the pay and subsistence of the troops. "

Franklin was remarkably gallant in his intercourse with ladies. Hekept up quite a brisk correspondence with several of the mostbrilliant ladies of the day. No man could more prettily pay acompliment. To his lively and beautiful friend Miss Ray he wrote uponhis departure, "Present my best compliments to all that love me; I should have said all that love you, but that would be giving you too much trouble. "

At length Lord Loudoun granted permission for the packet to drop downto the Lower Bay, where a large fleet of ninety vessels was assembled, fitted out for an attack upon the French at Louisburg. Franklin andhis friends went on board, as it was announced that the vessel wouldcertainly sail "to-morrow. " For six weeks longer the packet rode thereat anchor. Franklin and his companions had for the third time consumedall the provisions they had laid in store for the voyage. Still wehear not a murmur from our imperturbable philosopher. 

At length the signal for sailing was given. The whole squadron put tosea, and the London packet, with all the rest, was swept forwardtoward Louisburg. After a voyage of five days, a letter was placed inthe hands of the captain, authorizing him to quit the fleet and steerfor England. 

The days and nights of a long voyage came and went, when the packet atmidnight in a gale of wind, and enveloped in fogs, was approachingFalmouth. A light-house, upon some rocks, had not been visible. Suddenly the lifting of the fog revealed the light-house and thecraggy shore, over which the surf was fearfully breaking, at thedistance of but a few rods. A captain of the Royal Navy, who chancedto be near the helmsman, sprang to the helm, called upon the sailorsinstantly to wear ship, and thus, at the risk of snapping every mast, saved the vessel and the crew from otherwise immediate and certaindestruction. 

There was not, at that time, a single light-house on the NorthAmerican coast. The event impressed the mind of Franklin deeply, andhe resolved that upon his return, light-houses should be constructed. 

About nine o'clock the next morning the fog was slowly dispersed, andFalmouth, with its extended tower, its battlemented castles, and theforests of masts, was opened before the weary voyagers. It was Sundaymorning and the bells were ringing for church. The vessel glided intothe harbor, and joyfully the passengers landed. Franklin writes, "The bell ringing for church, we went thither immediately, and with hearts full of gratitude returned sincere thanks to God far the mercies we had received. "

We know not whether this devout act was suggested by Franklin, orwhether he courteously fell in with the arrangement proposed, perhaps, by some religious companion. It is, however, certain that the sentencewhich next followed, in his letter, came gushing from his own mind. 

 "Were I a Roman Catholic, perhaps I should, on this occasion, vow to build a chapel to some saint. But as I am not, if I were to vow at all it should be to build a _light-house_. "

It required a journey of two hundred and fifty miles to reach London. Franklin and his son _posted_ to London, which was the most rapid modeof traveling in those days. They seem to have enjoyed the journey inthe highest degree, through blooming, beautiful, highly cultivatedEngland. Almost every thing in the charming landscape, appeareddifferent from the rude settlements which were springing up amid theprimeval forests of the New World. 

They visited the Cathedral at Salisbury, Stonehenge, Wilton Hall, thepalatial mansion of the Earl of Pembroke. England was in her loveliestattire. Perhaps there could not then be found, upon this globe, a morelovely drive, than that through luxuriant Devonshire, and over theHampshire Downs. 

Peter Collinson, a gentleman of great wealth, first received thetravelers to his own hospitable mansion. Here Franklin was the objectof marked attentions from the most distinguished scientists ofEngland. Other gentlemen of high distinction honored themselves byhonoring him. Franklin visited the old printing house, where he hadworked forty years before, and treated the workmen with that beer, which he had formerly so efficiently denounced in that same place. 

Soon he took lodgings with a very agreeable landlady, Mrs. Stevenson, No. 7, Craven street, Strand. He adopted, not an ostentatious, but avery genteel style of living. Both he and his son had brought withthem each a body servant from America. He set up a modest carriage, that he might worthily present himself at the doors of cabinetministers and members of parliament. 

The Proprietaries received him very coldly, almost insolently. Theywere haughty, reserved and totally uninfluenced by his arguments. Hepresented to them a brief memorandum, which very lucidly explained theviews of the Assembly. It was as follows, 1. "The Royal Charter gives the Assembly the power to make laws; the proprietary instructions deprive it of that power. 2. The Royal Charter confers on the Assembly the right to grant or withhold supplies; the instructions neutralize that right. 3. The exemption of the proprietary estate from taxation is unjust. 4. The proprietaries are besought to consider these grievances seriously and redress them, that harmony may be restored. "

The Penn brothers denounced this brief document, as vague, anddisrespectful. It was evident that Franklin had nothing to hope fromthem. He therefore directed all his energies to win to his side theLords of Trade, and the members of the King's Council, to whom thefinal decision must be referred. Twelve months elapsed, during whichnothing was accomplished. But we hear not a murmur from his lips. Hewas not only contented but jovial. For two whole years he remained inEngland, apparently accomplishing nothing. These hours of leisure hedevoted to the enjoyment of fashionable, intellectual and scientificsociety. No man could be a more welcome guest, in such elevatedcircles, for no man could enjoy more richly the charms of suchsociety, or could contribute more liberally to its fascination. Electricity was still a very popular branch of natural science. Thebrilliant experiments Franklin performed, lured many to hisapartments. His machine was the largest which had been made, and wouldemit a spark nine inches in length. He had invented, or greatlyimproved, a new musical machine of glass goblets, called the Armonica. 

It was listened to with much admiration, as it gave forth the sweetesttones. He played upon this instrument with great effect. 

The theatre was to Franklin an inexhaustible source of enjoyment. Garrick was then in the meridian of his fame. He loved a good dinner, and could, without inconvenience, empty the second bottle of claret. He wrote to a friend, "I find that I love company, chat, a laugh, a glass, and even a song as well as ever. "

At one time he took quite an extensive tour through England, visitingthe University at Cambridge. He was received with the most flatteringattentions from the chancellor and others of the prominent members ofthe faculty. Indeed every summer, during his stay in England, Franklinand his son spent a few weeks visiting the most attractive scenes ofthe beautiful island. Wherever he went, he left an impression behindhim, which greatly increased his reputation. 

At Cambridge he visited the chemical laboratory, with thedistinguished Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Hadley. Franklin suggestedthat temperature could be astonishingly reduced by evaporation. It wasentirely a new idea to the Professor. They both with others repairedto Franklin's room. He had ether there, and a thermometer. To theastonishment of the Professor of Chemistry in Cambridge University, the printer from Philadelphia showed him that by dipping the ball intothe ether, and then blowing upon it with bellows to increase theevaporation, the mercury rapidly sunk twenty-five degrees below thefreezing point. Ice was formed a quarter of an inch thick, all aroundthe ball. Thus, surrounded by the professors of one of the mostdistinguished universities of Europe, Benjamin Franklin was theteacher of the teachers. 

The father and the son visited the villages where their ancestors hadlived. They sought out poor relations, and examined the tombstones. Inthe spring of 1769, they spent six weeks in Scotland. The Universityof St. Andrews conferred upon Franklin the honorary title of doctor, by which he has since been generally known. Other universitiesreceived him with great distinction. The corporation of Edinburghvoted him the freedom of the city. All the saloons of fashion were notonly open to receive him, but his presence, at every brilliantentertainment, was eagerly sought. The most distinguished men ofletters crowded around him. Hume, Robertson and Lord Kames became hisintimate friends. 

These were honors sufficient to turn the head of almost any man. ButFranklin, who allowed no adversity to annoy him, could not be undulyelated by any prosperity or flattery. 

 "On the whole, " writes Franklin, "I must say, that the time we spent there (Scotland) was six weeks of the _densest_ happiness I have met with in any part of my life. "

Still it is evident that occasionally he felt some slight yearningsfor the joys of that home, over which his highly esteemed wifepresided with such economy and skill. He wrote to her, "The regard and friendship I meet with from persons of worth, and the conversation of ingenuous men give me no small pleasure. But at this time of life, domestic comforts afford the most solid satisfaction;[20] and my uneasiness at being absent from my family and longing desire to be with them, make me often sigh, in the midst of cheerful company. "

[Footnote 20: Franklin was then 53 years of age. ]

An English gentleman, Mr. Strahan, wrote to Mrs. Franklin, urging herto come over to England and join her husband. In this letter he said, "I never saw a man who was, in every respect, so perfectly agreeable to me. Some are amiable in one view, some in another; he in all. "

Three years thus passed away. It must not be supposed that thepatriotic and faithful Franklin lost any opportunity whatever, to urgethe all important cause with which he was entrusted. His philosophytaught him that when he absolutely could not do any thing but _wait_, it was best to wait in the most agreeable and profitable manner. 

It was one of his strong desires, which he was compelled to abandon, to convert the proprietary province of Pennsylvania into a royalprovince. After Franklin left Philadelphia, the strife betweenthe Assembly, and Governor Denny, as the representative of theproprietaries, became more violent than ever. The governor, worn outby the ceaseless struggle, yielded in some points. This offended theproprietaries. Indignantly they dismissed him and appointed, in hisplace, Mr. James Hamilton, a more obsequious servant. 

By the royal charter it was provided that all laws, passed by theAssembly and signed by the governor, should be sent to the king, forhis approval. One of the bills which the governor, compelled as itwere by the peril of public affairs, had signed, allowed the Assemblyto raise a sum of about five hundred thousand dollars, to be raised bya _tax on all estates_. This was a dangerous precedent. Thearistocratic court of England repealed it, as an encroachment upon therights of the privileged classes. It was a severe blow to theAssembly. The speaker wrote to Franklin:

 "We are among rocks and sands, in a stormy season. It depends upon you to do every thing in your power in the present crisis. It is too late for us to give you any assistance. "

When Franklin received the crushing report against the Assembly hewas just setting off for a pleasant June excursion in Ireland. Immediately he unpacked his saddle-bags, and consecrated all hisenergies to avert the impending evils. He enlisted the sympathies ofLord Mansfield, and accomplished the astonishing feat in diplomacy, ofinducing the British Lords of Commission to reverse their decision, and to vote that the act of the Assembly should stand unrepealed. 

His business detained Franklin in London all summer. In the autumn hetook a tour into the west of England and Wales. The gales of winterwere now sweeping the Atlantic. No man in his senses would exposehimself to a winter passage across the ocean, unless it was absolutelynecessary. Indeed it would appear that Franklin was so happy inEngland, that he was not very impatient to see his home again. Thoughhe had been absent three years from his wife and child, still twoyears more elapsed before he embarked for his native land. 

On the 25th of October George II. Died. His grandson, a stupid, stubborn fanatically conscientious young man ascended the throne, withthe title of George III. It would be difficult to compute themultitudes in Europe, Asia and America, whom his arrogance andambition caused to perish on the battle field. During these two yearsthere was nothing of very special moment which occurred in the life ofFranklin. Able as he was as a statesman, science was the favoriteobject of his pursuit. He wrote several very strong pamphlets upon thepolitical agitations of those tumultuous days, when all nations seemto have been roused to cutting each other's throats. He continued tooccupy a prominent position wherever he was, and devoted much time incollecting his thoughts upon a treatise to be designated "The Art ofVirtue. " The treatise, however, was never written. 

His influential and wealthy friend, Mr. Strahan, was anxious to unitetheir two families by the marriage of his worthy and prosperous son toMr. Franklin's beautiful daughter, Sarah. But the plan failed. Franklin also made an effort to marry his only son William, who, itwill be remembered, was not born in wedlock, to a very lovely Englishlady, Miss Stephenson. But this young man, who, renouncing revealedreligion, was a law unto himself, had already become a father withoutbeing a husband. Miss Stephenson had probably learned this fact and, greatly to the disappointment of Franklin, declined the alliance. Theunhappy boy, the dishonored son of a dishonored father, was born aboutthe year 1760. Nothing is known of what became of the discardedmother. He received the name of William Temple Franklin. 

Benjamin Franklin, as in duty bound, recognized him as his grandson, and received him warmly to his house and his heart. The reader willhereafter become better acquainted with the character and career ofthis young man. In the spring of 1762, Franklin commenced preparationsfor his return home. He did not reach Philadelphia until late in theautumn. Upon his departure from England, the University of Oxfordconferred upon him the distinction of an honorary degree. 

William Franklin, though devoid of moral principle, was a man ofhighly respectable abilities, of pleasing manners, and was anentertaining companion. Lord Bute, who was in power, was the warmfriend of Dr. Franklin. He therefore caused his son William to beappointed governor of New Jersey. It is positively asserted thatFranklin did not solicit the favor. Indeed it was not a very desirableoffice. Its emoluments amounted to but about three thousand dollars ayear. The governorship of the colonies was generally conferred uponthe needy sons of the British aristocracy. So many of them haddeveloped characters weak and unworthy, that they were not regardedwith much esteem. 

William Franklin was married on the 2d of September, 1762, to MissElizabeth Downes. The announcement of the marriage in London, and ofhis appointment to the governorship of New Jersey, created somesensation. Mr. John Penn, son of one of the proprietaries, and who wassoon to become governor of Pennsylvania, affected great indignation inview of the fact that William Franklin was to be a brother governor. He wrote to Lord Stirling, "It is no less amazing than true, that Mr. William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia, is appointed to be governor of the province of New Jersey. I make no doubt that the people of New Jersey will make some remonstrances at this indignity put upon them. You are full as well acquainted with the character and principles of this person as myself, and are as able to judge of the impropriety of such an appointment. What a dishonor and a disgrace it must be to a country to have such a man at the head of it, and to sit down contented. I should hope that some effort will be made before our Jersey friends would put up with such an insult. If any _gentleman_ had been appointed, it would have been a different case. But I cannot look upon the person in question in that light by any means. I may perhaps be too strong in my expressions, but I am so extremely astonished and enraged at it, that I am hardly able to contain myself at the thought of it. "

Franklin sailed from Portsmouth the latter part of August. Quite afleet of American merchantmen sailed together. The weather during avoyage of nine weeks, was most of the time delightful. Often thevessels glided along so gently over a waveless sea, that thepassengers could visit, and exchange invitations for dinner parties. 

On the first of November, Franklin reached his home. He had beenabsent nearly six years. All were well. His daughter, whom he had lefta child of twelve, was now a remarkably beautiful and accomplishedmaiden of eighteen. Franklin was received not only with affection, butwith enthusiasm. The Assembly voted him fifteen thousand dollars forhis services in England. 

His son William, with his bride, did not arrive until the nextFebruary. Franklin accompanied him to New Jersey. The people theregave the governor a very kind greeting. He took up his residence inBurlington, within fifteen miles of the home of his father. 

Franklin had attained the age of fifty-seven. He was in perfecthealth, had an ample fortune, and excelled most men in his dignifiedbearing and his attractive features. Probably there never was a morehappy man. He had leisure to devote himself to his beloved sciences. It was his dream, his castle in the air, to withdraw from politicallife, and devote the remainder of his days to philosophical research. 

In the year 1763 terminated the seven years' war. There was peace inEurope, peace on the ocean, but not peace along the blood crimsonedfrontiers of the wilderness of America. England and France had beenhurling savage warriors by tens of thousands against each other, andagainst the helpless emigrants in their defenceless villages and theirlonely cabins. The belligerent powers of Europe, in their ambitiousstruggles, cared very little for the savages of North America. Likethe hungry wolf they had lapped blood. Plunder had become asattractive to them as to the privateersman and the pirate. During thesummer of 1763, the western regions of Pennsylvania were fearfullyravaged by these fierce bands. Thousands of settlers were driven fromtheir homes, their buildings laid in ashes, and their farms utterlydesolated. 

In all the churches contributions were raised, in behalf of thevictims of this insane and utterly needless war. Christ Church aloneraised between three and four thousand dollars; and sent a missionaryto expend the sum among these starving, woe-stricken families. Themissionary reported seven hundred and fifty farms in Pennsylvaniaalone, utterly abandoned. Two hundred and fifty women and children, destitute and despairing, had fled to Fort Pitt for protection. 

In the midst of these awful scenes, Governor Hamilton resigned, andthe weak, haughty John Penn arriving, took his place. The Assembly, asusual, gave him a courteous reception, wishing, if possible, to averta quarrel. There were many fanatics in those days. Some of theseassumed that God was displeased, because the heathen Indians had notbeen entirely exterminated. The savages had perpetrated such horrors, that by them no distinction was made between those friendly to theEnglish, and those hostile. The very name of Indian was loathed. 

In the vicinity of Lancaster, there was the feeble remnant of a oncepowerful tribe. The philanthropy of William Penn had won them to lovethe English. No one of them had ever been known to lift his handagainst a white man. There were but twenty remaining, seven men, fivewomen and eight children. They were an industrious, peaceful, harmlesspeople, having adopted English names, English customs and theChristian religion. 

A vagabond party of Scotch-Irish, from Paxton, set out, in the morningof the 14th of December, for their destruction. They were well mountedand well armed. It so happened that there were but six Indians athome. They made no defence. Parents and children knelt, as in prayer, and silently received the death blow. Every head was cleft by thehatchet. These poor creatures were very affectionate, and had greatlyendeared themselves to their neighbors. This deed of infamousassassination roused the indignation of many of the most worthy peoplein the province. But there were thousands of the baser sort, whodeemed it no crime to kill an Indian, any more than a wolf or a bear. 

Franklin wrote, to the people of Pennsylvania, a noble letter ofindignant remonstrance, denouncing the deed as atrocious murder. Vividly he pictured the scene of the assassination, and gave thenames, ages and characters of the victims. A hundred and fortyMoravian Indians, the firm and unsuspected friends of the English, terrified by this massacre, fled to Philadelphia for protection. Theletter of Franklin had excited much sympathy in their behalf. Thepeople rallied for their protection. The Paxton murderers, severalhundred in number, pursued the fugitives, avowing their determinationto put every one to death. The imbecile governor was at his wits' end. Franklin was summoned. 

He, at once, proclaimed his house headquarters; rallied a regiment ofa thousand men, and made efficient arrangements to give the murderersa warm reception. The Paxton band reached Germantown. Franklin, anxious to avoid bloodshed, rode out with three aids, to confer withthe leaders. He writes, "The fighting face we had put on, and the reasonings we used with the insurgents, having turned them back, and restored quiet to the city, I became a less man than ever; for I had, by this transaction, made myself many enemies among the populace. "

CHAPTER X. 

_Franklin's Second Mission to England. _

 Fiendish conduct of John Penn--Petition to the crown--Debt of England--Two causes of conflict--Franklin sent to England--His embarkation--Wise counsel to his daughter--The stamp act--American resolves--Edmund Burke--Examination of Franklin--Words of Lord Chatham--Dangers to English operatives--Repeal of the stamp act--Joy in America--Ross Mackay--New taxes levied--Character of George III--Accumulation of honors to Franklin--Warlike preparations--Human conscientiousness--Unpopularity of William Franklin--Marriage of Sarah Franklin--Franklin's varied investigations--Efforts to civilize the Sandwich Islands. 

It is scarcely too severe to say that Governor John Penn was bothknave and fool. To ingratiate himself with the vile Paxton men andtheir partisans, he issued a proclamation, offering for every captivemale Indian, of any hostile tribe, one hundred and fifty dollars, forevery female, one hundred and thirty-eight dollars. For the scalp of amale, the bounty was one hundred and thirty-eight dollars; for thescalp of a female fifty dollars. Of course it would be impossible, when the scalps were brought in to decide whether they were strippedfrom friendly or hostile heads. 

Curiously two political parties were thus organized. The governor, intensely inimical to Franklin, led all the loose fellows who approvedof the massacre of the friendly Indians. Franklin was supported by thehumane portion of the community, who regarded that massacre withhorror. 

There was much bitterness engendered. Franklin was assailed andcalumniated as one of the worst of men. He, as usual, wrote apamphlet, which was read far and wide. Earnestly he urged that thecrown, as it had a right to do, should, by purchase, take possessionof the province and convert its government into that of a royalcolony. It should be remembered that this was several years before thetroubles of the revolution arose. The people were in heart trueEnglishmen. Fond of their nationality, sincere patriotism glowed inall bosoms. They ever spoke of England as "home. " When the Assemblymet again three thousand citizens, influenced mainly by Franklin'spamphlet, sent in a petition that the province might revert to thecrown. The Penns succeeded in presenting a counter petition signed bythree hundred. 

The British cabinet, in its insatiable thirst for universal conquest, or impelled by necessity to repel the encroachments of other nations, equally wicked and equally grasping, had been by fleet and army, fighting all over the world. After spending every dollar which themost cruel taxation could extort from the laboring and impoverishedmasses, the government had incurred the enormous debt of seventy-threemillions sterling. This amounted to over three hundred and sixty-fivemillions of our money. 

The government decided to tax the Americans to help pay the intereston this vast sum. But the colonies were already taxed almost beyondendurance, to carry on the terrible war against the French andIndians. This war was not one of their own choosing. It had beenforced upon them by the British Cabinet, in its resolve to drive theFrench off the continent of North America. The Americans were allowedno representation in Parliament. They were to be taxed according tothe caprice of the government. Franklin, with patriotic foresight, vehemently, and with resistless force of logic, resisted the outrage. 

It will be perceived that there were now two quite distinct sources ofcontroversy. First came the conflict with the proprietaries, and thenrose the still more important strife with the cabinet of GreatBritain, to repel the principle of taxation without representation. This principle once admitted, the crown could tax the Americans to anyamount whatever it pleased. Many unreflecting people could notappreciate these disastrous results. 

Thus all the partisans of the Penns, and all the office holders of thecrown and their friends, and there were many such, became not onlyopposed to Franklin, but implacable in their hostility. The majorityof the Assembly was with him. He was chosen Speaker, and then waselected to go again to England, to carry with him to the BritishCourt the remonstrances of the people against "taxation withoutrepresentation, " and their earnest petition to be delivered from thetyranny of the Penns. More unwelcome messages to the British Court andaristocracy, he could not well convey. It was certain that the Pennsand their powerful coadjutors, would set many influences in arrayagainst him. Mr. Dickinson, in the Assembly, remonstrating againstthis appointment, declared that there was no man in Pennsylvania whowas more the object of popular dislike than Benjamin Franklin. 

But two years had elapsed since Franklin's return to America, after anabsence from his home of six years. He still remembered fondly the"dense happiness" which he had enjoyed in the brilliant circlesabroad. This, added to an intensity of patriotism, which rendered himsecond to none but Washington, among the heroes of the Revolution, induced him promptly to accept the all important mission. He allowedbut twelve days to prepare for his embarkation. The treasury wasempty, and money for his expenses had to be raised by a loan. A packetship, bound for London was riding at Chester, fifteen miles below thecity. Three hundred of the citizens of Philadelphia, on horseback, escorted Franklin to the ship. 

He seldom attended church, though he always encouraged his wife anddaughter to do so. It was genteel; it was politic. A family couldscarcely command the respect of the community, which, in the midst ofa religious people, should be living without any apparent object ofworship. The preacher of Christ Church, which the family attended, wasa partisan of the Penns. Sometimes he "meddled with politics. "Franklin in his parting letter, from on shipboard, wrote to hisdaughter:

 "Go constantly to church, whoever preaches. The active devotion in the common prayer-book, is your principal business there, and if properly attended to, will do more towards amending the heart, than sermons generally can do. For they were composed by men of much greater piety and wisdom, than our common composers of sermons can pretend to be. Therefore I wish that you would never miss the prayer days. Yet I do not mean you should despise sermons, even of the preachers you dislike; for the discourse is often much better than the man, as sweet and clear waters come through very dirty earth. "

The voyage was stormy; it lasted thirty days. On the evening of thetenth of December, 1764, he again took up his residence in the houseof Mrs. Stephenson and her daughter, where he was received withdelight. He found several other agents of the colonies in London, whohad also been sent to remonstrate against the despotic measures whichthe British Cabinet threatened, of taxing the Americans at itspleasure, without allowing them to have any voice in deciding upon thesums which they should pay. 

Grenville was prime minister. He was about to introduce the Stamp Act, as an initiatory measure. It imposed but a trivial tax, in itself ofbut little importance, but was intended as an experiment, to ascertainwhether the Americans would submit to the principle. This fact beingonce established, the government could then proceed to demand money atits pleasure. Franklin opposed the tax with all his energies. Hedeclared it, in his own forceful language, to be the "mother ofmischiefs. " With four other colonial agents, he held an interview withLord Grenville. The usual arguments were employed on both sides. LordGrenville was courteous, but very decided. The Americans he declaredmust help England pay the interest on her debt, and the parliament ofGreat Britain alone could decide how large an amount of money theAmericans should pay. The bill was introduced to parliament, andpassed by a large majority. The king signed it in a scrawling hand, which some think indicated the insanity he was beginning to develop. 

The trivial sum expected to be raised by the Stamp Act amounted toscarcely one hundred thousand pounds a year. It was thought that theAmericans would not venture upon any decisive opposition to Englandfor such a trifle. Franklin wrote to a friend:

 "I took every step in my power, to prevent the passing of the Stamp Act. But the tide was too strong against us. The nation was provoked by American claims of legislative independence; and all parties joined in resolving, by this act, to settle the point. "

Thus Franklin entirely failed in arresting the passing of the StampAct. He was also equally unsuccessful in his endeavor to promote achange of government, from the proprietary to the royal. And still hismission proved a success. By conversations, pamphlets and articles inthe newspapers, he raised throughout the country such an oppositionto the measure that parliament was compelled to repeal it. The tidingsof the passage of the Stamp Act was received in intelligent America, with universal expressions of displeasure, and with resolves to opposeits operation in every possible way. 

It is remarked of a celebrated theological professor, that he oncesaid to his pupils, "When you go to the city to preach, take your best coat; when to thecountry, take your best sermon. "

The lords and gentry of England were astonished at the intelligencedisplayed in the opposition, by the rural population of America. Theyfancied the colonists to be an ignorant, ragged people, living in logcabins, scattered through the wilderness, and, in social position, twoor three degrees below European and Irish peasantry. Great was theirsurprise to hear from all the colonies, and from the remotestdistricts in each colony, the voice of intelligent and dignifiedrebuke. 

The Act was to go into execution on the first of November, 1765. Before that time, Franklin had spread, through all the mechanical, mercantile and commercial classes, the conviction that they wouldsuffer ten-fold more, by the interruptions of trade which the StampAct would introduce, than government could hope to gain by themeasure. He spread abroad the intelligence which came by every fresharrival, that the Americans were resolving, with wonderful unanimity, that they would consume no more English manufactures, that they wouldpurchase no more British goods, and that, as far as possible, in food, clothing, and household furniture, they would depend upon their ownproductions. They had even passed resolves to eat no more lamb, thattheir flocks might so increase that they should have wool enough tomanufacture their own clothing. 

England had thus far furnished nearly all the supplies for the rapidlyincreasing colonies, already numbering a population of between two andthree millions. The sudden cessation of this trade was felt in nearlyevery warehouse of industry. No more orders came. Goods accumulatedwithout purchasers. Violent opposition arose, and vast meetings wereheld in the manufacturing districts, to remonstrate against themeasures of the government. Edmund Burke, a host in himself, headedthe opposition in parliament. 

Burke and Franklin were intimate friends, and the renowned oratorobtained from the renowned philosopher, many of those arguments andcaptivating illustrations, which, uttered on the floor of parliament, astonished England, and reaching our shores, electrified America. Thestate of affairs became alarming. In some places the stamps weredestroyed, in others, no one could be found who would venture upon theobnoxious task of offering to sell them. The parliament resolveditself into a committee of the whole house, and spent six weeks inhearing testimony respecting the operation of the act in America. Thehall was crowded with eager listeners. The industrial prosperity ofthe nation seemed at stake. Franklin was the principal witness. Histestimony overshadowed all the rest. The record of it was read withadmiration. Seldom has a man been placed in a more embarrassingsituation, and never has one, under such circumstances, acquittedhimself more triumphantly. 

He was examined and cross-examined, before this vast and imposingassemblage, by the shrewdest lawyers of the crown. Every attempt wasmade to throw him into embarrassment, to trip him in his speech. Butnever for a moment did Franklin lose his self-possession. Never for aninstant, did he hesitate in his reply. In the judgment of all hisfriends, not a mistake did he make. His mind seemed to be omniscientlyfurnished, with all the needful statistics for as rigorous anexamination as any mortal was ever exposed to. Burke wrote to afriend, "that Franklin, as he stood before the bar of parliament, presented such an aspect of dignity and intellectual superiority, asto remind him of a schoolmaster questioned by school boys. " Rev. George Whitefield wrote, "Our worthy friend, Dr. Franklin, has gained immortal honor, by his behavior at the bar of the house. The answer was always found equal, if not superior to the questioner. He stood unappalled, gave pleasure to his friends, and did honor to his country. "

After great agitation and many and stormy debates, the haughtygovernment was compelled to yield to the demands of the industrialclasses. Indeed, with those in England, who cried most loudly for therepeal of the stamp act, there were comparatively few who wereinfluenced by any sympathy for the Americans, or by any appreciationof the justice of their cause. The loss of the American trade wasimpoverishing them. Selfish considerations alone, --their own personalinterests--moved them to action. 

There were individuals, in and out of Parliament, who recognized therights of Englishmen, and regarding the Americans as Englishmen, andAmerica as a portion of the British empire, were in heart and with alltheir energies, in sympathy with the Americans in their struggle fortheir rights. When the despotism of the British court led that courtto the infamous measure of sending fleets and armies, to compel theAmericans to submission, and the feeble colonists, less than threemillions in number, performing the boldest and most heroic deeds everyet recorded in history, grasped their arms in self-defence, thus towage war against the most powerful naval and military empire upon thisglobe, Lord Chatham, with moral courage rarely surpassed, boldlyexclaimed in the House of Lords, "Were I an American, as I am anEnglishman, I would never lay down my arms, never, _never_, NEVER. "

In all England, there was no man more determined in his resolve tobring the Americans to servile obedience, than the stubborn king, George III. The repeal gave him intense offence. The equallyunprincipled, but more intelligent, ministers were compelled to themeasure, as they saw clearly that England was menaced with civil war, which would array the industrial classes generally against thearistocracy. In such a conflict it was far from improbable that thearistocracy would be brought to grief. Horace Walpole wrote, "It was the clamor of trade, of merchants, and of manufacturing towns, that had borne down all opposition. A general insurrection was apprehended, as the immediate consequence of upholding the bill. The revolt of America, and the destruction of trade, was the prospect in future. "

Still the question of the repeal was carried in the House but by amajority of one hundred and eight votes. Of course Franklin nowsolicited permission to return home. The Assembly, instead of grantinghis request, elected him agent for another year. It does not appearthat Franklin was disappointed. 

The report of his splendid and triumphant examination, before theCommons, and the republication of many of his pamphlets, had raisedhim to the highest position of popularity. The Americans, throughoutall the provinces, received tidings of the Repeal with unboundeddelight. Bells were rung, bon-fires blazed, cannon were fired. 

"I never heard so much noise in my life, " wrote Sally to her "honoredpapa. " "The very children seemed distracted. "

The Tory party in England developed no little malignity in theiranger, in view of the discomfiture of their plans. The bigoted Tory, Dr. Johnson, wrote to Bishop White of Pennsylvania, that if he hadbeen Prime Minister, instead of repealing the act, he would have senta man-of-war, and laid one or more of our largest cities in ashes. [21]

[Footnote 21: Wilson's Life of Bishop White, p. 89. ]

The king felt personally aggrieved. His denunciations of those whofavored the Repeal were so indecent, that some of his most influentialfriends ventured to intimate to him that it was highly impolitic. Indeed, as the previous narrative has shown, many who were in entiresympathy with the king, and who were bitterly opposed to anyconcession to the Americans, felt compelled to vote for the Repeal. 

To propitiate the unrelenting and half-crazed monarch, with hisobdurate court, a Declaratory Act, as it was called, was passed, whichaffirmed the _absolute supremacy_ of Parliament over the colonies. 

We hear very much of the corruption of our own Congress. It is saidthat votes are sometimes bought and sold. Sir Nathaniel Wraxall, whowas a member of Parliament during all this period, declares, in hisintensely interesting and undoubtedly honest Memoir, that underthe ministry of Lord Bute, Ross Mackay was employed by him as"corrupter-general" whose mission it was to carry important measuresof government by bribery. Wraxall writes that Ross Mackay said to him, at a dinner party given by Lord Besborough, as the illustrious guestswere sipping their wine, "The peace of 1763 was carried through and approved by a pecuniary dispensation. Nothing else could have surmounted the difficulty. I was myself the channel through which the money passed. With my own hand I secured above one hundred and twenty votes on that most important question to ministers. Eighty thousand pounds were set apart for the purpose. Forty members of the House of Commons received from me a thousand pounds each. To eighty others I paid five hundred pounds a-piece. "

The unrelenting king was still determined that the Americans, unrepresented in Parliament, should still pay into his treasurywhatever sums of money he might exact. Calling to his aid courtiersmore shrewd than himself, they devised a very cunning act, to attainthat object in a way which would hardly be likely to exciteopposition. They laid a tax, insignificant really in its amount, uponpaper, paint, glass, and tea. This tax was to be collected at thecustom-houses in the few ports of entry in the colonies. The wholeamount thus raised would not exceed forty thousand pounds. It wasthought that the Americans would never make opposition to so trivial apayment. 

But it established a principle that England could tax the colonieswithout allowing those colonies any representation in Parliament. Ifthe Court had a right thus to demand forty thousand pounds, they hada right to demand so many millions, should it seem expedient to kingand cabinet so to do. 

The great blunder which the court committed, was in not appreciatingthe wide-spread intelligence of the American people. In New Englandparticularly, and throughout the colonies generally, there wasscarcely a farmer who did not perceive the trick, and despise it. Theydeemed it an insult to their intelligence. 

Instantly there arose, throughout all the provinces, the mostdetermined opposition to the measure. It was in fact merely a renewalof the Stamp Act, under slightly modified forms. If they admitted thejustice of this act, it was only declaring that they had acted withunpardonable folly, in opposing the tax under the previous form. 

Dr. Franklin, with honest shrewdness, not with trickery or withcunning, but with a sincere and penetrating mind, eagerly scrutinizedall the measures of the Court. George III. Was a gentleman. He wasirreproachable in all his domestic relations. He was, in a sense, conscientious; for certainly he was not disposed to do anything whichhe thought to be wrong. Conscientious men have burned theirfellow-Christians at the stake. It is said that George the Third was aChristian. He certainly was a full believer in the religion of JesusChrist; and earnestly advocated the support and extension of thatreligion. God makes great allowance for the frailties of his fallenchildren. It requires the wisdom of omniscience to decide how muchwickedness there may be in the heart, consistently with piety. No manis perfect. 

During the reign of George III. , terrible wars were waged throughoutall the world, mainly incited by the British Court. Millions perished. The moans of widows and orphans ascended from every hand. This wickedChristian king sent his navy and his army to burn down our cities andvillages, and to shoot husbands, fathers, and sons, until he couldcompel America to submit to his despotism. The population of Englandbeing exhausted by those wide spread wars, he hired, of the pettyprinces of Europe, innocent peasantry, to abandon their homes inGermany, to burn and destroy the homes of Americans. Finding that notsufficient, he sent his agents through the wilderness to rouse, bybribes, savage men, who knew no better, to ravage our frontiers, toburn the cabins of lonely farmers, to tomahawk and scalp their wivesand children. 

Such a man may be a good Christian. God, who can read the secrets ofthe heart, and who is infinite in his love and charity, alone candecide. But if we imagine that man, George Guelph, at the bar ofjudgment, and thronging up as witnesses against him, the millionswhose earthly homes he converted into abodes of misery and despair, itis difficult to imagine in our frail natures, how our Heavenly Father, who loves all his children alike, and who, as revealed in the personof Jesus, could weep over the woes of humanity, could look with aloving smile upon him and say, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. "

Franklin of course continued in as determined an opposition to the newtax as to the old one. He wrote, "I have some little property in America. I will freely spend nineteen shillings in the pound to defend my right of giving or refusing the other shilling. And after all, if I cannot defend that right, I can retire cheerfully with my little family into the boundless woods of America, which are sure to afford freedom and subsistence to any man who can bait a hook or pull a trigger. "

The ability which Franklin had displayed as the agent of Pennsylvaniabefore the court of St. James, gave him, as we have said, a highreputation in all the colonies. In the spring of 1768 he was highlygratified by the intelligence that he was appointed, by the youngcolony of Georgia, its London agent. The next year New Jerseyconferred the same honor upon him, and the year after, he wasappointed agent of his native province of Massachusetts. These severalappointments detained him ten years in England. 

During all this time he did not visit home. The equanimity of hisjoyful spirit seems never to have been disturbed. His pen describesonly pleasant scenes. No murmurs are recorded, no yearnings ofhome-sickness. 

But month after month the animosity of the British Court towards theAmericans was increasing. The king grew more and more fixed in hispurpose, to compel the liberty-loving Americans to submission. Hostilemovements were multiplied to indicate that if the opposition to hismeasures was continued, English fleets and armies would soon commenceoperations. 

Several thousand troops were landed in Boston. Fourteen men-of-warwere anchored before the town, with the cannon of their broad-sidesloaded and primed, ready, at the slightest provocation to lay thewhole town in ashes. Protected by this terrible menace, two Britishregiments paraded the streets, with their muskets charged, withgleaming sabres and bayonets, with formidable artillery prepared tovomit forth the most horrible discharges of grape shot, with haughtyEnglish officers well mounted, and soldiers and officers alike inimposing uniforms. This invincible band of highly disciplinedsoldiers, as a peace measure, took possession of the Common, the StateHouse, the Court House and Faneuil Hall. 

Even now, after the lapse of more than a hundred years, it makes theblood of an American boil to contemplate this insult. Who can imaginethe feelings of exasperation that must have glowed in the bosoms ofour patriotic fathers!

Franklin, in England, was treated with ever increasing disrespect. Lord Hillsborough, then in charge of American affairs, told himperemptorily, even insolently, that America could expect no favorswhile he himself was in power, and that he was determined to perseverewith firmness in the policy which the king was pursuing. The king wasso shielded by his ministers that Franklin knew but little about him. Even at this time he wrote, "I can scarcely conceive a king of better dispositions, of more exemplary virtues, or more truly desirous of promoting the welfare of his subjects. "

Franklin never had occasion to speak differently of his domesticvirtues. Nay, it is more than probable that the king daily, in prayer, looked to God for guidance, and that he thought that he was doing thatwhich was promotive of the interests of England. Alas for man! He canperpetrate the most atrocious crimes, honestly believing that he isdoing God's will. He can burn aged women under the charge of theirbeing witches. He can torture, in the infliction of unutterableanguish, his brother man--mothers and daughters, under the charge ofheresy. He can hurl hundreds of thousands of men against each other inmost horrible and woe-inflicting wars, while falling upon his kneesand praying to God to bless his murderous armies. 

Franklin had with him his grandson, William Temple Franklin, thedishonored son of William Franklin, then Governor of New Jersey. Hewas a bright and promising boy, and developed an estimable character, under the guidance of his grandfather, who loved him. 

William Franklin in New Jersey was, however, becoming increasingly thescourge of his father. It would seem that Providence was thus, in somemeasure, punishing Franklin for his sin. The governor, appointed bythe Court of England to his office, which he highly prized, and whichhe feared to lose, was siding with the Court. He perceived that thestorm of political agitation was increasing in severity. He felt thatthe power of the colonies was as nothing compared with the power ofthe British government. Gradually he became one of the most violent ofthe Tories. 

The moderation of Franklin, and his extraordinarily charitabledisposition, led him to refrain from all denunciations of hisungrateful son, or even reproaches, until his conduct becameabsolutely infamous. In 1773, he wrote, in reference to the coursewhich the governor was pursuing, "I only wish you to act uprightly and steadily, avoiding that duplicity which, in Hutchinson, adds contempt to indignation. If you can promote the prosperity of your people, and leave them happier than you found them, whatever your political principles are, your memory will be honored. "

While Franklin was absent, a young merchant of Philadelphia, RichardBache, offered his hand to Franklin's only daughter, from whom thefather had been absent nearly all of her life. Sarah was thentwenty-three years of age, so beautiful as to become quite acelebrity, and she was highly accomplished. Mr. Bache was notsuccessful in business, and the young couple resided under the roof ofMrs. Franklin for eight years. The husband, with an increasing family, appealed to his illustrious father-in-law, to obtain for him agovernmental appointment. Franklin wrote to his daughter, "I am of opinion, that almost any profession a man has been educated in, is preferable to an office held at pleasure, as rendering him more independent, more a free man, and less subject to the caprices of his superiors. I think that in keeping a store, if it be where you dwell, you can be serviceable to him, as your mother was to me; for you are not deficient in capacity, and I hope you are not too proud. You might easily learn accounts; and you can copy letters, or write them very well on occasion. By industry and frugality you may get forward in the world, being both of you very young. And then what we may leave you at our death, will be a pretty addition, though of itself far from sufficient to maintain and bring up a family. "

Franklin gave his son-in-law about a thousand dollars to assist him inthe purchase of a stock of merchandise. The children, born to thishappy couple, were intelligent and beautiful, and they greatlycontributed to the happiness of their grandmother, who cherished themwith a grandmother's most tender love. In the year 1862, there wereone hundred and ten surviving descendants of Richard Bache and SarahFranklin. Ten of these were serving in the Union army perilling theirlives to maintain that national fabric, which their illustriousancestor had done so much to establish. Franklin was by no means a manof one idea. His comprehensive mind seemed to grasp all questions ofstatesmanship, of philanthropy, of philosophy. 

During the ten years of his residence in England he visited thehospitals, carefully examined their management, and transmitted to hishome the result of his observations. This was probably the origin ofthe celebrity which the medical schools of Philadelphia have attained. He visited the silk manufactories, and urged the adoption of thatbranch of industry, as peculiarly adapted to our climate and people. Ere long he had the pleasure of presenting to the queen a piece ofAmerican silk, which she accepted and wore as a dress. As silk was anarticle not produced in England, the government was not offended bythe introduction of that branch of industry. For Hartford college heprocured a telescope, which cost about five hundred dollars. This was, in those days, an important event. 

The renowned Captain Cook returned from his first voyage around theworld. The narrative of his adventures, in the discovery of newislands, and new races of men, excited almost every mind in Englandand America. Franklin was prominent in the movement, to raiseseventy-five thousand dollars, to fit out an expedition to send tothose benighted islanders the fowls, the quadrupeds and the seeds ofEurope. He wrote, in an admirable strain, "Many voyages have been undertaken with views of profit or of plunder, or to gratify resentment. But a voyage is now proposed to visit a distant people on the other side of the globe, not to cheat them, not to rob them: not to seize their lands or to enslave their persons, but merely to do them good, and make them, as far as in our power lies, to live as comfortable as ourselves. "

There can be no national prosperity without virtue. There can not be ahappy people who do not "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly withGod. " It was a noble enterprise to send to those naked savages cornand hoes, with horses, pigs and poultry. But the Christian conscienceawoke to the conviction that something more than this was necessary. They sent, to the dreary huts of the Pacific, ambassadors of thereligion of Jesus, to gather the children in schools, to establish thesanctity of the family relation, and to proclaim to all, the gladtidings of that divine Saviour, who has come to earth "to seek and tosave the lost. "

CHAPTER XI. 

_The Intolerance of King and Court. _

 Parties in England--Franklin the favorite of the opposition--Plans of the Tories--Christian III--Letter of Franklin--Dr. Priestley--Parisian courtesy--Louis XV--Visit to Ireland--Attempted alteration of the Prayer Book--Letter to his son--Astounding letters from America--Words of John Adams--Petition of the Assembly--Violent conspiracy against Franklin--His bearing in the court-room--Wedderburn's infamous charges--Letter of Franklin--Bitter words of Dr. Johnson--Morals of English lords--Commercial value of the Colonies--Dangers threatening Franklin. 

Wherever there is a government there must be an opposition. Those whoare out of office wish to eject those in office, that they may taketheir places. There was a pretty strong party in what was called theOpposition. But it was composed of persons animated by very differentmotives. The first consisted of those intelligent, high minded, virtuous statesmen, who were indignant in view of the wrong which thehaughty, unprincipled Tory government was inflicting upon the Americanpeople. The second gathered those who were in trade. They carednothing for the Americans. They cared nothing for government right orwrong. They wished to sell their hats, their cutlery, and their cottonand woolen goods to the Americans. This they could not do whilegovernment was despotically enforcing the Stamp Act or the RevenueBill. Then came a third class, who had no goods to sell, and noconscience to guide to action. They were merely ambitious politicians. They wished to thrust the Tories out of office simply that they mightrush into the occupancy of all the places of honor, emolument orpower. 

Franklin was in high favor with the opposition. He furnished theirorators in Parliament with arguments, with illustrations, withaccurate statistical information. Many of the most telling passages inparliamentary speeches, were placed on the lips of the speakers byBenjamin Franklin. He wrote pamphlets of marvellous popular power, which were read in all the workshops, and greatly increased the numberand the intelligence of the foes of the government measures. ThusFranklin became the favorite of the popular party. They lavished allhonors upon him. In the same measure he became obnoxious to thehaughty, aristocratic Tory government. Its ranks were filled with thelords, the governmental officials, and all their dependents. This madea party very powerful in numbers, and still more powerful in wealthand influence. They were watching for opportunities to traduceFranklin, to ruin his reputation, and if possible, to bring him intocontempt. 

This will explain the honors which were conferred upon him by oneparty, and the indignities to which he was subjected from the other. At times, the Tories would make efforts by flattery, by offers ofposition, of emolument, by various occult forms of bribery, to drawFranklin to their side. He might very easily have attained almost anyamount of wealth and high official dignity. 

The king of Denmark, Christian VII. , was brother-in-law of George III. He visited England; a mere boy in years, and still more a weak boy ininsipidity of character. A large dinner-party was given in his honorat the Royal Palace. Franklin was one of the guests. In some wayunexplained, he impressed the boy-king with a sense of his inherentand peculiar greatness. Christian invited a select circle of butsixteen men to dine with him. Among those thus carefully selected, Franklin was honored with an invitation. Though sixty-seven years ofage he still enjoyed in the highest degree, convivial scenes. He couldtell stories, and sing songs which gave delight to all. It was hisboast that he could empty his two bottles of wine, and still retainentire sobriety. He wrote to Hugh Roberts, "I wish you would continue to meet the Junto. It wants but about two years of forty since it was established. We loved, and still love one another; we have grown grey together, and yet it is too early to part. Let us sit till the evening of life is spent; the last hours are always the most joyous. When we can stay no longer, it is time enough to bid each other good night, separate, and go quietly to bed. "

Franklin was the last person to find any enjoyment in the society ofvulgar and dissolute men. In those days, it was scarcely a reproachfor a young lord to be carried home from a festivity in deadlyintoxication. Witticisms were admitted into such circles whichrespectable men would not tolerate now. Franklin's most intimatefriends in London were found among Unitarian clergymen, and thosephilosophers who were in sympathy with him in his rejection of theChristian religion. Dr. Richard Price, and Dr. Joseph Priestly, menboth eminent for intellectual ability and virtues, were his bosomfriends. 

Dr. Priestly, who had many conversations with Franklin upon religioustopics, deeply deplored the looseness of his views. Though Dr. Priestly rejected the divinity of Christ, he still firmly adhered tothe belief that Christianity was of divine origin. In hisautobiography, Dr. Priestly writes:

 "It is much to be lamented that a man of Dr. Franklin's generally good character and great influence, should have been an unbeliever in Christianity, and also have done so much as he did to make others unbelievers. To me, however, he acknowledged that he had not given so much attention as he ought to have done to the evidences of Christianity; and he desired me to recommend him a few treatises on the subject, such as I thought most deserving his notice. "

Priestly did so; but Franklin, all absorbed in his social festivities, his scientific researches, and his intense patriotic labors, couldfind no time to devote to that subject--the immortal destiny ofman, --which is infinitely more important to each individual than allothers combined. [22] It was indeed a sad circle of unbelievers, intowhose intimacy Franklin was thrown. Dr. Priestly writes, "In Paris, in 1774, all the philosophical persons to whom I was introduced, were unbelievers in Christianity, and even professed atheists. I was told by some of them, that I was the only person they had ever met, of whose understanding they had any opinion, who professed to believe in Christianity. But I soon found they did not really know what Christianity was. "

[Footnote 22: Mr. Parton, in his excellent Life of Franklin, one ofthe best biographies which was ever written, objects to thiswithholding of the Christian name from Dr. Franklin. He writes, "I do not understand what Dr. Priestly meant, by saying that Franklin was an unbeliever in Christianity, since he himself was open to the same charge from nine-tenths of the inhabitants of christendom. Perhaps, if the two men were now alive, we might express the theological difference between them by saying that Priestly was a Unitarian of the Channing school, and Franklin of that of Theodore Parker. " Again he writes, "I have ventured to call Franklin the consummate Christian of his time. Indeed I know not who, of any time, has exhibited more of the Spirit of Christ. "--_Parton's Franklin Vol. 1. P. 546. Vol. 2. P. 646. _]

It was Franklin's practice to spend a part of every summer intraveling. In 1767, accompanied by Sir John Pringle, he visited Paris. With Franklin, one of the first of earthly virtues was courtesy. Hewas charmed with the politeness of the French people. Even the mosthumble of the working classes, were gentlemanly; and from the highestto the lowest, he, simply as a stranger, was treated withconsideration which surprised him. He writes, "The civilities we everywhere receive, give us the strongest impressions of the French politeness. It seems to be a point settled here universally, that strangers are to be treated with respect; and one has just the same deference shown one here, by being a stranger, as in England, by being a lady. "

Two dozen bottles of port-wine were given them at Bordeaux. These, asthe law required, were seized by the custom-house officers, as theyentered Paris by the Porte St. Denis; but as soon as it wasascertained that they were strangers, the wine was remitted. 

There was a magnificent illumination of the Church of Notre Dame, inhonor of the deceased Dauphiness. Thousands could not obtainadmission. An officer, learning merely that they were strangers, tookthem in charge, conducted them through the vast edifice, and showedthem every thing. 

Franklin and his companion had the honor of a presentation to theking, Louis XV. , at Versailles. This monarch was as vile a man as everoccupied a throne. But he had the virtue of courtesy, which Franklinplaced at the head of religious principle. The philosopher simplyrecords, "The king spoke to both of us very graciously and very cheerfully. He is a handsome man, has a very lively look, and appears younger than he is. "

In 1772, Franklin visited Ireland. He was treated there with greathonor; but the poverty of the Irish peasantry overwhelmed hisbenevolent heart with astonishment and dismay. He writes, "I thought often of the happiness of New England, where every man is a free-holder, has a vote in public affairs, lives in a tidy, warm house, has plenty of good food and fuel, with whole clothes from head to foot, the manufacture perhaps of his own family. Long may they continue in this situation. "

In the year 1773, Franklin spent several weeks in the beautifulmansion of his friend, Lord Despencer. We read with astonishment, that Franklin, who openly renounced all belief in the divine origin ofChristianity, should have undertaken, with Lord Despencer, anabbreviation of the prayer-book of the Church of England. It issurprising, that he could have thought it possible, that the eminentChristians, clergy and laity of that church, would accept at the handsof a deist, their form of worship. But Franklin was faithful in theabbreviation, not to make the slightest change in the evangelicalcharacter of that admirable work, which through ages has guided thedevotion of millions. The abbreviated service, cut down one-half, attracted no attention, and scarcely a copy was sold. 

At this time, Franklin's reputation was in its meridian altitude. There was scarcely a man in Europe or America, more prominent. Everylearned body in Europe, of any importance, had elected him a member. Splendid editions of his works were published in London; and threeeditions were issued from the press in Paris. 

In France, Franklin met with no insults, with no opposition. All alikesmiled upon him, and the voices of commendation alone fell upon hisear. 

Returning to England, his reputation there, as a man of high moralworth, and of almost the highest intellectual attainments, and a manhonored in the most remarkable degree with all the highest officeswhich his countrymen could confer upon him, swept contumely from hispath, and even his enemies were ashamed to manifest their hostility. From London he wrote to his son, "As to my situation here, nothing can be more agreeable. Learned and ingenious foreigners that come to England, almost all make a point of visiting me; for my reputation is still higher abroad, than here. Several of the foreign ambassadors have assiduously cultivated my acquaintance, treating me as one of their corps, partly, I believe, from the desire they have from time to time, of hearing something of American affairs; an object become of importance in foreign courts, who begin to hope Britain's alarming power will be diminished by the defection of her colonies. "[23]

[Footnote 23: "For dinner parties Franklin was in such demand that, during the London season, he sometimes dined out six days in theweek for several weeks together. He also confesses that occasionallyhe drank more wine than became a philosopher. It would indeed havebeen extremely difficult to avoid it, in that soaking age, whena man's force was reckoned by the number of bottles he couldempty. "--_Parton's Life of Franklin_, Vol. I, p. 540. 

As an illustration of the state of the times, I give the followingverse from one of the songs which Franklin wrote, and which he wasaccustomed to sing with great applause. At the meetings of the Junto, all the club joined in the chorus, "Fair Venus calls; her voice obey In beauty's arms spend night and day. The joys of love all joys excel, And loving's certainly doing well. 

 _Chorus. _

 Oh! no! Not so! For honest souls still know Friends and the bottle still bear the bell. "

"It is well, " Mr. Parton writes, "for us, in these days, to considerthe spectacle of this large, robust soul, sporting in this simple, homely way. This superb Franklin of ours, who spent some evenings inmere jollity, passed nearly all his days in labor most fruitful ofbenefit to his country. "--_Life of Franklin_, Vol. I, p. 262. ]

In the latter part of the year 1772, Franklin, in his ever courteous, but decisive language, was conversing with an influential member ofParliament, respecting the violent proceedings of the ministry, inquartering troops upon the citizens of Boston. The member, in reply, said, "You are deceived in supposing these measures to originate with theministry. The sending out of the troops, and all the hostile measures, of which you complain, have not only been suggested, but solicited, byprominent men of your own country. They have urged that troops shouldbe sent, and that fleets should enter your harbors, declaring that inno other way, than by this menace of power, can the turbulentAmericans be brought to see their guilt and danger, and return toobedience. "

Franklin expressed his doubts of this statement. "I will bring youproof, " the gentleman replied. A few days after, he visited Franklin, and brought with him a packet of letters, written by persons of highofficial station in the colonies, and native born Americans. Thesignatures of these letters were effaced; but the letters themselveswere presented, and Franklin was confidentially informed of theirwriters. They were addressed to Mr. William Whately, an influentialmember of Parliament, who had recently died. 

Franklin read them with astonishment and indignation. He found therepresentation of the gentleman entirely true. Six of the letters werewritten by Thomas Hutchinson, Governor of Massachusetts. He was anative of the colony he governed, a graduate of Harvard, and in hisreligious position a Puritan. Four were written by Andrew Oliver, Lieutenant-governor, and also a native of Massachusetts. 

The rest were written by custom-house officers and other servants ofthe Crown. The openly avowed design of these letters was, that theyshould be exhibited to the Ministry, to excite them to prompt, vigorous and hostile measures. They teemed with misrepresentations, and often with downright falsehoods. The perusal of these infamousproductions elicited from Franklin first a burst of indignation. Thesecond effect was greatly to mitigate his resentment against theBritish government. The ministry, it seemed, were acting inaccordance with solicitations received from Americans, native born, and occupying the highest posts of honor and influence. 

The gentleman who obtained these letters and showed them to Franklin, was very unwilling to have his agency in the affair made public. Aftermuch solicitation, he consented to have Franklin send the letters toAmerica, though he would not give permission to have any copies taken. It was his hope, that the letters would calm the rising animosity inAmerica, by showing that the British ministry was pursuing a course ofmenace, which many of the most distinguished Americans declared to beessential, to save the country from anarchy and ruin. Franklin'sobject was to cause these traitorous office-holders to be ejected fromtheir positions of influence, that others, more patriotic, mightoccupy the stations which they disgraced. 

On the 2d of December, 1772, Franklin inclosed the letters in anofficial package, directed to Thomas Cushing. He wrote, "I am not at liberty to make the letters public. I can only allow them to be seen by yourself, by the other gentlemen of the Committee of Correspondence, by Messrs. Bowdoin and Pitts of the Council, and Drs. Chauncy, Cooper, and Winthrop, and a few such other gentlemen as you may think fit to show them to. After being some months in your possession, you are requested to return them to me. "

The reading of the letters created intense anger and disgust. JohnAdams, after perusing them, recorded in his diary, alluding toHutchinson, "Cool, thinking deliberate villain, malicious andvindictive. " He carried the documents around to read to all his maleand female friends, and was not sparing in his vehement comments. 

Again he wrote, "Bone of our bone; born and educated among us! Mr. Hancock is deeply affected; is determined, in conjunction with MajorHawley, to watch the vile serpent, and his deputy, Brattle. Thesubtlety of this serpent is equal to that of the old one. "

For two months the letters were privately yet extensively circulated. Hutchinson himself soon found out the storm which was gatheringagainst him. The hand-writing of all the writers was known. In June, the Massachusetts Assembly met. In secret session the letters wereread. Soon some copies were printed. It was said that some one hadobtained, from England, copies of the letters from which the printedimpressions were taken. But the mystery of their publication was neversolved. 

The Assembly sent a petition to the king of England, imploring thatThomas Hutchinson and Andrew Oliver, should be removed from theirposts, and that such good men as the king might select, should beplaced in their stead. The petition, eminently respectful, but drawnup in very forcible language, expressive of the ruinous consequencescaused by the measures which these officials had recommended, wastransmitted to Franklin, the latter part of the summer of 1773. Heimmediately forwarded it to Lord Dartmouth. With it he sent a verypolite and conciliatory letter, in which he declared, that theAmericans were very desirous of being on good terms with the mothercountry, that their resentment against the government was greatlyabated, by finding that Americans had urged the obnoxious measureswhich had been adopted; and that the present was a very favorable timeto introduce cordial, friendly relations between the king and thecolonists. 

Lord Dartmouth returned a very polite reply, laid the all-importantpetition aside, and for five months never alluded to it, by word orletter. In the meantime, some of the printed copies reached London. The Tories thought that perhaps the long sought opportunity had comewhen they might pounce upon Franklin, and at least greatly impair hisinfluence. Franklin had nothing to conceal. He had received theletters from a friend, who authorized him to send them to America, that their contents might be made known there. 

In all this he had done absolutely nothing, which any one couldpronounce to be wrong. But the Court, being determined to stir upstrife, began to demand who it was that had obtained and deliveredup the letters. Franklin was absent from London. He soon heard tidingsof the great commotion that was excited, and that two gentlemen, whohad nothing to do with the matter, were each accused of havingdishonorably obtained the letters. This led to a duel. Franklinimmediately wrote, "I think it incumbent for me to declare that I alone am the person who obtained and transmitted to Boston, the letters in question. "

The Court decided to summon Franklin to meet the "Committee forPlantation Affairs, " to explain the reasons for the petition againstHutchinson and Oliver. To the surprise of Franklin, it appeared thatthey were organizing quite a formidable trial; and very able counselwas appointed to defend the culprits. 

Thus Franklin, who simply presented the petition of the Assembly, wasforced into the obnoxious position of a prosecutor. The array againsthim was so strong, that it became necessary for him also to havecounsel. It was manifest to all the friends of Franklin, that theBritish Court was rousing all its energies to crush him. 

The meeting was held on the 11th of January, 1773. Four of the Cabinetministers were present, and several Lords of the Privy Council. Theyaddressed Franklin as a culprit, who had brought slanderous chargesagainst his majesty's faithful officers in the colonies. He wastreated not only with disrespect but with absolute insolence. Butnothing could disturb his equanimity. Not for one moment did he loseserenity of mind. 

There was an adjournment, to meet on the 29th of the month. In themeantime one of the court party, who had received many favors fromFranklin, commenced a chancery suit against him, accusing him ofstealing the letters, and being by trade a printer, of having secretlypublished them, and sold immense numbers, the profits of which he hadplaced in his own pocket. All this Franklin denied on oath. The chargewas so absurd, and so manifestly malignant, that his foes withdrew thesuit. Franklin was however assured that the Court was clamoring forhis punishment and disgrace. 

All London was agitated by the commotion which these extraordinaryevents created. At the appointed day, the Council again met. Theassembly was held in a large apartment in the drawing-room style. Atone end was the entrance door; at the other the fire-place, withrecesses on each side of the chimney. A broad table extended from thefire-place to the door. The Privy Council, thirty-five in number, satat this table. They were inveterate Tories, resolved to bring theAmericans down upon their knees, and, as a preliminary step, toinflict indelible disgrace upon Franklin. Lord North, the implacablePrime Minister was there. The Archbishop of Canterbury was present. AsFranklin cast his eye along the line of these haughty nobles, he couldnot see the face of a friend. 

The remainder of the room was crowded with spectators. From them manya sympathizing glance fell upon him. Priestly and Burke gave him theirsilent but cordial sympathy. There were also quite a number ofAmericans and prominent members of the opposition, whose presence wasa support to Franklin, during the ordeal through which he was to pass. He stood at the edge of the recess formed by the chimney, with oneelbow resting upon the mantel, and his cheek upon his hand. He wasmotionless as a statue, and had composed his features into such calmand serene rigidity, that not the movement of a muscle could bedetected. As usual, he was dressed simply, but with great elegance. Alarge flowing wig, with abundant curls, such as were used by elderlygentlemen at that day, covered his head. His costume, which wasadmirably fitted to a form as perfect as Grecian sculptor everchiseled, was of rich figured silk velvet. In all that room, there wasnot an individual, who in physical beauty, was the peer of Franklin. In all that room there was not another, who in intellectual greatnesscould have met the trial so grandly. 

It will be remembered that the Assembly of Massachusetts hadpetitioned for the removal of an obnoxious governor and lieutenantgovernor. Franklin, as the agent in London of that colony, hadpresented the petition to the crown. He was now summoned to appearbefore the privy council, to bring forward and substantiate chargesagainst these officers. The council had appointed a lawyer to defendHutchinson and Oliver. His name was Wedderburn. He had alreadyobtained celebrity for the savage skill with which he could browbeat awitness, and for his wonderful command of the vocabulary ofvituperation and abuse. Before commencing the examination, headdressed the assembly in a long speech. After eulogizing GovernorHutchinson, as one of the best and most loyal of the officers of thecrown, who merited the gratitude of king and court, he turned uponFranklin, and assailed him with a storm of vituperative epithets, such as never before, and never since, has fallen upon the head of aman. The council were in sympathy with the speaker. Often hismalignant thrusts would elicit from those lords a general shout ofderisive laughter. 

Such was the treatment which one of the most illustrious and honoredof American citizens received from the privy council of king GeorgeIII. , when he appeared before that council as a friendly ambassadorfrom his native land, seeking only conciliation and peace. 

Wedderburn accused Franklin of stealing private letters, ofmisrepresenting their contents, that he might excite hostility againstthe loyal officers of the king. He accused him of doing this that hemight eject them from office, so as to obtain the positions forhimself and his friends. Still more, he accused him of having in anunexampled spirit of meanness, availed himself of his skill as aprinter, to publish these letters, and that he sold them far and wide, that he might enrich himself. Charges better calculated to ruin a man, in the view of these proud lords, can scarcely be conceived. It isdoubtful whether there were another man in the world, who could havereceived them so calmly, and in the end could have so magnificentlytriumphed over them. 

During all this really terrific assailment, Franklin stood with hishead resting on his left hand, apparently unmoved. At the close, hedeclined answering any questions. The committee of the councilreported on that same day, "the lords of the committee, do agreehumbly to report as their opinion to your majesty, that the saidpetition is founded upon resolution's, formed upon false and erroneousallegations, and that the same is false, vexatious and scandalous; andcalculated only for the seditious purposes of keeping up a spirit ofclamor and discontent in said province. " The king accepted the report, and acted accordingly. Franklin went home alone. We know not why hisfriends thus apparently deserted him. 

The next morning, which was Sunday, Priestly breakfasted at Franklin'stable. He represents him as saying that he could not have bornethe insults heaped upon him by the privy council, but for theconsciousness, that he had done only that which was right. On Mondaymorning Franklin received a laconic letter from the PostmasterGeneral, informing him that the king had found it necessary to dismisshim from the office of deputy Postmaster General in America. 

This outrage, inflicted by the privy council of Great Britain, upon afriendly ambassador from her colonies, who had visited her court withthe desire to promote union and harmony, was one of the mostatrocious acts ever perpetrated by men above the rank of vagabonds intheir drunken carousals. Franklin, in transmitting an account toMassachusetts, writes in a noble strain:

 "What I feel on my own account, is half lost in what I feel for the public. When I see that all petitions and complaints of grievances, are so odious to government, that even the mere pipe which conveys them, becomes obnoxious, I am at a loss to know how peace and union are to be maintained, and restored between the different parts of the empire. Grievances cannot be redressed, unless they are known. And they cannot be known, but through complaints and petitions. If these are deemed affronts, and the messengers punished as offenders, who will henceforth send petitions? and who will deliver them?"

The speech of Wedderburn gave great delight to all the Tory party. Itwas derisively said, "that the lords of the council, went to theirchamber, as to a bull-baiting, and hounded on the Solicitor Generalwith loud applause and laughter. " Mr. Fox, writing of the assaultsaid, "All men tossed up their hats and clapped their hands, inboundless delight. "

When the tidings of the affair reached America, it added intensity tothe animosity, then rapidly increasing, against the Britishgovernment. The dismissal of Franklin from the post-office, was deemedequivalent to the seizure, by the crown, of that important branch ofthe government. None but the creatures of the Ministry were to bepostmasters. Consequently patriotic Americans could no longer entrusttheir letters to the mail. Private arrangements were immediately madefor the conveyance of letters; and with so much efficiency, that thegeneral office, which had heretofore contributed fifteen thousanddollars annually to the public treasury, never after paid into it onefarthing. [24]

[Footnote 24: It may be worthy of record, that Wedderburn became thehero of the clubs and the favorite of the Tory party. Wealth andhonors were lavished upon him. He rose to the dignity of an earl andlord chancellor, and yet we do not find, in any of the annals of thosedays, that he is spoken of otherwise than as a shallow, unprincipledman. When his death, after a few hours' illness, was announced to theking, he scornfully said, "He has not left a worse man behind him. "]

The spirit of the Tories may be inferred from that of one of the mostapplauded and influential of their leaders. Dr. Samuel Johnson, whowrote the notorious "Taxation no Tyranny, " said, "The Americans are a race of convicts. They ought to be thankful forany thing we can give them. I am willing to love all mankind exceptan American. " Boswell in quoting one of his insane tirades writes, "His inflammable corruption, bursting into horrid fire, he breathedout threatenings and slaughter, calling them rascals, robbers, pirates, and exclaiming that he would burn and destroy them. "

It was a day of vicious indulgence, of dissipation in every form, whenit was fashionable to be godless, and to sneer at all the restraintsof the Christian religion. Volumes might be filled with accounts ofthe atrocities perpetrated by drunken lords at the gaming table and inmidnight revel through the streets. Such men of influence and rank asFox, Lord Derby, the Duke of Ancaster, inflamed with wine, could setthe police at defiance. They were constantly engaged in orgies whichwould disgrace the most degraded wretches, in the vilest haunts ofinfamy in our cities. Instead of gambling for copper, they gambled forgold. Horace Walpole testifies that at one of the most fashionableclubs, at Almack's, they played only for rouleaux of two hundred andfifty dollars each. There were often fifty thousand dollars in specieon the gaming tables, around which these bloated inebriates weregathered. It is said that Lord Holland paid the gambling debts of histwo sons to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. 

The trade of the colonies had become of immense value to the mothercountry. It amounted to six and a half millions sterling a year. Philadelphia numbered forty thousand inhabitants. Charleston, SouthCarolina, had become one of the most beautiful and healthy cities inAmerica. The harbor was crowded with shipping, the streets were linedwith mansions of great architectural beauty. Gorgeous equipages wereseen, almost rivaling the display in French and English capitals. Butthere were many Tories in Charleston, as malignant in their oppositionto the popular cause in America, as any of the aristocrats to be foundin London. 

The unpardonable insult which Franklin had received, closed hisofficial labors in London. His personal friends and the Oppositionrallied more affectionately than ever around him. But he ceased toappear at court and was seldom present at the dinner-parties of theministers. Still he was constantly and efficiently employed in behalfof his country. The leaders of the opposition were in constantconference with him. He wrote many pamphlets and published articles inthe journals, which exerted an extended and powerful influence. Hewrote to his friends at home, in October, 1774, "My situation here is thought, by many, to be a little hazardous; for if by some accident the troops and people of New England should come to blows, I should probably be taken up; the ministerial people, affecting everywhere to represent me as the cause of all the misunderstanding. And I have been frequently cautioned to secure all my papers, and by some advised to withdraw. But I venture to stay, in compliance with the wish of others, till the result of the Congress arrives, since they suppose my being here might, on that occasion, be of use. And I confide in my innocence, that the worst that can happen to me will be an imprisonment upon suspicion; though that is a thing I should much desire to avoid, as it may be expensive and vexatious, as well as dangerous to my health. "

CHAPTER XII. 

_The Bloodhounds of War Unleashed. _

 The mission of Josiah Quincy--Love of England by the Americans--Petition to the king--Sickness and death of Mrs. Franklin--Lord Chatham--His speech in favor of the colonists--Lord Howe--His interview with Franklin--Firmness of Franklin--His indignation--His mirth--Franklin's fable--He embarks for Philadelphia--Feeble condition of the colonies--England's expressions of contempt--Franklin's reception at Philadelphia--His letter to Edmund Burke--Post-office arrangements--Defection and conduct of William Franklin--His arrest. 

Young Josiah Quincy, of Boston, one of the noblest of patriots, whowas dying of consumption, visited London, with instructions to conferwith Franklin upon the posture of affairs. He wrote home, in the mostcommendatory terms, of the zeal and sagacity with which Franklin wasdevoting himself to the interests of his country. Tory spies werewatching his every movement, and listening to catch every word whichfell from his lips. Lord Hillsborough, in a debate in the House ofLords, said, "There are two men, walking in the streets of London, who ought to bein Newgate or at Tyburn. "

The duke of Richmond demanded their names, saying that if such werethe fact the ministry were severely to be blamed. Hillsboroughdeclined to give their names; but it was generally known that hereferred to Dr. Franklin and Josiah Quincy. 

The policy of Franklin was clearly defined, and unchanging. He saidvirtually, to his countrymen, "Perform no political act against thegovernment, utter no menace, and do no act of violence whatever. Butfirmly and perseveringly unite in consuming no English goods. There isnothing in this which any one will pronounce to be, in the slightestdegree, illegal. The sudden and total loss of the trade with America, will, in one year, create such a clamor, from the capitalists andindustrial classes of England, Ireland and Scotland, that the despoticgovernment will be compelled to retrace its steps. "

Even at this time the Americans had no desire to break loose from thegovernment of Great Britain. England was emphatically their home. Englishmen were their brothers. In England their fathers were gatheredto the grave. The Americans did not assume a new name. They stillcalled themselves Englishmen. They were proud to be members of themajestic kingdom, which then stood at the head of the world. 

Congress met. Its members, perhaps without exception, were yearningfor reconciliation with the mother-country, and for sincere andcordial friendship. It was resolved to make another solemn appeal tothe king, whom they had ever been accustomed to revere, and, in afraternal spirit, to address their brethren, the people of England, whom they wished to regard with all the respect due to elder brothers. 

The intelligence of Christendom has applauded the dignity and thepathos of these documents. The appeal fell upon the profane, gambling, wine-bloated aristocrats of the court, as if it had been addressed tothe marble statuary in the British Museum. Nay worse. Those statueswould have listened in respectful silence. No contemptuous laughter, and no oaths of menace, would have burst from their marble lips. Thefollowing brief extract will show the spirit which pervaded thesenoble documents. It is one of the closing sentences of the address tothe king:

 "Permit us then, most gracious sovereign, in the name of all your faithful people in America, with the utmost humility to implore you, for the honor of Almighty God, whose pure religion our enemies are undermining; for the glory which can be advanced only by rendering your subjects happy and keeping them united; for the interests of your family, depending on an adherence to the principle that enthroned it; for the safety and welfare of your kingdom and dominions, threatened with unavoidable dangers, and distresses; that your majesty, as the loving father of your whole people, connected by the same bands of law, loyalty, faith and blood, though dwelling in various countries, will not suffer the transcendent relation, formed by these ties, to be further violated, in uncertain expectation of effects which, if attained, never can compensate for the calamities through which they must be gained. "

This petition was sent to Franklin, and the other colony agents, to bepresented by them to the king. They were instructed also to publishboth the Petition and the Address, in the newspapers, and to give themas wide a circulation as possible. 

Dr. Franklin, with two other agents, Arthur Lee and Mr. Bollan, presented to Lord Dartmouth the petition to be handed by him to theking. They were soon informed that the king received it graciously, and would submit the consideration of it to Parliament. It was thoughtnot respectful to the king to publish it before he had presented it tothat body. But as usual, the infatuation of both king and court wassuch, that everything that came from the Americans was treated withneglect, if not with contempt. The all-important petition was buriedin a pile of documents upon all conceivable subjects, and not oneword was said to commend it to the consideration of either house. Forthree days it remained unnoticed. Dr. Franklin, then, with his twocompanions, solicited permission to be heard at the bar of the house. Their request was refused. This brought the question into debate. 

The House of Commons was at that time but a reflected image of theHouse of Lords. It was composed almost exclusively, of the youngersons of the nobles, and such other obsequious servants of thearistocracy, as they, with their vast wealth and patronage, saw fit tohave elected. There was an immense Tory majority in the House. Theyassailed the petition with vulgarity of abuse, which could scarcely beexceeded; and then dismissed it from further consideration. Noblelords made themselves merry in depicting the alacrity with which awhole army of Americans would disperse at the very sound of a Britishcannon. 

While these disastrous events were taking place in England--events, sure to usher in a cruel and bloody war, bearing on its wings terrorand conflagration, tears and blood, a domestic tragedy was takingplace in the far distant home of Franklin on the banks of theDelaware. Mrs. Franklin had been separated from her husband for nearlyten years. She was a cheerful, motherly woman, ever blessing her homewith smiles and with kindly words; and in the society of her daughterand her grandchildren, she found a constant joy. The lapse ofthree-score years and ten, had not brought their usual infirmities. Though yearning intensely for the return of her husband, she did notallow the separation seriously to mar her happiness. Every spring shewas confident that he would return the next autumn, and then bore herdisappointment bravely in the assurance that she should see him thecoming spring. 

In December, 1774, she was suddenly stricken down by a paralyticstroke. Five days of unconscious slumber passed away, when she fellinto that deep and dreamless sleep, which has no earthly waking. Herfuneral was attended by a large concourse of citizens, with everytestimonial of respect. Some of Franklin's oldest friends bore thecoffin to the churchyard, where the remains of the affectionate wifeand mother who had so nobly fulfilled life's duties, were placed bythe side of her father, her mother, and her infant son. 

Feelingly does Mr. Parton write, "It is mournful to think that for somany years, she should have been deprived of her husband's society. The very qualities which made her so good a wife, rendered itpossible for him to remain absent from his affairs. "

Franklin, all unconscious of the calamity which had darkened his home, and weary of the conflict with the British court, was eagerly makingpreparations to return to Philadelphia. 

The aged, illustrious, eloquent Earl of Chatham, one of the noblest ofEngland's all grasping and ambitious sons, sought an interview withFranklin. He utterly condemned the policy of the British cabinet. Hissympathies were, not only from principles of policy, but fromconvictions of justice, cordially with the Americans. He felt surethat unless the court should retrace its steps, war would ensue, andAmerican Independence would follow, and that England, with the loss ofher colonies, would find mercantile impoverishment and politicalweakness. In the course of conversation, he implied that America mightbe even then, contemplating independence. Franklin, in his account ofthe interview writes, "I assured him that having more than once traveled almost from one end of the continent to the other, and kept a great variety of company, eating, drinking and conversing with them freely, I had never heard in any conversation from any person, drunk or sober, the least expression of a wish for a separation, or a hint that such a thing would be advantageous to America. "

In a subsequent interview, the Earl of Chatham, alluding to theconduct of Congress, in drawing up the petition and address, said, "They have acted with so much temper, moderation and wisdom, that Ithink it the most honorable assembly of statesmen since those of theGreeks and Romans, of the most virtuous times. "

In a subsequent interview, Dr. Franklin expressed, to the earl, hisapprehension that the continuance of the British army in Boston, whichwas the source of constant irritation to the people, might eventuallylead to a quarrel, perhaps between a drunken porter and a soldier, andthat thus tumult and bloodshed might be introduced, leading toconsequences which no one could foresee. 

Lord Chatham felt the force of these remarks, which soon receivedtheir striking illustration, in what was called the Boston Massacre. He therefore declared his intention of repairing to the House ofLords, to introduce a resolve for the immediate withdrawal of thetroops from Boston. The tidings were soon noised abroad that theeloquent earl, then probably the most illustrious man in England, wasto make a speech in favor of America. The eventful day arrived. Thehall was crowded. Dr. Franklin had a special invitation from the earlto be present. The friends of America were there, few in numbers, andthe enemies in all their strength. 

Lord Chatham made a speech, which in logical power and glowingeloquence, has perhaps never been surpassed. Franklin had impressedhim with the conviction that the determination of the Americans todefend their rights was such, that if, with fleet and army, thegovernment were to ravage all the coast and burn all the cities, theAmericans would retreat back into the forests, in the maintenance oftheir liberty. Full of this idea, Lord Chatham exclaimed, withprophetic power, "We shall be forced ultimately to retract. Let us retract while wecan, not when we must. I say we must necessarily undo these violentoppressive acts. You will repeal them. I pledge myself for it. I stakemy reputation on it. I will consent to be taken for an idiot, if theyare not finally repealed. "

Franklin writes, "All availed no more than the whistling of the wind. The motion was rejected. Sixteen Scotch peers and twenty-four bishops, with all the lords in possession or expectation of places, when theyvote together unanimously for ministerial measures, as they generallydo, make a dead majority, that renders all debate ridiculous initself, since it can answer no end. "

Though the speech produced no impression upon the obdurate House ofLords, it had a very powerful effect upon the public mind. It was readin America, in collegiate halls, in the work-shop and at the farmer'sfireside, with delight which cannot be described. A few days after thespeech, Dr. Franklin, writing to Lord Stanhope, said, "Dr. Franklin is filled with admiration of that truly great man. He has seen, in the course of life, sometimes eloquence without wisdom, and often wisdom without eloquence; in the present instance he sees both united, and both he thinks in the highest degree possible. "

Slowly the ministry were awaking to the conviction that Americanaffairs, if not settled, might yet cause them much trouble. In variousunderhand ways, they approached Franklin. It was generally understoodthat every man had his price; that the influence of one man could bebought for a few hundred pounds; that another would require alucrative and honorable office. Though the reputation of Franklin wassuch, that it was a delicate matter to approach him with bribes, stillsome of them now commenced a course of flattery, endeavoring to securehis coöperation. It was thought that his influence with his countrymenwas so great, that they would accede to any terms he should recommend. 

Lord Howe called upon Franklin, and, in the name of Lord North andLord Dartmouth, the two most influential members of the ministry, informed him that they sincerely sought reconciliation, and that theywere prepared to listen favorably, to any reasonable propositions hemight offer. Lord Howe was the friend of Franklin and of America. These unexpected and joyful tidings affected Franklin so deeply, thathe could not conceal the tears which rolled down his cheeks. 

Lord Howe then added that he was instructed to say, that the servicehe would thus render both England and America, would be of pricelessvalue, and that though the ministers could not think of influencinghim by any selfish motives, he might expect, in return, _any rewardwhich it was in the power of government to bestow_. "This, " saidFranklin, "was what the French vulgarly called _spitting in thesoup_. "

But again there was a meeting of Parliament. Again it became evidentthat the ministry would accede to no terms, which did not secure theentire subjugation of America. Lord Chatham made a renewed attempt toconciliate. His propositions were rejected with scorn. In the meantimeDr. Franklin had presented some Hints, drawn up in the most liberalspirit of compromise, but which still maintained the Americanprinciple, that the colonists could not be taxed at the pleasure ofthe court, without having any voice themselves in the amount whichthey were to pay. 

Soon after this, Mr. Barclay called upon Franklin in the name of thegovernment, and after a long, and to Franklin, disgusting diplomaticharangue, ventured to say to him, that if he would only comply withthe wishes of the ministry, he might expect almost any reward he couldwish for. Even the imperturbable spirit of Franklin was roused. Hereplied, "The ministry, I am sure, would rather give me a place in a cart toTyburn, than any other place whatever. I sincerely wish to beserviceable; and I need no other inducement that I might be so. "

In another interview, which soon followed, it appeared that thegovernment refused to concede a single point which the Americansdeemed essential. They refused to withdraw the troops; refused toallow the colonial governors to appoint the collectors of the customs;persisted in building fortresses to hold the people in subjection; andadhered to the claim of Parliament to legislate for the colonies. Franklin said, "While Parliament claims the power of altering our constitution atpleasure, there can be no agreement. We are rendered unsafe in everyprivilege, and are secure in nothing. "

Mr. Barclay insolently replied, "It would be well for the Americans tocome to an agreement with the court of Great Britain. They ought notto forget how easy a thing it will be for the British men-of-war tolay all their seaport towns in ashes. "

"I grew warm, " writes Franklin; "said that the chief part of mylittle property consisted of houses in those towns; that they mightmake bon-fires of them whenever they pleased; that the fear of losingthem would never alter my resolution to resist to the last, suchclaims of Parliament; and that it behoved this country to take carewhat mischief it did us; for that sooner or later it would certainlybe obliged to make good all damages, with interest. "

Still again these corrupt men, who are selling themselves and buyingothers, approached Franklin with attempts to bribe him. "They couldnot comprehend that any man could be above the reach of suchinfluences. It was contemplated sending Lord Howe to America as aCommissioner. He applied to Franklin to go with him as friend, assistant or secretary. 

Lord Howe said to Franklin, that he could not think of undertakingthe mission without him; that if he effected any thing valuable, itmust be owing to the advice Franklin would afford him; and that heshould make no scruple of giving him the full honor of it. He assuredhim that the ministry did not expect his assistance without aproper consideration; that they wished to make generous and ampleappointments for those who aided them, and also would give them thepromise of subsequent more ample rewards. 

"And, " said he, with marked emphasis, "that the ministry may have anopportunity of showing their good disposition toward yourself, willyou give me leave, Mr. Franklin, to procure for you, previously, somemark of it; suppose the payment here, of the arrears of your salary asagent for New England, which, I understand, they have stopped for sometime past. "

It will be remembered that Lord Howe was sincerely the friend ofAmerica, and that he anxiously desired to see friendly relationsrestored. Franklin therefore restrained his displeasure, andcourteously replied, "My Lord, I shall deem it a great honor to be, in any shape, joinedwith your lordship in so good a work. But if you hope service from anyinfluence I may be supposed to have, drop all thoughts of procuring meany previous favors from ministers. My accepting them would destroythe very influence you propose to make use of. They would beconsidered as so many bribes to betray the interests of my country. Only let me see the propositions and I shall not hesitate for amoment. "

Repeated interviews ensued, between Franklin and both the friends andthe enemies of the Americans. There were interminable conferences. Butthe court was implacable in its resolve, to maintain a supreme andexclusive control over the colonies. Every hour of Franklin's time wasengrossed. Merchants and manufacturers, Tories and the opposition, lords temporal, and lords spiritual, all called upon him with theirseveral plans. There were many Americans in London, including a largenumber of Quakers. These crowded the apartment of Franklin. Thenegotiations were terminated by a debate in the House of Lords, inwhich the Americans were assailed in the vilest language of insult andabuse which can be coined. Franklin was present. He writes, "We were treated with the utmost contempt, as the lowest of mankind, and almost of a different species from the English of Britain. Particularly American honesty was abused by some of the lords, who asserted that we were all knaves, and wanted only, by this dispute, to avoid paying our debts. "

Franklin returned to his home, with feelings of indignation, whichhis calm spirit had rarely before experienced. He resolved no longerto have any thing to do with the hostile governing powers of England. He had loved the British empire. He felt proud of its renown, and thatAmerica was but part and parcel of its greatness. But there was nolonger hope, that there could be any escape from the awful appeal toarms. Though that measure would be fraught with inconceivable woes forhis countrymen, he was assured that they would never submit. Theywould now march to independence though the path led through scenes ofconflagration, blood and unutterable woe. His experience placed him inadvance of all his countrymen. 

Franklin immediately commenced packing his trunks. Astonishing, almostincredible as it may appear, the evidence seems conclusive thatthrough all these trying scenes, Franklin was a cheerful, it is hardlytoo strong a word to use, a _jovial_ man. It has been well said, thatto be angry is to punish one's self for the sins of another. Ourphilosopher had no idea of making himself unhappy, because Britishlords behaved like knaves. He continued to be one of the mostentertaining of companions. A cloudless sun seemed to shine whereverhe moved. He made witty speeches. He wrote the most amusing articlesfor the journals, and the invariable gayety of his mind caused hissociety to be eagerly sought for. 

One evening he attended quite a brilliant party at a nobleman's house, who was a friend to America. The conversation chanced to turn uponEsop's fables. It was said that that mine of illustration wasexhausted. Franklin, after a moment's thought, remarked, that many newfables could be invented, as instructive as any of those of Esop, Gay, or La Fontaine. Can you think of one now, asked a lord. "I think so, "said Franklin, "if you will furnish me with pencil and paper. " Heimmediately sat down, surrounded by the gay assembly, and wrote, asrapidly as his pencil could move, "THE EAGLE AND THE CAT. "

 "Once upon a time an eagle, scaling round a farmer's barn, and espying a hare, darted down upon him like a sunbeam, seized him in his claws, and remounted with him into the air. He soon found that he had a creature of more courage and strength than the hare; for which he had mistaken a cat. The snarling and scrambling of his prey were very inconvenient. And what was worse, she had disengaged herself from his talons, grasped his body with her four limbs, so as to stop his breath, and seized fast hold of his throat, with her teeth. 

 "'Pray, ' said the eagle, 'let go your hold, and I will release you. '

 "'Very fine, ' said the cat. 'But I have no fancy to fall from this height, and to be crushed to death. You have taken me up, and you shall stoop and let me down. '

 "The eagle thought it necessary to stoop accordingly. "

This admirable fable was read to the company; and, as all were insympathy with America, it was received with great applause. Little, however, did any of them then imagine, how invincible was the animalthe British government was about to clutch in its talons, supposing itto be a defenseless hare. 

Franklin spent his last day in London with Dr. Priestly. The Doctorbears glowing testimony to his admirable character. Many thought Dr. Franklin heartless, since, in view of all the horrors of a civil war, his hilarity was never interrupted. Priestly, alluding to this chargeagainst Franklin, says, that they spent the day looking over theAmerican papers, and extracting from them passages to be published inEngland. "In reading them, " he writes, "Franklin was frequently notable to proceed for the tears literally running down his cheeks. " Uponhis departure, he surrendered his agency to Arthur Lee. It was the21st of March, 1775, when Franklin embarked at Portsmouth, in aPennsylvania packet. 

Franklin was apprehensive until the last moment, that he would not bepermitted to depart; that the court, which had repeatedly denouncedhim as a traitor, would arrest him on some frivolous charge. On thevoyage he wrote a minute narrative of his diplomatic career, occupyingtwo hundred and fifty pages of foolscap. This important document wasgiven to his son William Franklin, who was daily becoming a moreinveterate Tory, endeavoring to ingratiate himself into favor with thecourt, from which he had received the appointment of governor. 

Franklin also sent a copy to Mr. Jefferson, perhaps apprehensive thathis son might not deal fairly with a document which so terriblycondemned the British government. The Governor subsequently publishedthe narrative. But there is reason to suppose that he suppressed thosepassages, which revealed most clearly the atrocious conduct of theBritish cabinet. Jefferson wrote some years later, alluding to thisdocument:

 "I remember that Lord North's answers were dry, unyielding, in the spirit of unconditional submission, and betrayed an absolute indifference to the occurrence of a rupture. And he said to the mediators distinctly, at last, that _a rebellion was not to be deprecated on the part of Great Britain; that the confiscations it would produce, would provide for many of their friends_. "

The idea that the feeble Americans, scattered along a coast more thana thousand miles in extent, without a fortress, a vessel of war, or aregiment of regular troops, could withstand the fleets and armies ofGreat Britain, was never entertained for a moment. Indeed, as we nowcontemplate the fearful odds, it causes one's heart to throb, and wecannot but be amazed at the courage which our patriotic fathersdisplayed. 

It was a common boast in England, that one regiment of Britishregulars could march from Boston to Charleston, and sweep allopposition before them. A band of ten wolves can put a flock of tenthousand sheep to flight. It was quite a pleasant thought, to thehaughty court, that one or two ships of war, and two or threeregiments could be sent across the Atlantic, seize and hangWashington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, and others of our leadingpatriots, and confiscate the property of hundreds of others, for theenrichment of the favorites of the crown. 

[Illustration]

"There will be no fighting;" these deluded men said, "it will be amere holiday excursion. The turbulent and foolhardy Americans will bebrought to their senses, and, like whipped spaniels, will fawn uponthe hand which has chastised them. "

The voyage across the Atlantic occupied six weeks. In the eveningtwilight of the 5th of May, the ship dropped anchor in the Delaware, opposite Philadelphia. Franklin landed, and walked alone through thedarkened streets towards his home. It is difficult to imagine theemotions with which his heart must have been agitated in that hour. Ten years had elapsed since he left his home. In the meantime his wifehad reared another dwelling, in Market street, and there she had died. He had left his daughter Sarah, a child of twelve years. He was tofind her a matron surrounded by her babes. 

Cordially Franklin was welcomed home. The whole country resoundedwith the praises he so richly merited. The morning after his arrivalhe was unanimously chosen by the Assembly, then in session, as amember of the Continental Congress, which was to meet on the 10thof the month, in that city. Sixteen days before Franklin's arrivalthe memorable conflicts of Lexington and Concord had taken place. Probably never were men more astounded, than were the members ofthe British cabinet, in learning that the British regulars had beendefeated, routed and put to precipitate flight by American farmerswith their fowling-pieces. In this heroic conflict, whose echoesreverberated around the world, the Americans lost in killed andwounded eighty-three. The British lost two hundred and seventy-three. Franklin wrote to his friend Edmund Burke, "Gen. Gage's troops made a most vigorous retreat--twenty miles in three hours--scarce to be paralleled in history. The feeble Americans, who pelted them all the way, could scarce keep up with them. "

On the 10th of May Congress met. There were still two parties, one infavor of renewed attempts at conciliation, before drawing the swordand throwing away the scabbard; the other felt that the powers ofconciliation were exhausted, and that nothing now remained, but thearbitrament of war. 

George Washington was chosen, by the Assembly, Commander-in-Chief ofthe American forces. On the 17th of June the battle of Bunker Hill wasfought. Mr. John Dickinson trembled in view of his great wealth. Hiswife entreated him to withdraw from the conflict. Piteously she urgedthe considerations, that he would be hung, his wife left a widow, andhis children beggared and rendered infamous. He succeeded in passing aresolution in favor of a second petition to the king, which he drewup, and which the Tory Governor Richard Penn was to present. JohnAdams, who was weary of having his country continue in the attitude ofa suppliant kneeling at the foot of the throne, opposed this petition, as a "measure of imbecility. "

One of the first acts of Congress was to organize a system for thesafe conveyance of letters, which could no longer be trusted in thehands of the agents of the British Court. Franklin was appointedPostmaster General. He had attained the age of sixty nine years. Notwithstanding his gravity of character and his great wisdom, he hadunfortunately become an inveterate joker. He could not refrain frominserting, even in his most serious and earnest documents, somewitticism, which men of the intensity of soul of John Adams and ThomasJefferson, felt to be out of place. Still the wisdom of his counselsinvariably commanded respect. Upon learning of the burning ofCharleston, he wrote to Dr. Priestly, [25]

 "England has begun to burn our seaport towns, secure, I suppose, that we shall never be able to return the outrage in kind. She may, doubtless, destroy them all. But if she wishes to recover our commerce, are these the probable means? She must certainly be distracted; for no tradesman, out of Bedlam, ever thought of increasing the number of his customers by knocking them in the head; or of enabling them to pay their debts by burning their houses. "

[Footnote 25: "And here perhaps we have one of the reasons why Dr. Franklin, who was universally confessed to be the ablest pen inAmerica, was not always asked to write the great documents of theRevolution. He would have put a joke into the Declaration ofIndependence, if it had fallen to him to write it. At this time he wasa humorist of fifty years standing, and had become fixed in the habitof illustrating great truths by grotesque and familiar similes. Hisjokes, the circulating medium of Congress, were as helpful to thecause, as Jay's conscience or Adams' fire; they restored good humor, and relieved the tedium of delay, but were out of place in formal, exact and authoritative papers. "--_Parton's Franklin_, Vol. 2. P. 85. ]

One of Franklin's jokes, in Congress, is very characteristic of theman. It was urged that the Episcopal clergy should be directed torefrain from praying for the king. Franklin quenched the injudiciousmovement with a witticism. 

"The measure is quite unnecessary, " said he. "The Episcopal clergy, tomy certain knowledge, have been constantly praying, these twentyyears, that 'God would give to the king and council wisdom. ' And weall know that not the least notice has been taken of that prayer. Soit's plain that those gentlemen have no interest in the court ofHeaven. "

If we sow the wind we must reap the whirlwind. Terrible was themortification and mental suffering which Franklin endured from thegovernor of New Jersey. He had lived down the prejudices connectedwith his birth and had become an influential and popular man. He, with increasing tenacity adhered to the British Government, and becameeven the malignant opponent of the Americans. He pronounced the ideaof their successfully resisting the power of Great Britain, as utterlyabsurd. His measures became so atrocious, as to excite the indignationof the people of New Jersey. The Assembly finally arrested him andsent him, under guard, to Burlington. As he continued contumacious andmenacing, Congress ordered him to be removed to Connecticut. TheConstitutional Gazette of July 13th, 1776, contains the followingallusion to this affair:

 "Day before yesterday Governor Franklin, of New Jersey, passed through Hartford, on his way to Governor Trumbull. Mr. Franklin is a noted Tory and ministerial tool, and has been exceedingly busy in perplexing the cause of liberty, and in serving the designs of the British king and his ministers. 

 "He is son to Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the genius of the day, and the great patron of American liberty. If his excellency escapes the vengeance of the people, due to the enormity of his crimes, his redemption will flow, not from his personal merit, but from the high esteem and veneration which the country entertains for his honored father. "

His family was left in deep affliction. Franklin sent them bothsympathy and money. The captive governor resided at Middletown onparole. Here the infatuated man gathered around him a band of Tories, many of whom were rich, and held convivial meetings exceedinglyexasperating, when British armies were threatening the people withconflagration and carnage. 

Inflamed with wine, these bacchanals sang treasonable songs, the wholecompany joining in chorus, with uproar which drew large groups aroundthe house. The Tories professed utterly to despise the patriots, anddoubted not that their leaders would all soon be hung. One midnightthe governor, with his boon companions, having indulged in the wildestof their orgies, sallied into the streets, with such uproar as to makenight hideous. The watch found it needful to interfere. The drunkengovernor called one of them a damned villain and threatened to floghim. A report of these proceedings was sent to Congress. 

Soon after it was ascertained that he was an active agent for theBritish ministry. He was then confined in Litchfield jail, anddeprived of pen, ink and paper. For two years he suffered thiswell-merited imprisonment. Mrs. Governor Franklin never saw herhusband again. Grief-stricken, she fell sick, and died in New York inJuly, 1778. 

After an imprisonment of two years and four months, William Franklinwas exchanged, and he took refuge within the British lines at NewYork. He received a pension from the British government, livedhilariously, and devoted his energies to a vigorous prosecution of thewar against his countrymen. Franklin felt deeply this defection of hisson. After the lapse of nine years he wrote, "Nothing has ever affected me with such keen sensations, as to find myself deserted in my old age by my only son; and not only deserted but to find him taking up arms in a cause wherein my good fame, fortune and life were at stake. "[26]

[Footnote 26: Upon the overthrow of the royalist cause, GovernorFranklin with other Tories went to England. Government gave himoutright eighteen hundred pounds, and settled upon him a pension ofeight hundred pounds a year. After the lapse of ten years he soughtreconciliation with his father. He lived to the age of eighty-two anddied in London, in 1813. ]

CHAPTER XIII. 

_Progress of the War, both of Diplomacy and the Sword. _

 Letter of Henry Laurens--Franklin visits the army before Boston--Letter of Mrs. Adams--Burning of Falmouth--Franklin's journey to Montreal--The Declaration of Independence--Anecdote of the Hatter--Framing the Constitution--Lord Howe's Declaration--Franklin's reply--The Conference--Encouraging letter from France--Franklin's embassy to France--The two parties in France--The voyage--The reception in France. 

The spirit which, almost to that hour, had animated the people ofAmerica, --the most illustrious statesmen and common people, wasattachment to Old England. Their intense desire to maintain friendlyrelations with the mother country, their "home, " their revered andbeloved home, may be inferred from the following extract from aletter, which one of the noblest of South Carolinians, Hon. HenryLaurens, wrote to his son John. It bears the date of 1776. He writes, alluding to the separation from England, then beginning to becontemplated:

 "I can not rejoice in the downfall of an old friend, of a parent from whose nurturing breasts I have drawn my support and strength. Every evil which befalls old England grieves me. Would to God she had listened, in time, to the cries of her children. If my own interests, if my own rights alone had been concerned, I would most freely have given the whole to the demands and disposal of her ministers, in preference to a separation. But the rights of posterity were involved in the question. I happened to stand as one of their representatives, and dared not betray their trust. "

Washington, Adams, Jay, would have made almost any conceivablesacrifice of their personal interest, if they could have averted thecalamity of a separation from the home of their ancestors. But theconduct of the British Cabinet was not only despotic, in the highestdegree, but it was insolent and contemptuous beyond all endurance. Itseemed to be generally assumed that a man, if born on the majesticcontinent of North America, instead of being born on their littleisland, must be an inferior being. They regarded Americans asslave-holders were accustomed to regard the negro. Almost everyinterview resolved itself into an insult. Courteous intercourse wasimpossible. Affection gave place to detestation. 

On the 13th of September, 1775, Congress assembled in Philadelphia. Lexington, Bunker Hill, and other hostile acts of our implacable foes, had thrown the whole country into the most intense agitation. Militarycompanies were every where being organized. Musket manufactories andpowder mills were reared. Ladies were busy scraping lint, andpreparing bandages. And what was the cause of all this commotion, which converted America, for seven years, into an Aceldama of bloodand woe?

It was that haughty, insolent men in England, claimed the right toimpose taxes, to whatever amount they pleased, upon their brother menin America. They did not blush to say, "It is the prerogative of usEnglishmen to demand of you Americans such sums of money as we want. Unless, like obsequious slaves, you pay the money, without murmuring, we will burn your cities and deluge your whole land in blood. "

Washington was assembling quite an army of American troops aroundBoston, holding the foe in close siege there. Franklin was sent, byCongress, as one of a committee of three, to confer with Washingtonupon raising and supplying the American army. Amidst all theseterrific excitements and perils this wonderful man could not refrainfrom giving expression to his sense of the ludicrous. The day beforeleaving Philadelphia, he wrote to Dr. Priestly the following humoroussummary of the result of the British operations thus far. 

 "Britain at the expense of three millions, has killed one hundred and fifty Yankees this campaign, which is twenty thousand pounds a head. And, at Bunker Hill, she gained a mile of ground, half of which she lost again by our taking post on Ploughed Hill. During the same time sixty thousand children have been born in America. From these data, Dr. Price's mathematical head will easily calculate the time and expense necessary to kill us all, and conquer our whole territory. "

It required a journey of thirteen days, for the Commissioners to passfrom Philadelphia to Cambridge. On the 4th of October they reached thecamp. Mrs. John Adams, who was equal to her husband in patriotism, inintellectual ability and in self-denial, writes, "I had the pleasure of dining with Dr. Franklin, and of admiring him whose character, from infancy, I had been taught to venerate. I found him social, but not talkative; and when he spoke, something useful dropped from his tongue. He was grave, yet pleasant and affable. You know I make some pretensions to physiognomy, and I thought that I could read in his countenance, the virtues of his heart; and with that is blended every virtue of a Christian. "

The conference lasted four days, and resulted in the adoption of veryimportant measures. While in the camp, news came of the burning ofPortland, then Falmouth. It was a deed which would have disgracedAmerican savages. The town was entirely defenceless. It held out nomenace whatever to the foe. The cold blasts of a Maine winter were athand. A British man-of-war entered the harbor, and giving but a fewhours notice, that the sick and the dying might be removed, and thatthe women and children might escape from shot and shell, to the frozenfields, one hundred and thirty humble, peaceful homes were laid inashes. The cruel flames consumed nearly all their household furniture, their clothing and the frugal food they had laid in store for theirlong and dreary winter. A few houses escaped the shells. Marines werelanded to apply the torch to them, that the destruction might becomplete. 

There were several vessels in the harbor. The freezing, starving, homeless wives and daughters who had not strength to toil through thewilderness to seek distant cabins of refuge, might perhaps escape inthem. To prevent this they were burned to the water's edge. It was aninfernal deed. It struck to the very heart of America. Even now, aftera lapse of one hundred years, no American can read an account of thisoutrage without the flushed cheek and the moistened eye whichindignation creates. Mrs. Adams wrote, "I could not join to-day in the petitions of our worthy pastor for a reconciliation between our no longer parent, but tyrant state, and these colonies. Let us separate. They are no longer worthy to be our brethren. Let us renounce them, and instead of supplications, as formerly for their prosperity and happiness, let us beseech the Almighty to blast their councils and bring to naught all their devices. "

Though Franklin was the sweetest tempered of men, he returned toPhiladelphia with his spirit greatly embittered against the demoniacfoes of his country. For some time no jokes escaped his lips or pen. In December, Arnold, then a patriot and a brave soldier, had made anunsuccessful attack upon Quebec. He had retired to Montreal. Franklinwas again appointed one of these commissioners, to visit Arnold andadvise respecting Canadian affairs. 

Most of the Canadians were Catholics. One of the commissioners wasCharles Carroll of Carollton. He had a brother John, a Catholicpriest, a man of high culture, of irreproachable character and asincere patriot. He was perfectly familiar with the French language. By the solicitation of Congress he was induced to accompany hisbrother on this mission. It was hoped that he would be able to exerta powerful influence over the Canadian clergy. Franklin and JohnCarroll became intimate and loving friends. It speaks well for both, that the free-thinking philosopher, and the Catholic priest could sorecognize each other's virtues, as to forget their speculativedifferences in mutual regard. 

There was before the commissioners, a very laborious journey of fivehundred miles, much of it leading through an almost unexploredwilderness. It shows great zeal in Franklin, that at the age ofseventy, he was willing to encounter such exposure. 

Late in March, the commissioners left Philadelphia. In two days theyreached New York. They found the place deserted of its inhabitants. Itwas held but by a few soldiers, as it was hourly expected that theBritish, from their fleet and batteries, would open upon it a terrificbombardment. How little can we imagine the sufferings which mustensue, when thousands of families are driven, in terror, from theirhomes, from all their means of support, to go they know not where, andto live they know not how. 

A few sad days were passed in the ruined town, and on the 2d of Aprilthe party embarked, at five in the afternoon, in a packet for Albany. At seven o'clock in the morning of the 4th day, after an eventfulvoyage, in which they narrowly escaped shipwreck from a gale in theHighlands, they landed at Albany, where they were hospitablyentertained by General Schuyler. 

After a brief rest, on the 9th, they set out for Saratoga, which wasdistant about thirty-two miles. They were conveyed over an exceedinglyrough road of rocks, and corduroy and mire, in a large, heavy, countrywagon. From this place, Franklin wrote, "I begin to apprehend that I have undertaken a fatigue which, at my time of life, may prove too much for me. "

After a short tarry at the country seat of General Sullivan atSaratoga, the party moved on toward Lake George. In those northernlatitudes the ground was still covered with snow, and the lake wasfilled with floating ice. Two days of very exhausting travel broughtthem to the southern shore of the beautiful but then dreary lake. Herethey took a large boat, thirty-six feet long, and eight broad. It waswhat was called a bateau, which was flat-bottomed, and was but onefoot in depth. There was one mast, and a blanket sail, which wasavailable when the wind was directly aft. There was no cabin. A mereawning sheltered partially from wind and rain. 

Thus they crept across the lake, through masses of ice, a distance ofthirty-six miles, in thirty-six hours. There was a neck of land, fourmiles in breadth, which separated Lake George from Lake Champlain. Theheavy boat, placed on wheels, was dragged across by six yoke of oxen. A delay of five days was thus caused, before they were ready to embarkon the latter lake. The navigation of this small sheet of water, surrounded by the primeval forest, and with scarcely the cabin of awhite man to be seen, must have been romantic indeed. 

They sailed when the wind favored, and rowed when it was adverse. Atnight they ran ashore, built their camp fire, which illumined lake andforest, boiled their coffee, cooked their viands, and, some under theawning, and some under the shelter of a hastily constructed camp, slept sweetly. The ice greatly impeded their progress. In three and ahalf days, they reached St. John's, near the upper end of the lake. The toilsome journey of another day, brought them to Montreal. None ofthe commissioners were accustomed to thus roughing it. All weregreatly exhausted. 

A council of war was convened. Canada was clearly lost to theAmericans. It was at once decided that nothing remained but towithdraw the troops. Early in June, Franklin reached Philadelphia, from his toilsome journey. He had been absent about ten weeks. Thedoom of the proprietary government over Pennsylvania, was now sealed. Congress had voted that all authority derived from the king ofEngland, was extinct. A conference of delegates was appointed toorganize a new government for the province. Franklin was, of course, one of these delegates. A committee had been appointed, by Congress, to draw up a Declaration of Independence. The committee consisted ofJefferson, Franklin, Adams, Livingston, and Sherman. 

The immortal document, as all the world knows, came from the pen ofJefferson. It was offered to Congress for acceptance. Many frivolousobjections were, of course, presented. One man thought this phrase alittle too severe. Another thought that a little too lenient. Franklinsat by the side of Jefferson, as the admirable document was subjectedto this assailment. Turning to him he said, in one of the mostcharacteristic and popular of all his utterances, "When I was a journeyman printer, one of my companions, an apprenticedhatter, was about to open a shop for himself. His first concern was tohave a handsome sign-board, with a proper inscription. He composed itin these words, "John Thompson, Hatter, makes and sells Hats for ready Money. "

But he thought he would submit it to his friends for their amendments. The first he showed it to, thought the word _hatter_ tautologous;because followed by the words _makes hats_, which showed that he was ahatter. It was struck out. The next observed that the word _makes_, might as well be omitted, because his customers would not care whomade the hats; if good, and to their mind, they would buy, bywhomsoever made. He struck it out. A third said he thought the words, for _ready money_, were useless; as it was not the custom of the placeto sell on credit. Every one who purchased, expected to pay. They wereparted with. The inscription now stood, "John Thompson sells hats. "

"_Sells_ hats, " says his next friend. "Why nobody will expect you togive them away. What then is the use of that word?" It was strickenout, and _hats_ followed, the rather as there was one painted on theboard. So his inscription was reduced ultimately to _John Thompson_, with the figure of a hat subjoined. "

It will be remembered the readiness with which Dr. Franklin, on thespur of the moment, threw off the admirable fable of the Eagle and theHare. It is altogether probable that, in the inexhaustible resourcesof his genius, he improvised this anecdote to meet the exigencies ofthe occasion. 

When the Hessian troops, whom England had hired of a German prince, arrived, intelligent men in this country pitied rather than blamedthose simple hearted peasants, who had no animosity whatever, againstthe Americans. They had been compelled, by their feudal lord, who wasreally their slave master, to leave their lowly homes on the Rhine, tounite with English regulars and painted savages, in burning the homesand butchering the people struggling for existence in the wildernessof the New World. 

Again the all availing pen of Franklin was called into requisition. Bydirection of Congress he drew up a friendly address to theseunfortunate men, offering every German, who would abandon theignominious service to which his prince had sold him, a tract of richland sufficient for an ample farm. The address was translated intoGerman. Various were the devices adopted, to give the documentcirculation in the Hessian camp. It doubtless exerted a powerfulinfluence, in disarming these highly disciplined troops of allanimosity. The effect was perhaps seen in the spectacle witnessed afew weeks afterwards, when nine hundred of these soldiers were ledthrough the streets of Philadelphia, prisoners of war. It is notimprobable that many of them were more than willing to throw downtheir arms. 

On the 20th of July, 1776, Franklin was chosen by the Convention, one of nine delegates to represent Pennsylvania in the nationalCongress. One of the great difficulties to be surmounted, in aunion of the States, was to give the great States, like New York andPennsylvania, their own preponderance in the confederacy, while theminor states, like New Jersey and Delaware, should not be shorn oftheir influence. The difficulty was finally obviated by the presentadmirable arrangement, by which each State, great or small, has tworepresentatives in the Senate, while their representation in theHouse depends upon the number of the population. 

Franklin excelled in the art of "putting things. " He silenced thedemand of the smaller States, to be, in all respects, on an equalitywith the larger, by saying, "Let the smaller colonies give equal money and men, and then have anequal vote. But if they have an equal vote, without bearing equalburdens, a confederation, upon such iniquitous principles, will neverlast long. "

The convention, to form a constitution for the State of Pennsylvania, met at Philadelphia on the 16th of July, 1776. Franklin wasunanimously chosen President. No pen can describe the intensity of hislabors. All appreciated his consummate wisdom, and yielded readily tohis suggestions. Troops were hurrying to and fro. One hundred andtwenty British war vessels were in New York harbor. No one knew uponwhat seaport the thunderbolts of this formidable armament would behurled. The Americans had been defeated on Long Island in August, 1776, and had almost miraculously escaped with their field pieces andstores, across the East River to New York. This brilliant retreat wasdeemed, by the Americans, almost equivalent to a victory. 

Lord Howe, the old friend of Franklin and a humane and respectedEnglishman, who was sincerely desirous of peace with the Colonies, was appointed Admiral of the king's naval forces. He acceptedthe appointment, with the hope that, by the aid of Franklin, reconciliation might be effected. Still he was an Englishman and couldnot conceive that Americans had any rights which the Englishgovernment was bound to respect. The degree of his infatuation may beinferred from the fact that, as soon as he reached our shores, hepublished a Declaration, which he circulated far and wide, statingthat if the Americans would only give up the conflict and return toimplicit submission, the British Government would forgive their sins, pardon the guilty ones, with a few exceptions, and receive them againto favor. The weak man seemed really to think, that this was anextraordinary act of clemency on the part of the English Court. 

The reply, which Franklin drew up, to the Declaration, was grand. Andit was the more grand when we reflect that it was addressed to a manwho was supported by an army, of we know not how many thousand Britishregulars, and by a fleet of one hundred and twenty war vessels, manyof which were of gigantic armament. Admiral Howe had written acourteous private letter to Dr. Franklin, in which he enclosed theDeclaration. Congress gave Franklin permission to reply. He wrote, "My lord; the official despatches to which you refer me, contain nothing more than offers of pardon upon submission. Directing pardon to be offered to the colonies, who are the very parties injured, expresses indeed that opinion of our ignorance, baseness, and insensibility which your uninformed and proud nation has long been pleased to entertain of us. It is impossible that we should think of submission to a government that has, with the most wanton barbarity and cruelty, burnt our defenseless towns, in the midst of winter, excited the savages to massacre our farmers, and our slaves to murder their masters, and is, even now, bringing foreign mercenaries to deluge our settlements with blood. "

I have not space to copy the remainder of this admirable letter. Itwas delivered to Lord Howe, on board his flag ship in New York harbor, ten days after its date. As he read it his countenance expressedsurprise, and almost his only remark was, "My old friend has expressedhimself very warmly. "

A few weeks later this good natured but weak man paroled GeneralSullivan, who was a prisoner of war, and sent him to Philadelphia, with a message to Congress which Lord Howe cautiously declined to putupon paper. General Sullivan reduced the message to writing andpresented it to Congress. It was in substance as follows:

"The government of England cannot admit that Congress is a legitimatebody, to be recognized by any diplomatic relations whatever. It is buta tumultous assembly of men who have treasonably conspired againsttheir lawful sovereign. Still the government is willing that Lord Howeshould confer with some of the members of congress, as privategentlemen, to see if some terms of accommodation cannot be arranged. "

After much and earnest discussion, in which a great diversity ofopinion prevailed, it was voted that General Sullivan should informAdmiral Howe, that a committee of three would be sent to ascertainwhether he "has any authority to treat with persons, _authorized byCongress_ for that purpose. "

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Edward Rutledge composed thiscommittee. An antique house, nearly a hundred years old, formerly theabode of wealth and splendor, which stood in a green lawn, but a fewrods from the beach on the western shore of Staten Island, was chosenas the place for the conference. A two days' journey conveyed thecommittee to Amboy, opposite the house. Adams traveled on horseback:Franklin and Rutledge in a two wheel chaise. 

Admiral Howe sent a boat, under the protection of a flag of truce, with an officer, who stated that he was to be left behind as a hostagefor their safe return. Promptly they declined manifesting any suchdistrust of the honor of Admiral Howe, and took the hostage back inthe boat with them. The barge, propelled by lusty rowers, soon reachedthe Staten Island shore. A large apartment of the old stone house hadbeen richly decorated with moss and branches in honor of the occasion. 

A regiment of Hessians was posted at that spot. The colonel drew themup in two lines and through this lane of soldiers the commissionersadvanced from the beach to the house. When Admiral Howe saw that theofficer he had sent as a hostage had been returned, he said, "Gentlemen, you pay me a high compliment. "

Cordially the kind-hearted admiral received his guests, and invitedthem to an ample collation of cold ham, tongues, mutton and wine. Mr. Henry Strachey, secretary of Lord Howe, wrote a very full report ofthe interview, which accords entirely with the narrative which JohnAdams presented to Congress. In as sincere and friendly words as humanlips could pronounce, the Admiral assured the American gentlemen ofhis earnest desire to promote reconciliation between the colonists andthe mother country. He alluded to the fact that in England he had beenregarded as the friend of America, and to the honor Massachusetts hadconferred upon his family by rearing a monument to his brother, whohad fallen at Ticonderoga. Franklin well knew that Howe was regardedas the friend of America. 

"I assure you, gentlemen, " said Lord Howe, "that I esteem that honorto my family, above all things in this world. Such is my gratitude andaffection to this country, on that account, that I feel for America asfor a brother. And if America should fall, I should feel and lament itlike the loss of a brother. " The reply of Franklin to these sincerewords, seems a little discourteous. Assuming an air of greatindifference and confidence, as though the fall of America was an ideanot to be thought of, he bowed, and with one of his blandest smilessaid, "I assure you, my lord, that we will do everything in our powerto save your lordship from that mortification. "

The admiral was feeling too deeply for jokes. He was wounded by therebuke apparently contained in the reply of his old friend. But itmust not be forgotten that Franklin, the sweetest tempered of men, hadnot yet recovered from the indignation caused by the barbaritiesinflicted by the British government upon the families of Falmouth. Every day was bringing tidings of the atrocities which England, through its savage allies, was perpetrating on the frontiers, burningthe cabins of lonely farmers, and tomahawking and scalping women andchildren. And he was constrained to look upon Lord Howe as the agentof that government, commissioned to bear to the patriots of Americaonly the insulting messages, that the king and his ministers wouldgraciously pardon them the crime of attempting to resist theirdespotism, if they would ask forgiveness, and in future submituncomplainingly to the requirements of the crown. 

Thus, while the kind-hearted admiral, with a bosom glowing withbrotherly sympathy, was acting upon the assumption that the Americansshould cherish undying emotions of gratitude to the king, that he wasso ready to forgive their disobedience to his commands, Franklin andhis companions, found it difficult to restrain their emotions ofindignation, in view of the truly diabolical course pursued by theBritish government. The court, in their judgment, merited theexecrations not only of Americans but of all humanity. 

Lord Howe very emphatically wished the commissioners to understandthat he met them merely as private individuals, and that he could not, in the slightest degree, recognize any authority in Congress. Franklincoldly replied, "Your lordship may consider us in any view you may think proper. We, on our part, are at liberty to consider ourselves in our realcharacter. "

John Adams replied with warmth, characteristic of his impetuousnature, "Your lordship may consider _me_ in what light you please. Indeed I should be willing to consider myself, for a few moments, inany character which would be agreeable to your lordship, _except thatof a British subject_. "

As the conversation was continued, Franklin said, "We have beendeputed, by Congress, simply to inquire of your lordship whatproposition you have to offer _for the consideration of Congress_. British troops have ravaged our country and burnt our towns. We cannotagain be happy under the government of Great Britain. All formerattachments are obliterated. America can never return to thedomination of Great Britain. "

Mr. Adams added, "My lord, it is not in our power to treat otherwisethan as _independent states_. For my part, I avow my determinationnever to depart from the idea of _independency_. "

Mr Rutledge gave emphasis to these decisive words by saying, "Withregard to the people consenting to come again under the Englishgovernment, _it is impossible_. I can answer for South Carolina. Theroyal government there was very oppressive. At last we took thegovernment into our own hands. The people are now settled, and happy, under that government. They would not now return to the king'sgovernment even if Congress should desire it. "

Here the conference ended, by Lord Howe's stating, that, as theyinsisted upon _independence_, no accommodation was possible. Lord Howecourteously accompanied the American gentlemen to the barge, and theywere rowed over to the New Jersey shore. In the report they made toCongress they stated, that the commission of Lord Howe only conferredupon him authority to grant pardon to the Americans, with a fewexceptions, upon their entire submission to the king. 

It required, in those days, a long time to cross the Atlantic. Seldomcould an answer be obtained to a letter in less than four or fivemonths. To the usual delays and perils attached to the navigation ofthat stormy sea, there was now to be added the danger of capture fromthe swarm of British cruisers. Congress had several agents on thecontinent. But months passed away, during which no letters werereceived from them. This painful suspense was relieved, in September, 1776, by a long letter to Dr. Franklin, from a French gentleman, Dr. Dubourg. He was one of the prominent philosophers of Paris, and, bythe request of Count du Buffon, had translated into French, Franklin'streatise upon electricity. 

This letter was very cautiously written. It covered many sheets ofpaper. The all important substance of the letter was almost concealedfrom view by the mass of verbiage in which it was enveloped. But acareful reading indicated that the French ministry and the nation werein sympathy with the Americans; that while the ministry wished toavoid war with England they would gladly, if it could be donesecretly, send the Americans money and powder, cannon and muskets, andthat many French generals of note were eager to join the Americanarmy, and confer upon it the benefit of their experience. 

This news sent a thrill of joy through hearts which recent reverseshad rendered somewhat desponding. It was decided immediately to sendan embassy of highest character to France. Three were to be chosen byballot. On the first ballot Dr. Franklin was unanimously elected. Hewas seventy years old. And yet probably there was not another man inAmerica so well qualified to fill that difficult, delicate andresponsible post. Franklin, in the saloons of diplomacy, was fully thepeer of Washington on the field of war. When the result of the ballotwas announced Franklin turned to Dr. Rush, who was at his side, andsaid, "I am old and good for nothing. But as the store-keepers say of theirremnants of cloth, 'I am but a fag end, and you may have me for whatyou please. '"

Thomas Jefferson, then thirty-three years of age, and as pure apatriot as ever lived, was next chosen. He was already renowned inFrance as the writer of the Declaration of Independence. Silas Deane, a native of Connecticut, and a graduate of Yale, then one of theagents in Europe, was the third. 

It required no little courage to cross the ocean, swept by the fleetsof Great Britain. Had Franklin or Jefferson fallen into the hands ofthe British government, it is certain that they would have sufferedsevere imprisonment; it is by no means improbable that they would havebeen promptly hung as traitors. It was a noble sacrifice for countrywhich led Franklin, having numbered his three-score years and ten, toincur these perils. [27]

[Footnote 27: In the year 1780, Mr. Henry Laurens, formerly Presidentof Congress, was sent as ambassador to Holland. The ship was capturedoff Newfoundland, after a chase of five hours. The unfortunate man wasthrown into the Tower, where he was imprisoned fifteen months, "where"he wrote to Mr. Burke, "I suffered under a degree of rigor, almost ifnot altogether unexampled in modern British history. "]

Jefferson was compelled to decline the mission, as his wife, whom heloved with devotion rarely equalled, and perhaps never surpassed, wassick and dying. Arthur Lee, then in Europe, was elected in his stead. He was a querulous, ill-natured man, ever in a broil. A moreunsuitable man for the office could scarcely have been found. 

There were two parties in France who favored the Americans. Oneconsisted of enthusiastic young men, who were enamored with the ideaof republican liberty. They were weary of Bourbon despotism. Thecharacter of Louis XV. , as vile a king as ever sat upon a throne, wasloathsome to them. They had read Jefferson's "Declaration, " withdelight; and had engraven its immortal principles upon their hearts. The Marquis de Lafayette was perhaps the most prominent member of thisparty. 

France hated England. That haughty government had long been the mostunpopular on the globe. England had made great conquests from France, and was rich, intelligent and powerful beyond any other nation. Prosperity had given her arrogance, and she had placed her heel uponher humiliated neighbors. There was not a court in Europe which wouldnot have rejoiced to see England humbled. The despotic court ofFrance, and the most haughty nobles, were ready to encounter anyperils which held out a reasonable hope that England might beweakened. Thus the sympathies of all France were united in favor ofAmerica. 

And now the hour had come. By aiding the Americans, who had boldlydeclared their independence, they might not only deprive England ofthose colonies whose trade was already invaluable to England, andwhich were rapidly increasing in population, wealth and power, butalso they might awaken such gratitude in the bosoms of Americans, thatthe trade of the new nation would be mainly transferred to France. 

Thus the court and the nobles, intent upon this object, did nothesitate to aid in the establishment of those principles of liberty, fraternity and equality in America, which eventually whelmed in ruinthe palaces and the castles of France. 

It was deemed important to conceal, as long as possible, from theBritish government the sympathy and aid which France was about tomanifest for the Americans. Arthur Lee reported that an agent of theFrench government had promised to send from Holland, two thousandpounds worth of military stores. They were to be forwarded to one ofthe French West India islands, ostensibly for the service of thoseislands. The governor was, however, instructed to surrender them to asecret agent of the American Congress. The plan failed. I have notspace to record all the various stratagems which were devised to aidthe Americans, while the movement was carefully concealed from thevigilant eyes of the English. 

Franklin, with nobility of soul which should command the love of everyAmerican, as one of his last deeds before he left his country perhapsnever to return, collected all the money he could command, abouttwelve thousand dollars, and loaned it to the government, whosetreasury was utterly impoverished. In those dark days, even that smallsum was of essential aid. In one of the last of Franklin's letters, before he sailed, he wrote, "As to our public affairs, I hope our people will keep up their courage. I have no doubt of their finally succeeding by the blessing of God; nor have I any doubt that so good a cause will fail of that blessing. It is computed that we have already taken a million sterling from the enemy. They must soon be sick of their piratical project. "

Franklin embarked in the Reprisal, a rapid sailing sloop of war ofsixteen guns. He took with him his grandson, William Temple Franklin, son of the Tory governor, then a very handsome boy of eighteen, andBenjamin Franklin Bache, eldest son of his daughter, a lad of sevenyears. William Temple Franklin adhered firmly to the political viewsof his grandfather. Dr. Franklin intended to place Benjamin in aschool in Paris. 

Tory spies were watching every movement of Congress. This mission toFrance was kept a profound secret. Had the British government knownthat Benjamin Franklin was about to cross the ocean, almost every shipin the British navy would have been sent in chase of him. On the 26thof October, 1776, he left Philadelphia, every precaution having beenadopted to keep his departure a secret. The vessel was at anchor atMarcus Hook, in the Delaware, three miles beyond Chester. 

Fierce gales drove them rapidly across the Atlantic. Captain Wickeshad received instructions to avoid fighting, if possible. He was todevote all his energies to transporting his precious passenger asrapidly as possible, from shore to shore. They were often chased bycruisers. The vessel was small, and Franklin, in his old age, wassadly cramped by his narrow accommodations. He says that of all hiseight voyages this was the most distressing. When near the coast ofFrance they captured an English brig, with a cargo of lumber and wine. On the afternoon of the same day, they took another brig, loaded withbrandy and flax seed. England was almost delirious with rage, infinding that the Americans were bearing away their prizes from thechannel itself, thus bidding proud defiance to those frigates andfortresses of Great Britain which had overawed the world. 

On the 29th of November the Reprisal cast anchor in Quiberon Bay. Franklin there obtained a post chaise to convey him to Nantes. Hewrites, "The carriage was a miserable one, with tired horses, the evening dark, scarce a traveller but ourselves on the road. And to make it more _comfortable_, the driver stopped near a wood we were to pass through, to tell us that a gang of eighteen robbers infested that wood, who, but two weeks ago, had robbed and murdered some travellers on that very spot. "

Though absolutely no one in Europe knew that Franklin was expected, his fame had preceded him. The scientists of France were eager torender him their homage. French statesmen had learned, at the Court ofSt. James, to respect his grandeur of character, and his diplomaticabilities. He was a very handsome man, with a genial smile, which wonlove at sight. The invariable remark of every one, who chanced to meethim for five minutes was, "What a delightful man. " Franklin had noneof the brusqueness which characterizes John Bull. He was always agentleman, scrupulously attentive to his rich, elegant, yet simpledress. He manifested his knowledge of human nature, in carefullypreserving his national garb, --the old continental costume. 

Thus wherever he appeared he attracted attention. No man was ever morecourteous. The French Court, at that time, was bound by the shacklesof etiquette, to an almost inconceivable degree. But Franklin wasnever embarrassed. He needed no one to teach him etiquette. Instincttaught him what to do, so that, in the bearing of a well bredgentleman, he was a model man, even in the court where Louis XIV. AndLouis XV. Had reigned with omnipotent sway. The most beautifulduchess, radiant in her courtly costume, and glittering with jewels, felt proud of being seated on the sofa by the side of this truegentleman, whose dress, simple as it was, was in harmony with her own. The popular impression is entirely an erroneous one, that there wasanything rustic, anything which reminded one of the work shop or the_blouse_, in the demeanor of Benjamin Franklin, as he moved, unembarrassed, in the highest circles of fashion then known in theworld. 

Franklin was received to the hospitalities of a French gentleman ofwealth and distinction, by the name of Gruel. His elegant apartmentswere always crowded with visitors, eager to manifest their respect forthe trans-Atlantic philosopher. Horace Walpole, a warm friend of theAmericans, wrote, "An account came that Dr. Franklin, at the age of 72, or 74, and, at the risk of his head, had bravely embarked, on board an American frigate, and, with two prizes taken on the way, had landed, at Nantes, in France, and was to be at Paris on the 14th, where the highest admiration and expectation of him were raised. "

Upon his arrival Mr. Deane exultingly wrote, "Here is the hero andphilosopher, and patriot, all united in this celebrated American, who, at the age of seventy four, risks all dangers for his country. "

CHAPTER XIV. 

_The Struggles of Diplomacy. _

 Anecdote of Gibbon--John Adams--Residence at Passy--Lafayette introduced--Cruise of the Reprisal--Paul Jones--Capture of Burgoyne--Alliance with France--Anecdote of the Cake--Excitement in England--Franklin's introduction to the king--Joy in America--Extraordinary letter of Count Wissenstein--The reply--Injustice to Paul Jones--French troops in America--Character of John Adams--Franklin's mature views of human nature--Anecdote of the Angel--Capture of Cornwallis--Its effect in England--Prejudices of Mr. Jay--Testimony of Dr. Sparks--Jealousy of Franklin--Shrewd diplomatic act--The treaty signed. 

In the journey from Nantes to Paris, a curious incident occurred, which is well worth recording. It so admirably illustrates thecharacter of two distinguished men, as to bear internal evidence ofits truthfulness. At one of the inns, at which Franklin stopped, hewas informed that Mr. Gibbon, the illustrious author of the "Declineand Fall of the Roman Empire, " was also tarrying. 

Mr. Gibbon was an Englishman. He was a deist, being in entire sympathywith Franklin in his views of Christianity. He was also a man ofletters. Mr. Franklin addressed a very polite note to Mr. Gibbon, sending his compliments, and soliciting the pleasure of spending theevening with him. Mr. Gibbon, who was never renowned for amiability ofcharacter, replied, in substance, we have not his exact words, "Notwithstanding my regard for Dr. Franklin, as a man and aphilosopher, I cannot reconcile it with my duty to my king, to haveany conversation with a revolted subject. "

Franklin responded to this by writing, "Though Mr. Gibbon's principleshave compelled him to withhold the pleasure of his conversation, Dr. Franklin has still such a respect for the character of Mr. Gibbon, asa gentleman and a historian, that when, in the course of his writingthe history of the 'Decline and Fall of Empires, ' the decline and fallof the British Empire shall come to be his subject, as will probablysoon be the case, Dr. Franklin would be happy to furnish him withample materials, which are in his possession. "[28]

[Footnote 28: This anecdote has had a wide circulation in thenewspapers. Mr. William Cobbett inserts it in his "Works, " with thefollowing comment, characteristic of the spirit of most of the higherclass of Englishmen, in those days:

"Whether this anecdote record a truth or not I shall not pretend tosay. But it must be confessed, that the expressions imputed to the twopersonages were strictly in character. In Gibbon, we see the faithfulsubject, and the man of candor and honor. In Franklin the treacherousand malicious old Zanga, of Boston. "--_Works of William Cobbett. Vol. Vii, p. 244. _]

Gibbon was a Tory. He supported Lord North in all his measures. Thegovernment rewarded him with a pension of eight hundred pounds a year. This was equivalent to considerable more than four thousand dollarsat the present time. Franklin was received, in Paris, by the wholepopulation, court and _canaille_, with enthusiasm which that excitablecapital had rarely witnessed. The most humble of the population werefamiliar with the pithy sayings of Poor Richard. The _savants_admitted their obligations to him, for the solution of some of themost difficult problems of philosophy. The fashionable worldwere delighted with his urbanity; and in his society found rareand unequalled pleasure. The republicans regarded him as thepersonification of a free government; and even the nobles and theministry were cheered by the hope that, with his aid, haughty Englandcould be weakened and humbled, and that thus a new era of commercialprosperity was about to dawn upon France. 

John Adams was not popular in Paris. He was a man of great abilities, of irreproachable character, and was animated by as pure principles ofpatriotism as ever glowed in a human bosom. But he was a genuinePuritan, inheriting the virtues and the foibles of the best of thatclass. Though not wanting in magnanimity, he could not fail from beingdisturbed, by the caresses with which Franklin was ever greeted, contrasted with the cold and respectful courtesy with which he wasreceived. It was always the same, in the Court, in the saloons, and onthe Boulevards. In Mr. Adams' diary, written some years later, we findthe following insertion, which, in some degree, reveals his feelings. He is recording a conversation with the French minister. 

 "All religions, " said Marbois, "are tolerated in America. The ambassadors have a right, in all the courts of Europe, to a chapel in their own way. But Mr. Franklin never had any. "

 "No, " said I laughing, "because Mr. Franklin has no----"

 I was going to say what I did not say, and will not say here. I stopped short, and laughed. 

 "No, " said M. Marbois. "Mr. Franklin adores only great Nature; which has interested a great many people of both sexes in his favor. "

 "Yes, " said I laughing, "all the atheists, deists and libertines, as well as the philosophers and ladies are in his train. "[29]

[Footnote 29: Works of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 220. ]

The English lords were exasperated by the reception France had givenFranklin. They fully comprehended its significance. France was insympathy with the Americans, in their heroic endeavor to escape fromthe despotism of the British crown. Thus the traffic which hadenriched England, would be transferred to France. 

Even the Earl of Chatham said, in one of the most eloquent of hisspeeches, "France, my lords, has insulted you. She has encouraged and sustainedAmerica. And whether America be wrong or right, the dignity ofthis country ought to spurn at the officiousness of the Frenchinterference. The ministers and ambassadors of those who are calledrebels, are in Paris. In Paris they transact the reciprocal businessof America and France. Can there be a more mortifying insult? Can evenour ministers sustain a more humiliating disgrace? Do they dare toresent it?"

Franklin was assailed in England, in innumerable pamphlets of abuse. The sin of his youth still pursued him. Many an envenomed arrowpierced his heart. [30]

[Footnote 30: This is a delicate subject, but it must not be ignored. Mr. Parton writes, --"One penny-a-liner informed the public that Dr. Franklin had a son, who, though illegitimate, was a much more honestman than his father. As to the mother of that son, nothing was knownof her, except that her seducer let her die in the streets. "

There was no end to those attacks. They were attended by everyexaggeration of malignity which hatred could engender. It is certainthat Franklin would have been saved from these woes could he, as ayoung man, have embraced the _faith_ of the religion of Jesus, anddeveloped that _faith_ in his _practice_. ]

But it must not be forgotten that there were many of the noblest menin England, who were the warm friends of Franklin, and who cordiallyespoused the American cause. Among these were Fox, Burke, Rockingham, Shelburne, Chatham, Priestley and Price. 

Many beautiful villages surrounded Paris. One of the most lovely, embowered in foliage, was Passy. It is now included within the citywalls. It was then but two miles from the centre of the city. Amunificent friend of America, M. De Chaumont, invited Franklin to thehospitality of one of his sumptuous mansions in that place. Franklinaccepted the invitation, assuring him that at the close of the war, Congress would insist upon granting him a tract of land, inrecognition of his kindness to America in the hour of need. 

Early in the year 1777, Franklin took up his residence at Passy, andthere he continued to reside while he remained in France. He livedliberally, had an ample retinue of servants, and entertained hisguests with elegance. His annual expenditures were about thirteenthousand dollars. This sum would then purchase twice the amount ofconveniences and luxuries which could be purchased by the same sum atthe present day. He had his own servants, and commanded a handsomecarriage with two horses. 

Mrs. Adams writes, "With seven servants, and hiring a charwoman uponoccasion of company, we may possibly keep house. With less we shouldbe hooted at as ridiculous, and could not entertain any company. "

Though Franklin took every thing by the smooth handle, he did not, onthat account, intermit any intensity of labor to accomplish hispurposes. There were then three American envoys in Paris, Franklin, Deane, and Lee. Five days after the arrival of Franklin, they, on the28th of December, 1777, held their first interview with the FrenchMinister, Count de Vergennes. They were received with all thatcordiality and courtesy which are marked characteristics of the Frenchpeople. But still the commissioners were embarrassed. The prospects ofAmerica were doubtful. General Burgoyne was on the eve of sailing forAmerica with a formidable fleet, and an army of eight or ten thousandhighly disciplined troops. In the course of the conversation, theminister said that France was not yet ready to enter into opencollision with England, and to declare war. 

"But, " said he, "if a _couple of millions_ of francs, to be repaidwithout interest after the war, will be of use to you, they are atyour service. Only do not say that you had it from _us_. "

This was indeed, under the doubtful circumstances, a very generousoffer. It was at this dark hour that the noble Lafayette decided toconsecrate his fortune, and to peril his life, for the cause ofAmerican freedom. It was proclaimed that Burgoyne's expedition wasfitted out to rouse the slaves to insurrection, and to lay themansions of the planters in ashes. Arthur Lee was very much alarmed. These splendid estates were generally situated in romantic spots, uponthe banks of the navigable rivers, where the dwellings, often quitemagnificent, could easily be demolished by shot and shell thrown fromany frigate. 

The Reprisal, Captain Wickes, was the first American vessel of warwhich ventured into European waters. The channel swarmed with Britishvessels. The Reprisal took prize after prize, and conveyed them intoNantes. As France was not at war with England, Count de Vergennes wascompelled to order the Reprisal, with her prizes, to leave the harbor. Captain Wickes took some of the Nantes merchants on board his vessel, and, just outside the port, sold the prizes to them. The Frenchmerchants then returned, with their property, into the harbor. 

Captain Wickes soon united with him the Lexington of fourteen guns, and a cutter, the Dolphin, of ten guns. With this little fleet thehero sailed completely around Ireland, capturing or destroying sixteenprizes. The British were astounded at this audacity. Merchants andunder-writers were quite terror-stricken. They had never dreamed thatthe despised Americans could strike _them_ any blows. And when, soonafter, Paul Jones, one of the noblest of all naval heroes, appeared intheir waters, it is not too much to say that _consternation_ pervadedthe coasts of both England and Ireland. [31]

[Footnote 31: The wonderful achievements of this patriot are fullyrecorded in one of the volumes of this series. ]

It requires many and aggravated wrongs to rouse a naturally amiableman to the highest pitch of indignation. But when thus roused, he isready for any vigor of action. Franklin's blood was up. England wasbribing slaves to murder their masters; was rousing the savages tomassacre the families of poor, hard-working frontiersmen; was wantonlybombarding defenceless seaports, and with inhumanity, rarely known incivilized warfare, was laying villages in ashes, consigning women andchildren to beggary and starvation. In the prison hulks of New York, our most illustrious men were in the endurance, as prisoners of war, of woes unsurpassed by Algerine barbarism. Many of our commonsailors, England was compelling, by the terrors of the lash, to manher ships, and to fight their own countrymen. Maddened by theseatrocities, Mr. Franklin wrote to his English friend, David Hartley, amember of Parliament, a letter, which all the few friends of Americain England, read with great satisfaction, and which must have produceda very powerful moral impression in France. It is too long to beinserted here. In conclusion he said to his friend, "In reviewing what I have written, I found too much warmth in it, and was about to strike out some parts. Yet I let them go, as it will afford you this one reflection, "'If a man naturally cool, and rendered still cooler by old age, is so warmed by our treatment of his country, how much must those people in general be exasperated against us. And why are we making inveterate enemies, by our barbarity, not only of the present inhabitants of a great country, but of their infinitely more numerous posterity; who will, in future ages, detest the name of Englishman, as much as the children in Holland now do those of Alva and Spaniard. '"

William Temple Franklin inherited the attractions of person, and thefascination of manners, so conspicuous in his grandfather. He was agreat favorite in the social circles of the gay metropolis. Dark dayscame, with tidings of discomfiture. Franklin devoted twelve hours outof the twenty-four, to the arduous duties of his mission. Philadelphiafell. 

"Well, Doctor, " said an Englishman in Paris, with the customarycourtesy of his nation, "Howe has taken Philadelphia. "

"I beg your pardon, " Franklin replied, "Philadelphia has taken Howe. "

The result proved that Franklin's joke was almost a reality. 

Burgoyne surrendered. His whole army was taken captive. Massachusettsimmediately sent John Loring Austin to convey the rapturous tidings toFranklin. This great success would doubtless encourage France to openaction. No tongue can tell the emotions excited in the bosoms ofFranklin, Lee and Deane, as Austin entered their presence at Passy, with the announcement, "_General Burgoyne and his whole army areprisoners of war. _"

There were no shoutings, no rushing into each other's arms. But tearsfilled their eyes. They felt assured that France would come openly totheir aid, and that the independence of their country was no longerdoubtful. Silently they returned to Franklin's spacious apartment, where they spent the whole day in reading the enrapturing dispatches, and in preparing for immediate alliance with France. France made noattempt to conceal its joy. A treaty of alliance was soon formed. Nobly the Count de Vergennes said, "We wish to take no advantage of your situation. We desire no termswhich you may hereafter regret having made; but would enter intoarrangements of mutual interest, which may last as long as humaninstitutions endure. "

England was now greatly alarmed from fear that the trade of thecolonies might be transferred to France. Envoys were sent to Passy tooffer the American ambassadors everything they had demanded at thecommencement of the conflict. But it was too late. America nowdemanded _Independence_, and would accept nothing less. 

A large cake was one day sent to the ambassador's apartment, at Passy, with the inscription "Le Digne Franklin, " the worthy Franklin. Mr. Leesaid, "Well, Doctor, we have to thank you for our accommodations, andto appropriate your present to our use. "

"Not at all, " said Franklin. "This cake is for all the Commissioners. The French, not being able to write good English, do not spell ournames correctly. The meaning doubtless is Lee, Deane, Franklin. "

The memorable treaty was signed on the 5th of February, 1778. It wasstated that the object of the treaty was to establish the independenceof the United States, and that neither party should conclude eithertruce or peace with England, without the consent of the other. 

Tidings of the treaty, which for a short time was kept secret, hadbeen whispered in England, causing intense excitement. On the 17th ofFebruary, 1778, the House of Parliament was crowded. Lord North, amidbreathless silence, presented a "Conciliation Bill, " grantingeverything which Franklin had demanded. Fox, who was in theOpposition, arose and announced the treaty. "The astonishment, " writesWalpole, "was totally indescribable. "

Soon the fact of the treaty of alliance, was formally announced inFrance. The American envoys were invited to an audience with the king. Franklin was richly dressed. His hair was carefully arranged by aFrench perruquier. He wore an admirably fitting suit of plain, black, silk velvet. Ruffles of elaborate embroidery and snowy whitenessadorned his wrists and bosom. White silk stockings aided in displayingthe perfect proportions of his frame. Large silver buckles were on hisshoes. 

No one could accuse him of failing in due respect for the king, byappearing in his presence in slatternly dress. His costume was superb, and was such as was then worn, on important occasions, by Americangentlemen of the highest rank. The audience took place at Versailles, on the morning of the 20th of March. Each of the American envoys rodein his own carriage, attended by the usual retinue of servants. On theway they were cheered with the utmost enthusiasm by the crowd. Theking, Louis XVI. , received them with extreme courtesy, and the queen, Marie Antoinette, was marked in her attentions to Franklin. TheBritish ambassador, Lord Stormont, was so enraged, that, regardless ofall the claims of courtesy, he immediately returned to England, without even taking leave of the king. 

Who can describe the exultation, the rapture, the tears, with whichthese tidings were received by the patriots of America. On the 6thof May, George Washington drew up his little band at Valley Forge, to announce the great event, and to offer to God prayers andthanksgivings. The tone of the English was immediately changed. Theyabandoned threats and tried the effect of entreaties. Severalemissaries, from the government, approached Dr. Franklin, all bearingin substance the same message. They said, "We cannot endure the thought that our beloved colonists should enterinto alliance with our hereditary natural enemy, France. Can you, whoare Protestants, consent to unite with a nation of Roman Catholics? Ifyou will remain firm in your adhesion to England, we will grant youall you ever wished for, and even more. But do not forsake your mothercountry to swell the pride and power of perfidious France. "

But all these efforts were unavailing. The colonists began to despiseEngland. They had no wish for war with their unnatural parent, andthey knew that their independence was assured; and that no effortswhich England could possibly make, could now prevent it. All alikefelt disposed to spurn the bribes which England so lavishly offered. 

A very extraordinary letter was sent to Dr. Franklin, which wassigned, Charles de Wissenstein. Franklin, who was accustomed tosifting evidence, became satisfied that the message came from kingGeorge III. Himself. The letter declared that the perfidious Frenchwould certainly deceive the Americans with false promises, and defraudthem. After making the most liberal offers of popular rights, if theAmericans would continue to remain colonists under the British crown, the document presented the following extraordinary promise to thoseAmerican patriots whom England had denounced as traitors, and doomedto be hung. It was deemed a bribe which human virtue could not resist. 

 "As it is unreasonable that their (the American patriots) services to their country should deprive them of those advantages which their talents would otherwise have gained them, the following persons shall have offices or pensions for life, at their option, namely, Franklin, Washington, Adams, Hancock, etc. In case his Majesty, or his successors, should ever create American peers, then those persons, or their descendants, shall be among the first created if they choose it. "

Franklin, after conference with his colleagues, replied to the letter. His soul was all on fire with the insults our country had received, and the wrongs she had endured. He wrote as if personally addressingthe king. We can only give the concluding paragraph. After statingthat the independence of America was secured, that all attempts ofEngland to prevent it would be impotent, and that consequently it wasquite a matter of indifference to the Americans whether Englandacknowledged it or not, he wrote, [32]

 "This proposition, of delivering ourselves bound and gagged, ready for hanging, without even a right to complain, and without a friend to be found afterward among all mankind, you would have us embrace upon the faith of an Act of Parliament. Good God! an act of your Parliament. This demonstrates that you do not yet know us; and that you fancy that we do not know you. But it is not merely this flimsy faith that we are to act upon. You offer us hope, the hope of PLACES, PENSIONS and PEERAGES. 

 "These, judging from yourselves, you think are motives irresistible. This offer to corrupt us, sir, is with me, your credential; and convinces me that you are not a private volunteer in your application. It bears the stamp of British Court character. It is even the signature of your king. But think, for a moment, in what light it must be viewed in America. 

 "By PLACES, you mean places among us; for you take care, by a special article, to secure your own to yourselves. We must then pay the salaries in order to enrich ourselves with those places. But you will give us PENSIONS, probably to be paid too out of your expected American revenue, and which none of us can accept without deserving, and perhaps obtaining, _suspension_. 

 "PEERAGES! Alas! in our long observation of the vast servile majority of your peers, voting constantly for every measure proposed by a minister, however weak or wicked, leaves us small respect for that title. We consider it as a sort of tar-and-feather honor, or a mixture of foulness and folly, which every man among us, who should accept it from your king, would be obliged to renounce, or exchange for that confessed by the mobs of their own country, or wear it with everlasting infamy. "[33]

[Footnote 32: In reference to the promises contained in the letter, Franklin referred to a book which it was said George III. Hadcarefully studied, called _Arcana Imperii_. A prince, to appease arevolt, had promised indemnity to the revolters. The question wassubmitted to the keepers of the king's conscience, whether he werebound to keep his promises. The reply was, "No! It was right to make the promises, because the revolt could nototherwise be suppressed. It would be wrong to keep them, becauserevolters ought to be punished. "]

[Footnote 33: Sparks' Franklin, Vol. Iii, p. 278. ]

In the spring of 1778, Paul Jones entered upon his brilliant career, bidding defiance, with his infant fleet, to all the naval power ofGreat Britain, agitating entire England with the terror of his name. Franklin was his affectionate friend, and, in all his many trials, heleaned upon Franklin for sympathy. So tremendously was he maligned bythe English press, that American historians, unconsciously thusinfluenced, have never done him justice. As a patriot, and a nobleman, he deserves to take rank with his friends, Washington andFranklin. 

In 1779, Lafayette, returning to France, from America, brought thenews that Franklin was appointed by Congress as sole plenipotentiaryof the new nation of the United States, to the generous kingdom, whichhad acknowledged our independence, and whose fleets and armies werenow united with ours. All France rejoiced. With great eclat the newambassadors were presented to the king. 

No man of force of character can escape having enemies. Franklin hadmany and bitter ones. A cabal plotted the removal of his excellentgrandson, William Temple Franklin. It gives us an insight to the heartof this venerable septuagenarian to read from his pen, "It is enough that I have lost my son. Would they add my _grandson_. An old man of seventy, I undertook a winter voyage, at the command of Congress, with no other attendant to take care of me. I am continued here, in a foreign country, where, if I am sick, his filial attention comforts me. And if I die, I have a child to close my eyes and take care of my remains. His dutiful behavior toward me, and his diligence and fidelity in business, are both pleasing and useful to me. His conduct, as my private secretary, has been unexceptionable; and I am confident the Congress will never think of separating us. "

Franklin's great endeavor now was to obtain money. Without it wecould have neither fleet nor army. The treasury of France was empty, almost to bankruptcy. Never did he struggle against greater obstaclesthan during the next three years. It has been truly said, thatFranklin, without intending it, helped to bleed the French monarchy todeath. In addition to the employment of both army and navy, the Frenchgovernment conferred upon Congress, in gifts or loans, the sum oftwenty-six million francs. 

The French troops were received in America with boundless enthusiasm. Their discipline was admirable. Their respect for the rights ofproperty was such, that not a barn, orchard or hen-roost was robbed. 

John Adams was sent to join Franklin, to aid him in framing terms ofpeace, whenever England should be disposed to make such advances. Hewas a man of great abilities, of irreproachable integrity, but he hadinherited, from his English ancestry, not only repulsive brusqueness, but also a prejudice against the French, which nothing could remove. His want of courtesy; his unconcealed assumption that France wasacting out of unmitigated selfishness, and that consequently theAmericans owed the French no debt of gratitude, often caused Franklinmuch embarrassment. This blunt man, at one time wrote so uncourteous, not to say insulting a letter, to M. De Vergennes, that the Frenchminister declined having any more correspondence with him. BothFranklin and Congress condemned the incivility of Mr. Adams. He onlyescaped a motion of censure from the full conviction of Congress ofthe purity of his patriotism, and of his intentions. [34]

[Footnote 34: Mr. Jefferson, after an intimacy of seven months withJohn Adams, in Paris, wrote of him: "He is vain, irritable, and a badcalculator of the force and probable effect of the motives whichgovern men. This is all the ill which can possibly be said of him. Heis as disinterested as the Being who made him. "]

Franklin had been requested to forward the correspondence to Congress. As in duty bound, he did so; accompanying it with a magnanimousletter. Mr. Adams was very angry. Every impartial reader will admitthat, in this embarrassing affair, Franklin conducted with delicacyand discretion. The British troops in America were still conductinglike savages. Congress requested Franklin to prepare a school-book, with thirty-five prints, each depicting one or more of the acts ofEnglish brutality. The object was to impress the minds of childrenwith a deep sense of the insatiable and bloody malice with which theEnglish had pursued the Americans. The plan was never executed. 

In the year 1781, Franklin, then seventy-five years of age, and havingbeen engaged in public service for fifty years, wrote to Congress, begging permission to retire from his responsible office. Congresscould not spare his services. They gave him an additional appointment. He was commissioned to unite with Adams and Jay, in those negotiationsfor peace which, it was evident, must soon take place. 

Franklin loved the French, he could smile at their foibles, indressing their hair so that they could not wear a hat, but werecompelled to carry it under their arms; also in filling their noseswith tobacco. "These, " said he, "are mere follies. There is nothingwanting, in the character of a Frenchman, that belongs to that of anagreeable and worthy man. "

It may perhaps be mentioned, as a defect in the character of Franklin, that when in France he could see nothing but the beautiful. His eyewas turned from every revolting spectacle. In the society of elegantlydressed, highly educated, refined French ladies, --at dinner parties, glittering with gold and silver plate, --in social intercourse with menwhose philosophical attainments were of the highest order, and whosepoliteness of speech and bearing rendered them delightful companions, Franklin found his time and thoughts engrossed. In all his voluminouswritings we find no allusion to those tremendous wrongs, which LouisXIV. And Louis XV. Had entailed upon the people, --wrongs which soonconvulsed society with the volcanic throes of the French revolution. 

Jefferson, who succeeded Franklin, was cast in a different mould. Hesaw and fully comprehended the misery under which the millions of theFrench peasantry were groaning. And this led him to the conviction, that no people could be safe, unless the government were placed intheir own hands. 

Still Franklin, like his brother deists, Hume and Voltaire, seeing howimpotent were all the motives they could urge to make man virtuous, became thoroughly disgusted with human nature. He even went beyondPaul in his description of the hopeless depravity of man. The idea ofreclaiming him by his philosophy was abandoned entirely. And yet hewas not prepared to embrace that gospel, which the experience of ageshas proved to be the "wisdom of God and the power of God untosalvation. "

"He enlarges, " writes Mr. Parton, "upon this theme, in his mostdelightful manner, in another letter to Dr. Priestley. " In this letterhe says in his usual jocular strain, that the more he studies themoral part of nature the more he is disgusted; that he finds men verybadly constructed; that they are more prone to do evil than to dogood; that they take great pleasure in killing one another, and thathe doubts whether the species is worth preserving. He intimates thatevery attempt to save their souls is "an idle amusement. "

"As you grow older, " he writes, "you may perhaps repent of havingmurdered, in mephitic air, so many honest, harmless mice, and wishthat, to prevent mischief, you had used boys and girls instead ofthem. "

In this singular letter he represents a young angel having been sentto this world, under the guidance of an old courier spirit. Theyarrive over the seas of Martinico, in the midst of the horrible fightbetween the fleets of Rodney and De Grasse. 

"When, " he writes, "through the clouds of smoke, he (the young angel)saw the fire of the guns, the decks covered with mangled limbs andbodies, dead or dying; the ships sinking, burning, or blown into theair; and the quantity of pain, misery and destruction the crews, yetalive, were with so much eagerness dealing round to one another, heturned angrily to his guide and said, "'You blundering blockhead; you are ignorant of your business. Youundertook to conduct me to the earth; and you have brought me intohell. '

"'No sir, ' said the guide, 'I have made no such mistake. This isreally the earth, and these are men. Devils never treat one another inthis cruel manner. They have more sense, and more of what men (vainly)call humanity. '"

It was after the study of human nature, under the most favorable ofpossible circumstances, for more than three-quarters of a century, that this philosopher wrote these terrible comments upon our fallenrace. 

The latter part of October, 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered hiswhole army, of over seven thousand men, at Yorktown. The French fleetcut off his escape by sea. Seven thousand French soldiers, united withfive thousand American troops, prevented any retreat by land. TheAmericans had thus captured two British armies. It was in vain forEngland to think of sending a third. The conflict was virtuallydecided. 

"The Prime Minister, " Lord North, it is said, "received the tidings ashe would have taken a ball in his breast. He threw his arms apart. Hepaced wildly up and down the room, exclaiming, from time to time, 'OhGod! it is all over. '"

All England now was clamoring against the war. Thousands of personshad perished in the campaigns, and financial embarrassments had cometo nearly all her institutions of industry. The English governmentmade vigorous endeavors, offering great bribes, to induce the Americanenvoys at Paris to abandon their French allies, and make a separatepeace. Franklin wrote to Mr. Hartley, through whom he received theseproposals, "I believe there is not a man in America, a few _English Tories_ excepted, that would not spurn the thought of deserting a noble and generous friend, for the sake of a truce with an unjust and cruel enemy. "

British diplomacy tried all its arts of intrigue to separate Americafrom France in the negotiations for peace, but all in vain. TheBritish minister, Mr. Grenville, in an interview with Mr. Franklin, ridiculed the idea that America owed France any gratitude, urging thatFrance sought only her own selfish interests. 

 "I told him, " Franklin writes, "that I was so strongly impressed with the kind assistance afforded us by France, in our distress, and the generous and noble manner in which it was granted, without exacting or stipulating for a single privilege, or particular advantage to herself in our commerce or otherwise, that I could never suffer myself to think of such reasonings for lessening the obligation. "

On the 28th of February, 1782, General Conway, one of the leaders ofthe Opposition, the same who had moved the repeal of the stamp act, seventeen years before, presented a resolution in the House of Commonsthat, "THE REDUCTION OF THE COLONIES BY FORCE OF ARMS IS IMPRACTICABLE. "

A violent, even fierce debate ensued, which was continued until oneo'clock in the morning. Then the cry of _question_ became general. The vote was carried by a majority of nineteen. This terminatedthe American war. The people of England had decided against it. "Acclamations, " writes Wraxall, "pierced the roof, and might havebeen heard in Westminster Hall. "

This great victory was followed by another resolve. It was an addressto George III. Soliciting him to "Stop the prosecution of any furtherhostilities against the revolted colonies, for the purpose of reducingthem to obedience by force. "

Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, these votes were immediatelycommunicated to the king, who was in a pitiable condition, aged, nearly blind, half crazed, and stubborn even to insanity, in hisdetermination to subjugate the Americans. The poor old man, in hisrage, threatened to abandon England, to renounce the crown, and tocloister himself in his estate of Hanover. He was however compelledto yield, to dismiss his Tory ministers and to accept a whig cabinet. Edmund Burke wrote a warm, congratulatory letter to Franklin. [35]

[Footnote 35: Edmund Burke wrote to Dr. Franklin that "The motion wasthe _declaration_ of two hundred and thirty four members; but it wasthe _opinion_, he thought, of the whole house. "]

And now the final struggle arose respecting the terms of peace. Thethree great questions discussed, as diplomatic arrangements, weregradually and very cautiously entered into, were: 1. What shall be theboundaries of the United States. 2. Shall the Americans be allowed tofish on the great banks. 3. What provision shall be made for theTories in America, whose estates have been confiscated?

There were many preliminary meetings, private, semi-official, andofficial. There was a general impression that Franklin was the manwhose opinion would entirely control that of his countrymen. He wasapproached in every way, and the utmost endeavors were made to inducethe American Commissioners to enter into a private treaty, withoutconsulting the French ministry. 

A full account of the diplomatic conflict which ensued, would fill avolume. On one occasion the British minister, Mr. Grenville, said, "In case England grants America Independence. "

The French minister, M. De Vergennes, smiled and said, "America hasalready won her Independence. She does not ask it of you. There is Dr. Franklin; he will answer you on that point. "

"To be sure, " Franklin said, "we do not consider it necessary tobargain for that which is our own. We have bought our Independence atthe expense of much blood and treasure, and are in full possession ofit. "

Many of these preliminary interviews took place in Paris. The amountof money and blood which the pugnacious government of England hadexpended in totally needless wars, can not be computed. The miserywith which those wars had deluged this unhappy globe, God only cancomprehend. Mr. Richard Oswald, a retired London merchant, of vastwealth, was sent, by Lord Shelburne, prime minister, as a confidentialmessenger, to sound Dr. Franklin. He was frank in the extreme. 

"Peace, " said he, "is absolutely necessary for England. The nation hasbeen foolishly involved in four wars, and can no longer raise money tocarry them on. If continued, it will be absolutely necessary to stopthe payment of interest money on the public debt. "

Mr. Adams and Mr. Jay were soon associated with Dr. Franklin in thesenegotiations. Mr. Jay was in entire sympathy with Mr. Adams in hisantipathy to the French. They both assumed that France was meanlyseeking only her own interests, making use of America simply as aninstrument for the accomplishment of her selfish purposes. [36]

[Footnote 36: Mr. Adams wrote, in his diary, November, 1782, "Mr. Jaydon't like any Frenchman. The Marquis de la Fayette is clever, but heis a Frenchman. "]

Dr. Jared Sparks, after carefully examining, in the Office of ForeignAffairs in London, the correspondence of the French ministers with theAmerican envoys, during the whole war, writes, "After examining the subject, with all the care and accuracy which these means of information have enabled me to give to it, I am prepared to express my belief, most fully, that Mr. Jay was mistaken, both in regard to the aims of the French court and the plans pursued by them to gain their supposed ends. "[37]

[Footnote 37: Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, V. Viii, p. 209. ]

Mr. Jay was so insanely suspicious of the French, that he was afraidthat the French ministry would send spies, to pick the locks in hislodgings, and steal his important papers. He therefore always carriedthem about his person. He also believed that Count de Vergennes hadactually proposed to the British minister, that they should unitetheir armies, seize the United States, and divide America betweenthem. 

Such were the colleagues united with Franklin, in the negotiations forpeace. It required all his consummate wisdom to be able to guideaffairs wisely under such difficult circumstances. It may be doubtedwhether there was another man in America, who could have surmountedthe obstacles over which he triumphed. Both of Franklin's colleaguesregarded him with suspicion. They believed that he had been won overto such sympathy with the French, that he would be willing tosacrifice the interests of his own country to please them. They wroteletters home severely denouncing him; and they seemed to stand more infear of France than of England. 

 "Dr. Franklin, " wrote Mr. Adams, "is very staunch against the Tories; more decided, a great deal, upon that point, than Mr. Jay or myself. "

The British ministers insisted that the confiscated estates of theAmerican Tories should be restored to them, and all their lossesreimbursed. Franklin silenced the demand by drawing from his pocketthe following articles, which he proposed should be added to thetreaty, "It is agreed that his Britannic Majesty will earnestly recommend it to his Parliament, to provide for and make a compensation to the merchants and shop-keepers of Boston, whose goods and merchandise were seized and taken out of their stores, ware-houses and shops, by order of General Gage, and others of his commanding officers there; and also to the inhabitants of Philadelphia for the goods taken away by his army there; and to make compensation also for the tobacco, rice, indigo and negroes seized and carried off by his armies, under Generals Arnold, Cornwallis and others, from the States of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, and for all the vessels and cargoes belonging to the inhabitants of the said United States, which were stopped, seized or taken, either in the ports or on the seas, by his governors or by his ships of war, before the declaration of war against the United States. And it is further agreed that his Britannic Majesty will also earnestly recommend it to his Parliament to make compensation for all the towns, villages and farms, burnt and destroyed by his troops, or adherents in these United States. "

The three British commissioners were confounded by these counterdemands, and said not another word about reimbursing the AmericanTories. On the 30th of November, 1782, the preliminaries were signed, subject to the assent of the French ministers, who were also to submittheir preliminaries to the American envoys. By these articles: 1. Theboundaries were established. 2. The Americans could fish on the banksof Newfoundland, and cure their fish on the unsettled shores of NovaScotia and Labrador. 3. Congress was to recommend to the severalStates, to restore the confiscated property of real British subjects. 4. Private debts were to be paid. 5. There were to be no moreconfiscations or prosecutions, on either side, for acts during thewar. 6. The British troops were to be withdrawn. 7. The navigation ofthe Mississippi was declared to be free. 8. And any place captured, after the signing of these articles, was to be restored. 

On the 13th of January, Count de Vergennes, and the British ministerMr. Fitzherbert, signed their preliminaries in the presence of Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams. Not till then did the English orderhostilities to be suspended, and declare the senseless war to be at anend. 

There was universal satisfaction in America. With the exception of theking and a few of his ministers, there was general satisfaction inEngland. It is true that the national pride was sorely humiliated. Butafter all these woes which England had inflicted upon America, her ownstatesmen, with almost undivided voice, declared that the interests ofboth nations were alike promoted, by having a few feeble colonieselevated into the rich and flourishing republic of the United States. Thus the war of the American revolution must be pronounced to havebeen, on the part of England, which forced it, one of the mostdisastrous and senseless of those blunders which have ever accompaniedthe progress of our race. [38]

[Footnote 38: Contemplate the still greater blunder of our civil war. It was forced upon the nation by the slave traders, that they might_perpetuate slavery_. And now after the infliction of woes which nofinite imagination can gauge, these very slave-holders declare withone voice, that nothing would induce them to _reinstate the execrableinstitution_. How much misery would have been averted, and what acomparative paradise would our southern country now have been, ifbefore, instead of after the war, the oppressed had been allowed to gofree!]

CHAPTER XV. 

_Life's Closing Scenes. _

 Advice to Thomas Paine--Scenes at Passy--Journey to the Coast--Return to America--Elected Governor of Pennsylvania--Attends the Constitutional Convention--Proposes prayers--Remarkable speech--Letter to Dr. Stiles--Christ on the Cross--Last sickness and death. 

About this time some one, knowing Dr. Franklin's deistical views, presented, for his opinion, a treatise denouncing the idea, that therewas any God, who manifested any interest in the affairs of men, thatthere was any _Particular Providence_. Though Franklin did not acceptthe idea, that Jesus Christ was a divine messenger, and that the Biblewas a supernatural revelation of God's will, he certainly did not, inhis latter years, deny that there was a God, who superintended theaffairs of this world, and whom it was proper to worship. It isgenerally supposed that Thomas Paine was the author of this treatise, and that it was a portion of his Age of Reason. Franklin, in hismemorable reply, wrote, "I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a _general_ Providence, you strike at the foundations of all religion. For without the belief of a providence that takes cognizance of, guards and guides and may favor particular persons, there is no motive to worship a deity, to fear his displeasure or to pray for his protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion that, though your reasonings are subtile, and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject; and the consequence of printing this piece will be, a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself; mischief to you and no benefit to others. He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face. 

 "I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person; whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification, by the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked _with religion_, what would they be if _without it_. "

Franklin testifies to the remarkable courtesy which characterized allthe movements of the French minister, during these protracted anddelicate negotiations. The definitive treaty was signed on the 3d ofSeptember, 1783. It was unanimously ratified by Congress on the 14thof January, 1784. The king of England gave it his signature on the 9thof April. Thus two years and three months passed between the beginningof negotiations and the conclusion of the treaty of peace. 

At the termination of the war crowds of Englishmen flocked to Paris. Franklin was then recognized as incomparably the most illustrious manon the continent of Europe. His apartments were ever thronged with menof highest note from all the nations. He was then seventy-eight yearsof age, suffering severely from the gout and the gravel. He oftenreceived his guests in his bed chamber, sitting in his night gown, wrapped in flannels, and reclining on a pillow. Yet his mind retainedall its brilliance. All who saw him were charmed. Mr. Baynes wrote, "Of all the celebrated persons whom, in my life, I have chanced to see, Dr. Franklin, both from his appearance and his conversation, seemed to me the most remarkable. His venerable, patriarchal appearance, the simplicity of his manner and language, and the novelty of his observations impressed me as one of the most extraordinary men that ever existed. "

At this time he wrote several essays, which are esteemed among thebest of his writings. He was awaiting permission from Congress toreturn to America. His son, the governor, who was receiving a pensionof eight hundred pounds from the British Government, came over fromEngland to his illustrious father, soliciting reconciliation. This wasafter the separation of many years. Franklin responded kindly, thoughhe said that nothing had ever wounded him so keenly as to find himselfdeserted in his old age, by his only son; and to see him taking uparms against a cause, upon which he had staked life, fortune andhonor. 

A year passed before Franklin was recalled. He was then so feeble thathe could not walk, and could only ride in a litter. Mr. Jeffersonsucceeded him. Upon his arrival in Paris, the Count de Vergennes said, "You replace Dr. Franklin, I understand. "

"No!" Mr. Jefferson replied, "I _succeed_ him. No man can _replace_him. "

Franklin's infirmities were such that he could not call upon the kingor the minister for an audience of leave. He, however, wrote to Countde Vergennes a very grateful and affectionate letter, in which hesaid, "May I beg the favor of you, sir, to express respectfully for me, to his majesty, the deep sense I have of all the inestimable benefits his goodness has conferred on my country; a sentiment that it will be the business of the little remainder of the life now left me, to impress equally on the minds of all my countrymen. My sincere prayers are that God may shower down his blessings on the king, the queen, their children and all the royal family, to the latest generations. "

The reply was equally cordial and affectionate. As a parting gift theking sent Franklin his portrait, decorated with four hundred and eightdiamonds. Its estimated value was ten thousand dollars. 

On the 12th of July, 1785, Franklin, accompanied by many admiringfriends in carriages, commenced his slow journey in a litter, fromPassy to Havre. It was four o'clock in the afternoon. The litter wasborne by two mules. The first night they stopped at St. Germain. Thence the journey was continued at the rate of about eighteen miles aday. The motion of the litter did not seriously incommode him. Thecardinal of Rochefoucald, archbishop of Rouen, insisted upon hisaccepting the hospitality of his mansion at Gaillon. It was a superbchateau, commanding a magnificent prospect, with galleries crowdedwith paintings and the most valuable works of art. 

 "The cardinal, " writes Franklin, "is much respected, and beloved by the people of this country; bearing in all respects, a most excellent character. "

Though entreated to prolong his visit, Franklin resumed his journey atan early hour the next morning. At Rouen he was again received withthe most flattering attentions. The _elite_ of the city gave a verybrilliant supper in his honor. Thus journeying in a truly triumphantmarch, Franklin reached Havre on the 18th of July. After a delay ofthree days he crossed the channel to Southampton. His old friends camein crowds, and from great distances, to see him. Even the Britishgovernment had the courtesy to send an order exempting his effectsfrom custom-house duties. 

It will be remembered that Franklin was a remarkable swimmer. Thereare some human bodies much more buoyant than others. He records thesingular fact that, taking a warm, salt water bath here, he fellasleep floating on his back, and did not awake for an hour. "This, " hewrites, "is a thing which I never did before, and would hardly havethought possible. "

On the 28th of July, 1785, the ship spread her sails. The voyagelasted seven weeks. This extraordinary man, then seventy-nine years ofage, wrote, on the passage, three essays, which are estimated amongthe most useful and able of any which emanated from his pen. 

On the 13th of September the ship entered Delaware Bay, and the nextmorning cast anchor opposite Philadelphia. He wrote, "My son-in-law came with a boat for us. We landed at Market street wharf, where we were received by a crowd of people with huzzahs, and accompanied with acclamations, quite to my door. Found my family well. God be praised and thanked for all his mercies. "

The Assembly was in session, and immediately voted him acongratulatory address. Washington also wrote to him a letter ofcordial welcome. The long sea voyage proved very beneficial to hishealth. He was immediately elected to the Supreme Executive, and waschosen chairman of that body. It is evident that he was gratified bythis token of popular regard. He wrote to a friend, "I had not firmness enough to resist the unanimous desire of my country folk; and I find myself harnessed again in their service for another year. They engrossed the prime of my life. They have eaten my flesh and seem resolved now to pick my bones. "

Soon after he was elected President, or as we should now say, Governorof Pennsylvania. The vote rested with the Executive Council and theAssembly, seventy-seven in all. He received seventy-six votes. Notwithstanding the ravages of war, peace came with her usualblessings in her hand. The Tory journals of England, were presentingdeplorable views of the ruin of the country since deprived of thebeneficial government of the British cabinet. Franklin wrote to hisold friend, David Hartley, "Your newspapers are filled with accounts of distresses and miseries, that these states are plunged into, since their separation from Britain. You may believe me when I tell you that there is no truth in those accounts. I find all property in land and houses, augmented vastly in value; that of houses in town at least four-fold. The crops have been plentiful; and yet the produce sells high, to the great profit of the farmer. Working people have plenty of employ, and high pay for their labor. "

There were many imperfections attending the old Confederacy. In theyear 1787, a convention met in Philadelphia, to frame a newconstitution. There was strong opposition to this movement. Washingtonand Franklin were both delegates. Washington took the chair. The goodnature and wisdom of Franklin ruled the house. The convention met inthe State House. Franklin, eighty-one years of age, was regularly inhis seat, five hours a day, for four months. He was thoroughlydemocratic in his views, and opposed every measure which had anytendency to extend aristocratic privilege. He had seen that theBritish government was in the hands of the nobles. And silent, asprudence rendered it necessary for him to be, in reference to thearbitrary government of France, he could not but see that thepeasantry were subject to the most intolerable abuses. This led him todetest a monarchy, and to do every thing in his power to place thegovernment of this country in the hands of the people. 

Much time was occupied in deciding upon the terms of union between thesmaller and the larger States. It will be remembered that this was thesubject of very excited debates in the convention of 1776. Thediscussion was earnest, often acrimonious. Such bitterness of feelingwas engendered that, for some time it was feared that no union couldbe effected. 

It is evident that Franklin, as he approached the grave, became moredevout, and that he lost all confidence in the powers of philosophicalspeculations to reform or regenerate fallen man. He saw that theinterposition of a divine power was needed to allay the intenseexcitement in the convention, and to lead the impassioned members toact under the conviction that they were responsible to God. On the28th of June, this venerable, patriarchal man offered the followingmemorable resolve:

 "Resolved, That henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in the Assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service. "

The speech which accompanied this motion will forever be conspicuousin our annals. He said:

"Mr. President! The small progress we have made, after four or fiveweeks close attendence and continual reasonings with each other; ourdifferent sentiments on almost every question, is, methinks, amelancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. 

"In this situation of this Assembly groping, as it were, in the dark, to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it whenpresented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not yethitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights toilluminate our understandings?

"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensibleof danger, we had daily prayers, in this room, for divine protection!Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. Allof us, who were engaged in the struggle, must have observed frequentinstances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kindProvidence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting, in peace, onthe means of establishing our future national felicity. And have wenow forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we nolonger need his assistance?

"I have lived, sir, a long time. And the longer I live, the moreconvincing proofs I see of this truth; _That God governs in theaffairs of men_. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground withouthis notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his aid?We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except theLord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. ' I firmlybelieve this. And I also believe that, without His concurring aid, weshall succeed in this political building, no better than the buildingof Babel. "

It is almost incomprehensible that, under the influence of such anappeal, the great majority of the Assembly should have voted againstseeking divine aid. In a note appended to this speech, Franklinwrites, "The convention, except three or four persons, thought prayers unnecessary. "[39]

[Footnote 39: Mr. Parton undoubtedly suggested the true reason forthis strange refusal to seek divine guidance. He writes, "I think it not improbable that the cause of this opposition to a proposal so seldom negatived in the United States, was the prevalence in the Convention of the French tone of feeling with regard to religious observances. If so, it was the more remarkable to see the aged Franklin, who was a deist at fifteen, and had just returned from France, coming back to the sentiments of his ancestors. "--_Parton's Franklin_ Vol. 2, p. 575. ]

The convention came to a triumphant close, early in September, 1787. Behind the speaker's chair there was a picture of the Rising Sun. While the members were signing, Franklin turned to Mr. Madison, andsaid, "I have often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes ofmy hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at the picture behind thePresident, without being able to tell whether the sun were rising orsetting. But now at length, I have the happiness to know that it is arising, not a setting sun. "

Washington was universally revered. Franklin was both revered andloved. It was almost the universal feeling that, next to Washington, our nation was indebted to Franklin for its Independence. Franklinoccupied, in the arduous field of diplomacy, the position whichWashington occupied at the head of our armies. It was certain thatFranklin had, at one period of his life, entirely renounced his beliefin Christianity, as a divine revelation. His Christian friends, numbering hundreds, encouraged by some of the utterances of his oldage, were anxious to know if he had returned to the faith of hisfathers. Dr. Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College, was a friend ofFranklin's of many years standing. When the revered patriot hadreached his eighty-fifth year, Dr. Stiles wrote, soliciting hisportrait for the college library. In this letter, he says, "I wish to know the opinion of my venerable friend, concerning Jesus of Nazareth. He will not impute this to impertinence; or improper curiosity in one, who, for so many years, has continued to love, esteem and reverence his abilities and literary character, with an ardor and affection bordering on adoration. "

What Dr. Stiles, and the community in general, wished to know was, whether Dr. Franklin recognized the Divine, supernatural origin ofChristianity. Franklin evaded the question. This evasion of courseindicates that he did not recognize, in the religion of Jesus, theauthority of, "Thus saith the Lord. " But he wished to avoid woundingthe feelings of his Christian friends by this avowal. He wrote, "This is my creed. I believe in God, the Creator of the Universe; that he governs it by his Providence; that he ought to be worshiped; that the most acceptable service we render to him, is doing good to his other children; that the soul of man is immortal, and will be treated with justice in another life, respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be fundamental points in all sound religion, and I regard them as you do, in whatever sect I meet with them. 

 "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think his system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw, or is like to see. But I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the Dissenters in England, some doubts as to his Divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it. And I think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. 

 "I see however no harm in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequence, as probably it has, of making his doctrines more respected and observed; especially as I do not perceive that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of this world, with any peculiar marks of his displeasure. I shall only add respecting myself, that, having experienced the goodness of that Being, in conducting me prosperously through a long life, I have no doubt of its continuance in the next, though without the smallest conceit of meriting such goodness. "

He then adds the following suggestive postscript. "I confide that youwill not expose me to criticism and censures, by publishing any partof this communication to you. I have ever let others enjoy theirreligious sentiments, without reflecting on them, for those thatappeared to me unsupportable, or even absurd. All sects here, and wehave a great variety, have experienced my good will, in assisting themwith subscriptions for the building their new places of worship. And, as I have never opposed any of their doctrines, I hope to go out ofthe world in peace with them all. "

Much of his time, in these hours of sickness, he employed in writinghis Autobiography. The sufferings he endured were at times verysevere. But when he spoke of his approaching departure, it was withcomposure. At one time, when his daughter expressed the wish that hemight yet live many years, he replied "I hope not. "

A clerical friend visited him, just as one of his paroxysms of paincame on. As his friend in consequence was about to retire, he said, "Oh no; don't go away. These pains will soon be over. They are for mygood. And besides, what are the pains of a moment in comparison withthe pleasures of eternity. "

There was, in one of the chambers of his house, a very beautifulpainting of Christ on the Cross. He requested his nurse, a very worthywoman, of the Friends' persuasion, to bring it down, and place itdirectly before him. The Rev. David Ritter, a great admirer ofFranklin, called to see him. He had, however, but a few momentsbefore, breathed his last. Sarah Humphries, the nurse, invited Davidinto the chamber, to view the remains. Mr. Ritter expressed surprisein seeing the picture of the Saviour on the cross occupying soconspicuous a position, saying, "You know, Sarah, that many peoplethink that Dr. Franklin was not after this sort. "

"Yes, " she replied, "but thee knows, David, that many make a greatfuss about religion, who have very little. And many, who say butlittle, have a good deal. He was never satisfied, if a day passed awayunless he had done some one a service. [40] Benjamin Franklin was oneof that sort. I will tell thee how the picture came here. Many weeksago, as he lay, he beckoned me to him, and told me of this picture, upstairs, and begged I would bring it to him. I brought it. His facebrightened up, as he looked at it, and he said, "'Ay Sarah; there is a picture worth looking at. That is the pictureof him who came into the world to teach men to love one another. '"

"After looking at it wistfully for some time, he said, 'Sarah, setthis picture up over the mantel-piece, right before me as I lie. Ilike to look at it. '

"When I fixed it up he looked at it very much; and indeed died withhis eyes fixed upon it. "

[Footnote 40: This reminds us of the exclamation of the Emperor Titus, who, at the close of a day in which he could not perceive that he haddone any good, exclaimed, sadly, "Perdidi Diem. " _I have lost a day. _Beautifully has the sentiment been expressed in the words, which itwould be well for all to treasure up, "Count that day lost, whose low descending sun, Views at thy hand no worthy action done. "]

However deeply Franklin, in these dying hours may have pondered thesublimities of Immortality--the Resurrection--the Judgment Throne--theFinal Verdict--Heaven--Hell, --he was very reticent respecting thosethemes. We certainly see none of the triumph of Paul, and ofthousands of others, who have in varied language, expressed thesentiment that, "Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are. "

A few hours before his death, as some one urged him to change hisposition, that he might breathe easier he replied, "a dying man can donothing easy. " These were his last words. He then sank into alethargy, from which he passed into that sleep which has no earthlywaking. It was eleven o'clock at night, April 17, 1790. He had livedeighty-four years, three months and eleven days. 

But no candid and charitable reader can peruse this narrative, without the admission that Benjamin Franklin, notwithstanding hisimperfections, was one of the wisest and best of all the fallenchildren of Adam. From his dying hour to the present day his memoryhas been justly cherished with reverence and affection, throughout thecivilized world. And there is no fear that this verdict will ever bereversed. 

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:

Minor changes have been made to correct obvious typesetters' errors;otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author'swords and intent.