Benjamin Franklin: his autobiography : with a narrative of his public life and services

Front matter

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Preface

Brilliant military deeds write their own history. Their sound strikes upon the ear, and challenges the attention of mankind. The sympathy of men with what is daring in courage and glorious in arms, makes all a soldier's countrymen his eulogists ; and the hero usually receives more, rather than less, than his meed of praise. He has comrades, too, bound to him by a community in his sufferings and a partnership in his victories. Upon the follower the glory of the leader is reflected ; and each follower, watchful of the fame of his leader, is ever ready to celebrate far and wide the glory of the achievements—

'•All. which he saw, and part of which he was."

Every suldier in an army, every man who has borne arms during a war, has his private family of admirers, and by these are the reputation of the officers — the representatives of the soldiers — extended, until the widening circle of praise embraces a nation. The successful soldier's apotheosis anticipates his death. The next generation endorses his deification, and in process of time — very short process too, as our national history may witness— oral tradition places the soldier on an elevation to which the biographer finds it very hard work to write tip.

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But statesmen nnd ambassadors, particularly those who move in such spheres as Franklin, owe small thanks to their cotemporar'es. By their very position they are unable to vindicate themselves without injury to the public service ; and although to them may be honestly due the praise of the Wise Man — " He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city" — they must look to posterity for justice. And posterity has not, as in the case of the warrior, the echo of cotemporary praise to bias its judgment in their favor. A nation hears of the advance of an enemy, and looks with gratitude to the opposing soldier from the moment that he buckles on his armor. Whatever be the result, joy in a victory, satisfaction in a repulse of the invader, or sorrow in defeat, the people can appreciate the valor, successful or unsuccessful, which opposed the foe. But the diplomatist, from the necessity of the case, works in the dark. His acts must be judged without the apparent cause and full justification of the open counter-movements of adversaries ; for, as he strives against covert machinations, so must the motives of his operations be hidden. Even success in such a contest is without eclat. Defeat brings unqualified condemnation. When the point aimed at is gained, the successful statesman is not unfrequently the subject of detraction. Where the soldier finds applavise in the verdict of his companion in arms, the statesman receives faint praise from his colleagues, if, indeed, he be not compelled to defend his course and motives before the public against associates who honestly differed from him. He, then, who writes the life of a statesman, has

PREFACE. Vll

not, as in the life of the warrior, merely to prepare an endorsement of public opinion. He has to wind a difficult path amid political prejudices, or to be content with only a portion of his countrymen for readers.

From these causes the political character of Franklin has suffered ; not, indeed, by any charges affecting the integrity of the man ; for, if there were such, they were disproved in his lifetime, and set aside as the merest ebullitions of personal enmity or party spleen. To the latest hour his countrymen strove with each other in doing him honor, and his last years were passed in the harvesting of his laurels. But his fame as a politician has lost in this wise : that writers, finding in the public mind a general admiration of the man, when they came to justify it by particulars, found themselves in a dilemma. It was not that there are not particulars enough, for there is a superfluity — capital sufficient for a dozen great reputations — but because these particulars are not all available with all men. There are no battle-fields in his story ; and in the days when those who acted with him were alive, to have celebrated his acts of diplomacy would have been to wake up counter-memorials to the public. Therefore, because the history of cabinets offers less popular reading than the history of battle-fields, and because Franklin could not be elevated as a great politician for all to admire, his biographers celebrated his electrical discoveries. All acknowledged him great ; but because all readers would not say ay to his statesmanship, he was cried up exceedingly as an economist. As a natural philosopher and as a fireside sage, the digester

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of the minor morals into a code of every-day ethics; as the man with the kite, and as Poor Richard with an almanac full of wise saws, he is celebrated ; while his arduous, unremitted, and unrewarded labors for his country have really served no other purpose for his fame than as a balance to keep up the symbolic kite before the world.

A Morris in the Exchequer was as indispensable to his country as a Washington in the field. A Franklin abroad was as useful as an army at home. Now diplomatist, now broker, now banker, now commissary, and now judge in Admiralty, now commercial agent, and now plenipotentiary — a Caleb Quotem abroad — to-day closeted with kings, and to-morrow with newspaper editors ; now arguing with ministers, and now writing for the people, he was indefatigable. He filled a place which no other man of his time could have filled. Few thanked him for it living, though all assented to general and indefitiile praise. Few have done him justice since.

It is the aim of this biography, without approving every act in the life of Benjamin Franklin, and without impugning the motives, unnecessarily, of those who differed from him, to show that he carried the industry and aptness of the printer's boy into the atmosphere of courts ; that he labored incessantly for his country ; that he labored honestly. He dared to trust posterity with his fame, by neglecting to set himself right before captious cotemporaries at a time when to have appeared too American would have been to jeopard the cause he labored to promote. With other points of his character the public have long been iamiliar, and it is trusted that

PREFACE. IX

this book may lead the way to his jastei' appreciation as a statesman. Free and diligent use has been made of his writings as collected by that most indefatigable historian and biographer, Mr. Sparks.

The author of this book has not bestowed praise where he thought it unmerited, or labored to present his subject as a perfect man. While he has not withheld censure where impartiality demands it, he has not deemed it necessary to repeat forgotten and unfounded charges merely to disprove them. It is hoped that candor will approve what a desire to be candid has dictated.

No descendant of Franklin bears his name, though the descendants of his daughter are numerous. They are justly proud of the reputation of their ancestor, but his fame is the national pride. There would seem in his case, as in that of his friend George Washington, a guard thus set against the claim, by a family, of what was meant for a nation, as neither in his life " gave to a party what was meant for mankind."

Chapter I

Autobiography, commenced at Tvvyford in 1771, and addressed to his Son, William Franklin, then Governor of New Jersey. — Franklin's Genealogy, Bu'th, Pai'entage, and Apprenticeship. — Early Formation of a Philosophical and Literary Taste. — Disagreement with his Brother. — Departure from Boston. — Ari'ival in New York. — Journey to Philadelphia Page 1

Chapter II

AuTOBiOGRAPHV conuniied. Franklin's Peripatetic Breakfast. — The first House he slept in. — Commences Work for Keimer. — Commencement of a Governor's Patronage. — Visit to Boston. — His Father's Shrewdness. — Accompanied to Philadelphia by his old Friend Collins, whose bad Conduct causes a Breach. — Anecdotes and Notices of his Companions and of his Employer. — Governor Keith persuades him to sail for London 40

Chapter III

Autobiography continued. End of the Governor's Patronage, and Discovery of his Character. — Engages in his Business by Advice of his Friend Mr. Denham. — Frequents a Club. — Habits of London Printers. — Franklin's Mode of Living. — Swimming. — Enters into Business with Mr. Denham 70

Chapter IV

Autobiography continued. Return to Philadelphia. — Death of Mr. Denham.— Resumes the Printing Business as Foreman for Keimer. — Resolves to commence Business on his own Account. — Engraves the Plates for the New Jersey Paper Money, and prints the Bills. — Fonns a Partnership with one of Keimer's Workmen, and commences a new Printing House in Philadelphia .87

Chapter V

Autobiography continued. The Junto. — Franklin establishes a Newspaper.— Dissolves his Connection with Meredith. — Tract on Paper Currency.— Opens a Shop. — Habits. — Courtship. — Marriage . . 103

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Chapter VI

Break in Dr. Franklin's Narrative. — Letters from his Friends, inducing liim to resume it. — Resumption of Autobiography at Passy, near Paris, in 1784. — Origin of the Philadelphia Libi-ary. — First Luxuiy in Franklin's House. — Moral Schemes and Rules, Plan of Order, Art of Virtue, &c Page 121

Chapter VII

Resumption of the Nan-ative at Philadelphia. — Points of Religious Belief — Poor Richard's Almanac. — Newspapers. — Rev. Mr. Hemphill. — Remarks on Languages. — Visit to Boston. — Public Employments. — Public Spirit of Franklin and the Junto . 14.5

Chapter VIII

Autobiography continued. Whitefield, his Arrival, Oratory, Character, &c. — Philosophical Societ}'. — Activity of Franklin in causing the City to be put in a State of Defense. — The " Dunkers." — Franklin Fire-place . 164

Chapter IX

Autobiography continued. Origin of the University of Pennsylvania. —

Electrical Experiments. — Public Life. — Pennsylvania Hospital. — Sti-eet

Cleaning and Paving, how introduced. — Appointed Post-master General

for the Colonies. — Flonorary Degrees . . . . . .186

Chapter X

Autobiography continued. Convention at All)any. — Plan of Union. — Assists Mr. Quincy in procuring Supplies for New England. — Procures Supplies for General Braddock. — Character of that Officer. — His Defeat. — Poor Reward of Franklin's Services ...... 206

Chapter XI

Autobiography continued. Apjiointed a Commissioner for disbursing the Money raised for the Public Defense. — Commissioned to take charge of the Defenses of the Frontier. — March. — Military Operations. — Indian Massacre. — Moravians. — Chosen Colonel of a Regiment. — Troublesome Etiquette, and its Consequences. — Electiical Discovery. — Chosen a Member of the Royal Society. — Receives the Copley Medal . . . 229

Chapter XII

Autobiography concluded. The new Governor, Denny. — Deputed to go to England as Agent for Pennsylvania — Anecdotes of Lord Loudon. — Incidents of Voyage from New York, and Arrival in London . . 250

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Chapter XIII

Style of Dr. Franklin's Autobiography. — Letter to Benjamiii Vanglian. — First Publication of the Work. — Caution necessary in the Perusal. — Difficulties of the Provincial Government of Pennsylvania. — Increase of Embarrassment after the Death of the Founder. — Troublesome Process of the final Enactment of Laws. — Franklin's Mi.ssion. — Historical Review of Pennsylvania ........ Page 266

Chapter XIV

Remarks upon Franklin's familiar Correspondence. — His Lodgings in London.— His Welcome there. — His Employments. — Testimony of Thomas Penn. — Franklin's Letters to Miss Mary Stevenson. — Newspaper Misrepresentations.— Answer of William Franklin. — Franklin's Fitness for his Post 279

Chapter XV

Mr. Strahan. — His Letter to Mrs. Franklin. — Franklin's famous Letter to Mr. Strahan. — His last Letter to that Gentleman, reviev^ring their Lives. — Franklin's Visit to Cambridge. — His Tour among his Connections. — American Feeling before the Revolution. — The Degree of Doctor of Laws conferred on Franklin by the University of St. Andrew's. — Scottish Acquaintance.— Lord Kames. — Parable against Persecution . . 289

CHAPTER XVL

Close of Franklin's Mission in England. — The Canada Pamphlet. — Indirect Communications with the Ministiy. — Franklin's Ideas of American Resistance in 17G0. — His Philosophical Pursuits. — Experiments relative to Canals, &c. — University Honors. — The Parliamentary Grant of Money, and Franklin's Disposal of it. — Appointment of his Son as Governor of New Jersey. — Sails for America. — His Account of the Voyage, and his Reception at Home . . . . . . . . . .301

Chapter XVII

Franklin's Welcome Home. — The Vote of Thanks and Franklin's Reply. — Journey to the North. — Shrewd Comments on Hospitality. — Indian Difficulties.— The Paxton Murders. — Advance of the Insurgents upon Philadelphia.— Influence of Franklin. — Preparations for Defense. — Departure of the Rioters. — Popular Feeling in their Favor .' . .318

CHAPTER XVIIL

Revival of Disputes with the Proprietaries. — Adjournment of the Assembly to consult their Constituents. — Frankhn's " Cool Thoughts." — Bold Re-

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marks ou the Riuts. — rublished Speeches and Prefaces. — Petition to the Crown for a Change in the Government. — Resignation of the Speaker, and Election of Franklin to fill the Vacancy.— Stamp Duties.— Franklin's Defeat as Candidate for the Assembly. — His Appointment as Special j^o-ent. — Protest and other Opposition against that JMeasm'e. — Sails for England Page 329

Chapter XIX

Franklin's Letter to his Daughter.— Extracts from other Letters. — Anecdote of the Bees. — His Arrival in England. — Business of his Mission.— Colonial Currency. — Humorous Letter to a London Journal. — The Stamp Act. — " Claims to Independence." — Joseph Galloway. — Dean Tucker. — Charges against Franklin by his Enemies 344

Chapter XX

Opposition to the Stamp Act in America. — Popular Violence. — Its lenient Manifestations. — Change of Ministry. — Contemplated Repeal of the Stamp Act. — Examination of Dr. Franklin. — Division of Questions between Friends and Opponents. — A " Small Amendment." — The Change in American Feeling. — Closing Questions. — The " Declaratory Act" 3o8

Chapter XXI

Franklin's Letter to his Wife, with the " new Gown."— Letter to Franklm from his Wife, describing their new House. — Another, describing her Election Terrors. — Eflbrts of Franklin's Enemies in Philadelphia. — Answers of his Friends. — Frankhn's Advice to Moderation. — Its Defeat by the Proprietary Party. — Reception of the News of Repeal in Philadelphia.—Illuminations and Rejoicmgs.— The Birth-day. — Franklin's Journeys to the Continent. — Political Writings 373

CHAPTER XXn.

John Adams's Opmion of Franklin.— The Revenue Act.— Governor Bernard and the Massachusetts Legislature. — The Boston Resolutions. — Franklin's Letters relating thereto. — The Paper entitled " Causes of American Discontents." — The " Farmer's Letters." — Lord Hillsborough. — His new Regulations, and Capiicious Conduct to Franldin. — " Rules for Reducing a Great Empij-e to a Small One" . . . . . • .391

Chapter XXIII

Rumors of Appointments. — Agencies of four Colonies filled by Dr. Franklin.— Bolder Tone of his Coirespondence. — He encourages the Americans to adhere to their non-importation Agreements. — Difficulties in Boston in 1770. — Change of the Revenue Law. — The " Boston Massacre." —

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Threats of Removal fi'om tbo Post-office. — High Complimeut to Frank- \m by the Irish ParHament. — Visits to the Bishop of St. Asaph. — Boston Proceedings iu 1772. — Rej)ublicatioii in Loudon. — The Prussian Edict Page 417

Chapter XXIV

Removal of Franklin from the Post-office. — The Hutchinson Letters. — Their Transmission to America. — Action of the Massachusetts Legislature upon them. — Duel between Mr. Temple and Mr. Whately. — Franklin avows his Agency in the Matter. — Chancery suit against him. — Proceedings before the Privy Council. — Franklin's witty View of the Efforts against him. — Death of Mrs. Franklin. — Lord Chatham's Motion for a removal of the Troops from Boston. — His Plan of Reconciliation. — His Eulogy on Franklin 7 . 439

Chapter XXV

Chess. — Meetings with Mrs. Howe. — Diplomatic Movements. — Negotiations with different Parties. — Discussion of "Propositions." — Tenders made to Franklin. — Apologies for the Insult at the Council Board. — Failure of the Plans of Ministry. — Franklin's unpresented Memorial. — Dr. Fothergill's Note. — Remarks on Franklin's ten Years' Residence in England . . 455

Chapter XXVI

Return to Philadelphia. — Election to Congress, and to other Posts. — Plan of Confederation. — Journey to Canada. — Declai-ation of Independence. — Anecdotes. — Coirespoudence and Interview with Lord Howe. — Franklin appointed a Commissioner to France. — His Proposals for Peace 474

Chapter XXVII

Franklin's Arrival in France. — The Character he bore. — Advances of Assistance by the French Government. — Resei-ve of that Government. — Labors of the American Commissioners. — Treaties of Commerce and Alliance.— Audience of the King. — Informal Negotiations. — Mr. Hartley. — Charles de Weissenstein. — Personal Differences between the Commissioners.— Applications for Letters to America ..... 402

CHAPTER XXVIIL Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams. — Franklin's Duties. — His position Abroad. — Negotiations with Great Britain. — Preliminary Skirmishings. — British Efforts to obtain further Advantages. — Signature of the Treaty. — Apparent Distrust toward France. — Other Treaties. — Close of Franklin's Ollicial Term ... 512

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