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Benjamin FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
The following timeline includes excerpts published with consent from Independence Hall Association (IHA)
In an attempt to view Benjamin Franklin's life in relation to Postal Packet history, this timeline necessarily includes references to Freemasonry and Postal administration in England and North America. Judging by some of the dates and Franklin's excellent contacts, we can deduce these subjects are not necessarily unrelated.
A review of the role of the mason's in American History reveals the influential role of the Free and Associated Masons in our history.
The research quickly demonstrates the importance of the lodges from the time of the revolution.
The Committees of Public Safety and Correspondence were critical in the organization of the American Revolution.
These committees carried out their activities in Masonic code.
Samuel Adams's lodge was the home base of the "Indians" of the Boston Tea Party.
Ben Franklin, along with Otis of Connecticut, was the "Founding Father" of the American Blue Lodges.
Franklin's financial connections in the publishing trade led to important alliances with Huguenot, Dutch and English Freemasons. (Franklin's printing empire included 37 newspapers).
The secret private loans made by the French to George Washington, at a critical time, were underwritten by the Masonic connection. These loans kept the revolution alive.
In Washing ton's Army the battlefield lodges were vital in the War for Independence.
After the war, the patriotic lodges were a major source of political and business connections.
The George Washington Lodge, near DC and Franklin's Philadelphia lodge represent a long republican tradition and contain many documents vital to our history.
The influence of Freemasons has shaped American Political thought more than any other element.
"The postal connection to Masons is via the publishing business - information, newspapers depended on the post - the Internet of it's time - The Dutch printers* and Franklin's media empire were Masonic in their desire to spread the word of the enlightenment......
The Post Office and Publishing were critical to modernization, information and political action.
The Clubs formed the core of political networks until the coming of mass media. " [Dr. Peter E. Pflaum, 26 Dec. 2000 ]
[* Franklin's travels to Europe in 1761 included visits to (unnamed) friends in Holland.]
Communications between Franklin and his former colleagues at the Post Office in London, while he was in France (Passy) and negotiating the terms of the peace Treaty of Paris may prove particularly interesting.... Let's see!
"Coaxing the French to support the patriot cause proved more difficult than Franklin had imagined. First of all, he had to contend with an extensive British espionage network, which attempted to uncover Benjamin's diplomatic plan and foil its execution. In fact, one of Franklin's own secretaries was covertly employed by the British Crown, informing the English of the American delegation's every move."
[The above is stated in "The French American" and, I think, bears some examination, as it seems relevant to know the extent to which Franklin was able to rely upon information from his own 'network' - ]
Benjamin Franklin - references in Post Office Archives, London, include:
POST 58/1 "Orders" 1737-1771 Page 180.
POST 58/33 "Commission Book" 1759-1854 Pages 23, 26, 53, 69, 79.
POST 48/4 "American Letter Book" 1773-1783 15,48-50, 65-66, 300-302, 308, 313-320, 322-328
Ref 1/17 PO Paper of Le Despencer * 1953 by Betty Kemp. See p.42-44 * originals in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
1706
Born 17 January 1706, in Boston, New England, to English parents.* ("The youngest Son of the youngest Son for five Generations").
Christened in the Old Church, Boston, he was named Benjamin after a favourite uncle who was still in England.
* Benjamin Franklin later wrote: "From Wellingborough we went to Ecton [Northamtonshire], about three or four miles, being the village where my father was born, and where his father, grandfather, and great grandfather had lived.."
"Josiah, my father, married young, and carried his wife with three children into New England, about 1682,... where they expected to enjoy their mode of religion with freedom. By the same wife he had four children more born there, and by a second wife ten more, in all seventeen; of which I remember thirteen sitting at one time at his table, who all grew up to be men and women, and married; I was the youngest son, and the youngest child but two, and was born in Boston, New England. My mother, the second wife, was Abiah Folger, daughter of Peter Folger, one of the first settlers of New England." [Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Ed.by Oral Sumner Coad, Macmillan, 1927 (p.6)]
"When Josiah Franklin established himself in Boston he had three children, born at Banbury, in Oxfordshire. After the birth of four others, his first wife died. He then married Abiah Folger, daughter of Peter Folger, of Nantucket, probably in the early part of the year 1690. By this marriage he had ten children, making seventeen in the whole; ten sons and seven daughters. BENJAMIN was the youngest son, and the fifteenth child, his sisters Lydia and Jane being younger." [qf. Life of Benjamin Franklin, by Jared Sparks (Appendix I) Electric Franklin ]
1714 Grammar School
I was put to the grammar-school at eight years of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the Church. My early readiness in learning to read (which must have been very early, as I do not remember when I could not read), and the opinion of all his friends, that I should certainly make a good scholar, encouraged him in this purpose of his.
1715 Change of school
Josiah altered his first intention, took me from the grammar-school, and sent me to a school for writing and arithmetic, kept by a then famous man, Mr. George Brownell, very successful in his profession generally, and that by mild, encouraging methods. Under him I acquired fair writing pretty soon, but I failed in the arithmetic, and made no progress in it.
The first Mason reporting informal Masonic Meetings in America was, in 1715, John Moore, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, 
who wrote in a letter that he had "spent a few evenings of Masonic festivity with my Masonic Brethren". [Qf. Pennsylvania Masonic History].
[A much earlier reference to N. American freemasons seems questionable, but: " Alexander Lovell (married 30 Oct 1658) "may have been a son of Robert Lovell who was admitted a freemason in 1635 in Roxbury, MA." ]
1716-1718 Aged 10, Benjamin was taken from school to help his father, a tallow-chandler & soap boiler.
"I was employed in cutting wick for the candles, filling the dipping mold and the molds for cast candles, attending the shop, going of errands, etc. I disliked the trade, and had a strong inclination for the sea, but my father declared against it."
Reflecting on his upbringing, Franklin tell his son, "[Josiah] turned our attention to what was good, just, and prudent in the conduct of life; and little or no notice was ever taken of what related to the victuals on the table. I was bro't up in such a perfect inattention to those matters as to be quite indifferent what kind of food was set before me, and so unobservant of it, that to this day if I am asked I can scarce tell a few hours after dinner what I dined upon. This has been a convenience to me in travelling."
[Whilst noting everyone and everything of interest during his journeys, little did he refer to food, other than to 'pudding' and 'bait' !(1785)]
"I continued thus employed in my father's business for two years, that is, till I was twelve years old; and my brother John, who was bred to that [tallow] business, having left my father, married, and set up for himself at Rhode Island.
[His brother John; was he born to Josiah's first wife?]
1717 Four Lodges of Freemasons meeting in London, formed the first Grand Lodge in England.
This first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including [America] the United States.
1718 Apprenticed printer
Aged 12, Benjamin was apprenticed to his brother James, a (London trained) printer.
"In 1717 my brother James returned from England with a press and letters to set up his business in Boston. I liked it much better than that of my father, but still had a hankering for the sea. To prevent the apprehended effect of such an inclination, my father was impatient to have me bound to my brother. I stood out some time, but at last was persuaded, and signed the indentures when I was yet but twelve years old. I was to serve as an apprentice till I was twenty-one years of age, only I was to be allowed journeyman's wages during the last year."
1719 Access to better books
"Often I sat up in my room reading the greatest part of the night, when the book was borrowed in the evening and to be returned early in the morning, lest it should be missed or wanted." "An ingenious tradesman, Mr. Matthew Adams, who had a pretty collection of books, and who frequented our printing-house, took notice of me, invited me to his library, and very kindly lent me such books as I chose to read. I now took a fancy to poetry, and made some little pieces; my brother, thinking it might turn to account, encouraged me, and put me on composing occasional ballads. One was called The Lighthouse Tragedy, and contained an account of the drowning of Captain Worthilake, with his two daughters."
1720: Typesetting - Benjamin set the type to print 200-300 copies, which he then delivered to subscribers' homes.
James Franklin started a newspaper, the New England Courant. Several of his friends contributed articles to it.[Causing howls of complaints]
Samuel Mather called the Couranteers "the Hell-Fire Club of Boston," but, actually, Cotton Mather had first dubbed the Couranteers an impious club (though he did not use the name "Hell-Fire Club") in the 28 August 1721 BNL
James must have been employing at least one journeyman printer and another apprentice in addition to his sixteen-year-old brother, who by now could work as well as a journeyman printer. LeMay
1721-22 Contributor - Benjamin submits articles which were published under the pseudonym of "Silence Dogood"
From 2 April to 8 October, Benjamin wrote 14 "Silence Dogood" essays, America's first essay series, in the New England Courant
[He later disclosed the true identity of the writer to his brother, James.]
1721 Editor - Benjamin edits the New England Courant;
[Freedom of the Press was a long time coming!]
LeMay says: Joshua Blanchard recorded in his annals: "In 1722: About this time there was great disputing about prerogative and liberty and property the Rich oppress the poor complain." Assessing the political turmoil of these years, Thomas Hutchinson wrote: "The minds of the people were prepared for impressions from pamphlets, courants, and other newspapers, which were frequently published, in order to convince them, that their civil liberties and privileges were struck at" (Hutchinson, 2:124.)
1722 Vegetarian
After reading Thomas Tryon's Way to Health, Wealth, and Happiness. aged 16, Benjamin Franklin took up vegetarianism, until he realised fish ate smaller fish! [Autobiography]
1723 Boston - Philadelphia
Under 18, Franklin ran away, from Boston to New York, on a sloop... whence he ate fried Cod!
New York contained fewer than 8,000 inhabitants, mostly Dutch*, and but one printing-office. With no work available, William Bradford referred him to his son, a printer, in Philadelphia, one hundred miles south of New York. There Franklin met Sir William Keith, Governor of Pennsylvania, who promised him all the government print work of Pennsylvania and Delaware..
[*The Dutch colony of Nieuwe Amsterdam was founded in 1623 and ceded to the English in 1664]
1724 Amends & excitement
In April 1724, Franklin made a 14-day journey in a leaking boat back to Boston, where he impressed his parents with his dress, "pockets full of silver, and a handsome watch." Despite Sir Keith's letter, Josiah Franklin, would not help to set Benjamin up in business, replying to Sir Keith, "If he will return to Philadelphia and work diligently until he is twenty-one, carefully laying up his surplus earnings, then I will do everything in my power to help him." [Tomkinson, p,31]
On his return passage to Philadelphia, Benjamin went ashore at Newport, R.I., to see his brother John, and, through the captain of the ship from Boston, Franklin was introduced to the Governor of New York, William Burnett, "an ardent lover of books." On his arrival at Philadelphia, and after reading the response from his father, Governor Keith said he would set Franklin up in business himself. He induced Franklin to buy printing equipment in England, the inventory of the goods required came to £100. Franklin was bound to secrecy by Sir Keith, lest Keimer should hear of the plan.
Together with three friends (Watson, Osborne & Ralph) Franklin formed a literary club while he waited almost six months* to sail in the Annis from New York. He left on November 5th and arrived in London on December 14th, 1724. Before departing, he became engaged to Deborah Read.[see marriage, in 1730].
*Annis: A vessel which sailed once a year from Philadelphia." [Tomkinson, p.34]
1725-26 Franklin's first visit to England [1]
Franklin's lodged at Little Britain, and, being without any money promised by Governor Keith, worked for Palmer's printing-house, at Bartholomew Close. London. There, he wrote the first of several pamphlets, attracting the attention of notable characters and their society friends. Whilst in London, he arranged to borrow and return books from a neighbouring secondhand bookshop, a concept which led to his creating, in 1731, the first Circulating Library, in Philadelphia. Within the year, 1725, he obtained a better position, working at Watt's printing-house, in Lincoln's Inn Fields. [See the 19 year old's Plan of Conduct.]
[Was Franklin first introduced to Freemasonry, in the printing fraternity, while in London?]
1726 Return to Philadelphia
Delayed by strong westerly winds, the Berkshire put into Spithead. "The place where the fleets commonly anchor, and is a very good riding place." Franklin describes Portsmouth, Gosport and Cowes, Newport, Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle, Yarmouth, (oysters & mud!) eventually sailing from England, last sighting the Lizard on 8 August, 1726. [Interesting extracts summarised on these pages]
---------------------------
Whilst in London, Franklin had promised to work as a clerk for Mr. Denham, a Quaker merchant he had met on passage to England on the Annis, when he warned Franklin not to rely on Governor Keith. When they returned to New York together on the Berkshire, Franklin found Miss Read had married and Keimer had plenty of new type. Franklin worked at Denham's store in Philadelphia, from November 1726 until February 1727. Both were taken ill. Franklin recovered from his pleurosy"after some weeks," but Denham died.
Along the lines of the Literary Club (see 1724), Franklin started, in late 1726, a Society called the "Junto", or Leather-apron Club."
The ten Members met every Friday evening, answering and debating 24 questions aired at each session.
1727 Print-house manager
Franklin accepted the post of manager at Keimer's printing-house, in Philadelphia, with five men under him. There he cast new type, "hitherto brought from England, there being no letter-foundry in America." [Tomkinson p.43] "We never worked on Saturday, that being Keimer's [Jewish] Sabbath."
+++ "The underlining ideas of republican government among liberals and deists in the 18th century were structured by the "rationalism" of Masonic thought and ritual. It seems to me impossible to grasp the concept of the American Republic in the 18th century without understanding the development of this intellectual tradition." [The deist use of logic, not (Christian) faith. (Pflaum, Dec. 2000) ]
+++ " "Important parts of American History cannot be understood without knowledge of the Freemasons. The question I ask is -- " why is it not there in our Textbooks and in the area of general knowledge like any other aspect in our history?" One does not have to believe in Masonic conspiracies in the past or present. The role of the lodges has been almost all for the good.""
+++ "The link with France, which many say saved the revolutionary cause, the Committees of Public Safety and Correspondence, who organized the psychological war against England were Masons to the core."
[qf. Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D. 1994 letter to Richard Snow, American Heritage, Forbes Editor, including a copy of his letter to Professor Mike Carnes, from which the above is quoted.]
Aged 21, Franklin determined to start his own printing-office with Hugh Meredith: "I was told, that mention being made of the new printing-office at the merchants' Every-night club, the general opinion was that it must fail, there being already two printers in the place, Keimer and Bradford." Keimer begged Franklin to return to make the first copperplate press to print paper money for New Jersey. He thus became known to members of the Assembly on the Inspection Committees in Burlington. His conversation showed the Committee at Jersey that he was something more than an ordinary printer, and they invited him to their houses. But for this work, "he would probably never have attracted the attention of so many superiors." [Tomkinson p.45]
1728 Print-house proprietor
Franklin & Meredith's press arrived from England. Their first business was introduced to them by George House, a member of Junto Club. It was worth five shillings. "Coming so seasonably, it gave us more pleasure than any money I have since earned, " said Franklin.
1729 Newspaper owner/editor
As proprietor and editor, Franklin attracted claims of offending someone in power whom he had critcised, but was unmoved. Anonymously writing "The Nature and Necessity of a paper Currency," which impressed the Assembly, Franklin was employed to provide the new supply. He even made his own ink. After buying out his partner, he started a stationer's shop where he sold books, and inks. [Paper Currency]
1730 Marriage
Franklin married Deborah Read, his Philadelphian love of 1724.. "I took her to wife, September 1st, 1730. None of the inconveniences happened that we had apprehended, she proved a good and faithful helpmate, assisted me much by attending the shop; we throve together, and have ever mutually endeavored to make each other happy. "
Daily Routine
Franklin rose at 5 a.m., and, after saying his prayers, mapped out his work for the day, and studied for an hour and a half, before going to the printing office (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The evenings he spent in study or conversation till ten o'clock, when he retired to bed. [qf.Tomkinson (p.52)]
1730
The first printed reference to Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania appeared in The Pennsylvania Gazette, of December 8, 1730, its editor, Benjamin Franklin ("not yet a Mason") refers to "several Lodges of Freemasons" having been "Erected in this Province".
In 1730 the meeting place of masons was at the Tun Tavern on the east side of what was known as King Street, between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia. Later there were other early Masonic meeting places in Philadelphia, at Indian King Tavern (1735); Royal Standard Tavern, High Street near Second Street (1749).
Daniel Coxe was the first Provincial Grand Master in America. He was appointed in 1730 for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England. The first native-born American to become a Mason was Jonathan Belcher, who became Governor of Massachusetts in 1730, according to a letter he wrote to the "First" Lodge of Boston in 1741 stating that he had been made a Mason in 1704 in London. [Qf. Q&A Grand Lodge PA]
Q. How and when did Freemasonry first come to America? Is there any direct association with Trinity House (established 1535) ?
A. "FREEMASONRY CAME TO AMERICA WITH CAPT. JOHN SMITH IN 1607." [qf. George V. Trudhope - 15pages. (195? Reprinted 1993)]
"Over the course of his long and illustrious career, Franklin was initiated into the highest covens of the Order, in Europe as well as in America. His mentors included members of the Royal Society and the notorious and sexually promiscuous “Hell-Fire” clubs in England, and also the Neuf Soeurs in France. He developed extensive contacts within both the Hanoverian and the Stewart-Jacobean branches of the Lodge, and thus Franklin's inside-knowledge became as profound as his influence.
1731 Public Subscription Library
"Before Franklin's death, there were 5,487, and, by 1861, 70,000 books in the Philadelphia Library" [Tomkinson (p.52)]
1732 Almanac & Maxims
Franklin began to teach himself French and Italian, then Spanish and Latin. He published an Almanac, under the name of Richard Saunders. "Poor Richard" appeared every January for twenty-five years, and was translated into French, Spanish and modern Greek.
The Almanac contained maxims for which Franklin is to be thanked, such as;
"It is hard for an empty sack to stand upright" and, "Tongue double, brings trouble." and
"Whate'er's begun in anger, ends in shame."
1733
The first Masonic Lodge in North America was founded in Boston, in 1733. [Check - see 1730, Franklin's Penn. Gaz. statement]
1734 Masonic printer
Franklin prints the first Masonic 'Bible' in America, "for the Use of the Brethren in North America"
The "Constitutions of the Free-Masons" was a reprint of Anderson's Constitutions , published (in England) in 1723. [Qf. Q&A Grand Lodge PA]
1734 Grand Master
Benjamin Franklin was appointed Grand Master (Philadelphia)
[Q. On which date was he made a Mason?]
1735
The Indian King Tavern had become one of the Masonic meeting places in Philadelphia
1736 General Assembly
Franklin's first appearance in public life was as Clerk of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania
1737 Postmaster
While Postmaster of Philadelphia, the printer, William. Bradford had not been regular in his accounts. The appointment was offered to Benjamin Franklin, which he accepted, in 1737. As Postmaster of Philadelphia, Franklin reported to Elliot Benger, then sole PMG of North America. The joint British Postmasters-General were then;
Edward Carteret, from1720-1739, and, Lord Lovell *(Earl of Leicester) office from 1733-1759.
[* was he related to packet captains Lovell?)
Franklin started "improving the constables at night" - a scheme soon better policing Philadelphia.
He formed the Union Fire Company, whose members kept buckets, bags and baskets ready. Members' non-attendance fines [a la masonry] paid for buying engines & ladders to equip the city.
1744 Plain Truth
Rumours of a war prevented him establishing an "Academy for the education of the young." But, in 1744, he established a Philosophical Society. "There was no-one who devoted his talents and his generosity to the public good as he did." [Tonkinson, E. M., Benj. Franklin, p.60 (1889)]
Noting how defenseless Philadelphia was, Franklin wrote a pamphlet called "Plain Truth" - alerting his fellow countrymen to the risks of French and Indian attacks on the English colonies in America. He urged unity & militia training. Franklin was chosen Colonel of the Philadelphia regiment, but he declined the offer. About then he designed the Franklin Stove, declining to take out a patent for it.
1749 Assembly Representative
When peace was restored (in Europe) Franklin saw the opening of the free Academy.
He was appointed Justice of the Peace, Common Councilman, and Alderman. When he was chosen to represent the Philadelphia citizens in the Assembly, his son William was appointed Clerk in his place.
1750 Lightning Conductor
Franklin's pamphlet on the means of preserving buildings from lightning had, in 1750, been translated into four languages, and, in France, lightning had been safely conducted to earth by means of an iron rod. The author was made a Member of the Royal Society. [1757: "Our new governor, Captain Denny, brought over for me the before-mentioned medal from the Royal Society, which he presented to me at an entertainment given him by the city."]
1751 'Love & Honour'
The first Masonic Lodge in Cornwall was formed at Falmouth. One of the founding members was George Bell, son of Col. Joseph Bell, the British Post-Office Comptroller (until 1743). [250 years of Cornish Freemasonry is due to be published in 2001]
1751-52 The first Hospital in America
Through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, the Pennsylvania Hospital opened in Philadelphia on 11 February 1752.. the first hospital in America.
1752 Bingo!
Franklin, after 6 years of experimenting with lightening conductors, used a silk (non-conductor) kite which proved that lightening is electricity.
SCARCE 1806 STONE LITHOGRAPH OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Approx. 8" x 10.5", with portrait in sunken area approx. 4.5" x 6.5". An extraordinary portrait, set in oval, which bears little resemblance to the common images of Franklin, with small illus. of Franklin conducting his kite electricity experiment below, & "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, L.L.D." at bottom.
"J. Chapman, sculp." below portrait & "London, Published as the Act directs, May 24th, 1806 by J. Wilkes" below Franklin's name. lt toning in blank margins. Scarce. F $75-100 ]
1752 The Gregorian Calendar
England and her colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, resulting in 11 days being 'lost' from 3-13 September,1752. Correspondence was previously dated with O.S.(Old Style) and N.S. (New Style) dates; thereafter simply N.S. Dates at the end of December and beginning of January were shown with two years, depending which calendar was referred to. An interesting example, especially of how writers accounted for their respective (numbered) letters, and the time between sending and receiving a response in the late 17th century, is correspondence between Samuel Pepys and his nephew, who was travelling Europe when the Gregorian Calendar was in use on the continent, but not in England.
Writing his autobiography, in 1771, Franklin tell his son that [Uncle] Thomas, "died in 17O2, January 6, old style, just four years to a day before I was born."
1755 George Washington was made a Mason [initiated] on November 4, 1752 in the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia
"He rarely spoke about his religion, but his Freemasonry experience points to a belief in deism. Washington's initiation occurred at the Fredericksburg Lodge on 4 November 1752, later becoming a Master mason in 1799, and remained a freemason until he died."
1753 Deputy PMG, North America
Franklin was appointed Deputy Postmaster-General of North America, joint with Sir William Hunter, Postmaster of Williamsburg. Franklin endeavoured to make this business, hitherto a losing concern, a paying one for Charles II's Government.
"The two worked well, and produced three times as much from the colonies as from Ireland."
1753: George Washington became a Master Mason in 1753.
1754 The English & French engaged in hostilities in America, which led to 7 years of war in Europe.
As soon as it was known war was imminent, Franklin, as Pennsylvania Commissioner to the Colonial Congress, drew up a plan for union of the colonies. [Qf. Snake: "Join or Die" ] In 1754, two years before the outbreak of the Seven Years' War, (in America generally known as the “French and Indian War”), Benjamin Franklin drew up the “Albany Plan” to create a federal union of the Colonies under “one general government. The [English] Crown was to appoint a President General to act as executive officer; 'the people' or their representatives were to appoint members of a Grand Council of Delegates. This central government was to control Indian affairs, declare war and make peace, raise and equip soldiers and levy taxes.” [Qf. John C. Miller, Origins of the American Revolution, Stanford University Press ]
1755
The Falmouth to New York packet service began in 1754/5 (Earl of Halifax, John Morris, sailed from Falmouth 13 December, 1754, returning on 6 June, 1755) - the same year that the West Indian route had been reopened. The PMG regarded the New York line as completely new, the feeble efforts of William Warren 45 years earlier were so brief and irregular that they had been forgotten.
The new route began with "trial vessels" so that the Post-Office would have some idea on which to base a contract. They were to be of 200 tons and the first vessel (Halifax) was to cost £700 for the round trip. Captain Morris arrived at New York in February 1756.
Normally the packet-boats remained in New York Harbour about 3 weeks. The voyages were intended to be monthly, but only 4 voyages were made in the first 2 years. [Carrying British Mail Overseas, Howard Robinson (Allen & Unwin 1964) (pp. 44, 45)]
General Wall was a packet vessel which completed 12 voyages in 7 years under 3 commanders and was taken 3 times & ransomed for a total of over £3,600. Her service was throughout the Seven Years War (1755-1763) in which the French lost Quebec and several of the West Indian Islands to Britain. (Post 1-9. (p.46): April 21, 1762 - General Wall dismissed, as no longer fit for service.)
1755 Cost of defense
Franklin obtained a grant of £2,000 from the Assembly and liberally subscribed to the Hospital.
May 29, 1755 The Pennsylvania Gazette In Pursuance of an ACT of ASSEMBLY, intitled, An Act to encourage the Establishing of a Hospital for the Relief of the Sick Poor of this province, and for the Reception and Cure of Lunaticks, the following LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS thereto, from the Beginning to this Time, is now published.[including] F: Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Fox and William Franklin.
Franklin joined 550 volunteers to build forts on the North Western Frontier, in December. He pledged his personal property in order that supplies may be raised for Braddock's army. Clearly this was in the belief that he would be repaid. (See 1757 -Autobiography]
1755 Freemasons' Lodge
The first Masonic Hall to be built in Philadelphia, at Norris (or Lodge) Alley.
View
History of the Grand Secretary [Philadelphia]
Thomas Boude Years as RWGS: 1731-1748
Daniel Byles Years as RWGS: 1749 - 1754
History of the Grand Secretary: William Franklin Years as RWGS: 1755-1761, 1763
Birthplace: Philadelphia Lodge: No. 2 Profession: Royal Governor of New Jersey
1756 The Seven Years War
Benjamin Franklin writes that "New York is growing immensely rich by Money brought into it from all Quarters for the Pay and Subsistence of the Troops." See Simpson, Franks, Levy et al. [qf. Exodus to America: A Jewish Timeline ]
"Many of the Scottish and Irish officers serving in the British forces during the Seven Years War (“French & Indian War” of 1754) were members of the Lodge of St. Andrews [Scotland], and they planted Stuart and Jacobite loyalties on North American soil. Not to say such didn't exist already, as demonstrated by the friendship between the Carolina governors and Robert Teach -- alias Blackbeard the Pirate -- who flew the Masonic Skull & Crossbones flag and named his ship the Queen Anne's Revenge."
1756-1762
Proprietaries refused to pay a single penny towards the taxes to provide the means of defense. Franklin stated the "injustice of the owners taking all and giving nothing." He, soon after, accepted (as his duty) Colonel of a regiment of 1,200 men with six brass cannon. The proprietaries were further angered when he was chosen by the Assembly to go as Commissioner to London, and present a petition to the King to do away with the Proprietary rights of Thomas and Richard Penn. They then owned the 26 million acre colony first granted their father, William Penn, (by Charles II) called Pennsylvania.
Although, on April 4th, [1757] he started from Philadelphia, with his son William, for New York, he had to wait there over six weeks before sailing to England to plead the cause of the Assembly v. the Proprietaries. "When at last the 'London packet' [in fact, the Falmouth packet, General Wall - see detailed account of his voyage] was allowed to start with a fleet of 96 sail [for Louisburg], it was 5 days before she was allowed to leave the convoy. Whilst waiting at New York, Franklin observed the difference in the wakes of two vessels. Remembering a quotation from Pliny, he subsequently experimented in England, on Derwent Water and at Clapham, and was surprised to see how far oil would spread on the water. He published a paper explaining "why oil should soothe troubled waters," (wind & surface tension)
A slightly fuller account* states: "Benjamin Franklin, Deputy Postmaster-General for North America, went up to New York Harbour in the Spring of 1757 to make the voyage to Britain on a mail packet. There were three there when he arrived, those that should have left for Falmouth after three weeks having been held back by the military commander, the Earl of Loudoun.
Loudoun regarded the mail boats as dispatch boats for sending home in connection with a proposed expedition to attack the French stronghold of Louisburg on Cape Breton. Franklin arrived in April, and waited over two months before Lord Loudoun permitted one of the packets to leave for England. He was passenger on the General Wall [Named after an Irishman, Richard Wall, or some years after 1748 Spain's ambassador to England]. Captain Lutwidge sailed from New York on June 25th and made a fast passage. Franklin reported she had gone at the rate of 13 knots; "we were several times chas'd in our passage, but outsailed everything."
"He arrived in Falmouth after a passage of just over three weeks, [check!] and took ten days to reach London; he had stopped to take a look at Stonehenge on the way"
[*Franklin's Autobiographical Writings, ed. Carl Van Doren (1946), pp 745 ft.]
The most interesting, and accurate account of Loudoun's attitude, in Franklin's own words:
On Loudoun: "While I was, as afore mention'd, detain'd at New York, I receiv'd all the accounts of the provisions, etc., that I had furnish'd to Braddock, some of which accounts could not sooner be obtain'd from the different persons I had employ'd to assist in the business. I presented them to Lord Loudoun, desiring to be paid the ballance. He caus'd them to be regularly examined by the proper officer, who, after comparing every article with its voucher, certified them to be right; and the balance due for which his lordship promis'd to give me an order on the paymaster. This was, however, put off from time to time; and, tho' I call'd often for it by appointment, I did not get it."
At length, just before my departure, he told me he had, on better consideration, concluded not to mix his accounts with those of his predecessors. "And you," says he, "when in England, have only to exhibit your accounts at the treasury, and you will be paid immediately."
I mention'd, but without effect, the great and unexpected expense I had been put to by being detain'd so long at New York, as a reason for my desiring to be presently paid; and on my observing that it was not right I should be put to any further trouble or delay in obtaining the money I had advanc'd, as I charged no commission for my service, "0h, sir," says he, "you must not think of persuading us that you are no gainer; we understand better those affairs, and know that every one concerned in supplying the army finds means, in the doing it, to fill his own pockets." I assur'd him that was not my case, and that I had not pocketed a farthing; but he appear'd clearly not to believe me; and, indeed, I have since learnt that immense fortunes are often made in such employments. As to my ballance, I am not paid it to this day." [Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin]
1757
Lighthouses: Tomkinson tells us (p.74) "In a thick fog, at about midnight, when the captain and most of the passengers were asleep, the fog suddenly lifted and Franklin saw the lighthouse [The Lizard, first built in 1619, 20 miles south of the entrance to Falmouth Harbour] which told of danger within a few rods of them. Among the passengers was a captain [Kennedy] of the Royal Navy, who fortunately was on deck; without a moment's hesitation he sprang to the helm, and shouted to the sailors to wear ship; in other words, to turn her round, and so, at the risk of snapping every mast, he saved the vessel and the people on board." [Franklin's own account does NOT suggest there was fog at midnight]
Tomkinson adds: "Franklin knew that there was not a single lighthouse on the American coast* and he was so deeply impressed by this narrow escape, that he made up his mind to have the shores protected when he returned. "
This seems at odds with facts which must have then been known to Franklin.
For example in 1752 the construction of Sambro Lighthouse commenced, it was completed in 1759, and well-positioned off Halifax Harbour. He may well have been instrumental in having the new lighthouse built at Sandy Hook, off New York, which went into service in 1764, two years after his safe return to America.
1757 Arrives in London July 26 and stays with Peter Collinson; sees Lord Granville, president of Privy Council, who alarms Franklin with his claim that King is supreme legislator of colonies. Takes lodgings on July 30 at No. 7 Craven Street with Mrs. Margaret Stevenson, widow with whom he thereafter makes his home in England. Meets with Proprietors Richard and Thomas Penn in August, giving them list of grievances. [Leman]
1758 Banbury, with William
My grandfather Thomas, who was born in 1598, lived at Ecton [Northamptonshire, on a freehold of about thirty acres, aided by the smith's business] till he grew too old to follow business longer, when he went to live with his son John, a dyer at Banbury, in Oxfordshire, with whom my father served an apprenticeship. There my grandfather died and lies buried. We saw his gravestone in 1758.
At Wellingborough he found a Mrs. Fisher, the only daughter of Thomas Franklin, his father's eldest brother, advanced in years, but in good circumstances. "From Wellingborough," he says, we went to Ecton, about three or four miles, being the village where my father was born, and where his father, grandfather, and great grandfather had lived, and how many of the family before them we know not. We went first to see the old house and grounds ; they came to Mr. Fisher with his wife, and, after letting them for some years, finding his rent something ill paid, he sold them. The land is now added to another farm, and a school kept in the house. It is a decayed old stone building, but still known by the name of Franklin House. Thence we went to visit the rector of the parish, who lives close by the church, a very ancient building. He entertained us very kindly, and showed us the old church register, in which were the births, marriages, and burials of our ancestors for two hundred years, as early as his book began. His wife, a good-natured, chatty old lady, (granddaughter of the famous Arch deacon Palmer, who formerly had that parish and lived there,) remembered a great deal about the family; carried us out into the churchyard, and showed us several of their gravestones, which were so covered with moss, that we could not read the letters, till she ordered a hard brush and basin of water, with which Peter scoured them clean, and then Billy copied them. She entertained and diverted us highly with stories of Thomas Franklin, Mrs. Fisher's father, who was a convincer, something of a lawyer, clerk of the county courts, and clerk to the Archdeacon in his visitations; a very leading man in all county affairs, and much employed in public business.
[1757- 1762 Franklin was sent to England [2] by the Pennsylvania Assembly to petition the king for the right to levy taxes on proprietary lands. After completing his mission, he remained in England for five years as the chief representative of the American colonies. During this period he made friends with many prominent Englishmen, including the chemist and clergyman Joseph Priestley, the philosopher and historian David Hume*, and the philosopher and economist Adam Smith. Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1762, where he remained until 1764, when he was once again dispatched to England as the agent of Pennsylvania. [qf.http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/franklin.htm ]
1758 Franklin establishes routine of club attendance that lasts throughout years in England. On Mondays often dines at George and Vulture with group of scientists, philanthropists, and explorers, including John Ellicot and, occasionally, Captain James Cook. [See 1778/9]
Thursdays, usually dines with favorite group, Club of Honest Whigs, at St. Paul's Coffeehouse; members include John Canton, Richard Price, Joseph Priestley, James Burgh, William Rose, Andrew Kippis, and, occasionally, James Boswell. Sundays, frequently dines with Sir John Pringle, who gradually displaces printer William Strahan as closest friend in England; Alexander Small and David Hume are often guests. [Lemay]
1759 Franklin receives honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in absentia from University of St. Andrews in Scotland, February 12; hereafter referred to as "Dr. Franklin." Reports to Joseph Galloway April 7 that Richard Jackson, Englishman who later served as agent of Pennsylvania Assembly in London and then became friend of America in Parliament, proposed to get him elected to Parliament, "but I am too old to think of changing Countries." Takes extensive tour of northern England and Scotland, August 8-November 2, meeting Adam Smith, William Robertson, and Lord Karnes.
[1760? George II died; his grandson was crowned George III ]
1761 In the summer (Aug-Sept.), Franklin travelled his son, William and Richard Jackson, through Flanders and Holland, [Austrian Netherlands and Dutch Republic] visiting the large cities, and returning in time to be present at the coronation of George III, on 22 September. [CHECK : Details of routes and vessels for their passage(s)?]
1762 Returns with Honours
Franklin received honorary degrees from Oxford, (30 April, 1762), St. Andrews (in absentia, 12 Feb., 1759) and Edinburgh before he returned to America in 1762.[Edinburgh has the oldest Masonic Lodge in Britain]
[Harvard & Yale bestowed M.A.'s upon him "for his discoveries and improvements in the electric branch of natural philosophy."]
Franklin's son William married Elizabeth Downes, on September 4 in London.
On September 9, a few days before he sailed, his son was appointed governor of New Jersey, although the appointment was not publicly announced till some time afterwards. It is evident from this act of the ministry, that they had then conceived no prejudice against the father, on account of the part he had taken in the Pennsylvania controversy.
Dr. Franklin sailed from England, having resided there more than five years. In a letter, dated at Portsmouth on the 17th of that month, [September] bidding farewell to Lord Kames, he said; "I am now waiting here only for a wind to waft me to America, but cannot leave this happy island and my friends in it without extreme regret, though I am going to a country and a people that I love. I am going from the old world to the new ; and I fancy I feel like those, who are leaving this world for the next; grief at the parting; fear of the passage; hope of the future." He arrived at Philadelphia on the 1st of November. The fleet, in which he took passage, under the convoy of, a man-of-war, touched at Madeira, and was detained there a few days. They were kindly received and entertained by the inhabitants, on account of the protection afforded them by the English fleet against the united invasion of France and Spain. Not long after his return to Philadelphia, he wrote to Mr. Richard Jackson a full account of the island of Madeira, its population, soil, climate, and productions: but the letter has never been published, and it is supposed to be lost. [(part)qf. Life of Benjamin Franklin, by Jared Sparks (Ch.2) ]
General Wall, [Falmouth packet, under the command of Capt. Bures] sailed from New York 9 April, and was taken by Marshall, Duke of Nocilles' privateer, Capt Sanue from Dunkirk, of 12 guns, 20 swivels & 120 men in an engagement of 5 hours & ransomed for 500 guineas, since arrived Falmouth with mails on board. [ Lloyds List, 14 May, 1762]
[1762 Hume* wrote Franklin "America has sent us many good things: gold, silver, sugar, tobacco, indigo, etc; but you are the first philosopher, and indeed the first great man of letters for whom we are beholden to her." "It is our own fault that we have not kept him."]
1763 Postmaster's Survey
Franklin made a five month tour of the northern America colonies - inspecting post-offices together with his joint PMG.
"Holding the office of postmaster general in America, he spent five months of the year 1763, in travelling through the northern colonies for the purpose of inspecting the post offices. He went eastward as far as New Hampshire, and the whole extent of his tour, in going and coming, was about sixteen hundred miles. In this journey he was accompanied by his daughter, and it was performed in a light carriage, driven by himself. A saddle horse made a part of the equipage, on which his daughter rode, as be informs us, nearly all the way from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. The meeting of his old friends in Boston, Rhode Island, and New York, afforded him much enjoyment, and he was detained many days in each Place by their hospitality. At New York he met General Amherst, commander-in-chief of the British army in America, who received him with flattering civilities."
1764
June 21, 1764 The Pennsylvania Gazette. NEW YORK, June 18.
On Monday Evening last, the NEW YORK LIGHTHOUSE, erected at Sandy Hook, was lighted for the first time. The House is of an Octagon Figure, having eight equal Sides; the Diameter at the Base, 29 Feet; and at the Top of the Wall, 15 Feet. The Lanthorn is 7 Feet high; the Circumference 33 Feet. The whole Construction of the Lanthorn is Iron; the Top covered with Copper. There are 48 Oil Blazes. The Building from the Surface is Nine Stories; the whole from Bottom to Top 103 Feet. This Structure, was undertaken by Mr. Isaac Conro, of this City, and was carried on with all the Expedition that the Difficulty attending to and fro on the Occasion could possibly admit of; and is judged to be masterly finished.
Wednesday the Halifax Packet, Capt. Boulderson, sailed with the Mail for Falmouth.
In 1764 the two Deputy Postmasters-General for North America were Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Foxcroft. They made an elaborate survey of the land communications in the hope of bringing such distant colonies as Quebec and the Carolinas into regular connection with New York. Governor Murray in Canada and the merchants up the St. Lawrence wanted a monthly [coastal] service from New York immediately following the arrival of the packet-boat.
[Robinson, Howard. Carrying British Mails Overseas, Allen & Unwin (1964) (p.49)]
1764 England
Franklin was sent to England as agent for Pennsylvania
On the 7th of November, 1764, only twelve days after his appointment as a special agent for Pennsylvania "to proceed to the court of Great Britain, and there to take charge of the petition for a change of government," Franklin left Philadelphia, accompanied by a cavalcade of three hundred citizens, who attended him to Chester, where he was to go on board the vessel. "The affectionate leave taken of me by so many dear friends at Chester," said he, "was very endearing; God bless them and all Pennsylvania." He sailed the next day, but the vessel was detained over night at Reedy Island in the Delaware. After a tempestuous voyage of thirty days, he landed at Portsmouth, and proceeded immediately to London, where he again took lodgings at Mrs. Stevenson's in Craven Street.
1764-1775 The Assembly of Pennsylvania, in common with all the other assemblies on the [North American] continent, instructed Dr. Franklin to use his efforts, in behalf of the province, to prevent the passage of the [Stamp] act. (The first steps he took for this object, as well as the origin of the measure itself; are briefly explained by him in a letter written some years afterwards to Mr. William Alexander. It is dated at Passy, March 12th, 1778.)
1765 Pleads to prevent the passage of the Stamp Act
2 February, with other colonial agents, holds interview with First Minister George Grenville to protest laying of stamp duties in America
Grenville introduces annual budget in Parliament containing proposal for Stamp Act. Franklin and Thomas Pownall, former colonial governor who favored stronger ties between colonies and Great Britain, meet Grenville February 12 and offer an alternative proposal to raise revenue in America by issuing paper money at interest, but are ignored. Stamp Act passes House of Commons February 27, receives royal assent March 22, and is scheduled to take effect November 1. At Grenville’s request, Franklin nominates his friend John Hughes as Pennsylvania stamp distributor, leading to rumors that Franklin actually supports the Stamp Act. Franklin and Pownall succeed in April in getting Quartering Bill amended to eliminate forcible quartering of British troops in private dwellings in America; amended act passes May 3. [Lemay]
1766-1775 Franklin was interrogated before the House of Commons, in 1766, regarding the effects of the Stamp Act upon the colonies; his testimony was largely influential in securing the repeal of the act. Soon, however, new plans for taxing the colonies were introduced in Parliament, and Franklin was increasingly divided between his devotion to his native land and his loyalty as a subject of George III of Great Britain. Finally, in 1775, his powers of conciliation exhausted, Franklin sorrowfully acknowledged the inevitability of war. Sailing for America after an absence of 11 years, he reached Philadelphia on May 5, 1775, to find that the opening engagements of the Revolution—the battles of Lexington and Concord—had already been fought. He was chosen a member of the Second Continental Congress, serving on ten of its committees, and was made postmaster general, an office he held for one year.
1766
Franklin was examined before the House of Commons relative to the passage of the Stamp Act
Appointed agent of Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Georgia.
In the summer of 1766, Dr. Franklin went over to Germany accompanied by Sir John Pringle, who spent some time at Pyrmont for the benefit of the waters. Franklin made a more extended journey* but little is known of it, except that he visited Gottingen, Hanover, and some of the principal cities and universities on the continent, and returned to London after an absence of eight weeks. During this tour he learned from the boatmen in Holland, that boats propelled by an equal force move more slowly in shoal than in deep water. He afterwards performed a variety of experiments to prove and illustrate this fact, which he considered important in the construction of canals. The results of these experiments, with an explanation of them on philosophical principles, he communicated in a letter to Sir John Pringle.
*June 15 - August 16; elected at Göttingen to Royal Academy of Sciences. [LeMay]
1767 Franklin was presented at court in France.
In September, 1767, he visited Paris, accompanied, as he had been the year preceding in Germany, by his "steady, good friend, Sir John Pringle." The French ambassador in London, who had been particularly civil to him of late, gave him letters of introduction to several eminent persons. His papers on electricity had long before been translated and published in Paris, and his philosophical discoveries were probably better known and more highly estimated there, than in any other part of Europe. The reception he met with was in all respects gratifying to him. He was introduced to the King [Louis XV] and royal family, and formed an acquaintance with the distinguished men in the scientific and political circles. These advantages, and the knowledge he gained by his observations and inquiries in France, were not only serviceable to him at the time, but they prepared the way for the successful execution of the important trust, which he was destined to hold in that country at a later period, as minister plenipotentiary from the American States.
Franklin and Pringle visit Paris, August 28 - October 8, 1767, where Horace Walpole calls on them (Sept. 13), and they are presented to Louis XV at Versailles. [LeMay]
1768
Packets were unable to keep a monthly service to the West Indies and the South of North America, the voyage considered too long (6 - 7 months) There were 5 packets to Jamaica, 4 to New York, and 4 (new) packets, of 135 tons & 18 crew, to Charlestown, viz.; Le Despencer, Pond, Swallow, Wauchope, Eagle, Beals & (Earl of ) Sandwich, Nottingham.
Pensacola was to be served from Jamaica, with 2 vessels of 45 tons (Oct. 1768) [Post 1. 9. 6/6/1768]
At the beginning of the year 1768, there was a change in the ministry. The American business had been in the charge of Lord Shelburne, but it was now transferred to Lord Hillsborough, as secretary of State for America, this being made a distinct department. He was likewise placed at the head of the Board of Trade. In these stations he had so large a control over the affairs of the colonies, that almost every thing depended on his dispositions towards them. Franklin writes; "I am told there has been a talk of getting me appointed undersecretary to Lord Hillsborough; but with little likelihood, as it is a settled point here, that I am too much an American." An indirect overture was made to him, nevertheless, at the instance of the Duke of Grafton, by which it would appear, that there was a project for taking away from him the place of postmaster-general of the colonies, and appointing him to some office under the government.
In a letter to his son, he adds ; " So great is my inclination to be at home and at rest, that I shall not be sorry, if this business falls through, and I am suffered to retire with my old post; nor, indeed, very sorry, if they take that from me too, on account of my zeal for America, in which some of my friends have hinted to me, that I have been too open. If Mr. Grenville comes into power again, in any department respecting America, I must refuse to accept any thing that may seem to put me in his power, because I apprehend a breach between the two countries; and that refusal might give offence." (There is no evidence that any office was directly proposed to him).
During 1768, Dr. Franklin was on the point of returning to America, when he received a letter from Governor Wright, of his having been appointed agent for Georgia. He then felt it his duty to wait for the papers and instructions of the Georgia Assembly, which would probably demand his special care. He was under no obligation to accept it; yet he was unwilling to decline a trust, which had been spontaneously conferred upon him by so respectable a portion of his countrymen, and which he might possibly execute for their benefits. This kept him till winter; other business followed; and he found himself detained in England much longer than be had anticipated.
Having read, with approbation and pleasure, the celebrated "Farmer's Letters," written by John Dickinson, he caused them to be republished in London, with a commendatory Preface from his own pen. In Franklin's opinion the grievance was not, that Britain imposed duties on exported commodities, but that she prohibited the colonists from purchasing the like commodities in the markets of other countries, thus forcing them to pay such prices as she pleased, and depriving them of the advantages of a competition in trade. Parliament had exercised this power, and compelled obedience, under the vague pretence of regulating trade; but it had been done in violation of the principles upon which the relations between Great Britain and the colonies had originally been established.
Writes Mary Stevenson July 20, using phonetic alphabet of his own devising. Fall [Autumn, 1768], has maps printed showing the course of the Gulf Stream. [LeMay]
1769 The colonists had petitioned, till their patience was exhausted, without obtaining relief or even a hearing. When thus neglected and trifled with, they thought it time to take care of themselves, not by resisting the laws, but by rendering these laws ineffectual in their application. They resolved to provide for their own wants by their industry and frugality, and such other means as Providence had blessed them with, and not to depend on a foreign people for supplying them at exorbitant prices, loaded with such additional burdens of taxation, as, in the plenitude of their power, they might choose to impose.
A committee of merchants in Philadelphia sent to Dr. Franklin a copy of their non-importation agreements, with a request that he would communicate them to the British merchants, who were concerned in the American trade. In his reply, dated July 9th, 1769, he commended their zeal, and remarked ; "By persisting steadily in the measures you have so laudably entered into, I hope you will, if backed by the general honest resolution of the people to buy British goods of no others, but to manufacture for themselves, or use colony manufactures only, be the means, under God, of recovering and establishing the freedom of our country entire, and of handing it down complete to posterity." This advice he often repeated; and, although he was too far distant to partake of the feeling kindled by sympathy throughout the colonies, yet his sentiments accorded perfectly with those of his countrymen.
A few days after writing the letter, quoted above, he [Franklin] went over to France, and passed several weeks at Paris. He has left no account of the journey, or of the business that called him abroad.
His son being governor of New Jersey, an opportunity had thus been afforded to Dr. Franklin for rendering occasional services to that colony; and, on the 8th of December, 1769, he was chosen, by a unanimous vote of the Assembly, to be the agent for transacting their affairs in England. A letter of instructions accompanied the notice of his appointment. He was requested to procure the royal signature to certain laws, which had been passed by the Assembly, and, among others, an act for emitting one hundred thousand pounds in bills of credit, to be least at five per cent, but not a legal tender.
Winter, Deborah Franklin suffers stroke, which impairs her memory and understanding; her health deteriorates thereafter. [LeMay]
1770
Packet route: Jamaica to Pensacola & thence to Carolina & back [Post 1. 9. 31/1/1769 (p.277)]
March 1770, an appeal from London merchants and from Florida, for a letter service.
July 1770, an appeal for a second boat between Pensacola & Jamaica.
On April 2 1770, after an experiment, of three years, the British ministry finding the Americans still obstinate in refusing to import goods, and trade declining, procured a repeal of the duties on all the commodities enumerated in the revenue act, except tea.
The freedom with which Dr. Franklin wrote to his correspondents in America, and the sentiments he repeatedly uttered respecting the disputes between the two countries, gave offence to the British government. Copies of some of his letters were clandestinely obtained and forwarded to the ministers. Intimations were thrown out, that he would be made to feel their resentment, by being removed from his place in the American post-office. As he had never been charged with neglect in this station, but, on the contrary, by long and unwearied exertions, had raised the post-office from a low condition to a state of prosperity and productiveness, a removal could only be intended as a punishment for his political conduct, and opinions, or rather for his perseverance in defending, what he believed to be the true interests and just claims of his country. He was determined, therefore, not to give up the office, till it should be taken from him, although he was plentifully abused in the newspapers to provoke him to a resignation.
"As to the letters complained of," said be, "it was true I did write them, and they were written in compliance with another duty, that to my country; a duty quite distinct from that of postmaster." ... "it should not be expected of me to change my political opinions every time his Majesty thought fit to change his ministers." "My rule, in which I have always found satisfaction, is, never to turn aside in public affair, through views of private interest; but to go straight forward in doing what appears to me right at the time, leaving the consequences with Providence."
The person most active on this occasion was Lord Hillsborough, who had taken umbrage at Dr. Franklin's conduct of late, finding him in the way of all his schemes for humbling the Americans and forcing upon them his official mandates. How far the other ministers participated in his feelings of hostility is uncertain, but Franklin was permitted for some time longer to retain his office.
For many years he had corresponded on political affairs with gentlemen in Massachusetts, who had been much influenced by his opinions and advice. [CHECK: By what mode, Ships' Letter, or, via the Falmouth postal packet service?]
Franklin was chosen by the Massachusetts Assembly to be their agent, as expressed in the resolve, "to appear for the House at the court of Great Britain," and to sustain their interests, "before his Majesty in Council, or in either House of Parliament, or before any public board." The appointment was made on the 24th of October, 1770, and was to continue for one year; but it was annually renewed whist he remained abroad. Mr. Cushing, the Speaker of the Assembly, transmitted to him a certificate of his election, and other papers, setting forth in detail the grievances of which the people complained, and instructing the agent to use his best efforts to have them redressed.
The first step be took, after receiving these papers, was to wait on Lord Hillsborough, the American Secretary, both to announce his appointment officially, and to explain the purport of his instructions. Franklin had but just time to mention Massachusetts, and to add, that the Assembly had chosen him to be their agent, when his Lordship hastily interrupted him by saying, "I must set you right there, Mr. Franklin; you are not agent." To which the latter replied, "I do not understand your Lordship. I have the appointment in my pocket." The minister still insisted, that it was a mistake; he had later advices, and Governor Hutchinson would not give his assent to the bill. "There was no bill, my Lord," said Franklin, "it was by a vote of the House." Whereupon his Lordship called his secretary, and asked for Governor Hutchinson's letter; but it turned out that the letter related wholly to another matter, and there was not a word in it about the agent. "I thought it could not well be," said Franklin, "as my letters are by the last ships, [CHECK for details] and they mention no such thing. Here is the authentic copy of the vote of the House appointing me, in which there is no mention of any act intended. Will your Lordship please to look at it?" But this his Lordship was not pleased to do. The minister would not even read the certificate of Dr. Franklin's appointment, nor any of the papers, but handed them back unopened.
1771
16 January: Presents credentials as Massachusetts agent to Lord Hillsborough, secretary of state for the colonies, who refuses to accept them because Franklin had been appointed by Assembly without governor's concurrence.
11 June: Elected to Batavian Society of Experimental Science, Rotterdam. [Did he visit Holland in 1771?]
17-24 June, and again July 30-August 13, visits Bishop Jonathan Shipley at Twyford, where, on latter visit, writes first part of autobiography. Tours Ireland and Scotland with Richard Jackson from August 25 to November 30; attends opening of Irish Parliament, October 8; stays with David Hume in Edinburgh, and with Lord Kames at Blair-Drummond. At the end of trip, visits mother and sister of son-in-law Richard Bache at Preston in Lancashire, meets Richard for first time, and returns to London with him. [LeMay]
October 17, 1771 The Pennsylvania Gazette. Philadelphia, October 17.
Monday last the General Assembly of this Province met here, when Joseph Galloway, Esq.; was chosen Speaker; and Charles Moore, Esq.; Clerk of the House. Benjamin Franklin, Esq.; is appointed Agent for this Province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing Year.
Having now in his change the concerns of four colonies, Dr. Franklin's time was necessarily much occupied with them. Little being done by Parliament, however, relating to American affairs, in the year 1771, he had leisure for his annual excursions, which, from his confinement and close attention to business while in London, he found essential to his health. He made short journeys through different parts of England, stopping and passing some time at gentlemen's country-seats, to which he had been invited. He visited Dr. Priestley at Leeds, Dr. Percival at Manchester, and Dr. Darwin at Litchfield and assisted them in performing some new philosophical experiments.
When Dr. Priestley was in London, their intercourse was constant and intimate. They belonged to a club of "honest Whigs," as it was designated by Dr. Franklin, which held stated meetings, and of which Dr. Price and Dr. Kippis were also members. After these little excursions, he made a tour through Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. He had never been in Ireland before.
He stayed in Dublin till the opening of the Irish Parliament, (8 October, 1771) for the purpose of seeing the principal patriots in that Assembly. "I found them," he says, "disposed to be friends of America, in which I endeavoured to confirm them, with the expectation that our growing weight might in time be thrown into their scale, and, by joining our interests with theirs a more equitable treatment from this nation might be obtained for them as well as for us. There are many brave spirits among them. The gentry are a very sensible, polite, and friendly people. Their Parliament makes a most respectable figure, with a number of very good speakers in both parties, and able men of business. And 1 must not omit acquainting you, that, it being a standing rule to admit members of the English Parliament to sit (though they do not vote), in the House among the members, while others are only admitted into the gallery, my fellow traveller, being an English member, was accordingly admitted as such. But I supposed I must go to the gallery, when the Speaker stood up, and acquainted the House, that he understood there was in town an American gentleman of (as he was pleased to say) distinguished character and merit, a member or delegate of some of the Parliaments of that country, who was desirous of being present at the debates of the House; that there was a rule of the House for admitting members of English Parliaments, and that he supposed the House would consider the American Assemblies as English Parliaments; but, as this was the first instance, he had chosen not to give any order in it without receiving their directions. On the question, the House gave a loud, unanimously when two members came to me without the bar, led me in between them, and placed me honorably and commodiously."
In Scotland he had many friends, who received him with a cordial welcome and an open-handed hospitality. He spent five days with Lord Kames at Blair Drummond, near Stirling, two or three days at Glasgow, and about three weeks at Edinburgh, where he lodged with David Hume. His old acquaintances, Sir Alexander Dick, Drs. Robertson, Cullen, Black, Ferguson, Russel and others, renewed the civilities, which they had, formerly shown to him, and which attached him so strongly to Scottish manners and society. His intimacy with Dr. Robertson had before enabled him to be the means of rendering a just tribute to the merit of some of his countrymen, by obtaining for them honorary degrees from the University of Edinburgh, over which that distinguished historian presided. Dr. Cooper, President Stiles, and Professor Winthrop of Harvard College, were among those upon whom this honor was conferred in consequence of his recommendation.
On his way back from Scotland, at Preston in Lancashire, he met his son-in-law, Mr. Richard Bache, who, with his consent, had married his only daughter four years before in Philadelphia. Mr. Bache had just come over from America, and was on a visit to his mother and sisters, who resided at Preston. He accompanied his father-in-law to London, and [Bache] sailed thence for Philadelphia a few weeks afterwards. Dr. Franklin had never seen him before, but this, short acquaintance seems to have made a favorable impression. In writing to his wife, he said he had been much pleased with what he had observed of his character and deportment, as also with the condition and good repute of his relations in England.
In 1771, whilst in England, Franklin commenced his Autobiography:
TWYFORD, at the summer home of Dr. Shipley, Bishop of St. Asaph's, 1771.
In the course of 1771, Franklin paid two visits to the "good Bishop," as he was accustomed to call him, at Twyford in Hampshire, the place of the Bishop's summer residence ; and, while there, he employed his leisure hours in writing the first part of his autobiography. His friendship for this amiable family continued without diminution through life, and was kept bright by an uninterrupted correspondence with the Bishop and his daughters, particularly Miss Georgiana Shipley, a young lady of distinguished accomplishments.
Dear son: I have ever had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my ancestors. You may remember the inquiries I made among the remains of my relations when you were with me in England, and the journey I undertook for that purpose. Imagining it may be equally agreeable to you to know the circumstances of my life, many of which you are yet unacquainted with, and expecting the enjoyment of a week's uninterrupted leisure in my present country retirement, I sit down to write them for you. ....
1772
January 16, 1772 The Pennsylvania Gazette. Philadelphia, January 16.
Dr. Franklin hath been for some time on a Tour to Ireland, where I hear he was five days entertained by Lord Hillsborough, at his Lordship's House at Hillsborough, with great hospitality. He is now at Edinburgh, at the House of Mr. Hume, the Historian, where he purposes to stay a week or two, and then return to London.
Franklin Invented a stove designed to consume its own smoke, and also, he invented the first bifocal spectacles and a "rolling press" to make copies of letters.
1773 During his absence from London, in the summer of 1773, he passed a few weeks at the country residence of Lord Le Despencer, [PMG] and employed himself, while there, in abridging some parts of the Book of Common Prayer. "This shortened method, or one of the same kind better executed, would further religion, remove animosity, and occasion a more frequent attendance on the worship of God." [Compare Franklin's reason for abridging the Common Prayer Book with the definition of Theist and Deist, with which he is associated]
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1773 The Boston Tea Party (16 December, 1773)
Feb. 12, 1773 The Pennsylvania Gazette. The Commons House of Assembly of Georgia hath passed an Ordinance, appointing Dr. Franklin to be Agent for that Province, in Great Britain, and another, appointing Grey Elliott, Esq.; to the same Office, in case of Dr. Franklin's Absence from Great Britain.
1774 Dismissed from the office of Postmaster for North America.
Franklin was dismissed by the Crown for actions sympathetic to the cause of the