The Project Gutenberg EBook of Benjamin Franklin, A Picture of the
Struggles of Our Infant Nation One Hundred Years Ago, by John S. C. Abbott

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Title: Benjamin Franklin, A Picture of the Struggles of Our Infant Nation One Hundred Years Ago
American Pioneers and Patriots Series

Author: John S. C. Abbott

Release Date: November 5, 2009 [EBook #30406]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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_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 Catalogue
of American Patriots, the name of Benjamin Franklin. He had so
many virtues that there is no need of exaggerating them; so few
imperfections that they need not be concealed. The writer has
endeavored to give a perfectly accurate view of his character, and of
that great struggle, in which he took so conspicuous a part, which
secured the Independence of the United States. Probably there can no
where be found, within the same limits, so vivid a picture of Life in
America, one hundred years ago, as the career of Franklin presents.

This volume is the twelfth of the Library Series of Pioneers and
Patriots. The series presents a graphic history of our country from
its discovery.

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

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

3. _La Salle_, and his heroic companions, traversed thousands of miles
of majestic lakes and unk