iam 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 three
children, emigrated from Banbury, England, to seek his fortune in this
new world. He was in all respects a very worthy man, intell