Threats of Removal from the Post-office.-High Compliment to Frank-

lin by the Irish Parliament.-Visits to the Bishop of St. Asaph.-Bos.

ton Proceedings in 1772.-Republication in London.-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

bim.-Death of Mrs. Franklin.-Lord Chatham's Motion for a removal

of the Troops from Boston.-His Plan of Reconciliation.-His Eulogy on

Franklin.

439

CHAPTER XXV.

Chess.-Meetings with Mrs. Howe.-Diplomatic Movements.-Negotia-

tions 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.-Declaration of Independence.-

Anecdotes.-Correspondence and Interview with Lord Howe.-Frank-

lin appointed a Commissioner to France.-His Proposals for Peace 474

CHAPTER XXVII.

Franklin's Arrival in France.-The Character he bore.-Advances of As-

sistance by the French Government.-Reserve of that Government.-

Labors of the American Commissioners.-Treaties of Commerce and Al-

liance.-Audience of the King.-Informal Negotiations.-Mr. Hartley.-

Charles de Weissenstein.-Personal Differences between the Commis

sioners.-Applications for Letters to America.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

. 492

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.-Appar

ent Distrust toward France. -Other Treaties.-Close of Franklin's Of

ficial Term⚫

512

CHAPTER XXIX.

Franklin's Residence at Passy.-His Political Course.-Religious Opinions
--Literary Occupations.-Departure for America.-Stay at Southampton.
-Occupation on his Passage.-Arrival at Philadelphia.-His Reception.
-Election to the Presidency of Pennsylvania.-Unsettled Claims on
Congress.-Speeches in the Convention of 1787.—Closing Labors of his
Life. His last Illness and Death.-Funeral and other Honors paid to
bis Memory

Page 527

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page

Franklin's first Literary Essay.

Portrait of Franklin.

Franklin inditing his Letter to his Son.

The Smithy at Ecton....

Franklin at Ten Years of Age

A Family Group.....

His studying at the Printing-office

Franklin ill-used by his Brother.

Is taken on board the Sloop

Franklin on his Journey to Burlington....

The Old Woman's Hospitality....

Frontispiece.

Title-page.

1

5

12

Young Franklin and his Companions at the Mill-pond..

Franklin reading in his Chamber.

13

14

20

25

30

His agreeing to sail with a New York Captain..

33

33

36

38

View of her Room, &c.

Franklin with a Roll of Bread under each Arm, &c..

He gives some of the Bread to a poor Woman..

He falls Asleep in the Quaker Meeting-house

Franklin's Interview with Bradford and Keimer

His Interview with his Brother, &c......

The Quakeress counseling Young Franklin

His Reception by the Governor of New York..

His Aquatic Adventure with Vernon...

Franklin's Courtship, &c.....

His Resort on the Banks of the Schuylkill

He takes Leave of Miss Read..

The Governor gives him a Letter of Credit.

He resides with Wilcox the Bookseller

Franklin carrying the Type Forms

The Widow Lady of Duke Street...

Franklin looking out of the Window, &c..

40

42

43

45

51

54

56

57

62

63

68

70

74

78

80

82

92

To William Franklin (sq
Governor of
New-Jersey

Twyford, at the Bishop of
St. Asaph's, 1771.

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

*Twyford was the country residence of Dr. Shipley, Bishop of St. Asaph's. Dr. Frank