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"Je vous prie, monsieur, d'agréer mes regrets, et une nouvelle assurance de la plus parfaite considération avec laquelle j'ai l'honneur d'être, monsieur, votre très-humble et trèsobéissant serviteur,

"LE MARL DE CASTRIES."*

ont acquis en France, et les bontés particu- | friends, and set out on my return home, July lières de sa majesté pour vous. 12, 1785, leaving Passy with my two grandsons, at four P. M.; arrived about eight at St. Germains. M. de Chaumont, with his daughter Sophia, accompanied us to Nanterre. M. le Veillard will continue with us to Havre. We met at St. Germains the Miss Alexanders with Mrs. Williams our cousin, who had provided a lodging for me at M. Benoit's. I found that the motion of the litter, lent me by the duc de Coigny, did not much incommode me. It was one of the queen's, carried by two very large mules, the muleteer riding another; M. le Veillard and my children in a carriage. We drank tea at M. Benoit's, and went early to bed.

The infirmity under which Dr. Franklin laboured, was such, that he could not support the motion of a carriage. In consequence, the queen's litter, borne by Spanish mules, was kindly offered and gratefully accepted, to convey him from Passy to Havre-de-Grace, where he proposed embarking. In this easy vehicle he made that journey, followed by his Wednesday, July 13. Breakfast with our family and some friends in carriages. On friends, take leave and continue our journey, the road, he experienced every mark of res- dine at a good inn at Meulan, and get to Manpect, attention, and kindness, from several of tes in the evening. A messenger from the the nobility and gentry whose chateaux lay cardinal de Rochefoucault meets us there, adjoining, and particularly from the cardinal with an invitation to us to stop at his house at de la Rochefoucault, at Gaillon, where he Gaillon the next day, acquainting us at the passed a night with his accompanying friends same time, that he would take no excuse, for and attendants. He arrived safe at Havre, being all-powerful in his archbishopric, he without having experienced any material in- would stop us nolens volens at his habitation, convenience from the journey, and there em- and not permit us to lodge any where else. barked in a small packet, crossed the British We consented. Lodged at Mantes. Found channel, and landed at Southampton. Here myself very little fatigued with the day's jourhe remained a few days, and had the satisfac-ney, the mules going only foot pace. tion of seeing his son, the former governor of Thursday, July 14. Proceed early, and New Jersey; and receiving the visits of seve- breakfasted at Vernon. Received a visit ral of his English friends. Among these there from vicomte de Tilly and his comtesse. were the bishop of St. Asaph (Dr. Shipley,) Arrive at the cardinal's without dining, about Mr. Benjamin Vaughan, &c. &c. He em- six in the afternoon. It is a superb ancient barked on board a Philadelphia ship called the chateau, built about three hundred and fifty London Packet, captain Thomas Truxton, on years since, but in fine preservation, on an the 27th July, and after a prosperous voyage elevated situation, with an extensive and arrived at Philadelphia on the 14th Septem- beautiful view over a well cultivated country. ber. But his own account of his journey from The cardinal is archbishop of Rouen. A long Passy, to Havre, and his subsequent voyage gallery contains the pictures of all his prede to Southampton and thence to America, as cessors. The chapel is elegant in the old taken from his pocket journal, may not per-style, with well-painted glass windows. The haps be entirely void of interest. It is as follows.

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To his Excellency Mr. Franklin.

VERSAILLES, 10 July, 1785. I was not apprized, sir, until within a few hours, of the arrangements which you have made for your de. parture. Had I been informed of it sooner, I should

have proposed to the king to order a frigate to convey

you to your own country, in a manner suitable to the

known importance of the services you have been en gaged in, to the esteem you have acquired in France, and the particular esteem which his majesty entertains

for you.

pray you, sir, to accept my regrets and a renewed assurance of the most entire consideration, with which I have the honour to be, sir, your very humble and

very obedient servant,

LE MARECHAL DE CASTRIES.

terrace magnificent. We supped early. The
entertainment was kind and cheerful. We were
allowed to go early to bed, on account of our
intention to depart early in the morning. The
cardinal pressed us to pass another day with
him, offering to amuse us with hunting in his
park: but the necessity we are under of be-
ing in time at Havre, would not permit. So
we took leave and retired to rest.
The car-
dinal is much respected and beloved by the
people of this country, bearing in all respects
an excellent character.

Friday, July 15. Set out about five in the morning, travelled till ten, then stopped to breakfast, and remained in the inn during the heat of the day. We had heard at the cardinal's, that our friend Mr. Holker of Rouen had been out as far as Port St. Antoine to meet us; expecting us there from a letter of M. de Chaumont's. Here came to us one of his servants, who was sent to inquire if any accident

M. Limosin proposes several vessels; all very dear. We wait for the packet from Southampton. Dine at M. Ruellan's, where we lodge. Receive the affiliation of the lodge at Rouen.

had happened to us on the road, and was or- | form from the intendant, the governor or dered to proceed till he got intelligence. He commandant, the officers of the regiment of went directly back, and we proceeded. We Poitou and Picardy, the corps of engineers, passed a chain of chalk mountains very high, and M. Limosin. with strata of flints. The quantity that appears to have been washed away on one side of these mountains, leaving precipices of three hundred feet high, gives an idea of extreme antiquity. It seems as if done by the beating of the sea. We got to Rouen about five, were most affectionately received by Mr. and Mrs. Holker. A great company of genteel people at supper, which was our dinner. The chief president of the parliament and his lady invite us to dine the next day; but being pre-engaged with Mr. Holker, we compounded for drinking tea. We lodge all at Mr. Holker's.

Saturday, July 16. A deputation from the academy of Rouen came with their compliments, which were delivered in form, and a present for me by one of the directors, being a magical square, which I think he said expressed my name. I have perused it since, but do not comprehend it. The duke de Chabot's son, lately married to a Montmorency, and colonel of a regiment now at Rouen, was present at the ceremony, being just come in to visit me. I forgot to mention that I saw with pleasure in the cardinal's cabinet, a portrait of this young man's grandmother, madame la duchesse d'Enville, who had always been our friend, and treated us with great civilities at Paris; a lady of uncommon intelligence and merit.

I received here also a present of books, 3 vol. 4to., from Dr. with a very po

lite letter, which I answered.

We had a great company at dinner; and at six went in a chair to the president's, where were assembled some gentlemen of the robe. We drank tea there, awkwardly made, for want of practice, very little being drunk in France. I went to bed early; but my company supped with a large invited party, and were entertained with excellent singing.

Sunday, July 17. Set out early. Mr. Holker accompanied us some miles, when we took an affectionate leave of each other. Dine at Ivetot, a large town, and arrive at Bolbec, being the longest day's journey we have yet made. It is a market town of considerable bigness, and seems thriving; the people well clad, and appear better fed than those of the wine countries. A linen printer here of fered to remove to America, but I did not encourage him.

Monday, July 18. Left Bolbec, about ten o'clock, and arrive at Havre at five P. M., having stopt on the road at a miserable inn to bait. We were very kindly received by M. and Mde. Ruellan. The governor makes us a visit, and some other gentlemen.

Tuesday, July 19. We receive visits in

Wednesday, July 20. Return the visits. Receive one from the corps de marine; and one from the corps d'artillerie. M. Houdon arrives and brings me letters. Dine at M. Limosin's. Present M. and Mde. le Mesurier and their sister, agreeable people of Alderney (Auvigny.) Kindly entertained by M. L. and his daughter. Return the last visits.

The packet-boat arrives, and the captain (Jennings) calling at our lodging, we agreed with him to carry us and the baggage we have here for ten guineas, to land us at Cowes. We are to depart to-morrow evening.

Thursday, July 21. We had another visit from M. de Villeneuve, the commandant, inviting us to dine with him to-morrow; but intending to go off this evening, we could not accept that honour.

Dine with our friendly host and hostess. Madame Feines, madame de Clerval, and two other ladies, visit M. le Veillard with several gentlemen.

In the evening, when we thought we were on the point of departing, the captain of the packet comes and acquaints us that the wind is right against us, and blows so hard, that it is impossible to get out, and we give up the project till to-morrow.

Friday, July 22. Breakfast and take leave of some friends, and go on board the packet at half after ten. Wind not very fair.

Saturday, July 23. Buffet all night against the north west wind, which was full in our teeth. This continued till two o'clock today, then came fair, and we stand our course. At seven P. M. we discover land, the Isle of Wight.

Sunday, July 24. We had a fair wind all night, and this morning at seven o'clock, being off Cowes, the captain represented to me the difficulty of getting in there against the flood; and proposing that we should rather run up to Southampton, which we did, and landed there between eight and nine. Met my son, who had arrived from London the evening before, with Mr. Williams and Mr. J. Alexander. Wrote a letter to the bishop of St. Asaph, acquainting him with my ar rival, and he came with his lady and daughter, Miss Kitty, after dinner, to see us; they talk of staying here as long as we do. Our meeting was very affectionate. I write letters to London, viz. to Messrs. W. J. M. and Co., to acquaint them with our arrival, and

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desire to know when the ship will sail, and to | Wednesday, July 27. Give a power to my Mr. Williams. These letters went by post, son to recover what may be due to me from before we knew of his being here. Wrote the British government. Hear from J. Wilalso to Mr. B. Vaughan. liams that the ship is come.

We all dine once more with the bishop and family, who kindly accept our invitation to go on board with us. We go down in a shallop to the ship. The captain entertains us at supper. The company stay all night.

Thursday, July 28. When I waked in the morning found the company gone, and the ship under sail."

*

*

*

Monday, July 25. The bishop and family lodging in the same inn, the Star, we all breakfast and dine together. I went at noon to bathe in Martin's salt water hot bath, and floating on my back, fell asleep, and slept near an hour by my watch without sinking or turning; a thing I never did before, and should hardly have thought possible. Water is the easiest bed that can be. Read over the writings of conveyance, &c. of my son's lands in New Jersey and New York, to my grandson. Write to M. Ruellan, M. Limosin, and M. Holker, and M. Grand. Southampton a very neat pretty place. The two French gentlemen, our friends, much pleased with it. The bishop gives me a book in 4to. written by dean Paley, and the family dine with us. Sundry friends came to see me from London, by one I received a present of my friend Dr. Fothergill's works, from Dr. Lettsom; and a book on finance from Mr. Gale. Mr. Williams tells me the ship had fallen down to Gravesend the 22d, so that she might be in the Downs the 24th, and possibly here to-morrow, that is, on the Mother Bank, which we can see hence. Mr. Williams brought a letter from Mr. Nepean, secretary to lord Town-antly; water smooth, air cool, day fair and fine. send, addressed to Mr. Vaughan, expressing, that orders would be sent to the custom-house at Cowes not to trouble our baggage, &c. It is still here on board the packet that brought it over. Mr. Alexander takes leave for London; write by him to Mr. Jackson, Dr. Jeffries, Dr. Lettsom, and my son-in-law Bache, the latter to be sent by the packet.

Nothing material occurred during the pas sage: Dr. Franklin occupied himself, as in former voyages, in ascertaining daily the temperature of the sea-water by the thermometer; and he wrote a very interesting and useful paper on “Improvements in Navigation," which he addressed to monsieur Alphonse le Roy, at Paris. It was afterwards read in the American Philosophical Society, December 3, 1785, and will be found in his philosophical writings.

July 26. Deeds signed between W. Franklin and W. T. Franklin.

Mr. Williams having brought sundry necessaries for me, goes down with them to Cowes, to be ready for embarking. Captain Jennings carries down our baggage that he brought from Havre. My dear friend, M. le Veillard, takes leave to go with him. Mr. Vaughan arrives from London, to see me.

The foregoing little journal concludes thus: "Tuesday, Sept. 13. The wind springing fair last evening after a calm, we found ourselves, this morning at sun-rising, abreast of the light-house, and between Capes May and Henlopen. We sail into the bay very pleas

We passed Newcastle about sun-set, and went on near to Redbank before the tide and wind failed, then came to an anchor.

Wednesday, Sept. 14. With the flood in the morning came a light breeze, which brought us above Gloucester Point, in full view of dear Philadelphia! when we again cast anchor to wait for a health-officer, who, having made his visit, and finding no sickness, gave us leave to land. My son-in-law came with a boat for us, we landed at Market street wharf, where we were received by a crowd of people with huzzas, and accompanied with acclamations quite to my door. Found my family well.

God be praised and thanked for all his mercies!"

VOL L... Z

MEMOIRS

OF

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

PART V.

trast to endear still more the pleasures arising from peace-and victory!

The following are some of the numerous congratulatory addresses presented to Dr. Franklin on his return:

On the arrival of Dr. Franklin in Phila- | English; but these only served by their condelphia, he was received amidst the acclamations of an immense number of the inhabitants, who flocked from all parts in order to see him, and conducted him in triumph to his own house. In the mean time, the cannon and the bells of the city announced the glad tidings to the neighbouring country; and he was waited upon by the congress, the university, and all the principal citizens, who were eager to testify their esteem and veneration for his character.

His entry into Philadelphia resembled a triumph; and he traversed the streets of that capital amidst the benedictions of a free and grateful people, who had not forgotten his services.

The warriors who had shed their blood for an independence, insured by means of his sagacity, were eager to exhibit to him their glorious wounds. He was surrounded by old men, who had petitioned Heaven to live long enough to behold his return; and by a new generation eager to survey the features of a great man, whose talents, whose services, and whose virtues, had excited in their hearts the first raptures of enthusiasm. Having advanced from a port, henceforth open to all nations, to a city, the model of all future capitals, he beheld the public school which he had founded,-in a state of splendour; and saw the hospital, the establishment of which had been one of his first services, and the increase of which was owing to his foresight,-now fully commensurate to all his wishes: the latter by solacing suffering humanity; the former by aiding the progress of reason. He then turned his eyes towards the neighbouring country, embellished by liberty, in which, in the midst of public prosperity, were still to be seen some vestiges of the ravages of the

"To the Honourable Benjamin Franklin, Esq., L. L. D. &.c. &c.

"The representatives of the freemen of the commorwealth of Pennsylvania, in general assembly met: 1 the most affectionate manner congratulate you on your safe arrival in your country, after so long an absence on the most important business. We likewise con

gratulate you on the firm establishment of the inde pendence of America, and the settlement of a general peace, after the interesting struggle in which we were

so long engaged.

"We are confident, sir, that we speak the sentiments of this whole country, when we say, that your services in the public councils and negotiations, have not only merited the thanks of the present generation, but wil be recorded in the pages of history, to your immortal honour. And it is particularly pleasing to us, that. while we are sitting as members of the assembly of Pennsylvania, we have the happiness of welcoming into the state, a person who was so greatly instru mental in forming its free constitution.

May it please God to give you a serene and peace ful enjoyment of the evening of life, and a participa tion of that happiness you have been so instrumental

in securing to others.

"Signed, by order of the house, "JOHN BAYARD, Speaker. "Assembly Chambers, Sept. 15, 1785.”

"Dr. Franklin's Reply.

"MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN,-I am extremely

happy to find by your friendly and affectionate address,

that my endeavours to serve our country in the late important struggle, have met with the approbation of

so respectable a body as the representatives of the free men of Pennsylvania. I esteem that approbation as one of the greatest honours of my life. I hope the peace with which God has been graciously pleased to

bless us may be lasting, and that the free constitution we now enjoy, may long contribute to promote our common felicity. The kind wishes of the general as sembly for my particular happiness affect me very sensibly, and I beg they would accept my thankful ac

knowledgments."

178

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"To the Hon. Benjamin Franklin, Esq., L. L. D., &c. SIR,-It is with peculiar pleasure that the American Philosophical Society, address you on this occasion. "The high consideration and esteem in which we hold your character, so intimately combine with our regard for the public welfare, that we participate eminently in the general satisfaction which your return to America produces.

"We bid you welcome to your native country, for which you have done the most essential services :-and we welcome you to this chair, your occupying of which, as President, adds to our institution much lustre in the eyes of the world.

member the name of FRANKLIN, with gratitude and pleasure.

"Signed in the name and by order of the faculty, by "JOHN EWING, Provost.

Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1785."

Dr. Franklin's Answer.

"I am greatly obliged, gentlemen, by your kind congratulations on my safe arrival.

"It gives me extreme pleasure to find, that seminaries of learning are increasing in America, and particularly that the university over which you preside, continues to flourish. My best wishes will always at

Sir, it reflects honour on philosophy, when one dis-tend it. tinguished by his deep investigations, and many valu. able improvements in it, is known to be equally dis. tinguished for his philanthropy, patriotism, and liberal attachment to the rights of human nature.

We know the favourable influence that freedom has upon the growth of sciences and arts. We derive encouragement and extraordinary felicity from an assemblage of recent memorable events.

And while we boast in a most pleasing equality permanently ascertained; and that independence which son to expect, that this society will proceed with an increasing success, to conduct the important business for which they originally associated."

you had so great a share in establishing; we have rea

The President's Answer.

GENTLEMEN,--The great honour done me by the society, in choosing me so many years successively their president, notwithstanding my absence in Europe, and the very kind welcome they are pleased to give me on my return, demand my most grateful acknowledg ments; which I beg they would be pleased to accept, with my warmest wishes of success to their laudable endeavours for the promoting of useful knowledge among us, to which I shall be happy if I can in any degree contribute."

"The instruction of youth is one of those employments which to the public are most useful; it ought therefore to be esteemed among the most honourable; its successful exercise does not, however, always meet with the reward it merits, except in the satisfaction of having contributed to the forming of virtuous and able men for the service of their country."

The constitutional society of Philadelphia, the justices of the city, the officers of the militia, and several other bodies, presented to Dr. Franklin, on his arrival, addresses of congratulation nearly similar; and shortly after he received the following letter from that illustrious character, general Washington :—

"MOUNT VERNON, Sept. 25, 1785.

"DEAR SIR,-Amid the public gratulations on your safe return to America, after a long absence, and the many eminent services you have rendered it-for which as a benefited person I feel the obligation-permit an individual to join the public voice in expressing his sense of them; and to assure you, that as no one entertains more respect for your character, so none can salute you with more sincerity or with greater pleasure than I do on the occasion.

"I am, dear sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, G. WASHINGTON.

"The Hon. Dr. Franklin."

To the Hon. Benjamin Franklin, Esq., L. L. D., &c. "The Address of the Provost, Vice-Provost, and Professors of the University of Pennsylvania. "HONOURED SIR,-The Provost, Vice-Provost, and Professors of the University of Pennsylvania, beg leave Soon after Dr. Franklin's arrival in Philato congratulate you on your safe arrival in your native country, after having accomplished the duties of your delphia, he was chosen a member of the suexalted character with dignity and success. While we participate in the general happiness of preme executive council of that city; and America, to the establishment of which your political shortly after was elected president of the abilities and patriotic exertions have so signally con- state of Pennsylvania; which honourable situ→ tributed; we feel a particular pleasure in paying ouration he filled the whole time allowed by the acknowledgments to the gentleman who first project

ed the liberal plan of the institution, over which we have the honour to preside.

"Not contented with enriching the world with the

most important discoveries in natural philosophy, your tenevolence and liberality of sentiment early engaged you to make provision for exciting a spirit of inquiry into the secret operations of nature; for exalting and refining the genius of America, by the propagation of useful learning; and for qualifying many of her sons to make that illustrious figure which has commanded

the esteem and admiration of the most polished nations of Europe.

constitution, viz. three successive years.

When a general convention of the states was summoned to meet in Philadelphia, in 1787, for the purpose of giving more energy to the government of the Union, by revising and amending the articles of confederation, Dr. Franklin was appointed a delegate from the state of Pennsylvania to that convention; as such he signed the new constitution agreed on for the United States, and gave it his qualified approbation.

"Among the many benevolent projections which have laid so ample a foundation for the esteem and gratitude of your native country, permit this seminary reckon her first establishment, upon the solid prin- The following Notes and Remarks, drawn ciples of equal liberty, as one of the most considerable and important: and now when restored, through the up by Dr. Franklin, together with the subinfluence of our happy constitution, to her original stance of some of his Speeches in this conbroad and catholic bottom; when enriched by the provention, will be found of considerable interest; tection and generous donations of a public-spirited and patriotic assembly; and when flourishing under the and on this account, as well as to show his countenance of the best friends of religion, learning, general ideas on government, are here inserted.

and liberty in the state; she cannot but promise her. self the continued patronage of the evening of that life which divine Providence has so eminently distinguished.

"May the same indulgent Providence yet continue your protracted life, enriched and crowned with the best of blessings, to nurse and cherish this favourite child of your youth; that the future sons of science in this western world, may have additional reason to re

Proposal for Consideration.

June 26, 1787.

That the legislatures of the several states shall choose and send an equal number of delegates, namely who are to compose the second branch of the general legislature.

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