it is in the nature of discussion to elicit truth, | racter of the book is too strongly marked to mislead any one that is at all conversant with the style of Franklin; but when it originally appeared, his reputation as a writer was not sufficiently established to render the discovery easy by the simple test of literary composition. Such, however, were its attractions in this respect, that notwithstanding the peculiar aridity of the subject, the work gained public notice, and was distinguished by the approbation of those who were most competent to decide upon its merits.

The dedication to Arthur Onslow, the venerable speaker of the house of commons, would alone be sufficient to ascertain the hand whence the review proceeded; for, independent of its epigrammatic turns and general terseness, it breathes the language of a person acting by the authority of the provincialists, whose cause he so powerfully pleaded.

That introduction, and a sprightly dedication, will be found in pages vii. viii, of Vol. II. This review abounds with original and vigorous ideas. "Power like water is ever working its way; and whereever it can find or make an opening, is altogether as prone to overflow whatever is subject to it; and though matter of right overlooked may be reclaimed and restored at any time, it cannot be too soon reclaimed and restored."

and of perseverance to defeat falsehood, he resolved to publish a volume that should at tract notice by the manner of its composition, and produce effect by the importance of the matter which it contained. With this view he began to trace the history of the province from its primary settlement, and to exhibit the various changes which it had progressively undergone in the form of its government. Having sketched his design, he found that it grew upon his hands, as it not only obliged him to enter minutely into the detail of facts and the adduction of records, but to illustrate them by explanations and to apply them by reflections. This performance appeared at the beginning of 1759, with the title of " An Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania from its origin; so far as regards the several points of controversy which have from time to time arisen between the several governors of Pennsylvania and their several assemblies. Founded on authentic documents." To which was prefixed this motto: "Those who give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." This work was necessarily anonymous; and the strictest circumspection appears to have been observed in regard to the author, who being at that time employed in negotiating with the proprietaries, as well as in bringing the business before the privy council, could not well publish any statement of the matters under discussion in his own name. The "REVIEW," therefore, long passed as the production of James Ralph, the historian, who having long resided in Philadelphia, and being generally known as a political writer, was the more easily believed to have taken this deep interest in the concerns of a province with which he was well acquainted. There is little doubt indeed that this ascription of the book to Ralph, was a matter perfectly agreeable to the real author, if not actually concerted by him, for the pur- The publication, though anonymous, unpose of diverting the attention of those per-doubtedly produced a considerable effect; and sons who, from interested motives and resent- by bringing the grievances of the colonists ment, might have been disposed to represent closely under the consideration of the British his appeal to the public as an injury to in- public, tended materially to facilitate the obdividuals, and an insult offered to government. ject of the author, and even to enlarge his Mr. Franklin was aware, that his mission ex-views with regard to the inconvenience of the cited jealousy, and that his conduct would therefore be closely watched, in order to take the advantage of any inadvertencies which he might commit. While, therefore, he saw the expediency of setting the nation right on the subject in dispute, in order to justify the colonists on the one hand, and to reduce the extravagant claims of those who lorded it over them on the other; he was careful to do this in such a manner as should not give offence to any party. At present the internal chaThis historical review is in Vol. II. of this edition.

A writer who was a contemporary, speaking of this "Review," says, "Pennsylvania had in our author a most zealous and able advocate. His sentiments are manly, liberal, and spirited. His style close, nervous, and rhetorical. By a forcible display of the oppression of his clients, he inclines the reader to pity their condition, and by an enumeration of their virtues he endeavours to remove the idea, which may be entertained of their unimportance; and that, abstracted from their consideration in a political light, they claim our regard by reason of their own personal merits."

proprietary government. Finding that the family of the founder would not relax in their demands, and that the publication of this explicit statement had exasperated them in no ordinary degree, the agent for the province brought the cause of his clients in the shape of a petition before the privy council. Such indeed was his activity, and so confident were the provincialists of the success of their cause in his hands, that during his residence in England, the assembly passed a law for the imposition of a tax, in which no exemption

Here the biographer, in his zeal to defend the founder of Pennsylvania, has committed the very fault which he has endeavoured to fasten as an error upon Franklin; for it certainly is not true that the latter wrote his book to effect a change in the government, which design there is every reason to believe had not been even conceived at the time, however it may have been long after. The work was drawn up for no other purpose than to exhibit the state of the province, and to make the nation clearly acquainted with the progressive grievances of which the inhabitants complained. Undoubtedly these grievances were, in a great measure, traced by the author to the manner in which William Penn had secured his property originally, and provided for an increase of it in the event of the prosperous advance of the colony.

was made in favour of the proprietary estates. | Review, published by Franklin, and the spirit This bill received the assent of governor in which it was composed. Mr. Clarkson Denny, which plainly evinced, that the go- observes, that this book was the production vernor felt not only the reasonableness of the of Franklin, "though it was attributed to one measure itself, but the certainty that his em- Ralph, to prejudice the people against the ployers must soon yield to the persevering proprietary family, in order to effect a change efforts of their opponents. The proprietaries, of government from proprietary to royal; on receiving the intelligence of this advance which was afterwards attempted, but which, in the cause of independence, exerted them to his great chagrin, failed. This failure laid selves to prevent the royal sanction from be- the foundation of his animosity to Great Briing given to the money-bill, which their own tain, which was so conspicuous afterwards."* governor had passed, but which they represented as subversive of their chartered rights, and tending to ruin themselves and their posterity, by bringing upon them all the expenses necessary for the defence and support of the province. The cause, however, proceeded before the lords of the council, and though the Penn family did not want powerful support, and very able advocates, such was the force of simple truth and the evidence of plain facts, that the agent of the colony soon perceived the advantage which had been gained by his prudent management and seasonable publication. After some delay and much tedious discussion, a proposal of accommodation was made on the part of the proprietaries, that Mr. Franklin should engage for his employers not to assess the estates in question beyond their due proportion. To this proposition no objection could be offered; for it, in fact, conceded the very ground of litigation, and established, by consent of the contending parties, and under the authority of government, all the rights to which the inhabitants of Pennsylvania laid claim, and of which they had been so long deprived. This termination of the controversy, brought the abilities of Franklin into full exercise, and the engagement into which he entered was so scrupulously fulfilled, as to raise him in the estimation of those persons who had for a considerable time looked upon him with jealousy, and considered him as inimical to their interests. The conspicuous light in which this business placed his talents and integrity, sufficiently appeared, indeed, by the circumstance, that $ when the conclusion of the dispute became known in America, the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia, were anxious to have him for their agent in England; which appointment suiting his views and connexions was readily accepted, and as honourably Mr. Clarkson very properly enters into a discharged. justification of Penn's moral character, and His conduct, however, in the Pennsylva- he has succeeded in a great degree in clearnian differences, though so unequivocally ing up many doubtful points, which tended, marked by the public approbation of those on the authority of respectable writers, to who were the most competent to judge of its bring the principles of that eminent man into merits, has not passed without censure; and suspicion; but the same love of justice ought the late biographer of William Penn, finding to have prevented the biographer and paneit necessary to vindicate that extraordinary gyrist of Penn, from throwing illiberal refleccharacter from the various charges and sur-tions, and alleging unfounded accusations, mises brought against him by various writers, * Memoirs of the private and public life of William

民

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The historian of Pennsylvania could not avoid noticing the double part which this celebrated legislator had played, as proprietary and governor; for the people of his own persuasion, who had embarked with him in this concern, had heavily and repeatedly complained of his conduct towards them, and their charges against him upon record, are infinitely more severe than the slight touches of sarcastic reflection scattered here and there in the REVIEW. Nor is it true, that the disappointment experienced in the failure of the projected alteration in the government from proprietary to royal, laid the foundation of any animosity in the mind of Franklin against Great Britain; for it is a well-known fact, that the differences between the parent country and the colonies, were the source of great uneasiness to him; and he endeavoured all that lay in his power to prevent the rupture which ensued. This will clearly appear in the sequel of these memoirs.

among the rest took notice of the Historical Penn. By Thomas Clarkson, M. A. Vol. II. p. 386. VOL. I....K

7

him in ability and integrity. Nevertheless Mr. Clarkson is willing to obtain the testimony of Franklin in favour of the object of his admiration; though it is to be regretted, that he could not even do this, without mixing with his quotation something disrespectful of the very authority which he cited. "Nay," says he, "if I mistake not, Dr. Franklin himself was among those who highly respected Penn."

The doctor had a satirical way of expressing himself when he was not pleased, and therefore when he found fault with William Penn, he could not get rid of his old habit; but the hostility he manifested, was far more in manner than in heart. He was assuredly more severe upon William Penn's grandsons, against whom (it is said) he published a small pamphlet, where, as if no other way had been left to expose them, it is singular that he contrasted their conduct with the virtuous example of their noble ancestor. The little ludicrous motto, prefixed to this work, and which was taken from John Rogers's primer, may enable the reader to judge, in part, of its

contents:

I send you here a little book,
For you to look upon:

That you may see your father's face,
Now he is dead and gone."

against one who was not at least inferior to this troublesome but important concern, at the court of Great Britain, he had opportunities of becoming acquainted with many persons of the first consequence in the state, who, on their side were not wanting in observing his extraordinary sagacity and comprehensive understanding. The war in which Great Britain was then involved, could not fail to excite much of his attention, and he was not alone in the opinion, that by pursuing the contest solely in Germany, England incurred an enormous expenditure, without either reaping any immediate advantage, or facilitating an honourable termination. There was something, indeed, peculiarly splendid in the achievements of the king of Prussia; and the nation, without knowing why, seemed to identify the cause of that monarch with the security of the Protestant religion, and the maintenance of the balance of power, the favourite delusions of that period. The judgment of Franklin was unbiassed by prejudices which had no foundation in reason, and too cool to be warmed by the report of victories, the result of which appeared to be little more than an occasion for renewed exertions and more sanguinary conflicts, without any definite object or satisfactory prospect. He contemplated the interests of Britain in a more dispassionate point of view, than those who made them dependant upon the success of subsidized allies; and knowing by experience, how desirous France was to gain a more extended footing in America, he thought it would be the wisest way to counteract her ambitious projects, by an attack upon her own colony. Franklin was no stranger to Canada, and he was thoroughly persuaded that the possession of that country gave to the French a commanding influence over the Indians, of which they never failed to take an advantage, to the annoyance of the English colonies. Looking upon France in relation to England as another Carthage, he formed the project of destroying her maritime ascendancy; as well to strengthen the political and commercial state of Great Britain, as to provide a permanent security for her foreign dependencies. The more he weighed the subject in his mind, the more was he satisfied that the true interest of Great Britain lay in weakening her rival on the side of America, rather than in Germany; and these sentiments he imparted to some of his friends, by whom they were reported to the indefatigable William Pitt, afterwards earl of Chatham; who no sooner consulted him on the practicability of the conquest, than he was convinced by the force of his arguments, and determined by the simple accuracy of his statements. The enterprise was immediately undertaken, the command given to general Wolfe, and conducted with such celerity, as completely to deceive France, who had no apprehensions

The ingenious eulogist of Penn, however, does not seem to have been aware, that in attempting to invalidate the testimony of Franklin, he had before completely destroyed the value of his praise. In the general view of the character of Penn, no doubt the latter concurred fully with the voice of the public; but knowing, as he did, the minuter parts of the history of his connexions with the province which bears his name, it was impossible either to pass them over in absolute silence, or to speak of them without some observation on the want of consistency in so great a man.

Thus much it was proper here to remark, because if a necessity existed for the justification of Penn, from any reflections bestowed upon him by the historian of his settlement, it must be equally necessary to show that these reflections did not proceed from the .wantonness of a satirical humour, or the malignity of wit, but from an attentive examination of the subject, and the paramount love of truth, in a concern which demanded an investigation in detail, and a full exposition for the ends of justice.

While Benjamin Franklin was engaged in

* In a letter to Mr. David Barclay, dated Passy, Ja nuary 8, 1783, Dr. Franklin thus expresses himself:-"Your friends on both sides the Atlantic, may be assured of whatever justice or favour I may be able to procure for them. My veneration for William Penn is

not less than yours; and I have always had great esteem for the body of your people."

75

for the safety of Canada, till the intelligence | desired effect, for at the treaty in 1762, France
reached Europe of its being irrevocably lost. ceded Canada to Great Britain, and by the
This acquisition gave a new turn to the cession of Louisiana at the same time, re-
political interests of the English colonies, and linquished all her possessions on the North
followed as it soon was by a new reign, it American continent.
contributed very materially to the restoration
of peace. The brilliancy of the conquest of
Canada, and the powerful pamphlet written
about this time by Franklin's intimate friend,
Israel Mauduit, a merchant of London, on
the impolicy of German wars, drew the at-
tention of the nation to the importance of that
country, and the necessity of preserving it for
the welfare of our own colonies. There were
not wanting, however, some politicians who
considered the possession of Canada in another
light, and as less desirable than the retention
of Guadaloupe, which about the same time
surrendered to the British arms.

Mr. Franklin about this time made a jour-
ney to Scotland, whither his reputation as a
philosopher had preceded him: he was greet-
ed by the learned of that country, and the
university of St. Andrews conferred upon him
the degree of doctor of laws. Its example
was followed by the universities of Edinburgh
and Oxford. The entries of the honours con-
ferred by the latter, on himself and son, are
thus made:

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Esq. Provinc. Pensylvan. De
putat. ad Curiam Sereniss. Legat Tabellariorium per
American Septentrionalem Præfectus Generalis et
Veredariorum totius Nove Angliæ, et R. S. S. cr. D.
C. L. Apr. 30, 1762.

Soon after this period, a vacancy in the government of New Jersey having occurred, Dr. Franklin's son, without any solicitation whatever on the part of his father, but from his own personal merits, and in consideration of his military services in America during the last war, (backed by the powerful recommendation of lord Bute,) was appointed governor of that province.

FRANKLIN, (WILLIAM) Esq. Juris Municip. Consult. On the prospect of peace with France, the cr. M. A. Apr. 30, 1762. Most of the other learned societies of earl of Bath, addressed "A Letter to two great Men," (Mr. Pitt and the duke of New-Europe were equally ambitious of calling him castle) on the terms necessary to be insisted a member, and nominated him as such: thus on in the negotiations. He preferred the he was eventually consoled and rewarded for acquisition of Canada, to the acquisitions in the neglect or opposition his discoveries in the West Indies. In the same year (1760) philosophy had originally experienced. there appeared," Remarks on the Letter addressed to two great Men," (written by Messieurs Burke containing opposite opinions on this and other subjects. At this time Mr. Franklin stepped into the controversy, and wrote a pamphlet, in which he was assisted by his friend Mr. Richard Jackson, (who desired not to be known on the occasion) entitled, "The Interest of Great Britain Governor Franklin filled this high and considered with regard to the Colonies, and the acquisition of Canada and Guadaloupe," honourable situation with equal credit to himin which were pointed out in the most clear self and advantage to the province, till the and forcible manner, the advantages that commencement of the American revolution; would result to Great Britain from the reten- when, unlike most of the governors of the tion of Canada; demonstrating also, that the other provinces at that eventful period, he security of a dominion, is a justifiable and remained undismayed at his post, till he was prudent ground upon which to demand ces- seized by the revolutionary government, consions from an enemy;-that the erection of veyed to Connecticut, and rigorously detainforts in the back settlements, was almost ined as a prisoner for near two years, when he no instance a sufficient security against the Indians and the French; but that the possession of Canada implied every security, and ought to be had while in the power of the British government:-and that the French retaining Canada, would be an encouragement to disaffection in the British colonies, &c. These arguments appear to have had the

* Of this name there were four, who obtained some Edmund Burke eminence separately and associated. the most celebrated of the four, and whose history is associated with the two great revolutions of the last century; his brother Richard, who became recorder of the city of Bristol; William Burke the cousin of these two, who was for a time secretary to general Conway, and an army paymaster in India, through whom Ed. mund received the most minute details of those events which enabled him to bring Hastings before the house of lords; the fourth was Richard the son of Edmund, most celebrated as a confidential agent of the British

government in Ireland, and at the conferences of Pilnitz, in 1791.-Edit.

was eventually liberated in 1778, in exchange for an American general officer. He retired to England and obtained from the British government a pension, which he enjoyed till his death, in 1813.

It has been frequently asserted, that Dr. Franklin held out every temptation and inducement to his son to quit his allegiance to Great Britain, and to take part with the colonies. This was not so: Dr. Franklin made no attempt of the sort, whatever may have been his secret wishes on that subject. In a letter to his son of Oct. 6, 1773,* he Says: "I know your sentiments differ from mine on these subjects. You are a thorough government man, which I do not wonder at, nor do I aim at converting you. I only wish you to act uprightly and steadily, avoiding

*See "Private Correspondence."

that duplicity, which in Hutchinson adds contempt to indignation. If you can promote the prosperity of your people, and leave them happier than you found them, whatever your political principles are, your memory will be honoured."

During the whole of the American contest, Dr. Franklin never had any communication whatever with his son, either directly or indirectly but at the close of the war, in answer to an overture from him towards a reconciliation, the father thus feelingly expressed his sentiments on his son's late political conduct:

his exertions for the liberties and welfare of the country.

In December, 1762, considerable alarm was occasioned in the province, by what was called the Paxton murders. It is thus related: "A number of Indians had resided in the county of Lancaster, and conducted themselves uniformly as friends to the white inhabitants. Repeated depredations on the frontiers, had exasperated the inhabitants to such a degree, that they determined on revenge upon every Indian. A number of persons, to the amount of about one hundred and twenty, principally inhabitants of Donnegal and Peckstang, or Paxton, township, in the county of York, assembled, and, mounted on horseback, proceeded to the settlement of these harmless and defenceless Indians, whose number had now been reduced to about twenty. The Indians had received intelligence of the attack which was intended against them, but disbelieved it: considering the white people as their friends, they appre hended no danger from them. When the party arrived at the Indian settlement, they found only some women and children, and a few old men, the rest being absent at work. They murdered all whom they found, and amongst others, the chief Shaheas, who had always been distinguished for his friendship to the whites. This bloody deed excited much indignation in the well-disposed part of the community.

66

"DEAR SON,-I received your letter of the 22d ultimo, and am glad to find, that you desire to revive the affectionate intercourse that formerly existed between us. It will be very agreeable to me: indeed nothing has ever hurt me so much, and affected me with such keen sensations, as to find myself deserted in my old age, by my only son; and not only deserted, but to find him taking up arms against me, in a cause wherein my good fame, fortune, and life, were all at stake. You conceived, you say, that your duty to your king and regard for your country required this. I ought not to blame you for differing in sentiment with me in public affairs. We are men all subject to errors. Our opinions are not in our own power; they are formed and governed much by circumstances, The remainder of these unfortunate Inthat are often as inexplicable as they are irre-dians, who by absence had escaped the massistible. Your situation was such, that few sacre, were conducted to Lancaster, and would have censured your remaining neuter, lodged in the gaol as a place of security. though there are natural duties which pre- The governor of Pennsylvania issued a procede political ones, and cannot be, extin- clamation, expressing the strongest disapproguished by them. This is a disagreeable bation of the action, offering a reward for the subject: I drop it. And we will endeavour, discovery of the perpetrators of the deed, and as you propose, mutually to forget what has prohibiting all injuries to the peaceable inhappened relating to it, as well as we can. I habitants in future. But notwithstanding send your son over to pay his duty to you. this, a party of the same men shortly after You will find him much improved. He is marched to Lancaster, broke open the gaol, greatly esteemed and beloved in this country, and inhumanly butchered the innocent Inand will make his way any where, &c." dians who had been placed there for security. In the summer of 1762, Dr. Franklin reAnother proclamation was issued, but it had no effect. A detachment marched down to turned to Philadelphia, and shortly after received the thanks of the assembly of Penn-dering some friendly Indians, who had been Philadelphia, for the express purpose of mursylvania, "as well for the faithful discharge removed to the city for safety. A number of his duty to that province in particular, of the citizens armed in their defence. as for the many and important services done to America in general, during his residence in Great Britain." A compensation of five thousand pounds, Pennsylvania currency, was also decreed him for his services during six years. Even in his absence, he had been annually elected a member of the assembly of representatives of the province, and he again took his seat in that body, and continued

* Governor Franklin (it is believed) formed and

commanded the corps of royalists at New York.

The

Quakers, whose principles are opposed to most active on this occasion. The rioters fighting, even in their own defence, were Philadelphia. The governor fled for safety came to Germantown, within five miles of to the house of Dr. Franklin, who, with some others, advanced, to meet the Paxton-boys, as they were called, and had influence enough to prevail upon them to relinquish their unFranklin wrote a pamphlet on this occasion, dertaking, and return to their homes."-Dr.