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of the glass itself. After a phial was charged, | too generally for the interest of science, he removed the coating, and found that upon awaits unsuccessful experiments in philoso applying a new coating the shock might still phy. He placed himself under a shed to be received. In the year 1749, he first sug- avoid the rain. His kite was raised. gested his idea of explaining the phenomena thunder-cloud passed over it. No sign of of thunder-gusts and of the aurora borealis, electricity appeared. He almost despaired upon electrical principles. He points out of success; when suddenly, he observed the many particulars in which lightning and loose fibres of his string to move towards an electricity agree; and he adduces many facts, erect position. He now presented his knuckle and reasonings from facts, in support of his to the key, and received a strong spark. How positions. In the same year he conceived the exquisite must his sensations have been at astonishingly bold and grand idea of ascer- this moment! On this experiment depended taining the truth of his doctrine, by actually the fate of his theory. If he succeeded, his drawing down the forked lightning, by means name would rank high amongst those who of sharp-pointed iron rods raised into the have improved science; if he failed, he must region of the clouds. Even in this uncertain inevitably be subjected to the derision of manstate, his passion to be useful to mankind dis- kind, or what is worse, their pity, as a wellplays itself in a powerful manner. Admit- meaning man, but a weak, silly projector.ting the identity of electricity and lightning, The anxiety with which he looked for the and knowing the power of points in repelling result of his experiment, may be easily conbodies charged with electricity, and in conducting their fire silently and imperceptibly, he suggests the idea of securing houses, ships, &c., from being damaged by lightning, by erecting pointed iron rods, which should rise some feet above the most elevated part, and descend some feet into the ground or the water. The effect of these, he concluded, would be either to prevent a stroke by repelling the cloud beyond the striking distance, or by drawing off the electrical fire which it contained; or, if they could not effect this, they would at least conduct the stroke to the earth, without any injury to the building.

ceived. Doubts and despair had begun to prevail, when the fact was ascertained in so clear a manner, that even the most incredulous could no longer withhold their assent. Repeated sparks were drawn from the key, a phial was charged, a shock given, and all the experiments made, which are usually performed with electricity.

"About a month before this period, some ingenious Frenchmen had completed the discovery in the manner originally proposed by Dr. Franklin. The letters which he sent to Mr. Collinson, it is said, were refused a place amongst the papers of the Royal Society of "It was not until the summer of 1752, that London. However this may be, Collinson he was enabled to complete his grand and published them in a separate volume, under unparalleled discovery by experiment. The the title of, New Experiments and Observaplan which he had originally proposed, was, tions on Electricity, made at Philadelphia, to erect on some high tower, or other elevated in America. They were read with avidity, place, a sentry-box, from which should rise a and soon translated into different languages pointed iron rod, insulated by being fixed in A very incorrect French translation fell into a cake of resin. Electrified clouds passing the hands of the celebrated Buffon, who, notover this, would, he conceived, impart to it a withstanding the disadvantages under which portion of their electricity, which would be the work laboured, was much pleased with it, rendered evident to the senses by sparks be- and repeated the experiments with success. ing emitted, when a key, a knuckle, or other He prevailed upon his friend, M. D'Alibard, conductor was presented to it. Philadelphia to give to his countrymen a more correct at this time afforded no opportunity of trying translation of the work of the American elecan experiment of this kind. Whilst Franklin trician. This contributed much towards was waiting for the erection of a spire, it oc- spreading a knowledge of Franklin's princicurred to him, that he might have more ready ples in France. The king, Louis XV., hearaccess to the region of clouds, by means of a ing of these experiments, expressed a wish to common kite. He prepared one, by attach- be a spectator of them. A course of experiing two cross sticks to a silk handkerchief, ments was given at the seat of the Duc which would not suffer so much from the rain D'Ayen, at St. Germains, by M. De Lor. as paper. To his upright stick, was affixed The applauses which the king bestowed upon an iron point. The string was, as usual, of Franklin, excited in Buffon, D'Alibard, and hemp, except the lower end, which was silk. De Lor, an earnest desire of ascertaining the Where the hempen string terminated, a key truth of his theory of thunder-gusts. Buffon was fastened. With this apparatus, on the erected his apparatus on the tower of Montappearance of a thunder-gust approaching, he bar, M. D'Alibard at Marly-la-ville, and De went out into the commons, accompanied by Lor at his house in the Estrapade, at Paris, his son, to whom alone he communicated his some of the highest ground in that capital. intentions, well knowing the ridicule which, | D'Alibard's machine first showed signs of

electricity. On the 10th of May, 1752, a thunder-cloud passed over it, in the absence of M. D'Alibard; and a number of sparks were drawn from it by Coiffier, a joiner, with whom D'Alibard had left directions how to proceed, and by M. Raulet, the prior of Marly-la-ville. An account of this experiment was given to the royal academy of sciences, in a memoir of M. D'Alibard, dated May 13, 1752. On the 16th of May, M. De Lor proved equally successful with the apparatus erected at his own house. These discoveries soon excited the philosophers of other parts of Europe to repeat the experiment. Amongst these, none signalized himself more than father Beccaria of Turin, to whose observations, science is much indebted. Even the cold regions of Russia were penetrated, by the ardour for discovery. Professor Richmann bade fair to add much to the stock of knowledge on this subject, when an unfortunate flash from his rod put a period to his existence. The friends of science will long remember with regret, the amiable martyr to electricity.

nour of completing the experiment with the electrical kite, does not belong to Franklin. Some late English paragraphs have attributed it to some Frenchman, whose name they do not mention; and the abbé Bertholon gives it to M. De Romas, assessor to the presideal of Nérac; the English paragraphs probably refer to the same person. But a very slight attention will convince us of the injustice of this procedure. Dr. Franklin's experiment was made in June, 1752; and his letter, giving an account of it, is dated October 19, 1752. M. De Romas made his first attempt on the 14th of May, 1753, but was not successful until the 7th of June, a year after Franklin had completed the discovery, and when it was known to all the philosophers in Europe.

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Besides these great principles, Franklin's letters on electricity contain a number of facts and hints, which have contributed greatly towards reducing this branch of knowledge to a science. His friend, Mr. Kinnersley, communicated to him a discovery of the dif ferent kinds of electricity excited by rubbing glass and sulphur. This we have said, was first observed by M. Du Faye; but it was for many years neglected. The philosophers were disposed to account for the phenomena, rather from a difference in the quantity of electricity collected; and even Du Faye himself seems at last to have adopted this doctrine. Franklin at first entertained the same idea; but upon repeating the experiments, he perceived that Mr. Kinnersley was right; and that the vitreous and resinous electricity of Du Faye were nothing more than the positive and negative states which he had before observed; that the glass globe charged positively, or increased the quantity of electricity on the prime conductor, whilst the globe of sulphur diminished its natural quantity, or charged negatively. These experiments and observations opened a new field for investigation, upon which electricians entered with avidity; and their labours have added much to the stock of our knowledge.

"By these experiments, Franklin's theory was established in the most firm manner. When the truth of it could no longer be doubted, the vanity of men endeavoured to detract from its merit. That an American, an inhabitant of the obscure city of Philadelphia, the name of which was hardly known, should be able to make discoveries, and to frame theories, which had escaped the notice of the enlightened philosophers of Europe, was too mortifying to be admitted. He must certainly have taken the idea from some one else. An American, a being of an inferior order, make discoveries! Impossible. It was said, that the abbé Nollet, in 1748, had suggested the idea of the similarity of lightning and electricity, in his Leçons de Physique. It is true that the abbé mentions the idea; but he throws it out as a bare conjecture, and proposes no mode of ascertaining the truth of it. He himself acknowledges, that Franklin first entertained the bold thought of bringing lightning from the heavens, by means of pointed rods fixed in the air. The "In September, 1752, Franklin entered similarity of electricity and lightning is so upon a course of experiments, to determine strong, that we need not be surprised at no- the state of electricity in the clouds. From a tice being taken of it, as soon as electrical number of experiments he formed this conphenomena became familiar. We find it clusion: "that the clouds of a thunder-gust mentioned by Dr. Wall and Mr. Grey, while are most commonly in a negative state of the science was in its infancy. But the ho- electricity, but sometimes in a positive state;" nour of forming a regular theory of thunder- and from this it follows, as a necessary congusts, of suggesting a mode of determining sequence, "that, for the most part, in thunthe truth of it by experiments, and of putting der-strokes, it is the earth that strikes into these experiments in practice, and thus esta- the clouds, and not the clouds that strike into blishing his theory upon a firm and solid basis, the earth." The letter containing these obis incontestibly due to Franklin. D'Alibard, servations, is dated in September, 1753; and who made the first experiments in France, yet the discovery of ascending thunder has says, that he only followed the track which been said to be of a modern date, and has Franklin had pointed out. been attributed to the abbé Bertholon, who "It has been of late asserted, that the ho-published his memoir on the subject in 1776.

"Franklin's letters on electricity, have been translated into most of the European languages, and into Latin. In proportion as they have become known, his principles have been adopted. Some opposition was made to his theories, particularly by the abbé Nollet, who was, however, but feebly supported, whilst the first philosophers of Europe stepped forth in defence of Franklin's principles; amongst whom D'Alibard and Beccaria were the most distinguished. The opposition has gradually ceased, and the Franklinian system is now universally adopted, where science flourishes.

"The important practical use which Franklin made of his discoveries, the securing of houses from injury by lightning, has been already mentioned. Pointed conductors are now very common in America; but prejudice has hitherto prevented their general introduction into Europe, notwithstanding the most undoubted proofs of their utility have been given. But mankind can with difficulty be brought to lay aside established practices, or to adopt new ones. And perhaps we have more reason to be surprised that a practice, however rational, which was proposed about forty years ago, should in that time have been adopted in so many places, than that it has not universally prevailed. It is only by degrees that the great body of mankind can be led into new practices, however salutary their tendency. It is now nearly eighty years since innoculation was introduced into Europe and America; and it is so far from being general at present, that it will, perhaps, require one or two centuries to render it so."

French government appear to have begun to take an interest in their affairs. The circumstance is thus alluded to in a letter of Dr. Franklin to his son, dated London, August 28, 1767.

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De Guerchy, the French ambassador, is gone home, and Mons. Durand is left minister plenipotentiary. He is extremely curious to inform himself in the affairs of America; pretends to have a great esteem for me, on account of the abilities shown in my examination; has desired to have all my political writings; invited me to dine with him, was very inquisitive, treated me with great civility, makes me visits, &c. I fancy that intriguing nation would like very well to meddle on this occasion, and blow up the coals between Great Britain and her colonies; but I hope we shall give them no opportunity."

Dr. Franklin was right in his conjectures, but his hopes were not realized; the opportunity was given, and they availed themselves of it,-eminently contributing to the separation of the two countries.

Certain resolutions of the town of Boston, respecting trade and manufactures, arrived in London about the commencement of the year 1768, and occasioned a considerable clamour; they gave Dr. Franklin and the friends of America great concern. He endeavoured by every means to palliate the affair, by various writings in the newspapers; and the discontents of the British colonies being much the subject of general discussion at the time, and greatly misunderstood, he, with a view to elucidate the same, and soften the prevalent animosity against America, wrote and published (in the Chronicle of January 7th,) a piece signed F-S. intitled "Causes of the American discontents before 1768," with this inscription: "The waves never rise but when the winds blow." Prov.

To revert to Dr. Franklin's political transactions. His exertions and examination before the house of commons, having greatly contributed to the repeal of the Stamp Act; he now turned his attention towards obtain- This short tract, together with his "Aning the repeal of the Act restraining the swer (in Nov. 1769,) to the queries of Mr. legal tender of paper money in the colonies; Strahan," (which were probably made under another grievance they complained of. The the dictation of administration,) give the best ministry had at one time agreed to the re-account of the then existing complaints of the peal; not so much to serve the colonies, as from the impression that they might raise a revenue from paper money lent on mortgage, by the parliament appropriating the interest arising therefrom. This notion was, however, removed, by Dr. Franklin's assuring them, that no colony would issue money on those terms; and that the advantage arising to the commerce of Great Britain in America, from a plentiful currency, would thereby be lost, and the repeal answer no end, if the assemblies were not allowed to appropriate the interest themselves. The measure was afterwards dropt, and the restraint unwisely continued.

As early as the period of these discussions between Great Britain and her colonies, the

colonies, and (from their not being attended to,) of the primitive cause of the disputes, that produced civil war, and terminated in their separation from Great Britain.* These papers, interesting for the historian, form, in some degree, a complement to these memoirs; and constitute sufficient proofs of Dr. Franklin's candour and foresight.

At this time a change of ministry took place, in which the American business was taken from lord Shelburne, and given to lord Hillsborough, as secretary of state for America, a new distinct apartment. There was a

* See also a letter of Dr. Franklin's, On the rise and progress of the differences between Great Britain and her American colonies: signed "A well wisher to the king the Public Advertiser.--Private Correspondence. and all his dominions," and addressed to the printer of

talk at the time of getting Dr. Franklin appointed under secretary of state for that department; but it fell through, he being con

sidered too much of an American.

Lord Hillsborough had formerly, at sundry times, discoursed with Dr. Franklin on the subject of the restraining act, relative to paper-money: the latter now waited on the new minister, in order again to press the repeal of the same; but he found he had not altered in the sentiments concerning it, which he entertained when at the head of the board of trade, and which still continued adverse

to it.

expenses necessary to the prosperity of the empire, they continued to assert, that having parliaments of their own, and not having representatives in that of Great Britain, their own parliaments were the only proper judges of what they could and ought to contribute in this case; and that the English parliament had no right to take their money without their consent. They considered the British empire, not as a single state, but as comprehending many; and though the parliament of Great Britain had arrogated to itself the power of taxing the colonies, it had no more right to do so, than it had to tax Hanover: Dr. Franklin took this opportunity of con- both countries had the same king, but not the versing with his lordship concerning the par- same legislatures. The Americans, conceiv ticular affair with which he was charged by ing their rights thus established, were deterhis Pennsylvania constituents, relative to the mined to maintain them; and they accordchange of government in that province; giv- ingly, opposed to the acts of a venal court, ing him a detail of all the proceedings hither-resolved to subjugate them to its authority, to, the delays it had experienced, and its present situation. He promised him he would inquire into the matter, and would talk with him further upon it: his lordship expressed great satisfaction at the good disposition that he said appeared now to be general in America, with regard to the British government, according to his last advices; and added, that he had by his majesty's order, written the most healing letters to the several governors, which if shown to the assemblies, as he supposed they would be, could not but confirm that good disposition.

that calm, steady perseverance, worthy of men who were determined to be free.

In 1772, lord Hillsborough gave in his resignation, occasioned, as was supposed, from some mortification he had experienced, or the evident dislike of the king to his administration, which he conceived had tended to weaken the affection and respect of the colonies for a royal government-a sentiment which Dr. Franklin had taken every proper means to encourage, by the communication of suitable information, and convincing proofs derived from America. But the doctor was not only

These expectations were not however re-instrumental in the dismissal of this minister, alized: the Americans began to be sensible of their own consequence, and the inhabitants of Boston, at a public meeting on the 27th October, 1767, entered into a variety of resolutions for encouraging manufactures, promoting economy, and restraining the use of foreign superfluities. These resolutions, all of which were highly prejudicial to the trade of Great Britain, contained a long list of articles which it was either determined not to use at all, or at least in the smallest possible quantities. A subscription was opened at the same time, and a committee appointed, for the increase of their old manufactures, and the establishment of new ones. Among other things, it was determined to give particular encouragement to the making of paper, glass, and other commodities that were liable to the payment of the new duties upon importation. It was also resolved to restrain the expense of funerals, to reduce dress to a degree of primitive simplicity and plainness, and, in general, not to purchase any commodities from the mother country, that could be procured in any of the colonies.

but perhaps in the appointment of his successor: for complaining of lord Hillsborough one day at court, to a person of considerable influence, that person told him, that the Americans were represented by his lordship as an unquiet people, not easily satisfied with any ministry; that however it was thought too much occasion had been given them to dislike the present; and he asked him, whether, in case he should be removed, he could name another likely to be more acceptable to the colonies? Dr. Franklin instantly replied,

All these resolutions were either adopted, or similar ones entered into, by most, if not all the other colonies on the continent.

Though the colonies never pretended an exemption, from contributing to the common

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Yes, there is lord Dartmouth-we liked him very well when he was at the head of the board formerly, and in all probability should again." This was probably reported: what influence it may have had is uncertain; but shortly after, lord Dartmouth was actually appointed to succeed lord Hillsborough, to the great satisfaction of all the friends of America.

Dr. Franklin, it appears, had, about this time, a strong inclination to return to America, though well pleased with his residence in England, where, as he writes to his son, "Nothing can be more agreeable than my situation, more especially as I hope for less embarrassment from the new administration. A general respect paid me by the learned-a number of friends and acquaintance among

them, with whom I have a pleasing inter- intercourse between Great Britain and her course; a character of so much weight, that colonies, many hoped that the contention beit has protected me, when some in power tween the two countries was finally closed. would have done me injury, and continued In all the provinces excepting Massachusetts, me in an office* they would have deprived appearances seemed to favour that opinion. me of; my company so much desired, that I Many incidents operated there to the preseldom dine at home in winter, and could judice of that harmony which had began elsespend the whole summer in the country- where to return. The stationing a military houses of inviting friends, if I chose it. Learn- force among them was a permanent source of ed and ingenious foreigners that came to uneasiness. The royal army had been brought England, almost all make a point of visiting thither with the avowed design of enforcing me, (for my reputation is still higher abroad submission to the mother country. Speeches than here); several of the foreign ambassa- from the throne, and addresses from both dors have assiduously cultivated my acquaint- houses of parliament, had taught them to look ance, treating me as one of their corps, partly upon the inhabitants as factious turbulent I believe, from the desire they have from citizens, who aimed at throwing off all subortime to time of hearing something of Ameri- dination to Great Britain; they on the other can affairs, an object become of importance in hand were accustomed to look upon the solforeign courts, who begin to hope Britain's diery as instruments of tyranny, sent on puralarming power will be diminished by the pose to dragoon them out of their liberties. defection of her colonies; and partly, that Mutual insults and provocations were the they may have an opportunity of introducing consequence. me to the gentlemen of their country who desire it. The king, too, has lately been heard to speak of me with regard. These are flattering circumstances; but a violent longing for home sometimes seizes me, which I can no otherwise subdue, but by promising myself a return next spring, or next autumn, and so forth. As to returning hither, if I once go back, I have no thoughts of it. I am too far advanced in life, to propose three voy-speakers were successively employed to deages more. I have some important affairs to liver an annual oration, to preserve the resettle at home; and considering my double membrance of it fresh in their minds. expenses here and there, I hardly think my these occasions, the blessings of liberty-the salaries fully compensate the disadvantages. horrors of slavery-and a variety of such The late change, however, (of the American popular topics were displayed in elegant lanminister) being thrown into the balance, de-guage, and presented to the public view in termines me to stay another winter."

Lord Dartmouth had heretofore expressed great personal regard for Dr. Franklin, who now found himself upon very good terms with this new minister.

As an explanatory introduction to a transaction of much interest and importance in the annals of Dr. Franklin, which made a considerable noise at this time, (1773-4,) and which has not hitherto been satisfactorily developed to the public, it may be proper to revert a few years back to the history of the colony of Massachusetts; for which purpose the following short sketch, from an unknown hand, is submitted:

"From the royal and ministerial assurances given in favour of America in the year 1769, the subsequent repeal in 1770, of five sixths of the duties which had been imposed in 1767, together with the renewal of the mercantile

* Deputy postmaster-general of America.

After his return to America, in the spring of 1775,

the welfare of his country again induced him to cross the Atlantic in 1776, and undertake, at the age of seventy-one, infirm, and exposed to be captured, a winter's voyage, to France; he returned in 1785 then in his eightieth year.

"On the evening of the 5th of March, 1770, a tumult between the town's-people and a party of the soldiers took place. In this the latter fired on the former and killed several of them. Moderate men interposed and prevented a general carnage. The events of this tragical night sunk deep in the minds of the citizens. The anniversary of it was observed with great solemnity. Their ablest

their most pleasing or most hideous forms.

On

"The obstacles to returning harmony, which have already been mentioned, were increased by making the judges in Massachusetts independent of the province. Formerly they had been paid by yearly grants from the assembly; but from the year 1772, Peter Oliver, the chief justice of the superior court, received his salary from the crown. This was resented by the assembly as a species of bribery, tending to bias his judicial determinations in favour of the mother country. They made it the foundation of an impeachment; but this produced no other consequence than a dissolution of the assembly which prosecuted the uncourtly measure.

"A personal animosity between governor Bernard, lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, and some distinguished patriots in Massachusetts, contributed to perpetuate a flame of discontent in that province, though elsewhere it the year 1773 to a high pitch by a singular had visibly abated. This was worked up in combination of circumstances. Some letters had been written in the course of the dispute |by lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, Mr. Oli