Franklin in His Own Time: A Biographical Chronicle of His Life, Drawn from Recollections, Interviews, and Memoirs by Family, Friends, and Associates

John Adams, [Franklin as a Congressman and a Diplomat, 1775–1778]

[52] [Franklin as a Congressman and a Diplomat, 1775–1778] John Adams As a delegate to the Continental Congress, John Adams (1735–1826) finally had the opportunity to meet Benjamin Franklin. Though Adams had heard much about Franklin beforehand, he was not disappointed upon meeting him. In the letters he wrote during the time he and Franklin worked together in the Continental Congress, Adams had nothing but praise for him. To James Warren, Adams wrote, “Dr Franklyn needs nothing to be said. There is no abler or better American that I know of.” Speaking about a congressional committee chosen to go to Canada in February 1776, Adams wrote Warren again, elaborating his impressions: “Franklins Character you know. His masterly Acquaintance with the French Language, his extensive Correspondence in France, his great Experience in Life, his Wisdom, Prudence, Caution, his engaging Address, united to his unshaken Firmness in the present American System of Politicks and War, point him out as the fittest Character for this momentous Undertaking” (Letters of Delegates to Congress, 2: 80; 3: 275). Adams subsequently worked with Franklin on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence and found nothing in their working relationship to shake his lofty opinion of Franklin. When Adams went to Paris to take over the position vacated by Silas Deane and serve with Franklin and Arthur Lee as joint commissioners to France, he began to question Franklin’s abilities, however. It seemed to Adams that Franklin’s mastery of the French language was not as great as he previously had supposed. Also, the always prim and proper Adams took offense at Franklin’s flirtatious manner among the ladies of French society. Not only does Adams’s autobiography possess great documentary value, it also marks a major contributor to the literary history of American autobiography. [53] From John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 July 1775 My Dear You have more than once in your Letters mentioned Dr. Franklin, and in one intimated a Desire that I should write you something concerning him. Dr. Franklin has been very constant in his Attendance on Congress from the Beginning. His Conduct has been composed and grave and in the Opinion of many Gentlemen very reserved. He has not assumed any Thing, nor affected to take the lead; but has seemed to choose that the Congress should pursue their own Principles and sentiments and adopt their own Plans: Yet he has not been backward: has been very usefull, on many occasions, and discovered a Disposition entirely American. He does not hesitate at our boldest Measures, but rather seems to think us, too irresolute , and backward. He thinks us at present in an odd State, neither in Peace nor War, neither dependent nor independent. But he thinks that We shall soon assume a Character more decisive. He thinks, that We have the Power of preserving ourselves, and that even if We should be driven to the disagreable Necessity of assuming a total Independency , and set up a separate state, We could maintain it. The People of England, have thought that the Opposition in America, was wholly owing to Dr. Franklin: and I suppose their scribblers will attribute the Temper, and Proceedings of this Congress to him: but there cannot be a greater Mistake. He has had but little share farther than to co-operate and assist. He is however a great and good Man. I wish his Colleagues from this City were All like him, particularly one [John Dickinson], whose Abilities and Virtues, formerly trumpeted so much in America, have been found wanting. From Diary and Autobiography of John Adams Monday, September 9, 1776. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions and other Instruments where heretofore the Words “United Colonies,” have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States. The Board of War brought in a report, which was read. On this day, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Edward Rutledge, and Mr. John Adams, proceeded on their Journey to Lord [Richard] Howe, on Staten Island, the two former in Chairs, and the last on Horseback. The first night We lodged John Adams franklin in his own time [54] at an Inn, in New Brunswick. On the Road, and at all the public Houses, We saw such Numbers of Officers and Soldiers, straggling and loytering, as gave me at least, but a poor Opinion of the Discipline of our forces and excited as much indignation as anxiety. Such thoughtless dissipation at a time so critical, was not calculated...