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

Philip Gibbes, [Two Conversations with Benjamin Franklin, 1777–1778]

[71] [Two Conversations with Benjamin Franklin, 1777–1778] Philip Gibbes The oldest son of Philip and Elizabeth Gibbes, Philip Gibbes (1731–1815) descended from a family that had settled in Barbados during the early seventeenth century. On February 1, 1753, he married Agnes Osborne, the daughter and heiress of Samuel Osborne, another prominent Barbados planter. Together they had two sons and two daughters. In 1774, Gibbes was made a Baronet of Great Britain. He may have met Franklin in London in 1774 or 1775. As a prominent West Indian planter, Gibbes felt trapped by the conflict between Great Britain and the United States. By remaining loyal to the crown, Barbados and the other Sugar Colonies had subjected themselves to the depredations of American privateers. Speaking for many West Indian planters, Gibbes admitted that they felt “innocent and helpless.” He was anxious to do whatever he could to reconcile the differences between the Mother Country and the American colonies. To that end, Gibbes traveled from London to Paris in February 1777 to meet Franklin in an attempt to bring American and British negotiators together. Gibbes’s initial effort was unsuccessful, but he returned to Paris eleven months later to try again. Franklin was even more adamant the second time. He knew there could be no reconciliation because the United States would insist on independence, which Great Britain refused to concede. Reporting their interview, Franklin told Arthur Lee the gist of what Gibbes had said, which Lee recorded in his diary for January 6, 1778: “The Dr. told him Sir Phil. Gibbes had been there to sound him about propositions of peace, to which he replied we had none to make, the many which congress had made were treated with contempt, and that the dependency of the colonies was gone forever, like the clouds of last year” (1: 374). franklin in his own time [72] A Conversation with Doctor Franklin at Paris on the 5th of February 1777 or Some Days Before I opened my conversation with Doctor Franklin by saying, “My first visit, Sir, was to the Philosopher and the acquaintance. I shall now address you in another stile. I feel myself so much affected by this unhappy dispute between Great Britain and her Colonies, that I determined to avail myself of the little acquaintance I once had with you, to pray you would indulge me with some conversation on the subject. I know I am not entitled to your confidence; perhaps you may think I am not entitled to your communication . I beg, Sir, at once to set you at ease, by assuring you, that if you should judge it imprudent to answer me, or improper even to hear me, I shall rest satisfied with your caution.” The Doctor kept silence, but gave attention: I went on; “Give me leave here to promise, that this visit is not made at the request of, or even in consequence of any communication I have had with any man whatever. I am unconnected, uninfluenced; I feel my[self] independent, and my conduct is directed by my own Ideas of propriety. It has always been my Opinion, that no man is of so little consequence, but that he may be useful, if he will be active. Upon this Occasion I determined not to be restrained by a timid caution from offering myself as an humble instrument, if I can be used, for the general good. I have all the predeliction for America, that is consistent with my attachment to Great Britain. I wish to see peace established upon such constitutional principles, as shall secure the permanent prosperity of both Countries. United, they continue for ever formidable; separated, they soon become weakened.” Here I paused. The Doctor continued silent, but I thought attentive. The interval tho’ short was awkward. I then proceeded; “The work of reconciliation is become perhaps difficult; but it is far from impracticable. I cannot presume to surmise what terms the King and the Parliament of Great Britain may be inclined to grant to America. But I think I hazard nothing in assuring you, that administration is sincerely disposed to conciliate with America. I know your Abilities Sir; I know your influence in America. You owe it to your country, who confides in you. You owe it to Heaven, to whom you are accountable, to employ all your powers to facilitate a reconciliation. This unfortunate business must be terminated. It must end either in absolute conquest by the Sword, or in...