Philadelphia, 23 July, 1775.
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 anything,
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 useful 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 disagreeable necessity of assuming a total
independency, and set up a separate state, we can 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 Congress to him; but there cannot be a greater
mistake. He has had but little share, further than to cooperate and to
assist. He is, however, a great and good man. I wish his colleagues from
this city were all like him; particularly one,[88] whose abilities and
virtues, formerly trumpeted so much in America, have been found wanting.
There is a young gentleman from Pennsylvania, whose name is Wilson,
whose fortitude, rectitude, and abilities too, greatly outshine his
master's. Mr. Biddle, the Speaker, has been taken off by sickness, Mr.
Mifflin is gone to the camp, Mr. Morton is ill too, so that this
province has suffered by the timidity of two overgrown fortunes. The
dread of confiscation or caprice, I know not what, has influenced them
too much; yet they were for taking arms, and pretended to be very
valiant.
This letter must be secret, my dear; at least communicated with great
discretion.
Yours,