Beschreibung:

FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Autograph letter signed ("B Franklin" with flourish) to the Honorable Thomas Walpole Esq. (1755-1840), in London; Paris, 12 January 1777. 2 pages, 4to, integral address leaf with panel in Franklin's hand, portions of original red wax seal (small seal tear) and recipient's docket. Remains of old mount on address leaf, otherwise in very fine condition . FRANKLIN REFLECTS ON BRITAIN'S "MAD MINISTRY," AND ITS DISASTROUS FAILURE TO CONCILIATE THE COLONIES. "HAD LORD CHATHAM'S FIRST WISE MOTION FOR WITHDRAWING THE TROOPS [FROM NORTH AMERICA] BEEN ATTENDED TO BY YOUR MAD MINISTRY...ALL THIS MISCHIEF MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED..." A superb letter in which Franklin, serving as U.S. Minister to France, wistfully recalls the last, futile attempts of William Pitt Lord Chatham, to have British troops withdrawn from Boston as a gesture of reconciliation. Chatham (1708-1778) had personally escorted Franklin into the house of Lords on the day he made a motion for the withdrawal of Gage's garrison. While Franklin expressed admiration of Chatham's eloquence on that occasion, the House remained unmoved. As Franklin put it, "all availed no more than the whistling of the winds" (Brands, The First American , p.488, with a good account of the final debate). Here, Franklin alludes to the efforts of Chatham and Lord Camden to stave off the approaching rebellion and conflict. Franklin also comments on a joint land scheme, the "Grand Ohio Company," a venture of Franklin and a circle of British and American associates. It had been formed in the wake of the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1768). By that treaty, vast tracts of lands were opened to settlement by Europeans. In deference to the Walpoles--nephews of the powerful Robert Walpole--the partnership was officially dubbed the Walpole Company. The crown was petitioned for a grant of some 2.4 million acres, to be divided into 60 shares of 40,000 acres each. The outbreak of war with the colonies, of course, placed this grand speculation on hold, as Franklin notes: "I hope this will find you & your amiable Family well & happy. I left Major Trent well. He had thoughts of applying to Congress relating to the Lands of our Purchase, but was dissuaded by Mr. Galloway. I had some Information that Virginia, which claims all the Crown Lands within its Boundary, will not dispute that Purchase with us, but expects the Purchase Money to be paid into their Treasury. It may be long before these Matters can be adjusted;--and longer still before we shall see Peace. Had Lord Chatham's first wise Motion for withdrawing the Troops [from North America] been attended to by your mad Ministry, or his Plan of Accomodation been accepted and carried into Execution, all this Mischief might have been prevented. If that great Man be yet living, I pray you to present my affectionate Respects to him, and also to Lord Camden. " "As the money I left with your good Brother cannot now be of any use to me in England, I request a Letter of Credit for the Amount on some Broker here. I mean the money for my two Shares, those of Mr. Galloway will remain for his Order. I should certainly be glad to have a Line from you, but I cannot ask it, because it may not be convenient in your Situation. But I shall always be happy in hearing of your Welfare by any means...."