October 2nd
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“1000 leagues have nearly the same effect with 1000 years.”
Benjamin Franklin, 1785
National Portrait Gallery
To George Washington
From Benjamin Franklin
Passy, 5 March 1780
SIR,
I have received but lately the letter your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me in recommendation of the Marquis de Lafayette.* His modesty detained it long in his own hands. We became acquainted, however, from the time of his arrival at Paris; and his zeal for the honor of our country, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm attachment to our cause and to you, impressed me with the same regard and esteem for him that your Excellency’s letter would have done, had it been immediately delivered to me.
Medallion of Lafayette
The MET
Should peace arrive after another campaign or two, and afford us a little leisure, I should be happy to see your Excellency in Europe, and to accompany you, if my age and strength would permit, in visiting some of its ancient and most famous kingdoms. You would, on this side of the sea, enjoy the great reputation you have acquired, pure and free from those little shades that the jealousy and envy of a man’s countrymen and contemporaries are ever endeavoring to cast over living merit. Here you would know, and enjoy, what posterity will say of Washington. For 1000 leagues have nearly the same effect with 1000 years. The feeble voice of those groveling passions cannot extend so far either in time or distance. At present I enjoy that pleasure for you, as I frequently hear the old generals of this martial country, (who study the maps of America, and mark upon them all your operations) speak with sincere approbation and great applause of your conduct; and join in giving you the character of one of the greatest captains of the age.
I must soon quit the scene, but you may live to see our country flourish, as it will amazingly and rapidly after the war is over. Like a field of young Indian corn, which long fair weather and sunshine had enfeebled and discolored, and which in that weak state, by a thunder gust, of violent wind, hail, and rain, seemed to be threatened with absolute destruction; yet the storm being past, it recovers fresh verdure, shoots up with double vigor, and delights the eye, not of its owner only, but of every observing traveller.
The best wishes that can be formed for your health, honor, and happiness, ever attend you from
Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,
BFranklin
* Lafayette temporarily returned to France seeking military aid for America; he demonstrated courage and honor in service of the Continental Army, under General Washington.
“The idea of making a tour together, which you suggest after the War, would be one of the strongest motives I could have to postpone my plan of retirement and make a visit to Europe, if my domestic habits which seem to acquire strength from restraint did not tell me, I shall find it impossible to resist them longer than my duty to the public calls for the sacrafice of my inclinations.”
Benjamin Franklin, 1778
Yale University Art Gallery
To Benjamin Franklin
Bergen County in the State of N: Jersey, 9 October 1780
Dear Sir,
I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more.
He came out flushed with expectations of a decisive campaign and fired with hopes of acquiring fresh laurels, but in both he has been disappointed; for we have been condemned to an inactivity as inconsistent with the situation of our affairs as with the ardor of his temper.
I am sensible of all I owe you my Dear Sir for your sentiments of me, and while I am happy in your esteem, I cannot but wish for occasions of giving you marks of mine.
The idea of making a tour together, which you suggest after the War, would be one of the strongest motives I could have to postpone my plan of retirement and make a visit to Europe, if my domestic habits which seem to acquire strength from restraint did not tell me, I shall find it impossible to resist them longer than my duty to the public calls for the sacrafice of my inclinations.
I doubt not you are so fully informed by Congress of our political and military State that it would be superfluous to trouble you with any thing relating to either. If I were to speak on topics of the kind it would be to shew that our present situation makes one of two things essential to us. A Peace, or the most vigorous aid of our Allies particularly in the article of money. Of their disposition to serve us we cannot doubt; their generosity will do every thing their means will permit.
With my best wishes for the preservation of your useful life and for every happiness that can attend you which a sincere attachment can dictate I am—My Dear Sir—Yr. Most Obedt. Hble. Servt
G:o Washington
GEORGE WASHINGTON:
THE INTERVIEW POWERED BY A.I.
In the hallowed halls of history, a voice echoes once more as “George Washington: The Interview” unfurls a never-before-seen side of America’s first President. This electrifying book transcends the boundaries of time, employing state-of-the-art technology and primary source material to bring you face-to-face with the man who laid the cornerstone of the nation we know today. Journey through the intimate details of Washington’s life as he reveals the victories and defeats, the triumphs and tragedies of his storied past.
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