A Year With George Washington
On March 5, 1780, Benjamin Franklin wrote to General Washington, inviting him to join him in Europe after the war.
Benjamin Franklin served as Minister to France for the bulk of the Revolutionary War. During his time there, he resided in the posh Passy neighborhood in the 16th Arrondissement (administrative district) of Paris. He was there to represent the American cause and procure military and financial support of the French Crown.
Though the war was far from over, thanks in no small part to his efforts, Franklin believed that peace would “arrive after another Campaign or two” and expressed his wish that Washington could come to Europe and bask in the admiration he had garnered for his heroic exploits fighting the British.
Franklin was also trying to soothe Washington, intimating that, in Europe, he could be “pure and free from those little Shades that the Jealousy and Envy of a Man’s Countrymen & Contemporaries are ever endeavouring to cast over living Merit,” a reference to those associated with the Conway Cabal and a few dissenters in Congress.
He closed the letter with a metaphor he knew Washington, as a farmer, would appreciate, in which he compared America’s current state to a “Field of young Indian Corn” that has been abused by natural forces but would soon recover its form and flourish.
Benjamin Franklin had become somewhat of a sensation during his time in Europe. He remained industrious right up to the end of his time there, conducting experiments, operating a printing press, entertaining the masses, and more. Newly appointed ambassador Thomas Jefferson arrived in Paris to take over for the departing Franklin. Jefferson described the exchange of credentials different than those who stated that he was Franklin’s replacement. He was quick to point out that he was not “replacing” Franklin (no one could) but “succeeding” him as Minister to France. After Franklin departed France, bound for home, the void was obvious to everyone. Jefferson wrote on the event, “When he left Passy, it seemed as if the village had lost its patriarch.”
Fortunately for us, that which, or those who, are not forgotten cannot be lost.
Below is Franklin’s letter to General Washington.
To George Washington
Passy, March 5. 1780
Sir,
I received but lately the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me in Recommendation of the Marquis de la Fayette. His Modesty detain’d it long in his own Hands. We became acquainted however, from the time of his Arrival at Paris, and his Zeal for the Honour of our Country, his Activity in our Affairs here, and his firm Attachment to our Cause, and to you, impress’d me with the same Regard & Esteem for him that your Excellency’s Letter would have done, had it been immediately delivered to me.
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 & Strength would permit, in visiting some of its ancient and most famous Kingdoms. You would on this Side the Sea, enjoy the great Reputation you have acquir’d, pure and free from those little Shades that the Jealousy and Envy of a Man’s Countrymen & Contemporaries are ever endeavouring to cast over living Merit. Here you would know, and enjoy, what Posterity will say of Washington. For a 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 & 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 & Sunshine had enfeebled and discolour’d, and which in that weak State, by a Thunder Gust of violent Wind, Hail & Rain seem’d to be threatend with absolute Destruction; yet the Storm being past, it recovers fresh Verdure, shoots up with double Vigour, and delights the Eye not of its Owner only, but of every observing Traveller.
The best Wishes that can be form’d for your Health Honour and Happiness, ever attend you, from Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
Benjamin Franklin
