The Sun.
London, England, 1826-08-28 00:00:00

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this and more Franklin alone effected. He it was
who put the sword into the hand of Washington,
which that hero so ably wielded ; who gave a tuni to
the diplomacy of Adams; drew up the celebrated de-
claration of freedom, and declared the New World for
ever independent of the Old. It is true, that he had
coadjutors in this.glorious undertaking, but they were
all more or less agents, wielded by the same master
spirit, and governed solely by his directions. After
having thus lived to see the unqualified independence
of)America, and having gained a large private fortune
by his own personal exertion, this celebrated states-
man and philosopher, whom two worlds equally vent-
rate, died on the 17th of April, 1790, at, the advanced
age of 82.
In analyzing the character of Franklin, we shall
find, that it was formed on an axiom, embraced in
' early life—the doctrine of utility. To proinote this
the whole energies of a superior mind, were exclusively
directed. He had no fancy—no taste—no imagina-
tion—little acquaintance with general literature—he
was solely in their narrowest senses, a philosopher and
a statesman. He was, however, admirably fitted to
his times ; times, when an acute knowledge of the
world, unfettered by the elegancies of literature,
were the sole things requisite (at least through-
out an infant country like America), to in-
sure a decided supremacy. In his habits Frank-
lin was economical—even to meanness--in his
judgment of men and motives severe to bigotry—
in his family cold and unforgiving—in his person--but
perhaps the following description of him, as he appeared
at the Thuilleries before Louis XVII. may present a
more interesting picture than any we can presume to
sketch.

" Messrs. Deane and Franklin, deputies from the insurgents in
1777, lived at Paris without retinue, without splendour, and
without ostentation ; they showed a citizen.like plainness. Dr.
Franklin was very much sought after, and constantly entertained,
but by all who could persuade
hnoimt otnolyvisbyit
hthiseacieur;uftiofirc hberetdidhrent;cit easily suffer himself to be
drawn out, and, lived in & state of privacy, which was supposed
to have been enjoined him by hie government. He dressed him-
self in the very plainest manner. His physiognomy was tine, and
he constantly wore spectacles: he had but little Bair, and alWays
wore. a fur cap, no powder; an air of cleanliness, linen petetly
white, and a brown coat, formed the whole eutward ornament of
his penson. His only weapon was a stick, which' he carried in
his hand. Powerfully solicited braise Deane and Franklin, the
court of France began to take an -interest in insurgent America.
Beaumarchais, who intrigued with the Count de Maurepas, knew
how to profit by circumstances. He was privately authorised to
trade in arms with the English colonies. They were partly in-
debted for the unexpected advantage of the warlike itorte neces.
eery for their first campaign, to the influence and activity of that
agent. Beaumarchais gained immense sums by wiling them, at a
dear rate, his zeal and services, and laughed at the accusation,
whether well or ill founded, of having sold them worn-out arms
and the worst stores of all kinds. Mr. Deane, tired out by the
delays and even elm. of M. de Sartine, then minister of the
marine, wrote to hi hat unless within forty-eight hours he
made up his mind to get the treaty of alliance between France
and America signed, be would negociate with England for a re,
conciliation. He adopted this hasty and irregular course Without
the participation of' his colleague. The moment Dr. Franklin
heard of it, he thought all was lost. You have offended the
court of Prince) and ruined America,' exclaimed the philoiopher.
Be easy till wit gee an.-arkiwor,' replied the' negotiator. An
answer ! we shall be :thrown into the Bastile." That remains to
he seen.' Afterahe lepers of a few how's M. de Sartine'e thief
secretary made hitappearance. ' Yon are repteated, gentlemen,
to hold yourselves in readiness for an interview ; at midnight you
will be called for.' At midnight !' crier Dr. Franklin, the mo-
ment
the secretary is gone : my prediction is verified ! Mr.
Deane, you have ruined all.' 'they were of course sent for at tho
appointed hour. The American envoys got into a carriage; and
reached a country house of M. de Sartine, five miles from Paris,
where he chose to receive them, the better to hide this step under
the veil of mystery. They were introduced to the minister; and
the declaration so imperiously demanded by Mr. Deane was in-
stantly signed. The American deputies returned to Paris in
triumph, and. Franklin confessed that in politica patience was not
always the only thing to be relied on."

Before we conclude this brief sketch, we will just
say a few words on the style of the book before us. It
is written throughout wit great elegance and spirit;
and though evidently with a leaning towards the re
publicanism of Franklin, is on the whole -liberal, and
we donbt not, faithful. In short the Biographer is'
just such a one as Franklin, deserves to possesi.