Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-06-06
DR.. FRANKLIN.


be- deemed one of the first; in this order. to an
American, he i. next to Washington. and with
out competitor, in general merits, for that exa'
ted rank 10 the calendar. Every relic OF sucn an
object of veneration is truly precious; Mr.
Sparks has. therefore, made most acceP'ao'e
Offering to the country in the volume OF FRANK
Inns Familiar Letters which Mr.. Bowen OF bos'
ton has Just published for him. Inc esumao'e
editor states, in his preface, that these Letters
have never before appeared in PRINT; WIZ" 'he e"
cept,on of few which treat OF domesnc d"u "a
miliar topics, and which he has added 70 MAKE
the collection more complete IN ITS kin". we
- ~. .,.J mi. I,,,le volume with eagerness, and
a'. a,ion that the unstuded illusions OF
Er,nt Iin,. mind and heart must afford to every
49,. ..n.bIe of appreciating his wisdom and sem
sibility.a. sso
Mr., Sparks says. in the Preface
..suspicions of Franklin's political integrity,
and even Of his private honesty, we're scattered
among the credulous. and produced impressions
on the minds OF many OF his cOuntrymen' "hich
his brilliant name and great services have as YET
hardly eHaced. After laborious enquiry INTO
This matter. with no ordinary means oi inorma-
ton aud opportunities OF research, particularly
in regard 10 his acts as Minister PieniPotentiary
IN France, and in negotiating the treaty 81 peace
at the end Of the war, feel authorized To declare
that his conduct admits Of unqualified v'no'ta'
tinn; that, so tar from open censure az tue WINS
pers OF suspicion. I've deserves the lasting praise
and gratitude Of his country Tor hts manly, cons's
tent, undertaking, honorable, anu ehcieht course
m rho fare of numerous obstacles and embarrass
mant,. during the whole nlne years OF ms resi-
dence in France. Hrs patriotism and hdeli,y TO
his trust we're eaualed on, by his unrlvalled tai
ent, and sagaeiy. Having in my possession.
ampi. mean. for pursuing this subject to lis iu''
extent, [ look forward to some future occasion
Cor al least attempting to execute so s'ate'u'
task
Tits language and PROMISE Of Mr.. Sparks are
the more weicome since DR.. Franklin IS really
d,spa, AGED. aud uajostly treated, IN the Lille OF
John Jay. See the 9th chapter OF that work.
wherein the biographer says" Urged on one
hand by France, and fettered on the other 10y MS
instructions, franklin. would, in all human prob
ability, but with feelings of deep modification
and regret, have set his hand to treaty sacrih'
cling rights, which he had himself ably and zeal.
DUSTY uain AIMED, and which he knew to be OF
measurable value to his country" MIR. Sparks
will be able to refute this injurious suppos'iisn.
IL is, in fact, inva;idated by the testimony OF
John Jas himself, as given in his letter oil I'm
ST. ptember 1888, to DR.. franklin, which the ol'
ographer has inserted in the second volume Up.
1861 of his work. jaw saws to his colleague
Is" do not recollect the least difference in senii-
ment between US respecting the boundaries or
fisheries; on the contrary, we were unanimous
and united IN adheriDg to and insisting 90 them ;
nor did ever perceive the least disposltinn 10
either of US TO recede from our claims, or Oe SAL
isffed scifh less than zee obtained
We have marpinet for a iotation, nyu1bef Of
n.. in those Letters and nov suhioiI,s d lew
IS them
am disposed 70 'iks ."s ao,'u AZ aau &,
and TO douot my osp Juusnsn, as :" WHO. "ou",
memo 'ts, see 80 "ls' 10, as ~ VINO,
understanu q ~ Ct etsn''o' anu
suspect eqgnt 49, - l ~, oe y" "na' uo nv
uDderstands s g -
I'll the hItse Sqpn ~ Smen'ion does not
bring yeu = losttles she sfsdke one. ln-
dustry. ifugslmy and pf9qqsR5 economy IN a
wife, are toa nsn q QUAIL tQft9he-a 'or.
tune saifirieut Tor one % ress2neotf xpec'an"n'
II made Dr. >. ny easa,Y eyao.ns hiw loo
m i