Who is Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin 1706+0706 65438+1October17-1790 April17) was a famous American politician, industrialist, scientist and politician in the18th century.

1On May 5, 775, Franklin returned to Philadelphia. Two and a half weeks ago, the city was ready to go to war because a British army led by General Gage clashed with armed militia in Lexington and Concord Street. At that time, London had ordered the arrest of Franklin, so he joined the ranks of the rebels without hesitation. In addition to becoming the representative of the second continental congress of American colonies, Franklin was also in charge of some important committees.

In the summer of 1776, he joined the Committee, which was responsible for drafting documents declaring the independence of the United States. Thomas Jefferson drafted the first draft of the declaration. Franklin felt that Jefferson's expression of "truth" with "sacred and undeniable" was not accurate enough, and he suggested that it should be changed to "we think this is a self-evident truth". Because of the urgent need for weapons, the United States decided to seek help from France, and Franklin was sent to France to complete this important mission. Despite his advanced age, he accepted this mission, which means that he will be separated from his daughter Sarah and grandchildren. Franklin's pursuit of American independence also influenced his personal life. His son William is a staunch follower of the British Empire and cannot reach an understanding with his father on the issue of American independence. Franklin also broke up with many English friends.

At that time, 70-year-old Franklin was weak, suffering from gout and kidney calculi's disease. But on the day when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, he set off for France with the hope of a new country. France is full of spies and double agents. Franklin carefully raised funds, arranged for ships to load and unload weapons, and skillfully handled cargo ships detained by French armed civilian ships. On the one hand, he is a proud opponent of kingship and nobility, and at the same time, he does not exclude French nobles and members of the royal family who may help the United States become independent. As the day of meeting Louis XVI and Princess Marie Antoinette drew near, Franklin became more cautious. Every step he took was full of hardships, because at that time, he was just an officially appointed diplomatic envoy, representing an unrecognized country.

Franklin is a die-hard father-in-law and a stubborn father-in-law. At first, his son-in-law Becky was a swindler who cheated money by marrying a rich family, but later he and his son-in-law became friendly, although not very close-

"I hope he doesn't expect to get rich property before we die. If he can prove that he is Sally's good husband and my good son-in-law, he will find that I am also a good father-in-law. But now I hope you agree that the total value of the good clothes and furniture we want to provide cannot exceed 500 pounds. "

Just as every parent loves his children, do I love my daughter? But I have already told you that my financial situation is not good, and my wife and I are just scraping by? Unless you can convince Sally's friends that you have the ability to make her live a good life, I hope you will stop making unnecessary insistence, which is not good for both of you. "

When Franklin's sister Jane wrote to congratulate him on his "beloved daughter's marriage to the only outstanding gentleman who made him happy", Franklin's reaction seemed cold. 1768 February, Franklin wrote back: "She made herself and her mother very happy, and I hope she can do the same in the future. But I think they should think about how to support their families before they get married. "

It was not until August 1768 that Franklin wrote to Becky and admitted that he was a member of this family. "Dear son-in-law", the beginning of the letter seems to make people see a glimmer of hope, but the tone soon becomes cold. "I think it is rash for you to get married when your career is still at a low ebb and you can't support your family with dignity." That's why Franklin didn't reply before. "I really can't agree. I can't write my true thoughts. Even if I can't bring you happiness, I don't want to bring you pain. " The letter was only a few words. Finally, Franklin's attitude changed. "Time is the best medicine to cure everything," he said. "I extend my best wishes to you. If you can prove that you are a good husband and son-in-law, you will find that I will also be a good father-in-law. "