The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · Chapter
Agent of Pennsylvania in London explained
Franklin recounts his appointment as agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly to petition the king against proprietary instructions, his interactions with Governor Denny and Lord Loudoun, the delays in his departure, and his subsequent negotiati
What happens
Franklin recounts his appointment as agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly to petition the king against proprietary instructions, his interactions with Governor Denny and Lord Loudoun, the delays in his departure, and his subsequent negotiations in London with the proprietaries and their solicitor over tax disputes and the act taxing proprietary estates.
Themes in this chapter
Public Service and Civic Duty
Franklin serves as the Assembly's agent, advocating for the people's rights against proprietary instructions, and works to accommodate the king's service.
Practical Wisdom and Common Sense
Franklin navigates political negotiations with Governor Denny and Lord Loudoun, using reasoned arguments and strategic delays to achieve outcomes.
The Value of Networking and Reputation
Franklin's reputation precedes him, as Governor Denny seeks his friendship and advice, and Dr. Fothergill facilitates meetings with the proprietaries.
Characters to notice
- Benjamin Franklin
Appointed agent for the Assembly, negotiates with Governor Denny and Lord Loudoun, and later meets with the proprietaries in London.
- Captain Denny
New governor who presents Franklin with a medal from the Royal Society and seeks his friendship and advice.
- Lord Loudoun
Arrives in Philadelphia to mediate between the governor and Assembly; detains packets and causes delays in Franklin's departure.
- James Ralph
Mentioned as still alive, esteemed as a political writer in England with a pension, though his poetry was criticized by Pope.
- John Fothergill
Dr. Fothergill speaks to the proprietaries and arranges a meeting with Franklin.
- Riddlesden
Solicitor for the proprietaries, described as proud and angry, with a personal enmity toward Franklin.
Key passages
“My answers were to this purpose: that my circumstances, thanks to God, were such as to make proprietary favours unnecessary to me; and that, being a member of the Assembly, I could not possibly accept of any; that, however, I had no personal enmity to the proprietary, and that, whenever the public measures he proposed should appear to be for the good of the people, no one should espouse and forward them more zealously than myself”
Franklin told Governor Denny that he was financially independent and could not accept proprietary favors due to his role in the Assembly, but he would support any measures beneficial to the people.
Franklin asserts his integrity and commitment to public service over personal gain.
“I acquainted the House with what had passed, and, presenting them with a set of resolutions I had drawn up, declaring our rights, and that we did not relinquish our claim to those rights, but only suspended the exercise of them on this occasion through force, against which we protested, they at length agreed to drop that bill, and frame another conformable to the proprietary instructions.”
Franklin informed the Assembly of his negotiations with Lord Loudoun and proposed resolutions that preserved their rights while temporarily yielding to force, leading them to pass a compliant bill.
Franklin's diplomatic skill allows the Assembly to save face while meeting immediate defense needs.
“One would imagine that I was now on the very point of departing for Europe. I thought so; but I was not then so well acquainted with his lordship’s character, of which indecision was one of the strongest features.”
Franklin expected to leave soon, but Lord Loudoun's indecisiveness caused months of delays in New York.
Highlights the frustration and inefficiency caused by Lord Loudoun's character.
