The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · Chapter
XVI: Braddock’s Expedition explained
Franklin recounts General Braddock's ill-fated expedition, his own role in procuring wagons and horses for the army, the defeat and its aftermath, and the political maneuvering in the Pennsylvania Assembly regarding defense funding and taxa
What happens
Franklin recounts General Braddock's ill-fated expedition, his own role in procuring wagons and horses for the army, the defeat and its aftermath, and the political maneuvering in the Pennsylvania Assembly regarding defense funding and taxation of proprietary estates.
Themes in this chapter
Public Service and Civic Duty
Franklin serves as a commissioner for defense funds, procures wagons for the army, and writes a dialogue to promote a voluntary militia, demonstrating his commitment to the public good.
Practical Wisdom and Common Sense
Franklin's cautious forebodings about the firework for Fort Duquesne and his pragmatic approach to securing wagons and horses highlight his practical wisdom.
Social Mobility and the American Dream
Franklin's ability to influence military and political affairs despite his humble origins illustrates the potential for social mobility in colonial America.
Characters to notice
- Benjamin Franklin
Narrator and central figure; procures wagons for Braddock, serves as commissioner for defense funds, and writes a dialogue to promote a voluntary militia.
- General Braddock
British general leading the expedition; lands at Alexandria, marches to Frederictown, and relies on Franklin to secure wagons.
- Thomas Bond
Doctor who, with his brother, proposes a grand firework for the anticipated capture of Fort Duquesne; Franklin's forebodings disappoint him.
- Colonel Dunbar
Takes command after Braddock's death; retreats to Philadelphia and refuses to honor Braddock's order to discharge enlisted servants.
- General Shirley
Appoints commissioners to examine claims and orders payment for the lost wagons and horses, relieving Franklin from financial ruin.
- William Franklin
Accompanies his father on the journey to meet General Braddock at Frederictown.
- Governor Morris
Governor of Pennsylvania who repeatedly pressures the Assembly to raise money for defense without taxing proprietary estates.
- David Hume
Mentioned as having seen letters from Braddock highly recommending Franklin among state papers.
Key passages
“I looked grave, and said it would, I thought, be time enough to prepare for the rejoicing when we knew we should have occasion to rejoice.”
Franklin soberly advised that it was premature to plan celebrations for a victory that had not yet occurred.
Franklin's cautious nature and foresight regarding the uncertainty of war.
“The bill expressed 'that all estates, real and personal, were to be taxed, those of the proprietaries not excepted.' His amendment was, for not read only : a small, but very material alteration.”
Governor Morris proposed changing the word 'not' to 'only' in the tax bill, a seemingly minor change that would exempt proprietary estates from taxation.
Illustrates the political struggle over taxing proprietary lands in Pennsylvania.
“This whole transaction gave us Americans the first suspicion that our exalted ideas of the prowess of British regulars had not been well founded.”
The defeat of Braddock's army led American colonists to doubt their previously high opinion of British military strength.
Highlights the shift in colonial perception of British invincibility after Braddock's defeat.
