# XVII: Franklin’s Defense of the Frontier explained — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

## What happens

Franklin is appointed by the governor to lead the defense of the Northwestern frontier against Indian attacks. He raises over 500 men, with his son as aid-de-camp, and marches to Gnadenhut to build a fort. He observes the Moravians' defensive preparations and reflects on their exemption from military duties. After the fort is built, he returns to Philadelphia to find the militia association thriving, is elected colonel of the regiment, and later faces political backlash from the proprietor over a ceremonial escort. He also advises on military strategy following Braddock's defeat and declines a commission to lead an expedition against Fort Duquesne.

## Themes in this chapter

### Public Service and Civic Duty

Franklin accepts the governor's commission to lead frontier defense despite feeling unqualified, demonstrating his commitment to public service.

### Practical Wisdom and Common Sense

Franklin notes that common sense and present danger override the Moravians' scruples about bearing arms, and he efficiently organizes fort-building.

### Social Mobility and the American Dream

Franklin's rise from printer to colonel and military leader exemplifies social mobility through merit and civic engagement.

## Character check-ins

### Benjamin Franklin

Takes charge of frontier defense, raises troops, builds forts, and later becomes colonel of the Philadelphia regiment.

### William Franklin

Serves as Franklin's aid-de-camp during the frontier campaign, having been an officer in the previous war.

### General Braddock

His defeat is mentioned as a shock; Franklin advises on measures to prevent desertion of back counties.

### Colonel Dunbar

Franklin suggests writing to Dunbar to post troops on the frontiers after Braddock's defeat.

### Captain Denny

Succeeds the previous governor after the project to commission Franklin as general is dropped.

### Thomas Bond

Visits Franklin and claims credit for spreading good opinion of the militia law.

## Key lines

> I undertook this military business, though I did not conceive myself well qualified for it.

Franklin accepted the military command even though he felt he lacked the necessary experience.

_Highlights Franklin's humility and willingness to serve despite self-doubt._

> common sense, aided by present danger, will sometimes be too strong for whimsical opinions.

Practical reasoning, reinforced by immediate threats, can overcome abstract or eccentric beliefs.

_Reflects Franklin's pragmatic philosophy and the theme of practical wisdom._

> I had not so good an opinion of my military abilities as he professed to have, and I believe his professions must have exceeded his real sentiments.

Franklin doubted his own military skill and suspected the governor's praise was exaggerated.

_Shows Franklin's modesty and skepticism of flattery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/xvii-franklin-s-defense-of-the-frontier
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters