Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed, Volume 1 (of 2): A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own WritingsBruce, Wiliam Cabell
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Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed, Volume 1 (of 2): A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own Writings
Bruce, Wiliam Cabell
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Two letters to the boy himself are among Franklin's published writings. The
first is couched in sweet, simple terms, suited to the age of his youthful
correspondent, and the second is interesting only as evidencing how closely
the grandfather scanned the drawings and handwriting of his grandson, and
as emphasizing the importance that he always attached to arithmetic and
accounts as elements of an useful education.
Sally's reply to her father's rebuke, on account of the modish vanities,
that she asked of him, was quite spirited.
How could my dear papa [she said] give me so severe a
reprimand for wishing a little finery. He would not, I
am sure, if he knew how much I have felt it. Last
winter (in consequence of the surrender of General
Burgoyne) was a season of triumph to the Whigs, and
they spent it gayly; you would not have had me, I am
sure, stay away from the Embassadors' or Gerard's
entertainments, nor when I was invited to spend a day
with General Washington and his lady; and you would
have been the last person, I am sure, to have wished to
see me dressed with singularity: Though I never loved
dress so much as to wish to be particularly fine, yet I
never will go out when I cannot appear so as to do
credit to my family and husband.
Apparently, Sally was not always so unsuccessful as she was on this
occasion in her efforts to secure something to wear, suitable to her
situation as the daughter of a very distinguished citizen of Philadelphia
in easy circumstances. Nothing, she once wrote to her father, was ever more
admired than her new gown. It is obvious, however, that Franklin was
resolved that his daughter at least should heed and profit by what Father
Abraham had to say in his discourse about the effect of silks, satins,
scarlet and velvets in putting out the kitchen fire. In his will, he
bequeathed to her the picture of Louis XV., given to him by the King, which
was set with four hundred and eight diamonds, "requesting, however, that
she would not form any of those diamonds into ornaments either for herself
or daughters, and thereby introduce or countenance the expensive, vain, and
useless fashion of wearing jewels in this country." The outer circle of the
diamonds was sold by Sally, and on the proceeds she and her husband made
the tour of Europe.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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