Historic Shrines of America: Being the Story of One Hundred and Twenty Historic Buildings and the Pioneers Who Made Them NotableFaris, John T. (John Thomson)
History
Historic Shrines of America: Being the Story of One Hundred and Twenty Historic Buildings and the Pioneers Who Made Them Notable
Faris, John T. (John Thomson)
Historic buildings -- United States; United States -- Biography
What was the explanation of the father's changed attitude to his son
that led him to make his bequest in such unpleasant terms?
After William Franklin's return from the frontier, he was appointed
governor-in-chief of the Province of New Jersey. A mansion was built
for him in Perth Amboy by the Lord Proprietor. Its construction
required a somewhat extended time, for it was a grand place; no wonder
it was called "The Palace." But in 1774 the Governor took possession.
Of course this was not the reason for the breach with his father.
Again Benjamin Franklin was proud of his son, and of the lavish
entertainments he made for his associates.
But the father began to shake his head when his son became a favorite
of the Tories in Perth Amboy who had looked askance on his
appointment, the year before. He was told that William would himself
remain a loyalist when the break came with Great Britain, and he was
compelled to believe that there was serious ground for the charge. He
decided, however, to make a supreme effort to rouse the Governor to
the call of patriotism. Accordingly, in 1775, he sought the Palace and
pleaded with William to forsake his Tory associates, turn his back on
the king who had turned his back on the Colonies, and become a
steadfast defender of his country's rights.
What a subject that interview would make for an artist! Opposed to the
luxury-loving governor, in the house furnished for his satisfaction by
the Tories with whom he had chosen to ally himself, was the sturdy
figure of the sage of Pennsylvania, who was ready to lay down his life
in the defence of his country.
It must have been a stirring interview. But it was fruitless. Benjamin
Franklin went back to Philadelphia a disappointed man. His feelings
were expressed in the letter in which he said, "I am deserted by my
only son."
Within a year Governor Franklin was practically a prisoner in the
Palace, in consequence of the discovery that he was plotting against
the Colonies. When he persisted in courses that troubled Congress, he
was arrested and taken to Burlington. Mrs. Franklin fled to New York,
and the Palace was at the mercy of the British. On several occasions
the house was used as headquarters by British generals, and soldiers
made their encampment on the grounds.
Though the interior of the Palace was destroyed by fire soon after the
war, the house was restored, and it still looks much as it did when
Franklin, the patriot, stood within its walls. For years it was used
as a hotel, and later as a private residence. In 1883 it was made a
Home for aged ministers of the Presbyterian Church. To-day it is again
used as a hotel.
XXV
THE CHURCH AT CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY
WITH GLIMPSES OF THE FIGHTING CHAPLAIN CALDWELL
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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