Letters from France

Sound Bite

Brett Woods brings together a unique and perceptive collection of documents that not only offer a rare glimpse into the complex mind of Benjamin Franklin the diplomat, but also provide new insights into the French-American alliance against the British.

About the Book

This selection of letters is an important contribution to the body of literature exploring French support to the American Revolution, and perhaps more importantly, provides an additional glimpse into the character and thought processes of Franklin, the diplomat.

All other achievements aside, in his eight years in France Benjamin Franklin emerges as an extraordinary individual, distinguished as much as a philosopher as a statesman. Whether he is writing to peers such as John Adams and John Jay, to French officials such as the Marquis de la Fayette and Count de Vergennes, or even to long-time British friends such as David Hartley, Member of Parliament from Hull, and William Petty, the second Earl of Shelburne, Franklin always reveals much, if not quite all, of himself.

And whether the subject might be prisoners of war and privateers, or rules of engagement and reconciliation with England, he writes with remarkable clarity, insight and, on occasion, humor: the portrait of a thoughtful man following a challenging course through uncertain times. The source material for this compilation is the 1817 text, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin. Where necessary, the editor has provided explanatory notes to assist the reader in placing the correspondence in its particular historical, political, or conceptual context. While there are a number of general texts that, to greater or lesser degrees, deal with this period of Franklin's life ' Brands (2000), Srodes (2002), and Morgan (2002), among others ' and these in addition to Schiff's 2005 release: A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America which deals specifically with the timeframe ' none offer any comprehensive inclusion of source material. To address this void in the literature, Woods embraces the subject, as the subtitle suggests, from a strictly documentary perspective. Thus, this text is both an original reference resource and a supplement to the existing literature. It presents, in its entirety, the original written correspondence which previous authors, in many cases, cite as the basis for their interpretation of events or conclusions of fact.

Introduction

>Letters From France: The Private Diplomatic Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin 1776–1785, edited by Brett F. Woods, offers a fascinating and detailed glimpse into Benjamin Franklin’s crucial role as a diplomat during the American Revolution. This collection of Franklin’s personal letters provides readers with a unique perspective on his diplomatic efforts and the complex relationship between France and the emerging United States during one of the most critical periods in history.

Woods has meticulously curated a selection of Franklin's letters from his time in France, covering the years 1776 to 1785. These letters are an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the French-American alliance, shedding light on Franklin's diplomatic strategies and his interactions with key figures of the time. As one of the Founding Fathers, Franklin played a pivotal role in securing French support for the American cause, and this collection highlights his instrumental role in building and maintaining that alliance.

The book explores Franklin’s correspondence with prominent individuals such as John Adams, John Jay, the Marquis de la Fayette, Count de Vergennes, and British figures like David Hartley and William Petty, the second Earl of Shelburne. Through these letters, readers get a vivid sense of Franklin’s character, intellect, and diplomatic skill. The collection captures the depth of his involvement in various issues, from negotiating prisoner exchanges and privateering agreements to discussing the rules of engagement and peace terms with England.

Franklin’s letters reveal not only his sharp intellect and clear thinking but also his occasional wit and humor. They capture the complexities of diplomacy and the challenges he faced in navigating a path through turbulent times. This collection provides insight into Franklin’s philosophical and political thoughts, offering a deeper understanding of his contributions beyond his more widely recognized achievements.

Editor Brett F. Woods has carefully sourced this compilation from the 1817 text The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin. He has added explanatory notes to provide historical, political, and conceptual context, making the letters more accessible and informative for modern readers. This edition fills a gap in the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive collection of Franklin’s private correspondence, giving readers the opportunity to engage directly with the primary sources that have informed historians for generations.

While other authors such as Brands, Srodes, Morgan, and Schiff have explored Franklin’s life and role in France, this volume is distinctive in its documentary approach. By offering the original letters in their entirety, Woods provides a valuable resource that complements existing biographies and allows for a direct engagement with Franklin’s own words.

This collection is more than just a historical document; it is a testament to Franklin’s extraordinary diplomacy and character. It serves as both an original reference for scholars and an enlightening read for anyone interested in the American Revolution, the history of diplomacy, or the life of Benjamin Franklin.

Through these letters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of early American diplomacy and the crucial role that French support played in the success of the American Revolution.

Beyond its historical significance, Letters From France also enhances our understanding of Franklin’s legacy.

In summary, Brett F. Woods’ Letters From France: The Private Diplomatic Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin 1776–1785 is a must-have for those studying American history and diplomacy. It offers an in-depth look at Franklin’s diplomatic correspondence and provides important context for understanding his contributions to the American Revolution and the French-American alliance.