CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Bon Vivant: Paris, 1778–1785

Franklin returns to Philadelphia in May 1775 as the Second Continental Congress convenes, initially keeping silent on independence while privately converting key allies to the patriot cause. After a pivotal family summit at Trevose with his loyalist son William, Franklin declares publicly for independence by July and becomes one of Congress's most ardent revolutionaries, serving on numerous committees and undertaking dangerous missions to Cambridge and Quebec.

Franklin arrives in Philadelphia on May 5, 1775, to find the colonies arming for conflict following Lexington and Concord. Nearing 70, he is the oldest delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Despite his reputation, rumors circulate that he is a secret loyalist because he sits in silence during debates. Franklin is actually biding his time, hoping to convert two key people to the revolutionary cause: his old ally Joseph Galloway and his own son, William Franklin, the royal governor of New Jersey.

In late May, Benjamin and William meet at Galloway's manor house in Trevose, along with their grandson Temple. After much Madeira and frank discussion, Benjamin reads aloud his letter detailing failed reconciliation efforts and declares he favors independence. William argues for neutrality but is defeated. William returns to New Jersey with Temple, while Benjamin's patriotic stance becomes unmistakable by early July.

Franklin signs the Olive Branch Petition for consensus but simultaneously writes an angry unsent letter to his London friend William Strahan, making his revolutionary sentiments public through circulation while maintaining their personal friendship through a milder letter he actually sends. He becomes one of Congress's most vocal opponents of Britain, drafting strongly worded resolutions and serving on multiple committees—as postmaster general, overseer of currency design, collector of lead for munitions, and president of Pennsylvania's defense committee.

In October 1775, Franklin leads a committee to Cambridge to assess General Washington's struggling army, providing detailed specifications for discipline, rations, and supplies. He meets Abigail Adams, who observes his quiet wisdom. Returning through Rhode Island, he retrieves his sister Jane Mecom from refuge and brings her to Philadelphia. He also designs a rattlesnake emblem with "Don't Tread on Me" for American forces.

In March 1776, at age 70, Franklin undertakes a grueling mission to Quebec to support besieged American forces. He suffers boils and swelling but persists, eventually determining the campaign is unwinnable without funds and recommending withdrawal. Back in Philadelphia recovering from gout, he learns that independence is being drafted.

When appointed to the committee drafting the Declaration of Independence, Franklin demurs due to illness and preference to avoid being "draughtsman." Thomas Jefferson writes the draft, and Franklin makes a crucial edit: changing "sacred and undeniable" to "self-evident," shifting the philosophical foundation from religious to rationalist grounds. The Congress votes for independence on July 2. William Franklin is arrested by New Jersey authorities and imprisoned in Connecticut; Benjamin makes no effort to help him.

Franklin participates in debates over the Articles of Confederation, advocating for proportional representation and warning that giving equal votes to states of vastly different sizes will not endure. He also pushes for Pennsylvania's unicameral legislature and property-owning-free qualifications for office. Both radical proposals are rejected.

In July, Admiral Lord Howe, now commander of British forces, writes Franklin seeking reconciliation. Franklin's reply is heated yet strategic, recalling his past efforts to preserve "that fine and noble china vase, the British empire" but making clear that independence is now the only acceptable outcome. In September, Franklin meets Howe on Staten Island with John Adams and Edward Rutledge. The three-hour meeting is cordial but unproductive; Howe cannot offer recognition of American independence, and the Americans will accept nothing less.

In late September, Congress appoints Franklin as envoy to France, tasking him with securing French aid and alliance. Though elderly and finally reunited with family in Philadelphia, Franklin accepts, likely recognizing both duty and opportunity. He refuses to allow Temple to visit his imprisoned father William. In October, Franklin departs with two grandsons—Temple (17) and young Benny Bache (7)—aboard the warship Reprisal, convinced he will never return.