AFTERWORD

Chapter 15

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Epilogue

Overview

In this epilogue chapter covering 1778-1785, Franklin becomes sole minister plenipotentiary to France, navigates tensions with John Adams and Arthur Lee, supports John Paul Jones's naval operations, conducts secret peace negotiations with Britain while maintaining the French alliance, and ultimately secures American independence through the Treaty of Paris before returning home to America.

Summary

Franklin's appointment as sole minister plenipotentiary in September 1778 triggers resentment from Arthur Lee and John Adams, though the Congress supports him overwhelmingly. Adams's return in 1780 creates friction over foreign policy: Franklin believes America should show gratitude and loyalty to France, while Adams argues for cold realism about national interests. Vergennes sides with Franklin and effectively exiles Adams from negotiations. Franklin becomes deeply involved with John Paul Jones, supplying him with the Bonhomme Richard and supporting his famous victory over the Serapis in 1779, though Jones's temperament and various controversies (including an alleged assault on a gardener's wife) keep Franklin occupied. After Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown in October 1781, peace negotiations begin. Franklin initially insists on coordinating with France but secretly arranges direct talks with British envoys Oswald and Grenville, playing them against each other. He proposes four necessary provisions (independence, troop removal, secure boundaries, fishing rights) and four advisable ones (reparations, Canada cession). When Jay arrives, he demands explicit British recognition of American independence, which Britain eventually grants. Franklin and his fellow negotiators sign a provisional peace treaty on November 30, 1782, without consulting Vergennes—a breach of instructions that Franklin deftly manages through a masterful diplomatic letter. The treaty recognizes American independence and secures favorable western boundaries at the Mississippi River, though Franklin remains adamant against compensating British loyalists, including his own estranged son William. During the final years in France (1783-1785), Franklin witnesses the first balloon flights, investigates Mesmerism, writes on American egalitarian ideals, perfects bifocal spectacles, and enjoys time with his grandsons Benny and Temple. Jefferson arrives in 1784 and helps ease tensions with Adams. William writes seeking reconciliation, but Franklin's cold response and subsequent harsh negotiations over property prevent genuine rapprochement. At Southampton in July 1785, Franklin and William meet briefly without warmth or recorded emotion. Franklin departs for America with Temple and Benny, leaving behind many adopted French friends and lovers who mourn his departure with dramatic farewells and gifts.

Characters

  • Benjamin FranklinAmerican minister plenipotentiary to France who conducts peace negotiations, balances loyalty to France with American interests, and ultimately secures independence through treaties
  • John AdamsAmerican commissioner who returns to Paris in 1780, advocates for hardline realism with France, and later joins peace negotiations with skepticism toward French motives
  • John Paul JonesBold naval captain who commands the Bonhomme Richard and defeats the British Serapis; Franklin becomes his patron and friend despite Jones's temperamental nature
  • Arthur LeeRival American commissioner who resents Franklin's appointment and orchestrates attacks on Franklin's reputation and his grandson Temple
  • Comte de VergennesFrench foreign minister who prefers dealing with Franklin alone, initially objects to separate American-British negotiations, but ultimately supports the peace
  • Lord ShelburneBritish prime minister who authorizes negotiations with America and eventually recognizes American independence as a preliminary to peace talks
  • Richard OswaldBritish envoy and slave trader who becomes Franklin's favored negotiator; he advocates for direct American-British talks and agrees to many of Franklin's terms
  • Thomas GrenvilleBritish envoy sent by Foreign Secretary Fox; younger and less experienced than Oswald, ultimately recalled in favor of Oswald
  • John JayAmerican commissioner who arrives in Paris and demands explicit British recognition of American independence before negotiations proceed
  • Temple FranklinFranklin's grandson and secretary to the American delegation; he seeks employment and later serves as intermediary between his grandfather and father
  • Benny BacheFranklin's other grandson who attends school in Geneva, spends summer 1783 with Franklin, and learns printing at Passy
  • William FranklinFranklin's estranged son, former New Jersey governor, and British loyalist who flees to England; he attempts reconciliation but meets with cold negotiation over property
  • Madame BrillonFrench woman with whom Franklin maintains a friendship; she helps initiate peace negotiations through her connection to Lord Cholmondeley
  • Madame HelvétiusFrench widow and Franklin's close friend in Passy who entertains him and receives gifts upon his departure
  • Thomas JeffersonAmerican commissioner who arrives in August 1784, reveres Franklin, helps ease tensions between Franklin and Adams, and assists with new European treaties
  • LafayetteFrench general who plans an invasion of Britain with Franklin's support and later becomes Franklin's close confidant
  • George WashingtonAmerican general whose reputation in France Franklin discusses, and whose victory at Yorktown enables peace negotiations
  • Queen Marie-AntoinetteFrench queen who provides her personal litter for Franklin's journey to the port