The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Collection Reference Number GLC01721
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1787 
Title Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom on her life in Boston and his life of public service
Date 4 November 1787
Author Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790)  
Recipient Mecom, Jane  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Writes to his sister in Boston about his feelings on his life of public service. Tells her that she should be direct in letting him know what she needs as he is willing to help her in any way. States that he planned to decline serving another year as President (possibly of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania) but that the country demanded him. Informs that he has been in public office for 50 years now. Writes that upon being sent to France, he observed to a friend that " ... the Publick having as it were eaten my Flesh, seem'd now resolv'd to pick my Bones ..." He gently complains of being unanimously elected a third time to state office but remarks, "This universal and unbounded Confidence of a whole People, flatters my Vanity much more than a Peerage would do." Marked no. 2 at the top of the first page. With some cross-outs on second page.
Subjects Election  Government and Civics  Women's History  Children and Family  
People Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790)  Mecom, Jane Franklin (1712-1794)  
Place written Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme Government & Politics; Foreign Affairs; Women in American History
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859