Jewells of Thought

In one day several letters were penned by American leaders in the American Colonies. More than 5 letters were written on the 20th of this month back in 1776. I get goosebumps knowing more than one of my ancestors received such a letter from one of these impressive 18th Century leaders.

A month earlier on July 20th a letter was written from Lord Howe to Benjamin Franklin. Once he was granted special permission from Congress he answered Howe’s letter. An emissary of Howe detailed how he reacted to the nuances of Dr. Franklin’s letter. These two men had a friendship that neither of them wanted to completely sever from the other.

This representative attentively held on to each word Lord Howe spoke briefly describing their last visit in England, “When he had finished reading it, he said his old friend had expressed himself very warmly; that when he had the pleasure of seeing him last in England, he made him acquainted with his sentiments respecting the dispute between Great Britain and the colonies, and of his earnest desire that a reconciliation might take place equally honorable and advantageous to both.”

Do you have a relationship that would be difficult to give up due to differing opinions? One that could be easily given up because of politics? Would that be hard… possibly take a toll on either of you?

This is 1776 the New World of the 13 Colonies were tied and bound to Great Britain for nearly everything that was exported and imported. Families were interconnected. War would literally separate families and create division among families.

Lord Howe was given an appointment as a commissioner by the King and it was that honor why he, “very unfortunately, a long passage prevented his arriving here before the declaration of independence took place… I told him he had now a fair opportunity to mention to his friend Dr. Franklin, in a private letter… what his expectations from America were. This he declined; saying the doctor had grown too warm, and if he expressed his sentiments fully to him, he should only give him pain, which he would wish to avoid.”

Do you do that with your friends or loved ones? Protect them from knowing the whole truth for fear of losing them! Are relationships worth this sentiment to you or is this too much sentiment?

Maybe I am a little corny, as a historian, I love reading how people wrote back in this time period. The beauty of letter writing or perhaps it’s the American in me and the books and research I have poured over learning about my ancestors and what amazing people did to create this Special Nation.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin’s response to his old friend and now an enemy on separate sides, yet is as cordial as Lord Howe was in his expressions. ” I received safe the Letters your Lordship so kindly forwarded to me, and beg you to accept my Thanks. The Official Dispatches to which you refer me, contain nothing more than what we had seen in the Act of Parliament, viz. Offers of Pardon upon Submission; which I was sorry to find, as it must give your Lordship Pain to be sent so far on so hopeless a Business.”

He goes on to say, “Directing Pardons to be offered the Colonies, who are the very Parties injured, expresses indeed that Opinion of our Ignorance, Baseness and Insensibility which your uninform’d and proud Nation has long been pleased to entertain of us; but it can have no other Effect than that of increasing our Resentment.” Franklin’s words are so passionate. This patriot understood fully the squelching of rights by this World Power. His articulation of the despicable actions of the King’s soldiers against the people of these 13 Colonies, not yet affirmed as states.

Going on Dr. Franklin says, “These atrocious Injuries have extinguished every remaining Spark of Affection for that Parent Country we once held so dear; But were it possible for us to forget and forgive them, it is not possible for you (I mean the British Nation) to forgive the People you have so heavily injured; you can never confide again in those as Fellow Subjects, and permit the to enjoy equal Freedom, to whom you know you have given such just Cause of lasting Enmity.”

Do you see any passionate Patriots speak like this today? Men and Women who want America First Policy enacted? Those who are willing to battle with their wits and their words while trying to bypass war. Which is better legislating peace or putting words into actions possible meaning war?