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細節
FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790), Signer (Pennsylvania). Autograph letter signed ("BFranklin") to "The Honourable Charles Lee, Lieut. General of the Continental Artillery," Philadelphia, 11 February 1776. 2 full pages, folio, integral address leaf in Franklin's hand, recipient's docket, the ink pale.
FRANKLIN RECOMMENDS THE CONTINENTAL ARMY RESORT TO BOWS AND ARROWS, AND OBSERVES THAT "THEY STILL TALK BIG IN ENGLAND, & THREATEN LOUD," BUT IN THE WAKE OF THE AMERICAN STAND AT BUNKER HILL, "THEIR LANGUAGE IS SOMEWHAT CIVILER, AT LEAST"
A richly detailed 1776 letter, written during the critical Second Continental Congress. Five months before Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, Franklin is palpably basking in the glow of the unexpectedly strong American stand at Bunker Hill. He introduces a French artilleryman and strongly argues that the Continental Army--in light of the shortage of muskets and ammunition-- should adopt the bow and arrows instead of muskets! The battle of Bunker Hill, in June 1775, as Boatner puts it, "showed the British government they were in for a fight." It "rallied the colonies, spurred the Continental Congress into action, and banished any real hope of conciliation." Franklin remarks on the altered attitude of Britain in the wake of the Americans' staunch showing: "They still talk big in England, & threaten Loud, but their Language is somewhat civiler, at least, not quite so disrespectful to us. By degree, they may come to their Senses, but too late, I fancy for their Interest."
He introduces a French officer: "The bearer, Monsr. Arundel is directed by the Congress to repair to General Schuyler, in order to be employ'd by him in the Artillery Service. He...has requested me to introduce him...He has been an officer in the French Service...and professing a Good Will to our Cause, I hope he may be useful in Instructing our Gunners and Matrosses [artillery support]..." Franklin encloses a letter from a former British officer "known by General [Horatio] Gates, who spoke well of him.... He is desirous now of entring our Service...."
As regards munitions, he reports, "we have got in a large Quantity of Saltpetre," but "Powdermills are now wanting. I believe we must set to work and make it by hand. But I still wish, with you, that Pikes may be introduc'd, and I would add Bows & Arrows. These were good Weapons, not wisely laid aside..." Franklin proceeds to enumerate reasons for considering the use of this unconventional weapon, arguing quite persuasively that "...a man may shoot as truly with a Bow as with a common musket..." and "Bows and Arrows are more easily provided every where than Muskets & Ammuniation." He adds an erudite historical reference on the use of the bow in the time of Edward the Bold, with a lengthy Latin passage, then notes the mood in Philadelphia: "There is a kind of Suspense in Men's stand here at Present, waiting to see what Terms will be offer'd from England. I expect none that we can accept; -- and when that is generally seen, we be more unanimous and more decisive...." On a personal note, he adds that "I am glad you are come to New York; but I also wish you could be in Canada..." (Franklin was about to undertake, at Congress's request, a futile mission to Quebec to enlist Canadian support.) Finally, he blames his dilatory correspondence on the heavy burden of work in the Continental Congress during this critical juncture: "My eyes will hardly serve me to write by Night; and these short Days have all been taken up by such a Variety of Business, that I seldom can sit down three Minutes without Interruption...."
Provenance: Justin C. Turner - Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1978, part lot 262).
FRANKLIN RECOMMENDS THE CONTINENTAL ARMY RESORT TO BOWS AND ARROWS, AND OBSERVES THAT "THEY STILL TALK BIG IN ENGLAND, & THREATEN LOUD," BUT IN THE WAKE OF THE AMERICAN STAND AT BUNKER HILL, "THEIR LANGUAGE IS SOMEWHAT CIVILER, AT LEAST"
A richly detailed 1776 letter, written during the critical Second Continental Congress. Five months before Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, Franklin is palpably basking in the glow of the unexpectedly strong American stand at Bunker Hill. He introduces a French artilleryman and strongly argues that the Continental Army--in light of the shortage of muskets and ammunition-- should adopt the bow and arrows instead of muskets! The battle of Bunker Hill, in June 1775, as Boatner puts it, "showed the British government they were in for a fight." It "rallied the colonies, spurred the Continental Congress into action, and banished any real hope of conciliation." Franklin remarks on the altered attitude of Britain in the wake of the Americans' staunch showing: "They still talk big in England, & threaten Loud, but their Language is somewhat civiler, at least, not quite so disrespectful to us. By degree, they may come to their Senses, but too late, I fancy for their Interest."
He introduces a French officer: "The bearer, Mons
As regards munitions, he reports, "we have got in a large Quantity of Saltpetre," but "Powdermills are now wanting. I believe we must set to work and make it by hand. But I still wish, with you, that Pikes may be introduc'd, and I would add Bows & Arrows. These were good Weapons, not wisely laid aside..." Franklin proceeds to enumerate reasons for considering the use of this unconventional weapon, arguing quite persuasively that "...a man may shoot as truly with a Bow as with a common musket..." and "Bows and Arrows are more easily provided every where than Muskets & Ammuniation." He adds an erudite historical reference on the use of the bow in the time of Edward the Bold, with a lengthy Latin passage, then notes the mood in Philadelphia: "There is a kind of Suspense in Men's stand here at Present, waiting to see what Terms will be offer'd from England. I expect none that we can accept; -- and when that is generally seen, we be more unanimous and more decisive...." On a personal note, he adds that "I am glad you are come to New York; but I also wish you could be in Canada..." (Franklin was about to undertake, at Congress's request, a futile mission to Quebec to enlist Canadian support.) Finally, he blames his dilatory correspondence on the heavy burden of work in the Continental Congress during this critical juncture: "My eyes will hardly serve me to write by Night; and these short Days have all been taken up by such a Variety of Business, that I seldom can sit down three Minutes without Interruption...."
Provenance: Justin C. Turner - Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1978, part lot 262).