Benjamin Franklin
|
The man himself played a crucial role in the global conflict that would arrive in America known as the French and Indian War. During his service as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, Franklin became concerned about the Commonwealth's failure to defend its colonists against the encroaching French and its native allies. In 1754, he was selected to represent Pennsylvania at the Albany Congress, and he took the time to advance his plan known as the Albany Plan of Union, to unite the colonies under central authority during the conflict.
|
Shortly thereafter, Franklin assisted the British commanding officer, General Edward Braddock, who arrived with two regiments of regulars, with military strategy and management of supply lines. Franklin attempted to persuade the British to utilize local-made Conestoga wagons and initiate contracts with the colonialists for supplies rather than simply commandeering their property. He also warned Braddock about underestimating the American colonial fighters and the Native Americans as well. Franklin cautioned the general that the Indians they were fighting against were “well practiced in ambush…and may expose [the army] to be attacked by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a thread into several pieces.”
Consequently, the defeat of Braddock and his troops near Fort Duquesne in July of 1755 persuaded the colonies to take protection into their own hands. The Pennsylvania Colony’s governor, Robert Morris, felt obliged to turn to Franklin to bolster the frontier. Franklin, along with a few others, was given the title Provincial Commissioner, taking charge of voluntary troops and bulking up defenses by building a line of forts.
By 1756, marauding Indians had struck within 80 miles of Philadelphia, and 400 settlers had been killed or taken prisoner. Gnadenhütten (near present-day Weissport, Carbon County), a Moravian settlement, had been attacked and pillaged by Indians in November. It fell upon Franklin to repair the damage, by building what he would call Fort Allen, and later personally overseeing the construction of three other nearby fortifications, Fort Norris, Fort Hamilton, and Fort Franklin. The 70-mile stretch between Bethlehem and Reading was an unprotected and treacherous one. Franklin proved an able commander, having the men build simple structures with 18-foot-high walls after timbering out pine trees. He had carpenters erect several platforms for shooting at attacking enemies. He ordered patrols to root out Indians and approved of commanders who utilized their discretion to establish fortifications. Franklin wrote, “I undertook this military business, tho' I did not conceive myself well qualified for it…..My son, who had in the preceding war been an officer in the army raised against Canada, was my aid-de-camp, and of great use to me.”
However, his service was short lived as British lawmakers, supposedly under the influence of Thomas Penn, removed his commission and incorporated into their conclusions that he had to attend to more significant duties. In 1757, he was sent to London to protest the political influence of the Penn family. He would remain there for five years, concluding his work by receiving financial assistance from the family to aid the colony. Being a soldier and commander does not fit our image of Franklin, the man we recall as the kite flier, the clever writer, the civic organizer, and the wise politician. His role as military commander may not seem appropriate but should nevertheless be remembered.
Consequently, the defeat of Braddock and his troops near Fort Duquesne in July of 1755 persuaded the colonies to take protection into their own hands. The Pennsylvania Colony’s governor, Robert Morris, felt obliged to turn to Franklin to bolster the frontier. Franklin, along with a few others, was given the title Provincial Commissioner, taking charge of voluntary troops and bulking up defenses by building a line of forts.
By 1756, marauding Indians had struck within 80 miles of Philadelphia, and 400 settlers had been killed or taken prisoner. Gnadenhütten (near present-day Weissport, Carbon County), a Moravian settlement, had been attacked and pillaged by Indians in November. It fell upon Franklin to repair the damage, by building what he would call Fort Allen, and later personally overseeing the construction of three other nearby fortifications, Fort Norris, Fort Hamilton, and Fort Franklin. The 70-mile stretch between Bethlehem and Reading was an unprotected and treacherous one. Franklin proved an able commander, having the men build simple structures with 18-foot-high walls after timbering out pine trees. He had carpenters erect several platforms for shooting at attacking enemies. He ordered patrols to root out Indians and approved of commanders who utilized their discretion to establish fortifications. Franklin wrote, “I undertook this military business, tho' I did not conceive myself well qualified for it…..My son, who had in the preceding war been an officer in the army raised against Canada, was my aid-de-camp, and of great use to me.”
However, his service was short lived as British lawmakers, supposedly under the influence of Thomas Penn, removed his commission and incorporated into their conclusions that he had to attend to more significant duties. In 1757, he was sent to London to protest the political influence of the Penn family. He would remain there for five years, concluding his work by receiving financial assistance from the family to aid the colony. Being a soldier and commander does not fit our image of Franklin, the man we recall as the kite flier, the clever writer, the civic organizer, and the wise politician. His role as military commander may not seem appropriate but should nevertheless be remembered.
After finishing Fort Allen by January 25, 1756, he sent Captain Charles Foulk "to build another, between this and Schuylkill Fort (Lebanon), which I hope will be finished in a week or 10 Days (Trexler would be joining him)." This would be finished in February 1756 and named in his honor near present-day Snyders, Schuylkill County.