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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 153
of 154
1754Appointed one of the Commissioners from Pennsylvania to the Colonial
Congress at Albany; proposes a plan for the union of the colonies.
1755Pledges his personal property in order that supplies may be raised for
Braddock's army; obtains a grant from the Assembly in aid of the Crown
Point expedition; carries through a bill establishing a voluntary militia;
is appointed Colonel, and takes the field.
1757Introduces a bill in the Assembly for paving the streets of
Philadelphia; publishes his famous "Way to Wealth"; goes to England to
plead the cause of the Assembly against the Proprietaries; remains as
agent for Pennsylvania; enjoys the friendship of the scientific and
literary men of the kingdom.
[HERE THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY BREAKS OFF]
1760Secures from the Privy Council, by a compromise, a decision obliging
the Proprietary estates to contribute to the public revenue.
1762Receives the degree of LL.D. from Oxford and Edinburgh; returns to
America.
1763Makes a five months' tour of the northern colonies for the Purpose of
inspecting the post-offices.
1764Defeated by the Penn faction for reelection to the Assembly; sent to
England as agent for Pennsylvania.
1765Endeavors to prevent the passage of the Stamp Act.
1766Examined before the House of Commons relative to the passage of the
Stamp Act; appointed agent of Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Georgia;
visits Gottingen University.
1767Travels in France and is presented at court.
1769Procures a telescope for Harvard College.
1772Elected Associe Etranger of the French Academy.
1774Dismissed from the office of Postmaster-General; influences Thomas
Paine to emigrate to America.
1775Returns to America; chosen a delegate to the Second Continental
Congress; placed on the committee of secret correspondence; appointed one
of the commissioners to secure the cooperation of Canada.
1776Placed on the committee to draft a Declaration of Independence; chosen
president of the Constitutional Committee of Pennsylvania; sent to France
as agent of the colonies.
1778Concludes treaties of defensive alliance, and of amity and commerce;
is received at court.
1779Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France.
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