3 of 7. Secret Franklin papers unpublished by the State Department are read directly. Woman and men paid money to watch Benjamin Franklin just walk down the street; smothered him with kisses: and he advised his own grandson on the most pleasing attributes to look for in a lady he would choose to make his mistress. We discuss wildly different reactions of notables like Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson to Franklin’s behavior around the ladies, and: of their behavior around him. The master diplomat secures open French military support and attempts to negotiate an end to the American War for Independence with British Commander General William Howe over a game of chess. Professor of World History Joe Wojie is joined by American historians Britnee Smith, Ted Sisco, and Toni Levitt. With guest Neil Ronk, Chief Historian and Director of Christ Church Preservation Trust Philadelphia. https://www.grimphilly.com/podcast - podcast home page. https://www.patreon.com/grimphilly - support this show.

*Episode Corrections: 

(1) Former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died both on the 4th of July, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

(1) William Temple Franklin, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin, received a letter of advice on selecting a mistress from his grandfather as private correspondence prior to the bequeathment of additional papers for publication left to him in his grandfather's will.