High Stakes in Paris, 1778

The War of Independence was now entering its third year, and the fate of the infant republic hung on one man’s ability to bring the French in on America’s side in a formal military alliance.

Most historians agree that the Battle of Saratoga (NY) in October 1777 was a seminal event in the American Revolution. “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne may have been an exquisite Peer of the Realm who drank too much champagne on his campaign southward from Canada, but he commanded a sizable and seasoned army, and he was considered a competent general. That his army was defeated by a rag-tag band of rebels had sent shock-waves across the Atlantic into the courts of King George III and King Louis XVI. For perhaps the first time since the Revolution began, it occurred to the French that, sacré bleu, these American upstarts might actually win the war.

Still, serious questions lingered about how long General Washington’s army could remain a viable military threat to British land forces. Saratoga had marked the end of the fall campaign; freezing weather had since swept in upon the former colonies; in the coming months, how many Continentals would desert the harsh conditions of Valley Forge for the warmth and embrace of sweethearts and home? France had been quick to recognize America’s independence and it had already sent clandestine aid to the American patriots. But if France were to enter into a formal military alliance with the fledgling United States, that could be a game-changer.

From the first days of the revolution, it was evident to American High Command in the Continental Army and Continental Congress that the United States could not win the war without massive aid from France. What the United States desperately required were French warships in addition to French shiploads of ordnance, supplies, and money.

Benjamin Franklin, 1778

Who would Congress now call on to save the revolution? The answer was never in serious doubt. It would call on perhaps the most famous man in the world and certainly the most beloved man in France: Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin was nearly seventy when he sailed to France in 1776 as his nation’s consul in Paris. Two other Americans diplomats joined him in what passed for the American embassy in Passy, a village of the rich and famous located between Paris and the royal court at Versailles. But it was Franklin who stole the show. Silas Deane was competent enough, but the inept Arthur Lee would eventually be replaced by John Adams.

Every French man and woman of every station adored Ben Franklin. His homespun clothes and coonskin cap and down home humor captivated everyone. It was said that the number of French chateaux plus the number of ordinary French maisons that did not have an image of Franklin hanging on a wall could be counted on one hand. It was even reported that Queen Marie Antoinette carried a small silhouetted image of Franklin’s head on whatever necklace she happened to be wearing. That Franklin was fond of the ladies, and the ladies fond of him despite his advanced age and infirmities, only added to his mystique and charm. And the fact that Franklin taught himself to speak fluent French before taking the job endeared him to a nation.

Following is an excerpt taken from chapter four of A Matter of Honor. It depicts a meeting between Benjamin Franklin and Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes and the French Foreign Minister.. Franklin was trying to persuade Vergennes to forge a formal military alliance with the United States.

Charles Gravier
Count of Vergennes

“My friends,” he said across the table to Vergennes and his three assistants, “you may be assured that the United States government appreciates all that France has done and continues to do on its behalf. Your supplies and support have maintained our army in the field. Without them, all might have been lost. As to France recognizing our independence, it is an unparalleled blessing to be applauded by free men everywhere who believe and put their trust in the ideals and principles espoused by our revolution. Even if she were to do nothing further, France has earned the eternal respect of a grateful nation.”

As one, the four French officials inclined their heads forward.

“But, gentlemen,” Franklin continued, “I must explain the realities of our situation. America can win this war against Great Britain. But to achieve victory we need armies, not just arms; ships of the line, not just frigates and dispatch vessels; field cannon, not just muskets. In short, what America requires is a nation in open alliance with her, a great nation seeking to fulfill her own destiny and claim her rightful place on the world stage.”

Vergennes nodded sympathetically.

“Well spoken, Dr. Franklin. Your words are heart-felt and inspirational. You have my promise and the promise of my king that France will continue to do everything in her power to support your revolution. Your enemy is our enemy. But as I have said, forging a military alliance between our two countries will take time.”

“We may not have that time,” Franklin responded. He gave Vergennes a hard look, his tone taking on a sudden sense of urgency blended with a hint of rebuke. “Are you aware, sir, that my fellow commissioners and I were approached yesterday by Lord Stormont?” He was referring to the British ambassador to France.

“No, sir, I am not,” said Vergennes, caution entering his voice. “Might I ask the reason for this approach?”

Franklin shrugged. “From what I understand, the British are now prepared to concede to us everything we sought before the revolution began: home rule; our own parliament making our own laws and taxes; our own prime minister. A separate country from England, in effect, bound together with her by a common heritage and love of liberty, not to mention mercantile and military interests. A very intriguing proposal, I must say. Totally unexpected.”

Vergennes shifted uneasily in his chair. “Why do you think the British are offering this?”

Franklin held up his hands exactly as Vergennes had done.

“The British want peace, it seems. More to the point, they no longer want war with America. We are speaking today of national interests, are we not? Apparently, Great Britain has come to a better realization of where her national interests might lie.”

“You would accept such an offer?” Vergennes demanded, aghast.

Franklin shrugged a second time.

“It is not for me to accept or decline any offer, sir. I am but a humble printer asked to speak on behalf of my country. Congress must decide. And Congress will act, I suspect, based on what it perceives our national interests to be. In the same way France must now act.”

Vergennes pursed his lips, his mind apparently absorbed in a chessboard on which the might of the British Empire was combined with the resources and latent power of the United States in a military and mercantile alliance that would checkmate Britain’s ancient enemy, France.

“Thank you for sharing this information with me, Doctor,” Vergennes said, unable to conceal an edge to his voice. “Be assured, I will use it to our mutual advantage. In the meantime, may I beg your indulgence in keeping this overture confidential?”

“I shall try, sir. But I cannot guarantee results. As I have said many times, three men may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”

As it turned out, the overture from Lord Stormont was real, and Franklin used it to his maximum advantage. Soon thereafter, France entered into a formal military alliance with the United States and the war was won. Had Franklin failed in his mission, many Americans today might still be speaking with a British accent.

Photo Credits: 

1. USPOD 13-cent American Bicentennial stamp issued in 1977 for the 200th anniversary of the surrender of General John Burgoyne (1723-1792) (British commander} to General Horatio Gates (1726–1806) (US commander) at Saratoga.

by Serjmooradian at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons.

2. Benjamin Franklin by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Charles Gravier Count of Vergennes and French Ambassador, in Turkish Attire; oil on canvas By Antoine de Favray (Pera Museum) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.