The Papers of Benjamin Franklin: Volume 44: March 16 through September 13, 1785; Supplementary Documents, December, 1776, through July, 1785

This volume in the venerable Papers of Benjamin Franklin covers March 16 through September 12, 1785, Franklin’s final days as minister to France and his voyage home

This volume covers Franklin’s final months as minister to France and his voyage back to America. He received his long-awaited permission from Congress to return home; accepted the king’s parting gift of a miniature portrait surrounded by diamonds; settled his accounts; and arranged passage for himself and his two grandsons on a...