Explore the Writings of a Founding Father

On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most remarkable founding fathers, was born. Franklin left behind a vast collection of writings that offer a fascinating glimpse into his life and times.

The Franklin Papers, housed at Yale University, include over 4,500 documents, letters, and notes that Franklin wrote or received. These papers cover a wide range of topics, from his scientific experiments to his political activities.

The Franklin Papers were founded in 1954 by Yale University, and the school has kept the 47 volumes since. In 2006, the papers were put online for anybody to browse.

What’s Included in the Franklin Papers?

The Franklin Papers include a wide variety of documents, including:

• Letters to and from Franklin’s friends, family, and colleagues
• Scientific notebooks
• Political speeches and writings
• Financial records
• Personal diaries

The collection also includes a number of items that Franklin never sent, such as angry letters and drafts of unfinished works.

How to Search the Franklin Papers

The Franklin Papers can be searched by year, by recipient, or by keyword. You can also browse the collection by topic, such as science, politics, or religion.

Highlights of the Franklin Papers

The Franklin Papers are a treasure trove of information about Benjamin Franklin and his時代. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• An elegy to Franklin’s sister, written in 1722
• Angry letters that Franklin never sent
• A cute little P.S. in a 1767 letter to Mary Stevenson
• Franklin’s first letter to George Washington
• A detailed account of Franklin’s experiments with electricity

How to Explore the Franklin Papers

The Franklin Papers can be explored online at the U.S. Founders Archive website. The website provides a variety of tools to help you search and browse the collection.

You can also visit the Franklin Papers at Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The library offers guided tours of the collection and access to original documents.

Tracing Correspondence Between Franklin and Others

The Franklin Papers are a great resource for tracing correspondence between Franklin and other historical figures. For example, you can find letters between Franklin and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.

To trace correspondence between Franklin and another person, simply search the Franklin Papers by the person’s name. You can also use the website’s advanced search features to narrow your search by date or topic.

Conclusion

The Franklin Papers are a valuable resource for anyone interested in American history. The collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of America’s most remarkable founding fathers.

Discovery of Graves

Archaeologists have uncovered the likely graves of at least 25 enslaved people on the Dover, Delaware, plantation of John Dickinson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The discovery was made after a two-year search of 450 acres of the property.

Researchers believe the burial ground dates back to as early as 1720 and measures approximately 170 feet by 160 feet. The absence of gravestones and other markers made locating the site a challenge, but maps of the property from the 1930s and 1940s helped the team narrow its search.

John Dickinson and Enslavement

John Dickinson, known as the “penman of the Revolution,” was a wealthy American statesman who played a significant role in the fight for independence from British rule. However, like many of his contemporaries, Dickinson also enslaved people.

At his 5,000-acre plantation, Dickinson may have enslaved as many as 59 individuals at one time. The enslaved people primarily farmed tobacco, a lucrative crop at the time.

Historical Significance

The discovery of the burial ground is a reminder of the often-overlooked experiences of enslaved people during the founding era of the United States. It also highlights the importance of preserving and honoring the memory of those who were forced to endure the horrors of slavery.

The National Park Service (NPS) has stated that the site will be treated with the “honor and respect it deserves.” Plans are underway to protect the site and engage with the community about how to proceed with further research and interpretation.

Community Involvement

Researchers are working with community members to attempt to identify the names and biographies of the individuals buried on the land. Those who may have relevant information are encouraged to contact the team.

The team hopes to uncover the stories of not only the enslaved individuals but also the other people who lived and worked on the plantation, including indentured servants, tenant farmers, tradesmen, craftsmen, and free Black people.

Further Research

Archaeological investigations into the burial site are ongoing. Researchers hope to learn more about the lives of the enslaved people and the conditions under which they lived and died.

The team also plans to conduct further research with community members to uncover the broader history of the plantation and its inhabitants.

Preserving the Past

The discovery of the burial ground on John Dickinson’s plantation is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the complex history of slavery in the United States. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the memory of those who were enslaved and of continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.

Genealogy as a Window into Power

In the founding years of the United States, genealogy was not merely a hobby but a matter of grave importance. For George Washington and countless others, understanding their family connections held the key to inheritance, social status, and even freedom.

Washington’s Family Tree: A Blueprint for Inheritance

Washington’s meticulously drafted family tree, dating back to the mid-17th century, served as a legal document that traced his lineage through male ancestors. This male-centric approach reflected the patriarchal laws of inheritance, which dictated that property flowed from men to men.

Tithable Lists: Counting the Enslaved

Washington’s “List of Tithables” highlights the legal importance of genealogy in the context of slavery. This list recorded the names of enslaved men and women who were subject to inheritance tax. By tracing the family relationships of these individuals, Washington reinforced the legal doctrine that a child’s status followed their mother’s, resulting in the enslavement of generations.

Mount Vernon: An Inheritance Rooted in Genealogy

The iconic Mount Vernon estate came into George Washington’s possession through a complex series of family connections. The property passed through various family members, including Lawrence Washington, whose childless death ultimately left it to Washington. This legacy illustrates how genealogy played a crucial role in determining land ownership in colonial America.

Women and Inheritance: The Limitations of Law

Despite the significance of genealogy, women faced significant barriers in inheriting property. Washington’s will, which famously expressed his desire to emancipate enslaved people, was limited by the laws of the time. Martha Washington held enslaved people in trust for her children, reflecting the constraints faced by women in owning property.

New Insights into Family and Power

The study of George Washington’s genealogy has expanded our understanding of family in the past. It demonstrates that family connections were not merely emotional bonds but also sources of power, privilege, and even violence.

Conclusion

George Washington’s genealogical endeavors offer a rare glimpse into the legal and social significance of family in the founding years of the United States. Through the examination of documents such as his family tree and tithable lists, historians have uncovered new layers of complexity in Washington’s life and the world he inhabited. Genealogy continues to be a potent source of information, providing valuable insights into the power dynamics of the past and their implications for the present.