Part 42 (1/2)

On landing on the sh.o.r.es of the Carolinas, he and Baron de Kalb knelt down on the sand, at night under the stars, and in the name of G.o.d dedicated their swords to liberty.

The departure of these two officers for America filled all France with delight. Lafayette had seen that it would be so; that his going would awaken an enthusiasm in the circles of the court and among the people favorable to America; that it would aid the American envoys in their mission. It was the mountain grenadiers that made the final charges at the siege of Yorktown under the inspiring motto of _Auvergne sans tache_ (Auvergne without a stain).

Franklin now dwelt at beautiful Pa.s.sy on the hill, and his residence there was more like a princely court than the house of an amba.s.sador. He gave his heart and life and influence to seeking an alliance between France and the States. The court was favorable to the alliance, but the times and the const.i.tution of the kingdom made the king slow, cautious, and diplomatic.

The American cause wavered. The triumphs of Lord Howe filled England with rejoicing and Pa.s.sy with alarm.

In the midst of the depression at Pa.s.sy there came a messenger from Ma.s.sachusetts who brought to Franklin the news of Burgoyne's surrender.

When Dr. Franklin was told that this messenger was in the courtyard of Pa.s.sy, he rushed out to meet him.

”Sir, is Philadelphia taken?”

”Yes, sir.”

Franklin clasped his hands.

”But, sir, I have other news. Burgoyne and his army are prisoners of war!”

Great was the rejoicing at Pa.s.sy and in Paris. The way to an alliance appeared now to open to the envoys.

”O Mr. Austin,” Dr. Franklin used to say to the young messenger from Ma.s.sachusetts, ”you brought us glorious news!”

The tidings was followed by other news in Pa.s.sy. December 17, 1777, was a great and joyful day there. A minister came to the envoys there to announce that the French Government was ready to conclude an agreement with the United States, and to make a formal treaty of alliance to help them in the cause of independence.

The cause was won, but the treaty was yet delayed. There were articles in it that led to long debates.

But in these promising days Franklin was a happy man. He dressed simply, and he lived humbly for an envoy, though his living cost him some thirteen thousand dollars a year. He did not conform to French fas.h.i.+ons, nor did the French expect them from a philosopher. He did not even wear a wig, which most men wore upon state occasions. Instead of a wig he wore a fur cap, and one of his portraits so represents him.

While the negotiations were going on, a large cake was sent one day to the apartment where the envoys were a.s.sembled. It bore the inscription _Le digne Franklin_ (the worthy Franklin). On reading the inscription, Mr. Silas Deane, one of the amba.s.sadors, said, ”As usual, Franklin, we have to thank you for our share in gifts like these.”

”Not at all,” said Franklin. ”This cake is designed for all three of us.

Don't you see?--Le (Lee) Digne (Deane) Franklin.”

He could afford to be generous and in good humor.

February 6, 1778, was one of the most glorious of all in Franklin's life. That day the treaties were completed and put upon the tables to sign. The boy of the old Boston writing school did honor to his schoolmaster again. He put his name now after the conditions of the alliance between France and the United States of America.

The treaty was celebrated in great pomp at the court.

The event was to be publicly announced on March 20, 1778. On that day the envoys were to be presented to the king amid feasts and rejoicings.

Would Franklin wear a wig on that great occasion? His locks were gray and thin, for he was seventy-two years old, and his fur cap would not be becoming amid the splendors of Versailles.

He ordered one. The hairdresser came with it. He could not fit it upon the philosopher's great head.

”It is too small,” said Franklin. ”Monsieur, it is impossible.”

”No, monsieur,” said the perruquier, ”it is not that the wig is too small; it is that your head is too large!”

What did Franklin need of a wig? He dressed for the occasion in a plain suit of black velvet, with snowy ruffles and silver buckles. When the chamberlain saw him coming, he hesitated to admit him. Admit a man to the royal presence in his own head alone? But he allowed the philosopher to go on in his velvet, ruffles, and silver buckles, and his independent appearance filled the court with delight.

There was another paper that he must now have begun to see in his clear visions. The treaty of alliance would lead to the triumph of the American cause. That end must be followed by a treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States. Would he sign that treaty some day and again honor the old Boston schoolmaster? We shall see.