America breaks free: "this nation," declared Benjamin Franklin, "was established in spite of [any number of] obstacles, with an expedition, energy, wisdom, and success which the whole history of human affairs has not, hitherto, given an example."

the rattles and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the colonies united in America; this is the only part of the snake that increases in numbers.

'Tis amazing to observe how distinct and independent the rattles are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living. The rattlesnake is solitary except when association is necessary for preservation. In winter, the warmth of a number together will preserve their lives, while singly they would probably perish.

This bustle is unsuitable to age. Under the fatigue of so much business I had scarcely time to eat or sleep. I was 10 or 12 hours of the day employ'd in business or consultation, sitting in a closed room, and had no leisure for exercise. Such bustle was unsuitable to my age. That winter I promised myself some relaxation with my family. I wrote Rev. Shipley how happy I was in the sweet retirement of Twyford, where my only business was a little scribbling in the garden study, writing my memoirs, and my pleasure of conversation with the Reverend and his amiable family!

I was for the most prudent parsimony. In October 1775, I travelled with two other delegates of the Congress to Cambridge to confer with General Washington on sundry matters. The General requested that money be constantly and regularly sent. It was very difficult to keep soldiers under proper discipline without paying them regularly. I was for the most prudent parsimony of the public treasury, but I was not terrified by the expense of this war. A little more frugality, or a little more industry would defray it. If 500,000 families would each spend a shilling a week less, or earn a shilling a week more, they would pay the whole sum without otherwise feeling it. For-beating to drink tea would save three fourths of the money.

Common Sense, a masterly and irresistible case for independence. In early 1776, I received a now famous pamphlet by Thomas Paine called Common Sense, which made a masterly and irresistible case for independence. The ancient Roman and Greek orators could only speak to the number of citizens capable of being assembled within the reach of their voice: their writings had little effect because the bulk of the people could not read. Now, by the press, we can speak to nations: and good books and well written pamphlets have great and general influence. The facility with which the same truths may be repeatedly enforced by placing them daily in newspapers gives a greater chance of establishing them. We found that it was not only right to strike while the iron was hot, but that it was very practicable to heat it by continually striking. I always valu'd Mr. Paine's friendship and valued myself on being the introducer into America of so useful and valuable a citizen.

From the Pennsylvania Assembly to Congress. Aged as I was, I felt myself unequal to so much business, and thought it my duty to decline part of it. I therefore requested that the Pennsylvania Assembly dispense my further attendance as one of the Committee of Safety, tho' remaining a delegate to Congress. In Congress, I was made a member of the Committee of Secret Correspondence. We immediately appointed Mr. Silas Deane to go to France to transact business, commercial and political, on behalf of the thirteen united colonies, and to meet with individuals friendly to our cause. Mr. Deane would appear in the character of a merchant and make immediate application to Monsieur de Vergennes, Minister des Affairs Etrangeres, and then acquaint him that the Congress, finding that it was not practicable for the continent of America to furnish the arms and ammunition necessary for its defense, had dispatched Mr. Deane to apply to France for a supply.