Thus much we
may conceive. But still we have not grasped the man; we have caught no
glimpse of his interior; we have not detected his personality. It is
the same with all the recorded traits of his daily life. The collection
of them, by different observers, seems sufficiently abundant, and
strictly harmonizes with itself, yet never brings us into intimate
relationship with the hero, nor makes us feel the warmth and the human
throb of his heart. What can be the reason? Is it, that his great
nature was adapted to stand in relation to his country, as man stands
towards man, but could not individualize itself in brotherhood to an
individual?
There are two from Franklin, the earliest dated, "London, August 8,
1767," and addressed to "Mrs. Franklin, at Philadelphia." He was then
in England, as agent for the colonies in their resistance to the
oppressive policy of Mr. Grenville's administration. The letter,
however, makes no reference to political or other business. It contains
only ten or twelve lines, beginning, "My dear child," and conveying an
impression of long and venerable matrimony which has lost all its
romance, but retained a familiar and quiet tenderness. He speaks of
making a little excursion into the country for his health; mentions a
larger letter, despatched by another vessel; alludes with homely
affability to "Mrs.
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