3214. FRANKLIN (William Temple), Estimate of.—
I have never been with Master
Franklin enough to unravel his character with
certainty. He seems to be good in the main.
I see sometimes an attempt to keep himself
unpenetrated, which perhaps is the effect of
the old lesson of his grandfather. His understanding
is good enough for common use,
but not great enough for uncommon ones. *
* * The Doctor is extremely wounded by
the inattention of Congress to his application
for him. He expects something to be done as
a reward for his service. He will present
* * * a determined silence on this subject
in future.—
To James Monroe.
Ford ed., iv, 65.
(P.
1785)
