As I have given many presentations over the years, people attending my talks are often prone to asking me which of the Founding Fathers is my favorite. I sometimes say: “When I’m speaking about George Washington, he’s my favorite. When talking about Patrick Henry, he’s my favorite.” And so on.

But this much I can tell you, it’s clear to me who the favorite Founding Father is in the hearts of my listeners. It’s obviously Benjamin Franklin. My lectures about Ben are the most popular, bring the highest attendance, and produce the most questions and comments. And I do love Benjamin Franklin.

I thought you might be interested in some things he had to say about others of his acquaintance. So here are some words from Ben:

About John Adams Ben observed: “Always an honest man, often a great man, but sometimes out of his senses.”

Benedict Arnold: “He lives covered with his infamy and despised even by those who expected to be served by his treachery.”

King George III: “Hatred of this country is the constant object of his mind.”

John Paul Jones: “If you should observe on occasion to give your officers and friends a little more praise than is their due, and confess more faults that you can be justly charged with, you will become a great captain.”

And George Washington: “General Washington is the man that our eyes are fixed on for President and what little influence I have is devoted to him.”
And this: “My fine crag-tree walking-stick with a gold hear curiously wrought in the form of the cap of liberty I give to my friend and the friend of mankind, George Washington . . . . If it were a scepter, he has merited it and would become it.” (Franklin’s will bequeathed General Washington his cane!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE WASHINGTON!