...so totally different that it is impossible for any Minister to please both . . . But . . . I cannot imagine that he mistakes the sentiments of a few for a general opinion . . .IJ"John Adams will write: Dr. franklin's "reluctance" upon this occasion, I believe, was not implicitly...

...what he thinks will best please the people of America: but when I consider the expressions of Congress in many of their public acts, and particularly in...procure what advantages I can for our country, by endeavoring to please this court; and I wish I could prevent anything being said by any of our countrymen...

...left him vulnerable to being considered too French. Yet, in 1780, Franklin was in a position to add, "I cannot but imagine that he mistakes the Sentiments of a few for a general Opinion." Franklin then alluded to a recent letter in which the Congress had expressed its gratitude for the...

...representatives of great powers, who assuredly will not yield either to the tone or to the logic of Mr. Adams." stay here, to procure what advantages I can for our country, by endeavoring to please this court." That statement stood too as an effective means of heading off the...

...May last [specifically expressing "the grateful Sense Congress entertain" of the king's assistance], I cannot but imagine that he mistakes the Sentiments...endeavouring to please this Court; and I wish I could prevent anything being said by any of our Countrymen here that may have a contrary Effect, and increase an...

...Ground, and. that this Court is to be treated with Decency and Delicacy." 8 He added a classic comment : "It is my Intention, while I stay here, to procure what Advantages I can for our Country, by endeavoring to please this Court ; and I wish I could prevent anything being said by any of our Countrymen...