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Franklin goes to London on official business; turns his back on
Britain and sets sail for America; and helps draft the Declaration
of Independence
Benjamin Franklin is outgrowing the colonies; when Pennsylvania
asks him to go to England on official business, he jumps at the
chance. Accompanied by his beloved son, William, Franklin takes up
residence in London and a new persona emerges. He indulges himself
with the finest clothes, lavish food, abundant wine and all the
other trappings of a gentleman. He also meets intellectual peers
among Europe's leading figures in science, philosophy and letters.
Franklin's devoted wife, Deborah, who has become accustomed to his
long absences, maintains his business and his position in
Philadelphia. All of that is threatened as Franklin finds himself
in the middle of a growing series of disputes between England and
her American colonies. A fervent champion of the British Empire,
Franklin struggles as a conciliator, but the English blame him for
inciting rebellion in America and he is called to account before
His Majesty's Privy Council. It is a turning point. Franklin turns
his back on Britain and sets sail for America, arriving just after
the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Working with John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson, he helps to draft the Declaration of
Independence. William, who serves as governor of New Jersey,
remains loyal to the Crown. It is a betrayal that Franklin never
forgives.