Benjamin Franklin’s Revolutionary War diplomatic successes have been well chronicled. He was instrumental in persuading King Louis XVI to enter into a military alliance with the fledgling United States and for negotiating the Treaty of Paris with the British ending the Revolutionary War. Less remembered is Franklin’s first diplomatic mission after the onset of hostilities.
Capitalizing on the capture of Ft. Ticonderoga, the Patriots invaded Canada to drive out the British and unite the 13 colonies with Canada. Initially the invasion was slow moving, but successful. The Canadian cities of St. Johns, Chambly and Montreal fell to Patriot attackers and the Continental Army swept to the gates of Quebec, the strategic key to remaining Canadian positions held by the British. However, a December 31, 1775 assault failed and an enfeebled Patriot army camped outside the city walls.
With the Continental Army deteriorating from disease and a lack of provisions and anticipated British reinforcements, something had to be done to sustain the Patriot conquest of Canada. General Philip Schuyler, commander of the Northern Department, reiterated a previous request that the Continental Congress send a delegation to win over the Canadians. Congress thought that Canada should send a delegation to Philadelphia similar to the other colonies.[1] Given the now dire situation, Congress reconsidered and authorized a diplomatic commission to travel to Montreal to persuade the Canadians to join the 13 colonies in rebellion against British rule.
