In 1776 Congress sent me on my most important diplomatic mission. I was asked to persuade France to help America in its fight for independence. Before I left, I lent Congress about 4,000 pounds of my own money to help carry on the war. I reached Paris just before Christmas. "The Dr. Franklin," as I was called in Paris, was very popular. My simple dignity appealed to everyone. People even paid for seats in windows to watch me ride past in my coach. I enjoyed the parties given in my honor and made many close friends among the French people. I also worked very hard. First I had to secure formal recognition for my country. Then I had to persuade the French that an alliance would be helpful to them. I was successful, and the Treaty of Paris was signed Feb. …show more content…
In 1781 I was named one of the commissioners to negotiate peace with Great Britain. When the Revolution was won, I was one of the signers of the peace treaty. I kept up my scientific interests. I was fascinated to see the first free balloon flight of humans, which took place in November 1783. When someone who was also watching the event questioned the usefulness of this new invention, I replied with a question, "Of what use is a newborn baby?" I was by this time an old man, and I was ill. I wrote in a letter that I wondered if I would live to get home. I left for America in 1785 with tender farewell messages from my French friends, many of whom begged him to stay. I received a gift from the king and warm praise from French leaders. On the voyage home I, still fascinated with scientific experiments, measured ocean currents and water temperature. I believed that my public life was over and that I would finally be able to give all my time to science. When I arrived in Philadelphia on Sept. 14, 1785, I discovered that a great welcome awaited him. Cannons were fired and bells were rung. For an entire week the welcoming ceremonies went on as the city celebrated my