vince, and in consequence again visited England. It was at the period when the stamp-act excited such commotions in America; and Dr. Franklin was called to the bar of the house of commons to give evidence respecting the disposition of the people to submit to it. The strength and clearness of his representations had a material effect in producing the repeal of that obnoxious measure. In 1766 and 1767 he paid visits to Holland, Germany, and France, and met with a distinguished reception.

The flame kindled in the colonies was only repressed, not extinguished, and contentions ran high between the partisans of the British government and the friends of the people. It was known that letters were written from the governor and others in Massachusetts-bay to the British ministers, containing the most unfavourable reports of the conduct and intentions of persons in that colony, and advising coercive measures. Dr. Franklin, as agent for the colony, thought it his duty to obtain these letters, and transmit them to the legislature there, by whom they were published. As they had been clandestinely obtained, mutual suspicions fell upon two gentlemen, of which a duel between them was the consequence. Dr. Franklin was not apprised of their purpose soon enough to prevent it; but he immediately afterwards published a letter in the newspapers, acquitting both those gentlemen of any share in the transaction, and taking the whole upon himself. This occasioned a violent clamour against him; and upon his attending before the privy council to present a petition from the colony for the dismission of their governors, a most virulent invective was pronounced against him by Mr. Wedderburne (since chancellor), filled with all the intemperate abuse which too much characterises the eloquence of the bar. He bore it in silence, but probably never forgot it; and though his love for his native land made him sincerely desirous of preventing the catastrophe which soon followed, yet he seems to have felt a gratification in every event tending to humble the pride of the mother-country. His resentment was doubtless aggravated by being deprived of his office of postmaster-general. Soon after the commencement of hostilities in 1775 he returned to America, and was elected by the legislature of Pennsylvania a delegate to Congress. On the arrival of lord Howe in America, in 1776, he entered upon a correspondence with him on the subject of reconciliation. One of his letters strongly expresses his opinion of the temper of the British nation, to which, and not to any particular designs of the court or

VOL. IV.

ministry, he imputed the fatal extremity then arrived. He was afterwards appointed with two others to wait upon the English commissioners, and learn the extent of their powers; and as these only went to the granting pardon upon submission, he joined his colleagues in considering them as insufficient. When the question of a declaration of independence was agitated, he was decidedly in its favour, and contributed much to bring over the public to the same sentiments. He afterwards sat as president of the convention assembled for the purpose of establishing a new government for the state of Pennsylvania. On this occasion his idea of the best form of a constitution seemed to be that of a single legislative and a plural executive. When it was thought advisable by the congress to open a negociation with France, Dr. Franklin was fixed upon as one of the residents at that court. The choice was judicious, both on account of his political abilities, and the high character he sustained as a philosopher, which secured him respect in a country where scientific reputation bears a peculiar value. He brought to effect the treaty of alliance offensive and defensive in 1778, which produced an immediate war between France and England. He was also highly serviceable to his country in keeping up its credit by his publications and personal influence. He was one of the commissioners who, on the part of the United States, signed the provisional articles of peace in 1782, and the definitive treaty in 1783. Before he left Europe, he concluded a treaty with Sweden, and with Prussia. In the latter are several most liberal and humane stipulations in favour of the freedom of commerce, and the se curity of private property during war, conformable to the principles he always maintained on those subjects. He obtained his recal from the busy station he had so well filled, in 1785, and returned to Philadelphia, where he was chosen president of the supreme executive council. In 1787 he sat as delegate from the state of Pennsylvania in the convention appointed to frame the federal constitution of the union. When the deliberations on this important affair were terminated, he delivered a truly wise and patriotic speech, recommending perfect unanimity in adopting the resolutions of the majority, though not entirely conformable to the opinions of individuals, as was the case with respect to himself. The high regard in which he was held by his fellow-citizens appeared in his being chosen president of various societies, among which were those for alleviating the miseries of public prisons, and for the abolition of slavery,

lie burthens. The principles of Franklin in favour of equality of rights led him to take the popular side of the question; and he obtained such an influence that he was regarded as the head of the party in opposition to the governors, who were always in the proprietary interest. This influence did not arise from his eloquence, for he spoke seldom, and never in the way of a harangue. But his shrewd pointed observations, and plain good sense, often disconcerted the most elaborate discourses on the other side, and decided the question.

Sensible of the great importance of liberal education in the members of a free state, he drew up a plan for an academy to be founded in Philadelphia, suited to the state of an infant country, yet providing for that future extension which might be necessary when the country itself should have attained that advancement, to which his prophetic eye was always turned in every thing relative to the American colonies. His plan was carried into effect in the beginning of 1750 by means of a subscription, to which the proprietors were afterwards liberal contributors. He himself took great interest in the rising institution, and vigilantly watched over its progress. He was also greatly instrumental towards the foundation of the Philadelphia hospital. The ability and punctuality he had displayed in his office of postmaster caused him, in 1753, to be raised to the important employ of deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies; and the revenue soon felt the benefit of his attentions. In 1754, when the depreda tions of the Indians upon the frontiers had excited such an alarm through the colonies, that commissioners from a number of them held a meeting at Albany for the purpose of a defensive union, Franklin attended with the plan of a general government in the colonies for this purpose, to be administered by a president nominated by the crown; and by a grand council chosen from the representatives of each colony, vested with extens ve powers. This plan was unanimously agreed to by the commissioners present, and copies of it were transmitted to each assembly, and to the privy council in England. It was however finally rejected, and that, upon singular grounds. The English ministry thought it gave too much power to the representatives of the people; while each assembly objected to it as augmenting the authority of the crown. These contradictory objections were, perhaps, good evidences of the wisdom and moderation of the plan. When the expedition of general Braddock in 1755 to dispossess the French of some of their encroach

ments, was in preparation, a difficulty arose from the want of waggons. Franklin stept forward to obviate it, and in a short time procured one hundred and fifty. The unfortunate issue of this expedition having caused their destruction, he was in danger of a ruinous loss on this account, but was relieved from his obligations by the interference of the governor. He was afterwards instrumental in forming a militia bill; and he was appointed colonel of the Philadelphia regiment of twelve hundred men, and took a share in providing for the defence of the north-western frontier. The militia was however soon disbanded by orders from England; and Franklin, in 1757, sailed for London, in the capacity of agent for Pennsyl vania, the assembly of which was involved in warm disputes with the proprietary. After several debates before the privy council, it was agreed that the proprietary lands should take their share in a tax for the public service, provided that Franklin would engage that the assessment should be fairly proportioned. The measure was accordingly carried into effect. He remained at the British court as agent for his province; and his reputation caused him also to be entrusted with the like commission from Massachussets, Maryland, and Georgia. The continual molestation received by the British colonies from the French in Canada induced him to write a forcible pamphlet, pointing out the advantages of a conquest of that province by the English. The subsequent expedition against it, and its retention under the British government at the peace, were probably much influenced by his reasonings. His philosophical merit was now duly recognised in Europe. He was received into the Royal Society of London, and into other scientific societies on the Continent; and the degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon him at St. Andrews, Edinburgh, and Oxford. Amidst his political avocations, he found time to cultivate experimental philo sophy, and to entertain correspondences with many persons of eminence.

In 1762 he returned to America, and was welcomed by the thanks of the assembly of Pennsylvania for his services, which also received a handsome pecuniary recompence. He resumed his seat in that body, to which he had been annually elected during his absence, and continued to distinguish himself as a friend to the cause of the people. The or he took against the proprietary interest loss of his election in 1764 were his friends in the ass immediately re-appointed

objects of benevolence in which he heartily concurred. His increasing infirmities caused him in 1788 to withdraw from all public business; and on April 17, 1790, he closed in serenity and resignation his active and useful life of eighty-four years and three months.

Dr. Franklin perhaps has scarcely been surpassed by any man in that solid practical wis dom, which consists in pursuing valuable ends by the most appropriate means. His cool temper and sound judgment secured him from false views and erroneous expectations; he saw things in their real light, and predicted consequences with almost prophetic accuracy. In all his speculations and pursuits, something beneficial was ever in contemplation. He justly says of himself "I have always set a greater value on the character of a doer of good than any other kind of reputation." Though by no means inattentive to his own interest, as his rise in the world to high stations and an opulent fortune sufficiently proves, he never ceased zeal ously to promote the good of the society of which he was a member, and of mankind in general. It was impossible that the scenes of violent party contest in which he was engaged should not have exposed him to censure and obloquy from antagonists; but his general character is sanctioned by the esteem and veneration of his country, which ranks him among its best and most valuable citizens. As a natural philosopher, his fame is principally founded upon his electrical discoveries. He has, however, displayed great ingenuity and sagacity upon other topics, particularly relative to meteorology and mechanics. It was his peculiar talent to draw useful lessons from the commonest occurrences, which would have passed unnoticed by the generality of observers. As a political writer he is characterised by force, clearness, and simplicity. Of his miscellaneous pieces many are marked with a cast of humour, which renders them equally entertaining and impressive. Besides his publications already adverted to, there was published a collection of his "Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces," 4to. and 8vo. 1779. Several of his philosophical papers are also contained in the American Philosophical Transactions; and his "Essays, humorous, moral, and literary," with his "Life," written by himself, have appeared since his death in two small volumes. A complete collection of his works, with biographical memoirs, has long been expected from the hand of a relation. Franklin's Life by himself, with Dr. Stuber's Supplement. Priestley's Hist. of Electricity. Monthly Review, &c.-A. FRANTZIUS, WOLFGANG, a learned Ger

man lutheran divine, was born at Plawen, a town of the circle of Voightland, in Saxony, in the year 1564. He received the earlier part of his education at Frankfort on the Oder, whence he went to the university of Wittemberg. In the year 1598 he was appointed professor of history in that university, and was admitted to the degree of doctor of divinity. Three years afterwards he was appointed superintendant of the ecclesiastical district of Kemsperg, which station he filled until the year 1605, when he was appointed theological professor at Wittemberg. He died of a stroke of apoplexy in 1628, when he was about sixty-four years of age. Besides several smaller controversial pieces, orations, &c. he was the author of "Historia Animalium Sacra," 1671, 12mo. which was afterwards continued by John Cyprianus, a Polish divine; " Schola Sacrificioruni Patriarchalium Sacra, hoc est Assertio Satisfactionis a Domine nostro, J. C. pro Peccatis, &c." 4to.; "Tractatus Theologicus de Interpretatione Sacrarum Scripturarum maxime legitima, duabus constans Regulis, a Luthero ad Papatus Destructionem in Versione Bibliorum Germanica usitatis, &c." 4to.; "Disputationes quindecim per integrum Deuteronomium, quæ vicem Commentarii sup plere possunt," 4to.; "Schola Sacrificialis, seu Prælectiones in Leviticum," 4to.; "Commen tarius in Leviticum, in quo Leges Mosaicæ ceremoniales & rituales solidè explicantur," 4to.; "Augustanæ Confessionis Articuli priores decem, Disputationibus XII breviter explicati," &c. Moreri. Nouv. Dict. Hist.-M.

FRASSEN, CLAUDE, a learned French monk of the franciscan order, was born in the vicinity of Peronne in Picardy, in the year 1620. When he was sixteen years of age he entered into a convent belonging to the order in his native town, and after his profession, was sent to pursue his studies at the great francis can convent at Paris. He took his degrees re: gularly at the Sorbonne, and was admitted to that of, doctor in divinity in the year 1662. From that time, excepting when employed ou the business of his fraternity, he confined himself closely to his convent, of which he was frequently chosen superior. While he was a bachelor he had taught a course of philosophy; and after taking his degree of doctor, he filled the office of theological professor for about thirty years. In the year 1682, when fatherguardian, he assisted at a general chapter of his order, which was held at Toledo in Spain, and, on account of his abilities and prudence, was elected definiter-general of the whole order; in which capacity he assisted at a general chapter held six years afterwards at Rome, So highly

was he respected for his wisdom and integrity, that he was often consulted by Lewis XIV. the parliament of Paris, the higher orders of the clergy, &c. on business of peculiar importance and delicacy. He died in 1711, in the ninetyfirst year of his age. He was the author of "A System of Philosophy," of which the first edition appeared in one volume 4to. and subsequent ones in two volumes 4to. He was also the author of "Scotus Academicus, seu Doctoris subtilis Theologica Dogmata," in four volumes folio, 1672; "Disquisitiones Biblicæ," in two volumes 4to. 1682, afterwards reprinted with consider able enlargements at Lucca, in two volumes folio, 1764; and several devotional pieces which have undergone numerous impressions. Moreri. Nouv. Dict. Hist. Dict. Bibl. Hist. & Crit.-M. FREDEGAIRE, named THE SCHOLASTIC, the most ancient of the French historians after Gregory of Tours, is supposed to have been a Burgundian by birth, and to have lived at least as low down as 658. Nothing is known of his history or profession. He composed a Chronicle in five books, the first four of which contain a chronological history from the creation to the death of king Chilperic I.; the fifth brings down the history to the fourth year of Clovis II. A.D. 641. It has been continued by different authors to 768. It is written in a barbarous style, defective in construction and arrangement, and passes too rapidly over important events, yet it is indispensable as authority for the history of three of the early kings. This chronicle is printed in the Collections of Ancient Historians by Du Chesne and Bouquet. Moreri. Nouv. Dict. Hist.—A.

FREDEGONDE, a woman famous in early French history for her political talents and her crimes, was descended from an obscure family in Picardy. She entered into the service of Audouaire, first wife of Chilperic I. king of France, and artfully procured her divorce. Chilperic then married Ġalsuintha, daughter of the Visigoth king of Spain, who was soon after found dead in her bed. He then, about 568, raised Fredegonde to the throne. Brunehaut, sister to Galsuintha, not doubting that she had been murdered to make way for this mistress, excited Sigebert and Gontran, Chilperic's brothers, to revenge her death. A civil war ensued, in which Fredegonde caused Sigebert to be as sassinated, in the midst of his army. She afterwards brought to a like end Merovée, the son of Chilperic by his first wife, who had married Brunehaut. Pretextat bishop of Rouen was her next victim, whom she caused to be stabbed at the altar. Resolved to make the way clear

for her own children, she then procured the death of Clovis, younger brother of Merovée, which was followed by that of their mother Audouaire. The loss of three of her own children by an epidemic distemper affected her cruel heart with some remorse, and she persuaded her husband to repeal some oppressive impositions upon his subjects. In 584 Chilperic was assassinated; and though it was never ascertained whence the blow proceeded, the suspicion fell upon Fredegonde, whose criminal passion for a lord named Landri, the king is said to have detected. The consequent loss of a crown, however, renders this imputed murder less credible. Fredegonde then, with her only remaining son, Clotaire II. then an infant, took refuge at the court of Gontran king of Burgundy, whom she found means to interest in her favour. After the death of this protector, Childebert attempted to possess himself of the estates of young Clotaire. Fredegonde raised troops, put herself at their head, gained a victory, took Paris and several other towns, triumphed over her detested rival Brunehaut, and died in 597, at the age of fifty or fifty-five, leaving the affairs of her son in a good condition. Her memory has met with defenders, as has that of Brunehaut; but upon the whole is cannot be doubted that they were two female furies, stained with all the vice and barbarity of the age in which they lived, but possessed of great vigour and resolution. Moreri. Millot, Elemens.--A.

FREDERICI., surnamed BARBAROSSA, emperor of Germany, born in 1121, was the son of Frederic duke of Suabia, by Judith, daughter of Henry duke of Bavaria. He succeeded his uncle Conrad III. on the Imperial throne in 1152. His enterprising and martial disposition led him to assert all the prerogatives claimed by the German empire, and few sovereigns have passed a life of more incessant activity. In his second year he settled a dispute between two rivals in the crown of Denmark, and obliged Sueno, the successful one, to do him homage for his kingdom. Soon after, he heard the complaints of the distant Apulians against the king of Sicily, and declared his resolution of marching into Italy to redress the wrongs of his vassals. To manifest his independence on the pope, with whom, like his predecessors, he soon began to have disputes, he repudiated, by his own authority, his wife Adelaide, on account of consanguinity. The troubles of Italy called him into that country in 1155. He held an assembly in the plain of Roncaglia, in which he received the submission of most of the Italian great lords and cities. He was crowned king