2. Benjamin Franklin Trg%0 
and enjoy, what posterity will say of Washington. 
For a thousand leagues have nearly the same effect 
with a thousand years. The feeble voice of those 
grovelling passions cannot extend so far either in 
time or distance. At present I enjoy that pleasure 
for you; as I frequently hear the old generals of this 
martial country, who study the maps of America, and 
mark upon them all your operations, speak with 
sincere approbation and great applause of your con- 
duct; and join in giving you the character of one 
of the greatest captains of the age. 
I must soon quit this scene, but you may live to 
see our country flourish, as it will amazingly and rap- 
idly after the war is over; like a field of young Indian 
corn, which long fair weather and sunshine had en- 
feebled and discolored, and which in that weak state, 
by a thunder-gust of violent wind, hail, and rain, 
seemed to be threatened with absolute destruction; 
yet the storm being past, it recovers fresh verdure, 
shoots up with double vigor, and delights the eye, not 
of its owner only, but of every observing traveller. 
The best wishes that can be formed for your 
health, honor, and happiness, ever attend you from 
yours, etc., B. FRANKLIN. 
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