Getting Hammered® America 250: Ben Franklin With a Report of the Committee of Secret Correspondence
Feb 11, 2026
A look at the Committee of Secret Correspondence and Ben Franklin's diplomatic work while Washington fought. A recounting of the failed 1775 Canada invasion and why it never rallied local support. An account of a Canadian envoy and a committee report on political obstacles, clerical influence, and logistical woes that doomed the campaign.
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Military Outcomes Hinged On Local Politics
- The Canada campaign's fate depended as much on politics as military success.
- Without local support and decisive leadership, military victories alone couldn't secure Canada.
Follow Victories With Political Outreach
- Send political leadership and effective persuasion after battlefield success to win hearts and minds.
- Use committees or envoys to seize opportunities and convert military gains into political support.
A Canadian Envoy Reports Local Sentiment
- A French Canadian, Proudhon Lajeunesse, traveled to Congress claiming to know public sentiment and offering help.
- He reported clergy and nobles persuading people away from the American cause and suggested sending Congress representatives to explain matters in person.