as I think, Benjamin Franklin had the largest mind
that has shone on this side of the sea, widest in
its comprehension, most deep-looking, thoughtful,
far-seeing, the most original and creative child
of the New World.

For the last four generations no man has shed such
copious good influence on America, nor added so
much new truth to popular knowledge; none has so
skillfully organized its ideals into institutions;
none has so powerfully and wisely directed the
nation's conduct and advanced its welfare in so
many respects. No man has so strong a hold on the
habits or the manners of the people.

"The principal question in life is, What good can I do in the world?"
says Franklin. He learned to ask this question in his home in "beloved
Boston." It was his purpose to answer this all-important question after
the lessons that he had received in his early home, to which his heart
remained true through all his marvelous career.

This is the seventh volume of the Creators of Liberty Series of books of
historical fiction, based for the most part on real events, in the
purpose of presenting biography in picture.

The former volumes of this series of books have been very kindly
received by the public, and none of them more generously than the last
volume, The Wampum Belt. For this the writer is very grateful, for he is
a thorough believer in story-telling education, on the Pestalozzi and
Froebel principle that "life must be taught from life," or from the
highest ideals of beneficent character.

H. B.

28 WORCESTER STREET, BOSTON, MASS., _June, 1897_.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE

I.--THE FIRST DAY 1
II.--UNCLE BENJAMIN, THE POET 10
III.--BENJAMIN AND BENJAMIN 18
IV.--FRANKLIN'S STORY OF A HOLIDAY IN CHILDHOOD 24
V.--THE BOY FRANKLIN'S KITE 28
VI.--LITTLE BEN'S GUINEA PIG 34
VII.--UNCLE TOM, WHO ROSE IN THE WORLD 39
VIII.--LITTLE BEN SHOWS HIS HANDWRITING TO THE FAMILY 46
IX.--UNCLE BENJAMIN'S SECRET 50
X.--THE STONE WHARF, AND LADY WIGGLEWO