1K

Any thoughts on the disagreement between Franklin and Bishop Prescott? Why would Franklin’s father be a traitor?

Franklin's father was Ben Franklin and, to a loyalist, would have been considered a traitor to the crown when the colonies declared their independence from England. However, I'm surprised that the Bishop would condemn William Franklin on the basis of what his father did, especially when William had been disinherited due to his support of the crown. The Bishop seems to have some stances that don't fit with his role as a clergyman.

At that time all the colonist were considered traitors. It was wrong of the Bishop to hold William Franklin responsible for his father's actions but he was considered guilty by association. Seems a great many clergy have opinions that don't exactly seem very "holy".

Ben Franklin was a traitor to the British crown. He was in favor of breaking away from the crown.

Agree with everyone. Prescott was unfairly judging William by what his father did. Unfortunate but pretty common.

I don't know why the bishop would hold a grudge against the son.

I don't understand why the bishop would hold "the sins of the father" against the son. He was a little to sanctimonious in my opinion.