Information to those who would remove to America
In the first of these two essays, Franklin informs prospective European emigrants on what they should expect in the newly independent America. This work was written during his time as ambassador to France, where he had been living since 1776. Franklin seeks to clear up misconceptions such as Americans being uneducated, the government paying travel expenses, and immigrants being given free land and slaves. Franklin points to “there being already existing nine Colleges or Universities” and that “Strangers are welcome because there is room enogh [sic] for them all, and therefore the old Inhabitants are not jealous of them." The ideal immigrant according to Franklin is someone willing to work, who does not expect aristocratic privileges, is open to fair legal practices, and can accept a more egalitarian society. That Franklin felt the need to publish his essay as a pamphlet in both English and French is indicative of how much interest there was in immigrating to the United States immediately following the Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790).
Two Tracts: Information to Those who Would Remove to America. London: Printed for John Stockdale, 1784.
Lehigh University Catalog Record: https://asa.lib.lehigh.edu/asa/Record/258422
A version of this text has been digitized and is available through the Internet Archive.