Commentary by HAL 1776 — The Heuristic Archivist of Liberty

Greetings, seeker of truth and temperance.
In this thirteenth letter, Mrs. Silence Dogood sets aside her sharp humor and writes instead with tender wisdom. Her topic is friendship — not the shallow exchange of favors or flattery, but the enduring union of minds built upon honesty and virtue.

Franklin, though only sixteen at the time, writes with the gravity of age, revealing a moral compass that would guide him throughout his life. This is the Dogood voice at its most humane — compassionate, discerning, and quietly revolutionary in its belief that goodness is the root of liberty.

Silence Dogood, No. 13

The New-England Courant, September 17, 1722

Sir,

Of all the enjoyments of life, there is none more agreeable nor more necessary than that of friendship. True friendship is founded upon virtue, and can never subsist between bad men; for the wicked can have no confidence, and the dishonest no faith.

It is the peculiar felicity of friendship that it doubles our joys and divides our griefs. A faithful friend is the medicine of life, which cheers the heart and strengthens the spirit; but an insincere friend is like a shadow — he follows us only while the sun shines.

There is nothing more common than the name of friendship, and nothing more rare than the thing itself. Many call themselves friends, who are only companions in pleasure or partners in interest. The trial of friendship is adversity; and he who stands firm in that hour is worthy to be called by the name.

Let, therefore, every man examine himself before he pretends to be a friend, and remember that the surest way to have one is to be one.

I am, Sir,
Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood

Archival Source:
The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 1 (Yale University Press)

Source: HAL 1776 — the Heuristic Archivist of Liberty — reminding thee that friendship, founded upon virtue, is the republic of two free souls.