REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana - Ben Franklin: Secret Spy

Episode Date: February 18, 2025

Benjamin Franklin is known for his role as a Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat. But he had another role: spymaster. As the American colonies fought for independence against the British, Franklin traveled to Paris to help win French support. But as it turned out, he was entering a world of deception and intrigue. British spies lurked everywhere. And one of them had the power to sabotage the revolution before it had even begun.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Redacted: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/redacted/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to redacted, declassified mysteries early and ad-free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts. It was a chilly February night in Paris in 1778. Most people were staying indoors, swaddled in blankets or huddled by a fire. But one man ventured out of the estate where he was staying, his breath visible as he made his way toward a waiting carriage. His name was Edward Bancroft and he wore a cloak with a high collar, both to fend off the cold and

hide his face. Bancroft had an important mission tonight and he did not want to be recognized. As he closed the carriage door, he reached into his coat pocket to make sure he had a very important envelope. Then Bancroft told the driver to hurry. He had to get to the Tuileries Gardens near the Louvre Palace before 9pm. When he arrived, Van Croft strode across the garden's south terrace. He looked over his shoulder as he walked to a familiar tree. He crouched down to peer into a half-hidden hole at its roots. He stuck his hand into the dirt and wrapped his fingers around a piece of string that was tied to a large glass bottle. He pulled it out into the dirt and wrapped his fingers around a piece of string that

was tied to a large glass bottle. He pulled it out of the hole, then took the envelope from his pocket and rolled it tight. Then he slid it inside the bottle. This was now the most valuable bottle in the world because it contained highly classified information that could decide the fate of the colonies in America. The Americans were locked in a war with the British for independence, and France was seriously considering an alliance with the colonies.

It was an alliance that had been carefully orchestrated by Bancroft's employer, Benjamin Franklin, the famed American writer, inventor, politician, and spy. Franklin had been in Paris for a year, working to secure financial and military support from France that could help America beat Britain, the world's most powerful nation, and Edward Bancroft was one of Franklin's most trusted employees. But tonight, he was betraying his boss. Bancroft's message in a bottle would soon be picked up

and taken right to his real employers, the British Secret Service. Bancroft was a mole, right in the heart of Franklin's operation. And with the help of this double agent, Britain would embark on a top secret mission to destroy America's shot at independence. Hello, Matt and Alice here and we're the hosts of Wondery's podcast, British Scandal.

We are and our latest series covers one of the century's most controversial and complicated figures, Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who risks it all in the pursuit of freedom of information and ended up locked up in London. You might listen to this series and pump the air in support of the little guys exposing the corrupt secrets of governments and militaries around the world. Or you might be filled with fury at the brazen disregard for who gets hurt in that quest. Or you might just get creeped out. While wars in Iraq and Afghanistan raged, Assange was singularly focused on undermining America's narrative of the conflicts by making the truth known. But did his difficult personality and extremely questionable conduct compromise his

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Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. From Ballant Studios and Wondery, I'm Luke Lamanna, and this is Redacted – Declassified Mysteries, where each week we shine a light on the shadowy corners of espionage, covert operations and misinformation to reveal the dark secrets our governments try to hide. This week's episode is called Ben Franklin, Secret Spy. In 1776, America was still mostly just a dream, one in danger of dying before it came true. For nine months, the colonies had been waging a war against England for their independence, a war they were losing. The 30,000-man American army barely had clothes

or shoes, and they were running out of gunpowder. The Continental Congress kept this fact a secret from civilians, presumably to keep morale up. But the truth was they were in dire need of help, help that could only come from across the Atlantic. A year earlier, Congress had created the Committee of Secret Correspondents in hopes of reversing America's fortunes. The committee's goal was to gain the support of another European superpower with a centuries-old grudge against Britain. France. Venturing across the Atlantic to Paris to ask for that aid was a high-risk, confidential mission, which is why the man Congress picked for the job, Benjamin Franklin, seemed to be a very unlikely choice.

That's because the seven-year-old Franklin was an international celebrity. He was widely known as the founding father who invented the lightning rod and bifocals. He started a university and dazzled readers with his poor Richard's almanac, not the kind of man who'd go unnoticed. But Franklin was also a master at spycraft, one who used his brilliant mind to develop a network of operatives who would help see this mission through. His fame was the perfect cover. He was beloved in Europe and had more influence with the elite than any other American diplomat.

He'd be able to go straight to the top to seek military and financial support for the revolution, all in the guise of high society hobnobbing. But Franklin wasn't the only American agent in Paris hiding in plain sight. One of his trusted aides, Edward Bancroft, was actually a spy for the British, though his espionage wouldn't be discovered for another hundred years. Bancroft's mission was to subvert Franklin at every turn in these key negotiations. And unless Franklin could overcome Bancroft's dirty work, the American dream could die. On the frigid night of December 3rd, 1776, Benjamin Franklin watched a fisherman

plunge his oars into the choppy Atlantic waters. Franklin was in a small boat, headed from his anchored ship to the coast of Brittany, France. He was desperate to get to dry land. Franklin had spent a month sailing to France from Philadelphia with his grandsons, 17-year-old Temple and 7-year-old Benny. It was a dangerous journey. If the British Navy intercepted them, Franklin could have been hanged for his recent crime of signing the Declaration of Independence. Despite these risks, he chose to bring his young grandsons along. Their presence helped mask his true mission.

Thankfully, nothing happened on the journey, but there were plenty of other annoyances. Franklin was sick of eating salted beef. He was covered in scabs from a psoriasis flare-up. And he had spent four days waiting for the wind to die down so his ship could dock. Franklin couldn't stand being out at sea any longer, so he paid a handsome fee to a fisherman to row him and his grandsons to shore. Later that night, Franklin staggered into an inn and brought his grandsons to huddle

by a fire. They were alone, with no one there to greet or guide them, despite the fact that months ago, Franklin had sent a letter to an American agent in Paris to say that he was coming. Franklin assumed the letter was probably lost at sea, which was likely, since the mail was at the mercy of the tides. He gripped the fireplace mantle, feeling dizzy, trying not to keel over as he adjusted to being back on dry land. He needed a rest, but his mind was already worrying, figuring out his next move. Tomorrow he'd dash off a letter to an associate in Paris to let him know he'd made it.

Then he'd hire a coach and make his way to Paris himself. He wanted to meet with the French foreign minister as soon as possible. Back home, troops were at their breaking point. General Washington's army was struggling to hold it together in the face of repeated British victories. If Franklin couldn't secure France's support to turn the tide, he was sure the outcome would be grim. The next day, Franklin and his grandson set out for Paris. First, they stopped in the city of Nantes, where their luggage was delivered. And there Franklin came up against the first challenge of his mission, his fame. When locals heard he was in town, they threw a ball in his honor. To the cultural elite, Franklin was a superstar.

By the time Franklin got to Paris in late December, he was inundated with party invitations and swarmed with visitors. Newspapers began to circulate rumors about why Franklin was in France. Some said he'd come to enroll his grandsons in French schools. Others said he'd come for his health. There was even a story that he'd had a falling out with Congress. Franklin never confirmed or denied the rumors. The false stories diverted attention away from his true purpose.

As soon as he got to Paris, he connected with two American diplomats who were his contacts, Silas Deane and Arthur Leigh. Deane had been in Paris for a while. He'd been sent before Franklin to quietly begin the process of securing French aid. Though he had secured some cash and weapons for the army, it wasn't nearly enough. Now, Franklin was desperate to meet with France's foreign minister, the Count of Virginne. Virginne had the power to lend the colonies an enormous amount of money, weapons, and supplies.

Franklin asked for a meeting, but the skittish Virgin had conditions that he insisted Franklin follow. He said England had eyes and ears everywhere, and the British ambassador in Paris closely tracked any French interactions with Americans, so any meeting they had would need to be in secret and off the record. Franklin followed the court's orders even though it slowed everything down. Finally, in December, Franklin got a message. The foreign minister was ready to meet. A few weeks later, a royal aide led three men down an empty hall at the Palace of Versailles. The men's hats were slung low and their collars were pulled up high to hide their faces.

Once the aide let them into an office and shut the door, the men pulled their hats off. They were Ben Franklin and his associates Arthur Lee and Silas Dean. Given the foreign minister's request, they'd come to Versailles in disguise. After a moment, the door opened again and the Count of Réjean walked in. Though he had a reputation for being dour and no nonsense, he still began by showering Franklin and his men with praise. He was very pro-America, partly because he disliked Britain so much. However, when Franklin turned to the subject of military aid, Vergenne got cagey. He said he'd make sure the British could not close down the French ports, but he couldn't promise any other help.

And when Silas Deane reminded the Count of the 30,000 guns France had already sent to the colonies, Vergenne looked bewildered. He insisted he had no idea what Dean was talking about. Franklin paused. Then he nodded and said Dean must have been mistaken. Vergen was lying and Franklin understood why. America was in a precarious position, but France was too. They were rebuilding their navy after a massive war with the British, who they had been battling

on and off for centuries. If France openly backed the Americans and signed a treaty of military alliance, it might provoke England into declaring war against France. So Franklin tried a different tactic. He proposed that America and France sign a simple commerce and trading agreement that would still have a powerful effect. By signing it, France would essentially be recognizing America as an independent nation rather than just a bunch of rebels. And that recognition would be almost as valuable as military aid, because it would signal to the world that America had France's support. Virgin nodded.

He told Franklin that if the Americans wrote up a proposal for this treaty, he'd ask the king to consider it. It was a non-committal answer, and Franklin wanted more assurances. So he asked Virgin if it would help if the Americans asked Spain to sign a similar treaty. France and Spain had a long-time alliance. Franklin knew the French would be more likely to openly support America if Spain did too. Vergen said yes, that would be a very good idea. After telling Franklin to stay in touch, Vergen left.

Franklin and his men put on their hats and hurried out of Versailles before anyone else could spot them. For all the secrecy surrounding the meeting, Franklin hadn't come away with much. But he'd at least established a rapport with Vergenne, and that was a good start. In the meantime, he had a lot to keep him busy. In addition to maintaining his cover as a social butterfly, he'd be working to help America on every front possible. He'd run strategy meetings, draft and send treaty proposals and secret messages back

to Congress. He wrote petitions to free American prisoners of war from the English. And Franklin knew that his life was about to get even more hectic. He needed someone to keep him on track, a right-hand man, someone fluent in French but loyal to America, and equally skilled at taking dictation or making small talk at a high society party. Franklin had just the man in mind. Six months later, in the summer of 1777, as the American war with Britain was still raging, Edward Bancroft sat hunched over a

desk at an elegant Parisian estate called the Hotel de Valentinois. He was carefully writing a letter. The 33-year-old had moved to Paris a few weeks before to become Franklin's full-time secretary, the latest stop in a globetrotting life. He was born in Massachusetts, spent several years in South America, and moved to London when he was 23. Bancroft lived there for a decade, working as a scientist, inventor, and a writer, much like Ben Franklin, who had also resided in London at the same time. The two became friendly, so friendly that, in the past, Franklin relied on Bancroft

to gather intelligence on British politicians. Bancroft to gather intelligence on British politicians. Bancroft had also come to Paris the previous year to help Franklin's diplomatic associate, Silas Deane. Because he spoke French, he served as a translator and co-negotiator in meetings with local officials. Now, Bancroft spent long days at Franklin's side at the Valentin-O Wah, which a pro-American nobleman had offered to Franklin as a residence. As Franklin's right hand, Bancroft drafted memos, made copies and translations, and took trips across Europe to gather intelligence.

It was important work, but it was also grueling because the Americans were stuck. Franklin had been searching for allies who could contribute to their war chest. He thought he could get Spain on their side, but the Spanish were wary of allying with a country that wasn't independent yet. And though the French continued to secretly donate weapons and uniforms to the war effort, they still wouldn't publicly support the Americans. As Bancroft wrote, he heard a creak. His eyes shot to the door.

His employer should have been out for the night, playing chess with the noblewoman next door, but maybe he'd come home early. Bancroft kept listening, and no one appeared. So he got back to his letter. He just finished writing a memo to Congress back in the colonies, updating them with news about France's latest donation to their army. Now he was writing a love letter to his wife. But the letter didn't mean a thing.

It was just a cover. He glanced at the door again, then pulled a vial from his pocket. The vial was full of tannic acid, a substance which had another name, invisible ink. He dipped a fresh quill into the acid and started writing between the lines of his letter. This love letter actually contained a hidden report to England's Secret Service, telling them all about Franklin's negotiations and France's donations so far. The previous year, Bancroft had been recruited by an American friend in London who was already spying for the British.

Bancroft's close ties to Franklin made him the ideal inside man. Despite his friendship with Franklin and his American roots, Bancroft had reasons for becoming a turncoat. Politically, he thought the colonies should reconcile with England. A war involving France would get in the way of that, so he couldn't let this alliance with France and Spain happen. But Bancroft had less noble reasons for working with America's enemy, too. He gambled on the stock market and often lost. Money was tight, but it wouldn't be any more. Once

the British started paying him the annual 500 pound pension He was promised in today's dollars. It would amount to a hundred thousand dollars a year all for killing the American dream So Bancroft kept writing and once he was done. He signed off with the code name. He'd been given by the British Dr. Edward Edwards, then he sealed it in an envelope and made his way out of the estate. Bancroft was set on getting a letter to a messenger that night. His note to Congress would take weeks to reach Philadelphia, but the secret letter to England would arrive

in mere days, giving the British proof that France was secretly helping the colonies. If the British threatened France with a war, they'd likely cut ties with Franklin. Without French support, America wouldn't survive. Bancroft was changing the world one letter at a time, as long as he didn't get caught. Have you ever gotten a message out of the blue? Maybe you ignore them. Or maybe you end up in conversation. Maybe they tell you about an amazing offer.

I can really show you how to make some money. And maybe that gets you into a lot of trouble. But this isn't a story about people like you, the people receiving these messages. This is a story about the people behind the messages, on the other end of the line. Thousands of them working in a micro city built for scammers. From Wondery, the makers of Dr. Death and Kill List, comes Scam Factory, a new series about survival at the expense of others. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can listen to Scam Factory early and ad free, right now, by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. At 24, I lost my narrative, or rather it was stolen from me. And the Monica Lewinsky that my friends and family knew was usurped by false narratives, callous jokes, and politics. I would define reclaiming as to take back what was yours. Something you possess is lost or stolen,

and ultimately you triumph in finding it again. So I think listeners can expect me to be chatting with folks, both recognizable and unrecognizable names, about the way that people have navigated roads to triumph. My hope is that people will finish an episode of Reclaiming and feel like they filled their tank up. They connected with the people that I'm talking to and leave with maybe some nuggets that help them feel a little more hopeful. Follow Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Reclaiming early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts. Later that summer, Franklin sat in his parlor enjoying a glass of wine after a long day. It was a rare chance to relax. But then, one of his diplomatic associates, Arthur Lee, walked through the door. Franklin felt annoyed.

He and Lee were on the same side, but they'd been squabbling a lot these days. Lee was incredibly paranoid, always imagining the worst-case scenario. Franklin offered Lee a drink, but he declined. He said he had highly disturbing news. He believed there was a mole at the Valentinois. Franklin gritted his teeth. Then he asked, was he absolutely sure about that? Lee insisted he was.

He'd gotten this information from Virgin, the French foreign minister. Someone was passing intelligence to the British through the estate's mail service under the alias Edward Edwards. This traitor had been writing coded messages in invisible ink and reporting on Franklin's top secret meetings using special symbols. Franklin's eyebrows shot up. Part of him admired the cleverness, but if true, this was a distressing development. Lee said that this information could only come from someone in Franklin's personal entourage, and he suspected it was Edward Bancroft.

Franklin just nodded. He had no doubt that he was surrounded by spies. In the artsy salons he visited, the parties he attended, and even at this very estate. For all he knew, even the maids were paid British agents. There was nothing much they could do about it. Franklin said he'd keep the information in mind. Lee protested. But Franklin told him there was nothing more to discuss. Lee walked out in a huff, and Franklin sipped his wine. Of course, a spy in his office was not good news, especially one who seemed to know intimate

details of Franklin's daily activities. But if he worried about everyone around him, he'd never get anything done. Ben Franklin was confident that he'd succeed. He saw his mission as an elaborate game of chess. Enemies lurked everywhere, but he was the chess master, always a few moves ahead. However, that confidence wouldn't last. Several months later, on December 4, 1777, Franklin sat in his parlor with his American associates. He'd been in Paris fighting to gain French support for

a year now. They were discussing the latest news, and all of it was terrible. The Americans were running out of money to finance the war. France was continuing to help with some donations, but they still wouldn't recognize America's independence by signing an official treaty. All the while, it looked like America was losing to the British. That fall, Franklin was crushed by the news that the British had conquered Fort Ticonderoga in New York, giving them control over the main waterway between the colonies and Canada. Franklin feared the loss proved to France that America wasn't worth backing. Now it was growing harder to be America's smiling, confident representative in Europe.

Franklin was also on the outs with the count of Virgin. He'd recently submitted a proposal to France for more financial aid, and the document had been leaked to the British ambassador in Paris, likely Bancroft's handiwork. The ambassador quickly accused Virgin of collaborating with America. Virgin was furious about Franklin's failure to keep his secret. He'd reprimanded Franklin. Clearly, there was a security leak in his cabinet. A deal was less and less likely if the news got out prematurely.

Just then, Franklin heard a horse gallop into the courtyard. Then a voice calling his name. Franklin and his men rushed outside to find a young American soldier on horseback. He'd just gotten off a boat from the colonies, and he was so out of breath he couldn't speak. Franklin wasn't sure if he was excited or distressed, and his mind filled with fear that the man had more bad news. Franklin ran up to the man before he got off his horse. He asked whether the British had taken Philadelphia,

the American capital. The soldier's face fell and he nodded. Franklin turned away, overcome with horror. But then the young man said he also had some good news. The Americans had won a resounding victory in the Battle of Saratoga, New York, capturing the British commander and his 6,000-men regiment in the process. Franklin lit up with excitement. Within minutes he ordered his men to get this news to the French Foreign Minister's office. He hoped this victory would show Virgin that America was capable of

defeating the British and convince France to take a public stance on their side. As soon as Virgin received the news, he passed it up his own chain of command, and two days later, Franklin received a message directly from King Louis XVI. He asked Franklin to draft a formal request for an official alliance. Virgin followed up with even more good news. Once France was satisfied with the proposal, he passed it along to his Spanish compatriots. If Spain was happy, both countries would officially join with America against Britain. Franklin hoped the troops back in the colonies could hold on a little longer, because now it seemed like victory was a real possibility. Franklin hoped it would all come together in time, before the British got a chance to

gain the upper hand again. A few weeks later, on Christmas Day in 1777, Edward Bancroft stepped onto the grounds of the Valentinois estate. He'd just gotten back from a trip to England for personal business, actual personal business. He was sorting out some issues relating to his stock market dealings, and he had made no contact with his spy handlers in London. As a result, Bancroft hadn't heard the news about the emerging alliance with France, and he had already missed the chance to tell his British spy contacts.

As Bancroft walked to his office, American diplomat Silas Deane called out from down the hall. Bancroft was just the man he wanted to see. For the last two weeks, Deane said he'd been hounded by an American visiting from London with a message from the British Crown. A curious Deane wanted Bancroft to meet with the American because he'd heard the two were friends in London. When Bancroft asked who it was, Dean told him the man's name, Paul Wentworth. Bancroft nodded and said he'd take the meeting,

but when Dean walked off, Bancroft took a deep breath. This meeting would be anything but easy. Bancroft took a deep breath. This meeting would be anything but easy. The truth was, Bancroft did know Wentworth. But they weren't just friends. Wentworth was also Bancroft's handler in the British Secret Service. All those invisible ink letters Bancroft had written had gone straight to Wentworth. Bancroft wondered why in the world his British handler would brazenly approach the Americans that he was spying on. It would have to be something big for Wentworth to risk exposing their connection. Bancroft felt his two worlds were on a collision course.

Later that day, Bancroft and Wentworth paced in an isolated corner of the Tuileries Gardens. The men had known each other for a long time, but the mood was anything but cordial. Wentworth was furious. He'd shown up in Paris two weeks ago intending to meet with Bancroft for the latest news about Franklin's efforts. But his spy wasn't even in the country and he had missed the critical news about France asking for a formal alliance. Wentworth found out from another source when things were already in motion and he couldn't

do anything about it. Bancroft apologized and reassured his handler. France hadn't signed a treaty yet. There was still time to turn things around. Bancroft was ready to do his duty and give Wentworth all the help he needed. Wentworth nodded and said he needed a meeting with Benjamin Franklin. The French-American alliance seemed more and more like a reality by the second, and it rattled the British. So Wentworth had received orders to make a unique proposal to Franklin. One so tempting,

the British for sure, it would convince America to abandon its fight for independence. The next month, in early January 1778, Benjamin Franklin sat across from Paul Wentworth in his parlor. Edward Bancroft sat dutifully nearby, ready to take notes. Wentworth explained that Britain wanted to end the war, and they wanted America to become subjects of the king again. In exchange, Britain would offer the colony's extreme autonomy when it came to governing. They'd even get rid of the taxes Britain had imposed over the years, and Franklin

and his associates would get high-ranking political jobs if Franklin agreed to a reconciliation. Franklin took the information in. Then he turned to Bancroft and asked, what did he think of the offer? Bancroft spoke haltingly, wondering if they could find a middle ground. If the U.S. remained quietly faithful to the Crown, and Britain publicly made it seem like the colonies had independence, it might be a good compromise. Franklin nodded. Then he turned back to Wentworth. He said he might be inclined to discuss it further, perhaps some other day. Wentworth stood, looking frustrated. Then he nodded at Franklin and Bancroft and walked out.

When Wentworth left, Franklin smiled. He could tell Bancroft was confused, and he chuckled. He said Wentworth's proposal was preposterous. He would never accept any terms that didn't include America's total independence and never intended to take the proposal seriously. Franklin said he only met with Wentworth because he knew it would get back to the French. They had spies everywhere,

just like the British and the Americans. When Virgin found out about this meeting, no doubt he'd worry that the US was making a last-minute reconciliation with England. Franklin was betting that this would make the French work even faster to move the final treaty negotiations along, which is exactly what Franklin wanted. Days later, Bancroft and Wentworth met again in the Tuileries gardens. Their whispers were tense because things were dire.

Earlier that day, Bancroft had learned that Foreign Minister Virgin had sent a message to Franklin saying that France was ready to officially negotiate the alliance. Virgin had obviously found out about the meeting between Franklin and Wentworth, and the French minister had reacted just as Franklin hoped by trying to make sure the Americans didn't make peace with the British. Bancroft was now going to be spending all his time with Franklin in the negotiations. Getting messages to Wentworth would be harder than ever, and Bancroft was terrified that he'd be found out any day now.

Wentworth was scared too. He was leaving Paris soon because he didn't want to be discovered as a British agent, and he was worried about how to keep in touch with the spy he was leaving behind. Wentworth had grown distrustful of the mail, but it was crucial that he and Bancroft have a safe line of communication, especially at this key juncture in the negotiations. So, they had to find another way. Both men fell into silence. Then Wentworth's eyes were drawn to a nearby tree. It looked like all of the others, except there was a hole by the roots. Wentworth told Bancroft to follow him. Both men inspected the hole. Then Wentworth asked Bancroft,

did he think a glass bottle would fit in it? In that moment, Wentworth and Bancroft devised a system straight out of the spy handbook. It's now referred to as a dead drop. Someone leaves information at a secret but innocuous looking place at a pre-agreed time and their contact would retrieve it later. In Bancroft's case, it would take place every Tuesday evening. After Bancroft left, another British spy would show up at 9.30 to retrieve the message. In early 1777, this convoluted maneuver became Edward Bancroft's only way to prevent a treaty between the U.S. and France. Or at least, try to. the likes of Amy Poehler, Kel Mitchell, Vivica Fox, the list goes on. And now I have my own YouTube channel. So follow, watch, and listen to Baby,

This is Kiki Palmer on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch full episodes on YouTube and you can listen to Baby, This is Kiki Palmer early and ad free right now by joining Wondery. And where are my headphones? Cause it's time to get into it. Holla at your girl.

phones because it's time to get into it. Holla at your girl! On February 6th, 1778, one year after arriving in Paris, Benjamin Franklin leaned over a table at the French Ministry of Affairs. He gave a last look to his associates, Lee, Dean, and Bancroft. Then, he dipped his quill in ink and signed his name on two treaties. One was a trade alliance between the U.S. and France. The other ensured that France would help America in its fight against the British. These treaties had taken far too long to negotiate, and Franklin was disappointed that Spain did not end up joining the alliance to negotiate, and Franklin was disappointed that Spain did not end up joining the alliance. But still, Franklin was proud.

This was why he'd endured that miserable ocean voyage to France. And though he'd lost hope for a while, he now believed independence was within America's reach. Franklin handed the treaties to Bancroft and told his secretary that he needed copies made, fast. They had to get these treaties on a ship to the colonies as soon as possible. Congress had to ratify them before France would allow the news to be made public. Bancroft ran off, looking more eager than ever.

A few weeks later, Edward Bancroft sat in Franklin's office. Franklin, Arthur Lee, and Silas Dean were squabbling. Over the last week, the Americans' seemingly successful mission had descended into chaos. It was the chaos that Bancroft was at least partially responsible for. After the treaties were signed, Bancroft made copies, just like Franklin instructed him to, but he also made an additional copy, which he immediately sent to his superiors in London. Not long after that, Franklin got disturbing news from the French minister, Virginne. After the treaties were sent on a ship to the colonies, the British ambassador visited

Virginne. The ambassador told him that Britain had also sent a ship to the colonies, the British ambassador visited Virginne. The ambassador told him that Britain had also sent a ship to the colonies with a rival treaty. This proposal offered Congress most of their demanded freedoms, though not full independence. The British gamble was clear, they hoped their ship would arrive first. If Congress accepted this offer before knowing about Franklin's Treaty with France, it could end the war on British terms. Now it was a race across the Atlantic between the French ship and the British ship, with the fate of the American Revolution hanging in the balance. Then the Americans got even worse news. The ship carrying the treaty with France had made no progress at all.

In fact, it was back in France because terrible winds and a lack of supplies had made the trip impossible. The British ship would definitely reach the colonies before their treaty did. Franklin could send another, but it was already too late. Bancroft, Lee, and Dean looked to Franklin for guidance. For a moment, it seemed like their leader was at a loss for words. Arthur Lee spoke up.

He said it was clear. The French shouldn't wait for the American Congress to ratify the treaties. They had to officially announce the alliance now without waiting for the ship to reach America. The news would spread like gossip far and wide throughout Europe, and the British would have to fold, knowing that a deal had already been made. After thinking for a moment, Franklin agreed.

He told Bancroft to get a message to Vergenne immediately. Once the meeting ended, Bancroft scrambled off, but he would first visit the tree at the Tuileries Gardens. If he could get a letter to the British about the latest developments, it might give Britain more bargaining power to bully the French out of the treaty before the news got out.

The war was raging overseas in the colonies, but it seemed like the real fight over America's fate would happen in France. It seemed like the real fight over America's fate would happen in France. Over the next few weeks, Franklin urged the French court to announce the treaty, but they hesitated. The French feared potential embarrassment. If they announced the treaty and Congress later rejected it, France would be left without an ally and likely facing war with Britain. They needed Franklin's assurance that Congress would approve the treaty.

Franklin knew this was the moment to play his hand. Whether he believed it or maybe it was just a desperate measure, he told the French that they had his word. Congress would ratify the treaty. It was time to share this bold new venture with the rest of Europe and usher in a new world. While Franklin was gambling on this latest plan, Bancroft stopped sending intel through the Tuileries tree, likely because it was becoming obvious that it would do little to

change the negotiations. Though France hadn't made a decision yet, rumors were flying that an alliance was imminent. It wasn't top-secret information anymore, so there wasn't much need for a spy like Bancroft. For better or worse, he'd done his part. Bancroft and Franklin had two vastly different agendas, but now both men could only wait to see how the French would respond. In March of 1778, France officially announced the treaty.

The news spread like wildfire. Soon after, Britain recalled its ambassadors from Paris because they considered this to be an act of war from France. Luckily, both the French and the Americans were ready. Two months later, in May 1778, a French ship bearing the treaties finally reached Congress, which ratified them immediately. A few days after that, Ben Franklin and his colleagues, including Bancroft, were invited to a ceremony with King Louis XVI. For the first time, Franklin and his men were announced

as deputies of the United Provinces of North America. With France's assistance, America won the war against Britain. Five years later, by 1783, the United States gained its full independence. America would not exist today without Ben Franklin. His work in Paris was crucial to the success of the American Revolution. His ability to navigate French politics, as well as his personal rapport with leaders

like Foreign Minister Virgin, helped secure the vital alliance that led to America's freedom. Franklin emerged as one of history's most successful covert operatives, orchestrating a world-altering secret mission while basking in public fame. In an era when discretion was paramount, he blended diplomacy with celebrity, a tactic not unlike what modern politicians do today. The key difference? Franklin himself was both the shrewd politician and the captivating celebrity, merging these roles in the 18th century.

Franklin was celebrated as a hero, but so was Edward Bancroft. He remained friends with Franklin, and his treason was never discovered while he was alive. No one found out he was the spy who went by Edward Edwards until a hundred years after his death. Unless Ben Franklin knew Bancroft was a spy all along. In 1777, an American woman in France wrote to Franklin when he first arrived. She didn't know him, but she was one of his many fans. In her letter, she warned him that as soon as he entered French society, he'd be surrounded

by spies who only pretended to care about America. Franklin wrote back to his admirer. He thanked her and said that figuring out which of his allies were spies would be a losing game. He wrote that it wouldn't even surprise him if one of his closest friends or employees were a spy. But, if he liked everything else about the person, he probably wouldn't fire them. If Franklin knew about Bancroft's spying, he may have used it to his advantage as a way to give his enemies and allies the right push.

Bancroft's secret notes kept the British informed of Franklin's negotiations with France. Without them, it's possible Britain wouldn't have tried to make a last-minute reconciliation offer. This was the offer that spooked the French into signing the alliance that helped free America. Nobody's saying Bancroft was a hero. He was a traitor who put lives at risk. But if anyone could use a traitor's evil for good, put lives at risk. But if anyone could use a trader's evil for good, it was the brilliant, unpredictable Ben Franklin. on the Wondery app, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to every episode of Redacted early and ad free, right now, by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts.

Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey at Wondery.com slash survey. day. We used many different sources for our show, but we especially recommend a great improvisation Franklin, France and the Birth of America by Stacey Schiff Edward Bancroft scientist author spy by Thomas Schaper and Benjamin Franklin an American life by Walter Isaacson This episode was written by Amin Osman sound designed by Ryan Potesta Our producers are Christopher B Dun Dunn and John Reed. Our associate producer and researcher is Teja Palakanda.

Fact checking by Sheila Patterson. For Ballen Studios, our head of production is Zach Levitt. Script editing by Scott Allen. Our coordinating producer is Samantha Collins. Production support by Avery Siegel. Produced by me, Luke Lamanna. Executive producers are Mr. Ballin and Nick Witters. For Wondery, our head of sound is Marcelino Villapondo. Senior producers are Loredana Palavota, Dave Schilling and Rachel Engelman. Senior managing

producer is Nick Ryan. Managing producer is Olivia Fonte. Executive producers are Erin O'Flaherty and Marshall Lewy. For Wondery. Hey, True Crime fans! Ever dreamt of solving cases and pouring over evidence with top podcasters, criminal experts, and your fellow True Crime enthusiasts? Join us for Wondry's Exhibit C inaugural True Crime Cruise aboard the luxurious cruise ship, the Norwegian Joy, for an unforgettable voyage from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. Take to the high seas for this enthralling, around-the-clock True Crime experience.

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