Benjamin Franklin: Is it your purpose to destroy everything we've accomplished? To engineer the recall of the fleet under Admiral d'Estaing? Or is this some new kind of diplomatic initiative? The direct insult followed by the petulant whine? What are you thinking of? A good diplomat, Mr. Adams, observes much, acts little and speaks softly.
John Adams: The Comte de Vergennes means to keep his hand beneath our chin to prevent us from drowning, but not to keep our heads above the water.
Benjamin Franklin: Have you learned nothing, Mr. Adams? If you continue to exasperate and antagonize these people...
John Adams: As I did in Philadelphia and we declared independence, you recall.
Benjamin Franklin: In Philadelphia, we negotiated independence.
John Adams: Well, you may be as patient and accommodating as you like, Doctor. But for myself, I will not voluntarily put on the chains of France while I am struggling to throw off those of Great Britain!
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