All about the Benjamin

I have been watching the HBO Films mini-series "John Adams" in which patriot, philosopher and inventor Benjamin Franklin is portrayed.

I was reminded by the show that ol' Ben had a randy side to him as well. Just thought I'd enlighten those who aren't familiar with that side of him.

From the History Channel:

Benjamin Franklin was a member of the original British Hellfire Club. Meetings of The Hellfire Club were originally held in London's George and Vulture Inn and then at Medmanham Abbey.

Rumors of the questionable activities of the members caused the group to move into the West Wycombe caves. It is believed they continued to perform mock religious rituals and participated in sexual debauchery wearing masks and gothic robes.

The only actually documented sightings of the Hellfire Club's activities occurred several times on the River Thames. Dressed as monks, the group would board a boat with prostitutes dressed as nuns, to engage in sexual activities under the full moon as the boat drifted down the Thames.

"PLUMP BELOW THE WAIST"

Ben also wrote "Reasons to Marry Older Women" In which he extols the virtues of enjoying mature women. Source: Advice to a Young Man (Philadelphia, June 25,1745)

They are smart.

"Because they have more Knowledge of the world, and their Minds are better stored with Observations; their Conversation is more improving, and more lasting agreeable."

They are GOOD.
"Because when Women cease to be handsome, they study to be good. To maintain their Influence over Men, they supply the Diminution of Beauty by an Augmentation of Utility. They learn to do a thousand Services, small and great, and are the most tender and useful of all Friends when you are sick. Thus they continue amiable. And hence there is hardly such a thing to be found as an old Woman who is not a good Woman."

No more kids.
"Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produced may be attended with much inconvenience."

They are sensible.
"Because through more Experience they are more prudent and discreet in conducting an Intrigue to prevent Suspicion. The Commerce with them is therefore safer with regard to your reputation; and with regard to theirs, if the Affair should happen to be known, considerate People might be rather inclined to excuse an old Woman, who would kindly take care of a young Man, form his manners by her good Councils, and prevent his ruining his Health and Fortune among mercenary Prostitutes."

They are not afraid of the dark.
"Because in every Animal that walks upright, the Deficiency of the Fluids that fill the Muscles appears first in the highest Part. The Face first grows lank and wrinkled; then the Neck; then the Breast and Arms; the lower parts continuing to the last as plump as ever; so that coving all above with a Basket, and regarding only what is below the Girdle, it is impossible of two Women to know an old one from a young one. And as in the Dark all Cats are grey, the Pleasure of Corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal and frequently superior; every Knack being by Practice capable of improvement.

Sin
"Because the sin is less. The Debauching of a Virgin may be her Ruin, and make her Life unhappy."

They have their own life.
"Because the Compunction is less. The having made a young Girl miserable may give you frequent bitter Reflections; none of which can attend making an old Woman HAPPY."

They know a good thing.
"8th and lastly. They are so grateful!!!"

Source: Advice to a Young Man (Philadelphia, June 25,1745)