In the Days of Poor Richard

In Short

This historical romance follows young Jack Irons through the tumultuous years of the American Revolution as he grows from a capable wilderness youth into a trusted officer. Wandering from the forests of Tryon County to the salons of London and Paris, Jack works alongside his loyal friend Solomon Binkus and the venerable Benjamin Franklin. Along the way, he seeks to win the heart of Margaret Hare, a British loyalist’s daughter. The novel has endured for its rich atmospheric detail, its vivid portrayal of iconic historical figures, and its classic adventure of young love tested by war.

The Story

The narrative begins in the frontier country of New York, where young Jack Irons assists the wilderness scout Solomon Binkus in rescuing Margaret Hare, a refined young Englishwoman, from a band of captors. Jack and Margaret immediately form a deep attachment, but political tension quickly intervenes. As the American colonies clash with Great Britain, Margaret’s family remains loyal to the Crown, while Jack commits himself to the patriot cause.

Seeking to maintain his principles while holding onto his love, Jack travels to London. There he meets Benjamin Franklin and witnesses the escalating political crisis firsthand. Jack’s devotion to Margaret and his steadfast defense of American liberty draw the ire of British officers. After challenging an insult to his countrymen, Jack is tricked, drugged, and placed on a vessel bound back to America.

Returning home as war erupts, Jack enters the military service of the Commander-in-Chief, George Washington. Alongside the resourceful Solomon Binkus, Jack undertakes dangerous scouting missions, survives capture, and endures the harsh realities of imprisonment in Boston. Solomon relies on his native intelligence and wilderness lore—including a secret weapon that strikes terror into hostile forces—to guide Jack through ambushes, wilderness escapes, and tactical engagements across the colonies.

Jack's duties eventually take him overseas to France as an aide to Dr. Franklin, who is seeking vital military and financial aid for the struggling republic. In Paris, Jack observes Franklin’s diplomatic genius, simple wisdom, and steady leadership among the European aristocracy. Despite the glamour of foreign courts, Jack remains focused on his duty and his longing for Margaret.

The war draws to its tense climax in the Hudson Highlands, where betrayal threatens the revolutionary cause. Jack finds himself near the center of Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plot, navigating dangerous military maneuvers while attempting to reunite with Margaret. Through every trial of battle, captivity, and political division, Jack and Solomon remain steadfast. Ultimately, the patriot victory brings an end to the conflict, allowing Jack and Margaret to overcome their families' political divides and build a shared future in the new republic.

How It Unfolds

The wilderness rescue Jack Irons and the trapper Solomon Binkus save Margaret Hare from captivity in the New York backcountry. Jack and Margaret share a memorable horse ride to safety, establishing a bond that withstands their opposing political loyalties.

A mission to London Jack travels across the Atlantic to deliver dispatches and meet Benjamin Franklin. While in England, he navigates high society, defends the American character against insults, and is eventually drugged and sent back across the sea.

Service and captivity As open war breaks out, Jack joins the continental forces and serves under Washington. He is captured and sent to a grim Boston prison, where he refuses offers to abandon his principles in exchange for freedom and ease.

The wilderness path Reunited with Solomon Binkus, Jack embarks on perilous scouting trips through upstate New York. Solomon uses his sharp frontier instincts and clever engineering to outsmart hostile war parties and rescue stranded settlers.

Diplomacy in France Jack accompanies Benjamin Franklin to Paris, observing how the philosopher uses his wit, scientific demonstrations, and grounded morals to win over French aristocrats and secure crucial support for the American cause.

Treason in the Highlands Returning to the front lines near West Point, Jack witnesses the strain of war and the unraveling plot of Benedict Arnold. Through the final military campaigns, he protects those he loves and helps secure the final peace.

The People

• Jack Irons wants to serve the cause of American liberty without losing the woman he loves. Standing firm against British insults, prison offers, and wartime dangers, he matures into a brave officer and trusted diplomat.
• Margaret Hare is a well-bred, dark-eyed English maiden who wants to remain true to her heart despite her family's loyalist ties. Divided between her devotion to her home country and her love for Jack, she endures the turmoil of war with quiet grace.
• Solomon Binkus is a childless widower, seasoned trapper, and scout who wants to protect Jack and aid the revolutionary cause. Armed with backwoods ingenuity and a secretive weapon, he becomes a legendary figure among the troops.
• Benjamin Franklin wants to secure American independence through patience, intellect, and international diplomacy. Acting as a mentor to Jack, he offers pragmatic wisdom and moral grounding throughout the conflict.

In Its Own Voice

When Jack defends his choice to remain faithful to the American cause despite the promise of a peaceful life in England, he defines his conviction:

"Because we are all of a mind with our Mr. Patrick Henry. We put Liberty above happiness and even above life."

Reflecting on the nature of war while carrying out dangerous intelligence work, Jack notes the ironies of conflict:

"We cross the sea to be rid o' the divil an' he follys an' grabs us be the neck."

Looking back on the struggle for independence, Franklin sums up the core moral lesson of the era:

"The man who does not keep his feet in the old, honest way of thrift will some time sell himself, and then he will be ready to sell his friends or his country."

What It's Really About

Beneath its adventure and romance, the novel examines the birth of American identity and the moral foundations of freedom. It contrasts the corrupting luxury of European courts and political expediency with the rugged thrift, honesty, and self-reliance of the American frontier. Through Franklin’s maxims and Solomon’s practical wisdom, the story argues that political liberty is inseparable from personal character, integrity, and faith in a guiding Providence.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy classical historical fiction, Revolutionary War lore, and traditional courtships will find much to admire in this narrative. The novel captures the atmospheric shift from rugged American forests to elegant European drawing rooms with vivid detail. Its depiction of Benjamin Franklin presents him not merely as a historical caricature, but as a warm, witty, and deeply intuitive human being.

The book does reflect the traditional romance conventions and period dialects of early 20th-century historical popular fiction. Solomon Binkus speaks in a heavy, phonetic frontier vernacular, and the dialogue between lovers can lean toward courtly melodrama. However, the authentic historical texture, fast-paced wilderness adventures, and earnest devotion to foundational American principles make it a rewarding read for historical fiction enthusiasts.