Confers several times in late January with William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, on Chatham's unsuccessful conciliatory plan. Address to King, adopted by both Houses of Parliament February 9, declares Massachusetts to be in rebellion. Leaves London for Portsmouth March 20 to embark for America. During voyage, begins writing account of peace negotiations; speculates about why sailing from Europe to America takes longer than reverse crossing; measures temperature of air and water, proving that Gulf Stream is warmer than sea on either side of it. Lands in Philadelphia May 5 and next day is unanimously chosen delegate to Second Continental Congress by Pennsylvania Assembly. Active on various committees of Congress, among them one on paper currency, for which he designs devices and mottoes to be used on Continental money. Drafts Articles of Confederation in July, asserting America's political sovereignty, but Congress is unwilling to take such bold action. Submits resolutions proposing free trade, with no duties whatever; resolution is shelved until April 6, 1776, when it is finally adopted with proviso that individual colonies might impose their own import duties. August 23, King proclaims colonies in rebellion. Congress reconvenes September 13, and Franklin is again active on various committees. Leaves Philadelphia October 4 with committee to confer with George Washington at his Massachusetts headquarters; returns November 9, bringing sister Jane Mecom, who had fled occupied Boston. Reappointed to several committees and offices of Pennsylvania Assembly, and reappointed delegate to Congress November 4. Congress creates standing committee of secret correspondence November 29 to deal with foreign affairs and appoints Franklin to it; committee meets secretly with agent of French court in December. Writes essays, song, and mock epitaph encouraging American war effort; epitaph, published December 14, concludes with words Jefferson adopts as his personal motto: "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obediance to God."