New Jersey militia, acting on resolution of Congress, deprives William Franklin of official functions as royal governor of New Jersey in January; confined to his home in Perth Amboy, he is arrested in June and sent under guard to Connecticut to be imprisoned. Franklin, in Congress, declines to intercede for his son. Argues for "Instrument of confederation" January 16 in Congress but is defeated. Urges four New England governments to enter into confederation and invite other colonies then to accede to it, February 19. Congress orders new designs for fractional dollars, and Franklin creates device of thirteen linked circles and "Fugio" design (later used on first United States coin, Fugio cent of 1787). Resigns from Pennsylvania Assembly February 26 to devote himself to Congressional duties. Appointed commissioner to Canada by Congress; March 26-May 30, on mission to Montreal, suffering from large boils, swollen legs, and dizziness. Appointed by Congress to committee to draft declaration of independence, June 1; since Thomas Jefferson was named first in the committee, he was its chair and  chose to draft the declaration himself. Votes in favor of Richard Henry Lee's motion for independence, July 2. Congress adopts Declaration of Independence, July 4. Elected delegate from Philadelphia to Pennsylvania state convention, July 8; chosen president of Pennsylvania convention July 16; named by convention as Congressional delegate July 20. Asks for and receives Congress's permission to answer personal letter from Lord Howe; writes, July 20: "Long did I endeavour with unfeigned and unwearied Zeal, to preserve from breaking, that fine and noble China Vase the British Empire." Revises draft of Declaration of Rights before August 15, suggesting radical note (rejected by Pennsylvania convention) that claims the state has the right to discourage large concentrations of property as a danger to the happiness of mankind. During Congressional debates on Articles of Confederation, July 30-August 1, unsuccessfully advocates proportional, rather than equal, representation of states in Congress. Appointed by Congress to meet with Lord Howe, September 11, on Staten Island; they are unable to conciliate English and American differences. September, elected by Congress commissioner to France with Silas Deane and Arthur Lee, and is instructed to negotiate treaty. Drafts "Sketch of Propositions for a peace" in fall, suggesting Britain cede Canada to United States. Leaves Philadelphia and sails for France October 27, taking grandsons William Temple Franklin (William's illegitimate son) and Benjamin Franklin Bache (eldest of Sarah's children). Lands at Auray December 3 and proceeds to Paris; meets secretly on December 28 with Comte de Vergennes, French foreign minister.