Benjamin Franklin,aleader of the American Revolution, fathered in 1731 an illegitimate son, William. He took good care of William, and managed to have him appointed colonial governor of New Jersey.
When the Revolutionary War began in 1775, William stayed loyal to the British Crown, which tore him and his father apart. He remained as governor until he was arrested and imprisoned. In 1778, he was released, and organized a band of Loyalist guerrillas to fight for the British. However, the band was so wanton with its rape, torture, murder,pillage and arson that the British were embarrassed, and it was disbanded in 1782. William then left for England.
When Benjamin died in 1790, he left William virtually none of his wealth.
美國獨立戰爭領袖之一本杰明·富蘭克林1731年生了個私生子,名叫威廉。他悉心照顧威廉,還努力為他謀得新澤西殖民地總督職位。
1775年,美國獨立戰爭爆發。威廉仍然效忠英國王室,和父親決裂,并繼續擔任總督,直到被捕入獄。1778年獲釋后,他組織勤王游擊隊,為英國而戰。不過,由于這支游擊隊肆意強奸婦女,動用酷刑,殺人越貨,縱火行兇,英國也感丟臉,1782年令他們解散。威廉于是離美赴英。
本杰明1790年去世,幾乎一點財產都沒有遺贈威廉。