Soldier and public official.

Raised in Montreal. Became paymaster of the Continental garrison. On the fall of the Garrison, Franks went to Philadelphia and eventually became aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold.

After the discovery of Arnold’s treachery, in which Franks was absolved of any complicity, Franks served under the Count D’Estaing. Went to Europe with dispatches for John Jay and Franklin (1781).

His correspondence with Franklin and William Temple Franklin chronicled his difficulties in finding return passage to America. He later served the United States in several diplomatic posts and as cashier of the Bank of the United States.

Born in Philadelphia.