December 5, 2025 - Free Frank letter from Senator J. B. Francis

John  Brown Francis was the grandson of John Brown (One of the richest and most influential of Providence merchants, John Brown planned the attack and burning of the HMS Gaspee in 1772. He appointed one of his captains Abraham Whipple to lead the attack.) Senator Francis was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 31, 1791. He graduated from Brown University in 1808 and then attended Litchfield Law School in Connecticut.  He served  in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1821 to 1829 and as a member of the Rhode Island Senate from 1831-32, 1842-43 and 1845-56. He was elected Governor of Rhode Island in 1833 and served until 1838.  He was elected to the United States Senate in 1844 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of William Sprague. He served out his term but was not a candidate for reelection. He served as a member of the Rhode Island Senate again from 1845 to 1856 and then retired from public life. Senator Francis also served on the Board of Trustees for Brown University from 1828 to 1857.

Senator Francis died on August 9, 1864 in Warwick, RI and is buried in the North Burial Ground, Providence, RI.

(Text of Letter Below)