HW Brands in Smithsonian:
Franklin’s parting alter ego appeared just weeks before his death in 1790. By now a leader of the abolitionist movement in America, Franklin sent a petition to Congress urging an end to slavery. In response, slavery apologists mustered a vehement defense, citing economic necessity and religion in support of the institution.
In high satirical style, Franklin thereupon claimed to have discovered a speech by one Sidi Mehemet Ibrahim of Algiers justifying the enslavement of Christians: “If we cease our cruises against the Christians, how shall we be furnished with the commodities their countries produce and which are so necessary for us?” asked Ibrahim. “If we forbear to make slaves of their people, who in this hot climate are to cultivate our lands?” To fail to enslave Christians would deny them access to the true faith. “Here they are brought into a land where the sun of Islamism gives forth its light and shines in full splendor, and they have an opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the true doctrine and thereby saving their immortal souls.” Franklin’s Ibrahim concluded, “Let us then hear no more of this detestable proposition, the manumission of Christian slaves.
More here.
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