Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series Season 1 Episode 10 Postmaster General Franklin
- TV-Y7
- September 13, 2002
- 23 min
In season 1 episode 10 of Liberty's Kids, titled "Postmaster General Franklin," viewers are presented with a glimpse into the operations of the Continental Postal System. The episode is set in the year 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the first Postmaster General by the Continental Congress.
The episode opens with Sarah, James, and Henri standing outside a tavern, where they hear rumors that the British have intercepted some mail and are attempting to track the movements of prominent revolutionary leaders. This news makes Sarah anxious, as she fears that their own mail may have been intercepted. Just then, they hear a commotion inside the tavern and realize that Benjamin Franklin is there.
The trio rushes inside to find Franklin holding court, surrounded by a group of reporters. Despite their initial hesitance, the kids approach Franklin and ask him if he can shed any light on the postal system and its workings. Franklin, who has already taken a liking to the young journalists, agrees to show them around the postal office and explain how the mail system works.
The group heads to the Continental Post Office, which is a small and cramped room filled with letters and packages. Franklin explains that the post office was established to facilitate communication between the different colonies, as well as to disseminate information about the revolutionary cause. He also notes that the postal system allows people to communicate with their loved ones, regardless of geographic distance.
As Franklin continues his tour, he introduces the kids to a few of his fellow postal workers, including an African American man named Prince who is responsible for carrying the mail on horseback. Franklin explains that Prince is one of the best riders in the country, and that he is a vital asset to the postal system.
After the tour, Franklin invites the kids to join him for lunch, where they continue their discussion about the postal system. Franklin notes that the Continental Congress has given him the task of establishing a postal route that spans all thirteen colonies, which he believes will be a daunting task. He also notes that the British are likely to target the postal system in an attempt to gain an advantage in the war.
As they finish their meal, the group hears a commotion outside, which turns out to be a mob of angry colonists who are protesting against a new tax on tea. Franklin notes that it is crucial for the colonies to stand together and resist British tyranny, and that the postal system can play a vital role in facilitating communication and coordination between the different groups.
As the episode draws to a close, the kids bid farewell to Franklin and return to their headquarters to write up their story. Along the way, they discuss the importance of the postal system and the role it plays in maintaining the revolutionary cause.
Overall, "Postmaster General Franklin" is an engaging and informative episode that provides viewers with a glimpse into the early days of the Continental Postal System. Through the eyes of the kids and Benjamin Franklin, viewers learn about the vital role played by the postal workers, as well as the challenges they faced in establishing a system that could unite the colonies and support the revolutionary cause.