Benjamin Franklin Bache, grandson of Benjamin Franklin, is best known for his virulent attacks on Federalism in support of Jeffersonian principles and revolutionary France during the early days of the Republic. Historians credit Bache with being a primary force in driving George Washington from office and with being the primary target of the Federalist-backed Sedition Act of 1798: he escaped being charged under the law, however, due to his death during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia that year. Although he is less known for his efforts to open up Congressional sessions to journalists, this was one of his major crusades, and he did achieve some success in it.

The eldest son of Franklin's daughter Sarah and her English merchant husband, Richard Bache. Benjamin Franklin Bache, known as Benny, was just under six years old when he met his famous grandfather for the first time. Franklin had served in...