We've got some "refining backwards" going on even now

See the Franklin Papers which has all of Ben Franklin's correspondence catalogued and readily available, like this one, for example: 

 

To Jonathan Williams, Sr. (unpublished)

Passy, April 13. 1785.

Dear Cousin

I received your Letter of Decemr. 16. relating to Jonas Hartwell. I had before written to our Minister at Madrid, Mr. Carmichael, requesting him to apply for the Release of that Man. Inclos'd I send his Answer, with Copies of other Papers relating to the Affair. The Simpleton will be discharg'd, perhaps after being a little whipt for his Folly, and that may not be amiss. We have here another New-England-man, Thayer, formerly a Candidate for the Ministry, who converted himself lately at Rome, and is now preparing to return home for the purpose of converting his Countrymen. Our Ancestors from Catholics became first Church-of-England-men, and then refin'd into Presbyterians. To change now from Presbyterianism to Popery, seems to me Refining backwards, from white Sugar to brown.

I have written to Dr. Price of London, requesting him to make a Choice of proper Books to commence a Library for the Use of the Inhabitants of Franklin. The Books will be sent directly from thence.

Jonathan and his Family are well. He expects to be with you soon. I continue very hearty, and well, except my Malady of the Stone, which however is hitherto very tolerable. My Love to Cousin Grace, &c. and believe me ever, Your affectionate Uncle

B. Franklin