Was Benjamin Franklin faithful to his wife?

Was Benjamin Franklin faithful to his wife? No, Benjamin Franklin was not faithful to his wife Deborah Read Franklin, he had reputation for infidelity, especially later in life. Franklin had illegitimate son William Franklin born before marriage to Deborah, around 1730, indicating affair before marriage. During marriage, he was often away for years on diplomatic missions in London and France, and had known affairs and flirtations. Deborah remained in Philadelphia while Franklin spent 15 years abroad, and he had close relationships with women in London like Mrs Stevenson and in France where he was known as charming ladies man, engaging in flirtatious affairs with French women, though extent of sexual affairs debated. Deborah Read was loyal wife who managed household and business while Franklin abroad. Franklin's letters show affection but also distant relationship. So was Franklin faithful, no, he was not faithful, had illegitimate child before marriage and numerous affairs and flirtations during long separations, though he cared for Deborah and family, his marital fidelity was lacking by modern standards, common among many men of his era but notable.