David S. Franks (c.1740-1793) was born in Philadelphia to a Jewish merchant family. He enlisted in the Continental Army and eventually became aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold, whose traitorous actions tainted Franks's reputation. Upon being absolved, he continued in service until the end of the war, when he became vice-consul in Marseilles. He served as Thomas Barclay's secretary on his mission to Morocco. Political enemies, including allies of Thomas Jefferson, continued to attack him due to his connection with Arnold, and he was forced to leave the diplomatic corps and return to America. In 1789, Congress awarded him four hundred acres of land for his service in the war. Franks died of yellow fever in Philadelphia in 1793.
