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Also during the crossing, his ship narrowly avoided being wrecked on the Scilly Isles when it sought to evade French privateers in the fog. Franklin described his grateful reaction in a letter home to his wife. Were I a Roman Catholic, perhaps I should on this occasion vow to build a chapel to some saint, he wrote. But as I am not, if I were to vow at all, it should be to build a lighthouse.
by Walter Isaacson
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During his journey, Franklin's ship faced a perilous moment as it nearly ran aground on the Scilly Isles while attempting to escape French privateers amid foggy conditions. This close call left Franklin reflecting on his fortune and expressing his gratitude through a letter to his wife. He humorously contemplated what vow he might make in light of his narrow escape.

Franklin mused that if he were of the Catholic faith, he might commit to constructing a chapel for a saint. However, as he is not, he playfully suggested that his vow would be to build a lighthouse instead, illustrating his pragmatic thinking and appreciation for safety at sea.

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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
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