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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin .......................................................................................................1

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was born in Milk Street, Boston, on January 6, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin,

was a tallow chandler who married twice, and of his seventeen children Benjamin was the youngest son. His

schooling ended at ten, and at twelve he was bound apprentice to his brother James, a printer, who published

the "New England Courant." To this journal he became a contributor, and later was for a time its nominal

editor. But the brothers quarreled, and Benjamin ran away, going first to New York, and thence to

Philadelphia, where he arrived in October, 1723. He soon obtained work as a printer, but after a few months

he was induced by Governor Keith to go to London, where, finding Keith's promises empty, he again worked

as a compositor till he was brought back to Philadelphia by a merchant named Denman, who gave him a

position in his business. On Denman's death he returned to his former trade, and shortly set up a printing

house of his own from which he published "The Pennsylvania Gazette," to which he contributed many

essays, and which he made a medium for agitating a variety of local reforms. In 1732 he began to issue his

famous "Poor Richard's Almanac" for the enrichment of which he borrowed or composed those pithy

utterances of worldly wisdom which are the basis of a large part of his popular reputation. In 1758, the year

in which he ceases writing for the Almanac, he printed in it "Father Abraham's Sermon," now regarded as the

Meantime Franklin was concerning himself more and more with public affairs. He set forth a scheme for an

Academy, which was taken up later and finally developed into the University of Pennsylvania; and he

founded an "American Philosophical Society" for the purpose of enabling scientific men to communicate

their discoveries to one another. He himself had already begun his electrical researches, which, with other

scientific inquiries, he called on in the intervals of moneymaking and politics to the end of his life. In 1748

he sold his business in order to get leisure for study, having now acquired comparative wealth; and in a few

years he had made discoveries that gave him a reputation with the learned throughout Europe. In politics he

proved very able both as an administrator and as a controversialist; but his record as an officeholder is

stained by the use he made of his position to advance his relatives. His most notable service in home politics

was his reform of the postal system; but his fame as a statesman rests chiefly on his services in connection

with the relations of the Colonies with Great Britain, and later with France. In 1757 he was sent to England to

protest against the influence of the Penns in the government of the colony, and for five years he remained

there, striving to enlighten the people and the ministry of England as to Colonial conditions. On his return to

America he played an honorable part in the Paxton affair, through which he lost his seat in the Assembly; but

in 1764 he was again despatched to England as agent for the colony, this time to petition the King to resume

the government from the hands of the proprietors. In London he actively opposed the proposed Stamp Act,

but lost the credit for this and much of his popularity through his securing for a friend the office of stamp

agent in America. Even his effective work in helping to obtain the repeal of the act left him still a suspect; but

he continued his efforts to present the case for the Colonies as the troubles thickened toward the crisis of the

Revolution. In 1767 he crossed to France, where he was received with honor; but before his return home in

1775 he lost his position as postmaster through his share in divulging to Massachusetts the famous letter of

Hutchinson and Oliver. On his arrival in Philadelphia he was chosen a member of the Continental Congress

and in 1777 he was despatched to France as commissioner for the United States. Here he remained till 1785,

the favorite of French society; and with such success did he conduct the affairs of his country that when he

finally returned he received a place only second to that of Washington as the champion of American

The first five chapters of the Autobiography were composed in England in 1771, continued in 17845, and

again in 1788, at which date he brought it down to 1757. After a most extraordinary series of adventures, the

original form of the manuscript was finally printed by Mr. John Bigelow, and is here reproduced in

recognition of its value as a picture of one of the most notable personalities of Colonial times, and of its

DEAR SON: I have ever had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my ancestors. You may remember

the inquiries I made among the remains of my relations when you were with me in England, and the journey I

undertook for that purpose. Imagining it may be equally agreeable to2 you to know the circumstances of my

life, many of which you are yet unacquainted with, and expecting the enjoyment of a week's uninterrupted

leisure in my present country retirement, I sit down to write them for you. To which I have besides some

other inducements. Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state

of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world, and having gone so far through life with a

considerable share of felicity, the conducing means I made use of, which with the blessing of God so well

succeeded, my posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations,

That felicity, when I reflected on it, has induced me sometimes to say, that were it offered to my choice, I

should have no objection to a repetition of the same life from its beginning, only asking the advantages

authors have in a second edition to correct some faults of the first. So I might, besides correcting the faults,

change some sinister accidents and events of it for others more favorable. But though this were denied, I

should still accept the offer. Since such a repetition is not to be expected, the next thing most like living one's

life over again seems to be a recollection of that life, and to make that recollection as durable as possible by

Hereby, too, I shall indulge the inclination so natural in old men, to be talking of themselves and their own

past actions; and I shall indulge it without being tiresome to others, who, through respect to age, might

conceive themselves obliged to give me a hearing, since this may be read or not as any one pleases. And,

lastly (I may as well confess it, since my denial of it will be believed by nobody), perhaps I shall a good deal

gratify my own vanity. Indeed, I scarce ever heard or saw the introductory words,"Without vanity I may say,"

but some vain thing immediately followed. Most people dislike vanity in others, whatever share they have of

it themselves; but I give it fair quarter wherever I meet with it, being persuaded that it is often productive of

good to the possessor, and to others that are within his sphere of action; and therefore, in many cases, it

would not be altogether absurd if a man were to thank God for his vanity among the other comforts of life.

And now I speak of thanking God, I desire with all humility to acknowledge that I owe the mentioned

happiness of my past life to His kind providence, which lead me to the means I used and gave them success.

My belief of this induces me to hope, though I must not presume, that the same goodness will still be

exercised toward me, in continuing that happiness, or enabling me to bear a fatal reverse, which I may

experience as others have done: the complexion of my future fortune being known to Him only in whose

The notes one of my uncles (who had the same kind of curiosity in collecting family anecdotes) once put into

my hands, furnished me with several particulars relating to our ancestors. From these notes I learned that the

family had lived in the same village, Ecton, in Northamptonshire, for three hundred years, and how much

longer he knew not (perhaps from the time when the name of Franklin, that before was the name of an order

of people, was assumed by them as a surname when others took surnames all over the kingdom), on a

freehold of about thirty acres, aided by the smith's business, which had continued in the family till his time,

the eldest son being always bred to that business; a custom which he and my father followed as to their eldest

sons. When I searched the registers at Ecton, I found an account of their births, marriages and burials from

the year 1555 only, there being no registers kept in that parish at any time preceding. By that register I

perceived that I was the youngest son of the youngest son for five generations back. My grandfather Thomas,

who was born in 1598, lived at Ecton till he grew too old to follow business longer, when he went to live with

his son John, a dyer at Banbury, in Oxfordshire, with whom my father served an apprenticeship. There my

grandfather died and lies buried. We saw his gravestone in 1758. His eldest son Thomas lived in the house at

Ecton, and left it with the land to his only child, a daughter, who, with her husband, one Fisher, of

Wellingborough, sold it to Mr. Isted, now lord of the manor there. My grandfather had four sons that grew

up, viz.: Thomas, John, Benjamin and Josiah. I will give you what account I can of them, at this distance

from my papers, and if these are not lost in my absence, you will among them find many more particulars.

Thomas was bred a smith under his father; but, being ingenious, and encouraged in learning (as all my

brothers were) by an Esquire Palmer, then the principal gentleman in that parish, he qualified himself for the

business of scrivener; became a considerable man in the county; was a chief mover of all publicspirited

undertakings for the county or town of Northampton, and his own village, of which many instances were

related of him; and much taken notice of and patronized by the then Lord Halifax. He died in 17O2, January

6, old style, just four years to a day before I was born. The account we received of his life and character from

some old people at Ecton, I remember, struck you as something extraordinary, from its similarity to what you

"Had he died on the same day," you said, "one might have supposed a transmigration."

John was bred a dyer, I believe of woolens. Benjamin was bred a silk dyer, serving an apprenticeship at

London. He was an ingenious man. I remember him well, for when I was a boy he came over to my father in

Boston, and lived in the house with us some years. He lived to a great age. His grandson, Samuel Franklin,

now lives in Boston. He left behind him two quarto volumes, MS., of his own poetry, consisting of little

occasional pieces addressed to his friends and relations, of which the following, sent to me, is a specimen.3

He had formed a shorthand of his own, which he taught me, but, never practising it, I have now forgot it. I

was named after this uncle, there being a particular affection between him and my father. He was very pious,

a great attender of sermons of the best preachers, which he took down in his shorthand, and had with him

many volumes of them. He was also much of a politician; too much, perhaps, for his station. There fell lately

into my hands, in London, a collection he had made of all the principal pamphlets, relating to public affairs,

from 1641 to 1717; many of the volumes are wanting as appears by the numbering, but there still remain

eight volumes in folio, and twenty four in quarto and in octavo. A dealer in old books met with them, and

knowing me by my sometimes buying of him, he brought them to me. It seems my uncle must have left them

here, when he went to America, which was about fifty years since. There are many of his notes in the

This obscure family of ours was early in the Reformation, and continued Protestants through the reign of

Queen Mary, when they were sometimes in danger of trouble on account of their zeal against popery. They

had got an English Bible, and to conceal and secure it, it was fastened open with tapes under and within the

cover of a jointstool. When my greatgreatgrandfather read it to his family, he turned up the jointstool

upon his knees, turning over the leaves then under the tapes. One of the children stood at the door to give

notice if he saw the apparitor coming, who was an officer of the spiritual court. In that case the stool was

turned down again upon its feet, when the Bible remained concealed under it as before. This anecdote I had

from my uncle Benjamin. The family continued all of the Church of England till about the end of Charles the

Second's reign, when some of the ministers that had been outed for non conformity holding conventicles in

Northamptonshire, Benjamin and Josiah adhered to them, and so continued all their lives: the rest of the

Josiah, my father, married young, and carried his wife with three children into New England, about 1682. The

conventicles having been forbidden by law, and frequently disturbed, induced some considerable men of his

acquaintance to remove to that country, and he was prevailed with to accompany them thither, where they

expected to enjoy their mode of religion with freedom. By the same wife he had four children more born

there, and by a second wife ten more, in all seventeen; of which I remember thirteen sitting at one time at his

table, who all grew up to be men and women, and married; I was the youngest son, and the youngest child but

two, and was born in Boston, New England. My mother, the second wife, was Abiah Folger, daughter of

Peter Folger, one of the first settlers of New England, of whom honorable mention is made by Cotton Mather

in his church history of that country, entitled Magnalia Christi Americana, as "a godly, learned Englishman,"

if I remember the words rightly. I have heard that he wrote sundry small occasional pieces, but only one of

them was printed, which I saw now many years since. It was written in 1675, in the homespun verse of that

time and people, and addressed to those then concerned in the government there. It was in favor of liberty of

conscience, and in behalf of the Baptists, Quakers, and other sectaries that had been under persecution,

ascribing the Indian wars, and other distresses that had befallen the country, to that persecution, as so many

judgments of God to punish so heinous an offense, and exhorting a repeal of those uncharitable laws. The

whole appeared to me as written with a good deal of decent plainness and manly freedom. The six concluding

lines I remember, though I have forgotten the two first of the stanza; but the purport of them was, that his

censures proceeded from goodwill, and, therefore, he would be known to be the author.

My elder brothers were all put apprentices to different trades. I was put to the grammarschool at eight years

of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the Church. My early

readiness in learning to read (which must have been very early, as I do not remember when I could not read),

and the opinion of all his friends, that I should certainly make a good scholar, encouraged him in this purpose

of his. My uncle Benjamin, too, approved of it, and proposed to give me all his shorthand volumes of

sermons, I suppose as a stock to set up with, if I would learn his character. I continued, however, at the

grammarschool not quite one year, though in that time I had risen gradually from the middle of the class of

that year to be the head of it, and farther was removed into the next class above it, in order to go with that into

the third at the end of the year. But my father, in the meantime, from a view of the expense of a college

education, which having so large a family he could not well afford, and the mean living many so educated

were afterwards able to obtain reasons that be gave to his friends in my hearing altered his first

intention, took me from the grammarschool, and sent me to a school for writing and arithmetic, kept by a

then famous man, Mr. George Brownell, very successful in his profession generally, and that by mild,

encouraging methods. Under him I acquired fair writing pretty soon, but I failed in the arithmetic, and made

no progress in it. At ten years old I was taken home to assist my father in his business, which was that of a

tallowchandler and sopeboiler; a business he was not bred to, but had assumed on his arrival in New

England, and on finding his dying trade would not maintain his family, being in little request. Accordingly, I

was employed in cutting wick for the candles, filling the dipping mold and the molds for cast candles,

I disliked the trade, and had a strong inclination for the sea, but my father declared against it; however, living

near the water, I was much in and about it, learnt early to swim well, and to manage boats; and when in a boat

or canoe with other boys, I was commonly allowed to govern, especially in any case of difficulty; and upon

other occasions I was generally a leader among the boys, and sometimes led them into scrapes, of which I

will mention one instance, as it shows an early projecting public spirit, tho' not then justly conducted.

There was a saltmarsh that bounded part of the millpond, on the edge of which, at high water, we used to

stand to fish for minnows. By much trampling, we had made it a mere quagmire. My proposal was to build a

wharff there fit for us to stand upon, and I showed my comrades a large heap of stones, which were intended

for a new house near the marsh, and which would very well suit our purpose. Accordingly, in the evening,

when the workmen were gone, I assembled a number of my playfellows, and working with them diligently

like so many emmets, sometimes two or three to a stone, we brought them all away and built our little wharff.

The next morning the workmen were surprised at missing the stones, which were found in our wharff. Inquiry

was made after the removers; we were discovered and complained of; several of us were corrected by our

fathers; and though I pleaded the usefulness of the work, mine convinced me that nothing was useful which

I think you may like to know something of his person and character. He had an excellent constitution of body,

was of middle stature, but well set, and very strong; he was ingenious, could draw prettily, was skilled a little

in music, and had a clear pleasing voice, so that when he played psalm tunes on his violin and sung withal, as

he sometimes did in an evening after the business of the day was over, it was extremely agreeable to hear. He

had a mechanical genius too, and, on occasion, was very handy in the use of other tradesmen's tools; but his

great excellence lay in a sound understanding and solid judgment in prudential matters, both in private and

publick affairs. In the latter, indeed, he was never employed, the numerous family he had to educate and the

straitness of his circumstances keeping him close to his trade; but I remember well his being frequently

visited by leading people, who consulted him for his opinion in affairs of the town or of the church he

belonged to, and showed a good deal of respect for his judgment and advice: he was also much consulted by

private persons about their affairs when any difficulty occurred, and frequently chosen an arbitrator between

At his table he liked to have, as often as he could, some sensible friend or neighbor to converse with, and

always took care to start some ingenious or useful topic for discourse, which might tend to improve the minds

of his children. By this means he turned our attention to what was good, just, and prudent in the conduct of

life; and little or no notice was ever taken of what related to the victuals on the table, whether it was well or

ill dressed, in or out of season, of good or bad flavor, preferable or inferior to this or that other thing of the

kind, so that I was bro't up in such a perfect inattention to those matters as to be quite indifferent what kind of

food was set before me, and so unobservant of it, that to this day if I am asked I can scarce tell a few hours

after dinner what I dined upon. This has been a convenience to me in travelling, where my companions have

been sometimes very unhappy for want of a suitable gratification of their more delicate, because better

My mother had likewise an excellent constitution: she suckled all her ten children. I never knew either my

father or mother to have any sickness but that of which they dy'd, he at 89, and she at 85 years of age. They

lie buried together at Boston, where I some years since placed a marble over their grave, with this inscription:

By my rambling digressions I perceive myself to be grown old. I us'd to write more methodically. But one

does not dress for private company as for a publick ball. 'Tis perhaps only negligence.

To return: I continued thus employed in my father's business for two years, that is, till I was twelve years old;

and my brother John, who was bred to that business, having left my father, married, and set up for himself at

Rhode Island, there was all appearance that I was destined to supply his place, and become a

tallowchandler. But my dislike to the trade continuing, my father was under apprehensions that if he did not

find one for me more agreeable, I should break away and get to sea, as his son Josiah had done, to his great

vexation. He therefore sometimes took me to walk with him, and see joiners, bricklayers, turners, braziers,

etc., at their work, that he might observe my inclination, and endeavor to fix it on some trade or other on land.

It has ever since been a pleasure to me to see good workmen handle their tools; and it has been useful to me,

having learnt so much by it as to be able to do little jobs myself in my house when a workman could not

readily be got, and to construct little machines for my experiments, while the intention of making the

experiment was fresh and warm in my mind. My father at last fixed upon the cutler's trade, and my uncle

Benjamin's son Samuel, who was bred to that business in London, being about that time established in

Boston, I was sent to be with him some time on liking. But his expectations of a fee with me displeasing my

From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in

books. Pleased with the Pilgrim's Progress, my first collection was of John Bunyan's works in separate little

volumes. I afterward sold them to enable me to buy R. Burton's Historical Collections; they were small

chapmen's books, and cheap, 40 or 50 in all. My father's little library consisted chiefly of books in polemic

divinity, most of which I read, and have since often regretted that, at a time when I had such a thirst for

knowledge, more proper books had not fallen in my way since it was now resolved I should not be a

clergyman. Plutarch's Lives there was in which I read abundantly, and I still think that time spent to great

advantage. There was also a book of De Foe's, called an Essay on Projects, and another of Dr. Mather's,

called Essays to do Good, which perhaps gave me a turn of thinking that had an influence on some of the

This bookish inclination at length determined my father to make me a printer, though he had already one son

(James) of that profession. In 1717 my brother James returned from England with a press and letters to set up

his business in Boston. I liked it much better than that of my father, but still had a hankering for the sea. To

prevent the apprehended effect of such an inclination, my father was impatient to have me bound to my

brother. I stood out some time, but at last was persuaded, and signed the indentures when I was yet but twelve

years old. I was to serve as an apprentice till I was twentyone years of age, only I was to be allowed

journeyman's wages during the last year. In a little time I made great proficiency in the business, and became

a useful hand to my brother. I now had access to better books. An acquaintance with the apprentices of

booksellers enabled me sometimes to borrow a small one, which I was careful to return soon and clean. Often

I sat up in my room reading the greatest part of the night, when the book was borrowed in the evening and to

And after some time an ingenious tradesman, Mr. Matthew Adams, who had a pretty collection of books, and

who frequented our printinghouse, took notice of me, invited me to his library, and very kindly lent me such

books as I chose to read. I now took a fancy to poetry, and made some little pieces; my brother, thinking it

might turn to account, encouraged me, and put me on composing occasional ballads. One was called The

Lighthouse Tragedy, and contained an account of the drowning of Captain Worthilake, with his two

daughters: the other was a sailor's song, on the taking of Teach (or Blackbeard) the pirate. They were

wretched stuff, in the Grubstreetballad style; and when they were printed he sent me about the town to sell

them. The first sold wonderfully, the event being recent, having made a great noise. This flattered my vanity;

but my father discouraged me by ridiculing my performances, and telling me versemakers were generally

beggars. So I escaped being a poet, most probably a very bad one; but as prose writing bad been of great use

to me in the course of my life, and was a principal means of my advancement, I shall tell you how, in such a

There was another bookish lad in the town, John Collins by name, with whom I was intimately acquainted.

We sometimes disputed, and very fond we were of argument, and very desirous of confuting one another,

which disputatious turn, by the way, is apt to become a very bad habit, making people often extremely

disagreeable in company by the contradiction that is necessary to bring it into practice; and thence, besides

souring and spoiling the conversation, is productive of disgusts and, perhaps enmities where you may have

occasion for friendship. I had caught it by reading my father's books of dispute about religion. Persons of

good sense, I have since observed, seldom fall into it, except lawyers, university men, and men of all sorts

A question was once, somehow or other, started between Collins and me, of the propriety of educating the

female sex in learning, and their abilities for study. He was of opinion that it was improper, and that they

were naturally unequal to it. I took the contrary side, perhaps a little for dispute's sake. He was naturally more

eloquent, had a ready plenty of words; and sometimes, as I thought, bore me down more by his fluency than

by the strength of his reasons. As we parted without settling the point, and were not to see one another again

for some time, I sat down to put my arguments in writing, which I copied fair and sent to him. He answered,

and I replied. Three or four letters of a side had passed, when my father happened to find my papers and read

them. Without entering into the discussion, he took occasion to talk to me about the manner of my writing;

observed that, though I had the advantage of my antagonist in correct spelling and pointing (which I ow'd to

the printinghouse), I fell far short in elegance of expression, in method and in perspicuity, of which he

convinced me by several instances. I saw the justice of his remark, and thence grew more attentive to the

About this time I met with an odd volume of the Spectator. It was the third. I had never before seen any of

them. I bought it, read it over and over, and was much delighted with it. I thought the writing excellent, and

wished, if possible, to imitate it. With this view I took some of the papers, and, making short hints of the

sentiment in each sentence, laid them by a few days, and then, without looking at the book, try'd to compleat

the papers again, by expressing each hinted sentiment at length, and as fully as it had been expressed before,

in any suitable words that should come to hand. Then I compared my Spectator with the original, discovered

some of my faults, and corrected them. But I found I wanted a stock of words, or a readiness in recollecting

and using them, which I thought I should have acquired before that time if I had gone on making verses; since

the continual occasion for words of the same import, but of different length, to suit the measure, or of

different sound for the rhyme, would have laid me under a constant necessity of searching for variety, and

also have tended to fix that variety in my mind, and make me master of it. Therefore I took some of the tales

and turned them into verse; and, after a time, when I had pretty well forgotten the prose, turned them back

again. I also sometimes jumbled my collections of hints into confusion, and after some weeks endeavored to

reduce them into the best order, before I began to form the full sentences and compleat the paper. This was to

teach me method in the arrangement of thoughts. By comparing my work afterwards with the original, I

discovered many faults and amended them; but I sometimes had the pleasure of fancying that, in certain

particulars of small import, I had been lucky enough to improve the method or the language, and this

encouraged me to think I might possibly in time come to be a tolerable English writer, of which I was

extremely ambitious. My time for these exercises and for reading was at night, after work or before it began

in the morning, or on Sundays, when I contrived to be in the printinghouse alone, evading as much as I

could the common attendance on public worship which my father used to exact on me when I was under his

care, and which indeed I still thought a duty, though I could not, as it seemed to me, afford time to practise it.

When about 16 years of age I happened to meet with a book, written by one Tryon, recommending a

vegetable diet. I determined to go into it. My brother, being yet unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded

himself and his apprentices in another family. My refusing to eat flesh occasioned an inconveniency, and I

was frequently chid for my singularity. I made myself acquainted with Tryon's manner of preparing some of

his dishes, such as boiling potatoes or rice, making hasty pudding, and a few others, and then proposed to my

brother, that if he would give me, weekly, half the money he paid for my board, I would board myself. He

instantly agreed to it, and I presently found that I could save half what he paid me. This was an additional

fund for buying books. But I had another advantage in it. My brother and the rest going from the

printinghouse to their meals, I remained there alone, and, despatching presently my light repast, which often

was no more than a bisket or a slice of bread, a handful of raisins or a tart from the pastry cook's, and a glass

of water, had the rest of the time till their return for study, in which I made the greater progress, from that

greater clearness of head and quicker apprehension which usually attend temperance in eating and drinking.

And now it was that, being on some occasion made asham'd of my ignorance in figures, which I had twice

failed in learning when at school, I took Cocker's book of Arithmetick, and went through the whole by myself

with great ease. I also read Seller's and Shermy's books of Navigation, and became acquainted with the little

geometry they contain; but never proceeded far in that science. And I read about this time Locke On Human

While I was intent on improving my language, I met with an English grammar (I think it was Greenwood's),

at the end of which there were two little sketches of the arts of rhetoric and logic, the latter finishing with a

specimen of a dispute in the Socratic method; and soon after I procur'd Xenophon's Memorable Things of

Socrates, wherein there are many instances of the same method. I was charm'd with it, adopted it, dropt my

abrupt contradiction and positive argumentation, and put on the humble inquirer and doubter. And being then,

from reading Shaftesbury and Collins, become a real doubter in many points of our religious doctrine, I found

this method safest for myself and very embarrassing to those against whom I used it; therefore I took a

delight in it, practis'd it continually, and grew very artful and expert in drawing people, even of superior

knowledge, into concessions, the consequences of which they did not foresee, entangling them in difficulties

out of which they could not extricate themselves, and so obtaining victories that neither myself nor my cause

always deserved. I continu'd this method some few years, but gradually left it, retaining only the habit of

expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence; never using, when I advanced any thing that may possibly

be disputed, the words certainly, undoubtedly, or any others that give the air of positiveness to an opinion;

but rather say, I conceive or apprehend a thing to be so and so; it appears to me, or I should think it so or so,

for such and such reasons; or ,I imagine it to be so; or it is so, if I am not mistaken. This habit, I believe, has

been of great advantage to me when I have had occasion to inculcate my opinions, and persuade men into

measures that I have been from time to time engag'd in promoting; and, as the chief ends of conversation are

to inform or to be informed, to please or to persuade, I wish wellmeaning, sensible men would not lessen

their power of doing good by a positive, assuming manner, that seldom fails to disgust, tends to create

opposition, and to defeat every one of those purposes for which speech was given to us, to wit, giving or

receiving information or pleasure. For, if you would inform, a positive and dogmatical manner in advancing

your sentiments may provoke contradiction and prevent a candid attention. If you wish information and

improvement from the knowledge of others, and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix'd in your

present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in

the possession of your error. And by such a manner, you can seldom hope to recommend yourself in pleasing

your hearers, or to persuade those whose concurrence you desire. Pope says, judiciously:

And he might have coupled with this line that which he has coupled with another, I think, less properly,

Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate as to want it) some apology for his want of

My brother had, in 1720 or 1721, begun to print a newspaper. It was the second that appeared in America,

and was called the New England Courant. The only one before it was the Boston NewsLetter. I remember

his being dissuaded by some of his friends from the undertaking, as not likely to succeed, one newspaper

being, in their judgment, enough for America. At this time (1771) there are not less than fiveandtwenty.

He went on, however, with the undertaking, and after having worked in composing the types and printing off

the sheets, I was employed to carry the papers thro' the streets to the customers.

He had some ingenious men among his friends, who amus'd themselves by writing little pieces for this paper,

which gain'd it credit and made it more in demand, and these gentlemen often visited us. Hearing their

conversations, and their accounts of the approbation their papers were received with, I was excited to try my

hand among them; but, being still a boy, and suspecting that my brother would object to printing anything of

mine in his paper if he knew it to be mine, I contrived to disguise my hand, and, writing an anonymous paper,

I put it in at night under the door of the printinghouse. It was found in the morning, and communicated to

his writing friends when they call'd in as usual. They read it, commented on it in my hearing, and I had the

exquisite pleasure of finding it met with their approbation, and that, in their different guesses at the author,

none were named but men of some character among us for learning and ingenuity. I suppose now that I was

rather lucky in my judges, and that perhaps they were not really so very good ones as I then esteem'd them.

Encourag'd, however, by this, I wrote and convey'd in the same way to the press several more papers which

were equally approv'd; and I kept my secret till my small fund of sense for such performances was pretty well

exhausted and then I discovered it, when I began to be considered a little more by my brother's acquaintance,

and in a manner that did not quite please him, as he thought, probably with reason, that it tended to make me

too vain. And, perhaps, this might be one occasion of the differences that we began to have about this time.

Though a brother, he considered himself as my master, and me as his apprentice, and accordingly, expected

the same services from me as he would from another, while I thought he demean'd me too much in some he

requir'd of me, who from a brother expected more indulgence. Our disputes were often brought before our

father, and I fancy I was either generally in the right, or else a better pleader, because the judgment was

generally in my favor. But my brother was passionate, and had often beaten me, which I took extreamly

amiss; and, thinking my apprenticeship very tedious, I was continually wishing for some opportunity of

One of the pieces in our newspaper on some political point, which I have now forgotten, gave offense to the

Assembly. He was taken up, censur'd, and imprison'd for a month, by the speaker's warrant, I suppose,

because he would not discover his author. I too was taken up and examin'd before the council; but, tho' I did

not give them any satisfaction, they content'd themselves with admonishing me, and dismissed me,

considering me, perhaps, as an apprentice, who was bound to keep his master's secrets.

During my brother's confinement, which I resented a good deal, notwithstanding our private differences, I

had the management of the paper; and I made bold to give our rulers some rubs in it, which my brother took

very kindly, while others began to consider me in an unfavorable light, as a young genius that had a turn for

libelling and satyr. My brother's discharge was accompany'd with an order of the House (a very odd one), that

"James Franklin should no longer print the paper called the New England Courant."

There was a consultation held in our printinghouse among his friends, what he should do in this case. Some

proposed to evade the order by changing the name of the paper; but my brother, seeing inconveniences in

that, it was finally concluded on as a better way, to let it be printed for the future under the name of

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN; and to avoid the censure of the Assembly, that might fall on him as still printing it

by his apprentice, the contrivance was that my old indenture should be return'd to me, with a full discharge on

the back of it, to be shown on occasion, but to secure to him the benefit of my service, I was to sign new

indentures for the remainder of the term, which were to be kept private. A very flimsy scheme it was;

however, it was immediately executed, and the paper went on accordingly, under my name for several

At length, a fresh difference arising between my brother and me, I took upon me to assert my freedom,

presuming that he would not venture to produce the new indentures. It was not fair in me to take this

advantage, and this I therefore reckon one of the first errata of my life; but the unfairness of it weighed little

with me, when under the impressions of resentment for the blows his passion too often urged him to bestow

upon me, though he was otherwise not an illnatur'd man: perhaps I was too saucy and provoking.

When he found I would leave him, he took care to prevent my getting employment in any other

printinghouse of the town, by going round and speaking to every master, who accordingly refus'd to give me

work. I then thought of going to New York, as the nearest place where there was a printer; and I was rather

inclin'd to leave Boston when I reflected that I had already made myself a little obnoxious to the governing

party, and, from the arbitrary proceedings of the Assembly in my brother's case, it was likely I might, if I

stay'd, soon bring myself into scrapes; and farther, that my indiscrete disputations about religion began to

make me pointed at with horror by good people as an infidel or atheist. I determin'd on the point, but my

father now siding with my brother, I was sensible that, if I attempted to go openly, means would be used to

prevent me. My friend Collins, therefore, undertook to manage a little for me. He agreed with the captain of a

New York sloop for my passage, under the notion of my being a young acquaintance of his, that had got a

naughty girl with child, whose friends would compel me to marry her, and therefore I could not appear or

come away publicly. So I sold some of my books to raise a little money, was taken on board privately, and as

we had a fair wind, in three days I found myself in New York, near 300 miles from home, a boy of but 17,

without the least recommendation to, or knowledge of any person in the place, and with very little money in

My inclinations for the sea were by this time worne out, or I might now have gratify'd them. But, having a

trade, and supposing myself a pretty good workman, I offer'd my service to the printer in the place, old Mr.

William Bradford, who had been the first printer in Pennsylvania, but removed from thence upon the quarrel

of George Keith. He could give me no employment, having little to do, and help enough already; but says he,

"My son at Philadelphia has lately lost his principal hand, Aquila Rose, by death; if you go thither, I believe

he may employ you." Philadelphia was a hundred miles further; I set out, however, in a boat for Amboy,

In crossing the bay, we met with a squall that tore our rotten sails to pieces, prevented our getting into the

Kill and drove us upon Long Island. In our way, a drunken Dutchman, who was a passenger too, fell

overboard; when he was sinking, I reached through the water to his shock pate, and drew him up, so that we

got him in again. His ducking sobered him a little, and he went to sleep, taking first out of his pocket a book,

which he desir'd I would dry for him. It proved to be my old favorite author, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, in

Dutch, finely printed on good paper, with copper cuts, a dress better than I had ever seen it wear in its own

language. I have since found that it has been translated into most of the languages of Europe, and suppose it

has been more generally read than any other book, except perhaps the Bible. Honest John was the first that I

know of who mix'd narration and dialogue; a method of writing very engaging to the reader, who in the most

interesting parts finds himself, as it were, brought into the company and present at the discourse. De Foe in

his Cruso, his Moll Flanders, Religious Courtship, Family Instructor, and other pieces, has imitated it with

When we drew near the island, we found it was at a place where there could be no landing, there being a

great surff on the stony beach. So we dropt anchor, and swung round towards the shore. Some people came

down to the water edge and hallow'd to us, as we did to them; but the wind was so high, and the surff so loud,

that we could not hear so as to understand each other. There were canoes on the shore, and we made signs,

and hallow'd that they should fetch us; but they either did not understand us, or thought it impracticable, so

they went away, and night coming on, we had no remedy but to wait till the wind should abate; and, in the

meantime, the boatman and I concluded to sleep, if we could; and so crowded into the scuttle, with the

Dutchman, who was still wet, and the spray beating over the head of our boat, leak'd thro' to us, so that we

were soon almost as wet as he. In this manner we lay all night, with very little rest; but, the wind abating the

next day, we made a shift to reach Amboy before night, having been thirty hours on the water, without

victuals, or any drink but a bottle of filthy rum, and the water we sail'd on being salt.

In the evening I found myself very feverish, and went in to bed; but, having read somewhere that cold water

drank plentifully was good for a fever, I follow'd the prescription, sweat plentiful most of the night, my fever

left me, and in the morning, crossing the ferry, I proceeded on my journey on foot, having fifty miles to

Burlington, where I was told I should find boats that would carry me the rest of the way to Philadelphia.

It rained very hard all the day; I was thoroughly soak'd, and by noon a good deal tired; so I stopt at a poor inn,

where I staid all night, beginning now to wish that I had never left home. I cut so miserable a figure, too, that

I found, by the questions ask'd me, I was suspected to be some runaway servant, and in danger of being taken

up on that suspicion. However, I proceeded the next day, and got in the evening to an inn, within eight or ten

miles of Burlington, kept by one Dr. Brown. He entered into conversation with me while I took some

refreshment, and, finding I had read a little, became very sociable and friendly. Our acquaintance continu'd as

long as he liv'd. He had been, I imagine, an itinerant doctor, for there was no town in England, or country in

Europe, of which he could not give a very particular account. He had some letters, and was ingenious, but

much of an unbeliever, and wickedly undertook, some years after, to travestie the Bible in doggrel verse, as

Cotton had done Virgil. By this means he set many of the facts in a very ridiculous light, and might have hurt

At his house I lay that night, and the next morning reach'd Burlington, but had the mortification to find that

the regular boats were gone a little before my coming, and no other expected to go before Tuesday, this being

Saturday; wherefore I returned to an old woman in the town, of whom I had bought gingerbread to eat on the

water, and ask'd her advice. She invited me to lodge at her house till a passage by water should offer; and

being tired with my foot travelling, I accepted the invitation. She understanding I was a printer, would have

had me stay at that town and follow my business, being ignorant of the stock necessary to begin with. She

was very hospitable, gave me a dinner of oxcheek with great good will, accepting only a pot of ale in return;

and I thought myself fixed till Tuesday should come. However, walking in the evening by the side of the

river, a boat came by, which I found was going towards Philadelphia, with several people in her. They took

me in, and, as there was no wind, we row'd all the way; and about midnight, not having yet seen the city,

some of the company were confident we must have passed it, and would row no farther; the others knew not

where we were; so we put toward the shore, got into a creek, landed near an old fence, with the rails of which

we made a fire, the night being cold, in October, and there we remained till daylight. Then one of the

company knew the place to be Cooper's Creek, a little above Philadelphia, which we saw as soon as we got

out of the creek, and arriv'd there about eight or nine o'clock on the Sunday morning, and landed at the

I have been the more particular in this description of my journey, and shall be so of my first entry into that

city, that you may in your mind compare such unlikely beginnings with the figure I have since made there. I

was in my working dress, my best cloaths being to come round by sea. I was dirty from my journey; my

pockets were stuff'd out with shirts and stockings, and I knew no soul nor where to look for lodging. I was

fatigued with travelling, rowing, and want of rest, I was very hungry; and my whole stock of cash consisted

of a Dutch dollar, and about a shilling in copper. The latter I gave the people of the boat for my passage, who

at first refus'd it, on account of my rowing; but I insisted on their taking it. A man being sometimes more

generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty, perhaps thro' fear of being thought to have

Then I walked up the street, gazing about till near the markethouse I met a boy with bread. I had made many

a meal on bread, and, inquiring where he got it, I went immediately to the baker's he directed me to, in

Second street, and ask'd for bisket, intending such as we had in Boston; but they, it seems, were not made in

Philadelphia. Then I asked for a threepenny loaf, and was told they had none such. So not considering or

knowing the difference of money, and the greater cheapness nor the names of his bread, I made him give me

threepenny worth of any sort. He gave me, accordingly, three great puffy rolls. I was surpriz'd at the

quantity, but took it, and, having no room in my pockets, walk'd off with a roll under each arm, and eating the

other. Thus I went up Marketstreet as far as Fourthstreet, passing by the door of Mr. Read, my future

wife's father; when she, standing at the door, saw me, and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward,

ridiculous appearance. Then I turned and went down Chestnutstreet and part of Walnutstreet, eating my

roll all the way, and, corning round, found myself again at Marketstreet wharf, near the boat I came in, to

which I went for a draught of the river water; and, being filled with one of my rolls, gave the other two to a

woman and her child that came down the river in the boat with us, and were waiting to go farther.

Thus refreshed, I walked again up the street, which by this time had many cleandressed people in it, who

were all walking the same way. I joined them, and thereby was led into the great meetinghouse of the

Quakers near the market. I sat down among them, and, after looking round awhile and hearing nothing said,

being very drowsy thro' labor and want of rest the preceding night, I fell fast asleep, and continued so till the

meeting broke up, when one was kind enough to rouse me. This was, therefore, the first house I was in, or

Walking down again toward the river, and, looking in the faces of people, I met a young Quaker man, whose

countenance I lik'd, and, accosting him, requested he would tell me where a stranger could get lodging. We

were then near the sign of the Three Mariners. "Here," says he, "is one place that entertains strangers, but it is

not a reputable house; if thee wilt walk with me, I'll show thee a better." He brought me to the Crooked Billet

in Waterstreet. Here I got a dinner; and, while I was eating it, several sly questions were asked me, as it

seemed to be suspected from my youth and appearance, that I might be some runaway.

After dinner, my sleepiness return'd, and being shown to a bed, I lay down without undressing, and slept till

six in the evening, was call'd to supper, went to bed again very early, and slept soundly till next morning.

Then I made myself as tidy as I could, and went to Andrew Bradford the printer's. I found in the shop the old

man his father, whom I had seen at New York, and who, travelling on horseback, had got to Philadelphia

before me. He introduc'd me to his son, who receiv'd me civilly, gave me a breakfast, but told me he did not

at present want a hand, being lately suppli'd with one; but there was another printer in town, lately set up, one

Keimer, who, perhaps, might employ me; if not, I should be welcome to lodge at his house, and he would

The old gentleman said he would go with me to the new printer; and when we found him, "Neighbor," says

Bradford, "I have brought to see you a young man of your business; perhaps you may want such a one." He

ask'd me a few questions, put a composing stick in my hand to see how I work'd, and then said he would

employ me soon, though he had just then nothing for me to do; and, taking old Bradford, whom he had never

seen before, to be one of the town's people that had a good will for him, enter'd into a conversation on his

present undertaking and projects; while Bradford, not discovering that he was the other printer's father, on

Keimer's saying he expected soon to get the greatest part of the business into his own hands, drew him on by

artful questions, and starting little doubts, to explain all his views, what interests he reli'd on, and in what

manner he intended to proceed. I, who stood by and heard all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty

old sophister, and the other a mere novice. Bradford left me with Keimer, who was greatly surpris'd when I

Keimer's printinghouse, I found, consisted of an old shatter'd press, and one small, wornout font of English

which he was then using himself, composing an Elegy on Aquila Rose, before mentioned, an ingenious

young man, of excellent character, much respected in the town, clerk of the Assembly, and a pretty poet.

Keimer made verses too, but very indifferently. He could not be said to write them, for his manner was to

compose them in the types directly out of his head. So there being no copy, but one pair of cases, and the

Elegy likely to require all the letter, no one could help him. I endeavor'd to put his press (which he had not

yet us'd, and of which he understood nothing) into order fit to be work'd with; and, promising to come and

print off his Elegy as soon as he should have got it ready, I return'd to Bradford's, who gave me a little job to

do for the present, and there I lodged and dieted, A few days after, Keimer sent for me to print off the Elegy.

And now he had got another pair of cases, and a pamphlet to reprint, on which he set me to work.

These two printers I found poorly qualified for their business. Bradford had not been bred to it, and was very

illiterate; and Keimer, tho' something of a scholar, was a mere compositor, knowing nothing of presswork. He

had been one of the French prophets, and could act their enthusiastic agitations. At this time he did not

profess any particular religion, but something of all on occasion; was very ignorant of the world, and had, as I

afterward found, a good deal of the knave in his composition. He did not like my lodging at Bradford's while

I work'd with him. He had a house, indeed, but without furniture, so he could not lodge me; but he got me a

lodging at Mr. Read's, before mentioned, who was the owner of his house; and, my chest and clothes being

come by this time, I made rather a more respectable appearance in the eyes of Miss Read than I had done

I began now to have some acquaintance among the young people of the town, that were lovers of reading,

with whom I spent my evenings very pleasantly; and gaining money by my industry and frugality, I lived

very agreeably, forgetting Boston as much as I could, and not desiring that any there should know where I

resided, except my friend Collins, who was in my secret, and kept it when I wrote to him. At length, an

incident happened that sent me back again much sooner than I had intended. I had a brother inlaw, Robert

Holmes, master of a sloop that traded between Boston and Delaware. He being at Newcastle, forty miles

below Philadelphia, heard there of me, and wrote me a letter mentioning the concern of my friends in Boston

at my abrupt departure, assuring me of their good will to me, and that every thing would be accommodated to

my mind if I would return, to which he exhorted me very earnestly. I wrote an answer to his letter, thank'd

him for his advice, but stated my reasons for quitting Boston fully and in such a light as to convince him I

Sir William Keith, governor of the province, was then at Newcastle, and Captain Holmes, happening to be in

company with him when my letter came to hand, spoke to him of me, and show'd him the letter. The

governor read it, and seem'd surpris'd when he was told my age. He said I appear'd a young man of promising

parts, and therefore should be encouraged; the printers at Philadelphia were wretched ones; and, if I would set

up there, he made no doubt I should succeed; for his part, he would procure me the public business, and do

me every other service in his power. This my brotherinlaw afterwards told me in Boston, but I knew as yet

nothing of it; when, one day, Keimer and I being at work together near the window, we saw the governor and

another gentleman (which proved to be Colonel French, of Newcastle), finely dress'd, come directly across

Keimer ran down immediately, thinking it a visit to him; but the governor inquir'd for me, came up, and with

a condescension of politeness I had been quite unus'd to, made me many compliments, desired to be

acquainted with me, blam'd me kindly for not having made myself known to him when I first came to the

place, and would have me away with him to the tavern, where he was going with Colonel French to taste, as

he said, some excellent Madeira. I was not a little surprised, and Keimer star'd like a pig poison'd. I went,

however, with the governor and Colonel French to a tavern, at the corner of Thirdstreet, and over the

Madeira he propos'd my setting up my business, laid before me the probabilities of success, and both he and

Colonel French assur'd me I should have their interest and influence in procuring the public business of both

governments. On my doubting whether my father would assist me in it, Sir William said he would give me a

letter to him, in which he would state the advantages, and he did not doubt of prevailing with him. So it was

concluded I should return to Boston in the first vessel, with the governor's letter recommending me to my

father. In the mean time the intention was to be kept a secret, and I went on working with Keimer as usual,

the governor sending for me now and then to dine with him, a very great honor I thought it, and conversing

About the end of April, 1724, a little vessel offer'd for Boston. I took leave of Keimer as going to see my

friends. The governor gave me an ample letter, saying many flattering things of me to my father, and strongly

recommending the project of my setting up at Philadelphia as a thing that must make my fortune. We struck

on a shoal in going down the bay, and sprung a leak; we had a blustering time at sea, and were oblig'd to

pump almost continually, at which I took my turn. We arriv'd safe, however, at Boston in about a fortnight. I

had been absent seven months, and my friends had heard nothing of me; for my br. Holmes was not yet

return'd, and had not written about me. My unexpected appearance surpriz'd the family; all were, however,

very glad to see me, and made me welcome, except my brother. I went to see him at his printinghouse. I was

better dress'd than ever while in his service, having a genteel new suit from head to foot, a watch, and my

pockets lin'd with near five pounds sterling in silver. He receiv'd me not very frankly, look'd me all over, and

The journeymen were inquisitive where I had been, what sort of a country it was, and how I lik'd it. I prais'd

it much, the happy life I led in it, expressing strongly my intention of returning to it; and, one of them asking

what kind of money we had there, I produc'd a handful of silver, and spread it before them, which was a kind

of rareeshow they had not been us'd to, paper being the money of Boston. Then I took an opportunity of

letting them see my watch; and, lastly (my brother still grum and sullen), I gave them a piece of eight to

drink, and took my leave. This visit of mine offended him extreamly; for, when my mother some time after

spoke to him of a reconciliation, and of her wishes to see us on good terms together, and that we might live

for the future as brothers, he said I had insulted him in such a manner before his people that he could never

My father received the governor's letter with some apparent surprise, but said little of it to me for some days,

when Capt. Holmes returning he showed it to him, ask'd him if he knew Keith, and what kind of man he was;

adding his opinion that he must be of small discretion to think of setting a boy up in business who wanted yet

three years of being at man's estate. Holmes said what he could in favor of the project, but my father was

clear in the impropriety of it, and at last gave a flat denial to it. Then he wrote a civil letter to Sir William,

thanking him for the patronage he had so kindly offered me, but declining to assist me as yet in setting up, I

being, in his opinion, too young to be trusted with the management of a business so important, and for which

My friend and companion Collins, who was a clerk in the postoffice, pleas'd with the account I gave him of

my new country, determined to go thither also; and, while I waited for my father's determination, he set out

before me by land to Rhode Island, leaving his books, which were a pretty collection of mathematicks and

natural philosophy, to come with mine and me to New York, where he propos'd to wait for me.

My father, tho' he did not approve Sir William's proposition, was yet pleas'd that I had been able to obtain so

advantageous a character from a person of such note where I had resided, and that I had been so industrious

and careful as to equip myself so handsomely in so short a time; therefore, seeing no prospect of an

accommodation between my brother and me, he gave his consent to my returning again to Philadelphia,

advis'd me to behave respectfully to the people there, endeavor to obtain the general esteem, and avoid

lampooning and libeling, to which he thought I had too much inclination; telling me, that by steady industry

and a prudent parsimony I might save enough by the time I was oneandtwenty to set me up; and that, if I

came near the matter, he would help me out with the rest. This was all I could obtain, except some small gifts

as tokens of his and my mother's love, when I embark'd again for New York, now with their approbation and

The sloop putting in at Newport, Rhode Island, I visited my brother John, who had been married and settled

there some years. He received me very affectionately, for he always lov'd me. A friend of his, one Vernon,

having some money due to him in Pensilvania, about thirtyfive pounds currency, desired I would receive it

for him, and keep it till I had his directions what to remit it in. Accordingly, he gave me an order. This

At Newport we took in a number of passengers for New York, among which were two young women,

companions, and a grave, sensible, matronlike Quaker woman, with her attendants. I had shown an obliging

readiness to do her some little services, which impress'd her I suppose with a degree of good will toward me;

therefore, when she saw a daily growing familiarity between me and the two young women, which they

appear'd to encourage, she took me aside, and said: "Young man, I am concern'd for thee, as thou has no

friend with thee, and seems not to know much of the world, or of the snares youth is expos'd to; depend upon

it, those are very bad women; I can see it in all their actions; and if thee art not upon thy guard, they will draw

thee into some danger; they are strangers to thee, and I advise thee, in a friendly concern for thy welfare, to

have no acquaintance with them." As I seem'd at first not to think so ill of them as she did, she mentioned

some things she had observ'd and heard that had escap'd my notice, but now convinc'd me she was right. I

thank'd her for her kind advice, and promis'd to follow it. When we arriv'd at New York, they told me where

they liv'd, and invited me to come and see them; but I avoided it, and it was well I did; for the next day the

captain miss'd a silver spoon and some other things, that had been taken out of his cabbin, and, knowing that

these were a couple of strumpets, he got a warrant to search their lodgings, found the stolen goods, and had

the thieves punish'd. So, tho' we had escap'd a sunken rock, which we scrap'd upon in the passage, I thought

At New York I found my friend Collins, who had arriv'd there some time before me. We had been intimate

from children, and had read the same books together; but he had the advantage of more time for reading and

studying, and a wonderful genius for mathematical learning, in which he far outstript me. While I liv'd in

Boston most of my hours of leisure for conversation were spent with him, and he continu'd a sober as well as

an industrious lad; was much respected for his learning by several of the clergy and other gentlemen, and

seemed to promise making a good figure in life. But, during my absence, he had acquir'd a habit of sotting

with brandy; and I found by his own account, and what I heard from others, that he had been drunk every day

since his arrival at New York, and behav'd very oddly. He had gam'd, too, and lost his money, so that I was

oblig'd to discharge his lodgings, and defray his expenses to and at Philadelphia, which prov'd extremely

The then governor of New York, Burnet (son of Bishop Burnet), hearing from the captain that a young man,

one of his passengers, had a great many books, desir'd he would bring me to see him. I waited upon him

accordingly, and should have taken Collins with me but that he was not sober. The gov'r. treated me with

great civility, show'd me his library, which was a very large one, and we had a good deal of conversation

about books and authors. This was the second governor who had done me the honor to take notice of me;

We proceeded to Philadelphia. I received on the way Vernon's money, without which we could hardly have

finish'd our journey. Collins wished to be employ'd in some countinghouse, but, whether they discover'd his

dramming by his breath, or by his behaviour, tho' he had some recommendations, he met with no success in

any application, and continu'd lodging and boarding at the same house with me, and at my expense. Knowing

I had that money of Vernon's, he was continually borrowing of me, still promising repayment as soon as he

should be in business. At length he had got so much of it that I was distress'd to think what I should do in

His drinking continu'd, about which we sometimes quarrell'd; for, when a little intoxicated, he was very

fractious. Once, in a boat on the Delaware with some other young men, he refused to row in his turn. "I will

be row'd home," says he. "We will not row you," says I. "You must, or stay all night on the water," says he,

"just as you please." The others said, "Let us row; what signifies it?" But, my mind being soured with his

other conduct, I continu'd to refuse. So he swore he would make me row, or throw me overboard; and coming

along, stepping on the thwarts, toward me, when he came up and struck at me, I clapped my hand under his

crutch, and, rising, pitched him head foremost into the river. I knew he was a good swimmer, and so was

under little concern about him; but before he could get round to lay hold of the boat, we had with a few

strokes pull'd her out of his reach; and ever when he drew near the boat, we ask'd if he would row, striking a

few strokes to slide her away from him. He was ready to die with vexation, and obstinately would not

promise to row. However, seeing him at last beginning to tire, we lifted him in and brought him home

dripping wet in the evening. We hardly exchang'd a civil word afterwards, and a West India captain, who had

a commission to procure a tutor for the sons of a gentleman at Barbadoes, happening to meet with him,

agreed to carry him thither. He left me then, promising to remit me the first money he should receive in order

The breaking into this money of Vernon's was one of the first great errata of my life; and this affair show'd

that my father was not much out in his judgment when he suppos'd me too young to manage business of

importance. But Sir William, on reading his letter, said he was too prudent. There was great difference in

persons; and discretion did not always accompany years, nor was youth always without it. "And since he will

not set you up," says he, "I will do it myself. Give me an inventory of the things necessary to be had from

England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able; I am resolv'd to have a good printer

here, and I am sure you must succeed." This was spoken with such an appearance of cordiality, that I had not

the least doubt of his meaning what he said. I had hitherto kept the proposition of my setting up, a secret in

Philadelphia, and I still kept it. Had lt been known that I depended on the governor, probably some friend,

that knew him better, would have advis'd me not to rely on him, as I afterwards heard it as his known

character to be liberal of promises which he never meant to keep. Yet, unsolicited as he was by me, how

could I think his generous offers insincere? I believ'd him one of the best men in the world.

I presented him an inventory of a little print'ghouse, amounting by my computation to about one hundred

pounds sterling. He lik'd it, but ask'd me if my being on the spot in England to chuse the types, and see that

every thing was good of the kind, might not be of some advantage. "Then," says he, "when there, you may

make acquaintances, and establish correspondences in the bookselling and stationery way." I agreed that this

might be advantageous. "Then," says he, "get yourself ready to go with Annis;" which was the annual ship,

and the only one at that time usually passing between London and Philadelphia. But it would be some months

before Annis sail'd, so I continu'd working with Keimer, fretting about the money Collins had got from me,

and in daily apprehensions of being call'd upon by Vernon, which, however, did not happen for some years

I believe I have omitted mentioning that, in my first voyage from Boston, being becalm'd off Block Island,

our people set about catching cod, and hauled up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my resolution of not

eating animal food, and on this occasion consider'd, with my master Tryon, the taking every fish as a kind of

unprovoked murder, since none of them had, or ever could do us any injury that might justify the slaughter.

All this seemed very reasonable. But I had formerly been a great lover of fish, and, when this came hot out of

the fryingpan, it smelt admirably well. I balanc'd some time between principle and inclination, till I

recollected that, when the fish were opened, I saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs; then thought I, "If

you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you." So I din'd upon cod very heartily, and continued to

eat with other people, returning only now and then occasionally to a vegetable diet. So convenient a thing it is

to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.

Keimer and I liv'd on a pretty good familiar footing, and agreed tolerably well, for he suspected nothing of

my setting up. He retained a great deal of his old enthusiasms and lov'd argumentation. We therefore had

many disputations. I used to work him so with my Socratic method, and had trepann'd him so often by

questions apparently so distant from any point we had in hand, and yet by degrees lead to the point, and

brought him into difficulties and contradictions, that at last he grew ridiculously cautious, and would hardly

answer me the most common question, without asking first, "What do you intend to infer from that?"

However, it gave him so high an opinion of my abilities in the confuting way, that he seriously proposed my

being his colleague in a project he had of setting up a new sect. He was to preach the doctrines, and I was to

confound all opponents. When he came to explain with me upon the doctrines, I found several conundrums

which I objected to, unless I might have my way a little too, and introduce some of mine.

Keimer wore his beard at full length, because somewhere in the Mosaic law it is said, "Thou shalt not mar the

corners of thy beard." He likewise kept the Seventh day, Sabbath; and these two points were essentials with

him. I dislik'd both; but agreed to admit them upon condition of his adopting the doctrine of using no animal

food. "I doubt," said he, "my constitution will not bear that." I assur'd him it would, and that he would be the

better for it. He was usually a great glutton, and I promised myself some diversion in half starving him. He

agreed to try the practice, if I would keep him company. I did so, and we held it for three months. We had our

victuals dress'd, and brought to us regularly by a woman in the neighborhood, who had from me a list of forty

dishes to be prepar'd for us at different times, in all which there was neither fish, flesh, nor fowl, and the

whim suited me the better at this time from the cheapness of it, not costing us above eighteenpence sterling

each per week. I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common diet for that, and that for the

common, abruptly, without the least inconvenience, so that I think there is little in the advice of making those

changes by easy gradations. I went on pleasantly, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, tired of the project,

long'd for the fleshpots of Egypt, and order'd a roast pig. He invited me and two women friends to dine with

him; but, it being brought too soon upon table, he could not resist the temptation, and ate the whole before we

I had made some courtship during this time to Miss Read. I had a great respect and affection for her, and had

some reason to believe she had the same for me; but, as I was about to take a long voyage, and we were both

very young, only a little above eighteen, it was thought most prudent by her mother to prevent our going too

far at present, as a marriage, if it was to take place, would be more convenient after my return, when I should

be, as I expected, set up in my business. Perhaps, too, she thought my expectations not so well founded as I

My chief acquaintances at this time were Charles Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of

reading. The two first were clerks to an eminent scrivener or conveyancer in the town, Charles Brogden; the

other was clerk to a merchant. Watson was a pious, sensible young man, of great integrity; the others rather

more lax in their principles of religion, particularly Ralph, who, as well as Collins, had been unsettled by me,

for which they both made me suffer. Osborne was sensible, candid, frank; sincere and affectionate to his

friends; but, in literary matters, too fond of criticising. Ralph was ingenious, genteel in his manners, and

extremely eloquent; I think I never knew a prettier talker. Both of them great admirers of poetry, and began to

try their hands in little pieces. Many pleasant walks we four had together on Sundays into the woods, near

Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, not doubting but he might become eminent in it, and make

his fortune by it, alleging that the best poets must, when they first began to write, make as many faults as he

did. Osborne dissuaded him, assur'd him he had no genius for poetry, and advis'd him to think of nothing

beyond the business he was bred to; that, in the mercantile way, tho' he had no stock, he might, by his

diligence and punctuality, recommend himself to employment as a factor, and in time acquire wherewith to

trade on his own account. I approv'd the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, so far as to improve

On this it was propos'd that we should each of us, at our next meeting, produce a piece of our own

composing, in order to improve by our mutual observations, criticisms, and corrections. As language and

expression were what we had in view, we excluded all considerations of invention by agreeing that the task

should be a version of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of a Deity. When the time of our

meeting drew nigh, Ralph called on me first, and let me know his piece was ready. I told him I had been

busy, and, having little inclination, had done nothing. He then show'd me his piece for my opinion, and I

much approv'd it, as it appear'd to me to have great merit. "Now," says he, "Osborne never will allow the least

merit in any thing of mine, but makes 1000 criticisms out of mere envy. He is not so jealous of you; I wish,

therefore, you would take this piece, and produce it as yours; I will pretend not to have had time, and so

produce nothing. We shall then see what he will say to it." It was agreed, and I immediately transcrib'd it, that

We met; Watson's performance was read; there were some beauties in it, but many defects. Osborne's was

read; it was much better; Ralph did it justice; remarked some faults, but applauded the beauties. He himself

had nothing to produce. I was backward; seemed desirous of being excused; had not had sufficient time to

correct, etc.; but no excuse could be admitted; produce I must. It was read and repeated; Watson and Osborne

gave up the contest, and join'd in applauding it. Ralph only made some criticisms, and propos'd some

amendments; but I defended my text. Osborne was against Ralph, and told him he was no better a critic than

poet, so he dropt the argument. As they two went home together, Osborne expressed himself still more

strongly in favor of what he thought my production; having restrain'd himself before, as he said, lest I should

think it flattery. "But who would have imagin'd," said he, "that Franklin had been capable of such a

performance; such painting, such force, such fire! He has even improv'd the original. In his common

conversation he seems to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet, good God! how he

writes!" When we next met, Ralph discovered the trick we had plaid him, and Osborne was a little laught at.

This transaction fixed Ralph in his resolution of becoming a poet. I did all I could to dissuade him from it, but

he continued scribbling verses till Pope cured him. He became, however, a pretty good prose writer. More of

him hereafter. But, as I may not have occasion again to mention the other two, I shall just remark here, that

Watson died in my arms a few years after, much lamented, being the best of our set. Osborne went to the

West Indies, where he became an eminent lawyer and made money, but died young. He and I had made a

serious agreement, that the one who happen'd first to die should, if possible, make a friendly visit to the other,

and acquaint him how he found things in that separate state. But he never fulfill'd his promise.

The governor, seeming to like my company, had me frequently to his house, and his setting me up was

always mention'd as a fixed thing. I was to take with me letters recommendatory to a number of his friends,

besides the letter of credit to furnish me with the necessary money for purchasing the press and types, paper,

etc. For these letters I was appointed to call at different times, when they were to be ready, but a future time

was still named. Thus he went on till the ship, whose departure too had been several times postponed, was on

the point of sailing. Then, when I call'd to take my leave and receive the letters, his secretary, Dr. Bard, came

out to me and said the governor was extremely busy in writing, but would be down at Newcastle before the

Ralph, though married, and having one child, had determined to accompany me in this voyage. It was thought

he intended to establish a correspondence, and obtain goods to sell on commission; but I found afterwards,

that, thro' some discontent with his wife's relations, he purposed to leave her on their hands, and never return

again. Having taken leave of my friends, and interchang'd some promises with Miss Read, I left Philadelphia

in the ship, which anchor'd at Newcastle. The governor was there; but when I went to his lodging, the

secretary came to me from him with the civillest message in the world, that he could not then see me, being

engaged in business of the utmost importance, but should send the letters to me on board, wish'd me heartily

a good voyage and a speedy return, etc. I returned on board a little puzzled, but still not doubting.

Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a famous lawyer of Philadelphia, had taken passage in the same ship for himself and

son, and with Mr. Denham, a Quaker merchant, and Messrs. Onion and Russel, masters of an iron work in

Maryland, had engag'd the great cabin; so that Ralph and I were forced to take up with a berth in the steerage,

and none on board knowing us, were considered as ordinary persons. But Mr. Hamilton and his son (it was

James, since governor) return'd from Newcastle to Philadelphia, the father being recall'd by a great fee to

plead for a seized ship; and, just before we sail'd, Colonel French coming on board, and showing me great

respect, I was more taken notice of, and, with my friend Ralph, invited by the other gentlemen to come into

Understanding that Colonel French had brought on board the governor's despatches, I ask'd the captain for

those letters that were to be under my care. He said all were put into the bag together and he could not then

come at them; but, before we landed in England, I should have an opportunity of picking them out; so I was

satisfied for the present, and we proceeded on our voyage. We had a sociable company in the cabin, and lived

uncommonly well, having the addition of all Mr. Hamilton's stores, who had laid in plentifully. In this

passage Mr. Denham contracted a friendship for me that continued during his life. The voyage was otherwise

When we came into the Channel, the captain kept his word with me, and gave me an opportunity of

examining the bag for the governor's letters. I found none upon which my name was put as under my care. I

picked out six or seven, that, by the handwriting, I thought might be the promised letters, especially as one of

them was directed to Basket, the king's printer, and another to some stationer. We arriv'd in London the 24th

of December, 1724. I waited upon the stationer, who came first in my way, delivering the letter as from

Governor Keith. "I don't know such a person," says he; but, opening the letter, "O! this is from Riddlesden. I

have lately found him to be a compleat rascal, and I will have nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters

from him." So, putting the letter into my hand, he turn'd on his heel and left me to serve some customer. I was

surprized to find these were not the governor's letters; and, after recollecting and comparing circumstances, I

began to doubt his sincerity. I found my friend Denham, and opened the whole affair to him. He let me into

Keith's character; told me there was not the least probability that he had written any letters for me; that no

one, who knew him, had the smallest dependence on him; and he laught at the notion of the governor's giving

me a letter of credit, having, as he said, no credit to give. On my expressing some concern about what I

should do, he advised me to endeavor getting some employment in the way of my business. "Among the

printers here," said he, "you will improve yourself, and when you return to America, you will set up to greater

We both of us happen'd to know, as well as the stationer, that Riddlesden, the attorney, was a very knave. He

had half ruin'd Miss Read's father by persuading him to be bound for him. By this letter it appear'd there was

a secret scheme on foot to the prejudice of Hamilton (suppos'd to be then coming over with us); and that

Keith was concerned in it with Riddlesden. Denham, who was a friend of Hamilton's thought he ought to be

acquainted with it; so, when he arriv'd in England, which was soon after, partly from resentment and illwill

to Keith and Riddlesden, and partly from goodwill to him, I waited on him, and gave him the letter. He

thank'd me cordially, the information being of importance to him; and from that time he became my friend,

But what shall we think of a governor's playing such pitiful tricks, and imposing so grossly on a poor ignorant

boy! It was a habit he had acquired. He wish'd to please everybody; and, having little to give, he gave

expectations. He was otherwise an ingenious, sensible man, a pretty good writer, and a good governor for the

people, tho' not for his constituents, the proprietaries, whose instructions he sometimes disregarded. Several

Ralph and I were inseparable companions. We took lodgings together in Little Britain at three shillings and

sixpence a week as much as we could then afford. He found some relations, but they were poor, and

unable to assist him. He now let me know his intentions of remaining in London, and that he never meant to

return to Philadelphia. He had brought no money with him, the whole he could muster having been expended

in paying his passage. I had fifteen pistoles; so he borrowed occasionally of me to subsist, while he was

looking out for business. He first endeavored to get into the playhouse, believing himself qualify'd for an

actor; but Wilkes, to whom he apply'd, advis'd him candidly not to think of that employment, as it was

impossible be should succeed in it. Then he propos'd to Roberts, a publisher in Paternoster Row, to write for

him a weekly paper like the Spectator, on certain conditions, which Roberts did not approve. Then he

endeavored to get employment as a hackney writer, to copy for the stationers and lawyers about the Temple,

I immediately got into work at Palmer's, then a famous printinghouse in Bartholomew Close, and here I

continu'd near a year. I was pretty diligent, but spent with Ralph a good deal of my earnings in going to plays

and other places of amusement. We had together consumed all my pistoles, and now just rubbed on from

hand to mouth. He seem'd quite to forget his wife and child, and I, by degrees, my engagements with Miss

Read, to whom I never wrote more than one letter, and that was to let her know I was not likely soon to

return. This was another of the great errata of my life, which I should wish to correct if I were to live it over

again. In fact, by our expenses, I was constantly kept unable to pay my passage.

At Palmer's I was employed in composing for the second edition of Wollaston's "Religion of Nature." Some

of his reasonings not appearing to me well founded, I wrote a little metaphysical piece in which I made

remarks on them. It was entitled "A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain." I inscribed it

to my friend Ralph; I printed a small number. It occasion'd my being more consider'd by Mr. Palmer as a

young man of some ingenuity, tho' he seriously expostulated with me upon the principles of my pamphlet,

which to him appear'd abominable. My printing this pamphlet was another erratum. While I lodg'd in Little

Britain, I made an acquaintance with one Wilcox, a bookseller, whose shop was at the next door. He had an

immense collection of secondhand books. Circulating libraries were not then in use; but we agreed that, on

certain reasonable terms, which I have now forgotten, I might take, read, and return any of his books. This I

My pamphlet by some means falling into the hands of one Lyons, a surgeon, author of a book entitled "The

Infallibility of Human Judgment," it occasioned an acquaintance between us. He took great notice of me,

called on me often to converse on those subjects, carried me to the Horns, a pale alehouse in Lane,

Cheapside, and introduced me to Dr. Mandeville, author of the "Fable of the Bees," who had a club there, of

which he was the soul, being a most facetious, entertaining companion. Lyons, too, introduced me to Dr.

Pemberton, at Batson's Coffeehouse, who promis'd to give me an opportunity, some time or other, of seeing

I had brought over a few curiosities, among which the principal was a purse made of the asbestos, which

purifies by fire. Sir Hans Sloane heard of it, came to see me, and invited me to his house in Bloomsbury

Square, where he show'd me all his curiosities, and persuaded me to let him add that to the number, for which

In our house there lodg'd a young woman, a milliner, who, I think, had a shop in the Cloisters. She had been

genteelly bred, was sensible and lively, and of most pleasing conversation. Ralph read plays to her in the

evenings, they grew intimate, she took another lodging, and he followed her. They liv'd together some time;

but, he being still out of business, and her income not sufficient to maintain them with her child, he took a

resolution of going from London, to try for a country school, which he thought himself well qualified to

undertake, as he wrote an excellent hand, and was a master of arithmetic and accounts. This, however, he

deemed a business below him, and confident of future better fortune, when he should be unwilling to have it

known that he once was so meanly employed, he changed his name, and did me the honor to assume mine;

for I soon after had a letter from him, acquainting me that he was settled in a small village (in Berkshire, I

think it was, where he taught reading and writing to ten or a dozen boys, at sixpence each per week),

recommending Mrs. T to my care, and desiring me to write to him, directing for Mr. Franklin,

He continued to write frequently, sending me large specimens of an epic poem which he was then composing,

and desiring my remarks and corrections. These I gave him from time to time, but endeavor'd rather to

discourage his proceeding. One of Young's Satires was then just published. I copy'd and sent him a great part

of it, which set in a strong light the folly of pursuing the Muses with any hope of advancement by them. All

was in vain; sheets of the poem continued to come by every post. In the mean time, Mrs. T , having on

his account lost her friends and business, was often in distresses, and us'd to send for me, and borrow what I

could spare to help her out of them. I grew fond of her company, and, being at that time under no religious

restraint, and presuming upon my importance to her, I attempted familiarities (another erratum) which she

repuls'd with a proper resentment, and acquainted him with my behaviour. This made a breach between us;

and, when he returned again to London, he let me know he thought I had cancell'd all the obligations he had

been under to me. So I found I was never to expect his repaying me what I lent to him, or advanc'd for him.

This, however, was not then of much consequence, as he was totally unable; and in the loss of his friendship I

found myself relieved from a burthen. I now began to think of getting a little money beforehand, and,

expecting better work, I left Palmer's to work at Watts's, near Lincoln's Inn Fields, a still greater

At my first admission into this printinghouse I took to working at press, imagining I felt a want of the bodily

exercise I had been us'd to in America, where presswork is mix'd with composing. I drank only water; the

other workmen, near fifty in number, were great guzzlers of beer. On occasion, I carried up and down stairs a

large form of types in each hand, when others carried but one in both hands. They wondered to see, from this

and several instances, that the WaterAmerican, as they called me, was stronger than themselves, who drank

strong beer! We had an alehouse boy who attended always in the house to supply the workmen. My

companion at the press drank every day a pint before breakfast, a pint at breakfast with his bread and cheese,

a pint between breakfast and dinner, a pint at dinner, a pint in the afternoon about six o'clock, and another

when he had done his day's work. I thought it a detestable custom; but it was necessary, he suppos'd, to drink

strong beer, that he might be strong to labor. I endeavored to convince him that the bodily strength afforded

by beer could only be in proportion to the grain or flour of the barley dissolved in the water of which it was

made; that there was more flour in a pennyworth of bread; and therefore, if he would eat that with a pint of

water, it would give him more strength than a quart of beer. He drank on, however, and had four or five

shillings to pay out of his wages every Saturday night for that muddling liquor; an expense I was free from.

Watts, after some weeks, desiring to have me in the composing room, I left the pressmen; a new bien venu

or sum for drink, being five shillings, was demanded of me by the compositors. I thought it an imposition, as

I had paid below; the master thought so too, and forbad my paying it. I stood out two or three weeks, was

accordingly considered as an excommunicate, and bad so many little pieces of private mischief done me, by

mixing my sorts, transposing my pages, breaking my matter, etc., etc., if I were ever so little out of the room,

and all ascribed to the chappel ghost, which they said ever haunted those not regularly admitted, that,

notwithstanding the master's protection, I found myself oblig'd to comply and pay the money, convinc'd of

I was now on a fair footing with them, and soon acquir'd considerable influence. I propos'd some reasonable

alterations in their chappel 5laws, and carried them against all opposition. From my example, a great part of

them left their muddling breakfast of beer, and bread, and cheese, finding they could with me be suppli'd

from a neighboring house with a large porringer of hot watergruel, sprinkled with pepper, crumbl'd with

bread, and a bit of butter in it, for the price of a pint of beer, viz., three halfpence. This was a more

comfortable as well as cheaper breakfast, and kept their heads clearer. Those who continued sotting with beer

all day, were often, by not paying, out of credit at the alehouse, and us'd to make interest with me to get beer;

their light, as they phrased it, being out. I watch'd the paytable on Saturday night, and collected what I stood

engag'd for them, having to pay sometimes near thirty shillings a week on their account. This, and my being

esteem'd a pretty good riggite, that is, a jocular verbal satirist, supported my consequence in the society. My

constant attendance (I never making a St. Monday) recommended me to the master; and my uncommon

quickness at composing occasioned my being put upon all work of dispatch, which was generally better paid.

My lodging in Little Britain being too remote, I found another in Dukestreet, opposite to the Romish

Chapel. It was two pair of stairs backwards, at an Italian warehouse. A widow lady kept the house; she had a

daughter, and a maid servant, and a journeyman who attended the warehouse, but lodg'd abroad. After

sending to inquire my character at the house where I last lodg'd she agreed to take me in at the same rate, 3s.

6d. per week; cheaper, as she said, from the protection she expected in having a man lodge in the house. She

was a widow, an elderly woman; had been bred a Protestant, being a clergyman's daughter, but was converted

to the Catholic religion by her husband, whose memory she much revered; had lived much among people of

distinction, and knew a thousand anecdotes of them as far back as the times of Charles the Second. She was

lame in her knees with the gout, and, therefore, seldom stirred out of her room, so sometimes wanted

company; and hers was so highly amusing to me, that I was sure to spend an evening with her whenever she

desired it. Our supper was only half an anchovy each, on a very little strip of bread and butter, and half a pint

of ale between us; but the entertainment was in her conversation. My always keeping good hours, and giving

little trouble in the family, made her unwilling to part with me; so that, when I talk'd of a lodging I had heard

of, nearer my business, for two shillings a week, which, intent as I now was on saving money, made some

difference, she bid me not think of it, for she would abate me two shillings a week for the future; so I

In a garret of her house there lived a maiden lady of seventy, in the most retired manner, of whom my

landlady gave me this account: that she was a Roman Catholic, had been sent abroad when young, and lodg'd

in a nunnery with an intent of becoming a nun; but, the country not agreeing with her, she returned to

England, where, there being no nunnery, she had vow'd to lead the life of a nun, as near as might be done in

those circumstances. Accordingly, she had given all her estate to charitable uses, reserving only twelve

pounds a year to live on, and out of this sum she still gave a great deal in charity, living herself on water

gruel only, and using no fire but to boil it. She had lived many years in that garret, being permitted to remain

there gratis by successive Catholic tenants of the house below, as they deemed it a blessing to have her there.

A priest visited her to confess her every day. "I have ask'd her," says my landlady, "how she, as she liv'd,

could possibly find so much employment for a confessor?" "Oh," said she, "it is impossible to avoid vain

thoughts." I was permitted once to visit her, She was chearful and polite, and convers'd pleasantly. The room

was clean, but had no other furniture than a matras, a table with a crucifix and book, a stool which she gave

me to sit on, and a picture over the chimney of Saint Veronica displaying her handkerchief, with the

miraculous figure of Christ's bleeding face on it, which she explained to me with great seriousness. She

look'd pale, but was never sick; and I give it as another instance on how small an income life and health may

At Watts's printinghouse I contracted an acquaintance with an ingenious young man, one Wygate, who,

having wealthy relations, had been better educated than most printers; was a tolerable Latinist, spoke French,

and lov'd reading. I taught him and a friend of his to swim at twice going into the river, and they soon became

good swimmers. They introduc'd me to some gentlemen from the country, who went to Chelsea by water to

see the College and Don Saltero's curiosities. In our return, at the request of the company, whose curiosity

Wygate had excited, I stripped and leaped into the river, and swam from near Chelsea to Blackfryar's,

performing on the way many feats of activity, both upon and under water, that surpris'd and pleas'd those to

I had from a child been ever delighted with this exercise, had studied and practis'd all Thevenot's motions and

positions, added some of my own, aiming at the graceful and easy as well as the useful. All these I took this

occasion of exhibiting to the company, and was much flatter'd by their admiration; and Wygate, who was

desirous of becoming a master, grew more and more attach'd to me on that account, as well as from the

similarity of our studies. He at length proposed to me travelling all over Europe together, supporting

ourselves everywhere by working at our business. I was once inclined to it; but, mentioning it to my good

friend Mr. Denham, with whom I often spent an hour when I had leisure, he dissuaded me from it, advising

I must record one trait of this good man's character. He had formerly been in business at Bristol, but failed in

debt to a number of people, compounded and went to America. There, by a close application to business as a

merchant, he acquir'd a plentiful fortune in a few years. Returning to England in the ship with me, he invited

his old creditors to an entertainment, at which he thank'd them for the easy composition they had favored him

with, and, when they expected nothing but the treat, every man at the first remove found under his plate an

He now told me he was about to return to Philadelphia, and should carry over a great quantity of goods in

order to open a store there. He propos'd to take me over as his clerk, to keep his books, in which he would

instruct me, copy his letters, and attend the store. He added that, as soon as I should be acquainted with

mercantile business, he would promote me by sending me with a cargo of flour and bread, etc., to the West

Indies, and procure me commissions from others which would be profitable; and, if I manag'd well, would

establish me handsomely. The thing pleas'd me; for I was grown tired of London, remembered with pleasure

the happy months I had spent in Pennsylvania, and wish'd again to see it; therefore I immediately agreed on

the terms of fifty pounds a year, Pennsylvania money; less, indeed, than my present gettings as a compositor,

I now took leave of printing, as I thought, for ever, and was daily employed in my new business, going about

with Mr. Denham among the tradesmen to purchase various articles, and seeing them pack'd up, doing

errands, calling upon workmen to dispatch, etc.; and, when all was on board, I had a few days' leisure. On one

of these days, I was, to my surprise, sent for by a great man I knew only by name, a Sir William Wyndham,

and I waited upon him. He had heard by some means or other of my swimming from Chelsea to Blackfriar's,

and of my teaching Wygate and another young man to swim in a few hours. He had two sons, about to set out

on their travels; he wish'd to have them first taught swimming, and proposed to gratify me handsomely if I

would teach them. They were not yet come to town, and my stay was uncertain, so I could not undertake it;

but, from this incident, I thought it likely that, if I were to remain in England and open a swimmingschool, I

might get a good deal of money; and it struck me so strongly, that, had the overture been sooner made me,

probably I should not so soon have returned to America. After many years, you and I had something of more

importance to do with one of these sons of Sir William Wyndham, become Earl of Egremont, which I shall

Thus I spent about eighteen months in London; most part of the time I work'd hard at my business, and spent

but little upon myself except in seeing plays and in books. My friend Ralph had kept me poor; he owed me

about twenty seven pounds, which I was now never likely to receive; a great sum out of my small earnings!

I lov'd him, notwithstanding, for he had many amiable qualities. I had by no means improv'd my fortune; but

I had picked up some very ingenious acquaintance, whose conversation was of great advantage to me; and I

We sail'd from Gravesend on the 23d of July, 1726. For the incidents of the voyage, I refer you to my journal,

where you will find them all minutely related. Perhaps the most important part of that journal is the plan 6to

be found in it, which I formed at sea, for regulating my future conduct in life. It is the more remarkable, as

being formed when I was so young, and yet being pretty faithfully adhered to quite thro' to old age.

We landed in Philadelphia on the 11th of October, where I found sundry alterations. Keith was no longer

governor, being superseded by Major Gordon. I met him walking the streets as a common citizen. He seem'd

a little asham'd at seeing me, but pass'd without saying anything. I should have been as much asham'd at

seeing Miss Read, had not her friends, despairing with reason of my return after the receipt of my letter,

persuaded her to marry another, one Rogers, a potter, which was done in my absence. With him, however,

she was never happy, and soon parted from him, refusing to cohabit with him or bear his name, it being now

said that he had another wife. He was a worthless fellow, tho' an excellent workman, which was the

temptation to her friends. He got into debt, ran away in 1727 or 1728, went to the West Indies, and died there.

Keimer had got a better house, a shop well supply'd with stationery, plenty of new types, a number of hands,

Mr. Denham took a store in Waterstreet, where we open'd our goods; I attended the business diligently,

studied accounts, and grew, in a little time, expert at selling. We lodg'd and, boarded together; he counsell'd

me as a father, having a sincere regard for me. I respected and lov'd him, and we might have gone on together

very happy; but, in the beginning of February, 17267, when I had just pass'd my twentyfirst year, we both

were taken ill. My distemper was a pleurisy, which very nearly carried me off. I suffered a good deal, gave up

the point in my own mind, and was rather disappointed when I found myself recovering, regretting, in some

degree, that I must now, some time or other, have all that disagreeable work to do over again. I forget what

his distemper was; it held him a long time, and at length carried him off. He left me a small legacy in a

nuncupative will, as a token of his kindness for me, and he left me once more to the wide world; for the store

My brotherinlaw, Holmes, being now at Philadelphia, advised my return to my business; and Keimer

tempted me, with an offer of large wages by the year, to come and take the management of his

printinghouse, that he might better attend his stationer's shop. I had heard a bad character of him in London

from his wife and her friends, and was not fond of having any more to do with him. I tri'd for farther

employment as a merchant's clerk; but, not readily meeting with any, I clos'd again with Keimer. I found in

his house these hands: Hugh Meredith, a Welsh Pensilvanian, thirty years of age, bred to country work;

honest, sensible, had a great deal of solid observation, was something of a reader, but given to drink. Stephen

Potts, a young countryman of full age, bred to the same, of uncommon natural parts, and great wit and humor,

but a little idle. These he had agreed with at extream low wages per week, to be rais'd a shilling every three

months, as they would deserve by improving in their business; and the expectation of these high wages, to

come on hereafter, was what he had drawn them in with. Meredith was to work at press, Potts at

bookbinding, which he, by agreement, was to teach them, though he knew neither one nor t'other. John

, a wild Irishman, brought up to no business, whose service, for four years, Keimer had purchased from

the captain of a ship; he, too, was to be made a pressman. George Webb, an Oxford scholar, whose time for

four years he had likewise bought, intending him for a compositor, of whom more presently; and David

I soon perceiv'd that the intention of engaging me at wages so much higher than he had been us'd to give,

was, to have these raw, cheap hands form'd thro' me; and, as soon as I had instructed them, then they being all

articled to him, he should be able to do without me. I went on, however, very cheerfully, put his

printinghouse in order, which had been in great confusion, and brought his hands by degrees to mind their

It was an odd thing to find an Oxford scholar in the situation of a bought servant. He was not more than

eighteen years of age, and gave me this account of himself; that he was born in Gloucester, educated at a

grammar school there, had been distinguish'd among the scholars for some apparent superiority in

performing his part, when they exhibited plays; belong'd to the Witty Club there, and had written some pieces

in prose and verse, which were printed in the Gloucester newspapers; thence he was sent to Oxford; where he

continued about a year, but not well satisfi'd, wishing of all things to see London, and become a player. At

length, receiving his quarterly allowance of fifteen guineas, instead of discharging his debts he walk'd out of

town, hid his gown in a furze bush, and footed it to London, where, having no friend to advise him, he fell

into bad company, soon spent his guineas, found no means of being introduc'd among the players, grew

necessitous, pawn'd his cloaths, and wanted bread. Walking the street very hungry, and not knowing what to

do with himself, a crimp's bill was put into his hand, offering immediate entertainment and encouragement to

such as would bind themselves to serve in America. He went directly, sign'd the indentures, was put into the

ship, and came over, never writing a line to acquaint his friends what was become of him. He was lively,

witty, goodnatur'd, and a pleasant companion, but idle, thoughtless, and imprudent to the last degree.

John, the Irishman, soon ran away; with the rest I began to live very agreeably, for they all respected me the

more, as they found Keimer incapable of instructing them, and that from me they learned something daily.

We never worked on Saturday, that being Keimer's Sabbath, so I had two days for reading. My acquaintance

with ingenious people in the town increased. Keimer himself treated me with great civility and apparent

regard, and nothing now made me uneasy but my debt to Vernon, which I was yet unable to pay, being

Our printinghouse often wanted sorts, and there was no letterfounder in America; I had seen types cast at

James's in London, but without much attention to the manner; however, I now contrived a mould, made use

of the letters we had as puncheons, struck the matrices in lead, And thus supply'd in a pretty tolerable way all

deficiencies. I also engrav'd several things on occasion; I made the ink; I was warehouseman, and everything,

But, however serviceable I might be, I found that my services became every day of less importance, as the

other hands improv'd in the business; and, when Keimer paid my second quarter's wages, he let me know that

he felt them too heavy, and thought I should make an abatement. He grew by degrees less civil, put on more

of the master, frequently found fault, was captious, and seem'd ready for an outbreaking. I went on,

nevertheless, with a good deal of patience, thinking that his encumber'd circumstances were partly the cause.

At length a trifle snapt our connections; for, a great noise happening near the courthouse, I put my head out

of the window to see what was the matter. Keimer, being in the street, look'd up and saw me, call'd out to me

in a loud voice and angry tone to mind my business, adding some reproachful words, that nettled me the more

for their publicity, all the neighbors who were looking out on the same occasion being witnesses how I was

treated. He came up immediately into the printinghouse, continu'd the quarrel, high words pass'd on both

sides, he gave me the quarter's warning we had stipulated, expressing a wish that he had not been oblig'd to so

long a warning. I told him his wish was unnecessary, for I would leave him that instant; and so, taking my

hat, walk'd out of doors, desiring Meredith, whom I saw below, to take care of some things I left, and bring

Meredith came accordingly in the evening, when we talked my affair over. He had conceiv'd a great regard

for me, and was very unwilling that I should leave the house while he remain'd in it. He dissuaded me from

returning to my native country, which I began to think of; he reminded me that Keimer was in debt for all he

possess'd; that his creditors began to be uneasy; that he kept his shop miserably, sold often without profit for

ready money, and often trusted without keeping accounts; that he must therefore fall, which would make a

vacancy I might profit of. I objected my want of money. He then let me know that his father had a high

opinion of me, and, from some discourse that had pass'd between them, he was sure would advance money to

set us up, if I would enter into partnership with him. "My time," says he, "will be out with Keimer in the

spring; by that time we may have our press and types in from London. I am sensible I am no workman; if you

like it, your skill in the business shall be set against the stock I furnish, and we will share the profits equally."

The proposal was agreeable, and I consented; his father was in town and approv'd of it; the more as he saw I

had great influence with his son, had prevail'd on him to abstain long from dramdrinking, and he hop'd

might break him off that wretched habit entirely, when we came to be so closely connected. I gave an

inventory to the father, who carry'd it to a merchant; the things were sent for, the secret was to be kept till

they should arrive, and in the mean time I was to get work, if I could, at the other printinghouse. But I found

no vacancy there, and so remain'd idle a few days, when Keimer, on a prospect of being employ'd to print

some paper money in New Jersey, which would require cuts and various types that I only could supply, and

apprehending Bradford might engage me and get the jobb from him, sent me a very civil message, that old

friends should not part for a few words, the effect of sudden passion, and wishing me to return. Meredith

persuaded me to comply, as it would give more opportunity for his improvement under my daily instructions;

so I return'd, and we went on more smoothly than for some time before. The New jersey jobb was obtain'd, I

contriv'd a copperplate press for it, the first that had been seen in the country; I cut several ornaments and

checks for the bills. We went together to Burlington, where I executed the whole to satisfaction; and he

received so large a sum for the work as to be enabled thereby to keep his head much longer above water.

At Burlington I made an acquaintance with many principal people of the province. Several of them had been

appointed by the Assembly a committee to attend the press, and take care that no more bills were printed than

the law directed. They were therefore, by turns, constantly with us, and generally he who attended, brought

with him a friend or two for company. My mind having been much more improv'd by reading than Keimer's,

I suppose it was for that reason my conversation seem'd to he more valu'd. They had me to their houses,

introduced me to their friends, and show'd me much civility; while he, tho' the master, was a little neglected.

In truth, he was an odd fish; ignorant of common life, fond of rudely opposing receiv'd opinions, slovenly to

extream dirtiness, enthusiastic in some points of religion, and a little knavish withal.

We continu'd there near three months; and by that time I could reckon among my acquired friends, Judge

Allen, Samuel Bustill, the secretary of the Province, Isaac Pearson, Joseph Cooper, and several of the Smiths,

members of Assembly, and Isaac Decow, the surveyorgeneral. The latter was a shrewd, sagacious old man,

who told me that he began for himself, when young, by wheeling clay for the brick makers, learned to write

after be was of age, carri'd the chain for surveyors, who taught him surveying, and he had now by his

industry, acquir'd a good estate; and says he, "I foresee that you will soon work this man out of business, and

make a fortune in it at Philadelphia." He had not then the least intimation of my intention to set up there or

anywhere. These friends were afterwards of great use to me, as I occasionally was to some of them. They all

Before I enter upon my public appearance in business, it may be well to let you know the then state of my

mind with regard to my principles and morals, that you may see how far those influenc'd the future events of

my life. My parents had early given me religious impressions, and brought me through my childhood piously

in the Dissenting way. But I was scarce fifteen, when, after doubting by turns of several points, as I found

them disputed in the different books I read, I began to doubt of Revelation itself. Some books against Deism

fell into my hands; they were said to be the substance of sermons preached at Boyle's Lectures. It happened

that they wrought an effect on me quite contrary to what was intended by them; for the arguments of the

Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much stronger than the refutations; in short, I soon

became a thorough Deist. My arguments perverted some others, particularly Collins and Ralph; but, each of

them having afterwards wrong'd me greatly without the least compunction, and recollecting Keith's conduct

towards me (who was another freethinker), and my own towards Vernon and Miss Read, which at times gave

me great trouble, I began to suspect that this doctrine, tho' it might be true, was not very useful. My London

and from the attributes of God, his infinite wisdom, goodness and power, concluded that nothing could

possibly be wrong in the world, and that vice and virtue were empty distinctions, no such things existing,

appear'd now not so clever a performance as I once thought it; and I doubted whether some error had not

insinuated itself unperceiv'd into my argument, so as to infect all that follow'd, as is common in metaphysical

I grew convinc'd that truth, sincerity and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost

importance to the felicity of life; and I form'd written resolutions, which still remain in my journal book, to

practice them ever while I lived. Revelation had indeed no weight with me, as such; but I entertain'd an

opinion that, though certain actions might not be bad because they were forbidden by it, or good because it

commanded them, yet probably these actions might be forbidden because they were bad for us, or

commanded because they were beneficial to us, in their own natures, all the circumstances of things

considered. And this persuasion, with the kind hand of Providence, or some guardian angel, or accidental

favorable circumstances and situations, or all together, preserved me, thro' this dangerous time of youth, and

the hazardous situations I was sometimes in among strangers, remote from the eye and advice of my father,

without any willful gross immorality or injustice, that might have been expected from my want of religion. I

say willful, because the instances I have mentioned had something of necessity in them, from my youth,

inexperience, and the knavery of others. I had therefore a tolerable character to begin the world with; I valued

We had not been long return'd to Philadelphia before the new types arriv'd from London. We settled with

Keimer, and left him by his consent before he heard of it. We found a house to hire near the market, and took

it. To lessen the rent, which was then but twentyfour pounds a year, tho' I have since known it to let for

seventy, we took in Thomas Godfrey, a glazier, and his family, who were to pay a considerable part of it to

us, and we to board with them. We had scarce opened our letters and put our press in order, before George

House, an acquaintance of mine, brought a countryman to us, whom he had met in the street inquiring for a

printer. All our cash was now expended in the variety of particulars we had been obliged to procure, and this

countryman's five shillings, being our firstfruits, and coming so seasonably, gave me more pleasure than any

crown I have since earned; and the gratitude I felt toward House has made me often more ready than perhaps

There are croakers in every country, always boding its ruin. Such a one then lived in Philadelphia; a person of

note, an elderly man, with a wise look and a very grave manner of speaking; his name was Samuel Mickle.

This gentleman, a stranger to me, stopt one day at my door, and asked me if I was the young man who had

lately opened a new printinghouse. Being answered in the affirmative, he said he was sorry for me, because

it was an expensive undertaking, and the expense would be lost; for Philadelphia was a sinking place, the

people already halfbankrupts, or near being so; all appearances to the contrary, such as new buildings and

the rise of rents, being to his certain knowledge fallacious; for they were, in fact, among the things that would

soon ruin us. And he gave me such a detail of misfortunes now existing, or that were soon to exist, that he left

me half melancholy. Had I known him before I engaged in this business, probably I never should have done

it. This man continued to live in this decaying place, and to declaim in the same strain, refusing for many

years to buy a house there, because all was going to destruction; and at last I had the pleasure of seeing him

give five times as much for one as he might have bought it for when he first began his croaking.

I should have mentioned before, that, in the autumn of the preceding year, I had form'd most of my ingenious

acquaintance into a club of mutual improvement, which we called the JUNTO; we met on Friday evenings.

The rules that I drew up required that every member, in his turn, should produce one or more queries on any

point of Morals, Politics, or Natural Philosophy, to be discuss'd by the company; and once in three months

produce and read an essay of his own writing, on any subject he pleased. Our debates were to be under the

direction of a president, and to be conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for

dispute, or desire of victory; and, to prevent warmth, all expressions of positiveness in opinions, or direct

contradiction, were after some time made contraband, and prohibited under small pecuniary penalties.

The first members were Joseph Breintnal, a copyer of deeds for the scriveners, a goodnatur'd, friendly,

middle ag'd man, a great lover of poetry, reading all he could meet with, and writing some that was

tolerable; very ingenious in many little Nicknackeries, and of sensible conversation.

Thomas Godfrey, a selftaught mathematician, great in his way, and afterward inventor of what is now called

Hadley's Quadrant. But he knew little out of his way, and was not a pleasing companion; as, like most great

mathematicians I have met with, he expected universal precision in everything said, or was for ever denying

or distinguishing upon trifles, to the disturbance of all conversation. He soon left us.

Nicholas Scull, a surveyor, afterwards surveyorgeneral, who lov'd books, and sometimes made a few verses.

William Parsons, bred a shoemaker, but loving reading, had acquir'd a considerable share of mathematics,

which he first studied with a view to astrology, that he afterwards laught at it. He also became

William Maugridge, a joiner, a most exquisite mechanic, and a solid, sensible man.

Robert Grace, a young gentleman of some fortune, generous, lively, and witty; a lover of punning and of his

And William Coleman, then a merchant's clerk, about my age, who had the coolest, clearest head, the best

heart, and the exactest morals of almost any man I ever met with. He became afterwards a merchant of great

note, and one of our provincial judges. Our friendship continued without interruption to his death, upward of

forty years; and the club continued almost as long, and was the best school of philosophy, morality, and

politics that then existed in the province; for our queries, which were read the week preceding their

discussion, put us upon reading with attention upon the several subjects, that we might speak more to the

purpose; and here, too, we acquired better habits of conversation, every thing being studied in our rules which

might prevent our disgusting each other. From hence the long continuance of the club, which I shall have

But my giving this account of it here is to show something of the interest I had, every one of these exerting

themselves in recommending business to us. Breintnal particularly procur'd us from the Quakers the printing

forty sheets of their history, the rest being to be done by Keimer; and upon this we work'd exceedingly hard,

for the price was low. It was a folio, pro patria size, in pica, with long primer notes. I compos'd of it a sheet a

day, and Meredith worked it off at press; it was often eleven at night, and sometimes later, before I had

finished my distribution for the next day's work, for the little jobbs sent in by our other friends now and then

put us back. But so determin'd I was to continue doing a sheet a day of the folio, that one night, when, having

impos'd my forms, I thought my day's work over, one of them by accident was broken, and two pages

reduced to pi, I immediately distributed and compos'd it over again before I went to bed; and this industry,

visible to our neighbors, began to give us character and credit; particularly, I was told, that mention being

made of the new printingoffice at the merchants' Everynight club, the general opinion was that it must fail,

there being already two printers in the place, Keimer and Bradford; but Dr. Baird (whom you and I saw many

years after at his native place, St. Andrew's in Scotland) gave a contrary opinion: "For the industry of that

Franklin," says he, "is superior to any thing I ever saw of the kind; I see him still at work when I go home

from club, and he is at work again before his neighbors are out of bed." This struck the rest, and we soon after

had offers from one of them to supply us with stationery; but as yet we did not chuse to engage in shop

I mention this industry the more particularly and the more freely, tho' it seems to be talking in my own praise,

that those of my posterity, who shall read it, may know the use of that virtue, when they see its effects in my

George Webb, who had found a female friend that lent him wherewith to purchase his time of Keimer, now

came to offer himself as a journeyman to us. We could not then employ him; but I foolishly let him know as a

secret that I soon intended to begin a newspaper, and might then have work for him. My hopes of success, as

I told him, were founded on this, that the then only newspaper, printed by Bradford, was a paltry thing,

wretchedly manag'd, no way entertaining, and yet was profitable to him; I therefore thought a good paper

would scarcely fail of good encouragement. I requested Webb not to mention it; but he told it to Keimer, who

immediately, to be beforehand with me, published proposals for printing one himself, on which Webb was to

be employ'd. I resented this; and, to counteract them, as I could not yet begin our paper, I wrote several pieces

of entertainment for Bradford's paper, under the title of the BUSY BODY, which Breintnal continu'd some

months. By this means the attention of the publick was fixed on that paper, and Keimer's proposals, which we

burlesqu'd and ridicul'd, were disregarded. He began his paper, however, and, after carrying it on three

quarters of a year, with at most only ninety subscribers, he offered it to me for a trifle; and I, having been

ready some time to go on with it, took it in hand directly; and it prov'd in a few years extremely profitable to

I perceive that I am apt to speak in the singular number, though our partnership still continu'd; the reason may

be that, in fact, the whole management of the business lay upon me. Meredith was no compositor, a poor

pressman, and seldom sober. My friends lamented my connection with him, but I was to make the best of it.

Our first papers made a quite different appearance from any before in the province; a better type, and better

printed; but some spirited remarks of my writing, on the dispute then going on between Governor Burnet and

the Massachusetts Assembly, struck the principal people, occasioned the paper and the manager of it to be

Their example was follow'd by many, and our number went on growing continually. This was one of the first

good effects of my having learnt a little to scribble; another was, that the leading men, seeing a newspaper

now in the hands of one who could also handle a pen, thought it convenient to oblige and encourage me.

Bradford still printed the votes, and laws, and other publick business. He had printed an address of the House

to the governor, in a coarse, blundering manner, we reprinted it elegantly and correctly, and sent one to every

member. They were sensible of the difference: it strengthened the hands of our friends in the House, and they

Among my friends in the House I must not forget Mr. Hamilton, before mentioned, who was then returned

from England, and had a seat in it. He interested himself for me strongly in that instance, as he did in many

Mr. Vernon, about this time, put me in mind of the debt I ow'd him, but did not press me. I wrote him an

ingenuous letter of acknowledgment, crav'd his forbearance a little longer, which he allow'd me, and as soon

as I was able, I paid the principal with interest, and many thanks; so that erratum was in some degree

But now another difficulty came upon me which I had never the least reason to expect. Mr. Meredith's father,

who was to have paid for our printinghouse, according to the expectations given me, was able to advance

only one hundred pounds currency, which had been paid; and a hundred more was due to the merchant, who

grew impatient, and su'd us all. We gave bail, but saw that, if the money could not be rais'd in time, the suit

must soon come to a judgment and execution, and our hopeful prospects must, with us, be ruined, as the press

In this distress two true friends, whose kindness I have never forgotten, nor ever shall forget while I can

remember any thing, came to me separately, unknown to each other, and, without any application from me,

offering each of them to advance me all the money that should be necessary to enable me to take the whole

business upon myself, if that should be practicable; but they did not like my continuing the partnership with

Meredith, who, as they said, was often seen drunk in the streets, and playing at low games in alehouses, much

to our discredit. These two friends were William Coleman and Robert Grace. I told them I could not propose

a separation while any prospect remain'd of the Merediths' fulfilling their part of our agreement, because I

thought myself under great obligations to them for what they had done, and would do if they could; but, if

they finally fail'd in their performance, and our partnership must be dissolv'd, I should then think myself at

Thus the matter rested for some time, when I said to my partner, "Perhaps your father is dissatisfied at the

part you have undertaken in this affair of ours, and is unwilling to advance for you and me what he would for

you alone. If that is the case, tell me, and I will resign the whole to you, and go about my business." "No,"

said he, "my father has really been disappointed, and is really unable; and I am unwilling to distress him

farther. I see this is a business I am not fit for. I was bred a farmer, and it was a folly in me to come to town,

and put myself, at thirty years of age, an apprentice to learn a new trade. Many of our Welsh people are going

to settle in North Carolina, where land is cheap. I am inclin'd to go with them, and follow my old

employment. You may find friends to assist you. If you will take the debts of the company upon you; return

to my father the hundred pound he has advanced; pay my little personal debts, and give me thirty pounds and

a new saddle, I will relinquish the partnership, and leave the whole in your hands." I agreed to this proposal:

it was drawn up in writing, sign'd, and seal'd immediately. I gave him what he demanded, and he went soon

after to Carolina, from whence he sent me next year two long letters, containing the best account that had

been given of that country, the climate, the soil, husbandry, etc., for in those matters he was very judicious. I

As soon as he was gone, I recurr'd to my two friends; and because I would not give an unkind preference to

either, I took half of what each had offered and I wanted of one, and half of the other; paid off the company's

debts, and went on with the business in my own name, advertising that the partnership was dissolved. I think

About this time there was a cry among the people for more paper money, only fifteen thousand pounds being

extant in the province, and that soon to be sunk. The wealthy inhabitants oppos'd any addition, being against

all paper currency, from an apprehension that it would depreciate, as it had done in New England, to the

prejudice of all creditors. We had discuss'd this point in our Junto, where I was on the side of an addition,

being persuaded that the first small sum struck in 1723 had done much good by increasing the trade,

employment, and number of inhabitants in the province, since I now saw all the old houses inhabited, and

many new ones building; whereas I remembered well, that when I first walk'd about the streets of

Philadelphia, eating my roll, I saw most of the houses in Walnutstreet, between Second and Front streets,

with bills on their doors, "To be let"; and many likewise in Chestnutstreet and other streets, which made me

Our debates possess'd me so fully of the subject, that I wrote and printed an anonymous pamphlet on it,

entitled "The Nature and Necessity of a Paper Currency." It was well receiv'd by the common people in

general; but the rich men dislik'd it, for it increas'd and strengthen'd the clamor for more money, and they

happening to have no writers among them that were able to answer it, their opposition slacken'd, and the

point was carried by a majority in the House. My friends there, who conceiv'd I had been of some service,

thought fit to reward me by employing me in printing the money; a very profitable jobb and a great help to

The utility of this currency became by time and experience so evident as never afterwards to be much

disputed; so that it grew soon to fiftyfive thousand pounds, and in 1739 to eighty thousand pounds, since

which it arose during war to upwards of three hundred and fifty thousand pounds, trade, building, and

inhabitants all the while increasing, till I now think there are limits beyond which the quantity may be hurtful.

I soon after obtain'd, thro' my friend Hamilton, the printing of the Newcastle paper money, another profitable

jobb as I then thought it; small things appearing great to those in small circumstances; and these, to me, were

really great advantages, as they were great encouragements. He procured for me, also, the printing of the laws

and votes of that government, which continu'd in my hands as long as I follow'd the business.

I now open'd a little stationer's shop. I had in it blanks of all sorts, the correctest that ever appear'd among us,

being assisted in that by my friend Breintnal. I had also paper, parchment, chapmen's books, etc. One

Whitemash, a compositor I had known in London, an excellent workman, now came to me, and work'd with

I began now gradually to pay off the debt I was under for the printinghouse. In order to secure my credit and

character as a tradesman, I took care not only to be in reality industrious and frugal, but to avoid all

appearances to the contrary. I drest plainly; I was seen at no places of idle diversion. I never went out a

fishing or shooting; a book, indeed, sometimes debauch'd me from my work, but that was seldom, snug, and

gave no scandal; and, to show that I was not above my business, I sometimes brought home the paper I

purchas'd at the stores thro' the streets on a wheelbarrow. Thus being esteem'd an industrious, thriving young

man, and paying duly for what I bought, the merchants who imported stationery solicited my custom; others

proposed supplying me with books, and I went on swimmingly. In the mean time, Keimer's credit and

business declining daily, he was at last forc'd to sell his printing house to satisfy his creditors. He went to

His apprentice, David Harry, whom I had instructed while I work'd with him, set up in his place at

Philadelphia, having bought his materials. I was at first apprehensive of a powerful rival in Harry, as his

friends were very able, and had a good deal of interest. I therefore propos'd a partnership to him which he,

fortunately for me, rejected with scorn. He was very proud, dress'd like a gentleman, liv'd expensively, took

much diversion and pleasure abroad, ran in debt, and neglected his business; upon which, all business left

him; and, finding nothing to do, he followed Keimer to Barbadoes, taking the printinghouse with him. There

this apprentice employ'd his former master as a journeyman; they quarrel'd often; Harry went continually

behindhand, and at length was forc'd to sell his types and return to his country work in Pensilvania. The

person that bought them employ'd Keimer to use them, but in a few years he died.

There remained now no competitor with me at Philadelphia but the old one, Bradford; who was rich and easy,

did a little printing now and then by straggling hands, but was not very anxious about the business. However,

as he kept the postoffice, it was imagined he had better opportunities of obtaining news; his paper was

thought a better distributer of advertisements than mine, and therefore had many, more, which was a

profitable thing to him, and a disadvantage to me; for, tho' I did indeed receive and send papers by the post,

yet the publick opinion was otherwise, for what I did send was by bribing the riders, who took them privately,

Bradford being unkind enough to forbid it, which occasion'd some resentment on my part; and I thought so

meanly of him for it, that, when I afterward came into his situation, I took care never to imitate it.

I had hitherto continu'd to board with Godfrey, who lived in part of my house with his wife and children, and

had one side of the shop for his glazier's business, tho' he worked little, being always absorbed in his

mathematics. Mrs. Godfrey projected a match for me with a relation's daughter, took opportunities of

bringing us often together, till a serious courtship on my part ensu'd, the girl being in herself very deserving.

The old folks encourag'd me by continual invitations to supper, and by leaving us together, till at length it

was time to explain. Mrs. Godfrey manag'd our little treaty. I let her know that I expected as much money

with their daughter as would pay off my remaining debt for the printinghouse, which I believe was not then

above a hundred pounds. She brought me word they had no such sum to spare; I said they might mortgage

their house in the loanoffice. The answer to this, after some days, was, that they did not approve the match;

that, on inquiry of Bradford, they had been inform'd the printing business was not a profitable one; the types

would soon be worn out, and more wanted; that S. Keimer and D. Harry had failed one after the other, and I

should probably soon follow them; and, therefore, I was forbidden the house, and the daughter shut up.

Whether this was a real change of sentiment or only artifice, on a supposition of our being too far engaged in

affection to retract, and therefore that we should steal a marriage, which would leave them at liberty to give

or withhold what they pleas'd, I know not; but I suspected the latter, resented it, and went no more. Mrs.

Godfrey brought me afterward some more favorable accounts of their disposition, and would have drawn me

on again; but I declared absolutely my resolution to have nothing more to do with that family. This was

resented by the Godfreys; we differ'd, and they removed, leaving me the whole house, and I resolved to take

But this affair having turned my thoughts to marriage, I look'd round me and made overtures of acquaintance

in other places; but soon found that, the business of a printer being generally thought a poor one, I was not to

expect money with a wife, unless with such a one as I should not otherwise think agreeable. In the mean time,

that hardto begoverned passion of youth hurried me frequently into intrigues with low women that fell in

my way, which were attended with some expense and great inconvenience, besides a continual risque to my

health by a distemper which of all things I dreaded, though by great good luck I escaped it. A friendly

correspondence as neighbors and old acquaintances had continued between me and Mrs. Read's family, who

all had a regard for me from the time of my first lodging in their house. I was often invited there and

consulted in their affairs, wherein I sometimes was of service. I piti'd poor Miss Read's unfortunate situation,

who was generally dejected, seldom cheerful, and avoided company. I considered my giddiness and

inconstancy when in London as in a great degree the cause of her unhappiness, tho' the mother was good

enough to think the fault more her own than mine, as she had prevented our marrying before I went thither,

and persuaded the other match in my absence. Our mutual affection was revived, but there were now great

objections to our union. The match was indeed looked upon as invalid, a preceding wife being said to be

living in England; but this could not easily be prov'd, because of the distance; and, tho' there was a report of

his death, it was not certain. Then, tho' it should be true, he had left many debts, which his successor might be

call'd upon to pay. We ventured, however, over all these difficulties, and I took her to wife, September 1st,

1730. None of the inconveniences happened that we had apprehended, she proved a good and faithful

helpmate, assisted me much by attending the shop; we throve together, and have ever mutually endeavored to

About this time, our club meeting, not at a tavern, but in a little room of Mr. Grace's, set apart for that

purpose, a proposition was made by me, that, since our books were often referr'd to in our disquisitions upon

the queries, it might be convenient to us to have them altogether where we met, that upon occasion they

might be consulted; and by thus clubbing our books to a common library, we should, while we lik'd to keep

them together, have each of us the advantage of using the books of all the other members, which would be

nearly as beneficial as if each owned the whole. It was lik'd and agreed to, and we fill'd one end of the room

with such books as we could best spare. The number was not so great as we expected; and tho' they had been

of great use, yet some inconveniences occurring for want of due care of them, the collection, after about a

And now I set on foot my first project of a public nature, that for a subscription library. I drew up the

proposals, got them put into form by our great scrivener, Brockden, and, by the help of my friends in the

Junto, procured fifty subscribers of forty shillings each to begin with, and ten shillings a year for fifty years,

the term our company was to continue. We afterwards obtain'd a charter, the company being increased to one

hundred: this was the mother of all the North American subscription libraries, now so numerous. It is become

a great thing itself, and continually increasing. These libraries have improved the general conversation of the

Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries,

and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the stand so generally made throughout the colonies in

Memo. Thus far was written with the intention express'd in the beginning and therefore contains several little

family anecdotes of no importance to others. What follows was written many years after in compliance with

the advice contain'd in these letters, and accordingly intended for the public. The affairs of the Revolution

[1] The countryseat of Bishop Shipley, the good bishop, as Dr. Franklin used to style him. B.

[2] After the words "agreeable to" the words "some of" were interlined and afterward effaced. B.

[3] Here follow in the margin the words, in brackets, "here insert it," but the poetry is not given. Mr. Sparks

informs us (Life of Franklin, p. 6) that these volumes had been preserved, and were in possession of Mrs.

[4] I fancy his harsh and tyrannical treatment of me might be a means of impressing me with that aversion to

[5] A printinghouse is always called a chapel by the workmen, the origin of which appears to have been that

printing was first carried on in England in an ancient chapel converted into a printinghouse, and the title has

been preserved by tradition. The bien venu among the printers answers to the terms entrance and footing

among mechanics; thus a journeyman, on entering a printinghouse, was accustomed to pay one or more

gallons of beer for the good of the chapel; this custom was falling into disuse thirty years ago; it is very

[6] The "Journal" was printed by Sparks, from a copy made at Reading in 1787. But it does not contain the

"MY DEAR AND HONORED FRIEND: I have often been desirous of writing to thee, but could not be

reconciled to the thought that the letter might fall into the hands of the British, lest some printer or busybody

should publish some part of the contents, and give our friend pain, and myself censure.

"Some time since there fell into my hands, to my great joy, about twentythree sheets in thy own

handwriting, containing an account of the parentage and life of thyself, directed to thy son, ending in the year

1730, with which there were notes, likewise in thy writing; a copy of which I inclose, in hopes it may be a

means, if thou continued it up to a later period, that the first and latter part may be put together; and if it is not

yet continued, I hope thee will not delay it. Life is uncertain, as the preacher tells us; and what will the world

say if kind, humane, and benevolent Ben. Franklin should leave his friends and the world deprived of so

pleasing and profitable a work; a work which would be useful and entertaining not only to a few, but to

millions? The influence writings under that class have on the minds of youth is very great, and has nowhere

appeared to me so plain, as in our public friend's journals. It almost insensibly leads the youth into the

resolution of endeavoring to become as good and eminent as the journalist. Should thine, for instance, when

published (and I think it could not fail of it), lead the youth to equal the industry and temperance of thy early

youth, what a blessing with that class would such a work be! I know of no character living, nor many of them

put together, who has so much in his power as thyself to promote a greater spirit of industry and early

attention to business, frugality, and temperance with the American youth. Not that I think the work would

have no other merit and use in the world, far from it; but the first is of such vast importance that I know

The foregoing letter and the minutes accompanying it being shown to a friend, I received from him the

"My DEAREST SIR: When I had read over your sheets of minutes of the principal incidents of your life,

recovered for you by your Quaker acquaintance, I told you I would send you a letter expressing my reasons

why I thought it would be useful to complete and publish it as he desired. Various concerns have for some

time past prevented this letter being written, and I do not know whether it was worth any expectation;

happening to be at leisure, however, at present, I shall by writing, at least interest and instruct myself; but as

the terms I am inclined to use may tend to offend a person of your manners, I shall only tell you how I would

address any other person, who was as good and as great as yourself, but less diffident. I would say to him,

Sir, I solicit the history of your life from the following motives: Your history is so remarkable, that if you do

not give it, somebody else will certainly give it; and perhaps so as nearly to do as much harm, as your own

management of the thing might do good. It will moreover present a table of the internal circumstances of your

country, which will very much tend to invite to it settlers of virtuous and manly minds. And considering the

eagerness with which such information is sought by them, and the extent of your reputation, I do not know of

a more efficacious advertisement than your biography would give. All that has happened to you is also

connected with the detail of the manners and situation of a rising people; and in this respect I do not think

that the writings of Caesar and Tacitus can be more interesting to a true judge of human nature and society.

But these, sir, are small reasons, in my opinion, compared with the chance which your life will give for the

forming of future great men; and in conjunction with your Art of Virtue (which you design to publish) of

improving the features of private character, and consequently of aiding all happiness, both public and

domestic. The two works I allude to, sir, will in particular give a noble rule and example of selfeducation.

School and other education constantly proceed upon false principles, and show a clumsy apparatus pointed at

a false mark; but your apparatus is simple, and the mark a true one; and while parents and young persons are

left destitute of other just means of estimating and becoming prepared for a reasonable course in life, your

discovery that the thing is in many a man's private power, will be invaluable! Influence upon the private

character, late in life, is not only an influence late in life, but a weak influence. It is in youth that we plant our

chief habits and prejudices; it is in youth that we take our party as to profession, pursuits and matrimony. In

youth, therefore, the turn is given; in youth the education even of the next generation is given; in youth the

private and public character is determined; and the term of life extending but from youth to age, life ought to

begin well from youth, and more especially before we take our party as to our principal objects. But your

biography will not merely teach selfeducation, but the education of a wise man; and the wisest man will

receive lights and improve his progress, by seeing detailed the conduct of another wise man. And why are

weaker men to be deprived of such helps, when we see our race has been blundering on in the dark, almost

without a guide in this particular, from the farthest trace of time? Show then, sir, how much is to be done,

both to sons and fathers; and invite all wise men to become like yourself, and other men to become wise.

When we see how cruel statesmen and warriors can be to the human race, and how absurd distinguished men

can be to their acquaintance, it will be instructive to observe the instances multiply of pacific, acquiescing

manners; and to find how compatible it is to be great and domestic, enviable and yet goodhumored.

"The little private incidents which you will also have to relate, will have considerable use, as we want, above

all things, rules of prudence in ordinary affairs; and it will be curious to see how you have acted in these. It

will be so far a sort of key to life, and explain many things that all men ought to have once explained to them,

to give, them a chance of becoming wise by foresight. The nearest thing to having experience of one's own, is

to have other people's affairs brought before us in a shape that is interesting; this is sure to happen from your

pen; our affairs and management will have an air of simplicity or importance that will not fail to strike; and I

am convinced you have conducted them with as much originality as if you had been conducting discussions

in politics or philosophy; and what more worthy of experiments and system (its importance and its errors

"Some men have been virtuous blindly, others have speculated fantastically, and others have been shrewd to

bad purposes; but you, sir, I am sure, will give under your hand, nothing but what is at the same moment,

wise, practical and good, your account of yourself (for I suppose the parallel I am drawing for Dr. Franklin,

will hold not only in point of character, but of private history) will show that you are ashamed of no origin; a

thing the more important, as you prove how little necessary all origin is to happiness, virtue, or greatness. As

no end likewise happens without a means, so we shall find, sir, that even you yourself framed a plan by which

you became considerable; but at the same time we may see that though the event is flattering, the means are

as simple as wisdom could make them; that is, depending upon nature, virtue, thought and habit. Another

thing demonstrated will be the propriety of everyman's waiting for his time for appearing upon the stage of

the world. Our sensations being very much fixed to the moment, we are apt to forget that more moments are

to follow the first, and consequently that man should arrange his conduct so as to suit the whole of a life.

Your attribution appears to have been applied to your life, and the passing moments of it have been enlivened

with content and enjoyment instead of being tormented with foolish impatience or regrets. Such a conduct is

easy for those who make virtue and themselves in countenance by examples of other truly great men, of

whom patience is so often the characteristic. Your Quaker correspondent, sir (for here again I will suppose

the subject of my letter resembling Dr. Franklin), praised your frugality, diligence and temperance, which he

considered as a pattern for all youth; but it is singular that he should have forgotten your modesty and your

disinterestedness, without which you never could have waited for your advancement, or found your situation

in the mean time comfortable; which is a strong lesson to show the poverty of glory and the importance of

regulating our minds. If this correspondent had known the nature of your reputation as well as I do, he would

have said, Your former writings and measures would secure attention to your Biography, and Art of Virtue;

and your Biography and Art of Virtue, in return, would secure attention to them. This is an advantage

attendant upon a various character, and which brings all that belongs to it into greater play; and it is the more

useful, as perhaps more persons are at a loss for the means of improving their minds and characters, than they

are for the time or the inclination to do it. But there is one concluding reflection, sir, that will shew the use of

your life as a mere piece of biography. This style of writing seems a little gone out of vogue, and yet it is a

very useful one; and your specimen of it may be particularly serviceable, as it will make a subject of

comparison with the lives of various public cutthroats and intriguers, and with absurd monastic

selftormentors or vain literary triflers. If it encourages more writings of the same kind with your own, and

induces more men to spend lives fit to be written, it will be worth all Plutarch's Lives put together. But being

tired of figuring to myself a character of which every feature suits only one man in the world, without giving

him the praise of it, I shall end my letter, my dear Dr. Franklin, with a personal application to your proper

self. I am earnestly desirous, then, my dear sir, that you should let the world into the traits of your genuine

character, as civil broils nay otherwise tend to disguise or traduce it. Considering your great age, the caution

of your character, and your peculiar style of thinking, it is not likely that any one besides yourself can be

sufficiently master of the facts of your life, or the intentions of your mind. Besides all this, the immense

revolution of the present period, will necessarily turn our attention towards the author of it, and when virtuous

principles have been pretended in it, it will be highly important to shew that such have really influenced; and,

as your own character will be the principal one to receive a scrutiny, it is proper (even for its effects upon

your vast and rising country, as well as upon England and upon Europe) that it should stand respectable and

eternal. For the furtherance of human happiness, I have always maintained that it is necessary to prove that

man is not even at present a vicious and detestable animal; and still more to prove that good management

may greatly amend him; and it is for much the same reason, that I am anxious to see the opinion established,

that there are fair characters existing among the individuals of the race; for the moment that all men, without

exception, shall be conceived abandoned, good people will cease efforts deemed to be hopeless, and perhaps

think of taking their share in the scramble of life, or at least of making it comfortable principally for

themselves. Take then, my dear sir, this work most speedily into hand: shew yourself good as you are good;

temperate as you are temperate; and above all things, prove yourself as one, who from your infancy have

loved justice, liberty and concord, in a way that has made it natural and consistent for you to have acted, as

we have seen you act in the last seventeen years of your life. Let Englishmen be made not only to respect, but

even to love you. When they think well of individuals in your native country, they will go nearer to thinking

well of your country; and when your countrymen see themselves well thought of by Englishmen, they will go

nearer to thinking well of England. Extend your views even further; do not stop at those who speak the

English tongue, but after having settled so many points in nature and politics, think of bettering the whole

race of men. As I have not read any part of the life in question, but know only the character that lived it, I

write somewhat at hazard. I am sure, however, that the life and the treatise I allude to (on the Art of Virtue)

will necessarily fulfil the chief of my expectations; and still more so if you take up the measure of suiting

these performances to the several views above stated. Should they even prove unsuccessful in all that a

sanguine admirer of yours hopes from them, you will at least have framed pieces to interest the human mind;

and whoever gives a feeling of pleasure that is innocent to man, has added so much to the fair side of a life

otherwise too much darkened by anxiety and too much injured by pain. In the hope, therefore, that you will

listen to the prayer addressed to you in this letter, I beg to subscribe myself, my dearest sir, etc., etc., "Signed,

It is some time since I receiv'd the above letters, but I have been too busy till now to think of complying with

the request they contain. It might, too, be much better done if I were at home among my papers, which would

aid my memory, and help to ascertain dates; but my return being uncertain and having just now a little

leisure, I will endeavor to recollect and write what I can; if I live to get home, it may there be corrected and

Not having any copy here of what is already written, I know not whether an account is given of the means I

used to establish the Philadelphia public library, which, from a small beginning, is now become so

considerable, though I remember to have come down to near the time of that transaction (1730). I will

therefore begin here with an account of it, which may be struck out if found to have been already given.

At the time I establish'd myself in Pennsylvania, there was not a good bookseller's shop in any of the colonies

to the southward of Boston. In New York and Philad'a the printers were indeed stationers; they sold only

paper, etc., almanacs, ballads, and a few common schoolbooks. Those who lov'd reading were oblig'd to

send for their books from England; the members of the Junto had each a few. We had left the alehouse, where

we first met, and hired a room to hold our club in. I propos'd that we should all of us bring our books to that

room, where they would not only be ready to consult in our conferences, but become a common benefit, each

of us being at liberty to borrow such as he wish'd to read at home. This was accordingly done, and for some

Finding the advantage of this little collection, I propos'd to render the benefit from books more common, by

commencing a public subscription library. I drew a sketch of the plan and rules that would be necessary, and

got a skilful conveyancer, Mr. Charles Brockden, to put the whole in form of articles of agreement to be

subscribed, by which each subscriber engag'd to pay a certain sum down for the first purchase of books, and

an annual contribution for increasing them. So few were the readers at that time in Philadelphia, and the

majority of us so poor, that I was not able, with great industry, to find more than fifty persons, mostly young

tradesmen, willing to pay down for this purpose forty shillings each, and ten shillings per annum. On this

little fund we began. The books were imported; the library wag opened one day in the week for lending to the

subscribers, on their promissory notes to pay double the value if not duly returned. The institution soon

manifested its utility, was imitated by other towns, and in other provinces. The libraries were augmented by

donations; reading became fashionable; and our people, having no publick amusements to divert their

attention from study, became better acquainted with books, and in a few years were observ'd by strangers to

be better instructed and more intelligent than people of the same rank generally are in other countries.

When we were about to sign the abovementioned articles, which were to be binding upon us, our heirs, etc.,

for fifty years, Mr. Brockden, the scrivener, said to us, "You are young men, but it is scarcely probable that

any of you will live to see the expiration of the term fix'd in the instrument." A number of us, however, are

yet living; but the instrument was after a few years rendered null by a charter that incorporated and gave

The objections and reluctances I met with in soliciting the subscriptions, made me soon feel the impropriety

of presenting one's self as the proposer of any useful project, that might be suppos'd to raise one's reputation

in the smallest degree above that of one's neighbors, when one has need of their assistance to accomplish that

project. I therefore put myself as much as I could out of sight, and stated it as a scheme of a number of

friends, who had requested me to go about and propose it to such as they thought lovers of reading. In this

way my affair went on more smoothly, and I ever after practis'd it on such occasions; and, from my frequent

successes, can heartily recommend it. The present little sacrifice of your vanity will afterwards be amply

repaid. If it remains a while uncertain to whom the merit belongs, some one more vain than yourself will be

encouraged to claim it, and then even envy will be disposed to do you justice by plucking those assumed

This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two

each day, and thus repair'd in some degree the loss of the learned education my father once intended for me.

Reading was the only amusement I allow'd myself. I spent no time in taverns, games, or frolicks of any kind;

and my industry in my business continu'd as indefatigable as it was necessary. I was indebted for my

printinghouse; I had a young family coming on to be educated, and I had to contend with for business two

printers, who were established in the place before me. My circumstances, however, grew daily easier. My

original habits of frugality continuing, and my father having, among his instructions to me when a boy,

frequently repeated a proverb of Solomon, "Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before

kings, he shall not stand before mean men," I from thence considered industry as a means of obtaining wealth

and distinction, which encourag'd me, tho' I did not think that I should ever literally stand before kings,

which, however, has since happened; for I have stood before five, and even had the honor of sitting down

We have an English proverb that says, "He that would thrive, must ask his wife." It was lucky for me that I

had one as much dispos'd to industry and frugality as myself. She assisted me cheerfully in my business,

folding and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, purchasing old linen rags for the papermakers, etc., etc. We

kept no idle servants, our table was plain and simple, our furniture of the cheapest. For instance, my breakfast

was a long time bread and milk (no tea), and I ate it out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a pewter

spoon. But mark how luxury will enter families, and make a progress, in spite of principle: being call'd one

morning to breakfast, I found it in a China bowl, with a spoon of silver! They had been bought for me

without my knowledge by my wife, and had cost her the enormous sum of threeandtwenty shillings, for

which she had no other excuse or apology to make, but that she thought her husband deserv'd a silver spoon

and China bowl as well as any of his neighbors. This was the first appearance of plate and China in our

house, which afterward, in a course of years, as our wealth increas'd, augmented gradually to several hundred

I had been religiously educated as a Presbyterian; and tho' some of the dogmas of that persuasion, such as the

eternal decrees of God, election, reprobation, etc., appeared to me unintelligible, others doubtful, and I early

absented myself from the public assemblies of the sect, Sunday being my studying day, I never was without

some religious principles. I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that he made the world,

and govern'd it by his Providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that

our souls are immortal; and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter.

These I esteem'd the essentials of every religion; and, being to be found in all the religions we had in our

country, I respected them all, tho' with different degrees of respect, as I found them more or less mix'd with

other articles, which, without any tendency to inspire, promote, or confirm morality, serv'd principally to

divide us, and make us unfriendly to one another. This respect to all, with an opinion that the worst had some

good effects, induc'd me to avoid all discourse that might tend to lessen the good opinion another might have

of his own religion; and as our province increas'd in people, and new places of worship were continually

wanted, and generally erected by voluntary contributions, my mite for such purpose, whatever might be the

Tho' I seldom attended any public worship, I had still an opinion of its propriety, and of its utility when

rightly conducted, and I regularly paid my annual subscription for the support of the only Presbyterian

minister or meeting we had in Philadelphia. He us'd to visit me sometimes as a friend, and admonish me to

attend his administrations, and I was now and then prevail'd on to do so, once for five Sundays successively.

Had he been in my opinion a good preacher, perhaps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I

had for the Sunday's leisure in my course of study; but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments,

or explications of the peculiar doctrines of our sect, and were all to me very dry, uninteresting, and

unedifying, since not a single moral principle was inculcated or enforc'd, their aim seeming to be rather to

At length he took for his text that verse of the fourth chapter of Philippians, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever

things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise, think on these

things." And I imagin'd, in a sermon on such a text, we could not miss of having some morality. But he

confin'd himself to five points only, as meant by the apostle, viz.: 1. Keeping holy the Sabbath day. 2. Being

diligent in reading the holy Scriptures. 3. Attending duly the publick worship. 4. Partaking of the Sacrament.

5. Paying a due respect to God's ministers. These might be all good things; but, as they were not the kind of

good things that I expected from that text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was

disgusted, and attended his preaching no more. I had some years before compos'd a little Liturgy, or form of

prayer, for my own private use (viz., in 1728), entitled, Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion. I return'd to

the use of this, and went no more to the public assemblies. My conduct might be blameable, but I leave it,

without attempting further to excuse it; my present purpose being to relate facts, and not to make apologies

It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish'd to live

without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or

company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I

might not always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found I had undertaken a task of more difficulty

than I bad imagined. While my care was employ'd in guarding against one fault, I was often surprised by

another; habit took the advantage of inattention; inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I

concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest to be completely virtuous,

was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones

acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct. For

In the various enumerations of the moral virtues I had met with in my reading, I found the catalogue more or

less numerous, as different writers included more or fewer ideas under the same name. Temperance, for

example, was by some confined to eating and drinking, while by others it was extended to mean the

moderating every other pleasure, appetite, inclination, or passion, bodily or mental, even to our avarice and

ambition. I propos'd to myself, for the sake of clearness, to use rather more names, with fewer ideas annex'd

to each, than a few names with more ideas; and I included under thirteen names of virtues all that at that time

occurr'd to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully express'd the extent

Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or

My intention being to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, I judg'd it would be well not to distract my

attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a time; and, when I should be master

of that, then to proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone thro' the thirteen; and, as the previous

acquisition of some might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arrang'd them with that view, as they

stand above. Temperance first, as it tends to procure that coolness and clearness of head, which is so

necessary where constant vigilance was to be kept up, and guard maintained against the unremitting attraction

of ancient habits, and the force of perpetual temptations. This being acquir'd and establish'd, Silence would be

more easy; and my desire being to gain knowledge at the same time that I improv'd in virtue, and considering

that in conversation it was obtain'd rather by the use of the ears than of the tongue, and therefore wishing to

break a habit I was getting into of prattling, punning, and joking, which only made me acceptable to trifling

company, I gave Silence the second place. This and the next, Order, I expected would allow me more time for

attending to my project and my studies. Resolution, once become habitual, would keep me firm in my

endeavors to obtain all the subsequent virtues; Frugality and Industry freeing me from my remaining debt,

and producing affluence and independence, would make more easy the practice of Sincerity and Justice, etc.,

etc. Conceiving then, that, agreeably to the advice of Pythagoras in his Golden Verses, daily examination

would be necessary, I contrived the following method for conducting that examination.

I made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues. I rul'd each page with red ink, so as to

have seven columns, one for each day of the week, marking each column with a letter for the day. I cross'd

these columns with thirteen red lines, marking the beginning of each line with the first letter of one of the

virtues, on which line, and in its proper column, I might mark, by a little black spot, every fault I found upon

I determined to give a week's strict attention to each of the virtues successively. Thus, in the first week, my

great guard was to avoid every the least offence against Temperance, leaving the other virtues to their

ordinary chance, only marking every evening the faults of the day. Thus, if in the first week I could keep my

first line, marked T, clear of spots, I suppos'd the habit of that virtue so much strengthen'd and its opposite

weaken'd, that I might venture extending my attention to include the next, and for the following week keep

both lines clear of spots. Proceeding thus to the last, I could go thro' a course compleat in thirteen weeks, and

four courses in a year. And like him who, having a garden to weed, does not attempt to eradicate all the bad

herbs at once, which would exceed his reach and his strength, but works on one of the beds at a time, and,

having accomplish'd the first, proceeds to a second, so I should have, I hoped, the encouraging pleasure of

seeing on my pages the progress I made in virtue, by clearing successively my lines of their spots, till in the

end, by a number of courses, I should he happy in viewing a clean book, after a thirteen weeks' daily

"O vitae Philosophia dux! O virtutum indagatrix expultrixque vitiorum! Unus dies, bene et ex praeceptis tuis

"Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of

And conceiving God to be the fountain of wisdom, I thought it right and necessary to solicit his assistance for

obtaining it; to this end I formed the following little prayer, which was prefix'd to my tables of examination,

"O powerful Goodness! bountiful Father! merciful Guide! increase in me that wisdom which discovers my

truest interest. strengthen my resolutions to perform what that wisdom dictates. Accept my kind offices to thy

The precept of Order requiring that every part of my business should have its allotted time, one page in my

little book contain'd the following scheme of employment for the twentyfour hours of a natural day:

I enter'd upon the execution of this plan for selfexamination, and continu'd it with occasional intermissions

for some time. I was surpris'd to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined; but I had the

satisfaction of seeing them diminish. To avoid the trouble of renewing now and then my little book, which,

by scraping out the marks on the paper of old faults to make room for new ones in a new course, became full

of holes, I transferr'd my tables and precepts to the ivory leaves of a memorandum book, on which the lines

were drawn with red ink, that made a durable stain, and on those lines I mark'd my faults with a blacklead

pencil, which marks I could easily wipe out with a wet sponge. After a while I went thro' one course only in a

year, and afterward only one in several years, till at length I omitted them entirely, being employ'd in voyages

and business abroad, with a multiplicity of affairs that interfered; but I always carried my little book with me.

My scheme of ORDER gave me the most trouble; and I found that, tho' it might be practicable where a man's

business was such as to leave him the disposition of his time, that of a journeyman printer, for instance, it was

not possible to be exactly observed by a master, who must mix with the world, and often receive people of

business at their own hours. Order, too, with regard to places for things, papers, etc., I found extreamly

difficult to acquire. I had not been early accustomed to it, and, having an exceeding good memory, I was not

so sensible of the inconvenience attending want of method. This article, therefore, cost me so much painful

attention, and my faults in it vexed me so much, and I made so little progress in amendment, and had such

frequent relapses, that I was almost ready to give up the attempt, and content myself with a faulty character in

that respect, like the man who, in buying an ax of a smith, my neighbour, desired to have the whole of its

surface as bright as the edge. The smith consented to grind it bright for him if he would turn the wheel; he

turn'd, while the smith press'd the broad face of the ax hard and heavily on the stone, which made the turning

of it very fatiguing. The man came every now and then from the wheel to see how the work went on, and at

length would take his ax as it was, without farther grinding. "No," said the smith, "turn on, turn on; we shall

have it bright byandby; as yet, it is only speckled." "Yes," said the man, "but I think I like a speckled ax

best." And I believe this may have been the case with many, who, having, for want of some such means as I

employ'd, found the difficulty of obtaining good and breaking bad habits in other points of vice and virtue,

have given up the struggle, and concluded that "a speckled ax was best"; for something, that pretended to be

reason, was every now and then suggesting to me that such extream nicety as I exacted of myself might be a

kind of foppery in morals, which, if it were known, would make me ridiculous; that a perfect character might

be attended with the inconvenience of being envied and hated; and that a benevolent man should allow a few

In truth, I found myself incorrigible with respect to Order; and now I am grown old, and my memory bad, I

feel very sensibly the want of it. But, on the whole, tho' I never arrived at the perfection I had been so

ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavour, a better and a happier man than I

otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it; as those who aim at perfect writing by imitating the

engraved copies, tho' they never reach the wish'dfor excellence of those copies, their hand is mended by the

It may be well my posterity should be informed that to this little artifice, with the blessing of God, their

ancestor ow'd the constant felicity of his life, down to his 79th year, in which this is written. What reverses

may attend the remainder is in the hand of Providence; but, if they arrive, the reflection on past happiness

enjoy'd ought to help his bearing them with more resignation. To Temperance he ascribes his longcontinued

health, and what is still left to him of a good constitution; to Industry and Frugality, the early easiness of his

circumstances and acquisition of his fortune, with all that knowledge that enabled him to be a useful citizen,

and obtained for him some degree of reputation among the learned; to Sincerity and Justice, the confidence of

his country, and the honorable employs it conferred upon him; and to the joint influence of the whole mass of

the virtues, even in the imperfect state he was able to acquire them, all that evenness of temper, and that

cheerfulness in conversation, which makes his company still sought for, and agreeable even to his younger

acquaintance. I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit.

It will be remark'd that, tho' my scheme was not wholly without religion, there was in it no mark of any of the

distingishing tenets of any particular sect. I had purposely avoided them; for, being fully persuaded of the

utility and excellency of my method, and that it might be serviceable to people in all religions, and intending

some time or other to publish it, I would not have any thing in it that should prejudice any one, of any sect,

against it. I purposed writing a little comment on each virtue, in which I would have shown the advantages of

possessing it, and the mischiefs attending its opposite vice; and I should have called my book THE ART OF

VIRTUE, 8because it would have shown the means and manner of obtaining virtue, which would have

distinguished it from the mere exhortation to be good, that does not instruct and indicate the means, but is

like the apostle's man of verbal charity, who only without showing to the naked and hungry how or where

they might get clothes or victuals, exhorted them to be fed and clothed. James ii. 15, 16.

But it so happened that my intention of writing and publishing this comment was never fulfilled. I did,

indeed, from time to time, put down short hints of the sentiments, reasonings, etc., to be made use of in it,

some of which I have still by me; but the necessary close attention to private business in the earlier part of thy

life, and public business since, have occasioned my postponing it; for, it being connected in my mind with a

great and extensive project, that required the whole man to execute, and which an unforeseen succession of

In this piece it was my design to explain and enforce this doctrine, that vicious actions are not hurtful because

they are forbidden, but forbidden because they are hurtful, the nature of man alone considered; that it was,

therefore, every one's interest to be virtuous who wish'd to be happy even in this world; and I should, from

this circumstance (there being always in the world a number of rich merchants, nobility, states, and princes,

who have need of honest instruments for the management of their affairs, and such being so rare), have

endeavored to convince young persons that no qualities were so likely to make a poor man's fortune as those

My list of virtues contain'd at first but twelve; but a Quaker friend having kindly informed me that I was

generally thought proud; that my pride show'd itself frequently in conversation; that I was not content with

being in the right when discussing any point, but was overbearing, and rather insolent, of which he convinc'd

me by mentioning several instances; I determined endeavouring to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly

among the rest, and I added Humility to my list) giving an extensive meaning to the word.

I cannot boast of much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue, but I had a good deal with regard to the

appearance of it. I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive

assertion of my own. I even forbid myself, agreeably to the old laws of our Junto, the use of every word or

expression in the language that imported a fix'd opinion, such as certainly, undoubtedly, etc., and I adopted,

instead of them, I conceive, I apprehend, or I imagine a thing to be so or so; or it so appears to me at present.

When another asserted something that I thought an error, I deny'd myself the pleasure of contradicting him

abruptly, and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition; and in answering I began by

observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present case there

appear'd or seem'd to me some difference, etc. I soon found the advantage of this change in my manner; the

conversations I engag'd in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I propos'd my opinions

procur'd them a readier reception and less contradiction; I had less mortification when I was found to be in

the wrong, and I more easily prevail'd with others to give up their mistakes and join with me when I

And this mode, which I at first put on with some violence to natural inclination, became at length so easy,

and so habitual to me, that perhaps for these fifty years past no one has ever heard a dogmatical expression

escape me. And to this habit (after my character of integrity) I think it principally owing that I had early so

much weight with my fellowcitizens when I proposed new institutions, or alterations in the old, and so

much influence in public councils when I became a member; for I was but a bad speaker, never eloquent,

subject to much hesitation in my choice of words, hardly correct in language, and yet I generally carried my

In reality, there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle

with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then

peep out and show itself; you will see it, perhaps, often in this history; for, even if I could conceive that I had

HAVING mentioned a great and extensive project which I had conceiv'd, it seems proper that some account

should be here given of that project and its object. Its first rise in my mind appears in the following little

"That the great affairs of the world, the wars, revolutions, etc., are carried on and affected by parties.

"That the view of these parties is their present general interest, or what they take to be such.

"That while a party is carrying on a general design, each man has his particular private interest in view.

"That as soon as a party has gain'd its general point, each member becomes intent upon his particular interest;

which, thwarting others, breaks that party into divisions, and occasions more confusion.

"That few in public affairs act from a meer view of the good of their country, whatever they may pretend;

and, tho' their actings bring real good to their country, yet men primarily considered that their own and their

"There seems to me at present to be great occasion for raising a United Party for Virtue, by forming the

virtuous and good men of all nations into a regular body, to be govern'd by suitable good and wise rules,

which good and wise men may probably be more unanimous in their obedience to, than common people are

"I at present think that whoever attempts this aright, and is well qualified, can not fail of pleasing God, and of

Revolving this project in my mind, as to be undertaken hereafter, when my circumstances should afford me

the necessary leisure, I put down from time to time, on pieces of paper, such thoughts as occurr'd to me

respecting it. Most of these are lost; but I find one purporting to be the substance of an intended creed)

containing, as I thought, the essentials of every known religion, and being free of every thing that might

"And that God will certainly reward virtue and punish vice either here or hereafter." 10

My ideas at that time were, that the sect should be begun and spread at first among young and single men

only; that each person to be initiated should not only declare his assent to such creed, but should have

exercised himself with the thirteen weeks' examination and practice of the virtues) as in the beforemention'd

model; that the existence of such a society should he kept a secret, till it was become considerable, to prevent

solicitations for the admission of improper persons, but that the members should each of them search among

his acquaintance for ingenuous, welldisposed youths, to whom, with prudent caution, the scheme should be

gradually communicated; that the members should engage to afford their advice, assistance, and support to

each other in promoting one another's interests, business, and advancement in life; that, for distinction, we

should be call'd The Society of the Free and Easy: free, as being, by the general practice and habit of the

virtues, free from the dominion of vice; and particularly by the practice of industry and frugality, free from

debt, which exposes a man to confinement, and a species of slavery to his creditors.

This is as much as I can now recollect of the project, except that I communicated it in part to two young men,

who adopted it with some enthusiasm; but my then narrow circumstances, and the necessity I was under of

sticking close to my business, occasion'd my postponing the further prosecution of it at that time; and my

multifarious occupations, public and private, induc'd me to continue postponing, so that it has been omitted

till I have no longer strength or activity left sufficient for such an enterprise; tho' I am still of opinion that it

was a practicable scheme, and might have been very useful, by forming a great number of good citizens; and

I was not discourag'd by the seeming magnitude of the undertaking, as I have always thought that one man of

tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a

good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, makes the

In 1732 I first publish'd my Almanack, under the name of Richard Saunders; it was continu'd by me about

twenty five years, commonly call'd Poor Richard's Almanac. I endeavor'd to make it both entertaining and

useful, and it accordingly came to be in such demand, that I reap'd considerable profit from it, vending

annually near ten thousand. And observing that it was generally read, scarce any neighborhood in the

province being without it, I consider'd it as a proper vehicle for conveying instruction among the common

people, who bought scarcely any other books; I therefore filled all the little spaces that occurr'd between the

remarkable days in the calendar with proverbial sentences, chiefly such as inculcated industry and frugality,

as the means of procuring wealth, and thereby securing virtue; it being more difficult for a man in want, to act

always honestly, as, to use here one of those proverbs, it is hard for an empty sack to stand upright.

These proverbs, which contained the wisdom of many ages and nations, I assembled and form'd into a

connected discourse prefix'd to the Almanack of 1757, as the harangue of a wise old man to the people

attending an auction. The bringing all these scatter'd counsels thus into a focus enabled them to make greater

impression. The piece, being universally approved, was copied in all the newspapers of the Continent;

reprinted in Britain on a broad side, to be stuck up in houses; two translations were made of it in French, and

great numbers bought by the clergy and gentry, to distribute gratis among their poor parishioners and tenants.

In Pennsylvania, as it discouraged useless expense in foreign superfluities, some thought it had its share of

influence in producing that growing plenty of money which was observable for several years after its

I considered my newspaper, also, as another means of communicating instruction, and in that view frequently

reprinted in it extracts from the Spectator, and other moral writers; and sometimes publish'd little pieces of

my own, which had been first compos'd for reading in our Junto. Of these are a Socratic dialogue, tending to

prove that, whatever might be his parts and abilities, a vicious man could not properly be called a man of

sense; and a discourse on selfdenial, showing that virtue was not secure till its practice became a habitude,

and was free from the opposition of contrary inclinations. These may be found in the papers about the

In the conduct of my newspaper, I carefully excluded all libelling and personal abuse, which is of late years

become so disgraceful to our country. Whenever I was solicited to insert anything of that kind, and the

writers pleaded, as they generally did, the liberty of the press, and that a newspaper was like a stagecoach, in

which any one who would pay had a right to a place, my answer was, that I would print the piece separately if

desired, and the author might have as many copies as he pleased to distribute himself, but that I would not

take upon me to spread his detraction; and that, having contracted with my subscribers to furnish them with

what might be either useful or entertaining, I could not fill their papers with private altercation, in which they

had no concern, without doing them manifest injustice. Now, many of our printers make no scruple of

gratifying the malice of individuals by false accusations of the fairest characters among ourselves,

augmenting animosity even to the producing of duels; and are, moreover, so indiscreet as to print scurrilous

reflections on the government of neighboring states, and even on the conduct of our best national allies,

which may be attended with the most pernicious consequences. These things I mention as a caution to young

printers, and that they may be encouraged not to pollute their presses and disgrace their profession by such

infamous practices, but refuse steadily, as they may see by my example that such a course of conduct will

In 1733 I sent one of my journeymen to Charleston, South Carolina, where a printer was wanting. I furnish'd

him with a press and letters, on an agreement of partnership, by which I was to receive onethird of the

profits of the business, paying onethird of the expense. He was a man of learning, and honest but ignorant in

matters of account; and, tho' he sometimes made me remittances, I could get no account from him, nor any

satisfactory state of our partnership while he lived. On his decease, the business was continued by his widow,

who, being born and bred in Holland, where, as I have been inform'd, the knowledge of accounts makes a

part of female education, she not only sent me as clear a state as she could find of the transactions past, but

continued to account with the greatest regularity and exactness every quarter afterwards, and managed the

business with such success, that she not only brought up reputably a family of children, but, at the expiration

of the term, was able to purchase of me the printinghouse, and establish her son in it.

I mention this affair chiefly for the sake of recommending that branch of education for our young females, as

likely to be of more use to them and their children, in case of widowhood, than either music or dancing, by

preserving them from losses by imposition of crafty men, and enabling them to continue, perhaps, a profitable

mercantile house, with establish'd correspondence, till a son is grown up fit to undertake and go on with it, to

About the year 1734 there arrived among us from Ireland a young Presbyterian preacher, named Hemphill,

who delivered with a good voice, and apparently extempore, most excellent discourses, which drew together

considerable numbers of different persuasion, who join'd in admiring them. Among the rest, I became one of

his constant hearers, his sermons pleasing me, as they had little of the dogmatical kind, but inculcated

strongly the practice of virtue, or what in the religious stile are called good works. Those, however, of our

congregation, who considered themselves as orthodox Presbyterians, disapprov'd his doctrine, and were join'd

by most of the old clergy, who arraign'd him of heterodoxy before the synod, in order to have him silenc'd. I

became his zealous partisan, and contributed all I could to raise a party in his favour, and we combated for

him a while with some hopes of success. There was much scribbling pro and con upon the occasion; and

finding that, tho' an elegant preacher, he was but a poor writer, I lent him my pen and wrote for him two or

three pamphlets, and one piece in the Gazette of April, 1735. Those pamphlets, as is generally the case with

controversial writings, tho' eagerly read at the time, were soon out of vogue, and I question whether a single

During the contest an unlucky occurrence hurt his cause exceedingly. One of our adversaries having heard

him preach a sermon that was much admired, thought he had somewhere read the sermon before, or at least a

part of it. On search he found that part quoted at length, in one of the British Reviews, from a discourse of Dr.

Foster's. This detection gave many of our party disgust, who accordingly abandoned his cause, and occasion'd

our more speedy discomfiture in the synod. I stuck by him, however, as I rather approv'd his giving us good

sermons compos'd by others, than bad ones of his own manufacture, tho' the latter was the practice of our

common teachers. He afterward acknowledg'd to me that none of those he preach'd were his own; adding,

that his memory was such as enabled him to retain and repeat any sermon after one reading only. On our

defeat, he left us in search elsewhere of better fortune, and I quitted the congregation, never joining it after,

I had begun in 1733 to study languages; I soon made myself so much a master of the French as to be able to

read the books with ease. I then undertook the Italian. An acquaintance, who was also learning it, us'd often

to tempt me to play chess with him. Finding this took up too much of the time I had to spare for study, I at

length refus'd to play any more, unless on this condition, that the victor in every game should have a right to

impose a task, either in parts of the grammar to be got by heart, or in translations, etc., which tasks the

vanquish'd was to perform upon honour, before our next meeting. As we play'd pretty equally, we thus beat

one another into that language. I afterwards with a little painstaking, acquir'd as much of the Spanish as to

I have already mention'd that I had only one year's instruction in a Latin school, and that when very young,

after which I neglected that language entirely. But, when I had attained an acquaintance with the French,

Italian, and Spanish, I was surpriz'd to find, on looking over a Latin Testament, that I understood so much

more of that language than I had imagined, which encouraged me to apply myself again to the study of it, and

I met with more success, as those preceding languages had greatly smooth'd my way.

From these circumstances, I have thought that there is some inconsistency in our common mode of teaching

languages. We are told that it is proper to begin first with the Latin, and, having acquir'd that, it will be more

easy to attain those modern languages which are deriv'd from it; and yet we do not begin with the Greek, in

order more easily to acquire the Latin. It is true that, if you can clamber and get to the top of a staircase

without using the steps, you will more easily gain them in descending; but certainly, if you begin with the

lowest you will with more ease ascend to the top; and I would therefore offer it to the consideration of those

who superintend the education of our youth, whether, since many of those who begin with the Latin quit the

same after spending some years without having made any great proficiency, and what they have learnt

becomes almost useless, so that their time has been lost, it would not have been better to have begun with the

French, proceeding to the Italian, etc.; for, tho', after spending the same time, they should quit the study of

languages and never arrive at the Latin, they would, however, have acquired another tongue or two, that,

After ten years' absence from Boston, and having become easy in my circumstances, I made a journey thither

to visit my relations, which I could not sooner well afford. In returning, I call'd at Newport to see my brother,

then settled there with his printinghouse. Our former differences were forgotten, and our meeting was very

cordial and affectionate. He was fast declining in his health, and requested of me that, in case of his death,

which he apprehended not far distant, I would take home his son, then but ten years of age, and bring him up

to the printing business. This I accordingly perform'd, sending him a few years to school before I took him

into the office. His mother carried on the business till he was grown up, when I assisted him with an

assortment of new types, those of his father being in a manner worn out. Thus it was that I made my brother

In 1736 I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old, by the smallpox, taken in the common way. I

long regretted bitterly, and still regret that I had not given it to him by inoculation. This I mention for the sake

of parents who omit that operation, on the supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a child

died under it; my example showing that the regret may be the same either way, and that, therefore, the safer

Our club, the Junto, was found so useful, and afforded such satisfaction to the members, that several were

desirous of introducing their friends, which could not well be done without exceeding what we had settled as

a convenient number, viz., twelve. We had from the beginning made it a rule to keep our institution a secret,

which was pretty well observ'd; the intention was to avoid applications of improper persons for admittance,

some of whom, perhaps, we might find it difficult to refuse. I was one of those who were against any addition

to our number, but, instead of it, made in writing a proposal, that every member separately should endeavor

to form a subordinate club, with the same rules respecting queries, etc., and without informing them of the

connection with the Junto. The advantages proposed were, the improvement of so many more young citizens

by the use of our institutions; our better acquaintance with the general sentiments of the inhabitants on any

occasion, as the Junto member might propose what queries we should desire, and was to report to the Junto

what pass'd in his separate club; the promotion of our particular interests in business by more extensive

recommendation, and the increase of our influence in public affairs, and our power of doing good by

The project was approv'd, and every member undertook to form his club, but they did not all succeed. Five or

six only were compleated, which were called by different names, as the Vine, the Union, the Band, etc. They

were useful to themselves, and afforded us a good deal of amusement, information, and instruction, besides

answering, in some considerable degree, our views of influencing the public opinion on particular occasions,

My first promotion was my being chosen, in 1736, clerk of the General Assembly. The choice was made that

year without opposition; but the year following, when I was again propos'd (the choice, like that of the

members, being annual), a new member made a long speech against me, in order to favour some other

candidate. I was, however, chosen, which was the more agreeable to me, as, besides the pay for the

immediate service as clerk, the place gave me a better opportunity of keeping up an interest among the

members, which secur'd to me the business of printing the votes, laws, paper money, and other occasional

I therefore did not like the opposition of this new member, who was a gentleman of fortune and education,

with talents that were likely to give him, in time, great influence in the House, which, indeed, afterwards

happened. I did not, however, aim at gaining his favour by paying any servile respect to him, but, after some

time, took this other method. Having heard that he had in his library a certain very scarce and curious book, I

wrote a note to him, expressing my desire of perusing that book, and requesting he would do me the favour of

lending it to me for a few days. He sent it immediately, and I return'd it in about a week with another note,

expressing strongly my sense of the favour. When we next met in the House, he spoke to me (which he had

never done before), and with great civility; and he ever after manifested a readiness to serve me on all

occasions, so that we became great friends, and our friendship continued to his death. This is another instance

of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, "He that has once done you a kindness will be more

ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged." And it shows how much more profitable

it is prudently to remove, than to resent, return, and continue inimical proceedings.

In 1737, Colonel Spotswood, late governor of Virginia, and then postmastergeneral, being dissatisfied with

the conduct of his deputy at Philadelphia, respecting some negligence in rendering, and inexactitude of his

accounts, took from him the commission and offered it to me. I accepted it readily, and found it of great

advantage; for, tho' the salary was small, it facilitated the correspondence that improv'd my newspaper,

increas'd the number demanded, as well as the advertisements to be inserted, so that it came to afford me a

considerable income. My old competitor's newspaper declin'd proportionably, and I was satisfy'd without

retaliating his refusal, while postmaster, to permit my papers being carried by the riders. Thus he suffer'd

greatly from his neglect in due accounting; and I mention it as a lesson to those young men who may be

employ'd in managing affairs for others, that they should always render accounts, and make remittances, with

great clearness and punctuality. The character of observing such a conduct is the most powerful of all

I began now to turn my thoughts a little to public affairs, beginning, however, with small matters. The city

watch was one of the first things that I conceiv'd to want regulation. It was managed by the constables of the

respective wards in turn; the constable warned a number of housekeepers to attend him for the night. Those

who chose never to attend paid him six shillings a year to be excus'd, which was suppos'd to be for hiring

substitutes, but was, in reality, much more than was necessary for that purpose, and made the constableship a

place of profit; and the constable, for a little drink, often got such ragamuffins about him as a watch, that

respectable housekeepers did not choose to mix with. Walking the rounds, too, was often neglected, and most

of the nights spent in tippling. I thereupon wrote a paper, to be read in Junto, representing these irregularities,

but insisting more particularly on the inequality of this sixshilling tax of the constables, respecting the

circumstances of those who paid it, since a poor widow housekeeper, all whose property to be guarded by the

watch did not perhaps exceed the value of fifty pounds, paid as much as the wealthiest merchant, who had

On the whole, I proposed as a more effectual watch, the hiring of proper men to serve constantly in that

business; and as a more equitable way of supporting the charge the levying a tax that should be proportion'd

to the property. This idea, being approv'd by the Junto, was communicated to the other clubs, but as arising in

each of them; and though the plan was not immediately carried into execution, yet, by preparing the minds of

people for the change, it paved the way for the law obtained a few years after, when the members of our clubs

About this time I wrote a paper (first to be read in Junto, but it was afterward publish'd) on the different

accidents and carelessnesses by which houses were set on fire, with cautions against them, and means

proposed of avoiding them. This was much spoken of as a useful piece, and gave rise to a project, which soon

followed it, of forming a company for the more ready extinguishing of fires, and mutual assistance in

removing and securing the goods when in danger. Associates in this scheme were presently found, amounting

to thirty. Our articles of agreement oblig'd every member to keep always in good order, and fit for use, a

certain number of leather buckets, with strong bags and baskets (for packing and transporting of goods),

which were to be brought to every fire; and we agreed to meet once a month and spend a social evening

together, in discoursing and communicating such ideas as occurred to us upon the subject of fires, as might be

The utility of this institution soon appeared, and many more desiring to be admitted than we thought

convenient for one company, they were advised to form another, which was accordingly done; and this went

on, one new company being formed after another, till they became so numerous as to include most of the

inhabitants who were men of property; and now, at the time of my writing this, tho' upward of fifty years

since its establishment, that which I first formed, called the Union Fire Company, still subsists and flourishes,

tho' the first members are all deceas'd but myself and one, who is older by a year than I am. The small fines

that have been paid by members for absence at the monthly meetings have been apply'd to the purchase of

fireengines, ladders, firehooks, and other useful implements for each company, so that I question whether

there is a city in the world better provided with the means of putting a stop to beginning conflagrations; and,

in fact, since these institutions, the city has never lost by fire more than one or two houses at a time, and the

flames have often been extinguished before the house in which they began has been half consumed.

In 1739 arrived among us from Ireland the Reverend Mr. Whitefield, who had made himself remarkable there

as an itinerant preacher. He was at first permitted to preach in some of our churches; but the clergy, taking a

dislike to him, soon refus'd him their pulpits, and he was oblig'd to preach in the fields. The multitudes of all

sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous, and it was matter of speculation to me,

who was one of the number, to observe the extraordinary influence of his oratory on his hearers, and bow

much they admir'd and respected him, notwithstanding his common abuse of them, by assuring them that they

were naturally half beasts and half devils. It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of

our inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seem'd as if all the world were

growing religious, so that one could not walk thro' the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in

And it being found inconvenient to assemble in the open air, subject to its inclemencies, the building of a

house to meet in was no sooner propos'd, and persons appointed to receive contributions, but sufficient sums

were soon receiv'd to procure the ground and erect the building, which was one hundred feet long and

seventy broad, about the size of Westminster Hall; and the work was carried on with such spirit as to be

finished in a much shorter time than could have been expected. Both house and ground were vested in

trustees, expressly for the use of any preacher of any religious persuasion who might desire to say something

to the people at Philadelphia; the design in building not being to accommodate any particular sect, but the

inhabitants in general; so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach

Mr. Whitefield, in leaving us, went preaching all the way thro' the colonies to Georgia. The settlement of that

province had lately been begun, but, instead of being made with hardy, industrious husbandmen, accustomed

to labor, the only people fit for such an enterprise, it was with families of broken shopkeepers and other

insolvent debtors, many of indolent and idle habits, taken out of the jails, who, being set down in the woods,

unqualified for clearing land, and unable to endure the hardships of a new settlement, perished in numbers,

leaving many helpless children unprovided for. The sight of their miserable situation inspir'd the benevolent

heart of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of building an Orphan House there, in which they might be supported

and educated. Returning northward, he preach'd up this charity, and made large collections, for his eloquence

had a wonderful power over the hearts and purses of his hearers, of which I myself was an instance.

I did not disapprove of the design, but, as Georgia was then destitute of materials and workmen, and it was

proposed to send them from Philadelphia at a great expense, I thought it would have been better to have built

the house here, and brought the children to it. This I advis'd; but he was resolute in his first project, rejected

my counsel, and I therefore refus'd to contribute. I happened soon after to attend one of his sermons, in the

course of which I perceived he intended to finish with a collection, and I silently resolved he should get

nothing from me, I had in my pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and five pistoles

in gold. As he proceeded I began to soften, and concluded to give the coppers. Another stroke of his oratory

made me asham'd of that, and determin'd me to give the silver; and he finish'd so admirably, that I empty'd

my pocket wholly into the collector's dish, gold and all. At this sermon there was also one of our club, who,

being of my sentiments respecting the building in Georgia, and suspecting a collection might be intended,

had, by precaution, emptied his pockets before he came from home. Towards the conclusion of the discourse,

however, he felt a strong desire to give, and apply'd to a neighbour, who stood near him, to borrow some

money for the purpose. The application was unfortunately [made] to perhaps the only man in the company

who had the firmness not to be affected by the preacher. His answer was, "At any other time, Friend

Hopkinson, I would lend to thee freely; but not now, for thee seems to be out of thy right senses."

Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he would apply these collections to his own

private emolument; but I who was intimately acquainted with him (being employed in printing his Sermons

and Journals, etc.), never had the least suspicion of his integrity, but am to this day decidedly of opinion that

he was in all his conduct a perfectly honest man; and methinks my testimony in his favour ought to have the

more weight, as we had no religious connection. He us'd, indeed, sometimes to pray for my conversion, but

never had the satisfaction of believing that his prayers were heard. Ours was a mere civil friendship, sincere

The following instance will show something of the terms on which we stood. Upon one of his arrivals from

England at Boston, he wrote to me that he should come soon to Philadelphia, but knew not where he could

lodge when there, as he understood his old friend and host, Mr. Benezet, was removed to Germantown. My

answer was, "You know my house; if you can make shift with its scanty accommodations, you will be most

heartily welcome." He reply'd, that if I made that kind offer for Christ's sake, I should not miss of a reward.

And I returned, "Don't let me be mistaken; it was not for Christ's sake, but for your sake." One of our

common acquaintance jocosely remark'd, that, knowing it to be the custom of the saints, when they received

any favour, to shift the burden of the obligation from off their own shoulders, and place it in heaven, I had

The last time I saw Mr. Whitefield was in London, when he consulted me about his Orphan House concern,

He had a loud and clear voice, and articulated his words and sentences so perfectly, that he might be heard

and understood at a great distance, especially as his auditories, however numerous, observ'd the most exact

silence. He preach'd one evening from the top of the Courthouse steps, which are in the middle of

Marketstreet, and on the west side of Secondstreet, which crosses it at right angles. Both streets were fill'd

with his hearers to a considerable distance. Being among the hindmost in Marketstreet, I had the curiosity to

learn how far he could be heard, by retiring backwards down the street towards the river; and I found his

voice distinct till I came near Frontstreet, when some noise in that street obscur'd it. Imagining then a semi

circle, of which my distance should be the radius, and that it were fill'd with auditors, to each of whom I

allow'd two square feet, I computed that he might well be heard by more than thirty thousand. This reconcil'd

me to the newspaper accounts of his having preach'd to twentyfive thousand people in the fields, and to the

antient histories of generals haranguing whole armies, of which I had sometimes doubted.

By hearing him often, I came to distinguish easily between sermons newly compos'd, and those which he had

often preach'd in the course of his travels. His delivery of the latter was so improv'd by frequent repetitions

that every accent, every emphasis, every modulation of voice, was so perfectly well turn'd and well plac'd,

that, without being interested in the subject, one could not help being pleas'd with the discourse; a pleasure of

much the same kind with that receiv'd from an excellent piece of musick. This is an advantage itinerant

preachers have over those who are stationary, as the latter can not well improve their delivery of a sermon by

His writing and printing from time to time gave great advantage to his enemies; unguarded expressions, and

even erroneous opinions, delivered in preaching, might have been afterwards explain'd or qualifi'd by

supposing others that might have accompani'd them, or they might have been deny'd; but litera scripta manet.

Critics attack'd his writings violently, and with so much appearance of reason as to diminish the number of

his votaries and prevent their encrease; so that I am of opinion if he had never written any thing, he would

have left behind him a much more numerous and important sect, and his reputation might in that case have

been still growing, even after his death, as there being nothing of his writing on which to found a censure and

give him a lower character, his proselytes would be left at liberty to feign for him as great a variety of

My business was now continually augmenting, and my circumstances growing daily easier, my newspaper

having become very profitable, as being for a time almost the only one in this and the neighbouring

provinces. I experienced, too, the truth of the observation, "that after getting the first hundred pound, it is

The partnership at Carolina having succeeded, I was encourag'd to engage in others, and to promote several

of my workmen, who had behaved well, by establishing them with printinghouses in different colonies, on

the same terms with that in Carolina. Most of them did well, being enabled at the end of our term, six years,

to purchase the types of me and go on working for themselves, by which means several families were raised.

Partnerships often finish in quarrels; but I was happy in this, that mine were all carried on and ended

amicably, owing, I think, a good deal to the precaution of having very explicitly settled, in our articles, every

thing to be done by or expected from each partner, so that there was nothing to dispute, which precaution I

would therefore recommend to all who enter into partnerships; for, whatever esteem partners may have for,

and confidence in each other at the time of the contract, little jealousies and disgusts may arise, with ideas of

inequality in the care and burden of the business, etc., which are attended often with breach of friendship and

I had, on the whole, abundant reason to be satisfied with my being established in Pennsylvania. There were,

however, two things that I regretted, there being no provision for defense, nor for a compleat education of

youth; no militia, nor any college. I therefore, in 1743, drew up a proposal for establishing an academy; and

at that time, thinking the Reverend Mr. Peters, who was out of employ, a fit person to superintend such an

institution, I communicated the project to him; but he, having more profitable views in the service of the

proprietaries, which succeeded, declin'd the undertaking; and, not knowing another at that time suitable for

such a trust, I let the scheme lie a while dormant. I succeeded better the next year, 1744, in proposing and

establishing a Philosophical Society. The paper I wrote for that purpose will be found among my writings,

With respect to defense, Spain having been several years at war against Great Britain, and being at length

join'd by France, which brought us into great danger; and the laboured and longcontinued endeavour of our

governor, Thomas, to prevail with our Quaker Assembly to pass a militia law, and make other provisions for

the security of the province, having proved abortive, I determined to try what might be done by a voluntary

association of the people. To promote this, I first wrote and published a pamphlet, entitled PLAIN TRUTH,

in which I stated our defenceless situation in strong lights, with the necessity of union and discipline for our

defense, and promis'd to propose in a few days an association, to be generally signed for that purpose. The

pamphlet had a sudden and surprising effect. I was call'd upon for the instrument of association, and having

settled the draft of it with a few friends, I appointed a meeting of the citizens in the large building before

mentioned. The house was pretty full; I had prepared a number of printed copies, and provided pens and ink

dispers'd all over the room. I harangued them a little on the subject, read the paper, and explained it, and then

distributed the copies, which were eagerly signed, not the least objection being made.

When the company separated, and the papers were collected, we found above twelve hundred hands; and,

other copies being dispersed in the country, the subscribers amounted at length to upward of ten thousand.

These all furnished themselves as soon as they could with arms, formed themselves into companies and

regiments, chose their own officers, and met every week to be instructed in the manual exercise, and other

parts of military discipline. The women, by subscriptions among themselves, provided silk colors, which they

presented to the companies, painted with different devices and mottos, which I supplied.

The officers of the companies composing the Philadelphia regiment, being met, chose me for their colonel;

but, conceiving myself unfit, I declin'd that station, and recommended Mr. Lawrence, a fine person, and man

of influence, who was accordingly appointed. I then propos'd a lottery to defray the expense of building a

battery below the town, and furnishing it with cannon. It filled expeditiously, and the battery was soon

erected, the merlons being fram'd of logs and fill'd with earth. We bought some old cannon from Boston, but,

these not being sufficient, we wrote to England for more, soliciting, at the same time, our proprietaries for

Meanwhile, Colonel Lawrence, William Allen, Abram Taylor, Esqr., and myself were sent to New York by

the associators, commission'd to borrow some cannon of Governor Clinton. He at first refus'd us

peremptorily; but at dinner with his council, where there was great drinking of Madeira wine, as the custom

of that place then was, he softened by degrees, and said he would lend us six. After a few more bumpers he

advanc'd to ten; and at length he very goodnaturedly conceded eighteen. They were fine cannon,

eighteenpounders, with their carriages, which we soon transported and mounted on our battery, where the

associators kept a nightly guard while the war lasted, and among the rest I regularly took my turn of duty

My activity in these operations was agreeable to the governor and council; they took me into confidence, and

I was consulted by them in every measure wherein their concurrence was thought useful to the association.

Calling in the aid of religion, I propos'd to them the proclaiming a fast, to promote reformation, and implore

the blessing of Heaven on our undertaking. They embrac'd the motion; but, as it was the first fast ever

thought of in the province, the secretary had no precedent from which to draw the proclamation. My

education in New England, where a fast is proclaimed every year, was here of some advantage: I drew it in

the accustomed stile, it was translated into German, printed in both languages, and divulg'd thro' the province.

This gave the clergy of the different sects an opportunity of influencing their congregations to join in the

association, and it would probably have been general among all but Quakers if the peace had not soon

It was thought by some of my friends that, by my activity in these affairs, I should offend that sect, and

thereby lose my interest in the Assembly of the province, where they formed a great majority. A young

gentleman who had likewise some friends in the House, and wished to succeed me as their clerk, acquainted

me that it was decided to displace me at the next election; and he, therefore, in good will, advis'd me to

resign, as more consistent with my honour than being turn'd out. My answer to him was, that I had read or

heard of some public man who made it a rule never to ask for an office, and never to refuse one when offer'd

to him. "I approve," says I, "of his rule, and will practice it with a small addition; I shall never ask, never

refuse, nor ever resign an office. If they will have my office of clerk to dispose of to another, they shall take it

from me. I will not, by giving it up, lose my right of some time or other making reprisals on my adversaries."

I heard, however, no more of this; I was chosen again unanimously as usual at the next election. Possibly, as

they dislik'd my late intimacy with the members of council, who had join'd the governors in all the disputes

about military preparations, with which the House had long been harass'd, they might have been pleas'd if I

would voluntarily have left them; but they did not care to displace me on account merely of my zeal for the

Indeed I had some cause to believe that the defense of the country was not disagreeable to any of them,

provided they were not requir'd to assist in it. And I found that a much greater number of them than I could

have imagined, tho' against offensive war, were clearly for the defensive. Many pamphlets pro and con were

publish'd on the subject, and some by good Quakers, in favour of defense, which I believe convinc'd most of

A transaction in our fire company gave me some insight into their prevailing sentiments. It had been propos'd

that we should encourage the scheme for building a battery by laying out the present stock, then about sixty

pounds, in tickets of the lottery. By our rules, no money could be dispos'd of till the next meeting after the

proposal. The company consisted of thirty members, of which twentytwo were Quakers, and eight only of

other persuasions. We eight punctually attended the meeting; but, tho' we thought that some of the Quakers

would join us, we were by no means sure of a majority. Only one Quaker, Mr. James Morris, appear'd to

oppose the measure. He expressed much sorrow that it had ever been propos'd, as he said Friends were all

against it, and it would create such discord as might break up the company. We told him that we saw no

reason for that; we were the minority, and if Friends were against the measure, and outvoted us, we must and

should, agreeably to the usage of all societies, submit. When the hour for business arriv'd it was mov'd to put

the vote; he allow'd we might then do it by the rules, but, as he could assure us that a number of members

intended to be present for the purpose of opposing it, it would be but candid to allow a little time for their

While we were disputing this, a waiter came to tell me two gentlemen below desir'd to speak with me. I went

down, and found they were two of our Quaker members. They told me there were eight of them assembled at

a tavern just by; that they were determin'd to come and vote with us if there should be occasion, which they

hop'd would not be the case, and desir'd we would not call for their assistance if we could do without it, as

their voting for such a measure might embroil them with their elders and friends. Being thus secure of a

majority, I went up, and after a little seeming hesitation, agreed to a delay of another hour. This Mr. Morris

allow'd to be extreamly fair. Not one of his opposing friends appear'd, at which he express'd great surprize;

and, at the expiration of the hour, we carry'd the resolution eight to one; and as, of the twentytwo Quakers,

eight were ready to vote with us, and thirteen, by their absence, manifested that they were not inclin'd to

oppose the measure, I afterward estimated the proportion of Quakers sincerely against defense as one to

twentyone only; for these were all regular members of that society, and in good reputation among them, and

The honorable and learned Mr. Logan, who had always been of that sect, was one who wrote an address to

them, declaring his approbation of defensive war, and supporting his opinion by many strong arguments. He

put into my hands sixty pounds to be laid out in lottery tickets for the battery, with directions to apply what

prizes might be drawn wholly to that service. He told me the following anecdote of his old master, William

Penn, respecting defense. He came over from England, when a young man, with that proprietary, and as his

secretary. It was wartime, and their ship was chas'd by an armed vessel, suppos'd to be an enemy. Their

captain prepar'd for defense; but told William Penn and his company of Quakers, that he did not expect their

assistance, and they might retire into the cabin, which they did, except James Logan, who chose to stay upon

deck, and was quarter'd to a gun. The suppos'd enemy prov'd a friend, so there was no fighting; but when the

secretary went down to communicate the intelligence, William Penn rebuk'd him severely for staying upon

deck, and undertaking to assist in defending the vessel, contrary to the principles of Friends, especially as it

had not been required by the captain. This reproof, being before all the company, piqu'd the secretary, who

answer'd, "I being thy servant, why did thee not order me to come down? But thee was willing enough that I

My being many years in the Assembly, the majority of which were constantly Quakers, gave me frequent

opportunities of seeing the embarrassment given them by their principle against war, whenever application

was made to them, by order of the crown, to grant aids for military purposes. They were unwilling to offend

government, on the one hand, by a direct refusal; and their friends, the body of the Quakers, on the other, by a

compliance contrary to their principles; hence a variety of evasions to avoid complying, and modes of

disguising the compliance when it became unavoidable. The common mode at last was, to grant money under

the phrase of its being "for the king's use," and never to inquire how it was applied.

But, if the demand was not directly from the crown, that phrase was found not so proper, and some other was

to be invented. As, when powder was wanting (I think it was for the garrison at Louisburg), and the

government of New England solicited a grant of some from Pennsilvania, which was much urg'd on the

House by Governor Thomas, they could not grant money to buy powder, because that was an ingredient of

war; but they voted an aid to New England of three thousand pounds, to he put into the hands of the governor,

and appropriated it for the purchasing of bread, flour, wheat, or other grain. Some of the council, desirous of

giving the House still further embarrassment, advis'd the governor not to accept provision, as not being the

thing he had demanded; but be reply'd, "I shall take the money, for I understand very well their meaning;

other grain is gunpowder," which he accordingly bought, and they never objected to it. 11

It was in allusion to this fact that, when in our fire company we feared the success of our proposal in favour

of the lottery, and I had said to my friend Mr. Syng, one of our members, "If we fail, let us move the purchase

of a fire engine with the money; the Quakers can have no objection to that; and then, if you nominate me

and I you as a committee for that purpose, we will buy a great gun, which is certainly a fireengine." "I see,"

says he, "you have improv'd by being so long in the Assembly; your equivocal project would be just a match

These embarrassments that the Quakers suffer'd from having establish'd and published it as one of their

principles that no kind of war was lawful, and which, being once published, they could not afterwards,

however they might change their minds, easily get rid of, reminds me of what I think a more prudent conduct

in another sect among us, that of the Dunkers. I was acquainted with one of its founders, Michael Welfare,

soon after it appear'd. He complain'd to me that they were grievously calumniated by the zealots of other

persuasions, and charg'd with abominable principles and practices, to which they were utter strangers. I told

him this had always been the case with new sects, and that, to put a stop to such abuse, I imagin'd it might be

well to publish the articles of their belief, and the rules of their discipline. He said that it had been propos'd

among them, but not agreed to, for this reason: "When we were first drawn together as a society," says he, "it

had pleased God to enlighten our minds so far as to see that some doctrines, which we once esteemed truths,

were errors; and that others, which we had esteemed errors, were real truths. From time to time He has been

pleased to afford us farther light, and our principles have been improving, and our errors diminishing. Now

we are not sure that we are arrived at the end of this progression, and at the perfection of spiritual or

theological knowledge; and we fear that, if we should once print our confession of faith, we should feel

ourselves as if bound and confin'd by it, and perhaps be unwilling to receive farther improvement, and our

successors still more so, as conceiving what we their elders and founders had done, to be something sacred,

This modesty in a sect is perhaps a singular instance in the history of mankind, every other sect supposing

itself in possession of all truth, and that those who differ are so far in the wrong; like a man traveling in foggy

weather, those at some distance before him on the road he sees wrapped up in the fog, as well as those behind

him, and also the people in the fields on each side, but near him all appears clear, tho' in truth he is as much

in the fog as any of them. To avoid this kind of embarrassment, the Quakers have of late years been gradually

declining the public service in the Assembly and in the magistracy, choosing rather to quit their power than

In order of time, I should have mentioned before, that having, in 1742, invented an open stove for the better

warming of rooms, and at the same time saving fuel, as the fresh air admitted was warmed in entering, I made

a present of the model to Mr. Robert Grace, one of my early friends, who, having an ironfurnace, found the

casting of the plates for these stoves a profitable thing, as they were growing in demand. To promote that

demand, I wrote and published a pamphlet, entitled "An Account of the newinvented Pennsylvania

Fireplaces; wherein their Construction and Manner of Operation is particularly explained; their Advantages

above every other Method of warming Rooms demonstrated; and all Objections that have been raised against

the Use of them answered and obviated," etc. This pamphlet had a good effect. Gov'r. Thomas was so pleas'd

with the construction of this stove, as described in it, that he offered to give me a patent for the sole vending

of them for a term of years; but I declin'd it from a principle which has ever weighed with me on such

occasions, viz., That, as we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an

opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously.

An ironmonger in London however, assuming a good deal of my pamphlet, and working it up into his own,

and making some small changes in the machine, which rather hurt its operation, got a patent for it there, and

made, as I was told, a little fortune by it. And this is not the only instance of patents taken out for my

inventions by others, tho' not always with the same success, which I never contested, as having no desire of

profiting by patents myself, and hating disputes. The use of these fireplaces in very many houses, both of this

and the neighbouring colonies, has been, and is, a great saving of wood to the inhabitants.

Peace being concluded, and the association business therefore at an end, I turn'd my thoughts again to the

affair of establishing an academy. The first step I took was to associate in the design a number of active

friends, of whom the Junto furnished a good part; the next was to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled

Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. This I distributed among the principal

inhabitants gratis; and as soon as I could suppose their minds a little prepared by the perusal of it, I set on

foot a subscription for opening and supporting an academy; it was to be paid in quotas yearly for five years;

by so dividing it, I judg'd the subscription might be larger, and I believe it was so, amounting to no less, if I

In the introduction to these proposals, I stated their publication, not as an act of mine, but of some

publickspirited gentlemen, avoiding as much as I could, according to my usual rule, the presenting myself to

The subscribers, to carry the project into immediate execution, chose out of their number twentyfour

trustees, and appointed Mr. Francis, then attorneygeneral, and myself to draw up constitutions for the

government of the academy; which being done and signed, a house was hired, masters engag'd, and the

The scholars increasing fast, the house was soon found too small, and we were looking out for a piece of

ground, properly situated, with intention to build, when Providence threw into our way a large house ready

built, which, with a few alterations, might well serve our purpose. This was the building before mentioned,

erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield, and was obtained for us in the following manner.

It is to be noted that the contributions to this building being made by people of different sects, care was taken

in the nomination of trustees, in whom the building and ground was to be vested, that a predominancy should

not be given to any sect, lest in time that predominancy might be a means of appropriating the whole to the

use of such sect, contrary to the original intention. It was therefore that one of each sect was appointed, viz.,

one ChurchofEngland man, one Presbyterian, one Baptist, one Moravian, etc., those, in case of vacancy by

death, were to fill it by election from among the contributors. The Moravian happen'd not to please his

colleagues, and on his death they resolved to have no other of that sect. The difficulty then was, how to avoid

Several persons were named, and for that reason not agreed to. At length one mention'd me, with the

observation that I was merely an honest man, and of no sect at all, which prevail'd with them to chuse me.

The enthusiasm which existed when the house was built had long since abated, and its trustees had not been

able to procure fresh contributions for paying the groundrent, and discharging some other debts the building

had occasion'd, which embarrass'd them greatly. Being now a member of both setts of trustees, that for the

building and that for the Academy, I had a good opportunity of negotiating with both, and brought them

finally to an agreement, by which the trustees for the building were to cede it to those of the academy, the

latter undertaking to discharge the debt, to keep for ever open in the building a large hall for occasional

preachers, according to the original intention, and maintain a free school for the instruction of poor children.

Writings were accordingly drawn, and on paying the debts the trustees of the academy were put in possession

of the premises; and by dividing the great and lofty hall into stories, and different rooms above and below for

the several schools, and purchasing some additional ground, the whole was soon made fit for our purpose,

and the scholars remov'd into the building. The care and trouble of agreeing with the workmen, purchasing

materials, and superintending the work, fell upon me; and I went thro' it the more cheerfully, as it did not then

interfere with my private business, having the year before taken a very able, industrious, and honest partner,

Mr. David Hall, with whose character I was well acquainted, as he had work'd for me four years. He took off

my hands all care of the printingoffice, paying me punctually my share of the profits. This partnership

The trustees of the academy, after a while, were incorporated by a charter from the governor; their funds were

increas'd by contributions in Britain and grants of land from the proprietaries, to which the Assembly has

since made considerable addition; and thus was established the present University of Philadelphia. I have

been continued one of its trustees from the beginning, now near forty years, and have had the very great

pleasure of seeing a number of the youth who have receiv'd their education in it, distinguish'd by their

improv'd abilities, serviceable in public stations and ornaments to their country.

When I disengaged myself, as above mentioned, from private business, I flatter'd myself that, by the

sufficient tho' moderate fortune I had acquir'd, I had secured leisure during the rest of my life for

philosophical studies and amusements. I purchased all Dr. Spence's apparatus, who had come from England

to lecture here, and I proceeded in my electrical experiments with great alacrity; but the publick, now

considering me as a man of leisure, laid hold of me for their purposes, every part of our civil government, and

almost at the same time, imposing some duty upon me. The governor put me into the commission of the

peace; the corporation of the city chose me of the common council, and soon after an alderman; and the

citizens at large chose me a burgess to represent them in Assembly. This latter station was the more agreeable

to me, as I was at length tired with sitting there to hear debates, in which, as clerk, I could take no part, and

which were often so unentertaining that I was induc'd to amuse myself with making magic squares or circles,

or any thing to avoid weariness; and I conceiv'd my becoming a member would enlarge my power of doing

good. I would not, however, insinuate that my ambition was not flatter'd by all these promotions; it certainly

was; for, considering my low beginning, they were great things to me; and they were still more pleasing, as

being so many spontaneous testimonies of the public good opinion, and by me entirely unsolicited.

The office of justice of the peace I try'd a little, by attending a few courts, and sitting on the bench to hear

causes; but finding that more knowledge of the common law than I possess'd was necessary to act in that

station with credit, I gradually withdrew from it, excusing myself by my being oblig'd to attend the higher

duties of a legislator in the Assembly. My election to this trust was repeated every year for ten years, without

my ever asking any elector for his vote, or signifying, either directly or indirectly, any desire of being chosen.

The year following, a treaty being to be held with the Indians at Carlisle, the governor sent a message to the

House, proposing that they should nominate some of their members, to be join'd with some members of

council, as commissioners for that purpose. 12 The House named the speaker (Mr. Norris) and myself; and,

As those people are extreamly apt to get drunk, and, when so, are very quarrelsome and disorderly, we

strictly forbad the selling any liquor to them; and when they complain'd of this restriction, we told them that

if they would continue sober during the treaty, we would give them plenty of rum when business was over.

They promis'd this, and they kept their promise, because they could get no liquor, and the treaty was

conducted very orderly, and concluded to mutual satisfaction. They then claim'd and receiv'd the rum; this

was in the afternoon; they were near one hundred men, women, and children, and were lodg'd in temporary

cabins, built in the form of a square, just without the town. In the evening, hearing a great noise among them,

the commissioners walk'd out to see what was the matter. We found they had made a great bonfire in the

middle of the square; they were all drunk, men and women, quarreling and fighting. Their darkcolour'd

bodies, half naked, seen only by the gloomy light of the bonfire, running after and beating one another with

firebrands, accompanied by their horrid yellings, form'd a scene the most resembling our ideas of hell that

could well be imagin'd; there was no appeasing the tumult, and we retired to our lodging. At midnight a

number of them came thundering at our door, demanding more rum, of which we took no notice.

The next day, sensible they had misbehav'd in giving us that disturbance, they sent three of their old

counselors to make their apology. The orator acknowledg'd the fault, but laid it upon the rum; and then

endeavored to excuse the rum by saying, "The Great Spirit, who made all things, made every thing for some

use, and whatever use he design'd any thing for, that use it should always be put to. Now, when he made rum,

he said 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be so." And, indeed, if it be the design of

Providence to extirpate these savages in order to make room for cultivators of the earth, it seems not

improbable that rum may be the appointed means. It has already annihilated all the tribes who formerly

In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond, a particular friend of mine, conceived the idea of establishing a hospital in

Philadelphia (a very beneficent design, which has been ascrib'd to me, but was originally his), for the

reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was zealous and

active in endeavouring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being a novelty in America, and at

At length he came to me with the compliment that he found there was no such thing as carrying a

publicspirited project through without my being concern'd in it. "For," says he, "I am often ask'd by those to

whom I propose subscribing, Have you consulted Franklin upon this business? And what does he think of it?

And when I tell them that I have not (supposing it rather out of your line), they do not subscribe, but say they

will consider of it." I enquired into the nature and probable utility of his scheme, and receiving from him a

very satisfactory explanation, I not only subscrib'd to it myself, but engag'd heartily in the design of procuring

subscriptions from others. Previously, however, to the solicitation, I endeavoured to prepare the minds of the

people by writing on the subject in the newspapers, which was my usual custom in such cases, but which he

The subscriptions afterwards were more free and generous; but, beginning to flag, I saw they would be

insufficient without some assistance from the Assembly, and therefore propos'd to petition for it, which was

done. The country members did not at first relish the project; they objected that it could only be serviceable to

the city, and therefore the citizens alone should be at the expense of it; and they doubted whether the citizens

themselves generally approv'd of it. My allegation on the contrary, that it met with such approbation as to

leave no doubt of our being able to raise two thousand pounds by voluntary donations, they considered as a

On this I form'd my plan; and asking leave to bring in a bill for incorporating the contributors according to

the prayer of their petition, and granting them a blank sum of money, which leave was obtained chiefly on the

consideration that the House could throw the bill out if they did not like it, I drew it so as to make the

important clause a conditional one, viz., "And be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that when the said

contributors shall have met and chosen their managers and treasurer, and shall have raised by their

contributions a capital stock of value (the yearly interest of which is to be applied to the

accommodating of the sick poor in the said hospital, free of charge for diet, attendance, advice, and

medicines), and shall make the same appear to the satisfaction of the speaker of the Assembly for the time

being, that then it shall and may be lawful for the said speaker, and be is hereby required, to sign an order on

the provincial treasurer for the payment of two thousand pounds, in two yearly payments, to the treasurer of

the said hospital, to be applied to the founding, building, and finishing of the same."

This condition carried the bill through; for the members, who had oppos'd the grant, and now conceiv'd they

might have the credit of being charitable without the expence, agreed to its passage; and then, in soliciting

subscriptions among the people, we urg'd the conditional promise of the law as an additional motive to give,

since every man's donation would be doubled; thus the clause work'd both ways. The subscriptions

accordingly soon exceeded the requisite sum, and we claim'd and receiv'd the public gift, which enabled us to

carry the design into execution. A convenient and handsome building was soon erected; the institution has by

constant experience been found useful, and flourishes to this day; and I do not remember any of my political

manoeuvres, the success of which gave me at the time more pleasure, or wherein, after thinking of it, I more

It was about this time that another projector, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, came to me with a request that I would

assist him in procuring a subscription for erecting a new meetinghouse. It was to he for the use of a

congregation he had gathered among the Presbyterians, who were originally disciples of Mr. Whitefield.

Unwilling to make myself disagreeable to my fellowcitizens by too frequently soliciting their contributions,

I absolutely refus'd. He then desired I would furnish him with a list of the names of persons I knew by

experience to be generous and publicspirited. I thought it would be unbecoming in me, after their kind

compliance with my solicitations, to mark them out to be worried by other beggars, and therefore refus'd also

to give such a list. He then desir'd I would at least give him my advice. "That I will readily do," said I; "and,

in the first place, I advise you to apply to all those whom you know will give something; next, to those whom

you are uncertain whether they will give any thing or not, and show them the list of those who have given;

and, lastly, do not neglect those who you are sure will give nothing, for in some of them you may be

mistaken." He laugh'd and thank'd me, and said he would take my advice. He did so, for he ask'd of

everybody, and he obtained a much larger sum than he expected, with which he erected the capacious and

Our city, tho' laid out with a beautiful regularity, the streets large, strait, and crossing each other at right

angles, had the disgrace of suffering those streets to remain long unpav'd, and in wet weather the wheels of

heavy carriages plough'd them into a quagmire, so that it was difficult to cross them; and in dry weather the

dust was offensive. I had liv'd near what was call'd the Jersey Market, and saw with pain the inhabitants

wading in mud while purchasing their provisions. A strip of ground down the middle of that market was at

length pav'd with brick, so that, being once in the market, they had firm footing, but were often over shoes in

dirt to get there. By talking and writing on the subject, I was at length instrumental in getting the street pav'd

with stone between the market and the brick'd footpavement, that was on each side next the houses. This,

for some time, gave an easy access to the market dryshod; but, the rest of the street not being pav'd,

whenever a carriage came out of the mud upon this pavement, it shook off and left its dirt upon it, and it was

soon cover'd with mire, which was not remov'd, the city as yet having no scavengers.

After some inquiry I found a poor industrious man, who was willing to undertake keeping the pavement

clean, by sweeping it twice a week, carrying off the dirt from before all the neighbours' doors, for the sum of

sixpence per month, to be paid by each house. I then wrote and printed a paper setting forth the advantages to

the neighbourhood that might be obtain'd by this small expense; the greater ease in keeping our houses clean,

so much dirt not being brought in by people's feet; the benefit to the shops by more custom, etc., etc., as

buyers could more easily get at them; and by not having, in windy weather, the dust blown in upon their

goods, etc., etc. I sent one of these papers to each house, and in a day or two went round to see who would

subscribe an agreement to pay these sixpences; it was unanimously sign'd, and for a time well executed. All

the inhabitants of the city were delighted with the cleanliness of the pavement that surrounded the market, it

being a convenience to all, and this rais'd a general desire to have all the streets paved, and made the people

After some time I drew a bill for paving the city, and brought it into the Assembly. It was just before I went

to England, in 1757, and did not pass till I was gone, 13 and then with an alteration in the mode of

assessment, which I thought not for the better, but with an additional provision for lighting as well as paving

the streets, which was a great improvement. It was by a private person, the late Mr. John Clifton, his giving a

sample of the utility of lamps, by placing one at his door, that the people were first impress'd with the idea of

enlighting all the city. The honour of this public benefit has also been ascrib'd to me but it belongs truly to

that gentleman. I did but follow his example, and have only some merit to claim respecting the form of our

lamps, as differing from the globe lamps we were at first supply'd with from London. Those we found

inconvenient in these respects: they admitted no air below; the smoke, therefore, did not readily go out above,

but circulated in the globe, lodg'd on its inside, and soon obstructed the light they were intended to afford;

giving, besides, the daily trouble of wiping them clean; and an accidental stroke on one of them would

demolish it, and render it totally useless. I therefore suggested the composing them of four flat panes, with a

long funnel above to draw up the smoke, and crevices admitting air below, to facilitate the ascent of the

smoke; by this means they were kept clean, and did not grow dark in a few hours, as the London lamps do,

but continu'd bright till morning, and an accidental stroke would generally break but a single pane, easily

I have sometimes wonder'd that the Londoners did not, from the effect holes in the bottom of the globe lamps

us'd at Vauxhall have in keeping them clean, learn to have such holes in their street lamps. But, these holes

being made for another purpose, viz., to communicate flame more suddenly to the wick by a little flax

hanging down thro' them, the other use, of letting in air, seems not to have been thought of; and therefore,

after the lamps have been lit a few hours, the streets of London are very poorly illuminated.

The mention of these improvements puts me in mind of one I propos'd, when in London, to Dr. Fothergill,

who was among the best men I have known, and a great promoter of useful projects. I had observ'd that the

streets, when dry, were never swept, and the light dust carried away; but it was suffer'd to accumulate till wet

weather reduc'd it to mud, and then, after lying some days so deep on the pavement that there was no crossing

but in paths kept clean by poor people with brooms, it was with great labour rak'd together and thrown up

into carts open above, the sides of which suffer'd some of the slush at every jolt on the pavement to shake out

and fall, sometimes to the annoyance of footpassengers. The reason given for not sweeping the dusty streets

An accidental occurrence had instructed me how much sweeping might be done in a little time. I found at my

door in Cravenstreet, one morning, a poor woman sweeping my pavement with a birch broom; she appeared

very pale and feeble, as just come out of a fit of sickness. I ask'd who employ'd her to sweep there; she said,

"Nobody, but I am very poor and in distress, and I sweeps before gentlefolkses doors, and hopes they will

give me something." I bid her sweep the whole street clean, and I would give her a shilling; this was at nine

o'clock; at 12 she came for the shilling. From the slowness I saw at first in her working, I could scarce believe

that the work was done so soon, and sent my servant to examine it, who reported that the whole street was

swept perfectly clean, and all the dust plac'd in the gutter, which was in the middle; and the next rain wash'd

I then judg'd that, if that feeble woman could sweep such a street in three hours, a strong, active man might

have done it in half the time. And here let me remark the convenience of having but one gutter in such a

narrow street, running down its middle, instead of two, one on each side, near the footway; for where all the

rain that falls on a street runs from the sides and meets in the middle, it forms there a current strong enough to

wash away all the mud it meets with; but when divided into two channels, it is often too weak to cleanse

either, and only makes the mud it finds more fluid, so that the wheels of carriages and feet of horses throw

and dash it upon the footpavement, which is thereby rendered foul and slippery, and sometimes splash it

upon those who are walking. My proposal, communicated to the good doctor, was as follows:

"For the more effectual cleaning and keeping clean the streets of London and Westminster, it is proposed that

the several watchmen be contracted with to have the dust swept up in dry seasons, and the mud rak'd up at

other times, each in the several streets and lanes of his round; that they be furnish'd with brooms and other

proper instruments for these purposes, to be kept at their respective stands, ready to furnish the poor people

"That in the dry summer months the dust be all swept up into heaps at proper distances, before the shops and

windows of houses are usually opened, when the scavengers, with closecovered carts, shall also carry it all

"That the mud, when rak'd up, be not left in heaps to be spread abroad again by the wheels of carriages and

trampling of horses, but that the scavengers be provided with bodies of carts, not plac'd high upon wheels, but

low upon sliders, with lattice bottoms, which, being cover'd with straw, will retain the mud thrown into them,

and permit the water to drain from it, whereby it will become much lighter, water making the greatest part of

its weight; these bodies of carts to be plac'd at convenient distances, and the mud brought to them in

wheelbarrows; they remaining where plac'd till the mud is drain'd, and then horses brought to draw them

I have since had doubts of the practicability of the latter part of this proposal, on account of the narrowness of

some streets, and the difficulty of placing the drainingsleds so as not to encumber too much the passage; but

I am still of opinion that the former, requiring the dust to be swept up and carry'd away before the shops are

open, is very practicable in the summer, when the days are long; for, in walking thro' the Strand and

Fleetstreet one morning at seven o'clock, I observ'd there was not one shop open, tho' it had been daylight

and the sun up above three hours; the inhabitants of London chusing voluntarily to live much by candlelight,

and sleep by sunshine, and yet often complain, a little absurdly, of the duty on candles and the high price of

Some may think these trifling matters not worth minding or relating; but when they consider that tho' dust

blown into the eyes of a single person, or into a single shop on a windy day, is but of small importance, yet

the great number of the instances in a populous city, and its frequent repetitions give it weight and

consequence, perhaps they will not censure very severely those who bestow some attention to affairs of this

seemingly low nature. Human felicity is produc'd not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom

happen, as by little advantages that occur every day. Thus, if you teach a poor young man to shave himself,

and keep his razor in order, you may contribute more to the happiness of his life than in giving him a

thousand guineas. The money may be soon spent, the regret only remaining of having foolishly consumed it;

but in the other case, he escapes the frequent vexation of waiting for barbers, and of their sometimes dirty

fingers, offensive breaths, and dull razors; he shaves when most convenient to him, and enjoys daily the

pleasure of its being done with a good instrument. With these sentiments I have hazarded the few preceding

pages, hoping they may afford hints which some time or other may be useful to a city I love, having lived

Having been for some time employed by the postmaster general of America as his comptroller in regulating

several offices, and bringing the officers to account, I was, upon his death in 1753, appointed, jointly with

Mr. William Hunter, to succeed him, by a commission from the postmaster general in England. The

American office never had hitherto paid any thing to that of Britain. We were to have six hundred pounds a

year between us, if we could make that sum out of the profits of the office. To do this, a variety of

improvements were necessary; some of these were inevitably at first expensive, so that in the first four years

the office became above nine hundred pounds in debt to us. But it soon after began to repay us; and before I

was displac'd by a freak of the ministers, of which I shall speak hereafter, we had brought it to yield three

times as much clear revenue to the crown as the postoffice of Ireland. Since that imprudent transaction, they

The business of the postoffice occasion'd my taking a journey this year to New England, where the College of

Cambridge, of their own motion, presented me with the degree of Master of Arts. Yale College, in

Connecticut, had before made me a similar compliment. Thus, without studying in any college, I came to

partake of their honours. They were conferr'd in consideration of my improvements and discoveries in the

In 1754, war with France being again apprehended, a congress of commissioners from the different colonies

was, by an order of the Lords of Trade, to be assembled at Albany, there to confer with the chiefs of the Six

Nations concerning the means of defending both their country and ours. Governor Hamilton, having receiv'd

this order, acquainted the House with it, requesting they would furnish proper presents for the Indians, to be

given on this occasion; and naming the speaker (Mr. Norris) and myself to join Mr. Thomas Penn and Mr.

Secretary Peters as commissioners to act for Pennsylvania. The House approv'd the nomination, and provided

the goods for the present, and tho' they did not much like treating out of the provinces; and we met the other

In our way thither, I projected and drew a plan for the union of all the colonies under one government, so far

as might be necessary for defense, and other important general purposes. As we pass'd thro' New York, I had

there shown my project to Mr. James Alexander and Mr. Kennedy, two gentlemen of great knowledge in

public affairs, and, being fortified by their approbation, I ventur'd to lay it before the Congress. It then

appeared that several of the commissioners had form'd plans of the same kind. A previous question was first

taken, whether a union should be established, which pass'd in the affirmative unanimously. A committee was

then appointed, one member from each colony, to consider the several plans and report. Mine happen'd to be

By this plan the general government was to be administered by a presidentgeneral, appointed and supported

by the crown, and a grand council was to be chosen by the representatives of the people of the several

colonies, met in their respective assemblies. The debates upon it in Congress went on daily, hand in hand

with the Indian business. Many objections and difficulties were started, but at length they were all overcome,

and the plan was unanimously agreed to, and copies ordered to be transmitted to the Board of Trade and to

the assemblies of the several provinces. Its fate was singular: the assemblies did not adopt it, as they all

thought there was too much prerogative in it, and in England it was judg'd to have too much of the

The Board of Trade therefore did not approve of it, nor recommend it for the approbation of his majesty; but

another scheme was form'd, supposed to answer the same purpose better, whereby the governors of the

provinces, with some members of their respective councils, were to meet and order the raising of troops,

building of forts, etc., and to draw on the treasury of Great Britain for the expense, which was afterwards to

be refunded by an act of Parliament laying a tax on America. My plan, with my reasons in support of it, is to

Being the winter following in Boston, I had much conversation with Governor Shirley upon both the plans.

Part of what passed between us on the occasion may also be seen among those papers. The different and

contrary reasons of dislike to my plan makes me suspect that it was really the true medium; and I am still of

opinion it would have been happy for both sides the water if it had been adopted. The colonies, so united,

would have been sufficiently strong to have defended themselves; there would then have been no need of

troops from England; of course, the subsequent pretence for taxing America, and the bloody contest it

occasioned, would have been avoided. But such mistakes are not new; history is full of the errors of states

Those who govern, having much business on their hands, do not generally like to take the trouble of

considering and carrying into execution new projects. The best public measures are therefore seldom adopted

The Governor of Pennsylvania, in sending it down to the Assembly, express'd his approbation of the plan, "as

appearing to him to be drawn up with great clearness and strength of judgment, and therefore recommended it

as well worthy of their closest and most serious attention." The House, however, by the management of a

certain member, took it up when I happen'd to be absent, which I thought not very fair, and reprobated it

In my journey to Boston this year, I met at New York with our new governor, Mr. Morris, just arriv'd there

from England, with whom I had been before intimately acquainted. He brought a commission to supersede

Mr. Hamilton, who, tir'd with the disputes his proprietary instructions subjected him to, had resign'd. Mr.

Morris ask'd me if I thought he must expect as uncomfortable an administration. I said, "No; you may, on the

contrary, have a very comfortable one, if you will only take care not to enter into any dispute with the

Assembly." "My dear friend," says he, pleasantly, "how can you advise my avoiding disputes? You know I

love disputing; it is one of my greatest pleasures; however, to show the regard I have for your counsel, I

promise you I will, if possible, avoid them." He had some reason for loving to dispute, being eloquent, an

acute sophister, and, therefore, generally successful in argumentative conversation. He had been brought up

to it from a boy, his father, as I have heard, accustoming his children to dispute with one another for his

diversion, while sitting at table after dinner; but I think the practice was not wise; for, in the course of my

observation, these disputing, contradicting, and confuting people are generally unfortunate in their affairs.

They get victory sometimes, but they never get good will, which would be of more use to them. We parted,

In returning, I met at New York with the votes of the Assembly, by which it appear'd that, notwithstanding

his promise to me, he and the House were already in high contention; and it was a continual battle between

them as long as he retain'd the government. I had my share of it; for, as soon as I got back to my seat in the

Assembly, I was put on every committee for answering his speeches and messages, and by the committees

always desired to make the drafts. Our answers, as well as his messages, were often tart, and sometimes

indecently abusive; and, as he knew I wrote for the Assembly, one might have imagined that, when we met,

we could hardly avoid cutting throats; but he was so goodnatur'd a man that no personal difference between

One afternoon, in the height of this public quarrel, we met in the street. "Franklin," says he, "you must go

home with me and spend the evening; I am to have some company that you will like;" and, taking me by the

arm, he led me to his house. In gay conversation over our wine, after supper, he told us, jokingly, that he

much admir'd the idea of Sancho Panza, who, when it was proposed to give him a government, requested it

might be a government of blacks, as then, if he could not agree with his people, he might sell them. One of

his friends, who sat next to me, says, "Franklin, why do you continue to side with these damn'd Quakers? Had

not you better sell them? The proprietor would give you a good price." "The governor," says I, "has not yet

blacked them enough." He, indeed, had labored hard to blacken the Assembly in all his messages, but they

wip'd off his coloring as fast as he laid it on, and plac'd it, in return, thick upon his own face; so that, finding

he was likely to be negrofied himself, he, as well as Mr. Hamilton, grew tir'd of the contest, and quitted the

14 These public quarrels were all at bottom owing to the proprietaries, our hereditary governors, who, when

any expense was to be incurred for the defense of their province, with incredible meanness instructed their

deputies to pass no act for levying the necessary taxes, unless their vast estates were in the same act expressly

excused; and they had even taken bonds of these deputies to observe such instructions. The Assemblies for

three years held out against this injustice, tho' constrained to bend at last. At length Captain Denny, who was

Governor Morris's successor, ventured to disobey those instructions; how that was brought about I shall show

But I am got forward too fast with my story: there are still some transactions to be mention'd that happened

War being in a manner commenced with France, the government of Massachusetts Bay projected an attack

upon Crown Point, and sent Mr. Quincy to Pennsylvania, and Mr. Pownall, afterward Governor Pownall, to

New York, to solicit assistance. As I was in the Assembly, knew its temper, and was Mr. Quincy's

countryman, he appli'd to me for my influence and assistance. I dictated his address to them, which was well

receiv'd. They voted an aid of ten thousand pounds, to be laid out in provisions. But the governor refusing his

assent to their bill (which included this with other sums granted for the use of the crown), unless a clause

were inserted exempting the proprietary estate from bearing any part of the tax that would be necessary, the

Assembly, tho' very desirous of making their grant to New England effectual, were at a loss how to

accomplish it. Mr. Quincy labored hard with the governor to obtain his assent, but he was obstinate.

I then suggested a method of doing the business without the governor, by orders on the trustees of the Loan

Office, which, by law, the Assembly had the right of drawing. There was, indeed, little or no money at that

time in the office, and therefore I propos'd that the orders should be payable in a year, and to bear an interest

of five per cent. With these orders I suppos'd the provisions might easily be purchas'd. The Assembly, with

very little hesitation, adopted the proposal. The orders were immediately printed, and I was one of the

committee directed to sign and dispose of them. The fund for paying them was the interest of all the paper

currency then extant in the province upon loan, together with the revenue arising from the excise, which

being known to be more than sufficient, they obtain'd instant credit, and were not only receiv'd in payment for

the provisions, but many money'd people, who had cash lying by them, vested it in those orders, which they

found advantageous, as they bore interest while upon hand, and might on any occasion be used as money; so

that they were eagerly all bought up, and in a few weeks none of them were to be seen. Thus this important

affair was by my means compleated. My Quincy return'd thanks to the Assembly in a handsome memorial,

went home highly pleas'd with the success of his embassy, and ever after bore for me the most cordial and

The British government, not chusing to permit the union of the colonies as propos'd at Albany, and to trust

that union with their defense, lest they should thereby grow too military, and feel their own strength,

suspicions and jealousies at this time being entertain'd of them, sent over General Braddock with two

regiments of regular English troops for that purpose. He landed at Alexandria, in Virginia, and thence

march'd to Frederictown, in Maryland, where he halted for carriages. Our Assembly apprehending, from

some information, that he had conceived violent prejudices against them, as averse to the service, wish'd me

to wait upon him, not as from them, but as postmastergeneral, under the guise of proposing to settle with

him the mode of conducting with most celerity and certainty the despatches between him and the governors

of the several provinces, with whom he must necessarily have continual correspondence, and of which they

We found the general at Frederictown, waiting impatiently for the return of those he had sent thro' the back

parts of Maryland and Virginia to collect waggons. I stayed with him several days, din'd with him daily, and

had full opportunity of removing all his prejudices, by the information of what the Assembly had before his

arrival actually done, and were still willing to do, to facilitate his operations. When I was about to depart, the

returns of waggons to be obtained were brought in, by which it appear'd that they amounted only to

twentyfive, and not all of those were in serviceable condition. The general and all the officers were

surpris'd, declar'd the expedition was then at an end, being impossible, and exclaim'd against the ministers for

ignorantly landing them in a country destitute of the means of conveying their stores, baggage, etc., not less

I happened to say I thought it was a pity they had not been landed rather in Pennsylvania, as in that country

almost every farmer had his waggon. The general eagerly laid hold of my words, and said, "Then you, sir,

who are a man of interest there, can probably procure them for us; and I beg you will undertake it." I ask'd

what terms were to be offer'd the owners of the waggons; and I was desir'd to put on paper the terms that

appeared to me necessary. This I did, and they were agreed to, and a commission and instructions accordingly

prepar'd immediately. What those terms were will appear in the advertisement I publish'd as soon as I arriv'd

at Lancaster, which being, from the great and sudden effect it produc'd, a piece of some curiosity, I shall

"Whereas, one hundred and fifty waggons, with four horses to each waggon, and fifteen hundred saddle or

pack horses, are wanted for the service of his majesty's forces now about to rendezvous at Will's Creek, and

his excellency General Braddock having been pleased to empower me to contract for the hire of the same, I

hereby give notice that I shall attend for that purpose at Lancaster from this day to next Wednesday evening,

and at York from next Thursday morning till Friday evening, where I shall be ready to agree for waggons and

teams, or single horses, on the following terms, viz.: I. That there shall be paid for each waggon, with four

good horses and a driver, fifteen shillings per diem; and for each able horse with a packsaddle, or other

saddle and furniture, two shillings per diem; and for each able horse without a saddle, eighteen pence per

diem. 2. That the pay commence from the time of their joining the forces at Will's Creek, which must be on

or before the 20th of May ensuing, and that a reasonable allowance be paid over and above for the time

necessary for their travelling to Will's Creek and home again after their discharge. 3. Each waggon and team,

and every saddle or pack horse, is to be valued by indifferent persons chosen between me and the owner; and

in case of the loss of any waggon, team, or other horse in the service, the price according to such valuation is

to be allowed and paid. 4. Seven days' pay is to be advanced and paid in hand by me to the owner of each

waggon and team, or horse, at the time of contracting, if required, and the remainder to be paid by General

Braddock, or by the paymaster of the army, at the time of their discharge, or from time to time, as it shall be

demanded. 5. No drivers of waggons, or persons taking care of the hired horses, are on any account to be

called upon to do the duty of soldiers, or be otherwise employed than in conducting or taking care of their

carriages or horses. 6. All oats, Indian corn, or other forage that waggons or horses bring to the camp, more

than is necessary for the subsistence of the horses, is to be taken for the use of the army, and a reasonable

"Note. My son, William Franklin, is empowered to enter into like contracts with any person in

"Being occasionally at the camp at Frederic a few days since, I found the general and officers extremely

exasperated on account of their not being supplied with horses and carriages, which had been expected from

this province, as most able to furnish them; but, through the dissensions between our governor and Assembly,

"It was proposed to send an armed force immediately into these counties, to seize as many of the best

carriages and horses as should be wanted, and compel as many persons into the service as would be necessary

"I apprehended that the progress of British soldiers through these counties on such an occasion, especially

considering the temper they are in, and their resentment against us, would be attended with many and great

inconveniences to the inhabitants, and therefore more willingly took the trouble of trying first what might be

done by fair and equitable means. The people of these back counties have lately complained to the Assembly

that a sufficient currency was wanting; you have an opportunity of receiving and dividing among you a very

considerable sum; for, if the service of this expedition should continue, as it is more than probable it will, for

one hundred and twenty days, the hire of these waggons and horses will amount to upward of thirty thousand

"The service will be light and easy, for the army will scarce march above twelve miles per day, and the

waggons and baggagehorses, as they carry those things that are absolutely necessary to the welfare of the

army, must march with the army, and no faster; and are, for the army's sake, always placed where they can be

"If you are really, as I believe you are, good and loyal subjects to his majesty, you may now do a most

acceptable service, and make it easy to yourselves; for three or four of such as can not separately spare from

the business of their plantations a waggon and four horses and a driver, may do it together, one furnishing the

waggon, another one or two horses, and another the driver, and divide the pay proportionately between you;

but if you do not this service to your king and country voluntarily, when such good pay and reasonable terms

are offered to you, your loyalty will be strongly suspected. The king's business must be done; so many brave

troops, come so far for your defense, must not stand idle through your backwardness to do what may be

reasonably expected from you; waggons and horses must be had; violent measures will probably be used, and

you will be left to seek for a recompense where you can find it, and your case, perhaps, be little pitied or

"I have no particular interest in this affair, as, except the satisfaction of endeavoring to do good, I shall have

only my labour for my pains. If this method of obtaining the waggons and horses is not likely to succeed, I

am obliged to send word to the general in fourteen days; and I suppose Sir John St. Clair, the hussar, with a

body of soldiers, will immediately enter the province for the purpose, which I shall be sorry to hear, because I

I received of the general about eight hundred pounds, to be disbursed in advancemoney to the waggon

owners, etc.; but, that sum being insufficient, I advanc'd upward of two hundred pounds more, and in two

weeks the one hundred and fifty waggons, with two hundred and fiftynine carrying horses, were on their

march for the camp. The advertisement promised payment according to the valuation, in case any waggon or

horse should be lost. The owners, however, alleging they did not know General Braddock, or what

dependence might be had on his promise, insisted on my bond for the performance, which I accordingly gave

While I was at the camp, supping one evening with the officers of Colonel Dunbar's regiment, he represented

to me his concern for the subalterns, who, he said, were generally not in affluence, and could ill afford, in this

dear country, to lay in the stores that might be necessary in so long a march, thro' a wilderness, where nothing

was to be purchas'd. I commiserated their case, and resolved to endeavor procuring them some relief. I said

nothing, however, to him of my intention, but wrote the next morning to the committee of the Assembly, who

had the disposition of some public money, warmly recommending the case of these officers to their

consideration, and proposing that a present should be sent them of necessaries and refreshments. My son,

who had some experience of a camp life, and of its wants, drew up a list for me, which I enclos'd in my letter.

The committee approv'd, and used such diligence that, conducted by my son, the stores arrived at the camp as

These twenty parcels, well pack'd, were placed on as many horses, each parcel, with the horse, being intended

as a present for one officer. They were very thankfully receiv'd, and the kindness acknowledg'd by letters to

me from the colonels of both regiments, in the most grateful terms. The general, too, was highly satisfied

with my conduct in procuring him the waggons, etc., and readily paid my account of disbursements, thanking

me repeatedly, and requesting my farther assistance in sending provisions after him. I undertook this also, and

was busily employ'd in it till we heard of his defeat, advancing for the service of my own money, upwards of

one thousand pounds sterling, of which I sent him an account. It came to his hands, luckily for me, a few days

before the battle, and he return'd me immediately an order on the paymaster for the round sum of one

thousand pounds, leaving the remainder to the next account. I consider this payment as good luck, having

This general was, I think, a brave man, and might probably have made a figure as a good officer in some

European war. But he had too much selfconfidence, too high an opinion of the validity of regular troops,

and too mean a one of both Americans and Indians. George Croghan, our Indian interpreter, join'd him on his

march with one hundred of those people, who might have been of great use to his army as guides, scouts, etc.,

if he had treated them kindly; but he slighted and neglected them, and they gradually left him.

In conversation with him one day, he was giving me some account of his intended progress. "After taking

Fort Duquesne," says he, "I am to proceed to Niagara; and, having taken that, to Frontenac, if the season will

allow time; and I suppose it will, for Duquesne can hardly detain me above three or four days; and then I see

nothing that can obstruct my march to Niagara." Having before revolv'd in my mind the long line his army

must make in their march by a very narrow road, to be cut for them thro' the woods and bushes, and also what

I had read of a former defeat of fifteen hundred French, who invaded the Iroquois country, I had conceiv'd

some doubts and some fears for the event of the campaign. But I ventur'd only to say, "To be sure, sir, if you

arrive well before Duquesne, with these fine troops, so well provided with artillery, that place not yet

compleatly fortified, and as we hear with no very strong garrison, can probably make but a short resistance.

The only danger I apprehend of obstruction to your march is from ambuscades of Indians, who, by constant

practice, are dexterous in laying and executing them; and the slender line, near four miles long, which your

army must make, may expose it to be attack'd by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a thread into several

pieces, which, from their distance, can not come up in time to support each other."

He smil'd at my ignorance, and reply'd, "These savages may, indeed, be a formidable enemy to your raw

American militia, but upon the king's regular and disciplin'd troops, sir, it is impossible they should make any

impression." I was conscious of an impropriety in my disputing with a military man in matters of his

profession, and said no more. The enemy, however, did not take the advantage of his army which I

apprehended its long line of march expos'd it to, but let it advance without interruption till within nine miles

of the place; and then, when more in a body (for it had just passed a river, where the front had halted till all

were come over), and in a more open part of the woods than any it had pass'd, attack'd its advanced guard by

a heavy fire from behind trees and bushes, which was the first intelligence the general had of an enemy's

being near him. This guard being disordered, the general hurried the troops up to their assistance, which was

done in great confusion, thro' waggons, baggage, and cattle; and presently the fire came upon their flank: the

officers, being on horseback, were more easily distinguish'd, pick'd out as marks, and fell very fast; and the

soldiers were crowded together in a huddle, having or hearing no orders, and standing to be shot at till

twothirds of them were killed; and then, being seiz'd with a panick, the whole fled with precipitation.

The waggoners took each a horse out of his team and scamper'd; their example was immediately followed by

others; so that all the waggons, provisions, artillery, and stores were left to the enemy. The general, being

wounded, was brought off with difficulty; his secretary, Mr. Shirley, was killed by his side; and out of

eightysix officers, sixty three were killed or wounded, and seven hundred and fourteen men killed out of

eleven hundred. These eleven hundred had been picked men from the whole army; the rest had been left

behind with Colonel Dunbar, who was to follow with the heavier part of the stores, provisions, and baggage.

The flyers, not being pursu'd, arriv'd at Dunbar's camp, and the panick they brought with them instantly seiz'd

him and all his people; and, tho' he had now above one thousand men, and the enemy who bad beaten

Braddock did not at most exceed four hundred Indians and French together, instead of proceeding, and

endeavoring to recover some of the lost honour, he ordered all the stores, ammunition, etc., to be destroy'd,

that he might have more horses to assist his flight towards the settlements, and less lumber to remove. He was

there met with requests from the governors of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, that he would post his

troops on the frontiers, so as to afford some protection to the inhabitants; but he continu'd his hasty march

thro' all the country, not thinking himself safe till he arriv'd at Philadelphia, where the inhabitants could

protect him. This whole transaction gave us Americans the first suspicion that our exalted ideas of the

In their first march, too, from their landing till they got beyond the settlements, they had plundered and

stripped the inhabitants, totally ruining some poor families, besides insulting, abusing, and confining the

people if they remonstrated. This was enough to put us out of conceit of such defenders, if we had really

wanted any. How different was the conduct of our French friends in 1781, who, during a march thro' the most

inhabited part of our country from Rhode Island to Virginia, near seven hundred miles, occasioned not the

Captain Orme, who was one of the general's aidsdecamp, and, being grievously wounded, was brought off

with him, and continu'd with him to his death, which happen'd in a few days, told me that he was totally silent

all the first day, and at night only said, "Who would have thought it?" That he was silent again the following

day, saying only at last, "We shall better know how to deal with them another time;" and dy'd in a few

The secretary's papers, with all the general's orders, instructions, and correspondence, falling into the enemy's

hands, they selected and translated into French a number of the articles, which they printed, to prove the

hostile intentions of the British court before the declaration of war. Among these I saw some letters of the

general to the ministry, speaking highly of the great service I had rendered the army, and recommending me

to their notice. David Hume, too, who was some years after secretary to Lord Hertford, when minister in

France, and afterward to General Conway, when secretary of state, told me he had seen among the papers in

that office, letters from Braddock highly recommending me. But, the expedition having been unfortunate, my

service, it seems, was not thought of much value, for those recommendations were never of any use to me.

As to rewards from himself, I ask'd only one, which was, that he would give orders to his officers not to enlist

any more of our bought servants, and that he would discharge such as had been already enlisted. This he

readily granted, and several were accordingly return'd to their masters, on my application. Dunbar, when the

command devolv'd on him, was not so generous. He being at Philadelphia, on his retreat, or rather flight, I

apply'd to him for the discharge of the servants of three poor farmers of Lancaster county that he had enlisted,

reminding him of the late general's orders on that bead. He promised me that, if the masters would come to

him at Trenton, where he should be in a few days on his march to New York, he would there deliver their

men to them. They accordingly were at the expense and trouble of going to Trenton, and there he refus'd to

As soon as the loss of the waggons and horses was generally known, all the owners came upon me for the

valuation which I had given bond to pay. Their demands gave me a great deal of trouble, my acquainting

them that the money was ready in the paymaster's hands, but that orders for paying it must first be obtained

from General Shirley, and my assuring them that I had apply'd to that general by letter; but, he being at a

distance, an answer could not soon be receiv'd, and they must have patience, all this was not sufficient to

satisfy, and some began to sue me. General Shirley at length relieved me from this terrible situation by

appointing commissioners to examine the claims, and ordering payment. They amounted to near twenty

Before we had the news of this defeat, the two Doctors Bond came to me with a subscription paper for raising

money to defray the expense of a grand firework, which it was intended to exhibit at a rejoicing on receipt of

the news of our taking Fort Duquesne. I looked grave, and said it would, I thought, be time enough to prepare

for the rejoicing when we knew we should have occasion to rejoice. They seem'd surpris'd that I did not

immediately comply with their proposal. "Why the d l!" says one of them, "you surely don't suppose that

the fort will not be taken?" "I don't know that it will not be taken, but I know that the events of war are

subject to great uncertainty." I gave them the reasons of my doubting; the subscription was dropt, and the

projectors thereby missed the mortification they would have undergone if the firework had been prepared. Dr.

Bond, on some other occasion afterward, said that he did not like Franklin's forebodings.

Governor Morris, who had continually worried the Assembly with message after message before the defeat of

Braddock, to beat them into the making of acts to raise money for the defense of the province, without taxing,

among others, the proprietary estates, and had rejected all their bills for not having such an exempting clause,

now redoubled his attacks with more hope of success, the danger and necessity being greater. The Assembly,

however, continu'd firm, believing they had justice on their side, and that it would be giving up an essential

right if they suffered the governor to amend their moneybills. In one of the last, indeed, which was for

granting fifty thousand pounds, his propos'd amendment was only of a single word. The bill expressed "that

all estates, real and personal, were to be taxed, those of the proprietaries not excepted." His amendment was,

for not read only: a small, but very material alteration. However, when the news of this disaster reached

England, our friends there, whom we had taken care to furnish with all the Assembly's answers to the

governor's messages, rais'd a clamor against the proprietaries for their meanness and injustice in giving their

governor such instructions; some going so far as to say that, by obstructing the defense of their province, they

forfeited their right to it. They were intimidated by this, and sent orders to their receivergeneral to add five

thousand pounds of their money to whatever sum might be given by the Assembly for such purpose.

This, being notified to the House, was accepted in lieu of their share of a general tax, and a new bill was

form'd, with an exempting clause, which passed accordingly. By this act I was appointed one of the

commissioners for disposing of the money, sixty thousand pounds. I had been active in modelling the bill and

procuring its passage, and had, at the same time, drawn a bill for establishing and disciplining of a voluntary

militia, which I carried thro' the House without much difficulty, as care was taken in it to leave the Quakers at

their liberty. To promote the association necessary to form the militia, I wrote a dialogue, 15stating and

answering all the objections I could think of to such a militia, which was printed, and had, as I thought, great

While the several companies in the city and country were forming and learning their exercise, the governor

prevail'd with me to take charge of our Northwestern frontier, which was infested by the enemy, and

provide for the defense of the inhabitants by raising troops and building a line of forts. I undertook this

military business, tho' I did not conceive myself well qualified for it. He gave me a commission with full

powers, and a parcel of blank commissions for officers, to be given to whom I thought fit. I had but little

difficulty in raising men, having soon five hundred and sixty under my command. My son, who had in the

preceding war been an officer in the army rais'd against Canada, was my aiddecamp, and of great use to

me. The Indians had burned Gnadenhut, a village settled by the Moravians, and massacred the inhabitants;

In order to march thither, I assembled the companies at Bethlehem, the chief establishment of those people. I

was surprised to find it in so good a posture of defense; the destruction of Gnadenhut had made them

apprehend danger. The principal buildings were defended by a stockade; they had purchased a quantity of

arms and ammunition from New York, and had even plac'd quantities of small paving stones between the

windows of their high stone houses, for their women to throw down upon the heads of any Indians that

should attempt to force into them. The armed brethren, too, kept watch, and reliev'd as methodically as in any

garrison town. In conversation with the bishop, Spangenberg, I mention'd this my surprise; for, knowing they

had obtained an act of Parliament exempting them from military duties in the colonies, I had suppos'd they

were conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms. He answer'd me that it was not one of their established

principles, but that, at the time of their obtaining that act, it was thought to be a principle with many of their

people. On this occasion, however, they, to their surprise, found it adopted by but a few. It seems they were

either deceiv'd in themselves, or deceiv'd the Parliament; but common sense, aided by present danger, will

It was the beginning of January when we set out upon this business of building forts. I sent one detachment

toward the Minisink, with instructions to erect one for the security of that upper part of the country, and

another to the lower part, with similar instructions; and I concluded to go myself with the rest of my force to

Gnadenhut, where a fort was tho't more immediately necessary. The Moravians procur'd me five waggons for

Just before we left Bethlehem, eleven farmers, who had been driven from their plantations by the Indians,

came to me requesting a supply of firearms, that they might go back and fetch off their cattle. I gave them

each a gun with suitable ammunition. We had not march'd many miles before it began to rain, and it

continued raining all day; there were no habitations on the road to shelter us, till we arriv'd near night at the

house of a German, where, and in his barn, we were all huddled together, as wet as water could make us. It

was well we were not attack'd in our march, for our arms were of the most ordinary sort, and our men could

not keep their gun locks dry. The Indians are dextrous in contrivances for that purpose, which we had not.

They met that day the eleven poor farmers above mentioned, and killed ten of them. The one who escap'd

inform'd that his and his companions' guns would not go off, the priming being wet with the rain.

The next day being fair, we continu'd our march, and arriv'd at the desolated Gnadenhut. There was a

sawmill near, round which were left several piles of boards, with which we soon hutted ourselves; an

operation the more necessary at that inclement season, as we had no tents. Our first work was to bury more

effectually the dead we found there, who had been half interr'd by the country people.

The next morning our fort was plann'd and mark'd out, the circumference measuring four hundred and

fiftyfive feet, which would require as many palisades to be made of trees, one with another, of a foot

diameter each. Our axes, of which we had seventy, were immediately set to work to cut down trees, and, our

men being dextrous in the use of them, great despatch was made. Seeing the trees fall so fast, I had the

curiosity to look at my watch when two men began to cut at a pine; in six minutes they had it upon the

ground, and I found it of fourteen inches diameter. Each pine made three palisades of eighteen feet long,

pointed at one end. While these were preparing, our other men dug a trench all round, of three feet deep, in

which the palisades were to be planted; and, our waggons, the bodys being taken off, and the fore and hind

wheels separated by taking out the pin which united the two parts of the perch, we had ten carriages, with two

horses each, to bring the palisades from the woods to the spot. When they were set up, our carpenters built a

stage of boards all round within, about six feet high, for the men to stand on when to fire thro' the loopholes.

We had one swivel gun, which we mounted on one of the angles, and fir'd it as soon as fix'd, to let the Indians

know, if any were within hearing, that we had such pieces; and thus our fort, if such a magnificent name may

be given to so miserable a stockade, was finish'd in a week, though it rain'd so hard every other day that the

This gave me occasion to observe, that, when men are employ'd, they are best content'd; for on the days they

worked they were goodnatur'd and cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having done a good day's work,

they spent the evening jollily; but on our idle days they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with

their pork, the bread, etc., and in continual illhumor, which put me in mind of a seacaptain, whose rule it

was to keep his men constantly at work; and, when his mate once told him that they had done every thing,

and there was nothing further to employ them about, "Oh," says he, "Make them scour the anchor."

This kind of fort, however contemptible, is a sufficient defense against Indians, who have no cannon. Finding

ourselves now posted securely, and having a place to retreat to on occasion, we ventur'd out in parties to

scour the adjacent country. We met with no Indians, but we found the places on the neighboring hills where

they had lain to watch our proceedings. There was an art in their contrivance of those places, that seems

worth mention. It being winter, a fire was necessary for them; but a common fire on the surface of the ground

would by its light have discovered their position at a distance. They had therefore dug holes in the ground

about three feet diameter, and somewhat deeper; we saw where they had with their hatchets cut off the

charcoal from the sides of burnt logs lying in the woods. With these coals they had made small fires in the

bottom of the holes, and we observ'd among the weeds and grass the prints of their bodies, made by their

laying all round, with their legs hanging down in the holes to keep their feet warm, which, with them, is an

essential point. This kind of fire, so manag'd, could not discover them, either by its light, flame, sparks, or

even smoke: it appear'd that their number was not great, and it seems they saw we were too many to be

We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, Mr. Beatty, who complained to me that the men did

not generally attend his prayers and exhortations. When they enlisted, they were promised, besides pay and

provisions, a gill of rum a day, which was punctually serv'd out to them, half in the morning, and the other

half in the evening; and I observ'd they were as punctual in attending to receive it; upon which I said to Mr.

Beatty, "It is, perhaps, below the dignity of your profession to act as steward of the rum, but if you were to

deal it out and only just after prayers, you would have them all about you." He liked the tho't, undertook the

office, and, with the help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executed it to satisfaction, and never were

prayers more generally and more punctually attended; so that I thought this method preferable to the

I had hardly finish'd this business, and got my fort well stor'd with provisions, when I receiv'd a letter from

the governor, acquainting me that he had call'd the Assembly, and wished my attendance there, if the posture

of affairs on the frontiers was such that my remaining there was no longer necessary. My friends, too, of the

Assembly, pressing me by their letters to be, if possible, at the meeting, and my three intended forts being

now compleated, and the inhabitants contented to remain on their farms under that protection, I resolved to

return; the more willingly, as a New England officer, Colonel Clapham, experienced in Indian war, being on

a visit to our establishment, consented to accept the command. I gave him a commission, and, parading the

garrison, had it read before them, and introduc'd him to them as an officer who, from his skill in military

affairs, was much more fit to command them than myself; and, giving them a little exhortation, took my

leave. I was escorted as far as Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover from the fatigue I had

undergone. The first night, being in a good bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different from my hard lodging

While at Bethlehem, I inquir'd a little into the practice of the Moravians: some of them had accompanied me,

and all were very kind to me. I found they work'd for a common stock, eat at common tables, and slept in

common dormitories, great numbers together. In the dormitories I observed loopholes, at certain distances all

along just under the ceiling, which I thought judiciously placed for change of air. I was at their church, where

I was entertain'd with good musick, the organ being accompanied with violins, hautboys, flutes, clarinets, etc.

I understood that their sermons were not usually preached to mixed congregations of men, women, and

children, as is our common practice, but that they assembled sometimes the married men, at other times their

wives, then the young men, the young women, and the little children, each division by itself. The sermon I

heard was to the latter, who came in and were plac'd in rows on benches; the boys under the conduct of a

young man, their tutor, and the girls conducted by a young woman. The discourse seem'd well adapted to

their capacities, and was deliver'd in a pleasing, familiar manner, coaxing them, as it were, to be good. They

behav'd very orderly, but looked pale and unhealthy, which made me suspect they were kept too much within

I inquir'd concerning the Moravian marriages, whether the report was true that they were by lot. I was told

that lots were us'd only in particular cases; that generally, when a young man found himself dispos'd to marry,

he inform'd the elders of his class, who consulted the elder ladies that govern'd the young women. As these

elders of the different sexes were well acquainted with the tempers and dispositions of their respective pupils,

they could best judge what matches were suitable, and their judgments were generally acquiesc'd in; but if,

for example, it should happen that two or three young women were found to be equally proper for the young

man, the lot was then recurred to. I objected, if the matches are not made by the mutual choice of the parties,

some of them may chance to be very unhappy. "And so they may," answer'd my informer, "if you let the

Being returned to Philadelphia, I found the association went on swimmingly, the inhabitants that were not

Quakers having pretty generally come into it, formed themselves into companies, and chose their captains,

lieutenants, and ensigns, according to the new law. Dr. B. visited me, and gave me an account of the pains he

had taken to spread a general good liking to the law, and ascribed much to those endeavors. I had had the

vanity to ascribe all to my Dialogue; however, not knowing but that he might be in the right, I let him enjoy

his opinion, which I take to be generally the best way in such cases. The officers, meeting, chose me to be

colonel of the regiment, which I this time accepted. I forget how many companies we had, but we paraded

about twelve hundred welllooking men, with a company of artillery, who had been furnished with six brass

fieldpieces, which they had become so expert in the use of as to fire twelve times in a minute. The first time

I reviewed my regiment they accompanied me to my house, and would salute me with some rounds fired

before my door, which shook down and broke several glasses of my electrical apparatus. And my new honour

proved not much less brittle; for all our commissions were soon after broken by a repeal of the law in

During this short time of my colonelship, being about to set out on a journey to Virginia, the officers of my

regiment took it into their heads that it would be proper for them to escort me out of town, as far as the Lower

Ferry. Just as I was getting on horseback they came to my door, between thirty and forty, mounted, and all in

their uniforms. I had not been previously acquainted with the project, or I should have prevented it, being

naturally averse to the assuming of state on any occasion; and I was a good deal chagrin'd at their appearance,

as I could not avoid their accompanying me. What made it worse was, that, as soon as we began to move,

they drew their swords and rode with them naked all the way. Somebody wrote an account of this to the

proprietor, and it gave him great offense. No such honor had been paid him when in the province, nor to any

of his governors; and he said it was only proper to princes of the blood royal, which may be true for aught I

This silly affair, however, greatly increased his rancour against me, which was before not a little, on account

of my conduct in the Assembly respecting the exemption of his estate from taxation, which I had always

oppos'd very warmly, and not without severe reflections on his meanness and injustice of contending for it.

He accused me to the ministry as being the great obstacle to the king's service, preventing, by my influence in

the House, the proper form of the bills for raising money, and he instanced this parade with my officers as a

proof of my having an intention to take the government of the province out of his hands by force. He also

applied to Sir Everard Fawkener, the postmaster general, to deprive me of my office; but it had no other

Notwithstanding the continual wrangle between the governor and the House, in which I, as a member, had so

large a share, there still subsisted a civil intercourse between that gentleman and myself, and we never had

any personal difference. I have sometimes since thought that his little or no resentment against me, for the

answers it was known I drew up to his messages, might be the effect of professional habit, and that, being

bred a lawyer, he might consider us both as merely advocates for contending clients in a suit, he for the

proprietaries and I for the Assembly. He would, therefore, sometimes call in a friendly way to advise with me

We acted in concert to supply Braddock's army with provisions; and, when the shocking news arrived of his

defeat, the governor sent in haste for me, to consult with him on measures for preventing the desertion of the

back counties. I forget now the advice I gave; but I think it was, that Dunbar should be written to, and

prevail'd with, if possible, to post his troops on the frontiers for their protection, till, by reenforcements from

the colonies, he might be able to proceed on the expedition. And, after my return from the frontier, he would

have had me undertake the conduct of such an expedition with provincial troops, for the reduction of Fort

Duquesne, Dunbar and his men being otherwise employed; and he proposed to commission me as general. I

had not so good an opinion of my military abilities as he profess'd to have, and I believe his professions must

have exceeded his real sentiments; but probably he might think that my popularity would facilitate the raising

of the men, and my influence in Assembly, the grant of money to pay them, and that, perhaps, without taxing

the proprietary estate. Finding me not so forward to engage as he expected, the project was dropt, and he soon

Before I proceed in relating the part I had in public affairs under this new governor's administration, it may

not be amiss here to give some account of the rise and progress of my philosophical reputation.

In 1746, being at Boston, I met there with a Dr. Spence, who was lately arrived from Scotland, and show'd

me some electric experiments. They were imperfectly perform'd, as he was not very expert; but, being on a

subject quite new to me, they equally surpris'd and pleased me. Soon after my return to Philadelphia, our

library company receiv'd from Mr. P. Collinson, Fellow of the Royal Society of London, a present of a glass

tube, with some account of the use of it in making such experiments. I eagerly seized the opportunity of

repeating what I had seen at Boston; and, by much practice, acquir'd great readiness in performing those,

also, which we had an account of from England, adding a number of new ones. I say much practice, for my

house was continually full, for some time, with people who came to see these new wonders.

To divide a little this incumbrance among my friends, I caused a number of similar tubes to be blown at our

glass house, with which they furnish'd themselves, so that we had at length several performers. Among

these, the principal was Mr. Kinnersley, an ingenious neighbor, who, being out of business, I encouraged to

undertake showing the experiments for money, and drew up for him two lectures, in which the experiments

were rang'd in such order, and accompanied with such explanations in such method, as that the foregoing

should assist in comprehending the following. He procur'd an elegant apparatus for the purpose, in which all

the little machines that I had roughly made for myself were nicely form'd by instrumentmakers. His lectures

were well attended, and gave great satisfaction; and after some time he went thro' the colonies, exhibiting

them in every capital town, and pick'd up some money. In the West India islands, indeed, it was with

Oblig'd as we were to Mr. Collinson for his present of the tube, etc., I thought it right he should be inform'd

of our success in using it, and wrote him several letters containing accounts of our experiments. He got them

read in the Royal Society, where they were not at first thought worth so much notice as to be printed in their

Transactions. One paper, which I wrote for Mr. Kinnersley, on the sameness of lightning with electricity, I

sent to Dr. Mitchel, an acquaintance of mine, and one of the members also of that society, who wrote me

word that it had been read, but was laughed at by the connoisseurs. The papers, however, being shown to Dr.

Fothergill, he thought them of too much value to be stifled, and advis'd the printing of them. Mr. Collinson

then gave them to Cave for publication in his Gentleman's Magazine; but he chose to print them separately in

a pamphlet, and Dr. Fothergill wrote the preface. Cave, it seems, judged rightly for his profit, for by the

additions that arrived afterward they swell'd to a quarto volume, which has had five editions, and cost him

It was, however, some time before those papers were much taken notice of in England. A copy of them

happening to fall into the hands of the Count de Buffon, a philosopher deservedly of great reputation in

France, and, indeed, all over Europe, he prevailed with M. Dalibard to translate them into French, and they

were printed at Paris. The publication offended the Abbe Nollet, preceptor in Natural Philosophy to the royal

family, and an able experimenter, who had form'd and publish'd a theory of electricity, which then had the

general vogue. He could not at first believe that such a work came from America, and said it must have been

fabricated by his enemies at Paris, to decry his system. Afterwards, having been assur'd that there really

existed such a person as Franklin at Philadelphia, which he had doubted, he wrote and published a volume of

Letters, chiefly address'd to me, defending his theory, and denying the verity of my experiments, and of the

I once purpos'd answering the abbe, and actually began the answer; but, on consideration that my writings

contain'd a description of experiments which any one might repeat and verify, and if not to be verifi'd, could

not be defended; or of observations offer'd as conjectures, and not delivered dogmatically, therefore not

laying me under any obligation to defend them; and reflecting that a dispute between two persons, writing in

different languages, might be lengthened greatly by mistranslations, and thence misconceptions of one

another's meaning, much of one of the abbe's letters being founded on an error in the translation, I concluded

to let my papers shift for themselves, believing it was better to spend what time I could spare from public

business in making new experiments, than in disputing about those already made. I therefore never answered

M. Nollet, and the event gave me no cause to repent my silence; for my friend M. le Roy, of the Royal

Academy of Sciences, took up my cause and refuted him; my book was translated into the Italian, German,

and Latin languages; and the doctrine it contain'd was by degrees universally adopted by the philosophers of

Europe, in preference to that of the abbe; so that he lived to see himself the last of his sect, except Monsieur

What gave my book the more sudden and general celebrity, was the success of one of its proposed

experiments, made by Messrs. Dalibard and De Lor at Marly, for drawing lightning from the clouds. This

engag'd the public attention every where. M. de Lor, who had an apparatus for experimental philosophy, and

lectur'd in that branch of science, undertook to repeat what he called the Philadelphia Experiments; and, after

they were performed before the king and court, all the curious of Paris flocked to see them. I will not swell

this narrative with an account of that capital experiment, nor of the infinite pleasure I receiv'd in the success

of a similar one I made soon after with a kite at Philadelphia, as both are to be found in the histories of

Dr. Wright, an English physician, when at Paris, wrote to a friend, who was of the Royal Society, an account

of the high esteem my experiments were in among the learned abroad, and of their wonder that my writings

had been so little noticed in England. The society, on this, resum'd the consideration of the letters that had

been read to them; and the celebrated Dr. Watson drew up a summary account of them, and of all I had

afterwards sent to England on the subject, which be accompanied with some praise of the writer. This

summary was then printed in their Transactions; and some members of the society in London, particularly the

very ingenious Mr. Canton, having verified the experiment of procuring lightning from the clouds by a

pointed rod, and acquainting them with the success, they soon made me more than amends for the slight with

which they had before treated me. Without my having made any application for that honor, they chose me a

member, and voted that I should be excus'd the customary payments, which would have amounted to

twentyfive guineas; and ever since have given me their Transactions gratis. They also presented me with the

gold medal of Sir Godfrey Copley for the year 1753, the delivery of which was accompanied by a very

handsome speech of the president, Lord Macclesfield, wherein I was highly honoured.

Our new governor, Captain Denny, brought over for me the beforementioned medal from the Royal Society,

which he presented to me at an entertainment given him by the city. He accompanied it with very polite

expressions of his esteem for me, having, as he said, been long acquainted with my character. After dinner,

when the company, as was customary at that time, were engag'd in drinking, he took me aside into another

room, and acquainted me that he had been advis'd by his friends in England to cultivate a friendship with me,

as one who was capable of giving him the best advice, and of contributing most effectually to the making his

administration easy; that he therefore desired of all things to have a good understanding with me, and he

begg'd me to be assur'd of his readiness on all occasions to render me every service that might be in his

power. He said much to me, also, of the proprietor's good disposition towards the province, and of the

advantage it might be to us all, and to me in particular, if the opposition that had been so long continu'd to his

measures was dropt, and harmony restor'd between him and the people; in effecting which, it was thought no

one could be more serviceable than myself; and I might depend on adequate acknowledgments and

recompenses, etc., etc. The drinkers, finding we did not return immediately to the table, sent us a decanter of

Madeira, which the governor made liberal use of, and in proportion became more profuse of his solicitations

My answers were to this purpose: that my circumstances, thanks to God, were such as to make proprietary

favours unnecessary to me; and that, being a member of the Assembly, I could not possibly accept of any;

that, however, I had no personal enmity to the proprietary, and that, whenever the public measures he

propos'd should appear to be for the good of the people, no one should espouse and forward them more

zealously than myself; my past opposition having been founded on this, that the measures which had been

urged were evidently intended to serve the proprietary interest, with great prejudice to that of the people; that

I was much obliged to him (the governor) for his professions of regard to me, and that he might rely on every

thing in my power to make his administration as easy as possible, hoping at the same time that he had not

brought with him the same unfortunate instruction his predecessor had been hamper'd with.

On this he did not then explain himself; but when he afterwards came to do business with the Assembly, they

appear'd again, the disputes were renewed, and I was as active as ever in the opposition, being the penman,

first, of the request to have a communication of the instructions, and then of the remarks upon them, which

may be found in the votes of the time, and in the Historical Review I afterward publish'd. But between us

personally no enmity arose; we were often together; he was a man of letters, had seen much of the world, and

was very entertaining and pleasing in conversation. He gave me the first information that my old friend Jas.

Ralph was still alive; that he was esteem'd one of the best political writers in England; had been employ'd in

the dispute between Prince Frederic and the king, and had obtain'd a pension of three hundred a year; that his

reputation was indeed small as a poet, Pope having damned his poetry in the Dunciad; but his prose was

thought as good as any man's. 16The Assembly finally finding the proprietary obstinately persisted in

manacling their deputies with instructions inconsistent not only with the privileges of the people, but with the

service of the crown, resolv'd to petition the king against them, and appointed me their agent to go over to

England, to present and support the petition. The House had sent up a bill to the governor, granting a sum of

sixty thousand pounds for the king's use (ten thousand pounds of which was subjected to the orders of the

then general, Lord Loudoun), which the governor absolutely refus'd to pass, in compliance with his

I had agreed with Captain Morris, of the paquet at New York, for my passage, and my stores were put on

board, when Lord Loudoun arriv'd at Philadelphia, expressly, as he told me, to endeavor an accommodation

between the governor and Assembly, that his majesty's service might not be obstructed by their dissensions.

Accordingly, he desir'd the governor and myself to meet him, that he might hear what was to be said on both

sides. We met and discuss'd the business. In behalf of the Assembly, I urg'd all the various arguments that

may be found in the public papers of that time, which were of my writing, and are printed with the minutes of

the Assembly; and the governor pleaded his instructions; the bond he had given to observe them, and his ruin

if he disobey'd, yet seemed not unwilling to hazard himself if Lord Loudoun would advise it. This his

lordship did not chuse to do, though I once thought I had nearly prevail'd with him to do it; but finally he

rather chose to urge the compliance of the Assembly; and he entreated me to use my endeavours with them

for that purpose, declaring that he would spare none of the king's troops for the defense of our frontiers, and

that, if we did not continue to provide for that defense ourselves, they must remain expos'd to the enemy.

I acquainted the House with what had pass'd, and, presenting them with a set of resolutions I had drawn up,

declaring our rights, and that we did not relinquish our claim to those rights, but only suspended the exercise

of them on this occasion thro' force, against which we protested, they at length agreed to drop that bill, and

frame another conformable to the proprietary instructions. This of course the governor pass'd, and I was then

at liberty to proceed on my voyage. But, in the meantime, the paquet had sailed with my seastores, which

was some loss to me, and my only recompense was his lordship's thanks for my service, all the credit of

He set out for New York before me; and, as the time for dispatching the paquetboats was at his disposition,

and there were two then remaining there, one of which, he said, was to sail very soon, I requested to know the

precise time, that I might not miss her by any delay of mine. His answer was, "I have given out that she is to

sail on Saturday next; but I may let you know, entre nous, that if you are there by Monday morning, you will

be in time, but do not delay longer." By some accidental hinderance at a ferry, it was Monday noon before I

arrived, and I was much afraid she might have sailed, as the wind was fair; but I was soon made easy by the

information that she was still in the harbor, and would not move till the next day. One would imagine that I

was now on the very point of departing for Europe. I thought so; but I was not then so well acquainted with

his lordship's character, of which indecision was one of the strongest features. I shall give some instances. It

was about the beginning of April that I came to New York, and I think it was near the end of June before we

sail'd. There were then two of the paquetboats, which had been long in port, but were detained for the

general's letters, which were always to be ready tomorrow. Another paquet arriv'd; she too was detain'd;

and, before we sail'd, a fourth was expected. Ours was the first to be dispatch'd, as having been there longest.

Passengers were engag'd in all, and some extremely impatient to be gone, and the merchants uneasy about

their letters, and the orders they had given for insurance (it being war time) for fall goods! but their anxiety

avail'd nothing; his lordship's letters were not ready; and yet whoever waited on him found him always at his

Going myself one morning to pay my respects, I found in his antechamber one Innis, a messenger of

Philadelphia, who had come from thence express with a paquet from Governor Denny for the General. He

delivered to me some letters from my friends there, which occasion'd my inquiring when he was to return,

and where be lodg'd, that I might send some letters by him. He told me he was order'd to call tomorrow at

nine for the general's answer to the governor, and should set off immediately. I put my letters into his hands

the same day. A fortnight after I met him again in the same place. "So, you are soon return'd, Innis?"

"Returned! no, I am not gone yet." "How so?" "I have called here by order every morning these two weeks

past for his lordship's letter, and it is not yet ready." "Is it possible, when he is so great a writer? for I see him

constantly at his escritoire." "Yes," says Innis, "but he is like St. George on the signs, always on horseback,

and never rides on." This observation of the messenger was, it seems, well founded; for, when in England, I

understood that Mr. Pitt gave it as one reason for removing this general, and sending Generals Amherst and

Wolfe, that the minister never heard from him, and could not know what he was doing.

This daily expectation of sailing, and all the three paquets going down to Sandy Hook, to join the fleet there,

the passengers thought it best to be on board, lest by a sudden order the ships should sail, and they be left

behind. There, if I remember right, we were about six weeks, consuming our seastores, and oblig'd to

procure more. At length the fleet sail'd, the General and all his army on board, bound to Louisburg, with

intent to besiege and take that fortress; all the paquetboats in company ordered to attend the General's ship,

ready to receive his dispatches when they should be ready. We were out five days before we got a letter with

leave to part, and then our ship quitted the fleet and steered for England. The other two paquets he still

detained, carried them with him to Halifax, where he stayed some time to exercise the men in sham attacks

upon sham forts, then alter'd his mind as to besieging Louisburg, and return'd to New York, with all his

troops, together with the two paquets above mentioned, and all their passengers! During his absence the

French and savages had taken Fort George, on the frontier of that province, and the savages had massacred

I saw afterwards in London Captain Bonnell, who commanded one of those paquets. He told me that, when

he had been detain'd a month, he acquainted his lordship that his ship was grown foul, to a degree that must

necessarily hinder her fast sailing, a point of consequence for a paquet boat, and requested an allowance of

time to heave her down and clean her bottom. He was asked how long time that would require. He answer'd,

three days. The general replied, "If you can do it in one day, I give leave; otherwise not; for you must

certainly sail the day after tomorrow." So he never obtain'd leave, though detained afterwards from day to

I saw also in London one of Bonnell's passengers, who was so enrag'd against his lordship for deceiving and

detaining him so long at New York, and then carrying him to Halifax and back again, that he swore he would

sue for damages. Whether he did or not, I never heard; but, as he represented the injury to his affairs, it was

On the whole, I wonder'd much how such a man came to be intrusted with so important a business as the

conduct of a great army; but, having since seen more of the great world, and the means of obtaining, and

motives for giving places, my wonder is diminished. General Shirley, on whom the command of the army

devolved upon the death of Braddock, would, in my opinion, if continued in place, have made a much better

campaign than that of Loudoun in 1757, which was frivolous, expensive, and disgraceful to our nation

beyond conception; for, tho' Shirley was not a bred soldier, he was sensible and sagacious in himself, and

attentive to good advice from others, capable of forming judicious plans, and quick and active in carrying

them into execution. Loudoun, instead of defending the colonies with his great army, left them totally expos'd

while he paraded idly at Halifax, by which means Fort George was lost, besides, he derang'd all our

mercantile operations, and distress'd our trade, by a long embargo on the exportation of provisions, on

pretence of keeping supplies from being obtain'd by the enemy, but in reality for beating down their price in

favor of the contractors, in whose profits, it was said, perhaps from suspicion only, he had a share. And, when

at length the embargo was taken off, by neglecting to send notice of it to Charlestown, the Carolina fleet was

detain'd near three months longer, whereby their bottoms were so much damaged by the worm that a great

Shirley was, I believe, sincerely glad of being relieved from so burdensome a charge as the conduct of an

army must be to a man unacquainted with military business. I was at the entertainment given by the city of

New York to Lord Loudoun, on his taking upon him the command. Shirley, tho' thereby superseded, was

present also. There was a great company of officers, citizens, and strangers, and, some chairs having been

borrowed in the neighborhood, there was one among them very low, which fell to the lot of Mr. Shirley.

Perceiving it as I sat by him, I said, "They have given you, sir, too low a seat." "No matter," says he, "Mr.

While I was, as afore mention'd, detain'd at New York, I receiv'd all the accounts of the provisions, etc., that I

had furnish'd to Braddock, some of which accounts could not sooner be obtain'd from the different persons I

had employ'd to assist in the business. I presented them to Lord Loudoun, desiring to be paid the ballance. He

caus'd them to be regularly examined by the proper officer, who, after comparing every article with its

voucher, certified them to be right; and the balance due for which his lordship promis'd to give me an order

on the paymaster. This was, however, put off from time to time; and, tho' I call'd often for it by appointment,

I did not get it. At length, just before my departure, he told me he had, on better consideration, concluded not

to mix his accounts with those of his predecessors. "And you," says he, "when in England, have only to

I mention'd, but without effect, the great and unexpected expense I had been put to by being detain'd so long

at New York, as a reason for my desiring to be presently paid; and on my observing that it was not right I

should be put to any further trouble or delay in obtaining the money I had advanc'd, as I charged no

commission for my service, "0, sir," says he, "you must not think of persuading us that you are no gainer; we

understand better those affairs, and know that every one concerned in supplying the army finds means, in the

doing it, to fill his own pockets." I assur'd him that was not my case, and that I had not pocketed a farthing;

but he appear'd clearly not to believe me; and, indeed, I have since learnt that immense fortunes are often

made in such employments. As to my ballance, I am not paid it to this day, of which more hereafter.

Our captain of the paquet had boasted much, before we sailed, of the swiftness of his ship; unfortunately,

when we came to sea, she proved the dullest of ninetysix sail, to his no small mortification. After many

conjectures respecting the cause, when we were near another ship almost as dull as ours, which, however,

gain'd upon us, the captain ordered all hands to come aft, and stand as near the ensign staff as possible. We

were, passengers included, about forty persons. While we stood there, the ship mended her pace, and soon

left her neighbour far behind, which prov'd clearly what our captain suspected, that she was loaded too much

by the head. The casks of water, it seems, had been all plac'd forward; these he therefore order'd to be mov'd

further aft, on which the ship recover'd her character, and proved the sailer in the fleet.

The captain said she had once gone at the rate of thirteen knots, which is accounted thirteen miles per hour.

We had on board, as a passenger, Captain Kennedy, of the Navy, who contended that it was impossible, and

that no ship ever sailed so fast, and that there must have been some error in the division of the logline, or

some mistake in heaving the log. A wager ensu'd between the two captains, to be decided when there should

be sufficient wind. Kennedy thereupon examin'd rigorously the logline, and, being satisfi'd with that, he

determin'd to throw the log himself. Accordingly some days after, when the wind blew very fair and fresh,

and the captain of the paquet, Lutwidge, said he believ'd she then went at the rate of thirteen knots, Kennedy

The above fact I give for the sake of the following observation. It has been remark'd, as an imperfection in the

art of shipbuilding, that it can never be known, till she is tried, whether a new ship will or will not be a good

sailer; for that the model of a goodsailing ship has been exactly follow'd in a new one, which has prov'd, on

the contrary, remarkably dull. I apprehend that this may partly be occasion'd by the different opinions of

seamen respecting the modes of lading, rigging, and sailing of a ship; each has his system; and the same

vessel, laden by the judgment and orders of one captain, shall sail better or worse than when by the orders of

another. Besides, it scarce ever happens that a ship is form'd, fitted for the sea, and sail'd by the same person.

One man builds the hull, another rigs her, a third lades and sails her. No one of these has the advantage of

knowing all the ideas and experience of the others, and, therefore, can not draw just conclusions from a

Even in the simple operation of sailing when at sea, I have often observ'd different judgments in the officers

who commanded the successive watches, the wind being the same. One would have the sails trimm'd sharper

or flatter than another, so that they seem'd to have no certain rule to govern by. Yet I think a set of

experiments might be instituted, first, to determine the most proper form of the hull for swift sailing; next, the

best dimensions and properest place for the masts: then the form and quantity of sails, and their position, as

the wind may be; and, lastly, the disposition of the lading. This is an age of experiments, and I think a set

accurately made and combin'd would be of great use. I am persuaded, therefore, that ere long some ingenious

We were several times chas'd in our passage, but outsail'd every thing, and in thirty days had soundings. We

had a good observation, and the captain judg'd himself so near our port, Falmouth, that, if we made a good

run in the night, we might be off the mouth of that harbor in the morning, and by running in the night might

escape the notice of the enemy's privateers, who often crus'd near the entrance of the channel. Accordingly,

all the sail was set that we could possibly make, and the wind being very fresh and fair, we went right before

it, and made great way. The captain, after his observation, shap'd his course, as he thought, so as to pass wide

of the Scilly Isles; but it seems there is sometimes a strong indraught setting up St. George's Channel, which

deceives seamen and caused the loss of Sir Cloudesley Shovel's squadron. This indraught was probably the

We had a watchman plac'd in the bow, to whom they often called, "Look well out before there," and he as

often answered, "Ay ay;" but perhaps had his eyes shut, and was half asleep at the time, they sometimes

answering, as is said, mechanically; for he did not see a light just before us, which had been hid by the

studdingsails from the man at the helm, and from the rest of the watch, but by an accidental yaw of the ship

was discover'd, and occasion'd a great alarm, we being very near it, the light appearing to me as big as a

cartwheel. It was midnight, and our captain fast asleep; but Captain Kennedy, jumping upon deck, and

seeing the danger, ordered the ship to wear round, all sails standing; an operation dangerous to the masts, but

it carried us clear, and we escaped shipwreck, for we were running right upon the rocks on which the

lighthouse was erected. This deliverance impressed me strongly with the utility of lighthouses, and made

me resolve to encourage the building more of them in America, if I should live to return there.

In the morning it was found by the soundings, etc., that we were near our port, but a thick fog hid the land

from our sight. About nine o'clock the fog began to rise, and seem'd to be lifted up from the water like the

curtain at a playhouse, discovering underneath, the town of Falmouth, the vessels in its harbor, and the

fields that surrounded it. This was a most pleasing spectacle to those who had been so long without any other

prospects than the uniform view of a vacant ocean, and it gave us the more pleasure as we were now free

I set out immediately, with my son, for London, and we only stopt a little by the way to view Stonehenge on

Salisbury Plain, and Lord Pembroke's house and gardens, with his very curious antiquities at Wilton. We

[10] In the Middle Ages, Franklin, if such a phenomenon as Franklin were possible in the Middle Ages,

[15] This dialogue and the militia act are in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for February and March, 1756.

[17] Here terminates the Autobiography, as published by Wm. Temple Franklin and his successors. What

follows was written in the last year of Dr. Franklin's life, and was first printed (in English) in Mr. Bigelow's

AS SOON as I was settled in a lodging Mr. Charles had provided for me, I went to visit Dr. Fothergill, to

whom I was strongly recommended, and whose counsel respecting my proceedings I was advis'd to obtain.

He was against an immediate complaint to government, and thought the proprietaries should first be

personally appli'd to, who might possibly be induc'd by the interposition and persuasion of some private

friends, to accommodate matters amicably. I then waited on my old friend and correspondent, Mr. Peter

Collinson, who told me that John Hanbury, the great Virginia merchant, had requested to be informed when I

should arrive, that he might carry me to Lord Granville's, who was then President of the Council and wished

to see me as soon as possible. I agreed to go with him the next morning. Accordingly Mr. Hanbury called for

me and took me in his carriage to that nobleman's, who receiv'd me with great civility; and after some

questions respecting the present state of affairs in America and discourse thereupon, he said to me: "You

Americans have wrong ideas of the nature of your constitution; you contend that the king's instructions to his

governors are not laws, and think yourselves at liberty to regard or disregard them at your own discretion. But

those instructions are not like the pocket instructions given to a minister going abroad, for regulating his

conduct in some trifling point of ceremony. They are first drawn up by judges learned in the laws; they are

then considered, debated, and perhaps amended in Council, after which they are signed by the king. They are

then, so far as they relate to you, the law of the land, for the king is the LEGISLATOR OF THE

COLONIES." I told his lordship this was new doctrine to me. I had always understood from our charters that

our laws were to be made by our Assemblies, to be presented indeed to the king for his royal assent, but that

being once given the king could not repeal or alter them. And as the Assemblies could not make permanent

laws without his assent, so neither could he make a law for them without theirs. He assur'd me I was totally

mistaken. I did not think so, however, and his lordship's conversation having a little alarm'd me as to what

might be the sentiments of the court concerning us, I wrote it down as soon as I return'd to my lodgings. I

recollected that about 20 years before, a clause in a bill brought into Parliament by the ministry had propos'd

to make the king's instructions laws in the colonies, but the clause was thrown out by the Commons, for

which we adored them as our friends and friends of liberty, till by their conduct towards us in 1765 it seem'd

that they had refus'd that point of sovereignty to the king only that they might reserve it for themselves.

After some days, Dr. Fothergill having spoken to the proprietaries, they agreed to a meeting with me at Mr.

T. Penn's house in Spring Garden. The conversation at first consisted of mutual declarations of disposition to

reasonable accommodations, but I suppose each party had its own ideas of what should be meant by

reasonable. We then went into consideration of our several points of complaint, which I enumerated. The

proprietaries justify'd their conduct as well as they could, and I the Assembly's. We now appeared very wide,

and so far from each other in our opinions as to discourage all hope of agreement. However, it was concluded

that I should give them the heads of our complaints in writing, and they promis'd then to consider them. I did

so soon after, but they put the paper into the hands of their solicitor, Ferdinand John Paris, who managed for

them all their law business in their great suit with the neighbouring proprietary of Maryland, Lord Baltimore,

which had subsisted 70 years, and wrote for them all their papers and messages in their dispute with the

Assembly. He was a proud, angry man, and as I had occasionally in the answers of the Assembly treated his

papers with some severity, they being really weak in point of argument and haughty in expression, he had

conceived a mortal enmity to me, which discovering itself whenever we met, I declin'd the proprietary's

proposal that he and I should discuss the heads of complaint between our two selves, and refus'd treating with

any one but them. They then by his advice put the paper into the hands of the Attorney and SolicitorGeneral

for their opinion and counsel upon it, where it lay unanswered a year wanting eight days, during which time I

made frequent demands of an answer from the proprietaries, but without obtaining any other than that they

had not yet received the opinion of the Attorney and SolicitorGeneral. What it was when they did receive it

I never learnt, for they did not communicate it to me, but sent a long message to the Assembly drawn and

signed by Paris, reciting my paper, complaining of its want of formality, as a rudeness on my part, and giving

a flimsy justification of their conduct, adding that they should be willing to accommodate matters if the

Assembly would send out some person of candour to treat with them for that purpose, intimating thereby that

The want of formality or rudeness was, probably, my not having address'd the paper to them with their

assum'd titles of True and Absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, which I omitted as not

thinking it necessary in a paper, the intention of which was only to reduce to a certainty by writing, what in

But during this delay, the Assembly having prevailed with Gov'r Denny to pass an act taxing the proprietary

estate in common with the estates of the people, which was the grand point in dispute, they omitted

When this act however came over, the proprietaries, counselled by Paris, determined to oppose its receiving

the royal assent. Accordingly they petition'd the king in Council, and a hearing was appointed in which two

lawyers were employ'd by them against the act, and two by me in support of it. They alledg'd that the act was

intended to load the proprietary estate in order to spare those of the people, and that if it were suffer'd to

continue in force, and the proprietaries who were in odium with the people, left to their mercy in

proportioning the taxes, they would inevitably be ruined. We reply'd that the act had no such intention, and

would have no such effect. That the assessors were honest and discreet men under an oath to assess fairly and

equitably, and that any advantage each of them might expect in lessening his own tax by augmenting that of

the proprietaries was too trifling to induce them to perjure themselves. This is the purport of what I remember

as urged by both sides, except that we insisted strongly on the mischievous consequences that must attend a

repeal, for that the money, L100,000, being printed and given to the king's use, expended in his service, and

now spread among the people, the repeal would strike it dead in their hands to the ruin of many, and the total

discouragement of future grants, and the selfishness of the proprietors in soliciting such a general catastrophe,

merely from a groundless fear of their estate being taxed too highly, was insisted on in the strongest terms.

On this, Lord Mansfield, one of the counsel rose, and beckoning me took me into the clerk's chamber, while

the lawyers were pleading, and asked me if I was really of opinion that no injury would be done the

proprietary estate in the execution of the act. I said certainly. "Then," says he, "you can have little objection

to enter into an engagement to assure that point." I answer'd, "None at all." He then call'd in Paris, and after

some discourse, his lordship's proposition was accepted on both sides; a paper to the purpose was drawn up

by the Clerk of the Council, which I sign'd with Mr. Charles, who was also an Agent of the Province for their

ordinary affairs, when Lord Mansfield returned to the Council Chamber, where finally the law was allowed to

pass. Some changes were however recommended and we also engaged they should be made by a subsequent

law, but the Assembly did not think them necessary; for one year's tax having been levied by the act before

the order of Council arrived, they appointed a committee to examine the proceedings of the assessors, and on

this committee they put several particular friends of the proprietaries. After a full enquiry, they unanimously

The Assembly looked into my entering into the first part of the engagement, as an essential service to the

Province, since it secured the credit of the paper money then spread over all the country. They gave me their

thanks in form when I return'd. But the proprietaries were enraged at Governor Denny for having pass'd the

act, and turn'd him out with threats of suing him for breach of instructions which he had given bond to

observe. He, however, having done it at the instance of the General, and for His Majesty's service, and having

some powerful interest at court, despis'd the threats and they were never put in execution. . . . [Unfinished].

[Ending, as it does, with the year 1757, the autobiography leaves important facts unrecorded. It has seemed

advisable, therefore, to detail the chief events in Franklin's life, from the beginning, in the following list: