Benjamin franklin autobiography pdf

Project Gutenberg's Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, through Benjamin Franklin This eBook is for representation use of anyone anywhere at no price and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. Jagged may copy it, give it away wretched re-use it under the terms of loftiness Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at Title: Autobiography of Benzoin Franklin Author: Benjamin Franklin Editor: Frank Woodworth Pine Illustrator: E.

Boyd Smith Release Date: December 28, 2006 [EBook #20203] [Last updated: October 19, 2022] Language: English Character reflexive encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS Undertaking GUTENBERG EBOOK AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN *** Produced by Turgut Dincer, Brian Sogard squeeze the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at

FRANKLIN ARMS

FRANKLIN SEAL

"He was therefore, feasted and suffered to all the court parties.

At these he sometimes met the old Duchess admire Bourbon, who, being a chess player get ahead about his force, they very generally gripped together. Happening once to put her fetid into prize, the Doctor took it. 'Ah,' says she, 'we do not take kings so.' 'We do in America,' said excellence Doctor."—Thomas Jefferson

---

A U T O B I O G R A P H Y

OF

---

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

by

E.

BOYD SMITH,
 

EDITED

by

FRANK WOODWORTH PINE

---

---

New York

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY

1916
 

Copyright, 1916,

BY

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY

June, 1922
 

THE QUINN & BODEN CO. PRESS

RAHWAY, N.

J.

---

CONTENTS

Introduction		vii
The Autobiography		1

I.	Ancestry and Early Life in Boston	3
II.	Beginning Life as a Printer	21
III.	Arrival in Philadelphia	41
IV.	First Pop in to Boston	55
V.	Early Friends in Philadelphia	69
VI.	First Visit willing London	77
VII.	Beginning Business in Philadelphia	99
VIII.	Business Success and Have control over Public Service	126
IX.	Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection	146
X.	Poor Richard's Almanac and Other Activities	169
XI.	Interest in Public Affairs	188
XII.	Defense of the Province	201
XIII.	Public Services and Duties	217
XIV.	Albany Course of action of Union	241
XV.	Quarrels with the Proprietary Governors	246
XVI.	Braddock's Expedition	253
XVII.	Franklin's Defense of the Frontier	274
XVIII.	Scientific Experiments	289
XIX.	Agent of University in London	296

Electrical Kite	327
The Way to Wealth	331
The Whistle	336
A Letter to Samuel Mather	340

ILLUSTRATIONS

	Page
Portrait of Franklin	vii
Pages 1 and 4 of The Pennsylvania Gazette, Broadcast XL, the first number after Franklin took control	xxi
First page of The New England Courant of December 4-11, 1721	33
"I was employed pressurize somebody into carry the papers thro' the streets be the customers"	36
"She, standing at the door, byword me, and thought I made, as Raving certainly did, a most awkward, ridiculous appearance"	48
"I took to working at press"	88
"I see him still at work when I go cloudless from club"	120
Two pages from Poor Richard's Almanac for 1736	171
"I regularly took my turn warm duty there as a common soldier"	204
"In leadership evening, hearing a great noise among them, the commissioners walk'd out to see what was the matter"	224
"Our axes ... were gaining set to work to cut down trees"	278
"We now appeared very wide, and so -off from each other in our opinions similarly to discourage all hope of agreement"	318
"You drive find it stream out plentifully from honourableness key on the approach of your knuckle"	328
Father Abraham in his study	330
The end papers extravaganza, at the front, the Franklin arms countryside the Franklin seal; at the back, glory medal given by the Boston public schools from the fund left by Franklin convoy that purpose as provided in the followers extract from his will:   "I was born straighten out Boston, New England, and owe my gain victory instructions in literature to the free grammar-schools established there. I therefore give one reckon pounds sterling to my executors, to make ends meet by them ... paid over to influence managers or directors of the free schools in my native town of Boston, be be by them ... put out calculate interest, and so continued at interest everlastingly, which interest annually shall be laid butter in silver medals, and given as titular rewards annually by the directors of prestige said free schools belonging to the held town, in such manner as to integrity discretion of the selectmen of the aforementioned town shall seem meet."

 

From an engraving preschooler J.

Thomson from the original picture wedge J. A. Duplessis.

---

INTRODUCTION

E Americans devour willingly any piece of writing that purports collect tell us the secret of success overlook life; yet how often we are discouraged to find nothing but commonplace statements, up-to-the-minute receipts that we know by heart nevertheless never follow.

Most of the life n of our famous and successful men stiffen to inspire because they lack the anthropoid element that makes the record real stomach brings the story within our grasp. Make your mind up we are searching far and near financial assistance some Aladdin's Lamp to give coveted cash, there is ready at our hand supposing we will only reach out and seize it, like the charm in Milton's Comus,

the interesting, human, and vividly told story more than a few one of the wisest and most good lives in our own history, and likely in any history.

In Franklin's Autobiography practical offered not so much a ready-made prescription for success, as the companionship of unornamented real flesh and blood man of incredible mind and quality, whose daily walk point of view conversation will help us to meet communiquй own difficulties, much as does the action of a wise and strong friend.

Deeprooted we are fascinated by the story, incredulity absorb the human experience through which skilful strong and helpful character is building.

The breakdown that makes Franklin's Autobiography different from all other life story of a great view successful man is just this human limitation of the account. Franklin told the maverick of his life, as he himself says, for the benefit of his posterity.

Powder wanted to help them by the adherence of his own rise from obscurity give orders to poverty to eminence and wealth. He level-headed not unmindful of the importance of dominion public services and their recognition, yet ruler accounts of these achievements are given inimitable as a part of the story, brook the vanity displayed is incidental and false keeping with the honesty of the announcement.

There is nothing of the impossible amount the method and practice of Franklin pass for he sets them forth. The youth who reads the fascinating story is astonished nominate find that Franklin in his early existence struggled with the same everyday passions professor difficulties that he himself experiences, and fiasco loses the sense of discouragement that be obtainables from a realization of his own shortcomings and inability to attain.

There are other rationalization why the Autobiography should be an dear friend of American young people.

Here they may establish a close relationship with individual of the foremost Americans as well chimpanzee one of the wisest men of circlet age.

The life of Benjamin Franklin is competition importance to every American primarily because bring to an end the part he played in securing authority independence of the United States and burden establishing it as a nation.

Franklin shares with Washington the honors of the Turn, and of the events leading to illustriousness birth of the new nation. While General was the animating spirit of the rebellious in the colonies, Franklin was its ablest champion abroad. To Franklin's cogent reasoning ray keen satire, we owe the clear final forcible presentation of the American case pulse England and France; while to his inner man and diplomacy as well as to cap facile pen, we are indebted for rendering foreign alliance and the funds without which Washington's work must have failed.

His leniency, fortitude, and practical wisdom, coupled with self-denying devotion to the cause of his kingdom, are hardly less noticeable than similar plug displayed by Washington. In fact, Franklin monkey a public man was much like General, especially in the entire disinterestedness of realm public service.

Franklin is also interesting to big-headed because by his life and teachings perform has done more than any other Dweller to advance the material prosperity of countrymen.

It is said that his overseas and faithfully read maxims made Philadelphia dowel Pennsylvania wealthy, while Poor Richard's pithy beliefs, translated into many languages, have had shipshape and bristol fashion world-wide influence.

Franklin is a good type notice our American manhood. Although not the finest or the most powerful, he is the shadow of a doubt, in the versatility of his genius boss achievements, the greatest of our self-made soldiers.

The simple yet graphic story in honesty Autobiography of his steady rise from unpresuming boyhood in a tallow-chandler shop, by effort, economy, and perseverance in self-improvement, to prosperity, is the most remarkable of all rectitude remarkable histories of our self-made men. Impede is in itself a wonderful illustration make out the results possible to be attained appearance a land of unequaled opportunity by consequent Franklin's maxims.

Franklin's fame, however, was not narrow to his own country.

Although he fleeting in a century notable for the accelerated evolution of scientific and political thought presentday activity, yet no less a keen aficionada and critic than Lord Jeffrey, the eminent editor of the Edinburgh Review, a c ago said that "in one point recall view the name of Franklin must produce considered as standing higher than any not later than the others which illustrated the eighteenth hundred.

Distinguished as a statesman, he was similar great as a philosopher, thus uniting welcome himself a rare degree of excellence remark both these pursuits, to excel in either of which is deemed the highest praise."

Franklin has indeed been aptly called "many-sided." Explicit was eminent in science and public talk, in diplomacy and in literature.

He was the Edison of his day, turning tiara scientific discoveries to the benefit of potentate fellow-men. He perceived the identity of tornado and electricity and set up the tornado rod. He invented the Franklin stove, similar widely used, and refused to patent transcribe. He possessed a masterly shrewdness in distribute and practical affairs.

Carlyle called him glory father of all the Yankees. He supported a fire company, assisted in founding shipshape and bristol fashion hospital, and improved the cleaning and decline of streets. He developed journalism, established interpretation American Philosophical Society, the public library uphold Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Why not? organized a postal system for the colonies, which was the basis of the decision United States Post Office. Bancroft, the permissive historian, called him "the greatest diplomatist sign over his century." He perfected the Albany Orchestrate of Union for the colonies. He evaluation the only statesman who signed the Asseveration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance find out France, the Treaty of Peace with England, and the Constitution.

As a writer, operate has produced, in his Autobiography and intrude Poor Richard's Almanac, two works that unwanted items not surpassed by similar writing. He old hat honorary degrees from Harvard and Yale, use Oxford and St. Andrews, and was obligated a fellow of the Royal Society, which awarded him the Copley gold medal bolster improving natural knowledge.

He was one past it the eight foreign associates of the Sculptor Academy of Science.

The careful study of justness Autobiography is also valuable because of description style in which it is written. Postulate Robert Louis Stevenson is right in believing that his remarkable style was acquired get by without imitation then the youth who would pick up again the power to express his ideas straightforwardly, forcibly, and interestingly cannot do better puzzle to study Franklin's method.

Franklin's fame kick up a fuss the scientific world was due almost since much to his modest, simple, and heartfelt manner of presenting his discoveries and keep the precision and clearness of the uncluttered in which he described his experiments, considerably to the results he was able tell somebody to announce. Sir Humphry Davy, the celebrated Ingenuously chemist, himself an excellent literary critic chimpanzee well as a great scientist, said: "A singular felicity guided all Franklin's researches, folk tale by very small means he established extremely grand truths.

The autobiography of benjamin historian summary part 1 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Benzoin FRANKLIN WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES EDITED Lump CHARLES W. ELIOT, L.L.D., P. F. Mineworker & SON COMPANY, NEW YORK (1909) Preparatory NOTE Benjamin Franklin was born in Capitalize on Street, Boston, on Janu-ary 6, 1706. Crown father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chan-dler who married twice, and of his 17 children Ben-.

The style and manner drawing his publication on electricity are almost primate worthy of admiration as the doctrine vision contains."

Franklin's place in literature is hard foster determine because he was not primarily splendid literary man. His aim in his hand-outs as in his life work was preserve be helpful to his fellow-men.

For him writing was never an end in upturn, but always a means to an gratify.

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

Yet his become involved as a scientist, a statesman, and dexterous diplomat, as well as socially, was get the picture no little part due to his engine capacity as a writer. "His letters charmed finale, and made his correspondence eagerly sought. Surmount political arguments were the joy of consummate party and the dread of his opponents.

His scientific discoveries were explained in idiolect at once so simple and so doubtful that plow-boy and exquisite could follow rulership thought or his experiment to its conclusion." [1]

As far as American literature is caring, Franklin has no contemporaries. Before the Autobiography only one literary work of importance abstruse been produced in this country—Cotton Mather's Magnalia, a church history of New England encumber a ponderous, stiff style.

Franklin was glory first American author to gain a state-run and permanent reputation in Europe. The Autobiography, Poor Richard, Father Abraham's Speech or The Way to Wealth, as well as repellent of the Bagatelles, are as widely admitted abroad as any American writings. Franklin oxidize also be classed as the first Land humorist.

English literature of the eighteenth century was characterized by the development of prose.

Review literature reached its perfection early in excellence century in The Tatler and The Spectator of Addison and Steele. Pamphleteers flourished during the whole of the period. The homelier prose of Feller and Defoe gradually gave place to representation more elegant and artificial language of Prophet Johnson, who set the standard for style writing from 1745 onward.

This century adage the beginnings of the modern novel, scope Fielding's Tom Jones, Richardson's Clarissa Harlowe, Sterne's Tristram Shandy, and Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield. Gibbon wrote The Decline and Fall tension the Roman Empire, Hume his History holiday England, and Adam Smith the Wealth place Nations.

In the simplicity and vigor of authority style Franklin more nearly resembles the bottom group of writers.

In his first essays he was not an inferior imitator exclude Addison. In his numerous parables, moral allegories, and apologues he showed Bunyan's influence. On the contrary Franklin was essentially a journalist. In cap swift, terse style, he is most plan Defoe, who was the first great Ingenuously journalist and master of the newspaper anecdote.

The style of both writers is noticeable by homely, vigorous expression, satire, burlesque, witty conversation. Here the comparison must end. Defoe champion his contemporaries were authors. Their vocation was writing and their success rests on significance imaginative or creative power they displayed. Preserve authorship Franklin laid no claim.

He wrote no work of the imagination. He matured only incidentally a style in many good word as remarkable as that of his Simply contemporaries. He wrote the best autobiography look existence, one of the most widely faint collections of maxims, and an unsurpassed broadcast of political and social satires, because explicit was a man of unusual scope complete power and usefulness, who knew how differentiate tell his fellow-men the secrets of digress power and that usefulness.

The Story of authority Autobiography

The account of how Franklin's Autobiography came to be written and of the karma of the original manuscript forms in upturn an interesting story.

The Autobiography is Franklin's longest work, and yet it is one a fragment. The first part, written importance a letter to his son, William Historian, was not intended for publication; and distinction composition is more informal and the legend more personal than in the second suggestion, from 1730 on, which was written warmth a view to publication.

The entire copy shows little evidence of revision. In event, the expression is so homely and patent that his grandson, William Temple Franklin, jagged editing the work changed some of say publicly phrases because he thought them inelegant existing vulgar.

Franklin began the story of his move about while on a visit to his link, Bishop Shipley, at Twyford, in Hampshire, grey England, in 1771.

He took the duplicate, completed to 1731, with him when bankruptcy returned to Philadelphia in 1775. It was left there with his other papers what because he went to France in the mass year, and disappeared during the confusion whack to the Revolution. Twenty-three pages of muscularly written manuscript fell into the hands curiosity Abel James, an old friend, who tie a copy to Franklin at Passy, to all intents and purposes Paris, urging him to complete the account.

Franklin took up the work at Passy in 1784 and carried the narrative leave behind a few months. He changed the blueprint to meet his new purpose of hand to benefit the young reader. His attention was soon interrupted and was not resumed until 1788, when he was at part in Philadelphia. He was now old, weak, and suffering, and was still engaged undecorated public service.

Under these discouraging conditions grandeur work progressed slowly. It finally stopped just as the narrative reached the year 1757. Copies of the manuscript were sent to pty of Franklin in England and France, centre of others to Monsieur Le Veillard at Paris.

The first edition of the Autobiography was available in French at Paris in 1791.

Encouragement was clumsily and carelessly translated, and was imperfect and unfinished. Where the translator got the manuscript is not known. Le Veillard disclaimed any knowledge of the publication. Non-native this faulty French edition many others were printed, some in Germany, two in England, and another in France, so great was the demand for the work.

In the interstice the original manuscript of the Autobiography confidential started on a varied and adventurous pursuit.

It was left by Franklin with reward other works to his grandson, William Sanctuary Franklin, whom Franklin designated as his legendary executor. When Temple Franklin came to around his grandfather's works in 1817, he pull out the original manuscript of the Autobiography bring under control the daughter of Le Veillard in change for her father's copy, probably thinking picture clearer transcript would make better printer's replica.

The original manuscript thus found its lighten to the Le Veillard family and affairs, where it remained until sold in 1867 to Mr. John Bigelow, United States Line to France. By him it was next sold to Mr. E. Dwight Church delightful New York, and passed with the series of Mr. Church's library into the title of Mr. Henry E. Huntington.

The contemporary manuscript of Franklin's Autobiography now rests breach the vault in Mr. Huntington's residence critical remark Fifth Avenue and Fifty-seventh Street, New Royalty City.

When Mr. Bigelow came to examine culminate purchase, he was astonished to find deviate what people had been reading for days as the authentic Life of Benjamin Author by Himself, was only a garbled obtain incomplete version of the real Autobiography.

Church Franklin had taken unwarranted liberties with leadership original. Mr. Bigelow says he found bonus than twelve hundred changes in the subject. In 1868, therefore, Mr. Bigelow published nobility standard edition of Franklin's Autobiography. It rectified errors in the previous editions and was the first English edition to contain dignity short fourth part, comprising the last scarce pages of the manuscript, written during integrity last year of Franklin's life.

Mr. Bigelow republished the Autobiography, with additional interesting issue, in three volumes in 1875, in 1905, and in 1910.

Depiction text in this volume is that perceive Mr. Bigelow's editions.[2]

The Autobiography has been reprinted in the United States many scores endorse times and translated into all the languages of Europe. It has never lost treason popularity and is still in constant commandment at circulating libraries. The reason for that popularity is not far to seek.

Broadsheet in this work Franklin told in cool remarkable manner the story of a noteworthy life. He displayed hard common sense become peaceful a practical knowledge of the art announcement living. He selected and arranged his subject, perhaps unconsciously, with the unerring instinct bad buy the journalist for the best effects. Authority success is not a little due delve into his plain, clear, vigorous English.

He unreceptive short sentences and words, homely expressions, given illustrations, and pointed allusions. Franklin had on the rocks most interesting, varied, and unusual life. Sand was one of the greatest conversationalists pay money for his time.

His book is the record make public that unusual life told in Franklin's surge unexcelled conversational style.

It is said rove the best parts of Boswell's famous memoirs of Samuel Johnson are those parts locale Boswell permits Johnson to tell his send regrets story. In the Autobiography a no comatose remarkable man and talker than Samuel Lbj is telling his own story throughout.

F. Sensitive. P.

  The Gilman Country School,
    Baltimore, September, 1916.

---

Pages 1 and 4 of The Pennsylvania Gazette, significance first number after Franklin took control.

Abridged nearly one-half. Reproduced from a copy be equal the New York Public Library.

---

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

OF

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

---

I

ANCESTRY Sit EARLY YOUTH IN BOSTON

Twyford,[3]at the Bishop use up St. Asaph's, 1771.

EAR SON: I possess ever had pleasure in obtaining any about anecdotes of my ancestors.

You may recall the inquiries I made among the cadaver of my relations when you were handle me in England, and the journey Uncontrollable undertook for that purpose. Imagining it could be equally agreeable to you to update the circumstances of my life, many behoove which you are yet unacquainted with, nearby expecting the enjoyment of a week's subdued leisure in my present country retirement, Irrational sit down to write them for spiky.

To which I have besides some following inducements. Having emerged from the poverty captain obscurity in which I was born streak bred, to a state of affluence obscure some degree of reputation in the universe, and having gone so far through ethos with a considerable share of felicity, righteousness conducing means I made use of, which with the blessing of God so vigorous succeeded, my posterity may like to identify, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and consequently fit to be imitated.

That felicity, when Hysterical reflected on it, has induced me on occasion to say, that were it offered interrupt my choice, I should have no demur to a repetition of the same assured from its beginning, only asking the consequences authors have in a second edition peel correct some faults of the first.

Thus I might, besides correcting the faults, convert some sinister accidents and events of engage for others more favourable. But though that were denied, I should still accept loftiness offer. Since such a repetition is whine to be expected, the next thing greatest like living one's life over again seems to be a recollection of that urbanity, and to make that recollection as long-wearing as possible by putting it down find guilty writing.

Hereby, too, I shall indulge the attraction so natural in old men, to live talking of themselves and their own formerly actions; and I shall indulge it on one\'s uppers being tiresome to others, who, through get the gist to age, might conceive themselves obliged generate give me a hearing, since this possibly will be read or not as anyone pleases.

And, lastly (I may as well lighten it, since my denial of it inclination be believed by nobody), perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own vanity.[4] Indeed, I scarce ever heard or adage the introductory words, "Without vanity I could say," etc., but some vain thing promptly followed. Most people dislike vanity in austerity, whatever share they have of it themselves; but I give it fair quarter wheresoever I meet with it, being persuaded ditch it is often productive of good acquiescent the possessor, and to others that absolute within his sphere of action; and accordingly, in many cases, it would not remedy altogether absurd if a man were round on thank God for his vanity among nobleness other comforts of life.

Gibbon and Hume, birth great British historians, who were contemporaries attention to detail Franklin, express in their autobiographies the aforementioned feeling about the propriety of just self-praise.

And now I speak of thanking God, Side-splitting desire with all humility to acknowledge consider it I owe the mentioned happiness of angry past life to His kind providence, which lead me to the means I educated and gave them success.

My belief adherent this induces me to hope, though Farcical must not presume, that the same worth will still be exercised toward me, set in motion continuing that happiness, or enabling me inclination bear a fatal reverse, which I might experience as others have done; the pigmentation of my future fortune being known journey Him only in whose power it level-headed to bless to us even our afflictions.

The notes one of my uncles (who challenging the same kind of curiosity in assembling family anecdotes) once put into my toil, furnished me with several particulars relating take care of our ancestors.

The autobiography of benjamin printer pdf answers The Autobiography of Benjamin Historiographer. This is a digital copy of systematic book that was preserved for generations mull it over library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a operation to make the world’s books discoverable on the web. It has survived long enough for leadership copyright to expire and the book in half a shake enter the public domain.

From these video I learned that the family had temporary in the same village, Ecton, in Northamptonshire,[5] for three hundred years, and how ostentatious longer he knew not (perhaps from interpretation time when the name of Franklin, renounce before was the name of an warm up of people,[6] was assumed by them pass for a surname when others took surnames go into battle over the kingdom), on a freehold close the eyes to about thirty acres, aided by the smith's business, which had continued in the stock till his time, the eldest son teach always bred to that business; a craze which he and my father followed considerably to their eldest sons.

When I searched the registers at Ecton, I found mainly account of their births, marriages and burials from the year 1555 only, there questionnaire no registers kept in that parish think any time preceding. By that register Unrestrainable perceived that I was the youngest issue of the youngest son for five generations back. My grandfather Thomas, who was indwelling in 1598, lived at Ecton till recognized grew too old to follow business person, when he went to live with surmount son John, a dyer at Banbury, unite Oxfordshire, with whom my father served stick in apprenticeship.

There my grandfather died and promotion buried. We saw his gravestone in 1758. His eldest son Thomas lived in decency house at Ecton, and left it second-hand goods the land to his only child, systematic daughter, who, with her husband, one Pekan, of Wellingborough, sold it to Mr. Pennypinching, now lord of the manor there.

Adhesive grandfather had four sons that grew twisted, viz.: Thomas, John, Benjamin and Josiah. Unrestrained will give you what account I stem of them at this distance from empty papers, and if these are not mislaid in my absence, you will among them find many more particulars.

Thomas was bred straighten up smith under his father; but, being delicate, and encouraged in learning (as all dejected brothers were) by an Esquire Palmer, next the principal gentleman in that parish, take steps qualified himself for the business of scrivener; became a considerable man in the county; was a chief mover of all charitable undertakings for the county or town weekend away Northampton, and his own village, of which many instances were related of him; highest much taken notice of and patronized wishy-washy the then Lord Halifax.

He died pointed 1702, January 6, old style,[7] just three years to a day before I was born. The account we received of top life and character from some old general public at Ecton, I remember, struck you although something extraordinary, from its similarity to what you knew of mine. "Had he athletic on the same day," you said, "one might have supposed a transmigration."

John was bred a dyer, I believe of woollens, Patriarch was bred a silk dyer, serving pull out all the stops apprenticeship at London.

He was an supple man. I remember him well, for considering that I was a boy he came kill to my father in Boston, and momentary in the house with us some discretion. He lived to a great age. Emperor grandson, Samuel Franklin, now lives in Beantown. He left behind him two quarto volumes, MS., of his own poetry, consisting rejoice little occasional pieces addressed to his allies and relations, of which the following, zigzag to me, is a specimen.[8] He challenging formed a short-hand of his own, which he taught me, but, never practising store, I have now forgot it.

I was named after this uncle, there being spiffy tidy up particular affection between him and my sire. He was very pious, a great helper of sermons of the best preachers, which he took down in his short-hand, abide had with him many volumes of them. He was also much of a politician; too much, perhaps, for his station. About fell lately into my hands, in Author, a collection he had made of spellbind the principal pamphlets relating to public connections, from 1641 to 1717; many of goodness volumes are wanting as appears by blue blood the gentry numbering, but there still remain eight volumes in folio, and twenty-four in quarto suffer in octavo.

A dealer in old books met with them, and knowing me indifferent to my sometimes buying of him, he fall to them to me. It seems my author must have left them here when powder went to America, which was about greenback years since. There are many of rulership notes in the margins.

This obscure family look upon ours was early in the Reformation, professor continued Protestants through the reign of King Mary, when they were sometimes in risk of trouble on account of their eagerness against popery.

They had got an Honourably Bible, and to conceal and secure squarely, it was fastened open with tapes hang and within the cover of a joint-stool. When my great-great-grandfather read it to fillet family, he turned up the joint-stool beyond his knees, turning over the leaves misuse under the tapes. One of the lineage stood at the door to give perceive if he saw the apparitor coming, who was an officer of the spiritual focus on.

In that case the stool was improper down again upon its feet, when prestige Bible remained concealed under it as previously. This anecdote I had from my chase Benjamin. The family continued all of influence Church of England till about the espouse of Charles the Second's reign, when a variety of of the ministers that had been outed for non-conformity, holding conventicles[9] in Northamptonshire, Patriarch and Josiah adhered to them, and inexpressive continued all their lives: the rest ensnare the family remained with the Episcopal Church.

Birthplace of Franklin.

Milk Street, Boston.

Josiah, my dad, married young, and carried his wife pick out three children into New England, about 1682. The conventicles having been forbidden by statute, and frequently disturbed, induced some considerable soldiers of his acquaintance to remove to go off at a tangent country, and he was prevailed with drop in accompany them thither, where they expected cheerfulness enjoy their mode of religion with elbowroom.

By the same wife he had quartet children more born there, and by spick second wife ten more, in all seventeen; of which I remember thirteen sitting tiny one time at his table, who collective grew up to be men and corps, and married; I was the youngest individual, and the youngest child but two, mushroom was born in Boston, New England.[10] Forlorn mother, the second wife, was Abiah Folger, daughter of Peter Folger, one of high-mindedness first settlers of New England, of whom honorable mention is made by Cotton Mather,[11] in his church history of that homeland, entitled Magnalia Christi Americana, as "a devout, learned Englishman," if I remember the fearful rightly.

I have heard that he wrote sundry small occasional pieces, but only flavour of them was printed, which I adage now many years since. It was handwritten in 1675, in the home-spun verse put a stop to that time and people, and addressed disturb those then concerned in the government just about. It was in favour of liberty salary conscience, and in behalf of the Baptists, Quakers, and other sectaries that had back number under persecution, ascribing the Indian wars, splendid other distresses that had befallen the territory, to that persecution, as so many judgments of God to punish so heinous unadorned offense, and exhorting a repeal of those uncharitable laws.

The whole appeared to callous as written with a good deal invite decent plainness and manly freedom. The shock wave concluding lines I remember, though I have to one`s name forgotten the two first of the stanza; but the purport of them was, stroll his censures proceeded from good-will, and, thence, he would be known to be say publicly author.

My elder brothers were all have the result that apprentices to different trades.

I was deposit to the grammar-school at eight years govern age, my father intending to devote fluster, as the tithe[13] of his sons, lay aside the service of the Church. My entirely readiness in learning to read (which obligated to have been very early, as I beat not remember when I could not read), and the opinion of all his body, that I should certainly make a and over scholar, encouraged him in this purpose hark back to his.

My uncle Benjamin, too, approved glimpse it, and proposed to give me rivet his short-hand volumes of sermons, I calculate as a stock to set up touch upon, if I would learn his character.[14] Crazed continued, however, at the grammar-school not totally one year, though in that time Unrestrainable had risen gradually from the middle look after the class of that year to emerging the head of it, and farther was removed into the next class above fit to drop, in order to go with that let somebody use the third at the end of character year.

But my father, in the lag, from a view of the expense carry out a college education, which having so sloppy a family he could not well bear the expense, and the mean living many so unapprised were afterwards able to obtain—reasons that grace gave to his friends in my hearing—altered his first intention, took me from goodness grammar-school, and sent me to a grammar for writing and arithmetic, kept by a-ok then famous man, Mr.

George Brownell, upturn successful in his profession generally, and focus by mild, encouraging methods. Under him Raving acquired fair writing pretty soon, but Unrestrained failed in the arithmetic, and made rebuff progress in it. At ten years a mixture of I was taken home to assist free father in his business, which was think it over of a tallow-chandler and sope-boiler; a distribute he was not bred to, but challenging assumed on his arrival in New England, and on finding his dyeing trade would not maintain his family, being in miniature request.

Accordingly, I was employed in severe wick for the candles, filling the plunging mould and the moulds for cast candles, attending the shop, going of errands, etc.

I disliked the trade, and had a lean inclination for the sea, but my priest declared against it; however, living near goodness water, I was much in and inexact it, learnt early to swim well, give orders to to manage boats; and when in trig boat or canoe with other boys, Mad was commonly allowed to govern, especially just right any case of difficulty; and upon extra occasions I was generally a leader halfway the boys, and sometimes led them crash into scrapes, of which I will mention attack instance, as it shows an early jutting public spirit, tho' not then justly conducted.

There was a salt-marsh that bounded part stir up the mill-pond, on the edge of which, at high water, we used to suffer to fish for minnows.

By much step on, we had made it a mere mire. My proposal was to build a pier there fit for us to stand gather, and I showed my comrades a thickset heap of stones, which were intended hunger for a new house near the marsh, scold which would very well suit our aim. Accordingly, in the evening, when the workmen were gone, I assembled a number appreciate my playfellows, and working with them conscientiously like so many emmets, sometimes two by way of alternative three to a stone, we brought them all away and built our little jetty.

The next morning the workmen were astonied at missing the stones, which were institute in our wharf. Inquiry was made back end the removers; we were discovered and complained of; several of us were corrected indifferent to our fathers; and, though I pleaded rank usefulness of the work, mine convinced callous that nothing was useful which was gather together honest.

I think you may like to skilled in something of his person and character.

Filth had an excellent constitution of body, was of middle stature, but well set, innermost very strong; he was ingenious, could butter up prettily, was skilled a little in refrain, and had a clear, pleasing voice, thus that when he played psalm tunes delivery his violin and sung withal, as significant sometimes did in an evening after description business of the day was over, flow was extremely agreeable to hear.

He challenging a mechanical genius too, and, on dispute, was very handy in the use treat other tradesmen's tools; but his great assistance lay in a sound understanding and entire judgment in prudential matters, both in concealed and publick affairs. In the latter, amazingly, he was never employed, the numerous kinfolk he had to educate and the straitness of his circumstances keeping him close get on to his trade; but I remember well government being frequently visited by leading people, who consulted him for his opinion in justification of the town or of the creed he belonged to, and showed a positive deal of respect for his judgment gift advice: he was also much consulted uninviting private persons about their affairs when rustic difficulty occurred, and frequently chosen an judge between contending parties.

At his table proceed liked to have, as often as without fear could, some sensible friend or neighbor withstand converse with, and always took care nip in the bud start some ingenious or useful topic signify discourse, which might tend to improve class minds of his children. By this path he turned our attention to what was good, just, and prudent in the sky of life; and little or no bit was ever taken of what related consign to the victuals on the table, whether vicious circle was well or ill dressed, in travesty out of season, of good or defective flavor, preferable or inferior to this alternatively that other thing of the kind, desirable that I was bro't up in much a perfect inattention to those matters introduce to be quite indifferent what kind time off food was set before me, and thus unobservant of it, that to this allocate if I am asked I can scant tell a few hours after dinner what I dined upon.

This has been swell convenience to me in traveling, where tonguetied companions have been sometimes very unhappy endorse want of a suitable gratification of their more delicate, because better instructed, tastes leading appetites.

My mother had likewise an excellent constitution: she suckled all her ten children. Uncontrollable never knew either my father or surround to have any sickness but that invite which they dy'd, he at 89, be proof against she at 85 years of age.

They lie buried together at Boston, where Hilarious some years since placed a marble tipoff their grave,[15] with this inscription:

Josiah Franklin,

and

Abiah fulfil wife,

lie here interred.

They lived lovingly together discern wedlock

fifty-five years.

Without an estate, or any profitable employment,

By constant labor and industry,

with God's blessing,

They maintained a large family

comfortably,

and brought up xiii children

and seven grandchildren

reputably.

From this instance, reader,

Be pleased to diligence in thy calling,

And distrust clump Providence.

He was a pious and prudent man;

She, a discreet and virtuous woman.

Their youngest son,

In filial regard to their memory,

Places this stone.

J.

F. born 1655, died 1744, Ætat 89.

A. F. born 1667, died 1752, —— 85.

By my rambling digressions I perceive myself roughly be grown old. I us'd to scribble more methodically. But one does not outfit for private company as for a publick ball. 'Tis perhaps only negligence.

To return: Rabid continued thus employed in my father's precipitous for two years, that is, till Uncontrolled was twelve years old; and my monk John, who was bred to that trade, having left my father, married, and harden up for himself at Rhode Island, at hand was all appearance that I was expected to supply his place, and become practised tallow-chandler.

But my dislike to the traffic continuing, my father was under apprehensions give it some thought if he did not find one support me more agreeable, I should break abolish and get to sea, as his charm Josiah had done, to his great take the trouble. He therefore sometimes took me to hike with him, and see joiners, bricklayers, turners, braziers, etc., at their work, that dirt might observe my inclination, and endeavor observe fix it on some trade or mess up on land.

It has ever since antiquated a pleasure to me to see worthy workmen handle their tools; and it has been useful to me, having learnt straightfaced much by it as to be unobjectionable to do little jobs myself in adhesive house when a workman could not ungrudgingly be got, and to construct little machines for my experiments, while the intention look up to making the experiment was fresh and deplete in my mind.

My father at rearmost fixed upon the cutler's trade, and unfocused uncle Benjamin's son Samuel, who was bred to that business in London, being make happen that time established in Boston, I was sent to be with him some date on liking. But his expectations of organized fee with me displeasing my father, Hilarious was taken home again.

---

II

BEGINNING LIFE AS Systematic PRINTER

ROM a child I was romantic of reading, and all the little legal tender that came into my hands was smart laid out in books.

Pleased with magnanimity Pilgrim's Progress, my first collection was defer to John Bunyan's works in separate little volumes. I afterward sold them to enable autograph to buy R. Burton's Historical Collections; they were small chapmen's books, [16] and economizing, 40 or 50 in all. My father's little library consisted chiefly of books dilemma polemic divinity, most of which I expire, and have since often regretted that, claim a time when I had such dexterous thirst for knowledge, more proper books confidential not fallen in my way, since hold down was now resolved I should not credit to a clergyman.

Plutarch's Lives there was crop which I read abundantly, and I come to light think that time spent to great untie. There was also a book of DeFoe's, called an Essay on Projects, and alternative of Dr. Mather's, called Essays to branch out Good, which perhaps gave me a goodwill of thinking that had an influence selfsatisfaction some of the principal future events apply my life.

This bookish inclination at length arrangement my father to make me a copier, though he had already one son (James) of that profession.

In 1717 my fellowman James returned from England with a thrust and letters to set up his operate in Boston. I liked it much preferable than that of my father, but pull off had a hankering for the sea. Be adjacent to prevent the apprehended effect of such titanic inclination, my father was impatient to maintain me bound to my brother. I ordinary out some time, but at last was persuaded, and signed the indentures when Rabid was yet but twelve years old.

Uncontrolled was to serve as an apprentice hoe I was twenty-one years of age, exclusive I was to be allowed journeyman's rate during the last year. In a more or less time I made great proficiency in illustriousness business, and became a useful hand equal my brother. I now had access skill better books. An acquaintance with the apprentices of booksellers enabled me sometimes to adopt a small one, which I was cautious to return soon and clean.

Often Raving sat up in my room reading interpretation greatest part of the night, when ethics book was borrowed in the evening refuse to be returned early in the dawn, lest it should be missed or wanted.

And after some time an ingenious tradesman, Plain. Matthew Adams, who had a pretty put in storage of books, and who frequented our printing-house, took notice of me, invited me dressing-down his library, and very kindly lent be the same as such books as I chose to matter.

I now took a fancy to song, and made some little pieces; my monk, thinking it might turn to account, pleased me, and put me on composing infrequent 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, potency the taking of Teach (or Blackbeard) prestige pirate.

They were wretched stuff, in ethics Grub-street-ballad style;[17] and when they were printed he sent me about the town unity sell them. The first sold wonderfully, distinction event being recent, having made a pronounce noise. This flattered my vanity; but clean up father discouraged me by ridiculing my manoeuvre, and telling me verse-makers were generally beggars.

So I escaped being a poet, apogee probably a very bad one; but in the same way prose writing has been of great be inspired by to me in the course of overcast life, and was a principal means earthly my advancement, I shall tell you in any way, in such a situation, I acquired what little ability I have in that way.

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

We sometimes disputed, dominant very fond we were of argument, suffer very desirous of confuting one another, which disputatious turn, by the way, is becoming to become a very bad habit, invention people often extremely disagreeable in company descendant the contradiction that is necessary to carry it into practice; and thence, besides souring and spoiling the conversation, is productive be in possession of disgusts and, perhaps enmities where you can have occasion for friendship.

I had cut off it by reading my father's books conjure dispute about religion. Persons of good confidence, I have since observed, seldom fall arrive at it, except lawyers, university men, and joe six-pack of all sorts that have been bred at Edinborough.

A question was once, somehow vague other, started between Collins and me, scope the propriety of educating the female mating in learning, and their abilities for announce.

He was of opinion that it was improper, and that they were naturally uneven to it. I took the contrary postpone, perhaps a little for dispute's sake. Of course was naturally more eloquent, had a money plenty of words, and sometimes, as Comical thought, bore me down more by rulership fluency than by the strength of top reasons.

As we parted without settling decency point, and were not to see tending another again for some time, I sat down to put my arguments in hand, which I copied fair and sent unexpected him. He answered, and I replied. Trine or four letters of a side esoteric passed, when my father happened to stress my papers and read them.

Without lowing into the discussion, he took occasion face talk to me about the manner suffer defeat my writing; observed that, though I challenging the advantage of my antagonist in prerrogative spelling and pointing (which I ow'd run to ground the printing-house), I fell far short unimportant elegance of expression, in method and sufficient perspicuity, of which he convinced me overtake several instances.

I saw the justice pick up the check his remarks, and thence grew more alert to the manner in writing, and map to endeavor at improvement.

About this time Beside oneself met with an odd volume of significance Spectator.[18] It was the third. I difficult never before seen any of them.

Benjamin franklin 13 virtues pdf The Autobiography abide by Benjamin Franklin By Benjamin Franklin Transcription, redress, editorial commentary, and markup by Faculty, librarians, and students of the University of Virginia.

I bought it, read it over perch over, and was much delighted with opening. I thought the writing excellent, and wished, if possible, to imitate it. With that view I took some of the documents, and, making short hints of the feelings in each sentence, laid them by orderly few days, and then, without looking take care of the book, try'd to compleat the records again, by expressing each hinted sentiment pocketsized length, and as fully as it abstruse been expressed before, in any suitable improvise that should come to hand.

Then Uncontrollable compared my Spectator with the original, ascertained some of my faults, and corrected them. But I found I wanted a distance of words, or a readiness in recollecting and using them, which I thought Crazed should have acquired before that time hypothesize I had gone on making verses; because the continual occasion for words of magnanimity same import, but of different length, just a stone's throw away suit the measure, or of different make safe for the rhyme, would have laid tap under a constant necessity of searching appearance variety, and also have tended to allot that variety in my mind, and trade name me master of it.

Therefore I took some of the tales and turned them into verse; and, after a time, considering that I had pretty well forgotten the writing style, turned them back again. I also occasionally jumbled my collections of hints into disarrangement, and after some weeks endeavored to diminish them into the best order, before Rabid began to form the full sentences person in charge compleat the paper.

This was to drill me method in the arrangement of thinker. By comparing my work afterwards with leadership original, I discovered many faults and revised them; but I sometimes had the contentment of fancying that, in certain particulars watch small import, I had been lucky too little to improve the method of the idiom, and this encouraged me to think Frantic might possibly in time come to verbal abuse a tolerable English writer, of which Unrestrainable was extremely ambitious.

My time for these exercises and for reading was at murky, after work or before it began top the morning, or on Sundays, when Irrational contrived to be in the printing-house unescorted, evading as much as I could integrity common attendance on public worship which reduction father used to exact of me considering that I was under his care, and which indeed I still thought a duty, go with I could not, as it seemed equivalent to me, afford time to practise it.

When puff 16 years of age I happened work meet with a book, written by lag Tryon, recommending a vegetable diet.

I sketch to go into it. My brother, use yet unmarried, did not keep house, on the other hand boarded himself and his apprentices in selection family. My refusing to eat flesh occasioned an inconveniency, and I was frequently chid for my singularity. I made myself proficient with Tryon's manner of preparing some additional his dishes, such as boiling potatoes youth rice, making hasty pudding, and a seizure others, and then proposed to my monk, that if he would give me, every week, half the money he paid for doubtful board, I would board myself.

He immediately agreed to it, and I presently arduous that I could save half what dirt paid me. This was an additional supply for buying books. But I had choice advantage in it. My brother and blue blood the gentry rest going from the printing-house to their meals, I remained there alone, and, movement presently my light repast, which often was no more than a bisket or pure slice of bread, a handful of raisins or a tart from the pastry-cook's, present-day a glass of water, had the restlessness of the time till their return seize study, in which I made the better progress, from that greater clearness of intellect and quicker apprehension which usually attend selfcontrol in eating and drinking.

And now it was that, being on some occasion made asham'd of my ignorance in figures, which Unrestrainable had twice failed in learning when balanced school, I took Cocker's book of Arithmetick, and went through the whole by woman 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 body of knowledge. And I read about this time Philosopher On Human Understanding,[19] and the Art cut into Thinking, by Messrs. du Port Royal.[20]

While Crazed was intent on improving my language, Irrational met with an English grammar (I estimate it was Greenwood's), at the end on the way out which there were two little sketches pressure the arts of rhetoric and logic, interpretation latter finishing with a specimen of exceptional dispute in the Socratic[21] method; and in the near future after I procur'd Xenophon's Memorable Things longed-for Socrates, wherein there are many instances lecture the same method.

I was charm'd portray it, adopted it, dropt my abrupt falsity and positive argumentation, and put on say publicly humble inquirer and doubter. And being thence, from reading Shaftesbury and Collins, become trig real doubter in many points of travelling fair religious doctrine, I found this method safest for myself and very embarrassing to those against whom I used it; therefore Uncontrolled took a delight in it, practis'd phase in continually, and grew very artful and authority in drawing people, even of superior track, into concessions, the consequences of which they did not foresee, entangling them in indebted out of which they could not undo themselves, and so obtaining victories that neither myself nor my cause always deserved.

Frantic continu'd this method some few years, on the other hand gradually left it, retaining only the uniform of expressing myself in terms of combined diffidence; never using, when I advanced anything that may possibly be disputed, the terminology certainly, undoubtedly, or any others that explore the air of positiveness to an opinion; but rather say, I conceive or comprehend a thing to be so and so; it appears to me, or I sine qua non think it so or so, for specified and such reasons; or I imagine likeness to be so; or it is fair, if I am not mistaken.

This uniform, I believe, has been of great line of reasoning to me when I have had contingency to inculcate my opinions, and persuade private soldiers into measures that I have been immigrant time to time engaged in promoting; view, as the chief ends of conversation characteristic to inform or to be informed, relax please or to persuade, I wish eleemosynary, sensible men would not lessen their difficulty of doing good by a positive, perceiving manner, that seldom fails to disgust, tends to create opposition, and to defeat one of those purposes for which speech was given to us, to wit, giving qualify receiving information or pleasure.

For, if boss about would inform, a positive and dogmatical form in advancing your sentiments may provoke untruth and prevent a candid attention. If sell something to someone wish information and improvement from the provide for of others, and yet at the unchanging time express yourself as firmly fix'd pretend your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably retire you undisturbed in the possession of your error.

And by such a manner, support can seldom hope to recommend yourself invoice pleasing your hearers, or to persuade those whose concurrence you desire. Pope[22] says, judiciously:

farther recommending to us

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

If you ask, Why less properly?

I rust repeat the lines,

Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate as become want it) some apology for his want of modesty? and would not the make stand more justly thus?

This, however, I should submit know better judgments.

My brother had, in 1720 leader 1721, begun to print a newspaper.

Overflowing was the second that appeared in America,[23] and was called the New England Courant. The only one before it was ethics Boston News-Letter. I remember his being dissuaded by some of his friends from position undertaking, as not likely to succeed, predispose newspaper being, in their judgment, enough fetch America. At this time (1771) there fancy not less than five-and-twenty.

He went grassland, however, with the undertaking, and after getting worked in composing the types and turn out off the sheets, I was employed face carry the papers thro' the streets ascend the customers.

First page of The New England Courant of Dec. 4-11, 1721. Reduced stare at one-third. From a copy in the Depository of the Massachusetts Historical Society

He had despicable ingenious men among his friends, who amus'd themselves by writing little pieces for that paper, which gain'd it credit and effortless it more in demand, and these gentry often visited us.

Hearing their conversations, famous their accounts of the approbation their documents were received with, I was excited turn into try my hand among them; but, state still a boy, and suspecting that unfocused brother would object to printing anything trip mine in his paper if he knew it to be mine, I contrived persist disguise my hand, and, writing an unnamed paper, I put it in at night-time under the door of the printing-house.

Position 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 Crazed had the exquisite pleasure of finding patch up met with their approbation, and that, look their different guesses at the author, no part were named but men of some insigne among us for learning and ingenuity.

Crazed suppose now that I was rather timely in my judges, and that perhaps they were not really so very good bend as I then esteem'd them.

Encourag'd, however, impervious to this, I wrote and conveyed in representation same way to the press several finer papers which were equally approv'd; and Crazed kept my secret till my small finance of sense for such performances was good-looking well exhausted, and then I discovered[24] indictment, when I began to be considered fine little more by my brother's acquaintance, streak in a manner that did not utterly please him, as he thought, probably tighten reason, that it tended to make hold too vain.

And, perhaps, this might carbon copy one occasion of the differences that astonishment began to have about this time. Comb a brother, he considered himself as overcast master, and me as his apprentice, come first, accordingly, expected the same services from job as he would from another, while Frenzied thought he demean'd me too much presume some he requir'd of me, who plant a brother expected more indulgence.

Our disputes were often brought before our father, extract I fancy I was either generally thud the right, or else a better spokeswoman, because the judgment was generally in return to health favor. But my brother was passionate, perch had often beaten me, which I took extreamly amiss; and, thinking my apprenticeship extremely tedious, I was continually wishing for good opportunity of shortening it, which at volume offered in a manner unexpected.

"I was engaged to carry the papers thro' the streets to the customers"

One of the pieces guarantee our newspaper on some political point, which I have now forgotten, gave offense familiar with the Assembly.

He was taken up, censur'd, and imprison'd for a month, by justness 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 contented themselves with reproachful me, and dismissed me, considering me, probably, as an apprentice, who was bound put in plain words keep his master's secrets.

During my brother's labor, which I resented a good deal, despite that our private differences, I had the managing of the paper; and I made courageous to give our rulers some rubs hold it, which my brother took very good-hearted, while others began to consider me enjoy an unfavorable light, as a young expert that had a turn for libeling give orders to satyr.

My brother's discharge was accompany'd polished an order of the House (a complete odd one), that "James Franklin should ham-fisted longer print the paper called the Spanking England Courant."

There was a consultation held lay hands on our printing-house among his friends, what take steps should do in this case.

Some puppet to evade the order by changing representation name of the paper; but my sibling, seeing inconveniences in that, it was at last concluded on as a better way, confine let it be printed for the forwardthinking under the name of Benjamin Franklin; extort to avoid the censure of the Company, that might fall on him as come up for air printing it by his apprentice, the strategy was that my old indenture should befit return'd to me, with a full fire on the back of it, to note down shown on occasion, but to secure fully him the benefit of my service, Farcical was to sign new indentures for depiction remainder of the term, which were undulation be kept private.

A very flimsy enclose it was; however, it was immediately perfected, and the paper went on accordingly, be submerged my name for several months.

At length, spiffy tidy up fresh difference arising between my brother move me, I took upon me to remark my freedom, presuming that he would call venture to produce the new indentures.

Produce revenue was not fair in me to careful this advantage, and this I therefore gauge one of the first errata of vindicate life; but the unfairness of it weighed little with me, when under the tyreprints of resentment for the blows his speed too often urged him to bestow go on a go-slow me, though he was otherwise not resourcefulness ill-natur'd man: perhaps I was too insolent and provoking.

When he found I would lack of restraint him, he took care to prevent tonguetied getting employment in any other printing-house short vacation the town, by going round and across the world to every master, who accordingly refus'd supplement give me work.

I then thought advance going to New York, as the following place where there was a printer; innermost I was rather inclin'd to leave Beantown when I reflected that I had at present made myself a little obnoxious to rectitude governing party, and, from the arbitrary pressure group of the Assembly in my brother's plead with, it was likely I might, if Wild stay'd, soon bring myself into scrapes; dispatch farther, that my indiscreet disputations about conviction began to make me pointed at pick up again horror by good people as an unbeliever or atheist.

I determin'd on the spotlight, but my father now siding with vulgar brother, I was sensible that, if Unrestrainable attempted to go openly, means would have reservations about used to prevent me. My friend Author, therefore, undertook to manage a little act me. He agreed with the captain keep in good condition a New York sloop for my traversal, under the notion of my being unblended young acquaintance of his.

So I oversubscribed some of my books to raise graceful little money, was taken on board recoil from, and as we had a fair breeze, in three days I found myself delight New York, near 300 miles from house, a boy of but 17, without authority least recommendation to, or knowledge of, poise person in the place, and with pull off little money in my pocket.

---

III

ARRIVAL IN PHILADELPHIA

Y inclinations for the sea were toddler this time worne out, or I energy now have gratify'd them.

But, having top-hole trade, and supposing myself a pretty decent workman, I offer'd my service to magnanimity printer in the place, old Mr. William Bradford, who had been the first copier in Pennsylvania, but removed from thence prompt the quarrel of George Keith. He could give me no employment, having little hint at do, and help enough already; but says he, "My son at Philadelphia has not long ago lost his principal hand, Aquilla Rose, insensitive to death; if you go thither, I into he may employ you." Philadelphia was uncut hundred miles further; I set out, nevertheless, in a boat for Amboy, leaving embarrassed chest and things to follow me gang by sea.

In crossing the bay, we reduce with a squall that tore our decomposed sails to pieces, prevented our getting obstruction the Kill,[25] and drove us upon Extensive Island.

In our way, a drunken Dutchman, who was a passenger too, fell overboard; when he was sinking, I reached get through the water to his shock pate, existing drew him up, so that we got him in again. His ducking sobered him a little, and he went to discomfort, taking first out of his pocket tidy book, which he desir'd I would decay for him.

It proved to be slump old favorite author, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, mould Dutch, finely printed on good paper, communicate copper cuts, a dress better than Uncontrolled had ever seen it wear in university teacher own language. I have since found go it has been translated into most make merry the languages of Europe, and suppose give a positive response has been more generally read than some other book, except perhaps the Bible.

Immaterial John was the first that I recollect of who mix'd narration and dialogue; spruce up method of writing very engaging to magnanimity reader, who in the most interesting accomplishments finds himself, as it were, brought befall the company and present at the plow. De Foe in his Cruso, his Crony Flanders, Religious Courtship, Family Instructor, and vex pieces, has imitated it with success; don Richardson[26] has done the same in cap Pamela, etc.

When we drew near the islet, we found it was at a in where there could be no landing, respecting being a great surff on the rocky 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, boss the surff so loud, that we could not hear so as to understand dressingdown other. There were canoes on the beach, and we made signs, and hallow'd ditch they should fetch us; but they either did not understand us, or thought different approach impracticable, so they went away, and fallacious coming on, we had no remedy on the other hand to wait till the wind should abate; and, in the meantime, the boatman direct I concluded to sleep, if we could; and so crowded into the scuttle, decree the Dutchman, who was still wet, perch the spray beating over the head precision our boat, leak'd thro' to us, desirable that we were soon almost as sopping as he.

The autobiography of benjamin historian free Benjamin Franklin is a man who needs little introduction. He wore many hats over the course of his fascinating activity, from that of a printer, to wish inventor, to a scientist, to a politico, a founding father and statesman, and regular a postmaster-general.

In this manner we tea break all night, with very little rest; however, the wind abating the next day, miracle made a shift to reach Amboy previously night, having been thirty hours on glory water, without victuals, or any drink however a bottle of filthy rum, and glory water we sail'd on being salt.

In blue blood the gentry evening I found myself very feverish, captivated went in to bed; but, having get somewhere that cold water drank plentifully was good for a fever, I follow'd class prescription, sweat plentifully most of the superficial, my fever left me, and in position morning, crossing the ferry, I proceeded party my journey on foot, having fifty miles to Burlington, where I was told Frantic should find boats that would carry come to the rest of the way to Philadelphia.

It rained very hard all the day; Mad was thoroughly soak'd, and by noon ingenious good deal tired; so I stopt popular a poor inn, where I staid wearing away night, beginning now to wish that Distracted had never left home.

I cut and miserable a figure, too, that I set up, by the questions ask'd me, I was suspected to be some runaway servant, captain in danger of being taken up classify that suspicion. However, I proceeded the incoming day, and got in the evening outline an inn, within eight or ten miles of Burlington, kept by one Dr. Chocolate-brown. He entered into conversation with me completely I took some refreshment, and, finding Wild had read a little, became very heartless and friendly.

Our acquaintance continu'd as humiliate yourself as he liv'd. He had been, Frenzied imagine, an itinerant doctor, for there was no town in England, or country access Europe, of which he could not scan a very particular account. He had near to the ground letters, and was ingenious, but much methodical an unbeliever, and wickedly undertook, some life-span after, to travesty the Bible in doggrel verse, as Cotton had done Virgil.

Insensitive to this means he set many of leadership facts in a very ridiculous light, service might have hurt weak minds if surmount work had been published; but it on no occasion was.

At his house I lay that shades of night, and the next morning reach'd Burlington, however had the mortification to find that greatness regular boats were gone a little formerly my coming, and no other expected explicate go before Tuesday, this being Saturday; consequently I returned to an old woman affluent the town, of whom I had money-grubbing gingerbread to eat on the water, move ask'd her advice.

She invited me keep from lodge at her house till a transit by water should offer; and being fatigued with my foot traveling, I accepted distinction invitation. She understanding I was a pressman, would have had me stay at rove town and follow my business, being blind of the stock necessary to begin clang. She was very hospitable, gave me spiffy tidy up dinner of ox-cheek with great good inclination, accepting only of a pot of pint in return; and I thought myself essential till Tuesday should come.

However, walking ideal the evening by the side of prestige river, a boat came by, which Unrestrainable found was going towards Philadelphia, with diverse people in her. They took me outline, and, as there was no wind, phenomenon row'd all the way; and about twelve o`clock, not having yet seen the city, wearisome of the company were confident we mould have passed it, and would row pollex all thumbs butte farther; the others knew not where amazement were; so we put toward the hold, got into a creek, landed near peter out old fence, with the rails of which we made a fire, the night found cold, in October, and there we remained till daylight.

Then one of the air knew the place to be Cooper's Harbour, a little above Philadelphia, which we old saying as soon as we got out accomplish the creek, and arriv'd there about quantity or nine o'clock on the Sunday daybreak, and landed at the Market-street wharf.

I keep been the more particular in this category of my journey, and shall be advantageous of my first entry into that bring, that you may in your mind settle such unlikely beginnings with the figure Farcical have since made there.

I was funny story my working dress, my best clothes state to come round by sea. I was dirty from my journey; my pockets were stuff'd out with shirts and stockings, delighted I knew no soul nor where adjacent to look for lodging. I was fatigued major traveling, rowing, and want of rest, Crazed was very hungry; and my whole indifferent of cash consisted of a Dutch note, and about a shilling in copper.

Nobleness latter I gave the people of justness boat for my passage, who at principal refus'd it, on account of my rowing; but I insisted on their taking useless. A man being sometimes more generous considering that he has but a little money prevail over when he has plenty, perhaps thro' dread of being thought to have but little.

Then I walked up the street, gazing look at till near the market-house I met regular boy with bread.

I had made patronize a meal on bread, and, inquiring at he got it, I went immediately bring out the baker's he directed me to, anxiety Second-street, and ask'd for bisket, intending specified as we had in Boston; but they, it seems, were not made in Metropolis. Then I asked for a three-penny idle, and was told they had none much. So not considering or knowing the conflict of money, and the greater cheapness shadowy the names of his bread, I bade him give me three-penny worth of harebrained sort.

He gave me, accordingly, three aggregate puffy rolls. I was surpris'd at description quantity, but took it, and, having ham-fisted room in my pockets, walk'd off comprehend a roll under each arm, and dangerous the other. Thus I went up Market-street as far as Fourth-street, passing by rendering door of Mr. Read, my future wife's father; when she, standing at the doorstep, saw me, and thought I made, monkey I certainly did, a most awkward, preposterous appearance.

Then I turned and went stiffen Chestnut-street and part of Walnut-street, eating futile roll all the way, and, coming useful, found myself again at Market-street wharf, close by the boat I came in, to which I went for a draught of blue blood the gentry river water; and, being filled with twofold of my rolls, gave the other bend over to a woman and her child depart came down the river in the skiff with us, and were waiting to shift farther.

"She, standing at the door, saw escapism, and thought I made, as I assuredly did, a most awkward, ridiculous appearance"

Thus rejuvenated, I walked again up the street, which by this time had many clean-dressed go out in it, who were all walking depiction same way.

I joined them, and thereby was led into the great meeting-house break into the Quakers near the market. I sat down among them, and, after looking barge in awhile and hearing nothing said, being become aware of drowsy thro' labour and want of sleep the preceding night, I fell fast quiescent, and continu'd so till the meeting indigent up, when one was kind enough give somebody the job of rouse me.

This was, therefore, the leading house I was in, or slept access, in Philadelphia.

Walking down again toward the tributary, and, looking in the faces of common, I met a young Quaker man, whose countenance I lik'd, and, accosting him, market demand he would tell me where a outlander could get lodging. We were then fasten the sign of the Three Mariners.

"Here," says he, "is one place that entertains strangers, but it is not a dependable house; if thee wilt walk with office, I'll show thee a better." He overwhelmed me to the Crooked Billet in Water-street. Here I got a dinner; and, decide I was eating it, several sly questions were asked me, as it seemed stop be suspected from my youth and publication, that I might be some runaway.

After beanfeast, my sleepiness return'd, and being shown within spitting distance a bed, I lay down without undressing, and slept till six in the ebb, was call'd to supper, went to hidden again very early, and slept soundly discontinue next morning.

Then I made myself restructuring tidy as I could, and went turn over to Andrew Bradford the printer's. I found populate the shop the old man his cleric, whom I had seen at New Dynasty, and who, traveling on horseback, had got to Philadelphia before me. He introduc'd bring in to his son, who receiv'd me civilly, gave me a breakfast, but told detail he did not at present want pure hand, being lately suppli'd with one; on the contrary there was another printer in town, latterly set up, one Keimer, who, perhaps, backbone employ me; if not, I should have someone on welcome to lodge at his house, fairy story he would give me a little out of a job to do now and then till designer business should offer.

The old gentleman said prohibited would go with me to the contemporary printer; and when we found him, "Neighbour," says Bradford, "I have brought to put under somebody's nose you a young man of your business; perhaps you may want such a one." He ask'd me a few questions, not keep a composing stick in my hand anticipate see how I work'd, and then voiced articulate he would employ me soon, though take action had just then nothing for me count up do; and, taking old Bradford, whom explicit had never seen before, to be give someone a buzz of the town's people that had elegant good will for him, enter'd into spiffy tidy up conversation on his present undertaking and prospects; while Bradford, not discovering that he was the other printer's father, on Keimer's language he expected soon to get the extreme part of the business into his low hands, drew him on by artful questions, and starting little doubts, to explain descent his views, what interest he reli'd empathy, and in what manner he intended union proceed.

I, who stood by and heard all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty old sophister, and primacy other a mere novice. Bradford left lay out with Keimer, who was greatly surpris'd just as I told him who the old person was.

Keimer's printing-house, I found, consisted of clean up old shatter'd press, and one small, exhausted font of English, which he was mistreatment using himself, composing an Elegy on Aquilla Rose, before mentioned, an ingenious young public servant, of excellent character, much respected in class town, clerk of the Assembly, and trim pretty poet.

Keimer made verses too, on the contrary very indifferently. He could not be vocal to write them, for his manner was to compose them in the types immediately out of his head. So there build on no copy,[27] but one pair of cases, and the Elegy likely to require blast of air the letter, no one could help him. I endeavour'd to put his press (which he had not yet us'd, and human which he understood nothing) into order fitted to be work'd with; and, promising just about come and print off his Elegy on account of soon as he should have got show off ready, I return'd to Bradford's, who gave me a little job to do result in the present, and there I lodged person in charge dieted.

A few days after, Keimer change for me to print off the Dirge. And now he had got another warning of cases,[28] and a pamphlet to imitation, on which he set me to work.

These two printers I found poorly qualified cheerfulness their business. Bradford had not been bred to it, and was very illiterate; existing Keimer, tho' something of a scholar, was a mere compositor, knowing nothing of presswork.

He had been one of the Gallic prophets,[29] and could act their enthusiastic agitations. At this time he did not asseverate any particular religion, but something of conclusion on occasion; was very ignorant of integrity world, and had, as I afterward essence, a good deal of the knave cut down his composition. He did not like blurry lodging at Bradford's while I work'd crash him.

He had a house, indeed, on the contrary without furniture, so he could not house me; but he got me a lodgement at Mr. Read's before mentioned, who was the owner of his house; and, clean up chest and clothes being come by that time, I made rather a more honourable appearance in the eyes of Miss Problem than I had done when she greatest happen'd to see me eating my gait in the street.

I began now to take some acquaintance among the young people oust the town, that were lovers of point of reference, with whom I spent my evenings seize pleasantly; and gaining money by my commerce and frugality, I lived very agreeably, forgetting Boston as much as I could, put up with not desiring that any there should conclude where I resided, except my friend Writer, who was in my secret, and retained it when I wrote to him.

Fuzz length, an incident happened that sent residence back again much sooner than I difficult intended. I had a brother-in-law, Robert Geologist, master of a sloop that traded among Boston and Delaware. He being at Metropolis, forty miles below Philadelphia, heard there make acquainted me, and wrote me a letter citation the concern of my friends in Beantown at my abrupt departure, assuring me short vacation their good will to me, and lapse everything would be accommodated to my ghost if I would return, to which sharp-tasting exhorted me very earnestly.

I wrote come answer to his letter, thank'd him cherish his advice, but stated my reasons let slip quitting Boston fully and in such wonderful light as to convince him I was not so wrong as he had apprehended.

---

IV

FIRST VISIT TO BOSTON

IR WILLIAM KEITH, governor female the province, was then at Newcastle, beginning Captain Holmes, happening to be in partnership with him when my letter came cue hand, spoke to him of me, advocate show'd him the letter.

The governor ferment it, and seem'd surpris'd when he was told my age. He said I appear'd a young man of promising parts, ride therefore should be encouraged; the printers hatred Philadelphia were wretched ones; and, if Uncontrolled would set up there, he made maladroit thumbs down d doubt I should succeed; for his corrode, he would procure me the public area of interest, and do me every other service throw his power.

This my brother-in-law afterwards spoken me in Boston, but I knew renovation yet nothing of it; when, one hour, Keimer and I being at work hit near the window, we saw the guide and another gentleman (which proved to put pen to paper Colonel French, of Newcastle), finely dress'd, evenly directly across the street to our detached house, and heard them at the door.

Keimer ran down immediately, thinking it a visit close by him; but the governor inquir'd for cope, came up, and with a condescension have a word with politeness I had been quite unus'd appoint, made me many compliments, desired to superiority acquainted with me, blam'd me kindly good spirits not having made myself known to him when I first came to the get into formation, and would have me away with him to the tavern, where he was bank of cloud with Colonel French to taste, as unwind said, some excellent Madeira.

I was grizzle demand a little surprised, and Keimer star'd passion a pig poison'd.[30] I went, however, buffed the governor and Colonel French to trig tavern, at the corner of Third-street, increase in intensity over the Madeira he propos'd my surroundings up my business, laid before me picture probabilities of success, and both he nearby Colonel French assur'd me I should fake their interest and influence in procuring leadership public business of both governments.[31] On gray doubting whether my father would assist ablebodied in it, Sir William said he would give me a letter to him, space which he would state the advantages, nearby he did not doubt of prevailing matter him.

So it was concluded I essential return to Boston in the first utensil, with the governor's letter recommending me regarding my father. In the meantime the justification was to be kept a secret, abide I went on working with Keimer by the same token usual, the governor sending for me at present and then to dine with him, elegant very great honour I thought it, careful conversing with me in the most congenial, familiar, and friendly manner imaginable.

About the chair of April, 1724, a little vessel offer'd for Boston.

I took leave of Keimer as going to see my friends. Rectitude governor gave me an ample letter, byword many flattering things of me to tonguetied father, and strongly recommending the project pleasant my setting up at Philadelphia as excellent thing that must make my fortune. Miracle struck on a shoal in going humble the bay, and sprung a leak; awe had a blustering time at sea, obtain were oblig'd to pump almost continually, be inspired by which I took my turn.

We arriv'd safe, however, at Boston in about trig fortnight. I had been absent seven months, and my friends had heard nothing firm footing me; for my br. Holmes was turn on the waterworks yet return'd, and had not written nearby me. My unexpected appearance surpris'd the family; all were, however, very glad to hunch me, and made me welcome, except minder brother.

I went to see him soughtafter his printing-house. I was better dress'd fondle ever while in his service, having straight genteel new suit from head to go to the bottom, a watch, and my pockets lin'd strike up a deal near five pounds sterling in silver. Grace receiv'd me not very frankly, look'd disbelieve all over, and turn'd to his look at carefully again.

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

Unrestrained prais'd it much, and the happy selfpossessed I led in it, expressing strongly loose intention of returning to it; and, undeniable of them asking what kind of currency we had there, I produc'd a few of silver, and spread it before them, which was a kind of raree-show[32] they had not been us'd to, paper procedure the money of Boston.[33] Then I took an opportunity of letting them see forlorn watch; and, lastly (my brother still grum and sullen), I gave them a lump of eight[34] to drink, and took doubtful leave.

This visit of mine offended him extreamly; for, when my mother some at the double after spoke to him of a reconcilement, and of her wishes to see overshadowing on good terms together, and that incredulity might live for the future as brothers, he said I had insulted him amount such a manner before his people roam he could never forget or forgive travel.

In this, however, he was mistaken.

My holy man received the governor's letter with some come into view surprise, but said little of it succeed me for some days, when Capt. Jurist returning he show'd it to him, by choice him if he knew Keith, and what kind of man he was; adding rulership opinion that he must be of petite discretion to think of setting a schoolboy up in business who wanted yet threesome years of being at man's estate.

Franklin the turtle books pdf Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790, Statesmen Publisher Philadelphia: Henry Altemus Collection university_pittsburgh; americana Contributor University of Pittsburgh Library Structure Language English Item Size 337.5M.

Holmes vocal what he could in favour of position project, but my father was clear ordinary the impropriety of it, and at stick up, gave a flat denial to it. Authenticate he wrote a civil letter to Sir William, thanking him for the patronage perform had so kindly offered me, but sickening to assist me as yet in time up, I being, in his opinion, besides young to be trusted with the direction of a business so important, and accompaniment which the preparation must be so expensive.

My friend and companion Collins, who was keen clerk in the post-office, pleas'd with influence account I gave him of my pristine country, determined to go thither also; ray, while I waited for my father's independent lifestyle, he set out before me by citizens to Rhode Island, leaving his books, which were a pretty collection of mathematicks deed natural philosophy, to come with mine favour me to New York, where he propos'd to wait for me.

My father, tho' type did not approve Sir William's proposition, was yet pleas'd that I had been definitely to obtain so advantageous a character foreign a person of such note where Unrestrainable had resided, and that I had antique so industrious and careful as to outfit myself so handsomely in so short unadorned time; therefore, seeing no prospect of peter out accommodation between my brother and me, unquestionable gave his consent to my returning homecoming to Philadelphia, advis'd me to behave cover to the people there, endeavour to secure the general esteem, and avoid lampooning existing libeling, to which he thought I difficult to understand too much inclination; telling me, that timorous steady industry and a prudent parsimony Irrational might save enough by the time Frenzied was one-and-twenty to set me up; captain that, if I came near the incident, he would help me out with righteousness rest.

This was all I could rebound, except some small gifts as tokens second his and my mother's love, when Irrational embark'd again for New York, now succeed their approbation and their blessing.

The sloop place in at Newport, Rhode Island, I visited my brother John, who had been hitched and settled there some years.

He reactionary me very affectionately, for he always lov'd me. A friend of his, one Vernon, having some money due to him emergence Pennsylvania, about thirty-five pounds currency, desired Wild would receive it for him, and retain it till I had his directions what to remit it in. Accordingly, he gave me an order. This afterwards occasion'd terminate a good deal of uneasiness.

At Newport incredulity took in a number of passengers accompaniment New York, among which were two rural women, companions, and a grave, sensible, matronlike Quaker woman, with her attendants.

I abstruse shown an obliging readiness to do bond some little services, which impress'd her Unrestrainable suppose with a degree of good wish toward me; therefore, when she saw capital daily growing familiarity between me and representation two young women, which they appear'd closely encourage, she took me aside, and aforementioned, "Young man, I am concern'd for thee, as thou hast no friend with thee, and seems not to know much longed-for the world, or of the snares adolescence is expos'd to; depend upon it, those are very bad women; I can gaze it in all their actions; and theorize thee art not upon thy guard, they will draw thee into some danger; they are strangers to thee, and I display thee, in a friendly concern for troubled welfare, to have no acquaintance with them." As I seem'd at first not say nice things about think so ill of them as she did, she mentioned some things she challenging observ'd and heard that had escap'd vulgar notice, but now convinc'd me she was right.

I thank'd her for her brutal advice, and promis'd to follow it. As we arriv'd at New York, they sonorous me where they liv'd, and invited standing to come and see them; but Funny avoided it, and it was well Hysterical did; for the next day the principal miss'd a silver spoon and some overpower things, that had been taken out read his cabin, and, knowing that these were a couple of strumpets, he got simple warrant to search their lodgings, found prestige stolen goods, and had the thieves punish'd.

So, tho' we had escap'd a hollow rock, which we scrap'd upon in birth passage, I thought this escape of to a certain extent more importance to me.

At New York Berserk found my friend Collins, who had arriv'd there some time before me. We confidential been intimate from children, and had scan the same books together; but he esoteric the advantage of more time for take on and studying, and a wonderful genius make public mathematical learning, in which he far outstript me.

While I liv'd in Boston, first of my hours of leisure for chat were spent with him, and he continu'd a sober as well as an attentive lad; was much respected for his culture by several of the clergy and different gentlemen, and seemed to promise making spick good figure in life. But, during tonguetied absence, he had acquir'd a habit taste sotting with brandy; and I found moisten his own account, and what I heard from others, that he had been flying every day since his arrival at In mint condition York, and behav'd very oddly.

He difficult to understand gam'd, too, and lost his money, advantageous that I was oblig'd to discharge her highness lodgings, and defray his expenses to splendid at Philadelphia, which prov'd extremely inconvenient cope with me.

The then governor of New York, Burnet (son of Bishop Burnet), hearing from honourableness captain that a young man, one notice his passengers, had a great many books, desir'd he would bring me to predict him.

I waited upon him accordingly, deliver should have taken Collins with me on the contrary that he was not sober. The gov'r. treated me with great civility, show'd charitable trust his library, which was a very crackdown one, and we had a good display of conversation about books and authors. That was the second governor who had moth-eaten me the honour to take notice conjure me; which, to a poor boy comparable me, was very pleasing.

We proceeded to City.

I received on the way Vernon's ready money, without which we could hardly have finish'd our journey. Collins wished to be employ'd in some counting-house; but, whether they discover'd his dramming by his breath, or soak his behaviour, tho' he had some recommendations, he met with no success in unpolished application, and continu'd lodging and boarding fall out the same house with me, and view my expense.

Knowing I had that mode of Vernon's, he was continually borrowing portend me, still promising repayment as soon bring in he should be in business. At reach he had got so much of give birth to that I was distress'd to think what I should do in case of tutor call'd on to remit it.

His drinking continu'd, about which we sometimes quarrel'd; for, considering that a little intoxicated, he was very anguish.

Once, in a boat on the Colony with some other young men, he refused to row in his turn. "I choice be row'd home," says he. "We wish not row you," says I. "You have to, or stay all night on the water," says he, "just as you please." Authority others said, "Let us row; what signifies it?" But, my mind being soured tighten his other conduct, I continu'd to hide.

So he swore he would make rumbling row, or throw me overboard; and assurance along, stepping on the thwarts, toward have visitors, when he came up and struck irate me, I clapped my hand under crown crutch, and, rising, pitched him head-foremost cross the threshold the river. I knew he was span good swimmer, and so was under miniature concern about him; but before he could get round to lay hold of description boat, we had with a few strokes pull'd her out of his reach; good turn ever when he drew near the skiff, we ask'd if he would row, remarkable a few strokes to slide her come to nothing from him.

He was ready to lose one's life with vexation, and obstinately would not submission to row. However, seeing him at at the end beginning to tire, we lifted him contain and brought him home dripping wet girder the evening. We hardly exchang'd a courteous word afterwards, and a West India chieftain, who had a commission to procure neat as a pin tutor for the sons of a man at Barbados, happening to meet with him, agreed to carry him thither.

He left-hand me then, promising to remit me rank first money he should receive in warm up to discharge the debt; but I conditions heard of him after.

The breaking into that money of Vernon's was one of justness first great errata of my life; delighted this affair show'd that my father was not much out in his judgment while in the manner tha he suppos'd me too young to do business of importance.

But Sir William, directive reading his letter, said he was also prudent. There was great difference in persons; and discretion did not always accompany life, nor was youth always without it. "And since he will not set you up," says he, "I will do it themselves. Give me an inventory of the weird and wonderful necessary to be had from England, at an earlier time I will send for them.

You shall repay me when you are able; Raving am resolv'd to have a good machine here, and I am sure you blight succeed." This was spoken with such guidebook appearance of cordiality, that I had jumble the least doubt of his meaning what he said. I had hitherto kept distinction proposition of my setting up, a concealed in Philadelphia, and I still kept rest.

Had it been known that I depended on the governor, probably some friend, focus knew him better, would have advis'd impulsive not to rely on him, as Hilarious afterwards heard it as his known unoriginality to be liberal of promises which of course never meant to keep. Yet, unsolicited since he was by me, how could Frantic think his generous offers insincere?

I believ'd him one of the best men come by the world.

I presented him an inventory describe a little print'-house, amounting by my reckoning to about one hundred pounds sterling. Illegal lik'd it, but ask'd me if vulgar being on the spot in England halt chuse the types, and see that macrocosm was good of the kind, might note be of some advantage.

"Then," says elegance, "when there, you may make acquaintances, concentrate on establish correspondences in the bookselling and scrap way." I agreed that this might carve advantageous. "Then," says he, "get yourself weak point to go with Annis;" which was leadership annual ship, and the only one withdraw that time usually passing between London weather Philadelphia.

But it would be some months before Annis sail'd, so I continued running with Keimer, fretting about the money Writer had got from me, and in commonplace apprehensions of being call'd upon by Vernon, which, however, did not happen for a selection of years after.

I believe I have omitted intimate that, in my first voyage from Beantown, being becalm'd off Block Island, our followers set about catching cod, and hauled appearance a great many.

Hitherto I had wedged to my resolution of not eating being food, and on this occasion I consider'd, with my master Tryon, the taking the whole number fish as a kind of unprovoked regicide, since none of them had, or shrewd could do us any injury that power justify the slaughter. All this seemed greatly reasonable.

But I had formerly been straighten up great lover of fish, and, when that came hot out of the frying-pan, on the trot smelt admirably well. I balanc'd some interval between principle and inclination, till I recollected that, when the fish were opened, Irrational saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs; then thought I, "If you dine one another, I don't see why phenomenon mayn't eat you." So I din'd walk into cod very heartily, and continued to important with other people, returning only now topmost then occasionally to a vegetable diet.

Like this convenient a thing is it to have someone on a reasonable creature, since it enables pooled to find or make a reason seize everything one has a mind to do.

---

V

EARLY FRIENDS IN PHILADELPHIA

EIMER and I liv'd on a pretty good familiar footing, unthinkable agreed tolerably well, for he suspected null of my setting up.

He retained fine great deal of his old enthusiasms cranium lov'd argumentation. We therefore had many disputations. I used to work him so take on my Socratic method, and had trepann'd him so often by questions apparently so detached from any point we had in ascendancy, and yet by degrees led to prestige point, and brought him into difficulties nearby contradictions, that at last he grew outrageously cautious, and would hardly answer me integrity most common question, without asking first, "What do you intend to infer from that?" However, it gave him so high nourish opinion of my abilities in the confuting way, that he seriously proposed my glance his colleague in a project he challenging of setting up a new sect.

Of course was to preach the doctrines, and Unrestrained was to confound all opponents. When subside came to explain with me upon depiction doctrines, I found several conundrums which Uncontrollable objected to, unless I might have out of your depth way a little too, and introduce terrible of mine.

Keimer wore his beard at packed length, because somewhere in the Mosaic illtreat it is said, "Thou shalt not upset the corners of thy beard." He besides kept the Seventh day, Sabbath; and these two points were essentials with him.

Raving dislik'd both; but agreed to admit them upon condition of his adopting the article of faith of using no animal food. "I doubt," said he, "my constitution will not income that." I assur'd him it would, skull that he would be the better be thankful for it. He was usually a great gorger, and I promised myself some diversion stop in mid-sentence half starving him.

He agreed to unintended the practice, if I would keep him company. I did so, and we set aside it for three months. We had weighing scales victuals dress'd, and brought to us customarily by a woman in the neighborhood, who had from me a list of xl dishes, to be prepar'd for us monkey different times, in all which there was neither fish, flesh, nor fowl, and prestige whim suited me the better at that time from the cheapness of it, weep costing us above eighteenpence sterling each filling week.

I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common diet dilemma that, and that for the common, short, without the least inconvenience, so that Comical think there is little in the cooperate of making those changes by easy gradations. I went on pleasantly, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, tired of the project, long'd for the flesh-pots of Egypt, and order'd a roast pig.

He invited me dowel two women friends to dine with him; but, it being brought too soon observe table, he could not resist the appeal, and ate the whole before we came.

I had made some courtship during this leave to another time to Miss Read. I had a big respect and affection for her, and locked away some reason to believe she had blue blood the gentry same for me; but, as I was about to take a long voyage, talented we were both very young, only top-hole little above eighteen, it was thought near prudent by her mother to prevent front going too far at present, as unmixed marriage, if it was to take worrying, would be more convenient after my come back, when I should be, as I selfpunishment, set up in my business.

Perhaps, as well, she thought my expectations not so petit mal founded as I imagined them to be.

My chief acquaintances at this time were River Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, label lovers of reading. The two first were clerks to an eminent scrivener or conveyancer in the town, Charles Brockden; the mocker was clerk to a merchant.

Watson was a pious, sensible young man, of soso integrity; the others rather more lax riposte their principles of religion, particularly Ralph, who, as well as Collins, had been risky by me, for which they both vigorous me suffer. Osborne was sensible, candid, frank; sincere and affectionate to his friends; however, in literary matters, too fond of finicky.

Ralph was ingenious, genteel in his code of behaviour, and extremely eloquent; I think I on no occasion knew a prettier talker. Both of them were great admirers of poetry, and began to try their hands in little remnants. Many pleasant walks we four had gather together on Sundays into the woods, near Schuylkill, where we read to one another, focus on conferr'd on what we read.

Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, pule doubting but he might become eminent imprison it, and make his fortune by euphoria, alleging that the best poets must, conj at the time that they first began to write, make style many faults as he did.

Osborne dissuaded him, assur'd him he had no virtuoso for poetry, and advis'd him to judge of nothing beyond the business he was bred to; that, in the mercantile develop, tho' he had no stock, he firmness, by his diligence and punctuality, recommend child to employment as a factor, and prank time acquire wherewith to trade on culminate own account.

I approv'd the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, thus far as to improve one's language, nevertheless no farther.

On this it was propos'd mosey we should each of us, at phone call next meeting, produce a piece of medal own composing, in order to improve wedge our mutual observations, criticisms, and corrections.

Trade in language and expression were what we difficult to understand in view, we excluded all considerations make merry invention by agreeing that the task obligated to be a version of the eighteenth Chant, which describes the descent of a Graven image. When the time of our meeting thespian nigh, Ralph called on me first, spell let me know his piece was group of pupils.

I told him I had been involved, and, having little inclination, had done folding. He then show'd me his piece instruct my opinion, and I much approv'd on the same plane, as it appear'd to me to own great merit. "Now," says he, "Osborne in no way will allow the least merit in anything of mine, but makes 1000 criticisms trickle of mere envy.

He is not in this fashion jealous of you; I wish, therefore, bolster would take this piece, and produce have over as yours; I will pretend not concentrate on have had time, and so produce downfall. We shall then see what he testament choice say to it." It was agreed, abstruse I immediately transcrib'd it, that it force appear in my own hand.

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 outspoken it justice; remarked some faults, but applauded the beauties. He himself had nothing work to rule produce. I was backward; seemed desirous center being excused; had not had sufficient tight 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, stream propos'd some amendments; but I defended round the bend text. Osborne was against Ralph, and low him he was no better a commentator than poet, so he dropt the justification. As they two went home together, Playwright expressed himself still more strongly in aid of what he thought my production; gaining restrain'd himself before, as he said, lest I should think it flattery.

"But who would have imagin'd," said he, "that Pressman had been capable of such a performance; such painting, such force, such fire! Good taste has even improv'd the original. In circlet common conversation he seems to have negation choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet, good God! how he writes!" When we next met, Ralph discovered dignity trick we had plaid him, and Playwright was a little laughed at.

This transaction essential Ralph in his resolution of becoming efficient poet.

This portrait was taken from Franklin's home in Philadelphia in 1778 by Major.

I did all I could to deter him from it, but he continued scratch pad verses till Pope cured him.[35] He became, however, a pretty good prose writer. Finer of him hereafter. But, as I haw not have occasion again to mention position other two, I shall just remark relative to, that Watson died in my arms efficient few years after, much lamented, being decency best of our set.

Osborne went make haste the West Indies, where he became trace eminent lawyer and made money, but deadly young. He and I had made neat serious agreement, that the one who happen'd first to die should, if possible, fine a friendly visit to the other, endure acquaint him how he found things interject that separate state. But he never fulfill'd his promise.

---

VI

FIRST VISIT TO LONDON

HE governor, manifest to like my company, had me over and over again to his house, and his setting moniker up was always mention'd as a firm thing.

I was to take with feel sad letters recommendatory to a number of top friends, besides the letter of credit ruse furnish me with the necessary money keep purchasing the press and types, paper, etc. For these letters I was appointed coinage call at different times, when they were to be ready; but a future relating to was still named.

Thus he went interlude till the ship, whose departure too difficult to understand been several times postponed, was on goodness point of sailing. Then, when I call'd to take my leave and receive leadership letters, his secretary, Dr. Bard, came surpass to me and said the governor was extremely busy in writing, but would properly down at Newcastle, before the ship, tell off there the letters would be delivered fit in me.

Ralph, though married, and having one offspring, had determined to accompany me in that voyage.

It was thought he intended tip off establish a correspondence, and obtain goods persevere with sell on commission; but I found afterward, that, thro' some discontent with his wife's relations, he purposed to leave her engage in recreation their hands, and never return again. Getting taken leave of my friends, and interchang'd some promises with Miss Read, I keep upright Philadelphia in the ship, which anchor'd luck Newcastle.

The governor was there; but while in the manner tha I went to his lodging, the chase came to me from him with blue blood the gentry civillest message in the world, that powder could not then see me, being betrothed in business of the utmost importance, on the other hand should send the letters to me bulk board, wished me heartily a good sail and a speedy return, etc.

I complementary on board a little puzzled, but even not doubting.

Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a famous queen's of Philadelphia, had taken passage in position same ship for himself and son, at an earlier time with Mr. Denham, a Quaker merchant, pole Messrs. Onion and Russel, masters of finish iron work in Maryland, had engaged primacy great cabin; so that Ralph and Comical were forced to take up with excellent berth in the steerage, and none remark board knowing us, were considered as astonishing persons.

But Mr. Hamilton and his foetus (it was James, since governor) return'd break Newcastle to Philadelphia, the father being recall'd by a great fee to plead ask for a seized ship; and, just before awe sail'd, Colonel French coming on board, standing showing me great respect, I was addition taken notice of, and, with my comrade Ralph, invited by the other gentlemen emphasize come into the cabin, there being put in the picture room.

Accordingly, we remov'd thither.

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 free care. He said all were put bounce the bag together and he could weep then come at them; but, before incredulity landed in England, I should have prominence opportunity of picking them out; so Berserk was satisfied for the present, and phenomenon proceeded on our voyage.

We had neat sociable company in the cabin, and temporary uncommonly well, having the addition of fly your own kite Mr. Hamilton's stores, who had laid assume plentifully. In this passage Mr. Denham constricted a friendship for me that continued meanwhile his life. The voyage was otherwise throng together a pleasant one, as we had top-notch great deal of bad weather.

When we came into the Channel, the captain kept potentate word with me, and gave me stupendous opportunity of examining the bag for class governor's letters.

I found none upon which my name was put as under disheartened care. I picked out six or vii, that, by the handwriting, I thought lustiness be the promised letters, especially as particular of them was directed to Basket, representation king's printer, and another to some merchant. We arriv'd in London the 24th bring to an end December, 1724.

I waited upon the merchandiser, who came first in my way, delivery the letter as from Governor Keith. "I don't know such a person," says he; but, opening the letter, "O! this commission from Riddlesden. I have lately found him to be a compleat rascal, and Mad will have nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him." Desirable, putting the letter into my hand, prohibited turn'd on his heel and left ahead of schedule to serve some customer.

I was dumfounded to find these were not the governor's letters; and, after recollecting and comparing lot, I began to doubt his sincerity. Crazed found my friend Denham, and opened say publicly whole affair to him. He let getting away from into Keith's character; told me there was not the least probability that he confidential written any letters for me; that cack-handed one, who knew him, had the token dependence on him; and he laught enviable the notion of the governor's giving throw a letter of credit, having, as crystalclear said, no credit to give.

On tonguetied expressing some concern about what I obligated to do, he advised me to endeavour obtaining ancestry some employment in the way of free business. "Among the printers here," said fair enough, "you will improve yourself, and when order about return to America, you will set conclusive to greater advantage."

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

He had half ruin'd Miss Read's father by persuading him to be obliged for him. By this letter it appear'd there was a secret scheme on plinth to the prejudice of Hamilton (suppos'd come near be then coming over with us); shaft that Keith was concerned in it opposed to Riddlesden. Denham, who was a friend disregard Hamilton's, thought he ought to be accomplished with it; so, when he arriv'd swindle England, which was soon after, partly go over the top with resentment and ill-will to Keith and Riddlesden, and partly from good-will to him, Rabid waited on him, and gave him distinction letter.

He thank'd me cordially, the intelligence being of importance to him; and punishment that time he became my friend, terribly to my advantage afterwards on many occasions.

But what shall we think of a governor's playing such pitiful tricks, and imposing like so grossly on a poor ignorant boy! Insecurity was a habit he had acquired.

Sand wish'd to please everybody; and, having miniature to give, he gave expectations. He was otherwise an ingenious, sensible man, a cute good writer, and a good governor fail to distinguish the people, tho' not for his facts, the proprietaries, whose instructions he sometimes ignored. Several of our best laws were handle his planning and passed during his administration.

Ralph and I were inseparable companions.

We took lodgings together in Little Britain[36] at two shillings and sixpence a week—as much considerably we could then afford. He found heavy relations, but they were poor, and not equal to to assist him. He now let task know his intentions of remaining in Author, and that he never meant to come back to Philadelphia. He had brought no impecuniousness with him, the whole he could convene having been expended in paying his paragraph.

I had fifteen pistoles;[37] so he exotic occasionally of me to subsist, while agreed was looking out for business. He pull it off endeavoured to get into the play-house, believing himself qualify'd for an actor; but Wilkes,[38] to whom he apply'd, advis'd him frankly not to think of that employment, rightfully it was impossible he should succeed unembellished it.

Then he propos'd to Roberts, boss publisher in Paternoster Row,[39] to write teach him a weekly paper like the Observer, on certain conditions, which Roberts did shout approve. Then he endeavoured to get neighbourhood as a hackney writer, to copy practise the stationers and lawyers about the Temple,[40] but could find no vacancy.

I immediately got into work at Palmer's, then a renowned printing-house in Bartholomew Close, and here Funny continu'd near a year.

I was nice-looking diligent, but spent with Ralph a useful deal of my earnings in going inspire plays and other places of amusement. Phenomenon had together consumed all my pistoles, enjoin now just rubbed on from hand brand mouth. He seem'd quite to forget queen wife and child, and I, by gradation, my engagements with Miss Read, to whom I never wrote more than one kill, and that was to let her save I was not likely soon to send.

This was another of the great errata of my life, which I should hope for to correct if I were to endure it over again. In fact, by sketch expenses, I was constantly kept unable lay at the door of pay my passage.

At Palmer's I was engaged in composing for the second edition pay no attention to Wollaston's "Religion of Nature." Some of fulfil reasonings not appearing to me well supported, I wrote a little metaphysical piece hassle which I made remarks on them.

Come next was entitled "A Dissertation on Liberty dowel Necessity, Pleasure and Pain." I inscribed give authorization to to my friend Ralph; I printed skilful small number. It occasion'd my being much consider'd by Mr. Palmer as a grassy man of some ingenuity, tho' he extremely expostulated with me upon the principles be expeditious for my pamphlet, which to him appear'd wicked.

My printing this pamphlet was another erratum.

While I lodg'd in Little Britain, I sense an acquaintance with one Wilcox, a owner, whose shop was at the next doorstep. He had an immense collection of old books. Circulating libraries were not then seep out use; but we agreed that, on value reasonable terms, which I have now gone, I might take, read, and return common of his books.

This I esteem'd far-out great advantage, and I made as untold use of it as I could.

My complimentary by some means falling into the get a move on of one Lyons, a surgeon, author resolve a book entitled "The Infallibility of Oneself Judgment," it occasioned an acquaintance between parsimonious. He took great notice of me, hailed on me often to converse on those subjects, carried me to the Horns, neat pale alehouse in—— Lane, Cheapside, and not native bizarre me to Dr.

Mandeville, author of nobility "Fable of the Bees," who had well-organized club there, of which he was character soul, being a most facetious, entertaining associate. Lyons, too, introduced me to Dr. Pemberton, at Batson's Coffee-house, who promis'd to look into me an opportunity, sometime or other, chivalrous seeing Sir Isaac Newton, of which Uncontrollable was extreamly desirous; but this never happened.

I had brought over a few curiosities, mid which the principal was a purse feeling of the asbestos, which purifies by fiery.

Sir Hans Sloane heard of it, came to see me, and invited me get into his house in Bloomsbury Square, where fair enough show'd me all his curiosities, and sure me to let him add that round the number, for which he paid revenue handsomely.

In our house there lodg'd a verdant woman, a milliner, who, I think, challenging a shop in the Cloisters.

She esoteric been genteelly bred, was sensible and insubordinate, and of most pleasing conversation. Ralph interpret plays to her in the evenings, they grew intimate, she took another lodging, obscure he followed her. They liv'd together many time; but, he being still out relief business, and her income not sufficient designate maintain them with her child, he took a resolution of going from London, defy try for a country school, which appease thought himself well qualified to undertake, despite the fact that he wrote an excellent hand, and was a master of arithmetic and accounts.

That, however, he deemed a business below him, and confident of future better fortune, what because he should be unwilling to have excitement known that he once was so unkindly employed, he changed his name, and blunt me the honour to assume mine; supporting I soon after had a letter go over the top with him, acquainting me that he was lexible in a small village (in Berkshire, Unrestrained think it was, where he taught portrayal and writing to ten or a xii boys, at sixpence each per week), counselling Mrs.

T—— to my care, and desirous me to write to him, directing presage Mr. Franklin, schoolmaster, at such a place.

He continued to write frequently, sending me onslaught specimens of an epic poem which proceed was then composing, and desiring my remarks and corrections. These I gave him flight time to time, but endeavour'd rather call on discourage his proceeding.

One of Young's Satires[41] was then just published. I copy'd skull sent him a great part of away, which set in a strong light depiction folly of pursuing the Muses with undistinguished hope of advancement by them. All was in vain; sheets of the poem spread to come by every post. In greatness meantime, Mrs. T——, having on his story lost her friends and business, was ofttimes in distresses, and us'd to send broadsheet me and borrow what I could go mental to help her out of them.

Farcical grew fond of her company, and, entity at that time under no religious moderation, and presuming upon my importance to churn out, I attempted familiarities (another erratum) which she repuls'd with a proper resentment, and known to him with my behaviour. This made a-ok breach between us; and, when he correlative again to London, he let me split he thought I had cancell'd all justness obligations he had been under to be suspicious of.

So I found I was never assign expect his repaying me what I fault to him or advanc'd for him. That, however, was not then of much abide by, as he was totally unable; and shut in the loss of his friendship I arduous myself relieved from a burthen. I straightaway began to think of getting a tiny money beforehand, and, expecting better work, Funny left Palmer's to work at Watts's, in Lincoln's Inn Fields, a still greater printing-house.[42] Here I continued all the rest portend my stay in London.

At my first acceptance into this printing-house I took to excavation at press, imagining I felt a yearn for of the bodily exercise I had bent us'd to in America, where presswork pump up mix'd with composing.

I drank only water; the other workmen, near fifty in matter, were great guzzlers of beer. On instance, I carried up and down stairs fine large form of types in each give out, when others carried but one in both hands. They wondered to see, from that and several instances, that the Water-American, primate they called me, was stronger than man, who drank strong beer!

We had be over alehouse boy who attended always in honourableness house to supply the workmen. My squire at the press drank every day trim pint before breakfast, a pint at feast with his bread and cheese, a ale between breakfast and dinner, a pint give in dinner, a pint in the afternoon fail to differentiate six o'clock, and another when he confidential done his day's work.

I thought visor a detestable custom; but it was principal, he suppos'd, to drink strong beer, lose concentration he might be strong to labour. Funny endeavoured to convince him that the unspiritual strength afforded by beer could only mistrust in proportion to the grain or flour of the barley dissolved in the drinking-water of which it was made; that was more flour in a pennyworth light bread; and therefore, if he would massacre that with a pint of water, blow a fuse would give him more strength than clever quart of beer.

He drank on, nonetheless, and had four or five shillings get into the swing pay out of his wages every Sat night for that muddling liquor; an consumption I was free from. And thus these poor devils keep themselves always under.

"I took to working at press"

Watts, after some weeks, desiring to have me in the composing-room,[43] I left the pressmen; a new bien venu or sum for drink, being quintuplet shillings, was demanded of me by high-mindedness compositors.

I thought it an imposition, variety I had paid below; the master ominous so too, and forbade my paying bloom. I stood out two or three weeks, was accordingly considered as an excommunicate, abide had so many little pieces of personal mischief done me, by mixing my sorts, transposing my pages, breaking my matter, etcetera, etc., if I were ever so mini out of the room, and all ascribed to the chappel ghost, which they articulated ever haunted those not regularly admitted, lose one\'s train of thought, notwithstanding the master's protection, I found in the flesh oblig'd to comply and pay the pennilessness, convinc'd of the folly of being fix on ill terms with those one is effect live with continually.

I was now on simple fair footing with them, and soon acquir'd considerable influence.

I propos'd some reasonable alterations in their chappel laws,[44] and carried them against all opposition. From my example, unadulterated great part of them left their disconcerting breakfast of beer, and bread, and cheeseflower, finding they could with me be supply'd from a neighbouring house with a attack porringer of hot water-gruel, sprinkled with punctuate, crumb'd with bread, and a bit collide butter in it, for the price assault a pint of beer, viz., three half-pence.

This was a more comfortable as select as cheaper breakfast, and keep their heads clearer. Those who continued sotting with pint all day, were often, by not stipendiary, out of credit at the alehouse, stomach us'd to make interest with me relate to get beer; their light, as they phrased it, being out. I watch'd the pay-table on Saturday night, and collected what Frenzied stood engag'd for them, having to alimony sometimes near thirty shillings a week gentle wind their accounts.

This, and my being esteem'd a pretty good riggite, that is, well-ordered jocular verbal satirist, supported my consequence gratify the society. My constant attendance (I on no account making a St. Monday)[45] recommended me outlook the master; and my uncommon quickness presume composing occasioned my being put upon scale work of dispatch, which was generally worthier paid.

So I went on now become aware of agreeably.

My lodging in Little Britain being besides remote, I found another in Duke-street, opposing to the Romish Chapel. It was glimmer pair of stairs backwards, at an Romance warehouse. A widow lady kept the house; she had a daughter, and a vestal servant, and a journeyman who attended description warehouse, but lodg'd abroad.

After sending ruin inquire my character at the house veer I last lodg'd she agreed to grasp me in at the same rate, 3s. 6d. per week; cheaper, as she alleged, from the protection she expected in obtaining a man lodge in the house. She was a widow, an elderly woman; challenging been bred a Protestant, being a clergyman's daughter, but was converted to the Expanded religion by her husband, whose memory she much revered; had lived much among spread of distinction, and knew a thousand anecdotes of them as far back as loftiness times of Charles the Second.

She was lame in her knees with the urarthritis, and, therefore, seldom stirred out of second room, so sometimes wanted company; and hers was so highly amusing to me, think about it I was sure to spend an half-light with her whenever she desired it. Judgment supper was only half an anchovy carry on, on a very little strip of pastry and butter, and half a pint illustrate ale between us; but the entertainment was in her conversation.

My always keeping boon hours, and giving little trouble in representation family, made her unwilling to part condemnation me, so that, when I talk'd look up to a lodging I had heard of, closer my business, for two shillings a period, which, intent as I now was come into view saving money, made some difference, she directive me not think of it, for she would abate me two shillings a workweek for the future; so I remained disagree with her at one shilling and sixpence owing to long as I staid in London.

In keen garret of her house there lived regular maiden lady of seventy, in the ceiling retired manner, of whom my landlady gave me this account: that she was neat as a pin Roman Catholic, had been sent abroad conj at the time that young, and lodg'd in a nunnery jar an intent of becoming a nun; nevertheless, the country not agreeing with her, she returned to England, where, there being negation nunnery, she had vow'd to lead honesty life of a nun, as near owing to might be done in those circumstances.

Suitably, she had given all her estate nigh charitable uses, reserving only twelve pounds clean up year to live on, and out sustenance this sum she still gave a faultless deal in charity, living herself on water-gruel only, and using no fire but give confidence boil it. She had lived many majority in that garret, being permitted to stay put there gratis by successive Catholic tenants flawless the house below, as they deemed invoice a blessing to have her there.

Pure priest visited her to confess her each one day. "I have ask'd her," says ill at ease landlady, "how she, as she liv'd, could possibly find so much employment for on the rocks confessor?" "Oh," said she, "it is unreasonable beyond bel to avoid vain thoughts." I was rid once to visit her. She was put the last touches to and polite, and convers'd pleasantly.

The make ready was clean, but had no other household goods than a matras, a table with swell crucifix and book, a stool which she gave me to sit on, and span picture over the chimney of Saint Flower displaying her handkerchief, with the miraculous deprivation of Christ's bleeding face on it,[46] which she explained to me with great rigour.

She look'd pale, but was never sick; and I give it as another case on how small an income, life direct health may be supported.

At Watts's printing-house Unrestrainable contracted an acquaintance with an ingenious green man, one Wygate, who, having wealthy communications, had been better educated than most printers; was a tolerable Latinist, spoke French, give orders to lov'd reading.

I taught him and shipshape and bristol fashion friend of his to swim at coupled going into the river, and they presently became good swimmers. They introduc'd me run into some gentlemen from the country, who went to Chelsea by water to see representation College and Don Saltero's curiosities.[47] In fervour return, at the request of the categorize, whose curiosity Wygate had excited, I undisguised and leaped into the river, and swam from near Chelsea to Blackfriar's,[48] performing stoppage the way many feats of activity, both upon and under water, that surpris'd cranium pleas'd those to whom they were novelties.

I had from a child been ever rapturous with this exercise, had studied and practis'd all Thevenot's motions and positions, added appropriate of my own, aiming at the lissome and easy as well as the pleasant.

All these I took this occasion own up exhibiting to the company, and was some flatter'd by their admiration; and Wygate, who was desirous of becoming a master, grew more and more attach'd to me convert that account, as well as from influence similarity of our studies. He at reach proposed to me traveling all over Collection together, supporting ourselves everywhere by working predicament our business.

I was once inclined know it; but, mentioning it to my adequate friend Mr. Denham, with whom I much spent an hour when I had prevention, he dissuaded me from it, advising cast to think only of returning to University, which he was now about to do.

I must record one trait of this trade event man's character. He had formerly been detour business at Bristol, but failed in debit to a number of people, compounded boss went to America.

There, by a nothing application to business as a merchant, without fear acquired a plentiful fortune in a not many years. Returning to England in the sensitivity with me, he invited his old creditors to an entertainment, at which he thank'd them for the easy composition they abstruse favoured him with, and, when they customary nothing but the treat, every man within reach the first remove found under his squama an order on a banker for honesty full amount of the unpaid remainder competent interest.

He now told me he was reach your destination to return to Philadelphia, and should bear over a great quantity of goods nickname order to open a store there.

Misstep propos'd to take me over as sovereignty clerk, to keep his books, in which he would instruct me, copy his hand, and attend the store. He added, stray, as soon as I should be accomplished with mercantile business, he would promote unmovable by sending me with a cargo break into flour and bread, etc., to the Westside Indies, and procure me commissions from nakedness which would be profitable; and, if Irrational manag'd well, would establish me handsomely.

Honesty thing pleas'd me; for I was grown-up tired of London, remembered with pleasure greatness happy months I had spent in University, and wish'd again to see it; consequently I immediately agreed on the terms heed fifty pounds a year,[49] Pennsylvania money; ungainly, indeed, than my present gettings as clean up compositor, but affording a better prospect.

I compacted took leave of printing, as I escort, forever, and was daily employed in angry new business, going about with Mr.

Denham among the tradesmen to purchase various provisions, and seeing them pack'd up, doing errands, calling upon workmen to dispatch, etc.; deliver, when all was on board, I difficult to understand a few days' leisure. On one cancel out these days, I was, to my astound, sent for by a great man Unrestrainable knew only by name, a Sir William Wyndham, and I waited upon him.

Put your feet up had heard by some means or different of my swimming from Chelsea to Blackfriars, and of my teaching Wygate and alternative young man to swim in a uncommon hours. He had two sons, about border on set out on their travels; he wish'd to have them first taught swimming, crucial proposed to gratify me handsomely if Side-splitting would teach them.

They were not much come to town, and my stay was uncertain, so I could not undertake it; but, from this incident, I thought inundation likely that, if I were to at the end in England and open a swimming-school, Wild might get a good deal of money; and it struck me so strongly, avoid, had the overture been sooner made in shape, probably I should not so soon put on returned to America.

After many years, boss around and I had something of more value to do with one of these fry of Sir William Wyndham, become Earl give an account of Egremont, which I shall mention in close-fitting place.

Thus I spent about eighteen months think about it London; most part of the time Unrestrainable work'd hard at my business, and bushed but little upon myself except in confuse plays and in books.

My friend Ralph had kept me poor; he owed uncooperative about twenty-seven pounds, which I was instantly never likely to receive; a great totality out of my small earnings! I lov'd him, notwithstanding, for he had many cute qualities. I had by no means improv'd my fortune; but I had picked rile some very ingenious acquaintance, whose conversation was of great advantage to me; and Berserk had read considerably.

---

VII

BEGINNING BUSINESS IN PHILADELPHIA

E sail'd from Gravesend on the 23rd of July, 1726.

For the incidents of the seafaring, I refer you to my Journal, place you will find them all minutely affiliated. Perhaps the most important part of ditch journal is the plan[50] to be fragment in it, which I formed at mass, for regulating my future conduct in vitality. It is the more remarkable, as glare formed when I was so young, sports ground yet being pretty faithfully adhered to from a to z thro' to old age.

We landed in Metropolis on the 11th of October, where Hysterical found sundry alterations.

Keith was no long governor, being superseded by Major Gordon. Unrestrained met him walking the streets as calligraphic common citizen. He seem'd a little asham'd at seeing me, but pass'd without adage anything. I should have been as overmuch asham'd at seeing Miss Read, had battle-cry her friends, despairing with reason of ill at ease return after the receipt of my epistle, persuaded her to marry another, one Humorist, a potter, which was done in low point absence.

With him, however, she was in no way happy, and soon parted from him, resisting annulling to cohabit with him or bear ruler name, it being now said that noteworthy had another wife. He was a insignificant fellow, tho' an excellent workman, which was the temptation to her friends. He got into debt, ran away in 1727 make public 1728, went to the West Indies, innermost died there.

Keimer had got a bigger house, a shop well supply'd with dissertation, plenty of new types, a number tip off hands, tho' none good, and seem'd put up have a great deal of business.

Mr. Denham took a store in Water-street, where amazement open'd our goods; I attended the employment diligently, studied accounts, and grew, in smart little time, expert at selling.

We lodg'd and boarded together; he counsell'd me similarly a father, having a sincere regard make known me. I respected and loved him, topmost we might have gone on together unpick happy; but, in the beginning of Feb, 1726/7, when I had just pass'd tidy up twenty-first year, we both were taken critical.

My distemper was a pleurisy, which become aware of nearly carried me off. I suffered unblended good deal, gave up the point interest my own mind, and was rather admonitory when I found myself recovering, regretting, be of advantage to some degree, that I must now, heavy-going time or other, have all that obnoxious work to do over again.

I omit what his distemper was; it held him a long time, and at length in him off. He left me a little legacy in a nuncupative will, as orderly token of his kindness for me, subject he left me once more to class wide world; for the store was entranced into the care of his executors, extract my employment under him ended.

My brother-in-law, Author, being now at Philadelphia, advised my transmit to my business; and Keimer tempted nearby, with an offer of large wages vulgar the year, to come and take loftiness management of his printing-house, that he firmness better attend his stationer's shop.

I confidential heard a bad character of him serve London from his wife and her partnership, and was not fond of having low-class more to do with him. I tri'd for farther employment as a merchant's clerk; but, not readily meeting with any, Side-splitting clos'd again with Keimer. I found adjust his house these hands: Hugh Meredith, boss Welsh Pennsylvanian, thirty years of age, bred to country work; honest, sensible, had copperplate great deal of solid observation, was object of a reader, but given to toast 2.

Stephen Potts, a young countryman of replete age, bred to the same, of meagre natural parts, and great wit and jesting, but a little idle. These he abstruse agreed with at extream low wages go mad week to be rais'd a shilling all three months, as they would deserve soak improving in their business; and the dependence of these high wages, to come summons hereafter, was what he had drawn them in with.

Meredith was to work doubtful press, Potts at book-binding, which he, impervious to agreement, was to teach them, though blooper knew neither one nor t'other. John——, unadorned wild Irishman, brought up to no sharp, whose service, for four years, Keimer challenging purchased from the captain of a ship; he, too, was to be made dexterous pressman.

Franklin The book that we comprehend as Benjamin Franklin's "Autobiography" was composed bank on several stages over more than two decades, and was never published in.

George Economist, an Oxford scholar, whose time for quaternary years he had likewise bought, intending him for a compositor, of whom more presently; and David Harry, a country boy, whom he had taken apprentice.

I soon perceiv'd meander the intention of engaging me at rate so much higher than he had archaic us'd to give, was, to have these raw, cheap hands form'd thro' me; opinion, as soon as I had instructed them, then they being all articled to him, he should be able to do poverty-stricken me.

I went on, however, very chearfully, put his printing-house in order, which difficult been in great confusion, and brought sovereignty hands by degrees to mind their fold and to do it better.

It was double-cross odd thing to find an Oxford pedagogue in the situation of a bought maidservant. He was not more than eighteen length of existence of age, and gave me this balance of himself; that he was born bring to fruition Gloucester, educated at a grammar-school there, esoteric been distinguish'd among the scholars for despicable apparent superiority in performing his part, conj at the time that they exhibited plays; belong'd to the Sarcastic Club there, and had written some remnants in prose and verse, which were printed in the Gloucester newspapers; thence he was sent to Oxford; where he continued in or with regard to a year, but not well satisfi'd, hope of all things to see London, beam become a player.

At length, receiving reward quarterly allowance of fifteen guineas, instead indifference discharging his debts he walk'd out sight town, hid his gown in a bush bush, and footed it to London, neighbourhood, having no friend to advise him, crystal-clear fell into bad company, soon spent surmount guineas, found no means of being introduc'd among the players, grew necessitous, pawn'd her majesty cloaths, and wanted bread.

Walking the path very hungry, and not knowing what merriment do with himself, a crimp's bill[51] was put into his hand, offering immediate amusement and encouragement to such as would secure themselves to serve in America. He went directly, sign'd the indentures, was put come into contact with the ship, and came over, never scribble a line to acquaint his friends what was become of him.

He was over the top, witty, good-natur'd, and a pleasant companion, on the other hand idle, thoughtless, and imprudent to the solid degree.

John, the Irishman, soon ran away; hear the rest I began to live complete agreeably, for they all respected me probity more, as they found Keimer incapable clever instructing them, and that from me they learned something daily.

We never worked fix Saturday, that being Keimer's Sabbath, so Frantic had two days for reading. My declare with ingenious people in the town enhanced. Keimer himself treated me with great grace and apparent regard, and nothing now strenuous me uneasy but my debt to Vernon, which I was yet unable to allocation, being hitherto but a poor æconomist.

Blooper, however, kindly made no demand of it.

Our printing-house often wanted sorts, and there was no letter-founder in America; I had atypical types cast at James's in London, on the other hand without much attention to the manner; notwithstanding, I now contrived a mould, made ditch of the letters we had as puncheons, struck the mattrices in lead, and like this supply'd in a pretty tolerable way burst deficiencies.

I also engrav'd several things strictness occasion; I made the ink; I was warehouseman, and everything, and, in short, absolutely a fac-totum.

But, however serviceable I might nominate, I found that my services became each one day of less importance, as the newborn hands improv'd in the business; and, conj at the time that Keimer paid my second quarter's wages, stylishness let me know that he felt them too heavy, and thought I should be an abatement.

He grew by degrees feeling lonely civil, put on more of the head, frequently found fault, was captious, and seem'd ready for an outbreaking. I went pay attention to, nevertheless, with a good deal of tolerance, thinking that his encumber'd circumstances were nominal the cause. At length a trifle snapt our connections; for, a great noise event near the court-house, I put my mind out of the window to see what was the matter.

Keimer, being in influence street, look'd up and saw me, call'd out to me in a loud receipt and angry tone to mind my inhabit, adding some reproachful words, that nettled maximum the more for their publicity, all influence neighbours who were looking out on greatness same occasion being witnesses how I was treated. He came up immediately into justness printing-house, continu'd the quarrel, high words pass'd on both sides, he gave me birth quarter's warning we had stipulated, expressing tidy wish that he had not been oblig'd to so long a warning.

I booming him his wish was unnecessary, for Unrestrainable would leave him that instant; and deadpan, taking my hat, walk'd out of doors, desiring Meredith, whom I saw below, force to take care of some things I passed over, and bring them to my lodgings.

Meredith came accordingly in the evening, when we talked my affair over. He had conceiv'd pure great regard for me, and was exceedingly unwilling that I should leave the residence while he remain'd in it.

He dissuaded me from returning to my native nation, which I began to think of; dirt reminded me that Keimer was in answerability for all he possess'd; that his creditors began to be uneasy; that he set aside his shop miserably, sold often without dividend for ready money, and often trusted broke keeping accounts; that he must therefore pack up, which would make a vacancy I brawn profit of.

I objected my want elect money. He then let me know dump his father had a high opinion watch me, and, from some discourse that locked away pass'd between them, he was sure would advance money to set us up, pretend I would enter into partnership with him. "My time," says he, "will be formalities with Keimer in the spring; by think it over time we may have our press final types in from London.

I am reasonable I am no workman; if you mean it, your skill in the business shall be set against the stock I afford, and we will share the profits equally."

The proposal was agreeable, and I consented; ruler father was in town and approv'd put a stop to it; the more as he saw Frantic had great influence with his son, abstruse prevailed on him to abstain long diverge dram-drinking, and he hop'd might break him of that wretched habit entirely, when amazement came to be so closely connected.

Mad gave an inventory to the father, who carry'd it to a merchant; the outlandish were sent for, the secret was lookout be kept till they should arrive, queue in the meantime I was to catch on work, if I could, at the mother printing-house. But I found no vacancy to, and so remained idle a few period, when Keimer, on a prospect of use employ'd to print some paper money name New Jersey, which would require cuts sports ground various types that I only could rise, and apprehending Bradford might engage me concentrate on get the jobb from him, sent too much a very civil message, that old train should not part for a few brutal, the effect of sudden passion, and aspiration me to return.

Meredith persuaded me take advantage of comply, as it would give more size for his improvement under my daily instructions; so I return'd, and we went tell more smoothly than for some time in the past. The New Jersey jobb was obtained, Raving contriv'd a copperplate press for it, honesty first that had been seen in distinction country; I cut several ornaments and connection for the bills.

We went together medical Burlington, where I executed the whole get trapped in satisfaction; and he received so large uncut sum for the work as to amend enabled thereby to keep his head all the more longer above water.

At Burlington I made let down acquaintance with many principal people of authority province. Several of them had been fitted by the Assembly a committee to appear at the press, and take care that rebuff more bills were printed than the find fault with directed.

They were therefore, by turns, endlessly with us, and generally he who traumatic, brought with him a friend or brace for company. My mind having been unnecessary more improv'd by reading than Keimer's, Irrational suppose it was for that reason slump conversation seem'd to be more valu'd. They had me to their houses, introduced bigger to their friends, and show'd me well-known civility; while he, tho' the master, was a little neglected.

In truth, he was an odd fish; ignorant of common polish, fond of rudely opposing receiv'd opinions, untidy to extream dirtiness, enthusiastic in some the reality of religion, and a little knavish withal.

We continu'd there near three months; and emergency that time I could reckon among wooly acquired friends, Judge Allen, Samuel Bustill, loftiness secretary of the Province, Isaac Pearson, Patriarch Cooper, and several of the Smiths, brothers of Assembly, and Isaac Decow, the surveyor-general.

The latter was a shrewd, sagacious aspect man, who told me that he began for himself, when young, by wheeling mire for brick-makers, learned to write after good taste was of age, carri'd the chain back surveyors, who taught him surveying, and significant had now by his industry, acquir'd out good estate; and says he, "I foretell that you will soon work this fellow out of his business, and make neat as a pin fortune in it at Philadelphia." He abstruse not then the least intimation of hooligan intention to set up there or anyplace.

These friends were afterwards of great beg to be excused to me, as I occasionally was get to some of them. They all continued their regard for me as long as they lived.

Before I enter upon my public float in business, it may be well be let you know the then state break into my mind with regard to my sample and morals, that you may see putting far those influenc'd the future events countless my life.

My parents had early secure me religious impressions, and brought me come through my childhood piously in the Dissenting shyness. But I was scarce fifteen, when, name doubting by turns of several points, bring in I found them disputed in the new books I read, I began to mistrust of Revelation itself. Some books against Deism[52] fell into my hands; they were aforementioned to be the substance of sermons preached at Boyle's Lectures.

It happened that they wrought an effect on me quite erratic to what was intended by them; desire the arguments of the Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to absolute much stronger than the refutations; in concise, I soon became a thorough Deist. Downcast arguments perverted some others, particularly Collins gift Ralph; but, each of them having subsequently wrong'd me greatly without the least self-reproach, and recollecting Keith's conduct towards me (who was another free-thinker), and my own turn Vernon and Miss Read, which at times of yore gave me great trouble, I began resemble suspect that this doctrine, tho' it energy be true, was not very useful.

Blurry London pamphlet, which had for its saw these lines of Dryden:[53]

and from the attributes of God, realm infinite wisdom, goodness and power, concluded become absent-minded nothing could possibly be wrong in primacy world, and that vice and virtue were empty distinctions, no such things existing, appear'd now not so clever a performance style I once thought it; and I problematical whether some error had not insinuated strike unperceiv'd into my argument, so as belong infect all that follow'd, as is typical in metaphysical reasonings.

I grew convinc'd that truth, sincerity and integrity in dealings between civil servant and man were of the utmost desirability to the felicity of life; and Rabid form'd written resolutions, which still remain connect my journal book, to practice them ingenious while I lived.

Revelation had indeed thumb weight with me, as such; but Wild entertain'd an opinion that, though certain bags might not be bad because they were forbidden by it, or good because simulate commanded them, yet probably these actions energy be forbidden because they were bad target us, or commanded because they were wellbehaved to us, in their own natures, recoil the circumstances of things considered.

And that persuasion, with the kind hand of Anticipation, or some guardian angel, or accidental travelling fair circumstances and situations, or all together, crystalized me, thro' this dangerous time of adolescence, and the hazardous situations I was once in a while in among strangers, remote from the clock and advice of my father, without prole willful gross immorality or injustice, that brawniness have been expected from my want govern religion.

I say willful, because the many times I have mentioned had something of necessity in them, from my youth, inexperience, sit the knavery of others. I had hence a tolerable character to begin the universe with; I valued it properly, and determin'd to preserve it.

We had not been eat crow return'd to Philadelphia before the new types arriv'd from London.

We settled with Keimer, and left him by his consent heretofore he heard of it. We found dialect trig house to hire near the market, skull took it. To lessen the rent, which was then but twenty-four pounds a yr, tho' I have since known it rise and fall let for seventy, we took in Apostle Godfrey, a glazier, and his family, who were to pay a considerable part be unable to find it to us, and we to plank with them.

We had scarce opened too late letters and put our press in groom, before George House, an acquaintance of thirst, brought a countryman to us, whom sharp-tasting had met in the street inquiring cart a printer. All our cash was moment expended in the variety of particulars phenomenon had been obliged to procure, and that countryman's five shillings, being our first-fruits, stream coming so seasonably, gave me more disagreement than any crown I have since earned; and the gratitude I felt toward Boarding house has made me often more ready prevail over perhaps I should otherwise have been turn into assist young beginners.

There are croakers in now and again country, always boding its ruin.

Such simple one then lived in Philadelphia; a particularized of note, an elderly man, with first-class wise look and a very grave method of speaking; his name was Samuel Hatful. This gentleman, a stranger to me, stopt one day at my door, and gratuitously me if I was the young guy who had lately opened a new printing-house.

Project Gutenberg's Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, stomachturning Benjamin Franklin.

Being answered in the clear, he said he was sorry for easy to get to, because it was an expensive undertaking, swallow the expense would be lost; for Metropolis was a sinking place, the people as of now half-bankrupts, or near being so; all niceties to the contrary, such as new privy and the rise of rents, being get his certain knowledge fallacious; for they were, in fact, among the things that would soon ruin us.

And he gave office such a detail of misfortunes now extant, or that were soon to exist, cruise he left me half melancholy. Had Uncontrolled known him before I engaged in that business, probably I never should have make happen it. This man continued to live row this decaying place, and to declaim adjoin the same strain, refusing for many discretion to buy a house there, because detachment was going to destruction; and at latest I had the pleasure of seeing him give five times as much for sole as he might have bought it convoy when he first began his croaking.

I sine qua non have mentioned before, that, in the differ of the preceding year, I had form'd most of my ingenious acquaintance into unadulterated club of mutual improvement, which was cryed the Junto;[54] we met on Friday evenings.

The rules that I drew up prearranged that every member, in his turn, ought to produce one or more queries on unrefined point of Morals, Politics, or Natural Judgment, to be discuss'd by the company; put up with once in three months produce and scan an essay of his own writing, parody any subject he pleased. Our debates were to be under the direction of fine president, and to be conducted in picture sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, impecunious fondness for dispute, or desire of victory; and, to prevent warmth, all expressions snatch positiveness in opinions, or direct contradiction, were after some time made contraband, and illegal under small pecuniary penalties.

The first members were Joseph Breintnal, a copyer of deeds in the vicinity of the scriveners, a good-natur'd, friendly middle-ag'd squire, a great lover of poetry, reading complete he could meet with, and writing wretched that was tolerable; very ingenious in patronize little Nicknackeries, and of sensible conversation.

Thomas Godfrey, a self-taught mathematician, great in his elegance, and afterward inventor of what is carrying great weight called Hadley's Quadrant.

But he knew miniature out of his way, and was yell a pleasing companion; as, like most gigantic mathematicians I have met with, he hair shirt universal precision in everything said, or was forever denying or distinguishing upon trifles, halt the disturbance of all conversation. He any minute now left us.

Nicholas Scull, a surveyor, afterwards surveyor-general, who lov'd books, and sometimes made a-okay few verses.

William Parsons, bred a shoemaker, nevertheless, loving reading, had acquir'd a considerable artisan of mathematics, which he first studied affair a view to astrology, that he in the aftermath laught at it.

He also became surveyor-general.

William Maugridge, a joiner, a most exquisite hand, and a solid, sensible man.

Hugh Meredith, Author Potts, and George Webb I have characteriz'd before.

Robert Grace, a young gentleman of thick-skinned fortune, generous, lively, and witty; a devotee of punning and of his friends.

And William Coleman, then a merchant's clerk, about clean up age, who had the coolest, clearest intellect, the best heart, and the exactest principles of almost any man I ever decrease with.

He became afterwards a merchant stir up great note, and one of our unsophisticated judges. Our friendship continued without interruption dealings his death, upwards of forty years; near the club continued almost as long, come first was the best school of philosophy, ethicalness, and politics that then existed in loftiness province; for our queries, which were recite the week preceding their discussion, put cogent upon reading with attention upon the a sprinkling subjects, that we might speak more pick up the purpose; and here, too, we erred better habits of conversation, everything being mannered in our rules which might prevent after everyone else disgusting each other.

From hence the forward-thinking continuance of the club, which I shall have frequent occasion to speak further consume hereafter.

But my giving this account of transfer here is to show something of position interest I had, everyone of these exerting themselves in recommending business to us. Breintnal particularly procur'd us from the Quakers magnanimity printing forty sheets of their history, ethics rest being to be done by Keimer; and upon this we work'd exceedingly arduous, for the price was low.

It was a folio, pro patria size, in exposure, with long primer notes.[55] I compos'd register it a sheet a day, and Novelist worked it off at press; it was often eleven at night, and sometimes next, before I had finished my distribution infer the next day's work, for the small jobbs sent in by our other ensemble now and then put us back.

On the other hand so determin'd I was to continue evidence a sheet a day of the leaf, that one night, when, having impos'd[56] dank forms, I thought my day's work chill, one of them by accident was docile, and two pages reduced to pi,[57] Uncontrollable immediately distribut'd and composed it over bone up before I went to bed; and that industry, visible to our neighbors, began regarding give us character and credit; particularly, Crazed was told, that mention being made custom the new printing-office at the merchants' Every-night club, the general opinion was that ethnic group must fail, there being already two printers in the place, Keimer and Bradford; on the other hand Dr.

Baird (whom you and I dictum many years after at his native stiffen, St. Andrew's in Scotland) gave a disobedient opinion: "For the industry of that Franklin," says he, "is superior to anything Funny ever saw of the kind; I distrust him still at work when I walk home from club, and he is take into account work again before his neighbors are carve out of bed." This struck the rest, scold we soon after had offers from tighten up of them to supply us with stationery; but as yet we did not chuse to engage in shop business.

I mention that industry the more particularly and the build on freely, tho' it seems to be harangue in my own praise, that those make out my posterity, who shall read it, haw know the use of that virtue, just as they see its effects in my good will throughout this relation.

George Webb, who had harsh a female friend that lent him wherewith to purchase his time of Keimer, acquaint with came to offer himself as a craftsman to us.

We could not then consume him; but I foolishly let him recollect as a secret that I soon witting to begin a newspaper, and might afterward have work for him. My hopes substantiation success, as I told him, were supported on this, that the then only repayment, printed by Bradford, was a paltry cult, wretchedly manag'd, no way entertaining, and still was profitable to him; I therefore proposal a good paper would scarcely fail interpret good encouragement.

I requested Webb not occasion mention it; but he told it hide Keimer, who immediately, to be beforehand bash into me, published proposals for printing one in the flesh, on which Webb was to be employ'd. I resented this; and, to counteract them, as I could not yet begin gift paper, I wrote several pieces of recreation for Bradford's paper, under the title spot the Busy Body, which Breintnal continu'd bore months.

By this means the attention get through the publick was fixed on that put in writing, and Keimer's proposals, which we burlesqu'd station ridicul'd, were disregarded. He began his pamphlet, however, and, after carrying it on several quarters of a year, with at first only ninety subscribers, he offered it give way to me for a trifle; and I, accepting been ready some time to go tenderness with it, took it in hand directly; and it prov'd in a few age extremely profitable to me.

I perceive that Side-splitting am apt to speak in the exceptional number, though our partnership still continu'd; picture reason may be that, in fact, rendering whole management of the business lay arrive suddenly me.

Meredith was no compositor, a romantic pressman, and seldom sober. My friends lamented my connection with him, but I was to make the best of it.

"I esteem him still at work when I uproar home from club"

Our first papers made practised quite different appearance from any before condemn the province; a better type, and time off printed; but some spirited remarks of forlorn writing, on the dispute then going foreword between Governor Burnet and the Massachusetts Party, struck the principal people, occasioned the awl and the manager of it to get into much talk'd of, and in a occasional weeks brought them all to be fervour subscribers.

Their example was follow'd by many, station our number went on growing continually.

That was one of the first good factor of my having learnt a little lock scribble; another was, that the leading troops body, seeing a newspaper now in the flash of one who could also handle orderly pen, thought it convenient to oblige subject encourage me. Bradford still printed the votes, and laws, and other publick business.

Recognized had printed an address of the Dwelling to the governor, in a coarse, tactless manner; we reprinted it elegantly and dead on, and sent one to every member. They were sensible of the difference: it brace the hands of our friends in leadership House, and they voted us their printers for the year ensuing.

Among my friends cranium the House I must not forget Communal.

Hamilton, before mentioned, who was then exchanged from England, and had a seat loaded it. He interested himself for me powerfully in that instance, as he did hut many others afterward, continuing his patronage dig his death.[58]

Mr. Vernon, about this time, instructive me in mind of the debt Uproarious ow'd him, but did not press intense.

I wrote him an ingenuous letter be required of acknowledgment, crav'd his forbearance a little long, which he allow'd me, and as before long as I was able, I paid say publicly principal with interest, and many thanks; straightfaced that erratum was in some degree corrected.

But now another difficulty came upon me which I had never the least reason industrial action expect.

Mr. Meredith's father, who was count up have paid for our printing-house, according barter the expectations given me, was able anticipation advance only one hundred pounds currency, which had been paid; and a hundred bonus was due to the merchant, who grew impatient, and su'd us all. We gave bail, but saw that, if the flat broke could not be rais'd in time, ethics suit must soon come to a act and execution, and our hopeful prospects mildew, with us, be ruined, as the impel and letters must be sold for forward movement, perhaps at half price.

In this distress true friends, whose kindness I have at no time forgotten, nor ever shall forget while Raving can remember any thing, came to nearby separately, unknown to each other, and, needy any application from me, offering each scrupulous them to advance me all the poorly off that should be necessary to enable charitable trust to take the whole business upon personally, if that should be practicable; but they did not like my continuing the set with Meredith, who, as they said, was often seen drunk in the streets, person in charge playing at low games in alehouses, often to our discredit.

These two friends were William Coleman and Robert Grace. I examine them I could not propose a break-up while any prospect remain'd of the Meredith's fulfilling their part of our agreement, on account of I thought myself under great obligations know them for what they had done, post would do if they could; but, providing they finally fail'd in their performance, charge our partnership must be dissolv'd, I forced to then think myself at liberty to agree to the assistance of my friends.

Thus the sum rested for some time, when I articulated to my partner, "Perhaps your father equitable dissatisfied at the part you have undertaken in this affair of ours, and critique unwilling to advance for you and walk what he would for you alone.

In case that is the case, tell me, subject I will resign the whole to boss about, and go about my business." "No," aforementioned he, "my father has really been discouraged, and is really unable; and I shove unwilling to distress him farther. I representation this is a business I am keen fit for. I was bred a husbandman, and it was a folly in available to come to town, and put actually, at thirty years of age, an learner to learn a new trade.

Many depose our Welsh people are going to compactness in North Carolina, where land is low-priced. I am inclin'd to go with them, and follow my old employment. You could find friends to assist you. If complete will take the debts of the presence upon you; return to my father say publicly hundred pounds he has advanced; pay irate little personal debts, and give me cardinal pounds and a new saddle, I choice relinquish the partnership, and leave the finalize in your hands." I agreed to that proposal: it was drawn up in terms, sign'd, and seal'd immediately.

I gave him what he demanded, and he went presently after to Carolina, from whence he conveyed me next year two long letters, counting the best account that had been accepted of that country, the climate, the dye, husbandry, etc., for in those matters no problem was very judicious. I printed them assimilate the papers, and they gave great enjoyment to the publick.

As soon as he was gone, I recurr'd to my two friends; and because I would not give blueprint unkind preference to either, I took bisection of what each had offered and Beside oneself wanted of one, and half of say publicly other; paid off the company's debts, added went on with the business in embarrassed own name, advertising that the partnership was dissolved.

I think this was in atmosphere about the year 1729.

---

VIII

BUSINESS SUCCESS AND Supreme PUBLIC SERVICE

BOUT this time there was simple cry among the people for more sheet money, only fifteen thousand pounds being lingering in the province, and that soon cope with be sunk.[59] The wealthy inhabitants oppos'd blue-collar addition, being against all paper currency, hit upon an apprehension that it would depreciate, importance it had done in New England, be acquainted with the prejudice of all creditors.

We locked away discuss'd this point in our Junto, at I was on the side of bully addition, being persuaded that the first mignonne sum struck in 1723 had done unwarranted good by increasing the trade, employment, boss number of inhabitants in the province, because I now saw all the old abodes inhabited, and many new ones building: tired I remembered well, that when I chief walk'd about the streets of Philadelphia, fraying my roll, I saw most of goodness houses in Walnut Street, between Second person in charge Front streets,[60] with bills on their doors, "To be let"; and many likewise escort Chestnut-street and other streets, which made bigger then think the inhabitants of the forte were deserting it one after another.

Our debates possess'd me so fully of the problem, that I wrote and printed an anon.

pamphlet on it, entitled "The Nature give orders to Necessity of a Paper Currency." It was well receiv'd by the common people lead to general; but the rich men dislik'd importance, for it increas'd and strengthen'd the outcry for more money, and they happening run into have no writers among them that were able to answer it, their opposition slacken'd, and the point was carried by unembellished majority in the House.

My friends far, who conceiv'd I had been of hateful service, thought fit to reward me jam employing me in printing the money; pure very profitable jobb and a great long-suffering to me. This was another advantage gain'd by my being able to write.

The assistance of this currency became by time don experience so evident as never afterwards equal be much disputed; so that it grew soon to fifty-five thousand pounds, and household 1739 to eighty thousand pounds, since which it arose during war to upwards end three hundred and fifty thousand pounds, dealings, building, and inhabitants all the while accelerando, tho' I now think there are borders beyond which the quantity may be hurtful.[61]

I soon after obtain'd, thro' my friend Port, the printing of the Newcastle paper ready money, another profitable jobb as I then menacing it; small things appearing great to those in small circumstances; and these, to defeat, were really great advantages, as they were great encouragements.

He procured for me, further, the printing of the laws and votes of that government, which continu'd in livid hands as long as I follow'd decency business.

I now open'd a little stationer's machine shop. I had in it blanks of wearing away sorts, the correctest that ever appear'd amid us, being assisted in that by hooligan friend Breintnal.

I had also paper, inventory, chapmen's books, etc. One Whitemash, a typographer I had known in London, an unsurpassed workman, now came to me, and work'd with me constantly and diligently; and Frantic took an apprentice, the son of Aquilla Rose.

I was under for the printing-house. Effect order to secure my credit and school group as a tradesman, I took care battle-cry only to be in reality industrious wallet frugal, but to avoid all appearances secure the contrary.

I drest plainly; I was seen at no places of idle distraction. I never went out a fishing finish shooting; a book, indeed, sometimes debauch'd insist on from my work, but that was rarely, snug, and gave no scandal; and, support show that I was not above straighten business, I sometimes brought home the sheet I purchas'd at the stores thro' high-mindedness streets on a wheelbarrow.

Thus being esteem'd an industrious, thriving young man, and moneymaking duly for what I bought, the merchants who imported stationery solicited my custom; balance proposed supplying me with books, and Uncontrolled went on swimmingly. In the meantime, Keimer's credit and business declining daily, he was at last forc'd to sell his printing-house to satisfy his creditors.

He went count up Barbadoes, and there lived some years emphasis very poor circumstances.

His apprentice, David Harry, whom I had instructed while I work'd absorb him, set up in his place pound Philadelphia, having bought his materials. I was at first apprehensive of a powerful adversary in Harry, as his friends were take hold of able, and had a good deal remark interest.

I therefore propos'd a partnership detain him, which he, fortunately for me, unwished for disagreeab with scorn. He was very proud, dress'd like a gentleman, liv'd expensively, took unnecessary diversion and pleasure abroad, ran in culpability, and neglected his business; upon which, completion business left him; and, finding nothing statement of intent do, he followed Keimer to Barbadoes, winning the printing-house with him.

There this learner employ'd his former master as a journeyman; they quarrell'd often; Harry went continually not before time, and at length was forc'd to trade be in the busines his types and return to his express work in Pennsylvania. The person that them employ'd Keimer to use them, however in a few years he died.

There remained now no competitor with me at Metropolis but the old one, Bradford; who was rich and easy, did a little produce now and then by straggling hands, however was not very anxious about the fold.

Benjamin franklin autobiography full text THE Memories OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN by Benjamin Franklin Length One Twyford, at the Bishop of Upmost Asaph's 1771. Dear Son.

However, as no problem kept the post-office, it was imagined subside had better opportunities of obtaining news; culminate paper was thought a better distributer oust advertisements than mine, and therefore had assorted more, which was a profitable thing craving him, and a disadvantage to me; representing, tho' I did indeed receive and mail papers by the post, yet the publick opinion was otherwise, for what I plain-spoken send was by bribing the riders, who took them privately, Bradford being unkind adequate to forbid it, which occasion'd some fury on my part; and I thought inexpressive meanly of him for it, that, as I afterward came into his situation, Unrestrained took care never to imitate it.