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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Life of Benjamin Franklin, by Samuel G.
+Goodrich
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Life of Benjamin Franklin
+       Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes
+
+
+Author: Samuel G. Goodrich
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 2, 2012  [eBook #38469]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Katherine Ward and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from scanned images of public domain material
+generously made available by the Google Books Library Project
+(http://books.google.com/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 38469-h.htm or 38469-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38469/38469-h/38469-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38469/38469-h.zip)
+
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=OD9TNvh1EQ0C&id
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      The total number of questions at the end of each chapter
+      does not necessarily correspond to the total number of
+      paragraphs in the chapter.
+
+      Text is missing from the printed book at the end of
+      Paragraph 19 in Chapter X.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Franklin taking home his paper.]
+
+[Illustration: Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE
+
+OF
+
+BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY TALES, SKETCHES, AND ANECDOTES.
+
+ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS.
+
+WITH ENGRAVINGS.
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+DESILVER, THOMAS & CO.,
+No. 253 MARKET STREET.
+
+1836.
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by SAMUEL
+G. GOODRICH, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of
+Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The total number of questions at the end of each chapter does not
+necessarily correspond to the total number of paragraphs in the
+chapter.
+
+Text is missing from the printed book at the end of Paragraph 19 in
+Chapter X.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following Preface to the Life of Columbus will explain the plan of
+the series, of which this is the third volume:--
+
+"There is no kind of reading more attractive than biography, and, if
+properly treated, there is none more instructive. It appears,
+therefore, to be peculiarly fitted to the purposes of education; it
+readily excites the curiosity and awakens the interest of the pupil,
+and, while it stores his mind with facts, dates and events, displays
+to his view the workings of the human heart, and makes him better
+acquainted with himself and mankind.
+
+"In the selection of subjects for a biographical series of works for
+youth, the editor has been led, by two considerations, to prefer those
+which belong to our own country. In the first place, it is more
+particularly necessary that our youth should be made acquainted with
+the lives of those men who were associated with the history of their
+native land; and, in the second place, no country can afford happier
+subjects for biography than this. There are few such lives as those of
+Columbus, Washington, and Franklin, in the annals of any nation.
+
+"In the preparation of the work, the author has sought to adapt it to
+youth, by the use of a simple style, and by the introduction of many
+illustrative tales, sketches, anecdotes and adventures. Questions for
+examining the pupils are printed in the pages, which may be used, or
+not, at the choice of the Teacher."
+
+The Life of Columbus and the Life of Washington, on a plan similar to
+this, have been already published; and other volumes, containing the
+lives of celebrated Indian Chiefs, celebrated American Statesmen, &c.,
+will appear hereafter, if those already in progress should meet with
+success.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                                                 Page
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice
+to his Brother. Makes a Couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads
+the Spectator.                                                     11
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper.
+Leaves his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia.
+Anecdote of the Dutchman.                                          19
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of
+the Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer.
+Noticed by Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return.                27
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor.
+Promises from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect.
+Anecdote of Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A
+literary Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception.
+Arrival in London.                                                 35
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia.
+Story of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work
+for him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer.                    43
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making.
+Marriage with Miss Read.                                           50
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme
+of arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's
+Remarks upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac.                           57
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote.    65
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House
+in Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's
+Prosperity. Military Defence of the Province. Formation of
+Companies.                                                         72
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote.                                                          82
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the
+Kite. Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abbé Nollet. Fame
+of Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society.                90
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother.       97
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat.           105
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians.                                                        113
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians.                     124
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Franklin appointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France.
+Asks to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character.                                   130
+
+
+
+
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN.
+
+
+  The Whistle.                                                    136
+  Handsome and Deformed Leg.                                      138
+  Advice to a young Tradesman.                                    142
+  Necessary Hints to those that would be rich.                    145
+  Paper, a Poem.                                                  146
+  On the art of Swimming.                                         149
+  Preliminary Address to the Pennsylvania Almanac, entitled,
+    "Poor Richard's Almanac, for the year 1758."                  153
+  Observations on War.                                            167
+  The Way to make Money plenty in every Man's Pocket.             169
+  Morals of Chess.                                                171
+  Conversation of a Company of Ephemerĉ.                          177
+
+
+
+
+LIFE OF FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice to
+his Brother. Makes a couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads the
+Spectator._
+
+
+ 1. Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, New England, on the
+seventeenth of January, 1706. He was the youngest son in a family of
+seventeen children. His elder brothers were, at an early age, put
+apprentices to different trades; for their father was a man of honest
+industry, but with little or no property, and unable to support the
+expense of keeping them long at school.
+
+ 2. Benjamin, however, was intended for the church, and at eight years
+of age was put to a grammar school. His readiness in learning, and his
+attention to study, confirmed the first intention of his parents. The
+plan also met with the approbation of his uncle Benjamin, who promised
+to give him some volumes of sermons that he had taken down in short
+hand, from the lips of the most eminent preachers of the day.
+
+ 3. He continued at the grammar school, however, only about a year,
+though he had risen to the head of his class, and promised to be a
+very fine scholar. His father was burthened with a numerous family,
+and could not carry him through a course of college education. He
+accordingly changed his first purpose, and sent Benjamin to a school
+for writing and arithmetic, kept by Mr. George Brownwell.
+
+ 4. This master was quite skilful in his profession, being mild and
+kind to his scholars, but very successful in teaching them. Benjamin
+learned to write a good hand in a short time, but he could not manage
+arithmetic so easily. At ten years of age he was taken from school to
+help his father in the business of a tallow-chandler; and was employed
+in cutting the wick for the candles, going errands, and tending the
+shop.
+
+ 5. Benjamin disliked the trade, and had a strong inclination to go to
+sea; but his father opposed his wishes in this respect, and determined
+to keep him at home. The house in which he lived happened to be near
+the water, and Benjamin was always playing with boats, and swimming.
+When sailing with other boys, he was usually the leader, and he
+confesses that he sometimes led them into difficulties.
+
+ 6. There was a salt marsh which bounded part of the mill-pond, on the
+edge of which the boys used to stand to fish for minnows. They had
+trampled it so much, however, as to make it a mere quagmire. Franklin
+proposed to his friends to build a wharf there, for them to stand
+upon; and showed them a large heap of stones, which were intended for
+a new house near the marsh, and would answer their purpose exactly.
+
+ 7. Accordingly, that evening, when the workmen were gone home, he
+assembled a number of his playfellows, and they worked diligently,
+like so many emmets, sometimes two or three to a stone, till they had
+brought them all to make their little wharf. On the next morning, the
+workmen were surprised on missing the stones. The authors of the
+removal were detected, complained of, and punished by their parents.
+Franklin attempted to show the usefulness of their work; but his
+father took that occasion to convince him, that _that which was not
+truly honest could not be truly useful_.
+
+ 8. Benjamin continued employed in the business of his father about two
+years, that is, till he was twelve years old. His brother John, who
+had also been brought up to the trade, had left his father, married,
+and set up for himself in Rhode Island. There was now every appearance
+that Benjamin was destined to become a tallow-chandler. As his dislike
+to the trade continued, his father was afraid that, if he did not put
+Benjamin to one that was more agreeable, he would run away, and go to
+sea, as an elder brother of his had done. In consequence of this
+apprehension, he used to take him to walk, to see joiners,
+bricklayers, turners and braziers at their work, that he might observe
+his inclination, and fix it on some trade or profession that would
+keep him on land.
+
+ 9. His father at length determined on the cutler's trade, and placed
+him for some days on trial with his cousin Samuel, who was bred to
+that trade in London, and had just established himself in Boston. It
+was then usual to ask a sum of money for receiving an apprentice, and
+the cutler charged so much for taking Benjamin, that his father was
+displeased, and put him to his old business again.
+
+10. From his infancy Benjamin had been passionately fond of reading;
+and all the money that he could get was laid out in purchasing books.
+He was very fond of voyages and travels. The dangers and adventures of
+sailors in the different parts of the world, and stories of the
+strange people and customs they met with, he would always read with
+delight.
+
+11. The first books that he was able to buy were the works of a famous
+old English writer, named John Bunyan. These he afterwards sold, in
+order to purchase some volumes of Historical Collections. His father's
+library consisted principally of works on divinity, most of which he
+read at an early age. Beside these, there was a book by De Foe, the
+author of Robinson Crusoe; and another called _An Essay to do Good_,
+by Dr. Mather, an old New England divine.
+
+12. This fondness for books at length determined his father to bring
+him up as a printer, though he had already one son in that employment.
+In 1717, this son returned from England with a press and letters to
+set up his business in Boston. Benjamin liked this trade much better
+than that of his father, but still had a desire to go to sea. To
+prevent this step, his father was impatient to have him bound
+apprentice to his brother, and at length persuaded him to consent to
+it.
+
+13. He was to serve as apprentice till he was twenty-one years of age,
+and during the last year was to be allowed the wages of a journeyman.
+In a little time, he made great progress in the business, and became
+quite useful. He was now able to obtain better books. An acquaintance
+with the apprentices of the booksellers sometimes enabled him to
+borrow a small one, which he was careful to return clean and in good
+season. He often sat up in his chamber the greater part of the night,
+to read a book that he was obliged to return in the morning.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin reading at night.]
+
+14. After some time, an ingenious and sensible merchant, Mr. Matthew
+Adams, who had a pretty collection of books, took notice of Franklin
+at the printing office, and invited him to see his library. He very
+kindly offered to lend him any work that he might like to read.
+
+15. He now took a strong inclination for poetry, and wrote some little
+pieces. His brother supposed that he might use this talent to
+advantage, and encouraged him to cultivate it. About this time, he
+produced two ballads. One was called the Light-House Tragedy, and
+contained an account of the shipwreck of Captain Worthilake, with his
+two daughters; the other was a sailor's song, on the taking of the
+famous Blackbeard, the pirate.
+
+16. They were written in the doggerel street-ballad style, and when
+they were printed, his brother sent Benjamin about the town to sell
+them. The first sold very rapidly, as the event on which it was
+founded had recently occurred, and made a great deal of noise. This
+success flattered his vanity very much, but his father discouraged him
+by criticising his ballads, and telling him that verse-makers were
+generally beggars.
+
+17. This prevented him from giving any further attention to poetry,
+and led him to devote more time and care to prose compositions. He was
+at this time intimately acquainted with another lad very fond of
+books, named John Collins. They sometimes discussed different
+questions together, and had become very apt to indulge in arguments
+and disputes.
+
+18. A question was once started between them, on the propriety of
+educating the female sex in learned studies, and their abilities for
+these studies. As they parted without settling the point, and were not
+to see one another again for a long time, Franklin sat down to put his
+arguments in writing. He then made a fair copy of them, and sent it to
+Collins.
+
+19. Three or four letters passed between them on the subject, when the
+father of Franklin happened to find the papers, and read them. Without
+entering into the subject in dispute, he took occasion to talk to him
+about his manner of writing. He marked the defects in his expressions,
+and in the arrangement of his sentences, but gave him the credit of
+spelling and pointing with great correctness. This he had learned in
+the printing office, but he had never before been taught any thing
+about manner and style.
+
+20. About this time, he met with an odd volume of the Spectator, a
+very famous work, published by several English wits in the year 1711.
+He bought it, read it over and over, and was much delighted with it.
+This book was now his continual study, and he himself tried to write
+as much as possible in its very pleasant and popular style. The
+improvement which he made was encouraging, and led him to hope he
+might some day become a good English writer; a distinction of which he
+was very ambitious.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. Where was Franklin born? When?
+
+ 2. For what profession did his parents intend to educate him?
+
+ 3. What induced his father to change his intention?
+
+ 4. To what trade was Benjamin put, and when?
+
+ 6. Relate the anecdote about Franklin and his companions.
+
+ 7. What maxim did his father teach him in consequence of this
+adventure?
+
+ 8. What were his father's fears in relation to his new occupation?
+
+ 9. On what trade did his father finally determine?
+
+10. Describe his early fondness for reading, and the books of which he
+was most fond.
+
+11. What books did he first buy?
+
+12. What induced his father to bring up Benjamin as a printer? To whom
+was he bound apprentice?
+
+13. How did he succeed in his new trade?
+
+14. What advantages did it afford him for pursuing his studies?
+
+15. Relate the account of his first attempts in poetry.
+
+16. How did his ballads succeed?
+
+17. How did his father discourage his new taste?
+
+18. What was the subject of his discussion with his friend Collins?
+
+19. What praise and advice did his father give him on this occasion?
+
+20. With what book was Franklin at this time so much pleased? Did he
+attempt to imitate it?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+_Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper. Leaves
+his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia. Anecdote
+of the Dutchman._
+
+
+ 1. When about sixteen years of age, Franklin happened to meet with a
+book that recommended a vegetable diet. He determined to adopt it. His
+brother, being unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded himself and
+his apprentices in another family. By refusing to eat meat, Franklin
+occasioned a good deal of inconvenience; and he was frequently chid
+for his singularity. He accordingly learned the manner of boiling
+potatoes and rice, and of making hasty-pudding, and then proposed to
+his brother, if he would give him, weekly, half the money he paid for
+his board, to board himself. His brother instantly agreed to it, and
+Franklin soon found that he could save half of what he received.
+
+ 2. This was a new fund for buying books. But this was not the only
+advantage. When his brother and the apprentices had gone to their
+meals, he was left in the printing office alone. He immediately
+despatched his slight repast, which was often no more than a biscuit,
+or a slice of bread and a handful of raisins, or a tart from the
+pastry cook's, and a glass of water, and had the rest of the time till
+their return for study. By being thus economical of his time, he was
+able to make considerable progress in his books.
+
+ 3. He now began to feel the want of a knowledge of figures, and was
+once very much mortified by his ignorance of them. As he had entirely
+failed of learning them at school, he took Cocker's Arithmetic, and
+went through the whole of it by himself with the greatest ease. The
+mortification he had met with induced him to make great exertions; and
+we can succeed in any thing to which we give our earnest attention.
+
+ 4. While he was intent on improving his language and style, Franklin
+met with an English grammar, at the end of which were two little
+sketches on the arts of rhetoric and logic. The latter of these
+finished with a dispute in the manner of Socrates, a very famous
+philosopher of Greece. Franklin was charmed with this modest and
+artful manner, and cured himself of the tricks of contradiction and
+too much positiveness. These habits are very disagreeable, and no one
+should allow himself to fall into them.
+
+ 5. "In fact, if you wish to instruct others," says Franklin, "a
+positive and dogmatical manner in advancing your sentiments may
+occasion opposition, and prevent a candid attention. If you desire
+improvement from others, you should not at the same time express
+yourself fixed in your present opinions. Modest and sensible men, who
+do not love disputation, will leave you undisturbed in the possession
+of your errors. In adopting such a manner, you can seldom expect to
+please your hearers, or obtain the concurrence you desire."
+
+ 6. In the year 1720, or '21, James Franklin began to print a
+newspaper. It was the second that appeared in America, and was called
+the _New England Courant_. The only one before it was the _Boston
+News Letter_. Some of his friends endeavored to dissuade him from
+the undertaking. They thought it would not succeed, as, in their
+opinion, one newspaper was sufficient for all America. There are now
+in the United States alone, over eight hundred newspapers.
+
+ 7. The undertaking, however, went on. Benjamin assisted in setting the
+types, helped to print off the sheets, and was then employed in
+carrying the papers to the subscribers. Several men of information and
+talents wrote little pieces for the paper, which were amusing, and
+gained considerable credit. These gentlemen often visited the printing
+office.
+
+ 8. Hearing their conversations, and their accounts of the praise their
+pieces received from the public, Benjamin was excited to try his
+fortune among them. He was afraid, however, as he was still a boy, his
+brother would object to print any thing of his composition in the
+paper. It was necessary, therefore, to disguise his hand-writing, and
+to send his piece to the office in such a way that it should not be
+known from whom it came.
+
+ 9. When his friends came in, James showed them the communication from
+an unknown writer. They read it, praised it, and made several guesses
+as to the author. In these guesses none were named but men of some
+character for talents and learning. They never once suspected it was
+written by the little printer's boy who stood at their elbows,
+chuckling in silence over the secret.
+
+10. Encouraged by the success of this attempt, he continued to write,
+and send other pieces in the same way to the press. He kept his secret
+as long as he saw fit, and then confessed himself the author of the
+writings they had been so long guessing about. Benjamin now began to
+be more noticed by his brother's acquaintance, which made him a little
+vain, and led to some serious difficulties.
+
+11. His brother, notwithstanding the relationship between them,
+considered himself as master, and Benjamin as his apprentice, and
+accordingly expected the same services from him that he would from
+another. In some of these services the young printer felt himself
+degraded, and thought that he should receive greater indulgence. His
+brother was passionate, and frequently beat him; and, finding the
+apprenticeship exceedingly tedious, Benjamin was looking forward for
+an opportunity to shorten it. This at length happened in a very
+unexpected manner.
+
+12. One of the pieces in the paper, on some political subject, gave
+offence to the Assembly, one of the most important branches of the
+government of Massachusetts. James Franklin was taken up, censured,
+and imprisoned for a month, because he would not discover the author.
+Benjamin was also called up and examined before the council; but,
+considering him as an apprentice, who was bound to keep his master's
+secret, they dismissed him without punishment.
+
+13. During his brother's confinement, Benjamin had the management of
+the paper, and indulged in very smart remarks upon the government.
+This pleased his brother, though it made others look upon him in an
+unfavorable light, as a youth who had a turn for satire and libeling.
+The discharge of the imprisoned printer was accompanied with an order
+that "James Franklin should no longer print the newspaper called the
+New England Courant."
+
+14. On a consultation held at the printing office, it was proposed, to
+change the name of the paper, and in this manner elude the order of
+the council. As there were many difficulties in the way of this
+project, it was determined to let the paper for the future be printed
+in the name of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+15. When apprentices are bound out, it is usual to have certain
+agreements drawn up between them and their masters, sealed and signed
+according to certain forms required by law. These papers are called
+indentures. James was afraid that the censure of the Assembly would
+fall on him, as still printing the paper by his apprentice, and
+contrived that his old indenture should be returned to Benjamin, with
+a discharge on the back of it.
+
+16. This was to be shown only in case of necessity; and in order to
+secure his services for the remainder of the time, it was agreed that
+Benjamin should sign new indentures. These were to be kept private.
+This was a very flimsy scheme, but the paper continued to be printed
+in this manner for several months. At length fresh difficulties arose,
+and Benjamin determined to take advantage of his discharge; thinking
+that his brother would be afraid to produce the new indentures. It was
+unfair to take this advantage, but he was urged to it by very unkind
+and even cruel treatment.
+
+17. When his brother found out his intentions, he went round to every
+master printer in town to prevent his getting employment. In
+consequence of this, he concluded to remove to New York; that being
+the nearest place where there was another printer. His father opposed
+his removal, and took side with his brother in the dispute. Benjamin
+sold his books to furnish the means of paying his passage, went
+privately on board of a sloop, had a fair wind, and in three days
+found himself in New York, three hundred miles from home, at the age
+of seventeen. There was no one in the place whom he knew; he was
+without any recommendations, and had very little money in his pocket.
+
+18. By this time he had entirely lost all his love for the sea, or he
+might have been induced to gratify it. Having another profession, and
+considering himself a good workman, he offered his services to a
+printer of the place, old Mr. W. Bradford. This man had been the first
+printer in Pennsylvania, and had removed from there in consequence of
+a quarrel with the governor, General Keith.
+
+19. He had a sufficient number of workmen, and little to do, and could
+give Franklin no employment. But he said, "My son, at Philadelphia,
+has lately lost his principal hand, Aquila Rose, by death, and if you
+go thither, I believe he may employ you."
+
+20. Philadelphia was one hundred miles farther, but Franklin concluded
+to go there. In crossing the bay, a squall struck the little vessel he
+was in, and tore her rotten sails to pieces. She was driven upon Long
+Island.
+
+21. On the way, a drunken Dutchman, who was a passenger in the boat,
+tumbled overboard. As he was sinking, Franklin reached out and caught
+him by a very bushy head of hair, and drew him up again. This sobered
+him a little, and he went to sleep, having first taken a book out of
+his pocket, which he desired Franklin to dry for him. It proved to be
+a Dutch copy of his old favorite book, _Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress_,
+and he carefully complied with the wish of the sleepy owner.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What induced Franklin to adopt a vegetable diet? What arrangement
+did he make with his brother on this account?
+
+ 2. What advantage resulted from this? Describe Benjamin's economy of
+time.
+
+ 3. How did he learn arithmetic?
+
+ 4. With what treatise was Franklin so much pleased? Of what
+disagreeable habits did it cure him?
+
+ 5. What advice does he give on the manner of conversation?
+
+ 6. Who printed the second newspaper in New England? What was it
+called?
+
+ 7. How was Benjamin connected with it?
+
+ 8. What first induced him to write for it? Describe his first attempt.
+
+ 9. How was his communication received?
+
+10. What was the consequence of his success?
+
+11. What were the difficulties between the brothers?
+
+12. What happened at this time to James Franklin?
+
+13. How did Benjamin conduct the paper? What was the order of the
+council?
+
+14. How was it evaded?
+
+15. What is the custom in binding out apprentices? How was Benjamin
+discharged from his indentures?
+
+16. What unfair advantage did he take of this discharge?
+
+17. What course did his brother pursue on this occasion? His father?
+Benjamin?
+
+18. To whom did he apply for employment?
+
+19. With what success?
+
+20. Where did he determine to go?
+
+21. What is the anecdote of the Dutchman?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of the
+Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer. Noticed by
+Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return._
+
+
+ 1. On approaching the island, the crew found themselves in a place
+where there could be no landing, as it was a stony beach, and a
+violent surf was rolling. They cast anchor, and remained in that
+situation through the night. As the spray dashed over the boat, they
+were all, in a very short time, as wet as the unfortunate Dutchman.
+The wind went down on the next morning, and they were able to reach
+Amboy before night; having been thirty hours on the water, without
+victuals, or any drink but a bottle of dirty rum.
+
+ 2. In the evening, Franklin found himself feverish, and went to bed.
+As he drank plentifully of cold water, his fever left him, and in the
+morning he proceeded on his journey. After crossing the ferry, he
+travelled on foot, notwithstanding a violent rain, till noon. Being
+now thoroughly soaked and tired, he stopped at a poor inn, where he
+spent the remainder of the day, and all night.
+
+ 3. He now began to wish that he had never left home. His prospect of
+procuring employment, even when he should arrive at Philadelphia, was
+uncertain. He thought of the distress his sudden disappearance must
+have occasioned to his parents. Besides all this, he made such a sorry
+figure that he was suspected of being a runaway servant, and in danger
+of being taken up on that suspicion.
+
+ 4. On the next day, however, he continued his journey, and arrived
+that night at an inn, within eight or ten miles of Burlington. The
+next morning he reached Burlington, where he expected to find boats to
+sail immediately for Philadelphia. It was Saturday, and he had the
+mortification to find that the regular boats had just gone, and that
+no others were expected to sail before Tuesday.
+
+ 5. Franklin returned to the shop of an old woman, of whom he had
+bought some gingerbread to eat on his passage, and asked her where he
+had better go to find lodgings. She proposed to lodge him in her own
+house, till a passage, by some other boat, offered itself. He accepted
+the invitation, and dined with the old woman that day on ox-cheek. All
+that she would take in return was a pot of ale.
+
+ 6. Franklin had supposed himself fixed till the next Tuesday, but as
+he was walking, in the evening, by the side of the river, a boat
+passed by, with several people, going to Philadelphia. They took him
+in, and proceeded on their voyage. The weather was very calm, without
+a breath of wind stirring. They were obliged to row all the way.
+Reaching Philadelphia about eight or nine o'clock on Sunday morning,
+they landed at Market street wharf.
+
+ 7. Our young traveller had sent his best clothes by another conveyance
+from New York, and he was in his old working dress. His pockets were
+stuffed out with shirts and stockings, and he knew not where to look
+for lodgings. He was tired with walking, rowing, and want of sleep,
+and was, besides, very hungry. His whole stock of cash was a single
+silver dollar and about a shilling in copper coin. The copper he gave
+to the boatmen for his passage.
+
+ 8. As he walked along the street, gazing at the new things he saw, and
+wondering what would be the end of his trouble, he met a boy with some
+bread. Inquiring where he had bought it, Franklin went immediately to
+the place where he was directed, and asked for three-pence worth of
+bread. He received three large puffy rolls, and, having no room in his
+pockets, walked off, with a roll under each arm, and eating the third.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin walking in the streets of Philadelphia.]
+
+ 9. In this manner he walked up Market street, as far as Fourth street,
+passing by the house of Mr. Read, whose daughter he afterwards
+married. This young lady was standing at the door as he went by, and
+probably thought he made rather an awkward appearance. After walking
+about the streets some time, eating his roll, he found himself again
+in the neighborhood of the wharf where he had landed. He went on board
+of the boat, and gave his two remaining rolls to a woman and child
+that had been his fellow-passengers down the river.
+
+10. He again walked up the street, which was, by that time, filled
+with a large number of neat, well-dressed people, who were all walking
+the same way. He joined them, and was led into the great meeting house
+of the Quakers, near the market. Sitting down among them, he looked
+round awhile, and, as nothing was said, fell fast asleep from
+drowsiness. His nap continued till the meeting broke up, when some one
+was kind enough to awake him.
+
+11. He then walked down towards the river, and meeting a young Quaker,
+whose countenance pleased him, he asked where a stranger could get
+lodgings. They were then near a house with the sign of the Three
+Mariners. "Here," said the Quaker, "is a house where they receive
+strangers, but it is not a reputable one; if thou wilt walk with me,
+I'll show thee a better." He conducted Franklin to the Crooked Billet,
+in Water street.
+
+12. There he dined, and during the dinner several questions were put
+to him, by persons who supposed him to be a runaway. On the next
+morning, he dressed himself as neatly as he could, and went to see
+Andrew Bradford, the printer. Here he found the old gentleman, whom he
+had met in New York, and who, travelling on horseback, had got to
+Philadelphia before him.
+
+13. Mr. Bradford received him very kindly, but, as he was not at that
+time in want of a hand, could only recommend him to a printer, who had
+lately set up in town, by the name of Keimer. This man had then
+nothing for him to do, but promised him employment soon. Meanwhile, he
+was invited to lodge with Mr. Bradford, and to assist when there was
+any extra work in the printing office.
+
+14. Franklin soon found that neither of the printers knew any thing
+about their business. Keimer was, before long, able to give him
+constant employment. He did not like, however, that any one should
+live with his rival, Bradford, while he worked for him. Lodgings were,
+therefore, procured for Franklin, with Mr. Read, whose house he had
+passed on his first arrival, while eating his roll.
+
+15. He had now made some acquaintances about town, and passed his time
+very pleasantly. By industry and frugality he gained money, and gave
+up all thoughts of returning to Boston. The governor of the province,
+Sir William Keith, had accidentally become acquainted with him, and
+was desirous that he should set up in business for himself, in
+Philadelphia. He promised to procure for him the public printing of
+the government, and to assist him, as much as possible, by his
+influence and patronage.
+
+16. It was concluded that Franklin should return to Boston, with a
+letter from the governor, to prevail upon his father to assist him in
+the establishment. Towards the end of April, in 1724, he left
+Philadelphia for this purpose.
+
+17. He sailed in a little vessel that was bound for Boston, and, in
+about a fortnight, was safe in his father's house. His sudden
+appearance surprised the family very much, but they were all delighted
+to see him, and treated him with great kindness.
+
+18. Soon after his arrival, he paid a visit to his brother, at the
+printing office. He had on a new suit of clothes, wore a watch, and
+had about five pounds, in silver, in his pockets. Feeling rather
+elated by the success he had met with, he made quite a display of all
+his good fortune before his brother's apprentices and journeymen, and
+ended by giving them a dollar to drink his health with. This visit
+offended his brother very much, for he thought it was intended to
+mortify him.
+
+19. The letter of the governor was without any effect. His father was
+very glad that Benjamin had been able to gain the confidence of so
+eminent a man, but would not consent to his request. He wrote a civil
+letter, thanking Sir William for his promise of patronage, but saying,
+that his son was altogether too young to be intrusted with the
+management of so important and expensive an undertaking.
+
+20. Franklin gave so pleasant an account of Philadelphia, that his old
+friend Collins determined to go on and try his fortune there. Seeing
+no prospect of restoring harmony between the two brothers, his father
+consented that Benjamin should return to Philadelphia. He advised him
+to steady industry and frugality, and promised to assist in setting
+him up in business, when he should reach the age of twenty-one. With
+the approbation and blessing of his parents to follow him, he embarked
+for New York, on the way to his future home.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What was the situation of the crew on the water?
+
+ 2. How did Franklin pursue his journey?
+
+ 3. What were his fears?
+
+ 5. Describe the treatment Franklin received from the old woman.
+
+ 6. How did he get to Philadelphia?
+
+ 7. Describe his appearance on his first arrival there.
+
+10. Relate his adventure in the meeting house.
+
+11. Where did he first lodge in Philadelphia?
+
+13. Where did he obtain employment?
+
+15. How did Franklin succeed, and how did he pass his time? What was
+the promise of Sir William Keith?
+
+16. Why did Franklin go to Boston?
+
+18. Describe his visit to his brother.
+
+19. How did his father receive the governor's letter?
+
+20. What were his advice and promise to Benjamin?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor. Promises
+from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect. Anecdote of
+Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A literary
+Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception. Arrival in
+London._
+
+
+ 1. At New York Franklin found his friend Collins, who had arrived
+there some time before him. They had been intimate from childhood, and
+he had been sober and industrious. But during Franklin's absence in
+Philadelphia, Collins had fallen into bad habits, and become a
+drunkard. He gamed, and lost his money, and borrowed of his friend, to
+pay his expenses on the road.
+
+ 2. The governor of New York, hearing from the captain that one of his
+passengers had a great many books on board, requested that he might be
+brought to see him. Franklin, accordingly, waited upon him. He was
+received with great civility. The governor showed him his library,
+which was a considerable one, and they had a good deal of conversation
+about books and authors. This attention was very pleasing to Franklin.
+
+ 3. When they arrived at Philadelphia, Collins continued to drink, and
+was, consequently, unable to procure any business. He continued to
+borrow money of Franklin, and finally quarrelled with him, and went to
+the West Indies. Franklin never heard of him afterwards.
+
+ 4. Sir William Keith received the young printer, on his return, with a
+great show of kindness, and large promises. "Since your father will
+not set you up," he said to him, "I will do it myself. Give me a list
+of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for
+them. You shall repay me when you are able. I am resolved to have a
+good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed." This was spoken
+with an air of perfect sincerity, and Franklin had not the least doubt
+but that he meant what he said.
+
+ 5. He accordingly made a list of all the articles that would be wanted
+for a printing house, the cost of which was about one hundred pounds.
+The governor liked it, and asked whether it would not be well for him
+to go to England himself, in order to select the types, and see that
+every thing was of the best kind. "When there," he added, "you may
+make acquaintance, and establish correspondence in the bookselling and
+stationery way."
+
+ 6. Franklin thought that it might be advantageous. "Then," said he,
+"get yourself ready to go in the Annis," which was the annual ship,
+and at that time the only one passing between London and Philadelphia.
+But, as it would be some months before the Annis sailed, Franklin
+continued to work with Keimer.
+
+ 7. They agreed together very well, and lived on quite a familiar
+footing. Franklin used sometimes to argue with his master, and would
+most frequently beat him. This gave him so great an idea of Franklin's
+ability in disputation, that he proposed to him to become his
+assistant in a new religious sect which he proposed to establish. One
+was to preach the doctrines, and the other to confound all opponents.
+
+ 8. When they came to explain with each other upon their doctrines,
+Keimer was desirous of introducing certain customs, which did not
+entirely meet the wishes of his colleague. Among other things, he wore
+his beard at full length; because, somewhere in the Mosaic law, it is
+said, "Thou shalt not mar the corners of thy beard." He likewise kept
+the seventh day sabbath, instead of the first; and both of these
+points he considered essential.
+
+ 9. Franklin disliked both, but agreed to them on condition of his
+adopting the doctrine not to use animal food. Keimer was a great
+eater, and was not much pleased with the idea of being starved; but he
+consented to try the practice a few weeks, and see how it agreed with
+his constitution.
+
+10. They held to this plan for three months. Their provisions were
+purchased, cooked, and brought to them regularly by a woman in the
+neighborhood, who prepared, at different times, forty dishes, in which
+there were neither fish, flesh, nor fowl. Franklin went on well
+enough, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, grew tired of the
+project, and ordered a roast pig. He invited some friends to dine with
+him upon the occasion, but the pig being brought too soon upon the
+table, he could not resist the temptation, but ate the whole before
+his company came.
+
+11. During this time, Franklin had contracted an affection for Miss
+Read, and believed that she was not altogether indifferent in her
+feelings towards him. As he was about to take a long voyage, however,
+and as they were both very young, her mother thought it most prudent
+to defer the matter till his return from England.
+
+12. His chief acquaintance, at this period, were Charles Osborne,
+Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading. In one of their
+meetings, it was proposed that at a certain time each of them should
+produce a piece of his own composition, in order to improve, by mutual
+observations and corrections. They agreed that this task should be to
+turn the eighteenth psalm into verse.
+
+13. When the time of the meeting drew nigh, Ralph called upon
+Franklin, and told him that his piece was ready. "Now," said he,
+"Osborne never will allow the least merit in any thing of mine, but
+makes a thousand criticisms, out of mere envy. I wish, therefore, you
+would take this piece and produce it as yours; we shall then hear what
+he will say to it."
+
+14. It was agreed. At the meeting, Watson's performance was read
+first; there were some beauties in it and many defects. Osborne's
+piece was then read, and was much better. Ralph had nothing to
+produce. It was now Franklin's turn. He was backward, wished to be
+excused, but no excuse would be received. The piece he brought with
+him was read, and repeated. Osborne was delighted with it, and praised
+it in the highest terms.
+
+15. As he was returning home with Ralph, he expressed himself still
+more strongly. "Who would have imagined," said he, "that Franklin was
+capable of such a performance! such painting, such force, such fire!
+He has even improved on the original. In common conversation he seems
+to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet how he
+writes!" When they next met, the trick was discovered, and Osborne was
+laughed at for praising Ralph, by mistake.
+
+16. The governor sent for Franklin frequently to his house, and always
+spoke of setting him up in business, as a settled thing. He was to be
+furnished with letters to the governor's friends in England, and with
+an order for the money to purchase a press, types, and paper. For
+these letters he was to call at a certain time, when they would be
+ready. They were delayed, however, again and again, till the ship was
+on the point of sailing.
+
+17. When Franklin went to take leave, and receive the letters, the
+secretary came out and said, that the governor was very busy on
+business of importance, but that he would send the letters on board,
+wishing him a good voyage and a speedy return.
+
+18. Understanding that despatches had been brought on board, from the
+governor, Franklin asked the captain for the letters that were to be
+under his care. The captain told him that they had all been put into
+the bag together, and he could not then come at them; but that before
+they landed in England, he should have an opportunity of picking them
+out. This satisfied him for the present, and he thought nothing more
+of it during the voyage.
+
+19. When they arrived in the Channel, the captain kept his word, and
+permitted him to examine the bag, for the governor's letters. He found
+some upon which his name was put, and picked out six or seven, which
+he thought might be the promised letters. One of these was addressed
+to Basket, the king's printer, and another to some stationer.
+
+20. They reached London on the twenty-fourth of December, 1724.
+Franklin waited upon the stationer, who came first in his way, and
+delivered the letter as from Governor Keith. "I don't know such a
+person," said he; but opening the letter--"O! this is from Riddlesden;
+I have lately found him to be a complete rascal, and I will have
+nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him." Returning
+the letter, he turned upon his heel and went to wait upon some
+customer.
+
+21. It turned out that the governor had sent no letters by Franklin,
+but had completely deceived him. With no intention of giving him any
+assistance, he had blinded him with brilliant promises and false
+hopes. But Franklin was able to assist himself. He determined to
+procure employment among the printers in London, and acquire a
+thorough knowledge of his profession before he returned to America.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What happened to his friend Collins?
+
+ 2. What attention did Franklin receive from the governor of New York?
+
+ 4. What was Sir William Keith's conduct?
+
+ 5. What was the proposed visit to England?
+
+ 7. What started the scheme of a new sect?
+
+ 8. Why did it fail?
+
+10. Relate the anecdote of Keimer and the roast pig.
+
+12. Who were his chief acquaintance at this period? What was the task
+proposed among them?
+
+14. What was the trick played upon Osborne?
+
+17. What was the conduct of the governor?
+
+18. Did Franklin receive the letters promised by the governor?
+
+20. What was the fate of Franklin's first letter of introduction?
+
+21. What course did Franklin determine to pursue?
+
+[Illustration: Franklin delivering his letter to the Stationer in
+London.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia. Story
+of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work for
+him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer._
+
+
+ 1. His friend Ralph had accompanied Franklin to London, and they were
+now inseparable companions. They took lodgings together, at three
+shillings and sixpence a week. Ralph appears to have been a conceited
+and helpless character, and made several attempts to get in the way of
+procuring a livelihood. But all his plans were unsuccessful.
+
+ 2. Franklin immediately procured employment at an extensive printing
+house, where he remained nearly a year. He was diligent in work, but
+his shiftless companion consumed a good share of his earnings. His
+engagements with Miss Read he was thoughtless and heartless enough to
+forget, and never wrote to her but once during his absence. This
+conduct he afterwards considered among the greatest faults of his
+life.
+
+ 3. Ralph finally determined to leave London, and take a school in the
+country. As he was very vain, and confident of rising to literary
+eminence, he was rather ashamed of what he was silly enough to
+consider a mean occupation. He accordingly changed his name, and took
+that of his companion; desiring him to address his letters to "Mr.
+Franklin, school-master."
+
+ 4. Ralph continued to write, and, from time to time, troubled his
+friend with long extracts from an epic poem, which he was then
+composing, requesting his remarks and corrections. Franklin endeavored
+to discourage him from this undertaking, but in vain. Sheet after
+sheet continued to come by every post. Some difficulties at length
+broke out between the two friends, and Franklin was fortunately
+relieved of a burdensome dependent.
+
+ 5. He now began to think of laying up a little money; and, in
+expectation of better employment, entered a still larger printing
+house, near Lincoln's Inn Fields. His new employer was named Watts. At
+this place he became acquainted with a man by the name of Wygate, who
+had been well educated, read French and Latin, and loved reading.
+
+ 6. This man and a friend of his were desirous of learning to swim.
+Franklin had been an expert swimmer from his childhood, and was very
+fond of displaying his feats of activity in the water. He taught them
+to swim, after twice going into the river, and they soon became quite
+skilful. Wygate soon became attached to Franklin, and, at length,
+proposed that they should travel all over Europe together, supporting
+themselves on the way by working at their trade. Franklin was inclined
+to this plan, but was dissuaded from it by his friend, Mr. Denham, who
+advised him to think of returning to Philadelphia.
+
+ 7. Mr. Denham was an excellent man, and very kindly disposed towards
+Franklin. He had formerly been in business in Bristol, a city of
+England, but failing, and making a settlement with his creditors, he
+went to America. He had obtained a discharge from all his debts, by
+giving up all his property. By great industry and economy, he was able
+to acquire a large fortune, in a few years.
+
+ 8. He had returned to England, in the same ship with Franklin, and
+immediately visited his old place of business. While here, he invited
+all his old creditors to an entertainment. He then thanked them for
+the easy settlement they had favored him with; and, when they expected
+nothing but the dinner, every man found, under his plate, an order on
+the banker, for the full amount of the unpaid remainder, with
+interest.
+
+ 9. Mr. Denham was now about to return to Philadelphia, and proposed to
+take Franklin over as his clerk. He promised him, as soon as he became
+acquainted with mercantile business, to promote him, and finally
+establish him in some profitable situation. The plan pleased Franklin,
+for he had become heartily tired of London, and was anxious to return
+home. A satisfactory arrangement was made, and Franklin took leave of
+printing, as he thought, forever.
+
+10. He had thus spent about eighteen months in London, and, during
+this time, had increased his knowledge, though he had not improved his
+fortune. They sailed from Gravesend, near the mouth of the river
+Thames, on the 23d of July, and arrived in Philadelphia early in
+October. Franklin here found several alterations. Keith was no longer
+governor, and his place had been supplied by Major Gordon. Miss Read,
+despairing of his return, had been persuaded by her friends to marry a
+man by the name of Rogers, a worthless fellow, who left her, and ran
+away to the West Indies.
+
+11. Mr. Denham took a store, and Franklin attended diligently to the
+business. Affairs were going on prosperously, when they were both
+taken violently ill, in the beginning of the year 1727. Mr. Denham
+died, after a long sickness, and Franklin was again thrown upon the
+world. He tried for some time to obtain a situation as a merchant's
+clerk, but, failing in this attempt, he again made an engagement with
+his old master, Keimer.
+
+12. Keimer was anxious to obtain Franklin's services, as most of his
+hands were ignorant and needed his instruction. Among these workmen
+was George Webb, who had been an Oxford scholar, and whose story was
+an uncommon instance of opportunities neglected and thrown away.
+
+13. He was about eighteen years of age. His birthplace was Gloucester,
+in England, where he was educated at a grammar school, and had been
+distinguished when they exhibited plays. From here, he was sent to
+Oxford, where he continued about a year, but not contentedly; wishing,
+of all things, to see London, and become a player.
+
+14. At length, receiving his quarterly allowance of fifteen guineas,
+instead of discharging his debts, he went out of town, hid his gown in
+a bush, and walked to London. When here, having no friend to advise
+him, he fell into bad company, soon spent his guineas, found no means
+of being introduced among the players, grew poor, pawned his clothes,
+and wanted bread.
+
+15. Walking about the streets, very hungry, and not knowing what to
+do, a bill was put into his hands, offering immediate entertainment
+and encouragement to such as would bind themselves to serve in
+America. He went directly to sign the indentures, was put into the
+ship, and sailed without writing a line to his friends, to tell them
+what had become of him. As a companion, he was lively, witty, and
+good-natured; but idle, thoughtless, and imprudent to the last degree.
+
+16. After continuing a while with Keimer, Franklin found that his
+services became every day of less importance. At length a trifle
+snapped their connection. A great noise happening near the printing
+office, Franklin put his head out of the window to see what was the
+matter. Keimer, being in the street, looked up, and called out to him,
+in a loud and angry tone, to mind his business. A number of neighbors,
+who were standing by, saw the insolent manner in which he was treated,
+and it vexed him exceedingly. An open quarrel ensued, and Franklin
+left the printing house.
+
+17. Keimer was very desirous of persuading him to return; and, as it
+was for the interest of both that harmony should be restored, the
+quarrel was soon forgotten. A job was now obtained in New Jersey, to
+print some paper money. Franklin contrived a copperplate press for the
+purpose, the first that had been seen in the country; he also cut
+several ornaments and checks for the bills.
+
+18. To execute this job, Franklin and his employer went to Burlington.
+They performed it to the satisfaction of the government, and received
+a large compensation. During his short residence here, Franklin made
+many acquaintance and friends. One of them was Isaac Decon, the
+surveyor-general, a shrewd, sagacious old man, who began, when young,
+by wheeling clay for the brick-makers. He learned to write after he
+was twenty-one years of age, afterwards learned surveying, and had now
+acquired, by his industry, a considerable property.
+
+19. What had chiefly induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after his
+quarrel, was the persuasion of a fellow-workman, by the name of
+Meredith. The father of this young man had promised to advance money
+to establish him in business, in the ensuing spring, and he was
+desirous to set Franklin's skill against his own capital, and form a
+copartnership. The proposal was a fair one, and acceptable upon both
+sides.
+
+20. A short time after their return from Burlington, the types that
+Meredith had ordered arrived from London. They settled with Keimer,
+and left him, by his consent, before he knew any thing about their
+project.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. Where did Franklin procure employment?
+
+ 3. What was the course of his friend Ralph?
+
+ 5. What new friend did Franklin make?
+
+ 6. What proposition did he make to Franklin? Why was not the plan
+carried into execution?
+
+ 7. Who was Mr. Denham?
+
+ 8. Describe his honorable conduct towards his old creditors.
+
+ 9. What proposal did he make to Franklin?
+
+10. How long was Franklin in London? What changes had taken place
+during his absence?
+
+11. How was Franklin again thrown upon the world? What employment did
+he obtain?
+
+12. Who was George Webb?
+
+13, 14, 15. What was his story?
+
+16. How did Franklin quarrel with Keimer?
+
+17. Who contrived the first copperplate press ever seen in this
+country?
+
+18. For what purpose did Franklin visit Burlington?
+
+19. What induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after the separation?
+What was the proposal of Meredith?
+
+20. When did they leave Keimer?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making. Marriage
+with Miss Read._
+
+
+ 1. In the autumn of the preceding year, Franklin had formed, among his
+acquaintance, a small club for mutual improvement, which they termed
+the Junto. They met on Friday evenings. The rules required that each
+member, in his turn, should produce one or more questions on any point
+of politics, morals or natural philosophy, to be discussed by the
+company, and once in three months produce and read an essay of his own
+writing on any subject he pleased.
+
+ 2. This club answered many good purposes for a great length of time.
+It introduced better habits of conversation, and drew attention to the
+most interesting subjects of general inquiry. The members of the club
+now assisted in bringing business to the young printers. Their
+industry was unwearied, and soon began to be noticed by their
+neighbors. This gave them character and credit.
+
+ 3. George Webb now came to offer them his services, as a journeyman.
+They were not then able to give him employment, but Franklin let him
+know, as a secret, that he soon intended to begin a newspaper, and
+would then probably have work for him. He told him his plan and
+expectations. His hopes of success were founded on this; that the only
+newspaper at that time printed there, by Bradford, was a miserable
+affair, badly managed, not entertaining, and yet profitable.
+
+ 4. Franklin requested Webb not to mention the project; but he told it
+to Keimer, who immediately issued proposals for publishing one
+himself. This vexed Franklin, and, as he was at that time unable to
+commence his paper, he wrote several amusing pieces for Bradford,
+under the title of the Busy Body, which were continued by one of his
+friends for several months. By this means the attention of the public
+was fixed on that paper, and Keimer's proposals were neglected. He
+began his paper, however, and carried it on about nine months, with
+only ninety subscribers. At this time, he offered it, at a very low
+price, to Franklin, who purchased it, and in a few years made it very
+profitable.
+
+ 5. The partnership still continued, though the whole management of the
+business was confided to Franklin. Meredith knew very little about
+setting types, or working at the press, and was seldom sober. The
+connection between them was to be regretted, on many accounts, but
+Meredith had established the business, and it was now necessary to
+make the best of it.
+
+ 6. Their first papers made a better appearance than any that had been
+before printed in the province. The number of subscribers continually
+increased, and the leading men found it convenient to oblige and
+encourage the printers. Bradford still printed the votes, and laws,
+and public documents; but this business soon fell into the hands of
+Franklin.
+
+ 7. A difficulty now occurred, which had been little expected. Mr.
+Meredith's father, who was to have paid for the printing house, was
+able to advance only one hundred pounds; and one hundred more were due
+to the merchant, who became impatient, and sued them all. They gave
+bail, but unless the money could have been raised in season, they must
+have sold their press and types, for payment.
+
+ 8. In this distress, two friends came forward to Franklin, and offered
+to advance the money, if he would discontinue the partnership with
+Meredith. Each made the proposition separately, and without the
+knowledge of the other. These friends were William Coleman and Robert
+Grace. Franklin told them that he considered himself under obligations
+to the Merediths, and if they should be able to fulfil their part of
+the agreement, he could not think of proposing a separation. If they
+should finally fail in their performance, and the partnership should
+be dissolved, he would then think himself at liberty to accept the
+assistance of his friends.
+
+ 9. Meredith finally proposed a dissolution of the partnership.
+Franklin consented, and the whole business was left in his hands. He
+then recurred to his friends, and took half of what he wanted from
+one, and half from the other. The separation was then publicly
+advertised, the old debts were paid off, and the business went on in
+the name of Franklin. This was in or about the year 1729.
+
+10. He now obtained several jobs from the government, and was employed
+in printing the paper money. A stationer's shop was soon added to his
+establishment, and he began to pay off gradually the debt he was under
+for the printing house. In order to secure his character and credit as
+a trades-man, he was not only industrious and frugal in reality, but
+avoided any appearance to the contrary. He dressed plainly, and was
+seen at no places of amusement. To show that he was not above his
+business, he himself sometimes brought home, on a wheel-barrow, the
+paper he purchased at the stores.
+
+11. Being thus considered an industrious and thriving young man, the
+merchants who imported stationery were desirous of his custom. Others
+proposed supplying him with books, and he went on prosperously. In the
+mean time, Keimer's business and credit declined daily, and he was at
+last obliged to sell his printing house, to satisfy his creditors. He
+went to Barbadoes, and there lived, some years, in great poverty.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin taking home his paper.]
+
+12. An apprentice of Keimer's, David Harry, bought his materials, and
+set up, in his place, in Philadelphia. His friends were rich, and
+possessed considerable influence, and Franklin was afraid that he
+would find Harry a powerful rival. He, therefore, proposed a
+partnership, which was fortunately rejected. Harry was proud, dressed
+and lived expensively, neglected his business, and ran in debt. Losing
+credit, and finding nothing to do, he followed Keimer to Barbadoes,
+taking his printing materials with him. Here he employed his old
+master as a journeyman, and was at last obliged to sell his types and
+return to work in Philadelphia.
+
+13. There now remained no other printer in the place but Bradford. He,
+however, was rich and easy, and was not anxious about doing much
+business. His situation as post-master, at that time, was supposed to
+give him some advantages in obtaining news, and distributing the
+papers; and he was, on that account, able to procure a great many more
+advertisements than Franklin. This was of great service to Bradford,
+and prevented his rival from gaining upon him so rapidly as he
+otherwise would have done.
+
+14. Franklin had hitherto boarded with Mr. Godfrey, a glazier, who was
+very much distinguished for his knowledge of mathematics. The wife of
+Mr. Godfrey was desirous of making a match for the young printer, and
+fixed upon the daughter of a neighbor, as a suitable person. She
+contrived, in several ways, to bring them together, and at length
+Franklin made proposals of marriage.
+
+15. Franklin appears to have been equally prudent and cautious in this
+affair, as in every thing else. He gave Mrs. Godfrey to understand,
+and carry to the parents, that he expected one hundred pounds with
+their daughter. She brought him word that they had no such sum to
+spare. Franklin sent back, in reply, that they might mortgage their
+house.
+
+16. The answer to this, after a few days, was, that they did not
+approve the match; that, on inquiry of Mr. Bradford, they had been
+informed the printing business was not a profitable one; that Keimer
+and Harry had failed, and that he would probably soon follow them. The
+daughter was, accordingly, shut up, and Franklin was forbidden the
+house.
+
+17. He suspected that this was merely a trick of the parents, to
+induce him to run away with the young lady, and leave them at liberty
+to make what terms they pleased. He immediately broke off the
+connection. The Godfreys were angry, quarrelled with him, and he left
+the house.
+
+18. He had always continued on friendly terms with the family of the
+young lady to whom he had been engaged before his visit to London. Her
+unfortunate marriage made her very dejected and miserable. Franklin
+saw her, and could not help attributing her unhappiness, in a great
+measure, to his own misconduct.
+
+19. Their mutual affection was revived, but there were now great
+objections to the union. Her former husband had not been heard of, and
+was supposed to be dead. All difficulties were finally surmounted, and
+he married Miss Read on the first of September, 1730.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What was the Junto? What did the rules of this club require?
+
+ 2. What good purposes did it answer?
+
+ 3. What project did Franklin communicate to George Webb?
+
+ 4. What was the consequence of this communication? What course did
+Franklin pursue?
+
+ 6. How did the paper succeed under Franklin's management?
+
+ 7. What difficulty arose at this time?
+
+ 8. Who offered Franklin their assistance?
+
+ 9. What did Meredith propose? How was Franklin relieved?
+
+10. Describe the increase of his business, and his character and
+conduct as a tradesman.
+
+11. What became of Keimer?
+
+12. Who was David Harry? What became of him?
+
+13. Who was now the only rival of Franklin?
+
+14. Describe Mrs. Godfrey's desire of match-making.
+
+15. Did Franklin show his usual prudence?
+
+16. What was the result?
+
+19. Whom did Franklin marry? When?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme of
+arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's Remarks
+upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac._
+
+
+ 1. At the time Franklin first established himself in Pennsylvania,
+there was not a good bookseller's shop any where to the south of
+Boston. In New York and Philadelphia, the printers were stationers,
+but they kept only paper, almanacs, ballads, and a few common school
+books. Those who loved reading were obliged to send for their books
+from England.
+
+ 2. The members of the Junto had, each of them, a few volumes. They had
+hired a room, in which to hold their meetings, and Franklin proposed
+that they should all bring their books to that room. In this manner
+they would not only be ready for them to consult and refer to, but
+would become a common benefit, by allowing each one to borrow such as
+he wished to read at home.
+
+ 3. This was accordingly done, and for a while answered their purpose
+very well. Finding the advantage and convenience of this little
+collection, Franklin proposed to render the benefit more general, by
+commencing a public subscription library. He drew a sketch of the plan
+and rules that would be necessary, and had them put into the form of
+articles to be subscribed. By these articles, each subscriber agreed
+to pay a certain sum for the first purchase of the books, and a yearly
+contribution for increasing them.
+
+ 4. The number of readers, at that time, in Philadelphia, was so small,
+that it was with great difficulty Franklin was able to procure fifty
+subscribers, willing to pay forty shillings to begin with, and ten
+shillings a year for a contribution. With this number the library was
+commenced. The books were imported, and lent out to subscribers. Great
+advantages were derived from the institution, and it was soon imitated
+in other places.
+
+ 5. In this library, Franklin found means of continual improvement. He
+set apart an hour or two in each day for study, and in this way, in
+some degree, made up for the loss of a learned education. Reading was
+his only amusement. His attention to business was as strict as it was
+necessary. He was in debt for his printing house, and had an
+increasing family; with two rivals in his business, who had been
+established before him. Notwithstanding all this, however, he grew
+more easy in his circumstances every day.
+
+ 6. His early habits of frugality continued. He often thought of the
+proverb of Solomon, which his father had impressed on him while a
+boy--"Seest thou a man diligent in his calling? he shall stand before
+kings, he shall not stand before mean men." Industry appeared a means
+of obtaining wealth and distinction, and the thought encouraged him to
+new exertions. We shall see, by and by, that little as his father
+expected it, the son really came to stand, with honor, in the presence
+of monarchs.
+
+ 7. His wife was, fortunately, as well inclined to industry and
+frugality as he was himself. She assisted him in his business, folding
+and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, and purchasing old linen rags
+for the paper-makers. They kept no idle servants, their table was
+simply furnished, and their furniture was plain and cheap.
+
+ 8. "My breakfast," says Franklin, "was for a long time bread and milk
+(no tea), and I ate it out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a
+pewter spoon: but mark how luxury will enter families, and make a
+progress in spite of principle; being called one morning to breakfast,
+I found it in a china bowl, with a spoon of silver. They had been
+bought for me, without my knowledge, by my wife, and had cost her the
+enormous sum of three and twenty shillings; for which she had no other
+excuse or apology to make, but that she thought her husband deserved a
+silver spoon and china bowl as well as any of his neighbors. This was
+the first appearance of plate and china in our house, which
+afterwards, in a course of years, as our wealth increased, augmented
+gradually to several hundred pounds in value."
+
+ 9. It was about this time that Franklin formed the bold and difficult
+project of arriving at moral perfection. As he knew, or thought he
+knew, what was right and wrong, he did not see why he might not always
+do the one and avoid the other. For this purpose, he made a table of
+the different virtues, with certain rules and precepts annexed to
+them. Some of these were as follows:
+
+     1. _Temperance._--Eat not to dulness: drink not to elevation.
+
+     2. _Silence._--Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself:
+    avoid trifling conversation.
+
+     3. _Order._--Let all your things have their places: let each part
+    of your business have its time.
+
+     4. _Resolution._--Resolve to perform what you ought: perform,
+    without fail, what you resolve.
+
+     5. _Frugality._--Make no expense but to do good to others or
+    yourself; that is, waste nothing.
+
+     6. _Industry._--Lose no time: be always employed in something
+    useful: cut off all unnecessary actions.
+
+     7. _Sincerity._--Use no hurtful deceit: think innocently and
+    justly: and if you speak, speak accordingly.
+
+     8. _Justice._--Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the
+    benefits that are your duty.
+
+     9. _Moderation._--Avoid extremes: forbear resenting injuries so
+    much as you think they deserve.
+
+    10. _Cleanliness._--Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or
+    habitation.
+
+    11. _Tranquility._--Be not disturbed at trifles, nor at accidents
+    common or unavoidable.
+
+10. To acquire a habit of practising these virtues, he determined to
+give a week's strict attention to each of them in succession. Thus, in
+the first week, he took care to avoid even the slightest offence
+against temperance, and strictly marked every fault in a little book
+he kept for that purpose. This book he continued to keep for a great
+number of years; till, in the pressure of public business, he was
+obliged to give it up entirely.
+
+11. "It is well," he wrote in his old age, "my posterity should be
+informed that to this little artifice their ancestor owed the constant
+felicity of his life, down to his seventy-ninth year, in which this is
+written. What reverses may attend the remainder is in the hand of
+Providence: but if they arrive, the reflection on past happiness
+enjoyed ought to help his bearing them with more resignation."
+
+12. "To _Temperance_ he ascribes his long continued health, and what
+is still left to him of a good constitution. To _Industry_ and
+_Frugality_, the early easiness of his circumstances, and acquisition
+of his fortune, with all that knowledge that enabled him to be an
+useful citizen, and obtained for him some degree of reputation among
+the learned. To _Sincerity_ and _Justice_, the confidence of his
+country, and the honorable employs it conferred upon him: and to the
+joint influence of the whole mass of the virtues, even in the
+imperfect state he was able to acquire them, all that evenness of
+temper and that cheerfulness in conversation, which makes his company
+still sought for, and agreeable even to his young acquaintance: I
+hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example,
+and reap the benefit."
+
+13. In 1732, Franklin first published his almanac, under the name of
+Richard Saunders. It was continued by him about twenty-five years, and
+was commonly called Poor Richard's Almanac. He endeavored to make it
+both entertaining and useful, and it accordingly came to be in great
+demand. As it was generally read, and as the poor people bought hardly
+any other books, Franklin thought it would be a good means to
+circulate instruction among them. He, therefore, filled all the odd
+spaces with proverbs and wise sayings.
+
+14. These proverbs contained the experience and wisdom of many nations
+and ages. In 1757, Franklin collected them into a discourse prefixed
+to the almanac for that year. In this discourse, he represented an old
+man talking to a number of people who were attending a sale at
+auction. The hour for the sale not having come, the company were
+conversing on the badness of the times.
+
+15. One of them called out to a plain, clean old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we be ever able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to do?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied, "If you'd have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for
+a word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+Poor Richard says."
+
+16. The old man then went on to advise them to be industrious and
+economical; and, in the course of his advice, repeated all of the wise
+sayings of Poor Richard. In this manner they were all collected into a
+single paper, called The Way to Wealth. This piece was very much
+approved, copied into all the American newspapers, reprinted in Great
+Britain, and translated into the French language. Large numbers of it
+were, in this manner, distributed, and undoubtedly did a good deal of
+service.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. What plan did Franklin propose for the formation of a library?
+
+ 3. How did it succeed? How did Franklin propose to extend its
+advantages?
+
+ 4. How many subscribers were obtained?
+
+ 5. Did Franklin still pursue his studies, and how? Did his early
+habits continue? What was the proverb so often repeated by his father?
+
+ 7. What was the conduct of his wife?
+
+ 8. Describe Franklin's breakfast, and give his humorous account of the
+first appearance of luxury in his house.
+
+ 9. What was Franklin's favorite project at this time? Repeat the table
+of virtues, and the precepts annexed to them.
+
+10. How did he attempt to acquire a habit of these virtues?
+
+12. To what does Franklin ascribe his long continued health? the ease
+of his circumstances? the confidence and honor he received from his
+country?
+
+13. When did he first publish his almanac? How long was it continued?
+How did he endeavor to make it useful?
+
+14. What was prefixed to the almanac for 1757?
+
+16. How was _The Way to Wealth_ approved?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote._
+
+
+ 1. Besides his almanac, Franklin considered his newspaper as a very
+valuable means of circulating instruction and good advice among the
+people. For this purpose he frequently reprinted in it extracts from
+the Spectator, a work written a good many years ago, by several
+distinguished English authors. It is a collection of pieces on moral
+and popular subjects, in a very pleasant style, and first published in
+single numbers of a few pages each.
+
+ 2. In conducting his paper, Franklin was very careful to avoid all
+abuse of particular persons. Whenever he was requested to publish any
+thing of the kind, his answer was, that he would print the piece by
+itself, and give the author as many copies for his own use as he
+desired. He very wisely considered that his subscribers expected him
+to furnish them with useful and entertaining pieces, and not with
+abuse and violent discussions about things with which they had nothing
+to do.
+
+ 3. In 1733, Franklin sent one of his apprentices to Charleston, South
+Carolina, where a printer was wanted. He furnished him with a press
+and types, and was to receive one third of the profits of the
+business. After the death of this man, who was very irregular in
+settling his affairs with Franklin, the business was continued by his
+widow. This woman had been born and educated in Holland, where females
+were taught a knowledge of accounts. She managed the establishment
+with a great deal of prudence and success, and was in time able to
+purchase the printing office, and establish her son in it.
+
+ 4. In 1733, Franklin began the study of foreign languages. He soon
+obtained such a knowledge of the French, as to read books in that
+language with perfect ease. After this he undertook the Italian. An
+acquaintance, who was also learning it, often tempted him to play
+chess. Finding this took up too much time, Franklin refused to play
+any more, except upon one condition. This was, that whichever of them
+should beat, should have a right to impose a task upon the other;
+either of part of the grammar to be got by heart, or in translations.
+
+ 5. These tasks they were bound in honor to perform before the next
+meeting. The two friends played with about equal skill and success,
+and in this way soon beat each other into a pretty good knowledge of
+the Italian. Franklin next undertook Spanish, and learned enough to
+read books in that language with considerable ease.
+
+ 6. About the year 1734, a young preacher arrived in Philadelphia, by
+the name of Hemphill. He had a good voice, and delivered very
+excellent sermons. Large numbers were attracted by his eloquence, of
+different doctrines and belief. Among the rest, Franklin became a very
+constant hearer. He was pleased with his sermons, because they
+impressed the love and the practice of virtue and goodness, without
+quarrelling about hard questions of doctrinal religion.
+
+ 7. Some of the congregation, however, disapproved of his preaching,
+and united with the old ministers to attempt to put him down. Franklin
+took sides with him very warmly, and did all he could to raise a party
+in his favor. He wrote two or three pamphlets in his defence.
+
+ 8. During this contest the unlucky preacher hurt his own cause by a
+very unpardonable meanness. One of his enemies heard him preach a very
+eloquent sermon, and thought he had somewhere heard or read parts of
+it before. On looking into the matter, he found the preacher had
+stolen several passages from a discourse delivered by a celebrated
+English divine. This discovery induced many of his friends to desert
+him, and he was obliged to go in search of a congregation less
+inquisitive.
+
+ 9. After ten years' absence from Boston, Franklin determined to make a
+journey there to visit his relations. He was now doing very good
+business, and was in quite easy circumstances. He had seen a good many
+changes in his fortunes, since he first ran away from his native
+place; and his industry and good sense were to bring about still
+greater changes.
+
+10. In returning to Philadelphia, he stopped at Newport, to see his
+brother James, who was, at that time, settled there with his printing
+office. Their former differences were at once forgotten, and the
+meeting was very cordial and affectionate. James was at that time in
+very ill health, and in expectation of a speedy death. He,
+accordingly, requested Benjamin, when that event should happen, to
+take home his son, then but ten years of age, and bring him up to the
+printing business.
+
+11. This he accordingly performed, sending him a few years to school
+before he took him into the office. When James died, his widow carried
+on the business till her son was grown up. At that time, Benjamin
+assisted them with an assortment of new types, and they were, in this
+manner, enabled to continue the establishment.
+
+[Illustration: Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.]
+
+12. The club which Franklin had founded proved to be so useful, and
+afforded so much satisfaction to the members, that they proposed to
+introduce their friends, and increase their number. They had, from the
+beginning, determined to keep the _Junto_ a secret, and the secret was
+kept better than such things usually are. Franklin was of opinion that
+twelve members formed a club sufficiently large, and that it would be
+inconvenient to increase it.
+
+13. Instead of adding to their number, he proposed that every member,
+separately, should endeavor to form another club, with the same rules
+and on the same plan, without informing them of the existence of the
+Junto. The project was approved, and every member undertook to form
+his club; but they did not all succeed. Five or six only were
+completed, which were called by different names, as the _Vine_, the
+_Union_, the _Band_. These clubs were useful, and afforded their
+members a good deal of amusement and information.
+
+14. In 1736, Franklin was chosen clerk of the General Assembly. The
+choice was made that year without any opposition, but, on the next, a
+new member of that body made a long speech against him. This, however,
+did not prevent his second election. The place was one of some credit,
+and, by giving Franklin an opportunity to make friends among the
+members, enabled him to secure the business of printing the public
+laws, votes, and paper money.
+
+15. The new member, who had opposed Franklin, was a man of education
+and talents, and it was desirable to gain his good opinion. Franklin
+was too proud to pay any servile respect to him, but was too prudent
+not to wish for his favor. After some time, with his usual shrewdness
+and knowledge of human nature, he hit upon the following expedient.
+
+16. Having heard that this gentleman had in his library a very scarce
+and curious book, he wrote a note, requesting that he would do him the
+favor of lending it for a few days. The book was immediately sent, and
+in about a week was returned by the borrower, with a short note,
+expressive of his sincere thanks for the favor.
+
+17. The next time they met in the house, the gentleman spoke to
+Franklin with a great deal of civility. He ever after manifested a
+readiness to serve him, and they became great friends. "This is
+another instance," observes Franklin, "of the truth of an old maxim I
+had learned, which says--'He that has done you a kindness will be more
+ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.' And
+it shows how much more profitable it is prudently to remove than to
+resent, return, and continue inimical proceedings."
+
+18. In 1737, Colonel Spotswood, at that time postmaster-general, being
+dissatisfied with his deputy at Philadelphia, took away his
+commission, and offered it to Franklin. He accepted it with readiness,
+and found it of great advantage. Though the salary was small, the
+office gave him the means of increasing the subscribers to his paper,
+and in this way increased his advertisements. His paper now began to
+afford him a very considerable income.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. How did he make his newspaper serviceable in circulating
+instruction?
+
+ 2. What was he very careful to avoid?
+
+ 3. Describe the conduct of the woman whose husband Franklin had
+established in business.
+
+ 4. When did Franklin begin the study of foreign languages? What
+languages did he study? Relate the anecdote about chess-playing.
+
+ 6. Who was Hemphill?
+
+ 7. What did Franklin write in his behalf?
+
+ 8. How did the preacher ruin his own cause?
+
+ 9. How long had Franklin been absent from Boston when he determined to
+revisit it?
+
+10. How was the interview between the brothers at Newport? What
+request did James make respecting his son?
+
+11. How did Franklin comply with this request?
+
+12. How did the Junto flourish?
+
+13. What new clubs were formed? How?
+
+14. To what office was Franklin elected in 1736?
+
+16. How did Franklin conciliate a member who was opposed to him?
+
+17. What is the old maxim quoted by Franklin?
+
+18. To what office was Franklin appointed in 1737?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House in
+Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's Prosperity.
+Military Defence of the Province. Formation of Companies._
+
+
+ 1. Franklin now began to turn his attention to public affairs. One of
+his first efforts in this way was to reform the city watch. This was
+managed in the different wards by the constables, who assembled a
+certain number of housekeepers to attend them for the night. Those who
+did not choose to attend paid six shillings a year to be excused. This
+made the constableship an office of profit: for, instead of spending
+the money thus received in hiring other watchmen, it was spent in
+liquors, by which the constables were able to get a parcel of
+ragamuffins about them, instead of decent and orderly men.
+
+ 2. These fellows seldom went the rounds of the watch, but spent most
+of the night in tippling. In the course of a few years, by the
+exertions of Franklin and his friends, an entire alteration was
+produced in the laws upon this subject. About the same time that he
+began to converse at the _Junto_ on the abuses of the watch, he wrote
+a paper on the different accidents by which houses were set on fire,
+and means proposed of avoiding them.
+
+ 3. This gave rise to a project, which soon followed, of forming a
+company to assist, with readiness, at fires. Thirty persons were
+immediately found, willing to join in the scheme. Their articles of
+agreement obliged every member to keep, always in order and fit for
+use, a certain number of leathern buckets, with strong bags and
+baskets for packing and carrying goods, which were to be brought at
+every fire. They also held a monthly meeting, to converse upon the
+subject of fires, and communicate such ideas as might be useful in
+their conduct on such occasions.
+
+ 4. This company proved so useful, that another was soon formed; and
+thus went on, one new company after another, till they included most
+of the inhabitants who were men of property. The club first formed was
+called the UNION FIRE COMPANY, and, we believe, still exists. These
+institutions have been exceedingly useful in extinguishing fires and
+preserving property.
+
+ 5. In 1739, the Reverend Mr. Whitefield arrived in Philadelphia, from
+Ireland. This man had made himself very remarkable as a preacher,
+going about the country and discoursing, sometimes in churches,
+sometimes in the fields, to crowds of people, with great effect. He
+was, at first, permitted to preach in some of the churches in
+Philadelphia, but the clergy soon took a dislike to him, and refused
+him their pulpits. This obliged him again to discourse in the streets
+and open fields.
+
+ 6. Large multitudes collected to hear his sermons. "It was wonderful,"
+says Franklin, "to see the change soon made in the manners of our
+inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it
+seemed as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could
+not walk through the town in an evening, without hearing psalms sung
+in different families of every street. And it being found inconvenient
+to assemble in the open air, subject to its inclemencies, the building
+of a house to meet in was no sooner proposed, and persons appointed to
+receive contributions, but sufficient sums were soon received to
+procure the ground and erect the building, which was one hundred feet
+long and seventy broad; and the work was carried on with such spirit,
+as to be finished in a much shorter time than could be expected."
+
+ 7. On leaving Philadelphia, Mr. Whitefield went preaching all the way
+through the colonies to Georgia. The settlement of that province had
+then been recently commenced, and was made with people entirely unfit
+for such a service. They were unable to endure hardships, and perished
+in great numbers, leaving many helpless children, with nothing to feed
+or shelter them.
+
+ 8. "The sight of their miserable situation," says Franklin, "inspired
+the benevolent heart of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of building an
+orphan house there, in which they might be supported and educated.
+Returning northward, he preached up this charity, and made large
+collections; for his eloquence had a wonderful power over the hearts
+and purses of his hearers, of which I myself was an instance.
+
+ 9. "I did not disapprove of the design, but as Georgia was then
+destitute of materials and workmen, and it was proposed to send them
+from Philadelphia, at a great expense, I thought it would have been
+better to have built the house at Philadelphia, and brought the
+children to it. This I advised, but he was resolute in his first
+project, rejected my counsel, and I, therefore, refused to contribute.
+
+10. "I happened, soon after, to attend one of his sermons, in the
+course of which, I perceived he intended to finish with a collection,
+and I silently resolved he should get nothing from me. I had in my
+pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and
+five pistoles in gold; as he proceeded, I began to soften, and
+concluded to give the copper. Another stroke of his oratory made me
+ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished
+so admirably, that I emptied my pocket wholly into the collector's
+dish, gold and all!
+
+11. "At this sermon there was also one of our club, who, being of my
+sentiments respecting the building in Georgia, and suspecting a
+collection might be intended, had, by precaution, emptied his pockets
+before he came from home; towards the conclusion of the discourse,
+however, he felt a strong inclination to give, and applied to a
+neighbor who stood near him, to lend him some money for the purpose.
+The request was fortunately made to perhaps the only man in the
+company who had the firmness not to be affected by the preacher. His
+answer was, 'At any other time, friend Hopkinson, I would lend to thee
+freely; but not now, for thee seems to me to be out of thy right
+senses.'
+
+12. "Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he
+would apply these collections to his own private emolument; but I, who
+was intimately acquainted with him (being employed in printing his
+sermons, journals, &c.), never had the least suspicion of his
+integrity, but am to this day decidedly of opinion, that he was, in
+all his conduct, a perfectly honest man; and methinks my testimony in
+his favor ought to have the more weight, as we had no religious
+connection. Ours was a mere civil friendship, sincere on both sides,
+and lasted to his death.
+
+13. "The last time I saw Mr. Whitefield was in London, when he
+consulted me about his orphan house concern, and his purpose of
+appropriating it to the establishment of a college.
+
+14. "He had a loud and clear voice, and articulated his words so
+perfectly that he might be heard and understood at a great distance;
+especially as his auditories observed the most perfect silence. He
+preached one evening from the top of the court house steps, which are
+in the middle of Market street, and on the west side of Second street,
+which crosses it at right angles. Both streets were filled with
+hearers to a considerable distance; being among the hindmost in Market
+street, I had the curiosity to learn how far he could be heard, by
+retiring backwards down the street towards the river, and I found his
+voice distinct till I came near Front street, when some noise in that
+street obscured it. I computed that he might well be heard by more
+than thirty thousand. This reconciled me to the newspaper accounts of
+his having preached to 25,000 people in the fields, and to the history
+of generals haranguing whole armies, of which I had sometimes
+doubted."
+
+15. Franklin's business was now constantly increasing, and his
+newspaper had become very profitable. He began to feel the truth of
+the old proverb, "that after getting the first hundred pounds, it is
+more easy to get the second." Those of his workmen who behaved well,
+he established in printing houses in different colonies, on easy
+terms. Most of them did well, and were able to repay him what he had
+advanced, and go on working for themselves.
+
+16. At this period, there were no preparations for military defence in
+Pennsylvania. The inhabitants were mostly Quakers, and had neglected
+to take any suitable measures against the enemies to whom they might
+be exposed. There was also no college in the state, nor any proper
+provision for the complete education of youth. Franklin accordingly
+turned his attention to these very important subjects.
+
+17. Spain had been several years at war with Great Britain, and had
+now been recently joined by France. From the French possessions in
+Canada, Pennsylvania was exposed to continual danger. The governor of
+the province had been some time trying to prevail upon the Quaker
+assembly to pass a militia law, and take other necessary steps for
+their security. He tried, however, in vain.
+
+18. Franklin thought something might be done by a subscription among
+the people. To promote this plan, he wrote and published a pamphlet
+called PLAIN TRUTH. In this he stated their exposed and helpless
+situation, and represented the necessity of union for their defence.
+The pamphlet had a sudden and surprising effect. A meeting of the
+citizens was appointed, and attended by a considerable number.
+Proposals of the intended union had been printed, and distributed
+about the room, to be signed by those who approved them. When the
+company separated, the papers were collected and found to contain
+above twelve hundred signatures.
+
+19. Other copies were scattered about the country, and the subscribers
+at length amounted to upwards of ten thousand. All these furnished
+themselves, as soon as they could, with arms, formed themselves into
+companies and regiments, chose their own officers, and met every week
+to be instructed in military exercises. The women made subscriptions
+among themselves, and provided silk colors, which they presented to
+the companies, painted with different ornaments and mottoes, supplied
+by Franklin.
+
+20. The officers of the companies that formed the Philadelphia
+regiment chose Franklin for their colonel. Not considering himself fit
+for the office, he declined; and recommended that Mr. Lawrence, a man
+of influence and of a fine person, should be chosen in his place. This
+gentleman was accordingly elected.
+
+21. Franklin now proposed a lottery, to pay the expenses of building a
+battery below the town, and of furnishing it with cannon. The lottery
+was rapidly filled, and the battery soon erected. They brought some
+old cannon from Boston, and these not proving sufficient, they sent to
+London for more. The associates kept a nightly guard at the battery,
+and Franklin regularly took his turn of duty, as a common soldier.
+
+22. His activity in these measures was agreeable to the governor and
+council, and secured their favor. They took him into their confidence,
+and consulted him on all operations in respect to the military.
+Franklin took the opportunity to propose a public fast, to promote
+reformation, and implore the blessing of Heaven on their undertaking.
+They embraced the motion, but as this was the first fast ever thought
+of in the province, there was no form for the proclamation. Franklin
+drew it up in the style of the New England proclamation; it was
+translated into German, printed in both languages, and circulated
+through the province. This gave the clergy of the different sects an
+opportunity of influencing their hearers to join the association; and
+it would, probably, have been general among all but the Quakers, if it
+had not been for the news of peace.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What reform did Franklin introduce, when he first turned his
+attention to public affairs?
+
+ 2. On what subject did he write a paper for the Junto?
+
+ 3. To what project did this give rise? How did it succeed?
+
+ 4. Was it useful? What was it called?
+
+ 5. What is stated of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield?
+
+ 6. What does Franklin say of the change in the manners of the
+inhabitants?
+
+ 7. Where did Mr. Whitefield go on leaving Philadelphia?
+
+ 8. What charitable design did he form at this period?
+
+ 9. What was Franklin's opinion upon the subject?
+
+10. What anecdote does Franklin relate of the collection?
+
+11. What anecdote of a member of the club?
+
+12. What does Franklin say of Mr. Whitefield's character?
+
+13. Where did Franklin see him for the last time?
+
+14. What does he say of his eloquence? By how many did he compute that
+he might be heard at a time?
+
+15. How were Franklin's affairs succeeding at this time?
+
+16. To what very important subjects did Franklin now turn his
+attention?
+
+17. How was Pennsylvania exposed to danger? What obstacle was there to
+the passage of a militia law?
+
+18. What did Franklin write on the subject? What did he propose for
+their defence?
+
+19. How many subscribers were obtained to these proposals? What
+measures did they take?
+
+20. To what office was Franklin now chosen, and why did he decline?
+
+21. By what means was the battery erected and furnished?
+
+22. What did Franklin propose? How was the proclamation for fast drawn
+up and circulated? What news was brought at this time?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote._
+
+
+ 1. It was thought by some of the friends of Franklin, that he would
+offend the peace-loving sect of Quakers, by his activity in these
+warlike preparations. A young man, who had some friends in the
+assembly, and wished to succeed him as their clerk, told him, in a
+quiet way, that it was intended to displace him at the next election,
+and that, as a friend, he should advise him to resign.
+
+ 2. The answer which Franklin made to this obliging young man was in
+the following words:--"I have heard or read of some public man, who
+made it a rule never to ask for an office, and never to refuse one
+when offered to him. I approve of this rule, and shall practise it
+with a small addition; I shall never _ask_, never _refuse_, nor ever
+RESIGN an office. If they will have my office of clerk to dispose of
+it to another, they shall take it from me. I will not give it up." At
+the next election, Franklin was unanimously elected clerk.
+
+ 3. Notwithstanding the general sentiments of the Quakers, Franklin
+thought the military defence of the country not disagreeable to any of
+them. One of their number, the learned and honorable Mr. Logan, wrote
+an address to them, declaring his approbation of defensive war, and
+supporting his opinion by very strong arguments. This gentleman
+related an anecdote of his old master, William Penn, in respect to the
+subject of defence, which is quite amusing.
+
+ 4. "He came over from England, when a young man, as secretary to this
+distinguished Quaker. It was war time, and their ship was chased by an
+armed vessel, supposed to be an enemy. Their captain prepared for
+defence, but told William Penn and his company of Quakers, that he did
+not expect their assistance, and they might retire into the cabin.
+They all retired except James Logan, who chose to stay upon deck, and
+was quartered to a gun.
+
+ 5. "The supposed enemy proved a friend, so there was no fighting. When
+the secretary went to carry the information to his friends in the
+cabin, William Penn spoke to him in severe language for staying upon
+deck, and undertaking to assist in the defence of the vessel, contrary
+to the principles of the Friends. This reproof, being before all the
+company, vexed the secretary, who replied--'I being thy servant, why
+did thee not order me to come down; but thee was willing enough that I
+should stay and help to fight the ship, when thee thought there was
+danger.'"
+
+ 6. Peace being concluded, and the business of defence at an end,
+Franklin next turned his thoughts to the affair of establishing an
+academy. The first step he took was to associate in the design a
+number of his active friends; the next was to write and publish a
+pamphlet, entitled "Proposals relating to the Education of Youth in
+Philadelphia." This he distributed among the principal inhabitants,
+and in a short time opened a subscription for supporting an academy.
+The subscribers were desirous of carrying the plan into immediate
+execution. The constitutions for the government of the academy were
+soon drawn up and signed, a house was hired, masters engaged, and the
+school opened. This was in the year 1749.
+
+ 7. The scholars increased rapidly, the house was soon found too small,
+when accident threw in their way a large house, ready built, which,
+with a few alterations, would exactly answer their purpose. This was
+the building erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield. Some difficulty
+had been found by the trustees in paying the expenses of this church,
+and they were prevailed upon to give it up for the academy. It was
+soon made fit for that purpose, and the scholars were removed into the
+building. The whole care and trouble of superintending this work fell
+upon Franklin, who found sufficient leisure to attend to it, from
+having taken a very able and industrious partner in his printing
+business.
+
+ 8. Franklin now thought that he should find leisure, during the rest
+of his life, to pursue his philosophical studies and amusements. He
+purchased all the instruments and apparatus of Dr. Spence, who had
+come from England to lecture on philosophy in Philadelphia. His
+intention was to proceed with diligence in his experiments in
+electricity. But the public now considered him a man of leisure, and
+laid hold of him for their purposes.
+
+ 9. He seems to have been quite overloaded with offices. The governor
+made him a justice of the peace. The city corporation chose him a
+member of the common council, and shortly after alderman. The citizens
+elected him to represent them in the assembly, of which he had so long
+been clerk. All these offices were signs of the esteem and respect in
+which he was held among his fellow citizens.
+
+10. Franklin tried the office of justice of the peace a little while,
+by attending a few courts, and sitting on the bench to hear causes.
+Finding, however, that it required more knowledge of the law than he
+possessed, he gradually withdrew from it; excusing himself by being
+obliged to attend his duties as member of the assembly. To this office
+he was chosen for ten years in succession, without ever asking any
+elector for his vote, or signifying, directly or indirectly, any
+desire of the honor. On taking his seat in the house, his son was
+appointed their clerk.
+
+11. During the next year, a treaty was to be held with the Indians at
+Carlisle. The governor sent a message to the house, requesting that
+they should nominate some of their members, to be joined with some
+members of council, for that purpose. The house named the speaker, Mr.
+Norris, and Dr. Franklin; and being commissioned, they went to
+Carlisle to treat with the Indians.
+
+12. As the Indians were very apt to drink to excess, and when drunk
+were very quarrelsome and disorderly, the commissioners strictly
+forbade the sale of any liquor to them. When they complained of this,
+they were told that, on condition of their remaining perfectly sober
+during the treaty, they should have plenty of rum when the business
+was over. They accordingly promised this, and kept their promise for
+the very best reason in the world--because they were unable to break
+it. The treaty was conducted with perfect order, and concluded to the
+satisfaction of both parties.
+
+13. They then claimed and received the rum. This was in the afternoon.
+The Indians were about one hundred in number, men, women and children,
+and were lodged in cabins, built in the form of a square, just without
+the town. In the evening there was a great noise among them, and the
+commissioners walked out to see what was the matter. They found a
+great bonfire built in the middle of the square, and the men and
+women, in a state of intoxication, fighting and quarrelling around it.
+The tumult could not be stilled, and the commissioners retired to
+their lodgings.
+
+14. At midnight, a number of the Indians came thundering at their
+door, demanding more rum; but the commissioners took no notice of
+them. The next day they were sensible of their misbehavior, and sent
+three of their old counsellors to make an excuse. The orator
+acknowledged the fault, but laid it upon the rum; and then endeavored
+to excuse the rum, by saying--"The Great Spirit, who made all things,
+made every thing for some use, and whatever use he designed any thing
+for, that use it should always be put to: now, when he made rum, he
+said, 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be
+so." It is a sad truth that among all savage nations, the introduction
+of spirituous liquor has been the most severe curse that ever fell
+upon them.
+
+15. In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond formed a plan to establish an hospital in
+Philadelphia, for the reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether
+inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was very active in
+endeavoring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being
+new in America, and at first not well understood, he met with but
+little success. At length he came to Franklin with the compliment that
+there was no such a thing as carrying a public-spirited thing through,
+without his being concerned in it. "For," said he, "I am often asked
+by those to whom I propose subscribing, _Have you consulted Franklin
+on this business? And what does he think of it?_ And when I tell
+them I have not, they do not subscribe, but say, _they will consider
+it_."
+
+16. Franklin inquired into the nature and probable usefulness of the
+scheme, and being satisfied in respect to it, not only subscribed
+himself, but was active in procuring subscriptions from others. Some
+aid was obtained from the assembly of the province. A convenient and
+handsome building was soon erected, the institution was found useful,
+and flourishes to the present day.
+
+17. It was about this time that another projector, the Rev. Gilbert
+Tennent, came to Franklin with a request that he would assist him in
+procuring subscriptions to erect a new meeting-house. It was to be
+devoted to the use of a congregation he had gathered among the
+original disciples of Mr. Whitefield. Franklin was too wise to make
+himself disagreeable to his fellow citizens, by such frequent calls
+upon their generosity, and absolutely refused. The gentleman then
+desired he would furnish him with a list of the names of persons he
+knew by experience to be generous and public-spirited. This, also, was
+refused; for it was hard that their kind compliance with a request of
+charity should mark them out to be worried by all who chose to call
+upon them.
+
+18. Franklin was then asked to give his advice. "That I will do," he
+replied; "and in the first place, I advise you to apply to all those
+who you know will give something; next, to those of whom you are
+uncertain whether they will give any thing or not, and show them the
+list of those who have given; and lastly, do not neglect those who you
+are sure will give nothing; for in some of them you may be mistaken."
+The clergyman laughed, and promised to take his advice. He did so, for
+he asked of _every body_, and soon obtained money enough to erect
+a spacious and elegant meeting house.
+
+19. Franklin now exerted himself in several matters that, however
+small they may seem, affected the convenience and comfort of his
+fellow citizens in a great degree. This was in respect to cleaning,
+paving, and lighting the streets. By talking, and writing in the
+papers, he was able to introduce great changes in these matters, which
+were very important to the cleanliness and good appearance of the
+[text missing in printed book]
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What advice did Franklin receive at this time?
+
+ 2. What answer did he return? What was the result of the election?
+
+ 3. What did Franklin consider the opinion of Quakers on the subject of
+defence?
+
+ 4. What anecdote is related of William Penn?
+
+ 6. To what did Franklin turn his attention on the declaration of
+peace? In what year was the academy founded?
+
+ 7. What building was taken for the school house?
+
+ 8. To what pursuits did he now intend to devote himself? What did the
+public consider him?
+
+ 9. What offices did he receive at this time?
+
+10. Why did he retire from the office of justice of the peace?
+
+11. Who were appointed to treat with the Indians?
+
+12. What is related of the Indians? How was the treaty concluded?
+
+13. What happened in the evening?
+
+14. What course did they pursue the next day? How did the
+commissioners excuse themselves?
+
+15. Who proposed the plan for the Philadelphia hospital? What
+compliment did he pay to Franklin?
+
+16. Did Franklin approve of the scheme and assist in it?
+
+17. What did Mr. Gilbert Tennent request of Franklin? How was his
+request treated?
+
+18. What advice did Franklin give?
+
+19. To what smaller matters of public interest did Franklin now
+attend?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the Kite.
+Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abbé Nollet. Fame of
+Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society._
+
+
+ 1. It was in the year 1746, that Franklin first attended to the branch
+of philosophy in which he afterwards became so distinguished. During
+that year he was in Boston, and there met with a Dr. Spence, who
+showed him some experiments in electricity. It was a subject
+altogether new to him, and, though the experiments were not very well
+performed, they surprised and pleased him.
+
+ 2. If you take a stick of sealing-wax, or a glass tube, or a piece of
+amber which has been a long time untouched, and bring it near some
+small pieces of paper, chaff, or other light substance, it produces no
+impression upon them. But if you first rub lightly and briskly the
+wax, the tube, or the amber, with a piece of dry woollen cloth, or cat
+skin, and then bring it near any of these light substances, you will
+find that they fly to it, and remain upon it. The power which attracts
+these substances, and which is excited by the rubbing, is called
+_electricity_.
+
+ 3. It is so called from a Greek word which signifies amber, the
+substance in which this power was first observed. Amber is a brittle
+mineral substance, of a yellow, and sometimes a reddish brown color.
+It is found in several countries in Europe, and has recently been
+found in the United States, at Cape Sable, in Maryland. This is the
+substance with which the first electrical experiment was performed,
+ages ago, by a Greek philosopher of the name of Thales.
+
+ 4. Several centuries passed without any thing being known upon this
+subject, beyond the fact that these substances possessed this power.
+At length it began to attract the attention of modern philosophers. In
+1742, several ingenious Germans engaged in the subject, and the
+results of their researches astonished all Europe. They obtained large
+apparatus, by means of which they were enabled to collect large
+quantities of the electric fluid, and produce several wonders which
+had been before unobserved.
+
+ 5. These experiments excited the curiosity of other philosophers. Mr.
+Peter Collinson, fellow of the Royal Society of London, about the year
+1745, sent to the library company of Philadelphia a glass tube, with
+some account of its use in making such experiments. Franklin eagerly
+seized the opportunity of repeating those which he had seen at Boston,
+and, by much practice, acquired great readiness in performing those of
+which they had an account from England.
+
+ 6. He was soon enabled to make a number of important discoveries, and
+his house was, for some time, continually full of people who came to
+see the new wonders. His observations upon the subject were, from time
+to time, communicated to his friend Collinson, in a series of letters,
+the first of which is dated March 28, 1747. These were read before the
+Royal Society, where they were not at first thought worthy of much
+attention.
+
+ 7. In the year 1749, Franklin first suggested the idea of explaining
+the sameness of electricity with lightning. A paper upon this subject,
+which he wrote for Mr. Kinnersly, was read before the members of the
+Royal Society, and excited a hearty laugh. But it was the lot of this
+neglected theory to be generally adopted by philosophers, and to bid
+fair to endure for ages.
+
+ 8. It was in the same year, that Franklin started the plan of proving
+the truth of his doctrine, by actually drawing down the lightning, by
+means of sharp-pointed iron rods raised high into the clouds. It was
+not until the summer of 1752, that he was enabled to complete his
+grand discovery by actual experiment.
+
+ 9. The plan which he had first proposed was, to erect a box on some
+high tower, or other elevated place, from which should rise a pointed
+iron rod. He thought that electrified clouds, passing over it, would
+impart a portion of their electricity, which would be made evident by
+presenting a key or the knuckle to it. There was at this time, in
+Philadelphia, no opportunity of trying an experiment of the kind. But
+while Franklin was waiting for the erection of a spire, it occurred to
+him that he might have a more ready access to the clouds by means of a
+common kite.
+
+10. He prepared a kite by fastening two cross sticks to a silk
+handkerchief, which would not suffer from the rain so much as paper.
+To the upright stick he affixed an iron point. The string was, as
+usual, of hemp, excepting the lower end, which was made of silk,
+because this substance does not give a free passage to the
+electricity.
+
+11. With this kite, on the appearance of a thunder storm, he went out
+into the commons with his son, to whom alone he had communicated his
+intentions. He placed himself under a shed to avoid the rain; his kite
+was raised--a thunder cloud passed over it, but no sign of electricity
+appeared. The experiment had almost been given up in despair, when he
+perceived, in the loose fibres of the string, evident appearances of
+electricity. By continued observation the fact was most clearly
+proved; and the honor of establishing the sameness of electricity and
+lightning was won by Franklin.
+
+12. The letters which Franklin had sent to Mr. Collinson were
+published by that gentleman in a separate volume, under the title
+of "New Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at
+Philadelphia, in America." They were read with great eagerness, and
+soon translated into different languages. A very incorrect French
+translation fell into the hands of the celebrated Buffon, who was much
+pleased with it, and performed the experiments with success. A more
+correct translation was undertaken at his request, and contributed
+much towards spreading a knowledge of Franklin's principles in France.
+His experiments were repeated by most of the distinguished
+philosophers throughout Europe.
+
+13. By these experiments, the truth of Franklin's doctrine was
+established in the firmest manner. When it could no longer be doubted,
+some men were anxious to take away from its merit. It was considered
+at that time rather mortifying to the European philosophers, to admit
+that an American could make important discoveries which had escaped
+their notice.
+
+14. The Abbé Nollet, preceptor in natural philosophy to the royal
+family of France, was exceedingly offended at the publication of
+Franklin's letters. He had himself written about electricity, and
+could not at first believe that such a work had really come from
+America. He said it must have been composed by his enemies in Paris,
+to oppose his system. Afterwards, having been assured that there
+really existed such a person as Franklin at Philadelphia, he published
+a volume of letters, in defence of his own ideas upon the subject, and
+denying the propositions of the American philosopher.
+
+15. Franklin thought at one time of writing a letter in reply to the
+abbé, and actually began one. But on considering that any one might
+repeat his experiments, and ascertain for himself whether or not they
+were true, he concluded to let his papers shift for themselves;
+believing it was better to spend what time he could spare in making
+new experiments than in disputing about those already made.
+
+16. The event gave him no cause to repent of his silence. His friend,
+Monsieur Le Roy, of the Royal Academy of Sciences, took up his cause,
+and refuted the abbé. Franklin's volume was translated into the
+Italian, German and Latin languages; and the doctrine it contained
+was, by degrees, generally adopted by the philosophers of Europe, in
+preference to that of Nollet.
+
+17. What gave his book the more sudden and general celebrity was the
+success of one of its proposed experiments, made at Marly, for drawing
+lightning from the clouds. This engaged the public attention every
+where. The "Philadelphia experiments," as they were called, were
+performed before the king and court, and all the curious of Paris
+flocked to see them.
+
+18. Dr. Wright, an English physician, was at Paris when they were the
+talk and wonder of the day. He wrote to a member of the Royal Society
+an account of the high esteem in which the experiments of Franklin
+were held by learned men abroad and of their surprise that his
+writings had been so little noticed in England. The society, on this,
+resumed the consideration of the letters that had been read to them,
+and a summary account of their doctrines was drawn up and published
+among their philosophical essays and transactions.
+
+19. To make Franklin some amends for the slight with which they had
+before treated him, the society chose him a member, without his having
+made the usual application. They also presented him with the gold
+medal of Sir Godfrey Copley for the year 1753, the delivery of which
+was accompanied by a very complimentary speech from the president,
+Lord Macclesfield.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. When did Franklin first attend to electricity?
+
+ 2. Relate the substance of the second paragraph.
+
+ 3. From what is the word electricity derived? What is amber? Where is
+it found?
+
+ 4. When was the subject first examined by modern philosophers?
+
+ 5. What did Mr. Collinson send to Philadelphia?
+
+ 7. When did Franklin first suggest that electricity and lightning were
+the same?
+
+ 8. How did he propose to prove the truth of his doctrine? When did he
+prove it by actual experiment?
+
+ 9. What plans had he at first proposed? What occurred to him
+afterwards?
+
+10. How did he prepare the kite?
+
+11. Relate the progress of the experiment.
+
+12. Under what title were Franklin's letters on the subject printed?
+How were they received? By whose request was a correct French
+translation made?
+
+13. What was the result of the establishment of Franklin's doctrine?
+
+14. What was the conduct of the Abbé Nollet?
+
+15. What course did Franklin pursue on the subject?
+
+16. Did he regret his silence? State the substance of this paragraph.
+
+17. What gave the book the more general celebrity?
+
+18. Who was Dr. Wright? What communication did he make to the Royal
+Society?
+
+19. What honors did the society confer upon him?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother._
+
+
+ 1. Having been some time employed by the postmaster-general of America
+in regulating the several offices, and bringing the officers to
+account, upon his death, in 1753, Franklin was appointed, jointly with
+another gentleman, to succeed him. The American office had before this
+time never paid any thing to that of Great Britain; and the new
+postmasters were to have six hundred pounds between them, if they
+could make that sum out of the profits of the office.
+
+ 2. To do this, a variety of improvements were necessary, some of which
+were at first very expensive; so that, for the first four years, the
+office became more than nine hundred pounds in debt to them.
+Afterwards they began to be repaid, and before Franklin was displaced,
+they had brought it to yield three times as much clear profit to the
+crown, as the post-office of Ireland. After Franklin's dismission,
+they never received a farthing from it.
+
+ 3. The business of the post-office occasioned his taking a journey to
+New England, where the College of Cambridge presented him with the
+degree of Master of Arts. Yale College, in Connecticut, had before
+paid him a similar compliment. Thus, without studying in any college,
+he came to partake of their honors. They were conferred in
+consideration of his discoveries and improvements in natural
+philosophy.
+
+ 4. It was either during this or his former journey that the story of
+the visit to his mother originated. He had been some years absent from
+his native city, and was at that period of life when the greatest and
+most rapid alteration is made in the human appearance. Franklin was
+sensible that his person had been so much changed that his mother
+would not know him, unless there were some instinct to point out, at a
+single glance, the child to its parent.
+
+ 5. To discover the existence of this instinct by actual experiment,
+Franklin determined to introduce himself to his mother as a stranger,
+and to watch narrowly for the moment in which she should discover her
+son. On the afternoon of a sullen cold day, in the month of January,
+he knocked at his mother's door, and asked to speak with Mrs.
+Franklin. He found the old lady knitting before the parlor fire,
+introduced himself, by observing that he had been informed she
+entertained travellers, and requested a night's lodging.
+
+ 6. She eyed him with coldness, and assured him that he had been
+misinformed--that she did not keep a tavern; though, to oblige some
+members of the legislature, she took a number of them into her family
+during the session; and at that time had four members of the council
+and six of the house of representatives who boarded with her. She
+added that all her beds were full, and went on knitting with a great
+deal of vehemence.
+
+ 7. Franklin wrapped his coat around him, pretending to shiver with the
+cold, and observing that it was very chilly weather. It was, of
+course, nothing more than civil for the old lady to ask him to stop
+and warm himself. She pointed to a chair, and he drew himself up to
+the fire.
+
+ 8. The entrance of her boarders prevented any further conversation.
+Coffee was soon served, and the stranger partook with the rest of the
+family. To the coffee, according to the custom of the times, succeeded
+a plate of apples, pipes, and a paper of tobacco. A pleasant circle of
+smokers was then formed about the fire. Agreeable conversation
+followed. Jokes were cracked, stories told, and Franklin was so
+sensible and entertaining as to attract the attention of the whole
+company.
+
+ 9. In this manner the moments passed pleasantly and swiftly along, and
+it was eight o'clock before any of them expected it. This was the hour
+of supper, and Mrs. Franklin was always as punctual as the clock.
+Busied with family affairs, she supposed the stranger had quitted the
+house immediately after coffee. Imagine her surprise, when she saw
+him, with the utmost coolness and impudence, taking his seat with the
+family at the supper table!
+
+10. Immediately after supper, she called an elderly gentleman, a
+member of the council, with whom she was in the habit of consulting,
+into another room; complained of the rudeness of the stranger, told
+the manner of his coming into the house, observed that he appeared
+like a foreigner, and she thought had something about him very
+suspicious. The old gentleman assured her that she need not be under
+any alarm, that the stranger was a man of education and agreeable
+manners, and was, probably, unaware of the lateness of the hour. He
+added, that it would be well to call him aside, and repeat to him that
+she was unable to give him lodgings.
+
+11. She accordingly sent her maid to him, and then repeated the
+account of their situation, observed that it grew late, and gently
+hinted that he would do well to seek out other accommodations. The
+stranger replied that he should be very sorry to put her to any
+inconvenience, and would retire after smoking one more pipe with her
+boarders. He returned to the company, filled his pipe, and began
+talking as pleasantly and forcibly as ever. He recounted the
+hardships, and praised the piety and wisdom of their ancestors.
+
+12. A gentleman present mentioned the subject of the day's debate in
+the house of representatives. A bill had been introduced to extend the
+powers of the royal governor. The stranger immediately entered upon
+the subject, supported the rights of the colonies with many arguments
+and much eloquence, and showed a great familiarity with the names of
+influential members of the house in the time of Governor Dudley.
+
+13. The conversation was so animated and interesting that the clock
+struck eleven, unnoticed by the delighted circle. The patience of Mrs.
+Franklin was by this time completely exhausted. She now entered the
+room, and, before the whole company, addressed the stranger with much
+anger; told him plainly that she thought herself imposed upon; that
+she was a lone woman, but had friends who would protect her; and
+concluded by telling him to leave the house. Franklin made a slight
+apology, put on his great coat and hat, took a polite leave of the
+company, and approached the street door, lighted by the maid, and
+attended by the mistress.
+
+14. While the company had been enjoying themselves within, a most
+tremendous snow storm had filled the streets, knee-deep; and no sooner
+had the maid lifted the latch, than a roaring wind forced open the
+door, put out the light, and almost filled the entry with drifted snow
+and hail. As soon as the candle was relighted, the stranger cast a
+mournful look on the lady of the mansion, and said--"My dear madam, if
+you turn me out of your house in this dreadful storm, I am a stranger
+in the town, and shall certainly perish in the streets. You look like
+a charitable lady; I should not think you could refuse shelter to a
+dog on such a night."
+
+15. "Don't tell me of charity," said the offended matron; "charity
+begins at home. It is your own fault that you staid so long. In short,
+sir, I do not like your looks, or your conduct in thus forcing
+yourself upon my family, and I fear you have some bad designs."
+
+16. The good lady had grown so angry as to raise her voice much above
+its ordinary pitch, and the noise drew all the company into the entry.
+They did not agree with Mrs. Franklin in respect to the stranger at
+all. He seemed to them to be a very honest, clever-looking fellow, and
+so far from wishing to turn him out of the house, there was not one of
+them but would have been glad to have him for a fellow-boarder. They
+thought him very sensible and pleasant, and could not account for
+their landlady's aversion.
+
+17. At length, by their united interference, the stranger was
+permitted to remain in the house. There was no bed or part of a bed
+unoccupied, and he was obliged to sleep all night in an easy chair,
+before the parlor fire. Although her boarders appeared to have perfect
+confidence in his honesty, it was not so with Mrs. Franklin. She very
+carefully collected her silver spoons, pepper box and porringer from
+her closet, and, after securing the parlor door, by sticking a fork
+over the latch, carried them to her chamber. She charged the negro man
+to sleep with his clothes on--to take the great cleaver to bed with
+him, and to wake up and seize the vagrant at the first noise he made
+in plundering the house. The good lady then retired to bed with her
+maid, whom she compelled to sleep in the same room.
+
+18. After a very restless night, Mrs. Franklin rose before the sun.
+She called her domestics, proceeded with them in a body to unfasten
+the parlor door. To her great astonishment, she found her guest
+quietly sleeping in his chair. She now began to feel sorry for her
+suspicions. Awaking him with a cheerful good morning, she inquired how
+he had rested, and invited him to partake of her breakfast, which was
+always served before that of the boarders.
+
+19. "Pray, sir," said the old lady, as they were sipping their
+chocolate at the breakfast table, "as you appear to be a stranger
+here, to what distant country do you belong?"
+
+20. Franklin put a little more sugar into his chocolate, and, helping
+himself to a slice of toast, replied, that he belonged to the city of
+Philadelphia. At the mention of this word, the old lady, for the first
+time, exhibited emotion. "Philadelphia?" said she--"if you live in
+Philadelphia, perhaps you know our Ben?"
+
+21. "Who, madam?" replied Franklin, in the same cool and undisturbed
+manner that he had put on ever since he entered the house. "Why, Ben
+Franklin," said the mother; "my Ben--oh! he is the dearest child that
+ever blessed a mother!"
+
+22. "What," said the stranger, "is Ben Franklin, the printer, your
+son? Why, he is my most intimate friend: he and I lodge in the same
+room." "O! Heaven forgive me!" exclaimed the old lady; "and have I
+suffered an acquaintance of my Benny to sleep on this hard chair,
+while I myself rested on a good bed!"
+
+23. We can well imagine that the mother was very much astonished when
+she found that it was not an acquaintance of her son, but her son
+himself, whose countenance and person had been so much changed, that
+she had even been on the point of turning him out of doors! She was
+delighted to embrace him once more before she died, and was quite
+pleased that the members of the council had found him so agreeable a
+fellow as to insist that he should remain all night in the house.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What appointment did Franklin receive at this time.
+
+ 2. Was the post-office, under Franklin, a source of revenue to the
+crown?
+
+ 3. What honors did Franklin receive from the colleges?
+
+ 5. Why did Franklin introduce himself to his mother as a stranger? In
+what situation did he find her?
+
+ 6. How did she receive him?
+
+ 8. What was the evening custom at that time?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat._
+
+
+ 1. In 1754, there was again a prospect of war with France. A congress
+of commissioners from the different colonies was ordered to be
+assembled at Albany, to confer with the chiefs of the Six Nations of
+Indians, in respect to the defence of the country. The governor of
+Pennsylvania communicated this order to the assembly, and nominated
+Franklin, with Mr. Norris, Mr. Penn, and Mr. Peters, to act as
+commissioners. Presents were provided for the Indians, and they all
+met at Albany about the middle of June.
+
+ 2. On his way thither, Franklin projected and drew up a plan for the
+union of all the colonies under one government, so far as might be
+necessary for defence and other important services. This plan was
+shown to two or three of his friends, and, having met with their
+approbation, was submitted to congress. It then appeared that several
+of the commissioners had formed projects of the same kind. A committee
+was appointed to consider the several plans, and report. That proposed
+by Franklin was finally adopted with a few alterations: copies of it
+were sent to the British government and to the assemblies of the
+several provinces.
+
+ 3. The British government were unwilling to permit the union proposed
+at Albany, from a fear that the colonies would become too military and
+feel their own strength. They accordingly sent over General Braddock,
+with two regiments of regular English troops, for the purpose of
+protecting them. This officer, with his forces, landed at Alexandria,
+and marched thence to Fredericktown in Maryland, where he halted for
+carriages. Franklin was sent by the assembly to wait upon him at this
+place, in order to arrange some matters which had occurred to excite
+serious misunderstanding.
+
+ 4. His son accompanied him upon this journey. They found the general
+at Fredericktown, waiting, impatiently, for the return of those whom
+he had sent through the back parts of Maryland and Virginia to collect
+wagons. Franklin staid with him several days, dined with him daily,
+and had full opportunity of removing his prejudices. When he was about
+to depart, it had been ascertained that only twenty-five wagons could
+be procured, and not all of them fit for use.
+
+ 5. The general and all the officers were very much surprised, and
+declared that the expedition was entirely at an end. They exclaimed
+bitterly against their government for sending them into a country
+destitute of the means of carrying their stores and baggage, for which
+no less than one hundred and fifty wagons were necessary. Franklin
+remarked that it was a pity they had not been landed in Pennsylvania,
+as in that country almost every farmer had his wagon. The general
+caught at his words, and eagerly said--"Then you, sir, who are a man
+of interest there, can possibly procure them for us; and I beg you
+will undertake it."
+
+ 6. Franklin asked what terms were to be offered to the owners of the
+wagons; and he was desired to put on paper the terms that appeared to
+him necessary. This he did; and they were accepted. He soon after
+published an advertisement, offering to contract for certain wagons
+and horses, on specified terms; and to this added an address to the
+inhabitants of the counties of York, Lancaster and Cumberland. The
+address was in the following words:
+
+ 7. "_Friends and Countrymen_,--Being occasionally at the camp at
+Frederick, a few days since, I found the general and officers
+exceedingly exasperated on account of their not being supplied with
+horses and carriages, which had been expected from this province, as
+most able to furnish them; but, through the dissensions between our
+governor and assembly, money had not been provided, nor any steps
+taken for that purpose.
+
+ 8. "It was proposed to send an armed force immediately into these
+counties, to seize as many of the best carriages and horses as should
+be wanted, and compel as many persons into the service, as would be
+necessary to drive and take care of them.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 9. "If you are really, as I believe you are, good and loyal subjects
+to his majesty, you may now do a most acceptable service, and make it
+easy to yourselves; for three or four of such as cannot separately
+spare, from the business of their plantations, a wagon and four horses
+and a driver, may do it together; one furnishing the wagon, another
+one or two horses, and another the driver, and divide the pay
+proportionably between you.
+
+10. "But if you do not this service to your king and country
+voluntarily, when such good pay and reasonable terms are offered to
+you, your loyalty will be strongly suspected. The king's business must
+be done. So many brave troops, come so far for your defence, must not
+stand idle through your backwardness to do what may be reasonably
+expected from you. Wagons and horses must be had; violent measures
+will probably be used; and you will be left to seek for recompense
+where you can find it, and your case, perhaps, be little pitied or
+regarded.
+
+11. "I have no particular interest in this affair, as (except the
+satisfaction of endeavoring to do good) I shall have only my labor for
+my pains. If this method of obtaining the wagons and horses is not
+likely to succeed, I am obliged to send word to the general in
+fourteen days; and I suppose Sir John St. Clair, the hussar, with a
+body of soldiers, will immediately enter the province for the purpose;
+which I shall be very sorry to hear, because I am, very sincerely and
+truly,
+
+"Your friend and well-wisher,
+
+"B. FRANKLIN."
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+12. Eight hundred pounds were furnished by the general, to be paid out
+as advance money to the owners of the wagons and horses. This sum not
+being large enough, Franklin advanced upwards of two hundred pounds
+more. In two weeks, the one hundred and fifty wagons, with two hundred
+and fifty-nine carrying horses, were on their way to the camp. The
+advertisement promised payment in case any wagons or horses should be
+lost; and as the owners knew nothing about the dependence to be placed
+on General Braddock, they insisted on Franklin's bond for the
+performance. This he accordingly gave them.
+
+13. General Braddock was a brave man, but had too much
+self-confidence, too high an opinion of the power of regular troops,
+and too mean an idea of both Americans and Indians. About one hundred
+Indians joined him on his march, who might have been of great use to
+him as guides and scouts, if he had treated them kindly. He neglected
+and slighted them, however, and they gradually left him.
+
+14. In conversation one day with Franklin, he gave an account of his
+intended progress. "After taking Fort Duquesne," said he, "I am to
+proceed to Niagara; and, having taken that, to Frontenac, if the
+season will allow time, and I suppose it will; for Duquesne can hardly
+detain me above three or four days; and then I see nothing that can
+obstruct my march to Niagara."
+
+15. Franklin knew something about marches through the woods, and the
+tricks of the Indians, and entertained serious doubts in respect to
+the success of the campaign. He only ventured, however, to say--"To be
+sure, sir, if you arrive well before Duquesne with the fine troops, so
+well provided with artillery, the fort, though completely fortified,
+and assisted with a very strong garrison, can probably make but a
+short resistance. The only danger I apprehend of obstruction to your
+march, is from the ambuscades of the Indians, who, by constant
+practice, are dexterous in laying and executing them; and the slender
+line, near four miles long, which your army must make, may expose it
+to be attacked by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a thread
+into several pieces, which, from their distance, cannot come up in
+time to support each other."
+
+16. Braddock smiled at his ignorance, and replied--"These savages may,
+indeed, be a formidable enemy to your raw American militia; but upon
+the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible they
+should make any impression."
+
+17. The enemy did not take that advantage of the army under Braddock
+which Franklin anticipated. They suffered it to approach without
+interruption till within nine miles of Fort Duquesne. The troops had
+just crossed a river, were in a more open part of the woods than any
+they passed, and moving forward in a compact form. Their advanced
+guard was suddenly attacked by a heavy fire from behind trees and
+bushes. This was the first intelligence which the general had of the
+approach of an enemy.
+
+18. The guard being disordered, the general hurried the troops up to
+their assistance. This was done in great confusion, through wagons,
+baggage, and cattle. They were now attacked also from behind. The
+officers were on horseback, and easily distinguished and picked out as
+marks by the enemy. The soldiers were thrown together in great
+disorder, having or hearing no orders, and standing to be shot at,
+till two thirds of them were killed; then, being seized with a panic,
+the remainder fled in precipitation.
+
+19. The wagoners took each a horse out of his team, and scampered.
+Their example was immediately followed by others, so that all the
+wagons, provisions, artillery and stores were left to the enemy. The
+general, being wounded, was brought off with difficulty; out of
+eighty-six officers, sixty-three were killed or wounded; and seven
+hundred and fourteen men killed, of eleven hundred.
+
+20. These men had been picked from the whole army; the rest had been
+left behind with Colonel Dunbar, who was to follow with the heavier
+parts of the baggage. The fugitives arrived at Dunbar's camp, and
+communicated their own panic to him and all his people. Though he had
+now above a thousand men, he determined not to meddle with the enemy,
+but to make the best of his way to the settlements. Notwithstanding
+requests from the governor of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
+that he would post his troops on the frontiers to protect the
+inhabitants, he continued his hasty and disgraceful march till he had
+arrived at snug quarters in Philadelphia.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. Why were commissioners from the colonies ordered to assemble at
+Albany? Who were sent from Pennsylvania?
+
+ 2. What plan did Franklin draw up?
+
+ 3. Why did the British government disapprove of the proposed union?
+What course did they pursue? Why was Franklin sent to Fredericktown?
+
+ 5. What impeded the progress of the expedition? How did General
+Braddock obviate this difficulty?
+
+ 6. What step did Franklin take to procure the wagons?
+
+12. How much was furnished by the British general to be paid in
+advance to the owners of the wagons and horses? How much did Franklin
+furnish?
+
+13. What was the character of General Braddock? How did he treat the
+Indians who joined him on his march?
+
+14. What were the general's plans?
+
+15. What did Franklin tell him?
+
+16. What was Braddock's reply?
+
+17. Where were the British troops first attacked?
+
+18. What was the progress of the battle?
+
+19. What became of the wagons and artillery?
+
+20. Where did the fugitives resort? What was Colonel Dunbar's conduct?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians._
+
+
+ 1. As soon as the loss of the wagons and horses was generally known,
+all the owners came upon Franklin for the valuation which he had given
+bond to pay. Their demands troubled him exceedingly. He informed them
+that the money was ready in the paymaster's hands, but the order for
+paying it must first be obtained from General Shirley; that he had
+applied for it; and they must have patience till he could receive it.
+All this, however, was not sufficient, and some began to sue him.
+General Shirley at length released him from this disagreeable
+situation, by appointing commissioners to examine the claims, and
+order payment. They amounted to nearly twenty thousand pounds.
+
+ 2. Before receiving news of the defeat, two gentlemen came to Franklin
+with a subscription paper for raising money to pay the expense of a
+grand firework, which it was intended to exhibit on receiving the news
+of taking Fort Duquesne. Franklin told them gravely, that he thought
+it would be time enough to prepare for rejoicing when they knew they
+should have occasion to rejoice. They seemed surprised that he did not
+immediately comply with their proposal. "Why," said one of them, "you
+surely do not suppose that the fort will not be taken?" "I don't
+know," replied Franklin, "that it will not be taken; but I know that
+the events of war are subject to great uncertainty." The plan was
+fortunately abandoned.
+
+ 3. The assembly now laid a tax, to raise money for the defence of the
+province, and Franklin was appointed one of the commissioners to
+dispose of it. He had also carried a bill through the house for
+establishing and disciplining a voluntary militia. To promote the
+association necessary to form the militia, he wrote a dialogue upon
+the subject, which was extensively circulated, and thought to have
+great effect.
+
+ 4. While the several companies in the city and country were forming,
+and learning their exercise, the governor prevailed upon Franklin to
+take charge of the north-western frontier, which was infested by the
+enemy, and provide for the defence of the inhabitants, by raising
+troops, and building a line of forts. Franklin did not think himself
+very well qualified for the military, but was willing to be of all the
+service in his power. He received a commission from the governor, with
+full authority, and a parcel of blank commissions for officers, to be
+given to whom he thought fit. Five hundred and sixty men were soon
+raised and placed under his command.
+
+ 5. The place first selected for a fort was Gnadenhutten, a village
+settled by the Moravians, and which had recently been the scene of
+terrible destruction and death. In order to march thither, Franklin
+assembled the companies at Bethlehem, the chief establishment of those
+people. He was surprised to find this place in a good state of
+defence. The destruction of Gnadenhutten had made them apprehensive of
+danger.
+
+ 6. They had purchased a quantity of arms and ammunition from New York,
+and had even placed quantities of small paving stones between the
+windows of their high houses, to be thrown down upon the heads of any
+Indians that should attempt to force into them. The armed brethren
+kept watch, and relieved each other as regularly as in any garrison
+town.
+
+ 7. In conversation with their bishop, Spangenberg, Franklin mentioned
+his surprise; for, knowing they had obtained an act of parliament
+excusing them from military duties in the colonies, he supposed they
+had motives of conscience which forbade their bearing arms. The bishop
+answered--"That it was not one of their established principles; but
+that at the time of their obtaining that act it was thought to be a
+principle with many of their people. On this occasion, however, to
+their surprise they found it adopted but by a few." A strong sense of
+danger very soon overcomes such notions.
+
+ 8. It was the beginning of January when they set out upon the business
+of building forts. One detachment was sent towards the Minisink, with
+directions to erect one for the upper part of the country, and another
+to the lower part, with similar directions. Franklin went in person,
+with the remaining troops, to Gnadenhutten, where a force was thought
+more immediately necessary. The Moravians procured him five wagons for
+their tools, stores, and baggage.
+
+ 9. Just before they left Bethlehem, eleven farmers, who had been
+driven from their homes by the Indians, came to Franklin, requesting a
+supply of fire-arms, that they might go back and bring off their
+cattle. He gave them each a gun with suitable ammunition.
+
+10. They had not marched many miles when it began to rain, and it
+continued raining all day. There were no habitations on the road to
+shelter them, till they reached, about night, the house of a German.
+Here, in the barn and shed, they were all huddled together as wet as
+water could make them. It was well for them that they were not
+attacked upon the march, for their arms were of the poorest sort, and
+it was impossible to keep the locks of their guns dry. The poor
+farmers, before mentioned, suffered on this account. They met with the
+Indians, and, the primings being wet with rain, their guns would not
+go off, so that only one of them escaped with his life.
+
+11. The next day was fair. The companies continued their march, and
+arrived at the desolate Gnadenhutten. There was a mill in the
+neighborhood, round which several pine boards had been left. With
+these they soon built themselves huts. Their next work was to bury the
+dead they found there. On the following morning their fort was planned
+and marked out, with a circumference measuring four hundred and
+fifty-five feet. Their axes, of which they had seventy, were
+immediately set to work to cut down trees for palisades; and, as the
+men were very skilful in the use of them, they made great despatch.
+
+12. Seeing the trees fall so fast, Franklin had the curiosity to look
+at his watch when two men began to cut at a pine. In six minutes they
+had it upon the ground, and it was fourteen inches in diameter. Each
+pine made three palisades of eighteen feet long, pointed at one end.
+While these were preparing, other men dug a trench all round, of three
+feet deep, in which the palisades were to be planted. When these were
+set up, the carpenters built within them a platform of boards all
+round, about six feet high, for the men to stand on and fire through
+the loopholes. They had one swivel gun, which they mounted, and fired
+as soon as it was fixed, that the Indians might know they had such
+pieces. Thus their fort, such as it was, was finished in a week,
+though it rained so hard every other day that the men were almost
+unable to work.
+
+13. "This gave me occasion to observe," says Franklin, "that when men
+are employed they are best contented. For on the days they worked they
+were good-natured and cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having
+done a good day's work, they spent the evening jollily. But, on our
+idle days, they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with the
+pork and the bread, and were continually in bad humor; which put me in
+mind of a sea captain, whose rule it was to keep his men constantly at
+work; and when his mate once told him that they had done every thing,
+and there was nothing further to employ them about, 'O,' said he,
+'_make them scour the anchor_.'"
+
+14. "This kind of fort," he continues, "however contemptible, is a
+sufficient defence against Indians who have no cannon. Finding
+ourselves now posted securely, and having a place to retreat to on
+occasion, we ventured out in parties to scour the adjacent country. We
+met with no Indians, but we found the places, on the neighboring
+hills, where they had lain to watch our proceedings. There was an art
+in their contrivance of those places that seems worth mentioning.
+
+15. "It being winter, a fire was necessary for them; but a common
+fire, on the surface of the ground, would, by its light, have
+discovered their position at a distance; they had, therefore, dug
+holes in the ground about three feet in diameter, and somewhat deeper;
+we found where they had, with their hatchets, cut off the charcoal
+from the side of burnt logs lying in the woods. With these coals they
+had made small fires in the bottom of the holes, and we observed,
+among the weeds and grass, the prints of their bodies, made by their
+lying all round, with their legs hanging down in the holes, to keep
+their feet warm; which, with them, is an essential point. This kind of
+fire, so managed, could not discover them either by its light, flame,
+sparks, or even smoke; it appeared that the number was not great, and
+it seems they saw we were too many to be attacked by them with
+prospect of advantage.
+
+16. "We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, Mr.
+Beatty, who complained to me that the men did not generally attend his
+prayers and exhortations. When they enlisted they were promised,
+besides pay and provisions, a gill of rum a day, which was punctually
+served out to them, half in the morning and half in the evening, and I
+observed they were punctual in attending to receive it.
+
+17. "Upon which I said to Mr. Beatty, 'It is perhaps below the dignity
+of your profession to act as steward of the rum; but if you were to
+distribute it out only just after prayers, you would have them all
+about you.' He liked the thought, undertook the task, and, with the
+help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executed it to
+satisfaction; and never were prayers more generally and more
+punctually attended. So that I think this method preferable to the
+punishment inflicted by some military laws for non-attendance on
+divine service.
+
+18. "I had hardly finished this business, and got my fort well stored
+with provisions, when I received a letter from the governor,
+acquainting me that he had called the assembly, and wished my
+attendance there, if the posture of affairs on the frontiers was such
+that my remaining there was no longer necessary. My friends, too, of
+the assembly pressing me by their letters to be, if possible, at the
+meeting, and my three intended forts being now completed, and the
+inhabitants contented to remain on their farms under that protection,
+I resolved to return; the more willingly, as a New-England officer,
+Colonel Clapham, experienced in Indian war, being on a visit to our
+establishment, consented to accept the command.
+
+19. "I gave him a commission, and, parading the garrison, had it read
+before them, and introduced him to them as an officer, who, from his
+skill in military affairs, was much more fit to command them than
+myself; and giving them a little exhortation, took my leave. I was
+escorted as far as Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover
+from the fatigue I had undergone. The first night, lying on a good
+bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different from my hard lodging on
+the floor of a hut at Gnadenhutten, with only a blanket or two.
+
+20. "While at Bethlehem, I inquired a little into the practices of the
+Moravians; some of them had accompanied me, and all were very kind to
+me. I found they worked for a common stock, ate at common tables, and
+slept in common dormitories, great numbers together. In the
+dormitories I observed loop-holes at certain distances, all along just
+under the ceiling, which I thought judiciously placed for change of
+air. I went to their church, where I was entertained with good music,
+the organ being accompanied with violins, hautboys, flutes, and
+clarionets.
+
+21. "I understood their sermons were not usually preached to mixed
+congregations of men, women and children, as is our common practice;
+but that they assembled sometimes the married men, at other times
+their wives, then the young men, the young women, and the little
+children; each division by itself. The sermon I heard was to the
+latter, who came in and were placed in rows on benches, the boys under
+the conduct of a young man, their tutor; and the girls conducted by a
+young woman. The discourse seemed well adapted to their capacities,
+and was delivered in a pleasing, familiar manner, coaxing them, as it
+were, to be good. They behaved very orderly, but looked pale and
+unhealthy, which made me suspect they were kept too much within doors,
+or not allowed sufficient exercise.
+
+22. "I inquired concerning the Moravian marriages, whether the report
+was true that they were by lot. I was told that lots were used only in
+particular cases, that generally, when a young man found himself
+disposed to marry, he informed the elders of his class, who consulted
+the elder ladies that governed the young women. As these elders of the
+different sexes were well acquainted with the tempers and dispositions
+of their respective pupils, they could best judge what matches were
+suitable, and their judgments were generally acquiesced in.
+
+23. "But if, for example, it should happen that two or three young
+women were found to be equally proper for the young man, the lot was
+then recurred to. I objected, if the matches are not made by the
+mutual choice of the parties, some of them may chance to be very
+unhappy. 'And so they may,' answered my informer, 'if you let the
+parties choose for themselves.' Which, indeed, I could not deny."
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. To what embarrassment was Franklin now exposed? How was he
+relieved?
+
+ 2. Relate the anecdote in respect to the subscription for fire-works.
+
+ 3. What tax was now laid by the assembly? What bill did Franklin carry
+through the house?
+
+ 4. What charge was now committed to Franklin? How many men were placed
+under his command?
+
+ 5. What place was selected for a fort? By whom was Gnadenhutten
+settled?
+
+ 6. What measures had the inhabitants of Bethlehem taken for defence?
+
+ 7. What was the conversation of Franklin with the bishop Spangenberg?
+
+ 8. Where were the forts built?
+
+ 9. Relate the substance of the ninth and tenth paragraphs.
+
+11. What was done on arriving at Gnadenhutten?
+
+12. How was the fort constructed? How long did it take to build it?
+
+13. What remarks does Franklin make about keeping employed?
+
+14. What does Franklin say of the fort?
+
+15. How did they manage to conceal their fires?
+
+18. Why did Franklin leave the fort? Who succeeded him?
+
+20. What does Franklin say of the practice of the Moravians? Of their
+dormitories? Of their church?
+
+21. What is said of their congregation?
+
+22. How are the Moravian marriages conducted?
+
+23. What did Franklin suggest on this subject? What was the reply?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians._
+
+
+ 1. Soon after his return to Philadelphia, Franklin was appointed by
+the assembly upon a very important mission. From the earliest
+establishment of Pennsylvania, there seems to have been a spirit of
+dispute among its inhabitants. During the lifetime of William Penn,
+the constitution had been three times altered. After this time
+quarrels were continually arising between the proprietaries or their
+governors and the assembly.
+
+ 2. The proprietaries were the descendants of those to whom the lands
+were originally granted by the king. They claimed particular
+privileges for their estates; and among other things that they should
+be free from taxes. To this the assembly would by no means consent.
+This subject of dispute interfered in almost every question, and
+prevented the passage of the most necessary laws.
+
+ 3. The assembly at length resolved to appeal to the king against the
+unjust claims of the proprietaries, and appointed Franklin as their
+agent, to go over to England and present their petition. After some
+delay and detention by the governor, under the pretence of bringing
+about an accommodation, Franklin sailed from New York towards the end
+of June, and arrived in London on the twenty-seventh of July, 1757.
+
+ 4. According to the instructions which he had received from the
+legislature, Franklin had a meeting with the proprietaries who then
+resided in England, and endeavored to prevail on them to give up their
+pretensions. Finding it impossible to derive any satisfaction from
+them, he laid his petition before the council. During this time, the
+governor of Pennsylvania had consented to a law imposing a tax, in
+which no distinction was made in favor of the estates of the Penn
+family.
+
+ 5. Alarmed at this intelligence, and by Franklin's exertions, they
+used their utmost endeavors to prevent this law from receiving the
+royal approbation. They represented it as highly unjust, designed to
+throw the burden of supporting government upon them, and tending to
+produce the most ruinous consequences to them and their posterity.
+
+ 6. The cause was very fully examined before the king's privy council.
+The Penn family here found some very earnest advocates, while those
+were not wanting ready to espouse the side of the people. After some
+time spent in debate, a proposal was made that Franklin should
+solemnly engage that the tax should be so made, that the proprietary
+estates should pay no more than a fair proportion. This he agreed to
+perform, and the Penn family withdrew their opposition to the passage
+of the law.
+
+ 7. After this business was thus happily concluded, Franklin remained
+at the court of Great Britain, as agent for the province of
+Pennsylvania. The extensive knowledge which he possessed of the
+situation of the colonies, and the regard which he had always shown
+for their interests, occasioned his appointment to the same office by
+the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia. His conduct in
+this situation increased the reputation and esteem in which he was
+held among his countrymen.
+
+ 8. Franklin was now in the midst of those friends whom he had acquired
+by his fame as a philosopher. He was very much sought after by them.
+Honors from learned societies and colleges were continually heaped
+upon him. The university of St. Andrew's, in Scotland, conferred on
+him the degree of doctor of laws. Its example was followed by the
+universities of Edinburgh and Oxford. His correspondence was sought by
+the most distinguished philosophers of Europe.
+
+ 9. Although Franklin was now principally occupied with political
+pursuits, he found time for his favorite studies. He extended his
+researches in electricity, and in other interesting subjects of
+natural philosophy.
+
+10. The tone produced by rubbing the brim of a drinking-glass with a
+wet finger is familiar to every one. An Irish gentleman, by the name
+of Puckeridge, by placing on a table a number of glasses of different
+sizes, and tuning them by partly filling them with water, endeavored
+to form an instrument upon which he could play tunes. He died before
+he had completed his invention. Some improvements were afterwards made
+upon his plan. The sweetness of the tones induced Franklin to try a
+number of experiments, and he at length formed the instrument which he
+has called the Armonica.
+
+11. In the summer of 1762 he returned to America. He received the
+thanks of the assembly of Pennsylvania, "as well for the faithful
+discharge of his duty to that province in particular, as for the many
+and important services done to America in general, during his
+residence in Great Britain." A compensation of five thousand pounds,
+Pennsylvania currency, was decreed him for his services during six
+years.
+
+12. During his absence, Franklin had been annually elected member of
+the assembly. On his return to Philadelphia, he again took his seat in
+that body, and continued steadily to protect the rights and interests
+of the people.
+
+13. In December, 1762, great alarm was excited in the province by the
+following circumstance. Several Indians resided in the county of
+Lancaster, who had always conducted themselves as friends to the white
+men. A number of inhabitants upon the frontiers, who had been
+irritated by repeated injuries, determined to seek revenge on all the
+Indians who fell in their way.
+
+14. About a hundred and twenty persons assembled, and proceeded on
+horseback to the settlements of the defenceless Indians. These were
+now reduced in number to about twenty. They had received information
+of the intended attack, but did not believe it. As the white people
+had always been their friends, they feared no danger from them. When
+the party arrived at the Indian settlement, they found only some women
+and children and a few old men. The rest were absent at work. The
+wretches murdered all whom they found, and among others the chief
+Shahehas, who had been always distinguished for his friendship to the
+whites.
+
+15. The remainder of these unfortunate Indians, who, by their absence,
+had escaped the massacre, were conducted to Lancaster, and lodged in
+the jail as a place of security. Large rewards were offered by the
+governor for the discovery of the murderers. But notwithstanding this,
+a party of the same men marched to Lancaster, broke open the jail, and
+inhumanly butchered the innocent Indians who had been placed there for
+protection.
+
+16. Another proclamation was issued by the governor, but in vain. A
+party even marched down to Philadelphia, for the purpose of murdering
+some friendly Indians, who had been removed to the city for safety.
+The citizens armed to protect them. The Quakers, notwithstanding they
+are opposed to fighting even in their own defence, were most active
+upon the occasion. The rioters advanced to Germantown, and the
+governor fled for safety to the house of Dr. Franklin. It was by his
+assistance and influence that the disturbance was quelled, and the
+rioters prevailed upon to return to their homes.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. Who were the proprietaries? What did they claim? How did the
+assembly treat their claim?
+
+ 3. What course did the assembly pursue? Why was Franklin sent to
+England? When did he arrive in London?
+
+ 4. What course did Franklin pursue in respect to the petition? What
+law had been passed in Pennsylvania?
+
+ 5. How did the Penn family represent this law?
+
+ 6. Where was the cause examined? How was it settled?
+
+ 7. In what capacity did Franklin remain in London after the conclusion
+of this business?
+
+ 8. How was Franklin received? What honors were conferred upon him?
+
+ 9. How was Franklin chiefly occupied at this time?
+
+10. What was the musical instrument which Franklin formed?
+
+11. When did he return to America? How was he received by the
+assembly? What compensation did they allow him?
+
+13. What alarm was excited in the province in 1762?
+
+14. Relate the substance of this paragraph.
+
+15. What became of the remaining Indians?
+
+16. Was the governor's proclamation of any effect? How were the
+rioters persuaded to return home?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Franklin reappointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France. Asks
+to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character._
+
+
+ 1. The disputes between the proprietaries and the assembly, which had
+for a long time subsided, again revived. At the election for a new
+assembly in 1764, the friends of the proprietaries made great
+exertions to keep out all those of the opposite party. They obtained a
+small majority in the city of Philadelphia, and Franklin lost the seat
+which he had now held for fourteen years.
+
+ 2. On the meeting of the assembly, it appeared that there was still a
+majority of Franklin's friends. He was again appointed agent of the
+provinces at the court of Great Britain. His enemies were sadly vexed
+at this appointment, and made a solemn protest against it, which they
+wished to have entered upon the journals. This, however, was refused,
+and it was consequently published in the newspapers. It drew from him
+a spirited reply.
+
+ 3. The opposition to his reappointment seems to have greatly affected
+his feelings, as it came from men with whom he had long been
+connected, both in public and private life. In his last publication,
+he took a pathetic leave of Pennsylvania. "I am now," he says, "to
+take leave (perhaps a last leave) of the country I love, and in which
+I have spent the greatest part of my life. _Esto perpetua!_[1] I wish
+every kind of prosperity to my friends, and I forgive my enemies."
+
+          [1] May it exist for ever!
+
+ 4. During his residence in England, he consulted, with unremitting
+industry, the best interests of his native country. He was every where
+received with respect, on account of his reputation as a writer and
+philosopher. In 1766 he made a visit to Holland and Germany, and
+received the greatest marks of attention from men of science. In the
+following year he travelled into France, where he was received with
+much kindness and favor. He became acquainted with a number of
+literary men, and was introduced to the king, Louis XV.
+
+ 5. Difficulties had now commenced between Great Britain and her
+provinces in America. Franklin was unwearied in his efforts to bring
+about a reconciliation. He had frequent interviews with Lord Howe and
+Lord Chatham, and other distinguished English statesmen, who
+entertained for him the highest respect and esteem. Most of the time
+during his present residence in England was occupied in these vain
+efforts. The violent conduct of the parent state drove the colonies to
+war, and Franklin returned to America in the year 1775.
+
+ 6. The day after his return he was elected, by the legislature of
+Pennsylvania, a delegate to congress. Not long after his election, a
+committee was appointed, consisting of Mr. Lynch, Mr. Harrison and
+himself, to visit the camp at Cambridge. They here united their
+efforts with those of the commander in chief, to convince the soldiers
+of the necessity of remaining in the field, and persevering in the
+cause of their country.
+
+ 7. When Lord Howe came to America in 1776, with powers to effect an
+accommodation with the colonists, a correspondence on the subject took
+place between him and Dr. Franklin. John Adams, Edward Rutledge and
+Dr. Franklin were afterwards appointed to wait upon Lord Howe, and
+learn the extent of his powers. These were found to be confined to the
+liberty of granting pardons, on submission. The Americans, at that
+time, would not thank the king for a thousand pardons, and the
+interview terminated without effecting any thing towards a
+reconciliation.
+
+ 8. Dr. Franklin was an earnest advocate for the entire separation of
+the colonies from Great Britain, and his writings upon the subject had
+great influence on the public mind. In 1776, he was president of a
+convention, which assembled for the purpose of establishing a new form
+of government for the state of Pennsylvania. In the latter part of
+this year, he was appointed to assist Mr. Silas Deane in managing the
+affairs of the colonies at the court of France.
+
+ 9. No one could have rendered more service to the United States, in
+this situation, than Dr. Franklin. His character was much honored in
+France, and as a philosopher he was held in very high esteem. He was
+received with respect by all the celebrated literary men of the day;
+and this respect naturally extended itself to all classes. His
+political negotiations were of the greatest importance to his native
+country.
+
+10. When the independence of the United States was acknowledged by
+Great Britain, Franklin became desirous of returning home. The
+infirmities of age and disease had fallen upon him, and the situation
+of his country rendered his services no longer indispensably
+necessary. He applied to congress to be recalled, and Mr. Jefferson
+was appointed to succeed him in 1785. In September of the same year,
+Franklin arrived in Philadelphia. He was shortly after chosen a member
+of the supreme council for the city, and was soon elected president of
+the same body.
+
+11. For the next three years Franklin still devoted himself to public
+business, and to his political and philosophical studies. He retained
+his desire of being useful to the last of his life. In 1788, his
+increasing infirmities compelled him to retire from public office. His
+complaints continued, and he suffered very severely from his sickness.
+He still, however, remained good-natured and cheerful, was perfectly
+resigned to his situation, acknowledging the justice and kindness of
+that Being who had seen fit that he should be thus afflicted.
+
+12. On the 17th of April, 1790, about eleven o'clock at night, Dr.
+Franklin quietly expired. He had reached an honored and a happy old
+age. From small beginnings, by a uniform course of prudence and
+honesty, he had raised himself to high station, wealth and
+distinction.
+
+13. In considering the character of Franklin, we perceive that the
+most marked trait was his habit of economy. By economy we do not mean
+merely care in gaining and keeping of his money. We mean care of time,
+of labor; frugality, industry, system, method in all his business. To
+this we may add economy of his health; avoiding all excess and
+unnecessary exposure.
+
+14. His cheerfulness and good nature were also remarkable. He was ever
+happy and entertaining. His anecdotes and jests were always to the
+point, and his manner of conversing and writing was at once pleasing
+and effective.
+
+15. For his public services his country owes him her respect and
+gratitude; while his philosophical discoveries have excited the
+admiration of the world. His name will live with the names of the few
+great men who have conferred enduring benefits on mankind.
+
+The following epitaph on himself was written by him many years
+previous to his death:
+
+                The Body
+                   of
+            BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
+                 Printer,
+      [like the cover of an old book,
+           its contents torn out,
+   and stript of its lettering and gilding,]
+          lies here food for worms;
+    yet the work itself shall not be lost,
+for it will (as he believed) appear once more
+                 in a new
+        and more beautiful edition,
+           corrected and amended
+                    by
+                THE AUTHOR.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. How did Franklin lose his seat in the assembly?
+
+ 2. What appointment did he immediately receive?
+
+ 3. How did the opposition to his reappointment affect him?
+
+ 4. What was his reception in England? What countries did he visit in
+1766? In 1767?
+
+ 5. What were Franklin's efforts to bring about a reconciliation
+between Great Britain and the provinces?
+
+ 6. What appointment did he receive on his return? What committee was
+chosen to visit the camp at Cambridge?
+
+ 7. With what powers was Lord Howe invested? Who were appointed to wait
+on him?
+
+ 8. Of what convention was Franklin the president in 1776? To what
+office was he appointed?
+
+ 9. How was he esteemed in France? How were his political negotiations?
+
+10. When did Franklin return to Philadelphia? What honor was
+immediately conferred on him?
+
+11. When did he retire from public office? On what account?
+
+12. When did Dr. Franklin die?
+
+13. What was the marked trait in Franklin's character?
+
+14. What other traits were conspicuous?
+
+
+
+
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN
+
+We are acquainted with no writer who inculcates lessons of practical
+wisdom in a more agreeable and popular manner than Dr. Franklin. His
+writings abound with infinite good sense, and a singular shrewdness,
+not at all inconsistent with the highest integrity and purity. We have
+selected a few of his lighter essays as a sequel to the Biography;
+desirable, both as displaying somewhat of the character of their
+author, and conveying common sense maxims likely to be of much service
+to the young.
+
+
+
+
+THE WHISTLE.
+
+_A True Story--Written to his Nephew._
+
+
+When I was a child, at seven years old, my friends, on a holyday,
+filled my pockets with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they
+sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a
+_whistle_, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I
+voluntarily offered him all my money for one. I then came home, and
+went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my _whistle_, but
+disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins,
+understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times
+as much for it as it was worth. This put me in mind what good things I
+might have bought with the rest of the money; and they laughed at me
+so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection
+gave me more chagrin than the _whistle_ gave me pleasure.
+
+This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing
+on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary
+thing, I said to myself, _Don't give too much for the whistle_; and so
+I saved my money.
+
+As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I
+thought I met with many, very many, who _gave too much for their
+whistle_.
+
+When I saw any one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time
+in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and
+perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, _This man
+gives too much for his whistle_.
+
+When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in
+political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by
+that neglect, _He pays, indeed_, says I, _too much for his whistle_.
+
+If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all
+the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow
+citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of
+accumulating wealth, _Poor man_, says I, _you do indeed pay too much
+for your whistle_.
+
+When I meet a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement
+of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations,
+_Mistaken man_, says I, _you are providing pain for yourself instead
+of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle_.
+
+If I see one fond of fine clothes, fine furniture, fine equipages, all
+above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career
+in prison, _Alas_, says I, _he has paid dear, very dear, for his
+whistle_.
+
+When I see a beautiful, sweet-tempered girl, married to an ill-natured
+brute of a husband, _What a pity it is_, says I, _that she has paid so
+much for a whistle_!
+
+In short, I conceived that great part of the miseries of mankind were
+brought upon them by the false estimates they had made of the value of
+things, and by their giving too much for their _whistles_.
+
+
+
+
+HANDSOME AND DEFORMED LEG.
+
+There are two sorts of people in the world, who, with equal degrees of
+health and wealth, and the other comforts of life, become, the one
+happy, and the other miserable. This arises very much from the
+different views in which they consider things, persons, and events;
+and the effect of those different views upon their own minds.
+
+In whatever situation men can be placed, they may find conveniences
+and inconveniences: in whatever company, they may find persons and
+conversation more or less pleasing: at whatever table, they may meet
+with meats and drinks of better and worse taste, dishes better and
+worse dressed: in whatever climate, they will find good and bad
+weather: under whatever government, they may find good and bad laws,
+and good and bad administration of those laws: in whatever poem, or
+work of genius, they may see faults and beauties: in almost every
+face, and every person, they may discover fine features and defects,
+good and bad qualities.
+
+Under these circumstances, the two sorts of people above mentioned fix
+their attention; those who are disposed to be happy, on the
+conveniences of things, the pleasant parts of conversation, the
+well-dressed dishes, the goodness of the wines, the fine weather, &c.,
+and enjoy all with cheerfulness. Those who are to be unhappy, think
+and speak only of the contrarieties. Hence they are continually
+discontented themselves, and, by their remarks, sour the pleasures of
+society; offend personally many people, and make themselves every
+where disagreeable. If this turn of mind was founded in nature, such
+unhappy persons would be the more to be pitied. But as the disposition
+to criticise, and to be disgusted, is, perhaps, taken up originally by
+imitation, and is, unawares, grown into a habit, which, though at
+present strong, may, nevertheless, be cured, when those who have it
+are convinced of its bad effect on their felicity; I hope this little
+admonition may be of service to them, and put them on changing a habit
+which, though in the exercise it is chiefly an act of imagination, yet
+has serious consequences in life, as it brings on real griefs and
+misfortunes. For, as many are offended by, and nobody loves, this sort
+of people, no one shows them more than the most common civility and
+respect, and scarcely that; and this frequently puts them out of
+humor, and draws them into disputes and contentions. If they aim at
+obtaining some advantage in rank or fortune, nobody wishes them
+success, or will stir a step or speak a word to favor their
+pretensions. If they incur public censure or disgrace, no one will
+defend or excuse, and many join to aggravate their misconduct, and
+render them completely odious. If these people will not change this
+bad habit, and condescend to be pleased with what is pleasing, without
+fretting themselves or others about the contrarieties, it is good for
+others to avoid an acquaintance with them, which is always
+disagreeable, and sometimes very inconvenient, especially when one
+finds one's self entangled in their quarrels.
+
+An old philosophical friend of mine was grown, from experience, very
+cautious in this particular, and carefully avoided any intimacy with
+such people. He had, like other philosophers, a thermometer to show
+him the heat of the weather; and a barometer to mark when it was
+likely to prove good or bad; but there being no instrument invented to
+discover, at first sight, this unpleasing disposition in a person, he,
+for that purpose, made use of his legs; one of which was remarkably
+handsome; the other, by some accident, crooked and deformed. If a
+stranger, at first interview, regarded his ugly leg more than his
+handsome one, he doubted him. If he spoke of it, and took no notice of
+the handsome leg, that was sufficient to determine my philosopher to
+have no further acquaintance with him. Every body has not this
+two-legged instrument; but every one, with a little attention, may
+observe signs of that carping, fault-finding disposition, and take the
+same resolution of avoiding the acquaintance of those infected with
+it. I therefore advise those critical, querulous, discontented,
+unhappy people, if they wish to be respected and beloved by others,
+and happy in themselves, they should _leave off looking at the ugly
+leg_.
+
+
+
+
+ADVICE TO A YOUNG TRADESMAN.
+
+_Written Anno 1748._
+
+TO MY FRIEND, A. B.
+
+As you have desired it of me, I write the following hints, which have
+been of service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you.
+
+
+Remember that _time_ is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by
+his labor, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though
+he spends but six pence during his diversion or idleness, ought not to
+reckon _that_ the only expense; he has really spent, or rather thrown
+away, five shillings besides.
+
+Remember that _credit_ is money. If a man lets his money lie in my
+hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or so much as I can
+make of it during that time. This amounts to a considerable sum where
+a man has good and large credit, and makes good use of it.
+
+Remember that money is of a prolific, generating nature. Money can
+beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on. Five
+shillings turned is six; turned again is seven and three pence; and so
+on till it becomes a hundred pounds. The more there is of it, the more
+it produces every turning, so that the profits rise quicker and
+quicker. He that kills a breeding sow, destroys all her offspring to
+the thousandth generation. He that murders a crown, destroys all that
+it might have produced, even scores of pounds.
+
+Remember that six pounds a year is but a groat a day. For this little
+sum (which may be daily wasted either in time or expense,
+unperceived), a man of credit may, on his own security, have the
+constant possession and use of a hundred pounds. So much in stock,
+briskly turned by an industrious man, produces great advantage.
+
+Remember this saying, "The good paymaster is lord of another man's
+purse." He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the time he
+promises, may at any time, and on any occasion, raise all the money
+his friends can spare. This is sometimes of great use. After industry
+and frugality, nothing contributes more to the raising of a young man
+in the world, than punctuality and justice in all his dealings:
+therefore never keep borrowed money an hour beyond the time you
+promised, lest a disappointment shut up your friend's purse for ever.
+
+The most trifling actions that affect a man's credit are to be
+regarded. The sound of your hammer at five in the morning, or nine at
+night, heard by a creditor, makes him easy six months longer; but if
+he sees you at a billiard-table, or hears your voice at a tavern, when
+you should be at work, he sends for his money the next day; demands it
+before he can receive it in a lump.
+
+It shows, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you
+appear a careful as well as an honest man, and that still increases
+your credit.
+
+Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living
+accordingly. It is a mistake that many people who have credit fall
+into. To prevent this, keep an exact account, for some time, both of
+your expenses and your income. If you take the pains at first to
+mention particulars, it will have this good effect; you will discover
+how wonderfully small, trifling expenses mount up to large sums, and
+will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved,
+without occasioning any great inconvenience.
+
+In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the
+way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, _industry_ and
+_frugality_; that is, waste neither _time_ nor _money_, but make the
+best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and
+with them every thing. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves
+all he gets (necessary expenses excepted), will certainly become
+_rich_--if that Being, who governs the world, to whom all should look
+for a blessing on their honest endeavors, doth not, in his wise
+providence, otherwise determine.
+
+AN OLD TRADESMAN.
+
+
+
+
+NECESSARY HINTS TO THOSE THAT WOULD BE RICH.
+
+_Written Anno 1786._
+
+
+The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.
+
+For six pounds a year you may have the use of one hundred pounds,
+provided you are a man of known prudence and honesty.
+
+He that spends a groat a day idly, spends idly above six pounds a
+year, which is the price for the use of one hundred pounds.
+
+He that wastes idly a groat's worth of his time per day, one day with
+another, wastes the privilege of using one hundred pounds each year.
+
+He that idly loses five shillings worth of time, loses five shillings,
+and might as prudently throw five shillings into the sea.
+
+He that loses five shillings, not only loses that sum, but all the
+advantages that might be made by turning it in dealing; which, by the
+time that a young man becomes old, will amount to a considerable sum
+of money.
+
+Again; he that sells upon credit, asks a price for what he sells
+equivalent to the principal and interest of his money for the time he
+is to be kept out of it; therefore, he that buys upon credit, pays
+interest for what he buys; and he that pays ready money, might let
+that money out to use; so that he that possesses any thing he has
+bought, pays interest for the use of it.
+
+Yet, in buying goods, it is best to pay ready money, because, he that
+sells upon credit, expects to lose five per cent. by bad debts;
+therefore he charges, on all he sells upon credit, an advance that
+shall make up that deficiency.
+
+Those who pay for what they buy upon credit, pay their share of this
+advance.
+
+He that pays ready money, escapes, or may escape, that charge.
+
+    A penny saved is twopence clear;
+    A pin a day's a groat a year.
+
+
+
+
+PAPER.
+
+A POEM.
+
+
+      Some wits of old,--such wits of old there were,--
+    Whose hints showed meaning, whose allusions care,
+    By one brave stroke to mark all human kind,
+    Called clear blank paper every infant mind;
+    When still, as opening sense her dictates wrote,
+    Fair Virtue put a seal, or Vice a blot.
+
+      The thought was happy, pertinent and true;
+    Methinks a genius might the plan pursue.
+    I (can you pardon my presumption?) I--
+    No wit, no genius, yet for once will try.
+
+      Various the papers various wants produce,
+    The wants of fashion, elegance and use.
+    Men are as various; and if right I scan,
+    Each sort of _paper_ represents some _man_.
+
+      Pray note the fop--half powder and half lace--
+    Nice as a band-box were his dwelling-place:
+    He's the _gilt-paper_, which apart you store,
+    And lock from vulgar hands in the 'scrutoire.
+
+      Mechanics, servants, farmers, and so forth,
+    Are _copy-paper_, of inferior worth;
+    Less prized, more useful, for your desk decreed,
+    Free to all pens, and prompt at every need.
+
+      The wretch whom av'rice bids to pinch and spare,
+    Starve, cheat, and pilfer, to enrich an heir,
+    Is coarse _brown-paper_; such as pedlers choose
+    To wrap up wares, which better men will use.
+
+      Take next the miser's contrast, who destroys
+    Health, fame, and fortune, in a round of joys.
+    Will any paper match him? Yes, throughout
+    He's a true _sinking-paper_, past all doubt.
+
+      The retail politician's anxious thought
+    Deems _this_ side always right, and _that_ stark naught;
+    He foams with censure; with applause he raves--
+    A dupe to rumors, and a tool of knaves;
+    He'll want no type his weakness to proclaim,
+    While such a thing as _fools-cap_ has a name.
+
+      The hasty gentleman, whose blood runs high,
+    Who picks a quarrel if you step awry,
+    Who can't a jest, or hint, or look, endure:
+    What's he? What? _Touch-paper_,--to be sure.
+
+      What are our poets, take them as they fall,
+    Good, bad, rich, poor, much read, not read at all?
+    Them and their works in the same class you'll find
+    They are the mere _waste-paper_ of mankind.
+
+      Observe the maiden, innocently sweet;
+    She's fair _white-paper_, an unsullied sheet;
+    On which the happy man, whom Fate ordains,
+    May write his _name_, and take her for his pains.
+
+      One instance more, and only one I'll bring;
+    'Tis the _great man_ who scorns a little thing,
+    Whose thoughts, whose deeds, whose maxims are his own,
+    Formed on the feelings of his heart alone:
+    True, genuine _royal-paper_ is his breast,
+    Of all the kinds most precious, purest, best.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE ART OF SWIMMING.
+
+_In Answer to some Inquiries of M. Dubourg_[2] _on the Subject._
+
+          [2] Translator of Dr. Franklin's works into French.
+
+
+I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to find leisure for making
+all the disquisitions and experiments which would be desirable on this
+subject. I must, therefore, content myself with a few remarks.
+
+The specific gravity of some human bodies, in comparison to that of
+water, has been examined by M. Robinson, in our Philosophical
+Transactions, volume 50, page 30, for the year 1757. He asserts, that
+fat persons, with small bones, float most easily upon water.
+
+The diving bell is accurately described in our Transactions.
+
+When I was a boy, I made two oval pallets, each about ten inches long,
+and six broad, with a hole for the thumb, in order to retain it fast
+in the palm of my hand. They much resembled a painter's pallets. In
+swimming, I pushed the edges of these forward, and I struck the water
+with their flat surfaces as I drew them back: I remember I swam faster
+by means of these pallets, but they fatigued my wrists. I also fitted
+to the soles of my feet a kind of sandals; but I was not satisfied
+with them, because I observed that the stroke is partly given by the
+inside of the feet and the ankles, and not entirely with the soles of
+the feet.
+
+We have here waistcoats for swimming, which are made of double sail
+cloth, with small pieces of cork quilted in between them.
+
+I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer who has
+a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his back,
+and to vary in other respects the means of procuring a progressive
+motion.
+
+When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it
+away is to give to the parts affected a sudden, vigorous and violent
+shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.
+
+During the great heats of summer, there is no danger in bathing,
+however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by
+the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body
+has been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may
+prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men, who, having
+worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing
+themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the
+spot, a third the next morning, and the fourth recovered with great
+difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances,
+is frequently attended with the same effect in North America.
+
+The exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in
+the world. After having swam for an hour or two in the evening, one
+sleeps coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heat of
+summer. Perhaps, the pores being cleansed, the insensible perspiration
+increases, and occasions this coolness. It is certain, that much
+swimming is the means of stopping a diarrhoea, and even of producing
+a constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or
+who are affected with a diarrhoea at a season which does not permit
+them to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the
+skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I
+speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others,
+to whom I have recommended this.
+
+You will not be displeased if I conclude these hasty remarks by
+informing you, that as the ordinary method of swimming is reduced to
+the act of rowing with the arms and legs, and is, consequently, a
+laborious and fatiguing operation when the space of water to be
+crossed is considerable; there is a method in which a swimmer may pass
+to great distances with much facility, by means of a sail. This
+discovery I fortunately made by accident, and in the following
+manner:--
+
+When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite;
+and approaching the back of a pond, which was near a mile broad, I
+tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very
+considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little
+time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite and enjoying at
+the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned, and loosing from
+the stake the string with the little stick which was fastened to it,
+went again into the water, where I found, that, lying on my back, and
+holding the stick in my hands, I was drawn along the surface of the
+water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to
+carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to
+him, on the other side, I began to cross the pond with my kite, which
+carried me quite over without the least fatigue, and with the greatest
+pleasure imaginable. I was only obliged occasionally to halt a little
+in my course, and resist its progress, when it appeared that, by
+following too quick, I lowered the kite too much; by doing which
+occasionally I made it rise again. I have never since that time
+practised this singular mode of swimming, though I think it not
+impossible to cross in this manner from Dover to Calais. The
+packet-boat, however, is still preferable.
+
+
+
+
+PRELIMINARY ADDRESS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA ALMANAC, ENTITLED, "POOR
+RICHARD'S ALMANAC, FOR THE YEAR 1758."
+
+
+I have heard, that nothing gives an author so great pleasure as to
+find his works respectfully quoted by other learned authors. This
+pleasure I have seldom enjoyed; for though I have been, if I may say
+it without vanity, an eminent author (of almanacs) annually, now a
+full quarter of a century, my brother authors in the same way (for
+what reason I know not) have ever been very sparing in their
+applauses; and no other author has taken the least notice of me; so
+that, did not my writings produce me some solid pudding, the great
+deficiency of praise would have quite discouraged me.
+
+I concluded, at length, that the people were the best judges of my
+merit, for they buy my works; and besides, in my rambles, where I am
+not personally known, I have frequently heard one or other of my
+adages repeated, with "as poor Richard says," at the end on't. This
+gave me some satisfaction, as it showed not only that my instructions
+were regarded, but discovered likewise some respect for my authority;
+and I own, that to encourage the practice of remembering and repeating
+those wise sentences, I have sometimes quoted myself with great
+gravity.
+
+Judge, then, how much I have been gratified by an incident which I am
+going to relate to you. I stopped my horse lately where a great number
+of people were collected at an auction of merchants goods. The hour of
+sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times;
+and one of the company called to a plain, clean, old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we ever be able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied,--"If you have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for a
+word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+poor Richard says." They joined in desiring him to speak his mind;
+and, gathering round him, he proceeded as follows:
+
+"Friends (says he) and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy; and
+if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay,
+we might more easily discharge them: but we have many others, and much
+more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our
+idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by
+our folly: and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or
+deliver us, by allowing an abatement. However, let us hearken to good
+advice, and something may be done for us; 'God helps them that help
+themselves,' as poor Richard says in his Almanac.
+
+"It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one
+tenth part of their time, to be employed in its service; but idleness
+taxes many of us much more, if we reckon all that is spent in absolute
+sloth, or doing of nothing, with that which is spent in idle
+employments, or amusements that amount to nothing. Sloth, by bringing
+on diseases, absolutely shortens life. 'Sloth, like rust, consumes
+faster than labor wears, while the key often used is always bright,'
+as poor Richard says. 'But dost thou love life? then do not squander
+time, for that's the stuff life is made of,' as poor Richard says. How
+much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep! forgetting that 'the
+sleeping fox catches no poultry, and that there will be sleeping
+enough in the grave,' as poor Richard says. 'If time be of all things
+the most precious, wasting time must be (as poor Richard says) the
+greatest prodigality;' since, as he elsewhere tells us, 'Lost time is
+never found again; and what we call time enough, always proves little
+enough.' Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose: so by
+diligence shall we do more with less perplexity. 'Sloth makes all
+things difficult, but industry all easy,' as poor Richard says; and
+'He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his
+business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon
+overtakes him,' as we read in poor Richard; who adds, 'Drive thy
+business, let not that drive thee;' and,
+
+    'Early to bed, and early to rise,
+    Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'
+
+"So what signifies wishing and hoping for better times? We make these
+times better if we bestir ourselves. 'Industry needs not wish,' as
+poor Richard says; 'He that lives upon hope will die fasting.' 'There
+are no gains without pains; then help, hands, for I have no lands: or
+if I have, they are smartly taxed;' and (as poor Richard likewise
+observes) 'He that hath a trade hath an estate, and he that hath a
+calling hath an office of profit and honor;' but then the trade must
+be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor
+the office will enable us to pay our taxes. If we are industrious, we
+shall never starve; for, as poor Richard says, 'At the working-man's
+house hunger looks in, but dares not enter.' Nor will the bailiff or
+the constable enter; for, 'Industry pays debts, but despair increaseth
+them,' says poor Richard. What though you have found no treasure, nor
+has any rich relation left you a legacy? 'Diligence is the mother of
+good luck,' as poor Richard says: and 'God gives all things to
+industry: then plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have
+corn to sell and to keep,' says poor Dick. Work while it is called
+to-day; for you know not how much you may be hindered to-morrow; which
+makes poor Richard say, 'One to-day is worth two to-morrows;' and,
+further, 'Have you somewhat to do to-morrow, do it to-day.' 'If you
+were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should
+catch you idle? Are you then your own master? be ashamed to catch
+yourself idle,' as poor Dick says. When there is so much to be done
+for yourself, your family, and your gracious king, be up by peep of
+day: 'Let not the sun look down, and say, Inglorious here he lies!'
+Handle your tools without mittens; remember, that 'the cat in gloves
+catches no mice,' as poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to
+be done, and perhaps you are weak-handed; but stick to it steadily,
+and you will see great effects; for continual dropping wears away
+stones, and by diligence and patience the mouse ate into the cable;
+and 'light strokes fell great oaks,' as poor Richard says in his
+Almanac, the year I cannot just now remember.
+
+"Methinks I hear some of you say, 'Must a man afford himself no
+leisure?'--I will tell thee, my friend, what poor Richard says;
+'Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou
+art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.' Leisure is time for
+doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but
+the lazy man never; so that, as poor Richard says, 'A life of leisure
+and a life of laziness are two things.' Do you imagine that sloth will
+afford you more comfort than labor? No; for, as poor Richard says,
+'Troubles spring from idleness, and grievous toils from needless ease:
+many without labor would live by their own wits only; but they break
+for want of stock.' Whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and
+respect. 'Fly pleasures, and they'll follow you; the diligent spinner
+has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids
+me good-morrow;' all which is well said by poor Richard.
+
+"But with our industry, we must likewise be steady, and settled, and
+careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust
+too much to others; for, as poor Richard says,
+
+    'I never saw an oft-removed tree,
+    Nor yet an oft-removed family,
+    That throve so well as one that settled be.'
+
+"And again, 'Three removes are as bad as a fire:' and again, 'Keep thy
+shop, and thy shop will keep thee:' and again, 'If you would have your
+business done, go; if not, send.' And again,
+
+    'He that by the plough would thrive,
+    Himself must either hold or drive.'
+
+"And again, 'The eye of the master will do more work than both his
+hands;' and again, 'Want of care does us more damage than want of
+knowledge;' and again, 'Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your
+purse open.' Trusting too much to others' care is the ruin of many;
+for, as the Almanac says, 'In the affairs of the world, men are saved
+not by faith, but by the want of it; but a man's own care is
+profitable; for,' saith poor Dick, 'Learning is to the studious and
+riches to the careful, as well as power to the bold, and heaven to the
+virtuous.' And, further, 'If you would have a faithful servant, and
+one that you like, serve yourself.' And again, he adviseth to
+circumspection and care, even in the smallest matters, because
+sometimes, 'A little neglect may breed great mischief;' adding, 'For
+want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was
+lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost:' being overtaken and
+slain by the enemy, all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.
+
+"So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own
+business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our
+industry more certainly successful. A man may, if he knows not how to
+save as he gets, 'keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and
+die not worth a groat at last.' 'A fat kitchen makes a lean will,' as
+poor Richard says; and,
+
+    'Many estates are spent in the getting;
+    Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting,
+    And men for punch forsook hewing and splitting.'
+
+"'If you would be wealthy (says he, in another Almanac), think of
+saving, as well as of getting; the Indies have not made Spain rich,
+because her outgoes are greater than her incomes.'
+
+"Away then with your expensive follies, and you will not have much
+cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families;
+for, as poor Dick says,
+
+    'Women and wine, game and deceit,
+    Make the wealth small, and the want great.
+
+"And, further, 'What maintains one vice, would bring up two children.'
+You may think, perhaps, that a little tea, or a little punch now and
+then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little
+entertainment now and then, can be no great matter; but remember what
+poor Richard says--'Many a little makes a mickle;' and further,
+'Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship;' and
+again, 'Who dainties love shall beggars prove;' and moreover, 'Fools
+make feasts, and wise men eat them.'
+
+"Here you are all got together at this sale of fineries and
+nick-nacks. You call them _goods_; but if you do not take care, they
+will prove _evils_ to some of you. You expect they will be sold cheap,
+and perhaps they may for less than they cost; but if you have no
+occasion for them, they must be dear to you. Remember what poor
+Richard says--'Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou shalt
+sell thy necessaries.' And again, 'At a great pennyworth pause
+awhile.' He means, that perhaps the cheapness is apparent only, or not
+real; or the bargain, by straitening thee in thy business, may do thee
+more harm than good. For in another place he says, 'Many have been
+ruined by buying good pennyworths.' Again, as poor Richard says, 'It
+is foolish to lay out money in a purchase of repentance:' and yet this
+folly is practised every day at auctions, for want of minding the
+Almanac. 'Wise men (as poor Dick says) learn by others' harms, fools
+scarcely by their own; but _Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula
+cautum_.' Many a one, for the sake of finery on the back, have gone
+with a hungry belly, and half starved their families: 'Silk and
+satins, scarlet and velvets (as poor Richard says), put out the
+kitchen fire.' These are not the necessaries of life; they can
+scarcely be called the conveniences; and yet only because they look
+pretty, how many want to have them! The artificial wants of mankind
+thus become more numerous than the natural; and as poor Dick says,
+'For one poor person there are a hundred indigent.' By these and other
+extravagances the genteel are reduced to poverty, and forced to borrow
+of those whom they formerly despised, but who, through industry and
+frugality, have maintained their standing; in which case it appears
+plainly, 'A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his
+knees,' as poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small estate
+left them, which they knew not the getting of; they think 'It is day,
+and will never be night; that a little to be spent out of so much, is
+not worth minding.' 'A child and a fool (as poor Richard says) imagine
+twenty shillings and twenty years can never be spent; but always be
+taking out of the meal-tub, and never putting in, soon comes to the
+bottom:' then, as poor Dick says, 'When the well is dry, they know the
+worth of water.' But this they might have known before, if they had
+taken his advice: 'if you would know the value of money, go and try to
+borrow some; for he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing; and,
+indeed, so does he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it
+in again.' Poor Dick further advises, and says,
+
+    'Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse:
+    Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse.'
+
+And again, 'Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more
+saucy.' When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more,
+that your appearance may be all of a piece; but poor Dick says, 'It is
+easier to suppress the first desire, than to satisfy all that follow
+it.' And it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as the
+frog to swell in order to equal the ox.
+
+    'Vessels large may venture more,
+    But little boats should keep near shore.'
+
+'Tis, however, a folly soon punished; for 'Pride that dines on vanity,
+sups on contempt,' as poor Richard says. And in another place, 'Pride
+breakfasted with Plenty, dined with Poverty, and supped with Infamy.'
+And, after all, of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so
+much is risked, so much is suffered? It cannot promote health, or ease
+pain; it makes no increase of merit in the person; it hastens
+misfortune.
+
+    What is a butterfly? At best,
+    He's but a caterpillar drest;
+    The gaudy fop's his picture just,
+
+as poor Richard says.
+
+"But what madness must it be to run in debt for these superfluities!
+We are offered, by the terms of this sale, six months' credit, and
+that perhaps has induced some of us to attend it, because we cannot
+spare the ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah!
+think what you do when you run in debt. You give to another power over
+your liberty. If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to
+see your creditor: you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will
+make poor, pitiful, sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to lose your
+veracity, and sink into base, downright lying; for, as poor Richard
+says, 'The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.' And
+again, to the same purpose, 'Lying rides upon debt's back;' whereas a
+free-born Englishman ought not to be ashamed nor afraid to speak to
+any man living.--But poverty often deprives a man of all spirit and
+virtue: 'It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright,' as poor
+Richard truly says. What would you think of that prince, or that
+government, who would issue an edict, forbidding you to dress like a
+gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would
+you not say, that you were free, have a right to dress as you please,
+and that such an edict would be a breach of your privileges, and such
+a government tyrannical? And yet you are about to put yourself under
+that tyranny when you run in debt for such dress! Your creditor has
+authority, at his pleasure, to deprive you of your liberty, by
+confining you in jail for life, or by selling you for a servant, if
+you should not be able to pay him. When you have got your bargain, you
+may, perhaps, think little of payment; but 'Creditors (poor Richard
+tells us) have better memories than debtors;' and in another place he
+says, 'Creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days
+and times.' The day comes round before you are aware, and the demand
+is made before you are prepared to satisfy it; or, if you bear your
+debt in mind, the term which at first seemed so long, will, as it
+lessens, appear extremely short. Time will seem to have added wings to
+his heels as well as at his shoulders. 'Those have a short Lent (saith
+poor Richard) who owe money to be paid at Easter.' Then since, as he
+says, 'The borrower is a slave to the lender, and the debtor to the
+creditor,' disdain the chain, preserve your freedom, and maintain your
+independency: be industrious and free; be frugal and free. At present,
+perhaps, you may think yourselves in thriving circumstances, and that
+you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but
+
+    'For age and want save while you may,
+    No morning sun lasts a whole day,'
+
+as poor Richard says. Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever,
+while you live, expense is constant and certain: and 'It is easier to
+build two chimneys, than to keep one in fuel,' as poor Richard says.
+So 'Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.'
+
+    'Get what you can, and what you get hold,
+    'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold,'
+
+as poor Richard says. And when you have got the philosopher's stone,
+sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of
+paying taxes.
+
+"This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do
+not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and
+prudence, though excellent things; for they may be blasted, without
+the blessing of Heaven: and therefore ask that blessing humbly, and be
+not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort
+and help them. Remember Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous.
+
+"And now, to conclude, 'Experience keeps a dear school; but fools will
+learn in no other, and scarce in that; for it is true, we may give
+advice, but we cannot give conduct,' as poor Richard says. However,
+remember this, 'They that will not be counseled cannot be helped,' as
+poor Richard says; and further, that 'If you will not hear Reason, she
+will surely rap your knuckles.'"
+
+Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and
+approved the doctrine, and immediately practised the contrary, just as
+if it had been a common sermon; for the auction opened, and they began
+to buy extravagantly, notwithstanding all his cautions, and their own
+fear of taxes. I found the good man had thoroughly studied my
+Almanacs, and digested all I had dropped on those topics, during the
+course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me, must
+have tired every one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted
+with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom
+was my own, which he ascribed to me, but rather the gleanings that I
+had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to
+be the better for the echo of it; and though I had at first determined
+to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one
+a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be
+as great as mine.
+
+I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
+
+RICHARD SAUNDERS.
+
+
+
+
+OBSERVATIONS ON WAR.
+
+
+By the original laws of nations, war and extirpation were the
+punishment of injury. Humanizing by degrees, it admitted slavery
+instead of death; a further step was the exchange of prisoners instead
+of slavery; another, to respect more the property of private persons
+under conquest, and be content with acquired dominion. Why should not
+this law of nations go on improving? Ages have intervened between its
+several steps; but as knowledge of late increases rapidly, why should
+not those steps be quickened? Why should it not be agreed to, as the
+future law of nations, that in any war hereafter, the following
+description of men should be undisturbed, have the protection of both
+sides, and be permitted to follow their employments in security? viz.
+
+    1. Cultivators of the earth, because they labor for the
+    subsistence of mankind.
+
+    2. Fishermen, for the same reason.
+
+    3. Merchants and traders in unarmed ships, who accommodate
+    different nations by communicating and exchanging the necessaries
+    and conveniences of life.
+
+    4. Artists and mechanics, inhabiting and working in open towns.
+
+It is hardly necessary to add that the hospitals of enemies should be
+unmolested; they ought to be assisted. It is for the interest of
+humanity in general, that the occasions of war, and the inducements to
+it, should be diminished. If rapine be abolished, one of the
+encouragements to war is taken away; and peace, therefore, more likely
+to continue and be lasting.
+
+The practice of robbing merchants on the high seas--a remnant of the
+ancient piracy--though it may be accidentally beneficial to particular
+persons, is far from being profitable to all engaged in it, or to the
+nation that authorizes it. In the beginning of a war, some rich ships
+are surprised and taken. This encourages the first adventurers to fit
+out more armed vessels; and many others to do the same. But the enemy
+at the same time become more careful, arm their merchant ships better,
+and render them not so easy to be taken; they go also more under the
+protection of convoys. Thus, while the privateers to take them are
+multiplied, the vessels subjected to be taken and the chances of
+profit are diminished; so that many cruises are made wherein the
+expenses overgo the gains; and, as is the case in other lotteries,
+though particulars have got prizes, the mass of adventurers are
+losers, the whole expense of fitting out all the privateers during a
+war being much greater than the whole amount of goods taken.
+
+Then there is the national loss of all the labor of so many men during
+the time they have been employed in robbing; who, besides, spend what
+they get in riot, drunkenness, and debauchery; lose their habits of
+industry; are rarely fit for any sober business after a peace, and
+serve only to increase the number of highwaymen and house-breakers.
+Even the undertakers who have been fortunate are, by sudden wealth,
+led into expensive living, the habit of which continues when the means
+of supporting it cease, and finally ruins them; a just punishment for
+their having wantonly and unfeelingly ruined many honest, innocent
+traders and their families, whose substance was employed in serving
+the common interests of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAY TO MAKE MONEY PLENTY IN EVERY MAN'S POCKET.
+
+
+At this time, when the general complaint is that--"money is scarce,"
+it will be an act of kindness to inform the moneyless how they may
+reinforce their pockets. I will acquaint them with the true secret of
+money-catching, the certain way to fill empty purses, and how to keep
+them always full. Two simple rules, well observed, will do the
+business.
+
+First, Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions; and,
+
+Secondly, Spend one penny less than thy clear gains.
+
+Then shall thy hide-bound pocket soon begin to thrive, and will never
+again cry with the empty belly-ache; neither will creditors insult
+thee, nor want oppress, nor hunger bite, nor nakedness freeze thee.
+The whole hemisphere will shine brighter, and pleasure spring up in
+every corner of thy heart. Now, therefore, embrace these rules and be
+happy. Banish the bleak winds of sorrow from thy mind, and live
+independent. Then shalt thou be a man, and not hide thy face at the
+approach of the rich, nor suffer the pain of feeling little when the
+sons of fortune walk at thy right hand; for independency, whether with
+little or much, is good fortune, and placeth thee on even ground with
+the proudest of the golden fleece. Oh, then, be wise, and let industry
+walk with thee in the morning, and attend thee until thou reachest the
+evening hour for rest. Let honesty be as the breath of thy soul, and
+never forget to have a penny, when all thy expenses are enumerated and
+paid; then shalt thou reach the point of happiness, and independence
+shall be thy shield and buckler, thy helmet and crown; then shall thy
+soul walk upright, nor stoop to the silken wretch because he hath
+riches, nor pocket an abuse because the hand which offers it wears a
+ring set with diamonds.
+
+
+
+
+MORALS OF CHESS.
+
+
+Playing at chess is the most ancient and universal game known among
+men; for its original is beyond the memory of history, and it has, for
+numberless ages, been the amusement of all the civilized nations of
+Asia--the Persians, the Indians, and the Chinese. Europe has had it
+above a thousand years; the Spaniards have spread it over their parts
+of America, and it begins to make its appearance in these States. It
+is so interesting in itself as not to need the view of gain to induce
+engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money. Those,
+therefore, who have leisure for such diversions, cannot find one that
+is more innocent; and the following piece, written with a view to
+correct (among a few young friends) some little improprieties in the
+practice of it, shows, at the same time, that it may, in its effects
+on the mind, be not merely innocent, but advantageous, to the
+vanquished as well as the victor.
+
+The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very
+valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life,
+are to be acquired or strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready
+on all occasions. For life is a kind of chess, in which we have points
+to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which
+there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some
+degree, the effects of prudence or the want of it. By playing at
+chess, then, we learn,
+
+  I. _Foresight_, which looks a little into futurity, considers the
+consequences that may attend an action: for it is continually
+occurring to the player, "If I move this piece, what will be the
+advantage of my new situation? What use can my adversary make of it to
+annoy me? What other moves can I make to support it, and to defend
+myself from his attacks?"
+
+ II. _Circumspection_, which surveys the whole chessboard, or scene
+ of action, the relations of the several pieces and situation, the
+ dangers they are respectively exposed to, the several possibilities
+ of their aiding each other, the probabilities that the adversary may
+ take this or that move, and attack this or the other piece, and what
+ different means can be used to avoid his stroke, or turn its
+ consequences against him.
+
+III. _Caution_, not to make your moves too hastily. This habit is
+best acquired by observing strictly the laws of the game, such as, "If
+you touch a piece, you must move it somewhere; if you set it down, you
+must let it stand:" and it is therefore best that these rules should
+be observed; as the game thereby becomes more the image of human life,
+and particularly of war: in which, if you have incautiously put
+yourself into a bad and dangerous position, you cannot obtain your
+enemy's leave to withdraw your troops, and place them more securely,
+but you must abide all the consequences of your rashness.
+
+And, lastly, we learn by chess the habit of _not being discouraged by
+present bad appearances in the state of our affairs_, the habit of
+_hoping for a favorable change_, and that of _persevering in the
+search of resources_. The game is so full of events, there is such a
+variety of turns in it, the fortune of it is so subject to sudden
+vicissitudes, and one so frequently, after long contemplation,
+discovers the means of extricating one's self from a supposed
+insurmountable difficulty, that one is encouraged to continue the
+contest to the last, in hope of victory by our own skill, or at least
+of giving a stale mate, by the negligence of our adversary. And
+whoever considers, what in chess he often sees instances of,--that
+particular pieces of success are apt to produce presumption, and its
+consequent inattention, by which the loss may be recovered,--will
+learn not to be too much discouraged by the present success of his
+adversary, nor to despair of final good fortune, upon every little
+check he receives in the pursuit of it.
+
+That we may, therefore, be induced more frequently to choose this
+beneficial amusement, in preference to others, which are not attended
+with the same advantages, every circumstance which may increase the
+pleasure of it should be regarded; and every action or word that is
+unfair, disrespectful, or that in any way may give uneasiness, should
+be avoided, as contrary to the immediate intention of both the
+players, which is to pass the time agreeably.
+
+Therefore, first, If it is agreed to play according to the strictest
+rules, then those rules are to be exactly observed by both parties,
+and should not be insisted on for one side, while deviated from by the
+other--for this is not equitable.
+
+Secondly, If it is agreed not to observe the rules exactly, but one
+party demands indulgences, he should, then, be as willing to allow
+them to the other.
+
+Thirdly, No false move should ever be made to extricate yourself out
+of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage. There can be no pleasure in
+playing with a person once detected in such unfair practices.
+
+Fourthly, If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry
+him, or to express any uneasiness at his delay. You should not sing,
+nor whistle, nor look at your watch, nor take up a book to read, nor
+make a tapping with your feet on the floor, or with your fingers on
+the table, nor do any thing that may disturb his attention. For all
+these things displease; and they do not show your skill in playing,
+but your craftiness or your rudeness.
+
+Fifthly, You ought not to endeavor to amuse and deceive your
+adversary, by pretending to have made bad moves, and saying that you
+have now lost the game, in order to make him secure and careless, and
+inattentive to your schemes; for this is fraud and deceit, not skill
+in the game.
+
+Sixthly, You must not, when you have gained a victory, use any
+triumphing or insulting expression, nor show too much pleasure; but
+endeavor to console your adversary, and make him less dissatisfied
+with himself, by every kind of civil expression that may be used with
+truth; such as, "You understand the game better then I, but you are a
+little inattentive;" or, "You play too fast;" or, "You had the best of
+the game, but something happened to divert your thoughts, and that
+turned it in my favor."
+
+Seventhly, If you are a spectator while others play, observe the most
+perfect silence. For if you give advice, you offend both parties; him
+against whom you give it, because it may cause the loss of his game;
+and him in whose favor you gave it, because, though it be good, and he
+follows it, he loses the pleasure he might have had, if you had
+permitted him to think until it had occurred to himself. Even after a
+move, or moves, you must not, by replacing the pieces, show how it
+might have been placed better; for that displeases, and may occasion
+disputes and doubts about their true situation. All talking to the
+players lessens or diverts their attention, and is therefore
+unpleasing. Nor should you give the least hint to either party, by any
+kind of noise or motion. If you do, you are unworthy to be a
+spectator. If you have a mind to exercise or show your judgment, do it
+in playing your own game, when you have an opportunity, not in
+criticising, or meddling with, or counseling the play of others.
+
+Lastly, If the game is not to be played rigorously, according to the
+rules above-mentioned, then moderate your desire of victory over your
+adversary, and be pleased with one over yourself. Snatch not eagerly
+at every advantage offered by his unskilfulness or inattention; but
+point out to him kindly, that by such a move he places or leaves a
+piece in danger and unsupported; that by another he will put his king
+in a perilous situation, &c. By this generous civility (so opposite to
+the unfairness above forbidden), you may, indeed, happen to lose the
+game to your own opponent, but you will win what is better, his
+esteem, his respect, and his affection; together with the silent
+approbation and good-will of impartial spectators.
+
+
+
+
+CONVERSATION OF A COMPANY OF EPHEMERĈ;
+
+WITH THE SOLILOQUY OF ONE ADVANCED IN AGE.
+
+
+TO MADAME BRILLIANT.
+
+You may remember, my dear friend, that when we lately spent that happy
+day, in the delightful garden and sweet society of the _Moulin Joly_,
+I stopped a little in one of our walks, and staid some time behind the
+company. We had been shown numberless skeletons of a kind of little
+fly, called an ephemera, whose successive generations, we were told,
+were bred and expired within the day. I happened to see a living
+company of them on a leaf, who appeared to be engaged in conversation.
+You know I understand all the inferior animal tongues; my too great
+application to the study of them is the best excuse I can give for the
+little progress I have made in your charming language. I listened
+through curiosity to the discourse of these little creatures; but as
+they, in their national vivacity, spoke three or four together, I
+could make but little of their conversation. I found, however, by some
+broken expressions that I heard now and then, they were disputing
+warmly on the merit of two foreign musicians, one a _cousin_, the
+other a _moscheto_: in which dispute they spent their time, seeming as
+regardless of the shortness of their life as if they had been sure of
+living a month. Happy people, thought I; you live certainly under a
+wise, just, and mild government, since you have no public grievances
+to complain of, nor any other subject of contention but the
+perfections or imperfections of foreign music. I turned my head from
+them to an old gray-headed one, who was single on another leaf, and
+talking to himself. Being amused with his soliloquy, I put it down in
+writing, in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am so much
+indebted for the most pleasing of all amusements, her delicious
+company and heavenly harmony.
+
+"It was," says he, "the opinion of learned philosophers of our race,
+who lived and flourished long before my time, that this vast world,
+the _Moulin Joly_, could not itself subsist more than eighteen
+hours: and I think there was some foundation for that opinion; since,
+by the apparent motion of the great luminary, that gives life to all
+nature, and which in my time has evidently declined considerably
+towards the ocean at the end of the earth, it must then finish its
+course, be extinguished in the waters that surround us, and leave the
+world in cold and darkness, necessarily producing universal death and
+destruction. I have lived seven of those hours; a great age, being no
+less than 420 minutes of time! How very few of us continue so long! I
+have seen generations born, flourish and expire. My present friends
+are children and grand-children of the friends of my youth, who are
+now, alas, no more! And I must soon follow them; for by the common
+course of nature, though still in health, I cannot expect to live
+above seven or eight minutes longer. What now avails all my toil and
+labor, in amassing the honey dew on this leaf, which I cannot live to
+enjoy? What my political struggles I have been engaged in, for the
+good of my compatriot inhabitants of this bush, or my philosophical
+studies, for the benefit of our race in general; for in politics (what
+can laws do without morals?) our present race of ephemerĉ will in a
+course of minutes become corrupt like those of other and older bushes,
+and consequently as wretched! And in philosophy how small our
+progress! Alas! art is long, and life is short! My friends would
+comfort me with the idea of a name, they say, I shall leave behind me;
+and they tell me I have lived long enough to nature and to glory. But
+what will fame be to an ephemera who no longer exists? and what will
+become of all history in the eighteenth hour, when the world itself,
+even the whole _Moulin Joly_, shall come to its end, and be buried in
+a universal ruin?"
+
+To me, after all my eager pursuits, no solid pleasures now remain, but
+the reflection of a long life spent in meaning well, the sensible
+conversation of a few good lady ephemerĉ, and now and then a kind
+smile and a tune from the ever amiable Brilliant
+
+B. FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***
+
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+<body>
+<h1 class="prg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Life of Benjamin Franklin, by Samuel G.
+Goodrich</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Life of Benjamin Franklin</p>
+<p>       Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes</p>
+<p>Author: Samuel G. Goodrich</p>
+<p>Release Date: January 2, 2012  [eBook #38469]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***</p>
+<br><br><center><h4 class="prg">E-text prepared by Katherine Ward<br>
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br>
+    (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br>
+    from scanned images of public domain material<br>
+    generously made available by<br>
+    the Google Books Library Project<br>
+    (<a href="http://books.google.com/">http://books.google.com/</a>)</h4></center><br><br>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      <a href="http://books.google.com/books?vid=OD9TNvh1EQ0C&amp;id">
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=OD9TNvh1EQ0C&amp;id</a>
+	</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="tn">
+<p class="ctr">
+Transcriber's Note:
+</p>
+<p>
+The total number of questions at the end of each chapter does not
+necessarily correspond to the total number of paragraphs in the
+chapter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Text is missing from the printed book at the end of <a
+href="#missing">Paragraph 19 in Chapter X.</a>
+</p></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full">
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/001.jpg" alt="Franklin taking home his paper." width="500" height="368"></div>
+<p class="caption">Franklin taking home his paper.
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/002.jpg" alt="Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother." width="500" height="377"></div>
+<p class="caption">Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.
+</p>
+
+
+<br>
+
+<h1>
+<small>THE</small>
+<br>
+LIFE
+<br>
+<small>OF</small>
+<br>
+BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+</h1>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/003.jpg" alt="Ben Franklin flying a kite in stormy weather." width="477" height="352"></div>
+
+<h3>
+ILLUSTRATED BY
+</h3>
+
+<h2>
+TALES, SKETCHES, AND ANECDOTES.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS.
+</h3>
+
+<h3>
+WITH ENGRAVINGS.
+</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>
+PHILADELPHIA:<br>
+DESILVER, THOMAS &#38; CO.,<br>
+No. 253 MARKET STREET.
+</h4>
+
+<h4>
+1836.
+</h4>
+
+<br>
+<p class="narrow">
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by <span class="sc">Samuel
+G. Goodrich</span>, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of
+Massachusetts.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="med">
+
+<p class="section">
+PREFACE.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+The following Preface to the Life of Columbus will explain the plan of
+the series, of which this is the third volume:&#8212;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"There is no kind of reading more attractive than biography, and, if
+properly treated, there is none more instructive. It appears,
+therefore, to be peculiarly fitted to the purposes of education; it
+readily excites the curiosity and awakens the interest of the pupil,
+and, while it stores his mind with facts, dates and events, displays
+to his view the workings of the human heart, and makes him better
+acquainted with himself and mankind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"In the selection of subjects for a biographical series of works for
+youth, the editor has been led, by two considerations, to prefer those
+which belong to our own country. In the first place, it is more
+particularly necessary that our youth should be made acquainted with
+the lives of those men who were associated with the history of their
+native land; and, in the second place, no country can afford happier
+subjects for biography than this. There are few such lives as those of
+Columbus, Washington, and Franklin, in the annals of any nation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"In the preparation of the work, the author has sought to adapt it to
+youth, by the use of a simple style, and by the introduction of many
+illustrative tales, sketches, anecdotes and adventures. Questions for
+examining the pupils are printed in the pages, which may be used, or
+not, at the choice of the Teacher."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Life of Columbus and the Life of Washington, on a plan similar to
+this, have been already published; and other volumes, containing the
+lives of celebrated Indian Chiefs, celebrated American Statesmen, &#38;c.,
+will appear hereafter, if those already in progress should meet with
+success.
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/004.jpg" alt="An old printing press" width="250" height="192"></div>
+
+
+<hr class="med">
+
+
+<p class="section">
+CONTENTS.
+</p>
+
+<table summary="Contents">
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="pg">Page</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER I.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice
+to his Brother. Makes a Couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads
+the Spectator.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#I">11</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER II.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper.
+Leaves his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia.
+Anecdote of the Dutchman.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#II">19</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER III.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of
+the Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer.
+Noticed by Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#III">27</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER IV.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor.
+Promises from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect.
+Anecdote of Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A
+literary Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception.
+Arrival in London.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#IV">35</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER V.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia.
+Story of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work
+for him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#V">43</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER VI.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making.
+Marriage with Miss Read.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#VI">50</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER VII.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme
+of arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's
+Remarks upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#VII">57</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER VIII.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#VIII">65</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER IX.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House in
+Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's
+Prosperity. Military Defence of the Province. Formation of
+Companies.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#IX">72</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER X.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#X">82</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XI.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the
+Kite. Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abb&#233; Nollet. Fame
+of Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XI">90</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XII.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XII">97
+</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIII.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XIII">105</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIV.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XIV">113</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XV.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XV">124</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVI.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Franklin appointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France.
+Asks to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#XVI">130</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+
+<tr>
+<td class="chpt" colspan="2">
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN.</td>
+</tr>
+
+
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">The Whistle.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#whistle">136</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Handsome and Deformed Leg.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#leg">138</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Advice to a young Tradesman.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#advice">142</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Necessary Hints to those that would be rich.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#hints">145</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Paper, a Poem.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#paper">146</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">On the art of Swimming.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#art">149</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Preliminary Address to the Pennsylvania Almanac, entitled,
+"Poor Richard's Almanac,<br>for the year 1758."</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#address">153</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Observations on War.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#war">167</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">The Way to make Money plenty in every Man's Pocket.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#way">169</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Morals of Chess.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#chess">171</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="hang">Conversation of a Company of Ephemer&#230;.</td>
+<td class="pg"><a href="#converse">177</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/005.jpg" alt="Franklin standing at an old-style desk." width="409" height="400"></div>
+
+
+<hr class="med">
+
+
+<p class="section">
+<big>LIFE OF FRANKLIN.</big>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="I">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="firstchapter">
+CHAPTER I.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice to
+his Brother. Makes a couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads the
+Spectator.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, New England, on the
+seventeenth of January, 1706. He was the youngest son in a family of
+seventeen children. His elder brothers were, at an early age, put
+apprentices to different trades; for their father was a man of honest
+industry, but with little or no property, and unable to support the
+expense of keeping them long at school.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Benjamin, however, was intended for the church, and at eight years
+of age was put to a grammar school. His readiness in learning, and his
+attention to study, confirmed the first intention of his parents. The
+plan also met with the approbation of his uncle Benjamin, who promised
+to give him some volumes of sermons that he had taken down in short
+hand, from the lips of the most eminent preachers of the day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. He continued at the grammar school, however, only about a year,
+though he had risen to the head of his class, and promised to be a
+very fine scholar. His father was burthened with a numerous family,
+and could not carry him through a course of college education. He
+accordingly changed his first purpose, and sent Benjamin to a school
+for writing and arithmetic, kept by Mr. George Brownwell.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. This master was quite skilful in his profession, being mild and
+kind to his scholars, but very successful in teaching them. Benjamin
+learned to write a good hand in a short time, but he could not manage
+arithmetic so easily. At ten years of age he was taken from school to
+help his father in the business of a tallow-chandler; and was employed
+in cutting the wick for the candles, going errands, and tending the
+shop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Benjamin disliked the trade, and had a strong inclination to go to
+sea; but his father opposed his wishes in this respect, and determined
+to keep him at home. The house in which he lived happened to be near
+the water, and Benjamin was always playing with boats, and swimming.
+When sailing with other boys, he was usually the leader, and he
+confesses that he sometimes led them into difficulties.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. There was a salt marsh which bounded part of the mill-pond, on the
+edge of which the boys used to stand to fish for minnows. They had
+trampled it so much, however, as to make it a mere quagmire. Franklin
+proposed to his friends to build a wharf there, for them to stand
+upon; and showed them a large heap of stones, which were intended for
+a new house near the marsh, and would answer their purpose exactly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Accordingly, that evening, when the workmen were gone home, he
+assembled a number of his playfellows, and they worked diligently,
+like so many emmets, sometimes two or three to a stone, till they had
+brought them all to make their little wharf. On the next morning, the
+workmen were surprised on missing the stones. The authors of the
+removal were detected, complained of, and punished by their parents.
+Franklin attempted to show the usefulness of their work; but his
+father took that occasion to convince him, that <i>that which was not
+truly honest could not be truly useful</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Benjamin continued employed in the business of his father about two
+years, that is, till he was twelve years old. His brother John, who
+had also been brought up to the trade, had left his father, married,
+and set up for himself in Rhode Island. There was now every appearance
+that Benjamin was destined to become a tallow-chandler. As his dislike
+to the trade continued, his father was afraid that, if he did not put
+Benjamin to one that was more agreeable, he would run away, and go to
+sea, as an elder brother of his had done. In consequence of this
+apprehension, he used to take him to walk, to see joiners,
+bricklayers, turners and braziers at their work, that he might observe
+his inclination, and fix it on some trade or profession that would
+keep him on land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. His father at length determined on the cutler's trade, and placed
+him for some days on trial with his cousin Samuel, who was bred to
+that trade in London, and had just established himself in Boston. It
+was then usual to ask a sum of money for receiving an apprentice, and
+the cutler charged so much for taking Benjamin, that his father was
+displeased, and put him to his old business again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. From his infancy Benjamin had been passionately fond of reading;
+and all the money that he could get was laid out in purchasing books.
+He was very fond of voyages and travels. The dangers and adventures of
+sailors in the different parts of the world, and stories of the
+strange people and customs they met with, he would always read with
+delight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. The first books that he was able to buy were the works of a famous
+old English writer, named John Bunyan. These he afterwards sold, in
+order to purchase some volumes of Historical Collections. His father's
+library consisted principally of works on divinity, most of which he
+read at an early age. Beside these, there was a book by De Foe, the
+author of Robinson Crusoe; and another called <i>An Essay to do
+Good</i>, by Dr. Mather, an old New England divine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. This fondness for books at length determined his father to bring
+him up as a printer, though he had already one son in that employment.
+In 1717, this son returned from England with a press and letters to
+set up his business in Boston. Benjamin liked this trade much better
+than that of his father, but still had a desire to go to sea. To
+prevent this step, his father was impatient to have him bound
+apprentice to his brother, and at length persuaded him to consent to
+it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. He was to serve as apprentice till he was twenty-one years of age,
+and during the last year was to be allowed the wages of a journeyman.
+In a little time, he made great progress in the business, and became
+quite useful. He was now able to obtain better books. An acquaintance
+with the apprentices of the booksellers sometimes enabled him to
+borrow a small one, which he was careful to return clean and in good
+season. He often sat up in his chamber the greater part of the night,
+to read a book that he was obliged to return in the morning.
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/006.jpg" alt="Franklin reading at night." width="448" height="331"></div>
+<p class="caption">Franklin reading at night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. After some time, an ingenious and sensible merchant, Mr. Matthew
+Adams, who had a pretty collection of books, took notice of Franklin
+at the printing office, and invited him to see his library. He very
+kindly offered to lend him any work that he might like to read.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. He now took a strong inclination for poetry, and wrote some little
+pieces. His brother supposed that he might use this talent to
+advantage, and encouraged him to cultivate it. About this time, he
+produced two ballads. One was called the Light-House Tragedy, and
+contained an account of the shipwreck of Captain Worthilake, with his
+two daughters; the other was a sailor's song, on the taking of the
+famous Blackbeard, the pirate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. They were written in the doggerel street-ballad style, and when
+they were printed, his brother sent Benjamin about the town to sell
+them. The first sold very rapidly, as the event on which it was
+founded had recently occurred, and made a great deal of noise. This
+success flattered his vanity very much, but his father discouraged him
+by criticising his ballads, and telling him that verse-makers were
+generally beggars.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. This prevented him from giving any further attention to poetry,
+and led him to devote more time and care to prose compositions. He was
+at this time intimately acquainted with another lad very fond of
+books, named John Collins. They sometimes discussed different
+questions together, and had become very apt to indulge in arguments
+and disputes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. A question was once started between them, on the propriety of
+educating the female sex in learned studies, and their abilities for
+these studies. As they parted without settling the point, and were not
+to see one another again for a long time, Franklin sat down to put his
+arguments in writing. He then made a fair copy of them, and sent it to
+Collins.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. Three or four letters passed between them on the subject, when the
+father of Franklin happened to find the papers, and read them. Without
+entering into the subject in dispute, he took occasion to talk to him
+about his manner of writing. He marked the defects in his expressions,
+and in the arrangement of his sentences, but gave him the credit of
+spelling and pointing with great correctness. This he had learned in
+the printing office, but he had never before been taught any thing
+about manner and style.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. About this time, he met with an odd volume of the Spectator, a
+very famous work, published by several English wits in the year 1711.
+He bought it, read it over and over, and was much delighted with it.
+This book was now his continual study, and he himself tried to write
+as much as possible in its very pleasant and popular style. The
+improvement which he made was encouraging, and led him to hope he
+might some day become a good English writer; a distinction of which he
+was very ambitious.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. Where was Franklin born? When?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. For what profession did his parents intend to educate him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What induced his father to change his intention?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. To what trade was Benjamin put, and when?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Relate the anecdote about Franklin and his companions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What maxim did his father teach him in consequence of this
+adventure?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. What were his father's fears in relation to his new occupation?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. On what trade did his father finally determine?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Describe his early fondness for reading, and the books of which he
+was most fond.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. What books did he first buy?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. What induced his father to bring up Benjamin as a printer? To whom
+was he bound apprentice?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. How did he succeed in his new trade?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What advantages did it afford him for pursuing his studies?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Relate the account of his first attempts in poetry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. How did his ballads succeed?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. How did his father discourage his new taste?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. What was the subject of his discussion with his friend Collins?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. What praise and advice did his father give him on this occasion?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. With what book was Franklin at this time so much pleased? Did he
+attempt to imitate it?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="II">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER II.
+</p>
+
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper. Leaves
+his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia. Anecdote
+of the Dutchman.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. When about sixteen years of age, Franklin happened to meet with a
+book that recommended a vegetable diet. He determined to adopt it. His
+brother, being unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded himself and
+his apprentices in another family. By refusing to eat meat, Franklin
+occasioned a good deal of inconvenience; and he was frequently chid
+for his singularity. He accordingly learned the manner of boiling
+potatoes and rice, and of making hasty-pudding, and then proposed to
+his brother, if he would give him, weekly, half the money he paid for
+his board, to board himself. His brother instantly agreed to it, and
+Franklin soon found that he could save half of what he received.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. This was a new fund for buying books. But this was not the only
+advantage. When his brother and the apprentices had gone to their
+meals, he was left in the printing office alone. He immediately
+despatched his slight repast, which was often no more than a biscuit,
+or a slice of bread and a handful of raisins, or a tart from the
+pastry cook's, and a glass of water, and had the rest of the time till
+their return for study. By being thus economical of his time, he was
+able to make considerable progress in his books.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. He now began to feel the want of a knowledge of figures, and was
+once very much mortified by his ignorance of them. As he had entirely
+failed of learning them at school, he took Cocker's Arithmetic, and
+went through the whole of it by himself with the greatest ease. The
+mortification he had met with induced him to make great exertions; and
+we can succeed in any thing to which we give our earnest attention.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. While he was intent on improving his language and style, Franklin
+met with an English grammar, at the end of which were two little
+sketches on the arts of rhetoric and logic. The latter of these
+finished with a dispute in the manner of Socrates, a very famous
+philosopher of Greece. Franklin was charmed with this modest and
+artful manner, and cured himself of the tricks of contradiction and
+too much positiveness. These habits are very disagreeable, and no one
+should allow himself to fall into them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. "In fact, if you wish to instruct others," says Franklin, "a
+positive and dogmatical manner in advancing your sentiments may
+occasion opposition, and prevent a candid attention. If you desire
+improvement from others, you should not at the same time express
+yourself fixed in your present opinions. Modest and sensible men, who
+do not love disputation, will leave you undisturbed in the possession
+of your errors. In adopting such a manner, you can seldom expect to
+please your hearers, or obtain the concurrence you desire."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. In the year 1720, or '21, James Franklin began to print a
+newspaper. It was the second that appeared in America, and was called
+the <i>New England Courant</i>. The only one before it was the
+<i>Boston News Letter</i>. Some of his friends endeavored to dissuade
+him from the undertaking. They thought it would not succeed, as, in
+their opinion, one newspaper was sufficient for all America. There are
+now in the United States alone, over eight hundred newspapers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. The undertaking, however, went on. Benjamin assisted in setting the
+types, helped to print off the sheets, and was then employed in
+carrying the papers to the subscribers. Several men of information and
+talents wrote little pieces for the paper, which were amusing, and
+gained considerable credit. These gentlemen often visited the printing
+office.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Hearing their conversations, and their accounts of the praise their
+pieces received from the public, Benjamin was excited to try his
+fortune among them. He was afraid, however, as he was still a boy, his
+brother would object to print any thing of his composition in the
+paper. It was necessary, therefore, to disguise his hand-writing, and
+to send his piece to the office in such a way that it should not be
+known from whom it came.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. When his friends came in, James showed them the communication from
+an unknown writer. They read it, praised it, and made several guesses
+as to the author. In these guesses none were named but men of some
+character for talents and learning. They never once suspected it was
+written by the little printer's boy who stood at their elbows,
+chuckling in silence over the secret.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Encouraged by the success of this attempt, he continued to write,
+and send other pieces in the same way to the press. He kept his secret
+as long as he saw fit, and then confessed himself the author of the
+writings they had been so long guessing about. Benjamin now began to
+be more noticed by his brother's acquaintance, which made him a little
+vain, and led to some serious difficulties.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. His brother, notwithstanding the relationship between them,
+considered himself as master, and Benjamin as his apprentice, and
+accordingly expected the same services from him that he would from
+another. In some of these services the young printer felt himself
+degraded, and thought that he should receive greater indulgence. His
+brother was passionate, and frequently beat him; and, finding the
+apprenticeship exceedingly tedious, Benjamin was looking forward for
+an opportunity to shorten it. This at length happened in a very
+unexpected manner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. One of the pieces in the paper, on some political subject, gave
+offence to the Assembly, one of the most important branches of the
+government of Massachusetts. James Franklin was taken up, censured,
+and imprisoned for a month, because he would not discover the author.
+Benjamin was also called up and examined before the council; but,
+considering him as an apprentice, who was bound to keep his master's
+secret, they dismissed him without punishment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. During his brother's confinement, Benjamin had the management of
+the paper, and indulged in very smart remarks upon the government.
+This pleased his brother, though it made others look upon him in an
+unfavorable light, as a youth who had a turn for satire and libeling.
+The discharge of the imprisoned printer was accompanied with an order
+that "James Franklin should no longer print the newspaper called the
+New England Courant."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. On a consultation held at the printing office, it was proposed, to
+change the name of the paper, and in this manner elude the order of
+the council. As there were many difficulties in the way of this
+project, it was determined to let the paper for the future be printed
+in the name of <span class="sc">Benjamin Franklin</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. When apprentices are bound out, it is usual to have certain
+agreements drawn up between them and their masters, sealed and signed
+according to certain forms required by law. These papers are called
+indentures. James was afraid that the censure of the Assembly would
+fall on him, as still printing the paper by his apprentice, and
+contrived that his old indenture should be returned to Benjamin, with
+a discharge on the back of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. This was to be shown only in case of necessity; and in order to
+secure his services for the remainder of the time, it was agreed that
+Benjamin should sign new indentures. These were to be kept private.
+This was a very flimsy scheme, but the paper continued to be printed
+in this manner for several months. At length fresh difficulties arose,
+and Benjamin determined to take advantage of his discharge; thinking
+that his brother would be afraid to produce the new indentures. It was
+unfair to take this advantage, but he was urged to it by very unkind
+and even cruel treatment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. When his brother found out his intentions, he went round to every
+master printer in town to prevent his getting employment. In
+consequence of this, he concluded to remove to New York; that being
+the nearest place where there was another printer. His father opposed
+his removal, and took side with his brother in the dispute. Benjamin
+sold his books to furnish the means of paying his passage, went
+privately on board of a sloop, had a fair wind, and in three days
+found himself in New York, three hundred miles from home, at the age
+of seventeen. There was no one in the place whom he knew; he was
+without any recommendations, and had very little money in his pocket.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. By this time he had entirely lost all his love for the sea, or he
+might have been induced to gratify it. Having another profession, and
+considering himself a good workman, he offered his services to a
+printer of the place, old Mr. W. Bradford. This man had been the first
+printer in Pennsylvania, and had removed from there in consequence of
+a quarrel with the governor, General Keith.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. He had a sufficient number of workmen, and little to do, and could
+give Franklin no employment. But he said, "My son, at Philadelphia,
+has lately lost his principal hand, Aquila Rose, by death, and if you
+go thither, I believe he may employ you."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. Philadelphia was one hundred miles farther, but Franklin concluded
+to go there. In crossing the bay, a squall struck the little vessel he
+was in, and tore her rotten sails to pieces. She was driven upon Long
+Island.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. On the way, a drunken Dutchman, who was a passenger in the boat,
+tumbled overboard. As he was sinking, Franklin reached out and caught
+him by a very bushy head of hair, and drew him up again. This sobered
+him a little, and he went to sleep, having first taken a book out of
+his pocket, which he desired Franklin to dry for him. It proved to be
+a Dutch copy of his old favorite book, <i>Bunyan's Pilgrim's
+Progress</i>, and he carefully complied with the wish of the sleepy
+owner.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What induced Franklin to adopt a vegetable diet? What arrangement
+did he make with his brother on this account?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What advantage resulted from this? Describe Benjamin's economy of
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. How did he learn arithmetic?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. With what treatise was Franklin so much pleased? Of what
+disagreeable habits did it cure him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What advice does he give on the manner of conversation?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Who printed the second newspaper in New England? What was it
+called?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. How was Benjamin connected with it?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. What first induced him to write for it? Describe his first attempt.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. How was his communication received?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. What was the consequence of his success?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. What were the difficulties between the brothers?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. What happened at this time to James Franklin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. How did Benjamin conduct the paper? What was the order of the
+council?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. How was it evaded?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. What is the custom in binding out apprentices? How was Benjamin
+discharged from his indentures?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. What unfair advantage did he take of this discharge?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What course did his brother pursue on this occasion? His father?
+Benjamin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. To whom did he apply for employment?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. With what success?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. Where did he determine to go?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. What is the anecdote of the Dutchman?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="III">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER III.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of the
+Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer. Noticed by
+Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. On approaching the island, the crew found themselves in a place
+where there could be no landing, as it was a stony beach, and a
+violent surf was rolling. They cast anchor, and remained in that
+situation through the night. As the spray dashed over the boat, they
+were all, in a very short time, as wet as the unfortunate Dutchman.
+The wind went down on the next morning, and they were able to reach
+Amboy before night; having been thirty hours on the water, without
+victuals, or any drink but a bottle of dirty rum.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. In the evening, Franklin found himself feverish, and went to bed.
+As he drank plentifully of cold water, his fever left him, and in the
+morning he proceeded on his journey. After crossing the ferry, he
+travelled on foot, notwithstanding a violent rain, till noon. Being
+now thoroughly soaked and tired, he stopped at a poor inn, where he
+spent the remainder of the day, and all night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. He now began to wish that he had never left home. His prospect of
+procuring employment, even when he should arrive at Philadelphia, was
+uncertain. He thought of the distress his sudden disappearance must
+have occasioned to his parents. Besides all this, he made such a sorry
+figure that he was suspected of being a runaway servant, and in danger
+of being taken up on that suspicion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. On the next day, however, he continued his journey, and arrived
+that night at an inn, within eight or ten miles of Burlington. The
+next morning he reached Burlington, where he expected to find boats to
+sail immediately for Philadelphia. It was Saturday, and he had the
+mortification to find that the regular boats had just gone, and that
+no others were expected to sail before Tuesday.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Franklin returned to the shop of an old woman, of whom he had
+bought some gingerbread to eat on his passage, and asked her where he
+had better go to find lodgings. She proposed to lodge him in her own
+house, till a passage, by some other boat, offered itself. He accepted
+the invitation, and dined with the old woman that day on ox-cheek. All
+that she would take in return was a pot of ale.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Franklin had supposed himself fixed till the next Tuesday, but as
+he was walking, in the evening, by the side of the river, a boat
+passed by, with several people, going to Philadelphia. They took him
+in, and proceeded on their voyage. The weather was very calm, without
+a breath of wind stirring. They were obliged to row all the way.
+Reaching Philadelphia about eight or nine o'clock on Sunday morning,
+they landed at Market street wharf.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Our young traveller had sent his best clothes by another conveyance
+from New York, and he was in his old working dress. His pockets were
+stuffed out with shirts and stockings, and he knew not where to look
+for lodgings. He was tired with walking, rowing, and want of sleep,
+and was, besides, very hungry. His whole stock of cash was a single
+silver dollar and about a shilling in copper coin. The copper he gave
+to the boatmen for his passage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. As he walked along the street, gazing at the new things he saw, and
+wondering what would be the end of his trouble, he met a boy with some
+bread. Inquiring where he had bought it, Franklin went immediately to
+the place where he was directed, and asked for three-pence worth of
+bread. He received three large puffy rolls, and, having no room in his
+pockets, walked off, with a roll under each arm, and eating the third.
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/007.jpg" alt="Franklin walking in the streets of Philadelphia." width="444" height="328"></div>
+<p class="caption">Franklin walking in the streets of Philadelphia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. In this manner he walked up Market street, as far as Fourth street,
+passing by the house of Mr. Read, whose daughter he afterwards
+married. This young lady was standing at the door as he went by, and
+probably thought he made rather an awkward appearance. After walking
+about the streets some time, eating his roll, he found himself again
+in the neighborhood of the wharf where he had landed. He went on board
+of the boat, and gave his two remaining rolls to a woman and child
+that had been his fellow-passengers down the river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. He again walked up the street, which was, by that time, filled
+with a large number of neat, well-dressed people, who were all walking
+the same way. He joined them, and was led into the great meeting house
+of the Quakers, near the market. Sitting down among them, he looked
+round awhile, and, as nothing was said, fell fast asleep from
+drowsiness. His nap continued till the meeting broke up, when some one
+was kind enough to awake him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. He then walked down towards the river, and meeting a young Quaker,
+whose countenance pleased him, he asked where a stranger could get
+lodgings. They were then near a house with the sign of the Three
+Mariners. "Here," said the Quaker, "is a house where they receive
+strangers, but it is not a reputable one; if thou wilt walk with me,
+I'll show thee a better." He conducted Franklin to the Crooked Billet,
+in Water street.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. There he dined, and during the dinner several questions were put
+to him, by persons who supposed him to be a runaway. On the next
+morning, he dressed himself as neatly as he could, and went to see
+Andrew Bradford, the printer. Here he found the old gentleman, whom he
+had met in New York, and who, travelling on horseback, had got to
+Philadelphia before him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. Mr. Bradford received him very kindly, but, as he was not at that
+time in want of a hand, could only recommend him to a printer, who had
+lately set up in town, by the name of Keimer. This man had then
+nothing for him to do, but promised him employment soon. Meanwhile, he
+was invited to lodge with Mr. Bradford, and to assist when there was
+any extra work in the printing office.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. Franklin soon found that neither of the printers knew any thing
+about their business. Keimer was, before long, able to give him
+constant employment. He did not like, however, that any one should
+live with his rival, Bradford, while he worked for him. Lodgings were,
+therefore, procured for Franklin, with Mr. Read, whose house he had
+passed on his first arrival, while eating his roll.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. He had now made some acquaintances about town, and passed his time
+very pleasantly. By industry and frugality he gained money, and gave
+up all thoughts of returning to Boston. The governor of the province,
+Sir William Keith, had accidentally become acquainted with him, and
+was desirous that he should set up in business for himself, in
+Philadelphia. He promised to procure for him the public printing of
+the government, and to assist him, as much as possible, by his
+influence and patronage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. It was concluded that Franklin should return to Boston, with a
+letter from the governor, to prevail upon his father to assist him in
+the establishment. Towards the end of April, in 1724, he left
+Philadelphia for this purpose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. He sailed in a little vessel that was bound for Boston, and, in
+about a fortnight, was safe in his father's house. His sudden
+appearance surprised the family very much, but they were all delighted
+to see him, and treated him with great kindness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Soon after his arrival, he paid a visit to his brother, at the
+printing office. He had on a new suit of clothes, wore a watch, and
+had about five pounds, in silver, in his pockets. Feeling rather
+elated by the success he had met with, he made quite a display of all
+his good fortune before his brother's apprentices and journeymen, and
+ended by giving them a dollar to drink his health with. This visit
+offended his brother very much, for he thought it was intended to
+mortify him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. The letter of the governor was without any effect. His father was
+very glad that Benjamin had been able to gain the confidence of so
+eminent a man, but would not consent to his request. He wrote a civil
+letter, thanking Sir William for his promise of patronage, but saying,
+that his son was altogether too young to be intrusted with the
+management of so important and expensive an undertaking.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. Franklin gave so pleasant an account of Philadelphia, that his old
+friend Collins determined to go on and try his fortune there. Seeing
+no prospect of restoring harmony between the two brothers, his father
+consented that Benjamin should return to Philadelphia. He advised him
+to steady industry and frugality, and promised to assist in setting
+him up in business, when he should reach the age of twenty-one. With
+the approbation and blessing of his parents to follow him, he embarked
+for New York, on the way to his future home.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What was the situation of the crew on the water?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. How did Franklin pursue his journey?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What were his fears?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Describe the treatment Franklin received from the old woman.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. How did he get to Philadelphia?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Describe his appearance on his first arrival there.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Relate his adventure in the meeting house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. Where did he first lodge in Philadelphia?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. Where did he obtain employment?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. How did Franklin succeed, and how did he pass his time? What was
+the promise of Sir William Keith?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Why did Franklin go to Boston?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Describe his visit to his brother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. How did his father receive the governor's letter?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. What were his advice and promise to Benjamin?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="IV">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER IV.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor.
+Promises from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect.
+Anecdote of Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A
+literary Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception.
+Arrival in London.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. At New York Franklin found his friend Collins, who had arrived
+there some time before him. They had been intimate from childhood, and
+he had been sober and industrious. But during Franklin's absence in
+Philadelphia, Collins had fallen into bad habits, and become a
+drunkard. He gamed, and lost his money, and borrowed of his friend, to
+pay his expenses on the road.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. The governor of New York, hearing from the captain that one of his
+passengers had a great many books on board, requested that he might be
+brought to see him. Franklin, accordingly, waited upon him. He was
+received with great civility. The governor showed him his library,
+which was a considerable one, and they had a good deal of conversation
+about books and authors. This attention was very pleasing to Franklin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. When they arrived at Philadelphia, Collins continued to drink, and
+was, consequently, unable to procure any business. He continued to
+borrow money of Franklin, and finally quarrelled with him, and went to
+the West Indies. Franklin never heard of him afterwards.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. Sir William Keith received the young printer, on his return, with a
+great show of kindness, and large promises. "Since your father will
+not set you up," he said to him, "I will do it myself. Give me a list
+of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for
+them. You shall repay me when you are able. I am resolved to have a
+good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed." This was spoken
+with an air of perfect sincerity, and Franklin had not the least doubt
+but that he meant what he said.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. He accordingly made a list of all the articles that would be wanted
+for a printing house, the cost of which was about one hundred pounds.
+The governor liked it, and asked whether it would not be well for him
+to go to England himself, in order to select the types, and see that
+every thing was of the best kind. "When there," he added, "you may
+make acquaintance, and establish correspondence in the bookselling and
+stationery way."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Franklin thought that it might be advantageous. "Then," said he,
+"get yourself ready to go in the Annis," which was the annual ship,
+and at that time the only one passing between London and Philadelphia.
+But, as it would be some months before the Annis sailed, Franklin
+continued to work with Keimer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. They agreed together very well, and lived on quite a familiar
+footing. Franklin used sometimes to argue with his master, and would
+most frequently beat him. This gave him so great an idea of Franklin's
+ability in disputation, that he proposed to him to become his
+assistant in a new religious sect which he proposed to establish. One
+was to preach the doctrines, and the other to confound all opponents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. When they came to explain with each other upon their doctrines,
+Keimer was desirous of introducing certain customs, which did not
+entirely meet the wishes of his colleague. Among other things, he wore
+his beard at full length; because, somewhere in the Mosaic law, it is
+said, "Thou shalt not mar the corners of thy beard." He likewise kept
+the seventh day sabbath, instead of the first; and both of these
+points he considered essential.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Franklin disliked both, but agreed to them on condition of his
+adopting the doctrine not to use animal food. Keimer was a great
+eater, and was not much pleased with the idea of being starved; but he
+consented to try the practice a few weeks, and see how it agreed with
+his constitution.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. They held to this plan for three months. Their provisions were
+purchased, cooked, and brought to them regularly by a woman in the
+neighborhood, who prepared, at different times, forty dishes, in which
+there were neither fish, flesh, nor fowl. Franklin went on well
+enough, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, grew tired of the
+project, and ordered a roast pig. He invited some friends to dine with
+him upon the occasion, but the pig being brought too soon upon the
+table, he could not resist the temptation, but ate the whole before
+his company came.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. During this time, Franklin had contracted an affection for Miss
+Read, and believed that she was not altogether indifferent in her
+feelings towards him. As he was about to take a long voyage, however,
+and as they were both very young, her mother thought it most prudent
+to defer the matter till his return from England.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. His chief acquaintance, at this period, were Charles Osborne,
+Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading. In one of their
+meetings, it was proposed that at a certain time each of them should
+produce a piece of his own composition, in order to improve, by mutual
+observations and corrections. They agreed that this task should be to
+turn the eighteenth psalm into verse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. When the time of the meeting drew nigh, Ralph called upon
+Franklin, and told him that his piece was ready. "Now," said he,
+"Osborne never will allow the least merit in any thing of mine, but
+makes a thousand criticisms, out of mere envy. I wish, therefore, you
+would take this piece and produce it as yours; we shall then hear what
+he will say to it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. It was agreed. At the meeting, Watson's performance was read
+first; there were some beauties in it and many defects. Osborne's
+piece was then read, and was much better. Ralph had nothing to
+produce. It was now Franklin's turn. He was backward, wished to be
+excused, but no excuse would be received. The piece he brought with
+him was read, and repeated. Osborne was delighted with it, and praised
+it in the highest terms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. As he was returning home with Ralph, he expressed himself still
+more strongly. "Who would have imagined," said he, "that Franklin was
+capable of such a performance! such painting, such force, such fire!
+He has even improved on the original. In common conversation he seems
+to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet how he
+writes!" When they next met, the trick was discovered, and Osborne was
+laughed at for praising Ralph, by mistake.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. The governor sent for Franklin frequently to his house, and always
+spoke of setting him up in business, as a settled thing. He was to be
+furnished with letters to the governor's friends in England, and with
+an order for the money to purchase a press, types, and paper. For
+these letters he was to call at a certain time, when they would be
+ready. They were delayed, however, again and again, till the ship was
+on the point of sailing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. When Franklin went to take leave, and receive the letters, the
+secretary came out and said, that the governor was very busy on
+business of importance, but that he would send the letters on board,
+wishing him a good voyage and a speedy return.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Understanding that despatches had been brought on board, from the
+governor, Franklin asked the captain for the letters that were to be
+under his care. The captain told him that they had all been put into
+the bag together, and he could not then come at them; but that before
+they landed in England, he should have an opportunity of picking them
+out. This satisfied him for the present, and he thought nothing more
+of it during the voyage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. When they arrived in the Channel, the captain kept his word, and
+permitted him to examine the bag, for the governor's letters. He found
+some upon which his name was put, and picked out six or seven, which
+he thought might be the promised letters. One of these was addressed
+to Basket, the king's printer, and another to some stationer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. They reached London on the twenty-fourth of December, 1724.
+Franklin waited upon the stationer, who came first in his way, and
+delivered the letter as from Governor Keith. "I don't know such a
+person," said he; but opening the letter&#8212;"O! this is from Riddlesden;
+I have lately found him to be a complete rascal, and I will have
+nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him." Returning
+the letter, he turned upon his heel and went to wait upon some
+customer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. It turned out that the governor had sent no letters by Franklin,
+but had completely deceived him. With no intention of giving him any
+assistance, he had blinded him with brilliant promises and false
+hopes. But Franklin was able to assist himself. He determined to
+procure employment among the printers in London, and acquire a
+thorough knowledge of his profession before he returned to America.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What happened to his friend Collins?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What attention did Franklin receive from the governor of New York?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What was Sir William Keith's conduct?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What was the proposed visit to England?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What started the scheme of a new sect?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Why did it fail?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Relate the anecdote of Keimer and the roast pig.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Who were his chief acquaintance at this period? What was the task
+proposed among them?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What was the trick played upon Osborne?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What was the conduct of the governor?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Did Franklin receive the letters promised by the governor?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. What was the fate of Franklin's first letter of introduction?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. What course did Franklin determine to pursue?
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/008.jpg" alt="Franklin delivering his letter to the Stationer in
+London." width="445" height="332"></div>
+<p class="caption">Franklin delivering his letter to the Stationer in
+London.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="V">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER V.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia. Story
+of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work for
+him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. His friend Ralph had accompanied Franklin to London, and they were
+now inseparable companions. They took lodgings together, at three
+shillings and sixpence a week. Ralph appears to have been a conceited
+and helpless character, and made several attempts to get in the way of
+procuring a livelihood. But all his plans were unsuccessful.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Franklin immediately procured employment at an extensive printing
+house, where he remained nearly a year. He was diligent in work, but
+his shiftless companion consumed a good share of his earnings. His
+engagements with Miss Read he was thoughtless and heartless enough to
+forget, and never wrote to her but once during his absence. This
+conduct he afterwards considered among the greatest faults of his
+life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. Ralph finally determined to leave London, and take a school in the
+country. As he was very vain, and confident of rising to literary
+eminence, he was rather ashamed of what he was silly enough to
+consider a mean occupation. He accordingly changed his name, and took
+that of his companion; desiring him to address his letters to "Mr.
+Franklin, school-master."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. Ralph continued to write, and, from time to time, troubled his
+friend with long extracts from an epic poem, which he was then
+composing, requesting his remarks and corrections. Franklin endeavored
+to discourage him from this undertaking, but in vain. Sheet after
+sheet continued to come by every post. Some difficulties at length
+broke out between the two friends, and Franklin was fortunately
+relieved of a burdensome dependent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. He now began to think of laying up a little money; and, in
+expectation of better employment, entered a still larger printing
+house, near Lincoln's Inn Fields. His new employer was named Watts. At
+this place he became acquainted with a man by the name of Wygate, who
+had been well educated, read French and Latin, and loved reading.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. This man and a friend of his were desirous of learning to swim.
+Franklin had been an expert swimmer from his childhood, and was very
+fond of displaying his feats of activity in the water. He taught them
+to swim, after twice going into the river, and they soon became quite
+skilful. Wygate soon became attached to Franklin, and, at length,
+proposed that they should travel all over Europe together, supporting
+themselves on the way by working at their trade. Franklin was inclined
+to this plan, but was dissuaded from it by his friend, Mr. Denham, who
+advised him to think of returning to Philadelphia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Mr. Denham was an excellent man, and very kindly disposed towards
+Franklin. He had formerly been in business in Bristol, a city of
+England, but failing, and making a settlement with his creditors, he
+went to America. He had obtained a discharge from all his debts, by
+giving up all his property. By great industry and economy, he was able
+to acquire a large fortune, in a few years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. He had returned to England, in the same ship with Franklin, and
+immediately visited his old place of business. While here, he invited
+all his old creditors to an entertainment. He then thanked them for
+the easy settlement they had favored him with; and, when they expected
+nothing but the dinner, every man found, under his plate, an order on
+the banker, for the full amount of the unpaid remainder, with
+interest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Mr. Denham was now about to return to Philadelphia, and proposed to
+take Franklin over as his clerk. He promised him, as soon as he became
+acquainted with mercantile business, to promote him, and finally
+establish him in some profitable situation. The plan pleased Franklin,
+for he had become heartily tired of London, and was anxious to return
+home. A satisfactory arrangement was made, and Franklin took leave of
+printing, as he thought, forever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. He had thus spent about eighteen months in London, and, during
+this time, had increased his knowledge, though he had not improved his
+fortune. They sailed from Gravesend, near the mouth of the river
+Thames, on the 23d of July, and arrived in Philadelphia early in
+October. Franklin here found several alterations. Keith was no longer
+governor, and his place had been supplied by Major Gordon. Miss Read,
+despairing of his return, had been persuaded by her friends to marry a
+man by the name of Rogers, a worthless fellow, who left her, and ran
+away to the West Indies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. Mr. Denham took a store, and Franklin attended diligently to the
+business. Affairs were going on prosperously, when they were both
+taken violently ill, in the beginning of the year 1727. Mr. Denham
+died, after a long sickness, and Franklin was again thrown upon the
+world. He tried for some time to obtain a situation as a merchant's
+clerk, but, failing in this attempt, he again made an engagement with
+his old master, Keimer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Keimer was anxious to obtain Franklin's services, as most of his
+hands were ignorant and needed his instruction. Among these workmen
+was George Webb, who had been an Oxford scholar, and whose story was
+an uncommon instance of opportunities neglected and thrown away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. He was about eighteen years of age. His birthplace was Gloucester,
+in England, where he was educated at a grammar school, and had been
+distinguished when they exhibited plays. From here, he was sent to
+Oxford, where he continued about a year, but not contentedly; wishing,
+of all things, to see London, and become a player.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. At length, receiving his quarterly allowance of fifteen guineas,
+instead of discharging his debts, he went out of town, hid his gown in
+a bush, and walked to London. When here, having no friend to advise
+him, he fell into bad company, soon spent his guineas, found no means
+of being introduced among the players, grew poor, pawned his clothes,
+and wanted bread.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Walking about the streets, very hungry, and not knowing what to
+do, a bill was put into his hands, offering immediate entertainment
+and encouragement to such as would bind themselves to serve in
+America. He went directly to sign the indentures, was put into the
+ship, and sailed without writing a line to his friends, to tell them
+what had become of him. As a companion, he was lively, witty, and
+good-natured; but idle, thoughtless, and imprudent to the last degree.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. After continuing a while with Keimer, Franklin found that his
+services became every day of less importance. At length a trifle
+snapped their connection. A great noise happening near the printing
+office, Franklin put his head out of the window to see what was the
+matter. Keimer, being in the street, looked up, and called out to him,
+in a loud and angry tone, to mind his business. A number of neighbors,
+who were standing by, saw the insolent manner in which he was treated,
+and it vexed him exceedingly. An open quarrel ensued, and Franklin
+left the printing house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. Keimer was very desirous of persuading him to return; and, as it
+was for the interest of both that harmony should be restored, the
+quarrel was soon forgotten. A job was now obtained in New Jersey, to
+print some paper money. Franklin contrived a copperplate press for the
+purpose, the first that had been seen in the country; he also cut
+several ornaments and checks for the bills.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. To execute this job, Franklin and his employer went to Burlington.
+They performed it to the satisfaction of the government, and received
+a large compensation. During his short residence here, Franklin made
+many acquaintance and friends. One of them was Isaac Decon, the
+surveyor-general, a shrewd, sagacious old man, who began, when young,
+by wheeling clay for the brick-makers. He learned to write after he
+was twenty-one years of age, afterwards learned surveying, and had now
+acquired, by his industry, a considerable property.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. What had chiefly induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after his
+quarrel, was the persuasion of a fellow-workman, by the name of
+Meredith. The father of this young man had promised to advance money
+to establish him in business, in the ensuing spring, and he was
+desirous to set Franklin's skill against his own capital, and form a
+copartnership. The proposal was a fair one, and acceptable upon both
+sides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. A short time after their return from Burlington, the types that
+Meredith had ordered arrived from London. They settled with Keimer,
+and left him, by his consent, before he knew any thing about their
+project.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+2. Where did Franklin procure employment?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What was the course of his friend Ralph?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What new friend did Franklin make?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. What proposition did he make to Franklin? Why was not the plan
+carried into execution?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Who was Mr. Denham?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Describe his honorable conduct towards his old creditors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What proposal did he make to Franklin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. How long was Franklin in London? What changes had taken place
+during his absence?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. How was Franklin again thrown upon the world? What employment did
+he obtain?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Who was George Webb?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13, 14, 15. What was his story?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. How did Franklin quarrel with Keimer?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. Who contrived the first copperplate press ever seen in this
+country?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. For what purpose did Franklin visit Burlington?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. What induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after the separation?
+What was the proposal of Meredith?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. When did they leave Keimer?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="VI">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER VI.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making. Marriage
+with Miss Read.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. In the autumn of the preceding year, Franklin had formed, among his
+acquaintance, a small club for mutual improvement, which they termed
+the Junto. They met on Friday evenings. The rules required that each
+member, in his turn, should produce one or more questions on any point
+of politics, morals or natural philosophy, to be discussed by the
+company, and once in three months produce and read an essay of his own
+writing on any subject he pleased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. This club answered many good purposes for a great length of time.
+It introduced better habits of conversation, and drew attention to the
+most interesting subjects of general inquiry. The members of the club
+now assisted in bringing business to the young printers. Their
+industry was unwearied, and soon began to be noticed by their
+neighbors. This gave them character and credit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. George Webb now came to offer them his services, as a journeyman.
+They were not then able to give him employment, but Franklin let him
+know, as a secret, that he soon intended to begin a newspaper, and
+would then probably have work for him. He told him his plan and
+expectations. His hopes of success were founded on this; that the only
+newspaper at that time printed there, by Bradford, was a miserable
+affair, badly managed, not entertaining, and yet profitable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. Franklin requested Webb not to mention the project; but he told it
+to Keimer, who immediately issued proposals for publishing one
+himself. This vexed Franklin, and, as he was at that time unable to
+commence his paper, he wrote several amusing pieces for Bradford,
+under the title of the Busy Body, which were continued by one of his
+friends for several months. By this means the attention of the public
+was fixed on that paper, and Keimer's proposals were neglected. He
+began his paper, however, and carried it on about nine months, with
+only ninety subscribers. At this time, he offered it, at a very low
+price, to Franklin, who purchased it, and in a few years made it very
+profitable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. The partnership still continued, though the whole management of the
+business was confided to Franklin. Meredith knew very little about
+setting types, or working at the press, and was seldom sober. The
+connection between them was to be regretted, on many accounts, but
+Meredith had established the business, and it was now necessary to
+make the best of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Their first papers made a better appearance than any that had been
+before printed in the province. The number of subscribers continually
+increased, and the leading men found it convenient to oblige and
+encourage the printers. Bradford still printed the votes, and laws,
+and public documents; but this business soon fell into the hands of
+Franklin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. A difficulty now occurred, which had been little expected. Mr.
+Meredith's father, who was to have paid for the printing house, was
+able to advance only one hundred pounds; and one hundred more were due
+to the merchant, who became impatient, and sued them all. They gave
+bail, but unless the money could have been raised in season, they must
+have sold their press and types, for payment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. In this distress, two friends came forward to Franklin, and offered
+to advance the money, if he would discontinue the partnership with
+Meredith. Each made the proposition separately, and without the
+knowledge of the other. These friends were William Coleman and Robert
+Grace. Franklin told them that he considered himself under obligations
+to the Merediths, and if they should be able to fulfil their part of
+the agreement, he could not think of proposing a separation. If they
+should finally fail in their performance, and the partnership should
+be dissolved, he would then think himself at liberty to accept the
+assistance of his friends.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Meredith finally proposed a dissolution of the partnership.
+Franklin consented, and the whole business was left in his hands. He
+then recurred to his friends, and took half of what he wanted from
+one, and half from the other. The separation was then publicly
+advertised, the old debts were paid off, and the business went on in
+the name of Franklin. This was in or about the year 1729.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. He now obtained several jobs from the government, and was employed
+in printing the paper money. A stationer's shop was soon added to his
+establishment, and he began to pay off gradually the debt he was under
+for the printing house. In order to secure his character and credit as
+a trades-man, he was not only industrious and frugal in reality, but
+avoided any appearance to the contrary. He dressed plainly, and was
+seen at no places of amusement. To show that he was not above his
+business, he himself sometimes brought home, on a wheel-barrow, the
+paper he purchased at the stores.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. Being thus considered an industrious and thriving young man, the
+merchants who imported stationery were desirous of his custom. Others
+proposed supplying him with books, and he went on prosperously. In the
+mean time, Keimer's business and credit declined daily, and he was at
+last obliged to sell his printing house, to satisfy his creditors. He
+went to Barbadoes, and there lived, some years, in great poverty.
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/009.jpg" alt="Franklin taking home his paper." width="444" height="332"></div>
+<p class="caption">Franklin taking home his paper.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. An apprentice of Keimer's, David Harry, bought his materials, and
+set up, in his place, in Philadelphia. His friends were rich, and
+possessed considerable influence, and Franklin was afraid that he
+would find Harry a powerful rival. He, therefore, proposed a
+partnership, which was fortunately rejected. Harry was proud, dressed
+and lived expensively, neglected his business, and ran in debt. Losing
+credit, and finding nothing to do, he followed Keimer to Barbadoes,
+taking his printing materials with him. Here he employed his old
+master as a journeyman, and was at last obliged to sell his types and
+return to work in Philadelphia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. There now remained no other printer in the place but Bradford. He,
+however, was rich and easy, and was not anxious about doing much
+business. His situation as post-master, at that time, was supposed to
+give him some advantages in obtaining news, and distributing the
+papers; and he was, on that account, able to procure a great many more
+advertisements than Franklin. This was of great service to Bradford,
+and prevented his rival from gaining upon him so rapidly as he
+otherwise would have done.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. Franklin had hitherto boarded with Mr. Godfrey, a glazier, who was
+very much distinguished for his knowledge of mathematics. The wife of
+Mr. Godfrey was desirous of making a match for the young printer, and
+fixed upon the daughter of a neighbor, as a suitable person. She
+contrived, in several ways, to bring them together, and at length
+Franklin made proposals of marriage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Franklin appears to have been equally prudent and cautious in this
+affair, as in every thing else. He gave Mrs. Godfrey to understand,
+and carry to the parents, that he expected one hundred pounds with
+their daughter. She brought him word that they had no such sum to
+spare. Franklin sent back, in reply, that they might mortgage their
+house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. The answer to this, after a few days, was, that they did not
+approve the match; that, on inquiry of Mr. Bradford, they had been
+informed the printing business was not a profitable one; that Keimer
+and Harry had failed, and that he would probably soon follow them. The
+daughter was, accordingly, shut up, and Franklin was forbidden the
+house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. He suspected that this was merely a trick of the parents, to
+induce him to run away with the young lady, and leave them at liberty
+to make what terms they pleased. He immediately broke off the
+connection. The Godfreys were angry, quarrelled with him, and he left
+the house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. He had always continued on friendly terms with the family of the
+young lady to whom he had been engaged before his visit to London. Her
+unfortunate marriage made her very dejected and miserable. Franklin
+saw her, and could not help attributing her unhappiness, in a great
+measure, to his own misconduct.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. Their mutual affection was revived, but there were now great
+objections to the union. Her former husband had not been heard of, and
+was supposed to be dead. All difficulties were finally surmounted, and
+he married Miss Read on the first of September, 1730.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What was the Junto? What did the rules of this club require?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What good purposes did it answer?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What project did Franklin communicate to George Webb?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What was the consequence of this communication? What course did
+Franklin pursue?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. How did the paper succeed under Franklin's management?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What difficulty arose at this time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Who offered Franklin their assistance?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What did Meredith propose? How was Franklin relieved?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Describe the increase of his business, and his character and
+conduct as a tradesman.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. What became of Keimer?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Who was David Harry? What became of him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. Who was now the only rival of Franklin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. Describe Mrs. Godfrey's desire of match-making.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Did Franklin show his usual prudence?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. What was the result?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. Whom did Franklin marry? When?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="VII">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER VII.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme of
+arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's Remarks
+upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. At the time Franklin first established himself in Pennsylvania,
+there was not a good bookseller's shop any where to the south of
+Boston. In New York and Philadelphia, the printers were stationers,
+but they kept only paper, almanacs, ballads, and a few common school
+books. Those who loved reading were obliged to send for their books
+from England.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. The members of the Junto had, each of them, a few volumes. They had
+hired a room, in which to hold their meetings, and Franklin proposed
+that they should all bring their books to that room. In this manner
+they would not only be ready for them to consult and refer to, but
+would become a common benefit, by allowing each one to borrow such as
+he wished to read at home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. This was accordingly done, and for a while answered their purpose
+very well. Finding the advantage and convenience of this little
+collection, Franklin proposed to render the benefit more general, by
+commencing a public subscription library. He drew a sketch of the plan
+and rules that would be necessary, and had them put into the form of
+articles to be subscribed. By these articles, each subscriber agreed
+to pay a certain sum for the first purchase of the books, and a yearly
+contribution for increasing them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. The number of readers, at that time, in Philadelphia, was so small,
+that it was with great difficulty Franklin was able to procure fifty
+subscribers, willing to pay forty shillings to begin with, and ten
+shillings a year for a contribution. With this number the library was
+commenced. The books were imported, and lent out to subscribers. Great
+advantages were derived from the institution, and it was soon imitated
+in other places.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. In this library, Franklin found means of continual improvement. He
+set apart an hour or two in each day for study, and in this way, in
+some degree, made up for the loss of a learned education. Reading was
+his only amusement. His attention to business was as strict as it was
+necessary. He was in debt for his printing house, and had an
+increasing family; with two rivals in his business, who had been
+established before him. Notwithstanding all this, however, he grew
+more easy in his circumstances every day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. His early habits of frugality continued. He often thought of the
+proverb of Solomon, which his father had impressed on him while a
+boy&#8212;"Seest thou a man diligent in his calling? he shall stand before
+kings, he shall not stand before mean men." Industry appeared a means
+of obtaining wealth and distinction, and the thought encouraged him to
+new exertions. We shall see, by and by, that little as his father
+expected it, the son really came to stand, with honor, in the presence
+of monarchs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. His wife was, fortunately, as well inclined to industry and
+frugality as he was himself. She assisted him in his business, folding
+and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, and purchasing old linen rags
+for the paper-makers. They kept no idle servants, their table was
+simply furnished, and their furniture was plain and cheap.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. "My breakfast," says Franklin, "was for a long time bread and milk
+(no tea), and I ate it out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a
+pewter spoon: but mark how luxury will enter families, and make a
+progress in spite of principle; being called one morning to breakfast,
+I found it in a china bowl, with a spoon of silver. They had been
+bought for me, without my knowledge, by my wife, and had cost her the
+enormous sum of three and twenty shillings; for which she had no other
+excuse or apology to make, but that she thought her husband deserved a
+silver spoon and china bowl as well as any of his neighbors. This was
+the first appearance of plate and china in our house, which
+afterwards, in a course of years, as our wealth increased, augmented
+gradually to several hundred pounds in value."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. It was about this time that Franklin formed the bold and difficult
+project of arriving at moral perfection. As he knew, or thought he
+knew, what was right and wrong, he did not see why he might not always
+do the one and avoid the other. For this purpose, he made a table of
+the different virtues, with certain rules and precepts annexed to
+them. Some of these were as follows:
+</p>
+<div class="blockquote">
+<p>
+    1. <i>Temperance.</i>&#8212;Eat not to dulness: drink not to elevation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    2. <i>Silence.</i>&#8212;Speak not but what may benefit others or
+    yourself: avoid trifling conversation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    3. <i>Order.</i>&#8212;Let all your things have their places: let each
+    part of your business have its time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    4. <i>Resolution.</i>&#8212;Resolve to perform what you ought: perform,
+    without fail, what you resolve.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    5. <i>Frugality.</i>&#8212;Make no expense but to do good to others or
+    yourself; that is, waste nothing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    6. <i>Industry.</i>&#8212;Lose no time: be always employed in something
+    useful: cut off all unnecessary actions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    7. <i>Sincerity.</i>&#8212;Use no hurtful deceit: think innocently and
+    justly: and if you speak, speak accordingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    8. <i>Justice.</i>&#8212;Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the
+    benefits that are your duty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    9. <i>Moderation.</i>&#8212;Avoid extremes: forbear resenting injuries
+    so much as you think they deserve.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    10. <i>Cleanliness.</i>&#8212;Tolerate no uncleanliness in body,
+    clothes, or habitation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    11. <i>Tranquility.</i>&#8212;Be not disturbed at trifles, nor at
+    accidents common or unavoidable.
+</p>
+</div>
+<p>
+10. To acquire a habit of practising these virtues, he determined to
+give a week's strict attention to each of them in succession. Thus, in
+the first week, he took care to avoid even the slightest offence
+against temperance, and strictly marked every fault in a little book
+he kept for that purpose. This book he continued to keep for a great
+number of years; till, in the pressure of public business, he was
+obliged to give it up entirely.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. "It is well," he wrote in his old age, "my posterity should be
+informed that to this little artifice their ancestor owed the constant
+felicity of his life, down to his seventy-ninth year, in which this is
+written. What reverses may attend the remainder is in the hand of
+Providence: but if they arrive, the reflection on past happiness
+enjoyed ought to help his bearing them with more resignation."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. "To <i>Temperance</i> he ascribes his long continued health, and
+what is still left to him of a good constitution. To <i>Industry</i>
+and <i>Frugality</i>, the early easiness of his circumstances, and
+acquisition of his fortune, with all that knowledge that enabled him
+to be an useful citizen, and obtained for him some degree of
+reputation among the learned. To <i>Sincerity</i> and <i>Justice</i>,
+the confidence of his country, and the honorable employs it conferred
+upon him: and to the joint influence of the whole mass of the virtues,
+even in the imperfect state he was able to acquire them, all that
+evenness of temper and that cheerfulness in conversation, which makes
+his company still sought for, and agreeable even to his young
+acquaintance: I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may
+follow the example, and reap the benefit."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. In 1732, Franklin first published his almanac, under the name of
+Richard Saunders. It was continued by him about twenty-five years, and
+was commonly called Poor Richard's Almanac. He endeavored to make it
+both entertaining and useful, and it accordingly came to be in great
+demand. As it was generally read, and as the poor people bought hardly
+any other books, Franklin thought it would be a good means to
+circulate instruction among them. He, therefore, filled all the odd
+spaces with proverbs and wise sayings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. These proverbs contained the experience and wisdom of many nations
+and ages. In 1757, Franklin collected them into a discourse prefixed
+to the almanac for that year. In this discourse, he represented an old
+man talking to a number of people who were attending a sale at
+auction. The hour for the sale not having come, the company were
+conversing on the badness of the times.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. One of them called out to a plain, clean old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we be ever able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to do?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied, "If you'd have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for
+a word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+Poor Richard says."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. The old man then went on to advise them to be industrious and
+economical; and, in the course of his advice, repeated all of the wise
+sayings of Poor Richard. In this manner they were all collected into a
+single paper, called The Way to Wealth. This piece was very much
+approved, copied into all the American newspapers, reprinted in Great
+Britain, and translated into the French language. Large numbers of it
+were, in this manner, distributed, and undoubtedly did a good deal of
+service.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+2. What plan did Franklin propose for the formation of a library?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. How did it succeed? How did Franklin propose to extend its
+advantages?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. How many subscribers were obtained?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Did Franklin still pursue his studies, and how? Did his early
+habits continue? What was the proverb so often repeated by his father?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What was the conduct of his wife?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Describe Franklin's breakfast, and give his humorous account of the
+first appearance of luxury in his house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What was Franklin's favorite project at this time? Repeat the table
+of virtues, and the precepts annexed to them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. How did he attempt to acquire a habit of these virtues?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. To what does Franklin ascribe his long continued health? the ease
+of his circumstances? the confidence and honor he received from his
+country?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. When did he first publish his almanac? How long was it continued?
+How did he endeavor to make it useful?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What was prefixed to the almanac for 1757?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. How was <i>The Way to Wealth</i> approved?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="VIII">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER VIII.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. Besides his almanac, Franklin considered his newspaper as a very
+valuable means of circulating instruction and good advice among the
+people. For this purpose he frequently reprinted in it extracts from
+the Spectator, a work written a good many years ago, by several
+distinguished English authors. It is a collection of pieces on moral
+and popular subjects, in a very pleasant style, and first published in
+single numbers of a few pages each.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. In conducting his paper, Franklin was very careful to avoid all
+abuse of particular persons. Whenever he was requested to publish any
+thing of the kind, his answer was, that he would print the piece by
+itself, and give the author as many copies for his own use as he
+desired. He very wisely considered that his subscribers expected him
+to furnish them with useful and entertaining pieces, and not with
+abuse and violent discussions about things with which they had nothing
+to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. In 1733, Franklin sent one of his apprentices to Charleston, South
+Carolina, where a printer was wanted. He furnished him with a press
+and types, and was to receive one third of the profits of the
+business. After the death of this man, who was very irregular in
+settling his affairs with Franklin, the business was continued by his
+widow. This woman had been born and educated in Holland, where females
+were taught a knowledge of accounts. She managed the establishment
+with a great deal of prudence and success, and was in time able to
+purchase the printing office, and establish her son in it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. In 1733, Franklin began the study of foreign languages. He soon
+obtained such a knowledge of the French, as to read books in that
+language with perfect ease. After this he undertook the Italian. An
+acquaintance, who was also learning it, often tempted him to play
+chess. Finding this took up too much time, Franklin refused to play
+any more, except upon one condition. This was, that whichever of them
+should beat, should have a right to impose a task upon the other;
+either of part of the grammar to be got by heart, or in translations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. These tasks they were bound in honor to perform before the next
+meeting. The two friends played with about equal skill and success,
+and in this way soon beat each other into a pretty good knowledge of
+the Italian. Franklin next undertook Spanish, and learned enough to
+read books in that language with considerable ease.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. About the year 1734, a young preacher arrived in Philadelphia, by
+the name of Hemphill. He had a good voice, and delivered very
+excellent sermons. Large numbers were attracted by his eloquence, of
+different doctrines and belief. Among the rest, Franklin became a very
+constant hearer. He was pleased with his sermons, because they
+impressed the love and the practice of virtue and goodness, without
+quarrelling about hard questions of doctrinal religion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Some of the congregation, however, disapproved of his preaching,
+and united with the old ministers to attempt to put him down. Franklin
+took sides with him very warmly, and did all he could to raise a party
+in his favor. He wrote two or three pamphlets in his defence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. During this contest the unlucky preacher hurt his own cause by a
+very unpardonable meanness. One of his enemies heard him preach a very
+eloquent sermon, and thought he had somewhere heard or read parts of
+it before. On looking into the matter, he found the preacher had
+stolen several passages from a discourse delivered by a celebrated
+English divine. This discovery induced many of his friends to desert
+him, and he was obliged to go in search of a congregation less
+inquisitive.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. After ten years' absence from Boston, Franklin determined to make a
+journey there to visit his relations. He was now doing very good
+business, and was in quite easy circumstances. He had seen a good many
+changes in his fortunes, since he first ran away from his native
+place; and his industry and good sense were to bring about still
+greater changes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. In returning to Philadelphia, he stopped at Newport, to see his
+brother James, who was, at that time, settled there with his printing
+office. Their former differences were at once forgotten, and the
+meeting was very cordial and affectionate. James was at that time in
+very ill health, and in expectation of a speedy death. He,
+accordingly, requested Benjamin, when that event should happen, to
+take home his son, then but ten years of age, and bring him up to the
+printing business.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. This he accordingly performed, sending him a few years to school
+before he took him into the office. When James died, his widow carried
+on the business till her son was grown up. At that time, Benjamin
+assisted them with an assortment of new types, and they were, in this
+manner, enabled to continue the establishment.
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/010.jpg" alt="Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother." width="456" height="350"></div>
+<p class="caption">Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. The club which Franklin had founded proved to be so useful, and
+afforded so much satisfaction to the members, that they proposed to
+introduce their friends, and increase their number. They had, from the
+beginning, determined to keep the <i>Junto</i> a secret, and the
+secret was kept better than such things usually are. Franklin was of
+opinion that twelve members formed a club sufficiently large, and that
+it would be inconvenient to increase it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. Instead of adding to their number, he proposed that every member,
+separately, should endeavor to form another club, with the same rules
+and on the same plan, without informing them of the existence of the
+Junto. The project was approved, and every member undertook to form
+his club; but they did not all succeed. Five or six only were
+completed, which were called by different names, as the <i>Vine</i>,
+the <i>Union</i>, the <i>Band</i>. These clubs were useful, and
+afforded their members a good deal of amusement and information.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. In 1736, Franklin was chosen clerk of the General Assembly. The
+choice was made that year without any opposition, but, on the next, a
+new member of that body made a long speech against him. This, however,
+did not prevent his second election. The place was one of some credit,
+and, by giving Franklin an opportunity to make friends among the
+members, enabled him to secure the business of printing the public
+laws, votes, and paper money.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. The new member, who had opposed Franklin, was a man of education
+and talents, and it was desirable to gain his good opinion. Franklin
+was too proud to pay any servile respect to him, but was too prudent
+not to wish for his favor. After some time, with his usual shrewdness
+and knowledge of human nature, he hit upon the following expedient.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Having heard that this gentleman had in his library a very scarce
+and curious book, he wrote a note, requesting that he would do him the
+favor of lending it for a few days. The book was immediately sent, and
+in about a week was returned by the borrower, with a short note,
+expressive of his sincere thanks for the favor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. The next time they met in the house, the gentleman spoke to
+Franklin with a great deal of civility. He ever after manifested a
+readiness to serve him, and they became great friends. "This is
+another instance," observes Franklin, "of the truth of an old maxim I
+had learned, which says&#8212;'He that has done you a kindness will be more
+ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.' And
+it shows how much more profitable it is prudently to remove than to
+resent, return, and continue inimical proceedings."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. In 1737, Colonel Spotswood, at that time postmaster-general, being
+dissatisfied with his deputy at Philadelphia, took away his
+commission, and offered it to Franklin. He accepted it with readiness,
+and found it of great advantage. Though the salary was small, the
+office gave him the means of increasing the subscribers to his paper,
+and in this way increased his advertisements. His paper now began to
+afford him a very considerable income.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. How did he make his newspaper serviceable in circulating
+instruction?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What was he very careful to avoid?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. Describe the conduct of the woman whose husband Franklin had
+established in business.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. When did Franklin begin the study of foreign languages? What
+languages did he study? Relate the anecdote about chess-playing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Who was Hemphill?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What did Franklin write in his behalf?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. How did the preacher ruin his own cause?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. How long had Franklin been absent from Boston when he determined to
+revisit it?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. How was the interview between the brothers at Newport? What
+request did James make respecting his son?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. How did Franklin comply with this request?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. How did the Junto flourish?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What new clubs were formed? How?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. To what office was Franklin elected in 1736?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. How did Franklin conciliate a member who was opposed to him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What is the old maxim quoted by Franklin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. To what office was Franklin appointed in 1737?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="IX">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER IX.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House in
+Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's Prosperity.
+Military Defence of the Province. Formation of Companies.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. Franklin now began to turn his attention to public affairs. One of
+his first efforts in this way was to reform the city watch. This was
+managed in the different wards by the constables, who assembled a
+certain number of housekeepers to attend them for the night. Those who
+did not choose to attend paid six shillings a year to be excused. This
+made the constableship an office of profit: for, instead of spending
+the money thus received in hiring other watchmen, it was spent in
+liquors, by which the constables were able to get a parcel of
+ragamuffins about them, instead of decent and orderly men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. These fellows seldom went the rounds of the watch, but spent most
+of the night in tippling. In the course of a few years, by the
+exertions of Franklin and his friends, an entire alteration was
+produced in the laws upon this subject. About the same time that he
+began to converse at the <i>Junto</i> on the abuses of the watch, he
+wrote a paper on the different accidents by which houses were set on
+fire, and means proposed of avoiding them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. This gave rise to a project, which soon followed, of forming a
+company to assist, with readiness, at fires. Thirty persons were
+immediately found, willing to join in the scheme. Their articles of
+agreement obliged every member to keep, always in order and fit for
+use, a certain number of leathern buckets, with strong bags and
+baskets for packing and carrying goods, which were to be brought at
+every fire. They also held a monthly meeting, to converse upon the
+subject of fires, and communicate such ideas as might be useful in
+their conduct on such occasions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. This company proved so useful, that another was soon formed; and
+thus went on, one new company after another, till they included most
+of the inhabitants who were men of property. The club first formed was
+called the <span class="sc">Union Fire Company</span>, and, we believe, still exists.
+These institutions have been exceedingly useful in extinguishing fires
+and preserving property.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. In 1739, the Reverend Mr. Whitefield arrived in Philadelphia, from
+Ireland. This man had made himself very remarkable as a preacher,
+going about the country and discoursing, sometimes in churches,
+sometimes in the fields, to crowds of people, with great effect. He
+was, at first, permitted to preach in some of the churches in
+Philadelphia, but the clergy soon took a dislike to him, and refused
+him their pulpits. This obliged him again to discourse in the streets
+and open fields.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Large multitudes collected to hear his sermons. "It was wonderful,"
+says Franklin, "to see the change soon made in the manners of our
+inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it
+seemed as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could
+not walk through the town in an evening, without hearing psalms sung
+in different families of every street. And it being found inconvenient
+to assemble in the open air, subject to its inclemencies, the building
+of a house to meet in was no sooner proposed, and persons appointed to
+receive contributions, but sufficient sums were soon received to
+procure the ground and erect the building, which was one hundred feet
+long and seventy broad; and the work was carried on with such spirit,
+as to be finished in a much shorter time than could be expected."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. On leaving Philadelphia, Mr. Whitefield went preaching all the way
+through the colonies to Georgia. The settlement of that province had
+then been recently commenced, and was made with people entirely unfit
+for such a service. They were unable to endure hardships, and perished
+in great numbers, leaving many helpless children, with nothing to feed
+or shelter them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. "The sight of their miserable situation," says Franklin, "inspired
+the benevolent heart of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of building an
+orphan house there, in which they might be supported and educated.
+Returning northward, he preached up this charity, and made large
+collections; for his eloquence had a wonderful power over the hearts
+and purses of his hearers, of which I myself was an instance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. "I did not disapprove of the design, but as Georgia was then
+destitute of materials and workmen, and it was proposed to send them
+from Philadelphia, at a great expense, I thought it would have been
+better to have built the house at Philadelphia, and brought the
+children to it. This I advised, but he was resolute in his first
+project, rejected my counsel, and I, therefore, refused to contribute.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. "I happened, soon after, to attend one of his sermons, in the
+course of which, I perceived he intended to finish with a collection,
+and I silently resolved he should get nothing from me. I had in my
+pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and
+five pistoles in gold; as he proceeded, I began to soften, and
+concluded to give the copper. Another stroke of his oratory made me
+ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished
+so admirably, that I emptied my pocket wholly into the collector's
+dish, gold and all!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. "At this sermon there was also one of our club, who, being of my
+sentiments respecting the building in Georgia, and suspecting a
+collection might be intended, had, by precaution, emptied his pockets
+before he came from home; towards the conclusion of the discourse,
+however, he felt a strong inclination to give, and applied to a
+neighbor who stood near him, to lend him some money for the purpose.
+The request was fortunately made to perhaps the only man in the
+company who had the firmness not to be affected by the preacher. His
+answer was, 'At any other time, friend Hopkinson, I would lend to thee
+freely; but not now, for thee seems to me to be out of thy right
+senses.'
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. "Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he
+would apply these collections to his own private emolument; but I, who
+was intimately acquainted with him (being employed in printing his
+sermons, journals, &#38;c.), never had the least suspicion of his
+integrity, but am to this day decidedly of opinion, that he was, in
+all his conduct, a perfectly honest man; and methinks my testimony in
+his favor ought to have the more weight, as we had no religious
+connection. Ours was a mere civil friendship, sincere on both sides,
+and lasted to his death.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. "The last time I saw Mr. Whitefield was in London, when he
+consulted me about his orphan house concern, and his purpose of
+appropriating it to the establishment of a college.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. "He had a loud and clear voice, and articulated his words so
+perfectly that he might be heard and understood at a great distance;
+especially as his auditories observed the most perfect silence. He
+preached one evening from the top of the court house steps, which are
+in the middle of Market street, and on the west side of Second street,
+which crosses it at right angles. Both streets were filled with
+hearers to a considerable distance; being among the hindmost in Market
+street, I had the curiosity to learn how far he could be heard, by
+retiring backwards down the street towards the river, and I found his
+voice distinct till I came near Front street, when some noise in that
+street obscured it. I computed that he might well be heard by more
+than thirty thousand. This reconciled me to the newspaper accounts of
+his having preached to 25,000 people in the fields, and to the history
+of generals haranguing whole armies, of which I had sometimes
+doubted."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Franklin's business was now constantly increasing, and his
+newspaper had become very profitable. He began to feel the truth of
+the old proverb, "that after getting the first hundred pounds, it is
+more easy to get the second." Those of his workmen who behaved well,
+he established in printing houses in different colonies, on easy
+terms. Most of them did well, and were able to repay him what he had
+advanced, and go on working for themselves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. At this period, there were no preparations for military defence in
+Pennsylvania. The inhabitants were mostly Quakers, and had neglected
+to take any suitable measures against the enemies to whom they might
+be exposed. There was also no college in the state, nor any proper
+provision for the complete education of youth. Franklin accordingly
+turned his attention to these very important subjects.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. Spain had been several years at war with Great Britain, and had
+now been recently joined by France. From the French possessions in
+Canada, Pennsylvania was exposed to continual danger. The governor of
+the province had been some time trying to prevail upon the Quaker
+assembly to pass a militia law, and take other necessary steps for
+their security. He tried, however, in vain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Franklin thought something might be done by a subscription among
+the people. To promote this plan, he wrote and published a pamphlet
+called <span class="sc">Plain Truth</span>. In this he stated their exposed and
+helpless situation, and represented the necessity of union for their
+defence. The pamphlet had a sudden and surprising effect. A meeting of
+the citizens was appointed, and attended by a considerable number.
+Proposals of the intended union had been printed, and distributed
+about the room, to be signed by those who approved them. When the
+company separated, the papers were collected and found to contain
+above twelve hundred signatures.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. Other copies were scattered about the country, and the subscribers
+at length amounted to upwards of ten thousand. All these furnished
+themselves, as soon as they could, with arms, formed themselves into
+companies and regiments, chose their own officers, and met every week
+to be instructed in military exercises. The women made subscriptions
+among themselves, and provided silk colors, which they presented to
+the companies, painted with different ornaments and mottoes, supplied
+by Franklin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. The officers of the companies that formed the Philadelphia
+regiment chose Franklin for their colonel. Not considering himself fit
+for the office, he declined; and recommended that Mr. Lawrence, a man
+of influence and of a fine person, should be chosen in his place. This
+gentleman was accordingly elected.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. Franklin now proposed a lottery, to pay the expenses of building a
+battery below the town, and of furnishing it with cannon. The lottery
+was rapidly filled, and the battery soon erected. They brought some
+old cannon from Boston, and these not proving sufficient, they sent to
+London for more. The associates kept a nightly guard at the battery,
+and Franklin regularly took his turn of duty, as a common soldier.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+22. His activity in these measures was agreeable to the governor and
+council, and secured their favor. They took him into their confidence,
+and consulted him on all operations in respect to the military.
+Franklin took the opportunity to propose a public fast, to promote
+reformation, and implore the blessing of Heaven on their undertaking.
+They embraced the motion, but as this was the first fast ever thought
+of in the province, there was no form for the proclamation. Franklin
+drew it up in the style of the New England proclamation; it was
+translated into German, printed in both languages, and circulated
+through the province. This gave the clergy of the different sects an
+opportunity of influencing their hearers to join the association; and
+it would, probably, have been general among all but the Quakers, if it
+had not been for the news of peace.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What reform did Franklin introduce, when he first turned his
+attention to public affairs?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. On what subject did he write a paper for the Junto?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. To what project did this give rise? How did it succeed?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. Was it useful? What was it called?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What is stated of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. What does Franklin say of the change in the manners of the
+inhabitants?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Where did Mr. Whitefield go on leaving Philadelphia?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. What charitable design did he form at this period?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What was Franklin's opinion upon the subject?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. What anecdote does Franklin relate of the collection?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. What anecdote of a member of the club?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. What does Franklin say of Mr. Whitefield's character?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. Where did Franklin see him for the last time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What does he say of his eloquence? By how many did he compute that
+he might be heard at a time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. How were Franklin's affairs succeeding at this time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. To what very important subjects did Franklin now turn his
+attention?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. How was Pennsylvania exposed to danger? What obstacle was there to
+the passage of a militia law?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. What did Franklin write on the subject? What did he propose for
+their defence?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. How many subscribers were obtained to these proposals? What
+measures did they take?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. To what office was Franklin now chosen, and why did he decline?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. By what means was the battery erected and furnished?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+22. What did Franklin propose? How was the proclamation for fast drawn
+up and circulated? What news was brought at this time?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="X">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER X.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. It was thought by some of the friends of Franklin, that he would
+offend the peace-loving sect of Quakers, by his activity in these
+warlike preparations. A young man, who had some friends in the
+assembly, and wished to succeed him as their clerk, told him, in a
+quiet way, that it was intended to displace him at the next election,
+and that, as a friend, he should advise him to resign.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. The answer which Franklin made to this obliging young man was in
+the following words:&#8212;"I have heard or read of some public man, who
+made it a rule never to ask for an office, and never to refuse one
+when offered to him. I approve of this rule, and shall practise it
+with a small addition; I shall never <i>ask</i>, never <i>refuse</i>,
+nor ever <span class="sc">resign</span> an office. If they will have my office of
+clerk to dispose of it to another, they shall take it from me. I will
+not give it up." At the next election, Franklin was unanimously
+elected clerk.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. Notwithstanding the general sentiments of the Quakers, Franklin
+thought the military defence of the country not disagreeable to any of
+them. One of their number, the learned and honorable Mr. Logan, wrote
+an address to them, declaring his approbation of defensive war, and
+supporting his opinion by very strong arguments. This gentleman
+related an anecdote of his old master, William Penn, in respect to the
+subject of defence, which is quite amusing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. "He came over from England, when a young man, as secretary to this
+distinguished Quaker. It was war time, and their ship was chased by an
+armed vessel, supposed to be an enemy. Their captain prepared for
+defence, but told William Penn and his company of Quakers, that he did
+not expect their assistance, and they might retire into the cabin.
+They all retired except James Logan, who chose to stay upon deck, and
+was quartered to a gun.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. "The supposed enemy proved a friend, so there was no fighting. When
+the secretary went to carry the information to his friends in the
+cabin, William Penn spoke to him in severe language for staying upon
+deck, and undertaking to assist in the defence of the vessel, contrary
+to the principles of the Friends. This reproof, being before all the
+company, vexed the secretary, who replied&#8212;'I being thy servant, why
+did thee not order me to come down; but thee was willing enough that I
+should stay and help to fight the ship, when thee thought there was
+danger.'"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Peace being concluded, and the business of defence at an end,
+Franklin next turned his thoughts to the affair of establishing an
+academy. The first step he took was to associate in the design a
+number of his active friends; the next was to write and publish a
+pamphlet, entitled "Proposals relating to the Education of Youth in
+Philadelphia." This he distributed among the principal inhabitants,
+and in a short time opened a subscription for supporting an academy.
+The subscribers were desirous of carrying the plan into immediate
+execution. The constitutions for the government of the academy were
+soon drawn up and signed, a house was hired, masters engaged, and the
+school opened. This was in the year 1749.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. The scholars increased rapidly, the house was soon found too small,
+when accident threw in their way a large house, ready built, which,
+with a few alterations, would exactly answer their purpose. This was
+the building erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield. Some difficulty
+had been found by the trustees in paying the expenses of this church,
+and they were prevailed upon to give it up for the academy. It was
+soon made fit for that purpose, and the scholars were removed into the
+building. The whole care and trouble of superintending this work fell
+upon Franklin, who found sufficient leisure to attend to it, from
+having taken a very able and industrious partner in his printing
+business.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Franklin now thought that he should find leisure, during the rest
+of his life, to pursue his philosophical studies and amusements. He
+purchased all the instruments and apparatus of Dr. Spence, who had
+come from England to lecture on philosophy in Philadelphia. His
+intention was to proceed with diligence in his experiments in
+electricity. But the public now considered him a man of leisure, and
+laid hold of him for their purposes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. He seems to have been quite overloaded with offices. The governor
+made him a justice of the peace. The city corporation chose him a
+member of the common council, and shortly after alderman. The citizens
+elected him to represent them in the assembly, of which he had so long
+been clerk. All these offices were signs of the esteem and respect in
+which he was held among his fellow citizens.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Franklin tried the office of justice of the peace a little while,
+by attending a few courts, and sitting on the bench to hear causes.
+Finding, however, that it required more knowledge of the law than he
+possessed, he gradually withdrew from it; excusing himself by being
+obliged to attend his duties as member of the assembly. To this office
+he was chosen for ten years in succession, without ever asking any
+elector for his vote, or signifying, directly or indirectly, any
+desire of the honor. On taking his seat in the house, his son was
+appointed their clerk.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. During the next year, a treaty was to be held with the Indians at
+Carlisle. The governor sent a message to the house, requesting that
+they should nominate some of their members, to be joined with some
+members of council, for that purpose. The house named the speaker, Mr.
+Norris, and Dr. Franklin; and being commissioned, they went to
+Carlisle to treat with the Indians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. As the Indians were very apt to drink to excess, and when drunk
+were very quarrelsome and disorderly, the commissioners strictly
+forbade the sale of any liquor to them. When they complained of this,
+they were told that, on condition of their remaining perfectly sober
+during the treaty, they should have plenty of rum when the business
+was over. They accordingly promised this, and kept their promise for
+the very best reason in the world&#8212;because they were unable to break
+it. The treaty was conducted with perfect order, and concluded to the
+satisfaction of both parties.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. They then claimed and received the rum. This was in the afternoon.
+The Indians were about one hundred in number, men, women and children,
+and were lodged in cabins, built in the form of a square, just without
+the town. In the evening there was a great noise among them, and the
+commissioners walked out to see what was the matter. They found a
+great bonfire built in the middle of the square, and the men and
+women, in a state of intoxication, fighting and quarrelling around it.
+The tumult could not be stilled, and the commissioners retired to
+their lodgings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. At midnight, a number of the Indians came thundering at their
+door, demanding more rum; but the commissioners took no notice of
+them. The next day they were sensible of their misbehavior, and sent
+three of their old counsellors to make an excuse. The orator
+acknowledged the fault, but laid it upon the rum; and then endeavored
+to excuse the rum, by saying&#8212;"The Great Spirit, who made all things,
+made every thing for some use, and whatever use he designed any thing
+for, that use it should always be put to: now, when he made rum, he
+said, 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be
+so." It is a sad truth that among all savage nations, the introduction
+of spirituous liquor has been the most severe curse that ever fell
+upon them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond formed a plan to establish an hospital in
+Philadelphia, for the reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether
+inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was very active in
+endeavoring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being
+new in America, and at first not well understood, he met with but
+little success. At length he came to Franklin with the compliment that
+there was no such a thing as carrying a public-spirited thing through,
+without his being concerned in it. "For," said he, "I am often asked
+by those to whom I propose subscribing, <i>Have you consulted Franklin
+on this business? And what does he think of it?</i> And when I tell
+them I have not, they do not subscribe, but say, <i>they will consider
+it</i>."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Franklin inquired into the nature and probable usefulness of the
+scheme, and being satisfied in respect to it, not only subscribed
+himself, but was active in procuring subscriptions from others. Some
+aid was obtained from the assembly of the province. A convenient and
+handsome building was soon erected, the institution was found useful,
+and flourishes to the present day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. It was about this time that another projector, the Rev. Gilbert
+Tennent, came to Franklin with a request that he would assist him in
+procuring subscriptions to erect a new meeting-house. It was to be
+devoted to the use of a congregation he had gathered among the
+original disciples of Mr. Whitefield. Franklin was too wise to make
+himself disagreeable to his fellow citizens, by such frequent calls
+upon their generosity, and absolutely refused. The gentleman then
+desired he would furnish him with a list of the names of persons he
+knew by experience to be generous and public-spirited. This, also, was
+refused; for it was hard that their kind compliance with a request of
+charity should mark them out to be worried by all who chose to call
+upon them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Franklin was then asked to give his advice. "That I will do," he
+replied; "and in the first place, I advise you to apply to all those
+who you know will give something; next, to those of whom you are
+uncertain whether they will give any thing or not, and show them the
+list of those who have given; and lastly, do not neglect those who you
+are sure will give nothing; for in some of them you may be mistaken."
+The clergyman laughed, and promised to take his advice. He did so, for
+he asked of <i>every body</i>, and soon obtained money enough to erect
+a spacious and elegant meeting house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. Franklin now exerted himself in several matters that, however
+small they may seem, affected the convenience and comfort of his
+fellow citizens in a great degree. This was in respect to cleaning,
+paving, and lighting the streets. By talking, and writing in the
+papers, he was able to introduce great changes in these matters, which
+were very important to the cleanliness and good appearance of the
+<a name="missing">[text missing in printed book]</a>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What advice did Franklin receive at this time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What answer did he return? What was the result of the election?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What did Franklin consider the opinion of Quakers on the subject of
+defence?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What anecdote is related of William Penn?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. To what did Franklin turn his attention on the declaration of
+peace? In what year was the academy founded?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What building was taken for the school house?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. To what pursuits did he now intend to devote himself? What did the
+public consider him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What offices did he receive at this time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Why did he retire from the office of justice of the peace?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. Who were appointed to treat with the Indians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. What is related of the Indians? How was the treaty concluded?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What happened in the evening?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What course did they pursue the next day? How did the
+commissioners excuse themselves?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Who proposed the plan for the Philadelphia hospital? What
+compliment did he pay to Franklin?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Did Franklin approve of the scheme and assist in it?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What did Mr. Gilbert Tennent request of Franklin? How was his
+request treated?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. What advice did Franklin give?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. To what smaller matters of public interest did Franklin now
+attend?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XI">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XI.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the Kite.
+Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abb&#233; Nollet. Fame of
+Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. It was in the year 1746, that Franklin first attended to the branch
+of philosophy in which he afterwards became so distinguished. During
+that year he was in Boston, and there met with a Dr. Spence, who
+showed him some experiments in electricity. It was a subject
+altogether new to him, and, though the experiments were not very well
+performed, they surprised and pleased him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. If you take a stick of sealing-wax, or a glass tube, or a piece of
+amber which has been a long time untouched, and bring it near some
+small pieces of paper, chaff, or other light substance, it produces no
+impression upon them. But if you first rub lightly and briskly the
+wax, the tube, or the amber, with a piece of dry woollen cloth, or cat
+skin, and then bring it near any of these light substances, you will
+find that they fly to it, and remain upon it. The power which attracts
+these substances, and which is excited by the rubbing, is called
+<i>electricity</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. It is so called from a Greek word which signifies amber, the
+substance in which this power was first observed. Amber is a brittle
+mineral substance, of a yellow, and sometimes a reddish brown color.
+It is found in several countries in Europe, and has recently been
+found in the United States, at Cape Sable, in Maryland. This is the
+substance with which the first electrical experiment was performed,
+ages ago, by a Greek philosopher of the name of Thales.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. Several centuries passed without any thing being known upon this
+subject, beyond the fact that these substances possessed this power.
+At length it began to attract the attention of modern philosophers. In
+1742, several ingenious Germans engaged in the subject, and the
+results of their researches astonished all Europe. They obtained large
+apparatus, by means of which they were enabled to collect large
+quantities of the electric fluid, and produce several wonders which
+had been before unobserved.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. These experiments excited the curiosity of other philosophers. Mr.
+Peter Collinson, fellow of the Royal Society of London, about the year
+1745, sent to the library company of Philadelphia a glass tube, with
+some account of its use in making such experiments. Franklin eagerly
+seized the opportunity of repeating those which he had seen at Boston,
+and, by much practice, acquired great readiness in performing those of
+which they had an account from England.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. He was soon enabled to make a number of important discoveries, and
+his house was, for some time, continually full of people who came to
+see the new wonders. His observations upon the subject were, from time
+to time, communicated to his friend Collinson, in a series of letters,
+the first of which is dated March 28, 1747. These were read before the
+Royal Society, where they were not at first thought worthy of much
+attention.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. In the year 1749, Franklin first suggested the idea of explaining
+the sameness of electricity with lightning. A paper upon this subject,
+which he wrote for Mr. Kinnersly, was read before the members of the
+Royal Society, and excited a hearty laugh. But it was the lot of this
+neglected theory to be generally adopted by philosophers, and to bid
+fair to endure for ages.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. It was in the same year, that Franklin started the plan of proving
+the truth of his doctrine, by actually drawing down the lightning, by
+means of sharp-pointed iron rods raised high into the clouds. It was
+not until the summer of 1752, that he was enabled to complete his
+grand discovery by actual experiment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. The plan which he had first proposed was, to erect a box on some
+high tower, or other elevated place, from which should rise a pointed
+iron rod. He thought that electrified clouds, passing over it, would
+impart a portion of their electricity, which would be made evident by
+presenting a key or the knuckle to it. There was at this time, in
+Philadelphia, no opportunity of trying an experiment of the kind. But
+while Franklin was waiting for the erection of a spire, it occurred to
+him that he might have a more ready access to the clouds by means of a
+common kite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. He prepared a kite by fastening two cross sticks to a silk
+handkerchief, which would not suffer from the rain so much as paper.
+To the upright stick he affixed an iron point. The string was, as
+usual, of hemp, excepting the lower end, which was made of silk,
+because this substance does not give a free passage to the
+electricity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. With this kite, on the appearance of a thunder storm, he went out
+into the commons with his son, to whom alone he had communicated his
+intentions. He placed himself under a shed to avoid the rain; his kite
+was raised&#8212;a thunder cloud passed over it, but no sign of electricity
+appeared. The experiment had almost been given up in despair, when he
+perceived, in the loose fibres of the string, evident appearances of
+electricity. By continued observation the fact was most clearly
+proved; and the honor of establishing the sameness of electricity and
+lightning was won by Franklin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. The letters which Franklin had sent to Mr. Collinson were
+published by that gentleman in a separate volume, under the title of
+"New Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at
+Philadelphia, in America." They were read with great eagerness, and
+soon translated into different languages. A very incorrect French
+translation fell into the hands of the celebrated Buffon, who was much
+pleased with it, and performed the experiments with success. A more
+correct translation was undertaken at his request, and contributed
+much towards spreading a knowledge of Franklin's principles in France.
+His experiments were repeated by most of the distinguished
+philosophers throughout Europe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. By these experiments, the truth of Franklin's doctrine was
+established in the firmest manner. When it could no longer be doubted,
+some men were anxious to take away from its merit. It was considered
+at that time rather mortifying to the European philosophers, to admit
+that an American could make important discoveries which had escaped
+their notice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. The Abb&#233; Nollet, preceptor in natural philosophy to the royal
+family of France, was exceedingly offended at the publication of
+Franklin's letters. He had himself written about electricity, and
+could not at first believe that such a work had really come from
+America. He said it must have been composed by his enemies in Paris,
+to oppose his system. Afterwards, having been assured that there
+really existed such a person as Franklin at Philadelphia, he published
+a volume of letters, in defence of his own ideas upon the subject, and
+denying the propositions of the American philosopher.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Franklin thought at one time of writing a letter in reply to the
+abb&#233;, and actually began one. But on considering that any one might
+repeat his experiments, and ascertain for himself whether or not they
+were true, he concluded to let his papers shift for themselves;
+believing it was better to spend what time he could spare in making
+new experiments than in disputing about those already made.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. The event gave him no cause to repent of his silence. His friend,
+Monsieur Le Roy, of the Royal Academy of Sciences, took up his cause,
+and refuted the abb&#233;. Franklin's volume was translated into the
+Italian, German and Latin languages; and the doctrine it contained
+was, by degrees, generally adopted by the philosophers of Europe, in
+preference to that of Nollet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What gave his book the more sudden and general celebrity was the
+success of one of its proposed experiments, made at Marly, for drawing
+lightning from the clouds. This engaged the public attention every
+where. The "Philadelphia experiments," as they were called, were
+performed before the king and court, and all the curious of Paris
+flocked to see them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Dr. Wright, an English physician, was at Paris when they were the
+talk and wonder of the day. He wrote to a member of the Royal Society
+an account of the high esteem in which the experiments of Franklin
+were held by learned men abroad and of their surprise that his
+writings had been so little noticed in England. The society, on this,
+resumed the consideration of the letters that had been read to them,
+and a summary account of their doctrines was drawn up and published
+among their philosophical essays and transactions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. To make Franklin some amends for the slight with which they had
+before treated him, the society chose him a member, without his having
+made the usual application. They also presented him with the gold
+medal of Sir Godfrey Copley for the year 1753, the delivery of which
+was accompanied by a very complimentary speech from the president,
+Lord Macclesfield.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. When did Franklin first attend to electricity?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Relate the substance of the second paragraph.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. From what is the word electricity derived? What is amber? Where is
+it found?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. When was the subject first examined by modern philosophers?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What did Mr. Collinson send to Philadelphia?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. When did Franklin first suggest that electricity and lightning were
+the same?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. How did he propose to prove the truth of his doctrine? When did he
+prove it by actual experiment?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. What plans had he at first proposed? What occurred to him
+afterwards?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. How did he prepare the kite?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. Relate the progress of the experiment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Under what title were Franklin's letters on the subject printed?
+How were they received? By whose request was a correct French
+translation made?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What was the result of the establishment of Franklin's doctrine?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What was the conduct of the Abb&#233; Nollet?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. What course did Franklin pursue on the subject?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Did he regret his silence? State the substance of this paragraph.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. What gave the book the more general celebrity?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Who was Dr. Wright? What communication did he make to the Royal
+Society?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. What honors did the society confer upon him?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XII">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XII.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. Having been some time employed by the postmaster-general of America
+in regulating the several offices, and bringing the officers to
+account, upon his death, in 1753, Franklin was appointed, jointly with
+another gentleman, to succeed him. The American office had before this
+time never paid any thing to that of Great Britain; and the new
+postmasters were to have six hundred pounds between them, if they
+could make that sum out of the profits of the office.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. To do this, a variety of improvements were necessary, some of which
+were at first very expensive; so that, for the first four years, the
+office became more than nine hundred pounds in debt to them.
+Afterwards they began to be repaid, and before Franklin was displaced,
+they had brought it to yield three times as much clear profit to the
+crown, as the post-office of Ireland. After Franklin's dismission,
+they never received a farthing from it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. The business of the post-office occasioned his taking a journey to
+New England, where the College of Cambridge presented him with the
+degree of Master of Arts. Yale College, in Connecticut, had before
+paid him a similar compliment. Thus, without studying in any college,
+he came to partake of their honors. They were conferred in
+consideration of his discoveries and improvements in natural
+philosophy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. It was either during this or his former journey that the story of
+the visit to his mother originated. He had been some years absent from
+his native city, and was at that period of life when the greatest and
+most rapid alteration is made in the human appearance. Franklin was
+sensible that his person had been so much changed that his mother
+would not know him, unless there were some instinct to point out, at a
+single glance, the child to its parent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. To discover the existence of this instinct by actual experiment,
+Franklin determined to introduce himself to his mother as a stranger,
+and to watch narrowly for the moment in which she should discover her
+son. On the afternoon of a sullen cold day, in the month of January,
+he knocked at his mother's door, and asked to speak with Mrs.
+Franklin. He found the old lady knitting before the parlor fire,
+introduced himself, by observing that he had been informed she
+entertained travellers, and requested a night's lodging.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. She eyed him with coldness, and assured him that he had been
+misinformed&#8212;that she did not keep a tavern; though, to oblige some
+members of the legislature, she took a number of them into her family
+during the session; and at that time had four members of the council
+and six of the house of representatives who boarded with her. She
+added that all her beds were full, and went on knitting with a great
+deal of vehemence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. Franklin wrapped his coat around him, pretending to shiver with the
+cold, and observing that it was very chilly weather. It was, of
+course, nothing more than civil for the old lady to ask him to stop
+and warm himself. She pointed to a chair, and he drew himself up to
+the fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. The entrance of her boarders prevented any further conversation.
+Coffee was soon served, and the stranger partook with the rest of the
+family. To the coffee, according to the custom of the times, succeeded
+a plate of apples, pipes, and a paper of tobacco. A pleasant circle of
+smokers was then formed about the fire. Agreeable conversation
+followed. Jokes were cracked, stories told, and Franklin was so
+sensible and entertaining as to attract the attention of the whole
+company.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. In this manner the moments passed pleasantly and swiftly along, and
+it was eight o'clock before any of them expected it. This was the hour
+of supper, and Mrs. Franklin was always as punctual as the clock.
+Busied with family affairs, she supposed the stranger had quitted the
+house immediately after coffee. Imagine her surprise, when she saw
+him, with the utmost coolness and impudence, taking his seat with the
+family at the supper table!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. Immediately after supper, she called an elderly gentleman, a
+member of the council, with whom she was in the habit of consulting,
+into another room; complained of the rudeness of the stranger, told
+the manner of his coming into the house, observed that he appeared
+like a foreigner, and she thought had something about him very
+suspicious. The old gentleman assured her that she need not be under
+any alarm, that the stranger was a man of education and agreeable
+manners, and was, probably, unaware of the lateness of the hour. He
+added, that it would be well to call him aside, and repeat to him that
+she was unable to give him lodgings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. She accordingly sent her maid to him, and then repeated the
+account of their situation, observed that it grew late, and gently
+hinted that he would do well to seek out other accommodations. The
+stranger replied that he should be very sorry to put her to any
+inconvenience, and would retire after smoking one more pipe with her
+boarders. He returned to the company, filled his pipe, and began
+talking as pleasantly and forcibly as ever. He recounted the
+hardships, and praised the piety and wisdom of their ancestors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. A gentleman present mentioned the subject of the day's debate in
+the house of representatives. A bill had been introduced to extend the
+powers of the royal governor. The stranger immediately entered upon
+the subject, supported the rights of the colonies with many arguments
+and much eloquence, and showed a great familiarity with the names of
+influential members of the house in the time of Governor Dudley.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. The conversation was so animated and interesting that the clock
+struck eleven, unnoticed by the delighted circle. The patience of Mrs.
+Franklin was by this time completely exhausted. She now entered the
+room, and, before the whole company, addressed the stranger with much
+anger; told him plainly that she thought herself imposed upon; that
+she was a lone woman, but had friends who would protect her; and
+concluded by telling him to leave the house. Franklin made a slight
+apology, put on his great coat and hat, took a polite leave of the
+company, and approached the street door, lighted by the maid, and
+attended by the mistress.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. While the company had been enjoying themselves within, a most
+tremendous snow storm had filled the streets, knee-deep; and no sooner
+had the maid lifted the latch, than a roaring wind forced open the
+door, put out the light, and almost filled the entry with drifted snow
+and hail. As soon as the candle was relighted, the stranger cast a
+mournful look on the lady of the mansion, and said&#8212;"My dear madam, if
+you turn me out of your house in this dreadful storm, I am a stranger
+in the town, and shall certainly perish in the streets. You look like
+a charitable lady; I should not think you could refuse shelter to a
+dog on such a night."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. "Don't tell me of charity," said the offended matron; "charity
+begins at home. It is your own fault that you staid so long. In short,
+sir, I do not like your looks, or your conduct in thus forcing
+yourself upon my family, and I fear you have some bad designs."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. The good lady had grown so angry as to raise her voice much above
+its ordinary pitch, and the noise drew all the company into the entry.
+They did not agree with Mrs. Franklin in respect to the stranger at
+all. He seemed to them to be a very honest, clever-looking fellow, and
+so far from wishing to turn him out of the house, there was not one of
+them but would have been glad to have him for a fellow-boarder. They
+thought him very sensible and pleasant, and could not account for
+their landlady's aversion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. At length, by their united interference, the stranger was
+permitted to remain in the house. There was no bed or part of a bed
+unoccupied, and he was obliged to sleep all night in an easy chair,
+before the parlor fire. Although her boarders appeared to have perfect
+confidence in his honesty, it was not so with Mrs. Franklin. She very
+carefully collected her silver spoons, pepper box and porringer from
+her closet, and, after securing the parlor door, by sticking a fork
+over the latch, carried them to her chamber. She charged the negro man
+to sleep with his clothes on&#8212;to take the great cleaver to bed with
+him, and to wake up and seize the vagrant at the first noise he made
+in plundering the house. The good lady then retired to bed with her
+maid, whom she compelled to sleep in the same room.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. After a very restless night, Mrs. Franklin rose before the sun.
+She called her domestics, proceeded with them in a body to unfasten
+the parlor door. To her great astonishment, she found her guest
+quietly sleeping in his chair. She now began to feel sorry for her
+suspicions. Awaking him with a cheerful good morning, she inquired how
+he had rested, and invited him to partake of her breakfast, which was
+always served before that of the boarders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. "Pray, sir," said the old lady, as they were sipping their
+chocolate at the breakfast table, "as you appear to be a stranger
+here, to what distant country do you belong?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. Franklin put a little more sugar into his chocolate, and, helping
+himself to a slice of toast, replied, that he belonged to the city of
+Philadelphia. At the mention of this word, the old lady, for the first
+time, exhibited emotion. "Philadelphia?" said she&#8212;"if you live in
+Philadelphia, perhaps you know our Ben?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. "Who, madam?" replied Franklin, in the same cool and undisturbed
+manner that he had put on ever since he entered the house. "Why, Ben
+Franklin," said the mother; "my Ben&#8212;oh! he is the dearest child that
+ever blessed a mother!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+22. "What," said the stranger, "is Ben Franklin, the printer, your
+son? Why, he is my most intimate friend: he and I lodge in the same
+room." "O! Heaven forgive me!" exclaimed the old lady; "and have I
+suffered an acquaintance of my Benny to sleep on this hard chair,
+while I myself rested on a good bed!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+23. We can well imagine that the mother was very much astonished when
+she found that it was not an acquaintance of her son, but her son
+himself, whose countenance and person had been so much changed, that
+she had even been on the point of turning him out of doors! She was
+delighted to embrace him once more before she died, and was quite
+pleased that the members of the council had found him so agreeable a
+fellow as to insist that he should remain all night in the house.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. What appointment did Franklin receive at this time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Was the post-office, under Franklin, a source of revenue to the
+crown?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What honors did Franklin receive from the colleges?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Why did Franklin introduce himself to his mother as a stranger? In
+what situation did he find her?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. How did she receive him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. What was the evening custom at that time?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XIII">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XIII.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. In 1754, there was again a prospect of war with France. A congress
+of commissioners from the different colonies was ordered to be
+assembled at Albany, to confer with the chiefs of the Six Nations of
+Indians, in respect to the defence of the country. The governor of
+Pennsylvania communicated this order to the assembly, and nominated
+Franklin, with Mr. Norris, Mr. Penn, and Mr. Peters, to act as
+commissioners. Presents were provided for the Indians, and they all
+met at Albany about the middle of June.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. On his way thither, Franklin projected and drew up a plan for the
+union of all the colonies under one government, so far as might be
+necessary for defence and other important services. This plan was
+shown to two or three of his friends, and, having met with their
+approbation, was submitted to congress. It then appeared that several
+of the commissioners had formed projects of the same kind. A committee
+was appointed to consider the several plans, and report. That proposed
+by Franklin was finally adopted with a few alterations: copies of it
+were sent to the British government and to the assemblies of the
+several provinces.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. The British government were unwilling to permit the union proposed
+at Albany, from a fear that the colonies would become too military and
+feel their own strength. They accordingly sent over General Braddock,
+with two regiments of regular English troops, for the purpose of
+protecting them. This officer, with his forces, landed at Alexandria,
+and marched thence to Fredericktown in Maryland, where he halted for
+carriages. Franklin was sent by the assembly to wait upon him at this
+place, in order to arrange some matters which had occurred to excite
+serious misunderstanding.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. His son accompanied him upon this journey. They found the general
+at Fredericktown, waiting, impatiently, for the return of those whom
+he had sent through the back parts of Maryland and Virginia to collect
+wagons. Franklin staid with him several days, dined with him daily,
+and had full opportunity of removing his prejudices. When he was about
+to depart, it had been ascertained that only twenty-five wagons could
+be procured, and not all of them fit for use.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. The general and all the officers were very much surprised, and
+declared that the expedition was entirely at an end. They exclaimed
+bitterly against their government for sending them into a country
+destitute of the means of carrying their stores and baggage, for which
+no less than one hundred and fifty wagons were necessary. Franklin
+remarked that it was a pity they had not been landed in Pennsylvania,
+as in that country almost every farmer had his wagon. The general
+caught at his words, and eagerly said&#8212;"Then you, sir, who are a man
+of interest there, can possibly procure them for us; and I beg you
+will undertake it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Franklin asked what terms were to be offered to the owners of the
+wagons; and he was desired to put on paper the terms that appeared to
+him necessary. This he did; and they were accepted. He soon after
+published an advertisement, offering to contract for certain wagons
+and horses, on specified terms; and to this added an address to the
+inhabitants of the counties of York, Lancaster and Cumberland. The
+address was in the following words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. "<i>Friends and Countrymen</i>,&#8212;Being occasionally at the camp at
+Frederick, a few days since, I found the general and officers
+exceedingly exasperated on account of their not being supplied with
+horses and carriages, which had been expected from this province, as
+most able to furnish them; but, through the dissensions between our
+governor and assembly, money had not been provided, nor any steps
+taken for that purpose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. "It was proposed to send an armed force immediately into these
+counties, to seize as many of the best carriages and horses as should
+be wanted, and compel as many persons into the service, as would be
+necessary to drive and take care of them.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+9. "If you are really, as I believe you are, good and loyal subjects
+to his majesty, you may now do a most acceptable service, and make it
+easy to yourselves; for three or four of such as cannot separately
+spare, from the business of their plantations, a wagon and four horses
+and a driver, may do it together; one furnishing the wagon, another
+one or two horses, and another the driver, and divide the pay
+proportionably between you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. "But if you do not this service to your king and country
+voluntarily, when such good pay and reasonable terms are offered to
+you, your loyalty will be strongly suspected. The king's business must
+be done. So many brave troops, come so far for your defence, must not
+stand idle through your backwardness to do what may be reasonably
+expected from you. Wagons and horses must be had; violent measures
+will probably be used; and you will be left to seek for recompense
+where you can find it, and your case, perhaps, be little pitied or
+regarded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. "I have no particular interest in this affair, as (except the
+satisfaction of endeavoring to do good) I shall have only my labor for
+my pains. If this method of obtaining the wagons and horses is not
+likely to succeed, I am obliged to send word to the general in
+fourteen days; and I suppose Sir John St. Clair, the hussar, with a
+body of soldiers, will immediately enter the province for the purpose;
+which I shall be very sorry to hear, because I am, very sincerely and
+truly,
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+"Your friend and well-wisher,
+</p>
+
+<p class="sig">
+"<span class="sc">B. Franklin</span>."
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+12. Eight hundred pounds were furnished by the general, to be paid out
+as advance money to the owners of the wagons and horses. This sum not
+being large enough, Franklin advanced upwards of two hundred pounds
+more. In two weeks, the one hundred and fifty wagons, with two hundred
+and fifty-nine carrying horses, were on their way to the camp. The
+advertisement promised payment in case any wagons or horses should be
+lost; and as the owners knew nothing about the dependence to be placed
+on General Braddock, they insisted on Franklin's bond for the
+performance. This he accordingly gave them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. General Braddock was a brave man, but had too much
+self-confidence, too high an opinion of the power of regular troops,
+and too mean an idea of both Americans and Indians. About one hundred
+Indians joined him on his march, who might have been of great use to
+him as guides and scouts, if he had treated them kindly. He neglected
+and slighted them, however, and they gradually left him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. In conversation one day with Franklin, he gave an account of his
+intended progress. "After taking Fort Duquesne," said he, "I am to
+proceed to Niagara; and, having taken that, to Frontenac, if the
+season will allow time, and I suppose it will; for Duquesne can hardly
+detain me above three or four days; and then I see nothing that can
+obstruct my march to Niagara."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. Franklin knew something about marches through the woods, and the
+tricks of the Indians, and entertained serious doubts in respect to
+the success of the campaign. He only ventured, however, to say&#8212;"To be
+sure, sir, if you arrive well before Duquesne with the fine troops, so
+well provided with artillery, the fort, though completely fortified,
+and assisted with a very strong garrison, can probably make but a
+short resistance. The only danger I apprehend of obstruction to your
+march, is from the ambuscades of the Indians, who, by constant
+practice, are dexterous in laying and executing them; and the slender
+line, near four miles long, which your army must make, may expose it
+to be attacked by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a thread
+into several pieces, which, from their distance, cannot come up in
+time to support each other."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Braddock smiled at his ignorance, and replied&#8212;"These savages may,
+indeed, be a formidable enemy to your raw American militia; but upon
+the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible they
+should make any impression."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. The enemy did not take that advantage of the army under Braddock
+which Franklin anticipated. They suffered it to approach without
+interruption till within nine miles of Fort Duquesne. The troops had
+just crossed a river, were in a more open part of the woods than any
+they passed, and moving forward in a compact form. Their advanced
+guard was suddenly attacked by a heavy fire from behind trees and
+bushes. This was the first intelligence which the general had of the
+approach of an enemy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. The guard being disordered, the general hurried the troops up to
+their assistance. This was done in great confusion, through wagons,
+baggage, and cattle. They were now attacked also from behind. The
+officers were on horseback, and easily distinguished and picked out as
+marks by the enemy. The soldiers were thrown together in great
+disorder, having or hearing no orders, and standing to be shot at,
+till two thirds of them were killed; then, being seized with a panic,
+the remainder fled in precipitation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. The wagoners took each a horse out of his team, and scampered.
+Their example was immediately followed by others, so that all the
+wagons, provisions, artillery and stores were left to the enemy. The
+general, being wounded, was brought off with difficulty; out of
+eighty-six officers, sixty-three were killed or wounded; and seven
+hundred and fourteen men killed, of eleven hundred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. These men had been picked from the whole army; the rest had been
+left behind with Colonel Dunbar, who was to follow with the heavier
+parts of the baggage. The fugitives arrived at Dunbar's camp, and
+communicated their own panic to him and all his people. Though he had
+now above a thousand men, he determined not to meddle with the enemy,
+but to make the best of his way to the settlements. Notwithstanding
+requests from the governor of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
+that he would post his troops on the frontiers to protect the
+inhabitants, he continued his hasty and disgraceful march till he had
+arrived at snug quarters in Philadelphia.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. Why were commissioners from the colonies ordered to assemble at
+Albany? Who were sent from Pennsylvania?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What plan did Franklin draw up?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. Why did the British government disapprove of the proposed union?
+What course did they pursue? Why was Franklin sent to Fredericktown?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What impeded the progress of the expedition? How did General
+Braddock obviate this difficulty?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. What step did Franklin take to procure the wagons?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. How much was furnished by the British general to be paid in
+advance to the owners of the wagons and horses? How much did Franklin
+furnish?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What was the character of General Braddock? How did he treat the
+Indians who joined him on his march?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What were the general's plans?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. What did Franklin tell him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. What was Braddock's reply?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. Where were the British troops first attacked?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. What was the progress of the battle?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. What became of the wagons and artillery?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. Where did the fugitives resort? What was Colonel Dunbar's conduct?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XIV">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XIV.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. As soon as the loss of the wagons and horses was generally known,
+all the owners came upon Franklin for the valuation which he had given
+bond to pay. Their demands troubled him exceedingly. He informed them
+that the money was ready in the paymaster's hands, but the order for
+paying it must first be obtained from General Shirley; that he had
+applied for it; and they must have patience till he could receive it.
+All this, however, was not sufficient, and some began to sue him.
+General Shirley at length released him from this disagreeable
+situation, by appointing commissioners to examine the claims, and
+order payment. They amounted to nearly twenty thousand pounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Before receiving news of the defeat, two gentlemen came to Franklin
+with a subscription paper for raising money to pay the expense of a
+grand firework, which it was intended to exhibit on receiving the news
+of taking Fort Duquesne. Franklin told them gravely, that he thought
+it would be time enough to prepare for rejoicing when they knew they
+should have occasion to rejoice. They seemed surprised that he did not
+immediately comply with their proposal. "Why," said one of them, "you
+surely do not suppose that the fort will not be taken?" "I don't
+know," replied Franklin, "that it will not be taken; but I know that
+the events of war are subject to great uncertainty." The plan was
+fortunately abandoned.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. The assembly now laid a tax, to raise money for the defence of the
+province, and Franklin was appointed one of the commissioners to
+dispose of it. He had also carried a bill through the house for
+establishing and disciplining a voluntary militia. To promote the
+association necessary to form the militia, he wrote a dialogue upon
+the subject, which was extensively circulated, and thought to have
+great effect.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. While the several companies in the city and country were forming,
+and learning their exercise, the governor prevailed upon Franklin to
+take charge of the north-western frontier, which was infested by the
+enemy, and provide for the defence of the inhabitants, by raising
+troops, and building a line of forts. Franklin did not think himself
+very well qualified for the military, but was willing to be of all the
+service in his power. He received a commission from the governor, with
+full authority, and a parcel of blank commissions for officers, to be
+given to whom he thought fit. Five hundred and sixty men were soon
+raised and placed under his command.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. The place first selected for a fort was Gnadenhutten, a village
+settled by the Moravians, and which had recently been the scene of
+terrible destruction and death. In order to march thither, Franklin
+assembled the companies at Bethlehem, the chief establishment of those
+people. He was surprised to find this place in a good state of
+defence. The destruction of Gnadenhutten had made them apprehensive of
+danger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. They had purchased a quantity of arms and ammunition from New York,
+and had even placed quantities of small paving stones between the
+windows of their high houses, to be thrown down upon the heads of any
+Indians that should attempt to force into them. The armed brethren
+kept watch, and relieved each other as regularly as in any garrison
+town.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. In conversation with their bishop, Spangenberg, Franklin mentioned
+his surprise; for, knowing they had obtained an act of parliament
+excusing them from military duties in the colonies, he supposed they
+had motives of conscience which forbade their bearing arms. The bishop
+answered&#8212;"That it was not one of their established principles; but
+that at the time of their obtaining that act it was thought to be a
+principle with many of their people. On this occasion, however, to
+their surprise they found it adopted but by a few." A strong sense of
+danger very soon overcomes such notions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. It was the beginning of January when they set out upon the business
+of building forts. One detachment was sent towards the Minisink, with
+directions to erect one for the upper part of the country, and another
+to the lower part, with similar directions. Franklin went in person,
+with the remaining troops, to Gnadenhutten, where a force was thought
+more immediately necessary. The Moravians procured him five wagons for
+their tools, stores, and baggage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Just before they left Bethlehem, eleven farmers, who had been
+driven from their homes by the Indians, came to Franklin, requesting a
+supply of fire-arms, that they might go back and bring off their
+cattle. He gave them each a gun with suitable ammunition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. They had not marched many miles when it began to rain, and it
+continued raining all day. There were no habitations on the road to
+shelter them, till they reached, about night, the house of a German.
+Here, in the barn and shed, they were all huddled together as wet as
+water could make them. It was well for them that they were not
+attacked upon the march, for their arms were of the poorest sort, and
+it was impossible to keep the locks of their guns dry. The poor
+farmers, before mentioned, suffered on this account. They met with the
+Indians, and, the primings being wet with rain, their guns would not
+go off, so that only one of them escaped with his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. The next day was fair. The companies continued their march, and
+arrived at the desolate Gnadenhutten. There was a mill in the
+neighborhood, round which several pine boards had been left. With
+these they soon built themselves huts. Their next work was to bury the
+dead they found there. On the following morning their fort was planned
+and marked out, with a circumference measuring four hundred and
+fifty-five feet. Their axes, of which they had seventy, were
+immediately set to work to cut down trees for palisades; and, as the
+men were very skilful in the use of them, they made great despatch.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. Seeing the trees fall so fast, Franklin had the curiosity to look
+at his watch when two men began to cut at a pine. In six minutes they
+had it upon the ground, and it was fourteen inches in diameter. Each
+pine made three palisades of eighteen feet long, pointed at one end.
+While these were preparing, other men dug a trench all round, of three
+feet deep, in which the palisades were to be planted. When these were
+set up, the carpenters built within them a platform of boards all
+round, about six feet high, for the men to stand on and fire through
+the loopholes. They had one swivel gun, which they mounted, and fired
+as soon as it was fixed, that the Indians might know they had such
+pieces. Thus their fort, such as it was, was finished in a week,
+though it rained so hard every other day that the men were almost
+unable to work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. "This gave me occasion to observe," says Franklin, "that when men
+are employed they are best contented. For on the days they worked they
+were good-natured and cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having
+done a good day's work, they spent the evening jollily. But, on our
+idle days, they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with the
+pork and the bread, and were continually in bad humor; which put me in
+mind of a sea captain, whose rule it was to keep his men constantly at
+work; and when his mate once told him that they had done every thing,
+and there was nothing further to employ them about, 'O,' said he,
+'<i>make them scour the anchor</i>.'"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. "This kind of fort," he continues, "however contemptible, is a
+sufficient defence against Indians who have no cannon. Finding
+ourselves now posted securely, and having a place to retreat to on
+occasion, we ventured out in parties to scour the adjacent country. We
+met with no Indians, but we found the places, on the neighboring
+hills, where they had lain to watch our proceedings. There was an art
+in their contrivance of those places that seems worth mentioning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. "It being winter, a fire was necessary for them; but a common
+fire, on the surface of the ground, would, by its light, have
+discovered their position at a distance; they had, therefore, dug
+holes in the ground about three feet in diameter, and somewhat deeper;
+we found where they had, with their hatchets, cut off the charcoal
+from the side of burnt logs lying in the woods. With these coals they
+had made small fires in the bottom of the holes, and we observed,
+among the weeds and grass, the prints of their bodies, made by their
+lying all round, with their legs hanging down in the holes, to keep
+their feet warm; which, with them, is an essential point. This kind of
+fire, so managed, could not discover them either by its light, flame,
+sparks, or even smoke; it appeared that the number was not great, and
+it seems they saw we were too many to be attacked by them with
+prospect of advantage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. "We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, Mr.
+Beatty, who complained to me that the men did not generally attend his
+prayers and exhortations. When they enlisted they were promised,
+besides pay and provisions, a gill of rum a day, which was punctually
+served out to them, half in the morning and half in the evening, and I
+observed they were punctual in attending to receive it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+17. "Upon which I said to Mr. Beatty, 'It is perhaps below the dignity
+of your profession to act as steward of the rum; but if you were to
+distribute it out only just after prayers, you would have them all
+about you.' He liked the thought, undertook the task, and, with the
+help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executed it to
+satisfaction; and never were prayers more generally and more
+punctually attended. So that I think this method preferable to the
+punishment inflicted by some military laws for non-attendance on
+divine service.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. "I had hardly finished this business, and got my fort well stored
+with provisions, when I received a letter from the governor,
+acquainting me that he had called the assembly, and wished my
+attendance there, if the posture of affairs on the frontiers was such
+that my remaining there was no longer necessary. My friends, too, of
+the assembly pressing me by their letters to be, if possible, at the
+meeting, and my three intended forts being now completed, and the
+inhabitants contented to remain on their farms under that protection,
+I resolved to return; the more willingly, as a New-England officer,
+Colonel Clapham, experienced in Indian war, being on a visit to our
+establishment, consented to accept the command.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+19. "I gave him a commission, and, parading the garrison, had it read
+before them, and introduced him to them as an officer, who, from his
+skill in military affairs, was much more fit to command them than
+myself; and giving them a little exhortation, took my leave. I was
+escorted as far as Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover
+from the fatigue I had undergone. The first night, lying on a good
+bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different from my hard lodging on
+the floor of a hut at Gnadenhutten, with only a blanket or two.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. "While at Bethlehem, I inquired a little into the practices of the
+Moravians; some of them had accompanied me, and all were very kind to
+me. I found they worked for a common stock, ate at common tables, and
+slept in common dormitories, great numbers together. In the
+dormitories I observed loop-holes at certain distances, all along just
+under the ceiling, which I thought judiciously placed for change of
+air. I went to their church, where I was entertained with good music,
+the organ being accompanied with violins, hautboys, flutes, and
+clarionets.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. "I understood their sermons were not usually preached to mixed
+congregations of men, women and children, as is our common practice;
+but that they assembled sometimes the married men, at other times
+their wives, then the young men, the young women, and the little
+children; each division by itself. The sermon I heard was to the
+latter, who came in and were placed in rows on benches, the boys under
+the conduct of a young man, their tutor; and the girls conducted by a
+young woman. The discourse seemed well adapted to their capacities,
+and was delivered in a pleasing, familiar manner, coaxing them, as it
+were, to be good. They behaved very orderly, but looked pale and
+unhealthy, which made me suspect they were kept too much within doors,
+or not allowed sufficient exercise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+22. "I inquired concerning the Moravian marriages, whether the report
+was true that they were by lot. I was told that lots were used only in
+particular cases, that generally, when a young man found himself
+disposed to marry, he informed the elders of his class, who consulted
+the elder ladies that governed the young women. As these elders of the
+different sexes were well acquainted with the tempers and dispositions
+of their respective pupils, they could best judge what matches were
+suitable, and their judgments were generally acquiesced in.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+23. "But if, for example, it should happen that two or three young
+women were found to be equally proper for the young man, the lot was
+then recurred to. I objected, if the matches are not made by the
+mutual choice of the parties, some of them may chance to be very
+unhappy. 'And so they may,' answered my informer, 'if you let the
+parties choose for themselves.' Which, indeed, I could not deny."
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. To what embarrassment was Franklin now exposed? How was he
+relieved?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. Relate the anecdote in respect to the subscription for fire-works.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What tax was now laid by the assembly? What bill did Franklin carry
+through the house?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What charge was now committed to Franklin? How many men were placed
+under his command?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What place was selected for a fort? By whom was Gnadenhutten
+settled?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. What measures had the inhabitants of Bethlehem taken for defence?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. What was the conversation of Franklin with the bishop Spangenberg?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Where were the forts built?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Relate the substance of the ninth and tenth paragraphs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. What was done on arriving at Gnadenhutten?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. How was the fort constructed? How long did it take to build it?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What remarks does Franklin make about keeping employed?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What does Franklin say of the fort?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. How did they manage to conceal their fires?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+18. Why did Franklin leave the fort? Who succeeded him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+20. What does Franklin say of the practice of the Moravians? Of their
+dormitories? Of their church?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+21. What is said of their congregation?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+22. How are the Moravian marriages conducted?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+23. What did Franklin suggest on this subject? What was the reply?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XV">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XV.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. Soon after his return to Philadelphia, Franklin was appointed by
+the assembly upon a very important mission. From the earliest
+establishment of Pennsylvania, there seems to have been a spirit of
+dispute among its inhabitants. During the lifetime of William Penn,
+the constitution had been three times altered. After this time
+quarrels were continually arising between the proprietaries or their
+governors and the assembly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. The proprietaries were the descendants of those to whom the lands
+were originally granted by the king. They claimed particular
+privileges for their estates; and among other things that they should
+be free from taxes. To this the assembly would by no means consent.
+This subject of dispute interfered in almost every question, and
+prevented the passage of the most necessary laws.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. The assembly at length resolved to appeal to the king against the
+unjust claims of the proprietaries, and appointed Franklin as their
+agent, to go over to England and present their petition. After some
+delay and detention by the governor, under the pretence of bringing
+about an accommodation, Franklin sailed from New York towards the end
+of June, and arrived in London on the twenty-seventh of July, 1757.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. According to the instructions which he had received from the
+legislature, Franklin had a meeting with the proprietaries who then
+resided in England, and endeavored to prevail on them to give up their
+pretensions. Finding it impossible to derive any satisfaction from
+them, he laid his petition before the council. During this time, the
+governor of Pennsylvania had consented to a law imposing a tax, in
+which no distinction was made in favor of the estates of the Penn
+family.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Alarmed at this intelligence, and by Franklin's exertions, they
+used their utmost endeavors to prevent this law from receiving the
+royal approbation. They represented it as highly unjust, designed to
+throw the burden of supporting government upon them, and tending to
+produce the most ruinous consequences to them and their posterity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. The cause was very fully examined before the king's privy council.
+The Penn family here found some very earnest advocates, while those
+were not wanting ready to espouse the side of the people. After some
+time spent in debate, a proposal was made that Franklin should
+solemnly engage that the tax should be so made, that the proprietary
+estates should pay no more than a fair proportion. This he agreed to
+perform, and the Penn family withdrew their opposition to the passage
+of the law.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. After this business was thus happily concluded, Franklin remained
+at the court of Great Britain, as agent for the province of
+Pennsylvania. The extensive knowledge which he possessed of the
+situation of the colonies, and the regard which he had always shown
+for their interests, occasioned his appointment to the same office by
+the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia. His conduct in
+this situation increased the reputation and esteem in which he was
+held among his countrymen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Franklin was now in the midst of those friends whom he had acquired
+by his fame as a philosopher. He was very much sought after by them.
+Honors from learned societies and colleges were continually heaped
+upon him. The university of St. Andrew's, in Scotland, conferred on
+him the degree of doctor of laws. Its example was followed by the
+universities of Edinburgh and Oxford. His correspondence was sought by
+the most distinguished philosophers of Europe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. Although Franklin was now principally occupied with political
+pursuits, he found time for his favorite studies. He extended his
+researches in electricity, and in other interesting subjects of
+natural philosophy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. The tone produced by rubbing the brim of a drinking-glass with a
+wet finger is familiar to every one. An Irish gentleman, by the name
+of Puckeridge, by placing on a table a number of glasses of different
+sizes, and tuning them by partly filling them with water, endeavored
+to form an instrument upon which he could play tunes. He died before
+he had completed his invention. Some improvements were afterwards made
+upon his plan. The sweetness of the tones induced Franklin to try a
+number of experiments, and he at length formed the instrument which he
+has called the Armonica.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. In the summer of 1762 he returned to America. He received the
+thanks of the assembly of Pennsylvania, "as well for the faithful
+discharge of his duty to that province in particular, as for the many
+and important services done to America in general, during his
+residence in Great Britain." A compensation of five thousand pounds,
+Pennsylvania currency, was decreed him for his services during six
+years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. During his absence, Franklin had been annually elected member of
+the assembly. On his return to Philadelphia, he again took his seat in
+that body, and continued steadily to protect the rights and interests
+of the people.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. In December, 1762, great alarm was excited in the province by the
+following circumstance. Several Indians resided in the county of
+Lancaster, who had always conducted themselves as friends to the white
+men. A number of inhabitants upon the frontiers, who had been
+irritated by repeated injuries, determined to seek revenge on all the
+Indians who fell in their way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. About a hundred and twenty persons assembled, and proceeded on
+horseback to the settlements of the defenceless Indians. These were
+now reduced in number to about twenty. They had received information
+of the intended attack, but did not believe it. As the white people
+had always been their friends, they feared no danger from them. When
+the party arrived at the Indian settlement, they found only some women
+and children and a few old men. The rest were absent at work. The
+wretches murdered all whom they found, and among others the chief
+Shahehas, who had been always distinguished for his friendship to the
+whites.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. The remainder of these unfortunate Indians, who, by their absence,
+had escaped the massacre, were conducted to Lancaster, and lodged in
+the jail as a place of security. Large rewards were offered by the
+governor for the discovery of the murderers. But notwithstanding this,
+a party of the same men marched to Lancaster, broke open the jail, and
+inhumanly butchered the innocent Indians who had been placed there for
+protection.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Another proclamation was issued by the governor, but in vain. A
+party even marched down to Philadelphia, for the purpose of murdering
+some friendly Indians, who had been removed to the city for safety.
+The citizens armed to protect them. The Quakers, notwithstanding they
+are opposed to fighting even in their own defence, were most active
+upon the occasion. The rioters advanced to Germantown, and the
+governor fled for safety to the house of Dr. Franklin. It was by his
+assistance and influence that the disturbance was quelled, and the
+rioters prevailed upon to return to their homes.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+2. Who were the proprietaries? What did they claim? How did the
+assembly treat their claim?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. What course did the assembly pursue? Why was Franklin sent to
+England? When did he arrive in London?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What course did Franklin pursue in respect to the petition? What
+law had been passed in Pennsylvania?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. How did the Penn family represent this law?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. Where was the cause examined? How was it settled?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. In what capacity did Franklin remain in London after the conclusion
+of this business?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. How was Franklin received? What honors were conferred upon him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. How was Franklin chiefly occupied at this time?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. What was the musical instrument which Franklin formed?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. When did he return to America? How was he received by the
+assembly? What compensation did they allow him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What alarm was excited in the province in 1762?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. Relate the substance of this paragraph.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. What became of the remaining Indians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+16. Was the governor's proclamation of any effect? How were the
+rioters persuaded to return home?
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="XVI">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">
+CHAPTER XVI.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+<i>Franklin reappointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France. Asks
+to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+1. The disputes between the proprietaries and the assembly, which had
+for a long time subsided, again revived. At the election for a new
+assembly in 1764, the friends of the proprietaries made great
+exertions to keep out all those of the opposite party. They obtained a
+small majority in the city of Philadelphia, and Franklin lost the seat
+which he had now held for fourteen years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. On the meeting of the assembly, it appeared that there was still a
+majority of Franklin's friends. He was again appointed agent of the
+provinces at the court of Great Britain. His enemies were sadly vexed
+at this appointment, and made a solemn protest against it, which they
+wished to have entered upon the journals. This, however, was refused,
+and it was consequently published in the newspapers. It drew from him
+a spirited reply.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. The opposition to his reappointment seems to have greatly affected
+his feelings, as it came from men with whom he had long been
+connected, both in public and private life. In his last publication,
+he took a pathetic leave of Pennsylvania. "I am now," he says, "to
+take leave (perhaps a last leave) of the country I love, and in which
+I have spent the greatest part of my life. <i>Esto perpetua!</i><a href="#note1" name="noteref1">
+<small>[1]</small></a> I
+wish every kind of prosperity to my friends, and I forgive my
+enemies."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. During his residence in England, he consulted, with unremitting
+industry, the best interests of his native country. He was every where
+received with respect, on account of his reputation as a writer and
+philosopher. In 1766 he made a visit to Holland and Germany, and
+received the greatest marks of attention from men of science. In the
+following year he travelled into France, where he was received with
+much kindness and favor. He became acquainted with a number of
+literary men, and was introduced to the king, Louis XV.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. Difficulties had now commenced between Great Britain and her
+provinces in America. Franklin was unwearied in his efforts to bring
+about a reconciliation. He had frequent interviews with Lord Howe and
+Lord Chatham, and other distinguished English statesmen, who
+entertained for him the highest respect and esteem. Most of the time
+during his present residence in England was occupied in these vain
+efforts. The violent conduct of the parent state drove the colonies to
+war, and Franklin returned to America in the year 1775.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. The day after his return he was elected, by the legislature of
+Pennsylvania, a delegate to congress. Not long after his election, a
+committee was appointed, consisting of Mr. Lynch, Mr. Harrison and
+himself, to visit the camp at Cambridge. They here united their
+efforts with those of the commander in chief, to convince the soldiers
+of the necessity of remaining in the field, and persevering in the
+cause of their country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. When Lord Howe came to America in 1776, with powers to effect an
+accommodation with the colonists, a correspondence on the subject took
+place between him and Dr. Franklin. John Adams, Edward Rutledge and
+Dr. Franklin were afterwards appointed to wait upon Lord Howe, and
+learn the extent of his powers. These were found to be confined to the
+liberty of granting pardons, on submission. The Americans, at that
+time, would not thank the king for a thousand pardons, and the
+interview terminated without effecting any thing towards a
+reconciliation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Dr. Franklin was an earnest advocate for the entire separation of
+the colonies from Great Britain, and his writings upon the subject had
+great influence on the public mind. In 1776, he was president of a
+convention, which assembled for the purpose of establishing a new form
+of government for the state of Pennsylvania. In the latter part of
+this year, he was appointed to assist Mr. Silas Deane in managing the
+affairs of the colonies at the court of France.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. No one could have rendered more service to the United States, in
+this situation, than Dr. Franklin. His character was much honored in
+France, and as a philosopher he was held in very high esteem. He was
+received with respect by all the celebrated literary men of the day;
+and this respect naturally extended itself to all classes. His
+political negotiations were of the greatest importance to his native
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. When the independence of the United States was acknowledged by
+Great Britain, Franklin became desirous of returning home. The
+infirmities of age and disease had fallen upon him, and the situation
+of his country rendered his services no longer indispensably
+necessary. He applied to congress to be recalled, and Mr. Jefferson
+was appointed to succeed him in 1785. In September of the same year,
+Franklin arrived in Philadelphia. He was shortly after chosen a member
+of the supreme council for the city, and was soon elected president of
+the same body.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. For the next three years Franklin still devoted himself to public
+business, and to his political and philosophical studies. He retained
+his desire of being useful to the last of his life. In 1788, his
+increasing infirmities compelled him to retire from public office. His
+complaints continued, and he suffered very severely from his sickness.
+He still, however, remained good-natured and cheerful, was perfectly
+resigned to his situation, acknowledging the justice and kindness of
+that Being who had seen fit that he should be thus afflicted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. On the 17th of April, 1790, about eleven o'clock at night, Dr.
+Franklin quietly expired. He had reached an honored and a happy old
+age. From small beginnings, by a uniform course of prudence and
+honesty, he had raised himself to high station, wealth and
+distinction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. In considering the character of Franklin, we perceive that the
+most marked trait was his habit of economy. By economy we do not mean
+merely care in gaining and keeping of his money. We mean care of time,
+of labor; frugality, industry, system, method in all his business. To
+this we may add economy of his health; avoiding all excess and
+unnecessary exposure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. His cheerfulness and good nature were also remarkable. He was ever
+happy and entertaining. His anecdotes and jests were always to the
+point, and his manner of conversing and writing was at once pleasing
+and effective.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+15. For his public services his country owes him her respect and
+gratitude; while his philosophical discoveries have excited the
+admiration of the world. His name will live with the names of the few
+great men who have conferred enduring benefits on mankind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The following epitaph on himself was written by him many years
+previous to his death:
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+                The Body<br>
+                   of<br>
+            <span class="sc">Benjamin Franklin</span>,<br>
+                 Printer,<br>
+      [like the cover of an old book,<br>
+           its contents torn out,<br>
+   and stript of its lettering and gilding,]<br>
+          lies here food for worms;<br>
+    yet the work itself shall not be lost,<br>
+for it will (as he believed) appear once more<br>
+                 in a new<br>
+        and more beautiful edition,<br>
+           corrected and amended<br>
+                    by<br>
+                <span class="sc">The Author</span>.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="short">
+
+<p>
+1. How did Franklin lose his seat in the assembly?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+2. What appointment did he immediately receive?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+3. How did the opposition to his reappointment affect him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+4. What was his reception in England? What countries did he visit in
+1766? In 1767?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+5. What were Franklin's efforts to bring about a reconciliation
+between Great Britain and the provinces?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+6. What appointment did he receive on his return? What committee was
+chosen to visit the camp at Cambridge?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+7. With what powers was Lord Howe invested? Who were appointed to wait
+on him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+8. Of what convention was Franklin the president in 1776? To what
+office was he appointed?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+9. How was he esteemed in France? How were his political negotiations?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+10. When did Franklin return to Philadelphia? What honor was
+immediately conferred on him?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+11. When did he retire from public office? On what account?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+12. When did Dr. Franklin die?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+13. What was the marked trait in Franklin's character?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+14. What other traits were conspicuous?
+</p>
+<br>
+<hr align="left" noshade size="2" width="40%">
+
+<p class="fn">
+<a name="note1" href="#noteref1">&nbsp;&nbsp;[1]</a> May it exist for ever!
+</p>
+
+
+<hr class="med">
+
+<p class="section">
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN
+</p>
+
+<p>
+We are acquainted with no writer who inculcates lessons of practical
+wisdom in a more agreeable and popular manner than Dr. Franklin. His
+writings abound with infinite good sense, and a singular shrewdness,
+not at all inconsistent with the highest integrity and purity. We have
+selected a few of his lighter essays as a sequel to the Biography;
+desirable, both as displaying somewhat of the character of their
+author, and conveying common sense maxims likely to be of much service
+to the young.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="whistle">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="firstchapter">THE WHISTLE.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+<i>A True Story&#8212;Written to his Nephew.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+When I was a child, at seven years old, my friends, on a holyday,
+filled my pockets with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they
+sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a
+<i>whistle</i>, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I
+voluntarily offered him all my money for one. I then came home, and
+went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my
+<i>whistle</i>, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and
+sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I
+had given four times as much for it as it was worth. This put me in
+mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money;
+and they laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with
+vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the
+<i>whistle</i> gave me pleasure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing
+on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary
+thing, I said to myself, <i>Don't give too much for the whistle</i>;
+and so I saved my money.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I
+thought I met with many, very many, who <i>gave too much for their
+whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I saw any one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time
+in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and
+perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, <i>This man
+gives too much for his whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in
+political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by
+that neglect, <i>He pays, indeed</i>, says I, <i>too much for his
+whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all
+the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow
+citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of
+accumulating wealth, <i>Poor man</i>, says I, <i>you do indeed pay too
+much for your whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I meet a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement
+of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations,
+<i>Mistaken man</i>, says I, <i>you are providing pain for yourself
+instead of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If I see one fond of fine clothes, fine furniture, fine equipages, all
+above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career
+in prison, <i>Alas</i>, says I, <i>he has paid dear, very dear, for
+his whistle</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I see a beautiful, sweet-tempered girl, married to an ill-natured
+brute of a husband, <i>What a pity it is</i>, says I, <i>that she has
+paid so much for a whistle</i>!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In short, I conceived that great part of the miseries of mankind were
+brought upon them by the false estimates they had made of the value of
+things, and by their giving too much for their <i>whistles</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="leg">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">HANDSOME AND DEFORMED LEG.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There are two sorts of people in the world, who, with equal degrees of
+health and wealth, and the other comforts of life, become, the one
+happy, and the other miserable. This arises very much from the
+different views in which they consider things, persons, and events;
+and the effect of those different views upon their own minds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In whatever situation men can be placed, they may find conveniences
+and inconveniences: in whatever company, they may find persons and
+conversation more or less pleasing: at whatever table, they may meet
+with meats and drinks of better and worse taste, dishes better and
+worse dressed: in whatever climate, they will find good and bad
+weather: under whatever government, they may find good and bad laws,
+and good and bad administration of those laws: in whatever poem, or
+work of genius, they may see faults and beauties: in almost every
+face, and every person, they may discover fine features and defects,
+good and bad qualities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Under these circumstances, the two sorts of people above mentioned fix
+their attention; those who are disposed to be happy, on the
+conveniences of things, the pleasant parts of conversation, the
+well-dressed dishes, the goodness of the wines, the fine weather, &#38;c.,
+and enjoy all with cheerfulness. Those who are to be unhappy, think
+and speak only of the contrarieties. Hence they are continually
+discontented themselves, and, by their remarks, sour the pleasures of
+society; offend personally many people, and make themselves every
+where disagreeable. If this turn of mind was founded in nature, such
+unhappy persons would be the more to be pitied. But as the disposition
+to criticise, and to be disgusted, is, perhaps, taken up originally by
+imitation, and is, unawares, grown into a habit, which, though at
+present strong, may, nevertheless, be cured, when those who have it
+are convinced of its bad effect on their felicity; I hope this little
+admonition may be of service to them, and put them on changing a habit
+which, though in the exercise it is chiefly an act of imagination, yet
+has serious consequences in life, as it brings on real griefs and
+misfortunes. For, as many are offended by, and nobody loves, this sort
+of people, no one shows them more than the most common civility and
+respect, and scarcely that; and this frequently puts them out of
+humor, and draws them into disputes and contentions. If they aim at
+obtaining some advantage in rank or fortune, nobody wishes them
+success, or will stir a step or speak a word to favor their
+pretensions. If they incur public censure or disgrace, no one will
+defend or excuse, and many join to aggravate their misconduct, and
+render them completely odious. If these people will not change this
+bad habit, and condescend to be pleased with what is pleasing, without
+fretting themselves or others about the contrarieties, it is good for
+others to avoid an acquaintance with them, which is always
+disagreeable, and sometimes very inconvenient, especially when one
+finds one's self entangled in their quarrels.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+An old philosophical friend of mine was grown, from experience, very
+cautious in this particular, and carefully avoided any intimacy with
+such people. He had, like other philosophers, a thermometer to show
+him the heat of the weather; and a barometer to mark when it was
+likely to prove good or bad; but there being no instrument invented to
+discover, at first sight, this unpleasing disposition in a person, he,
+for that purpose, made use of his legs; one of which was remarkably
+handsome; the other, by some accident, crooked and deformed. If a
+stranger, at first interview, regarded his ugly leg more than his
+handsome one, he doubted him. If he spoke of it, and took no notice of
+the handsome leg, that was sufficient to determine my philosopher to
+have no further acquaintance with him. Every body has not this
+two-legged instrument; but every one, with a little attention, may
+observe signs of that carping, fault-finding disposition, and take the
+same resolution of avoiding the acquaintance of those infected with
+it. I therefore advise those critical, querulous, discontented,
+unhappy people, if they wish to be respected and beloved by others,
+and happy in themselves, they should <i>leave off looking at the ugly
+leg</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="advice">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">ADVICE TO A YOUNG TRADESMAN.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+<i>Written Anno 1748.</i>
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+TO MY FRIEND, A. B.
+</p>
+
+<p class="head">
+As you have desired it of me, I write the following hints, which have
+been of service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+Remember that <i>time</i> is money. He that can earn ten shillings a
+day by his labor, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day,
+though he spends but six pence during his diversion or idleness, ought
+not to reckon <i>that</i> the only expense; he has really spent, or
+rather thrown away, five shillings besides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Remember that <i>credit</i> is money. If a man lets his money lie in
+my hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or so much as I
+can make of it during that time. This amounts to a considerable sum
+where a man has good and large credit, and makes good use of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Remember that money is of a prolific, generating nature. Money can
+beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on. Five
+shillings turned is six; turned again is seven and three pence; and so
+on till it becomes a hundred pounds. The more there is of it, the more
+it produces every turning, so that the profits rise quicker and
+quicker. He that kills a breeding sow, destroys all her offspring to
+the thousandth generation. He that murders a crown, destroys all that
+it might have produced, even scores of pounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Remember that six pounds a year is but a groat a day. For this little
+sum (which may be daily wasted either in time or expense,
+unperceived), a man of credit may, on his own security, have the
+constant possession and use of a hundred pounds. So much in stock,
+briskly turned by an industrious man, produces great advantage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Remember this saying, "The good paymaster is lord of another man's
+purse." He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the time he
+promises, may at any time, and on any occasion, raise all the money
+his friends can spare. This is sometimes of great use. After industry
+and frugality, nothing contributes more to the raising of a young man
+in the world, than punctuality and justice in all his dealings:
+therefore never keep borrowed money an hour beyond the time you
+promised, lest a disappointment shut up your friend's purse for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The most trifling actions that affect a man's credit are to be
+regarded. The sound of your hammer at five in the morning, or nine at
+night, heard by a creditor, makes him easy six months longer; but if
+he sees you at a billiard-table, or hears your voice at a tavern, when
+you should be at work, he sends for his money the next day; demands it
+before he can receive it in a lump.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It shows, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you
+appear a careful as well as an honest man, and that still increases
+your credit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living
+accordingly. It is a mistake that many people who have credit fall
+into. To prevent this, keep an exact account, for some time, both of
+your expenses and your income. If you take the pains at first to
+mention particulars, it will have this good effect; you will discover
+how wonderfully small, trifling expenses mount up to large sums, and
+will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved,
+without occasioning any great inconvenience.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way
+to market. It depends chiefly on two words, <i>industry</i> and
+<i>frugality</i>; that is, waste neither <i>time</i> nor <i>money</i>,
+but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing
+will do, and with them every thing. He that gets all he can honestly,
+and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted), will certainly
+become <i>rich</i>&#8212;if that Being, who governs the world, to whom all
+should look for a blessing on their honest endeavors, doth not, in his
+wise providence, otherwise determine.
+</p>
+
+<p class="sig">
+AN OLD TRADESMAN.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="hints">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">NECESSARY HINTS TO THOSE THAT WOULD BE RICH.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+<i>Written Anno 1786.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For six pounds a year you may have the use of one hundred pounds,
+provided you are a man of known prudence and honesty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He that spends a groat a day idly, spends idly above six pounds a
+year, which is the price for the use of one hundred pounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He that wastes idly a groat's worth of his time per day, one day with
+another, wastes the privilege of using one hundred pounds each year.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He that idly loses five shillings worth of time, loses five shillings,
+and might as prudently throw five shillings into the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He that loses five shillings, not only loses that sum, but all the
+advantages that might be made by turning it in dealing; which, by the
+time that a young man becomes old, will amount to a considerable sum
+of money.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Again; he that sells upon credit, asks a price for what he sells
+equivalent to the principal and interest of his money for the time he
+is to be kept out of it; therefore, he that buys upon credit, pays
+interest for what he buys; and he that pays ready money, might let
+that money out to use; so that he that possesses any thing he has
+bought, pays interest for the use of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet, in buying goods, it is best to pay ready money, because, he that
+sells upon credit, expects to lose five per cent. by bad debts;
+therefore he charges, on all he sells upon credit, an advance that
+shall make up that deficiency.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Those who pay for what they buy upon credit, pay their share of this
+advance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He that pays ready money, escapes, or may escape, that charge.
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>A penny saved is twopence clear;</p>
+<p>A pin a day's a groat a year.</p></div></div>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="paper">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">PAPER.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+A POEM.
+</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Some wits of old,&#8212;such wits of old there were,&#8212;</p>
+<p>Whose hints showed meaning, whose allusions care,</p>
+<p>By one brave stroke to mark all human kind,</p>
+<p>Called clear blank paper every infant mind;</p>
+<p>When still, as opening sense her dictates wrote,</p>
+<p>Fair Virtue put a seal, or Vice a blot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">The thought was happy, pertinent and true;</p>
+<p>Methinks a genius might the plan pursue.</p>
+<p>I (can you pardon my presumption?) I&#8212;</p>
+<p>No wit, no genius, yet for once will try.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Various the papers various wants produce,</p>
+<p>The wants of fashion, elegance and use.</p>
+<p>Men are as various; and if right I scan,</p>
+<p>Each sort of <i>paper</i> represents some <i>man</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Pray note the fop&#8212;half powder and half lace&#8212;</p>
+<p>Nice as a band-box were his dwelling-place:</p>
+<p>He's the <i>gilt-paper</i>, which apart you store,</p>
+<p>And lock from vulgar hands in the 'scrutoire.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Mechanics, servants, farmers, and so forth,</p>
+<p>Are <i>copy-paper</i>, of inferior worth;</p>
+<p>Less prized, more useful, for your desk decreed,</p>
+<p>Free to all pens, and prompt at every need.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">The wretch whom av'rice bids to pinch and spare,</p>
+<p>Starve, cheat, and pilfer, to enrich an heir,</p>
+<p>Is coarse <i>brown-paper</i>; such as pedlers choose</p>
+<p>To wrap up wares, which better men will use.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Take next the miser's contrast, who destroys</p>
+<p>Health, fame, and fortune, in a round of joys.</p>
+<p>Will any paper match him? Yes, throughout</p>
+<p>He's a true <i>sinking-paper</i>, past all doubt.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">The retail politician's anxious thought</p>
+<p>Deems <i>this</i> side always right, and <i>that</i> stark naught;</p>
+<p>He foams with censure; with applause he raves&#8212;</p>
+<p>A dupe to rumors, and a tool of knaves;</p>
+<p>He'll want no type his weakness to proclaim,</p>
+<p>While such a thing as <i>fools-cap</i> has a name.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">The hasty gentleman, whose blood runs high,</p>
+<p>Who picks a quarrel if you step awry,</p>
+<p>Who can't a jest, or hint, or look, endure:</p>
+<p>What's he? What? <i>Touch-paper</i>,&#8212;to be sure.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">What are our poets, take them as they fall,</p>
+<p>Good, bad, rich, poor, much read, not read at all?</p>
+<p>Them and their works in the same class you'll find</p>
+<p>They are the mere <i>waste-paper</i> of mankind.
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">Observe the maiden, innocently sweet;</p>
+<p>She's fair <i>white-paper</i>, an unsullied sheet;</p>
+<p>On which the happy man, whom Fate ordains,</p>
+<p>May write his <i>name</i>, and take her for his pains.</p></div>
+
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="i2">One instance more, and only one I'll bring;</p>
+<p>'Tis the <i>great man</i> who scorns a little thing,</p>
+<p>Whose thoughts, whose deeds, whose maxims are his own,</p>
+<p>Formed on the feelings of his heart alone:</p>
+<p>True, genuine <i>royal-paper</i> is his breast,</p>
+<p>Of all the kinds most precious, purest, best.</p></div></div>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="art">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">ON THE ART OF SWIMMING.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+<i>In Answer to some Inquiries of M. Dubourg</i><a href="#note2" name="noteref2">
+<small>[2]</small></a> <i>on the
+Subject.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to find leisure for making
+all the disquisitions and experiments which would be desirable on this
+subject. I must, therefore, content myself with a few remarks.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The specific gravity of some human bodies, in comparison to that of
+water, has been examined by M. Robinson, in our Philosophical
+Transactions, volume 50, page 30, for the year 1757. He asserts, that
+fat persons, with small bones, float most easily upon water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The diving bell is accurately described in our Transactions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I was a boy, I made two oval pallets, each about ten inches long,
+and six broad, with a hole for the thumb, in order to retain it fast
+in the palm of my hand. They much resembled a painter's pallets. In
+swimming, I pushed the edges of these forward, and I struck the water
+with their flat surfaces as I drew them back: I remember I swam faster
+by means of these pallets, but they fatigued my wrists. I also fitted
+to the soles of my feet a kind of sandals; but I was not satisfied
+with them, because I observed that the stroke is partly given by the
+inside of the feet and the ankles, and not entirely with the soles of
+the feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+We have here waistcoats for swimming, which are made of double sail
+cloth, with small pieces of cork quilted in between them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer who has
+a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his back,
+and to vary in other respects the means of procuring a progressive
+motion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it
+away is to give to the parts affected a sudden, vigorous and violent
+shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the great heats of summer, there is no danger in bathing,
+however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by
+the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body
+has been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may
+prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men, who, having
+worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing
+themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the
+spot, a third the next morning, and the fourth recovered with great
+difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances,
+is frequently attended with the same effect in North America.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in
+the world. After having swam for an hour or two in the evening, one
+sleeps coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heat of
+summer. Perhaps, the pores being cleansed, the insensible perspiration
+increases, and occasions this coolness. It is certain, that much
+swimming is the means of stopping a diarrh&#339;a, and even of producing
+a constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or
+who are affected with a diarrh&#339;a at a season which does not permit
+them to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the
+skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I
+speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others,
+to whom I have recommended this.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+You will not be displeased if I conclude these hasty remarks by
+informing you, that as the ordinary method of swimming is reduced to
+the act of rowing with the arms and legs, and is, consequently, a
+laborious and fatiguing operation when the space of water to be
+crossed is considerable; there is a method in which a swimmer may pass
+to great distances with much facility, by means of a sail. This
+discovery I fortunately made by accident, and in the following
+manner:&#8212;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite;
+and approaching the back of a pond, which was near a mile broad, I
+tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very
+considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little
+time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite and enjoying at
+the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned, and loosing from
+the stake the string with the little stick which was fastened to it,
+went again into the water, where I found, that, lying on my back, and
+holding the stick in my hands, I was drawn along the surface of the
+water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to
+carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to
+him, on the other side, I began to cross the pond with my kite, which
+carried me quite over without the least fatigue, and with the greatest
+pleasure imaginable. I was only obliged occasionally to halt a little
+in my course, and resist its progress, when it appeared that, by
+following too quick, I lowered the kite too much; by doing which
+occasionally I made it rise again. I have never since that time
+practised this singular mode of swimming, though I think it not
+impossible to cross in this manner from Dover to Calais. The
+packet-boat, however, is still preferable.
+</p>
+
+<br>
+<hr align="left" noshade size="2" width="40%">
+<p class="fn">
+<a name="note2" href="#noteref2">&nbsp;&nbsp;[2]</a> Translator of Dr. Franklin's works into French.
+</p>
+
+
+
+<a name="address">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">PRELIMINARY ADDRESS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA ALMANAC, ENTITLED, "POOR
+RICHARD'S ALMANAC, FOR THE YEAR 1758."
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+I have heard, that nothing gives an author so great pleasure as to
+find his works respectfully quoted by other learned authors. This
+pleasure I have seldom enjoyed; for though I have been, if I may say
+it without vanity, an eminent author (of almanacs) annually, now a
+full quarter of a century, my brother authors in the same way (for
+what reason I know not) have ever been very sparing in their
+applauses; and no other author has taken the least notice of me; so
+that, did not my writings produce me some solid pudding, the great
+deficiency of praise would have quite discouraged me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I concluded, at length, that the people were the best judges of my
+merit, for they buy my works; and besides, in my rambles, where I am
+not personally known, I have frequently heard one or other of my
+adages repeated, with "as poor Richard says," at the end on't. This
+gave me some satisfaction, as it showed not only that my instructions
+were regarded, but discovered likewise some respect for my authority;
+and I own, that to encourage the practice of remembering and repeating
+those wise sentences, I have sometimes quoted myself with great
+gravity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Judge, then, how much I have been gratified by an incident which I am
+going to relate to you. I stopped my horse lately where a great number
+of people were collected at an auction of merchants goods. The hour of
+sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times;
+and one of the company called to a plain, clean, old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we ever be able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied,&#8212;"If you have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for a
+word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+poor Richard says." They joined in desiring him to speak his mind;
+and, gathering round him, he proceeded as follows:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Friends (says he) and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy; and
+if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay,
+we might more easily discharge them: but we have many others, and much
+more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our
+idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by
+our folly: and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or
+deliver us, by allowing an abatement. However, let us hearken to good
+advice, and something may be done for us; 'God helps them that help
+themselves,' as poor Richard says in his Almanac.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one
+tenth part of their time, to be employed in its service; but idleness
+taxes many of us much more, if we reckon all that is spent in absolute
+sloth, or doing of nothing, with that which is spent in idle
+employments, or amusements that amount to nothing. Sloth, by bringing
+on diseases, absolutely shortens life. 'Sloth, like rust, consumes
+faster than labor wears, while the key often used is always bright,'
+as poor Richard says. 'But dost thou love life? then do not squander
+time, for that's the stuff life is made of,' as poor Richard says. How
+much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep! forgetting that 'the
+sleeping fox catches no poultry, and that there will be sleeping
+enough in the grave,' as poor Richard says. 'If time be of all things
+the most precious, wasting time must be (as poor Richard says) the
+greatest prodigality;' since, as he elsewhere tells us, 'Lost time is
+never found again; and what we call time enough, always proves little
+enough.' Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose: so by
+diligence shall we do more with less perplexity. 'Sloth makes all
+things difficult, but industry all easy,' as poor Richard says; and
+'He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his
+business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon
+overtakes him,' as we read in poor Richard; who adds, 'Drive thy
+business, let not that drive thee;' and,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Early to bed, and early to rise,</p>
+<p>Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+"So what signifies wishing and hoping for better times? We make these
+times better if we bestir ourselves. 'Industry needs not wish,' as
+poor Richard says; 'He that lives upon hope will die fasting.' 'There
+are no gains without pains; then help, hands, for I have no lands: or
+if I have, they are smartly taxed;' and (as poor Richard likewise
+observes) 'He that hath a trade hath an estate, and he that hath a
+calling hath an office of profit and honor;' but then the trade must
+be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor
+the office will enable us to pay our taxes. If we are industrious, we
+shall never starve; for, as poor Richard says, 'At the working-man's
+house hunger looks in, but dares not enter.' Nor will the bailiff or
+the constable enter; for, 'Industry pays debts, but despair increaseth
+them,' says poor Richard. What though you have found no treasure, nor
+has any rich relation left you a legacy? 'Diligence is the mother of
+good luck,' as poor Richard says: and 'God gives all things to
+industry: then plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have
+corn to sell and to keep,' says poor Dick. Work while it is called
+to-day; for you know not how much you may be hindered to-morrow; which
+makes poor Richard say, 'One to-day is worth two to-morrows;' and,
+further, 'Have you somewhat to do to-morrow, do it to-day.' 'If you
+were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should
+catch you idle? Are you then your own master? be ashamed to catch
+yourself idle,' as poor Dick says. When there is so much to be done
+for yourself, your family, and your gracious king, be up by peep of
+day: 'Let not the sun look down, and say, Inglorious here he lies!'
+Handle your tools without mittens; remember, that 'the cat in gloves
+catches no mice,' as poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to
+be done, and perhaps you are weak-handed; but stick to it steadily,
+and you will see great effects; for continual dropping wears away
+stones, and by diligence and patience the mouse ate into the cable;
+and 'light strokes fell great oaks,' as poor Richard says in his
+Almanac, the year I cannot just now remember.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Methinks I hear some of you say, 'Must a man afford himself no
+leisure?'&#8212;I will tell thee, my friend, what poor Richard says;
+'Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou
+art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.' Leisure is time for
+doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but
+the lazy man never; so that, as poor Richard says, 'A life of leisure
+and a life of laziness are two things.' Do you imagine that sloth will
+afford you more comfort than labor? No; for, as poor Richard says,
+'Troubles spring from idleness, and grievous toils from needless ease:
+many without labor would live by their own wits only; but they break
+for want of stock.' Whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and
+respect. 'Fly pleasures, and they'll follow you; the diligent spinner
+has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids
+me good-morrow;' all which is well said by poor Richard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But with our industry, we must likewise be steady, and settled, and
+careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust
+too much to others; for, as poor Richard says,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'I never saw an oft-removed tree,</p>
+<p>Nor yet an oft-removed family,</p>
+<p>That throve so well as one that settled be.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+"And again, 'Three removes are as bad as a fire:' and again, 'Keep thy
+shop, and thy shop will keep thee:' and again, 'If you would have your
+business done, go; if not, send.' And again,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'He that by the plough would thrive,</p>
+<p>Himself must either hold or drive.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+"And again, 'The eye of the master will do more work than both his
+hands;' and again, 'Want of care does us more damage than want of
+knowledge;' and again, 'Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your
+purse open.' Trusting too much to others' care is the ruin of many;
+for, as the Almanac says, 'In the affairs of the world, men are saved
+not by faith, but by the want of it; but a man's own care is
+profitable; for,' saith poor Dick, 'Learning is to the studious and
+riches to the careful, as well as power to the bold, and heaven to the
+virtuous.' And, further, 'If you would have a faithful servant, and
+one that you like, serve yourself.' And again, he adviseth to
+circumspection and care, even in the smallest matters, because
+sometimes, 'A little neglect may breed great mischief;' adding, 'For
+want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was
+lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost:' being overtaken and
+slain by the enemy, all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own
+business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our
+industry more certainly successful. A man may, if he knows not how to
+save as he gets, 'keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and
+die not worth a groat at last.' 'A fat kitchen makes a lean will,' as
+poor Richard says; and,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Many estates are spent in the getting;</p>
+<p>Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting,</p>
+<p>And men for punch forsook hewing and splitting.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+"'If you would be wealthy (says he, in another Almanac), think of
+saving, as well as of getting; the Indies have not made Spain rich,
+because her outgoes are greater than her incomes.'
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Away then with your expensive follies, and you will not have much
+cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families;
+for, as poor Dick says,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Women and wine, game and deceit,</p>
+<p>Make the wealth small, and the want great.</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+"And, further, 'What maintains one vice, would bring up two children.'
+You may think, perhaps, that a little tea, or a little punch now and
+then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little
+entertainment now and then, can be no great matter; but remember what
+poor Richard says&#8212;'Many a little makes a mickle;' and further,
+'Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship;' and
+again, 'Who dainties love shall beggars prove;' and moreover, 'Fools
+make feasts, and wise men eat them.'
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Here you are all got together at this sale of fineries and
+nick-nacks. You call them <i>goods</i>; but if you do not take care,
+they will prove <i>evils</i> to some of you. You expect they will be
+sold cheap, and perhaps they may for less than they cost; but if you
+have no occasion for them, they must be dear to you. Remember what
+poor Richard says&#8212;'Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou
+shalt sell thy necessaries.' And again, 'At a great pennyworth pause
+awhile.' He means, that perhaps the cheapness is apparent only, or not
+real; or the bargain, by straitening thee in thy business, may do thee
+more harm than good. For in another place he says, 'Many have been
+ruined by buying good pennyworths.' Again, as poor Richard says, 'It
+is foolish to lay out money in a purchase of repentance:' and yet this
+folly is practised every day at auctions, for want of minding the
+Almanac. 'Wise men (as poor Dick says) learn by others' harms, fools
+scarcely by their own; but <i>Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula
+cautum</i>.' Many a one, for the sake of finery on the back, have gone
+with a hungry belly, and half starved their families: 'Silk and
+satins, scarlet and velvets (as poor Richard says), put out the
+kitchen fire.' These are not the necessaries of life; they can
+scarcely be called the conveniences; and yet only because they look
+pretty, how many want to have them! The artificial wants of mankind
+thus become more numerous than the natural; and as poor Dick says,
+'For one poor person there are a hundred indigent.' By these and other
+extravagances the genteel are reduced to poverty, and forced to borrow
+of those whom they formerly despised, but who, through industry and
+frugality, have maintained their standing; in which case it appears
+plainly, 'A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his
+knees,' as poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small estate
+left them, which they knew not the getting of; they think 'It is day,
+and will never be night; that a little to be spent out of so much, is
+not worth minding.' 'A child and a fool (as poor Richard says) imagine
+twenty shillings and twenty years can never be spent; but always be
+taking out of the meal-tub, and never putting in, soon comes to the
+bottom:' then, as poor Dick says, 'When the well is dry, they know the
+worth of water.' But this they might have known before, if they had
+taken his advice: 'if you would know the value of money, go and try to
+borrow some; for he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing; and,
+indeed, so does he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it
+in again.' Poor Dick further advises, and says,
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse:</p>
+<p>Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+And again, 'Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more
+saucy.' When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more,
+that your appearance may be all of a piece; but poor Dick says, 'It is
+easier to suppress the first desire, than to satisfy all that follow
+it.' And it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as the
+frog to swell in order to equal the ox.
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Vessels large may venture more,</p>
+<p>But little boats should keep near shore.'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+'Tis, however, a folly soon punished; for 'Pride that dines on vanity,
+sups on contempt,' as poor Richard says. And in another place, 'Pride
+breakfasted with Plenty, dined with Poverty, and supped with Infamy.'
+And, after all, of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so
+much is risked, so much is suffered? It cannot promote health, or ease
+pain; it makes no increase of merit in the person; it hastens
+misfortune.
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>What is a butterfly? At best,</p>
+<p>He's but a caterpillar drest;</p>
+<p>The gaudy fop's his picture just,</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+as poor Richard says.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But what madness must it be to run in debt for these superfluities!
+We are offered, by the terms of this sale, six months' credit, and
+that perhaps has induced some of us to attend it, because we cannot
+spare the ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah!
+think what you do when you run in debt. You give to another power over
+your liberty. If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to
+see your creditor: you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will
+make poor, pitiful, sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to lose your
+veracity, and sink into base, downright lying; for, as poor Richard
+says, 'The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.' And
+again, to the same purpose, 'Lying rides upon debt's back;' whereas a
+free-born Englishman ought not to be ashamed nor afraid to speak to
+any man living.&#8212;But poverty often deprives a man of all spirit and
+virtue: 'It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright,' as poor
+Richard truly says. What would you think of that prince, or that
+government, who would issue an edict, forbidding you to dress like a
+gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would
+you not say, that you were free, have a right to dress as you please,
+and that such an edict would be a breach of your privileges, and such
+a government tyrannical? And yet you are about to put yourself under
+that tyranny when you run in debt for such dress! Your creditor has
+authority, at his pleasure, to deprive you of your liberty, by
+confining you in jail for life, or by selling you for a servant, if
+you should not be able to pay him. When you have got your bargain, you
+may, perhaps, think little of payment; but 'Creditors (poor Richard
+tells us) have better memories than debtors;' and in another place he
+says, 'Creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days
+and times.' The day comes round before you are aware, and the demand
+is made before you are prepared to satisfy it; or, if you bear your
+debt in mind, the term which at first seemed so long, will, as it
+lessens, appear extremely short. Time will seem to have added wings to
+his heels as well as at his shoulders. 'Those have a short Lent (saith
+poor Richard) who owe money to be paid at Easter.' Then since, as he
+says, 'The borrower is a slave to the lender, and the debtor to the
+creditor,' disdain the chain, preserve your freedom, and maintain your
+independency: be industrious and free; be frugal and free. At present,
+perhaps, you may think yourselves in thriving circumstances, and that
+you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'For age and want save while you may,</p>
+<p>No morning sun lasts a whole day,'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+as poor Richard says. Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever,
+while you live, expense is constant and certain: and 'It is easier to
+build two chimneys, than to keep one in fuel,' as poor Richard says.
+So 'Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.'
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Get what you can, and what you get hold,</p>
+<p>'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold,'</p></div></div>
+
+<p>
+as poor Richard says. And when you have got the philosopher's stone,
+sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of
+paying taxes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do
+not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and
+prudence, though excellent things; for they may be blasted, without
+the blessing of Heaven: and therefore ask that blessing humbly, and be
+not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort
+and help them. Remember Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"And now, to conclude, 'Experience keeps a dear school; but fools will
+learn in no other, and scarce in that; for it is true, we may give
+advice, but we cannot give conduct,' as poor Richard says. However,
+remember this, 'They that will not be counseled cannot be helped,' as
+poor Richard says; and further, that 'If you will not hear Reason, she
+will surely rap your knuckles.'"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and
+approved the doctrine, and immediately practised the contrary, just as
+if it had been a common sermon; for the auction opened, and they began
+to buy extravagantly, notwithstanding all his cautions, and their own
+fear of taxes. I found the good man had thoroughly studied my
+Almanacs, and digested all I had dropped on those topics, during the
+course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me, must
+have tired every one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted
+with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom
+was my own, which he ascribed to me, but rather the gleanings that I
+had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to
+be the better for the echo of it; and though I had at first determined
+to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one
+a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be
+as great as mine.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
+</p>
+
+<p class="sig">
+RICHARD SAUNDERS.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="war">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">OBSERVATIONS ON WAR.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+By the original laws of nations, war and extirpation were the
+punishment of injury. Humanizing by degrees, it admitted slavery
+instead of death; a further step was the exchange of prisoners instead
+of slavery; another, to respect more the property of private persons
+under conquest, and be content with acquired dominion. Why should not
+this law of nations go on improving? Ages have intervened between its
+several steps; but as knowledge of late increases rapidly, why should
+not those steps be quickened? Why should it not be agreed to, as the
+future law of nations, that in any war hereafter, the following
+description of men should be undisturbed, have the protection of both
+sides, and be permitted to follow their employments in security? viz.
+</p>
+<div class="blockquote">
+<p>
+    1. Cultivators of the earth, because they labor for the
+    subsistence of mankind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    2. Fishermen, for the same reason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    3. Merchants and traders in unarmed ships, who accommodate
+    different nations by communicating and exchanging the necessaries
+    and conveniences of life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+    4. Artists and mechanics, inhabiting and working in open towns.
+</p>
+</div>
+<p>
+It is hardly necessary to add that the hospitals of enemies should be
+unmolested; they ought to be assisted. It is for the interest of
+humanity in general, that the occasions of war, and the inducements to
+it, should be diminished. If rapine be abolished, one of the
+encouragements to war is taken away; and peace, therefore, more likely
+to continue and be lasting.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The practice of robbing merchants on the high seas&#8212;a remnant of the
+ancient piracy&#8212;though it may be accidentally beneficial to particular
+persons, is far from being profitable to all engaged in it, or to the
+nation that authorizes it. In the beginning of a war, some rich ships
+are surprised and taken. This encourages the first adventurers to fit
+out more armed vessels; and many others to do the same. But the enemy
+at the same time become more careful, arm their merchant ships better,
+and render them not so easy to be taken; they go also more under the
+protection of convoys. Thus, while the privateers to take them are
+multiplied, the vessels subjected to be taken and the chances of
+profit are diminished; so that many cruises are made wherein the
+expenses overgo the gains; and, as is the case in other lotteries,
+though particulars have got prizes, the mass of adventurers are
+losers, the whole expense of fitting out all the privateers during a
+war being much greater than the whole amount of goods taken.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then there is the national loss of all the labor of so many men during
+the time they have been employed in robbing; who, besides, spend what
+they get in riot, drunkenness, and debauchery; lose their habits of
+industry; are rarely fit for any sober business after a peace, and
+serve only to increase the number of highwaymen and house-breakers.
+Even the undertakers who have been fortunate are, by sudden wealth,
+led into expensive living, the habit of which continues when the means
+of supporting it cease, and finally ruins them; a just punishment for
+their having wantonly and unfeelingly ruined many honest, innocent
+traders and their families, whose substance was employed in serving
+the common interests of mankind.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="way">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">THE WAY TO MAKE MONEY PLENTY IN EVERY MAN'S POCKET.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+At this time, when the general complaint is that&#8212;"money is scarce,"
+it will be an act of kindness to inform the moneyless how they may
+reinforce their pockets. I will acquaint them with the true secret of
+money-catching, the certain way to fill empty purses, and how to keep
+them always full. Two simple rules, well observed, will do the
+business.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First, Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions; and,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Secondly, Spend one penny less than thy clear gains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then shall thy hide-bound pocket soon begin to thrive, and will never
+again cry with the empty belly-ache; neither will creditors insult
+thee, nor want oppress, nor hunger bite, nor nakedness freeze thee.
+The whole hemisphere will shine brighter, and pleasure spring up in
+every corner of thy heart. Now, therefore, embrace these rules and be
+happy. Banish the bleak winds of sorrow from thy mind, and live
+independent. Then shalt thou be a man, and not hide thy face at the
+approach of the rich, nor suffer the pain of feeling little when the
+sons of fortune walk at thy right hand; for independency, whether with
+little or much, is good fortune, and placeth thee on even ground with
+the proudest of the golden fleece. Oh, then, be wise, and let industry
+walk with thee in the morning, and attend thee until thou reachest the
+evening hour for rest. Let honesty be as the breath of thy soul, and
+never forget to have a penny, when all thy expenses are enumerated and
+paid; then shalt thou reach the point of happiness, and independence
+shall be thy shield and buckler, thy helmet and crown; then shall thy
+soul walk upright, nor stoop to the silken wretch because he hath
+riches, nor pocket an abuse because the hand which offers it wears a
+ring set with diamonds.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="chess">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">MORALS OF CHESS.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+Playing at chess is the most ancient and universal game known among
+men; for its original is beyond the memory of history, and it has, for
+numberless ages, been the amusement of all the civilized nations of
+Asia&#8212;the Persians, the Indians, and the Chinese. Europe has had it
+above a thousand years; the Spaniards have spread it over their parts
+of America, and it begins to make its appearance in these States. It
+is so interesting in itself as not to need the view of gain to induce
+engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money. Those,
+therefore, who have leisure for such diversions, cannot find one that
+is more innocent; and the following piece, written with a view to
+correct (among a few young friends) some little improprieties in the
+practice of it, shows, at the same time, that it may, in its effects
+on the mind, be not merely innocent, but advantageous, to the
+vanquished as well as the victor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very
+valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life,
+are to be acquired or strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready
+on all occasions. For life is a kind of chess, in which we have points
+to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which
+there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some
+degree, the effects of prudence or the want of it. By playing at
+chess, then, we learn,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I. <i>Foresight</i>, which looks a little into futurity, considers the
+consequences that may attend an action: for it is continually
+occurring to the player, "If I move this piece, what will be the
+advantage of my new situation? What use can my adversary make of it to
+annoy me? What other moves can I make to support it, and to defend
+myself from his attacks?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+II. <i>Circumspection</i>, which surveys the whole chessboard, or
+scene of action, the relations of the several pieces and situation,
+the dangers they are respectively exposed to, the several
+possibilities of their aiding each other, the probabilities that the
+adversary may take this or that move, and attack this or the other
+piece, and what different means can be used to avoid his stroke, or
+turn its consequences against him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+III. <i>Caution</i>, not to make your moves too hastily. This habit is
+best acquired by observing strictly the laws of the game, such as, "If
+you touch a piece, you must move it somewhere; if you set it down, you
+must let it stand:" and it is therefore best that these rules should
+be observed; as the game thereby becomes more the image of human life,
+and particularly of war: in which, if you have incautiously put
+yourself into a bad and dangerous position, you cannot obtain your
+enemy's leave to withdraw your troops, and place them more securely,
+but you must abide all the consequences of your rashness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And, lastly, we learn by chess the habit of <i>not being discouraged
+by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs</i>, the habit
+of <i>hoping for a favorable change</i>, and that of <i>persevering in
+the search of resources</i>. The game is so full of events, there is
+such a variety of turns in it, the fortune of it is so subject to
+sudden vicissitudes, and one so frequently, after long contemplation,
+discovers the means of extricating one's self from a supposed
+insurmountable difficulty, that one is encouraged to continue the
+contest to the last, in hope of victory by our own skill, or at least
+of giving a stale mate, by the negligence of our adversary. And
+whoever considers, what in chess he often sees instances of,&#8212;that
+particular pieces of success are apt to produce presumption, and its
+consequent inattention, by which the loss may be recovered,&#8212;will
+learn not to be too much discouraged by the present success of his
+adversary, nor to despair of final good fortune, upon every little
+check he receives in the pursuit of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That we may, therefore, be induced more frequently to choose this
+beneficial amusement, in preference to others, which are not attended
+with the same advantages, every circumstance which may increase the
+pleasure of it should be regarded; and every action or word that is
+unfair, disrespectful, or that in any way may give uneasiness, should
+be avoided, as contrary to the immediate intention of both the
+players, which is to pass the time agreeably.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therefore, first, If it is agreed to play according to the strictest
+rules, then those rules are to be exactly observed by both parties,
+and should not be insisted on for one side, while deviated from by the
+other&#8212;for this is not equitable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Secondly, If it is agreed not to observe the rules exactly, but one
+party demands indulgences, he should, then, be as willing to allow
+them to the other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thirdly, No false move should ever be made to extricate yourself out
+of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage. There can be no pleasure in
+playing with a person once detected in such unfair practices.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fourthly, If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry
+him, or to express any uneasiness at his delay. You should not sing,
+nor whistle, nor look at your watch, nor take up a book to read, nor
+make a tapping with your feet on the floor, or with your fingers on
+the table, nor do any thing that may disturb his attention. For all
+these things displease; and they do not show your skill in playing,
+but your craftiness or your rudeness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fifthly, You ought not to endeavor to amuse and deceive your
+adversary, by pretending to have made bad moves, and saying that you
+have now lost the game, in order to make him secure and careless, and
+inattentive to your schemes; for this is fraud and deceit, not skill
+in the game.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sixthly, You must not, when you have gained a victory, use any
+triumphing or insulting expression, nor show too much pleasure; but
+endeavor to console your adversary, and make him less dissatisfied
+with himself, by every kind of civil expression that may be used with
+truth; such as, "You understand the game better then I, but you are a
+little inattentive;" or, "You play too fast;" or, "You had the best of
+the game, but something happened to divert your thoughts, and that
+turned it in my favor."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Seventhly, If you are a spectator while others play, observe the most
+perfect silence. For if you give advice, you offend both parties; him
+against whom you give it, because it may cause the loss of his game;
+and him in whose favor you gave it, because, though it be good, and he
+follows it, he loses the pleasure he might have had, if you had
+permitted him to think until it had occurred to himself. Even after a
+move, or moves, you must not, by replacing the pieces, show how it
+might have been placed better; for that displeases, and may occasion
+disputes and doubts about their true situation. All talking to the
+players lessens or diverts their attention, and is therefore
+unpleasing. Nor should you give the least hint to either party, by any
+kind of noise or motion. If you do, you are unworthy to be a
+spectator. If you have a mind to exercise or show your judgment, do it
+in playing your own game, when you have an opportunity, not in
+criticising, or meddling with, or counseling the play of others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lastly, If the game is not to be played rigorously, according to the
+rules above-mentioned, then moderate your desire of victory over your
+adversary, and be pleased with one over yourself. Snatch not eagerly
+at every advantage offered by his unskilfulness or inattention; but
+point out to him kindly, that by such a move he places or leaves a
+piece in danger and unsupported; that by another he will put his king
+in a perilous situation, &#38;c. By this generous civility (so opposite to
+the unfairness above forbidden), you may, indeed, happen to lose the
+game to your own opponent, but you will win what is better, his
+esteem, his respect, and his affection; together with the silent
+approbation and good-will of impartial spectators.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a name="converse">&nbsp;</a>
+<p class="chapter">CONVERSATION OF A COMPANY OF EPHEMER&#198;;
+</p>
+
+<p class="ctr">
+WITH THE SOLILOQUY OF ONE ADVANCED IN AGE.
+</p>
+
+
+<p class="ctr">
+TO MADAME BRILLIANT.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+You may remember, my dear friend, that when we lately spent that happy
+day, in the delightful garden and sweet society of the <i>Moulin
+Joly</i>, I stopped a little in one of our walks, and staid some time
+behind the company. We had been shown numberless skeletons of a kind
+of little fly, called an ephemera, whose successive generations, we
+were told, were bred and expired within the day. I happened to see a
+living company of them on a leaf, who appeared to be engaged in
+conversation. You know I understand all the inferior animal tongues;
+my too great application to the study of them is the best excuse I can
+give for the little progress I have made in your charming language. I
+listened through curiosity to the discourse of these little creatures;
+but as they, in their national vivacity, spoke three or four together,
+I could make but little of their conversation. I found, however, by
+some broken expressions that I heard now and then, they were disputing
+warmly on the merit of two foreign musicians, one a <i>cousin</i>, the
+other a <i>moscheto</i>: in which dispute they spent their time,
+seeming as regardless of the shortness of their life as if they had
+been sure of living a month. Happy people, thought I; you live
+certainly under a wise, just, and mild government, since you have no
+public grievances to complain of, nor any other subject of contention
+but the perfections or imperfections of foreign music. I turned my
+head from them to an old gray-headed one, who was single on another
+leaf, and talking to himself. Being amused with his soliloquy, I put
+it down in writing, in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am
+so much indebted for the most pleasing of all amusements, her
+delicious company and heavenly harmony.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It was," says he, "the opinion of learned philosophers of our race,
+who lived and flourished long before my time, that this vast world,
+the <i>Moulin Joly</i>, could not itself subsist more than eighteen
+hours: and I think there was some foundation for that opinion; since,
+by the apparent motion of the great luminary, that gives life to all
+nature, and which in my time has evidently declined considerably
+towards the ocean at the end of the earth, it must then finish its
+course, be extinguished in the waters that surround us, and leave the
+world in cold and darkness, necessarily producing universal death and
+destruction. I have lived seven of those hours; a great age, being no
+less than 420 minutes of time! How very few of us continue so long! I
+have seen generations born, flourish and expire. My present friends
+are children and grand-children of the friends of my youth, who are
+now, alas, no more! And I must soon follow them; for by the common
+course of nature, though still in health, I cannot expect to live
+above seven or eight minutes longer. What now avails all my toil and
+labor, in amassing the honey dew on this leaf, which I cannot live to
+enjoy? What my political struggles I have been engaged in, for the
+good of my compatriot inhabitants of this bush, or my philosophical
+studies, for the benefit of our race in general; for in politics (what
+can laws do without morals?) our present race of ephemer&#230; will in a
+course of minutes become corrupt like those of other and older bushes,
+and consequently as wretched! And in philosophy how small our
+progress! Alas! art is long, and life is short! My friends would
+comfort me with the idea of a name, they say, I shall leave behind me;
+and they tell me I have lived long enough to nature and to glory. But
+what will fame be to an ephemera who no longer exists? and what will
+become of all history in the eighteenth hour, when the world itself,
+even the whole <i>Moulin Joly</i>, shall come to its end, and be
+buried in a universal ruin?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To me, after all my eager pursuits, no solid pleasures now remain, but
+the reflection of a long life spent in meaning well, the sensible
+conversation of a few good lady ephemer&#230;, and now and then a kind
+smile and a tune from the ever amiable Brilliant
+</p>
+
+<p class="sig">
+B. FRANKLIN.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full">
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***</p>
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,5206 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Life of Benjamin Franklin, by Samuel G.
+Goodrich
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Life of Benjamin Franklin
+       Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes
+
+
+Author: Samuel G. Goodrich
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 2, 2012  [eBook #38469]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Katherine Ward and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from scanned images of public domain material
+generously made available by the Google Books Library Project
+(http://books.google.com/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 38469-h.htm or 38469-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38469/38469-h/38469-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38469/38469-h.zip)
+
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=OD9TNvh1EQ0C&id
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      The total number of questions at the end of each chapter
+      does not necessarily correspond to the total number of
+      paragraphs in the chapter.
+
+      Text is missing from the printed book at the end of
+      Paragraph 19 in Chapter X.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Franklin taking home his paper.]
+
+[Illustration: Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE
+
+OF
+
+BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY TALES, SKETCHES, AND ANECDOTES.
+
+ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS.
+
+WITH ENGRAVINGS.
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+DESILVER, THOMAS & CO.,
+No. 253 MARKET STREET.
+
+1836.
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by SAMUEL
+G. GOODRICH, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of
+Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The total number of questions at the end of each chapter does not
+necessarily correspond to the total number of paragraphs in the
+chapter.
+
+Text is missing from the printed book at the end of Paragraph 19 in
+Chapter X.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following Preface to the Life of Columbus will explain the plan of
+the series, of which this is the third volume:--
+
+"There is no kind of reading more attractive than biography, and, if
+properly treated, there is none more instructive. It appears,
+therefore, to be peculiarly fitted to the purposes of education; it
+readily excites the curiosity and awakens the interest of the pupil,
+and, while it stores his mind with facts, dates and events, displays
+to his view the workings of the human heart, and makes him better
+acquainted with himself and mankind.
+
+"In the selection of subjects for a biographical series of works for
+youth, the editor has been led, by two considerations, to prefer those
+which belong to our own country. In the first place, it is more
+particularly necessary that our youth should be made acquainted with
+the lives of those men who were associated with the history of their
+native land; and, in the second place, no country can afford happier
+subjects for biography than this. There are few such lives as those of
+Columbus, Washington, and Franklin, in the annals of any nation.
+
+"In the preparation of the work, the author has sought to adapt it to
+youth, by the use of a simple style, and by the introduction of many
+illustrative tales, sketches, anecdotes and adventures. Questions for
+examining the pupils are printed in the pages, which may be used, or
+not, at the choice of the Teacher."
+
+The Life of Columbus and the Life of Washington, on a plan similar to
+this, have been already published; and other volumes, containing the
+lives of celebrated Indian Chiefs, celebrated American Statesmen, &c.,
+will appear hereafter, if those already in progress should meet with
+success.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                                                 Page
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice
+to his Brother. Makes a Couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads
+the Spectator.                                                     11
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper.
+Leaves his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia.
+Anecdote of the Dutchman.                                          19
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of
+the Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer.
+Noticed by Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return.                27
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor.
+Promises from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect.
+Anecdote of Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A
+literary Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception.
+Arrival in London.                                                 35
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia.
+Story of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work
+for him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer.                    43
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making.
+Marriage with Miss Read.                                           50
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme
+of arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's
+Remarks upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac.                           57
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote.    65
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House
+in Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's
+Prosperity. Military Defence of the Province. Formation of
+Companies.                                                         72
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote.                                                          82
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the
+Kite. Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abbe Nollet. Fame
+of Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society.                90
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother.       97
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat.           105
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians.                                                        113
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians.                     124
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Franklin appointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France.
+Asks to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character.                                   130
+
+
+
+
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN.
+
+
+  The Whistle.                                                    136
+  Handsome and Deformed Leg.                                      138
+  Advice to a young Tradesman.                                    142
+  Necessary Hints to those that would be rich.                    145
+  Paper, a Poem.                                                  146
+  On the art of Swimming.                                         149
+  Preliminary Address to the Pennsylvania Almanac, entitled,
+    "Poor Richard's Almanac, for the year 1758."                  153
+  Observations on War.                                            167
+  The Way to make Money plenty in every Man's Pocket.             169
+  Morals of Chess.                                                171
+  Conversation of a Company of Ephemerae.                          177
+
+
+
+
+LIFE OF FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Birth of Franklin. Early Education. Anecdote. Choice of a Trade. He
+is placed with a Cutler. His Fondness for Reading. Bound Apprentice to
+his Brother. Makes a couple of Ballads. His Friend Collins. Reads the
+Spectator._
+
+
+ 1. Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, New England, on the
+seventeenth of January, 1706. He was the youngest son in a family of
+seventeen children. His elder brothers were, at an early age, put
+apprentices to different trades; for their father was a man of honest
+industry, but with little or no property, and unable to support the
+expense of keeping them long at school.
+
+ 2. Benjamin, however, was intended for the church, and at eight years
+of age was put to a grammar school. His readiness in learning, and his
+attention to study, confirmed the first intention of his parents. The
+plan also met with the approbation of his uncle Benjamin, who promised
+to give him some volumes of sermons that he had taken down in short
+hand, from the lips of the most eminent preachers of the day.
+
+ 3. He continued at the grammar school, however, only about a year,
+though he had risen to the head of his class, and promised to be a
+very fine scholar. His father was burthened with a numerous family,
+and could not carry him through a course of college education. He
+accordingly changed his first purpose, and sent Benjamin to a school
+for writing and arithmetic, kept by Mr. George Brownwell.
+
+ 4. This master was quite skilful in his profession, being mild and
+kind to his scholars, but very successful in teaching them. Benjamin
+learned to write a good hand in a short time, but he could not manage
+arithmetic so easily. At ten years of age he was taken from school to
+help his father in the business of a tallow-chandler; and was employed
+in cutting the wick for the candles, going errands, and tending the
+shop.
+
+ 5. Benjamin disliked the trade, and had a strong inclination to go to
+sea; but his father opposed his wishes in this respect, and determined
+to keep him at home. The house in which he lived happened to be near
+the water, and Benjamin was always playing with boats, and swimming.
+When sailing with other boys, he was usually the leader, and he
+confesses that he sometimes led them into difficulties.
+
+ 6. There was a salt marsh which bounded part of the mill-pond, on the
+edge of which the boys used to stand to fish for minnows. They had
+trampled it so much, however, as to make it a mere quagmire. Franklin
+proposed to his friends to build a wharf there, for them to stand
+upon; and showed them a large heap of stones, which were intended for
+a new house near the marsh, and would answer their purpose exactly.
+
+ 7. Accordingly, that evening, when the workmen were gone home, he
+assembled a number of his playfellows, and they worked diligently,
+like so many emmets, sometimes two or three to a stone, till they had
+brought them all to make their little wharf. On the next morning, the
+workmen were surprised on missing the stones. The authors of the
+removal were detected, complained of, and punished by their parents.
+Franklin attempted to show the usefulness of their work; but his
+father took that occasion to convince him, that _that which was not
+truly honest could not be truly useful_.
+
+ 8. Benjamin continued employed in the business of his father about two
+years, that is, till he was twelve years old. His brother John, who
+had also been brought up to the trade, had left his father, married,
+and set up for himself in Rhode Island. There was now every appearance
+that Benjamin was destined to become a tallow-chandler. As his dislike
+to the trade continued, his father was afraid that, if he did not put
+Benjamin to one that was more agreeable, he would run away, and go to
+sea, as an elder brother of his had done. In consequence of this
+apprehension, he used to take him to walk, to see joiners,
+bricklayers, turners and braziers at their work, that he might observe
+his inclination, and fix it on some trade or profession that would
+keep him on land.
+
+ 9. His father at length determined on the cutler's trade, and placed
+him for some days on trial with his cousin Samuel, who was bred to
+that trade in London, and had just established himself in Boston. It
+was then usual to ask a sum of money for receiving an apprentice, and
+the cutler charged so much for taking Benjamin, that his father was
+displeased, and put him to his old business again.
+
+10. From his infancy Benjamin had been passionately fond of reading;
+and all the money that he could get was laid out in purchasing books.
+He was very fond of voyages and travels. The dangers and adventures of
+sailors in the different parts of the world, and stories of the
+strange people and customs they met with, he would always read with
+delight.
+
+11. The first books that he was able to buy were the works of a famous
+old English writer, named John Bunyan. These he afterwards sold, in
+order to purchase some volumes of Historical Collections. His father's
+library consisted principally of works on divinity, most of which he
+read at an early age. Beside these, there was a book by De Foe, the
+author of Robinson Crusoe; and another called _An Essay to do Good_,
+by Dr. Mather, an old New England divine.
+
+12. This fondness for books at length determined his father to bring
+him up as a printer, though he had already one son in that employment.
+In 1717, this son returned from England with a press and letters to
+set up his business in Boston. Benjamin liked this trade much better
+than that of his father, but still had a desire to go to sea. To
+prevent this step, his father was impatient to have him bound
+apprentice to his brother, and at length persuaded him to consent to
+it.
+
+13. He was to serve as apprentice till he was twenty-one years of age,
+and during the last year was to be allowed the wages of a journeyman.
+In a little time, he made great progress in the business, and became
+quite useful. He was now able to obtain better books. An acquaintance
+with the apprentices of the booksellers sometimes enabled him to
+borrow a small one, which he was careful to return clean and in good
+season. He often sat up in his chamber the greater part of the night,
+to read a book that he was obliged to return in the morning.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin reading at night.]
+
+14. After some time, an ingenious and sensible merchant, Mr. Matthew
+Adams, who had a pretty collection of books, took notice of Franklin
+at the printing office, and invited him to see his library. He very
+kindly offered to lend him any work that he might like to read.
+
+15. He now took a strong inclination for poetry, and wrote some little
+pieces. His brother supposed that he might use this talent to
+advantage, and encouraged him to cultivate it. About this time, he
+produced two ballads. One was called the Light-House Tragedy, and
+contained an account of the shipwreck of Captain Worthilake, with his
+two daughters; the other was a sailor's song, on the taking of the
+famous Blackbeard, the pirate.
+
+16. They were written in the doggerel street-ballad style, and when
+they were printed, his brother sent Benjamin about the town to sell
+them. The first sold very rapidly, as the event on which it was
+founded had recently occurred, and made a great deal of noise. This
+success flattered his vanity very much, but his father discouraged him
+by criticising his ballads, and telling him that verse-makers were
+generally beggars.
+
+17. This prevented him from giving any further attention to poetry,
+and led him to devote more time and care to prose compositions. He was
+at this time intimately acquainted with another lad very fond of
+books, named John Collins. They sometimes discussed different
+questions together, and had become very apt to indulge in arguments
+and disputes.
+
+18. A question was once started between them, on the propriety of
+educating the female sex in learned studies, and their abilities for
+these studies. As they parted without settling the point, and were not
+to see one another again for a long time, Franklin sat down to put his
+arguments in writing. He then made a fair copy of them, and sent it to
+Collins.
+
+19. Three or four letters passed between them on the subject, when the
+father of Franklin happened to find the papers, and read them. Without
+entering into the subject in dispute, he took occasion to talk to him
+about his manner of writing. He marked the defects in his expressions,
+and in the arrangement of his sentences, but gave him the credit of
+spelling and pointing with great correctness. This he had learned in
+the printing office, but he had never before been taught any thing
+about manner and style.
+
+20. About this time, he met with an odd volume of the Spectator, a
+very famous work, published by several English wits in the year 1711.
+He bought it, read it over and over, and was much delighted with it.
+This book was now his continual study, and he himself tried to write
+as much as possible in its very pleasant and popular style. The
+improvement which he made was encouraging, and led him to hope he
+might some day become a good English writer; a distinction of which he
+was very ambitious.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. Where was Franklin born? When?
+
+ 2. For what profession did his parents intend to educate him?
+
+ 3. What induced his father to change his intention?
+
+ 4. To what trade was Benjamin put, and when?
+
+ 6. Relate the anecdote about Franklin and his companions.
+
+ 7. What maxim did his father teach him in consequence of this
+adventure?
+
+ 8. What were his father's fears in relation to his new occupation?
+
+ 9. On what trade did his father finally determine?
+
+10. Describe his early fondness for reading, and the books of which he
+was most fond.
+
+11. What books did he first buy?
+
+12. What induced his father to bring up Benjamin as a printer? To whom
+was he bound apprentice?
+
+13. How did he succeed in his new trade?
+
+14. What advantages did it afford him for pursuing his studies?
+
+15. Relate the account of his first attempts in poetry.
+
+16. How did his ballads succeed?
+
+17. How did his father discourage his new taste?
+
+18. What was the subject of his discussion with his friend Collins?
+
+19. What praise and advice did his father give him on this occasion?
+
+20. With what book was Franklin at this time so much pleased? Did he
+attempt to imitate it?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+_Franklin gives up eating Meat. His Economy of Time. Studies
+Arithmetic. James Franklin establishes a Newspaper. Benjamin writes
+for it. His Brother is imprisoned. Benjamin manages the Paper. Leaves
+his Brother. Goes to New York. Sails thence for Philadelphia. Anecdote
+of the Dutchman._
+
+
+ 1. When about sixteen years of age, Franklin happened to meet with a
+book that recommended a vegetable diet. He determined to adopt it. His
+brother, being unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded himself and
+his apprentices in another family. By refusing to eat meat, Franklin
+occasioned a good deal of inconvenience; and he was frequently chid
+for his singularity. He accordingly learned the manner of boiling
+potatoes and rice, and of making hasty-pudding, and then proposed to
+his brother, if he would give him, weekly, half the money he paid for
+his board, to board himself. His brother instantly agreed to it, and
+Franklin soon found that he could save half of what he received.
+
+ 2. This was a new fund for buying books. But this was not the only
+advantage. When his brother and the apprentices had gone to their
+meals, he was left in the printing office alone. He immediately
+despatched his slight repast, which was often no more than a biscuit,
+or a slice of bread and a handful of raisins, or a tart from the
+pastry cook's, and a glass of water, and had the rest of the time till
+their return for study. By being thus economical of his time, he was
+able to make considerable progress in his books.
+
+ 3. He now began to feel the want of a knowledge of figures, and was
+once very much mortified by his ignorance of them. As he had entirely
+failed of learning them at school, he took Cocker's Arithmetic, and
+went through the whole of it by himself with the greatest ease. The
+mortification he had met with induced him to make great exertions; and
+we can succeed in any thing to which we give our earnest attention.
+
+ 4. While he was intent on improving his language and style, Franklin
+met with an English grammar, at the end of which were two little
+sketches on the arts of rhetoric and logic. The latter of these
+finished with a dispute in the manner of Socrates, a very famous
+philosopher of Greece. Franklin was charmed with this modest and
+artful manner, and cured himself of the tricks of contradiction and
+too much positiveness. These habits are very disagreeable, and no one
+should allow himself to fall into them.
+
+ 5. "In fact, if you wish to instruct others," says Franklin, "a
+positive and dogmatical manner in advancing your sentiments may
+occasion opposition, and prevent a candid attention. If you desire
+improvement from others, you should not at the same time express
+yourself fixed in your present opinions. Modest and sensible men, who
+do not love disputation, will leave you undisturbed in the possession
+of your errors. In adopting such a manner, you can seldom expect to
+please your hearers, or obtain the concurrence you desire."
+
+ 6. In the year 1720, or '21, James Franklin began to print a
+newspaper. It was the second that appeared in America, and was called
+the _New England Courant_. The only one before it was the _Boston
+News Letter_. Some of his friends endeavored to dissuade him from
+the undertaking. They thought it would not succeed, as, in their
+opinion, one newspaper was sufficient for all America. There are now
+in the United States alone, over eight hundred newspapers.
+
+ 7. The undertaking, however, went on. Benjamin assisted in setting the
+types, helped to print off the sheets, and was then employed in
+carrying the papers to the subscribers. Several men of information and
+talents wrote little pieces for the paper, which were amusing, and
+gained considerable credit. These gentlemen often visited the printing
+office.
+
+ 8. Hearing their conversations, and their accounts of the praise their
+pieces received from the public, Benjamin was excited to try his
+fortune among them. He was afraid, however, as he was still a boy, his
+brother would object to print any thing of his composition in the
+paper. It was necessary, therefore, to disguise his hand-writing, and
+to send his piece to the office in such a way that it should not be
+known from whom it came.
+
+ 9. When his friends came in, James showed them the communication from
+an unknown writer. They read it, praised it, and made several guesses
+as to the author. In these guesses none were named but men of some
+character for talents and learning. They never once suspected it was
+written by the little printer's boy who stood at their elbows,
+chuckling in silence over the secret.
+
+10. Encouraged by the success of this attempt, he continued to write,
+and send other pieces in the same way to the press. He kept his secret
+as long as he saw fit, and then confessed himself the author of the
+writings they had been so long guessing about. Benjamin now began to
+be more noticed by his brother's acquaintance, which made him a little
+vain, and led to some serious difficulties.
+
+11. His brother, notwithstanding the relationship between them,
+considered himself as master, and Benjamin as his apprentice, and
+accordingly expected the same services from him that he would from
+another. In some of these services the young printer felt himself
+degraded, and thought that he should receive greater indulgence. His
+brother was passionate, and frequently beat him; and, finding the
+apprenticeship exceedingly tedious, Benjamin was looking forward for
+an opportunity to shorten it. This at length happened in a very
+unexpected manner.
+
+12. One of the pieces in the paper, on some political subject, gave
+offence to the Assembly, one of the most important branches of the
+government of Massachusetts. James Franklin was taken up, censured,
+and imprisoned for a month, because he would not discover the author.
+Benjamin was also called up and examined before the council; but,
+considering him as an apprentice, who was bound to keep his master's
+secret, they dismissed him without punishment.
+
+13. During his brother's confinement, Benjamin had the management of
+the paper, and indulged in very smart remarks upon the government.
+This pleased his brother, though it made others look upon him in an
+unfavorable light, as a youth who had a turn for satire and libeling.
+The discharge of the imprisoned printer was accompanied with an order
+that "James Franklin should no longer print the newspaper called the
+New England Courant."
+
+14. On a consultation held at the printing office, it was proposed, to
+change the name of the paper, and in this manner elude the order of
+the council. As there were many difficulties in the way of this
+project, it was determined to let the paper for the future be printed
+in the name of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+15. When apprentices are bound out, it is usual to have certain
+agreements drawn up between them and their masters, sealed and signed
+according to certain forms required by law. These papers are called
+indentures. James was afraid that the censure of the Assembly would
+fall on him, as still printing the paper by his apprentice, and
+contrived that his old indenture should be returned to Benjamin, with
+a discharge on the back of it.
+
+16. This was to be shown only in case of necessity; and in order to
+secure his services for the remainder of the time, it was agreed that
+Benjamin should sign new indentures. These were to be kept private.
+This was a very flimsy scheme, but the paper continued to be printed
+in this manner for several months. At length fresh difficulties arose,
+and Benjamin determined to take advantage of his discharge; thinking
+that his brother would be afraid to produce the new indentures. It was
+unfair to take this advantage, but he was urged to it by very unkind
+and even cruel treatment.
+
+17. When his brother found out his intentions, he went round to every
+master printer in town to prevent his getting employment. In
+consequence of this, he concluded to remove to New York; that being
+the nearest place where there was another printer. His father opposed
+his removal, and took side with his brother in the dispute. Benjamin
+sold his books to furnish the means of paying his passage, went
+privately on board of a sloop, had a fair wind, and in three days
+found himself in New York, three hundred miles from home, at the age
+of seventeen. There was no one in the place whom he knew; he was
+without any recommendations, and had very little money in his pocket.
+
+18. By this time he had entirely lost all his love for the sea, or he
+might have been induced to gratify it. Having another profession, and
+considering himself a good workman, he offered his services to a
+printer of the place, old Mr. W. Bradford. This man had been the first
+printer in Pennsylvania, and had removed from there in consequence of
+a quarrel with the governor, General Keith.
+
+19. He had a sufficient number of workmen, and little to do, and could
+give Franklin no employment. But he said, "My son, at Philadelphia,
+has lately lost his principal hand, Aquila Rose, by death, and if you
+go thither, I believe he may employ you."
+
+20. Philadelphia was one hundred miles farther, but Franklin concluded
+to go there. In crossing the bay, a squall struck the little vessel he
+was in, and tore her rotten sails to pieces. She was driven upon Long
+Island.
+
+21. On the way, a drunken Dutchman, who was a passenger in the boat,
+tumbled overboard. As he was sinking, Franklin reached out and caught
+him by a very bushy head of hair, and drew him up again. This sobered
+him a little, and he went to sleep, having first taken a book out of
+his pocket, which he desired Franklin to dry for him. It proved to be
+a Dutch copy of his old favorite book, _Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress_,
+and he carefully complied with the wish of the sleepy owner.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What induced Franklin to adopt a vegetable diet? What arrangement
+did he make with his brother on this account?
+
+ 2. What advantage resulted from this? Describe Benjamin's economy of
+time.
+
+ 3. How did he learn arithmetic?
+
+ 4. With what treatise was Franklin so much pleased? Of what
+disagreeable habits did it cure him?
+
+ 5. What advice does he give on the manner of conversation?
+
+ 6. Who printed the second newspaper in New England? What was it
+called?
+
+ 7. How was Benjamin connected with it?
+
+ 8. What first induced him to write for it? Describe his first attempt.
+
+ 9. How was his communication received?
+
+10. What was the consequence of his success?
+
+11. What were the difficulties between the brothers?
+
+12. What happened at this time to James Franklin?
+
+13. How did Benjamin conduct the paper? What was the order of the
+council?
+
+14. How was it evaded?
+
+15. What is the custom in binding out apprentices? How was Benjamin
+discharged from his indentures?
+
+16. What unfair advantage did he take of this discharge?
+
+17. What course did his brother pursue on this occasion? His father?
+Benjamin?
+
+18. To whom did he apply for employment?
+
+19. With what success?
+
+20. Where did he determine to go?
+
+21. What is the anecdote of the Dutchman?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_His Journey. His Dinner with the old Gingerbread Woman. Arrives in
+Philadelphia. Anecdote of the Rolls. Attends the Meeting House of the
+Quakers. Suspected of being a Runaway. Employed by Keimer. Noticed by
+Governor Keith. Visit to Boston. Return._
+
+
+ 1. On approaching the island, the crew found themselves in a place
+where there could be no landing, as it was a stony beach, and a
+violent surf was rolling. They cast anchor, and remained in that
+situation through the night. As the spray dashed over the boat, they
+were all, in a very short time, as wet as the unfortunate Dutchman.
+The wind went down on the next morning, and they were able to reach
+Amboy before night; having been thirty hours on the water, without
+victuals, or any drink but a bottle of dirty rum.
+
+ 2. In the evening, Franklin found himself feverish, and went to bed.
+As he drank plentifully of cold water, his fever left him, and in the
+morning he proceeded on his journey. After crossing the ferry, he
+travelled on foot, notwithstanding a violent rain, till noon. Being
+now thoroughly soaked and tired, he stopped at a poor inn, where he
+spent the remainder of the day, and all night.
+
+ 3. He now began to wish that he had never left home. His prospect of
+procuring employment, even when he should arrive at Philadelphia, was
+uncertain. He thought of the distress his sudden disappearance must
+have occasioned to his parents. Besides all this, he made such a sorry
+figure that he was suspected of being a runaway servant, and in danger
+of being taken up on that suspicion.
+
+ 4. On the next day, however, he continued his journey, and arrived
+that night at an inn, within eight or ten miles of Burlington. The
+next morning he reached Burlington, where he expected to find boats to
+sail immediately for Philadelphia. It was Saturday, and he had the
+mortification to find that the regular boats had just gone, and that
+no others were expected to sail before Tuesday.
+
+ 5. Franklin returned to the shop of an old woman, of whom he had
+bought some gingerbread to eat on his passage, and asked her where he
+had better go to find lodgings. She proposed to lodge him in her own
+house, till a passage, by some other boat, offered itself. He accepted
+the invitation, and dined with the old woman that day on ox-cheek. All
+that she would take in return was a pot of ale.
+
+ 6. Franklin had supposed himself fixed till the next Tuesday, but as
+he was walking, in the evening, by the side of the river, a boat
+passed by, with several people, going to Philadelphia. They took him
+in, and proceeded on their voyage. The weather was very calm, without
+a breath of wind stirring. They were obliged to row all the way.
+Reaching Philadelphia about eight or nine o'clock on Sunday morning,
+they landed at Market street wharf.
+
+ 7. Our young traveller had sent his best clothes by another conveyance
+from New York, and he was in his old working dress. His pockets were
+stuffed out with shirts and stockings, and he knew not where to look
+for lodgings. He was tired with walking, rowing, and want of sleep,
+and was, besides, very hungry. His whole stock of cash was a single
+silver dollar and about a shilling in copper coin. The copper he gave
+to the boatmen for his passage.
+
+ 8. As he walked along the street, gazing at the new things he saw, and
+wondering what would be the end of his trouble, he met a boy with some
+bread. Inquiring where he had bought it, Franklin went immediately to
+the place where he was directed, and asked for three-pence worth of
+bread. He received three large puffy rolls, and, having no room in his
+pockets, walked off, with a roll under each arm, and eating the third.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin walking in the streets of Philadelphia.]
+
+ 9. In this manner he walked up Market street, as far as Fourth street,
+passing by the house of Mr. Read, whose daughter he afterwards
+married. This young lady was standing at the door as he went by, and
+probably thought he made rather an awkward appearance. After walking
+about the streets some time, eating his roll, he found himself again
+in the neighborhood of the wharf where he had landed. He went on board
+of the boat, and gave his two remaining rolls to a woman and child
+that had been his fellow-passengers down the river.
+
+10. He again walked up the street, which was, by that time, filled
+with a large number of neat, well-dressed people, who were all walking
+the same way. He joined them, and was led into the great meeting house
+of the Quakers, near the market. Sitting down among them, he looked
+round awhile, and, as nothing was said, fell fast asleep from
+drowsiness. His nap continued till the meeting broke up, when some one
+was kind enough to awake him.
+
+11. He then walked down towards the river, and meeting a young Quaker,
+whose countenance pleased him, he asked where a stranger could get
+lodgings. They were then near a house with the sign of the Three
+Mariners. "Here," said the Quaker, "is a house where they receive
+strangers, but it is not a reputable one; if thou wilt walk with me,
+I'll show thee a better." He conducted Franklin to the Crooked Billet,
+in Water street.
+
+12. There he dined, and during the dinner several questions were put
+to him, by persons who supposed him to be a runaway. On the next
+morning, he dressed himself as neatly as he could, and went to see
+Andrew Bradford, the printer. Here he found the old gentleman, whom he
+had met in New York, and who, travelling on horseback, had got to
+Philadelphia before him.
+
+13. Mr. Bradford received him very kindly, but, as he was not at that
+time in want of a hand, could only recommend him to a printer, who had
+lately set up in town, by the name of Keimer. This man had then
+nothing for him to do, but promised him employment soon. Meanwhile, he
+was invited to lodge with Mr. Bradford, and to assist when there was
+any extra work in the printing office.
+
+14. Franklin soon found that neither of the printers knew any thing
+about their business. Keimer was, before long, able to give him
+constant employment. He did not like, however, that any one should
+live with his rival, Bradford, while he worked for him. Lodgings were,
+therefore, procured for Franklin, with Mr. Read, whose house he had
+passed on his first arrival, while eating his roll.
+
+15. He had now made some acquaintances about town, and passed his time
+very pleasantly. By industry and frugality he gained money, and gave
+up all thoughts of returning to Boston. The governor of the province,
+Sir William Keith, had accidentally become acquainted with him, and
+was desirous that he should set up in business for himself, in
+Philadelphia. He promised to procure for him the public printing of
+the government, and to assist him, as much as possible, by his
+influence and patronage.
+
+16. It was concluded that Franklin should return to Boston, with a
+letter from the governor, to prevail upon his father to assist him in
+the establishment. Towards the end of April, in 1724, he left
+Philadelphia for this purpose.
+
+17. He sailed in a little vessel that was bound for Boston, and, in
+about a fortnight, was safe in his father's house. His sudden
+appearance surprised the family very much, but they were all delighted
+to see him, and treated him with great kindness.
+
+18. Soon after his arrival, he paid a visit to his brother, at the
+printing office. He had on a new suit of clothes, wore a watch, and
+had about five pounds, in silver, in his pockets. Feeling rather
+elated by the success he had met with, he made quite a display of all
+his good fortune before his brother's apprentices and journeymen, and
+ended by giving them a dollar to drink his health with. This visit
+offended his brother very much, for he thought it was intended to
+mortify him.
+
+19. The letter of the governor was without any effect. His father was
+very glad that Benjamin had been able to gain the confidence of so
+eminent a man, but would not consent to his request. He wrote a civil
+letter, thanking Sir William for his promise of patronage, but saying,
+that his son was altogether too young to be intrusted with the
+management of so important and expensive an undertaking.
+
+20. Franklin gave so pleasant an account of Philadelphia, that his old
+friend Collins determined to go on and try his fortune there. Seeing
+no prospect of restoring harmony between the two brothers, his father
+consented that Benjamin should return to Philadelphia. He advised him
+to steady industry and frugality, and promised to assist in setting
+him up in business, when he should reach the age of twenty-one. With
+the approbation and blessing of his parents to follow him, he embarked
+for New York, on the way to his future home.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What was the situation of the crew on the water?
+
+ 2. How did Franklin pursue his journey?
+
+ 3. What were his fears?
+
+ 5. Describe the treatment Franklin received from the old woman.
+
+ 6. How did he get to Philadelphia?
+
+ 7. Describe his appearance on his first arrival there.
+
+10. Relate his adventure in the meeting house.
+
+11. Where did he first lodge in Philadelphia?
+
+13. Where did he obtain employment?
+
+15. How did Franklin succeed, and how did he pass his time? What was
+the promise of Sir William Keith?
+
+16. Why did Franklin go to Boston?
+
+18. Describe his visit to his brother.
+
+19. How did his father receive the governor's letter?
+
+20. What were his advice and promise to Benjamin?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Finds his Friend Collins in New York. Visit to the Governor. Promises
+from Governor Keith. Project of a new religious Sect. Anecdote of
+Keimer and the roast Pig. His principal Acquaintance. A literary
+Trick. Prepares to go to London. The Governor's Deception. Arrival in
+London._
+
+
+ 1. At New York Franklin found his friend Collins, who had arrived
+there some time before him. They had been intimate from childhood, and
+he had been sober and industrious. But during Franklin's absence in
+Philadelphia, Collins had fallen into bad habits, and become a
+drunkard. He gamed, and lost his money, and borrowed of his friend, to
+pay his expenses on the road.
+
+ 2. The governor of New York, hearing from the captain that one of his
+passengers had a great many books on board, requested that he might be
+brought to see him. Franklin, accordingly, waited upon him. He was
+received with great civility. The governor showed him his library,
+which was a considerable one, and they had a good deal of conversation
+about books and authors. This attention was very pleasing to Franklin.
+
+ 3. When they arrived at Philadelphia, Collins continued to drink, and
+was, consequently, unable to procure any business. He continued to
+borrow money of Franklin, and finally quarrelled with him, and went to
+the West Indies. Franklin never heard of him afterwards.
+
+ 4. Sir William Keith received the young printer, on his return, with a
+great show of kindness, and large promises. "Since your father will
+not set you up," he said to him, "I will do it myself. Give me a list
+of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for
+them. You shall repay me when you are able. I am resolved to have a
+good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed." This was spoken
+with an air of perfect sincerity, and Franklin had not the least doubt
+but that he meant what he said.
+
+ 5. He accordingly made a list of all the articles that would be wanted
+for a printing house, the cost of which was about one hundred pounds.
+The governor liked it, and asked whether it would not be well for him
+to go to England himself, in order to select the types, and see that
+every thing was of the best kind. "When there," he added, "you may
+make acquaintance, and establish correspondence in the bookselling and
+stationery way."
+
+ 6. Franklin thought that it might be advantageous. "Then," said he,
+"get yourself ready to go in the Annis," which was the annual ship,
+and at that time the only one passing between London and Philadelphia.
+But, as it would be some months before the Annis sailed, Franklin
+continued to work with Keimer.
+
+ 7. They agreed together very well, and lived on quite a familiar
+footing. Franklin used sometimes to argue with his master, and would
+most frequently beat him. This gave him so great an idea of Franklin's
+ability in disputation, that he proposed to him to become his
+assistant in a new religious sect which he proposed to establish. One
+was to preach the doctrines, and the other to confound all opponents.
+
+ 8. When they came to explain with each other upon their doctrines,
+Keimer was desirous of introducing certain customs, which did not
+entirely meet the wishes of his colleague. Among other things, he wore
+his beard at full length; because, somewhere in the Mosaic law, it is
+said, "Thou shalt not mar the corners of thy beard." He likewise kept
+the seventh day sabbath, instead of the first; and both of these
+points he considered essential.
+
+ 9. Franklin disliked both, but agreed to them on condition of his
+adopting the doctrine not to use animal food. Keimer was a great
+eater, and was not much pleased with the idea of being starved; but he
+consented to try the practice a few weeks, and see how it agreed with
+his constitution.
+
+10. They held to this plan for three months. Their provisions were
+purchased, cooked, and brought to them regularly by a woman in the
+neighborhood, who prepared, at different times, forty dishes, in which
+there were neither fish, flesh, nor fowl. Franklin went on well
+enough, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, grew tired of the
+project, and ordered a roast pig. He invited some friends to dine with
+him upon the occasion, but the pig being brought too soon upon the
+table, he could not resist the temptation, but ate the whole before
+his company came.
+
+11. During this time, Franklin had contracted an affection for Miss
+Read, and believed that she was not altogether indifferent in her
+feelings towards him. As he was about to take a long voyage, however,
+and as they were both very young, her mother thought it most prudent
+to defer the matter till his return from England.
+
+12. His chief acquaintance, at this period, were Charles Osborne,
+Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading. In one of their
+meetings, it was proposed that at a certain time each of them should
+produce a piece of his own composition, in order to improve, by mutual
+observations and corrections. They agreed that this task should be to
+turn the eighteenth psalm into verse.
+
+13. When the time of the meeting drew nigh, Ralph called upon
+Franklin, and told him that his piece was ready. "Now," said he,
+"Osborne never will allow the least merit in any thing of mine, but
+makes a thousand criticisms, out of mere envy. I wish, therefore, you
+would take this piece and produce it as yours; we shall then hear what
+he will say to it."
+
+14. It was agreed. At the meeting, Watson's performance was read
+first; there were some beauties in it and many defects. Osborne's
+piece was then read, and was much better. Ralph had nothing to
+produce. It was now Franklin's turn. He was backward, wished to be
+excused, but no excuse would be received. The piece he brought with
+him was read, and repeated. Osborne was delighted with it, and praised
+it in the highest terms.
+
+15. As he was returning home with Ralph, he expressed himself still
+more strongly. "Who would have imagined," said he, "that Franklin was
+capable of such a performance! such painting, such force, such fire!
+He has even improved on the original. In common conversation he seems
+to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet how he
+writes!" When they next met, the trick was discovered, and Osborne was
+laughed at for praising Ralph, by mistake.
+
+16. The governor sent for Franklin frequently to his house, and always
+spoke of setting him up in business, as a settled thing. He was to be
+furnished with letters to the governor's friends in England, and with
+an order for the money to purchase a press, types, and paper. For
+these letters he was to call at a certain time, when they would be
+ready. They were delayed, however, again and again, till the ship was
+on the point of sailing.
+
+17. When Franklin went to take leave, and receive the letters, the
+secretary came out and said, that the governor was very busy on
+business of importance, but that he would send the letters on board,
+wishing him a good voyage and a speedy return.
+
+18. Understanding that despatches had been brought on board, from the
+governor, Franklin asked the captain for the letters that were to be
+under his care. The captain told him that they had all been put into
+the bag together, and he could not then come at them; but that before
+they landed in England, he should have an opportunity of picking them
+out. This satisfied him for the present, and he thought nothing more
+of it during the voyage.
+
+19. When they arrived in the Channel, the captain kept his word, and
+permitted him to examine the bag, for the governor's letters. He found
+some upon which his name was put, and picked out six or seven, which
+he thought might be the promised letters. One of these was addressed
+to Basket, the king's printer, and another to some stationer.
+
+20. They reached London on the twenty-fourth of December, 1724.
+Franklin waited upon the stationer, who came first in his way, and
+delivered the letter as from Governor Keith. "I don't know such a
+person," said he; but opening the letter--"O! this is from Riddlesden;
+I have lately found him to be a complete rascal, and I will have
+nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him." Returning
+the letter, he turned upon his heel and went to wait upon some
+customer.
+
+21. It turned out that the governor had sent no letters by Franklin,
+but had completely deceived him. With no intention of giving him any
+assistance, he had blinded him with brilliant promises and false
+hopes. But Franklin was able to assist himself. He determined to
+procure employment among the printers in London, and acquire a
+thorough knowledge of his profession before he returned to America.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What happened to his friend Collins?
+
+ 2. What attention did Franklin receive from the governor of New York?
+
+ 4. What was Sir William Keith's conduct?
+
+ 5. What was the proposed visit to England?
+
+ 7. What started the scheme of a new sect?
+
+ 8. Why did it fail?
+
+10. Relate the anecdote of Keimer and the roast pig.
+
+12. Who were his chief acquaintance at this period? What was the task
+proposed among them?
+
+14. What was the trick played upon Osborne?
+
+17. What was the conduct of the governor?
+
+18. Did Franklin receive the letters promised by the governor?
+
+20. What was the fate of Franklin's first letter of introduction?
+
+21. What course did Franklin determine to pursue?
+
+[Illustration: Franklin delivering his letter to the Stationer in
+London.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns
+Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his
+Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia. Story
+of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work for
+him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer._
+
+
+ 1. His friend Ralph had accompanied Franklin to London, and they were
+now inseparable companions. They took lodgings together, at three
+shillings and sixpence a week. Ralph appears to have been a conceited
+and helpless character, and made several attempts to get in the way of
+procuring a livelihood. But all his plans were unsuccessful.
+
+ 2. Franklin immediately procured employment at an extensive printing
+house, where he remained nearly a year. He was diligent in work, but
+his shiftless companion consumed a good share of his earnings. His
+engagements with Miss Read he was thoughtless and heartless enough to
+forget, and never wrote to her but once during his absence. This
+conduct he afterwards considered among the greatest faults of his
+life.
+
+ 3. Ralph finally determined to leave London, and take a school in the
+country. As he was very vain, and confident of rising to literary
+eminence, he was rather ashamed of what he was silly enough to
+consider a mean occupation. He accordingly changed his name, and took
+that of his companion; desiring him to address his letters to "Mr.
+Franklin, school-master."
+
+ 4. Ralph continued to write, and, from time to time, troubled his
+friend with long extracts from an epic poem, which he was then
+composing, requesting his remarks and corrections. Franklin endeavored
+to discourage him from this undertaking, but in vain. Sheet after
+sheet continued to come by every post. Some difficulties at length
+broke out between the two friends, and Franklin was fortunately
+relieved of a burdensome dependent.
+
+ 5. He now began to think of laying up a little money; and, in
+expectation of better employment, entered a still larger printing
+house, near Lincoln's Inn Fields. His new employer was named Watts. At
+this place he became acquainted with a man by the name of Wygate, who
+had been well educated, read French and Latin, and loved reading.
+
+ 6. This man and a friend of his were desirous of learning to swim.
+Franklin had been an expert swimmer from his childhood, and was very
+fond of displaying his feats of activity in the water. He taught them
+to swim, after twice going into the river, and they soon became quite
+skilful. Wygate soon became attached to Franklin, and, at length,
+proposed that they should travel all over Europe together, supporting
+themselves on the way by working at their trade. Franklin was inclined
+to this plan, but was dissuaded from it by his friend, Mr. Denham, who
+advised him to think of returning to Philadelphia.
+
+ 7. Mr. Denham was an excellent man, and very kindly disposed towards
+Franklin. He had formerly been in business in Bristol, a city of
+England, but failing, and making a settlement with his creditors, he
+went to America. He had obtained a discharge from all his debts, by
+giving up all his property. By great industry and economy, he was able
+to acquire a large fortune, in a few years.
+
+ 8. He had returned to England, in the same ship with Franklin, and
+immediately visited his old place of business. While here, he invited
+all his old creditors to an entertainment. He then thanked them for
+the easy settlement they had favored him with; and, when they expected
+nothing but the dinner, every man found, under his plate, an order on
+the banker, for the full amount of the unpaid remainder, with
+interest.
+
+ 9. Mr. Denham was now about to return to Philadelphia, and proposed to
+take Franklin over as his clerk. He promised him, as soon as he became
+acquainted with mercantile business, to promote him, and finally
+establish him in some profitable situation. The plan pleased Franklin,
+for he had become heartily tired of London, and was anxious to return
+home. A satisfactory arrangement was made, and Franklin took leave of
+printing, as he thought, forever.
+
+10. He had thus spent about eighteen months in London, and, during
+this time, had increased his knowledge, though he had not improved his
+fortune. They sailed from Gravesend, near the mouth of the river
+Thames, on the 23d of July, and arrived in Philadelphia early in
+October. Franklin here found several alterations. Keith was no longer
+governor, and his place had been supplied by Major Gordon. Miss Read,
+despairing of his return, had been persuaded by her friends to marry a
+man by the name of Rogers, a worthless fellow, who left her, and ran
+away to the West Indies.
+
+11. Mr. Denham took a store, and Franklin attended diligently to the
+business. Affairs were going on prosperously, when they were both
+taken violently ill, in the beginning of the year 1727. Mr. Denham
+died, after a long sickness, and Franklin was again thrown upon the
+world. He tried for some time to obtain a situation as a merchant's
+clerk, but, failing in this attempt, he again made an engagement with
+his old master, Keimer.
+
+12. Keimer was anxious to obtain Franklin's services, as most of his
+hands were ignorant and needed his instruction. Among these workmen
+was George Webb, who had been an Oxford scholar, and whose story was
+an uncommon instance of opportunities neglected and thrown away.
+
+13. He was about eighteen years of age. His birthplace was Gloucester,
+in England, where he was educated at a grammar school, and had been
+distinguished when they exhibited plays. From here, he was sent to
+Oxford, where he continued about a year, but not contentedly; wishing,
+of all things, to see London, and become a player.
+
+14. At length, receiving his quarterly allowance of fifteen guineas,
+instead of discharging his debts, he went out of town, hid his gown in
+a bush, and walked to London. When here, having no friend to advise
+him, he fell into bad company, soon spent his guineas, found no means
+of being introduced among the players, grew poor, pawned his clothes,
+and wanted bread.
+
+15. Walking about the streets, very hungry, and not knowing what to
+do, a bill was put into his hands, offering immediate entertainment
+and encouragement to such as would bind themselves to serve in
+America. He went directly to sign the indentures, was put into the
+ship, and sailed without writing a line to his friends, to tell them
+what had become of him. As a companion, he was lively, witty, and
+good-natured; but idle, thoughtless, and imprudent to the last degree.
+
+16. After continuing a while with Keimer, Franklin found that his
+services became every day of less importance. At length a trifle
+snapped their connection. A great noise happening near the printing
+office, Franklin put his head out of the window to see what was the
+matter. Keimer, being in the street, looked up, and called out to him,
+in a loud and angry tone, to mind his business. A number of neighbors,
+who were standing by, saw the insolent manner in which he was treated,
+and it vexed him exceedingly. An open quarrel ensued, and Franklin
+left the printing house.
+
+17. Keimer was very desirous of persuading him to return; and, as it
+was for the interest of both that harmony should be restored, the
+quarrel was soon forgotten. A job was now obtained in New Jersey, to
+print some paper money. Franklin contrived a copperplate press for the
+purpose, the first that had been seen in the country; he also cut
+several ornaments and checks for the bills.
+
+18. To execute this job, Franklin and his employer went to Burlington.
+They performed it to the satisfaction of the government, and received
+a large compensation. During his short residence here, Franklin made
+many acquaintance and friends. One of them was Isaac Decon, the
+surveyor-general, a shrewd, sagacious old man, who began, when young,
+by wheeling clay for the brick-makers. He learned to write after he
+was twenty-one years of age, afterwards learned surveying, and had now
+acquired, by his industry, a considerable property.
+
+19. What had chiefly induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after his
+quarrel, was the persuasion of a fellow-workman, by the name of
+Meredith. The father of this young man had promised to advance money
+to establish him in business, in the ensuing spring, and he was
+desirous to set Franklin's skill against his own capital, and form a
+copartnership. The proposal was a fair one, and acceptable upon both
+sides.
+
+20. A short time after their return from Burlington, the types that
+Meredith had ordered arrived from London. They settled with Keimer,
+and left him, by his consent, before he knew any thing about their
+project.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. Where did Franklin procure employment?
+
+ 3. What was the course of his friend Ralph?
+
+ 5. What new friend did Franklin make?
+
+ 6. What proposition did he make to Franklin? Why was not the plan
+carried into execution?
+
+ 7. Who was Mr. Denham?
+
+ 8. Describe his honorable conduct towards his old creditors.
+
+ 9. What proposal did he make to Franklin?
+
+10. How long was Franklin in London? What changes had taken place
+during his absence?
+
+11. How was Franklin again thrown upon the world? What employment did
+he obtain?
+
+12. Who was George Webb?
+
+13, 14, 15. What was his story?
+
+16. How did Franklin quarrel with Keimer?
+
+17. Who contrived the first copperplate press ever seen in this
+country?
+
+18. For what purpose did Franklin visit Burlington?
+
+19. What induced Franklin to return to Keimer, after the separation?
+What was the proposal of Meredith?
+
+20. When did they leave Keimer?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Junto. A new Paper started by Keimer. Franklin purchases it.
+Difficulties in their Business. A Dissolution of the Partnership.
+Franklin assisted by his Friends. David Harry. Match-making. Marriage
+with Miss Read._
+
+
+ 1. In the autumn of the preceding year, Franklin had formed, among his
+acquaintance, a small club for mutual improvement, which they termed
+the Junto. They met on Friday evenings. The rules required that each
+member, in his turn, should produce one or more questions on any point
+of politics, morals or natural philosophy, to be discussed by the
+company, and once in three months produce and read an essay of his own
+writing on any subject he pleased.
+
+ 2. This club answered many good purposes for a great length of time.
+It introduced better habits of conversation, and drew attention to the
+most interesting subjects of general inquiry. The members of the club
+now assisted in bringing business to the young printers. Their
+industry was unwearied, and soon began to be noticed by their
+neighbors. This gave them character and credit.
+
+ 3. George Webb now came to offer them his services, as a journeyman.
+They were not then able to give him employment, but Franklin let him
+know, as a secret, that he soon intended to begin a newspaper, and
+would then probably have work for him. He told him his plan and
+expectations. His hopes of success were founded on this; that the only
+newspaper at that time printed there, by Bradford, was a miserable
+affair, badly managed, not entertaining, and yet profitable.
+
+ 4. Franklin requested Webb not to mention the project; but he told it
+to Keimer, who immediately issued proposals for publishing one
+himself. This vexed Franklin, and, as he was at that time unable to
+commence his paper, he wrote several amusing pieces for Bradford,
+under the title of the Busy Body, which were continued by one of his
+friends for several months. By this means the attention of the public
+was fixed on that paper, and Keimer's proposals were neglected. He
+began his paper, however, and carried it on about nine months, with
+only ninety subscribers. At this time, he offered it, at a very low
+price, to Franklin, who purchased it, and in a few years made it very
+profitable.
+
+ 5. The partnership still continued, though the whole management of the
+business was confided to Franklin. Meredith knew very little about
+setting types, or working at the press, and was seldom sober. The
+connection between them was to be regretted, on many accounts, but
+Meredith had established the business, and it was now necessary to
+make the best of it.
+
+ 6. Their first papers made a better appearance than any that had been
+before printed in the province. The number of subscribers continually
+increased, and the leading men found it convenient to oblige and
+encourage the printers. Bradford still printed the votes, and laws,
+and public documents; but this business soon fell into the hands of
+Franklin.
+
+ 7. A difficulty now occurred, which had been little expected. Mr.
+Meredith's father, who was to have paid for the printing house, was
+able to advance only one hundred pounds; and one hundred more were due
+to the merchant, who became impatient, and sued them all. They gave
+bail, but unless the money could have been raised in season, they must
+have sold their press and types, for payment.
+
+ 8. In this distress, two friends came forward to Franklin, and offered
+to advance the money, if he would discontinue the partnership with
+Meredith. Each made the proposition separately, and without the
+knowledge of the other. These friends were William Coleman and Robert
+Grace. Franklin told them that he considered himself under obligations
+to the Merediths, and if they should be able to fulfil their part of
+the agreement, he could not think of proposing a separation. If they
+should finally fail in their performance, and the partnership should
+be dissolved, he would then think himself at liberty to accept the
+assistance of his friends.
+
+ 9. Meredith finally proposed a dissolution of the partnership.
+Franklin consented, and the whole business was left in his hands. He
+then recurred to his friends, and took half of what he wanted from
+one, and half from the other. The separation was then publicly
+advertised, the old debts were paid off, and the business went on in
+the name of Franklin. This was in or about the year 1729.
+
+10. He now obtained several jobs from the government, and was employed
+in printing the paper money. A stationer's shop was soon added to his
+establishment, and he began to pay off gradually the debt he was under
+for the printing house. In order to secure his character and credit as
+a trades-man, he was not only industrious and frugal in reality, but
+avoided any appearance to the contrary. He dressed plainly, and was
+seen at no places of amusement. To show that he was not above his
+business, he himself sometimes brought home, on a wheel-barrow, the
+paper he purchased at the stores.
+
+11. Being thus considered an industrious and thriving young man, the
+merchants who imported stationery were desirous of his custom. Others
+proposed supplying him with books, and he went on prosperously. In the
+mean time, Keimer's business and credit declined daily, and he was at
+last obliged to sell his printing house, to satisfy his creditors. He
+went to Barbadoes, and there lived, some years, in great poverty.
+
+[Illustration: Franklin taking home his paper.]
+
+12. An apprentice of Keimer's, David Harry, bought his materials, and
+set up, in his place, in Philadelphia. His friends were rich, and
+possessed considerable influence, and Franklin was afraid that he
+would find Harry a powerful rival. He, therefore, proposed a
+partnership, which was fortunately rejected. Harry was proud, dressed
+and lived expensively, neglected his business, and ran in debt. Losing
+credit, and finding nothing to do, he followed Keimer to Barbadoes,
+taking his printing materials with him. Here he employed his old
+master as a journeyman, and was at last obliged to sell his types and
+return to work in Philadelphia.
+
+13. There now remained no other printer in the place but Bradford. He,
+however, was rich and easy, and was not anxious about doing much
+business. His situation as post-master, at that time, was supposed to
+give him some advantages in obtaining news, and distributing the
+papers; and he was, on that account, able to procure a great many more
+advertisements than Franklin. This was of great service to Bradford,
+and prevented his rival from gaining upon him so rapidly as he
+otherwise would have done.
+
+14. Franklin had hitherto boarded with Mr. Godfrey, a glazier, who was
+very much distinguished for his knowledge of mathematics. The wife of
+Mr. Godfrey was desirous of making a match for the young printer, and
+fixed upon the daughter of a neighbor, as a suitable person. She
+contrived, in several ways, to bring them together, and at length
+Franklin made proposals of marriage.
+
+15. Franklin appears to have been equally prudent and cautious in this
+affair, as in every thing else. He gave Mrs. Godfrey to understand,
+and carry to the parents, that he expected one hundred pounds with
+their daughter. She brought him word that they had no such sum to
+spare. Franklin sent back, in reply, that they might mortgage their
+house.
+
+16. The answer to this, after a few days, was, that they did not
+approve the match; that, on inquiry of Mr. Bradford, they had been
+informed the printing business was not a profitable one; that Keimer
+and Harry had failed, and that he would probably soon follow them. The
+daughter was, accordingly, shut up, and Franklin was forbidden the
+house.
+
+17. He suspected that this was merely a trick of the parents, to
+induce him to run away with the young lady, and leave them at liberty
+to make what terms they pleased. He immediately broke off the
+connection. The Godfreys were angry, quarrelled with him, and he left
+the house.
+
+18. He had always continued on friendly terms with the family of the
+young lady to whom he had been engaged before his visit to London. Her
+unfortunate marriage made her very dejected and miserable. Franklin
+saw her, and could not help attributing her unhappiness, in a great
+measure, to his own misconduct.
+
+19. Their mutual affection was revived, but there were now great
+objections to the union. Her former husband had not been heard of, and
+was supposed to be dead. All difficulties were finally surmounted, and
+he married Miss Read on the first of September, 1730.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What was the Junto? What did the rules of this club require?
+
+ 2. What good purposes did it answer?
+
+ 3. What project did Franklin communicate to George Webb?
+
+ 4. What was the consequence of this communication? What course did
+Franklin pursue?
+
+ 6. How did the paper succeed under Franklin's management?
+
+ 7. What difficulty arose at this time?
+
+ 8. Who offered Franklin their assistance?
+
+ 9. What did Meredith propose? How was Franklin relieved?
+
+10. Describe the increase of his business, and his character and
+conduct as a tradesman.
+
+11. What became of Keimer?
+
+12. Who was David Harry? What became of him?
+
+13. Who was now the only rival of Franklin?
+
+14. Describe Mrs. Godfrey's desire of match-making.
+
+15. Did Franklin show his usual prudence?
+
+16. What was the result?
+
+19. Whom did Franklin marry? When?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Library of the Junto. A public Library established. Franklin
+studies. His Frugality. Anecdote of the Bowl and Spoon. His Scheme of
+arriving at Moral Perfection. Table of Precepts. Franklin's Remarks
+upon it. Poor Richard's Almanac._
+
+
+ 1. At the time Franklin first established himself in Pennsylvania,
+there was not a good bookseller's shop any where to the south of
+Boston. In New York and Philadelphia, the printers were stationers,
+but they kept only paper, almanacs, ballads, and a few common school
+books. Those who loved reading were obliged to send for their books
+from England.
+
+ 2. The members of the Junto had, each of them, a few volumes. They had
+hired a room, in which to hold their meetings, and Franklin proposed
+that they should all bring their books to that room. In this manner
+they would not only be ready for them to consult and refer to, but
+would become a common benefit, by allowing each one to borrow such as
+he wished to read at home.
+
+ 3. This was accordingly done, and for a while answered their purpose
+very well. Finding the advantage and convenience of this little
+collection, Franklin proposed to render the benefit more general, by
+commencing a public subscription library. He drew a sketch of the plan
+and rules that would be necessary, and had them put into the form of
+articles to be subscribed. By these articles, each subscriber agreed
+to pay a certain sum for the first purchase of the books, and a yearly
+contribution for increasing them.
+
+ 4. The number of readers, at that time, in Philadelphia, was so small,
+that it was with great difficulty Franklin was able to procure fifty
+subscribers, willing to pay forty shillings to begin with, and ten
+shillings a year for a contribution. With this number the library was
+commenced. The books were imported, and lent out to subscribers. Great
+advantages were derived from the institution, and it was soon imitated
+in other places.
+
+ 5. In this library, Franklin found means of continual improvement. He
+set apart an hour or two in each day for study, and in this way, in
+some degree, made up for the loss of a learned education. Reading was
+his only amusement. His attention to business was as strict as it was
+necessary. He was in debt for his printing house, and had an
+increasing family; with two rivals in his business, who had been
+established before him. Notwithstanding all this, however, he grew
+more easy in his circumstances every day.
+
+ 6. His early habits of frugality continued. He often thought of the
+proverb of Solomon, which his father had impressed on him while a
+boy--"Seest thou a man diligent in his calling? he shall stand before
+kings, he shall not stand before mean men." Industry appeared a means
+of obtaining wealth and distinction, and the thought encouraged him to
+new exertions. We shall see, by and by, that little as his father
+expected it, the son really came to stand, with honor, in the presence
+of monarchs.
+
+ 7. His wife was, fortunately, as well inclined to industry and
+frugality as he was himself. She assisted him in his business, folding
+and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, and purchasing old linen rags
+for the paper-makers. They kept no idle servants, their table was
+simply furnished, and their furniture was plain and cheap.
+
+ 8. "My breakfast," says Franklin, "was for a long time bread and milk
+(no tea), and I ate it out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a
+pewter spoon: but mark how luxury will enter families, and make a
+progress in spite of principle; being called one morning to breakfast,
+I found it in a china bowl, with a spoon of silver. They had been
+bought for me, without my knowledge, by my wife, and had cost her the
+enormous sum of three and twenty shillings; for which she had no other
+excuse or apology to make, but that she thought her husband deserved a
+silver spoon and china bowl as well as any of his neighbors. This was
+the first appearance of plate and china in our house, which
+afterwards, in a course of years, as our wealth increased, augmented
+gradually to several hundred pounds in value."
+
+ 9. It was about this time that Franklin formed the bold and difficult
+project of arriving at moral perfection. As he knew, or thought he
+knew, what was right and wrong, he did not see why he might not always
+do the one and avoid the other. For this purpose, he made a table of
+the different virtues, with certain rules and precepts annexed to
+them. Some of these were as follows:
+
+     1. _Temperance._--Eat not to dulness: drink not to elevation.
+
+     2. _Silence._--Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself:
+    avoid trifling conversation.
+
+     3. _Order._--Let all your things have their places: let each part
+    of your business have its time.
+
+     4. _Resolution._--Resolve to perform what you ought: perform,
+    without fail, what you resolve.
+
+     5. _Frugality._--Make no expense but to do good to others or
+    yourself; that is, waste nothing.
+
+     6. _Industry._--Lose no time: be always employed in something
+    useful: cut off all unnecessary actions.
+
+     7. _Sincerity._--Use no hurtful deceit: think innocently and
+    justly: and if you speak, speak accordingly.
+
+     8. _Justice._--Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the
+    benefits that are your duty.
+
+     9. _Moderation._--Avoid extremes: forbear resenting injuries so
+    much as you think they deserve.
+
+    10. _Cleanliness._--Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or
+    habitation.
+
+    11. _Tranquility._--Be not disturbed at trifles, nor at accidents
+    common or unavoidable.
+
+10. To acquire a habit of practising these virtues, he determined to
+give a week's strict attention to each of them in succession. Thus, in
+the first week, he took care to avoid even the slightest offence
+against temperance, and strictly marked every fault in a little book
+he kept for that purpose. This book he continued to keep for a great
+number of years; till, in the pressure of public business, he was
+obliged to give it up entirely.
+
+11. "It is well," he wrote in his old age, "my posterity should be
+informed that to this little artifice their ancestor owed the constant
+felicity of his life, down to his seventy-ninth year, in which this is
+written. What reverses may attend the remainder is in the hand of
+Providence: but if they arrive, the reflection on past happiness
+enjoyed ought to help his bearing them with more resignation."
+
+12. "To _Temperance_ he ascribes his long continued health, and what
+is still left to him of a good constitution. To _Industry_ and
+_Frugality_, the early easiness of his circumstances, and acquisition
+of his fortune, with all that knowledge that enabled him to be an
+useful citizen, and obtained for him some degree of reputation among
+the learned. To _Sincerity_ and _Justice_, the confidence of his
+country, and the honorable employs it conferred upon him: and to the
+joint influence of the whole mass of the virtues, even in the
+imperfect state he was able to acquire them, all that evenness of
+temper and that cheerfulness in conversation, which makes his company
+still sought for, and agreeable even to his young acquaintance: I
+hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example,
+and reap the benefit."
+
+13. In 1732, Franklin first published his almanac, under the name of
+Richard Saunders. It was continued by him about twenty-five years, and
+was commonly called Poor Richard's Almanac. He endeavored to make it
+both entertaining and useful, and it accordingly came to be in great
+demand. As it was generally read, and as the poor people bought hardly
+any other books, Franklin thought it would be a good means to
+circulate instruction among them. He, therefore, filled all the odd
+spaces with proverbs and wise sayings.
+
+14. These proverbs contained the experience and wisdom of many nations
+and ages. In 1757, Franklin collected them into a discourse prefixed
+to the almanac for that year. In this discourse, he represented an old
+man talking to a number of people who were attending a sale at
+auction. The hour for the sale not having come, the company were
+conversing on the badness of the times.
+
+15. One of them called out to a plain, clean old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we be ever able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to do?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied, "If you'd have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for
+a word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+Poor Richard says."
+
+16. The old man then went on to advise them to be industrious and
+economical; and, in the course of his advice, repeated all of the wise
+sayings of Poor Richard. In this manner they were all collected into a
+single paper, called The Way to Wealth. This piece was very much
+approved, copied into all the American newspapers, reprinted in Great
+Britain, and translated into the French language. Large numbers of it
+were, in this manner, distributed, and undoubtedly did a good deal of
+service.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. What plan did Franklin propose for the formation of a library?
+
+ 3. How did it succeed? How did Franklin propose to extend its
+advantages?
+
+ 4. How many subscribers were obtained?
+
+ 5. Did Franklin still pursue his studies, and how? Did his early
+habits continue? What was the proverb so often repeated by his father?
+
+ 7. What was the conduct of his wife?
+
+ 8. Describe Franklin's breakfast, and give his humorous account of the
+first appearance of luxury in his house.
+
+ 9. What was Franklin's favorite project at this time? Repeat the table
+of virtues, and the precepts annexed to them.
+
+10. How did he attempt to acquire a habit of these virtues?
+
+12. To what does Franklin ascribe his long continued health? the ease
+of his circumstances? the confidence and honor he received from his
+country?
+
+13. When did he first publish his almanac? How long was it continued?
+How did he endeavor to make it useful?
+
+14. What was prefixed to the almanac for 1757?
+
+16. How was _The Way to Wealth_ approved?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_Management of his Newspaper. Study of the Languages. Chess-playing.
+The Preacher Hemphill. Stealing Sermons. Visit to Boston. Visits his
+Brother James at Newport. Usefulness of the Junto. Formation of new
+Clubs. Franklin chosen Clerk of the General Assembly. Anecdote._
+
+
+ 1. Besides his almanac, Franklin considered his newspaper as a very
+valuable means of circulating instruction and good advice among the
+people. For this purpose he frequently reprinted in it extracts from
+the Spectator, a work written a good many years ago, by several
+distinguished English authors. It is a collection of pieces on moral
+and popular subjects, in a very pleasant style, and first published in
+single numbers of a few pages each.
+
+ 2. In conducting his paper, Franklin was very careful to avoid all
+abuse of particular persons. Whenever he was requested to publish any
+thing of the kind, his answer was, that he would print the piece by
+itself, and give the author as many copies for his own use as he
+desired. He very wisely considered that his subscribers expected him
+to furnish them with useful and entertaining pieces, and not with
+abuse and violent discussions about things with which they had nothing
+to do.
+
+ 3. In 1733, Franklin sent one of his apprentices to Charleston, South
+Carolina, where a printer was wanted. He furnished him with a press
+and types, and was to receive one third of the profits of the
+business. After the death of this man, who was very irregular in
+settling his affairs with Franklin, the business was continued by his
+widow. This woman had been born and educated in Holland, where females
+were taught a knowledge of accounts. She managed the establishment
+with a great deal of prudence and success, and was in time able to
+purchase the printing office, and establish her son in it.
+
+ 4. In 1733, Franklin began the study of foreign languages. He soon
+obtained such a knowledge of the French, as to read books in that
+language with perfect ease. After this he undertook the Italian. An
+acquaintance, who was also learning it, often tempted him to play
+chess. Finding this took up too much time, Franklin refused to play
+any more, except upon one condition. This was, that whichever of them
+should beat, should have a right to impose a task upon the other;
+either of part of the grammar to be got by heart, or in translations.
+
+ 5. These tasks they were bound in honor to perform before the next
+meeting. The two friends played with about equal skill and success,
+and in this way soon beat each other into a pretty good knowledge of
+the Italian. Franklin next undertook Spanish, and learned enough to
+read books in that language with considerable ease.
+
+ 6. About the year 1734, a young preacher arrived in Philadelphia, by
+the name of Hemphill. He had a good voice, and delivered very
+excellent sermons. Large numbers were attracted by his eloquence, of
+different doctrines and belief. Among the rest, Franklin became a very
+constant hearer. He was pleased with his sermons, because they
+impressed the love and the practice of virtue and goodness, without
+quarrelling about hard questions of doctrinal religion.
+
+ 7. Some of the congregation, however, disapproved of his preaching,
+and united with the old ministers to attempt to put him down. Franklin
+took sides with him very warmly, and did all he could to raise a party
+in his favor. He wrote two or three pamphlets in his defence.
+
+ 8. During this contest the unlucky preacher hurt his own cause by a
+very unpardonable meanness. One of his enemies heard him preach a very
+eloquent sermon, and thought he had somewhere heard or read parts of
+it before. On looking into the matter, he found the preacher had
+stolen several passages from a discourse delivered by a celebrated
+English divine. This discovery induced many of his friends to desert
+him, and he was obliged to go in search of a congregation less
+inquisitive.
+
+ 9. After ten years' absence from Boston, Franklin determined to make a
+journey there to visit his relations. He was now doing very good
+business, and was in quite easy circumstances. He had seen a good many
+changes in his fortunes, since he first ran away from his native
+place; and his industry and good sense were to bring about still
+greater changes.
+
+10. In returning to Philadelphia, he stopped at Newport, to see his
+brother James, who was, at that time, settled there with his printing
+office. Their former differences were at once forgotten, and the
+meeting was very cordial and affectionate. James was at that time in
+very ill health, and in expectation of a speedy death. He,
+accordingly, requested Benjamin, when that event should happen, to
+take home his son, then but ten years of age, and bring him up to the
+printing business.
+
+11. This he accordingly performed, sending him a few years to school
+before he took him into the office. When James died, his widow carried
+on the business till her son was grown up. At that time, Benjamin
+assisted them with an assortment of new types, and they were, in this
+manner, enabled to continue the establishment.
+
+[Illustration: Reconciliation of Franklin with his Brother.]
+
+12. The club which Franklin had founded proved to be so useful, and
+afforded so much satisfaction to the members, that they proposed to
+introduce their friends, and increase their number. They had, from the
+beginning, determined to keep the _Junto_ a secret, and the secret was
+kept better than such things usually are. Franklin was of opinion that
+twelve members formed a club sufficiently large, and that it would be
+inconvenient to increase it.
+
+13. Instead of adding to their number, he proposed that every member,
+separately, should endeavor to form another club, with the same rules
+and on the same plan, without informing them of the existence of the
+Junto. The project was approved, and every member undertook to form
+his club; but they did not all succeed. Five or six only were
+completed, which were called by different names, as the _Vine_, the
+_Union_, the _Band_. These clubs were useful, and afforded their
+members a good deal of amusement and information.
+
+14. In 1736, Franklin was chosen clerk of the General Assembly. The
+choice was made that year without any opposition, but, on the next, a
+new member of that body made a long speech against him. This, however,
+did not prevent his second election. The place was one of some credit,
+and, by giving Franklin an opportunity to make friends among the
+members, enabled him to secure the business of printing the public
+laws, votes, and paper money.
+
+15. The new member, who had opposed Franklin, was a man of education
+and talents, and it was desirable to gain his good opinion. Franklin
+was too proud to pay any servile respect to him, but was too prudent
+not to wish for his favor. After some time, with his usual shrewdness
+and knowledge of human nature, he hit upon the following expedient.
+
+16. Having heard that this gentleman had in his library a very scarce
+and curious book, he wrote a note, requesting that he would do him the
+favor of lending it for a few days. The book was immediately sent, and
+in about a week was returned by the borrower, with a short note,
+expressive of his sincere thanks for the favor.
+
+17. The next time they met in the house, the gentleman spoke to
+Franklin with a great deal of civility. He ever after manifested a
+readiness to serve him, and they became great friends. "This is
+another instance," observes Franklin, "of the truth of an old maxim I
+had learned, which says--'He that has done you a kindness will be more
+ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.' And
+it shows how much more profitable it is prudently to remove than to
+resent, return, and continue inimical proceedings."
+
+18. In 1737, Colonel Spotswood, at that time postmaster-general, being
+dissatisfied with his deputy at Philadelphia, took away his
+commission, and offered it to Franklin. He accepted it with readiness,
+and found it of great advantage. Though the salary was small, the
+office gave him the means of increasing the subscribers to his paper,
+and in this way increased his advertisements. His paper now began to
+afford him a very considerable income.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. How did he make his newspaper serviceable in circulating
+instruction?
+
+ 2. What was he very careful to avoid?
+
+ 3. Describe the conduct of the woman whose husband Franklin had
+established in business.
+
+ 4. When did Franklin begin the study of foreign languages? What
+languages did he study? Relate the anecdote about chess-playing.
+
+ 6. Who was Hemphill?
+
+ 7. What did Franklin write in his behalf?
+
+ 8. How did the preacher ruin his own cause?
+
+ 9. How long had Franklin been absent from Boston when he determined to
+revisit it?
+
+10. How was the interview between the brothers at Newport? What
+request did James make respecting his son?
+
+11. How did Franklin comply with this request?
+
+12. How did the Junto flourish?
+
+13. What new clubs were formed? How?
+
+14. To what office was Franklin elected in 1736?
+
+16. How did Franklin conciliate a member who was opposed to him?
+
+17. What is the old maxim quoted by Franklin?
+
+18. To what office was Franklin appointed in 1737?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Reform of the City Watch. Fire Companies. Rev. Mr. Whitefield.
+Effects of his Preaching. His Project of building an Orphan House in
+Georgia. Anecdotes. Franklin's Opinion of him. Franklin's Prosperity.
+Military Defence of the Province. Formation of Companies._
+
+
+ 1. Franklin now began to turn his attention to public affairs. One of
+his first efforts in this way was to reform the city watch. This was
+managed in the different wards by the constables, who assembled a
+certain number of housekeepers to attend them for the night. Those who
+did not choose to attend paid six shillings a year to be excused. This
+made the constableship an office of profit: for, instead of spending
+the money thus received in hiring other watchmen, it was spent in
+liquors, by which the constables were able to get a parcel of
+ragamuffins about them, instead of decent and orderly men.
+
+ 2. These fellows seldom went the rounds of the watch, but spent most
+of the night in tippling. In the course of a few years, by the
+exertions of Franklin and his friends, an entire alteration was
+produced in the laws upon this subject. About the same time that he
+began to converse at the _Junto_ on the abuses of the watch, he wrote
+a paper on the different accidents by which houses were set on fire,
+and means proposed of avoiding them.
+
+ 3. This gave rise to a project, which soon followed, of forming a
+company to assist, with readiness, at fires. Thirty persons were
+immediately found, willing to join in the scheme. Their articles of
+agreement obliged every member to keep, always in order and fit for
+use, a certain number of leathern buckets, with strong bags and
+baskets for packing and carrying goods, which were to be brought at
+every fire. They also held a monthly meeting, to converse upon the
+subject of fires, and communicate such ideas as might be useful in
+their conduct on such occasions.
+
+ 4. This company proved so useful, that another was soon formed; and
+thus went on, one new company after another, till they included most
+of the inhabitants who were men of property. The club first formed was
+called the UNION FIRE COMPANY, and, we believe, still exists. These
+institutions have been exceedingly useful in extinguishing fires and
+preserving property.
+
+ 5. In 1739, the Reverend Mr. Whitefield arrived in Philadelphia, from
+Ireland. This man had made himself very remarkable as a preacher,
+going about the country and discoursing, sometimes in churches,
+sometimes in the fields, to crowds of people, with great effect. He
+was, at first, permitted to preach in some of the churches in
+Philadelphia, but the clergy soon took a dislike to him, and refused
+him their pulpits. This obliged him again to discourse in the streets
+and open fields.
+
+ 6. Large multitudes collected to hear his sermons. "It was wonderful,"
+says Franklin, "to see the change soon made in the manners of our
+inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it
+seemed as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could
+not walk through the town in an evening, without hearing psalms sung
+in different families of every street. And it being found inconvenient
+to assemble in the open air, subject to its inclemencies, the building
+of a house to meet in was no sooner proposed, and persons appointed to
+receive contributions, but sufficient sums were soon received to
+procure the ground and erect the building, which was one hundred feet
+long and seventy broad; and the work was carried on with such spirit,
+as to be finished in a much shorter time than could be expected."
+
+ 7. On leaving Philadelphia, Mr. Whitefield went preaching all the way
+through the colonies to Georgia. The settlement of that province had
+then been recently commenced, and was made with people entirely unfit
+for such a service. They were unable to endure hardships, and perished
+in great numbers, leaving many helpless children, with nothing to feed
+or shelter them.
+
+ 8. "The sight of their miserable situation," says Franklin, "inspired
+the benevolent heart of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of building an
+orphan house there, in which they might be supported and educated.
+Returning northward, he preached up this charity, and made large
+collections; for his eloquence had a wonderful power over the hearts
+and purses of his hearers, of which I myself was an instance.
+
+ 9. "I did not disapprove of the design, but as Georgia was then
+destitute of materials and workmen, and it was proposed to send them
+from Philadelphia, at a great expense, I thought it would have been
+better to have built the house at Philadelphia, and brought the
+children to it. This I advised, but he was resolute in his first
+project, rejected my counsel, and I, therefore, refused to contribute.
+
+10. "I happened, soon after, to attend one of his sermons, in the
+course of which, I perceived he intended to finish with a collection,
+and I silently resolved he should get nothing from me. I had in my
+pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and
+five pistoles in gold; as he proceeded, I began to soften, and
+concluded to give the copper. Another stroke of his oratory made me
+ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished
+so admirably, that I emptied my pocket wholly into the collector's
+dish, gold and all!
+
+11. "At this sermon there was also one of our club, who, being of my
+sentiments respecting the building in Georgia, and suspecting a
+collection might be intended, had, by precaution, emptied his pockets
+before he came from home; towards the conclusion of the discourse,
+however, he felt a strong inclination to give, and applied to a
+neighbor who stood near him, to lend him some money for the purpose.
+The request was fortunately made to perhaps the only man in the
+company who had the firmness not to be affected by the preacher. His
+answer was, 'At any other time, friend Hopkinson, I would lend to thee
+freely; but not now, for thee seems to me to be out of thy right
+senses.'
+
+12. "Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he
+would apply these collections to his own private emolument; but I, who
+was intimately acquainted with him (being employed in printing his
+sermons, journals, &c.), never had the least suspicion of his
+integrity, but am to this day decidedly of opinion, that he was, in
+all his conduct, a perfectly honest man; and methinks my testimony in
+his favor ought to have the more weight, as we had no religious
+connection. Ours was a mere civil friendship, sincere on both sides,
+and lasted to his death.
+
+13. "The last time I saw Mr. Whitefield was in London, when he
+consulted me about his orphan house concern, and his purpose of
+appropriating it to the establishment of a college.
+
+14. "He had a loud and clear voice, and articulated his words so
+perfectly that he might be heard and understood at a great distance;
+especially as his auditories observed the most perfect silence. He
+preached one evening from the top of the court house steps, which are
+in the middle of Market street, and on the west side of Second street,
+which crosses it at right angles. Both streets were filled with
+hearers to a considerable distance; being among the hindmost in Market
+street, I had the curiosity to learn how far he could be heard, by
+retiring backwards down the street towards the river, and I found his
+voice distinct till I came near Front street, when some noise in that
+street obscured it. I computed that he might well be heard by more
+than thirty thousand. This reconciled me to the newspaper accounts of
+his having preached to 25,000 people in the fields, and to the history
+of generals haranguing whole armies, of which I had sometimes
+doubted."
+
+15. Franklin's business was now constantly increasing, and his
+newspaper had become very profitable. He began to feel the truth of
+the old proverb, "that after getting the first hundred pounds, it is
+more easy to get the second." Those of his workmen who behaved well,
+he established in printing houses in different colonies, on easy
+terms. Most of them did well, and were able to repay him what he had
+advanced, and go on working for themselves.
+
+16. At this period, there were no preparations for military defence in
+Pennsylvania. The inhabitants were mostly Quakers, and had neglected
+to take any suitable measures against the enemies to whom they might
+be exposed. There was also no college in the state, nor any proper
+provision for the complete education of youth. Franklin accordingly
+turned his attention to these very important subjects.
+
+17. Spain had been several years at war with Great Britain, and had
+now been recently joined by France. From the French possessions in
+Canada, Pennsylvania was exposed to continual danger. The governor of
+the province had been some time trying to prevail upon the Quaker
+assembly to pass a militia law, and take other necessary steps for
+their security. He tried, however, in vain.
+
+18. Franklin thought something might be done by a subscription among
+the people. To promote this plan, he wrote and published a pamphlet
+called PLAIN TRUTH. In this he stated their exposed and helpless
+situation, and represented the necessity of union for their defence.
+The pamphlet had a sudden and surprising effect. A meeting of the
+citizens was appointed, and attended by a considerable number.
+Proposals of the intended union had been printed, and distributed
+about the room, to be signed by those who approved them. When the
+company separated, the papers were collected and found to contain
+above twelve hundred signatures.
+
+19. Other copies were scattered about the country, and the subscribers
+at length amounted to upwards of ten thousand. All these furnished
+themselves, as soon as they could, with arms, formed themselves into
+companies and regiments, chose their own officers, and met every week
+to be instructed in military exercises. The women made subscriptions
+among themselves, and provided silk colors, which they presented to
+the companies, painted with different ornaments and mottoes, supplied
+by Franklin.
+
+20. The officers of the companies that formed the Philadelphia
+regiment chose Franklin for their colonel. Not considering himself fit
+for the office, he declined; and recommended that Mr. Lawrence, a man
+of influence and of a fine person, should be chosen in his place. This
+gentleman was accordingly elected.
+
+21. Franklin now proposed a lottery, to pay the expenses of building a
+battery below the town, and of furnishing it with cannon. The lottery
+was rapidly filled, and the battery soon erected. They brought some
+old cannon from Boston, and these not proving sufficient, they sent to
+London for more. The associates kept a nightly guard at the battery,
+and Franklin regularly took his turn of duty, as a common soldier.
+
+22. His activity in these measures was agreeable to the governor and
+council, and secured their favor. They took him into their confidence,
+and consulted him on all operations in respect to the military.
+Franklin took the opportunity to propose a public fast, to promote
+reformation, and implore the blessing of Heaven on their undertaking.
+They embraced the motion, but as this was the first fast ever thought
+of in the province, there was no form for the proclamation. Franklin
+drew it up in the style of the New England proclamation; it was
+translated into German, printed in both languages, and circulated
+through the province. This gave the clergy of the different sects an
+opportunity of influencing their hearers to join the association; and
+it would, probably, have been general among all but the Quakers, if it
+had not been for the news of peace.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What reform did Franklin introduce, when he first turned his
+attention to public affairs?
+
+ 2. On what subject did he write a paper for the Junto?
+
+ 3. To what project did this give rise? How did it succeed?
+
+ 4. Was it useful? What was it called?
+
+ 5. What is stated of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield?
+
+ 6. What does Franklin say of the change in the manners of the
+inhabitants?
+
+ 7. Where did Mr. Whitefield go on leaving Philadelphia?
+
+ 8. What charitable design did he form at this period?
+
+ 9. What was Franklin's opinion upon the subject?
+
+10. What anecdote does Franklin relate of the collection?
+
+11. What anecdote of a member of the club?
+
+12. What does Franklin say of Mr. Whitefield's character?
+
+13. Where did Franklin see him for the last time?
+
+14. What does he say of his eloquence? By how many did he compute that
+he might be heard at a time?
+
+15. How were Franklin's affairs succeeding at this time?
+
+16. To what very important subjects did Franklin now turn his
+attention?
+
+17. How was Pennsylvania exposed to danger? What obstacle was there to
+the passage of a militia law?
+
+18. What did Franklin write on the subject? What did he propose for
+their defence?
+
+19. How many subscribers were obtained to these proposals? What
+measures did they take?
+
+20. To what office was Franklin now chosen, and why did he decline?
+
+21. By what means was the battery erected and furnished?
+
+22. What did Franklin propose? How was the proclamation for fast drawn
+up and circulated? What news was brought at this time?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_Anecdote. William Penn. Education of Youth. Subscription for an
+Academy. Franklin overloaded with public Offices. Member of the
+Assembly. Treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. Public Hospital.
+Anecdote._
+
+
+ 1. It was thought by some of the friends of Franklin, that he would
+offend the peace-loving sect of Quakers, by his activity in these
+warlike preparations. A young man, who had some friends in the
+assembly, and wished to succeed him as their clerk, told him, in a
+quiet way, that it was intended to displace him at the next election,
+and that, as a friend, he should advise him to resign.
+
+ 2. The answer which Franklin made to this obliging young man was in
+the following words:--"I have heard or read of some public man, who
+made it a rule never to ask for an office, and never to refuse one
+when offered to him. I approve of this rule, and shall practise it
+with a small addition; I shall never _ask_, never _refuse_, nor ever
+RESIGN an office. If they will have my office of clerk to dispose of
+it to another, they shall take it from me. I will not give it up." At
+the next election, Franklin was unanimously elected clerk.
+
+ 3. Notwithstanding the general sentiments of the Quakers, Franklin
+thought the military defence of the country not disagreeable to any of
+them. One of their number, the learned and honorable Mr. Logan, wrote
+an address to them, declaring his approbation of defensive war, and
+supporting his opinion by very strong arguments. This gentleman
+related an anecdote of his old master, William Penn, in respect to the
+subject of defence, which is quite amusing.
+
+ 4. "He came over from England, when a young man, as secretary to this
+distinguished Quaker. It was war time, and their ship was chased by an
+armed vessel, supposed to be an enemy. Their captain prepared for
+defence, but told William Penn and his company of Quakers, that he did
+not expect their assistance, and they might retire into the cabin.
+They all retired except James Logan, who chose to stay upon deck, and
+was quartered to a gun.
+
+ 5. "The supposed enemy proved a friend, so there was no fighting. When
+the secretary went to carry the information to his friends in the
+cabin, William Penn spoke to him in severe language for staying upon
+deck, and undertaking to assist in the defence of the vessel, contrary
+to the principles of the Friends. This reproof, being before all the
+company, vexed the secretary, who replied--'I being thy servant, why
+did thee not order me to come down; but thee was willing enough that I
+should stay and help to fight the ship, when thee thought there was
+danger.'"
+
+ 6. Peace being concluded, and the business of defence at an end,
+Franklin next turned his thoughts to the affair of establishing an
+academy. The first step he took was to associate in the design a
+number of his active friends; the next was to write and publish a
+pamphlet, entitled "Proposals relating to the Education of Youth in
+Philadelphia." This he distributed among the principal inhabitants,
+and in a short time opened a subscription for supporting an academy.
+The subscribers were desirous of carrying the plan into immediate
+execution. The constitutions for the government of the academy were
+soon drawn up and signed, a house was hired, masters engaged, and the
+school opened. This was in the year 1749.
+
+ 7. The scholars increased rapidly, the house was soon found too small,
+when accident threw in their way a large house, ready built, which,
+with a few alterations, would exactly answer their purpose. This was
+the building erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield. Some difficulty
+had been found by the trustees in paying the expenses of this church,
+and they were prevailed upon to give it up for the academy. It was
+soon made fit for that purpose, and the scholars were removed into the
+building. The whole care and trouble of superintending this work fell
+upon Franklin, who found sufficient leisure to attend to it, from
+having taken a very able and industrious partner in his printing
+business.
+
+ 8. Franklin now thought that he should find leisure, during the rest
+of his life, to pursue his philosophical studies and amusements. He
+purchased all the instruments and apparatus of Dr. Spence, who had
+come from England to lecture on philosophy in Philadelphia. His
+intention was to proceed with diligence in his experiments in
+electricity. But the public now considered him a man of leisure, and
+laid hold of him for their purposes.
+
+ 9. He seems to have been quite overloaded with offices. The governor
+made him a justice of the peace. The city corporation chose him a
+member of the common council, and shortly after alderman. The citizens
+elected him to represent them in the assembly, of which he had so long
+been clerk. All these offices were signs of the esteem and respect in
+which he was held among his fellow citizens.
+
+10. Franklin tried the office of justice of the peace a little while,
+by attending a few courts, and sitting on the bench to hear causes.
+Finding, however, that it required more knowledge of the law than he
+possessed, he gradually withdrew from it; excusing himself by being
+obliged to attend his duties as member of the assembly. To this office
+he was chosen for ten years in succession, without ever asking any
+elector for his vote, or signifying, directly or indirectly, any
+desire of the honor. On taking his seat in the house, his son was
+appointed their clerk.
+
+11. During the next year, a treaty was to be held with the Indians at
+Carlisle. The governor sent a message to the house, requesting that
+they should nominate some of their members, to be joined with some
+members of council, for that purpose. The house named the speaker, Mr.
+Norris, and Dr. Franklin; and being commissioned, they went to
+Carlisle to treat with the Indians.
+
+12. As the Indians were very apt to drink to excess, and when drunk
+were very quarrelsome and disorderly, the commissioners strictly
+forbade the sale of any liquor to them. When they complained of this,
+they were told that, on condition of their remaining perfectly sober
+during the treaty, they should have plenty of rum when the business
+was over. They accordingly promised this, and kept their promise for
+the very best reason in the world--because they were unable to break
+it. The treaty was conducted with perfect order, and concluded to the
+satisfaction of both parties.
+
+13. They then claimed and received the rum. This was in the afternoon.
+The Indians were about one hundred in number, men, women and children,
+and were lodged in cabins, built in the form of a square, just without
+the town. In the evening there was a great noise among them, and the
+commissioners walked out to see what was the matter. They found a
+great bonfire built in the middle of the square, and the men and
+women, in a state of intoxication, fighting and quarrelling around it.
+The tumult could not be stilled, and the commissioners retired to
+their lodgings.
+
+14. At midnight, a number of the Indians came thundering at their
+door, demanding more rum; but the commissioners took no notice of
+them. The next day they were sensible of their misbehavior, and sent
+three of their old counsellors to make an excuse. The orator
+acknowledged the fault, but laid it upon the rum; and then endeavored
+to excuse the rum, by saying--"The Great Spirit, who made all things,
+made every thing for some use, and whatever use he designed any thing
+for, that use it should always be put to: now, when he made rum, he
+said, 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be
+so." It is a sad truth that among all savage nations, the introduction
+of spirituous liquor has been the most severe curse that ever fell
+upon them.
+
+15. In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond formed a plan to establish an hospital in
+Philadelphia, for the reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether
+inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was very active in
+endeavoring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being
+new in America, and at first not well understood, he met with but
+little success. At length he came to Franklin with the compliment that
+there was no such a thing as carrying a public-spirited thing through,
+without his being concerned in it. "For," said he, "I am often asked
+by those to whom I propose subscribing, _Have you consulted Franklin
+on this business? And what does he think of it?_ And when I tell
+them I have not, they do not subscribe, but say, _they will consider
+it_."
+
+16. Franklin inquired into the nature and probable usefulness of the
+scheme, and being satisfied in respect to it, not only subscribed
+himself, but was active in procuring subscriptions from others. Some
+aid was obtained from the assembly of the province. A convenient and
+handsome building was soon erected, the institution was found useful,
+and flourishes to the present day.
+
+17. It was about this time that another projector, the Rev. Gilbert
+Tennent, came to Franklin with a request that he would assist him in
+procuring subscriptions to erect a new meeting-house. It was to be
+devoted to the use of a congregation he had gathered among the
+original disciples of Mr. Whitefield. Franklin was too wise to make
+himself disagreeable to his fellow citizens, by such frequent calls
+upon their generosity, and absolutely refused. The gentleman then
+desired he would furnish him with a list of the names of persons he
+knew by experience to be generous and public-spirited. This, also, was
+refused; for it was hard that their kind compliance with a request of
+charity should mark them out to be worried by all who chose to call
+upon them.
+
+18. Franklin was then asked to give his advice. "That I will do," he
+replied; "and in the first place, I advise you to apply to all those
+who you know will give something; next, to those of whom you are
+uncertain whether they will give any thing or not, and show them the
+list of those who have given; and lastly, do not neglect those who you
+are sure will give nothing; for in some of them you may be mistaken."
+The clergyman laughed, and promised to take his advice. He did so, for
+he asked of _every body_, and soon obtained money enough to erect
+a spacious and elegant meeting house.
+
+19. Franklin now exerted himself in several matters that, however
+small they may seem, affected the convenience and comfort of his
+fellow citizens in a great degree. This was in respect to cleaning,
+paving, and lighting the streets. By talking, and writing in the
+papers, he was able to introduce great changes in these matters, which
+were very important to the cleanliness and good appearance of the
+[text missing in printed book]
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What advice did Franklin receive at this time?
+
+ 2. What answer did he return? What was the result of the election?
+
+ 3. What did Franklin consider the opinion of Quakers on the subject of
+defence?
+
+ 4. What anecdote is related of William Penn?
+
+ 6. To what did Franklin turn his attention on the declaration of
+peace? In what year was the academy founded?
+
+ 7. What building was taken for the school house?
+
+ 8. To what pursuits did he now intend to devote himself? What did the
+public consider him?
+
+ 9. What offices did he receive at this time?
+
+10. Why did he retire from the office of justice of the peace?
+
+11. Who were appointed to treat with the Indians?
+
+12. What is related of the Indians? How was the treaty concluded?
+
+13. What happened in the evening?
+
+14. What course did they pursue the next day? How did the
+commissioners excuse themselves?
+
+15. Who proposed the plan for the Philadelphia hospital? What
+compliment did he pay to Franklin?
+
+16. Did Franklin approve of the scheme and assist in it?
+
+17. What did Mr. Gilbert Tennent request of Franklin? How was his
+request treated?
+
+18. What advice did Franklin give?
+
+19. To what smaller matters of public interest did Franklin now
+attend?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_Spence's Experiments in Electricity. Franklin repeats them. Makes
+important Discoveries. Letters to Collinson. Experiment with the Kite.
+Publication of his Letters. Anecdote of the Abbe Nollet. Fame of
+Franklin. Elected a Member of the Royal Society._
+
+
+ 1. It was in the year 1746, that Franklin first attended to the branch
+of philosophy in which he afterwards became so distinguished. During
+that year he was in Boston, and there met with a Dr. Spence, who
+showed him some experiments in electricity. It was a subject
+altogether new to him, and, though the experiments were not very well
+performed, they surprised and pleased him.
+
+ 2. If you take a stick of sealing-wax, or a glass tube, or a piece of
+amber which has been a long time untouched, and bring it near some
+small pieces of paper, chaff, or other light substance, it produces no
+impression upon them. But if you first rub lightly and briskly the
+wax, the tube, or the amber, with a piece of dry woollen cloth, or cat
+skin, and then bring it near any of these light substances, you will
+find that they fly to it, and remain upon it. The power which attracts
+these substances, and which is excited by the rubbing, is called
+_electricity_.
+
+ 3. It is so called from a Greek word which signifies amber, the
+substance in which this power was first observed. Amber is a brittle
+mineral substance, of a yellow, and sometimes a reddish brown color.
+It is found in several countries in Europe, and has recently been
+found in the United States, at Cape Sable, in Maryland. This is the
+substance with which the first electrical experiment was performed,
+ages ago, by a Greek philosopher of the name of Thales.
+
+ 4. Several centuries passed without any thing being known upon this
+subject, beyond the fact that these substances possessed this power.
+At length it began to attract the attention of modern philosophers. In
+1742, several ingenious Germans engaged in the subject, and the
+results of their researches astonished all Europe. They obtained large
+apparatus, by means of which they were enabled to collect large
+quantities of the electric fluid, and produce several wonders which
+had been before unobserved.
+
+ 5. These experiments excited the curiosity of other philosophers. Mr.
+Peter Collinson, fellow of the Royal Society of London, about the year
+1745, sent to the library company of Philadelphia a glass tube, with
+some account of its use in making such experiments. Franklin eagerly
+seized the opportunity of repeating those which he had seen at Boston,
+and, by much practice, acquired great readiness in performing those of
+which they had an account from England.
+
+ 6. He was soon enabled to make a number of important discoveries, and
+his house was, for some time, continually full of people who came to
+see the new wonders. His observations upon the subject were, from time
+to time, communicated to his friend Collinson, in a series of letters,
+the first of which is dated March 28, 1747. These were read before the
+Royal Society, where they were not at first thought worthy of much
+attention.
+
+ 7. In the year 1749, Franklin first suggested the idea of explaining
+the sameness of electricity with lightning. A paper upon this subject,
+which he wrote for Mr. Kinnersly, was read before the members of the
+Royal Society, and excited a hearty laugh. But it was the lot of this
+neglected theory to be generally adopted by philosophers, and to bid
+fair to endure for ages.
+
+ 8. It was in the same year, that Franklin started the plan of proving
+the truth of his doctrine, by actually drawing down the lightning, by
+means of sharp-pointed iron rods raised high into the clouds. It was
+not until the summer of 1752, that he was enabled to complete his
+grand discovery by actual experiment.
+
+ 9. The plan which he had first proposed was, to erect a box on some
+high tower, or other elevated place, from which should rise a pointed
+iron rod. He thought that electrified clouds, passing over it, would
+impart a portion of their electricity, which would be made evident by
+presenting a key or the knuckle to it. There was at this time, in
+Philadelphia, no opportunity of trying an experiment of the kind. But
+while Franklin was waiting for the erection of a spire, it occurred to
+him that he might have a more ready access to the clouds by means of a
+common kite.
+
+10. He prepared a kite by fastening two cross sticks to a silk
+handkerchief, which would not suffer from the rain so much as paper.
+To the upright stick he affixed an iron point. The string was, as
+usual, of hemp, excepting the lower end, which was made of silk,
+because this substance does not give a free passage to the
+electricity.
+
+11. With this kite, on the appearance of a thunder storm, he went out
+into the commons with his son, to whom alone he had communicated his
+intentions. He placed himself under a shed to avoid the rain; his kite
+was raised--a thunder cloud passed over it, but no sign of electricity
+appeared. The experiment had almost been given up in despair, when he
+perceived, in the loose fibres of the string, evident appearances of
+electricity. By continued observation the fact was most clearly
+proved; and the honor of establishing the sameness of electricity and
+lightning was won by Franklin.
+
+12. The letters which Franklin had sent to Mr. Collinson were
+published by that gentleman in a separate volume, under the title
+of "New Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at
+Philadelphia, in America." They were read with great eagerness, and
+soon translated into different languages. A very incorrect French
+translation fell into the hands of the celebrated Buffon, who was much
+pleased with it, and performed the experiments with success. A more
+correct translation was undertaken at his request, and contributed
+much towards spreading a knowledge of Franklin's principles in France.
+His experiments were repeated by most of the distinguished
+philosophers throughout Europe.
+
+13. By these experiments, the truth of Franklin's doctrine was
+established in the firmest manner. When it could no longer be doubted,
+some men were anxious to take away from its merit. It was considered
+at that time rather mortifying to the European philosophers, to admit
+that an American could make important discoveries which had escaped
+their notice.
+
+14. The Abbe Nollet, preceptor in natural philosophy to the royal
+family of France, was exceedingly offended at the publication of
+Franklin's letters. He had himself written about electricity, and
+could not at first believe that such a work had really come from
+America. He said it must have been composed by his enemies in Paris,
+to oppose his system. Afterwards, having been assured that there
+really existed such a person as Franklin at Philadelphia, he published
+a volume of letters, in defence of his own ideas upon the subject, and
+denying the propositions of the American philosopher.
+
+15. Franklin thought at one time of writing a letter in reply to the
+abbe, and actually began one. But on considering that any one might
+repeat his experiments, and ascertain for himself whether or not they
+were true, he concluded to let his papers shift for themselves;
+believing it was better to spend what time he could spare in making
+new experiments than in disputing about those already made.
+
+16. The event gave him no cause to repent of his silence. His friend,
+Monsieur Le Roy, of the Royal Academy of Sciences, took up his cause,
+and refuted the abbe. Franklin's volume was translated into the
+Italian, German and Latin languages; and the doctrine it contained
+was, by degrees, generally adopted by the philosophers of Europe, in
+preference to that of Nollet.
+
+17. What gave his book the more sudden and general celebrity was the
+success of one of its proposed experiments, made at Marly, for drawing
+lightning from the clouds. This engaged the public attention every
+where. The "Philadelphia experiments," as they were called, were
+performed before the king and court, and all the curious of Paris
+flocked to see them.
+
+18. Dr. Wright, an English physician, was at Paris when they were the
+talk and wonder of the day. He wrote to a member of the Royal Society
+an account of the high esteem in which the experiments of Franklin
+were held by learned men abroad and of their surprise that his
+writings had been so little noticed in England. The society, on this,
+resumed the consideration of the letters that had been read to them,
+and a summary account of their doctrines was drawn up and published
+among their philosophical essays and transactions.
+
+19. To make Franklin some amends for the slight with which they had
+before treated him, the society chose him a member, without his having
+made the usual application. They also presented him with the gold
+medal of Sir Godfrey Copley for the year 1753, the delivery of which
+was accompanied by a very complimentary speech from the president,
+Lord Macclesfield.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. When did Franklin first attend to electricity?
+
+ 2. Relate the substance of the second paragraph.
+
+ 3. From what is the word electricity derived? What is amber? Where is
+it found?
+
+ 4. When was the subject first examined by modern philosophers?
+
+ 5. What did Mr. Collinson send to Philadelphia?
+
+ 7. When did Franklin first suggest that electricity and lightning were
+the same?
+
+ 8. How did he propose to prove the truth of his doctrine? When did he
+prove it by actual experiment?
+
+ 9. What plans had he at first proposed? What occurred to him
+afterwards?
+
+10. How did he prepare the kite?
+
+11. Relate the progress of the experiment.
+
+12. Under what title were Franklin's letters on the subject printed?
+How were they received? By whose request was a correct French
+translation made?
+
+13. What was the result of the establishment of Franklin's doctrine?
+
+14. What was the conduct of the Abbe Nollet?
+
+15. What course did Franklin pursue on the subject?
+
+16. Did he regret his silence? State the substance of this paragraph.
+
+17. What gave the book the more general celebrity?
+
+18. Who was Dr. Wright? What communication did he make to the Royal
+Society?
+
+19. What honors did the society confer upon him?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Appointed Postmaster-General. Journey to New England. Receives
+Degrees from two Colleges. Story of the Visit to his Mother._
+
+
+ 1. Having been some time employed by the postmaster-general of America
+in regulating the several offices, and bringing the officers to
+account, upon his death, in 1753, Franklin was appointed, jointly with
+another gentleman, to succeed him. The American office had before this
+time never paid any thing to that of Great Britain; and the new
+postmasters were to have six hundred pounds between them, if they
+could make that sum out of the profits of the office.
+
+ 2. To do this, a variety of improvements were necessary, some of which
+were at first very expensive; so that, for the first four years, the
+office became more than nine hundred pounds in debt to them.
+Afterwards they began to be repaid, and before Franklin was displaced,
+they had brought it to yield three times as much clear profit to the
+crown, as the post-office of Ireland. After Franklin's dismission,
+they never received a farthing from it.
+
+ 3. The business of the post-office occasioned his taking a journey to
+New England, where the College of Cambridge presented him with the
+degree of Master of Arts. Yale College, in Connecticut, had before
+paid him a similar compliment. Thus, without studying in any college,
+he came to partake of their honors. They were conferred in
+consideration of his discoveries and improvements in natural
+philosophy.
+
+ 4. It was either during this or his former journey that the story of
+the visit to his mother originated. He had been some years absent from
+his native city, and was at that period of life when the greatest and
+most rapid alteration is made in the human appearance. Franklin was
+sensible that his person had been so much changed that his mother
+would not know him, unless there were some instinct to point out, at a
+single glance, the child to its parent.
+
+ 5. To discover the existence of this instinct by actual experiment,
+Franklin determined to introduce himself to his mother as a stranger,
+and to watch narrowly for the moment in which she should discover her
+son. On the afternoon of a sullen cold day, in the month of January,
+he knocked at his mother's door, and asked to speak with Mrs.
+Franklin. He found the old lady knitting before the parlor fire,
+introduced himself, by observing that he had been informed she
+entertained travellers, and requested a night's lodging.
+
+ 6. She eyed him with coldness, and assured him that he had been
+misinformed--that she did not keep a tavern; though, to oblige some
+members of the legislature, she took a number of them into her family
+during the session; and at that time had four members of the council
+and six of the house of representatives who boarded with her. She
+added that all her beds were full, and went on knitting with a great
+deal of vehemence.
+
+ 7. Franklin wrapped his coat around him, pretending to shiver with the
+cold, and observing that it was very chilly weather. It was, of
+course, nothing more than civil for the old lady to ask him to stop
+and warm himself. She pointed to a chair, and he drew himself up to
+the fire.
+
+ 8. The entrance of her boarders prevented any further conversation.
+Coffee was soon served, and the stranger partook with the rest of the
+family. To the coffee, according to the custom of the times, succeeded
+a plate of apples, pipes, and a paper of tobacco. A pleasant circle of
+smokers was then formed about the fire. Agreeable conversation
+followed. Jokes were cracked, stories told, and Franklin was so
+sensible and entertaining as to attract the attention of the whole
+company.
+
+ 9. In this manner the moments passed pleasantly and swiftly along, and
+it was eight o'clock before any of them expected it. This was the hour
+of supper, and Mrs. Franklin was always as punctual as the clock.
+Busied with family affairs, she supposed the stranger had quitted the
+house immediately after coffee. Imagine her surprise, when she saw
+him, with the utmost coolness and impudence, taking his seat with the
+family at the supper table!
+
+10. Immediately after supper, she called an elderly gentleman, a
+member of the council, with whom she was in the habit of consulting,
+into another room; complained of the rudeness of the stranger, told
+the manner of his coming into the house, observed that he appeared
+like a foreigner, and she thought had something about him very
+suspicious. The old gentleman assured her that she need not be under
+any alarm, that the stranger was a man of education and agreeable
+manners, and was, probably, unaware of the lateness of the hour. He
+added, that it would be well to call him aside, and repeat to him that
+she was unable to give him lodgings.
+
+11. She accordingly sent her maid to him, and then repeated the
+account of their situation, observed that it grew late, and gently
+hinted that he would do well to seek out other accommodations. The
+stranger replied that he should be very sorry to put her to any
+inconvenience, and would retire after smoking one more pipe with her
+boarders. He returned to the company, filled his pipe, and began
+talking as pleasantly and forcibly as ever. He recounted the
+hardships, and praised the piety and wisdom of their ancestors.
+
+12. A gentleman present mentioned the subject of the day's debate in
+the house of representatives. A bill had been introduced to extend the
+powers of the royal governor. The stranger immediately entered upon
+the subject, supported the rights of the colonies with many arguments
+and much eloquence, and showed a great familiarity with the names of
+influential members of the house in the time of Governor Dudley.
+
+13. The conversation was so animated and interesting that the clock
+struck eleven, unnoticed by the delighted circle. The patience of Mrs.
+Franklin was by this time completely exhausted. She now entered the
+room, and, before the whole company, addressed the stranger with much
+anger; told him plainly that she thought herself imposed upon; that
+she was a lone woman, but had friends who would protect her; and
+concluded by telling him to leave the house. Franklin made a slight
+apology, put on his great coat and hat, took a polite leave of the
+company, and approached the street door, lighted by the maid, and
+attended by the mistress.
+
+14. While the company had been enjoying themselves within, a most
+tremendous snow storm had filled the streets, knee-deep; and no sooner
+had the maid lifted the latch, than a roaring wind forced open the
+door, put out the light, and almost filled the entry with drifted snow
+and hail. As soon as the candle was relighted, the stranger cast a
+mournful look on the lady of the mansion, and said--"My dear madam, if
+you turn me out of your house in this dreadful storm, I am a stranger
+in the town, and shall certainly perish in the streets. You look like
+a charitable lady; I should not think you could refuse shelter to a
+dog on such a night."
+
+15. "Don't tell me of charity," said the offended matron; "charity
+begins at home. It is your own fault that you staid so long. In short,
+sir, I do not like your looks, or your conduct in thus forcing
+yourself upon my family, and I fear you have some bad designs."
+
+16. The good lady had grown so angry as to raise her voice much above
+its ordinary pitch, and the noise drew all the company into the entry.
+They did not agree with Mrs. Franklin in respect to the stranger at
+all. He seemed to them to be a very honest, clever-looking fellow, and
+so far from wishing to turn him out of the house, there was not one of
+them but would have been glad to have him for a fellow-boarder. They
+thought him very sensible and pleasant, and could not account for
+their landlady's aversion.
+
+17. At length, by their united interference, the stranger was
+permitted to remain in the house. There was no bed or part of a bed
+unoccupied, and he was obliged to sleep all night in an easy chair,
+before the parlor fire. Although her boarders appeared to have perfect
+confidence in his honesty, it was not so with Mrs. Franklin. She very
+carefully collected her silver spoons, pepper box and porringer from
+her closet, and, after securing the parlor door, by sticking a fork
+over the latch, carried them to her chamber. She charged the negro man
+to sleep with his clothes on--to take the great cleaver to bed with
+him, and to wake up and seize the vagrant at the first noise he made
+in plundering the house. The good lady then retired to bed with her
+maid, whom she compelled to sleep in the same room.
+
+18. After a very restless night, Mrs. Franklin rose before the sun.
+She called her domestics, proceeded with them in a body to unfasten
+the parlor door. To her great astonishment, she found her guest
+quietly sleeping in his chair. She now began to feel sorry for her
+suspicions. Awaking him with a cheerful good morning, she inquired how
+he had rested, and invited him to partake of her breakfast, which was
+always served before that of the boarders.
+
+19. "Pray, sir," said the old lady, as they were sipping their
+chocolate at the breakfast table, "as you appear to be a stranger
+here, to what distant country do you belong?"
+
+20. Franklin put a little more sugar into his chocolate, and, helping
+himself to a slice of toast, replied, that he belonged to the city of
+Philadelphia. At the mention of this word, the old lady, for the first
+time, exhibited emotion. "Philadelphia?" said she--"if you live in
+Philadelphia, perhaps you know our Ben?"
+
+21. "Who, madam?" replied Franklin, in the same cool and undisturbed
+manner that he had put on ever since he entered the house. "Why, Ben
+Franklin," said the mother; "my Ben--oh! he is the dearest child that
+ever blessed a mother!"
+
+22. "What," said the stranger, "is Ben Franklin, the printer, your
+son? Why, he is my most intimate friend: he and I lodge in the same
+room." "O! Heaven forgive me!" exclaimed the old lady; "and have I
+suffered an acquaintance of my Benny to sleep on this hard chair,
+while I myself rested on a good bed!"
+
+23. We can well imagine that the mother was very much astonished when
+she found that it was not an acquaintance of her son, but her son
+himself, whose countenance and person had been so much changed, that
+she had even been on the point of turning him out of doors! She was
+delighted to embrace him once more before she died, and was quite
+pleased that the members of the council had found him so agreeable a
+fellow as to insist that he should remain all night in the house.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. What appointment did Franklin receive at this time.
+
+ 2. Was the post-office, under Franklin, a source of revenue to the
+crown?
+
+ 3. What honors did Franklin receive from the colleges?
+
+ 5. Why did Franklin introduce himself to his mother as a stranger? In
+what situation did he find her?
+
+ 6. How did she receive him?
+
+ 8. What was the evening custom at that time?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Congress at Albany. Plan for a Union of the Colonies. Arrival of
+General Braddock. Franklin sent to him by the Assembly. Want of
+Wagons. Franklin undertakes to procure them. His Advertisement.
+Anecdote of Braddock. Battle with the Indians. Retreat._
+
+
+ 1. In 1754, there was again a prospect of war with France. A congress
+of commissioners from the different colonies was ordered to be
+assembled at Albany, to confer with the chiefs of the Six Nations of
+Indians, in respect to the defence of the country. The governor of
+Pennsylvania communicated this order to the assembly, and nominated
+Franklin, with Mr. Norris, Mr. Penn, and Mr. Peters, to act as
+commissioners. Presents were provided for the Indians, and they all
+met at Albany about the middle of June.
+
+ 2. On his way thither, Franklin projected and drew up a plan for the
+union of all the colonies under one government, so far as might be
+necessary for defence and other important services. This plan was
+shown to two or three of his friends, and, having met with their
+approbation, was submitted to congress. It then appeared that several
+of the commissioners had formed projects of the same kind. A committee
+was appointed to consider the several plans, and report. That proposed
+by Franklin was finally adopted with a few alterations: copies of it
+were sent to the British government and to the assemblies of the
+several provinces.
+
+ 3. The British government were unwilling to permit the union proposed
+at Albany, from a fear that the colonies would become too military and
+feel their own strength. They accordingly sent over General Braddock,
+with two regiments of regular English troops, for the purpose of
+protecting them. This officer, with his forces, landed at Alexandria,
+and marched thence to Fredericktown in Maryland, where he halted for
+carriages. Franklin was sent by the assembly to wait upon him at this
+place, in order to arrange some matters which had occurred to excite
+serious misunderstanding.
+
+ 4. His son accompanied him upon this journey. They found the general
+at Fredericktown, waiting, impatiently, for the return of those whom
+he had sent through the back parts of Maryland and Virginia to collect
+wagons. Franklin staid with him several days, dined with him daily,
+and had full opportunity of removing his prejudices. When he was about
+to depart, it had been ascertained that only twenty-five wagons could
+be procured, and not all of them fit for use.
+
+ 5. The general and all the officers were very much surprised, and
+declared that the expedition was entirely at an end. They exclaimed
+bitterly against their government for sending them into a country
+destitute of the means of carrying their stores and baggage, for which
+no less than one hundred and fifty wagons were necessary. Franklin
+remarked that it was a pity they had not been landed in Pennsylvania,
+as in that country almost every farmer had his wagon. The general
+caught at his words, and eagerly said--"Then you, sir, who are a man
+of interest there, can possibly procure them for us; and I beg you
+will undertake it."
+
+ 6. Franklin asked what terms were to be offered to the owners of the
+wagons; and he was desired to put on paper the terms that appeared to
+him necessary. This he did; and they were accepted. He soon after
+published an advertisement, offering to contract for certain wagons
+and horses, on specified terms; and to this added an address to the
+inhabitants of the counties of York, Lancaster and Cumberland. The
+address was in the following words:
+
+ 7. "_Friends and Countrymen_,--Being occasionally at the camp at
+Frederick, a few days since, I found the general and officers
+exceedingly exasperated on account of their not being supplied with
+horses and carriages, which had been expected from this province, as
+most able to furnish them; but, through the dissensions between our
+governor and assembly, money had not been provided, nor any steps
+taken for that purpose.
+
+ 8. "It was proposed to send an armed force immediately into these
+counties, to seize as many of the best carriages and horses as should
+be wanted, and compel as many persons into the service, as would be
+necessary to drive and take care of them.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 9. "If you are really, as I believe you are, good and loyal subjects
+to his majesty, you may now do a most acceptable service, and make it
+easy to yourselves; for three or four of such as cannot separately
+spare, from the business of their plantations, a wagon and four horses
+and a driver, may do it together; one furnishing the wagon, another
+one or two horses, and another the driver, and divide the pay
+proportionably between you.
+
+10. "But if you do not this service to your king and country
+voluntarily, when such good pay and reasonable terms are offered to
+you, your loyalty will be strongly suspected. The king's business must
+be done. So many brave troops, come so far for your defence, must not
+stand idle through your backwardness to do what may be reasonably
+expected from you. Wagons and horses must be had; violent measures
+will probably be used; and you will be left to seek for recompense
+where you can find it, and your case, perhaps, be little pitied or
+regarded.
+
+11. "I have no particular interest in this affair, as (except the
+satisfaction of endeavoring to do good) I shall have only my labor for
+my pains. If this method of obtaining the wagons and horses is not
+likely to succeed, I am obliged to send word to the general in
+fourteen days; and I suppose Sir John St. Clair, the hussar, with a
+body of soldiers, will immediately enter the province for the purpose;
+which I shall be very sorry to hear, because I am, very sincerely and
+truly,
+
+"Your friend and well-wisher,
+
+"B. FRANKLIN."
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+12. Eight hundred pounds were furnished by the general, to be paid out
+as advance money to the owners of the wagons and horses. This sum not
+being large enough, Franklin advanced upwards of two hundred pounds
+more. In two weeks, the one hundred and fifty wagons, with two hundred
+and fifty-nine carrying horses, were on their way to the camp. The
+advertisement promised payment in case any wagons or horses should be
+lost; and as the owners knew nothing about the dependence to be placed
+on General Braddock, they insisted on Franklin's bond for the
+performance. This he accordingly gave them.
+
+13. General Braddock was a brave man, but had too much
+self-confidence, too high an opinion of the power of regular troops,
+and too mean an idea of both Americans and Indians. About one hundred
+Indians joined him on his march, who might have been of great use to
+him as guides and scouts, if he had treated them kindly. He neglected
+and slighted them, however, and they gradually left him.
+
+14. In conversation one day with Franklin, he gave an account of his
+intended progress. "After taking Fort Duquesne," said he, "I am to
+proceed to Niagara; and, having taken that, to Frontenac, if the
+season will allow time, and I suppose it will; for Duquesne can hardly
+detain me above three or four days; and then I see nothing that can
+obstruct my march to Niagara."
+
+15. Franklin knew something about marches through the woods, and the
+tricks of the Indians, and entertained serious doubts in respect to
+the success of the campaign. He only ventured, however, to say--"To be
+sure, sir, if you arrive well before Duquesne with the fine troops, so
+well provided with artillery, the fort, though completely fortified,
+and assisted with a very strong garrison, can probably make but a
+short resistance. The only danger I apprehend of obstruction to your
+march, is from the ambuscades of the Indians, who, by constant
+practice, are dexterous in laying and executing them; and the slender
+line, near four miles long, which your army must make, may expose it
+to be attacked by surprise in its flanks, and to be cut like a thread
+into several pieces, which, from their distance, cannot come up in
+time to support each other."
+
+16. Braddock smiled at his ignorance, and replied--"These savages may,
+indeed, be a formidable enemy to your raw American militia; but upon
+the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible they
+should make any impression."
+
+17. The enemy did not take that advantage of the army under Braddock
+which Franklin anticipated. They suffered it to approach without
+interruption till within nine miles of Fort Duquesne. The troops had
+just crossed a river, were in a more open part of the woods than any
+they passed, and moving forward in a compact form. Their advanced
+guard was suddenly attacked by a heavy fire from behind trees and
+bushes. This was the first intelligence which the general had of the
+approach of an enemy.
+
+18. The guard being disordered, the general hurried the troops up to
+their assistance. This was done in great confusion, through wagons,
+baggage, and cattle. They were now attacked also from behind. The
+officers were on horseback, and easily distinguished and picked out as
+marks by the enemy. The soldiers were thrown together in great
+disorder, having or hearing no orders, and standing to be shot at,
+till two thirds of them were killed; then, being seized with a panic,
+the remainder fled in precipitation.
+
+19. The wagoners took each a horse out of his team, and scampered.
+Their example was immediately followed by others, so that all the
+wagons, provisions, artillery and stores were left to the enemy. The
+general, being wounded, was brought off with difficulty; out of
+eighty-six officers, sixty-three were killed or wounded; and seven
+hundred and fourteen men killed, of eleven hundred.
+
+20. These men had been picked from the whole army; the rest had been
+left behind with Colonel Dunbar, who was to follow with the heavier
+parts of the baggage. The fugitives arrived at Dunbar's camp, and
+communicated their own panic to him and all his people. Though he had
+now above a thousand men, he determined not to meddle with the enemy,
+but to make the best of his way to the settlements. Notwithstanding
+requests from the governor of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
+that he would post his troops on the frontiers to protect the
+inhabitants, he continued his hasty and disgraceful march till he had
+arrived at snug quarters in Philadelphia.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. Why were commissioners from the colonies ordered to assemble at
+Albany? Who were sent from Pennsylvania?
+
+ 2. What plan did Franklin draw up?
+
+ 3. Why did the British government disapprove of the proposed union?
+What course did they pursue? Why was Franklin sent to Fredericktown?
+
+ 5. What impeded the progress of the expedition? How did General
+Braddock obviate this difficulty?
+
+ 6. What step did Franklin take to procure the wagons?
+
+12. How much was furnished by the British general to be paid in
+advance to the owners of the wagons and horses? How much did Franklin
+furnish?
+
+13. What was the character of General Braddock? How did he treat the
+Indians who joined him on his march?
+
+14. What were the general's plans?
+
+15. What did Franklin tell him?
+
+16. What was Braddock's reply?
+
+17. Where were the British troops first attacked?
+
+18. What was the progress of the battle?
+
+19. What became of the wagons and artillery?
+
+20. Where did the fugitives resort? What was Colonel Dunbar's conduct?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_Settlement for the Loss of Wagons. Anecdote. Preparations for
+Defence. Franklin appointed to a military Command. Assembles the
+Troops at Bethlehem. Farmers killed by Indians. Building Forts.
+Extracts from Franklin's Journal. Indian Cunning. Anecdotes of the
+Moravians._
+
+
+ 1. As soon as the loss of the wagons and horses was generally known,
+all the owners came upon Franklin for the valuation which he had given
+bond to pay. Their demands troubled him exceedingly. He informed them
+that the money was ready in the paymaster's hands, but the order for
+paying it must first be obtained from General Shirley; that he had
+applied for it; and they must have patience till he could receive it.
+All this, however, was not sufficient, and some began to sue him.
+General Shirley at length released him from this disagreeable
+situation, by appointing commissioners to examine the claims, and
+order payment. They amounted to nearly twenty thousand pounds.
+
+ 2. Before receiving news of the defeat, two gentlemen came to Franklin
+with a subscription paper for raising money to pay the expense of a
+grand firework, which it was intended to exhibit on receiving the news
+of taking Fort Duquesne. Franklin told them gravely, that he thought
+it would be time enough to prepare for rejoicing when they knew they
+should have occasion to rejoice. They seemed surprised that he did not
+immediately comply with their proposal. "Why," said one of them, "you
+surely do not suppose that the fort will not be taken?" "I don't
+know," replied Franklin, "that it will not be taken; but I know that
+the events of war are subject to great uncertainty." The plan was
+fortunately abandoned.
+
+ 3. The assembly now laid a tax, to raise money for the defence of the
+province, and Franklin was appointed one of the commissioners to
+dispose of it. He had also carried a bill through the house for
+establishing and disciplining a voluntary militia. To promote the
+association necessary to form the militia, he wrote a dialogue upon
+the subject, which was extensively circulated, and thought to have
+great effect.
+
+ 4. While the several companies in the city and country were forming,
+and learning their exercise, the governor prevailed upon Franklin to
+take charge of the north-western frontier, which was infested by the
+enemy, and provide for the defence of the inhabitants, by raising
+troops, and building a line of forts. Franklin did not think himself
+very well qualified for the military, but was willing to be of all the
+service in his power. He received a commission from the governor, with
+full authority, and a parcel of blank commissions for officers, to be
+given to whom he thought fit. Five hundred and sixty men were soon
+raised and placed under his command.
+
+ 5. The place first selected for a fort was Gnadenhutten, a village
+settled by the Moravians, and which had recently been the scene of
+terrible destruction and death. In order to march thither, Franklin
+assembled the companies at Bethlehem, the chief establishment of those
+people. He was surprised to find this place in a good state of
+defence. The destruction of Gnadenhutten had made them apprehensive of
+danger.
+
+ 6. They had purchased a quantity of arms and ammunition from New York,
+and had even placed quantities of small paving stones between the
+windows of their high houses, to be thrown down upon the heads of any
+Indians that should attempt to force into them. The armed brethren
+kept watch, and relieved each other as regularly as in any garrison
+town.
+
+ 7. In conversation with their bishop, Spangenberg, Franklin mentioned
+his surprise; for, knowing they had obtained an act of parliament
+excusing them from military duties in the colonies, he supposed they
+had motives of conscience which forbade their bearing arms. The bishop
+answered--"That it was not one of their established principles; but
+that at the time of their obtaining that act it was thought to be a
+principle with many of their people. On this occasion, however, to
+their surprise they found it adopted but by a few." A strong sense of
+danger very soon overcomes such notions.
+
+ 8. It was the beginning of January when they set out upon the business
+of building forts. One detachment was sent towards the Minisink, with
+directions to erect one for the upper part of the country, and another
+to the lower part, with similar directions. Franklin went in person,
+with the remaining troops, to Gnadenhutten, where a force was thought
+more immediately necessary. The Moravians procured him five wagons for
+their tools, stores, and baggage.
+
+ 9. Just before they left Bethlehem, eleven farmers, who had been
+driven from their homes by the Indians, came to Franklin, requesting a
+supply of fire-arms, that they might go back and bring off their
+cattle. He gave them each a gun with suitable ammunition.
+
+10. They had not marched many miles when it began to rain, and it
+continued raining all day. There were no habitations on the road to
+shelter them, till they reached, about night, the house of a German.
+Here, in the barn and shed, they were all huddled together as wet as
+water could make them. It was well for them that they were not
+attacked upon the march, for their arms were of the poorest sort, and
+it was impossible to keep the locks of their guns dry. The poor
+farmers, before mentioned, suffered on this account. They met with the
+Indians, and, the primings being wet with rain, their guns would not
+go off, so that only one of them escaped with his life.
+
+11. The next day was fair. The companies continued their march, and
+arrived at the desolate Gnadenhutten. There was a mill in the
+neighborhood, round which several pine boards had been left. With
+these they soon built themselves huts. Their next work was to bury the
+dead they found there. On the following morning their fort was planned
+and marked out, with a circumference measuring four hundred and
+fifty-five feet. Their axes, of which they had seventy, were
+immediately set to work to cut down trees for palisades; and, as the
+men were very skilful in the use of them, they made great despatch.
+
+12. Seeing the trees fall so fast, Franklin had the curiosity to look
+at his watch when two men began to cut at a pine. In six minutes they
+had it upon the ground, and it was fourteen inches in diameter. Each
+pine made three palisades of eighteen feet long, pointed at one end.
+While these were preparing, other men dug a trench all round, of three
+feet deep, in which the palisades were to be planted. When these were
+set up, the carpenters built within them a platform of boards all
+round, about six feet high, for the men to stand on and fire through
+the loopholes. They had one swivel gun, which they mounted, and fired
+as soon as it was fixed, that the Indians might know they had such
+pieces. Thus their fort, such as it was, was finished in a week,
+though it rained so hard every other day that the men were almost
+unable to work.
+
+13. "This gave me occasion to observe," says Franklin, "that when men
+are employed they are best contented. For on the days they worked they
+were good-natured and cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having
+done a good day's work, they spent the evening jollily. But, on our
+idle days, they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with the
+pork and the bread, and were continually in bad humor; which put me in
+mind of a sea captain, whose rule it was to keep his men constantly at
+work; and when his mate once told him that they had done every thing,
+and there was nothing further to employ them about, 'O,' said he,
+'_make them scour the anchor_.'"
+
+14. "This kind of fort," he continues, "however contemptible, is a
+sufficient defence against Indians who have no cannon. Finding
+ourselves now posted securely, and having a place to retreat to on
+occasion, we ventured out in parties to scour the adjacent country. We
+met with no Indians, but we found the places, on the neighboring
+hills, where they had lain to watch our proceedings. There was an art
+in their contrivance of those places that seems worth mentioning.
+
+15. "It being winter, a fire was necessary for them; but a common
+fire, on the surface of the ground, would, by its light, have
+discovered their position at a distance; they had, therefore, dug
+holes in the ground about three feet in diameter, and somewhat deeper;
+we found where they had, with their hatchets, cut off the charcoal
+from the side of burnt logs lying in the woods. With these coals they
+had made small fires in the bottom of the holes, and we observed,
+among the weeds and grass, the prints of their bodies, made by their
+lying all round, with their legs hanging down in the holes, to keep
+their feet warm; which, with them, is an essential point. This kind of
+fire, so managed, could not discover them either by its light, flame,
+sparks, or even smoke; it appeared that the number was not great, and
+it seems they saw we were too many to be attacked by them with
+prospect of advantage.
+
+16. "We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, Mr.
+Beatty, who complained to me that the men did not generally attend his
+prayers and exhortations. When they enlisted they were promised,
+besides pay and provisions, a gill of rum a day, which was punctually
+served out to them, half in the morning and half in the evening, and I
+observed they were punctual in attending to receive it.
+
+17. "Upon which I said to Mr. Beatty, 'It is perhaps below the dignity
+of your profession to act as steward of the rum; but if you were to
+distribute it out only just after prayers, you would have them all
+about you.' He liked the thought, undertook the task, and, with the
+help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, executed it to
+satisfaction; and never were prayers more generally and more
+punctually attended. So that I think this method preferable to the
+punishment inflicted by some military laws for non-attendance on
+divine service.
+
+18. "I had hardly finished this business, and got my fort well stored
+with provisions, when I received a letter from the governor,
+acquainting me that he had called the assembly, and wished my
+attendance there, if the posture of affairs on the frontiers was such
+that my remaining there was no longer necessary. My friends, too, of
+the assembly pressing me by their letters to be, if possible, at the
+meeting, and my three intended forts being now completed, and the
+inhabitants contented to remain on their farms under that protection,
+I resolved to return; the more willingly, as a New-England officer,
+Colonel Clapham, experienced in Indian war, being on a visit to our
+establishment, consented to accept the command.
+
+19. "I gave him a commission, and, parading the garrison, had it read
+before them, and introduced him to them as an officer, who, from his
+skill in military affairs, was much more fit to command them than
+myself; and giving them a little exhortation, took my leave. I was
+escorted as far as Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover
+from the fatigue I had undergone. The first night, lying on a good
+bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different from my hard lodging on
+the floor of a hut at Gnadenhutten, with only a blanket or two.
+
+20. "While at Bethlehem, I inquired a little into the practices of the
+Moravians; some of them had accompanied me, and all were very kind to
+me. I found they worked for a common stock, ate at common tables, and
+slept in common dormitories, great numbers together. In the
+dormitories I observed loop-holes at certain distances, all along just
+under the ceiling, which I thought judiciously placed for change of
+air. I went to their church, where I was entertained with good music,
+the organ being accompanied with violins, hautboys, flutes, and
+clarionets.
+
+21. "I understood their sermons were not usually preached to mixed
+congregations of men, women and children, as is our common practice;
+but that they assembled sometimes the married men, at other times
+their wives, then the young men, the young women, and the little
+children; each division by itself. The sermon I heard was to the
+latter, who came in and were placed in rows on benches, the boys under
+the conduct of a young man, their tutor; and the girls conducted by a
+young woman. The discourse seemed well adapted to their capacities,
+and was delivered in a pleasing, familiar manner, coaxing them, as it
+were, to be good. They behaved very orderly, but looked pale and
+unhealthy, which made me suspect they were kept too much within doors,
+or not allowed sufficient exercise.
+
+22. "I inquired concerning the Moravian marriages, whether the report
+was true that they were by lot. I was told that lots were used only in
+particular cases, that generally, when a young man found himself
+disposed to marry, he informed the elders of his class, who consulted
+the elder ladies that governed the young women. As these elders of the
+different sexes were well acquainted with the tempers and dispositions
+of their respective pupils, they could best judge what matches were
+suitable, and their judgments were generally acquiesced in.
+
+23. "But if, for example, it should happen that two or three young
+women were found to be equally proper for the young man, the lot was
+then recurred to. I objected, if the matches are not made by the
+mutual choice of the parties, some of them may chance to be very
+unhappy. 'And so they may,' answered my informer, 'if you let the
+parties choose for themselves.' Which, indeed, I could not deny."
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. To what embarrassment was Franklin now exposed? How was he
+relieved?
+
+ 2. Relate the anecdote in respect to the subscription for fire-works.
+
+ 3. What tax was now laid by the assembly? What bill did Franklin carry
+through the house?
+
+ 4. What charge was now committed to Franklin? How many men were placed
+under his command?
+
+ 5. What place was selected for a fort? By whom was Gnadenhutten
+settled?
+
+ 6. What measures had the inhabitants of Bethlehem taken for defence?
+
+ 7. What was the conversation of Franklin with the bishop Spangenberg?
+
+ 8. Where were the forts built?
+
+ 9. Relate the substance of the ninth and tenth paragraphs.
+
+11. What was done on arriving at Gnadenhutten?
+
+12. How was the fort constructed? How long did it take to build it?
+
+13. What remarks does Franklin make about keeping employed?
+
+14. What does Franklin say of the fort?
+
+15. How did they manage to conceal their fires?
+
+18. Why did Franklin leave the fort? Who succeeded him?
+
+20. What does Franklin say of the practice of the Moravians? Of their
+dormitories? Of their church?
+
+21. What is said of their congregation?
+
+22. How are the Moravian marriages conducted?
+
+23. What did Franklin suggest on this subject? What was the reply?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_Disputes with the Proprietaries. Franklin sent by the Assembly to
+London. Appointed general Agent for the Colonies. University Honors.
+The Armonica. Murder of the friendly Indians._
+
+
+ 1. Soon after his return to Philadelphia, Franklin was appointed by
+the assembly upon a very important mission. From the earliest
+establishment of Pennsylvania, there seems to have been a spirit of
+dispute among its inhabitants. During the lifetime of William Penn,
+the constitution had been three times altered. After this time
+quarrels were continually arising between the proprietaries or their
+governors and the assembly.
+
+ 2. The proprietaries were the descendants of those to whom the lands
+were originally granted by the king. They claimed particular
+privileges for their estates; and among other things that they should
+be free from taxes. To this the assembly would by no means consent.
+This subject of dispute interfered in almost every question, and
+prevented the passage of the most necessary laws.
+
+ 3. The assembly at length resolved to appeal to the king against the
+unjust claims of the proprietaries, and appointed Franklin as their
+agent, to go over to England and present their petition. After some
+delay and detention by the governor, under the pretence of bringing
+about an accommodation, Franklin sailed from New York towards the end
+of June, and arrived in London on the twenty-seventh of July, 1757.
+
+ 4. According to the instructions which he had received from the
+legislature, Franklin had a meeting with the proprietaries who then
+resided in England, and endeavored to prevail on them to give up their
+pretensions. Finding it impossible to derive any satisfaction from
+them, he laid his petition before the council. During this time, the
+governor of Pennsylvania had consented to a law imposing a tax, in
+which no distinction was made in favor of the estates of the Penn
+family.
+
+ 5. Alarmed at this intelligence, and by Franklin's exertions, they
+used their utmost endeavors to prevent this law from receiving the
+royal approbation. They represented it as highly unjust, designed to
+throw the burden of supporting government upon them, and tending to
+produce the most ruinous consequences to them and their posterity.
+
+ 6. The cause was very fully examined before the king's privy council.
+The Penn family here found some very earnest advocates, while those
+were not wanting ready to espouse the side of the people. After some
+time spent in debate, a proposal was made that Franklin should
+solemnly engage that the tax should be so made, that the proprietary
+estates should pay no more than a fair proportion. This he agreed to
+perform, and the Penn family withdrew their opposition to the passage
+of the law.
+
+ 7. After this business was thus happily concluded, Franklin remained
+at the court of Great Britain, as agent for the province of
+Pennsylvania. The extensive knowledge which he possessed of the
+situation of the colonies, and the regard which he had always shown
+for their interests, occasioned his appointment to the same office by
+the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia. His conduct in
+this situation increased the reputation and esteem in which he was
+held among his countrymen.
+
+ 8. Franklin was now in the midst of those friends whom he had acquired
+by his fame as a philosopher. He was very much sought after by them.
+Honors from learned societies and colleges were continually heaped
+upon him. The university of St. Andrew's, in Scotland, conferred on
+him the degree of doctor of laws. Its example was followed by the
+universities of Edinburgh and Oxford. His correspondence was sought by
+the most distinguished philosophers of Europe.
+
+ 9. Although Franklin was now principally occupied with political
+pursuits, he found time for his favorite studies. He extended his
+researches in electricity, and in other interesting subjects of
+natural philosophy.
+
+10. The tone produced by rubbing the brim of a drinking-glass with a
+wet finger is familiar to every one. An Irish gentleman, by the name
+of Puckeridge, by placing on a table a number of glasses of different
+sizes, and tuning them by partly filling them with water, endeavored
+to form an instrument upon which he could play tunes. He died before
+he had completed his invention. Some improvements were afterwards made
+upon his plan. The sweetness of the tones induced Franklin to try a
+number of experiments, and he at length formed the instrument which he
+has called the Armonica.
+
+11. In the summer of 1762 he returned to America. He received the
+thanks of the assembly of Pennsylvania, "as well for the faithful
+discharge of his duty to that province in particular, as for the many
+and important services done to America in general, during his
+residence in Great Britain." A compensation of five thousand pounds,
+Pennsylvania currency, was decreed him for his services during six
+years.
+
+12. During his absence, Franklin had been annually elected member of
+the assembly. On his return to Philadelphia, he again took his seat in
+that body, and continued steadily to protect the rights and interests
+of the people.
+
+13. In December, 1762, great alarm was excited in the province by the
+following circumstance. Several Indians resided in the county of
+Lancaster, who had always conducted themselves as friends to the white
+men. A number of inhabitants upon the frontiers, who had been
+irritated by repeated injuries, determined to seek revenge on all the
+Indians who fell in their way.
+
+14. About a hundred and twenty persons assembled, and proceeded on
+horseback to the settlements of the defenceless Indians. These were
+now reduced in number to about twenty. They had received information
+of the intended attack, but did not believe it. As the white people
+had always been their friends, they feared no danger from them. When
+the party arrived at the Indian settlement, they found only some women
+and children and a few old men. The rest were absent at work. The
+wretches murdered all whom they found, and among others the chief
+Shahehas, who had been always distinguished for his friendship to the
+whites.
+
+15. The remainder of these unfortunate Indians, who, by their absence,
+had escaped the massacre, were conducted to Lancaster, and lodged in
+the jail as a place of security. Large rewards were offered by the
+governor for the discovery of the murderers. But notwithstanding this,
+a party of the same men marched to Lancaster, broke open the jail, and
+inhumanly butchered the innocent Indians who had been placed there for
+protection.
+
+16. Another proclamation was issued by the governor, but in vain. A
+party even marched down to Philadelphia, for the purpose of murdering
+some friendly Indians, who had been removed to the city for safety.
+The citizens armed to protect them. The Quakers, notwithstanding they
+are opposed to fighting even in their own defence, were most active
+upon the occasion. The rioters advanced to Germantown, and the
+governor fled for safety to the house of Dr. Franklin. It was by his
+assistance and influence that the disturbance was quelled, and the
+rioters prevailed upon to return to their homes.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 2. Who were the proprietaries? What did they claim? How did the
+assembly treat their claim?
+
+ 3. What course did the assembly pursue? Why was Franklin sent to
+England? When did he arrive in London?
+
+ 4. What course did Franklin pursue in respect to the petition? What
+law had been passed in Pennsylvania?
+
+ 5. How did the Penn family represent this law?
+
+ 6. Where was the cause examined? How was it settled?
+
+ 7. In what capacity did Franklin remain in London after the conclusion
+of this business?
+
+ 8. How was Franklin received? What honors were conferred upon him?
+
+ 9. How was Franklin chiefly occupied at this time?
+
+10. What was the musical instrument which Franklin formed?
+
+11. When did he return to America? How was he received by the
+assembly? What compensation did they allow him?
+
+13. What alarm was excited in the province in 1762?
+
+14. Relate the substance of this paragraph.
+
+15. What became of the remaining Indians?
+
+16. Was the governor's proclamation of any effect? How were the
+rioters persuaded to return home?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Franklin reappointed Agent at the Court of Great Britain. Visits
+Germany and France. Returns to Philadelphia. Appointed Delegate to
+Congress. Interview with Lord Howe. Sent as Ambassador to France. Asks
+to be recalled. Chosen President of the Supreme Council of
+Philadelphia. Death. Character._
+
+
+ 1. The disputes between the proprietaries and the assembly, which had
+for a long time subsided, again revived. At the election for a new
+assembly in 1764, the friends of the proprietaries made great
+exertions to keep out all those of the opposite party. They obtained a
+small majority in the city of Philadelphia, and Franklin lost the seat
+which he had now held for fourteen years.
+
+ 2. On the meeting of the assembly, it appeared that there was still a
+majority of Franklin's friends. He was again appointed agent of the
+provinces at the court of Great Britain. His enemies were sadly vexed
+at this appointment, and made a solemn protest against it, which they
+wished to have entered upon the journals. This, however, was refused,
+and it was consequently published in the newspapers. It drew from him
+a spirited reply.
+
+ 3. The opposition to his reappointment seems to have greatly affected
+his feelings, as it came from men with whom he had long been
+connected, both in public and private life. In his last publication,
+he took a pathetic leave of Pennsylvania. "I am now," he says, "to
+take leave (perhaps a last leave) of the country I love, and in which
+I have spent the greatest part of my life. _Esto perpetua!_[1] I wish
+every kind of prosperity to my friends, and I forgive my enemies."
+
+          [1] May it exist for ever!
+
+ 4. During his residence in England, he consulted, with unremitting
+industry, the best interests of his native country. He was every where
+received with respect, on account of his reputation as a writer and
+philosopher. In 1766 he made a visit to Holland and Germany, and
+received the greatest marks of attention from men of science. In the
+following year he travelled into France, where he was received with
+much kindness and favor. He became acquainted with a number of
+literary men, and was introduced to the king, Louis XV.
+
+ 5. Difficulties had now commenced between Great Britain and her
+provinces in America. Franklin was unwearied in his efforts to bring
+about a reconciliation. He had frequent interviews with Lord Howe and
+Lord Chatham, and other distinguished English statesmen, who
+entertained for him the highest respect and esteem. Most of the time
+during his present residence in England was occupied in these vain
+efforts. The violent conduct of the parent state drove the colonies to
+war, and Franklin returned to America in the year 1775.
+
+ 6. The day after his return he was elected, by the legislature of
+Pennsylvania, a delegate to congress. Not long after his election, a
+committee was appointed, consisting of Mr. Lynch, Mr. Harrison and
+himself, to visit the camp at Cambridge. They here united their
+efforts with those of the commander in chief, to convince the soldiers
+of the necessity of remaining in the field, and persevering in the
+cause of their country.
+
+ 7. When Lord Howe came to America in 1776, with powers to effect an
+accommodation with the colonists, a correspondence on the subject took
+place between him and Dr. Franklin. John Adams, Edward Rutledge and
+Dr. Franklin were afterwards appointed to wait upon Lord Howe, and
+learn the extent of his powers. These were found to be confined to the
+liberty of granting pardons, on submission. The Americans, at that
+time, would not thank the king for a thousand pardons, and the
+interview terminated without effecting any thing towards a
+reconciliation.
+
+ 8. Dr. Franklin was an earnest advocate for the entire separation of
+the colonies from Great Britain, and his writings upon the subject had
+great influence on the public mind. In 1776, he was president of a
+convention, which assembled for the purpose of establishing a new form
+of government for the state of Pennsylvania. In the latter part of
+this year, he was appointed to assist Mr. Silas Deane in managing the
+affairs of the colonies at the court of France.
+
+ 9. No one could have rendered more service to the United States, in
+this situation, than Dr. Franklin. His character was much honored in
+France, and as a philosopher he was held in very high esteem. He was
+received with respect by all the celebrated literary men of the day;
+and this respect naturally extended itself to all classes. His
+political negotiations were of the greatest importance to his native
+country.
+
+10. When the independence of the United States was acknowledged by
+Great Britain, Franklin became desirous of returning home. The
+infirmities of age and disease had fallen upon him, and the situation
+of his country rendered his services no longer indispensably
+necessary. He applied to congress to be recalled, and Mr. Jefferson
+was appointed to succeed him in 1785. In September of the same year,
+Franklin arrived in Philadelphia. He was shortly after chosen a member
+of the supreme council for the city, and was soon elected president of
+the same body.
+
+11. For the next three years Franklin still devoted himself to public
+business, and to his political and philosophical studies. He retained
+his desire of being useful to the last of his life. In 1788, his
+increasing infirmities compelled him to retire from public office. His
+complaints continued, and he suffered very severely from his sickness.
+He still, however, remained good-natured and cheerful, was perfectly
+resigned to his situation, acknowledging the justice and kindness of
+that Being who had seen fit that he should be thus afflicted.
+
+12. On the 17th of April, 1790, about eleven o'clock at night, Dr.
+Franklin quietly expired. He had reached an honored and a happy old
+age. From small beginnings, by a uniform course of prudence and
+honesty, he had raised himself to high station, wealth and
+distinction.
+
+13. In considering the character of Franklin, we perceive that the
+most marked trait was his habit of economy. By economy we do not mean
+merely care in gaining and keeping of his money. We mean care of time,
+of labor; frugality, industry, system, method in all his business. To
+this we may add economy of his health; avoiding all excess and
+unnecessary exposure.
+
+14. His cheerfulness and good nature were also remarkable. He was ever
+happy and entertaining. His anecdotes and jests were always to the
+point, and his manner of conversing and writing was at once pleasing
+and effective.
+
+15. For his public services his country owes him her respect and
+gratitude; while his philosophical discoveries have excited the
+admiration of the world. His name will live with the names of the few
+great men who have conferred enduring benefits on mankind.
+
+The following epitaph on himself was written by him many years
+previous to his death:
+
+                The Body
+                   of
+            BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
+                 Printer,
+      [like the cover of an old book,
+           its contents torn out,
+   and stript of its lettering and gilding,]
+          lies here food for worms;
+    yet the work itself shall not be lost,
+for it will (as he believed) appear once more
+                 in a new
+        and more beautiful edition,
+           corrected and amended
+                    by
+                THE AUTHOR.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+ 1. How did Franklin lose his seat in the assembly?
+
+ 2. What appointment did he immediately receive?
+
+ 3. How did the opposition to his reappointment affect him?
+
+ 4. What was his reception in England? What countries did he visit in
+1766? In 1767?
+
+ 5. What were Franklin's efforts to bring about a reconciliation
+between Great Britain and the provinces?
+
+ 6. What appointment did he receive on his return? What committee was
+chosen to visit the camp at Cambridge?
+
+ 7. With what powers was Lord Howe invested? Who were appointed to wait
+on him?
+
+ 8. Of what convention was Franklin the president in 1776? To what
+office was he appointed?
+
+ 9. How was he esteemed in France? How were his political negotiations?
+
+10. When did Franklin return to Philadelphia? What honor was
+immediately conferred on him?
+
+11. When did he retire from public office? On what account?
+
+12. When did Dr. Franklin die?
+
+13. What was the marked trait in Franklin's character?
+
+14. What other traits were conspicuous?
+
+
+
+
+ESSAYS OF DR. FRANKLIN
+
+We are acquainted with no writer who inculcates lessons of practical
+wisdom in a more agreeable and popular manner than Dr. Franklin. His
+writings abound with infinite good sense, and a singular shrewdness,
+not at all inconsistent with the highest integrity and purity. We have
+selected a few of his lighter essays as a sequel to the Biography;
+desirable, both as displaying somewhat of the character of their
+author, and conveying common sense maxims likely to be of much service
+to the young.
+
+
+
+
+THE WHISTLE.
+
+_A True Story--Written to his Nephew._
+
+
+When I was a child, at seven years old, my friends, on a holyday,
+filled my pockets with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they
+sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a
+_whistle_, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I
+voluntarily offered him all my money for one. I then came home, and
+went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my _whistle_, but
+disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins,
+understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times
+as much for it as it was worth. This put me in mind what good things I
+might have bought with the rest of the money; and they laughed at me
+so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection
+gave me more chagrin than the _whistle_ gave me pleasure.
+
+This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing
+on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary
+thing, I said to myself, _Don't give too much for the whistle_; and so
+I saved my money.
+
+As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I
+thought I met with many, very many, who _gave too much for their
+whistle_.
+
+When I saw any one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time
+in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and
+perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, _This man
+gives too much for his whistle_.
+
+When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in
+political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by
+that neglect, _He pays, indeed_, says I, _too much for his whistle_.
+
+If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all
+the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow
+citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of
+accumulating wealth, _Poor man_, says I, _you do indeed pay too much
+for your whistle_.
+
+When I meet a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement
+of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations,
+_Mistaken man_, says I, _you are providing pain for yourself instead
+of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle_.
+
+If I see one fond of fine clothes, fine furniture, fine equipages, all
+above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career
+in prison, _Alas_, says I, _he has paid dear, very dear, for his
+whistle_.
+
+When I see a beautiful, sweet-tempered girl, married to an ill-natured
+brute of a husband, _What a pity it is_, says I, _that she has paid so
+much for a whistle_!
+
+In short, I conceived that great part of the miseries of mankind were
+brought upon them by the false estimates they had made of the value of
+things, and by their giving too much for their _whistles_.
+
+
+
+
+HANDSOME AND DEFORMED LEG.
+
+There are two sorts of people in the world, who, with equal degrees of
+health and wealth, and the other comforts of life, become, the one
+happy, and the other miserable. This arises very much from the
+different views in which they consider things, persons, and events;
+and the effect of those different views upon their own minds.
+
+In whatever situation men can be placed, they may find conveniences
+and inconveniences: in whatever company, they may find persons and
+conversation more or less pleasing: at whatever table, they may meet
+with meats and drinks of better and worse taste, dishes better and
+worse dressed: in whatever climate, they will find good and bad
+weather: under whatever government, they may find good and bad laws,
+and good and bad administration of those laws: in whatever poem, or
+work of genius, they may see faults and beauties: in almost every
+face, and every person, they may discover fine features and defects,
+good and bad qualities.
+
+Under these circumstances, the two sorts of people above mentioned fix
+their attention; those who are disposed to be happy, on the
+conveniences of things, the pleasant parts of conversation, the
+well-dressed dishes, the goodness of the wines, the fine weather, &c.,
+and enjoy all with cheerfulness. Those who are to be unhappy, think
+and speak only of the contrarieties. Hence they are continually
+discontented themselves, and, by their remarks, sour the pleasures of
+society; offend personally many people, and make themselves every
+where disagreeable. If this turn of mind was founded in nature, such
+unhappy persons would be the more to be pitied. But as the disposition
+to criticise, and to be disgusted, is, perhaps, taken up originally by
+imitation, and is, unawares, grown into a habit, which, though at
+present strong, may, nevertheless, be cured, when those who have it
+are convinced of its bad effect on their felicity; I hope this little
+admonition may be of service to them, and put them on changing a habit
+which, though in the exercise it is chiefly an act of imagination, yet
+has serious consequences in life, as it brings on real griefs and
+misfortunes. For, as many are offended by, and nobody loves, this sort
+of people, no one shows them more than the most common civility and
+respect, and scarcely that; and this frequently puts them out of
+humor, and draws them into disputes and contentions. If they aim at
+obtaining some advantage in rank or fortune, nobody wishes them
+success, or will stir a step or speak a word to favor their
+pretensions. If they incur public censure or disgrace, no one will
+defend or excuse, and many join to aggravate their misconduct, and
+render them completely odious. If these people will not change this
+bad habit, and condescend to be pleased with what is pleasing, without
+fretting themselves or others about the contrarieties, it is good for
+others to avoid an acquaintance with them, which is always
+disagreeable, and sometimes very inconvenient, especially when one
+finds one's self entangled in their quarrels.
+
+An old philosophical friend of mine was grown, from experience, very
+cautious in this particular, and carefully avoided any intimacy with
+such people. He had, like other philosophers, a thermometer to show
+him the heat of the weather; and a barometer to mark when it was
+likely to prove good or bad; but there being no instrument invented to
+discover, at first sight, this unpleasing disposition in a person, he,
+for that purpose, made use of his legs; one of which was remarkably
+handsome; the other, by some accident, crooked and deformed. If a
+stranger, at first interview, regarded his ugly leg more than his
+handsome one, he doubted him. If he spoke of it, and took no notice of
+the handsome leg, that was sufficient to determine my philosopher to
+have no further acquaintance with him. Every body has not this
+two-legged instrument; but every one, with a little attention, may
+observe signs of that carping, fault-finding disposition, and take the
+same resolution of avoiding the acquaintance of those infected with
+it. I therefore advise those critical, querulous, discontented,
+unhappy people, if they wish to be respected and beloved by others,
+and happy in themselves, they should _leave off looking at the ugly
+leg_.
+
+
+
+
+ADVICE TO A YOUNG TRADESMAN.
+
+_Written Anno 1748._
+
+TO MY FRIEND, A. B.
+
+As you have desired it of me, I write the following hints, which have
+been of service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you.
+
+
+Remember that _time_ is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by
+his labor, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though
+he spends but six pence during his diversion or idleness, ought not to
+reckon _that_ the only expense; he has really spent, or rather thrown
+away, five shillings besides.
+
+Remember that _credit_ is money. If a man lets his money lie in my
+hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or so much as I can
+make of it during that time. This amounts to a considerable sum where
+a man has good and large credit, and makes good use of it.
+
+Remember that money is of a prolific, generating nature. Money can
+beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on. Five
+shillings turned is six; turned again is seven and three pence; and so
+on till it becomes a hundred pounds. The more there is of it, the more
+it produces every turning, so that the profits rise quicker and
+quicker. He that kills a breeding sow, destroys all her offspring to
+the thousandth generation. He that murders a crown, destroys all that
+it might have produced, even scores of pounds.
+
+Remember that six pounds a year is but a groat a day. For this little
+sum (which may be daily wasted either in time or expense,
+unperceived), a man of credit may, on his own security, have the
+constant possession and use of a hundred pounds. So much in stock,
+briskly turned by an industrious man, produces great advantage.
+
+Remember this saying, "The good paymaster is lord of another man's
+purse." He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the time he
+promises, may at any time, and on any occasion, raise all the money
+his friends can spare. This is sometimes of great use. After industry
+and frugality, nothing contributes more to the raising of a young man
+in the world, than punctuality and justice in all his dealings:
+therefore never keep borrowed money an hour beyond the time you
+promised, lest a disappointment shut up your friend's purse for ever.
+
+The most trifling actions that affect a man's credit are to be
+regarded. The sound of your hammer at five in the morning, or nine at
+night, heard by a creditor, makes him easy six months longer; but if
+he sees you at a billiard-table, or hears your voice at a tavern, when
+you should be at work, he sends for his money the next day; demands it
+before he can receive it in a lump.
+
+It shows, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you
+appear a careful as well as an honest man, and that still increases
+your credit.
+
+Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living
+accordingly. It is a mistake that many people who have credit fall
+into. To prevent this, keep an exact account, for some time, both of
+your expenses and your income. If you take the pains at first to
+mention particulars, it will have this good effect; you will discover
+how wonderfully small, trifling expenses mount up to large sums, and
+will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved,
+without occasioning any great inconvenience.
+
+In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the
+way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, _industry_ and
+_frugality_; that is, waste neither _time_ nor _money_, but make the
+best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and
+with them every thing. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves
+all he gets (necessary expenses excepted), will certainly become
+_rich_--if that Being, who governs the world, to whom all should look
+for a blessing on their honest endeavors, doth not, in his wise
+providence, otherwise determine.
+
+AN OLD TRADESMAN.
+
+
+
+
+NECESSARY HINTS TO THOSE THAT WOULD BE RICH.
+
+_Written Anno 1786._
+
+
+The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.
+
+For six pounds a year you may have the use of one hundred pounds,
+provided you are a man of known prudence and honesty.
+
+He that spends a groat a day idly, spends idly above six pounds a
+year, which is the price for the use of one hundred pounds.
+
+He that wastes idly a groat's worth of his time per day, one day with
+another, wastes the privilege of using one hundred pounds each year.
+
+He that idly loses five shillings worth of time, loses five shillings,
+and might as prudently throw five shillings into the sea.
+
+He that loses five shillings, not only loses that sum, but all the
+advantages that might be made by turning it in dealing; which, by the
+time that a young man becomes old, will amount to a considerable sum
+of money.
+
+Again; he that sells upon credit, asks a price for what he sells
+equivalent to the principal and interest of his money for the time he
+is to be kept out of it; therefore, he that buys upon credit, pays
+interest for what he buys; and he that pays ready money, might let
+that money out to use; so that he that possesses any thing he has
+bought, pays interest for the use of it.
+
+Yet, in buying goods, it is best to pay ready money, because, he that
+sells upon credit, expects to lose five per cent. by bad debts;
+therefore he charges, on all he sells upon credit, an advance that
+shall make up that deficiency.
+
+Those who pay for what they buy upon credit, pay their share of this
+advance.
+
+He that pays ready money, escapes, or may escape, that charge.
+
+    A penny saved is twopence clear;
+    A pin a day's a groat a year.
+
+
+
+
+PAPER.
+
+A POEM.
+
+
+      Some wits of old,--such wits of old there were,--
+    Whose hints showed meaning, whose allusions care,
+    By one brave stroke to mark all human kind,
+    Called clear blank paper every infant mind;
+    When still, as opening sense her dictates wrote,
+    Fair Virtue put a seal, or Vice a blot.
+
+      The thought was happy, pertinent and true;
+    Methinks a genius might the plan pursue.
+    I (can you pardon my presumption?) I--
+    No wit, no genius, yet for once will try.
+
+      Various the papers various wants produce,
+    The wants of fashion, elegance and use.
+    Men are as various; and if right I scan,
+    Each sort of _paper_ represents some _man_.
+
+      Pray note the fop--half powder and half lace--
+    Nice as a band-box were his dwelling-place:
+    He's the _gilt-paper_, which apart you store,
+    And lock from vulgar hands in the 'scrutoire.
+
+      Mechanics, servants, farmers, and so forth,
+    Are _copy-paper_, of inferior worth;
+    Less prized, more useful, for your desk decreed,
+    Free to all pens, and prompt at every need.
+
+      The wretch whom av'rice bids to pinch and spare,
+    Starve, cheat, and pilfer, to enrich an heir,
+    Is coarse _brown-paper_; such as pedlers choose
+    To wrap up wares, which better men will use.
+
+      Take next the miser's contrast, who destroys
+    Health, fame, and fortune, in a round of joys.
+    Will any paper match him? Yes, throughout
+    He's a true _sinking-paper_, past all doubt.
+
+      The retail politician's anxious thought
+    Deems _this_ side always right, and _that_ stark naught;
+    He foams with censure; with applause he raves--
+    A dupe to rumors, and a tool of knaves;
+    He'll want no type his weakness to proclaim,
+    While such a thing as _fools-cap_ has a name.
+
+      The hasty gentleman, whose blood runs high,
+    Who picks a quarrel if you step awry,
+    Who can't a jest, or hint, or look, endure:
+    What's he? What? _Touch-paper_,--to be sure.
+
+      What are our poets, take them as they fall,
+    Good, bad, rich, poor, much read, not read at all?
+    Them and their works in the same class you'll find
+    They are the mere _waste-paper_ of mankind.
+
+      Observe the maiden, innocently sweet;
+    She's fair _white-paper_, an unsullied sheet;
+    On which the happy man, whom Fate ordains,
+    May write his _name_, and take her for his pains.
+
+      One instance more, and only one I'll bring;
+    'Tis the _great man_ who scorns a little thing,
+    Whose thoughts, whose deeds, whose maxims are his own,
+    Formed on the feelings of his heart alone:
+    True, genuine _royal-paper_ is his breast,
+    Of all the kinds most precious, purest, best.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE ART OF SWIMMING.
+
+_In Answer to some Inquiries of M. Dubourg_[2] _on the Subject._
+
+          [2] Translator of Dr. Franklin's works into French.
+
+
+I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to find leisure for making
+all the disquisitions and experiments which would be desirable on this
+subject. I must, therefore, content myself with a few remarks.
+
+The specific gravity of some human bodies, in comparison to that of
+water, has been examined by M. Robinson, in our Philosophical
+Transactions, volume 50, page 30, for the year 1757. He asserts, that
+fat persons, with small bones, float most easily upon water.
+
+The diving bell is accurately described in our Transactions.
+
+When I was a boy, I made two oval pallets, each about ten inches long,
+and six broad, with a hole for the thumb, in order to retain it fast
+in the palm of my hand. They much resembled a painter's pallets. In
+swimming, I pushed the edges of these forward, and I struck the water
+with their flat surfaces as I drew them back: I remember I swam faster
+by means of these pallets, but they fatigued my wrists. I also fitted
+to the soles of my feet a kind of sandals; but I was not satisfied
+with them, because I observed that the stroke is partly given by the
+inside of the feet and the ankles, and not entirely with the soles of
+the feet.
+
+We have here waistcoats for swimming, which are made of double sail
+cloth, with small pieces of cork quilted in between them.
+
+I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer who has
+a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his back,
+and to vary in other respects the means of procuring a progressive
+motion.
+
+When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it
+away is to give to the parts affected a sudden, vigorous and violent
+shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.
+
+During the great heats of summer, there is no danger in bathing,
+however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by
+the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body
+has been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may
+prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men, who, having
+worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing
+themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the
+spot, a third the next morning, and the fourth recovered with great
+difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances,
+is frequently attended with the same effect in North America.
+
+The exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in
+the world. After having swam for an hour or two in the evening, one
+sleeps coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heat of
+summer. Perhaps, the pores being cleansed, the insensible perspiration
+increases, and occasions this coolness. It is certain, that much
+swimming is the means of stopping a diarrhoea, and even of producing
+a constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or
+who are affected with a diarrhoea at a season which does not permit
+them to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the
+skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I
+speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others,
+to whom I have recommended this.
+
+You will not be displeased if I conclude these hasty remarks by
+informing you, that as the ordinary method of swimming is reduced to
+the act of rowing with the arms and legs, and is, consequently, a
+laborious and fatiguing operation when the space of water to be
+crossed is considerable; there is a method in which a swimmer may pass
+to great distances with much facility, by means of a sail. This
+discovery I fortunately made by accident, and in the following
+manner:--
+
+When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite;
+and approaching the back of a pond, which was near a mile broad, I
+tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very
+considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little
+time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite and enjoying at
+the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned, and loosing from
+the stake the string with the little stick which was fastened to it,
+went again into the water, where I found, that, lying on my back, and
+holding the stick in my hands, I was drawn along the surface of the
+water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to
+carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to
+him, on the other side, I began to cross the pond with my kite, which
+carried me quite over without the least fatigue, and with the greatest
+pleasure imaginable. I was only obliged occasionally to halt a little
+in my course, and resist its progress, when it appeared that, by
+following too quick, I lowered the kite too much; by doing which
+occasionally I made it rise again. I have never since that time
+practised this singular mode of swimming, though I think it not
+impossible to cross in this manner from Dover to Calais. The
+packet-boat, however, is still preferable.
+
+
+
+
+PRELIMINARY ADDRESS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA ALMANAC, ENTITLED, "POOR
+RICHARD'S ALMANAC, FOR THE YEAR 1758."
+
+
+I have heard, that nothing gives an author so great pleasure as to
+find his works respectfully quoted by other learned authors. This
+pleasure I have seldom enjoyed; for though I have been, if I may say
+it without vanity, an eminent author (of almanacs) annually, now a
+full quarter of a century, my brother authors in the same way (for
+what reason I know not) have ever been very sparing in their
+applauses; and no other author has taken the least notice of me; so
+that, did not my writings produce me some solid pudding, the great
+deficiency of praise would have quite discouraged me.
+
+I concluded, at length, that the people were the best judges of my
+merit, for they buy my works; and besides, in my rambles, where I am
+not personally known, I have frequently heard one or other of my
+adages repeated, with "as poor Richard says," at the end on't. This
+gave me some satisfaction, as it showed not only that my instructions
+were regarded, but discovered likewise some respect for my authority;
+and I own, that to encourage the practice of remembering and repeating
+those wise sentences, I have sometimes quoted myself with great
+gravity.
+
+Judge, then, how much I have been gratified by an incident which I am
+going to relate to you. I stopped my horse lately where a great number
+of people were collected at an auction of merchants goods. The hour of
+sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times;
+and one of the company called to a plain, clean, old man, with white
+locks, "Pray, father Abraham, what think ye of the times? Won't these
+heavy taxes quite ruin the country? How shall we ever be able to pay
+them? What would you advise us to?" Father Abraham stood up, and
+replied,--"If you have my advice, I'll give it to you in short; 'for a
+word to the wise is enough; and many words won't fill a bushel,' as
+poor Richard says." They joined in desiring him to speak his mind;
+and, gathering round him, he proceeded as follows:
+
+"Friends (says he) and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy; and
+if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay,
+we might more easily discharge them: but we have many others, and much
+more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our
+idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by
+our folly: and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or
+deliver us, by allowing an abatement. However, let us hearken to good
+advice, and something may be done for us; 'God helps them that help
+themselves,' as poor Richard says in his Almanac.
+
+"It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one
+tenth part of their time, to be employed in its service; but idleness
+taxes many of us much more, if we reckon all that is spent in absolute
+sloth, or doing of nothing, with that which is spent in idle
+employments, or amusements that amount to nothing. Sloth, by bringing
+on diseases, absolutely shortens life. 'Sloth, like rust, consumes
+faster than labor wears, while the key often used is always bright,'
+as poor Richard says. 'But dost thou love life? then do not squander
+time, for that's the stuff life is made of,' as poor Richard says. How
+much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep! forgetting that 'the
+sleeping fox catches no poultry, and that there will be sleeping
+enough in the grave,' as poor Richard says. 'If time be of all things
+the most precious, wasting time must be (as poor Richard says) the
+greatest prodigality;' since, as he elsewhere tells us, 'Lost time is
+never found again; and what we call time enough, always proves little
+enough.' Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose: so by
+diligence shall we do more with less perplexity. 'Sloth makes all
+things difficult, but industry all easy,' as poor Richard says; and
+'He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his
+business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon
+overtakes him,' as we read in poor Richard; who adds, 'Drive thy
+business, let not that drive thee;' and,
+
+    'Early to bed, and early to rise,
+    Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'
+
+"So what signifies wishing and hoping for better times? We make these
+times better if we bestir ourselves. 'Industry needs not wish,' as
+poor Richard says; 'He that lives upon hope will die fasting.' 'There
+are no gains without pains; then help, hands, for I have no lands: or
+if I have, they are smartly taxed;' and (as poor Richard likewise
+observes) 'He that hath a trade hath an estate, and he that hath a
+calling hath an office of profit and honor;' but then the trade must
+be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor
+the office will enable us to pay our taxes. If we are industrious, we
+shall never starve; for, as poor Richard says, 'At the working-man's
+house hunger looks in, but dares not enter.' Nor will the bailiff or
+the constable enter; for, 'Industry pays debts, but despair increaseth
+them,' says poor Richard. What though you have found no treasure, nor
+has any rich relation left you a legacy? 'Diligence is the mother of
+good luck,' as poor Richard says: and 'God gives all things to
+industry: then plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have
+corn to sell and to keep,' says poor Dick. Work while it is called
+to-day; for you know not how much you may be hindered to-morrow; which
+makes poor Richard say, 'One to-day is worth two to-morrows;' and,
+further, 'Have you somewhat to do to-morrow, do it to-day.' 'If you
+were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should
+catch you idle? Are you then your own master? be ashamed to catch
+yourself idle,' as poor Dick says. When there is so much to be done
+for yourself, your family, and your gracious king, be up by peep of
+day: 'Let not the sun look down, and say, Inglorious here he lies!'
+Handle your tools without mittens; remember, that 'the cat in gloves
+catches no mice,' as poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to
+be done, and perhaps you are weak-handed; but stick to it steadily,
+and you will see great effects; for continual dropping wears away
+stones, and by diligence and patience the mouse ate into the cable;
+and 'light strokes fell great oaks,' as poor Richard says in his
+Almanac, the year I cannot just now remember.
+
+"Methinks I hear some of you say, 'Must a man afford himself no
+leisure?'--I will tell thee, my friend, what poor Richard says;
+'Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou
+art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.' Leisure is time for
+doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but
+the lazy man never; so that, as poor Richard says, 'A life of leisure
+and a life of laziness are two things.' Do you imagine that sloth will
+afford you more comfort than labor? No; for, as poor Richard says,
+'Troubles spring from idleness, and grievous toils from needless ease:
+many without labor would live by their own wits only; but they break
+for want of stock.' Whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and
+respect. 'Fly pleasures, and they'll follow you; the diligent spinner
+has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids
+me good-morrow;' all which is well said by poor Richard.
+
+"But with our industry, we must likewise be steady, and settled, and
+careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust
+too much to others; for, as poor Richard says,
+
+    'I never saw an oft-removed tree,
+    Nor yet an oft-removed family,
+    That throve so well as one that settled be.'
+
+"And again, 'Three removes are as bad as a fire:' and again, 'Keep thy
+shop, and thy shop will keep thee:' and again, 'If you would have your
+business done, go; if not, send.' And again,
+
+    'He that by the plough would thrive,
+    Himself must either hold or drive.'
+
+"And again, 'The eye of the master will do more work than both his
+hands;' and again, 'Want of care does us more damage than want of
+knowledge;' and again, 'Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your
+purse open.' Trusting too much to others' care is the ruin of many;
+for, as the Almanac says, 'In the affairs of the world, men are saved
+not by faith, but by the want of it; but a man's own care is
+profitable; for,' saith poor Dick, 'Learning is to the studious and
+riches to the careful, as well as power to the bold, and heaven to the
+virtuous.' And, further, 'If you would have a faithful servant, and
+one that you like, serve yourself.' And again, he adviseth to
+circumspection and care, even in the smallest matters, because
+sometimes, 'A little neglect may breed great mischief;' adding, 'For
+want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was
+lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost:' being overtaken and
+slain by the enemy, all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.
+
+"So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own
+business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our
+industry more certainly successful. A man may, if he knows not how to
+save as he gets, 'keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and
+die not worth a groat at last.' 'A fat kitchen makes a lean will,' as
+poor Richard says; and,
+
+    'Many estates are spent in the getting;
+    Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting,
+    And men for punch forsook hewing and splitting.'
+
+"'If you would be wealthy (says he, in another Almanac), think of
+saving, as well as of getting; the Indies have not made Spain rich,
+because her outgoes are greater than her incomes.'
+
+"Away then with your expensive follies, and you will not have much
+cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families;
+for, as poor Dick says,
+
+    'Women and wine, game and deceit,
+    Make the wealth small, and the want great.
+
+"And, further, 'What maintains one vice, would bring up two children.'
+You may think, perhaps, that a little tea, or a little punch now and
+then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little
+entertainment now and then, can be no great matter; but remember what
+poor Richard says--'Many a little makes a mickle;' and further,
+'Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship;' and
+again, 'Who dainties love shall beggars prove;' and moreover, 'Fools
+make feasts, and wise men eat them.'
+
+"Here you are all got together at this sale of fineries and
+nick-nacks. You call them _goods_; but if you do not take care, they
+will prove _evils_ to some of you. You expect they will be sold cheap,
+and perhaps they may for less than they cost; but if you have no
+occasion for them, they must be dear to you. Remember what poor
+Richard says--'Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou shalt
+sell thy necessaries.' And again, 'At a great pennyworth pause
+awhile.' He means, that perhaps the cheapness is apparent only, or not
+real; or the bargain, by straitening thee in thy business, may do thee
+more harm than good. For in another place he says, 'Many have been
+ruined by buying good pennyworths.' Again, as poor Richard says, 'It
+is foolish to lay out money in a purchase of repentance:' and yet this
+folly is practised every day at auctions, for want of minding the
+Almanac. 'Wise men (as poor Dick says) learn by others' harms, fools
+scarcely by their own; but _Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula
+cautum_.' Many a one, for the sake of finery on the back, have gone
+with a hungry belly, and half starved their families: 'Silk and
+satins, scarlet and velvets (as poor Richard says), put out the
+kitchen fire.' These are not the necessaries of life; they can
+scarcely be called the conveniences; and yet only because they look
+pretty, how many want to have them! The artificial wants of mankind
+thus become more numerous than the natural; and as poor Dick says,
+'For one poor person there are a hundred indigent.' By these and other
+extravagances the genteel are reduced to poverty, and forced to borrow
+of those whom they formerly despised, but who, through industry and
+frugality, have maintained their standing; in which case it appears
+plainly, 'A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his
+knees,' as poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small estate
+left them, which they knew not the getting of; they think 'It is day,
+and will never be night; that a little to be spent out of so much, is
+not worth minding.' 'A child and a fool (as poor Richard says) imagine
+twenty shillings and twenty years can never be spent; but always be
+taking out of the meal-tub, and never putting in, soon comes to the
+bottom:' then, as poor Dick says, 'When the well is dry, they know the
+worth of water.' But this they might have known before, if they had
+taken his advice: 'if you would know the value of money, go and try to
+borrow some; for he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing; and,
+indeed, so does he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it
+in again.' Poor Dick further advises, and says,
+
+    'Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse:
+    Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse.'
+
+And again, 'Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more
+saucy.' When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more,
+that your appearance may be all of a piece; but poor Dick says, 'It is
+easier to suppress the first desire, than to satisfy all that follow
+it.' And it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as the
+frog to swell in order to equal the ox.
+
+    'Vessels large may venture more,
+    But little boats should keep near shore.'
+
+'Tis, however, a folly soon punished; for 'Pride that dines on vanity,
+sups on contempt,' as poor Richard says. And in another place, 'Pride
+breakfasted with Plenty, dined with Poverty, and supped with Infamy.'
+And, after all, of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so
+much is risked, so much is suffered? It cannot promote health, or ease
+pain; it makes no increase of merit in the person; it hastens
+misfortune.
+
+    What is a butterfly? At best,
+    He's but a caterpillar drest;
+    The gaudy fop's his picture just,
+
+as poor Richard says.
+
+"But what madness must it be to run in debt for these superfluities!
+We are offered, by the terms of this sale, six months' credit, and
+that perhaps has induced some of us to attend it, because we cannot
+spare the ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah!
+think what you do when you run in debt. You give to another power over
+your liberty. If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to
+see your creditor: you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will
+make poor, pitiful, sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to lose your
+veracity, and sink into base, downright lying; for, as poor Richard
+says, 'The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.' And
+again, to the same purpose, 'Lying rides upon debt's back;' whereas a
+free-born Englishman ought not to be ashamed nor afraid to speak to
+any man living.--But poverty often deprives a man of all spirit and
+virtue: 'It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright,' as poor
+Richard truly says. What would you think of that prince, or that
+government, who would issue an edict, forbidding you to dress like a
+gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would
+you not say, that you were free, have a right to dress as you please,
+and that such an edict would be a breach of your privileges, and such
+a government tyrannical? And yet you are about to put yourself under
+that tyranny when you run in debt for such dress! Your creditor has
+authority, at his pleasure, to deprive you of your liberty, by
+confining you in jail for life, or by selling you for a servant, if
+you should not be able to pay him. When you have got your bargain, you
+may, perhaps, think little of payment; but 'Creditors (poor Richard
+tells us) have better memories than debtors;' and in another place he
+says, 'Creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days
+and times.' The day comes round before you are aware, and the demand
+is made before you are prepared to satisfy it; or, if you bear your
+debt in mind, the term which at first seemed so long, will, as it
+lessens, appear extremely short. Time will seem to have added wings to
+his heels as well as at his shoulders. 'Those have a short Lent (saith
+poor Richard) who owe money to be paid at Easter.' Then since, as he
+says, 'The borrower is a slave to the lender, and the debtor to the
+creditor,' disdain the chain, preserve your freedom, and maintain your
+independency: be industrious and free; be frugal and free. At present,
+perhaps, you may think yourselves in thriving circumstances, and that
+you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but
+
+    'For age and want save while you may,
+    No morning sun lasts a whole day,'
+
+as poor Richard says. Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever,
+while you live, expense is constant and certain: and 'It is easier to
+build two chimneys, than to keep one in fuel,' as poor Richard says.
+So 'Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.'
+
+    'Get what you can, and what you get hold,
+    'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold,'
+
+as poor Richard says. And when you have got the philosopher's stone,
+sure you will no longer complain of bad times, or the difficulty of
+paying taxes.
+
+"This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do
+not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and
+prudence, though excellent things; for they may be blasted, without
+the blessing of Heaven: and therefore ask that blessing humbly, and be
+not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort
+and help them. Remember Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous.
+
+"And now, to conclude, 'Experience keeps a dear school; but fools will
+learn in no other, and scarce in that; for it is true, we may give
+advice, but we cannot give conduct,' as poor Richard says. However,
+remember this, 'They that will not be counseled cannot be helped,' as
+poor Richard says; and further, that 'If you will not hear Reason, she
+will surely rap your knuckles.'"
+
+Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and
+approved the doctrine, and immediately practised the contrary, just as
+if it had been a common sermon; for the auction opened, and they began
+to buy extravagantly, notwithstanding all his cautions, and their own
+fear of taxes. I found the good man had thoroughly studied my
+Almanacs, and digested all I had dropped on those topics, during the
+course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me, must
+have tired every one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted
+with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom
+was my own, which he ascribed to me, but rather the gleanings that I
+had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to
+be the better for the echo of it; and though I had at first determined
+to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one
+a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be
+as great as mine.
+
+I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
+
+RICHARD SAUNDERS.
+
+
+
+
+OBSERVATIONS ON WAR.
+
+
+By the original laws of nations, war and extirpation were the
+punishment of injury. Humanizing by degrees, it admitted slavery
+instead of death; a further step was the exchange of prisoners instead
+of slavery; another, to respect more the property of private persons
+under conquest, and be content with acquired dominion. Why should not
+this law of nations go on improving? Ages have intervened between its
+several steps; but as knowledge of late increases rapidly, why should
+not those steps be quickened? Why should it not be agreed to, as the
+future law of nations, that in any war hereafter, the following
+description of men should be undisturbed, have the protection of both
+sides, and be permitted to follow their employments in security? viz.
+
+    1. Cultivators of the earth, because they labor for the
+    subsistence of mankind.
+
+    2. Fishermen, for the same reason.
+
+    3. Merchants and traders in unarmed ships, who accommodate
+    different nations by communicating and exchanging the necessaries
+    and conveniences of life.
+
+    4. Artists and mechanics, inhabiting and working in open towns.
+
+It is hardly necessary to add that the hospitals of enemies should be
+unmolested; they ought to be assisted. It is for the interest of
+humanity in general, that the occasions of war, and the inducements to
+it, should be diminished. If rapine be abolished, one of the
+encouragements to war is taken away; and peace, therefore, more likely
+to continue and be lasting.
+
+The practice of robbing merchants on the high seas--a remnant of the
+ancient piracy--though it may be accidentally beneficial to particular
+persons, is far from being profitable to all engaged in it, or to the
+nation that authorizes it. In the beginning of a war, some rich ships
+are surprised and taken. This encourages the first adventurers to fit
+out more armed vessels; and many others to do the same. But the enemy
+at the same time become more careful, arm their merchant ships better,
+and render them not so easy to be taken; they go also more under the
+protection of convoys. Thus, while the privateers to take them are
+multiplied, the vessels subjected to be taken and the chances of
+profit are diminished; so that many cruises are made wherein the
+expenses overgo the gains; and, as is the case in other lotteries,
+though particulars have got prizes, the mass of adventurers are
+losers, the whole expense of fitting out all the privateers during a
+war being much greater than the whole amount of goods taken.
+
+Then there is the national loss of all the labor of so many men during
+the time they have been employed in robbing; who, besides, spend what
+they get in riot, drunkenness, and debauchery; lose their habits of
+industry; are rarely fit for any sober business after a peace, and
+serve only to increase the number of highwaymen and house-breakers.
+Even the undertakers who have been fortunate are, by sudden wealth,
+led into expensive living, the habit of which continues when the means
+of supporting it cease, and finally ruins them; a just punishment for
+their having wantonly and unfeelingly ruined many honest, innocent
+traders and their families, whose substance was employed in serving
+the common interests of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAY TO MAKE MONEY PLENTY IN EVERY MAN'S POCKET.
+
+
+At this time, when the general complaint is that--"money is scarce,"
+it will be an act of kindness to inform the moneyless how they may
+reinforce their pockets. I will acquaint them with the true secret of
+money-catching, the certain way to fill empty purses, and how to keep
+them always full. Two simple rules, well observed, will do the
+business.
+
+First, Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions; and,
+
+Secondly, Spend one penny less than thy clear gains.
+
+Then shall thy hide-bound pocket soon begin to thrive, and will never
+again cry with the empty belly-ache; neither will creditors insult
+thee, nor want oppress, nor hunger bite, nor nakedness freeze thee.
+The whole hemisphere will shine brighter, and pleasure spring up in
+every corner of thy heart. Now, therefore, embrace these rules and be
+happy. Banish the bleak winds of sorrow from thy mind, and live
+independent. Then shalt thou be a man, and not hide thy face at the
+approach of the rich, nor suffer the pain of feeling little when the
+sons of fortune walk at thy right hand; for independency, whether with
+little or much, is good fortune, and placeth thee on even ground with
+the proudest of the golden fleece. Oh, then, be wise, and let industry
+walk with thee in the morning, and attend thee until thou reachest the
+evening hour for rest. Let honesty be as the breath of thy soul, and
+never forget to have a penny, when all thy expenses are enumerated and
+paid; then shalt thou reach the point of happiness, and independence
+shall be thy shield and buckler, thy helmet and crown; then shall thy
+soul walk upright, nor stoop to the silken wretch because he hath
+riches, nor pocket an abuse because the hand which offers it wears a
+ring set with diamonds.
+
+
+
+
+MORALS OF CHESS.
+
+
+Playing at chess is the most ancient and universal game known among
+men; for its original is beyond the memory of history, and it has, for
+numberless ages, been the amusement of all the civilized nations of
+Asia--the Persians, the Indians, and the Chinese. Europe has had it
+above a thousand years; the Spaniards have spread it over their parts
+of America, and it begins to make its appearance in these States. It
+is so interesting in itself as not to need the view of gain to induce
+engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money. Those,
+therefore, who have leisure for such diversions, cannot find one that
+is more innocent; and the following piece, written with a view to
+correct (among a few young friends) some little improprieties in the
+practice of it, shows, at the same time, that it may, in its effects
+on the mind, be not merely innocent, but advantageous, to the
+vanquished as well as the victor.
+
+The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very
+valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life,
+are to be acquired or strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready
+on all occasions. For life is a kind of chess, in which we have points
+to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which
+there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some
+degree, the effects of prudence or the want of it. By playing at
+chess, then, we learn,
+
+  I. _Foresight_, which looks a little into futurity, considers the
+consequences that may attend an action: for it is continually
+occurring to the player, "If I move this piece, what will be the
+advantage of my new situation? What use can my adversary make of it to
+annoy me? What other moves can I make to support it, and to defend
+myself from his attacks?"
+
+ II. _Circumspection_, which surveys the whole chessboard, or scene
+ of action, the relations of the several pieces and situation, the
+ dangers they are respectively exposed to, the several possibilities
+ of their aiding each other, the probabilities that the adversary may
+ take this or that move, and attack this or the other piece, and what
+ different means can be used to avoid his stroke, or turn its
+ consequences against him.
+
+III. _Caution_, not to make your moves too hastily. This habit is
+best acquired by observing strictly the laws of the game, such as, "If
+you touch a piece, you must move it somewhere; if you set it down, you
+must let it stand:" and it is therefore best that these rules should
+be observed; as the game thereby becomes more the image of human life,
+and particularly of war: in which, if you have incautiously put
+yourself into a bad and dangerous position, you cannot obtain your
+enemy's leave to withdraw your troops, and place them more securely,
+but you must abide all the consequences of your rashness.
+
+And, lastly, we learn by chess the habit of _not being discouraged by
+present bad appearances in the state of our affairs_, the habit of
+_hoping for a favorable change_, and that of _persevering in the
+search of resources_. The game is so full of events, there is such a
+variety of turns in it, the fortune of it is so subject to sudden
+vicissitudes, and one so frequently, after long contemplation,
+discovers the means of extricating one's self from a supposed
+insurmountable difficulty, that one is encouraged to continue the
+contest to the last, in hope of victory by our own skill, or at least
+of giving a stale mate, by the negligence of our adversary. And
+whoever considers, what in chess he often sees instances of,--that
+particular pieces of success are apt to produce presumption, and its
+consequent inattention, by which the loss may be recovered,--will
+learn not to be too much discouraged by the present success of his
+adversary, nor to despair of final good fortune, upon every little
+check he receives in the pursuit of it.
+
+That we may, therefore, be induced more frequently to choose this
+beneficial amusement, in preference to others, which are not attended
+with the same advantages, every circumstance which may increase the
+pleasure of it should be regarded; and every action or word that is
+unfair, disrespectful, or that in any way may give uneasiness, should
+be avoided, as contrary to the immediate intention of both the
+players, which is to pass the time agreeably.
+
+Therefore, first, If it is agreed to play according to the strictest
+rules, then those rules are to be exactly observed by both parties,
+and should not be insisted on for one side, while deviated from by the
+other--for this is not equitable.
+
+Secondly, If it is agreed not to observe the rules exactly, but one
+party demands indulgences, he should, then, be as willing to allow
+them to the other.
+
+Thirdly, No false move should ever be made to extricate yourself out
+of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage. There can be no pleasure in
+playing with a person once detected in such unfair practices.
+
+Fourthly, If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry
+him, or to express any uneasiness at his delay. You should not sing,
+nor whistle, nor look at your watch, nor take up a book to read, nor
+make a tapping with your feet on the floor, or with your fingers on
+the table, nor do any thing that may disturb his attention. For all
+these things displease; and they do not show your skill in playing,
+but your craftiness or your rudeness.
+
+Fifthly, You ought not to endeavor to amuse and deceive your
+adversary, by pretending to have made bad moves, and saying that you
+have now lost the game, in order to make him secure and careless, and
+inattentive to your schemes; for this is fraud and deceit, not skill
+in the game.
+
+Sixthly, You must not, when you have gained a victory, use any
+triumphing or insulting expression, nor show too much pleasure; but
+endeavor to console your adversary, and make him less dissatisfied
+with himself, by every kind of civil expression that may be used with
+truth; such as, "You understand the game better then I, but you are a
+little inattentive;" or, "You play too fast;" or, "You had the best of
+the game, but something happened to divert your thoughts, and that
+turned it in my favor."
+
+Seventhly, If you are a spectator while others play, observe the most
+perfect silence. For if you give advice, you offend both parties; him
+against whom you give it, because it may cause the loss of his game;
+and him in whose favor you gave it, because, though it be good, and he
+follows it, he loses the pleasure he might have had, if you had
+permitted him to think until it had occurred to himself. Even after a
+move, or moves, you must not, by replacing the pieces, show how it
+might have been placed better; for that displeases, and may occasion
+disputes and doubts about their true situation. All talking to the
+players lessens or diverts their attention, and is therefore
+unpleasing. Nor should you give the least hint to either party, by any
+kind of noise or motion. If you do, you are unworthy to be a
+spectator. If you have a mind to exercise or show your judgment, do it
+in playing your own game, when you have an opportunity, not in
+criticising, or meddling with, or counseling the play of others.
+
+Lastly, If the game is not to be played rigorously, according to the
+rules above-mentioned, then moderate your desire of victory over your
+adversary, and be pleased with one over yourself. Snatch not eagerly
+at every advantage offered by his unskilfulness or inattention; but
+point out to him kindly, that by such a move he places or leaves a
+piece in danger and unsupported; that by another he will put his king
+in a perilous situation, &c. By this generous civility (so opposite to
+the unfairness above forbidden), you may, indeed, happen to lose the
+game to your own opponent, but you will win what is better, his
+esteem, his respect, and his affection; together with the silent
+approbation and good-will of impartial spectators.
+
+
+
+
+CONVERSATION OF A COMPANY OF EPHEMERAE;
+
+WITH THE SOLILOQUY OF ONE ADVANCED IN AGE.
+
+
+TO MADAME BRILLIANT.
+
+You may remember, my dear friend, that when we lately spent that happy
+day, in the delightful garden and sweet society of the _Moulin Joly_,
+I stopped a little in one of our walks, and staid some time behind the
+company. We had been shown numberless skeletons of a kind of little
+fly, called an ephemera, whose successive generations, we were told,
+were bred and expired within the day. I happened to see a living
+company of them on a leaf, who appeared to be engaged in conversation.
+You know I understand all the inferior animal tongues; my too great
+application to the study of them is the best excuse I can give for the
+little progress I have made in your charming language. I listened
+through curiosity to the discourse of these little creatures; but as
+they, in their national vivacity, spoke three or four together, I
+could make but little of their conversation. I found, however, by some
+broken expressions that I heard now and then, they were disputing
+warmly on the merit of two foreign musicians, one a _cousin_, the
+other a _moscheto_: in which dispute they spent their time, seeming as
+regardless of the shortness of their life as if they had been sure of
+living a month. Happy people, thought I; you live certainly under a
+wise, just, and mild government, since you have no public grievances
+to complain of, nor any other subject of contention but the
+perfections or imperfections of foreign music. I turned my head from
+them to an old gray-headed one, who was single on another leaf, and
+talking to himself. Being amused with his soliloquy, I put it down in
+writing, in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am so much
+indebted for the most pleasing of all amusements, her delicious
+company and heavenly harmony.
+
+"It was," says he, "the opinion of learned philosophers of our race,
+who lived and flourished long before my time, that this vast world,
+the _Moulin Joly_, could not itself subsist more than eighteen
+hours: and I think there was some foundation for that opinion; since,
+by the apparent motion of the great luminary, that gives life to all
+nature, and which in my time has evidently declined considerably
+towards the ocean at the end of the earth, it must then finish its
+course, be extinguished in the waters that surround us, and leave the
+world in cold and darkness, necessarily producing universal death and
+destruction. I have lived seven of those hours; a great age, being no
+less than 420 minutes of time! How very few of us continue so long! I
+have seen generations born, flourish and expire. My present friends
+are children and grand-children of the friends of my youth, who are
+now, alas, no more! And I must soon follow them; for by the common
+course of nature, though still in health, I cannot expect to live
+above seven or eight minutes longer. What now avails all my toil and
+labor, in amassing the honey dew on this leaf, which I cannot live to
+enjoy? What my political struggles I have been engaged in, for the
+good of my compatriot inhabitants of this bush, or my philosophical
+studies, for the benefit of our race in general; for in politics (what
+can laws do without morals?) our present race of ephemerae will in a
+course of minutes become corrupt like those of other and older bushes,
+and consequently as wretched! And in philosophy how small our
+progress! Alas! art is long, and life is short! My friends would
+comfort me with the idea of a name, they say, I shall leave behind me;
+and they tell me I have lived long enough to nature and to glory. But
+what will fame be to an ephemera who no longer exists? and what will
+become of all history in the eighteenth hour, when the world itself,
+even the whole _Moulin Joly_, shall come to its end, and be buried in
+a universal ruin?"
+
+To me, after all my eager pursuits, no solid pleasures now remain, but
+the reflection of a long life spent in meaning well, the sensible
+conversation of a few good lady ephemerae, and now and then a kind
+smile and a tune from the ever amiable Brilliant
+
+B. FRANKLIN.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN***
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