Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 18 May 1800
From: Ellery, Abraham
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Adjutant General’s Office New York, May 18th. 1800

          I have the honor of enclosing an Abstract of the Monthly Recruiting Returns of the 12  Additional Regiments, as furnishing the most accurate account of the number of men enlisted, though from there having been but few Returns transmitted since March, it cannot be supposed to be a very exact statement. From other Documents in the Office, & from information presumed correct, though not official, it appears, that from 20 to 40 men may be added to each of the 6th. 7th. 9th. & 10th. Regiments, as giving a truer estimate of their numbers, than the enclosed abstract, the 11th. 12th. & 13th. are supposed to be pretty accurate, as they stand, the 14th. 15th. & 16th. considerably short of their real numbers—more particularly the 16th.
          I have the honor to be with the highest respect your most obedt. sert.

            Abraham R. Ellery
            As. Adjt. General


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            Sir,
            NY. May 18—1800

          I have recommended Lt. Jacob Wilson as Pay Master to the detachment under Major Cass in place of Lt. Blake resigned—The nomination however has not yet received the sanction of the S of War—
          I understand from Major Cass that the bounty money deposited in the hands of the different recruiting officers has been withdrawn by your orders, and the recruiting service thus brought to a stand. I presume  this must be a mistake. If it has been done you will have the money returned to Lt. Wilson should he be appointed in the place of Mr. Blake.
          I wish you to see the Secretary of War relative to the appointment of Mr. Wilson
           C Swan Er.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            (To be copied)
            Sir,
            NY. May 18. 1800

          I have recd. your letter of the 14th inst, and am happy glad that the plan arrangement relative to incidental expenditures meets your approbation—
          I shall be ready to grant a special warrant in your favor.
          C. Swan Er.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            (To be copied)
            Sir,
            NY. May 18th. 1800

          I beg leave to call recall your attention to my letter of the 10th inst mentioning the resignation of Lt. Blake acting Pay & Qr. Mas to the detachment at Wilmington under Major Cass and proposing Lt. Jacob Wilson as a substitute. I understand from Major Cass that the bounty money deposited in the hands of the different recruiting officers has been withdrawn by order of the PM General—This puts an end to the recruiting service, and renders the appointment  of some person to succeed Mr. Blake the more necessary—
          I request your attention to the subject—
          S of War—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            NY. May 18th. 1800

          I send you the enclosed letter from Lt. Peyton and recommend as he has made the rect offer a condtn of continuance in service that his resignation be accepted—
          I would thank you to inform me and Major Cass who is at Wilmington of the decision in the case as soon as possible of the decision in the case.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cass, Jonathan

            Sir,
            NY. May 18th. 1800

          As Lieutenant Peyton has made the receipt of four months pay in advance a the condition of his continuance in service I have transmitted his letter to the S of War, and recommended an acceptance of his resignation—It will therefore be necessary for you to send Lieut Climson with the detachment to Pittsburg—
          Major Cass—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            NY. May 18th. 1800

          The enclosed warrant for Nathaniel Baldwin as Cadet in the 12th. regiment has just been sent to me by the S of War. You will direct Mr. Baldwin to transmit his former appointment to the War Office.
           Col. Smith—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 19 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hunewell, Richard

            (To be Copied)
            Sir,
            NY. May 19th. 1800

          I have received your letter of the eleventh instant—
          An act of Congress having passed to disband the additional regiments on or before the fifteenth of June next, it is of course unnecessary to enter into the arrangement which you propose. If the person Armorer you speak of could be prevailed upon to enlist in the Artillery it he would be an acquisition to the service—
           Col. Hunnewell—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 20 May 1800
From: Swan, Caleb
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir.
            Philadelphia May 20 1800

          I have received your several letters of the 18 and 19 insts. and the enclosures—As soon as Lt Willson is appointed paymaster to the Rendezvous  at Wilmington I shall pay into his hands the recruiting money which Lieut Blake  refunded to me—it was taken out of Lt Blakes hands for the purpose—in the meantime Lieut there is upwards of 150 dollars in Lt Peytons hands unexpended, which may answer until Lt Peyton begins to act.
          You may rest asured that I shall lose no time nor spare no exertion to have the twelve disbanded Regiments settled with promptly and completely agreeable to your Wishes, at the time they  are discharged. I think I can accomplish it without much difficulty.
          I have the honor to be with the highest Respect, Sir Your most obt Sert.

            C: Swan PM Genl

          Genl Hamilton New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 20 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jackson, Daniel

            Sir,
            New York May 20. 1800

          I have received your letter of the 9th. instant and have no objection to Lieutt. Williams remaining with you until he may receive further orders.
          with true consideration &c—
           Major Jackson


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 22 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Plainfield May 22d 1800

          I have the honor to enclose to you recommendations in favour of a Mr Thoms—a candidate for an appointment in the Navy—I have confidence in the Gentlemen recommending , and should be pleased that Mr Thoms should meet your approbation—
          With—
          Secy. of the Navy—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 22 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            Sir
            Plainfield May 22d. 1800

          I have recd your letter of the 20th. inst.
          Lt. Wilson is appointed P. Master to the Detachmt. under the command of Major Cass. You will deal with him proceed accordingly.
          With &c—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 22d. 1800—

          I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of a General Court Martial in the case of Capt. Courtlandt of the 12th. Regt. to be laid before the President for his decision.
          Tho’ this Officer would soon be out of Service by the operation of the law for disbanding the troops; yet it is, in my opinion, very important, in point of example, that for such outrageous conduct, he should be sent from it with disgrace. Promptness in the decision, as it would give point to the punishment, is particularly desirable
          W—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 22 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cass, Jonathan

            Sir,
            New York Plainfield May 22d. 1800

          I have to announce to you that the resignation of Lieut. Blake is accepted, and that his pay and emoluments will cease on the last of this month
          With—
           Major Cass—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 22 May 1800
From: Hamtramck, John F.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Pitts Burgh May 22d 1800—

          I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of my last letter to General Wilkinson
          I have the honor to be Sir with Very great Respect your Most obedient and Very humble Servent

            J F Hamtramck

          Major General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 23 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Tousard, Lewis

            Sir,
            H Quarters Scotch Plains May 23. 1800

          I have directed the PMG to send deliver to Lieut Woolstonecraft, subject to your orders, bounty money for six complete companies of Artillerists. As soon as the money shall have been received you will repair with Lieut. Woolstoncraft to the Union Brigade for the purpose of enlisting the Men.
           Major Tousarde—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 23 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            Head Quarters May 23d. 1800—

          The enclosed is a copy of a memorandum, signed by the Clerk of the War Office, was handed to me this morning by Mr. Vrooman—by it, it appears that notice of his acceptance was received at the War Office the 15th. Jany. since when which time he States himself to have been in readiness to join his Regiment. You will have his name entered on the Pay and Muster Rolls accordingly—
          With great consideration I am Sir yr. ob. Servt.
           Colo. Smith—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 24 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cass, Jonathan

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 24th. 1800.

          You will without delay proceed with the Officers under your command to Harpers Ferry, there to take the Orders of Major Genl. Pinckney and to prosecute the recruiting service for the four Regiments of the Old Establishment.
          The Pay Master General has been desired to furnish money for the purpose—Lieut Wilson had best call upon him to take charge of it
          No time is to be lost
          With consideration, I am, Sir, Your obedt Sert.
           Major Cass.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 26 May 1800
From: Swan, Caleb
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir.
            Philadelphia May 26. 1800.

          As there is no deputy pay master at Harpers Ferry, I wish to be informed to whom I shall transmit the bounty money for four Companies as directed by your Letter of the 23d. instant.
          I wish also to be informed, whether it was intended that the bounty money Ordered to Lieutenant Richmond — to be for four Companies, including 1960 dollars which I paid to him on the 28 of last month, for two full Companies, or whether it is to be in addition to that sum.
          I have the honor to be Sir yr Mo. obt Sert

            C: Swan PMG

          Genl Hamilton Plainfield.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ogden, Aaron

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          Colonel Taylor presents a charge for transportation of Cloathing, arms &c. from the regimental rendezvous, at New Haven, to the different subdistricts—This expence was incurred before you entered upon your Office, but as it is important that such accounts should be settled before the troops are disbanded—You will discharge this, as soon as possible—
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servt.

            A Hamilton

           Colo. Ogden—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          Lt. Hook has stated to me the embarrassments under which he labors, and requested an advance of one months pay to enable him to repair to his station—
          If this would not involve his so great a departure from established — as to be injurious precedent I should be well satisfied with the granting of his the request.
           C. Swan Esr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jackson, Daniel

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant—
          The approaching disbandment of the additional regiments prevent me from ordering the substitute which you request—
          Major Jackson—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Hall Tufts and others, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Tufts, Hall

            Gentlemen,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          I have received your letter of the twelfth instant, and regret that causes of dissatisfaction should have arisen. Representations of a similar kind have been made to me from other quarters. The time period, however, appointed for the disbandment of the additional regiments is so near at hand that it is impossible to make the necessary enquiries for readjusting the arrangement of rank—I therefore do not incline to go into the measure
          Capn. Tufts &c &c—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Plainfield N. Jersey May 26th. 1800.

          I have the honor to send you the enclosed papers, in order that you may see what grounds I gave my Sanction to the Expenditures made by Capt. Ellery. be apprised of the subject of them.
          I request that you will add your Sanction if lest the want of it should be an obstacle with the comptroller—
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. ob. Servt.
          Secy. of War—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Miller, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Miller, James

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          Lt. Hook states to me that he is in real distress, and requests that he may be furnished with transportation to Norfolk.
          He is entitled to travelling expences, and if you could enter into some arrangement for facilitating the means of his departure, by anticipation of his allowance it would be agreeable to me—
          Js. Miller Er.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilkinson, James

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Union Brigade May 26th. 1800

          It appears from the copy of a letter to you which Colonel Hamtramck has sent me that he is in doubt whether the order which I have given to retain the troops at Pittsburg which I have given him permits their being encamped at a small distance from the place.
          The object of the order was to prevent the sending of the troops to the lower parts of the Ohio. They can therefore be encamped in the vicinity of Pittsburg without any contravention of the order—The doubt of Col. Hamtramck is therefore unfounded—
          G. Wilkinson—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Moses Hook, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hook, Moses

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Plainfield New Jersey May 26th. 1800

          A change of Quarters from N York to this place has prevented an earlier attention to your letter of the sixteenth instant.
          I have made such observations on the subject of it as appeared to be proper to the Pay and Master Gener and Assistant Quarter Master Generals on the subject.
           Lt. Hook—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 26 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: North, William

            Sir,
            NY Union Brigade May 26. 1800

          The second and fourth Items in the letter of Col. Taylor are, if I recollect right, within the purview of Instructions on the subject of Incidental Expenditure lately given to the Deputy Pay Master General, to be by him transmitted to the different Regimental Pay Masters—I presume these instructions are have been received at this brigade—If they have the Pay— If the items are included in them they will be paid of course—If not included, they will still be paid, and I will give my sanction to the measure—
          I have directed the DQM General to allow discharge the second first item.
          There is no other method of pay
          With respect to the last item the application must be made to the Purveyor of supplies at Philadelphia—
          Col. North


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 27th. 1800

          If Lieut. Peyton’s resignation is not definitive, I request that the acceptance of it may be suspended—He has written me a letter for which it is indispensable that he should be arrested. I request to be inform’d without delay as to his situation—
          with great respect &c

            Send me if you please a copy of Lt. Peyton’s letter which I forwarded in mine of the 18th.

          Jas. McHenry Esq Secy. of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 28 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 28th. 1800

          I have just received your letter of the twenty sixth instant.
          My intention was that you should deliver transmit to Lieut Richmond bounty money for four complete companies independently of the sum of 1960 dollars paid to him some time since—But as so large a the large as so large a sum has been recently delivered to him, I am lead to modify my order change the order on the subject—You will transmit to Lieut Richmond bounty money for but three companies—This is to be in addition to the sum paid to him on the twenty eighth of the last month April—
           C. Swan Esr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 28 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 28th. 1800

          You will send with out delay, to the D PM General with General Pinckney subject to the orders of the latter bounty money sufficient to recruit two companies of Infantry in addition to the four mentioned in my letter of the twenty third instant ; and to Lieutenant Woolstonecraft, bounties subject to the orders of Major Tousard, bounty Money sufficient to recruit two new Companies of Artillery—
           C. Swan Esr. PM General


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, [28] May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Cass, Jonathan

            Private
            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 28 1800.

          I have received a letter from  the late Lieutenant Mr. Peyton, — late Lieut of the Regiment  so extraordinary in its terms as in my opinion to render preclude a reply from me improper. He is discontented, it appears, with the acceptance of his resignation and alleges a misinterpretation of his application. As you are implicated in the matter and possibly may not have kept a copy of your letter—I think it proper to send an extract of so much as relates to this business.
          You will observe that your ideas like expressions fully warrant the position that Mr. Peyton made the advance of four months pay money the condition of his continuance in service. for you state that unless he could. If He informed you, you say, that if the principles he — had communicated to me in writing — were not complied with, in writing his letter was to be considered as a resignation. This was manifestly to make that compliance a the condition of his staying in service.
          I sent his own letter to the Secy at of War with my opinion that as he had made such a condition his resignation ought to be accepted.
          Not having possessing this letter, with me, I must depend on my memory and on my communication letter to the Secretary of War, in which I refer to it — his letter his, as the basis of my conclusion. But I am certain that it agreed  in substance with your information; declaring in substance that unless an advance of four months pay could be made to him, his letter was to be considered as his a resignation.
          In — the opinion which I gave my recommendation to the Secy of War, I acted on what is with me a general rule (viz) that whenever an officer claims a thing to — which he has a tenders his resignation, unless something to which he has not a strict right is done, his resignation ought to be accepted In my experience, the endeavour to retain officers in service by compliances in similar cases is commonly fruitless and — generally serves only to encourage expectations which so the expectation of improper indulgences.
          It was on this ground I acted, not — from any motive preferred hostile to Mr. Peyton, of whom I know very little, and who certainly on other occasions has experienced from me the reverse of an unaccommodating disposition.
          I make this communication merely that you may understand the matter as it stands is connected with your own agency.
          Were Mr. Peyton still in service the terms of his letter would oblige me to have him arrested—But being out of service, and his dissatisfaction relating to my conduct as commanding General, I have concluded that silenc perfect silence is the most proper return to his very unbecoming — address.
          With consideration I am Sir, Yr. Obed Serv
          Major Cass


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John W. Livingston, Jr., 28 May 1800
From: Livingston, John W., Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Westchester May 28th. 1800

          I have the honor of reporting that my health is established so as to permit my joining my corps, which I shall do immediately—
          With Consideration I am Sir, Your Obdt. Servt.

            John W Livingston Jun
            Lieut. 2d Regt. A&E.

          Major Gen Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ross Bird, 28 May 1800
From: Bird, Ross
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Salisbury North Carolina May 28th. 1800

          Having formerly served in the 1st. Sub Legion and deranged there from in the year 96 at Detroit and traveled to this state (my previous Residence) from whence I visited philada after Incuring all the Expences of a Deranged Officer I was fortunate Enough to Come into service in the place of a wounded and superanuated Officer—
          I came into service it is true; but the Object of this letter is to request your Oppinion wether this is sufficient to bar my Claim for the provision made for the mon Compensation to Officers for the Inconveniencies arrising to Officers to them out of the act of the 3d. of March 97. the 6th. & last Section, I Assure you it will by no means Indemnify me for the Additional expences I was at, at a time I was by no means provided to meet the Event—
          It is useless however for me to say more about it, than that I have made my Claim & it has been denied me; but herewith transfer you the papers upon which I found my Claim I am sorry sir to be under the Necessity of Troubling you for your Oppinion should you judge in my favor please direct the Accountant to pass Amot. to the Credit of my a/c or furnish me with your Oppinion the better to substantiate My Claim upon Application at the Accountants Office—
          After requesting you pardon for the trouble I have given you on this Occation I subscribe myself with Esteem You Obt. & Humble Servt.

            Ross Bird Captain
            4th. United States Regt.

          Major Genl. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            War Department May 29. 1800.

          I have received your letter of the 27. instant.
          On the receipt of your letter of the 18. instant enclosing one from Lieutenant Yelverton Peyton, a letter of which the enclosed is a Copy was written and transmitted agreeably to your request to Major Jonathan Cass of Wilmington—
          Enclosed is the Copy of Mr. Peytons letter to you of the 15 May
          I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant

            James McHenry

          Major General Hamilton New York


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            Camp S Plains May 30th. 1800

          Enclosed is an extract of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Rice—
          It was my intention to have caused the regiments to be provided with bands of music, and this I doubt not will hereafter be considered as an useful arrangement—from this circumstance, and the particular situation of things I think it advisable that the U States should take the Musical instruments procured by Col. Rice, and pay the expence of them.
          S of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            Head Quarters May 30th. 1800—

          Enclosed is a letter of appointment for Mr. James Rhea as second Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Infantry, which you will deliver send forward to him accordingly.
          He will is to be instructed to proceed, as soon as possible to Harper’s ferry, and put himself under the orders of Major Cass.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servant
          Colonel Smith.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 31 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ogden, Aaron

            Sir,
            Camp Union Brigade May 31st. 1800

          The sick of the Brigade stationed here will remain after the disbandment under the care of a Surgeon. In case I do not inform you by Tuesday that one will come from New York I would thank you to engage Doctor Chetwood for the purpose. You will engage him under the idea that he will receive a compensation from the public for his services—
          With great considn I am Sir yr. ob. st

            A Hamilton

          Col. Ogden DQM General


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elias B. Dayton, 31 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dayton, Elias

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 31. 1800

          The sta sick of the Brigade stationed here will remain after the disbandment under the care of a surgeon—You will continue to supply them with all necessaries as heretofore
          Elias Dayton Er.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 31st. 1800

          Captain Kirkland of the twelfth regiment, from straightened pecuniary embarrassments circumstances and zeal for the service attachment to military life, is willing to accept a first Lieutenancy with in one of the old regiments of Infantry, or a second Lieutenancy in one of them with the prospect of speedy promotion to a first. From information received lately from your department, and from the death of Major Kersey, I am lead to believe suppose, that there may be a first Lieutenancy vacant—If there is, I strongly recommend the bestowing of it on Captain Kirkland. He is a young man of merit, and calculated to form a good officer—I request an answer on the subject as soon as may be convenient— I conclude that the third regiment is  in this situation—there being a first Lieutenancy vacant, and no second Lieutenant to take the place—If it be so I strongly recommend the bestowing of it upon Captain Kirkland. He has qualifications calculated to form an officer of more than common merit.
          S of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 31 May 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            Camp Scotch Plains May 31st. 1800

          I have directed the DQM General to furnish the troops with transportation to places from which they can conveniently procure conveyance to their respective homes—
          The sick will remain here under the care of Dr. Chetwood, or of some surgeon whom I shall send from N York—The Contractor has been directed to supply them with necessaries as heretofore.
          When I shall have left this place you will continue proceed in the your arrangements for effecting a disbandment of the troops in the most in a manner proper as it regards the public & satisfactory to them. And  you will continue to make and carry into effect such ulterior arrangements as may be necessary till further order from me—
          Col. Smith—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            War Department May 31st. 1800.

          I enclose to your care a number of letters for General Wilkinson, which you will be pleased to deliver to him, in case he should arrive at your quarters, previously to your leaving the Army.
          I am Sir with great respect Your obedient servant

            James McHenry

          Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Dwight, 31 May 1800
From: Dwight, Joseph H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Hon Sir—
            Plainfield May 31st. 1800

          I received an Answer Yesterday from Mr. Thos. Buckley of New York in whose favor I lodged a Draft for collection on Account of my pay, (as your Honor will observe by the inclosed Letter.)—Agreeable to the Pay Master Generals instructions I was to receive my pay from the Regimental Pay Master—I have drawn ——— twice, but to no purpose—Lieut. Peyton who has lately been Appointed says I must make Application to your Honor, these contradictory instructions Appear very singular—however Sir your Honor will judge of the situation—Its impossible for me to leave this place till I receive my pay or get an order to obtain it—therefore necesity must plead an excuse for requesting your Honors indulgence in Assisting me previous to leaving this place—
          I have the Honor to be Sir Your very Hbl Servt—

            Joseph H Dwight Lieut.
            1st. US Regt. Infy.

          Majr. Genl. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Cass, 1 June 1800
From: Cass, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Wilmington Delaware June 1st. 1800

          I have been honoured with yours of the 28th. Ultimo, respecting Lieut Peyton. You are perfectly correct, Sir, in your idea, that his letter to you made the advance of four months pay the condition of his continuance in service. his conduct, through the whole of this business, has appeared sth Strange. I can account for it in no other way, than that his mind for the want of cash, and being denid some claims, or money advanced on presenting his account, to the accounting officer of the War department, became soured. I am told Sir, that he considered suspects me of making an uncandid representation to you respecting him, which influenced your Judgment in recommending to the Sec’y. of war a discharge, instead of the four months advance, and I suppose he will write a Book, I am astonished, and much mortified, that he discovered the want of respect to you in his last letter. It has taken me to this time with all Industry to break up the Rendezvous in this State, and leave the public a/c in a proper train. I shall be off tomorrow for Harper Ferry.
          I am Sir, with Great respect & esteem your most humble servant.

            J. Cass Major 3. R. Infty

          Major Genl. Hamilton—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 2 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hoops, Adam, Jr.

            Sir,
            N York June 2—1800

          I send you the enclosed letter.
          You will make enquiry into the character and circumstances of the writer, and report verbally. to m


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 2 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            N York June 2nd. 1800

          The enclosed letter is from certain prisoners of war who have omitted to mention to me the place where they are confined. I presume they are naval prisoners. As the honor character of the U States is concerned in the affair which is the subject of the letter I send it to you that you may do in it the case whatever shall appear to you proper—
          B. Stoddert Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            NY. June 3rd. 1800

          Enclosed is a letter from Lt. Wands solliciting an appointment in one of the permanent regiments, and a recommendation of him by Major Wilcocks—This recommendation deserves all the attention which is due to the testimony of a very worthy man.
          S of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            NY. Ma June 3rd. 1800

          Enclosed is an extract of a letter from Major Rivardi which I send for the information of the Department relative to the subject of it.
          S of War—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            NY. M June 5th. 1800

          Enclosed are Proceedings of Courts Martial in the cases of Lt. Loring and Dwight—Also the Proceedings of a Court Martial held at Fort Jay on the twenty third of April, of which Captain Elliot Cochran was President, and Lieut. Hancock Judge Advocate—
          They have all been acted upon—
          S of War.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

            Sir,
            NY. June 5, 1800

          Doctor Coffin, the former Surgeon of Niagara, having received a furlough which was necessary from his health, and the state of his public accounts, the Commandant of the Post Major Rivardi was obliged to have recourse to the Physicians of the British physicians posts on the opposite side of the streight—
          The enclosed letters and extracts will shew you the state of the case, and the impressions of Major Rivardi on the subject—
          Altho’ I can not readily comprehend how four Surgeons could have been necessary, yet I trust you will agree with  me that th neither the Justice nor dignity of the U States will permit them to suffer these Gentlemen to go without compensation for their services—(If their delicacy will not let them receive a sum of money I trust some other method will be devised.) I hope to be enabled to say something definitive to Major Rivardi on the Subject.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            N. York June 5th. 1800

          I request that you will call the attention of the different Paymasters to those men who may have been confined by the Sentences of Courts martial to hard labor, they being entitled to their pay—
          With &c.
          Colonel Smith


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 6 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

            Sir,
            New York June 6th. 1800

          I send you the inclosed Return of Surgical Instruments &c. at Fort Niagara. It has by some accident remained unattended to; you will observe also a Return for Medicine and Hospital Stores for the present year of which I request you to furnish promptly an adequate supply.
          with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt.
          General Stevens.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Dwight, 6 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dwight, Joseph H.

            Sir,
            New York June 6th. 1800.

          Not knowing the State of your accounts, I have ordered the Deputy Postmaster General to advance  you seventy five dollars, which you will immediately procure and proceed to Oxford reporting yourself on Your arrival to Major Buell. I desire that not a moments delay may take place in the execution of the above order
          I am Sir Your obed Servt.
          Liut Dwight.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Jackson, 11 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jackson, Jonathan

            Sir,
            Camp Oxford June 11th. 1800

          I have instructed Col. Hunnewell to have certain Arms and Military stores and Clothing at Boston and Concord delivered to you—You I request that you will take charge of them accordingly untill you shall receive the orders of the War Department.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Amos Stoddard, 12 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddard, Amos

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Oxford June 12th. 1800

          When the regiments stationed here shall be disbanded, you will continue and take charge of the hutts and other articles of public property which may remain together with such of the sick as may be too ill to be removed.
          You will have charge of these untill the arrival of Major Bewell to whom, upon his arrival, you will deliver this letter, and he will then take the command
          Capt. Stoddard


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus Graves, 13 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Graves, Rufus

            Sir,
            Oxford Massachusettes June 13. 1800

          Inclosed is a letter authorising Your Regimental Pay Master to advance to you 650 Dollars. This sum you will apply towards the payment of 200 Dollars to Benjamin Gales on account of his disbursements for the use of your Regiment, of 200 Dollars to Ephraim Curtis on the like account, of 195 Dollars to your officers for defraying the expences of quarters while on the recruiting service and on the march to the Regimental station of 25 Dollars & 20 Cents to Capt Parker on account of his expenditures for his Company of 40 Dollars to Capt Tilton on the like account. You will in each case take a receipt of the person making him accountable to the Accountant of the War Department for the time being—and you will transmit this receipt with all collateral vouchers & a full explanation of the affair to William Simmons Esqr the Accountant of the abovementioned.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr Obed Ser

            A H

          Col Rufus Graves


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Parker, 13 June 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Parker, Samuel

            Sir,
            Oxford Massachusetts June 13. 1800

          Out of any surplus monies which may remain in your hands, after satisfying the objects for which your instructions from the Deputy Pay Master General provide, you will pay to Colonel Graves the sum of 650 Dollars towards reimbursing certain objects expenditures for the use of his Regiment, I shall take care taking his receipt for the same to be accountable to the Department of War. I shall take care to give such information to the Pay Master General and the Department of War as will procure you an advance for a credit for this advance.
          With consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St
          The Pay Master of the 16th. Regiment—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John H. Buell, 20 June 1800
From: Buell, John H.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Oxford 20 June 1800.

          I received your order of the 23rd. Ulto. on the 9th. Instant, and gave Orders accordingly. Seven of my Officers have since arrived at this place, with all possible dispatch, however it appears they were too late for the purpose of enlisting good Men, and indeed recruiting here appears to be nearly at an end, as the troops have left the ground.
          I shall continue in this place, with the Officers under my command, agreeably to the Order of the 23rd. Ulto untill I receive instructions or advice from you, I think the Officers for the purpose of recruiting may be better disposed of, as the major part of the men discharg’d, have a desire to return to their respective homes, before they engage in Service again, admitting they have a wish to enter—Were I to act discretionary in the business, I would immediately order the Officers to the different Rendezvous they have left, except One or two for the purpose of guarding the public property, as well as recruiting at this place, as a great number of the best men were recruited at those places, and are now on their return.
          The Public Clothing is also at the different places, we have left in Vermont, the transportation of which, to this place, will be attended with a much a greater expence.
          With the advice of Colonel Rice of the 14th. Regt., I have sent Captain Lyman of the 2nd Regt. with this, who will give you every information respecting our present situation—
          Two of the Officers under my command have been left in Vermont, Lieutenant Porter at Bennington where the greatest part of the Clothing is, and Lieutenant Laidlie at Newbury, where there is also public Clothing—
          The distance of each of the above places being too distant from Westminster for them to receive Orders and repair in time to this place, together with their having charge of the clothing is the reason why they were not ordered for this—
          Lieutenant Richmond P. Master to this Detachment has received Money for the raising of four complete Companies; Money for the raising of two, when we were first ordered to Vermont, & two Money for the raising of two Companies a short time since; I will thank you to inform me whether the Monies already sent, are those you refer to in yours of the 23d. May, or whether Money is to be sent on for recruiting four additional Company’s, if the last is contemplated, the money has not come to hand—
          Captain McClary of the 2nd Regt. march’d from Westminster on the 12th. Instant, with a detachment of Sixty Recruits—
          I am with esteem and respect your Most Obedient and Very Hble Sert

            John H Buell Major
             U.S. 2d. Regt. Infy.

          Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: Verses from Benjamin Franklin (the Elder), 7 July 1710
From: Franklin, Benjamin, Sr.
To:

Benjamin Franklin’s uncle Benjamin Franklin (1650–1727), born at Ecton in Northamptonshire, was for many years a silk-dyer in London. After years of sickness and adversity, he settled at Boston in October 1715,

And there a Kind, kind Brother found,
Bless’t with a Wife and Num’rous Race.
Four years they did me kindly Treat
But noe Imployment did present,
Which was to me a burden great
And could not be to their content.

He lived four years in Josiah Franklin’s household, then in November 1719 moved to the house of his son Samuel, who had preceded him to America but had just married; and there he died (Genealogy, A.5.2.7).
Franklin remembered his uncle as an ingenious man, the inventor of a shorthand which he taught his nephew, a collector of books and family anecdotes. From early manhood this clever, gentle man composed poems of love, sorrow, and thanksgiving, rendered the Psalms into his own verse, and contrived acrostics, crosses, ladders, and other curious verse forms. Many of these were written for his children, nieces, and nephews; three were addressed to his “Name[sake],” though the child was in America and the old man was still in England. Punctuation, largely lacking in the manuscript, has been supplied in this and the following two poems.

Sent to My Name upon a Reportof his Inclineation to Martial affaires7 July 1710

Beleeve me Ben. It is a Dangerous Trade—
The Sword has Many Marr’d as well as Made.
By it doe many fall, Not Many Rise;
Makes Many poor, few Rich and fewer Wise;
Fills Towns with Ruin, fields with blood beside;
Tis Sloth’s Maintainer, And the Shield of pride;
Fair Citties Rich to Day, in plenty flow,
War fills with want, Tomorrow, and with woe.
Ruin’d Estates, The Nurse of Vice, broke limbs and scarts
Are the Effects of Desolating Warrs.


Title: The Taking of Teach the Pirate, 1719
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The second ballad which Franklin wrote and hawked through the streets of Boston was “a Sailor Song on the Taking of Teach or Blackbeard the Pirate.” This may have been written in March 1719, after the Boston News-Letter carried a full account of the last fight and death of Captain Edward Teach on November 22, 1718. In the middle of the nineteenth century the Boston physician George Hayward remembered a stanza which he thought was part of Franklin’s ballad:

So each man to his gun,
For the work must be done
With cutlass, sword, or pistol.
And when we no longer can strike a blow,
Then fire the magazine, boys, and up we go!
It’s better to swim in the sea below
Than to swing in the air and feed the crow,
Says jolly Ned Teach of Bristol.

In 1898 Edward Everett Hale (“Ben Franklin’s Ballads,” New England Magazine, XXIV, 505–7) suggested that the verses Franklin composed were actually those entitled “The Downfal of Pyracy,” printed in The Worcestershire Garland (Newcastle, 1765?) and reprinted in John Ashton, ed., Real Sailor-Songs (London, 1891), p. 79. Nothing in the ballad is inconsistent with this view. The first stanza is:

Will you hear of a bloody Battle,
Lately fought upon the Seas,
It will make your Ears to rattle,
And your Admiration cease:
Have you heard of Teach the Rover,
And his Knavery on the Main;
How of Gold he was a Lover,
How he loved ill got Gain.


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 1, 2 April 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The first issue of James Franklin’s New-England Courant appeared on August 7, 1721, at the height of the inoculation controversy in Boston. Because the Mathers supported inoculation, the Courant opposed it; and the paper’s lively, combative essays and verses were soon directed also against the clergy, the magistrates, the postmaster, Harvard College, men of wealth and property—in short, against the whole Massachusetts Establishment. The Courant’s literary quality alone made the paper pay, for it carried very little advertising and James Franklin had no post office business. The original material was composed by the printer and his friends, a group of “ingenious Men” which included Dr. William Douglass, Captain Taylor, John Checkley, Matthew Adams, John Eyre, and a Mr. Gardner.
Franklin’s autobiography tells how he joined their company anonymously. The writers came regularly to the printing shop in Queen Street, “over against Mr. Sheaf’s School.” Franklin overheard them discuss their work; emboldened to try his hand, he composed a satirical essay and “put it in at Night under the Door of the Printing House.” Next morning he had the “exquisite Pleasure” of hearing the warm approval of the assembled Couranteers and their flattering guesses as to who might have written the piece. His letter was printed, the author’s further contributions were invited, and the sixteen-year-old apprentice wrote thirteen more essays in this way “till my small Fund of Sense for such Performances was pretty well exhausted.” Then he revealed his identity.
In his autobiography Franklin failed to name these essays. Joseph T. Buckingham was the first to suggest that they were the letters of Silence Dogood; he judged them, however, to be “doubtless the work of different hands, though I think chiefly from the pen of Benjamin Franklin.” Parton followed Buckingham, asserting that the pseudonym, the plan, and most of the articles were Franklin’s. In 1868 Bigelow settled the question of authorship: in his edition of the autobiography, printed from the original manuscripts, appeared an outline of subjects Franklin meant to take up, including “My writing. Mrs. Dogoods Letters.” Further evidence is provided by the file of the Courant now in the British Museum, presumably Franklin’s own. It has the authorship of most of the contributions regularly indicated—James’, for example, as “Mr. J. Franklin,” Adams’ as “Mr. Matthew Adams,” but the Dogood Letters always simply as “B.F.”
Franklin’s essays are indebted generally to The Spectator, one of his models for English style; but their immediate models and inspiration were the homely, unsophisticated satires of the Couranteers. Silence Dogood may be a distant relation of Sir Roger de Coverley, but she is own sister to James Franklin’s Abigail Afterwit and Timothy Turnstone, to Matthew Adams’ Harry Meanwell, and to Mr. Gardner’s Fanny Mournful; and her letters are an integral part of the Courant’s spirited satirical review of society, politics, religion, and morality in Massachusetts in 1722.

  To the Author of the New-England Courant.
  Sir,

It may not be improper in the first place to inform your Readers, that I intend once a Fortnight to present them, by the Help of this Paper, with a short Epistle, which I presume will add somewhat to their Entertainment.
And since it is observed, that the Generality of People, now a days, are unwilling either to commend or dispraise what they read, until they are in some measure informed who or what the Author of it is, whether he be poor or rich, old or young, a Schollar or a Leather Apron Man, &c. and give their Opinion of the Performance, according to the Knowledge which they have of the Author’s Circumstances, it may not be amiss to begin with a short Account of my past Life and present Condition, that the Reader may not be at a Loss to judge whether or no my Lucubrations are worth his reading.
At the time of my Birth, my Parents were on Ship-board in their Way from London to N. England. My Entrance into this troublesome World was attended with the Death of my Father, a Misfortune, which tho’ I was not then capable of knowing, I shall never be able to forget; for as he, poor Man, stood upon the Deck rejoycing at my Birth, a merciless Wave entred the Ship, and in one Moment carry’d him beyond Reprieve. Thus, was the first Day which I saw, the last that was seen by my Father; and thus was my disconsolate Mother at once made both a Parent and a Widow.
When we arrived at Boston (which was not long after) I was put to Nurse in a Country Place, at a small Distance from the Town, where I went to School, and past my Infancy and Childhood in Vanity and Idleness, until I was bound out Apprentice, that I might no longer be a Charge to my Indigent Mother, who was put to hard Shifts for a Living.
My Master was a Country Minister, a pious good-natur’d young Man, and a Batchelor: He labour’d with all his Might to instil vertuous and godly Principles into my tender Soul, well knowing that it was the most suitable Time to make deep and lasting Impressions on the Mind, while it was yet untainted with Vice, free and unbiass’d. He endeavour’d that I might be instructed in all that Knowledge and Learning which is necessary for our Sex, and deny’d me no Accomplishment that could possibly be attained in a Country Place; such as all Sorts of Needle-Work, Writing, Arithmetick, &c. and observing that I took a more than ordinary Delight in reading ingenious Books, he gave me the free Use of his Library, which tho’ it was but small, yet it was well chose, to inform the Understanding rightly, and enable the Mind to frame great and noble Ideas.
Before I had liv’d quite two Years with this Reverend Gentleman, my indulgent Mother departed this Life, leaving me as it were by my self, having no Relation on Earth within my Knowledge.
I will not abuse your Patience with a tedious Recital of all the frivolous Accidents of my Life, that happened from this Time until I arrived to Years of Discretion, only inform you that I liv’d a chearful Country Life, spending my leisure Time either in some innocent Diversion with the neighbouring Females, or in some shady Retirement, with the best of Company, Books. Thus I past away the Time with a Mixture of Profit and Pleasure, having no affliction but what was imaginary, and created in my own Fancy; as nothing is more common with us Women, than to be grieving for nothing, when we have nothing else to grieve for.

As I would not engross too much of your Paper at once, I will defer the Remainder of my Story until my next Letter; in the mean time desiring your Readers to exercise their Patience, and bear with my Humours now and then, because I shall trouble them but seldom. I am not insensible of the Impossibility of pleasing all, but I would not willingly displease any; and for those who will take Offence where none is intended, they are beneath the Notice of Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 2, 16 April 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  To the Author of the New-England Courant.
  [No. 2
  Sir,

Histories of Lives are seldom entertaining, unless they contain something either admirable or exemplar: And since there is little or nothing of this Nature in my own Adventures, I will not tire your Readers with tedious Particulars of no Consequence, but will briefly, and in as few Words as possible, relate the most material Occurrences of my Life, and according to my Promise, confine all to this Letter.
My Reverend Master who had hitherto remained a Batchelor, (after much Meditation on the Eighteenth verse of the Second Chapter of Genesis,) took up a Resolution to marry; and having made several unsuccessful fruitless Attempts on the more topping Sort of our Sex, and being tir’d with making troublesome Journeys and Visits to no Purpose, he began unexpectedly to cast a loving Eye upon Me, whom he had brought up cleverly to his Hand.
There is certainly scarce any Part of a Man’s Life in which he appears more silly and ridiculous, than when he makes his first Onset in Courtship. The aukward Manner in which my Master first discover’d his Intentions, made me, in spite of my Reverence to his Person, burst out into an unmannerly Laughter: However, having ask’d his Pardon, and with much ado compos’d my Countenance, I promis’d him I would take his Proposal into serious Consideration, and speedily give him an Answer.
As he had been a great Benefactor (and in a Manner a Father to me) I could not well deny his Request, when I once perceived he was in earnest. Whether it was Love, or Gratitude, or Pride, or all Three that made me consent, I know not; but it is certain, he found it no hard Matter, by the Help of his Rhetorick, to conquer my Heart, and perswade me to marry him.
This unexpected Match was very astonishing to all the Country round about, and served to furnish them with Discourse for a long Time after; some approving it, others disliking it, as they were led by their various Fancies and Inclinations.
We lived happily together in the Heighth of conjugal Love and mutual Endearments, for near Seven Years, in which Time we added Two likely Girls and a Boy to the Family of the Dogoods: But alas! When my Sun was in its meridian Altitude, inexorable unrelenting Death, as if he had envy’d my Happiness and Tranquility, and resolv’d to make me entirely miserable by the Loss of so good an Husband, hastened his Flight to the Heavenly World, by a sudden unexpected Departure from this.
I have now remained in a State of Widowhood for several Years, but it is a State I never much admir’d, and I am apt to fancy that I could be easily perswaded to marry again, provided I was sure of a good-humour’d, sober, agreeable Companion: But one, even with these few good Qualities, being hard to find, I have lately relinquish’d all Thoughts of that Nature.
At present I pass away my leisure Hours in Conversation, either with my honest Neighbour Rusticus and his Family, or with the ingenious Minister of our Town, who now lodges at my House, and by whose Assistance I intend now and then to beautify my Writings with a Sentence or two in the learned Languages, which will not only be fashionable, and pleasing to those who do not understand it, but will likewise be very ornamental.
I shall conclude this with my own Character, which (one would think) I should be best able to give. Know then, That I am an Enemy to Vice, and a Friend to Vertue. I am one of an extensive Charity, and a great Forgiver of private Injuries: A hearty Lover of the Clergy and all good Men, and a mortal Enemy to arbitrary Government and unlimited Power. I am naturally very jealous for the Rights and Liberties of my Country; and the least appearance of an Incroachment on those invaluable Priviledges, is apt to make my Blood boil exceedingly. I have likewise a natural Inclination to observe and reprove the Faults of others, at which I have an excellent Faculty. I speak this by Way of Warning to all such whose Offences shall come under my Cognizance, for I never intend to wrap my Talent in a Napkin. To be brief; I am courteous and affable, good humour’d (unless I am first provok’d,) and handsome, and sometimes witty, but always, Sir, Your Friend and Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 4, 14 May 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

An sum etiam nunc vel Graecè loqui vel Latinè docendus? Cicero.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
  [No. 4
  Sir,

Discoursing the other Day at Dinner with my Reverend Boarder, formerly mention’d, (whom for Distinction sake we will call by the Name of Clericus,) concerning the Education of Children, I ask’d his Advice about my young Son William, whether or no I had best bestow upon him Academical Learning, or (as our Phrase is) bring him up at our College: He perswaded me to do it by all Means, using many weighty Arguments with me, and answering all the Objections that I could form against it; telling me withal, that he did not doubt but that the Lad would take his Learning very well, and not idle away his Time as too many there now-a-days do. These Words of Clericus gave me a Curiosity to inquire a little more strictly into the present Circumstances of that famous Seminary of Learning; but the Information which he gave me, was neither pleasant, nor such as I expected.
As soon as Dinner was over, I took a solitary Walk into my Orchard, still ruminating on Clericus’s Discourse with much Consideration, until I came to my usual Place of Retirement under the Great Apple-Tree; where having seated my self, and carelessly laid my Head on a verdant Bank, I fell by Degrees into a soft and undisturbed Slumber. My waking Thoughts remained with me in my Sleep, and before I awak’d again, I dreamt the following Dream.
I fancy’d I was travelling over pleasant and delightful Fields and Meadows, and thro’ many small Country Towns and Villages; and as I pass’d along, all Places resounded with the Fame of the Temple of Learning: Every Peasant, who had wherewithal, was preparing to send one of his Children at least to this famous Place; and in this Case most of them consulted their own Purses instead of their Childrens Capacities: So that I observed, a great many, yea, the most part of those who were travelling thither, were little better than Dunces and Blockheads. Alas! alas!
At length I entred upon a spacious Plain, in the Midst of which was erected a large and stately Edifice: It was to this that a great Company of Youths from all Parts of the Country were going; so stepping in among the Crowd, I passed on with them, and presently arrived at the Gate.
The Passage was kept by two sturdy Porters named Riches and Poverty, and the latter obstinately refused to give Entrance to any who had not first gain’d the Favour of the former; so that I observed, many who came even to the very Gate, were obliged to travel back again as ignorant as they came, for want of this necessary Qualification. However, as a Spectator I gain’d Admittance, and with the rest entred directly into the Temple.
In the Middle of the great Hall stood a stately and magnificent Throne, which was ascended to by two high and difficult Steps. On the Top of it sat Learning in awful State; she was apparelled wholly in Black, and surrounded almost on every Side with innumerable Volumes in all Languages. She seem’d very busily employ’d in writing something on half a Sheet of Paper, and upon Enquiry, I understood she was preparing a Paper, call’d, The New-England Courant. On her Right Hand sat English, with a pleasant smiling Countenance, and handsomely attir’d; and on her left were seated several Antique Figures with their Faces vail’d. I was considerably puzzl’d to guess who they were, until one informed me, (who stood beside me,) that those Figures on her left Hand were Latin, Greek, Hebrew, &c. and that they were very much reserv’d, and seldom or never unvail’d their Faces here, and then to few or none, tho’ most of those who have in this Place acquir’d so much Learning as to distinguish them from English, pretended to an intimate Acquaintance with them. I then enquir’d of him, what could be the Reason why they continued vail’d, in this Place especially: He pointed to the Foot of the Throne, where I saw Idleness, attended with Ignorance, and these (he informed me) were they, who first vail’d them, and still kept them so.
Now I observed, that the whole Tribe who entred into the Temple with me, began to climb the Throne; but the Work proving troublesome and difficult to most of them, they withdrew their Hands from the Plow, and contented themselves to sit at the Foot, with Madam Idleness and her Maid Ignorance, until those who were assisted by Diligence and a docible Temper, had well nigh got up the first Step: But the Time drawing nigh in which they could no way avoid ascending, they were fain to crave the Assistance of those who had got up before them, and who, for the Reward perhaps of a Pint of Milk, or a Piece of Plumb-Cake, lent the Lubbers a helping Hand, and sat them in the Eye of the World, upon a Level with themselves.

The other Step being in the same Manner ascended, and the usual Ceremonies at an End, every Beetle-Scull seem’d well satisfy’d with his own Portion of Learning, tho’ perhaps he was e’en just as ignorant as ever. And now the Time of their Departure being come, they march’d out of Doors to make Room for another Company, who waited for Entrance: And I, having seen all that was to be seen, quitted the Hall likewise, and went to make my Observations on those who were just gone out before me.
Some I perceiv’d took to Merchandizing, others to Travelling, some to one Thing, some to another, and some to Nothing; and many of them from henceforth, for want of Patrimony, liv’d as poor as Church Mice, being unable to dig, and asham’d to beg, and to live by their Wits it was impossible. But the most Part of the Crowd went along a large beaten Path, which led to a Temple at the further End of the Plain, call’d, The Temple of Theology. The Business of those who were employ’d in this Temple being laborious and painful, I wonder’d exceedingly to see so many go towards it; but while I was pondering this Matter in my Mind, I spy’d Pecunia behind a Curtain, beckoning to them with her Hand, which Sight immediately satisfy’d me for whose Sake it was, that a great Part of them (I will not say all) travel’d that Road. In this Temple I saw nothing worth mentioning, except the ambitious and fraudulent Contrivances of Plagius, who (notwithstanding he had been severely reprehended for such Practices before) was diligently transcribing some eloquent Paragraphs out of Tillotson’s Works, &c., to embellish his own.
Now I bethought my self in my Sleep, that it was Time to be at Home, and as I fancy’d I was travelling back thither, I reflected in my Mind on the extream Folly of those Parents, who, blind to their Childrens Dulness, and insensible of the Solidity of their Skulls, because they think their Purses can afford it, will needs send them to the Temple of Learning, where, for want of a suitable Genius, they learn little more than how to carry themselves handsomely, and enter a Room genteely, (which might as well be acquir’d at a Dancing-School,) and from whence they return, after Abundance of Trouble and Charge, as great Blockheads as ever, only more proud and self-conceited.
While I was in the midst of these unpleasant Reflections, Clericus (who with a Book in his Hand was walking under the Trees) accidentally awak’d me; to him I related my Dream with all its Particulars, and he, without much Study, presently interpreted it, assuring me, That it was a lively Representation of Harvard College, Etcetera. I remain, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 5, 28 May 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Mulier Mulieri magis congruet. Ter.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
  [No. V.
  Sir,

I shall here present your Readers with a Letter from one, who informs me that I have begun at the wrong End of my Business, and that I ought to begin at Home, and censure the Vices and Follies of my own Sex, before I venture to meddle with your’s: Nevertheless, I am resolved to dedicate this Speculation to the Fair Tribe, and endeavour to show, that Mr. Ephraim charges Women with being particularly guilty of Pride, Idleness, &c. wrongfully, inasmuch as the Men have not only as great a Share in those Vices as the Women, but are likewise in a great Measure the Cause of that which the Women are guilty of. I think it will be best to produce my Antagonist, before I encounter him.

To Mrs. Dogood.
“Madam,
“My Design in troubling you with this Letter is, to desire you would begin with your own Sex first: Let the first Volley of your Resentments be directed against Female Vice; let Female Idleness, Ignorance and Folly, (which are Vices more peculiar to your Sex than to our’s,) be the Subject of your Satyrs, but more especially Female Pride, which I think is intollerable. Here is a large Field that wants Cultivation, and which I believe you are able (if willing) to improve with Advantage; and when you have once reformed the Women, you will find it a much easier Task to reform the Men, because Women are the prime Causes of a great many Male Enormities. This is all at present from Your Friendly Wellwisher,
Ephraim Censorious”

After Thanks to my Correspondent for his Kindness in cutting out Work for me, I must assure him, that I find it a very difficult Matter to reprove Women separate from the Men; for what Vice is there in which the Men have not as great a Share as the Women? and in some have they not a far greater, as in Drunkenness, Swearing, &c.? And if they have, then it follows, that when a Vice is to be reproved, Men, who are most culpable, deserve the most Reprehension, and certainly therefore, ought to have it. But we will wave this Point at present, and proceed to a particular Consideration of what my Correspondent calls Female Vice.
As for Idleness, if I should Quaere, Where are the greatest Number of its Votaries to be found, with us or the Men? it might I believe be easily and truly answer’d, With the latter. For notwithstanding the Men are commonly complaining how hard they are forc’d to labour, only to maintain their Wives in Pomp and Idleness, yet if you go among the Women, you will learn, that they have always more Work upon their Hands than they are able to do; and that a Woman’s Work is never done, &c. But however, Suppose we should grant for once, that we are generally more idle than the Men, (without making any Allowance for the Weakness of the Sex,) I desire to know whose Fault it is? Are not the Men to blame for their Folly in maintaining us in Idleness? Who is there that can be handsomely Supported in Affluence, Ease and Pleasure by another, that will chuse rather to earn his Bread by the Sweat of his own Brows? And if a Man will be so fond and so foolish, as to labour hard himself for a Livelihood, and suffer his Wife in the mean Time to sit in Ease and Idleness, let him not blame her if she does so, for it is in a great Measure his own Fault.
And now for the Ignorance and Folly which he reproaches us with, let us see (if we are Fools and Ignoramus’s) whose is the Fault, the Men’s or our’s. An ingenious Writer, having this Subject in Hand, has the following Words, wherein he lays the Fault wholly on the Men, for not allowing Women the Advantages of Education.
“I have (says he) often thought of it as one of the most barbarous Customs in the World, considering us as a civiliz’d and Christian Country, that we deny the Advantages of Learning to Women. We reproach the Sex every Day with Folly and Impertinence, while I am confident, had they the Advantages of Education equal to us, they would be guilty of less than our selves. One would wonder indeed how it should happen that Women are conversible at all, since they are only beholding to natural Parts for all their Knowledge. Their Youth is spent to teach them to stitch and sew, or make Baubles: They are taught to read indeed, and perhaps to write their Names, or so; and that is the Heighth of a Womans Education. And I would but ask any who slight the Sex for their Understanding, What is a Man (a Gentleman, I mean) good for that is taught no more? If Knowledge and Understanding had been useless Additions to the Sex, God Almighty would never have given them Capacities, for he made nothing Needless. What has the Woman done to forfeit the Priviledge of being taught? Does she plague us with her Pride and Impertinence? Why did we not let her learn, that she might have had more Wit? Shall we upbraid Women with Folly, when ’tis only the Error of this inhumane Custom that hindred them being made wiser.”
So much for Female Ignorance and Folly, and now let us a little consider the Pride which my Correspondent thinks is intollerable. By this Expression of his, one would think he is some dejected Swain, tyranniz’d over by some cruel haughty Nymph, who (perhaps he thinks) has no more Reason to be proud than himself. Alas-a-day! What shall we say in this Case! Why truly, if Women are proud, it is certainly owing to the Men still; for if they will be such Simpletons as to humble themselves at their Feet, and fill their credulous Ears with extravagant Praises of their Wit, Beauty, and other Accomplishments (perhaps where there are none too,) and when Women are by this Means perswaded that they are Something more than humane, what Wonder is it, if they carry themselves haughtily, and live extravagantly. Notwithstanding, I believe there are more Instances of extravagant Pride to be found among Men than among Women, and this Fault is certainly more hainous in the former than in the latter.
Upon the whole, I conclude, that it will be impossible to lash any Vice, of which the Men are not equally guilty with the Women, and consequently deserve an equal (if not a greater) Share in the Censure. However, I exhort both to amend, where both are culpable, otherwise they may expect to be severely handled by Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood
N.B. Mrs. Dogood has lately left her Seat in the Country, and come to Boston, where she intends to tarry for the Summer Season, in order to compleat her Observations of the present reigning Vices of the Town.


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 6, 11 June 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Quem Dies videt veniens Superbum,Hunc Dies vidit fugiens jacentem. Seneca.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
  [No. VI.
  Sir,

Among the many reigning Vices of the Town which may at any Time come under my Consideration and Reprehension, there is none which I am more inclin’d to expose than that of Pride. It is acknowledg’d by all to be a Vice the most hateful to God and Man. Even those who nourish it in themselves, hate to see it in others. The proud Man aspires after Nothing less than an unlimited Superiority over his Fellow-Creatures. He has made himself a King in Soliloquy; fancies himself conquering the World; and the Inhabitants thereof consulting on proper Methods to acknowledge his Merit. I speak it to my Shame, I my self was a Queen from the Fourteenth to the Eighteenth Year of my Age, and govern’d the World all the Time of my being govern’d by my Master. But this speculative Pride may be the Subject of another Letter: I shall at present confine my Thoughts to what we call Pride of Apparel. This Sort of Pride has been growing upon us ever since we parted with our Homespun Cloaths for Fourteen Penny Stuffs, &c. And the Pride of Apparel has begot and nourish’d in us a Pride of Heart, which portends the Ruin of Church and State. Pride goeth before Destruction, and a haughty Spirit before a Fall: And I remember my late Reverend Husband would often say upon this Text, That a Fall was the natural Consequence, as well as Punishment of Pride. Daily Experience is sufficient to evince the Truth of this Observation. Persons of small Fortune under the Dominion of this Vice, seldom consider their Inability to maintain themselves in it, but strive to imitate their Superiors in Estate, or Equals in Folly, until one Misfortune comes upon the Neck of another, and every Step they take is a Step backwards. By striving to appear rich they become really poor, and deprive themselves of that Pity and Charity which is due to the humble poor Man, who is made so more immediately by Providence.
This Pride of Apparel will appear the more foolish, if we consider, that those airy Mortals, who have no other Way of making themselves considerable but by gorgeous Apparel, draw after them Crowds of Imitators, who hate each other while they endeavour after a Similitude of Manners. They destroy by Example, and envy one another’s Destruction.
I cannot dismiss this Subject without some Observations on a particular Fashion now reigning among my own Sex, the most immodest and inconvenient of any the Art of Woman has invented, namely, that of Hoop-Petticoats. By these they are incommoded in their General and Particular Calling, and therefore they cannot answer the Ends of either necessary or ornamental Apparel. These monstrous topsy-turvy Mortar-Pieces, are neither fit for the Church, the Hall, or the Kitchen; and if a Number of them were well mounted on Noddles-Island, they would look more like Engines of War for bombarding the Town, than Ornaments of the Fair Sex. An honest Neighbour of mine, happening to be in Town some time since on a publick Day, inform’d me, that he saw four Gentlewomen with their Hoops half mounted in a Balcony, as they withdrew to the Wall, to the great Terror of the Militia, who (he thinks) might attribute their irregular Volleys to the formidable Appearance of the Ladies Petticoats.
I assure you, Sir, I have but little Hopes of perswading my Sex, by this Letter, utterly to relinquish the extravagant Foolery, and Indication of Immodesty, in this monstrous Garb of their’s; but I would at least desire them to lessen the Circumference of their Hoops, and leave it with them to consider, Whether they, who pay no Rates or Taxes, ought to take up more Room in the King’s High-Way, than the Men, who yearly contribute to the Support of the Government. I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 8, 9 July 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

On June 11 the Courant had insinuated that the Massachusetts authorities were not making proper exertions to capture a pirate vessel reported to be off the coast. Exasperated by this “High Affront,” the latest of many, the General Court the next day ordered James Franklin to be confined in jail for the remainder of the legislative session. During his brother’s imprisonment Benjamin managed the paper, and “made bold to give our Rulers some Rubs in it, which my Brother took very kindly, while others began to consider me ... as a young Genius that had a Turn for Libelling & Satyr.” The eighth and ninth letters of Mrs. Dogood were two such “Rubs.”

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
[No. VIII.
  Sir,

I prefer the following Abstract from the London Journal to any Thing of my own, and therefore shall present it to your Readers this week without any further Preface.
“Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as publick Liberty, without Freedom of Speech; which is the Right of every Man, as far as by it, he does not hurt or controul the Right of another: And this is the only Check it ought to suffer, and the only Bounds it ought to know.
“This sacred Privilege is so essential to free Governments, that the Security of Property, and the Freedom of Speech always go together; and in those wretched Countries where a Man cannot call his Tongue his own, he can scarce call any Thing else his own. Whoever would overthrow the Liberty of a Nation, must begin by subduing the Freeness of Speech; a Thing terrible to Publick Traytors.
“This Secret was so well known to the Court of King Charles the First, that his wicked Ministry procured a Proclamation, to forbid the People to talk of Parliaments, which those Traytors had laid aside. To assert the undoubted Right of the Subject, and defend his Majesty’s legal Prerogative, was called Disaffection, and punished as Sedition. Nay, People were forbid to talk of Religion in their Families: For the Priests had combined with the Ministers to cook up Tyranny, and suppress Truth and the Law, while the late King James, when Duke of York, went avowedly to Mass, Men were fined, imprisoned and undone, for saying he was a Papist: And that King Charles the Second might live more securely a Papist, there was an Act of Parliament made, declaring it Treason to say that he was one.
“That Men ought to speak well of their Governours is true, while their Governours deserve to be well spoken of; but to do publick Mischief, without hearing of it, is only the Prerogative and Felicity of Tyranny: A free People will be shewing that they are so, by their Freedom of Speech.
“The Administration of Government, is nothing else but the Attendance of the Trustees of the People upon the Interest and Affairs of the People: And as it is the Part and Business of the People, for whose Sake alone all publick Matters are, or ought to be transacted, to see whether they be well or ill transacted; so it is the Interest, and ought to be the Ambition, of all honest Magistrates, to have their Deeds openly examined, and publickly scann’d: Only the wicked Governours of Men dread what is said of them; Audivit Tiberius probra queis lacerabitur, atque perculsus est. The publick Censure was true, else he had not felt it bitter.
“Freedom of Speech is ever the Symptom, as well as the Effect of a good Government. In old Rome, all was left to the Judgment and Pleasure of the People, who examined the publick Proceedings with such Discretion, and censured those who administred them with such Equity and Mildness, that in the space of Three Hundred Years, not five publick Ministers suffered unjustly. Indeed whenever the Commons proceeded to Violence, the great Ones had been the Agressors.
“Guilt only dreads Liberty of Speech, which drags it out of its lurking Holes, and exposes its Deformity and Horrour to Daylight. Horatius, Valerius, Cincinnatus, and other vertuous and undesigning Magistrates of the Roman Commonwealth, had nothing to fear from Liberty of Speech. Their virtuous Administration, the more it was examin’d, the more it brightned and gain’d by Enquiry. When Valerius in particular, was accused upon some slight grounds of affecting the Diadem; he, who was the first Minister of Rome, does not accuse the People for examining his Conduct, but approved his Innocence in a Speech to them; and gave such Satisfaction to them, and gained such Popularity to himself, that they gave him a new Name; inde cognomenfactum Publicolae est; to denote that he was their Favourite and their Friend. Latae deinde leges—Ante omnes de provocatione Adversus Magistratus Ad Populum, Livii, lib. 2. Cap. 8.
“But Things afterwards took another Turn. Rome, with the Loss of its Liberty, lost also its Freedom of Speech; then Mens Words began to be feared and watched; and then first began the poysonous Race of Informers, banished indeed under the righteous Administration of Titus, Narva, Trajan, Aurelius, &c. but encouraged and enriched under the vile Ministry of Sejanus, Tigillinus, Pallas, and Cleander: Queri libet, quod in secreta nostra non inquirant principes, nisi quos Odimus, says Pliny to Trajan.
“The best Princes have ever encouraged and promoted Freedom of Speech; they know that upright Measures would defend themselves, and that all upright Men would defend them. Tacitus, speaking of the Reign of some of the Princes abovemention’d, says with Extasy, Rara Temporum felicitate, ubi sentire quae velis, & quae sentias dicere licet: A blessed Time when you might think what you would, and speak what you thought.
“I doubt not but old Spencer and his Son, who were the Chief Ministers and Betrayers of Edward the Second, would have been very glad to have stopped the Mouths of all the honest Men in England. They dreaded to be called Traytors, because they were Traytors. And I dare say, Queen Elizabeth’s Walsingham, who deserved no Reproaches, feared none. Misrepresentation of publick Measures is easily overthrown, by representing publick Measures truly; when they are honest, they ought to be publickly known, that they may be publickly commended; but if they are knavish or pernicious, they ought to be publickly exposed, in order to be publickly detested.” Yours, &c.,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 10, 13 August 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Optimè societas hominum servabitur. Cic.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
[No. X.
  Sir,

Discoursing lately with an intimate Friend of mine of the lamentable Condition of Widows, he put into my Hands a Book, wherein the ingenious Author proposes (I think) a certain Method for their Relief. I have often thought of some such Project for their Benefit my self, and intended to communicate my Thoughts to the Publick; but to prefer my own Proposals to what follows, would be rather an Argument of Vanity in me than Good Will to the many Hundreds of my Fellow-Sufferers now in New-England.
“We have (says he) abundance of Women, who have been Bred well, and Liv’d well, Ruin’d in a few Years, and perhaps, left Young, with a House full of Children, and nothing to Support them; which falls generally upon the Wives of the Inferior Clergy, or of Shopkeepers and Artificers.
“They marry Wives with perhaps £300 to £1000 Portion, and can settle no Jointure upon them; either they are Extravagant and Idle, and Waste it, or Trade decays, or Losses, or a Thousand Contingences happen to bring a Tradesman to Poverty, and he Breaks; the Poor Young Woman, it may be, has Three or Four Children, and is driven to a thousand shifts, while he lies in the Mint or Fryars under the Dilemma of a Statute of Bankrupt; but if he Dies, then she is absolutely Undone, unless she has Friends to go to.
“Suppose an Office to be Erected, to be call’d An Office of Ensurance for Widows, upon the following Conditions;
“Two thousand Women, or their Husbands for them, Enter their Names into a Register to be kept for that purpose, with the Names, Age, and Trade of their Husbands, with the Place of their abode, Paying at the Time of their Entring 5s. down with 1s. 4d. per Quarter, which is to the setting up and support of an Office with Clerks, and all proper Officers for the same; for there is no maintaining such without Charge; they receive every one of them a Certificate, Seal’d by the Secretary of the Office, and Sign’d by the Governors, for the Articles hereafter mentioned.
“If any one of the Women becomes a Widow, at any Time after Six Months from the Date of her Subscription, upon due Notice given, and Claim made at the Office in form, as shall be directed, she shall receive within Six Months after such Claim made, the Sum of £500 in Money, without any Deductions, saving some small Fees to the Officers, which the Trustees must settle, that they may be known.
“In Consideration of this, every Woman so Subscribing, Obliges her self to Pay as often as any Member of the Society becomes a Widow, the due Proportion or Share allotted to her to Pay, towards the £500 for the said Widow, provided her Share does not exceed the Sum of 5s.
“No Seamen or Soldiers Wives to be accepted into such a Proposal as this, on the Account before mention’d, because the Contingences of their Lives are not equal to others, unless they will admit this general Exception, supposing they do not Die out of the Kingdom.
“It might also be an Exception, That if the Widow, that Claim’d, had really, bona fide, left her by her Husband to her own use, clear of all Debts and Legacies, £2000 she shou’d have no Claim; the Intent being to Aid the Poor, not add to the Rich. But there lies a great many Objections against such an Article: As
“1. It may tempt some to forswear themselves.
“2. People will Order their Wills so as to defraud the Exception.
“One Exception must be made; and that is, Either very unequal Matches, as when a Woman of Nineteen Marries an old Man of Seventy; or Women who have infirm Husbands, I mean known and publickly so. To remedy which, Two things are to be done.
“[1.] The Office must have moving Officers without doors, who shall inform themselves of such matters, and if any such Circumstances appear, the Office should have 14 days time to return their Money, and declare their Subscriptions Void.
“2. No Woman whose Husband had any visible Distemper, should claim under a Year after her Subscription.
“One grand Objection against this Proposal, is, How you will oblige People to pay either their Subscription, or their Quarteridge.
“To this I answer, By no Compulsion (tho’ that might be perform’d too) but altogether voluntary; only with this Argument to move it, that if they do not continue their Payments, they lose the Benefit of their past Contributions.
“I know it lies as a fair Objection against such a Project as this, That the number of Claims are so uncertain, That no Body knows what they engage in, when they Subscribe, for so many may die Annually out of Two Thousand, as may perhaps make my Payment £20 or 25 per Ann., and if a Woman happen to Pay that for Twenty Years, though she receives the £500 at last she is a great Loser; but if she dies before her Husband, she has lessened his Estate considerably, and brought a great Loss upon him.
“First, I say to this, That I wou’d have such a Proposal as this be so fair and easy, that if any Person who had Subscrib’d found the Payments too high, and the Claims fall too often, it shou’d be at their Liberty at any Time, upon Notice given, to be released and stand Oblig’d no longer; and if so, Volenti non fit Injuria; every one knows best what their own Circumstances will bear.
“In the next Place, because Death is a Contingency, no Man can directly Calculate, and all that Subscribe must take the Hazard; yet that a Prejudice against this Notion may not be built on wrong Grounds, let’s examine a little the Probable hazard, and see how many shall die Annually out of 2000 Subscribers, accounting by the common proportion of Burials, to the number of the Living.
“Sir William Petty in his Political Arithmetick, by a very Ingenious Calculation, brings the Account of Burials in London, to be 1 in 40 Annually, and proves it by all the proper Rules of proportion’d Computation; and I’le take my Scheme from thence. If then One in Forty of all the People in England should Die, that supposes Fifty to Die every Year out of our Two Thousand Subscribers; and for a Woman to Contribute 5s. to every one, would certainly be to agree to Pay £12 10s. per Ann. upon her Husband’s Life, to receive £500 when he Di’d, and lose it if she Di’d first; and yet this wou’d not be a hazard beyond reason too great for the Gain.
“But I shall offer some Reasons to prove this to be impossible in our Case; First, Sir William Petty allows the City of London to contain about a Million of People, and our Yearly Bill of Mortality never yet amounted to 25000 in the most Sickly Years we have had, Plague Years excepted, sometimes but to 20000, which is but One in Fifty: Now it is to be consider’d here, that Children and Ancient People make up, one time with another, at least one third of our Bills of Mortality; and our Assurances lies upon none but the Midling Age of the People, which is the only age wherein Life is any thing steady; and if that be allow’d, there cannot Die by his Computation, above One in Eighty of such People, every Year; but because I would be sure to leave Room for Casualty, I’le allow one in Fifty shall Die out of our Number Subscrib’d.
“Secondly, It must be allow’d, that our Payments falling due only on the Death of Husbands, this One in Fifty must not be reckoned upon the Two thousand; for ’tis to be suppos’d at least as many Women shall die as Men, and then there is nothing to Pay; so that One in Fifty upon One Thousand, is the most that I can suppose shall claim the Contribution in a Year, which is Twenty Claims a Year at 5s. each, and is £5 per Ann. and if a Woman pays this for Twenty Year, and claims at last, she is Gainer enough, and no extraordinary Loser if she never claims at all: And I verily believe any Office might undertake to demand at all Adventures not above £6 per Ann. and secure the Subscriber £500 in case she come to claim as a Widow.”
I would leave this to the Consideration of all who are concern’d for their own or their Neighbour’s Temporal Happiness; and I am humbly of Opinion, that the Country is ripe for many such Friendly Societies, whereby every Man might help another, without any Disservice to himself. We have many charitable Gentlemen who Yearly give liberally to the Poor, and where can they better bestow their Charity than on those who become so by Providence, and for ought they know on themselves. But above all, the Clergy have the most need of coming into some such Project as this. They as well as poor Men (according to the Proverb) generally abound in Children; and how many Clergymen in the Country are forc’d to labour in their Fields, to keep themselves in a Condition above Want? How then shall they be able to leave any thing to their forsaken, dejected, and almost forgotten Wives and Children. For my own Part, I have nothing left to live on, but Contentment and a few Cows; and tho’ I cannot expect to be reliev’d by this Project, yet it would be no small Satisfaction to me to see it put in Practice for the Benefit of others. I am, Sir, &c.
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 11, 20 August 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Neque licitum interea est meam amicam visere.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
[No. XI.
  Sir,

From a natural Compassion to my Fellow-Creatures, I have sometimes been betray’d into Tears at the Sight of an Object of Charity, who by a bear [sic] Relation of his Circumstances, seem’d to demand the Assistance of those about him. The following Petition represents in so lively a Manner the forlorn State of a Virgin well stricken in Years and Repentance, that I cannot forbear publishing it at this Time, with some Advice to the Petitioner.

To Mrs. Silence Dogood.
The Humble Petition of Margaret Aftercast,
SHEWETH,
“1. That your Petitioner being puff’d up in her younger Years with a numerous Train of Humble Servants, had the Vanity to think, that her extraordinary Wit and Beauty would continually recommend her to the Esteem of the Gallants; and therefore as soon as it came to be publickly known that any Gentleman address’d her, he was immediately discarded.
“2. That several of your Petitioners Humble Servants, who upon their being rejected by her, were, to all Apperance in a dying Condition, have since recover’d their Health, and been several Years married, to the great Surprize and Grief of your Petitioner, who parted with them upon no other Conditions, but that they should die or run distracted for her, as several of them faithfully promis’d to do.
“3. That your Petitioner finding her self disappointed in and neglected by her former Adorers, and no new Offers appearing for some Years past, she has been industriously contracting Acquaintance with several Families in Town and Country, where any young Gentlemen or Widowers have resided, and endeavour’d to appear as conversable as possible before them: She has likewise been a strict Observer of the Fashion, and always appear’d well dress’d. And the better to restore her decay’d Beauty, she has consum’d above Fifty Pound’s Worth of the most approved Cosmeticks. But all won’t do.
“Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays, That you would be pleased to form a Project for the Relief of all those penitent Mortals of the fair Sex, that are like to be punish’d with their Virginity until old Age, for the Pride and Insolence of their Youth.
“And your Petitioner (as in Duty bound) shall ever pray, &c.
Margaret Aftercast”

Were I endow’d with the Faculty of Match-making, it should be improv’d for the Benefit of Mrs. Margaret, and others in her Condition: But since my extream Modesty and Taciturnity, forbids an Attempt of this Nature, I would advise them to relieve themselves in a Method of Friendly Society; and that already publish’d for Widows, I conceive would be a very proper Proposal for them, whereby every single Woman, upon full Proof given of her continuing a Virgin for the Space of Eighteen Years, (dating her Virginity from the Age of Twelve,) should be entituled to £500 in ready Cash.
But then it will be necessary to make the following Exceptions.
1. That no Woman shall be admitted into the Society after she is Twenty Five Years old, who has made a Practice of entertaining and discarding Humble Servants, without sufficient Reason for so doing, until she has manifested her Repentance in Writing under her Hand.
2. No Member of the Society who has declar’d before two credible Witnesses, That it is well known she has refus’d several good Offers since the Time of her Subscribing, shall be entituled to the £500 when she comes of Age; that is to say, Thirty Years.
3. No Woman, who after claiming and receiving, has had the good Fortune to marry, shall entertain any Company with Encomiums on her Husband, above the Space of one Hour at a Time, upon Pain of returning one half the Money into the Office, for the first Offence; and upon the second Offence to return the Remainder. I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood


Title: Silence Dogood, No. 12, 10 September 1722
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Quod est in cordi sobrii, est in ore ebrii.

To the Author of the New-England Courant.
[No. XII.
  Sir,

It is no unprofitable tho’ unpleasant Pursuit, diligently to inspect and consider the Manners and Conversation of Men, who, insensible of the greatest Enjoyments of humane Life, abandon themselves to Vice from a false Notion of Pleasure and good Fellowship. A true and natural Representation of any Enormity, is often the best Argument against it and Means of removing it, when the most severe Reprehensions alone, are found ineffectual.
I would in this letter improve the little Observation I have made on the Vice of Drunkeness, the better to reclaim the good Fellows who usually pay the Devotions of the Evening to Bacchus.
I doubt not but moderate Drinking has been improv’d for the Diffusion of Knowledge among the ingenious Part of Mankind, who want the Talent of a ready Utterance, in order to discover the Conceptions of their Minds in an entertaining and intelligible Manner. ’Tis true, drinking does not improve our Faculties, but it enables us to use them; and therefore I conclude, that much Study and Experience, and a little Liquor, are of absolute Necessity for some Tempers, in order to make them accomplish’d Orators. Dic. Ponder discovers an excellent Judgment when he is inspir’d with a Glass or two of Claret, but he passes for a Fool among those of small Observation, who never saw him the better for Drink. And here it will not be improper to observe, That the moderate Use of Liquor, and a well plac’d and well regulated Anger, often produce this same Effect; and some who cannot ordinarily talk but in broken Sentences and false Grammar, do in the Heat of Passion express themselves with as much Eloquence as Warmth. Hence it is that my own Sex are generally the most eloquent, because the most passionate. “It has been said in the Praise of some Men, (says an ingenious Author,) that they could talk whole Hours together upon any thing; but it must be owned to the Honour of the other Sex, that there are many among them who can talk whole Hours together upon Nothing. I have known a Woman branch out into a long extempore Dissertation on the Edging of a Petticoat, and chide her Servant for breaking a China Cup, in all the Figures of Rhetorick.”
But after all it must be consider’d, that no Pleasure can give Satisfaction or prove advantageous to a reasonable Mind, which is not attended with the Restraints of Reason. Enjoyment is not to be found by Excess in any sensual Gratification; but on the contrary, the immoderate Cravings of the Voluptuary, are always succeeded with Loathing and a palled Appetite. What Pleasure can the Drunkard have in the Reflection, that, while in his Cups, he retain’d only the Shape of a Man, and acted the Part of a Beast; or that from reasonable Discourse a few Minutes before, he descended to Impertinence and Nonsense?
I cannot pretend to account for the different Effects of Liquor on Persons of different Dispositions, who are guilty of Excess in the Use of it. ’Tis strange to see Men of a regular Conversation become rakish and profane when intoxicated with Drink, and yet more surprizing to observe, that some who appear to be the most profligate Wretches when sober, become mighty religious in their Cups, and will then, and at no other Time address their Maker, but when they are destitute of Reason, and actually affronting him. Some shrink in the Wetting, and others swell to such an unusual Bulk in their Imaginations, that they can in an Instant understand all Arts and Sciences, by the liberal Education of a little vivifying Punch, or a sufficient Quantity of other exhilerating Liquor.
And as the Effects of Liquor are various, so are the Characters given to its Devourers. It argues some Shame in the Drunkards themselves, in that they have invented numberless Words and Phrases to cover their Folly, whose proper Significations are harmless, or have no Signification at all. They are seldom known to be drunk, tho’ they are very often boozey, cogey, tipsey, fox’d, merry, mellow, fuddl’d, groatable, Confoundedly cut, See two Moons, are Among the Philistines, In a very good Humour, See the Sun, or, The Sun has shone upon them; they Clip the King’s English, are Almost froze, Feavourish, In their Altitudes, Pretty well enter’d, &c. In short, every Day produces some new Word or Phrase which might be added to the Vocabulary of the Tiplers: But I have chose to mention these few, because if at any Time a Man of Sobriety and Temperance happens to cut himself confoundedly, or is almost froze, or feavourish, or accidentally sees the Sun, &c. he may escape the Imputation of being drunk, when his Misfortune comes to be related. I am Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood