Title: The Busy-Body, No. 8, 27 March 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Breintnall, Joseph
To:

  The Busy-Body. No. 8.
  ——Quid non mortalia Pectora cogisAuri sacra Fames! Virgil.
One of the greatest Pleasures an Author can have is certainly the Hearing his Works applauded. The hiding from the World our Names while we publish our Thoughts, is so absolutely necessary to this Self-Gratification, that I hope my Well-wishers will congratulate me on my Escape from the many diligent, but fruitless Enquiries that have of late been made after me. Every Man will own, That an Author, as such, ought to be try’d by the Merit of his Productions only; but Pride, Party, and Prejudice at this Time run so very high, that Experience shews we form our Notions of a Piece by the Character of the Author. Nay there are some very humble Politicians in and about this City, who will ask on which Side the Writer is, before they presume to give their Opinion of the Thing wrote. This ungenerous Way of Proceeding I was well aware of before I publish’d my first Speculation; and therefore concealed my Name. And I appeal to the more generous Part of the World, if I have since I appear’d in the Character of the Busy-Body given an Instance of my siding with any Party more than another, in the unhappy Divisions of my Country; and I have above all, this Satisfaction in my Self, That neither Affection, Aversion or Interest, have byass’d me to use any Partiality towards any Man, or Sett of Men; but whatsoever I find nonsensically ridiculous, or immorally dishonest, I have, and shall continue openly to attack with the Freedom of an honest Man, and a Lover of my Country.
I profess I can hardly contain my Self, or preserve the Gravity and Dignity that should attend the Censorial-Office, when I hear the odd and unaccountable Expositions that are put upon some of my Works, thro’ the malicious Ignorance of some, and the vain Pride of more than ordinary Penetration in others; one Instance of which many of my Readers are acquainted with. A certain Gentleman has taken a great Deal of Pains to write a KEY to the Letter in my No. 4. wherein he has ingeniously converted a gentle Satyr upon tedious and impertinent Visitants into a Libel on some in the Government: This I mention only as a Specimen of the Taste of the Gentlemen, I am forsooth, bound to please in my Speculations, not that I suppose my Impartiality will ever be called in Question upon that Account. Injustices of this Nature I could complain of in many Instancies; but I am at present diverted by the Reception of a Letter, which tho’ it regards me only in my Private Capacity, as an Adept, yet I venture to publish it for the Entertainment of my Readers.
“To Censor Morum, Esq; Busy-Body General of the Province of Pennsylvania, and the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, upon Delaware.

“Honourable Sir,
“I judge by your Lucubrations, that you are not only a Lover of Truth and Equity, but a Man of Parts and Learning, and a Master of Science; as such I honour you. Know then, Most profound  Sir, that I have from my Youth up, been a very indefatigable Student in, and Admirer of that Divine Science, Astrology. I have read over Scot, Albertus Magnus, and Cornelius Agrippa above 300 Times; and was in hopes by my Knowledge and Industry, to gain enough to have recompenced me for my Money expended, and Time lost in the Pursuit of this Learning. You cannot be ignorant, Sir, (for your intimate Second sighted Correspondent knows all Things) that there are large Sums of Money hidden under Ground in divers Places about this Town, and in many Parts of the Country; But alas, Sir, Notwithstanding I have used all the Means laid down in the immortal Authors beforementioned, and when they fail’d, the ingenious Mr. P—d—l with his Mercurial Wand and Magnet, I have still fail’d in my Purpose. This therefore I send to Propose and desire an Acquaintance with you, and I do not doubt, notwithstanding my repeated Ill-Fortune, but we may be exceedingly serviceable to each other in our Discoveries; and that if we use our united Endeavours, the Time will come when the Busy-Body, his Second-sighted Correspondent, and your very humble Servant, will be Three of the richest Men in the Province: And then, Sir, what may not we do? A Word to the Wise is sufficient. I conclude with all demonstrable Respect, Yours, and Urania’s Votary,
Titan Pleiades.”

In the Evening after I had received this Letter, I made a Visit to my Second-sighted Friend, and communicated to him the Proposal. When he had read it, he assur’d me, that to his certain Knowledge there is not at this Time so much as one Ounce of Silver or Gold hid under Ground in any Part of this Province, For that the late and present Scarcity of Money had obliged those who were living, and knew where they had formerly hid any, to take it up, and use it in their own necessary Affairs: And as to all the Rest which was buried by Pyrates and others in old Times, who were never like to come for it, he himself had long since dug it all up and applied it to charitable Uses, And this he desired me to publish for general Good. For, as he acquainted me, There are among us great Numbers of honest Artificers and labouring People, who fed with a vain Hope of growing suddenly rich, neglect their Business, almost to the ruining of themselves and Families, and voluntarily endure abundance of Fatigue in a fruitless Search after Imaginary hidden Treasure. They wander thro’ the Woods and Bushes by Day, to discover the Marks and Signs; at Midnight they repair to the hopeful Spot with Spades and Pickaxes; full of Expectation they labour violently, trembling at the same Time in every Joint, thro’ Fear of certain malicious Demons who are said to haunt and guard such Places. At length a mighty hole is dug, and perhaps several Cartloads of Earth thrown out, but alas, no Cag or Iron Pot is found! no Seaman’s Chest cram’d with Spanish Pistoles, or weighty Pieces of Eight! Then they conclude, that thro’ some Mistake in the Procedure, some rash Word spoke, or some Rule of Art neglected, the Guardian Spirit had Power to sink it deeper into the Earth and convey it out of their Reach. Yet when a Man is once thus infatuated, he is so far from being discouraged by ill Success, that he is rather animated to double his Industry, and will try again and again in a Hundred Different Places, in Hopes at last of meeting with some lucky Hit, that shall at once Sufficiently reward him for all his Expence of Time and Labour.
This odd Humour of Digging for Money thro’ a Belief that much has been hid by Pirates formerly frequenting the River, has for several Years been mighty prevalent among us; insomuch that you can hardly walk half a Mile out of Town on any Side, without observing several Pits dug with that Design, and perhaps some lately opened. Men, otherwise of very good Sense, have been drawn into this Practice thro’ an over weening Desire of sudden Wealth, and an easy Credulity of what they so earnestly wish’d might be true. While the rational and almost certain Methods of acquiring Riches by Industry and Frugality are neglected or forgotten. There seems to be some peculiar Charm in the conceit of finding Money; and if the Sands of Schuylkil were so much mixed with small Grains of Gold, that a Man might in a Day’s Time with Care and Application get together to the Value of half a Crown, I make no Question but we should find several People employ’d there, that can with Ease earn Five Shillings a Day at their proper Trades.
Many are the idle Stories told of the private Success of some People, by which others are encouraged to proceed; and the Astrologers, with whom the Country swarms at this Time, are either in the Belief of these things themselves, or find their Advantage in persuading others to believe them; for they are often consulted about the critical Times for Digging, the Methods of laying the Spirit, and the like Whimseys, which renders them very necessary to and very much caress’d by the poor deluded Money-hunters.
There is certainly something very bewitching in the Pursuit after Mines of Gold and Silver, and other valuable Metals; And many have been ruined by it. A Sea Captain of my Acquaintance used to blame the English for envying Spain their Mines of Silver; and too much despising or overlooking the Advantages of their own Industry and Manufactures. For my Part, says he, I esteem the Banks of Newfoundland to be a more valuable Possession than the Mountains of Potosi; and when I have been there on the Fishing Account, have look’d upon every Cod pull’d up into the Vessel as a certain Quantity of Silver Ore, which required only carrying to the next Spanish Port to be coin’d into Pieces of Eight; not to mention the National Profit of fitting out and Employing such a Number of Ships and Seamen. Let honest Peter Buckrum, who has long without Success been a Searcher after hidden Money, reflect on this, and be reclaimed from that unaccountable Folly. Let him consider that every Stitch he takes when he is on his Shop-board, is picking up part of a Grain of Gold that will in a few Days Time amount to a Pistole; And let Faber think the same of every Nail he drives, or every Stroke with his Plain. Such Thoughts may make them industrious, and of consequence in Time they may be Wealthy. But how absurd is it to neglect a certain Profit for such a ridiculous Whimsey: To spend whole Days at the George, in company with an idle Pretender to Astrology, contriving Schemes to discover what was never hidden, and forgetful how carelessly Business is managed at Home in their Absence: To leave their Wives and a warm Bed at Midnight (no matter if it rain, hail, snow or blow a Hurricane, provided that be the critical Hour) and fatigue themselves with the Violent Exercise of Digging for what they shall never find, and perhaps getting a Cold that may cost their Lives, or at least disordering themselves so as to be fit for no Business beside for some Days after. Surely this is nothing less than the most egregious Folly and Madness.
I shall conclude with the Words of my discreet Friend Agricola, of Chester-County, when he gave his Son a Good Plantation, My Son, says he, I give thee now a Valuable Parcel of Land; I assure thee I have found a considerable Quantity of Gold by Digging there; Thee mayst do the same. But thee must carefully observe this. Never to dig more than Plow-deep.


Title: The Printer to the Reader, 2 October 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The attacks of the Busy-Body, Keimer’s business incompetence, the flatness of his paper plodding doggedly through the letter A of Chambers’ Cyclopaedia, all combined to keep the Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences from getting either subscribers or advertisers. Keimer’s creditors, growing apprehensive, had him seized in June, and the paper missed an issue as a result. Thereafter things worsened rapidly. On September 18 he announced his intention of leaving Pennsylvania, and on September 25—in Number 39, his last—he published his decision to sell the paper. “Yet that his generous Subscribers may not be baulk’d or disappointed, he has agreed with B. Franklin and H. Meredith, at the New Printing-Office, to continue it to the End of the Year, having transfer’d the Property wholly to them, [D. Harry declining it] and probably if farther Encouragement appears, it will continue longer.” The first issue under the new management appeared on October 2. Its title was shortened, its layout and typography were improved, it printed more local news, and it began with a statement of editorial policy.

The Pennsylvania Gazette being now to be carry’d on by other Hands, the Reader may expect some Account of the Method we design to proceed in.
Upon a View of Chambers’s great Dictionaries, from whence were taken the Materials of the Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences, which usually made the First Part of this Paper, we find that besides their containing many Things abstruse or insignificant to us, it will probably be fifty Years before the Whole can be gone thro’ in this Manner of Publication. There are likewise in those Books continual References from Things under one Letter of the Alphabet to those under another, which relate to the same Subject, and are necessary to explain and compleat it; these taken in their Turn may perhaps be Ten Years distant; and since it is likely that they who desire to acquaint themselves with any particular Art or Science, would gladly have the whole before them in a much less Time, we believe our Readers will not think such a Method of communicating Knowledge to be a proper One.
However, tho’ we do not intend to continue the Publication of those Dictionaries in a regular Alphabetical Method, as has hitherto been done; yet as several Things exhibited from them in the Course of these Papers, have been entertaining to such of the Curious, who never had and cannot have the Advantage of good Libraries; and as there are many Things still behind, which being in this Manner made generally known, may perhaps become of considerable Use, by giving such Hints to the excellent natural Genius’s of our Country, as may contribute either to the Improvement of our present Manufactures, or towards the Invention of new Ones; we propose from Time to Time to communicate such particular Parts as appear to be of the most general Consequence.
As to the Religious Courtship, Part of which has been retal’d to the Publick in these Papers, the Reader may be inform’d, that the whole Book will probably in a little Time be printed and bound up by it self; and those who approve of it, will doubtless be better pleas’d to have it entire, than in this broken interrupted Manner.
There are many who have long desired to see a good News-Paper in Pennsylvania; and we hope those Gentlemen who are able, will contribute towards the making This such. We ask Assistance, because we are fully sensible, that to publish a good News-Paper is not so easy an Undertaking as many People imagine it to be. The Author of a Gazette (in the Opinion of the Learned) ought to be qualified with an extensive Acquaintance with Languages, a great Easiness and Command of Writing and Relating Things cleanly and intelligibly, and in few Words; he should be able to speak of War both by Land and Sea; be well acquainted with Geography, with the History of the Time, with the several Interests of Princes and States, the Secrets of Courts, and the Manners and Customs of all Nations. Men thus accomplish’d are very rare in this remote Part of the World; and it would be well if the Writer of these Papers could make up among his Friends what is wanting in himself.
Upon the Whole, we may assure the Publick, that as far as the Encouragement we meet with will enable us, no Care and Pains shall be omitted, that may make the Pennsylvania Gazette as agreeable and useful an Entertainment as the Nature of the Thing will allow.


Title: Governor Burnet and the Massachusetts Assembly, 9 October 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

His Excellency Governor Burnet died unexpectedly about two Days after the Date of this Reply to his last Message: And it was thought the Dispute would have ended with him, or at least have lain dormant till the Arrival of a new Governor from England, who possibly might, or might not be inclin’d to enter too rigorously into the Measures of his Predecessor. But our last Advices by the Post acquaint us, that his Honour the Lieutenant Governour (on whom the Government immediately devolves upon the Death or Absence of the Commander in Chief) has vigorously renew’d the Struggle on his own Account; of which the Particulars will be seen in our Next.

Perhaps some of our Readers may not fully understand the Original or Ground of this warm Contest between the Governour and Assembly. It seems, that People have for these Hundred Years past, enjoyed the Privilege of Rewarding the Governour for the Time being, according to their Sense of his Merit and Services; and few or none of their Governors have hitherto complain’d, or had Reason to complain, of a too scanty Allowance. But the late Gov. Burnet brought with him Instructions to demand a settled Salary of £1000 per Annum, Sterling, on him and all his Successors, and the Assembly were required to fix it immediately. He insisted on it strenuously to the last, and they as constantly refused it. It appears by their Votes and Proceedings, that they thought it an Imposition, contrary to their own Charter, and to Magna Charta; and they judg’d that by the Dictates of Reason there should be a mutual Dependence between the Governor and the Governed, and that to make any Governour independent on his People, would be dangerous, and destructive of their Liberties, and the ready Way to establish Tyranny: They thought likewise, that the Province was not the less dependent on the Crown of Great-Britain, by the Governour’s depending immediately on them and his own good Conduct for an ample Support, because all Acts and Laws which he might be induc’d to pass, must nevertheless be constantly sent Home for Approbation in Order to continue in Force. Many other Reasons were given and Arguments us’d in the Course of the Controversy, needless to particularize here, because all the material Papers relating to it, have been inserted already in our Publick News.
Much deserved Praise has the deceas’d Governour received, for his steady Integrity in adhering to his Instructions, notwithstanding the great Difficulty and Opposition he met with, and the strong Temptations offer’d from time to time to induce him to give up the Point. And yet perhaps something is due to the Assembly (as the Love and Zeal of that Country for the present Establishment is too well known to suffer any Suspicion of Want of Loyalty) who continue thus resolutely to Abide by what they Think their Right, and that of the People they represent, maugre all the Arts and Menaces of a Governour fam’d for his Cunning and Politicks, back’d with Instructions from Home, and powerfully aided by the great Advantage such an Officer always has of engaging the principal Men of a Place in his Party, by conferring where he pleases so many Posts of Profit and Honour. Their happy Mother Country will perhaps observe with Pleasure, that tho’ her gallant Cocks and matchless Dogs abate their native Fire and Intrepidity when transported to a Foreign Clime (as the common Notion is) yet her Sons in the remotest Part of the Earth, and even to the third and fourth Descent, still retain that ardent Spirit of Liberty, and that undaunted Courage in the Defence of it, which has in every Age so gloriously distinguished Britons and Englishmen from all the Rest of Mankind.


Title: The Printer to the Reader, 23 October 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The Publishers of this Paper meeting with considerable Encouragement, are determined to continue it; and to that End have taken Measures to settle a general Correspondence, and procure the best and earliest Intelligence from all Parts. We shall from time to time have all the noted Publick Prints from Great Britain, New-England, New-York, Maryland and Jamaica, besides what News may be collected from private Letters and Informations; and we doubt not of continuing to give our Customers all the Satisfaction they expect from a Performance of this Nature.
From this Time forward, instead of publishing a Whole Sheet once a Week, as the first Undertaker engag’d to do in his Proposals, we shall publish a Half Sheet twice a Week, which amounts to the same Thing; only we think it will be more acceptable to our Readers, inasmuch as their Entertainment will by this Means become more frequent. Numb. XLIV. will come out on Monday next.


Title: From the Casuist: The Case of the Trespassing Horse, 16 December 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

To the Printers of the Pennsylvania Gazette.
I send you here an Answer to a Query in your last Paper. It is there said A Man by Night shot a trespassing Horse in his Corn-field, taking the Horse for a Deer. Then it is queried Whether he ought to pay for the same, since it was by Mistake, and the Horse a Trespasser.
I Answer, the Man who kill’d the Horse ought to pay for the same, for two Reasons; First, because the Mistake was not barely accidental, but had more of Rashness in it; And secondly, Because the Law has provided Redress for such as have Damage by trespassing Cattle.
It may be added that the Death of the Horse was a greater Loss to the Owner, than the Damage done in the Corn-field could amount to; and if it were not, the Law (regarding every Man’s Property impartially) does not privilege any Man, so injured, to take his own Satisfaction. Besides the ill Practice of Night-watching to shoot Venison is unwarrantable, in as much as a Man by so doing undertakes to perform what he knows he cannot see to do without great Danger of committing worse Mistakes than shooting of Horses, as have heretofore happen’d when Men have been shot for Deer. Yours,
The Casuist


Title: Extracts from the Gazette, 1729
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The Pennsylvania Gazette usually printed several columns of intelligence, from out-of-town and foreign newspapers or from private letters; and essays, which might be reprinted from English periodicals, contributed by a member of the Junto or a reader, or written by Franklin himself. But every issue carried local news, reports, advertisements, squibs, and announcements. To illustrate the variety of these materials originating in Philadelphia that Franklin worked with in his paper, short selections will be made for the years 1729–47 and will be grouped together at the end of the calendar year in which they appeared instead of inserted separately in their proper chronological places. They show Franklin, his family and friends, and the people and events which reflected or excited his interests. Pieces perhaps trivial are included in these Gazette selections because their style is so like Franklin’s that it is probable he wrote them; though to determine now which specific paragraphs are his is impossible. No attempt is made to reproduce the exact typography, especially in the case of advertisements. The imprint of the last issue of the Gazette for each year will appear as the final extract for that year.

	We hear from Amboy, that all the Persons concern’d with Eanon (the same that dy’d at Sea in his Passage from Dublin to this Place) in counterfeiting the 18d. Bills of New Jersey, are apprehended and secur’d in their Prison. It is not found that any other of the New Bills are counterfeited but those of 18d. And it is remarkable that all Attempts of this Kind upon the Paper Money of this and the neighbouring Provinces, have been detected and met with ill Success. [October 2]

	[Advertisement] Bibles, Testaments, Psalters, Psalm-Books, Accompt-Books, Bills of Lading bound and unbound, Common Blank Bonds for Money, Bonds with Judgment, Counterbonds, Arbitration Bonds, Arbitration Bonds with Umpirage, Bail Bonds, Counterbonds to save Bail harmless, Bills of Sale, Powers of Attorney, Writs, Summons, Apprentices Indentures, Servants Indentures, Penal Bills, Promisory Notes, &c. all the Blanks in the most authentick Forms, and correctly printed; may be had at the Publishers of this Paper; who perform all other Sorts of Printing at reasonable Rates. [October 2]

Just Published: Titan Leeds’s Almanack, for the Year, 1730. in his usual plain Method; being far preferable to any yet published in America. To be sold by David Harry at the late Printing-Office of Samuel Keimer, at Three Shillings and nine-pence per Dozen.
N.B. As this Almanack for its Worth has met with universal Reception, it has rais’d the Price of the Copy to £25 a year, for which Reason the Printer cannot afford them under the above-mentioned Price: But gives this Friendly Caution to the Publick, That when they buy Almanacks for 3s. a Dozen, they must not expect Titan Leeds’s, or any so valuable. [October 2]

	And sometime last Week, we are informed, that one Piles a Fidler, with his Wife, were overset in a Canoo near Newtown Creek. The good Man, ’tis said, prudently secur’d his Fiddle, and let his Wife go to the Bottom. [October 16]

	At present the Foreign News of most Consequence to us seems to be that which relates to the Peace with Spain. The four following Paragraphs concerning it, are taken from four different London Papers, of the latest Date that came in the last Vessel from thence to Philadelphia. The two first are from the London Journal and the British Journal, both at this time accounted Government Papers; the third is from the Craftsman, who is suppos’d to be a Whigg Writer, but against the present Administration; the fourth is from Fog’s Journal, (the same that was formerly called Mist’s Journal) always reckoned a Tory Paper. When the Reader has allowed for these Distinctions, he will be better able to form his Judgment on the Affair. [October 23]

	  We are inform’d that the following Accident lately happen’d at Merion, viz. A Man had order’d his Servant to take some Fowls in from Roost every Night for fear of the Fox: But one Evening hearing them cry, he look’d out and saw, as he thought, a Fox among them; accordingly he took his Gun, charg’d with Swan Shot, and fir’d at him; when to his Surprize it prov’d to be the Servant’s Arm, which taking down the Fowls he had mistaken for a Fox. The Man receiv’d several Shot, some thro’ his Arm, but none of them are thought to be dangerous. [November 6]

[Advertisement] Whereas William Bradford, of New-York, Printer, has basely and villanously forged an Almanack in my Name, which is not only a considerable Damage to me and my Printer, but also an Imposition upon the Publick: I hereby declare the said Almanack is a base and scandalous Counterfeit, printed without my Consent or Knowledge; and earnestly request all that use to buy Almanacks for the Sake of mine or my Father’s Calculations to discourage such a detestable Piece of Villany: And they may be assur’d I will take the most proper Methods to prosecute the said Bradford, in Order to hinder such Male-Practices for the future. As Witness my Hand,
    Burlington Nov. 3. 1729. Titan Leeds

	N.B. The Genuine Leeds’s Almanacks are to be had of David Harry, at the late House of Samuel Keimer, and of William Heurtin, Goldsmith, in New-York. [November 10]

[Advertisement] Whereas Titan Leeds has been pleased to send forth a scandalous Advertisement against William Bradford, saying, He has forged an Almanack in my (Titan Leeds) Name, which is a Damage to me, and an Imposition upon the Publick,
These are therefore to inform all Persons, That the above Assertion of Titan Leeds is a base and notorious Falshood; for altho’ his Almanack is Re-printed, upon perusal we find it to be the same with that which is said to be printed at Philadelphia (the Errors in the first Impression excepted) and it is but Justice to the Buyers that the Errors therein should be corrected, the Time of holding Courts in New-York and New-Jersey being all wrong. And whether W. Bradford Re-printed said Almanack or not, he claims a Property in it, because about five Years ago he agreed with Titan for his Copy so long as W. B. liv’d, for a certain Sum of Money, (which Agreement he has under Titan’s Hand) and paid him £20 in Part, and the Remainder he sent in 3 Weeks after he wrote for it. But in the interim the famous Sam. Keimer steps in and offers Titan more Money for it, Titan accepts, and sells it a second Time. When William Bradford told Titan he would sue him for the Non-performance of his Agreement, Titan writes several Letters, praying W.B. not to sue him, because it would Ruin him, and he would pay back the Money; and by the Intreaty of some Friends W. B. did forbear to sue him, or reprint the Almanack, altho’ (as he told Titan) he claimed a Property in it.
Upon the said Bradford’s being thus disappointed, Felix Leeds (Titan’s Brother) publishes an Almanack; No sooner came this forth but Titan and Sam. Keimer send out their Advertisements, and tell the World, That Felix could not write an Almanack, That it was a Counterfeit, a Cheat and Imposition upon the Publick; and this base and abusive Method they continued Year after Year without any Provocation, and W. and A. Bradford lay under their Scandals without Interruption. This Year his Almanack is Re-printed, and he says W. B. has done it, but perhaps he may find himself mistaken, altho’ he claims a Property in it. And perhaps it will be Reprinted until such Time as Titan and Keimer make Satisfaction for the Money, and the gross Lies and Abuses they have cast upon the said Wm. and Andrew Bradford, as well as for Keimer’s Reprinting several Books upon them, to their Damage of above £200. And it’s but a just Reprizal if they Re-print upon him.
And Friend Titan is hereby advertised, That he may expect to be handled in another Manner than this Advertisement, for his so free Charges of Villany, Forgery, Counterfeit, &c.
    New-York, Nov. 10. 1729. William Bradford

	N.B. Felix Leeds’s, Titan Leeds’s and William Birket’s Almanacks, are to be sold by Wholesale and Retail by William Bradford in New-York, and by Andr. Bradford in Philadelphia. [November 13]

	N.B. While the Post to New-York continues his Fortnight Stages, which he has now begun, we shall publish a whole Sheet once a Week as usual, and not a Half Sheet twice a Week, as we have lately done. The Paper will now come out on Tuesdays. [December 9]

We hear from Trenton, that on Friday the 5th Instant, a good new Stable belonging to Mr. John Severn, was burnt down to the Ground, in which was consumed five Load of English Hay, and seven Horses were burnt to Death; occasioned by the Carelessness of a Servant, who let a Candle fall among the Hay.
About the same Time a Barn and Stable was burnt near Allen’s-Town: The Owner attempting to save a good Horse he had in the Stable, very narrowly escap’d with his own Life; ’tis observed as something unaccountable in the Nature of Horses, that they are so far from endeavouring to avoid the Danger of Fire, as to stand obstinately and suffer themselves to be burnt; nor will they be led from it unless first made blindfold. [December 16]

	  Those Gentlemen and Others who have taken this Gazette from the Beginning, and have not yet answered for the same, are desired to take Notice, that the Pay for the first Three Quarters of a Year only is due to Mr. Keimer the former Publisher; and that their Year with us begins on the second of October last, which was the Date of our first Paper, No. XL. [December 23]

Philadelphia : Printed by B. Franklin and H. Meredith, at the New Printing-Office near the Market, where Advertisements are taken in, and all Persons may be supplied with this Paper, at Ten Shillings a Year.


Title: Printer’s Errors, 13 March 1730
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  To the Publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette.
  Printerum est errare.
  Sir,

As your last Paper was reading in some Company where I was present, these Words were taken Notice of in the Article concerning Governor Belcher, [After which his Excellency, with the Gentlemen trading to New-England, died elegantly at Pontack’s]. The Word died should doubtless have been dined, Pontack’s being a noted Tavern and Eating-house in London for Gentlemen of Condition; but this Omission of the Letter (n) in that Word, gave us as much Entertainment as any Part of your Paper. One took the Opportunity of telling us, that in a certain Edition of the Bible, the Printer had, where David says I am fearfully and wonderfully made, omitted the Letter (e) in the last Word, so that it was, I am fearfully and wonderfully mad; which occasion’d an ignorant Preacher, who took that Text, to harangue his Audience for half an hour on the Subject of Spiritual Madness. Another related to us, that when the Company of Stationers in England had the Printing of the Bible in their Hands, the Word (not) was left out in the Seventh Commandment, and the whole Edition was printed off with Thou shalt commit Adultery, instead of Thou shalt not, &c. This material Erratum induc’d the Crown to take the Patent from them which is now held by the King’s Printer. The Spectator’s Remark upon this Story is, that he doubts many of our modern Gentlemen have this faulty Edition by ’em, and are not made sensible of the Mistake. A Third Person in the Company acquainted us with an unlucky Fault that went through a whole Impression of Common-Prayer-Books; in the Funeral Service, where these Words are, We shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an Eye, &c. the Printer had omitted the (c) in changed, and it read thus, We shall all be hanged, &c. And lastly, a Mistake of your Brother News-Printer was mentioned, in The Speech of James Prouse written the Night before he was to have been executed, instead of I die a Protestant, he has put it, I died a Protestant. Upon the whole you came off with the more favourable Censure, because your Paper is most commonly very correct, and yet you were never known to triumph upon it, by publickly ridiculing and exposing the continual Blunders of your Contemporary. Which Observation was concluded by a good old Gentleman in Company, with this general just Remark, That whoever accustoms himself to pass over in Silence the Faults of his Neighbours, shall meet with much better Quarter from the World when he happens to fall into a Mistake himself; for the Satyrical and Censorious, whose Hand is against every Man, shall upon such Occasions have every Man’s Hand against him. I am, Sir, your Friend, &c.
J.T.


Title: [Two Dialogues between Philocles and Horatio, concerning Virtue and Pleasure, 23 June 1730, 9 July 1730]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Duane included these two dialogues and seven other pieces from the Gazette in his edition of Franklin’s writings (Works, iv, 367–405) on the basis of a note, purportedly in Franklin’s hand, on the inside cover of a bound volume of the Gazette listing the essays and stating that they were “written by B.F.” Later editors have followed Duane in printing some or all of them. Franklin specifically mentions in his autobiography having written one of the group, an essay on Self-Denial, and it is included in the present edition in its proper place (Feb. 18, 1735). For the other eight, there is no external evidence of Franklin’s authorship; on the contrary, five of them are known to have been published elsewhere before they appeared in the Gazette. Neither the style nor the content of the remaining three suggests to the present editors that Franklin wrote them. He took the two dialogues between Philocles and Horatio from the London Journal, March 29 and September 20, 1729, as Alfred Owen Aldridge first noted (“Franklin’s ‘Shaftesburian’ Dialogues not Franklin’s: A Revision of the Franklin Canon,” American Literature, xxi [1949], 151–9). The other rejected pieces in this group are listed below according to their dates of appearance in the Gazette, but simply by title and with reference back to this note.


Title: Ledger A & B, 4 July 1730
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The earliest of Franklin’s surviving business record books is a tall, narrow volume (15 in. by 6 in.) of 380 pages, lettered on the cover “Leidgers A & B,” and ruled as an account book. It covers in general the years 1730–38, although some entries of both earlier and later dates are included. Only credit transactions are recorded, not “over-the-counter” cash sales and purchases. Except for a few miscellaneous records and memoranda, the entries are of two kinds: “journal” and “ledger.”
The flyleaf bears the inscription: “Benja Franklin’s Journal, began July 4. 1730.” The next 73 pages record a series of transactions, chronologically entered, including such items as goods bought and sold, printing services rendered to customers, payments made or received on account, promissory notes given or received. Nearly all the entries are in Franklin’s hand; a very few are by an unknown person, perhaps one of his journeymen, and the rest are by Deborah Franklin. The last regular entry is dated December 7, 1737, and is followed by a memorandum marked only “Feb.” The nature of the entries in this Journal can be seen from the following samples selected from the early pages of the record:

1730
July
15
Andrew Hamilton Esq. Dr. To ½ Doz. Powers of Attorney
–
1
3

25
  Morris Trent of Trentown Cr By Cash
2
10
–

Oct.
9
  Dr. John Moore Esq. to printing blank Lists
1
15
–

Nov.
6
  Adjusted Accts with Mr. Whitemarsh to the 26th Day of October past, and I am Dr to Ballance
25
–
–

1731
Jan
1
  Province of Pennsylvania Dr To printing Votes of the last Session of the Assembly in Augt 1730. 3 Sheets a 26/
3
18
–

  To printing Laws made that Session relating to Damms and Trustees &c. 2½ Sheets a 25/
3
2
6

  To printing Votes 1½ Sheets of the first Session of this Assembly a 26/ per
1
19
–

Jan
5
  Bought of Wm. Allen 20 Reams of Paper 13 a 12/ & 7 a 15/
13
1
–

The same kinds of entries are also found in a surviving “Shop Book,” covering the period November 14, 1735, to August 3, 1739. Most of these are in Deborah Franklin’s hand, although her husband’s writing appears often enough to suggest that during the period when the Journal and the Shop Book overlapped (November 14, 1735, to December 7, 1737) Franklin may have recorded his business transactions in whichever volume happened to be convenient at the moment.
On the 169th page of “Ledger A & B” is a new heading: “Accounts posted or Ledger.” Beneath is a memorandum which Franklin wrote shortly before he sailed for England in 1757, that shows his effort to set his records in order: “I have drawn a red Line over all such Accounts in this Book, as are either settled or not like to be recovered. B. Franklin March 5, 1757.” Approximately 190 numbered pages of ledger entries follow, recording in debit and credit columns his individual customers’ accounts. Some of these were opened in 1728 or 1729, but most start in 1730 or later. Immediately preceding this Ledger is an eight-page alphabetical index of these customers.
By November 1736 he had used up the pages at the back of the book reserved for ledger accounts, so he turned to the blank section between the Journal and the Ledger Index and continued the Ledger, starting at the rear and working toward the front. He numbered these pages from back to front in carefully written, reversed or “mirror” figures, which he also entered opposite the appropriate names in the Index. The last ledger account begins with an entry dated November 18, 1738, and the latest date found for any entry is May 21, 1741.
Many of the individual accounts in both parts of the Ledger are canceled with red lines as indicated in Franklin’s note of 1757; others terminate with the words “Carried to Ledger E” (which has not been found), or some similar phrase. A large proportion remain unbalanced as between debit and credit entries, and many show no credit entries at all. Most, but not all, of the separate entries first appear under their respective dates in the Journal or the Shop Book, from which they were posted to the appropriate customer’s account in the Ledger. The principal exceptions are charges for Gazette advertisements and subscriptions, which are only occasionally entered in either of the daily records. On the other hand, some Journal and Shop Book entries are not found in the Ledger. A few of the final pages of the Ledger contain lists of otherwise unrecorded “Small Debts” and “Advertisements in Gazette not paid for,” together with a number of miscellaneous jottings and accounts.
The following examples will illustrate the various kinds of business activities recorded in the Ledger and some of the methods of payment:

1730, 1

Trustees OF THE Loan Office Dr
Contra
Cr

Feb. 3
For an Advertisement
–
5
–
For Cash in full
–
5
–

  For Printing & Paper of 40000£
  114
  13
  5
For Cash at twice
100
–
–

  Abated
  14
  13
  5

114
18
5

114
18
5

  George Brownell Dr

  Contra
Cr

  For 2 Doz Watts Psalms
3
–
–
  For Cash pd Mr. Heurtin [?]
  2
  –
  6½

1735/6
Feb. 7
  For binding a small Book
–
1
6

  For a Psalmbook
–
1
9
  For ½ doz Bibles
1
7
–

Nov. 27
  For a spelling Book
–
1
–
  For Cash paid Skelton
–
12
–

1735/6
Jan. 6
  For Advt of Schoolkeeping &c
–
5
–

3
19
6½

1737
Sept. 7
  For a Sermon
–
1
–

20
  For 4 quire paper
–
8
–

  For the Gazette 2 Year & 7 months
  1
  5
  10
Contra Cr by Cash in full
  1
  4
  6½

5
4
1

5
4
1

Anthony Nichols
Dr

Contra
Cr

For Cash
–
15
–
  By Dogs & Pothooks
1
15
6

  For Barclay’s Apology
–
8
–

  For a gilt Bible
–
7
6

For Cash
  –
  5
  –

1
15
6

  For a Power Attorney
–
–
4

1733, 4

  For an Account Book
–
8
–

  For an Almanack 1734
–
–
5

No. 443
  For Advt in Gazette Owen Evans
–
3
–

1737
Sept. 6
  For a Slate and Pencil
–
2
8

38
May 11
  For a blank Book 6 quire Carried to Ledger E
–
2
–

This Journal and Ledger and the associated Shop Book provide an extended view of Franklin’s business activities during the period they cover. From these pages one can learn a good deal about his commercial printing, the advertising he carried in the Gazette, the goods he sold in his shop, and those he bought for business use or sale. But the books do not permit a complete and detailed reconstruction of his financial affairs. There are no records of strictly cash transactions, no inventories of stock and equipment. Wages and most of his other outlays are only hinted at in occasional memoranda or are omitted entirely. Franklin must have kept other books which have not been found. Consequently, neither these volumes nor such other fragmentary records as do survive for these years would enable one to prepare even approximately accurate periodic statements of income and expense, of profit and loss, or of assets and liabilities. What information these books do offer on the details of his business is ably illustrated by George Simpson Eddy’s study, Account Books Kept by Benjamin Franklin: Ledger 1728–1729, Journal 1730–1737 (New York, privately printed, Columbia University Press, 1928).


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Hugh Meredith: Dissolution of Partnership, 14 July 1730
From: Meredith, Hugh
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[July 14, 1730]
Be it remembered, That Hugh Meredith and Benjamin Franklin have this Day separated as Partners, and will henceforth act each on his own Account. And that the said Hugh Meredith, for a valuable Consideration by him received from the said Benjamin Franklin, hath relinquished, and doth hereby relinquish to the said Franklin, all Claim, Right or Property to or in the Printing Materials and Stock heretofore jointly possessed by them in Partnership; and to all Debts due to them as Partners in the Course of their Business; which are all from henceforth the sole Property of the said Benjamin Franklin. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand, this fourteenth Day of July, Anno Dom. One Thousand seven Hundred and Thirty.
Hugh Meredith


Title: [Public Men, 10 September 1730]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Bysshe, Edward
To:

Although the paragraph in the Gazette introducing this essay may be BF’s, its entire text is taken, with unimportant excisions, from Edward Bysshe’s translation of Xenophon’s The Memorable Things of Socrates (London, 1712), pp. 107–14. Duane printed it in his edition of BF’s writings (Works, IV, 401–5), as did Sparks and Bigelow; for its present exclusion see above, p. 170.


Title: On Governor Belcher’s Speech, 24 September 1730
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

In our last we gave our Readers the most material Paragraphs of Governor Belcher’s Speech to the Assembly of his other Government of New-Hampshire; and in our next shall insert his Speech at large to the Assembly of the Massachusetts, which we have by this Post. It may suffice at present to observe from it, that he has brought with him those very Instructions that occasion’d the Difference between Governor Burnet and that People, which were what he went home commission’d as Agent for the Country, to get withdrawn, as an intolerable Grievance. But by being at Court, it seems, he has had the advantage of seeing Things in another Light, and those Instructions do now appear to him highly consistent with the Privileges and Interest of the People, which before, as a Patriot, he had very different Notions of.


Title: On Conversation, 15 October 1730
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

The opinions expressed in this essay are exactly those Franklin is known to have held and which he set down in his autobiography and elsewhere. In addition the style and organization seem very like those of the young Franklin—sometimes colloquial and anecdotal, always clear and competent, though not yet exhibiting that mastery of language and problems of structure which characterized his literary composition a few years later. For these reasons the present editors believe that Franklin probably wrote this piece.

    Sic vita erat: facile omnes perferre, ac pati,
    Cum quibus erat cumque una, iis sese dedere,
    Eorum obsequi studiis, adversus nemini,
    Numquam præponens se aliis: ita facillime
    Sine Invidia invenias laudem, et amicos pares.    Ter.

To please in Conversation is an Art which all People believe they understand and practise, tho’ most are ignorant or deficient in it. The Bounds and Manner of this Paper will not allow a regular and methodical Discourse on the Subject, and therefore I must beg Leave to throw my Thoughts together as they rise.
The two grand Requisites in the Art of Pleasing, are Complaisance and Good Nature. Complaisance is a seeming preference of others to our selves; and Good Nature a Readiness to overlook or excuse their Foibles, and do them all the Services we can. These two Principles must gain us their good Opinion, and make them fond of us for their own Sake, and then all we do or say will appear to the best Advantage, and be well accepted. Learning, Wit, and fine Parts, with these, shine in full Lustre, become wonderfully agreeable, and command Affection; but without them, only seem an Assuming over others, and occasion Envy and Disgust. The common Mistake is, that People think to please by setting themselves to View, and shewing their own Perfections, whereas the easier and more effectual Way lies quite contrary. Would you win the Hearts of others, you must not seem to vie with, but admire them: Give them every Opportunity of displaying their own Qualifications, and when you have indulg’d their Vanity, they will praise you too in Turn, and prefer you above others, in order to secure to themselves the Pleasure your Commendation gives.
But above all, we should mark out those Things which cause Dislike, and avoid them with great Care. The most common amongst these is, talking overmuch, and robbing others of their Share of the Discourse. This is not only Incivility but Injustice, for every one has a natural Right to speak in turn, and to hinder it is an Usurpation of common Liberty, which never fails to excite Resentment. Beside, great Talkers usually leap from one thing to another with so much rapidity, and so ill a Connection, that what they say is a mere Chaos of Noise and Nonsense; tho’ did they speak like Angels they still would be disagreeable. It is very pleasant when two of these People meet: the Vexation they both feel is visible in their Looks and Gestures; you shall see them gape and stare, and interrupt one another at every Turn, and watch with the utmost Impatience for a Cough or a Pause, when they may croud a Word in edgeways: neither hears nor cares what the other says; but both talk on at any Rate, and never fail to part highly disgusted with each other. I knew two Ladies, gifted this Way, who by Accident travelled in a Boat twenty Miles together, in which short Journey they were both so extreamly tired of one another, that they could never after mention each others Name with any Temper, or be brought in Company together, but retained a mutual Aversion which could never be worn out.
The contrary Fault to this, and almost as disobliging, is that of seeming wholly unconcerned in Conversation, and bearing no other Part in the Discourse than a No or Yes sometimes, or an Hem, or perhaps a Nod only. This Inattention and Indifference appears so like Disrespect, that it affronts the Desire we all possess of being taken Notice of and regarded, and makes the Company of those who practise it tiresome and insipid. Such is the Vanity of Mankind, that minding what others say is a much surer Way of pleasing them than talking well our selves.
Another Error very common and highly disagreeable, is to be ever speaking of our selves and our own Affairs. What is it to the Company we fall into whether we quarrel with our Servants, whether our Children are froward and dirty, or what we intend to have for Dinner to morrow? The Sauciness of a Negro, the Prattle of a Child, the spoiling a Suit of Cloaths, the Expences of Housekeeping, or the Preparation for a Journey, may be to ourselves Matters of great Importance, as they occasion us Pain or Pleasure; but wherein are Strangers concerned, or what Amusement can they possibly receive from such Accounts? Opposite to this, but not less troublesome, is the impertinent Inquisitiveness of some People which is ever prying into and asking ten thousand Questions about the Business of others. To search after and endeavour to discover Secrets, is an unpardonable Rudeness; but what makes this Disposition worse, it is usually attended with an ill-natur’d, ungenerous, and mischievous Desire of exposing and aggravating the Mistakes and Infirmities of others. People of this Turn are the Pest of Society, and become both feared and hated. On these two Heads it may be useful always to remember, that we never ought to trouble People with more of our own Affairs than is needful for them to know, nor enquire farther into theirs than themselves think fit to tell us.

Story-telling is another Mistake in Conversation, which should be avoided by all who intend to please. It is impossible to hear a long insipid trifling Tale, void of Wit or Humour, drawn in by Neck and Shoulders, and told meerly for the sake of talking, without being uneasy at it. Besides, People this way given are apt to tell the same String of Stories, with all their rambling Particulars, again and again over; without considering, that whatsoever Pleasure themselves may find in talking, their Hearers wish their Tongues out. Old Folks are most subject to this Error, which is one chief Reason their Company is so often shun’d.
Another very disagreeable Error, is, a Spirit of Wrangling and Disputing, which some perpetually bring with them into Company: insomuch, that say whate’er you will, they’ll be sure to contradict you: and if you go about to give Reasons for your Opinion, however just they be, or however modestly propos’d, you throw them into Rage and Passion. Though, perhaps, they are wholly unacquainted with the Affair, and you have made yourself Master of it, it is no Matter, the more ignorant they are you still find them the more positive, and what they want in Knowledge they endeavour to supply by Obstinacy, Noise and Fury: and when you press hard upon them, instead of Argument they fly to personal Reproaches and Invectives. Thus every Trifle becomes a serious Business, and such People are continually involved in Quarrels.
Raillery is a part of Conversation, which to treat of fully would require a whole Paper; but now, I have only room to observe that it is highly entertaining or exceedingly disobliging, according as it is managed, and therefore we ought to use it with all the Caution possible. Natural Infirmities, unavoidable Misfortunes, Defects, or Deformities of any kind, should never be the Subject of it, for then it is not only impertinent, but affronting and inhuman. It’s like Salt, a little of which in some Cases gives a Relish, but if thrown on by Handfuls, or sprinkled on things at random, it spoils all. Raillery supposes Wit; but agreeable as Wit is, when it takes a wrong Turn it becomes dangerous and mischievous. When Wit applies it self to search into, expose, and ridicule the Faults of others, it often inflicts a Wound that rankles in the Heart, and is never to be forgiven. To rally safely, and so as to please, it is requisite that we perfectly know our Company: it’s not enough that we intend no Ill, we must be likewise certain what we say shall be taken as we intend it; otherwise, for the sake of a Jest we may lose a Friend, and make an inveterate Enemy. I shall say no more on this Head, but that we ought to use it sparingly; and whatever Opportunities may offer of shewing our Parts this way, so soon as any Body appears uneasy at it, and receives it with a grave Face, both Good Manners and Discretion advise to change the Subject for something else more harmless.
Akin to Raillery, and what oftentimes goes along with it, is Scandal. But if People hereby think to gain Esteem, they unhappily are mistaken; for every Body (even those who hear them with a seeming Pleasure) considers them with a kind of Horror. No one’s Reputation is safe against such Tongues: all in Turn may expect to suffer by them. Insensible of the Ties of Friendship, or the Sentiments of Humanity, such Creatures are mischievous as Bears or Tygers, and are as much abhorr’d and fear’d.
There are many more Mistakes which render People disagreeable in Conversation, but these are the most obvious; and whosoever avoids them carefully can never much displease. I shall only add, in a few Words, what are the most likely Means to make a Man be well accepted.
Let his Air, his Manner, and Behaviour, be easy, courteous and Affable, void of every Thing haughty or assuming; his Words few, express’d with Modesty, and a Respect for those he talks to. Be he ever ready to hear what others say; let him interrupt no Body, nor intrude with his Advice unask’d. Let him never trouble other People about his own Affairs, nor concern himself with theirs. Let him avoid Disputes; and when he dissents from others propose his Reasons with Calmness and Complaisance. Be his Wit ever guided by Discretion and Good Nature, nor let him sacrifice a Friend to raise a Laugh. Let him not censure others, nor expose their Failings, but kindly excuse or hide them. Let him neither raise nor propagate a Story to the Prejudice of any Body. In short, be his Study to command his own Temper, to learn the Humours of Mankind, and to conform himself accordingly.


Title: Extracts from the Gazette, 1730
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

	About the End of next Month, a Course of Papers of Speculation and Amusement will begin to be inserted in this Gazette, for the Entertainment of our Readers. Those Gentlemen and others, who may be inclined to divert themselves or their Friends by trying their Hands in some little Performance of that Nature, are hereby invited to make use of this Opportunity; and whatever they send, (to be left at the Publishers) that is fit for publick View, will be kindly received, and communicated in the most proper Time and Manner. [January 6]

	This is to inform the Writer of A certain Letter, giving a certain Account of a late certain Difference between a certain —— and his Wife, with certain Animadversions upon their Conduct, &c. That, for certain charitable Reasons, the said Letter is at present thought not fit to be published. [January 27]

	  The same Day [Saturday last] an unhappy Man one Sturgis, upon some Difference with his Wife, determined to drown himself in the River; and she, (kind Wife) went with him, it seems, to see it faithfully performed, and accordingly stood by silent and unconcerned during the whole Transaction: He jump’d in near Carpenter’s Wharff, but was timely taken out again, before what he came about was thoroughly effected, so that they were both obliged to return home as they came, and put up for that Time with the Disappointment. [February 10]

	  Last Week some counterfeit Five Shilling Bills of our Currency were passed here; but as they were clumsily done, upon mean Letter and ordinary Paper, and very unlike the Originals, they were soon discovered, and trac’d to One who was lately in Town from New-Castle. Orders are sent down to examine him about them. It is supposed they are come from the old Quarter; tho’ ’tis surprising that a Course of ill Success is not a sufficient Discouragement to such Practices. [February 19]

	  The great Snow we had here, was so much greater in New-England, as to prevent all Travelling on the Roads for a considerable Time; so that the Eastern Post was not come in to York last Thursday; and therefore our Post who waited there for him, is not yet arrived here, tho’ he had been expected on Friday Night last. Upon this Account the Publication of our Paper has been so long delayed [two days]. [February 19]

[Advertisement] Newydd ei Argraphu ac ar werth yn yr Argraphdy Newydd, gyferbyn a’r Farchnad yn Philadelphia.
Ca’n yn dangos Truenus hanes, Ma’b a Merch, y modd y darfu i’r Ferch Dorri ei Haddewid ag êf, yr hyn a barodd iddo adel ei Dylwyth, a myned ymmaith: a’i dôst Alar o achos ei Rhieni hi.
Fe a wnaeth y Gân ei hûn ac ai gadawodd wrth fyned Ymmaith gyda ei hên Gyfeillion, er Cyngor iddynt hwy ac eraill i beidio a rhoddi eu Bryd ar bethau ’r Byd hwn: Mae yu dangos drwy ’r cyfan ei bûr Gariad at y Ferch; ai sawr Barch a gobaith yn ei Jachawdwr, ai wîr Gariad i’r Grefydd Gristianogol. Prîs 3d.
Yn yr vn Fan y mae ar Werth Cyfraith yr Iâr a’r Mynawyd, rhwng Sion ac Eynion, o Waith Dafydd Manuel. Prîs 4d.
Yn yr vn Lle y gall y nêb a chwennycho, gael Argraphu, yn Gymraeg neu Saefneg yn Dda, ac o weddol Brîs: Ac hefyd Rhwymo hên Lyfrau yn Dda, ac ar Brîs Gweddol. [March 13]

	  When Mr. Bradford publishes after us, and has Occasion to take an Article or two out of the Gazette, which he is always welcome to do, he is desired not to date his Paper a Day before ours, (as last Week in the Case of the Letter containing Kelsey’s Speech, &c.) lest distant Readers should imagine we take from him, which we always carefully avoid. [March 19]

Next Week will be Published, The Votes and Proceedings of the Honourable House of Representatives. Printed and Sold at the New Printing-Office near the Market.
The Laws enacted at the last Session are also in the Press, and will be published with Expedition, and sold at the same Place. [March 19]

	  [Advertisement] A Likely Negroe Woman to be Sold. Enquire at the Widow Read’s in Market-Street, Philadelphia. [April 9]

	  On Friday Night last, about 11 o’Clock, a Fire broke out in a Store near Mr. Fishbourn’s Wharff, and before it could be master’d consumed all the Stores, &c. on the Wharff, damaged several Houses on that Side the Street, and crossing the Way, seized the fine House of Mr. J. Dickinson, with two other Houses adjoining towards Walnut-street, which are all ruined. The Loss in the Whole is supposed to be four or five Thousand Pounds. It is thought that if the People had been provided with good Engines and other suitable Instruments, the Fire might easily have been prevented spreading, as there was but little Wind. There is now a Subscription on Foot for supplying the Town with every Thing necessary of that Nature, which meets with great Encouragement. There was much Thieving at the Fire, and several ill Persons are now in Prison on that Account. [April 30]

	  We hear from New-England, that the Small-Pox spreads in divers parts of the Country. There is an Account published of the Number of Persons inoculated in Boston in the Month of March, amounting to Seventy-two; of which two only died, and the rest have recovered perfect Health. Of those who had it in the common Way, ’tis computed that one in four died. Several Hundreds have been inoculated, and but about four in the Hundred have died under Inoculation; and even those are supposed to have first taken the Infection in the common Way. [May 14]

	  [Advertisement] James Austin’s Persian Ink, approved of by the properest Judges in England to be the best of any yet made; Sold only at the New Printing-Office in Philadelphia, at 12d. per Bottle. [June 23]

	  Some of our last Papers were wrought off with the following Transposition. In the 2d Column of the 2d Page, that which is properly the 6th Line is placed as the 9th, so that what is now the 9th Line must be read as the 6th, in order to make Sense of that Part of the Paragraph. The judicious Reader will easily distinguish accidental Errors from the Blunders of Ignorance, and more readily excuse the former which sometimes happen unavoidably. [July 2]

	  N.B. Tho’ we have the Pleasure to observe that these Essays of Primitive Christianity are exceedingly acceptable to the generality of our Readers; yet we are concern’d to hear that some worthy and learned Men are dissatisfied with them, as believing them to contain sundry false, heretical and pernicious Positions and Opinions: If such Gentlemen who think these Papers hurtful, are inclined to write any Thing by way of Answer, to manifest the Weakness and Error of the Doctrine contained therein; this may inform them, that any Thing of that Kind will be thankfully received, and faithfully handed to the Publick in the Gazette, without putting the Author to one Penny Charge; provided the Answer to each Essay be not much longer than the Essay it self. [July 30]

	  From Woodbury Creek on the other Side of the River we hear, that on Sunday Night last a Servant Man belonging to one Tatcham, got out of Bed at Midnight, and telling a Lad who slept with him that he was going a long Journey and should never see him more, he went into the Orchard and hanged himself on a Tree: But it seems the Rope broke in the Operation, and towards Morning he found himself alive upon the Ground to his no small Surprize. He then went and hid himself in the Barn among some Straw, for several Hours, while his Master and the rest of the Family were searching and enquiring after him to no Effect. At length having procured a better Rope, he hanged himself again in the Barn, and was there accidentally found by the Maid in the Afternoon: When he was cut down there appeared no sign of Life in him, nor were any Means used to recover him; but by that Time the Coroner and his Inquest were got together and come to View his Body, he was upon his Legs again, and is now living. [August 27]

	  Just Published: Jerman’s Almanacks for the Year 1731. Containing, beside what is usual, a correct Table of Houses for the Latitude of Forty Degrees, which has been much desired by the Ingenious. Printed and Sold at the New Printing-Office near the Market. [October 15]

	  Just Published: Godfrey’s Almanacks for the Year 1731. Done on a large Sheet of Demi Paper, after the London manner. Containing the Eclipses, Lunations, Judgment of the Weather, the Time of the Sun’s Rising and Setting, Moon’s Rising and Setting, Seven Stars Rising, Southing and Setting, Time of Highwater, Fairs, Courts, and Observable Days. With several other Things useful and curious. Printed and sold at the New-Printing-Office near the Market. [October 29]

	  ⁂During the three Winter Months, while the Post performs his Stage but once a Fortnight; This Paper will be published on Tuesdays. And as the Winter generally Occasions a Scarcity of News in these Parts; and it being very little Satisfaction to the Reader to have a whole Sheet, when half of it must be fill’d with Trifles, or Things of small Consequence; we shall for the above Time publish it in half Sheets, which we doubt not will be equally entertaining. [December 3]

	  (*†*)It is now above 14 Months since we undertook the Publishing this Paper; Those Subscribers who have taken it a Year, are desired to send in their respective Payments. [December 8]

[Advertisement] Ralph Sandiford being bound for England, hath printed a Second Impression of his Negroe Treatise to be distributed by him Gratis, or by Matthias Aspdin his Attorney; unto whom all Persons indebted to him are desired to pay the same with Speed, to prevent Charge to themselves.
And whereas some Persons would not apply for his Books Gratis, the Printer having Leave from the Author, has them ready for Sale at 12d. a-piece, at the New Printing-Office near the Market.
[December 22]

Buried in the several Burying-Grounds of this City from December 30, 1729. to December 29, 1730.

Church
81
}
  {
Baptists

18

Quakers
39
Strangers
{
Whites
41

Presbyterians
18
Blacks
30

In all 227.

[December 29]

	Just Published: The Laws made the last Session of the late Assembly, relating to Wears and Damms in Skuylkill, and to the Trustees of the Loan-Office. Printed and sold at the New Printing-Office near the Market. Price Six-Pence. Where may be had, Latin Grammars, and Dyche’s Spelling-Books. [December 29]

Philadelphia : Printed by B. Franklin and H. Meredith, at the New Printing-Office near the Market, where Advertisements are taken in, and all Persons may be supplied with this Paper, at Ten Shillings a Year.


Title: Advertisement of Godfrey’s Almanacs, 19 January 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Godfrey’s Almanacks for the Year 1731. Done on a large Sheet of Demi Paper, after the London manner. Containing the Eclipses, Lunations, Judgment of the Weather, the Time of the Sun’s Rising and Setting, Moon’s Rising and Setting, Seven Stars Rising, Southing and Setting, Time of High-water, Fairs, Courts, and Observable Days. With several other Things useful and curious. Printed and sold at the New-Printing-Office near the Market.
N.B. The 3 Mathematical Questions proposed in Leeds’s Almanack, were solv’d and answer’d by Godfrey, in less than half an Hour after he saw them, as the Printer hereof can testify; the Solutions and Answers were sent by the Post to the Author of the Questions, together with 3 other Questions for him to Answer; but there being a Pretence that the first Copy of those Questions came not to Hand; and a Second having been sent above 6 Weeks since, concerning which nothing can yet be heard; it is thought proper to publish the said Questions, that there may be no Room for further Excuse. Note, A Copy of the aforesaid Solutions is in the Hands of the Printer.

Question I. Suppose 2 Ships being in the same Latitude, distant from each other 100 Leagues, sail directly North 500 Leagues, (20 in a Degree) and then are 70 Leagues a-part: What are the Latitudes?
Quest. II. Suppose 2 Roads of = Breadth to cross each other at Right-angles in the Centre of a given circular Piece of Ground, and take up the half or third Part of that circular Piece of Ground: What is the Proportion of the Breadth of the Roads to the Diameter of the Circle?
Quest. III. Suppose a Ship in North Latitude, sailing between the North and East,

makes her Distance
  {
50
}
  Minutes more than her
  {
Diff. Latitude.

  40
Departure.

  30
Diff. Longitude.

What is the Course, Distance, and both Latitudes?


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 1 May 1731
From: Logan, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Friend B.F.
1st of May 1731
I did wrong perhaps in bringing out with me the Paper I had from T. G. but on thy Letter I return it. To give my opinion of it is needless, for it Speaks for itself. That method of Locks (as they are call’d) in Rivers is found of great Use, and comes daily more into practice. There are now vast numbers of them in England: But the authors Proposal of a Side Dam (to me at least) is new, and in some places, I believe, might be advantageously applied, but scarce in [the] Delaware, I doubt; For Such a Wall, as it must be Tight to make it of any Use would be vastly laborious and chargeable. Besides that what we call Falls in our River for the most part are not properly Such, but only ledges of Rocks cross the Stream, which are not near so difficult to remove, as it would be to make such Walls and Gates, that are necessary only where there is a Descent, when with us were the Rocks removed the Stream would be near a Level. His other Proposals, where practicable for the Ground, might doubtless be useful on the great Rivers in Europe, where large Cities and Towns are Seated both below and above, and here perhaps in future Ages may be tried, but scarce under any of our Governments as they are at present established. It would be well I believe to have the Paper made public, for ’tis a pity that such ingenious Thoughts should be lost. But as it is doubtful at least whether any part of it will be putt in practice in these parts during this Age how far an Impression of it might answer the Charge I shall not pretend to judge. I thought to have taken a Copy of it, but for want of a fitt hand here for such purposes have not done it. Thy friend (sign’d only)
J. L.
To B. Franklin


Title: Observations on Reading History, 9 May 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

  Observations on my Reading History in Library
  May 9. 1731.

That the great Affairs of the World, the Wars, Revolutions, &c. are carried on and effected by Parties.

That the View of these Parties is their present general Interest, or what they take to be such.
That the different Views of these different Parties, occasion all Confusion.
That while a Party is carrying on a general Design, each Man has his particular private Interest in View.
That as soon as a Party has gain’d its general Point, each Member becomes intent upon his particular Interest, which thwarting others, breaks that Party into Divisions, and occasions more Confusion.
That few in Public Affairs act from a meer View of the Good of their Country, whatever they may pretend; and tho’ their Actings bring real Good to their Country, yet Men primarily consider’d that their own and their Country’s Interest was united, and did not act from a Principle of Benevolence.
That fewer still in public Affairs act with a View to the Good of Mankind.
There seems to me at present to be great Occasion for raising an united Party for Virtue, by forming the Virtuous and good Men of all Nations into a regular Body, to be govern’d by suitable good and wise Rules, which good and wise Men may probably be more unanimous in their Obedience to, than common People are to common Laws.
I at present think, that whoever attempts this aright, and is well qualified, cannot fail of pleasing God, and of meeting with Success.
B. F.


Title: Apology for Printers, 10 June 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Being frequently censur’d and condemn’d by different Persons for printing Things which they say ought not to be printed, I have sometimes thought it might be necessary to make a standing Apology for my self, and publish it once a Year, to be read upon all Occasions of that Nature. Much Business has hitherto hindered the execution of this Design; but having very lately given extraordinary Offence by printing an Advertisement with a certain N.B. at the End of it, I find an Apology more particularly requisite at this Juncture, tho’ it happens when I have not yet Leisure to write such a thing in the proper Form, and can only in a loose manner throw those Considerations together which should have been the Substance of it.
I request all who are angry with me on the Account of printing things they don’t like, calmly to consider these following Particulars
1. That the Opinions of Men are almost as various as their Faces; an Observation general enough to become a common Proverb, So many Men so many Minds.
2. That the Business of Printing has chiefly to do with Mens Opinions; most things that are printed tending to promote some, or oppose others.
3. That hence arises the peculiar Unhappiness of that Business, which other Callings are no way liable to; they who follow Printing being scarce able to do any thing in their way of getting a Living, which shall not probably give Offence to some, and perhaps to many; whereas the Smith, the Shoemaker, the Carpenter, or the Man of any other Trade, may work indifferently for People of all Persuasions, without offending any of them: and the Merchant may buy and sell with Jews, Turks, Hereticks, and Infidels of all sorts, and get Money by every one of them, without giving Offence to the most orthodox, of any sort; or suffering the least Censure or Ill-will on the Account from any Man whatever.

4. That it is as unreasonable in any one Man or Set of Men to expect to be pleas’d with every thing that is printed, as to think that nobody ought to be pleas’d but themselves.
5. Printers are educated in the Belief, that when Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick; and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter: Hence they chearfully serve all contending Writers that pay them well, without regarding on which side they are of the Question in Dispute.
6. Being thus continually employ’d in serving all Parties, Printers naturally acquire a vast Unconcernedness as to the right or wrong Opinions contain’d in what they print; regarding it only as the Matter of their daily labour: They print things full of Spleen and Animosity, with the utmost Calmness and Indifference, and without the least Ill-will to the Persons reflected on; who nevertheless unjustly think the Printer as much their Enemy as the Author, and join both together in their Resentment.
7. That it is unreasonable to imagine Printers approve of every thing they print, and to censure them on any particular thing accordingly; since in the way of their Business they print such great variety of things opposite and contradictory. It is likewise as unreasonable what some assert, That Printers ought not to print any Thing but what they approve; since if all of that Business should make such a Resolution, and abide by it, an End would thereby be put to Free Writing, and the World would afterwards have nothing to read but what happen’d to be the Opinions of Printers.
8. That if all Printers were determin’d not to print any thing till they were sure it would offend no body, there would be very little printed.
9. That if they sometimes print vicious or silly things not worth reading, it may not be because they approve such things themselves, but because the People are so viciously and corruptly educated that good things are not encouraged. I have known a very numerous Impression of Robin Hood’s Songs go off in this Province at 2s. per Book, in less than a Twelvemonth; when a small Quantity of David’s Psalms (an excellent Version) have lain upon my Hands above twice the Time.

10. That notwithstanding what might be urg’d in behalf of a Man’s being allow’d to do in the Way of his Business whatever he is paid for, yet Printers do continually discourage the Printing of great Numbers of bad things, and stifle them in the Birth. I my self have constantly refused to print any thing that might countenance Vice, or promote Immorality; tho’ by complying in such Cases with the corrupt Taste of the Majority, I might have got much Money. I have also always refus’d to print such things as might do real Injury to any Person, how much soever I have been solicited, and tempted with Offers of great Pay; and how much soever I have by refusing got the Ill-will of those who would have employ’d me. I have heretofore fallen under the Resentment of large Bodies of Men, for refusing absolutely to print any of their Party or Personal Reflections. In this Manner I have made my self many Enemies, and the constant Fatigue of denying is almost insupportable. But the Publick being unacquainted with all this, whenever the poor Printer happens either through Ignorance or much Persuasion, to do any thing that is generally thought worthy of Blame, he meets with no more Friendship or Favour on the above Account, than if there were no Merit in’t at all. Thus, as Waller says,

Poets loose half the Praise they would have got
Were it but known what they discreetly blot;

Yet are censur’d for every bad Line found in their Works with the utmost Severity.

I come now to the particular Case of the N.B. above-mention’d, about which there has been more Clamour against me, than ever before on any other Account. In the Hurry of other Business an Advertisement was brought to me to be printed; it signified that such a Ship lying at such a Wharff, would sail for Barbadoes in such a Time, and that Freighters and Passengers might agree with the Captain at such a Place; so far is what’s common: But at the Bottom this odd Thing was added, N.B. No Sea Hens nor Black Gowns will be admitted on any Terms. I printed it, and receiv’d my Money; and the Advertisement was stuck up round the Town as usual. I had not so much Curiosity at that time as to enquire the Meaning of it, nor did I in the least imagine it would give so much Offence. Several good Men are very angry with me on this Occasion; they are pleas’d to say I have too much Sense to do such things ignorantly; that if they were Printers they would not have done such a thing on any Consideration; that it could proceed from nothing but my abundant Malice against Religion and the Clergy: They therefore declare they will not take any more of my Papers, nor have any farther Dealings with me; but will hinder me of all the Custom they can. All this is very hard!
I believe it had been better if I had refused to print the said Advertisement. However, ’tis done and cannot be revok’d. I have only the following few Particulars to offer, some of them in my Behalf, by way of Mitigation, and some not much to the Purpose; but I desire none of them may be read when the Reader is not in a very good Humour.
1. That I really did it without the least Malice, and imagin’d the N.B. was plac’d there only to make the Advertisement star’d at, and more generally read.

2. That I never saw the Word Sea-Hens before in my Life; nor have I yet ask’d the meaning of it; and tho’ I had certainly known that Black Gowns in that Place signified the Clergy of the Church of England, yet I have that confidence in the generous good Temper of such of them as I know, as to be well satisfied such a trifling mention of their Habit gives them no Disturbance.
3. That most of the Clergy in this and the neighbouring Provinces, are my Customers, and some of them my very good Friends; and I must be very malicious indeed, or very stupid, to print this thing for a small Profit, if I had thought it would have given them just Cause of Offence.
4. That if I have much Malice against the Clergy, and withal much Sense; ’tis strange I never write or talk against the Clergy my self. Some have observed that ’tis a fruitful Topic, and the easiest to be witty upon of all others. I can print any thing I write at less Charge than others; yet I appeal to the Publick that I am never guilty this way, and to all my Acquaintance as to my Conversation.
5. That if a Man of Sense had Malice enough to desire to injure the Clergy, this is the foolishest Thing he could possibly contrive for that Purpose.
6. That I got Five Shillings by it.
7. That none who are angry with me would have given me so much to let it alone.
8. That if all the People of different Opinions in this Province would engage to give me as much for not printing things they don’t like, as I can get by printing them, I should probably live a very easy Life; and if all Printers were every where so dealt by, there would be very little printed.
9. That I am oblig’d to all who take my Paper, and am willing to think they do it out of meer Friendship. I only desire they would think the same when I deal with them. I thank those who leave off, that they have taken it so long. But I beg they would not endeavour to dissuade others, for that will look like Malice.
10. That ’tis impossible any Man should know what he would do if he was a Printer.
11. That notwithstanding the Rashness and Inexperience of Youth, which is most likely to be prevail’d with to do things that ought not to be done; yet I have avoided printing such Things as usually give Offence either to Church or State, more than any Printer that has followed the Business in this Province before.
12. And lastly, That I have printed above a Thousand Advertisements which made not the least mention of Sea-Hens or Black Gowns; and this being the first Offence, I have the more Reason to expect Forgiveness.
I take leave to conclude with an old Fable, which some of my Readers have heard before, and some have not.
“A certain well-meaning Man and his Son, were travelling towards a Market Town, with an Ass which they had to sell. The Road was bad; and the old Man therefore rid, but the Son went a-foot. The first Passenger they met, asked the Father if he was not ashamed to ride by himself, and suffer the poor Lad to wade along thro’ the Mire; this induced him to take up his Son behind him: He had not travelled far, when he met others, who said, they were two unmerciful Lubbers to get both on the Back of that poor Ass, in such a deep Road. Upon this the old Man gets off, and let his Son ride alone. The next they met called the Lad a graceless, rascally young Jackanapes, to ride in that Manner thro’ the Dirt, while his aged Father trudged along on Foot; and they said the old Man was a Fool, for suffering it. He then bid his Son come down, and walk with him, and they travell’d on leading the Ass by the Halter; ’till they met another Company, who called them a Couple of sensless Blockheads, for going both on Foot in such a dirty Way, when they had an empty Ass with them, which they might ride upon. The old Man could bear no longer; My Son, said he, it grieves me much that we cannot please all these People: Let us throw the Ass over the next Bridge, and be no farther troubled with him.”
Had the old Man been seen acting this last Resolution, he would probably have been call’d a Fool for troubling himself about the different Opinions of all that were pleas’d to find Fault with him: Therefore, tho’ I have a Temper almost as complying as his, I intend not to imitate him in this last Particular. I consider the Variety of Humours among Men, and despair of pleasing every Body; yet I shall not therefore leave off Printing. I shall continue my Business. I shall not burn my Press and melt my Letters.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 19 June 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

To Jane Mecom

   MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works, VI, 3–5.

Dear Sister,
Philadelphia, June 19, 1731
Yours of May 26, I received with the melancholy news of the death of sister Deavenport, a loss, without doubt, regretted by all that knew her, for she was a good woman. Her friends ought, however, to be comforted that they have enjoyed her so long and that she has passed through the world happily, having never had any extraordinary misfortune or notable affliction, and that she is now secure in rest, in the place provided for the virtuous. I had before heard of the death of your first child, and am pleased that the loss is in some measure made up to you by the birth of a second.
We have had the small pox here lately, which raged violently while it lasted; there have been about fifty persons inoculated, who all recovered, except a child of the doctor’s, upon whom the small pox appeared within a day or two after the operation, and who is therefore thought to have been certainly infected before. In one family in my neighbourhood there appeared a great mortality. Mr. George Claypole, (a descendant of Oliver Cromwell) had, by industry, acquired a great estate, and being in excellent business, (a merchant) would probably have doubled it, had he lived according to the common course of years. He died first, suddenly; within a short time died his best negro; then one of his children; then a negro woman; then two children more, buried at the same time; then two more: so that I saw two double buryings come out of the house in one week. None were left in the family, but the mother and one child, and both their lives till lately despaired of; so that all the father’s wealth, which every body thought, a little while ago, had heirs enough, and no one would have given six pence for the reversion, was in a few weeks brought to the greatest probability of being divided among strangers: so uncertain are all human affairs: the dissolution of this family is generally ascribed to an imprudent use of quick silver in the cure of the itch; Mr. Claypole applying it as he thought proper, without consulting a physician for fear of charges, and the small pox coming upon them at the same time made their case desperate. But what gives me the greatest concern, is the account you give me of my sister Homes’s misfortune: I know a cancer in the breast is often thought incurable: yet we have here in town a kind of shell made of some wood, cut at a proper time, by some man of great skill (as they say,) which has done wonders in that disease among us, being worn for some time on the breast. I am not apt to be superstitiously fond of believing such things, but the instances are so well attested as sufficiently to convince the most incredulous.
This if I have interest enough to procure, as I think I have, I will borrow for a time and send it to you, and hope the doctors you have will at least allow the experiment to be tried, and shall rejoice to hear it has the accustomed effect.
You have mentioned nothing in your letter of our dear parents, but I conclude they are well because you say nothing to the contrary. I want to hear from sister Douse, and to know of her welfare, as also of my sister Lydia, who I hear is lately married. I intended to have visited you this summer, but printing the paper money here has hindered me near two months, and our assembly will sit the 2d of August next, at which time I must not be absent, but I hope to see you this Fall. I am, Your affectionate brother,
B. Franklin


Title: Articles of Agreement with Thomas Whitmarsh, 13 September 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Whitmarsh, Thomas
To:

Articles of Agreement with Thomas Whitmarsh

   Copy: Land Office, Department of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg, Pa.

[September 13, 1731]
Articles of Agreement made and indented the Thirteenth Day of September Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and thirty one Between Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania Printer of the one Part and Thomas Whitemarsh of the same place Printer of the other Part, viz. Whereas the said Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Whitemarsh have determined to enter into a Copartnership for the carrying on of the Business of printing in Charlestown in South Carolina, It is hereby covenanted, granted, and agreed by and between the said Parties and each of them the said Benjamin and Thomas for himself, his Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, doth covenant, promise, and grant to and with the other and to and with the Heirs, Executors, and Administrators of the other of them in Manner following, To say, That they the said Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Whitemarsh shall be Partners in the said Business of Printing in Carolina for and during the Term of Six Years next ensuing the Day of the Arrival of the said Thomas in the Port of Charlestown aforesaid, if they the said Benjamin and Thomas shall so long live. That the said Benjamin Franklin shall be at the sole Charge and Expence of providing a printing Press with all its necessary Appurtenances together with four hundred weight of Letters (if the said Thomas shall think so great a Quantity necessary, and require it) and shall cause the same to be transported at his own Risque to the said Town of Charlestown in South Carolina. That the Business of printing and disposing of the Work printed shall be under the Care, Management, and Direction of the said Thomas Whitemarsh and the working Part performed by him or at his Expence. That all Charges for Paper, Ink, Balls, Tympans, Wool, Oil, and other Things necessary to printing, together with the Charge of all common and necessary Repairs of the Press and its Appurtenances and also the Charge of Rent for a Shop and for so much Room as is necessary to be used in the Management of the Business aforesaid, shall be divided into three equal Parts of which two Parts shall be disbursed by and paid as due from the said Thomas Whitemarsh and the remaining Third Part shall be allowed to be paid as due from the said Benjamin Franklin and taken out of his Share of the Income next to be mentioned. That all Money received or to be received for printing or for any Thing done or to be done relating thereto by the said Thomas Whitemarsh either as Gratuity, Premium, Reward, or Salary from the Government or from others shall be divided into three equal Parts of which the said Thomas for his Care, Management, and Performance shall have two Parts and the said Benjamin Franklin shall have the remaining Third Part. That he the said Thomas Whitemarsh for that End and Purpose shall keep fair and exact Book of Accounts of and concerning all Work done and sold by him and all his Receipts and Disbursments relating to the Business of Printing in Copartnership aforesaid with the Day, Month and Year of each Entry and submit the same to the View of the said Benjamin Franklin, his lawful Attorney, Executors, or Administrators as often as there unto required. And the Accounts of the Copartners aforesaid shall be drawn out Fair, communicated to each other and settled once a Year during the Copartnership aforesaid or oftner if either of them require it. And that upon such Settlement the said Thomas Whitemarsh shall remitt the Part by this Agreement belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin in such Wares or Merchandizes or in Bills of Exchange or in Money as the said Benjamin shall direct by Letter or Order under his Hand and on Board such Vessel and to such Port as the said Benjamin shall also require by Letter or Order as aforesaid at the proper Risque of the said Benjamin. That the said Thomas Whitemarsh shall not during the Term of the Copartnership aforesaid work with any other printing Materials than those belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin nor follow any other Business but Printing during the said Term, occasional Merchandize excepted. That the Loss by bad Debts shall be divided and sustained by both Parties in the same Proportion as the Money ought to have been divided by this Agreement if it had been received. That neither of the said Parties shall reap any Benefit or Advantage by his Survivorship if the other of them shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the said Term of six Years as aforesaid, But that if the said Thomas Whitemarsh shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the said Term his Executors or Administrators shall within one Year after such Decease deliver up the Press, Tipes, and all the Materials of printing which have been provided by the said Benjamin Franklin or at his Charge to the said Benjamin, his Heirs, Executors, or lawful Attorney in good Order and good Condition (allowing the usual Ware and Decay of such Things) as also the share of Money, Effects, and Debts belonging to the said Benjamin by this Agreement which shall be in the Hands of the said Thomas Whitemarsh or due at his Decease. And if the said Benjamin Franklin shall depart this Life before the Expiration of the Term of Copartnership aforesaid the said Thomas Whitemarsh shall continue the Business aforesaid, nevertheless paying and remitting the Part by this Agreement belonging to the said Benjamin Franklin unto the Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns of the said Benjamin or as they shall [direct?]. Provided the Heirs or Assigns of the said Benjamin perform all Parts of this Agreement to the said Thomas which he the said Benjamin ought to have done had he lived. And that at the Expiration of the Term of six Years aforesaid the said Thomas shall have the Right of purchasing the abovesaid Printing Press, Materials, and Types if he is so disposed at their first Value in Philadelphia allowing only what shall be judged a reasonable Abatement for the Wear of such Things in the Time they have been used. But if the said Thomas shall not be inclined to purchase them at that Price he shall transport or cause to be transported to and delivered at Philadelphia the said printing Press, Materials, and Types at his own proper Risque and Charges to the said Benjamin Franklin, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns. And if any unusual Damage by bad Usuage, Accident, or Negligence have happened to them he the said Thomas shall make it good. Provided nevertheless That if the first Printing Press, Materials, and Types which shall be sent by the said Benjamin Franklin to Carolina according to this Agreement miscarry thro’ the Dangers of the Sea the Copartnership hereby made shall be disolved and abolished unless the said Benjamin be willing to continue it and provide another Press and Types as aforesaid and send them at his own Risque as before, any Thing herein contained to the Contrary notwithstanding.

    Sealed and Delivered
    Benjamin Franklin

      in the Presence of us
    Thomas Whitmarsh

        Wm. Maugridge

        Nicholas Cassell

Memorandum the twenty fourth Day of November Ao. Di. One thousand seven hundred and thirty three before me, Edward Roberts Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace for the City and County of Philadelphia, came William Maugridge and Nicholas Cassell both of the said City, Joiners; And upon their solemn Affirmations according to Law Did declare and say they were present and did see the within named Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Whitmarsh seal and as their respective Act and Deed deliver the within Writing indented, contained in the three preceeding Pages of this Sheet of Paper, And that the Names of them the said William Maugridge and Nicholas Cassell thereunto subscribed as Witnesses are of their these Affirmants own Hands writing respectively. Witness my Hand and Seal the Day and Year abovesaid.
Edward Roberts [L.S.]

Recorded the 24th Day of November Ao. Di. 1733


Title: Joseph Breintnall to Directors of Library Company, 8 November 1731
From: Breintnall, Joseph
To: Directors of Library Company

The Library Company of Philadelphia was Franklin’s “first Project of a public Nature.” He drafted its plan, rules, and articles of agreement; the latter were signed July 1, 1731, naming ten directors, a secretary, and a treasurer, and announcing that the Company would be organized when fifty subscriptions were obtained. With the help of the Junto, this took about four months. The secretary then prepared this call to meeting, and Franklin had copies delivered to all concerned.

[November 8, 1731]
The Minutes of me Joseph Breintnall Secretary to the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, with such of the Minutes of the same Directors as they order me to make. Begun the 8th Day of November 1731. By Virtue of the Deed or Instrument of the said Company dated the first Day of July last.
The said Instrument being compleated by fifty Subscriptions I subscribed my Name to the following Summons or Notice, which Benjamin Franklin sent by a Messenger. Vizt.

To

Benjamin Franklin,
Thomas Hopkinson

William Parsons,
Philip Syng Junr.

Thomas Godfrey,
Anthony Nicholas

Thomas Cadwalader,
John Jones Junr.

Robert Grace and
Isaac Penington

“Gentlemen,
“The Subscription to the Library being compleated You the Directors appointed in the Instrument are desired to meet this Evening at 5 o’Clock, at the House of Nicholas Scull to take Bond of the Treasurer for the faithfull Performance of his Trust, and to consider of, and appoint a proper Time for the Payment of the Money subscribed, and other Matters relating to the said Library.
Joseph Breintnall, Secy.”
Philada. 8 Novr. 1731


Title: Miscellaneous Business Memoranda, 1731
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Volume 66 of the Franklin Papers in the American Philosophical Society contains approximately 250 miscellaneous business papers and memoranda. A few are undated; most bear dates between 1729 and 1768, but a few items are of an earlier or later year. They range from torn scraps the size of a playing card or even smaller to single or double sheets of quarto size; and are mounted in the volume on numbered pages in roughly chronological order. The individual papers are not indexed, but a typewritten list set into the volume indicates briefly the nature and date of each. Some of them, especially among those of the earliest years, have no connection with Franklin, but were accidentally mixed with his papers, probably when they were salvaged in 1778 from Joseph Galloway’s house Trevose, where they had been stored. The earliest transaction recorded in this volume clearly concerning Franklin is dated 1731.
Over 90 per cent of the papers in Volume 66, however, are directly connected with Franklin’s business transactions or those of members of his immediate family. They include statements of his printing and stationery accounts; receipts for payments; bills of exchange; promissory notes signed to or by him; stray pages of journal or ledger entries; notes requesting him to deliver books, other articles, or cash to the bearers; merchants’ accounts with other men which Franklin settled and in turn credited to himself; and tradesmen’s bills for goods and services of all sorts.
This last category is the largest and most representative. The bills show that among the articles supplied to Franklin or his dependents were cloth of various kinds (linen, calico, chintz, cambric, taffeta); mattresses, bolsters, and pillows; tea, both bohea and green; elixirs and bitters; chinaware; hats; paper and parchments; fish and oil; beer; and harness. There are bills to Franklin for such services as the alteration of gowns for Mrs. Franklin and their daughter Sarah; the stabling of his horse; and the repair of his carriage (a “Double chere”) on a trip to Boston. Bills from London shopkeepers after 1757 show brass casters for a chair; a shovel, tongs, and coal for Franklin’s fire; butter, cream, and spices for his table; steel spindles for his armonica; leather breeches; spectacles; candles; Madeira wine; books; and a variety of articles to send home to his wife and daughter in Philadelphia or to his sister Jane Mecom in Boston.
The papers in Volume 66 do not comprise all the documents of these several varieties that have survived. Others are scattered among the Franklin Papers in the American Philosophical Society, in other collections, and in private possession. A large proportion of the whole are too inconsequential to print in this edition. Those which shed useful light on significant figures or events in Franklin’s career will be presented, in full or in abstract, at the appropriate places in the text or footnotes in this and later volumes.