When about 16 Years of Age, I happen"d to meet with a Book, written by one Tryon, recommending a Vegetable Diet. I determined to go into it. My Brother being yet unmarried, did not keep House, but boarded himself and his Apprentices in another Family. My refusing to eat Flesh occasioned an Inconveniency, and I was frequently chid for my singularity. I made myself acquainted with Tryon"s Manner of preparing some of his Dishes, such as Boiling Potatoes or Rice, making Hasty Pudding, and a few others, and then propos"d to my Brother, that if he would give me Weekly half the Money he paid for my Board I would board myself. He instantly agreed to it, and I presently found that I could save half what he paid me. This was an additional Fund for buying Books. But I had another Advantage in it. My Brother and the rest going from the Printing House to their Meals, I remain"d there alone, and dispatching presently my light Repast, (which often was no more than a Bisket or a Slice of Bread, a Handful of Raisins or a Tart from the Pastry Cook"s, and a Gla.s.s of Water) had the rest of the Time till their Return, for Study, in which I made the greater Progress from that greater Clearness of Head and quicker Apprehension which usually attend Temperance in Eating and Drinking. And now it was that being on some Occasion made asham"d of my Ignorance in Figures, which I had twice failed in Learning when at School, I took c.o.c.ker"s Book of Arithmetick, and went thro" the whole by myself with great Ease. I also read Seller"s and Sturmy"s Books of Navigation, and became acquainted with the little Geometry they contain, but never proceeded far in that Science.--And I read about this Time Locke on Human Understanding, and the Art of Thinking by Mess^rs du Port Royal.
While I was intent on improving my Language, I met with an English Grammar (I think it was Greenwood"s) at the End of which there were two little Sketches of the Arts of Rhetoric and Logic, the latter finishing with a Specimen of a Dispute in the Socratic Method. And soon after I procur"d Xenophon"s Memorable Things of Socrates, wherein there are many Instances of the same Method. I was charm"d with it, adopted it, dropt my abrupt Contradiction, and positive Argumentation, and put on the humble Enquirer and Doubter. And being then, from reading Shaftesbury and Collins, become a real Doubter in many Points of our religious Doctrine, I found this Method safest for myself and very embarra.s.sing to those against whom I us"d it, therefore I took a Delight in it, practis"d it continually and grew very artful and expert in drawing People even of superior Knowledge into Concessions the Consequences of which they did not foresee, entangling them in Difficulties out of which they could not extricate themselves, and so obtaining Victories that neither myself nor my Cause always deserved.--I continu"d this Method some few years, but gradually left it, retaining only the Habit of expressing myself in Terms of modest Diffidence, never using when I advance any thing that may possibly be disputed, the Words, _Certainly_, _undoubtedly_; or any others that give the Air of Positiveness to an Opinion; but rather say, I conceive, or I apprehend a Thing to be so or so, It appears to me, or I should think it so or so for such and such Reasons, or I imagine it to be so, or it is so if I am not mistaken.
This Habit I believe has been of great Advantage to me, when I have had occasion to inculcate my Opinions and persuade Men into Measures that I have been from time to time engag"d in promoting.--And as the chief Ends of Conversation are to _inform_, or to be _informed_, to _please_ or to _persuade_, I wish wellmeaning sensible Men would not lessen their Power of doing Good by a Positive a.s.suming Manner that seldom fails to disgust, tends to create Opposition, and to defeat every one of those Purposes for which Speech was given us, to wit, giving or receiving Information, or Pleasure: For if you would _inform_, a positive dogmatical Manner in advancing your Sentiments, may provoke Contradiction and prevent a candid Attention. If you wish Information and Improvement from the Knowledge of others and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix"d in your present Opinions, modest sensible Men, who do not love Disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the Possession of your Error; and by such a Manner you can seldom hope to recommend yourself in _pleasing_ your Hearers, or to persuade those whose Concurrence you desire.--Pope says, judiciously,
_Men should be taught as if you taught them not, And things unknown propos"d as things forgot,--_
farther recommending it to us,
_To speak tho" sure, with seeming Diffidence._
And he might have coupled with this Line that which he has coupled with another, I think less properly,
_For want of Modesty is want of Sense._
If you ask why _less properly_, I must repeat the lines;
"Immodest Words admit of _no_ Defence; _For_ Want of Modesty is Want of Sense."
Now is not _Want of Sense_ (where a Man is so unfortunate as to want it) some Apology for his _Want of Modesty?_ and would not the Lines stand more justly thus?
Immodest Words admit _but this_ Defence, That Want of Modesty is Want of Sense.
This however I should submit to better Judgments.--
My Brother had in 1720 or 21, begun to print a Newspaper. It was the second that appear"d in America, and was called _The New England Courant_.[2] The only one before it, was _the Boston News Letter_. I remember his being dissuaded by some of his Friends from the Undertaking, as not likely to succeed, one Newspaper being in their Judgment enough for America.--At this time 1771 there are not less than five and twenty.--He went on however with the Undertaking, and after having work"d in composing the Types and printing off the Sheets, I was employ"d to carry the Papers thro" the Streets to the Customers.--He had some ingenious Men among his Friends who amus"d themselves by writing little Pieces for this Paper, which gain"d it Credit, and made it more in Demand; and these Gentlemen often visited us.--Hearing their Conversations, and their Accounts of the Approbation their Papers were receiv"d with, I was excited to try my Hand among them. But being still a Boy, and suspecting that my Brother would object to printing any Thing of mine in his Paper if he knew it to be mine, I contriv"d to disguise my Hand, and writing an anonymous Paper I put it in at Night under the Door of the Printing House. It was found in the Morning and communicated to his Writing Friends when they call"d in as usual. They read it, commented on it in my Hearing, and I had the exquisite Pleasure, of finding it met with their Approbation, and that in their different Guesses at the Author none were named but Men of some Character among us for Learning and Ingenuity.--I suppose now that I was rather lucky in my Judges: And that perhaps they were not really so very good ones as I then esteem"d them. Encourag"d however by this, I wrote and convey"d in the same Way to the Press several more Papers, which were equally approv"d, and I kept my Secret till my small Fund of Sense for such Performances was pretty well exhausted, and then I discovered it; when I began to be considered a little more by my Brother"s Acquaintance, and in a manner that did not quite please him, as he thought, probably with reason, that it tended to make me too vain. And perhaps this might be one Occasion of the Differences that we began to have about this Time.
Tho" a Brother, he considered himself as my Master, and me as his Apprentice; and accordingly expected the same Services from me as he would from another; while I thought he demean"d me too much in some he requir"d of me, who from a Brother expected more Indulgence. Our Disputes were often brought before our Father, and I fancy I was either generally in the right, or else a better Pleader, because the Judgment was generally in my favour: But my Brother was pa.s.sionate and had often beaten me, which I took extreamly amiss; and thinking my Apprenticeship very tedious, I was continually wishing for some Opportunity of shortening it, which at length offered in a manner unexpected.[B]
[B] I fancy his harsh and tyrannical Treatment of me, might be a means of impressing me with that Aversion to arbitrary Power that has stuck to me thro" my whole life [_Franklin"s note._]
One of the Pieces in our Newspaper, on some political Point which I have now forgotten, gave Offence to the a.s.sembly. He was taken up, censur"d and imprison"d for a Month by the Speaker"s Warrant, I suppose because he would not discover his Author. I too was taken up and examin"d before the Council; but tho" I did not give them any Satisfaction, they contented themselves with admonishing me, and dismiss"d me; considering me perhaps as an Apprentice who was bound to keep his Master"s Secrets.
During my Brother"s Confinement, which I resented a good deal, notwithstanding our private Differences, I had the Management of the Paper, and I made bold to give our Rulers some Rubs in it, which my Brother took very kindly, while others began to consider me in an unfavourable Light, as a young Genius that had a Turn for Libelling and Satyr. My Brother"s Discharge was accompany"d with an Order of the House, (a very odd one) _that James Franklin should no longer print the Paper called the New England Courant_. There was a Consultation held in our Printing House among his Friends what he should do in this Case.
Some propos"d to evade the Order by changing the Name of the Paper; but my Brother seeing Inconveniences in that, it was finally concluded on as a better Way, to let it be printed for the future under the Name of _Benjamin Franklin_. And to avoid the Censure of the a.s.sembly that might fall on him, as still printing it by his Apprentice, the Contrivance was, that my old Indenture should be return"d to me with a full Discharge on the Back of it, to be shown on Occasion; but to secure to him the Benefit of my Service I was to sign new Indentures for the Remainder of the Term, w^ch were to be kept private. A very flimsy Scheme it was, but however it was immediately executed, and the Paper went on accordingly under my Name for several Months. At length a fresh Difference arising between my Brother and me, I took upon me to a.s.sert my Freedom, presuming that he would not venture to produce the new Indentures. It was not fair in me to take this Advantage, and this I therefore reckon one of the first Errata of my life: But the Unfairness of it weighed little with me, when under the Impressions of Resentment, for the Blows his Pa.s.sion too often urg"d him to bestow upon me. Tho" he was otherwise not an ill-natur"d Man: Perhaps I was too saucy and provoking.
When he found I would leave him, he took care to prevent my getting Employment in any other Printing-House of the Town, by going round and speaking to every Master, who accordingly refus"d to give me Work. I then thought of going to New York as the nearest Place where there was a Printer: and I was the rather inclin"d to leave Boston, when I reflected that I had already made myself a little obnoxious to the governing Party; and from the arbitrary Proceedings of the a.s.sembly in my Brother"s Case it was likely I might if I stay"d soon bring myself into Sc.r.a.pes; and farther that my indiscrete Disputations about Religion began to make me pointed at with Horror by good People, as an Infidel or Atheist. I determin"d on the Point: but my Father now siding with my Brother, I was sensible that if I attempted to go openly, Means would be used to prevent me. My Friend Collins therefore undertook to manage a little for me. He agreed with the Captain of a New York Sloop for my Pa.s.sage, under the Notion of my being a young Acquaintance of his that had got a naughty Girl with Child, whose Friends would compel me to marry her, and therefore I could not appear or come away publickly. So I sold some of my Books to raise a little Money, Was taken on board privately, and as we had a fair Wind[,] in three Days I found myself in New York near 300 Miles from home, a Boy of but 17, without the least Recommendation to or Knowledge of any Person in the Place, and with very little Money in my Pocket.
My Inclinations for the Sea, were by this time worne out, or I might now have gratify"d them. But having a Trade, and supposing myself a pretty good Workman, I offer"d my Service to the Printer in the Place, old Mr W^m Bradford, who had been the first Printer in Pensilvania, but remov"d from thence upon the Quarrel of Geo. Keith.--He could give me no Employment, having little to do, and Help enough already: But, says he, my Son at Philadelphia has lately lost his princ.i.p.al Hand, Aquila Rose, by Death. If you go thither I believe he may employ you.--Philadelphia was 100 Miles farther. I set out, however, in a Boat for Amboy, leaving my Chest and Things to follow me round by Sea. In crossing the Bay we met with a Squall that tore our rotten Sails to pieces, prevented our getting into the Kill, and drove us upon Long Island. In our Way a drunken Dutchman, who was a Pa.s.senger too, fell overboard; when he was sinking I reach"d thro" the Water to his shock Pate and drew him up so that we got him in again. His ducking sober"d him a little, and he went to sleep, taking first out of his Pocket a Book which he desir"d I would dry for him. It prov"d to be my old favourite Author Bunyan"s Pilgrim"s Progress in Dutch, finely printed on good Paper with copper Cuts, a Dress better than I had ever seen it wear in its own Language. I have since found that it has been translated into most of the Languages of Europe, and suppose it has been more generally read than any other Book except perhaps the Bible. Honest John was the first that I know of who mix"d Narration and Dialogue, a Method of Writing very engaging to the Reader, who in the most interesting Parts finds himself, as it were brought into the Company, and present at the Discourse. Defoe in his Cruso, his Moll Flanders, Religious Courtship, Family Instructor, and other Pieces, has imitated it with Success. And Richardson has done the same in his Pamela, etc.--
When we drew near the Island we found it was at a Place where there could be no Landing, there being a great Surff on the stony Beach. So we dropt Anchor and swung round towards the Sh.o.r.e. Some People came down to the Water Edge and hallow"d to us, as we did to them. But the Wind was so high and the Surff so loud, that we could not hear so as to understand each other. There were Canoes on the Sh.o.r.e, and we made Signs and hallow"d that they should fetch us, but they either did not understand us, or thought it impracticable. So they went away, and Night coming on, we had no Remedy but to wait till the Wind should abate, and in the mean time the Boatman and I concluded to sleep if we could, and so crouded into the Scuttle with the Dutchman who was still wet, and the Spray beating over the Head of our Boat, leak"d thro" to us, so that we were soon almost as wet as he. In this Manner we lay all Night with very little Rest. But the Wind abating the next Day, we made a Shift to reach Amboy before Night, having been 30 Hours on the Water without Victuals, or any Drink but a Bottle of filthy Rum: The Water we sail"d on being salt.--
In the Evening I found myself very feverish, and went in to Bed. But having read somewhere that cold Water drank plentifully was good for a Fever, I follow"d the Prescription, sweat plentifully most of the Night, my Fever left me, and in the Morning crossing the Ferry, I proceeded on my Journey, on foot, having 50 Miles to Burlington, where I was told I should find Boats that would carry me the rest of the Way to Philadelphia.
It rain"d very hard all the Day, I was thoroughly soak"d, and by Noon a good deal tir"d, so I stopt at a poor Inn, where I staid all Night, beginning now to wish I had never left home. I cut so miserable a Figure too, that I found by the Questions ask"d me I was suspected to be some runaway Servant, and in danger of being taken up on that Suspicion.
However I proceeded the next Day, and got in the Evening to an Inn within 8 or 10 Miles of Burlington, kept by one Dr Brown.--
He ent[e]red into Conversation with me while I took some Refreshment, and finding I had read a little, became very sociable and friendly. Our Acquaintance continu"d as long as he liv"d. He had been, I imagine, an itinerant Doctor, for there was no Town in England, or Country in Europe, of which he could not give a very particular Account. He had some Letters, and was ingenious, but much of an Unbeliever, and wickedly undertook, some Years after to travesty the Bible in doggrel Verse as Cotton had done Virgil. By this means he set many of the Facts in a very ridiculous Light, and might have hurt weak minds if his Work had been publish"d:--but it never was.--At his House I lay that Night, and the next Morning reach"d Burlington.--But had the Mortification to find that the regular Boats were gone, a little before my coming, and no other expected to go till Tuesday, this being Sat.u.r.day. Wherefore I returned to an old Woman in the Town of whom I had bought Gingerbread to eat on the Water, and ask"d her Advice; she invited me to lodge at her House till a Pa.s.sage by Water should offer: and being tired with my foot Travelling, I accepted the Invitation. She understanding I was a Printer, would have had me stay at that Town and follow my Business, being ignorant of the Stock necessary to begin with. She was very hospitable, gave me a Dinner of Ox Cheek with great Goodwill, accepting only of a Pot of Ale in return. And I thought myself fix"d till Tuesday should come. However walking in the Evening by the Side of the River, a Boat came by, which I found was going towards Philadelphia, with several People in her. They took me in, and as there was no wind, we row"d all the Way; and about Midnight not having yet seen the City, some of the Company were confident we must have pa.s.s"d it, and would row no farther, the others knew not where we were, so we put towards the Sh.o.r.e, got into a Creek, landed near an old Fence[,] with the Rails of which we made a Fire, the Night being cold, in October, and there we remain"d till Daylight. Then one of the Company knew the Place to be Cooper"s Creek a little above Philadelphia, which we saw as soon as we got out of the Creek, and arriv"d there about 8 or 9 o"Clock, on the Sunday morning, and landed at the Market street Wharff.--
I have been the more particular in this Description of my Journey, and shall be so of my first Entry into that City, that you may in your Mind compare such unlikely Beginnings with the Figure I have since made there. I was in my Working Dress, my best Cloaths being to come round by Sea. I was dirty from my Journey; my Pockets were stuff"d out with Shirts and Stockings; I knew no Soul, nor where to look for Lodging. I was fatigued with Travelling, Rowing and Want of Rest. I was very hungry, and my whole Stock of Cash consisted of a Dutch Dollar and about a Shilling in Copper. The latter I gave the People of the Boat for my Pa.s.sage, who at first refus"d it on Acc^t of my Rowing; but I insisted on their taking it, a Man being sometimes more generous when he has but a little Money than when he has plenty, perhaps thro" Fear of being thought to have but little. Then I walk"d up the Street, gazing about, till near the Market House I met a Boy with Bread. I had made many a Meal on Bread, and inquiring where he got it, I went immediately to the Baker"s he directed me to in Second Street; and ask"d for Bisket, intending such as we had in Boston, but they it seems were not made in Philadelphia, then I ask"d for a threepenny Loaf, and was told they had none such: so not considering or knowing the Difference of Money and the greater Cheapness nor the Names of his Bread, I bad[e] him give me threepenny worth of any sort. He gave me accordingly three great Puffy Rolls. I was surpriz"d at the Quant.i.ty, but took it, and having no room in my Pockets, walk"d off, with a Roll under each Arm, and eating the other. Thus I went up Market Street as far as fourth Street, pa.s.sing by the Door of Mr. Read, my future Wife"s Father, when she standing at the Door saw me, and thought I made as I certainly did a most awkward ridiculous Appearance. Then I turn"d and went down Chestnut Street and part of Walnut Street, eating my Roll all the Way, and coming round found myself again at Market Street Wharff, near the Boat I came in, to which I went for a Draught of the River Water, and being fill"d with one of my Rolls, gave the other two to a Woman and her Child that came down the River in the Boat with us and were waiting to go farther. Thus refresh"d I walk"d again, up the Street, which by this time had many clean dress"d People in it who were all walking the same Way; I join"d them, and thereby was led into the great Meeting House of the Quakers near the Market. I sat down among them, and after looking round awhile and hearing nothing said; being very drowsy thro" Labour and want of Rest the preceding Night, I fell fast asleep, and continu"d so till the Meeting broke up, when one was kind enough to rouse me. This was therefore the first House I was in or slept in, in Philadelphia.--
Walking again down towards the River, and looking in the Faces of People, I met a young Quaker Man whose Countenance I lik"d, and accosting him requested he would tell me where a Stranger could get Lodging. We were then near the Sign of the Three Mariners. Here, says he, is one Place that entertains Strangers, but it is not a reputable House; if thee wilt walk with me, I"ll show thee a better. He brought me to the Crooked Billet in Water Street. Here I got a Dinner. And while I was eating it, several sly Questions were ask"d me, as it seem"d to be suspected from my youth and Appearance, that I might be some Runaway.
After Dinner my Sleepiness return"d: and being shown to a Bed, I lay down without undressing, and slept till Six in the Evening; was call"d to Supper; went to Bed again very early and slept soundly till next Morning. Then I made myself as tidy as I could, and went to Andrew Bradford the Printer"s. I found in the Shop the old Man his Father, whom I had seen at New York, and who travelling on horseback had got to Philadelphia before me. He introduc"d me to his Son, who receiv"d me civilly, gave me a Breakfast, but told me he did not at present want a Hand, being lately supply"d with one. But there was another Printer in town lately set up, one Keimer, who perhaps might employ me; if not, I should be welcome to lodge at his House, and he would give me a little Work to do now and then till fuller Business should offer.
The old Gentleman said, he would go with me to the new Printer: And when we found him, Neighbor, says Bradford, I have brought to see you a young Man of your Business, perhaps you may want such a One. He ask"d me a few Questions, put a Composing Stick in my Hand to see how I work"d, and then said he would employ me soon, tho" he had just then nothing for me to do. And taking old Bradford whom he had never seen before, to be one of the Towns People that had a Good Will for him, enter"d into a Conversation on his present Undertaking and Prospects; while Bradford not discovering that he was the other Printer"s Father, on Keimer"s saying he expected soon to get the greatest Part of the Business into his own Hands, drew him on by artful Questions and starting little Doubts, to explain all his Views, what Interest he rely"d on, and in what manner he intended to proceed.--I who stood by and heard all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty old Sophister, and the other a mere Novice. Bradford left me with Keimer, who was greatly surpriz"d when I told him who the old Man was.
Keimer"s Printing House I found, consisted of an old shatter"d Press, and one small worn-out Fount of English, which he was then using himself, composing in it an Elegy on Aquila Rose before-mentioned, an ingenious young Man of excellent Character much respected in the Town, Clerk of the a.s.sembly, and a pretty Poet. Keimer made Verses, too, but very indifferently. He could not be said to write them, for his Manner was to compose them in the Types directly out of his Head; so there being no Copy, but one Pair of Cases, and the Elegy likely to require all the Letter[s], no one could help him.--I endeavour"d to put his Press (which he had not yet us"d, and of which he understood nothing) into Order fit to be work"d with; and promising to come and print off his Elegy as soon as he should have got it ready, I return"d to Bradford"s who gave me a little Job to do for the present, [and] there I lodged and dieted. A few Days after[,] Keimer sent for me to print off the Elegy. And now he had got another Pair of Cases, and a Pamphlet to reprint, on which he set me to work.--
These two Printers I found poorly Qualified for their Business. Bradford had not been bred to it, and was very illiterate; and Keimer tho"
something of a Scholar, was a mere Compositor, knowing nothing of Presswork. He had been one of the French Prophets and could act their enthusiastic Agitations. At this time he did not profess any particular Religion, but something of all on occasion; was very ignorant of the World, and had, as I afterward found, a good deal of the Knave in his Composition. He did not like my Lodging at Bradford"s while I work"d with him. He had a House indeed, but without Furniture, so he could not lodge me: But he got me a Lodging at Mr. Read"s beforementioned, who was the Owner of his House. And my Chest and Clothes being come by this time, I made rather a more respectable Appearance in the Eyes of Miss Read than I had done when she first happen"d to see me eating my Roll in the Street.--
I began now to have some Acquaintance among the young People of the Town, that were Lovers of Reading with whom I spent my Evenings very pleasantly and gaining Money by my Industry and Frugality, I lived very agreably, forgetting Boston as much as I could, and not desiring that any there should know where I resided, except my Friend Collins who was in my Secret, and kept it when I wrote to him. At length an Incident happened that sent me back again much sooner than I had intended.--
I had a Brother-in-law, Robert Holmes, Master of a Sloop, that traded between Boston and Delaware. He being at New Castle 40 Miles below Philadelphia, heard there of me, and wrote me a Letter, mentioning the Concern of my Friends in Boston at my abrupt Departure, a.s.suring me of their Good will to me, and that every thing would be accommodated to my Mind if I would return, to which he exhorted me very earnestly. I wrote an Answer to his Letter, thank"d him for his Advice, but stated my Reasons for quitting Boston fully, and in such a Light as to convince him I was not so wrong as he had apprehended. Sir William Keith[3]
Governor of the Province, was then at New Castle, and Capt. Holmes happening to be in Company with him when my Letter came to hand, spoke to him of me, and show"d him the Letter. The Governor read it, and seem"d surpriz"d when he was told my Age. He said I appear"d a young Man of promising Parts, and therefore should be encouraged: The Printers at Philadelphia were wretched ones, and if I would set up there, he made no doubt I should succeed; for his Part, he would procure me the publick Business, and do me every other Service in his Power. This my Brother-in-law afterwards told me in Boston. But I knew as yet nothing of it; when one Day Keimer and I being at Work together near the Window, we saw the Governor and another Gentleman (which prov"d to be Col.
French, of New Castle) finely dress"d, come directly across the Street to our House, and heard them at the Door. Keimer ran down immediately, thinking it a Visit to him. But the Governor enquir"d for me, came up, and with a Condescension and Politeness I had been quite unus"d to, made me many Compliments, desired to be acquainted with me, blam"d me kindly for not having made myself known to him when I first came to the Place, and would have me away with him to the Tavern where he was going with Col. French to taste as he said some excellent Madeira. I was not a little surpriz"d, and Keimer star"d like a Pig poison"d. I went however with the Governor and Col. French, to a Tavern [at] the Corner of Third Street, and over the Madeira he propos"d my Setting up my Business, laid before me the Probabilities of Success, and both he and Col. French, a.s.sur"d me I should have their Interest and Influence in procuring the Publick Business of both Governments. On my doubting whether my Father would a.s.sist me in it, Sir William said he would give me a Letter to him, in which he would state the Advantages, and he did not doubt of prevailing with him. So it was concluded I should return to Boston in the first Vessel with the Governor"s Letter recommending me to my Father. In the mean time the Intention was to be kept secret, and I went on working with Keimer as usual, the Governor sending for me now and then to dine with him, a very great Honour I thought it, and conversing with me in the most affable, familiar, and friendly manner imaginable.
About the End of April 1724 a little Vessel offer"d for Boston. I took leave of Keimer as going to see my Friends. The Governor gave me an ample Letter, saying many flattering things of me to my Father, and strongly recommending the Project of my setting up at Philadelphia, as a Thing that must make my Fortune. We struck on a Shoal in going down the Bay and sprung a Leak, we had a bl.u.s.tering time at Sea, and were oblig"d to pump almost continually, at which I took my Turn. We arriv"d safe however at Boston in about a Fortnight.--I had been absent Seven Months and my Friends had heard nothing of me; for my Br. Holmes was not yet return"d; and had not written about me. My unexpected Appearance surpriz"d the Family; all were however very glad to see me and made me Welcome, except my Brother. I went to see him at his Printing-House: I was better dress"d than ever while in his Service, having a genteel new Suit from Head to foot, a Watch, and my Pockets lin"d with near Five Pounds Sterling in Silver. He receiv"d me not very frankly, look"d me all over, and turn"d to his Work again. The JourneyMen were inquisitive where I had been, what sort of a Country it was, and how I lik"d it? I prais"d it much, and the happy Life I led in it; expressing strongly my Intention of returning to it; and one of them asking what kind of Money we had there, I produc"d a handful of Silver and spread it before them, which was a kind of Raree Show they had not been us"d to, Paper being the Money of Boston. Then I took an Opportunity of letting them see my Watch: and lastly, (my Brother still grum and sullen) I gave them a Piece of Eight to drink, and took my Leave.--This Visit of mine offended him extreamly. For when my Mother some time after spoke to him of a Reconciliation, and of her Wishes to see us on good Terms together, and that we might live for the future as Brothers, he said, I had insulted him in such a Manner before his People that he could never forget or forgive it. In this however he was mistaken.--
My Father received the Governor"s Letter with some apparent Surprize; but said little of it to me for some Days; when Capt. Holmes returning, he show"d it to him, ask"d if he knew Keith, and what kind of a Man he was: Adding his Opinion that he must be of small Discretion, to think of setting a Boy up in Business who wanted yet 3 Years of being at Man"s Estate. Holmes said what he could in fav^r of the Project; but my Father was clear in the Impropriety of it; and at last gave a flat Denial to it. Then he wrote a civil Letter to Sir William thanking him for the Patronage he had so kindly offered me, but declining to a.s.sist me as yet in Setting up, I being in his Opinion too young to be trusted with the Management of a Business so important, and for which the Preparation must be so expensive.--
My Friend and Companion Collins, who was a Clerk at the Post-Office, pleas"d with the Account I gave him of my new Country, determin"d to go thither also: And while I waited for my Fathers Determination, he set out before me by Land to Rhodeisland, leaving his Books which were a pretty Collection of Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy, to come with mine and me to New York where he propos"d to wait for me. My Father, tho" he did not approve Sir William"s Proposition was yet pleas"d that I had been able to obtain so advantageous a Character from a Person of such Note where I had resided, and that I had been so industrious and careful as to equip myself so handsomely in so short a time: therefore seeing no Prospect of an Accommodation between my Brother and me, he gave his Consent to my Returning again to Philadelphia, advis"d me to behave respectfully to the People there, endeavour to obtain the general Esteem, and avoid lampooning and libelling to which he thought I had too much Inclination; telling me, that by steady Industry and a prudent Parsimony, I might save enough by the time I was One and Twenty to set me up, and that if I came near the Matter he would help me out with the rest. This was all I could obtain, except some small Gifts as Tokens of his and my Mother"s Love, when I embark"d again for New-York, now with their Approbation and their Blessing.--
The Sloop putting in at Newport, Rhodeisland, I visited my Brother John, who had been married and settled there some Years. He received me very affectionately, for he always lov"d me. A Friend of his, one Vernon, having some Money due to him in Pensilvania, about 35 Pounds Currency, desired I would receive it for him, and keep it till I had his Directions what to remit it in. Accordingly he gave me an Order.--This afterwards occasion"d me a good deal of Uneasiness. At Newport we took in a Number of Pa.s.sengers for New York: Among which were two young Women, Companions, and a grave, sensible Matron-like Quaker-Woman with her Attendants.--I had shown an obliging readiness to do her some little Services which impress"d her I suppose with a degree of Good-will towards me.--Therefore when she saw a daily growing Familiarity between me and the two Young Women, which they appear"d to encourage, she took me aside and said, Young Man, I am concern"d for thee, as thou has no Friend with thee, and seems not to know much of the World, or of the Snares Youth is expos"d to; depend upon it those are very bad Women, I can see it in all their Actions, and if thee art not upon thy Guard, they will draw thee into some Danger: they are Strangers to thee, and I advise thee in a friendly Concern for thy Welfare, to have no Acquaintance with them. As I seem"d at first not to think so ill of them as she did, she mention"d some Things she had observ"d and heard that had escap"d my Notice; but now convinc"d me she was right. I thank"d her for her kind Advice, and promis"d to follow it.--When we arriv"d at New York, they told me where they liv"d, and invited me to come and see them: but I avoided it. And it was well I did: For the next Day, the Captain miss"d a Silver Spoon and some other Things that had been taken out of his Cabbin, and knowing that these were a Couple of Strumpets, he got a Warrant to search their Lodgings, found the stolen Goods, and had the Thieves punish"d. So tho" we had escap"d a sunken Rock which we sc.r.a.p"d upon in the Pa.s.sage, I thought this Escape of rather more Importance to me. At New York I found my Friend Collins, who had arriv"d there some Time before me. We had been intimate from Children, and had read the same Books together: But he had the Advantage of more time for reading, and Studying and a wonderful Genius for Mathematical Learning in which he far outstript me. While I liv"d in Boston most of my Hours of Leisure for Conversation were spent with him, and he continu"d a sober as well as an industrious Lad; was much respected for his Learning by several of the Clergy and other Gentlemen, and seem"d to promise making a good Figure in Life: but during my Absence he had acquir"d a Habit of Sotting with Brandy; and I found by his own Account and what I heard from others, that he had been drunk every day since his Arrival at New York, and behav"d very oddly. He had gam"d too and lost his Money, so that I was oblig"d to discharge his Lodgings, and defray his Expenses to and at Philadelphia: Which prov"d extreamly inconvenient to me. The then Governor of N[ew] York, Burnet, Son of Bishop Burnet hearing from the Captain that a young Man, one of his Pa.s.sengers, had a great many Books, desired he would bring me to see him. I waited upon him accordingly, and should have taken Collins with me but that he was not sober. The Gov^r treated me with great Civility, show"d me his Library, which was a very large one, and we had a good deal of Conversation about Books and Authors. This was the second Governor who had done me the Honour to take Notice of me, which to a poor Boy like me was very pleasing.--We proceeded to Philadelphia. I received on the Way Vernon"s Money, without which we could hardly have finish"d our Journey.
Collins wish"d to be employ"d in some Counting House; but whether they discover"d his Dramming by his Breath, or by his Behaviour, tho" he had some Recommendations, he met with no Success in any Application, and continu"d Lodging and Boarding at the same House with me and at my Expense. Knowing I had that Money of Vernon"s he was continually borrowing of me, still promising Repayment as soon as he should be in Business. At length he had got so much of it, that I was distress"d to think what I should do, in case of being call"d on to remit it. His Drinking continu"d, about which we sometimes quarrel"d, for when a little intoxicated he was very fractious. Once in a Boat on the Delaware with some other young Men, he refused to row in his Turn: I will be row"d home, says he. We will not row you, says I. You must or stay all Night on the Water, says he, just as you please. The others said, Let us row; what signifies it? But my Mind being soured with his other Conduct, I continu"d to refuse. So he swore he would make me row, or throw me overboard; and coming along stepping on the Thwarts towards me, when he came up and struck at me I clapt my Hand under his Crutch, and rising pitch"d him head-foremost into the River. I knew he was a good Swimmer, and so was under little Concern about him; but before he could get round to lay hold of the Boat, we had with a few Strokes pull"d her out of his Reach. And ever when he drew near the Boat, we ask"d if he would row, striking a few Strokes to slide her away from him.--He was ready to die with Vexation, and obstinately would not promise to row; however seeing him at last beginning to tire, we lifted him in; and brought him home dripping wet in the Evening. We hardly exchang"d a civil Word afterwards; and a West India Captain who had a Commission to procure a Tutor for the Sons of a Gentleman at Barbadoes, happening to meet with him, agreed to carry him thither. He left me then, promising to remit me the first Money he should receive in order to discharge the Debt. But I never heard of him after. The Breaking into this Money of Vernon"s was one of the first great Errata of my Life[.] And this Affair show"d that my Father was not much out in his Judgment when he suppos"d me too Young to manage Business of Importance. But Sir William, on reading his Letter, said he was too prudent. There was great Difference in Persons, and Discretion did not always accompany Years, nor was Youth always without it. And since he will not set you up, says he, I will do it myself. Give me an Inventory of the Things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able; I am resolv"d to have a good Printer here, and I am sure you must succeed. This was spoken with such an Appearance of Cordiality, that I had not the least doubt of his meaning what he said. I had hitherto kept the Proposition of my Setting up[,] a Secret in Philadelphia, and I still kept it. Had it been known that I depended on the Governor, probably some Friend that knew him better would have advis"d me not to rely on him, as I afterwards heard it as his known Character to be liberal of Promises which he never meant to keep.--Yet unsolicited as he was by me, how could I think his generous Offers insincere? I believ"d him one of the best Men in the World.--
I presented him an Inventory of a little Print[8] House, amounting by my Computation to about 100 Sterling. He lik"d it, but ask"d me if my being on the Spot in England to chuse the Types and see that every thing was good of the kind, might not be of some Advantage. Then, says he, when there, you may make Acquaintances and establish Correspondencies in the Bookselling and Stationary Way. I agreed that this might be advantageous. Then, says he, get yourself ready to go with Annis; which was the annual Ship, and the only one at that Time usually pa.s.sing between London and Philadelphia. But it would be some Months before Annis sail"d, so I continu"d working with Keimer, fretting about the Money Collins had got from me; and in daily Apprehensions of being call"d upon by Vernon, which however did not happen for some Years after.--
I believe I have omitted mentioning that in my first Voyage from Boston, being becalm"d off Block Island, our People set about catching Cod and haul"d up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my Resolution of not eating animal Food; and on this Occasion, I consider"d with my Master Tryon, the taking every Fish as a kind of unprovoked Murder, since none of them had or ever could do us any Injury that might justify the Slaughter. All this seem"d very reasonable.--But I had formerly been a great Lover of Fish, and when this came hot out of the Frying Pan, it smelt admirably well. I balanc"d some time between Principle and Inclination: till I recollected, that when the Fish were opened, I saw smaller Fish taken out of their Stomachs: Then thought I, if you eat one another, I don"t see why we mayn"t eat you. So I din"d upon Cod very heartily and continu"d to eat with other People, returning only now and then occasionally to a vegetable Diet. So convenient a thing it is to be a _reasonable Creature_, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for every thing one has a mind to do.
Keimer and I liv"d on a pretty good familiar Footing and agreed tolerably well: for he suspected nothing of my Setting up. He retain"d a great deal of his old Enthusiasms, and lov"d Argumentation. We therefore had many Disputations. I used to work him so with my Socratic Method, and had trepann"d him so often by Questions apparently so distant from any Point we had in hand, and yet by degrees led to the Point, and brought him into Difficulties and Contradictions that at last he grew ridiculously cautious, and would hardly answer me the most common Question, without asking first, _What do you intend to infer from that?_ However it gave him so high an Opinion of my Abilities in the Confuting Way, that he seriously propos"d my being his Colleague in a Project he had of setting up a new Sect. He was to preach the Doctrines, and I was to confound all Opponents. When he came to explain with me upon the Doctrines, I found several Conundrums which I objected to, unless I might have my Way a little too, and introduce some of mine. Keimer wore his Beard at full Length, because somewhere in the Mosaic Law it is said, _thou shalt not mar the Corners of thy beard_. He likewise kept the seventh day Sabbath; and these two Points were Essentials with him.
I dislik"d both, but agreed to admit them upon Condition of his adopting the Doctrine of using no animal Food. I doubt, says he, my Const.i.tution will not bear that. I a.s.sur"d him it would, and that he would be the better for it. He was usually a great Glutton, and I promis"d myself some Diversion in half-starving him. He agreed to try the Practice if I would keep him Company. I did so and we held it for three Months. We had our Victuals dress"d and brought to us regularly by a Woman in the Neighbourhood, who had from me a List of 40 Dishes to be prepar"d for us at different times, in all which there was neither Fish Flesh nor Fowl, and the whim suited me the better at this time from the Cheapness of it, not costing us above 18^d Sterling each, per Week. I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common Diet for that, and that for the common, abruptly, without the least Inconvenience: So that I think there is little in the Advice of making those Changes by easy Gradations. I went on pleasantly, but Poor Keimer suffer"d grievously, tir"d of the Project, long"d for the Flesh Pots of Egypt, and order"d a roast Pig. He invited me and two Women Friends to dine with him, but it being brought too soon upon the table, he could not resist the Temptation, and ate it all up before we came.--
I had made some Courtship during this time to Miss Read. I had a great Respect and Affection for her, and had some Reason to believe she had the same for me: but as I was about to take a long Voyage, and we were both very young, only a little above 18, it was thought most prudent by her Mother to prevent our going too far at present, as a Marriage if it was to take place would be more convenient after my Return, when I should be as I expected set up in my Business. Perhaps too she thought my Expectations not so well founded as I imagined them to be.--
My chief Acquaintances at this time were, Charles...o...b..rne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph; all Lovers of Reading. The two first were Clerks to an eminent Scrivener or Conveyancer in the Town, Charles Brogden; the other was Clerk to a Merchant. Watson was a pious sensible young Man, of great Integrity.--The others rather more lax in their Principles of Religion, particularly Ralph, who as well as Collins had been unsettled by me, for which they both made me suffer.--Osborne was sensible, candid, frank, sincere and affectionate to his Friends; but in literary Matters too fond of Criticising. Ralph, was ingenious, genteel in his Manners, and extreamly eloquent; I think I never knew a prettier Talker. Both of them great Admirers of Poetry, and began to try their Hands in little Pieces. Many pleasant Walks we four had together on Sundays into the Woods near Schuylkill, where we read to one another and conferr"d on what we read. Ralph was inclin"d to pursue the Study of Poetry, not doubting but he might become eminent in it and make his Fortune by it, alledging that the best Poets must when they first began to write, make as many Faults as he did.--Osborne dissuaded him, a.s.sur"d him he had no Genius for Poetry, and advis"d him to think of nothing beyond the Business he was bred to; that in the mercantile way tho" he had no Stock, he might by his Diligence and Punctuality recommend himself to Employment as a Factor, and in time acquire wherewith to trade on his own Account. I approv"d the amusing one"s self with Poetry now and then, so far as to improve one"s Language, but no farther. On this it was propos"d that we should each of us at our next Meeting produce a Piece of our own Composing, in order to improve by our mutual Observations, Criticisms and Corrections. As Language and Expression was what we had in View, we excluded all Considerations of Invention, by agreeing that the Task should be a Version of the 18^th Psalm, which describes the Descent of a Deity. When the Time of our Meeting drew nigh, Ralph call"d on me first, and let me know his Piece was ready. I told him I had been busy, and having little Inclination had done nothing. He then show"d me his Piece for my Opinion; and I much approv"d it, as it appear"d to me to have great Merit. Now, says he, Osborne never will allow the least Merit in any thing of mine, but makes 1000 Criticisms out of mere Envy. He is not so jealous of you. I wish therefore you would take this Piece, and produce it as yours. I will pretend not to have had time, and so produce nothing: We shall then see what he will say to it. It was agreed, and I immediately transcrib"d it that it might appear in my own hand. We met. Watson"s Performance was read: there were some Beauties in it: but many Defects. Osborne"s was read: It was much better. Ralph did it Justice, remark"d some Faults, but applauded the Beauties. He himself had nothing to produce. I was backward, seem"d desirous of being excused, had not had sufficient Time to correct, etc. but no Excuse could be admitted, produce I must. It was read and repeated; Watson and Osborne gave up the Contest; and join"d in applauding it immoderately. Ralph only made some Criticisms and propos"d some Amendments, but I defended my Text. Osborne was against Ralph, and told him he was no better a Critic than Poet; so he dropt the Argument.
As they two went home together, Osborne express"d himself still more strongly in favour of what he thought my Production, having restrain"d himself before as he said, lest I should think it Flattery. But who would have imagin"d, says he, that Franklin had been capable of such a Performance; such Painting, such Force! such Fire! he has even improv"d the Original! In his common Conversation, he seems to have no Choice of Words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet, good G.o.d, how he writes!--When we next met, Ralph discover"d the Trick we had plaid him, and Osborne was a little laught at. This Transaction fix"d Ralph in his Resolution of becoming a Poet. I did all I could to dissuade him from it, but he continued scribbling Verses, till _Pope_ cur"d him. He became however a pretty good Prose Writer. More of him hereafter. But as I may not have occasion again to mention the other two, I shall just remark here, that Watson died in my Arms a few Years after, much lamented, being the best of our Set. Osborne went to the West Indies, where he became an eminent Lawyer and made Money, but died young. He and I had made a serious Agreement, that the one who happen"d first to die, should if possible make a friendly Visit to the other, and acquaint him how he found things in that Separate State. But he never fulfill"d his Promise.
The Governor, seeming to like my Company, had me frequently to his House; and his Setting me up was always mention"d as a fix"d thing. I was to take with me Letters recommendatory to a Number of his Friends, besides the Letter of Credit to furnish me with the necessary Money for purchasing the Press and Types, Paper, etc. For these Letters I was appointed to call at different times, when they were to be ready, but a future time was still named.--Thus we went on till the Ship whose Departure too had been several times postponed was on the Point of sailing. Then when I call"d to take my Leave and receive the Letters, his Secretary, Dr. Bard, came out to me and said the Governor was extreamly busy, in writing, but would be down at Newcastle before the Ship, and there the Letters would be delivered to me.
Ralph, tho" married and having one Child, had determined to accompany me in this Voyage. It was thought he intended to establish a Correspondence, and obtain Goods to sell on Commission. But I found afterwards, that thro" some Discontent with his Wife"s Relations, he purposed to leave her on their Hands, and never return again.--Having taken leave of my Friends, and interchang"d some Promises with Miss Read, I left Philadelphia in the Ship, which anchor"d at Newcastle. The Governor was there. But when I went to his Lodging, the Secretary came to me from him with the civillest Message in the World, that he could not then see me being engag"d in Business of the utmost Importance, but should send the Letters to me on board, wish"d me heartily a good Voyage and a speedy Return, etc. I return"d on board, a little puzzled, but still not doubting.--
Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a famous Lawyer of Philadelphia, had taken Pa.s.sage in the same Ship for himself and Son: and with Mr. Denham a Quaker Merchant, and Messrs. Onion and Russell[,] Masters of an Iron Work in Maryland, had engag"d the Great Cabin; so that Ralph and I were forc"d to take up with a Birth in the Steerage: And none on board knowing us, were considered as ordinary Persons.--But Mr. Hamilton and his Son (it was James, since Governor) return"d from New Castle to Philadelphia, the Father being recall"d by a great Fee to plead for a seized Ship.--And just before we sail"d Col. French coming on board, and showing me great Respect, I was more taken Notice of, and with my Friend Ralph invited by the other Gentlemen to come into the Cabin, there being now Room.
Accordingly we remov"d thither.
Understanding that Col. French had brought on board the Governor"s Dispatches, I ask"d the Captain for those Letters that were to be under my Care. He said all were put into the Bag together; and he could not then come at them; but before we landed in England, I should have an Opportunity of picking them out. So I was satisfy"d for the present, and we proceeded on our Voyage. We had a sociable Company in the Cabin, and lived uncommonly well, having the Addition of all Mr. Hamilton"s Stores, who had laid in plentifully. In this Pa.s.sage Mr. Denham contracted a Friendship for me that continued during his Life. The Voyage was otherwise not a pleasant one, as we had a great deal of bad Weather.
When we came into the Channel, the Captain kept his Word with me, and gave me an Opportunity of examining the Bag for the Governor"s Letters.
I found none upon which my Name was put, as under my Care; I pick"d out 6 or 7 that by the Hand writing I thought might be the promis"d Letters, especially as one of them was directed to Basket the King"s printer, and another to some Stationer. We arriv"d in London the 24^th of December, 1724.--I waited upon the Stationer who came first in my Way, delivering the Letter as from Gov. Keith. I don"t know such a Person, says he: but opening the Letter, O, this is from Riddlesden; I have lately found him to be a compleat Rascal, and I will have nothing to do with him, nor receive any Letters from him. So putting the Letter into my Hand, he turn"d on his Heel and left me to serve some Customer. I was surprized to find these were not the Governor"s Letters. And after recollecting and comparing Circ.u.mstances, I began to doubt his Sincerity.--I found my Friend Denham, and opened the whole Affair to him. He let me into Keith"s Character, told me there was not the least Probability that he had written any Letters for me, that no one who knew him had the smallest Dependence on him, and he laught at the Notion of the Governor"s giving me a Letter of Credit, having as he said no Credit to give.--On my expressing some Concern about what I should do: He advis"d me to endeavour getting some Employment in the Way of my Business. Among the Printers here, says he, you will improve yourself; and when you return to America, you will set up to greater Advantage.--
We both of us happen"d to know, as well as the Stationer, that Riddlesden the Attorney, was a very Knave. He had half ruin"d Miss Read"s Father by acquiring his note he bound for him. By his Letter it appear"d, there was a secret Scheme on foot to the Prejudice of Hamilton, (suppos"d to be then coming over with us,) and that Keith was concern"d in it with Riddlesden. Denham, who was a Friend of Hamilton"s, thought he ought to be acquainted with it. So when he arriv"d in England, which was soon after, partly from Resentment and Ill-Will to Keith and Riddlesden, and partly from Good Will to him: I waited on him, and gave him the Letter. He thank"d me cordially, the Information being of Importance to him. And from that time he became my Friend, greatly to my Advantage afterwards on many Occasions.
But what shall we think of a Governor"s playing such pitiful Tricks, and imposing so grossly on a poor ignorant Boy! It was a Habit he had acquired. He wish"d to please every body; and, having little to give, he gave Expectations. He was otherwise an ingenious sensible Man, a pretty good Writer, and a good Governor for the People, tho" not for his Const.i.tuents the Proprietaries, whose Instructions he sometimes disregarded.--Several of our best Laws were of his Planning, and pa.s.s"d during his Administration.--