Benjamin Franklin : $b Representative selections, with introduction, bibliograpy, and notesFranklin, Benjamin
General
Benjamin Franklin : $b Representative selections, with introduction, bibliograpy, and notes
Franklin, Benjamin
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
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
Constituents the Proprietaries, whose Instructions he sometimes
disregarded.--Several of our best Laws were of his Planning, and pass'd
during his Administration.--
Ralph and I were inseparable Companions. We took Lodgings together in
Little Britain at 3/6 p[er] Week, as much as we could then afford. He
found some Relations, but they were poor and unable to assist him. He
now let me know his Intentions of remaining in London, and that he never
meant to return to Philad^a--He had brought no Money with him, the whole
he could muster having been expended in paying his Passage. I had 15
Pistoles: So he borrowed occasionally of me, to subsist while he was
looking out for Business.--He first endeavoured to get into the
Playhouse, believing himself qualify'd for an Actor; but Wilkes to whom
he apply'd, advis'd him candidly not to think of that Employment, as it
was impossible he should succeed in it.--Then he propos'd to Roberts, a
Publisher in Paternoster Row, to write for him a Weekly Paper like the
Spectator, on certain Conditions, which Roberts did not approve. Then he
endeavour'd to get Employm^t as a Hackney Writer to copy for the
Stationers and Lawyers about the Temple: but could find no Vacancy.--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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