The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and AnecdotesGoodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
History
The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes
Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790; Statesmen -- United States -- Biography
14. Franklin soon found that neither of the printers knew any thing
about their business. Keimer was, before long, able to give him
constant employment. He did not like, however, that any one should
live with his rival, Bradford, while he worked for him. Lodgings were,
therefore, procured for Franklin, with Mr. Read, whose house he had
passed on his first arrival, while eating his roll.
15. He had now made some acquaintances about town, and passed his time
very pleasantly. By industry and frugality he gained money, and gave
up all thoughts of returning to Boston. The governor of the province,
Sir William Keith, had accidentally become acquainted with him, and
was desirous that he should set up in business for himself, in
Philadelphia. He promised to procure for him the public printing of
the government, and to assist him, as much as possible, by his
influence and patronage.
16. It was concluded that Franklin should return to Boston, with a
letter from the governor, to prevail upon his father to assist him in
the establishment. Towards the end of April, in 1724, he left
Philadelphia for this purpose.
17. He sailed in a little vessel that was bound for Boston, and, in
about a fortnight, was safe in his father's house. His sudden
appearance surprised the family very much, but they were all delighted
to see him, and treated him with great kindness.
18. Soon after his arrival, he paid a visit to his brother, at the
printing office. He had on a new suit of clothes, wore a watch, and
had about five pounds, in silver, in his pockets. Feeling rather
elated by the success he had met with, he made quite a display of all
his good fortune before his brother's apprentices and journeymen, and
ended by giving them a dollar to drink his health with. This visit
offended his brother very much, for he thought it was intended to
mortify him.
19. The letter of the governor was without any effect. His father was
very glad that Benjamin had been able to gain the confidence of so
eminent a man, but would not consent to his request. He wrote a civil
letter, thanking Sir William for his promise of patronage, but saying,
that his son was altogether too young to be intrusted with the
management of so important and expensive an undertaking.
20. Franklin gave so pleasant an account of Philadelphia, that his old
friend Collins determined to go on and try his fortune there. Seeing
no prospect of restoring harmony between the two brothers, his father
consented that Benjamin should return to Philadelphia. He advised him
to steady industry and frugality, and promised to assist in setting
him up in business, when he should reach the age of twenty-one. With
the approbation and blessing of his parents to follow him, he embarked
for New York, on the way to his future home.
* * * * *
1. What was the situation of the crew on the water?
2. How did Franklin pursue his journey?
3. What were his fears?
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