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
3. Ralph finally determined to leave London, and take a school in the
country. As he was very vain, and confident of rising to literary
eminence, he was rather ashamed of what he was silly enough to
consider a mean occupation. He accordingly changed his name, and took
that of his companion; desiring him to address his letters to "Mr.
Franklin, school-master."
4. Ralph continued to write, and, from time to time, troubled his
friend with long extracts from an epic poem, which he was then
composing, requesting his remarks and corrections. Franklin endeavored
to discourage him from this undertaking, but in vain. Sheet after
sheet continued to come by every post. Some difficulties at length
broke out between the two friends, and Franklin was fortunately
relieved of a burdensome dependent.
5. He now began to think of laying up a little money; and, in
expectation of better employment, entered a still larger printing
house, near Lincoln's Inn Fields. His new employer was named Watts. At
this place he became acquainted with a man by the name of Wygate, who
had been well educated, read French and Latin, and loved reading.
6. This man and a friend of his were desirous of learning to swim.
Franklin had been an expert swimmer from his childhood, and was very
fond of displaying his feats of activity in the water. He taught them
to swim, after twice going into the river, and they soon became quite
skilful. Wygate soon became attached to Franklin, and, at length,
proposed that they should travel all over Europe together, supporting
themselves on the way by working at their trade. Franklin was inclined
to this plan, but was dissuaded from it by his friend, Mr. Denham, who
advised him to think of returning to Philadelphia.
7. Mr. Denham was an excellent man, and very kindly disposed towards
Franklin. He had formerly been in business in Bristol, a city of
England, but failing, and making a settlement with his creditors, he
went to America. He had obtained a discharge from all his debts, by
giving up all his property. By great industry and economy, he was able
to acquire a large fortune, in a few years.
8. He had returned to England, in the same ship with Franklin, and
immediately visited his old place of business. While here, he invited
all his old creditors to an entertainment. He then thanked them for
the easy settlement they had favored him with; and, when they expected
nothing but the dinner, every man found, under his plate, an order on
the banker, for the full amount of the unpaid remainder, with
interest.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account