Personal: In late Feb 1728, BF and Keimer moved the press to Burlington, New Jersey, where they printed the New Jersey paper money that had been authorized on 10 Feb. They returned to Philadelphia on 13 or 14 May. BF left Keimer's employ approximately two weeks later. About 1 June, BF and Hugh Meredith entered into partnership and rented a house from Simon Edgell on the site of the present 139 Market Street. To help pay the £24 a year rent, they took in Thomas Godfrey and his wife as tenants in July, and they boarded with the Godfreys. BF lived and worked at 139 Market Street until approximately 1 Jan 1738/9 (see 11 Jan 1739). Sometime during 1728, Frances Read, sister of Deborah Read and the former sweetheart of BF's friend Joseph Watson, married John Croker, a tailor (see 26 Dec 1730).

BF's son William Franklin was evidently born in 1728 or 1729, out of wedlock, to an unidentified mother. The early Franklinists Jared Sparks and James Parton (1:177, 198-99), who knew individuals who had known Franklin, wrote that William Franklin was born about 1729, but late nineteenth-century and twentieth century Franklinists theorized that William may have been Deborah's son or may have been born in 1730 or 1731 (cf. year-end). For a discussion of William's birth and parentage, see the biography (v. 2, chap 1, "Courtship and Marriage"). Before his marriage, Franklin probably paid to have the infant cared for.

Activities: On Friday nights, BF normally attended Junto meetings (see 1727).

Writings: BF composed his "Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion" on 20 Nov, and his epitaph is traditionally dated from 1728 (see end of year).

Business: We can be certain that Franklin printed one tract before leaving for Burlington, A Looking Glass for the Modern Deists (ante late Feb). From late Feb to May, BF and Keimer remained in Burlington, printing the New Jersey paper money. While there, they also printed the Acts and Laws of His Majesty's Province of Nova Caesarea (April-May?), and a broadside advertising the medicines for sale by Robert Talbot (April-May?). Upon returning during the week of 13 to 20 May (see 19 May), they immediately printed a Prospectus of a Lottery (16 May) and a political paper, The Proceedings of some Members of Assembly at Philadelphia, April 1728, vindicated, which the assembly condemned on 19 May. Samuel Keimer admitted printing the pamphlet, signed by eight Keithians, and the assembly passed a series of resolves which condemned the Keithian position. BF and Hugh Meredith left Keimer during th latter part of May, and about 1 June, they started their printing business. Between July and Oct, they helped print part of William Sewall's History of the Quakers (see Oct). In the fall, BF projected a newspaper to rival Andrew Bradford's American Weekly Mercury, but Samuel Keimer learned of his plan from George Webb and immediately issued a prospectus for a newspaper (1 Oct). BF and Meredith devoted their spare time to printing various legal forms from models that Joseph Breintnall provided (see the year-end entry).

Pennsylvania Politics: On 22 March, Keith sailed for London. The Keithians asked for an election to replace him, but the assembly voted, 20 April, to excuse Keith from attendance without a fine. The Keithians thereupon boycotted the assembly, thus preventing it from having a quorum, but the House (with Gov. Gordon's approval) continued to transact business. Pennsylvania was suffering from an economic depression, and many contemporaries thought that further emissions of paper currency (see 23 March and 12 Dec 1723) would cure the problem. Assemblymen who opposed a paper currency were threatened by mobs when the new legislature met, 14 Oct, and the members proposed that they meet elsewhere.

Indian Affairs: In June, Pennsylvania held a conference with the Pennsylvania Indians at the Philadelphia Quaker meetinghouse concerning ownership of land in the Tulpehocken region. James Logan claimed that the Indians had confirmed the sale of the land in 1718, but Edward Farmer, a former Indian trader, contradicted him. Sassoonan pointed out that Palatines had settled beyond the boundary, and Logan blamed former governor Keith for illegally settling them on the land. Colonial Records 3: 271076, 295-98, 302, 307-26 [esp. 318, 322]. and 333.

The Five Nations sent the Oneida chief John Shickellamy to Shamokin (Sunbury), at the forks of the Susquehanna, to be in charge of that key area. When Pennsylvania Indian traders reported rumors of the Indians' hanging a white man and threatening war, Gov. Patrick Gordon consulted the Council. James Logan advised, 2 Sept 1728, that Shickellamy be acquainted with the reports. Logan said, "that as the five Nations have an absolute Authority over all our Indians, and may command them as they please, it is of great Importance to Remove any Impressions that have been made upon them to the prejudice of the English, and that by all means 'tis necessary they should be spoke with." This was the origin of a new Indian policy for Pennsylvania (see 1731). But one might wonder whether the credit for the new policy belonged to Logan, or to the confederation, or to the abilities of Shickellamy. And one might also wonder if Logan were not indulging in wishful thinking in positing that the Iroquois controlled the Delaware and other Indians.

Chronology:

5 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 Jan, Saturday, became 22.

12 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 Jan, Thursday. AWM: "Our River is still fast, so that no Vessels can come in, nor go out."

2 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

10 Feb, Saturday. New Jersey assembly passed an act to replace the currency of 25 March 1724 which had been counterfeited. Keimer was awarded the contract. NJ Archives, 1st ser., 14 (1890): 372, 383, 389.

16 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

Ante late February. A Looking Glass for the Modern Deists or Libertines, Called Freethinkers (Philadelphia: S. Keimer, 1728). Campbell X78; Evans 3051. A reply appeared: A few Words in Favour of Free-thinking (Philadelphia: Bradford, 1728). Evans 3023. See 11 April for proof that Keimer printed A Looking Glass before leaving for Burlington.

Late Feb to May, 1728

BF and Keimer were in Burlington, printing the New Jersey paper money. BF cut and cast the ornaments, contrived the press, and printed the issues. Unfortunately, no examples of these paper bills survive. A57; Tanner, Province NJ, p. 550; Newman, Early 223; Roach 139n.42.

23 Feb, Friday, probably missed Junto meeting.

1 March, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

5 March, Tueday. AWM: "Very good Lampblack, made and sold by Andrew Bradford, at the sign of the Bible in Philadelphia."

8 March, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

15 March, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

15 March (b). Thomas Denham made out his will. Executors were Richard Martin and Clement Plumsted. Will Book E, 84, #91: 1728. Roach 135, n.27. Cf. 4 July, 29 July, and 1 Sept.

18 March, Monday. Keith quietly left Philadelphia for a ship at New Castle. Horle, "Sir William Keith," 2:581. Cf. 21 March.

21 March, Thursday. AWM: Ad of George Brownell, Schoolteacher (BF's Boston schoolteacher had moved to Philadelphia).

22 March, Friday. Sir William Keith sailed for England. Cf. 18 March.

22 March (b). BF missed Junto meeting.

29 March, Friday, BF missed Junto meeting.

30 March, Saturday: Logan to Henry Brooke, Logan copy book, 203. On Keith's departure.

4 April, Thursday, AWM announced that Andrew Bradford has been appointed postmaster of Philadelphia. See mail route notices in AWM 13 June 1728 and 20 July 1732. Bradford was removed as postmaster before 5 Oct 1737; cf. PG 11 Dec. 1740.

5 April, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

11 April, Thursday. AWM: Advertisement: "Whereas lately have been printed Two Pamphlets, One Entituled, A Looking-Glass, for the Modern Deist or Libertines, called Free thinkers, (to be sold at S. Keimer's) The other, A few Words in Favour of Free-thinking (to be sold by the Printer hereof) Writ partly in Opposition to the Former: which has given Occasion to some Readers, who have learnt the Names of both Authors, to imagine, with Pleasure perhaps to a few of 'em, that their opposing one another in Print has been caused by Personal Differences between them, or Discovery of Fraudulent Dealings. For this Reason the Writer in Favour of Free thinking does hereby declare with Justice and Good Will, that he has experienced the Publisher of the first mentioned Composition to be an honest religious Man and not otherwise; and that their Disagreement is only about Sentiments and Ways of explaining 'em."

12 April, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

19 April, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

26 April, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

April-May? In addition to the paper money, Keimer and BF printed a folio of the Acts and Laws of His Majesty's Province. . . as they were enacted . . . at a session held at Perth-Amboy, beginning the 9th of Dec, 1727 (Burlington: Keimer, 1728). Campbell X79; Evans 3071.

They also printed a broadside advertising A Catalogue of Medicines sold by Mr. Robert Talbot at Burlington [Burlington: Keimer, 1728]; though Bristol B744 and Evans mp. 39875, both date this broadside "[1727?]," Keimer and BF were only in Burlington from late Feb to mid-May 1728.

3 May, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

3 May (b). Andrew Bradford, postmaster, announced in the 4 April AWM that postal delivery would set off for Annapolis on 3 May. The 13 June AWM gave the locations for the posts on the Western and Eastern shores between Philadelphia and Annapolis. Cf. 20 July 1732.

9 May, Thursday. AWM: "John Rogers late of the City of Philadelphia Potter, having absconded some time in December last, and took with him a like[l]y young Negroe Lad about 18 Years of Age, named Limos, he is of a yellowish Complection, and Malagascow Negroe, he had on an Ozenbrig Shirt and Frock, a Frize Jacket and Breeches without lining with Brass Buttons. These are to forwarn all Persons from Buying the above said Negroe, he belonging to Solomon Goard of Philadelphia, and whoever will take up said Negroe and secure him and give Notice thereof to Andrew Bradford in Philadelphia, or William Parks in Maryland, shall have Three Pounds and Reasonable Charges." Repeated 13 June, 4 July. Rogers had married Deborah Read.

10 May, Friday, missed Junto meeting.

BF and Keimer returned to Philadelphia from Burlington on 12 or 13 May.

15 May, Wednesday. Gov. Gordon's speech to the House on Indian affairs; printed in the AWM 30 May. House's reply to Gov, printed in AWM 30 May.

16 May, Thursday, The Common Council of Philadelphia "having heard that a Lottery was Intended to be Erected by Samuel Keimer in this City, during this present ffair, he having sett fforth severall printed papers for that purpose, the Board sent for the said Keimer, who Came and having heard what he had to say in behalf of the said Lottery, Ordered that no Lottery be kept during the said ffair." Minutes of the Common Council 280-1. Keimer had returned from New Jersey to Philadelphia before 16 May. No copies of Keimer's proposed lottery (which BF must have helped to print) are extant. Samuel Keimer, Prospectus of a Lottery. Campbell X77; Hildeburn 335; Evans 3045.

16 May (b). AWM: Long news article on Indian affairs. Gov. Gordon issued proclamation, printed in AWM 23 May. Because of the errors, Bradford reprinted it in the AWM for 30 May. After eleven foreign Indians painted for war exchanged shots with a group of persons at the Iron works at Mahanatawny, three harmless Delaware Indians were murdered by whites. The whites were in prison, awaiting trial for murder, and the proclamation stated that on no pretense should any of the Indians from the friendly nations by abused. Cf. 26-27 May, 4-5 June.

16 May (c). AWM: Entred Inwards: "Pink Society, William Simpson from London." This is the only ship from London mentioned in March, April, May or June. Thomas Annis entered, 4 July. Simpson evidently brought the printing press, types, and other materials needed by BF and Meredith to set up shop. Cf. Late May.

17 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 May, Sunday, Charged with printing The Proceedings of some Members of Assembly at Philadelphia, April 28, 1728, vindicated (Philadelphia: [Keimer], 1728), Campbell X80; Evans 3096, Keimer was brought before the Assembly where he admitted printing it and brought the original copy to the assembly. Keimer testified that "when he came down to Philadelphia this Week, he received from Edward Horne the said Copy, which was divers Times carried to the Crooked-Billet to the dissenting members for Amendments and Alterations, and was also several Times amended by John Kearsley whilst in the Press; and then was ordered to withdraw." Votes, 3: 1889-90. Note: It seems surprising that the House met on a Sunday.

I speculate that Keimer and Franklin returned to Philadelphia late on 13 May, spent the 14th setting up the press, the 15th printing Keimer's lottery and the draft of the Proceedings, the 16th revising it (and Keimer visiting the Philadelphia Common Council), and the 17th printing the final copy of the Proceedings. The assembly records testify that Keimer returned to Philadelphia "this Week."

In The Proceedings of Some Members, eight Keithians argued that the assembly should have issued a writ for a new member to replace Keith.

24 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26-27 May, Sunday and Monday, Indian treaty at Conestogoe, Pa, between Gov. Patrick Gordon and cheifs from the Conestogoe, Canewese, Shawanese Indians, as well as some Delaware Indians on Brandywine. There had been an exchange of shots between eleven foreign Indians and some men at the Iron Works at Maahanatawny, with the Indians shooting first. Afterward, some whites had murdered an Indian man and two Indian women. These whites were now in jail and would be tried for murder. Meanwhile Gov. Gordon issued a proclamation requiring all whites to use the Indians well. the next day, 27 May, Tawenna, a Conestogoe Indian, replied for all the Indians that they were fully satisfied and had no complaint against Pennsylvania. In conclusion, Gov. Gordon gave presents in reply to the wampum belts given by the Indians. Two Indian Treaties (Philadelphia: A. Bradford, 1728) 1-6. Evans 3041. Cf. 16 May (b), 4-5 June. [Entry added 5/4/99.]

30 May, Thursday. AWM: "Yesterday [29 May] the Honourable Patrick Gordon Esq; our Governour returned from Conestogoe, having finish'd the Treaty with the Indians in those Parts, to the entire Satisfaction of all that were present: This timely and prudent Management of the Governour's has made every Thing quiet and easy, and the Indians were so pleased, that they said They never had such a Satisfactory Speech made to them, since the great William Penn spoke to them himself: His Honour was met some Miles from this City by Richard Hill, Esq; and divers Gentlemen, and welcomed back with a very handsome Collation in the Woods which that worthy Gentleman had provided: At the City Bounds his Honour was receiv'd in a very genteel Manner, by Thomas Lawrence, Esq; our Mayor, and a very great Number of Gentlemen, as well Strangers as City Inhabitants, who with several Ladies in Coaches accompanied his Honour to his House; It's reckoned, the Calvalcade consisted of near 200 People, which is a far greater Number than has ever been known to meet together on such an Occasion at any Time before in this Province: We are told, that the Country People in and about Conestogoe, were so highly Satisfied with the Governour in every Part of his Conduct, that notwithstanding the Scarcity occasion'd by the late hard Winter, they brought in of their own good will, large quantities of Provisions of all sorts, and would take no pay for them. About 250 Men on Horseback accompanied his Honour to the Indian Town, where the Treaty was held, and great Numbers flocked in from all Parts to pay their Complements to him, so that it is said, there was never seen amongst the Inhabitant, a greater Harmony and a more Chearful Readiness to assist with what was in their Power than appeared on this Occasion, which is chiefly owing the affable courteous Behaviour of our Governour."

31 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

Late May, "not ... long return'd to Philadelphia" (A59) from Burlington, BF and Hugh Meredith quit Keimer and formed a printing partnership with Meredith's father loaning them the money for the press and types.

c. 1 June, BF and Hugh Meredith rented a house from Simon Edgell on the site of the present 139 Market Street at £24 a year. A59; Roach 139; cf. 16 May. BF remained here, his sixth Philadelphia residence, for over a decade, until about 1 Jan 1738/9 (see 11 Jan 1739).

4 -5 June, Tuesday-Wednesday. An Indian treaty between Pennsyllvania and the Delaware Indians was held at the "Great Quaker Meeting House," Philadelphia, with Gov. Patrick Gordon speaking for Pennsylvania and Sassoonan speaking for the Delawares. The interpreters were Edward Farmer and John Scull. Gordon apologized for the murder of the Shawanese Indians by frontiersmen, said they were in jail and would be tried for murder, and gave presents to the Indians as a mark of grief. On the second day, Sassoonan spoke to James Logan, saying that he was sorry to see the Christians settle on lands that the Delawares had never been paid for. Sassoonan specified that the lands on Tulpyhocken were settled by Christians. Logan said that Gov. William Keith had allowed the Palantines to settle there, but it was without the consent or knowledge of the Proprietor or of any of the Commissioners. Gov. Gordon promised to look into the matter. Two Indian Treaties (Philadelphia: A. Bradford, 1728), 7-16. Evans 3041.  Cf. 16 (b), 26-27 May.[Entry added 5/4/99.]

7 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

28 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

c. 1 July, BF and Hugh Meredith took in the Godfreys as lodgers. A60, 69; Roach 140.

July­Oct, with partner Hugh Meredith, BF printed 44 and 1/2 sheets (the title-page and pages 533-710) of Sewell's History of Quakers (Philadelphia: Keimer, 1728) subcontracted from Keimer. A62; Miller, no. 1.

4 July, Thursday, Thomas Denham died, forgiving Franklin's £10.3.5 debt for his return passage to America and for several charges. The oral addition to his will was recorded on 1 Sept. A53. See 15 March, 29 July, and 1 Sept.

4 July (b). AWM: "Yesterday between Twelve and One a-Clock, John Winter and Walter Winter, two Welshman being Brothers, were executed at the Town of Chester, according to their Sentence, for the Murder of three Indian Natives; at which Place they made a Speech; which Speech is not as yet come to our Hands, but we hope to have it Inserted in our next."

4 July (c). AWM: Entered Inwards. Ship London Hope, Tho. Annis from London."

5 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 July, Thursday. AWM: Printed the dying confessions of frontiersmen John Winter and Walter Winter, who said they killed innocent Indians believing that they were enemies.

12 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 July, Monday. Thomas Denham's will proved. Cf. 15 March, 4 July, and 1 Sept.

2 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

16 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

23 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

28 Aug, Wednesday: Isaac Norris described the Tiff Club to Joseph Pike as made up of "new, vile people . . . they may be truly called a mob." He continued that the Gentleman's Club was made up of debtors. "All state affairs were agreed, directed, canvassed [and the] choosing representatives for Assembly was decided at one or other of [them.]" Norris Letter Book, 515, as quoted in T. Wendel, PMHB 1968: 299-300. Cf. Isaac Norris to Joseph Pike, 28 Oct 1728. Norris Letters, 1716-1730, below.

30 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 Sept, Sunday: "By the Evidence of Richard Armitt & Uxor and Eliz[abeth] Hill, it appears that this debt [£10/3/5] was forgiven by Thomas Denham." Denham Account Book, PHi, p. 18. Note: That amount plus the £6 already paid to Franklin on 24 Dec 1726, was the amount that Franklin owed Denham. See 15 March, 4 July, and 29 July.

2? Sept, Monday? When Pennsylvania Indian traders reported rumors of the Indians' hanging a white man and threatening war, Gov. Patrick Gordon consulted the Council. James Logan advised that Shekellemy be acquainted with the reports. He said, "that as the five Nations have an absolute Authority over all our Indians, and may command them as they please, it is of great Importance to Remove any Impressions that have been made upon them to the prejudice of the English, and that by all means 'tis necessary they should be spoke with." Colonial Records 3: 330-31. [Note: Dated 1 Sept in Colonial Records, but that was a Sunday, and therefore I assume the date was an error; I have dated the council meeting 2 September.] This was the origin of a new Indian policy for Pennsylvania (see 1731).

6 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

13 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

27 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 Oct, Tuesday. BF, now 22, may have voted for the first time (Cf. 2 Oct, 1727). BF must have discussed the issues in the Junto. He may, however, have put it off until 1730.

1 Oct (b). "On Tuesday last [1 Oct] was the Day for electing Members of Assembly &c. in this Province; upon which, there appeared the greatest Industry on all sides for gaining of Representatives for the County of Philadelphia, that ever was here before on such Occasion. Those chosen for the Service of the ensuing Year, were Edward Farmer, and John Swift, Esqrs; Edward Horne, Wm. Monington, L. C. Sprogle, Tho. Rutter, Jun. John Warder and David Potts." 3 Oct AWM. With Sir William Keith gone back to England, two other members of his party, Morris Morris and Job Goodson, lost. Morris was the one Philadelphia member who did not walk out of the assembly when Speaker Lloyd refused to call a special election to replace Sir William Keith. The three were replaced by Edward Farmer, John Warder and David Potts; former Keithians William Monington, John Swift, Edward Horne, Thomas Rutter and Lod. Christian Sprogle continued as representatives.

1 Oct (c). Andrew Hamilton was elected for the second time a representative from Bucks County. David Lloyd was again elected speaker on 14 Oct when the Assembly met. Votes 1906.

1 Oct (d), Samuel Keimer, having learned from George Webb of BF's plans for a newspaper, hurriedly printed a grandiloquent proposal for The Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences: and Pennsylvania Gazette (A63). Though Keimer said he would begin the paper about the latter part of November, the first issue appeared Dec 24.

4 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

15 Oct, Tuesday. The assembly complained of the "several Indecencies used towards the Members of Assembly ... by rude & disorderly persons" and requested that they meet elsewhere than Philadelphia. Votes 3:1908. Colonial Records 3:340 (Note: the Council recorded the assembly's afternoon vote the following day, 16 Oct). Cf. 16 Dec. The Keithians and numerous citizens (e.g., BF) were aggravated at the assembly for not passing a paper money bill. Cf. 5 March 1729.

18 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

27 Oct, Sunday, in a letter to Thomas Penn, David Barclay excerpted a letter he had received from Andrew Hamilton in which Hamilton claimed that Pennsylvania politics would be "very quiet, if that Spirit raised among the people for paper money by Sir William did not constantly perplex us. His doctrine of reducing all to a levell, suits mighty well with the inclinations of the poor Sort, who in all Countries by farr are the most numerous, and I am pleased that however much some of us be hated in Philadelphia, we have still that County on our side and neither Town nor Country say anything against the Governor; unless it be that he is no Friend to paper money, too Zealous for the proprietors family and hearkens too much to their Friends, faults which I hope he will neither have occasion or inclination to reprint off." The Thomas Penn Papers Roll 4, frame 288.

28 Oct, Monday, Isaac Norris to Joseph Pike: Philadelphia's politics had fallen under the control of Governor Keith's two clubs: the Gentleman's Club and the Tiff or Leathern Apron Club. Norris Letters, 1716-1730, HSP. Leonard, "Elections," WMQ 1954: 387. Or is it 28 August?

31 Oct, Thursday. AWM: "Yesterday being the Anniversary of the Birth of His present Majesty King GEORGE the Second, the same was observed here with the usual Solemnity: The Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Grand-Jury of this City, went at Noon in a Body to our Governour's House; where all the Royal Healths were drank, under the Discharge of several Guns from on Board the Ships in our River; and in the Evening several Gentlemen met again at the same Place and repeated these, with many other Loyal Healths."

In Oct, 1728, Keimer gave William Sewall's History of the Quakers to the Overseers. Miller no. 1, citing Yearly Meeting 1:331.

1 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

8 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

15 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 Nov, Wednesday. BF, disturbed by the objectionable conduct of freethinkers among his acquaintance, formulated a private creed and worship service ("Articles of Belief & Acts of Religion") which he called in his Autobiography "a little Liturgy or Form of Prayer for my own private Use." A78; P 1: 101­9; facsimiles in P. L. Ford, Many­sided, pp. 145, 172. It contained a mixture of deistic and polytheistic tenets. See Mott & Jorgenson, cxxviii-cxxxv; Aldridge, Nature's God 25-31; Anderson 64-74.

22 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

13 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

16 Dec, Monday. Gov. Gordon proposed to meet elsewhere, in accordance with the vote of the representatives, 15 Oct, but the members of the Council suggested that he defer that step, though if it became necessary, to change the place of meeting to Chester. Colonial Records 3:340. Cf. 24 April 1729.

18 Dec, Wednesday, Keimer petitioned the New Jersey assembly for additional funds for printing the NJ money. PG Dec 24; rpt. NJ Archives 11:158­59.

20 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 Dec, Tuesday, Keimer published the first issue of his newspaper, The Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences: and Pennsylvania Gazette, a small folio of two pages. As filler, Keimer reprinted piecemeal articles from Chambers' Cyclopaedia. After the first issues, Keimer droped the names of the month and the days of the week, and instead used the Quaker method of dating, by number of the month (March was the first month) and number of the day (Sunday was first day).

27 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

In addition to the imprints named above, BF may have helped Samuel Keimer set into print one or more of the following:

1. Samuel Bownas. God's Mercy Surmounting Man's Cruelty (Philadelphia: Samuel Keimer, 1728). Campbell X75; Evans 2996.

2. M. Hale. Some necessary and Important Considerations, to be considered of by all sorts of People, Ninth edition (Philadelphia: S. Keimer, 1728). Campbell X76; Evans 3035.

3. Short Hand Book. (Philadelphia: S. Keimer, 1728). Campbell X81; Evans 3105.

Sometime after starting the printing shop, Franklin and Meredith printed two items that are unknown:

1. For Edward Farmer, they printed "100 Accounts of Pennsylvania." Since the charge was only £1/14/6, the "Account" was probably a broadside or a very brief pamphlet. See accounts; Miller A1 (p. 457).

2. For Owen Owen, they printed "Deputations" for £2/10/0. See accounts; Miller A2 (p. 457).

For BF's "Epitaph," see P 1:109-11. I speculated above that Franklin may have composed it in 1727. Jean François Marmontel celebrated it in his article on allegory in the 2nd edition of Diderot's Encyclopédie (Geneva: Pellet, 1777), 2:158, col. 1: "S'il nous est permi de mêler le plaisant au sublime, voici: l'épitaphe d'un libraire de Boston, composée par lui-même, & dont l'allégorie est remarquable par sa justess & par sa singularité."

1728 or 1729? William Franklin was born in 1728 or 1729, out of wedlock, to an unidentified mother. Early Franklinists Jared Sparks and James Parton (1:177, 198-99), who knew individuals who had known Franklin, wrote that William Franklin was born about 1729, but late nineteenth-century and twentieth century Franklinists theorized that William may have been Deborah's son or may have been born in 1731. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin at first suggested the 1731 date (P 1:lxii). Later, realizing that earlier Franklin biographers and historians thought William had been born before 1730 and finding that William was commissioned as an ensign in the army in 1746, the editors suggested an earlier date of birth (P 3:474n). Excepting for an attack on BF by William Smith, few contemporaries cared about William Franklin's birth until he was named Royal Governor of New Jersey in 1762. That caused a spate of jealously vicious comments, and those, in turn, were repeated by later righteous enemies of BF.