1732
(rev. 12/12/97)

Personal: Franklin related in the Autobiography that about 1732, he despaired of hearing any good morality from Philadelphia's Presbyterian minister (Jedidiah Andrews) and dropped his occasional attendance (A77-78). Evidently the first foreign language BF learned to read was German, and on 8 Feb, he published a translation from German. Later, 30 November, he published his first translation from French. On 20 Oct, Francis Folger Franklin was born to Deborah Franklin and BF. The infant was finally baptized (16 Sept 1733) at Deborah's Anglican Christ Church while Franklin was in New England. Stephen Potts stopped renting the shop in July, and Thomas Butwell, a tailor, leased it (17 July).

Business: Altogether, BF published 16 imprints (Miller nos. 47 to 62) in 1732. The Assembly met from 10 to 20 January, 31 July to 1 Aug, and 7 to 15 Aug. The new Assembly for 1732-33 met from 14 to 17 Oct. Franklin published two government imprints: Pennsylvania's Laws to July 31, 1732 (post 15 Aug), and the assembly's Votes and Proceedings, 1731-32 (post 15 Aug 1732). Franklin recorded at the end of 1732 (actually before 25 March 1732/43) that he had been paid a total of £10.19.6 for Pennsylvania's printing from August 1732 through Jan 1732/3 (year-end). One job printing survives: a bond and judgment (23 June). Franklin printed five items for others. They were William Bowman's Traditions of the Clergy (30 March); David Evans, The Minister of Christ (26 Sept); Conrad Beissel's German hymn book Vorspiel der Neuen-Welt (ante 6 Oct); Joseph Morgan, The Nature of Riches (30 Oct 1731); and Alexander Arscot's Some Considerations, part 2 (end of year). For the Loan Office Trustees, he printed several advertisments, for 0.12.6 (3 Aug).

Franklin risked only five imprints. On 6 May, BF started America's first German-language newspaper, Philadelphische Zeitung, which soon failed. He brought out The Honor of the Gout (ante 20 June), a humorous piece which sold slowly. The third publication was a sheet almanac (19 Dec). At the end of the year, finding himself without a regular almanac to publish, BF wrote his own, the first Poor Richard, advertising it as "Just Published" on 28 Dec. Its success exceeded his wildest expectations, and on 11 Jan 1732/3, he advertised a second edition on "Saturday next" (13 Jan). Then on 18 Jan, he advertised that a "Third Impression" would appear on "Saturday next" (20 Jan).

The Pennsylvania Gazette was as usual the year's most ambitious undertaking. On 8 Feb, BF printed Boston's birth and death statistics for the past year. In the same issue, he translated the Palantines' appeal, thus revealing that he had become proficient in German. To the list of products for sale at the printing office, he added goose feathers on 31 July and sealing wax on 12 Sept. On 18 and 25 May, he printed Joseph Morgan's "A Method to make shallow fresh Rivers navigable, for Skows, Flats, Barges, and such like Vessels." Franklin's own practical proposals for improvments appeared on 11 Jan 1732/3; 6 March 1733/4; and 4 Feb 1734/5 (and other sources cited there). His resentment over the instructions against taxing slaves or felons imported into America (10 Dec (c) 1731) appeared in his reprinting from Virginia (26 June) and from Massachusetts (3 July) the Board of Trade's offensive directive.

Barclay's Apology (imported in what must have been a large number from James Franklin) sold 2 copies on 12 Jan and occasionally throughout the year (see accounts).

Activities and Social Life: in addition to attending the Junto meetings (Friday nights), and the Masons (St. John's Lodge; the first Monday of every month and June 24), he added in 1732 the Library Company directors' meetings on the second Monday of every month. He attended ten of the regular thirteen Masonic meetings, missing only 6 March, 1 May, and 6 Nov. He attended Library Company directors' meetings at Nicholas Scull's Bear Tavern faithfully until November. After the first books were received from London, the directors started meeting in the Library Room at Louis Timothee's (which he rented from Robert Grace) on 14 Nov. Franklin was especially busy with the Library Company during 1732 and received James Logan's advice on the first books (see 29 and 30 March). He and Thomas Godfrey stayed so long conferring with Logan on 30 March that Franklin missed that meeting. He was the director listed first when the Library Company held its initial election on 1 May (evidently he received the most votes), so he would have acted as its executive. He may still have been president of the Junto. And he was elected a Warden of the St. John's Lodge on 24 June.

Pennsylvania Politics: The Pennsylvania Assembly of 1731-32 met for its third session on 10-20 Jan; its fourth session from 31 July to 1 Aug; and its fifth session from 7 to 15 Aug. The new Assembly of 1732-33 (which continued BF as its printer) met 14 to 17 Oct. In May, the legal tangle concerning the ownership of Pennsylvania was resolved, with William Penn's three sons, John, Thomas, and Richard, becoming the proprietors. From 12 August 1732 to 20 Aug 1741, Thomas Penn resided in Pennsylvania and assumed responsibility for the direct management of proprietary affairs. The Penns especially wanted to collect monies for the land and the quitrents owed them. but the parties disputed the amount. The settlers assumed that it was £10 (Pennsylvania currency) per hundred acres; Thomas Penn believed it should be £10 sterling per hundred. Thomas Penn also intended to purchase (and to confirm disputed old purchases) more land from the Indians to sell. The colonists and the Indians gradually discovered that he was ruthless in his pursuit of money. Thomas Penn also believed that the Assembly had too much power and that the Assembly often violated the proprietors' privileges. His undercover direction of Governor Gordon and especially of the future Governor George Thomas (1 June 1738 to June 1747) made Pennsylvania politics more confrontational.

Background: Though the small-pox epidemic of the late winter and early spring of 1730/1 was over, a minor outbreak occured in the winter of 1731/2 (10 Jan).

Indian Affairs: Responding to James Logan's new Indian policy (1731), a delegation of Six Nations chiefs arrived in Philadelphia for a treaty on 18 August 1732. Thomas Penn, who had arrived in Pennsylvania only six days earlier, opened the treaty on 23 Aug. Perhaps revealing that the Pennsylvanians knew that the Six Nations had not controlled the Delaware Indians, Thomas Penn urged them to control the local Indian nations, "for by these means you will make yourselves much greater and stronger." The Pennsylvanians cast the Delawares and the Shawnee living along the Ohio in the position of Iroquois dependents. On 30 Aug, John Shickellamy and Conrad Weiser were given special presents for their efforts. The conference ended 2 September. On 7 Sept, Sasoonan and a few other chiefs of the Schuylkill Indians sold land to the Penns; Lingahonoa confirmed that the sale had taken place, 12 July 1742. In the future, Pennsylvania preferred to deal with the Six Nations rather than directly with the Delawares and the Shawnees, but the Delawares and the Shawnees who lived on the Ohio changed the relationship in the 1750s. The Pennsylvanians intended to meet with the Six Nations again in 1733, but because of the smallpox in Philadelphia and other reasons, the treaty was put off until 28 Sept 1736.

Writings: "Query to the Casuist: The Case of the Missing Horse," 18 Jan; "From the Casuist: The Case of the Missing Horse," and news-note jeu d'esprit on the death of a lion, 25 Jan; first version of "The Palantines' Appeal," 8 Feb; second version of "The Palantines' Appeal," 15 Feb; "A Burnt Offering," 15 Feb (b); Marcus burlesques Portius, 30 March; on simplicity, 13 April; Marcus on "This is the Practice at Home," 20 April; Prosit, 4 May; an essay on Persius, 25 May; a Quaker Lady on a Lover's Threat, 25 May; A Discourse on Argumentations from California or the Moon," 1 June; On Declamation, 1 June; Anthony Afterwit, 10 July; Celia Single, 24 July; Praise for William Penn, 14 August; On Censure or Backbiting," 7 Sept; Alice Addertongue, 12 Sept; "On the Benevolence as well as Selfishness as Man," 30 Nov; "On Colds," 30 Nov; "Death of a Drunk," 7 Dec; and, the first Poor Richard's Almanack, 28 Dec.

Chronology:

1 Jan, Saturday. BF charged £1.19.0. for printing the 1 1/2 sheets of Votes for "the first Session of this Assembly." Accounts.

3 Jan, Monday, attended Masonic meeting. P 1: 202.

6 Jan, Thursday, became 26.

7 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

8 Jan, Saturday, Attended meeting of Library Company directors: "it was resolved that the books of the Library should be covered with sheathing paper and that Stephen Potts should be spoke to, to do it, for the preservation of the binding."

8 Jan (b). Thomas Whitmarsh, BF's South Carolina partner, published the first South Carolina Gazette. Cf. 8 Sept 1733.

10 Jan, Monday, Pennsylvania Assembly met until 20 Jan. Votes 3:2134-42. The session was short because the House had comparatively few members, "occasioned by the prevailing Distemper of the Small-pox," and no pressing business (Votes 3:2130).

10 Jan (b). Attended meeting of Library Company directors. Only six persons present, "the weather being exceeding cold."

14 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

18 Jan, Tuesday. PG: "Query to the Casuist: The Case of the Missing Horse." P 1:221:

20 Jan, Thursday. Pennsylvania assembly adjourned until 31 July.

post 20 Jan. Laws of Session to Jan (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). Miller 41.

21 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 Jan, Tuesday, PG: "From the Casuist: The Case of the Missing Horse." P 1:222-26.

25 Jan (b). PG: news-note jeu d'esprit on the death of a lion. Canon 57-58; W 180.

28 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

4 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

7 Feb, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1: 202). Samuel McClanan's and Lawrence Reynolds's entrance fees charged.

8 Feb, Tuesday, PG reprinted the Boston birth and death statistics for the past year. Cf. 5 Jan 1730/1.

8 Feb (b). PG reprinted John Seccomb's humorous poem, the last will and testament of Matthew Avery. Calendar 204. Also printed in AWM of this date. Calendar 203.

8 Feb (c). PG printed news of Palatines who nearly starved to death at sea. Cf. 15 Feb and 18 May.

8 Feb (d). PG for 8 Feb was at first printed with the incorrect dates, "Tuesday, Feb 8 to Tuesday, Feb 15. 1731-2."

8 Feb (e). AWM: "Z" (John Webbe?) sent in an essay on the practice of law in Pennsylvania: "It shall be allow'd that a Practioner in this Province, out of the City, needs not a Tenth Part of the Reading Learning and Experience as one in Great Britain, and yet may prove a serviceable Man in a Country Court." Cf. BF's reply to such condescending attitudes, 20 April.

8 Feb (f). AWM: "Extract and Translation of a Letter from some Palatines." By BF; see P 1:226-29 and esp. 227, n. 9.

11 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

15 Feb, Tuesday, Franklin's translation from the German, "The Palatines' Appeal" appeared in the PG. P 1:226­29. Cf. 8 Feb AWM and 18 May.

15 Feb (b). PG: "A Burnt Offering": Canon 58; W 180.

18 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

22 Feb, Tuesday, PG advertised: "A Likely Servant Maid's Time for Four Years to be disposed of. She works well with her Needle. Enquire of the Printer hereof." Repeated 29 Feb and 7 March.

22 Feb (b). AWM: James Steel, Receiver for the proprietors, advertised that those who owed quitrents to the proprietors were to pay them in March. Repeated 7 March.

25 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 Feb, Tuesday, PG featured an essay by "A.Z." on quacks, punning on worms and wormers. Possibly by BF, it evidently satirizes William Vicars, who advertised occasionally in the PG beginning 11 Jan (under the heading Pro Bono Publico) and who, BF noted in the 7 March PG, had left Philadelphia. Surprisingly, the piece contains a satire on the Philadelphia Corporation: "For my Part, having considered the whole Affair, I must needs say, I think it deserves a more effectual Animadversion than mine; and that (with the unmost Humility I offer it) should our worthy M-- [Mayor] and C----M-n [Council Men] take it under theirs, it would become the Sagacity and Vigilance so often shown for the Interest and Honour of our wise and religious City." Even if BF was not the author, his printing the satire would have angered some members of the corporation.

29 Feb (b). AWM: "Portius" on politicians.

[Feb, 1731/2]: BF copied James Logan's manuscript (written in the late summer of 1731) addressed to Robert Walpole: "Of the State of the British Plantations in America: A Memorial." Printed in Joseph Johnson, "A Quaker Imperialist's View of the British Colonies in America: 1732," PMHB 60 (1936), 97-130. See also Albany Conference, 1754. Johnson, 102, suggested BF copied it in 1747 or 1748; where did I get this Feb date??

Hays 4:480 dated the document 1732. What is the watermark? BF Papers 12:34 (14 pp.).

1 March, Wednesday. "Wednesday last [1 March] being St. David's Day, and the Birth-Day of Her Majesty Queen Caroline, the Society of Ancient Britons met at the House of Mr. Owen Owen, at the Sign of the Indian King in Market Street, from whence they proceeded to Church where there was Divine Service suitable to the Day. After Church they waited on his Honour our Governor, who was pleased to Dine with them. After Dinner all the Loyal Healths were drank under the discharge of Cannon, and the Day concluded with Musick, Mirth and Friendship. The stewards chosen for the Year ensuing, are Capt Ellis Davis of Philadelphia, Mr. William Bevan of Philadelphia, Mr. Thomas James of Chester County, Mr. William Thomas of Oxford Township." 7 March AWM.

3 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 March, Monday, absent from Masonic meeting, paying 1s for absence and 6p for monthly dues (P 1:202). David Parry's entrance fee charged.

10 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

17 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 March, Monday, attended meeting of Library Company directors. Agreed to notify all deliquent subscribers.

23 March, Thursday, PG printed John Hubbard's humorous poem to the widow of Matthew Avery. Calendar # 212.

23 March (b). AWM: "Portius" wrote that those who attained power often lost their judgment. He claimed that "Men cannot be good Subjects without some Religion," and in his last paragraph concluded: "The unhappy Way to all Revolutions and all Conquests has been paved by Atheistical Opinions and Dissolution of manners: But what Application we should wisely make of these Observations, what Thanks, we owe on this Account to our present Blasphemers and revilers of Establishments, may at this Time deserve a due Consideration and serious Debate among true Englishmen and Lovers of their Country, as well as of their Well-wisher PORTIUS." The essay obviously censured the deistic Andrew Hamilton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, but also glanced at BF, who was well- known both as a skeptic and a Hamilton supporter. For the continuing quarrel, see 30 March; 13 and 20 April; 4, 18, and 25 May; 1 June.

24 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 March, Saturday, 1732, Attended meeting of Library Company directors at Nicholas Scull's to receive subscriptions. See "To Library Company Subscribers," P 1:229-230. New shareholders were: Josiah Rolfe (share no. 26), who sold his share to Tench Francis, 11 May 1741; Thomas Potts, Jr (27), sold his share to Tobias Griscom, 23 July 1736, who in turn sold it to Benjamin Loxley, 18 Feb 1748/9; Jacob Duche (28); William Maugridge (29); Nicholas Cassell (30); James Fox (31), who sold his share to Edward Evans, 11 Dec 1732, who sold it to Joseph Peters, 12 Nov 1737; Benjamin Paschall (32); Thomas Green (33); William Parsons (34); and Louis Timothee (35), who sold his share to Joshua Richey, 28 Jan 1734, who sold it to William Moode, 8 Oct 1750.

29 March, Wednesday, meeting of the Library Company directors at Nicholas Scull's. Thomas Godfrey reported that James Logan had "let him know he had heard of their Design and approved of it and would willingly give his Advice in the Choice of the Books. Upon this Information he was desired to return the Thanks of the Committee to Mr. Logan for his generous offer--And the Committee esteeming Mr. Logan to be a Gentleman of universal Learning, and the best Judge of Books in these Parts, ordered that Thomas Godfrey should wait on him and request him to favour them with a Catalogue of suitable Books against tomorrow Evening." The new shareholder Nicholas Scull (share no. 36) sold his share to Edward Scull, 14 April 1746.

30 March, Thursday, Thomas Godfrey and BF visited James Logan, staying at his house until late. The Library Company directors at Scull's finally gave up waiting for them and adjourned to meet tomorrow evening. Henry Pratt (37) paid for his share.

30 March (b). PG: BF (as "Marcus") replied to the AWM writer of 23 March. Canon 58-60; see also the appreciation by E. C. Cook 97-98; Sappenfield 73. For the series, see 23 March.

30 March (c). PG advertised William Bowman, The Traditions of the Clergy destructive of Religion (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). No copy known. Miller 49. Daniel Dulany probably paid for printing the pamphlet, which attacked Jacob Henderson in the dedication (see 13 April (c)). On 20 June (accounts), BF sent "20 Bowmans Sermons" to Thomas Whitmarsh.

30 March (d). PG advertised David Evans, A Short Plain Help for Parents (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). No copy known. Miller 51.

30 March (e). PG: news note jeu d'esprit on lost money. P 1:271; W 180.

30 March (f). AWM: An anonymous essay (evidently by Portius of the 23rd) claimed "Each National Government found it impossible to keep their People in due Subjection without the help of Religion."

31 March, Friday, Based on List supplied by "William Logan" [Francis Hopkinson's slip in transcribing the early minutes for "James Logan"] the Library Company directors made up a list of books and gave it to Thomas Hopkinson who was leaving for London, together with Robert Grace's note for £45 drawn on Peter Collinson. List of Books, 2p. BF & other Directors of the Library Company. Printed in PMHB 30 (1906): 300-08. For an expert reconstruction of the earliest books and the first printed catalogue, see Wolf, "First Books." Forty-five titles were requested; fifty-six were sent in one hundred and forty-one volumes (including two as presents from Peter Collinson). In a manuscript at the Library Company, Franklin divided the first book order into the following categories: History, Architecture, Mathematics, Morality, Geography, Physick, Anatomy, Natural Philosophy, Botany, Politicks, "The Compleat Tradesman" (no category), Animals, Chronology, Logics, Philology, "Wood's Institutes," and Catalogues. "History" had the most titles with nine, "Morality" was second with seven titles, and "Philology" was third with six titles (counting "Homer's Iliad & Odyssey" as one title). The titles he listed under "Morality" were "Spectators, Guardians, Tatlers, Puffendorf's Law of Nature &c, Addison's Works in 12mo, Memorable Things of Socrates, and the Turkish Spy."

31 March (b). Probably missed Junto meeting.

3 April, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1:202).

3 April (b). Thomas Hopkinson sailed for London, carrying the Library Company's book order.

6 April, Thursday, PG advertised Mustard-Seed. P 1:271.

6 April, Thursday. AWM: Anonymous author (presumably Portius) wrote against those who satirize religion. Towards the end of his rambling essay on religion and government, he said: "All Men are born free: Liberty is a Gift which they receive from God himself; nor can they alienate the same by Consent, tho' possibley they may forfeit it by Crimes. No Man has Power over his own Life, or to dispose of his own Religion, and cannot consequently transfer the Power of either to any body else: Much less can he give away the Lives and Liberties, Religion or acquired Property of his Posterity, who will be born as free as he himself was born, and can never be bound by his wicked and ridiculous Bargain."

7 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

12 April, Wednesday. Isaac Pennington (share no. 38) paid for his share in the Library Company, which he sold to Anthony Benezet, 17 Aug 1734, who sold it to James Bingham, 17 June 1741, who sold it to William Bingham 7 Nov 1748.

13 April, Thursday. PG: BF's essay on simplicity. Canon 60-62; W 181-84.

13 April (b). PG reprinted news item from Plymouth, England: "a Man going to hang his Wife (for what Reason is not mention'd) after he had fix'd the Rope about her Neck, and was drawing her up to a Post, he fell down dead, by which the Woman's Life was preserved."

13 April (c). AWM: From "New-Town, in Maryland." "T.E." (Rev. Jacob Henderson) to "Wildfire" (Daniel Dulany, Sr). See 30 March (c).

13 April (d). AWM: Anonymous (seemingly "Portius" of 23 March) reply to "Marcus" (see 30 March). The author evidently thought BF was "Marcus." BF was famous for his punning: "I am willing to discover my Ignorance, and want of Skill in Punning, by confessing freely; that I found it hard to understand Marcus's Discourse, in the Gazette of March the 30th." For the series, see 23 March. For BF's reply, see 20 April (b).

14 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 April, Thursday, BF, using an anonymous persona, defended "Marcus" (ie, himself) and lampooned a supercilious and condescending Englishman who constantly instructed the provincial Philadelphians: "This is the Practice at home." Canon 62-64; E. C. Cook, 98-99. For the series, see 23 March. This satire by BF probably also replies to the 8 Feb essay on American country lawyers.

20 April (b). BF, using the pseudonym "Marcus," wrote a three-sentence burlesque reply to the question in the 13 April Mercury concerning his meaning.

20 April (c). PG: "The Subscribers towards a Library in this City, are hereby advertis'd, That Monday the First of May ensuing, is the Day appointed for the Choice of the proper Officers of the Company, for the following Year; and that the Meeting for that Purpose will be at the House of Nicholas Scull in the Market Street, at Two in the Afternoon." Signed Joseph Breintnall. P 1:271.

21 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 April, Monday, Meeting of the Library Company directors. Charles Brockden having generously presented the Library Company with the instrument he drew for them, the directors voted him a present of his first payment as a subscriber and also sixteen years freedom of the company (that is, he was excused from paying the annual assessment for sixteen years). "At this meeting Joseph Breintnall, Philip Syng, Benjamin Franklin, and other Subscribers who have in the Beginning of this Affair been at considerable Trouble and some Expenses, were desired to exhibit their Accounts which they generously declined. However the Directors (other than the said B. Franklin and Philip Syng in their own Cases) thought it reasonable to insist upon their accepting for some particular Services, as follows, Vizt, Joseph Breintnall for his Time Trouble & Expence as Clerk to Mr. Brockden, in taking down the rough Draught of the Library Instrument and engrossing it, Six Years Freedom of the Company; Philip Syng for making and engraving the Company's Seal, two Years like Freedom of the Company, and B. Franklin for printing Certificates Advertisement &c. two Years Freedom also." (Minutes, p. 10.)

27 April. Thursday. AWM: "Prosit" attacked the article satirizing supericilious Englishmen (BF in PG 20 April). He began: "Marcus Porcus, Your flat and insipid Story of the Farmers Pigs, would tempt any Reader to imagine you had been bred among them." For the series, see 23 March.

28 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 May, Monday, missed Masonic meeting, paying 1s for absence and 6p for monthly dues (P 1:202).

1 May (b). First election of the Library Company directors for the following year was held at Nicholas Scull's. Benjamin Franklin, William Parsons, Thomas Godfrey, Anthony Nicholas, Robert Grace, John Jones, Junr., John Nicholas, Hugh Roberts, Henry Pratt, and William Maugridge were elected directors. William Coleman was elected treasurer, and the directors reappointed Breintnall, secretary. The new directors (those not initially appointed by BF) were John Nicholas, Hugh Roberts, Henry Pratt, and William Maugridge. They replaced Dr. Thomas Cadwalader, who had sailed to England; Isaac Penington, who now lived in Bucks, too far from Philadelphia; Philip Syng, who asked not to be elected a director this year; and Thomas Hopkinson, who had also gone to England. Hugh Roberts subscribed on 1 May, presumably before the election, and he paid his subscription on 8 May. Normally I would think that the person listed first received the most votes and would therefore have acted as the executive officer of the directors, and Franklin normally was listed first. But the only meeting for which we have the actual election return was for 1754. As secretary, Franklin recorded the voters and the officers elected on 6 May 1754. On that occasion, five persons shared the honor of having the most votes. That may, however, have been an exception. On 1 May 1738, the votes could not have been tied, for when William Coleman went on a voyage, the directors, 11 Dec 1738, consulted the votes for the past election, found that Samuel Rhoads had the next highest number of votes, and appointed Rhoads a director in place of Coleman.

4 May, Thursday, BF as "Prosit" replied to the AWM author of 27 April. Canon # 64-65. For the series see 23 March. BF, writing as the publisher, said in an editorial comment: "I do not love to have the Gazette filled with these Controversies about Religion, yet I cannot refuse to insert the following Piece, as it appears to be written in his own Vindication, by a Gentleman who has not been very tenderly used in my Papers." Thus BF confused some contemporaries and some modern scholars by adopting the pseudonym of his opponent. See my discussion in the Canon and in the biography. E. C. Cook 99 appreciated Franklin's further satire on Prosit. The editors of The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, however, were confused by BF's changing of personae: "The writer of the piece here introduced who signed himself 'Prosit,' had formerly presented his thoughts in the American Weekly Mercury. 'Marcus' customarily replied in the Gazette. When 'Prosit' sent his defense to BF to publish, 'Marcus' found a channel for his rejoinders in Bradford's paper." P 1:271, n.9. Cf. 11 May below.

5 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 May, Saturday, BF published America's first German-language newspaper, the Philadelphishe Zeitung. P 1:230­31, 233­34. Arndt and Olson 1:578; Brigham 2:963; Miller 61. It soon failed (cf. 24 June). Louis Timothee, editing the paper for BF, wrote "To the German Inhabitants of Pennsylvania." Cf. 15 June. For BF's other German-language newspapers, see ante 17 March 1749 (Philadelphier Teutsche Fama); 10 Aug 1751 (Hoch Teutsche und Englische Zeitung); and 12 July 1755 (Philadelphische Zeitung). Cf. 15 Jan 1752 (Die Lancastersche Zeitung). All his attempts to establish a German language newspaper failed.

8 May, Monday. Hugh Roberts (share no. 39), who had subscribed on 1 May, paid for his share in the Library Company.

11 May, Thursday: PG appeared with B. Franklin's name alone in the imprint. Though BF had bought out Meredith on 14 July 1730, he continued to carry his name on the PG through 4 May 1732. Parton 1:195 suggested that Franklin paid off the money he had borrowed from Coleman and Grace to buy out Meredith at about this time; BF's accounts reveal, however, that he paid Grace £10 "on his bond," 27 June 1733.

11 May (b). AWM: "Marcus Verus" replied to BF as "Prosit" (4 May). Another scholar whom BF confused by adopting the pseudonym of his opponent was Norma Summers. Writing of the "Portius" vs. "Marcus" debate, Summers said: "An interesting sidelight on this literary conflict occurred when Bradford sent a reply to one of Marcus's articles directly to Franklin who printed it in the Gazette. Bradford said he would not write any more on the subject. Franklin sent his rejoinder to Bradford who printed it in the Mercury. Franklin in mock seriousness said he was changing sides in the dispute because he had been convinced of the error of his ways." Norma Summers 146.

BF's contemporary opponents realized he had appropriated the AWM writer's pseudonym. In this essay, "Marcus Verus" wrote: "Whilst I was dictating the Premisses my pert Amanuensis officiously suggested, that Prosit in the Gazette was a meer Counterfeit; and that the whole Performance was only a pitiful Contrivance of his Enemies, as their last Shift, to throw Dirt upon the real Author known by that Name. This put me to the trouble of giving it a second reading, after which I came almost naturally into the same Thought, and began to look upon the Paper as no better than a printed Forgery; reasonably concluding that a Person of ordinary Capacity could have retain'd the true and obvious and not sham Answers to the Cavils of his Enemies as thus."

12 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

18 May, Thursday, PG printed Joseph Morgan's "A Method to make shallow fresh Rivers navigable, for Skows, Flats, Barges, and such like Vessels." Cont. 25 May.

18 May (b). PG printed news note on the Palatines. Cf. 8 and 15 Feb.

18 May (c). AWM: "S. H." condemned "Satyrical and Witty Gentlemen, who Pride themselves in being Ludicrous upon every subject." "S.H." was primarily attacking BF. For the series, see 23 March.

19 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 May, Saturday. David Evans' catechism, Miller 51, advertised in S.C.Gaz. by BF's partner, Whitmarsh (cf. 30 March (d) 1732).

22 May, Monday, John Paschall (share no. 40) sent his 40 shillings subscription to the Library Company by BF. Lib Co minutes.

25 May, Thursday, PG printed BF's essay on Persius. Canon 65-66. For the series, see 23 March.

25 May (b). PG printed a supposed Quaker lady's letter on a lover's threat of suicide. Really by BF. Canon 66-67.

26 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 June, Thursday, PG: BF's "A Discourse on Argumentations from California or the Moon." Canon 67-69. For the series, see 23 March.

1 June (b). PG: BF's "On Declamation." Canon 69-70. For the series, see 23 March. The following mock advertisement (see next item) complemented the message of this essay.

1 June (c). PG printed a mock advertisement for "An Essay upon the Nonsense of the Pulpit" and "An Essay upon the Nonsense of the Bar." P 1:272. They immediately follow BF's "On Declamation" (above item).

1 June (d). AWM: An anonymous writer accused the author of the praise of Persius (i.e., BF) of anticlericism and anti-Christianity. In the same AWM, "Marcus Verus" did too. For the series, see 23 March.

2 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

5 June, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1:202); presented draft of by­laws for St. John's Lodge (P 1:231-33, Citing Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pa., 1885, pp. 37­39; Sachse 20). The Papers 1:202 lists June 5 as the meeting day, though in the ledger for St John's Lodge, BF has added "Mistake 19," then written "<for absence 1s & Quota 6p>," and then crossed them out.

8 June, Thursday, PG printed Joseph Morgan's proposal for making fish more plentiful in rivers and streams by building fish-ladders and other means. Morgan cited an anecdote he had heard: "There is a Pond and Brook from it, nigh Plymouth in N.E. (as I am informed) where never Herring had been seen, while other Brooks were full; but a certain Man carried a Tub full of Water with a Number of them newly taken, and emptied 'em into that Pond; and ever after they went up that Brook." I believe Morgan heard the anecdote from BF and that it concerned his father Josiah: it is nearly identical with Franklin's story to Peter Kalm. Cf. P 4:55-56.

8 June (b). AWM: Contains "An Essay on the Usefulness of the Doctrine of Immortality." Continued, 15 June.

8 June (c). AWM: Bradford refused to print a letter to "T. Scrub" because it was "too full of personal Invectives. ... Most People think that Scrub, be who he will, has sufficiently exposed himself and the Publisher of the Gazette." Thus Bradford ended the series (see 23 March) attacking BF.

9 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

12 June, Monday, BF probably attended the Library Company directors' meeting; they lacked a quorum.

15 June, Thursday, BF announced that the PG would appear on Monday next, 19 June, and continue to be published on Mondays.

15 June (b). BF announced: "And on the Saturday following [24 June] will be published Philadelphische Zeitung, or Newspaper in High-Dutch, which will continue to be published on Saturdays once a Fortnight, ready to be delivered at Ten a Clock, to Country Subscribers. Advertisements are taken in by the Printer hereof, or by Mr. Louis Timothee, Language Master, who translates them."

16 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 June, Monday. PG: news note jeu d'esprit on a pewter button. P 1:274; W 184.

ante 20 June, Tuesday, BF reprinted Philander Misiatrus, The Honour of the Gout (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). Miller 62. The piece partially inspired his 1780 "Dialogue between the Gout and Mr. Franklin." C. William Miller observed that The Honour of the Gout was among Franklin's first publishing ventures. BF evidently enjoyed its humor and its satire of physicians and fashions. On 20 June, BF sent 50 copies to Whitmarsh in Charleston, S.C., and another 50 to his brother James in Newport, RI. (Accounts.)

ante 23 June. BF's job printing: bond and judgment. Miller 55 contains an example filled out on 23 June.

23 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 June, Saturday: "Saturday last [24 June], being St. John's Day, a Grand Lodge of the ancient and honourable Society of FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS, was held at the Sun Tavern in Water-street, when, after a handsom Entertainment, the worshipful W. ALLEN, Esq; was unanimously chosen Grand Master of this Province, for the Year ensuing; who was pleased to appoint Mr. William Pringle Deputy Master. Wardens chosen for the ensuing Year, were Thomas Boude and Benj. Franklin." 26 June PG. P 1:274­5, cf. 1:373n.

24 June (b). [Louis Timothee?] to the Reader, Printed in Philadelphische Zeitung, P 1: 233-34. Second and last issue known of the paper (cf. 6 May and 15 June).

26 June, Monday, PG: "Philanthropos" on helping young men start in business. Reprinted from the NEC, 11 June 1722. See Canon 70-71, where I argue that it is not by Franklin.

26 June (b). BF's "Query to the Casuist: A Case of Conscience," in PG, also draft: PHi. P 1:234.

26 June (c). PG: "Faint Heart ne'er won fair Lady," Canon 71; reprinted from the NEC.

26 June (d). PG reprinted Gov. William Gooch's speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses of 18 May, wherein he mentioned, "an additional Instruction [from the English authorities], prohibiting the laying any Duty on Slaves, to be paid by the Importer." For the original instruction, see 10 Dec 1731. Cf. 1717; 3 July 1732; 5 Dec 1746; and 5 May 1774.

Like many colonials, BF was irked by the measure and recalled it years later (cf. P 17:40). See also William Byrd to John Percival, Earl of Egremont, 12 July 1736; Correspondence of the Three William Byrds of Westover 2:487-89. Thomas Jefferson referred to the prohibition in drafting the Declaration of Independence. And see Lemay, "The Plantation: An Eighteenth-Century Idea of America," in l'Idee americaine au XVIII siecle, ed. Jean-Robert Rouge (Paris: Presses de l'Universite de Paris-Sorbonne, 1992), 151-64.

3 July, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1:202).

3 July (b). PG: BF's "From the Casuist: A Case of Conscience." P 1:235.

3 July (c). "Anti-Casuist: A Case of Conscience." Not printed by BF. Draft: PHi; P 1:235-37.

3 July (d). PG reprinted the King's instructions to Belcher not to tax slaves or imported felons: "Whereas Acts have been passed in some of our Plantations in America, for laying Duties on the Importation and Exportation of Negroes, to the Discouragement of the Merchants trading thither from the Coast of Africa; and whereas Acts have likewise been passed for laying Duties on Felons imported, in direct Opposition to an Act of Parliament pass'd in the 14th Year of our late Royal Father's Reign for the further preventing Robbery, Burglary, and other Felonies, and for the more effectual Transportation of Felons. It is our Will and Pleasure, that you do not give your Assent to, or pass any Law imposing Duties upon Negroes imported into our Province of the Massachusetts Bay, payable by the Importer; or upon any Slaves exported, that have not been sold in our said Province, and continued there for the Space of twelve Months. It is our further Will and Pleasure, that you do not give your Assent to or pass any Act whatsoever for imposing Duties on the Importation of any Felons from this Kingdom into our said Province of the Massachusetts Bay." Cf. 10 Dec 1731 and 26 June 1732.

7 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 July, Sunday, Library Company directors met, but lacked a quorum.

10 July, Monday. PG: BF's "Anthony Afterwit" skit. P 1:237­40; W 185-87. Granger, 47-48; Lemay, "BF" 211-12; Sappenfield 60-62; and Baker.

10 July (b). PG:

10 July (b). PG: two noteworthy news accounts: the first on a house struck by lightning, P 1:275. The second follows: "To the Surprize of all Inhabitants on Delaware, who live above Philadelphia, the Water about a Fortnight since, chang'd to a dark dirty Red, so thick that 'tis said the Fish could scarce see to get out of the Way of Boats, and were frequently struck by the Oars. Those who have lived here above these forty Years, say they never saw or heard of the like before. It was accompanied with a Fresh, 'tis true, but not very considerable when compar'd with such as come down almost every Year without such Change of Colour; and 'tis advis'd from Places 40 Mile above the Falls, that they have had no great Rains there. Those who have caused some of the Water to settle, find a Sort of fine brown Earth at the Bottom; but it must be a prodigious Quantity to colour this vast River in such a Manner. The Conjectures of People are various concerning the Cause of it; some imagine an upper Creek, dam'd by Logs, has chang'd its Course and dug a new Bed; others, (hearing from New York, that about the same Time a Flood came down that River from the Mountains, though they had had no Rain, and overflow'd the low Lands, doing great Damage) conceive, that an Earthquake near the Head of both Rivers, has forced out a Quantity of subterraneous Water into them. These however are only Conjectures, Time may possibly make us wiser. In the Interim, we have the Satisfaction to observe, that the River clears sensibly and we hope will soon recover its wonted purity." P 1:275-76.

14 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

17 July, Monday, PG reprinted Richard Lewis's poem "Food for Criticks," revised with local Philadelphia references. Calendar # 232.

17 July (b). BF rented his shop to Thomas Butwell, a tailor from England. In the PG, Butwell advertised that he was "at the Shop under the New-Printing-Office." P 1:276. He evidently left owing the Philadelphia merchant George Scholtze "near £19"; P 3:76.

20 July, Thursday, AWM: Andrew Bradford, postmaster, announced that Alexander Spotswood, Deputy Post Master General had extended the post to Williamsburg "and very shortly designs to carry it on an Hundred Miles more, to Edenton in North-Carolina, and in Time as far as Charles-town in South Carolina." He gave a brief history of the post office in North America and its schedule between Philadelphia and Williamsburg.

21 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 July, Monday, PG: BF's "Celia Single" skit. P 1:240­43; W 188-90. Granger 15, 16, and 48-49; Sappenfield 62.

24 July (b). PG abbreviated the Massachusetts assembly's reply to governor; BF's draft at PHi. P 1:176, n.8.

28 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

31 July, Monday, Adjourned from 20 Jan, the Pennsylvania Assembly met until 1 Aug. Votes 3:2142-43.

31 July (b). PG reprinted an attack on New England manufactures from the London Daily Post Boy, together with an excellent refutation from the Daily Courant. The former letter is typical of the English (anti-American) mercantilism. Could the refutation have been by Jeremiah Dummer? Cf. Dummer's Defense of the New England Charters.

31 July (c). PG advertised: "A Likely New Negro Boy to be disposed of; He is about eighteen Years of Age. Enquire of the Printer hereof." Repeated, 7 Aug. Cf. 25 May, 8 June.

31 July (d). PG advertised: "Good Live-Geese Feathers sold at the Printer's hereof." P 1:276.

1 Aug, Tuesday. Gov Gordon reported that he had no business for the House, and it adjourned to 7 Aug. Votes 3:2142-43.

3 Aug, Thursday. The House, on behalf of the Trustees of the Loan Office, paid BF 12s 6d, "for sundry Advertisements." Votes 3:2140.

4 Aug, Friday, Andrew Bradford billed the House for £35.1.6 for past printing; House voted £32.6.0 be paid him. Votes 3:2153. (The only occasion I recall that the House may have questioned BF's bill was for the paper currency in 1731; see the introduction to 1731.)

4 Aug (b). Probably attended Junto meeting.

7 Aug, Monday, Pennsylvania legislature met for its fifth session, 7 to 15 Aug. Votes 3: 2143-60.

7 Aug (b). PG published article on confidence man James Hill.

7 Aug (c). Attended Masonic meeting. P 1: 202.

8 Aug, Tuesday. The House discussed the site and the plans for the state house, which John Kearsley opposed. Votes 2144.

11 Aug, Friday, The Assembly voted to support Hamilton's plan for a state house. Votes 3:2154-55.

11 Aug (b). Probably attended Junto meeting.

12 Aug, Saturday. The House voted that Andrew Hamilton "both in regard of the Place whereon the Building of the State-house is fix'd, and his Manner of conducting the said Building, hath behaved himself agreeable to the Mind and Intention of this House." Votes 3:2157.

14 Aug, Monday, PG reported the arrival of Thomas Penn in Chester on 11 August. On 12 Aug, Saturday, Penn came to Philadelphia with Governor Gordon and others, where he "was met by the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of this City." In his welcoming speech, Recorder Andrew Hamilton celebrated the policies established by William Penn, "above all his religious Care in securing to all its Inhabitants that natural Right Liberty of Conscience, and Freedom from Spiritual Tyranny." BF reported that William Penn's memory "must ever remain dear to all those who set a just Value on the ample Privileges and Liberties granted by him, and at this Time fully enjoyed by all the Inhabitants of this flourishing Colony." Canon 71-72; W 190-92. Thomas Penn remained in Philadelphia until 20 Aug 1741; cf. 1 Oct 1741, when he was burned in effigy.

14 Aug (b). House made its address to Thomas Penn and adjourned. Votes 3:2158, 2160.

14 Aug (c). Library Company directors met at N. Scull's.

Post 15 Aug. Votes and Proceedings, 1731-32 (post 15 Aug 1732). Miller 44.

17 Aug, Thursday. AWM: Printed news of the arrival of Thomas Penn and gives the texts of the welcoming speeches, plus the welcoming poem by "T.M." [Thomas Makin]; Calendar 233.

18 Aug, Friday, Conrad Weiser, Tyoninhogarao, a Seneca, and a number of other Indian chiefs of the Six Nations arrived in Philadelphia. Colonial Records 3:435. Cf. 23 Aug.

18 Aug (b). Probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Aug, Monday, PG published translatio poem, possibly by Richard Lewis, welcoming Thomas Penn. Calendar 234.

23 Aug, Wednesday. An Indian treaty between Pennsylvania and the Six Nations formally opened at the Governor's house in Philadelphia. The participants met there through 30 Aug. Colonial Records 3:435-47.

25 Aug, Friday, Probably attended Junto meeting.

28 Aug, Monday, PG published detailed and interesting news report of children lost in the woods.

30 Aug, Wednesday. The Council voted special presents to John Shickellamy and Conrad Weiser for their part in the continuing Indian treaty with the Six Nations. Colonial Records 3:446-47.

31 Aug, Thursday. The Indian treaty was conducted at the Great [Friends] Meeting House with "a very great Audience, that crowded the House and all its Galleries." Colonial Records, 3:447-50.

31 Aug (b). AWM: "An Essay on Envy, Philosophical and Political." Near the end of the essay, the author says, "What but this mean and unmanly Passion has raised and propagated so much Fury and personal Scandal of late between Gentlemen? Patriotism and the good of Mankind have been pretended; but, alas! Men are not excited to such present Passions for the Sake of others or the Good of Mankind: Superficial People may think them excellent Patriots who oppose Men in Power with loud Clamours and Personal Outrage; but true Patriotism is not so common in the World as these People imagine, neither has it those violent Effects. But Envy and Self-Interest, or the Interest of a Party, will excite Men to speak all manner of Evil falsely, concerning them they are desirous to supplant, and are frequently attended with those violent Symptoms we have seen so notorious in some late Productions." Continued, 7 Sept.

1 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 Sept, Saturday. Indian Treaty concluded with a second meeting in the Great Meeting House attended by "a very large Audience." Colonial Records 3:450-52.

4 Sept, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1:202).

7 Sept, Thursday, PG: BF's essay on censure or backbiting. Canon 72-74; W 192-95.

7 Sept (b). Continuation of AWM essay on envy.

7 Sept (c). Sasooaan and other Schuylkill Indians sold the Lebanon Valley to the Penns. Pa. Archives, ser. 1, 1:344-46. Cf. 12 July 1742.

8 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 Sept, Monday. Probably attended Library Company directors' meeting.

12 Sept, Tuesday, PG: BF's Alice Addertongue skit. P 1:243­48; W 196-200. Granger 14-15, 17-18, and 49-50; Sappenfield 62-63.

12 Sept (b). PG advertised sealing wax. P 1:277.

15 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

22 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Sept, Tuesday: first advertised David Evans of Tredyffryn, The Minister of Christ, and the Duties of his Flock (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). Miller 50. Repeated 5 Oct, 30 Nov. On 19 Oct. Rev. Mr. Richard Treat paid for 400 copies of the sermon (accounts).

29 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 Oct, Monday, on election day (Oct 1 fell on Sunday), Franklin's patron Andrew Hamilton was elected from Bucks County for the sixth time. Votes 3:2161.

5 Oct, Thursday, PG reported election returns.

Ante 6 Oct. Conrad Beissel, Vorspiel der Neuen-Welt (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). Arndt & Eck 10; Miller 48. See accounts.

6 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 Oct, Monday. Probably attended Library Company directors' meeting.

13 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 Oct, Saturday, Pennsylvania assembly met, and Andrew Hamilton "was unanimously chosen Speaker." It was his fourth term as speaker. The House set up its standing committees and met until 17 Oct, Tuesday. Votes 3:2161-63.

16 Oct, Monday, Joseph Growdon was chosen clerk of the General Assembly." Votes 3:2162.

17 Oct, Tuesday, House adjourned to 19 March 1732/3.

19 Oct, Thursday, PG printed essay on trifling questions by "Birch." It is evidently a local essay, possibly by BF. Cf. Checkley's essay in the first NEC, 7 Aug 1721. BF's name was later attached to an anecdote about the numerous questions asked of travellers by innkeepers and their families. Zall # 72. Dr. Alexander Hamilton later satirized American curiosity in an essay on the greeting "What News?" Maryland Gazette 7 Jan 1746; see Lemay, Men of Letters 230-32. Micklus, Comic Genius 122-24.

19 Oct (b). Attended Masonic meeting (P 1:203).  (It was not held on Monday, 2 Oct, since that was election day.) James Bingham was admitted to the Lodge (cf. Nov. 6).

20 Oct Friday. Son Francis Folger born; he was finally baptized in Christ Church, Philadelphia (Deborah's church) on 16 Sept 1733, while BF was in New England. (ALS Benjamin Dorr, in CSmH 127668). Perhaps the infant was not baptized earlier because he was sick, or perhaps Franklin had not decided whether or where to baptize him.

20 Oct (b). Probably missed Junto meeting.

27 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

ante 30 Oct, Monday: printed Joseph Morgan, The Nature of Riches (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732). Miller 56. On 30 Oct he sent 50 copies to Whitmarsh (accounts).

3 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 Nov, Monday, absent from Masonic meeting, paying 1s for absence & 6p for dues (P 1:203). James Bingham and Humphrey Morrey paid entrance fees.

7 Nov, Tuesday, 1732, Joseph Breintnall to Peter Collinson, ALS: British Museum; also MS Minute Book: Library Company of Philadelphia, P 1:248-49. The minutes record that Franklin wrote the letter, and Breintnall signed it as the secretary. "Benjamin Franklin undertook to print blank promissary Notes for the Librarian to fill up, and get subscribed by those to whom he lent Books."

9 Nov, Thursday. PG: "Reply to Complaining Reader." P 1:249-50. Mentioned in E. C. Cook 99.

10 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 Nov, Tuesday, Library Company directors met "at the Library Room." The books had arrived by Capt. Cornock about the end of Oct, together with a catalogue and notes by Thomas Hopkinson. ("Ship Molly, Samuel Cornock, from London" is listed as "Entred inwards" in the PG for 2 Nov.) Hopkinson said that Peter Collinson had been of great assistance and had himself donated two books: Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy (i.e., Pemberton's View of Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy, to which he had subscribed) and Philip Miller's Gardening Dictionary. "The Books were taken to Mr. Grace's Chamber at his House in Jones's Alley, and there placed on the Shelves." Franklin said he would print blank promissary notes for those who borrowed books. Louis Timothee, who rented the house from Robert Grace, agreed to be librarian. The contract between Louis Timothee and the Library Company directors required Timothee to keep attendance in the library room on Wednesdays from two to three, and on Saturdays from ten till four. He would receive, at the end of three months, three pounds and whatever further allowance should be thought reasonable. P 1:250-52. For a list of the books, see ante 11 Dec.

14 Nov (b). BF signed a Library Company receipt for a book (APS Bache). BFPAPERS file # 20836. Evidently he assisted Timothee when the librarian was busy. [Use as illustration?] Evidently not in Miller. David French relinquished his share (no. 41) in the Library Company.

17 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 Nov, Thursday, PG: BF as "Y.Z." on Benevolence as well as Selfishness of Men. Canon 74-75; W 200-203.

30 Nov (b). PG: "On Colds." P 1:252-54.

1 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

4 Dec, Monday, attended Masonic meeting. (Though P 1:203 lists BF absent from the meeting and paying 1s for absence and 6p for dues; the ledger reveals that he was present and paid just the 6p "for Quota.") Ledger D, PHi.

7 Dec, Thursday. PG: "Death of a Drunk." P 1:278; W 203. Cf. Arner's "Politics and Temperance."

8 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

ante 11 Dec, Monday. [Library Company of Philadelphia. Catalogue (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1732).] No copy extant. Miller 71. Miller speculated that this was a broadside catalogue printed late in 1732 or early in 1733, and he listed it under 1733. The Library Company minutes for 11 Dec (quoted below) suggest that it was printed in late Nov or early Dec 1732. Edwin Wolf, "First Books," 47-48, showed that BF printed the catalogue as a broadside before the February 1733 books were received. Wolf reconstructed its contents.

11 Dec, Monday. At a meeting of the Library Company directors, Edward Evans was admitted a member in place of James Fox who had moved to Lewis Town. The directors told Evans he would not be admitted a member until he was approved by the directors and had subscribed to their constitution. "The Directors accordingly have made Enquiry concerning said Evans, who was a Stranger to most of them, and having heard that he is honest and Industrious & regardful of Books, they agree to take him into Partnership."

"B. Franklin was asked what his Charge was for printing a Catalogue of the Books of the Library for each Subscriber; and his Answer was that he designed them for Presents, and should make no Charge for them."

14 Dec, Thursday 1732, new members subscribed to Library Company. William Rawle (share no. 42); Daniel Harrison (43); and James Morris (44). Note that James Morris's actual receipt is extant, dated 20 Jan 1722/3, and signed by William Coleman, as Treasurer.

15 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 Dec, Tuesday, PG printed interesting news story of counterfeiters being taken. P 1:278-79; W 203-05.

22 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Dec, Tuesday. AWM ad: Andrew Bradford offered 20 shillings reward for information concerning the person who shot several balls through his Lamp-black house. Cf. 31 May 1718. BF bought a lamp-black house on 21 March 1733.

28 Dec, Thursday, PG advertised first edition of Poor Richard as "Just Published." Drake 9559; Miller 52. Its success exceeded his wildest expectations, and on 11 Jan 1732/3, he advertised a second edition on "Saturday next" (13 Jan)." Then on 18 Jan, he advertised that a "Third Impression" would appear on "Saturday next" (20 Jan). BF continued writing the almanac annually through 1757. The first preface mockingly prognosticated the death of Titan Leeds, author of Pennsylvania's best­selling almanac. P 1:280­318; A 79. See 11 and 18 Jan 1732/3. For scholarship, see VD, BF; John J. Ross; Newcomb, "Sources"; Granger, BF 51-75; Lemay, "BF" 211-17; Nickels, 77-89.

28 Dec (b). Advertised sheet almanac in PG. Not extant; Miller 60.

29 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

During 1732, BF published one otherwise undated imprint: Alexander Arscot Some Considerations, Part II (Philadelphia; Franklin, 1732). Miller 47. Cf. 9 Feb 1730/1;

Circa 1732, Franklin drafted private letters, Gazette essays, and Junto papers in a commonplace book he kept during 1730-38. The editors of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin assigned the comparatively few items that could not be dated to 1732. These are: 1. "A Sea Captain's Letter," P 1:254-55. 2. "Standing Queries for the Junto," P 1:255-59; W 205-07. 3. "Proposals and Queries to be Asked the Junto," P 1:259-64; W 208-12. 4. "Miscellaneous Observations," P 1:270-71. 5. An item that the Papers mistakenenly assigned to 1732, "On the Providence of God in the Government of the World" (P 1: 264-69), is listed above, at the end of 1730. 6. Another, "The Morals of Chess," was merely mentioned in a note (P 1:270n). Ellen Cohn has since argued that it was written in 1732, rather than c. 28 June 1779. See Benjamin Franklin: An American Genius, ed. Gianfranca Balestra and Luigi Sampietro, 160-61. In "The Morals" Franklin seems to echo Machiavelli. See 6 Aug (b) 1722, NEC where "Philander," p. 1, col. 2, satirized a government appointment and quoted Machiavelli (cf. 10 Dec for another reference). Franklin referred to Machiavelli in "The Rats and the Cheese: A Fable" (24 Sept 1730) and listed the "Works" of Machiavelli as no 13 in a list of books in BF's hand, end of 1734.

ca. 1732. Model for a new account book (dated Jan 1, 1717). PHi. 2p. BFPAPERS account 10180.