1734
(rev. 8/10/97)

Personal: On 9 and 11 April, BF made the first of several real estate transactions whereby he put together several lots which became the site of his home, later known as 318 Market Street. On Monday, 24 June, he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Pennsylvania. He and the Masons provided "a very elegant Entertainment attended by the Proprietor, the Governor, and several other Persons of Distinction." On 15 Aug, following his travesty of a melancholy religious meditation, he was again charged with irreverence.

Business: In 1734 BF began collecting rags (11 April) for the local papermakers, Thomas Willcox at the Ivy Mills, Delaware County, and the Dewees family of papermakers, located on the Wissahickon. C. W. Miller recorded eighteen imprints (nos. 80 to 97) for 1734. Two were brief job printings: a broadside (c. Jan) and an advertisement (5 Sept). Eight were government printings. Two were for Delaware: a paper currency issue (see 1 March and 9 April) and the Delaware laws just enacted (14 Sept). Pennsylvania issued six titles. BF reprinted the Laws to the session of 12 Jan 1729/30 (see end of year), and to the session of 12 Aug (see post 17 Aug), and to the session of 17 March 1734/5 (post 29 March 1735). Of course he also printed the Votes and Proceedings for the assembly of 1734-35. The assembly of 1733-34 met from 17 Dec 1733 until 19 Jan 1734 and met again from 12 through 17 Aug. For the first time, the Votes and Proceedings record what Franklin was paid for printing during the last Assembly, 1733-34, £27 (17 August). On 14 Oct, the accounts reveal he was paid 3.18.0 for votes and 1.17.6 for laws. And at the year end, Franklin recorded in his account with Hamilton a charge for 20.17.6 for printing "9 Sheets of Votes." The new Pennsylvania Assembly met from 14 through 18 Oct.

Franklin published eight titles at his own risk: The Indian Tale, which was probably a belletristic work, perhaps a poem (5 and 8 Jan); the Shorter Catechism (21 March); the Masonic Constitutions (16 May); his own Poor Richard's Almanac (7 Nov); Jerman's American Almanac (21 Nov); Dr. Tennent's Every Man His Own Physician (23 Jan 1734/5); and The Poor Orphan's Legacy (see end of year).

The Pennsylvania Gazette continued to be his major production. On 30 May, Thursday, the PG's first advertising cut, a small block cut showing a large ship under sail, appeared. The second advertising cut, showing a small ship (a sloop) under sail first came out on 12 Sept. The cuts and the factotems greatly improved the appearance of the paper. (BF had begun using ornamental initial letters or factotums on 11 March 1731.) He also put brief heads over some advertisements to vary the paper's appearance. Sometime during the year, Andrew Bradford, the Philadelphia postmaster, forbad the post riders to carry BF's Pennsylvania Gazette. BF bribed the riders to do so, and complained to Alexander Spotswood, Postmaster General of North America (see 1735).

On 29 Aug, PG advertisements took more than two full pages for the first time. Franklin's own advertisements included his standard ones for Aleppo ink and lampblack, to which he now added rags, and a miscellany of the most common books (Bibles, psalters, etc.). C. W. Miller pointed out that on Thursday, 31 Oct, Franklin first used a new typeface (black letter, long primer) in an advertisement (top of p. 4, col. 2) and that he used it occasionally until 1742. Bookselling was becoming a larger staple of BF's business. On 21 March, BF advertised a large number of books for sale, including Henry Care's English Liberties and his own printing of Honour of the Gout.

Civic Life: In 1734, Franklin attended Library Company Directors' meetings on 14 January, 11 February, 11 and 14 March, 8 April, 13 and 23 May, 10 June, 8 and 15 July, 12 August, 9 September, 13 October, 11 November, and 9 December. He missed one meeting, 21 October. He continued to serve as the librarian until 11 March. The month before, 11 February, he pointed out that borrowers of books rarely came on Wednesdays. He proposed and it was agreed "by a proper Majority of the said Directors" that the library hours should be on "Saturday & from Four in the Afternoon until Eight. That the Librarians Salary for his Service & finding a Fit Room for the Books shall be at the Rate of Six pounds per Year." The Library Company directors determined, 11 March, that the librarian, Louis Timothee, was owed six pounds for two quarters. (Franklin had been serving as librarian since the previous November.) William Parsons was chosen the new librarian, and on 14 March, the Directors of Library Company agreed with William Parsons, who served until 1746.

"Liber B," PHi, the main source for our early knowledge of Franklin's Masonic activities, does not record attendence after the first three meetings of the year (7 Jan, 4 Feb, and 4 March--all of which BF attended), but from the fines paid for absence, we know that BF missed the 3 June meeting, and of course we know that he was elected Grand Master on 24 June. As Grand Master, he probably attended every meeting for the next year.

Pennsylvania Politics: The second session of the Pennsylvania Assembly of 1733-34 continued from 17 Dec 1733 to 19 Jan 1734; and the third session was from 12 to 17 Aug. BF opposed the pacifist Quaker members of the House by writing and publishing a piece, 6 March, urging that a militia be established in Pennsylvania. The 1734-35 Pennsylvania legislature met in its first session from 14 to 18 Oct. From 19 Sept 1734 to 20 Sept 1735, Proprietor John Penn ("the American" because he was born in America), lived in Philadelphia.

Writings: "Queries" urging establishing a militia in PA, 6 March; on "Constancy," 4 April; "a Reader to the Printer," 11 April; "The Death of Infants," 20 June; Parody of and reply to a melancholy religious Meditation, 8 Aug; "T. G. To the Printer of the Gazette," 15 Aug; Note on a Thunderstorm, 25 Sept; "The Murder of a Daughter," 24 Oct; exaggerating body counts in battle reports, 19 Dec; Poor Richard for 1735.

Chronology:

1 Jan, Tuesday, House continued meeting from 17 Dec 1733. Met until 19 Jan. Votes 3:2201-2219.

4 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

5 Jan, Saturday, Two copies of BF's imprint The Indian Tale sold (accounts, 5 Jan). See 8 Jan below.

6 Jan, Sunday, became 28.

7 Jan, Monday, attended Masonic meeting (P 1:203).

8 Jan, Tuesday, BF commented in the PG:"Our late Papers from New York, are filled with Depositions taken from several Persons who have been lately in Canada, and at Louisburg, setting forth that there is no want of Provisions in those Places, and insinuating that the Voyage of the Sloop Le Caesar which lately came to buy Provisions at New York, was only to give an Opportunity to some French Engineers and Pilots to discover the Channel and Way in, and view the Strength of the Fortifications, that they may be better enabled to execute a Design they have upon that Place in case a War should break out between England and France. But some think these Things are published there, rather to embarras the Governor, than from any Apprehensions they are really under that the French have such a Design."

8 Jan (b). PG advertised The Indian Tale (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1733/4) as "Just Published." No copy known. Miller 86. See 5 Jan. Not in David Foxon; therefore, if a poem, the work is probably American.

8 Jan (c). AWM: Continuation of "No-Body" on BF's "Half-Hour's Conversation." See 16 Nov 1733.

11 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 Jan, Monday, attended monthly directors meeting of Library Company.

18 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 Jan, Saturday. Pennsylvania House adjourned until 12 Aug. Votes 3:2219.

post 19 Jan: Advertisement of the Collector of Excise, The act of the Assembly passed in Jan. 1733/34 renewing excise on wine and other spirits required printed advertisements. Not seen. Miller 89.

22 Jan, Tuesday, AWM: Attack on infidelity of Hamilton (with possible glances at Franklin): "What then must be expected from a Spinosa, Sejanus, or Protesilaus at the Helm?"

22 Jan (b). AWM: "On Wednesday last was play'd at the Court-House, a new Fire-Engine, made in this City, which threw the Water much higher than the largest this City had from London. 'Tis said that several others are to be made by the same Man, which 'tis thought will be much better than this, it being the first he ever made." Probably made by Anthony Nichols. See 21 and 28 July 1735.

24 Jan, Thursday. Though the PG is dated "From Jan 16 [Wednesday] to Jan 23 [Wednesday]," the local news is printed under "PHILADELPHIA, Jan 24": "Monday and Wednesday this Week were published at the Court-House, three Acts made this Sitting of Assembly, viz. The Act to prevent the Exportation of Flour not merchantable; An Act confirming the Repeal of Divers Acts: and the Excise Act. The Assembly is adjourn'd to the 12th of Aug next."

25 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 Jan, Monday. AWM poem attacked Hamilton. Calendar 287.

1 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 Feb, Saturday. Louis Timothee (now using the spelling Lewis Timothy), BF's second South Carolina partner, resumed publication of the South Carolina Gazette. Cf. 8 Sept 1733.

4 Feb, Monday, attended Masonic meeting. P 1:203.

5 Feb, Tuesday. AWM: Another reply to the "Half-Hours Conversation." See 16 Nov 1733.

7 Feb, Thursday, PG advertised "The Society of Ancient Britons" meeting on 1 March.

8 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 Feb, Monday, attended monthly Library Company directors' meeting in the library room. "It was proposed & by a proper Majority of the said Directors agreed that the Time of the Librarian's attendance should be only on one Day of the Week (it having been found by Experience that the Borrowers of Books did not commonly come to the Library on Wednesdays; And it having appear'd to the Directors one Day in the Week to serve the Borrowers will be sufficient) & that the Day of Attendance shall be Saturday & from Four in the Afternoon until Eight. That the Librarians Salary for his Service & finding a Fit Room for the Books shall be at the Rate of Six pounds per Year. And this Salary begin next Day after the Expiration of this current Quarter."

15 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

16 Feb, Saturday, "Saturday last [16 Feb] a Marriage was consummated between William Allen, Esq; one of the Principal Merchants of this City; and Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, only Daughter of Andrew Hamilton, esq; a young Lady of great Merit."--PG, 21 Feb (P 1:376). DF and BF probably attended.

19 Feb, Tuesday. AWM. "Mr. Bradford, I am heartily sorry for the ill usage you lately met with." E. C. Cook, 87-88, speculated that BF had accused Bradford of slander and that Bradford replied in this article that BF was too suspicious.

21 Feb, Thursday. Though the PG is dated "From Feb 13 to Feb 20," the local news is printed under the date "Philadelphia, Feb 21."

21 Feb (b). PG: "From the Barbadoes-Gazette, Decem: 19. 1733. Printed by S. Keimer. There being a very uncommon Advertisement in the Daily Journal, Dated Oct 24. for the Information of our Readers, it is here inserted.

"This Day is publish'd (Price One Shilling) Dedicated to the Right Hon. John Barber, esq; Lord Mayor of London) An ORATION spoke at Joyner's Hall in Thames street, on Monday, Sept. 24. 1733, pursuant to the Will of Mrs. Jane Ilive, who departed this Life Aug. 29. Aetat. 63. Proving I. The Plurality of Worlds. II. That this Earth is Hell. III. That the Souls of Men are the Apostate Angels. And, IV. That the Fire which will punish those who shall be confined to this Globe after the Day of Judgment, will be immaterial. With large Notes confirming the Hypothesis and refuting Dr. Lupton's Opinion of the Eternity of Hell-Torments.

Great is the Truth, and it shall prevail.

"Your Printer [Keimer] was intimately with this worthy Gentlewoman, printed a Book at her House of near 40 Sheets, wrote by John Lacy, Esq; one of the Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, by the Assistance (as he said) of an Angel; and I maturely think he believ'd so. She was so accomplish'd a Woman I have seen no History that has afforded the like. Some Memoirs of her Life, with exact Truth, for the Honour of the fair Sex, will be inserted in the next 100 Notable Things, which will be of an uncommon Nature, intended to be dedicated to the Royal Family at home, and printed with a new Letter just arriv'd in Barbadoes." Keimer continued by praising himself and what he could do if Barbados wisely rewarded him.

Franklin may have been recalling this article rather than his personal experience when he wrote his sister Jane Mecom on 30 Dec 1770 that he knew Mrs. Ilive when he was first in London in 1725 and 1726. (P 17:315-16.)

22 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Feb, Tuesday. AWM: [Richard Lewis], "Upon Prince Madoc's Expedition to the Country now called America, in the 12th Century. Humbly inscrib'd to the worthy Society of Ancient Britons, meeting at Philadelphia, March the 1st, 1733-4." Calendar 290.

27 Feb, Wednesday. PG: "On Tuesday last a Widow of this Town was married in her Shift, without any other Apparel; upon a Supposition that such a Procedure would secure her Husband in the Law from being sued for any Debts of his Predecessor." P 1:376.

1 March, Friday. "The first instant being the Anniversary of the Birth of Her Majesty, a great Number of the principle Gentlemen and Inhabitants of this Place waited on our Governour at his House about Noon, where all the Royal Healths, with that of our Honourable Proprietaries, were drank under the Discharge of several Pieces of Canon on Society-Hill. Our Proprietor, Governor and a very large Company were afterwards entertained at Dinner by the Society of Ancient Britons, established here in Honour of Her Majesty's Birth Day and the Principality of Wales; where the Royal Healths were repeated with all suitable Demonstrations of Loyalty." Griffith Hughes was one of the stewards for the following year; AWM 5 Mar.

1 March (b). Junto meeting probably cancelled.

4 March, Monday, attended Masonic meeting. P 1: 203. Note: this is the last date that the monthly meetings of St. John's Lodge are recorded, but I presume that BF continued his regular attendence at the Masons on the first Monday of nearly every month until his departure for England in 1757. Occasional newspaper references sometimes mention his presence (e.g., 24 June 1755).

5 March, Tuesday. AWM: Lead essay on letter in PG from Burlington.

6 March, Wednesday, wrote "Queries" urging establishing a militia in PA. Canon 82-83; W 223-25.

8 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 March, Monday, attended meeting of Library Company directors who determined that the librarian, L. Timothee, was owed six pounds for two quarters. William Parsons was chosen librarian to succeed Timothee (actually, to succeed BF).

14 March, Thursday, Agreement between directors of Library Company and William Parsons, who agreed to keep the library open every Saturday from 4 to 8pm. P 1:359-61.

15 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 March, Thursday, PG advertised: "Just published, The Laws of this Province which were passed in the last Sitting of Assembly [17 Dec 1733 to 19 Jan 1733/4]; viz. The Excise Act, the Flour Act, and two others." P 1:376. Miller 77.

21 March (b). PG advertised a number of books for sale by BF including Henry Care's English Liberties and Honour of the Gout (Miller 62). P 1:377.

21 March (c). PG advertised "Lately printed and sold by the Printer hereof." Church of Scotland, Westminster Assembly (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1734). Miller 81. The shorter catechism of the Assembly of Divines.

22 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 March, Tuesday, BF settled his account with Louis Timothee when Mrs. Timothee departed for South Carolina (accounts).

29 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 April, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting: Isaac Browne's and James Hamilton's entrance fees charged.

4 April, Thursday, PG: essay on "Constancy." Canon 83-84; W 225-27.

4 April (b). AWM: "An Alphabetical Key, explaining all the dark Innuendo's ... of that Caitiff Mr. Bradford his late Papers." Calendar 299.

5 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

8 April, Monday, BF attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts, where they agreed to have all the folios bound and asked Franklin "to get it done in the fittest manner."

9 April, Tuesday, BF made the first of several real estate transactions by which he accumulated several lots which became the site of his home later known as 318 Market Street. Sarah Read owned a lot, which was 33 feet wide and 306 feet deep and had two small houses on it. Sarah Read gave (for five shillings) one half of the lot (the eastern half) together with the house on it to the Franklins and to her other daughter and son-in-law, Frances and John Croker. Bargain and Sale (9 April); Sarah Read to Benjamin and Deborah Franklin: Release (10 April); and Benjamin and Deborah Franklin and John and Frances Croker to Sarah Read: Lease (11 April), P 1:362-70. She retained the right to live in it until her death. Sarah Read gave the western half of the lot and its dwelling house to her son John Read, Jr., who sold it to BF on 15 Nov 1741 for £390. BF bought Croker's interest in the eastern half lot for £60 on 12 Oct 1745. BF added a 16 & 1/2 foot parcel on Market Street on 25 March 1752 which he purchased from Samuel Preston Moore and his wife Hannah. Deborah Franklin on 26 Sept 1765 purchased an additional parcel for £900.

10 April. Wednesday, Deed of Gift from Sarah Read to BF and DF. P 1:365-67.

11 April, Thursday: BF & DF and John and Frances Croker's deed to Sarah Read for a house and lot on High Street for her life. Signed by Deborah Franklin & John and Frances Croker as principals; witnessed by John Jones and Thomas Hopkinson. P 1:367-70.

11 April (b). PG: "From a Reader to the Printer." P 1:370. A paragraph condemning scandal in a newspaper prefaced a reprinting of Spectator # 451. E. C. Cook 95 said that Franklin "was gaily answering his rival's taunts ... with a counter accusation of direct slander."

11 April (c). BF advertised: "READY MONEY for old RAGS, may be had of the Printer hereof." P 1:377. BF had begun to supply the local papermakers. Repeated frequently thereafter. See the discussion in Miller, xxxvi-xlvi.

11 April (d) AWM: Reprinted John Gay's fable of "The Dog and the Fox" with an attack on lawyers, pointing at Hamilton. DeArmond 94.

12 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

18 April, Thursday, PG: news of fire: "It is thought by some that the Engines sav'd the Town several Thousand Pounds that Day." P 1:377.

18 April (b). AWM: Discussion of liberty and freedom of the press begins with Addison's lines. Contains a relevant cut.

19 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 April, Thursday, PG printed George II's speech on war; also in AWM.

25 April (b). PG advertised: "The Subscribers to the Library in Philadelphia are hereby advertised, that Monday the 6th of May ensuing, at Two in the Afternoon, is the Time appointed for the Choice of Directors and a Treasurer for the succeeding Year, and for making the second annual Payment, at the House of John Roberts in High-street near the Market. J. Breintnal, Secr." P 1:377-78. Repeated 2 May.

26 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 May, Thursday, PG advertised a fresh parcel of "SUPERFINE CROWN SOAP."

2 May (b). PG advertised, "Nine Thousand Foot of seasoned Merchantable Boards, at a Reasonable Price. Inquire of the Printer."

3 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 May, Monday, 1734, attended annual election of the Library Company directors at John Roberts. The directors elected were: William Rawle, Thomas Godfrey, Thomas Cadwalader, Thomas Hopkinson, Hugh Roberts, Philip Syng, John Jones, William Coleman, Benjamin Franklin, and Francis Richardson. Note: Usually the persons given the most votes are listed first; this report seems to be an exception. Cf. 27 August. Joseph Breintnall, secretary, and James Morris, treasurer. The new directors were William Rawle, Philip Syng, William Coleman (who had served as treasurer), and Francis Richardson.

9 May, Thursday, PG advertised: "Very good single Refin'd Loaf Sugar sold." "Also Coffee, and Cases of Bottles." P 1:378.

10 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

13 May, Monday, attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts' house.

16 May, Thursday, BF advertised as "Just Published" [James Anderson], The Constitutions of the Free­Masons, "by special Order, for the Use of the Brethren in North­America." Miller # 80. BF published it as early as 13 May (see accounts). BF added the text of a "new song," p. 93, not present in the London original. If he composed the song, it does him little credit. Cf. P 1:375n, citing two Masonic songs in French composed by "an American brother." The five Masonic songs in Anderson's Constitutions, 83 to 94, are "The earliest known collection of secular poems intended to be sung which was published in the colonies." Irving Lowens, "Eighteenth-Century Massachusetts Songsters," in Music in Colonial Massachusetts, II. Music in Homes and in Churches (Boston: Col. Soc. of Mass., 1985), 550. But we know that at least one of Franklin's songs was sung at Masonic meetings: "Fair Venus Calls," composed about 1741 (cf. 29 March 1781), continued to be sung at Masonic meetings into the nineteenth century.

17 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

23 May, Thursday, PG printed "A General Bill of all the Christenings and Burials from the 12th of Dec. 1732, to the 11th of Dec. 1733 According to the Report made to the KING's Most Excellent MAJESTY. By the Company of Parish Clerks in London, &c."

23 May (b). BF reported a fire: "Last Night a Fire broke out in a back Building behind Dr. Jones's in Market-Street but was soon extinguish'd. It being difficult at first to get Water for the Engines, 'tis thought the Fire would have risen to a great Head there abouts, if so much Rain had not fallen Yesterday as made every Thing very wet. Where there is not Pumps in Yards, it is to be wish'd that People would keep Hogsheads of Water always ready for such Occasions, as they are obliged by Law to do in some Cities." P 1:378.

23 May (d). BF attended meeting of Library Company directors. BF and Breintnall were asked to write Collinson and to send him a bill of exchange.

24 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 May, Wednesday, BF drew up the letter to Collinson on 28 May (cf. 23 May) and Breintnall sent it off on the 29th with the bill of exchange.

30 May, Thursday, PG used first advertising cut, a small block cut showing a large ship under sail. The second advertising cut, showing a small ship under sail, first appeared on 12 Sept. (Ornamental initial letters or factotums had appeared on 11 March 1731.)

31 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

3 June, Monday, missed the Masonic meeting. P 1:203. Dr. Thomas Bond's, William Pyewell's, and John Robinson's entrance fees charged.

7 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

10 June, Monday, attended monthly meeting of the Library Company directors. Franklin said he would have certificates of membership printed the next day.

11 June, Tuesday. James Hamilton (57) bought a share in the Library Company. So did William Plumsted (58); John Syng (59), who sold it to Isaiah Warner, 8 Dec 1740, in turn to Joseph Warner, 14 Nov 1744; John Bard (60); John Roberts (61), who relinquished his share; Samuel Morris (62); and John Stamper (63).

13 June (b): Samuel Norris (64) bought a share in the Library Company and sold it to Isaac Norris, 24 June 1741, in turn to Charles Norris, 19 July 1746.

14 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

20 June, Thursday, PG: BF's essay on the death of infants. Canon 84-86; W 228-30.

21 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

24 June, Monday, "Monday last, a Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this Province, was held at the Tun Tavern in Water-Street, when Benjamin Franklin being elected Grand-Master for the Year ensuing, appointed Mr. John Crap, to be his Deputy; and James Hamilton, Esq, and Thomas Hopkinson, Gent. were chosen Wardens. After which a very elegant Entertainment was provided, and the Proprietor, the Governor, and several other Persons of Distinction honour'd the Society with their Presence." 27 June PG; cf. 27 March 1735 AWM. P 1:379.

28 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 July, Monday, Probably attended Masonic meeting; William Plumsted's and Septimus Robinson's entrance fees charged.

4 July, Thursday, BF advertised "Stationary Ware." P 1:379.

5 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

8 July, Monday, attended monthly meeting of the Library Company directors.

11 July, Thursday, PG: "The Weather has been so excessive hot here for a Week past, that a great Number of People have fainted and fallen into Convulsions, and several have died in a few Hours after they were taken. From the Country round about we hear that a great many of the Harvest People faint in the Fields, and 'tis said that in some Places a multitude of Birds are found dead. Excepting the Hot Summer about 7 Years since, such Weather has not been known in this Country in the memory of Man." P 1:379.

11 July (b). PG advertised: "Very good Lampblack made and sold by the Printer hereof." P 1:379.

11 July (c). PG advertised: "John Hobart who lately kept the Sun Tavern in Water Street, Philadelphia, gives this Publick Notice to his Friends and others, that he is now removed to the Sign of the Conestoga Wagon in Market Street next Door to the White Horse." A longer version appeared 8 Aug.

12 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

15 July, Monday, the Library Company directors asked Franklin if the books they wanted to purchase could be supplied from Boston and at what price? Cf. 12 Aug, 9 Sept.

19 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 Aug, Thursday. PG: "Meditation on the Vanity and Brevity of Human Life" from A Select Manual of Divine Mediation and Prayers by the Rev. Joshua Smith. BF had seen it in both the London Magazine (April 1734) and in the Boston Gazette (11 July 1734). Cf. 8 Aug for BF's parody.

2 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 Aug, Monday, probably attended Masonic Meeting; Joseph Breintnall's entrance fee charged on 5 Aug 1734.

8 Aug, Thursday, PG: BF parodied and replied to the melancholy religious meditation of 1 Aug. Canon 86; W 230-33.

9 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

12 Aug, Monday, Pennsylvania Assembly met through 17 Aug. Votes 3:2219-2235. Cf. 13 Aug and 17 Aug.

12 Aug (b). At a meeting of the Library Company directors, BF reported he had sent the book list to Boston but had not yet received a reply. Cf. 15 July, 9 Sept.

13 Aug, Tuesday, Pennsylvania Assembly voted 13.1.11 for Indian Treaties. Votes 3:2224.

15 Aug, Thursday, PG: "T[homas] G[odfrey] to the Printer of the Gazette." P 1: 371-2. Good skit. Probably by BF.

15 Aug (b). AWM: Reply to BF's burlesque of last week, accusing "Sir Reverence Cake Shop" (8 Aug) of irreverence.

16 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

17 Aug, Saturday, Last day of Pennsylvania Assembly meeting. Franklin was paid £27 for printing the votes and acts of assembly. Votes 3:2234.

17 Aug (b). Breintnall asked the Library Company directors for permission to sell Isaac Penington's share.

post 17 Aug. Laws to Session (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1734). Miller 91.

post 17 Aug. PA General Assembly, Votes and Proceedings, 1733-1734, (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1733). Miller 78. Printed in multiple parts: after 17 Oct 1733, after 19 Jan 1733/4, and after 17 Aug 1734.

22 Aug, Thursday, PG: essay on public spirit, containing sentiments that BF shared. He may have written the essay, though if so, it is one of his most formal and abstract pieces.

23 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 Sept, Monday, probably attended Masonic Meeting.

5 Sept, PG advertised at length Henry Care's English Liberties.

6 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 Sept, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors at John Roberts, Franklin reporting that the books desired were not to be had in Boston. Cf. 15 July, 12 Aug. They therefore resolved to send a slightly revised list to London.

12 Sept, Thursday. The proprietaries advertisement concerning payment for lands appeared in PG and separate. Miller 96.

12 Sept (b). PG advertised a third parcel of "Super Fine Crown Soap."

13 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 Sept, Saturday, BF charged "A. Hamilton Esq. for printing New Castle laws," 6 Sheets at 25s; £7.10.0 (accounts). Delaware. General Assembly. Laws for Session ending March 20 1733[/34] (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1734). Campbell 67; Miller 82; Evans 3767.

20 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Sept, Saturday. Rev. Samuel Hemphill received by the Philadelphia Synod. P 2: 27; Minutes of the Presbgyterian Church 121.

23 Sept, Monday, the Rev. Samuel Hemphill, along with several other new members of the Philadelphia Synod, "declared for, and adopted, the Westminister Confession Catechisms and Directory commonly annexed, the former as the Confession of their faith, and the latter as the Guide of their Practice in Matters of Discipline, as far as may be agreeable to the rules of Prudence, &c: as in the adopting Acts of this Synod is directed." Apparently, Hemphill then or shortly after was installed as assistant minister to the Rev. Jedediah Andrews at Philadelphia's First Presbyterian Church. A96; Minutes of the Presbyterian Church 121.

25 Sept, PG reported the movement of a thunderstorm from Conestoga to Philadelphia to the mouth of the Delaware Bay. Canon 86-87; W 233.

25 Sept (b). PG: John Penn arrived in Philadelphia. P 1:381.

25 Sept (c). PG reported Michael Welfare's warning to Philadelphians calling for repentance. P 1:381-82. BF later printed the sermon, see 6 Jan 1736/7.

26 Sept, Thursday. AWM: "The Speech of Sir John Randolph, upon his being elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. Aug. 28."

27 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 Oct, Tuesday, Pennsylvania elections. Andrew Hamilton reelected from Bucks County. Thomas Lawrence elected Mayor of Philadelphia.

3 Oct, Thursday, full election coverage in PG.

4 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

7 Oct, Monday, probably attended Masonic Meeting.

11 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

13 Oct, Sunday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors at John Roberts, where he and Coleman were asked to draw up an address to John Penn, lately arrived from England. Although the date reads "13 October," I suspect it was an error for 14 Oct; the Library Company directors did not otherwise meet on a Sunday.

14 Oct, Monday, Pennsylvania Assembly met through 18 Oct. On 14 Oct, Andrew Hamilton was elected speaker by a majority. Votes 3:2235-2245.

14 Oct (b). Province of Pennsylvania Dr. for 3 Sheets Votes [Miller 78], 3.18.0; 1 Sheet & 1/2 Laws [Miller 77], 1.17.6. Accounts.

15 Oct, Tuesday, Joseph Growdon chosen "Clerk of the House." Votes 3:2237.

16 Oct, Wednesday. New England Weekly Journal: "On Wednesday last a Child of about four Years of Age, a Grandson to Mr. Josiah Franklin in Union-Street, playing about the Room, stumbled and fell on a Skillet of boiling Liquor over the Fire, and scalded itself to that degree that it dyed the next Day."

17 Oct, Thursday. James Logan to John Penn: Logan Papers, 10:52; PHi.

18 Oct, Friday, Pennsylvania Assembly adjourned until 13 Jan 1734/5.

18 Oct (b). Probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Oct, Monday, evidently did not attend meeting of the Library Company directors where Coleman presented "a rough Draught of an Address, in which B. Franklin had not had Leisure to assist, but desired Time either till next Monthly Meeting or if they could compleat it sooner then to inform me [Breintnall] & I to acquaint the Directors that they might meet--which they agreed to."

23 Oct, Wednesday. Henry Price wrote BF that he was recovering from an illness and would not be able to visit Philadelphia that fall as he had hoped. Information deduced from BF's replies of 28 Nov 1734.

24 Oct, Thursday. PG: BF's "The Murder of a Daughter." Canon 87-88; W 233-34. See Robert D. Arner, "Politics and Temperance" 66-67; Ronald A. Bosco, "'Scandal, like other Virtues,'" 91. Cf. P 2:133.

25 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 Oct, Wednesday, The Preface to Poor Richard for 1734 was dated 30 Oct; see 7 Nov for its publication.

30 Oct (b). PG: "Wednesday last [30 Oct] being His Majesty's BIRTHDAY, was observed here with all the usual Demonstrations of Loyalty and Joy. The principal gentlemen of the Place were entertained at the Proprietors and at the Governor's, where all the Loyal Healths were drunk under the Discharge of a great Number of Cannon, and the Evening concluded with Bonfires, Illuminations, &c." 31 Oct PG.

31 Oct, Thursday. PG: Advertisement (top of p. 4, col. 2) marked the first use of a new typeface, black letter long primer, which Franklin occasionally used until 1742. C. W. Miller, "Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia Type" 185. Cf. 4 May 1738.

1 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

4 Nov, Monday, probably attended Masonic Meeting; Philip Syng's entrance fee charged.

7 Nov, Thursday, PG advertised Poor Richard (Philadelphia: Franklin, [1734]). Miller 85. P 1:382. For Franklin's gift of this and subsequent almanacs to his sister-in-law Anne Franklin, see 4 Feb 1734/5.

8 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 Nov, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

15 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Nov, Thursday, "Just Published," John Jerman, American Almanack for the year 1735 (Philadelphia: Franklin, [1734]). Miller 87.

22 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

28 Nov, Thursday: BF to Henry Price, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, P 1:373-75.

29 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 Nov, Saturday, Proprietor delivered books from Collinson to BF, who sent them to William Parsons, Librarian.

2 Dec, Monday: Probably attended Masonic Meeting.

5 Dec, Thursday, PG: Joseph Breintnall celebrated Richard Lewis and scorned a poor elegy on him. Lemay, Men of Letters 180-81.

6 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 Dec, Monday, attended Library Company directors' meeting. Since the address to John Penn had been delayed for so long, the directors agreed to wait till election day in May when the whole company of subscribers could vote on it.

12 Dec, Thursday, PG: BF advertised for the return of several books. P 1:383.

13 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 Dec, Thursday, BF satirized exaggerating body counts in battle reports. Canon 88; W 235-39. Cf. 23 Oct (b) 1729, where BF accounted for the different reporting of four English papers on the subject of peace with Spain by explaining their different political positions.

20 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Dec, Thursday, PG: BF advertised for an indentured servant who could teach children, probably intending to hire a teacher for William. P 1:383.

27 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

After 1734. List of books (BF's hand) for Philadelphia Library? At NN. BFPAPERS FILE 1640. [Numbers added.]

1. A Collection of Papers which passed between the late learned Mr. Leibnitz and Dr. Clarke, relating to the Principles of Natural Philosophy and Religion. To which are added, Letters from Cambridge to Dr. Clarke, concerning Liberty and Necessity, with the Doctor's answers; And, Remarks upon a Book entituled, A Philosophical Enquiry concerning Human Liberty 1717. 8o.

2. Neal's History of New England; and the Histories of as many other of the Plantations as can be got

3. Eusebius's Church History

4. Mezeray's History of France

5. Mariana's History of Spain

6. History of the Low Countries

7. History of the Spanish first Conquests and Settlements in America

8. Ozanam's Mathematical Recreations

9. Abridgement of Boyle's Philosophical Works. 4 Vols 4to.

10. Burnet's Theory of the Earth

11. Whiston's Ditto

12. Abridgment of Rushworth's Collections 6 vols. 20 s Sterl

13. Works of Machiavell

14. Shakespeare, by Theobald. 7 Vols. 8o [Published in March 1733/4.]

15. Steele's Dramatical Works

16. Cheyne's Essay on Health and long Life

17. Whiston's Mathematical Dialogues, just publish'd.

18. Collection of Voyages, 6 Vols

19. Wars of K. William and Queen Anne

20. The City and Country Purchasers and Builder's Dictionary or, the Complete Builder's Guide. By Richard Neve.

21. Turner's Art of Surgery

22. Reflexions upon Accuracy of Stile containing the Chief Rules to be observed for obtaining an accurate Stile by J. Constable [1734]

23. Snelgrave's Account of Guinea and the Slave Trade [1734]

24. Don Quixote 4 Vols.

25. Milton's Political Works, 3 Vols

During 1734, BF published two otherwise undated imprints: The Poor Orphan's Legacy (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1734). Miller 97. Miller notes that Franklin sent fifty copies to his sister Ann Franklin in Newport during April, 1736. Also Laws to Sessions of Jan 12, 1729/30 (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1734). Miller 90. A reprinting of Miller 24, "except for the Hemp Act, which had been repealed, and the Excise Act, which had expired" (Miller 90).