1737
(rev. 8/11/97)

Personal: On May 30, the Union Fire Company began keeping regular minutes. To give a good idea of the meetings, the minutes will be transcribed for 1737 through 1739. Beginning in 1740, I transcribe only the minutes for the first meeting of the year, but calendar all meetings, noting whether Franklin was present as well as other references to him. A mock Masonic ceremony in which Daniel Rees was killed involved Franklin in his first serious scandal (13 June). James ("Jimmy") Franklin, Jr. (BF's nephew) continued to live and board with BF while he and William Franklin attended school. On 15 Oct, BF was again chosen Clerk of the House; this time, however, a member (probably Isaac Norris, II) made a speech opposing him. BF related in the Autobiography how he shrewdly overcame the opposition (A100). Deborah had a maid named "Catren" for a period in the fall and winter of 1737 (6 September, 21 October, and 2 December).

Business: The Pennsylvania Assembly of 1736-37, with BF as its clerk, met on 2-4 May, and on 8-13 Aug. On 13 Aug, the Assembly paid him for the past year: £24.9.6 as clerk of the house and for printing. (The Trustees of the Loan Office had earlier paid him £1.10.0 for advertisements, 10 Aug.) The new assembly of 1737-38 met on 14-15 Oct. BF became Philadelphia's postmaster on 5 Oct, promptly establishing the post office in his home.

C. W. Miller lists seventeen imprints (nos. 130-46) for 1737, though one, Dr. John Tennent's Every Man His Own Physician, may be the same publication listed the year before (27 Oct). A True State of the Establishment of the Church of England was advertised as "shortly to be published" (21 July), but no further advertisements appeared; no copy is extant, and it does not turn up in BF's accounts, so it probably never appeared. Only two job printings are recorded for 1737: one a blank form for the Loan Office of Burlington Co., NJ (listed at the year-end); the other a Pennsylvania mortgage bond filled out on 16 Nov. The three Pennsylvania government printings are: the Votes (periodically, see 1 Sept); a Proclamation of 7 March; and last year's Indian Treaty of Friendship held with the Chiefs of the Six Nations, advertised 22 Sept.

BF published five pieces for various persons or organizations. On 3 Feb, he advertised the second edition of the boundary Agreement between Maryland and Pennsylvania. On 2 May, New Jersey finally issued the paper money that BF had printed in Burlington, from mid-July to 10 Sept, 1736. For Benjamin Lay, he printed All Slave Keepers that keep the Innocent in Bondage, Apostates (24 Aug). Richard Peters probably paid Franklin to print The Two Last Sermons (15 Sept). And the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Quakers paid for George Fox, Instructions for Right Spelling (Sept). Franklin evidently also printed something for Job Noble in Jan, charging him twenty-five shillings for it (25 Jan; in 1740, he printed An Alarm Sounded for Noble, see year-end, 1740).

At his own risk Franklin published Isaac Watts, Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language for the Use of Children (24 March) and of course his two major money-makers, Poor Richard's Almanac (3 Nov) and the weekly Pennsylvania Gazette.

On 5 October, Governor Spotswood of Virginia appointed Franklin postmaster of Philadelphia: "I ... found it of great Advantage, for tho' the Salary was small, it facilitated the Correspondence that improv'd my Newspaper, encreas'd the Number demanded, as well as the Advertisements to be inserted, so that it came to afford me a very considerable Income" (A101). For the two years before Franklin became postmaster, the advertisements did not quite average one page; for the two years after, they averaged about a page and a half. On 6 October, the advertisements took up a page plus one advertisement, but on 13 October, after the news of Franklin being appointed postmaster, they occupied two pages plus one advertisement.

Franklin said that he was lucky that Deborah Franklin was "as much dispos'd to Industry and Frugality as my self. She assisted me chearfully in my Business, folding and stitching Pamphlets, tending Shop, purchasing old Linen Rags for the Paper-makers, etc. etc." (A76). The best record of her help is the Shop Book for 1735 to 1739. Here Deborah Franklin recorded the numerous items she sold on credit. Though Franklin entered some items, the great majority were in her handwriting. For me, the most touching record is an account with William Satterthwaite. The entry (entirely in her hand) for 16 Aug 1737 follows: "William Saterthwit Dr [debtor] for a Latin Gramer, 3.6; a testament, 2.3; a Box of wafers, 0.4.; a Quier [quire] of paper that my Carles Wife forgot to set down and now the Carles thing donte now [know] the prise sow I muste truste to you." Evidently BF had called Deborah careless for failing to record the quality of paper (and thus the price) and upset her. BF continued to barter with some customers: he accepted a "Curb Bridle" from N. Reddish (accounts, 6 May).

On 14 August, Edward Lewis moved in with the Franklins, receiving 9£ a year, plus "Accomodations, of Meat, Drink, Washing and Lodging. He is to go away when anything offers more to his Advantage." Perhaps he worked as a printer or a clerk, though the pay was quite low.

Activities and Social Life: His normal routines added a meeting of the Union Fire Company on the last Monday night of every month (see 30 May). The monthly routines now consisted of a Junto meeting every Friday night, a Masonic meeting the first Monday night of the month, a Library Company directors' meeting the second Monday night of the month, and a Union Fire Company members' meeting on the last Monday night of every month. We have records, however, only of the Library Company and (beginning 30 May) the Union Fire Company meetings. In 1737, Franklin attended Library Company directors' meetings on 10 January (?), 14 February, 14 March, 11 and 30 (?) April, 9 May, 13 June, 11 July, 8 August (?), 12 September, 10 October, 14 November, and 12 December. (The question mark indicates that the attendance was not recorded; given his perfect record at all recorded meetings this year, I presume he attended the others as well.) At the annual election, 2 May, he was again elected a director and again listed first, probably indicating he received the most votes. The records of the Union Fire Company begin 30 May. BF attended every Union Fire Company meeting for the rest of the year; I believe that he would have attended every previous meeting of this starting organization.

Intellectual Interests: About 1737, increasingly bored with the assembly proceedings, BF amused himself by contriving ingenious mathematical squares and circles (P 4:392-403; cf. 28 Feb 1749/50). His sarcastic note about the boat robbers on the coast of Great Britain as opposed to the helpful Florida Indians (2 June) anticipates his great essay, "On the Savages of North America." From John Breintnall, BF bought a "Pocket Compass & Microscope" for 9 shillings (accounts, 22 July). About September, John Bartram suggested to Peter Collinson that a scientific society be founded in America. This was the first suggestion for the organization that became the American Philosophical Society.

Pennsylvania Politics: James Logan continued to act as governor of Pennsylvania. The third session of the 1736-37 assembly met from 2 May to 4 May; and the last session met from 8 to 13 Aug. A clever piece in the 29 Sept PG seemingly attacked the representatives, but really supported the present incumbents, except for satirizing the son (perhaps Isaac Norris, Jr.) of a former representative. And a poem in the 20 Oct AWM (perhaps by Isaac Norris, Jr.) replied to the satire. The first session of the 1737-38 assembly met from 14 to 15 Oct.

Indian Affairs: Gov. Gooch of Virginia had written President Logan on 20 Dec 1736 proposing that Pennsylvania invite the Iroquois League to a conference at Williamsburg to negotiate peace between the Iroquois and the Southern Indians. James Logan consulted Conrad Weiser who agreed to go to Onondaga at the end of the winter with the message. The Iroquois refused. Instead they invited Virginia's and Pennsylvania's governors to Albany. A cessation of arms for one summer and one winter was agreed upon (11 April, 12 May). Meanwhile, a group of raiders from the Iroquois who knew nothing of the truce killed eight Catawbas. The Catawbas flatly refused Gooch's overture and vowed revenge upon the Iroquois (27 Sept).

William Penn had purchased lands from the Delawares in 1686 which extended back into the woods as far as a man can go in a day and a half. The Indians evidently intended an area about thirty miles long and a few miles deep. Thomas Penn met with the Delawares in Philadelphia on 25 August 1737 when the Indians agreed to measure the bounds of the land. The new walk was performed on 19-20 September. The Indians did not know that Thomas Penn had cleared a path for the new walk, had hired excellent athletes, and had arranged for the walkers to be supplied with provisions sent by horse. The Walking Purchase was carefully orchestrated to take in as much land as possible.

Background: There were numerous minor earthquakes in Europe and America in 1737. Franklin reported one in Philadelphia on 15 December and at the same time reprinted an article from Chambers' Cyclopaedia on the subject.

Writings: "The Drinker's Dictionary," 13 Jan; the news report of Capt. Farra's wreck, 2 June; and "Philomath" on the "Talents requisite in an Almanac Writer," 20 Oct; Poor Richard for 1738 (3 Nov).

Chronology:

3 Jan, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

6 Jan, Thursday, became 31.

6 Jan (b). PG advertised Michael Welfare, The Wisdom of God Crying and Calling (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). No copy known. Miller 146. For the German edition, see 15 Dec 1737. For the original sermon, see 25 Sept 1734.

7 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

10 Jan, Monday, probably attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

13 Jan, Thursday, PG printed "The Drinker's Dictionary," BF's satire of circumlocutions for being drunk. P 2:173­78. Discussed by Edward D. Seeber, "Franklin's 'Drinker's Dictionary' Again," Am Speech 15 (1940): 103-05, and by Robert D. Arner, "Politics and Temperance" 67-68.

14 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 Jan, Tuesday, Joseph Breintnall experimented with colors of various sorts to show which soak up and which repel the sun's rays. APS, 2p. Hays 4:173; I. B. Cohen, BF's Science 162-66. Breintnall credited his interest in the experiment to "some Hints given me by Benjn Franklin" about seven years ago. The editors of the Papers (9:250n) argue that the hints could not have been given earlier than 1732. Cf. 3 Aug.

25 Jan (b). From accounts: Job Noble was credited with 10s "towards printing his piece" and later the same day was credited with 15s "in full."

28 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

31 Jan, Monday evening, probably attended Union Fire Company meeting.

3 Feb, Thursday, PG printed two long letters concerning the capture of Thomas Cresap. The exchange between Charles Higenbotham of Maryland and John Ross of Pennsylvania also appeared in the AWM. Cf. 24 Nov 1736.

3 Feb (b). PG advertised as "Just Published" Baltimore, Charles Calvert, 5th baron, Articles of Agreement with Penn Family. 2nd Ed. [Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737]. Miller 130. P 2: 186; cf. 1: 324. See also Nicholas B. Wainwright, PMHB 87 (1963): 270-71.

4 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

7 Feb, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

11 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 Feb, Monday, attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts.

18 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

18 Feb (b). Isaac Williams (no. 74) paid for a share in the Library Company and transferred it to Joshua Howell, 25 Aug 1752.

25 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

28 Feb, Monday evening, probably attended Union Fire Company meeting.

4 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

7 March, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

7 March (b). Pennsylvania, [Proclamation forbidding the sale of supplies to Spaniards] (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). No copy extant. Miller 140. Also in PG, 10 March.

10 March, Thursday, PG advertised: "Lent some time since a Book entitled Campbell's Victruvius Brittannicos, the Person who has it is desired to return it to the Printer hereof." Probably BF's book.

11 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

14 March, Monday, attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts.

18 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 March, Saturday, J. Breintnall wrote P. Collinson asking "of what Length the longest Reflecting (or Newtonian) Telescopes are, and the price; and the price of those the next Size above two that I have seen here, which belong to the Proprietor and to Joseph Turner, and are about 1/2 a Yard the whole Length of the Tube on the outside. Also the Price of a Convex Burning-Glass of a Foot Diameter, and the Price of all Sizes between that and 8 Inches; for I have one of about 8 Inches, which melts a Bit of Lead, but I would have one of greater Force."

24 March, Thursday, PG: "Just Published": Isaac Watts, Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language, 8th Ed. (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 144.

25 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 March (b). NJ £50,000 in paper currency, authorized by NJ Act of 13 Aug 1733, subject to Royal Approval, granted 4 May 1735. New Jersey, Paper-Currency Emission, March 25, 1737 (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 136; Newman 224. See above, Mid-July to c. 10 Sept 1736.

28 March, Monday evening, probably attended Union Fire Company meeting.

1 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

4 April, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

8 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 April, Monday, attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts. "Agreed that B. Franklin give notice in the Gazette that the ensuing Election be at this House."

11 April (b). At Onondaga Conrad Weiser invited the Iroquois League to meet at Williamsburg to treat about peace with the Southern Indians. The Iroquois instead invited Virginia's and Pennsylvania's governors to Albany. A cessation of arms between the Southern Indians and the Iroquois for one summer and one winter was agreed upon. Wallace, Weiser 90-92. Cf. 12 May and 27 Sept.

15 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 April, Thursday: PG "The Subscribers to the Library in Philadelphia are advertised, that Monday the 2d 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 fifth annual Payment, at the House of John Roberts in High-Street. Joseph Breintnall, Secr."

22 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 April, Monday evening, probably attended Union Fire Company meeting.

26 April, Tuesday. Caleb Cash's will was probated. See 16 Jan 1733, when BF witnessed the will of Caleb Cash (1649-1737), along with Stephen Potts and Sarah Read.

29 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 April, Saturday, probably attended meeting of the Library Company directors to pay librarian and treasurer.

2 May, Monday, House of Representatives met through 4 May. Votes 3:2384.

2 May (b). 2pm, election of Library Company directors for coming year: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Cadwalader, William Coleman, Thomas Hopkinson, Hugh Roberts, Alexander Graydon, Philip Syng, Jr., William Plumstead, Charles Willing, and John Sober. James Morris was reelected treasurer, and the directors reappointed Joseph Breintnall, secretary. New directors were Alexander Graydon, Charles Willing, and John Sober, replacing William Rawle, Francis Richardson, and Evan Morgan. On 13 Feb 1737/8, Robert Grace was elected a director in place of John Sober who was sailing to Antigua.

2 May (c). BF turned in a Library Company subscription receipt for 10s on behalf of Samuel Coates, which James Morris, treasurer, signed. See Miller 248.

2 May (d). BF probably attended Masonic meeting.

2 May (e). The NJ paper currency issue of 13 Aug 1733, which BF printed in Burlington from mid-July to 10 Sept 1736, was finally issued. Miller 136.

3 May, Tuesday, House met at 9am; again at 2pm. Votes 3:2384.

4 May, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Maryland-Pennsylvania frontier dispute discussed. House adjourned to 8 Aug. Votes 3:2385-86.

6 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

9 May, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

12 May, Thursday. President James Logan informed the Council of his negotiations concerning peace between the Iroquois and the Southern Indians and received the Council's approval. Colonial Records 4:203-04. Cf. 11 April.

13 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 May, PG obituary: "We hear from Burlington County, that on the 11th Inst. died there of a Stoppage in his Urine, Dr. John Browne, a Gentleman of singular Skill in the Profession of Surgery, which he practiced in those Parts many Years with great Success, and was well esteemed by all that knew him." P 2:186-87. Cf. A19.

20 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

27 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

30 May, Monday, meeting of the Union Fire Company. "The Union Fire Company have met once a month for some Months past, but as the foregoing Articles were not till now fully compleated and agreed on, no regular Minutes have hitherto been kept. This Evening the Company (which at present consists of Twenty Persons) met at the House of John Roberts. Absent only Wm Rawle, Wm Parsons, & Edward Shippen. Several Persons being nominated as desirous of joining with the Company, the four following were by Ballot unanimously chosen, to wit, Samuel Powel, junr., Thomas Lloyd, George Emlen, & Charles Willing. Hugh Roberts officiated as Clerk, and at the Conclusion of the Meeting deliver'd to his Successor B. Franklin the Company's Book, and 17/6 in cash, which is the Company's present Stock. I received it, B. Franklin." P 2:152, n.9.

2 June, Thursday, PG noted: "The same Day [Monday last, 30 May] arrived Capt. Farra, who has long been given over for lost. In his Voyage from Jamaica hither, he was cast away in Palachee Bay within Cape Florida, among the Cannibal Indians, who were extreamly kind and assisted in saving the Cargo, Rigging, &c. And News of the Wreck coming to Augustine, the Spaniards sent Periagua's and other small Vessels round to take in what was sav'd, and bring it to that Port; where Capt. Farra hir'd a Rhode-Island Sloop to bring it hither. Had this English Vessel been forc'd ashore on the civil, polite, hospitable, christian, protestant Coast of Great Britain, Query, Might they have expected kinder Treatment from their own Countrymen?" P 2:187; W 271. Cf. BF's "Remarks Concerning the Savages of North-America," 1783.

3 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

6 June, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting. Dr. Thomas Cadwallader's, Michael Cario's, William Deering's, James Esdale's, David Humphrey's, John Jones's, and Henry Lewis's entrance fees charged.

7 June. Tuesday. BF paid St. John's Lodge £1.7 (accounts).

10 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 June, Saturday. The Court of Common Pleas had appointed BF, John Danby, and Harmanus Alrihs as auditors to settle an affair between Dr. Evan Jones and Armstrong Smith. They met at a Tavern on Market Street on 11 June (though "C.D.", 21 Feb 1738, said it was Friday, 10 June). Smith was late. While waiting for him, Jones and his attorney John Remington "began to entertain us with an Account of some Diversion they had lately had with the" Doctor's apprentice, Daniel Rees. P 2:198-201. See 13 June.

13 June, Monday, "We hear that on Monday Night last, some People pretending to be Free-Masons, got together in a Cellar with a young Man who was desirous of being made one, and in the Ceremony, 'tis said, they threw some burning Spirits upon him either accidentally or to terrify him, which burnt him so that he was oblig'd to take his Bed, and died this Morning. The Coroners inquest are now sitting on the Body."--PG 16 June. P 2:187. Cf. 11 June.

For the trial, see 1 and 2 Feb 1738. Accounts of it appeared in both papers on 7 Feb 1738. BF was falsely accused of approving the burlesque initiation by "C.D." in the AWM, 14 Feb 1738; P 2:187. He denied any responsibility in the PG, 15 Feb; P 2:198­202. "C.D." returned to the attack in the 21 Feb 1738 AWM.

Julius Friedrich Sachse, BF as a Free Mason (1906), 49-71, reprinted all the relevant documents except the AWM report of the trial, 7 Feb 1738. See DeArmond, Bradford, 138-39; and Sappenfield, "The Bizarre Death of Daniel Rees."

13 June (b), attended Library Company directors' meeting at John Roberts.

16 June, Thursday. Masons advertised in the PG: "WHEREAS some ill disposed Persons in this City, assuming the name of Free-Masons, have for some Years past imposed upon several well-meaning People who were desirous of becoming true Brethren, persuading them, after they had performed certain ridiculous Ceremonies, that they were really become Free-Masons, and have lately under the Pretence of making a Young Man a Mason, caused his Death, as 'tis said, by Purging, Vomiting, Burning, and the Terror of certain horrid and diabolical Rites. It is thought proper for preventing such Impositions for the future, and to avoid any unjust Aspersions that may be thrown on the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity on this Account, either in this City or any other Part of the World, to publish this Advertisement, declaring the Abhorrence of all true Brethren to such Practices in general, and their Innocence of this Fact in particular; and that the Persons concerned in this wicked Action, are not of our Society, nor of any Society of Free and Accepted Masons to our Knowledge or Belief. Signed in Behalf of all the Members of St. John's Lodge at Philadelphia, the 16th Day of June, 1737. THOMAS HOPKINSON, Grand Master. WILL. PLUMSTEAD, Deputy Master. JOSEPH SHIPPEN and HENRY PRAT, Grand Wardens." Repeated 23 June.

16 June (b). AWM: "We hear, that on Monday Night last, some People pretending to be Free-Masons, got together in a Cellar, with a young Man who was desirous of being made one, and in the Ceremony, 'tis said, they threw some burning Spirits on him, which burnt him so that he was oblig'd to take his Bed, and died this Morning. The Coroner's Inquest are now met about it."

17 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

23 June, Thursday, PG noted: "The Coroners Inquest on the Body of the young Man, mentioned in our last, found that his Death was occasioned by the burning Spirits thrown on him, but that, as far as it appeared to them by the Evidence they had, the Throwing those Spirits on him was accidental. 'Tis said however that since the Inquest, farther Evidence has been given to the Magistrates, that it was a voluntary Action." P 2:187. Same report in AWM of same date.

23 June (b). PG: "All Persons who have any Demands upon the Estate of Joseph Growdon ... deceased, are desired to lay the same before his ... Administrator ... in order that ... such Satisfaction made to the Creditors as the Nature and Circumstances of the Estate will admit of." Franklin succeeded Growdon as Clerk of the Assembly the previous year. Cf. 28 July.

24 June, Friday, "Fryday last [June 24] was held, at the Indian King in this City, a Grand Lodge of the Free and accepted MASONS; when WILLIAM PLUMSTEAD was unanimously chosen Grand­Master of this Province, for the Year ensuing, who appointed Joseph Shippen, jun. to be his Deputy, and Messers. Henry Pratt, and Philip Syng, were nominated and chosen Grand­Wardens."­­PG June 30.

24 June (b), probably missed Junto meeting.

27 June, Monday evening (4th mo. 27.1737). "The [Union Fire] Company met at John Roberts. S. Powel junr., T. Lloyd, G. Emlen, & Cha Willing Sign'd the Articles. Persons absent: S. Coats, Wm Rawle, B. Shoemaker, W. Plumsted, G. House, W. Parsons and W. Cooper. A Gentleman was proposed as an Additional member of which the Clerk is to give Notice to all the Members at the Time of Warning. B. Franklin paid the Stock recd of H. Roberts together with 3/ for the Fines of the Members absent at last Meeting & 2/6 received this Night for List Fines in all twenty-three shillings unto the Succeeding Clerk P. Syng. Rec'd per me--Philip Syng Junr.

30 June, Thursday, PG advertised: "Taken out of a Pew in the Church some Months since, a Common Prayer Book, bound in Red, gilt, and letter'd DF on each Corner. The Person who took It, is desir'd to open it and read the Eighth Commandment, and afterwards return it into the same Pew again; upon which no further Notice will be taken." P 2:188. Repeated 14 and 21 July.

1 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

4 July, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

7 July, Thursday. BF's crime report mentioned that two persons executed were transported felons.

8 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

11 July, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors who admitted William Allen.

15 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

17 July, Sunday. William Allen (75) paid for a share in the Library Company.

21 July, Thursday, PG advertised: "There will be shortly published": A True State of the Establishment of the Church of England (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). No copy known. Miller 143. Perhaps not printed.

22 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 July, Monday evening. "The [Union Fire] Company met at John Roberts's except W. Plumstead, Wm Parsons, Dr. Zachary, and Charles Willing. Edward Roberts, Wm Rawle, & B. Franklin were fined for not having their Lists put up. Samuel Powel, Edward Shippen, Stephen Armit, were fined for not producing Lists. Thomas Lloyd was fined 6d for lending a List to Stephen Armit. The Clerk received Censure for not giving Notice of the Gentleman who desired Admittance at last Meeting. Another Gentleman was proposed as a Member, of whose Name, together with the former, the Clerk is to give Notice to the Members against next Meeting. Philip Syng paid the Stock received of Benjamin Franklin, together with 7s for the Fines of the Members absent last Meeting, & 3/6 received this Night for Fines, in all 33/6 unto the Succeeding Clerk Wm Parsons. Received per me Wm Parsons." Union Fire Co Minute book, p. 4.

28 July, Thursday, "Z" in PG asserted his identity as John Webbe. See DeArmond, Bradford, 101-04.

28 July (b). PG: Meeting called of the creditors of Joseph Growdon's "greatly indebted" estate. Cf. 23 June.

29 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1 Aug, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

3 Aug, Wednesday. Breintnall recorded that he had carried out Franklin's experiments on heat and color the preceding 25 Jan. I. Bernard Cohen, BF's Science 162-66.

4 Aug, Thursday. AWM: Reprinted anti-Masonry article from London Magazine for April.

4 Aug (b). AWM: Printed brief poem against [John] W[eb]be by "B.L." Calendar 475. Cf. B. L. in AWM 29 Dec 1733.

5 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

8 Aug, Monday, House of Representatives met through 13 Aug. Votes 3:2386.

8 Aug (b), probably attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

9 Aug, Tuesday, House met at 9am; again at 3pm. Votes 3:2386-88.

10 Aug, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 3:2388-95. The Loan Office accounts include £1.10.0 paid to BF for advertisements. Votes 3: 2390.

11 Aug, Thursday, House met at 9am; and again at 4pm. Votes 3:2395-97.

11 Aug (b). PG: John Webb (Webbe) satirized AWM opponent "B.L." as "BLOCKHEAD," p. 3.

12 Aug, Friday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 3:2397-98.

12 Aug (b), probably attended Junto meeting.

13 Aug, Saturday, House met at 9am; again at 2pm. Votes 3:2398-2402. Ordered that the Indian treaty be printed. Votes 3:2401. Paid BF £24.9.6. "as Clerk of this House, and for Printing." Votes 3:2402. Adjourned.

14 Aug, Sunday, Edward Lewis moved in with the Franklins, receiving 9£ a year, plus "Accomodations, of Meat, Drink, Washing and Lodging. He is to go away when anything offers more to his Advantage." See accounts, 21 Sept. Perhaps he was a printer or a clerk, in either case, he could not have been very skilled: when BF offered a similar arrangement to Daniel Fisher as a clerk, 28 July 1755, the pay was £25 per year.

16 Aug, William Satterthwaite paid BF 10.0 as the remainder of the payment for printing Mysterious Nothing. Accounts.

18 Aug, Thursday. British government ordered Maryland and Pennsylvania to cease hostilities. Thomas Cresap freed in Philadelphia. Archives of Maryland 28: 131-33. Kenneth P. Bailey, Thomas Cresap. Cf. 24 Nov 1736.

19 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 Aug, Thursday, PG advertised, "Next Week will published" [sic]: Richard Peters, The Two Last Sermons. See 15 Sept.

25 Aug (b). At a treaty in Philadelphia, the Delawares agreed that the 1686 treaty had sold land along the Forks of the Delaware that could be walked over in a day and a half. The parties agreed to a new walk, so that the lands could be known. James Logan and James Steel were in charge of the new walk, which took place on 19-20 September. PA 1:542-43; Boyd xxviii; Wallace, Weiser 96-99.

26 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

29 Aug, Monday evening, Union Fire Company meeting. "The Company met at John Roberts when A. Sewell officiated as Clerk at the request of Willm Parsons whose Turn it was in Course, but was much indispos'd. The members absent were Will Rawle, Benja. Shoemaker, Wm Parsons, James Morris, Edward Shippen, & George Emlen. William Parsons paid the Companys Stock 1.13.6. Received the Fines of three absent members the last meeting, vzt. Dr. Zachary, Wm Plumsted, and Charles Willing; 3s. Thomas Lloyd fin'd for not having a List up, 6d. The above Sum being the Company's present stock received per Richd Sewell. Adjourned to 7 o'clock next day of meeting." Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 5.

Aug-Sept? Notes in PPL copy of Poor Richard for 1737 on goldenrod and on plant names, possibly in BF's hand, with leaf impressions. 3pp. BFPAPERS file 4339.

1 Sept, Thursday, PG advertised "Just published," The Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives at their last Sitting [8-13 Aug 1737]. Price six Pence." Miller 128. No copy known.

2 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

5 Sept, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

6 Sept, Tuesday. Deborah refered to "My maid Catren" (accounts).

9 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

12 Sept, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

15 Sept, Thursday, PG: advertised Richard Peters, The Two Last Sermons (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Campbell 208; Evans 4186; Miller 142. See 25 Aug.

16 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

19 Sept, Monday. Boston Gazette reported that of the 129 persons in Philadelphia who had been inoculated in the fall and winter of 1736-37 only one had died. Quoted in Duffy, Epidemics 34.

19 Sept (b). The "Walk" of the Walking Purchase took place, 19-20 Sept. Boyd commented that the Delawares made no complaint "about the method of the walk for twenty years, and then only when they were seeking a casus belli after the fact." Boyd xxviii. Wallace, Weiser 96-99, proves that the proprietors did everything that they could to cheat the Indians of as much land in the Walking Purchase as possible. Cf. 25 Aug.

22 Sept, Thursday, PG advertised as "Just published," A Treaty of Friendship (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 141. The first of thirteen Indian treaties published by Franklin. See above 13 Aug 1737 and 14 Oct 1736. Franklin decided to make the treaties impressive by printing them in folio--a treatment generally reserved for large volumes and for prestigious works. Thomas Penn thought Franklin foolish for doing so because it made "them look larger than they are" (1 March 1745).

22 Sept (b). AWM: Dialogue on the forthcoming election; anti-Hamilton.

23 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Sept, Monday evening, Union Fire Company meeting. "The Company met at the House of John Roberts. Except Saml Coates, Wm Rawle, Richd Sewell, John Dilwyn, Wm Cooper, Edward Shippen, & B. Shoemaker. And Wm Parsons officiateing as Clerk in Behalf of Rich'd Sewell who had officiated for him last Meeting on Account of his Indisposition paid the Company's Stock unto James Morris the next succeeding Clerk £1.17s.0. And for the Fines of the Members absent last meeting. 0.6.0. And the fine of Wm Plumsted for not producing his List, 6d. Total: £2.3.6. Adjourned to 6 o'clock in the Evning of the Next Day of Meeting, James Morris." Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 5.

27 Sept, Tuesday. The Shawnee on the Susquehanna objected to the purchase of the Susquehanna land from the Six Nations.

27 Sept (b). President Logan reported to the Council that Gov. Gooch had informed him that a party of the Six Nations had killed three Cawtabas in the early summer and had killed eight Cawtawbas since last April. The Catawbas said they must be revenged for these deaths before they could negotiate with the Six Nations. Therefore Logan had sent Weiser to the Iroquois to warn them that the truce was not in effect. Colonial Records 4:245-46.

29 Sept, Thursday, PG printed clever anonymous election propaganda, ostensibly against the present assembly members, but really favoring them. The piece perhaps attacked a Isaac Norris, Jr.: "I am, as my father was before me, your sincere Friend and Well-Wisher in those Respects, and therefore hope you will chuse me one of your Representatives in the next Assembly." If Franklin was not the author, its appearance in the PG nevertheless demonstrates his anti-proprietary position. See the poem replying to the satire, 20 Oct.

29 Sept (b). PG: "CLEMENT PLUMSTEAD, esq; late Mayor, made a Grand Feast for his Citizens on Thursday last, at which near 150 Persons were entertain'd in the most handsome Manner."--PG 6 Oct. BF charged Plumsted 7s6d for printing 150 invitation tickets. See accounts, 26 Sept.

30 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

Sept, George Fox, Instructions for Right Spelling (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 132. Miller noted that Israel Pemberton and Anthony Morris reported to the Yearly Meeting of the Friends in Sept that the primers were printed and partly bound.

c. September. John Bartram to Peter Collinson: "I believe it might be most ingenious & Curious men that wee [ ] study of natural secrets arts & syences would [ ] [acad]emy or socity & have a house for to meet in to Communicate [ ] discoveries freely this I believe would [ ]." Bartram, Correspondence 66. Cf. 10 July 1738. John Bartram's first suggestion of an American philosophical society.

1 Oct, Saturday, Annual election. Returns printed in PG 6 Oct. Andrew Hamilton again returned from Bucks County.

3 Oct, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

5 Oct, Wednesday, BF began duties as postmaster of Philadelphia. A101; P 2:178­83; ad in 27 Oct PG. Postmaster General Alexander Spotswood had removed Andrew Bradford for not reporting accounts. Spotswood said that if Bradford settled his accounts, he could continue franking the Mercury and delivering it free. But Bradford never settled them and in 1739 Spotswood ordered Franklin to prohibit the carriers from delivering the Mercury. Thereafter Bradford bribed the carriers, as Franklin had been forced to do until 23 Jan 1735. Franklin deliberately ignored the bribery until late in 1740. Cf. 11 Dec 1740.

6 Oct, Thursday, BF added to the imprint at the end of the paper the word "Post-Master": "PHILADELPHIA: Printed by B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, at the New Printing Office near the Market. Price 10 s. a Year. Where Advertisements are taken in, and Book-Binding done reasonably, in the best Manner."

7 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

10 Oct, Monday, probably attended meeting of the Library Company directors.

14 Oct, Friday, House met to 15 Oct. Andrew Hamilton chosen Speaker for a ninth time "by a Majority of Votes." Votes 3:2403.

14 Oct (b), probably attended Junto meeting.

15 Oct, Saturday, House met at 9am and again at 2pm. "Ordered that Thomas Leech, John Kinsey, William Allen, and John Kearsley, be a Committee to revise the Minutes before they are published; then the House adjourned to the Seventh Day of the Sixth Month next" (Aug 7). Votes 3:2404. Note: Although he did not record it, BF was again elected Clerk of the House at this meeting (Horle 2:117). It must have been on this occasion that someone made a speech opposing him. A100.

Isaac Norris II, first elected in 1735, but not returned in 1736 or 1738,who probably opposed him. BF recalled that the person was a "new Member" who had a valuable collection of books. Isaac Norris II had good reason to oppose Franklin. Cf. 29 Sept and the poem, 20 Oct (b). After James Logan, Norris probably had the greatest collection of books in 1737 Philadelphia (BF's books would later and in most ways surpass his collection). M. E. Corey, The Books of Isaac Norris (1701-1766) at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA: Dickinson College, 1976).

20 Oct, Thursday, PG: wrote "Philomath" skit on the talents of an almanac writer. Canon 66; W 271-74.

20 Oct (b). AWM: Poem praising a deceased Proprietary party member, probably Isaac Norris I (d. 1735) and replying to the clever election satire in the 29 Sept PG. Probably by Isaac Norris II. See Calendar 480 for a copy in the Joseph Norris (d. 1733) commonplace book; and 15 Oct.

21 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

21 Oct (b). Deborah refered to "My maid Catren" (accounts).

27 Oct, Thursday, PG advertised as "Just Published," [John Tennent], Every Man his own Doctor [Fourth edition] (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 131. Note: TP has date "1736," and a copy was sold on 30 Oct 1736; therefore it is listed above, ante 30 Oct 1736. For the third edition, see ante 23 Jan 1734/5.

28 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

31 Oct, Monday. Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 6: "The Company Met at the House of John Roberts, except Wm Rawle, Wm Parsons, Richd Sewell, Stephen Armitt, Thos Hatton, John Dillwyn, Wm Cooper, Saml Powell, Thomas Lloyd, Geo Emlen and Charles Willing. And James Morris officiating as Clark. Paid the Company's Stock to Stephen Armitt being £2.10.6. Saml Coates fined for not Producing a List 6d. Total £2.11.0. Adjourned to 6 o'clock in the Evening of the next Day of Meeting. Received as above Stephen Armitt."

3 Nov, Thursday, PG reprinted a mock-illiterate promotional letter, supposedly written in New York by James Murray, an Irish immigrant, and printed previously in Ireland. The semi-literate Murray had supposedly become a school-teacher, and he told of former servants who had become justices of the peace. The satire on America has similarities to the themes burlesqued by Ebenezer Cooke, The Sot-Weed Factor (1708) and to the themes later refuted in Franklin's Information to Those Who Would Remove to America (Feb 1784). Perhaps BF reprinted it in exasperation at the anti-American contents, realizing that many of his readers would chafe at it; or perhaps he thought it so ricidulous that it was amusing.

3 Nov (b), PG news note: "Last Week Schick Sidi, the Eastern Prince arrived here, with his Attendants, and is treated with great Respect. 'Tis said he is recommended by His Majesty to the Charity of all good Christians." P 2:188. Cf. 17 Nov for a fire in the house where the Schick was staying and 15 Dec for his departure.

3 Nov (c), PG advertised: "Notice is hereby given, that the Post-Office of Philadelphia, is now kept at B. Franklin's in Market-Street. And that Henry Pratt is appointed RIDING POST MASTER for all the Stages between Philadelphia and Newport in Virginia, who sets out about the Beginning of each Month, and returns in 24 Days, by whom Gentlemen, Merchants and others, may have their Letters, &c. carefully convey'd, and Business faithfully transacted, he having given good Security for the same to the Hon. Col. Spotswood, Post-Master General of all his Majesty's Dominions in America." P 2:189.

3 Nov (d). PG advertised as "Just Published," Poor Richard's Almanack (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). Miller 133.

4 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

7 Nov, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

11 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

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

16 Nov, Wednesday, Pennsylvania, This Indenture, Mortgage Bond (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). The deed is dated by hand 16 November 1737, but could have been printed at any point in the earlier 1730s. Miller 139.

17 Nov, Thursday, to 8 Dec. A four-part essay, signed "X," On freedom of speech and the press. Rejected in P 2:184. Places the Zenger trial in perspective and replies to the criticisms of "Anglo-Americanus." The author was the New York lawyer James Alexander. See Stanley Nider Katz, ed., 181-202, and see Andrew Hamilton's defense of John Peter Zenger, 4 Aug 1735.

The concluding advertisement (reprinted in P 2:189) suggests that the same author used the pseudonym "Z," thus suggesting that John Webbe wrote the series. The essay was reprinted in NEWJ 19 Dec. When reprinted in the Barbadoes Gazette, 21 Jan, it was attributed to Andrew Hamilton. See DeArmond, Bradford, 105. Cf. mock advertisement, 8 Dec.

17 Nov (b). PG: "Yesterday during the Fair, the House in which the Eastern Prince lodges, took Fire." P 2:189. Cf. 3 Nov.

18 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

25 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

28 Nov, Monday evening, Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 6. "Met at John Roberts. Stephen Armitt surrendered his Clerkship to Thomas Hatton. Deliquents this month: Samuel Coates, no list 6d; William Rawls, Benja. Shoemaker, William Parsons, Richard Sewell, William Plumsted, William Cooper, Edward Shippen, Samuel Powell, George Emlin, all absent, 1 s each; Total £3.11.6. Ordered the Clerk, when gives notice for the next meeting, do acquaint the members that it is proposed to increase the number of our Company to Thirty by adding the Persons whose Names are underwritten: Thomas Lawrence, Joseph Turner, William Bell, Thomas Hopkinson, Andrew Bradford, & Samuel Rhoades. Adjourned to same place at 6."

That night the Union Fire Company helped put out a fire that burned Joseph Turner's stable and hay. Thomas Lloyd lost a bucket at the fire which was later returned (cf. 26 Dec).

2 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

2 Dec (b). Deborah's last reference to "my maid Catren" (accounts).

5 Dec, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.

8 Dec, Thursday, PG: mock ad: "A Honorary Reward is proposed to any Cabalist, who shall demonstrate that the Letter Z contains more occult virtues than the Letter X."

"A Pecuniary Gratification is offered to any of the learned or unlearned, who shall Mathematically prove, that a Man's having a Property in a Tract of Land, more or less, is thereby entitled to any Advantage, in point of understanding, over another Fellow who has no other Estate, than 'The Air--to breath in, the Earth--to walk upon, and all the Rivers of the World--to drink of.'" P 2:189.

The mock advertisement immediately followed James Alexander's series of essays, signed X, defending Alexander Hamilton. Katz did not include it in his edition, thereby suggesting that he did not believe James Alexander wrote it. Since John Webbe had used the pseudonym Z, I suspect this mock advertisement is directed to him. Because the editor would have to approve any mock ad in the paper, and because the second part argues that land-owning (or the possession of money) does not mean that the owner is innately superior to others, I suspect BF wrote it. (BF argued against property ownership as a condition for suffrage in the Constitutional Convention, 1787.)

9 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

12 Dec, Monday, attended meeting of the Library Company directors. Asked to whom should the Proprietor give a property in trust for the Library Company, the directors named William Allen, Benjamin Franklin, William Plumsted, and James Hamilton.

15 Dec, Thursday, PG: Reported news of earthquake in Philadelphia. P 2:190. Also printed an article from Chambers' Cyclopaedia on the causes of earthquakes. P 2:184.

15 Dec (b). PG noted: "Thursday last the Eastern Prince left this City, on board Capt. Loftus, bound for Barbadoes." P 2:190. Slightly longer account in AWM.

15 Dec (c). PG advertised: "Lent some time since Machiavel's Works, the Person who borrowed it is desired to return it to the Owner." Perhaps BF's.

15 Dec (d). PG advertised as "Just Published," Michael Wellfare, Die Weissheit Gottes schreyende und ruffende (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737). No copy known. Arndt & Eck 12; Miller 145. Cf. English edition, 6 Jan 1736/7.

15 Dec (e). PG advertisement: "The Person who borrow'd B. Franklin's Book of Laws of this Province, is desired to return it he having forgot to whom he lent it." Repeated 22 Dec when BF added a semi-colon before the first "he."

15 Dec (f) and 22 Dec, Thursday, PG: Causes of Earthquakes (not by BF), P 2:184.

16 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

23 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

26 Dec, Monday evening, 6pm. Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 7: "The Company met at John Roberts except Jno Armitt, Wm Rawle, Wm Parsons, Richard Sewell, Wm Plumsted, Edward Shippen, and Chas Willing. Thomas Hatton surrendered his Clerkship to Edward Roberts for the Ensuing Month and paid the Company Stock into his Hands being Three pounds eleven shillings and six pence. Thomas Lloyd having lost a Bucket at Joseph Turner's Fire [see 28 Nov]: Order'd that another be provided for him at the Company's Cost if it be not found in due Time. ... Adjourned. The Bucket above being since found." Surprisingly, the minutes do not mention the proposed admission of Thomas Lawrence, Joseph Turner, William Bell, Thomas Hopkinson, Andrew Bradford, and Samuel Rhoades. Perhaps there was some disagreement concerning the size of the company. Andrew Bradford instead became a charter member of the Fellowship Fire Company, organized 1 March 1738.

30 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.

1737?, To James Logan. P 2:184-85. In his private correspondence, Franklin sometimes expressed the bleakest possible outlook on human nature. At age 31, the young Franklin wrote the distinguished James Logan about his manuscript on Moral Good or Virtue. Franklin criticized Logan for being "a little too severe upon Hobbes, whose Notion, I imagine, is somewhat nearer the Truth than that which makes the State of Nature a State of Love" (W 425; P 2:185). Franklin continued on to say, "But the Truth perhaps lies between both Extreams." The addition is a good example of both his deference to Logan and his general diffidence regarding set opinions. Hobbes said that the natural "condition of man ... is a condition of war of everyone against everyone." More famous is Hobbes's description of the state of nature, which was probably what Franklin had in mind: "No arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Leviathan (1651), pt. 1, ch. 4; and pt 1, ch. 13.

[1737-41?] BF book list. CtY. BFPAPERS file 833.

One otherwise undated 1737 imprint: New Jersey. Indenture of Mortgage [Philadelphia: Franklin, 1737]. Miller 135.