Personal: BF drafted a Grand Jury presentment against public houses and similar nuisances, 3 Jan. Josiah Franklin (BF's father) died 16 Jan, age 87. Andrew Bradford reprinted his obituary in the American Weekly Mercury. Franklin's personal, detailed notes on the debates between the assembly and the governor, 26-28 Feb, give his own opinion on the proceedings. He condemned both parties and concluded, "In short the Governor and Assembly have been only acting a Farce and playing Tricks to amuse the World." Though he condemned the governor too, he was clearly angry that the assembly members did not vote to support the expedition against Cape Breton (28 Feb). In April, Peter Collinson sent a glass tube, together with a pamphlet describing the recent German electrical experiments to the Library Company, thus starting Franklin's electrical experiments. The Franklins owned a slave for at least six months in 1745 (account with Charles Moore, 14 August and 21 December). In the beginning of November, BF made a brief visit (probably journeying overland, rather than risk being captured at sea) to New York where he no doubt primarily spent time with his printing partner James Parker, and was evidently gone for about ten days. Encouraged by Franklin's report of the New York scene, Dr. John Bard, who had probably been BF's personal physician, moved to New York at the end of the year.
Business: The continuing Pennsylvania Assembly of 1744-45 met 7 to 10 Jan, 25 to 28 Feb; 22-26 April, 3-6 June, 22-24 July, 19-23 August, and 4-7 Sept. Franklin was paid £185.8.4 for "Paper and Printing the last Bills of Credit" (Votes 4:3046; this was the paper currency of 1 Aug 1744; Miller 361); and "per Order, £62.1.2, and for Postage of public Packets, £11.10.0" (23 Aug). As Clerk of the House and for printing the votes, etc, he was paid 31.16.0; and for sending expresses to Virginia and Maryland, 24.5.0 (7 Sept). The new legislature of 1745-46 met 14-15 Oct.
C. W. Miller recorded that Franklin published sixteen imprints (nos. 366-81) in 1745: three were job printings, one a government job, two were printed for others, and Franklin published nine at his own risk. One anomaly, the American Magazine (advertised monthly in the PG throughout the year), though it carried his name on the imprint of the printed wrappers, was merely sold by Franklin. The three job printings were: a bookseller's advertisement "on the verso of the rear cover of a blank book" (ante 4 Oct) stating that the book was "sold by B. Franklin"; a bill of sale (ante 12 Sept); and a "Post-Master's Way Bill" to organize incoming and outgoing mail (ante 13 June). For the government of Pennsylvania he printed the Votes (10 October).
Miller attributed the printing of a catalogue of books to Franklin (ante 5 March). Franklin also printed, at the request of the Philadelphia Synod, the Church of Scotland's Confession of Faith (see end of year).
Franklin published at his own risk Thomas Cadwalader's An Essay on the West-India Dry-Gripes (2 May); a New Testament Bible (27 June)--the only Bible printed in colonial America; an edition of John Armstrong's The Art of Preserving Health: A Poem (13 July); Thomas More's Almanack (10 October); his own Poor Richard (7 November) and a Pocket almanac (7 Nov); The Friendly Instructor, with Preface by the Rev. Dr. Philip Doddridge (28 November); the PG and its "carrier's verses" (c. 31 December). In the 6 June PG, BF published a woodcut "Plan of the Town and Harbour of Louisburgh," the PG's first illustrated news event.
Activities and Social Life: If the meetings of the American Philosophical Society continued through 1744, they stopped in 1745. BF said that the assembly session in January prevented him from starting the philosophical magazine (P 3:57), and Bartram explained (7 April) that the war efforts had put a stop to their proceedings. BF nevertheless intended to print a philosophical miscellany at least until 16 October 1746. By then, he was engaged in electrical experiments and probably thought of publishing the "Philadelphia experiments" in the magazine of the American Philosophical Society. Perhaps he realized that they would be publishable in the Transactions of the Royal Society, and only then dropped his planned philosophical miscellany; for he could hardly publish the work of other American intellectuals in the Philadelphia magazine while publishing his own in the prestigeous Philosophical Transactions.
BF probably sponsored the petition presented to the Assembly on 9 Jan to regulate the nightly watch. Cf. A102. BF's routines continued: he appeared at every meeting of the Library Company during the year: 14 Jan, 11 Feb, 11 March, 8 April, 6 May (the annual election, with BF again listed first), 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 12 Aug, 9 Sept, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, and 9 Dec. The additional Library Company directors' meeting on 14 Nov (cf. 11 Nov) did not record attendence. The venue changed during the year. The directors met at the Widow Roberts Coffee House in Second Street through 14 October; they changed to Breintnall's Coffee House, the Sign of the Hen and Chickens, Chestnut Street, for the 11 Nov meeting and thereafter.
BF attended all but two meetings (28 Jan and 25 March) of the Union Fire Company: 25 Feb, 29 April, 27 May, 24 June, 29 July, 26 Aug, 30 Sept, 28 Oct, 25 Nov, and 30 Dec. Of course, he also attended the Junto every Friday night, and the Freemasons on the first Monday of every month.
Pennsylvania Politics: The second session of the 1744-45 Pennsylvania assembly met from 7 to 10 Jan, adjourning to 22 April, but the governor recalled the assembly for 25 Feb; the third from 25 to 28 Feb; the fourth from 22 to 26 April, adjourning to 19 Aug, but the governor recalled the assembly for 3 June; the fifth, from 3 to 6 June, adjourning to 19 Aug, but the governor recalled the assembly for 22 July; the seventh, from 19 to 23 Aug, adjourning to 30 Sept, but the governor recalled the assembly for 4 Sept; and the eighth, from 4 to 7 Sept. Gov. Shirley of Massachusetts organized a military action against Cape Breton and asked the other colonies south through Pennsylvania for financial and military support. Governor Thomas, presenting the request, said, "Dispatch ... is the Life of the Undertaking" (26 Feb). BF's private notes on the debates (26-28 Feb) are cited above. The Pennsylvania assembly refused to support the expedition, saying that the plans had been made without consulting Pennsylvania and that any credit for the victory would certainly go to New England (28 Feb). Throughout the year, news of American privateers occurred in almost every issue of the PG. The great victory of the New Englanders (16 June) at Fort Louisburg amazed the western world. After the capture of Louisbourg, requests came to Pennsylvania for supplies of the garrison, and the Pennsylvania assembly voted, 24 July, £4,000 for "the King's Use ... to be laid out ... in the purchase of Bread, Beef, Pork, Flour, Wheat or other Grain." BF remarked in his Autobiography that Governor George Thomas said that "Other Grain is Gunpowder" (A114). On 23 August, Gov. Thomas was paid £1500 and on 7 September, another £500.
The first session of the 1745-46 Pennsylvania legislature met 14 to 15 Oct. John Kinsey, the previous Speaker was at the Albany Indian conference, and Israel Pemberton was chosen Speaker, but he declined, and so John Wright was elected Speaker on 14 Oct. By January, however, Wright was ill, and on 6 Jan 1745/6, John Kinsey (who had been Speaker from 15 Oct 1739 until the 14 October 1745 election) was again elected Speaker.
Indian Affairs: In May, Pennsylvania asked Conrad Weiser to go to Onondaga and make beace between the Six Nations and the Catawbas. The Albany Treaty of October 1745 revealed disunity between the colonies: Pennsylvania wanted the Six Nations to be neutral; New York and Massachusetts wanted them to go to war against the French. The Six Nations resolved to maintain neutrality.
Background: The second Jacobite Rebellion (1745-46) began when Charles Edward Stuart landed in Scotland with about a dozen men in July. He raised over two thousand followers and entered Edinburgh on 17 September. He defeated an English army at Prestonpans, near Edinburgh on 21 September. In November, with over five thousand men, he headed toward London, but his followers, dismayed by the prospect of facing an English army of perhaps thirty thousand, gradually dwindled.
Writings: BF drafted the presentment of the Grand Jury against public houses & other nuisances, 3 Jan; editorialized (22 Jan) on the difficulties of receiving news in war time; recorded his personal, detailed notes on the assembly debates, 26-28 Feb; wrote an account of Louisburg and illustrated it with a woodcut, the first illustration in the PG (6 June); composed "Old Mistresses Apologue," 25 June; in the fall, he wrote Poor Richard for 1746; and his song "The Antediluvians were all very sober" (see end of year) was written about 1745.
Chronology:
3 Jan, Thursday, 1744/5, BF drafted presentment of the Grand Jury against public houses & other nuisances. P 3:912.
4 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
6 Jan, Sunday, became 39.
7 Jan, Monday, House met per their adjournment from 19 October; continued through 10 Jan. Votes 4:3022.
7 Jan (b), probably attended Masonic meeting.
8 Jan, Tuesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3022-3023.
9 Jan, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Petition presented from a number of the Philadelphians to regulate the nightly watch. Votes 4:3023-3024. Cf. Introduction to 1743.
10 Jan, Thursday. House met at 10am. A committee was appointed to prepare "a Bill for regulating the Nightly Watch of the City of Philadelphia." Voted £500 for Gov. George Thomas. Adjourned to 22 April but recalled, 25 Feb. Votes 4:3024.
11 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
14 Jan, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts. Joseph Sims (share no. 97, signed 30 May 1745) voted a member.
15 Jan, Tuesday. PG and PJ: News of Capt. Dowell's engagements with the enemy.
16 Jan, Wednesday, Josiah Franklin (BF's father) died, aged 87 (Boston NewsLetter, 17 Jan; rpt. AWM 12 Feb). "Last night [16 Jan] died Mr. Josiah Franklin, Tallow-Chandler and Soap-maker. By the Force of a steady Temperance he had made a Constitution, naturally none of the strongest, last with comfort to the Age of Eighty-seven Years; and by an entire Dependence of his Redeemer and a constant Course of the strictist Piety and Virtue, he was enabled to die, as he liv'd, with Chearfulness and Peace, leaving a numerous Posterity the Honour of being descended from a Person, who thro' a long Life supported the Character of an Honest Man." Though Uncle Benjamin Franklin's obituary had appeared in the Boston papers (17 March 1727), the larger population in 1745 meant that fewer obituaries of ordinary persons were published. The Boston News Letter probably printed Josiah's obituary because he was the father of Benjamin Franklin, who by this time (postmaster of Philadelphia, clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly, formerly Grand Master of the Masons, etc.) was well-known in colonial America.
Will (made out on 20 Oct 1744), proved 7 Aug 1750: "I give to my loving wife Abiah Franklin all the incomes or rents of my whole estate and goods and the use of the two rooms we now live in, allowing the lodgers to be in as now it is used, she allowing out of it the interest that will be due to my creditors while she lives." Josiah bequeathed BF £30 Old Tenor and one-ninth of his estate, to be distributed following Abiah's death. When Franklin made out his will on 28 April 1757, he left Jane Mecom the inheritance from his father. P 7:200, n.2.
Josiah Franklin's will was proved on 7 Aug 1750. (Thwing Index at MHi, citing Suffolk Probate Records 44:222.)
Jane Mecom evidently lived in the same house with her parents and cared for them in their sickness.
18 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
22 Jan, Tuesday. PG: BF editorialized on the difficulties of receiving news in war time. P 3:53.
22 Jan (b). PG: "To be Sold, by the Printer hereof, Very good sealing wax, and Wafers, by the Quantity."
25 Jan, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
28 Jan, Monday, Union Fire Company Minutes, p. 60. "The Company met at Henry Pratts except the following Members: Samuel Coates, Benja. Franklin, Wm Plumsted, Jno. Dillwyn, Samull Powell, jr., George Emlen, Thos Lawrence, Wm Bell, Jos Turner, Reese Meredith, Saml Neave, Jno. Bard, Charles Jones, Peter Bard, and Luke Morris. The Company Stock recvd of Samuel Neave the last Clerk amounts to 5.1.0. & for 21 Absentees & 3 mos against Luke Morris, 1.6.0. Total £6.7.0. And the Money likewise recvd Rd Sewell is £14.12.1. Total 20.19.1. Rece'vd the above Sum of Twenty Pounds Nineteen Shillings & 1 d of William Logan the Present Clerk per Saml Morris. Whereas a Proposal was made by the Members mett in November last, that a Reward of Five Pounds Should be given to him or them that would discover the Persons concerned in removing the Nossels from the Several Pumps in the Streets of this City, or doing any other Damage to the Pumps in the Streets whereby they may be rendered incapable of discharging Water, & the Last Clerk having According to the Company Order given written Notice to all the Members of Our Fire Company of the Said Proposal & no Objection being made to it, it is therefore Agreed that the Above Reward be paid to Such Discoverers at any time hereafter, so that the Person or Persons so Offending may be Convicted at the Mayors Court.
29 Jan, Tuesday. PG and PJ: "Boston, December 31. Last Week a Sloop was found overset in our Bay, and towed into Harwich, supposed to be Capt. Holms from Philadelphia, and we hear several other Vessels have been lost in the late Storm, of which have not yet got the particulars." This was probably BF's brother-in-law, Captain Robert Ho[l]mes.
Post Jan. American Magazine and Historical Chronicle. (Philadelphia: Franklin, l745). Miller 366. Issued monthly throughout the year, a month to three after the printed date on the magazine.
1 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
4 Feb, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
5 Feb, Tuesday. PG and PJ: "Whereas some evil minded Person or Persons on Saturday Night last broke upon the New-Building in this City, damag'd the Pulpit and Cushion, broke one of the Benches, and there committed sundry other mischievous Irregularities. We therefore whose Names are underwritten ... promise to pay ... Ten Pounds to any one who shall make discovery of the Person or Persons concern'd in the aforesaid Crimes, so that they may be brought to Justice. THOMAS BOURNE, SAMUEL HAZARD."
7 Feb, Thursday. Privy Council received the petition of the Mayor and the Philadelphia Common Council "setting forth the Defenceless state of the said City." Acts PC 3:713. Cf. 9 and 21 Aug 1744.
8 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
11 Feb, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts.
12 Feb, Tuesday, BF To William Strahan. P 3:13-4. BF asked that Strahan send any publication, "good or bad, that makes a Noise and has a Run." He also said Pope did Americans an injustice in the Dunciad.
12 Feb (b). AWM reprinted obituary of Josiah Franklin; not in PG. See 16 January. DeArmond, Bradford, 214, n. 28, pointed out that PG no. 844 "used two of the three items from Boston printed in Mercury 1310, but left out the middle one about the death of Franklin's father."
15 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
22 Feb, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
25 Feb, Monday, House met at the writ of the Governor through 28 Feb. Votes 4:3024-3025.
25 Feb (b), Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present. Paid BF for publishing the company's advertisement, 5s.
26 Feb, Tuesday, House met at 10am to hear the Governor's reason for recovening the assembly: "The Government of New England requests our Aid for the Reduction of Cape Breton." House met again at 3pm. Votes 4:3025-3026.
26-28 Feb, BF's "Notes on Assembly Debates." P 3:14-17. Franklin's personal, detailed notes on the assembly debates, giving his own opinion on the proceedings of the governor and the assembly, are revealing. He condemned both parties and concluded, "In short the Governor and Assembly have been only acting a Farce and playing Tricks to amuse the World."
26 Feb (b). PJ: "The Fatal Conquest. A Poem. Occasioned by the Death of the brave Sir Richard Greenville, in the Year 1591, after sustaining, in the Revenge, an English Man of War, a Fight of 15 Hours against the Spanish Armada of 53 Sail." Continued, 5 March PG. Calendar 769. The numerous reports of British sea fighting made this fine poem appropriate to reprint.
27 Feb, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3027-3028.
28 Feb, Thursday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. The House replied: "we cannot but think that if [the colony of Massachusetts] expected the Assistance of the neighbouring Colonies, it is reasonable they should have consulted them, both as to the Enterprize and the Manner in which it was to be executed, whereas the present Scheme is wholly their own; and if the other Colonies do not accede to it, in the Manner it is now projected, it is too late for Alterations.... Permit us to add, that as the Assistance they expect from Great-Britain, or the King's Ships, seems to us uncertain; the Aids desired of the neighbouring Colonies, if granted, such as probably must come too late; the Attempt in itself extremely hazardous, the Danger which may arise from a Diversity of Opinions between Officers equal in Authority, independant of each other, without any Commander in Chief to control or direct them, great and unavoidable: In a Word, as there are no Directions from the Crown concerning it; the Sentiments of the Ministry, and how such a Procedure will be relished by our Superiors, unknown ... we should think it not prudent to unite in an Enterprize, where the Expence must be great, perhaps much Blood shed, and the Event very uncertain." Votes 4:3027-3029. Cf. 23 May.
BF's personal assembly notes condemned the assembly members for not voting for granting aid to help capture Cape Breton. See above 26 Feb.
1 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
1 March (b): Thomas Penn to Richard Peters: "Your Box by Capt. Evans came to hand with one book of Laws, Copy of the Indian Treaty and sundry other Papers. I have great pleasure to find notwithstanding the very improper behaviour of the Commissioners from Virginia and Maryland Mr. Thomas brought it to so happy a conclusion. At this time tis particularly fortunate and usefull and I intend to give some of the Coppys; but Franklin judged very ill to print them in a folio, which makes them look larger than they are. I think you have been too particular in returning their Compliment at the end of every sentence and putting it down in the Treaty. I look upon it not right to return Compliments in their manner; the behaviour of Col. Lee about Mr. Goochs Letter was most scandalous, I was very fearful their haughty behaviour would have prevented their success, but am very agreably disappointed. I am very well pleased Conrad had so handsome a gratuity and am very sure he deserved it; your Letter on the Indian Treaty was very full and satisfactory." -- Gratz MSS., Governors of Pa., Case 2, box 33. PHi.
4 March, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
ante 5 March, Joseph Goodwin, Catalogue of Books, with Supplement (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 370; Winans 16. Joseph Goodwin, bookseller and bookbinder, gave away the catalogues gratis. The PG advertised them on 5 and 19 March.
8 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
9 March, Saturday. Wm Strahan to David Hall. APS, 4p. BFPAPERS file 25090. "As to your terms with Mr. F. I again tell you I think they are very fair. ... Trust to his Generosity; and I dare say he will deal honourably by you."
11 March, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting.
12 March, Tuesday. PG: "To be SOLD, A Likely young Negroe Woman, and a Female Child, 13 Months old. She is a good Cook, can wash well, and is fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof." Repeated, 19 and 26 March; 18 April.
15 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
22 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
25 March, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF absent. Voted to pay BF for continuing his advertisement, 10s.
29 March, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
March ?, John Mitchell to BF. P 3:17-21.
1 April, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
5 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
7 April, Sunday. John Bartram to Cadwallader Colden. Letter franked by BF, so it could be sent free. Boston Public Library: ch A 4.82.
8 April, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts. Isaac Paschall being under age, his uncle John Reynell's name be given for him. Reynell (share no. 95, 11 April 1745). Christian Grassold had purchased Samuel Hale's share (15, 22 Nov 1731) and was admitted.
12 April, Friday, PG: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe Man, about 22 Years of Age, very fit for Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof." Repeated 18 and 25 April.
12 April (b). PG: "Notice is hereby given to the Members of the LIBRARY COMPANY of Philadelphia, that they are to meet (in Pursuance of their Charter) on Monday the sixth of May next, at the Library, by Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, to chuse Directors and a Treasurer, and to make the 13th annual Payment. Joseph Breintnall, Secretary." Repeated 25 April.
12 April (c), probably attended Junto meeting.
14 April, Sunday, To William Strahan. P 3:21-2.
18 April, Thursday. Virginia's Governor William Gooch charged the Grand Jury to prosecute the itinerant ministers who were visiting. Reprinted in the Philadelphia American Weekly Mercury, 8 Aug 1745. Cf. 28 May, 20 June, and BF's travesty of Gooch's later speech on the Virginia Capitol Fire, 1 June 1747.
19 April, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
20 April, Saturday. James Read, who lived with his mother next door to the Franklins, married Susanna Leacock, 2nd cousin of Deborah (Read) Franklin at Christ Church. P 8:140. PA, 2nd ser., 8:161. The Franklins no doubt attended. Nolan, Printer Strahan's 21. On 7 Jan 1748, David Hall would marry Mary Leacock, Susanna's sister.
22 April, Monday, House "met persuant to their Adjournment" and continued to 26 April. Votes 4:3029.
23 April, Tuesday, House met at 10am and adjourned to 3pm. Votes 4:3029-3030.
24 April, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3030-3031.
25 April, Thursday, House met at 10am; ordered an ad to be placed in the PG regarding the proposed removal of obstructions from Neshamineh Creek. [In 9 May PG, p. 1, col. 1.] Met again at 3pm. Votes 4:3031-3033. Gov. Thomas's speech to Assembly on Indian affairs and the perfidy of Peter Chartier printed in 2 May PG and in 9 May AWM.
26 April, Friday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. House replied to Gov. Thomas that it would defray any necessary expenses for settling peace between the Indians of the Six Nations and the Catawbas. Votes 4:3034. Printed in the 2 May PG and the 9 May AWM. It adjourned to 19 Aug but was recalled on 3 June. Votes 4:3033-3035.
26 April (b), probably attended Junto meeting.
26 April (c). Peter Collinson, London, to Cadwallader Colden: "I am glad to hear of the Philadelphia Society." On the prototype of the APS. Colden Papers 3:114.
29 April, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present. (Since his name was crossed out as absent, he probably came late to the meeting.) "The Company Mett & unanimously agreed that Thomas Hatton Should be admitted as a Member of the Company in the Place of [Capt.] William Bell, decd., and that the Succeeding Clerk Shall give him Notice, of our Next Meeting in order to sign the Articles."
[April], Report of Viewers of a Road in the Northern Liberties. P 3:23-4.
[April], Agreement about the Road. P 3:25.
April, Gentleman's Magazine (15: 19397) published "An historical account of the wonderful discoveries made in Germany, &c. concerning Electricity." It also advertised (15:224): "Acta Germanica. No. VI. Vol. III, (in which is a large account of electricity, with copper plate representations) pr. 6d. Robinson." The pamphlet was evidently the source of the article. Previous scholars have thought that Peter Collinson sent BF a copy of this issue of the Gentleman's Magazine "together with a Glass Tube, and some Directions for using it, so as to repeat those Experiments" and thus started Franklin on his own experiments. But there would have been no reason for him to have specially sent the Gentleman's Magazine. Collinson sent the London and the Gentleman's magazines regularly to the Library Company (Breintnall recorded receiving the April issue in the minutes for 14 October), and Collinson well knew that BF and many other individual members of the Library Company normally received the most recent copies. He sent instead the pamphlet published by Robinson which was the source of the Gentleman's Magazine article. The original German report was evidently written by Albrech von Haller; J. L. Heilbroun, Electricity 3256. See P 17:66; cf. A 130; Lemay, Ebenezer Kinnersley, 5059; I. Bernard Cohen, BF's Science 61-65; Lemay, review of Cohen, BF's Science.
2 May, Thursday, PG: "Monday next will be published," Thomas Cadwalader, An Essay on the West-India Dry-Gripes (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Austin 380; Miller 369. As "Just published," 9 May. The copy in the Philadelphia Library of Physicians has both the original and the revised preface. Cadwalader composed the manuscript sometime before 1738, lost it, advertised for it to be returned on 24 Nov 1738, and now finally published it.
3 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
6 May, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting in the Library Room, "to choose Directors & a Treasurer and to make the 13th Annual Payment": The same persons elected in 1742, 1743, and 1744 were re-elected. After Joseph Breintnall's death (16 March 1745/6), BF acted as secretary. Later the officers adjourned to the Widow Roberts. "B. Franklin's Account for printing Notices of the general Meeting for 1744 & 1745 and blank Receipts in those two Years being 20/ was allowed of and Order drawn on the Treasurer for Payment." "Daniel Benezet having lately married Elizabeth North, the Niece, Executrix & Devisee of James Merrewether late of Philadelphia ... desired by his Friends to be proposed to come into Membership, and take the Share of said James Merrewether, which was approved." And Christopher Thompson was also approved (share no. 96, 10 May 1745).
6 May (b), probably attended Masonic meeting.
10 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
10 May (b). Christopher Thompson paid for a share (96) in the Library Company.
13 May, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts.
17 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
23 May, Thursday. PG: Account of Cape Breton, concluding: "The only Reflection I shall make on these Facts is, that every Man who loves his Country, ought to pray for the Success of the present Expedition." Cf. P 3:55, n.8. BF in effect condemned the Quaker party and the assembly for not supporting the expedition. Cf. 28 Feb. Franklin's note may have suggested his joking letter on prayers to his brother John [see May?].
24 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
27 May, Monday, BF to "Jimmy" (cousin James Read). ALS Hampton L. Carson Collection. PHi. The catalogue card at PHi dates the letter 27 May; the ms has the date 27 Aug 1745 written on it in another hand; but it should be 17 Aug (see below).
27 May (b), Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present.
28 May, Tuesday. The Old Side Philadelphia Presbytery addressed Governor William Gooch of Virginia, assuring him that none of their members were among the itinerants preaching in Virginia; that instead, those ministers belonged to the "New Light" Newcastle Presbytery. Reprinted in the PG, 12 Aug. Cf. 18 April and 20 June.
30 May, Thursday. PG: "To be SOLD, A Servant Lad, about 20 Years of Age, very fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of the Printer hereof."
30 May (b). PG: Printed Joseph Morgan's "Method for the Longitude briefly sum'd up." Cf. 7 Aug 1746.
30 May (c). Joseph Sims paid for a share (97) in the Library Company.
31 May, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
[May?], BF To John Franklin. P 3:26-7; W 428-29. Cf. 6 June. 28 Feb and 4 April were both fast days in Massachusetts to pray for the success of the Louisburgh expedition. Cf. 23 May.
3 June, Monday, 1745. BF: witnessed Mary Middleton Bond. APS, 2p. Hays. BFPAPERS file 27460.
3 June (b). House met by writ of Governor Thomas; continued to 6 June. Votes 4:3035-3036.
3 June (c), probably attended Masonic meeting.
4 June, Tuesday, House met at 10am; heard the Governor's message concerning letters received from Commodore Warren and Governor Shirley requesting the colony's help in the attack on Cape Breton. Met again at 3pm. Votes 4:3035-3037.
5 June, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3037-3038.
6 June, Thursday, first illustrated news event in PG: BF's woodcut "Plan of the Town and Harbour of Louisbourgh" (Canon no. 81; W 300), accompanying a brief survey of its strategic importance. BF apologised for the cut, "rough as it is, for want of good Engravers here." He concluded with a defense of the expedition: "It is therefore in their own Necessary Defence, as well as that of all the other British Colonies, that the People of New-England have undertaken the present Expedition against that Place, to which may the GOD OF HOSTS grant Success. Amen." P 2:54-56; W 299-301. Cf. 28 Feb, 23 May and next item. BF's religious rhetoric in his public support of the project contrasts markedly with his amused ironic religious references in the letter to his brother John [see May?].
6 June (b). House met at 10am; answered Governor: "as the Enterprize against Cape Breton, is a private Undertaking of the Government of New-England, in which they did not think fit to consult the neighbouring Colonies, and wherein, if the Design succeeds, they themselves will receive the principal Benefit, and therefore they have no Right to involve us in the Expence. That the Expedition is since carried on 'with His Majesty's Approbation,' we do not doubt, but how far it was intended this Government should be burdened with the Expence arising from it, will best appear when the Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Governor, mentioned by Commodore Warren, shall be received, until then, we hope, we shall be excused from coming to any further Resolutions in [the] Affair." Votes 4:3038. Session adjourned to 19 Aug, but was recalled on 22 July.
7 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
8 June, Saturday. Cadwallader Colden to John Mitchell: Commented on Mitchell's essay on yellow fever. The letter was printed with the essay in the American Medical and Philosophical Register 4 (1814):181-225. The essay was first printed in the Philadelphia Medical Museum 1 (1805):1-20. Modern specialists, however, do not believe that the epidemics Mitchell described were actually yellow fever; Stearns, Science 548-49. Cf. 25 Oct 1744.
10 June, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts. Application made for David Edwards and Lewis Evans, but there was not a sufficient number of directors.
Ante 13 June. BF's form, Post-Master's Way Bill (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 381. Form dated 13 June 1745. Parke-Bernet Galleries, 4 Jan 1950, cat no. 1113, p. 14, item no. 50.
13 June, Thursday, PG: "Just Published," John Armstrong. The Art of Preserving Health: a Poem (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 367.
14 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
17 June, Monday, Louisbourg surrendered to colonial (mainly New England) force under William Pepperrell, aided by British fleet commanded by Sir Peter Warren. See 18 July PG.
20 June, Thursday. Virginia's Governor Sir William Gooch replied to the Presbyterian Synod of Philadelphia that he did not suspect that their ministers were among the itinerants travelling through Virginia. Reprinted in the PG, 26 Sept 1745. Cf. 18 April and 28 May.
21 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
22 June, Saturday, Wm Strahan to David Hall. APS, 3p. BFPAPERS file 25091.
24 June, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present.
25 June, Tuesday, wrote "Old Mistresses Apologue." P 3:2731; W 302-03. BF may have heard of a pamphlet entitled A Young Man's Reasons for Marrying an Old Woman in a Letter to his Friend and been inspired by the title and/or the work. The pamphlet, published by Bickerton for 1s was listed among the new books in the Gentleman's Magazine 15 (May 1745):280, no. 44. A copy is in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. Since the Gentleman's Magazine for May would have been published in London in June, BF could hardly have heard of it by 25 June, the date on BF's "Old Mistresses Apologue," but the Bickerton printing may not have been the first printing or the piece may have circulated in manuscript before being printed. BF's "Old Mistresses Apologue" may possibly have been written at an earlier or later date than 25 June. Other than the title and general subject, no relation exists between Franklin's wonderful spoof and the boring, long English pamphlet.
Granger, BF 186-87.
27 June, Thursday. Franklin recorded that he sent "Mr. James Parker, Dr. 200 Testaments [Miller 368] unbound at 10, 8.6.5." Accounts. This is the earliest reference to what was apparently the only Bible printed in colonial America. G. S. Eddy, Account Book II 11-12, first theorized that Franklin printed a New Testament, and C. W. Miller, no. 368, found the confirming proof in David Hall's 1748 list of the books present in Franklin's shop when Hall took it over, "51 Testaments Philadelphia Printing." Cf. 9 July, below. James N. Green noted the inferior quality of the paper Franklin used and commented, "The venture bears all the marks of a failure, which may explain why as with Pamela, neither he nor any other colonial printer tried the same thing again." Green, "BF as Publisher and Bookseller" 104. The New Testament (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Evans mp. 11230; Miller 368.
28 June, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
1 July, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
4 July, Thursday. PG: BF praised the humanity of the Spanish governor of Jamaica.
5 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
8 July, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts. Lewis Evans (share no. 98, 17 Aug 1745) and David Edwards were voted acceptable. "B. Franklin to print the Charter and William Parsons to give him a Catalogue of the new Books to be printed. And B. Franklin to get of the Secretary, from amongst the Library Papers, in his keeping, the old Catalogues printed, or in Manuscript, to help the Directors in a new Choice of Books to be sent for."
9 July, Tuesday. John Frederick Gronovius, Leyden, to Cadwallader Colden: "I am very much obliged to You for Mr. Franklin's book, which I don't doubt the next letter shall bring it to you translated into dutch." Colden, Letters 3:126.
9 July (b). BF sent "Josh'a Blanchard, Boston ... to dispose of for me 500 unbound Testaments at 10d 416.8, ... New Tender." And on the same date, he recorded: "Mr. [Charles] Harrison (Boston) Sent 1000 Testaments at 10d, New Tenor, 41.13.4." Accounts. See above, 27 June.
11 July, Thursday. News arrived in Philadelphia just before 9pm that Louisbourg had surrendered. PG: "Wednesday last [10 July], a great Number of Guns were distinctly heard in several Places round this City, the Occasion of which, as well as the Place where they were fired, was unknown till the Evening of the Day following, when an Express arriv'd with Advice of the Surrender of Louisbourg, which had caus'd great Rejoycings at New-York. 'Twas near 9 o'Clock when the Express came in, yet the News flying instantly round the Town, upwards of 20 Bonfires were immediately lighted in the Streets. The next Day was spent in Feasting, and drinking the Healths of Governor Shirley, Gen. Pepperel, Com. Warren, &c. &c. under the Discharge of Cannon from the Wharffs and Vessels in the River; and the Evening concluded with Bonfires, Illuminations, and other Demonstrations of Joy. A Mob gathered, and began to break the Windows of those Houses that were not illuminated, but it was soon dispersed, and suppress'd." PG 18 July; P 3:57. The announcement in the AWM of the same date is without the anticipatory news of mysterious guns being fired the night before. The PJ announcement is closer but it too lacks the drama of BF's account.
John Smith, Hannah 69-70: "The 11th of 5th mo: 1745, We received news of the Surrender of Louisburg on the 17th Ultimo to K: George. The N. England Troops on this Expedition Gained much Reputation among the Men principled for War. They were Commanded by Wm Pepperill, a N. Ed. man also, and assisted by a fleet of Ships of War under the Command of Capt. Warren. That Evening & the next the mob were very rude in this City, breaking many Windows that were not Illuminated, but by the Vigilance of the Inhabitants and the prudent Conduct of the then Mayor Edward Shippen they were suppressed before they had done much mischief."
12 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
19 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
22 July, Monday, House met by writ of the Governor; continued only through 24 July. Votes 4:3039.
23 July, Tuesday, House met at 10am. Gov. George Thomas reported the victory at Cape Breton and asked for soldiers, ammunition, and supplies for securing the conquest. Gov. Thomas told the assembly of "his Majesty's Order signified by the Duke of Newcastle" that "if Mr. Warren shall apply to you for Assistance, either of Men, Provisions, or Shipping ... you should in all such Cases be aiding and assisting to him." Met again at 3pm. Votes 4:3039-3041. Gov. Thomas's speech in PG Supplement, 25 July, and in AWM 1 Aug.
24 July, Wednesday, House met at 10am; met again at 3pm and voted £4,000 "to the King's Use; to be paid into the Hands of John Pole and John Mifflin, of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants: ... to be laid out by them ... in the purchase of Bread, Beef, Pork, Flour, Wheat or other Grain ... within this province; and to be shipped from hence for the King's Service, as the Governor shall think most fit." In its message to the governor, the assemblymen said: "although the peaceable Principles professed by divers Members of the present Assembly, do not permit them to join in raising of Men or providing Arms and Ammunition, yet we have ever held it our Duty to render Tribute to Caesar, and have therefore, on the present Occasion, come to the Resolution herewith sent, which we hope will give 'Public and substantial Proof of our Zeal for the King's Service and the common Good of our Fellow Subjects.'" Votes 4:3041-3043. The exchange was printed as a Supplement to the 25 July PG. Extracts from the House speech appeared in the AWM 1 Aug. Adjourned to 19 Aug.
BF remarked in his Autobiography that Governor George Thomas said that "Other Grain is Gunpowder" (A114). Wellenreuther, "Political Dilemma" 161, noted that in fact Gov. Thomas "saw none of the money and therefore could not make use of this witty interpretation." Perhaps Gov. Thomas made the comment before he learned that no money was forthcoming.
26 July, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
29 July, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present. Joseph Turner sent in the following account for a fire Engine, 15.6.0; plus Commission and Insurance, 0.19.11 &1/4; total 16.5.11 &1/4 sterling. Exchange into Pennsylvania currency at 60 per cent less than sterling = 26.1.5 &3/4, of which he has received, 18.12.0; there remains due to him 7.9.5&3/.4.
1 Aug, Thursday. PG: Reprinted from Boston Evening Post news of the capture of Louisburgh: BF editorialized: "The late Reduction of the City and Harbour of Louisbourg, not only appears wonderful to us in America, but must surprize all the People of England, and make a considerable Noise thro' all Europe. Take it in all its Circumstances, it can scarce be parallel'd in History."
1 Aug (b). PG Supplement: "From the Boston Weekly Post Boy. The following being a more particular and methodical Account of the Siege and Surrender of Louisburg, than any hitherto published, we now give it to our Readers."
2 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
5 Aug, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
9 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
12 Aug, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts. Libbie Cat no. 65, May 9-10, 1911, p. 984, advertised the original minutes in BF's hand.
14 Aug, Wednesday. Franklin's hatter Charles Moore billed him for "a Racoon hat for your Negro" (accounts); cf. 21 Dec. The account probably refers to a slave owned by Franklin.
15 Aug, Thursday, BF to James Alexander. P 3:32.
15 Aug (b) BF to Cadwallader Colden. P 3:33-8. "The Members of our Society [the Philosophical Society] here are very idle Gentlemen; they will take no Pains. I must, I believe, alter the Scheme, and proceed with the Papers I have and may receive, in the Manner you advise in one of your former Letters."
16 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
17 Aug, Saturday. BF To James Read. P 3:39-40; W 429-30. Cf. 27 May. BF's humor and his jokes.
17 Aug (b). Lewis Evans paid for a share (98) in the Library Company.
19 Aug, Monday, House "met persuant to their adjournment"; continued through 23 Aug. Votes 4:3043.
20 Aug, Tuesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3044.
21 Aug, Wednesday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. Votes 4:3044-3045.
22 Aug, Thursday, House met at 3pm. Votes 4:3045.
23 Aug, Friday, House met at 10am; again at 3pm. The "Report of the Committee on the Public Accounts" was approved and made. Gov. Thomas was paid a total of £3000 (and see below, 7 Sept). Voted £500 "in full of his Support for the current Year" (Votes 4:3045); he was paid £1000 by order of the assembly (Votes 4:3046); paid £500 "in Part of an Order of Assembly, to be repaid by the Treasurer" (Votes 4:3047); paid £500 "in Part of an Order of Assembly for £1,000. the other £500 being paid by John Kinsey, one of the Trustees of the Loan Office" and paid £500 per Order of Assembly (Votes 4:3048) [and see below, 7 Sept]. Franklin was paid £185.8.4 for "Paper and Printing the last Bills of Credit" (Votes 4:3046; the paper currency of 1 Aug 1744; Miller 361); and "per Order, £62.1.2, and for Postage of public Packets, £11.10.0." Adjourned to 30 Sept but recalled on 4 Sept. Votes 4:3048.
23 Aug, Friday, 1745. Wm Strahan to David Hall. APS, 2p. BFPAPERS file 25093.
26 Aug, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present.
30 Aug, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
2 Sept, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
4 Sept, Wednesday, House met at the summons of the Governor; continued through 7 Sept.
5 Sept, Thursday, House met at 10am; heard the Governor's message, which spoke of his fear that the Iroquois might not remain neutral in the conflict with France and exhorted the assembly to support New England in its attempt to keep Louisburg. Met again at 3pm. The assembly determined to discover "whether [the Governor] would be pleased to attend the Treaty at Albany, if the House made the necessary Provision for that Purpose." Votes 4:3052-3054.
5 Sept (b). PG: "We hear that Mr. Whitefield is expected here this Day or To-morrow." Whitefield arrived that evening and probably stayed with the Franklins until 20 September. A106. See 12 and 19 Sept.
6 Sept, Friday, House met at 10am, and received the Governor's response to their query that "if he were in good Health he would cheerfully attend the Treaty proposed at Albany ... but he was so indisposed, that it might endanger his life to go thither at this Season of the Year." Instead, he recommended commissioners be sent in his place to represent the colony. The commissioners were approved. Met again at 3pm and drafted an answer to the Governor. Votes 4:3054-3055.
6 Sept (b), perhaps the Junto meeting was cancelled to hear Whitefield speak at the New Building. See 12 Sept.
7 Sept, Saturday, House met at 10am. Replied to the Governor that commissioners would represent Pennsylvania at the treaty in Albany, and recommended further measures to ensure the loyalty of the Iroquois. They voted £250 as a present to the Indians at the Albany Treaty (Votes 4:3056), which BF reported in the 12 Sept PG; and voted £100 for expenses of the commissioners and interpreter. The House refused, however, the "application last made by the Government of the Massachusetts," because "we think the Sum of Money we lately gave ... should excuse us from any further Provision, at least for this Time." The representatives paid Gov. Thomas £500 as "the remainder of his Support" (Votes 4:3057; see above, 23 August). They allowed Franklin 31.16.0 "as Clerk to the House, and for Printing Votes, per Account"; 24.5.0 "for Expresses to Virginia and Maryland, paid by him, by Order of the Governor"; and 12.11.4 for "Postage of sundry foreign Letters, per Account, to the 9th of November, 1743." Votes 4:3055-3058.
9 Sept, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at the Widow Roberts.
10 Sept, Tuesday. Dr. John Mitchell, Urbana, Va, to Cadwallader Colden: "Had I thought, that Mr. Franklin would have sent you my last remarks on the yellow fever, or that you would have taken any notice of them, I should have made them more fit for your perusal. ... I never had any thoughts of publishing them in America, nor of showing it to any one in it, that I knew, but only to yourself, for whom alone I left it at Philadelphia, where your Candour & Ingenuity were represented to me, to be as great, as your skill & knowledge, & that by those whom I took to be very good Judges, as I since perceive they were--as for the preservation of this little piece, since it is written, that was designed to be by the Medical Essays at Edinburgh; but they were discontinued, before this was wrote, & it is entirely unfit, & never designed, to appear by itself. I thought indeed, that it might make a fit piece for the records of the Philosophic Society at Philadelphia; but was sorry to find none such, but what you had obliged us with, & am still more sorry to hear, by Dr. [Archibald] Spencer, that their laudable design is in a manner entirely dropt." Colden, Letters 8:314, 321. Sent to Colden free, "Per favour of Mr. Franklin." 322. Cf. 28 Nov.
ante 12 Sept. BF's printed form, Bill of Sale (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 376. Filled out on 12 Sept.
12 Sept, Thursday, John Mitchell to BF. P 3:41-4.
12 Sept (b). PG: "Thursday night last the Rev. Mr. Whitefield arrived here from New-York. He was met and conducted into Town by about 50 Horse. The Evening following he preach'd at the New-Building, and twice or thrice every Day since to large Audiences. He purposes to set out speedily for Georgia, by Land, thro' Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolina's."
12 Sept (c) PG: In an advertisement "To the Freeholders of the County and City of Philadelphia," Nicholas Scull asked for their votes as sheriff. Repeated 19 and 26 Sept. Also in 12, 19 & 26 Sept PJ. On 1 Oct, Scull won the election.
13 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
19 Sept, Thursday. PG: "Mr. Whitefield preaches this Evening at the New-Building, and, 'tis said, designs to set out To-morrow Morning for Maryland."
20 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
26 Sept, Thursday. "On Thursday last Edward Shippen, Esq; Mayor of this City, made the Customary Feast at the Expiration of his Mayoralty, when his Hon. the Governor, the Council, and Corporation, and a great Number of other Gentlemen, were entertained at the Golden Fleece Tavern, in the most handsome Manner." AWM 3 Oct. No doubt BF was invited and attended.
27 Sept, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
30 Sept, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present.
1 Oct, Tuesday. Annual elections of the state government coincided with the annual election of the Philadelphia Corporation. James Hamilton was elected Mayor.
ante 4 Oct. Thomas Lawrence and John Kinsey bought a blank book from BF containing his printed bookseller's label to record the minutes of the Indian Treaty held in Albany, 4 to 15 Oct. Miller 372.
4 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
4 Oct (b). John Bartram to Cadwallader Colden: "I find by my corespondents in Europe that thay have been informed of our Phylosopycal Society & have great expectation of fine accounts therefrom tho I durst not so much as mention it to my correspondents for fear it should turn out but poorly; but I find the[e] mentioned to Collinson, hee to Catesby, & hee to Gronovius, which was to him from Claton. these accounts I showed to franklin & he layeth the blame on us; & Dr Bond Saith Ben. Franklin is in fault; however wee three talks of carrying it on with more dilligence then ever which we may very easily do if we could but exchange the time is spent in the Club, Chess & Coffee House for the Curious amusements of natural observations." Bartram, Correspondence 261.
7 Oct, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
10 Oct, Thursday, PG: "Lately published," Votes and Proceedings (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Campbell 325; Evans 5671; Miller 380. Miller noted that it was advertised on 14 Nov.
10 Oct (b). PG: "Next Week will be published More's American Country Almanack" (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 377. In 17 Oct PG as "Just Published."
11 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
12 Oct, Saturday, From John and Elizabeth Croker: Deed. P 3:44-5. Cf. 9 April 1734.
14 Oct, Monday, new Assembly met. Former Speaker John Kinsey was at the Indian conference in Albany. Israel Pemberton was chosen Speaker; but he declined; and so John Wright was elected Speaker. Votes 4:3059. In the winter, however, Wright fell sick, and on 6 Jan 1745/6, John Kinsey (who had been the Speaker from 15 Oct 1739 to 14 Oct 1745) was again elected.
14 Oct (b). Attended meeting of the Library Company directors at the Widow Roberts. Note: this was the last meeting at the Widow Roberts. Beginning in November, the officers met at Breintnall's. The meetings had been at John Roberts Coffee House in High Street (see 25 April 1734; 24 April 1735; 22 April 1736; 21 April 1737), then at John Roberts in Second Street (beginning 19 April 1739). Breintnall's Coffee House was at the Sign of the Hen and Chickens in Chestnut Street (28 Nov 1746 and 22 Oct 1747). ... Breintnall recorded that he had received the Gentleman's magazines through April.
15 Oct, Tuesday, House met at 10am, waited upon the Governor at 12pm, and upon returning "Resolved, That Benjamin Franklin be Clerk to this House for the ensuing Year. And he took the usual Qualification accordingly." Met again at 3pm and then adjourned to 6 January, 1745. Votes 4:3058-3061.
18 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
25 Oct, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
28 Oct, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present. ... Received of Hugh Roberts the above sum of 24.7.7. being the Company's present Stock, per me B Franklin.
31 Oct, Thursday. PG: "On Monday next will be published," Poor Richard's Almanack for the Year 1746 (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 374. P 3:58. As "Just Published," PG: 7 Nov.
Circa 1 to 10 November, BF journeyed to New York. In his letter to William Strahan, dated from New York, 7 Nov, he said he "had left Mr. Hall and all Friends well at Philada last Week, and hope to see them again in a few Days." He was back in Philadelphia on 11 November.
1 Nov, Friday, probably missed Junto meeting.
4 Nov, Monday, probably missed Masonic meeting.
5 Nov, Tuesday. Boston: "Tuesday last [5 Nov] being the Anniversary of the Gunpowder-plot, two Popes were made and carried through the Streets in the Evening, one from the North, another from the South End of the Town, attended by vast Number of Negroes and white Servants, armed with Clubs, Staves and Corlashes [coal-rakes], who were very abusive to the Inhabitants, insulting the Persons and breaking the Windows, &c. of such as did not pay them Money to their Satisfaction, and even many of those who had given them liberally; and the two Popes meeting in Cornhill, their Followers were so infatuated, as to fall upon each other with the utmost Rage and Fury: Several were sorely wounded and bruised, some left for dead, and rendered incabable of any Business for a long Time, to the great Loss and Damage of their respective Masters." AWM 21 Nov, reprinting a Boston paper of 11 Nov.
7 Nov, Thursday, BF To William Strahan, written from New York. P 3:45.
7 Nov (b). Cadwallader Colden, Coldengham, NY, to John Mitchell, Urbanna, Va: Sent "by the favour of Mr. Franklin." Colden, Letters 8:338.
7 Nov, Thursday. "Lately published," Votes and Proceedings (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1746 [1745]). Campbell 346; Evans 5848; Miller 404. Though Miller 380 identified this as the Votes for 1744-45, it could be for the "last session" (as the advertisement says), i.e., 14-15 Oct, 1745.
c. 7 Nov. Benjamin Franklin, A Pocket Almanack for the Year 1746 (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 373. Probably published at about the same time as Poor Richard. Mentioned as forthcoming 10 Oct, in the advertisement for More's American Country Almanack.
8 Nov, Friday, missed Junto meeting.
11 Nov, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at Joseph Breintnall's. Agreed to meet next Thursday evening at Breintnall's to decide what books to send for.
14 Nov, Thursday. PG: "THE PENNSYLVANIA FIRE PLACES, made by Robert Grace, are sold by Lewis Evans, in Strawberry Alley; who takes care, if required, that they are fitted up, and set to the best Advantage, in Philadelphia, or the Parts adjacent." P 3:58.
14 Nov (b). Probably attended a meeting of the Library Company (cf. 11 Nov). No record in minutes.
15 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
16 Nov, Saturday, BF To William Strahan. P 3:45-6.
21 Nov, Thursday. BF, Philadelphia, to Wm Strahan. CtY, 1p. ADDENDUM. BFPAPERS file 28172.
21 Nov (b). PG: "Monday next will be published, A Pocket Almanack (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Campbell 323; Evans 5596; Miller 373. As "Just Published," 28 Nov.
22 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
25 Nov, Monday, Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present and serving as clerk.
28 Nov, Thursday, BF To Cadwallader Colden. P 3:46-9. "I am now determin'd to publish an American Philosophical Miscellany, Monthly or Quarterly. I shall begin with next January, and proceed as I find Encouragement and Assistance. ... I have not the Original of Dr. Mitchel's Tract on the Yellow Fever. Mine is a Copy I had taken with his Leave when here. Mr. Evans will make a Copy of it for you." Cf. 10 Sept.
28 Nov (b). PG: "Saturday next will be published," The Friendly Instructor. with preface by the Rev. Dr. Phillip Doddridge (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Campbell 319; Evans 5600; Miller 375. No copy known. Cf. Accounts 29 Jan 1745/6.
28 Nov (c). PG: "Mr. Prince's Sermon on the General Thanksgiving, occasioned by the taking of CAPE-BRETON; in which is contain'd a more particular Account of the Expedition than hitherto has been published; to which is added, a new and exact Plan of the Town, Forts, and Harbour of Louisbourg. Price 1s." Thomas Prince, Extraordinary Events (Boston: D. Henchman, 1745). Evans 5681; 2nd ed., Evans 6057.
29 Nov, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
2 Dec, Monday, probably attended Masonic meeting.
6 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
9 Dec, Monday, attended Library Company directors meeting at Joseph Breintnall's.
10 Dec, Tuesday, PG: "Just Published," The Friendly Instructor (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 375.
11 Dec, Wednesday, BF To William Strahan. P 3:49.
13 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
20 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
21 Dec, Saturday. Franklin's hatter Charles Moore billed him for "dressing a hat for your Negro" (accounts).
22 Dec, Sunday, BF To William Strahan. P 3:50.
24 Dec, Tuesday. PG: Dr. John Bard advertised settling his accounts, preparatory to moving to New York in 1746. Bard may have been BF's personal and family physician until 1746.
27 Dec, Friday, probably attended Junto meeting.
30 Dec, Monday, From Robert Grace: Lease. P 3:50-1. Cf. 11 Jan 1738/9, when the Franklin's moved to Robert Grace's House, at the present 131 Market St. Cf. 28 March 1757.
30 Dec (b), Union Fire Company met at Henry Pratt's, BF present. "An Acct paid by Benj. Franklin to the Smith for an Improvement to the Company's Fire Engine was allowed, amounting to 0.13.4." BF, who serv'd as clerk for Philip Syng paid the Sum of £1.14.6. which he receiv'd of the members being their fines for absences. One wonders what the improvement to the company's fire engine was--and if BF designed it?
c. 30 December: The Yearly Verses of the Printer's Boy, January 1, 1746. (Philadelphia: Franklin, 1745). Miller 379.
Dec. John Bartram to Cadwallader Colden: "I will try if Lewis Evans who is under obligations to thee will coppy over Dr. Mitchells history or treaties of the pines in virginia which he left with me; but since hath sent for them if Lewis will coppy it I or heee shall send it to thee." Sent "Free B. Franklin." Colden, Letters 3:180. (Bartram, Correspondence 265, does not note that it was sent "Free.")
About 1745, BF wrote: "The Antediluvians were all very sober" P 3:52; W 939-40. Cohn, "BF and Traditional Music," 304-05. Lopez. Mon Cher Papa, 294-96.
One Franklin 1745 imprint lacks a more specific date: Church of Scotland. Westminster Assembly. Confession of Faith (Philadelphia: Franklin, l745). Miller 371.
1745-1746. Minutes of the Library Co. of Phila. PHi: Am3565.
ca. 1745. The Trade of a Province of 40,000 Inhabitants. APS, 6pp. Hays 3:435; L(ii), 34. BFPAPERS file 15986.
ca. 1745-1757. BF: Fragment. APS, 2p. BFPapers 21812.