Refuses position as colonel in militia, January 1, avowing military inexperience, and serves instead as common soldier. Forms printing partnership with David Hall, January 1, placing shop in Hall's hands in return for half the profits, and retires as printer; hereafter devotes himself mainly to scientific research and civic affairs. (Annual income from printing partnerships, real estate investments, and postmastership will amount to almost two thousand pounds in coming years, as much as the salary of Pennsylvania's governor.) Moves to new house away from shop, and acquires first of several black slaves. April, sponsors Thomas Smith, another of his journeymen, as printing partner in Antigua. Elected to Common Council of Philadelphia October 4.