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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 24
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the place, and would have me away with him to the tavern, where he was going
with Colonel French to taste, as he said, some excellent Madeira. I was not a
little surprised, and Keimer star'd like a pig poison'd. I went, however, with
the governor and Colonel French to a tavern, at the corner of Third-street, and
over the Madeira he propos'd my setting up my business, laid before me the
probabilities of success, and both he and Colonel French assur'd me I should
have their interest and influence in procuring the public business of both
governments. On my doubting whether my father would assist me in it, Sir William
said he would give me a letter to him, in which he would state the advantages,
and he did not doubt of prevailing with him. So it was concluded I should return
to Boston in the first vessel, with the governor's letter recommending me to my
father. In the mean time the intention was to be kept a secret, and I went on
working with Keimer as usual, the governor sending for me now and then to dine
with him, a very great honor I thought it, and conversing with me in the most
affable, familiar, and friendly manner imaginable.
About the end of April, 1724, a little vessel offer'd for Boston. I took leave
of Keimer as going to see my friends. The governor gave me an ample letter,
saying many flattering things of me to my father, and strongly recommending the
project of my setting up at Philadelphia as a thing that must make my fortune.
We struck on a shoal in going down the bay, and sprung a leak; we had a
blustering time at sea, and were oblig'd to pump almost continually, at which I
took my turn. We arriv'd safe, however, at Boston in about a fortnight. I had
been absent seven months, and my friends had heard nothing of me; for my br.
Holmes was not yet return'd, and had not written about me. My unexpected
appearance surpriz'd the family; all were, however, very glad to see me, and
made me welcome, except my brother. I went to see him at his printing-house. I
was better dress'd than ever while in his service, having a genteel new suit
from head to foot, a watch, and my pockets lin'd with near five pounds sterling
in silver. He receiv'd me not very frankly, look'd me all over, and turn'd to
his work again.
The journeymen were inquisitive where I had been, what sort of a country it was,
and how I lik'd it. I prais'd it much, the happy life I led in it, expressing
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