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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 33
of 154
This transaction fixed Ralph in his resolution of becoming a poet. I did all I
could to dissuade him from it, but he continued scribbling verses till Pope
cured him. He became, however, a pretty good prose writer. More of him
hereafter. But, as I may not have occasion again to mention the other two, I
shall just remark here, that Watson died in my arms a few years after, much
lamented, being the best of our set. Osborne went to the West Indies, where he
became an eminent lawyer and made money, but died young. He and I had made a
serious agreement, that the one who happen'd first to die should, if possible,
make a friendly visit to the other, and acquaint him how he found things in that
separate state. But he never fulfill'd his promise.
The governor, seeming to like my company, had me frequently to his house, and
his setting me up was always mention'd as a fixed thing. I was to take with me
letters recommendatory to a number of his friends, besides the letter of credit
to furnish me with the necessary money for purchasing the press and types,
paper, etc. For these letters I was appointed to call at different times, when
they were to be ready, but a future time was still named. Thus he went on till
the ship, whose departure too had been several times postponed, was on the point
of sailing. Then, when I call'd to take my leave and receive the letters, his
secretary, Dr. Bard, came out to me and said the governor was extremely busy in
writing, but would be down at Newcastle before the ship, and there the letters
would be delivered to me.
Ralph, though married, and having one child, had determined to accompany me in
this voyage. It was thought he intended to establish a correspondence, and
obtain goods to sell on commission; but I found afterwards, that, thro' some
discontent with his wife's relations, he purposed to leave her on their hands,
and never return again. Having taken leave of my friends, and interchang'd some
promises with Miss Read, I left Philadelphia in the ship, which anchor'd at
Newcastle. The governor was there; but when I went to his lodging, the secretary
came to me from him with the civillest message in the world, that he could not
then see me, being engaged in business of the utmost importance, but should send
the letters to me on board, wish'd me heartily a good voyage and a speedy
return, etc. I returned on board a little puzzled, but still not doubting.
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