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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 35
of 154
was surprized to find these were not the governor's letters; and, after
recollecting and comparing circumstances, I began to doubt his sincerity. I
found my friend Denham, and opened the whole affair to him. He let me into
Keith's character; told me there was not the least probability that he had
written any letters for me; that no one, who knew him, had the smallest
dependence on him; and he laught at the notion of the governor's giving me a
letter of credit, having, as he said, no credit to give. On my expressing some
concern about what I should do, he advised me to endeavor getting some
employment in the way of my business. "Among the printers here," said he, "you
will improve yourself, and when you return to America, you will set up to
greater advantage."
We both of us happen'd to know, as well as the stationer, that Riddlesden, the
attorney, was a very knave. He had half ruin'd Miss Read's father by persuading
him to be bound for him. By this letter it appear'd there was a secret scheme on
foot to the prejudice of Hamilton (suppos'd to be then coming over with us); and
that Keith was concerned in it with Riddlesden. Denham, who was a friend of
Hamilton's thought he ought to be acquainted with it; so, when he arriv'd in
England, which was soon after, partly from resentment and ill-will to Keith and
Riddlesden, and partly from good-will to him, I waited on him, and gave him the
letter. He thank'd me cordially, the information being of importance to him; and
from that time he became my friend, greatly to my advantage afterwards on many
occasions.
But what shall we think of a governor's playing such pitiful tricks, and
imposing so grossly on a poor ignorant boy! It was a habit he had acquired. He
wish'd to please everybody; and, having little to give, he gave expectations. He
was otherwise an ingenious, sensible man, a pretty good writer, and a good
governor for the people, tho' not for his constituents, the proprietaries, whose
instructions he sometimes disregarded. Several of our best laws were of his
planning and passed during his administration.
Ralph and I were inseparable companions. We took lodgings together in Little
Britain at three shillings and sixpence a week-- as much as we could then
afford. He found some relations, but they were poor, and unable to assist him.
He now let me know his intentions of remaining in London, and that he never
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