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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 48
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a few words, the effect of sudden passion, and wishing me to return.
Meredith persuaded me to comply, as it would give more opportunity for his
improvement under my daily instructions; so I return'd, and we went on more
smoothly than for some time before. The New jersey jobb was obtain'd, I
contriv'd a copperplate press for it, the first that had been seen in the
country; I cut several ornaments and checks for the bills. We went together to
Burlington, where I executed the whole to satisfaction; and he received so large
a sum for the work as to be enabled thereby to keep his head much longer above
water.
At Burlington I made an acquaintance with many principal people of the province.
Several of them had been appointed by the Assembly a committee to attend the
press, and take care that no more bills were printed than the law directed. They
were therefore, by turns, constantly with us, and generally he who attended,
brought with him a friend or two for company. My mind having been much more
improv'd by reading than Keimer's, I suppose it was for that reason
myconversation seem'd to he more valu'd. They had me to their houses, introduced
me to their friends, and show'd me much civility; while he, tho' the master, was
a little neglected. In truth, he was an odd fish; ignorant of common life, fond
of rudely opposing receiv'd opinions, slovenly to extream dirtiness,
enthusiastic in some points of religion, and a little knavish withal.
We continu'd there near three months; and by that time I could reckon among my
acquired friends, Judge Allen, Samuel Bustill, the secretary of the Province,
Isaac Pearson, Joseph Cooper, and several of the Smiths, members of Assembly,
and Isaac Decow, the surveyor-general. The latter was a shrewd, sagacious old
man, who told me that he began for himself, when young, by wheeling clay for the
brick-makers, learned to write after be was of age, carri'd the chain for
surveyors, who taught him surveying, and he had now by his industry, acquir'd a
good estate; and says he, "I foresee that you will soon work this man out of
business, and make a fortune in it at Philadelphia." He had not then the least
intimation of my intention to set up there or anywhere. These friends were
afterwards of great use to me, as I occasionally was to some of them. They all
continued their regard for me as long as they lived.
Before I enter upon my public appearance in business, it may be well to let you
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