ious to know what had led the young man to take this apparently hasty step, and to her inquiry, her brother made reply: "When I set him up at Antigua, he was to have the use of the printing-house, allowing me one-third part of the profits. After this, finding him diligent and careful, for his encouragement, I relinquished that agreement, and let him know that, as you were removed into a dearer house, if he paid you yearly a certain sum, I forget what it was, towards discharging your rent, and another small sum to me, in sugar and rum, for my family use, he need keep no farther accounts of the profits, but should enjoy all the rest himself. I cannot remember what the whole of both payments amounted to, but I think they did not exceed twenty pounds a year. "The truth is, I intended from the first to give him the printing-house; but, as he was young and inexperienced in the world, I thought it best not to do it immediately; but to keep him a little dependent for a time, to check the flighty unsteadiness of temper which, on several occasions, he had discovered; and what I received from him I concluded to lay out in new types, that, when I should give it to him entirely, it might be worthy his acceptance; and, if I should die first, I put it in my will that the letters should be all new cast for him." But the proposal of paying an annual sum did not suit the young man; he wanted his uncle to name a certain sum for the printing office, and allow him to pay it off in instalments, and have the yearly tribute cease. He loved freedom, he said, and could not bear dependence on any man, though he were the best man living. Franklin informs his sister that for a long time he took no notice of his nephew's letter, which chafed him the more, till he resolved to abandon the island. A third very resolute letter was answered. Franklin inquired where his nephew thought of going, and mentioned the sum for which the property might be sold; if the person who had applied for it would not give that amount, everything was to be packed up and sent home. He added at the close, that "the things" had all arrived, and that he hoped Benny would do better somewhere else, though he feared it would be years before he was cured of his fickleness. The following December Franklin wrote again : "You will receive this by the hand of your son Benjamin, on whose safe return from the West Indies I sincerely congratulate you. "He has settled accounts with me, and paid the balance honorably. He has also cleared the old printing-house to himself, and sent it to Boston, where he proposes to set up his business, together with bookselling, which, considering his industry and frugality, I make no doubt will answer. He has good credit and some money in England, and I have helped him by lending him a little more; so that he may expect a cargo of books, and a quantity of new letter, in the spring: and I shall, from time to time, furnish him with paper. We all join in love to you and yours. "I am, "YOUR LOVING BROTHER.” This was the "Benny" who, when some years before, apprenticed by Franklin to Mr. Parker, at New York, complained to his mother that his master did not furnish him with good enough clothes. Franklin hearing of the complaint, wrote to his sister about it. "I never knew an apprentice contented with the clothes allowed him by his master, let them be what they would. Jemmy Franklin, [this was his brother James' son,] when he was with me, was always dissatisfied and grumbling. When I was last in Boston, his aunt, [i. e. Mrs. Franklin], bid him go to a shop and please himself, which the gentleman did, and bought a suit of clothes on my account, dearer by one-half than any I ever afforded myself, one suit excepted; which I don't mention by way of complaint of Jemmy, for he and I are good friends, but only to show you the nature of boys.” - Broom-corn. CHAPTER XXIII. Governor Denny.- Entertainment in his Honor. -Presents the Gold Medal to Franklin. — In terview with Franklin. - Franklin's Independence.- New Disputes.- Conference with the Indians. At Easton. Letter to his Wife.The Proprietary still Obstinate. -Franklin Appointed Agent to Petition the Crown Against Him. -Arrival of Lord Loudown. He Meets the Governor and Franklin. -Resolution in the Assembly. Suspension of Rights.-Prepares to go to England.— Goes to New York.-Letter to his Wife.- Long Delay. -Letter to his Sister. Care of the Aged.. Another Letter. — Benny Thinks of Marriage. - Miss Betsey. - Letter to his Wife. To his Sister.-Peter Mecom. - Honesty in Business. - Letter to his Wife. - A Large Fleet. -Chased by Hostile Ships.-The Scilly Rocks. Great Peril. Off Falmouth. · Letter to his Wife.-In London. In the year 1756, Gov. Morris was superseded by Capt. William Denny. The people of the province were glad of a change, hoping, though without sufficient grounds, that he would be more favorable to their interests. Accordingly, when the proprietary mayor and corporation of Philadelphia made an entertainment in his honor, the members of the Assembly, sharing the general feeling, accepted an invitation to be present. Franklin was one of the company, willing, with others, to give a respectful welcome to the new ruler. He, on his part, knowing Franklin's high standing and powerful influence, was glad of so good an opportunity of paying his respects to the man whom the world honored, and who had it greatly in his power to aid or obstruct his administration. He had brought over with him the gold medal, voted by the Royal Society, and at the dinner, presented it to Franklin, accompanied with "many polite expressions of esteem.” And after dinner, when the company were enjoying their wine, he took Franklin aside, and told him that he had been advised by friends in England to cultivate a friendship with him, as one capable of giving him the best advice. He wished, therefore, to be on the most cordial terms with him, and assured him of his readiness to do him any service in his power. The proprietor, he said, wished well to the province, and it would certainly be for the advantage of all parties, if there could be harmony between him and the people. He should look to Franklin as his main reliance in bringing about a good feeling; and he might depend on adequate rewards. Some wine having been sent to the governor, of which he made liberal use, he became more and more profuse in his compliments, solicita tions, and promises. |