[
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0103", "content": "Title: Poor Richard Improved, 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nFor fifteen years Franklin had published his almanac in essentially the same format: twenty-four pages in all, six of introductory and general information at the front, six more of general information at the back, and twelve in the middle section, one for each month. The front and back sections varied a little in subject matter and arrangement from year to year, but the form and character of the monthly pages did not.\nWith the almanac for 1748 Franklin introduced an important change which he continued in the years that followed: he expanded his pamphlet to thirty-six pages and gave two facing pages to each month. With some minor differences the left-hand one was like the single monthly page of the earlier issues. Part of each right-hand page was given to additional tabular matter and the rest was filled with \u201cliterary\u201d material. By using very small type in this space when necessary and sometimes by borrowing parts of the front or back sections, Franklin added substantially to the reading matter in the almanac. The new material changed considerably in character during the eleven years he personally prepared Poor Richard improved, as he called the new version. In the first few almanacs he dwelt mostly on historical events which had occurred during corresponding months of previous years, and the lessons to be derived from them; later he introduced literary or scientific essays, some of which may have been original with him; most were obviously taken, at least in part, from other writers. Some of these essays occupy only a single page; others run through several months or even a whole year. Related verses often accompany the prose passages. Poor Richard improved, therefore, became more than an almanac and compendium of useful information; it was a sort of miniature general magazine, issued annually to delight and educate its readers.\nThe varied nature and length of the pieces and their mixed authorship present problems of selection for the present edition. While Franklin\u2019s function was more often that of editor than of author, his choices and combinations of borrowed materials reflect his own tastes and attitudes. To omit here everything that cannot be established as original would destroy much of the flavor of the publication as a whole and would do less than justice to Franklin\u2019s editorial ingenuity or his views. Selections from these almanacs will include nearly all the shorter items, regardless of authorship; though a few, standing alone and clearly identified as extracts from other writers, will be omitted. Long articles obviously written by others will be merely cited in the annotation.\nKind Reader,\nThe favourable Reception my annual Labours have met with from the Publick these 15 Years past, has engaged me in Gratitude to endeavour some Improvement of my Almanack. And since my Friend Taylor is no more, whose Ephemerides so long and so agreeably serv\u2019d and entertain\u2019d these Provinces, I have taken the Liberty to imitate his well-known Method, and give two Pages for each Month; which affords me Room for several valuable Additions, as will best appear on Inspection and Comparison with former Almanacks. Yet I have not so far follow\u2019d his Method, as not to continue my own where I thought it preferable; and thus my Book is increas\u2019d to a Size beyond his, and contains much more Matter.\nHail Night serene! thro\u2019 Thee where\u2019er we turn\nOur wond\u2019ring Eyes, Heav\u2019n\u2019s Lamps profusely burn;\nAnd Stars unnumber\u2019d all the Sky adorn.\nBut lo!\u2014what\u2019s that I see appear?\nIt seems far off a pointed flame;\nFrom Earthwards too the shining Meteor came:\nHow swift it climbs th\u2019 etherial Space!\nAnd now it traverses each Sphere,\nAnd seems some knowing Mind, familiar to the Place.\nDame, hand my Glass, the longest, strait prepare;\u2014\n\u2019Tis He\u2014\u2019tis Taylor\u2019s Soul, that travels there.\nO stay! thou happy Spirit, stay,\nAnd lead me on thro\u2019 all th\u2019 unbeaten Wilds of Day;\nWhere Planets in pure Streams of Ether driven,\nSwim thro\u2019 the blue Expanse of Heav\u2019n.\nThere let me, thy Companion, stray\nFrom Orb to Orb, and now behold\nUnnumber\u2019d Suns, all Seas of molten Gold,\nAnd trace each Comet\u2019s wandring Way.\u2014\nSouse down into Prose again, my Muse; for Poetry\u2019s no more thy Element, than Air is that of the Flying-Fish; whose Flights, like thine, are therefore always short and heavy.\nWe complain sometimes of hard Winters in this Country; but our Winters will appear as Summers, when compar\u2019d with those that some of our Countrymen undergo in the most Northern British Colony on this Continent, which is that upon Churchill River, in Hudson\u2019s Bay, Lat. 58d. 56m. Long. from London 94d. 50m. West. Captain Middleton, a Member of the Royal Society, who had made many Voyages thither, and winter\u2019d there 1741\u20132, when he was in Search of the North-West Passage to the South-Sea, gives an Account of it to that Society, from which I have extracted these Particulars, viz.\nThe Hares, Rabbits, Foxes, and Partridges, in September and the Beginning of October, change their Colour to a snowy White, and continue white till the following Spring.\nThe Lakes and standing Waters, which are not above 10 or 12 Feet deep, are frozen to the Ground in Winter, and the Fishes therein all perish. Yet in Rivers near the Sea, and Lakes of a greater Depth than 10 or 12 Feet, Fishes are caught all the Winter, by cutting Holes thro\u2019 the Ice, and therein putting Lines and Hooks. As soon as the Fish are brought into the open Air, they instantly freeze stiff.\nBeef, Pork, Mutton, and Venison, kill\u2019d in the Beginning of the Winter, are preserved by the Frost for 6 or 7 Months, entirely free from Putrefaction. Likewise Geese, Partridges, and other Fowls, kill\u2019d at the same Time, and kept with their Feathers on and Guts in, are preserv\u2019d by the Frost, and prove good Eating. All Kinds of Fish are preserv\u2019d in the same Manner.\nIn large Lakes and Rivers, the Ice is sometimes broken by imprison\u2019d Vapours; and the Rocks, Trees, Joists, and Rafters of our Buildings, are burst with a Noise not less terrible than the firing of many Guns together. The Rocks which are split by the Frost, are heaved up in great Heaps, leaving large Cavities behind. If Beer or Water be left even in Copper Pots by the Bed-side, the Pots will be split before Morning. Bottles of strong Beer, Brandy, strong Brine, Spirits of Wine, set out in the open Air for 3 or 4 Hours, freeze to solid Ice. The Frost is never out of the Ground, how deep is not certain; but on digging 10 or 12 Feet down in the two Summer Months, it has been found hard frozen.\nAll the Water they use for Cooking, Brewing, &c. is melted Snow and Ice; no Spring is yet found free from freezing, tho\u2019 dug ever so deep down. All Waters inland, are frozen fast by the Beginning of October, and continue so to the Middle of May.\nThe Walls of the Houses are of Stone, two Feet thick; the Windows very small, with thick wooden Shutters, which are close shut 18 Hours every Day in Winter. In the Cellars they put their Wines, Brandies, &c. Four large Fires are made every Day, in great Stoves to warm the Rooms: As soon as the Wood is burnt down to a Coal, the Tops of the Chimnies are close stopped, with an Iron Cover; this keeps the Heat in, but almost stifles the People. And notwithstanding this, in 4 or 5 Hours after the Fire is out, the Inside of the Walls and Bed-places will be 2 or 3 Inches thick with Ice, which is every Morning cut away with a Hatchet. Three or four Times a Day, Iron Shot, of 24 Pounds Weight, are made red hot, and hung up in the Windows of their Apartments, to moderate the Air that comes in at Crevices; yet this, with a Fire kept burning the greatest Part of 24 Hours, will not prevent Beer, Wine, Ink, &c. from Freezing.\nFor their Winter Dress, a Man makes use of three Pair of Socks, of coarse Blanketting, or Duffeld, for the Feet, with a Pair of Deerskin Shoes over them; two Pair of thick English Stockings, and a Pair of Cloth Stockings upon them; Breeches lined with Flannel; two or three English Jackets, and a Fur, or Leather Gown over them; a large Beaver Cap, double, to come over the Face and Shoulders, and a Cloth of Blanketting under the Chin; with Yarn Gloves, and a large Pair of Beaver Mittins, hanging down from the Shoulders before, to put the Hands in, reaching up as high as the Elbows. Yet notwithstanding this warm Clothing, those that stir Abroad when any Wind blows from the Northward, are sometimes dreadfully frozen; some have their Hands, Arms, and Face blistered and froze in a terrible Manner, the Skin coming off soon after they enter a warm House, and some lose their Toes. And keeping House, or lying-in for the Cure of these Disorders, brings on the Scurvy, which many die of, and few are free from; nothing preventing it but Exercise and stirring Abroad.\nThe Fogs and Mists, brought by northerly Winds in Winter, appear visible to the naked Eye to be Icicles innumerable, as small as fine Hairs, and pointed as sharp as Needles. These Icicles lodge in their Clothes, and if their Faces and Hands are uncover\u2019d, presently raise Blisters as white as a Linnen Cloth, and as hard as Horn. Yet if they immediately turn their Back to the Weather, and can bear a Hand out of the Mitten, and with it rub the blister\u2019d Part for a small Time, they sometimes bring the Skin to its former State; if not, they make the best of their Way to a Fire, bathe the Part in hot Water, and thereby dissipate the Humours raised by the frozen Air; otherwise the Skin wou\u2019d be off in a short Time, with much hot, serous, watry Matter, coming from under along with the Skin; and this happens to some almost every Time they go Abroad, for 5 or 6 Months in the Winter, so extreme cold is the Air, when the Wind blows any Thing strong.\u2014 Thus far Captain Middleton. And now, my tender Reader, thou that shudderest when the Wind blows a little at N-West, and criest, \u2019Tis extrrrrrream cohohold! \u2019Tis terrrrrrible cohold! what dost thou think of removing to that delightful Country? Or dost thou not rather chuse to stay in Pennsylvania, thanking God that He has caused thy Lines to fall in pleasant Places. I am, Thy Friend to serve thee,\nR. Saunders\nJanuary. XI Month.\nLuke, on his dying Bed, embrac\u2019d his Wife,\nAnd begg\u2019d one Favour: Swear, my dearest Life,\nSwear, if you love me, never more to wed,\nNor take a second Husband to your Bed.\nAnne dropt a Tear. You know, my dear, says she,\nYour least Desires have still been Laws to me;\nBut from this Oath, I beg you\u2019d me excuse;\nFor I\u2019m already promis\u2019d to J\u2014n H\u2014s.\nRobbers must exalted be,\nSmall ones on the Gallow-Tree,\nWhile greater ones ascend to Thrones,\nBut what is that to thee or me?\n   Lost Time is never found again.\n   On the 16th Day of this Month, Anno 1707, the Union Act pass\u2019d in Scotland.\nOn the 19th of this Month, Anno 1493, was born the famous Astronomer Copernicus, to whom we owe the Invention, or rather the Revival (it being taught by Pythagoras near 2000 Years before) of that now generally receiv\u2019d System of the World which bears his Name, and supposes the Sun in the Center, this Earth a Planet revolving round it in 365 Days, 6 Hours, &c. and that Day and Night are caused by the Turning of the Earth on its own Axis once round in 24 h. &c. The Ptolomean System, which prevail\u2019d before Copernicus, suppos\u2019d the Earth to be fix\u2019d, and that the Sun went round it daily. Mr. Whiston, a modern Astronomer, says, the Sun is 230,000 times bigger than the Earth, and 81 Millions of Miles distant from it: That vast Body must then have mov\u2019d more than 480 Millions of Miles in 24 h. A prodigious Journey round this little Spot! How much more natural is Copernicus\u2019s Scheme! Ptolomy is compar\u2019d to a whimsical Cook, who, instead of Turning his Meat in Roasting, should fix That, and contrive to have his whole Fire, Kitchen and all, whirling continually round it.\nFebruary. XII Month.\nDon\u2019t after foreign Food and Cloathing roam,\nBut learn to eat and wear what\u2019s rais\u2019d at Home.\nKind Nature suits each Clime with what it wants,\nSufficient to subsist th\u2019 Inhabitants.\nObserving this, we less impair our Health,\nAnd by this Rule we more increase our Wealth:\nOur Minds a great Advantage also gain,\nAnd more sedate and uncorrupt remain.\n      To lead a virtuous Life, my Friends, and get to Heaven in Season, \n      You\u2019ve just so much more Need of Faith, as you have less of Reason.\nTo avoid Pleurisies, &c. in cool Weather; Fevers, Fluxes, &c. in hot; beware of Over-Eating and Over-Heating.\n   On the 4th day of this month, Anno 1710, was born Lewis the 15th, present king of France, called his most christian majesty. He bids fair to be as great a mischief-maker as his grandfather; or, in the language of poets and orators, a Hero. There are three great destroyers of mankind, Plague, Famine, and Hero. Plague and Famine destroy your persons only, and leave your goods to your Heirs; but Hero, when he comes, takes life and goods together; his business and glory it is, to destroy man and the works of man.\nIn horrid grandeur haughty Hero reigns,\nAnd thrives on mankind\u2019s miseries and pains.\nWhat slaughter\u2019d hosts! What cities in a blaze!\nWhat wasted countries! and what crimson seas!\nWith orphans tears his impious bowl o\u2019erflows;\nAnd cries of kingdoms lull him to repose.\n   Hero, therefore, is the worst of the three; and thence David, who understood well the effects of heroism, when he had his choice, wisely pitch\u2019d on Plague as the milder mischief.\nMarch. I Month.\nThe Sun, whose unexhausted Light\nDoes Life and Heat to Earth convey;\nThe Moon, who, Regent of the Night,\nShines with delegated Ray;\nThe Stars, which constant seem to Sight,\nAnd Stars that regularly stray:\nAll these God\u2019s plastick Will from Nothing brought,\nAssign\u2019d their Stations, and their Courses taught.\n   The Heathens when they dy\u2019d, went to Bed without a Candle.\nKnaves and Nettles are akin;\nStroak \u2019em kindly, yet they\u2019ll sting.\n   On the 20th of this month, 1727, died the prince of astronomers and philosophers, sir Isaac Newton, aged 85 years: Who, as Thomson expresses it, Trac\u2019d the boundless works of God, from laws sublimely simple.\nWhat were his raptures then! how pure! how strong!\nAnd what the triumphs of old Greece and Rome,\nBy his diminish\u2019d, but the pride of boys\nIn some small fray victorious! when instead\nOf shatter\u2019d parcels of this earth usurp\u2019d\nBy violence unmanly, and sore deeds\nOf cruelty and blood; Nature herself\nStood all-subdu\u2019d by him, and open laid\nHer every latent glory to his view.\n   Mr. Pope\u2019s epitaph on sir Isaac Newton, is justly admired for its conciseness, strength, boldness, and sublimity:\nNature and nature\u2019s laws lay hid in night;\nGod said, Let Newton be, and all was light.\nApril. II Month.\nOn Education all our Lives depend;\nAnd few to that, too few, with Care attend:\nSoon as Mamma permits her darling Joy\nTo quit her Knee, and trusts at School her Boy,\nO, touch him not, whate\u2019er he does is right,\nHis Spirit\u2019s tender, tho\u2019 his Parts are bright.\nThus all the Bad he can, he learns at School,\nDoes what he will, and grows a lusty Fool.\nLife with Fools consists in Drinking;\nWith the wise Man Living\u2019s Thinking.\n   Eilen thut selten gut.\n   On the 25th of this month, Anno 1599, was Oliver Cromwell born, the son of a private gentleman, but became the conqueror and protector (some say the tyrant) of three great kingdoms. His son Richard succeeded him, but being of an easy peaceable disposition, he soon descended from that lofty station, and became a private man, living, unmolested, to a good old age; for he died not till about the latter end of queen Anne\u2019s reign, at his lodgings in Lombard-street, where he had lived many years unknown, and seen great changes in government, and violent struggles for that, which, by experience, he knew could afford no solid happiness.\nOliver was once about to remove to New-England, his goods being on shipboard; but somewhat alter\u2019d his mind. There he would doubtless have risen to be a Select Man, perhaps a Governor; and then might have had 100 bushels of Indian corn per Annum, the salary of a governor of that then small colony in those days.\nGreat Julius on the mountains bred,\nA flock, perhaps, or herd had led;\nHe that the world subdu\u2019d had been\nBut the best wrestler on the green. Waller.\nMay. III Month.\nRead much; the Mind, which never can be still,\nIf not intent on Good, is prone to Ill.\nAnd where bright Thoughts, or Reas\u2019nings just you find,\nRepose them careful in your inmost Mind.\nTo deck his Chloe\u2019s Bosom thus the Swain\nWith pleasing Toil surveys th\u2019 enamel\u2019d Plain,\nWith Care selects each fragrant flow\u2019r he meets,\nAnd forms one Garland of their mingled sweets.\n   Sell-cheap kept Shop on Goodwin Sands, and yet had Store of Custom.\n   Liberality is not giving much but giving wisely.\nFinikin Dick, curs\u2019d with nice Taste,\nNe\u2019er meets with good dinner, half starv\u2019d at a feast.\n   On the 21st of this month, Anno 1692, the brave admiral Russel beat the French fleet near La Hogue, and burnt, sunk, and destroy\u2019d, near 20 sail of their men of war, in sight of Lewis XIV and K. James II, who were encamped on the shore with a considerable army that was to be transported under convoy of that fleet to Ireland, in order to replace the latter on the throne of the 3 kingdoms. That design was defeated, and this glorious victory obtained with very little loss on our side. But\nO when shall (long-lost) Honour guide the war,\nSee Britain blushes for each dastard tar;\nLost to all sense of shame, the fight who flies,\nAnd leaves the convoy to secure the prize.\nNot so, when Britain to each distant shore,\nO\u2019er subject seas her conquering thunders bore;\nFame then upon the tow\u2019ring top-mast show\u2019d\nHer waving pinions whereso\u2019er they flow\u2019d;\nAnd Victory, thro\u2019 all the yielding deep,\nWith eagle wings, hung o\u2019er each valiant ship.\nThen honour struck the stroke, true love of fame\nIn each brave breast glow\u2019d with a gen\u2019rous flame,\nNot yet extinct in All; the same we view\nBoscawen, Warren, Anson, still in you.\n   For (to mention a late instance only) on the 3d of this same month, in the year preceding, these gallant and successful seamen, defeated at once two grand designs of the enemy (the retaking of Louisburgh, and total destruction of our East-India settlements) by attacking their joint fleets, just after they came out of port, taking 6 men of war of the line, and 6 Indiamen, with some others of lesser note, and dispersing the rest.\nJune. IV Month.\nOf all the Charms the Female Sex desire,\nThat Lovers doat on, and that Friends admire,\nThose most deserve your Wish that longest last,\nNot like the Bloom of Beauty, quickly past;\nVirtue the Chief: This Men and Angels prize,\nAbove the finest Shape and brightest Eyes.\nBy this alone, untainted Joys we find,\nAs large and as immortal as the Mind.\nAlas! that Heroes ever were made!\nThe Plague, and the Hero, are both of a Trade!\nYet the Plague spares our Goods which the Heroe does not;\nSo a Plague take such Heroes and let their Fames rot. Q.P.D.\n   On the 20th of this month, 1743, commodore Anson took the Spanish Acapulco ship, valued at a million Sterling.\nOn the 27th, Anno 1709, Charles XII. of Sweden, was defeated in the battle of Pultawa, by the Muscovites. This man had a great mind to be a Hero, too; and, besides doing much mischief to his neighbours, he brought his own country to the brink of ruin.\n   A philosophic Thought.\nI pluck\u2019d this morn these beauteous flow\u2019rs,\nEmblem of my fleeting hours;\n\u2019Tis thus, said I, my life-time flies,\nSo it blooms, and so it dies.\nAnd, lo! how soon they steal away,\nWither\u2019d e\u2019er the noon of day.\nAdieu! well-pleas\u2019d my end I see,\nGently taught philosophy:\nFragrance and ornament alive,\nPhysic after death they give.\nLet me, throughout my little stay,\nBe as useful and as gay;\nMy close as early let me meet,\nSo my odour be as sweet.\n   The 19th of this month, 1719, died the celebrated Joseph Addison, Esq; aged 47, whose writings have contributed more to the improvement of the minds of the British nation, and polishing their manners, than those of any other English pen whatever.\nJuly. V Month.\nWhen great Augustus rul\u2019d the World and Rome,\nThe Cloth he wore was spun and wove at Home,\nHis Empress ply\u2019d the Distaff and the Loom.\nOld England\u2019s Laws the proudest beauty name,\nWhen single, Spinster, and when married, Dame,\nFor Housewifery is Woman\u2019s noblest Fame.\nThe Wisest houshold Cares to Women yield,\nA large, an useful, and a grateful Field.\n   To Friend, Lawyer, Doctor, tell plain your whole Case;\nNor think on bad Matters to put a good Face:\nHow can they advise, if they see but a Part?\n\u2019Tis very ill driving black Hogs in the dark.\n   On the 1st of this month Anno 1690, was fought the memorable battle of the Boyne, in Ireland; when God crown\u2019d our great deliverer, King William, with success and victory. He was one of the right sort of Heroes. Your true hero fights to preserve, and not to destroy, the lives, liberties, and estates, of his people. His neighbours also, and all that are oppress\u2019d, share his cares and his protection. But this sort is thin sown, and comes up thinner. Hercules was one, among the ancients; and our glorious Billy, of Cumberland, another among the moderns; God bless him! I might have mention\u2019d, in the month of April, his happy victory over the rebels; who, with the united assistance of the kings of France and Spain, the Pope and the Devil, threatened destruction to our religion and liberties; but had all their schemes defeated by this battle. The sacred names of justice and religion were made use of as the cloaks of that invasion, wicked as it was. A pretended prince was to be restor\u2019d to his rights, forsooth; and we were all to be converted to the Catholick faith! Strada says, that when the duke of Parma heard of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, in 1588 (which by the way happen\u2019d the 21st of this same month) he said very piously, That it was an enterprize so well concerted, as nothing could have disappointed but the sins of the people of England. It seems they were unworthy so great a blessing. And he makes this further reflection on queen Elizabeth\u2019s proclaiming a thanksgiving: Mistaken woman! Blind nation! says he, to return thanks for the greatest misfortune that could have befallen them! For had that enterprize succeeded, they would all have been converted to the true Catholick Faith. The most christian king, and his catholick majesty, and his Holiness, and the sham defender of the faith, (Fine titles all!) have now an opportunity of making the same pious reflections.\nAugust. VI Month.\nTo make the cleanly Kitchen send up Food,\nNot costly vain, but plentifully Good.\nTo bid the Cellar\u2019s Fountain never fail,\nOf sparkling Cyder, or of well-brew\u2019d Ale;\nTo buy, to pay, to blame, or to approve,\nWithin, without, below-stairs, and above;\nTo shine in every Corner, like the Sun,\nStill working every where, or looking on.\n   Suspicion may be no Fault, but shewing it may be a great one.\n   He that\u2019s secure is not safe.\n   The second Vice is Lying; the first is Running in Debt.\n   The Muses love the Morning.\n   On the 2d of this month, Anno 1704, was fought the famous battle of Hochstet, in which the joint armies of the French and Bavarians were totally defeated, by the duke of Marlborough and prince Eugene, 20,000 killed, and 13,000 taken prisoners, with the French general, marshal Tallard. There was never any victory, the news of which gave greater joy in England; the nation being under the greatest apprehensions for their army, when it was known that the French and Bavarians were joined, and were much more numerous than the English and Dutch: For it was generally thought, that if the English were beaten, at so great a distance from home, very few would ever be able to reach their native country again; Hochstet being on the banks of the Danube, very far in Germany.\nMuschitoes, or Musketoes, a little venomous fly, so light, that perhaps 50 of them, before they\u2019ve fill\u2019d their bellies, scarce weigh a grain, yet each has all the parts necessary to life, motion, digestion, generation, &c. as veins, arteries, muscles, &c. each has in his little body room for the five senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting: How inconceivably small must their organs be! How inexpressibly fine the workmanship! And yet there are little animals discovered by the microscope, to whom a Musketo is an Elephant! In a scarce summer any citizen may provide Musketoes sufficient for his own family, by leaving tubs of rain-water uncover\u2019d in his yard; for in such water they lay their eggs, which when hatch\u2019d, become first little fish, afterwards put forth legs and wings, leave the water, and fly into your windows. Probatum est.\nSeptember. VII Month.\nOne glorious Scene of Action still behind,\nThe Fair that likes it is secure to find;\nCordials and Med\u2019cines gratis to dispense,\nA beauteous Instrument of Providence;\nPlaisters, and Salves, and Sores, to understand,\nThe Surgeon\u2019s Art befits a tender Hand,\nTo friendless Pain unhop\u2019d-for Ease to give,\nAnd bid the Hungry eat, and Sickly live.\n      Two Faults of one a Fool will make;\nHe half repairs, that owns and does forsake.\n      Harry Smatter,\nHas a Mouth for every Matter.\n   When you\u2019re good to others, you are best to yourself.\n   On the first of this month, Anno, 1733, Stanislaus, originally a private gentleman of Poland, was chosen the second time king of that nation. The power of Charles XII. of Sweden, caused his first election, that of Louis XV. of France, his second. But neither of them could keep him on the throne; for Providence, often opposite to the wills of princes, reduc\u2019d him to the condition of a private gentleman again.\n   On the 2d of this month, Anno 1666, began the fire of London, which reduc\u2019d to ashes 13,200 houses and 89 churches: Near ten times as much building as Philadelphia!\n   The great Art of succeeding in Conversation (saith Mons. St. Evremond) is, To admire little, to hear much, always to distrust our own reason, and sometimes that of our friends; never to pretend to wit; but to make that of others appear as much as possibly we can; to hearken to what is said, and to answer to the purpose.\n   Ut jam nunc dicat jam nunc debentia dici.\n   Observe, the precept is hear much, not speak much. Herbert, the poet, says,\n\u2014\u2014a well bred guest,\nWill no more talk all than eat all the feast.\n   And, When you do speak, says another, speak to the purpose; Or else to what purpose do you speak? Observe the present disposition of the company; and\nLet what you say the converse suit,\nNot say things merely \u2019cause they\u2019re good.\nFor if you thus intrude your sense,\nIt then becomes impertinence:\nYour salt is good, we may agree,\nBut pray don\u2019t salt our Punch and Tea.\nOctober. VIII Month.\nAnd thus, if we may credit Fame\u2019s Report,\nThe best and fairest in the Gallic Court,\nAn Hour sometimes in Hospitals employ,\nTo give the dying Wretch a Glimpse of Joy;\nT\u2019 attend the Crouds that hopeless Pangs endure,\nAnd soothe the Anguish which they cannot cure;\nTo clothe the Bare, and give the Empty Food;\nAs bright as Guardian Angels, and as good.\nHalf Wits talk much but say little.\n   If Jack\u2019s in love, he\u2019s no judge of Jill\u2019s Beauty.\n   Most Fools think they are only ignorant.\n   On the 12th of this month, Anno 1702, admiral Rooke and the duke of Ormond attack\u2019d the French and Spanish fleet, and the town of Vigo. Nine galeons and 6 of their men of war were taken; 14 men of war and 4 galeons, were sunk and burnt.\nOn the 14th of this month, Anno 1644, was born William Penn, the great founder of this Province; who prudently and benevolently sought success to himself by no other means, than securing the liberty, and endeavouring the happiness of his people. Let no envious mind grudge his posterity those advantages which arise to them from the wisdom and goodness of their ancestor; and to which their own merit, as well as the laws, give them an additional title.\nOn the 28th, Anno 1704, died the famous John Locke, Esq; the Newton of the Microcosm: For, as Thomson says,\nHe made the whole internal world his own.\n   His book on the Human Understanding, shows it. Microcosm, honest reader, is a hard word, and, they say, signifies the little world, man being so called, as containing within himself the four elements of the greater, &c. &c. I here explain Greek to thee by English, which, I think, is rather a more intelligible way, than explaining English by Greek, as a certain writer does, who gravely tells us, Man is rightly called a little world, because he is a Microcosm.\nOn the 29th, Anno 1618, was the famous sir Walter Rawleigh beheaded; to the eternal shame of the attorney-general, who first prosecuted him, and of the king, who ratify\u2019d the sentence.\nHow happy is he who can satisfy his hunger with any food, quench his thirst with any drink, please his ear with any musick, delight his eye with any painting, any sculpture, any architecture, and divert his mind with any book or any company! How many mortifications must he suffer, that cannot bear any thing but beauty, order, elegance and perfection! Your man of taste, is nothing but a man of distaste.\nNovember. IX Month.\nNor be the Husband idle, tho\u2019 his Land\nYields plenteous Crops without his lab\u2019ring Hand:\nTho\u2019 his collected Rent his Bags supply,\nOr honest, careful Slaves scarce need his Eye.\nLet him whom Choice allures, or Fortune yields,\nTo live amidst his own extended Fields,\nDiffuse those Blessings which from Heav\u2019n he found,\nIn copious Streams to bless the World around;\n   Pardoning the Bad, is injuring the Good.\n   He is not well-bred, that cannot bear Ill-Breeding in others.\n   On the 2d of this month, Anno 1641, the Long Parliament met, who began the great rebellion, as some call it, or the glorious opposition to arbitrary power, as others term it; for to this day party divides us on this head, and we are not (perhaps never shall be) agreed about it. Party, says one, is the madness of many, for the gain of a few: To which may be added, There are honest men in all parties, wise men in none: Unless those may be call\u2019d wise, for whose profit the rest are mad.\nTo thy lov\u2019d haunt return, my happy muse,\nFor now behold the joyous winter-days\nFrosty, succeed; and thro\u2019 the blue serene\nFor sight too fine, th\u2019 etherial nitre flies,\nKilling infectious damps, and the spent air\nStoring afresh with elemental life.\nClose crouds the shining atmosphere; and binds\nOur strengthen\u2019d bodies in its cold embrace,\nConstringent; feeds and animates our blood;\nRefines our spirits, thro\u2019 the new-strung nerves\nIn swifter sallies darting to the brain;\nWhere sits the soul, intense, collected, cool,\nBright as the skies, and as the season keen.\nAll nature feels the renovating force\nOf Winter, only to the thoughtless eye\nIs Ruin seen\u2014\u2014.\n   Muse, Shoes; Days, Stays; Serene, between; Air, Fair; Life, Wife, Strife, &c. &c. Rhimes, you see, are plenty enow; he that does not like blank verse, may add them at his leisure, as the poets do at Manhatan.\nDecember. X Month.\nOpen to all his hospitable Door,\nHis Tennent\u2019s Patron, Parent to the Poor:\nIn Friendships dear, discording Neighbours bind,\nAid the distress\u2019d, and humanise Mankind:\nWipe off the sorrowing Tear from Virtue\u2019s Eyes,\nBid Honesty oppress\u2019d, again arise:\nProtect the Widow, give the Aged Rest,\nAnd blessing live, and die for ever blest.\nIn Christmas feasting pray take care;\nLet not your table be a Snare;\nBut with the Poor God\u2019s Bounty share.\n   Adieu my Friends! till the next Year.\n   On the 13th of this month, 1545, the famous council of Trent began.\nOn the 23d, 1688, K. James abdicated his kingdoms, and embarked for France.\nThe fall of Niagara, which Popple\u2019s map lays down in the N-West corner of this province, is, according to Henepin, compounded of two great cross streams of water, and two falls, with an isle sloping along between. The waters fall from a horrible precipice above 600 foot, and foam and boil in an hideous manner, making an outrageous noise, more terrible than thunder; for when the wind blows out of the South, their dismal roaring may be heard more than 15 Leagues off.\nConrad, the 3d emperor of Germany, besieged Guelph, duke of Bavaria, in the city of Wansburg. The women perceiving the town could not hold out, petitioned the emperor that they might depart only with so much as they could carry on their backs; which the emperor condescended to, expecting they would have laden themselves with silver and gold; but they all came forth with every one her husband on her back; whereat the emperor was so moved that he wept, received the duke into his favour, gave all the men their lives, and extolled the women with deserved praises. Quere, Is this story more to the honour of the wives or of the husbands? My dame Bridget says the first, I think the latter: But we submit our dispute to the decision of the candid reader.\nA wit\u2019s a feather, and a chief a rod;\nAn honest man\u2019s the noblest work of God. Pope.\n   Leap-Year, or Bissextile, is every fourth year: It is so called, by reason it leaps a day more that year than in a common year; for in a common year any fix\u2019d day of the month does change the day of the week to the day following; but in Bissextile, it skips or leaps over a day. This Leap-Year is occasioned by the odd 6 hours in a year, over and above 365 days, which odd hours make a day in 4 years; and because the month of February is the shortest month in the year, this day is added thereto; so that every 4th year February has 29 days, and makes the year to consist of 366 days; that is, two days above 52 weeks; and this is the sole reason why, in Leap-Year, any fix\u2019d feast (as Christmas Day for example) is found two days in the week further on than it was the Year before. To know when it is Leap-Year, divide the year of our Lord by 4, and if nothing remains, it is Leap-Year; but if 1, 2, or 3 remains, then it is accordingly the 1st, 2d, or 3d year after Leap-Year.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0105", "content": "Title: Colors of the Associator Companies, 12 January 1748 and 16 April 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThe companies of Associators, numbering about 800 men, with \u201cDrums beating and Colours flying,\u201d appeared under arms at the State House on January 1 to elect company officers, according to the terms of the Association. After the election they presented their choices to the President and Council, who, having ordered commissions prepared in blank, directed them to be filled in and delivered. The company officers then withdrew to choose regimental officers. They wanted to make Franklin their colonel, \u201cbut conceiving myself unfit, I declin\u2019d that Station.\u201d Abraham Taylor, a member of the Council, was chosen colonel, Thomas Lawrence lieutenant colonel, and Samuel McCall major. On January 8 they took the oath of allegiance to the government.\nWhen the companies were formed, Franklin wrote, \u201cthe Women, by Subscriptions among themselves, provided Silk Colours, which they presented to the Companies, painted with different Devices and Mottos which I supplied.\u201d The first ten company colors, certainly of Franklin\u2019s design, were described in the Gazette of January 12; the remaining ten, which were for other city and some country units, in that of April 16. None of the standards is known to have survived.\nDevices and Mottoes painted on some of the Silk Colours of the Regiments of Associators, in and near Philadelphia.\nI. A Lion erect, a naked Scymeter in one Paw, the other holding the Pennsylvania Scutcheon. Motto, Pro Patria.\nII. Three Arms, wearing different Linnen, ruffled, plain and chequed; the Hands joined by grasping each the other\u2019s Wrist, denoting the Union of all Ranks. Motto, Unita Virtus Valet.\nIII. An Eagle, the Emblem of Victory, descending from the Skies. Motto, A Deo Victoria.\nIV. The Figure of Liberty, sitting on a Cube, holding a Spear with the Cap of Freedom on its Point. Motto, Inestimabilis.\nV. An armed Arm, with a naked Faulchion in its Hand. Motto, Deus adjuvat Fortes.\nVI. An Elephant, being the Emblem of a Warrior always on his Guard, as that Creature is said never to lie down, and hath his Arms ever in Readiness. Motto, Semper Paratus.\nVII. A City walled around. Motto, Salus Patriae, Summa Lex.\nVIII. A Soldier, with his Piece recover\u2019d, ready to present. Motto, Sic Pacem Querimus.\nIX. A Coronet and Plume of Feathers. Motto, In God we Trust.\nX. A Man with a Sword drawn. Motto, Pro Aris et Focis. &c. &c.\nMost of the above Colours, together with the Officers Half-Pikes and Spontons, and even the Halberts, Drums, &c. have been given by the good Ladies of this City, who raised Money by Subscription among themselves for that Purpose.\nContinuation of Devices and Mottoes painted on some of the Silk Colours of the Regiments of Associators in this City and Country adjacent.\nXI. Three of the Associators marching with their Muskets shoulder\u2019d, and dressed in different Clothes, intimating the Unanimity of the different Sorts of People in the Association; Motto, Vis Unita Fortior.\nXII. A Musket and Sword crossing each other; Motto, Pro Rege & Grege.\nXIII. Representation of a Glory, in the Middle of which is wrote Jehovah Nissi, in English, The Lord our Banner.\nXIV. A Castle, at the Gate of which a Soldier stands Centinel; Motto, Cavendo Tutus.\nXV. David, as he advanced against Goliath, and slung the Stone; Motto, In Nomine Domini.\nXVI. A Lion rampant, one Paw holding up a Scymiter, another on a Sheaf of Wheat; Motto, Domine Protege Alimentum.\nXVII. A sleeping Lion; Motto, Rouze me if you dare.\nXVIII. Hope, represented by a Woman standing cloathed in blue, holding one Hand on an Anchor; Motto, Spero per Deum vincere.\nXIX. The Duke of Cumberland as a General; Motto, Pro Deo & Georgio Rege.\nXX. A Soldier on Horseback; Motto, Pro Libertate Patriae.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0107", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 27 January 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Colden, Cadwallader\nDear Sir\nI received your Favour relating to the Cannon. We have petitioned our Proprietors for some, and have besides wrote absolutely to London for a Quantity, in case the Application to the Proprietors should not succeed; so that, Accidents excepted, we are sure of being supply\u2019d some time next Summer. But as we are extreamly desirous of having some mounted early in the Spring, and perhaps [if] your Engineer should propose to use all you have, the Works [he] may intend will not very soon be ready to receive them, we should think ourselves exceedingly oblig\u2019d to your Government, if you could lend us a few for one Year only: When you return to New York, I hope a great Deal from your Interest and Influence.\nMr. Read, to whom Osborne consign\u2019d your Books, did not open or offer them to Sale till within these two Weeks, being about to remove when he receiv\u2019d them, and having till now no Conveniency of Shelves, &c. In our two last Papers he has advertis\u2019d generally that he has a parcel of Books to sell, Greek, Latin, French and English, but makes no particular Mention of the Indian History; it is therefore no Wonder that he has sold none of them, as he told me [a] few days since. I had but one of them from London, which [I] sent you before any of my Friends saw it: So, as no one here has read it but myself, I can only tell you my own Opinion that \u2019tis a well wrote, entertaining and instructive Piece, and [must] be exceedingly useful to all those Colonies who have anything to [do] with Indian Affairs.\nYou have reason to be pleas\u2019d with the Mathematicians [envious] Expression about your Tract on Gravitation. I long to see from Europe [some] of the deliberate and mature Thoughts of their Philosophers upon it.\nTo obtain some Leisure, I have taken a Partner into the Printing House, but tho\u2019 I am thereby a good deal disengag\u2019d from private Business, I [find] myself still fully occupy\u2019d. The Association, Lottery, Batteries, [&c. take] up at present great Part of my Time. I thank you for com[municating the] Sheet on the first Principles of Morality, the Continuation [of which I shall be] glad to [see]. If this reaches you at Coldengham, pray [send me the paper on Vis Inert]iae, which I much want.\n[I since]rely wish, for the sake of all these [several words missing] the Governor in better Temper [remainder missing].\n Addressed: To \u2002The honble. Cadwalader Colden Esqr \u2002Coldengham \u2002Free \u2002B Franklin\nEndorsed: Benj. Frankelin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0108", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 27 January 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, 27 January, 1748\nI have not yet found the book, but suppose I shall to-morrow. The post goes out to-day, which allows me no time to look for it. We have a particular account from Boston of the guns there. They are in all thirty-nine, Spanish make and new; fifteen of them are twenty-eight pounders, and twenty-four are fourteen pounders. We offer by this post \u00a31500, this currency, for them all, and suppose we shall get them.\nThe insurers, in consideration of the premium of twenty per cent, engage thus; that, if the prizes arising against the tickets insured do not, one with another, make in the whole a sum equal to the first cost of the tickets, they will make up the deficiency. They now think it a disadvantageous agreement, and have left off insuring; for though they would gain, as you observe, \u00a31000, if they insured the whole at that rate, in one lot, yet it will not be so when they insure a number of separate lots, as ten, twenty, or one hundred tickets in a lot; because the prizes, falling in one lot, do not help to make up the deficiencies in another. The person, that insured your one hundred and twenty-five, did the next day give the whole premium to another with six and a quarter per cent more, to be reinsured two thirds of them. I have not insured for anybody; so I shall neither lose nor gain that way. I will send the policy, that you may see it, with the book. I am, Sir, &c.\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0109", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 30 January 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, 30 January, 1748\nI send you herewith the book, and enclosed is the policy. Here is no news but what is bad, namely, the taking of Mesnard, an account of which we have by way of Lisbon. He was carried into St. Malo. And just now we have advice from New York, that an express was arrived there from New England to inform the government that two prisoners, who had escaped from different parts of Canada and arrived in New England, agreed in declaring, that three thousand men were getting ready to march against Albany, which they intended to besiege and take; and that they were to be joined by a great body of Indians. They write from New York, that the advice is credited there. I wish it may not prove too true, the wretched divisions and misunderstandings among the principal men in that government giving the enemy too much encouragement and advantage.\nI hope you and your good family continue well, being with sincere respect and affection, &c.\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0111", "content": "Title: Account of Money Received from David Hall, 1748\u20131757\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin,Hall, David\nTo: \nThis little book contains in eight pages headed \u201cAcct. of Money receiv\u2019d at different Times from Mr. David Hall\u201d Franklin\u2019s record of his income from the partnership with Hall from Feb. 7, 1748, to March 28, 1757. It shows that Hall paid Franklin \u00a345 a year in semi-annual installments as his share of the \u00a355 rent due from Franklin to Robert Grace by the terms of his lease for the property on Market Street in which Hall now lived and in which the partners\u2019 printing office was located (see above, p. 51). Hall\u2019s other payments were frequent but irregular; and Franklin sometimes took books instead of cash. The total amount Franklin received from Hall in this period was \u00a36056 5s. 3\u00bed. Deducting the rent payments, his net income from the partnership averaged about \u00a3620 a year.\nOn three other pages of the book are partial accounts and memoranda, 1747\u201367, in which appear the names of only Theophilus Grew, Hugh Roberts, and William Parks of Williamsburg, Va.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0112", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 19 February 1748\nFrom: Logan, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Friend B.F. I wrote to him about the Title page of Euclid and the Lottery now fully drawn and desired his direction concluding his Affectionate friend.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0113", "content": "Title: Report on the Swamp, [24 February 1748]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nBy 1740 the banks of Dock Creek and the low, swampy ground lying between it and Society Hill to the west had become a public nuisance. Six tanyards threw their refuse into the creek, fouling the water and filling the bed so that the tide water moved only sluggishly, exposing mud and filth and creating offensive pools of stagnant, mosquito-breeding water. After members of several prominent families had been carried off in the yellow fever epidemic of 1747, public indignation was aroused, and the Provincial Council directed its secretary Richard Peters to ask the Proprietor to have the Dock cleaned out. The City Council, informed on October 19 \u201cthat the Swamp between Budd\u2019s Buildings and Society Hill, in the Condition it now lies, is a very great nusance, and injurious to the Health of the Inhabitants of the City living near it,\u201d appointed Samuel Powel, John Stamper, Samuel Rhoads, Edward Warner, Franklin, and William Logan a committee \u201cto view the said Swamp, and consider of the best Means of removing the Nusance complain\u2019d of, and what will be the best Method of improving the said Swamp for the general Use and Benefit of the City.\u201d The Council\u2019s response to the committee\u2019s report was that the recommendations were too costly, and that they would consult with the City Assessors before taking action. Not until after the Revolution was Dock Creek covered.\n[February 24, 1748]\nIn pursuance of the above Order we have viewed the Swamp between Budd\u2019s Buildings and Society Hill, and are of Opinion, and find it also to be the Opinion of many of our Fellow Citizens with whom we have conferr\u2019d,\nThat a convenient Dock of Sixty Feet wide as far as the said Swamp extends Westward, a Branch of thirty Feet wide on the South West, and forty Feet wide on the North West, be left open for the Reception of Flats, Boats and other small Craft which may be used on the said Dock. That the Remainder ought to be fill\u2019d up above the Tide, and walled in with a good sufficient Stone Wall, and made Landing Places for Wood or other Things, which may hereafter be brought by Water for the Use of the Inhabitants of this City; That the said Dock be dug out and cleansed so deep that the Bottom may be always cover\u2019d with Water; That the Channel under the Bridge in Front Street be continued the Width of the said Bridge to the East Side of Water Street, there to widen gradually by sloap Lines on each Side, so as to be sixty or eighty Feet wide, and to continue that Width to the River Channel, and to be dug out and walled as aforesaid agreeable to a Plan now laid before the Board; That the Common Sewer on the South West Branch be continued to the Dock. But as this will be attended with a considerable Expence, and the dangerous Nusance complain\u2019d of not effectually removed unless the whole Dock so far as to the Third Street be in like manner dug out, cleansed and walled up, We have, (least it should appear too great a Burden to be borne by the City) applied to several of the Inhabitants Owners of Ground adjoining the said Dock, who taking the Premises into serious Consideration, have (for Removal of so publick and dangerous a Nusance as far as in them lies, and also for procuring a sufficient Quantity of Water in Case of Fire in that part of the City) agreed each for himself, his Heirs, Executors and Administrators, to dig out, cleanse and wall, their several and respective Shares of the said Dock which are opposite to their respective Lots, and to keep them forever clean and in good Repair; On Condition That the Profits arising from the landing of Wood and other Things on the Bank of the said Dock opposite to their Lots, may belong to them, their Heirs and Assigns respectively; And that the City shall make Flood-Gates at the several Bridges, and do all their Part in the Premises.\nAnd this Method we hope will be approved of by the Board notwithstanding the Conditions proposed by the said Undertakers, when it is consider\u2019d that the whole Dock from Budd\u2019s Buildings to Third Street, has generally been made at a Private Expence, and landing Places in those narrow Streets will not answer the Charge of making to any but to such whose Estates will in other Respects be benefitted thereby.\nUpon the whole, as the Nusance is of such a Nature, and should it continue may be of fatal Consequence, in preventing the Growth and Increase of this City by discouraging Strangers (to whom every Mortality at a Distance is greatly magnified) from coming among us, or filling our own Inhabitants with Fears and perpetual Apprehensions, while it is suspected to propagate infectious Distempers, We humbly propose that a Tax be laid on the City and Money raised for doing all those parts which appertain to the Publick, and the whole Nusance be removed. It is nevertheless submitted to the Judgment of the Board by,\nSamuel Powell\nB. Franklin\nJohn Stamper\nWillm. Logan\nSamuel Rhoads", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0114", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 7 March 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nPhiladelphia, March 7, 1747/8\nAbstract: Pass\u2019s opinion as to cost of casting cannon; favors purchasing from New England.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0116", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 3 April 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nSir\nI have a Letter from Mr. Samuel Lawrence of New York, (who undertook to ship the Guns for us) informing, that two small Vessels had been agreed with to bring them round; but a Sloop arriving there on Sunday last that had been chas\u2019d in Lat. 35. by a Ship and Brigt. [brigantine] that were suppos\u2019d to be Don Pedro with a Consort coming on this Coast, the Governor and Council thought it more advisable to send them to Brunswick, which we since hear is done: Capt. Wallace, a discreet old Sea-Commander of this Place, goes today or tomorrow to receive them there, and provide Carriages &c. to bring them to Philadelphia. The Postmaster at New York, and another Correspondent there, write me, that the Ship seen was certainly that of Dom Pedro; the Capt. of the Vessel chas\u2019d knowing her well, having often seen her at the Havana where he has been several Voyages with a Flag of Truce. He was very near being taken, but escaped by Favour of the Night. We are glad to hear the Don is come out with one Consort only, as, by some Accounts, we apprehended he intended to bring a small Fleet with him. It now looks as if his Design was more against our Trade than our City.\nWith this I send you a Pacquet from London, and a Pamphlet from Sweden, both left with me for you by the new Swedish Missionary, Mr. Sandin.\nYou must have heard that Mr. James Hamilton is appointed our Governor; an Event that gives us the more Pleasure, as we esteem him a benevolent and upright as well as a sensible Man. I hope he will arrive here early in the Summer, and bring with him some Cannon from the Proprietor. I am, Sir, Your most obliged humble Servant\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To James Logan Esqr\nEndorsed: Ben Franklin Apr 3d 1748", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0117", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 9 April 1748\nFrom: Belcher, Jonathan\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir,\nBurlington (NJ) April 9: 1748\nI received yours of 2d Instant last night and am obliged for your care of my Letters as I shall for any others [that] may come to you. I desire you to Send me your weekly news Paper at the price others give you. Sir with my Compliments to Mrs. Franklin, Your Ready Friend and humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0118", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 12 April 1748\nFrom: Collinson, Peter\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nRespected Friend\nLond Aprill 12 1747/8\nI was very fortunate to receive both thy Curious Experiments on Electricity. I have Imparted them to the Royal Society to whome they are very acceptable and they are now in the hands of our Ingenious Friend Mr. Watson Who has promissed as soone as his accounts are printed to send them to Thee with a Letter and hopes for thy further Favours.\nMy Letters and Books for the Lib: Com: by Mesnard Last fall was luckkyly saved and are in the hands of E: Bland to Come by this ship, which I Wish Safe to hand, and am thy Sincere friend\nP Collinson\nGreat Numbers of Ingenious Men are very Earnestly Engaged in Electrical Experiment in applying them to various purposes. I have lately seen a Letter from a Doctor of Physick att Turin, who gives 3 Instances of the Electrical power on Human Bodies By filling the Electrical Phyal with a purgative Portion [sic] and Transferring it into a Patient and it had all the Effects as if taken into the Stomach. The like account has been communicated from another Hand.\nI am much Obliged to thee for thine of Novr: 28: 1747 with the pamphlets Inclosed of which in my Next.\nDoctor Mitchell has been out of Order himself this Winter for His Wife was so very Ill he had near Lost Her. He desires his Kind Respects and Intends to Write by this Ship.\nI am much Concern\u2019d for the State of the Colonies Northward of you and for our friend Colden. As Mesnard was taken I conclude thine to Doctor Mitchell and Fothergill never came to hand [line missing].\nAprill 25 Wee have a Strong Report of a Peace. I wish it may prove True. Our Stocks are advanced 3 per Cent on it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 16 April 1748\nFrom: Logan, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Friend BF\nI was well pleased with thine of the 13th Inst. on both Accounts, that of the Guns and that also of the Militia with which Conr. Weiser was So well Satisfied that he declared at his Return hither, that he would not for Some pounds out of his own Pocket, but that Shekallemy one of the 6 Nations and his Son had Seen it, and these Indians declare they never Saw Such a Sight before.\nMy Son who was here last night will deliver thee Jared Elliots discourse of husbandry and inclosed is his Letter, for the Sight of both which I thank thee and am Thy assured Loving friend\nJ L", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0120", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carter, 18 April 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Carter, Charles\nPhiladelphia, April 18, 1748\nTo Charles Carter, Esq., Virginia.\nPlease to pay Mr. Robert Dade or Order Thirty-one Pennyweight of Gold, and charge it to Account of, Sir Your humble Servant\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0121", "content": "Title: James Logan to Franklin and Hall, 7 May 1748\nFrom: Logan, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Hall, David\nFriends B. Franklin and David Hall\nMay the 7th [1748]\nAs I intirely condemn your Publication in your last Gazette of J.F.\u2019s Paper in relation to me, without my approbation which I should never have granted and impute it more as the forward Act of D. Hall than of you both together, I desire that you would publish this in your next Gazette that you may make me all the Amends that now lies in your Power to your friend\nJ Logan\nP.S. As you put the Latin one first So put this.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0122", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 May 1748\nFrom: Logan, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy good Friend\nI have wrote a few lines to thee and D.H. as Authors of the Gazette of what you have inserted in your last in relation to me which thou may put into what Language thou pleases provided it answers my End. I impute it to D.H. and not to thy Self.\nBut this comes to inquire particularly into the [incomplete].\nTo B. Franklin Postmaster", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0123", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 10 May 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nPhiladelphia, May 10, 1748\nAs to the Battery, it goes on very well, a great Number of Hands being employ\u2019d upon it, who work with the utmost Diligence. I suppose that in a few Days the Platform will be ready to receive the cannon and the carriages are all made, a particular committee is employ\u2019d in providing cartridges, &c., and Jno. Pass has already cast a great number of large shot.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0124", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Whitefield, 27 May 1748\nFrom: Whitefield, George\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy dear Mr. F[ranklin],\nBermudas, May 27, 1748\nInclosed you have a letter which you may print in your weekly paper. It brings good news from this little pleasant spot. If you could print it on half a sheet of paper, to distribute among the Bermudas captains, it might perhaps be serviceable. The inhabitants here have received me so well, that I think publishing their kindness is a debt justly due to them. I am now waiting for a fair wind, and then we shall sail for England. The Governor\u2019s lady goes with me. His Excellency is very civil to me, and I believe many souls have been benefited by this visit to Bermudas. I desire to give the Lord Jesus all the glory. You will remember me to Mrs. F[ranklin], and all my dear Philadelphia friends. I do not forget them, and hope they will always remember, dear Sir, Their and your most affectionate, obliged friend and servant,\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0125", "content": "Title: Scheme of the Second Philadelphia Lottery, 2 June 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThe drawing of the First Philadelphia Lottery was followed immediately with a proposal to open a second, in which the tickets should be of four classes and prices instead of one, and prizes would be pieces of eight. To meet the demand for coin the Lottery Managers bought dollars in New York, Rhode Island, and Boston. Franklin printed 500 copies of the scheme, and published it in the Gazette on June 2 and several ensuing weeks. The first class was drawn on September 10, the fourth and last on March 27, 1749. With the proceeds the Association battery at Wicaco was further equipped and strengthened.\nScheme of the Philadelphia Lottery, to raise 9375 Pieces of Eight for the Publick Use of the City of Philadelphia, and Province of Pennsylvania.\nThis Lottery consists of 7500 Tickets, and is divided into four Classes, to be drawn at four different times. Each Ticket is divided into four Billets, one for each Class. The Price of each Billet is, for the first Class one Piece of Eight, for the second two Pieces of Eight, for the third three Pieces of Eight, and for the fourth four Pieces of Eight.\nThe First Class, at One Piece of Eight, each Billet.\n         Value in Pieces of Eight.\n         The first and last drawn each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the prize of 500, each\n         Prizes\n         Cash Dr. received on\n         Cr. paid in Prizes,\n         Remains\n         To be carried to the Fourth Class.\nThe Second Class, at 2 Pieces of Eight each Billet.\n         Value in Pieces of Eight.\n         The first and last drawn each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 750, each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 500, each\n         \u00a0\u00a0Cash Dr. received on \n         \u00a0\u00a0Cr. paid in Prizes\n        Remains\n         To be carried to the Fourth Class.\nThe Third Class, at 3 Pieces of Eight each Billet.\n         Value in Pieces of Eight.\n         The first and last drawn each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 1000, each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 750, each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 500, each\n         \u00a0\u00a0Cash Dr. received on\n         \u00a0\u00a0Cr. paid in Prizes,\n         Remains\n         To be carried to the Fourth Class.\nThe Fourth and Last Class, at 4 Pieces of Eight each Billet.\n         Value in Pieces of Eight.\n         The first and last drawn each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the 1500, each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the two of 1000, each\n         The Tickets drawn next before and after the three of 750, each\n         The Tickets next drawn before and after the four of 500, each\n         \u00a0\u00a0Cash Dr. received on 7500 Tickets\n         \u00a0\u00a0Paid more than received in this Class\nBeing what was brought forward from the preceding Classes.\nState of the Account of the Four Classes, viz.\nReceived.\nPieces of Eight.\nPieces.\nFor 7500 Billets in first Class, at 1 each,\nFor Ditto, in second Class, at 2 each,\nFor Ditto, in third Class, at 3 each,\nFor Ditto, in fourth Class, at 4 each,\nPrizes paid.\nAmounting to\nIn first Class,\nIn second Class,\nIn third Class,\nIn fourth Class\nTwelve and a Half per Cent. deducted from 75000 Pieces of Eight, is 9375 Pieces, to be applied to the Publick Use.\nExplanation.\nA Lottery, in the common Form, is subject to these Inconveniencies. If the Price of each Ticket be high, many who would have been Purchasers are discouraged and excluded. If low, the Number of Tickets must be great, and that occasions the Drawing to take up more Time, which increases the Expence, and is an Injury to many, who neglect other Business to attend it. If the Capital of the Lottery is large, \u2019tis an Inconveniency that so much Money as is necessary to fill it, should be damm\u2019d up, and restrained from being current in Trade, till the whole is compleated, and all the Lottery drawn.\nThe present Scheme is calculated to remedy these Inconveniencies. It divides the Lottery into four distinct Classes, to be drawn at four different Times, and is so contrived, as that all the four Drawings will take but little more Time than one Drawing would do in the common Way. The Price of a Ticket is also divided into four gradual Payments, to be made, if the Buyer pleases, at four different and distant Times. The first Entry is low and easy, and if the Adventurer is successful in the first Class, he is enabled as well as encouraged to go on. And a very great Part of the Money is to return several times into the Hands of the People before the Conclusion.\nThe four Billets into which each Ticket is divided, are all of the same Number, but of different Prices, according to the several Classes to which they belong.\nEvery Adventurer in the first Class receives a Billet for each Piece of Eight he pays, entitling the Bearer to such Prize in that Class as may be drawn against its Number, subject to no Deduction, unless the Prize be Twenty Pieces of Eight, or upwards. For a like Billet in the second Class he pays two Pieces of Eight. For a Billet in the third Class three Pieces of Eight; and four for a Billet in the fourth Class: So that the Price of a whole Ticket to go through the Lottery is Ten Pieces of Eight.\nAdventurers in the first Class have a Right to go thro\u2019 the subsequent Classes, but are not obliged to do it. If any neglect or decline taking out, or paying the Price of their Billets for a subsequent Class, till within three Days of the Drawing of such Class, the common Stock is to have the Benefit of it to the End; unless such Adventurers have left equivalent Prizes for that Purpose in the Hands of the Managers, which is the same Thing as paying: And the greatest Number of Prizes in the first, second, and third Classes, are made just the Price of a Billet in the Class next succeeding, that such Prizes may defray the Charge of new Billets, without the Trouble of paying Money.\nA Sum equal to Twelve and a Half per Cent. on the whole, is to be deducted from the fortunate Tickets for the publick Use: But as it would occasion Trouble in making Change, and be otherwise inconvenient, if such Deduction were to be made from the smaller Prizes (which indeed cannot so well afford it) therefore nothing is deducted from any Prize that is under Twenty Pieces of Eight. And the Prizes are so calculated and order\u2019d, that 15 per Cent. which is to be deducted from such as are Twenty Pieces of Eight and upwards, is equal to Twelve and a Half per Cent. on the Whole, and no more. Thus this Lottery is Two and a Half per Cent. more advantageous to Adventurers, than any that have hitherto been made on this Continent. And there are yet several other Advantages, for, in the first Place, the Adventurer\u2019s whole Ticket cannot be struck dead at a Blow, as in common Lotteries. If he has a Blank in the first Class, \u2019tis a Blank only of One Tenth of his Ticket, and he has still three good Chances left for the remaining nine Tenths, every Chance better than the preceding One, and the last best of all. Then he is under no Necessity of paying the whole Ten Pieces of Eight for each Ticket at once; and, if fortunate in the first Class, may have Occasion to advance no more than the first. In our former Lottery, the Price of a Ticket was Forty Shillings, the whole to be paid at once, and yet its best Chance was to be doubled but 250 times: In this Lottery one Piece of Eight may possibly gain several Thousands. And lastly, the Number of Prizes is more than Half the Number of Tickets.\nPublick Notice is to be given before each Drawing, of the Time and Place when and where the Numbers and Prizes are to be put into the Wheels, that such Adventurers as think fit may be present if they please.\nThe Manner of Drawing is this: All the 7500 Numbers are to be put into one Wheel, and well mixed, the Wheel to be frequently turn\u2019d during the Drawing. In the other Wheel are put the Prizes of the first Class, without any Blanks among them. Then a Number is drawn out of one Wheel, and a Prize against it out of the other, till the Prizes are all drawn; so ends the Drawing of the first Class, which may be finished in one Day.\nThe rest of the Numbers remain in their Wheel, seal\u2019d up, till the Drawing of the second Class.\nThe Prizes drawn in each Class may be demanded within three Days after the Drawing of that Class is finished.\nSix Weeks Time to be allowed between the Drawings, to take out Billets for the succeeding Class, prepare for drawing it, &c.\nBefore drawing the second Class, all the Numbers drawn out in the first Class are again to be roll\u2019d up and tied, put into the Wheel to the rest, and well mixed among them.\nThen the Prizes of the second Class being put into the other Wheel, without Blanks, the drawing proceeds as in the first Class.\nIn the same Manner is the third Class managed.\nIn drawing the fourth and last Class, Blanks are to be mixed with the Prizes, so many as to draw out all the Numbers in the Number Wheel, and complete the whole.\nThe drawing of the first Class is to begin on the first Monday in September next, without postponing or Delay, or sooner if sooner full; if any Tickets should then remain unsold, they are to be drawn on Account of the Stock.\nThe following Persons are appointed Managers of this Lottery, viz. Joseph Turner, Abraham Taylor, Tench Francis, John Inglis, Samuel Hazard, John Sober, William Plumsted, Patrick Baird, Philip Syng, Evan Morgan, jun., Jacob Duche, Austin Hicks, Samuel M\u2019Call, jun., Joseph Sims, and Richard Nixon; who are to give Bond, and be on Oath for the faithful Performance of their Trust, and to lay out the Money arising, for such Uses, as to them, in Conjunction with William Allen, Joshua Maddox, William Masters, Samuel M\u2019Call, senior, Edward Shippen, Thomas Leech, Charles Willing, John Kearsley, William Clymer, senior, Thomas Lawrence, junior, William Coleman, Thomas Hopkinson, William Wallace, John Stamper, John Mifflin, James Coultas, William Branson, Rees Meredith, Thomas Lloyd, and Benjamin Franklin, Managers and Assistants of the former Lottery, or to the Majority of the whole, shall seem most for the publick Benefit.\nPrizes not demanded within six Months after the last Drawing, to be deem\u2019d as generously given to the common Stock, for the same Use as the Twelve and a Half per Ct. and not to be demanded afterwards, but applied accordingly.\nThe Managers are to adjust their Accounts, and publish them within twelve Months after the Drawing is finished.\nThe Tickets will begin to be sold by the Managers at their respective Houses, on Thursday, the 16th Instant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0126", "content": "Title: Miscellaneous Lottery Papers, 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThe Philadelphia Lottery Papers in the Yale University Library contain many orders by the Managers to their treasurer William Allen to pay for gun carriages and repairs or for personal services and expenses. Franklin was not one of the managers of either lottery; he was, however, a member of a committee which joined them in spending the money (see above, p. 222). Documents illustrating this participation are grouped together here rather than in their respective chronological places.\n      Pay to John Pass or Order the Sum of Seventy Pounds, out of the Lottery-Money in your Hands, on his Account for making the Field Carriages.\n            To William Allen, Esqr\n            Samuel M\u2019call senr\n            Treasurer of the Philadelphia Lottery.\n            B Franklin\n      Recd. March 22d. 1748/9 of William Allen Seventy pounds being in full of the within Order \n      Memd. he gave three Receipts which were for parts of the seventy pound above mentioned to be cancelled now.\n      Endorsed: John Pass\u2019s Receipt \u00a370.\n      Pay to Mr. Samuel M\u2019call or Order Nine Pounds, being for Powder he furnish\u2019d to try the Guns brought from N York.\n            To William Allen Esqr\n            Treasurer of the first Philadelphia Lottery\n            B Franklin\nRecd the 21st. March 1748/9 of Willm. Allen Esqr. payment of the above Order.\n      per Samuel M\u2019call SENR\nEndorsed: Managers Order pd. S. M\u2019call senr. \u00a39.\n         We whose Names are hereunto subscribed are of Opinion, that Jno Pass should be paid the Ballance of his Account for making the Field Carriages.\n         Wm: ClymerB Franklin\n         In Consequence of the within opinion of two of the Managers for the Lottery, you will please to pay the Ballance of Mr. Pass\u2019s Account.\n         Samuel M\u2019call senr.\n         To Wm. Allen Esqr\n         Recd. Philadelphia June 7th. 1749 of William Allen Seventeen pounds Seventeen Shillings and eleven pence being the full Ballance of my Account of Field Pieces against the Lottery Managers.\n               Test. Alexr. Stuart\n               per John X Pass\n      Mr. Kent serv\u2019d at the last Lottery as one of the Clerks, for which he has not yet receiv\u2019d any thing. He is just going to N. England. It is scarce worth while to call the Managers together on this Occasion. We suppose they will not disapprove of his being allow\u2019d the same Pay as he had for his Service in the first Lottery, especially as the latter requir\u2019d more Days Attendance.\n            To Wm. Allen Esqr\n            B Franklin\n            \u00a0\u00a0Treasurer of the Lottery\n      Recd. Philadelphia Novr. 23d. 1749 of William Allen the sum of Ten pounds in pursuance of the within Order being in full for my Service as Clerk to the second Philadelphia Lottery.\n      Joseph Kent\n      Endorsed: Lotty Order\n         To The menagers of The Lottery Dr.\n      To painting four Field cariages \u00a34. 0. 0\n      Gustavus Hesselius\n      The above has been long due, and I think it should be paid. Your humble Servant\n      B Franklin\n         To Majr. M\u2019Call\n        Recd. Jany 11th. 1749/50 of William Allen four pounds in full of the above Account\nJohn Hesselius \n      Recd. Apl. 25th. 1750 of William Allen Three hundred and fourteen pounds ten Shillings being to pay for the Guns brought from Boston per me\n      B Franklin\n      Endorsed: Mr. Franklin\u2019s Receipt \u00a3314.10", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0127", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 14 June 1748\nFrom: Collinson, Peter\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nFriend Franklin\nLondn June 14th 1748\nThe Bearer Mr. Kalm Is an Ingenious Man and comes over on purpose to Improve himself in all Natural Inquiries. He is a Sweed per Nation and is as I am informed Imployed by the Academy of Upsal to make Observations on your Parts of the World. I recommend Him to thy Favour and Notice\u2014by Him I send the first Vol. of the Voyage to Discover NorWest passage. I hope the pacquett &c. sent under the Care of Hunt & Greenlease is come safe to Hand. I am thy sincere friend\nP Collinson\n Addressed: To \u2002Ben: Franklin \u2002Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0128", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Nathaniel Sparhawk], 15 June 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Sparhawk, Nathaniel\nPhilada. June 15. 1748\nI receiv\u2019d yours per Mr. Baynton with the Money as therein specified; and have since deliver\u2019d it to Mr. Warren (who is now here) with Mr. Pepperill\u2019s Letter; of which please advise Mr. Pepperill. I am Sir, Your most humble Servant\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0129", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, [June 1748?]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nDear Sister,\nPhiladelphia, [June? 1748]\nI received your letter, with one for Benny, and one for Mr. Parker, and also two of Benny\u2019s letters of complaint, which, as you observe, do not amount to much. I should have had a very bad opinion of him, if he had written to you those accusations of his master, which you mention; because, from long acquaintance with his master, who lived some years in my house, I know him to be a sober, pious, and conscientious man; so that Newport, to whom you seem to have given too much credit, must have wronged Mr. Parker very much in his accounts, and have wronged Benny too, if he says Benny told him such things, for I am confident he never did.\nAs to the bad attendance afforded him in the smallpox, I believe, if the negro woman did not do her duty, her master or mistress would, if they had known it, have had that matter mended. But Mrs. Parker was herself, if I am not mistaken, sick at that time, and her child also. And though he gives the woman a bad character in general, all he charges her with in particular, is, that she never brought him what he called for directly, and sometimes not at all. He had the distemper favorably, and yet I suppose was bad enough to be, like other sick people, a little impatient, and perhaps might think a short time long, and sometimes call for things not proper for one in his condition.\nAs to clothes, I am frequently at New York, and I never saw him unprovided with what was good, decent, and sufficient. I was there no longer ago than March last, and he was then well clothed, and made no complaint to me of any kind. I heard both his master and mistress call upon him on Sunday morning to get ready to go to meeting, and tell him of his frequently delaying and shuffling till it was too late, and he made not the least objection about clothes. I did not think it any thing extraordinary, that he should be sometimes willing to evade going to meeting, for I believe it is the case with all boys, or almost all. I have brought up four or five myself, and have frequently observed, that if their shoes were bad, they would say nothing of a new pair till Sunday morning, just as the bell rung, when, if you asked them why they did not get ready, the answer was prepared, \u201cI have no shoes,\u201d and so of other things, hats and the like; or if they knew of any thing that wanted mending, it was a secret till Sunday morning, and sometimes I believe they would rather tear a little, than be without the excuse.\nAs to going on petty errands, no boys love it, but all must do it. As soon as they become fit for better business, they naturally get rid of that, for the master\u2019s interest comes in to their relief. I make no doubt but Mr. Parker will take another apprentice, as soon as he can meet with a likely one. In the mean time I should be glad if Benny would exercise a little patience. There is a negro woman that does a great many of those errands.\nI do not think his going on board the privateer arose from any difference between him and his master, or any ill usage he had received. When boys see prizes brought in, and quantities of money shared among the men, and their gay living, it fills their heads with notions, that half distract them, and put them quite out of conceit with trades, and the dull ways of getting money by working. This I suppose was Ben\u2019s case, the Catherine being just before arrived with three rich prizes; and that the glory of having taken a privateer of the enemy, for which both officers and men were highly extolled, treated, presented, &c. worked strongly upon his imagination, you will see, by his answer to my letter, is not unlikely. I send it to you enclosed. I wrote him largely on the occasion; and though he might possibly, to excuse that slip to others, complain of his place, you may see he says not a syllable of any such thing to me. My only son, before I permitted him to go to Albany, left my house unknown to us all, and got on board a privateer, from whence I fetched him. No one imagined it was hard usage at home, that made him do this. Every one, that knows me, thinks I am too indulgent a parent, as well as master.\nI shall tire you, perhaps, with the length of this letter; but I am the more particular, in order, if possible, to satisfy your mind about your son\u2019s situation. His master has, by a letter this post, desired me to write to him about his staying out of nights, sometimes all night, and refusing to give an account where he spends his time, or in what company. This I had not heard of before, though I perceive you have. I do not wonder at his correcting him for that. If he was my own son, I should think his master did not do his duty by him, if he omitted it, for to be sure it is the high road to destructtion. And I think the correction very light, and not likely to be very effectual, if the strokes left no marks.\nHis master says farther, as follows; \u201cI think I can\u2019t charge my conscience with being much short of my duty to him. I shall now desire you, if you have not done it already, to invite him to lay his complaints before you, that I may know how to remedy them.\u201d Thus far the words of his letter, which giving me a fair opening to inquire into the affair, I shall accordingly do it, and I hope settle every thing to all your satisfactions. In the mean time, I have laid by your letters both to Mr. Parker and Benny, and shall not send them till I hear again from you, because I think your appearing to give ear to such groundless stories may give offence, and create a greater misunderstanding, and because I think what you write to Benny, about getting him discharged, may tend to unsettle his mind, and therefore improper at this time.\nI have a very good opinion of Benny in the main, and have great hopes of his becoming a worthy man, his faults being only such as are commonly incident to boys of his years, and he has many good qualities, for which I love him. I never knew an apprentice contented with the clothes allowed him by his master, let them be what they would. Jemmy Franklin, when with me, was always dissatisfied and grumbling. When I was last in Boston, his aunt 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\u2019t mention by way of complaint of Jemmy, for he and I are good friends, but only to show you the nature of boys.\nThe letters to Mr. Vanhorne were sent by Mr. Whitfield, under my cover.\nI am, with love to brother and all yours, and duty to mother, to whom I have not time now to write, your affectionate brother,\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0130", "content": "Title: Advice to a Young Tradesman, [21 July 1748]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nGeorge Fisher\u2019s The Instructor: or Young Man\u2019s Best Companion was a popular manual of English grammar, penmanship, composition, arithmetic, bookkeeping, and other useful matters for young men entering business. A competitor of William Mather\u2019s The Young Man\u2019s Companion, on which it was based and from which it copied many particulars, it was first published in London in 1730 or earlier; a sixth edition appeared in 1742, and an eighth presumably before 1748. Franklin imported two dozen copies in 1745; in 1747 he began to get an American edition ready. This was the \u201cNinth Edition\u201d and was announced in the Gazette of July 21, 1748, as \u201cjust published.\u201d\nIt was essentially but not entirely a reprinting of the English original. Franklin changed the name to The American Instructor, he omitted some parts of Fisher\u2019s book and added new material for American readers. Instead of the English Instructor\u2019s brief medical prescriptions, for example, The American Instructor reprinted John Tennent\u2019s Every Man his own Doctor. There were accounts of the history and government of the several colonies; of Pennsylvania, however, Franklin wrote simply: \u201cOne of the happiest Countries at this Time in the World. God grant it may long so continue.\u201d To promote the teaching of penmanship Franklin, like William Mather, included four plates of examples of good handwriting, as well as a description of the Twelve Ciphers which his late friend Joseph Breintnall had designed. And finally he offered this advice to young tradesmen.\nAdvice to a young Tradesman, written by an old One. \nTo my Friend A. B.\nAs you have desired it of me, I write the following Hints, which have been of Service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you.\nRemember that Time is Money. He that can earn Ten Shillings a Day by his Labour, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that Day, tho\u2019 he spends but Sixpence during his Diversion or Idleness, ought not to reckon That the only Expence; he has really spent or rather thrown away Five Shillings besides.\nRemember that Credit is Money. If a Man lets his Money lie in my Hands after it is due, he gives me the Interest, or so much as I can make of it during that Time. This amounts to a considerable Sum where a Man has good and large Credit, and makes good Use of it.\nRemember that Money is of a prolific generating Nature. Money can beget Money, and its Offspring can beget more, and so on. Five Shillings turn\u2019d, is Six: Turn\u2019d again, \u2019tis Seven and Three Pence; and so on \u2019til it becomes an Hundred Pound. The more there is of it, the more it produces every Turning, so that the Profits rise quicker and quicker. He that kills a breeding Sow, destroys all her Offspring to the thousandth Generation. He that murders a Crown, destroys all it might have produc\u2019d, even Scores of Pounds.\nRemember that Six Pounds a Year is but a Groat a Day. For this little Sum (which may be daily wasted either in Time or Expence unperceiv\u2019d) a Man of Credit may on his own Security have the constant Possession and Use of an Hundred Pounds. So much in Stock briskly turn\u2019d by an industrious Man, produces great Advantage.\nRemember this Saying, That the good Paymaster is Lord of another Man\u2019s Purse. He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the Time he promises, may at any Time, and on any Occasion, raise all the Money his Friends can spare. This is sometimes of great Use: Therefore never keep borrow\u2019d Money an Hour beyond the Time you promis\u2019d, lest a Disappointment shuts up your Friends Purse forever.\nThe most trifling Actions that affect a Man\u2019s Credit, are to be regarded. The Sound of your Hammer at Five in the Morning or Nine at Night, heard by a Creditor, makes him easy Six Months longer. But if he sees you at a Billiard Table, or hears your Voice in a Tavern, when you should be at Work, he sends for his Money the next Day. Finer Cloaths than he or his Wife wears, or greater Expence in any particular than he affords himself, shocks his Pride, and he duns you to humble you. Creditors are a kind of People, that have the sharpest Eyes and Ears, as well as the best Memories of any in the World.\nGood-natur\u2019d Creditors (and such one would always chuse to deal with if one could) feel Pain when they are oblig\u2019d to ask for Money. Spare \u2019em that Pain, and they will love you. When you receive a Sum of Money, divide it among \u2019em in Proportion to your Debts. Don\u2019t be asham\u2019d of paying a small Sum because you owe a greater. Money, more or less, is always welcome; and your Creditor had rather be at the Trouble of receiving Ten Pounds voluntarily brought him, tho\u2019 at ten different Times or Payments, than be oblig\u2019d to go ten Times to demand it before he can receive it in a Lump. It shews, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you appear a careful as well as an honest Man; and that still encreases your Credit.\nBeware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living accordingly. \u2019Tis a Mistake that many People who have Credit fall into. To prevent this, keep an exact Account for some Time of both your Expences and your Incomes. If you take the Pains at first to mention Particulars, it will have this good Effect; you will discover how wonderfully small trifling Expences mount up to large Sums, and will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved, without occasioning any great Inconvenience.\nIn short, the Way to Wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the Way to Market. It depends chiefly on two Words, Industry and Frugality; i.e. Waste neither Time nor Money, but make the best Use of both. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets (necessary Expences excepted) will certainly become Rich; If that Being who governs the World, to whom all should look for a Blessing on their honest Endeavours, doth not in his wise Providence otherwise determine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0131", "content": "Title: Notes on the Association, 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nBetween November 1747 and September 1748 the Pennsylvania Gazette printed many items about enemy privateering in the Delaware Bay and River, about defense, and about the Association. These notes are helpful in understanding many of the documents printed above. Because of their importance, not only as reference materials but as illustrations of many of Franklin\u2019s activities during these hectic months, a generous selection is included here.\nFriday last Nine Companies of the Associators of this City, and one of Moyamensing, having chosen their Officers for the ensuing Year, marched up, and met at the State-House; where the President and Council were sitting, who immediately granted the Commissions. The Officers then withdrawing into a Room by themselves, elected Abraham Taylor, Esq; Colonel; Thomas Lawrence, Esq; Lieutenant Colonel; and Samuel M\u2019Call, Esq; Major of the Regiment; which soon after began to March through the Town to the Court-House, in Market-Street, where it was drawn up in three Divisions, and after three general Discharges from each Division, separated, each Captain leading off his own Company. The whole was performed with the greatest Order and Regularity, and without occasioning the least Disturbance. Some of the Companies exceed 100 Men each, and most of them fall but little short of that Number. On the same Day the Kingsess Company met at Jenkins\u2019s Ferry, and chose their Officers. Several other Companies of Associators in the neighbouring Towns met also; but the Accounts of their Elections are not yet come to hand.\nOrder of the several Companies, determined by Lot, with the Names of the Officers, viz.\nNumber I.\nCharles Willing, Captain; Atwood Shute, Lieutenant; James Claypole, Ensign.\nNumber II.\nThomas Bond, Captain; Richard Farmer, Lieutenant; Plunket Fleeson, Ensign.\nNumber III.\nJohn Inglis, Captain; Lyn-Ford Lardner, Lieutenant; Thomas Lawrence, jun. Ensign.\nNumber IV.\nJames Polegreen, Captain; William Bradford, Lieutenant; William Bingham, Ensign.\nNumber V.\nPeacock Bigger, Captain; Joseph Redman, Lieutenant; Joseph Ward, Ensign.\nNumber VI.\nThomas Bourne, Captain; Robert Owen, Lieutenant; Peter Etter, Ensign.\nNumber VII.\nWilliam Cuzzins, Captain; George Spafford, Lieutenant; Abraham Mason, Ensign.\nNumber VIII.\nSeptimus Robinson, Captain; William Clemm, Lieutenant; William Rush, Ensign.\nNumber IX.\nJames Coultas, Captain; George Gray, jun. Lieutenant; Abraham Jones, Ensign.\nNumber X.\nJohn Ross, Captain; Richard Swan, Lieutenant; Philip Benezet, Ensign.\nNumber XI.\nRichard Nixon, Captain; Richard Renshaw, Lieutenant; Francis Garrigues, Ensign.\n[January 5]\n   Yesterday the Mayor and Common-Council of this City met, and agreed, for the Encouragement of the Lottery, and promoting the Publick Benefit design\u2019d by it, to take 2000 of the remaining Tickets; so that there are now but a few left. \u2019Tis observable, that the late Lotteries in New-England and New-York, have taken more Months to fill than this has Weeks; it being but 7 Weeks since the first Tickets were ready to sell, tho\u2019 the Season has been so severe, as almost to cut off the Communication with the Country and neighbouring Provinces; and were it not that no Return is yet made of some Tickets sent for Sale to distant Places, the Drawing might immediately proceed. [January 19]\nPlank for the Platforms, and all other Materials, are preparing with all Diligence, for erecting strong Batteries on the River below this Town; and such is the Zeal and Industry of all concern\u2019d, that \u2019tis not doubted they will be in good Condition very early in the Spring.\n[January 19]\nWe learn from different Parts of the Country, that the Association goes on with great Success, notwithstanding the Season. If there are any Quantities of Small Arms to spare in the neighbouring Governments, they would meet here with a ready Market. [January 19]\nPreparations are making to begin the Drawing of the Lottery on Monday next. The Managers having no Tickets left, and the Demand still continuing, the Corporation continue to spare of the Number they bought, which may be had at the Post-Office till Saturday next.\n[February 2]\nThe greatest Part of the Prize Money in the late Lottery being now paid, the Managers have agreed to give Attendance for Payment of the Remainder on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, from Ten to Twelve in the Morning, and from Three to Five in the Afternoon, at the House of William Allen, Esq; where also all concerned may see and inspect the Books. [March 1]\nIt being proposed to erect at least two good Batteries on the River for the Defence of this City, the Managers of the Lottery, with their Assistants, intend to meet on Monday next, to determine the Places where to fix them, and to consider and conclude on several other Matters relating to the immediate beginning and carrying on the Work, &c. in all which they would be glad to receive the Advice of those that have Judgment or Experience in such Affairs, who are therefore desired to reduce their Sentiments to Writing, with their Reasons, and communicate them to the Managers for their Consideration at the said Meeting. [March 1]\n[Advertisement] A Parcel of good Muskets, all well fitted with Bayonets, Belts and Cartouch-Boxes, and Buff Slings to cast over the Shoulder, very useful to such as have Occasion to ride with their Arms; To be sold by B. Franklin. [March 8]\nThe Field Officers of the Associated Regiment of this City, hereby give Notice, That said Regiment is to meet on Easter-Tuesday, the 12th of April next, at 10 o\u2019Clock in the Forenoon: On Tuesday, the 24th of May: In August, on the Day agreed upon in the Articles of Association: And on Tuesday, the 4th of October next. And that if the Weather proves bad or rainy on any of these Days, then they are to meet on the very next fair Day following. [March 29]\nTuesday last near 1000 Associators of this City were under Arms, and review\u2019d by their Honours the President and Council in the Field; from whence they march\u2019d into Town, drew up in Market-street, fired three general Vollies, and then separated, each Captain leading off his own Company to its respective Ward. The Appearance they made, the Regularity with which they perform\u2019d their Exercise, and the good Order observ\u2019d throughout the whole, gave great Satisfaction to the Spectators, who were very numerous, and to the City in general. While they were in the Field, Col. Taylor represented to them in a short Speech, that several of the Country Regiments had generously express\u2019d their Readiness to come to the Defence of this City on Occasion; but as no Provision was made by the Publick for their Subsistence in such Cases, and it would not be reasonable to expect they should be among us at their own Expence, therefore it was propos\u2019d that every Hous-holder of the City-Associators, would freely entertain three or four, or as many as his House would accommodate of his Country Brethren, till the threaten\u2019d Danger should be over, and that their Horses should be well provided for gratis. The Proposal was universally approv\u2019d of and agreed to, and the general Assent of the whole declar\u2019d by three hearty and unanimous Huzza\u2019s. [April 16]\n      The Cannon which have been so kindly lent us by the Government of N. York, are all deliver\u2019d at Trenton on this River, and expected in Town in a few Days. [April 16]\nOn a Review made last Week of the Cannon lying on the several Wharves of this City, there were found to be near 70 of different Sizes, fit for Service on Occasion. And Committees being appointed by the Managers of the Lottery to erect Fascine Batteries on the Wharves that are best situated for that Purpose, a Number of the Guns were immediately removed and distributed in the most proper Places, and such Provision made for erecting those Batteries, that they may be compleated at an Hour\u2019s Warning.\nThe Grand Battery at Wicacoa below this Town is also near finished, and \u2019tis thought will be ready the Beginning of next Week to receive the heavy Cannon borrowed from N. York.\nLast Monday Morning was begun, and on Tuesday Evening compleatly finished, a Battery of 13 fine Guns, under Society Hill, on the Wharff of William Atwood, Esq; our present Mayor; the Breastwork is 8 or 10 Foot thick, compos\u2019d of Timber and Plank fill\u2019d in with Earth rammed down. The Building of the Breastwork and Merlons, laying the Platform, &c. was done by a Number of the House-Carpenters of this City, who voluntarily and generously offered their Labour gratis, and perform\u2019d the Work with the greatest Alacrity and surprizing Dispatch.\n[April 28]\nThe Field Officers of the Associated Regiment of this City, hereby give Notice, that Tuesday next is the Day appointed for the general Review of said Regiment; that therefore the respective Companies are desired to meet at their Captain\u2019s Quarters precisely at 3 o\u2019Clock in the Afternoon, so as to march from thence, and be in the Field (the same they were review\u2019d in last general Muster) exactly at Four: And whereas last Review-day, several of the Companies were a long Time in the Field before the others came, which was very fatiguing to them; \u2019tis therefore desir\u2019d and expected, that all the Companies will be punctual, as to the Time of being on the Ground, so that they may not wait for one another. [May 19]\nSunday last arrived here the Otter man of war, Capt. Ballet, in 7 weeks from Portsmouth, who is stationed here for the protection of our trade; so that we have reason to hope (particularly from the character of the Commander) that our coast will soon be clear\u2019d of the privateers now infesting it. Captain Ballet came out with the Virginia fleet, under convoy of the Hector man of war, but parted with them about six hundred leagues off. In his passage, about 300 leagues off, he met, and had a smart engagement with, a very large ship for 4 hours, and would have carried her had not the Night come on. He had one of his hands killed, and seven or eight wounded.\nTuesday last Col. Taylor\u2019s regiment of associators in this city, consisting of eleven companies, was under arms, and review\u2019d by their honours the President and Council, in the field. Strangers who were present agree, that the progress this regiment has made in military discipline in so short a time, was truly extraordinary. [May 26]\nLast night there was a report in town that the enemy\u2019s privateers were as high up as Bomba-Hook, and had taken two shallops there. [May 26]\nPhiladelphia, May 30. 1748.\nNotice is hereby given, that it has been thought necessary, for His Majesty\u2019s Service, and the Safety of this City, that no Ship, Vessel or Boat, be permitted to pass the Lower Battery, from the Hour of Eight in the Evening, to Four in the Morning, until the Master of such Vessel have sent his Boat on Shore, or have otherwise made himself known to the Garrison; for which Purpose Orders have been issued to the commanding Officer of the Batteries.\nBy Order of the Honourable the President and Council,\nRichard Peters, Secretary.\n[June 2]\nOn Thursday last an express arrived from Elsingborough, in Salem county, to acquaint this government, that one George Proctor had swam ashore there the night before, from a brigt. then lying off in the river, and deposed before the magistrates, that she was a Spanish privateer from the Havanna, mounting 14 carriage guns, 6 and 4 pounders, with 160 men.\n[June 2]\nSoon after it was known that the enemies privateers were in our River, a subscription was proposed to raise a sum of money, either by way of gift, or of advance to the government, in expectation of being repay\u2019d by the assembly when they should next meet, in order to fit out immediately one or more armed vessels, to clear the bay and coast, and protect our trade: But it seems to be at a stand at present; the little thanks and great censure those met with, who generously equipp\u2019d the Warren for the same purpose last year, together with the consideration of the last message from the assembly, having very much discouraged it. All foreign trade is now at a stand, and the port as much shut up, as if the river was frozen. \u2019Tis tho\u2019t the damage already done by the enemy is many times greater than the expence that might have been sufficient, with God\u2019s blessing, to prevent it. But that which would have been easy for All to bear, is really too hard for a Few. [June 2]\nThe Associators mount guard every night in their turns, at the Great Battery, near this city. In case of any alarm in the night, all well disposed persons are desired to place candles in their lower windows and doors, for the more convenient marching of the militia and other well-affected persons who may join them. [June 2]\nOn Friday last five Companies of Col. Jones\u2019s Regiment of Associators were reviewed at Germantown. They made a very handsome Appearance, went thro\u2019 their Exercise and performed their Firings exceedingly well, and had great Applause from the most judicious Spectators. We hear that four other Companies of the same Regiment were review\u2019d on Monday following at Norrinton, and performed likewise to general Satisfaction. A very commendable Sobriety and good Order has hitherto been observed at those Meetings of the Associators, which it is hoped will always continue. [June 9]\nPhiladelphia, June 9. 1748.\nNow fitting out for a cruizing voyage against his majesty\u2019s enemies, and will sail in 14 days, The Privateer Brigt. Trembleur, Abraham Matthews, Commander, To carry 16 carriage guns, 6 pounders, and 16 swivels, with 120 men.\nAll gentlemen sailors, and others, inclined to enter on board said privateer, may repair to the commander aforesaid, or to the sign of the Trembleur, in Water-street, where the articles are to be seen and signed by those who are willing to go the Cruize. [June 9]\nYesterday His Majesty\u2019s Ship Otter, Captain Ballet, fell down on a Cruize. [June 23]\n      We hear that Captain Ballet, Commander of his Majesty\u2019s Ship Otter, has taken a French Flag of Truce at our Capes, bound in here; but had before been taken, and carried into Providence, where most of her Cargoe was condemned, and taken out of her: And also Capt. Hogg, belonging to this Place, supposed to have been trading with the Spaniards; and has carried them both into Virginia, in order to be tried. [July 14]\n      In Pursuance of his Majesty\u2019s Command, signified to the Honourable the President and Council of this Province, by his grace the Duke of Bedford, his Majesty\u2019s Proclamation for a Cessation of Arms was published here Wednesday last. [August 18]\nNotice is hereby given, that Monday the 29th of this Inst. August, is appointed for a General Review of the City Regiment, which is to be at the usual Place of Parade, at 9 o\u2019Clock in the Forenoon; at which Time the Artillery Company are to be at their respective Posts, at the Grand Battery. [August 18]\nThe new large Cannon that lately arrived from England, purchased by the Managers of the Lottery, being mounted on the Great Battery; on Monday last the Associators of this City met under Arms, and march\u2019d thither; where they were saluted with One and Twenty Guns, and nam\u2019d the Battery, The Association. [September 1]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0133", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 29 September 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Colden, Cadwallader\nSir\nPhilada. Sept. 29. 1748\nI received your Favour of the 12th Inst. which gave me the greater Pleasure, as \u2019twas so long since I had heard from you. I congratulate you on your Return to your beloved Retirement: I too am taking the proper Measures for obtaining Leisure to enjoy Life and my Friends more than heretofore, having put my Printing house under the Care of my Partner David Hall, absolutely left off Bookselling, and remov\u2019d to a more quiet Part of the Town, where I am settling my old Accounts and hope soon to be quite a Master of my own Time, and no longer (as the Song has it) at every one\u2019s Call but my own. If Health continues, I hope to be able in another Year to visit the most distant Friend I have, without Inconvenience. With the same Views I have refus\u2019d engaging further in publick Affairs; The Share I had in the late Association, &c. having given me a little present Run of Popularity, there was a pretty general Intention of chusing me a Representative for the City at the next Election of Assemblymen; but I have desired all my Friends who spoke to me about it, to discourage it, declaring that I should not serve if chosen. Thus you see I am in a fair Way of having no other Tasks than such as I shall like to give my self, and of enjoying what I look upon as a great Happiness, Leisure to read, study, make Experiments, and converse at large with such ingenious and worthy Men as are pleas\u2019d to honour me with their Friendship or Acquaintance, on such Points as may produce something for the common Benefit of Mankind, uninterrupted by the little Cares and Fatigues of Business. Among other Pleasures I promise my self, that of Corresponding more frequently and fully with Dr. Colden is none of the least; I shall only wish that what must be so agreable to me, may not prove troublesome to you.\nI thank you for your kind recommending of me to Mr. Osborne. Mr. Read would readily have put the Books into my Hands, but it being now out of my Way to dispose of them, I propos\u2019d to Mr. Hall the Taking them into his Shop; but he having look\u2019d over the Invoice, says they are charg\u2019d so extravagantly high, that he cannot sell them for any Profit to himself, without hurting the Character of his Shop: He will however, at my Request, take the Indian Histories and put them on Sale; but the rest of the Cargo must lie I believe for Mr. Osborne\u2019s further Orders: I shall write to him by our next Vessels.\nI am glad you have had an Opportunity of gaining the Friendship of Govr. Shirley, with whom tho\u2019 I have not the honour of being particularly acquainted, I take him to be a wise, good and worthy Man. He is now a Fellow-Sufferer with you, in being made the Subject of some public virulent and senseless Libels: I hope they give him as little Pain.\nMr. Bartram continues well. Here is a Swedish Gentleman, a Professor of Botany, lately arriv\u2019d, and I suppose will soon be your Way, as he intends for Canada. Mr. Collinson and Dr. Mitchel recommend him to me as a very ingenious Man: Perhaps the enclos\u2019d (left at the Post Office for you) may be from him. I have not seen him since the first Day he came. I deliver\u2019d yours to Mr. Evans; and when I next see Mr. Bartram, shall acquaint him with what you say. I am, with great Esteem and Respect, Dear Sir Your most obliged humble Servant\nB Franklin\n Addressed: To \u2002The honble Cadwalader Colden Esqr \u2002Coldengham \u2002Free B Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 19 October 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Strahan, William\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Oct. 19. 1748\nI receiv\u2019d your Favour of April 25, with the Maps, &c. I am glad the Polybius did not come, and hope you will not have sent it when this reaches your Hands; it was intended for my Son, who was then in the Army, and seemed bent on a military Life; but as Peace cuts off his Prospect of Advancement in that Way, he will apply himself to other Business. Enclos\u2019d I send you his Certificate from the Governor of New York, by which he is entitled to \u00a398 16s. 4d. Sterling, being his Pay; with a Letter of Attorney impowering you to receive it; I know not what the Deductions will be at the Pay Office; but desire you will give my Account Credit for the net Proceeds. I am in daily Expectation of a Bill from Virginia of \u00a350 which I shall remit you towards the Ballance, and Mr. Hall will account with you for those Things you have sent me, that are put in his Invoice. Our Accounts agree, except that I have charg\u2019d you \u00a31 9s. 7d. for the Ainsworth d[elivere]d James Read, the 6s. 7d. being the Proportion of Charges on that Book, and the Bill on Geo. Rigge my Account calls \u00a315 7s. 11d., yours \u00a315 7s. 1d.; which is but a small Variation; and I know not but yours may be right.\nI have lately sent a Printing-house to Antigua, by a very sober, honest and diligent young Man, who has already (as I am inform\u2019d by divers Hands) gain\u2019d the Friendship of the principal People, and is like to get into good Business. This will open another Market for your Books if you think fit to use it; for I am persuaded, that if you shall send him a Parcel with any Quantity of Stationary he may write to you for, he will make you good and punctual Returns. His Name is Thomas Smith; he is the only Printer on that Island: had work\u2019d with me here, and at my Printing-house in N York, 3 or 4 Years, and always behav\u2019d extreamly well.\nMr. Thos Osborne, Bookseller of London, is endeavouring to open a Correspondence in the Plantations for the Sale of his Books: He has accordingly sent several Parcels, I to Mr. Parker of N York, I to Mr. Read here, and one to Mr. Parks in Virginia. I have seen the Invoices to Parker and Read; and observe the Books to be very high charg\u2019d, so that I believe they will not sell. I recommended Parker to you for Books, but he tells me he has wrote you several Letters, and in two of them sent a Guinea to purchase some small Things, but never receiv\u2019d any Answer. Perhaps the Guineas made the Letters miscarry. He is a very honest punctual Man, and will be in the Way of selling a great many Books; I think you might find your Account in Writing to him. Mr. Read having left off Bookselling Osborne has wrote to me and desired me to take those Books into my Hands, proposing a Correspondence, &c. but I have declin\u2019d it in a Letter per this Ship.\nMy Spouse will write to Mrs. Strahan, to whom my best Respects. By this time twelvemonth, if nothing extraordinary happens to prevent it, I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you both in London; being, with great Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir, Your obliged Friend and Servant\nB Franklin\nP.S. You will find Mr. Geo. Smith, one of the Witnesses to the Power of Attorney at the Pensilvania Coffee House. He goes over in this Ship.\n   Mr. Strahan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0137", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 7 November 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\n[November 7, 1748]\nI send you herewith the late Voyage for the Discovery of the Northwest Passage, which I hope may afford you some entertainment. If you have the Journal of the French Academicians to Lapland, I should be glad to see it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0138", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 November 1748\nFrom: Logan, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy friend B F.\n9br [November] 9th [1748]\nI here return thee Hen: Ellis\u2019s Tract of his Voyage to Hudson\u2019s Bay, which I have perused and I thank thee for the Loan of it. But I\u2019m Sorry for the Loss of Sandin the Swedish Minister for they generally use to be a good Sort of People, their Ministers I mean. I know not what to think of Kalm. I had a Letter from Linnaeus 10 or 11 years Since when he was in Holland, and another recommendation from the Same Linnaeus, in Gustav Wahlbom\u2019s Inauguration [dissertation] which as I have Said before, is called Sponsalia Plantarum and in this he mentions my little piece that I Sent thee in my last 4 times, and yet carries not the matter as far as I have done which I admire at, And thereto I would willingly Speak with Kalm tho\u2019 I\u2019m very Sensible Age and the Palsey have weakned me much, and the hesitation in my Speech has greatly disabled me. But he Surprizes me if he comes on no other design than he told to P. Collinson. I would gladly See thee when thou canst make it Suit thy own time and if thou keeps not a horse my Son will furnish thee with one. I am with Sincere respect Thy real friend\nJ L\nTo Benj. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0139", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 23 November 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Strahan, William\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Nov. 23. 1748\nI have just Time to acquaint you that yours per Cowie is this moment come to hand, with Mr. Read\u2019s Account &c. I shall use my best Endeavours to get your Money, and am not without Hopes of Succeeding. I wrote you the 19th past, and sent a Power with the first of the enclos\u2019d Certificates, which I hope will get safe to hand. You may depend on having the Ballance of my Account in a few Months. I am, Sir, Your obliged humble Servant\nB Franklin\nI have desired Dr. Mitchel to pay you 3 Guineas, being the Price of a Fireplace sent him for the D. of Argyle.\nMr. Strahan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0140", "content": "Title: Philadelphia Common Council to James Hamilton and Reply, 25 November 1748\nFrom: Philadelphia Common Council\nTo: Hamilton, James\nFranklin was chosen a member of the Philadelphia Common Council, Oct. 4, 1748. Mayor Charles Willing proposed, Nov. 24, a congratulatory address to James Hamilton, newly appointed governor, upon his arrival in Pennsylvania; the Council agreed, and named Willing, William Allen, Benjamin Shoemaker, Thomas Hopkinson, and Franklin to draft the address. The committee laid the draft before the Council the next day; after some amendments, it was ordered engrossed and was presented to Hamilton.\n[November 25, 1748]\nTo the Honourable James Hamilton, Esq; Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Counties of Newcastle, Kent and Sussex, on Delaware;\nThe humble Address of the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of Philadelphia, in Common Council assembled.\nMay it please Your Honour,\nWe, the Mayor and Commonalty, beg Leave to congratulate You, in the sincerest Manner, on Your happy return to Your Country, and Accession to the Government; Events that fill the Hearts of the People of all Ranks and Denominations with unfeigned Joy.\nWe cannot but esteem it a peculiar Happiness to have a Gentleman appointed our Governor, who is so perfectly acquainted with our publick Affairs, and whose real Regard for the Welfare of this Province, and Affection for its Inhabitants, are so well known to us.\nFrom the long Acquaintance we have had with Your amiable private Character, and the Benevolence of Your Disposition; and from our Experience of Your Integrity and Ability in the Discharge of the several publick Offices You have heretofore sustained among us; we assure ourselves that this City and Province will be happy under Your Administration; and that we shall always have the highest reason to be thankful to our Proprietors for an Appointment so favourable to the People.\nSigned by Order of the Board,\nCharles Willing, Mayor\nGentlemen,\nTo which the Governor was pleased to make the following Answer.\nI am extremely obliged to you for this early Mark of Respect; but more particularly so, for the favourable Opinion you are pleased to entertain of my private Character: And altho\u2019, on the one Hand, I am conscious to myself how far short I fall of what your Partiality in Favour of a Countryman may have induced you to ascribe to me; yet, on the other, I am proud to say, that with regard to the sincere Affection I have for the Inhabitants of this City and Province, you have done me no more than Justice.\nAs I have lately had the Honour to be admitted to some Share of Confidence with your Proprietors, I can, with the greater Certainty, declare to you their real Regard for the People, and the great Satisfaction they take in the Welfare and Prosperity of this Province; and I am persuaded I cannot so effectually recommend myself to their future Favour, as by making use of the Powers they have been pleased to intrust me with, for the Benefit and Advantage of all those under my Government; which I beg you to assure yourselves it is my hearty Inclination to do.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0141", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 29 November 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Logan, James\nSir\nPhilada. Nov. 29. 1748\nI received your Favour of the 9th Inst. with the Voyage in Search of the N.W. Passage; I have been several Times since at Kalm\u2019s Lodgings, but never happen\u2019d to meet with him, he being almost always in the Country. I have got the 2d Vol. of Dialogues on Education, which your Son Jemmey told me you once had a Desire to see. If you have not since seen it, I will send it to you. I am, with great Respect, Sir Your most obliged humble Servant\nB Franklin\n Endorsed: Benj: Franklin 9br. 29th 1748. Has received the voyage to Hudsons Bay of Kalm.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-03-02-0142", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Read, 5 December 1748\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Read, James\nSir\n[December 5, 1748]\n\u2019Tis some Time since I receiv\u2019d a considerable Account against you from England. An Unwillingness to give you Concern has hitherto prevented my mentioning it to you. By comparing the Moderation and long Forbearance towards you of Mr. Strahan, to whom you owe so much, with your Treatment of an old Friend in Distress, bred up with you under the same Roof, and who owes you so little, you may perceive how much you have misunderstood yourself. \u2019Tis with Regret I now acquaint you, that (even while you were talking to me in that lofty Strain yesterday concerning Mr. Grace,) I had in my Pocket a Power of Attorney to recover of you \u00a3131 16s. 4d. Sterling, a Ballance long due. It will be your own Fault if it comes to be known, for I have mention\u2019d it to nobody. And I now ask you how you would in your own Case like those pretty Pieces of Practice you so highly contended for, of Summoning a Day only before the Court, lest the Cause should be made up and Fees thereby prevented; and of carrying on a Suit privately against a Man in another County than that in which he lives and may every Day be found, getting a judgment by Default, and taking him by Surprize with an Execution when he happens to come where you have su\u2019d him, &c. &c. I should be glad to have the Account against my Friend Grace, with all the little Charges you have so cunningly accumulated on it, that I may communicate it to him; and doubt not but he will immediately order you Payment. It appears not unlikely to me, that he may soon get thro\u2019 all his Difficulties, and as I know him good-natur\u2019d and benevolent to a high Degree, so I believe he will be above resenting the Ill-Treatment he has receiv\u2019d from some that are now so fond of insulting him, and from whom he might have expected better Things: But I think you would do well not to treat others in the same Manner, for Fortune\u2019s Wheel is often turning, and all are not alike forgiving. I request, as soon as it suits your Convenience, that you will take the proper Measures with Regard to Mr. Strahan\u2019s Account and am Your humble Servant B F.\n Endorsed: Letter to J Read Dec. 5. 1748", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-18-02-0121", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Read, [before 1 August 1771]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Read, James\n[Before August 1, 1771]\nThe most friendly Advice I can give you, is, to begin paying the Debt immediately, tho\u2019 in ever so small Sums. This will show an honest Disposition, and may in time compleat the whole. If you would stand fair in the Opinion of your Friends, and cannot pay the Principal, pay at least the Interest as it arises.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFryday March 11th. 1747/8. Began my Journey in Company with George Fairfax Esqr.; we travell\u2019d this day 40 Miles to Mr. George Neavels in Prince William County.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday March 12th. This Morning Mr. James Genn the surveyor came to us. We travel\u2019d over the Blue Ridge to Capt. Ashbys on Shannondoa River. Nothing remarkable happen\u2019d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday March 13. Rode to his Lordships Quarter about 4 Miles higher up the River we went through most beautiful Groves of Sugar Trees & spent the best part of the Day in admiring the Trees & richness of the Land.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 15th. We set out early with Intent to Run round the sd. Land but being taken in a Rain & it Increasing very fast obliged us to return. It clearing about one oClock & our time being too Precious to Loose we a second time ventured out & Worked hard till Night & then returnd to Penningtons we got our Suppers & was Lighted in to a Room & I not being so good a Woodsman as the rest of my Company striped my self very orderly\n& went in to the Bed as they call\u2019d it when to my Surprize I found it to be nothing but a Little Straw\u2014Matted together without Sheets or any thing else but only one Thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin such as Lice Fleas &c. I was glad to get up (as soon as the Light was carried from us) & put on my Cloths & Lay as my Companions. Had we not have been very tired, I am sure we should not have slep\u2019d much that night. I made a Promise not to Sleep so from that time forward chusing rather to sleep in the open Air before a fire as will Appear hereafter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 16th. We set out early & finish\u2019d about one oClock & then Travell\u2019d up to Frederick Town where our Baggage came\n  to us. We cleaned ourselves (to get Rid of the Game we had catched the Night before) & took a Review of the Town & then return\u2019d to our Lodgings where we had a good Dinner prepar\u2019d for us Wine & Rum Punch in Plenty & a good Feather Bed with clean Sheets which was a very agreeable regale.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 17th. Rain\u2019d till Ten oClock & then clearing we reached as far as Major Campbells one of there Burgesses about 25 Miles from Town. Nothing Remarkable this day nor Night but that we had a Tolerable good Bed [to] lay on.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 20th. Finding the River not much abated we in the Evening Swam our horses over & carried them to Charles Polks in Maryland for Pasturage till the next Morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 21st. We went over in a Canoe & Travell\u2019d up Maryland side all the Day in a Continued Rain to Collo. Cresaps right against the Mouth of the South Branch about 40 Miles from Polks I believe the Worst Road that ever was trod by Man or Beast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Fryday 25th. 1748. Nothing Remarkable on thursday but only being with the Indians all day so shall slip it. This day left Cresaps & went up to the Mouth of Patersons Creek & there swum our Horses over got over ourselves in a Canoe & travel\u2019d up the following Part of the Day to Abram Johnstones 15 miles from the Mouth where we camped.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaterday 26. Travelld up the Creek to Solomon Hedges Esqr. one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Frederick where we camped. When we came to Supper there was neither a Cloth upon the Table nor a Knife to eat with but as good luck would have it we had Knives of [our] own.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 29th. This Morning went out & Survey\u2019d five Hundred Acres of Land & went down to one Michael Stumps on the So. Fork of the Branch. On our way Shot two Wild Turkies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 30th. This Morning began our Intended Business of Laying of Lots. We began at the Boundary Line of the Northern 10 Miles above Stumps & run of two Lots & returnd to Stumps.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 31st. Early this Morning one of our Men went out with the Gun & soon Returnd with two Wild Turkies. We then went to our Business. Run of three Lots & returnd to our Camping place at Stumps.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0002", "content": "Title: A Journal of my Journey over the Mountains began Fryday the 11th. of March 1747/8\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFryday March 11th. 1747/8. Began my Journey in Company with George Fairfax Esqr.; we travell\u2019d this day 40 Miles to Mr. George Neavels in Prince William County.\n   The two dates used by GW are explained by the difference between New Style and Old Style dating. Until 1752 England, Ireland, and the colonies followed the Julian Calendar (Old Style). Under England\u2019s interpretation of the Julian Calendar the new year began on 25 Mar. Because the year under the Julian Calendar was 365 days 6 hours, by the sixteenth century a considerable surplus had accumulated, moving the vernal equinox from 21 to 11 Mar. The error was corrected in 1582 by the Gregorian Calendar (New Style), adopted by most European countries. By 1752, when Great Britain adopted the Gregorian Calendar, the displacement was 11 days.\n   George Neville (Neavil) (d. 1774), a planter and land speculator, had settled on Cedar Run, then in Prince William County (now in Fauquier County), as early as 1730. Although Neville was not licensed to keep an ordinary until 1759, the location of his house at the juncture of the Carolina Road and a branch of the Dumfries Road made it a convenient stopping place for travelers. As early as 1743, Neville had acquired a tract of 181 acres in Prince William and had also made extensive purchases of land in Frederick County. In 1750 GW was engaged to survey for him some 400 acres of \u201cWaste & ungranted Land\u201d in Frederick belonging to the Fairfax proprietary and adjoining George William Fairfax\u2019s property (warrant for survey, 13 Oct. 1750, DLC:GW; survey, 30 Oct. 1750, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). The deed to Neville from Lord Fairfax is dated 20 Nov. 1750 (Mr. Sol Feinstone).\nSaturday March 12th. This Morning Mr. James Genn the surveyor came to us. We travel\u2019d over the Blue Ridge to Capt. Ashbys on Shannondoa River. Nothing remarkable happen\u2019d.\n   John Ashby (1707\u20131789) was a member of a prominent frontier family. His father, Thomas Ashby, had settled in Stafford County in 1710 and moved to what is now Fauquier County before 1748. In 1741 John Ashby married Jean Combs of Maryland and moved with his father to the banks of the Shenandoah, where the Ashby Tract lay along the river just below the mouth of Howell\u2019s Run. He was widely known as an Indian fighter, serving as captain in the 2d Virginia Rangers which from 1752 to 1754 maintained headquarters at Fort Ashby at the juncture of the Potomac River and Patterson\u2019s Creek. In 1752 he was elected to the Frederick Parish vestry. After Braddock\u2019s Defeat in July 1755 Ashby carried news of the disaster to Williamsburg. He participated in the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 and shortly after went\n      to Kentucky, where he spent several years locating and improving a grant of 2,000 acres he had received from Virginia for his services in the Indian wars.\nSunday March 13. Rode to his Lordships Quarter about 4 Miles higher up the River we went through most beautiful Groves of Sugar Trees & spent the best part of the Day in admiring the Trees & richness of the Land.\n   It has usually been suggested that the party proceeded on 13 Mar. to Fairfax\u2019s land across the Shenandoah\u2014the area known as Greenway Court (FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 1:212\u201313; WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 1:6). It is more likely that GW was referring to land owned by Lord Fairfax on the east side of the river in the vicinity of Howell\u2019s Run (see DICKINSON [1]Josiah Look Dickinson. \u201cThe Manor of Greenway Court.\u201d Proceedings of the Clarke County Historical Association 8 (1948): 44\u201355., 48\u201355).\nMonday 14th. We sent our Baggage to Capt. Hites (near Frederick Town) went ourselves down the River about 16 Miles to Capt. Isaac Penningtons (the Land exceeding Rich & Fertile all the way produces abundance of Grain Hemp Tobacco &c.) in order to Lay of some Lands on Cates Marsh & Long Marsh.\n   Jost Hite (d. 1760) was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, and emigrated to America about 1710, settling first in the vicinity of Kingston, N.Y. About 1716 he moved to Pennsylvania and in 1731 purchased a tract of nearly 40,000 acres from John and Isaac Van Meter in what soon became Frederick County, Va. In 1732 he moved to his Virginia lands with 16 other families of settlers. He was a member of the first Frederick Parish vestry. Hite was one of the leading\nland speculators and developers in Frederick, eventually settling families on a tract amounting to 94,000 acres. His land purchases involved him in a dispute with Lord Fairfax over ownership of his grants. The case continued in the courts for 50 years and was settled in Hite\u2019s favor in 1786, 26 years after his death.\n   Frederick Town is now Winchester, Va.\n   Isaac Pennington came to the Shenandoah Valley, probably from New Jersey, about 1734 and settled a tract of some 600 acres on the south bank of Buck Marsh Run, near present-day Berryville, Va. He was a member of the first grand jury empaneled in Frederick County in May 1744 (CARTMELLT. K. Cartmell. Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia, From its Formation in 1738 to 1908. Winchester, Va., 1909., 23). In 1750 GW surveyed a tract of land for him in Frederick County (survey for Pennington, 23 Oct. 1750, NN: George Washington Newspaper and Catalogue Clippings Box). Pennington sold his holdings in Frederick County, including most of the site of Berryville, to Gabriel Jones of Augusta County and John Hite of Frederick County in 1754 and moved to South Carolina in the fall of that year (CHAPPELEAR [1]Curtis Chappelear. \u201cEarly Grants of the Site of Berryville and Its Northern Vicinity.\u201d Proceedings of the Clarke County Historical Association 8 (1948): 17\u201338., 17\u201318).\nTuesday 15th. We set out early with Intent to Run round the sd. Land but being taken in a Rain & it Increasing very fast obliged us to return. It clearing about one oClock & our time being too Precious to Loose we a second time ventured out & Worked hard till Night & then returnd to Penningtons we got our Suppers & was Lighted in to a Room & I not being so good a Woodsman as the rest of my Company striped my self very orderly\n& went in to the Bed as they call\u2019d it when to my Surprize I found it to be nothing but a Little Straw\u2014Matted together without Sheets or any thing else but only one Thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin such as Lice Fleas &c. I was glad to get up (as soon as the Light was carried from us) & put on my Cloths & Lay as my Companions. Had we not have been very tired, I am sure we should not have slep\u2019d much that night. I made a Promise not to Sleep so from that time forward chusing rather to sleep in the open Air before a fire as will Appear hereafter.\n   On this day the party surveyed a tract of land for George William Fairfax on Cates Marsh and Long Marsh, the \u201cnames of small streams which flow from the foothill of North mountain to the Shenandoah river and have along their course considerable meadow or marshy land\u201d (TONER [1]J. M. Toner, ed. Journal of My Journey Over the Mountains; by George Washington, While Surveying for Lord Thomas Fairfax, Baron of Cameron, in the Northern Neck of Virginia, beyond the Blue Ridge, in 1747\u20138. Albany, 1892., 26).\nWednesday 16th. We set out early & finish\u2019d about one oClock & then Travell\u2019d up to Frederick Town where our Baggage came\n  to us. We cleaned ourselves (to get Rid of the Game we had catched the Night before) & took a Review of the Town & then return\u2019d to our Lodgings where we had a good Dinner prepar\u2019d for us Wine & Rum Punch in Plenty & a good Feather Bed with clean Sheets which was a very agreeable regale.\nThursday 17th. Rain\u2019d till Ten oClock & then clearing we reached as far as Major Campbells one of there Burgesses about 25 Miles from Town. Nothing Remarkable this day nor Night but that we had a Tolerable good Bed [to] lay on.\n   Andrew Campbell, who lived northwest of Winchester, was one of Frederick County\u2019s most prominent residents. He served as one of the county\u2019s first justices, as a member of the House of Burgesses from Frederick in 1745\u201347, and as the third sheriff of the county. On 2 Jan. 1744 the Frederick County court licensed Campbell and several other residents to keep ordinaries \u201cat their respective houses\u201d and to \u201cfurnish lodgings and food and Liquors at prices fixed by the court\u201d (CARTMELLT. K. Cartmell. Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia, From its Formation in 1738 to 1908. Winchester, Va., 1909., 21). Campbell appears to have had a puritanical interest in preserving decorum in Frederick County. The long list of charges laid by him against various citizens range from breaking the Sabbath to \u201craising a riot\u201d (see NORRIS [1]J. E. Norris, ed. History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. 1890. Reprint. Berryville, Va., 1972., 83, 85). Retribution finally overtook him. He had served as a vestryman for Frederick Parish since 1745 but in the latter part of the decade charges were laid against him for collecting and appropriating for himself the funds collected for the use of the parish. That there was indeed chicanery afoot in the management of the parish finances is indicated in legislation passed by the House of Burgesses in Feb. 1752. \u201cAn Act for dissolving the Vestry of Frederick parish, in Frederick county\u201d charged that the Frederick vestry had collected \u00a31,570 on pretense of building churches in the parish and had \u201cmisapplied or converted the same to their own use, and refuse to render any account . . . to the great\nimpoverishment of the people\u201d (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 6:258\u201360). Campbell eventually \u201chad to run away to Carolina\u201d (MEADE [2]Everard Kidder Meade. \u201cFrederick Parish, Virginia, 1744\u20131780: Its Churches, Chapels and Ministers.\u201d Proceedings of the Clarke County Historical Association 5 (1945): 18\u201338.).\nFryday 18th. We Travell\u2019d up about 35 Miles to Thomas Barwicks on Potomack where we found the River so excessively high by Reason of the Great Rains that had fallen up about the Allegany Mountains as they told us which was then bringing down the melted Snow & that it would not be fordable for severall Days it was then above Six foot Higher than usual & was Rising. We agreed to stay till Monday. We this day call\u2019d to see the Fam\u2019d Warm Springs. We camped out in the field this Night. Nothing Remarkable happen\u2019d till sunday the 20th.\n   Thomas Barwick (Berwick?) was settled in Frederick County as early as 1744 and served as a juror in the county court in February of that year (CARTMELLT. K. Cartmell. Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia, From its Formation in 1738 to 1908. Winchester, Va., 1909., 23).\n   Warm Springs is now Bath, or Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, W.Va.\nSunday 20th. Finding the River not much abated we in the Evening Swam our horses over & carried them to Charles Polks in Maryland for Pasturage till the next Morning.\n   Charles Polk had land under cultivation in the area as early as 1748 (NORRIS [1]J. E. Norris, ed. History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. 1890. Reprint. Berryville, Va., 1972., 68).\nMonday 21st. We went over in a Canoe & Travell\u2019d up Maryland side all the Day in a Continued Rain to Collo. Cresaps right against the Mouth of the South Branch about 40 Miles from Polks I believe the Worst Road that ever was trod by Man or Beast.\n   Thomas Cresap (1694\u20131790) was born at Skipton, Yorkshire, Eng., and immigrated to America about 1719, settling first in Maryland and later moving to the area of present-day Wrightsville, Pa. There he became a leader of the Maryland forces in the boundary dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania, 1730\u201336. His Pennsylvania establishment was burned by Pennsylvanians in 1736, and he moved to the vicinity of Shawnee Old Town (now Oldtown, Md.), where he built a fortified trading post at the crossroads of a series of trails much traveled by Indians and whites. By 1749, when he was one of the organizers of the Ohio Company, Cresap was widely known throughout the frontier as a trader and land speculator, and Shawnee Old Town had become one of the leading frontier trading posts. Cresap acted as a surveyor and agent for the Ohio Company and helped lay out the company\u2019s road from Wills Creek to the Monongahela. He supported the Patriot cause during the American Revolution, in which his more famous son Michael played a leading role on the frontier.\nTuesday 22d. Continued Rain and the Freshes kept us at Cresaps.\nWednesday 23d. Rain\u2019d till about two oClock & Clear\u2019d when we were agreeably surpris\u2019d at the sight of thirty odd Indians coming from War with only one Scalp. We had some Liquor with us of which we gave them Part it elevating there Spirits put them in the Humour of Dauncing of whom we had a War Daunce. There Manner of Dauncing is as follows Viz. They clear a Large Circle & make a great Fire in the Middle then seats themselves around it the Speaker makes a grand Speech telling them in what Manner they are to Daunce after he has finish\u2019d the best Dauncer Jumps up as one awaked out of a Sleep & Runs & Jumps about the Ring in a most comicle Manner he is followd by the Rest then begins there Musicians to Play the Musick is a Pot half of Water with a Deerskin Streched over it as tight as it can & a goard with some Shott in it to Rattle & a Piece of an horses Tail tied to it to make it look fine the one keeps Rattling and the other Drumming all the While the others is Dauncing.\nFryday 25th. 1748. Nothing Remarkable on thursday but only being with the Indians all day so shall slip it. This day left Cresaps & went up to the Mouth of Patersons Creek & there swum our Horses over got over ourselves in a Canoe & travel\u2019d up the following Part of the Day to Abram Johnstones 15 miles from the Mouth where we camped.\n   Patterson\u2019s Creek flows into the Potomac about 12 miles below Cumberland, Md. It rises in Grant County, W.Va.\n   Abram Johnson received a deed to 309 acres on Patterson\u2019s Creek on 26 Oct. 1748 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 141, Vi Microfilm).\nSaterday 26. Travelld up the Creek to Solomon Hedges Esqr. one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Frederick where we camped. When we came to Supper there was neither a Cloth upon the Table nor a Knife to eat with but as good luck would have it we had Knives of [our] own.\n   Solomon Hedges. usually called Squire Hedges, a justice of the peace for Frederick County, was a member of a Quaker family from Maryland who were early settlers in Frederick. Hedges was living in the county as early as 1744, when he served on the first grand jury for Frederick in May of that year.\nSunday 27th. Travell\u2019d over to the South Branch (attended with the Esqr.) to Henry Vanmetriss in order to go about Intended Work of Lots.\n   The Van Meter family was among the earliest settlers in the Shenandoah Valley. John Van Meter, a New York state Indian trader who carried on an extensive trade among the Delaware Indians, visited Virginia about 1725. With his encouragement his sons Isaac and John obtained extensive grants of land on the South Branch of the Potomac and in the lower Shenandoah Valley in 1730 and brought in a number of settlers. It was their sale of a portion of their lands to Jost Hite in 1731 which precipitated the latter\u2019s legal entanglements with Lord Fairfax. Henry Van Meter, who died about 1759, was a son of Isaac and a nephew of John. He received a deed for 405 acres on the South Branch on 7 June 1749 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 187, Vi Microfilm). For an account of the Van Meter family, see W.Va. Hist. Mag., 2, no. 2 (April 1902), 5\u201318.\nMonday 28th. Travell\u2019d up the Branch about 30 Miles to Mr. James Rutlidge\u2019s Horse Jockey & about 70 Miles from the Mouth.\n   On 29 Mar. the party surveyed a tract of land for James Rutledge (surveying notes, DLC:GW). Rutledge acquired 500 acres in Frederick County in May 1748 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 56, Vi Microfilm). He was presumably a member of the family that had settled on the South Branch as early as 1734 or 1735.\nTuesday 29th. This Morning went out & Survey\u2019d five Hundred Acres of Land & went down to one Michael Stumps on the So. Fork of the Branch. On our way Shot two Wild Turkies.\n   Michael Stump, Sr. (1709\u20131768), received a grant for Lot No. 3, on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac, on 8 Sept. 1749 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 227, Vi Microfilm).\nWednesday 30th. This Morning began our Intended Business of Laying of Lots. We began at the Boundary Line of the Northern 10 Miles above Stumps & run of two Lots & returnd to Stumps.\n   On this day the party surveyed tracts for Peter Reid, Anthony Regar, Harmon Shoker, and Elias Cellars (surveying notes, DLC:GW).\nThursday 31st. Early this Morning one of our Men went out with the Gun & soon Returnd with two Wild Turkies. We then went to our Business. Run of three Lots & returnd to our Camping place at Stumps.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaterday April 2d. Last Night was a blowing & Rainy night. Our Straw catch\u2019d a Fire that we were laying upon & was luckily Preserv\u2019d\nby one of our Mens awaking when it was in a \u27e8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u27e9 We run of four Lots this day which Reached below Stumps.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 3d. Last Night was a much more blostering night than the former. We had our Tent Carried Quite of with the Wind and was obliged to Lie the Latter part of the Night without covering. There came several Persons to see us this day one of our Men Shot a Wild Turkie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 4th. This morning Mr. Fairfax left us with Intent to go down to the Mouth of the Branch. We did two Lots & was attended by a great Company of People Men Women & Children that attended us through the Woods as we went shewing there Antick tricks. I really think they seem to be as Ignorant a Set of People as the Indians. They would never speak English but when spoken to they speak all Dutch. This day our Tent was blown down by the Violentness of the Wind.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 7th. Rain\u2019d Successively all Last Night. This Morning one of our men Killed a Wild Turky that weight 20 Pounds. We went & Surveyd 15 Hundred Acres of Land & Returnd to Vanmetris\u2019s about 1 oClock. About two I heard that Mr. Fairfax was come up & at 1 Peter Casseys about 2 Miles of in the same Old Field. I then took my Horse & went up to see him. We eat our Dinners & Walked down to Vanmetris\u2019s. We stayed about two Hours & Walked back again and slept in Casseys House which was the first Night I had slept in a House since I came to the Branch.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFryday 8th. We breakfasted at Casseys & Rode down to Vanmetris\u2019s to get all our Company together which when we had accomplished we Rode down below the Trough in order to Lay of Lots there. We laid of one this day. The Trough is couple of Ledges of Mountain Impassable running side & side together for above 7 or 8 Miles & the River down between them. You must Ride Round the back of the Mountain for to get below them. We Camped this Night in the Woods near a Wild Meadow where was a Large Stack of Hay. After we had Pitched our Tent & made a very Large Fire we pull\u2019d out our Knapsack in order to Recruit ourselves. Every[one] was his own Cook. Our Spits was Forked Sticks our Plates was a Large Chip as for Dishes we had none.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-01-02-0001-0003-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 April 1748]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 11th. We Travell\u2019d from Coddys down to Frederick Town where we Reached about 12 oClock. We dined in Town and then went to Capt. Hites & Lodged.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1748", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-01-02-0002", "content": "Title: Deed for Ferry Farm Land, 7 July 1748\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFredericksburg, 7 July 1748. \u201cThis Indenture made the seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & forty eight Between Lawrence Washington and Nathaniel Chapman Gent. Executors of the last Will & Testament of Augustine Washington of the County of King George Gent. deceased of the one part, and Anthony Strother of the said County of King George Gent. of the other part, Whereas the said Augustine Washington in his lifetime was Seized in his Demesne as of fee, of and in one Certain tract or parcel of Land with its Appurtenances lying & being in the said County of King George Containing by Estimation one hundred & sixty five Acres, more or less . . . This Indenture Witnesseth that the said Lawrence Washington & Nathaniel Chapman in pursuance of the trust reposed in them by the said Will, And for & in Consideration of the sum of one hundred & ten pounds Sterling money of England, to them in hand paid (in bills of Exchange) by the said Anthony Strother . . . Do Give Grant Bargain Sell, Alien, Assign & Confirm unto the sd Anthony Strother his heirs & Assigns forever, All the af[oresai]d tract or parcell of Land . . . .\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1748}
]