From Printing Office to the Court of St. James

• 133

The startling news from the Assembly-A discussion-A sarcastic
letter the cause-James and Benjamin summoned before the
Council-James defiant--Benjamin dismissed-How Mather
assailed the Courant-How James answered him-James in
prison-Benjamin editing the paper-Quotation from Parton
-Persecution of printers in the old country-A horrible
case-James released, and still defiant-Inoculation a remedy
for small-pox-The Mercury denouncing James' imprison-
ment--James still for freedom of the press-Secured it for
all time.

146

XVI.

THE BOY EDITOR.

Attacking the Government—The Council exasperated—Action of
the Courant Club-Plan to evade order of the Council-
Benjamin, the boy editor-His address in Courant-Quota-
tions from Courant of January 14, 1723-Not libellous-
Extract from Parton's life-When newspapers ceased to be
carried free-How long Ben was in printing office-
Remarks by Mr. Sparks What he says of General Court-
How the experience developed Benjamin-Right boy in
right place Extract from Courant about bears .

157

XVII.

THE YOUNG SCEPTIC.

Reading Shaftesbury's work-Discussion with Collins--Ben's

orthodoxy in peril-Benjamin a thinker-Saying grace over

the pork barrel-Reading from Collins-Several para-

graphs repugnant to orthodoxy-Shaftesbury attacking

miracles-Ben's influence over John-Charged with being

atheist-His confession-Letter to his father-Letter to

sister-Seeing his folly-His prayer -Sad experience with

infidel books-Similar to Lincoln's and Garfield's-Lincoln's

Decision to leave Jamcs-Cruelty of the latter-The indenture

-Discussion over it with Collins--Advised to get place in

another printing office in Boston-James had warned

them against hiring him-Discloses his decision to James

-Unfair use of indenture--What Benjamin said of it after-

wards-Resolved to run away-Planned the method with

Collins-Why go by water-How he obtained money—

Collins engages his passage-Collins' deliberate lie-On the

road to ruin-Collins' report to Benjamin-Final arrange-

ments-Boarding the sloop-Scene off Block Island-Ben

converted to flesh-Benjamin Franklin's experience like

Applies for work in New York-Bradford's advice and kindness-
Starts for Philadelphia-The drunken Dutchman-Driven

on shore by a squall -A fearful night -At Amboy ---Benjamin

sick-A young man travelling in Maine-Advantage of read-

ing-Sir Walter Scott's advice -Going in rain to Burlington-

Landlord suspected he was a runaway--At Doctor Brown's

-A fine time with the doctor-Buying gingerbread of old

woman -His disappointment -Way out of it -Unexpected

deliverance -His skill at rowing again useful-Finally

Meeting a boy eating-Buys three loaves-His surprise-A

walking comedy-Sees his future wife-His generosity to

mother and child-A trait of his life -Back to the boat-On

the street again and in Quaker church-Sleeping in church-

The kind Quaker--The Crooked Billet-Suspected of being

a runaway-Meeting the New York Bradford-Interview

with young Bradford-Interview with Keimer-Showing his

skill at type-setting-Senior Bradford's ruse-Giving

account of his Boston life --Doing things well-Case of

Budgett-What Parton said to Maydole
. 203

XXI.

GETTING ON.

Repairing the old printing press-Caution to keep secrets-

Repatring for Bradford-Conversation with Bradford about

work in Boston-Unbelief-Changing boarding-place—

Talk with Boarding-master Read-Study and companions

there-High rank of printing then-Letter from Collins-

Found by his brother-in-law, Captain Homes-Letter from

the Captain-Benjamin's reply His letter read by Governor

Keith His history told Keith The latter's promise-

Colonel French-Two traits of Ben's character, observa-

Governor Keith and Colonel French call on Benjamin-Keimer's

surprise-Benjamin's interview with them-Proposition to

establish printing house-Keith proposed he should see his

father-Keimer very inquisitive about the interview-Wait-

ing for vessel to Boston-Letter to Collins-How long take

to start printing house-Tells Keimer he is going to Boston

-Sails for Boston-A great storm-Experience in reaching

THE SURPRISE AND ITS RESULTS.

Hastens to see his parents-Joyful meeting-Account of corre-

spondence with Homes-Going to see James-Delight of

journeymen-Many inquiries-Proposition to treat them-

Report of James' treatment to parents-His mother's counsel—

Meets Collins-The latter intemperate Counsels him to let

strong drink alone-His father's opinion of Keith's letter-

Arrival of Captain Homes-Approves plans of Benjamin-

Calling on friends-Seeing Doctor Mather-An incident

and its lesson-Collins decides to go to Philadelphia—

Benjamin's father declines to help him-About Courant-

Bidding parents farewell and returning

XXIV.

HIS RETURN, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.

Leaves Boston for New York-Collins to meet him there Calls
at Newport to see his brother John-Takes a debt to collect
--Finds Collins drunk in New York-Talk with landlord-
Governor Burnett sends for him-Benjamin's words about
it-Rebukes John drunk-Arrival in Philadelphia-Calls on
Governor. Keith The Governor proposes to set him up