The First Published Memoir of Franklin

Abstract

N the London Chronicle for October i, 1778, appeared a brief article entitled Authentic Memoir of Dr. Franklyn. This unpretentious narrative, embodying a brief episode from Benjamin Franklin's early life, can be shown through internal evidence to be directly related to the manuscript of Franklin's Memoirs, the work now known as his autobiography, which did not appear in print until I79I, thirteen years later.' The Chronicle narrative is, therefore, the earliest known forerunner of the publication of Franklin's life story, parallel to some anecdotes from the Memoirs which the Abbe Morellet in Paris inserted in the Moniteur, July I5, I790. Also, in its historical setting, the Chronicle piece is significant as the glorification in a British newspaper at the height of the American rebellion of the arch-rebel who had recently concluded a treaty of alliance with England's traditional enemy France. Following is the complete text of the Chronicle narrative: The Public have been already acquainted with the birth and parentage of this philosopher and statesman; and all Europe has lately beheld, with astonishment, this venerable old man acting the part of a patriot, when perhaps he stands alone in the greatness of his cause and abilities. This memoir, therefore, only goes to shew the accidental circumstance that first introduced him into life, and may well be reckoned in the catalogue of great events from little causes. Dr. Franklyn was bred a printer, and followed this profession for some time in Boston, but possessing too liberal a spirit at that time for the meridian of that city, he was obliged to quit it abruptly, and fly to Philadelphia. Being much narrowed in his circumstances, he was obliged to walk all the way to the last-mentioned place, where, being arrived just at the time that the congregation were going to morning service, young Franklyn mixed with the croud, and, perhaps partly for the benefit of getting a seat to sit down on, attended divine service. Oppressed with too much fatigue, he had not been long there, when he