Peace being concluded, and the association business therefore at an end, I turn'd my thoughts again to the affair of establishing an academy. The first step I took was to associate in the design a number of active friends, of whom the Junto furnished a good part; the next was to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. This I distributed among the principal inhabitants gratis; and as soon as I could suppose their minds a little prepared by the perusal of it, I set on foot a subscription for opening and supporting an academy; it was to be paid in quotas yearly for five years; by so dividing it, I judg'd the subscription might be larger, and I believe it was so, amounting to no less, if I remember right, than five thousand pounds.
With peace concluded and the association's business therefore at an end, I turned my thoughts again to establishing an academy. My first step was to bring a number of active friends into the plan, and the Junto supplied a good part of them. The next was to write and publish a pamphlet titled Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. I distributed it free among the leading inhabitants. As soon as I could suppose their minds were a little prepared by reading it, I started a subscription to open and support an academy. It was to be paid in yearly installments over five years. By dividing it this way, I judged the total subscribed might be larger. I believe it was, amounting, if I remember right, to no less than five thousand pounds.
In the introduction to these proposals, I stated their publication, not as an act of mine, but of some publick-spirited gentlemen, avoiding as much as I could, according to my usual rule, the presenting myself to the publick as the author of any scheme for their benefit.
In the introduction to these proposals, I said they were published not by me but by some public-spirited gentlemen. I tried to avoid presenting myself to the public as the author. That was my usual rule for any scheme meant to benefit them.
The subscribers, to carry the project into immediate execution, chose out of their number twenty-four trustees, and appointed Mr. Francis, then attorney-general, and myself to draw up constitutions for the government of the academy; which being done and signed, a house was hired, masters engag'd, and the schools opened, I think, in the same year, 1749.
The subscribers, to put the project into immediate effect, chose twenty-four trustees from among themselves. They appointed Mr. Francis, who was then attorney-general, and me to draft constitutions for the academy's government. When these were completed and signed, they rented a house and hired masters. The schools opened, I believe, in the same year, 1749.
Tench Francis, uncle of Sir Philip Francis, emigrated from England to Maryland. He became attorney for Lord Baltimore. He later moved to Philadelphia and was attorney-general of Pennsylvania from 1741 to 1755. He died in Philadelphia on August 16, 1758. Smyth.
The scholars increasing fast, the house was soon found too small, and we were looking out for a piece of ground, properly situated, with intention to build, when Providence threw into our way a large house ready built, which, with a few alterations, might well serve our purpose. This was the building before mentioned, erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield, and was obtained for us in the following manner.
As the number of students grew quickly, the house soon proved too small. We began looking for a suitable plot of land in a good location, intending to build. Then Providence put in our way a large, already-built house that, with a few changes, would serve our purpose. This was the building mentioned earlier. It had been erected by the hearers of Mr. Whitefield. It was obtained for us in the following manner.
It is to be noted that the contributions to this building being made by people of different sects, care was taken in the nomination of trustees, in whom the building and ground was to be vested, that a predominancy should not be given to any sect, lest in time that predominancy might be a means of appropriating the whole to the use of such sect, contrary to the original intention. It was therefore that one of each sect was appointed, viz., one Church-of-England man, one Presbyterian, one Baptist, one Moravian, etc., those, in case of vacancy by death, were to fill it by election from among the contributors. The Moravian happen'd not to please his colleagues, and on his death they resolved to have no other of that sect. The difficulty then was, how to avoid having two of some other sect, by means of the new choice.
It should be noted that the contributions for this building were made by people of different sects. Care was taken in naming trustees who would hold the building and land, so that no one sect would gain dominance. They feared that over time such dominance might allow that sect to appropriate the whole building for its own use. That would go against the original intention. Therefore one member of each sect was appointed. That is, one Church of England member, one Presbyterian, one Baptist, one Moravian, and so on. If a seat became vacant by death, the trustees were to fill it by electing someone from among the contributors. The Moravian did not please his colleagues. When he died, they resolved not to choose another Moravian. Then the problem was how to avoid having two trustees from another sect when choosing a replacement.
Several persons were named, and for that reason not agreed to. At length one mention'd me, with the observation that I was merely an honest man, and of no sect at all, which prevailed with them to chuse me. The enthusiasm which existed when the house was built had long since abat'd, and its trustees had not been able to procure fresh contributions for paying the ground-rent, and discharging some other debts the building had occasion'd, which embarrass'd them greatly. Being now a member of both sets of trustees, that for the building and that for the academy, I had a good opportunity of negotiating with both, and brought them finally to an agreement, by which the trustees for the building were to cede it to those of the academy, the latter undertaking to discharge the debt, to keep forever open in the building a large hall for occasional preachers, according to the original intention, and maintain a free-school for the instruction of poor children. Writings were accordingly drawn, and on paying the debts the trustees of the academy were put in possession of the premises; and by dividing the great and lofty hall into stories, and different rooms above and below for the several schools, and purchasing some additional ground, the whole was soon made fit for our purpose, and the scholars remov'd into the building. The care and trouble of agreeing with the workmen, purchasing materials, and superintending the work, fell upon me; and I went thro' it the more cheerfully, as it did not then interfere with my private business, having the year before taken a very able, industrious, and honest partner, Mr. David Hall, with whose character I was well acquainted, as he had work'd for me four years. He took off my hands all care of the printing-office, paying me punctually my share of the profits. The partnership continued eighteen years, successfully for us both.
Several persons were named, and for that reason none were agreed on. At length one person mentioned me. He observed that I was simply an honest man and belonged to no sect. That persuaded them to choose me. The enthusiasm that existed when the house was built had long since faded. Its trustees had not been able to raise new contributions to pay the ground rent or discharge other debts the building had caused. This left them greatly embarrassed. I was now a member of both sets of trustees, those for the building and those for the academy. This gave me a good opportunity to negotiate between them. I finally brought them to an agreement. Under it, the trustees for the building would cede it to the trustees of the academy. The academy trustees undertook to pay the debt. They also agreed to keep forever open in the building a large hall for occasional preachers, as originally intended, and to maintain a free school for the instruction of poor children. Legal papers were drawn up. After paying the debts, the trustees of the academy took possession of the premises. By dividing the great, lofty hall into stories and making different rooms above and below for the several schools, and by purchasing some additional ground, the whole was soon made fit for our purpose. The scholars were moved into the building. The care and trouble of agreeing with the workmen, purchasing materials, and supervising the work fell on me. I undertook it the more cheerfully because it did not then interfere with my private business. The year before I had taken a very able, industrious, and honest partner, Mr. David Hall. I knew his character well because he had worked for me four years. He took from my hands all care of the printing office and paid me punctually my share of the profits. The partnership continued eighteen years and was successful for us both.
The trustees of the academy, after a while, were incorporated by a charter from the governor; their funds were increas'd by contributions in Britain and grants of land from the proprietaries, to which the Assembly has since made considerable addition; and thus was established the present University of Philadelphia. I have been continued one of its trustees from the beginning, now near forty years, and have had the very great pleasure of seeing a number of the youth who have receiv'd their education in it, distinguish'd by their improv'd abilities, serviceable in public stations, and ornaments to their country.
The academy's trustees were later incorporated by a charter from the governor. Their funds were increased by contributions from Britain and by land grants from the proprietors. The Assembly has since added considerable support. This established the present University of Philadelphia. I have served as one of its trustees from the start, now for nearly forty years. I have had the great pleasure of seeing many young people educated there. They have shown improved abilities, served well in public offices, and become ornaments to their country.
Later known as the University of Pennsylvania.
When I disengaged myself, as above mentioned, from private business, I flatter'd myself that, by the sufficient tho' moderate fortune I had acquir'd, I had secured leisure during the rest of my life for philosophical studies and amusements. I purchased all Dr. Spence's apparatus, who had come from England to lecture here, and I proceeded in my electrical experiments with great alacrity; but the publick, now considering me as a man of leisure, laid hold of me for their purposes, every part of our civil government, and almost at the same time, imposing some duty upon me. The governor put me into the commission of the peace; the corporation of the city chose me of the common council, and soon after an alderman; and the citizens at large chose me a burgess to represent them in Assembly. This latter station was the more agreeable to me, as I was at length tired with sitting there to hear debates, in which, as clerk, I could take no part, and which were often so unentertaining that I was induc'd to amuse myself with making magic squares or circles, or anything to avoid weariness; and I conceiv'd my becoming a member would enlarge my power of doing good. I would not, however, insinuate that my ambition was not flatter'd by all these promotions; it certainly was; for, considering my low beginning, they were great things to me; and they were still more pleasing, as being so many spontaneous testimonies of the public good opinion, and by me entirely unsolicited.
When I freed myself from private business, as mentioned above, I flattered myself that the sufficient though moderate fortune I had acquired had secured me leisure for the rest of my life for scientific studies and amusements. I bought all the apparatus of Dr. Spence, who had come from England to lecture here, and I went on with my electrical experiments with great eagerness. But the public, now considering me a man of leisure, seized on me for their own purposes. Every part of our civil government, almost at the same time, imposed some duty on me. The governor put me in the commission of the peace. The city corporation chose me for the common council, and soon after made me an alderman. The citizens at large chose me as a burgess to represent them in the Assembly. This last post was the more agreeable to me because I had at length grown tired of sitting there to hear debates. As clerk I could take no part in them. They were often so dull that I was driven to amuse myself by making magic squares or circles, or anything else to avoid weariness. And I thought that becoming a member would increase my power of doing good. I would not, however, suggest that my ambition was not flattered by all these promotions. It certainly was. Considering my low beginning, they were great things to me. They were even more pleasing because they were so many spontaneous signs of the public's good opinion, and entirely unsought by me.
The office of justice of the peace I try'd a little, by attending a few courts, and sitting on the bench to hear causes; but finding that more knowledge of the common law than I possess'd was necessary to act in that station with credit, I gradually withdrew from it, excusing myself by my being oblig'd to attend the higher duties of a legislator in the Assembly. My election to this trust was repeated every year for ten years, without my ever asking any elector for his vote, or signifying, either directly or indirectly, any desire of being chosen. On taking my seat in the House, my son was appointed their clerk.
I tried the office of justice of the peace for a short time. I attended a few courts and sat on the bench to hear cases. But I found I needed more knowledge of the common law to serve there with credit. So I gradually withdrew. I excused myself by saying I was obliged to attend the higher duties of a legislator in the Assembly. I was re-elected to this office every year for ten years. I never asked any voter for a vote, or indicated, directly or indirectly, any desire to be chosen. When I took my seat in the House, my son was appointed its clerk.
The year following, a treaty being to be held with the Indians at Carlisle, the governor sent a message to the House, proposing that they should nominate some of their members, to be join'd with some members of council, as commissioners for that purpose. The House named the speaker (Mr. Norris) and myself; and, being commission'd, we went to Carlisle, and met the Indians accordingly.
The next year a treaty was to be held with the Indians at Carlisle. The governor sent a message to the House. He proposed that they nominate some of their members. Those members would join some members of the council as commissioners for that purpose. The House named the speaker (Mr. Norris) and me. After we were commissioned, we went to Carlisle and met the Indians.
See the votes for a more accurate version. Marg. note.
As those people are extreamly apt to get drunk, and, when so, are very quarrelsome and disorderly, we strictly forbad the selling any liquor to them; and when they complain'd of this restriction, we told them that if they would continue sober during the treaty, we would give them plenty of rum when business was over. They promis'd this, and they kept their promise, because they could get no liquor, and the treaty was conducted very orderly, and concluded to mutual satisfaction. They then claim'd and received the rum; this was in the afternoon: they were near one hundred men, women, and children, and were lodg'd in temporary cabins, built in the form of a square, just without the town. In the evening, hearing a great noise among them, the commissioners walk'd out to see what was the matter. We found they had made a great bonfire in the middle of the square; they were all drunk, men and women, quarreling and fighting. Their dark-colour'd bodies, half naked, seen only by the gloomy light of the bonfire, running after and beating one another with firebrands, accompanied by their horrid yellings, form'd a scene the most resembling our ideas of hell that could well be imagin'd; there was no appeasing the tumult, and we retired to our lodging. At midnight a number of them came thundering at our door, demanding more rum, of which we took no notice.
Those people were extremely likely to get drunk. When they were drunk, they became quarrelsome and disorderly. We strictly forbade selling them any liquor. When they complained about this restriction, we told them to stay sober during the treaty. If they did, we said we would give them plenty of rum afterward. They promised. They kept the promise because they could get no liquor. The treaty proceeded in good order and ended to mutual satisfaction. They then claimed and received the rum in the afternoon. There were nearly one hundred men, women, and children. They were lodged in temporary cabins arranged in a square just outside the town. In the evening, the commissioners heard a great noise among them. They walked out to see what was the matter. We found they had made a large bonfire in the middle of the square. Men and women were all drunk. They were quarrelling and fighting. Their dark-colored bodies were half-naked. The bonfire's gloomy light barely revealed them. They ran after and beat one another with firebrands. Their horrid yells made the scene resemble what we imagined hell would be. There was no calming the tumult. We retired to our lodging. At midnight several of them came thundering at our door, demanding more rum. We paid them no attention.
The next day, sensible they had misbehav'd in giving us that disturbance, they sent three of their old counselors to make their apology. The orator acknowledg'd the fault, but laid it upon the rum; and then endeavoured to excuse the rum by saying, "The Great Spirit, who made all things, made everything for some use, and whatever use he design'd anything for, that use it should always be put to. Now, when he made rum, he said, 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be so." And, indeed, if it be the design of Providence to extirpate these savages in order to make room for cultivators of the earth, it seems not improbable that rum may be the appointed means. It has already annihilated all the tribes who formerly inhabited the sea-coast.
The next day, aware they had behaved badly in causing that disturbance, they sent three of their old counselors to apologize. The orator admitted the fault, but blamed it on the rum. He then tried to excuse the rum by saying, "The Great Spirit, who made all things, made everything for some use. Whatever use he designed anything for, that use should always be put to. Now, when he made rum, he said, 'Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,' and it must be so." And indeed, if Providence intends to wipe out these savages to make room for cultivators of the earth, rum may well be the chosen means. It has already wiped out all the tribes that once inhabited the sea-coast.
In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond, a particular friend of mine, conceived the idea of establishing a hospital in Philadelphia (a very beneficent design, which has been ascrib'd to me, but was originally his), for the reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was zealous and active in endeavouring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being a novelty in America, and at first not well understood, he met but with small success.
In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond, a close friend of mine, came up with the idea to establish a hospital in Philadelphia. It was a very charitable plan. People have sometimes credited me with it, but it was originally his. The hospital was meant to receive and treat poor sick people, whether local residents or strangers. He worked zealously to obtain subscriptions for it. Because the idea was new in America and not well understood at first, he met with little success.
At length he came to me with the compliment that he found there was no such thing as carrying a public-spirited project through without my being concern'd in it. "For," says he, "I am often ask'd by those to whom I propose subscribing, Have you consulted Franklin upon this business? And what does he think of it? And when I tell them that I have not (supposing it rather out of your line), they do not subscribe, but say they will consider of it." I enquired into the nature and probable utility of his scheme, and receiving from him a very satisfactory explanation, I not only subscrib'd to it myself, but engag'd heartily in the design of procuring subscriptions from others. Previously, however, to the solicitation, I endeavoured to prepare the minds of the people by writing on the subject in the newspapers, which was my usual custom in such cases, but which he had omitted.
At length he came to me with the compliment that he found there was no carrying a public-spirited project through unless I was involved in it. "For," he said, "I am often asked by those I invite to subscribe, Have you consulted Franklin about this business? And what does he think of it? And when I tell them I have not (supposing it rather outside your line), they do not subscribe, but say they will think it over." I inquired into the nature and probable usefulness of his scheme. He gave me a very satisfactory explanation, and I not only subscribed to it myself but engaged heartily in the plan of getting subscriptions from others. Before we began soliciting together, however, I tried to prepare people's minds by writing on the subject in the newspapers. This was my usual custom in such cases, but he had omitted it.
The subscriptions afterwards were more free and generous; but, beginning to flag, I saw they would be insufficient without some assistance from the Assembly, and therefore propos'd to petition for it, which was done. The country members did not at first relish the project; they objected that it could only be serviceable to the city, and therefore the citizens alone should be at the expense of it; and they doubted whether the citizens themselves generally approv'd of it. My allegation on the contrary, that it met with such approbation as to leave no doubt of our being able to raise two thousand pounds by voluntary donations, they considered as a most extravagant supposition, and utterly impossible.
The subscriptions afterward became freer and more generous. But they began to flag, and I saw they would be insufficient without some help from the Assembly. I therefore proposed petitioning the Assembly, which we did. The country members did not at first like the plan. They objected that it would only benefit the city, so the citizens alone should pay for it. They also doubted whether the citizens generally approved of it. I, on the contrary, said it had so much approval. There could be no doubt we could raise two thousand pounds by voluntary donations. They called this a most extravagant claim and said it was utterly impossible.
On this I form'd my plan; and, asking leave to bring in a bill for incorporating the contributors according to the prayer of their petition, and granting them a blank sum of money, which leave was obtained chiefly on the consideration that the House could throw the bill out if they did not like it, I drew it so as to make the important clause a conditional one, viz., "And be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that when the said contributors shall have met and chosen their managers and treasurer, and shall have raised by their contributions a capital stock of——value (the yearly interest of which is to be applied to the accommodating of the sick poor in the said hospital, free of charge for diet, attendance, advice, and medicines), and shall make the same appear to the satisfaction of the speaker of the Assembly for the time being, that then it shall and may be lawful for the said speaker, and he is hereby required, to sign an order on the provincial treasurer for the payment of two thousand pounds, in two yearly payments, to the treasurer of the said hospital, to be applied to the founding, building, and finishing of the same."
I formed my plan on this. I asked permission to introduce a bill to incorporate the contributors as their petition requested, and to grant them a blank sum of money. Permission was given mainly because the House could reject the bill if it did not like it. I drafted the bill so the important clause would be conditional. It read: "And be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that when the said contributors shall have met and chosen their managers and treasurer, and shall have raised by their contributions a capital stock of ____ value (the yearly interest of which is to be applied to accommodating the sick poor in the said hospital, free of charge for diet, attendance, advice, and medicines), and shall make the same appear to the satisfaction of the speaker of the Assembly for the time being, that then it shall and may be lawful for the said speaker, and he is hereby required, to sign an order on the provincial treasurer for the payment of two thousand pounds, in two yearly payments, to the treasurer of the said hospital, to be applied to the founding, building, and finishing of the same."
This condition carried the bill through; for the members, who had oppos'd the grant, and now conceiv'd they might have the credit of being charitable without the expense, agreed to its passage; and then, in soliciting subscriptions among the people, we urg'd the conditional promise of the law as an additional motive to give, since every man's donation would be doubled; thus the clause work'd both ways. The subscriptions accordingly soon exceeded the requisite sum, and we claim'd and receiv'd the public gift, which enabled us to carry the design into execution. A convenient and handsome building was soon erected; the institution has by constant experience been found useful, and flourishes to this day; and I do not remember any of my political manoeuvers, the success of which gave me at the time more pleasure, or wherein, after thinking of it, I more easily excus'd myself for having made some use of cunning.
This condition carried the bill through. The members who had opposed the grant now thought they could get credit for being charitable without paying. So they agreed to pass it. When we asked the public for subscriptions, we used the law's conditional promise as an extra incentive. Every man's donation would be doubled. Thus the clause worked both ways. The subscriptions soon exceeded the required amount. We claimed and received the public gift, which allowed us to carry the plan into execution. A convenient and handsome building was quickly erected. Experience showed the institution to be useful, and it still flourishes today. I do not remember any of my political maneuvers whose success gave me more pleasure at the time. Nor can I recall one where, on reflection, I more easily excused having used a little cunning.
It was about this time that another projector, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, came to me with a request that I would assist him in procuring a subscription for erecting a new meeting-house. It was to be for the use of a congregation he had gathered among the Presbyterians, who were originally disciples of Mr. Whitefield. Unwilling to make myself disagreeable to my fellow-citizens by too frequently soliciting their contributions, I absolutely refus'd. He then desired I would furnish him with a list of the names of persons I knew by experience to be generous and public-spirited. I thought it would be unbecoming in me, after their kind compliance with my solicitations, to mark them out to be worried by other beggars, and therefore refus'd also to give such a list. He then desir'd I would at least give him my advice. "That I will readily do," said I; "and, in the first place, I advise you to apply to all those whom you know will give something; next, to those whom you are uncertain whether they will give anything or not, and show them the list of those who have given; and, lastly, do not neglect those who you are sure will give nothing, for in some of them you may be mistaken." He laugh'd and thank'd me, and said he would take my advice. He did so, for he ask'd of everybody, and he obtain'd a much larger sum than he expected, with which he erected the capacious and very elegant meeting-house that stands in Arch-street.
About this time another organizer, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, came to me and asked me to help obtain subscriptions to build a new meeting-house. It was for a congregation he had gathered among the Presbyterians. They had originally been disciples of Mr. Whitefield. I did not want to annoy my fellow citizens by asking for contributions too often. So I absolutely refused. He then asked me to give him a list of people I knew from experience to be generous and public-spirited. I thought it would be improper after they had kindly complied with my requests. I did not want to point them out to be bothered by other solicitors. So I also refused to give such a list. He then asked me at least for my advice. "That I will readily do," I said. "First, apply to all those you know will give something. Next, approach those you are unsure about, and show them the list of contributors. Lastly, do not neglect those you are sure will give nothing. You may be mistaken about some of them." He laughed, thanked me, and said he would follow my advice. He did so. He asked everybody. He obtained a much larger sum than he expected. With it he built the capacious and very elegant meeting-house that stands in Arch-street.
Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764) came to America with his father, Rev. William Tennent. He taught for a time in the "Log College." The College of New Jersey grew out of that school. Smyth.
Our city, tho' laid out with a beautiful regularity, the streets large, straight, and crossing each other at right angles, had the disgrace of suffering those streets to remain long unpav'd, and in wet weather the wheels of heavy carriages plough'd them into a quagmire, so that it was difficult to cross them; and in dry weather the dust was offensive. I had liv'd near what was call'd the Jersey Market, and saw with pain the inhabitants wading in mud while purchasing their provisions. A strip of ground down the middle of that market was at length pav'd with brick, so that, being once in the market, they had firm footing, but were often over shoes in dirt to get there. By talking and writing on the subject, I was at length instrumental in getting the street pav'd with stone between the market and the brick'd foot-pavement, that was on each side next the houses. This, for some time, gave an easy access to the market dry-shod; but, the rest of the street not being pav'd, whenever a carriage came out of the mud upon this pavement, it shook off and left its dirt upon it, and it was soon cover'd with mire, which was not remov'd, the city as yet having no scavengers.
Our city, though laid out with a beautiful regularity, its streets large, straight, and crossing each other at right angles, had the disgrace of letting those streets remain long unpaved. In wet weather the wheels of heavy carriages plowed them into a quagmire, making them hard to cross. In dry weather the dust was offensive. I had lived near what was called the Jersey Market. I watched with pain as the inhabitants waded through mud while buying their provisions. A strip of ground down the middle of that market was finally paved with brick. Once inside the market, they had firm footing, but their shoes were often covered in dirt getting there. By talking and writing about the matter, I was at length instrumental in getting the street paved with stone between the market and the brick foot-pavement that ran next to the houses on each side. This provided easy, dry access to the market for a time. But the rest of the street was still unpaved. Whenever a carriage came out of the mud onto the new pavement, it shook off and left its dirt there. The pavement was soon covered with mire, and it was not removed, the city not yet having any scavengers.
After some inquiry, I found a poor, industrious man, who was willing to undertake keeping the pavement clean, by sweeping it twice a week, carrying off the dirt from before all the neighbours' doors, for the sum of sixpence per month, to be paid by each house. I then wrote and printed a paper setting forth the advantages to the neighbourhood that might be obtain'd by this small expense; the greater ease in keeping our houses clean, so much dirt not being brought in by people's feet; the benefit to the shops by more custom, etc., etc., as buyers could more easily get at them; and by not having, in windy weather, the dust blown in upon their goods, etc., etc. I sent one of these papers to each house, and in a day or two went round to see who would subscribe an agreement to pay these sixpences; it was unanimously sign'd, and for a time well executed. All the inhabitants of the city were delighted with the cleanliness of the pavement that surrounded the market, it being a convenience to all, and this rais'd a general desire to have all the streets paved, and made the people more willing to submit to a tax for that purpose.
After some inquiry I found a poor, industrious man willing to keep the pavement clean. He agreed to sweep it twice a week and carry away the dirt from in front of every neighbor's door. Each house would pay sixpence per month. I then wrote and printed a paper explaining the benefits to the neighborhood of this small expense. It would make our houses easier to keep clean because less dirt would be tracked in. Shops would benefit from more customers because buyers could reach them more easily. Wind would no longer blow dust onto their goods. I sent one of these papers to each house. A day or two later I went around to see who would sign an agreement to pay the sixpence. Everyone signed, and for a time the plan was well carried out. All the city's inhabitants were delighted with the clean pavement around the market. It was a convenience for everyone. This created a general desire to have all the streets paved, and it made people more willing to accept a tax for that purpose.
After some time I drew a bill for paving the city, and brought it into the Assembly. It was just before I went to England, in 1757, and did not pass till I was gone, and then with an alteration in the mode of assessment, which I thought not for the better, but with an additional provision for lighting as well as paving the streets, which was a great improvement. It was by a private person, the late Mr. John Clifton, his giving a sample of the utility of lamps, by placing one at his door, that the people were first impress'd with the idea of enlighting all the city. The honour of this public benefit has also been ascrib'd to me, but it belongs truly to that gentleman. I did but follow his example, and have only some merit to claim respecting the form of our lamps, as differing from the globe lamps we were at first supply'd with from London. Those we found inconvenient in these respects: they admitted no air below; the smoke, therefore, did not readily go out above, but circulated in the globe, lodg'd on its inside, and soon obstructed the light they were intended to afford; giving, besides, the daily trouble of wiping them clean; and an accidental stroke on one of them would demolish it, and render it totally useless. I therefore suggested the composing them of four flat panes, with a long funnel above to draw up the smoke, and crevices admitting air below, to facilitate the ascent of the smoke; by this means they were kept clean, and did not grow dark in a few hours, as the London lamps do, but continu'd bright till morning, and an accidental stroke would generally break but a single pane, easily repair'd.
After some time I drew up a bill for paving the city and brought it into the Assembly. It was just before I went to England in 1757. The bill did not pass until after I left. When it did pass, the method of assessment had been changed in a way I thought worse. It also included a provision for lighting as well as paving the streets. That was a great improvement. It was a private person, the late Mr. John Clifton, who first showed the usefulness of lamps by placing one at his door. People were first impressed with the idea of lighting the whole city because of him. Some have given me the credit for this public benefit, but it truly belongs to that gentleman. I only followed his example. My only claim is for the form of our lamps, which differed from the globe lamps we were at first supplied with from London. Those globe lamps were inconvenient in several ways. They admitted no air below. Therefore the smoke did not escape easily above. It circulated inside the globe and lodged on its inner surface. That soon blocked the light they were supposed to give. They also needed to be wiped clean every day. A single accidental blow could break one and make it useless. I therefore suggested making them of four flat panes with a long funnel on top to draw up the smoke. I added crevices below to admit air and help the smoke rise. By this means they stayed clean and did not grow dark in a few hours like the London lamps. They continued bright until morning. If one was struck, usually only a single pane broke, and it could be easily repaired.
See the votes.
I have sometimes wonder'd that the Londoners did not, from the effect holes in the bottom of the globe lamps us'd at Vauxhall have in keeping them clean, learn to have such holes in their street lamps. But, these holes being made for another purpose, viz., to communicate flame more suddenly to the wick by a little flax hanging down thro' them, the other use, of letting in air, seems not to have been thought of; and therefore, after the lamps have been lit a few hours, the streets of London are very poorly illuminated.
I have sometimes wondered why the Londoners did not learn to put such holes in their street lamps. The holes in the bottoms of the globe lamps used at Vauxhall help keep those lamps clean. But the holes were made for another purpose. They let the flame reach the wick more quickly by a little flax hanging down through them. The other use, allowing air to enter, seems not to have been thought of. Therefore, after the lamps have been lit for a few hours, the streets of London are very poorly illuminated.
Vauxhall Gardens was once a popular, fashionable London resort on the Thames above Lambeth. The Gardens closed in 1859. They are still remembered for Sir Roger de Coverley's visit in the Spectator. They are also known from descriptions in Smollett's Humphry Clinker and Thackeray's Vanity Fair.
The mention of these improvements puts me in mind of one I propos'd, when in London, to Dr. Fothergill, who was among the best men I have known, and a great promoter of useful projects. I had observ'd that the streets, when dry, were never swept, and the light dust carried away; but it was suffer'd to accumulate till wet weather reduc'd it to mud, and then, after lying some days so deep on the pavement that there was no crossing but in paths kept clean by poor people with brooms, it was with great labour rak'd together and thrown up into carts open above, the sides of which suffered some of the slush at every jolt on the pavement to shake out and fall, sometimes to the annoyance of foot-passengers. The reason given for not sweeping the dusty streets was that the dust would fly into the windows of shops and houses.
The mention of these improvements reminds me of one I proposed, when in London, to Dr. Fothergill. He was among the best men I have known, and a great promoter of useful projects. I had observed that the streets were never swept when dry, so the light dust was never carried away. Instead it was allowed to pile up until wet weather turned it to mud. It would then lie for some days so deep on the pavement that there was no crossing except on paths kept clean by poor people with brooms. Then, with great labor, it was raked together and thrown into carts open at the top. At every jolt on the pavement, the sides of these carts let some of the slush shake out and fall, sometimes to the annoyance of people on foot. The reason given for not sweeping the dusty streets was that the dust would fly into the windows of shops and houses.
An accidental occurrence had instructed me how much sweeping might be done in a little time. I found at my door in Craven-street, one morning, a poor woman sweeping my pavement with a birch broom; she appeared very pale and feeble, as just come out of a fit of sickness. I ask'd who employ'd her to sweep there; she said, "Nobody, but I am very poor and in distress, and I sweeps before gentle-folkses doors, and hopes they will give me something." I bid her sweep the whole street clean, and I would give her a shilling; this was at nine o'clock; at 12 she came for the shilling. From the slowness I saw at first in her working, I could scarce believe that the work was done so soon, and sent my servant to examine it, who reported that the whole street was swept perfectly clean, and all the dust plac'd in the gutter, which was in the middle; and the next rain wash'd it quite away, so that the pavement and even the kennel were perfectly clean.
A chance event showed me how much sweeping can be done in a short time. One morning I found a poor woman at my door on Craven-street. She was sweeping the pavement with a birch broom. She looked very pale and feeble, as if she had just come out of a sickness. I asked who had employed her to sweep there. She said, "Nobody. I am very poor and in distress. I sweep before people's doors and hope they will give me something." I told her to sweep the whole street clean and promised to give her a shilling. It was nine o'clock when I said this. At twelve she came for the shilling. Because I had seen her working slowly at first, I could hardly believe the work was done so soon. I sent my servant to examine it. He reported that the whole street was swept perfectly clean, and all the dust placed in the gutter in the middle. The next rain washed it quite away, so that the pavement and even the kennel were perfectly clean.
A short street near Charing Cross in London.
I then judg'd that, if that feeble woman could sweep such a street in three hours, a strong, active man might have done it in half the time. And here let me remark the convenience of having but one gutter in such a narrow street, running down its middle, instead of two, one on each side, near the footway; for where all the rain that falls on a street runs from the sides and meets in the middle, it forms there a current strong enough to wash away all the mud it meets with; but when divided into two channels, it is often too weak to cleanse either, and only makes the mud it finds more fluid, so that the wheels of carriages and feet of horses throw and dash it upon the foot-pavement, which is thereby rendered foul and slippery, and sometimes splash it upon those who are walking. My proposal, communicated to the good doctor, was as follows:
I then judged that if that frail woman could sweep the street in three hours, a strong, active man could do it faster. He might have finished in half the time. I should note the convenience of having only one gutter in such a narrow street. It should run down the middle instead of having two, one on each side near the pavement. When rain runs from the sides to the middle, it creates a current strong enough to wash away mud. But when the water is split into two channels, it is often too weak to clean either. It only makes the mud more fluid. Then carriage wheels and horses' hooves throw and splash it onto the pavement. The pavement becomes foul and slippery. People walking are sometimes splashed. I communicated my proposal to the good doctor as follows:
"For the more effectual cleaning and keeping clean the streets of London and Westminster, it is proposed that the several watchmen be contracted with to have the dust swept up in dry seasons, and the mud rak'd up at other times, each in the several streets and lanes of his round; that they be furnish'd with brooms and other proper instruments for these purposes, to be kept at their respective stands, ready to furnish the poor people they may employ in the service.
To clean and keep the streets of London and Westminster more effectively, it is proposed that the watchmen be hired on contract. They would have the dust swept during dry seasons and the mud raked up at other times. Each watchman would be responsible for the streets and lanes on his round. They should be provided with brooms and other suitable tools for these tasks. The tools would be kept at their respective stands, ready to be given to the poor people they might employ for the work.
"That in the dry summer months the dust be all swept up into heaps at proper distances, before the shops and windows of houses are usually opened, when the scavengers, with close-covered carts, shall also carry it all away.
In dry summer months, all the dust should be swept into heaps at suitable distances. This should be done before shops and house windows are usually opened. Scavengers with covered carts will then carry it all away.
"That the mud, when rak'd up, be not left in heaps to be spread abroad again by the wheels of carriages and trampling of horses, but that the scavengers be provided with bodies of carts, not plac'd high upon wheels, but low upon sliders, with lattice bottoms, which, being cover'd with straw, will retain the mud thrown into them, and permit the water to drain from it, whereby it will become much lighter, water making the greatest part of its weight; these bodies of carts to be plac'd at convenient distances, and the mud brought to them in wheelbarrows; they remaining where plac'd till the mud is drain'd, and then horses brought to draw them away."
Do not leave raked-up mud in heaps where carriage wheels and horses will spread it again. Provide the street cleaners with cart bodies that sit low on sliders, not high on wheels. The carts should have lattice bottoms covered with straw. The straw will hold the mud while letting water drain out. This makes the mud much lighter because water makes up most of its weight. Place these cart bodies at convenient distances and bring mud to them in wheelbarrows. Keep the carts there until the mud drains, then hitch horses to pull them away.
I have since had doubts of the practicability of the latter part of this proposal, on account of the narrowness of some streets, and the difficulty of placing the draining-sleds so as not to encumber too much the passage; but I am still of opinion that the former, requiring the dust to be swept up and carry'd away before the shops are open, is very practicable in the summer, when the days are long; for, in walking thro' the Strand and Fleet-street one morning at seven o'clock, I observ'd there was not one shop open, tho' it had been daylight and the sun up above three hours; the inhabitants of London chusing voluntarily to live much by candle-light, and sleep by sunshine, and yet often complain, a little absurdly, of the duty on candles, and the high price of tallow.
I have since doubted the practicality of the latter part of this proposal because some streets are narrow. It would be hard to place the draining-sleds without blocking the passage. I still think the first part is practical. That part requires sweeping up the dust and carrying it away before the shops open. This is very doable in summer when the days are long. Once, walking through the Strand and Fleet Street at seven in the morning, I noticed not a single shop open. It had been daylight and the sun had been up for more than three hours. The people of London choose to live largely by candlelight and sleep by daylight, and yet they often, a little absurdly, complain about the duty on candles and the high price of tallow.
Some may think these trifling matters not worth minding or relating; but when they consider that tho' dust blown into the eyes of a single person, or into a single shop on a windy day, is but of small importance, yet the great number of the instances in a populous city, and its frequent repetitions give it weight and consequence, perhaps they will not censure very severely those who bestow some attention to affairs of this seemingly low nature. Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day. Thus, if you teach a poor young man to shave himself, and keep his razor in order, you may contribute more to the happiness of his life than in giving him a thousand guineas. The money may be soon spent, the regret only remaining of having foolishly consumed it; but in the other case, he escapes the frequent vexation of waiting for barbers, and of their sometimes dirty fingers, offensive breaths, and dull razors; he shaves when most convenient to him, and enjoys daily the pleasure of its being done with a good instrument. With these sentiments I have hazarded the few preceding pages, hoping they may afford hints which some time or other may be useful to a city I love, having lived many years in it very happily, and perhaps to some of our towns in America.
Some may think these small matters are not worth noticing or mentioning. But consider this. Dust blown into one person's eyes, or into a single shop on a windy day, seems unimportant. Yet the many such instances in a crowded city and their frequent repetition make them significant. Perhaps people will not harshly judge those who pay attention to these seemingly minor affairs. Human happiness comes more from small, everyday advantages than from rare, great strokes of good fortune. For example, teaching a poor young man to shave himself and to keep his razor in good order may add more to his happiness than giving him a thousand guineas. The money may be spent quickly, leaving only the regret of having wasted it. In the other case, he avoids the frequent annoyance of waiting for barbers and their sometimes dirty fingers, bad breath, and dull razors. He can shave when it suits him and enjoy the daily pleasure of using a good instrument. With these thoughts I have offered the preceding pages. I hope they may provide hints that could be useful someday to the city I love. I lived there many years very happily. Perhaps they will also help some of our towns in America.
Having been for some time employed by the postmaster-general of America as his comptroller in regulating several offices, and bringing the officers to account, I was, upon his death in 1753, appointed, jointly with Mr. William Hunter, to succeed him, by a commission from the postmaster-general in England. The American office never had hitherto paid anything to that of Britain. We were to have six hundred pounds a year between us, if we could make that sum out of the profits of the office. To do this, a variety of improvements were necessary; some of these were inevitably at first expensive, so that in the first four years the office became above nine hundred pounds in debt to us. But it soon after began to repay us; and before I was displac'd by a freak of the ministers, of which I shall speak hereafter, we had brought it to yield three times as much clear revenue to the crown as the post-office of Ireland. Since that imprudent transaction, they have receiv'd from it—not one farthing!
I had been employed for some time by the postmaster-general of America as his comptroller. I regulated several offices and held the officers accountable. When he died in 1753, I was appointed to succeed him together with Mr. William Hunter. The appointment came by commission from the postmaster-general in England. Until then, the American office had never paid anything to the British office. We were to share six hundred pounds a year. We would get it only if we could make that amount from the office's profits. To do this, we needed a variety of improvements. Some of these were inevitably expensive at first. In the first four years the office became over nine hundred pounds in debt to us. But it soon began to repay us. Before I was displaced by a whim of the ministers, which I will speak of later, we had made it yield three times as much clear revenue to the crown as the post-office of Ireland. Since that imprudent transaction, they have not received one farthing from it!
The business of the post-office occasion'd my taking a journey this year to New England, where the College of Cambridge, of their own motion, presented me with the degree of Master of Arts. Yale College, in Connecticut, had before made me a similar compliment. Thus, without studying in any college, I came to partake of their honours. They were conferr'd in consideration of my improvements and discoveries in the electric branch of natural philosophy.
My work with the post office led me to travel to New England that year. There the College of Cambridge, on their own initiative, awarded me the degree of Master of Arts. Yale College in Connecticut had earlier given me the same honor. I had never studied at any college. Yet I received these honors because of my improvements and discoveries in the electric branch of natural philosophy.