Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Part 3 summary
Part 3 of 23 · 12 min to read the part
In Arrival in Philadelphia, Franklin survives a stormy voyage and a difficult walk before reaching Philadelphia hungry, tired, and nearly penniless. He finds temporary support from the Bradfords, begins working for Keimer, gains comfortable lodgings and companions, and answers Robert Holmes’s appeal to return to Boston by explaining his departure.
What happens
- William Bradford has no work for Franklin but suggests that his son in Philadelphia might employ him.
- Franklin rescues a drunken passenger, endures a storm and fever, and travels through Amboy and Burlington.
- He reaches Philadelphia on Sunday, buys bread, shares his surplus rolls, sleeps at a Quaker meeting, and finds lodging.
- Andrew Bradford cannot offer regular employment, but his father introduces Franklin to Keimer, who needs help operating his press.
- Franklin works for Keimer, moves into a room at Mr. Read’s, and builds friendships with young readers.
- Robert Holmes urges him to return to Boston, and Franklin replies with reasons that change Holmes’s judgment of his departure.
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In this part
What to notice
Franklin connects his insistence on paying for passage with anxiety about appearing poor. The reflection complicates an apparently generous act by examining its possible motive.
Quick check
Why can Andrew Bradford not offer Franklin regular employment when he arrives?
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