Silence Dogood rejoiced. Here was a man who was "better than a father"—the "best man in all the world," he thought.
"Make out an inventory of the things that you need to begin the business of a printer, and I will send to London for them."
Benjamin did so, an inventory to the amount of one hundred pounds. He brought it to the Governor, who greatly surprised him by a suggestion.
"Perhaps," said Sir William, "you would like to go to London and get the machinery yourself. I would give you a letter of credit."
Was it raining gold?
"I would like to go to London," answered the young printer.
"Then I will provide for your journey. You shall go with Captain Annis." This captain sailed yearly from Philadelphia to London.
Waiting the sailing of the ship months passed away. Governor Keith entertained the young printer at his home. The sailing time came. Franklin went to the office of the Governor to receive the letter of credit and promised letters of introduction.
"All in good time, my boy," said the Governor's clerk, "but the Governor is busy and can not see you now. If you will call on Wednesday you will receive the letters."
Young Franklin called at the office on the day appointed.