CHAPTER XXI.
GOING TO ENGLAND.
At the earliest opportunity, Benjamin presented the Governor with an inventory of the articles necessary in setting up the printing business.
"And what will be the probable expense of all these?" inquired the Governor.
"About one hundred pounds sterling, as nearly as I can estimate," he replied.
"But would it not prove an advantage for you to be there yourself, to select the types, and see that everything is good?"
"I suppose it would, though such a thing as going to England is scarcely possible with me."
"That remains to be seen," continued Governor Keith. "Another advantage of your being there is, that you could form acquaintances, and establish correspondence in the bookselling and stationery line."
"That would certainly be an advantage," replied Benjamin.
"Then get yourself ready to go in the Annis," said the Governor. The Annis was the annual ship that sailed between Philadelphia and London, and the only one, at that time, which performed this voyage. Instead of there being scores of vessels sailing between these two ports, as now, there was only this solitary one, going and returning once a year.