John Paschall | Receipt book with six endorsements signed by Benjamin Franklin

John Paschall

Receipt book of John Paschall, endorsed and signed six times by Benjamin Franklin

Manuscript receipt book, approximately 139 pages (103 x 185 mm), written recto and verso on 70 leaves (apart from the last), with numerous addenda slips laid or pinned in, Philadelphia, July 1730–May 1744. Contemporary sheep; rather worn. Half brown morocco slipcase gilt, chemise.

John Paschall was a self-educated Philadelphia physician and a founding member of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Paschall’s receipt and accounting book provides a significant glimpse into Franklin’s activities during his earliest years in Philadelphia. Indeed, the first entry by Franklin herein is evidently the fourth earliest autograph document signed by Franklin extant and certainly the earliest in private hands. It demonstrates the shared interests of the two men: “Philada May 9. 1732. Receiv'd of Mr John Paschel Forty Shillings to be paid on his Acct to Wm Coleman for the Use of the Library——B. Franklin.”

The other Franklin entries are principally concerned Pashall’s subscription to, and other business with, his Pennsylvania Gazette. On 8 October 1734, Franklin “Received of Mr John Paschel Twenty Shillings in full for two Years Gazette … per me B. Franklin,” and two years later, 4 October 1736, the subscription was renewed, “Received of Mr John Paschel the Sum of One Pound Seven Shillings and Sixpence in full for the Gazette and all Accounts to this Day. per me B. Franklin.” Endorsements on 29 October 1741 and 19 January 1743/44 also concern the newspaper subscription. Franklin’s entry of 29 October 1741, however, acknowledges payment for a notice Paschall had placed in the Gazette: “Received … of John Paschel Five Shillings for an Advertisemt relating to Jno Fischer's Estate per me. BFranklin.”

Paschall’s ledger provides intriguing insight into the conduct of day-to-day business in early eighteenth-century Philadelphia. The transactions of hundreds of citizens with Paschall are recorded here, including such prominent figures as Israel Pemberton, Edward Shippen, Joseph Wharton, Richard Sewall, and Anthony Benezet.