Ben Franklin’s 1st contribution to The Gentleman’s Magazine, London…

July 25, 2025 by  
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Many are aware Ben Franklin was a frequent contributor to The Gentleman’s Magazine (London); however, few can name his 1st appearance. What makes the task more difficult is his proclivity for signing his work using pseudonyms. Thankfully his work has been extensively researched – an effort which was aided by his prolific record keeping.

So, was it an article related to electricity, a game (“the morals of chess”),  a puzzle (“magic square of squares”), he thoughts on marriage, or a treatise regarding the poor? No, it was the text of a speech (supposedly) given before a Colonial Court by a woman named of Polly Baker.

Thanks to enhanced research tools, a synopsis is as follows:

“The Speech of Polly Baker” is a satirical essay first published anonymously in The Gentleman’s Magazine in April 1747. It is now widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who is believed to have written it around 1746. Although the piece was initially published without attribution, Benjamin Franklin is almost certainly the author. This is supported by evidence from Franklin’s own correspondence, accounts from contemporaries, and stylistic analysis. Franklin was known for using pseudonyms and anonymous satire to criticize social and political norms, and this work fits that pattern.

Summary

  • The essay takes the form of a fictional courtroom speech by a woman named Polly Baker, who is on trial for the fifth time for having an illegitimate child out of wedlock—a crime under colonial law.
  • In her speech, Polly eloquently defends herself by questioning the justice of punishing women for fornication while men (the fathers) go unpunished and even rise to positions of honor.
  • She argues that she has done nothing wrong morally, since she brought children into the world and cared for them, and should be praised, not punished.
  • The satire points to:
    • Hypocrisy in the legal system.
    • The unequal treatment of women, particularly in matters of sexuality and reproduction.
    • Broader critiques of colonial laws and moral attitudes.

Historical Significance

  • “The Speech of Miss Polly Baker” is one of the earliest American critiques of gender inequality.
  • It reflects Enlightenment ideals—particularly reason, natural rights, and critiques of tradition.
  • The piece prefigures later feminist arguments about the double standards in sexual morality.

Reception in 1747

  • When it was published, readers largely did not know it was a satire by Franklin.
  • Many believed the account was true, and some thought Polly Baker was a real person.
  • The piece generated significant interest and discussion in Britain and the American colonies, especially because of its radical tone.
  • It was reprinted widely in newspapers and magazines, suggesting it was popular and provocative.

Some clergy and conservative voices were critical, viewing the essay as undermining traditional moral values, while Enlightenment thinkers and reform-minded readers praised its rhetorical skill and boldness.

Legacy

  • Today, “The Speech of Polly Baker” is studied as a landmark example of early American satire and as a precursor to later feminist and legal critiques.
  • It shows Franklin’s ability to use humor and irony to challenge unjust systems and conventions.

Note: The full text of this Franklin work can be read at Founders Online of the National Archives.

 

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  1. Announcing: Catalog #357 for August, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers… : History's Newsstand Blog on August 1st, 2025 8:52 am

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