In 1771, Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to his son, William, with the intention of not only providing context for “the Circumstances” of his life but also sharing “any little Anecdotes of [his] Ancestors” (9). Franklin articulates an overall satisfaction with his life so far. He recognizes that although one cannot simply relive their life, they can recollect their past and immortalize it through the written word. He also admits that writing his autobiography will appeal to his vanity, which he argues is good for not only him but also those around him. Then, he claims that he owes his good fortune in life to God’s providence.

Franklin unravels his ancestors’ pasts from studying the “Notes” of an unnamed uncle. His father moves to New England, where he marries twice, with his second wife being Franklin’s mother. Franklin focuses on how his brothers enter different trades, while he attends grammar school with the intention of going into the church. After attending grammar school for two years, Franklin, at the age of 10, moves back home with his father to help him with his soap business. However, he dislikes this business so much that he desires to become a sailor.