March 6, 1776

In March 1776, David Rittenhouse took over Benjamin Franklin’s seat in the Pennsylvania Assembly. Franklin was a member of the Continental Congress, the Pennsylvania Assembly, and the Committee of Safety, all meeting in Philadelphia. In short, he had too many commitments. Things came to a head in February 1776 when the Continental Congress chose Franklin to go on a diplomatic mission to Canada. In his resignation letter addressed to the speaker of the assembly, Franklin wrote: “It would be a Happiness to me if I could serve the Public duly in all those Stations” to which he had been appointed, “but aged as I am now, I feel myself unequal to so much Business.”

David Rittenhouse was no stranger to the assembly or to Philadelphians. For years, he had been a keen advisor to the provincial government in Pennsylvania, often showcasing his scientific instruments and advocating for research into new technologies. As a self-trained astronomer, clockmaker, and inventor, Rittenhouse was often described as an American genius second only to Franklin. 

The Pennsylvania Gazette
Printed by Hall and Sellers

On Saturday last, David Rittenhouse, Esq; was chosen Burgess for this city, in the room of Dr. Franklin, who is appointed upon an Embassy to Canada by the Congress.