[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. -- [FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790)]. The Universal Asylum, and Columbian Magazine. Philadelphia: William Young, May 1790. Vol. IV, No. 5. 8vo (235 x 146 mm). Engraved frontispiece (spotting). Original printed wrappers with vignette by Thackara & Vallance, stitched, uncut (spine mostly perished, edges worn, spotting). Provenance: I. Thomas (contemporary signature on front wrapper, new tiny notations to Benjamin Franklin essay). Early American magazine containing inside page headline, “A plan for improving the condition of the free blacks,” with 3-pp. printing of the plan by the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery to gradually end slavery in the United States, dated 9 November 1789, and signed in type by “’B. FRANKLIN,’ President of the Society.” This issue also contains a 5-pp. essay titled, “History of the Life and Character of Benjamin Franklin,” published in the immediate aftermath of Franklin’s death. Also includes Franklin’s “Of the Employment of Time, and of Indolence…” Evans 23008.