Benjamin franklin was practically penniless when he arrived in philadelphia. he was able to buy some rolls.

We will be using the transitional word "but".

To complete the sentence:

Benjamin Franklin was practically penniless when he arrived in Philadelphia, but he was able to buy some rolls.

Quick trivia:

In early America, running away was illegal. Runaways did not fit anywhere and people had to have a place in society. That did not stop Benjamin, instead, he rode a boat to New York in hope to find work as a printer. He didn't continue and walked to New Jersey, finally arriving in Philadelphia via boat ride.