Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 30 March 1782
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Ghent March. 30th: 1782
Mr. Barclay who set out on his return to Holland last Monday passed Several Days here in examining my Accompts, & had his powers from Congress authorized him, an end might have been made of my embarrassments, & Complaints on that subject. I gave him duplicates of them, & every explanation which he desired; he promised to remit them to Congress, and to request particular Orders on the subject, it was his Opinion that the Accompts might be easily, and readily closed; if Congress would authorize him, or some other to do it, and that for the satisfaction of all Parties, that in Case any question, or difference should arise on any of the Charges on either side, that the same should be submitted to persons of known Character for their knowledge, and impartiality; I perfectly agreed with him on the subject; and wrote myself at the same Time to Congress praying of them to adopt that, or any other measure equally just, for the decision of this Affair; but as I am apprehensive that Congress may delay from various Causes the coming to any resolution on the subject, and as You are interested in having all the Accts. of Our joint, or separate Transactions closed as speedily as may be, I have taken the Liberty of requesting of You to write to Congress on the subject, and doubt not but Your Letters will have sufficient weight with them to bring this affair to a close in a just and equitable way. I am sensible of the multiplicity of important Business on Your hands, and therefore do not expect an Answer, to the long Letter I sent You by Mr. Wilkinson, but hope You will honor Me with a Line, acknowledging the Rect. of this and that if You judge any other method for adjusting those Accts. preferable to that which I have proposed, You will be so kind as to point it out. The Changes which have taken place, within a few Weeks past, at London give Me grounds to hope, that a Peace, is not so distant an Object, as what I lately feared it to be, and makes me more than ever anxious to close those Affairs by which I have suffered so greatly as soon as it is possible, that on so happy an Event, I may not be left still to suffer by the embarrassments, of past Transactions unsettled; but free to repair if possible my losses, which is the only advantage I expect, or wish for personally from Peace. I have the honor to be with the utmost respect sir Your most Obedt & Very huml. servt.
S Deane
his Excelleny B Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Deane, Ghent March 30. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, March 31. 1782.
I received yours of the 10th Instant, and am of Opinion with you, that the English will evacuate New York & Charlestown, as the Troops there, after the late Resolutions of Parliament, must be useless, and are necessary to defend their Remaining Islands where they have not at present more than 3000 Men. The Prudence of this Operation is so obvious, that I think they can hardly miss it: otherwise I own that, considering their Conduct for several Years past, it is not reasoning consequentially, to conclude they will do a thing because the doing it is required by Common Sense.
Yours of the 26th. is just come to hand. I thank you for the Communication of Digges’s Message. He has also sent me a long Letter, with two from Mr Hartley. I shall see Mr. de Vergennes tomorrow, and will acquaint you with everything material that passes on the Subject. But the Ministry by whom Digges pretends to be sent being changed, we shall, by waiting a little, see what Tone will be taken by their Successors. You shall have a Copy of the Instructions by the next Courier: I congratulate you cordially on the Progress you have made among those slow People. Slow, however, as they are, Mr Jay finds his much slower. By an American who goes in about Ten Days to Holland, I shall send you a Packet of Correspondence with Mr Hartley, tho’ it amounts to little.
With great Esteem I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 31 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy, March 31. 1782
I have just received your Favours of March 11 & 12. forwarded to me by Mr. Digges, and another of the 21st. per Post. I congratulate you on the returning good Disposition of your Nation towards America, which appears in the Resolutions of Parliamt. that you have sent me: and I hope the Change of your Ministry will be attended with salutary Effects. I continue in the same Sentiments express’d in my former Letters; but as I am but one of five in the Commission, and have no Knowledge of the Sentiments of the others, what has pass’d between us is to be considered merely as private Conversation. The five Persons are Messrs. Adams, Jay, Laurens, Jefferson and myself, and in case of the Death or Absence of any the Remainder have Power to act and conclude. I have not written to Mr Laurens, having constantly expected him here: but shall write to him by next Post; when I shall also write more fully to you, having now only time to add, that I am ever, with great Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humbl. Servt
B Franklin
D. Hartley Esqr.

Addressed: To / David Hartley Esqr / Golden Square / London
Endorsed: D F Mar 31 1782 / D F Mar 31 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de St. Farre, 31 March 1782
From: St. Farre, abbé —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
ce 31 Mars 1782.
M. le chevalier d’uvet de contour officier dans la marine agé de dix-huit a vingt ans est venû me trouver hier, et m’exposer ses malheurs pour m’engager a venir a son secours. Quelqu’intéressant que soit ce récit et la grande douceur dont il l’accompagne, je n’ai pas crû devoir me prêter facilement a ses vües dans la crainte de fournir a sa grande jeunesse des moïens de se perdre: je ne lui ai point laissé ignorer mes inquiétudes, et il a pensé qu’il les dissiperoit en se réclamant de vous; il ne pouvoit pas en effet me citer d’authorité plus respectable pour moi: vous l’avez envoïé, dit-il, a M. de beaumarchais pour recevoir la gratification que l’on accorde a tous ceux qui sont prisonniers de guerre, et l’absence de M. de beaumarchais pour plusieurs jours le laisse sans ressources. Votre réponse, Monsieur, déterminera ma sensibilité, et je me trouverai tres heureux de pouvoir etre de quelqu’utilité a un jeune infortuné avoüé par vous. Si au contraire il se trouve que son histoire est un petit roman, je gemirai pour l’humanité de voir que le vice se trouve avec les années les plus tendres et tous les déhors de la candeur. Je ne gouterai que la satisfaction d’avoir pû vous assurer des sentiments respectueux avec les quels j’ai l’honneur d’etre Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obéïssant serviteur
L’abbé DE St. FARREPrieur de St. Martin
M. franklin.

Notation: L’abbé de St. Favre. 31. mars 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to St. Farre, 31 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: St. Farre, abbé —— de

Sir,
Passy, March 31. 1782.
I do not recollect that I have ever known or seen the Person you mention; and it is certain that I never knew or heard that Mr. De Beaumarchais was charged with the Payment of Gratifications to those who had been Prisoners of War or that any such Gratifications were allowed, so that I could not have sent any Person to that Gentleman for such Purpose. I honour the Goodness of your Heart, and I ought not to permit by my Silence your being imposed on by these Deceivers. Success might encourage this young Impostor to rely on such Artifices for a Subsistence; he might by Practice become more expert, and become a Pest to Society. Such Frauds are vastly more pernicious than Simple Theft, for they wrong not only the Person deceived of the Sum obtained, but they create a Diffidence which prevents the relief of Persons whose Misfortunes & Distress are real. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c—
Mr. L’Abbé de St. Favre, Prieur de St. Martin.
  La Lettre cy dessus à été envoyée en François


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Wyld, 31 March 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wyld, Henry

March 31. 1782.
I have received yours of the 18th. Instant. I omitted answering your former, being informed that your Bill had not been honoured, whence I conceived that you had imposed on me. I am glad to hear that it is otherwise. Since you were here, I have received notice that no more such Passports are to be granted, the Traders having abused them: So that I must renew my first Advice to you and your Friends, not to attempt the Voyage till a peace, which, by the good Disposition that has lately appeared in your Parliament, I hope is not far off. You would in my Opinion hazard too much, and act imprudently by going sooner. When you do go, you may depend on my doing you every Service in my power; being really a Friend and Well-wisher to all honest industrious people, and desirous of promoting their happiness.
From Dr. Francklin. Not signed.
Mr. Henry Wild, Schoolmaster, at Hatherlow near Manchester.

Notation: March 31. 1782. Copy of a Letter from Docr. Franklin to Mr. Henry Wild. Recd. 8th. April 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Royal, 31 March 1782
From: Royal, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honour’d Sir
March 31st. 1782
I humble hope your Goodness will excuse the freedom of one who is intirely a Stranger to you, of troubling you with a few lines, tho I have great reasons to believe by my Parents letter to me was inclos’d under Cover of a letter thay sent to your Excellency, that you was no stranger to them I have made bold to write to your Excellency by their desciption of your generous Disposition to assist any one that was a Native of america. I have made bold to send you a letter inclose’d to my Parents hoping you will be so generous as to forward the same to them I am the Son of one Mr. Royal Deceas’d, Whose widow married Mr. John Dixon who is now living in Williamsburgh and who i dont [doubt] by a letter that I receiv’d a little time ago you was personlly acquainted with. [Torn: I m]ake no doubt but you are well acquainted with the Reason of my being in England, which if my Parents have not acquainted you with, I came to St. Thomas, Hospital to be Cut for the stone and as I was in England my Mother Consented I should be sent to my Father in laws own Mother which a bout two Years ago I had the misfortune to lose, which as she was the only friend I had in these parts, I am now in great distress and knows not how to get home, tho my Parents has desir’d me to make Applycation to you but was Intirely ignorant which way I should proseed to get a letter convayd to you untel a friend told me he was sure I might send a letter safe by the Way of Ostend which accordingly I have done, and the letter I have sent to my Parents in Answer to theirs I have left unseald for your Perrusal in case you should dispute the truth of what I have inserted and I hope you will be so kind as to forward the same to my Dear Parents whome I long to be with and dont in the least doubt but I should before now had I had as thay desired but I had not Whearewithal to have Cum to you when I receiv’d thair letter as thay said you would upon their Account let me have what was necessary for the Voyag I have nothing more to add only to this obligation if you should be so very Good as to add one more to one whose Parents I am sencible has the highest veneration and Respects for you so I Conclude Hond. Sir Your most humble Servant
Wm Royal

Addressed: To / The Right Honourable / Doctor Frankling Minister / Plenipotentiary for the United / American States / at / Paris
Notation: Royal Mr Wm. March 31. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 1 April 1782
From: Caffiéri, Jean-Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
De Paris ce premier Avril 1782
Unne Maladie et Le mauvais temps m’ont empeches D’avoir Lhonneur D’aller vous assurer de mes tres humbles Civivilités et de vous prier de vouloir bien vous resouvenir de moi dans Les occasions ou vous series charge de La part de La republique ameriquaine de quelque morçeau de Sculpture soit tombeaux ou Statue en marbre ou en Bronze, vous aves eû La Bonté de me promettr de ne pas oublier quand L’occasion s’en presenteroit. Il n’est pas douteux que La republique voudra Constater par des Monuments Ses heureux Succés et Les hérauts [héros] qui se sacrifies pour La patrie, mes talens vous sont Connus. J’ose esperer que vous voudres bien me preferer aux propositions que pouroit vous faire D’autre Sculpteurs.
Jay Lhonneur D’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Caffieri

Permette je vous presente La Discription de La Sculpture que je vien de finir pour La vant Scene de La Nouvelle Sale de La Comedie françoise.

Notation: Caffiery, Paris 1er. avl. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mumford, 1 April 1782
From: Mumford, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Norwich 1st. April 1782
The Conduct of our Late intimate freind Silas Deane Esqr. respecting these States & our worthy allies, Convinces me he must have Left France some time since, this Leaves my agreeable nephew Mr. Gurdon S. Mumford destitute of the advice & assistance his father (my only Brother) & friends depended on to fix & Continue him in business during his Minority, I am among the number of mr. Deans Old freinds to whom he has wrote Largely on Politicks, his Last to me was 24th. Septemr. 1781 in which he informs me he had some months before sent his Son to the netherlands, & shou’d then go to him in a few days, he further informs me he advised my kinsman’s remaining with you untill he had inteligence from his father & me (the reason why I am Consulted respecting my nephew who has a father is I am fond of him & have pleasure in giving him aid,) as youth always needs advice, at Least I shall Consider my Self under particular Obligation to you while you Continue to extend yours to him, who will need it more now Mr. Deane his former patern has withdrawn himself than before, he shall have remittance as often as are necessary, have wrote my nephew if he inclines to spend a Year or Two at Amsterdam in a good Compting House to perfect him in the method of doing Large business I will introduce him to my friends Messrs. John De Neufville & Son, your advice & assistance to my nephew as before requested (to whom please deliver the inclos’d) will Lay the greatest Obligation on him who is with perfect esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & very Huml servt.
Thos. Mumford
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire / at / Passa / near / Paris
Notation: Tho: Mumford 1st. April 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Searle, 1 April 1782
From: Searle, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel de suede Rue de l’Universite F.S.G.Monday Evening 1st. of april 1782
Mr. Searle’s respectfull compliments to Doctor Franklin & begs leave to inform him that he means to Leave Paris for Nantes on Thursday. He requests Therefore That Doctor Franklin woud be pleased to order the necessary passports to be made out for Mr. Searle & one Domestique for Nantes which place Mr. S will first go to.
Mr. Searle will have the honour of waiting on Dor. Franklin before his departure.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy
Notation: Searle 1st. april 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 2 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Castries, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix, marquis de

Sir,
Passy, April 2d. 1782
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 31st of March, relating to Messrs. Agnew Father & Son, and Capt Parker, Englishmen taken Prisoners in America & brought to France. I know nothing of those Persons or of the Circumstances that might induce the Delegates of Virginia to desire their Detention, no Account of them from that State being come to my Hands; nor have I received any Orders from the Congress concerning them. I therefore cannot properly make any Oposition to their being permitted to reside at Caen on their Parole of Honour, or to ther being exchanged in pursuance of the Cartel, as his Majesty in his Wisdom shall think proper to direct.
I am with Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant,
B Franklin
His Exy, the Marqs. de Castries.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 2 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Passy, April 2. 1782.
I received duly the Honour of your Letter accompanying the Capitulation of Gen. Cornwallis. All the World agree that no Expedition was ever better plann’d or better executed. It has made a great Addition to the military Reputation you had already acquired, and brightens the Glory that surrounds your Name and that must accompany it to our latest Posterity. No News could possibly make me more happy. The Infant Hercules has now strangled the two Serpents that attack’d him in his Cradle, and I trust his future History will be answerable.
This will be presented to you by the Count de Segur. He is Son of the Marquis de Segur Minister of War, and our very good Friend. But I need not claim your Regards to the young Gentleman on that Score; his amiable personal Qualities, his very sensible Conversation and his Zeal for the Cause of Liberty will obtain & secure your Esteem, and be a better Recommendation than any I can give him.
The English seem not to know either how to continue the War, or to make Peace with us. Instead of entring into a regular Treaty, for putting an End to a Contest they are tired of, they have voted in Parliament that the Recovery of America by Force is impracticable, that an offensive War against us ought not to be continued, and that whoever advises it shall be deemed an Enemy to his Country.
Thus the Garrisons of New York and Charlestown, if continued there, must sit still, being only allowed to defend themselves. The Ministry not understanding or approving this making of Peaces by halves, have quitted their Places, but we have no certain Account here who is to succeed them, so that the Measures likely to be taken are yet uncertain: probably we shall know something of them before the Marquis de la Fayette takes his Departure. There are Grounds for good Hopes however, but I think we should not therefore relax in our Preparations for a vigorous Campaign, as that Nation is subject to sudden Fluctuations; and tho’ somewhat humiliated at present, a little Success in the West Indies may dissipate their present Fears, recal their natural Insolence, and occasion the Interruption of Negociation & a Continuance of the War. We have great Stores purchased here for the use of your Army, which will be sent as soon as Transports can be procured for them to go under good Convoy.
My best Wishes always have and always will attend you, being with the greatest and most sincere Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Genl. Washington

Endorsed: Passy April 2d. 1782 from Doctr Franklin Comte de Segur Ansd. 18th Octo.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Christian Schneider, 3 April 1782
From: Schneider, Christian
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Germantown April 3th. 1782
Your Excellency having been pleased, to advise the Widow Anne Catharine Hacklin at Ebingen in the Dukedom of Würtenberg, that I should pay a certain Sum of money, due from me as Administrator to said Widow, into the hands of Your Excellency’s Son-in-law Mr. Richard Bache at Philadelphia, I have done according to Your Excellency’s Advise, have paid 200 pounds in specie to Mr. Richard Bache, and have received four Receipts of same Tenor and Date, of which, I take the Liberty to inclose No: 2. in this Letter. And having no Oportunity to acquaint said Anne Catharine Hacklin of my procedings, I humbly beseech Your Excellency, to forward the inclosed Letter to said Widow Hacklin at Ebingen in the Dukedom of Würtenberg. I am Your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient Servant
Christian Schneider.

Notation: Schneider Christian 3 apl. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Clegg, 4 April 1782
From: Clegg, Edmund
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Highly respected Sir,
No 2 Wilks Street Spitalfields London Apr. 4: 1782
In the beginning of last Jany. Mr Henry Wyld from the Neighbourhood of Manchester waited upon you, respecting the emigration of himself, and a Number of his friends to the State of Pensilvania; at the same time he presented a Note from me, design’d to aid his introduction to You.
We are all getting ready as fast as Possible, and purpose to go for Liverpool about the 20th of next Month in order to proceed according to your directions—and they write me, to request the Promised Protections may be sent to my care with all convenient speed for the Persons Named in their Proposals. Also for Myself and two sons—John 21 Years & Richard 19 Years of Age.— Another for John Billington and Ann His Wife with a child of 2 Years old— If it be in due order about 10 more not fill’d up for Persons, who are as yet uncertain, as to taking this Opportunity of going with us.
We are amply provided with all kinds of Models for the perfecting of our Purpose when we arrive at the much Longed for Country— Which if it please God to grant, in his good Providence— We have not the least doubt of Joining all the Manufactories of Spitalfields & Manchester together, in the most Perfect manner, as far as circumstances will admitt.
It will be our highest Worldly Glory to contribute all we are able to the internal riches of a rising Empire, that expected Prosperity animates our minds more than Private advantage.
I am greatly at a loss for the knowledge of the dift. kinds of Silks Produced in N. America & the Prices they are respectively worth in that Country I beg that information from you with samples—for I can get no acct here but what is very contradictory.
I should have wrote, on Mr Wylds return, but delay’d in hopes of being able to wait upon you myself— For I own I am affraid of Speaking my mind by Letter— But as the undertaking is of such extent I am very anxious that nothing be omitted.
If you have a trusty friend here, to whom I might fully open my mind, I beg to have us brot together for there are very many things, which I’m affraid to mention by Letter, which I wish you to be well acquainted with.
It is my wish, if you Judge it right to take some Chains of Silk Handkercheifs that is Webbs unwoven and Shute, or Weft for them ready Prepared so as to be able at our Arrival to go to Work without loss of time, but in this I wait to be govern’d by your direction.
I have my fears respecting that part of our Utencils called Reeds being to be got in that Country, that may be fine enough for the Silk business, If that was known to be the Case we would try to get some ready made ones over with us—but the Laws make it very dangerous to attempt such a thing— The Company have wrote me by all means to see Mr Laurens, I have applied at Mr Mannings but have not seen him as he was at that time gone out of Town.
You may be assured Sir that a Person of Your eminence & Political principals stands very high in our esteem and if the time should ever arrive that we may have your Visits to see our Works in the much desired Country we shall much rejoice— In the mean time hope, thro’ Your recommendations to meet with that Countenance which We shall endeavour to merit— Therefore entreat Your Letters for that Purpose— Mr Wyld has not in the course of his correspondance, told me wether you knew the Precise time fix’d for our setting out. But the Change of Men & We hope of Measures in this Government make us wish to be gone sooner than the 20th of May if it can be done. Please therefore to expedite all your directions to me as soon as Possible. As Mr Hodson very kindly takes the sending of this under his care I am more easy about its coming safe— I should hope he will not take it amiss if you return Your ansr by the same Channel of conveyance— Mr Wyld told me you would send a Special Messenger over when all things were ready— My Country frds have sold the Cattle & are making a full end of their affairs, and it is our earnest wish that we may not have to wait long for the Ship— I am With the highest esteem Your Excellencys most obedient & very Humble servant
Edmund Clegg

P.S. If we arrive Safe on the Continent a great Number more of usefull hands intend to follow us—and we have hitherto none but Religious, Sober Moral Persons
His Excellency B Franklin LLD &c &c

Addressed: A / Monsuer á / Monsr Franklin / Passi
Notation: Edmund Clegg


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Chevalier de Chastellux, 6 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, chevalier de

Dear Sir,
Passy, April 6. 1782.
It gave me great Pleasure to hear by the Officers returned last Winter from your Army, that you continued in good Health. You will see by the Public Papers, that the English begin to be weary of the War, and they have reason; having suffered many Losses, having four Nations of Enemies upon their Hands, few Men to spare, little Money left, and very bad Heads. The latter they have lately changed. As yet we know not what Measures their new Ministry will take. People generally think they will be employ’d by the King to extricate him from his present Difficulties by obtaining a Peace, and that then he will kick them out again, they being all Men that he abominates, and who have been forced upon him by the Parliament.
The Commons have already made a Sort of half Peace with us Americans, by forbidding the Troops on the Continent to act offensively; and by a new Law they have impower’d the King to compleat it. As yet I hear nothing of the Terms they mean to propose; indeed they have hardly had time to form them. I know they wish to detach us from France; but that is impossible.
I congratulate you on the Success of your last glorious Campaign. Establishing the Liberties of America will not only make the People happy, but will have some Effect in diminishing the Misery of those who in the other parts of the World groan under Despotism, by rendering it more circumspect, and inducing it to govern with a lighter hand. A Philosopher endow’d with those strong Sentiments of Humanity that are manifested in your excellent Writings, must enjoy great Satisfaction in having contributed so extensively by his Sword as well as by his Pen to the Felicité Publique.
M. Le Comte de Segur has desired of me a Line of Recommendation to you. I consider his Request rather as a Compliment to me, than as asking what may be of use to him; Since I find that all who know him here esteem & love him, and he is certainly not unknown to you.

Dare I confess to you that I am your Rival with Madame G.? I need not tell you that I am not a dangerous one. I perceive that She loves you very much; and so does, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Mr. Chevalier de Chatellux


Title: Franklin: Account of Living Toads Found Enclosed in Limestone, [6 April 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

In submitting the following report to the Académie des sciences, Franklin joined a long tradition of people who had marveled over the improbable discovery of toads living in niches in solid rock or in the middle of tree trunks. The Annual Register for 1761 published a survey of some of this literature, including translations of two accounts published by the Académie des sciences in 1719 and 1731 of live toads discovered in the trunks of mid-sized trees. The author of the survey also alluded to several accounts of toads living in stone formations that had been reported by the ancient Greeks. Some of these reports he discounted as specious; others he was hard-pressed to explain, except by speculating that eggs must have been deposited in the crevices of saplings and somehow managed to derive sustenance from the moisture in the niches they created. Dr. Charles Leigh in The Natural History of Lancashire … (Oxford, 1700), and other early British naturalists, also reported having seen living toads emerge from cells in seemingly solid rock. In Hebron, Connecticut, a similar incident was described in 1770 by S. A. Peters. After detonating a large rock on his property, he discovered a frog living in a small cavity laid open by the explosion. The cavity appeared to have been accessible only by a small crevice as wide as a knitting needle. Peters’ letter was later forwarded to Thomas Jefferson, who submitted it to the American Philosophical Society.

[April 6, 1782]
At Passy near Paris, April 6, 1782. being with Mr de Chaumont, viewing his Quarry, he mention’d to me that the Workmen had found a living Toad shut up in the Stone. On questioning one of them he told us they had found four in different Cells which had no Communication: That they were very lively and active when set at Liberty: That there was in each Cell some loose soft yellowish Earth, which appeared to be very moist. We ask’d if he could show us the Parts of the Stone that form’d the Cells; he said no, for they were thrown among the rest of what was dug out, and he knew not where to find them. We asked if there appear’d any Opening by which the Animal might enter? He said no, not the least. We ask’d if in the Course of his Business as a Labourer in Quarries he had often met with the Like? He said never before. We ask’d if he could show us the Toads? He said he had thrown two of them up on a higher Part of the Quarry, but knew not what became of the others. He then came up to the place where he had thrown the Two, and finding them, he took them by the foot and threw them up to us, upon the Ground where we Stood. One of them was quite dead; and appeared very lean: the other was plump and still living. The Part of the Rock in which they were found is at least 15 feet below the Surface, and is a kind of Limestone. A Part of it is fill’d with ancient Sea Shells, and other marine Substances. If these Animals have remained in that Confinement since the Formation of the Rock, they are probably some thousands of Years old. We have put them in Spirits of Wine to preserve their Bodies a little longer. The Workmen have promis’d to call us if they meet with any more that we may examine their Situation. Before a suitable Bottle could be found to receive them, that which was living when we first had them, appear’d to be quite dead and motionless; but being in the Bottle, and the Spirits pour’d over them, he flounc’d about in it very vigorously for Two or Three Minutes, and then expired.
It is observed that Animals who perspire but little can live long without Food; such as Tortises whose Flesh is cover’d with a thick Shell, and Snakes who are cover’d with Scales which are of so close a Substance as scarcely to admit the Passage of perspirable Vapour thro’ them. Animals that have open Pores all over the Surface of their Bodies, and live in Air which takes off continually the perspirable Part of their Substance, naturally require a continual Supply of Food to maintain their Bulk. Toads shut up in solid Stone which prevents their losing anything of their Substance, may perhaps for that reason need no Supply, and being guarded against all Accidents, and all the Inclemencies of the Air and Changes of the Seasons, are it seems Subject to no Diseases and become as it were immortal.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniele Andrea Delfino, 6 April 1782
From: Delfino, Daniele Andrea
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris. ce 6me. avril 1782./.
L’Accademie des Sciences et arts de Padoüe D’esiroit ajouter Le nom de Monsieur franklin aux noms qui honorent déja La Liste des membres dont elle est composée.
Le chevalier Delfino Ambassadeur de Venise Seroit bien flatté de pouvoir donner cette satisfaction à un corps n’aissant, qui est specialment protegé par Le Gouvernement.
Il Joint pour cela ses instances á celles des accademiciens, et il á L’honneur de assurer Monsr. franklin de la plus sincére Consideration./.

Notation: Mr. Delfino Paris 6. Avril 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Delfino, [between 6 April 1782 and 26]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Delfino, Daniele Andrea

[between April 6 and 26, 1782]
Mr. Franklin is extreamly sensible of the honour done him by the Academy of Siences and Arts at Padua in electing him one of their Numbers, and of the very obliging Manner in which Mr. l’Ambassador de Venise has been pleased to communicate to him the notice of that election. Mr. Franklin will himself make his Acknowledgements to the Academy in a Letter, and begs M. L’Ambassador to be assured of his great & sincere Respect.
La lettre cy dessus a été envoyé en François.Chevalier Delfino.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Thornton, 6 April 1782
From: Thornton, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Clapham 6th April 1782
My Friend Joseph Walker Esq having acquainted me with his intention of visiting paris; I thought I might avail of myself of that opportunity of getting some Letters to America thro your benevolence.
If I am deemed impertinent, I hope you’l attribute it, to the true Cause; the opinion I have of Dr Franklins Candour, & the desire I have not to be intirely blotted out of the Mind of those at a great distance I much esteem. I have left them open as I thought they would pass best so & they contain nothing that can I hope, offend any one.
I remember once paying my respects to you many years since, I shall be happy to see the day when I can do it again & apologise in person for this intrusion from sir Your very hum servt
John Thornton

P.S. Permit me to request your acceptance of some poems of a friend of mine who has been many years excluded from the World, as not being in his right Mind & considers himself as a Non Entity & reads nothing beyond a News paper, & yet he wrote the most of these poems last Year.
Dr Franklin

Notation: Thorton, 6. april 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 7 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

My dear Friend,
Passy, April 7. 1782.
This will be delivered to you by Mr. le Comte de Segur, (Son of the Marquis de Segur Ministre de la Guerre) a Young Nobleman whose amiable Qualities and sensible Conversation will I am sure give you Pleasure. I therefore make no Apology for the Liberty I take of introducing him to you, recommending him to your Civilities and Friendship, and requesting you would do the same by him to your Friends, the principal Gentlemen of your State, civil & military. He goes over to fight for a Cause he loves, and on many other Accounts will merit the Attentions that may be shown him. Your Grandson is well and I am ever with sincerest Esteem & Respect. Dear Sir, &c.
Dr. Cooper.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cuming & Macarty, 7 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cuming & Macarty

Gentlemen,
Passy, April 7. 1782
I have just received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 3d Instant relating to some accepted Bills, amounting to 1671 Dollars that have been protested for Nonpayment at Madrid. I am sorry for the Uneasiness this Accident has occasioned to you, and shall immediately give Orders to have them taken up and the Money paid by my Banker, to Messrs Pache, Freres & Co.
I have the honour to be Gentlemen.
Master Macarty is well.—Messrs Cuming and Macarty


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 7 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

Sir,
Passy, April 7. 1782
This is to request you would immediately discharge and take up sundry Bills of Exchange, amounting to One Thousand Six hundred and seventy one Dollars, which were accepted by Mr Jay at Madrid, & afterwards protested for Nonpayment, and are now in the hands of Messrs. Pache, freres & Co at Paris. I am, Sir Your most obedt Servant
[In the margin:] Dollars 1671
  Mr Grand,
  Mr Grand Banker at Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Greene, 7 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Greene, Catharine

My dear old Friend,
Passy, April 7. 1782.
If the Comte de Segur, Son of the Minister of War should happen to be in your Neighbourhood, I recommend him warmly to your Civilities & Friendship, and to those of the good Governor. You will find him as amiable and deserving as any of the French Officers whose good Conduct you so much applauded last Year. I continue as hearty and well as when you first knew me, which I think is near 30. Years, tho’ perhaps you will not care to own so much. Make my respectful Compliments acceptable to Mr. Greene, give my Love to my Friend Ray, and believe me ever my dear Friend, Your most affectionately. &c—
Madam Green.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 7 April 1782
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
London 7th April 1782.
Richard Oswald Esq. who will do me the honour of delivering this, is a Gentleman of the strictest candour and integrity, I dare give such assurance from an experience little short of thirty Years and to add, You will be perfectly safe in conversing freely with him on the business which he will introduce; a Business which Mr. Oswald has disinterestedly engaged in from motives of benevolence, and from the choice of the Man a persuasion follows that the Electors mean to be in earnest. Some people in this Country, who have too long indulg’d themselves in abusing every thing American, have been pleas’d to circulate an opinion that Doctor Franklin is a very Cunning Man, in answer to which I have remark’d to Mr: Oswald, “Doctor Franklin knows very well how to manage a Cunning Man, but when the Doctor converses or treats with a Man of Candour there’s no Man more Candid than himself, I dont know whether you will ultimately agree in political Sketches but I am sure as Gentlemen, you will part very well pleas’d with each other.”
Should you Sir, think it proper to communicate to me your sentiments and advice on our Affairs, the more amply, the more acceptable and probably the more serviceable, Mr. Oswald will take charge of your dispatches and afford a secure means of conveyance. To this Gentleman I refer you for general Information of a Journey which I am immediately to make partly in his Company, at Ostend to file off for the Hague; I feel a willingness, infirm as I am, to attempt doing as much good as can be expected from, such, a Prisoner upon Parole. As General Burgoyne is certainly Exchanged, a circumstance by the bye which possibly might have embarrassed us had your late proposition been accepted, may I presume at my return to offer another Lieutenant General now in England a Prisoner upon Parol, in Exchange, or what shall I offer in Exchange for myself, a thing in my own estimation of no great Value?
I have the honor to be with great Respect and permit me to add, great Reverence sir Your faithful fellow Labourer and Obedient servant
Henry Laurens
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston: Two Letters, 8 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

I.
Sir,
Passy, April 8. 1782.
Since my last an extraordinary Revolution has taken place in the Court of England. All the old Ministers are out and the Chiefs of the Opposition are in their Places. The News Papers that I send will give you the Names as correctly as we yet know them. Our last Advices mention their kissing Hands; but they had yet done nothing in their respective Offices, by which one might judge of their projected Measures; as whether they will ask a Peace of which they have great need, the Nation having of late suffered many Losses, Men grown extreamly scarce, and Lord North’s new Taxes proposed as Funds for the Loan meeting with great Opposition; or whether they will strive to find new Resources and obtain Allies to enable them to please the King and Nation by some vigorous Exertions against France, Spain & Holland. With regard to America, having while in Opposition carried the Vote for making no longer an offensive War with us, they seem to have tied their own Hands from acting against us. Their Predecessors had been tampering with this Court, for a separate Peace. The King’s Answer gave me great Pleasure. It will be sent to M. de la Luzerne and by him communicated to Congress. None of their Attempts to divide us met with the least Encouragement and I imagine the present Set will try other Measures.
My Letters from Holland give pleasing Accts. of the rapid Progress our Affairs are making in that Country. The Pacquet from Mr. Dumas which I forward with this will give you the Particulars.—
M. Le Prince de Broglie will do me the favour of delivering this to you. He goes over to join the French Army, with the more Pleasure as it is employ’d in the Cause of Liberty, a Cause he loves, and in establishing the Interests of America a Country for which he has much regard and Affection. I recommend him earnestly to the Civilities & Services it may be in your Power to render him, and I request you would introduce him to the President of Congress and to the principal Members civil and Military.
Our excellent Friend the Marquis de la Fayette will sail in about three Weeks. By that time we may have more interesting Intelligence from England, and I shall write you fully.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Robt. R. LivingstonNo 6.

II.
Sir,
Passy, April 8. 1782.
M. le Comte de Segur, who will put this into your hands, is an amiable young Nobleman, of excellent Character, who goes over to fight for the American Cause under General Rochambeau. He is the Son of the Minister of War, our good and kind Friend. You will I am sure have a Pleasure in rendring him every Service and Civility in your Power; and I request you would introduce him to the President of Congress and the other principal Persons who may contribute by their Civilities to make his Residence in our Country agreable.
I have the honour to be, with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. Robt. R. Livingston Esqe.

Endorsed: 8th. Apl. 1782 Docr Franklin private Letter


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 8 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Passy, April 8. 1782.
I did myself the honour of writing to you a few Days since by the Comte de Segur. This Line is chiefly to present the Prince de Broglie to your Excellency, who goes over to join the Army of M. de Rochambeau. He bears an excellent Character here, is a hearty Friend to our Cause, and I am persuaded you will have a Pleasure in his Conversation. I take leave therefore to recommend him to those Civilities which you are always happy in showing to Strangers of Merit and Distinction.
I have heretofore congratulated your Excellency on your Victories over our Enemy’s Generals, I can now do the same on your having overthrown their Politicians. Your late Successes have so strengthened the hands of Opposition in Parliament, that they are become the Majority, and have compelled the King to dismiss all his old Ministers and their Adherents. The unclean Spirits he was possessed with, are now cast out of him: but it is imagined that as soon as he has obtained a Peace, they will return with others worse than themselves, and the last State of that Man, as the Scripture says, shall be worse than the first.
As soon as we can learn anything certain of the Projects of the new Ministry, I shall take the first Opportunity of communicating it.— With the greatest Esteem & Respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Gen. Washington

Notation: [Passy April 8th. 1782.] from Doctr Franklin prince de Broglie Ansd. 18th. Octo.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Edwards et al., 8 April 1782
From: Edwards, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient April 8th: 1782.
Haveing had the good fortune to make our Escape from Forton Prison in England on the 13th March last and to take a small Sloop from Portsmouth in the Night in which 32 of us landed safe at Cape Bellflour from whence we marched to Le Hague where we met with a French Gentlemen a Commissary who gave us a Pass a pair of Shoes & 10 Livres each to go as far as St. Maloes. When we arrived there 19 of us being not able to travell any farther they went on board a Privateer for a Months Cruize 5 got Passes and have gone to Nantes in order to make the best of their way to America & 8 of us came here for the like purpose wanting to get home as soon as Possible haveing been a long time prisoners some of us sent to England from the West Indies & some from New York. We arrived here the 25th: Ultio. & the American Agent not being here nor no Continental Ships we were Obliged to take Lodgeings for 11 Days before we could get a Vessell to go on Board off & the Capt. has it not in his power to give us any thing but our Victuals for our Work he haveing his Complement of hands already Shipped however he has promissed us a passage home but cannot give us any Money untill he Arrives in Philadelphia. And as there is no other Vessell in the Harbour Bound to America that will Sail this 3 or 4 Months and this Ship being almost Ready to sail we have thought it best to come on Board of her upon them Conditions.
And as we are destitute of both Money and Clothes we have made bold to apply to your Excellency requesting (If you please) some Assistance that will enable us at least to satisfy the Gentleman who was so kind as to take us in and Board us for the above mentioned time. (his Name is John Dager)
Two of us belong to Continental Ships Joshua Goss Midshipman belonging to the Boston Frigate was taken in one of her Prizes on the 8th: of July 1778 by the Porcupine Ship of War of 24 Guns and Carried to England where he has been a Prisoner ever since untill this present Escape.— The Other Eliphalet Rogers belonging to the Alliance Frigate was taken in one of her Prizes the 18th: Septr. 1779 and has likewise been a Prisoner in Forton Prison untill this present time. Therefore they would be extremely Obliged to your Excellency (if in your Power) to advance them a trifle of their Wages as their Necessities at present are very Pressing— Your Excellencie’s granting this our Humble Petition would be gratefully Acknowledged by your Excellencies Most Obdt. Humble Servts.
Daniel EdwardsJoshua GossGeorge ClarkJames FullerElipalet RogersRobert FultonIsaac AllenWilliam James His Mark

P.S. There is two more prisoners arived here that wrote to your Excellency from Havre de Grace and two of their Companions that Escaped in the Cartell with the french are detained in the [Kian] at Brest who would be glad of your assistance in setting them at Liberty. their Names are Levi Younger & Bartholemew Cashwood
His Excellency Doctr. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctr. Franklin Esqr. / At / Paris.
Notation: [torn: Edwar]ds Daniel, [torn: Goss J]oshua, &c. L’orient [torn] 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, with a Draft of Franklin’s Reply, [8 April 1782]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

sir
ce lundi [April 8, 1782]
I just hear from Amsterdam that Bills accepted by Mr. J. Jay at Madrid are come back unpaid & protested to the Amount of 20000 Ducats. If you are desirous they should be paid you will be so Kind as to send me your Orders for that purpose & I shall pursuant thereto write by tomorrow’s Mail to the above friends to give notice to the holders of the Bills that they may send them back again to Madrid & that they will be surely paid.
I am most respectfully sir Your most ob hbl se
Grand

[Postscript in Ferdinand Grand’s hand:] Jay fait prevenir messr Pache d’envoyer recevoir chez moy les acceptations de Mr Jay, dont ils Sont porteurs, Suivant vos ordres. 20/ mls Ducats font environ deux Cent mille Livres de france

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Passy.
[In Franklin’s hand:]

    Sir
      Passy April 8. 1782
    I approve of your Writing as you propose to Holland, that the Bills being sent back to Madrid will be paid; or if the Holders chuse to take the Money here you will pay them at Paris, or in Amsterdam. I am with great Esteem, Sir, Your humble Servant
    B F.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 8 April 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Office of Finance, April 8th., 1782.
Since my Letter of the twenty sixth ultimo, I have compleated the sale of the Bills on Mr. grand to the extent of the livres five hundred thousand proposed as you will perceive by the letters and lists sent under your cover for that gentleman. I was in hopes that this sum would have carried me thro’ untill payments from some of the States on account of their first quarterly quota of the requisition of Congress for the service of the present year, should come to my relief, but unfortunately the delays which are almost unavoidable in the tedious forms of Business conducted by public Bodies of men in commonwealths have thrown back the collection of taxes so that I am left at the moment of preparation for a vigorous campaign without any other Resources than those which my own Credit and address is able to supply; and altho’ I sold the Bills above mentioned at a high price yet you must be sensible that the sum produced is very smal compared to my wants. I have just perfected a contract for supplying our moveing Army with rations thro’ out the present campaign at ten pence per ration which I think vastly cheap it is made with men who combine an interest and influence equal to the undertakeing and you may depend that it will be performed, as I wish you to be fully informed of everything that can be usefull for you to know or that tends to give satisfaction to the court. I will enclose herewith a copy of the contract and a copy of a circular letter written to the Several States on the ninth February last, The first will sheew that I am attentive to our expenditures and the latter, that I mean to excite such exertions as will relieve our alies from future demands altho’ the immediate inference is to induce a compliance on their parts of those aids that have already been requested for the service of the present year. At any rate I expect that necessity will soon compell me to draw for another half million of livres, and perhaps the like sum after that, but sir, you may assure yourself and the Ministers of his most Christian majesty that I shall not exceed the aggregate of these sums without proper encouragement from you, as I expect that the Money which I shall raise upon the sale of those Bills will carry me forward untill the taxes from several of the states come to my aid. I will venture also to assure you that if reimbursement of the sums which I shall draw should be demanded toward the close of the Year I will repay them on your Drafts, let what will be the consequence my word is sacred, and the united States are at this moment supported by the belief that it is so, for you may depend that we are not less than fourhundd. thousd. Dollars advanced on the Credit of the Taxes for this Year; at which however I do not feel any uneasiness as our preparations for the Campaign are fast advanceing & the spirit of exertion in the Several Governments Is gaining ground so, that I see plainly I shall be tollerably well supported by a vigorous Collection of the Taxes which in the end will enable me to perform what I promise; at the same Time I cannot help observing that the sum asked of the Court for the Service of the current Year, Is not large, especially if it enables us to give permanancy to arrangements calculated to relieve France entirely from our importunities: I do not however promise that we shall entirely cease to ask aids, but I promise to do everything in my Power to prevent the necessity of such solicitations and again I repeat, that nothing will make me so happy as to see America in condition not only to defend herself but able to render essential service to her allies. This letter will prepare you for farther drafts, my next will advise of them unless some favourable supply of Money should turn up to prevent the necessity of that measure which I wish to avoid if possble.—
I am, Sir, your obedient humble Servant
Robt Morris

Addressed: His Excellency Mr. Franklin, / Minister Plenipo: &c, / Court of Versailles / Passy / near / Paris
Endorsed: Mr Morris April 8. 1782 Money Affairs


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine de Wesselow Cramer, 9 April 1782
From: Cramer, Catherine de Wesselow
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Genève ce 9 avril 1782.
Les Représentans & les Natifs ont pris les Armes hier au soir, Monsieur, dans un moment où l’on avait si peu sujet de le Soubçonner, qu’il ne m’a pas été possible de mettre votre Enfant, & les miens en sûreté: cependant je crois pouvoir vous répondre qu’il ne lui arrivera rien. Il se porte à merveilles, & dès qu’on laissera sortir quelqu’un de la ville je me flatte de lui en obtenir la permission. La crise violente qui se prépare n’est point à craindre pour les Etrangers; mais si elle ne boulverse pas de fond en comble notre malheureuse patrie; elle nous ramènera nécessairement la paix.

Agréez, Monsieur, l’estime distinguée & tous les sentimens avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être. V. T. H. &. T. O. S.
DE Wesselow Cramer

Notation: Cramer 9. Avril 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson: Two Letters, 9 April 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Dear sir
London 9 April 1782
Since my last on the 22 Ultimo I have rec’d your favor of the 31 March, inclosed I send you a Copy of the Memorial I had delivered to the Lords of the Admiralty prior to the reception of your Letter & also of the note I have rec’d from Ld shelburne relative to this Business— you may conclude it done, as soon as the official Forms can be got thro’, to the tediousness & delatoriness of which, you are no Stranger— I coud wish to Know, as some Objections have been made, to the whole expence of Transports & Provisions being born by this Country whether you will give way, to any accommodation in that matter I mean as to America bearing any share of the expence, for I cou’d wish so fully to possess your Sentiments, as Not to make the least mistake in the arrangement— I presume you will make no Objection to Administration asking for any particular Class, or Corps of Men, I have allready said that I had no conception any Difficulty cou’d arise on that head, you will please to consider whether it will not be necessary to send regular passes for the Vessells that shall be employed in the Transport of the Prisoners & whether it may not be necessary to give some directions respecting the Victualling the Ships in America for the homeward Voyage shou’d Administration determine on having the Men delivered in Exchange, returned to Europe for by the Conversation, I have had with them tis not yet settled whether they will have them home or have them left at New York— I desire you will turn the whole of this Subject in your Mind & give me every necessary instruction & Information so that I may settle the matter to your Satisfaction— Respecting the Prisoners in Ireland, I have allready spoke to the Marquiss of Rockingham & Ld Shelburne about them & they took a Minute to give the Duke of Portland [in the margin: who is going Ld Lt of Ireland] directions to pay attention to the Situation of those Men & to grant them Relief— In regard to any allowance you may judge proper to make them I can with great ease & equal Pleasure settle that matter by means of Funds in Kinsale at which place the Men you mention are, their No about 150 as I have been informed from the Sick & Hurt office— I beg you will answer me as soon as you conveniently can, for the Prisoners will begin to be very Impatient, as they are allready apprised of the Intentions of Goverment & I heartily wish to see them once fairly shipped off I am with great Respect Dr sr yr most obedt sert
William Hodgson

P.S. Ld Shelburne particularly desired I wou’d inform you that the first official Act he did in his Department was to give directions that the Prisoners shou’d be exchanged & he further gave me his word that the Prisoners shou’d be sent away with marks of attention to their wants so as to make their Voyage Comfortable— inclosed you have a Letter from Clegg & also another from a Prisoner to his friends in Philadelphia which he begs you wou’d forward.

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benj: Franklin Esqr. / Passy—

II.
Dear sir
London 9th April 1782
I have this evening wrote you a general Letter to which I beg to be referred— my last of the 22 March (which I presume you had not rec’d when you wrote yours of the 31st of the same month) gave you an Acc’t of the Change in our Administration, I gave you therein to understand that I knew the new Ministers, wou’d cooperate, in any measures, that might tend to peace, when I said this, I did not say it lightly or conjecturally, I spoke from Authority, given me from themselves, with whom, you will clearly see, I have of late had much conference, indeed my Connextion, & manner of thinking, had lead me, to some degree of Intimacy with them, before any Change was expected, insomuch, that they had thoughts, of charging me with a Commission to you, to see if any plan cou’d be hit upon to bring about, that object, that seems so much, to be the wish of all Parties, Peace—
I must own, that my Vanity, wou’d have been much gratified, to have been charged with such a Commission, but I was told Yesterday, that on Acc’t of the publicity of my Connections & Principles, it had been judged adviseable, to drop that Idea— The reason, tho’ perhaps a good one, I cou’d easily see, was not the true one, the true one, as I conjecture, is much more substantial & tho’ I do not certainly know it, yet I have no doubt you do, or will do, before this reaches you, by seeing a person of the first rank & great consideration, upon the same Errand, I am by no means, dissatisfied at this, on the contrary, I think, they have made a much better choice, & it convinces me, that they really mean to do, that which they profess; all this while, I am not supposed to know, any thing of this, nor in fact do I, but from Combination of Circumstances, the other Letter therefore I meant for Communication, this not, shoud the Person I allude to, I mean Mr Laurens, appear— The person who will deliver you this pacquet, is not personally known to me, but he is to a very confidential Friend of mine, [in the margin: he may be trusted] he will make a short stay of a few days at Paris & will come direct to London, I therefore beg the favor of you to take that opportunity of answering my general Letter, in as full a manner as you shall think proper, he will have instruction to wait a day or two for that purpose shou’d you be pressed in point of Time & I coud wish that in that Letter which regards the exchange of Prisoners & all that relates thereto, you woud make it such a Letter as I can with propriety produce, as my Instructions in the Business which is to be settled.
You will, I am sure excuse me, in wishing to be informed of the probable success, of the measure I have alluded to, & the more so because I see in your very last Letter that you remind me of your attention to a similar request made some Time agoe— I beg the favor of you therefore, at the same Time you write me the public & official Letter that you wou’d oblige me so far as to write a few Lines private & Confidential, just to inform me if the Weather is likely to be fair or foul or in any other way you may judge most proper & circumstanced as I am at present with our Ministers, any Communications you may wish to have made I can do with the greatest Ease & procure you the speediest & most direct Answers— The Bearer of this will be desired to leave his address & to call upon you to know when you shall have any commands for London I am with great Esteem Dr sir your most obedt Hbl sert
William Hodgson

Addressed: To / His Excellency Benj: Franklin, Esqr / Private


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 9 April 1782
From: Houdetot, Elisabeth-Françoise-Sophie de La Live de Bellegarde, comtesse d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

paris Le 9. Avril 1782.
Monsieur Le Duc D’harcourt Vient De me faire dire Mon Cher Docteur que Monsieur De Castries Luy Mande qu’il n’attend que Votre Consentement pour donner la Liberté sur parole aux prisonniers Detenus au Chateau De St. Malo Dont Mr. De St. Jean Et moy avons Eû L’honneur De Vous parler; ayez donc la Bonté Mon Cher Docteur De Vouloir bien ou M’Envoyer le Consentement par Ecrit pour que je L’Envoye a Monsieur Le Duc D’harcourt ou de le faire passer Sur le Champs Vous Même a Monsieur De Castries affin de perdre le moins De tems possible pour soulager Des Malheureux Malades Blessés Et detenus deja depuis Long-tems, a la liberté Desquels Vous Mavés assuré n’avoir aucune Raison De Vous oposer. Recevés Mon Cher Docteur mes Excuses Et mes plus tendres Sentimens
La Ctesse DHOUDETOT

Les noms Des trois prisonniers Sont Mrs. Reverend agnew, Capitaine Stair agnew Son fils, Mr. Parker Marchand, tous trois De Virginie.

Notation: D’Houdetot 9. avril 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 9 April 1782
From: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Paris ce 9. avril 1782.
Je remets à M Fox, Monsieur, la permission, que vous m’avez demandée, pour que la malle Contenant ses livres lui Soit remise à la douane, Sans passer à la Chambre Syndicale.

J’ai L’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre très humble et trés obéissant serviteur.
Lenoir
M. Francklin.

Notation: Le Noir Paris 9. avril 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander McNutt, 9 April 1782
From: McNutt, Alexander
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Salem April. 9th. 1782
Haveing lately done my self the honor of writing to you, and forwarding Sundry Copies of the Constitution of New Ireland, with Several Numbers Adressed to the Peace Makers &c— at present I have very little more Interesting to Acquaint you of, but Expect Shortly to have it in my power to write you more fully.

The Occasion of the trouble I give you at present, is to Solicit your Interest in favour of a friend in Mill Prison near Plymouth, his name is Benjamin Brown of Salem, State of Massachusetts, Your Order for his release in the next Exchange of Prisoners and any Other Good Offices you Can render him will be most Gratefully Acknowledged and honorably rewarded. I have the Honor to be, with due respect Sir your most Obedient & most humble sevt.
A. M. N

The Honorable Benjamin Franklin Esqr Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of Versaillis

Notation: S. M. N. April 9. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wyld, 9 April 1782
From: Wyld, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most excellent Sir
Hatherlow 9th April 1782
The Company I represented to your Excellency together with my self, desire to represent ourselves to you, in terms of the highest respect for the reception of me, and the kindness shewed by giving credit to the negotiating the Bill, which recd. due honour; But at the same time beg leave to express our surprize, that you have not made any reply to our former, as the papers to satisfy your Crusers, together with those of your Allies, are the only thing that stop us, having now sent a person into Ireland, to engage a Vessel, and our afairs we have adjusted, so that a failure in that would be a matter of very serious Consequences to many of us; which causes us, thus freely to express ouselves to your Excellency, being satisfied, that you, on mature consideration by imagining yourself in our situation, will easily forgive any thing that is disgusting assuring you, that nothing of that kind is designed, And altho’ we may appear not worthy your Excellencies notice, or that of a Free state, yet you may be satisfied that we flatter ourselves, and we hope without Vanity, that in any Country where manufactures are wanted, we should meet with more indugeances than we wished to ask for, from the states you so honorably represent.
Therefore we desire you to transmit such a passport as may satify your Crusers to be here on or before the Fourteenth of May next, and direct the same to Mr. Henry Wyld schoolmr. of Mellor, to the Care of M. Henry Merril Currier of Chapel in la firth Derbyshire, or to Mr. Edmd. Clegg and Co. at No. 2 Wilks Street Spittlefields London, either of which ways the same will come safe.
Further we desire you, to commend us to the Congress of Pensilvania, that they may if they think proper advance a small sum, if our afairs may require the same, the repayment of which we not only secure, from the Profits of the Business, but from our own property, which we shall take, and we desire you to apprize the Inhabitants or some of them, whom you may think proper of our comming that the ship may not be detained in the Harbour upon any pretence, but return with the sea-Men to Caracfargus, and if consistent to be allowed to load with the produce of the Country, Contraband Goods always excepted but these things I submit to your pleasure.
Further, on my return from Paris, I met with two Gentlemen in Derby who were acquainted with my Business and who on the first of this Inst. signified their determined Resolution, to go over to Virginia, and there fix Engins to cast silk by upon the same Model of those at Derby, were they satisfied the should be well recd. If you mention your opinion thereof the same will be esteemed an Additional favour, as they desired me to mention the same, They are M[en of] extensive fortunes, and their Religious and Civil Principles such, that a free Government will not despise.
Our numbers are increased by some of the ablest Artisans in the Country, who rejoice much at the turn Politics have taken with us, and impatiently wish to be gone, pray delay not, I am for my self and Company Your Excellencies much obliged and most humble servt.
Henry Wyld

Addressed: To his Excellency Benjm. Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary from the / united states of Amerca at Passey / near / Paris
Notation: H. Wyld— Watherlow 9 April 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-René Hilliard d’Auberteuil, 10 April 1782
From: Hilliard d’Auberteuil, Michel-René
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Paris le 10e. Avril 1782
Je prends la liberté d’Envoyer à votre éxcellence la premiere épreuve de la 3e. partie de mes Essais d’après la permission que vous m’en avez donnée et la promesse que vous avez bien voulu me faire de m’avertir des erreurs involontaires dans les quelles je pourrais tomber.
J’ai lu avec autant de plaisir que d’attention et de respect, la collection de vos memoires politiques. Heureux les Americains d’avoir trouvé tant de lumieres, de zêle et de vertus dans un seul de leurs concitoyens!
Recevez je vous prie les temoignages de ma reconnaissance pour toutes les bontés que vous m’accordez.
Je suis avec une profonde veneration de votre Excellence Le très humble & trés Obéissant serviteur
D’auberteuilRue st. Louis au Marais
P.S. Je prie V. E. de renvoyer l’Epreuve le plus tot possible

Notation: D’auberteuil paris 10. avril 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 12 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,
Passy, Apl. 12. 1782.
I should sooner have paid my Respects to you by Letter if I had not till lately expected you here, as I understood it to be your Intention. Your Enlargement gave me great Pleasure; and I hope that the Terms exacted by the late Ministry will now be relax’d; especially when they are informed that you are one of the Commissioners appointed to treat of Peace. Herewith I send you a Copy of the Commission; the Purport of which you can Communicate to the Ministers if you find it proper. If they are disposed to make Peace with us and our Ally at the same time, I will on Notice from you, send to Mr Jay to prepare for Meeting at such Time and Place as shall be agreed on. As to our treating separately, and quitting our present Alliance, which the late Ministry seem’d to desire, it is impossible. Our Treaties, and our Instructions, as well as the honour and Interest of our Country forbid it. I will communicate those Instructions to you as soon as I have the Pleasure of seeing you. If you have occasion for Money, please to acquaint me with the Sum you desire, and I will endeavour to supply you.

With very great Esteem & Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
Honble. Hy: Lawrens Esqre

Endorsed: Recd 28th. Answd. 30th.
Notation: Benjamin Franklin— Passy 12th April 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Passy Apl. 12. 1782.
Being at Court on Tuesday, I learnt from the Dutch Minister, that the new English Ministry have offer’d thro’ the Ministers of Russia, a Cessation of Arms to Holland, and a renewal of the Treaty of 1674. M. de Berkenrood seem’d to be of Opinion, that the Offer was intended to gain Time, to obstruct the Concert of Operations with France for the ensuing Campaign, and to prevent the Conclusion of a Treaty with America: It is apprehended that it may have some Effect in strengthening the Hand of the English Party in that Country, and retard Affairs a little, but it is hoped that the Proposal will not be finally agreed to. It would indeed render the Dutch ridiculous. A. having a Cane in his Hand meets his Neighbour B, who happens to have none, takes the Advantage, & gives him a sound Drubbing: B. having found a Stick, and coming to return the Blows he received; A says, My old Friend, why should we quarrel? We are Neighbours, let us be good ones, and live peaceably by each other as we used to do. If B. is so easily satisfied, and lays aside his Stick, the rest of the Neighbours as well as A. will laugh at him.— This is the light in which I stated it. Enclosed I send you a Copy of the Proposition.
I see by the News-papers, that the Spaniards having taken a little Port called St Joseph, pretend to have made a Conquest of the Ilinois Country. In what light does this Proceeding appear to Congress? While they decline our offer’d Friendship, are they to be suffer’d to encroach on our Bounds, & shut us up within the Apalachian Mountains? I begin to fear they have some such Project.
Having seen in the English Prints an Article from Lisbon, that two American Ships under French Colours being arrived in that Port, were seized by the Government, I asked the Portuguese Ambassador if it was true. He said he had no Advice of it, as he certainly should have had if such a Thing had happen’d; he therefore did not give the least Credit to it; and said we might make ourselves perfectly easy, no such Treatment would in his Opinion be offer’d us in their Ports: and he further observed on the Falsehood of English News Papers, their having lately asserted that the Congress had issued Letters of Marque for Cruizing against the Portuguese.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
[Postscript in Franklin’s hand:] My No 6. was dated the 8th Inst.—Honble. Robt. R. Livingston Esqre.No. 7.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, 12 April 1782
From: Gérard de Rayneval, Joseph-Mathias
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Vles. le 12. avril 1782
J’ai mis Sous les yeux de M. le Cte. de Vergennes, M, les differentes letres que M Hartley vous a écrites, ainsi que votre projet de rèponse; ce Ministre a donné une entiére aprobation à la manière dont vous vous exprimez. Je joins ici un postscriptum concernant M. forth; M. le Cte. de Vergennes, qui en a pris lecture, trouve que vous pouvez sans inconvénient le transmettre à votre correspondant.
M. franklin

P.S. Apostille fournie à M. franklin le 12. avril 1782. a écrire à M. Hartley.
Depuis ma lettre écrite, M, j’ai pezé de nouveau les différentes ouvertures qu’elle renferme. Selon vous l’ancien ministère anglois desiroit sincèrement une reconciliation avec nous, et il nous proposoit dans cette vüe une paix Séparée. Tandis que vous me transmettiez ce vœu du Ld North, cet ex-ministre avoit ici un émissaire chargé de Sonder le ministere françois Sur Ses dispositions pacifiques, et de lui faire des propositions fort avantageuses. Vous pouvez juger par là, M, de l’opinion que je dois avoir des intentions du Ld North et de Ses Collègues. Pour vous convaincre de la vérité de la notion que je vous transmets, je vous confiérai que l’emissaire étoit un M. forth; et qu’on l’a chargé ici de rèpondre aux ministres anglois, que le Roi De france desiroit la paix autant que le Roi d’angre. [Angleterre], qu’il s’y prêteroit des qu’il le pourroit avec dignité et sûreté; mais qu’il importe avant tout à S. M. T. C. de savoir si la Cour de Londres etoit disposée a traiter ègalement avec les alliés de la france. M. forth est parti avec cette réponse pour Londres; mais il y a aparence qu’il ne sera arrivé qu’après la retraite des Ministres qui l’avoient envoyé. Vous pourrez, M, Sans aucun inconvénient faire usage de ces détails, Si vous le jugez à propos: ils feront connaître au Ministere actüel les principes de la Cour de france, et ils le convaincront, jespère, que le projet de nous desunir seroit aussi illusoire qu’il nous seroit injurieux. Quant au probleme remis à M. forth, je ne Saurois prévoir, (Si les nouveaux Ministres en sont instruits) de quelle maniére ils croiront devoir le resoudre: S’ils aiment La paix, comme ils l’ont persuadé à la nation anglaise et à toute l’Europe, ils ne doivent pas être embarassés: la france leur a ouvert une voie qu’ils peuvent, selon moi, suivre sans blesser la dignité de leur maître; s’ils ne la suivent pas, ils se flattent sans doute que le Sort des armes procurera à L’angre. des succès qu’il leur a refusé jusquà present: ce Sera à La providence à couronner ou a frustrer leurs espérances./.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 13 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy April 13th. 1782.
Inclosed with this I send to your Excellency the Pacquet of Correspondence between Mr Hartley and me which I promised in my last. You will see that we have held nearly the same Language which gives me Pleasure.
While Mr Hartley was making Propositions to me, with the Approbation or Privity of Lord North, to treat separately from France, that Minister had an Emissary here, a Mr Forth, formerly a Secretary of Lord Stormonts, making Proposals to induce this Court to treat with [without] us. I understand that several Sacrifices were offer’d to be made, and among the Rest Canada to be given up to France. The Substance of the Answer appears in my last Letter to Mr Hartley. But there is a Sentence omitted in that Letter which I much liked, viz: “that whenever the two Crowns should come to treat, his most Christian Majesty would shew how much the Engagements he might enter into were to be rely’d on by his exact observance of those he already had with his present Allies.”
If you have received anything in consequence of your Answer by Digges, you will oblige me by communicating it. The Ministers here were much pleased with the Account given them of your Interview, by the Ambassador.
With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin

You will be so good as to return me the Papers when you have a good Opportunity.His Exy J. Adams Esqre

Endorsed: Dr Franklin. Ap. 13. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 13 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy April 13. 1782.
Since mine of the 5th. I have thought farther of the Subject of our late Letters. You were of Opinion that the late Ministry desired sincerily a Reconciliation with America, and with that View a separate Peace with us was proposed. It happened that at the same time Lord North had an Emissary here, employ’d to sound the French Ministers with regard to Peace and to make them very advantageous Propositions, in Case they would abandon us. You may judge from hence, my dear Friend, what opinion I must have formed of the Intentions of your Ministers. To convince you of the Truth of this, I may acquaint you that the Emissary was a Mr. Forth; and that the Answer given him to carry back to the English Ministers was, que le Roi de France desiroit la Paix autant que le Roi d’Angleterre; qu’il s’y prêteroit dès qu’il le pourroit avec Dignité et Sureté; mais qu’il importoit avant tout à S.M.T.C. de savoir Si la Cour de Londres étoit disposée à traiter égalalement avec les Alliés de la France. Forth went off with this Answer for London, but probably did not arrive till after the Dismission of the Ministers that sent him. You may make any use of this Information that you judge proper. The new Ministry may see by it the Principles that govern this Court; and it will convince them, I hope, that the Project of dividing us is as vain, as it would be to us injurious. I cannot judge what they will think or do in Consequence of the Answer sent by Mr. Forth (if they have seen it). If they love Peace, as they have persuaded the English Nation and all Europe to believe, they can [be] under no Difficulty. France has opened a Path which in my Opinion they may use, without hurting the Dignity of their Master or the Honour of the Nation. If they do not chuse it they doubtless flatter themselves that War may still produce Success, in favour of England, that have hitherto been witheld. The Crowning or frustrating of such Hopes belongs to divine Providence. May God send us all more Wisdom. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
D. Hartley Esqe.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 13 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson

My dear dear Friend,
Passy, April 13, 1782.
I received your kind Letter of the 23d of December. I rejoice always to hear of your & your good Mother’s Welfare, tho’ I can write but Seldom, Safe Opportunities are Scarce. Looking over some old Papers I find the rough Draft of a Letter which I wrote to you 15 Months ago, and which probably miscarried, or your Answer miscarried, as I never receiv’d any. I enclose it, as the Spring is coming on and the same Proposition will now again be in Season and easily executed if you should approve of it. You mention Mr. Viny’s being with you. What is his present Situation? I think he might do well with his Wheel-Business in this Country. By your Newspapers Jacob seems to have taken it to himself. Could he not make up a good Coach with the latest Useful improvements, & bring you all in it? It would serve here as a Specimen of his Abilities, if he chose to stay; or would sell well if he chose to return. I hope Your Mother has got over her Lowness of Spirits about the Dropsey. It is common for aged People to have at times swell’d Ancles towards Evening; but it is a temporary Disorder, which goes off of itself, & has no Consequences.— My tender Love to her.
If you have an Opportunity of sending to Geneva, I like well enough your sending the Books thither for my Grandson, who goes on well there.— You do well to keep my Grandaughter without Stays. God bless her, and all of you.—
You may imagine that I begin to grow happy in my Prospects. I should be quite so, if I could see Peace & Good Will restored between our Countries; for I enjoy Health, Competence, Friends & Reputation; Peace is the only Ingredient wanting to my Felicity.
Adieu, my dear Friend, and believe me ever Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Addressed: To / Mrs Hewson / at Cheam / in Surrey.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 13 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Sir
Passy Apl 13th 1782
On looking over the Letters you have favored me with, I see several particulars, that have been hitherto unanswered, thro the Multiplicity of Affairs which devour my Time & distract my attention;

You hinted your Willingness to come over hither, in case the Journey cou’d be made usefull to the publick; I did not at that Time see any Probability of it— But the Change of Sentiments respecting America, and the consequent Change of Ministry, render it possible; If therefore you continue of the same Mind, & it wou’d not now be more inconvenient to your Private Affairs— I wish you wou’d wait on Lord Camden or Lord Shelburne, acquaint them with your Intention that you possess my fullest Confidence, & that if they desire any Propositions or even Ideas, to be communicated to me, tending to the good End we ought all to have in View, Peace, they may safely convey them by you, a Passport from this Court is not necessary to enter the Kingdom. Englishmen arrive here daily without any & are not questioned, and I shou’d be very happy indeed to see you.
  Extract from a Letter Dr. F. to. W.H—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 13 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam April 13. 1782
I have the Honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, a sett of 2 Bills of Exchange, at one usance, in favour of Messrs Fizeaux Grand & Co, for Six hundred and twenty five Pounds sterling being my Salary for one Quarter, computed in the Bill at four Thousands seven hundred and thirty three Crowns, Ten Sols and nine Deniers, of Sixty Sous the Crown, which you will please to charge to the United States of America according to the Resolution of Congress.
I have the Honour &c
Mr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Hopkins, 13 April 1782
From: Hopkins, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir,
Salem April 13th. 1782.
Tho’ the Eye of your Country is upon you, and you are engaged in great Matters, yet I take the freedom to call your Attention to an Object which demands that Humanity which ever possesses great Minds: it is the American prisoners confin’d in that Land of Slavery, Great Britain.
A Number belonging to this Town are among those miserable Men. The distressed Friends look with Expectation to Doc. Franklin for their Liberation.— Since the Capture of Lord Corn’—— their Hopes are raised. Doubt not but you will do all in your power to effect the desired Ends— I have more especially now in view, at this Time, Capt. Gideon Henfield, who is confind in Mill prison.— He deserves the attention of every Friend to Mankind.
Should be much obliged to you, Sir, if you would use your Endeavour to effect his Discharge.
Any Money, expended to this End, shall be refunded, upon Sight of your Order.—
If Capt. Hamilton could bear him company, it would add to my Obligation. I cannot tell in which prison he is confined.— I once wrote you upon the Subject of prisoners and received your agreeable answer.
Wishing you long to continue a Blessing to your Country, am, with much Esteem, Hond. Sir, your most humle Servant,
Daniel Hopkins
Doctor Franklin.

Addressed: Honle. Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 13 April 1782
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

a Versailles Ce 13. Avril 1782
Le Mis De la fayette a l’honneur de presenter Son Respect à Monsieur franklin, et comme il ne doit Voir qu’a onze heures la personne interessée dans la petite affaire dont il la Chargé hier, il pense que le depart d’aujourd’huy pourroit être differé jusqu’a demain au point du jour. Dès qu’il y aura une Réponse Le Mis De la fayette aura lhonneur d’en faire part a Monsieur franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, [13 April 1782?]
From: Lavoisier, Antoine-Laurent
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur et tres respectable Confrere
a lacademie Ce Samedy. [April 13, 1782?]
M. Le Roy veut bien Se charger de vous faire passer Ce billet et nous nous reunissons pour vous prier de venir diner avec nous a l’arsenal apres demain lundy. Nous aurons M. Magellan et quelques academiciens; nous esperons que Mr votre petit fils voudra bien vous accompagner.
J’ay lhonneur detre avec lattachement le plus respectueux Monsieur et tres respectable Confrere Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Lavoisier

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin ministre / des etats unis de lamerique / A Passy.
Notation: Lavoisier


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Hyacinthe de Magellan, 13 April 1782
From: Magellan, Jean-Hyacinthe de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  My dear Dr & Respected friend
Hotel de Savon, Rue de l’Université, this 13 April—82
I here send you the original Letter of Mr. Nairne about the acident of the House of industry at Heckingham, which was struck by lightning on last June, tho’ furnished with 8 Conductors, on account of being wrongly set up, without proper Communication with the earth or water &a. I have made an extract of this letter to be read to the Royal academy of Sciences, and to be inserted in the Roziers journal, but I did not name Mr. Nairne that the wise Council of the Royal Socy. of London may not find it any ways Against their punctilio for Communicating, what he had inspected by their order, and of which a Report was Communicated to the same Royal Society. You may keep this Letter if you like, as I have excerpted from it the particulars of the Case for public advantage: Viz that of not lessening the trust that electrical Conductors deserve for discharging the lightning without any damage: And that of being Careful how to erect them properly, in order to obtain the desired effect.
I’ll set off to Bruxelles and from thence to London with the smallest delay (of 2 or 3 days at Bruxelles) on tuesday next: and if you have any letter or Commands to England, I hope you know enough my readiness & dispositions &a.
Our good friend Dr. Begue du Presle will soon deliver to you the Compleate work of Miller (of the Linnean system with fine prints &a.) which our late friend Dr. Fothergill desired to be forwarded by you to Pensylvany, or to the Philosal. Socy. in America. The deficiencies were filled up by his sister viz. at her expense: she not allowing me to pay for them, & saying, that it being the intention of her Brother to make this present to the American Socy., she was very willing to pay for the remainder &a. Miss Fothergill added her hearty wishes for your well-fare and of the general interest of the people you have so gloriously espoused, and which I hope to see very soon Crown’ded with Success, as I heartly join in the same sentiments, and ever am, My good Respected Sir, Your most obedt., hble., and faithfull servt.
John-Hyacinth DE Magellan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 14 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy, April 14. 1782
The Bearer having been detain’d here, I add this Line to suggest, that if the new Ministry are dispos’d to enter into a General Treaty of Peace, Mr Laurens being set intirely at Liberty may receive such Propositions as they shall think fit to make relative to Time, Place, or any other Particulars, and come hither with them. He is acquainted that we have full Powers to treat & conclude, and that the Congress promise in our Commission to ratify and confirm, &c.— I am ever, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin

Addressed: To / David Hartley Esqe / Golden Square / London
Endorsed: D F Ap 14 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 April 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 14 April 1782
I am still deprived of any of your favors, tho’ very anxious for your next Letters, having wrote you several, since the late happy Change, in the Administration of this Country.
I now enclose you, the Sketch of an Agreement (if it meets yr Ideas) relative to the exchange, of the American prisoners, [in the margin: in Agitation betwixt me & Mr Nepean under Secretary] in Conformity to the Propositions, which you, empowered me to make, in your last, as well as in former Letters, the Clause, relative to the furnishing Provisions to the Brittish Troops home, at the Expence of America, I consented to, not only, as being reasonable & fair in itself, but, in the last Conversation, I had with Mr Laurens, he seemed to think, it ought to be complied with, it will be expected, either, that you sign the Agreement yourself, or that, you do, in a particular manner, authorise me, to do it for you, in such Manner & Form, as you shall judge proper, to have full Effect.
I have, further to inform you, that, the Transports, to take the Prisoners on board, will be ready, in a short Time; therefore, no Time shou’d be lost, in finishing the business; Goverment propose, to allow, Two Ton to each man, therefore, as there are, about Eleven hundred Men, Passports, for Eight or Nine Ships, may be required & you will please to send me, so many; leaving the proper blanks, to be filled up, as the Circumstances may require & you will please to let them be full & adequate to the purpose, for which they are intended, there are Seventy men, arrived from Ireland, at Plymo, a few days ago & alltho, the Propositions agreed upon, do not mention Ireland, yet, I have been assured, that a Vessell shall call at Kinsale, to take on board, the Prisoners, that remain there.
I am obliged, to write in a hurry, to avail myself of this opportunity, of conveyance, & cannot wait to see, if the mail (which is just arrived) brings me, any thing from you, as the Letters, will not be delivered, till to morrow— I am with the greatest Esteem & Respect— Dr sir yours most sincerely
William Hodgson

P.S. Will it not be proper, for you to Write per the Cartel Ships now going, to acquaint Congress, with the Terms of the exchange, or otherwise, they may not be apprized of what has been done, & I presume, you may send me, any Dispatches, you may have & that, there can be, no objection, to their being forwarded, by that Conveyance.

Conditions of the exchange of Prisoners with America
The American Prisoners now in Forton & Mill Prisons, are to be sent forthwith to America in Transports, provided for that purpose & to be supplyed with Provisions for their Subsistence during the passage at the expence of Goverment; The Prisoners who belong to massachusets Bay & the Colonies adjacent, to be conveyed to Boston & those belonging to the southern Colonies to be conveyed to the Chesapeak or Philadelphia, The Prisoners are not upon any acc’t to be allowed to proceed from hence to any other Country but America, & in case they shoud take possession of the Vessells on board of which they may be embarked & carry them to France, it is expected they are not to be sufferred to remain there, but to be ordered immediately to the places of their Destination in America— The Master of the Transport on board which the Prisoners may be embarked is to be furnished with a Certificate of the Number he receives from such agent as may be appointed to superintend their Embarkation & upon such Certificate being produced by the Commander in chief of his Majestys Forces in North America the like Number of Brittish Seamen, soldiers or Marines, as are specified in the said certificate, who have been made Prisoners by the Americans, shall be immediately released, from such particular Corps, & be delivered up at such of the ports in the Possession of his Majestys Forces, as the Commander in Chief in North America shall determine.
In case the Commander in Chief of his Majestys Forces in America shou’d wish to have in Exchange any of the Soldiers of Lord Cornwallis’ late Army now in Virginia, or elsewhere, it is expected that the Transports which are to receive them on board are to be furnished with a proper Proportion of Provisions for the Subsistence of the Brittish Troops so exchanged during the Time of their passage from Virginia to the place fixed upon for their delivery at the Expence of America— The Transports on board which the American Prisoners may be embarked, as well on their passage to America, as during the Time they have on board the Kings Troops exchanged in the manner before mentioned, are to be protected from the interruption of any of the Subjects of any State at present at War with Great Brittain.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Landrin, 14 April 1782
From: Landrin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Ce Dimanche 14 avril 1782
Nayant point Lhonneur destre Connu de vous Jay esté tres Surpris de voir vôtre Nom Ecrit Sur ma porte de cette facon; Docteur franclin a 3. heures, Je vous ay attendu et personne nes venu, jay pensé que quelquun en conversant avec vous vous aura parlé par hazards parlé de mes ouvrages Mecaniques, ce qui a put vous Exiter a me procurer l’honneur de votre Connoisance au reste le mal nest pas grand, Cy joint est un petit memoire de mon Mecanique.
Jay lhonneur destre avec Consideration et une parfaite Estime Monsieur Vostre tres humble et obeissant Serviteur
Landrinfaubourg Saint Martin chezMr Bertrant Mrd. Mercier au Troisieme

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur franclin / Duputé de la Republique / des Colonies de La Merique / A Passy les Paris
Notation: Bertrand 14 Août 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 16 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam April 16. 1782
Yesterday noon, Mr William Vaughan of London, came to my House, with Mr Laurens, the son of the President, and brought me a Line from the latter, and told me, that the President was at Harlem, and desired to See me.— I went out to Haarlem and found, my old Friend at the golden Lyon.
He told me that he was come partly for his Health and the Pleasure of seeing me and partly, to converse with me and see if he had at present just Ideas and Views of Things, at least to see if We agreed in Sentiment, and having been desired by Several of the new Ministry to do so.
I asked him if he was at Liberty? He said no, that he was still under Parole but at Liberty to say what he pleased to me.
I told him that I could not communicate to him, being a Prisoner, even his own Instructions, nor enter into any Consultations with him as one of our Colleagues in the Commission for Peace. That all I should Say to him would be as one private Citizen conversing with another. But that upon all such occasions I Should reserve a right to communicate whatever Should pass to our Colleagues and Allies.
He Said that Lord Shelburne and others of the new Ministers, were anxious to know whether, there was any authority to treat of a Seperate Peace, and whether there could be an Accommodation, upon any Terms short of Independance.— That he had ever answd them, that nothing short of an express or tacit Acknowledgement of our Independence, in his opinion would ever be accepted, and that no Treaty ever would or could be made Seperate from France. He asked me if his answers had been right? I told him I was fully of that opinion.
He Said that the new Ministers had received Digges Report, but his Character was such that they did not choose to depend upon it.— That a Person, by the Name of Oswald I think set off for Paris to see you, about the same time, that he came away to see me.
I desired him, between him and me to consider, without Saying any thing of it to the Ministry whether We could ever have a real Peace with Canada or Nova Scotia in the Hands of the English? And whether, We ought not to insist, at least upon a Stipulation that they should keep no standing Army or regular Troops, nor erect any fortifications, upon the frontiers of either. That at present I saw no Motive that We had to be anxious for a Peace, and if the nation was not ripe for it, upon proper terms, We might wait patiently till they should be so.
I found the old Gentleman, perfectly sound in his system of Politiques. He has a very poor opinion both of the Integrity and abilities of the new Ministry as well as the old.— He thinks they knew not what they are about.— That they are Spoiled by the same Insincerity, Duplicity, Falshood, and Corruption, with the former. Ld Shelburne still flatters the King with Ideas of Conciliation and seperate Peace &c— Yet the Nation and the best Men in it, are for an universal Peace and an express Acknowledgment of American Independence, and many of the best are for giving up Canada and Nova Scotia.
His Design seemed to be, solely, to know how far Diggs’s Report was true. After an hour or two of Conversation, I returned to Amsterdam and left him to return to London.
These are all but Artifices to raise the stocks, and if you think of any Method to put a stop to them, I will chearfully concur with you.— They now know sufficiently, that our Commission is to treat of a general Peace, and with Persons vested with equal Powers—and if you agree to it, I will never to see another Messenger that is not a Plenipotentiary. It is expected that the Seventh Province, Guelderland will this day Acknowledge American Independence.— I think, We are in such a Situation now that We ought not, upon any Consideration to think of a Truce, or any Thing short of an express Acknowledgement of the Souvereignty of the United States. I Should be glad however to know your sentiments upon this Point.
I have the Honor to be
Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 16 April 1782
From: Oswald, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Paris 16th April 1782.
I have the honour of yours by the Bearer and shall be sure to wait of you tomorrow at half past Eight—and am with much Respect—Sir, Your most obedient humble servant
Richard Oswald