Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 5 July 1783
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris le 5 Juillet 1783.

          La rèponse de Mrs. Le couteulx que vous
            avez bien voulu me communiquer n’est pas satisfaisante, en ce qu’ils ne s’expliquent
            point sur l’objet des fonds qu’ils ont à Monsieur Morris; ils se contentent de laisser
            entrevoir qu’ils en ont en disant qu’ils ne peuvent en faire d’autre employ que celui de
            les tenir à la disposition de Monsieur Morris Suivant ses ordres; mais ce qui me paroit le plus clair dans leur lettre c’est qu’ils
            veulent proffiter de l’avis que vous leur avez donné & se rèserver ces fonds pour avoir l’honneur
            d’intervenir & payer les traittes sur un protest, ce que l’on veut èviter. Il me
            semble que ces Messieurs pourroient & devroient concourir à èviter une façon de
            payer aussi humiliante que deshonorante à tous ègards; encore se font ils peut être
            illusion; J’ai eu l’honneur de vous faire voir un Etat par le quel les traittes qui
            rèstent à payer pour Monsieur Morris s’elèvent à £1,519,528. [l.t.] 17. s. 3. d. Peut être que ces Messieurs ne s’attendroient
            point à cela ni à avancer cette Somme à Monsieur Morris s’ils n’en avoient pas les
            fonds, & alors il auroit mieux valu qu’ils n’intervinssent à rien qu’à une partie.
            Quant à moi il ne m’en rèste plus; Mr. Barklay ne pense pas que ceux qu’il aura à me
            remettre suivant les ordres de Monsieur Morris, Quand il les aura recouvré, l’Epoque
            n’en etant pas encore certaine, ne fissent au delà de cent mille livres; Le vaisseau Le
            Duc de Lauzun n’etant pas encore vendu, son produit ainsi que le tems de cette rentrée
            est incertain; mais quand ces deux
            objets seroient reçus ils ne feroient pas deux cent mille livres & quest ce que
            cette Somme vis à vis de nos besoins? Je ne vois donc que les fonds qui sont en hollande
            capables de nous aider, Mrs. Le couteulx ne voulant pas en donner & comme nous
            sommes depuis dix jours dans le besoin le plus préssant & qu’il auroit dèja èclaté
            sans mes soins, je crois qu’il n’y a pas un instant à perdre de faire partir un courrier
            pour Mrs. Willinck, Staphorst, & De la lande d’amsterdam, aux quels il seroit
            important que Monsieur adams eut la bonté de confirmer l’ordre que leur donne Monsieur
            Morris de tenir à ma disposition les fonds qu’ils ont à lui, en leur demandant de lui
            marquer ainsi qu’à moi en rèponse sur quelle somme je puis positivement compter. On
            pourroit peut être leur demander en même tems s’il ne leur Seroit pas possible de
            trouver à emprunter une Somme sur les obligations nouvelles qu’on leur envoye dans le cas qu’ils ne prèvoyent pas pouvoir les placer dans ce mois
            & le Suivant. Il me paroit important d’avoir tous Ces renseignements pour pouvoir
            nous diriger ici & rêgler nos opèrations. Si l’on ne prenoit pas ce seul parti qui
            nous rèste il en rèsulteroit les effets les plus cruels puisque comme j’ai dèja eu
            l’honneur de vous le dire n’ayant plus de fonds à Monsieur Morris les miens propres ne
            suffiront pas pour lui sauver un affront que je ressens au point que si l’Etat ou ceci
            me met depuis quelques tems devoit durer encore, ma Santé s’en altèreroit ainsi je vous
            suplie de m’en tirer de façon ou d’autre & d’agrèer les Sentimens Respectueux avec
            les quels Je Suis Monsieur vôtre très humble & très obeissant serviteur

            Grand

            Mr. adams à pris comunication de cette lettre & en à Ecrit une
              en consequence aux Banquiers d’amsterdam à qui je lai envoyée avec la miene par un
                Courrier. Ainsy celle cy ne sert
              plus que pour ce qui regarde MM. LeCouteulx

          Endorsed: Lettre de M. Grand sur la
            Lettre de Messrs le Couteulx


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 6 July 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

            Dear Sir,
            Passy, July 6. 1783.

          We have been honoured with several of your Letters, and we have talk’d of writing to
            you, but it has been delayed. I will therefore write a few Lines in my private
            Capacity.
          Our Negociations go on slowly, every Proposition being sent to England, & Answers
            not returning very speedily.
          Capt. Barney arrived here last Wednesday, & brought Dispatches for us as late as the first of June. The Preliminary
            Articles are ratified. But General Carleton, in Violation of those Articles, has sent
            away a great Number of Negroes, alledging that Freedom having been
            promised them by a Proclamation, the Honour of the Nation was concern’d, &c. Probably another Reason may be, that if
            they had been restor’d to their Masters, Britain could not have hop’d anything from such
            another Proclamation hereafter.—
          Mr Hartley call’d yesterday to tell us, that he had receiv’d a Letter from Mr Fox,
            assuring him that our Suspicions of affected Delays or Change of System on their Side
            were groundless; & that they were sincerely desirous to finish as soon as
              possible. If this be so, and your
            Health will permit the Journey, I could wish your Return as soon as possible. I want you
            here on many Accounts, and should be glad of your Assistance in considering and
            answering our public Letters. There are Matters in them of which I cannot conveniently
            give you an Account at present.—
          Nothing could be more seasonable than Success in the Project you proposed, but we have now very little Expectation.
          Please to give my Love to your valuable & amiable Son & Daughter, and believe me with sincere Esteem and
            Affection, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            Henry Laurens Esqr

          Endorsed: Doctr Franklin 6th July 1783
            Recd. & Answd 17th


Title: Baron de Thun to Franklin and John Jay, 7 July 1783
From: Thun, Ulrich, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

          Since at least March, when independence seemed assured, certain
            members of the diplomatic corps had wondered when Franklin would present his card, which
            would allow them to recognize him officially. Franklin explained
            that he would do no such thing until news of the ratification arrived. On July 2, prompted by Vergennes, the three
            American commissioners paid their first official visits to the ministers of Russia and
            Austria, calling also on the ministers of the Netherlands and Sweden (with whom they had
            treaties) and the minister of Denmark (with whom Franklin was negotiating one). That day Captain Barney arrived with news
            of the ratification, sparking a new round of diplomatic visits on the following Monday
            and Wednesday, July 7 and 9. Though the
            present note is the only extant acknowledgment of such a visit, other ambassadors
            reported to their courts that they had returned visits by the American ministers,
            signaling the beginning of diplomatic relations.
          Between these two days of visits, the American commissioners went to Versailles for the
            weekly gathering of foreign ministers. There they were received by the diplomatic corps
            for the first time. Adams noted the occasion in a letter to Congress: “Yesterday at
            Court all the foreign Ministers behaved towards us, without reserve, as Members of the
            Corps Diplomatique—so that we shall no longer see those lowering Countenances, solemn
            looks, distant Bows, & other peculiarities, which have been sometimes diverting
            & sometimes provoking, for so many years.”

            ce 7 Juillet 1783

          Le Baron de Thun, Ministre Plénipre. de Wirtemberg, êtant empeché par
            une indisposition de rendre sa visite en personne, fait ses remercimens a Messieurs
            franklin et a Monsieur Jay de l’honneur qu’ils ont bien voulu lui faire.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 7 July 1783
From: Webb, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Geneva July 7th: 1783.

          So peculiarly a good Opportunity as by the hands of your amiable Grandson, I could not
            let slip, without thanking you for the Favour of your Letter by Mr. Pigot. I am much obliged by those Terms
            of respect & Sentiments of Good-will you are so Kind to express relative to Me &
            Mine. I still wait the happy Issue. No material Alteration has yet happen’d in the
            health of my dear little Woman.
          Your Taste for the enjoyment of Retirement and Leisure in the decline of Life, has
            certainly met with an Interuption—But, of important Magnitude—and Providence has crown’d
            It with a Success the Glory of which will never die. Distant Ages will immortalize the
            Negociations of your latter days by perpetual Commemmoration. I heartily congratulate
            you my dear Sir on these great Events—and hope my native Country will yet learn the
            Wisdom to be good—and thereby still continue to be one Asylum for the Sons of Liberty. A
            defection in the Quantum of real Worth, I take to be at the Foundation of all the Evils
            as a Nation we have suffer’d, & are but too surely still threatned with. Pray God
            avert them!
          It is not the least Compliment to the Bearer of this to say that his Sweetness of
            Temper & amiableness of Manners has render’d him here as universally beloved as
            Known, & promises fair to be his portion under whatever Climate his Lott is cast. I
            was rejoiced that you had Sent for him, on many Accounts, particularly on that of a
            seeming present Delicacy of Health, which by being properly attended to now, may make
            him rich as is his Grandfather in this respect, at a very distant Period. I heartily
            wish It. Being with the greatest Respect Dear Sir Yr. much obliged & most Obedient
            hble Servt

            B: Webb.

            Mr. Pigot gave me hopes we had some Chance of the pleasure to See
              you in this part of the World. Have you laid aside all thoughts of It?—or rather, does
              not the Termination of your great Negociation afford the Opportunity, as well as point
              out the propriety of relaxing a little with the calm Scenes of Nature in this fine
              Country?

          Notation: B Webb


Title: William Alexander to Franklin and William Temple Franklin, 8 July 1783
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Franklin, William Temple

            Dear Sir
            Tuesday 8 July 1783

          Betsey wrote you last week to ask a day
            when you & your son Can dine wt Madme de la Marke any time before the 20th— We have
            no Answer— You will oblige me by desiring your son to write— On recolection I address
            this to Him & beg He will drop me a line to st Germains—
          I am most faithfully Your & His Most obt hble s

            W Alexander

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            Franklin Fils / a Passy
          Notations: W Alexander 8 July 83 / W
            Alexander 8 July 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 8 July 1783
From: Falconer, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Friend
            London July the 8. 1783

          I inclose you a gazzet that Came out on the 5 day of this month which Surprised me much
            after hearing So much Taulk about Giveing the amerricans Everey thing but Bringing the
            Shugers Directley from the west indies that they Should issue an order of Councel for there owen Ships onley. I have taken Care to Send two of the Gazetts one
            by Each Ship Bound to philadelphia as Soon as they apear to our friend Mifflin who is in
            Congress. I hope this will meet with your approbation. Yesterday on Change I taulkt to
            Some of the Committee of Merchants about it they all Seemd Surprised I told them they
            might be Shure Congress as Soon as it Got to hand would prevent aney of there Ships
            Loading in the united States for the west indies. I Shall take Care while I am hear to
            Give you Everey information in my power am Glad to inform you that our friend Mr Bingham
            is arrived and his Lady will make a stay hear for Some time he will also Give Everey
            information I am Dr Sir your Sincer friend

            Nath Falconer

          Addressed: For / Docter Franklin / at
            the / Court of / parris
          Notation: Falconet July 8. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marcus Gerhard Rosencrone, 8 July 1783
From: Rosencrone, Marcus Gerhard, Baron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur!
            a Copenhague Le 8. Juillet 1783./.

          Je n’ai rien eû de plus pressé monsieur, que de mettre sous Les yeux du Roi la Lettre
            que Vous m’aves fait L’honneur de m’ecrire ainsi que Le Projêt pour un Traité d’amitié
            et de Commerce qui L’accompagnoit. Le Roi a appris avec la plus parfaite
            Satisfaction les assûrances que cette Lettre contenoit des bonnes Dispositions du
            Congrês de contracter des Liaisons d’amitié et de Commerce avec ses Royaumes, ces Liens
            etant egalement conformes aux Interêts des deux Etats et aux Desirs sincêres de Sa
            Majesté, qui tendent à cimenter par tous Les moyens possibles L’harmonie, L’union et La
            Confiance qu’Elle souhaite d’etablir à perpetuité entre sa Couronne et les
            Etats-unis.
          Le Contre-Projet ci joint ne diffère en rien d’essentiel du Projet envoye, etant dressé
            entiêrement sur les mêmes Principes, et Vous en serés certainement convaincû monsieur,
            par La Notte qui explique Les Raisons, qui ont fait ajouter quelques articles et donner
            seulement une Tournûre differente à d’autres, de sorte que je me flatte d’apprendre dans
            peu, que Vous en aurés eté entiêrement satisfait, ayant trouvé La reciprocité La plus
            parfaite soigneusement etablie par tout.
          Quant au second Objêt dont il est parlé dans La Lettre dont Vous m’aves honoré, Vous connoissés deja monsieur, les
            Intentions genereuses de Sa Majesté envers les particuliers dont il est question, et Sa Majesté s’est plû d’autant
            d’avantage à saisir Le premier moment de manifester ces Intentions,
            qu’Elle a crû pouvoir esperer avec raison, que le Congrês les envisageroit en même Tems,
            comme une Preuve marquée de son Amitié et de son Estime pour ce Corps respectable. Il ne
            me reste ainsi rien à ajouter, si non, que Le Roi se prêtera avec Plaisir à La maniêre
            la plus propre à accelerer La Conclusion du Traité que nous venons d’ebaucher. Ce sera
            pour moi une partie des plus agreables de mes fonctions, monsieur, de travailler à La
            Confection de ces heureuses Liaisons avec un Ministre d’une reputation aussi universelle
            que La Vôtre, et c’est avec Les Sentiments de La Consideration La plus distinguée que
            j’ai L’honneur d’être, Monsieur! Votre três humble et três obeissant Serviteur.

            Rosencrone
            à Mr. Francklin, Ministre des Etats unis de L’amerique, à Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Lloyd, 9 July 1783
From: Lloyd, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hond. Sir
            Rouen 9 July 1783

          You’ll please to let my situation beg your excuse for this trouble, the Gentleman to
            whom the enclosed is addressed I know not how to direct to, because my baggage is gone
            on for Calais & with it his instructions on this head. It being of moment to him,
            & your polite disposition will be a early conveyance—
          Had I it in my power to have reached Paris I was order’d to Make Mr & Mrs. Hillegas’s respects to you and the Young Ladies who are all
              well. Permit me to have the honor of
            assuring I am with respect Hond Sir Yours

            Thomas Lloyd
            honble docr. Benj Fraklin

          Addressed: the honble / Doctor Benjamin
            Franklin / a Passey
          Notation: Thomas Lloyd Rouen 9 July
            1783


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Vergennes, 10 July 1783
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Paris, July 10. 1783—

          Messieurs Adams, Franklin & Jay, Ministers of the United States
            for treating of Peace, present their Respects to Mr le Comte de Vergennes, & request
            he would be pleased to favour them with a Copy of the Offer made by the two Imperial
            Courts of their Mediation.

          Notations: juillet 10 / rep. le 31
            Juillet 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Blagden, 10 July 1783
From: Blagden, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Thursday July 10. [1783]

          Dr. Blagden presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin, & begs He
            will do him the honour of accepting two papers printed in the Philosophical Transactions
            since the time Dr Franklin has received any of the volumes. That part which contains the
            Report upon the accident at Heckingham is not yet published. Dr B. has not forgot the commission he undertook
            to procure all the volumes due to Dr Franklin, & will make it his first business
            upon his return to London

          Addressed: Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Price, 11 July 1783
From: Price, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Paris 11 July 1783

          Having lately sent a Memorial to the controuler General of finance, praying that he
            would permit me to sell 180 Hogds. of Jamaica prize sugars, which is now stored at
            Bordeaux, on paying the same duties that french sugars pay, which memorial the farmers
            Genl. acquaint me must be recommended by your Excellency before it can be taken notice
            of. If therefore it would not be thought too presuming, I would ask the favour of a line
            from you to the Minister on this subject, & have the honor to be very respectfuly Sir your most huml. Servt.

            James Price
            Doctor Franklin

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            Franklin / Minister des Estats uni a / son hotel a / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gaetano Filangieri, 14 July 1783
From: Filangieri, Gaetano
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Naples, July 14, 1784 [i.e., 1783]

          In order to keep the promise I made you, I am sending through the mail the third volume
            of my Works, and within a few days I shall send
            you the fourth. I beg you not to judge one without having read the other. Both those
            volumes make up the third book of my Works, whose subject is the criminal part of
            legislative science. Please do not
            attribute to a vain display of erudition the use I make of the content of ancient and
            modern legislations. I felt it necessary to provide the analysis of what has been done
            in the past, in order to illuminate what should be done now. By reading that part of my
            work, you shall understand the reasons that led me to the adoption of this method.
          I don’t want to keep from you the reasons for my withdrawal in the solitary
              countryside where my literary output
            will be accelerated by the quiet and the silence. Six days from now, I shall be married
            to Mademoiselle Frendel whose mere presence will suffice to fill the void that the
            distance from my friends, relatives, and society as a whole might affect my spirits. The
            only circumstance that could take me away from this solitude would be the offer of a
            Minister’s post in America that you alluded to. When I hear that my Court has decided to send a
            Minister to the United Provinces of America, I shall do all in my power to be nominated.
            My greatest pleasure in such a case would be to be able to tell you viva voce the feelings of veneration and respect with which I
            proclaim myself your most devoted and obedient servant,

            Gaetano Filangieri


Title: Draft Letter from the American Peace Commissioners to Bariatinskii and Arkadii Markov, [before 15 July 1783]
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry,Bariatinskii, Ivan Sergeevich,Markov, Arkadii
To:

          Around July 13, the American commissioners had been given to
            understand that mediation by the imperial courts was “a mere formality—a mere
            Compliment, consisting wholly in the Imperial Ministers putting their names & Seals
            to the parchment, & can have no ill effect.” On that basis, and believing that Vergennes was
            in favor of it, Adams drafted the present letter accepting the offer of mediation. Two
            French versions were then prepared: a translation of the draft, which was addressed to
            the Russian mediators, and a similar translation addressed to Mercy-Argenteau, the
            Austrian mediator. The commissioners took the former to Versailles on Tuesday, July 15,
            for Vergennes’ approval. The latter remains among Franklin’s papers at the American
            Philosophical Society.
          Vergennes did approve the letter. The commissioners asked him directly whether engaging
            mediators might not expose them to unwelcome interference, perhaps instigated by the
            British. Vergennes explained that they were free to do as he had done, tell the
            ministers that their mediation would be “accepted” only after the major points were
            settled—in other words, consign them to a ceremonial function. He also pointed out how
            awkward it might be if, during the signing ceremony, the mediators were permitted to
            sign all the treaties but theirs. Involving Russia and Austria,
            moreover, would be a significant public acknowledgment of the United States. Satisfied
            that accepting mediation could be to their advantage, the American commissioners left
            their unsigned letter with Vergennes to be shown to the Russian and Austrian
              ministers. In the meantime, they
            waited for Fox to respond to their treaty proposals.

            Passy July [blank; i.e., before July 15,]
              1783

          To their Excellencies The Prince Bariatinskoy, and Mr De Markoff
            Ministers Plenipotentiary from her Majesty the Empress of all the Russias.
          The Subscribers, Ministers Plenipotentiary, from the United States of America, for
            making Peace with Great Britain, have the Honour to inform the Ministers from Her
            Majesty the Empress of Russia, that the United States of America, on the fifteenth day
            of June 1781 having been informed by his most Christian Majesty, that their Imperial
            Majesties the Emperor of Germany, and the Empress of Russia, actuated by Sentiments of
            Humanity, and a desire to put a Stop to the Calamities of War, had offered their
            Mediation to the belligerent Powers, in order to promote Peace, constituted the
            Subscribers together with the Honourable Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson Esquires,
            their Ministers Plenipotentiary, giving and granting to them, or Such of them as Should
            assemble, or in Case of Death, Absence, Indisposition or other Impediment of the others
            to any one of them, full Power and Authority in their Name and on their Behalf, in
            Concurrence with his Most Christian Majesty to accept in due Form the Mediation of their
            Imperial Majesties the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia.
          The Subscribers have also been informed by his Excellency the Comte de Vergennes, that
            his Most Christian Majesty and his Britannic Majesty, have accepted the Mediation of
            their Imperial Majesties in the definitive Treaty of Peace about to be concluded between
            those Powers.

          The Subscribers therefore in the absence of the Honourable Henry Laurens and Thomas
            Jefferson, have the Honour to inform your Excellencies that by Virtue of their
            Commission aforesaid Copy of which is inclosed, they are ready in Behalf of the Said
            United States of America to accept the Mediation of their Imperial Majesties in the
            definitive Treaty of Peace to be concluded between his Britannic Majesty and the Said
            States.
          Signed.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Butler, 15 July 1783
From: Butler, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            May it Please Your Excellency.
            Amsterdam July 15th 1783

          In behalf of myself and other American Sailors who have been prisoners in England, I
            make bold to petition your Excellency, whose humanity and beneficence is known to all
            the World. There are three of us here who were taken on board the Congress Ship the Confederacy Captain Hardinge. We have been discharged some time, and after
            attempting to get a passage from London to our own Country, in which it was impossible
            to succeed went from thence to Dunkirk; where the difficulty was still as great; after
            staying some time at Dunkirk without obtaining what we so much wished for we applied to
            Mr Coffin Your Excellency’s agent to supply us that we might be enabled to go to
            Amsterdam, where we were told we were sure of obtaining our desire; Mr Coffyn supplied
            us, but so small the sum, 15 Livres, that by the time we got to Amsterdam we had nothing
            left, which made one of our Companions who has but little patience to enter on board an
            East India Ship. Upon our Arrival at Amsterdam we applied to those who we were told
            would supply us till we embarked, when to our great surprise we were told Mr Adams had
            left no order concerning such supply, therefore could not give us any. This answer
            rather amazed, more so as we were informed that several had before received such
              relief. We therefore determined to
            apply to Your Excellency, and unless your Excellency can invent some means or other to
            extricate us from our difficulties, our state will not be altogether desirable. After
            adventuring our lives in defence of our Country, and being prisoners several months it
            is peculiarly hard to be thus neglected, that Country, I say who thus abandons us,
            cannot be worthy of our future services. To leave brave men without any provision
            certainly merits not esteem. We know your Excellency has made ample provision for those
            in your province (France). Why should not the same be made in Holland. We live here upon
            Credit, and we are at the mercy of our Landlords, whither our liberty (which to us is
            precious) shall last for another hour. Where we not Confident our Petition would be
            answered we would not have applied to Your Excellency.
          If your Excellency should deign to answer the petition of your Humble Servants, they
            will always, bear such an instance of generosity for
            ever in their Breast. Your Excellency by giving an order upon your Excellencie’s
            Correspondent in this City will give us great satisfaction.
          I am Sir Your Excellencies Most willing Servant.

            John Butler
            at Mrs. Margrath’s the Sign of the Ship Warmer Street Amsterdam

          Notation: John Butler July 15.
            1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 15 July 1783
From: Lettsom, John Coakley
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Esteemed Friend
            London July 15. 1783

          John Lister, a respectable Friend
            (Quaker) has just informed me that he sets off for Paris tomorrow; and I embrace the
            opportunity of acknowledging the favour of thy Letter, inclosing one of Dr. Fothergills
            herein returned, tho’ I regret that I
            have not time by his sudden departure, of writing more fully in answer to thine.
          My Friend Lister will spend about a week in Paris, & will convey any thing for
            England thou may wish to entrust him with. He is kind enough to take my Acct. of Dr.
            Fothergill; the use I have made of thy Letter, will, I hope meet with thy approbation,
            as well as my political ideas.
          I am respectfully

            J. C. Lettsom

          Addressed: Benjamin Franklin / at Passey
            / near Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Nolin, 15 July 1783
From: Nolin, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a Paris Le 15 Juillet 1783

          Mr. De marbois Secretaire de L’ambassade de france en Amerique, me mande que mr Le
            cher. de La Luzerne désire des Graines potageres et me prie de Luy en envoyer un
            assortiment de choix. Il m’ajouté que Le Vaisseau le Vashington Caine. Barcley aborde au
            havre, que Ce navire est à vôtre disposition que Son Séjour ne Sera pas Long. Et que C’est une occasion tres favorable pour ce
            Transport. J’ay en Consequence rassemblé Les graines qu’on desire. Je prends La Liberté
            de vous Les adresser, en vous Supliant d’avoir La bonté de Les faïre passer á
            philadelphie, a Leur destination, J’ose attendre Cette Grace de votre Complaisance.
          J’ay L’honneur d’être avec Respect Monsieur Vôtre tres humble et tres obeissant
            Serviteur

            L’abbe Nolin,Directeur gal des pepinieres
              duRoy au Roule faubourg st honorë

          Notation: Nolin 15 Juillet 1783


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Farmers General: Memorandum, [before 17 July 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Farmers General

            [before July 17, 1783]

          Copy of [Note given] to the Farmers General
          Mr Robert Morris, Merchant, of Philadelphia, is Superintendant des
            Finances of the United States.
          It belongs to him to make Provision for the [Payment of the Debt due from the States to
            the Farmers General].
          Mr Morris is a Man of S[kill] in
            Business, great Activity, great Exactness, & Integrity, in whom the most perfect
            Confidence may be placed.
          Mr Franklin therefore advises, that a Letter be written by Messrs. the Farmers General
            to Mr. Morris,* mentioning the Sum due & their Desire of being paid, and
            requesting that he would in part send them a Cargo of Tobacco, purchased by him for
            them, he being allow’d a Commission of [blank] per Cent.
            that they may judge from the Experiment whether it will be advantageous for them to give
            Orders for a Continuation of the Payment of the Debt in this Manner, [& in future]
              [illegible]
          *They chose to [write it to Mr. Franklin]


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 17 July 1783
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Hartley, David

            Sir,
            Passy, July 17th. 1783.

          We have the honour to inform you that we have just received from Congress their
            Ratification in due Form of the Provisional Articles of the 30th. of November 1782, and we are ready to exchange Ratifications
            with his Britannic Majesty’s Ministers as soon as may be.
          By the same Articles it is stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty shall with all
            convenient Speed, and without causing any Destruction or carrying away Negroes or other
            Property of the American Inhabitants, withdraw all his Armies, Garrisons and Fleets from
            the United States and from every Port, Place & Harbour within the
              same. But, by Intelligence lately
            received from America, and by the inclosed Copies of Letters and Conferences between
            General Washington and Sir Guy Carleton,
            it appears that a considerable Number of Negroes belonging to the Citizens of the United
            States, have been carried off from New-York contrary to the express Stipulation
            contained in the said Article. We have
            received from Congress their Instructions to represent this Matter to you, and to
            request that speedy and effectual Measures be taken to render that Justice to the
            Parties interested which the true Intent and Meaning of the Article in Question plainly
            dictates.
          We are also instructed to represent to you, that many of the British Debtors in America have
            in the Course of the War sustained such considerable and heavy Losses by the Operation
            of the British Arms in that Country, that a great Number of them have been rendered
            incapable of immediately satisfying those Debts: we refer it to the Justice and Equity
            of Great Britain, so far to amend the Article on this Subject, as that no Execution shall be issued on a Judgment to be obtained in any
            such Case but after the Expiration of three Years from the Date of the definitive Treaty
            of Peace. Congress also think it reasonable that such Part of the Interest which may
            have accrued on such Debts during the War shall not be payable, because all Intercourse
            between the two Countries, had, during that Period, become impracticable as well as
            improper, it does not appear just that Individuals in America should pay for Delays in
            payment which were occasioned by the civil and military Measures of Great Britain. In
            our Opinion the Interest of the Creditors as well as the Debitors requires that some
            Tenderness be shewn to the Latter, and that they should be allowed a little Time to
            acquire the Means of discharging Debts which in many Instances exceed the whole Amount
            of their Property.
          As it is necessary to ascertain an Epocha, for the Restitutions and Evacuations to be
            made, we propose that it be agreed, that his Britannic Majesty, shall cause to be
            evacuated the Posts of New-York, Penobscot and their Dependences, with all other Posts
            and Places in Possession of his Majesty’s Arms, within the United States, in the Space
            of three Months after the Signature of this definitive Treaty, or sooner if possible,
            excepting those Posts contiguous to the Water Line, mentioned in the fourth
              Proposition, and these shall be
            evacuated, when Congress shall give the Notice therein mentioned.
          We do ourselves the honour of making these Communications to you, Sir, that you may
            transmit them and the Papers accompanying them to your Court, and inform us of their
            Answer.
          We have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servants

            John Adams.B FranklinJohn Jay
            Dd. Hartley Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 17 July 1783
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Sir
            Paris 17 Julliet 1783

          In case our friend Williams shoud not
            provide for Some bills drawn by Mr Bache of Philadelphia will You not think it proper to
            do it? They can hardly exceed 1000— If you think this proper—You shoud Write Williams to
            address the holders to you— My meaning
            in this is that you woud probably Chuse to save Mr Bache the dishonor & loss which
            is very Considerable on the return of Bills— I have written to Williams & am going
            to set out for St Germains. I beg my
            respects to Your Son & am wt greatest Esteem Dear Sir Your most obt hble S

            W Alexander
            If You write to Williams desire him to tell You the precise
              amount that You may know Exactly the Extent.

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur
            Le Docteur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis d’Ame à la Cour de
            France / à Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Farmers General, [17 July 1783]
From: Farmers General
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            [July 17, 1783]

          Suivant le compte arrêté entre vous et nous, le 17. Novembre 1781, Il reste du à la Ferme Générale, sous le nom de
              David, une Somme de huit cent quarante
            Six mille Sept cent soixante dix livres quatorze Sols cinq deniers, et ce Debit, comme
            vous sçavés, est le restant d’un million que nous avons prêté aux Etats Unis, pour la
            valeur du quel ils devoient nous fournir des Tabacs à quarante Livres le quintal, rendu
            dans nos Ports, ce qui n’a été exécuté que pour la Somme mentionnée dans le Compte que
            nous avons l’honneur de vous rapeller.
          Le Bail de David est expiré depuis trois ans, et nous sommes occupés, Monsieur, à
            terminer les Liquidations relatives à ce Bail; Nous desirons beaucoup, en consequence,
            que vous veuillés bien acquitter l’engagement que vous avez contracté avec nous; Nous ne
            vous en avons point parlé pendant la durée de la Guerre, Nous ne reclamons point les
            Intérêts de la Somme prêtée, mais le Retour de la paix, et l’Expiration, déja ancienne
            du Bail de David, seront sans doute pour vous, comme pour nous, des motifs pressans de
            terminer cette affaire.
          Sa Conclusion naturelle seroit l’acquitement du Solde du Compte, le traité n’ayant
            point été executé, et le Bail de David étant expiré, mais nous pensons, Monsieur,
            qu’elle pourroit finir dans les mêmes Principes qui l’ont fait naitre, et que les Etats
            Unis pourroient acquiter la Somme qui nous reste dûe, en nous fournissant sa Valeur en
            Tabac, et nous vous prions d’en faire la proposition au
            Congrès, en lui rappellant tout ce qui s’est passé entre vous et nous, au sujet de cette
            Affaire.
          Si elle est acceptée, comme nous l’esperons, il conviendroit, Monsieur, que M. Morris,
            chargé du Département des finances, nous expédiat à compte, une Cargaison de Tabac pour
            le port du Havre; Nous repartirions les matieres dans les Manufactures du Havre, Dieppe
            et Paris, au moyen de quoi nous serions en état de faire connoitre promptement à M.
            Morris, l’Opinion que nous aurions de son Envoy, quant à la Qualité; il nous adresseroit
            une facture qui nous indiqueroit les Prix d’achats, et tous les frais faits en amerique,
            et y joindrait un connoissement qui nous annonceroit le Prix du Fret.
          Nous ne fixons aucuns Limites à M. Morris, pour l’objet du Chargement, et naturellement
            il doit être reglé suivant le Port du Bâtiment qu’il aura occasion de freter; nous
            demandons quant au prix du Tabac, qu’il soit combiné, de maniere que celui d’achat, tous
            les frais d’Amerique, La Commission, et le fret, reünis ensemble, n’en portent point la
            Valeur, à l’arrivée au port du havre, audessus des quarante livres par quintal, rendu
            dans nos ports, qui avoient été convenus entre vous et nous, lors du prêt dont nous
            sollicitons le Remboursement; Nous ne déterminons pas le Tau de la Commission qui doit
            entrer dans le prix combiné, et, pour le chargement en question, nous nous en rapportons
            à ce que fera M. Morris; nous observons seulement qu’elle est de deux pour cent dans les
            opérations ordinaires du Commerce, et qu’elle doit naturellement diminuer, suivant
            l’importance des objets.
          Nous Sommes persuadés, Monsieur, que l’Essay dont il s’agit nous mettra dans le Cas de
            souhaiter que toute la Somme qui nous est due soit [acqui]ttée par la même voye; Nous
            verrons avec plaisir que ce soit l’occasion d’une Correspondance entre M. Morris et
            nous; ses lettres alors devront être adressés à Mrs. les Fermiers Généraux du Bureau des
            achats du Tabac, à l’hotel des Fermes à Paris.
          Cette correspondance peut avoir des Suites beaucoup plus interessantes que l’objet qui
            nous occupe, dans le moment; Cette perspective, sans doute, n’échapera point à M.
            Morris, et s[achant(?)] que vous avez la bonté de nous dire de ses Principes et de ses Talents, nous verrions avec plaisir que nos Relations avec lui se
            multipliassent; Nous vous serions très redavables, Monsieur, de lui recommander nos
            Intérets et nous reclamons vos bons offices pour la Conclusion de l’affaire qui donne
            lieu à la présente.
          Nous sommes avec Respect, Monsieur, Vos tres humbles et très obeissants Serviteurs.

            (signé) DeLaage.
              DE LA
              Hante. Pignon. St. Amand.

            Copie d’une Lettre de Messrs. les Fermiers Généraux à Mr.
              Franklin, datée de Paris le 17. Juillet 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 17 July 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            Bath 17th July 1783.

          I have but this moment 1 o Clock PM been honored
            with your Letter of the 6th. Instant, it has been long in its Passage, I must endeavour
            to make more Expedition in complying with your wish to return as soon as possible to
            Paris. I had flattered myself with hopes of being free.
          As tis possible nay probable that I shall be with you as soon as this, tis unnecessary
            to enlarge, indeed I have not time for I mean to begin my Journey to morrow morning. I
            purpose to go from St Dennis to Passy where I hope to have the honor on the 24th or
            25th. of repeating how truly I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,

            Henry Laurens.

            We, meaning this little family, present most respectful Salutes to
              yourself Mr. & Mrs. Jay and our good friend Mr. Franklin Junr: and also to Miss
                Maria
            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr: Paris.

          Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin
            Franklin Esquire / &c &c / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Wheelock, 17 July 1783
From: Wheelock, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            St James’ Street No. 40 London 17 July 1783

          I wrote to your Excellency from the Hague, requesting a letter to Dr Price, & the
            favor to be informed, whether any thing had appeared in the circle of your acquaintance
            conducive to the furtherance of the Object of my attention. But likely my letter has not reached you, as I
            have heard nothing since.
          I beg, Sir, the honor to be informed whether or no, in your opinion, any thing can be
            done to effect in any part of His Christian Majestys dominions— A compliance, so soon as
            you might think it convenient, would be very obliging, as we shall not stay long in this
            country, unless something should turn up more favorable to success than now appears.
          I am with the greatest respect, Sir, your Excellencys most obedient & very humble
            servant

            Jn Wheelock

          Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin
            Franklin LLD / Minister plenipotentiary &c / Passey / near Paris
          Notation: Wheelock 17 July 1783.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, [before 18 July 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jay, John

            [before July 18, 1783]

          Mr. F. submits it to the Consideration of Mr. Jay, whether it may not
            be adviseable to forbear, at present, the Justification of ourselves, respecting the Signature of the Preliminaries; because
          That matter is, at present, quiet here;
          No Letter sent to the Congress is ever kept secret;
          The Justification contains some Charges of unfavourable Dispositions in the Ministers
            here towards us, that will give offense & will be deny’d;
          Our Situation is still critical with respect to the two Nations, and the most perfect
            good Understanding should be maintained with this;
          The Congress do not call upon us for an Account of our Conduct, or its Justification.
            They have not by any Resolution blamed us. What Censure we have received is only the
            private Opinion of Mr. L.
          Mr. Laurens is not here, who is concern’d with us, Will it be attended with any
            Inconvenience, if that Part of the Letter, which relates to the Signature be reserved to
            a future Occasion?
          B. Franklin’s Observations on Mr Jay’s Draft of a Letter to Mr
            Livingston, which occasioned the foregoing Part to be left out.


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 18 July 1783
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Livingston, Robert R.

            Sir,
            Passy, 18th. July 1783

          We have had the honour of receiving by Capt. Barney your two Letters of the 25th. of
            March & 21st of April, with the
            Papers referred to in them.
          We are happy to find that the Provisional Articles have been approved & ratified by
            Congress, and we regret that the Manner in which that Business was conducted, does not
            coincide with your Ideas of Propriety. We are persuaded however that this is principally
            owing to your being necessarily unacquainted with a Number of Circumstances, known to us
            who were on the Spot, and which will be particularly
            explained to you hereafter, and, we trust, to your Satisfaction & that of the
            Congress.
          Your Doubts respecting the Separate Article we think are capable of being removed, but as a
            full State of the Reasons and Circumstances which prompted that Measure would be very
            prolix, we shall content ourselves with giving you the general Outlines.
          Mr Oswald was desirous to cover as much of the Eastern Shores of the Missisippi with
            British Claims as possible and for this purpose we were told a great deal about the
            ancient Bounds of Canada & Louisiana &ca &ca &ca. The British Court who
            had probably not yet adopted the Idea of relinquishing the Floridas, seemed desirous of anexing as much Territory to
            them as possible, even up to the Mouth of the Ohio— Mr. Oswald adhered strongly to that
            Object as well to render the British Countries there of sufficient Extent to be, (as he
            express’d it) worth keeping & protecting; as to afford a convenient Retreat to the
            Tories for whom it would be difficult otherwise to provide; and among other Arguments he
            finally urged his being willing to yield to our Demands to the East, North and West, as
            a further Reason for our gratifying him on the Point in Question. He also produced the
            Commission of Govr Johnson extending the Bounds of his Government of W. Florida up to
            the River Yassous [Yazoo] and contended
            for that Extent as a Matter of Right upon various Principles which however we did not
            admit.
          We were of Opinion that the Country in Contest was of great Value both on Account of
            its natural Fertility, and of its Position, it being in our
            Opinion the Interest of America to extend as far down the Mouth of the Missisippi as we
            possibly could. We also thought it
            adviseable to impress Britain with a strong Sense of the Importance of the Navigation of
            that River, to their future Commerce on the interior Waters from the Mouth of the River
            St Lawrens to that of the Missisippi, and thereby render that Court averse to any
            Stipulations with Spain to relinquish it. These two objects militated against each
            other; because to inhance the Value of the Navigation was also to inhance the Value of
            the Countries contiguous to it, and thereby disincline Britain to the Dereliction of
            them. We thought therefore that the surest Way to reconcile & obtain both Objects
            would be by a Composition beneficial to both Parties. We therefore proposed that Britain
            should withdraw her Pretensions to all the Country above the Yassous and that we would
            cede all below it to her in Case she should have the Floridas at the End of the War, and
            at all Events that she should have a Right to navigate the River throughout its whole
            Extent. This Proposition was accepted, and we agreed to insert the contingent Part of it
            in a separate Article, for the express purpose of keeping it secret for the present.
            That Article ought not therefore to be consider’d as a mere Matter of Favour to Britain,
            but as the Result of a Bargain in which that Article was a “quid pro quo.” It was in our
            Opinion both necessary & justifiable to keep this Article secret. The Negotiations
            between Spain France & Britain were then in full Vigour, and embarrass’d by a
            Variety of clashing Demands. The Publication of this Article would have irritated Spain,
            and retarded if not have prevented her coming to an Agreement with Britain. Had we
            mentioned it to the French Minister, he must have not only informed Spain of it, but
            also been obliged to act a Part respecting it that would probably have been disagreable
            to America, and he certainly has reason to rejoice that our Silence saved him that
            delicate and disagreable Task. This was an Article in which France had not the smallest
            Interest, nor is there any thing in her Treaty with us, that restrains us from making
            what Bargain we pleased with Britain about those or any other Lands, without rendering
            Account of such Transaction to her or any other Power
            whatever. The same Observation applies with still greater Force to Spain, and neither
            Justice or Honour forbid us to dispose as we pleased of our own Lands, without her
            Knowledge or Consent. Spain at that very time extended her Pretensions and Claim of
            Dominion not only over the Tract in Question, but over the Vast Region lying between the
            Floridas and Lake Superior; and this Court was also at that very Time soothing &
            nursing of those Pretensions by a proposed conciliatory Line for splitting the
            Difference. Suppose therefore we had offer’d this Tract to Spain in Case She retained
            the Floridas, should we even have had Thanks for it? or would it have abated the Chagrin
            she experienc’d from being disappointed in her extravagant and improper Designs on that
            whole Country? we think not.—
          We perfectly concur with you in Sentiment, Sir, “That Honesty
              is the best Policy” but untill it
            be shown that we have tresspass’d on the Rights of any Man or Body of men, you must
            excuse our thinking that this Remark as applied to our Proceedings was unnecessary.
          Should any Explanations either with France or Spain become necessary on this Subject,
            we hope & expect to meet with no Embarrassments. We shall neither amuse them nor
            perplex ourselves with ostensible and flimsy Exuses, but tell them plainly that as it
            was not our Duty to give them the Information, we consider’d ourselves at Liberty to
            withhold it, and we shall remind the French Minister that he has more Reason to be
            pleased than displeased with our Silence. Since we have assumed a Place in the Political
            System of the World let us move like a Primary & not like a Secondary Planet.
          We are persuaded, Sir, that your Remarks on these Subjects resulted from real Opinion,
            and were made with all Candour and Sincerity. The Best Men will view Objects of this
            Kind in different Lights even when standing on the same Ground: and it is not to be wonder’d at that we who are on the Spot and have the whole Transaction
            under our Eyes should see many Parts of it in a stronger Point of Light than Persons at
            a Distance, who can only view it through the dull Medium of Representation.
          It would give us great Pain if any thing we have written or now write respecting this
            Court, should be construed to impeach the Friendship of the King & Nation for us. We
            also believe that the Minister is so far our Friend, and is disposed so far to do us
            Good Offices, as may correspond with, and be dictated by his System of Policy for
            Promoting the Power, Riches and Glory of France. God forbid that we should ever
            sacrifice our Faith, our Gratitude, or our Honour, to any Consideration of Convenience;
            and may he also forbid that we should ever be unmindful of the Dignity and independant
            Spirit which should always characterize a free and generous People.
          We shall immediately propose an Article to be inserted in the Definitive Treaty for
            postponing the Payment of British Debts for the Time mentioned by Congress.
          There are, no doubt, certain Ambiguities in our Articles, but it is not to be wonder’d
            at when it is consider’d how exceedingly averse Britain was to Expressions which
            explicitly wounded the Tories; and how disinclined we were to use any that should amount
            to absolute Stipulations in their Favour.
          The Words for restoring the Property of Real British
              Subjects were well understood and explained between us not to mean or comprehend
            American Refugees. Mr. Oswald and Mr. Fitz-Herbert know this to have been the Case, and
            will readily confess and admit it. This mode of Expression was preferr’d by them as a
            more delicate Mode of excluding those Refugees, and of making a proper Distinction
            between them and the Subjects of Britain whose only particular Interest in America consisted in holding Lands or Property there.
          The 6th. Article vizt. where it declares that no future
              Confiscations shall be made &ca ought to have fixed the Time with greater
            Accuracy: We think the most fair and true Construction is, that it relates
            to the Date of the Cessation of Hostilities. That is the Time when Peace in Fact took
            Place, in consequence of Prior unformal tho’ binding Contracts to terminate the War. We
            consider the Definitive Treaties as only giving the Dress of Form to those Contracts,
            and not as constituting the Obligation of them. Had the Cessation of Hostilities been
            the Effect of a Truce, & consequently nothing more than a temporary Suspension of
            War, another Construction would have been the true one.
          We are Officially assured by Mr. Hartley that positive Orders for the Evacuation of
            New-York have been dispatched; and that no avoidable Delay will retard that Event. Had
            we proposed to fix a Time for it, the British Court would have conte nded that it should
            be a Time posterior to the Date of the definitive Treaty and that would have been
            probably more disadvantageous to us than as that Article now stands.
          We are surprized to hear that any Doubts have arisen in America respecting the Time
            when the Cessation of Hostilities took Place there. It most certainly took Place at the
            Expiration of one Month after the Date of that Declaration in all Parts of the World
            whether Land or Sea that lay North of the Latitude of the Canaries.
          The Ships afterwards taken from us in the more Northerly Latitudes ought to be
            reclaimed and given up: We shall apply to Mr. Hartley on this Subject, and also on that
            of the Transportation of Negroes from New York contrary to the Words and Intention of
            the Provisional Articles.
          With great Esteem, we have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble
            Servants

            John Adams.B. FranklinJohn Jay
            The honble: Robt. R. Livingston Esqr

          Notation: Joint Commissioners July 18.
            1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 18 July 1783
From: Falconer, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Frend
            London July the 18. 1783

          The time Draws near for my Leaveing this place I Expect whe Shall be at Graves End
            about the Second of august I find Capt
            Barney is arived in France and hope he has Brought Dispatchs for you Mr Bingham I
            understand has wrote you the Gazet I
            Sent you hope Got sauef to hand Mr Silas Dean is hear he paid me a viset and I find from him Self that
            he wrote Some part of the phamlet I Sent you but he Says he Did not write the Conclusion
            in Short from his being So much with arnold and Lord Shefeld I Cannot Esteem Mr Dean as
              before Docter Bancroft is also hear
            and appling to Go to phila with I Shall
            be obliged to you for your opinion of thees two Gentelmen for Sir there is but few men
            beside your Self that I Dont Suspect of Desines agains our Countrey Mr Strahan I have
            not Seen to Shew him the paper you was So kind as to inclose but he is Expected in Town Every Day when I hope
            to See him yesterday I Dined with your old Friend Mr Sergent he Disierd if I wrote to
            Remember him kindley to you my Dear Sir I beg you will Give an accot of publick matters
            as far as you thing you Can Trust me for it will be Thought Strange by maney of our
            friends the other Side if I Can Give no account of matters in
            France My Best Compliments to Mr W T Franklin and Mr Hartley if Still with you. I am my
            Dear Sir your Sincer friend and Hb Sr

            Nath Falconer

          Addressed: Docter Franklin / at / the
            Court of France / parris
          Notation: Falconet July 18 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 July 1783
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            A Vlles. le 18. Juillet 1783.

          J’ai recu M. la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le
            4 de ce mois ainsy que les pieces dont vous l’avez accompagnée, relativement au Secours
            extraordinaire que vous etes chargé par le Congrès de demander au Roi.
          Ma lettre du 5 de ce mois vous a deja instruit de l’impossibilité où etoit S.M. de
            deferer a cette requisition. J’ai mis
            encore Sous Ses yeux vos nouvelles instances à cet egard, et c’est avec regret que je
            Suis dans la necessité de vous mander que le Roi n’a pas cru possible de rien changer à
            Sa premiere determination.

            M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 19 July 1783
From: Austin, Jonathan Loring
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Boston 19th July 1783

          Give me leave respected Sir to introduce to you my Brother Mr Benjamin Austin jr. &
            Mr Oliver Brewster (a young Gentleman of this Town who accompanys him on a Tour to
              Europe) who wish to have an
            Opportunity of paying their Respects to your Excellency & see that Country which has
            so generously exerted herself in behalf of America; & permit me to congratulate your
            Excellency on the glorious Event of Peace so honorable to America & beneficial to
            Mankind; & to assure you it is with sensible pleasure I felicitate you on this
            glorious Era, in the Accomplishment of which your Excellency has taken so distinguish’d
            a part, the Recollection must cause the most pleasing Reflections, & more than
            compensate for the many anxious hours when Hope & Fear for the fate of your Country
            ruled alternate; thus in the Eve of Life to see an Empire rising in this Western World,
            acknowledged free & independant by European Powers, is a grand
            Epoch to your former acquired Fame. May our internal police be as wisely regulated
            continue respectable, & terminate as gloriously, for the Benefit of Mankind in
            general—
          Requesting you will honor my Brother & his Friend with your Notice Advice &
            usual Civilities, I remain with the highest Respect Your Excellency’s, Most Obedient
            & Very huml Servant

            Jon L Austin
            Please to make my Compliments agreable to Mr Franklin—
            His Excellency Dr Franklin—

          Notation: Austin Mr. John 3. July
            1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper: Two Letters, 19 July 1783
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          I.

            Sir,
            Boston July 19th. 1783.

          Having wrote you at large by the America that has lately sailed from Portsmouth, you
            will give me Leave to write this merely as an Introduction to my Friend Benjn. Austin
            junr. Brother to Mr Austin who carried to France the News of Burgoigne’s Surrender. He is a worthy Branch of a respectable
            Family; a young Gentleman of much good Sense, highly esteemed by all his Acquaintance,
            and of good Reputation in the Mercantile World. I most sincerely wish him Success in his
            Plans of Business. He means to pass from England to France, and will not fail to do
            himself the Honor of waiting on the American Ambassador at the Court of that Nation. I
            hope he will find your Excellency in good Health, and surrounded with every
            Blessing.
          I have the Honor to be most respectfully and with the most constant Friendship Your
            most obedient humble Servant

            Saml. Cooper.
            His Excellency Bn. Franklin Esqr.

          Notation: Cooper Mr. Saml. July 19.
            1783.

          II.

            Sir,
            Boston July 19th. 1783.

          Mr Brewster, a young Gentleman with whom I have long been acquainted, and for whom I
            have conceived a particular Regard, who is much esteemed here for his Modesty, his
            Assiduity and fair Character in Business will deliver this to you. He goes for England
            in Company with Mr Austin, and from thence to France upon Mercantile Affairs; and will
            not fail to pay his Respects to our Ambassador at the Court of Versailles. I could not
            omit to give you that favorable Idea which I have formed of him. Renewing my Wishes for
            the Continuance of your Excellency’s Health and great Usefulness, I am with unceasing
            Respect and Friendship Your most obedient and most humble Servant

            Saml. Cooper.
            His Excellency B. Franklin Esqr.

          Notation: Cooper Mr. Saml. July 19.
            1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sousa Coutinho, 19 July 1783
From: Sousa Coutinho, Vicente, conde de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris ce 19 Juillet 1783

          L’Ambassadeur de Portugal a l’honneur de faire part a Monsieur
            Francklin que l’Assemblée que devoit
            etre chez lui sera tenue dorenavant chez l’Ambassadeur d’Espagne.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            Francklin / Ministre Plenre. des Etats unis / de l’Amerique Septentrionale / en son
            Hotel / a Passy. / de sousa./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Ulster Volunteer Corps Committee of Correspondence, 19 July 1783
From: Ulster Volunteer Corps Committee of Correspondence
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [July 19, 1783]

          At a meeting of the Comittee of Correspondence appointed by the
            Delagates of Forty five Volunteer Corps, assembled at Lisburn on the 1st. July Inst.,
            held at Belfast 19 July 1783— Present—

          Leiut. Col. Sharman, in the ChairMajor Burden—
            Captain CunninghamCaptain Prentice
            Captain MooreCaptain Crawford
            Leiut. Tomband Mr. Robert Thompson,
          Ordered, that the following Letter, signed by the Secretary in the
            Name of this Comittee, be forwarded to
            his Excellency Benjamin Franklin Inclosing a Copy of the Resolutions of the Provincial
            meeting of Volunteers of Munster, & of the proceedings of the forty five Volunteer
            Delagates assembled at Lisburn on the 1st. Inst. respecting a Parlimentary Reform, as
            also a Copy of the Circular Letter written this day by this Comittee to the several
            Volunteer Corps of this Province—

            Sir
            Belfast 19 July 1783

          Your attachment to the rights of mankind, induce us to address you on the present great and momentous occasion—
          The Spirit of freedom, which pervades all ranks of people in Ireland, with the Justice
            & wise policy of the British Nation, having forever removed all possible cause of
            Jealousy between the Sister Kingdoms, and united us to Britain on the basis of equal
            liberty & similar Constitution; it becomes the Duty, as it is the interest of each
            Kingdom to assist the other in their endeavours to restore to its ancient purity &
            vigour, a decayed, enfeebled & sickly Constitution.
          In both nations it is now generally acknowledged that this great object can be obtained
            by no other means, but by a reform of the representation in
            Parliament— In England, the measure has for the present miscarried, tho’ supported by so
            many wise, honest, great & independent men— We trust however it has misscarried only for a
            Season, & that the next attempt will prove successfull— Ireland has now taken up the
            Idea, and if we shall be so happy as to see success crown our efforts, we think
            considerable weight will be thereby added to the endeavours of the freinds of the People
            in England. The People of the two nations united in pursuit of the same important
            object, must be not only powerfull but irrisistable.
          The inclosed papers, which we request you may peruse, will show how far this Country
            has already gone in determining to procure a more equal Representation; the unanimous
            resolutions of about fifteen thousand Volunteers, already declared in a very few weeks,
            assure us the resolves of the Delagates of Ulster, who are to assemble at Dungannon on
            the 8th Sepr. next, will be no less unanimous and we will know that what the Volunteers (vast numbers of whom are freeholders) shall determine on, the other
            freeholders and people in general, who are not Volunteers, will adopt & Support by
            every means in their power—the aged fathers cannot differ from their Sons, respecting a
            matter on which depends every thing, that either holds dear for themselves, or their
            Posterity—
          That you may see the very depraved state of our representation it is necessary to
            observe, that out of three hundred Members, of which our House of Commons consists, two
            hundred & twenty are returned by Boroughs. Those one hundred & ten Bouroughs are
            divided into three Classes— 1st. Those where the right of Election is vested in the
            Protestant Inhabitants at large— 2d Those where the right of Election is vested, in the
            Chief Majestrate Burgesses & Freemen— 3d Those where the right of Election is
            confined to the Chief Majestrate & Burgesses— frequently not exceeding five or Six
            in number & seldom above ten or twelve—
          Almost all the Boroughs are venal & Corrupt, or implicitly obedient to the arbitary
            will of their respective Land lords, who dictate to the Electors in the most absolute
            manner, those Land lords, claim by prescription a kind of property in those Boroughs,
            which they transfer by sale, like an Estate, & receive from eight thousand to Nine
            thousand pounds for a Borough. And a seat for a Bourough is generally sold for Two
            thousand pounds, so that every Seven or Eight Years, the borough brings In Four thousand
            pounds to the Patron— Unhappily for Ireland our Counties are also too much governed by
            our Peers—& great men, whose influence over many of their respective tenants is very
            great, & this consideration has given rise here, to a doubt in the minds of many
            well meaning men, as to the propriety of adding to the Number of knights of the Shire—as
            generally now two great families endeavour to divide between them the Seats for the
            County, the others remain Neuter or join the independent interest, it is alledged were
            there Six Seats for the County—six great families woud
            divide them, and against such a junction, the independent freeholders woud not be able
            to make any effectual opposition—
          May we now intreat as a most important favour conferred on not only us, but on this
            Kingdom, that you may be pleased to favour us with your
            sentiments & advice, as to the best, most eligible & most practicable mode of
            destroying, restraining, or counteracting this Hydra of Corruption, Borough Influence;
            that we may be enabled to lay yr. opinion before the Provincial assembly of Delagates at
            Dungannon; and as our last meeting for arranging buisness previous thereunto, is fixed
            to be on the twentieth of August, we hope you will be obliging enough, to forward your
            reply so as to be with us about that time—
          Many apologies are due for this long address & for the very great trouble we have
            requested you to take, but we are Young in Politicks, & wish for information from
            men of more wisdom— experience—& abilities. This however we may venture to assert,
            that if we can only be directed to the best mode, The mass of the inhabitants of Ireland
            is at this moment so compleatly alive & sensible to the necessity of a well digested
            Reform— that there cannot remain a doubt, that what it attempts in conjunction with the
            Virtuous part of England, must be effectual—
          The several matters on which we have requested your opinion are thrown into one Veiw in
            the following Queries— In order to the purity of Parliament & to restore that
            constitutional controul, which the constituent body shoud have over the
            Representative—
          1st. Is it necessary that the Boroughs, when the right of election is
            vested in a few, and which in general are at the absolute disposal of one or two
            persons—should be disfranchised, and in their place the County Representatives
            increased—
          2d The protestant inhabitants consist of near one million who return
            three hundred members, woud it be wise to encrease the Number of Representatives of the
            Nation at large?
          3d A plausible objection (mentioned above) has been raised against an
            increase of County Representatives, has that argument much weight, and if it has—is it
            remediable—
          4th. Should the right of suffrage be extended, and if it should, who
            are the proper objects of such extension—?
          5th. In order to gaurd against undue influence woud it be wise to
            have the Members returned by Ballot?

          6th. Woud not a limitation of the duration of Parliaments to a
            shorter term then eight Years have excellent effects, & shd. it be less then
            triennial?
          7th. If the abolition of the enslaved Boroughs is necessary, woud it
            be equitable or expedient, that they be purchased by the Nation—
          8th. What specific mode of Reform, in the representation of Ireland
            best suits your own Ideas—considering the situation of this Country and what are the
            Steps which you conceive best adapted to effect the Reform—
          You will be so obliging as to direct your reply to our Chairman Leiut. Col. Sharman at
              Lisburn—
          The long Connexion that has subsisted between America & this Country, and the ties
            of Nature which must ever hold that Country dear to this—must plead our apology for this
            Address.
          Signed by order.

            Henry Joy. JunrSecry of the 45
              Corps


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 20 July 1783
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            London 20th July 1783

          I have been very credibly informed that The Count De Vergennes, & others at
            Versailles have lately expressed, great resentment against Me personally, which gives Me
            the greatest uneasiness, on Account of my personal Safety at Paris, where I wish To be,
            To adjust & Settle my Accts., the
            best foundation, for me to expect Justice from in other respects. I therefore request of You, to inform Me, by a Letter, if I may
            rely on being personally safe, & unmolested in France, and at Paris, whilst
            necessarily detained there, on the Settlement of my Accompts, I shall dispatch the
            Business, as soon as possible, & hope it will be without my giving the least
            Offence, to any one; I am extremely sorry to have cause to Trouble You, on this
            Occasion, but with strong prejudices against Me both in America, and in France, and
            without protectors, or patrons, to apply to, I am obliged to do it, & presume that
            You will see the propriety of my precaution, & request.
          I have the honor to be with the most Sinere Respect & Esteem Your most Obedt. &
            Very humle servt.

            S Deane
            His Excelly. B. Franklin Esqr.

          Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr: Franklin /
            Minister plenipo. des / Etats Unies de L’Amerique / en France / à Passy pres de /
            Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 20 July 1783
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris, le 20e. juillet. 1783.

          Nôtre excellente Douairiere, mon respectable ami, Espere que vous
            aurés reçu avec votre bonté ordinaire la petite marque d’amitié qu’elle a cru devoir
            vous donner, après la perte que vous aviés faite de sa premiere canne. Plaignés la de n’avoir pu vous aller voir depuis
            long-temps; mais vous concevés toutes les affaires tous les embarras dont elle est
            accablée en ce moment-ci: elle vient de partir pour Versailles d’ou elle reviendra
            lundi, et à son retour elle se propose bien de vous aller chercher; en attendant elle me
            charge de vous mander que vous lui devés Une médaille pour
            remplacer celle qu’elle a cédée à mr. de Vauban. Ce monument lui est trop cher pour ne pas
            desirer d’en avoir un en sa possession: elle vous prie encore de lui renvoyer les
            nouvelles Littéraires qu’elle vous a prêtées.
          Recevés, mon respectable ami, l’hommage de ma profonde et tendre Vénération,

            Le
              CHR.
              De Keralio
            Mille et mille amitiés, S.V.P. à mr. votre petit-fils.

          Notation: Keralio 20 Juillet 1780.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Schönfeld, 20 July 1783
From: Schönfeld, Johann Hilmar Adolf Graf von, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a Paris ce 20 Juillet 1783

          Ayant ordre de ma Cour de Vous presenter Mr. Thieriot de Leipsic et qui va se rendre à
            Philadelphie en qualité de Commissionaire du Commerce de Saxe, je Vous prie Monsieur, de vouloir bien me faire Savoir si je ne Vous generois point en me rendant chés Vous avec
            lui demain Lundy ou Mercredy dans la matinée.
          Agrées je Vous en prie Monsieur l’assurance des Sentimens respectueux avec les quels
            j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre très hûmble et très obeissant Serviteur

            DE
              Schönfeld

          Notation: Schonfeld: 20 Juillet 1783


Title: Franklin’s Responses to the Maréchale de Beauvau’s Questions on Lightning Rods, [after 21 July 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

          On July 21, 1783, Bethia Alexander wrote to William Temple Franklin
            with a request from the maréchale de Beauvau, who was desperate for Franklin’s advice on
            installing a lightning rod at her residence, the château du Val. Temple was to place before his grandfather the
            paper she enclosed. “Une reponse tres exacte” was to be written in the margin beside
            each question, and the paper returned to Alexander “bien vite.” Do hurry, she repeated,
            because if you delay, and if a lightning bolt should lack the decency to wait until the
            answers arrive, you will be filled with remorse.
          Lightning rods were still relatively new to Paris. When the first two were installed in
            December, 1782, under the supervision of the abbé Bertholon (who had installed several
            in his native Lyon and elsewhere), the Mercure de France
            published their locations and dimensions, praised the abbé, and announced, with obvious
            relief, that Paris no longer lagged behind the countryside in this important
              development. Any lingering doubts
            about the safety of these devices must have been allayed
            when, in a highly anticipated ruling of May 31, the appeals court at Artois ordered
            Vyssery de Bois-Valée’s lightning rod reinstated in Saint-Omer.
          The urgency in this request from the maréchale de Beauvau, however, was surely due to
            the terrifying storms that had been sweeping across France, causing widespread
            destruction and loss of life. “Extraordinary lightning” was reported in the Paris region
            on July 2 and 3—14 strikes in one area, with four people killed—and again on July 15.
            Reports were also published of lightning strikes, ground tremors (were they subterranean
            thunder?), high winds, and torrential rains in the provinces. Adding to the general
            disquietude was the fact that since June the temperature had been unusually hot and the
            atmosphere clouded by a mysterious, smoke-like “dry fog” that obscured the sun’s rays.
            La Lande and others wrote articles for the Journal de Paris
            attempting to reassure the frightened population that these conditions did not presage a
            major earthquake, like the recent one in Calabria. In the months and years to come,
            scientists throughout Europe would publish theories on the cause of this dry fog.
            Franklin himself speculated on possible causes in May, 1784.
          At the château du Val, it was the maréchale’s husband who made the first inquiries
            about lightning rods, seeking advice from St. John de Crèvecœur, who was
            a regular guest at the family’s Sunday dinners during the spring and early summer of
            1783. Crèvecœur, according to his later account, recommended that a lightning rod be
            mounted atop a very tall mast in the middle of the courtyard—a plan, he claimed, that
            Franklin approved. In spite of the answers printed here that Franklin evidently returned
            to the maréchale, which hardly recommended it as a first choice, a mast was indeed
            constructed. Made from two poplar trunks grafted together, the pole, raised before a
            large crowd of friends, elevated the tip of a 12-foot lightning rod 89 feet into the
            sky. According to Crèvecœur, the structure created a sensation and caused many other
            “grands seigneurs” to protect their properties.

            [after July 21, 1783]

          1
          Avant de placer un Conducteur ou Paratonnere il est nécessaire que
            quelqu’un qui s’y entend bien, voye le Batiment qui est destiné a etre garanti de la
            foudre.
          Dans un étendu aussi considerable que celle de 45 Toises, on croit qu’il sera bien
            d’eriger 4 Conducteurs à égale distance les uns des Autres, & communiquants ensemble
            par un barre de Fer sur le Toit du Batiment.
          2
          Il doit etre environ dix a douze Pieds plus haut que la partie la plus elevée du
            Batiment. 3. Il doit etre appliqué immediatement à la muraille.
          4 Un Mât n’est pas necessaire pour le Soutient du Conducteur.
          On trouvera cette Matiere très detaillé dans l’Ouvrage de M. Franklin sur
            l’Electricité.— Et on fera bien d’employer un des Ouvriers de Versailles ou de Paris,
            qui ont deja construit des Conducteurs.