Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 6 March 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.London 6th. March 1783.
Hitherto, since my arrival on this side of the Channel I have had nothing worth your attention, to offer, indeed five or six last days excepted I had been confined at Bath.

Mr. Oswald said to me yesterday, he was going to the proper place for learning, whether he should be soon, or when required to attend upon the business of a Definitive Treaty & promised to acquaint me with the result of his inquiry. I have not since heard from him. While I am here I find employment. I have upon proper occasions offered my sentiments upon the Lamentations over the good people called Loyalists & if appearances are to be trusted I have afforded consolation to some folks.
An active M P. said to me this Morning, he had thoughts of impeaching Lord Shelburne for Sins of omission & was proceeding to make special enquiries, which I took the liberty of interrupting by an observation that these were things out of our line.— He went on, “do you know that Lord Shelburne declared to the House of Lords, the Provisional Treaty was obtained from the American Ministers without the concurrence or participation of the Court of France, that the Court was not pleased & consequently would not hereafter be so friendly to the United States, I am afraid added our friend of ill consequences, I suspect every thing & shall suspect till the Troops are entirely withdrawn from your Country.” I replied don’t be anxios Sir, You talked just now of an impeachment, admit the Case to be as Lord Shelburne has stated, which I do not admit, say to Lord Shelburne & from me if you please, that John Adams. Benja. Franklin, John Jay & poor Henry Laurens, may be impeached & hanged for aught I know but the United States will not be hurt nor the friendship of the Court of France shaken by the infidelity of those fellows. For my own part I am no more afraid of being hanged than I was in your Tower of London. Our friend was pleased with the explanation & I presume Lord S. will hear of it. With respect to your Troops at New York, I appeal to you Sir, If there was a Serjeant’s Guard in your House, would you proceed on business ’till they were effectually removed? No.
I send by the hands of Mr. Storer for the use of the Commissioners at Paris, The Bill for the Provisional Establishment of Commerce between Great Britain & the United States. My opinion has been often asked; I say, it may very well suit the purpose of one party, but there ought to be two to a bargain. But are we not very liberal in opening the Trade upon such terms? Undoubtedly—you want to purchase Rice & other Provisions for home consumpt & for the West Indies, you are desiros of selling your Woolen & Iron Wares—you are liberal. But we cannot profit of your bounty, while the Serjeant’s Guard is in the House.— Don’t be uneasy the Troops will be removed as speedily as possible—suspend then your beneficent Acts until they are removed. Possibly America may ask, When you were accustomed to send Troops to that Country, were you puzzled to find Transport Ships for the purpose?
I have found it necessary to say to Mr. Adams, Doctor Franklin is possessed of another anonymos Letter with the Bruxelles mark on it & I am now confirmed in my “Belief” of the Author of both. I wish Mr. Adams may communicate all that I have further said on this occasion.
Mr. Storer will deliver you a Packet containing a third Edition of Mr. Days Tract with additions & amendments.
I beg my Compliments to your Grandson & that you will be assured I am with the most sincere & affectionate Regard Sir Your Obliged & Obedient servant
Henry Laurens

the good Bp. of St Asaph is just gone from me, His Lordship made the most cordial enquiries respecting your health & said he would soon write to you, that Mrs. Shipley & all the family longed to see you. the Bishop has sent a Letter which will be under Cover with this.
His Excellcy. Benja. Franklin Esquire Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Laval & Wilfelsheim, 6 March 1783
From: Laval & Wilfelsheim
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieura paris ce 6 Mars 1783
Il y a 15. Jours que nous avons remis a Monsieur Grand le pere une Lettre pour votre Excellence qui nous est venue de Bremen.
L’Amy pense qu’elle ne nous est pas parvenue, & nous en demande des Nouvelles. Nous supplions votre Excellence, de nous rendre le Service, & de daigner y faire une Reponse, le Courrier part deman.
Nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec Respect, Monsieur de Votre Excellence, les trés humbles & trés obeissans Serviteurs
Laval & WilfelsheimBanqrs. rue du mail
A S.E.M. franklin Ambassadeur des Etats unis de lAmerique Septe.

Notation: Laval & Wilfelcheim Paris 6. Mars 1783.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 7 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir,Passy, March 7th. 1783.
With this I send you a Copy of the last Contract I made with this Court respecting the late Loan of Six Millions, the Terms of the Loan and the Times of Repayment. It was impossible for me to obtain more, and indeed, considering the State of Finances and Expences here, I wonder I have obtained so much. You will see by the inclosed Gazette, that the Government is obliged to stop Payment for a Year of its own Bills of Exchange drawn in America and the East Indies; yet it has advanced Six Millions to save the Credit of ours. You will I am sure do all in your Power to avoid drawing beyond your Funds here for I am absolutely assured that no farther Aid for this Year is to be expected; and it will not be strange that they should suffer your Bills to take the same Fate with their own. You will also see in the Contract fresh Marks of the King’s Goodness towards us in giving so long a Term for Payment, & forgiving the first Years Interest. I hope the Ravings of a certain mischevous Madman here against France and its Ministers, which I hear of every Day, will not be regarded in America, so as to diminish in the least the happy Union that has hitherto subsisted between the two Nations; and which is indeed the solid Foundation of our present Importance in Europe. With great Esteem, I am ever Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble R. Morris Esqr. &ca &ca &


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antonio Francesco Salucci & fils, 7 March 1783
From: Salucci, Antonio Francesco, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Votre ExcellenceLivourne ce 7. Mars 1783
L’heureuse conclusion de la Paix, et l’Indipendence des treize Provinces Americaines, par la quelle ces Peuples fortunes ont à Votre Excellence des obligations Majeures, offrent à la Toscanne l’occasion, depuis si long tems desirée, d’entamer un Commerce des plus ètendus, et de former des Liaisons capables d’apporter le plus grand avantage aux deux Nations.
La Situation favorable de notre Port, eu egard aux autres qui Sont dans la Mediterranée, la bonne et parfaite qualité des nos Produits qui formoient autrefois une branche bien importante de négociation entre La Toscanne, et L’Angleterre, qui par Ses expeditions a l’Amerique Septentrionale en tiroit des tres grands avantages, et la facilité avec laquelle l’on traite toute Sorte d’Affaires dans notre Port Franc, Sont autant de raisons qui Nous donnent les plus grands espoirs Sur la future prosperité de ce Nouveau Commerce.
C’est pourquoi nous allons disposer, et expedier à Philadelphie le plus promptement qu’il nous sera possible deux Navires de notre propritè avec Pavillon Toscan, ce qui arrivera d’abord qu’ils Seront de retour des voyages auquels nous les avions destinès précédement. Rien ne manque à cet Objet ayant deja promptes leurs Cargaisons.
Pendant que nous nous faisons un devoir de prevenir Votre Excellence de notre résolution de la quelle nous attendons un Succès heureux qui nous dèdommage du Malheur essuyé dans notre premiere expedition au Nord-Amèrique du Navire La Prosperité Cape [capitaine] Bettoja, pour laquelle Votre Excellence eut aussi la bonté dans l’Annèe 1779, de nous honnorer de Sa gracieuse approbation, nous prenons la liberté de la prier a prendre en consideration ces Nouvelles dispositions de notre part, et d’honnorer notre Maison de Son valable appuy auprès du Ministere Americain afin que la Nation Toscanne non Seulement reçoive le même gracieux accueil des autres Nations qui l’encourage après notre exemple à entreprendre avec ces Pays-là des relations toujours plus ètendues, mais aussi pour étre particulierement honnorès des Commissions des Ses Etats, lesquels tôt, ou tard auront des Connexions agréables avec le Notre.
Que Votre Excellence Daigne accepter les plus humbles, et Respectueux homages de felicitation, et de respect, tandis que nous Sommes avec la plus haute Consideration, De Votre Excellence Les Tres humbles et Tres Obeissants Serviteurs
Ante Frans Salucci & FILS
Monsieur Benjamin Francklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des 13. Etats Unis a la Cour de Paris/.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Tourton & Ravel, 7 March 1783
From: Tourton & Ravel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis 7 mars 1783
Mr. Leveillard nous ayant dit que vous seriés fort aise que M. Schutze de Berlin s’addressat a Mr. Bache pour les affaires qu’il pourroit avoir a Philadelphie nous avons lhonneur de vous addresser ci joint la lettre que le d. [dit] sr. fred: Gme: Schutze nous envoye pour le d. mr. Bache et nous vous prions de recommander a celui ci les interets de m. Schutze, qui est un négotiant riche et solide; nous le connoissons depuis longtemps et nous sommes persuadés que m. Bache Sera très content de sa correspondance, nous profitons de cette occasion pour vous assurer de la parfaite Consideration avec laquelle nous avons lhonneur d’etre Monsieur Vos très humbles et très obeissans serviteurs
Tourton ET Ravel

Notation: Tourton & Ravel,— Paris 7 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 7 March 1783
From: Vicq d’Azyr, Félix
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieurce 7 mars 1783.
La societé Rle. [royale] de medecine m’a chargé de Vous envoier les Billets cy joints pour sa séance publique qui aura lieu Mardi prochain; elle Vous invite à cette assemblée. Nous n’avons point eû lhonneur de Vous posséder dans la derniere, ce qui redouble aujourd’hui nos desirs et nos instances.
La société s’est empressée de Contracter une association de Correspondance avec le Collège de Médecine de Boston; et le Diplome en a été Remis à M. Adams. Nous avons été flattés de Nous lier intimement avec les savans d’un pays que Vous avez si honorablement et si utilement servi.
Je suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et très obeissant serviteur
Vicq DAZYR
M franklin

Notation: Vic-d’azir, 7 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Viau and ——— Vineau, 8 March 1783
From: Viau, Madame ——,Vineau, Madame ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurA Nantes le 8 Mars 1783.
Nous eumes L’honneur D’écrire, à Mr le Commissaire de L’Orient, le mois dernier au Sujet de nos Intérêts dans la frégatte la pallas, et voici sa réponse Môt pour Môt;
La frégatte la pallas a été armé pour compte Des Américains, et la répartition des prises faitte par cette frégatte, n’a point eû Lieu Jusqu’à présent. C’est à leur Agent à paris, qu’il faut S’adresser pour en obténir le paÿment, parce quil est à présumer, qu’ils n’en Séront point remise à L’Orient.
Il nous renvoÿ, comme vous voyez à vous Monsieur, nous espérons que vous aurez pitié, De deux pauvres Malheureuses femmes, qui Languissent Depuis un Si long tems après leur dûe, et que vous aurez la bonté de nous donner une réponce Satisfaisante, en nous faisant faire Remise de nos fonds sans plus Tarder. Et nous Sommes Monsieur avec le plus Soumis respect Vos tres humbles Servantes
FEMMES VIAU ET VINEAU
Demeurant a La Saulzain Proche L’isle feydeau a Nantes./.Monsieur A Paris

Addressed: A Monseigneur / Monseigneur Franselin en Son / hôtel à passi / près paris
Notation: Viau & Vinau les Femmes—Nantes le 8 Mars 1783.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 9 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hodgson, William

Dear Sir,Passy, March 9 1783.
Your Favour of the 25th past, is but just come to hand. I think with you, that the making you pay 23£ for our Passport is a shameful Imposition. Your Secretaries had 200 of us; in exchange for as many of theirs indeed; but we had no Occasion for a quarter of the Number; and those that were wanted we gave away gratis. There is no bounds to the Avidity of Officers in old corrupt Governments.
Your Reasoning is right that there is no Occasion generally for an express Treaty to enable Subjects of different States in Amity to trade with each other. But in the present Case you know you have Acts of Parliament forbidding you to trade with us; and our People have Acts of Congress forbidding all Commerce with yours. It does not seem clear that a Treaty of Peace necessarily repeals these Acts. A late Act of Parliament impowering the King to suspend them implys that otherwise they would continue in force till repeal’d; and they are not as yet either repeal’d or suspended. It is probable that when it shall be known in America that they are repeal’d, similar Repeals will take place there. Till then I should imagine English Goods landed there may be subject to Confiscation. But if your Ship only arrives in Port, & remains without breaking Bulk till the Commerce is legally opened, or a Permission to land and Store them obtained, I should suppose they would be safe, tho’ I have not the Law before me, & therefore cannot speak positively. It is probable your Parliament will immediately take off the Restraints on your Part, and your sending the Act made for that purpose in the same Ship with your Goods, may facilitate & expedite the taking them off on our part. I inclose a Recommendatory Letter to our Minister for foreign Affairs, which I hope if there should be Occasion may be of Service. But no Passport from me would secure your Goods against the Operation of positive Laws still remaining in Force.
I lament the Distraction in your publick Counsels; it lowers the Nation in the general Esteem of Europe, and gives a degree of Uncertainty & Hazard to all propos’d Connections with it. I am, with great & sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. You have been assured from time to time ever since October last, that Transports would be provided to send away hither the Prisoners that are enforc’d in England to be exchanged. In faith of this, I have as you know, discharged a Number of Officers: But I see yet no Sign of Performance, and I lately hear that those in Mill Prison suffer much, being destitute of Cloathing many having neither Shirts nor Shoes. If they had been sent to me when it was propos’d, I could have sent them home distributed in various Vessels who are now gone; and at present I know not what to do with them if they come here, all our Ships now here or expected being over-mann’d for Peace-time. I must therefore beg you to finish the good Work you have been so long engag’d in, and obtain if possible the Liberty of those good People; and if the Government will not provide for sending them home, that you would hire a Ship for that purpose on our Account, & send them to America directly from England, the Expence of which I will provide for & pay punctually: But get it done by Government if you can.—
B F.

[In William Temple Franklin’s hands:] Mr W. T. Franklin has done every thing in his Power to obtain the Information Mr Hodgson desired of him,—but without Success: notwithstanding he has applied both in the Offices here, but also in the Ports.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bourne, 9 March 1783
From: Bourne, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirNewington Butts March 9th 1783 London
The esteem I have for America, permit me to lay before you, a few Remarks, which if they meet with your aprobation, the End will be answer’d, as America is become a new State, beware of Taxes Tax not her Land, let the Land and People be Free, encourage Agriculture do not Increase your Shipping too fast that may bring opulence to Individuals but Pride & Luxery to the State beware of Titles, they will divide the People, Build few Arm’d Ships, by increasing, will bring a Clog to the State the Coast wants no Guard all Urope will desire to Trade with America, & as She has Contracted debts by the Warr, particularly with France, viz
Every Vessel Trading to America to pay 1 s per Ton
(except France, to be free for such a Term, or any other Mode)
will be no hinderance to Trade, nor felt by any Nation.
Every Proprietor of Land in America to be limited, let there be no Monoply while the Lands are low the State will Increase, & become Powerfull
Let there be no Lawyers or professers of Law in the Country
  under pain of Death &c
Let there be two Courts of Justice in each Province, an upper and an inferor one consisting of 12 Men each; all complaints made to the Inferior Court, to examine upon the spot where the complaint was said, and reported to the upper Court upon Oath, their determination final, if any of the lower Court be Convicted of any misdemeaner shall be for ever excluded holding any Public place, and suffer sever penalty, the Courts to be chosen every year & to Sit every Month all fees to be limited I am Sir your most Obedt. & Humble Servant
John Bourne

Addressed: To / Benjn, Franklin Esqre, / at Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François de Launey de Fresney, 9 March 1783
From: Launey de Fresney, François de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,A Laval 9. Mars 1783.
Les fournitures très-conséquentes qui m’ont été confiées pendant toute la Guerre pour le Service de la Marine du Roi, ne m’ont point distrait des expéditions particuliéres pour les différentes maisons Amériquaines, vos compatriotes, établies à Nantes et L’Orient; j’ai joui jusqu’à ce moment de Leur pleine confiance pour des affaires majeures: l’événement de La Paix semble devoir changer la face des choses, et porter un préjudice notable aux fabriques de france, essentiellement à la nôtre, dont l’espèce de toile analogue à celle d’Irlande, avait procuré un débouché marquant pour les Etats-unis, et donné à l’industrie un principe d’activité et de soin qui nous aurait mis dans le cas de n’en point craindre La rivalité; mais un obstacle absolu va détourner les spéculations de nos alliés, si nous ne les captivons en entier par la Libre admission des Tabacs de Leur Continent, ainsi que le fait La Hollande &a.; Cependant La france est le seul Royaume qui consomme 25000. Boucauts de Tabac par an: il est évident que quand bien même on mettrait un droit très-fort sur cette feuille que la branche de commerce qui en résulte serait seule capable de nous attirer La préférence sur les autres Pays. Tous nos Mettiers & ouvriers sont montés pour entretenir ce Commerce important; la privation y portera un préjudice des plus sensible: Laval Sera une des fabriques qui souffrira davantage, et en mon particulier j’éprouve déja un tort notable par les ordres qui ont été retirés ou supprimés entre mes mains de la part des maisons les plus accréditées du Continent Amériquain.
Comme au Ministre Sur qui toute l’Europe a les yeux fixés, par ses qualités Justes et équitables, J’ose vous adresser, Monsieur, La verité de mes représentations, pour les faire valoir auprès des Ministres du Roi. Ce n’est point l’intérêt privé qui me fait agir, Dieu m’aïant mis dans une position à ne rien désirer, mais le bien général de ma Patrie. J’espére aussi que loin d’improuver mes démarches vous aurés la bonté d’y donner l’attention et l’autorité qui dépendront de vous.
Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre très hûmble & très obéïssant Serviteur./.
FRANÇOIS DE LAUNEY
Monsieur Francklin, à Paris./


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Schönfeld, 9 March 1783
From: Schönfeld, Johann Hilmar Adolf Graf von, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis ce 9. Mars 1783
Permettés Monsieur, que j’aie l’honneur de Vous adresser le Sr: Bidermann Conseiller de la Cour de Saxe. Il desire infiniment d’avoir celui de Vous faire sa cour, et de Vous consulter sur l’intention où il seroit d’établir quelques branches de Commerce entre l’Amerique Septentrionale et la Saxe. Comme ce Sont également les Sentimens de ma Cour, ainsi que j’ai eu l’honneur de Vous en parler Monsieur, dès le premier moment de Votre arrivée dans ce pays, j’ose me flatter que Vous voudrés bien l’accueillir avec bonté et lui faire éprouver le Secours de Vos lumieres et de Votre protection.
Je Saisis cette occasion Monsieur, pour Vous renouveller l’assurance des Sentimens respectueux avec les quels j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur, Votre très hûmble et très obeïssant Serviteur
DE SCHÖNFELD.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Société Royale de Médecine, [before 10 March 1783]
From: Société Royale de Médecine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

M[before March 10, 1783]
Vous êtes invité à assister à plusieurs expériences qu’on va faire en présence de MM. les Commissaires nommés par la Société Royale de Médecine.
1°. A celle d’un Vêtement qui peut rétablir la transpiration supprimée, en provoquer une abondante, & qui par-là peut obvier à bien des infirmités.
2°. A celle d’un autre Vêtement hermétiquement fermé, par le moyen duquel on peut, sans risque, travailler à des compositions dangereuses, & aller également dans des lieux infects, comme Latrines, &c.
3°. A celle d’un Habillement qui a diverses propriétés, entr’autres celle de faire surnager l’homme & de l’aider à en sauver un autre, & cela dans le temps même que l’eau est excessivement froide & plus dangereuse, &c.
4°. A diverses autres Expériences, qui ont pour but de prouver qu’un homme, qui ne sait pas nager, peut lui-même, sans aucun risque, sauver une personne qui se noie. Ces Expériences, dont l’Auteur est M. le Roux*, se feront le 10 de Mars, de cette année 1783, à 4. heures précises, aux Bains Chinois, à la pointe de l’Isle Saint-Louis. On entrera avec la présente.

  * Il est encore l’Auteur du Mémoire & du Plan d’une Ecole ou Académie de Natation, que l’on trouve imprimés & gravés chez Lami, Libraire, quai des Augustins, & pour lesquels Ouvrages il a reçu une gratification du Magistrat qui préside le Corps Municipal de la Ville de Paris.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / Franklin / à Passi/. / Expérience de MM. De la / Société Royale de Medecine


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafreté, 10 March 1783
From: Lafreté, Jean-Jacques de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 10. mars 1783.
M. Gallard de Bayonne, dont je vous ai déja parlé mon cher Papa a des affaires interressantes à traitter avec vous. Cest un homme très instruit et un de mes bons amis j’espere que vous voudréz bien le recevoir avec bonté, et qu’il S’appercevra que vous avéz un peu d’amitié pour nous. Ma petite femme est à peu près dans le meme Etat. Vous lui avéz promis de venir diner avec nous, nous vous attendons, et vous assurons tous deux, mon cher Papa de Notre tendre, et Respectueux attachement.
Lafreté


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 10 March 1783
From: Price, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear FriendNewington-Green Mch. 10th: 1783
This letter will be deliver’d to you by Mr Redford, a Gentleman for whom I have a great regard and who has my best wishes. He is going to Settle for life in one of the thirteen united States; and he has already Sent thither a part of his fortune. May I take the liberty to request your notice of him? Any assistance or information which you may be pleased to give him will be bestowed on a worthy man and a warm friend to universal liberty, who is well qualified to make an useful member of the united States. Indeed I can Scarcely wish them better, than that they may be filled with men of his character, abilities and principles.— He has been in business about five years; but having in his education contracted habits wch: render him more disposed to litterary than mercantile persuits, he does not intend to engage in commerce but to purchase an estate in order to turn it to the best account that the customs of the country will allow. He has been for some time a member of the Club of whigs at the London-Coffee-House, who will be always proud of having had you for a member. The motives wch: have determined Mr Redford to Settle with his property in America, are his zeal for liberty, his high opinion of the American Governmts:, and his desire to Share in the blessings and happiness of a rising country. I have given him a general testimonial which he will Shew you. Would it be too much to beg that you would by a line at the bottom attest that it is my hand-writing?
Mr Redford is likely to be followed by many more emigrants from hence and from Ireland. He will inform you, particularly, of a body of people in Ireland who have resolved to remove to America, and commissioned Mr Noble, a major of the Irish armed volunteers, to go before them in order to engage a tract of land for them. Mr Redford is to assist in transacting this business, and will think himself obliged to you for your advice.
Permit me to congratulate you on the late Peace, and on the Revolution in favour of liberty which has taken place by the establishmt: of the independence of America. I cannot express to you the Satisfaction this has given me. I have wished to live to See this issue of the contest with America; and I am thankful that I have Seen it. The world owes it partly to you; and may Heaven heap its blessings upon you, comfort you in the evening of life, and make you completely happy beyond the grave.
You probably well know what a detestable coalition of parties has lately taken place among us. Never Surely was there an instance of Such proffligate conduct. Mr Fox, the pretended friend of the country, united to Ld North, the destroyer of the country— The Rockingham party, a body of men who would be thought zealous whigs, united to Tories and the friends of despotism, to oppose and censure a peace which has Saved the kingdom— I hope foreigners See this in its true light; as, merely, a Struggle of ambitious and disappointed men to get into power. May the united States take care to guard agst: the danger and misery of Such factions.
Relying on the indulgence and candour wch: I have always experienced from you, I am, with the greatest affection and respect, ever yours
Richd: Price

Many of your Friends are flattering themselves with the hope of Seeing you soon in England. If not improper, deliver my respects to Mr Adams.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 12 March 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Friend,London March 12. 1783.
It is a long while since I have heard from you or indeed since I writ to you. I heartily congratulate you upon those pacific events which have already happened and wish to see all other final Steps of Conciliation succeed speedily. I send you Copies of two Papers which I have already communicated to Mr. Laurens the one called conciliatory Propositions in March 1783; the other a Sketch of a provisional Treaty of Commerce for opening the Ports between Great Britain and the United States of America without Delay, to each of which is prefixed a short State of the Argument on each head.
As for the News of this Country you have doubtless heard that Ld. Shelburn’s Administration has for some time been considered as at an End, altho’ no other has been as yet substituted in the Place of it. It was understood yesterday, and I believe with good Foundation, that what is now called the Portland Party have been applied to, and they are considered as the Party most likely to succeed. As far as my wishes go such an event wd. be most satisfactory to me. I have known the D. of Portland for many Years and by Experience, I know him to be a Noble Man of the strictest honor and of the soundest Whig Principles, sincere and explicit in every thought and Transaction, manly in his Judgement and firm in his Conduct. The Kingdom of Ireland of wch. he was lately Ld. Lieutenant bears unanimous testimony to this Character of him. The Cavendish Family (a good whig Name) Mr. Fox, Ld. Fitz William &c. &c. form the core of his System and connexions. I most earnestly wish to see a firm Administration upon a whig foundation which I should consider as a solid Basis on the Part of this Country for a perpetual Correspondence of Amity & conciliation with America. I am very anxious to hear of your health. God bless you.
Ever Your most affecte.
G. B.

Conciliatory Propositions March 1783.
Terms of Peace having been agreed upon between Great Britain and France on 20. Jan. 1783 There need not be any farther Delay in proceeding to conclude the proposed Treaty between G. B. and the United States of America upon the Basis of the provisional Articles of the 30th. of November 1782.
It is to be observed that none of the Articles of the provisional Treaty are to take effect untill the Conclusion of the definitive Treaty with America. At which time likewise all Places in the American States in possession of the British arms are to be evacuated, and the British Army withdrawn from the United States (by Art. 7). If therefore it should be wished on the Part of G. Bn. to bring forward the 5th. Article respecting the Loyalists before the Conclusion of the definitive Treaty with Amera. The Bayonet shd. be withdrawn from the American Breast by the voluntary removal of the British Troops with all convenient Dispatch. This Condition of the Removal of the Troops is likewise necessary before any provisional Terms of Commerce with America can take place.

By the 6th. Article of the provisional Treaty all future Confiscations in America are precluded altho the Prosecutions at present subsisting are not to be stopped before the definitive Treaty. But if the substantial Pledge of returning Amity on the part of G. B. viz the removal of the Troops shd. be voluntarily anticipated, it would be but seasonable that all Propositions shd. be immediately abated on the part of America, and to facilitate the removal of the Troops the Loyalists may be permitted to remain in Safety & unmolested (if they chuse to remain) from the period of removing the Troops untill 12 Months after the definitive Treaty.
There is another Article of the provisional Treaty the delay of which is much to be lamented viz the mutual release of Prisoners of War on both Sides. As this is an Article of Reciprocity, both Sides from principles of Humanity are equally interested to bring it forward into effect speedily; that those unhappy Captives may not alone suffer the Miseries of War in the time of Peace.
Upon these Considerations the following Supplemental Terms of Treaty between G. Bn. and the United States are proposed.
1. That the British Troops shall be withdrawn with all convenient speed.
2. That the Commissioners on both Sides do proceed to the Conclusion of the Definitive Treaty.
3. That the Commrs. do speedily negociate a provisional Convention of Commerce (hereunto annexed) to take Place immediately. The Terms of this temporary Convention not to be pleaded on either Side in the Negociation of a final and perpetual Treaty of Commerce between G. B. & the United States.
4. That the Commrs. do negotiate a perpetual Treaty of Commerce.
5. That all Prosecutions of the Loyalists in Ama. be immediately abated and that they be permitted to remain until 12. Months after the definitive Treaty unmolested in their Endeavours to obtain Restitution of their Estates.
6. That all Prisoners on both Sides be immediately released.

7. That Intercourse of Amity and Commerce do immediately take Place between Great Britain & the United States of America.

Sketch of a provisional Treaty of Commerce.
As soon as Preliminaries of Peace are signed with any independent State such as Spain France & Holland the Course of mutual Commerce emerges upon the same Terms and Conditions as were existing antecedent to the War the New Duties imposed during the War excepted. The Case between Great Britain and America from a dependent Nation before the War emerges an independent Nation after the War. The Basis therefore of Provisional Treaty between G. B. & the United States would be simply to arrange such Points as would emerge after the War impracticable and discordant to the newly-established Independence of the American States and to leave all others as much as possible untouched. For Instance that all instrumental Regulations such as Papers Bonds, Certificates Oaths, and all other Documents should be between G. B. and the United States upon the same footing and no other than as between G. B. and any other independant Nation, but that all Duties, draw-backs Bounties, Rights, Privileges and all pecuniary Considerations should emerge into Action and effect as before. I say emerge as before not stipulated for any fixed Term, because I am speaking of a provisional Treaty not of a Provisional Bill of Commerce for a specified Period. By this Means all Difficulties which otherwise would be accumulated & obstruct a temporary & provisional Act are avoided in Limine. The Ports will be immediately & mutually opened upon specified and known Conditions. If the Legislature of either Country think proper to introduce on its own Part any New-Conditions or Regulation even previous to the intended Treaty of Commerce that will not shut the Ports again generally but only operate pro tanto according to the Case; on which side soever any novel Condition shou’d arise the other will likewise be at Liberty to make any corresponding Regulations as between Independent Nations. The Great Object is to open the Ports between Great Britain and the United States immediately upon the Signature of Preliminaries of Peace as between France & G. B. By the Proposition above stated G. B. and France & G. B. & the United States, respectively on the Subject of Intercourse of Commerce, would emerge again after the War, into Situations relatively Similar to their Situation before the War.
The Crown of G: B. is enabled by the conciliatory Act of 1782 to repeal, annull, make void or suspend for any time or times the Operation & Effect of any Act of Parliament or any clause Provision, Matter or thing therein contained relating to the Colonies or Plantations now become the United States of America; and therefore the Crown is not only competent to conclude but likewise to carry into effect any provisional Treaty of Commerce with America. The first Foundation must be laid in the total repeal of the Prohibitory Act of Decr. 1775, not only as prohibiting Commerce between Great Britain and the United States, but as the Corner Stone of the War by giving up universally all American Property at Sea to military Plunder without any Redress to be obtained by Law in any British Court of Admiralty. After this all Obstructions from the Act of Navigation and other Acts regulating the Commerce of the States of America (formerly dependant upon G. B.) may be removed.— Instructions may be sent to the Commissioners of the Customs to dispence with Bonds Certificates &ca. which by the old Laws are required to be discharged or attested by supposed Governors naval or Custom House officers in America. The Questions of Drawbacks Bounties &a after opening the Ports, may remain free Points of Discussion & Regulation as between States having no commercial Treaty subsisting between them. As the Crown is competent to open an Intercourse of Commerce with America by Treaty, this mode is preferable to any Act of Parliament which may only be a Jealous & suspicious Convention ex parte. This Mode by Treaty avoids the accumulated Difficulties which might otherwise obstruct the first opening of the Ports by Act of Parlt. and above all it secures an alternate Binding Part of the Bargain which no act of Parliament can do.

Breviate of the Treaty viz Provisional for Intercourse & Commerce between G. B. & the United States of America.
1st. That all Ports shall be mutually open for Intercourse and Commerce.
  2. And therefore the King of Great Britain agrees for the Repeal of the prohibitory Acts viz 16 Geo. 3d Chapt. 5th. &ca. the K. of Great Britain likewise agrees by Instructions according to the Laws of G. B. to his Commissioners of Customs, & other officers to remove all obstructions to American Ships either entering inwards or clearing outwards which may arise from any Acts of Parlt. heretofore regulating the Commerce of the American States, under the Description of British Colonies and Plantations, so as to accomodate every Circumstance to the reception of their Ships as the Ships of Independent States.
  3d. All Duties, Drawbacks, Bounties, Rights, Privileges and all other money-Considerations shall remain respecting the United States of America, upon the same footing as they now remain respecting the Province of Nova Scotia in America, or as if the aforesaid States had remained dependent upon Great Britain. All this subject to Regulations or Alterations by any future Acts of the Parlt. of G. B.
  4th. On the Part of the States of America it is agreed that all Laws prohibiting the Commerce with G. B. shall be repealed.
  5th. Agreed upon the same Part that all Ships & Marchandizes of the British Dominions shall be admitted upon the same terms as before the War, except any Imports laid during the War. All this subject to future Regulations or Alterations by the Legislaturs of American States respectively.
  6th. The Principles & Spirit of this Treaty to be supported on either Side by any necessary supplemental Arrangements No tacit Compliance on the Part of America in any subordinate Points to be argued at any time hereafter to the Prejudice of their Independence.—

Notations: [by William Temple Franklin] Copy of a Letter from D. Hartley Esqr to B: Franklin Esqr / [by John Adams] Mr Hartley’s Letter to Dr Franklin March 12. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 13 March 1783
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: SirPhiladelphia March 13th: 1783.
Yesterday Captain Barney brought me your much esteemed Favor of 26th: Decr.— I hope we shall not be long ’till we hear that Peace is concluded on, it is an Event much wished for here, except by a few self-interested Individuals— Should you upon a Peace determine upon returning to your native Country; my inclination would lead me to pay a visit to France, where perhaps I might form some valuable commercial connections, and after this was done, accompany you home, when I should have an opportunity of further testifying that Duty & affection which I hold towards you—
As this Vessel is just upon the Wing, I have only time to add, that we are perfectly well, and join in sincere Love to yourself Temple & Ben; I have wrote a few Lines to the latter, which please to forward to him.
Inclosed is 5th. Bill of a Sett already sent you— I am ever Dear Sir Your affecte. Son
Rich. Bache

You will receive the Newspapers herewith, should be glad if Temple would send me some Englishpapers from time to time— Miss Beckwith has done us the favor to stay at our house, ’till she fixes herself; she has taken Mount Airy, where she intends keeping a boarding School, & will go there soon—

Addressed: The Honble. / Dr. Franklin / Passy. / Per Capt Truxton


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Calder, 13 March 1783
From: Calder, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirSt(?) Chads Row No. 18. March 13. 1783
I chearfully embrace this opportunity of writing to you, the rather, as the paper I write upon is to be the cover of a letter from a worthy old friend of yours & mine, who does not rejoice more sincerely or heartily than I do, in the honours & merit you have acquired by the services you have done to your country & the world. For the conveyance of this I am indebted to my friend Lieutenant General Melvill, who though he had not the felicity of enjoying so much of your company here, as ’Twas my good fortune to do, has nevertheless, in these late trying times of friendship & principles, uniformly thought & spoke of you with the esteem & affection of your particular friends. Uniting as he does so happily, the Gentleman & the Scholar, I think he is certain of being favoured with your countenance & advice both upon his own account, & on the score of his errand. He is appointed, very wisely in the general opinion of those who know him as I do, Negotiator in behalf of himself & his fellow sufferers in Tobago, the scape-goats of their country, who as men & protestants, cannot help feeling as they do, at being transferred with the Island, without any stipulation in favour of their rights & properties.
I now enter unwillingly on a subject so insignificant, but I must necessarily say something of myself, as an apology for what it might else be impertinent in me to mention. On the dissolution of the Religious Society of which Mr. Radcliffe & I were the Ministers, which happened soon after you left England, I declined the stated exercise of the profession to wc I was educated, & have ever since been a private Member of the Church of Unitarian Christians in Essex Street at the opening of which you was present. There only I sometimes officiate occasionally as Minister & never but when necessity requires it. In the mean while, in a comfortable retirement about a mile from town, my books have been my principal companions, & the culture of a garden my chief amusement. Here I have for some years inwardly cherished the hopes of seeing you again, & endeavoured to save all I can, to transport me & my companions to Pennsylvania, where whether I accompany them or not, I mean they shall be ultimately deposited in the Library of which you was the founder. Turned as I am the meridian of life, being but a year younger than your very good friends & mine Dr Priestley & Mr Lee & urged by no grievous necessities nor unfavourable prospects here, perhaps even the friends I mention will condemn my resolutions. But with such undisclosed views I have long secretly sighed for a sight of the American Constitutions & have been within these few days in possession of my wishes.
I concern myself chiefly with the Constitution of the state in which my views terminate, & I rejoice that it has in all respects the preheminence. In its Council of Censors there is a resource for the removal of the objection, for I have but one, & therefore after what I have said, I know you will forgive my taking the liberty of mentioning it, in the way of query.
Is the last clause of the Declaration in Sect. 10 of Chap. II reconcileable to the clause in the 2d Article of the Declaration of Rights which says, “Nor can any man who acknowledges the Being of a God be justly deprived of any civil right as a Citizen on account of his religious sentiments, or peculiar mode of religious worship.” I cannot think that the State of Pennsylvania would have even endangered its welfare by admitting freely & universally to a denizonship in it, “all foreigners of good character” Christians or no Christians.

But passing from this, there are Christians & sincere worthy Christians, who after all their pains to make up their minds on the subject of the divine inspiration of the Old Testament especially, must express themselves as our friend Mr Lee did on another subject, when he said ‘I have been a great part of my life, endeavouring to understand it, but I cannot yet tell you what a Libel is.’ If the State of Pennsylvania wishes to grant citizenship to all foreigners of good character who are Christians, why establish a declaration which some Christian foreigners of good character must object to? Is it an incredible thing that a man be really a Christian, who is not yet a Jew? Or is it indispensibly requisite that a man must first be a Jew before he can be qualified to be a good Denizon of the State of Pensylvania? May not the friends of Christianity have connected it injudiciously, & injured its cause by connecting it more closely wt Judaism than its Author & first publishers did?
Are not the Evidences of Christianity & the evidences of Judaism distinct? Why then complicate them with each other so oddly, as that they must necessarily stand or fall together? I needed not to have said so much to you who think & to those who do not think it is not necessary to say any thing.
It is very immaterial whether I have or have not a personal reason for touching on this point; for if I ever cross the Atlantic, I shall come with a settled purpose of never being a Religious Teacher of any denomination whatsoever; but as a private individual, purposing to employ myself in some humbler station more usefully, I could wish for equal freedom for my own & every other man’s religious opinions. I ought to apologize for the length & freedom of this letter, when I consider your greatness & the importance of your time, but I know your goodness, & rely for my pardon on your belief of my being in all essential respects no worse than when you left me in the honoured circle of your acquaintances. I cannot yet conclude without congratulating you, on the accomplishment of your character & on the conclusion of a war wc considering its origin & conduct has happily terminated in the only way that could have prevented many of your friends from becoming Sceptics or Atheists. I am wt the highest esteem reverence & affection Dr Sir Your’s &c
John Calder

Notation: Calder 13 March 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 13 March 1783
From: Nesbitt, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday March 13: 1783
Mr: Nesbitt’s most respectful Compliments wait on Doctor Franklin, & requests that he will grant a Pasport for a Gentleman (a Mr. Bacon) who goes for England tomorrow. If Dr. Franklin has any Commands for England, Mr Bacon may be depended upon.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Whitehurst, with a Note by John Calder, 13 March 1783
From: Whitehurst, John,Calder, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirLondon 13 March 1783
Please to accept My Sincere congratulations for the Restoration of Peace, and the Natural rights of Mankind, in America.

That all the Provinces may be Settled and Governed by Laws calculated for the Mutual benefit of every individual is the Ardent wish of Sir Your Most Obedient Servt
J Whitehurst
Pray did the things contained in the bottom of the Clock-Case come Safe to hand?

  Addressed: Doer. Franklin
[In the hand of John Calder:] Seeing some blank paper here, I make a Siezure of it to tell you that long as you may think my letter, I did great violence to myself in not making it longer. Impute it to the habits in which I have been bred, that I cannot prevail on myself to part with this paper without observing that when we leave providence out of the consideration, we see only the dark side of History.
God bless you & preserve you.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henrietta Maria Colden, 14 March 1783
From: Colden, Henrietta Maria
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirDouglas. in the Isle of Man. March 14th. 1783.
After congratulating your Excellency, on having established the United States of America on the Basis of Civil, Religious and Commercial Liberty; permit me to Sollicit your Protection of my Infant Sons, Natives of New York, who owe their Allegiance to the New Republick.— After the Death of my Husband Richard Nicholls Colden (eldest Son of Mr Alexander Colden) who died of a Fever at New-York in 1777 finding myself destitute and helpless in a Country filled with Foreign Troops, I came over with my two Children in 1778 to my Father in this Island, where we have resided ever since, nor have we received any Pension or Support from the British Government.— Hence it happens, that we fall under the Description of Persons resident in Great Britain, whose Rights and Properties, in America, are secured to them, by the late Treaty of Peace. However, I have such confidence, in the Justice of Congress and the Governments of the Confederate Provinces, that I cannot suppose my Infants (tho’ no such Provision had been made in that Treaty) would meet with any difficulty, in being admitted to the natural Rights and Priviledges, of Subjects and Citizens in their Native Country.— None of their Progenitors took any Part, in the late War, (all of them having Died, either before, or soon after its commencement) and being Men of Humane and pacific dispositions, they extended their good Offices alike, to all their suffering Neighbours, and lived and died in Amity with all Men. From them therefore, my Sons inherit, no party Hatred, or spirit of Dissension, and I engage that they will demean themselves, as Faithful and Dutiful Subjects of the Government of their Province as a Member of the United States.
Nevertheless, I am truly sensible, that as Things are at present situated, it is necessary we should have some Friend, to Patronize our Interests, and I have presumed from the Acquaintance that long subsisted, between your Excellency and my Husband’s Family, to entreat your Good Offices, in this Matter, that your Excellency, would be pleased to lay our Case before Congress, and desire that august Body, to use their Influence with the Provincial Government of New York, on behoof of myself and my Infants— All we Sollicit, is to be received under the Protection of that Government and to possess our Rights of Inheritance within its Jurisdiction, on the same Footing with its other Subjects on which Footing, as Innocent and unobnoxious Persons, we should undoubtedly have stood, had we not been compelled to leave our Country, by the distresses and calamities of Civil War.—

I rely on your Excellency’s known Benevolence to pardon this Application from a Mother, anxious for the Interests of her Children, and whose Situation precludes her, from any other Mode of addressing herself to your Excellency.
I have the Honor to be, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s, most Obedient & very humble Servant
Henrietta Maria Colden.
His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 14 March 1783
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,Lahaie 14e. Mars 1783.
J’ai reçu des mains de Mrs Wheelock la Lettre dont il vous a plu m’honorer; avec la juste sensibilité que j’aurai toujours pour toutes les marques que vous voulez bien me donner de votre précieux souvenir. Il y a effectivement trop longtemps que nous ne nous étions donné signe de vie, & que nous n’avons qu’indirectement des nouvelles l’un de l’autre: car vous avez eu sans doute connoissance de l’une ou l’autre des fréquentes Lettres que j’ai écrites officiellement à Mr. Adams touchant les affaires de ce pays. Cette correspondance, celle de l’Amérique, & l’interne de ces provinces, avec des maladies presque continues depuis 3 mois, m’ont absorbé depuis bien du temps.
Mrs. Wheelock ont suivi mes conseils ici & à Leide, & s’en sont trouvés bien. Je les leur ai donnés pour Amsterdam aussi; & j’attends qu’ils m’apprennent quelque chose de leurs succès, pour lesquels il y avoit bonne apparence quand nous nous sommes quittés à Leide, jusqu’où je les avois accompagnés. En attendant je leur ai préparé d’autres succès ailleurs, mais qui dependent de celui qu’ils auront à Amsterdam.
J’ai vu avec plaisir la description d’une Médaille, que, selon les Gazettes, vous avez fait frapper, Monsieur, à Paris: l’Enfant Hercule étouffant des Serpens; & je serois bien aise de pouvoir m’en procurer une par occasion. J’espere d’apprendre surtout, que Vous êtes entierement rétabli, & à même de pouvoir jouir des fruits de la paix si glorieuse pour les Etats-Unis. Puisse-t-elle leur être aussi salutaire, qu’elle fait honneur aux Plénipotentiaires qui l’ont conclue. On m’a fait confidence de quelques changemens imprévus au département des affaires étrangeres à Philadelphie; comme aussi du Ministre qui ira à Londres de la part des Etats-Unis. Je ne serois pas faché de savoir ce qui en est: mais crainte de montrer une curiosité peut-être indiscrete, j’aime mieux réprimer la mienne.
Je suis avec le respectueux attachement qui vous est voué pour toujours, Monsieur, De V. Exce. le très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
A Son Exce. Mr. Franklin Min. Plenipo: des E.U.

Addressed: Grand / à Son Excellence / Monsieur B. Franklin, Esqr. / Ministre Plenipo: des Etats / Unis, / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis du Saillant et de Saint-Viance, 14 March 1783
From: Du Saillant et de Saint-Viance, Charles-Louis-Jean-Gaspard de Lasteyrie, marquis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieurparis le 14. mars 1783.
Je viens De Comettre unne Etourderie Dont je vous prie De Recevoir mes Excuses. Mr. gatellier ma Envoyé trois Exemplaires De son ouvrage pour vous Les faire passer, jay Cru que La Lettre qui Etoit De Dans Etoit pour moy, & dans Cette idee je Lay ouvertte, jespere que vous voudres bien avoir De Lindulgence pour unne fautte involontaire je vous Le Demande Et Detre persuadé Du Respect avec Lequel je Suis Monsieur Votre tres humble & tres obeissant Serviteur
Le Mquis Du Saillant


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 14 March 1783
From: Sarsfield, Guy-Claude, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Vendredi 14 mars 1783
Mr De Sarsfield a lhonneur de faire bien des Complimens a Monsieur franklin Et le prie d’avoir la bonté de luy envoyer la lettre de recommandation qu’il a eu celle de lui promettre En faveur De lady Juliana Penn dont un des fils va passer En pensilvanie.

Addressed: hotel de sarsfield} a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats / unis d’Amerique / A Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Boillat et al., 15 March 1783
From: Boillat, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Very Honourable Dr Franklin, at the Court of FranceSt Malos the 15th March 1783

I Peter Boillat, Represents to your excellency the Circumstance in which I find myself with four Other Americans, I was Capt and have Served with honour during the War, in the Service of Congress, where I have been Severely Wounded, I have Served ever with Zeal my Country, And took the Command of the Privateer Called the Lawrens of Twelve Guns, I was taken by a King’s Sloop of War Called the Germaine, on Our Coast of America, and was plundered entirely, plundered of all my Effects and put in Prison on board the Old Jersey, from whence I made my escape on board a french Transport which brought me to St Malos about Three Months and a half ago, without money or Cloathing, here I found a poor Irish man married in the Country who Gave me Boarding and lodging to this day, without finding a passage to return home, with four American Seamen which are here in the same Situation with me, One of which was Severely Wounded By a musket Ball in his Right Legg. I hope that your Excellency would be so kind as Allow us Forty Guineas to pay Our Debts and for Cloathing.
We pray your Excellency also, would send us an Order to be recieved on board the Ship Pacifique, which is bound to Boston, to put in at Cadis. We will ever Owe to your Excellency the most Sensible Acknowledgements, for having deliver’d us from the Distress which the fortune of War has brought us to
Peter Boillat.John RussellLevy SmithSamuel NapNathaniel Trundy
Very Honourable Dr Franklin

Notation: Boillat 15 March 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 15 March 1783
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirMadrid 15 March 1783
I had the honor to receive, altho Somewhat Late the Communications you made to me of the Treaty signed the 30th of Novr. with G. Britain. Your Letter remained more than three weeks in the hands of this Ministry, If I may be Allowed to Judge from its Date & Delivery. I am Infinitely sensible for the Communication which you did me the honor to make of this Important event & the more so as I had a right to expect it from Others who have not given me the least Information on the Subject— I should have answered your Letters Immediately If I could have made return adequate to the Communication which You did me the honor to make me; But our Affairs here were for so long a time in such an uncertain Situation that I dared not venture to predict their Issue & at all Events I expected to receive advice & not to be Obliged to demand it— The Marquis de la Fayette will have informed you of the Situation of affairs here— I did not write your Excy by him, because I was convinced that he could give you much better Information vivâ voce, than I could do by Letter— I wished to have sent by him an Acct of Money Transactions here, I reserve it for the Ct. D Estaing. I hope you will find that it will be satisfactory— I have recd Letters from Mr Livingston Informing me that he had remitted Bills for my Salary for one half year & That these Bills were sent to your Excy; I have drawn in that Interval for near a years Salary, but still the Public is in arrears to me. I hoped that Mr Jay would have settled his Accts with your Excy & in that case you would have seen that there was still a considerable defecit in my favor— By the next post I shall have the honor to transmit my public & private Accts— The Sums due here are not considerable & that Circumstance renders their payment the more necessary to establish our credit on a permanent footing— The Baron Le Fort will have the honor to present to your Excy this Letter. It was a request on his part that I could not refuse when Seconded by his Uncle the Baron de Falkenhain who commanded the French troops at Minorca & Gibraltar. I am Obliged to write This Letter with much precipitation, & I have neither the head or hand so much at my disposition as I could wish when I have the honor to Address one whose good opinion I have so much at heart. I pray your Exy to think well of me untill at least you have convincing proofs to the Contrary. Your long Silence & your last Laconic Letter gave me the bile for a much longer Time than I Dare to tell you. My heart has always loved and honored you & I hope that you will respect its feelings, altho you may have little regard for the head which is not in the Case to follow as it ought to do, its Impulse— On Monday or Thursday I shall have the honor to write to your Exy such sentiments as I expect will be inspected by this Court— I hope Mr Jay will soon decide what he means to do, for until I know his decision I shal not act in one manner or another.
I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excys. Most Obliged & Humble Sert
Wm. Carmichael
His Excy. Benjamin Franklin—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Joly de Fleury de La Valette, 15 March 1783
From: Joly de Fleury de La Valette, Jean-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 15. Mars 1783.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 9. de ce mois avec l’état des Lettres de change tirées de l’Inde et de l’Amérique, pour le service de la Marine qui appartiennent aux Américains et dont le paiement est reculé d’une année, en vertu de l’arrêt du Conseil du Roi du 26. fevrier dernier. S’il étoit possible de faire une seule exception aux dispositions de ces arrêts, ce seroit certainement en faveur des américains; mais elle tireroit à de trop grandes conséquences, pour écouter le desir que j’aurois de vous satisfaire à cet égard. Soyéz, je vous prie, Monsieur, persuadé de tout mon regret. Au surplus Votre Excellence doit remarquer que la condition des intérêts à 5% payés pour l’année de retard, et l’attention qu’on a eue de ne point dénaturer le titre, lui conserveront nécessairement Son activité et sa valeur, toutes les fois que, dans ce moment-ci, l’on ne précipitera pas la négociation. J’ajoute à cette observation l’assurance positive que ces lettres de change Seront exactement payées à l’échéance déterminée par l’arrêt du Conseil.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un Sincère attachement Monsieur, Votre très-humble et très-obéissant Serviteur.
Joly DE Fleury
M Francklin.

Notation: Joly de Fleury, Paris 15 Mars 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 15 March 1783
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,London, March 15, 1783.
A very respectable planter of Antigua writes to desire of Mr Manning, “as a particular favor, that he would procure for his son a letter to Dr Franklin, as he is desirous he should know one of the first characters this age has produced.”
The young gentleman, Mr Mackinnen, who presents you with this letter is the person alluded to, and though he is unfortunate enough to be obliged to travel for his health, I conceive that he will find some alleviation in having had the pleasure of being introduced to you in the course of his journey. I have not the pleasure of knowing Mr Mackinnen Junr:, but I believe that I need not use many words to induce you to shew civilities to a connection for which my father in law, Mr Manning, expresses his esteem & his wishes to be useful.
I am, my dearest sir, with the deepest respect, your ever devoted, grateful, and affectionate,
Benjn: Vaughan


Title: Antoine Court de Gébelin to the American Philosophical Society: Extract, 15 March 1783
From: Gébelin, Antoine Court de,Court de Gébelin, Antoine
To: American Philosophical Society,Franklin, Benjamin

	Au musée de Paris Rue Dauphine 15e. Mars 1783
Le 6. de ce mois, notre Societé litteraire connue sous le nom de Musée de Paris a donnè une brillante fete pour la paix: le Dr Franklin l’honora de sa presence: il y avoit l’élite des Academies, des Ambassadeurs, de Paris: 400. Dames plus brillantes les unes que les autres: les lectures en vers & en prose commencerent un peu après 5 heur. Le Concert entre 7. & 8. L’Orchestre etoit superieurement composè. Sur les 10h. & demi, on porta la Santé des Etats-Unis & Celle de Votre Societè litteraire— M. le Dr Franklin y repondit d’une maniere qui excita la plus vive sensation.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 16 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,Passy, March 16. 1783.
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me respecting the Means of promoting the Commerce between France and America. Not being myself well acquainted with the State of that Commerce, I have endeavoured by Conversation with some of our Merchants to obtain Information. They complain in general of the Embarrassments it suffers by the numerous internal Demands of Duties, Searches, &c. that it is subjected to in this Country. Whether these can be well removed, and the System changed, I will not presume to say. The inclosed Letters may however inform your Excellency of some of the Circumstances, and probably Mr. Barclay, our Consul, may furnish others. In general I would only observe, that Commerce, consisting in a mutual Exchange of the Necessaries and Conveniences of Life, the more free and unrestrained it is, the more it flourishes; and the happier are all the Nations concerned in it. Most of the Restraints put upon it in different Countries seem to have been the Projects of Particulars for their private Interest, under Pretence of pu[blic?] Good. Your Excellency has no doubt seen the Bill now under Consideration in the British Parliament respecting their Trade with America, and will consider how far it may be practicable to give Facilities to the future Trade between America and your Sugar Islands, as well as with France, similar to those which seem now to be projected by England. I myself wish most earnestly that France may reap speedily those great Advantages from the American Commerce which She has so well merited by her generous Aids in freeing it from its former Monopoly; and every thing in my Power to promote that desired End may be depended on. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Ser.
B Franklin
M. le Comte de Vergennes.

Endorsed: M de R


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bache, 16 March 1783
From: Bache, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear GrandpapaPhiladelphia March the 16 1783
I embrace this opportunity of letting you know that Papa is going to Passy to wait upon you home to Philadelphia; My Sister is going to boarding School to Miss Beckwith; there is a refugee Rowgally taken and brought in here. Bob says he is very glad to hear that you are in A good State of health. There are two French Frigates going out to Fight two British ones. I am going to latin School two morrow. I hope that Beny can read My letter. I See that he can write English, my Sister wants some Babys some Gloves & some Shoes & a little Sofa too for her & her Baby. Please to lett me know if Benny is well. My Sister Deborah speaks a little Bad English. I must not say Scotch for fear of affending Beny. She Calls baby barbie & many Comical words. My Mama has wrote you A letter, my Papa & mama received Bennys Pictures, the People talk of Peace we had A dog named Juno but She is lost, Carlo is alive, but Pompy is Dead, we have A dog that is Juno’s Sister her name is Fanny, She is Papa’s favourite dog, that he takes ahunting with him. She is of the same breed as carlo, Betsy Louis Deborah & my Self are very well & they Send their love to you.
I am your most affectionate Grand Child
William Bache

Addressed: To / Benjamin / Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Buchan, 17 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Buchan, David Steuart Erskine, Earl of

My Lord,Passy, March 17. 1783—
I received the Letter your Lordship did me the honour of writing to me the 18th past, and am oblig’d by your kind Congratulations on the Return of Peace, which I hope will be lasting.
With regard to the Terms on which Lands may be acquired in America, & the Manner of beginning new Settlements on them, I cannot give better Information than may be found in a Book lately printed at London, under some such Title as Letters from a Pensilvanian Farmer, by Hector St. John. The only Encouragements we hold out to Strangers, are a good Climate, fertile Soil, wholesome Air, & Water, plenty of Provisions & Fuel, good Pay for Labour, kind Neighbours, good Laws, Liberty, & a hearty Welcome. The rest depends on a Man’s own Industry & Virtue. Lands are cheap, but they must be bought. All Settlements are undertaken at private Expence: The Publick contributes nothing but Defence and Justice.— I should not however expect much Emigration from a Country so much drain’d of Men as yours must have been by the late War; since the more have left it, the more Room & the more Encouragement remains for those who staid at home. But this you can best judge of; and I have long observed of your People, that their Sobriety, Frugality, Industry & Honesty, seldom fail of Success in America, and of procuring them a good Establishment among us.
I do not recollect the Circumstance you are pleas’d to mention of my having sav’d a Citizen at St. Andrews, by giving a Turn to his Disorder; and I am curious to know what the Disorder was, and what the Advice I gave which prov’d so salutary.—

With great Regard I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B. Franklin
Rt. honble Earl of Buchan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jones, 17 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jones, William

Dear Friend,
I duly received your obliging Letter of Nov. 15: You will have since learnt how much I was then and have been continually engag’d in public Affairs, and your Goodness will excuse my not having answered sooner. You announc’d your intended Marriage with my much respected Friend Miss Anna Maria, which I assure you gave me great Pleasure, as I cannot conceive a Match more likely to be happy, from the amiable Qualities each of you possess so plentifully. You mention its taking place as soon as a prudent Attention to worldly Interests would permit. I just now learn from Mr Hodgson, that you are appointed to an honourable & profitable Place in the Indies; so I expect now soon to hear of the Wedding, and to receive the Profile. With the good Bishop’s Permission I will join my Blessing with his; adding my Wishes that you may return from that corrupting Country with a great deal of Money honestly acquir’d, and with full as much Virtue as you carry out with you.

The Engraving of my Medal, which you know was projected before the Peace, is but just finished. None are yet struck in hard Metal, but will be in a few Days: In the mean time having this good Opportunity by Mr Penn, I send you one of the Epreuves. You will see that I have profited of some of your Ideas, and adopted the Mottos you were so kind as to furnish.
I am at present quite recover’d from my late Illness, and flatter my self that I may in the ensuing Summer be able to undertake the Trip to England, for the Pleasure of seeing once more my dear Friends there, among whom the Bishop & his Family stand foremost in my Estimation & Affection.
I thank you much for your good Wishes respecting me. Mine for your Welfare & Prosperity are not less earnest and sincere; being with great Truth, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend & most obedient Servant.
B Franklin

Please to present my Respects to the Club. I always remember with Pleasure the agreable Hours I had the Happiness of Spending with them.—
W Jones, Esqr

Notations in different hands: From Benj. Franklin / Franklin March 1783


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 17 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shipley, Jonathan

Passy, March 17. 83.
I received with great Pleasure my dear & respected Friend’s Letter of the 5th Instt. as it inform’d me of the Welfare of a Family I so much esteem & love.
The Clamor against the Peace in your Parliament would alarm me for its Duration, if I were not of Opinion with you, that the Attack is rather against the Minister. I am confident none of the Opposition would have made a better Peace for England if they had been in his Place; at least I am sure that Lord Stormont, who seems loudest in Railing at it, is not the Man that could have mended it. My Reasons I will give you when I shall have what I hope to have, the great Happiness of seeing you once more, and conversing with you. They talk much of there being no Reciprocity in our Treaty: They think nothing then of our passing over in Silence the Atrocities committed by their Troops, and demanding no Satisfaction for their wanton Burnings & Devastations of our fair Towns and Countries. They have heretofore confest the War to be unjust, and nothing is plainer in Reasoning than that the Mischiefs done in an unjust War should be repaired. Can Englishmen be so partial to themselves, as to imagine they have a right to plunder & destroy as much as they please, and then without satisfying for the Injuries they have done, to have Peace on equal Terms? We were favourable, & did not demand what Justice entitled us to. We shall probably be blam’d for it by our Constituents: And I still think it would be the Interest of England voluntarily to offer Reparation of those Injuries, & effect it as much as may be in her Power. But this is an Interest she will never see.—
Let us now forgive and forget. Let each Country seek its Advancement in its own internal Advantages of Arts & Agriculture, not in retarding or preventing the Prosperity of the other. America will, with God’s Blessing, become a great & happy Country; and England, if she has at length gain’d Wisdom, will have gain’d something more valuable, & more essential to her Prosperity, than all she has lost; and will still be a great and respectable Nation.— Her great Disease at present is the Number & enormous Salaries & Emoluments of Office. Avarice & Ambition are strong Passions, and separately act with great Force on the human Mind; but when both are united and may be gratified in the same Object, their Violence is almost irresistable, and they hurry Men headlong into Factions and Contentions destructive of all good Government. As long therefore as these great Emoluments subsist, your Parliament will be a stormy Sea, and your public Counsels confounded by private Interests. But it requires much Public Spirit and Virtue to abolish them! more perhaps than can now be found in a Nation so long corrupted.
Please to present my affectionate Respects to Mrs Shipley and all my young Friends, whom I long to see once more before I die. I hope soon to congratulate you on the Marriages that I hear are in Contemplation. Every thing interests me that regards the Happiness of your Family; being ever, with the sincerest Esteem & Affection, My dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Lord Bp. of St. Asaph


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

Sir,London 17th March 1783.
I beg leave to refer to my letter of the 6th Instant by the hands of Mr. Storer—to speak in the current stile, Government is still a float. In the moment when it was thought an Administration would be formed, the prospects of the Coalition have been dashed— The K. it seems has been the stipulator, insisted upon keeping the Lord Chancellor and introducing Lord Stormont and His M. immediately went out of Town. The Duke of Portland will not submit to recieve materials into the foundation which may endanger the Fabric. On one side Chagrin on the other Sneering, is visible, on our part We keep Lent, I cannot hide from myself the mortification which I suffer. Not a step taken towards a Definitive Treaty and establishing the important “Then”— The Bill of which I sent my Colleagues a Copy by Mr. Storer is annihilated and another, called an Amendment, introduced. A Copy of this for their use, You will recieve under the present Cover, You will read my idea of its merit in three words interlined in the Title. I am persuaded it will be torn to pieces to day— I hold the language steadily. “Make what Acts you please for opening Commerce, however suitable to the purposes of Great Britain or speciously conducive to the mutual interests of Great Britain and the United States, I think there cannot be, I hope there will not be, an intercourse permitted on our part until a Definitive Treaty is concluded and the British troops completely withdrawn from our Territories.”
I lately saw in a Morning Chronicle a Publication of Mr Adams’s first Commission for making a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain and of the revocation of that Commission, I know but of one Man in this Kingdom capable of giving such intelligence, I wish he may not be possessed of more important Documents. Shall I request you Sir to inform me if it be not improper, whether there is at this time a subsisting Commission for entering into such a Treaty.
Mr. Redford the Gentleman who will do me the honor of presenting this Letter will also deliver you “A State of Facts” a Recriminatory Libel calculated for shewing there are other bad Men besides the Hero of “The Defence of the Earl of Shelburne”— Be it among you blind harpers. My Daughter has reproached me for having omitted in my last her best respects to Doctor Franklin and hearty thanks for his very polite attention to her while she was at Paris. The young Lady and her Brother join in the most respectful salutes to yourself & Mr Franklin with Sir Your obliged & Most Obedient servant
Henry Laurens,

P.S. I have packed up a few of the latest News papers and put them into the hands of Mr. Redford for your use.

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire. at Paris.

Endorsed: Mr Laurens March 17. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Marie Marion de La Brillantais, 17 March 1783
From: Marion de La Brillantais, Louis-Marie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur.St. Malo. Le 17 Mars 1783.
Nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre Ci-jointe une requête qu’adressent à votre excellence d’infortunés Americains, victimes de la guerre. Leur objet est de repasser dans leur patrie Sur le Navire Le Pacifique que nous venons d’armer dans Notre port, pour l’amérique Septentrionale. Nous Sommes bien fachés que leurs blessures et le Complettement de Notre équipage ne nous permettent pas de les Employer dans le voyage pour Leur procurer gratuitement Le passage; L’humanité nous ferait un devoir de donner à ces infortunés la Consolation de revoir leur païs. Malheureusement nous sommes forcés de ne les prendre que comme passagers; nous en faisons l’offre à Votre excellence et la prions de nous honorer d’une prompte réponse, parceque le Navire est prêt à faire voile.
Nous Sommes avec respect Monseigneur Vos très Humbles Et très obéissants serviteurs
Marion DE Brillantais Marion FRERES
a Son Excellence Le Très honorable Dr. Franklin Ministre des Etats-unis de L’amérique


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 19 March 1783
From: Cadet de Vaux, Antoine-Alexis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,ce 19 Mars 1783
J’ai passé hier trois heures avec M. Robillard, chevalier de l’ordre du Roi, chirurgien majeur de l’armée francaise en Amérique. Il a Vu votre hémisphere en homme Instruit et me parait avoir rapporté de ce pays là des observations faites pour intéresser le lègislateur du nouveau monde. J’ai présumé que vous le Verriés utilement et Je lui ai proposé de le conduire chès vous, monsieur, un jour de la Semaine prochaine que vous voudriés bien m’Indiquer. M. Robillard a Surtout porte Ses remarques Sur la constitution physique et Sur les choses qui, dans certaines provinces de l’Ameriquè contribuent à l’altérer.
Vous vous doutés bien, Monsieur, que M. Parmentier et moi avons du l’Interroger Sur l’Etat de la boulangerie et nous avons appris, avec quelqu’Etonnement, que les americains en Etaient encore pour la majeure partie au pain azyme. Cet objet Etant digne de Votre attention, Je vous demande la permission d’en conférer avec vous, conjointement avec M. Parmentier, que J’aurai l’honneur de vous prèsenter, le Jour que J’accompagnerai M. Robillard. Le comité de l’Ecole de Boulangerie pourrait entretenir une correspondance avec la Société de Philadelphie Sur les objets d’œconomie Rurale; trop heureux Si ces marques de mon Zele vous Sont agréables.

Je Suis avec un respect profond Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur
Cadet DE VauxCenseur Royal, Rue des Gravilliers

Notation: Cadet de Vaux Paris 19 Mars 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 19 March 1783
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirLeghorn 19 March 1783—
Now that the long wished-for point is finaly Obtained by the Spirit of the United States, in whose cause I have always been warm & never varied, I must Again in the most Earnest Manner press your Excellency to have Mr John Christopher Hornbostel appointed Consul for those states at Marsailles; he justly merits it to my own Knowledge and I think I have some Claim for that favor, for I never Changed in all the Vicissitudes of the Affairs of that now happy Continent—
I hoped for the Honor of a Letter in Answer to my former ones, but flatter myself that, the Answer to this, will be his Appointment; for which I shall return my personal & Gratefull thanks before I leave the Continent—
At present I shall not presume to take up your time with a long Letter, but request you & your Son will accept of the Sincerest Respects of Lady Newenham, my Son & Daughter—
I have the Honor to be, Dear Sir, with Evry sentiment of respect your Excellencys most obliged & most obt: Humble Sert
Edwd Newenham

PS— I shall remain here untill I receive the honor of yr Excellencys Answer Pray, is the Marquiss La Fayette in France?


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 20 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,Passy, March 20. 1783
I received your Favour of the 6th Instant, with a Copy of the Bill for the provisional Establishment of Commerce, & Mr Day’s Tract. I am much oblig’d by your kind Attention in sending them.
I am glad you happen to be on the Spot to say what ought to be said respecting the pretended Loyalists. Setting them in their true Light must be of great Service. The World had never seen a more universally Loyal People than the Americans who were forc’d by the mad Measures of the Ministry to take up Arms in Defence of their Rights. They did it with Reluctance. They were truly Loyalists. Very few if any of these Pretenders had any such Principle, or any Principle but that of taking care of themselves by securing Safety with a Chance of Emolument & Plunder. They fancied the King’s Side would prove the strongest. Could they have foreseen our Success, they would never have oppos’d us, nor would England have been dunn’d with their Claims of Recompense for their Loyalty!
The Bill for establishing Commerce, is, I hear, to be new modeled: I shall be glad to be inform’d of the Alterations as soon as possible. I do not like the Delay of the definitive Treaty by the Detention so long of Mr Oswald, nor the Delay of Evacuating New York. If these Delays are lengthen’d much more, I shall suspect an Intention of renewing the Quarrel. I hope you will not fail to come with Mr Oswald if he returns hither, or with whoever shall come in his Place.
Mr Adams has communicated nothing to me on the Subject of the anonymous Letters. I hear frequently of his Ravings against M de Vergennes & me whom he suspects of Plots against him which have no Existence but in his own troubled Imagination. I take no Notice, & we are civil when we meet. In removing my Papers I have found a second of those Letters with the Bruxelles Mark also, but dated at Ghent 8 May 1782.
There is now a Talk of employing the Mediators at the definitive Treaty. I do not know why nor what they are to mediate the important Points being settled.
We have no News here yet of the Reception of the Preliminaries in America; nor any Letters later than the Beginning of January.
The Court of Spain has agreed to the Boundaries, or at least express’d its Acquiesience in those establish’d by England & America: so that we shall be free from the Difficulty expected from that Quarter.
My Grandson is sensible of the Honour done him by your kind Remembrance, and presents his respectful Compliments with mine. We join also in Compliments to your amiable Son and Daughter.
With sincere Esteem and Affection, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin

Notation: B. Franklin 20th March 1783 Reced. 31st. Ansd 4th April.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bourne, 20 March 1783
From: Bourne, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirMarch 20th. 1783
Indulge me with this and I shall trouble no more.
Establish no priest craft in the Land. Curtail the power of Executors viz a person Dies posess’d of Effects, left in the hands of Executors; let there be two Courts, an upper and a lower the lower Court to take Cognozience, & the Will to be Register’d, the Executor with an examiner to give in a just Acct, upon Oath, and upon Confiscation of Effects (Death) with satisfaction if the Executor is posess’d of so much, the lower Court to be Accountable to the upper any One belonging to either Court committing any defraud, severe punishment & penalty, and excluded from ever holding a place under Goverrment the expences to be settld by Goverment according to value.
Suppose America a Commonwealth suffer no Candidate to solicit Votes under great penalties, or any one for him, the Candidates may send their names to a Committey appointed for that purpose, printed Copies sent to every Province, the Voters to signe their names, every Man to have equal Vote, the time of Voteing limited when fill’d up, that sent to the Committey to publish the choice of the greatest number of Voters, the Candidite to have nothing to do in it or be present at any time of meeting or any one for him, (to be chosen annually).
I beg Sir you will please to excuse the rudeness, it’s only from that sincere wish for the welfare of that dear Country where I shou’d be happy to spend my days and I hope that Almighty hand that brot you thro’, will direct your Councils and that you may be all directed to believe that; that Almighty Power Governs the Universe, and that he may power his choisest blessing on you and make you a happy People is the desire of Sir your most Obedient and humble Servant
Jno Bourne


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 21 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

Dear Son,Passy, 21. Mar. 1783.
The Bearer Mr John Darby, of excellent Character & Connections in England, and in very capital Business, goes over with a View of Visiting America; & may perhaps finally settle there.— I beg you will do every thing in you Power to render his stay as agreable as possible, by shewing him every Civility and Attention and by affording him your Counsels if he should stand in need of them. In doing of which, you’ll oblige much Your ever affectionate Father.
B Franklin
R. Bache Esqr.

Addressed: R. Bache Esqr / merchant / at Philadelphia


Title: Franklin’s Answers to Five Questions about Trade, [on or before 21 March 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[on or before March 21, 1783]
Question 1: Are all the nations of Europe, including those of the North, allowed to trade freely and safely with the United States of North America, to land on their coast, to frequent their ports, harbors, etc.?
Answer: Yes.
Question 2: Is the importation of certain goods prohibited or forbidden? And what are these prohibited goods?
Answer: All kinds of English goods.

Question 3: Are foreign vessels allowed to carry all American products, or are some goods excepted?
Answer: There are no exceptions.
Question 4: Is there an already-established and well-known tariff? What are the import and export duties imposed on ships and their cargo? Are all nations in this matter treated equally or do some particular nations enjoy certain exceptions or privileges?
Answer: There are no such duties. Nations are all treated equally, except for the English, who will not be able to come into the ports of the United States until Congress has revoked certain prohibitory measures.
And finally, question 5: What are the most wanted goods in North America, and in what port can they best be sold?
Answer: Everything relating to men’s and women’s clothing. In Philadelphia or in Boston.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Moylan, 21 March 1783
From: Moylan, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d SirL’Orient 21st. March 1783
Your Dispatches for the Ministers of Foreign affairs & Finances have come safe to my hands, and agreeable to your directions I have deliver’d them to the Captain of the Frigate bound to America, who promised to take particular care of them.
With the utmost respect I have the honor to be Honor’d Sir Your most obedt. & most hle Servt
James Moylan

The Honble B. Franklin Esqr. Minister plenepotentiary of the united States of America &ce. & ce.—

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre plainépotentiaire des / Etats Unis de l’Amerique / a Passy / près Paris
Notation: J. Moylan 21 March 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 21 March 1783
From: Wright, Patience
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured SirLondon March 21th 1783
By the Desire of Some of the honest membrs in Parliment this Inclosd proposals for a very useful paper (which is much wanted at this time)—the news papers are So undr the Direction of the Party of george—that no truth Comes out to inform the People—the people grone undr the tyrant and by assistance from America will through Such useful papers open the way to truth— Mr Martain Mr Evins and Councellor Lafft with othrs have Set forward This Weekly paper and by Franks and by Friends it will find its way through all Ranks of men— Major Labilliere Still is on his Hunt after the Enemis of truth as a Christian Solder he Sends his love and Enjoys the prospect when you arive— Inclosd is a note I wrote to you per a friend who delayd his going— The Barer Young MccKenning is to Set out tomorrow only waits Ld Surrys Motion in the house Lords Respecting Chussing a Minister.
I am now in Fashon several noblemen this day Calld at my house and I find a total Eclieptes or darkness has Sezd on Pharoh—
Pray help the Industorous honest hearted week English— Pity the people and Send this Rebel to Power over to Some Place where his Mischevous Consort or Party can no longer destroy the peace and Hapiness of Mankind—
The Honourabl Part the french Court has acted and the Light from America has now opend the Eyes of England—they only want your help to Set wisdom at Work—which will bring Peace and hapyness to us again— I beg you for god’s Sake for the Sake of Reason Concience Honour and the good of all Men write to the Membrs Parliment or City Membrs Direct them to actt Honest to the Articles of Peace. My daughter Joynes me in most Respectful Complnts to your grand Son Wm Franklin to Madam Elvisious and others Who Know my princepls I am Dear Sir your most faithful friend and very humble svt
Patience Wright

great talk of a Comitte of Safty &c. the men who is talkd of are Sir Cecil Wray Mr Martin Mr Powis Mr Eliott or Eliss 5 in Numbr if No Choice this day is Made by the King the People PROCEED—
All your old friends in England Rejoyce in the hope of Seeing you once more amongst them and thousands Famalys Ready to Set out for America applications are making Evry day for Passages or Information Concerning the Voyge and for owners of Land and the meckanicks traids men merchts all Sorts openly declare England is Ruind they will go to Americca—this is thought one of the Reasons Why No minister and So long as no Ministers no Emigrations to America &cc Kings Politicks—

Addressed: For / His Exelency / B. Franklin Esqr / Paris
Notation: Wright 21 Mars 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Three Letters, 22 March 1783
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
à Versles. le 22. Mars 1783.
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoÿer, Monsieur, Copie de la réponse que j’ai reçue de Mr. le Mis. [Marquis] de Castries relativemt. à la Saisie faite sur les déniers provenants de l’armemt. de la frégate Américaine l’Alliance. Cette réponse du Ministre de la Marine ne vous laissera, Monsieur rien à désirer sur les ordres qui ont été donnés pour redresser le procédé irrégulier qui a fait le Sujet de vos plaintes.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincérement, Monsieur votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur./.
De Vergennes
M. franklin./.

II.
à Versles. le 22. Mars 1783.
J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer copie d’une lettre que j’ai reçüe de Mr. le Mis. de Ségur et de l’état qui y est joint d’effets d’artillerie appartenants au Roi, qui Sont restés à Baltimore. Vous verrés, Monsieur, par la lettre de ce Ministre qu’il propose aux Etats Unis d’en faire l’acquisition conformémt. aux différens prix indiqués sur chacun des articles dont il s’agit. Je vous prie de me faire connoître ce que vous pensez de cette proposition, et de me mettre, le plustôt qu’il vous Sera possible, en état de répondre à Mr. le Mis. de Segur.
J’ai l’honneur d’être Très Sincérement, Monsieur votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur./.
De Vergennes
M. franklin.

III.
A Versles. le 22. Mars 1783.
M. le Cte. de Mercy m’a adressé, M. les pieces que j’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer ci joint en original. Elles concernent la proprieté du navire Den Eersten et de Sa cargaison dont le Corsaire Americain Le Darby S’est emparé. Je vous prie, M. de vouloir bien examiner ces pieces, et Si elles ne vous laissent aucun doute Sur la legitimité de la reclamation dont il S’agit, je Suis bien persuadé que vous ne differerez pas a me mettre à portée de faire une reponse Satisfaisante à M. le Cte. de Mercy.
M. franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Dickinson, 23 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dickinson, John

Sir,Passy, March 23d. 1783.
Permit me to congratulate your Excellency on your Advancement to the Presidency of Pennsylvania, wherein I hope you may find Opportunities of doing much good to your Country, the only Consideration that can make an elevated Situation agreable to a reasonable Mind.
Mr Penn, Son of our late Proprietary, purposes going over shortly, and will do me the honour of delivering this Line to you. He appears to me, in the short Acquaintance I have had with him, to be an amiable young Gentleman of a promising valuable Character, and if any Recommendations of mine to your Civilities and Friendship could be thought necessary, he should have them fully. But I confine myself here to what regards the Family in general. They think the late Act of Assembly respecting their Lands has done them great Injustice. Not being in the Country when it was made, and being unacquainted with the Reasonings upon which it was founded, I have been only able to say, that I did not believe any Injustice was intended, and that the offer’d Compensation had been supposed an equitable one. I have not heard that the Family was considered as delinquent in the Affair of the Revolution: but as I find it is imagined that some Suspicions of their being unfavourable to it have perhaps prejudiced the Assembly against them, and that the Warmth of the Times has produced a harder Treatment of their Interests than would otherwise have been thought of, I would beg leave to mention it to your Excellency’s Consideration, whether it would not be reputable for the Province in the cooler Season of Peace, to reconsider that Act, and if the Allowance made to the Family should be found inadequate, to regulate it according to Equity: Since it becomes a Virgin State, to be particularly careful of its Reputation and to guard itself not only against committing Injustice, but against even the Suspicion of it.
With great Esteem & Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excellency John Dickenson Esqr, President of the State of Pennsylvania.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 23 March 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

My dear Friend,Passy, March 23. 1783.
I wrote to you a few Days since by Mr Williams, but I omitted some Newspapers which I had intended to send by him: I now inclose them. They contain sundry Articles relating to the Barbarities exercis’d by the British in America; and as you had borrow’d of me a Paper containing an Account of those committed by Lord Cornwallis, and thought there might be some Use in showing it in England, I send you these for the same Purpose. Perhaps it would not be amiss to publish them, that considering such Provocations, some Value may be set upon our Moderation, in not demanding Reparation for the wanton Devastations made of our fine Towns and Plantations, & that thence it may appear that there is more Reciprocity in our Treaty than our Enemies have been pleas’d to find in it. I thank you much for the Castor Oil, but wish to learn from you the Use & Virtues of it, & the Quantity & manner of taking the Doses. Please to present my Respects to your good Father, and acquaint him that a Letter which your Brother mentions to me, never came to hand. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
B. Vaughan Esqr

Endorsed: Passy March 23. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Louis-François Fossé, 23 March 1783
From: Fossé, Charles-Louis-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!à caën le 23. mars 1783.
J’ay prié Monsieur Déshoteux de Vous remettre un Exemplaire de Mon Essai Sur l’attaque et la deffense des petits postes. Ce n’est qu’après avoir Surmontée bien des dificultees que je suis parvenus à Former des artistes capables déxécuter ce genre de gravure utile aux militaires. Il procure plus de clartée dans les déscriptions, et létude en devient plus amusante aux jeunes officiers pour lesquels cet ouvrage est fait; c’est un chainon qui lie la petite et la grande tactique.
Il peut Vous ressouvenir Monsieur que dans un Voyage que je Fis à paris il y à deux ans Vous eutes la complaisance de me déveloper le méchanisme de vos cheminées Economiques, elles Seroient d’une grande utilitée en France, Si elles étoient faites par des ouvriers inteligents et conduites par des gens raisonnables, mais la plus part les gouvernent mal en y faisant trop de feu, Je m’en Suis bien trouvé.
Je Vous prie de recevoir mon Essai comme une reconnoissance que je Vous doit, Je me croirez heureux s’il peut meriter Votre suffrage, et s’il devient utile à Vos compatriotes.

Daignez agréer les sentimens respectueux avec lesqu’els J’ay lhonneur dêtre. Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeïssant Serviteur
FOSSÉofficier au regt. du Roy.

J’aurez l’honneur de Vous faire passer dans le courrant de mai, une feuille a la place de l’epitre et sur laquelle Sera les armes de Monsieur Le duc du chatellet, elle seront gravés aussi en couleurs.
Il seroit bon de ne faire relier cet ouvrage qu’après lété parcqu’il pourroit maculer sous le marteau du relieur.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 23 March 1783
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ruë de Seine ce 23 Mars [1783]
Permettez vous Mon Illustre Docteur que Je profite de L Occasion du Voyage de Me. [Madame] Le Roy à Passy pour vous Solliciter de nouveau en faveur de la personne de Bayonne qui désire d’avoir l’honneur d’être Le Consul de Messieurs Les Amèricains dans cette Ville et dont j’ai eu Lhonneur de vous envoyer le mémoire qui m’a èté fortement recommandé comme Je vous l’ai marqué par un homme auquel Je suis fort attaché (M Le Comte d’Ornano). J’aurois bien voulu pouvoir accompagner Me. Le Roy à Passy mais J’ai un malheureux engagement qui m’en empêche. Je ne vous dis rien pour M. Martin il aura un meilleur Avocat que moi auprès de Vous puisque Me. sa femme compte avoir lhonneur de vous voir avec Me. Le Roy avec un bon nombre d’exemplaires de son memoire Sur le Commerce d’importation et d’exportation du port de Sette, traduit en Anglois. Je joins dans ce pacquet cette Lettre Mon Illustre Docteur que je vous Serai infiniment obligé Si vous voulez bien faire passer à Son adresse en Amèrique.
Jai eté dèsolé toute cette Semaine de n’avoir pu aller dejeuner avec vous comme je me le proposois mais Je compte que cellecy ne se passera pas de même.
Recevez Mon Illustre Docteur les sincères assurrances de tous les sentimens distingués d’attachement que Je vous ai vouès pour la Vie
Le Roy

PS Je vous porterai votre papier au premier Jour

Notation: Le Roy