Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Josiah Quincy, Sr., 11 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Quincy, Josiah, Sr.

            My dear Friend,
            Passy, Sept. 11. 1783.—

          Mr Storer told me not long since that you complain’d of my not writing to you. You had reason; for I find among your
            Letters to me two unanswered, viz. those of May 25, and Dec. 17. 1781. The Truth is, I have had too much Business to do
            for the Publick, and too little Help allow’d me; so that it became impossible for me to
            keep up my private Correspondencies. I promis’d myself more Leisure when the Definitive
            Treaty of Peace should be concluded: But that it seems is to be followed by a Treaty of
            Commerce, which will probably take up a good deal of Time & require much Attention.
            I seize this little Interim to sit down & have a little Chat with my Friends in
            America.—
          I lament with you the many Mischiefs, the Injustices, the Corruption of Manners, &c
            &c that attended a depreciating Currency. It is some Consolation to me that I wash’d
            my Hands of that Evil by predicting it in Congress, and proposing Means that would have
            been effectual to prevent it if they had been adopted. Subsequent Operations that I have executed,
            demonstrate that my Plan was practicable. But it was unfortunately rejected. Considering
            all our Mistakes and Mismanagements, it is wonderful we have finish’d our Affair so
            well, and so soon! Indeed I am wrong in using that Expression, We have finish’d our Affairs so well. Our
            Blunders have been many, and they serve to manifest the Hand of Providence more clearly
            in our Favour; so that we may much more properly say, These are
                THY Doings, O Lord, and they are marvellous in
              our Eyes!—
          Mr. Storer, whom you recommended to me is now in England. He needed none of the Advice
            you desired me to give him. His Behaviour here was unexceptionable, and he
            gain’d the Esteem of all that knew him.—
          The Epitaph on my dear and much esteemed young Friend, is too well written to be
            capable of Improvement by any Corrections of mine.— Your Moderation appears in it, since
            the natural Affection of a Parent has not induc’d you to exaggerate his Virtues. I shall
            always mourn his Loss with you; a Loss not easily made up to his Country.
          How differently constituted was his noble and generous Mind from that of the miserable
            Calumniators you mention! Having Plenty of Merit in himself, he was not jealous of the
            Appearance of Merit in others, but did Justice to their Characters with as much Pleasure
            as these People do Injury. It is now near two Years since your Friendship induc’d you to
            acquaint me with some of their Accusations. I guess’d easily at the Quarter from whence
            they came; but conscious of my Innocence, and unwilling to disturb public Operations by
            private Resentments or Contentions, I pass’d them over in Silence; and have not till
            within these few days taken the least Step towards my Vindication. Inform’d that the
            Practice of abusing me continues, and that some heavy Charges are lately made against me
            respecting my Conduct in the Treaty, written from Paris and propagated among you; I have
            demanded of all my Colleagues that they do me Justice, and I have no doubt of receiving
            it, from each of them.— I did not think it necessary to justify my self to you; by
            answering the Calumnies you mention’d. I knew you did not believe them. It was
            improbable that I should at this Distance combine with any body to urge the Redemption
            of the Paper on those unjust Terms, having no Interest in such Redemption. It was
            impossible that I should have traded with the Public Money, since I had not traded with
            any Money, either separately or jointly with any other Person, directly or indirectly to
            the Value of a Shilling, since my being in France. And the Fishery which it was said I
            had relinquished, had not then come in question, nor had I
            ever dropt a Syllable to that purpose in Word or Writing: but I was always firm in this
            Principle, that having had a common Right with the English to the Fisheries while
            connected with that Nation, and having contributed equally with our Blood and Treasure
            in conquering what had been gain’d from the French, we had an undoubted Right on
            breaking up our Partnership, to a fair Division.— As to the two Charges of Age and
            Weakness, I must confess the first; but I am not quite so clear in the latter; and
            perhaps my Adversaries may find that they presum’d a little too much upon it when they
            ventur’d to attack me.
          But enough of these petty Personalities. I quit them to rejoice with you in the Peace God has blest us with, and in the Prosperity it
            gives us a Prospect of. The Definitive Treaty was signed the third Instant. We are now
            Friends with England and with all Mankind. May we never see another War! for in my
            Opinion there never was a good War, or a bad Peace. Adieu,
            & believe me ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

            B Franklin
            Honble. Josiah Quincey Esqe—

          Notation: Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 September 1783
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            M,
            La Haie 11e. 7br. 1783.

          Me référant à celle que j’ai eu l’honr. de vous écrire le 25e. du passé, celle-ci est
            pour prendre la liberté de faire passer par vos mains l’incluse pour le Congrès, comme
            j’ai fait jusqu’ici par les mains de S.E. [Son Excellence] Mr. Adams pour celles que
            j’ai fait passer par la France, & comme je croirois devoir continuer de faire, si je
            ne craignois que quelque voyage de son côté, maintenant que la grande oeuvre est
            accomplie, n’exposât ma Lettre a être égarée ou du moins [exposée] à des retards & détours. Voulez-vous donc, Monsieur, avoir la
            bonté, s’il est encore à Paris, de la lui
            communiquer, après quoi, je voudrois qu’elle fût fermée & acheminée, soit par Mr. J.
            Thaxter, s’il peut encore la recevoir, ou par Mr. Barclai à l’Orient, ou par le Paquebot
            qui partira du Port-Louis vers la fin de ce mois, selon qu’il paroîtra le plus sûr &
            le plus expéditif.
          J’aurois écrit à Mr. Thaxter en réponse à la Lettre amicale par laquelle il m’annonce
            son départ de Paris, fixé à 10 jours de la date de sa Lettre, qui est du 31e. Août. Mais
            comme je ne reçus sa dite Lettre que mardi 9e. peu avant le départ de la poste, j’ai
            craint d’écrire à pure perte.
          J’écris par Amsterdam à Mr. L. R. Morris Secretaire au Département des E.U. pr. les
            affes. étrangeres, que je continuois de tirer sur V.E. [Votre Excellence] les 225 L.
            [Louis] d’or qui me sont alloués provisionnellement pr. ma subsistance annuelle, en attendt. qu’il ait plu au Congrès de la
            rendre plus supportable. Je fais bien des voeux pour la continuation de votre bonne
            santé, & suis avec tout l’attachement respectueux qui vous est connu, De V.E.
            &ca

            Paris à Son Exce. Mr. Franklin M.P [Ministre Plénipotentiaire]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Durey de Meinières, 12 September 1783
From: Durey de Meinières, Octavie Guichard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            aux Pavillons de chaillot Ce Vendredi 12. 7bre 1783

          Une famille patriarchale, dont le mérite et la tendre union Vous
            causérent, Monsieur, il y a quelques jours un attendrissement, qui passa dans tous les
            Cœurs, Cette famille, disje, Se rassemble et dine aux Pavillons, dimanche prochain. Vous
            ajouteriés beaucoup, Monsieur, au bonheur de my
              husband, et au mien Si Vous
            Vouliés nous faire le même honneur que Messieurs, Mesdames, et Mesdemoiselles de
              Guibert. J’ose l’espérer, quoique Vous
              nous ayés longtems oubliés. Mais on Court après Ses
            bienfaits, et Comme Vous avés bien Voulu me donner, de la meilleure grace du monde, les
            Constitutions américaines, Vous Voudrés
            peutêtre bien encore en Venir recevoir mes remercimens, en attendant qu’un rhumatisme me
            permette de Vous les porter chez Vous, quand il ne me retiendra plus Courbée en deux. Je
            Vous écris en françois pour que Vous m’entendiés; Car je Crains d’écorcher maintenant
            Votre tongue, et de Vous être inintelligible, ou au moins
            désagréable quen m’en Servant or je ne Veux Vous paroitre ni l’une, ni l’autre, lorsque
            j’essaye de Vous engager à Voisiner cordialement dimanche prochain avec your most humble
            and most obedient Servant and friend

            Guichard
              DE
              Meinieres


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Madame Durey de Meinières], 12 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Durey de Meinières, Octavie Guichard

            Passy, Sept. 12. 83—

          My Friend Made [Madame] Helvetius tells me that I do wrong to dine
            abroad, as it hurts my Health; and I much respect her Counsels: But I cannot resist the
            double Temptation you offer me of dining with you and with that amiable Family. So that
            if alive and well I shall certainly render my self on Sunday at the Pavilions of
            Chaillot, when I hope your Rhumatism will have left you, so as to permit your standing
            upright, that you may enjoy more Ease, and I more Pleasure in the greater Convenience of
            Embracing you. I hope also to find your good Husband well; for I respect and esteem you
            both, as all do who know you. Your English is better than you think it. I wish my French
            were equal to it.— My Heart however is good, and you have always a Place in it.

            B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Elmsly, 12 September 1783
From: Elmsly, Peter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris 12 Septr. 1783.

          Mr. Elmsly presents his respects to Dr. Franklin and Sends him the
              inclosed, if the Dr. has any Parcel
            for England, that Mr E. Can take with him, He will be So good as send it to Mr
              Pissots & great care Shall be
            taken of it. Mr E. has sent to Mr P. four parts of the Phil: Transact: from Sr. Joseph
            Banks for Dr Franklin, they will be Sent
            him as Soon as the Bale arrives.

          Addressed: Dr Franklin
          Notation: Elmsey 12 Sept. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, 12 September 1783
From: Hobart, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Septr 12 1783. Hôtel de Chartres

          Mr Hobarts Compliments wait upon Mr Franklin, not knowing where to
            find Mr Adams He takes the Liberty in Governor Pownalls Name to
            forward to him the Memorial address’d to the Sovereigns of America. Governor Pownall is also very desirous of
            knowing whether his Letter & Power of Attorney was ever forwarded to Mr Bowdein and
            Doctor Cooper, for if they should have been lost, He will send Duplicates.

          Notation: Hobarts 12 7bre. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 12 September 1783
From: Shaffer, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            De lhotel de la force ce 12 7bre. 1783

          Je pris hier la liberté de vous écrire pour reclamer l’honneur de Votre protection,
            quoique je Sente bien que je ne l’a mérite plus. Je vous ai
            instruit Sur le Sujet de ma Détention,
            c’est une circonstance malheureuse qui m’a entrainé dans l’etat triste et déplorable ou
            je me trouve réduit, circonstance d’autant Malheureuse qu’on m’a depouillé de mon
            portefeuille dans lequel Se trouve un effet accepté par vous Monsieur, et plusieurs
            autres Sur les meilleures Maisons de Paris; et cela pour être Soupconné Seulement d’etre
            de la compagnie du Sr. St. iver: j’ai deja prouvé au ministere que je n’etois réellement
            pas Son associé, et une Seule parole de vous Monsieur, Suffit pour me rendre ma liberté.
            Si jeusse Suivi vos conseils, je ne Serois point aujourd’hui dans la triste situation ou
            je Suis reduit. Je me jette â vos genoux et vous Suplie en grace de vouloir bien vous
            intéresser à moi qui Suis plus malheureux que coupable, Si je ne mérite pas cette grace
            de vous Monsieur, aumoins que ma famille que vous connoissez (Surtout Mr. Mulinberg mon frere membre du congrès) vous interesse.
          Vous pouvez croire qu’aussitôt mon élargissement je me rendrai dans le Sein de ma
            famille pour y goutter la douce Satisfaction qu’elle est capable de me procurer.
          Que votre cœur compatissant pour l’humanité Se laisse encore une fois flechir à la vue
            des peines qui m’environnent de toutes parts, une Seule parole de Vous Monsieur Suffit
            pour me rendre ma liberté Si chere à tous les hommes. J’ose encore esperer tout indigne
            que je Suis de vos bontés que vous vous intéresserez à moi, ma reconnoissance en Sera
            éternelle et rien ne pourra jamais effacer de mon cœur le doux Souvenir de tenir ma
            liberté d’un protecteur aussi bienfaisant.
          Je Suis très respectueusement Monsieur Votre très humble Et très obt. Serviteur

            J. Schaffer
            Daignez Monsieur mhonorer d’une reponce


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 13 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Boudinot, Elias, Jr.

            Sir,
            Passy, Septr. 13. 1783.

          I received a few Days since the Private Letter your Excellency did me the honour of
            writing to me of the 18th. June. I regret with you the Resignation of the late
            Secretary. Your present Cares are encreased by it, and it will be difficult to find a
            Successor of equal Abilities.
          We found no Difficulty in decyphering the Resolution of Congress. The Commissioners have taken Notice of it in our Public Letter.
          I am happy that both the Device and Workmanship of the Medal are approv’d with you, as
            they have the good Fortune to be by the best Judges on this side the Water. It has been
            esteem’d a well-timed as well as a well-merited Compliment here, and has had good
            Effects. Since the two first which you mention as received, I have sent by different
            Opportunities so many as that every Member of Congress might have One. I hope they are
            come safe to hand by this time.
          I wrote a long Letter to Mr. Livingston by Barney, to which I beg leave to refer, inclosing a
            Copy.
          We had before signing the Definitive Treaty received the Ratification of the
            Preliminary Articles by his Britannic Majesty, exchanged with us by Mr. Hartley for that
            of the Congress. I send herewith a Copy of the first & last Clauses.
          In a former Letter I mentioned the Volunteer Proceedings of a Merchant at Alicant
            towards obtaining a Treaty between us & the Emperor of Morocco. We have since
            receiv’d a Letter from a Person who says, as you will see by the Copy inclosed, that he
            is sent by the Emperor to be the Bearer of his Answer to the United States, & that
            he is arrived in Spain in his Way to Paris. He has not yet appear’d here, and we hardly
            know what Ansr. to give him. I hope the sending a Minister to that Court, as recommended
            in my last, has been taken into Consideration, or at least that some Instructions
            respecting that Nation have been sent to your Minister in Spain, who is better Situated
            than we are for such a Negotiation.
          The Minister from Denmark, often speaks to me about the proposed Treaty, of which a Copy went by Barney. No Commission to sign it, nor any Instructions
            from Congress relating to it are yet arrived: And tho’ press’d I have not ventur’d to do
            any thing farther in the Affair.
          I forward herewith a Letter to the Congress from the City of Hamburgh. I understand that a good Disposition towards us
            prevails there, which it may be well to encourage.
          No Answer has yet been given me from the Court of Portugal, respecting the Plan of a
            Treaty concerted between its Ambassador here & me. He has been unwell and much in
            the Country, so that I have not seen him lately. I suspect that the false or exaggerated
            Reports of the distracted Situation of our Government, industriously propagated thro’out
            Europe by our Enemies, have made an Impression in that Kingdom to our Disadvantage, and inclined them to hesitate in forming a Connection with us. Questions
            asked me, and Observations made by several of the foreign Ministers here, convince me
            that the idle Stories of our Disunion, Contempt of Authority, Refusal to pay Taxes
            &ca. have been too much credited and been very injurious to our Reputation.
          I sent before a Copy of the Letter I wrote to the Grand Master of Malta, with a present
            of our Medal; with this you will have a Copy of his Answer.
          I send also a Copy of a Note I recd from the Pope’s Nuncio. He is very civil on all Occasions and has
            mentioned the possibility of an advantageous Trade America might have with the
            Ecclesiastical State which he says has two good Ports, Civita Vecchia and [blank].
          This Court continues favourable to us. Count de Vergennes was resolute in refusing to
            sign the Definitive Treaty with England, before ours was signed. The English Ministers
            were offended but comply’d. I am convinced that Court will never cease endeavouring to
            disunite us. We shall I hope be constantly on our Guard against those Machinations, for
            our Safety consists in a steady Adherence to our Friends, and our Reputation in a faithful Regard to Treaties, and in a
            grateful Conduct towards our Benefactors.
          I send herewith sundry Memorials recommended to my Care by M. le Comte de Vergennes,
            Viz.

          One respecting a Claim of Messrs. Forsters of Bordeaux.

              One
              Do—
              of M. Pecquet; &

              One—
              Do—
              of M. Bayard.

          The Congress will take such Notice of them as they shall think proper.
          With great Esteem & Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most
            obedt & most humble Servant.

            B Franklin
            His Excellency Elias Boudinot Esqre: President of Congress.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 13 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mecom, Jane

            Dear Sister,
            Passy, Sept. 13. 1783

          I received your kind Letter of April 29. and am happy that the little Supplies I sent
            you, have contributed to make your Life more comfortable. I shall by this Opportunity order some more
            Money into the Hands of Cousin Williams, to be dispos’d of in assisting you as you may
            have Occasion.
          Your Project of taking a House for us to spend the Remainder of our Days in, is a
            pleasing one; but it is a Project of the Heart rather than of the Head. You forget, as I
            sometimes do, that we are grown old, and that before we can have furnish’d our House,
            & put things in order, we shall probably be call’d away from it, to a Home more
            lasting, and I hope more agreable than any this World can afford us.
          Tell my Cousin Colas, that the Parson she recommended to me is gone to Rome, and it is reported has chang’d his Presbyterianism for the
            Catholic Religion. I hope he got
            something to boot, because that would be a sort of Proof that they allow’d our Religion
            to be, so much at least, better than theirs.— It would be pleasant, if a Boston Man
            should come to be Pope! Stranger Things have happened.—
          Cousin Williams went back for Boston from London about the Beginning of June, so that
            probably he is with you before this time. He laid out, by my Desire, the Money he
            receiv’d for you, in Goods, which you will receive of him. When you have sold them, perhaps it may be
            adviseable to put the Money at Interest, that it may produce you a little Income.—
          My two Grandsons are now both with me, and present their Duty. I am ever, my dear
            Sister, Your affectionate Brother

            B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 13 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Thomson, Charles

            My dear old Friend,
            Passy, Sept. 13. 1783.

          Mr Livingston having resigned, I am obliged to trouble you with some Notes of Enquiry,
            and other Papers that have been put into my Hands from time to time. If you can procure any of the Informations desired, you will much oblige me and some of my Friends.—
          With great Esteem, I am ever, Yours most affectionately

            B Franklin
            Cha. Thomson, Esqr

          Endorsed: Letter from Doct Franklin Sept
            13. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, [13 September 1783]
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            [September 13, 1783]

          I have received the Letter which you did me the Honour to write me, on the Tenth of
            this Month, in which you say, you have received a Letter from a very respectable Person
            in America, containing the following Words vizt. “It is confidently reported, propagated and believed by some among us, that the Court of France was at
            Bottom, against our obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which
            both are secured to us, by the Treaty; that our Minister at that Court favoured, or did
            not oppose, this Design against us, and that it was entirely owing to the Firmness,
            Sagacity & Disinterestedness of M. Adams, with whom Mr. Jay united, that we have
            obtained those important Advantages.”—
          It is unnecessary for me, to say any Thing upon this Subject more than to quote the
            Words which I wrote in the Evening of the 30 of November 1782 and which have been
            received and read in Congress, vizt. “As
            soon as I arrived in Paris, I waited on M. Jay & learned from him, the Rise and
            Progress of the Negotiation.— Nothing that happened, since the Beginning of the
            Controversy in 1761 has ever struck me more forcibly or affected me more intimately,
            than that entire Coincidence of Principles and Opinions, between him and me. In about
            three Days I went out to Passy, and spent the Evening with Dr. Franklin, and entered
            largely into Conversation with him, upon the Course and present State of our Foreign
            affairs. I told him my Opinion without Reserve, of the Policy of this Court, and of the
            Principles, Wisdom and Firmness, with which Mr. Jay had conducted the Negotiation, in
            his Sickness and my Absence; and that I was determined to support Mr. Jay, to the utmost
            of my Power, in Pursuit of the same System. The Dr. heard me patiently but said
            Nothing.
          “The first Conference we had afterwards, with Mr. Oswald, in considering one Point and
            another, Dr. Franklin turned to Mr. Jay and said, I am of your Opinion, and will go on
            with these Gentlemen in the Business, without consulting this Court. He has accordingly
            met us, in most of our Conferences, and has gone on with us, in entire Harmony &
            Unanimity, throughout, and has been able and useful both by his Sagacity and Reputation,
            in the whole Negotiation.”
          I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, your most obedient & most humble
            Servant.

            (signed) John Adams.

            Copy of a Letter from his Excellency John Adams to B. Franklin
              Esqr. dated Paris, Sept. 13. 1783.—

          Notation by Henry Laurens: Copy of Mr.
            Adams’s Letter of 13th. Septr 1783 to Doctr Franklin given to me by the Doctor 5th. Novr
            1783 —


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 13 September 1783
From: Banks, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Soho Square Sept. 13 1783

          For having it in my power to Answer with precision the numerous questions which are
            askd me by all sorts of people Concerning the Aerostatique Experiment which such as they
            may be are suggested by every newspaper now printed here & considerd as a part of my
            duty to Answer is an Obligation for which I am indebted to you & an Obligation of no
            small Extent I consider it. I Lament that the vacation of the Royal Society will not
            permit me to Lay your paper before them as a Body immediately but it shall be the first
            thing they see when we meet again as the Conciseness & intelligence with which it is
            drawn up preclude the hopes of any more Satisfactory being receiv’d.
          Most agreeble are the hopes you give me of Continueing to Communicate on this most
            interesting Subject. I consider the present day which has opend a road into the Air as
            an epoche from whence a rapid increase of the Stock of real Knowledge with which the
            human Species is furnishd must take its date & the more immediate Effect it will
            have upon the Concerns of Mankind greater than any thing since the invention of Shipping
            which opend our way upon the face of the water from Land to Land.
          If the rough Effort which has now been made meets with the improvement that other
            Sciences have done we shall see it usd as a Counterpoise to Absolute Gravity a broad
            wheeld waggen traveling with 2 only instead of 8 horses the breed of that Rival Animal in Course diminishd & the human species
            incread in proportion.
          I have thought as soon as I return from my Present banishment of constructing one & sending it up for the
            purpose of an Electrical Kite a use to which it seem particularly adapted.
          Be pleasd to direct your Favors to Soho Square they are sent to me without delay
            Whereever I am beleive me Your Obligd & Obedient Servant

            Jos: Banks

          Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy / near
            Paris / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 13 September 1783
From: Hutton, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Old Friend
            13. Septr. 1783

          I am desired by a 50 years dear friend to recommend to you a Mr Blount & his
              Lady who intend residing some years in
            France, they are People of Fortune and Mr Blount is a man of Science & very
            ambitious for the Honour of your Acquaintance; He is of a very ancient and Respectable
            Family in Oxfordshire. Now I know your kind
            Regard for me, and there fore I beg the Favour of you to give Mr Blount the Happiness of
            your acquaintance. I can trust the Character given of him to me by my old 50 years
            Friend, as if I knew him myself. I give you again Joy of Peace.
          Peace is my dear Delight—not Fleury’s more. It has pleasd God to take away our senses for a
            time may He restore them to us, when He sees what He has not seen yet that we may know
            when we are well. Now all is so far over I shall look for next Spring to have the
            Happiness of seeing you. Once more I am in earnest when I desire you to recieve Mr
            Blount as one who I am assured will answer the warmest Praises I could give him. You
            will I hope have opportunity of introducing him if He desires it, to some of your French
            Friends especially to our dear Du Pont.
            I am with all that old personal Friendship & Gratitude I have long felt for you Dear
            Old Friend your most obliged & affectionate Servant

            James Hutton
            Dr Franklin.

          Addressed: To / Dr Franklin / Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lewis R. Morris, 14 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Lewis R.

            Sir,
            Passy, Sept. 14. 1783.

          I receiv’d by the Washington the Bills and Accounts mentioned in yours of the 5th of
            June, and shall soon send you an Account of the Disposition of the Money. My Account as
            stated by you appears to be right. With much Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir Your
            most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            L R Morris Esqr.


Title: Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts
From:
To:

          The following accounts, identified in earlier volumes, continue to apply to the current period: VI and VII (XXIII, 21); XVII (XXVI, 3); XIX and XXII (XXVIII, 3–4); XXV, XXVII (XXXII, 3–4); XXX (XXXVI, 3); XXXI (XXXVIII, 3). We offer here a summary of entries that have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation but provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life.
          Account XVII (Franklin’s Private Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, XXVI, 3). M. Durandy, from whom the Franklins were now leasing horses, had evidently been engaged in the summer of 1783, when Franklin bought a carriage. His first two bills were paid on September 25 and January 19. William Temple Franklin received 1,200 l.t. on December 30. On February 13 the Paris banking firm of Tourton & Ravel was paid 960 l.t.; next to this entry Franklin wrote “Bourdeaux wine”.
          Account XXV (Account of Postage and Errands, XXXII, 3). Franklin’s secretary Jean L’Air de Lamotte continued to keep these records during the months covered by this volume. They include the monthly accounts submitted by the postman Berthelot and reflect the errands (unspecified) performed by Bonnefoÿ, Franklin’s domestic. There is also a payment on November 21 of 1 l.t. 4 s. to the Duke of Manchester’s commissionnaire, and on March 4 a certain Memain ran errands in Paris. On December 27, L’Air de Lamotte himself was dispatched on an errand of great importance: delivering Franklin’s dispatches to Captain Joshua Barney in Le Havre. L’Air de Lamotte submitted a memorandum of his expenses for the six-day journey, which totaled 272 l.t. In addition to the usual costs of renting a cabriolet and post horses, with their accoutrements, he was obliged to pay for repairs to the carriage and hire extra horses on account of the severe weather. The postage accounts mainly reflect the unspecified activities of the Franklin household, but they occasionally include

letters for others. On September 21 L’Air de Lamotte accepted letters addressed to Jonathan Williams, Jr., who was staying in Saint-Germain. On October 13 he received a letter directed to Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth. On November 15 he recorded 2 l.t. 2 s. received from the Jays for the carriage of letters, doubtless from the time they lived at the Hôtel Valentinois. He sent a letter on behalf of John Paul Jones on January 14.
          Account XXVII (Accounts of the Public Agents in Europe, XXXII, 4). On October 28 Franklin, William Temple Franklin, and L’Air de Lamotte received their salaries. Franklin received 14,583 l.t. 6 s. 8 d., Temple received 1,811 l.t. 5 s., and L’Air de Lamotte received 420 l.t. Temple received another quarter’s salary on January 12. L’Air de Lamotte was paid the postage expenses he itemized in Account XXV on November 11 and December 10. Dumas’ draft for his salary was paid on November 10. John Bondfield’s bills of 1,000 l.t. and 670 l.t. 12 s. were paid on January 14 and February 29, respectively. The largest expenditure was the payment on December 10 of 237,200 l.t. for bills of exchange drawn on the American commissioners for interest.
          Account XXX (Franklin’s Account with Congress, XXXVI, 3). On January 1 Franklin paid 282 l.t. in New Year’s gratifications to the ministers’ servants and others at Versailles. He was also credited with a 99 l.t. outlay for newspapers and periodicals sent to Congress during 1784.

          Account XXXI (Jacques Finck’s Accounts of Household Expenditures, XXXVIII, 3) is complete through the end of January, when Finck’s arrangement with Franklin changed and he no longer itemized monthly expenses. The food items include the customary array of meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables, including 50 dozen oysters for a dinner in November. On October 24 the maître d’hôtel purchased lacquer as well as pigments in green, amber, Prussian blue, carmine, and vermilion; we assume that painting was being done. In November he paid 48 l.t. 10 s. to the maréchaussée of the Marais. In January, Finck paid the wet cooper’s account for extending the stovepipe in the print shop. He laid in stores of coal in September, November, December, and January. On January 14 he purchased ingredients for a tisane. The Jay family’s stay in the Valentinois is reflected in two “extraordinary” expenses: in October Finck purchased 12 blue porcelain dishes and four bowls worth 29 l.t. to replace the ones belonging to Sarah Jay that had been broken, and in November he replaced two of her place settings, said to have been lost.
          Finally, we describe an account that is not Benjamin Franklin’s but reflects the life of his household: Sarah Jay’s account with William Temple Franklin for the Jay family’s expenses incurred between September and November (one page, Columbia University Library). It acknowledges responsibility for half the household expenses for September and October and lists sums that were lent or paid on the family’s behalf: 6 l.t. “for the subscription for a medal”, 111 l.t. 4 s. for three months of fencing lessons (presumably for Peter Munro), 72 l.t. that Munro had borrowed from L’Air de Lamotte, and 60 l.t. that Temple paid on November 4 on account of “Abbe” (a slave who had run away). From the subtotal Sarah Jay deducted the 1,200 l.t.

that she had paid to Temple on October 9, and on December 19 she recorded that she wrote an order to L’Air de Lamotte on Ferdinand Grand for the balance, 1,270 l.t. 6 s. 3 d.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 16 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Price, Richard

              My dear Friend,
              Passy near Paris, Sept. 16. 1783.

            Having this Opportunity by Mr Bingham, who has the Honour of being known to you, I seize it to thank you for your excellent Book and other Favours, and to let you know that I continue well, except a little Gout, which perhaps is not more a Disease than a Remedy. Mr Petrie inform’d me of your being also well with Mrs Price lately at Brighthelmstone, which gave me great Pleasure: Please to present my affectionate Respects to that good Lady.—
            All the Conversation here at present turns upon the Balloons fill’d with light inflammable Air; and the means of managing them so as to give Men the Advantage of Flying. One is to be let off on Friday next at Versailles, which it is said will be able to carry up a 1000 pounds weight, I know not whether inclusive or exclusive of its own. I have sent an Account of the former to Sir Joseph Banks, our President, and shall be glad to hear if

the Experiment is repeated with Success in England. Please to forward to him the enclosed Print.—
            Inflammable Air puts me in mind of a little jocular Paper I wrote some Years since in ridicule of a Prize Question given out by a certain Academy on this side the Water, and I enclose it for your Amusement.— On second Thoughts, as it is a mathematical Question, and perhaps I think it more trifling than it really is, and you are a Mathematician, I am afraid I have judg’d wrong in sending it to you. Our Friend Dr. Priestly, however, who is apt to give himself Airs, i.e. fix’d, deflogisticated, &c &c., and has a kind of Right to every thing his Friends produce upon that Subject, may perhaps like to see it, and you can send it to him without reading it.
            We have at length sign’d our Preliminary Articles as definitive; all the Additions we have been so long discussing, being referr’d to a future Treaty of Commerce. I have now a little Leisure and long to see and be merry with the Club, but doubt I cannot undertake the Journey before Spring. Adieu, and believe me ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

              B Franklin

            They make small Balloons now of the same materials with what is call’d Gold-beaten Leaf. Inclos’d I send one which being fill’d with Inflammable Air by my Grandson, went up last Night to the Cieling in my Chamber, and remained rolling about there for some time.— Please to give it also to Sir Joseph Banks. If

a Man should go up with one of the large ones, might there not be some mechanical Contrivance to compress the Globe at pleasure and thusly incline it to descend, and let it expand when he inclines to rise again?—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Prince Bariatinskii, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, 16 September 1783
From: Bariatinskii, Ivan Sergeevich,Franklin, Benjamin
To:

            Ce 16. 7bre. mardÿ

          Le Prince Bariatinskoÿ prie monsieur Francklein de lui faire L’honneur de venir diner chez lui aprés demain jeudi Le 18. du Courant.
          R:S:V:P:

            Addressed: à Monsieur / Monsieur Francklein / ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis de l’Amerique / près S:M:T:C: / à Passÿ
            Endorsed: Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Prince Baritinsky, with Thanks for his obliging Invitation,

which Mr F. would accept with Pleasure but that he happens to be pre-engaged.

              Passy, Sept. 17. 83

            Translate this, & let me see the Translation


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 16 September 1783
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Dear Sir
              Dublin 16 Sept: 1783

            With every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem, I have the Honour to Congratulate you on the final completion of American Independance— To you, thou Virtuous Patriot, they owe much—to your illustrious Character, words are wanting to pay due respect— I shall sum up all in a few, thou ar’t great, thou hast proved faithfull & honest in the Day of Tryal— Though not an American born, My Villa will be honoured with a pillar, to remind Posterity of thy transcendant Virtues—it is partly finished;—
            I arrived here only 15 Days prior to the General Election, and when all the Kingdom had been canvassing for 8 months during my Absence, yet I had & am returned, by a large Majority, in opposition to Government, Lawn Sleeves & an AMAZING Expenditure of money—& I did not one Guinea—
            In 1781 I moved for a bill for the more Equal Representation

of the People— I obtained leave—the Ministry opposed the reading of it—but now they dare not— I think that measure MUST now succeed—& all other Subordinate Measures of Trade will follow of Course—
            Permit me now—to ask you as a private Man—whether it will not be necessary to have Some Law or Declaration from the Parliament of this Country, in order to fix a Trade with America, or whether we are deemed to be included in the late Treaty.
            Lady Newenham, who reveres you—who never Ceases wishing for your prosperity & happiness desires her sincerest respects to you— My son joins me in every sentiment of respect & Esteem—
            I have the Honor, to be, my Dear Sir with respect & Esteem your Excellencys Most obt: & most Humble st

              Edwd Newenham

            No Time can Obliterate our Gratefull Remembrance of yr worthy Grandson, to whom we request our best regards— I shall Count the Days with the Greatest Impatence, untill I have the Honor of an Answer—

          Addressed: To / His Excellency Dr: B: Franklin / Minister Pleniopotentiary / of America— / Paris—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Bennet, 17 September 1783
From: Bennet, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris 17th sepr 1783

          The Petition and Representation of James Bennet native of Philadelphia.
          Humbly Sheweth:
          That whereas in the month of January last past the Petitioner Shiped himself as Clk & Steward on Board a Scooner of

Baltimore in Maryland bound wt. a Cargo of Tobaccoe to Gothenburgh in Swedland; But being intercepted in our course, had not the good fortune to Land our Cargo conform to expectation, Being taken by the Argo 44. a British man of War On board of which ship the Petr. [Petitioner] has been closely confined since, untill her Arivall at Plymouth about a month ago where the men were sett at Large— That the Petr. finding no Opportunity there to Emigrate to his native Country he concluded, he would take a passage in a Dunkirque fishing: boat thinking a favourable Opportunity might offer there, But being frusterated in this he was constrained to depart Dunkirque and sett off for Paris in a very disasterous situation with an intention to go from thence to Burdeaux or some other Seaport in France where he should have an Opportunity of Embarqueing for America.
          That the Petr. arived last night in the sd. City of Paris, poor in purse and person, after a very long & tedious Journey and as he is totally destitute in a Country very exotic to him, and unacquainted Also he is of necessity constrained to Apply to Your Honour for relief in this undressed manner, in order the poor Representer may be enabled to proceed immediately to Burdeaux and Afterwards Obtain a sight once more of Philadelphia which is long wished for.
          May it Please your Honour to Consider the Premisses & out of your extream goodness & wantoned Clemency to confer upon the Petr. what seemeth meet to your Honour which shall be refunded by the Almity of the poor & rich if not otherways & the Petr shall as in duty bound Pray

            Jas: Bennet

            Unto The Honble. Doctor Franklain Ambassadore for the Honble. Congress for the Unitted Provinces in America.

            Petition & Representation of James Bennet of Philadelphia 1783.

          Notation: Bennet 17. 7bre. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 September 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Philada Septr. 17th. 1783

          You have above an extract of a letter from the Honble Mr. Jefferson, to me by which you will perceive that he wants one of your late invented Machines for Copying Writings, he desires me to write to England but if I am not much mistaken France is the place. You however will know where his order can be best executed, and give orders accordingly, shou’d it be shipped from France Messrs LeCouteulx & Co will supply the Money to pay Cost on my acct. If you think it best to order it from London Messrs Herries & Company of that place will pay for it, or in either case if it will suit you to draw on Mr. Jefferson or me payable in America for the Cost the bill shall be punctually acquitted. You will excuse this trouble it is occasioned by the opinion which I entertain, that this is the most likely way to

have our Friend Jefferson well Served. With sincere Attachment I ever am Dear Sir Your most Obedient & Most humble servant

            Robt Morris
            His Excy Benjn. Franklin Esqr Minister Plenipy a Passy—


Title: John Thaxter, Jr., to the American Peace Commissioners, 20 September 1783
From: Thaxter, John Jr.
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            L’Orient 20 Septr. 1783

          I have the honour to acquaint you that I arrived here in the morning of the 18th Inst. and had the Mortification of finding that the Packet in which I was to have taken Passage for America had sailed four hours before my Arrival, after having been detained two Days for me— I was dispatched upon the Presumption that she was to sail the 20th. and arrived two days before the time notwithstanding very long detentions on the Road by Reason of fatigued Horses and oftentimes for want of Horses— Being thus disappointed and much embarassed what Course to take, I waited on the Commandant de la Marine Monsr. Thevenard who was extremely chagrined at the disappointment & thought it necessary that a Vessel should be dispatched as soon as possible to carry me over. He instantly gave Orders that a Vessel should be prepared for that purpose, & in six and thirty hours his Orders were completely executed— The Ship was Victualled, manned and had a new Deck laid on in that time and nothing but the Prevalence of Westerly Winds which absolutely prevent a Ship from going out of this Harbour, has impeded my sailing.
          The enclosed Paper, Gentlemen, will shew the Nature of the Request which the commandant thought it necessary to make. I acquainted him that I could make no Request, or take any step in the Business, which would involve the United States in the least Expence, without consulting & taking the Advice of the Ministers for Peace. He asked me if I did not think it important that the Treaty should be sent? I answered that I thought it was but could not pretend to say that it was necessary to send a Vessel on purpose, as it would be attended with considerable Expence. He replied he thought the matter very Important. And then having received an Assurance that the United States would incur no Expence in the fitting out or sending the Vessel, I

delivered in the inclosed Paper, which I hope will meet with your Approbation, Gentlemen.
          Nothing could have exceeded the Zeal and Activity of the Commandant in the Preparation of this Vessel, and I am under the highest Obligations to him for his repeated Attentions & Civilities, as well as those of Mr. L’oreilhe.
          As every thing is ready the moment the Wind changes I shall embark, & hope to arrive as soon as the Packet Boat, which must have been retarded by the Westerly Winds.
          With the highest Respect I have the honor to be Gentlemen, Your most obedt. & most hble. Servant

            (signed) John Thaxter
            Their Excellencies John Adams, B Franklin & John Jay Esqrs. &ca. &ca. &ca.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 21 September 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir.
            Paris 21st Sept. 1783.

          I have with much concern perused your address of the 10th. Inst, which you did me the honor of delivering this Afternoon, intimating that you had received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America containing the following words vizt.
          “It is confidently reported, propagated, & believed by some among us, that the Court of France, was at the Bottom against

our obtaining the Fishery & Territory in that great extent, in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that Court favored, or did not oppose the design against us; & that it was entirely owing to the firmness, sagacity, & disinterestedness of Mr Adams, with whom Mr Jay united, that we have obtained those important advantages.” and appealing to me “as a Witness of your Conduct in that Affair.” That such a report may have been propagated and believed by some, is far from improbable, Those who were industrious in Attempts to poison our Minds with Prejudices against out best Friends, & against each other, on this side the Atlantic, have unquestionably been busy on both sides, nor have they yet ceased from their Labors, but unless we could trace the report to its source, & know who the Believers are, the Calumny of Rumor might with Propriety & Safety be disregarded by Doctor Franklin, whose whole Conduct from the beginning of the late Disputes of Great Britain with the Colonies might be referred to, as a sufficient Refutation. However Sir, as you have condescended to appeal to me, I will afford you all the Satisfaction in my Power, but I feel it necessary first to take Caution, inasmuch, as I have neither received nor heard of any Proof “that the Court of France at Bottom was against our obtaining the Fishery & Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us.” & that the charge is of too serious a Nature to be reasoned upon without evidence, would too deeply affect the Honor & Interest of our Country, were we to take it for granted.
          Touching your particular Conduct, respecting the Fishery Territory, & every other Article, coming within my Cognizance I have from the moment I came in as an acting Commissioner observed in you that Sagacity, Penetration, & Perspicuity which denote the able Minister, that Zeal & Attention to the Business of the United States of America, which mark Fidelity.— Your Country Sir & Posterity will do you Justice; as a Colleague & a Fellow Citizen(?) I should be ungrateful in witholding my Acknowledgements.
          I believe by this time it is pretty well known I am un-addicted to Flattery, in the present Case, I am sure, there can be no motive for commencing the Art.

          With most fervent Wishes that the Evening of your Day may be blessed with Tranquillity equal to your well-earned Honors, & with the highest Esteem & Veneration. I am Sir your obedt. hum. Servt.

          Dr. Franklin. Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, 21 September 1783
From: Pigott, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Geneva 21 Septemr 1783—

          Mr Pigott presents his Respects to Dr. Franklyn & begs the favour to have forwarded the two inclosed Letters for America hoping He will excuse the liberty as not Knowing any other so certain conveyance.

          Addressed: A Son Excellence Dr: Franklyn / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis d’Amerique / a / Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 23 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Richard

            Dear Son,
            Passy, 23. Sept. 1783.

          The Bearer Mr. Du Trône, is extreamly well recommended to me here, by Persons of the first Distinction & Character. He is a Physician by Profession, but goes over to America with other Views. I beg you will introduce him to some of my Friends, & that you will shew him every Civility & Attention in your Power.—
          My Love to Sally and the Children, & believe me ever, Your affectionate Father.

            B Franklin
            R. Bache Esqr—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 23 September 1783
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Boston Sept. 23. 1783

          I beg leave to congratulate you on the return of peace, and the conspicuous part You had in bringing it about: especially as the terms of it are So advantageous to the united States.
          Though the late contending powers appear disposed to peace, we greatly wish the confirmation of it by the completion of the definitive treaty: wch. notwithstanding reports, that have been circulated, we do not know has yet taken place.
          I have received a Letter from the Comtee. of Falmouth in Casco Bay: whose inhabitants in Octo 1775, had the greater part of their houses and Effects destroyed by the merciless orders of Adml. Graves. They have written a Letter to you on that occasion, which, with an Address to the people of France, accompanied with an authenticated certificate concerning the appointment of the Comtee. & their right of agency will be enclosed.
          There is delivered to the french Consul, Monsr. Le Tombe, at his request, a copy of that address, wch. he told me he would send, with a letter of his own, to the minister at Versailles: and in the course of the conversation, he supposed it probable you would consult that minister, in order to obtain his favr. in this business.

          A Gentleman of your known philanthropy, especially as it respects your countrymen, will not be displeased with an opportunity of befriending a worthy people, greatly embarrassed by the losses they have So unmeritedly, and So unrighteously suffered; and which could not have been brought upon them, but by those, who had lost the feelings of humanity. I have the honour to be, with the most perfect regard, my dear friend, Yr most affectionate & very hble Servant

            James Bowdoin
            His Excy. Benja. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Zinner, 23 September 1783
From: Zinner, Jean Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Monsieur
              Vienne le 23 Sept 1783.

            C’est eté ces jours ci que M. de Banck ci devant Major et Aide de Camp chez Mons. General Major de Gates m’inspiré tant de respect pour la nouvelle Republique de l’Amerique Septemtrionale, que je me suis resolu de dedier mon ouvrage latin, intitulé: Notitia Historica Coloniarum Americæ Septemtrionalis ab earum origine usque ad nostra tempora au tres Honorable Congrès des Etats Unis.
            Monsieur, si Vous croyez, que cet ouvrage soit digne, de venir au publique, ayez la bonté d’envoyer ma petition en Amerique au Congrés, et de m’en instruir. C’est pour recommander la bravour, et le courage des Vos heros, et la dignité de vos Congrès.

On n’a que m’en avertir, qu’on accepte ma bonne intention, je ferai avec plaisir tout a mes frais.
            Voila Monsieur des preuves de Veneration et d’atachement, avec lequel Je serai toute ma vie Monsieur Votre tres humble Serviteur

              Jean ZinnerProfesseur de l’Hist. Universel dansl’Academie Royal a Cassau.

            A l’ordinair je demeure a Cassau en Hongrie


Title: Extracts of John Baynes’s Journal, 23 September 1783–17 October 1783
From: Baynes, John
To:

            [September 23–October 17, 1783]

          Tuesday, September 23. Walked to Passy to see Dr. Franklin, but took care to make the servant announce me regularly. Found him with some American gentlemen and ladies, who were conversing upon American commerce, in which the ladies joined. On their departure I was much pleased to see the old man attend them down stairs and hand the ladies to their carriage. On his return I expressed my pleasure in hearing the Americans, and even the ladies, converse entirely upon commerce. He said that it was so throughout the country: not an idle man, and consequently not a poor man, was to be found.
          In speaking of American politics, I mentioned Dr. Jebb’s

sentiments on the famous vote of the House of Commons which put an end to the American war; that he disapproved of the terms of the resolution, which was, on the face of it, founded on our being the better able to combat France, and which therefore could not be very agreeable to America. “Certainly not,” said he; “I trust we shall never forget our obligations to France, or prove ungrateful.” “You are at so great a distance,” said I, “from the European powers, that there does not seem much probability of your quarrelling with any of them unless on account of Canada or the West Indies.” He said that he hoped they would keep themselves out of European politics as much as possible, and that they should make a point of adhering to their treaties.
          In the course of this conversation, I mentioned the shameful neglect of treaties which so much prevailed at present; the great injustice of several of our own wars, and the triviality of the avowed cause of others. I likewise mentioned Dr. Price’s plan for a general peace in Europe. He observed that nothing could be more disgraceful than the scandalous inattention to treaties, which appeared in almost every manifesto; and that he thought the world would grow wiser, and wars become less frequent. But he observed that the plans which he had seen for this purpose were in general impracticable in this respect, viz. that they supposed a general agreement among the sovereigns of Europe to send delegates to a particular place. Now though perhaps two or three of them might be willing to come into this measure, it is improbable and next to impossible that all, or even a majority of them, would do it. “But,” said he, “if they would have patience, I think they might accomplish it, some way in this manner:— Two or three sovereigns might agree upon an alliance against all aggressors, and agree to refer all disputes between each other to some third person or set of men, or power. Other nations, seeing the advantage of this, would gradually accede; and, perhaps, in 150 or 200 years, all Europe would be included. I will, however,” continued he, “mention one plan to you, which came to me in rather an extraordinary manner, and which seems to

me to contain some very sensible remarks. In the course of last year, a man very shabbily dressed—all his dress together was not worth 5s.—came and desired to see me. He was admitted, and, on asking his business, he told me that he had walked from one of the remotest provinces in France, for the purpose of seeing me and showing me a plan which he had formed for a universal and perpetual peace. I took his plan and read it, and found it to contain much good sense. I desired him to print it. He said he had no money: so I printed it for him. He took as many copies as he wished for, and gave several away; but no notice whatever was taken of it.” He then went into a closet and brought a copy of this plan, which he gave me. I took the liberty to remind him of his list of books, which he promised not to forget, saying the Abbé was now with Lord Shelburne in Holland.
          N.B.—He this day expressed his opinion that in England the executive power might be maintained without all the expense which at present seems to be esteemed so necessary for its establishment.

          Thursday, Oct. 2. Walked with M. Hernon to Passy. Called upon Dr. Franklin, who showed me an Irish newspaper he had just received, containing the noble and spirited resolutions of the delegates of the Ulster volunteers at Dungannon, in which they appointed a grand national convention at Dublin. He expressed his sentiments very strongly that they would carry their point;

and that, if parliament would not execute their plan of reform, they would drop the parliament and execute it of themselves. On my asking his opinion of our hopes of success in England, he said he feared we were too corrupt a nation to carry the point. “I have not patience,” said he, “to read even your newspapers; they are full of nothing but robberies, murders, and executions: and when a nation once comes to that, nothing short of absolute government can keep it in order.”
          In speaking of the Irish volunteers I took the liberty of mentioning (what seemed to me an omission in the constitution of America) the want of any sufficient armed force. He said they had a militia who met and exercised five or six days in a year. I objected the smallness of the time, and their serving by substitutes, and in support of personal service mentioned Andrew Fletcher’s opinion.
          He seemed to think the objections of no great weight, “for,” said he, “America is not, like any European power, surrounded by others, every one of which keeps an immense standing army; therefore she is not liable to attacks from her neighbours—at least, if attacked she is on an equal footing with the aggressor; and if attacked by any distant power, she will always have time to form an army. Could she possibly be in a worse situation than at the beginning of this war, and could we have had better success?”
          Insensibly we began to converse on standing armies, and he seeming to express an opinion that this system might some time or other be abolished, I took the liberty to ask him in what manner he thought it could be abolished; that at present a compact among the powers of Europe seemed the only way, for one or two powers singly and without the rest would never do it; and that even a compact did not seem likely ever to take place,

because a standing army seemed necessary to support an absolute government, of which there were many in Europe. “That is very true,” said he; “I admit that if one power singly were to reduce their standing army, it would be instantly overrun by other nations; but yet I think that there is one effect of a standing army, which must in time be felt in such a manner as to bring about the total abolition of the system.” On my asking what the effect was to which he alluded, he said he thought they diminished not only the population, but even the breed and the size of the human species. “For,” said he, “the army in this and every other country is in fact the flower of the nation—all the most vigorous, stout, and well-made men in a kingdom are to be found in the army. These men in general never marry.”
          I mentioned to him that in England, our military establishment not being so large, we did not as yet feel these effects, but that the multiplication of the species was dreadfully retarded by other causes, viz.:—1. Our habits of luxury, which make us fancy that a young man is ruined if he marry early, nobody ever thinking of retrenching their expenses; and 2. Our absurd laws, e. g. the Marriage Act and the law of descents, which gives all to the eldest son, whereby younger sons are generally excluded.
          “Yes,” said he, “I have observed that myself in England. I remember dining at a nobleman’s house where they were speaking of a distant relation of his who was prevented from marrying a lady, whom he loved, by the smallness of their fortunes: everybody was lamenting their hard situation, when I took the liberty to ask the amount of their fortunes. ‘Why,’ said a gentleman near me, ‘all they can raise between them will scarce be 40,000l.’ I was astonished: however, on recollecting myself, I suggested that 40,000l. was a pretty handsome fortune; that it would, by being vested in the Three per Cents., bring in 1200l. a year. ‘And pray, Sir, consider, what is 1200l. a year? There is my lord’s carriage and my lady’s carriage, &c. &c.’ So he ran up 1200l. in a moment. I did not attempt to confute him; but only added, that notwithstanding all he had said, if he would give me the 40,000l., I would endow 400 American girls with it, every one of whom should be esteemed a fortune in her own

country. As to the custom of giving the eldest son more than the others, we have not actually been able to get entirely rid of it in America. The eldest son in Massachusetts has, without either rhyme or reason, a share more than any of the rest. I remember before I was a member of the Assembly, when I was clerk to it, the question was fully agitated. Some were for having the eldest son to have the extraordinary share; others were for giving it to the youngest son, which seemed indeed the most reasonable, as he was the most likely to want his education, which the others might probably have already had from their father. After three days’ debate, it was left as it stood before, viz. that the eldest son should have a share more.
          I observed that this was the Jewish law of descent. He asked if it was to be found among Moses’ laws? I answered that it was. Upon which he said, it was remarkable that he had not seen or heard of it before; “but,” said he, “the mention of Moses’ laws reminds me of one which always struck me as very extraordinary; and I do not remember an instance where it appears to have been carried into execution—I mean the law prohibiting the alienation of land for a longer time than from Jubilee to Jubilee, i. e., for 50 years. This must evidently have been intended to prevent accumulation of landed property, but it seems very difficult to execute; indeed, in one respect, it is perhaps impolitic, for it must necessarily follow that the land will be run out at the end of the term.”
          “That,” said I, “will always be the case even at the end of a fourteen or seven years’ lease, and it seems a difficult thing to determine how long a lease in prudence and justice ought to be;

these long leases throw too much into the power of the tenant, and in leases from year to year the tenant is too dependent.” “That very thing,” replied he, “convinces me that no man should cultivate any land but his own. I rather am of opinion that land at present is of too high a value throughout these parts of the world. I was reading the other day some accounts of China, sent over by two young Chinese, who were educated here at the expense of government, and sent into their own country again. They were desired to send over minute accounts of every thing relative to that country, and several volumes have been published already. In the last of these I find that they allow a very high interest on money, (about 30 per cent.,) and it struck me that it was a politic measure, for the consequence would be that no person would be desirous of having a large quantity of land, which therefore must be the more equally divided. All laws for keeping the landed property exactly equal are impracticable on account of the fluctuating state of population; and where at the first the property is equal, if alienation be allowed it will very soon be unequal again. Antigua was at first divided into lots of

ten acres; it is not an ancient colony. I remember hearing one who was a very old man when I was a very young one, observe that he recollected there being a great number of ten-acre men in the island, and yet that when he spoke there was hardly a ten-acre man to be met with. At this time I do not believe there is one remaining.” I mentioned to him my intention of leaving Paris in ten days: he said he expected his Abbé in less than that time. …

          Sunday, October 12. Walked to Passy to call on Dr. Franklin. Found him with two French gentlemen, conversing on the subject of the ballon. Dr. Franklin said he had subscribed to another ballon, and that one of the conditions of the subscription was that a man should be sent up along with it. The gentlemen did not stay long. After they were gone our conversation turned chiefly on the state of the arts here and in other countries, particularly printing and engraving. He admitted that we had one or two artists superior to any French engravers, but he seemed to think the art in much higher perfection here than in England. He showed some engravings (coloured in the engraving) of birds, &c., for Buffon’s Natural History, which were wonderfully finely executed. I cannot, however, think that they can execute a large print so finely as we do in England. I have never seen a large print engraved here which had not a sort of coarseness not to be found in Bartolozzi. Their small designs, vignettes, &c., are beautiful, both in design and execution.
          He showed me, among other specimens of printing, the Spanish Don Quixote, in 5 vols. 4to., which for elegance of

typography and engraving equals anything I ever saw except the translation of Sallust by Don Gabriel, the second son of the King of Spain.

          I mentioned to him Howard’s book on Prisons, as one of our best printed books. He said he had never seen it; I promised to send it to him.
          In the course of conversation he again expressed his doubts of our success in accomplishing a parliamentary reform, and repeated his opinion that we had been too tender of places and pensions: he said that these were in general, either directly or indirectly, the objects of coming into Parliament. This he confirmed by an instance taken from America, where he said that he had sat in the Assembly 12 years and had never solicited a single vote; that this was not peculiar to him—hundreds had done the same; that the office of an Assembly-man was looked upon as an office of trouble, and that you perpetually saw the papers filled with advertisements requesting to decline the honour. And to show that the salary is the thing which makes the office desirable, the Sheriff’s place is always sought for by a number of candidates. Anciently when the office of sheriff was instituted in America, the fees were fixed at rather too small a rate to make a sufficient salary, there being then very few writs: the fees were therefore increased; but since that time the number of lawsuits having increased, the salary is increased so much as to make the office an object of desire. He seemed to express a fear that the spirit of the Pennsylvania constitution was not in this instance perfectly kept up; however, he said if he ever went into

America, he would endeavour to diminish the sheriff’s salary. He therefore strongly recommended us to persist in the present economical reform, as that would at all events save us from ruin, by taking away the object at which most men at present aim who seek a seat in Parliament.
          I asked if the Abbé was yet arrived. “Upon my word,” said he, “I had actually forgot your list. The Abbé is arrived, and he was one of the gentlemen who were with me when you came in. But I will write him a note to request he will send you the list of books you wish to have.” I promised to send him word when I intended to set off, as he wished to send a letter or two by me to England.
          Wednesday, Oct. 15. Not being able to get a place for Rouen sooner, engaged one for Friday night. Dr. Franklin having expressed a wish to read Mason’s English Garden, I sent it to him to-day, with a letter of thanks for his politeness. He returned a most obliging answer.
          Thursday, Oct. 16. Called on M. l’Abbé Morellet, at Dr. Franklin’s instance, to get my list, but he was in the country.
          Oct. 17. Called again, but he was still in the country; therefore I was at last disappointed of my list.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24 September 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear friend
            Bath Septr 24 1783

          I am at present at Bath with my Dearest Sister, whom I have found as well as I cd have expected, and I hope with reasonable

hope of recovery in time. I have seen in London the ministry and hope things will go well with them. I am sure all is right & firm. The chief part of the cabinet ministers are out of town, but there will be a full cabinet held in a few days, in wch a specific proposition in the nature of a temporary convention will be given in instructions to me, I imagine nearly upon the ground of my memorial of 19 May 1783 wch I delivered to the American Ministers viz Amern. ships not to bring foreign manufactures into G Britain nor to trade directly between the British West Indies & G Britain. All the rest to be as before the war. I imagine that something to this effect will be their determination. And if it shd be so I should hope not to meet with difficulty on your parts. I want to see some specific beginning. As to my farther proposition respecting the trade between Gt Britain & the british West Indies, I doubt whether any such can be discussed before the meeting of Parlt.— I wish to look forward not only to the continuation of peace between our two Countries but to the improvement of reconciliation into Alliance, & therefore I wish the two parties to be disposed to accommodate each other without the strict measure by weights & scales as between aliens & strangers actuated towards each other by no other principle but cold and equalizing indifference. Friendly dispositions presumed have the fairest chance of being realized but if we set out presuming against them The good wch might have happened may be prevented. Pray remember me to your three collegues & all friends I am &c

            D Hartley
            To Dr Franklin &c &c &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 24 September 1783
From: Mercy-Argenteau, Florimond-Claude-Charles, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Ce Mercredi 24. Septembre [1783]

          L’Ambassadeur de l’Empereur a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin une lettre de M. Ingenhouze, qu’il vient de recevoir de Vienne; il le prie en même temps d’agréer les assurances de son parfait et sincere attachement.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville, 25 September 1783
From: Flandre de Brunville, François-Antoine de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Paris ce 25. septembre 1783.

          Je fais instruire le procès à ma requête de L’ordonnance de M. le Lieutenant Criminel, contre le Noé. [nommé] Jean Robert Schaffer et autres, prévenus de s’être annoncés dans le Public comme tenans Banque et maison de Commerce, et à la faveur de ces titres et de billets souscrits de Correspondans à eux affidés, avoir abusé de la Confiance de différens marchands, et en conséquence excroqué leurs marchandises. Il a paru nécessaire d’entendre en déposition dans l’information que j’ai requis être faite devant le Commissaire Chénon fils, Monsieur votre petit fils, annoncé pour être en état de procurer des renseignemens

sur cette affaire. J’ai crû ne pas devoir lui faire remettre une assignation pour se rendre chez le commissaire qui recevra sa déposition, sans avoir eû l’honneur de vous en prévenir. C’est une considération dont je m’acquitte avec d’autant plus de plaisir, qu’elle est duë tant à votre mérite personnel qu’au caractère dont vous êtes revêtu.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être très respectueusement, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur,

            DE FLANDRE DE BRUNVILLEProcureur du Roy au châtelet

          M. Francklin, ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de L’amerique
          Notation: De Flandre de Breunville Paris 25 Sept. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, 26 September 1783
From: Baynes, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Friday—Septr. 26th. [1783]

          I have not till this morning been able to find any gentleman who was going to England— Mr. Dagge however has this moment informed me, that he has an opportunity of conveying a letter by an acquaintance, the son of General Dalling, who will set off tomorrow. I fear you will by this time have sent by some other conveyance the letter you mentioned—however, lest you shod. not, I take the liberty of informing you that if it be sent to Mr. Dagge today, it will certainly be forwarded.
          I am, with all respect, Sir, Your most obedt. & obliged humble Servt.

            John Baynes.
            Chez Mr. Boulnois, Ruë Neuve Ste. Généviéve.

          Mr. Dagge is at the hôtel d’Hamburgh, Ruë Jacobe.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ambassadeur pour les Américains en son / Hôtel / à Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Dagge, [26 September 1783]
From: Dagge, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My dear Sir
            Friday Morning [September 26, 1783]

          I find by Mr. Baynes that you wish to convey a Letter to London as soon as you can. I have an Oppertunity of sending to morrow Morning in a Letter to my Bror. who will send it immediately where it is directed. I hope to have the honour of paying my respects to you some Morning the beginng. of next week & am always D Sir, Yrs sincerely

            H Dagge


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 September 1783
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            Philada. 26 Sept 1783.

          Mr Isaac Norris is the son of our ancient and worthy friend Mr Charles Norris. Though I am confident this would be a sufficient recommendation of him to you, yet as he thinks a letter

from me will be of some advantage, I cannot refuse it, especially as he is a young man of an amiable disposition, sober, modest, of good principles and good morals.
          I could have wished he had seen and known more of his own country before he went abroad. But the war has confined him much at home. On the return of peace, he was persuaded to visit England, but I find by his letters, it has no charms for him. He therefore proposes to make but a short stay in that country and to spend the greatest part of his time abroad in visiting the low countries and France. You will confer an Obligation on me by taking him under your protection, pointing him to objects worthy his notice and by giving him reason to find that this letter proved advantageous to him.
          I am with the greatest respect your most Obedient And most humble Servt

            Cha Thomson
            Honble. Doct Franklin

          Notation: Cha. Thomson 26 sept. 1783—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 27 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Boudinot, Elias

            Sir,
            Passy, Sept. 27. 1783—

          Mr Thaxter late Secretary of Mr Adams, who is charg’d with all our Dispatches that were intended to go by the French Pacquet-Boat, writes from L’Orient, that tho’ he arriv’d there two Days before the time appointed for her Sailing, he miss’d reaching her by four Hours; but another light Vessel was fitting and would sail the 21st. Inst. in which he hop’d to arrive at New York nearly as soon as the Pacquet. We shall send Duplicates

by the next from hence. In the mean time I inclose a printed Copy of the Definitive Treaty, which I hear is ratify’d. Indeed we have already the Ratification of the Preliminaries.
          Mr Hartley when he left us, expected to return in three Weeks, in order to proceed with us in forming a Treaty of Commerce. The new Commission that was intended for us is not yet come to hand. With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            His Excelly. Elias Boudinot, Presidt of Congress

          Notation: Letter 27 Sept 1783 B. Franklin with printed copy of definitive treaty.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Anthony Todd], 27 September 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Todd, Anthony

            Sir,
            Passy, Sept. 27. 1783.

          I receiv’d last Night your Favour of the 19th. Inst. and have this Day sent to propose a Meeting on the Subject with Mr.

Couteulx; but he was not in Town. I shall do what you desire of me as soon as may be.
          Be so good as to forward the enclos’d, if not too late, by your next Wednesday’s Mail, and let me Know by a Line if it was in time.
          With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

            B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Prince de Soubise, 27 September 1783
From: Soubise, Charles de Rohan, maréchal prince de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            27. 7bre. 1783

          C’est avec grand plaisir, Monsieur, que j’ai l’honneur de vous envoier une permission de chasse pour Monsieur votre petit fils, et je la renouvellerai dans quelque tems, quoique l’année soit bien peu favorable.
          J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec les sentiments les plus distingues, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur

            Le M. P. de Soubise

          Notation: Le M. P. de Soubise 17 7bre ’83


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 28 September 1783
From: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Cheam Sepr. 28. 1783

          Many thanks to you for your kind packet which I was favoured with by Mr Hartley. As some time was taken up by his writing to

me & waiting for my answer it did not arrive here till last thursday night. I tell you this to account for your not having a more speedy reply about your Grandson. I shall be happy to do every thing in my power for him if you trust him to my care, and my boys will have a peculiar pleasure in introducing him to their comrades, some of whom are two or three years older than Bache, tho the greatest part of the school consists at present of boys under his age. But how will my young Friend like to lay aside his powder and curls, and return to the simplicity of a rustic school-boy? I fear he will think us all so unpolished he will scarcely be able to endure us, but if English cordiality will make amends for French refinement we may have some chance for making him happy. Mr Gilpin has the good fortune to have some boys at the head of his school who are an honour to the society, so I hope I may say in return to you that yours will have no bad example set him.
          The subject of the latter part of your letter I hope to talk over with you next spring, as I chuse to infer, from what you say that you will then pay us a visit.
          I am, Dear Sir, Your faithful & affectionate

            Mary Hewson

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / á Passy / pres de / Paris
          Notation: Hewson Mary Sept. 28. 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 30 September 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Office of Finance 30 Septem: 1783.

          I am to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favors of the seventh of March and twenty seventh of July. For both of them accept my Thanks. You express an Apprehension lest the Union between France and America should be diminished by Accounts from your Side of the Water. This Apprehension does you equal Honor as a Statesman and as a Man. Every Principle which ought to actuate the Councils of a Nation requires from us an affectionate Conduct towards France and I very sincerely lament those Misapprehensions which have indisposed some worthy Men towards that Nation whose Treasure and Blood have been so freely expended for us. I believe the Truth with respect to some to be this. A warm Attachment to America has prevented them from making due Allowances in those Cases where there Country was concerned. Under certain Prepossession it was natural for them to think that the french Ministry might do more for us, and it was quite as natural for the Ministers to think that we ought to have done more for ourselves. The Moment of Treaty with England was of Course the Moment of Profession with english Ministers. I fear that the Impressions made by these were for a little while rather more deep than was quite necessary. But the same Love of America which had raised such strong Irritability where her Interests were concerned, will of Course stimulate it to an equal Degree when those Interests are assailed from another Quarter. I think I may venture to assure you that the Esteem of this Country for France is not diminished and that the late Representations have not been so unfavorable as you fear.
          Our Commerce is flowing very fast towards Great Britain

and that from Causes which must for ever influence the commercial Part of Society. Some Articles are furnished by Britain cheaper many as cheap and all on a long Credit. Her Merchants are attentive and punctual. In her Ports our Vessels always meet with Dispatch. I say Nothing of Language and Manners because I do not think they influence so strongly on Commerce as many People suppose but what is of no little Importance is that the English having formed our Taste are more in a Capacity to gratify that Taste by the Nature and fashion of their Manufactures. There is another Circumstance also which must not be forgotten. The great Demand for french Manufactures during the War increased the Price of many and some Time will be required before it can by a fair Competition be discovered which of the two Countries france or England can supply us cheapest. The Delays in the public Bills is a further Circumstance which militates (a momentary Obstacle) against the Trade with France. I must therefore mention to you also a Matter which is of great Effect. Until we can navigate the Mediteranean in Safety we cannot trade in our own Bottoms with the Ports of france or Spain which are on that Sea. And we certainly will not Trade there in foreign Bottoms because we do not find the same Convenience and Advantage in so doing as in our own Vessels. Unless indeed it be on Board of English Ships. This may be a disagreable Fact but it is not the less a Fact. I beleive that Informations are transmitted from hence to the Court which they ought not to rely on. Their Servants doubtless do their Duty in transmitting such Informations but I am perswaded that they are themselves not well informed. Indeed it is quite natural that Men should mistake when they examine and treat of a Subject with which they are unacquainted. And it cannot well be supposed that political Characters are competent to decide on the Advantages and Disadvantages of allowing to or witholding from us a share in the carrying Trade— On this Subject I will make a further Observation and you may rely on it that I speak to you with Candor and Sincerity not with a View to making any

Impressions on the Court. You may communicate or withold what I say and they may or may not apply it to their own Purposes. If any thing will totally ruin the Commerce of England with this Country it is her blind Attachment to her Navigation Act. This Act which never was the real Foundation of her naval Superiority may and perhaps will be the Cause of its Destruction. If france possesses commercial Wisdom she will take Care not to imitate the Conduct of her Rival. The West India Islands can be supplied twenty per Cent cheaper in american than in french or british Bottoms I will not trouble you with the Reasons but you may rely on the Fact. The Price of the Produce of any Country must materially depend on the Cheapness of Subsistence. The Price at which that Produce can be vended abroad must depend on the Facility of Conveyance. Now admitting for a Moment (which by the bye is not true) that France might by Something like a british Navigation Act, increase her Ships and her Seamen these Things would necessarily follow. 1st. Her Islands would be less wealthy and therefore less able to consume and pay for her Manufactures 2ly. The Produce of those Islands would be less cheap and therefore less able to sustain the weight of Duties and support a Competition in foreign Markets. 3ly. The Commerce with this Country would be greatly lessened because that every American Ship which finds herself in a french or english or other Port will naturally seek a freight there rather than go elswhere to look for it because in many Commodities the Difference of Price in different Parts will not compensate the Time and Cost of going from Place to Place to look after them. To these Principal Reasons might be added many others of lesser weight tho not of little Influence such as the probable Increase of commercial Intercourse by increasing the Connections and Acquaintances of Individuals. To this and to every Thing else which can be said on the Subject by an American I know there is one short Answer always ready. viz: That we seek to encrease our own Wealth. So far from denying that this is among my Motives I place it as the foremost and (setting aside that Gratitude which I feel for France) I do not scruple to declare that a Regard to the Interests of America is with Respect to all Nations of the World my political Compass. But the different Nations of Europe should consider that in Proportion to the Wealth of

this Country will be her Ability to pay for those Commodities which all of them are pressing us to buy.
          The People of this Country still continue as remiss as ever in the Payment of Taxes. Much of this (as you justly observe) arises from the Difficulties of Collection. But those Difficulties are much owing to an ignorance of proper Modes and an Unwillingness to adopt them. In short tho all are content to acknowlege that there is a certain Burthen of Taxation which ought to be borne Yet each is desirous of Shifting it off of his own Shoulders on those of his Neighbors. Time will I hope produce a Remedy to the Evils under which we labor but it may also increase them.
          Your Applications to the Court for Aid are certainly well calculated to obtain it, but I am not much surprized at your ill Success indeed I should have been much surprized if you had been more fortunate— Of all Men I was placed in the Situation to take a deep Concern in the Event but I cannot disapprove of the Refusal for we certainly ought to do more for ourselves before we ask the Aid of others— Copies of your Letters to the Court were laid before Congress and also the Copy of the new Contract. I will enclose with this a further Copy of the Ratification of the old if I can obtain it in Season from Princeton where the Congress now are.
          I have written also on the Subject of the Debt due to the farmer’s general and should Congress give me any Orders about it I shall attend carefully to the Execution. The Conduct they have maintained with regard to us has been generous and will demand a Return of Gratitude as well as of Justice. This I hope my Countrymen will always be disposed to Pay. I shall take some proper Opportunity of writing to the farmer’s General but will wait a while to Know what may be the Determination of Congress on their Affairs.

          It gives me much Pleasure to find that by the proposed Establishment of Packetts we shall shortly be in Condition to maintain more regular and connected Correspondence for altho I shall not myself be much longer in public Office I feel for those who are or will be charged with the Affairs of our Country both at Home and abroad.— It will naturally occur however that a good Cypher must be made use of not unfrequently when Dispatches are trusted to foreigners. They have no Regard either to Propriety or even Decency where Letters are concerned.
          With very sincere Esteem and Respect I am Sir your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant

            RM.
            His Excelly. Benja. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Catherine de Ligniville Helvétius, [September 1783?]
From: Helvétius, Anne-Catherine de Ligniville
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            mercredy matin [September, 1783?]

          Si Messieurs franklin ne sont pas Engagés pour aujourdhuy, madame Helvétius Les prie de venir dîner Chez elle en famille. Comme hier elle voulait être seule, elle avait fait défendre sa

porte; et Lorsqu’ils s’y présenterent, elle Etait renfermée dans sa petite maison de bains: ils doivent juger que La défense n’etant pas pour eux, Elle à été bien fâchée de ce Contretems.

          Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, [September 1783?]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [September, 1783?]

          Mde. De la fayette offre son hommage, a monsieur franklin, et Le supplie de vouloir bien Lui mander, et si mr Edward newnham, est a paris, ou quand il doit y venir, et s’il y est ou il demeure; mr De La fayette, qui est toujours en Lorrainne, La chargée de sen informer, et Lui a fait esperer que mr franklin, voudroit bien L’instruire de sa marche. Elle profite avec bien du plaisir de cette occasion, pour lui renouveller Lassurance de ses sentimens.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin, ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats unis De L’amerique, / A Passy


Title: John Jay: Account of Conversation with Franklin, September 1783
From: Jay, John
To:

            Sep. 1783

          Dr. Franklin lived at Pha. in the Neighbourhood of Mr Boudinot the Father of Elias Boudinot the present Presidt. of

Congress—the Father was a Silver Smith who had come from NYork to settle at Pha., a man much devoted to Whitfield, by whom his Son was baptized Elias after the Prophet of that Name— Dr. Franklin remembers Elias coming to his Father’s Door with half a Water Melon & a Spoon in his Hand—several of the neighboring Boys gathered round in hopes of sharing in the Melon— Elias observd their Intention, but told them as they came up, that those who asked shd recieve nothing, & went on eating his Melon— The others imagining he meant to Share with them, & fearing to ask lest they shd. as he threatned be refused, silently waited his Motions—he went on however eating his Melon, & finished it— He was 8 or nine Yrs. old— He had a Sister who was a sensible Girl—she wrote Verses & had Wit— Mr. Stockton of Printon married her—& took Elias into his Office & taught him Law, which he practiced at Eliz. Town until the War, with the Reputation of Integrity & fairness—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc and Duchesse de Crillon et de Mahon, [before 1 October 1783]
From: Crillon et de Mahon, Louis de Berton, duc de,Crillon et de Mahon, duchesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [before October 1, 1783]

          Le duc et La duchesse de crillon et de mahon sont venus pour avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin ministre plenipotentiaire des ettats unis damerique Le prier de Leur faire celuy De venir Souper mercredi prochain a passi et de vouloir bien y etre rendu a Sept heures du Soir pour y prendre part a un

Divertissement de Campagne occasioné par La joye De La naissance Dès deux infants d’espagne.
          On trouvera a La porte de passi qui entre dans Le bois de boulogne, un Suisse qui indiquera Le Lieu ou il faut mettre pied a terre.

          Notation: Le Duc & la Desse. de Crillon


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Maximilien de Robespierre, 1 October 1783
From: Robespierre, Maximilien de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a arras ce 1 8bre 1783

          Une sentence de proscription rendue par les échevins de st. omer contre Les conducteurs électriques m’a présenté l’occasion de plaider au conseil d’artois la cause d’une découverte sublime, dont le genre humain vous est redevable. Le desir de contribuer a déraciner les préjugés qui s’opposoient à ses progrès dans notre province m’a porté à faire imprimer le plaidoyer que j’ai prononcé dans cette affaire. J’ose espérer,

Monsieur, que vous daignerez recevoir avec bonté un éxemplaire de cet ouvrage, dont l’objet étoit d’engager mes concitoiens à accepter un de vos bienfaits: heureux d’avoir pu etre utile à mon pays, en déterminant ses premiers magistrats à accueillir cette importante découverte; plus heureux encore si je puis joindre à cet avantage l’honneur d’obtenir le suffrage d’un homme dont le moindre mèrite est d’etre le plus illustre sçavant de l’Univers.
          J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur

            de Robespierre,avocat au conseil d’artois


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, [before 2 October 1783]
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            [before October 2, 1783]

          J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer

              Constitutions 8o. brochéeremis précedemment
              350. Ex. [Exemplaires]

              50 Reliés
               50

              50. demie reliure
               50

              50. brochés
               50.

              Total
              500. Ex.

          plus 4 Ex. in 4°. qui avec les 36. remis précedemment font 40 J’ai à votre disposition 60. in 4°.
          Je crois, monsieur, que nous avons oublié le stathouder de hollande, ainsi que les Etats Généraux. Au reste je ferai de ces 60 Ex. l’usage qu’il vous plaira m’indiquer. Si même vous jugez à propos que je vous les envoye, je vous les enverrai en feuilles.
          Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur

            Pierres
            M. franklin.

          Endorsed: Pierre


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 October 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Philada. October 2d. 1783

          This Letter will either be delivered or forwarded to you by a most Worthy Gentn. Nathl. Gorham Esqr. of Boston for whose Public & private Character I have the highest respect, This Gentn has served as Member & Speaker of the Massachusetts assembly. & lately he had a pretty long Campaigne in Congress where I had that opportunity of knowing the integrity of his Conduct & the Soundness of his judgement that did not fail to inspire me with Strong personal Attachment it is probable that he will make some proposals to the Court for supplying their Marine with Masts & Spars & in this business he is associated with Thos. Russell & Wm Burgess Esqrs of Boston and John Langdon Esqr of Portsmouth in New Hampshire all Gentn of that Character & Solidity which ought to give Weight to what they offer.
          They were kind enough to invite me to join them, but not suiting my situation & Views I declined it, I am however equally desirous of promoting their Interest and hope what I have Said may procure them your favourable aid. I will engage the Chevr La Luzerne to write in their favour. You always have my best Wishes for I am very Sincerely Dear Sir Your Affectionate Friend & Obedt. humble servt.

            Robt Morris
            His Excy Benjn. Franklin Esqr Minister de Passy

          Addressed: His Excy / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipy at the Court of Versailles
          Notation: R Morris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 2 October 1783
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Paris, le 2 8bre. 1783.

          J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cinquante-trois Exemplaires des Constitutions de l’Amérique in-4°. Papier d’Annonay. Il en reste trois entre les mains du Relieur; ces trois Exemplaires sont avancés à la reliure & prêts à couvrir.

              Vous en avez reçu déja
              42 Ex.

              Au Relieur
               3.

              Que j’envoye aujourd’hui
              53.

              un Exemplaire imparfait ici
               1.

              Un, que je garde suivant les Reglemens de la Librairie
               1.

              Total 100 Ex.

          Le Relieur m’a fait demander si vous trouviez bon qu’il allât vous porter le mémoire de ses reliures, Il me paroit qu’il a besoin d’argent. Je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire savoir quel est le jour que vous voulez que je lui assigne.
          Quant aux brochures elles me regardent & entreront dans le compte de mon Impression.
          Je suis avec autant d’attachement que de respect, Monsieur, Votre Très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

            Pierres
            M. Franklin