Title: Portuguese Counterproposal for a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, [c. 7 June 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Sousa Coutinho, Vicente, conde de
To:

          The initial negotiations for a commercial treaty between the United
            States and Portugal, conducted between Franklin and the conde de Sousa Coutinho, took
            place without the knowledge of the other American commissioners and have left no written trace. Whether Sousa
            Coutinho had pressed for secrecy is not known; neither do we know when discussions began
            in earnest. After the present draft was agreed upon, Franklin informed Robert R.
            Livingston only that Sousa Coutinho had urged him to propose a plan for a treaty and
            that he had done so (acknowledging that he had no authority to sign), offering a text
            that was “nearly the same” as what Congress had sent him to use in the negotiations with
              Sweden. Franklin’s proposal has not
            been located. Judging by the available documentation, as explained in the following
            paragraph, we believe that it consisted of the articles proposed by Congress (mutatis mutandis), two articles of his own composition, and
            two final articles on ratification and duration taken from the Swedish-American treaty.
            Sousa Coutinho returned to him a counterproposal on June 4, and after reading Franklin’s
            response of June 7 (immediately above), he agreed to the changes Franklin suggested to
            Article 12. The present text, incorporating those changes, is what Franklin sent to
            Philadelphia and Sousa Coutinho sent to Lisbon for comment.
          The congressional draft treaty contained a preamble and 18 articles. The preamble and 11 of the articles appear in
            the counterproposal, in their original order and with variations as noted. Interspersed
            among them are eight others. As Franklin’s June 7 letter indicates, Sousa Coutinho
            inserted Article 6 and the reciprocal Article 7, general guidelines which may have been
            intended to substitute for the specific situations covered in the congressional articles
            that were deleted. Of the remaining six
            “new” articles, four of them (Articles 9, 10, 18, and 19) were derived from the final
            Swedish-American treaty. Sousa Coutinho
            added Articles 9 and 10; Franklin noted this with pleasure in his June 7 response.
            Franklin probably added Articles 18 and 19, as he had included them in the proposal he
            had given Denmark in April. Articles 11
            and 12 could only have come from Franklin and had to have been present in
            his initial proposal. Both were articles that he had long hoped would be included in the
            definitive peace treaty with Great Britain, and they are among the articles that the
            American commissioners proposed to David Hartley on June 29 (below).

              Plan d’un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce entre Sa Majesté
                Très Fidelle la Reine de Portugal et des Algarves: Et les Etats Unis de l’Amerique
                Septentrionale.
              [c. June 7, 1783]

            Sa Majesté Très Fidelle la Reine de Portugal et des Algarves, Et les Etats Unis de l’Amerique
              Septentrionale, Voulant établir d’une maniere équitable et permanente les Regles qui
              devront être suivies relativement au Commerce qu’ils desirent d’établir entre leurs
              Pays respectifs, ont jugé ne pouvoir mieux atteindre à ce but qu’en prenant pour base
              de leur arrangement l’Egalité et la Reciprocité la plus parfaite; laisant à chaque
              Partie la Liberté de faire relativement au Commerce et à la Navigation les Reglements
              interieurs qui seront à sa convenance, et ne fondant les avantages du Commerce que sur
              son utilité reciproque et sur les Loix d’une Juste Concurrence: C’est d’après ces
              Principes et en consequence d’une mûre Déliberation que Sa Majesté très Fidelle et les
              Etats Unis ont arrêté les Articles suivants.

            Art: 1er.
            Il y aura une Paix ferme, inviolable et universelle, et une Amitié sincere entre Sa
              Majesté très Fidelle la Reine de Portugal, ses Heritiers et Successeurs et les Etats
              Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, ainsi qu’entre les Citoyens et sujets des dittes
              deux Parties, comme aussi entre leurs Peuples, Isles, Villes et Lieux situés sous
              leurs Jurisdictions respectives, et entre leurs Peuples et Habitans de toutes les
              Classes sans aucune exception de Personnes et de lieux que celles dèja établies avec les Puissances
              les plus favorisées.

            Art: 2d.
            Les Sujets de Sa Majesté T.F. pourront librement frequenter et resider dans les Etats
              Unis et trafiquer de toute Sorte d’Effets et marchandises, dont l’Importation ou
              l’Exportation n’est point ou ne sera point prohibée, et ils ne payeront dans les
              Ports, Havres, Rades, Contrées, Isles, Cités et Lieux des Etats Unis, d’autres ni plus
              grands Droits ou Impôts, de quelque nature qu’ils puissent être, que ceux que les
              Nations les plus favorisées sont ou seront tenues de payer; Et ils Jouiront de tous
              les Droits, Libertés, Privileges, Immunités et Exemptions en fait de Négoce,
              Navigation et Commerce, soit en passant d’un Port des dits Etats à un autre soit en y
              allant ou en revenant de quelque Partie ou pour quelque Partie du monde que ce soit,
              dont les dites Nations jouissent ou jouiront.

            Art: 3e.
            Pareillement les Citoyens et Habitants des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septle. pourront
              librement frequenter et resider dans les Etats de Sa Majesté T.F. en Europe, ainsi
              qu’à Madére et aux Açores, et y trafiquer de toute Sorte d’Effets et marchandises,
              dont l’Importation ou l’Exportation n’est point on ne sera point prohibée, Et ils ne
              payeront dans les Ports, Havres, Rades, Contrées, Isles, Cités, et lieux des Etats de
              la Reine de Portugal d’autres ni plus grands Droits, de quelque nature qu’ils puissent
              être, que ceux que les Nations les plus favorisées sont ou seront tenues de payer; et
              ils jouiront de tous les Droits, Libertés, Privileges, Immunites et Exemptions en fait
              de Négoce, Navigation et Commerce soit en passant d’un Port des Etats de Sa Majesté
              T.F. à un autre, soit en y allant on en revenant de quelque Partie ou pour quelque
              Partie du monde que ce soit dont, les dites Nations Jouissent ou Jouiront.

            Art: 4.
            Sa Majesté T.F. fera usage de tous les Moyens qui sont en son pouvoir pour proteger
              et deffendre tous les Vaisseaux et Effets appartenants aux
              Sujets, Peuples et Habitants des dits Etats Unis qui seront dans les Ports, Havres ou
              Rades, contre quelque Violence qui puisse être commise par les Sujets de sa dite
              Majesté, en faisant punir ceux qui porteront atteinte à ces Principes.

            Art: 5.
            L’Article précedent sera par la même reciprocité exactement observé en côté des Etats
              Unis par rapport aux Vaisseaux et éffets appartenants aux Sujets de sa dite Majesté
              qui se trouveront dans leurs Ports, Havres, ou Rades, contre quelque Violence qui
              puisse être commise par les Sujets des Etats Unis.

            Art: 6.
            Si quelques Escadres ou Batiments de guerre touchent dans les Ports ou entrent dans
              les Mers voisines des Etats de Sa M.T.F. on s’y conformera aux Reglements deja établis
              vis à vis des autres Puissances maritimes les plus favorisées.

            Art: 7.
            Les Etats Unis de l’Amerique s’obligent aussi par reciprocité d’observer exactement
              tout ce qui est stipulé dans l’Article ci dessus.

            Art: 8.
            Il est également convenu et arrêté que tous les Marchands, Capitaines de Navires
              marchands ou autre Sujets de Sa Majesté T.F. auront l’entiere Liberté dans toutes les
              Places de la Domination ou Jurisdiction des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, de conduire eux
              mêmes leurs propres affaires, et d’y employer qui il leur plaira pour
              les conduire, et qu’ils ne seront point obligés de se servir d’aucun Interprete ou
              Courtier ni de leur payer aucun Honoraire à moins qu’ils ne s’en servent: En outre les
              maitres des Navires ne seront point obligés, chargeant ou dechargeant leurs Navires de
              se servir d’ouvriers établis pour cet éffet par l’Autorité publique, mais ils seront
              entierement libres de charger ou de decharger eux mêmes leurs Vaisseaux, et d’employer
              pour charger et decharger ceux qu’ils croiront propres pour cet éffet, sans payer
              aucuns Honoraires à titre de Salaire à aucune autre Personne que ce soit, et ils ne
              pourront être forcés de verser aucune Espece de Marchandises dans d’autres Vaisseaux,
              ou de les recevoir à leur bord, et d’attendre pour être chargés, plus long tems qu’il
              ne leur plaira, et tous et un chacun des Citoyens, Peuples et Habitants des Etats Unis
              de l’Amerique auront et jouiront reciproquement des mêmes Privileges et Libertés dans
              toutes les Places susdites de la Jurisdiction de sa Mté. T.F. en Europe: Et pour ce qui concerne les
              Marchandises de Contrebande qui peuvent s’introduire dans les Vaisseaux marchands de
              l’une ou de l’autre Nation; ils seront obligés de subir la Visite des Employés
              destinés dans les deux Etats à empecher les mêmes Contrebandes, et de se conformer à
              cet éffet aux Reglements établis, ou qui s’établiront dans les Etats respectifs.

            Art: 9.
            Il sera accordé une pleine et entiere Liberté de Conscience aux Habitants et Sujets
              de chaque Partie, et personne ne sera molesté à l’égard de son Culte, moyennant qu’il
              se soumette, quant à la demonstration publique aux Loix du Pays. Il sera permis aux
              Habitants et Sujets de chaque Partie qui decederont dans le territoire de l’autre
              Partie, d’être enterrés dans des endroits convenables et décens qui seront assignés à
              cet effet, et les deux Puissances contractantes pourvoiront chacun dans sa
              Jurisdiction à ce que les Sujets et Habitants respectifs puissent obtenir les Certificats de Mort, en cas qu’ils
              soient requis de les livrer.

            Art: 10.
            Les Sujets des Parties contractantes pourront dans les Etats respectifs disposer
              librement de leurs fonds, Biens meubles et immeubles, soit par Testament, donàtion ou
              autrement, en faveur de telles Personnes que bon leur semblera; et leurs Heritiers,
              dans quelque endroit où ils demeureront pourront recevoir ces Successions, même
              abintestate, soit en personne, soit par son Procureur sans qu’ils aïent besoin
              d’obtenir des Lettres de naturalisation. Ces Heritages aussi bien que les capitaux et
              fonds que les Sujets des deux Parties, en changeant de demeure, voudrant faire sortir
              de l’endroit de leur domicile, seront exempts de tout droit de détraction de la part
              du Gouvernement des deux Etats respectifs. Le Contenu de cet article ne derogera en
              aucune maniere aux ordonnances promulguées contre les émigrations ou qui pourront par
              la suite être promulguées dans les Etats des deux Puissances, dont elles se reservent
              l’exercice.

            Art: 11.
            Si par la suite il survenoit une Guerre entre le Portugal et les Etats Unis, ce qu’à
              Dieu ne plaise, il sera accordé un terme de neuf mois aux Marchands de chaque Pays
              residant alors dans l’autre, pour recueillir leurs Dettes et mettre ordre à leurs
              affaires et ils pourront en sortir librement avec tous leurs effets sans quils
              puissent en être empêchés ou molestés. Tous les Pêcheurs, Cultivateurs, et tous les
              artisans ou manufacturiers sans armes et habitant des Villes Places ou Villages non
              fortifiés, qui travaillent pour la Subsistance et le bien commun du Genre humain, et
              qui exercent paisblement leurs emplois respectifs, pourront continuer leurs
              occupations, sans qu’ils puissent être molestés par la Force armée de l’Ennemi ou
              pouvoir du quel ils pourroient tomber par les évenements de la Guerre; mais que, s’il est nécessaire de leur prendre quelque chose
              pour l’usage de la force armée, ou le leur payera à un prix raisonable. Il sera permis
              à tous les Marchands et Commerçants dont les Vaisseaux ne seront point armés en
              guerre, mais employés dans le Commerce à échanger les Produits des different Pays, et
              rendant par là les Besoins, les Commodités et les douceurs de la vie plus aisés à
              obtenir et plus universels, de passer librement et sans être molestés. Aucune des
              Puissances contractantes ne pourra accorder aucune Commission à aucun Corsaire,
              l’autorisant à prendre ou detruire de tels Vaisseaux marchands ou à interrompre un tel
              Commerce.

            Art: 12.
            Afin d’écarter et de prevenir a part et d’autre toutes les Difficultés et
              mésintelligences qui s’élevent ordinairement concernant les Marchandises appellées
              cidevant Contrebande et [qui seront] jugées telles par
              les Puissances de l’Europe dans leurs Traités respectifs; c’est à dire les Armes & Munitions de
              guerre il a été convenu que dans le cas où l’une des Parties contractantes se
              trouveroit engagée dans une Guerre contre quelque autre Nation, aucun de ces articles
              portés dans les Vaisseaux ou par les Sujets de l’une des Parties aux Ennemis de
              l’autre, ne sera reputé Contrabande sous quelque Pretexte que ce soit, ni confisqué et
              enlevé comme tel à aucun Individu: Il sera néanmoins permis d’arrêter de tels
              Vaisseaux et de les retenir aussi longtems que les Capteurs le jugeront necessaire
              pour prevenir les inconvenients ou domages qui pourroient resulter de la Continuation
              de leur Voyage, en payant toutefois aux Proprietaires une Compensation raisonable pour la perte qu’une telle
              Detention pourra leur occasionner: Et en outre il sera permis aux Capteurs de se
              servir en tout ou en partie des munitions de Guerre ainsi detenues, pourvû qu’ils en
              payent l’entiere Valeur aux Proprietaires.

            Art: 13.
            Tous Vaisseaux et marchandises de quelque nature que ce puisse être, lorsqu’ils
              auront été enlevés des mains de quelque Pirate en pleine mer, seront amenés dans
              quelque Port de l’un des deux Etats et seront remis à la garde des officiers du dit
              Port, afin d’être rendus en entier à leur veritable Proprietaire, aussitôt qu’il aura
              duement et sufisament fait conster de sa Propieté.

            Art: 14.
            Aucun Sujet de sa Majesté très Fidelle ne prendra de commissions ou de Lettres de
              marque pour armer quelque Vaisseau ou Vaisseaux à l’éffet d’agir comme Corsaires
              contre les Etats Unis ou quelqu’un d’entre eux, ou contre les Sujets, Peuples ou
              Habitants d’iceux, ou contre leur proprieté ou celle des Habitants d’aucun d’entre
              eux, de quel Prince que ce soit avec lequel les dits Etats Unis seront en guerre. De
              même aucun Citoyen, Sujet ou Habitant des Susdits Etats Unis et de quelqu’un d’entre
              eux ne demandera ni n’acceptera aucune Commission ou Lettres de marque pour armer
              quelque Vaisseau ou Vaisseaux pour courre sus aux Sujets de la Reine T.F. ou quelques
              uns d’entre eux ou leur Propriete, de quelque Prince ou Etat que ce soit avec qui la
              dite Reine se trouvera en guerre, et si quelqun de l’une ou de l’autre Nation prenoit
              de pareilles Commissions ou Lettres de marque, il sera puni comme Pirate.

            Art: 15.
            Dans le cas où les Vaisseaux des Sujets et Habitants de l’une des deux Parties
              contractantes approcheroient des côtes de l’autre, sans cependant avoir le Dessein
              d’entrer dans le Port, ou, après être entré, sans avoir le dessein de decharger leur
              Cargaison, ou rompre leur Charge, ils auront la Liberté de partir, ou de poursuivre
              leur Voyage sans être molestés.

            Art: 16.
            Il est stipulé par le present Traité que les Bâtiments libres assureront la Liberté
              des Personnes qui se trouveront à leur bord, quand même elles seroient Ennemies de
              l’une des deux Parties contractantes, et elles ne pourront être enlevées des dits
              Navires, a moins qu’elles ne soient militaires et actuellement au Service de
              l’Ennemi.

            Art: 17.
            Les deux Parties contractantes se sont accordées mutuellement la Faculté de tenir
              dans leurs Ports respectifs des Consuls; Vice-Consuls, Agents et Commissaires dont les
              fonctions seront reglées par une Convention particuliere, lorsqu’il plaira à l’une ou
              l’autre des Parties d’en établir.

            Art: 18.
            Le present Traité sera ratifié de part et d’autre et les Ratifications seront
              échangées dans l’espace de huit mois, ou plustôt si faire se peut à compter du Jour de
              la Signature.

            Art: 19.
            Sa Majesté T.F. la Reine de Portugal et des Algarves et les Etats Unis de l’Amerique
              Septentrionale sont convenus que le present Traité aura son plein effet à compter du
              Jour de sa Ratification du quel les deux Parties contractantes se promettent
              reciproquement l’observance la plus exacte.

          Notations by Franklin: 2d Copy. / Plan
            of a treaty with Portugal


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 7 June 1783
From: Falconer, Nathaniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Sir
            London June the 7. 1783

          I inclose a Book that Came out yesterday hear and is Like to make Some Noise hear I Recd Letters yesterday from philadla via
            Newyork as Late as the 24 of April one Ship had arrivd from Irland and omitted to Land
            there Goods an order to the Collecter to Enter all vessells from Grait Britton I wrote you Sir on my First arrivall hear but as I have not heard from you am
            fearfull it has not Reacht your hand I then mentioned my intention of Bying a ship hear
            and Going out to philadla I Expect to Sail from hear about the 15 of July if there is
            aney thing that I Can do hear for my old frend I beg he will Lay his Commands on me I
            Dined yesterday at the post office at mr Jacksons your old frend mr watley was with
              us whe had much Talk about old times
            they Both Desier to be Rememberd to you I have been once to our old frends mr
              Strawns and find him jest the Same man
            belives Every Ly he hears against the united States the French armey and our army have
            been killing Each other and that whe Shall be Glad to Come to this Countrey again Let
            thees Gentelmen belive all this for am very Shure I Do not my best
            Compliments mr wm T Franklin and mr hartley if he is with you I am Dear Sir your most
            obident Sr

            Nath Falconer

          Notation: Falconer June 7. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gauthier, 7 June 1783
From: Gauthier, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Du College de Bayeux, le 7
              Juin 1783.

          J’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, qu’il vous manque encore, pour completter votre
            Exemplaire du Dictionnaire des Sciences Morale, Politique, &c. les Tomes 26 & 27. Les derniers que Votre
            Excellence a reçus étoient les Tomes 24 & 25.
          Je suis avec respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble & trés obéissant
            serviteur

            Gauthier

          Notation: Gauthier 7 Juin 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William James, 7 June 1783
From: James, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sr—
            Grand Hotel de Russie, Rue Richlieu, June 7th. 1783—

          Since I had the honor of waiting upon you I have gained no Intelligence of Mr
              Sayre, for which Reason I have
            thoughts of Returning Immediately to England. But before I quitted Paris I was desirous
            of Informing you, that I am the person, that for near twenty years, wrote in the English
            Newspapers upon public Improvements, many of which in Consequence have taken place.— My
            Objects were Roads, Rivers, Bridges, pavements, Carriages, Copper Sheathing Line of
            Battle ships, Roman Oval sewers, Rounding off the Angles of narrow streets, levelling
            the Ground And Iron Railing Churchyards &ca &ca— When I was in Paris six years ago, Monsr Le Roy
            of the Academy at the Louvre, Invited me to his Apartments to Consult me upon a Vareity
            of Matters but many Things that we Agreed upon have not been Carried
            into Execution, by which Neglect Paris is secondary to London in many
              Circumstances.— As I think your
            Influence would have the desired effect, if not out of the line of your Amusement, I
            have taken the liberty of sending you my Opinion.— Every street in Paris should have
            Trottoires, or Footways of broad Stones.— Such as have not
            width Enough for 2 footways, And two Carriages, should Admit of One Carriage Only. And
            where not wide Enough for One Carriage with footways paved with flat stones like
            Cranbourne Ally Liecester Fields, Change Ally &ca— The streets of London never
            became Magnificent, nor the shops elegant until Enginiers gave the level, And formed the
            footways upon their present principle, And the Carriageways upon a small Convex.— In
            this Improvement I include the footways of the Boulevards, to make them Equally perfect
            in wet weather.— The next Thing I would Recommend is the upright Roman Oval sewer, As
            now Carrying on in London six feet high, which Receives the filth of all the Houses, And
            Conveys it to the Thames.— It would likewise be of great Advantage to France, to pass an
            Edict, that all Carriages should have a proportional broad wheel According to their
            several Classes, those with four wheels to Roll double surfaces— The preservation of the
            Roads, And pavements, in this great Monarchy, would be an Immense saving, As would the
            lessening the Number of Horses.— I Could Save the State some hundred thousand pounds a
            year, in Reforming these Kind of Abuses, having spent at least One Thousand pounds On
            Carriages in Experiments.— The best wheels Ever Invented Are the Hoop Fellies.— I have
            tried them many years, And Know their Merit.— You have the Reputation of the Invention.— The destruction of the
            pavements in paris is Owing intirely to narrow wheels— In time the flat square, becomes
            Round headed, great weights Are moved with difficulty, Cruelty Ensues, and all Carriages
            are shook to pieces.— In London I have drawn 29 Sacks of Coals with 2 Horses, which is 2
            Chaldron And 5 sacks.— 4 Chaldron with
            six Horses, And 5 Chaldrons Or 63 sacks 15 Miles with Eight Horses.— In a Chariot, Mr
            Viny that makes the hoop Felly wheels, has Run 28 Miles with One Horse in 3 Hours with
            two people in it— Before I left London,
            I Compleated for a Family of your Acquaintance, a post Chariot with the front wheels 4
            feet 10 Inches high, with a Strait perch.— It is As short As Another Carriage, And locks
            As Easy, the perch bolt being Advanced in front of the Axle.— I Judge Also, that making
            the natural Rivers of Any Kingdom navigable without Locks, by Improved ballast Work, a
            most Advantageous Improvement.— I tried the Experiment On the Thames, And supplied the
            Roads with ballast.— With a Wheel of 15 feet diameter I Could Raise 100 Tun in 4 Hours.—
            For want of this being Carried into Execution the Thames is Unnavigable several Months
            in the year.— By a Calculation I found that 300 Tuns from Staines to London of a day
            Made a saving Against Land Carriage of £25000 a year— Judge then What pains should be taken to
            Abolish All Lock work on natural Rivers And to Avoid them when possible On Artificial
            Canals.— I have taken the liberty of sending what Width I think would aggrandize
              France.—

              Inches
              Inches

              waggons

              9 to roll
              16
              12 Horses not less than 2 abreast.

              6 to roll
              12
               8

              3 to roll
               6
               4

              carts

              9
               6

              6
               4

              3
               1

              Double Stagecoaches
              }
              4 to roll
               8
               6 Horses— No Luggage

              private Coaches Chariotts &ca
              }
              2½ to roll
               5
               6 Horses

              Light Carriages with One horse
              }
              2½

          If I have trespassed a Moment upon your Time Improperly, I beg to Apologize, And to
            Assure you that I am with great Respect, Sr, your most, Obedt Hum Servt,

            Wm James.

            P.S. Is it not a pity that all
              France does not Employ Hoop Felly Wheels.—
            To Dr Franklin—

          Notation: William James Paris June 7.
            1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 7 June 1783
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Paris le 7. Juin 1783.

          J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser un Exemplaire Complet de tout ce qui est imprimé des
            Constitutions de l’amerique. Vous
            voudrez bien avoir la bonté de me faire part de votre détermination derniere. Je vous
            prie aussi de me faire savoir si vous avez écrit à Mr Le Garde des sceaux, & de m’envoyer la note des Exemplaires
            brochés ou reliés que vous desirerez.
          Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant
            serviteur

            Pierres
            J’ai l’honneur de presenter mes très humbles Civilités à monsieur
              franklin.
            M. Franklin.

          Endorsed: 50 relie en Veau & titrés
         50 en demi Relieure
         6 des in 4° en maroc.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Salvador, 7 June 1783
From: Salvador, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Nantes 7th. June 1783

          I had the Honour to acquaint your Excellency from London of my Intention of proceeding
            to America by the first Opportunity I have so far carried my design into Execution as to
            be on the point of Settling my Passage with Captain Cunningham who is going to
            Philadelphia and hope to Sail in less than a Fortnight your Excellencys Commands will be a favour to me
            if directed to Mr. Dobree here they will be forwarded to me wishing your Excellency
            Health and happiness I have the Honour to Subscribe my Self Sir Your Excellencys most
            Devoted and Obedient Humble Servant

            Joseph Salvador

          Addressed: A Son / Excellence Monsieur
            le Docteur / Franklin Ambassadeur Extra / Ordinaire et Plenipotentaire / des Etats Unis
            de LAmerique / A La Cour de France &ca &ca / &ca A Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William James, [after 7 June 1783]
From: James, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sr—
            Grand Hotel de Russie Rue Richlieu Sunday Morning. [after June 7, 1783]

          I meant soon after I had the Honor of dining with you at passy, to have Returned to
            England, but meeting with an English Phyzician, he has made Paris so agreable to me,
            that I think of Staying Until the Middle of September, without I Can gain An
            Establishment in France Or America.—
          Having taken, in my leisure Hours, An Active part in the Improvements in England, I was
            equally desirous of not being Idle in Paris.— My Communicant has been daily surveying
            this great City, And Communicating by Letters my Remarks to Monsr Le Roy.— A few weeks
            ago, I made a Tour with my Friend into Normandy, And sent him likewise my Observations
            on what I thought most Momentous.— I discover many Things Right in France.— Their Roads
            Are Magnificent, And well Conducted— The Arts flourish in Architecture, Ship building,
            painting, sculpture &ca yet I think them deficient in many Essential Circumstances.—
            Their Modern Bridges Are fine, but Unhappily Are Over Uncorrected Rivers— There is not a
            City Or Town in France Conducted on a Regular survey like London And Windsor. Neither is
            there One Carriage of Any Sort Upon a Mechanic principle.— Paris is Unreformed— It wants
            a better supply of water, And Oval sewers to Carry off the Filth.—The English seldom
            Revisit paris— The Reason is they Can neither Ride, drive Or walk About the City.— The
            plantations without Are however Very grand, pleasant, And Agreable.— If Rome, by the
            Remains of its Ancient Magnificence, brings in by the Resort of Foreigners more than
            London gains by its Trade, what would not France do, if all the Cities, And Towns, were
              Conducted upon the principle of London And
            Westminster?— I have but poor Abilities, And yet I think the Hints I have given Mr Le
            Roy, would Advantage France many Million a year.— I Judge Improved Carriages would save nearly
            half the draft Horses.— That Roads, And pavements, in their Repairs, might be decreased
            One half, by a proportional Broad wheel— The same in the wear and Tear of Carriages of
            Every denomination.— In the preservation of Goods 10 per Ct.— Hoop Fellies would save
            4/5ths of the Timber now wasted, And last as long again.— In Barge work 100 per Ct may
            be gained, by Creating deeper upper Levels.— The Ingenious Mr Peronetts Books being
            published, his Art of Bridge Building is now Universally Known.— If in the Reform of Rivers, Any Even of his Own
            Bridges Should prove Unsafe, they may be Rebuilt On the same Construction.— The present
            structures of that sort Are not Equal to a deepened Navigation.— I have walked under An
            Intire dry Arch of pont Neuilly— This proves the River defective, not the Bridge.— The
            navigation of the Thames is Ruined. The Corporation of London want to Regain it by Lock
            work.— I Recommend Improved Ballast work.
          Although I Intend to Return to England in a few Days, yet I had Rather spend the
            Remainder of my Days in France, Or America.— I was used Ill by the Bank Directors in the
            year 1772, Or Rather by Mr Payne the Governor who Ruined me to save himself.— After I had paid
            Away Twenty thousand pounds in supporting a Million of Stock against Sr George
              Colebrooke, who gave false Dividends
            On India stock, they Supported him, And Others in July 1772 to the Amount of 8 Millions
            of Money—by which Means, Instead of Recovering £50,000 which I Should have done, I was
            forced to pay £10,000 More.— I was then a Tenant of the Bank— I Resented their
            treatment, but they were too powerfull to Contend with.— I then took up the American
            Cause very Warmly, And Sent them Letters to the proprietors, which they Smuggled, that
            if Ever America was lost to England, it would be thro’ the Bank parlor, And that [torn: all(?)] their political Discounts were paper swords
            Issued to destroy the Innocent Americans, but that they would not succeed, for the
            Inglorious Conduct of England would End in a happy Independency to America.— Now sir, As you have done Numberless great
            Things in your Life, I Should not be Ungratefull, if through your Consequence, you Could
            Establish me in France, Or America, in any Employ I am Equal to.— I had Rather Remain
            Abroad On 200 per Annum, than Return to England on £500.—
          I am, Sr, your Most, Obedt And Obliged Hum Servt.—

            Wm James.

            P.S.— If it is Necessarry for
              Me to quit France I intend taking the Liberty of waiting upon your Excellency to take
              my Leave, And to thank you for the several Civilities
              I have Received.—
            To his Excellency Dr Franklin

          Notation: Wm. James


Title: Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 10 June 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Other American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            Tuesday Morning, 4 oClock 10. June 1783.

          This Moment landed— As a Boat is going
            over to Calais, the inclosed Proclamation may possibly
            arrive new to you. To me it wears the Aspect of one Part of a commercial Treaty. I shall not wonder,
            should I see our Friend, D. H. in London this Week. I purpose Lodging there to night. There &
            every where, I shall be as I am, Your faithful However feeble Aid & obedient
            Servant.

            (signed) Henry Laurens
            To His Exy. Dr. Franklin, &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Vaughan, 10 June 1783
From: Vaughan, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            London June 10. 1783

          I am Somewhat Surprised to find your letters are of So early a date; I have recd a
            letter from Mr Jay to Same purport;—all I can say upon the Subject is that the Genl.
            letters given me, were those intended to go by Mr Jefferson two months before; Mr Morris gave me Some letters the morning I
            came away, directed If I recollect right, to Mess. Grand, Le Coulteux, &
              Barclay. I was bound to Ostend; & there were two merchant Vessels & three
            french frigates bound to France lying in the river, &
            perhaps Mr Morris reserved his letters of Intelligence for what he esteemed a Shorter conveyance. Mr Livingston did
              so; I received no dispatches from him. I shall be
            very uneasy ’till I learn from Mr Morris, wr. [whether] he did give me any letters for
            you posterior to the date mentioned by you.— This I am certain of, every thing he gave me,
            was put in a bag in my trunk Seperate from my other papers, & were immediately on my
            arrival enclosed to you by my brother Benjn. in my presence, & by him Sent to the
            person who carried them to Paris. As I left Philadelphia the morning after the
            declaration of peace, nothing material
            could have been done by Congress. The family present their most affectionate respects;
            they expect to Sail in a fortnight, & I propose Setting off tomorrow, in order to be
            there before them. I remain with the
            most unfeigned respect & esteem, Dear Sir, Your affectionate & much obliged
            friend & servant,

            Jn Vaughan

            I must beg leave to refer you to Mr Jay for what little
              intelligence I am master of, which I have sent (in answer to his letter) with some
              Newspapers.
            Congress Resolved 24 April, that British Vessels should be admitted
              to an entry, as I am told by one of
              the Com: of American Merchants at this
              place. Ld. Daer goes on Monday next & will bring my
              brother’s letters & a long Bystander, with new Pamphlets.
            Mr Spalding & his attendant have been suffocated in a diving bell off Dublin, in
              an attempt to recover some things out of a wreck there (the Belgioso.) He had before
              succeeded in getting up some of the cannon of the Royal George, on which vessel they
              are about making a second attempt.
            B. Franklin Esqr—

          Addressed: His Excellency B. Franklin
            Esqr / &c: &c: / Passy / near Paris
          Notation: Vaughan June 10. 1783


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pierres, 11 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pierres, Philippe-Denis

            Sir,
            Passy, June 11. 1783—

          I received the Exemplaire of the Constitutions. I intended to have waited on M. le Garde des
            Sceaux yesterday at Versailles, but was prevented.—I shall write to him today.— The Ratification of the Swedish Treaty is
              arrived, so that there is no farther
            Obstruction to the Publication. I desire to have 50 of the 8vos [octavos] bound in Calf,
            & Letter’d, and 50 half bound, that is, between
            Pasteboards, with a Sheepskin Back & Letter’d, but not cut. I desire also 6 of the
            4tos [quartos] bound in Morocco. I am
            with great Esteem, Sir,

            M. Pierres


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

            Sir
            Passy, June 12. 1783

          I write to you fully by a Vessel from Nantes, which I hope will reach you before
              this. If not, this may inform you,
            That the Ratification of the Treaty with Sweden is come, & ready to be exchang’d
            when I shall receive that from Congress;
            That the Treaty with Denmark is going on, and will probably be ready before the
            Commission for signing it arrives from Congress; it is on the Plan of that propos’d by
            Congress for Sweden: That Portugal has
            likewise propos’d to treat with us, and the Ambassador has earnestly urg’d me to give
            him a Plan for the Consideration of his Court, which I have accordingly done, and he has
            forwarded it: The Congress will send
            Commissions & Instructions for concluding these Treaties to whom
            they may think proper; it is only upon the old Authority given (by a Resolution) to
            myself with Messrs Deane and Lee, to treat with any European Powers, that I have
            ventured to begin these Treaties in consequence of Overtures from those Crowns. The Definitive Treaty with England is not
            yet concluded, their Ministry being unsettled in their Minds as to the Terms of the
            Commercial Part; nor is any other definitive Treaty yet compleated here, nor even the
            Preliminaries signed of one between Holland and England.
          It is now near 5 Months since we have had a Line from you, the last being dated the
            13th of January: Of course we know
            nothing of the Reception of the Preliminary Articles, or of the Opinion of Congress
            respecting them: We hop’d to have
            receiv’d before this time such Instructions as might have been thought proper to be sent
            us for rendring more perfect the definitive Treaty. We know nothing of what has been
            approv’d or disapprov’d. We are totally in the dark, and therefore less pressing to
            conclude, being still (as we have long been) in daily Expectation of hearing from you.—
            By chance only we learn that Barney is arriv’d; by whom went the Dispatches of the
            Commissioners, and a considerable Sum of Money: No Acknowledgment of the Receipt of that Money
            is yet come to hand, either to me or Mr Grand. I make no doubt that both you and Mr
            Morris have written; and I cannot imagine what is become of your Letters.—
          With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble
            Servant

            B Franklin

            P.S. I beg leave to recommend
              to your Civilities the Bearer of this, Dr Bancroft; whom you will find a very
              intelligent sensible Man, well acquainted with the State of Affairs here, and who has
              heretofore been employ’d in the Service of Congress. I have long known him, and esteem
              him highly.
            honble. R. R. Livingston Esqe

          Notation: Letter June 12. 1783 Doct
            Franklin Read 30 Sept 1783 Referred to Mr. Huntington Mr Lee Mr Duane Answered by the
            Instruc. to our foreign Ministers


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, [12 June 1783]
From: Fitzherbert, Alleyne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris Thursday morning. [June 12, 1783]

          Mr Fitz-Herbert presents his best Compliments to Dr Franklin; — he
            purposes leaving Paris this afternoon and will be exceedingly happy to take charge of
            any commissions that he or Mr Franklin may have for Brussels or England.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            Franklin / &c— &c— &c— / a Passy
          Endorsed: June 12. 83


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Wheelock, 12 June 1783
From: Wheelock, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Hague 12th June 1783

          I should long before this time have done myself the honor to write—but the situation of
            my affair has been such, that a letter might have been impertinent, as it could have
            communicated nothing with precision.
          Their Serene & Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Orange have manifested
            great approbation of the design, and have munificently favored it.— As the proposal has
            not been encouraged by the gentlemen of influence at Amsterdam, nothing has been
            obtained from that city.— But it has succeeded well at Haarlem; and many gentlemen in
            other places have been disposed to promote it.
          I should be particularly obliged to your Excellency for the favor of a letter, in
            behalf of the affair, to Dr Price. We shall likely leave this country in a fortnight,
            and go to England, (agreeable to your advice) and may wait on him, within three or four weeks— I should be happy, Sir, to hear, whether any
            thing has appeared within your particular acquaintance in favor of the plan, could I be
            honored with a letter directed to the care of the Dr.
          Please to accept my most grateful acknowledgments for your kindness and attention, and
            esteem me as being with the greatest respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s, much obliged,
            & very Obedt servt

            John Wheelock
            His Excellency Dr Franklin &c. &c. &c.

          Notation: Weelock 12 June 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp, 13 June 1783
From: Hogendorp, Gijsbert Karel van
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur!
            La Haie Ce 13 Juin 1783.

          Les lettres dont Votre Excellence a eu la bonté de me charger pour Messieurs Washington
            Levingston et Morris, m’assurent une
            reception dans votre patrie, telle que je la désirois ardemment, afin de m’instruire à
            fond de tout ce qui regarde un paÿs aussi intéressant que la nouvelle République des
            treize Provinces uniës de l’Amérique. Recevez en Monsieur mes très sincères remercimens
            avec le témoignage ingénu de mon admiration pour un Si grand-homme.
          J’ai l’honneur avec un très profond respêct Monsieur de Vôtre Excellence le très humble
            et très obéïssant Serviteur

            Charles
              DE
              Hogendorp


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Hülsen, 13 June 1783
From: Hülsen, ——, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Passy, Ce 13. Juin 1783./.

          Je suis au despoir de ne Vous avoir pas trouvé ayant quelque chose d’important à Vous
            dire.
          J’ay cherché des Connoissances avec M. le Marquis de Condorcet, & M. Le Cte de
            Milly. J’ay appris que le premier n’etoit pas (?)çon, et qu’il ne Cultivoit pas les Connoissances dont
            j’avois besoin. Quant au 2d. il promet de me guerir dans quelques Semaines me proposant
            une Cure fort austere. Son premier
            remede que je dois d’abord prendre, et que j’ay essayé hier, m’a donné la Colique
            pendant toute la nuit. Daignez m’instruire Charitablement Si je dois m’abbandonner
            entierement à ses soins, Et permettez moy encore une seule fois de venir Vous trouver en
            particulier, et de profiter de Vos Leçons sages et Humaines. Le
            G. A. rendra dans les Benedictions qu’il
            repandra sur Vous et Votre Digne famille le secours genereux de Lumieres que Vous
            accorderez à un F\ qui cherche a
            apprendre, et qui a le merite de la bonne Volonté.— Si Vous daignez me reppondre, Vous
            aurez la bonté d’adresser Votre Lettre à l’Hotel de Tours, ruë du Paôn, Fauxbourg St
            Germain.
          J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec une Consideration tres distinguée, Monsieur, Votre trés
            humble, & très Obeissant Serviteur

            Cte
              DE
              HülsenPalatin de Mscislavie


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Saint-Martin, 13 June 1783
From: Saint-Martin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            par tonnein, a verteuil, En agenois le 13e. juin 1783.

          Il y a Bien des jours que j’ai Eu L’honneur de vous Ecrire vous priant davoir la bonté
            de minstruire de quelle fasson Les officiers françois qui ont Esté Employé au servisse
            des Etats unis de lamerique seront treté, il faut sans doute que ma lettre ne vous soit
            pas parvenue; agrées que je vous suplie
            De macorder Cette faveur, veu que si les Etat ne veulle pas me Continuer au moins dans les memes Grades, je tacherois de me pourvoir ailleur, je suis venu avec
            Eun Congé d’un an pour Retablir ma santé est aller aux Eaux de Barege, Lorsque je suis
            parti il netoit nullement question de paix, insi je panse qu’il se fera un grand
            changement. Je ne voudrois pas Repartir sans savoir a quoi ment tenir, Esperant Cette
            Grace de vous, je L’honneur dettre avec Respects Monsieur Votre tres humble est tres
            obeissant serviteur

            ST MARTIN

          Notation: St. Martin 13 Juin 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Erik Magnus Staël von Holstein, 13 June 1783
From: Staël von Holstein, Erik Magnus, Baron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur,
            Paris le 13 Juin 1783

          Je viens de reçevoir la ratification de Sa Majesté du Traité de Commerce conclu avec
            les Etats Unis, la quelle j’aurai l’honneur de vous remettre aussitot qu’elle pourra
            être echangée contre celle du Congré. Permettez Monsieur que je vous repette à cette
            ocassion la demande que Monsieur l’Ambassadeur vous a faite au sujet de Monsieur franklin votre
            petit fils. Il a eu l’honneur de vous dire que le Roi veroit avec plaisir resider auprès
            de lui en qualité de Ministre du Congrés une personne qui porte votre nom et y joint des
            qualités aussi estimables que le jeune monsieur franklin. Avant de partir S. E. m’a
            chargé de vous repeter la même assurance et vous me permettrez d’y ajouter les voeux que
            je fais en mon particulier pour la reuissite de cette affaire.
          J’ai l’honneur d’être avec l’estime et l’attachement les plus parfaits et inviolables
            Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur

            Le Baron
              DE
              Stael

          Endorsed: Letter from the Ambass. of Sweden to BF—June 13.
            83. Ratification arriv’d—
          Notation by William Temple Franklin: The
            Original Letter from the Swedish Ambassador to the American Minister at the Court of
            Versailles dated 13 June 83—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [before 14 June 1783]
From: Bancroft, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dr. Sir
            [before June 14, 1783]

          I have done myself the honor to call to inform you of my intention of setting out on
            the Journey which has been explained to you, on Sunday Evening— I had intended to have
            Left this sooner, but as I could not possibly be ready to day, it would be to no purpose— If you should think of any thing in which I can
            be useful to you, I shall be happy to be employed—
          I am with the utmost respect & Affection Your Excellency’s most Humble &
            Devoted Servant

            Edwd Bancroft

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son
            Excellence M. Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis &c
          Notation: Bancroft


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Deux-Ponts, 14 June 1783
From: Deux-Ponts, Charles-Auguste, duc de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris Le 14. juin 1783.

          Memoire
          M. Le Prince des Deuxponts S’est déja adressé a monsieur Franklin
            pour Savoir Si LElectorat Palatin et Le Duché de Baviére pourroient entrer en Liaisons
            de Commerce avec Les treize Etats unis de Lamérique. Mais n’en ayant obtenu qu’une
            Réponse trop vague pour etre transmise a Ses Commettans, il Le prie tres instamment de
            vouloir bien Lui spécifier par écrit qu’elles Seroient Les productions et Les objets
            d’industrie qui pourroient Le plus aisément donner de la Consistance a ce projet et Le
            Faire prosperer. Il insiste Sur cette Réponse parce qu’on La Lui demande, et il se
            Flatte que monsieur Franklin verra d’un Oeil favorable L’Empressement que témoignent
            plusieurs Etats de L’allemagne davoir des raports avec une nouvelle Puissance qui est en
            tres grande partie Son ouvrage.

          Notation: Le Prince de Deuxponts.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Duc de Deux-Ponts], [on or after 14 June 1783]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Deux-Ponts, Charles-Auguste, duc de

            [on or after June 14, 1783]

          Reponse
          Without Information what are the Productions & Manufactures of
            the Palatinate & of Bavaria and their Prices, of which Mr Franklin is totally
            ignorant, it is impossible for him to say what of them will be proper for a Commerce
            with the United States of America. He can only answer in general, that America purchases
            from Europe all kinds of Woollens & Linnens coarse & fine, proper for Clothing
            of Men & Women; with a variety of Iron & Steele Manufactures. And she pays in
            Tobacco, Rice, Indigo, Bills of Exchange or Money. If the Electorates abovementioned can
            furnish any of these Manufactures cheaper than France, Holland, or England, they may
            thereby obtain a Share of the American Commerce. But it will be prudent for the
            Merchants to send a discreet intelligent Man with a small Cargo of Samples of all their
            Kinds of Goods, in order to obtain a thorough Knowledge of the Nature of the Commerce in
            that Country, and of the Kinds of Goods & Proportions of their Quantities, that are
            most in demand there, before they hazard the making of large Adventures.— There is no
            doubt but that the Commerce of the German States will be favourably receiv’d in America,
            where a great many People of that Nation are establish’d. Mr F. will give it all the
            Encouragement that can be expected of him: but he cannot take upon him to point out and
            name as he has been desired the most Solid Houses of Commerce there, having been long
            absent from that Country, and the War having probably made a Change in the Circumstances
            of many.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Gaspard-Bonaventure-Timothée Ferry], 14 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Ferry, Gaspard-Bonaventure-Timothée

            Sir,
            Passy June 14th, 1783

          I received some time since the Letter you honour’d me with, containing your Hypothesis
            for explaining the Shock given by the electric Bottle, on which you seem to desire my
            Opinion. It is many Years since I was engag’d in those pleasing Studies, and my Mind is
            at present too much occupied with other and more important Affairs to permit my
            returning to them.— I cannot therefore examine your ingenious Hypothesis with the
            Attention it appears to merit.— You will find in a Letter of mine to Dr. Lining dated
            March 18. 1755, that I abandoned my
            Hypothesis of the greater Density of Glass in the Middle than near its Surfaces, as
            contributing to produce the Effect; because I found the Effect to be the same after I
            had ground that part away. And I think you might likewise try yours by an easy
            Experiment. Take a Plate of Lead 12 Inches square, cover one of its sides with a Coat of
            Bees Wax about one Line thick; upon that apply closely a thin Plate of Lead 8 Inches
            square, so as to leave a Margin of two Inches all round.— Electrify this Composition of
            Lead & Wax, and try if you can receive a Shock from it; if not, you may draw from
            thence a farther Argument to support your Hypothesis, because the Wax tho’ a Non
            Conductor is not elastic, any more than pure Lead. I see you are endow’d with a Genius
            for the Study of Nature and I would recommend it to you to employ your time rather in
            making Experiments than in making Hypotheses & forming imaginary Systems, which we are all too apt to please ourselves with till
            some Experiment comes, & unluckily destroys them.— Wishing you Success in your
            Enquiries, I have the Honour to be, Sir,


Title: David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 June 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

          The American peace commissioners grew increasingly suspicious as they
            waited for Fox to respond to the article that Hartley had presented to them without
            prior approval on May 21. Hartley
            drafted another memorial for them on June 1, but this time he sent it to Fox for review
            before discussing it with the commissioners. As the days wore on, however, Hartley complained
            to Fox that he and the commissioners were expecting an answer hourly and were growing
            impatient. The Americans were also expressing “some degree of discontent, as if their
            business was neglected in England, or that there were rubs & difficulties.” On June
            5 Hartley let Fox know that he had finally read to the commissioners his June 1 memorial
            along with sections of his June 2 cover letter to Fox. The secretary of state finally answered on June
            10. Fox approved of the memorial as “cogent and convincing”—a phrase Hartley repeats in
            the present letter, which encloses a copy of it.

          Fox informed Hartley that the king was pleased by his reports of the commissioners’
            goodwill. The king now wanted Hartley to tell them about the concessions he had made,
            including his order for the immediate evacuation of British troops from the United
            States. (In a private letter of June 10, Fox explained that he had delayed writing until
            that order was given.) The king approved the idea of a temporary convention, as this
            would delay a decision on whether to loosen the trade restrictions of the Navigation
            Acts. Fox warned, however, that Britain would not permit the importation of West Indian
            products on American ships into Britain, and he drafted an explanation that Hartley
            could offer the Americans. (Hartley quotes it here.) As for the United States’
            prohibiting the importation of slaves, Britain would abide by such a policy as long as
            it applied equally to all countries. Finally, Fox stressed the importance of obtaining a
            temporary convention as soon as possible, hoping that its duration might extend beyond
            May or June, 1784, as the commissioners had suggested.
          Hartley drafted the beginning of the present letter before he received Fox’s dispatch.
            He finished it once Fox’s letter arrived. The portion beginning “I am ordered to inform
            you” follows Fox’s letter closely, quoting large sections and paraphrasing the rest.
            Hartley explained to Fox that he did this deliberately and with the commissioners’
              knowledge.

            Gentlemen
            Paris June 14th. 1783.

          Permitt me to address the inclosed Memorial to your Excellencies, & to explain to
            you my Reasons for so doing. It is because many consequences now at a great Distance and
            unforeseen by us, may arise between our two Countries, perhaps from very minute and
            incidental Transactions which in their Beginnings may be imperceptible and unsuspected
            as to their future Effects. Our respective Territories are in vicinity, & therefore
            we must be inseparable. Great Britain with the British Power in America is the only
            Nation with whom by absolute Necessity you must have the most intimate Concerns, ether
            of Friendship or Hostility. All other Nations are 3000 Miles distant from you. You may
            have Political Connexions with any of these distant Nations but with
            regard to Great Britain it must be so, Political Intercourse and Interests will obtrude
            themselves between our two Countries because they are the two Great Powers dividing the
            Continent of North America. These Matters are not to come into Discussion between us
            now. They are of too much Importance either to be involved or even glanced at in any
            present Transaction.
          Let every eventual principle be kept untoucht, until the two Nations shall have
            recover’d from the animosities of the War. Let them have a pacific Interval to consider
            deliberately of their mutual and combined Interests & of their Engagements with
            other Nations. Let us not at the outset of a temporary Convention, adopt the severe
            Principle of reducing every transaction between the two Countries to the footing of
            exact Reciprocity alone. Such a
            Principle would cast a Gloom upon conciliatory Prospects. America is not restrained from
            any conciliation with Great Britain by any Treaty with any other Power. The Principles
            of Conciliation would be most desireable between Great Britain and America and
            forbearance is the Road to Conciliation. After a War of Animosities, time should be
            allowed for recollection. There are all reasonable Appearances of conciliatory
            Dispositions on all sides, which may be perfected in time. Let us not therefore at such
            a moment as this and without the most urgent Necessity establish a morose Principle
            between us. If it were a decided Point against Amity and Conciliation it would be time
            enought to talk of Partition & strict Reciprocity. To presume in favour of
            Conciliation may help it forward, to presume against it may destroy that Conciliation
            which might otherwise have taken Place.
          But in the present Case there is more than reason to presume Conciliation. I think
            myself happy that I have it in my Power to assure you from Authority that it is the
            fundamental Principle of the British Councils to establish Amity and
            confidence between G Britain and the American States as a Succedaneum for the Relation
            in which they formerly stood one to the other. The Proof of this consists not in Words
            but in substantial Facts. His Britannick Majesty has been graciously pleas’d to send
            orders to his Commanders in North America for the speedy and complete evacuation of all
            the Territories of the United States. His Majesty has given Orders in Council, on the
            14th of the last Month, for the Admission of American Ships and Cargoes into G. Britain;
            & on the 6th Inst. he has given farther Orders permitting the Importation from
            America of several Articles which have been usually considered as Manufactures. He has
            likewise provided for the Convenience of American Merchants who may wish to land Tobacco
            in Great Britain for Re-exportation.
            Upon the same Principle Mr. Fox the Secy. of State corresponding with America, has moved
            for and received the leave of the House of Commons, (nem. con) to bring in a Bill that any American Merchants
            importing Rice into Great Britain, may upon Re-exportation drawback the whole duty paid
            on its first Importation. All these Circumstances put together, undoubtedly form the
            most indisputable Evidence of the Disposition which prevails in the British Councils to
            give every facility to the Establishment of that Intercourse which must be so beneficial
            to both Nations.
          I am ordered to inform you that his Majesty entirely approves of the Plan of making a
            temporary Convention, for the Purpose of restoring immediate Intercourse & Commerce;
            & more particularly for the purpose of putting off for a time, the decision of that
            important question, how far the British Acts of Navigation ought to be sacrificed to
            Commercial Considerations, drawn from the peculiar Circumstances of the present Crisis;
            a question which will require much deliberation and very much Enquiry before it can be
            determined. I am sure, Gentlemen, you will see and admitt the reasonableness of our
            proceeding in such a Case with Deliberation and Discretion,
            more especially when these Acts of Prudence, do not proceed from any motives of Coolness
            or reserve towards you. In the mean time the temporary convention may proceed, upon
            principles of real and accommodating Reciprocity. For instance we agree to put you upon
            a more favourable footing than any other Nation. We do not ask a rigid Reciprocity for
            this because We know by your present subsisting Treaties it is not in your Power to give
            it to us. We desire only to be put upon the footing of other Nations with you and yet we
            consent that you shall be upon a better footing with us than any other Nation.
          Thus far we must be allowed to be giving something more than reciprocity and this we do
            as I said before because we are unwilling to ask what you are unable to give. Surely it
            is not unreasonable, nor more than from Principles of Reciprocity, we have a Right to
            expect that you should imitate our Conduct in this particular and that you should
            abstain from asking things under the Title of exact and literal Reciprocity, which upon
            the Consideration of our Case you must know that we cannot give. Virtual and substantial
            Reciprocity we are willing to give; literal Reciprocity is impossible as much from your
            Engagements as from our System of Navigation.
          If we can agree upon an Article of Intercourse & Commerce, in the nature of a
            temporary Convention, on the Basis of the Memorial which I had the honour of giving
            lately to you bearing date 19th of May 1783, no time need be lost, in finishing this
            business; but with this Explanation that altho’ it is proposed that the Commerce between
            the United States and the British West Indies should be free with regard to their
            respective Productions, yet that we are not bound to admit the Importation of West
            Indian Commodities into Great Britain in American Vessels. Believe me, Gentlemen, that this Restriction
            does not proceed from any invideous Disposition towards the
            American States. It is imposed by indispensable Prudence and Necessity upon the British
            Ministers, who in the present State of things, could not be justified to their own
            Country to go hastily to a larger extent of Concession. This point is not to be looked
            upon merely as Commercial, but as affecting fundamentally the great political System of
            British Navigation, And you are to consider, that the principle upon which the whole of
            our proposed temporary Convention is to stand, is, that the Commerce between the two Countries is to be revived nearly upon the old footing;
            but that each Nation is to keep in its own Hands, the Power of making such regulations
            respecting Navigation, as shall seem fit. I assure you that
            this point has been discussed by the Ministers of the British Cabinet, with infinite
            Candour, and with every possible disposition of Amity & favour towards your Country;
            but the more they have enquired upon this subject the more they are overborne by
            conviction that the prejudices upon this Matter (if that be the name these opinions
            deserve) are so strong, that such a measure as a relaxation of the Act of Navigation in
            this instance, never can be taken, but upon such a full and solemn Parliamentary
            Enquiry, as it is impossible to go into at this time of the year, & in this Stage of
            the Sessions. I cannot therefore Gentlemen help flattering myself that you are so well
            acquainted with the Difficulties which must embarass an English Administration, in a
            business of this sort will rather endeavour to remove them, than to encrease them; and I
            am sure that such a plan on your part would ultimately be most conducive to your own
            Objects. When an amicable Intercourse is once opened and when conciliatory Confidence
            comes to take place of those Jealousies which have lately subsisted, you may easily
            conceive in how different a manner the whole of this matter will be considered. I am
            confident that this will be the Case; but if it is not the Provisions being only
            temporary, it will be in the Power of the United States to take up any hostile mode of
            proceeding by restraints and prohibitions &ca. whenever they may think fit.

          I have made use above of the word Prejudices, in speaking
            of the principles of the British Act of Navigation. I hope you will accept that term
            from me as proceeding so far in compliance towards the consideration of the points now
            between us, as to keep the question open and free for discussion. If G. Britain should
            in any Case throw down the Barriers of Act of Navigation towards America, she should be
            very secure against the possible Case of future Enmity, or Alliance against her. Such
            Considerations as these lead to Objects far beyond our present Scope or Powers. But I
            must still add one word more upon this Article of Prejudices. Such prejudices (if they are so) are
            not confined to Great Britain. By your Commercial Treaty with France Article 4th you are only intitled to an European Trade
            with that Kingdom and not even by that Treaty, to any direct Commerce between their west
            Indian Islands and the Ports of the American States much less to the Immediate
            Communication between the French Islands and the Dominions of the Crown of France in
            Europe.
          Every public proceeding in England since the Commencement of our present negotiation
            for opening Intercourse and Commerce between our two Countries will I am sure support me
            in saying that we have very liberally taken the lead, that we have not waited for any
            assurance of reciprocity but have given Orders for almost an universal admission of
            American Articles before we even know that any Vessel of Great Britain will find
            admission into American Ports. What do we ask in return? No more than this; That while
            we gratuitously and without stipulation, give advantages to the American States which we
            deny to all other nations they would so far justify our liberal way of proceeding as to
            receive us in the same Manner as other Nations which are foreign and to permitt us to
            carry to North America what it is evidently for their Interest that we should carry
            thither.
          I need hardly add that it is of infinite Importance, that some temporary Convention
            should be finished without loss of time. I hope and trust that we shall not find much
            more difficulty in this Business. You must see the Advantage of an immediate
            renewal of Intercourse and from the Candour of your Dispositions, I am sure you must
            likewise be convinced, that to give us some facility in the outset is the sure road to
            such an equitable Arrangement for the future as you must have at Heart. The reasons
            which I have given in the Memorial dated the 1st. June inst. appear to me to be cogent
            and convincing upon the natural Alliance between our two Countries and when the
            Intercourse has once begun every thing will go in its natural road. It is therefore of
            infinite Consequence to begin that Intercourse. Great Britain by all public proceedings
            of repeals Proclamations &ca &ca. has made the first Advances with warmth and
            Confidence and therefore I conclude with the fullest assurance, that you will meet those
            Advances with Cordial reciprocity—
          I have the Honour to be Gentlemen, with the greatest respect & Consideration Your
            most obedient humble Servant

            D Hartley.
            To the Commissioners of the United States of America for
              negotiating Peace.


Title: David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Revised Article, [14–18] June 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

            June [14–18,] 1783

          It is agreed, that the Citizens of the United States of America shall
            be permitted to import into and to export from any Port or Place of the Territories belonging to the Crown of Great Britain in American Ships,
            any Goods, Wares & Merchandize, which might have been so imported or exported by the
            Inhabitants of the British American Colonies, before the Commencement of the late War
            upon Payment of the same duties and Charges as the like sort of goods or Merchandize,
            are now or may be Subject & Liable to if imported or exported by British Subjects in
            British Ships into or from any Port or Place of the Territories belonging to the Crown
            of Great Britain— Provided however that the Citizens of the United States shall not have
            any Right or Claim under this Convention to carry on any direct Intercourse of Commerce
            between the British West Indian Islands, and the Ports of Great Britain.
          It is agreed likewise that the Subjects of Great Britain, shall be permitted to import
            into and to export from any part of the Territories of the United States of America, in
            British Ships, any Goods Wares and Merchandize, which might have
            been so imported or exported by the Subjects of Great Britain, before the Commencement
            of the late War, upon Payment of the same Duties and Charges as the like sort of Goods
            Wares and Merchandize are now or may be liable to, if imported or exported in American
            Ships, by the Citizens of the United States of America.

            Mr. Hartley’s proposed agreement


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 14 June 1783
From: Girardot, Haller & Cie.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris le 14 Juin 1783

          Nous avons l’honneur de Vous presenter Monsieur Volmers, associé de la maison la plus
            solide & la plus riche de Breme sous la raison de Pundsack & Volmers.
          Les Etats unis ne pourraient etre en de meilleures mains pour tout ce qui peut les
            Interesser dans cette Ville, & nous rendons ce temoignage plus encore comme un
            homage a la Verité qu’a l’amitié.
          Nous vous demandons la graçe monsieur d’entendre Monsr. Volmers & de le recevoir
            avec cette bonté qui caracterise touttes Vos actions.
          Nous Sommes avec respect Monsieur Vos tres humbles & trés obts

            Girardot Haller & Co

          Addressed: monsieur / monsieur Francklin
            / Passy.
          Notation: Girardo Haller & Co. 14
            Juin 1783.—


Title: Elias Boudinot to the American Peace Commissioners, 16 June 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias, Jr.
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

          This letter from Elias Boudinot, president of Congress, not only
            announces the resignation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert R. Livingston, it also
            encloses a resolution of great importance to the peace commissioners. On February 5 John
            Adams had written to Congress that there no longer was a reason to delay making a
            commercial treaty with Great Britain or sending a minister there to negotiate it. That letter prompted the appointment of a
            congressional committee, which on May 1 reported that although the peace commissioners
            had an implied power to include commercial provisions in the final peace treaty, they
            had no direct authority to make a separate commercial treaty with Britain. Congress
            immediately passed the resolution enclosed with the present letter,
            ordering that a commission be prepared for Adams, Franklin, and Jay to enter into a
            commercial treaty with Great Britain, subject to revision by Congress and the British
            government, and meanwhile to make a commercial convention good for one year. Congress
            also ordered Livingston to draft a commercial treaty and relevant instructions. Livingston presented them to Congress five
            days later, and they were referred to a new committee, whose report was finally submitted on June 19,
            long after Livingston had resigned and three days after Boudinot wrote the present
            letter. Ignoring Livingston’s draft, the committee simply recommended that the
            commissioners be authorized to make both a commercial convention and a treaty, subject
            to congressional revision. Congress
            failed to act on the recommendation. After the signing of the peace treaty, Congress
            resolved to negotiate with all the commercial powers of
            Europe. In May, 1784, with Jay and Laurens returning to America, Congress appointed a
            new commission consisting of Franklin, Adams, and Thomas Jefferson to negotiate
            commerical treaties with twenty nations including Great Britain.

            Gentn.
            Philadelphia June 16. 1783.

          I am sorry to inform you, that by the Resignation of M. Livingston, as Minister for
            foreign affairs, it has become
            necessary, that you should receive the Resolutions of Congress relative to your Mission,
            through my Hands. The disadvantage arising from this Necessity, until a Successor to
            that worthy Gentleman is appointed, will be yours, as it is impossible for me to do more
            than barely to transmit the Acts of Congress, necessary for your Information.

          Enclosed you have one of the 1st. May last, and another of the 12th. Instant, which I hope will get safe to hand, time enough
            for your Government. The Commission & Instructions referred to in the first, not
            being ready, it was thought best to forward the Resolution without delay, that you might
            know what was intended in the present important Period of your Negotiation. We have been
            much surprized that we have not received any Communications from you, since the
            Cessation of Hostilities, except a Letter of the 5 April from M. Laurens.
          I have the honor to be with the most perfect Consideration & Esteem, Gentlemen,
            your most obedt. and very hble Servt.

            (signed) Elias Boudinot.
            To the American Ministers.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 16 June 1783
From: Faujas de Saint-Fond, Barthélemy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a paris le 16. juin 1783

          Sachant Combien les arts vous sont agreables, j’ai l’honneur de vous faire part q’un de
            mes Compatriotes, homme de Condition de ma province, vient de finir un ouvrage en
            mécanique que je regarde Comme tres etonnant.

          Ce sont deux têtes dorées qui prononcent les paroles suivantes le roi donne la paix a leurope.
          La 2de tête repond. la paix Couronne le roi
              de gloire
          la 1ere replique et la paix fait le Bonheur
              des peuples.
          Jai vu et entendu moimême ces deux têtes, qui n’ont encore êté vues par personne; et je
            puis vous assurer que Cest un ouvrage Bien etonnant, qui n’est peut être pas encore à
            son dernier degré de perfection, mais dont la mécanique est faite sur les plus Scavants
            principes. Je puis vous assurer quon entend tres Bien les paroles, et que les
            dipthongues qui sont d’une si grande difficultés à pronnoncer Sont Ce quil y a de mieux
            dans Ces deux machines parlantes.
          Comme mon Compatriote est un homme fort modeste, et quil n’a pas l’honneur d’etre Connu
            de vous, il ma demandé en grace, de vous prier de venir voir Ces deux Belles pieces de
            mécanique mercredy prochain, 18 de Ce mois. Cest a dire apres demain matin vers les deux
            heures, vous priant de lui faire l’honneur de dinner ches lui,
            ou vous trouverés quelques académiciens de votre Connoissance, ne refusés pas Cette
            faveur à ce galant homme. qui se nomme mr mical chanoine de
              Saint maurice de vienne en dauphiné et qui loge rue du
              temple enface de la rue de montmorenci maison du Commissaire. Jaurai l’honneur de
            vous y attendre vous et monsieur votre petit fils. mercredy a deux heures. Jai lhonneur d’etre avec
            le plus respectueux attachement Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant
            serviteur

            FAUJAS DE
              Saint
              FOND

          Notation: Faujas de Saint Fond Paris 16
            Juin 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Armand-Thomas Hue de Miromesnil, 16 June 1783
From: Miromesnil, Armand-Thomas Hué de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            A Versailles, ce 16 Juin 1783.

          M. Le Garde des Sceaux a communiqué à M. de Neville, Maître des
            Requêtes, Directeur Général de la Librairie, la Lettre que Monsieur Franklin a pris la
            peine de lui adresser le 11 de ce mois: il lui envoie copie de la reponse de ce
              Magistrat.
          Monsieur Franklin verra que rien ne S’oppose à la permission telle qu’elle a été
            accordée dès le 11 du mois de Mai dernier: il est bon qu’il charge quelqu’un d’en Suivre
            l’effet.
          M. Le Garde des Sceaux prie Monsieur Franklin d’être persuadé de la sincerité de ses
            sentimens.

            signé Miromenil.
            M. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan: Two Letters, 16 June 1783
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          I.

            My dearest sir,
            London, June 16, 1783.

          I beg permission to introduce to your warm civilities, Lord Daer, son of the Earl of
            Selkirk. He was introduced to me lately as a very valuable & philosophical
            acquaintance, & my short intercourse with him has confirmed every report I had heard
            of him. His political principles are well known, & very friendly to us. He means to
            stay some time at Paris for his instruction & amusement.— As I have no small
            persuasion that he will be remarkable in life, I have a pleasure in making him known to
            you, and to my excellent friend your son, to whom he will prove a companion often.
          I am, my dearest sir, Your ever affectionate, respectful & grateful,

            Benjn. Vaughan
            Dr. Franklin.

            II.

              My dearest sir,
              London, June 16, 1783.

            I inclose you a paper, which must be in part my apology for not writing to you; and
              if Ld. Daer stays a day longer, I shall be able to send the sequel.— A farther reason why
              neither Mr Oswald nor myself have written to you, was that we saw no good we could do, and therefore we
              avoided doing harm.— A third reason was, that there was a personage at Paris
              concerning whom there were difficulties; which reason if
              you do not understand by these few words, I must let it rest till we meet.
            I have no news to send you. I believe ministers have at last got over the idea of the
              loyal colonies being sufficient to supply the West Indies; and have prepared an act
              for an intercourse with the other colonies.— I make no remarks, because they can do no good; and I love the public too well
              to think of serving my friends in your opinion, at its
              expence.
            Had not my hands been tied by these circumstances, I should much oftener have
              written, & even sent you expresses, had there been occasion.
            My father’s departure, and hourly consultations with me, and the solicitations I make
              by person or letter for my brother John, with the above letter, & my own concerns,
              have worne me down so much, that I have not spirits to write you a long letter, and
              yet I have abundance of matter.— I must therefore again beg a respite till the next opportunity.— After this week, & some time in
              the course of the next, the family embark; and then I shall be myself again.
            I am every day however thinking of something or other we shall do together, when you
              come to London with your son.
            I am, my dearest sir, Your most devoted affectionate & grateful

              Benjn. Vaughan

            I send your son a pair of buckles & a whimsical purse; and Mr
              Jay a watch chain, by Ld. Daer.
            There is a pocket globe & a pocket glass in the box containing the miscellaneous
              articles for different persons, which globe & glass are directed to Mr Whitefoord,
              but are a present from Mr Oswald to Mr Faujas de St. Fond; & are to be forwarded
              to the Duke of Chaulnes, after stripping off the cover to Mr Whitefoord.

            You will receive a pamphlet of Mr Sinclairs; another relative to the Colony trade
              & the Loyal colonies (said by some to be written by Lord Sheffield & Mr Eden;)
              and Sr. John Pringle’s discourses before the Royal Society.— When I asked Dr. Priestley after other things to send you, he named our Coalition
                prints, with which the shops swarm.
              Though I dislike the subject, I have desired my brother John to choose some prints of
              a political nature, of which I dare say these will make a part.


Title: Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 17 June 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Other American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen,
            London 17th. June 1783

          I had the honor of addressing you the 10th. immediately after my landing at Dover— As
            early as possible after my arrival here I obtained an Interview with Mr. Secretary Fox,
            who was pleased to read to me part of his latest Dispatches to Mr. Hartley which he
            supposed would reach Paris on the 14th
            tis probable therefore that before this time, as much of the Contents as is proper for
            your Knowledge, has been communicated.

          “Reciprocity” since the 10th of April
            has undergone a certain Degree of Refinement; the definition of that term appears now to
            be, Possession of advantages on one side, and Restrictions on the other. “The Navigation
            Act is the vital of Great Britain, too delicate to bear a Touch”—the sudden and
            unexpected, perhaps illicit arrival of Ships and Cargoes from America may have caused
            this change of Tone. But you have heard
            in detail & are more competent to Judge.
          From a desire of forming an opinion I asked Mr. Fox whether he thought, I might venture
            for a few days to take the benefit of Bath, and yet be time enough at Paris for the
            intended commercial Agreement? He replied, “I rather think you may.” One need not be a
            Conjurer to draw an inference— You will either have finished the Business before I could
            travel to Paris; or without being missed there, I may go to Bath and repair my
            nerves.
          In this state of uncertainty, when ’tis easy to percieve affections are not as We could
            wish them, nor quite so warm as We have been taught to believe, it would not be wise to
            commit the United States, wherefore I shall rest the Business till I hear from you, or
            until a more favorable prospect, flattering myself with hopes of your surmounting the
            late seeming Difficulties; an inconvenience on your side is preferable to the hazard of
            a disgrace.
          I am with great Regard and Respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedient, and most humble
            servant,

            Henry Laurens

            Their Excellencies. The Ministers Plenepotentiary from the United
              States of America at Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Ségur, [after 17 June 1783]
From: Ségur, Henri-François, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [after June 17, 1783]

          Le Cte de ségur est venu pour avoir l’honneur de Voir Monsieur
            franklin, et pour lui remettre deux lettres, l’une de Madame Green, Et l’autre du
            Docteur Cooper. Il les lui rapportera un
            autre jour, ces lettres ne Sont que dès Reponses aux lettres de Recommandation que Mr.
            franklin avoit eu la bonté de donner au Cte de ségur à Son depart pour l’Amerique.
          Il auroit eu plustost l’honneur de r[endre] visite à Monsieur franklin mais dep[uis]
            Son arrivée il a prèsque toujours été à S[on] Regiment, et n’en est revenu que depuis
            peu de jours; il desire fort trouver bient[ôt] l’occasion de Causer avec lui d’un pays
            qu’il est impossible de voir Sans Emotion, et de quitter Sans Regret.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Nathaniel Falconer, 18 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Falconer, Nathaniel

            Dear Friend
            Passy, June 18. 1783.

          I received your kind Letters of May 15. and June 7. and was glad to hear of your
            Welfare and safe Arrival in England.— I wish you much Success in entring again upon your
            old Occupation, and should be happy if I could be ready to return in a Ship under your Care. But I have not yet receiv’d the Permission I requested from Congress,
            nor do I know any thing of their Intentions respecting me or my Grandson, having no
            Letter later than the 13th. of January. I am surpriz’d they did not take the Opportunity
            of writing by you. We are here totally in the Dark as to their Opinion of the
            Preliminary Articles of the Peace, which we sent by Capt. Barney in the Washington; who
            sail’d from L’Orient the 17th. of January, and carried with our Dispatches a large Sum
            of Money; we have not so much as heard with Certainty of his Arrival. I beg you will
            give me what Information you can of these Particulars and any others that you may think
            interesting, either respecting Public Affairs, or relating to me and mine. Is it true
            that Mr. Morris has resigned his Office; and that the Constitution of Pensilvania is to
            be altered in October? Was any one appointed to succeed me here, or who was intended? I
            never long’d so much to be at home, and am afraid that if my Discharge is delay’d I
            shall be oblig’d to stay here another Winter.—
          I am glad to hear from you of the Welfare of my old Friends Mr. Jackson and Mr. Watley.
            If you see them again, please to present my best Respects to them. I have still a regard
            for Mr. Strahan in remembrance of our ancient Friendship, tho’ he has as a Member of
            Parliament dipt his Hands in our Blood. He was always as credulous as you find him: He
            told me a little before I left London that there was News of a Scotch Sergeant’s having
            alone met a party of 40 American Soldiers, disarm’d them, and brought them Prisoners
            into Boston. This he appear’d to believe, and may therefore well believe the Lie you
            mention of the French Troops & our Army killing each other. His believing such
            Falshoods would be of Less consequence, if he did not propagate them by his Chronicle;
            in the last of which that I have seen there are two lying Letters said to be from New
            York of April 13. but actually fabricated in London. In refutation of his Story of our quarrelling
            & fighting with the French Troops, I send you enclos’d
            part of a Pennsylvania Journal of May 7.
            which I wish you would give to him, and I doubt not but he will have the Candour to
            publish it. It will there appear authentically that the most perfect harmony subsisted
            between them to the last. My Grandson presents his Respects to you, as does Mr. Hartley.
            We are all (Thanks to God) well & hearty: But I am uneasy about Barney, fearing he
            may be lost, and therefore beg you would as soon as possible inform me if you know any
            thing of his Arrival. With great and sincere Esteem, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours
            most affectionately

            B. Franklin.

            Tell me every thing you know about the Arrival & Reception of
              the News respecting the Peace, and whether it is true that the Articles were kept some
              time secret, & why; for we have
              received no Intelligence from Government, & know not what to believe or think
            Capt. Falconer


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 18 June 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Philadelphia, June 18. 1783

          I have the honor of enclosing you an official Letter, directed to our Ministers
            Plenipotentiary at Paris.
          The Resignation of the late Secretary for foreign affairs, (occasioned by his
            Preference of the Chancellorship of the State of New-York, which he could not hold
            longer, & retain his Secretaryship,)
            has cast the Business of his office on me, till a Successor is elected, which I hope
            will speedily take Place.
          As Part of the Resolution of Congress of the 12. Inst. enclosed in that Letter, is of a
            secret Nature, I have wrote it in Cyphers, but not having that of Mr. Livingston, I
            thought it best to use Mr. Morris’ to you, which he has obligingly supplied me with; so
            that the Ministers will be indebted for your deciphering of it.
          Your Letter to Mr. Livingston of the 15. April, enclosing the two Medals, came to hand
            this Morning. I am sorry to find, that
            you have cause for similar Complaints, to those we have been making two Months past, on
            the Subject of want of Intelligence. We have not heard from any of our Commissioners at
            Paris, since February, excepting a Letter from Mr. Laurens, tho’ our Anxiety &
            Expectations have been wound up to the highest Pitch.
          I feel myself much indebted for your polite Compliment of the Medal; it is thought very
            elegant and the Device & workmanship much admired. You
            will be pleased, Sir, to accept of my Acknowledgments on this occasion. As I doubt not
            but the Copper one was designed for Mr. Livingston personally, I shall send it to him by
            the first convenient Opportunity. He is a worthy deserving Character, and the United
            States will suffer greatly by his Resignation, tho’ I think him justified in attending
            to the Calls of his private affairs.
          You will receive herewith a Number of our late News-Papers, in which are inserted many
            resolves, Associations &c from all Parts of the Country, which I earnestly wish
            could be kept out of Sight— But the Truth is, that the Cruelties, Ravages &
            Barbarisms of the Refugees & Loyalists have left the People so sore, that it is not
            yet time for them, to exercise their good Sense & cooler Judgment— And that cannot take Place while the Citizens of
            New-York are kept out of their City, and despoiled daily of their Property, by the
            sending off their Negroes, by hundreds, in the Face of the Treaty. It has been
            exceedingly ill judged in the British to retain New-York so long, and to persist in
            sending away the Negroes, as it has irritated the Citizens of America to an alarming
              Degree.—
          I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Sir, Your most obedt.
            & very hble Servt.

            (signed) Elias Boudinot
            private


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Faujas de Saint-Fond, 18 June 1783
From: Faujas de Saint-Fond, Barthélemy
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            a paris le mercredi 18. juin 1783.

          J’eu l’honneur de vous écrire pour vous
            engager a venir voir deux morceaux de mècanique tres intéressants et de faire l’honneur
            à la personne qui les à inventés et de venir dinner ches elle, que vous y trouveriés des
            académiciens de votre Connoissance.
          J’envoyai un exprés pour vous porter ma lettre, et Comme vous etiés allé à la Campagne,
            elle fut remise à un de vos secretaires.
          J’envoie un Second exprés pour m’assurer Si le Commissionaire S’est acquitté exactement
            de Ce que je lavois chargè de faire, et s’il à remis ma lettre chés vous. Dans Cette
            incertitude je prend la liberté de vous en envoyer une seconde,
            pour vous reiterer la même priere, et vous engager a venir voir les deux têtes parlantes dont je vous ai entretenu dans ma lettre, en
            vous priant de faire l’honneur à l’inventeur de venir dinner chès lui aujourd’hui avec
            monsieur votre fils. Il se nomme mr l’abbé mical chanoine de Saint maurice rue du
            temple, en face de Celle de montmorency maison du Commissaire.
          Jai l’honneur d’etre avec les sentiments les plus respectueux Monsieur votre trés
            humble et trés obeissant serviteur

            FAUJAS DE
              Saint
              FONDches mr girard rue des Bon enfants no
              33.