Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 July 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir
Nantes July 10. 1782.
Major Sherburne who will deliver this has already several Introductions to you, I cannot however let him go away without adding my assurances that I think him a Gentleman worthy of your Friendship & Civility & I therefore request you will honour him with your particular notice.
I am as ever most dutifully & affecy Your
J Williams J

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Moses Young, 10 July 1782
From: Young, Moses
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris 10th July 1782.
I am exceedingly sorry that Your Excellency gave yourself the trouble to answer my Paper. I did not expect an answer. I was perfectly satisfied with the reasons given for not paying the whole of the Account when I had the honor of waiting on Your Excellency, and only committed to writing what I would have said before I heard those reasons my representation being dated at Paris 8th July.
Your Excellency will observe that I don’t say in that Paper that I expect Congress will pay me a salary up to the time I may receive the Money, altho’ I believe they have done so in cases nearly similar. If it shall happen that I can prosecute profitable business on my present plan I certainly will not make such a demand. I was not remarked in America for making unreasonable ones on the public, and have been much blamed since the commencement of the war by my friends for being too inattentive to my own interest as I never sollicited any lucrative office in that Country when I believe I might have procured such if I had asked it. I was taken prisoner in the Battle of Long Island in the year 1776 and was four months with the Enemy for which time I neither ask’d nor received any pay.
I most humbly thank Your Excellency for the recommendation to Congress, and have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s much obliged Most humble and obedient Servt.
Moses Young
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire


Title: Franklin’s Thoughts on Privateering and the Sugar Islands: Two Essays, [after 10 July 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

We print these two essays after July 10, 1782, because they elaborate themes addressed in Franklin’s letter of that date to Benjamin Vaughan (above). There is no question that Franklin composed them separately, though they have been linked to one another and to Vaughan’s letter in various combinations. Franklin himself was responsible for at least some of these groupings. Without access to any of his original versions, we can only suggest the permutations based on surviving copies and early printed versions.
The copies we publish are those that were produced in closest proximity to Franklin: one of three copies of (I) made by L’Air de Lamotte for legation letterbooks circa September, 1783, and an independent copy of (II) made by William Temple Franklin. Neither essay was titled. L’Air de Lamotte referred to (I) in one of his tables of contents as “Mr. Franklin’s Paper upon the Abolishment of privateering.” Franklin endorsed Temple’s copy of (II), “A Thought concerning the Sugar Islands.”
On May 8, 1783, Franklin sent David Hartley an extract of his July 10 letter to Vaughan along with these two essays. Hartley’s secretary made copies of the cover letter and enclosures, labeling (I) “Thoughts on privateering” and (II) “Thoughts concerning the Sugar Colonies.” Five months earlier, however, Franklin had sent Richard Oswald a single paper that he said he had already read to him, containing “a Proposition for improving the Law of Nations, by prohibiting the Plundering of unarm’d and usefully employed People.” William Temple Franklin, when publishing that letter in 1817, included what he claimed was the enclosure: a single essay that seamlessly combined (I) and (II).
Elsewhere in that same edition, however, Temple published the same texts in a different combination that also may have originated with Franklin. In February 1790, Mathew Carey published in the American Museum a piece he called “Against privateering: or, reasons in support of new proposed articles, in treaties of commerce, which may be formed by the united states of America. By dr. Franklin.” This essay combined the excerpt of Franklin’s July 10 letter to Vaughan with the text of (I). Carey most likely received it in that form from the author. Three years later the identical text appeared in a collection of Franklin’s writings under the new title, “Observations on War.” In 1806, a new collection of Franklin’s works reprinted the same text and title, indicating that it was reprinted from the American Museum. William Temple Franklin followed suit, placing the “Observations on War” in the final volume of his edition under the section entitled “General Politics and Commerce.” Elsewhere in that same section, Temple published as an independent item “A Thought Concerning the Sugar Islands.”

  [after July 10, 1782]
I.
It is for the Interest of Humanity in general, that the Occasions of War, and the Inducements to it, should be diminished.
If Rapine is abolished, one of the Encouragements to War is taken away, and Peace therefore more likely to continue and be lasting.
The Practice of Robbing Merchants on the high Seas, a Remnant of the Ancient Piracy, tho’ it may be accidentally beneficial to particular Persons, is far from being profitable to all engaged in it, or to the Nation that authorizes it. In the Beginning of a War some rich Ships, not upon their Guard, are surprized and taken. This encourages the first Adventurers to fit out more arm’d Vessels, and many others to do the same. But the Enemy, at the same time, become more careful, arm their Merchant Ships better, and render them not so easy to be taken; they go also more under the Protection of Convoys, thus while the Privateers to take them are multiplied, the Vessels subject to be taken, and the Chances of Profit are diminished; so that many Cruises are made wherein the Expences overgo the Gains; and as is the Case in other Lotteries, tho’ particulars have got Prizes, the mass of Adventurers are Losers, the whole Expence of fitting out all the Privateers during a War, being much greater than the whole Amount of Goods taken. Then there is the National Loss of all the Labour of so many Men during the time they have been employed in Robbing; who, besides, spend what they get in Riot, Drunkenness and Debauchery, lose their Habits of Industry, are rarely fit for any Sober Business after a Peace, and serve only to encrease the Number of Highwaymen & House Breakers. Even the Undertakers, who have been fortunate, are, by sudden Wealth, led into expensive living, the Habit of which continues when the means of supporting it cease, and finally ruins them. A Just Punishment of their having wantonly & unfeelingly ruined many honest innocent Traders and their Families, whose Substance was employed in serving the common Interest of Mankind.

II.
Should it be agreed, & become a Part of the Law of Nations, that the Cultivators of the Earth are not to be molested or interrupted in their Peaceable and useful Employment, the Inhabitants of the Sugar Islands would perhaps come under the Protection of such a Regulation, which would be a great Advantage to the Nations who at present hold those Islands, since the Cost of Sugar to the Consumer in those Nations, consists not only in the Price he pays for it by the Pound, but in the accumulated Charge of all the Taxes he pays in every War to fit out Fleets and maintain Troops for the Defence of the Islands that raise the Sugar and the Ships that bring it home. But the Expence of Treasure is not all. A celebrated Philosophical Writer remarks, that when he consider’d the Wars made in Africa for Prisoners to raise Sugar in America, the Numbers slain in those Wars, the Number that being crowded in Ships perish in the Transportation, & the Numbers that die under the Severities of Slavery, he could scarce look on a Morsel of Sugar without conceiving it spotted with Human Blood. If he had consider’d also the Blood of one another which the white Nations shed in fighting for those Islands, he would have imagined his Sugar not as spotted only, but as thoroughly died red.— On these Accounts I am persuaded that the Subjects of the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia, who have no Sugar Islands, consume Sugar cheaper at Vienna and Moscow, with all the Charge of transporting it after its Arrival in Europe, than the Citizens of London or of Paris. And I sincerely believe that if France & England were to decide by throwing Dice which should have the whole of their Sugar Islands, the Loser in the Throw would be the Gainer. The future Expence of defending them would be saved; the Sugars would be bought cheaper by all Europe if the Inhabitants might make it without Interruption, and whoever imported the Sugar, the same Revenue might be raised by Duties at the Custom Houses of the Nation that consumed it. And on the whole I conceive it would be better for the Nations now possessing Sugar Colonies to give up their Claim to them, let them govern themselves, and put them under the Protection of all the Powers of Europe as neutral Countries open to the Commerce of all, the Profits of the present Monopoly’s being by no means equivalent to the Expence of maintaining them.
[In Franklin’s hand:] A Thought concerning the Sugar Islands


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 11 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Passy, July 11. 1782.
In mine of yesterday, which went by Mr Young, I made no mention of yours of May 11. it not being before me. I have just now found it. I thank you for the particular Acct. you give me of your own Views, & those your Friends have had for you: Every thing relating to your Welfare concerns me.
You speak of a “proposed dependant State of America, which you thought Mr Oswald would begin with.” As yet I have heard nothing of it. I have all along understood (perhaps I have understood more than was intended) that the Point of Dependance was given up, and that we were to be treated with as a free People. I am not sure that Mr Oswald has explicitly said so, but I know that Mr Grenville has, and that he was to make that Declaration previous to the Commencement of the Treaty. It is now intimated to me from several Quarters that Lord Shelburne’s Plan is to retain Sovereignty for the King, giving us otherwise an independent Parliament, & a Government similar to that of late intended for Ireland. If this be really his project, our negotiation for peace will not go very far; the thing is impracticable and impossible, being inconsistent with the faith we have pledged, to say nothing of the general disposition of our people. Upon the whole I should believe that though Lord S. might formerly have entertained such an idea, he had probably dropped it before he sent Mr. Oswald here: your words above cited do however throw a little doubt into my mind, and have with the intimations of others, made me less free in communication with his lordship, whom I much esteem and honour, than I should otherwise have been. I wish therefore you would afford me what you can of eclaircissement.
This letter going by a courier will probably get to hand long before the one (preceding in date) which went by Mr. Young, who travels on foot. I therefore inclose the copy of it which was taken in the press. You may return it to me when the other arrives.
By the return of the courier, you may much oblige me, by communicating, what is fairly communicable, of the history of Mr. Fox’s and Lord J. Cavendish’s resignation, with any other changes made or likely to be made.
With sincere esteem, I am ever, my dear friend your’s most affectionately,
B. Franklin.
Mr B. Vaughan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Oswald, 12 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Oswald, Richard

Sir
Passy, July 12. 1782
I inclose a Letter for Lord Shelburne, to go by your Courier, with some others of which I request his Care. They may be put into the Penny Post. I have received a Note informing me, that, “some Opposition given by his Lordship to Mr Fox’s decided Plan of unequivocally acknowledging American Independency, was one Cause of that Gentleman’s Resignation;” this, from what you have told me, appears improbable. It is farther said “that Mr Grenville thinks Mr. Fox’s Resignation will be fatal to the present negociation.” This perhaps is as Groundless as the former. Mr Grenville’s next Courier, will probably clear up Matters. I did understand from him that such an Acknowlegment was intended previous to the Commencement of the Treaty; and untill it is made, and the Treaty formally begun, Propositions & Discussions seem on Consideration, to be untimely; nor can I enter into Particulars without Mr Jay, who is now ill with the Influenza. My Letter therefore to his Lordship, is merely complimentary on his late Appointment. I wish a Continuance of your Health, in that at present sickly City, being with sincere Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

P.S. I send you inclosed the late Resolutions of the State of Maryland; by which the general Disposition of People in America may be guess’d, respecting any Treaty to be proposed by Genl. Carleton, if intended, which I do not believe.
  Richd. Oswald Esqre.

Notation: B. Franklin to Mr. Oswald In Mr. Oswald’s of the 12th. of July


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 12 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Shelburne, William Petty, Earl of

My Lord
Passy, July 12. 1782
Mr Oswald informing me that he is about to dispatch a Courier, I embrace the Opportunity of congratulating your Lordship on your Appointment to the Treasury. It is an Extension of your Power to do Good, and in that View, if in no other, it must increase your Happiness, which I heartily wish: being with great and sincere Respect, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble: the Earl of Shelburne


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 12 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Stevenson, Margaret

My dear Friend,
Passy, July 12. 1783. [i.e., 1782]
I had a Line lately from Mr. Theobald, which gave me great Pleasure, as it inform’d me that you and Polly had both got well thro’ the Influenza. I had been apprehensive for you particularly, as it is more dangerous to us old People. It is now very rife at Paris. I have had it rather favourably, and, Thanks to God, continue hearty, recollecting but now & then that I am grown old. I still flatter my self that we may meet once more before we die, and in that hope I embrace you both most tenderly: being with sincere Friendship and Affection, Yours ever,
B Franklin
My Love to Polly; and let me know what is become of Sally Pearce, &c.Mrs Stevenson


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 13 July 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 13 July 1782
Since my last in which I acquainted you with my having rec’d the £200 got by mistake into my namesakes hands in Aldersgate—&c—I have recd your esteemed favor of the 14th Ultimo— I made application immediately for the two Men on board the Conquistador & was promised that if there, they shou’d be discharged & sent in the next Cartel Vessell— The Prisoners are all gone except about 120—who remain for some sick in the Hospitals & they I expect will go in a very few days— I shall the first Opportunity of leisure send you my Acc’t of disbursements— Woud you wish me to continue my attention, in Case the Fortune of War shou’d throw any more Prisoners into this Country, I shoud be glad to know your pleasure on that Head.
You will have heard what a terrible fracas & blow up the Death of the Marquiss of Rockingham has occasioned in our Ministry—it will tend to confirm what I hinted to you in my late Letters of the Dispositions of Men— I enclose you some News papers containing the Speeches of Ministers that were & Ministers that are—as you may wish to see the various reasons each alledge. I wish this does not throw fresh Obstacles in the Way of a General peace— Yesterday a Mail arrived from N. York very first date it seems Genl Carlton wanted to send a Messenger to Congress, who have given positive Orders to Genl Washington to refuse a pass, to such Messenger, indeed I think the attempt to treat separately in America pending a Negotiation here was very unwise & very blameable, at least, it so strikes me— If Messr Jones & Paradise are still at Paris I beg you will be pleased to make my respects to them.
The immediate Business of our Correspondence having now in a great measure subsided, I may not be so happy in the frequent reception of your Letters, but I shall presume so far upon your Friendship, as to rest in your Memory on every Occasion that offerrs, assuring you that it will give me the utmost Satisfaction on all Occasions if I can be of the least use to you your Friends & Countrymen, There is one wish My Mind has long entertained which if you wou’d be kind enough to indulge me in I shou’d be very happy, it is this—that you wou’d be pleased to sit for your Picture to one of the best Painters in France for any Acc’t. that I may with rapture tell my Children I had the Honor in some degree to enjoy the Friendship of a Man of whom the World thought & think so highly, if you can spare leisure I hope you will not refuse me.— I am with the most sincere regard Dr sr Yours most Respectfully
William Hodgson
To His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr

P.S. wou’d you wish me to proceed against Digges I think now it may be done without any Risque— The Fellow appears with all possible Effrontery—especially since he was sent or pretended to be sent, by the old Ministry to Mr Adams at the Hague— if he is to be proceeded against you must send me all the Bills & Letters.

Addressed: To / His Excellency / Benj Franklin Esqr
Notation: Hogdson 13. July 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 13 July 1782
From: Newenham, Sir Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Dublin 13 July 1782
I most Ardently wish for the hour, that I shall be able to pay my personal respects to your Excellency and thank you for the repeated and unmerited favors you have conferred upon me; Lady Newenham, who accompanies me to Paris & from thence to Neuchatel & Rome, is equaly desirous to pay her respects to that Great & Respectable Character which she has always held in the highest Respect and Estimation; Ancient Rome never produced a more finished Character, than hers, for innate worth & Sincere Patriotism for the Rights & Liberties of all mankind. Two of my Daughters & one of my sons & three Domestics go with us; our wish is to land at Calais or Dunkirk, as a long sea Voyage would injure her health.

May I therefore, Presume to solicit together with your own (which has been lost in the German post office) a Pasport from the Court of France, from the Spanish & Dutch Embassadors, in order to Cross the seas without Interruption, as our family will be too Large to hazard a Capture.
The moment I have the Honor of your Answer I shall leave this Kingdom.
I Sincerely wish you every happiness this Life can afford.
I have the Honor, to be, Dear Sir with Every sentiment of Respect & Esteem your Excellencys most obt: & most obliged Hble Sert
Edward Newenham

Addressed: His Excellency Dr: Benj: Franklin / Passy / near / Paris
Notation: Edward Newhenham 13 July 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones and John Paradise, 15 July 1782
From: Jones, William,Paradise, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 15 July 1782.
Mr. Paradise and Mr. Jones present their grateful respects to their inestimable friend Dr. Franklin, and beg leave to trouble him with the enclosed letter for Aleppo by the way of Marseilles, requesting him at the same time, if he has not had leisure to write the letters, with which he kindly intended to favour them, to send them by the post directed to Mr. Williams at Nantes, as they propose to set out towards Orleans as soon as the heat of the day is a little abated. They wish him perfect health and all possible happiness, hoping again to pay their respects to him on their return from America.

Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur / Monsr. Franklin / Ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats Unis / &c. &c.
Notation: Paradise 15. July 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Passy, July 15. 1782.
I was in great Hopes when I saw your Name in the Commission for treating of Peace, that I should have had the Happiness of seeing you here, and of enjoying again in this World, your pleasing Society and Conversation. But I begin now to fear that I shall be disappointed, as I was in my Expectation of your Company, when I first undertook the Voyage hither.—
Mr. Jones, who possibly may have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is a particular Friend of Mine, and a zealous one of our Cause and Country. I am sure you will be pleas’d with his Conversation, and therefore I make no Apology for recommending him to your Civilities. His Fellow Traveller too, Mr. Paradise an amiable & worthy Character, will merit, your Regards. He has affairs in Virginia, in which possibly your Counsels and Countenance may be of use to him, & which I therefore beg you would afford him. If in any thing I can render you or your Friends any Service here, you will do me a Pleasure in commanding freely, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Thos. Jefferson Esq.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 15 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Passy, July 15. 1782.
I have just received your No 11. dated the 22d. of May. This Line serves chiefly to recommend to your Civilities two of my English Friends, who will probably pass through Philadelphia in their Way to Virginia.
As they are lately from London, they can give you a good Account of the State of Parties there, and the general Disposition of the Nation respecting America; and I am certain you will be otherwise much pleas’d with their Conversation, as they are sound enlighten’d Republicans and warm Friends of Liberty. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. R. Livingston Esq.

Addressed: To / The honble. Robt. R. Livingston, Esquire / Secretary of State for Foreign / Affairs. / Philadelphia
Endorsed: private Docr Franklin 15th. July 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Mildred, 16 July 1782
From: Mildred, Daniel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Esteem’d Friend Benjamin Franklin
London 16. 7mo 1782
My friend Richard Vaux being on his Voyage to America and intending to pass thro’ France, I take the liberty of introducing him to thee as a Gentleman and a particular freind of mine. Any Civilities shewn him Shall esteem as confer’d on my Self and Should he have occasion for Cash if thou wilt do me the favour to Supply him to the Amount of One hundred Pounds his draught on Me for that sum shall be duly honoured. And thy Kindness gratefully acknowledged.

With unfeigned respect I remain thy Affectionate friend
Danl Mildred

Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esq


Title: Contract between Vergennes and Franklin, 16 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To:

[July 16, 1782]
Contrat entre le Roi et les Treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, passé entre M. le Cte. de Vergennes et M. Franklin, le 16. Juillet 1782.
À ce Contrat sont annexés les Pleines-Pouvoirs des Plénipotentiaires respectifs.
Contrat entre le Roi et les Treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale.
Le Roi ayant bien voulu avoir égard aux demandes qui lui ont été faites au nom et de la part des Provinces-Unies de l’Amérique Septentrionale, de les assister dans l’état de guerre et d’invasion où elles gémissent depuis plusieurs années, et Sa Majesté après avoir fait avec les dites Provinces Confédérées un Traité d’amitié et de Commerce en datte du 6 Fevrier 1778. ayant eû la bonté de les soutenir non seulement par ses forces de terre et de mer, Mais encore par des avances de secours pécuniaires aussi abondans qu’efficaces, dans la crise et le besoin où elles étoient réduites, il a été jugé convenable et nécessaire de constater d’une maniere positive le montant desdites avances, les conditions sous lesquelles le Roi s’est porté à les faire, les époques auxquelles le Congrès desdits Etats-Unis s’est engagé de les rembourser au Trésor Royal de Sa Majesté, et d’éclaircir enfin cet objet de maniere à prévenir dans l’avenir toutes difficultés capables d’altérer la bonne harmonie que Sa Majesté est résolüe de maintenir et conserver entre Elle et lesdits Etats-Unis; Pour remplir un dessein aussi louable et dans la vüe d’affermir les liens de Commerce et d’amitié qui subsistent entre Sa Majesté et lesdits Etats-Unis; Nous Charles Gravier Comte de Vergennes &ca. Conseiller du Roi en tous ses Conseils, Commandeur de ses Ordres, Ministre et Secretaire d’Etat et de ses Commandemens et finances, muni des pleins pouvoirs de Sa Majesté à Nous donnés à l’effet des présentes.
Et Nous Benjamin Franklin Ministre plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, pareillement muni des pouvoirs du Congrès desdits Etats au même effet des présentes, après nous être düement communiqué nos pouvoirs respectifs, avons arrêté les articles qui suivent.
Article Per.[Premier]
Il a été calculé et vérifié que les Sommes avancés à titre de prêt par Sa Majesté au Congès desdits Etats-Unis pendant les années 1778. 1779. 1780. 1781. et la présente 1782. montent à la somme de Dix huit millions de livres argent de france suivant Vingt-une reconnoissances ci-dessous mentionnées que le Ministre soussigné du Congrès en a fournies en vertu de ses pouvoirs, Savoir:

La 1re. du 28 Fevrier
1778. de
750,000. l.t.
}
3,000,000. l.t.

La 2e. du 19 May
id
750,000.

La 3e. du 3. Août
id
750,000.

La 4e. du 1er. Novembre
id
750,000.

La 5me. du 10. Juin
1779. de
250,000.
  }
  1,000,000.

La 6e. du 16 Septembre
id
250,000.

La 7e. du 4. Octobre
id
250,000.

La 8e. du 21 Décembre
id
250,000.

4,000,000. l.t.

La 9me. du 29 Fevrier
1780. de
750,000.
  }
    4,000,000.

La 10e. du 23 May
id
750,000.

La 11e. du 21 Juin
id
750,000.

La 12e. du 5. Octobre
id
750,000.

La 13e. du 27 Novembre
id
1,000,000.

La 14me. du 15 Fevrier
  1781. de
750,000.
  }
  4,000,000.

La 15e. du 15 May
id
750,000.

La 16e. du 15 Août
id
750,000.

La 17e. du 1er. Octobre
id
1,000,000.

La 18e. du 15 Novembre
id
750,000.

La 19me. du 10 Avril
  1782. de
1,500,000.
  }
  6,000,000.

La 20e. du 1er. Juillet id

1,500,000.

La 21e. du 5 dudit mois

3,000,000.

Somme égale à celle ci-dessusde Dix huit millions, Cy

18,000,000. l.t.

Par lesquelles reconnoissances le Ministre susdit a promis au nom du Congrès et solidairement pour les Treize Etats-Unis, faire payer et rembourser au Trésor Royale de Sa Majesté le premier Janvier 1788. au domicile du S. Grand Banquier à Paris, ladite somme de Dix huit Millions argent de france avec les intérêts à Cinq pour cent l’an.
Article 2.
Considérant que le remboursement d’un Capital aussi considérable en un seul terme stipulé au premier Janvier 1788. géneroit infiniment les opérations de la finance du Congrès desdits Etats-Unis et seroit même peut-être impracticable sur ce pied, Sa Majesté a bien voulu par ce motif déroger à cet égard à la teneur des reconnoissances que le Ministre du Congrès a fournies des Dix huit Millions de livres Tournois énoncés en l’article cy dessus, et consentir que le remboursement de ce Capital soit fait en argent comptant à son Trésor Royale à Paris, en Douze parties égales de 1,500M. l.t. chacune et en douze années seulement, à commencer de la troisieme apres l’époque de la paix.
Article 3.
Quoique les reconnoissances du Ministre du Congrès desdits Etats-Unis portent, que les Dix huit millions de livres dont il s’agit seront payés et remboursés au Trésor Royale avec les intérêts à Cinq pour cent l’an, Sa Majesté voulant donner auxdits Etats-Unis une nouvelle preuve de son affection et de son amitié, Elle a bien voulu leur faire don et remise de la totalité des arrérages des intérêts échus jusqu’à ce jour et de ceux à écheoir jusqu’à l’époque du Traité de Paix; Faveur que le Ministre du Congrès reconnoit émaner de la pure munificence du Roi et la recevoir au nom desdits Etats-Unis, avec une profonde et vive reconnoissance.
Article 4.
Le remboursement des Dix huit millions de livres tournois dont il s’agit, sera fait en argent comptant au Trésor Royale de Sa Majesté à Paris, en Douze parties égales et aux termes stipulés en l’article deux ci-dessus; Les intérêts de ladite somme à Cinq pour cent l’an, commenceront seulement à courir de l’époque du traité de paix, seront acquittés à chaque terme de remboursement partiel du Capital, et diminueront à mesure et en proportion des payemens; Le Congrès et lesdits Etats-Unis restant au surplus libres de devancer le terme de leur libération, par des remboursemens anticipés, au cas que la situation de leurs finances leur en donnât la facilité.
Article 5.
Quoique l’emprunt de Cinq millions de florins de hollande consenti par les Etats généraux des Provinces-Unies des Paysbas, aux termes de l’obligation passée le 5 Novembre 1781. entre Sa Majesté et lesdits Etats-généraux, ait été stipulé sous le nom de Sa Majesté et garanti par Elle, Il est néanmoins reconnu par ces présentes que ledit emprunt a été fait réellement pour le comte et le service des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique septentrionale, et que le Capital, montant par évaluation modérée à la somme de Dix millions de livres Tournois, en a été payé auxdits Etats-Unis suivant la reconnoissance du solde de ladite somme que le Ministre soussigné du Congrès en a fournie le sept Juin dernier.
Article 6.
Par la convention dudit jour 5 Novembre 1781. le Roi a bien voulu promettre et s’engager de fournir et restituer au Comptoir Général des Etats Généraux des Pays bas, le Capital dudit emprunt avec les intérêts à quatre pour cent par an, sans aucuns frais ou déduction quelconques pour les prêteurs, de maniere que ledit Capital soit entierement remboursé après l’espace de quinze années, les remboursements devant se faire en dix termes égaux; dont le premier écherra dans la sixieme année à compter de la date dudit emprunt et ainsi de suite d’année en année jusqu’au remboursement final de la susdite somme; Mais il a été pareillement reconnu par le présent Acte, que cet engagement n’a été pris par le Roi à la priere du Ministre soussigné desdits Etats-Unis, que sous la promesse par lui faite au nom du Congrès et solidairement pour les Treize Etats-Unis, de faire rembourser et restituer au Trésor Royale de Sa Majesté à Paris, le Capital, les intérêts et frais dudit emprunt, suivant les conditions et aux époques fixées par la convention susdite du 5 Novembre 1781.

Article 7.
Il a été arrêté en conséquence et convenu, que la somme de Dix millions des livres Tournois formant par modération le principal de l’emprunt de Cinq millions de florins de hollande cidessus mentionné, sera remboursée et restituée en Argent comptant au Trésor Royale de Sa Majesté à Paris, avec les intérêts à quatre pour cent par an, en Dix parties égales d’Un Million chacune et en dix termes dont le premier écherra le 5 Novembre de l’année 1787. Le second au 5. Novembre 1788. et ainsi de suite d’année en année jusqu’au remboursement final de la susdite somme de Dix millions, les intérêts diminuant à mesure et en proportion des remboursements partiels du Capital. Mais par une suite des sentimens d’affection du Roi pour les Etats-Unis de l’Amérique, Sa Majesté a bien voulu prendre à sa charge les frais de Commission et de Banque dudit emprunt, desquels frais Sa Majesté a fait don et remise auxdits Etats, ce que leur Ministre soussigné a accepté avec reconnoissance au nom du Congrès, comme une nouvelle marque de la générosité et de l’amitié de Sa Majesté pour lesdits Etats-Unis.
Article 8.
A l’égard des intérêts dudit emprunt pendant les cinq années qui précéderont celle du premier terme de remboursement du Capital, Comme le Roi s’est engagé à les payer au Comptoir Général des Etats Généraux des Pays Bas, sur le pied de quatre pour cent par an et d’année en année, à compter du 5 Novembre 1781. suivant la convention du même jour, le Ministre du Congrès reconnoit que la restitution en est due à Sa Majesté par les Etats-Unis et s’engage au nom desdits Etats à les faire payer et rembourser aux mêmes époques et sur le même pied au Trésor Royale de Sa Majesté, la premiere année d’arrérages d’intérêts devant être acquitté le 5. Novembre prochain et ainsi de suite pendant chacune des cinq années qui précéderont celle du premier terme de remboursement du capital fixé cy dessus au 5. Novembre 1787.

Les hautes parties contractantes se garantissent réciproquement l’observation fidéle du présent Contrat, dont les Ratifications seront échangées dans l’espace de neuf mois à compter de ce jour ou plutôt s’il est possible. En foi de quoi Nous Plénipotentiaires susdits de Sa Majesté Très Chretienne et des Treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, en vertu de nos pouvoirs respectifs, avons signé ces présentes et y avons fait apposer le Cachet de nos Armes.
Fait à Versailles le Seizieme jour du mois de Juillet Mil sept cent quatre vingt deux.
B Franklin[seal]
Gravier De Vergennes[seal]


Title: Franklin: Statement Concerning the Dutch Loan, [after 16 July 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[after July 16, 1782]
Etat des reconnoissances fournies au Trésor Royal par M. franklin, et relatives à l’emprunt d’hollande de dix millions.
Savoir:

l.t.

18 juillet
1781.
800,000 " "

29 octobre
id
600,000 " "

4 xbre
id
816,000. " "

8 fevrier
1782.
500,000 " "

12 mars
id
500,000 " "

7 juin
id
2,352,899.15. 4

Le dit jour

300,000. " "

5,868,899.15. 4.

Je soussigné, Ministre des Etats unis de l’Amérique, reconnois que mes sept promesses ci-dessus détaillées, m’ont été rendues, et sont devenues nulles par le traité passé le 16 juillet dernier, lesquelles promesses quoique ne formant que cinq millions huit cent soixante huit mille huit cent quatrevingt dixneuf livres quinze sols quatre deniers nen sont pas moins le Solde des 10 millions de l’emprunt d’hollande n’ayant pas été fourni de reconnoissances pour les 4,131,100.l.t. 4.s. 8 que j’ai également reçu dans le temps. Paris le
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 17 July 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 17 July 1782
I had the honour of receiving your Excellencys of the 5th which I shoud have acknowledged by return of post, but I defer’d doing it for some days, in order to examine my situation and to endeavour to fill in some method of getting away the remainder of the public goods without being further troublesome to your Excellency. I have not hitherto made great progress, nor indeed Can I say what it is possible for Me to do, if you shoud think proper to Continue in the resolution of not accepting any More of My bills, for I am already in that state with respect to the supplies that I shall be very Much Embarrassd indeed— The shirts that I have shipped by the Elizabeth were deliver’d to Me by Mr Peter Buyck of Ghent, and are to be settled for from the British goods, so that I drew for no part of the amount of them.
The other Engagements which I made were for 5200 suits of Cloathing at about 12 shillings sterling per suit which Cost in France 33 livres, 2 Bailes of French Blankets at 5/9 per pair amounting to about £50 Sterling, and 2 Boxes of white Cloth which Cost at Leyden 3766 florins, and which I thought wanting to Compleat the Stores going out, as the Blue Cloths Cou’d be of little Use without white facing for the Uniforms. Annex’d is an account of the articles on board the Elizabeth amounting to f. 40703. 6. 4. Upon the shirts I am Engaged to pay 12½ per Cent freight on the Value, and on the Blankets 20 per Cent and before I received your Excellencys last letter, I increased the Insurance, which I mention’d to you some time ago, on those goods to 40 thousand florins, It is made at Hambourg under the Guarrantee of a House at Ostend and another here and will Cost altogether 17 per Cent, which is not more than half the premium paid on American Vessells bound to the Continent. For the payment of this freight and premium of Insurance, I stand Bound to Mess. Gerand & Rolland of this place, and to Mess Ingraham & Bromfield for sundry Disbursements on the ship Heer Adams— I beg leave therefore to offer to your Excellencys Consideration the situation I shall be in without farther assistance from You. When I received My Commission from the President of Congress, he informed Me that the Army was in great want of supplys, and that I wou’d immediately on My Arrival in France be furnishd by your Excellency with two Million of livres to supply those wants, at the same time My Instructions Convey’d to me a Credit upon any public loans made in Europe, which Instructions I had the honour to lay before You at Passy. These Considerations, added to the Information that Mr. Morris had written for Cloathing to the amount of two Million of livres induced Me to close for the 5200 suits; especially as there was a saving Made thereby to the public of near one hundred thousand livres. The Goods which I engaged to deliver Mr. Buyck of Ghent in Exchange for the shirts, we Mutualy agreed shou’d be valued by a sworn Broker, they Cost by Mr De Neufville’s Invoice f. 73248. 17. 8 and were Valued by Mr [Asterlore?] the Broker at No more than f. 41575, This great difference is partly owing to damage that several of the Bales received by lying in open Boats in the Texel, waiting I am told for Mr. Gillons orders, partly by their being purchased in a hurry and perhaps at too high prices, but principaly I beleive by the Resolve of Congress prohibiting the Importation of British Manufactures into America—be that as it will, I informed Mr Buyck that I wish’d to be excused from delivering him the Goods upon such a Valuation, and that I wou’d Much sooner have them sold by public Auction, to which he readily Acquesced and they stand Advertised for the 23d of this Month. It wou’d have been a Very lucky Circumstance if I had pursued this plan at first, but I did not forsee what happen’d, and on the whole I will not presume to say that I acted properly, but I am sure I did to the best of My Judgement as Circumstances arose. I am Now obliged to Come to the subject of what is to be done with the goods on hand, the particulars of which I also send you. There are some Vessells loading here for America, and to the people who have the Care of them I have Already apply’d— The detention of the ship Congress, and Capture of the navarro, Fox and Heydon, all of whom were intended to load here, have given an opportunity to the other Vessells to put the best freight, and accordingly the people to whom they are Consigned generally reject goods that are Not Valuable— I have endeavour’d to agree for the freight to be paid in America, but I have very little hopes of success with any person but a Mr. Myers who has a Brigantine Bound to America, and who has my proposal under Consideration. I shall be glad to be of any service in my power in Making the settlement with Mess. De neufville & son, but it will be a Very disagreeable office and more than probably payment will be Awarded them for their demand— The Affair having happened prior to My arrival obliges me to ask Your Excellencys instructions as particularly as You think necessary— I have been obliged to trouble You Sir with a longer letter than I Cou’d wish because I Chuse to Acquaint You Minutely with My situation which I beg you will take into Your Consideration. I shall Conclude with the assurance that it was Very far from my intention to add to Your Excellencys Embarrassments by my Engagements here and that I have the honour to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Thos Barclay

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Passy near Paris
Since writing the annex’d, Mr Myers has agreed to take the 63 Bales of linen Mention’d in the annexd List on board the Brigantine Grace, George Mitchell Master, paying at Philadelphia 15 per Cent on the Value. The vessell will take them in, and possibly some More of the goods, in two or three days.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sally Beckwith, 17 July 1782
From: Beckwith, Sally
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Convent St George Ghent July 17th 1782
The inclosed Letter which I regret exceedingly not having in my power to deliver in person, I onely had the pleasure of receiving yesterday, its detention has been owing to a long and dangerous illness of the Gentleman to whose care the Paquet was adressed in which it was contained.
The Friendship Mr Strahan has ever testified for our Family & that in particular He has lately shewn towards me in a degree I am ill able to express, makes me apprehensive that a desire of obtaining the Friendship and protection of Dr Franklin may have led him to say in my favor much more than I can possibly hope to merit & makes me almost afraid of what I otherwise should have thought a most singular Happiness the Honor of being known to You.
The very few People I know here & Mr. Bells recent illness at Ostend who proposed to Himself waiting on you previous to his setting off for Philadelphia onely permits me to hope how soon I may have it in my power to ask your comands for that part of the world.

I must beg pardon for sending these letters by the common Post the retirement in which I live not putting it in my power to find any private Hand on which I can depend. I have Sir the Honor to be your most Obedt & very Hle Servant
S Beckwith

Notation: S. Beckwith, July 17. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Loge des Commandeurs du Temple, 17 July 1782
From: Masonic Lodge, Commandeurs du Temple
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[July 17, 1782]
A La Gloiredu grand Architecte de Lunivers.d’un lieu éclairé ou regnent le Silence, la paix et La CharitéLa Loge reguliere des Commandeurs du Temple Seante ALorient de Carcassonne. Lan de La V∴ L∴ 5782 et Le. 17e. Jourdu 5me. mois
Au Trés DigneTres Vertueux et Tres Respectable Frere FranklinMinistre des Etats unis de L’amerique au pres deLa Cour de Françe./. Seant à Lorient de ParisSalut Forçe UnionT ∴ C∴ F∴
Chargé des interets dun peuple a qui le dezir de la Liberté a mis les armes a la main, au Sortir de ces conferences Secrettes ou lon peze le Destin de lunivers, vous prénes plaisir quelque fois a Sacrifier à L’amitié. La Loge des neuf Sœurs en à été Souvent le temoin. Le Zele que vous y aves témoigné pour nos misteres est parvenu jusques au fonds de nos Provinces.
IL nous donne le droit de nous adresser a vous; notre objet n’en est point indigne: il sagit de Calmer une Mere éplorée Sur le Sort de son fils.
Celuy cy parti le 1. Janvier du Cap Français (on ne sait Sur quel Vaisseau) était porteur de plusieurs Lettres, dont deux contenant des raports avantageux sur son Compte etaient adressées à sa Mere par des négotiants ches lesquels il avait resté.
Les autres étoient pour divers particuliers.
Six mois aprés et il y à environ huit jours ces Lettres arrivent a leur destination. Les deux adressées a la Mere font voir cette Souscription fatale; “le porteur mort à York en Virginie en May dernier.”
A Cette nouvelle on laisse à penser le saisissement la douleur qui Semparerent de cette Mere. Il faut Létre pour le Sentir. Des amis genereux Volent à son Secours; ils luy disent que son fils à pû remetre ces Lettres à quelqu’un qui à étté en Virginie et qui y est mort. Elle prete peu loreille a des pareils discours. Cependant comme ils pourroient etre vrais, et qu’il importe de les constater, nous Venons vous prier de vous donner des Soins pour S’avoir quel est le français Mort a York en Virginie en May dernier. Pour que vous ayés plus de facilité, nous vous envoyons cyjoint le signalement du Jeune homme au quel nous nous interessons Son nom, Son Surnom et son âge. Par la comparaison il sera façile de savoir ce que nous desirons.
Si vous nous annoncés que le Jeune homme que nous cherchons n’est pas celui qui est Mort en Virginie vous redonnès la vie à une Mere à la quelle il est cher.
Si vous nous dittes le contraire vous assurés létat dune famille dans la quelle Lincertitude de sa vie ou de sa mort et de linstant ou elle est arrivée peut occasionner des troubles et des disputes pour le partage à faire de son bien. Vous lui rendés encore un autre Service en vous informant de ce que nous vous demandons vous avés la bonté de Savoir si le Jeune homme mort portait des effets avec lui et entre les mains de qui ils Sont tombés. Ainsi dans un seul bienfait vous en reunisses plusieurs.
La Loge des Commandeurs qui s’est toujours fait un devoir de plaindre les malheureux et de les Soulager se flatte que vous offrir loccasion de faire du bien et vous Le voir faire Seront pour vous une meme chose.
Elle Sestime heureuse d’avoir un titre pour sadresser a un S’age L’Espoir de son Pays lobjet de la Veneration du notre.
Elle serait au Comble de Ses dezirs, si pour tranquiliser la Mere éplorée vous luy faisiés la faveur de lui repondre que vous ne perdrés pas du vüe la priere que nous vous adressons.
Nous sommes avec les sentiments de la plus tendre fraternité, par les N ∴ M ∴ A ∴ V ∴ C ∴
T ∴ C ∴ F ∴
Vos affectionnés et très devoües les officiers de L\ L\ des Commandeurs
V. Vidal VenerableMÊRIC DE Riêux, P.S. [premier Surveillant]ASTOIN avt. [avocat] S.S. [Second Surveillant]Par Mandement de L. R. L: Roques secretaireLabbé MERIC DE Rieux prieur et avt vst(?)

Timbré et sellé par nous garde du timbre et sceaux G David avt
  adresse de la Loge à Monsieur David de lafajole avocat au Parlement de Toulouze rüe St. Eulalie à Carcassonne

Notation: David. à Carcassonne


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 18 July 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 18 July 1782
I have recd yours of the 18th, but not that per Mr Young, I immediately set about procuring you the necessary Information Relative to the Marquis de Fayette & inclosed you have an Acc’t of the Wine & Salt as per Catalogue for Sale which I hope will be fully Satisfactory— if any thing further I mean Oath & Notarial Certificate shou’d be necessary, please to inform me & it shall be procured— I am going to the Secretarys Office to get this conveyed per Courier—if I shou’d be disappointed in that Conveyance, I shall send you per Some other Conveyance the general Catalogue, & this Letter per post, as the former is too bulky for the post— I am with the greatest Respect Dr sr yours most sincerly
William Hodgson
I Wrote you last post via Ostend, under Cover to Mr GrandHis Excellency Benj. Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Colomb, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 19 July 1782
From: Colomb, Pierre,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monseigneur
Nimes le 19 Juillet 1782
Voila deux ans et demy d’Ecoulés depuis mon depart de l’amerique Septentrionale, sous le congé qui me fut acordé par le Congrés avec la faculté de venir rejoindre mes drapeaux lorsque Les Circonstances me le permetroient, et que ma Santé Epuisée par les fatigues du service penible que J’y avois fait pend’ 3 ans, et de la dure prison que J’y avois soufferte pendant quatre mois de tems par les anglois a Savanah sous le General prevôt ne fut entierement retablie, Je ne dois pas vous laisser ignorer Monseigneur, que pendant ce long Espace de tems, Je ne me suis occupé que du soin de la reparer, mes Medecins et Ceux de la faculté de Montpr [Montpellier] dont je puis vous remetre les certificats ne trouverent d’autre espoir a ma Guerison qui leur parut incertaine que dans le sejour continuel en Suisse dont le Climat plus favorable pût reparer mes forces, en effet J’y ay residé la plus grande partie de Ce tems la, et depuis Quelques mois que J’en suis de retour, Je Jouis de la meilleure santé, et Je ne soupire qu’aprés l’heureux Instant de rejoindre mon Etat et mes drapeaux. C’est dans cette vue que Je prens la Liberté de m’adresser a vous Monseigneur, comme a mon Protecteur, pour m’en faciliter et Indiquer les moyens. L’accueil Gracieux dont vous daignates m’honorer a mon passage a Paris en Janvier 1780. Lors de mon retour de L’amerique Les divers brevets de mon rang de Capne. et ensuitte de Major de dragons, que J’y avois obtenu, et Le Congé du Congrés, que vous avés daigné viser et munir de votre Sceau me permettent desperer votre protection dans ce moment Instant ou Je la reclame Instruit par ces pieces que Je ne puis servir sous les drapeaux Americains pendant la presente Guerre que moyenant mon Echange comme etant jusques la Toujours prisonnier des Anglois Jose vous suplier Monseigneur de me procurer cet Echange, et de hâter par la Le moment de mon depart, et L’employ de mes services que Je brule de Consacrer a l’Illustre Etat que vous representez, Je vous suplie donc d’en hâter le moment et de me fournir les moyens & les secours pour retourner le plutot a mon poste, Puisque mes forces et mes inclinations m’y apellent avec empressement.
Vous voudrés bien me donner pour ce passage une place ou un Employ, Sur Telle fregatte ou tel Batiment destiné pour le Congrés, qui soit a vos ordres, et ou Je Sois apuyé de votre recomandation. J’ose esperer que mon Employ me sera rendu a mon retour, et que Je men aquitteray avec le meme Zele et la meme activitté.
J’ose esperer Monseigneur que vous accederés a la Justice de ma demande, et que vous ne me refuserés pas dans votre reponse (que Je vous suplie de me faire), le secours et l’apuy que Je reclame de votre bienfaisance et de vos vertus, qui brillent avec tant d’Eclat dans l’auguste place que vous occupés, et qui vous rend le protecteur né de tous ceux qui se sont consacrés au Service de votre Illustre Etat, et qui brulent comme moy de s’y distinguer encore. Dans Cet espoir flatteur Jay Lhoneur detre avec le plus profond respect Monseigneur Votre tres humb et trés obeisst Serviteur
Colombmajor de dragons au service des Etats unis

J’ose vous prier de me dire si depuis mon depart come prisonnier mon Employ a eté remply et si mes apointemens ont courru ou ne courront que du moment de mon retour—

Endorsed: Answer
That I have no Orders to furnish any Officers the Means of going to America, nor any Money put into my Hands for such Purposes.
  }
  2

That I know nothing of his Exchange, and can do nothing in it such Exchanges being made in America
    }
    1


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 19 July 1782
From: Hodgson, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
London 19 July 1782
I wrote you yesterday, in which I acquainted you that I shou’d go to the Secretary’s Office, in order to have the pacquet, which I had made up for you, forwarded by a Courier if any was going.
I accordingly went & saw the Earl of Shelburne who entered into a Good deal of Conversation about you & Peace, protested & vowed in the fullest manner & in the most explicit Terms that he was convinced American Independance must be admitted in the most unequivocal Manner, said some one had been so Wicked* as to write you, that the present Ministers were averse to the allowing of it—declared it was false & that no Obstacle of that Kind shou’d with him retard a Peace— Seemed to insinuate that he did not see what America coud reasonably ask, that he shou’d not be willing to concede—. I told him that in my poor Judgment Improper persons & improper Measures had been pursued in order to obtain what was wished for by all— That I was convinced from what I had the Honor to know of your Disposition that the most open manly & Confidential manner of Treaty was what was most likely to be effectual & that I was confident your Judgment & Penetration wou’d soon see thro’ any disguise or Concealment. His Lordship was pleased to say he approved of my frankness—& by his future Conversation seemed to wish much to come to a full & Satisfactory explanation of his own Opinions & that such shou’d be conveyed to you & that he wished me to make the Communication— In consequence of which I returned home to write you this Letter. It will therefore now be in your Judgment if any & what Use can be made of this Overture, for as such I undoubtedly consider it— If you have that Confidence in me which on a former Occasion you were so kind as to express, The Negotiation may be bro’t forward here thro’ my Intervention in a Tenth part of the Time it will at Paris, or the inadmissibility of the Terms with respect to other Powers be soon brought to a point— If you can confide in me so far as to say what will do Matters may be soon bro’t to a Crisis with the principals, rather than with the Gentlemen at Paris who wait for explanation on every proposition that Arises— You will please to write me two Letters one private & Confidential the other such a one as I may produce if necessary— I am convinced the Situation of his Lordship is such, that he means to give up entirely the loose Ideas he had adopted from Lord Chatham & that his firm Seat in the Saddle will depend upon his Strait forward Conduct in this Business,
This Letter his Lordship has promised me shall go by the Courier to morrow & I flatter myself that you will upon due Deliberation favor me with such an answer as your maturer Judgment shall direct— For myself I shall only say, that, in whatever way you may judge proper to make use of me I will do my best to merit your approbation & you may rely upon it I will not abuse your Confidence being with the greatest respect & Esteem Dr sr Yours Sincerely
William Hodgson

P.S. A particular friend wishes to know if the American Privateers belonging to America are restrained by their Instructions from committing any Acts of Hostility on Land, this I believe is for a Literary purpose & I shou’d be glad you wou’d inform me tho’ for my own part I cannot conceive any such thing.
  His Excellency Benj Franklin Esqr

Notation: Wm. Hodgson 19. July 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 19 July 1782
From: West, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
London July 19th. 1782
If I was to permit my friend and nabour Mr. Green to visit Paris without convaying this to your excellency, I should think myself defecient in that friendship I have ever wished to shew him. He is an Artist of distinguished merrit in Mezzatinto engraving, and has done most of the esteemed prints in that manner from my paintings. He visits France in the line of his profession, and wishes to have the honor of being known to your excellency before he leves that country; for that purpose he will have the satisfaction to present this;—and any favors shewn him and his son by your excellency will be greatly esteemed by—Sir Your excellencys greatly Obliged Humble Sert.
Benjn. West
His excellency Benjamin Franklin

Notation: B. West July 19 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, 20 July 1782
From: Amezaga, Ignace d’Urtado, marquis d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce Samedy. 20 Jllet. [1782]
Mr. D’amezaga, fait ses Plus Tendres Complimens à Monsieur de franklin, Il luy fait demander Sil dinne demain chés luy, dimanche et Sil veut bien que Mr. Damezaga aille L’embrasser.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Penn, Jr., 20 July 1782
From: Penn, Richard, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Cavendish Square July 20th. 1782
I take the Liberty of recommending to your notice the bearer of this Mr. Philip Livingston a Gentleman with whom I have had a very great Intimacy for many Years Past both in this Country & on the other side the Atlantic & I will answer for it that you will find him in every respect worthy of your Acquaintance. My Wife & Family join me in our most sincere Wish’s for your Health & happiness. I am My Dear Sir Your very sincere Friend
Richd. Penn

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin &c &c &c
Notation: Richd. Penn July 20 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas-Joseph Hüllmandel, 22 July 1782
From: Hüllmandel, Nicolas-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 22 Juillet 1782.
Le Pere d’un de mes amis croit avoir fait une découverte en Phisique qui Seroit très importante, il a chargé Son fils de la Soumettre au jugement de la Personne la plus éclairée et Surtout de celle qui l’est assés pour ne pas se laisser aveugler par les prestiges des Sistêmes. C’est vous Monsieur qui avés cet amour de la verité, c’est vous qu’il desire pour juge. Il n’a pas le bonneur de vous connoitre, Son fils Sait que vous avés eu la bonté de me recevoir quelques fois, cet avantage ne suffiroit pas pour m’encourager à une demande indiscrette s’il n’étoit question que de moi; mais l’interest d’un ami m’éxite à vous demander la faveur d’une demi heure ou une heure d’entretien pour lui. J’aurai l’honneur de vous le présenter au jour et à l’heure que vous daignerai nous accorder et nous indiquer.
Si la découverte est réelle, Si elle peut être aussi utile que les experiences ont paru le prouver vous ne me reprocherai pas Monsieur de vous avoir dérobé un tems précieux. Si vous n’en êtes pas complettement Satisfait vous aurai du moins consolé par votre complaisance un vieillard de quatrevingts ans qui a passé Sa vie en recherches intéressantes et qui n’a de confiance qu’en vos Lumieres.
Cette grace particuliere me remplira de reconnoissance et me prouvera que vous avés la bonté d’agréer le respect avec lequel j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
HÜLLMANDEL

Notation: Hulmandel 22. Juillet 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel & Moses Myers, 22 July 1782
From: Myers, Samuel & Moses
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam July 22d: 1782
We take the liberty to inform your Excellency that we are fitting out a Brigg for Philadelphia call’d the Grace Bermuda Built 160 Tons Burden Mounts Ten Six pound Cannon, & Forty Men. Commanded by George Mitchell intierly American property for which Vessell we Stand in need of a Commission. Shoud it be convenient to your Excellencey to send One, to Mr. Adams, at the Hague, we will enter into the necessary Security’s with that Gentn. for the purpose. The Vessell will Sail in ten or Twelve days at furthest from this time. She has on board a Large quantity of States Goods; which we were induced to take in order to accommodate the public at a More moderate rate than we could have had for Goods of equal quality & Bulk, and for the greater convenience have agreed to receive the frieght in America. Finding that Thomas Barclay Esqr was much Embarras’d to Ship these Goods on reasonable terms we wish’d the more to Convince him, of our Attachment to the Wellfair of our Country which We have truely at Heart and in every instance in our power we shall endeavour to evince that Self interest has not made us unmindfull of the duty we owe as Subjects and patriots.
We shall at all times be happy to Serve your Excellencey to the utmost extent of our abilitys and are with the profoundest respect Your Excellenceys Most devoted & Hble Serts
Samuel & Moses Myers

His Excellencey Benjamin Franklin Esqr.

Notation: Myers Mrs. Samuel & Moses July 22. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 23 July 1782
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond. Sir
Philadelphia July 23d. 1782.
Your Favor of 31 March I received some time ago, since which we are without the pleasure of hearing from you— I am unhappy at not having it in my power at present to comply with your request, by remitting you your Interest Money— my accounts as postmr. General are upon the Eve of being settled, on which there is a Balance due me of upwards of five thousand Specie Dollrs.— If I am not paid the whole of my account immediately, I shall certainly receive part, when you may rely on my remitting you— Perhaps it would be agreeable to you to have this Money vested in a share of the Bank; I recollect you mentioned an intention of becoming a proprietor in one of your last Letters, and as probably I shall have two or three shares in part payment of my Salary (for I know it has been the case with other civil officers that have been paid off) it would be [a] matter of real convenience to me to transfer a share or two; but I shall not wait your determination on this head with a view of delaying the necessary remittances, on the contrary, I shall not feel satisfied ’till it is made you—
Inclosed is Robert Morris’ drt on Monsr. Grand of Paris for 3200 Livres, say 2 Bill, the 1st. I sent you about a fortnight ago via Boston, and is in full for Moneys received from Christian Schneider of German Town on account of Ann Catherine Hocklein of Ebingen in the Dukedom of Wirttemburg, free of all charges & expences— As it was her request to send the Money thro’ your hands, I take the Liberty of troubling you with it—
Sally and the Children are in the Country abt. five Miles from Town, they were all well yesterday; Sally has wrote you, & there is also a Letter for Benny, whom we wish to hear oftner from than we do— You have herewith the Newspapers, I send them by every convenient opportunity, but the Enemy’s Cruizers are so vigilent upon our Coast, that few Vessels escape them— Our Trade this Summer & Spring has been in a most deplorable situation, and still continues so, I am afraid we shall not soon see an alteration for the better— I remain with perfect Duty & Respect Yours &c.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Watson & Cossoul, 23 July 1782
From: Watson & Cossoul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir—
Nantes 23d July 1782.
Being informed by Majr. Shurburn, that your Excellency, had made mention of some Gentleman at Paris, in the Intention of taking their Passage on board the Argo for America—We make free to acquaint your Excellency that the Argo is to our Address; and that she mounts 16—9 lb. & 2—18 lb. & is exceedinly well Calculated for receiving several other Passengers having a double Cabbin, she is a french Frigate built Ship— Should you Occasion to freight the Ship for public Stores for Boston—we shall be able to receive upwards of a hundred Tons—immediately, and intend to dispatch the Ship by the 15th. Augt. We have the Honor to be most respectfully—Yr. Excellency’s very Hum. Serts.
Watson & Cossoul
The Hon’ble Benjn. Franklin Esqr. Paris.

Addressed: The Hon’ble / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Passy
Notation: Watson & Cossoul 23 July 1782—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 July 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Honoured Sir
Nantes July 23d. 1782
I have Received your Favour of the 15th Inst. by Mr Paradise and Mr Jones who arrived here last evening. I am astonished Mr de Chaumont should persist in such ridiculous as well as unjust Demands, he surely is much altered, for I think I can remember when he would have despised the same conduct in another; Our Defence is so clear and may be so well made in his own Handwriting, that I am more hurt on his Account, in making it, than apprehensive of the Event. You say he claims a vast sum for Freight more than you have paid. I answer if the settlement of the Freight is wrong you have paid too much; I do not pretend however that it is wrong, because I agreed to it & had your Orders to Transact the Business, for it has been, and I hope ever will be the invariable Rule of my Conduct, to perform all my Agreements, let them be what they may. I allowed 1200 Tons because I agreed to pay for her by measurement, and the Admiralty at Bordeaux gave a Certificate of her measuring 1684 Tons. Messrs Jauge & Co at Bordx at first expected payment for the whole 1684 Tons, but after many letters on the Subject it was agreed that the surplus 484 Tons should be allowed for Crew, Artillery Provision &c, In doing this I stuck to the principle of our first agreement & had the Admiralty of Bordeaux for the Authority of just Measurement though it may be thought unreasonable to pay more than for the hold, because it is only there the Goods can be put; but I repeat I had agreed, & therefore would make no further Contestation.
When I came to Paris Mr de Chaumont desired Mr Jauge to finish the matter because he had been at Bordeaux & knew the whole affair. I went to Mr Jauge, he decided himself, & with his own pen made the Calculation on the blank leaf of the Certificate of Jaugeage; I then came to Mr de Chaumont—paid him, & took his Receipt on the same Paper, therefore, there cannot be on either side the smallest pretence of altering the affair.* I send you this paper inclosed No 1. As to the Period of Paying Freight Mr de Chaumont should have blushed to have said a word about it. I inclose you the agreement with the Decision of two Arbitrations No 2. and I send you his letter No 3 wherein he appoints himself both Arbitrators & Subscribes d’avance to their Decision— You will see in this letter he says the Freight of the Ship made from Bordeaux to L’Orient does not belong to him but us & he should think he took twice Toll at the Mill if he received it; Yet he did take it all, & it amounted to something considerable, I do not however make any objection to this for I honestly think it his due, & therefore allow it tho he does not Claim it; but it shows how differently we have conducted with regard to each other.
Mr Tardy is gone down the River to embark for the West Indies, I therefore fear I cannot send you any thing from him, but I will send an express after him & if I catch him you shall by next have the Certificate you desire, in the mean time I send you Copies of my Letters to Congress No 4. 5. 6. which will shew the precautions I thought proper to take relative to surplus freight. If it should be said that we detained the Ship you may make use of a letter Capt Galatheau wrote Mr Moylan & Capt Barry excusing himself for not being ready to take in all his Cargo the 16 March. Yet he was entirely loaded the 18th, and might have been so 18 days sooner. This Letter is inclosed No 7.
These Papers I think must confound all Mr de Chaumont’s pretensions, pray return them to me as soon as you have done with them except my Letters No 4. 5 & 6 which you may keep, the others are necessary for my support.
I am with the greatest Respect Your ever dutifull & affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
you may keep No. 7. if you please as I have another attested Copy.

Endorsed: J Williams July 23. 1782 concerning M. de Chaumont’s Demands of additional Freight—Copy of his Receipt


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette: Extract, 24 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Passy, July 24, 1782.
 … In answer to your questions, Mr. Oswald is doing nothing, having neither powers nor instructions; and being tired of doing nothing, has dispatched a courier requesting leave to return. He has I believe received no letters since I saw you, from Lord Shelburne, Mr. Grenville’s return hither is I think doubtful, as he was particularly connected in friendship with Mr. Fox; but if he stays I suppose some other will be sent, for I do not yet see sufficient reason to think they would abandon the negociation, though from some appearances I imagine they are more intent upon dividing us, than upon making a general peace. I have heard nothing farther from Mr. Laurens, nor received any paper from him respecting Lord Cornwallis. And since that General’s letter written after the battle of Camden, and ordering not only the confiscation of rebels’ estates, but the hanging of prisoners, has been made public, I should not wonder if the Congress were to disallow our absolution of his parole, and recall him to America. With everlasting esteem and respect, I am, dear Sir, yours most affectionately,
B.F.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 24 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

The two extracts inclosed in this letter were brought to Passy as part of a conciliatory mission that backfired. On July 11, Franklin wrote Benjamin Vaughan to express doubts about Shelburne’s intentions. Vaughan immediately showed that letter to Shelburne, who denied any grounds for suspicion. Vaughan volunteered to visit Franklin and reassure him in person, rather than answer in writing. Shelburne agreed, instructing him to return in two days and allowing him (for his “private Instruction”) to copy in shorthand passages from two important letters that demonstrated Britain’s commitment to American independence.

Vaughan violated those instructions once he got to Paris. He transcribed both passages and gave them to Franklin. He volunteered to put “public benefit” above private concerns (his wife was in the final stages of pregnancy) and stay in France for days, months, or even years if the Americans thought he could be useful. Franklin evidently asked him to stay until he composed a response, which he would delay until “a courier should advise the final disposition of the Court of London.”
When Shelburne later received Richard Oswald’s letter of July 12, also informing him of Franklin’s suspicions, he obtained the King’s permission to send Oswald full copies of the same two letters he had quietly shown to Vaughan. Oswald, who was not told that Vaughan had already seen them, was encouraged to “communicate to Dr. Franklin such Parts of both, as may be sufficient to satisfy his mind, that there never have been two Opinions since you were sent to Paris, upon the most unequivocal Acknowledgement of American Independancy.” Far from being satisfied, both Franklin and Vergennes found in the letters confirmation of British duplicity. By the time Oswald received Shelburne’s packet, which was dated July 27, not only had Franklin sent the present letter to Vergennes, but Vergennes had also sent copies of the extracts to Spanish Chief Minister Floridablanca.

Sir,
Passy, July 24. 1782
Inclos’d I have the honour of sending to your Excellency, Extracts from two Dispatches of the British Ministry, (one of them to the Commissioners for restoring Peace in America) which are communicated to me by Order of Lord Shelburne, expressly for the Purpose of restoring Confidence between him and me. Your Excellency will judge how proper they are for such a Purpose, when the first is evidently calculated to create Division not only between France & us, but among ourselves; and the second is contradictory respecting a principal Point, the Independance. I am, with great Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
M. le Comte de Vergennes

Endorsed: rep


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stevenson, 24 July 1782
From: Stevenson, Margaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir
Craven Street July 24th, 82
I have long diclinead(?) the thought of wrightg, but after, your Long Seilece—which has given me the great pleasure, to onse more recive a Line from my dearst friend, you say mr Thabald tells you i am well I wish i was will enuf to injoy that Same hope you mention, but that is to much for me to except not but that Pleasing hope, in soom reeged may be a Suibstet for the Barick, and i will join with your hopes and I will add its the gerats pleasure I can have to see you be fore I goe hence and be nomor seen I cant say: with you: on recolletion that I am old— In dede I am to old for Reefellicton— this I say to you becass in the next Letter you faover me with, pray teach me—for i think of your wisdom as a scund Solmon— So much for that. Pore Sally Peares is dead, She Left forr Children three grils one fine Boy. Which poor Peares writ to her father to take off him but has noe answr his is abot forr years old the olds gril is Egiht and Cliver gril, if I could aford it wo:d take her, Poor Mrs Wilkes, was verey kind to Sally thrue all her Illens & i assited with what I cold afford, She was in a Long decline, and the old father & Mothe as Poor ther brothour(?) and have onl thewlf ponds year to live one, thar at Richmond a Frnd to taker of the Children which saves him a searvt, but that cant Last long for i fearr his traed(?) will be son brack ope, but I will not dewll aney Longer one a subject so disstresg to you, God will taker off uss all I trust. Mr & [illegible] Send thear Love & best wihs to you & for your Saftiy Pray, you ones my Deer frined, exprest soomthing a wisih forr to have me come to you, but as I had not the Langeueg I could not etempet it, but now hear is a Charing young Lady miss Whitford says she will be my Chaperion if her father will give her Leve, why wee will come in the Later End off September.
Pleas to give my Love to Mr Timple Frankin In I most say Dew my hand Shacke I can say noe more but hurd I am Old(?), as ti is you will receavitt glady from Dear Sir your most obligd &c most Affct Servent
Margt Stevenson
Mr. Brown wil pes [torn] this Conveaer

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / To the care of Mr. Brown
Endorsed: This good Woman my dear Friend died the first of January following. She was about my Age. BF
Notation: Stevenson 24. 82.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Faesch, 25 July 1782
From: Faesch, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Paris ce 25. Juillet 1782.
J’ay entendû chez Monsr. Charles, Démonstrateur de Phisique, un harmonica, apartenant au Sr. hulmandel, Professeur de musique, on m’a assuré qu’il était de vôtre Invention, j’en ay été enchanté & je meurs d’Envie d’en posséder un pareil, mais malgré toutes mes recherches, je n’ay encore pû me le procurer, oserais-je vous Suplier de vouloir bien m’indiquer les moyens de parvenir à la possession d’un Semblable Instrument de musique, le plus Délicieux que je Connaisse au Monde, Je vous en aurai une obligation infinie.
J’ay l’honneur d’être avec la plus Respectueuse Considération Monsieur! Vôtre très humble & très obeissant Serviteur.
FaeschRûe & près la Porte St. Denis maison de Mr. sauvage.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.
Nantes July. 25. 1782.
The inclosed Letter I recvd by this days Post from my House at L’Orient. I am at same Time informed that the Sailors you wrote Williams Moore & Co about are set at Liberty.
I refer you to my last which was on the subject of your affairs with Mr de Chaumont.
I am as ever with the greatest Respect most dutifully & affectionately Yours.
Jona Williams J

Addressed: His Excellence / Benjamin Franklin / at / Passy
Notation: Jona. Williams July 25. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 26 July 1782
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend,
London 26 July 1782
You will have heared before you Receive this that Mr T. Td. is appointed Secretary of State for that department to which the American Corespondence belongs. He is, & has been for many years one of my most intimate Friends. A more honourable & honest Man do’s not exist. I have been Requested, in connection with him to undertake one branch of his Office, relating to America. The point which I have been Requested to undertake is the Case, or rather the diversity of Cases of the American Refugees, I understand that in the progress of this business, I shall be referred to a Corespondence with you, as matter may arise. My purpose therfor for the present is only to advertise you of this, in case you Should have any preliminary matter to give or to Receive elucidation upon. I am very Ready to undertake any matter which may be necessary or Instrumental towards peace especially in Connection with my worthy Friend Mr Townshend.
You know all my principles upon American pacification and Sweet Conciliation. I Shall always Remain in the Same. But the delegation of a Single point to me, Such as the Case of the Refugees, do’s not entitle me to advise upon the great Outlines or principles of Such pacific Negotiation. I shall retain my full Reservation in Such points as Events may justify. My personal motive for Saying this to you, is obvious. But in point of justice to those who have at present the direction of publick measures in this Country, I must Request of you, that this Caution of mine may be accepted only as personal to myself, & not as ferential upon the conduct of others, where I am not a party. Having taken a zealous part in the principles & Negotiations of Peace, I wish to Stand clear from any Collateral Constructions which might affect myself, and at the same time not to impose any Collateral or Inferential Constructions upon others. God prosper the Work of Peace & good Will as the Means of Peace amongst Men. I am ever your most Affectionat F[riend]
D H

Notations: Memm: 8th Septr Copy of a Letter from Mr H. to Dr Franklin, &ca / Copies of Letters from Mr David Hartley to Dr. Franklin of 26th. July, & 8th. Septr. 1782. / In Mr. Oswald’s. of 11th. Septr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— St. Clair, 26 July 1782
From: St. Clair de Roslin, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dunkirk july 26th. 1782
Your Excellency will receive this by Mr Joly a Worthy Clergyman who has attended me during part of my confinement and who is gone to Paris on his own affairs as I wrot to your Excellency’s Secretary some time ago I shall not enter into a detail regarding the reasons of my Detention but beg humbly leave to refer you to Mr Joly who is fully informed on that head both by me and the Grand Bailey every person here seems convinced of my innocency two days ago I received a most gracious letter from the Prince of Robecq wherein he expressed sorrow at not being in power to put an end to my confinement but that he expected daily orders from the Minister on that head the example of others in the same case gives me the greatest uneasiness I find it is not only necessary in such case to be innocent but likewise it is requisite to be reclaim’d there was a Mr De Latre a gentleman of this town who had intered the Dutch service who was taken up for the same reason and with as little foundation he remained a considerable time in Prison and would probably have remained till now had the Dutch Ambassador not reclaim’d him; others that have not been reclaim’d are here four and five months and are as likely to remain as many more. I did not think proper to trouble your Excellency till such time as I was acquainted that my innocency did not avail for the recovery of my liberty and that I would not be brought to trial and that my most sure way of a speedy deliverance would be to sollicit your good offices in my behalf. As I acquainted your Excellency’s Secretary’s some time ago the manner in which I came to this town and as you probably may recollect me having paid my respects to you the end of last December on my road from Spain to this place I think it unnecessary to repeat any thing on that subject. Upon my arrival here I found the Late St Clair of Roslin was so displeased at my entering the American Service that he left his fortune to my two younger Brothers.
I shall be happy to know if Commodore Gillon is as yet arrived in America as it will then be probably necessary for me to return to America in order to obtain redress for the injury he has done me and continue my Duty. In the firm persuasion of your Excellency’s good offices with the Minister I remain your Excellency’s Most humble and most Devoted Servant
St. ClairLt of Marines the State of South Carolina

Addressed: A / Son Excellence B Franklin Ministre / Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unies au près / de Sa Majesté tres Chretienne / a / Passy
Notation: St. Clair, Dunkerque, July 26, 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from C. Drogart, 27 July 1782
From: Drogart, C.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Nantes July 27th. 1782
May I presume to acquaint you that I have directed the Business of the House of Penet DaCosta freres & Co. and that of Penet distinctly whilst I thought their dealings consistent with the Principles of Honour & Honesty. With the latter I relinquish’d all kind of Intercourse from the time I condescended to write in Paris Octr. the 30th Ulto. the letter to you touching a loan he said he could obtain for the State of Virginia amounting to Six hundred thousand livres tournois provided you would be pleas’d to put your visa to his Bills amounting to a 100 pistols each. Your declension on that account was both Prudent & safe for the State of Virginia. Time has Justify’d your measures, as well as my subsequent Conduct my Character. No doubt your Excellency is not ignorant that the Commercial Agent Gl. was oblig’d to disappear & surrender what he could not carry away with him to his Creditors. I am happy to have withdrawn timely & Publicly by that step I saved my Reputation unblemish’d.
My time not being at present engross’d by the little Business I carry on my own account, I would readily embrace some Reputable Connection. Therefore, I beg, when opportunity offers itself that you would be pleas’d to honour me with your recommendation which I would gratefully acknowledge according to my endeavours. I understand tolerably the American Language; the inclosed I have sent as a specimen of my little Knowledge in spelling Political matters. I beseech you would forgive my Temerity; it proceeds from a heart truly attach’d to the Interest of the Americans.
I am with profound Respect. Sir Your most obedient & very humble servant
C∴ Drogart.
His Excellency the Honble. Doctor Franklin.

Notation: Drogart July 27 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Baron Grantham, 27 July 1782
From: Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Whitehall: 27t: July 1782
As the first Object of my Wishes, is to contribute to the Establishment of an honourable & lasting Peace, I address myself without Ceremony to you, upon the Conviction that you agree with me in this Principle. If I was not convinced that it was also the Real System of the Ministers of this Country, I should not now be cooperating with them. The Step they had already taken in sending Mr Grenville to Paris is a Proof of their Intentions; & as that Gentleman does not return to his Station there, I trust that the immediate Appointment of a Person to Succeed him will testify my Agreement with the Principles upon which he was employed. I therefore beg leave to recommend Mr. Fitzherbert to your Acquaintance who has the King’s Commands to repair to Paris.
As I have not the Advantage of being known to you, I can claim no Pretense for my Application to you, but my publick Situation, & my Desire to merit your Confidence upon a Subject of so much Importance as a Pacification between the Parties now engaged in a Calamitous War.
I have the Honour to be with great Regard Sir. Your most obedt humble servant
Grantham
B. Franklin Esqr.—Drat [Draft]Drat. to Dr. Franklin. July 27t: 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Earl of Shelburne, 27 July 1782
From: Shelburne, William Petty, Earl of
To: Franklin, Benjamin

On the day Shelburne wrote the following letter, he also accepted as a basis for conducting negotiations the necessary terms that Franklin had communicated to Oswald on July 10. Shelburne informed Oswald on July 27 that “a Commission will be immediately forwarded to you, containing Full Powers to treat and to conclude, with Instructions from the Minister [Townshend] who has succeeded to the Department which I lately held, to make the Independancy of the Colonies the Basis & Preliminary of the Treaty now depending & so far advanc’d, that hoping, as I do with you, that the Articles call’d adviseable will be dropp’d, & those call’d necessary alone retain’d as the Ground of Discussion, it may be speedily Concluded.” He also told Oswald that he had never made a secret of the concern he felt over the separation “of Countries united by Blood, by Principles, Habits, & every Tie short of Territorial Proximity.— But you very well know that I have long since given it up decidedly tho’ reluctantly: and the same motives which made me perhaps the last to give up all Hope of the union, makes me most anxious if it is given up, that it shall be done decidedly, so as to avoid all further Risque of Enmity, & lay the Foundation of a new Connection better adapted to the present Temper & Interests of both Countries. In this View, I go further with Dr. Franklin perhaps than he is aware of, & farther perhaps than the profess’d Advocates of Independance are prepar’d to admit.” Shelburne confessed that his private opinion would lead him to work for federal union, but questioned whether either country was ripe for it. He also enclosed two documents as proof of his consistency.
Not only did Shelburne concede the necessity of acknowledging American independence as part of a preliminary peace agreement, but he also accepted Franklin’s terms demanding the restriction of the borders of Quebec, and American admittance to the fisheries. Franklin had broken off discussions with Oswald on July 12, only two days after presenting his demands. It seems likely that the pressure this put on Shelburne affected at least the timing of the concessions announced here. The winning of those concessions was therefore one of Franklin’s greatest accomplishments as a diplomat.

Sir,
Shelburne House, July 27, 1782.
I am much obliged by the honour of your letter of the 12th. instant. You do me most acceptable justice in supposing my happiness intimately connected with that of mankind, and I can with truth assure you, it will give me great satisfaction in every situation to merit the continuance of your good opinion.
I have the honour to be, with very sincere regard, and esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
Shelburne.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 28 July 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

À Versailles le 28. Juillet 1782.
J’ai reçû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 24. de ce mois, ainsi que les deux piéces qui y étoient jointes. Les contradictions qu’elles renferment sont dignes de remarques; non-seulement elles s’entredétruisent réciproquement, mais elles sont aussi l’une et l’autre dans une opposition manifeste avec les Déclarations Ministérielles faites par M. Grenville.
Il paroit que Le Lord Shelburne a plus en vüe de mettre la division entre le Roi et les Etats-unis que de promouvoir une paix juste et durable: mais il y a lieu de croire que ce Ministre ne tardera pas à être pleinement convaincu que son plan est essentiellement vicieux, et qu’il ne sauroit trop tôt le changer, si la paix fait l’objet de Ses sollicitudes.
Quant au Roi, Monsieur, la bonne foi et la fidélité düe à Ses alliés dirigeront invariablement Sa conduite,—comme la justice et la modération Seront les bazes inébranlables du Système pacifique adopté par Sa Majesté. Si le Ministère Anglois veut rendre hommage à ces principes, il réussira facilement à rétablir la paix à des conditions raisonnables; mais S’il continüe à changer sans-cesse de vües et de marches, s’il ne veut qu’intriguer au lieu de négocier Sérieusement, il S’expose gratuitement à se compromettre, et il prolonge de gaïeté de cœur les calamités de la guerre.
Au reste, Monsieur, c’est au Lord Shelburne lui-même, qui tient actüellement le timon des affaires de l’Angre. [Angleterre], à faire ces réflexions; nous ne pouvons que désirer qu’elles n’échapent pas à Sa Sagacité, et attendre que ce Ministre nous informe des Suites qu’il jugera à propos de donner soit à la négociation entamée par M. Grenville, soit à la réponse donnée, en dernier lieu, par le Ministère Anglois aux Cours de Vienne et de St. Petersbourg.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très-parfaitement, Monsieur, votre très-humble et très-obéïssant serviteur.
De Vergennes
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 30 July 1782
From: Wright, Patience
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honor’d Sir
London July 30th 1782
After my most hearty and Sincer love to you and your grandson—Friends &ce.
I have The pleasure to tell you my hopes is more fixt on you then Ever My Inthuizam encreases Evry day and from good authority Can Say my politicall Creed is well founded: you will be Very Shortly Calld upon by the People—. (Providence Whome I trust) will Call all the wise honest hearted togethr and EXPOSE this Shameful Condoctt of Weckedness: our People are now in good Earnest to be wise and use those powers god and nature has gave them: now is the time for our great and good men to apeare in the behalf of a Ingured and opressd People and do Honor to themselves and to mankind My Confidence in you and high Esteem for Mr Wm Frankling togethr with the Courage Condoct and wisdom of our good men belonging to the diferent Soceatys: will oblige the devil to flye and then the Authors of war will go also with him: and peace and Plenty take Place the Publick Funds is what Keeps all back Pray help our Credit: you Can do it and give the good offic that help to the Bank So Nessecery; a letter in [torn: our(?)] Credet and a line of Friendship to us will bring Thousands your Friends and make Peace on the most Honourable terms to all Nations— Our Manufacterors are going off per way of Ireland to America and the Lyoal town of Manchester feals the effects of Sound Polecy abroad we now are Eassy things work Round to the grand Reform our old friend Strahn with others is a Patroat it Causes much Chearful Conversation to See Inns and outs— This deferint hops and fears while our great man thinks himself very Safe in his Army with the art and deception of his Consort and his first Servants &c Ms Stephenson is well Mrs Hustson sends her love to you and wishs much that I had Calld on her to acompany me to Paris you may See more of your old friends then you Expect if we dont prevent them by Sending for you to DOVER as is Expected by me and others of Strong Faith— I have had the honor to See and hope with good Reasin I beleve my arrivall in London was attended with good: as my opertunitys is great and I find a disposistion to Speak proper truth.
I am very hapy to here by mr whitford and others that My Son is Painting you Portrite We Expect a ordr from the Comon Councill very soon and So by the ordrs of the City or Part of them for your Picture to be Painted by Jos Wright and presented to those or to whome or where it may do most Honour—the perticulrs are now in Contemplation a few weeks will determen so Pleasing a Vote and So proper act at this time when all Parties Seem to be more in ther Sence, and Joyne with me in wishing to Shew all Possable Testimonies of their love and high Esteem to you by making Publick Declaration and gloring in ther doing Justece to great Men
P. Wright

Addressed: For His Exelency / B. Frankling / Passey
Notation: Wright 30 July—1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, 31 July 1782
From: Cuming & Macarty
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
L’Orient 31st. July 1782
We take the Liberty again of troubling you with the papers, relating to a prize taken by the Brig General Galvés Capt. Silas Jones of Salem—
We beg leave to request your Execellency will please to Order the necessary paper to be forwarded to us by post, as Soon as possible.
We are most Respectfully sir your most obedt Serts.
Cuming & Macarty

Endorsed: The Anthony, a Brigantine, Captain George Barans, of London Taken from Africa by the General Galvez Capt. Silas Jones of Salem in New England the 24th of June. Brought into L’Orient
Notation: Cuming & Maccarty 31. Juillet 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Target, 31 July 1782
From: Target, Guy-Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

31. juillet 1782
Je presente L’hommage de ma venération a Monsieur Franklin; plus ignorant quon ne peut dire, dans la Langue Angloise, J’ai Lu pourtant avec plaisir, l’ouvrage de M. de Crevecœur; par là je ne sai, si je peux juger quil a du en faire un peu a Monsieur Franklin; je le souhaite beaucoup et je prens a ses jouissances, Linterêt que Les honnetes gens doivent prendre a toutes celles d’un ami de L’humanité. Il me semble quil y a dans ce livre, bien du naturel et bien de la simplicité. Je desirerois que cela fut aussi decisif en guerre, que respectable au milieu de la paix. Malheureusemt. il faut avoir la guerre pour obtenir la paix, et peutêtre Les qualités dont on a besoin pour se bien batre, sont elles fort différentes de celles qui font le bonheur du monde, quand on s’est bien battu. Je m’en raporte a mon maitre, en morale, en politique, en physique, en tout. Je le salue avec un profond respect, et je le prie de maccorder quelque amitié, pour prix de ma veneration. Je cherche en finissant un autre mot que celui par lequel j’ai commencé et je ne saurois en trouver dautre.
M. de Crevecœur demeure a Caën en normandie, chez M. duperré de Lisle, Lieutenant général, Rue des Croisiés.
Target

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin, ministre / plénipotentiaire des Etats unis / de Lamerique / A Passy
Notation: Target 31 Juillet 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, July 1782
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston July. [blank] 1782
Mr William Foster, the Bearer of this Letter, is a Native and a Merchant of this Town, he is a Gentleman of Character and firmly Attached to the Cause of America, Permit me to introduce him to your Acquaintance & to reccommend him to your Friendly Notice. Sir Guy Carlton is at New York, he has not as yet made any Propositions to Congress, however let him Propose what he will, It appears to be the determination of the United States not to Consent to any Peace but what Includes Independance & Concert with our generous Ally; and the late Extraordinary Change in the British Ministry, I am Confident, will tend to add to the firmness and Vigor of our Councils and Proceedings and The Resolutions of the Several Assemblies, that have been passed since Sr Guy’s Arrivall, I am perswaded, will Convince you that they are sensible that their Honor and Interest require a Strict & firm Adherence to the Engagements of their Alliance and a just Veneration for National Faith. I conclude with wishing you Health & All the Happiness you Can desire during the remainder of yr Life & am with great respect yr most obedt humble Sert
Thomas Cushing
His Excellency Benja Franklin Esqr LLD

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States / at the Court of Versailes
Notation: Foster


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nogaret, July 1782
From: Nogaret
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellent Docteur et très cher f∴
Juillet 1782
Recevez nos Sinceres remercimens du cadeau sans prix que vous avez eu la bonté de nous faire. Le Peintre ne nous la remis qu’aujourd’hui jeudi. Puissiez vous vivre autant que durera votre portrait. Ce bijou devient un immeuble dont personne de nous ne peut jamais être tenté de se déffaire: il passera dans la famille de pere en fils, et Sera respecté des générations futures qui l’auront, quand la famille de son possesseur sera éteinte. Ma femme devrait vous aller assûrer, chez vous, de toute sa sensibilité; Mais vous avez tant d’affaires, et nous sommes si peu sûrs de vous voir sans vous gêner, que nous croirions commettre une indiscretion, si nous entreprenions ce petit voyage, sans avoir obtenu de vous la faveur d’être avertis du jour où notre présence ne vous Sera pas importune.
  Permettez, sage Docteur, Le plus Vénérable de tous les V∴ que je vous embrasse trois fois sur les deux joues, cinq si vous voulez; et que je m’engage à avoir la gorge coupée plutot que d’oublier jamais combien m’est precieuse votre amitié paternelle et fraternelle.
Tels Sont les sentimens de votre respectueux et fïdele serviteur
F∴ FELIX-Nogaret

Notation: F. Nogaret, Juillet 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Watson & Cossoul, 1 August 1782
From: Watson & Cossoul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Nantes. 1st. Augt. 1782
We are extreamly mortify’d that the circumstances of our business obliges us to trouble your Excellency so often: at present we wish to be furnish’d with a commission for the ship to our address mention’d in our last, to qualify her as letter of marque: She is call’d the Argo of 350 Tons burthen own’d in America by Messrs. Saml. R. Trevit & Co. and mounts 20, 9lb. & 18 pounders and is commanded by Saml R. Trevit the ship being nearly ready for sea, we shall be happy to be fav’d with the commission by return of the post.
In case any passengers should offer, it is indispensable that they come on immediately. We are with esteem Your Excellency’s Very Hl sts.
Watson & Cossoul
His Excellency Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency Doct. Franklin / à / Passy
Notation: Watson & Cossoul Nantes 1er. Aout 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Jean-Charles Poncelin de La Roche-Tilhac, 2 August 1782
From: Poncelin de La Roche-Tilhac, abbé Jean-Charles
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 2. aout 1782.
Votre goût distingué pour la litterature, et la protection que vous accordés à ceux qui cultivent les belles lettres, m’engagent à recourir à vous, pour en obtenir quelques éclaircissements dont j’ai besoin, pour terminer un ouvrage que je me propose de publier. Cet ouvrage, Monsieur, a pour objet l’etat actuel de l’Amerique. Comme j’y fais entrer les noms des principaux Officiers qui composent l’administration de chaque province, oserais-je vous prier d’avoir la bonté de me faire donner la liste de ceux qui sont à la tête des treize provinces unies que vous representés en france. Si je connaissais quelque ouvrage imprimé, ou ce dénombrement se trouvât, je me donnerais bien de garde, de vous importuner sur ce sujet, et de vous derober des moments precieux que vous employés si utilement aux interêts de l’Europe. Je ne prétends pas d’ailleurs exiger de vous que vous vous donniés la peine de faire vous même cette liste. Je me borne à vous prier d’avoir la bonté d’adresser, à ce sujet, vos ordres à l’un de vos secretaires. Permettés, Monsieur, que je vous temoigne d’avance les sentiments de reconnaissance que merite le bienfait que j’ose espérer de vos bontés, et que j’unisse ma voix à celle de toute l’Europe, pour prier le ciel qu’il daigne prolonger le cours d’une vie que vous couvrés chaque jour de nouveaux l’auriers.
J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec un profond Respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
L’abbé DE LA ROCHE-TILHAC,conseiller à la table de marbre.

Ruë Garanciere Près st. sulpice./.M. francklin. a Passy

Notation: La Roche Tillac 2 Août 1782.