Title: David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorial and Proposed Article, [19 May 1783]
From: Hartley, David
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

          Formal negotiations between the United States and Great Britain to
            establish a trade agreement and conclude the definitive peace treaty broke down almost
            immediately over the exchange of credentials. When Franklin, Adams, Jay, and Laurens met
            with British representative David Hartley on April 27 and discovered that he had not
            been granted any particular authority, they refused to negotiate formally until he
            received a commission under the Great Seal conferring full powers equivalent to their
            own. Hartley immediately wrote for such a commission, but in the meantime informal
            discussions continued. Hartley gave the American peace commissioners a document that he
            had sent to Franklin a month earlier—his proposed “Supplemental Treaty” regarding the
            opening of trade—and a memorandum explaining it. Two days later, on April 29, the
            Americans presented him with a set of three draft articles, the first of which concerned
            trade, which they asked him to forward to London. Regarding them as largely
            unobjectionable, Hartley forwarded them that same day to Charles James Fox,
            the new British secretary of state for foreign affairs, describing them as having been
            drawn up that morning “between the American Ministers and myself.”
          Fox waited until May 15 to answer. He rejected outright the three draft articles,
            accusing Hartley of either having misunderstood his instructions or deliberately
            ignoring them. The most problematic article was the first one, which would have granted
            American ships full reciprocity in carrying goods into British ports. Hartley’s
            instructions, Fox reminded him, specified that American ships would only be permitted to
            carry American produce. If the American commissioners entertained expectations of full
            reciprocity, it would be “an insuperable Obstacle.” Fox enclosed an Order in Council of
            May 14 which specified that only oil or nonmanufactured goods or merchandise from
            America would be allowed to enter British ports on the same basis as formerly. He also
            enclosed a commission that the king signed on May 14, granting Hartley full powers to
            negotiate, conclude, and sign treaties, conventions, or any other instruments with
            ministers authorized by “our Good Friends the United States of America.” Fox warned him,
            however, that he was not to sign any treaty without the king’s approval, and emphasized
            that the king wanted this business concluded as soon as possible.
          On May 19 Hartley met with the American commissioners at Adams’ residence, where they
            exchanged commissions. Hartley’s was “very magnificent,” according to Adams, having the
            Great Seal affixed to it in a silver box with gold tassels. Hartley expressed regret at
            the Order in Council, which he found unjust. The parties agreed to meet daily at six
            o’clock in the evening at Adams’ lodgings until the work was finished. Their first
            session was held on Wednesday, May 21. On that day, Hartley gave the Americans the
            memorial and proposed article published below.
          The actual papers that Hartley handed to the Americans have been lost, though many
            contemporary copies survive. The variations among them have posed a challenge to the
            present editors. Hartley must not have dated the sheets, as none of the American
            legation copies is dated; they bear notations, however, indicating that Hartley
            delivered them on May 21. Hartley’s own copies, made by his
            secretary as a record of what he sent to Fox, are dated May 19, but those texts are not
            identical to what the Americans received: the memorial differs slightly in its wording
            and the proposed article does not include the preamble. Because Hartley refers to these documents by the
            date of May 19 in his subsequent correspondence with the American commissioners as well
            as with Fox we place them under that date, recognizing that he could have amended them
            at any time before the May 21 meeting. Regardless of when they assumed their final form,
            the texts published below are authoritative versions of what the Americans received,
            being endorsed by John Adams and retained as part of his official record of the
            negotiations. The memorial was copied by Franklin’s secretary Jean L’Air de Lamotte, and
            its notation is in the hand of William Temple Franklin, the official legation secretary.
            The copy of the preamble and proposal was made by William Temple Franklin himself.
          Hartley’s memorial, while ostensibly addressed to the American peace commissioners,
            seems equally designed to placate Fox. The opening section hardly seems necessary for
            the Americans: it recapitulates events they knew well, and quotes back to them a text
            that they themselves had written. The heart of the memorial, in which Hartley explains
            why he is changing the terms of their previous agreement (paragraphs four through six),
            quotes nearly verbatim from Fox’s letter to Hartley of April 10. The British negotiator could no longer be
            accused of ignoring his instructions.

          I.

            [May 19, 1783]

          A Proposition having been offered by the American Ministers for the Consideration of
            his Britannic Majesty’s Ministers, and of the British Nation, for an entire &
            reciprocal Freedom of Intercourse and Commerce between Great Britain and the American
            United States, in the following Words, viz,

          “That all Rivers, Harbours, Lakes, Ports & Places belonging to the United States,
            or any of them, shall be open and free to the Merchants and other Subjects of the Crown
            of Great Britain, and their trading Vessels, who shall be received, treated and
            protected, like the Merchants and trading Vessels of the State in which they may be, and
            be liable to no other Charges or Duties.
          “And reciprocally that all Rivers, Harbours, Lakes, Ports and Places under the Dominion
            of his Britannic Majesty, shall be open and free to the Merchant & trading Vessels
            of the said United States, & of each and every of them, who shall be received,
            treated and protected, like the Merchants and trading Vessels of Great Britain & be
            liable to no other Charges and Duties, saving always to the chartered trading Companies
            of Great Britain such exclusive Use and Trade of their respective Ports and
            establishments, as neither the other Subjects of Great Britain, or any of the most
            favored Nation participate in.” It is to be observed that this Proposition implies a
            more ample Participation of British Commerce than the American States possessed even
            under their former Connexion of Dependence upon Great Britain, so as to amount to an
            entire Abolition of the British Act of Navigation, in respect to the thirteen United
            States of America; and altho’ proceeding on their part from the most conciliatory and
            liberal Principles of Amity and Reciprocity, nevertheless it comes from them as newly
            established States, & who in Consequence of their former Condition of Dependence
            have never yet had any established System of national commercial Laws, or of commercial
            Connexions by Treaties with other Nations, free and unembarassed of many weighty
            Considerations, which require the most scrupulous Attention, and Investigation on the
            Part of Great Britain, whose antient System of national and commercial Policy, is thus
            suddenly called upon to take a new Principle for its Foundation, and whose commercial
            Engagements with other ancient States, may be most materially affected thereby. For the
            Purpose therefore of giving sufficient time, for the Consideration and Discussion of so
            important a Proposition, respecting the present established System of the commercial
            Policy and Laws of Great Britain, and their subsisting commercial Engagements with
            foreign Powers, It is proposed that a temporary Intercourse of
            Commerce shall be established between Great Britain and the American States, previously
            to the Conclusion of any final and perpetual Compact. In this intervening Period, as the
            strict Line & Measure of Reciprocity from various Circumstances cannot be absolutely
            and compleatly adhered to, it may be agreed that the Commerce between the two Countries
            shall revive, as nearly as can be upon the same footing and Terms as formerly subsisted
            between them; provided always that no Concession on either Side in the proposed
            temporary Convention, shall be argued hereafter in support of any future Demand or
            Claim. In the mean time the Proposition above stated may be transmitted to London,
            requesting (with his Majesty’s Consent) that it may be laid before Parliament for their
            Consideration.
          It is proposed therefore that the unmanufactured Produce of the United States shd. be
            admitted into Great Britain without any other Duties (those imposed during the War
            excepted) than those to which they were formerly liable. And it is expected in return that the Produce
            and Manufactures of Great Britain shd. be admitted into the United States in like
            Manner. If there shd. appear any Want of reciprocity in this proposal, upon the Grounds
            of asking Admission for British Manufactures into America, while no such Indulgence is
            given to American Manufactures in Great Britain; The Answer is obvious, That the
            Admission of British Manufactures into America is an Object of great Importance and
            equally productive of Advantage to both Countries; while on the other hand, the
            Introduction of American manufactures into Great Britain, can be of no Service to
            either, and may be productive of innumerable Frauds, by enabling Persons so disposed, to
            pass foreign European Goods, either prohibited or liable to great Duties by the British
            Laws, for American Manufactures.
          With regard to the west Indies, there is no Objection to the most free Intercourse
            between them and the United States. The only Restriction proposed to be laid upon that
            Intercourse, is prohibiting American Ships carrying to those
            Colonies any other Merchandize than the Produce of their own Country. The same
            Observation may be made upon this Restriction as upon the former. It is not meant to
            affect the Interest of the United States, but it is highly necessary, least foreign
            Ships shd. make Use of the American Flag to carry on a Trade with the British west
            Indian Islands.
          It is also proposed upon the same Principle to restrain the Ships that may trade to
            great Britain from America, from bringing foreign Merchandize into Great Britain. The
            Necessity of this Restriction is likewise evident, unless Great Britain meant to give up
            her whole Navigation Act. There is no Necessity of any Similar Restrictions on the Part
            of the American States, those States not having as yet any Acts of Navigation.—

          Notations by William Temple Franklin:
            Mr. Hartley’s Observations & Propositions, left with the American Ministers the 21
            May 1783. / Mr. Hartley’s, Observations, & Propositions 21. May 1783.

          II.
          Preamble to the following Agreement as proposed by Mr.
              Hartley
          Whereas it is highly necessary that an Intercourse of Trade &
            Commerce should be open’d between the People & Territories belonging to the Crown of
            Great Britain and the People & Territories of the United States of America: And
            whereas it is highly expedient that the Intercourse between Great Britain and the said
            United States should be established on the most enlarged Principles of reciprocal
            Benefit to both Countries; but from the Distance between Great Britain & America, it
            must be a considerable time before any Convention or Treaty for establishing and
            regulating the Trade and Intercourse between Great Britain and the said United States of
            America, upon a permanent Foundation can be concluded: Now for the purpose of making a
            temporary Regulation of the Commerce and Intercourse between Great Britain and the said
            United States of America—It &ca.

          Mr. Hartley’s proposed Agreement.
          It is agreed that all the Citizens of the United States of America, shall be permitted
            to import into, and export from any Part of his Britannic Majesty’s Dominions, in
            American Ships, any Goods, Wares & Merchandize, which have been so imported or
            exported by the Inhabitants of the British American Colonies, before the Commencement of
            the War, upon Payment of the same Duties & Charges, as the like sort of Goods or
            Merchandize are now or may be subject & liable to, if imported by British Subjects,
            in British Ships from any British Island or Plantation in America: And that all the
            Subjects of his Britannic Majesty shall be permitted to import and to export from any
            Part of the Territories of the thirteen United States of America, in British Ships, any
            Goods, Wares & Merchandize, which might have been so imported or exported by the
            Subjects of his Britannic Majesty, before the Commencement of the War upon Payment of
            the same Duties & Charges, as the like sort of Goods, Wares & Merchandize are
            now, or may be subject and liable to, if imported in American Ships, by any of the
            Citizens of the United States of America.
          This Agreement to continue in force until [blank] Provided
            always that nothing contained in this Agreement, shall at any time hereafter, be argued
            on either side, in support of any future Demand or Claim.—

          Notations: [by
              John Adams] Mr Hartleys Proposition of 21 May 1783 / [by
              William Temple Franklin] Mr. Hartley’s proposed Agreement—deliver’d in the 21st.
            May 1783. for the Consideration of the American Ministers.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monday Evening 19 May 1783.

          Mr. Laurens presents his respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin
            & thanks the Doctor for his goodness in sending the American News Papers, Mr. L.
            will convey them to Mr. Adams to morrow.

          Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor
            Franklin / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Viscount Mountmorres, [19 May? 1783]
From: Mountmorres, Sir Hervey Redmond Morres, Viscount
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monday. [May 19, 1783?]

          Lord Mountmorres has the honour to inform Dr Franklin that he leaves
            Paris on Thursday morning & that if he has any commands for England he shall be
            happy to execute them.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le
            Docteur / Franklin A Passy.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 20 May 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

            Dear Sir,
            Passy 20. May 1783.

          The Bearer, M. de Bannes is exceedingly well recommended to me by Persons of the first
            Distinction in this Country. He goes
            over to America with a View of seeing the Country, & of being serviceable to the
            Government here, who may here after probably confer on him one of the Counsulships. He
            appears to be a sensible Young Man, and will I doubt not, make himself agreable. Permit
            me to request for him your kind Notice and Civilities, & that you will favour him
            with your best Counsels, if he should at any time stand in need of them.

          With great and sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient
            and most humble Servant.

            B Franklin
            Revd. Dr Cooper.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Chabrit, 20 May 1783
From: Chabrit, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur le Docteur,
            à Paris le 20 Mai 1783.

          Permettés que J’offre à un homme qui doit donner des Loix au nouveau monde, le premier
            volume de l’histoire de celles d’un des grands peuples de l’ancien: Je serois au comble de mes vœux, si le
            législateur de l’Amérique m’avoit Jugé digne de ses conseils.

          Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur le Docteur, Votre très humble et très
            obéïssant serviteur

            Chabrit
            Rue des fossés de M. le Prince.

          Notation: Chabri 20 May 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Julie Rutledge d’Herbigny, 20 May 1783
From: Rutledge d’Herbigny, Marie-Julie
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Most honorable Sir,
            reims ce 20 mai 1783

          Give me leave to assure Your Excelence of my Gratitu’d Mr le Comte de Vergennes has
            been So good as to obtain me from his majesty a pension Sur le
              fond des Eccossois tho’ the Some his very Smale I have the Same Obligasion to
            your Excelence, and beg youl Continue me the honnor of your protection, perhaps I am the
            only in france who has the honnor to be related to a member of Your Congress, I beg
            leave to Send you a paquet for Mr Rutledge.
          Give me leave to assure Your Excelence of my gratitu’d wishs for you and your Countrys
            prosperity attachement and Respect.
          I am with respect Most honorable Sir Your most humble and most oblidged Servante

            Rutledge
              DHERBIGNY

            I beg youl excuse my bad English
            my direction md dherbigny ché. Mr labbe Rutledge chanoine a
                reims


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes: Proposal, [20 May 1783]
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              [May 20, 1783]

            L’Intention de sa Majesté le Roi T. C. [Très Chrétien] et les Etats
              Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale en concluant entr’eux un Traité d’Amitié et de
              Commerce, aiant été de faire jouir leurs Sujets respectifs de tous les Avantages
              Privileges et Exemtions dont jouissent ou pourront jouir les Nations les plus
              favorisées; et sa dte. [dite] Mté. T. C. et les dits Etats Unis voulant prevenir les
              mesentendus qui pourroient avoir lieu par une fausse application des Artes. 2. et 3 du
              Traité de Commerce du 6 fevrier 1778.
              ont cru devoir determiner d’une maniere precise les principes qui devront etre suivis
              de part et d’autre sur la matiere dont il est question. En consequence sa de. [dite]
              Majeste Le Roi T. C. a nommé et constitué … … ..
            Et le Congres des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale … … ..
              lesquels aprés s’etre communiqués … … .. sont convenus des Articles suivans.

            Article 1er.
            Pour interpréter en tant que besoin est l’Article 2 du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce
              conclû le 6 fevrier 1778 Les Etats Unis declarent que tous les Avantages privileges et
              exemptions qui sont accordés ou pourront être accordés à
              l’avenir, sur le fait de la Navigation et du Commerce, a quelque Nation, Puissance ou
              Etat que ce puisse être, seront communs à la françoise et que celle ci en jouira
              conformement a l’article 3 du Traité susmentionné sans qu’en aucun cas ou sous quelque
              pretexte que ce soit les dits Etats puissent exiger de compensation de la Part de Sa
              Mté: T. C.

            Article 2.
            Sa Majesté Tres Chretien promêt et s’engage de son Côté, de faire jouir conformement
              a l’Article 3. mentionné ci-dessus, les Sujets des Etats Unis de tous les Avantages
              privileges et Exemtions dont jouissent ou pourront jouir a l’avenir les Nations les
              plus favorisées, et ce sans exiger de leur part aucune compensation.

            Article 3.
            La presente Convention sera ratifié par sa Majesté T. C. et par les Etats unis dans
              l’espace de trois mois à compter de ce jour, ou plustôt si faire se peut.
            En foi de quoi, nous &ca. &ca. &ca.
            Count de Vergenne’s proposed new Articles, delivered to B Franklin
              the 20th. May 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ernst Frederik von Walterstorff, 20 May 1783
From: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederik von
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Rue neuve St. Augustin, au coin de La ruë Ste. Anne. May 20th.
              [1783]

          M. de Walterstorff presents his respectfull compliments to Dr.
            Franklin, requesting the honour of his Company to dinner on monday next the 26th.
            instant at 3 o’Clock.—

          Addressed: The right honourable / Dr.
            Franklin / at / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Viny and Family, 21 May 1783
From: Viny, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dr Sir
            Wheel Manufactory Black Friars Road May the 21st. 1783

          I hope you will forgive my trespassing on your most valuable moments, but I could not
            forego the Oppertunity by favor of Mosr Du Chateau, to express my great pleasure in
            hearing of your Health &c. O Sir, how happy shou’d I be, once more to take you by
            the hand, but from a Line I read of yours at Cheam I have but little hopes as I am confind, but
            happy beyond Expression, having such Friends that have hitherto supported me in the
            fulest degree possible, against the unnatural reverse Conduct of the Jacobs. Mrs V. and my dear Girls in No 3 are well, and most sincerely rejoice in your felicity. With the most hearty Affection
            permit us to subscribe ourselves most sincerely yours

            Jno. VinyR W Viny.R. J. VinyE VinyR J Viny
              FOR PIN
              Basket Mary

            PS I have furnish’d Mr Du
              Chateau with a Set of Wheels I much wish you Cou’d see as I think you will say I have
              not forgot how to do the Buisness well
            Will my Friend honor me with a Sheet of Paper tho his Name alone should be
              thereon.

          Addressed: His Excellency Dr. B.
            Franklin / By favor of Monsr. Du Chateau
          Notation: Viny 21 May 1783


Title: William Temple Franklin to David Hartley, 21 May 1783
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Hartley, David

          After Hartley gave his proposed article to the American peace
            commissioners on the evening of May 21 (see Hartley’s memorial and proposed article,
            [May 19]), the Americans withdrew for discussion. Unsure of whether Hartley had the
            authority to sign it without consultation with his court, they decided to pose the
            question in writing. John Adams drafted a letter, and Franklin suggested that it be sent
            under Temple’s signature. The present letter is Temple’s adaptation of Adams’ draft.
          The next morning, Adams drafted a formal proposal for a temporary trade agreement that
            adapted Hartley’s proposal. He inserted an article calling for the ministers to be
            nominated and vested with full powers to conclude a permanent commercial treaty, and
            incorporated Hartley’s article almost verbatim as Article 2.
          Around the same time, John Jay also drafted a provisional trade convention. While there
            is no evidence that Jay’s three articles were ever presented to Hartley, the issues they
            raised were certainly discussed (see the annotation below), and the commissioners copied
              them into the legation letterbooks. The first
            article banned the British importation of slaves into America, “It being the Intention
            of the said States intirely to prohibit the Importation thereof.” The second granted
            Ireland the right to negotiate its own trade agreements with the United States. The
            third emphasized the strictly temporary character of the convention, as “the Discussion
            of Questions respecting reciprocity has in forming of it been avoided.”

            Sir
            Paris May 21st 1783

          The American Ministers have done me the honour to direct me to present you their
            Compliments, and to desire to be informed, whether the Proposition you made them this
            Evening, is such as you can agree to & subscribe without further Instructions or
            Information from your Court?
          I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servt

            W T Franklin
            His Excellency D Hartley Esqr

          Notation by David Hartley: Answered in
            person—That I would write to London for special instructions


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 22 May 1783
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand

            Sir,
            Paris May 22: 1783.

          We have received the Letter you did us the honour to write us on the 10th. Day of this
            Month, containing a brief State of the affairs of the United States in your hands.
          We see the Difficulties you are in, and are sorry to say that it is not in our Power to
            afford you any Relief.
          We have the Honour to be &c.

            To Mr. Grand.


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 22 May 1783
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan,Staphorst, Nicholas & Jacob van,La Lande & Fynje, De

            Gentlemen,
            Paris may 22. 1783

          Mr. Grand, has laid before us, a State of the affairs of the United States under his
              Care, and the Demands upon him for
            money to discharge the Bills drawn upon him, are such as to require some assistance from
            you, if the Demands upon you will admit of it. If therefore, the State of the Cash in
            your Hands compared with the Draughts made upon you, will allow of it, We advise you, to
            remit to Mr. Grand on account of the United States the Amount of five hundred Thousand
            Livres Tournois, and we doubt not that Congress and their Minister of Finances, will
            approve of it, although we have not in strictness Authority to give orders for it.
          We have the honor to be, Gentlemen, &c

            To Messrs. Wilhem & Jean Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van
              Staphorst, & De La Lande & Fynge, Bankers of the United States of America at
              Amsterdam.


Title: Letter in Support of Pierre-André Gargaz, 22 May 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

            Sir,
            Passy, May 22. 1783

          The Bearer Pierre André Gargaz is Author of a very humane Project for establishing a
            perpetual Peace. This has interested me much in his
            Behalf: He appears to me a very honest sensible Man, & worthy of better Fortune: For
            tho’ his Project may appear in some respects chimerical, there is Merit in so good an
            Intention. He has serv’d faithfully 20 Years as a Gally-Slave, and now requests Letters
            of Rehabilitation, that he may enjoy for the Rest of his Life the Douceurs that State
            would be attended with. If this Request of his is not improper, & you can assist him
            in procuring such Letters You will do me a most sensible Pleasure. He will show you
            authentic Certificates of his good Conduct. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be,
            Sir,


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Moseley and Jean-Joseph Sue fils, 23 May 1783
From: Moseley, ——,Sue, Jean-Joseph, fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris 23 May 1783

          Mr. Moseley and Mr. Suë Junr. present their most respectful
            Compliments to his Excellency Doctor Franklin, and they will do themselves the honour of
            dining with him on Sunday the 25 Inst.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 24 May 1783
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse, comtesse de Forbach
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            paris Samedis au soir 24 may [1783]

          Je Vous envoye Mon cher amis de Nouvelle Lecture en Vous priant de me
            renvoyer Celle que je Vous ait Confiéz Si Vous Nen avéz plus besoin et en vous demandant
            toujours Le plus grand Secret Sur La Comunication que je Vous fait de Ces feuilles.
          Je revient de Versaille ous il Ni a rien de Nouveau du moin de Ma Connessance et ous je
            retournerez a La fin de La semaine pour y aller attendre Mon grand garçons, quon Calcul
            qui pouras y arrivér dans Les 8 pier [premiers] jours de juin votre belle ame exelant homme jugera facillement
            de La joye dont Cette esperence remplies La Mienne ditte moi si Vous dinez chez Vous un
            des jours de La semaine jirez Vous demander a dinee vous embrasser et Vous renouveller
            mon respectable amis ma tendre Veneration

            FORBACH DOUAIRIERE DU SME
              Duc
              DE DEUXPONTS


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel Johonnot, 25 May 1783
From: Johonnot, Gabriel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Baltimore 25th. May. 1783.

          Although I had the Honor of writing your Excellency a few Days since, I cannot omit Embracing the present Occasion,
            least some Accident may prevent its reaching your Hands before this, of Recapitulating
            its Contents which Assured your Excellency that Unforseen Circumstances, the Effects of
            the Reports of the Apprach of Peace for some Months before it took place, Had been a
            Means of detaining Me much longer than I expected, it Included Also my very particular
            request supported by Doctr: Cooper.s Ardent Desires, that Your Excellency would be
            pleased to procure a passage for my Son,
            recall Him from Geneva, & direct His Embarkation for Boston to the care of Mr:
            Williams or some other person whom your Excellency should think Proper. I informed your
            Excellency I could not Get a single Bill or should have inclosed it. But that your last
            Bill was paid as soon as it came to Hand, and as your Excellency might still Have Occasion to lodge Monies in Boston that you
            would be pleased to draw, and might be Assured your draughts would be
            punctually discharged. Permit me to Entreat Your Excellency.s Attention to Return My Son
            to the care of His Grand Father who is looking for it with no Small Anxiety. I Hope for
            some Future Occasion to testify to your Excellency the Gratefull Feelings of my Heart.
            For Your Paternal Attention to my Son, In the Interim please to Accept my Warmest Wishes
            for your Happiness—and Believe me with sentiments of the Most Sincere Respect &
            Esteem Your Excellency.s Most Obedient Most Humble Servant

            G. Johonnot

            P.S. Please to tender my
              Respectfull Compliments to your Nephew Mr. W. T. Franklin
            Honble: Benja: Franklin Esqr:

          Notation: Johonnot 25 May 1783.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 25 May 1783
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dimanche, 25e. mai. 1783.

          Notre Céleste amie
            accepte avec le plus grand plaisir la proposition de son respectable ami pour jeudi
            prochain, si elle ne lui mene pas ses enfants, ce n’est pas sa faute; elle leur a mandé
            qu’il leur avoit fait l’honneur de les inviter; mais ils sont à forbach a 90 Lieues de
            paris, et elle doute qu’ils puissent arriver à temps pour diner; vous ne les attendrés
            pas: à leur place elle vous amenera Mr. Le Baron
            de Wish Capitaine au régiment
            Royal-Deux-ponts qui a combattu Bravement pour la liberté américaine. Vous permettés que
            le secretaire intime accompagne sa bonne
            Dame et je me fais une fête nouvelle de vous assurer du Tendre Respect avec lequel je me
            ferai toujours gloire d’être, mon Digne ami, votre très humble et tres obéissant
            Serviteur.

            Le
              CHR. De
              Keralio

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            Franklin. / à Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 25 May 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Philadelphia, 25th. May 1783

          Not knowing when it may be convenient for Mr Bingham to deliver this I confine myself
            merely to introduce him to your acquaintance— I am persuaded I need not, as his
            character is known to you to bespeak your civilities for him.

          It may however be prudent if, (as he proposes) Mrs Bingham should accompany him to
            caution you against such attentions as may deprive us too long of the pleasure of seeing
            her here again.
          I am sir with the greatest Esteem & regard Your most obedient humble servant

            R R Livingston
            Honble. Benjamin Franklin, Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Etienne Gaucher, [before 26 May 1783]
From: Gaucher, Charles-Etienne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            [before May 26, 1783]
            VERITE∴ UNION∴ FORCE∴

          T∴ C∴ F∴
          L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, est convoquée pour le lundy 26 du
              3e. mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5783, en son local, rue
            Coquéron, à 4 heures précises. Il y
              aura Reception au 1er. Grade et affiliation, l’on fera la Nomination des officiers,
              ensuite Banquet.
          Vous êtes prié d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union Fraternelle.
          Je suis par les N∴ C∴ D∴ V∴ M∴ V∴ T∴ H∴
            & affectionné Frere.

            Gaucher
            Secretaire de la R∴ L∴ des IX Sœurs.

            L’adresse de la Loge est à M. Gaucher, des Académies de Londres, &c. rue S. Jacques, porte cochére,
              vis-à-vis Saint-Yves


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Monteiro Bandeira, 26 May 1783
From: Bandeira, —— de Monteiro
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Lundi ce 26 May 1783.

          Mr. de Monteiro Bandeira á L’honneur de faire bien des Compliments a
            Mr. Franklin, et Comm’il doit partir demain pour Lisbonne il prie Mr. Franklin de Lui
            envoyer Les Lettres qu’il Lui á dit vouloir Lui remetre: Mr. de Monteyro Bandeira á
            aussi L’honneur de faire rapeller Mr. Franklin de La part de Mr. L’Ambassadeur de
              Portugal de Ce qu’il Lui a promis.

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Mr. Franklin /
            Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis a La Cour de Versailles. / A Passi


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 26 May 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          I.

            Sir
            Office of Finance 26th: May 1783.

          By the enclosed Acts of the twenty eighth of April and second of May with the Copy of
            my Letter to Congress of the third of May you will perceive that I am to Continue
            somewhat longer in the Superintendance of our Finances. Be assured Sir, that nothing but a clear View of
            our Distresses could have induced my Consent. I must at the same time acknowledge that
            the Distresses we experience arise from our own Misconduct. If the Resources of this
            Country were drawn forth they would be amply sufficient, but this is not the Case.
            Congress have not Authority equal to the Object, and their Influence is greatly lessened
            by their evident Incapacity to do Justice. This is but a melancholy Introduction to the
            Request contained in the Act of the second Instant. But I shall not be guilty of Falsehood nor will I intentionally Deceive you or put you in
            the Necessity of deceiving others. My Official Situation compels me to do things which I
            would certainly avoid under any other Circumstances. Nothing should Induce me in my
            private Character to make such Applications for Money, as I am obliged to in my Public
            Character. I know and feel that you must be in a disagreeable Situation on this Subject.
            I can anticipate the Answers to all your Requests. And I know you may be asked for
            Payment when you ask for Loans. Yet Sir I must desire you to repeat your Applications.
            My only Hope arises from the Belief that as the Kings Expences are much lessened he may
            be able to comply with his gracious Intentions towards America. And the only Inducement
            I can Offer is the Assurance that the Taxes already called for shall be appropriated as
            fast as other indispensible Services will admit to the Replacement of what the Court may
              advance.
          Our Situation is shortly this. The Army expect a Payment which will amount to about
            seven hundred thousand Dollars. I am
            already above half a Million Dollars in Advance of our Resources by Paper
              Anticipation. I must increase this
            Anticipation immediately to pay Monies due on the Contracts for feeding our Army and I
            must make them the expected Payment by Notes to be discharged at a distant Day. Now Sir
            if these Notes are not satisfied when they become due, the little Credit which remains
            to this Country must fall and the little Authority dependent on it must fall too. Under
            such Circumstances it is that your are to ask Aid for the United States. If it can be
            obtained I shall consider the obligation as being in some degree personal to my self and
            I shall certainly exert my self for the Repayment. You will be so kind Sir as to Ship on
            Board the Washington eighteen hundred
            thousand Livres, but if the Loan be not obtained I must intreat you will give me the
            earliest possible Information of the Refusal.
          I shall communicate this Letter to the Minister of his Most Christian Majesty and
            request him to write to Mr. de Vergennes on the Subject of it.
          Beleive me I pray With sincere & respectful Esteem & Regard Your Excellency’s
            Most obedient & Humble Servt.

            Robt Morris

            P.S. You have enclosed the
              Copy of a Letter which was sent with this to Monsr. de La Luzerne
            His Excellency Benjn Franklin Esqr.

          II.

            Sir
            Office of Finance 26th: May 1783.

          I have now before me your Letters of the fourteenth and twenty third of December which
            are the last I have received. Enclosed
            you have a Letter from me to the Minister of France, with his Answer of
            the fourteenth of March on the Subject of the Delay which happened in transmitting his
            Dispatches. You will see by these that Lieutenant Barney was not to blame.
          Your Bills in Favor of Monsr: de Lauzun have not yet appeared or they should have been
            duly honoured. That Gentleman has since left the Country and therefore it is possible
            that the Bill may not come.
          The Reflections you make as well on the Nature of Public Credit as on the Inattention
            of the several States, are just and
            unanswerable but in what Country of the World shall we find a Nation willing to Tax
            themselves. The Language of Panegyric has held forth the English as such a Nation, but
            certainly if our Legislatures were subject to like Influence with theirs we might
            preserve the Form, but we should already have lost the Substance of Freedom. Time,
            Reason, Argument and above all that kind of Conviction which arises from feeling are
            necessary to the Establishment of our Revenues and the Consolidation of our Union. Both
            of these appear to me essential to our public Happiness, but our Ideas (as you well
            know) are frequently the Result rather of habit than Reflection so that Numbers who
            might think justly upon these Subjects have been early estranged from the Modes and
            Means of considering them properly.
          I am in the Hourly Wish and Expectation of hearing from You and sincerely hope that it
            may be soon.
          Beleive me I pray with Esteem and Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient & Humble
            Servant

            Robt Morris
            His Excellency Benjn: Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louise-Geneviève Du Ponceau, 27 May 1783
From: Du Ponceau, Louise-Geneviève
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur—
            a st martin ce 27 mai 1783

          Pardonnéz Monsieur a linquiétude d’unne soeur qui étan obligeè devivre è loigneè dun
            frére que jaisme ausi tantdrement [tendrement] ne peut supporter les riguer de la panse
            que par les nouvelle frécante quelle peut avoir en ètant privèe depuis 8 mois josse vous
            suplier monsieur de vouloir bien avoir la bontez de lui faire tenir la lètre que je pren
            la libertez dinsèrer dans la votre jes [j’ai] deja resantie tandefois les èfes de votre
            bienfésanse par selle que vous avez deja fait tenir tan a lun qua
              lostre que je me flatte encorre que si
            vous saviez de mon frère duponceau qui est sousècrétairre détat au dèpartement des
            afairre ètranjérre a philadelphie quelque nouvelle bonne ou mauvaisse votre charitez sétandrèt jus que en fairre
            donner a selle dont la reconnoisanse è Galle le profon respect avec lequell jés lonneur
            destre monsieur votre aubeisante servante

            Loüise Génevieve
              DUPONCEAU

          Addressed: pour monsieur de franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 27 May 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Office of Finance 27th. May 1783

          It was my earnest Desire from the first Moment when it was known that the Troops of his
            most Christian Majesty were intended for this Continent to promote his Service and
            forward the Views and Interests of his faithful Servants— It would appear like an empty
            Boast to say that I was early and frequently useful to them nor would I hint any thing
            of that kind or of the improper Returns I have met with. My present Object is meerly to
            possess you of facts as far as they relate to the Kings Service. Shortly after the
            Commencement of my Administration I proposed supplying the Kings Troops by Contract but
            found Obstacles were raised and objections were made by such as I was induced to suppose
            were interested in opposing œconomical Arrangements and
            therefore I desisted— Very slight
            enquiry will determine whether the Expences of this Army have been Moderate or
            excessive— The enclosed Letter from me to the Intendant will explain one
              Transaction— I shall add to it only
            that the Intendant having refused to pay, a Suit was commenced against Mr. DeMars by
            Solomons the Broker for all the Bills which he sold to DeMars and to Debrassine. On the
            Trial it appeared not only that Mr. Debrassine was employed by Mr. De Mars in public and
            private Business but that the Monies obtained by Sale of all those Bills of Exchange
            were applied to private Purposes— The Jury were but a few Minutes out of Court and
            brought in their Verdict for the Principal Interest &ca. Indeed had the Intendant thought proper to
            enquire into the facts stated in my Letter to him I have no Doubt but that they and
            others of equal Importance would have appeared— Enclosed you have the Copy of a Letter
            which has fallen into my Hands and which will shew you Something of the Business which
            has been transacted by the French Administration— The original of this Letter is now in my Hands
            and can (at any Time) be delivered if necessary to the Minister or Consul of France
            here—
          I am to request Sir that you will have a Conference on the Subject of this Letter with
            General de Chattelleux. That Gentleman always appeared to me
            extremely Zealous and attentive to the King’s Interest, desirous of introducing Œconomy
            and opposed to Plans which entailed a profuse Expence— Should you after a Consultation
            with him think it would at all conduce to the Kings Interests I shall be glad that you
            would bring the Matter regularly before his Ministers who will I perswade myself cause
            the proper Investigations by which means the Crown will be better served on Subsequent
            Occasions.
          With perfect Respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient &
            humble Servant

            Robt Morris
            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

            Gentlemen,
            Philadelphia. 28th. May. 1783.

          By the direction of Congress, contained in the enclosed resolutions, I have the honor
            to transmit you the Correspondence between General Washington & Sir Guy Carlton,
            together with minutes of their Conference, when, in pursuance of
            the invitation of the first, they met in Orange County. Nothing can be a more direct violation of the
            7th: Article of the Provisional Treaty,
            than sending off the Slaves, under pretence that their Proclamation had set them free,
            as if a British General had, either by their laws, or those of nations, a right by
            Proclamation to deprive any man whatever of property: They may with much more propriety
            pretend to re-establish every of their Adherents in all the Rights they had before the
            war, since they have engaged so to do, and the People, with whom they made these
            engagements, were capable of entering into them, which Slaves were not—or even, if they
            were, the promise made to them must be under the same limitations with those made to
            their other Adherents in this Country, & amounts to nothing more than this, make
            yourselves free, and we will protect you in that freedom as long as we can. The Articles
            imply that they were no longer able to protect them. You will be pleased to remonstrate
            on this Subject, and inform Congress of the Effect of your Representations—
          We have been much embarassed by our not having a line from you since the
            Provisional Articles took effect, nor being at all acquainted with the progress of the
            Definitive Treaty, tho’ the earliest information on this Subject becomes very important.
            Congress, after some hesitation, have ventured to hope, that it will meet with no
            obstructions, & have accordingly discharged, by the enclosed Resolutions, a very
            considerable part of their army upon those principles of Œconomy which extreme necessity
              dictated— As scarce a week passes
            without several arrivals from France, Congress complain, with some reason of your
            Silence: for my own part, I could wish that you would, severally, impose upon yourselves
            the task of writing weekly, & sending your letters to Mr: Barclay— As you are
            possessed of Cyphers there can be no hazard in this where the Subject of your
            Correspondence requires Secrecy—
          I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect & Esteem, Your Most Obedt: humle:
            servant,

            (signed) R. R. Livingston.

            The Honourable John Adams, Benja: Franklin, John Jay, & Henry
              Laurens. Esquires.
            No: 3.
            (Copy)

          Notation by John Adams: Mr Livingstone
            to the Ministers for Peace 28. May. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 28 May 1783
From: Banks, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Soho Square May 28 1783

          I cannot Miss the opportunity of Our Mutual Assistant in the Experiment of Pouring
            Whale Oil on the surface of the Sea Dr. Blagden who no doubt you remember Stationd on
            shore to mark the Effect of our process,
            I cannot I say Miss the opportunity of his Journey to Paris to present to you my sincere
              congratulations on the return of peace which in
            whatever form she is worshipd bad peace or good Peace never fails to prove herself the
            Faithfull nurse of Science. Dr. Blagden has now for some years Servd as Physician to the
            Army both in America & at home with no small degree of reputation but the principal
            reason why I have requested him to wait upon you is that he is master of the present
            state of Science in this Countrey & will I am sure have great satisfaction in
            Amusing as well as instructing your leisure hours by ample information of what we
            pacific ones have been doing here during the past times of turbulency.
          You will find I hope that we have not been idle a new Planet & a new periodical
            Phenomenon happening to a fixd star mark the progress of Active astronomy. The point of Congelation of Mercury the Dr. himself has written largely about many many more are the things he will inform you
            of which hitherto I suppose you only to have heard in the press & I trust that the
            Politician has not so entirely devourd the Philosophical part of your Character but that
            you will wish to hear them in detail.
          To lengthen this letter would be only to waste your time in unnecessary employment Dr.
            Blagden who is my mouth on this occasion will tell you every thing which you want to
            know & I could write.
          May then your Philosophy revive & shine as high in the Annals of Literature as your
            Politicks will & do in those of America is the sincere wish of You Faithfull &
            Obedient Servant

            Jos: Banks
            Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Richard, 28 May 1783
From: Richard, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Monsieur
            Paris Le 28e. mai 1783.

          La maniere honnete & affable avec laquelle, Son Excellence, a bien voulu
            m’accueillir, se charger de mes paquets pour l’amérique, & recommander mes intérêts
            au Président du congrès & à M. Bingham, m’enhardit á lui adresser une lettre pour ce
            dernier, avec priere de la lui faire passer: je continue á ne point avoir de ses
            nouvelles, & l’on me mande de la martinique, qu’il a obtenu du Congrès une Mission
            pour une Cour d’Europe; ce qui me feroit desirer plus fortement que jamais de terminer
            les affres. [affaires] qu’il a avec moi avant son départ. J’ose prier, Son Excellence, de vouloir me
            pardonner ces détails, qu’il est peut être nécessaire qu’elle sache.
          Je Suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre très humble & très obeissant
            serviteur

            Richard
            rue de menars No. 9.


Title: William Temple Franklin to Vergennes, 28 May 1783
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir:
            Passy, 28 May, 1783.

          By direction of my grandfather, I have the honor to send your Excellency a copy of the
            proposition Mr. Hartley lately made to the American ministers, and which he has wrote to
            his court for permission to sign, provided the same is agreed
            to on our part. With great respect, I am
            sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant,

            W. T. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 August [i.e., May?] 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear friend
            August [i.e., May?] 29 1783

          Will you be so good as to send me Mr Maddison’s pamphlet, the time is come for me to return. Be so good as
            to send me the memorials of the merchants trading to Carolina & Georgia. I must take copies in case of any future
            correspondence upon the Subject— Can you & Mr Franklin do me the favour to dine with
            me on Saturday next at 3 o’clock

            D H
            London Chronicle page 484 Sad Stuff—

          Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsr
            Monsr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy
          Endorsed: By his insisting so much on
            the Impolicy of the Writings he proposes to refute, his
            Reader may be led to suspect Policy in his Refutation; and
            not give his State of Affairs all the Credit it deserves—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 May 1783
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            My Dear Grand Papa
            Geneva 30 May 1783

          I have receiv’d the 24 May your kind letter dated the 2 and Mme Montgomery’s which was inclosed in it,
            By Mr Ridley Conductor of the young Morris’s as well as the medal you please to Send me
            you Refuse me a wacth I dont Insist on asking it no more. I thought that I could obtain one for 2 reasons
            1° Every Boy of my Society has one or gold or at lest Silver they ar of my age Me.
            Cramer’s Son that is not as old as me
            has a gold one I talk to Mr Marignac about it he told me I did Very well Because I would
            find Very good watch’s at Geneva but si [if] you Beleive one would not serve me I have
            nothing more to say having had the fever and not being yet very well I pray you to
            excuse the schortness of my letter.
          Beleive me for ever Your most Dutiful and affectionate Grand Son

            B. Franklin B
            Mr Marignac’s Family & Johonnot present their Respects.

          Addressed: Dr. Benjamin Franklin /
            Passy
          Notation: B. F. B. to Dr. Franklin
            Geneva, May 30— ’83


Title: Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 31 May 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

            Gentlemen,
            Philadelphia. 31st: May. 83.

          Congress were yesterday pleased to pass the enclosed Resolutions on the subject of the
            payment of British Debts— The language they speak requires no Comment— I complained in my last of your long Silence, or rather laid before you
            the Complaint of Congress. These I think receive additional force from Intelligence I
            have since had, that the Negotiations are still going on, and that important
            Propositions have been made you from Holland. As Congress have adjourned for two Days, &
            the Packet sails tomorrow, I cannot
            procure their Instructions on this Subject, tho’ I think I may venture to say, that they
            will not, without reluctance, go one step further than their honor requires of them, in
            making new engagements which may involve them in the disputes of Europe, from which they
            wish to be totally disengaged—
          I make no observations on these Propositions, or your power to accede to them, being
            well persuaded that you will take no Steps in this business without a full persuasion
            that important Advantages will result therefrom to these States.— The second
            Proposition, in case France & Spain should decline acceding to the first, is more
            peculiarly delicate from the inability of the contracting Powers to enforce them, if,
            which is hardly to be supposed, they should unite in wishing it. I cannot help
            lamenting, since so much time has elapsed before any Conclusion is formed, that you had
            not thought it adviseable to write to me on this subject, explaining
            the advantages & disadvantages of the measure and ennabling me to take the Sense of
            Congress thereon: for tho’ they have the highest Confidence in your judgement, &
            knowledge of the true Interests of this Country, yet, I am persuaded, that they think it
            a duty to see with their own eyes & to form their own Conclusions on great national
            Objects, where there is a possibility of so doing. The experience of the last war has
            shewn that the Propositions of the Empress of Russia were little more than a dead letter—those whom
            England dared to offend derived no advantage from them. Our Engagements therefore on
            this head will, in my opinion, add little weight to them, unless the great Maritime
            Powers of Europe agree to support them, and they may involve us in disagreable
            discussions. These howr: are only my Sentiments: those of Congress I am ignorant of—
          The 5th: & 6th. Articles of the Provisional Treaty excite much ferment here, for,
            tho’ the most dissatisfied Spirits acknowledge the whole Treaty taken together to answer
            their highest expectations, yet they wish to take only what they like, & leave out
            what they disapprove, and such is the relaxation of Governmt: so great the disorders
            & licentiousness introduced by the
            war, that it will be found very difficult to bridle the just resentments of some, and
            the unfounded apprehensions that others entertain of re-imbursements, that may affect
            their particular Interests.
          I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, with the greatest esteem & respect, Yr: Most
            Obedt: humle: servt:

            (signed) Robt: R. Livingston

            The Honble, John Adams, Benja: Franklin, John Jay, & Henry
              Laurens. Esquires.

            No: 4.
             (Copy)

          Notation by John Adams: Mr Livingstone
            to the Ministers for Peace 31. May. 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bache & Shee, 31 May 1783
From: Bache & Shee
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            Philadelphia May 31st: 1783.

          We were honored yesterday by your recommendatory Letter of 22d. February last, of
            Torris & Wante’s house of Dunkirk;
            their Brig Franklin with a supercargo on board, is safe arrived; but to a bad Market, as
            our Port is glutted with every species of Goods; we shall however do every thing in our power to
            serve the interest of this House, and we trust, not discredit your recommendation of us
            to them—
          Please to accept our thanks for your so kindly interresting yourself in our behalf, and
            believe us to be with respect Sir Your most Obedt. & very Humble servts.

            Bache & Shee
            The Honble. Dr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Barton, 31 May 1783
From: Barton, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Philada. May 31st. 1783

          Altho’ I am, personally, an entire Stranger to your Excellency, you may perhaps
            recollect the late Revd. Mr. Barton, a
            Clergyman of Lancaster in this State, whose Son I am.
          Permit me, Sir, to introduce to your Notice as an American, the Bearer of this, my
            Brother Matthias Barton; who has resided some Time at L’Orient, as a Merchant, in
            Copartnership with a Nephew of Mr. Macarty of the House of Cuming and Macarty.

          I beg your Excelly. will pardon this Liberty, which I should not take, if my Brother’s
            Character would not bear the strictest Scrutiny: My own Name is, I beleive, not unknown
            to some Americans at Paris.
          I have the Honor to be, With the highest Respect, sir, Your Excelly’s. most obedt.
            hble. servt.

            W. Barton
            Dr. Franklin.

          Addressed: His Excelly. / Benjn.
            Franklin, Esqr. L.L.D. / Minister &c. &c. / Versailles. / Mr. M. Barton
          Notation: Barton May 31. 1783


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 31 May 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 31st. May 1783

          I informed you some time since, that I had written to the Court of Appeals on the
            subject of the Nostra Signora da Soledade Saint Miguel e Almas, and lay’d before them
            the papers you sent me, the cause has since been determined in such way as I hope will
            be satisfactory to her Portuguese Majesty— I enclose the copy of a Letter from the first
            Judge of the Court of Appeals upon that subject—nothing has yet been done as to the acceptance of your resignation,
            nor will as I beleive any thing be done very hastily—many think your task will not be
            very burthensome now, and that you may enjoy in peace the fruit of your passed labours,
            As this will probably be the last Letter, which I shall have the pleasure of writing to
            you in my public Character—I beg leave
            to remind you of the Affairs of the Alliance and the Bon Homme Richard, which are still
              unsettled— I must also pray you not to
            loose sight of the Vessels detained by his Danish Majesty, this will be a favorable
            opportunity to press for their restitution— I do not see how they can decently refuse to pay
            for them— Great Britain is bound in honor to make them whole again— Preparations for the
            evacuation of New York still go on very slowly, while the distress of our finances have
            compelled us to grant furloughs to the greater part of our Army, If it was possible to
            procure any addition to the last six Millions it would be extremely useful to us at
            present.
          An entire new arrangement with respect to our foreign Department is under
            consideration, what its fate will be I know not—
          I am Sir with the greatest Regard and Esteem your most obedt. humble servt

            R R Livingston

            Honble Benjn: Franklin Esq.
            No. 28.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 May 1783
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear & hond Sir.
            Nantes May 31 1783.

          With this you will receive a Letter from Capt Alexander Heguye(?) inclosing a Memoire
            to the Marquis de Castries.— The Favour requested is highly merited and is in itself
            such as ministers have frequently granted on Slight pretentions— It is only to have Lettres de Capitaine which in this Country is necessary to
            have, before a man (however he may be qualified) can command a Ship.—
          Mr de la Ville the Proprietor of the
            Ship for which this Request is made is one of the first Characters in this Town & a
            Gentleman for whom I have a particular Respect & Esteem, more especialy as I have
            experienced Acts of Friendship from him which lay me under great Obligations.—
          You will oblige me very highly by Sending the Memoire to the Marquis de Castries, who I
            am Sure will grant the Request contained in it; A Note from you on the Subject will make
            it Certain.
          I am as ever most dutifully & Affectionately Yours.

            Jona Williams J
            His Excellcy Dr Franklin.

          Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor
            Franklin.


Title: David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorial, 1 June 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

            Memorial.
            June. 1st: 1783.

          The proposition which has been made for an universal & unlimited reciprocity of
            Intercourse & Commerce, between Great-Britain and the American United-States, requires a very serious Consideration on
            the part of Great-Britain, for the reasons already stated in a Memorial, dated 19th:
            May. 1783, and for many other reasons, which, in the future discussion of the
            proposition, will appear. To the American States, likewise, it is a matter of the
            deepest importance, not only as a proposition of Commercial Intercourse, which is the
            least part, but most principally as a political basis & Guarantee for their newly
            established Constitutions. The introduction of British Interests, into a communion of
            Intercourse, will bring forward an universal Guarantee on the part of Great-Britain, in
            the future progress of political events, which may affect the United-States of America
            in their national Capacity. The Proposition is fertile in future prospects to
            Great-Britain, & America may also wisely see in it a solid foundation for
            herself.
          All Circumstances are most fortunately disposed, between Great-Britain & the
            American States, to render them usefull friends & Allies to each other, with a
            higher degree of suitableness between themselves than any other
            nations can pretend to. France cannot interchange Reciprocities with the American
            States, by reason of numberless impediments in her System of Government, in her
            Monopolies, & in her system of Commerce. France has the great dis-ability of
            difference in Language to contend with, and the institution of the present French
            Manufactures has never, at any time heretofore, been trained or adapted to American
            Commerce. The only particular & specific facility, which France ever possessed for
            American Intercourse, has for many years been transferred into the British Scale, by the
            Cession of Canada to Great-Britain. The future Commerce between France & America
            will chiefly be regulated by such Conveniences as France can draw to herself from
            America, without much aptitude, on the part of France, to accommodate her manufactures
            & Commerce to American Demands. In short, an Interchange of reciprocities between
            France & America, would run against the stream on both sides, and all established
            habits manners, language, together with the principles of Government and Commerce, would
            militate against such a System.—
          Conformably to this Reasoning it appears that France has not, at any time, entertained
            any systematical design of forming any union or consolidation of Interests with America.
            She took up the American Cause as instrumental to her political views in Europe. America
            likewise accepted the Alliance with France for her seperate views, vizt. for the
            establishment of her Independance. The Alliance therefore is completed & terminated
            without leaving behind it any political principle of future, permanent Connection
            between them. Occasional Circumstances produced a temporary alliance. Similar
            Circumstances may, on any future occasion, produce a similar event of a temporary
            Compact. Dissimilar Circumstances, arising from any future political views of the Court of France in Europe, may, without any inconsistence of
            principle, throw the power of that Kingdom into a scale adverse to the future Interests
            of the American States. In such Case, therefore, where there cannot exist any permanent
            political Connection, between France & America, and where the commercial Attachments
            can be but feeble, it would be in vain to expect in the French nation any such Ally as
            newly established States ought to look out for, to give maturity and firmness to their
            Constitutions.—
          As to Spain, every argument which has been stated, respecting diversity of language,
            manners, government, system of Commerce & monopolies, from those which prevail in
            the United-States of America, obtains in a superior degree: And much more to add
            besides, for Spain is not only incompetent to interchange reciprocities with the
            American States, but likewise her own situation in America will, at all times, render
            her extremely jealous of her neighbors. The only activity which Spain has exerted in the
            war, has been to procure a barrier against the American States, by annexing West-Florida
            to her former acquisition of New-Orleans; thereby embracing the mouth of the
            Mississippi, &, by means of that river, jointly with her landed possessions,
            establishing a strong & jealous boundary against any future progress of the American
            States in those parts.— Spain therefore cannot be looked upon by the American States as
            a suitable object of their election, to become a permanent Ally & friend to them.
            Portugal likewise labours under all the disabilities of language, manners, monopolies,
            Government & System of Commerce. Her national Power & Importance would be
            likewise insufficient to constitute a strong and permanent Ally to the American States.
            All these Nations will undoubtedly be found to have many commodious Qualities for
            participation in Commerce; but the pre-eminent faculties, necessary to constitute a firm
            & permanent Ally to the American States, will be found deficient in them.— As to the
            Italian States, or any other Powers in the Mediterranean, they are certainly not
            adequate to any Competition of political Alliance with the rising States of America.
            They will also constitute very commodious links & Connections in the general Circuit
            of Commerce; but, beyond these Considerations, they have no share in the present
            Question. The several States in the Germanic Body are in the
            same predicament.—
          As to the Northern Powers, vizt: those in the Baltic, they are not favoured, either by vicinity or Climate, for a frequent or
            facile Intercourse of Commerce with America: and even, respecting several material
            Articles of Commerce, jealousies & Competitions might arise. As to political
            Alliances there are no such in prospect from them towards the American States. Even if
            there were any superfluity of force in any of them, beyond the necessities of their
            respective domestic situations, the extreme distance would be conclusive against any
            possible application of such power, as a political Alliance, favorable to the
            establishment & confirmation of the American States.—
          The only maritime State on the Continent of Europe, remaining to be discussed, as a
            competent Candidate for Commerce or Connection with America is the Republic of the
            United-Netherlands, commonly called Holland. In respect to American Commerce, the Dutch
            have among themselves every facility, combined, which the seperate States of Europe
            possess distinctively, in their own Concerns, or nearly. Their Industry, frugality &
            habits of Commerce may even carry them so far as to make them rivals to the Americans
            themselves, in the transportation of European Merchandize to America— These faculties of
            Commerce would have been of infinite Importance to the American States, if the war had
            continued between Great-Britain & them: But upon the event of Peace it becomes a
            matter of the most perfect Indifference to America, whether each European State
            navigates its own Commerce into the Ports of America, which will be open to all, or
            whether the commercial faculties of Holland ennable her to exceed in rivalship her
            European Neighbours, & thereby to navigate European Goods to America, beyond the
            proportion of her national share. The faculties of a nation of Carriers may be fortunate
            for the Marine of that nation, but, considered in themselves & with respect to other
            nations, they are but secondaries in Commerce. They give no ground of
            reciprocity or participation. That one nation should say to another, you shall navigate
            all our rivers, harbors, Lakes, ports & places, if we may do the same in yours is a proposition of reciprocity: but that
            Holland should say to America, we will bring European Goods to you, or you may be your
            own Carriers, is neither Concession or Reciprocity. Holland is not a nation of Rivers,
            Harbors, Lakes, Ports & Places for the distribution of Goods & manufactures for
            internal Consumption, and therefore her reciprocities must be very scanty. Holland is
            the market-place of Europe & the Dutch Seaman are the Carriers, appertaining to that
            Market-Place. The admission of American Ships to that market-place, freely to import
            & export, is an act of reciprocity undoubtedly, on the part of Holland, as far as it
            goes, but in no degree adequate to the unlimited participation of the Commerce of
            America, thro’out all the Rivers, Harbours, Lakes, Ports & Places of that vast
            Continent. The Commercial Reciprocities of Holland, therefore, being inferior on her
            part towards America, the next point of view, in which Holland is to be considered, as
            relevant to this Question, is, as a nation of Power capable of becoming an effectual
            & permanent Ally & Guarantee to the American States; for that is the great
            Object, which America, as a wise nation, recently arisen into Independence, ought to
            keep in view. Holland has undoubtedly been a nation of great & celebrated naval
            force. She remains so still, but having, for many years, suspended her exertions of
            force & having directed the faculties of her people into the commercial line, she
            seems not to have any superfluity of force, beyond the necessity of providing for her
            own Security, & certainly no such redundance of power, as to extend to the
            protection of distant nations, as Allies or Guarantees. It appears therefore, upon the
            whole of this argument, that Holland, tho’ a commercial nation, cannot even interchange
            commercial reciprocities with America, upon an equal footing, and that her faculties of
            force are inadequate to those, which America ought to expect in the permanent Allies
            & Guarantees of her Country.—
          The Independence of the American States, being established, their first Consideration ought to be, to determine with what friendships and
            Alliances they will enter into the new world of nations. They will look round them &
            cast about for some natural, permanent & powerfull Ally, with whom they may
            interchange all cementing reciprocities, both commercial & political. If such an
            Ally is to be found anywhere for them, it is still in Great-Britain—at least it is
            certain, that, in looking round Europe, no other is to be found. There is no inherent
            impossibility to prevent such a Connection from taking place—it must depend upon the
            free will & common Interest of the parties. There are all possible faculties, on
            both sides, to give & to receive all adequate & beneficial reciprocities, which
            are practicable & more likely to be permanent, between Independant parties, than
            between two parties, where one is dependant upon the other. Great-Britain is undoubtedly
            the first of European nations in riches, credit, faculties, Industry, Commerce,
            manufactures, internal Consumption & foreign export, together with civil liberty,
            which is the source of all, and naval Power, which is the support of all. The Dominions
            appertaining to the Crown of Great-Britain are large & fertile—its Colonies still
            extensive, & in close vicinity to the American States—Great-Britain herself, being
            an American, as well as an European power, and all her Empire connected by her naval
            force— The Territories of the American States, from the Atlantic Ocean to the
            Missisippi, contain an inexhaustible source of riches, industry & future power—
            These will be the foundation of great events in the new page of life. Infinite good or
            infinite evil may arise, according to the principles, upon which this Intercourse
            between Great-Britain & America shall be arranged in its foundation. Great-Britain
            & America must be still inseperable, either as friends or Foes. This is an awfull & important truth—these
            are Considerations not to be thought of slightly, not to be prejudged in passion, nor
            the arrangements of them to be hastily foreclosed. Time given for Consideration may have
            excellent effects on both sides. The pause of peace, with
            friendly intercourse, returning affection & dispassionate enquiry can alone decide
            these important events, or do justice to the anxious expectations of Great-Britain &
            America.

          Notation: No. 8. Mr. Hartley’s Memorial
            1st. June 1783.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1 June 1783
From: Bache, Sarah Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear & Honoured Sir
            Philad. June 1st. 1783

          Our worthy Friend Mr Oster just now
            called to let me know he goes on board Ship amediately, as there is seldom a week
            passes, but he sees the Family two or three times, he will tell you how we all look, he
            caught me to day playing with the Children and rabbits, I see Betsy the day before
            yesterday she is with Miss Beckwith who
            is like to do extreamly well, has already ten young Ladies, and I take her up another
            tomorrow, she will I make no doubt be quite independant in a few Years, Mrs Brodeau who
            was recommended to you when you were last at home, has made a handsome fortune, Mr Bache wrote to
            you yesterday and notwithstanding I write to day I am not without hopes this letter will
            miss you and that you will be on your way home. I never wished for any thing more in my
            whole life than to see you— Aunt Mecom was well about two weeks ago, I just receiv’d a
            long letter from her—remember me afectionately to Temple and Benny, I am as ever Your
            dutiful daughter—

            S Bache

          Addressed: Dr: Franklin / Mr Oster


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Chastellux, 1 June 1783
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            1er juin 1783

          Monsieur coste qui
            vous remettra cette lettre est mon cher docteur, un três habile medecin et un excellent
            homme. Il étoit premier medecin de notre petite armée americaine. Il a souvent eté dans
            le cas de traitter vos soldats et il l’a fait avec zele et avec succès. Il aime vos
            compatriotes et en est aimé. L’ouvrage qu’il vous presente prouve l’estime qu’ils ont
            eue pour lui. Je vous prie donc de le
            bien recevoir au nom de notre chere amerique, dont mon cœur sera toujours citoyen

            LE CHER DE
              Chastellux

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur
            franklin &
          Notation: le chevr de chatellux


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 1 June 1783
From: Sargent, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              My Dear Friend
              Halsted Place 1 June 1783.

            It must seem strange to You, that You should not have had an answer from me to a
              Letter that You favourd me with so long agoe as the
              27th of Jany last— But it is owing to
              a strange Concurrence of unlucky Incidents— In the first place, the Post master of 7
                Oaks, the most negligent in his Line
              of Christendom,—it coming in my Absence,—let it lay in his Office, & did not
              convey it to me in Town till near a Month after—from that Time to This, We have been
              daily thinking of You, and talking of You, & I proposing to reply, if I had not
              heard from an intimate Friend of Dr. Price’s, for Two
              Months, that You were expected here weekly, in a private,
              if not a Publick Character—the same Thing was for a long Time confirmed to me by that
              worthy Man Mr. West, The King’s
              Painter,— but; at last, I hear I have been misled, and for a fortnight past, I have
              been looking out for a safe private hand to convey these trifling Lines, which are no
              longer Penal here, & it would not
              matter if were published upon the Pont Neuf, and yet I do not know how, a certain
              delicacy,—not knowing what Effusions of Heart might take place in Them,—restrained me
              from addressing You, unless I could secure Them from the Curiosity, & Enquiry,
              that I thought Your Name on the Superscription of a Letter would for some time
              naturally excite—
            If You have any Channel of Confidence, do me the Favour, in answer to This, to let me
              know how I shall use it, and how direct to You. Our Post Master is removed by Death,
              & a better succeeds—a Letter to me
              may come hither, or be addressed to Great Ormond Street Queen’s Square, where having
              given my House in Downing Street to my Younger Son on Marriage, We have lived for these Three Years in a House
              built on the Site of Powis House, a very airey Situation looking out
              to Hampsted, & agreeing with my Wife better than the lower Situation of
              Westminster, altho’ We had the Opening to the Park.
            It gives us the greatest Pleasure that You are so well at Your Age, & We most
              ardently hope that the same Providence & all ruling Power, which has made You the
              Instrument of effecting such great Things, will continue Your Life, Health &
              Vigour of Mind for some Years, to perfect Them, & crown them with Order, Counsel,
              & Stability—
            My Wife & Mother are full of Esteem & affection for You— much concerned to be
              disappointed of the proposed pleasure of seeing You—and so is all my Family— My Sons
              desire me to convey every Mark of Respect from Them—
            Poor Mrs. Deane dyed at this place Three Years agoe— Her Grief for the Loss of Her
              Husband The General soon caused Her to follow Him—
            Mr. Chambers and The Younger Ladies His Sisters are all well & happy—and often joyn Us in
              affectionate, & honourable Mention of You—
            Your Reflections on Matrimony are true and just— You’ll be pleased to find We think
              as You do on the Subject, & that my Eldest Son has, within this Fortnight, enterd
              into the State in a manner quite to my Mind,—with a Young Lady whom He had known,
              & thought favorably of for some Years, a Match of Reason neither produced by Interest
              & the Love of Money nor by sudden Youthful Passion—so that nothing can bid fairer
              for a reasonable Share of the Comforts that Union affords—

            I have the Comfort, in having finished this Business, to have wound up all the Great
              Concerns of my Family—
            If America pays me any part of my Debt, as I think from the many good Characters I
              know among Them, She will, I will celebrate Their Justice & Fidelity—if not, I am
              too old, & far advanced on my Journey to let Those Concerns make me uneasy, I will
              forgive Them with all my Heart & content myself with what is left, which I hope is
              quite enough for the rest of my Road—
            I shall never think of new Enterprizes, & compensating myself for the past, but
              by endeavouring to gain, in Æquanimity, what I have lost
              in Money, & calmly wynding up my Bottoms— Tho my Relations & Partners Mr.
              Chambers & Mr. Rolleston, from
              their difference of Age & Situation, may take a different Course & act another
              part— If You should see the Comte De la Touche please to make my Compliments to Him, &
              let Him know I remember Him with great Respect— I am as all my Circle is Dear Sir Your
              most affectionate & devoted

              J Sargent

            PS. You are remembred with
              great respect by My Neighbour Lord Stanhope—
            I hear from that Family, that Your Friend Ld. Chatham’s Son has just declared His
              Intention of what You would wish every hopeful Young Man of Good Family to do,—not to
              give into the Libertinism of the present Times, and as Solomon expresses it,—I
                think—give His Strength unto a Stranger,—but take unto Him a
                fair Possession— He has made known his Wish in favour of Miss Mary Townsend,
              (Lord Sidney, late Tommey Townsend’s Daughter) a Family much connected with His own, & made all Parties happy by it— There is
              a small Fortune, but correct Education, & good Example in her Family to recommend
              Her. which is every Thing— His Brother Mr. William is a Prodigy—! Calumny itself knows not how to
              fasten on Him—adieu Dear Sir—

              Dr. Franklin

          Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. Le Dr.
            Franklin / a / Paris


Title: Ferdinand Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 2 June 1783
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

            Messieurs
            Paris le 2 Juin 1783

          Quoique la lettre que vous m’aves fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22e du mois passé, ne
            me flattat pas de recevoir les Secours dont les Finances du Congrès avoient besoin;
            Néantmoins, l’Espérance du Succès des Soins que j’étois bien assuré que vous donneriès,
            Messieurs, à un objet aussi intéressant, m’a fait parvenir à Satisfaire à tous les
            payemens qui se sont présentés, jusqu’à ce moment; qui me fait voir avec douleur le
            terme fatal de cesser d’honorer les Traittes de Mr Morris, si vous ne pouvès, Messieurs,
            me procurer les moiens de l’éviter:
          Je regrette infiniment que les miens Soient insuffisans pour Sauver un Eclat, Sur les
            suites duquel je n’ose pas Seulement réflechir, mais ma fortune ne me le permet pas,
            comme vous en jugerés, Messieurs, par la Somme des besoins, ainsi que de la nécessité de
            prendre un parti Sur cet objet.
          L’on m’a prèsenté depuis quelques jours pour Quatre cens vingt trois mille Livres de
            Traittes que je dois rendre acceptées, ou non acceptées; Depuis la publication des
            Lettres de Monsieur Morris au Congrès Sur Sa retraitte future, les porteurs de Ses Traittes Sont extrémement
            pressés de les faire accepter: Cette Somme n’est malheureusement qu’une foible partie de
            celles qui existent, puisqu’il y en a encore pour Neuf cens vingt un mille Livres dont
            j’ai depuis assès longtems l’avis, & qui vont paroitre Sucessivement, ce qui fait
            près de Quatorze cens mille Livres auxquelles il faut pourvoir, sans compter les Loan
            Offices, & les autres Dépenses courrantes ou Imprévues.
          L’Idée de laisser retourner à protes les Traittes de Monsieur Morris me paroit si
            revoltante, que je ne puis m’y déterminer à moins que je ne voie par la réponse que vous
            voudrés bien, Messieurs, me faire, qu’il ne me reste plus d’autre parti à prendre.

          Je Suis avec un Respect Sincère Messieurs votre très humble & très obéissant
            Serviteur

            Grand
            Leurs Excellences Messieurs John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay
              Ministres Plénipotentiaires des Etats-Unis d’Amérique

          Endorsed by Franklin: Lettre de M.
            Grand


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 2 June 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias, Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia June 2d 1783.

          The Bearer Dr. Waring a Gentleman of
            exceeding good Connections in South Carolina, having served his Country very faithfully
            & honorably during the War, is about making a Voyage to Europe for his advancement
            in medical Science—
          At his earnest Request, I must beg leave to introduce him to your Excellency, and to
            request your Notice of him, as one who has deserved so well of his Country, as to
            entitle him to the respect, of all its well wishers—
          I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s
            Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

            Elias Boudinot
            His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr

          Notation: Elias Boudinot June 2
            1783.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 3 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

            Sir,
            Passy, June 3. 1783.

          Having long known Mr Williams to be a very just Man in all his Transactions, I hope the
            Favour he requests of a Surséance may be granted to him, being confident that it will be
            employed to the compleat Satisfaction of his Creditors. I therefore earnestly pray your
            Excellency to obtain it for him. With
            great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin
            M. le Comte de Vergennes.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 6 June 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Hotel du Roi: June. 6th. 1783.

          Mr: Adams’ Compliments wait on Dr: Franklin, in return to his polite
            Invitation for Sunday the 8th. inst:—
          Mr: Adams will do himself the honor of waiting on Dr: Franklin.

          Addressed: Monsieur / Monsr: Franklin. /
            Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 6 June 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Paris the 6e June 1783.

          The Marquis de la Fayette has the Honor to present his Compliments to
              Mr. Franklin and begs the Favor of His Company at Dinner on Monday
              next
          An Answer is desired


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Harford, [before 7 June 1783]
From: Harford, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

            Sir
            [before June 7, 1783]

          Being as your Excellency must know, very deeply interested in the welfare of America,
            permit me to congratulace the Congress in General and the state of Maryland in
            particular, thro your Excellency on the approaching acknowledgement of that independance
            that has been so Gloriously Struggled for, which cannot fail giving to
            the United States the wished for prosperity, that their commerce, Consequence,
            Situation, and indeed every thing entitle them to, and will I most cordially hope
            eventually when past hostilities shall be forgotten closely ally them in the strongest
            bonds of union with this Kingdom, an union that nature dictates and must in the end give
            laws to the whole world—
          Your Excellencys known Candour will do justice on the other side the Atlantic to my
            past situation and present sentiments— My intention is to Embark for America as soon as
            the weather will permit. I wish to become a Citizen (if I may be allowed the expression)
            of that country which was not in my power till lately or I undoubtedly shoud have sought
            the honor sooner—
          I beg your Excellency to accept my most gratefull acknowledgements for your polite
            attention to Doctr Shuttleworth and for the letter and pasport you were so obliging to
            furnish him with and I request you to
            believe me to be with the highest respect for your Carecter Sr Your Excellencys most
            obedient and obliged humble Sert

            Henry Harford

          Endorsed: Mr Smith who brought this Letter informs me that Mr
            Harford is Proprietary of Maryland
          Notation: Henry Hartford


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [the Conde de Sousa Coutinho], 7 June 1783
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Sousa Coutinho, Vicente, conde de

            Sir,
            Passy, June 7. 1783

          I have perused carefully the Plan of a Treaty which your Excellency did me the honour
            to leave with me on Wednesday. I shall
            transmit it to my Sovereign as it is, to avoid delay; but in the meantime would make a
            few Remarks for your Consideration.
          1. I apprehend the Words at the End of the first Article [que celles dèja établies avec les Puissances les plus
              favorisées] are not necessary in
            that Place, as the Article relates merely to Peace or Friendship, and not at all to
            Commerce.
          2. The 4th. and 5th. Articles promising Protection to each others
            Ships, only against Injuries done by the Subjects of the Government where they are,
            leaves it open to other Nations who may happen to be at War with either of the
            contracting Parties, to attack and take in the Harbours of one the Ships of the other,
            which ought not to be suffered, and certainly is not intended to be suffered: Some
            farther Words therefore seem to be necessary.
          3. I should be glad to have a Copy to send to Congress of the Reglements dèja établis, mentioned in the 6th. Article. It is
            the more necessary as the 7th. Article engages us to observe them.
          4. I approve much of the 9th. & 10th. Articles which your
            Excellency has added. They are reasonable and just.

          5. In Article 12. It seems to me that it would be well to omit the
            Words [que seront] in the 6th. and 7th. Lines; and to add, after the Word [respectifs] in the 9th. Line, the following Words of
            Explanation [c’est à dire les Armes et Munitions de Guerre de
              toute Espece].
          I submit these Remarks to your Excellency’s Judgment, and I am with great Respect, Sir,
            Your most obedient & most humble Servant

            B Franklin