Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 5[–14] December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,Passy, Decr. 5th.[–14] 1782.
I am honoured by your several Letters No 16. 17. 18. & 19. dated Sept. 5. 13. 13. & 18. I believe the Complaints you make in some of them of my not Writing, may ere now have appear’d less necessary, as many of my Letters written before those Complaints must have since come to hand: I will nevertheless mention some of the Difficulties your Ministers meet with in keeping up a regular and punctual Correspondence. We are far from the Seaports, not well informed, and often misinformed about the sailing of Vessels. Frequently we are told they are to sail in a Week or two, and often they lie in Port for Months after, with our Letters on board, either waiting for Convoy, or for other Reasons. The Post Office here is an unsafe Conveyance, many of the Letters we receive by it have evidently been opened, and doubtless the same happens to those we send. And at this Time particularly there is so violent a Curiosity in all trading People to know something relating to the Negociations, and whether Peace may be expected or a Continuation of the War, that there are few Private Hands or Travellers that we can Trust with carrying our Dispatches to the Sea Coast; and I imagine they may be sometimes opened, & destroy’d because they cannot be well sealed again. The Observation you make that the Congress Ministers in Europe seem to form themselves into a Privy Council, transacting Affairs without the Privity or Concurrence of the Sovereign, may be in some Respects just; but it should be consider’d, that if they do not write as frequently as other Ministers here do to their respective Courts, or if when they write, their Letters are not regularly received, the greater Distance, the War, and the extream Irregularity of Conveyances, may be the Causes, and not a Desire of acting without the Knowledge or Orders of their Constituents. There is no European Court to which an Express cannot be sent from Paris in 10 or 15 Days, and from most of them Answers may be obtained in that Time. There is I imagine no Minister who would not think it safer to act by Orders than from his own Discretion: And yet unless you leave more to the Discretion of your Ministers, than European Courts usually do, your Affairs may sometimes suffer extreamly from the Distance, which in time of War especially may make it 5 or 6 Months before the Ansr. to a Letter shall be received.
I suppose the Minister from this Court will acquaint Congress with the Kings Sentiments respecting their very handsome Present of a Ship of the Line. People in general here are much pleased with it.
I communicated together with my Memoir demanding a Supply of Money, Copies of every Paragraph in your late Letters, which express so strongly the Necessity of it. I have been constant in my Sollicitations, both directly and thro’ the Marquis de la Fayette, who has employ’d himself diligently and warmly in the Business. The Negociations for Peace are I imagine one Cause of the great Delay & Indecision on this Occasion, beyond what has been usual, as the Quantum may be different if those Negociations do or do not succeed. We have not yet learnt what we may expect. We have been told that we shall be aided, but it cannot be to the extent demanded. Six Millions has been mentioned, but not as a Sum fixed. The Minister tells me still that he is working upon the Subject, but cannot yet give a determinative Answer. I know his good Will to do the best for us that is possible. It is in vain for me to repeat again what I have so often written, and what I find taken so little Notice of, that there are bounds to every thing, and that the Faculties of this Nation are limited, like those of all other Nations. Some among you seem to have established as Maxims, the Suppositions that France has Money enough for all her Occasions and all ours besides; and that if she does not supply us, it is owing to her Want of Will, or to my Negligence. As to the First, I am sure it is not true, and to the second, I can only say I should rejoice as much as any Man in being able to obtain more, and I shall also rejoice in the greater Success of those who may take my Place.
You desire to be “very particularly acquainted with every Step which tends to a Negociation.” I am therefore encouraged to send you the first Part of a Journal, which Accidents and a long severe Illness interrupted, but which from Notes I have by me may be continued, if thought proper. In its present State it is hardly fit for the Inspection of Congress, certainly not for Public View; I confide it therefore to your Prudence.
The Arrival of Mr Jay, Mr Adams and Mr. Lawrens has relieved me from much Anxiety, which must have continued if I had been left to finish the Treaty alone; and it has given me the more Satisfaction, as I am sure the Business has profited by their Assistance.
Much of the Summer was taken up in objecting to the Powers given by G. Britain, and in removing those Objections. The using any Expressions that might imply an Acknowledgement of our Independence seem’d at first industriously to be avoided. But our refusing otherwise to treat, at length induced them to get over that Difficulty; and then we came to the Point of making Propositions. Those made by Mr Jay and me before the Arrival of the other Gentlemen, you will find in the Paper No 1. which was sent by the British Plenipotentiary to London for the Kings Consideration. After some Weeks, an under Secretary, Mr Strachy, arriv’d with whom we had much Contestation about the Boundaries and other Articles which he proposed; we settled some which he carried to London, and returned with the Propositions, some adopted, others omitted or alter’d, and new Ones added; which you will see in Paper No. 2. We spent many Days in disputing, and at length agreed on and signed the Preliminaries, which you will receive by this Conveyance. The British Ministers struggled hard for two Points, that the Favours granted to the Royalists should be extended, and our Fishery contracted. We silenc’d them on the first, by threatning to produce an Account of the Mischiefs done by those People; and as to the second, when they told us they could not possibly agree to it as we required it, and must refer it to the Ministry in London, we produced a new Article to be referr’d at the same time, with a Note of Facts in support of it, which you have No 3. Aparently it seem’d that to avoid the Discussion of this they suddenly changed their Minds, dropt the Design of recurring to London, and agreed to allow the Fishery as demanded.
You will find in the Preliminaries some Inaccurate and Ambiguous Expressions that want Explanation, and which may be explained in the definitive Treaty. And as the British Ministry excluded our Proposition relating to Commerce, and the American Prohibition of that with England, may not be understood to cease merely by our concluding a Treaty of Peace, perhaps we may then, if the Congress shall think fit to direct it, obtain some Compensation for the Injuries done us, as a Condition of our opening again the Trade. Every one of the present British Ministry has while in the Minority declared the War against us unjust, and nothing is clearer in Reason than that those who injure others by an unjust War, should make full Reparation. They have stipulated too in these Preliminaries, that in Evacuating our Towns they shall carry off no Plunder; which is a kind of Acknowledgement, that they ought not to have done it before.
The Reason given us for dropping the Article relating to Commerce, was that some Statutes were in the Way, which must be repealed before a Treaty of that kind could well be formed; and that this was a Matter to be consider’d in Parliament.
They wanted to bring their Boundary down to the Ohio, and to settle their Loyalists in the Ilinois Country. We did not chuse such Neighbours.

We communicated all the Articles as soon as they were signed to Mr. le Comte de Vergennes, (except the separate one) who thinks we have manag’d well, and told me that we had settled what was most apprehended as a Difficulty in the Work of a General Peace, by obtaining the Declaration of our Independency.
Decr 14th. I have this Day learnt, that the Principal Preliminaries between France and England, are agreed on, Viz:
1. France is to enjoy the Right of fishing and drying on all the West Coast of newfoundland, down to Cape Ray. Miquelon and St Pierre to be restored and may be fortified.
2. Senegal remains to France, & Goree to be restored. The River Gambia entirely to England.
3. All the Places taken from France in the East Indies to be restored, with a certain Quantity of Territory round them.
4 In the West Indies, Grenada and the Grenadines, St Christophers, Nevis & Monserat to be restored to England; St Lucia to France, Dominique to remain with France, and St Vincents to be neutraliz’d.
5. No Commissioner at Dunkirk.
The Points not yet quite settled are, the Territory round the Places in the Indies, and the Neutralization of St Vincents. Apparently these will not create much Difficulty.
Holland has yet done hardly any thing in her Negotiation.
Spain offers for Gibralter to restore W. Florida and the Bahamas. An Addition is talked of, the Island of Guadaloupe which France will cede to Spain in exchange for the other half of Hispaniola, and Spain to England: but England it is said chuses rather Porto Rico. Nothing yet concluded.

As soon as I received the Commission and Instructions for treating with Sweden, I waited on its Ambassador here: who told me he daily expected a Courier on that Subject. Yesterday he wrote a Note to acquaint me, that he would call on me to Day having something to communicate to me. Being obliged to go to Paris, I waited on him, when he shewed me the full Powers he had just received, and I shew’d him mine. We agreed to meet on Wednesday next, exchange Copies, and proceed to Business. His Commission has some polite Expressions in it, Viz: “That his Majesty thought it for the Good of his Subjects to enter into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States of America, who had established their Independence, so justly merited by their Courage and Constancy”; or to that Effect. I imagine this Treaty will soon be compleated. If any Difficulty should arise, I shall take the Advice of my Colleagues.
I thank you for the Copies of Mr. Paynes Letter to Abbé Raynal, which I have distributed into good Hands. The Errors we see in Histories of our own Times and Affairs, weaken our Faith in antient History. M. Hilliard D’Auberteuil has here written another History of our Revolution, which however he modestly calls an Essay: and fearing that there may be Errors, and wishing to have them corrected, that his second Edition may be more perfect, he has brought me Six Setts which he desires me to put into such Hands in America as may be good enough to render him and the Public that Service. I send them to you for that Purpose by Capt. Barney, desiring that one Set may be given to Mr Payne, and the rest where you please. There is a Quarto Set in the Parcel which please to accept from me.
I have never learnt whether the Box of Books I sent to you, and the Press to Mr Thomson were put on board the Eagle, or one of the Transports. If the former perhaps you might easily purchase them at New-York. If the latter you may still receive them among the Goods for Congress now shipping by Mr. Barclay. If they are quite lost let me know it that I may replace them.
I have received several Letters from your Office with Bills to pay Ministers Salaries. Nothing has yet been done with those Bills; but I have paid Mr. Lawrens 20,000 Livres.
I have this Day signed a common Letter to you drawn up by my Colleagues which you will receive herewith. We have kept this Vessel longer for two things, a Pass-port promised us from England, and a Sum to send in her; but she is likely to depart without both, being all of us impatient that Congress should receive early Intelligence of our Proceedings; and for the Money, we may probably borrow a Frigate.
I am now entering my 78th. Year. Public Business has engross’d fifty of them. I wish now to be, for the little time I have left, my own Master. If I live to see this Peace concluded, I shall beg leave to remind the Congress of their Promise then to dismiss me, I shall be happy to sing with Old Simeon, Now lettest thou thy Servant Depart in Peace, for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation.
With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant.
B Franklin
To the honble. Robt. R. Livingston Esqr: Secretary for Foreign Affairs


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 5 December 1782
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Very Dear FriendWarwick Decbr. the 5th 1782
Have been favord with your letter by Count Segar, which he forwarded from Philadelphia he Came to Providence with the Army we Sent for him but was gone to Newport on his Return to Providence Ray was at home and waited on him he Sat a day to Come with Count Rhoshambow but it was a heavy Rain for three days, after that the first Coll went to Boston and he Said it was imposible to Come, for they are extreem attentive to there Duty— Yr Curious friend went to Providence to See the Novelty—and Sent for the Count to See her was Very much Pleasd with him and lamented not haveing an oppertunity of a farther acquantance and Shewing him every Civility in our Power he Says his Wife Visits you and Plays Chex but yr So Galant you Never beat her the officers Say; they are the happiest Couple in France Pray my Regards to her being one of her Spoues admirer he is So Sensible Sociable and Polite but all this you know— Yr Dear Sister is gone to Boston to Spend the Winter She grows infirm Mrs. Greenes Death and not haveing a letter from you a long time makes her low Spirited I Comfort her all I Can Remembering her of your Six Reasons in a former letter our family are all well and Joyn me in the tenderest Regards and Best Wishes for yr health and happiness Ray is at College learning as fast as he Can that he may Come to France when he Comes out of Colege he has enterd his 3d year he is Spoke highly of by the Presedent and Tutors hope he will make a good man the Count Speaks highly of yr Grandson I want a Peice of Beneys Drawing is he Still at Genevea are you well when do you Come to New England and make all our hearts Glad We long for Peice for the inhabitants of this State are and have been exceedingly Distrest and loosing Most all our Vesels are Very Poor but the French troops have greatly Releavd us from haveing the Militia on the Shore we are greatly indebted to them— Old uncle Tuthill has an Heir in his old age— Thomey lives to Torment Sukey and mrs. Partridg are living but not to there Brothers Children this from your affectionate Friend
Caty Greene

Spoues and Daugters love you Dearly believe every body does Doctr Franklin

Addressed: Doctr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ségur, 5 December 1782
From: Ségur, Philippe-Henri, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Vlles. Le 5. Xbre. 1782.
M de segur a l’honneur de faire à Monsieur franklin ses sinceres remerciments de ce qu’il a bien voulu prendre le soin de lui faire parvenir un Paquet venant de nantes par un exprès; il le prie de recevoir les assurances de son parfait attachement./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 December 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirPhiladelphia 6th. Decr 1782
The College of Dartmouth in New Hampshire having suffered materialy in its funds since the war by the loss of those contributions which it till then recd. from England—Docr. Wheelock son of the worthy first founder proposes to solicit a subscription in France & Holland for its support— He flatters himself that the charity of an institution whose chief object is to christianize the Savages & the success which has hitherto attended it will recommend it to the liberal in Europe who are sufficeintly Citizens of the world to attend to the morals or religion of the natives of America. I wish his expectation may be answered— And have at his request furnish’d him with the letter of induction to you— He hopes for much from your favour & patronage— I have the honor &c:
Dr Letter to Docr Franklin introducing Docr Wheelock 6th. Decr 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond SirNantes Decemr 6. 1782.
The Day before yesterday there were a number of Letters in Town announcing a Peace. The News came from the secretary of the Duc d’orleans who ’tis said informed that the King had announced it to the Duc. Such respectable Information prevented every Doubt and I among the Rest believed it. I immediately set myself to work to get a little fast sailing Brig I have here ready to sail at 24 Hours Notice, supposing you wanted an Express Boat. The foolish Public always think I am in the Secret when anything happens that regards America, and immediately on this news one cried out “M. Williams doit savoir cela”. “Oui” says another “& peut être il a reçu un express de M. Franklin”— the third left the peut être out of the Question, & it was established as a Fact that an Express had arrived to me in 36 hours, nay some knew the matter so well as to describe whether the Expres wore a green or a blue Jacket.— The next Post la nouvelle meritait Confirmation how it will be tomorrow I cannot tell, but if it be true, and if you wish to convey it to America, here is the Brig at your Service. I only ask you to give her a protection from the English Plenipotentiaries, or in any other way you judge proper, Paying me for the Brig & outfitts exactly what she cost & no more, & returning me the Vessell in America at her estimated Value when she may arrive; this will be making the public pay what I should otherways lose, & what no Man can think unreasonable. As my only motive is to be usefull it is (as a matter of Interest) perfectly indifferent whether you accept the proposition or not, you have therefore only to say yes or no & your orders shall be punctualy obeyed or the matter will be as if it had never been, if I have not an answer in 10 Days I shall conclude that you have not occasion for my Vessell.

I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours.
Jona Williams J

It is proper to inform you that my Brig has a Cargo on board her & she was intended to wait to fill up on Freight. I suppose there can be no objection to her having on board enough to ballast her & whether this be Brandy or Stones is of no Consequence, I mention this because if there be the usual Restriction of Flags of Truce she must be unloaded & Ballasted again, which would lose time & defeat the Object.

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin
Notation: J. Williams 6. Decr. 1782.


Title: Parole for Lawrence Robert Campbell, [7 December 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

On December 6 and 7 Temple and Franklin were faced with an unusual situation: writing paroles for five British army officers who had been captured at sea. Jonathan Williams, Jr., had taken their paroles at Nantes, where they landed, and authorized them to travel to Paris, where they would have to obtain permission from Franklin to continue to England. Four of the officers arrived at the hôtel Valentinois on December 6. Temple wrote paroles for these four, which they signed. He faithfully copied the language of the paroles issued by George Washington at Yorktown, copies of which Jonathan Williams, Jr., had recently sent to Franklin. Temple’s only alteration was to substitute Franklin’s name for Washington’s:
I the underwritten … do acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the United States of America; And having Permission from the honble. Benjamin Franklin Esqre. Minister Plenipotentiary from the said United States at the Court of France, to proceed to any Part of Great Britain, Do pledge my Faith & Word of honour that I will not do or say any thing injurious to the said United States or Armies thereof, or their Allies untill duly exchanged.
I do further Promise that whenever required by the Commander in Chief of the American Army, or the Commissary of Prisoners for the same, I will repair to such Place or Places, as they or either of them may require.
On December 7 the fifth officer, Lawrence Robert Campbell, arrived in Passy. This time, Franklin himself wrote the parole (the present document), adapting it to reflect the circumstances of a prisoner in France and rendering the language more straightforward.

[December 7, 1782]
I the underwritten Captain in the 71st British Regiment, having been taken Prisoner by the American Privateer the Marquis de la Fayette, Capt. Buffington, and brought into France; and being desirous of going immediately to England; do hereby promise on my Word of Honour, that I will not bear Arms against the United States of America, nor do or say any thing to their Prejudice until I shall be exchanged or absolved from this Parole. And I farther promise to render my self at such place as shall be required by any Person vested with Authority for that purpose by the Congress. Witness my hand this seventh Day of December, 1782, at Passy near Paris.—
Law Robt CampbellCaptn. 71 Regimt Parole given to me B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 7 December 1782
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel d’York Saturday 7th. Decemr: 1782.
Mr: Laurens presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, and requests the honor of his Company to dinner on Wednesday next at 3 oClock.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, 9 December 1782
From: Barney, Joshua
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirLOrient Decr. 9th. 1782
I recd. Yours by Express and have to thank You for Your Early advice in respect to Saving any Insurance on My own Adventure, we had a rumour of the kind the day before I recd. Yours by Way of Nantes, but coming from You has cleared every Doubt.
The Vessells that are at this place are the Ships, Revolution, Capt. Webb, Buccaneer Capt. Prearson, Cicero, Hill, America Caldwell, St. James, Cain, Washington, Josiah, Queen of France, Deal, but when they Sail is Very uncertain, on Acct. of Late change of Affairs, but not untill the Middle of Jany. at all events. Capt. Barry Left this place Yesterday On a Cruise, My Ship is ready at a Moments Warning and hope not to Wait Long for Your Orders.
I sincerly Congratulate You on the Conclusion of a War which must tirminate so much in favor of our Country, and Assure You Nothing can be a Greater Satisfaction than Carrying News of Freedom to an Opress’d Country, Wishing you health And happiness I am Sir Your Most Obt. And Very Hble Servt.
Joshua Barney
My Compts. to Mr. W T. Franklin

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministree planipotentiaire / des Etats unis de L’Amerique / à la Cour de France / a Passy preès Paris
Notation: Barney Mr. Joshua L’Orient Decr. 9 1782


Title: Franklin’s Sketch of Articles of Peace, [between 10 and 13 December? 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[between December 10 and 13, 1782?]
That there shall be a firm & perpetual Peace &ca.
A Renunciation on the Part of the K. of G. B. of all Claim or Pretention to the Government or Territory of all or any of the United States, ceding all Claim to the Lands, or to the Right of Preemption of any of them from the Natives, included in the Boundaries, Viz.
That all his Troops shall be withdrawn from the Continent, and the Provinces of Canada & Nova Scotia declared free & Independent States, and at Liberty to join the Confederacy or remain separate.
That the Island of Bermudas shall likewise be left at Liberty.
That Ships belonging to any of the Subjects of G. B. shall and may enter freely into any of the Ports of the United States, and expose their Merchandize there to Sale, subject to no other Restrictions, Duties &c. than the most favoured Nations are or shall be subject to.
That the Vessels belonging to any Subjects of the said States may enter as freely all the Ports of Great Britain, Ireland, or any of its Dependencies, as they might have done in the Year 1750, liable to no other Duties &c than the most favoured Nation— or than they were subject to at that time.
That the Subjects of the United States and those of the King of Great Britain shall not be deemed Aliens in the Dominions of either, but enjoy the same Rights of Citizenship, as at the time above mentioned.
That the Right of Fishery shall remain the same & be enjoyed in common by the Subjects of both Nations under such Regulations only as were in Force in 1750.
Damages.
In Case of future War, no Privateers.
All Merchant Vessels unarmed to pass freely with their Cargoes.
Any Merchandize taken out of them because wanted, to be paid for.
No Goods contraband.
Military Stores may be detain’d paying for the delay, or taken paying the Price.
Landing, Farmers & Inhabitants of open Towns not to be molested.
Fishermen free.

Notation in Henry Laurens’ hand: Dr. Franklin’s sketch of Articles of Peace. /
Copy of a sketch of Articles for a Treaty of Peace between Great Britain & America proposed by Doctor Franklin & delivered by him to Mr. Jay to be extended, as appears by Mr. Jay’s endorsement in the words contained in the two first Lines above-written which I have seen in Mr. Jay’s own hand writing & carefully compared this Copy with the original. Paris 5th. Novr. 1783. H L.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Dominique de Vyssery de Bois-Valée, 10 December 1782
From: Bois-Valée, Charles-Dominique de Vyssery de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieura st: omer le 10 xbre: 1782
Pourroit t’on s’imaginer qu’en imitant ce que vous faite de si admirable pour le bien de l’humanité; je me serois fait une affaire serieuse avec mes concitoyens, avec mes voisins, avec nos juges de police enfin, qui m’ont condamné rigoureusement a detruire mon para-tonnerre dans les 24. heures pour tout delai, comme une invention des plus dangereuse.
Sentence frapante, qui a causée une fermentation extraordinaire parmi le bas peuple; qui a exposé ma personne et ma maison a des insultes inattendues, et outrageantes; comme vous pourrez le voir dans le Memoire que mon Avocat d’Arras se charge de vous faire parvenir. C’est un hommage que je crois devoir a l’Auteur d’une invention si célébre par toute la terre, et cependant jadis si redoutée a st: omer, mais maintenant adoptée par les personnes instruites.— Vous ne serez peut être pas faché Monsieur que je vous retrasse ici un abregé, de ce qui a donné lieu a tant de peinnes et de tracasseries que l’on m’a fait essuier a ce sujet.
Ce fut d’abord une voisine qui m’a chicanee ci devant plusieurs fois, pour une muraille de separation, de nos jardins reciproques, laquelle dans un conseil feminin, a exagerée le peril de cette invention insinuant que la lame d’Epée êtoit aimantée et Electrisée et que par ce moyen j’allois attirer le Tonnerre des 4. coins de la ville, et par ainsi les exposer a être brulées, et Ecrasées dans leurs maisons. D’ou on conclud qu’il faloit presenter une Requeste au Magistrat a effet de faire detruire une machine si dangereuse.
Le petit et tendre mary d’une voisine en fut le colporteur secret, pour obtenir des signatures: 7. ou 8. personnes l’ont fait par complaisance ou par importunitées, tandis que des Dames, et meme deux de ses oncles l’ont refusé constament.— La plus proche voisine ajant un frere Echevin aussi peureux qu’elle, secondé par un bruyant faiseur d’ordonnances de vie et de mort, disant que des femmes auroient avortées &c ils firent pancher la balance de Themis, avec d’autres peureux pour la destruction de tout l’appareil: sentence memorable! qui fut prononcée contre l’avis des meilleures têtes qui font toujours le plus petit nombre dans les assemblées.
M’étant rendu opposant a cette sentence par defaut, elle fut cependant confirmée malgré les autoritées respectables comme la vôtre Monsieur, citées dans la playdoirie, attendu est-il dit, qu’il s’agist de police, de tranquilité, et de seureté publique.
Une sentence aussi foudroyante renversa la cervelle a la multitude ignare, on s’est attroupé, on a menacé & comme le dit le Memoire:—dans cette crise abandonné ici de tout le monde, j’Ecrivis a plusieurs Academies et a de bons physiciens, pour savoir à quoi m’en tenir,—je reçus des consolations de tout côté, et surtout de Dijon (quoi qu’inconnu) comme le prouve l’avis honorable de cette savante Academie.
Plusieurs bons Ecrivins, se sont offerts genereusement pour faire le Memoire et surtout Mr: Buissart, qui regardant cette affaire comme la sienne propre, s’en est acquité avec honneur.— Pour d’autant mieux appuier la chose, on a voulut une consultation de cèlèbres Avocats de paris, cette consultation mieux raisonnée au Commencement qu’a la fin puis-ce que les craintes du peuple n’existoient plus, s’est fait attendre pendant un an.— M.M. les Avocats d’Arras par leur consultation posterieure, ont rectifiés cette fin qui n’etoit pas de mon goût.
Ce Memoire enfin etant imprimé, fut signifié a la partie publique au commencement de novembre 1782.— Un des plus Eloquent plaideur d’Arras s’est chargé de la plaider, j’en attend le resultat avec une sorte d’impatience, et voila a quoi les choses en sont.
Compatissant comme vous este Monsieur pour les opprimés, vôtre indulgence excusera j’espere la longueur de cette Epitre qui detaille en bref les peinnes, et les tracasseries d’un pauvre martir de la chicane qui a l’honneur de se dire avec non moins de confiance, d’admiration de vos talents superieurs que de respect, Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeisant serviteur
De Vyssery De Bois-VALÉEdemeurant marché aux herbes.

Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin, Ministre / plénipotentiaire Des états unis De / L’Amérique, Membre De l’Académie Des / Sciences De paris / A Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas Grand, 11 December 1782
From: Grand, Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rüe Poissonniere le 11. Xbre. 1782.
Le Cher. Grand prie Son Excellençe Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin & Monsieur Son Fils de luy faire l’honneur de Diner chez luy Lundy prochain 16 de ce mois, avec M. Le Duc De La Vauguyon.
R.S.V.P.


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Francis Dana, 12 December 1782
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Dana, Francis M.

SirParis Decr. 12 1782
We have the Honour to congratulate you, on the Signature of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive Treaty, when France and Britain Shall have agreed upon their Terms. The Articles, of which We do ourselves the honour to inclose you a Copy, were compleated, on the thirtieth of last Month.
To Us, at this Distance, the present opportunity, appears to be the most favourable for you to communicate your mission to the Ministers of the Empress of Russia, and to the Ministers of the other neutral Powers residing at her Court, and if you have no Objections, We presume you will wish to be furnished with the inclosed Paper, to communicate at the Same Time.
We heartily wish you Success, and if you Should inform Us of a fair prospect of it, We Shall propose an Article in the definitive Treaty, to Secure the Freedom of Navigation according to the Principles of the late marine Treaty between the neutral Powers.
With great Respect, We have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servants
John AdamsB FranklinJohn JayHenry Laurens

The Honourable Francis Dana Esq.

Endorsed: Letter from J. Adams & other Commissioners of the U. States Dated Paris Decr: 12th. 1782 Recd. Jany: 1st. 1783— O. Stile


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 12 December 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel du Roy, au Carrouzel, Decemr: 12th. 1782
Mr: Adams presents his Compliments to his Excellency Dr: Franklin, & requests the honor of his Company to dinner on Monday the 16th. inst. at 3. oClock.

Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin. / Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, 12 December 1782
From: Fitzherbert, Alleyne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel du Parc Royal Decr. 12th
Mr Fitz-Herbert presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin and Mr Franklin and desires the honour of their Company to dinner on Tuesday next, the 17th, at 3 o’clock.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / à Passy.
Notation: Mr. Fitzherbert Decr. 12th


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 12 December 1782
From: Kéralio, Agathon Guynement, chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Forbach, le 12e. Xbre. 1782.
La Celeste amie de Monsieur Franklin n’a pas le temps de lui écrire; mais elle lui fait les plus tendres amitiés et l’embrasse de tout son cœur; elle recommande à ses bontés ordinaires le paquet ci-joint pour son fils ainé.
Le courier de Demain est attendu avec bien de l’impatience; nous esperons qu’il nous apportera la paix. Et qui aura joué Le premier role? L’illustre Mr. Franklin que le secretaire Keralio assure de son tendre respect./.
Mille amitiés à Mr. son fils.

Notation: Chevr. de Keraglio Forbach 12 Decr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley: Extract, 12 December 1782
From: Priestley, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Extrait d’une Lettre de Mr. Priestley,datée de le 12. Xbre. 1782.
Je n’ai eu que peu de Soleil; mais j’en ai profité pour faire plusieurs Observations nouvelles: Je ne vous rendrai Compte maintenant que de la derniere qui est assèz remarquable, et qui pourra vous donner quelque plaisir ainsi qu’à vos Amis.
Je convertis en peu de temps l’Eau pure en Air permanent, Poids pour Poids, en la combinant d’abord avec la Chaux vive et en l’exposant ensuite à une forte chaleur. Aucune Portion ne s’en dégage sous la Forme de Vapeur, Et un Ballon de Verre que je place entre la Retorte et le Recipient pour l’air, demeure entierement Sec et froid jusqu’à la fin de l’Operation.
L’air que je me procure par ce moyen contient une Portion d’air fixe, mais dans un Proportion telle qu’une Chandelle peut bruler dedans; Et qu’il seroit, à mon Avis, le meilleur pour les Plantes, qui le purifieroient et le rendroient propre à la Resperiation. Comme les Volcans fourniroient cette Espece d’Air en grande Abondance, dès matieres calcaires que la Terre renferme; Il est peut-être probable que cette Espece d’air formoit la premiere Atmosphére de la Terre qui, selon Moïse, eut des Plantes avant qu’il y eût des animaux Terrestres.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte Creutz, 14 [i.e., 13] December 1782
From: Creutz, the Comte
To: Franklin, Benjamin

A Paris le 14. [i.e., 13] Dec. 1782.
Monsieur L’Ambassadeur de Suède à L’honneur de faire bien des Complimens à Monsieur francklin et de le prevenir qu’il aura L’honneur demain Samedy avant midy de l’aller voir pour lui communiquer des affaires de consequences. Il le prie de vouloir bien lui faire L’honneur de luy faire sçavoir s’il pourra avoir celui de le trouver.

Notation: L’Ambassadeur de Suede A Paris 14 Decembre 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [Creutz], [13 December 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Creutz, Gustaf Philip Graf von

[December 13, 1782]
M. Franklin etant obligé d’etre demain Matin à Paris pour Affaire ne pourra pas avoir l’honneur de recevoir chez lui M. l’Ambassadeur de Suede— Mais il aura celui de lui faire sa Cour sur les 11 heures—si toutefois cela est agreable à M. l’Ambassadeur.


Title: Madame F. Pechigny to Franklin or William Temple Franklin, 13 December 1782
From: Péchigny, Madame F.
To: Franklin, William Temple,Franklin, Benjamin

a passy ce 13. xbre. 1782
Mde. Pechigny supplie monsieur franklin de vouloir bien lui permettre le 26. du present, de lui presenter lhommage de sa vive reconnoissance en lui remettant les 300 l.t. que noblement il lui a preté et dagréer les regret de limpossibilité ou elle a èté de ne les lui avoir pas remis plûtot.
Si monsieur franklin a un protegé qui enseigne langlois mde. pechigny le prie de lui procurer, étant dans lintention de n’en prendre dautre part que de la sienne pour le premier janvier prochain.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / en son hotel / A Passy
Notation: Mde. Pechiny 13 Dec. 1782.


Title: Notes for a Reply to ——— Stockar zur Sonnenbourg, [before 14 December 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[before December 14, 1782]
Different Men who have been present and Witnesses of a Transaction, often give different and inconsistent Accounts of it thro’ Defaults in their Observation or Memory. It is still more difficult for a Historian who writes of Affairs distant either in Time or Place, to come at the exact Truth. It is therefore no Wonder if some Errors have escaped the Abbé Raynall’s Care in his History of the American Revolution which this Pamphlet points out. It is nevertheless upon the whole an excellent Work. Tho’ There are some other Errors, such as that European Animals degenerate in America. That Men are shorter liv’d. That they have a bad Method of Inticing Inhabitants. That the People of Massachusetts Bay preserve their Fanaticism. That the Soil is bad and has grown worse. With others of less Importance.


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 14 December 1782
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,Paris, Decr. 14. 1782.
We have the honour to congratulate Congress on the Signature of the Preliminaries of a Peace between the Crown of Great Britain & the United States of America, to be inscribed, in a definitive Treaty so soon as the Terms between the Crowns of France & Great Britain shall be agreed on. A Copy of the Articles is here inclosed, and we cannot but flatter ourselves that they will appear to Congress as they do to all of us, to be consistent with the honour and Interest of the United States, and we are persuaded Congress would be more fully of that Opinion if they were apprized of all the Circumstances and Reasons which have influenced the Negotiation. Although it is impossible for us to go into that Detail, we think it necessary nevertheless to make a few Remarks on such of the Articles, as appear most to require Elucidation.
Remarks on Article 2d. relative to Boundaries.
The Court of Great Britain, insisted on retaining all the Territories comprehended within the Province of Quebec, by the Act of Parliament respecting it. They contended that Nova Scotia should extend to the River Kennebeck; and they claimed not only all the Lands in the Western Country, and on the Missisippi, which were not expressly included in our Charter and Governments, but also all such Lands within them as remained ungranted by the King of Great Britain: It would be endless to ennumerate all the Discussions and Arguments, on the Subject. We know this Court and Spain to be against our Claims to the Western Country, and having no Reason to think that Lines more favourable could ever have been obtained, we finally agreed to those described in this Article: indeed they appear to leave us little to complain of, and not much to desire. Congress will observe that although our Northern Line, is in a certain Part below the Latitude of Forty five, yet in others it extends above it, divides the Lake Superior, and gives us Access to its Western & Southern Waters, from which a Line in that Latitude would have excluded us.
Remarks on Article 4th. respecting Creditors.
We had been informed that some of the States, had confiscated British Debts, but although each State has a Right to bind its own Citizens, yet in our Opinion, it appertains solely to Congress, in whom exclusively are vested the Rights of making War and Peace, to pass Acts against the Subjects of a Power with which the Confederacy may be at War. It therefore only remained for us to consider whether, this Article is founded in Justice & good Policy.
In our Opinion no Acts of Government could dissolve the Obligations of Good Faith, resulting from lawfull Contracts between Individuals of the two Countries, prior to the War. We know that some of the British Creditors were making common Cause with the Refugees, and other Adversaries of our Independence: besides, sacrificing private Justice to Reasons of State and political Convenience, is always an odious Measure, and the Purity of our Reputation in this Respect in all foreign Commercial Countries, is of infinitely more Importance to us, than all the Sums in question. It may also be remarked, that American and British Creditors, are placed on an equal footing.
Remarks on Articles 5 & 6: respecting Refugees.
These Articles were among the first discussed, and the last agreed to. And had not the Conclusion of this Business at the Time of its Date, been particularly important to the British Administration the Respect, which both in London and Versailles, is supposed to be due to the honour Dignity and Interests of Royalty, would probably have forever prevented our bringing this Article so near to the Views of Congress and the sovereign Rights of the States as it now stands. When it is considered that it was utterly impossible to render this Article perfectly consistent, both with American and British Laws of Honour, we presume that the middle Line adopted by this Article, is as little unfavourable to the former, as any that could in Reason be expected.
As to the Separate Article, We beg leave to observe, that it was our Policy to render the Navigation of the River Missisippi so important to Britain, as that their Views might correspond with ours on that Subject. Their possessing the Country on the River, North of the Line from the Lake of the Woods, affords a Foundation for their claiming such Navigation: and as the Importance of West Florida to Britain was for the same Reason rather to be strengthen’d than otherwise, we thought it adviseable to allow them the Extent contained in the Separate Article, especially as before the War it had been annex’d by Britain to W. Florida, and would operate as an additional Inducement to their joining with us in agreeing, that the Navigation of the River should forever remain open to both. The Map used in the Course of our Negotiations was Mitchells.
As we had reason to imagine that the Articles respecting the Boundaries, the Refugees & Fisheries did not correspond with the Policy of this Court, we did not Communicate the Preliminaries to the Minister, until after they were signed; and not even then the Separate Article. We hope that these Considerations will excuse our having so far deviated from the Spirit of our Instructions. The Count de Vergennes on perusing the Articles appear’d surprized, but not displeased, at their being so favourable to us.
We beg leave to add our Advice that Copies be sent us of the Accounts directed to be taken by the different States, of the unnecessary Devastations and Sufferings sustained by them from the Enemy in the Course of the War:—should they arrive before the Signature of the definitive Treaty they might possibly answer very good purposes.—
With great Respect, We have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, & most humble Servants.
John Adams.B FranklinJohn JayHenry Laurens.
Enter’d on the Minutes. W. T. Franklin secy:The honble. Robert R. Livingston Esqr. Secretary for Foreign Affairs.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 14 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Sir,Passy, Decr. 14th. 1782.
I received duly your several Letters of Septr. 25th. 27th. 28th. and 30th. October 1st. 5th. 7th. all by Capt. Barney, and October 27th. since. I immediately made the Application so strongly pressed by the Congress for a Loan of four Millions of Dollars. I annex’d to my memoir the Resolves of Congress, with Copies and Extracts of your several Letters and those of Mr. Livingston upon the Subject, all of which appear’d to me extreamly well written for enforcing the Request. I was at first told that it would be a difficult thing to furnish such a Sum at present, but it should be considered. It was much wondered that no Letters were brought by the Washington for M. le Comte de Vergennes, as several were come to the Secretary of War, M. de Segur, and to the Marquis de Castries Secretary of the Marine; and the next time I waited on the Minister, I was told that nothing could be done till the Dispatches from M. de la Luzerne were received. I enquired of Capt. Barney, who told me he believ’d M. de Forest had them, who left him to go for Paris by way of Nantes. M. de Forest was a week or ten Days before he arriv’d; at Paris; and he had not the Dispatches. After a Fortnight had thus pass’d, I sent Capt. Barney down to search for them in his Ship; he there found them, and in about eight Days more they arriv’d and were delivered.— I have since continually press’d for a favorable Answer; The Marquis de la Fayette has likewise been importunate; but we could only learn that there was yet no Decision. The Negociations for Peace were going on, and I ascribed the Delay partly to the uncertainty of the Event, which might make a less Sum Sufficient if it succeeded, or a greater necessary if the War was still to be continued. I believe too, that the new Loan meditated for this Government, but not ascertain’d, might occasion some Suspension. But whatever are the Causes, the Fact is, that, tho’ I understand we are to be aided, I am still ignorant what the Quantum will be, or when it can be obtained. I have detain’d Capt. Barney, hoping he might carry a part of it, but seeing that so very uncertain, the Commissioners for the Treaty here, urge me to send him away with the Preliminary Articles, and take some other opportunity of sending Money when we get it. Perhaps we can make use of the Alliance, who is now out upon a Cruize.
Of the Amount of Mr. Adams’s Loan in Holland, I have no certain account. He thinks it may be between 15 and 1,700,000 florins. Mr. Grand has obtain’d a Part of it to pay the Interest of the Dutch Loan, which is done, But he will acquaint you better with the state of his Funds than I can do. He tells me he will restate his Accounts as you desire.
The Shipping of the Stores from Brest is wholly in the Hands of Mr. Barclay. He will likewise take Care of those which are unloaded out of the three Transports at Rochefort, that were to have gone with Convoy in May last, and have ever since been detained there unaccountably, which I did not know till lately. The four Jamaica Ships brought in by the Alliance will furnish him with Money for paying Charges.—
The Accounts of Goods bought to replace the Fayette’s Cargo, having been sent you by several Opportunities, I hope you have them before this time.

I am extreamly glad to be freed from your Money Accounts, and the Payment of Bills. And I hope this will be the last Application I shall be charg’d with to borrow. In a former Letter I requested you to be my Atterney, to receive and remit my Salary, which I now repeat. The Friends of the Duc de Lauzun, who is an Officer in the French Army, having Occasion to send him some Money, requested me to furnish Bills. To oblige them I gave a Draft on you for Six thousand Livres, which I request you would honor, and deduct the same out of my Salary. Me thinks Mr. Grand should have some general Order to defray the contigent Expences of your Ministers. I am concern’d that the Resolution of appointing a Person to settle all our Accounts in Europe has not yet been carried into Execution. They certainly cannot so well be settled in America; and I shall think it hard, after I am out of Place, to be detain’d here on that Account for Years like poor unhappy Deane, who by the way is I think in that Respect hardly dealt with. Settlement of Accounts and Payment of just Balances, is due even between Enemies.
I know not where the Virginia Stores lie. I will enquire, and acquaint Mr. Barclay with your Resolution concerning them, which I think very prudent.
Penet, who was employed by that State as an Agent to borrow Money here, is broke and absconded. His Creditors are all worrying me with their Complaints, who have nothing to do with his Affairs. I have long since mentioned the Inconvenience of the Attempts of seperate States to borrow Money in Europe. They have hurt our Credit, and produc’d nothing. We have put Faith in every Adventurer who pretended to have Influence here, and who when he arriv’d had none but what our appointment gave him.
I congratulate on the Tokens of approaching Peace. I wish nothing may happen to prevent it.
With sincere and great Esteem, I am, Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant
(Sign’d)B: Franklin
Honble. Robt: Morris, Esqr.No. 5

Notation: 14th Decemr. 1782 Dr B Franklin To Office of Finance Copy recd 7th April seq.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 14 December 1782
From: Pierres, Philippe-Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,Paris 14 Xbre. 1782.
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser le sr. saudot auquel vous pouvez remettre les deux alphabets que vous voulez bien me prêter. Je me ferai un grand plaisir de vous offrir ce que j’ai de mieux en vignettes mais Je desirerois savoir de quel genre & de quelle grandeur.

Si vous pouvez, monsieur, être utile à l’honnête infortuné que je vous adresse vous ferez une bien bonne action. Il est chargé de famille & ses enfans sont tous nuds. Je fais de mon côté Ce que je puis mais je ne puis pas faire tout ce que je voudrois.
Agréez, monsieur, les sentimens de la sincere vénération de l’Inviolable attachement & du respect avec lequel je suis, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant servîteur
Pierres
M. Franklin.

Notation: Pierre, 14 Decr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Thun, 14 December 1782
From: Thun, Ulrich, baron de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieura Paris ce 14 Dec: 1782
En conséquence de votre conseil, le Sr. Schneider habitant de Germantaun, a payé au Sr. Richard Bache votre gendre 200 l.t. en especes, faisants la valeur de 1200 florins, et celui-ci en a délivré la quittance, ci-jointe en copie.
Le Sr. Auer Ministre de l’église d’Ebingen dans le Wirtemberg, a eu l’honneur Monsieur de vous en donner avis, dès le mois d’Octobre dernier, en vous priant de vouloir bien, par la voie qu’il vous plairoit, faire passer cette somme pour le compte de la veuve Hoecklin, demeurant au dit Ebingen.
N’ayant point eu de reponse de votre part, il m’a prié Monsieur de vous demander les éclaircissemens et conseils ulterieurs que le cas éxige, et de vous offrir mon canal pour la transmise de cette somme.
Connoissant vos sentimens charitables et bienfaisants, j’ose attendre cette complaisance de votre part, et j’ai l’honneur d’être avec les sentimens les plus sincers et les plus distingués Monsieur votre très humble et trés obeissant serviteur
Le Baron DE ThunMinistre Plénipre. de Wirtemberg

Notation: Le Baron de Thun Paris 4 Decr. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

SirPassy, Dec. 15. 1782
I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that our Courier is to set out to-morrow at Ten aClock, with the Dispatches we send to Congress by the Washington, Capt. Barney, for which Ship we have got a Passport from the King of England. If you would make any Use of this Conveyance, the Courier shall wait upon you to-morrow at Versailles, and receive your Orders.
I hoped I might have been able to send part of the Aids we have asked, by this safe Vessel. I beg that your Excellency would at least inform me what Expectations I may give in my Letters. I fear the Congress will be reduc’d to Despair, when they find that nothing is yet obtained.
With the greatest and most sincere Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

Excelly. M. le Comte de Vergennes


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, 15 December 1782
From: Bancroft, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirChaillot 15 Decr. 1782
I went again yesterday to Mr. de Beaumarchais but found, what had not been told me before, that he is at Bourdeaux, & therefore it will be impossible for me to obtain the Certificate Mr. Deane desires until his return— I must therefore write Mr. Deane to day & wish to inclose in my Letter a Line or two from you importing something, or so much as you may think proper, of the paper, I had the honor of Leaving with you on thursday Evening— I would be obliged to you also to inform me when you think of sending away your Dispatches for America. I have the honor to be very truely Dear Sir Your respectful & affectionate Humble Servant,
Edwd. Bancroft

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis &c / a Passy
Notation: Ed: Bancroft Chaillot 15th. Decr. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 15 December 1782
From: Holker, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Respectable friendRouen 15 of Decr 1782
It is hoigh time that I make you my Complements on your having obtaind Peas, & puting your Contery at Liberty; to which wee may Justley say, your Manly Conduct, & Supereor Judgment, has don the Business.
May you long Live my Good friend, to Injoy the Sweets of it, which is what I wish from my very Soule being most sincearly attached to you, & the Causes you have so Bravely susstaind.
My best Complements attend your Son, & Live in hopes that youl keep your Promis, & spend som days with us here before you Returne to the Land of Promis, it is what my wife desiers & Joyns with me in Beging youl not faile doeing us that Pleaseur.
I ever am with Respects & Sincerety My Dear friend your Most Obedt & affectionet Servant
J Holker

Notation: Holker, Rouen 15 Decr. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 15 December 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 15 Xbre 1782
Je puis etre surpris, Monsieur, après l’Explication que j’ai eue avec vous et la promesse que vous m’aviez faite que vous ne presseriez pas l’obtention d’un Passeport Anglois pour l’expedition du Paquet bot le Wasington, que vous me fassiez part que vous avez reçu ce meme passeport et que demain a dix heures du matin votre courier partira pour porter vos Depeches. Je suis assés embarrassé, M, a expliquer votre conduite et celle de vos collegues a notre egard. Vous avez arreté vos articles préliminaires sans nous en faire part quoique les instructions du Congrés vous prescrivissent de ne rien faire sans la participation du Roi. Vous allez faire luire un Espoir certain de paix en Amerique sans meme vous informer de l’Etat de notre negociation. Vous etes sage et avisé, M, vous connoïssez les bienseances vous avez rempli toute votre vie vos devoirs. Croyez vous satisfaire a ceux qui vous lient au Roi? Je ne veux pas porter plus loin ces reflexions, je les abandonne a votre honneteté. Quand vous aurez bien voulu satisfaire a mes doutes je prierai le Roi de me mettre en Etat de repondre a vos demandes.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une veritable Consideration, M, Ve. &a.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 16 December 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirL’Orient 16 decembr. 1782
Captain Casson of the Ship Washington arrived here last night from Philadelphia, which place he left the 20th November. He brought the Inclosed Packet for you Just in the Condition which I send it. I do not hear that he brings any News of consequence, except a report of the Evacuation of Charlestown.
All the Public Goods that were at Brest are now on their way to Nantes, and L’Orient, but I shall wait a little longer to see what the Event of the present negotiations will prove, before they go forward, as the difference of a War, and Peace freight and risk, is a matter of great consequence. The Ships St. James, America and Washington are now in this Harbour, loading for Philadelphia, they are all Arm’d, fast Sailing Vessels, but the Freight demanded for Carrying the Public Goods, is in my opinion extravagantly high, and which I will not comply with— I shall however, I expect, get all those that go to Nantes, or come here ship’d in good time, and I intend setting out for Rochfort, as soon as Captain Barneys dispatches come from Paris, when probably I may be able to form a better Judgement of what will be proper to do, than I can at present.
I have the honour to remain respectfully Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient Most Huml. Servt.
Thos Barclay
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 17 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

SirPassy, Decr. 17. 1782
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of writing to me the 15th. Instant. The Proposal of having a Passport from England was agreed to by me the more willingly, as I at that time had Hopes of obtaining some Money to send in the Washington, and the Passport would have made its Transportation safer, with that of our Dispatches, and of yours also if you had thought fit to make use of the Occasion. Your Excellency objected, as I understood it, that the English Ministers by their Letters sent in the same Ship might create inconvenient Expectations in America. It was therefore I propos’d not to press for the Passport till your Preliminaries were also agreed to. They have sent the Passport without being press’d to do it; and they have sent no Letters to go under it; and ours will prevent the Inconvenience apprehended. In a subsequent Conversation, your Excellency mention’d your Intention of sending some of the King’s Cutters; from whence I imagin’d that Detaining the Washington was no longer necessary; And it was certainly very incumbent on us to give Congress as early an Account as possible of our Proceedings, who must think it extremely strange to hear of them by other means without a Line from us. I acquainted your Excellency however with our Intention of dispatching that Ship, supposing you might possibly have something to send by her.
Nothing has been agreed in the Preliminaries contrary to the Interests of France; and no Peace is to take Place between us and England till you have concluded yours. Your Observation is however apparently just, that in not consulting you before they were signed, we have been guilty of neglecting a Point of Bienséance. But as this was not from Want of Respect for the King whom we all love and honour, we hope it may be excused; and that the great Work which has hitherto been so happily conducted, is so nearly brought to Perfection, and is so glorious to his Reign, will not be ruined by a single Indiscretion of ours. And certainly the whole Edifice falls to the ground immediately, if you refuse on that Account to give us any farther Assistance. I have not yet dispatch’d the Ship, and shall beg leave to wait upon you on Friday for your final Answer.
It is not possible for any one to be more sensible than I am, of what I, and every American, owe to the King, for the many & great Benefits & Favours he has bestow’d upon us. All my Letters to America are Proofs of this; all tending to make the same Impressions on the Minds of my Countrymen, that I felt in my own. And I believe that no Prince was ever more belov’d and respected by his own Subjects, than the King is by the People of the United States. The English, I just now learn, flatter themselves they have already divided us. I hope this little Misunderstanding will therefore be kept a perfect Secret, and that they will find themselves totally mistaken.

With great and sincere Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
le Comte de Vergennes.

Endorsed: M. de R


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut and Arnoux, 17 December 1782
From: Chalut, abbé ——,Arnoux, abbé ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

paris mardi 17 Xbre 1782
Nous assurons notre respectable ami de notre estime et de notre amitié et nous lui envoyons un exemplaire de l’ouvrage que M. l’abbé de Mably vient de donner au public. L’auteur en fait hommage au patriarche de la raison et de la liberté.
Il nous tarde d’aller Celebrer le retour de la paix et l’independence de l’amerique avec notre ami. Nous faisons des voeux pour cet heureux moment.
Les amitiés des abbés de chalut et arnoux au cher petit fils.


Title: Franklin: Certificate Concerning Silas Deane, [18 December 1782]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[December 18, 1782]
Certain paragraphs having lately appeared in the English newspapers, importing, that Silas Deane, Esqr. formerly Agent and Commissioner Plenipotentiary, of the United States of America, had sometime after his first “arrival in France, purchased in that kingdom, for the use of his countrymen, 30,000 muskets, &c. that he gave three livres for each of them, being old condemned arms; that he had them cleaned and vamped up, which cost near three livres more, & that for each of these, he charged and received a louis d’or.” And that he also committed similar frauds, in the purchase of other articles, for the use of his country; and Mr. Deane having represented, that the said paragraphs are likely to injure him in the opinions of many persons, unacquainted with his conduct, whilst in public service; I think it my duty, in compliance with his request, to certify, and declare, that the paragraphs in question, according to my best knowledge and belief, are entirely false, and that I have never known, or suspected any cause to charge the said Silas Deane with any want of probity, in any purchase, or bargain whatever made by him for the use or account of the United States.
Given at Passy, the 18th December, 1782
B. Franklin,Minister Plenipotentiary from theUnited States of America, at the Court of France.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas Geoffroy, [18 December 1782]
From: Geoffroy, Nicholas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[December 18, 1782]
Le né. [nommé] Bonnefoi a remis à la secretairerie de M Le Comte De Vergennes la Lettre de Monsieur francklin aujourd’hui 18 Xbre. 1782 à sept heures et demie du Soir.
Geoffroy
Secretre de M. Le Cte. De Vergennes./.

Notation: Comte de Vergennes 18th. Decr. 1782 Versailles


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Frédéric Perregaux, 18 December 1782
From: Perregaux, Jean-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rue st Sauveur 18th./. Decr 1782
Mr: Perregaux has the honour to enclose to His Excellency Mr Franklin a Packet Just received for him from London & recomended to his Care.

He will be obliged to him to let him know he received it.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 19 December 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles le 19 Decembre 1782
Je vous recevrai demain, Monsieur, avec bien du plaisir et J’espere que vous voudrez bien me faire l’honneur de venir diner avec moi. J’ai celui d’etre avec une parfaite Consideration, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur.
(signé) De Vergennes.
A Monsieur Franklin.


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 20 December 1782
From: American Peace Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Livingston, Robert R.

SirParis December 20. 1782
The Proposal inclosed, has been transmitted to us by Mr Bridgen, a Gentleman in London, who has been uniformly a Friend to America, and in a Variety of Ways, and at a great Expence has Served her Cause. It is a Project for introducing Copper Coins into the United States, and Seems to Us to merit the early Attention of Congress, to whom We have the Honour to recommend it.

With the greatest Respect, We have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servants
John AdamsB FranklinJohn JayHenry Laurens.
Robert R. Livingston Esqr Secretary of State for the Department of foreign Affairs.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 20 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Johonnot, Gabriel

Sir,Passy, Dec. 20. 1782
I have this Day drawn on you for 1026 Livres 3 Sols & 6 deniers, being what I have lately paid for your Son’s Education to the 5th of October last. Another Quarter will be soon due. He is a fine Youth, and I make no doubt but his Improvements are more than equal to the Expense. You will be pleas’d to honour the Bill, and transmit a Fund for defraying future Charges, which will oblige.
Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servt
B Franklin
Col. Johonnot


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francesco Favi, 20 December 1782
From: Favi, Francesco
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis ce. 20. Xbe. 1782
J’ai L’honneur de vous envoyer un portrait qui a etè adressè de Vienne à M. Le Comte de Mercy.
Ce Ministre m’ayant chargè de vous Le faire passer de sa part je m’empresse de remplir cette commission, qui me procure L’honneur de me dire avec Le plus grand respect Monsieur Votre très humble, et très Obeissant Serviteur
FAVI

Notation: Favi 20 xbre. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 21 December 1782
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear Sir,Boston Decr 21. 1782
I know not how to express my Obligations to you for introducing me to the Acquaintance & Friendship of Count Segurs. I have known him but a few days and yet he has induldged me wth an Intimacy. So many shining, so many amiable Qualities we seldom see united in one Man. He has inspired me with an Esteem, a Respect, and a Love coexistent with myself. Think, my dear Sir, what I must feel at this Moment when I am called to part with him and so many Noble Men and Gentlemen of the Kings Army and Fleet, who allow me to call them my Friends, whose great and good Qualities have seized my heart & f’m whom I have received the most obliging Attentions. I know not wch is greatest, either the Honor & pleasure they have given me in their acquaintance, or the Regret I feel at parting wth them. It is no small Distinction to the Cause of our Country that such men approve it; but that they ardently love it & have so chearfully exposed themselves to such Toils & Dangers in it’s Defence, while it raises us in the Estimation of the world must captivate all our Work. In the Field they have honor’d their own Nation & saved our’s. May Heaven defend and bless them, and crown them with fresh Glories. My warmest good Wishes are particularly due to the Count Segurs, whose Conversation has so much enlightened & charmed me. May he soon have an happy Meeting with his Family and Friends, and the Pleasure of embracing you. With an ardent & constant Friendship I am my dr Sir, Your’s
S. C.
Copy to Dr Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, 21 December 1782
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

21 Dbre 1782./.
Je viens d’Etre informmé que votre Exelance est Continuellement assailli de la part de mes Creantiers qui nont ny pretantions ny droits meme de L’interompre a Ce Sujet.
Cette Conduite Est ausi enprutande que mechante puisque je les ài prevennuë que mes engagements nav’oient rien de Comun avec Votre Exelance, et que Ceux a quis il est Düe pour L’Etat de virginie m’ayant mis en meme de justifier leurs Comptes je l’arretteréz et en Sollisiteréz le rempourscement.
Mais Sans Egarres a mes raisons tous me menassent de Sonne Exelance de la justisce de la quelle ainsi que de lEquité de ma Conduite je nest rien a Craindre.
Jay lhonneur dEtre avec un profond respect de votre Exelance le plus Soumis Serviteur
./.P. Penet./.

Notation: Penet 21. Decr. 1782


Title: Receipt for John Adams, 22 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

ce Dimanche 22 Decembre [1782]
Reçu le Pacquet que m’a envoyé son Exe. M. Adams addressée a M. Livingston
B Franklin

Notation: Receipt Dr. Franklin. for a Packet addressed to Mr. Livingston 22. Decr. 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 23 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Morris, Robert

Sir,Passy Decemr 23rd: 1782
When I wrote to you on the 14th: I expected to have dispatch’d the Washington immediately, tho’ without any Money. A little misunderstanding prevented it. That was after some Days happily got over, and Friday last, Order was given to furnish me with six hundred thousand Livres immediately to send in that Ship, and I was answered by Mr. de Vergennes that the Rest of the Six Millions should be paid us quarterly in the Course of the Year 1783. If your Drafts make it necessary, I believe we can have it advanced, at least on paying Discount. Mr. Grand has been ever since busy collecting the proper Species to send it in, and it will go I suppose to morrow or next Day. I am glad to make use of this Opportunity, and wish the Sum could have been larger, as we have got a Pasport from England for the Ship Washington, Capt: Barney, sign’d by the King’s own hand, the more curious as it acknowledges us by our Title of the United States of America. We should not however, imagine ourselves already in Peace. The other Powers are not yet agreed, and the War may still continue longer than we expect. Our Preliminaries have not yet been communicated to Parliment, and I apprehend there will be great Clamours against them when they appear. Hints are already thrown out that the King has gone beyond his Powers, and if the new Ministry do not stand their Ground perhaps the Ratification may be prevented. A little more Success in the W. Indies this Winter may totally turn the Heads of that giddy Nation.
I pressed hard therefore for the whole Sum demanded; but was told it was impossible; the great Efforts to be made this Campaign in the East & West Indies, (the Armies for which are now afloat) and the enormous Expence engaged in, having much embarrass’d the Finances.
Our People certainly ought to do more for themselves. It is absurd the pretending to be Lovers of Liberty while they grudge paying for the Defence of it. It is said here, that an Impost of 5 per Cent on all Goods imported, tho’ a most reasonable Proposition had not been agreed to by all the States; and was therefore frustrated; and that your News Papers acquaint the World with this, with the Non Payment of Taxes by the People, and with the Non Payment of Interest to the Creditors of the Public. The Knowledge of these things have hurt our Credit & the Loan in Holland, and would prevent our getting any thing here but from the Government. The Foundation for Credit abroad should be laid at home; and certain Funds should be prepared and established before hand, for the Regular Payment at least of the Interest.
With sincere Esteem and Respect, I am, Sir, Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
(signed) B Franklin
Honble: Robt: Morris Esqr.

Notation: No. 5. 23d— Decemr 1782 Dr B Franklin To Office of Finance— Copy recd— 7th— April, seqe


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, [23 December 1782]
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Franklin, Benjamin

	Rue de Clery. Monday Evening [December 23, 1782]
Mr. Ridley presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin & begs the honor of his Company at Dinner on Wednesday the 25. Currt.— M R begs Leave to inform Dr. Franklin it will be a Christmas dinner &, the principal dainty a Round, of Beef

Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son Excellence Monr. Franklin / a Passy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 24 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hopkinson, Francis

Mr Hopkinson, My Dear Friend,Passy, Dec. 24. 1782
I received your very kind Letter of Oct. 18. I am glad you have at length got the Battery from Mr Coombe. He had had it long enough in his Possession to believe it his own, it being lent to him in 1756.— He had also of me a nine Inch Glass Globe, well mounted; and a Vol. of the Philosophic Transactions. If they still exist I wish you could recover them also.
I have subscribed for two Sets of the new Encyclopedia, one for you, the other I intend a Present to our Philosophic Society.— I have forwarded to you in this Ship what is already publish’d.
I thank you for your ingenious Paper in favour of the Trees. I own I wish we had two Rows of them in every one of our Streets. The comfortable Shelter they would afford us, when walking, from our burning Summer Suns, and the greater Coolness of our Walls & Pavements, would I conceive in the improv’d Health of the Inhabitants, amply compensate the Loss of a House now and then, by Fire, if such should be the Consequence: But a Tree is soon fell’d; and as Axes are at hand in every Neighbourhood, may be down before the Engines arrive.—
You do well to avoid being concern’d in the Pieces of Personal Abuse, so scandalously common in our Newspapers that I am afraid to lend any of them here, till I have examined & laid aside such as would disgrace us; and subject us among Strangers to a Reflection like that us’d by a Gentleman in a Coffee-house, to two Quarrellers, who after a mutually free Use of the Words Rogue, Villain, Rascal, Scoundrel, &c seemed as if they would refer their Dispute to him:—I know nothing of you or your Affair, says he; I only perceive that you know one another.
The Conductor of a Newspaper, should, methinks, consider himself as in some degree the Guardian of his Country’s Reputation, and refuse to insert such Writings as may hurt it. If People will print their Abuses of one another, let them do it in little Pamphlets, and distribute them where they think proper. It is absurd to trouble all the World with them; and unjust to Subscribers in distant Places, to stuff their Papers with Matters so unprofitable & so disagreable.
With sincere Esteem & Affection, I am, my dear Friend, Ever yours
B Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 24 December 1782
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel d Yorke 24th. Decemr 1782—
Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin & requests him to give a place to the Inclosed Letter for Robt. R. Livingston Esqr among his dispatches for the Ship Washington & to inform him whether he will be in time for saving the Courier with other Letters any time to day.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja. Franklin Esquire / &c & / Passy—
Notation: H. Laurens Paris 24. xbre 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 24 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

Passy, 24 Decr. 82
Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Lawrens, has recd his Packet for Mr Livingston, and will forward it by the Courier, who will not leave Paris ’till Thursday, being to wait for Count de Vergennes Dispatches: so that any thing else that Mr. Lawrens may wish to send, will be time enough if it is here by Tomorrow Night.

Addressed: His Excellency / Henry Lawrens Esqr / &c &ca. / Paris.
Notation: Note from Dr. Franklin Passy 24th December 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 24[–25] December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,Passy, Decr. 24.[–25] 1782.
Sundry Circumstances occurring since mine of the 5th & 14th. have hitherto retarded the Departure of our Dispatches. They will now go under the Security of a British Passport, be accompanied by a Sum of Money, and by some farther Intelligence from England, which show the still unsettled State of Minds there, and, together with the Difficulties and small Progress in the Dutch and Spanish Negociations, make the speedy Conclusion of Peace still uncertain.
The Swedish Ambassador has exchanged full Powers with me. I send a Copy of his herewith. We have had some Conference on the proposed Plan of our Treaty, and he has dispatched a Courier for farther Instructions, respecting some of the Articles.

The Commissioners have join’d in a Letter to you, recommending the Consideration of a Proposal from Mr. Bridgen relating to Coper Coin. With this you have a Copy of that Proposal, and some Samples of the Copper. If it should be accepted, I conceive the Weight and Value of the Pieces (Charge of Coinage deducted) should be such, as that they may be aliquot Parts of a Spanish Dollar. By the Copy enclosed of an old Letter of mine to Mr. Bridgen, you will see the Ideas I had of the additional Utility such a Coinage might be of in communicating Instruction.
Dec. 25. Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter just received from M. le Comte de Vergennes upon the present State of their Negociation with England. With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Robt. R. Livingston Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 24 December 1782
From: Valltravers, Johann Rodolphe
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honorable Sir!Vienna, Christmas Daÿ, Décr. 24th. 1782./.
Still ignorant of the Fate of mÿ several Letters to Your Excellency, written in the Year 1778; and lately, on the 2d. of Octr., conveÿed by Monsr. Lieutaud, a french Man of Letters, who had visited this Capital; And not conscious of ever having forfeited the Honor of your invaluable Esteem, and antient Friendship: I still attribute your Silence, rather to the daily increasing Extent and Weight of your exalted, and important, public Functions, than to any other Impediment, or Cause whatever.—
The Occasion of this Letter, is furnished me by a verÿ ingenious Gentleman, Mr. Kampl, Counsellor of his Impl. Majesty’s Finances, for the Kingdom of Hungaria, who, on a Furlow obtained for two Years, is ready to Set out for Paris, Brusselles, Holland, and England, attended with his whole Family, his Lady, 2. sons, and 2. Daughters; not only to satisfy his own Curiosity, but, also, in great measure, that of the Public Endowed with a peculiar Taste and Genius for mechanical Inventions and Improvements, of which he sees no Manner of Encouragemt. in these Parts, he means to impart several of his most important Discoveries and Experiments, wherever theÿ shall be best recieved and rewarded.— As an amusing specimen of his Skill in Mechaniks; and, as a Means, at the same Time, of supporting his travelling Charges, he intends to exhibit the Figure of a Turk, as big as Life, plaÿing at Chess with anÿ Plaÿer; and answering bÿ pointing at the Letters of an alphabet, any Questions made to him. I saw him plaÿ twice, without discovering his intelligent Director anÿ where, in, or about him. Was there nothing, but the organisation of his Arm, Hand, and Fingers, besides the motions of his Head, that alone would entitle him to no Small Admiration.—
Besides his Chess-Plaÿer, he amuses himself with forming a Child, of 4. or 5. Years of Age, uttering the first articulated Sounds of Elocution. Of these, I have heared him pronounce, distinctly, upwards of 30. Words, and Phrases. There remain but 5. or 6. Letters of the Alphabet, to express, which he proposes to compleate at Paris.—
Apprised of your eminent Merit, in this, as well as manÿ other Branches of usefull Knowledge, Mr. Kampl is verÿ desirous of the Honor of your Acquaintance. And as I presume the Same Satisfaction on the Part of yr. Excellcÿ., I esteem mÿself happÿ, in being instrumental to yr. mutual personal Aquaintance & Regard.

I wish Yr. Excellcy. Joÿ on the final Success of ÿour own, and yr. Fellow-Laborers, glorious struggle, for the Liberties of ÿour own Countrÿ, now the peaceable Asÿlum of oppressed Industrÿ.
Stript of mÿ All, persecuted & demolished bÿ those I have faithfullÿ & liberally served, deprived of House and home, without Emploÿ, unprotected, and unsupported: how happÿ shd. I esteem mÿself, could those few abilities, I have endeavored to aquire and to treasure up in the Course of an Active, as well as studious Life, render me Subservient to the Introduction and Increase of the Arts of Peace under ÿour philanthropic American Government! This, your Excy. knows, has long been mÿ fondest Wish. Nor have I been wanting in offering Several Means, within the small sphere of mÿ Power, to several of yr. Patriots. Who knows, but yr. consolidated Independance and Peace maÿ prove favorable to my Zeal, & Suggest Yr. Excÿ, & yr. Friends some Opportunity of saving and emploÿing— Your Excellcy’s. old Admirer, and Suffering Friend:
Rodh. Valltravers.
My adresse is, under Cover, a monsr. de Fichtl, Agent du St. Empire romain—á Vienne, En Autriche.

P.S. Mr. Kampl will hardly be able to reach Paris before the month of February. I therefore send this Letter off bÿ the Poste, & shall give Mr. Kampl another Line of Introduction.

Notation: Valltravers Dec. 24. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Albon, 25 December 1782
From: Albon, Claude-Camille-François, comte d’
To: Franklin, Benjamin

franconville La garenne ce 25 Xbre 1782.
C’est avec empressement, Monsieur, que jai l’honneur de vous envoier mon ouvrage. L’hommage que je vous en fais vous est dû mieux qu’à toute autre personne. Je m’y suis attaché à défendre Les intêréts d’un peuple opprimé dont vous êtes aujourdhui le representant, comme vous en fûtes le créateur, car, le vrai créateur d’un peuple est celui qui lui donne de sages loix. Si une mauvaise santé ne me retenoit à la campagne, je me serois fait un véritable plaisir d’aller vous assurer moi même des sentiments profonds avec les quels je suis, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Le COMTE D’albon

Endorsed: Rue de Grenelle, Hotel du Castellain. answer’d Dec. 27.
Notation: Le Comte D’Albon Franconville la garrenne 25 Decembre 82


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Carr, 25 December 1782
From: Carr, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sr.cherburg Decr. the 25 1782
I James carr Late Second mate & carpenter of the Brigantine active Capt John Hodge in the Service of the united States was taken Prisoner on our Passage from Philadelphia to the Havana by one of his Britanick Majestys Ships & sent to England where with a Large number of others I have Lain some time & haveing with five others made our escape in a small sloop & it being a matter of Doubt weather She will be condemd would be glad if your Honour would Speak in behalf of us & order some assistence for to help us to some Port in France that we may gett a Passage to our native homes in so Doing you will greatley Oblige Sr. yours to Serve
James Carr

Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Pleinopotentary to the United / States of America at Paris
Notation: Carr M. James Decr. 25. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 25 December 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles 25 Xbre. 1782
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, mes Depeches pour Mr. le Chevr de la Luzerne. Le pacquet est volumineux mais il renferme beaucoup de Duplicata.
Je voudrois pouvoir lui mander que notre Negociation est au meme point que la Votre, mais elle en est encore fort eloignée. Je ne puis meme prevoir quelle en sera l’issue, car les Difficultés naissent des facilités aux quelles nous nous sommes pretés. Il sera bon Monsieur, que vous en preveniez le Congrès pour le premunir contre tout ce qui peut arriver. Je ne desespere pas, j’espere plutot, mais tout est encore incertain.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une parfaite Consideration M.
(signed) De Vergennes.
Copy of a Letter from his Excy. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: Elkanah Watson, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 25 December 1782
From: Watson, Elkanah, Jr.
To: Franklin, William Temple

Dear SirNantes 25 December 1782
I write this principally to acquaint you that I find the Unfortunate Captn. Hardy sick in my Appartments—but is determined if possible to go out with Captn. All who waits the Event of Peace or War. His Situation is really distressing; & I beg you’ll make a little Exertion to accomplish what I assured him last Septr. would be done through your Influence. If you can make up the Sum between you & Mr. Jay to about 15 Guineas, I have the best Reasons to assure you, that I am fully persuaded, you will be reimbursed by Captn. Hardy immediately after his Arrival in America. After this I have another favour to beg for myself—no less singular than impertinent, however when you have made full Allowance for my Whim—I beg you’ll say nothing upon the Matter, whether it be practicable or not. In short, I mean to beg a suit, of your Grand fathers Old Cloaths, that never can be of any Service to him, or any Body else—to be plain—Madam Wright, has fabricated (I think) a most striking Likeness of him in Wax in my Possession—which I wish to sett up in my study—dressed in his own Cloaths. If I can be gratifyed in this, pray be so polite as to write me, as I will take the necessary Means of having them conveyed forward—
I am with Esteem Sir Yr. very Hum: Sert.
Elkh. Watson Jr:
Mr. Willm. Franklin Passy.

We have taken the liberty to Inclose you a packett—the postage for wch. you’l please to note to me—& I beg you’l be so good as to forward it by the first messenger for England—

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. Wm. Franklin / a Passy / prés Paris
Notation: E Watson 25 Dec. 82


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 26 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

My dear Friend,Dated, Passy, Decer. 26. 1782.
I have received several kind Letters from you, which I have not now before me, and which I shall answer more particularly hereafter.
Your Grandson was well not long since, & I hear good Account of him. I hope his Improvements will answer your Expectations.
We have taken some good Steps here towards a Peace. Our Independence is acknowledged, our Boundaries as good & extensive as we demanded; and our Fishery more so than the Congress expected. I hope the whole Preliminaries will be approv’d and with the Definitive Treaty, when made, give entire Satisfaction to our Country. But there are so many Interests to be considered between Five Nations; & so many Claims to adjust, that I can hardly flatter myself to see the Peace soon concluded, tho’ I wish and pray for it, and use my best Endeavours to promote it.
I am extreamly sorry to hear Langage from Americans on this side the Water, and to hear of such Language from your Side, as tends to hurt the good Understanding that has hitherto so happily subsisted between this Court and ours. There seems to be a Party with you that wish to destroy it. If they could succeed, they would do us irreparable Injury. It is our firm Connection with France that gives us Weight with England, and Respect throughout Europe. If we were to break our Faith with this Nation on whatever Pretence; England would again trample on us, and every other Nation despise us. We cannot therefore be too much on our guard how we permit the private Resentments of particular Persons to enter into our public Counsels. You will hear much of an interrupted Letter communicated to us by the British Ministry. The Channel ought to be suspected. It may have received Additions and Alterations. But supposing it all genuine, the forward mistaken zeal of an Undersecretary, should not be imputed to the King who has in so many ways provided himself our faithful and firm Friend and Ally.—
I long to see you and my Country once more before I die, being ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately.
(signed) B. Franklin
Copy of a Letter from Benjn. Franklin Esqr. To Dr. Cooper.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 26 December 1782
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear BrotherCambridge Decr. 26—1782
I wrot to you two months ago From Warwick, which cousen Williams has yet to carry, Afterwards I concluded to come Hither & spend the Winter as most agreable by being more Retiered, & Less Exposed to Doers opening on me which in cold wether Increeces my cough & is very Tedious to me, but on my Arival at Boston I had the maloncholy acount of a Distressing fitt of Illness you have had tho something beter when the mesenger came Away, I am Freequently Reflecting on the Paine you Enduered & the Danger of the Freequent Returns of the disorder you are Liable to; & fearing they may be too hard for you, may God who has hitherto given you so much Health Prevent it, & Restore you to Perfect Health again, if that may not be I hope you will be Endowed with all the submition nesesary on so Trying an ocation.
It was mrs Writes son who tould me of your sickness & of what mortified me very much besides the condition & behavour of that, I had almost sade worthies Litle Anemil Thare, I sinsearly ask your Pardon for Introduscing him to you, & have no other Excuse to make but to Tell you He took me In by being the first that Informed me of a Book that contain’d all your Philosophical & Political Papers, & Runing on so Pritily on won thing & another contained in them that I thought he must be cleaver, Tell me you forgive me this & I will take more care for the future by the way I have never been able to come at a sight of the Book yet, tho I am Tould Dr. Cooper has it, & have sent times without Number after it & have been Put off with some Frivolus Excuse; I would gladly bye won if it were to be Purchased but can’t find that it is, I wish my Brother would do me the favour to send me won & I may be so Lucky as to Recive it, I would be a grat Amusement to me & that is the most I have to seek after at Present. My son Collas & Daughter who is all the child I have Left & Jenny mecom (won of my son Benjamin’s children) do all in there Power to make me comfortable & I go some times to Boston where I am kindly Entertained by Cousen Williams & famely and see a few other Friends, I have won of my Deceasd Grand Daughters children with me & Expect to Return with it in the spring as there I Live very Pleasantly all the warm wether & can do a number of things nesesary for Him & the children Exept He should git Him a nother wife which I beleve there is no grat Likelihood of. He is so sensable it is Imposable to make up his Lose, she was Indeed an Extroydenary wife. Mr Williams will be able to Ansure you any questions you shall think fitt to Ask concerning me which might have been Tedious for you to have Read had I thought of any thing more to write, my children Joyn in Love an duty with your Affectionat sister
Jane Mecom

Addressed: His Excellency Doctr Franklin / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 27 December 1782
From: Barclay, David Junior
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Respected Friend.Youngsbury 27th: of 12th: mo: 1782.
Had it pleased the wise disposer of Events to have permited our inestimable Friend & Colleague, to have lived until this day; I should have been spared the melancholy, ’tho pleasing reflections of that good man’s multiplied great Actions— Doctor Lyttsom a physician of London, has undertaken, & I think has well executed, the Biography of our late dear Friend, in a manner, that, will transmit to Posterity—the Virtues—the Sentiments, & many of the Actions of that Friend to Mankind, nearer to the original than Stewart has his Person on Canvas, ‘tho, that, is not esteemed a bad Likeness:

I have now the M:S: before me for Correction as one well acquainted with anecdotes of the deceased, & in some instances more intimately than any other person now living— I therefore wish for thy opinion how far it might be proper, at this juncture, to let the World see, how much two great Men had laboured to prevent what has happen’d (keeping their Colleague intirely out of view, the propriety of which must forceable strike Thee, on his own account) I allude to the propriety or impropriety of inserting in the Work, Hints for a Conversation, or the paper drawn therefrom, intituled the Basis of a plan of Reconciliation &c. The favour of thy Opinion speedily on the Subject will oblige me, as the press will [not], I fear stand still for a determination. As it is proposed to insert in the work a few of Doctor Fothergill’s Letters on great or peculiarly useful Subjects, I request to know whether Thou couldst furnish one or two suitable for publick view, if inclined so to do?
I have only to add on this Subject, that the pamphlet sent herewith, will be inserted at large, having been compiled by an intimate Friend of Dr. F.s from materials furnished by the Dr. but unfortunately so near his end, that, he could not correct the press, nevertheless the work is compiled so much in the very words of our deceased Friend, that, those who knew him must acknowledge it to have been his performance.
Before I close, I cannot omit this opportunity of telling Thee, that, I trust, it will be unnecessary for me to advocate the cause of any of my Friends on this, or the otherside of the Atlantick who have Justice on their side— I have troubled Thee with a few lines in testimoney of my veneration of William Penn; & did I think it necessary, I should not say less on the subject of Friends in Pensylvania, but when I consider what our Society have done toward founding a mighty Empire, I have not a doubt but that the Body will be consider’d as desireable Subjects, however some among them may have intemperately acted to their own hurt— consequently our known Conscientious Scruples against Oaths, paying Tythes, serving in the Militia or finding substitutes will be made as easy to them, at least as in this Country.
I am respectfully Thy affectionate Friend
David Barclay.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 28 December 1782
From: Barclay, David Junior
To: Franklin, Benjamin

	Respected Friend.Youngsbury Herts: [Hertfordshire] 28th: of 12th: mo: 1782
Having been informed of the intention of Lady Juliana Penn to go to Paris, as an Advocate for the Representatives of the Founder of Pensilvania, I feel my self impress’d with a desire to cast in my Mite, unsolicited, & I trust, unnecessary, because that family have better Advocates— Justice, on their side, & my honourable Friend so large a share in the dispensing thereof— I shall add only, that, could I have believed my presence at Passy would have added one tittle to the advantage of the Descendants of William Penn, I should chearfully have offer’d my personal Service.
I am respectfully Thy affectionate Friend.
David Barclay.

P.S. I expect this will be delivered by my intimate & worthy Penn Richard Penn, who, I think, has the amplitude of heart & the nobility of Sentiment of his great Ancestor, whose memory he venerates. I trust, & hope we may live to meet on this spot together & to brighten the Chain— Be assured my fattest Calf shall be killed, & my oldest Mutton produced—
D. B.
Youngsbury 27/12 mo. 82.Benjamin Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 28 December 1782
From: Putnam, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honble. Sir,Paris, l’hotel Danemark, Rué Jacob.
		Decr. 28th. 1782.
I feel hurt at the thought of troubling you so immediately— my forgetfulness of yesterday & Engagements today, must be my Appology for the Occasion & Mode. I am bound for North Carolina; in my Passage, I shall take the Circuit of New-Providence from Expectations of procuring by Purchase, or Address a Clearance of a Cargo of Tobacco from that Island to Europe; and which Papers, I shall take into Carolina with me; & which, as the Gulph Stream Sweeps that Shore, will Effectually protect my Vessel, she being under the Imperial Flag, in her Return to France. Any Assistance Sir, you’ll please to give me to facilitate my Success in this, should it be but a bear Certificate to the Governor, of my being a Subject of the United States, will be acknowledged with warm gratitude.
Should I not be able to see Mr. Chardon, Mr. Ridley has very politely offer’d to take my Affairs into his Charge, & carry on any necessary Prosecution which their nature may require: Permit me Sir, in this Case, to entreat your Excellency’s Counsel & Protection; as thro you, alone, neither Mr. Ridley or myself can only be known, in the one Case, in which, Congress has interfer’d. And which appears to me only to be necessary to be regularly laid before the French Court in order to obtain Decision; & restore to me, my Property.

I am Sir, with every Duty & Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Benjamin Putnam.
His Excellency Doct. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency Doctor Franklin, / Minister Plenipotentiary to the / Court of France, / Passey
Notation: Benj. Putnam Paris Decr 28. 1782


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 30 December 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Lundi 30. December 1782.
M. de Vergennes prie Monsieur francklin si sa santé peut le Lui permettre de vouloir bien se rendre demain mardi a Versailles a lheure qui Lui sera la plus Commode, si Ce pouvoit Etre a neuf heures du matin, il y auroit moins de risque dEtre interrompû. M. de Vergennes auroit a entretenir Monsieur francklin dun objet tres interressant pour la Cause Commune. M. de Vergennes a lhonneur de renouveller a Monsieur francklin, lassurance de son sincere attachement.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 30 December 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Passy Dec. 30. 82
Mr Franklin will have the Honour of Waiting upon M. le Comte de Vergennes, tomorrow Morning at 9 oClock, agreable to the Notice just received. He begs leave to assure M. le Comte of his most sincere Respect


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 December 1782
From: Bache, Richard
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & Hond: SirPhiladelphia Decr. 30th. 1782.
The Bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Morris, is the youngest Son of your old Friend Mr. Samuel Morris, lately deceased; he visits Europe upon a plan of Business; I believe him to be a deserving young Man; as such, and from the regard I have for his Family Connections here, I beg leave to introduce him to your Friendship & Civilities,—I am ever Dear Sir Your affectionate Son
Rich: Bache
Dr. Franklin

Addressed: The Honble. / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Minister Plenipoy: from the United / States of No: America / at / Passy / Favored by Mr. Morris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 30 December 1782
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hotel d’York Monday 30th. Decemr: 1782.
Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and requests the honor of his company at dinner on thursday next at 3 oClock.