Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 23 June 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirPhiladelphia 23d June 1782
This will be sent with duplicates of some of my former Letters to the Southward to embrace the first opportunity that shall offer from thence— By so uncertain a conveyance you can Expect nothing particular— Nor indeed does our present situation furnish any thing that calls for your immediate attention, unless it be the unanimity with which the people of all ranks agree in determining to listen to no proposals from England which have not the alliance with France for their basis— Perhaps the joy they have discovered in celebrating the birth of the Dauphin will be considered as a proof of their sincere attachment to the present illustrious monarch of France & his family— Leslie has endeavoured to bring General Greene to agree to a suspension of arms for the southern department, to which he has very prudently refused to consent— Nothing has yet been determined or rather executed with respect to Capt Asgill, the Enemy are holding a Court Martial on Lippencutt, the executioner of Capt Huddy—on their decision the life of Capt Asgill will depend, Such is the melancholy necessity which the cruelty of the enemy has imposed.
You enclosed a Letter from the Count de Vergennes on the subject of the pension due to Mr Toussard— Congress are too sensible of that Gentleman’s merit to deprive him of it. But as it is necessary that every thing of this kind be transacted at one Office— It is proper that he direct some person as his agent to apply to the Treasury Office here & produce your certificate of the time to which the last payment was made—or at least transmit a state of his account, on which the ballance will be paid & his pension regularly settled with his Attorney in future.
The case of the Brigantine Eersten has been decided upon in the inferior Court & in the court of appeals— The latter have been prevailed upon at my request to give a rehearing which is not yet determined; should the determination be against the Vessel or Cargo upon a conviction that she was British property, Congress will not chuse to interfere in the execution of the sentence which the court they have instituted are competent to award— I could wish to know from you what allowance you make to your private secretary & to have an accurate estimate of those contingent expences of your office which you think ought to be charged as distinct from your salary— I enclose a Copy of a Letter from Deane to Govr. Trumbull with his answer which you will be pleased to forward, a copy of the answer is also enclosed— I have the honor to be, sir With the highest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most obed humble servt,
Robt R Livingston
No. 13 DuplicateHis Excellency Benj Franklin, Esqr

Endorsed: No 13 Mr Secry. Livingston June 23. 1782 M. Toussard Brig. Eersten Private Secry.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 24 June 1782
From: Alexander, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

St Germain 24 June 1782
I hope my Dear Sir you will acquit me of Impertinent Curiosity, in wishing very anxiously to know, what is likely to be the fate of an Island, in which my family yet think, they have a stake because a little knowledge of this, will Affect my measures, & may Save some Expence. If there be any thing improper in the request, be So kind as let your Son tell me So, by a line, but as it can Affect no public Interest, If you can gratify me with a Single word, that it will Continue wt its Masters, or get a new one. You will serve me very much, & you may relie that it shall go no further—
Supposing that my request is Improper—but that the Island is to be receded to Britain—I must request Your Attention to the wording of the Clause affecting the Islands in General, & that there be nothing to Bar a future Investigation of the Rights of British Subjects, what ever Clause may be Inserted to Insure the Native french in the benefit of decisions, they may have obtaind in the french tribunals— The Importance of the Matter will I hope Excuse this trouble—and I have only to add that whilst I live, You will find me with the warmest Attachment Dear Sir Your most obt hble ser
W. Alexander

P.S. My friend M Benoit who passing through Passy undertakes to deliver this will take Care of the Answer— Mons Pchmeja will be of the Party to Marli & the Doctor also, provided his Patients will allow Him a few hours to himself— If you will Tell L’abbé de La Roche to give us three days notice, I think he may depend on both & Madme Helvetius wishes much to see the Doctor

Addressed: A Son Excellence Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / M: P: des Etats de L’americque / Passy
Notation: W. Alexander 24, June 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Grenville, [24 June 1782?]
From: Grenville, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris. Monday. [June 24, 1782?]
Mr Grenville presents his Compliments to Mr Franklin: the Enabling Bill if Mr Grenville recollects right was to be read in the H. of Lords on Friday the 14th, & Mr Grenville has not received any account of it whatever since that date: Mr Grenville did not write yesterday, imagining that the post might have brought him some intelligence upon the subject.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, 24 June 1782
From: Priestley, Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirBirmingham 24 June 1782.
You have made me very happy by your letter, as I find by it that, notwithstanding the unpleasing state of Politicks, your usual humour and pleasantry has not forsaken you. I am only concerned that you have not mentioned the case of my friend Mr Russell, about which I wrote to you so particularly. But I have taken the liberty to assure him, that, notwithstanding this omission, I am as confident you have not neglected the business, as if you had given me the most express assurance of it. One line, however, informing me what you think of the case, will give me great satisfaction.
Having at length got sunshine, I am busy in prosecuting the experiments about which I wrote to you, and shall soon draw up an account of them for the Royal Society.
Please to inform the Duc De Rochefocault, whose civilities to me I remember with pleasure, that my experiments are certainly inconsistent with Mr Lavoisier’s supposition, of there being no such thing as phlogiston, and that it is the addition of air, and not the loss of any thing, that coverts a metal into a calx. In their usual state calces of metals do contain air, but that may be expelled by heat; and after this I reduce them to a perfect metallic state by nothing but inflammable air, which they imbibe in toto, without any decomposition. I lately reduced 101 Ounces measures of this air to two by calx of lead, and that small remainder was still inflammable.
I explain Mr Lavoisier’s experiments by supposing that precipitate per se contains all the phlogiston of the mercury, but in a different state; but I can shew other calces which also contain more phlogiston than the metals themselves. That mercury, in its metallic state, does contain phlogiston, or inflammable air, is evident from the production of nitrous air & by the solution of it in spirit of nitre, and I make nitrous air from nothing but nitrous vapour and inflammable air, so that it indisputably consists of those two ingredients.
I have already ascertained the proportion of inflammable air that enters into the composition of lead, tin, copper, and silver, and am proceeding to the other metals as fast as I can. When the whole is completed, I shall give you a farther account of it.
I am exceedingly concerned to find that it is so difficult a thing to make peace; but I hope that before the campaign be over all parties will have had enough of war, and be sensible that they will gain nothing by continuing it. If I had any voice in the business, the prospect of seeing you once more in this country would be a strong additional motive to accelerate the negotiations.
With the greatest respect, and every good wish, I am, Dear Sir yours sincerely
J Priestley

P.S. If you should think it proper, I have no objection to your sending a Copy of my former letter to Rosier’s Journal, as a general outline of what I am doing. I wish to have every new fact to be as speedily, and as generally known as possible.

Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Passy, / near Paris
Notation: Priestley. 24 June 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 25 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,Passy, June 25. 1782
Hearing yesterday at Versailles of the Opportunity you mention, I have stay’d at home to day employ’d in writing my Letters. You may depend on my doing fully what you desire.— Mr Jay is at Paris employ’d as I am, so that I do not expect to see him till Thursday. With the utmost Esteem & Affection I am ever Yours
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 25 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,Passy, June 25. 1782.
I have received your respected Letters of Jany 26 & Feby 13th. The first was accompanied with the form of a Convention for the Establishment of Consuls. Mr. Barclay having been detained these 6 Months in Holland, tho’ in continual Expectation of returning hither, I have yet done nothing in that Business, thinking his Presence might be of use in settling it. As soon as he arrives I shall move the Completion of it. The second enforces some Resolutions of Congress sent me with it, respecting a Loan of 12,000,000 l.t. to be demanded of France for the current Year. I had already received the Promise of six Million, together with the clearest and most positive Assurances, that it was all the King could spare to us; that we must not expect more; that if Drafts & Demands came upon me beyond that Sum, it behov’d me to take Care how I accepted them, or where I should find Funds for the Payment, since I could certainly not be farther assisted out of the Royal Treasury. Under this Declaration with what Face could I ask for another six Millions? It would be saying, you are not to be believ’d; you can spare more: You are able to lend me twice the Sum if you were but willing. If you read my Letter to Mr Morris of this Date, I think you will be convinced how improper any Language capable of such a Construction would be to such a Friend. I hope, however, that the Loan Mr Adams has opened in Holland for three Millions of Florins, which it is said is likely to succeed, will supply the Deficiency.
By the News papers I have sent, you will see that the general Disposition of the British Nation towards us had been chang’d. Two Persons have been sent here by the new Ministers to propose treating for Peace. They had at first some Hopes of getting the belligerent Powers to treat separately one after an other; but finding that impracticable, they have after several Messengers sent to & fro, come to a Resolution of treating with all together for a general Peace; and have agreed that the Place shall be Paris. Mr Grenville is now here with full Powers for that Purpose; (if they can be reckon’d full with regard to America, ’till a certain Act is compleated for enabling his Majesty to treat, &ca. which has gone thro’ the Commons and has been once read in the Lords.) I keep a very particular Journal of what passes every Day in the Affair, which is transcribing to be sent you. I shall therefore need to say no more of it in this Letter, except that tho’ I still think they were at first sincere in their Desire of Peace, yet since their Success in the West Indies, I imagine that I see Marks of their desiring rather to draw the Negotiations into length, that they may take the Chance of what the rest of the Campaign shall produce in their Favour: and as there are so many Interests to adjust, it will be prudent for us to suppose that even another Campaign may pass before all can be agreed. Something too may happen to break off the Negotiations, and we should be prepared for the worst. I hoped for the Assistance of Mr Adams and Mr Lawrens. The first is too much engag’d in Holland to come hither, and the other declines serving: but I have now the Satisfaction of being joined by Mr Jay, who happily arrived here from Madrid last Sunday. The Marquis de la Fayette is of great Use in our Affairs here, and as the Campaign is not likely to be very active in N. America, I wish I may be able to prevail with him to stay a few Weeks longer. By him you will receive the Journal abovementioned which is already pretty voluminous, and yet the Negotiations cannot be said to be open’d.
Ireland you will see has obtained all her Demands triumphantly. I meet no one from that Country who does not express some Obligation to America for their Success.
Before I received your just Observations on the Subject, I had obtained from the English Ministers a Resolution to exchange all our Prisoners. They thought themselves obliged to have an Act of Parliament for authorizing the King to do it; this War being different from others, as made by an Act of Parliament declaring us Rebels, and our People being committed as for high Treason. I impower’d Mr Hodgson who was Chairman of the Committee that collected and dispens’d the charitable Subscriptions for the American Prisoners, to treat and conclude on the Terms of their Discharge, and having approved of the Draft he sent me of the Agreement, I hope the Congress will see fit to order a punctual Execution of it. I have long suffer’d with those poor brave Men, who with so much Publick Virtue have endur’d 4 or 5 Years hard Imprisonment, rather than serve against their Country. I have done all I could afford towards making their Situation more comfortable; but their Numbers were so great that I could do but little for each; and that very great Villain Digges defrauded them of between three & four hundred Pounds which he drew from me on their Account. He lately wrote me a Letter in which he pretended he was coming to settle with me and to convince me that I had been mistaken with regard to his Conduct; But he never appear’d, and I hear is gone to America. Beware of him, for he is very artful; and has cheated many. I hear every Day of new Rogueries committed by him in England.
The Ambassador from Sweden to this Court, applied to me lately to know if I had Powers that would authorise my making a Treaty with his Master in behalf of the United States. Recollecting a general Power that was formerly given to me with the other Commissioners, I answer’d in the Affirmative. He seem’d much pleased, and said the King had directed him to ask the Question, and had charged him to tell me, that he had so great an Esteem for me, that it would be a particular Satisfaction to him to have such a Transaction with me. I have perhaps some Vanity in repeating this; but I think too, that it is right the Congress should know it, and judge if any Use may be made of the Reputation of a Citizen, for the Public Service. In Case it should be thought fit to employ me in that Business, it will be well to send a more particular Power, and proper Instructions. The Ambassador added, that it was a pleasure to him to think, and he hop’d it would be remember’d, that Sweden was the first Power in Europe, which had voluntarily offer’d its Friendship to the United States, without being sollicited. This Affair should be talk’d of as little as possible ’till compleated.
I inclose another Complaint from Denmark which I request you will lay before Congress.
I am continually pester’d with Complaints from French Seamen who were with Capt. Conynham in his first Cruize from Dunkerque; from others who were in the Lexington, the Alliance &ca. being put on board Prizes that were retaken, were never afterwards able to join their respective Ships, and so have been depriv’d of the Wages, &c. due to them. It is for our National Honour that Justice should be done them if possible; and I wish you to procure an Order of Congress for enquiring into their Demands, and satisfying such as shall be found just. It may be address’d to the Consul.
I enclose a Note from M. de Vergennes to me accompany’d by a Memoire relating to a Swisse who died at Edenton. If you can procure the Information desired, it will much oblige the French Ambassador in Switzerland.
I have made the Addition you directed to the Cypher: I rather prefer the old one of Dumas, perhaps because I am more us’d to it. I enclose several Letters from that antient and worthy Servant of our Country. He is now employ’d as Secretary to Mr Adams and I must, from a long Experience of his Zeal and Usefulness, beg leave to recommend him warmly to the Consideration of Congress with regard to his Appointments, which have never being equal to his Merit. As Mr. Adams writes me the good News, that he shall no longer be obliged to draw on me for his Salary, I suppose it will be proper to direct his paying that which shall be allow’d to Mr. Dumas.
Be pleased to present my Duty to the Congress, and believe me to be with great Esteem & Regard Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert.
B Franklin
Honble: Robt R. Livingston Esqre.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 25 June 1782
From: Bridgen, Edward
To: Franklin, Benjamin

London June 25 1782
You were so good my Dr Sir to say, in the postcript of a letter last winter, that you hoped my Affairs in No: Carolina were settled to my sattisfaction, or something to that Amount; I am sorry to say, that by late letters receiv’d, that it is far otherways; and that not only my land on the Sound, in Cape Fear River, which has been in possession of my Family and Self since the Year 1736 with My Negroes, & land adjoining, since purchased by my self, and Debts owing to Bridgen & Waller to no inconsiderable amount; have, by some late laws of the province, been all confiscated; how justly, reasonably, or politically I cannot devise! I therefore take the liberty to trouble you with this representation requesting your kind interference in behalf of my self & Mr Waller?
I hope that this Measure taken by the Legislature of that State, has been rather by Mistake, than design from those who are indebted to the Copartnership, as the general Interest and Honour of the State is immediately concerned in this Transaction, besides very seriously interesting my self & Partner.
May I, my Dr Sir, beg your kind and early representation, where it will have most weight, in our favour, which will add to the many Obligations already conferred on My Dr Sir Yr: Affectt: Friend & Hum: Servant
Edward Bridgen
Benjn: Franklin Esqr &c &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [25 June 1782]
From: Greene, Catharine
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Very Dear Friend[June 25, 1782]
I wrote you a few days Since of your good Sisters Tolerable health and Poor Jennies Death Particuliars of our family &c but Mr Greenes writeing I must add a kind how do you do when did you here from Benny and is temple well and when do you Come to New england, and ask when this Shocking War will be at an end the Sceenes of Misery it has occationd is beyond Discription our State has felt it Severely having So long a Sea Coast to guard but Ile not trouble you with the Disagreeables our hopes is now that the times is Just at hand when we Shall Drive them Root and Branch from our land. Our Children are Tollerable well I told you in my other letter Particulier of them that Ray was a Pretty Promising Lad at New haven Colledge Samey at lattin School 7 miles from home and that I wisht for A Peice of Beneys Drawing excuse the interlineing &c for I write hurried but beleive me your Very affectionate friend.
C Greene

I wonder if you get half the letters I write for you dont forbid me and I write again.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Greene, 25 June 1782
From: Greene, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirWarwick State Rhode-Island &c. June 25th. 1782.
I am informed that Ezekiel Durfey a small Officer on board of the Ship Tracy commanded by John B Hopkins was taken and carryed to Newyork and from there to England, where he has been confined about eighteen Months, and by the last account he was in Mill Prison, his Friends have very earnestly requested me to inform your Excellency of his distressed situation and request that you will be pleased to use your influence that he may be liberated. Being sencible of the great business you have to transact and likewise that it is very probable that you have many of those applications, it is very disagreable to ask this favour, but as his Friends have urged the necessity of this measure by assigning as a reason that they have tryed many ways to procure his liberty without the least degree of success and being sencible of your good intentions to relieve Mankind when in captivity has induced me to take this liberty.
My spous writes Postscrip, my Children joins me in sending their Sincere regards and believe me to be your sincere Friend and very Humble Servt.
W. Greene
Doctr. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 25 June 1782
From: Mecom, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Brotherwarwick 25 June 1782
I wrot you a few Days ago, & at Governer Greenes Request Inclosed a memorandom concerning a Prisoner I also Informed you of the Irreparable Lose I have mett with in the Death of my Dear Grand Daughter Greene with whome I had Lived in as Perfect composeure & Tranquility as Human-Nature will admit of, she was affectionate & Respectfull to me, an affectionate & Prudent wife, & an Indulgent mother, I am still at her Dieing Request that I would not Leve her children as long as I live & the Request also of her bereved Husband with Them in the Famely, He is kind & affectionat to me but something constantly Passes that keeps alive my sorrow tho I have Plenty of all Nesesarys & the same Beautifull Prospect around me & all the season Blooming I so much mis her sosiety that it spreads a gloom over all.
Cousen Williams has made me a visit He came Partly on Busness as far as Provedence & Partly to Recrute His spirits affter the long sickness & Death of His Brother who Died much about the same time my child did, He has lost three Grand children by His son John, has won by His Daughter Bettsey (who married a mr Eaton) He seems much Pleas’d with, as we all are with our litle wons, they are Realy Pleasant diverting things I seem as if I could not soport Life without mine tho they cause many sorrowfull Reflections, there Father desiers His Duty to you.
I have wrot many leters to you since I recved won I never atempt to give any acount of Publick affairs I sopose you constantly recive all from good hands I should never the less be gratified to recive some from you I give you Joy of the birth of the Prince & as sinsearly of the Progres yr Granson makes in His Larning & the Honours confer’d on Him for it, I hope you will Live to see him a worthy & usefull man; I Long to hear of Sturdy Bill, & the Rest of the Famely which I sopose is Increas’d since I heard from them which is more than two years, I think I have wrote twice to them since, I beleve some of my leters to you miscarry, but I think they c[torn] not to them as I wrot by Post.
I am Informed yr Health is so ferm & yr spirits so good that I am not out of hopes of seeing you again in your Native Place if the War should ceace as some Imagin it will soon God grant it may for the Raveges of war are Horrible we have been Lately surprised with a considerable Fleets apearing as tho t[hey] Intended to Reposes Rhoad Island but they Passd by affter 3 or four Days Alarm, In won of my Leters I wrot my thanks for the Present you sent me throw Cousen Jonathan williams’s hands many of the Articles came seasonable for my own use the Rest I sould & Put the monny to Intrest; I hope I shall be so Lucky as hear this gits saif to yr hand cousen williams tells me it will go by a very good opertunity if it should let me hear from you soon & Refresh the hart of yr Ever affectionat sister
Jane Mecom

Addressed: His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr / at Pasy / In / France


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 25 June 1782
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear sir,London, 25 June, 1782.
I beg to introduce to your acquaintance my friend Dr. Lister, whom I first became acquainted with at Edinburgh, and who was there a good deal respected for his good character and assiduity, and who I find bears an equal character among his connections here in London. I know him to be a person of very amiable & honorable character in his private conduct, from transactions in which I have seen him engaged; and I believe that his public principles are likewise upright.— Your attentions & civility to him will not only oblige me considerably, but be very acceptable to some of your dissenting friends here; and I am convinced that you will gratify by him by your philosophy & philanthropy, as well as by the other circumstances of your character. Should you find him over-modest, you will not the less incline to admit him into your society.
I am, my dearest sir, your most obliged, devoted, & affectionate
Benjn: Vaughan

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin, / Passy, / pres Paris.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, 26 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Bache, Sarah Franklin,Bache, Richard

Dear Son and DaughterPassy, June 26. 1782
I have only time to write a few Lines. I am well, and your Son was well about 10 Days ago. He is not in the Town of Geneva, where the Government is at present in Disorder; but is at the Master’s Country-House, a few Miles distant where he goes on with his Studies. Let me know in your next what his Age is, which I have forgotten.— I send enclos’d some of his Letters; & am ever Your affectionate Father
B Franklin
Temple presents his Duty—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Oswald: Unsent Draft, 26 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Oswald, Richard

Dear Sir,Passy, June 26. 1782
In the Note that you show’d me it is said, that “Mr Oswald may be vested with any Character or Commission that he and Dr F. shall think proper;” or to that purpose: and you desire my Sentiments.— We should be willing to treat with such Persons as the King may think fit to appoint.— I am however very sensible of the Kindness that appears in Lord Shelburne’s offering me any Appearance of Influence in that Choice, and I esteem it as a Proof of his sincere Desire of making with us a good Peace.— I can have no Objection to Mr Grenville, who is already appointed to treat with the King of France or his Ministers, or the Ministers of any other Prince or State whom it may concern; as he informs me: And as soon as the Enabling Act is pass’d, and the States of America are acknowledg’d to be such, I suppose the Words of that Commission may be clearly interpreted to mean & include those States, in the Understanding of your Government, with those of Spain & Holland. At present it seems dubious. And as your long Residence in America has given you a Knowledge of that Country its People, Circumstances, Commerce, &c. which added to your Experience in Business may be useful to both sides, in facilitating & expediting the Negociation, I cannot but wish that you may be join’d with Mr Grenville in the Commission, at least for the Part which relates to America; or if that Should seem in any Respect inconvenient, than that you might be, in a distinct Commission, named as Plenipotentiary to treat with the Plenipotentiaries of America particularly. This is what occurs to me. With great and sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your This Draft being shown to Mr Oswald & he not Chusing that his Showing me Lord S’s Note should be mention’d, I first cros’d it out, but afterwards new model’d the whole the Draft is in red Ink
R Oswald Esqe


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 26 June 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,Office of Finance 26. June 1782.,
The Bearer of this Letter Doctor Texier late Surgeon of Count Pulaski’s Legion will shew you a Certificate for two thousand one hundred and ten dollars signed by Joseph Nourse Esquire Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant of the eighth day of January last from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the fifth of January 1782. and is the Balance still due after a partial Payment in Consequence of an Act of Congress of the twelfth of November, a Copy of which he will also shew you. Should it be perfectly convenient to you it will be a great Favor to him and agreable to me that this two thousand one hundred and ten Dollars be paid to Doctor Texier taking his Receipt in full of all Demands against the United States on the Back of the Certificate with three Copies thereof signed by him and sending them by different Opportunities. I mention two thousand one hundred and ten Dollars without noticing the Interest because in Case of Payment by you the Transaction will be substantially as if I had given him here a Bill of Exchange.
With all possible Respect I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient and humble Servant
R M.
His Excelly. Benja. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Rawle, 26 June 1782
From: Rawle, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirBoulogne sur mer 26. June 1782.
It is with reluctance I give your Excellency a trouble which necessity alone could induce me to think of.
Soon after my return to Ostend from Paris, I was seiz’d with a violent cold and fever, which, added to the effects of a former indisposition at London, has render’d me so exceedingly weak, that I have been prevail’d on by my friends to defer my voyage to America, till I could re-establish my health; and to retire in the mean time to some place on the sea-coast; where I might enjoy the benefit of bathing; which was also strongly recommended by my physicians in England.
It was natural to prefer France to Flanders and I made choice of Boulogne on account of the agreeable society it contains, its situation on the sea and its vicinity to Ostend, from whence I propose to embark in the autumn.
As I was then ignorant of those very proper precautions, which the French government observes with regard to the residence of strangers in their sea ports, I did not trouble your Excellency for a passport or a recommendation for permission to continue here; but I now find I cannot remain without permission from Paris.
I therefore take the liberty to request your Excellency’s assistance on this occasion as a favor of which I shall retain a lasting remembrance.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant
W: Rawle.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr
Notation: W Rawle 26 June 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 June 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond sir.Nantes June 26. 1782.
I send inclosed Copy of a Letter I have just recvd from Brest to which I request your kind attention. There cannot be a doubt but the Prize in Question belongs to the Captors, or at least that whatever the Rigour of the Law may be, the Custom in such Cases is to give them up. The Ordonnances of the Marine confiscated all prises made without a Commission, but the Admiral always gives them back to the Captors. In the present Case the Ordonnances of the Marine are out of the Question, as Prises made by Americans have particular Laws relating to them. I shall be much obliged if you will please to interest your self for these men, and I am sure you cannot fail of Success. A State of the Fact to M. de Castries would answer the purpose, I would have done it myself & saved you the Trouble but it would be presuming to Act when I have no right to do.
I am as ever yours most dutifully & affectionately
Jona Williams J

Notation: Jona. Williams June 26. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 26 June 1782
From: Williams, Moore & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir,Nantes June 26. 1782
The present serves to hand you a Certificate from the Commandant of the Port of L’Orient acknowledging the Reception of Prisoners delivered him by our House from the american Privateer Revolution to our Address Ten Men from the Prize Anne & five from the Prize Will, making together fifteen men which we request you will note for Exchange in course.

We have the honor to be with the most perfect Respect, Yours Excellys most Obedt Servants
Williams Moore & Co
His Exy B. Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Moses Young, 26 June 1782
From: Young, Moses
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirLondon 26th June 1782.
The bearer of this letter is Mr. Cephas Dawes a Gentleman of a very respectable family in Pennsylvania, he was settled as a Merchant in the West Indies previous to the commencement of the war, and is a warm friend to the cause of America, which I hope will be my apology for taking this liberty with Your Excellency. Mr. Dawes will Carry with him some of the latest Newspapers.
I have the honor to be, With the highest veneration & respect Your Excellency’s Most humble And most devoted Servant
Moses Young
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esquire / Minister Plenepotentiary from the United States / of America at the Court of France / Passy
Notation: Young Mr. Moses—26 June 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Oswald, 27 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Oswald, Richard

Sir,Passy, June 27. 1782.
The Opinion I have of your Candour, Probity, good Understanding, and good Will to both Countries, made me hope that you would have been vested with the Character of Plenipotentiary to treat with those from America. When Mr. Grenville produced his first Commission which was only to treat with France, I did imagine that the other to treat with us, was reserved for you, and kept back only ’till the Enabling Bill should be pass’d. Mr. Grenville has since received a second Commission, which as he informs me, has additional Words, impowering him to treat with the Ministers of any other Prince, or State whom it may concern, and he seems to understand that those general Words comprehend the United States of America. There may be no doubt that they comprehend Spain and Holland, but as there exist various Public Acts by which the Government of Britain denies us to be States, and none in which they acknowledge us to be such, it seems hardly clear that one could be intended, at the Time that Commission was given, the Enabling Act not being then pass’d. So that tho’ I can have no Objection to Mr Grenville, nor right to make it if I had any, yet as your long Residence in America has given you a Knowledge of that Country, Its People, Circumstances, Commerce &ca. which added to your Experience in Business may be useful to both sides in facilitating and expediting the Negotiation, I cannot but hope that it is still intended to vest you with the Character abovementioned respecting the Treaty with America, either separately, or in Conjunction with Mr Grenville, as to the Wisdom of your Ministers may seem best. Be it as it may, I beg you would accept this Line as a Testimony of the sincere Esteem & Respect with which I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.
B Franklin
R Oswald Esqr.

Notation: Doctr. Franklin to Mr. Oswald In Mr. Oswald’s of the 8th. 12th. July—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bethia Alexander, [27 June 1782]
From: Alexander, Bethia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

St. Germain Jeudy au Matin [June 27, 1782]
J’espere que vous n’avez pas oublié, mon cher Docteur, notre partie de Marly—la permission de manger dans les Jardins ou dans les pavillons est obtenu.— Messrs: de Breuil et Pechmeja vienent—et porteront avec eux une bonne provision du fruit—pour moi Je porterai la plus grande longe de veau que Je pourrois trouver à St. Germain et quelques couverts—la reste vous regarde—souvenez vous que le rendez vous est au chateau de Marly a onze heures precises—ce seroit bien aimable de votre part de nous mener mon Frere.

Parlez de moi à Madame Helvetius dites lui que J’attende Lundy avec impatience. Adieu mon cher Docteur— Je vous garde votre Baiser. Votre
Bethia Alexander

Mes Complimens à votre Fils. Si il nous manque quelques choses à notre diner nous nous en prendrons à lui.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Passy / prés / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 27 June 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirAmsterdam 27th. June 1782.
Since my last Covering Messrs. De Neufvilles accounts I have not had the honour of a Letter from your Excellency; Captain Smedley has I expect this day got his Vessell over the Sand Banks that interupt the Navigation of the River Y and will in a few days be able to put to Sea he is tolerably well Man’d and with the assistance of a few more people who I believe he will procure in a day or two he shall proceed.
I have Ship’d on board the Brigantine Sukey Mosses Grinnell Master for Boston about 2400 suits of Soldiers Cloathing, the amount of the last 33 Bales which I bought together with Two Bales of Blanketts of the Marquis De la Fayette’s Cargo which I took a 5 / 9 sterling per Pair, Two Boxes of White Cloth which I Purchased to replace Some of the Same Kind which Messrs. De Neufville returned to us as English, and the freight per the Sukey a 12½ per Cent, amount to upwards of £2000 Sterling, and therefore of this date I have valued on you as under, favour of Messrs. Ingraham & Bromfield at 40 days Sight, for the following Sum making together 13333½ Ecus or 40 Thousand Livers—which please to honour.

I have likewise Shiped by the Brigantine Elizabeth John Cornelieus Master for Philadelphia 63 Chests of Shirts and 30 Bales of Blanketts, this Vessell will proceed under Neutral Colours, and I have ordered £3000 Stg. Insurance to be made a 17 per Cent which is 13 per Cent under the premium paid on American Vessells, I am to pay Freight on this Vessell 12½ per Cent Value on the Shirts and 20 per Cent on the Blankets—
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient, most Humble Servant
Thos Barclay

No. 15
1333⅓ Ecus

16
1600

17
1400

18
1500

19
1200

20
1500

21
1000

22
1000

23
1000

24
1800

13333⅓

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqre

Endorsed: Barclay June 27. 82


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Favi, 27 June 1782
From: Favi, Francesco
To: Franklin, Benjamin

MonsieurParis ce 27 Juin 1782/
J’ai L’honneur de vous adresser une Lettre de M. Ingenhousz; il seroit charmè d’avoir une reponse, que je me chargerai avec plaisir de Lui faire parvenir, si vous voulés avoir La bontè de me L’envoyer rue de Seine a l’hôtel de Mirabeau.

J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble, et très obeissant Serviteur
FAVI

Notation: Favi. 27 Juin 1782.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper: Extract, 28 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Passy, June 28, 1782.
Our public affairs are in a good situation here. England having tried in vain to make a separate peace with each of the powers she is at war with, has at length agreed to treat for a general peace with them altogether; and at Paris. If we all continue firm in the resolution not to separate, we shall command the terms. I have no doubt of this steadiness here; and though we are told that endeavours are making on your side the water to induce America to a re-union on the terms now granting to Ireland, and that powers are sent to General Carleton for that purpose, I am persuaded the danger of this project will appear so evident, that if offered it will be immediately rejected. We have no safety but in our independence. With that we shall be respected, and soon become great, and happy. Without it we shall be despised, lose all our friends, and then either be cruelly oppressed by the King who hates and is incapable of forgiving us, or having all that nation’s enemies for ours, shall sink with it. I am ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,
B. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 28 June 1782
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,Lahaie 28e. Juin 1782
J’ai profité la semaine passée d’un Courier expédié par Mr. l’Ambr. pour vous faire une de mes Lettres pour le Congrès No. 4, laquelle j’espere que vous aurez bien reçue ainsi que mes précédente. Il ne s’est rien passé ici depuis que j’aie à y ajouter. Mais après mercredi prochain, les Etats d’hollde., qui se rassembleront alors, pourront me fournir matiere à une autre dépeche interessante.
En attendant, je prends la liberté, de vous adresser, Monsieur, l’incluse pour Mr. Carmichael, n’étant pas sûr s’il est resté à Madrid, ou s’il a accompagné Mr. Jay, si celui-ci est allé à Paris, comme je le conjecture d’après ce que vous en avez écrit à Mr. Adams.
Comme on me demande souvent des adresses de maisons commerçantes & solides en Amérique, j’ai soin de fournir entre autres celle de Mrs Bache & Shea à Philadelphie, à nos Négocians en ce pays.
Il nous tarde ici d’apprendre à quoi aboutira la Négociation du Chev. G——lle [Grenville]. A dire vrai, je n’en ai pas encore grande idée. Il est plus apparent que vous entendrez bientôt parler d’un Ministre à envoyer à Philadelphie de la part de cette rep.
Je suis avec tout le respectueux attachement qui vous est connu, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S. E. Mr. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 29 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,Passy June 29. 1782.
In mine of the 25th. Inst. I omitted mentioning, that, at the repeated earnest Instances of Mr Lawrens, who had given such Expectations to the Ministry in England, when his Parole or Securities were discharged, as that he could not think himself at Liberty to act in Publick Affairs ’till the Parole of Lord Cornwallis was absolved by me in Exchange, I sent to that Genl. the Paper of which the inclosed is a Copy; and I see by the English Papers, that his Lordship immediately on the Receipt of it, appear’d at Court, and has taken his Seat in the House of Peers, which he did not before think warrantable. My Authority for doing this appear’d Questionable to my self, but Mr Lawrens judg’d it deducible from that respecting General Burgoyne, and by his Letters to me seem’d so unhappy ’till it was done, that I ventur’d it, with a Clause however (as you will see) reserving to Congress the Approbation, or Disallowance of it.
The enabling Act is now said to be passed but no Copy of it is yet received here, so that as the Bill first printed has suffer’d Alterations in passing thro’ Parliament, and we know not what they are, the Treaty with us is not yet commenc’d. Mr Grenville expects his Courier in a few Days, with the Answer of his Court to a Paper given him on the Part of this. That Answer will probably afford us a clearer Understanding of the Intentions of the British Ministry, which for some Weeks past have appear’d somewhat equivocal and uncertain. It looks as if since their late Success in the West Indies they a little repented of the Advances they had made in their Declarations respecting the Acknowledgement of our Independence; and we have pretty good Information that some of the Ministry still flatter the King with the Hope of recovering his Sovereignty over us, on the same Terms as are now making with Ireland. However willing we might have been at the Commencement of this Contest to have accepted such Conditions, be assur’d that we can have no Safety in them at present. The King hates us most cordially; and his Character for Falsehood and Dissimulation is so thoroughly known, that none even of those who call themselves his Friends have any Dependance on him. If he is once admitted to any Degree of Power or Government among us, how ever limited it will soon be extended by Corruption, Artifice and Force, till we are reduced to absolute Subjection; and that the more easily, as by receiving him again for our King, we shall draw upon ourselves the Contempt of all Europe who now admire and respect us, & shall never again find a Friend to assist us. There are it is said great Divisions in the Ministry on other Points as well as this; and those who aim at engrossing the Power flatter the King with this Project of Reunion; and it is said have much Reliance on the Operation of private Agents sent into America, to dispose Minds there in favour of it, and to bring about a separate Treaty there with General Carleton. I have not the least Apprehension that Congress will give into this Scheme, it being inconsistent with our Treaties as well as with our Interest; but I think it will be well to watch these Emissaries and secure or banish immediately such as shall be found tampering & stirring up the People to call for it. The firm united Resolution of France, Spain & Holland, join’d with ours, not to treat of a particular but a general Peace, notwithstanding the separate tempting Offers to each, will in the End give us the Command of that Peace. Every one of the other Powers see clearly their Interest in this, and persist in that Resolution: the Congress I am persuaded are as clear sighted as any of them, and will not depart from the System which has been attended with so much Success, and promises to make America soon both great and happy.
I have just received a Letter from Mr Lawrens, dated at Lyons, on his Journey into the South of France for his Health. Mr Jay will write also by this Opportunity.

With great Esteem I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servt.
B Franklin
Honble: Robt R. Livingston Esqre

Notation: Letters 25. 29 June. 1782 Doct Franklin & Letter 25 June. Mr J. Jay 18 Sept 1782 Referred to Mr Lee & Mr Izard & Mr Duane


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 31 June 1782 [i.e., on or after 30 June 1782]
From: Williams, Moore & Co.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirL’Orient 31st. June [i.e., on or after June 30] 1782
We do ourselves the honor to forward Sundry Papers respecting two Prizes brought in here by the Revolution Privateer, with which We beg you will do the needfull.
Permit us to inform that there are some Americans Confined in Jail, they experienced a long Confinement in England, escaped, & arrived in Brest, applied there for a Passage home, were sent here, fed on Bread & Water, & are refused their Liberty.
With great Respect We remain Sir Your most Obt humble Servants
Williams Moore& Co

Addressed: Monseiur / Monseiur B. Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare des Etats Unis / de L’Amerique / a la Cour de / France a / Passy
Notations: Williams Moore 31. Juin 1782. / [in William Temple Franklin’s hand:] Ansd 9 July


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Philip?] Keay, [June 1782?]
From: Keay, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Rue Ne. des Mathurins Friday [June, 1782?]
Mr. Keay presents his Respects to Mr. Franklin, & takes the liberty of enclosing the relation of the Accident at Philadelphia. The Person who mention’d it to Made. de Cheminot had seen Conductors upon the House, & had hastily concluded, that they had been put up previous to the accident, which they certainly were not— Madame de Cheminot presents her Compts. to Mr. Franklin & his Son.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 July 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de, & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

SirAmsterdam July 1st 1782
By the earliest opportunity after the arrival of the Brig Firebrand Capn. Caleb Trowbridge from Boston in forty eight days. We have the honor of forwarding to your Excelly. the Letters we received to your address, we had not an opportunity of acknowledging with propriety the Letter we were favoured with, in date of 4 Feby. untill all the accounts relative to the business it is upon, were furnished to the Honble Mr. Barclay, as that is now the case, and Said Gentleman informs us, he has wrote you, for the permission of paying us the ballance due to us, being satisfied of the Justice of our demands, persuaded of not finding less from your Excelly. we shall be happy to see that business finally settled, by your remitting us, or permitting us to draw, at the time that shall be most convenient to your Excelly. for the Ballance.
Our Senior Mr J..D.N.. after having so long unremittedly laboured for the common cause with the Satisfaction of having accellerated by it, the wished for event, has thought his task fulfilled: and his Services either of no further use, or no longer wanted, he has therefore taken the resolution of Spending the remainder of his days in easy retirement, out of business, and free from every incumbrance, when his vows for the welfare & prosperity of the Twenty States will not be less fervent, nor the respect lessened, with wch. we have the honor to be Your Excellys. Most Obdt huml Servts
John DE Neufville Son
His Excellency Doctr. Benjn. Franklin Passy./

Addressed: His Excellency. / Doctor Benjn Franklin / Minister plenipoty. at the court of Versailles / Passy
Notation: De Neufville & Son July 1st. 1782


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 2 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,Passy, July 2. 1782.
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me from Lyon the 24th. past.
I wonder a little at Mr. Adams not acquainting you whether your Name was in the Commission or not. I begin to suspect from various Circumstances that the British Ministry elated perhaps too much by the Success of Admiral Rodney, are not in earnest to treat immediately, but rather wish Delay. They seem to hope that farther Success may enable them to treat more advantageously; or, as some suppose, that certain Propositions to be made to Congress by General Carleton, may render a Treaty here with us unnecessary. A little bad News, which it is possible they may yet receive from the same quarter, will contribute to set them right; and then we may enter seriously upon the Treaty; otherwise I conjecture it may not take Place till another Campaign. Mr. Jay is arrived here. M. Grenville & Mr. Oswald continue here: Mr. Oswald has yet received no Commission; & that of Mr. Grenville does not very clearly comprehend us according to British Ideas, therefore requires Explication. When I know more you shall have farther Information.

Not having an immediate answer to what I wrote you concerning the Absolution of Lord Cornwallis’s Parole, and Major Ross coming over hither from him to press it; I gave him the Discharge you desired. Inclos’d I send you a Copy.— I hear it has proved satisfactory to him; I hope it will be so to you.
I cannot wish you to quit the fine Climate you are in, and the comfortable Society of your Brothers Family and your Children, ’till your Health is fully established; Please to present my respectful Compliments to your eldest Daughter, with whom I have had some Correspondence; and believe me to be, with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. Henry Laurens Esqe.

Addressed: Honble. / Henry Lawrens Esqr / &ca &ca / Vigan en Cevennes.
Endorsed: Doctr Franklin 2d July 1782 Recd 12th. Answ’d. 7th Augt.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Bethia Alexander, 3 July 1782
From: Alexander, Bethia
To: Franklin, Benjamin

St: Germain Ce 3 Juillet [1782]
Je vois bien, mon cher Docteur, qu’il faut renoncer a notre partie de Marly, ou plutôt y substituer un diner chez vous—ce n’etoit pas un beau Jardin que nous desirions voir mais nos amis et Je m’imagine que nous les trouverons tous réunis a Passy— tout ce qui me chagrine c’est que mon Pere à votre priere et à celle de Mad: Helvetius avoit engagé ses deux amis ici Messrs: de Breuil et Pechmeja d’etre de notre partie et à moins que vous ne les engagiez a nous accompagner chez vous ils auront quelques droits de croire que nous nous sommes moqués d’eux— Nous aurons prie sur nous mes Soeurs et moi de les en prier sans vous en parler bien sure de notre pardon si nous n’avions été certain que ne pouvons [pouvant] pas dire que c’etoit de votre part on nous auroit refusé; tout ira bien pourvu que vous m’ecriviez de faire mes efforts pour vous les amener; ils seront enchantés d’aller [chez] vous dès l’instant qu’ils croiront ne vous pas etre importun.— J’ai eu bien envie de lire à la Dame aux cheminées votre reponse à ses questions, mais cette Dame n’entendes pas raillerie, elle se croiroit offensée et Je me serois fait une querelle pour la vie. Repondez donc Je vous prie à ces demandes.
Adieu mon cher Docteur— J’ai envie de vous assurer que Je vous aime tendrement mais il me semble que J’aurois encore plus du plaisir a vous le dire que de vous l’ecrire. Je l’aisse donc toutes ces protestations au Jour ou Je pourrois vous assurer de mes Sentimens et vous embrasser toute à mon aise.
Votre
B: Alexander

Repondez moi toute de suite Je vous prie et fixé si cela se peut le Jour ou nous irons chez nous [vous]— Je voudrois bien que ce fût Lundy.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy / prés / Paris
Endorsed: Miss Alexander


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 5 July 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirPhiladelphia 5th. July 1782.
I have the honor to transmit you a letter from the United States in Congress to his most Christian Majesty, together with a copy for your perusal, I also enclose a Resolution of Congress on the subject of Mr Lee’s demands, which you will see carried into effect—nothing of moment has occured, since I last wrote you, it is very long since we have heard from Europe— We wait for your dispatches with some degree of impatience— I hope they will be sufficiently particular to answer our expectations.
I have the honor to be Sir with great Respect & Esteem your most obedt. humble Servant
Robt. R Livingston

His Excellency Benjn. FranklinNo. 14. 3plicate

Notation: Mr Franklin No. 14. 3plicate
Endorsed: No 14. Mr Secry. Livingston July 5. 1782 Wm Lee’s Affair


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 July 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.Office of Finance 5th July 1782
I enclose to you the form of an acknowledgement of our Debt to the Court of France which I desire you would Seal and execute, After having ascertained the Amount of the Debt, and that you will send Copies thereof thro the Office of foreign Affairs to Congress; as well as inform me of the Amount of the Debt and the Time of Settlement.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your most Obedient and humble Servant
Robt. Morris
Benjamin Franklin Esqr. minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles

Endorsed: Office de Finance July 5. 1782 Acct with France how to be attested.—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 5 July 1782
From: Pownall, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.Richmond hill July 5. 1782.
I have by my friend Mr Hobart sent You a Printed Copy of the Three Memorials which I published on the Subject of America, one addressed to the Souvereigns of Europe—& two others addressd to the Souvereign of Gr Brittain. And I beg your acceptance of them.
I hope you received my Letter of May 13 1782 forwarded by Mr Bridgen as also the Package containing 187 printed Copies of my Topographical Description of America with the Map. Which I sent as You desired for the Widow Barry & which Mr Bridgen was so good to forward for me by way of Ostend directed to Mr Bowen.
As it is possible You may see Mr Hobart He can inform you from me as well as of his own knowledge of the steps we took upon the ground of Your Communications to him & me “That there were Persons Authorised to treat of Peace, & that Such Persons were willing to give to reasonable measures taken to that End, every assistance in their power.” He can inform you also of the circumstances which attended those Steps; & of the Effect which they missed in the direct line; as of the Effect they actually had in an oblique one. As from the beginning of this matter of trying to bring on negotiation for Peace I considered him as joined with me in our endeavors; so I have given to him a Memorandum which I made on the course of this Buisness. He will communicate to You every thing which it is not improper for a Man of honor to communicate to the Minister of a People at warr with us: Nor will he abstain from communicating anything which that Minister, wishing Peace to our Country, ought to be apprized of, respecting the Effect of his friendly offerrs. He will do every thing which a Man of honor ought to do; & He will do nothing which a Man of honor ought not to do.

I have desired him to give You a paper of Quæries respecting the modes & terms of Settling in America which People of this old world & of the old Country may in future be admitted to & receive. I am, not only for my friends, but personally, interested to gain information on that head—& as I wish that which will not deceive them or myself I apply to you.
May God send Peace on Earth. I hope amongst the general blessings it will bring—; It will restore me to the communications & enjoyment of my old & long valued friendship with You. May You live to see, & have health to enjoy, the Blessings which, I hope, it may please God, to make you the Instrument of communicating to Mankind.
I am Dr Sir Yr friend & very humble Sert
T Pownall

Notation: T Pownall 5 Jully 82


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 6 July 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Versailles Le 6. juillet 1782
Je recois Monsieur, La Lettre de ce jour dont vous mavés honoré et La resolution de L’Etat de mary Land que vous aves bien voulu me Communiquér. Je l’ai lue avec Le plus grand plaisir et je la garde pour La montrér au Roi qui y trouvera La conviction de la Confiance quil a dans La fidelité de ses alliés Les Etats unis. Il faut Esperér qu’n langage aussi affirmatif detrompera une bonne fois pour toutes Le ministere anglois de lEspoir de divisér des alliés qui sont unis par Le Sentiment de lhonneur autant et plus que par celui de linterest.
Jai lhonneur dEtre avec un sincere attachement Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
De Vergennes


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 7 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hutton, James

My old and dear FriendPassy, July 7. 1782
A Letter written by you to M. Bertin, Ministre d’Etat, containing an Account of the abominable Murders committed by some of the frontier People on the poor Moravian Indians, has given me infinite Pain and Vexation. The Dispensations of Providence in this World puzzle my weak Reason. I cannot comprehend why cruel Men should have been permitted thus to destroy their Fellow Creatures. Some of the Indians may be suppos’d to have committed Sins, but one cannot think the little Children had committed any worthy of Death. Why has a single Man in England, who happens to love Blood, and to hate Americans; been permitted to gratify that bad Temper, by hiring German Murderers, and joining them with his own, to destroy in a continued Course of bloody Years, near 100,000 human Creatures, many of them possessed of useful Talents, Virtues and Abilities to which he has no Pretension! It is he who has furnished the Savages with Hatchets and Scalping Knives, and engages them to fall upon our defenceless Farmers, and murder them with their Wives and Children paying for their Scalps, of which the Account kept already amounts as I have heard, to near two Thousand. Perhaps the People of the Frontier exasperated by the Cruelties of the Indians have in their [torn] been induced to kill all Indians that fall into their Hands, without Distinction, so that even these horrid Murders of our poor Moravians may be laid to his Charge; And yet this Man lives, enjoys all the good Things this World can afford, and is surrounded by Flatterers, who keep even his Conscience quiet, by telling him he is the best of Princes! I wonder at this, but I cannot therefore part with the comfortable Belief of a divine Providence; and the more I see the Impossibility, from the number & Extent of his Crimes of giving equivalent Punishment to a wicked Man in this Life, the more I am convinc’d of a future State, in which all that here appears to be wrong shall be set right, all that is crooked made straight. In this Faith let you & I, my dear Friend, comfort ourselves. It is the only Comfort in the present dark Scene of Things, that is allow’d us.—
I shall not fail to write to the Government of America urging that effectual Care may be taken to protect & save the Remainder of those unhappy People.
Since writing the above, I have received a Philadelphia Paper, containing some Account of the same horrid Transaction, a little different, and some Circumstances alledged as Excuses or Palliations, but extreamly weak & insufficient. I send it to you inclos’d.
With great and sincere Esteem, I am ever, my dear Friend Yours most affectionately


Title: Franklin and Chaumont: Agreement for Arbitration by Grand and Dangirard, 7 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Chaumont
To:

Compromis 7 Juillet 1782.
Aujourdhui sont comparus pardevant les Conseillers du Roi Notaires au Chatelet de Paris Soussignés
S.E. Benjamin franklin Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, demeurant à Passy près Paris, d’une part

Et M. Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, demeurant pareillement à Passy près Paris, d’autre part.
Lesquels ont dit que pour terminer à l’amiable les difficultés qui Se Sont elevées entr’eux lors de la liquidation et de l’apurement des comptes courants qu’ils se doivent et de leurs prétentions respectives ils Sont convenus d’en passer par l’avis et le jugement de Mrs. Grand et Dangirard Banquiers à Paris, qu’ils ont choisi pour arbitres et amiables compositeurs; En conséquence les d. srs. Comparants ont par ces presentes donné respectivement pouvoir aux d. srs. Grand et Dangirard de juger et terminer leurs d. differend et liquider leurs prétentions reciproques, fixer les reliquats actifs et passifs des d. comptes courants, déterminer et arrêter le quantum de ce que l’un des d. srs. comparants Se trouvera définitivement devoir à l’autre, le tout Sur les nottes, pieces, registres et renseignements que les d. srs. Comparants remettront incessamment en mains des d. srs. Arbitres, a fin que ces derniers puissent donner leur avis et jugement dans trois mois de ce jour au plus tard.
Dans le cas ou les d. srs. Arbitres Se trouveraient d’avis contraire, les d. Srs. Comparants ont encore donné pouvoir aux d. srs. Grand et Dangirard de choisir et nommer tel Surarbitre qu’ils aviseront pour rendre conjointement le d. jugement au quel les Parties promettent d’acquiescer, comme à un jugement de Cour Souveraine, à peine de dix mille livres d’amende qui demeurera de plein droit encourue au profit de celui qui adherera au jugement contre celui qui refusera d’en exécuter les dispositions, Sans que cette clause puisse être reputée comminatoire, Declarant les d. srs. Comparants que Sans cette clause le present compromis n’eut point eu lieu.
Pour l’execution des presentes les d. srs. Comparants ont fait élection de Domicile en leurs demeures Sus d. Aux quels lieux nonobstant, promettant, Obligeant, Renonçant.
Fait et passé à Passy près Paris en demeures des Parties ou les Notaires soussignés se sont exprès transportés
L’an Mil Sept cent quatre vingt deux le Sept Juillet avant midi; Et ont signé.
Leray DE ChaumontB FranklinDunorSemilliard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pieter Buyck, 7 July 1782
From: Buyck, Pieter
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Son ExellenceGand 7 Juillet 1782
Je prends la Respectueuse liberté de Vous envoier cÿ inclus une lettre que Je Vous prie de faire Remettre à Monsieur Laurens qui Je Suppose Sera encore à Paris au Cas qu’il Soit deja parti ne doutant nullement que Vous ne Sachiez ou il est Je Vous supplie d’avoir La Complaisance de L’enveloper & La lui faire parvenir. Si en Pareille ou toute autre occasion Je puis Vous être de quelque utilité, daignez m’honnorer de Vos cheres Commandemens.
J’espere que ma firme ne Vous est point inconnuë car depuis Le Commencement & durant la presente guerre J’ai Soutenu L’amerique audessus de mes forces & ai derechef Pris des fortes engagemens avec Monsr. Ths. Barclay Consul & Agent General de Nord Amerique presentement a Amsterdam pour Compte du Congres.
J’ai en portefëuille 5 Obligations à la charge de Monsr. Le Commodore Alx. Gillon Authorisé des Etats de Zud Caroline par procuration signée de Messieurs Jn. Neiger & Rawlens Lowndes dont 4 de f. 15000. & une de f. 23000. ensble. f. 83000. Court. d’hollande quel Capital J’ai fourni à Mon dit Sieur Alx. Gillon pour Etre Remboursé Le 2 fevrier 1782. Sur quoi J’ai fait fond & me trouve maintenant en Besoin de gros fond pour L’Execution de nouvelles Entreprises. J’ose donc prendre La Confiance de Vous demender Si Vous ne me pourriez indiquer un moyën pour en placer une partie ou bien Si Vous même ne Voudriez point me faire Le Plaisir d’accepter une ou 2 de Ces obligations pour me Prevaloir sur Vous d’une partie du montant a 3 ou 4 mois de datte en Ce Cas Je Vous Envoirai Celles qu’il Vous plaira de m’ordonner.
J’Espere que Vous me fera La grace de m’honnorer de Votre Reponse, ayant celui d’Etre avec le plus profond Respect De Son Exellence Le plus humble & Plus Obëissant Serviteur
Pr. Buyck

A Monsieur Doctor franklyn ministre Plenepetre des Etats unis de L’amerique Septentrionnal A Paris

Notation: Buyck 7. Juillet 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 8 July 1782
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear SirSn. Ildefenso 8th July 1782
On the 3d. Instant I received from the French Embassador Your Excys. obliging favor of the 11th. Ulto. I should have done myself the honor of answering it the Same day by Mr Clonard the Bearer of Dispatches from the Chevalier de La Luzern & General Rochambeau, Had not my whole Time been taken up in Copying letters to Mr Jay which I was afraid had been detained, as I have not had the pleasure to hear from him, & others for America, which I took this opportunity of sending free from Inspection here to the Ports of France. I am Infinitely obliged to you for the kindness with which you excused the Liberty I took in drawing upon you for my Salary, & the readiness you have shown to make me further Supplies. Your present permission to draw for another Quarter came very apropos and I have availed Myself of it, as you will see by a bill dated the 6th Inst. in favor of Messrs. Drouilhet & Company for 3600 Livres Tournois at 90 days after Date. I spoke to the Marquis de Yranda, who is here at present, He had not recd any Letter from Mr. Grand authorising him to furnish me and he intimated that it was with Difficulty he found cash for the Supply of the Count de Montmorin— The last Emission of bills has increased their Depretiation to 4½ to 5 pr. Ct. and very well informed persons assure me it will be at 7 or 8 in two months Time. If the War Continues, This country will feel the Distress which we experienced from a paper Medium.
Permit me to thank your Excellency for the Communication you were pleased to make me on the Subject of the proposed Negotiation & your promise of future information— Be persuaded that I shall endeavour to merit your Confidence— A General knowledge on this Subject will enable me to obtain Information of particulars here, which it may not be improper for Your Excy & Mr Jay to be acquainted with— On the 3d Instant the Imperial Embassador & Russian Minister once more proposed the mediation of their Courts, and made proposals for a Congress of Ministers to assist at the Negotiation for a pacification; Alledging, among other Reasons that it would be more honorable for the United States to have their Independence acknowledged Generally, than by a particular Treaty; I have some reason to think this Offer is regarded as Officious— I hear that these Ministers have not yet received an explicit answer, and I am inclined to believe that, as the Count de Kaunitz has not dispatched a courier which he talked of sending away on Saturday last— All the Neutral Ministers here are Dissatisfied with Spain & are Jealous of its being in possession of Gibraltar. Perhaps one Object of the proposed Congress may be to secure the Freedom of their Commerce in the Mediterranean should England Consent to this Cession— What ever Stipulations they may secure favorable for their Commerce, will be equally so to ours— This Affair, the seige of Gibraltar, The Death of one Infanta & the Birth of Another so engage the Attention of Ct. de Florida Blanca & Mr Del Campo that Altho the Former of his own Motion desired me to see him on Saturday last, I was obliged to defer the meeting to another Day— The Latter accompanied the Corpse of the Deceased to the Escurial— I send your Excy The last Madrid Gazette which Contains a Journal of the Operations of General Galvez & the consequent promotions. I beg you to present my Compliment to Mr & Mrs Jay & your Grandson & to believe me with Great Respect & Esteem Your Excy. Obliged & Humble Sert
Wm. Carmichael
His Exy. B. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 July 1782
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,Lahaie 8e. Juillet 1782
Je continue de profiter des bontés de S.E.M. l’Ambassadeur, en vous faisant parvenir la présente par le Courier qu’il expédie ce soir.
L’Escadre du Texel est sortie enfin, & sera maîtresse à son tour dans les mers du Nord, à moins que les Anglois ne détachent une portion de la leur, suffisante pour faire rentrer dans la coquille les Hollandois. Dans ce cas ce seroit une diversion des forces Brit. utile à la France & à l’Espagne; tout comme la flotte combinée de celles-ci l’est présentement pour le développement des forces de la Rep.— Vous aurez déjà appris l’interception d’une grande partie du Convoi Britannique parti pour Québec, Hallifax & la Caroline sous l’Escorte de Campbell, par la Flotte combinée.— J’ai appris l’arrivée à Paris de Mr. Jay et de Made. son Epouse. J’ignore encore, ce que je voudrois bien savoir, si Mr. Carmichael est aussi à Paris, ou s’il est resté à Madrid.
J’espere que Votre santé est parfaite, & que vous voudrez bien avoir la bonté de m’accuser la réception des diverses Lettres que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire depuis quelquetemps.
J’espere aussi de pouvoir dans peu vous donner la nouvelle agréable du succès de la suite des opérations ici. Je consulterai demain ou après-demain avec un ami sur les meilleurs moyens d’aller en avant pour d’autres choses non moins importantes, sur lesquelles je pourrai m’expliquer d’avantage, à mesure qu’elles prendront de la consistance. Je suis toujours avec le plus respectueux attachement, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Passy à S.E.M. Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Memorandum, 8 July 1782
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

July 8, 1782.
To a person who no longer thinks of American dependence, what disadvantage can there be in making its independence a fixed article (whether the treaty succeeds or no) instead of making it a first article of the treaty, and so to depend on the success of that which may miscarry. To a person indeed who looks on it as an evil, and as an evil which there are yet some hopes to avoid, it is a rational proceeding to provide for all possibilities of realizing those hopes; and the case of the treaty not succeeding is that reserved possibility. Were I treating with an enemy indeed for a barrier town (which I certainly wish to keep or to get something for), nothing I own would be so absurd as to give it up at starting, as a fixed article before the treaty, instead of making it the first article of a treaty, and dependent on the success of the rest. But I had rather have American independence (for one reason amongst others), because the bolder way of giving it up, will secure a greater certainty of peace, I would then be for giving it up in that bolder way, nay had I some reluctance to American independence, I should still think the smallest probability added of peace, would over-balance the whole value of a mere reserved possibility of dependence, which could only, after all, arise from the failure of the treaty.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Continental Congress, 9 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Continental Congress

Passy, 9th. July 1782.
From the Knowledge I have of Mr Young, by his Conduct while in my Family, writing in the Secretary’s Office, and waiting the Arrival of Mr. Lawrens then expected here; I esteem him a Person of Virtue and Merit, and I recommend him and his Account to the Consideration of Congress, not thinking myself authorised to discharge it without their Order; tho’ to assist him in his present Occasions, and in returning to America, I have ventured to advance him Three thousand Six hundred Livres.
B Franklin

Notations in different hands: Accot. against the United States — Amsterdam 30th May 1782. / Letters of Moses Young Henry Laurens Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Vaughan


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 9 July 1782
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris, July 9, 1782.
I have the honour to inform you, my dear Sir, that Mr. Grenville’s express is arrived this morning by way of Ostend. The gentleman is gone to Versailles. I fancy he will wait upon you, and will be much obliged to you, to let me know what your opinion is. I am going to Saint Germain, but if any intelligence comes to hand will communicate it as soon as possible. I rest respectfully and affectionately, yours,
La Fayette.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 9 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

In this letter Franklin reports the most important British political development in the course of the peace negotiations, the replacement of Rockingham as prime minister by Shelburne. This permitted Shelburne to take full command of the negotiations.
Rockingham died on July 1. Three days later Shelburne assumed office as first lord of the treasury. On the same day Charles James Fox, frustrated by the cabinet’s unwillingness to recognize immediately and unconditionally American independence, resigned as secretary of state for foreign affairs. No one could be certain of the consequences of these developments; it was reported at The Hague that the King insisted that Shelburne oppose “a total unequivocal recognition of the independence of America.” Shelburne’s first discussion of America after assuming his new office came in the House of Lords on July 10. In answer to the criticism of Fox, he reportedly said that he continued to believe “that the independence of America would be a dreadful blow to the greatness of this country; and that when it should be established, the sun of England might be said to have set.” He was willing to give way, but only to necessity, claiming “that though this country should have received a fatal blow by the independence of America, still there was a determination to improve every opportunity, and to make the most vigorous exertions to prevent the court of France from being in a situation to dictate the terms of peace; the sun of England would set with the loss of America,” but he was resolved “to improve the twilight, and to prepare for the rising of England’s sun again.”

Shelburne thus seemed to be hinting at abandoning his idea of using American independence as a bargaining chip to be surrendered only if Britain’s other enemies accepted a return to the peace conditions of 1763, thereby surrendering their own war gains. Franklin, however, already considered recognition of American independence as a sine qua non and concerned himself instead with other issues; certainly he was not prepared to offer any concessions in exchange for it. On July 9, Grenville wrote Shelburne that Franklin “the other day, for the first time, gave me to understand that America must be to have her share in the N: Foundland Fishery, & that the limits of Canada would likewise be a subject for arrangement. He seems much dis-inclined to an idea he expects to be stated, of going into an examination, for the mutual compensation of the losses of individuals, insisting, perhaps with reason, upon the endless detail that would be produced by it; nor does he cease to give the most decided discouragement to any possible plan of arrangement with America, short of compleat and distinct independance, in it’s fullest sense.”
Franklin went into greater detail in a two-hour meeting with Oswald on the morning of July 10. Oswald reported that meeting to Shelburne as follows:
“… He took out a minute, & from it read a few hints or articles. Some he said as necessary for them to insist on; others which he could not say he had any Orders about, or were not absolutely demanded, & yet such as it would be advisable for England to offer for the sake of Reconciliation, and her future Interest, Viz:
1st. Of the first Class, necessary to be granted. Independence full & complete in every sense to the 13 States & all Troops to be withdrawn from thence.
2d. A settlement of the boundaries of their Colonies, & the loyal Colonies.
3d. A Confinement of the Boundaries of Canada, at least to what they were, before the last Act of Parliament, I think in 1774, if not to a still more contracted State, on an ancient footing.
4. A freedom of fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland, & elsewhere, as well for Fish as whales. I own I wonder’d he should have thought it necessary to ask for this priviledge. He did not mention the Leave of drying Fish on shore in Newfoundland, & I said nothing of it. I dont remember any more articles which he said they would insist on, or what he calld necessary for them to be granted.
Then as to the adviseable Articles, or such as he would as a Friend recommend to be offer’d by England Viz.
1st. To indemnify many People who had been ruind by Towns burnt & destroy’d. The whole might not exceed the Sum of Five or Six hundred thousand pounds. I was struck at this. However the Dr. said though it was a large Sum, it would not be ill bestow’d; as it would conciliate the Resentment of a multitude of poor Sufferers, who could have no other Remedy, & who without some Relief, would keep up a Spirit of secret Revenge & Animosity for a long time to come, against Great Britain: whereas a voluntary Offer of such Reparation, would diffuse an universal Calm & Conciliation over the whole Country.
2d. Some Sort of Acknowledgment in some public Act, of Parliament or otherwise, of our Error in distressing those countries so much as We had done. A few words of that kind the Dr said, would do more good than People could imagine.
3d. Colony Ships & Trade to be receiv’d & have the same priviledges in Britain & Ireland, as British ships & Trade. I did not ask any Explanation on that head for the present. British & Irish Ships in the Colonies to be in like manner on the same footing with their own ships.
4. Giving up every part of Canada.”
Oswald had expected to be given the conditions in writing, but “after some Reflection” Franklin said “he did not much like to give such writing out of his Hands” and then arranged for Oswald to meet with Jay. Franklin also said that he wanted to confer with Jay before giving a definite answer and hinted not only at commercial connections but at an eventual federal union with Britain. He discouraged, however, any hope that Britain might maintain any sovereignty as George III had over Ireland. Franklin thought the “American Affair” could be handled apart from the other negotiations by Britain’s issuing a separate commission. He agreed to Oswald’s suggestion that the power to grant independence should be included in such a commission. (Oswald thereby hoped that the British government could avoid granting independence before beginning discussions.) Franklin did not believe, however, that any compensation to the Loyalists should be included in a peace treaty, and he would not consider using any revenue from territorial concessions to reimburse their losses. In both this and the refusal to give Oswald anything in writing, he was correcting the mistakes he had made in April when he first proposed that Britain offer Canada.
In his letter to Shelburne, Oswald expressed hopes that it would be possible “to put an End to the American quarrel in a short time.” To do so, however, would require that Shelburne overcome his reluctance to recognize American independence. Franklin was in a strong position to wait until Shelburne conceded defeat. He had Congress’ unequivocal support, at least on this issue, whereas Shelburne had opposition in Parliament from Fox and his followers. Moreover, one of Franklin’s greatest strengths as a diplomat was his willingness to bide his time. Five years earlier he and his fellow commissioners had waited many months to begin serious discussions for an agreement with France until they could negotiate from a position of strength. His fellow commissioner Silas Deane had argued for a more active policy, but Franklin’s position prevailed, and finally his patience was rewarded. Apparently, Franklin now was prepared to wait as long as necessary in order to negotiate on his own terms; he warned Robert R. Livingston that it would be prudent to suppose “that even another Campaign may pass before all can be agreed.”

Dear Sir, Passy,
July 9, 1782.
Mr. Grenville has been with me in his return from Versailles. He tells me that Lord Rockingham being dead, Lord Shelburne is appointed first Lord of the Treasury; and that Mr. Fox has resigned; so that both the Secretaryships are vacant. That his communication to M. de Vergennes, was only that no change was thereby made in the dispositions of that Court for peace, &c., and he expects another courier with fuller instructions in a few days. As soon as I hear more I shall acquaint you with it. I am ever with great respect and affection, your most obedient humble servant,
B. Franklin.
Marquis de la Fayette.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 July 1782
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dearest sir,
London, July 9th:, 1782.
I beg to introduce to your acquaintance My friend Mr Benjn. Savage, a young Gentn., born in South Carolina. By some accident or other, his friends have chosen the wrong side of the question, though he has relations very warmly contending on the right side. Politics however do not much warp his mind, which is as candid a one almost as I ever knew; and his temper to the full as amiable; abounding in attachment & mildness, with a great deal of spirit at the bottom.
This young gentleman’s father, an Israelite without guile, married my father in law’s sister; and he himself has been four years in Mr Manning’s counting house, as he intends pursuing business, though heir to a very pretty fortune.— Mr Manning, who is a very able but strict judge, says that his behavior has been in all respects exemplary, and that he never had any thing to correct or suggest in the whole course of time that he was with him.— I have been a daily & hourly witness to his merits for many months past; and can promise you that he will be very able and powerful in his profession as a merchant, and very much respected for the general tenor of his life. There is but one thing wanting to him, which is that you should convert him; but good as he is and sure of being citizen, this is the less necessary.
Mr Savage will tell you my situation here, but no one can tell how much I am, my dearest sir, your ever devoted, affectionate, & obliged,
Benjn. Vaughan

Notation: B. Vaughan, London July 9. 1782.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 July 1782
From: Williams, Jonathan Jr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & hond Sir.
Nantes July 9. 1782.
I wrote you the 26 June relative to the affair of Mr Springer & his Comrades at Brest. I since hear the prize is condemned to the admiral which tho’ I think an unlawfull proceeding may turn out well enough for the admiral in these Cases always gives up the Prize to the Captors. The proceedings of the admiralty at Brest are I believe according to the Laws of France and French subjects; but they have no business to confiscate an american Prize in whatever manner it may be made by american subjects these Men are amenable to the Laws of their own Country if they have done wrong and you not the admiralty should receive the Money if the Prize deserves Confiscation. I beg you will throw in a Memorial on the subject either to the Marquis de Castries or the Duc de Penthievre & I am confident orders will be given to sell the prize & deliver the amount over to the Captors. For the particular Facts I refer you to my last and its inclosure. I am as ever with perfect Respect most dutifully & affecy Yours
Jona Williams J

Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / at / Passy


Title: Excerpts from Chaumont’s Revision of His Account with Franklin, [9 July 1782]
From: Chaumont
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Having agreed on July 7 to submit his accounts to arbitration, Chaumont quickly altered his claim. The account he submitted on July 9 was a revised version of what he had initially given to Franklin, published above under the date of [before April 26]. He dropped items 3, 14, and 15, all of which Grand had ruled against in his report of May 7. The three entries we reproduce, below, constitute additions or alterations to preexisting items. In total, Chaumont now claimed that Franklin owed him 179,494 l.t. 12s. 8d.

[July 9, 1782]

Pour change de 25 pour centsur les Traites qui devoientm’être fournies par M. leDocteur Franklin sur leCongrès americain en payementde la derniere partie desdraperies ci dessus, le quelBenefice étoit à l’avantage dela France et dont consequementje dois profiter
107,082.10.

Pour le Fret du Vaisseau leMarquis de la Fayette Capne.de Galatheau jaugeant 1684 Taux. [Tonneaux] de mersuivant le Certificat delivréà Bordeaux le 6. 7bre. 1781.sur quoi il convient deduire210. Tonneaux pour autantd’hommes composant l’équipagedu d. Vaisseau à son depart del’Orient, reste 1474 Taux. à200 l.t. suivant le prix fixépar la Charte partie du 30Août 1780
  294,800.

Pour le Loyer de l’appartementoccupé par M. Franklin, ensemblel’indemnité des frais et depensespour loger aussi les CommissairesAmericains
  20,000.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 10 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hartley, David

Dear Sir,
Passy, July 10, 1782.
I received your favour of the 26th past by Mr. Young, and am indebted to you for some preceding. I do not know why the good work of peace goes on so slowly on your side. Some have imagined that your ministers since Rodney’s success are desirous of trying fortune a little farther before they conclude the war: others, that they have not a good understanding with each other. What I have just heard seems to countenance this opinion. It is said Mr. Fox has resigned. We are ready here on the part of America to enter into treaty with you, in concurrence with our allies; and are disposed to be very reasonable; but if your plenipotentiary, notwithstanding that character, is upon every proposition obliged to send a courier and wait an answer, we shall not soon see the happy conclusion. It has been suspected too, that you wait to hear the effect of some overtures sent by General Carleton for a separate peace in America. A vessel just arrived from Maryland, brings us the unanimous resolutions of their assembly for continuing the war at all hazards rather than violate their faith with France. This is a sample of the success to be expected from such a measure? if it has really been taken; which I hardly believe.
There is methinks a point that has been too little considered in treaties, the means of making them durable. An honest peasant from the mountains of Provence, brought me the other day a manuscript he had written on the subject, and which he could not procure permission to print. It appeared to me to have much good sense in it; and therefore I got some copies to be struck off for him to distribute where he may think fit. I send you one enclosed. This man aims at no profit from his pamphlet or his project, asks for nothing, expects nothing, and does not even desire to be known. He has acquired he tells me a fortune of near 150 crowns a year (about 18 l. sterling) with which he is content. This you may imagine would not afford the expence of riding to Paris, so he came on foot; such was his zeal for peace and the hope of forwarding and securing it by communicating his ideas to great men here. His rustic and poor appearance has prevented his access to them; or obtaining their attention; but he does not seem yet to be discouraged. I honour much the character of this veritable philosophe.
I thank you much for your letters of May 1, 13, and 25 with your proposed preliminaries. It is a pleasure to me to find our sentiments so concurring on points of importance: it makes discussions as unnecessary as they might, between us, be inconvenient. I am my dear Sir, with great esteem and affection, your’s ever,
B. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 10 July 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Passy, July 10. 1782
I have before me your several Favours of June 7, June 17, & July 9. The Box sent to Mr. Bowens at Ostend is also come to hand. It contain’d a Dozen 4to Vols. of my Writings, and a Number of Pamphlets which you have been so good as to chuse for me; but the Remembrancers, & Registers bought for me by Mr Young, and left by him as he tells me with Mr Johnson, to be sent me, were not included, & I hear nothing of them. I beg you would inquire about them.—
I wish you all kinds of good Fortune in your Speculations for America. I think you will be well serv’d by Mr Young, who appears to be [one line illegible].
Mr Laurens is gone to the South of France, and has declined acting in the Commission for making Peace. Mr Oswald has not given me the Acct you suppose he may have given, of a certain Person’s strange Behaviour. When you have Leisure, acquaint me with it.—
I shall confer with Mr Jay concerning the Bills. There will be no Difficulty in getting them paid if he approves of it. Should his first Opinion continue, I cannot interfere, the Bills being drawn on him. What you tell me, of the first Indorser’s going out with a Passport from me, and that these Bills were remitted as part Payment, shows me that I was imposed on by that man; my Passport was obtained on Assurance that the Goods to be carried over were bona fide the Property of the intended Settler; and should not have been used as a Cover for the Goods of English Merchants intrusted to him, to carry on a contraband Commerce.— The Bills of Harley & Drummond which you mention as having been enclosed in the same Letter, afford farther Suspicion of his Situation in that Country, & that the Bills have not been fairly come by.—
Your Sentiments relating to Privateers appear to me very just, & those concerning Arbitrators not less so, tho’ perhaps less likely to be adopted. I go with you as far as you go, in Proposals for diminishing the Occasions & Mischiefs of War, & perhaps a little farther.— By the Original Law of Nations, War & Extirpation was the Punishment of Injury. Humanizing by degrees, it admitted Slavery instead of Death. A farther Step was, the Exchange of Prisoners instead of Slavery. Another, to respect more the property of private Persons under Conquest, & to be content with acquir’d Dominion. Why should not this Law of Nations go on improving? Ages have interven’d between its several Steps; but as Knowledge of late encreases rapidly, why should not those Steps be quicken’d? Why should it not be agreed to as the future Law of Nations that in any War hereafter the following Descriptions of Men should be undisturbed, have the Protection of both sides, & be permitted to follow their employments in Surety, viz
1. Cultivators of the Earth, because they labor for the Subsistance of Mankind.
2. Fishermen, for the same Reason.
3. Merchants & Traders, in unarm’d Ships; who accommodate different Nations by communicating & exchanging the Necessaries and Conveniencies of Life.
4. Artists & Mechanics, inhabiting & working in open Towns.
It is hardly necessary to add that the Hospitals of Enemies should be unmolested; they ought to be assisted.
In short, I would have nobody fought with but those who are paid for Fighting. If obliged to take Corn from the Farmer, Friend or Enemy, I would pay him for it; the same for the Fish or Goods of the others.
This once established, that Encouragement to war which arises from Spirit of Rapine would be taken away, and Peace therefore more likely to continue & be lasting.—
I send you the Passport you desire for the young Man. His Talents may be useful in a new Country.—
Your Brother John is arriv’d in New York, the Vessel being taken. I have heard nothing more of him since.

The Persons you mention to have recommended to me, are not yet arriv’d. I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately,
B Franklin
Vaughan


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-André Gargaz: Proposed Letter from Franklin(?) to Louis XVI, [c. 10 July 1782]
From: Gargaz, Pierre André
To: Franklin, Benjamin

When fifty-two-year-old Pierre-André Gargaz arrived at the gate of the hôtel de Valentinois, probably toward the end of May, 1782, he cut an unusual figure. Having served a twenty-year sentence on the galleys at Toulon for a murder he maintained he did not commit and now branded as a convict, Gargaz walked from the south of France to Paris carrying a treatise he had written while incarcerated. Franklin described their encounter in the letter he wrote David Hartley on July 10 (above). A year later, he told the same story to a young British visitor. “In the course of last year,” Franklin is quoted as saying, “a man very shabbily dressed—all his dress together was not worth five shillings—came and desired to see me. He was admitted, and, on asking his business, he told me that he had walked from one of the remotest provinces in France, for the purpose of seeing me and showing me a plan which he had formed for a universal and perpetual peace. I took his plan and read it, and found it to contain much good sense. I desired him to print it. He said he had no money: so I printed it for him. He took as many copies as he wished for, and gave several away; but no notice whatever was taken of it.”
Gargaz had sent Franklin a preliminary version of this plan in 1779, from Toulon, signing himself as ‘galley slave no. 1336.’ The version Franklin printed at Passy, entitled Conciliateur de toutes les nations d’Europe, ou Projet de paix perpétuelle entre tous les souverains de l’Europe & leurs voisins, was substantially expanded and revised, possibly as a result of discussions at Passy. Forty-six pages in length, the pamphlet began with a definition of peace, a petition to the King, and a circular letter imploring all friends of the human race to do everything in their power to see this plan adopted. The plan itself was divided into eight “infallible means” for establishing and maintaining perpetual peace among all the sovereigns of Europe. Each sovereign was to send a representative to a perpetual Congress in, say, Lyon (instead of Toulon, as Gargaz had earlier proposed), where they would adjudicate international disputes according to a system Gargaz outlined. All nations would agree to be content with their present boundaries, would engage in free commerce on land and sea, and would be allowed to maintain fortresses, warships, and standing armies to protect their territory. In times of peace, the soldiers could be employed in projects for the public good—building roads, bridges, irrigation canals, and so on. The final section of the pamphlet was a series of thirteen common arguments in favor of war, with refutations for each. The fourth argument, for example, was the claim that war increases the circulation of money. Gargaz countered with a series of examples of public works projects that could usefully employ the population while ameliorating living conditions, stimulating trade, eliminating famine, establishing funds for victims of natural disasters, and overseeing child welfare. His final suggestion—admittedly difficult and expensive, but not impossible for a united Europe—was to cut through the isthmuses of Panama and Suez.
Franklin printed the pamphlet by July 10. Armed with this privately printed version, Gargaz tried again to approach influential individuals who might help him find a publisher. Although most people ignored him, Vergennes accepted a pamphlet (undoubtedly through Franklin’s offices) and deemed it worthy of publication. We suspect that the present letter—in Gargaz’s hand, with his characteristic spelling and singular style, and now located in a collection of Franklin’s papers—was part of the author’s naïve campaign to get Franklin to present a copy to the King. If the American minister did so, he would certainly not have forwarded the pamphlet under cover of this letter.
In addition to their desire to see an end to warfare, Gargaz and Franklin shared another interest. They had both developed systems of phonetic spelling. Gargaz had managed to get a treatise on spelling reform published in Marseille in 1773, an unusual feat for a galley slave. Did they discuss this topic at Passy? Jottings on a random address sheet dating from the second half of June indicate that they did. Franklin began by writing out French word endings that sounded nearly the same: “é, ai, ait, ais, ois, oient.” Beneath them, Gargaz copied the endings, indicating that the latter two could also be spelled “es” and “ent.” He then demonstrated that his phonetic spelling of “ils mangeroient” would be “iz manjeren.” Franklin countered with his own attempt at Gargaz’s system: “il fezet.” These few snippets of words are our only evidence of what may have been hours of conversation between the American minister plenipotentiary, who at this time was trying to arrange for a durable peace, and the former galley slave who brought him a theory on how a peace might be made permanent.

Sire,
[c. July 10, 1782]
Le 26 Mai dernier, le filosofe Gargaz me presenta un de ses ouvrages ci joint, intitulé, Consiliateur de toutes les Nations d’Europe; ou, Projet de Paix universele e perpetuéle, entre tous les souverains d’Europe e leurs voisins. J’ai lu e examiné plusiers fois cet ouvrage, avec toute l’atention e l’impartialité possibles. Les moïens qe ce filosofe propose, pour etablir e maintenir son sisteme, sont si faciles a metre en usage; si utiles pour le bonheur de toutes les Nations; si interessants pour tous les oficiers, e Aumoniers, emplöiez dans le Militaire; si avantageux a toute la Noblesse; e enfin si conformes aux vüe pacifiqes e bienfaisantes de Votre Majesté, qe je me suis cru obligé en consience, de lui en faire homage. Si Ele les adopte, ainsi qe je l’espere, par sa bonté Paternele envers tous les Peuples, je m’estimerai un des plus heureux mortels, e ce jour sera le plus signalé pour la Gloire, de tous les souverains, de tous leurs principaux Ministres, e de tout le Genre humain.
Au Roi