Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

THE

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

VOL. IV.

THE

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION;

BEING

THE LETTERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, JOHN
ADAMS, JOHN JAY, ARTHUR LEE, WILLIAM LEE, RALPH
IZARD, FRANCIS DANA, WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, HENRY
LAURENS, JOHN LAURENS, M. DE LAFAYETTE, M.
DUMAS, AND OTHERS, CONCERNING THE FOREIGN
RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES DURING
THE WHOLE REVOLUTION;

TOGETHER WITH

THE LETTERS IN REPLY FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF
CONGRESS, AND THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

ALSO,

THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FRENCH MINISTERS,
GERARD AND LUZERNE, WITH CONGRESS.

Published under the Direction of the President of the United States, from
the original Manuscripts in the Department of State, conformably
to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818.

EDITED
BY JARED SPARKS.

VOL. IV.

BOSTON:

NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;

G. & C. &. H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.

1829.

HALE'S STEAM PRESS.

No. 6 Suffolk Buildings, Congress Street, Boston.

CONTENTS OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S CORRESPONDENCE, CONTINUED.

Page.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
August 23d, 1782, 3

Expresses a wish to promote the commerce between
France and America.

Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall,
September 1st, 1782, 4

The King is ready to treat with the Commissioners
on the footing of unconditional independence.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1782, 4

Allowance made to his grandson for various public services.--
Submits his own account to the disposal of Congress.--Encloses
letters (inserted in the note) from Mr Jay and Mr Laurens,
expressing their regard for his grandson.

To John Jay. Passy, September 4th, 1782, 9

Mr Oswald's courier arrives, with directions to acknowledge
the independence of America.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 5th, 1782, 10

Complains of want of information from Europe.--Movements
of the British troops in the south.--Importance
of the West India trade to the United
States.--Right of the States to cut logwood.

Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September
5th, 1782, 15

Enclosing an extract from a letter of the Secretary of
State, regarding the negotiation.

To Richard Oswald. Passy, Sept. 8th, 1782, 15

Requesting a copy of the fourth article of his instructions,
given in the note.

To Earl Grantham. Passy, Sept. 11th, 1782, 16

Prospect of peace.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 12th, 1782, 17

Presenting Mr Paine's work addressed to the Abbé
Raynal.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 12th, 1782, 18

Necessity of further supplies of money.

To David Hartley. Passy, September 17th, 1782, 18

The preliminaries formerly received, inadmissible.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 18th, 1782, 19

Congress declines accepting Mr Laurens's resignation;
alters Dr Franklin's powers.

Mr Secretary Townshend to Richard Oswald.
Whitehall, September 20th, 1782, 20

The commission passing with the change proposed by
the American Commissioners.

Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September
24th, 1782, 21

Transmitting a copy of Mr Townshend's letter to himself.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
September 25th, 1782, 21

Aspect of affairs dubious.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 26th, 1782, 22

Reply to his complaints of want of information.--Delays
of the negotiation.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
October 3d, 1782, 23

Granting the exequatur empowering the United States'
Consul to act in France.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, Oct. 4th, 1782, 24

Sends a proposition for a temporary commercial convention.--The
dissolution of the union of the States apprehended.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Oct. 14th, 1782, 25

Progress of the negotiation.--Acknowledges the receipt
of Ministers' salaries.

To John Adams. Passy, Oct. 15th, 1782, 28

Delay in the negotiations.

From T. Townshend to B. Franklin. Whitehall,
October 23d, 1782, 29

Introducing Mr Strachey.

To Thomas Townshend. Passy, Nov. 4th, 1782, 30

Regrets the obstructions to the negotiations.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Nov. 7th, 1782, 31

Introducing the Baron de Kermelin.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 9th, 1782, 31

Sweden proposes to acknowledge the independence of
the United States.--Advantage of obtaining an acknowledgment
from the States of Barbary.--Difficulties in the exchange of
prisoners.--Affair of Lippincott.--Mr Boudinot elected President.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 21st, 1782, 34

Mr Jefferson added to the commission.--Mr Burgess,
an English merchant, not permitted to settle in Boston.

To Richard Oswald. Passy, Nov. 26th, 1782, 36

Indemnification of American royalists.--Resolutions of Congress
on the subject.--Act of the Pennsylvania assembly for procuring
an estimate of the damages committed by the British.--Characters
of the royalists.--Inexpediency of discussing the measure.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 27th, 1782, 44

Messrs Lamarque and Fabru.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Nov. 29th, 1782, 45

The preliminary articles of peace between England and
the United States agreed on.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
December 3d, 1782, 45

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 4th, 1782, 46

Encloses a copy of the preliminary articles.--Those
between England and the other powers not signed.--No
definitive treaty will be signed till all are agreed.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 5th, 1782, 46

Difficulties of conveying information to America.--Has
asked for further supplies from France.--History of
the negotiations.--The principal preliminaries between
France and England agreed to.--Proceedings
in regard to Sweden.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1782, 54

Informing him that a passport has been received from
England for the Washington.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
December, 15th, 1782, 55

Expresses his astonishment at the despatching of the
Washington.--Complains that the preliminaries have
been concluded without any communication with
France.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 17th, 1782, 56

Causes of the sailing of the Washington.--No peace
will take place between England and America without
the concurrence of France.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 24th, 1782, 58

The Swedish Ambassador exchanges full powers with
Dr Franklin.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
January 2d, 1783, 60

Enclosing various resolutions of Congress.--Regrets
the departure of the French fleet.--Financial distresses
of America.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
January 6th, 1783, 62

Financial distress.--Subjects of negotiation.--Contingent
expenses of foreign Ministers.

To Richard Oswald. Passy, January 14th, 1783, 66

Enclosing propositions for abolishing privateering.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
January 18th, 1783, 69

Desiring a conference with the Commissioners.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Jan. 18th, 1783, 70

Promising to be present at the conference.

Benjamin Vaughan to B. Franklin. Paris, January
18th, 1783, 70

Pressing him to be at Versailles the next day.--State
of England.

To John Adams. Passy, January 19th, 1783, 72

Acquainting him with Vergennes's desire for a conference.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Jan. 21st, 1783, 72

Preliminaries signed between France, Spain, and England.

John Jay to B. Franklin. Paris, Jan. 26th, 1783, 73

Dr Franklin's grandson appointed Secretary to the
commission without being solicited by him.

From M, Rosencrone, Minister of Foreign Affairs
in Denmark, to M. de Walterstorff. Copenhagen,
February 22d, 1783, 74

Directing him to learn Dr Franklin's views in regard to
a treaty of commerce between Denmark and the United States.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, March 7th, 1783, 76

Treaty with Sweden signed.--The English Ministry
changed.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March
12th, 1783, 76

Enclosing conciliatory propositions, and a sketch of a
provisional treaty of commerce.--Changes in the
Ministry.

To David Hartley. Passy, March 23d, 1783, 83

Expresses a desire for a reconciliation.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
March 26th, 1783, 84

Regrets that the Commissioners should find it necessary
to conceal anything from France; and that the
commercial article is struck out.--The attempts to
inflame the army.--Remits bills for the salaries of
the Ministers.

From the city of Hamburg to Congress. March
29th, 1783, 88

Proposing the establishment of commercial connexions.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March
31st, 1783, 91

Enclosing Supplemental Treaty between Great Britain
and the United States of North America, separate
article to be referred to the Definitive Treaty, and
paper mentioned in the close of Mr Hartley's letter.

M. Salva to B. Franklin. Algiers, April 1st, 1783, 95

Informing him of an attempt by the Algerines to seize
American vessels.

To the Grand Master of Malta. Passy, April 6th,
1783, 96

Requesting protection for Americans in the ports of
Malta.

To M. Rosencrone. Passy, April 13th, 1783, 97

Relative to a treaty between Denmark and the United
States.--Asks reparation for the seizure of American
prizes in the Danish ports.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 15th, 1783, 98

Proposals of Denmark.--Delay in the negotiation of
the Definitive Treaty.--Mr Hartley substituted in
the room of Mr Oswald.--Propositions for the renewal
of the commerce between England and the
United States.--Receives applications of persons
wishing to emigrate to America.--Financial embarrassments
of France.

Charles J. Fox to B. Franklin. St James's, April
19th, 1783, 104

Introducing Mr Hartley.--Expresses a desire to effect
a reconciliation of the two nations.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 27th, 1783, 104

Introducing the Count del Veome.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
May 5th, 1783, 105

Acknowledges the receipt of a copy of the three articles
discussed by the Commissioners and Mr Hartley.--Complains
of the infrequent appearance of the
Commissioners at Court.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 5th, 1783, 105

The Commissioners prevented by sickness from appearing
at Court.

To David Hartley. Passy, May 8th, 1783, 106

Desires the abolition of privateering.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
May 9th, 1783, 107

Infringements of the Provisional Treaty by the British.--
Arrival of vessels in the American ports.

Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
May 31st, 1783, 109

Determination of the Court of Appeals in case of the
Portuguese vessel.--Recommends the demands on
Denmark to be urged.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, June 12th, 1783, 110

The ratification of the treaty with Sweden received.--Treaty
with Denmark going on.--Portugal proposes to treat.--Delay
of the Definitive Treaty with England.--Dr Bancroft.

The Ambassador from Sweden to B. Franklin.
Paris, June 13th, 1783, 112

Requesting that Mr W. T. Franklin may be sent to the
Swedish Court.

From the Grand Master of Malta to B. Franklin.
Malta, June 21st, 1783, 112

Promising protection to Americans in the ports of
Malta.

To Henry Laurens. Passy, July 6th, 1783, 113

Delays of the negotiations.--Mr Laurens's presence
necessary.

From M. Rosencrone, Minister of Denmark, to B.
Franklin. Copenhagen, July 8th, 1783, 114

Enclosing a Counter Project of a Treaty between the
United States and Denmark.

Explanation of the Counter Project of a Treaty of
Amity and Commerce received from Denmark, 130]

Giacomo F. Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, July
15th, 1783, 135

Informing him that the Emperor of Morocco is ready to
enter into a treaty with the United States.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 22d, 1783, 136

Justifies the signature of the Provisional Treaty without
communicating to the French Court.--Expresses
his confidence in France.--Contrary opinion of one
of his colleagues.--Reason for striking a commercial
article out of the preliminaries proposed.--Advantages
of free trade.--Moderation of France.--The
Ambassador of Portugal desires to form a treaty
with the United States.--Correspondence with the
Danish Minister.--Inclination of Saxony and Prussia
to engage in the American commerce.--Affair
of the Bon Homme Richard.--Recommends his
grandson for the diplomatic service.--General desire
of the European powers to engage in commerce
with the United States.--The American constitutions
translated into French, produce a favorable
effect.--Dangers from the Barbary powers.--Kindness
of Mr Wren to the American prisoners
near Portsmouth.

Plan of a Treaty with Portugal, 150

Enclosed in the preceding.

From the Pope's Nuncio to B. Franklin, 158

Proposing the appointment of an Apostolical Vicar
Bishop in the United States.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Aug. 16th, 1783, 159

The English Ministry reject the propositions of the
Commissioners and of their own Ministers.--Propose
the preliminaries slightly changed as a definitive
treaty.--The other Commissioners are inclined
to sign this.

M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, August
29th, 1783, 160

Count de Vergennes consents to the signing the treaty
at Paris instead of Versailles.

To the President of Congress. Passy, August 31st,
1783, 161

The English Ministry have agreed to sign the articles
formerly proposed as a definitive treaty.

To David Hartley. Passy, September 6th, 1783, 161

Expresses his esteem for Mr Fox.--Intelligence of the
American people.--Their misunderstandings much
exaggerated.--Complains of the delay in evacuating
New York.

To John Jay. Passy, September 10th, 1783, 163

Quotes a letter from America, which accuses him of
favoring France, in her opposition to granting the
fishery, and the whole territory demanded by the
Americans.--Appeals to Mr Jay for the falsehood
of the assertion.

John Jay to B. Franklin. Passy, Sept, 11th, 1783, 164

Dr Franklin agreed and acted with the other Commissioners
respecting the boundaries and fisheries.--On former occasions
he had also maintained the same claims on these points.

John Adams to B. Franklin. Passy, September
13th, 1783, 165

Dr Franklin agreed with the other Commissioners in
the management of the negotiation.

To the President of Congress. Passy, September
13th, 1783, 166

Relations with Morocco; with Portugal.--False reports
of disunion, &c. in the United States injurious
to the American cause.--Count de Vergennes
refuses to sign the Definitive Treaty with England
before that between England and the United States
was signed.

To Lewis R. Morris. Passy, Sept. 14th, 1783, 169

Relative to accounts.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, September
24th, 1783, 170

Expects to receive instructions for a convention on the
basis, that American ships shall not bring foreign
manufactures into Great Britain, nor trade directly
between the West Indies and Great Britain.

To the President of Congress. Passy, September
27th, 1783, 171

Encloses a copy of the Definitive Treaty.--Expects
Mr Hartley to negotiate a treaty of commerce.

To David Hartley. Passy, October 16th, 1783, 172

Advantages of a perpetual peace between England,
France, and America.

To David Hartley. Passy, October 22d, 1783, 173

Reports of the divisions in America unfounded.

To the President of Congress. Passy, November
1st, 1783, 173

Financial difficulties of France; failure of payment by
the Caisse d'Escompte.--Relations with Sweden,
Denmark, and Portugal.--Claims of Du Calvet for
supplies to the army in Canada.

Giacomo Francisco Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz,
November 25th, 1783, 176

Informs Dr Franklin that he is appointed by the
Emperor of Morocco to conduct to that Court the Minister
of the United States.--Demands $1500 for his expenses to Paris.

To William Carmichael. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1783, 177

Accounts of the proceedings and demands of M. Crocco.

To Giacomo Francisco Crocco. Passy, December
15th, 1783, 179

Mr Jay is the suitable person for M. Crocco's application.

To the President of Congress. Passy, December
25th, 1783, 180

Mr Hartley refuses to go to Versailles to sign the
Definitive Treaty.--Ill will of the British Court towards
America.--Has the American constitutions
translated in French, which produce a favorable
impression.--Relations with Denmark, Portugal, Morocco,
and Germany.--The expense of Commodore Jones's expedition
paid entirely by the King of France.

To Robert Morris. Passy, Dec. 25th, 1783, 187

Unreasonableness of the complaints against taxes.--Property
is the creature of society.--Lafayette has conferences with
the Ministers, relative to the new commercial regulations.

To the President of Congress. Passy, December
26th, 1783, 188

Recommends Mr Hodgson as Consul in London.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 2d,
1784, 189

Promises to apply for the despatch of the ratification
of the treaty by Great Britain, on the arrival of that
by Congress.

To Charles Thompson. Passy, March 9th, 1784, 190

Ratifications exchanged with Sweden.--Receives numerous
applications from persons wishing to settle in the
United States.

To the President of Congress. Passy, May 12th,
1784, 191

Mr Hartley arrives to exchange ratifications of the
Definitive Treaty.--Proclamation relative to American
commerce with the British colonies.--Proposed
regulations of the commerce with the French colonies.

David Hartley to B. Franklin. Paris, June 1st,
1784, 192

Defects of form in the ratification of the treaty by
Congress.

To David Hartley. Passy, June 2d, 1784, 193

Answers to the objections made in the preceding letter.

To the President of Congress. Passy, June 16th,
1784, 196

Symptoms of resentment against America on the part
of Great Britain.

Consular Convention, 198

Consular convention between France and the United
States.

To Count de Mercy Argenteau. Passy, July 30th,
1784, 208

Dr Franklin, Mr Jefferson, and Mr Adams are appointed
to negotiate a treaty of commerce with the
empire.

Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris,
July 30th, 1784, 209

Assures Dr Franklin of the disposition of the Emperor
to form commercial connexions with the United
States.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
August 27th, 1784, 210

Requesting a declaration, in an official form, that Congress
will in no case treat any nation more favorably than France
in commercial privileges.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1784, 210

Transmits a Resolution of Congress, declaring that no
people shall be placed on more advantageous ground
in the commerce with the United States than the
French subjects.

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
September 9th, 1784, 211

Expresses the satisfaction of the King with the resolution
of Congress, contained in the preceding letter.--The
United States shall enjoy a complete reciprocity in France.

Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris,
September 28th, 1784, 211

The Emperor has agreed to the propositions of Congress
concerning commercial regulations between
the two powers.

To Charles Thompson. Passy, October 16th, 1784, 212

The Commissioners have made propositions of treating
to all the European powers.

To Charles Thompson. Passy, Nov. 11th, 1784, 213

To the President of Congress. Passy, February 8th,
1785, 213

Receives the Resolve of Congress, respecting the Consular
convention, too late to suspend the signing.

To the President of Congress. Passy, April 12th,
1785, 214

Introducing M. de Chaumont, the younger.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 3d, 1785, 215

Informs him that he has received permission to return
to America.

M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, May
8th, 1785, 216

Regrets to hear of his approaching departure from
France.

To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Passy,
May 10th, 1785, 216

Prepares for his return to America.

To Charles Thompson. Passy, May 10th, 1785, 217

Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
May 22d, 1785, 217

Regrets his intended departure for the United States.--Assures
him of the esteem of the King.

To Thomas Barclay. Passy, June 19th, 1785, 218

Relative to his charges for salary as Minister Plenipotentiary.

M. de Castries to B. Franklin. Versailles, July 10th,
1785, 220

Would have ordered a frigate for Dr Franklin, had
he sooner known of his intention of leaving France.

To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia,
September 19th, 1785, 220

Informs him of his arrival in the United States.--Signs
a treaty of commerce and friendship with
Prussia before leaving Europe.

To Mr Grand, banker at Paris. Philadelphia, July
11, 1786, 222

Requests information concerning the gift of three millions
of livres from the King, of which only two millions
appear in the accounts.

M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, August 30th,
1786, 223

The King's gift amounted to three millions, independently
of the million advanced to the United States
by the Farmers-General.

M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September
5th, 1786, 224

Declines communicating to him the receipt taken for
the first million advanced by the King, June 10th,
1776.

Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 9th, 1786, 224

States that he received only three millions; the first
million having been advanced previous to his appointment.

M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September
10th, 1786, 225

The Minister still persists in declining to communicate
the receipt for the first million to Mr Grand.

Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 12th, 1786, 226

Professes himself unable to discover who received the
first million.

To Charles Thompson. Philadelphia, January 27th,
1787, 226

Conjectures that the million advanced June 10th, 1776,
must have been delivered to Beaumarchais.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
29th, 1788, 228

Requesting the settlement of his accounts, which have
been three years before Congress, it having been
asserted in the newspapers that he is indebted to
the United States.

* * * * *

JOHN ADAMS' CORRESPONDENCE.

Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. York,
in Pennsylvania, December 3d, 1777, 241

Enclosing his commission as Commissioner to France.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Braintree,
December 23d, 1777, 242

Accepting his appointment as Commissioner.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Braintree,
December 24th, 1777, 243

Acknowledging the receipt of his commission, with
other documents accompanying.

To Samuel Adams. Passy, May 21st, 1778, 244

State of Europe.--Disposition of the powers towards
America.--Affairs of the United States in France
in great confusion.--Expenses of the Commissioners.
(Information on this subject in the note, p. 245.)--Proposes
remedies.

To the Commercial Committee. Passy, May 24th,
1778, 248

American affairs in France in great confusion; attended
with much delay and expense.--Remedies proposed.

To James Lovell. Passy, July 9th, 1778, 250

The ratification of the treaty with France gives great
satisfaction in that country.--War between France
and England appears inevitable.--Effect of the war
of Bavarian succession on the policy of Germany.

To James Lovell. Passy, July 26th, 1778, 251

Mr Deane's claims, services, and complaints.--Victories
of the army the best negotiators in Europe.

To the President of Congress. Passy, July 27th,
1778, 254

Policy of England to separate America from France.

To Samuel Adams. Passy, July 28th, 1778, 256

British Commissioners authorised to offer independence
to America, on condition of her breaking off
her connexions with France.--America is bound by
alliances to reject such proposals.--The proximity
of the British colonies to the United States will always
render Great Britain an enemy.--France and
America reciprocally important to each other.--The
alliance of France will secure the rest of the continent.--Necessity
of imposing taxes in the United States to support the national
credit.

To James Warren. Passy, August 4th, 1778, 259

The proceedings of Congress relative to the Conciliatory
Bills, ratification of the treaty, answer to the
Commissioners, &c. produce a favorable effect in
Europe.--Expresses his abhorrence of the idea of
infidelity to France.--Dangers to the Protestant religion
from the French alliance imaginary.--Probable
effects of the separation of America on the power of
Great Britain.

To Richard Henry Lee. Passy, Aug. 5th, 1778, 262

Necessity of taxation to support the national credit.--
Dissensions among the American agents.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Passy,
August 27th, 1778, 266

To the President of Congress. Passy, September
7th, 1778, 266

Great preparations of Spain; their object is unknown.

To the President of Congress. Passy, September
11th, 1778, 267

To M. Ray de Chaumont. Passy, Sept. 15th, 1778, 268

Requesting him to fix the rent of his house, occupied
by Mr Adams and Dr Franklin.

M. Ray de Chaumont to John Adams. Passy,
September 18th, 1778, 269

Declines receiving any compensation for his house.

To the President of Congress. Passy, September
20th, 1778, 270

The American refugees in England encourage the notion,
that another campaign will compel the colonies to return
to submission.--The marine and finances of England are in
a miserable condition.

To Ralph Izard. Passy, September 25th, 1778, 271

Agriculture the most essential interest of America, even
in Massachusetts.--Evils of the fisheries; they promote
luxury, and injure morals; are useful as a
source of naval power.

To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 2d, 1778, 274

Relative to the insertion of the words 'indefinite and
exclusive' in the tenth article of the Treaty of Amity
and Commerce.

To the President of Congress. Passy, October 2d,
1778, 277

Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams.
Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, 277

Requests him to keep the Commissioners at the other
Courts informed of all events in America.

To the President of Congress. Passy, December
3d, 1778, 278

The opinion that the English intend to withdraw from
the United States, unfounded.--The British power
there must be destroyed.

To Elbridge Gerry. Passy, December 5th, 1778, 279

Reserve of the French Ministry towards the Commissioners.--
Dissensionsof the Commissioners.

To the President of Congress. Passy, December
6th, 1778, 281

Enclosing the King's speech.

To Roger Sherman. Passy, December 6th, 1778, 282

Value and dangers of the connexion with France.

To the President of Congress. Passy, December
8th, 1778, 283

Plan of the British to prosecute the war by devastating
the country.--The war is not a ministerial but a
national one.

The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy,
May 25th, 1778, 284

Congratulations on his successes.--Prospect of obtaining
an exchange of prisoners.--Refuse the payment of his bill
of exchange drawn on the Commissioners.--Offer to furnish
his men with slops.

The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy,
June 3d, 1778, 287

Desiring the release of Lieut. Simpson under arrest for
disobeying orders.

The Commissioners to Lieut. Simpson, of the Ranger.
Passy, June 3d, 1778, 288

The Commissioners have requested Captain Jones to
set him at liberty.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February
1st, 1779, 289

Difficult to obtain a loan in Europe.

To Samuel Adams. Passy, February 14th, 1779, 290

Expresses his satisfaction with the appointment of Dr
Franklin as Minister Plenipotentiary to France.--Disputes
of the former Commissioners.--The French Court and nation
unanimous in support of American independence.--The policy
of France popular in Europe.--Discontents in Great Britain.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 16th, 1779, 294

The recall of his commission has rendered unnecessary
the conference he had requested with the Minister
relative to Mr Deane's address.

To the Marquis de Lafayette. Passy, February
21st, 1779, 295

Financial difficulties of America would be remedied by
relieving the country of the necessity of supporting
large forces; the naval superiority of France in the
American seas would easily effect this relief.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 21st, 1779, 298

Desires an interview with Mr Adams, to express the
satisfaction of the King with his conduct.

To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 27th, 1779, 299

Expresses his sense of the King's indulgent sentiments.

To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, February
27th, 1779, 299

Intends to return to America.--Tumults in Great Britain.--Little
prospect of obtaining a loan in Europe.--Economy and taxation
necessary to relieve the financial difficulties.

To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, March
1st, 1779, 302

Conditions of the British loan.

M. de Lafayette to John Adams. St Germain,
April 9th, 1779, 303

Asks leave to send a French officer to America with
Mr Adams.

To Arthur Lee. L'Orient, June 9th, 1779, 305

Relative to the charges made against Mr Lee.

To the President of Congress. Braintree, August
3d, 1779, 307

Returns home in the Sensible, in company with M. de
la Luzerne.--Character of the Minister, Luzerne;
of the Secretary to the Embassy, Marbois.

To the President of Congress. Braintree, August
4th, 1779, 311

View of the state of Europe.--France.--War of Bavarian
succession.--Great Britain.--Holland.--Spain.--Portugal.--German
States.--Austria.--Prussia.--The northern powers.--Italy.

To James Lovell. Braintree, August 13th, 1779, 325

Enclosing letters concerning Count de Vergennes and
Arthur Lee.

To the President of Congress. Braintree, September
10th, 1779, 326

Requesting a copy of the complaints, evidences,
witnesses, &c. reported by a Committee of Congress to
exist against the Commissioners.

To the President of Congress. Boston, September
23d, 1779, 327

To James Lovell. Braintree, October 17th, 1779, 328

Regrets Mr Lee's recall.--Denies Mr Izard's charges.

To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress.
Braintree, October 19th, 1779, 331

British whale fishery on the South American coast.--The
crews American prisoners of war.

To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress.
Braintree, October 20th, 1779, 333

Present of an engraving of the exploit of William Tell
for each State from Mr Schweighauser.

To the President of Congress. Braintree, October
21st, 1779, 333

Advantages of convoys for the American trade; of
maintaining a superiority of naval power in the
American seas.

To Henry Laurens. Braintree, Oct. 25th, 1779, 335

His appointment as Commissioner not sought by him.--Opinion
of Colonel Laurens's abilities.--Difficulties at Philadelphia.

To the President of Congress. Braintree, November
4th, 1779, 337

Accepting the commission of Minister for negotiating
peace and commerce with Great Britain.

Instructions for a treaty of peace with Great Britain, 339

Instructions for a treaty of commerce with Great
Britain, 342

To the President of Congress. Braintree, November
7th, 1779, 344

Transmits a copy of the letter book of the Commissioners
at the Court of Versailles.

To B. Franklin. Ferrol, December 8th, 1779, 345

Informs him of his arrival at Ferrol, being obliged to
put in there, in consequence of a leak.

To the President of Congress. Ferrol, December
11th, 1779, 346

Arrival at Ferrol.--Attentions of the Spanish and
French officers.

To the President of Congress. Corunna, December
16th, 1779, 348

Disposition of Spain.--Report of the intended mediation
of Russia on the basis of independence.

To the Governor of Corunna. Corunna, December
18th, 1779, 351

Names of the persons for whom Mr Adams wishes for
passports to Bayonne.

M. de Sartine to John Adams. Versailles, December
31st, 1779, 352

To the President of Congress. Bilboa, January
16th, 1780, 352

Sketch of the northwestern provinces of Spain.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 12th, 1780, 360

Informs him of his mission.--Intends to take no measures
without consulting the French Ministers.--Requests advice as
to the course to be pursued in making known his mission.

To M. de Sartine. Paris, February 13th, 1780, 363

Thanks for his being permitted a passage in the Sensible.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 15th, 1780, 363

Advises him to conceal the object of his commission
for a time.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
15th, 1780, 364

Arrives in Paris.--Has a conference with the French
Ministers.--Supplies to be sent from France.--Preparations
of England.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
17th, 1780, 366

Supplied with money by M. Lagoanere at Corunna.

To the Marquis de Lafayette. Paris, February
18th, 1780, 368

Requesting information concerning the reports circulated
by the British, of their preparations for the ensuing campaign.

To M. Genet, First Secretary for the department of
Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 18th, 1780, 370

Same subject as the preceding.

M. de Lafayette to John Adams. Paris, February
19th, 1780, 371

The accounts of the British abovementioned are without
foundation.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
19th, 1780, 373

False reports circulated by the British as to their
means for the next campaign.--Naval preparations of
France.--The importance of the colonies in maintaining
the naval supremacy of Great Britain, will render her
averse to a peace.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 19th, 1780, 376

His instructions contain nothing inconsistent with the
treaty between France and the United States.

M. Genet to John Adams. Versailles, February
20th, 1780, 377

Falsehood of the British reports mentioned pp. 368, 370.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
20th, 1780, 378

Exaggeration of the English successes in South America
and the United States.--Account of his proceedings
in France.--Application of England to Russia
rejected.

To John Jay, Minister Plenipotentiary at Madrid.
Paris, February 22d, 1780, 380

Congratulates him on his arrival.--Communication
with America more easy from Spain than from France.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
23d, 1780, 382

Transmitting French journals; gives their character.

To Samuel Adams. Paris, February 23d, 1780, 383

Committees of Correspondence established in England.--Naval
preparations of France.--Supplies for the American army
from that power.

To General James Warren. Paris, Feb. 23d, 1780, 385

French naval force at sea, and preparing at Brest.--British
resources.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 24th, 1780, 386

Expresses himself satisfied with Mr Adams's powers
and instructions.--Advises secrecy in regard to his
powers for negotiating a treaty of commerce.--His
mission to negotiate a peace will be publicly announced.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 25th,
1780, 388

Promises to comply with the advice contained in the
preceding letter.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
25th, 1780, 388

Committees of Correspondence formed in Ireland and
England.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
27th, 1780, 389

Preparations at Brest composed of land and sea forces.--Violence
of parties in England.--Seizure of Dutch ships by the English
alienates the Dutch.

To Dr Cooper of Boston. Paris, Feb. 28th, 1780, 392

The Americans must not indulge the hope of peace.

To the President of Congress. Paris, February
29th, 1780, 393

M. Genet translates the American constitutions.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 3d,
1780, 394

Character of Admiral Rodney.--Intends to adopt a system of
devastation on the American coast.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 4th,
1780, 395

Successes of Admiral Rodney.--French naval force.

To Samuel Adams. Paris, March 4th, 1780, 399

Mr Izard's views of the policy to be adopted at the French
Court.--Mr Adams's opinions different.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th,
1780, 400

Is presented at Court.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th,
1780, 401

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 10th,
1780, 401

Rodney's successes.

To the President of Congress. Passy, March 12th,
1780, 403

Quotes an observation of M. de Mably concerning the
establishment of the English empire of the sea.--The
Americans must produce a balance of power by
sea.--English naval force.

To Edmund Jennings. Paris, March 12th, 1780, 407

Chatham's doctrine of a constitutional impossibility of
acknowledging the independence of America.--Effects
of the interposition of France and Spain on the
acknowledgment.

To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th,
1780, 411

Clinton's expedition.--State of affairs in England and
Ireland.

To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th,
1780, 414

English forces.

To James Lovell. Paris, March 16th, 1780, 415

Refugees.--His accounts.--Reason of avoiding giving
accounts of the state of affairs in France.--Approves
the plan of distinct ministers.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 18th,
1780, 418

French military preparations.--Armed neutrality of
the northern powers.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 19th,
1780, 420

British fleet in the channel.--Reported capture of despatches
from the Court of France.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 20th,
1780, 422

Transmits the Morning Post and the General Advertiser.--Virulence
of parties.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 423

Informing the Minister that his presentation at Court
has not been announced.

To William Lee. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 424

Rumors of change in the British Ministry.--A truce
impossible.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 23d,
1780, 426

The abolition of the Board of Trade and Plantations
carried against the Ministry.--The opposition are
disposed only to a separate treaty.--The fatal
consequences of a truce to America.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th,
1780, 429

Discussions on salaries of colonial officers, and pensions
of refugees.--Requests instructions as to compensations
to the refugees in case of negotiations; and whether the
citizens of each power shall have the right of citizens in
the dominions of the other.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th,
1780, 431

Account of Admiral Rodney's cruise. Preparations
in Spain.--Dissensions in England.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 26th,
1780, 435

Free commerce with the colonies granted to Ireland.--Proceeding
in the Irish Parliament thereon.--State of Ireland.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 29th,
1780, 440

Affairs of Holland.--History of the dispute with England.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
March 30th, 1780, 443

Presentations of Ministers are not announced in the
Gazette de France.--Proposes to announce it in the
Mercure.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 444

Approves the announcement of his presentation in the
Mercure.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 445

Explains the reason, why his presentation was not
announced in the Gazette.--Does not approve of
the concealment of his powers to treat of commerce.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 446

Dispute between the Irish volunteers and the royal
troops at Dublin.

To Arthur Lee, at L'Orient. Paris, March 31st,
1780, 448

Difficulties between the Commissioners.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d,
1780, 449

Policy of the Stadtholder.--Inclination of the Dutch
nation.--Petition to their High Mightinesses to equip
a naval force.--Memorial of Sir J. Yorke.--Answer
of the States-General.--Reply of Sir J. Yorke.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d,
1780, 458

Memorial of the Congress of County Committees recommending
reforms in the expenditure, in elections, annual Parliaments,
&c.--Proceedings of particular committees thereon.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 4th,
1780, 465

Attack of an English privateer on a Swedish frigate.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 6th,
1780, 466

Decree of the Admiralty in the case of a Dutch ship,
captured by an English man-of-war, while sailing
for a French port, loaded with naval stores under a
Dutch convoy.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 7th,
1780, 473

Rumors of an armed neutrality of the northern powers.--Violations
of the neutrality of the Turkish waters by the English and
French naval forces.--Representations of the Porte.--Sentiments
of Russia on the English attack of the Dutch convoy.

To William Carmichael, Secretary of the American
Embassy at Madrid. Paris, April 8th, 1780, 480

Reason for the delays of Spain.--Events in America.--State
of England.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 8th,
1780, 483

List of the naval losses of the English since the beginning
of the war.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th,
1780, 484

Proceedings of England and Holland relative to the
granting of convoys to Dutch ships.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th,
1780, 488

Memorial of the Russian Envoy, Prince Gallitzin, to the
States General, communicating the declaration of
his Court to the belligerent powers, and inviting the
concurrence of the States.--The declaration mentioned
in the foregoing Memorial, asserting the determination
of Russia to protect her subjects in the rights of neutrals,
nd proposing to establish the principles that free ships
make free goods; that an efficient force is necessary to
constitute a blockade, &c.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 11th,
1780, 493

Proceedings of the counties, &c. in England in favor
of reforms.--Resolutions of the county of York in
favor of economical and parliamentary reform, of
triennial parliaments, and condemning the carrying
on of the war in America.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 14th,
1780, 497

Violations of neutrality.--Prospect of an armed neutrality
of the north.--Proceedings in Holland.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 15th,
1780, 501

Quotations from the European papers.--From an English
paper proposing the independence of the United States,
the giving up of Nova Scotia and Canada.--Russia gives
notice to France that she is arming to protect her neutrality.

To M. de Sartine. Paris, April 16th, 1780, 507

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,

COMMISSIONER AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE COURT OF FRANCE, AND
COMMISSIONER FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.

* * * * *

COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.

Translation.

Versailles, August 23d, 1782.

Sir,

I have received the letter you did me the honor of writing to me on the 9th instant, as well as the memorial enclosed in it. I communicated the paper to the Marquis de Castries, and I make no doubt, but that the Minister will take into consideration its contents, as far as circumstances will permit. We are desirous to adopt every measure, that may tend to the prosperity of the commerce established between France and the United States, and we shall neglect nothing to accomplish this object to the universal satisfaction of the two countries. Congress will greatly facilitate our labor, if they will communicate their ideas and wishes on this subject; and I make the request with greater confidence, as I am convinced that that assembly desires as much as we do to establish, on an advantageous and solid basis, the commercial concerns between France and America.

I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.

* * * * *

THOMAS TOWNSHEND TO RICHARD OSWALD.

Whitehall, September 1st, 1782.

Sir,

I have received and laid before the King your letters of the 17th, 18th, and 21st ultimo; and I am commanded to signify to you his Majesty's approbation of your conduct in communicating to the American Commissioners the fourth article of your instructions; which could not but convince them, that the negotiation for peace, and the cession of independence to the Thirteen United Colonies, were intended to be carried on and concluded with the Commissioners in Europe.

Those gentlemen having expressed their satisfaction concerning that article, it is hoped they will not entertain a doubt of his Majesty's determination to exercise, in the fullest extent, the powers with which the act of Parliament has invested him, by granting to America, full, complete, and unconditional independence, in the most explicit manner, as an article of treaty.

T. TOWNSHEND.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Passy, September 3d, 1782.

Sir,

I have just received yours, No. 13, dated the 23d of June. The accounts of the general sentiments of our people, respecting propositions from England, and the rejoicings on the birth of the Dauphin, give pleasure here; and it affords me much satisfaction to find the conduct of Congress approved by all who hear or speak of it, and to see all the marks of a constantly growing regard for us, and confidence in us, among those in whom such sentiments are most to be desired.

I hope the affair of Captain Asgill was settled as it ought to be, by the punishment of Lippincott. Applications have been made here to obtain letters in favor of the young gentleman. Enclosed I send you a copy of the answer I gave to that made to me.

I had before acquainted M. Tousard, that his pension would be paid in America, and there only, it being unreasonable to expect that Congress should open a Pay Office in every part of the world, where pensioners should choose to reside. I shall communicate to him that part of your letter.

You wish to know what allowance I make to my private Secretary. My grandson, William T. Franklin, came over with me, served me as a private Secretary during the time of the Commissioners; and no Secretary to the Commission arriving, though we had been made to expect one, he did business for us all, and this without any allowance for his services, though both Mr Lee and Mr Deane at times mentioned it to me as a thing proper to be done, and in justice due to him. When I became appointed sole Minister here, and the whole business, which the Commissioners had before divided with me, came into my hands, I was obliged to exact more service from him, and he was indeed, by being so long in the business, become capable of doing more. At length, in the beginning of the year 1781 when he became of age, considering his constant close attention to the duties required, and his having thereby missed the opportunity of studying the law, for which he had been intended, I determined to make him some compensation for the time past, and fix some compensation for the time to come, till the pleasure of Congress respecting him should be known. I accordingly settled an account with him, allowing him from the beginning of December 1776 to the end of 1777, the sum of 3,400 livres, and for the year 1778, the sum of 4,000 livres, for 1779, 4,800 livres, and for 1780, 6,000 livres. Since that time I have allowed him at the rate of three hundred louis per annum, being what I saw had been allowed by Congress to the Secretary of Mr William Lee, who could not have had, I imagine, a fourth part of the business to go through; since my Secretary, besides the writing and copying the papers relative to my common ministerial transactions, has had all those occasioned by my acting in the various employments of Judge of Admiralty, Consul, purchaser of goods for the public, &c. &c. besides that of accepting the Congress bills, a business that requires being always at home, bills coming by post, from different ports and countries, and often requiring immediate answers, whether good or not; and to that end, it being necessary to examine by the books, exactly kept of all preceding acceptances, in order to detect double presentations, which happen very frequently. The great number of these bills makes almost sufficient business for one person, and the confinement they occasion is such, that we cannot allow ourselves a day's excursion into the country, and the want of exercise has hurt our healths in several instances.

The Congress pay much larger salaries to some Secretaries, who, I believe, deserve them; but not more than my grandson does the comparatively small one I have allowed to him, his fidelity, exactitude, and address in transacting business, being really what one could wish in such an officer; and the genteel appearance a young gentleman in his station obliges him to make, requiring at least such an income. I do not mention the extraordinary business that has been imposed upon us in this embassy, as a foundation for demanding higher salaries than others. I never solicited for a public office, either for myself, or any relation, yet I never refused one, that I was capable of executing, when public service was in question, and I never bargained for salary, but contented myself with whatever my constituents were pleased to allow me. The Congress will therefore consider every article charged in my account, distinct from the salary originally voted, not as what I presume to insist upon, but as what I propose only for their consideration, and they will allow what they think proper.

You desire an accurate estimate of those contingent expenses. I enclose copies of two letters,[1] which passed between Mr Adams and me on the subject, and show the articles of which they consist. Their amount in different years may be found in my accounts, except the article of house rent, which has never yet been settled; M. de Chaumont, our landlord, having originally proposed to leave it till the end of the war, and then to accept for it a piece of American land from the Congress, such as they might judge equivalent. If the Congress did intend all contingent charges whatever to be included in the salary, and do not think proper to pay on the whole so much, in that case I would humbly suggest, that the saving may be most conveniently made by a diminution of the salary, leaving the contingencies to be charged; because they may necessarily be very different in different years, and at different courts.

I have been more diffuse on this subject, as your letter gave occasion for it, and it is probably the last time I shall mention it. Be pleased to present my dutiful respects to Congress, assure them of my best services, and believe me to be, with sincere esteem, &c.

B. FRANKLIN.

_P. S._ As you will probably lay this letter before Congress, I take the liberty of joining to it an extract of my letter to the President, of the 12th of March, 1781, and of repeating my request therein contained, relative to my grandson. I enclose, likewise, extracts of letters from Messrs Jay and Laurens, which both show the regard those gentlemen have for him, and their desire of his being noticed by the Congress.[2]

B. F.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] See these letters above, pp. 218, 238.

[2] The following are the extracts of the letters alluded to in this
place.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN JAY TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Madrid, April 25th, 1781.

The letters herewith enclosed from Dr Franklin were left open for my
perusal; the short stay of my courier at Paris not allowing time for
copies to be made of the information conveyed in and with it.

I perceive that Dr Franklin desires to retire; this circumstance calls
upon me to assure Congress, that I have reason to be perfectly
satisfied with his conduct towards me, and that I have received from
him all the aid and attention I could wish or expect. His character is
very high here, and I really believe, that the respectability he
enjoys throughout Europe has been of general use to our cause and
country.

JOHN JAY.

* * * * *

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN JAY.

Madrid, April 21st, 1781.

By the letter from Dr Franklin, herewith enclosed, and which he was so
obliging as to leave open for my perusal, I find he has requested
permission to retire, on account of his age, infirmities, &c. How far
his health may be impaired I know not. The letters I have received
from him bear no marks of age, and there is an acuteness and
sententious brevity in them, which do not indicate an understanding
injured by years. I have many reasons to think our country much
indebted to him, and I confess it would mortify my pride as an
American, if his constituents should be the only people to whom his
character is known, and that should deny to his merit and services the
testimony given them by other nations. Justice demands of me to assure
you, that his reputation and respectability are acknowledged, and have
weight here, and that I have received from him all that uniform
attention and aid, which were due to the importance of the affairs
committed to me.

The affectionate mention he makes of his only descendant, on whom the
support of his name and family will devolve, is extremely amiable, and
flows in a delicate manner from that virtuous sensibility, by which
nature kindly extends the benefits of parental affection, to a period
beyond the limits of our lives. This is an affectionate subject, and
minds susceptible of the finer sensations are insensibly led at least
to wish that the feelings of an ancient patriot, going, in the evening
of a long life early devoted to the public, to enjoy repose in the
bosom of philosophic retirement, may be gratified by seeing some
little sparks of the affection of his country rest on the only support
of his age and hope of his family. Such are the effusions of my heart
on this occasion, and I pour them into yours, from a persuasion, that
they will meet with a hospitable reception from congenial emotions.

JOHN JAY.

* * * * *

COLONEL JOHN LAURENS TO B. FRANKLIN.

Leagues W. of Ortegal, June 9th, 1781.

Sir,

I snatch a moment to pay my last respects to your Excellency, and to
mention a matter, which has occurred to me since my being on board. I
have frequently reflected upon the mention, which your Excellency has
made of retiring from your present important station, and have never
varied the opinion, which I took the liberty of giving you once at the
Count de Vergennes', viz. that the best arrangement would be to give
your Excellency an active, intelligent Secretary of the Embassy, who
might relieve you from the drudgery of office; and that your country
should not be deprived of the advantages of your wisdom and influence.
The difficulty hitherto has been to find a person properly qualified.
The advantages, which your grandson derives from his knowledge of the
language, and manners of the people, and his having been so long in
your office, and with your Excellency, are very great. The prejudices,
which have been entertained against him, may be removed by a personal
introduction to Congress, especially if it is combined with rendering
a popular service. I take the liberty of proposing to your Excellency,
therefore, if you can spare Mr Franklin for the purpose, to commit to
his care the second remittance of money, and to hasten his departure
with that, and as much of the public supplies of clothing, &c. as may
be ready to accompany it. I am persuaded, that in public bodies, the
want of a personal acquaintance is a great objection to appointing a
man to any important office.

The Engageante's boat demands my letter. I have written in the
greatest haste upon a subject, which I hope your Excellency will turn
to public utility.

I am, &c.
JOHN LAURENS.

* * * * *

TO JOHN JAY.

Passy, September 4th, 1782.

Dear Sir,

Mr Oswald's courier being returned, with directions to him to make the independence of America the first article in the treaty, I would wait on you if I could, to discourse on the subject; but as I cannot, I wish to see you here this evening, if not inconvenient to you.

With great esteem, I have the honor to be, dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

B. FRANKLIN.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO B. FRANKLIN.

Philadelphia, September 5th, 1782.

Sir,

Having written to you lately, I should not again trouble you so soon, were it not necessary to remind you, that your last letter is dated in March, since which there have been frequent arrivals from France; and since which too we have reason to believe, the most interesting events have taken place in Europe.

We learn from private letters and common fame, that Mr Adams was received by the United Provinces in his public character, on the 19th of April. We have yet no account of this interesting event, nor of the measures he has pursued to accomplish our other objects in Holland. Since then Mr Laurens, it is said, has been liberated, has travelled to Holland and to France, has entered upon the execution of his trust, but has left us to gather events so interesting to him and to us from private letters, and the public prints. Mr Jay tells us on the 24th of May, that he is about to set out for Paris, and that he presumes Dr Franklin has assigned the reasons for this step. Doctor Franklin has told us nothing.