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a tenth part of the sum borrowed, they would be content with two per cent upon the rest to defray charges.

Besides this, I was led to understand, that it would be very agreeable to these gentlemen, if, in acknowledgment of their zeal for our cause and great services in procuring this loan, they would be made by some law of Congress the general consignee of America, to receive and sell upon commission, by themselves and correspondents in the different ports and nations, all the produce of America, that should be sent by our merchants to Europe. On my remarking the extravagance and impossibility of this proposition, it was modestly reduced to the following, wherein I am supposed to say and sign;

"Je veux bien encore, pour les engager (Messrs. de Neufville et fils) à suivre avec le même zèle qu'ils y ont employé jusqu'ici pour les intérests de l'Amér ique, appuyer de mes recommandations leur solicitations auprès du Congrès, pour qu'il leur soit accordé pour la suite le titre de Commissioners for trade and navigation and Treasurers of General Congress, and every private State of the thirteen United States of North America, through the Seven United Provinces; dont il leur sera alloué commissions regulières et usitées de commerce, payement, et emprunt, tels que d'honnêtes négociants pourront les passer sans en pretendre jamais d'autre appointement. Donné à Passy, le, &c."

By this time, I fancy, your Excellency is satisfied, that I was wrong in supposing John de Neufville as much a Jew as any in Jerusalem, since Jacob was not content with any per cents, but took the whole of his brother Esau's birthright, and his posterity did the same by the Canaanites, and cut their throats into the bargain; which, in my conscience, I do not think Mr. John de Neufville has the least inclination to do

by us, while he can get any thing by our being alive. I am, with the greatest esteem, &c.

B. FRANKLIN.

FROM WILLIAM ALEXANDER TO B. FRANKLIN.

MY DEAR SIR,

Paris, 15 December, 1781.

I told you, the last time I had the pleasure of seeing you at Passy, that I would make a trip to London, but had no notion it would be so soon. On coming to town last evening, I found such pressing letters, that I propose setting off this evening, or tomorrow at latest. I would have called, if possible, to receive your commands, but, as I am pinched in time, I must content myself with sending for them. The bearer will call for them an hour after receiving this letter.

I shall probably be interrogated about the dispositions in this country to peace. My own idea is, that you seek only your independence, and that this country, were that secured, will be moderate in other matters, as the object of the war does not seem to be conquest. Let me know if this is proper language. I notice that a courtly argument has been used in Parliament for continuing the continental war, that withdrawing would make you insolent, and give France exclusive advantages. Were it not proper that this were contradicted flatly? Any commissions you may have will be taken care of, and I shall be back, barring accidents, in three weeks.

Wishing you every thing that is good, I remain, with equal esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

W. ALEXANDER.

TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER.

DEAR SIR,

Passy, 15 December, 1781.

I thank you for informing me of your intended journey. You know so well the prevailing sentiments here, and mine in particular, that it is unnecessary for me to express them; and, having never been believed on that side of the water, it would be useless. I will say, however, that I think the language you mention very proper to be held, as it is the truth; though the truth may not always be proper.

Wishing you a good voyage, and happy return to your children, I am, with great esteem, dear Sir, yours, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

TO DAVID HARTLEY.

Passy, 15 December, 1781.

MY DEAR FRiend,

I received your favor of September 26th, containing your very judicious proposition of securing the spectators in the opera and play houses from the danger of fire. I communicated it where I thought it might be useful. You will see by the enclosed, that the subject has been under consideration here. Your concern for the security of life, even the lives of your enemies, does honor to your heart and your humanity. But what are the lives of a few idle haunters of play houses, compared with the many thousands of worthy men, and honest industrious families, butchered and destroyed by this devilish war? Oh that we could find some happy invention to stop the spreading of the flames, and put an end to so horrid a conflagration! Adieu, I am ever yours most affectionately, B. FRANKLIN.

TO CHARLES W. F. DUMAS.

DEAR SIR,

Passy, 19 December, 1781.

I duly received yours of the 11th, by young M. de Neufville, enclosing the pamphlets, of which I gave one the next day to M. Boudoin. It was so long since we had heard from you, that we feared you were sick.

I enclose sundry American newspapers, out of which perhaps something may be drawn for your printers. There are the orders of General Greene after the battle of Eutaw Springs, by which it appears that the militia behaved to general satisfaction. There are also the proceedings relating to Colonel Isaac Hayne, which it may be well to publish, as probably we may soon hear that General Greene, according to his promise in his proclamation, has hanged some of the British officers in retaliation; and the knowledge of these proceedings may operate in his justification. In the German papers there are two dialogues, of which you can best judge, whether the printing of them in Germany may not have some little effect in opposition to Faucitt's recruiting.* I suppose this letter may find you at Amsterdam, and therefore I send it under cover to Mr. Adams, with the usual compliments of the approaching season. B. FRANKLIN.

* William Faucitt was the person employed by the British government to procure troops in Germany for the American service.

VOL. IX.

15

J

*

FROM BRISSOT DE WARVILLE TO B. FRANKLIN.

Project of a Work on Legislation.

Translation.

Paris, 22 December, 1781.

SIR,

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I beseech you to borrow a moment from your important occupations, to cast an eye upon the Prospectus, which I have the honor to send you. The desire of improving our legislation, now so defective, is the object of this enterprise; and I am firmly convinced, that the only means of succeeding is, by collecting all the best works upon this subject. This will give us a common focus, to which rays may converge from every quarter. I have endeavoured to unfold in my theory the principles, which should serve as a guide in this reform; and here I join my voice to others more eloquent. I shall borrow much, especially, from the constitutions of your republic, which owe so much to your wisdom. Though they are the offspring of a stormy period, they are the most reasonable of any yet known, and they are a monument, which puts to shame our Gothic and barbarous laws. I love to persuade myself, that, if Europe is incurable, as some writers pretend, at least these works will not be without their use for the new race now growing up in America, which may derive a benefit both from our folly and our wisdom.

You may be assured, Sir, that the recommendation of those constitutions, and extracts from them, will hold an important place in my work. I should be glad to add some other pieces, besides the few with which I am acquainted, or to be guided by some person well informed on this subject. Permit me for this purpose

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