ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO B. FRANKLIN. Sir, Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782 Since writing the above, I have received the enclosed resolutions of Congress. I have already anticipated all that can be said upon the subject of the last; the melancholy tale of our necessities is sufficiently known to you, it has been too often repeated to need recitation. Mr. Morris, who writes from an empty Treasury amidst perpetual duns, will speak more feelingly. In short, money must be obtained for us at any rate, whether we have peace or war. France having already done much for us, and it not being probable that we shall extend our demands beyond the present, she may think it wise not to let us open accounts with a new banker, since the debtor is always more or less under obligations to the creditor. I have the honor to be, sir, with respect and esteem, ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. TO DAVID HARTLEY. Passy, September 17th, 1782. My dear Friend, Since those acknowledged in my last, I have received your several favors of August the 16th, 20th, and 26th. I have been a long time afflicted with the gravel and gout, which have much indisposed me for writing. I am even now in pain, but will no longer delay some answer. I did not perfectly comprehend the nature of your appointment respecting the refugees, and I supposed you would in a subsequent letter explain it. But, as I now find you have declined the service, such explanation is become unnecessary. I did receive the paper you inquire about, entitled Preliminaries, and dated May, 1782, but it was from you, and I know nothing of their having been communicated to this Court. The third proposition, "that in case the negociation between Great Britain and the allies of America should not succeed, but the war continue between them, America should act and be treated as a neutral nation," appeared at first sight inadmissible, being contrary to our treaty. The truce, too, seems not to have been desired by any of the parties. With unalterable esteem and affection, I am, my dear friend, ever yours, &c., B. FRANKLIN. ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO B. FRANKLIN. Philadelphia, September 18th, 1782. Sir, Just after closing my despatches, I was favored with yours of the 25th of April, and the 25th and 29th of June. The ships that brought them were so unfortunate as to be chased into the Delaware by a superior force. The Eagle was driven ashore and sunk. The papers and money were, however, happily saved, and part of the crew. But Captain la Fouche, not having been since heard of, is supposed to be taken. The other frigate has arrived safe, with all the passengers of both ships. As I am just about to leave town for a short time, I will not touch upon the important subject mentioned in your letters, which will on account of my absence be committed to a special committee. I would only observe to you, that the resolution in my last shows the sense of Congress on the subject of money matters. You will see by the annexed resolutions, that Congress have refused to accept Mr. Laurens's resignation, and that they have made some alteration in your powers. I send the papers, which contain the little news we have, and am, sir, ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. MR. SECRETARY TOWNSHEND TO RICHARD OSWALD. Whitehall, September 20th, 1782. Sir, I received on Saturday last your packets of the 10th and 11th of this month. A meeting of the King's confidential servants was held as soon as possible, to consider the contents of them, and it was at once agreed to make the alteration in the commission proposed by Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jay. I trust that the readiness with which this proposal has been accepted will be considered as an ample testimony of the openness and sincerity with which the Government of this country is disposed to treat with the Americans. The commission is passing with as much despatch as the forms of office will allow; but I thought it material that no delay should happen, in giving you notice of the determination of his Majesty's council upon this subject. You will receive the commission very soon after this reaches you. I am, with great regard, &c., T. TOWNSHEND. RICHARD OSWALD TO B. FRANKLIN. Paris, September 24th, 1782. Sir, Having received, by a courier just now arrived, a letter from Mr. Secretary Townshend, in answer to mine, which went by the messenger despatched from hence on the 12th, I take this opportunity of Mr. Whiteford to send you a copy of it. I hope he will bring good accounts of your health, which I sincerely wish, and am your Excellency's, &c., RICHARD OSWALD. COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN. Translation. Versailles, September 24th, 1782. Sir, I have the honor to send you my despatches for the Chevalier de la Luzerne. The packet is voluminous, but it contains many duplicates. I should be glad if it were in my power to inform him, that our treaty is in as good progress as yours, but this is far from being the case. I cannot even foresee what will be the issue, for difficulties multiply. It will be well for you to forewarn the Congress to be prepared for whatever event may arise. I do not despair; I the rather hope; but as yet all is uncertainty. I have the honor to be, sir, DE VERGENNES. TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Passy, September 26th, 1782. Sir, I have just received your No. 15, dated the 9th of August, which mentions your not having heard from me since March. I have, however, written sundry letters, viz: of April the 8th, and June the 12th, June the 25th and 29th, August the 12th, and September 3d, and sent copies of the same, which I hope cannot all have miscarried. The negociations for peace have hitherto amounted to little more than mutual professions of sincere desires, &c., being obstructed by the want of due form in the English commissions appointing their plenipotentiaries. The objections made to those for treating with France, Spain, and Holland, were first removed, and by the enclosed* it seems that our objections to that for treating with us will now be removed also, so that we expect to begin in a few days our negociations. But there are so many interests to be considered and settled, in a peace between five different nations, that it will be well not to flatter ourselves with a very speedy conclusion. I mentioned in a former letter my having communicated to Count de Vergennes the state of American commerce, which you sent me, and my having urged its consideration, &c. Enclosed is a copy of a letter received from that Minister on the subject. The copy of General Carleton's letter, and the bills of exchange, which you mentioned as enclosed, do not appear. I hope soon to have a better opportunity of writing, when I shall be fuller. I have the honor to return you the commission appointing Thomas * This refers to Mr. Oswald's commission, which will be found in the Correspondence of the Commissioners for negociating peace. Barclay consul of the United States, to reside in France, and I endorse the exequatur, which is requisite for the exercise of his functions. I must inform you, that the latter of these will require the Admiral's signature previously to its being registered, either by the Secretary of the Admiralty at L'Orient, where Mr. Barclay intends to fix his residence, or by those of other ports of the kingdom, where commercial considerations may require his presence. I have the honor to be, &c., DE VERGENNES. DAVID HARTLEY TO B. FRANKLIN. Bath, October 4th, 1782. My dear Friend, I only write one line to you, to let you know that I am not forgetful of you, or of our common concerns. 1 have not heard anything from the Ministry yet; I believe it is a kind of vacation with them, before the meeting of Parliament. I have told you of a proposition, which I have had some thoughts to make as a kind of copartnership in commerce. I send you a purposed temporary convention, which I have drawn up. You are to consider it only as one I recommend. The words underlined are grafted upon the proposition of my memorial, dated May 19th, 1778. You will see the principle, which I have in my thoughts to extend for the purpose of restoring our ancient copartnership generally. I cannot tell you what event things may take, but my thoughts are always employed in endeavoring to arrange that system upon which the China Vase, lately shattered, may be cemented together, upon principles of compact and connexion, instead of dependence. I have met with a sentiment in this country which gives some alarm, viz: lest the unity of government in America should be uncertain, and the States reject the authority of Congress. Some passages in General Washington's letter have given weight to these doubts. I do not hear of any tendency to this opinion; that the American States will break to pieces, and then we may still conquer them. I believe all that folly is extinguished. But many serious and well disposed persons are alarmed, lest this should be the ill-fated moment for relaxing the powers of the union, and annihilating the cement of confederation, (vide Washington's letter,) and that Great |