had been denied them by the bishops in England unless they would take the oath of allegiance to the king; and I said, I imagine, that, unless a bishop is soon sent over with power to consecrate others, so that we may have no future occasion for applying to England for ordination, we may think it right, after reading your piece, to elect also.

The Liturgy you mention was an abridgment of that made by a noble lord of my acquaintance, who requested me to assist him by taking the rest of the book, viz., the Catechism and the reading and singing Psalms. These I abridged by retaining of the Catechism only the two questions: What is your duty to God? What is your duty to your neighbor? with answers. The Psalms were much contracted by leaving out the repetitions (of which I found more than I could have imagined) and the imprecations, which appeared not to suit well the Christian doctrine of forgiveness of injuries and doing good to enemies. The book was printed for Wilkie, in St. Paul's Churchyard, but never much noticed. Some were given away, very few sold, and I suppose the bulk became waste paper. In the prayers so much was retrenched, that approbation could hardly be expected; but I think, with you, a moderate abridgment might not only be useful, but generally acceptable.

I am now on the point of departing for America, where I shall be glad occasionally to hear from you, and of your welfare; being with sincere and great esteem, dear sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN.

MCCCLVIII

TO DAVID HARTLEY

PASSY, 5 July, 1785.

I cannot quit the coasts of Europe without taking leave of my ever dear friend, Mr. Hartley. We were long fellow-laborers in the best of all works, the work of peace. I leave you still in the field, but, having finished my day's task, I am going home to go to bed. Wish me a good night's rest, as I do you a pleasant evening. Adieu! and believe me ever yours most affectionately, B. FRANKLIN.

MCCCLIX

TO MATHON DE LA COUR

PASSY, 9 July, 1785.

SIR: I have received the letter which you did me the honor to write in the name of the Academy of the City of Lyons. I accept with gratitude the title with which this learned society is kind enough to honor me. I have long been acquainted with its useful labors. I should be most happy to live near it, and reap the benefit of its instruction; but being on the eve of my departure for America, I must add this also to the many sources of regret which the kindness of the French calls forth in my heart. I shall never forget what I owe to them, still less what I owe to your Academy, to the members of which I beg you to present my respectful acknowledgments. I thank you, sir, for your Dissertation on the Laws

of Lycurgus, and your Testament de Fortuné Ricard. With the latter work I was already acquainted. I had read it with pleasure, and had conceived a high opinion of its author. I have just read your Dissertation. If my own approbation could add any thing to that of the celebrated Academy which has awarded to you the prize, I should tell you that I have been highly gratified, and that I only regret I can give you no other prize than the sentiments of regard and respect with which I am, Sir, etc.,

B. FRANKLIN.2

MCCCLX

FROM M. DE CASTRIES

VERSAILLES, 10 July, 1785.

SIR: I was not apprised, until within a few hours, of the arrangements which you have made for your departure. Had I been informed of it sooner, I should have proposed to the king to order a frigate to convey you to your own country in a manner suitable to the known importance of the services you have been engaged in, to the esteem you have acquired in France, and the particular esteem which his Majesty entertains for you.

I pray you, sir, to accept my regrets, and the renewed assurance of the most entire consideration,

1 A translation of this curious piece was published by Dr. Price in London as an appendix to his Observations on the Importance of the American Revolution.

2 This letter is translated from a French copy.

with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

DE CASTRIES.

MCCCLXI

TO MRS. MARY HEWSON

ST. GERMAIN, twelve miles from Paris, 13 July, 1785. I left Passy yesterday afternoon, and am here on my way to Havre de Grâce, a seaport, in order to embark for America. I make use of one of the king's litters, carried by mules, which walk steadily and easily, so that I bear the motion very well. I am to be taken on board a Philadelphia ship on the coast of England (Captain Truxtun), the beginning of next month. Not having written to you since the letter which contained a bill on Mount Vernon, and as I may not have another opportunity before my arrival in Philadelphia (if it pleases God I do arrive), I write these particulars to go by way of England, that you may be less uneasy about me. I did my last public act in this country just before I set out, which was signing a treaty of amity and commerce with Prussia. I have continued to work till late in the day; it is time I should go home and go to bed.

MCCCLXII

FROM JONATHAN SHIPLEY, BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH TWYFORD, 24 July, 1785. MY EVER DEAR FRIEND:-The first emotion of my heart is to thank Heaven that you are once more so

VOL. XI.-6.

near me, and that I shall have the happiness of seeing you in a few hours. Some of our good friends are come most untimely to dine with us. As soon as we are rid of them, my wife, and I, and the only daughter that is now with us will hasten to welcome you, and to enjoy, till the last moment of your departure, as much of the blessing of your conversation as we can without being tiresome. Adieu, till seven or eight in the evening. I will leave directions to hasten Mr. Williams. Ever yours,

J. ST. ASAPH.

MCCCLXIII

TO BENJAMIN VAUGHAN

SOUTHAMPTON, 8 o'clock, A.M., 24 July, 1785.

MY VERY DEAR FRIEND:-I am this minute arrived here with my family from Havre de Grâce, and shall stay here till Captain Truxtun arrives at Cowes to take us in.' I write this line just to inform you that I bore the journey to Havre, in one of the king's litters, very well, and the voyage also from thence hither in forty-five hours, though the wind was a great part of the time contrary. I shall be glad of a line from you, acquainting me whether you ever received two pieces I sent you some months since: one on your penal laws, the other an account of the residence of an English seaman in China. As you com

I Thomas Truxtun, born on Long Island, February 17, 1755. When the navy was revived, 1794, Truxtun was one of the six captains first nominated by Washington to the Senate.

2 See Vol. X., p. 311.