one of his Majesty's principal secretaries of state, wherein your conduct in communicating to us the fourth article of your instructions appears to have been approved by his Majesty. I suppose, therefore, that there is no impropriety in my requesting a copy of that instruction; and if you see none, I wish to receive it

the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, in North America."

From Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald. "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."- Whitehall, September 1st. MS. Letter.

From Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald.—"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 to you by Mr. Jay. I trust that the readiness, with which this proposal was 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. Whitehall, September 20th. MS. Letter.

From Richard Oswald to Thomas Townshend.-"When the privilege of fishing was asked by Dr. Franklin in August, drying the fish in Newfoundland was not mentioned particularly, and I did not think it proper to appear so attentive and tenacious of such like indulgences, as to ask any questions about it. And when lately demanded, although I objected, yet I did not insist for the same reason. And now, although Mr. Jay seems not positively to say that the privilege is indispensable, yet I own I wish much that it may not be considered in England as a matter of such consequence, as to occasion a claim to exception; for, to tell the truth, when Dr. Franklin stated the privilege of fishing, I suspected drying was included, though not mentioned. Otherwise I should have wondered at his asking our leave for the Americans catching fish in the open seas, so near their own coasts, and wrote so in my letters at the time."- Paris, October 11th. MS. Letter.

from you, hoping it may be of use in removing some of the difficulties that obstruct our proceeding. With great and sincere esteem, I am, Sir, &c.

B. FRANKLIN.*

DEAR SIR,

TO SIR JOSEPH BANKS.

Passy, 9 September, 1782.

I have just received the very kind, friendly letter you were so good as to write to me by Dr. Broussonnet. Be assured, that I long earnestly for a return of those peaceful times, when I could sit down in sweet society with my English philosophical friends, communicating to each other new discoveries, and proposing improvements of old ones; all tending to extend the power of man over matter, avert or diminish the evils he is subject to, or augment the number of his enjoyments. Much more happy should I be thus employed in your most desirable company, than in that of all the grandees of the earth projecting plans of mischief, however necessary they may be supposed for obtaining greater good.

I am glad to learn by the Doctor that your great

* It appears by the following note to Dr. Franklin, that Mr. Hartley was likewise at this time in Paris.

"MY DEAR FRIEND,

"Hôtel d'Yorck, 7 September, 1782.

"I beg of you not to forget your letter to Mr. Fox. The purpose of my journey to England will be, to do the best in my power for things and persons, and particularly for my friends. If you have any other private letters, send them to me; I will deliver them. I hope likewise to be personally charged with the answers. I am better this morning, and shall certainly set out very early to-morrow morning. Pray give my best compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Jay, and Mr. Temple Franklin. I wish you all health till I have the pleasure of seeing you again. Your ever most affectionate friend,

"D. HARTLEY."

VOL. IX.

52

II

work goes on. I admire your magnanimity in the undertaking, and the perseverance with which you have prosecuted it.

I join with you most perfectly in the charming wish you so well express, "that such measures may be taken by both parties as may tend to the elevation of both, rather than the destruction of either." If any thing has happened endangering one of them, my comfort is, that I endeavoured earnestly to prevent it, and gave honest, faithful advice, which, if it had been regarded, would have been effectual. And still, if proper means are used to produce, not only peace, but what is much more interesting, a thorough reconciliation, a few years may heal the wounds that have been made in our happiness, and produce a degree of prosperity of which at present we can hardly form a conception. With great and sincere esteem and respect, I am, dear Sir, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

TO THE EARL OF GRANTHAM.

MY LORD,

Passy, 11 September, 1782.

A long and severe indisposition has delayed my acknowledging the receipt of the letter your Lordship did me the honor of writing to me by Mr. Fitzherbert.

You do me justice in believing, that I agree with you in earnestly wishing the establishment of an honorable and lasting peace; and I am happy to be assured by your Lordship, that it is the system of the ministers with whom you are coöperating. I know it to be the sincere desire of the United States; and, with such dispositions on both sides, there is reason to hope, that the good work in its progress will meet with little difficulty. A small one has occurred in the com

mencement, with which Mr. Oswald will acquaint you. I flatter myself that means will be found on your part for removing it; and my best endeavours in removing the subsequent ones (if any should arise) may be relied on.

I had the honor of being known to your Lordship's father. On several occasions he manifested a regard for me, and a confidence in me. I shall be happy if my conduct in the present important business may procure me the same rank in the esteem of his worthy successor. I am, with sincere respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble serB. FRANKLIN.

vant,

TO DAVID HARTLEY.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Passy, 17 September, 1782.

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 com

*See Diplomatic Correspondence, Vol. III. p. 502.

municated to this court. The third proposition, "that, in case the negotiation 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.

FROM RICHARD OSWALD TO B. FRANKLIN.

SIR,

Paris, 24 September, 1782.

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. Whitefoord 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.

*This was a short letter, dated September 20th, an extract from which, containing the most important part, is printed above, p. 408.