towards the re-establishment of peace, must endear you to your own country, and to all mankind. Whatever may have been transacting in America, (if it can be possible that the suspicions which you mention should become true) viz., to tamper with America for a breach of faith, of which some suspicions seem to be thrown out by the provinces of Maryland and Philadelphia, I can give the strongest testimonies of the constant honor and good faith of your conduct and correspondencies; and my letters to you will bear me equal testimony, that I have never thrown out any dishonorable suggestions to you. When the proposed congress of your veritable philosophe shall meet, neither of us need fear its censures, upon the strictest examination of our correspondence. We will claim the poet's character of the sincere statesman,

"Who knew no thought, but what the world might hear."

In times of suspicion, it must be some satisfaction to both of us to know, that no line or word has ever passed between us, but what the governments of Great Britain, France, and America might freely peruse as the words of good faith, peace, and sweet reconciliation.

The resolutions of Maryland and Philadelphia, together with the slow proceeding of our plenipotentiaries, and even the doubt suggested, whether they may not be waiting for events in America, give me much concern. Not being informed to a certainty of the state of the negotiation, I have declined any concern with the ministry upon the subject of the refugees, &c. My assistance cannot be indispensable upon that topic, but I deem it indispensable to myself not to be committed in unknown ground, which from the points above mentioned, must appear dubious to me. These are the reasons which I gave to the minister for declining. I must at the same time give him the justice of the most absolute and unlimited professions of sincerity for peace. Whatever divisions there may have been, as you say, suspected in the cabinet, there are some of his colleagues still remaining, in whom I have the greatest confidence for sincerity and good intentions.

The public prints of this country have stated what are called shades of difference as to the mode. Those opinions which are imputed to Mr Fox, are certainly most suitable to my opinions. I am free to confess to you, that my wishes would have been, to have taken the most decisive ground relating to independence, &c. immediately from the 27th of March last, viz., the accession of the change of ministry. But I agree with you in sentiment; viz., to concur with all the good that offers, when we cannot obtain all the good that we might wish. The situation of my sentiments at present is, an unbiassed neutrality of expectation, as events may justify.

I shall be obliged to you for the earliest communications of any public events in America which may come to Europe, with any public resolutions of congress or provinces, &c., and all memorials or negotiations which may pass between the parties in America. I am very anxious to have the earliest informations to form my opinions upon, and to be prepared accordingly. My utmost endeavors will always be exerted to the blessed work of peace.

I am ever, your affectionate

D. HARTLEY.

To J. Jay, Esq.

Passy, Sept. 4, 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.

Letter and official Communication from Richard Oswald, Esq., to Dr. Franklin.

SIR,

IN consequence of the notice I have just now had from Mr. Jay, of your desire of an extract from my last letter from the secretary of state, regarding the proposed treaty on the subject of American affairs, and my authority in relation thereto; I take the liberty to send the same inclosed, which, together with the powers contained in the commission which I had the honor of laying before you and Mr. Jay, I am hopeful will satisfy you of the willingness and sincere desire of his majesty to give you entire content on that important subject.

This extract I would have sent before now, if I had thought you wished to have it before I had the honor of waiting on you myself; which was only delayed until I should be informed by Mr. Jay, that you was well enough to see me upon business.

I heartily wish you a recovery of your health, and am, with sincere esteem and regard, sir, your most obedient humble servant, RICHARD OSWALD.

Paris, September 5, 1782.

Extract of a Letter to Richard Oswald, Esq., from the Right Honorable Thomas Townshend, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, dated

SIR,

Whitehall, September 1, 1782.

"I HAVE received and laid before the king, your letters of the 17th, 18th, and 21st ult.; 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 hath invested him, by granting to America, full, complete, and unconditional independence, in the most explicit manner, as an article of treaty.

Paris, Sept. 5, 1782.

RICHARD OSWALD."

From David Hartley, Esq., M. P., to Dr. Franklin.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Hotel de Yorck, Sept. 7, 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.

SIR,

To Richard Oswald, Esq.

Passy, September 8, 1782.

I HAVE received the honor of yours, dated the 5th instant, inclosing an extract of a letter to your excellency, from? the right honorable Thomas Townshend, one of his majesty's principal secretaries of state, wherein your conduct in communicating to us the fourth article of your instructions ap

pears 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 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, your excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Copy of the fourth article of his majesty's instructions to Richard Oswald, for his government in treating with the commissioners of the Thirteen United Colonies of America for a truce or peace, the said instructions being dated the 31st day of July, 1782, viz.

"4th Article. In case you find the American commissioners are not at liberty to treat on any terms short of independence, you are to declare to them, that you have authority to make that concession. Our ardent wish for peace disposing us to purchase it at the price of acceding to the complete independence of the Thirteen Colonies, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia in North America."

RICHARD OSWALD.

Passy, 9th Sept., 1782.

To the Earl of Grantham.

Passy, Sept. 11, 1782.

MY LORD,

A LONG and severe indisposition has delayed my acknowleging 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 last