did understand from him that such an acknowledgment was intended previous to the commencement of the treaty; and until it is made, and the treaty formally begun, propositions and discussions seem, on consideration, to be untimely; nor can I enter into particulars without Mr. Jay, who is now ill with the influenza. My letter therefore to his Lordship, is merely complimentary on his late appointment. I wish a continuance of your health, in that at present sickly city, being with sincere esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN.

R. Oswald, Esq.

I send you enclosed the late resolutions of the state of Maryland; by which the general disposition of people in America may be guessed, respecting any treaty to be proposed by General Carleton if intended, which I do not believe.

MY LORD,

Passy, July 12, 1782.

Mr. Oswald informing me that he is about to dispatch a courier, I embrace the opportunity of congratulating your Lordship on your appointment to the Treasury. It is an extension of your power to do good, and in that view, if in no other, it must increase your happiness which I heartily wish; being with great and sincere respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN.

Right Honorable the Earl of Shelburne.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO LE MARQUIS DE LA

FAYETTE.

Passy, July 24, 1782.

“In answer to your questions, Mr. Oswald

is doing nothing, having neither powers nor instructions; and being tired of doing nothing, has dispatched a courier re

questing leave to return. He has I believe received no letters since I saw you, from Lord Shelburne. Mr. Grenville's return hither is I think doubtful, as he was particularly connected in friendship with Mr. Fox; but if he stays I suppose some other will be sent, for I do not yet see sufficient reason to think they would abandon the negociation, though from some appearances I imagine they are more intent upon dividing us, than upon making a general peace. I have heard nothing farther from Mr. Laurens, nor received any paper from him respecting Lord Cornwallis. And since that General's letter written after the battle of Camden, and ordering not only the confiscation of rebels' estates, but the hanging of prisoners, has been made public, I should not wonder if the Congress were to disallow our absolution of his parole, and recall him to America. With everlasting esteem and respect, I am, dear Sir, yours most affectionately, B. FRANKLIN."

FROM DAVID HARTLEY, ESQ. M. P. To Dr.
FRANKLIN.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

London, July 26, 1782.

You will have heard before you receive this, that Mr. Thomas Townshend is appointed Secretary of State for that department to which the American correspondence belongs. He is, and has been for many years, one of my most intimate friends. A more honorable and honest man, does not exist. I have been requested, in connection with him, to undertake one branch of his office relating to America, as instrumental to some necessary arrangements in the course of a negociation for peace with America. The point which I have been requested to undertake is, the case, or rather the diversity of cases of the American refugees. I understand that in the progress of this business, I shall be referred to a correspondence with

you, as matter may arise. My purpose therefore for the present is only to advertise you of this, in case you should have any preliminary matter to give or receive elucidation upon. I am very ready to undertake any matter which may be necessary or instrumental towards peace, especially in connection with my worthy friend Mr. Townshend.

You know all my principles upon American pacification, and sweet reconciliation. I shall always remain in the same. But the delegation of a single point to me, such as the case of the refugees, does not entitle me to advise upon the great outlines or principles of such pacific negociations. I shall retain my full reservation in such points as events may justify. My personal motive for saying this to you, is obvious. But in point of justice to those who have at present the direction of public measures in this country, I must request that this caution of mine may be accepted only as personal to myself, and not as inferential upon the conduct of others, where I am not a party. Having taken a zealous part in the principles and negociations of peace, I wish to stand clear from any collateral constructions which might affect myself, and at the same time not to impose any collateral or inferential constructions upon others.

God prosper the work of peace and good will (as the means of peace) among men. I am ever your most affectionate friend, D. HARTLEY.

FROM LORD GRANTHAM TO DR. FRANKLIN. SIR,

Whitehall, July 26, 1782.

As the first object of my wishes is to contribute to the establishment of an honorable and lasting peace, I address myself to you without ceremony, upon the conviction that you agree with me in this principle. If I was not convinced that it was also the real system of the ministers of this country, I should not now be co-ope

rating with them. The step they had already taken in sending Mr. Grenville to Paris, is a proof of their intentions, and as that gentleman does not return to his station there, I trust that the immediate appointment of a person to succeed him, will testify my agreement to the principles upon which he was employed. I therefore beg leave to recommend Mr. Fitzherbert' to your acquaintance, who has the King's commands to repair to Paris.

As I have not the advantage of being known to you, I can claim no pretence for my application to you, but my public situation, and my desire to merit your confidence upon a subject of so much importance as a pacification between the parties now engaged in a calamitous war.

I have the honor to be, with great regard, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, GRANTHAM.

FROM LORD SHELBURNE TO Dr. FRANKLIN. SIR,

Shelburne House, July 27, 1782.

I am much obliged by the honor of your letter of the 12th instant. You do me most acceptable justice in supposing my happiness intimately connected with that of mankind, and I can with truth assure you, it will give me great satisfaction in every situation to merit the continuance of your good opinion.

I have the honor to be, with very sincere regard, and esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, SHELBURNE.

SIR,

To MR. OSWALD.

Passy, July 28, 1782, 8 o'clock p. m.

I have but this minute had an opportunity,

by the departure of my company, of perusing the letters

1 Alleyne Fitzherbert :-since created Lord St. Helens.

you put into my hands this afternoon; and I return them directly without waiting till our interview to-morrow morning, because I would not give a moment's delay to the delivery of those directed to other persons. The situation of Captain Asgill and his family afflicts me: but I do not see what can be done by any one here to relieve them. It cannot be supposed that General Washington has the least desire of taking the life of that gentleman. His aim is to obtain the punishment, committed on a prisoner in cold blood, by Captain Lippincott. If the English refuse to deliver up or punish this murderer, it is saying that they chuse to preserve him rather than Captain Asgill. It seems to me therefore that the application should be made to the English ministers, for positive orders directing General Carleton to deliver up Lippincott, which orders being obtained should be dispatched immediately by a swift sailing vessel. I do not think any other means can produce the effect desired. The cruel murders of this kind committed by the English on our people since the commencement of the war, are innumerable. The congress and their generals, to satisfy the people, have often threatened retaliation; but have always hitherto forborne to execute it, and they have often been told insultingly by their enemies, that this forbearance did not proceed from humanity but fear. General Greene, though he solemnly and publicly promised it in a proclamation, never made any retaliation for the murder of Colonel Haynes, and many others in Carolina; and the people, who now think that if he had fulfilled his promise, this crime would not have been committed, clamour so loudly, that I doubt General Washington cannot well refuse what appears to them so just and necesssary for their common security. I am persuaded nothing I could say to him on the occasion, would have the least effect in changing his determination. Excuse me then if I presume to advise the dispatching a courier