deemed natural enemies to each other. Nor do I, unless one or both of them are naturally mischievous and insolent. But I can see how enmities long continued, even during a peace, tend to shorten that peace, and to rekindle a war. That is when either party, having an advantage in war, shall exact conditions in the treaty of peace, that are goading and con stantly mortifying to the other. I take this to be the case of your" commissioner at Dunkirk." What would be your feeling, if France should take and hold possession of Portsmouth, or Spain of Plymouth, after a peace, as you formerly held Calais, and now hold Gibraltar? or, on restoring your ports, should insist on having an insolent commissioner stationed there, to forbid your placing one stone upon another by way of fortification? You would probably not be very easy under such a stipulation. If therefore you desire a peace that may be firm and durable, think no more of such extravagant demands. It is not necessary to give my opinion farther on that point; yet I may add frankly, as this is mere private conversation between you and me, that I do think a faithful ally, especially when under obligations for such great and generous assistance as we have received, should fight as long as he is able, to prevent (as far as his continuing to fight may prevent) his friends being compelled again to suffer such an insult. My dear friend, the true pains you are taking to restore peace, whatever may be the success, entitle you to the esteem of all good men. If your ministers really desire peace, methinks they would do well to empower some person to make propositions for that purpose. One or other of the parties at war must take the first step. To do this belongs properly to the wisest. America, being a novice in such affairs, has no pretence to that character, and indeed after the answer given by Lord Stormont (when we proposed to him something relative to the mutual treatment of prisoners with humanity) that the king's ministers received no applications from rebels, unless when they came to implore his majesty's clemency, it cannot be expected that we should hazard the exposing ourselves again to such insolence. All I can say farther at present is, that in my opinion your enemies do not aim at your destruction, and that if you propose a treaty you will find them reasonable in their demands, provided that on your side they meet with the same good dispositions. But do not dream of dividing us: you will certainly never be able to effect it. I With great regard and affection, I am ever, dear sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. DAVID HARTLEY, Esq. M. P. TO DR. FRANKLIN. MY DEAR FRIEND, Feb. 28, 1782. I have not as yet any thing to communicate to you. I have upon many occasions recommended the road to peace in the most earnest way. I am not without hopes. I think I may venture to say that the arguments which I have stated have made an impression. I have not expected to receive the final answer from Lord North till after the parliamentary arrangements of the year are settled. I am just for three or four days in the country upon a little business, but upon a furlough, as I may say, with the knowledge of Lord North, who, during the budget week, cannot possibly want to see me. I have therefore taken that week for a little private business in the country; and if Lord N. should happen to wish to see me, my brother keeps watch, and is to send express for me. Public report will tell you that on Friday last there was a division in the house on an American question, of 194 to 193. I cannot answer for the dispositions of ministers; but in point of justice I ought to say, that I think, and as far as I can judge from the conferences which I have had, that I have found good dispositions towards peace. I do not pledge myself, because I may be deceived; however, that is my opinion; and I say thus much lest my silence. should' appear suspicious, and create alienation in other parties. I think I have seen good dispositions from the first commencement of my conferences on peace. My brother sends me word that Mr. Alexander is to return by the next mail; I therefore write this to send either by him, or at least in the same packet. I have had much conversation with him, and he will tell you that I have done my utmost to serve the cause of peace. I will conclude this with a quotation which I have applied to another person in argument respecting peace: 1 Consulere patriæ, parcere afflictis, ferâ cæde abstinere, God bless you and prosper our pacific endeavors. I shalt . probably write again to you soon. Your affectionate D. HARTLEY. MR. HARTLEY'S BROTHER, COL. HARTLEY, M. P. DEAR SIR, Soho Square, Feb. 28, 1782. As I know how anxious my brother is to embrace every opportunity of expressing those sentiments of peace and universal philanthropy, which do you both so much honor, and of testifying his regard for yourself, I'am sorry he is not returned to town before Mr. Alexander's departure. His absence from town has been occasioned by his being obliged to go into Gloucestershire for some papers relating to family concerns; and as I am sure nothing on his part will be neglected towards forwarding the great object of peace, I regret his absence the less, because it affords me an opportunity of saying how entirely I agree with him in opinion, and particularly in the respect and esteem I bear to a person who has so ardently wished to prevent the effusion of blood and the dreadful effects of this fatal and destructive war; a person who was, who would have been, permit me, dear sir, to add, perhaps who is, (would the conduct of this country permit him with justice to be so) the real, the sincere friend of it. That delusion, founded in falsehood, first made this country forget itself, its honor, and its justice, and pursue this accursed and destructive war is certain; happy will it be if the dereliction of it at last shall show that its continuance has not already extinguished in the breast of America every former degree of friendship and affection! That reason is beginning to return, and this country to see its errors, I hope, from a majority of the house of commons having yesterday agreed to a resolution against the American war, and I believe almost all the people of England are against the war. I hope this will lay the foundation of peace between the two countries, and that the horrors of war may be succeeded by lasting and general tranquillity. The event is in the hand of Providence alone; but the endeavor to contribute to such blessed purposes is not only in the power of men, but the attempt carries with it its own reward. Should success not be the consequence, the consciousness of having exerted one self in such a cause, will afford the most pleasing reflections, and make a man repose in peace upon his pillow, whatever may be the distraction and confusion around him. You, sir, feel this in the greatest degree, and may those sentiments of justice, of freedom and liberality, which have marked your character, receive the reward they so justly merit, and by the happy return of a general peace, may such sentiments revive in each British and American breast to the mutual advantage of both countries! When I join my name to my brother's in such a wish, and in every expression of regard, esteem, and friendship towards yourself, permit me to add, though far inferior in the power of contributing to that happy event to which his abilities, industry, and attention to public concerns make him so equal, I cannot yield even to so near and dear a relation the palm of sincerity in, and anxiety for, promoting such a desirable purpose. I am, with the greatest respect, dear sir, yours most sincerely, W. H. HARTLEY. EDMUND BURKE, ESQ. M.P. TO DR. FRANKLIN. In answer to one requesting him to negociate for the exchange of Mr. Laurens for General Burgoyne. DEAR SIR, Your most obliging letter demanded an early answer. It has not received the acknowledgment which was so justly due to it. But Providence has well supplied my deficiencies; and the delay of the answer has made it much more satisfactory than at the time of my receipt of your letter I dared to promise myself it could be. I congratulate you, |