solute subjection; and that the more easily, as by receiving him again for our King, we shall draw upon ourselves the contempt of all Europe, who now admire and respect us, and shall never again find a friend to assist us. There

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are, it is said, great divisions in the ministry on other points as well as this; and those who aim at engrossing the power flatter the King with this project of re-union ; and it is said have much reliance on the operation of private agents sent into America to dispose minds there in favour of it, and to bring about a separate treaty there with General Carleton. I have not the least apprehension that congress will give into this scheme, it being inconsistent with our treaties as well as with our interest; but I think it will be well to watch these emissaries, and secure or banish immediately such as shall be found tampering and stirring up the people to call for it. The firm united resolution of France, Spain, and Holland, joined with ours, not to treat of a particular but a general peace, notwithstanding the separate tempting offers to each, will in the end give us the command of that peace. Every one of the other powers see clearly their interest in this, and persist in that resolution: the congress, I am persuaded, are as clear-sighted as any of them, and will not depart from the system which has been attended with so much success, and promises to make America soon both great and happy.

I have just received a letter from Mr. Laurens, dated at Lyons, on his journey into the south of France for his health. Mr. Jay will write also by this opportunity. With great esteem, I have the honour to be, &c.

L

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO DR. COOPER, BOSTON.

Passy, June 28, 1782.

"Our public affairs are in a good situation

here. England having tried in vain to make a separate peace with each of the powers she is at war with, has at length agreed to treat for a general peace with them altogether; and at Paris. If we all continue firm in the resolution not to separate, we shall command the terms. I have no doubt of this steadiness here; and though we are told that endeavours are making on your side the water to induce America to a re-union on the terms now granting to Ireland, and that powers are sent to General Carleton for that purpose, I am persuaded the danger of this project will appear so evident, that if offered it will be immediately rejected. We have no safety but in our independence. With that we shall be respected, and soon become great and happy. Without it we shall be despised, lose all our friends, and then either be cruelly oppressed by the King who hates and is incapable of forgiving us, or having all that nation's enemies for ours, shall sink with it. I am ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN”.

M. de Rayneval (who is Secretary to the Council of State,) calling again in the evening, I gave him copies of the preceding letters to peruse, and show to M. de Vergennes; to convince them that we held no underhand dealings here. I own I had at the same time another view in it, which was that they should see I had been ordered to demand farther aids, and had forborne to make the de

mand, with my reasons; hoping that if they possibly could help us to more money, they might be induced to do it.

I had never made any visit to Count d'Aranda, the Spanish ambassador, for reasons before mentioned. M. de Rayneval told Mr. Jay and me this morning, that it would be well for us to wait upon him, and he had authority to assure us we should be well received. We accordingly concluded to wait on his Excellency next morning.

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Saturday, June 29. We went together to the Spanish ambassadors, who received us with the greatest civility and politeness. He spoke with Mr. Jay on the subject of the treaty they were to make together, and mentioned in general as a principle, that the two powers should consider each other's conveniency, and accommodate and compensate each other as well as they could. That an exact compensation might perhaps not be possible, but should be approached as nearly as the nature of things would admit. Thus, said he, if there is a certain thing which would be convenient to each of us, but more convenient to one than to the other, it should be given to the one to whom it would be most convenient; and compensation be made by giving another thing to the other for the same reason. I suppose he had in view something relating to boundaries or territories, because he added, "we will sit down together with maps in our hands, and by that means shall see our way more clearly." I learned from him that the expedition against Providence had failed, but no advice was yet received of it. At our going out he took pains himself to open the folding doors for us, which is a high compliment here, and told us he would return our visit (rendre son devoir), and then fix a day with us for

dining with him. 1 dined with Mr. Jay and a company of Americans at his lodgings.

**Sunday, July 1. Mr. Grenville called on me.... 1

[This JOURNAL does not appear to have been further continued: but the NEGOCIATIONS will be found completed by the authentic Correspondence and Do'cuments which follow.]

SIR,

TO THE HON. HENRY LAURENS.

Passy, July 2, 1782.

I received the letter you did me the honour of writing to me from Lyons the 24th past.

I wonder a little at Mr. *** not acquainting you whether your name was in the commission or not. I be gin to suspect from various circumstances that the British ministry, elated perhaps too much by the success of Admiral Rodney, are not in earnest to treat immediately, but rather wish delay. They seem to hope that farther successes may enable them to treat more advantageously ; or, as some suppose, that certain propositions to be made to congress by General Carleton, may render a treaty here with us unnecessary. A little bad news, which it is possible they may yet receive from the same quarter, will contribute to set them right; and then we may enter seriously upon the treaty; otherwise I conjecture it may not take place till after another campaign. Mr. Jay is arrived here. Mr. Grenville and Mr. Oswald continue here. Mr. Oswald has yet received no commission; and that of Mr. Grenville does not very clearly comprehend us, according to British ideas; therefore requires explica

tion When I know more you shall have farther information.

་་་

་་་

Not having an immediate answer to what I wrote you concerning the absolution of Lord Cornwallis's parole, and Major Ross coming over hither from him to press it; I gave him the discharge you desired. Enclosed I send you a copy. I hear it has proved satisfactory to him; I hope it will be so to you. Believe me to be, with great esteem, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

FROM GOVERNOR POWNALL TO DR. FRANKLIN.

DEAR SIR,

Richmond Hill, July 5, 1782.

I have, by my friend Mr. Hobart, sent a printed copy of the three memorials which I published on the subject of America, one addressed to the sovereigns of Europe, and two others addressed to the sovereign of Great Britain.!

I hope you received my letter of May 13, 1782, for

warded by Mr. Bridgen.

As it is possible you may see Mr. Hobart, he can in

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form you from me, as well as of his own knowledge, of the steps we took upon the ground of your communications to him, and me. "That there were persons authorized to treat of peace, and that such persons were willing to give to reasonable measures taken to that end, every assistance in their power." He can inform you also on the circumstances which attended those steps; and of the effect which they missed in the direct line, as of the effect they actually have in an oblique one. As from the beginning of this matter of trying to bring on negociation for peace, I considered him as joined with me in our