perceive by the general tenor of the bill that it proposes a general power to treat. It chalks out a line of negociation in very general terms. I remain in the sentiments which I ever have, and which I believe I ever shall entertain, viz. those of seeking peace upon honorable terms. I shall always be ready and most desirous to conspire in any measures which may facilitate peace. I am ever, your most affec

tionate

D. HARTLEY.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY J. ADAMS, ESQ. (EXTRACT.)

Passy, April 29, 1781.

"I enclose you extracts of two letters ministerial, found in the same packet with the former, written in the fond belief that the states were on the point of submitting, and cautioning the commissioners for peace not to promise too much respecting the future constitutions. They are indeed cautiously worded, but easily understood, when explained by two court maxims or assertions, the one of Lord Granville's, late president of the council, that the king is the legislator of the colonies; the other of the present chancellor,' when in the house of commons, that the Quebec constitution was the only proper constitution for colonies, ought to have been given to them all when first planted, and what all qught now to be reduced to. We may hence see the danger of listening to any of their deceitful propositions, though piqued by the negligence of some of those European powers who will be much benefited by our revolution. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN,

force until the thirty-first day of December, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one.

Lord Thurlow.

- P.S. This will be handed to you by Major Jackson, a worthy officer in the service of the states, whom I beg leave to recommend to your civilities.

TO DAVID HARTLEY, ESQ.

Passy, June 30, 1781.

I received my dear friend's kind letter of the 15th instant, and immediately communicated your request of a passport to M. le Comte de Vergennes. His answer, which I have but just received, expresses an apprehension that the circumstance of his granting a passport to you, as you mention the purpose of your coming to be the discoursing with me on the subject of peace, might, considering your character, occasion many inconvenient reports and speculations; but that he would make no difficulty of giving it, if you assured me that you were authorised for such purpose by your ministry, which he does not think at all likely; otherwise he judges it best that I should not encourage your coming. Thus it seems I cannot have at present the pleasure you were so kind as to propose for me. I can only join with you in earnest wishes for peace, a blessing which I shall hardly live

to see.

With the greatest esteem and respect, I am ever, dear sir, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY J. ADAMS, ESQ. AMSTERDAM.

SIR,

(EXTRACT.)

Passy, Oct. 5, 1781.

I congratulate your Excellency on your recovery. I hope this seasoning will be the means of securing your future health, by accommodating your constitution to the air of that country.

Since the letter your Excellency honored me with of

the 25th of August, I have learnt nothing new of the mediation. It seems to be at present in a state of stagnation: any farther proceedings in it that may come to my knowledge, shall be immediately communicated to you. This court appears attentive not only to the interest of the United States, but to their honor. England seems not yet tired enough of the war to think seriously of an accommodation, and till then our new commission will hardly afford us much employment, or make it necessary for us to appoint a secretary in its service: I send however enclosed, a copy of the minute of congress relating to that appointment. I have not heard of Mr. Dana's arrival at Petersburgh if your Excellency has received any communicable advices from him, I shall be glad to see them, and to know whether he is likely to continue there. Enclosed is a letter for him, and another for yourself: they appear to me to have been opened; but they are in the state I received them, under cover from Mr. Nesbit of L'Orient.

A letter from America that has been shown me, mentions a resolution of congress to exchange General Burgoyne for Mr. Laurens; but I have never seen that resolution. Do you know any thing of it? I have a letter from Mr. Burke on the subject of that general, which I am at a loss to answer. I have the honor to be, &c.

SIR,

B. FRANKLIN.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY J. ADAMS, ESQ.

Passy, Oct. 12, 1781. I received the letter your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me the 4th instant.

I have never known a peace made, even the most advantageous, that was not censured as inadequate, and the makers condemned as injudicious or corrupt. "BLESSED

are the peace-makers," is, I suppose, to be understood in the other world, for in this they are frequently cursed. Being as yet rather too much attached to this world, I had therefore no ambition to be concerned in fabricating this peace, and know not how I came to be put into the commission. I esteem it, however, as an honor to be joined with you in so important a business; and if the execution of it shall happen in my time, which I hardly expect, shall endeavor to assist in discharging the duty according to the best of my judgment.

Immediately on receipt of the commission of instructions, I communicated them as directed, to this court. The steps that have been taken in the mediation, were verbally communicated to me; but as yet I have had no copies given me of the papers. I asked if it was not proper to communicate to the ministers of the mediating powers, the commission of congress empowering us to accept their mediation; and was advised to postpone it a little. I will endeavor on Tuesday next to obtain for you a copy of the answer of the British court, which you desire, and will consult on the propriety of mentioning our commission in the public papers.

I have heard nothing of Mr. Jefferson. I imagine the story of his being taken prisoner is not true. From his original unwillingness to leave America when I was sent hither, I think his coming doubtful, unless he had been made acquainted with and consented to the appointment.

I hope your health is fully established. I doubt not but you have the advice of skilful physicians, otherwise I should presume to offer mine, which would be, though you find yourself well, to take a few doses of bark, by way of fortifying your constitution, and preventing a return of your fever. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, &c. B. FRANKLIN.

*

WM. ALEXANDER, ESQ. TO DR. FRANKLIN.

MY DEAR SIR,

Paris, Dec. 15, 1781.

I told you last time I had the pleasure of seeing you at Passy, that I should make a trip to London, but had no notion it would be so soon. On coming to town last evening, I found such pressing letters that I propose setting off this evening or to-morrow at latest. I would have called if possible to receive your commands; but as I am pinched in time, must content myself with sending for them. The bearer will call for them an hour after receiving this letter.

I shall probably be interrogated about the dispositions in this country to peace. My own idea is, that you seek only your independence, and that this country, were that secured, will be moderate in other matters, as the object of the war does not seem to be conquest. Let me know if this is proper language. I notice that a courtly argument has been used in parliament for continuing the continental war, that withdrawing would make you insolent and give France exclusive advantages-were it not proper that this were contradicted flatly? Any commissions you may have will be taken care of; and I shall be back, barring accidents, in three weeks. Wishing you every thing that is good, I remain with equal esteem and respect, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, W. ALEXANDER.

ANSWER TO MR. ALEXANDER.

DEAR SIR,

Passy, Dec. 15, 1781. I thank you for informing me of your intended journey. You know so well the prevailing sentiments here, and mine in particular, that it is unnecessary for me to express them; and having never been believed on that side the water, it would be useless. I will say, however, that I think the