Upon the whole I should believe that though Lord S. might formerly have entertained such an idea, he had probably dropped it before he sent Mr. Oswald here: your words above cited do however throw a little doubt into my mind, and have with the intimations of others, made me less free in communication with his Lordship, whom I much esteem and honor, than I should otherwise have been. I wish therefore you would afford me what you can of eclaircissement.

This letter going by a courier will probably get to hand long before the one (preceding in date) which went by Mr. Young, who travels on foot. I therefore enclose the copy of it which was taken in the press. You may return it to me when the other arrives.

By the return of the courier, you may much oblige me, by communicating, what is fairly communicable, of the history of Mr. Fox's and Lord J. Cavendish's resignation, with any other changes made or likely to be made.

With sincere esteem, I am ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately, B. FRANKLIN.

LETTERS TO RICHARD OSWALD, ESQ. AND TO LORD

SIR,

SHELBURNE.

Passy, July 12, 1782.

I enclose a letter for Lord Shelburne, to go by your courier, with some others, of which I request his care. They may be put into the penny post. I have received a note informing me that "some opposition given by his Lordship to Mr. Fox's decided plan, of unequivocally acknowledging American independence, was one cause of that gentleman's resignation;" this, from what you have told me, appears improbable. It is farther said " that Mr. Grenville thinks Mr. Fox's resignation will be fatal to the present negociation." This perhaps is as groundless as the former. Mr. Grenville's next courier will probably clear up matters. I

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 sup pose 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 SHELBURNE.

servant,

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.