To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12[–13] November 1782
From Sir Edward Newenham
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Marsailles7 12[–13] Novr: 1782
Sir
As I have some fears that the British Janus does not intend fair by the Kingdom of Ireland in the expected or depending Treaty of Peace, I hope Your Excellency will pardon my Zeal for my Country, by my most Earnestly entreating to Know, if Ireland is (as it ought of Right to be) particularily mentioned; if it be not, & peace should be finaly concluded, my fears Induce me to think, that our Trade & Commerce may suffer considerable & lasting Injuries—
I have wrote a public Letter to THE MEN of Ireland advising them to demand of their King, that their Kingdom be particuliarily mentioned & acknowledged by all the Belligerent Powers, but I have delayed sending it, untill I have the honor of your Answer, which I mean to use with the most confidential Respect and mention my Authority— My Letter is intended to be published in Every paper in Ireland, & it will finaly finish the fensibles—
All this Family join me in sincerest respects you & best regards to your Grandson—
I have the Honor, to be, with Every sentiment of respect your Excellencys most Obedt: and most obliged Humble Sert
Edward Newenham
PS— That the Tenor of my address may appear to yr Excellency, I have the honor to Send a Copy of it—8
Addressed: Marsailles / To / His Excellency Dr. Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary from / the United States of America / Passy / Paris
Notation: Newenham 12 Novr. 1782.
7. Newenham and his family arrived in Marseille on Nov. 8; see the following document.
8. The enclosed address “To The People of Ireland,” dated Nov. 13, acknowledges the recent honor and advantages won by the Irish people (for which see XXXVII, 537) but warns that vigilance and unanimity would soon be required to secure Ireland’s commercial rights. Newenham reports that the peace treaty under consideration does not mention “our Kingdom.” He asks the people to demand Ireland’s inclusion in every relevant article, to protect Irish commerce from the influences of ministers and English factors. Newenham wrote WTF on Jan. 2, 1783, that he was waiting for a response before taking further action (APS). We have no indication that BF ever responded, and the address seems not to have reached Ireland: James Kelly, Sir Edward Newenham MP, 1734–1814: Defender of the Protestant Constitution (Dublin, 2004), p. 183.