Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 9 July 1782

From Lafayette

Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London 1817–18), II, 386.

Paris, July 9, 1782.

I have the honour to inform you, my dear Sir, that Mr. Grenville’s express is arrived this morning by way of Ostend.3 The gentleman is gone to Versailles.4 I fancy he will wait upon you, and will be much obliged to you, to let me know what your opinion is. I am going to Saint Germain, but if any intelligence comes to hand will communicate it as soon as possible.5 I rest respectfully and affectionately, yours,

La Fayette.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

3According to Grenville, the courier had arrived the night before. He carried a letter from Shelburne dated July 5: Giunta, Emerging Nation, I, 459.

4To meet with Vergennes. See BF’s response to Lafayette, immediately below.

5Lafayette sent a very similar letter to Jay: Morris, Jay: Peace, p. 250.

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