1Memorial from David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners (Adams Papers)
Paris, 21 May 1783. PRINTED: JA , D&A , 3:131–134 . LbC ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 103. This memorial was Hartley’s response to the article that the commissioners had proposed on 29 April to open American and British ports to virtually unrestricted free trade, to which Hartley had at least tentatively agreed ( calendared, above
2David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society August 12 and 13 were of far greater diplomatic consequence than this exchange of formal letters about the birth of an English princess (the present letter and the commissioners’ answer of the following day) would suggest. On Tuesday, August 12, at the weekly meeting of ministers at Versailles, Franklin and...
3David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Propositions for the Definitive Treaty, [19 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (two), William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (two); transcript: National Archives When the American peace commissioners saw David Hartley at Versailles on Tuesday, June 17, they told him that Congress had issued an order on April 24 opening American ports to British vessels—or so they understood from credible private...
4David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorial and Proposed Article, [19 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (four), William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (four); press copy of copy: National Archives; (II) Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (four), Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (four); press copy of copy: National Archives Formal...
5David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives As the day is now fixed for the signatures of the Definitive treaties between Great Britain France and Spain I beg leave to inform you that I am ready to sign the Definitive treaty between Great Britain and the united States of America...
6David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Revised Article, [14–18] June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives It is agreed, that the Citizens of the United States of America shall be permitted to import into and to export from any Port or Place of the Territories belonging to the Crown of Great Britain in American Ships, any Goods, Wares &...
7David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society; two incomplete copies and incomplete transcript: National Archives The American peace commissioners grew increasingly suspicious as they waited for Fox to respond to the article that Hartley had presented to them without prior approval on May 21. Hartley drafted another memorial for them on June 1, but...
8David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and press copy of copy: National Archives; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office It is with the sincerest Pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy Event which took Place Yesterday, viz., the Signature of the Definitive Treaty between our two Countries. I consider it as the auspicious Presage of returning...
9David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorandum, [before 27 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Public Record Office David Hartley arrived in Paris on April 24. The following day he called on the individual American peace commissioners and found them eager to arrange for the opening of British and American ports to each other’s trade and to conclude as quickly as possible a definitive treaty of peace. On April 26 he went to Versailles,...
10David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorial, 1 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office; transcript: National Archives The proposition which has been made for an universal & unlimited reciprocity of Intercourse & Commerce, between Great-Britain and the American United-States, requires a very serious Consideration on the part of Great-Britain, for the reasons already stated...
11To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 8 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot imagine what has prevented my hearing from you for these two month relating to the Cartel. I therefore send you a copy of a letter from the board of Sick & Hurt to me of Novr 15 1779 wch is the place where we left off & where we stick now. I wish I cd expedite things but it is not in my power. You see where the matter has been Stopt these two...
12To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 280–1. I write to you one line by this mail only to tell you that I have seen the Minister since I last wrote to you, and that he never did entertain the idea one Moment of any propositions being thrown out on your part in the least degree inconsistent with...
13To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 19 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I take the opportunity of Mr Laurens going to Paris to transmitt one line to you, only to express to you my constant & affectionate remembrance of you, in your public character, & as a private friend; And my sincerest wishes for your personal health & happiness, and for success to all your pacific Counsels. The report wch prevails at present on this side of the water,...
14To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 8 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress It is so many months since I have heard from you that I fear the Communication between the two Countries is but too effectually Stopt. I have writ to you from time to time letters which perhaps you have never received. My object is the same with yours viz. the restoration of peace. The Stoppage of communication between the two countries seems to have had the...
15To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 2[–8] January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 269–74. I have recieved the favour of yours of the 15th of December by Mr. Alexander. I most heartily join with you in the wish that we could find some means to stop the spreading flames of this devilish war . I will not despair. The communications which he...
16To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Before you receive this you will probably have received my last, by a private Conveyance. You will find by that letter, that I have not been successfull in the negotiation in which I was so desirous to give assistance. Let me just ask you; if a truce of ten years be not practicable, what wd you think of a truce for one Year as a foundation for treating. My bias...
17To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress Hartley, writing the day after Lord North revealed the government’s conciliatory plan, was more euphoric than that plan warranted. It had been in preparation since early December, precipitated first by the news of Saratoga and then by increasingly strong intimations of a forthcoming Franco-American alliance....
18To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The enclosed letters will explain themselves. Mr. Wren is a very worthy man (I believe a dissenting Minister) at Portmouth who has devoted his attention in the most charitable manner towards the relief of the prisoners at Forton. When Mr. Thornton went to Forton I advanced him £50 according to your desire. If you approve the Continuance of his plan I can easily...
19To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 286. Mr. Digges who will deliver this to you informs me that having been applied to for the purpose of communicating with Mr. Adams on the subject of his commission for treating of peace, he is now setting out for Amsterdam, and that he intends afterwards...
20To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 17 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S., &c … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 266–8. Inclosed I send you a copy of a conciliatory bill which was proposed in the house of commons on the 27th of last month. It was rejected. You and I have had so much intercourse upon the subject of restoring peace between Great...
21To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 10 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I recd two days ago notice at the Admiralty that the last terms wch I transmitted from you were accepted and agreed to, and that his Majesty had consented. I was likewise told that I might expect in a few days to receive special notice of the place and time of the exchange. As soon as I receive any such notice I will not...
22To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 16 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 394–6. Yours I received by Major Young together with the work of your veritable philosophe , which is full of humanity. I was not before that, at a loss where I should have looked for my veritable philosophe in the present actual scene of public politics....
23To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 28 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: William L. Clements Library I am requested by Mr Dempster whom you must probably know by Parliamentary reputation to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer of this letter Dr Ross who proposes to settle in America as a Physician. I have no other acquaintance with him than thro Mr Dempster’s means but he appears by his conversation to be very ingenious and...
24To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): M.D.A.F.H.H. Hartley Russell (1955) on deposit in the Berkshire County Record Office; transcript: Library of Congress I writ to you as long ago as the 14th of last month to tell you that the administration here had given their consent to the exchange of prisoners at Calais and that they would agree to give any ship on your part a free passport from Brest to Calais upon your sending...
25To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24[–25] January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 277–280. I received yours of the 15th instant, this day. I must take the earliest opportunity of setting you right in one mistake, which runs through your whole letter, and which to you, under that mistake, must be a very delicate point. You seem to...
26To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (4to ed.; 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 249. I will take care of all your commissions. This moment a second packet of infinite value is received, which I shall cherish as a mark of affection from you. I opened the letter by mistake which came with it, and soon saw it was not for me. I...
27To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 12 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 287–9. Enclosed with this I transmit to you the public parliamentary proceeding respecting the American war. If you will compare these proceedings with some others in several of the counties of this kingdom about two years ago, you will at once see the...
28To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 27 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have thought it a long while that my Confinement has prevented my seeing you. I was in hopes to have had the pleasure of seeing you to day, but I was indiscreet in going out the night before last, wch has encreased the pain & swelling of my foot. My foot is again rather better than it was yesterday, but I am afraid to venture out to day. I hope still to see you on...
29To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 22 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I take the opportunity of writing a line to you by Capt. Read, tho. I have not any thing now to say. We seem rather on this side the water to be expecters of news and events; more especially as to the proceedings and proposals from the Congress. As to my own opinion and wishes, they continue the same. I can only wish generally for peace, and for such measures on...
30To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress In the course of a negotiation lately on foot I had at one time entertained hopes of Success. I am still inclined to hope that something is gained, perhaps in the minds of men, wch may hereafter serve as a reference to form some future basis of accommodation upon, when a more fortunate hour may come. You understand that...
31To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 14 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and incomplete copy: American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I have the following answers to make to you from the board of Admiralty, in relation to yours of the 16th of June. The prisoners to be exchanged from hence will be taken From Forton and Plymouth in proportion to their numbers in each place, and to consist of those who have been the longest in confinement....
32To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 16 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of June 5 per favour of Mr. Strange received relating to the exchange of prisoners In answer to which I send you a copy of a letter of mine to you of June the 5th which I transcribe least by any accident it should have miscarried. I am authorized by the administration and the board of admiralty to make the following proposition, That you should send...
33To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 22 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress The bearer of this, & of some other papers (Mr. D ) is a very sensible & worthy gentleman, with whom I have had the pleasure of contracting an acquaintance, since the commencement of the American troubles, originally upon the...
34To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) transcript: Library of Congress I shall hope soon to have an opportunity of writing to you by a private hand, & shall defer what I have to say till that opportunity. In the mean time let me only tell you that I am still of the same opinion that I have always held that there is not yet any alienation between the nations of GB & NA. I think likewise that what has passed in the way...
35To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I thank you for your very friendly and prudent consideration of my situation in this Country with respect to correspondencies on the subject of the unfortunate differences between the Country and America. Free communications on this subject are by Law interdicted which I think to be one of the greatest misfortunes of the present times. If those who are lovers of...
36To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Transcripts: National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society I write to you only one Line just to inform you that a general Order is issued, by our Government, for the release of all the american Prisoners every where. I have had this from Lord Shelburne, who informed me that the Order was not partial or conditional, but general and absolute. I heartily congratulate you upon this first...
37To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 4 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I enclose this in the same cover as one from my Brother, his letter anticipates every thing that I have to say to you at present. I beg leave to join in the recommendation to you of Mr Joshua Grigby who with the Spirit of Youth & activity wishes to see the new world. I hope the future intercommunication between this Country and America will obliterate...
38To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Letter and Two Memoranda, 31 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; (II) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office; (III) copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I send you a Paper entitled Supplemental Treaty , the Substance of which I sent you some time ago, as I read it, in part of a Speech in the H. of Commons. I have given a Copy of it to M. L [Laurens], as the Grounds upon which my Friend...
39To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, [4 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I thank you for yours of Sept. 3d inclosing those beautiful lines from Dante to the late Mistress of his affections, of which I feel the whole force. In return I send you another most pathetic Sonnet. I have told you before that my heart is always...
40To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress Yours of 22d of february received. I have been as much discontented with the delay respecting the Exchange of prisoners as you can have been, and before the receipt of yours, I had made an heavy complaint and remonstrance upon the Subject. I have now the Satisfaction to tell you, that the first Cartel ship has actually left...
41To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 26 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having an opportunity of a conveyance to you, I write one short line (as my notice is very sudden and short) just to tell you how happy I shd have been to have had an opportunity of seeing and Conversing with you. I fear that pleasure must be delayed, but it wd make me infinitely happy to look forward to that pleasure upon some future occasion.— At present...
42To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (London), William L. Clements Library; transcript: National Archives I have the honour to inform you that I have transmitted to London, the ratification on the part of Congress of the definitive treaty of peace, between Great Britain and the united states of america. I am ordered to represent to you, that a want of form appears in the first paragraph of that...
43To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Charles E. Feinberg, Detroit, Michigan (1957); copy: William L. Clements Library I write to you from Bath where I am with my Sister who goes on slowly in her recovery but I hope in a fair way towards recovery. She desires to be remembered to you.— As to any matters of American negotiation I am not at present in any state of information. I am at present drawing up such opinions as occur...
44To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 27 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send by this date another letter with enclosures relating to the Exchange of prisoners. I hope in God that nothing will happen to interrupt that Exchange wch I look upon as a link of communication wch may by degrees lead us to farther pacific intercourses. The only object of my thoughts is by every possible means to soften animosities and to counteract by...
45To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 4 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have not recd any letters from England—but I hear that a continuation of the Amern bill is passed. That is all the news that I hear— My leg has been very bad again. I now write in bed. I have been confined for these last four days almost entirely to my bed & mattrass. The pain now begins again to abate.— Your ever affecte Addressed: To Dr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy...
46To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 5 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I send you for fear of accidents copies of two letters wch I have lately writ to you. I told you in my last that I hoped that our negotiation had done some good upon at least the minds of Men they had not been immediately as effectual as I cd have wished. Perhaps you may incline to the same opinion when you see the last paragraph of the King’s Speech viz that...
47To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 14 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office I send you a copy of the petition from the County of Berks for lenient measures with America, which my Brother and I have signed with about a thousand others. Some time ago the ministerial agents began to move for vindictive addresses, and got many from boroughs, several of them by surprize and management, as I have been informed by public newspapers. All these...
48To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress As short days & winter weather approach I have sent you the 12 yards of Scarlet Welsh flannel wch you requested me to bring with me at my return, because as the meeting of Parlt. is now so near at hand, I imagine that my return to Paris will be postponed till after that time. I wd not make you wait during Cold weather for the confortable scarlet waistcoat. Mr Jay is...
49To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 5 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I writ to you a day or two ago, suddenly, upon an offer of a safe conveyance. I am now told that I may yet write another line by the same conveyance, therefore take this as a Supplement. I wish to have some opinions & plan formed in my own mind against the meeting of Parlt. viz by the end of this month or the beginning of...
50To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 13 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shd be much obliged to you if you cd send me two or three words this evening after you have seen the Minister viz only thus much He can or He can not, because as the time advances to the meeting of Parlt., It wd be necessary for me to send the first part to England by our Courier early tomorrow morning if the printer cannot do the business here. I shall...