From Benjamin Franklin to Charles James Fox, 5 September 1783
To Charles James Fox
ALS: Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society
Passy, Sept. 5. 1783—
Sir
I received in its time the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me by Mr. Hartley:5 And I cannot let him depart without expressing my Satisfaction in his Conduct towards us, and applauding the Prudence of that Choice which sent us a Man possess’d of such a Spirit of Conciliation, and of all that Frankness, Sincerity and Candour which naturally produce Confidence, and thereby facilitate the most difficult Negociations. Our Countries are now happily at Peace, on which I congratulate with you most cordially; and I beg you to be assured, that as long as I have any Concern in Publick Affairs, I shall readily & heartily concur with you, in promoting every Measure that may tend to promote the common Felicity.
With great and sincere Esteem & Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Hon: Cha. J. Fox Esqr
Endorsed: Passy Sept 5 1783. Dr. Franklin. R. 13t: by Mr. Hartley
5. The letter of introduction Hartley brought with him in April: XXXIX, 481–2.