Benjamin Franklin Papers
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From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 23 March 1783

To David Hartley

Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II, 428.

Passy, March 23, 1783.

Dear Sir,

I received the letter you did me the honour of writing to me requesting a recommendation to America of Mr. Joshua Grigby.7 I have accordingly written one; and having an opportunity the other day, I sent it under cover to Mr. Benjamin Vaughan.8 The general proclamations you wished for, suspending or rather putting an end to hostilities, are now published;9 so that your “heart is at rest,” and mine with it. You may depend on my joining my hearty endeavours with yours, in “cultivating conciliatory principles between our two countries,” and I may venture to assure you, that if your bill for a provisional establishment of the commerce had passed as at first proposed,1 a stipulation on our part in the definitive treaty to allow reciprocal and equal advantages and privileges to your subjects, would have been readily agreed to. With great and sincere esteem, I am ever, &c.

B. Franklin.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

7On Feb. 4, above.

8[C. March 21], above.

9By the American peace commissioners themselves; see their declaration of Feb. 20.

1I.e., the ill-fated American Intercourse Bill.

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