From Benjamin Franklin to [American Merchants in France], [after 15 February 1783]

To [American Merchants in France]5

Press copy of ADS: Library of Congress

[after February 15, 1783]

By the 22d Article of the Preliminaries of Peace between the Kings of France & Great Britain, signed the 20th of January 1783. it is agreed that all Vessels should be restored that might be taken In the Channel & North Seas 12 Days after the Ratification of the Articles.

Thence as far as the Canaries, whether in the Ocean or Mediterranean, after one Month.

Thence to the Equinoctial after two Months.

Thence in all other Parts of the World after five Months.—

And the Words as far as the Canaries, are understood to mean the Latitude of the Canaries, which appears also by adding the Mediterranean to the Ocean.

B Franklin

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

5. This has the appearance of being a circular, and was undoubtedly written in response to JW’s letter to WTF, the preceding document. Livingston also requested clarification on the same point: Livingston to JA, April 14, 1783, in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, VI, 374.

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Source Project: Franklin Papers
Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [American Merchants in France], [after 15 February 1783]
Author: Franklin, Benjamin
Recipient: American Merchants in France
Date: 15 February 1783 – 14 April 1783

Reference

Cite as: “From Benjamin Franklin to [American Merchants in France], [after 15 February 1783],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-39-02-0105. [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 39, January 21 through May 15, 1783, ed. Ellen R. Cohn. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2008, p. 172.]