From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 31 August 1783
To Elias Boudinot6
LS,7 press copy of LS,8 and transcript: National Archives; copy: University of South Carolina Library
Passy, Augt. 31. 1783.
Sir,
After a continued Course of Treating for 9 Months, the English Ministry have at length come to a Resolution to lay aside for the present all the new Propositions that have been made & agreed to, their own as well as ours; and they offer to sign again as a Definitive Treaty the Articles of Novr 30th. 1782, the Ratifications of which have already been exchang’d. We have agreed to this, and on Wednesday next, the 3d. Septr. it will be signed with all the other Definitive Treaties, establishing a General Peace, which may God long continue.
I am with great Respect Sir, Your Excellency’s, most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy The Presdt. of Congress.
Notation: Letter Aug 31. 1783 B Franklin definitive treaty agreed on
6. WTF sent a copy of this letter to Henry Laurens at Bath so that “Mr. Lawrens will be made acquainted with what is going on here.” WTF to Laurens, Aug. 31, 1783, S.C. Hist. Soc.
7. In WTF’s hand.
8. Made before the signature was added.