From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 14 April 1782
To David Hartley
ALS: British Library; copy: William L. Clements Library
Passy, April 14. 1782
Dear Sir,
The Bearer having been detain’d here,1 I add this Line to suggest, that if the new Ministry are dispos’d to enter into a General Treaty of Peace, Mr Laurens being set intirely at Liberty may receive such Propositions as they shall think fit to make relative to Time, Place, or any other Particulars, and come hither with them. He is acquainted that we have full Powers to treat & conclude, and that the Congress promise in our Commission to ratify and confirm, &c.—2 I am ever, Yours most affectionately
B Franklin
Addressed: To / David Hartley Esqe / Golden Square / London
Endorsed: D F Ap 14 1782
1. Moses Young, who carried BF’s April 12 letter to Henry Laurens, did not leave Passy until April 14: Laurens to BF, April 30, below; annotation of Young to BF, July 10, below.
2. BF sent a copy of the peace commissioners’ commission with his April 12 letter to Laurens. See XXXV, 165, for Congress’ promise to ratify what they signed.