From Benjamin Franklin to Charles James Fox, 10 May 1782
To Charles James Fox
LS3 and two copies: Public Record Office; press copy of LS, and copy:4 Library of Congress; transcripts: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives
Passy, May 10th. 1782.
Sir,
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me by Mr Grenville,5 whom I find to be a very sensible, judicious and amiable Gentleman. The Name I assure you does not with me lessen the Regard his excellent Qualities inspire. I introduced him as soon as possible to M. De Vergennes; he will himself give you an Account of his Reception. I hope his Coming may forward the blessed Work of Pacification, in which for the sake of Humanity no time should be lost; no reasonable Cause, as you observe, existing at present, for the continuance of this abominable War. Be assured of my best Endeavours to put an End to it. I am much flatter’d by the good Opinion of a Person whom I have long highly esteem’d, and I hope it will not be lessen’d by my Conduct in the Affair that has given Rise to our Correspondence.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble. C. J. Fox Esqr Secretary of State, &c
Endorsed: Passy May 10th: 1782. Dr. Franklin. R. 14th: (by Lauzun.)6
3. In WTF’s hand, except for the last seven words of the complimentary close, which are in BF’s hand.
4. This copy and the transcripts are in BF’s journal of the peace negotiations.
5. Above, May 1.
6. Lauzun was Grenville’s courier: Fox to Grenville, May 21, in Lord John Russell, Memorials and Correspondence of Charles James Fox (4 vols., London, 1853–57), IV, 191.