From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 16 August 1781
To John Adams
LS:9 Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress
Passy Augt. 16 1781
Sir,
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I yesterday received Dispatches from Congress, refusing for the present, the Dismission I had requested, and ordering me upon an Additional Service, that of being join’d with yourself and Messrs. Jay, H. Lawrence and T. Jefferson, in Negociations for Peace. I would send you a Copy of the Commission, and of another which authorizes us to accept of the Mediation of the Emperor, and the Empress of Russia,1 but that I suppose you may have them in the enclosed Packet. I shall be glad to learn from your Excellency what Steps have already been taken in this important Business. With great Regard, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. J. Adams Esqr
9. In Mumford’s hand except for the name of the recipient and the last six words of the complimentary close, which are in BF’s.
1. BF’s instructions and the commissions he mentions are above, June 15. Two covering letters from President of Congress Huntington are above, June 19. BF eventually must have had L’Air de Lamotte make copies for JA of the instructions and the second of the commissions, as they are among JA’s papers at the Mass. Hist. Soc.