Benjamin Franklin Papers

To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [25 June 1782]

From Lafayette8

ALS: Library of Congress

St Germain tuesday [June 25, 1782]

My Dear Sir

You Have Been Acquainted that Mr. de Castries’s Courier was to Go to Morrow Evening,9 and I intend taking the same Opportunity to write to Congress and General Washington—1 But as I want to justify My delay, Upon the trüe Motives of it, those of Public Utility, and American Wellfare, I Hope Your Excellency will please to Mention fully the Matter to Congress, and By Making them sensible of your opinion Respecting this Measure, to let them know that My services Here, for some Weeks to Come, May Be of some Use to the interest of America. I Have just Happened to Hear of Mr. jay’s Arrival2 and will wait Upon Him to Morrow Evening when I will Also Call at passy to Pay You My Respects— You will oblige me to talk with mr. jay Respecting our opinion on the subject I Have Mentioned.

With Every sentiment of Affection and Regard I Have the Honor to Be My Dear sir Your Most affectionate friend

Lafayette

Endorsed: June 25. 82

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

8This note prompted BF’s response, immediately below.

9Vergennes had informed BF of this on June 24; see the entry of that date in BF’s journal of the peace negotiations.

1Lafayette wrote Livingston and Washington on June 25: Idzerda, Lafayette Papers, V, 43–8, 48–9.

2On June 23. Lafayette wrote him on June 25: Morris, Jay: Peace, pp. 243–4.

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