David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, [9 April 1784]
David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners
Two copies:7 National Archives; ALS (draft): Williams L. Clements Library
[April 9, 1784]
Gentlemen,
I have received the honour of your Letter dated March 31. 1784 with the enclosures, wch. I have communicated to his Majesty’s Ministers. I have the Pleasure to inform you that the Ratification on our Part, is now making out, and that I have received orders to prepare for the Exchange at Paris with all convenient Speed.8
Before my Departure I shall propose such general Sentiments for the Consideration of his Majesty’s Ministers, as have occurred to me in our former Negotiations; my utmost Wish at all times being to give every possible Assistance in my power to effect a cordial & conciliatory Intercourse & Connexion between our Countries.
I have the honour to be Gentlemen, Your Excellencies most obedt. humble Servt.
(signed) D. Hartley.
Copy of a Letter from D. Hartley Esqr. to the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America &c. dated London April 9. 1784.—
7. Both in the hand of L’Air de Lamotte.
8. The king ratified the definitive treaty on April 9. For the text see Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, VI, 757–8n. (A copy in L’Air de Lamotte’s hand, and a press copy of it, are among BF’s papers at the APS.) Hartley did not leave London until April 18, when he received two letters from Laurens that he promised to deliver to BF: Laurens to BF, April 18; BF to Laurens, April 29; both below.