nothing on his part will be neglected, towards forwarding the great object of peace, 1 regret his absence the less, because it affords me an opportunity of saying how entirely I agree with him in opinion, and particularly in the respect and esteem I bear to a person who has so ardently wished to prevent the effusion of blood and the dreadful effects of this fatal and destructive war ; de person who was, who would have been, permit me, dear Sir, to add, perhaps who is, (would the conduct of this country permit him with justice to be soythereal, the sincere fliend offit and(19) How 90 bag and diw node219vAC

That delusion, founded in falsehood, efirst made this country forget itself; its honour, and its justice, and pursue this accursed and destructive war is certain; happy will it be if the dereliction of it at last, shall show that its continuance has not already extinguished in the breast of America every former degree of friendship and affection. That reason is beginning to return, and this country to see its errors, I hope, from a majority of the house of commons having yesterday agreed to a resolution against the American war, and I believe almost all the people of

England are agamit the war. I hope this will lay the

M

foundation of peace between the two countries, and that the horrors of war may be succeeded by lasting and general tranquillity. The event is in the hand of Providence walone, but the endeavour to contribute to such blessed purposes is not only in the power of men, but the attempt carries with it its own reward. Should success noto be the consequence, the consciousness of having exerted oneself in such a cause, will afford the most pleasing reflexions, and make a man repose in peace upon his pillow, whatever may be the distraction and confusion

around him. You, sir, feel this in the greatest degree, and may those sentiments of justice, of freedom and liberality, which have marked your character, receive the reward they so justly merit, and by the happy return of a general peace, may such sentiments revive in each British and American breast to the mutual advantage of both countries. When I join my name to my brother's in such a wish, and in every expression of regard, esteem, and friendship towards yourself, permit me to add, though far inferior in the power of contributing to that happy event to which his abilities, industry, and attention to public concerns, make him so equal, I cannot yield even to so near and dear a relation the palm of sincerity in and anxiety for promoting such a desirable purpose. I am, with the greatest respect, dear Sir, your's most sincerely, 901 968 TOYS 301 W. H. HARTLEY.

FROM FDMUND BURKE, Esq. M. P. to Dr.

FRANKLIN.

[In answer to one requesting him to negociate the ex%¢ ?el change of Mr. Laurens for General Burgoyne.]

DEAR SIR,

Your most obliging letter demanded an early answer. It has not received the acknowledgment which was so justly due to it. But providence has well supplied my deficiencies; and the delay of the answer has made it much more satisfactory than at the time of my receipt of your letter I dared to promise myself it could be. I congratulate you, as the friend of America, I trust, as not the enemy of England, I am sure, as the friend of mankind, on the resolution of the house of com mons, carried by a majority of nineteen at two o'clock this

morning, in a very full house. It was the declaration of two hundred and thirty four; I think it was the opinion of the whole. I trust it will lead to a speedy peace between the two branches of the English nation, perhaps to a general peace and that our happiness may be an introduction to that of the world at large. I most sincerely congratulate you on the event. I wish I could say, that I had accomplished my commission. Difficulties remain. But as Mr. Laurens is released from his continement, and has recovered his health tolerably, he may wait, I hope, without a great deal of inconvenience, for the final adjustment of his troublesome business. He is an exceedingly agreeable and honourable man. I am much obliged to you for the honour of his acquaintance. He speaks of you as I do and is perfectly sensible of your warm and friendly interposition in his favour. I have the honour to be with the highest possible esteem and regard, dear Sir, your most faithful and obedient humble servant,

९

4

EDMUND BURKE.

London, Charles Street, Feb. 28, 1782.

General Burgoyne presents his best compliments to you, with his thanks for your obliging attentions towards tepung ab 19119l mondo trou

him.

V.digbawC DA 90 bevnou text 360

HOW TO ROB. R. LIVINGSTON, ESQ.

rn to H Since wrote the two short letters of which I herewith send you copies, I have been honoured with yours No. 5, dated the 16th Decemberton

***Inclosed I send copies of two letters from M. le Comte dec Vergennes, relating to certain complaints from Ostend and Copenhagen against our cruisers. I formerly forwarded a similar complaint from Portugal, to which I

१

で

have yet received no answer. The ambassador of that kingdom frequently asks me for it. I hope now that by your means these kind of affairs will be more immediately attended to; ill blood and mischief may be thereby sometimes prevented.

The Marquis de la Fayette was, at his return hither, received by all ranks with all possible distinction. He daily gains in the general esteein and affection, and promises to be a great man here. He is warmly attached to our cause; we are on the most friendly ndly and confidential

། ད་

3W

footing with each other, and he is really very serviceable to me in my applications for additional assistance.

I have done what I could in recommending Messieurs Duportail and Gouvion, as you desired. I did it with

9001

pleasure, as I have much esteem for them. G

3 90 3 190

I will endeavour to procure a sketch of an emblem for 140 OORON ® C་ mention. This puts me in mind of a medal I have had a mind to strike since the late great

the purpose you m

m

event you give me an account of, representing the United States by the figure of an infant Hercules in his cradle, strangling the two serpents; and France, by that of Minerva, sitting by as his nurse, with her spear and helmet, 1030 204 konfe and her robe speckled with a few fleurs-de-lis. The extinguishing two entire armies in one war, is what has rarely if ever happened, and it gives a presage of the future force of our growing empire.

I

I thank you much for the newspapers you have been so

' This Dr. Franklin subsequently had executed, with some variation in the device; to which was added the dates of the two victories, (17 Oct. 1777 and 19 Oct. 1781) and the motto, "NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFÁNS."On the reverse of the medal was a beautiful head of Liberty: in the exergue, "LIBERTAS AMERIANA" and the date of American Independence, " 4 Jal. 1776.”

kind as to send me. I send also to you by every opportunity packets of the French, Dutch, and English papers. Enclosed is the last Courier of Europe, wherein you will find a late curious debate on continuing the war with America, which the minister carried in the affirmative, only by his own vote! It seems the nation is sick of it: but the king is obstinate. There is a change made of the American secretary, and another talked of in the room of Lord Sandwich: but I suppose we have no reason to desire such changes. If the king will have a war with us, his old servants are as well for us, as any he is likely to put in their places. The ministry you will see declare, that their war in America is for the future to be only defensive. I hope we shall be too prudent to have the least dependence on this declaration; it is only thrown out to lull us. For depend upon it the king hates us cordially, and will be content with nothing short of our extirpation.

I shall be glad to receive the account you are preparing of the wanton damages done our possessions. I wish you could also furnish me with one, of the barbarities committed on our people. They may both be of excellent use on certain occasions.

The friendly disposition of this court towards us continues. We have sometimes pressed a little too hard, expecting and demanding, perhaps, more than we ought, and have used improper arguments, which may have occasioned a little dissatisfaction, but it has not been lasting. In my opinion, the surest way to obtain liberal aid from others, is vigorously to help ourselves. People fear assisting the negligent, the indolent, and the careless, lest the aids they afford should be lost. I know we have done a great deal; but it is said we are apt to be supine after a little success, and too backward in furnishing our

!་་།་