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I have caused to be struck here the medal, which I formerly mentioned to you, the design of which ycu seemed to approve. I enclose one of them in silver, for the President of Congress, and one in copper for yourself; the impression on copper is thought to appear best, and you will soon receive a number for the members. I have presented one to the King, and another to the Queen, both in gold, and one in silver to each of the ministers, as a monumental acknowledgment, which may go down to future ages, of the obligations we are under to this nation. It is mighty well received, and gives general pleasure. If the Congress approve of it, as I hope they will, I may add something on the die (for those to be struck hereafter) to show that it was done by their order, which I could not venture to do till I had authority for it.*

A multitude of people are continually applying to me personally, and by letters, for information respecting the means of transporting themselves, families, and fortunes to America. I give no encouragement to any of the King's subjects, as I think it would not be right in me to do it without their sovereign's approbation; and, indeed, few offer from France but persons of irregular conduct and desperate circumstances, whom we had better be without; but I think there will be great emigrations from England, Ireland, and Germany. There is a great contest among the ports, which of them shall be of those to be declared free for the American trade. Many applications are made to me to interest myself in the behalf of all of them; but having no instructions on that head, and thinking it a matter more properly belonging to the consul, I have done nothing in it.

* See a description of this medal above, p. 173.

I have continued to send you the English papers. You will often see falsehoods in them respecting what I say and do, &c. You know those papers too well to make any contradiction of such stuff necessary from me.

Mr. Barclay is often ill, and I am afraid the settlement of our accounts will be, in his hands, a long operation. I shall be impatient at being detained here on that score after the arrival of my successor. Would it not be well to join Mr. Ridley with Mr. Barclay for that service? He resides in Paris, and seems active in business. I know not, indeed, whether he would undertake it, but wish he may.

The finances here are embarrassed, and a new loan is proposed by way of lottery, in which, it is said by some calculators, the King will pay at the rate of seven per cent. I mention this to furnish you with a fresh convincing proof against cavillers of the King's generosity towards us, in lending us six millions this year at five per cent, and of his concern for our credit, in saving by that sum the honor of Mr. Morris's bills, while those drawn by his own officers abroad have their payment suspended for a year after they become due. You have been told, that France might help us more liberally if she would. This last transaction is a demonstration of the contrary.

Please to show these last paragraphs to Mr. Morris, to whom I cannot now write, the notice of this ship being short; but it is less necessary, as Mr. Grand writes to him fully. With great esteem, &c.

P. S. Mr. Laurens is just arrived.

B. FRANKLIN.

FROM THE AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO B. FRANKLIN.

Soliciting Letters of Introduction for Professor Märter. Translation.

Paris, 15 April, 1783.

Professor Märter, commissioned by the Emperor to collect from the four quarters of the globe animals and plants for his Majesty's menagerie and botanic gardens, intends to set out immediately, and to commence his travels in the United States of America.

Well knowing that the success of his undertaking must depend in a great measure upon the facilities and assistance, which he may find in the places where his researches are to be made, he feels that it would be a great advantage to him to have letters from Dr. Franklin to the general Congress, and to some individuals whose knowledge and advice may be of service to him.

The ambassador of his Majesty the Emperor, feeling it his duty to contribute as far as depends upon him to Mr. Märter's success, believes he is rendering him an essential service in making known his wishes to Dr. Franklin, and in supporting them by his own solicitations. The ambassador flatters himself, that the American minister will receive with favor a request, which has for its object the extension of the science of natural history, and that he will send him these letters to forward to Professor Märter, so that he may be enabled to present them himself upon his arrival in America.

The ambassador feels great pleasure in having this opportunity of presenting to Dr. Franklin the assurance of his perfect attachment.

FROM CHARLES J. FOX TO B. FRANKLIN.

SIR,

St. James's, 19 April, 1783.

Although it is unnecessary for me to introduce to your acquaintance a gentleman so well known to you as Mr. Hartley, who will have the honor of delivering to you this letter, yet it may be proper for me to inform you, that he has the full and entire confidence of his Majesty's ministers upon the subject of his mission.

Permit me, Sir, to take this opportunity of assuring you how happy I should esteem myself, if it were to prove my lot to be the instrument of completing a real and substantial reconciliation between two countries, formed by nature to be in a state of friendship one with the other, and thereby to put the finishing hand to a building, in laying the first stone of which I may fairly boast that I had some share. I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of regard and esteem, Sir, &c. C. J. Fox.

TO MRS. MARY HEWSON.

MY DEAR FRiend,

Passy, 26 April, 1783.

I received in its time your kind letter of February 22d. I am sensible of the prudence of your advice respecting my coming to England, and shall follow it. Accept my thanks for that, and for your kind invitation to Cheam, when I do come; but the little left of life at my age will, perhaps, hurry me home, as soon as I can be quit of my employment here. I should, indeed, have great pleasure in seeing you, and in being

some time with you and your little family. I cannot have all I wish.

Mr. Williams is now here with his family. I shall mention to him his not answering your letter. We talked yesterday of you, and of his friend Dolly, whom I have not forgotten, as she supposes. He expressed the highest esteem and regard for you both. My love to her when you see her. I send you some more of the little books, and am ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

SIR,

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Passy, 27 April, 1783.

The Count del Veome, an Italian nobleman of great distinction, does me the honor to be the bearer of this. I have not the satisfaction to be personally acquainted with this gentleman, but am much solicited by some of my particular friends, to whom his merits and character are known, to afford him this introduction to you. He is, I understand, a great traveller, and his view in going to America is merely to see the country and its great men. I pray you will show him every civility, and afford him that counsel, which as a stranger he may stand in need of. With great respect, I am, B. FRANKLIN.

&c.

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