11To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley?], 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress This document is baffling. Other transcripts of Hartley’s letters, in the same hand and the same repository, have attributions to him; this one has not. But attributing it to any one else seems out of the question. The opinions expressed, when intelligible, are certainly Hartley’s; and who except him would have made the reference to Thornton? The difficulty is...
12To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress Hartley, writing the day after Lord North revealed the government’s conciliatory plan, was more euphoric than that plan warranted. It had been in preparation since early December, precipitated first by the news of Saratoga and then by increasingly strong intimations of a forthcoming Franco-American alliance....
13To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: British Library One word by this mail. With respect to Ld. Ns. plan of peace much of course will be debated of the sincerity or insincerity, whether it be practicable or admissible, &c. &c. to all which I say that the great object with me is a cessation of arms. I admire much the spirit of your sentiments to Ld. Howe. Trade and revenue and supremacy...
14To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Yours of Feb 12 received. I have called at Mr. Hutton’s door, but he was not at home, I shall deliver the letters to morrow. We are to have a very long day in the house today, so that I cannot enter into any matter at present. Suspend for a few hours, or days. Times seem to be mending. Let us take all possible chance of reconciliation. While there is life there...
15To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress Dont let us despair now. There seems I hope to be a disposition on all sides to Peace. The Conciliatory bill as it is called passed the H of Commons yesterday. The Sentiments of Ld. North towards peace have been declared by the bill itself and by the method and principles which he avowed when he brought it in. Ld. George...
16To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (4to ed.; 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 249. I will take care of all your commissions. This moment a second packet of infinite value is received, which I shall cherish as a mark of affection from you. I opened the letter by mistake which came with it, and soon saw it was not for me. I...
17To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 15 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: Library of Congress I send you the Heads of Negotiation which have occurred to me as the most probable foundations for Peace. What the opinions or Plans of other persons may be I do not know but the enclosed are the principles which I would recommend if my recommendation might have any weight. That America should be declared independent. That Great Britain and America shall...
18To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Yours received this moment of the 25th instant by Mr. Parker. I will apply for the exchange of the prisoners without delay and will press the point as much as I can which in truth I have done many times since I saw you but official departments move slowly here. A promise of 5 Months is yet unperformed. The inclosed letters came to me but yesterday tho they are...
19To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 5 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I hope we shall at length get forward with the Exchange of the poor prisoners which has been for so many months in negotiation. I am authorized by the administration and the board of admiralty to make the following proposition, That you should send to me the number and rank of the prisoners which you have on your side to...
20To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 16 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of June 5 per favour of Mr. Strange received relating to the exchange of prisoners In answer to which I send you a copy of a letter of mine to you of June the 5th which I transcribe least by any accident it should have miscarried. I am authorized by the administration and the board of admiralty to make the following proposition, That you should send...