From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 7 March 1783
To Robert R. Livingston
ALS and transcript: National Archives
Passy, March 7. 1783.
Sir,
I but this moment hear of this Opportunity, by which I can only send you a Line to acquaint you, that I have concluded the Treaty with Sweden, which was signed on Wednesday last.8 You will have a Copy by the first good Opportunity. It differs very little from the Plan sent me,—in nothing material.— The English Court is in Confusion by another Change of Ministry; Lord Shelburne & his Friends having resigned; but it is not yet certainly known who will succeed; tho’ Lord North & Mr Fox are talk’d of as two, they being reconcil’d!!9 cannot add but that I am, with great Esteem Sir, Your most obedient humble Servt
B Franklin
P.S. The Change in the Ministry is not suppos’d of any Importance respecting our Definitive Treaty, which must conform to the Preliminaries: But we shall see!
R R. Livingston Esqr
Notation: Letter March 7. 1783 B. Franklin Recvd July 16. 1783
8. Published above, under [March 5].
9. See Hodgson to BF, Feb. 25.