From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 19 August 1782
To Henry Laurens
ALS: Massachusetts Historical Society
Passy, Aug. 19. 1782
Sir,
I had the honour of receiving yours of the 7th Instant.6 The Account you give of your bad State of Health alarms your Friends. Mr Oswald informs me, that the Waters of Bath used to recover you effectually.7 And tho’ we8 are very sensible that if you could get well to America, you might be of great Service to the Publick, yet we think the Hazard is too great, as it may be Winter before you can come upon the Coast, and perhaps at this Juncture you might be equally useful in England. On these Considerations we agreed to advise your Return thither. You will excuse the Freedom we take in so doing, as it proceeds from sincere Regard, and Concern for a Life so valuable. With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
B Franklin
Honble H. Laurens Esqr
Endorsed: Benja. Franklin 19th Augt. 1782. Recd. 24th. Answd. 3d. Septemr.
6. XXXVII, 708–10.
7. Laurens, who had declined to join his fellow peace commissioners in Paris, told Oswald he hoped to visit Bath and then travel to America from Falmouth: Laurens Papers, XV, 570–2. He had visited Bath earlier in the year: XXXVI, 371, 407, 440.
8. Presumably he means himself and John Jay.