From Benjamin Franklin to John and Sarah Jay, 13 May 1784
To John and Sarah Jay
Transcript:1 Library of Congress
Passy May 13. 1784
My dear Friends, I find I shall not be able to see you again as I intended. My best Wishes however go with you, that you may have a prosperous Voyage and a happy sight of your Friends and Families.2
Mr. Jay was so kind as to offer his Friendly Services to me in America. He will oblige me much by endeavouring to forward my discharge from this Employment.3 Repose is now my only Ambition. If too he should think with me, that my Grandson is qualified to serve the States as Secretary to a future Minister at this Court or as Chargé des Affaires, and will be kind enough to recommend such an appointment, it will exceedingly oblige me. I have twice mentioned this in my letter to Congress,4 but have not been favored with any Answer; which is hard, because the suspense prevents my endeavouring to promote him in some other way. I would not however be importunate; and therefore if Mr. Jay should use his Interest without Effect, I will trouble them no more on the subject. My Grandson’s acquaintance with the Language, with the Court and Customs here, and the particular Regard M. de Vergennes has for him, are Circumstances in his favor.
God bless and protect you both. Embrace my little Friend5 for me, and believe me ever yours &ca
B Franklin
1. Made for the preparation of WTF’s edition of BF’s writings. It is published in WTF, Memoirs, I, 359–60.
2. The Jays left Paris on May 16, sailed from Dover on June 1 on the ship Edward, and arrived at New York on July 24: Jay Papers, III, 589.
3. BF’s desire to be released from his duties came close to being fulfilled. On March 27, William Ellery made a motion in Congress to allow BF to retire, citing his “repeated applications.” The motion was referred to a congressional committee, which did not make its report until May 12, by which time Congress had appointed BF to a new commission to negotiate commercial treaties in Europe; see Congress’ instructions to the American commissioners, May 7[–June 3], above. The committee’s report, therefore, recommended that a decision about BF’s recall be deferred until after the treaties had been negotiated: JCC, XXVI, 171; XXVII, 377.
4. In 1781 and in late 1783: XXXIV, 447–8; XLI, 357–8. BF had also raised the topic with Secretary Livingston: XL, 366.
5. The Jays’ daughter Maria (b. Feb. 20, 1782), who was part of BF’s household for several months in 1783: XL, 180n; Jay Papers, I, facing p. lxxvi; II, 670.