From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 17 April 1784
To David Hartley
Copy: William L. Clements Library
Passy April 17 1784
Dear Sir
The Commissioners have received the Letter you did them the honour of writing to them the 9th Instant, and are glad to learn that they may expect the Pleasure of seeing you soon again at Paris. It is a particular Satisfaction to me, as it will give me an opportunity of communicating an Idea to you in Conversation which may tend to promote your excellent views of “effecting a cordial & conciliatory Intercourse between our Countries,” but which I cannot so well explain at present by writing.
The Bearer, Col. Harmar, is an American of good Character, who visits England in Curiosity to see the Country and People he has been fighting against.3 I wish to give him a good Opinion of them by the Sample he may be acquainted with, and therefore beg leave to recommend him to your Acquaintance & Civilities.4 With great & inalterable Esteem & Affection I am ever my dear Friend Yours most sincerely
B Franklin
David Hartley Esqr
3. Harmar left for England on April 19 and arrived in London on April 25. He was back in Paris on May 17: Josiah Harmar’s diary (Clements Library).
4. On April 26 Harmar delivered “several” letters of introduction from BF (Josiah Harmar’s diary, Clements Library), of which this one alone has been located. He carried now-missing letters from BF to Edward Bridgen (who responded on May 11) and Anthony Todd (who responded on May 18). He may also have carried BF’s April 17 letter to Henry Laurens, who replied on May 6. Harmar carried back to Paris at least two letters for BF: Edward Nairne’s of May 5 and Laurens’ of May 10.