Passy, October 29th, 1778.
Sir,
Upon maturely considering the letter and declaration, which we have had the honor of receiving from you, we are of opinion, that there are some propositions relative to that business, which can only be properly discussed in a personal interview. We therefore wish that you, or a person authorised by you, would meet one of us at Aix-la-Chapelle, or any other place, which you may judge more convenient, for conducting this business with the most perfect secrecy.
Should this proposal meet with your approbation, you will have the goodness to apprise us of the time and place you think proper for the interview. It may be proper, that we should inquire for one another, whenever we meet, under fictitious names; the fixing upon which we also wish to leave to you.
We shall be glad of an answer as soon as is convenient to you; and have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servants,
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.
TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Passy, October 29th, 1778.
Sir,
We have the honor to inform your Excellency, that we are ready to execute and exchange the declarations, concerning the omission of the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce, and to request your Excellency to appoint a day to wait on your Excellency for that purpose.