I have no account to settle with Dr Franklin, having received no money but from Mr Grand, viz. twenty thousand livres, and sixteen thousand six hundred and sixtysix livres, thirteen sols, which I believe are all the remittances you have made to me, and which I have already formally acknowledged. The latter sum, indeed, I have not actually received, but it stands to my credit with Mr Grand, and I soon shall have occasion to draw for it. I am at present in a poor state of health, but I hope Bath and sea bathing will be of service to me. The summer season being so far advanced, I shall prepare for embarkation early in October. No opportunity of serving my country in the mean time shall be slighted or neglected.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.
TO THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Bath, July 17th, 1783.
Sir,
My present address will be accompanied by a copy of my last of the 27th of June, to which I beg leave to refer. The enclosed proclamation of the 2d of July, in the London Gazette of the 12th, seems to complete a commercial treaty with America on the part of Great Britain, “until further order.” I am informed Mr David Hartley is soon expected from Paris, without having made any treaty with the American Ministers. I speak from report, but have received no advices from my colleagues.
This will be delivered to you by Thomas Carpenter, who is going with three other persons, under the auspices of Rev. Mr Wells of Broomsgrove, to offer themselves as settlers and citizens in the United States. Mr Wells and his concerns are strongly recommended to me by Dr Price, and by the Rev. Mr Wrenn, of Portsmouth. Upon this ground, permit me to crave your countenance and protection in favor of Mr Carpenter and his associates. I was informed yesterday, and though by pretty good authority I speak only as from report, that Mr Silas Deane, who has been in London about four months, has been an active hand in chalking out a treaty of commerce for us. I shall know more of this when I get to London, some ten days hence. I have not yet fully recovered my health, but am nevertheless taking measures for embarking early in October.
I have the honor to be, &c.