Requesting the discharge of Lord Cornwallis in return for his own enlargement.—Disposition in England is become favorable to the acknowledgement of independence, and to a general peace.
Mr Oswald is sent back to settle the time and place of treating.
Mr Oswald brings information that it has been agreed in Council to treat at Paris of a general peace, and that Mr Grenville will be sent for that purpose.
Appointing an interview with Mr Oswald.
Mr Oswald intimates that the Ministry will acknowledge the independence of America, on condition that Britain is left in the same condition as at the peace of 1763.
Expresses his wishes for a reconciliation.—Mr Grenville is acquainted with his sentiments.—Journal continued; Mr Grenville represents England as ready to treat with all the powers.—Dr Franklin accompanies him on an interview with the Count de Vergennes.—They maintain that England should expect no concessions in return for the acknowledgment of independence, which was already conquered by America.—Dr Franklin sees Lafayette, who expresses a wish to be sent to England.
Time of treating not yet settled.—Discharge of American prisoners.
Desires that Mr Oswald may be sent to treat.—Journal continued.—Conversation with Mr Grenville relative to the obligations of America to France.
Favorable prospect of reconciliation.
The release of the American prisoners will tend to promote a reconciliation.—Journal continued; Ministers of the European powers determined not to return the visits of the American Ministers.—Anecdote of the Russian Minister and the Count du Nord.