Our negotiations go on slowly, every proposition being sent to England, and answers not returning very speedily.
Captain Barney arrived here last Wednesday, and brought despatches for us as late as the first of June. The preliminary articles are ratified. But General Carleton, in violation of those articles, has sent away a great number of negroes, alleging, that freedom having been promised them by a proclamation, the honor of the nation was concerned, &c. Probably another reason may be, that if they had been restored to their masters, Britain could not have hoped anything from such another proclamation hereafter.
Mr Hartley called yesterday to tell us, that he had received a letter from Mr Fox, assuring him that our suspicions of affected delays or change of system on their side were groundless; and that they were sincerely desirous to finish as soon as possible. If this be so, and your health will permit the journey, I could wish your return as soon as possible. I want you here on many accounts, and should be glad of your assistance in considering and answering our public letters. There are matters in them of which I cannot conveniently give you an account at present.
Nothing could be more seasonable than success in the project you proposed, but we have now very little expectation.
Please to give my love to your valuable and amiable son and daughter, and believe me, with sincere esteem, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
FROM M. ROSENCRONE, MINISTER OF DENMARK, TO B. FRANKLIN.
Translation.
Copenhagen, July 8th, 1783.