Benjamin Franklin to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, July 4, 1783

Passy July 4. 1783.

Sir,

I have the honour to communicate to your Excellency, by Order of Congress, their
Resolution of the 2d of May. 6 It will
explain itself; and I can add no Arguments to enforce the Request it contains, which I
have not already urged with an Importunity that nothing but a Sense of Duty could oblige
me to use, when I see so clearly that it is painful to you as well as to me. I confide
also much more in the Representation M. de la Luzerne has probably made to you on the
Affair. I will only say, that from a perfect
Knowledge I have of their present Situation, no Favour of the Kind from his Majesty
could ever be more essentially serviceable to the United States, or make a more lasting
Impression.

I send withal an Address the Congress has just made to the several States, 7 wherein you will see the Steps they are taking
to procure the necessary Funds, for answering all Engagements; in which I have no doubt
they will succeed. Your Excellency will also see there, the Manner in which I have
written on the Subject; 8 and you will
find that the Contract of July last was ratified, and with Expressions of Gratitude, in
January last, 9 tho’ the Original
Ratification is not yet come to hand. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s
most obedient & most humble Servant.

B Franklin

His Exy Ct. de Vergennes