Continental Congress to Benjamin Franklin, September 28, 1782
[September 28, 1782]
The United States in Congress Assembled— To all who shall see these presents send Greeting—
It having been represented to Congress by their Minister Plenipoy: at the Court of Versailles, that the King of Sweden has signified by his Ambassador at that Court to our said Minister, his desire to enter into a treaty with the United States in Congress Assembled, 6 and We being willing to promote the same, for establishing harmony & good intercourse between the Citizens of the United States, and the Subjects of the said King Know Ye therefore that we confiding in the integrity, prudence and ability of the honorable Benjn. Franklin Esq have nominated, constituted & appointed and by these Presents do nominate, constitute and appoint the said Benjamin Franklin our Minister Plenipotentiary, giving him full Powers general and Special to act in that Quality; to confer, treat, agree & conclude with the Person or Persons vested with equal Powers by the said King, of and concerning a Treaty of Amity & Commerce between the United States in Congress Assembled, and the King of Sweden, and whatever shall be so agreed & concluded for us and in our Name to sign and thereupon to make such Treaty, Conventions & Agreements as he shall judge conformable to the ends we have in view; hereby promising in good faith that we will accept, ratify & execute whatever shall be agreed, concluded & signed by our said Minister: And Whereas it may so happen that our aforesaid Minister may die or be otherwise incapacitated to execute this Commission We do in that case by these presents Constitute and appoint the honble. John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid. And in case of his Death or incapacity We appoint the honorable John Jay our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid. And in case of his Death or incapacity also We do appoint the honble. Henry Laurens our Minister Plenipotentiary for the purpose aforesaid, with all the Powers herein before Delegated to the honble. Benjn. Franklin.
In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these Presents. 7 Witness His Excellency John Hanson Esq. President of the United States in Congress Assembled the twenty Eighth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two—and of our Sovereignty and Independence the seventh.
Form of Commission to B. Franklin for negotiating Treaty with Sweden & Instructions.—