David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, April 20, 1779

London April 20 1779

My Dear Sir

I hope you have heard of your prisoners (viz the first cargo) before this time. 7 I am impatient to receive your answer to some of my late letters to you. You know the Object wch constantly possesses my mind. I wish to bring some material points to issue, upon terms of certainty and Confidence . Parliament will probably sit for some time yet, and while parliament continues sitting I consider the measures of the year as not yet out of our reach. 8 I shall probably have occasion to write to you again soon. I like to be sure of the ground that I stand upon before any measure of consequence is taken but not to lose opportunities. Opportunity shd be seized by the forelock. You will hear from me again soon—Your affecte

DH.