David Hartley to Benjamin Franklin, March 31, 1783

March 31. 1783. London.

My dear Friend.

I send you a Paper entitled Supplemental Treaty , the Substance of which I sent you some time ago, as I read it, in part of a Speech in the H. of Commons. 4 I have given a Copy of it to M. L [Laurens], as the Grounds upon which my Friend the D. of P: wd: have wished that any Administration in wch. he might have taken a Part should have treated with the American Ministers. All Negociations for the Formation of a Ministry in concert with the D. of P. are at an End. 5

The 10th. Article which is supposed to be refered to the definitive Treaty, is a Renewal of the same Proposition wch. I moved in Parlt. some Years ago, viz on the 9th. of April 1778. 6 I see nothing inconsistent with that Proposition either in the Declaration of Independence or in the Treaty with France, let it therefore remain, & emerge after the War as a point untouch’t by the War. I assure you my Consent shd. not be wanting to extend this Principle between all the Nations upon Earth. I know full well that those Nations to wch. you and I are bound by birth and Consanguinity wd. reap the earliest fruits from it. Owing no man hate & envying no man’s hapiness , 7 I should rejoice in the Lot of my own Country, and on her Part say to America, nos duo turba Sumus . 8 I send you likewise enclosed with this some Sentiments respecting the Principles of some late Negociations drawn up in the Shape of Parliamentary Motions by my Brother, 9 who joins with me in sincerest Good wishes to you for health & Happiness, and for the Peace of our respective Countries and of Mankind.

Your ever affecte.

D. H.