David Hartley to American Peace Commissioners, September 4, 1783

Paris Septr. 4. 1783.

Gentlemen,

It is with the sincerest Pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy Event which took
Place Yesterday, viz., the Signature of the Definitive Treaty between our two Countries.
I consider it as the auspicious Presage of returning Confidence, and of the future
Intercourse of all good Offices between us; I doubt not that our two Countries will
entertain the same Sentiments, and that they will behold with Satisfaction the Period
which terminates the Memory of their late unhappy Dissensions, and which leads to the
renewal of all the Ancien ties of Amity & Peace. I can assure you that his Britannic
Majesty, and his confidential Servants, entertain the strongest Desire of a cordial good
understanding with the United States of America. And that nothing may be wanting on our
Parts to perfect the great Work of Pacification, I shall propose to you in a very short
time, to renew the Discussion of those Points of Amity and Intercourse which have been
lately suspended, to make way for the Signature of the Treaties, between
all the late belligerent Powers which took Place Yesterday. We have now the fairest
Prospects before us, and an unembarassed Field for the Exercise of every beneficient
Disposition, and for the Accomplishment of every Object of reciprocal Advantage between
us. Let us then join our hearts and hands together in one common cause, for the reunion
of all our antient affections, and common Interests. I am Gentlemen, With the greatest
Respect and consideration Your most obedt. Servt.

(signed)D. Hartley.—

To their Excellences the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United
States of America.

No. 7.