William Petty, Earl of Shelburne to Benjamin Franklin, May 25, 1782

Whitehall 25 May 1782

Sir

I have the Honor to receive your Letter of the 13th. of May by Mr. Oswald.

It gives me great Pleasure to find my opinion of the Moderation, Prudence & Judgement of that Gentleman confirm’d by your Concurrence.— For I am glad to assure you that we likewise concur in hoping that those Qualities may enable him to contribute to the speedy Conclusion of a Peace, and such a Peace as may be firm and long lasting. With that View he has The King’s orders to return immediately to Paris, 2 and you will find him I trust properly instructed to co-operate to so desireable an Object.

May 25 1782 To Dr. Franklin