Henry Laurens to Other American Peace Commissioners, June 17, 1783

London 17th. June 1783

Gentlemen,

I had the honor of addressing you the 10th. immediately after my landing at Dover— As
early as possible after my arrival here I obtained an Interview with Mr. Secretary Fox,
who was pleased to read to me part of his latest Dispatches to Mr. Hartley which he
supposed would reach Paris on the 14th 5 tis probable therefore that before this time, as much of the Contents as is proper for
your Knowledge, has been communicated.

“Reciprocity” since the 10th of April 6 has undergone a certain Degree of Refinement; the definition of that term appears now to
be, Possession of advantages on one side, and Restrictions on the other. “The Navigation
Act is the vital of Great Britain, too delicate to bear a Touch”—the sudden and
unexpected, perhaps illicit arrival of Ships and Cargoes from America may have caused
this change of Tone. 7 But you have heard
in detail & are more competent to Judge.

From a desire of forming an opinion I asked Mr. Fox whether he thought, I might venture
for a few days to take the benefit of Bath, and yet be time enough at Paris for the
intended commercial Agreement? He replied, “I rather think you may.” One need not be a
Conjurer to draw an inference— You will either have finished the Business before I could
travel to Paris; or without being missed there, I may go to Bath and repair my
nerves.

In this state of uncertainty, when ’tis easy to percieve affections are not as We could
wish them, nor quite so warm as We have been taught to believe, it would not be wise to
commit the United States, wherefore I shall rest the Business till I hear from you, or
until a more favorable prospect, flattering myself with hopes of your surmounting the
late seeming Difficulties; an inconvenience on your side is preferable to the hazard of
a disgrace.

I am with great Regard and Respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedient, and most humble
servant,

Henry Laurens

Their Excellencies. The Ministers Plenepotentiary from the United
States of America at Paris.