William Temple Franklin to John Adams, February 25, 1791

London, 25 th: Feb. 1791.

Sir,

In the Letter you did me the honor of writing to me 1 previous to my Departure from Philadelphia, you
intimated a Wish to be informed of the Progress of French Liberty.— I have not yet been
able to go over to the Continent—but shall in a few Weeks, when I will endeavor to
comply with your Desire, relative to the Revolution that is effecting in France.—

In the meantime, I have taken the Liberty of sending you (by the
Pigou) some important Works, that that Event has given rise to lately; and which indeed
interest the Liberties of Mankind in general.— 2

From every thing that I have hitherto been able to learn of the
Proceedings in France,—I have no Doubt of the Revolution terminating favorably to
Liberty—& Good-Government.— And notwithstanding the present apparent Prosperity
& Tranquility of this Country, I think the Seeds of a Revolution are sown here, and
the Harvest not far off:—for however the theoretical Part of the Constitution may be
justly admired, the practical Part is replete with
Corruption; which must ere long, produce a violent Fermentation.— Happy!—thrice happy,
America!!

With sentiments of Respect & Esteem, / I am, Sir, Your most
obedient / & very humble Ser t. —

W. T. Franklin.—