Letter
Armand-Thomas Hué de Miromesnil informs Benjamin Franklin that the permission granted on May 11 remains valid and that nothing opposes its continuation. He advises Franklin to appoint someone to oversee its implementation. Miromesnil expresses sincere regards in his communication from Versailles on June 16, 1783.
Letter
Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond invites Benjamin Franklin to witness a mechanical invention by a modest compatriot, Mr. Mical, featuring two golden speaking heads that articulate phrases about peace and the king. Faujas de Saint-Fond praises the device's advanced mechanics and clarity of speech, especially its handling of difficult diphthongs. He requests Franklin attend a demonstration and dinner on June 18, 1783, alongside other academicians.
Letter
Marquis de Lafayette informs Benjamin Franklin and John Jay that he has received letters from America up to May 1 and refers them to their correspondence for detailed information. He plans to meet them the following morning to share any new intelligence he has obtained. Lafayette also notes that Count de Vergennes inquires about the satisfaction of Mr. Hartley’s recent dispatches.
Letter
Elias Boudinot informs the American Peace Commissioners that following the resignation of Minister Livingston, he must now deliver Congress's resolutions regarding their mission. He encloses recent resolutions to keep them informed during critical negotiations and expresses surprise at the lack of communication since the cessation of hostilities.
Letter
Benjamin Franklin informs Baron de Staël de Holstein that he awaits the U.S. Congress's ratification of a treaty with Sweden, after which they can proceed with reciprocal exchanges. He expresses honor at Sweden's desire to have a U.S. representative and pledges to present this to Congress, confident they will support actions pleasing to the Swedish sovereign who first offered friendship to the United States.
Letter
Pierre Dessin informs Benjamin Franklin that four boxes sent from London have arrived, but one is severely damaged and held at customs for inspection. Dessin requests Franklin's instructions on whether to repair and forward the damaged box or return it to England, while confirming that the other three boxes are in good condition and have been sent on to Paris. He offers his continued services to Franklin.
Letter
Samuel Vaughan expresses gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his kind attention to Vaughan's sons during their time in America. Vaughan announces his imminent departure for Philadelphia with his family and looks forward to renewing their friendship and association in the new world. He conveys deep respect and affection for Franklin throughout the letter.
Letter
Haller & Cie Girardot introduce Monsieur Volmers, a partner in the prominent Bremen firm Pundsack & Volmers, to Benjamin Franklin in 1783. They recommend Volmers as a trustworthy representative for American interests in Paris and request Franklin to receive him kindly. The letter emphasizes both the firm's reliability and the sincerity of their recommendation.
Letter
David Hartley communicates terms allowing American citizens to import and export goods in American ships to British territories under the same duties as before the Revolutionary War, while prohibiting direct trade between the United States and the British West Indies. He also ensures British subjects receive reciprocal trading rights in American ports under equivalent conditions. This arrangement aims to normalize commercial relations following the conflict.
Letter
Henry Laurens informs fellow American peace commissioners of a newly arrived proclamation that appears to relate to a commercial treaty. He anticipates seeing a mutual acquaintance, D. H., in London soon and plans to lodge there that night. Laurens expresses his continued support and service to the commissioners.