The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04

United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources

An old gentleman in Switzerland, long of the Magistracy there, having
written a book entitled _Du Gouvernement des Moeurs_, which is thought
to contain many matters, that may be useful in America, desired to
know of me how he could convey a number of the printed copies, to be
distributed gratis among the members of Congress. I advised his
addressing the package to you by way of Amsterdam, whence a friend of
mine would forward it. It is accordingly shipped there on board the
Van Berckel, Captain W. Campbell. There are good things in the work,
but his chapter on the liberty of the press appears to me to contain
more rhetoric than reason.

  With great esteem I am, ever, &c.

                                                          B. FRANKLIN.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                  COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.

                              Translation.

                                            Versailles, May 22d, 1785.

  Sir,

I have learnt with much concern of your retiring, and of your
approaching departure for America. You cannot doubt but that the
regrets, which you will leave, will be proportionate to the
consideration you so justly enjoy.

I can assure you, Sir, that the esteem the King entertains for you,
does not leave you anything to wish, and that his Majesty will learn
with real satisfaction, that your fellow citizens have rewarded, in a
manner worthy of you, the important services that you have rendered
them.

I beg, Sir, that you will preserve for me a share in your remembrance,
and never doubt the sincerity of the interest I take in your
happiness. It is founded on the sentiments of attachment of which I
have assured you, and with which I have the honor to be, &c.

                                                         DE VERGENNES.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                         TO THOMAS BARCLAY.

                                               Passy, June 19th, 1785.

  Sir,

With respect to my continuing to charge £2500 sterling per annum as my
salary, of which you desire some explanation, I send you, in support
of that charge, the resolution of Congress, which is in these words.

"In Congress, October 5th, 1779. Resolved, that each of the Ministers
Plenipotentiary be allowed at the rate of two thousand five hundred
pounds sterling per annum, and each of their Secretaries at the rate
of one thousand pounds sterling per annum, in full for their services
and expenses respectively. That the salary of each of the said
officers be computed from the time of his leaving his place of abode,
to enter on the duties of his office, and be continued three months
after the notice of his recall."

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Opening the text

History

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04

United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources

An old gentleman in Switzerland, long of the Magistracy there, having
written a book entitled _Du Gouvernement des Moeurs_, which is thought
to contain many matters, that may be useful in America, desired to
know of me how he could convey a number of the printed copies, to be
distributed gratis among the members of Congress. I advised his
addressing the package to you by way of Amsterdam, whence a friend of
mine would forward it. It is accordingly shipped there on board the
Van Berckel, Captain W. Campbell. There are good things in the work,
but his chapter on the liberty of the press appears to me to contain
more rhetoric than reason.

  With great esteem I am, ever, &c.

                                                          B. FRANKLIN.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                  COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.

                              Translation.

                                            Versailles, May 22d, 1785.

  Sir,

I have learnt with much concern of your retiring, and of your
approaching departure for America. You cannot doubt but that the
regrets, which you will leave, will be proportionate to the
consideration you so justly enjoy.

I can assure you, Sir, that the esteem the King entertains for you,
does not leave you anything to wish, and that his Majesty will learn
with real satisfaction, that your fellow citizens have rewarded, in a
manner worthy of you, the important services that you have rendered
them.

I beg, Sir, that you will preserve for me a share in your remembrance,
and never doubt the sincerity of the interest I take in your
happiness. It is founded on the sentiments of attachment of which I
have assured you, and with which I have the honor to be, &c.

                                                         DE VERGENNES.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                         TO THOMAS BARCLAY.

                                               Passy, June 19th, 1785.

  Sir,

With respect to my continuing to charge £2500 sterling per annum as my
salary, of which you desire some explanation, I send you, in support
of that charge, the resolution of Congress, which is in these words.

"In Congress, October 5th, 1779. Resolved, that each of the Ministers
Plenipotentiary be allowed at the rate of two thousand five hundred
pounds sterling per annum, and each of their Secretaries at the rate
of one thousand pounds sterling per annum, in full for their services
and expenses respectively. That the salary of each of the said
officers be computed from the time of his leaving his place of abode,
to enter on the duties of his office, and be continued three months
after the notice of his recall."

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04

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