It is not possible for any one to be more sensible than I am, of what I and every American owe to the King, for the many and great benefits and favors he has bestowed upon us. All my letters to America are proofs of this; all tending to make the same impressions on the minds of my countrymen, that I felt in my own. And I believe, that no Prince was ever more beloved and respected by his own subjects, than the King is by the people of the United States. _The English, I just now learn, flatter themselves they have already divided us._ I hope this little misunderstanding will therefore be kept a secret, and that they will find themselves totally mistaken. With great and sincere respect, I am, Sir, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. * * * * * TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Passy, December 24th, 1782. Sir, Sundry circumstances occurring since mine of the 5th and 14th, have hitherto retarded the departure of our despatches. They will now go under the security of a British passport, be accompanied by a sum of money, and by some further intelligence from England, which shows the still unsettled state of minds there, and, together with the difficulties and small progress in the Dutch and Spanish negotiations, makes the speedy conclusion of peace still uncertain. The Swedish Ambassador has exchanged full powers with me. I send a copy of his herewith. We have had some conferences on the proposed plan of our treaty, and he has despatched a courier for further instructions respecting some of the articles. The Commissioners have joined in a letter to you, recommending the consideration of a proposal from Mr Bridgen, relating to copper coin. With this you have a copy of that proposal, and a sample of the copper. If it should be accepted, I conceive the weight and value of the pieces (charge of coinage deducted) should be such that they may be aliquot parts of a Spanish dollar. By the copy enclosed, of an old letter of mine to Mr Bridgen, you will see the ideas I had of the additional utility such a coinage might be of, in communicating instruction.[10] _December 25th_. Enclosed is a copy of a letter just received from the Count de Vergennes, upon the present state of negotiation with England.[11] With great regard, I have the honor to be, &c. B. FRANKLIN. FOOTNOTES: [10] See this letter in Volume III. p. 106. [11] This refers to a letter, which has been already printed under a wrong date. See above, p. 21. * * * * * _Powers of the Swedish Ambassador to treat._ Translation.