As the day is now fixed for the signatures of the definitive treaties, between Great Britain, France, and Spain, I beg leave to inform your Excellencies, that I am ready to sign the definitive treaty, between Great Britain and the United States of America, whenever it shall be convenient to you. I beg the favor, therefore, of you to fix the day. My instructions confine me to Paris, as the place appointed to me for the exercise of my functions, and, therefore, whatever day you may fix upon for the signature, I shall hope to receive the honor of your company at the _Hôtel de York_. I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, yours, &c. DAVID HARTLEY. * * * * * TO DAVID HARTLEY. Passy, August 30th, 1783. The American Ministers Plenipotentiary for making peace with Great Britain, present their compliments to Mr Hartley. They regret that Mr Hartley's instructions will not permit him to sign the definitive treaty of peace with America at the place appointed for the signature of the others. They will, nevertheless, have the honor of waiting upon Mr Hartley at his lodgings at Paris, for the purpose of signing the treaty in question, on Wednesday morning at eight o'clock. * * * * * DAVID HARTLEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS. Paris, September 4th, 1783. Gentlemen, It is with the sincerest pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy event which took place yesterday, viz.; the signature of the definitive treaty between our two countries. I considered it as the auspicious presage of returning confidence, and of the future intercourse of all good offices between us. I doubt not that our two countries will entertain the same sentiments, and that they will behold with satisfaction the period which terminates the memory of their late unhappy dissensions, and which leads to the renewal of all the ancient ties of amity and peace. I can assure you, that his Britannic Majesty and his confidential servants entertain the strongest desire of a cordial good understanding with the United States of America. And that nothing may be wanting on our parts to perfect the great work of pacification, I shall propose to you in a very short time, to renew the discussion of those points of amity and intercourse which have been lately suspended, to make way for the signature of the treaties between all the late belligerent powers, which took place yesterday. We have now the fairest prospects before us, and an unembarrassed field for the exercise of every beneficent disposition, and for the accomplishment of every object of reciprocal advantage between us. Let us, then, join our hearts and hands together in one common cause for the reunion of all our ancient affections and common interests.[16]