I am, Gentlemen, &c. DAVID HARTLEY. FOOTNOTE: [16] As the definitive treaty was an exact copy of the Provisional Articles (see above, p. 109) it is here omitted. * * * * * B. FRANKLIN TO CHARLES FOX. Passy, September 5th, 1783. Sir, I received in its time the letter you did me the honor of writing to me by Mr Hartley; and I cannot let him depart without expressing my satisfaction in his conduct towards us, and applauding the prudence of that choice, which sent us a man possessed of such a spirit of conciliation, and of all that frankness, sincerity, and candor, which naturally produce confidence, and thereby facilitate the most difficult negotiations. Our countries are now happily at peace, on which I congratulate you most cordially; and I beg you to be assured, that as long as I have any concern in public affairs, I shall readily and heartily concur with you in promoting every measure that may tend to promote the common felicity. With great and sincere esteem and respect, I have the honor to be, &c. B. FRANKLIN. * * * * * TO DAVID HARTLEY. Passy, September 5th, 1783. Sir, We have received the letter you did us the honor to write yesterday. Your friendly congratulations on the signature of the definitive treaty meet with cordial returns on our part; and we sincerely rejoice with you on that event, by which the Ruler of nations has been graciously pleased to give peace to our two countries. We are no less ready to join our endeavors than our wishes with yours, to concert such measures for regulating the future intercourse between Great Britain and the United States, as, by being consistent with the honor and interests of both, may tend to increase and perpetuate mutual confidence and good will. We ought, nevertheless, to apprize you, that as no construction of our commission could at any period extend it, unless by implication, to several of the proposed stipulations; and as our instructions respecting commercial provisions, however explicit, suppose their being incorporated in the definitive treaty, a recurrence to Congress previous to the signature of them will be necessary, unless obviated by the despatches we may sooner receive from them.