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Letter from Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley MP, 14th April 1782. Artist: Benjamin Franklin
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Letter from Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley MP, 14th April 1782. Artist: Benjamin Franklin
Letter from Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley MP, 14th April 1782. Letter written from Passy when Franklin was Minister from the United States to France suggesting that, if the new English Ministry (of Lord Rockingham) was disposed to treat for a general peace, Henry Laurens should be set at full liberty and should bring over propositions. Both Franklin and fellow American Laurens were included in a commission from Congress to conclude a peace, dated 15th June, 1781. The latter, when on a mission to the Netherlands to negotiate a loan, had been captured at sea and was a prisoner on parole in England. The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain and the United States was negotiated by Hartley with Franklin and the others, being signed at Paris, 3rd September, 1783. From the fifth series of Facsimiles of royal, historical, literary and other autographs in the Department of Manuscripts, British Museum: Series I-V. (London, 1899)
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Media ID 14910508
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Benjamin Benjamin Franklin Correspondence David Diplomacy Facsimile Franklin Hartley Henry Henry Laurens Laurens Letter Lord Negotiate Negotiating Negotiation Peace Peace Treaty Prisoner Signature Treaty Print Collector3 Rockingham
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a significant historical artifact - a letter from Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley MP, dated 14th April 1782. The artist himself, Benjamin Franklin, penned this letter while serving as the Minister from the United States to France in Passy. In it, Franklin proposes that if the new English Ministry under Lord Rockingham was willing to engage in peace negotiations, Henry Laurens should be released and allowed to bring forth propositions. Both Franklin and Laurens were appointed by Congress to conclude a peace agreement on behalf of America. However, during his mission to negotiate a loan in the Netherlands, Laurens was captured at sea and held as a prisoner on parole in England. This correspondence reveals Franklin's diplomatic efforts towards securing Laurens' freedom so that he could actively participate in the peace talks. The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain and the United States was eventually negotiated by Hartley with Franklin and others involved. It was signed on 3rd September 1783 in Paris. This particular print is part of the fifth series of Facsimiles of royal, historical, literary, and other autographs housed within the Department of Manuscripts at the British Museum. Through this image capture of an invaluable piece of history, we are granted insight into Benjamin Franklin's strategic diplomacy during a pivotal moment in American history - one that ultimately led to independence for the United States through peaceful means.
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