jesty's good offices, as was
intended by the treaty.

There is another thing that has occurred of late, on which we have the
honor to request your Excellency's advice. There are many Americans in
England, and in other parts of Europe, some of whom are excellent
citizens, and who wish for nothing so much as to return to their
native country, and to take their share in her fortune, whatever that
may be, but are apprehensive of many difficulties in recovering their
property.

Whether it will be practicable and consistent with his Majesty's
interest to prescribe any mode by which Americans of the above
description may be permitted to pass through this Kingdom with their
apparel, furniture, plate, and other effects, not merchandise for sale
here, without paying duties, we submit to his wisdom.

We likewise request of your Excellency a passport for such cartel ship
as shall be employed by the English in sending our people, who are
their prisoners, to France to be exchanged. They propose Calais as the
port at which the exchange may be made, but as the prisoners we have
are at Brest, and the expense of removing them to Calais would be
considerable, we should be glad that the passport would permit the
landing of our people as near Brest as may be, without danger of
inconveniency to the State.

We have the honor to be, with respect, your Excellency's, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

DECLARATION

_Of Count de Vergennes, annulling the Eleventh and Twelfth Articles of
the Commercial Treaty with France._

Translation.

The General Congress of the United States of North America having
represented to the king, that the execution of the 11th article of the
treaty of amity and commerce, signed the 6th of February last, might
be productive of inconveniencies, and having, therefore, desired the
suppression of this article, consenting in return that the 12th
article shall likewise be of no effect; his Majesty, in order to give
a new proof of his affection, as also of his desire to consolidate the
union and good correspondence established between the two States, has
been pleased to consider their representations. His Majesty has
con