easures as appeared to us suitable to
accomplish so desirable a purpose, as a friendship between nations so
circumstanced as to have it in their power to be extremely beneficial
to each other in promoting their mutual prosperity. And we propose to
continue our endeavors in every way consistent with the honor and
interest of both.

But we do not think it prudent, for many reasons, to express at
present any decided opinion concerning the project of a treaty, which
you have done us the honor to communicate to us.

We cannot, however, conclude without expressing our real disposition
to treat upon an object, which, besides laying the foundation of an
extensive commerce between the two countries, would have a very
forcible tendency to stop the effusion of human blood, and prevent the
further progress of the flames of war.

We have the honor to be, with the utmost respect, Sir, your most
obedient humble servant,

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO RALPH IZARD.

Passy, 26th September, 1778.

Sir,

Last evening we had the honor of an answer from the Count de Vergennes
to our letter respecting your goods. We enclose a copy of it to you,
and believe it will be advisable for you to wait on M. de Sartine;
perhaps he may, at first, recollect the article of the treaty, as M.
de Vergennes appears not to have done.

We have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.

Passy, September 26th, 1778.

Sir,

We had last evening the honor of your Excellency's letter of the 24th
of this month, in answer to ours of the 28th ult. relative to the
liberty for Americans to pass through this kingdom with their effects
in their way home, duty free, enclosing a copy of a letter from M.
Necker to your Excellency upon the same subject. We shall take the
liberty to pursue the rules prescribed by M. Necker, as t