To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 17th, 1782, 129

England appears disposed to evade the acknowledgement of
independence.--Visit from Sir William Jones, who desires
letters of recommendation for America.--Probable objects
of his proposed visit.--Note from the Count de Vergennes
to Dr Franklin, on Mr Oswald's powers.--Conference
between the Count de Vergennes and Messrs Franklin and
Jay; Mr Jay objects to treating with Mr Oswald, under a
commission styling the United States Colonies; opinion
of the Court assented to by Dr Franklin, that that was
no ground of objection.--Conversation on the same
subject between Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.--Extracts from
the instructions to Sir Guy Carleton, transmitted by
Lord Shelburne to Dr Franklin.--Conversation with Mr
Oswald on this subject.--Form of a commission to Mr
Oswald proposed by Mr Jay, recognising the colonies as
independent States.--Further conversation with the Count
de Vergennes on the same subject.--Extract of a letter
from Mr Townshend to Mr Oswald (Whitehall, September
1st, 1782), declaring that the negotiations were
intended to be carried on in Europe, and on the basis of
unconditional independence.--Mr Jay, in conversation
with Mr Oswald, points out the inconsistency of this
with General Carleton's instructions, and attributes it
to French influence; it is for the interest of England
to treat with America as an independent State.--Letter
from Mr Jay to Mr Oswald, stating his objections to his
commission.--Dr Franklin objects to the letter.--Letter
from Mr Jay to the Count d'Aranda (Paris, June 25th,
1782), acquainting him with his readiness to enter upon
the negotiations.--Letter from Count d'Aranda to Mr Jay
(Paris, June 27th, 1782), expressing a wish to see
him.--Conversation between Mr Jay and Count d'Aranda on
the western boundary.--The Count sends Mr Jay his
proposed boundary line.--Conversation with M. Rayneval,
in which Mr Jay declines treating with the Count
d'Aranda, without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay assures the
Count d'Aranda that the Mississippi is the ultimatum of
America; objections of the Count.--Letter from M.
Rayneval to Mr J