independence
acknowledged by Britain, until they had made all their uses of us. It
was easy for them to foresee difficulties in bringing Spain into a
peace on moderate terms, and that if we once found ourselves standing
on our own legs, our independence acknowledged, and all our other
terms ready to be granted, we might not think it our duty to continue
in the war for the attainment of Spanish objects. But, on the
contrary, as we were bound by treaty to continue the war till our
independence should be attained, it was the interest of France to
postpone that event, until their own views and those of Spain could be
gratified by a peace, and that I could not otherwise account for the
Minister's advising us to act in a manner inconsistent with our
dignity, and for reasons, which he himself had too much understanding
not to see the fallacy of.

The Doctor imputed this conduct to the moderation of the Minister, and
to his desire of removing every obstacle to speedy negotiations for
peace. He observed, that this Court had hitherto treated us very
fairly, and that suspicions to their disadvantage should not be
readily entertained. He also mentioned our instructions, as further
reasons for our acquiescence in the advice and opinion of the
Minister. A day or two afterwards I paid a visit to Mr Oswald, and had
a long conversation with him respecting his commission. On the
resignation of Mr Fox, many reports to the prejudice of Lord
Shelburne's sincerity, on the subject of American independence, had
spread through France as well as through Great Britain. His Lordship,
fearful of their effect on the confidence with which he wished to
inspire the American commissioners, conveyed by Mr Benjamin Vaughan to
Dr Franklin an extract of certain instructions to Sir Guy Carleton, of
which the following is a copy, viz.

"_June 25th, 1782._ It has been said, that 'great effects might be
obtained by something being done _spontaneously_ from England.' Upon
this and other considerations, his Majesty has been induced to give a
striking proof of his royal magnanimity and disinterested wish for the
restoration of peace, by commanding his Majesty's Ministers to direct
Mr Grenville, _that the independence of America should be proposed by
him in the first instance, instead of making it the condition of a
general peace_.

"I have given a confidential information to you of these particulars,
that you may take such measures as shall appear to you mo