y go down to future ages,
of the obligations we are under to this nation. It is mighty well
received, and gives general pleasure. If the Congress approve of
it, as I hope they will, I may add something on the die (for
those to be struck hereafter) to shew that it was done by their
order, which I could not venture to do till I had authority for
it.

With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant,
B. FRANKLIN.

_____

_Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston._

To the Honourable
Robert R. LIVINGSTON, Passy, July 22, 1783.
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Sir: I made the Grand Master of Malta a present of one of our
medals in silver, writing to him a letter of which I enclose a
copy, and I believe our people will be kindly received in his
port.

With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant.
B. FRANKLIN.

_____

_Benjamin Franklin to the Grand Master of Malta._

To His Eminent Highness
THE GRAND MASTER OF MALTA. Passy, 6 April, 1783.

My Lord: I have the honour to address to Your Eminent Highness
the medal which I have lately had struck. It is an Homage of
gratitude, my Lord, which is due to the interest you have taken
in our cause and we no less owe it to your virtues and to Your
Eminent Highnesses wise Administration of Government.

Permit me, my Lord, to demand your protection for such of our
citizens as circumstances may lead to your ports. I hope that
Your Eminent Highness will be pleased to grant it to them and
kindly receive the assurances of the profound respect with which
I am, my Lord,

Your Eminent Highnesses most humble and most obedient servant,
B. FRANKLIN.

_____

_The Grand Master of Malta to Benjamin Franklin._ (p. 092)

To His Excellency
B. FRANKLIN. Malta, 21 June, 1783.

Sir: I received with the most lively sensibility the medal which
Your Excellency sent me, and the value I set upon this
acquisition leaves my grati