To Henry Laurens (unpublished)
Passy, Augt. 21. 1783.
Dear Sir,

I do not doubt but you have written to some one or other of your Colleagues since your Arrival in England; and as we have heard nothing from you, I thought it necessary by a Line to inform you that none of your Letters are come to hand.

After making and sending over many Propositions of ours and of Mr. Hartley’s, and long Delays of Answers, it is come finally to this, that the Ministers propose our signing as a Definitive Treaty the Preliminary Articles, with no Alteration or Addition, except a Paragraph of Preamble setting forth that the following Articles had been agreed to, and a concluding Paragraph confirming them. Thus I suppose the Affair will be concluded. Wishing Health and Happiness to you and yours, I am ever, with sincere and great Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.

B. Franklin

Honble. H. Laurens Esqr
Addressed: Honble. Henry Laurens Esqr / at / Bath / Per favour of / Mr. Hartley
Endorsed: Doctor Franklin. Augt 21st. 1783. Receivd. 26. Answd. 27th
640136 = 040-u225.html