I could not with any satisfaction avoid informing My Friend Doctor Franklin that Lord Howe continues as respectable a Character at this hour, as when we last parted—a Hint, that I thought, in every point of view, consistant for me to comunicate to my respectable Friend, at this critical Conjuncture; with this addition, that whatever the Mission of Lord Howe may prove, I am firmly persuaded, that, it will not be for want of Inclination in him, should the Ollive Branch not rise superior to the direful Din of War. In this Sentiment, I am not alone, as my much valued and able fellow Labourer in the desireable Work of Peace, most cordially joins me and however the M:D: and myself differ in Opinion from others, we daily have the satisfaction of hearing from all Parties Approbation of the Man, who, we have wish’d, should wear the Laurels, by reuniting the Colonies to the Mother Country—an Achievement deserving of more Honours, and which, must be productive of more heartfelt Satisfaction to a Good Man, than the Destruction of an Armada. I am Thy respectful Friend,