To Vergennes
ls: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; al (draft) and copy: Library of Congress
Passy June 27. 1781.
Sir,

Enclosed I send your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have just received from Mr Hartley, in which he expresses a Desire of making me a visit to talk about Peace, if it may be done with the Consent of the Ministry here. I should be glad to see him as my Friend and a Friend to America: but unless he were authorised by his Court to make Propositions, which I imagine may not be the Case, I do not see so clearly that Good may arise from his Visit, as that it may occasion much Speculation with Conjec-tures and false Reports, of which some may be attended with Inconvenience. I have not as yet made him any Answer, and will make him such as your Excellency's Prudence may advise; being with the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble Servant.

B Franklin

His Exy. Ct: De Vergennes
Endorsed: M. de R.
Notation: rep le 29 Juin
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