and, I have the pleasure to tell you, that Mr. Laurens is already discharged from those engagements which he entered into, when he was admitted to bail.
"It is also determined that Mr. Fox, from whose department that communication is necessarily to proceed, shall send a proper person, who may confer and settle immediately with M. de Vergennes the further measures and proceedings which may be judged proper to adopt, towards advancing the prosecution of this important business. In the meantime Mr. Oswald is instructed to communicate to you my thoughts upon the principal objects to be settled.
"Transports are actually preparing for the purpose of conveying your prisoners to America, to be there exchanged, and we trust that you will learn that due attention has not been wanting to their accommodation and good treatment."[1]
After reading the above letter Franklin informed Oswald of the passage in which he was referred to Oswald for the sentiments of Shelburne. In reply Oswald once more acquainted Franklin of the unanimous disposition of the Ministry to peace, and added that a good deal of confidence was reposed in the character enjoyed by Franklin for open dealing, and that it was believed in England that he still retained some affection and regard for the mother country, which it was hoped might appear on this occasion. He then, after detailing the views of Shelburne in conformity with his instructions, proceeded to mention the paper of notes, and informed Franklin of what had recently passed on that subject. At the same time while returning the paper he expressed his own personal conviction that it had nevertheless made an impression, and that if the matter were not given an undue prominence during the early stages of the negotiation, a settlement satisfactory to America might still be ultimately arrived at, in regard to the cession of Canada and Nova Scotia.
In conclusion he acquainted Franklin that as the new
- ↑ Shelburne to Franklin, April 28th, 1782. Franklin's Works, viii. 483. Mr. Laurens was exchanged for Lord Cornwallis.
