LS signed “B. Franklin,” one page, 7 x 9, May 24, 1782. An important letter, written as Minister to France and hand addressed to “Madame A. Ogle, Dame anglaise.” In full: “Madam, I received the letter you did me the Honor of writing to me some time since, and did apply for the permission you desired, which was promised me. Having heard nothing of it, I imagined it had been sent directly to Boulogne. I have just received your second letter, of the 21st. Instant, and shall immediately apply again. I suppose it has been forgotten, as I cannot imagine that there is any objection to it, and I have no doubt of obtaining it. I am, with Respect, Madam, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, B. Franklin.” Archivally cloth matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Franklin, to an overall size of 31.5 x 21.5. At this time of this letter, Franklin was in preliminary peace negotiations with British representative Richard Oswald. In the spring of 1782 Franklin had been informally negotiating with Shelburne, secretary of state for the home department, through the medium of Richard Oswald, a Scotch merchant, and had suggested that England should cede Canada to the United States in return for the recognition of loyalist claims by the states. When the formal negotiations began Franklin held closely to the instructions of Congress to its commissioners, that they should maintain confidential relations with the French ministers and that they were “to undertake nothing in the negotiations for peace or truce without their knowledge and concurrence,” and were ultimately to be governed by “their advice and opinion.” Jay and Adams disagreed with him on this point, believing that France intended to curtail the territorial aspirations of the Americans for her own benefit and for that of her ally, Spain. At last, after the British government had authorized its agents to treat with the commissioners as representatives of an independent power, thus recognizing American independence before the treaty was made. Mrs. Ogle was the sister of Franklin’s old friend, Colonel Benjamin Tasker. In very good condition, minor water damage, light ink erosion to signature repaired on the reverse, and light soiling along the folds, and partial red wax seal remaining. An impressive addition to any important historical collection. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA, COA PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
