the people. But I cannot advise or countenance your going. thither with the expectation you mention. With great esteem, I have the honor to be, &c. B. FRANKLIN. To SIR EDWARD NEWENHAM, BART. DUBLIN. SIR, Passy, May 27, 1779. . I should sooner have sent this passport, but that I hoped to have had the other from this court in time to send with it. If you should stay a few days in England, and will let me know how it may be directed to you, I can send It to you per post. I received some time since a letter from a person at Belfast, informing me that a great number of people in those parts were desirous of going to settle in America, if pass ports could be obtained for them and their effects, and referring me to you for future information. I shall always be ready to afford every assistance and security in my power to such undertakings, when they are really meant, and are not merely schemes of trade with views of introducing English manufactures into America, under pretence of their being the substance of persons going there to settle. I admire the spirit with which I see the Irish are at length determined to claim some share of that freedom of commerce, which is the right of all mankind, but which they have been so long deprived of by the abominable selfishness of their fellow-subjects. To enjoy all the advantages of the ́climate, soil, and situation in which God and nature have placed us, is as clear a right as that of breathing; and can never be justly taken from men but as a punishment for some atrocious crime. The English have long seemed to think it a right which none could have but themselves. Their injustice has already cost them dear, and if persisted in, will be their ruin. I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. TO GENERAL GATES. Chevalier de Ramondis-Capitulation of Saratoga-Dis DEAR SIR, sensions in America. Passy, June 2, 1779. I received your obliging letter by the Chevalier de Ramondis, who appears extremely sensible of the civilities he received at Boston, and very desirous of being serviceable to the American cause: his wound is not yet right, as he tells me there is a part of the bone still to be cut off. But he is otherwise well and cheerful, and has a great respect for you. The pride of England was never so humbled by any thing as by your capitulation of Saratoga: they have not yet got over it, though a little elevated this spring by their success against the French commerce. But the growing apprehension of having Spain too upon their hands, has lately brought them down to an humble seriousness that begins to appear even in ministerial discourses, and the papers of ministerial writers. All the happy effects of that transaction for America, are not generally known: I may some time or other acquaint the world with some of them. When shall we meet again in cheerful converse, talk over our adventures, and finish with a quiet game of chess? The little dissensions between particular states in America * Oct. 17, 1777. are much magnified in England, and they once had great hopes from them. I consider them with you as the effects of apparent security, which do not affect the grand points of independence, and adherence to treaties; and which will vanish at a renewed appearance of danger. This court continues heartily our friend, and the whole nation are warm in our favor; excepting only a few West Indians, and merchants in that trade, whose losses make them a little uneasy. With sincere and great esteem and affection, I am ever, dear Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO RICHARD BACHE, ESQ. (Dr. Franklin's son-in-law.). Respecting his enemies in America-His grandsons, &c. Passy, June 2, 1779. I am very easy about the efforts Messrs. L. and are using (as you tell me) to injure me on that side of the water. I trust in the justice of the congress that they will listen to no accusations against me, that I have not first been acquainted with, and had an opportunity of answering. I know those gentlemen have plenty of ill-will to me, though I have never done to either of them the smallest injury, or given the least just cause of offence. But my too great reputation and the general good-will this people have for me, the respect they show me, and even the compliments they make me, all grieve those unhappy gentlemen; unhappy indeed in their tempers, and in the dark uncomfortable passions of jealousy, anger, suspicion, envy, and malice. It is enough for good minds to be affected at other people's misfortunes ; but they that are vexed at every body's good luck, can never be happy: I take no other revenge of such enemies, than to let them remain in the miserable situation in which their malignant natures have placed them, by endeavoring to support an estimable character; and thus by continuing the reputation, the world has hitherto indulged me with, I shall continue them in their present state of damnation; and I am not disposed to reverse my conduct for the alleviation of their torments. I am surprised to hear that my grandson, Temple Franklin, being with me, should be an objection against me, and that there is a cabal for removing him. Methinks it is rather some merit that I have rescued a valuable young man from the danger of being a tory, and fixed him in honest republican whig principles; as I think from the integrity of his disposition, his industry, his early sagacity, and uncommon abilities for business, he may in time become of great service to his country. It is enough that I have lost my son,' would they add my grandson? An old man of seventy, I undertook a winter voyage at the command of the congress, and for the public service, with no other attendant to take care of me. I am continued here in a foreign country, where, if I am sick, his filial attention comforts me, and, if I die, I have a child to close my eyes and take care of my remains. His dutiful behavior towards me, and his diligence and fidelity in business, are both pleasing and useful to me. His conduct as my private secretary has been unexceptionable, and I am confident the congress will never think of separating us. 2 1 have had a great deal of pleasure in Ben too. 'Tis a good honest lad, and will make, I think, a valuable man. He had made as much proficiency in his learning as the boarding ! Governor Franklin. 2 Mr. Bache's eldest son. years, you may now call me 66. Advise those old friends of ours to follow my example; keep up your spirits and that will keep up your bodies; you will no more stoop under the weight of age than if you had swallowed a handspike. But it is right to abate a little in the article of labor; and therefore as your demonstrations of midwifery "are useful, and it is a pity you should give them up, for want of subjects in the lying-in wards,” I advise you to get some of your young pupils to help you. 9 I am glad the Philosophical Society made that compliment to Mr. Gerard. I wish they would do the same to Mr. Feutry, a worthy gentleman here; and to Dr. Ingenhausz, who has made some great discoveries lately respecting the leaves of trees in improving air for the use of animals: he will send you his book. He is physician to the empress queen. I have not yet seen your piece on inoculation. Remember me respectfully and affectionately to Mrs. Bond, your children, and all friends. I am ever, yours, B. FRANKLIN. P.S. I have bought some valuable books which I intend to present to the society; but shall not send them till safer times. TO DR. COOPER, Boston. Relative to his grandson.—The alliance with France, &c. DEAR SIR, Passy, March 16, 1780. I received your kind favor by Captain Chavagnes, which I communicated to the minister of marine, who was much pleased with the character you give of the captain. I have also yours of Nov. 12, by your grandson, who appears a very promising lad, in whom I think you will have much |