76 APPENDIX TO BRITISH COUNTER CASE. 



calls himself the minister of the people, and it is certain that his pop- 

 ularity is lately much increased. Lord Shelburne seems to wish to 

 have the management of the treaty, Mr. Fox seems to think, in his 

 department. I hear that the understanding between these ministers 

 is not quite perfect. Mr. Grenville is clever, and seems to feel reason 

 as readily as Mr. Oswald, though not so ready to own it. Mr. Oswald 

 appears quite plain and sincere; I sometimes a little doubt Mr. Gren- 

 ville. Mr. Oswald, an old man, seems to have no desire but that of 

 being useful in doing good. Mr. Grenville, a young man, naturally 

 desirous of acquiring reputation, seems to aim at that of being an able 

 negociator. Mr. Oswald does not solicit to have any share in the 

 business, but, submitting the matter to Lord Shelburne and me. ex- 

 presses only his willingness to serve if we think he may be useful, 

 and is equally willing to be excused if we judge there is no occasion 

 for him. Mr. Grenville seems to think the whole negociation com- 

 mitted to him, and to have no idea of Mr. Oswald's being concerned 

 in it, and is, therefore, willing to extend the expressions in his com- 

 mission so as to make them comprehend America, and this beyond 

 what I think they will bear. I imagine we might, however, go on 

 very well with either of them, though I rather should prefer Oswald ; 

 but I apprehend difficulties if they are both employed, especially if 

 there is any misunderstanding between their principals. I must, 

 however, write to Lord Shelburne, proposing something in conse- 

 quence of his offer of vesting Mr. Oswald with any commission which 

 that gentleman and I should think proper. 



[1782, June 19: The British Enabling Act, 22 Geo. Ill, cap. 46, was 

 passed: see appendix to British Case, p. 554-] 



47 No. 41. 1782, June 26: Extract from Dr. Franklin's Journal. 



Went to see Mr. Oswald. I showed him the draft of a letter to be 

 addressed to him instead of Lord Shelburne, respecting the commis- 

 sion or public character he might hereafter be vested with ; this draft 

 was founded on Lord Shelburne's memorandums, which Mr. Oswald 

 had shown to me. and this letter was intended to be communicated by 

 him to Lord Shelburne. Mr. Oswald liked the mode, but rather chose 

 that no mention should be made of his having shown me Lord Shel- 

 burne's memorandums, though he thought they were given to him 

 for that purpose. So I struck that part out, and new-modelled the 

 letter, which I sent him next day, as follows : 



PASSY, June 27, 1182. 

 To RICHARD OSWALD, 



SIB : Th.e opinion I have of your candor, probity, and good understanding, 

 and good will to both countries, made me hope you would have been vested 

 with the character of plenipotentiary to treat with those from America. When 

 Mr. Grenville produced his first commission, which was only to treat with 

 France, I did imagine that the other to treat with us was reserved for you, 

 and kept only till the enabling bill should be passed. Mr. Grenville has since 

 received a second commission, which, as he informs me. has additional words, 

 empowering him to treat with the ministers of any other prince or state whom 



