Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) to Charles Dumas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06402 Author/Creator: Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) Place Written: Passy (Paris), France Type: Letter signed Date: 6 August 1781 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.7 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Written shortly after his appointment as one of five commissioners to negotiate peace with England, Franklin complains about the limited assistance the Netherlands had given the United States during the American Revolution. Referring to the Dutch Revolution he notes: "[F]or tho' it was formerly in the same situation with us, and was glad of assistance from other nations, it does not seem to feel for us or to have the least inclination to help us." Also cites a comparison of Holland to a shop, commenting "I begin to think it has no other Principles or Sentiments but those of a Shopkeeper." Also discusses some correspondence with Congress and letter sealing methods. Dumas was a Dutch intellectual and colonial agent who was sympathetic to America's cause. Written in the hand of William Temple Franklin, Franklin's grandson who acted as his secretary in France.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Passy, Aug. 6. 1781.
Dear Sir,
I have receiv'd several Letters from you lately-enclosing others for the President of Congress, and for Spain, all of which are sealed & forwarded, except the last for the President contained in yours of the 26.th past, which shall go by the first opportunity. The Reading of those-Letters gave me much Information, and therefore - Pleasure: tho' since the fixing of M.r Adams there, I do not attend so much to the affairs of your Country as before, expecting indeed but little from it to our Advantage: For tho' it was formerly in the same Situation with us, and was glad of assistance from - other Nations, it does not seem to feel for us, or to - have the least Inclination to help us. It appears to want Magnanimity. Some Writer, I forget - who, says, that Holland is no longer a Nation, but a great Shop; and I begin to think it has no
Mr Dumas }
[2] other Principles or Sentiments but those of a Shopkeeper. You can judge of it better than me, - and I shall be happy to find myself mistaken. You will oblige me however by continuing the History either directly to me, or in your Letters to Congress; - but when you enclose a sealed Letter in another to me, please to observe to place the / second Seal on one Side, and not directly over the first; because the - Heat of the second is apt to deface the Impression of the first, and to attach the paper to it, so as to endanger tearing the enclos'd in opening the Cover.
With best Wishes for your Health & Prosperity,
I am ever, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend
and humble Servant
B Franklin
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