PARIS 1776-1785, by Benjamin Franklin

hand. I therein ask'd your Counsel about my coming to England. On

Reflection, I think I can, from my Knowledge of your Prudence,

foresee what it will be, viz. not to come too soon, lest it should

seem braving and insulting some who ought to be respected. I shall,

therefore, omit that Journey till I am near going to America, and

then just step over to take Leave of my Friends, and spend a few days

with you. I purpose bringing Ben with me, and perhaps may leave him

under your Care.

At length we are in Peace, God be praised, and long, very long,

may it continue. All Wars are Follies, very expensive, and very

mischievous ones. When will Mankind be convinced of this, and agree

to settle their Differences by Arbitration? Were they to do it, even

by the Cast of a Dye, it would be better than by Fighting and

destroying each other.

Spring is coming on, when Travelling will be delightful. Can

you not, when your children are all at School, make a little Party,

and take a Trip hither? I have now a large House, delightfully

situated, in which I could accommodate you and two or three Friends,

and I am but half an Hour's Drive from Paris.

In looking forward, Twenty-five Years seems a long Period, but,

in looking back, how short! Could you imagine, that 'tis now full a

Quarter of a Century since we were first acquainted? It was in 1757.

During the greatest Part of the Time, I lived in the same House with

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