Howe, Richard Howe, Earl, 1726-1799 Official French copy of Benjamin Franklin-Richard Howe letters [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01670 Author/Creator: Howe, Richard Howe, Earl, 1726-1799 Place Written: Sandy Hook, New Jersey Type: Manuscript document Date: 20 June 1776 Pagination: 8 p. ; 32 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
First letter dated 20 June 1776, written aboard the Eagle off of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is from Admiral Richard Howe to Benjamin Franklin. Encloses official dispatches (not present) outlining his mission of peace with the colonies. Mentions in his postscript that his brother, General William Howe, will act as a fellow peace commissioner. Franklin replies on 30 July 1776 from Philadelphia. Refuses the offers of a pardon in the case of the colonies' surrender, as outlined in the official documents referred to by Howe. Rejects the idea of surrender and excoriates the British Empire for what he describes as its brutal treatment of the colonies. Would accept a peace agreement only if the colonies were to be considered a separate state. Regrets Howe's decision to embark upon war and to block America's trade routes. Considers the war against the colonies unjust. Ends by reiterating the impossibility of accepting Howe's terms.
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