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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01588 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1776 |
| Title | George Washington to Benjamin Franklin on the belated peace initiatives of the Howe brothers and experiments with submersibles |
| Date | July 1776 |
| Author | Washington, George (1732-1799) |
| Recipient | Franklin, Benjamin |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or shortly after July 30, when Franklin's response to Howe was delivered. This letter responds to two letters from Franklin, one commended Washington for his work with the inventor Joseph Belton to construct a submarine, while the other (now lost) was a copy of his response on behalf of Congress to the peace offer of the Admiral Richard and General William Howe. The Howes, claiming to be peace commissioners, offered pardon to everyone who disavowed the Declaration of Independence. But the Howes were too late in their offers. Washington writes: "Within these few days I have been favour'd with two Letters from you. The first cover'd one to Lord Howe which with equal confidence I should have sent locked under a Seal. The only difference is, that I have had an opportunity of perusing Sentiments which cannot but be admired. The Second, recommending the scheme of [blank; i.e., Joseph Belton] when I have given every aid in my power to bring his project to maturity." See Franklin Papers 22: 518-21 for Franklin's letter to Howe. Belton abandoned his work on submersibles, possibly because of David Bushnell's successful experiments. |
| Subjects | President Revolutionary War Military History Diplomacy Global History and Civics Science and Technology Navy Maritime |
| People | Washington, George (1732-1799) Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) Howe, William Howe, Viscount (1729-1814) Howe, Richard Howe, Earl (1726-1799) Belton, Joseph (fl. 1776) |
| Place written | New York |
| Theme | The American Revolution; The Presidency; Foreign Affairs; Naval & Maritime; Science, Technology, Invention |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Signer of the U.S. Constitution. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Related documents | Print of George Washington with a poem in French |
| Transcript | Show/hide |