2. Benjamin Franklin [1784 
of instructions for making a treaty of commerce, 
but they do not come, and I begin to suspect none 
are intended; though perhaps the delay is only oc- 
casioned by the over-great burden of business at 
present on the shoulders of your ministers. We do 
not press the matter, but are content to wait till 
they can see their interest respecting America more 
clearly, being certain that we can shift as well as 
you without a treaty 
The conjectures I sent you concerning the cold of 
last winter still appear to me probable. The moder- 
ate season in Russia and Canada does not weaken 
them. I think our frost here began about the 24th 
of December; in America, the 12th of January. I 
thank you for recommending to me Mr. Arbuthnot; 
I have had pleasure in his conversation. I wish 
much to see the new pieces you had in hand. I con- 
gratulate you on the return of your wedding-day, and 
wish for your sake and Mrs. Vaughan’s that you may 
see a great many of them, all as happy as the first. 
I like the young stranger very much. He seems 
sensible, ingenious, and modest, has a good deal 
of instruction, and makes judicious remarks. He 
will probably distinguish himself advantageously. I 
have not yet heard from Mr. Nairne. 
Dr. Price’s pamphlet of advice to America is a 
good one and will do good. You ask “what remedy 
I have for the growing luxury of the country, which 
gives so much offence to all English travellers without 
exception.” I answer that I think it exaggerated, 
and that travellers are no good judges whether our 
luxury is growing or diminishing. Our people are 
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