: Benjamin Franklin [1785 
sition. With unchangeable esteem and affection, I 
am, my dear friend, ever yours, 
B. FRANKLIN. 
article, in the formation of which Dr. Franklin, as one of the American 
plenipotentiaries, was principally concerned, viz.: 
ARTICLE XXIII 
“If war should arise between the two contracting parties, the mer- 
chants of either country then residing in the other shall be allowed to 
remain nine months to collect their debts and settle their affairs, and 
may depart freely, carrying off all their effects without molestation or 
hindrance; and all women and children, scholars of every faculty, 
cultivators of the earth, artisans, manufacturers, and fishermen, un- 
armed and inhabiting unfortified towns, villages, or places, and in 
general all others whose occupations are for the common subsistence 
and benefit of mankind, shall be allowed to continue their respective 
employments, and shall not be molested in their persons, nor shall their 
houses and goods be burnt or otherwise destroyed, nor their fields 
wasted by the armed force of the enemy in whose power by the events 
of war they may happen to fall; but if any thing is necessary to be 
taken from them for the use of such armed force, the same shall be 
paid for at a reasonable price. And all merchants and trading vessels 
employed in exchanging the products of different places, and thereby 
rendering the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of human life 
more easy to be obtained, and more general, shall be allowed to pass 
free and unmolested; and neither of the contracting powers shall 
grant or issue any commission to any private armed vessels, empower- 
ing them to take or destroy such trading vessels, or interrupt such 
commerce.” 
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