: 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 merchants
 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, unarmed
 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, empowering
 them to take or destroy such trading vessels, or interrupt such
commerce.”

262