THE last letter Franklin wrote to America from France
as to Jane Mecom. Since his resignation of his post as
minister plenipotentiary, he was the most celebrated private
citizen in the world. At St. Germain, twelve miles from Paris,
he wrote on July 13, 1785, that he had set out "yesterday after-
noon, and am here on my way to Havre de Grace, a seaport,
in order to embark for America. I make use of one of the
king's litters carried by mules, who walk steadily and easily,
so that I bear the motion very well. I am to be taken on board
a Philadelphia ship on the coast of England ( Captain Trux-
tun) the beginning of next month. . . . As I may not have
another opportunity before my arrival in Philadelphia (if it
please God I do arrive), I write these particulars to go by
way of England, that you may be less uneasy about me. I
did my last public act in this country just before I set out,
which was signing a treaty of amity and commerce with
Prussia. I have continued to work till late in the day; 'tis time
I should go home, and go to bed. . . . Though going to my
own country, I leave this with regret, having received so much
kindness in it, from all ranks of people. Temple and Benjamin
[Bache] are with me, and send their dutiful respects."

The letter was sent to the New England Coffee House in
London "to go per first ship," but it did not reach Jane Mecom

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