56. SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN: RICHARD E. OSWALD (d. 1784) Scottish born merchant who settled in North America following the French and Indian War. His close connections with such luminaries Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, le compte de Vergennes, Adam Smith and the Earl of Shelburne caused him to become involved in diplomatic intrigues. When the British decided to formally treat with the United States for peace, Shelburne sent Oswald to Paris to negotiate with Franklin. Superb content A.L.S. 3pp. 4to. Fernay, Nov. 29, 1781, to noted double-agent Dr. Edward Bancroft, who acted as Franklin's secretary discussing the recent surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown together with other news concerning the changing political climate on the continent. Oswald writes to Bancroft, in part: "...A few days ago we received the Intelligence, which for some time before there had been reason to expect, of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis's Army. Such an event cannot but give great satisfaction to every well wisher to the American Cause; whether the British Ministry determines to proceed; or to desist from a Contest, in which there seems so little prospect of success & which in every aspect appears to have so little to recommend it. You will believe that I am not a little impatient to know what effect this calamity will have on the minds of People, & especially of those in office, in England. If any thing can, it should teach them to submit to Circumstances, & to desire peace on such terms as the Situation of things entitles them to expect. Yet I am far from concluding that they will think in the same way..." After reporting on developments during the Chenaux revolt in Switzerland and other diplomatic news he sends his "compliments at Passy", Franklin's home outside of Paris and asks if Franklin, "your friend there propose to continue in office?...". A superb, early mention of Yorktown in Europe with much more fine diplomatic content.$800-1,200