The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

Extract of a letter from Paris, Dec. 19.

The appearance of Mr. Franklin at this place has excited the curiosity of every Englishman here, and as many Frenchmen, who are in the least acquainted with his character. The Wits coffee house in the Rue de Comedie Francois, is deserted for the Cafe de Conti and descent de la Point Neuve, where Mr. Franklin and two American gentlemen, who accompanied him, frequent. He is treated with a great deal of politeness by the English in general, if I except what happened on Tuesday evening, when two English gentlemen came into the coffee house after dinner, heated with liquor, who being told Mr. Franklin was in the coffee room, began to use some expressions highly reflecting on the Americans, but two French gentlemen soothed them into silence, and soon after prevailed upon them to retire. I have seen Mr. Franklin and his companions at most of the public places and gardens, and was told they were at the ambassador's chapel on Sunday to hear prayers, but this I only give you on report. If you ask me how they are received at the French court, I shall briefly tell you I don't know, nor can I get any knowledge thereof. The French do not, like the English, publish to all the world what they do: their councils are secret, and their subjects very cautious in their political discourse of giving offence to government. In order to gratify your curiosity, I have made every enquiry, but am still in the dark with regard to what terms they are on with the French ministry; perhaps when they have left this place, I may know more about the matter, and perhaps before that time you will know it in England.