Franklin gives peace a chance

Two letters in the hand of Benjamin Franklin, dating from 1782 and 1784 and both relating to the terms of the peace agreement between the newly independent USA and Britain that were being worked out during negotiations in Paris, provided the highest bids at Bonhams New York (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) on December 15.

Last seen at auction at Sotheby’s some 25 years ago, they sold at $150,000 (£113,635) and $70,000 …

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