1Arthur Lee to Abigail Adams, 23 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
I arrived in Philadelphia this day and had the honor of receiving your Commands of the 9th. Tho’ we were exceedingly desirous of the assistance of Mr. Adams in what yet remains to be done in Europe; yet his Letters were so pressing, that the Committee to whom they were referrd coud not resist reporting in favor of his resignation. Congress have not yet considerd that report; but I think Madam,...
2To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 13 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter I recievd yesterday, dated Paris, Decr 14. from a Gentleman exceedingly well acquainted with the Politics of St James’s, is this passage—"The acknowledgment of American Independency gives a right to Neutral Powers to trade directly to America. This will be a great advantage shoud the War continue, of which I think there is little probability. Europe seems to be in a disposition for...
3To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 1 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you some late proceedings by which you will perceive that Mr. Laurens is to be made a victim if possible to the system of throwing every thing into one man’s hands. By these votes you will judge pretty accurately who are Devotees to this unjust, unwise, and irrepublican system. Except that of N. Y. where one of the ays was from policy given against the motion of which he was probably...
4To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 7 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a long letter of the 30th. Decr. 1780 to which I have not yet receivd any answer. But I cannot help writing a line to you by this opportunity, as well to congratulate you on the success of your negociations in Holland as to mention to you what I think may be of material concern to you; that the present minister for foreign affairs is as devoted a partizan of Count de Vergennes and...
5To James Madison from Arthur Lee, [24 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text (New York Book and Art Auction Company Catalogue No. 75, 1–2 March 1939). Addressed to “Honble. James Madison, Esqr., in Congress, Philadelphia.” The letter is unsigned, but JM docketed it, “May 24, 1782. A. Lee.” The above Resolves are directed to be sent to you as Instructions. They wait the confirmation of the Senate which has not yet formed a House, but will I hope effect it...
6To James Madison from Arthur Lee, 16 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (University of Virginia Library). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison Esqr. in Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “A. Lee.” I am extremely obligd to you, my dear Sir, for yr. favor of the —— together with the letter enclosd, which you were so good as to forward. It seems to me that the Party in G. Britain who flatter themselves, at this period of the contest, with being able to...
7To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose your Excellency the latest account that has been received here of European Politics. The Governor of Virginia writes us— that a Vessel just arrived from the W. Indies informs, that Count de Grasse has totally defeated the English fleet; taken or destroyd 4 sail of the line, & 100 sail of Transports with 3,000 Troops on board. His Letter is dated the 23d ult. I beg my respects to Mrs...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 13 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
In your retird situation it will not I hope be disagreable to you to hear what is going on at this place. You will see in what state our western Country rests in Congress, by the Extract that I shall subjoin. The report has not been taken up because the Enemy think they shall acquire an accession of strength, by their usual arts, and by the admission of Vermont, as a state. On our part, not...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 15 Dec. 1780 . Introducing “the Marquis de Laval and the Count de Custine, two Officers of rank in M. de Rochambeau’s Army; and of the first distinction in France.” RC ( NNP ); 1 p. See La Luzerne to TJ, 18 Dec. 1780 , note.
10To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 11 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The manifest necessity of an immediate supply of money for the public service, & the difficulty I am sure there will be in obtaining it from the Court of Versailles, induce me to suggest to your Excellency that, in my judgment, nothing will promote the attainment of it more than your opinion made known to that Court, of its being indispensible to the continuance of the War. The very high...
11Arthur Lee to Committee of Congress, 27 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
FC (Harvard University Library). The remainder of the Furniture, of which you ask the particulars, consists of Knives, Forks Spoons, plates & table Linnen, with two Iron travelling bedsteds, Mattresses & Sheets. The exact quantity of these things I do not know, but they cannot be of much value; being broken Setts, & having been usd for upwards of three years. I have the honor to be with the...
12Arthur Lee to Committee of Congress, 21 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 78, XIV, 375, 378). I had the honor of receiv’g this day at 1 O C. P.M. a Note from you desiring a sight of my Expenditures on public Account, that you may be enabled to report the proper disposition of them for Liquidation In conformity to your desire, I now send you the Accounts, & will wait upon you immediately if it suit your conveniency, with the Vouchers referrd to in...
13To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 28 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Having come here to converse with the worthy Governor, an opportunity of his Dispatch is afforded me of writing you a single line to inform you of my having left Mrs. Adams and all your friends well a few days since. Mr. Hancock is chosen Governor, much owing to your absence and the in-attention of those who wish well to their Country and will probably repent of their inactivity. Measures are...
14To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 10 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have but one moment to tell you, that I left Mrs. Adams your Children, General and Mrs. Warren in good health four days ago. I shall soon set out for Philadelphia. Hancock is chosen Governor, owing cheifly to your absence. I paid a visit to Mrs. Dana at Cambrige, who with her Children are well. Please to remember me to her Husband. Mr. S. A. is at Congress, which is very thin. They have...
15To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 14 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
By the enclosed copy of a Letter I have sent Capt. Jones you will see that the dispute between him and Capt. Landais, is come to an alarming higth. The latter went on board the Alliance yesterday and has the command of her. The former has claimd the protection of the governing powers here, who will not employ force unless they have an express order for it from Above, or they come to blows on...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 13 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives The Passport you gave me being expird & useless; I shall be obligd to you for sending me another. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, Yr. most obedt. Humble. Servt. Addressed: The Honble / Doctor Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary / from the United States / at / Passi Notation: A. Lee L’Orient June 13. 1780....
17To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 9 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; AL (draft): National Archives I have now waited here three months for the Alliance, & see no probability of her sailing. The discontent of the Crew has increasd to such a degree, as in my judgment to threaten the most ruinous consequences, if their demands are not satisfyd. I feel it as a duty to the Public to give you this information; & have the...
18To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 5 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am obligd to you for your favor of the 25th. ultimo. The enclosd was an old Letter of the 13 Sepr. 1779. I lament with you the impediments which are studiously thrown in the way of all confidential communication with America on the transactions in Europe, except thro’ a particular channel. All persons begin now to be persuaded, that the Alliance was never intended for America, and that all...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 13 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of sending you by Major John G. Frazer, the great Seal for the State, which I before informd you I had engraved at Paris. This is the first direct opportunity I have had since it was finished. I have the honor to be &ca FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); in Lee’s hand, unsigned; at head of text: “His Excelly. the Govr. of Virginia.” Great seal : see note to Lee to TJ, 4 Sep. 1779 .
20To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 12 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for yours of the 31st. which I received by Capt. Landais. You will have perceived by my last, that what you write relative to an application to Mr. Grand was what struck me upon reflection. Far from wishing to involve you with such People, I am clearly of opinion that it never will be for your honor or interest, or those of the public, to have any connection with them. The...
21To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 26 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have but one moment to thank you, for your favor with one from London enclosd which I received on my return from Brest. We are likely to be detaind here by the prize-money for the Serapis &c. not being paid, without which the Crew of the Alliance threaten a Mutiny. If, as I apprehend it may, the application I requested you to make to Mr. G rand should at all interfere with your plan, which I...
22To John Jay from Arthur Lee, 17 March 1780 (Jay Papers)
I had not the honor of receiving your favor dated Cadis, the 26 th . of Jany. ’till this day & at this place, where I am to embark as soon as the Alliance is ready. Your Letter had a double Seal upon it, the undermost seeming to be a head, & the one above a Coat of Arms, but what I cannot clearly make out. I mention this that you may judge whether these Seals were of your applying. Give me...
23To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 15 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
By the bursting of the Lock of one of my trunks on the journey, I was so unfortunate as to lose the packet of M. Gerards Letters; among which was that you copied, and of which I must beg you to send me an authenticated Copy. Since my arrival here, I receivd a Packet from Congress which came by the Confederacy. In that is the Copy of one of the most false and wicked Papers I have read upon the...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 29 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have found not only the Original of the Treaty of Alliance, but that too of the separate & secret Act, both which I have now the honor of sending you. They were seald up together with my Copies which made them escape my observation before. I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem & respect Sir Yr. most Obedt. Humbl...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee and Ralph Izard, 18 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives Being desirous of returning to america we request that the Alliance may be orderd to convey us thither. We are induced to desire this not only from a regard to our own safety but also from a sense of the dishonor it woud reflect on our Country to have persons returning from the employments we have filled in her service, made prisoners in trading Vessels or obliged to...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing you a Letter from our worthy friend Mr. Fabroni. A powerful fleet of 18 Sail of the Line and 4000 troops has just left Brest for the W. Indies to restore the superiority of this Country in that quarter. The Enemy’s fleet has been successful on the coast of Spain in taking some Spanish men of war and a number of transports laden with naval stores, but as there is a...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 29 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives I find that there remain scarce fifty pounds of the funds that were in my hands, & my inevitable expences in quitting this place & returning to my Country, will I apprehend amount to four or five hundred. If the state of the public funds in your disposal will permit you to furnish me with that Sum it will save me from very great difficulties & distress. I have the...
28To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 4 December 1779 (Adams Papers)
You had an opportunity of seeing the commencement of this business of Jones and the Alliance, of which I enclose you the suite. Capt. Landais has been orderd from Amsterdam to Passy by Dr. Franklin where the Doctor, M. Chaumont and Dr. Bancroft have held a Court of Enquiry upon his conduct, and their report, I am told, is to be transmitted to Congress. In the mean time Jones has taken...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 13 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am persuaded that when I state to you my situation, you will see the justice and necessity of contriving some immediate means of re-imbursing me the Advances I have made for the State. In consequence of these, the funds in my hands which were to support my Ambassy, are almost entirely exhausted, and Dr. Franklin refuses to supply me out of the funds in his disposal. The consequence of this...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 8 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You had the goodness to inform me on the 17th. ult. that Count de Vergennes had chargd himself with enquiring whether it woud be agreable to the spanish Court that I shoud propose concluding the Treaty with them. I beg the favor of you now, to let me know whether you have receivd any & what answer to this enquiry. I have the honor to be with much respect...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 28 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate my Country on the choice of your Excellency to preside over its welfare. I always saw with very great pleasure that one of whose integrity, talents, and prudence, I had so high an opinion, stood among the foremost in support of our cause. Your Excellency will see by the Papers I have had the honor of transmitting to Governor Henry what I have advanced, and how I...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee: Two Letters, 26 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives Mr Lee has the honor of presenting his Compts. to Dr. Franklin; & of forwarding the enclosd, which came in Mr Lovell’s letter to him. It has pleasd Congress to continue me as their Commissioner to the Court of Spain, without making any alteration, that has come...
33To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 24 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I cannot omit this opportunity of congratulating you, on your being again in the bosom of those you love; after delays so many and so mortifying. I have signifyd my hope to our firm friend , that you will be immediately sent to Congress as a Member, where I hope you and M. de la Luzerne will be able to put a stop to those unworthy proceedings, by which little and malignant Spirits joind with...
34Arthur Lee to [William Temple Franklin], 9 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives Mr. L. thanks Mr. Franklin for the Pacquets he was so good as to forward to him. They contain only the Journals of Congress & old Newspapers without any Letter. Mr. L. will be obligd to Mr. F. for letting him know if he can have it, by what vessel they came, to what Port & when She saild.
35To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 4 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not until the 7th. of July 1779. that I received your favor of the 9th. of July 1778. It was open, without any seal, nor was the memorandum you mention enclosed. All this I suppose arose from Mr. Anderson and his Vessel having been captured by the Enemy. It gives me very singular concern, that I was thus deprived of an opportunity of serving you which woud have given me the greatest...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 14 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: National Archives A decent time having now elaps’d, since the declaration of his Catholic Majesty against the King of great Britain; it seems proper to apply to the spanish Court, to know whether they are inclind to enter into the Alliance, which Congress have agreed to. At the same time it appears to me, that to ask Count de...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 10 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I had the honor of receiving your Letter of yesterday in which you inform me, that Messrs. Bayard, Chaumont, & Montieu were the Merchants you alluded to in your Letter to my Brother, & that you understood their terms were those proposed by Virginia. The first of these Gentlemen, who never applied to me, I understand is a...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 8 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have just receivd a Letter from my Brother in Germany informing me of your having written to him, that— “When Capt. Lemaire came over last year & made known here the wants of Virginia, you found three different Merchants of ability, who offerd each of them separately to supply the whole”— I shall be very much obligd to you...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr A. Lee returns his Compts to Dr. Franklin; & will have the honor of waiting upon him on the 5th. of July. Mr Lee will be very much obligd to Dr. Franklin, if he will order an authenticated copy to be made for him, of the Letter, from the Commissioners, to Count de Vergennes, on the agreement with Hortalez & Co., dated Passi Sepr. 10th. 1778 with a copy of...
40To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 15 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
Desirous as I am of returning you my thanks for the very honorable proof you have given me of your esteem; I cannot wish that this may find you in Port. I am not under the least apprehensions of their succeeding for any time against us personally; but I am afraid they will injure the public and introduce a system of faction and corruption which it will be very difficult to change. For me the...
41To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 5 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
By advices from America since my last to you, my Enemies are determind to impeach my attachment to our Country and our her cause, per fas et per nefas. This makes it necessary for me to request of you, your opinion on that point, from the knowlege you have had of my conduct while we acted together in Commission. The Calumnies of wicked men, can only be refuted by the testimony of those who are...
42To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 2 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
Either my Letter to you of the 29th. March miscarried or you are in my debt. The inclosed MS which belongs to you was seald to go by Mr. Ford and was omitted by mistake. This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier de la Luzerne and M. de Marbois, whom you will find to be Gentlemen worthy of the important trusts they fill. I am much obliged to you for your kindness to Mr. Ford, and hope you...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard and Arthur Lee, 6 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We have been informed that the destination of the Alliance Frigate has been altered, & that she is not to sail immediately for America. We can not help expressing our great uneasiness at this measure, as we are of opinion that there is no service, in which she can be so usefully employed, as that of convoying the Vessels bound thither. Many of our...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 6 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): National Archives; copy: Harvard University Library I had not the honor of receiving your letter till today, tho it is dated the 3d. It came by the Penny post. It was by Mr Adams’s information, when on board, that I understood the Alliance “had now a good Crew,” & I cannot express my concern on hearing from you that it is otherwise. The persons...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 2 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): National Archives; copy: Harvard University Library By letters this day from Nantes, I am informd that the Alliance Frigate is mann’d, & ready to sail. Adverse winds still detain the American fleet at Brest with its Convoy. As that Convoy is destind for the french Islands it will of course leave those Vessels which are intended for the United...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 3 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania A Gentlemen calld on me this moment, who wishes for a Passport to gain him admission into the State of Virginia or any other of the United States. Upon my referring him to you, as the only person in this Country who coud give such a Passport, he informs me that he has already waited on you, & that you referrd him to me. I beg the favor of you to write...
47To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 29 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I receivd your favor by Mr. Blodget and thank you. It seems uncertain where or how this will find you, therefore I shall not enclose the Cypher. When I know where a private hand may find you, I will send it so as to be secure. A person is nominated to take the place of the great man at Philada. who will leave it upon his arrival. You will probably get thither before him. We have no other local...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 26 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. A Lee presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin, & has the honor of enclosing to him one of Mr Schweighauser’s Accounts, which he has found among his Papers. Addressed: The Honble. / Dr. B. Franklin / minister plenepotentiary / of the United States of / America / at / Passy Notation: A Lee 26. March 1779. On the same day Lee sent WTF a dinner...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I receivd the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 13th. Relative to the few papers of our late joint Commission remaining in my hands. They are confounded among a multitude of other papers. I will examine the whole soon, and if I find any that relate to public Accounts remaining unpaid (which I do not...
50To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 18 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday’s advices from England inform us, that Gen. Lincoln was collecting an Army in S. Carolina to meet the Invaders, and that Prévot was to be re-inforcd from N. York; so that it looks as if the War woud be transferd to the Southward. The English loan rises rapidly in its value, as appears by the Omnium, which in a few days mounted from 4 PCt. to 6½. Besides this our Enemies will...