501John Adams and Arthur Lee to John J. Pringle, 12 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have received your Letter of Feb. 9. offering your Services to the public by going to England to negotiate an Exchange of Prisoners, We have considered this Subject and judging it necessary to send some Person upon this Business, We have determined to accept of your Proposition, and We desire you to...
502To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 18 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I this moment had the honor of receiving yours of this days date; containing Copies of the Resolutions of Congress of Septr. 11th. & 14th. and October 22d. I shall do myself the honor of paying my Compliments to you on your appointment tomorrow about 12’O’Clock. Nothing can be more agreeable to me than your intention...
503To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 21 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives Yr. Grandson delivered to me between 12 and 1 O’Clock on the 19th. your letter dated the 18th., in which you desire I will send by the Bearer all the papers I have belonging to this department. I have no papers belonging to the department of Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles. But if you mean Sir, the...
504To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 13 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. A. Lee has the honor of presenting his Compliments to Dr. Franklin— He receivd this Evening the two Letters dated this day, which Dr. Franklin has done him the honor of writing to him. Being employd in moving to new Lodgings, it will be some days before he can answer them. Notation: Mr. A Lee. Chaillot 18 mars 1779. In the Saint Germain district of...
505To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 16 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library; transcript: National Archives I had the honor of receiving yours of the 13th. touching my endorsement on your Nephew’s Accounts. When Mr. Bondfield’s Accounts were sent to the Commissioners I examind them with the Vouchers & endorsd upon them the observations which occurrd to me. I compard M. Schweighauser’s Accounts with the original Vouchers & Receits...
506To 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...
507To 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...
508To 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...
509To 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...
510To 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...
511To 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...
512To 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...
513To 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...
514To 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...
515To 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...
516Arthur 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.
517To 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...
518To 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...
519To 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...
520To 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...
521To 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...
522To 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...
523To 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....
524To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 15 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
It has been with uncommon Satisfaction that I have seen you in a situation, in which I long agoe hoped you wou’d be, if we were forced to dispute the great question which in my own Judgement I was satisfied wou’d happen—I never forgot your declaration when I had the pleasure of being at your House in 1768 that you was ready to take your Musket upon your Shoulder, whenever your Country call’d...
525To 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...
526To 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...
527To 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...
528To 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...
529Arthur 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...
530Arthur 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...
531To 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...
532To 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...
533To 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...
534To 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...
535To 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.
536To 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...
537To 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...
538To 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...
539To 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 .