To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 6 February 1779
From Arthur Lee
LS:2 American Philosophical Society
Chaillot Feb. 6th. 1779—
Sir.
Mr. Deane in his public Letter has declared, that he receivd a resolution of Congress recalling him & appointing another Commissioner in his place, on the 4th of March. As I woud not wish to charge him with having conceald this from both his Colleagues, and by that means imposd himself upon them & the Court of France, as still a Representative of the United States, without being sure of the fact; I must beg the favor of you, to inform me whether he communicated this Recal to you, and when.3 I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect & esteem, your most obt. Hble Servt.
Arthur Lee.
Honble. Benja. Franklin. Esqr:
Addressed: The Honble. / Benja Franklin Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary / Passi—
Endorsements: Mr Lees Letter Feb 1779 / Letters & Papers from or relating to Wm & Arthur Lee Esqrs
2. In Ford’s hand.
3. Deane said he learned on March 4, 1778, about his recall: Deane Papers, III, 70. He seems, in fact, to have received the news on March 6. We do not know when Deane told BF the news but suspect it was soon thereafter; BF appears to have evaded Lee’s questions on the subject: XXVI, 100–1. Deane informed Gérard of the recall on March 9: Deane Papers, II, 389.