51To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 25 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose for the perusal of the President of the United States an interesting paper just published in this City— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 1 Aug. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see below. The paper has not been identified, but may have related to recruitment of sailors to serve on privateers. Lee was soon faced with that problem as numbers of...
52To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 5 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cou’d not set out so soon as I intended but expect to be in Rouen tomorrow night and shall be back by Saturday or Sunday at farthest unless some unforseen accident detains me a day or two longer. The inclosed letter is just recd. Be so good as to take care of it ’till I return, the writer is generally well inform’d and thoroughly to be depended on. By the...
53To James Madison from William Lee, 30 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I beg leave to forwd. you an Invoice of two barrels of Nutts & two doz. of Liquers, shipped on board the Lorenzo, Capt. Dill, to the address of Mr. Gelston of NewYork. I regret that your pipe of Brandy which I shiped in the Ship Susan, Capt. Howard has been detained in the river by an Embargo for upwards of 40 days & that your Cahuzas Wine has not yet reached me. The Presidents...
54To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 12 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Having good reason to believe that the Wine which Mr Perrot sent you during my illness though very good was not of the growth you demanded & thinking it possible you may have exhausted that stock, I have taken the liberty to send you pr. the Ship Fabius Capt. Hughes of Alexandria bound to New York, three dozen of Chateaux Margaux, Six dozen of Rozan, and six dozen of Sauterne all of the growth...
55To James Madison from William Lee, 17 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Some circumstances having occurred, since I had the honor to write you on the subject of the appointment, you had the goodness to offer me; I have thought it best after mature reflection, to accept the same, if you have not Sir before this gets to hand, selected another person. It will take me from ten, to fifteen days, to close all my concerns here and at the farthest, I can be in Washington...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 20 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing how much you feel for the sufferings of Col o W m Duane I beg leave to lay before you a letter I have this moment received from him and at the same time to state that the place of naval officer at Philadelphia having become vacant M r Duanes friends procured one hundred and fifteen names of the most respectable merchants & others in Philadelphia recommending him to the place which I...
57To James Madison from William Lee, 15 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have shipped for you on board the Schooner Manlius Capt. Young one barrel of Vinegar and one box of Sweet oil both of the first quality. Wines & Brandy are at a price never known in this country such brandy as I sent you last year which cost only 200 fr. is now at 600 fs the pipe & such wine as I sent you by the Blooming Rose is at 6 fr. the bottle. I am sure both articles can be had much...
58William Lee to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfort-on-Main, January 23, 1779: In following my instructions from the state of Virginia to procure cannon, arms, and ammunition from the French ministry, I applied to Vergennes, who thought it best that you should apply to the prince de Montbarey, the business falling within the department of the Secretary of War. Consequently, I request your help and...
59To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter which I should have forwarded some time since had not an embargo which has existed for some weeks prevented—The bundle of books which Mr V— intended should accompany his letter I have put on board the Bordeaux Packet bound to Philadelphia and have requested the Collector of the Port to forward them to the seat of Government.— With great respect I have the...
60To James Madison from William Lee, 10 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my respects of the 22 Ulto. and 2d. inst. there has entered at this port the Schooner Hiphza of Boston from Corunna bringing as passengers eighteen distressed seamen. Ship Mercury from Havre navigated by ten men discharged ⅌ agreement having shipped at Havre to work their passage here. Ship Wade Hampton of and from Charleston via London, entered as a French Ship and dischargd. her crew...
61To James Madison from William Lee, 19 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
Invoice of One Puncheon Best Champain Prime old Brandy, at least 15 Years old, from Cognac, augmented to 4th Proof, shipped on board the Ship Susan, Capt. Howard on acct of James Madison Esqr. Secretary of State; consigned to the Collector of NewYork, David Gelston. V. L V . 1 1 Puncheon. Brandy, containing 50 1/ 2 Velts @ 360 frs. pr. 27 Velts } 673: 33 Cognac } More value of 4 Velts Spirits...
62To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 26 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to inform you under date of the twenty seventh of last month, that I had received for you from the overseer, of the Estate of Madam Larochfoucauld at Cahuzac, a hogshead of white wine. since than I have also received by the order of Mr Cathalan from Messrs. Jourdan & Sons of Tain, two Cases containing it is said one hundred bottles of white Hermitage wine. As this is not a...
63To James Madison from William Lee, 6 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 6 September 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a Triplicate of my returns of the entrances and clerances of American Vessels at this port from the 1st. of January to the 30th June [not found]. “Lord Lauderdale remains still at Paris but it appears little or no hopes are entertained that his negotiations will terminate in peace. The confederacy of...
64To James Madison from William Lee, 22 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1804, Bordeaux. “My last official respects were under date of the 11 inst. and the day before yesterday I had the honor to address you a private letter in answer to yours by Lieutenant Leonard. The present is merely to enclose the copy of a letter I have this day recd. from our Consul at Marseilles.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner...
65To James Madison from William Lee, 5 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you an Invoice of seven cases of wine shipped on board the Brig Jacob Captain Easton bound to Baltimore, and addressed to the care of the Collector for that Port. The haut Barsac I hope will prove good. The Carbonnieux has been in bottle eight years and was spared to me by a neighbour from his own stock. I have also put on board this Vessel a barrel of Walnuts and Marrons or chesnuts...
66To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft:) Virginia Historical Society Before I quitted this place it was my wish to put the public commercial business, as far as I was empowerd, into such a train that it might be conducted with harmony and effect. I had experienced in myself that the partiality you and Mr. Deane manifested for Mr. Williams and the powers with which you thought proper to invest him had greatly impeded me in...
67To James Madison from William Lee, 4 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 4 August 1805, Bordeaux. “I take the liberty to enclose you a copy of my letters to Genl Lincoln the Collector of Boston concerning the Brig Ranger Capt Hooper.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For the Ranger, see William Lee to JM , 18 June 1805
68To George Washington from William Lee, 11 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honour of receiveing your very obligeing favor of last month, informing me of the very unlucky accident that befell the Jenny; which I regret exceedingly, not on my own Account, but because it May be a small disappointment to your wishes which I shall ever think myself happy if I can in any manner be the means of promoting. I feel very sensibly your goodness in offering to...
69To James Madison from William Lee, 12 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit you the Copy of a declaration made before my agent at Bayonne by Jonathan F. Childs, Charles Hill Hans Jacob, Joseph Jenkins and Dl. Crutz respecting the Capture and plunder of the Ship Walker Capt. Clark of New Bedford by the privateer the Eve of Bayonne Capt Pelot. owned by Basterreche, Brothers & Co. of that place as the enclosed copies of two letters from my...
70To James Madison from William Lee, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1802, Bordeaux. Encloses list of vessels in port from 26 Oct., when he took charge of the agency, to 31 Dec.; list is imperfect, as “unaccomodating” ship captains will not cooperate with consuls unless required to do so by law. Is “much harrassed with the complaints and sufferings” of American seamen; twenty are in the hospital and “at least one hundred and fifty strolling about the...
71To James Madison from William Lee, 10 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The friends of Mr. William Bass of Boston, are about making application to you in his favor for the appointment to the Consulate of Antwerp, which it is said has become vacant by the resignation or retirement of Mr. Ridgway. As I presume testimonials in favor of candidates for public office, are acceptable, will you permit me Sir to state in favor of this amiable and deserving young man, that...
72William Lee to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 15, 1778: It occurs to me it would be serviceable to have an agent at the congress of French and Russian ministers which I mentioned in my letter of the 9th. This agent might counteract the schemes of Britain and if not bring Russia entirely over to our interests at least render her attachment to our enemies less forceful. I...
73To John Adams from William Lee, 18 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am advised from very good authority that the Emperor is desirous of entering into a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of Am a. , on terms of equality & mutual advantage, therefore shall be much obliged to you for informing me if there is any person in Europe authoriz’d by Congress to enter into such a Treaty with his Imperial Majesty. Altho’ I have no doubt of your being well...
74To John Adams from William Lee, 20 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Jenings having gone out of Town, has left in my care a packet for you that came to him last Monday by the Post; by the marks on it, I fancy it has come from Antwerp. You will please to direct, whether it shall be forwarded to you in Holland or kept here ’till your return. We have not any certain advices of Monsr. Ternay, but it appears that orders are already sent out to prosecute the War...
75To James Madison from William Lee, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 21 August 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you herewith a duplicate of my returns of American vessels which have entered and cleared at this port from the 1st. of January to the 30th of June [not found]. “Since my last respects of the 30th of last month the public mind has been kept in continual agitation by the negotiations that are now going on in Paris; at...
76To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, [14 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee presents Compliments to Dr. Franklin. He received the Louis. The London paper is inclosed. That with the Boston papers were sent by Mr. Deane to Mr. A. Lee who carried them out with him yesterday as Mr. W. L. tho’t to leave them at Passi, but it seems he left them with Mr. Izard. They will be sent for today and return’d immediately. Mr. L. is just...
77To James Madison from William Lee, 26 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1802, Bordeaux. Lists vessels with the number of seamen discharged from them since his 10 Aug. dispatch, “making sixty nine seamen to whom may be added forty six strollers whose names are registered in the office as coming from different ports of the Republic which together with the seventy three I had in charge at the date of my last amounts to one hundred and Eighty Eight men...
78William Lee to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Autograph copy: Virginia Historical Society; two transcripts: National Archives In conformity to the general instructions of the secret committee that you should be consulted and advised within all important cases relative to their commercial affairs, and Mr. Thos. Morris joint commercial Agent with me being now dead and as I am just on the point of setting out for Germany, I think it...
79To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 18 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Having learnt from Mr Monroe, that you had formerly interested yourself in the education of Mr W. G. Montfort whose misconduct, had forced you to abandon him, and those pleasing expectations which his promising talents, led you to foster, I have thought it my duty Sir, to enclose you three letters which I found among his papers, and to mention that this young man, died here the day before...
80To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 19 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 May 1805, Bordeaux . “I beg leave to transmit you a copy of my correspondence relating to the Ship Draper Capt Green belonging to New Haven. This Vessel is now dropping down the river and I have no hopes that any thing favorable will arrive in season from Paris to prevent her departure. The conduct of the Vice Admiral Maritime Prefect for Rochfort in regard to this Ship will cause a loss to...
81To James Madison from William Lee, 29 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 29 October 1806, Bordeaux. “Since the date of the third & fourth Bulletins of the Grand French Army there has nothing official appeared respecting its movements. Several letters however from respectable sources as well as a statement in the moniteur of the 21st. lead us to believe that there has been a battle fought between Weimar and Jena in which the Prussians lost twenty...
82To James Madison from William Lee, 14 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to transmit you herewith copy of a correspondence, relating to a very ridiculous letter written by a thoughtless young man by the name of Hackpole of Boston, and made p ublic by the inconsiderate Mr. I. C. Barnet. I sh ould not have troubled you Sir with this pitiful a ffair had it not been suggested to me in a le tter I have this day received from a respectable friend of mine at...
83William Lee to Thomas Jefferson, 15 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The young man in question arrived a few days ago and is now at work at the factory. M r Keller tells me he finds him very intelligent—He boards at the factory and M r Keller to whom I have abandoned it for the present wishes to fix the price s of his board and what he is to pay for learning the trade. I have put off the adjustment of these points until I know your ideas on the subject and I...
84William Lee to Thomas Jefferson, 16 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The little Swiss colony of Stocking weavers to which the letter you honored me with refers is composed of three heads of families their children and four workmen with twenty four choice Looms many of which are after the English model with the newest french improvements. I am half concerned in this factory the whole of which has cost me in the purchase of the Looms and the passage & sustenance...
85To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 20 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 April 1805, Bordeaux . “I beg leave to transmit you a copy of my correspondence with Mr Skipwith respecting the Imprisonment at this port of disorderly American Seamen.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. For enclosures, see n. 1. The enclosures (7 pp.) are copies of (1) Fulwar Skipwith to Lee, 28 Mar. 1805, stating that he had received a...
86To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 5 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received a letter from Robert Morris Esqr. informing me that he has impower’d Mr. Ross to settle the affairs of his late Brother Thomas Morris Esqr. and I presume he has also authorized Mr. Ross to receive and take into his possession the papers of the late Mr. Thos. Morris. Therefore if Mr. Ross shou’d apply to you on this Subject and you think the...
87To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 12 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 February 1805, Bordeaux . “I have put on board the Brig Lyon Capt. Coursell bound to Baltimore two small boxes for yourself and the President of the United States containing each a ‘ Patté de Perigueux ’ composed of Partridges and Trufes. These pies are in great estimation in Europe and are to be served up cold. They are eaten of sparingly and will keep some time after being open if the top...
88To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the other day about an hundred pounds which the Constitutional Society here had orderd to be given for releif of the poor sufferers in Boston and now inclose you Mr. Olivers letter respecting that business. I presume you are fully informed from other hands of all the public transactions here since you left us. Therefore shall only beg you to...
89To James Madison from William Lee, 25 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last official respects under date of the 6th Aug: I have been absent from Bordeaux having by the advice of my Physicians taken a trip to the Mineral Waters of the Pyrenees from whence after a residence there of six weeks I a short time since returned having almost intirely recovered my health to the astonishment of all my friends. Shortly before my departure for the waters I forwarded...
90To James Madison from William Lee, 27 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a packet from Monroe received “the day before yesterday” and a copy of his last letter. Has been much troubled by American seamen; the crews of ten ships now in port, a total of about ninety men, all deserted to take service in privateers. Of these, sixteen had already sailed downriver with the Blonde . Arrested sixty and imprisoned them with the assistance of...
91To James Madison from William Lee, 8 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 8 March 1806, Bordeaux. “I have thought it my duty to transmit to you, the enclosed extracts, of the arrangements made with my partner, and Creditors, to shew to the Administration that I have surmounted all the difficulties, & distresses, which th[e] stoppage of my mercantile house occasioned. The closing of this painful affair, and the present embarrassments of some of my...
92To James Madison from William Lee, 3 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1803, Bordeaux . “The annexed is a copy of my last pr the Mary carrying your wine which I hope has by this time arrived. My partner Mr Perrot tells me that the wine was of the first quality particularly the Barsac which came from his own estate. I have drawn on you this day at thirty days sight for 645 francs in favor of Wm Booth which please to accept & pay.” RC and enclosure ( DLC...
93To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 21 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter you did me the honor to write me under date of the 20th of April I received but a few days since, and meeting with a good opportunity to place the draft you desire me to pass on you, I have this day drawn it in favor of Mr. Penn Townsend, at thirty days sight for the sum of 1157 fs. say eleven hundred and fifty seven francs.—At foot is the note of the Wine and charges, Mde. Chabot...
94To James Madison from William Lee, 3 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
From all the Accounts which have been received here, these two days past, there is no doubt but that peace between this country and England, either is a lready or will be shortly concluded on. The enclosed copies of two letters from a respectable and influential banking house in Paris to my friends in this City will serve to shew what con fidence they place in this news. In addition I give you...
95To George Washington from William Lee, 19 January 1770 (Washington Papers)
Having enter’d into partnership with Messrs De Berdt’s & Sayre, we now send Capt. Walker out in a new Ship to load for us in Poto. & hope he will meet your kind assistance, for which we shall always think ourselves much oblig’d & shall endeavor to give you gratefull proofs thereof. Mrs Lee will particularly attend to the choosing any thing her good Cousins Mrs W. & Miss Custis may want for...
96To James Madison from William Lee, 10 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of my last pr. the Maria Capt Hatton by whom I sent you ten Cases Wine. & pr. the Sheffield Capt Cooper bound to Norfolk I have sent 4 Cases old Sauterne Wine five Cases of Fro[n]tegnac and two Cases of Liqueurs amounting with charges to the sum of nine hundred and ninety nine francs which when added to the Invoice pr Capt Hatton makes the sum of three hundred and twenty...
97To James Madison from William Lee, 8 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of my last respects. The Consignees of two of our Vessels under seizure in this port have received advices from their correspondents at Paris that the Emperor instead of deciding on their cases as it was expected he would do on the 2d. inst had on that day ordered them laid over for further consideration. I believe this information correct. We have no intelligence...
98To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 10 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose the Moniteur of the 6th inst containing the new Organization and have the honour to remain with much respect your humble servant RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Oct. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Gazette Nationale ou le Moniteur Universel , 18 Thermidor Year 10 (6 Aug. 1802), containing the text of the sénatus-consulte organique of 16 Thermidor (see...
99To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 25 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society The trunk that is the subject of this letter was coming to resemble Pandora’s box. Thomas Morris had jumbled his papers as he had jumbled his two roles, as agent for the secret committee and for Willing & Morris. The commissioners were interested only in his public papers, but the official order that Lee took to Nantes was...
100To James Madison from William Lee, 10 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you an article which appeared in this days journal and has excited great surprise. The Porte it is said has been forced to a treaty offensive & defensive with Russia & England. If this is true and Austria as is conjectured should abandon her neutrality in favor of those powers the french Army will be unpleasantly situated. A new conscription is called out which...