1William Lee to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Arganil a respectable french homme de Lettres residing in Newport R.I. is anxious to procure the situation of professor of the French, Spanish & Italian languages in one of our Colleges for which I believe him eminently qualified. Thinking it possible that such a person may be wanted in the institution patronised by you I take the liberty to inclose for your perusal two or three of his...
2William Lee’s Account of a Conversation with Franklin, 15 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AD : Virginia Historical Society Waited this day on the Honble. Doctor Benjamen Franklin Minister Plenipo. from the U. S. of America at the Court of Versailles, congratulated him on his apt.—gave him an account of the Political state of Germany & Hold.— of the danger there was of G. B. geting a considerable number of Troops in Germany as soon as the peace between the Emp. & K. of P. shd. take...
3To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
4To John Adams from William Lee, 24 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Above ten Daies after its date I was honor’d with your favor of the 10 th. instant, & am indeed apprehensive with you, that America has lost the favorable moment for establish g a desirable commercial connection with Great Britain; but this is not the only, nor the greatest, mischief that has flow’d upon us from the same Source. you will by this time be able to judge of the dispositions of the...
5To James Madison from William Lee, 29 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Stephen Ca thalan Esqr. our Consul at Marseilles, enclosing the annexed copy of one he recd from the American Consulate at Naples, containing the disagreeable intelli ge nce of the Algerines having declared war against the United States. I at firs t doubted the news, as some of our Consuls in the Mediterranean deal a l ittle in the marvellous; but on...
6To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The feeble state of my health will but just permit me to acknowledge the rect. of the letter you did me the honor to write me under date of the 14 June enclosing a bill on V Dupont de Nemours & Co. Being at this moment on my departure for the waters of the Pyrenees to avoid the distressing heat of this month I have taken the liberty to hand your order to my worthy and respectable partner Mr....
7To James Madison from William Lee, 8 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
A rumour having been current here for some days past tha t the Emperor had said to Genl. Armstrong that if we let slip this favo rable opportunity of declaring against England, that he intended to s hut our Commerce out from all the ports of Europe untill the con test between France and England should terminate, I thought it my duty to state the same to the General, beleiving the report to...
8To James Madison from William Lee, 14 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The following is an extract by tra nslation of a letter recd. this day from a respectable m an in Hamburg, and communicated to me by a friend "It is asserted here but I do not know with ho w much truth, that one great cause of the French Emperors having issued this famous decree was his ha ving recd. information that on the 5th inst. there w as concluded at London a Treaty between the U S of...
9To James Madison from William Lee, 1 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Journal of the day contains the following article, "Le Conseil des Prizes en execution de l’art: 8 du Decret Imperiale, du 21 Novre. 1806 a prononcé la confiscation au profit de L’etat du navaire sous pavillon Americain The Fame saisi par les preposes de Douanes de Bordeaux le 8. aout, 1808 pour en etre dispose conformement 8 du dit Decret." This is a sea letter Vessel partly owned I...
10To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 27 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society By the Letter you did me the Honor to write to me the 17th. instant, I perceive you are still under a mistake relative to the Contract made with D’Acosta & Co.— There never was to my knowlege any Contract made with that house for the same things that I requested you to apply for to the French Ministry on account of the...
11William Lee to the American Commissioners, 19 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; autograph copy: Virginia Historical Society I shall be obliged to you for furnishing me with a Copy of the Treaties you have enter’d into with the Court of France, that I may not propose any thing inconsistent therewith to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin for which places I intend to set out on Saturday next. Any information or advice that you may be...
12To James Madison from William Lee, 4 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 4 March 1806, Bordeaux. “By two Imperial Decrees dated the twenty second, and twenty fifth of last month, the importation into this country of White and printed Cottons, and muslins is prohibited: Cotton wool is henceforth to pay a duty of sixty francs, per decimal quintal, equal to thirty francs, on one hundred pounds, and Tobacco is hereafter to pay a duty, of two hundred...
13To James Madison from William Lee, 12 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respects of the 20th Ulto so many circumstances have come to my knowledge to make me believe that several persons are endeavouring to injure me with the Government that I have judged it necessary again to repeat to you that I should feel much flattered if any thing of this nature should appear in your office by your recommending the President to order our Minister at Paris to...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, [before 9] March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Encouraged by a most respectable circle of friends I am induced to address the President of the United States on a subject highly interesting to myself and family.—But even with the flattering support which, I have the honor to enclose, I cannot hazard my present application to the supreme magistrate of the american people, without refering him to other partial testimonies in my favor, which,...
15To James Madison from William Lee, 20 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you a list of the Vessels which have entered and cleared at this Port from the 26 Octr. (the day on which I took charge of the Agency) to the 31 December. I wish it was more perfect but such is the unaccomodating disposition of our American Captains that there is no persuading them into any measure of public utility not enforced by the Government. Were they...
16To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 4 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The other day I made use of the Liberty you gave of leaving two paper percels and a letter for my Brother at your house and was sorry to be so unfortunate as not to find you at home. Very early in the morning I set out for Havre and expect to return in 8 or 10 daies at farthest, but if in the mean time my presence here Should be requisite, a line directed...
17To James Madison from William Lee, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to transmit you an extract of a letter I have this day received from General Armstrong, as it is calculated in a measure to dissipate those fears occasioned by the Decree of the 21st. November. By what I can learn, the four privateers, which are fitting out here, with the expectation of being permitted to attack our commerce experience some difficulty at the Marine office. I begin...
18To James Madison from William Lee, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Baker having put all the letters addressed to me into the possession of the Commissary General of Police at Lorient prevented my receiving the one you did me the honor to write me by that Gentleman under date of the 2d. of May until this morning. I feel much obliged for your goodness in leaving open the packet for Mr. Erving. I had before seen detached parts of those documents in the...
19To James Madison from William Lee, 25 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 25 November 1805, Bordeaux. “Since my respects of the 18th. and 19th [not found] of October and 12th inst. [not found], I have been favored with your instructions of the 1st and 12th of July. “In the numerous transfers of American Ships Papers that have taken place in my office, I do not recollect one, that falls under that section of the act passed the 27th of March 1804....
20To James Madison from William Lee, 6 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to my las t under date of the 27th June. The sixty A merican sailors who were about embarking on board the privateers fitting out at this po rt and whom I caused to be arrested I have distributed among the American Vessels af ter keeping them in confinement a few d ays. The sixteen who had actually engaged a nd taken their advance of the Captain of the Blonde as per...
21To John Adams from William Lee, 17 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of your favor of the 6th. instant and perfectly agree with you that Congress must assume a more decided authority to prevent a repetition of such infamy as Arnold s . In our situation, I look upon a Congress without full authority and respect to its determinations, as a body without a Soul—it is the knot which tyes the union between the States; which if once dissolv’d, may be...
22To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 8 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Virginia Historical Society I am advised that Robt. Morris Esqr. The Superintendant General of Finance for Congress, has directed you to pay me, what is due to me from Congress out of the first money that came into your hands. I am now to request that you will please to inform me whether you have, or have not recd. such directions from...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 10 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm Lee presents his respects to the President of the United States & takes the liberty to send him an Imperial Almanac MHi : Coolidge Collection.
24To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 11 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Stratford Hall, Va. The Bill of Mess. W. & M. dated 12 Decr. 1775 on Mess. P. & J. Berthon value £300. which you remitted to my Brother, is this day accepted payable at 60 daies by Agreement, this I doubt not you will think prudent to accept. I wish you long life, health, Success and happyness, and with a tender of any service, in my...
25William Lee to James Monroe, ca. 30 August 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 30 August 1813, Bordeaux. “Being at this moment very unwell and almost blind I have it not in my power to transmit to you copies of my correspondence with Mr. Crawford & Mr. Warden touching my controversy with the latter and the motives of my writing a certain letter to the Duke of Bassano on which the President has demanded explanations of me through the Minister. That explanation has...
26To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 18 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 May 1805, Bordeaux . “In my letters to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury under date of the 10th and 20th of January, I mentioned the affair of the ship Easter. Having <s>hortly after the date of my letters learnt that she was not to proceed from Cadiz to norfolk but to return here I took such arrangements with the Commissary of marine for the seizure of this Vessel as have...
27To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have shipped for you, on board the Brig Hope Capt Fisher, bound to Alexandria, two Cases of Hermitage Wine, sent to me from Tain by order of Mr Cathalan, and one barrel of white wine, from the Estate of Madam La Rochefoucauld, at Cahuzac in the department of the Dordogne. These wines reached me so late in the fall that I thought it prudent to keep them in my cellar until this time rather...
28To James Madison from William Lee, 10 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a letter he received “yesterday” from Monroe. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 9 Apr. ; believes the regulations “therein contained” will stop the “improper discharge of Seamen in foreign ports.” Feels gratified in being able to force compliance with these regulations; they will help “in alleviating the suffering of a useful class of citizens.” Called on the...
29To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: Virginia Historical Society (three), University of Virginia Library I have the Honor to send you herewith, Copy of a Letter from Mr. Robt. R. Livingston Secretary of Congress for Foreign Affairs—of the 18th. of July last, & of an order of Congress of the 2d. of the same Month, to which be pleased to refer. As you inform’d me in you Letter of...
30To James Madison from William Lee, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, Bordeaux. Has sent home on ship Thames bound to Philadelphia the distressed and invalid seamen listed in enclosed document. To avoid the delay necessary to obtain Livingston’s authorization, the captain “consented (by my agreeing to furnish them with provisions and every thing necessary) to take them on board his Vessel, fully persuaded that the Government will make him such...
31To James Madison from William Lee, 5 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1805, Bordeaux. “Since my respects of the 20 Ulto. on the subject of the Joseph & Phebe, I have occupied myself in endeavouring to discover the origin of that calumny, but without that success I could wish. It was told to Mr Monroe, in London, by the persons interested in the Cargo of that Vessel, and by Mr Sargent of Virginia, who was lately at Paris, that Mr Guestier, of the house...
32To James Madison from William Lee, 5 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The lamentable news of the destruction of our Capitol has this moment reached us. Whilst I join the thousands of my countrey men in bewailing the humiliating and heart-burning castrophe, I shall not think my feelings lowered by offering my sincere congratula[ti]on the dangers you have escaped. In the prosecution of a savage war such as the enemy is now waging against us, all the means of...
33To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 30 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honor of writing the 23d. of Jany. last to the American Commissioners at the Court of Versailles requesting that they wou’d, in consequence of the recommendation of Count De Vergennes, apply to the Prince De MontBarey for certain Artillery, Arms & Ammunition for the State of Virginia which I had authority to engage that State to pay for, as soon...
34To James Madison from William Lee, 14 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1804, Bordeaux. “It having been represented to me that some of my Countrymen in London and Paris ⟨co⟩mment severely on my conduct respecting the Joseph & Phoebe of Castine from Virginia with Tobacco via Cowes the situation of which Vessel I mentioned to you in my respects of the 11th of April I have thought it a duty I owe myself to enclose you copies of my letters on this affair (in...
35To James Madison from William Lee, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 26 June 1806, Bordeaux. “If it is not thought incompatible with the public service, I shall feel obliged if you will have the goodness to obtain leave for me of the President, to visit the United States, the next fall. Should this permission be granted me, I will with your approbation name either Mr John Appleton of Calais, Mr Anderson of montpellier, or Mr. F. Rotch a very...
36To James Madison from William Lee, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803. “P the good Intent for Philadelphia I take the liberty to send you under care of the Collecter three boxes containing fruits in Brandy almonds, & prunes.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To James Madison from William Lee, 1 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith my return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this office from the 1st. of January to the 30th June. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
41To 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...
42To James Madison from William Lee, 29 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 29 April 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you enclosed a letter I have just recd. from Mr Skipwith announcing his arrival. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosure not found. For Fulwar Skipwith’s arrival at Paris, see John Armstrong to JM , 26 Apr. 1806 .
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To James Madison from William Lee, 1 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this Consula te from the 1st. July to 31st. Decr 1806. With great respect I hav e the honor to remain your obdt. Servant DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
46To 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...
47William 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...