To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 13 June 1779
From James Lovell
ALS: American Philosophical Society (three), University of Pennsylvania Library;6 copy: National Archives
June 13th. 1779 Philada.
Hond. Sir
By way of Martinique I forward to you Gazettes, Journals and one or two Pamphlets. The Situation of Things in Congress has been such for some time past that the Committee of foreign Affairs has been drawn on to look dayly for some interesting Decisions to communicate to you, which must account for their Silence many Weeks. I am once again left alone, and therefore in a too delicate Circumstance to pretend to give you any detail of Matters agitated but not concluded respecting your Commission. I inclose one late Resolve to which I beg your Attention;7 and I intreat that you will believe me, to be with much Respect Sir Your most obedient Friend
James Lovell
Honble. Doctr Franklin
Addressed: Honorable / Doctor Franklin
Notations in different hands: James Lovell Phyladelphie 13. juin 1779. / These were left by the Capt. of the Martinico-Man by Mistake
6. Three of the documents are marked respectively “Copy,” “Triplic:,” and “4plicate” (U. of Pa. Library); we print from the one with no marking.
7. The resolution, dated June 5, directs the committee for foreign affairs to request the commissioners in France to “transmit an account of their proceedings in Mr. Beaumarchais’ accounts.” JCC, XIV, 692. Four copies are at the APS. For subsequent Congressional actions see John Jay to BF, below, June 18.