To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 16 February 1786
From Henry Lee, Jr.
New York 16th Feby 86
My dear General
You desired to hear from me now and then, when I left Virginia. I obey your wishes with pleasure, & must assure you, that I continue to feel the same unabating zeal to administer to your happiness, which my public duty formerly commanded from me. I wish that my communications may be always agreable; I apprehend your solicitude for the honor & prosperity of a nation formed under your auspices will illy relish intelligence ominous of its destruction. But so circumstanced is the federal government, that its death cannot be very far distant, unless immediate and adequate exertions are made by the several states.
The period is hurrying on, when no longer delay can be permitted.
The late returns from the continental receivers in the different states prove unanimity in one point among the members of the Union—no money—Congress impressed with the lamentable effects which await the United states from their adherence to temporary and disunited exertions, again have addressed the states. I enclose it1—If success attends, we may divert the evils which menace our existence & may still enjoy that happiness which we so arduously contended for. But should the same supineness continue in our councils, jealousy instead of patriotism direct the measures of our governments, consequences most distressing must certainly ensue. Part of the principal of our foreign loans is due next year, & no certain means yet devized to pay even the interest.
Our agents have arrived in Morrocco, and Algiers, & we have some hopes that their negotiations may be successful.
It is very doubtful how our commissioners may succeed with the indians.2 We have too much reason to fear a war, which among other evils will encrease our finance embarrassments. People here are very inquisitive about the progress of the potomack navigation—the moment that business wears the prospect of certainty, rich emigrants from all the eastern states will flock to our towns. The assembly of this state are in session, & will emit 200,000£ paper. They are violent enemys to the impost, & I fear even the impending and approaching dangers to the existence of the Union will not move them—Please to present my respects to Mrs Washington & accept the best wishes of your friend & h. ser.
H: Lee junr
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The committee “to whom were referred several Reports and Documents concerning the System of General Revenue, recommended by congress on the 18th of April, 1783” ended their report: “Resolved, That whilst Congress are denied the means of satisfying those engagements which they have constitutionally entered into for the common benefit of the Union, they hold it their duty to warn their Constituents that the most fatal evils will inevitably flow from a breach of public faith, pledged by solemn contract, and a violation of those principles of justice, which are the only solid basis of the honor and prosperity of Nations.” Congress adopted the report on 15 Feb. 1786 and voted that “the resolves of Congress of the 18th of April, 1783, recommending a system of general revenue, be again presented to the consideration of the Legislatures of the several States, which have not fully complied with the same” ( 30:70, 76, 75). Lee’s enclosure has not been found.
2. The commissioners succeeded in late January in having the Shawnee sign a treaty setting the boundary from the forks of the Great Miami to Wildcat Creek and down to the Wabash River ( 2:16–18).