To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 27 March 1778
From Arthur Lee
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Challiot March 27th 1778
Dear Sir,
In consequence of what you mentiond to me relative to the german Courts, I consulted the Spanish Ambassador whether it coud be determind with any degree of certainty, how long it woud be before the business I am pledged for with his Court woud require my attendance. His answer was, that it was altogether uncertain.
In this situation it appeard to me that under my present engagements I coud not venture to so great a distance. My Brother has therefore set out on the original plan, that was settled at Versailles.6
Mr. Grand has not yet returnd me the Account compleated. The moment I receive it, I will wait upon you to settle the business of the loan-bills. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Dear Sir Your most Obedient Servant
Arthur Lee
Notation: Ar Lee to B.F. March 27. 1778
6. Lee’s business in Madrid was, we assume, some sequel to the negotiations that he had carried on for the commissioners during his earlier trip to Spain. He had also gone to Germany in 1777; his returning there, if that is what BF had in mind, would seem to have had little purpose since his brother, the accredited commissioner to Berlin and Vienna, had left on his mission a few days before: Ford, Letters of William Lee, II, 412.