Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-28-02-0415

Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 8 February 1779

Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams

ALS: American Philosophical Society

Feby. 8th. 1779

Gentlemen/

Having not seen the Letter of Mr. Williams to which one of those sent me is an Answr. I cannot form any judgment of it.1

As there are no marks mentiond by which Mr. Deanes claim to any of the Goods in the possession of the public Agent can be ascertaind—as all the Goods in question, were, when received, declard to be on account of the public; & as I perceive in the Banker’s Accounts very large Sums of public money paid for Goods purchasd in Holland, wch. Goods I am satisfyd these are; I cannot think it consistent with my duty to concur in delivering them to any person upon so indefinite a claim.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem & respect, Gentlemen Yr. most Obedt. Humbl. Servt.

Arthur Lee

1JW’s letter is that of Jan. 23 to the commissioners, recapitulating the misshipment of Simeon Deane’s goods. Whether or not Lee signed the “Answr.,” a draft of which he was clearly sent to review, is still a question: see the commissioners to JW, Feb. 9.

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