Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 8 February 1779
Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams
Feby. 8th. 1779
Gentlemen
Having not seen the Letter of Mr. Williams to which one of those sent me is an Answer 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 receivd, declard to be on account of the public; and as I perceive in the Banker’s Accounts very large Sums of public money paid for Goods purchasd in Holland, which 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
RC (PPAmP: Franklin Papers).
1. Lee is writing about the answer to be given Jonathan Williams’ letter of 23 Jan. (above), but in this paragraph he is referring to Williams’ letter to Horneca, Fizeaux & Co. (not found). Their reply, dated 26 Nov., was enclosed in Williams’ letter to the Commissioners of the 23d (see note 1 there), and apparently sent on to Lee by Franklin or JA.