Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 3 March 1778
Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee
L:5 Harvard University Library
Passy March 3d. 1778.
Messrs: Franklin and Deane, will be ready to confer with Mr. Lee, tomorrow at 11. OClock precisely.6 Enclosed are the Dispatches which came by Mr. Austin, but not having as yet received Duplicates, beg they may be returned, when copied, or done with.7
Addressed: Honble Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot.
Endorsed: March 3d 1778
5. In WTF’s hand.
6. At the meeting, which took place as scheduled, BF pointed out that publicizing the treaty would necessitate acknowledging the commissioners. He suggested that they discuss the matter with Gérard, Vergennes’ principal subordinate and their usual channel of communication with the Minister. They composed forthwith their note to Gérard below, March 4. Lee, Life of Arthur Lee, I, 399.
7. The dispatches included the two of Oct. 6 (above, XXV, 29–37) from the committee for foreign affairs: WTF memorandum, c. March 3, University of Pa. Library. In a covering note WTF promised Lee to copy as soon as possible the commissioners’ most recent dispatch to the committee: Lee Family Papers, roll 4, frame 339.