Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 15 February 1778
Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee
AL (two drafts4): American Philosophical Society
[In another hand:] Feb. 15. 78
Messrs. Franklin and Deane present their respectful Compliments to Mr. Lee, and acquaint him that they propose to send away the Dispatches on Monday; 5 and that they are and were ready and desirous to consult with him upon any Circumstance relating to that Business whenever he may think proper. Their Note of Friday was a simple Proposition for his Consideration, and does not imply a fix’d Intention as he seems willing to understand it. Their Word was propose and not purpose. They meant merely to give him Notice that the Papers would be transcrib’d and every thing on their Part be then ready.
[In the margin]: This not sent
Feb. 15. 78
Messrs. Franklin and Deane present their respectful Compliments to Mr. Lee, and acquaint him that they are and were ready to consult with him whenever he pleases upon any Circumstance relative to sending away the Dispatches that he may think necessary to be jointly considered.
[In the margin]: This was sent
Notation: Mess Franklin & Deane’s Answer to Ar Lee Note of Feb 14. 78
4. In BF’s hand. Lee responded by sending his secretary to inquire when they would meet and when the dispatches would go. BF sent back a message that they would meet on the 16th and that the dispatches, as Lee had already been informed, would go on the same day. This news prompted Lee’s letter that follows. Lee, Life of Arthur Lee, I, 395.
5. Feb. 16.