To say that these Rulers are revocable, and holding their places during pleasure may not be supposed to design evil for self-aggrandizement, is affirming what I cannot easily admit. Look to history and see how often the liberties of mankind have been opressed & ruined by the same delusive hopes & falacious reason- ing. The fact is, that power poisons the mind of its possessor and aids him to remove the shackles that restrain itself. To be sure, all things human must partake of human infirmity, and therefore the Con- federation should not be presumptuously called an infallible system for all times and all situations — but tho' this is true, yet as it is a great and fundamental system of Union & Security, no change should be admitted until proved to be necessary by the direst fullest & most mature experience. Upon these princi- ples I have ever been opposed to the 5 P Cent im- posts. My idea is still that of the Confederation, Fix the sum, apportion it & let every State by its own means, and in its own way faithfully & honestly make its payment. That the now federal mode of appor- tionment is productive of delay, of great expence, and still liable to frequent change, is certain. And there- fore I see no inconvenience in so far altering the Con- federation as to make the Rule of Apportionment lie upon the numbers as stated in the recommendation of Congress upon that Subject. But I can never agree that this Body shall dictate the mode of Taxation, or that the collection shall in any manner be subject to Congressional controul. It is said that this will more effectually secure the Revenue — But how so ? if a spirit prevails to neglect a duty imposed by the Con- federation, may not the same spirit render abortive at any time Acts passed for granting the Impost ? Be- 344 THE LETTEBS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE sides that we are depending for the payment of our debts upon uncertainty, when the most certain reve- nues of the State ought to be appropriated for that purpose. Whilst every good man wishes great punc- tuality to prevail in the payment of debts, he must at /the same time condemn and discourage large importa- tions which impoverish by increasing the balance of trade against us. 345 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE' and in every place, I shall be dear Sir your most aflfec** friend. TO [SAMUEL ADAMS]! New York April the 7* 1785 My much valued friends letter of March the 24?* was this day delivered to me, but not by Mf Kirk- land or Col? Allan, it came from our Door-keeper who told me that it had been pickt up on Long Island. I received it however, with that true content that your letters always bring with them — You have certainly done me justice when you have taken me for an Un- changing Friend. I endeavored not to take up friend- ships lightly, and therefore I am not capable of lightly laying them down — But in this case, I am much too sensible of the honor done me by your friendship not to wish most sincerely for its continuance. And the true reason for want of punctuality in writing, I as- signed to you in my letter of March 14* last. The reasons there assigned will, I hope, secure for me your pardon for having employed an Amanuensis (my Nephew Shippen) upon that letter. Your recommendation of Mess" Kirkland & Allen are very sufficient to procure for them my utmost favor — Have you observe [d] that I have personal knowledge of the deserts recommended — I have, but it was not necessary when I reflected who it was that recommended — I hope that we have gained your approbation by sending our Patriot friend M! J. Adams Minister to London. I hope also for good things from that Mis- ! L. S. New York Public library (Lenox Foundation), Samuel Adams Papers. Endorsed, ** Letter from R. H. Lee Es — ^/ April 346 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE sion. Spain seems mal-afFected to us, but as she has a commencing dispute with Great Britain about the Musquetto Shore, perhaps we may find in her Minis- ter, expected here this month, a more accommodating Spirit concerning the Mississippi than has yet ap- E eared. I am, with sincerest sentiments of esteem, [y dear Sir your affectionate friend. My best wishes attend Mff Adams. TO [JOHN ADAMS]! New York April 14 1785 My dear Sir. The desire of paying my respects to an old and ex- cellent friend compels me under all the pressures of ill health and much business, to avail myself of Col- Smith's secure conveyance to take up my pen. It is long since I have written to you, but much longer since I have had the honor of hearing from you, and I am perfectly satisfied that both these effects have been produced by causes not fairly within our controul — perhaps the same obstructions may not prevail here- after and if they do not I shall be happy. Whilst I congratulate you on being appointed sole Minister to so eminent a Court as that of London I cannot help congratulating my Country at the same time, for the just expectations that may be formed from the wis- dom, patriotism, and diligence of its Minister. The untoward circumstances in which both countries are found to be placed, may have arisen from a neglect of decent and proper respect having been heretofore paid to each other — and if so, this advance on our part, may lead to the establishment of better conduct and hap- ^ Adams Papers. Copy from the original supplied through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Frands Adams. 347 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE Eier consequences. That it may be so, may God of is infinite mercy, grant. So far, I think that I pray devoutly for the honorable success of your Mission — Col. Smith can give you so accurate a state of things here that it seems not necessary for me to enlarge on them — but with respect to this Gentleman, and his appointment, permit me to observe, that his estab- lished reputation is that of a Man of honor, of sense, and of very tried attachment to the success of our Union His appointment (I mean the office) seems as far as I have been able to investigate it, from a wish to show respect to the Court of London by an exact observance of all forms in such cases practised. I believe that Congress will adjourn (leaving a Com- mittee of the States) In June next — So that when you find leisure and inclination to honor me with a letter, by sending it to the house of Wallace, Johnson & Muir my Correspondents in the City of London, they will forward your letter safely to me. I heartily wish you every honor and success in life that you can wish yourself. Your afiPecdonate friend. TO GENERAL [GEORGE] WASHINGTON i New York, April i8, 1785. Dear Sir — I should before this have thanked you for your favour of March 15th, if I had not been in daily expectation that the arrival of the packets would bring us some intelligence from Europe worth communicat- ing to you ; the February packet has but Just come in after a passage of eight weeks, and neither she or ^ From R. H. Lee, Memoir of Richard Hiurj Lie, II. 63. 348 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE other vessels in short passages, bring us any thing interesting. War or peace in Europe, hangs yet in doubtful balance ; both parties arming with assiduity, and nothing determined upon. Mr. John Adams, is sent plenipotentiary to the court of London, and Mr. Jefferson is the minister at Versailles, Dr. Franklin having leave, at his own request, to retire. Returning appearances of good humour, and a proposition first made by the British court, to treat of^ our differences in London, has induced hopes of an amicable adjust- ment of disputes. Mr. Gardoque is not arrived, but expected about the last of this month from the Havana, to which place he went from Spain previous to his coming here. If the commenced bickering between Madrid and London on the Musquito shore should go on, we may probably have easier work with both courts in our business with them. I have the honour to enclose you the report of a respectable committee on the subject of selling the western lands, which has not yet been acted upon, though it speedily will. What changes may be made in this plan before it finally passes, cannot yet be told, but probably there will be some. Your idea of settling a state at a time, would most certainly be the wisest and the best, if the excessive rage for taking lands there could be possibly restrained. But really it seems that either Congress must sell quickly, or possession will be so taken as to render doubtful this fine fund for extinguishing the public debt. It has been impossible to get a vote for more than seven hundred men to garrison all the posts to be fixed in the trans-Alleghanian country, from north to south; a number very inadequate, I fear, to the purpose of even suppressing illegal trespasses upon the western lands. Our friend the Marquis La Fayette, arrived after a short passage, but I believe it was a very boisterous one. Your letter for Mr. Lee I sent 349 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE after him to Virginia, whither he was returning before I received it. My best respects attend your lady. I have the honour to be, with the truest esteem and regard, dear Sir, your most obedient and very humble servt. General Washington. TO CH[ARLES] McEVERSi New York April 27. 1785 Sir, I have the honor to enclose a letter for Mf Hunt- ington which I sincerely wish may be fortunate enough to avail you in the just application that you are making to the Assembly of Connecticut. If it can be in my power to serve you in any other manner, freely command me. I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble Servant. 1 A. L. S. Connecticut State Ubrary, Revolutionary War, XXVIII., No. 275. The address, "Ch. MfEvers, Esquire" which appears on the fiice of the manuscript is not in Lee's handwriting, but is probably copied from the reverse side which is pasted to the bound page. According to statements made, ibid., XXVIII., No. 268 (Oc> tober 24, 1784), Charles MfEvers in May 1775 retired from New York to Jamaica, L. I., where he remained peaceably during the war, rendering no aid to the enemy, but assisting American prisoners. His property in New York and New Jersey was not confiscated, and he asked at this time that the decree confiscating his property in Connecticut might be annulled. 350 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE [THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS] TO [THE] GOV- ERNOR [OF NEW JERSEY]! RICHARD HENRY LEE WILLIAM L. LIVINGSTON New York April 30", 1785 His Excellency Governor Livingston Sir, I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency an Act of Congress that has been produced by a very pressing state of the public affairs. Your Excellency will observe that exclusive of other important busi- ness, Congress points to two objects particularly, — the requisition for the present year, and an Ordinance for disposing of lands in the western Territory — The honor and justice of the United States is much con- cerned in the former, and upon the wise, speedy, and effectual execution of the latter, essentially depends the future ease, happiness and prosperity of the people — it is indeed true that thinner houses are compitent to the first digestion and preparation of business like this, but such is the nature of the foederal constitution that a full Congress is necessary to the final completion of Objects great as those which are now under consid- eration— I am therefore, by desire of Congress, to request that your Excellency will be pleased to exert your fullest influence with the Delegates of your State to repair immediately to Congress — I have the honor to be with great respect and esteem. Sir, Your Excellencys — most Obedient Servant. ^ Transcript. Libraxy of Congress, Papers of the Continental Con- gress, XVI. 321. A similar letter was written to the Governors of Connecticut, Delaware, and Georgia. THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE [THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS] TO [GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON]! RICHARD HENRY LEE New York May 3^ 1785 Dear Sir, I have long had a letter prepared for you in answer to your last favor which I have kept for the honorable Mf Sitgreaves to be the bearer of, as he proposed to visit you on his return to North Carolina; and the more especially as his stay has been occasioned by the necessity of seeing the very important ordinance passed for selling the western lands, which I wished you to have in its perfected state — The principal design of this letter is, to introduce to you Mf Graham, and his Lady the justly celebrated M" Macauley Graham, whose reputation in the learned world and among the friends to the rights of human nature is very high indeed. Her merit as an Historian is very great, and places her as an Author in the foremost rank of writers. I am well pleased to find that she, as well as all other judicious loreigners, think themselves when in Amer- ica, however distant from Mount Vernon, obliged to pay their respects to you. I believe that this has been her only motive for going so far South as Virginia. We are amused here with an account that does not indeed come officially to us, but however, in such a way as to merit attention — It is, a plan of the Em- peror of Germany, which seems calculated to quiet his quarrel with Holland, altho perhaps it may not prevent a war in Europe — He is said to have made a treaty with the Elector of Bavaria, by which he exchanges his Netherland dominions for those of Bavaria, and trans- ^ A. L. S. libnuy of Congress, Letters to Washington, LXVII. 227. 352 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE fers with the exchange, all his rights and claims upon Holland : reserving Namure and Luxembourg with a district of country around, as a doucoeur to France for obtaining the consent of that Court to the exchange. The Bavarian dominions being much more contiguous to the Austrian than those of the ^ Netherlands, must greatly increase the Emperors power by a concentra- tion of his force, heretofore so much divided, as to render the Netherlands of no great aid in case of War. This however, by increasing the Austrian power, must of course excite greatly the jealousy of Prussia in particular, whose King will probably risk a war rather than see his Rival thus strengthened. Holland in the mean time will be relieved, oy injurious claims being transferd from a strong to a weak hand, and the Em- peror may find himself brought to a more equal contest by combating one, instead or three powers lately com- bined against him. What may be the issue of this new System, time must develope. I wish that I may be enabled by M! Sitgreaves to furnish you with the final sense of Congress upon the momentous business of selling the western lands, in doing which, the first and greatest object seems to be, the discharging efFectu- aHy the great weight of debt that the war has created, and which obstructs so effectually every arrangement for future security. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the sin- cerest respect and esteem dear Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant. ^ The word ** Austrian " is here erased. VOL. n — 2 A 353 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE  quence. The Emperor's Quarrel with the Dutch seems to be quieted, but it is not improbable that a war between him & Prussia will take place. Congress has taken the most effectual steps in their power to quiet the Barbary Pirates so as to prevent their hostilities upon our Commerce ***** [THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS] TO [GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON]* RICHARD HENRY LEE New York May 7?* 1785 Dear Sir, This will be delivered to you by the honorable Mf Sitgreaves a very worthy delegate to Congress from N. Carolina ; who has been long detained by his desire to see the Land Ordinance passed, but he is obliged at last to quit us before it is finally so — The reasons he can give you. I had some time ago written a letter for you in answer to your last favor & kept it to go by this Gentleman, whose detention has been so long as to render a new letter more fit. I have now the honor to enclose you the Ordinance above alluded to, which meets the assent of nine States & every member of these Nine States, except one Man, who keeps the Ordinance from passing by the joint causes, as he alleges, of indisposition & dislike. I incline to think, ^ From the text of an extract from an A. L. S. of Lee, printed in an auctioneer's catalogue. Presented through the courtesy of Professor George Petrie. Fitzgerald was a barrister in Alexandria, Virginia. *A. L. S. library of Congress, Letters to Washington, LXVII. 242. 354 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE however, that it will pass in the form you now receive it, with very little alteration, if any. I think there is no doubt of the agreement having been made for a change of dominions between the Elector of Bavaria & the nmperor as mentioned in my last, yet, altho we have letters from Ministers in Europe of the 9?* of february, we are yet in the dark upon the question whether there will be war between the Emperor & the Dutch, or whether it will settle finally between the former & the King of Prussia. The public papers, as you will see by the inclosed, make War very certain. I had lately the honor of writing to you by MT Gra- ham, & his Lady M" Macauley Graham the celebrated Historian of England, who go to Virginia, I believe solely to pay their respects to -you. I beg leave to refer you to Mf Sitgreaves for our foreign and domestic news, which indeed is not much. My respects if you please to your Lady, whose health I hope is perfectly restored — I am, with the truest respect, esteem, and regard, dear Sir your most obedient and very humble Servant. TO [DOCTOR WILUAM SHIPPEN, JR.]i New York May 8^ 1785 My Dear Sir, I had lately the honor of writing to you for the pur- pose of introducing to your acquaintance & polite attention, the celebrated historian of England M" Ma- caulay, now M" Graham ; who with her husband, is going to visit General Washington. In a late letter that I received from Col? Henry Lee, heretofore of the Light Dragoons, he writes as follows. Mt Hall, in payment of money due me, ofFer'd u ^ A. L. S. Shippen Collection. 355 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE his claim on Docf. Shippen for the negro Cyrus — I saw the Doctor when last at Philadelphia & mentioned Halls claim, and the power I had to settle the matter with him. He agreed to pay ^70. the ensuing August — I left an order accordingly, & yesterday had advice of its dishonor, tho I accompanied my order with M' Halls receipt in full — Will you adjust this matter for me — I would not in your present station, ask a moments attention were not my circumstances so streightened, as to demand very pointed attention to matters of money " Thus far the Colonel — And I cannot add to its strength, so have only to assure you that I am always ready to receive and convey your commands to him. The old Lady Livingston & the family wait only for a fair wind to go up the North river to their summer country residence — And I think that I discern some dis- quietude about the Child not having been here in sea- son to go up with the family — a disquietude however that arises from a tender wish to have dear little Peggy along with them Since beginning this letter, I have seen the good old Lady, and she mentioned to me that she had sent to her daughter in Law, that she imagined the Child w^ come forward with M" Tillot- son who is expected shortly to pass thro Phil* from Baltimore to the Manor. If I am not mistaken, my Nephew the young Lawyer is indebted to me one letter at the least, which I hope to receive when business & Gallantry permit — My Secretary tells me that he hopes for a good Upper Servant for our household, thro the goodness of my Nephew & your Son — What says he to this — God bless you and all of you is the sincere wish of your affectionate brother. 356 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE TO [THOMAS JEFFERSON]! New York May i65** 1785 Sir, I thank you for your obliging congratulation on my appointment to the Chair oF Congress, and I do with particular pleasure return my congratulation on your sole appointment as Minister of the United States to so eminently respectable a Court as that of his most Christian Majesty — My ill state of health, added to the business and the ceremonies of my Office, has hitherto prevented me from paying my respects to you, which certainly would have been the case if the former of these circumstances had not principally pre- vented me — Altho' my health is now better, yet I am very far from being well. I can judge how anxious you must be for minute information of public pro- ceedings in the United States, and of such other matters as your letter imports a desire to be acquainted with — But unfortunately all letters are inspected, and thus the impertinent eye of curiosity may be gratified with such communications as were intended only for you, and which wicked selfishness may make a bad use of — This imposes great restraint, which will re- main until Congress shall establish a system of Packets and Couriers of their own. How detestable is this dishonorable mode of obtaining intelligence — the virtue of Lord Falkland, when Secretary of State, would never suffer him to obtain information by such nefarious means — The appointment of Mf Adams to the Court of London will probably draw out quickly 1 L. S. Library of Congress, Jefferson Correspondence, Letters to Jefferson, Ser. 6, Vol. 2, No. i. A text with variations and omissions is prbted in R. H. Lee, Memoir of Richard Henry Lee^ IL 64. The postscript is entirely in Lee's handwriting and is signed by him *' R. H. L." 357 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE the sense of Great Britain upon the points in dispute with them — And the Authority given by Congress to treat with the Piratical States will, I hope, accom- modate all differences with them, and |;ive future security to our Commerce with the South of Europe — I am much obliged to you for the pamphlet — I think it is greatly to be regretted, that the avaricious, monopolizing Spirit of Commerce and Commercial men, should be suffered to interrupt that diffusion of benefits, and communication between the human species in different parts of the world, which would probably take place if trade were put upon more liberal principles and less shackled than it is — The first attempt made by these States for the trade of the East Indies was from this City — A Ship has gone to, and returned from Canton in fourteen months with a valuable Cargo, and met with the most friendly treatment from the Chinese — Other Vessels are gone and soon expected back — The great Object with the United States now, is to dispose speedily of the western lands for the dis- charge of public debt, and a way for this is opened by treaties already made, and making with the Indians — Coinage, requisition, and Post Office are also objects of great moment and subjects of discussion — effectual measures are taking by the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland — and by the former alone, for opening the navigation between the Potomac and James Rivers with the western waters — Laws with suspending clauses have passed in Virginia for establishing a single Port on each river and for circuit Courts — a general assess- ment for religion is also a subject of much discussion with us — M! Patrick Henry is our Governor, and Col. P.S. I know that your goodness will excuse my having used an amanuensis, when you know that this cold climate has so afflicted my hand & head as to make writing painful TO [SAMUEL ADAMS?]! New York May 20. 1785 My dear Sir, I thank you for your favor introducing Mf? Mac- auley Graham to me. This excellent Lady made but a short stay here, being desirous of returning from the South, before the sickly season comes on in that climate. I hope we shall shortly finish our plan for disposing of the western Lands to discharge the oppressive pub- lic debt created by the war & I think that if this source of revenue be rightly managed, that these re- publics may soon be discharged from that state of op- pression and distress that an indebted people must 1 A. L. S. New York Public Libnuy (Lenox Foundation), Ban- croft Collection. 359 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE invariably feel. The late arrival here of a Ship from Canton in China after a successful voyage of 14 Months from this port, is a proof of American enterprise, and will probably mortify, as much as it will injure our old oppressors, the British. I beg my respects to M" Adams, and I sincerely wish a long continuance of health and happiness to you, being most truly dear Sir your affectionate friend. TO [THOMAS LEE SHIPPEN] 1 New York May the 22^ 1785 My dear Nephew. I thank you much for your letter of the 20- instant, which I received this day — M' Wilson did not deliver me your letter himself, but it did come to my hands altho' I knew not who brought it, as I found the letter with many others upon my table some days after MT Wilson's arrival in Town. Either you or myself must have totally forgotten the contents of that letter — Having written thus far, I stopt to search for the above letter, having totally forgotten that you had mention'd the Sword in it — And now I must ask yours and the Workmans pardon for my neglect in not having long since sent the money — But it shall surely come by the first good opportunity. If the Gunsmith will make me a good neat Stock for my Gun with a new Rod & screw at the end of it, I will give him an half Johannes. But you know that he was to prevent one of the cocks from felling at half bent as well as to clean the Gun. I am greatly obliged by your attention to my commis- sions. I hope that the Iron from M! Prager, with the Charriot Skins will be sent in the vessel you mention. You will please write a short letter to M" Lee with the 1 A. L. S. Shippen Collection. 360 THE LETTERS OP RICHARD HENRY LEE Goods and inclose it to the person either on Rappa- hanock or Potomac with whom the goods are to be left, desiring him to convey your letter to Chantilly that Mf! Lee may take measures to get them brot home. The length of the shoes that Mf Starr made for me in October last will do well for the Gouty Shoes as to length, but they must be something wider for the Gout which increases the bulk but not the length of the foot. The Soles may be of thick but soft leather and well rasped — The heels not high — The Toes round not sharp, and the upper leather of good sound Buckskin stained black & lined with the lur you have procured. You have very properly directed about the Cypher on my Sulky, which I am glad to hear is so well finished. I have desired M' Harrison to search for M! Burnley who you may be assured shall meet with every civility from me as your friend, as Ludwells, and as an able worthy man. I believe it is only for that eye which sees all things to come, that can conjecture when Congress will adjourn. It seems clear however that it will not be before August, if they adjourn at all — whilst they continue to sit I am bound you know — & when they adjourn I shall make great haste to Virginia — However, I hope you may go up the North River, because, by that means I shall have the happiness of seeing you here once more before I guit this City. We have past the Land Ordinance for selling the Country N. W. of Ohio so far as the Indian purchases go, for payment of the debts of the United States — No news here, for it is not new that I love you all very sincerely God bless you, farewell. 36x THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE TO [JOHN ADAMS]! New York May the 28th 1785 Dear Sir. I had the honor of writing to you by Col- Smith, which letter I doubt not but that you have, or will in due time safely receive. My hopes are great, that your wisdom, and the good sense of the British Administration, will extinguish the mischievous discord that has been so artfully and industriously fomented by the enemies of both countries to the essential injury of both, and in violation of the best principles of humanity. A set of acrimonious, disappointed people, who meaning the gratification of their own malice and self interest, are poisoning the minds of men with plausibilities and theoretic reasonings, that are opposed to the true state of things ; and whose counsels if pursued, will tend only to plant dissention and distress, where mutual good and common happiness should be cultivated, and will flourish. The enclosed ordinance will show you the measures that we are taking to dis- pose of western lands for the extinguishment of the public debt. It seems that this will have very power- ful operation in effecting the end designed by the system. For the country is fine beyond description both in soil and climate — abounding with all those primary and essential materials for human industry to work upon, in order to produce the comfort and happiness of mankind. Don Diego de Gardoque has just announced to me his arrival at Philadelphia in quality of Plenipotentiary from his Catholic Majesty, & that he will pay his respects in a few days. The enterprise of America is well marked by the successful voyage made by a ship from this port, that had ^ Adams Papers. Copy fi-om the origina] furnished through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Francis Adams. 362 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE returned after a voyage of 14 months from Canton in China with a valuable Eastern cargo. Our people met with great civility from the Chinese, and the Euro- peans at Canton, altho' civil to the Stripes, were not a little surprised to see them there so soon, and at the celerity with which their voyages were effected. The gentleman who writes the letter of which the enclosed is a copy, is a near relation of mine by marriage, and my Godson also. Added to this, I am his friend be- cause of his worth and deserts. He is the youngest but one of a numerous family — Possessing talents, industry, and enterprise, he determined very early to shake off that indolence too common with youths of his rank in Virginia — In quest of fortune, after having finished his education he went 15 years ago to Sea, and pursued his system to the East Indies some years before the late war commenced, and he remained in the East engaged with the country trade there. His letter will inform you of his misfortunes, of his present situation, and his future views. My acquaint- ance has ceased with all who might have promoted his interest in the East Indies. Under these circum- stances I venture to beg the favor of you to assist him to the utmost of your power in the way of procuring for him the appointment that he desires in the Company's service. I know that it has not been uncommon in England for foreign Ministers to interest themselves in fevor of Individuals, by which means the latter have become essentially served. I am sure that in this case you will oblige a worthy able man, and a greatful mind. That your fiiend the writer of this letter, requests this favor of you, will I am very sure, be a motive of strong inducement with you to exert yourself. The letter that I have enclosed for him under your cover be so kind as to get forwarded by some of the India Ships bound to, or near to Calcutta. 363 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE It may go with any letter in his fsLvor that you are so good as to procure for him. It seems probable at present that Congress will not adjourn this year — if they should it will not be sooner than the middle of August, — Your letters for me will be in a good way when they are delivered to the care of Messrs Wallace, Johnson & Muir Merchants in London. I heartily wish you health and happines Your affectionate fiiend. TO [JAMES MADISON]! New York May 30* 1785 Dear Sir, Two days ago, and not sooner, your fsLvor of March the 20^ was delivered to me, so that you find it has been more than two months travelling thus &r. It seems to me that our assembly were influenced more by the letter than the spirit of the Confederation — The consequence will certainly be, if our meetings are slow as usual, that Virginia will be unrepresented for some time after the federal year commences. Tho no great mischief arises from this, the appearance is not so handsome as it should be ; besides that it partakes too much of that too common inattention to the great Council of the U.S. upon the wise conduct of which so much depends. I am very happy to see by the Newspapers that the business of opening Potomac goes on so well. *Tis certainly an object of great consequence to extend our internal navigation — Concerning James river I have heard nothing — When I was in our Assemblv it appeared to me rather to be the wish, than otherwise, ^ A. L. Libnuy of Congress, Madison Papers, XIV. 20. Tliis was probably signed by Lee in autograph as the signature is cut out of the manuscript. 364 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE that Kentucky should apply for separation — and I should suppose that if when they found themselves compitent to the business of Self Government they properly applied to our Assembly, no good objection could be made to a separation — For they have, & will remain for a long time, if not always, more expense than profit to the rest of the country. Washington county seems to be stimulated by a troublesome person who for self aggrandisement appears will? to dismem- ber that part also, & join with the revolters from N. Carolina — This last seems to merit the wise iijirm attention of Government & the Legislature — We have, after much debate indeed, & great waste of time, at last f>assed an Ordinance for disposing of such part of the ands N. W of the Ohio as belongs to the U. S, & have been purchased of the Indians. If this proves agreeable to the public, it will extinguish about lo millions of the pub debt, and the remaining lands, going southward to the Mississippi, will nearly dis- charge all the debt — Besides the probable prospect that we have of considerable cessions from N & S. Carolina & Georgia — This source does indeed deserve our warmest cultivation as it seems to be almost the only one that we have for discharging our oppressive debt. Df Franklin has leave to retire Mf Jefferson remains in France — and M5 J. Adams is sent to Lon- don. If the Court of this last country is sincere, we may expect an amicable & easy settlement of existing differences between us — The Minister (Mf Pitt) does appear willing to be liberal in Commercial regulations, but the avaricious spirit of Commerce that is so great everywhere, but which in England has ever been ex- cessive, opposes his views — And so we find it is in France, for the Marquis de la Fayette writes that the advantages already granted us are most violently ex- claimed against by the Trading people of the Kingdom. THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE Mr Gardoque who calls himself Plenepotentiarj charged with affairs is arrived at Philf and we expect him soon here — So that we shall quickly know whether he can or will do any thing conclusive concerning the Naviga- tion of Mississippi — He reports a great scarcity of provisions at the Havannah, — but yet we don't hear of the Ports of that Island being opened to us for sup- ply— It is reported that the frigate which brought him is taking in flower — The American enterprise has been well markt by a short and successful Voyage made from hence to Canton in China — The Chinese were kind to our people and glad to see a new source of Commerce opened to them from a l^ew People^ as they called us — The Europeans there were civil but astonished at the rapidity of our movements, especially the English — I fear that our Countrymen will overdo this business — For now there appears every where a Rage for East India Voyages, so that the variety of means may defeat the attainment of the concurrent end — A r^ulated & useftil commerce with that part of the World — It seems very questionable now whether Congress will adjourn or not this year — if they do, it will not be until late in August — Inattention, sick- ness, and a variety of causes occasion business to go on very slowly, J. TO [JOHN ADAMS]! New York May 31st 1785. Dear Sir. On the 28th instant I had the honor to pay my re- spects to you in a letter of that date to which I beg to refer. The design of this letter is to introduce to your acquaintance and friendly offices Captain Christopher ^ Adams Papers. Copy from the original supplied through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Francis Adams. 366 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE Miller, the Bearer, who was this day introduced to me by Governor Clinton of this State, who assures me that in the late war the Captain proved himself to be a firm gnd useful fnend to the cause of America. And the Governor added, that he would be answerable for Captain Miller's worth and integrity. The Captain has in contemplation a plan, concerning which he will talk with you, and which he thinks will be productive both of private & public good ; and if you can find it convenient to aid his views, I doubt not but you will assist a worthy friend to this country — I have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem and regard dear Sir your most obedient, & very humble Servant. TO [THOMAS LEE SHIPPEN] * N. York June the 4^ 1785 My dear Nephew — Both Mf Hadfield & MT Burnley have been with me, tho not so often as I wished them to be — how- ever, I suppose that they are satisfied with my at- tention to them. You will no doubt be surprised that I have not yet sent the dollars for the Sword Cutler — I will tell you why I have not — Two bills sent me from Virg? have been lying for some time under accept- ance but not yet paid — In a few days one of them will, & the first opportunity after, the money shall be sent — I must be governed by your judgement con- cerning the getting of my Chair sent here by Water — Two things are in this affair to be attended to — That the expence be light, and that the Carriage, Trunk, Box & Harness, be not rubbed or damaged by the Voyage — For these purposes a Careful & Reasonable ^ A. L. S. Shippen Collection. 367 THE LETTERS OF RICHARD HENRY LEE Captain is to be sought for, and as the case is not Urgent, there being two months at least for the purpose, the chance for finding such a concurrence may be a good one — You know that if it comes not by Water, I must be at the expencc of sending for it by Land — And as the opportunities by water are fre- quent & this Season of the year favorable, it appears most Eligible to fix on the water conveyance — If so, the Key of the Trunk may be lockt up in the Box & the Key of the latter enclosed to me in a letter. 